Davids Again at the Center of a Storm
Copyright � 2000 Nando Media
Copyright � 2000 Agence France-Presse
HOENDERLOO, Netherlands (June 22, 2000 9:12 p.m. EDT http://www.sportserver.com) - Edgar Davids, known as Pitbull for
his stocky, aggressive style, is once again at the center of a storm at a European Championships, amid a high profile career where his off-pitch notoriety is as well known as his tireless soccer presence.
The gifted midfielder with fire in his belly was described by colleague Dennis Bergkamp on Thursday as the "engine" of the team, and he certainly covered every blade of grass in Holland's first three Euro 2000 games.
Yet the limelight, whether positive or negative, is once again firmly directed on this 27-year-old Juventus midfielder.
During Euro 1996 there was a split along racial lines in the Dutch camp after Davids was sent home by coach Guus Hiddink. A fuming Davids had had a very public row with Hiddink after he was left on the substitutes bench against Switzerland.
The Surinam-born Davids has this time been thrust into controversy after being criticized on television by Dutch legend Johan Cruyff for his performance in the team's 3-2 victory against France to book a quarterfinal spot with Yugoslavia.
Cruyff, who played in the 1974 World Cup Final but refused to compete in the 1978 tournament in Argentina, said Davids should talk less and play more soccer after a match where the midfielder frequently made his views known to officials.
Ironically, Davids won the official man-of-the-match award after Wednesday night's match and appeared to be one of their best players.
On Thursday, Dutch coach Rijkaard told a press conference after light training at the team's Hoenderloo base to the north of Arnhem: "I always support my players despite criticism. If there is any criticism, I will let the players know where their failures are.
"I'm happy with Davids' commitment, fighting spirit and he's been very positive. He's worked hard for the team. I have great admiration for Davids both as a football player and as a human being.
"We must not be dragged down by all the negative criticism coming our way. We have to keep working hard to try and get good results."
Rijkaard added: "He (Davids) played in important part in the second half last night. He has no doubt of his value to the team and I'm very happy with the role he plays.
"I don't think all the criticism has been negative. We will try to take advantage of criticism we received in the newspapers and by Johan Cruyff on television."
Davids was born in Paramaribo, the Surinam capital, but knew nothing of that tiny South American country as he left it for Holland aged 18 months.
As a small boy he used to play continually with his brother in the northern Amsterdam suburbs till, like teammate Patrick Kliuvert, he signed up for his first football club, Schellingwoude, in the same area.
He has certainly known his footballing highs, earning with Ajax three league titles, a Dutch Cup, three Dutch Super Cups, a UEFA Cup, a European Cup, a European Super Cup and a World Club Cup.
A year after Ajax won the European Cup in 1995 1-0 against AC Milan in Vienna, he actually moved to that Italian club but did not impress. Since moving to Juventus from there, he has been more successful.
When Frenchman Didier Deschamps moved to Chelsea, Davids made the midfield running role his own in support of Zinedine Zidane, also of France.
Davids has not yet matched the same heights with Juventus as he reached with Ajax although they won the 1998 Italian title.
Davids had successful eye surgery for glaucoma in September last year and has to wear swimming goggles to protect the affected right eye, making him more visible than ever.
Fame follows his every move and a Euro 2000 title win on home soil would take him a step further to becoming a football legend like the Dutch heroes of the 70s and the 1988 European Championship-winning team.
