The loss of the legendary Johann Cruyff was a poignant
reminder of the loss of a unique and spectacular form of football closely
associated with him. Cruyff was the poster boy for Total Football, being one of
the best at maximizing the playing style for Ajax and the Netherlands in the
early 1970’s, and then known for helping to evolve it into a new species as a
coach. And while Total Football hasn’t really been played for a while, the loss
of its most illustrious player symbolizes the loss of the playing style as
well.
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| Total Football's poster boy |
There are some misconceptions as to what Total Football
actually is. The concept is not new, its roots go back to the early 1900’s.
That idea being that every player could play at every single position, barring
the goalkeeper. This allowed for the players to interchange positions within
their system, creating a dynamic, fluid squad that became very difficult to
defend. This was particularly troublesome for the opposition if they were
accustomed to man marking, because if they followed their man, they themselves
would be dragged into positions they were unfamiliar with and virtually
neutralized.
But the reason that Total Football worked so well was not
just the incredibly tactically demanding role of every player being skilled at
every position, but also the creation of space and the use of space within the
system. Despite the development of the Dutch Total Football of the early 1970’s
being attributed to the Ajax and then Netherlands coach at the time Rinus Michels, it was
successful because of Cruyff and the type of player that he was. He summarized
it aptly as ‘simple football:’ "Simple football is the most beautiful. But
playing simple football is the hardest thing.”
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| Cruyff being handed the 1973 European Cup |
As a center forward who liked to wander around the pitch and
find places to do the most damage to the opposition, Total Football was perfect
for him. He also understood the use of space to maximize the interchanging of
players very well, and so his teammates developed an understanding with him and
followed his lead. It was the perfect playing style for him, and yet because of
his talents and awareness, he also brought his teams to a whole new level of
football. That level won Ajax three consecutive European cups in 1971, 1972,
and 1973 and took Netherlands to the World Cup Final in 1974. In addition to
many league titles and other accolades, Cruyff also won the Ballon d’Or three
times in 1971, 1973, and 1974.
Cruyff would go on to coach upon retirement and coached both
Ajax and Barcelona, the two major clubs he played for in his career. His coaching spell
at Barcelona from 1988-1996 was significant, as he is credited for planting the
seeds of a new playing system for them that is now known as tiki-taka football. While some confuse
this philosophy or any kind of attacking football with Total Football, they are
actually very different. Tiki–taka
utilizes short passes, possession, and the use of a midfielder to move the ball
around and create chances. But the players do not switch positions like in
Total Football. Cruyff is simply credited with its development due to his experience, tactical knowledge and understanding of the use of space.
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| Even after his coaching career ended, his influence at both Barcelona and Ajax remained |
Total Football is perhaps the most technically demanding
style of play, given that all outfield players must be skilled at each
position. Between that and needing a rare talent like Cruyff, who thrived with
the philosophy and because of whom the philosophy thrived, Total Football isn’t
really played anymore. Particularly considering that the game has evolved to a
point where technically, it might be impossible for a player to develop their
skills to a necessary level at every position. But even if that playing style
and the player who made it famous are now gone, their collective influence on
the beautiful game will live on.
This post inspired by the music of
Clockwork Orange