Holding Midfield: What Could Have Been: Laurent Robert

[Holding Midfield]

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Why exactly Laurent Robert failed to turn his talent into greatness could be blamed on himself, or on changes in football – for pretty much the same reasons. As a child, Robert excelled in a number of sports, but opted for football, somewhat bizarrely, “because of the team spirit factor”. It appeared to be the right choice, however, when he was spotted playing for La Réunion, earning the interest of several French clubs. After initially turning them down to remain at home, Robert, aged 15, took the plunge, moving to Brest, who would be declared bankrupt just five months later. Needing another club, Robert’s father, former U.S. Benedictine and four times top scorer of the La Réunion Division d’Honneur Pierrot, met with legendary Auxerre manager Guy Roux, best described as a really successful Dario Gradi, to discuss a deal, but Robert was uninterested and instead wished to move South, to Montpellier. After several years working his way through that ranks, Robert made his debut for Montpellier at 19, and a year later would score his first goal for the club – a free-kick, which I’m sure will shock no one, against Martigues. Robert continued to progress and eventually decided he [...]

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[Steve*]

Just had a look at the website and there are plenty of good articles in there. Especially liked the one about Aimar and Veron. Its amazing how stupid Robert was with his career moves.