Stats Analysis: Serie A's Magnificent Seventies

The prominent American novelist Tom Wolfe dubbed it ‘The Me Decade’ as many of his countrymen “abandoned communal and left wing politics to take the money and run” yet, looking purely from a Serie A stand point, the 1970’s gave birth to a generation of footballers who have done anything but that. A glance at the WhoScored.com average player ratings sees a raft of players born in that decade who have provided remarkable service and dedication to their clubs. That the one man standing head and shoulders above them is Zlatan Ibrahimovic – born in October 1981 – is somewhat ironic given the selfish nature Wolfe referred to, the Swede most definitely a man born in the wrong era.

As difficult as it is to ignore the Milan striker, focusing on the best of those children of the 70’s gives us a remarkable array of talent; World Cup and Champions League winner’s, top scorers from the continents elite competitions, record breakers and names that will be remembered long after they eventually call time on some truly remarkable careers. Without further ado, here are the seven best players who, like Star Wars, the Godfather trilogy and Rocky, have each provided us with some truly lasting images that will be replayed over and over for years to come.

7. Juan (Roma) Born 01-02-79 – Avg rating 7.2

Perhaps the least popular man on the list, the Brazilian central defender has had some truly awful displays over recent seasons – who can forget his inept 15 minutes against Fiorentina back in December? – but it is testament to his ability and class that he has recovered to make some impressive displays for the Giallorossi. Magnificent in the 4-0 demolition of Inter, Juan averages 2.8 tackles, 2.6 interceptions and 6.9 clearances per game across his sixteen appearances so far this season.

6. Francesco Totti (Roma) Born 27-09-76 – Avg rating 7.32

It is somewhat strange to see that Roma – in the midst of a transition to a vibrant young team under Luis Enrique – have two players on this list but few can argue with the greatness of their iconic Captain and the presence of two younger teammates in Serie A’s highest ranking 25 players must also be noted. Almost the perfect stereotype Roman, Totti has been at his home-town club his entire life, living and breathing it on a daily basis. The 2006-07 Capocannoniere has weighed in this season with four goals and five assists and shown he still possesses the ability to single-handedly win games despite a much more limited role. He has averaged a team-high 2.9 key passes and 3.2 shots per game.

5. Miroslav Klose (Lazio) Born 09-06-78 – Avg rating 7.35

Only narrowly ahead of Totti, the Germany striker continues the Capital City’s dominance of this list having been one of the most impactful signings of last summer’s transfer window. Telling you he leads his new club with five assists, 2.5 shots per game and, most surprisingly, 1.7 dribbles per game since his arrival seems almost superfluous for when it comes to the former Bayern Munich and Werder Breman star only one number matters; goals. He has already netted 12 in his first 26 games since arriving on the peninsula, taking no time at all to settle into life in Serie A which is testament to the sheer ability of a man closing in fast on the incredible national team records of compatriot Gerd Müller, and he needs no further compliments.

4. Fabrizio Miccoli (Palermo) Born 27-06-79 – Avg rating 7.42

Subject of a recent Player Focus here on WhoScored, the Palermo Captain has continued his excellent form and, with a team high 12 goals and a league leading 12 assists, he has been involved in more goals than anyone other than Ibrahimovic. Only three players in Serie A average more than his 4 shots per game (yes you-know-who is one of them, seems he’s impossible to ignore after all) and he also leads the Rosanero in terms of key passes (1.9 per game) and has been vital to their turnaround under coach Bortolo Mutti.

3. Lucio (Inter) Born 08-05-78 – Avg rating 7.45

Given the woes of Inter, now on their third coach of this season, it is somewhat surprising to see the Brazilian rank so highly, particularly when central defence has been such a problem area for the Nerazzurri. Yet, while the 2002 World Cup winner clearly must take some responsibility for those issues, his statistics make for impressive reading. He leads the club with 3.5 tackles, 4.5 interceptions and 10.2 clearances per game, the latter two figures also being impressive Serie A highs. His 11 blocked shots are also a team best.

2. Antonio Di Natale (Udinese) Born 13-10-77 – Avg rating 7.58

With 88 goals in his last 120 Serie A matches, the Udinese Captain really needs no introduction. Other players, like Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez and Gökhan Inler – now at Napoli – may have come and gone at the Stadio Friuli but the number ten remains, now in his eighth season with the club he has already bagged 19 this season and five assists. He leads the league with 4.6 shots and his team with 2.8 key passes per game, while also holding the dubious honour of being flagged offside on 75 occasions this term, almost 20 times more than his nearest rival. He of course will be far more proud of the fact he is Udinese’s all-time leading scorer with 131 goals and currently sits sixth in terms of appearances, his 252 matches only 28 behind second placed Luigi Zorzi.

1. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) Born 19-05-79 – Avg rating 7.74

Comfortably the best performer of the players born in the 70’s, Pirlo’s WhoScored.com average rating sees him second in Serie A behind Zlatan and tenth across all of Europe’s top five leagues. He has, without doubt, returned to the best form of his career since arriving in Turin, guiding his new club through their incredible season from his position in central midfield. He has ten assists to his name, many from simply sublime passes, as well as two wonderful goals against Catania and Fiorentina. Almost the textbook definition of a regista, his passing has been sensational; his 3.1 key passes per game puts him third in those top five leagues, a position repeated by 2320 passes – a figure only beaten by Spanish duo Xavi (2479) and Xabi Alonso (2335). That he has done so at a completion rate of 86% is just as impressive, as are his 2.3 accurate crosses per game (7th highest in Europe).