Check out these unbelievable first touches, including sublime moments of skill from Arsenal & Liverpool stars…
A number of footballers over the years have possessed a touch that appeared almost magic. To pluck the ball out of the air with consummate ease is a difficult skill at the best of times, but when under pressure from your opponent in a match situation it’s near impossible.
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Here are 12 of the greatest first touches of all time:
12) Dennis Bergkamp – Netherlands vs Argentina
A memorable goal from one of football’s real geniuses.
11) Luis Suarez – Liverpool vs Newcastle
The fact that he was on the move, letting the ball drop over his shoulder, and under pressure, makes this one of the most amazing first touches.
10) Johan Cruyff
The vision and ability required to create this goal is just unbelievable.
9) Olivier Giroud – Arsenal vs West Ham
“Good touch for a big man!”
Under pressure from Andy Carroll and Winston Reid, Olivier Giroud still manages to pluck the ball out of the air and smash it past the keeper.
8) Mesut Ozil – Real Madrid vs Barcelona
However much his form may have dipped since his move to the Emirates, Mesut Ozil is still truly world class.
7) Antonio Cassano – Bari vs Inter
One of the most expensive teenagers in world football at the time, this move shows exactly why so much was paid for him.
6) Roberto Baggio – Juve vs Brescia
A fantastic first touch to score against his former club.
5) Ronaldinho – Flamengo vs Fluminese
At one time Ronaldinho was the undisputed best player in the world, and he still shows signs of that greatness today.
4) Shinji Kagawa – St Pauli vs Borussia Dortmund
How did this player not work out at Manchester United?
3) Dimitar Berbatov – Fulham vs Aston Villa
Everything Berbatov does is cool and nonchalant, but this touch more so than most.
2) Zinedine Zidane – France vs Denmark
A footballing legend showing his class in Euro 2000.
1) Bryan Ruiz – Fulham vs Brentford
How has he even done that? No matter how many times you watch the clip it still doesn’t seem possible.