The tributes to Johan Cruyff mentioned something I hadn't realised. Cruyff's son Jordi was born soon after he signed for Barcelona. Jordi is Catalan for George. George is the patron saint of Catalonia. At the time Jordi was christened (as Johan Jordi), Franco still ruled Spain. Catalan names were forbidden. But the name was registered and the boy was the first in Catalonia to be officially named Jordi for two generations. No wonder, in addition to his footballing exploits, Cruyff is a hero in Catalonia.
By the time of the 1974 world cup final I was gradually converting from a winger, via midfield, to centre back. Even so I worked on being able to execute the Cruyff turn, though I only remember trying it in a game once (successfully!) when I popped up on the left wing after going up for a corner. Perhaps is somethingI know about playing centre back that John Stones has yet to learn, even if it's when and where a centre back should attempt a Cruyff turn.
Thanks for the memories, Johan
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