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Liberos might not exist but Beckenbauer’s soul is still integral part of modern football | Football News
It was a slap that changed the course of German football. Growing up in Giesing, a war-ravaged working-class suburb of Munich, now in the vicinity of the Olympic Stadium, young Franz Beckenbauer was a pacy centre forward who wanted to play for 1860 Munich, the strongest German club in the 1950s. But as destiny charted, during an U-14 game for local team SC 1906, he was fiercely marked and supposedly slapped by Gerhard König, the 1860 youth team defender. In anger, he refused to join 1860 and signed for then minnows, Bayern Munich.
At Munich, a sharp youth coach realised that he was so skillful and quick, he was prone to rugged tackles and injuries. So he decided to hide him in the midfield, probably knowing that the kid was so intelligent and technically sound that his attacking prowess would not be stifled wherever he played. He would spend his early days as the base of midfield, more like a deep-lying playmaker as well as a defensive cover, before he was shifted to the heart of the defence. But his instincts meant he would carry the ball upfield and score goals (he scored seven in his first 13 appearances for his country).
But after the 1966 World Cup, he had a rethink. Why not sit behind the centre-back in the sweeper role and then maraud forth? The sweeper—the discovery of the role credited to Austrian coach Karl Rappan who found success with Swiss club Servette and the Swiss national side in the 1930s and 40s with this method— was the deepest defender, whose primary duty was to roam around and avert danger. Ridiculed as a hyper-defensive strategy, it would become a fundamental part of Italy’s catenaccio.
So Beckenbauer would lurk behind the back four. He offered cover behind the defenders, when the latter were man-marking the forwards. He would initiate the press, especially in the central channels. He was so good with the ball that he could start the counterattack with a quick offensive transition, or carry the ball upfield. His passing range was so sublime that link-up play with the forwards.
End of libero
Effectively, he was the deepest lying playmaker rather than the deepest defender. Besides, he was a goal-scoring threat himself too. He revolutionized and glamourized the role. The sweeper would become the libero, and would become an integral part of several successful teams. Like the Franco Baresi-inspired AC Milan.
But as decades rolled on, rules tweaked and new strategies emerged, the liberos became redundant. It’s the cycle of football strategies. Every great method – passing, pressing, catenaccio; the back four; total football, tiki taka – most sprang up in response to rule changes. So the new off-side rule, coded in 1990—wherein an attacker level with the second-last defender is onside, whereas previously such a player had been considered offside—would ring the death knell for the liberos. It meant the sweeper added an extra body behind the defence, and thus the team’s offside line was deepened. It eased the route for forwards to get in behind especially when moving into wide spaces away from the libero. So the tribe of Beckenbauer gradually disappeared.
Soccer Football – Bundesliga – Bayern Munich v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim – Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany – January 12, 2024 General view as the big displays a tribute for former Bayern Munich player and coach Franz Beckenbauer inside the stadium before the match. (REUTERS/Leonhard Simon)
The role, though, is ticking alive, with the obvious modifications of time. Though they are not specified in the formation charts, many centre-backs function as liberos. None as efficiently as Manchester City’s John Stones. He might not occupy a central space in the pitch as the conventional libero, but could often be spotted in a free role, be it joining the midfield when attacking, or shifting back when out of possession to bolster the defence. He is the extra man when defending; he is the extra man when defending. He was such an important function for Pep Guardiola’s treble-winners that he was aptly called the Barnsley Beckenbauer.
Beckenbauer lives on
His change of roles, again, was a response to a change in personnel. City had just brought Erling Haaland, a standard No 9. But to accommodate him, Guardiola had to sacrifice a midfielder. Midfielders, as you would know, are the soul of Guardiola’s football. So he simply converted Stones into an extra midfielder, often operating with the midfield pivot Rodri, so that City preserved the midfield control. There were several moments last season, when he dribbled upfront like a winger, or initiated goal-scoring chances from the midfield. As part of the back-line, he would stoutly make tackles and clearance, but on the attack, he transformed into a different player, all speed, sparkle and one-touch passing. He instigates the press, forcing the opponent to engage him higher up the field, which then manufactures space in behind. By definition, he is still a centre back; but he has several roles rolled into one.
Not just Stones, for a modern-day defender to be called high-grade, he has to be comfortable with the ball and contribute in attack. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, when injury-free, is another great example of a libero in defender’s guise. So is Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae, or Gerard Pique before them. Liberos might not exist, the greatest libero too has passed, but the role and function are still thriving.
According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.
This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.
Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.
Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.
The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.
When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.
Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)
The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.
On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features
Display:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
Processor and Performance:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.
Operating System:
The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Camera:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging:
Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.
Connectivity:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.
Security:
For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.
In its largest market, Bengaluru, ride-hailing company Namma Yatri has expanded its services to include cab-hailing, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on auto rickshaws. Namma Yatri, known for pioneering a daily subscription model as opposed to the commission-based model utilized by competitors like Ola and Uber, had initially concentrated on auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. However, it now features a distinct section on its app dedicated to booking cabs in the city. Additionally, Namma Yatri already provides cab rides in Kochi and Kolkata.
The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.
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