When I first started covering football professionally over a decade ago, I quickly learned that raw talent alone doesn't define a player's legacy. The most remarkable athletes—the ones who truly deserve your attention—are those whose careers tell a story beyond statistics and trophies. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially after interviewing numerous players whose journeys reflect what that reference material mentioned about learning human values through years of dedication. More than anything, it's how those nine years taught her important human values that made her not just a formidable student-athlete but an even better person altogether. This exact transformation—from talented individual to complete human being—is what separates good players from the truly essential ones you need to know right now.
Let me start with someone who embodies this principle perfectly: Kevin De Bruyne. I've followed his career since his Chelsea days when he was just another promising youngster, and what's fascinated me isn't just his technical growth but his emotional maturation. After being sidelined at Chelsea, he could have faded into obscurity. Instead, he rebuilt his career in Germany, returned to England with Manchester City, and has since become arguably the most complete midfielder of his generation. The numbers speak for themselves—98 assists in 230 Premier League appearances as of last month—but what statistics can't capture is his leadership during crucial moments. I remember watching City's comeback against Aston Villa to clinch the 2022 title; while everyone celebrated the goals, it was De Bruyne's relentless composure under pressure that truly decided that match. He's not just playing football; he's conducting symphonies with that right foot of his.
Then there's Erling Haaland—the phenomenon who's redefining what's possible for a 23-year-old striker. I had the privilege of watching him play against my local team when he was still at Molde, and even then, you could sense something special. His physical attributes are almost comical—6'4" with the acceleration of a sprinter—but what makes him essential viewing is his psychological approach to the game. He's shattered record after record, scoring 52 goals across all competitions in his debut Manchester City season, yet maintains an almost monastic focus. I've spoken with coaches who've worked with him, and they consistently mention his professional habits: the extra recovery sessions, the specific nutritional plans, the way he studies defenders' weaknesses. This dedication reminds me of that reference point about formative years shaping character—Haaland's disciplined upbringing in football (his father Alf-Inge was also a professional) clearly instilled values that transcend natural talent.
Speaking of values forged through adversity, few stories resonate with me more than Virgil van Dijk's. When I first saw him play for Celtic back in 2013, I noted in my scouting report that he had "unusual calmness for a defender his age." Little did I know he'd become the defensive cornerstone for Liverpool's resurgence. His journey from being rejected by Willem II's academy to becoming the most expensive defender in history at that time (£75 million, a figure that still astonishes me) speaks volumes about perseverance. What many don't realize is how his serious knee injury in 2020 could have ended his peak years. I visited him during his rehabilitation and witnessed firsthand the mental fortitude required to return at an elite level. His comeback wasn't just about regaining physical form; it was about rediscovering that authoritative presence that makes entire attacks reconsider their options. That kind of resilience—the kind that transforms setbacks into comebacks—is exactly why he belongs on any essential players list.
Now, let's cross to Spain where a different kind of excellence is unfolding with Pedri. At just 21, this young Spaniard plays with the wisdom of a veteran—I'd argue he's the most intelligent young midfielder I've seen since Andrés Iniesta. What strikes me about Pedri isn't just his technical grace (though his 94% pass completion rate in last season's Champions League is ridiculous), but his situational awareness. Having watched him develop from Las Palmas to Barcelona to the Spanish national team, I've noticed how he constantly positions himself to receive the ball in spaces that disrupt defensive structures. His playing style embodies that concept of values through development—he spent his formative years in relative obscurity at Las Palmas, building the foundation that now allows him to thrive under pressure. When I interviewed him last year, he spoke about watching videos of Xavi Hernández for hours, not just to copy moves, but to understand the decision-making process behind them. That intellectual approach to improvement is what makes him unmissable.
We can't discuss essential players without mentioning the women's game, where Sam Kerr continues to redefine excellence. As a Chelsea supporter, I've lost count of how many times she's saved us with spectacular goals, but her impact extends far beyond the pitch. Having followed her journey from Perth Glory to Chelsea, I've been impressed by how she's evolved from a talented scorer to a complete forward. Her movement off the ball is genuinely educational—I often use clips of her runs in coaching seminars to demonstrate perfect timing. With 99 goals in 128 appearances for Chelsea (yes, I'm counting), she's statistically phenomenal, but what truly stands out is her leadership. She plays with visible joy, celebrating teammates' successes as enthusiastically as her own, embodying that idea of becoming "an even better person altogether" through the sport.
Then there's Kylian Mbappé—the global superstar who somehow exceeds the astronomical expectations placed upon him. I'll admit I was skeptical when he first emerged, wondering if he was another flashy talent who'd fade. How wrong I was. At 25, he's already scored 47 Champions League goals and won a World Cup where he became the second teenager ever to score in a final after Pelé. But beyond the accolades, what fascinates me is his emotional intelligence. I've observed how he handles immense pressure—both as PSG's captain and France's talisman—with remarkable poise. His decision to stay at PSG when Real Madrid came calling demonstrated a loyalty rarely seen at his level, and his work with children's charities shows the values developed through his own rapid ascent. He's not just playing for records; he's consciously building a legacy.
What ties all these players together, in my view, is that intangible quality of continuous growth—both as athletes and human beings. They represent different positions, leagues, and styles, but they share that commitment to evolving beyond their current capabilities. In my two decades covering this sport, I've learned that the players worth remembering aren't necessarily the ones with the most natural talent, but those who pair that talent with character development. They're the ones who understand that football, at its best, is about more than winning—it's about the person you become through the struggle. So when you watch these essential players, look beyond their technical abilities. Notice how De Bruyne lifts his teammates after a missed opportunity, how Van Dijk organizes his defensive line, how Kerr mentors younger players. That's where you'll see the real magic—the human values forged through years of dedication that transform skilled athletes into unforgettable figures.
