Although he´s often ridiculed, referred to as (negatively) the Spanish David Beckham for his outgoing character and fun-loving personality and fashion-sense, José María Gutiérrez "Guti" is one of the most talented active footballers today.
He has recently turned 33, and has been in the club since the age of 9, thus - a total of 24 years in last century's greatest club, Real Madrid, and is now vice captain of the team. This alongside his repertoire of titles and trophies he´s won, is at the reach of very very few people.
On the downside, the press has always pursued his social life. His recently failed marriage with a Spanish celebrity, his night life and deep-cutting (but honest) comments to certain questions in some interviews have hurt his image deeply. I have personally met him several times at different night clubs in the Spanish capital, and it is common to see him with a drink and a cigarette in his hand at 4 or 5 am.
This, many argue has led to his game-play inconsistencies and questionable professional attitude on the field. However, when he does play, and when the manager on the bench does trust blindly in his talent, he has proven time and time again to be a top quality player.
He has had several different seasons of top-class success over his career at Real, and in different positions too. He´s even played as a striker partnering with his close friend Raúl. However, his technique and superior through-passing skills have become more evident since he plays as a creative centre midfielder. His magnificent back-pass to assist Karim Benzemà's finish against Real's victory in A Coruña last week in Spain's "La Liga", has brought the world's attention to Guti - once again...finally, some good press...
Guti alé alé!
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