Name:
Francesco Totti
Date of Birth:
September 27, 1976
Position:
Forward
Clubs:
Roma (Italy)
AskMen's Rating of Player:
(skills, leadership, etc., out of 100)
90
Importance to Team:
9 out of 10
Why is he a key player?:
Francesco Totti has taken over from Alessandro Del Piero as Italy's Golden Boy. He is considered one of the best forwards in the world, and certainly one of the most expensive (if Roma ever decides to sell him). It is little wonder why is he one of the best paid players in the world, since he is a visionary and a leader who is able to change a match in a split-second.
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni thinks that Totti's form will determine how successful Italy is. The regularity of being an everyday player for Roma has allowed him to mature as a player and a leader. He is at the perfect age to lead the Italian national team.
Since he is just as capable scoring goals as he is setting them up, Totti will be a dangerous foe. Unlike other forwards, when he is in the penalty area, he rarely misses. He has an excellent free kick and will likely be a set-up man on many Italian goals. If he does not have a disappointing 1st Round in the 2002 World Cup, he will be a scary combination with Del Piero.
FRANCESCO TOTTI
