But Can He Sell Crisps?

With Drogba not a happy bunny and Schevchenko looking like a bust, Chelsea needed a bit of reinforcement in the forward lines. And who better than a Lineker? The club have signed up Tobias Lineker after scouts spotted him in action and beat other London clubs like Spurs and Arsenal to the striker with good genes. Dad Gary Lineker may now be better known for selling junk food and presenting Match of the Day, but back in the 80s and 90s he was absolutely lethal in the six yard box for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Spurs and of course England.

11 year old Tobias may be a little young for the Chelsea first team just yet, but if and when he does play professional football he can expect all kinds of pressure. The world hasn’t been entirely kind to sons of famous footballers…

Part of the problem is that the more famous father is already a legend, which means any other player – including their son – would do well to be even half as good. The son may be a decent professional, but because they carry the famous family name they’re expected to equal the old man’s achievements. Which they can’t. Players who’ve been outshone by their own second name down the years include Jordi Cruyff, Paul Dalglish, Scott Gemmill, Darren Ferguson, Sam Strachan, Nigel Clough (arguably,) Stephen Clemence, Gavin Strachan and Sam Shilton.

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Category: English Premier League, World Football