by Zach Bigalke

Created on: January 26, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

An age-old question: style or success? A team can win, it can be pretty, and the rarest exhibit an exquisite blend of both traits...

But which matters more from the viewpoint of a fan? Which matters more to an owner? What keeps a team solvent and competing? Remember, soccer at any level is a COMPETITION, first and foremost. Thus, we must look at this question thusly - is success or style more important to a soccer club?

A dour champion will have fans flooding the gates year after year to watch plodding, archaic - but victorious - soccer. Style will certainly attract a crowd interested in witnessing the on-field ballet that is truly skillful soccer... but they won't pay forever to watch a pretty loser. Ultimately players and managers are paid to win matches and trophies, regardless of the method. Success trumps style for importance in any sporting event, in the end...

When any team loses, in any sport, the owner does not laud the team's stylistic approach. No... no head is too untouchable for the chopping block, ultimately, be it general manager, coach, star player or journeyman. Teams like Manchester United - or for an American equivalent, the New England Patriots - are successful precisely because they recognize the success rate of a player and his potential to fit into specified roles in a formulaic quest for SUCCESS. There's that word again. Nothing matters more for the wealthiest and most successful clubs, be that team English or Spanish or Italian...

Teams like the Red Devils are well-known internationally not because of their finesse and their flair. They are synonymous with English soccer precisely because they WIN. Likewise with Juventus in Italy or Real Madrid in Spain or Bayern Munich in Germany - these teams can win gracefully, they can win in a shootout, they can win in a scrum... but they make sure to emerge on top, regardless of how they claw to the summit.

Success will endear even the most boorish of players to fans forever, and will keep a player on the team well past his or her due date. The most revered coaches and stars are those who bring the hardware to the club - plain and simple as that. Style can be a part of a successful team, but it is not a prerequisite...

Learn more about this author, Zach Bigalke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.