'Be like footballers': The football version of the 'Be like Bill' meme

This is Bill. Bill does something. So be/don't be like Bill. Seen this a lot on Facebook lately? These types of memes are trending nowadays. It all started when such memes were created to educate people on disadvantages of Free Basics service offered by Facebook. People started using this concept elsewhere and the trend has now made its way into Bollywood, politics and various other subject areas. We thus thought it would be good opportunity to bring it to the footballing world and see what we can learn from it. So, here you go. A list of the inspiring traits which you can learn from your favorite/not so favorite footballers:

#1 Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy has been making headlines this season and for all the right reasons I would say. His “started from the bottom” story is very inspiring indeed. To reach where he is from where he started is no mean feat. Of all the qualities he possesses, his hardworking nature stands out the most. You can see him tirelessly chase the ball even in the 90th minute of a game. Surely we can learn a thing or two from him.

#2 Arjen Robben

Arjen Robben is a vastly talented footballer. The way he zips and zaps through the defenses leaving defenders chasing shadows is just brilliant. In his footballing career, he has scored many memorable goals and deserves praise for that. However, he has this annoying habit of going down in the box even if brushed by the wind. It irks when a player of his quality does such things. I think he can teach us something here.

#3 Jose Mourinho

As good a manager Jose Mourinho is, he certainly hasn’t covered himself in glory this season. He rightly got all the praise last season when he led Chelsea to the title. However, this season, he was rightly maligned too. When he had “nothing to say” we understood everything that was wrong with Chelsea. In hindsight, the bust-up with Eva Carneiro now seems a small part of a bigger problem. Mourinho thus taught us something really important this season.

#4 Luis Suarez

The Uruguay striker has a record of biting opponents. He has already bitten Otman Bakkal, Branislav Ivanovic and Giorgio Chiellini during matches. Does his habit have any explanation? I don’t know. But don’t be like Luiz Suarez.

#5 Mesut Ozil

The ‘assist king’ is having his best season at Arsenal so far. Racking up assists for fun, Mesut Ozil has been heavily influential in his club’s progress this year. Of course critics exist and question his work rate still but the selfless manner in which Ozil plays for his team can only be admired. This guy is a joy to watch. However, no points for guessing in what way he can inspire us.

#6 Diego Costa

When you see Costa play, you realize why your employer makes you undergo ethics training. There is a fine line which is not be crossed but Costa rolls over it and conveniently rubs the line off. He fights, he stamps, he dives and he elbows other players. He does every wrong thing that you can think of. You can make a video saying ‘what not to do on football pitch’ featuring him to educate young players. There is a lot to learn from him.

#7 Sergio Aguero

It is no coincidence that Manchester City look a better team when Sergio Aguero is fit and playing. You always wonder how much goals he would score if and only if he remained fit all season. Alas! It’s not to be. Even though he has been out for parts of the season with injury, he still remains one of the best finishers in the Premier League right now and one of the most inspiring players.

#8 Louis Van Gaal

It doesn’t require Einstein to work out that something is wrong at Old Trafford this season. The struggle for goals combined with bad results has put real pressure on Louis Van Gaal. His philosophy which has been talked about so many times doesn’t seem to be working as it should be. Fans are getting restless and the media is not missing out on this opportunity to highlight the cracks. One wonders if it’s time to change things a bit:

#9 Francesco Totti

I know there are a lot more “one team men” but Totti makes the cut for me. Roma have ruled Italian football for a long time. It’s not difficult for bigger clubs than to lure a big player away. But the fact that Totti remained in Roma for his entire career is something we must all admire. His devotion to the cause has been second to none. Loyalty is what we should all learn from him.

#10 Linesman

What? A linesman? Yes, a linesman. You must have seen them running up and down the line with players. However, they are never applauded for the good work they do. They seem to be a perennially forgotten tribe of the footballing world. However, they do teach one of the most important lessons of life. What do they teach us? See for yourself.