I have a general question. I often hear the term "work rate" in describing a player and have not been able to get "clear" definition. I was hoping it was not just a "subjective" evaulation of a player but rather based on specific criteria. Interested in others POV. Thanks Bullhead
I think it is purely subjective. Especially in the context in which most announcers use it 'he has an outstanding work rate'. A stat that could figure into an opinion on work rate is when you hear the announcer say so-and-so has run over '5 miles during this match', now how in the hell do they know that??
I don't think there's a real objective definition - it's just a way to distinguish between a player who spends a lot of time running (Bullard) and a player who spends a lot of time waiting around and ball-watching (Kamara).
whenever it's positive, it's an add-on comment -- Rooney scores goals, makes goals, takes up good attacking positions ... and his work rate is phenominal. Whenever it's negative, it's a skill vs. grit question. It was like when I was young: White players were skillful and well coached and Black and Latin players were naturally gifted and fast. So, you want to have a good work rate, but you want it to be the 8th or 9th thing they say about you.
