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With outstanding shooting, passing, and defensive abilities,
it's no surprise that Argentine and Manchester United
star Juan Veron has been called the world's most complete
player.
"There are few footballers you can say have everything
but, yes, Veron is one," says Argentine legend
Maradona.
Veron is the conductor of the lethal Argentine attack,
keeping snipers like Hernan Cresp and Gabriel Batistuta
supplied with balls that put them in position to score.
The midfielder also comes with a sterling pedigree.
Veron's father won a World Club Cup with Argentina's
Estudiantes, scoring a goal against the English team
his son would eventually play for.
Before his arrival at Manchester, Veron was already
well-known to English fans as a key component on the
Argentina side that eliminated England in France '98.
Veron likes his nation's chances this year.
"It's certain it will be hard work," the
26-year-old said. "But I am sure we're going to
get through. We can see ourselves in the World Cup final.
It will be difficult for anybody to beat us."
Veron got his start with his father's old club until
1996, when he moving to Boca Juniors, where he blossomed,
playing alongside Maradona on one of best teams in South
America. From there, Sven-Goran Eriksson, England's
coach for the 2002 World Cup, paid $6 million (US) to
bring him to Sampdoria in Italy.
From Sampdoria, Veron moved to Parma and then Lazio,
before Man U far surpassed the English transfer record,
paying $40 million (US) to add the midfielder to their
roster. However, it wasn't long before some pundits
questioned whether Veron was worth the massive outlay,
as Veron turned in a subpar season in his first year
in England.
"I'd never had so many problems with injuries
before," said Veron, "and I missed games -
especially toward the end of the season. I'll get my
revenge at the World Cup.
There could be no better salve for a country with such
a rich soccer history but which has been so buffeted
by economic and political crisis in recent months.
"Winning it all would mean everything not only
to us, but to all Argentines - especially now. We'd
like to bring a smile to the fans at such a terrible
time."
With files from Associated Press
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