What Made Andrea Pirlo So Special: 5 Reasons He is a GOAT

In the world of football, certain players transcend the boundaries of mere athleticism to become symbols of artistry and tactical brilliance. Andrea Pirlo, with his serene demeanor and masterful control of the midfield, is one such icon. Often referred to as a ‘maestro’ for his orchestral control of the game, Pirlo’s legacy is a tapestry of skill, intelligence, and elegance. This article delves into five key aspects that made Andrea Pirlo not just a great player, but a true legend of the game.

1. Mastery of the Deep-Lying Playmaker Role (Regista):

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ROME – ITALY-MARCH 06: Andrea Pirlo (r #21) of Milan curls a free kick over the Roma wall during the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 3, 2010 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Pirlo redefined the role of a regista, a deep-lying playmaker, during his stints at Brescia and later AC Milan. His ability to orchestrate attacks from this position provided him with a panoramic view of the field, enabling him to utilize his vision and passing range effectively. This tactical evolution, particularly under coach Carlo Ancelotti at Milan, transformed him from a promising talent into a football maestro​​.

2. Impact on International Stage with Italy:

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POZNAN, POLAND – JUNE 14: Andrea Pirlo of Italy celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 group C match between Italy and Croatia at The Municipal Stadium on June 14, 2012 in Poznan, Poland. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Pirlo’s contributions to Italy’s national team were monumental. He was a pivotal figure in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, known for his calmness under pressure and game-changing moments. His style of play and mastery of the ball inspired his teammates, helping Italy achieve significant success in international competitions​​.

3. Exceptional Ball Control and Passing Ability:

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Pirlo was celebrated for his extraordinary ball control and ability to pace the game. Additionally, his accurate and creative long balls, combined with his unique vision, allowed him to dissect defenses with precision. Moreover, he was also a dead ball specialist, renowned for his free-kick prowess​​​​.

4. Tactical Intelligence and Game Reading:

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KIEV, UKRAINE – JUNE 24: Andrea Pirlo of Italy chips the ball in the penalty shootout past Joe Hart of England during the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter final match between England and Italy at The Olympic Stadium on June 24, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Pirlo possessed an innate understanding of the game, allowing him to read plays multiple steps ahead of others. Furthermore, his foresight enabled him to execute risky passes that seemed impossible for others, and notably, his composure allowed him to maintain possession even under intense pressure​​​​.

5. Influence on Modern Football Philosophy:

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TURIN, ITALY – JULY 31: Andrea Pirlo during the press conference of the unveiling of Andrea Pirlo as new U23 team coach at Allianz Stadium on July 31, 2020 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)

Beyond his on-field achievements, Pirlo’s footballing thesis, “Il Calcio Che Vorrei” (The Football I Would Like), written for his UEFA Pro Coaching Course, showcases his deep understanding and forward-thinking approach to football. Significantly, he emphasizes a dynamic, possession-based, and attacking style of play, influenced by greats like Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola. Consequently, this philosophy underscores his status as one of the modern game’s great minds​​.

In summary, Andrea Pirlo’s combination of tactical acumen, technical skill, and his profound influence both as a player and a thinker, firmly establish him as one of the greatest midfielders in football history.