Del Piero was absolutely brilliant against Real Madrid in both encounters. I can’t even count the number of times he has been written off only to prove his critics how very wrong they were.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_vickery/04/28/martin.palermo/index.html

I think the main issues were the injuries he suffered both before and during his time in Spain. Unlucky does not even come close to describing the one he suffered at Villareal (along the lines of Stephen Morrow at Arsenal…..remember that?!). For a player who relies on strength and speed, prior to the injuries he may have had what it took to succeed in the Old World. However I think these took the edge off him whilst still giving him an advantage back in Argentina. Incidentally he’s just returned again from another long lay-off and scored against River last Sunday. Rumours abound that he’ll be staying at Boca for another couple of years too.

James Richardson does the ‘Friday Football Show’ on Setanta – pretty mundane stuff tbh although it’s always worth tuning in for his rapier wit. He also does something on a Monday with fans which again isn’t great.

Keep posting and I’ll be in touch.

http://www.realfootballargentina.blogspot.com/

Glad to have your South American input (although I’d like to have it on a more permanent basis )

Why don’t you think Palermo worked out in Europe? His goal record is breathtaking for Boca but for Villareal and Betis he didn’t do the business. When you consider the Spanish League is setup culturally for an Argentinian player what were he major problems he had in La Liga?

Also what does James do on Setenta?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/series/footballweekly

Would be good to hear of players that have demonstrated that kind of loyalty from any league. Any suggestions?

I grew up with James Richardson on Channel 4′s football Italia and my best friend’s a Juve fan – it tends to be Alex this and Alex that! I think Alex “The Kid” is one of his nicknames.

There are definately more names that I could include on here. Steven Gerrard for me is the best midfielder in Europe at the moment – a real impact player who’d get in any team in Europe, including Manchester United.

The theme of the article is however players who could have dropped of the pace but are rejuventated and are again performing at the highest level. The ‘Encore’ in the title is to indicate they’re having one last crack at it before they retire – something which does not quite go with Maldini as his contract is up this summer, Gerrard who’s not really had much of a dip recently, Adams and Shearer are already retired.

I always strive to be objective in writing as it’s a rare quality but I do enjoy it when people point it out and put me on the right track – maybe my next three of four articles can stay completely away from Manchester United..

There are of course other players that fit into this category, Tony Adams – Arsenal, Alan Shearer – Newcastle, the great Paulo Maldini at AC Milan instantly came to mind! there are probably loads more but I see you are concentrating on players playing currently and enjoying something of an indian summer.

Partly in reply to your article and in reply to Steven Atkinsons comments I wondered why you haven’t talked about such obvious players as Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and John Terry, are these players not fashionable enough for you because they are english? or as a Man Utd fan could you not bear to praise them in the same article?

Was trying to think of other players synonymous with their clubs. Totti certainly springs to mind. Xavi and Puyol are on their way there. That loyalty of such a calibre exists now, when even fans switch allegiance in times of trouble, is to me an inspiring and beautiful notion.