Short of displays of match-winning brilliance, few things elevate a footballer's standing like his absence when setbacks are suffered. Suddenly his attributes are apparent, his presence pivotal. Those who are sidelined for long periods can return with a sky-high reputation that can only be diminished by actually playing.



But there is a separate group, of players whose status grows by the game at the place where they no longer ply their trade. It is less than a third of the ...

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