Calm. Composed. Cool. Classy. It seems that every possible adjective for Frank Rijkaard begins with a hard consonant, fitting for a holding midfielder that turned a successful playing career into an equally trophy-laden managerial spell. But after running up the video-goal tab, the time has come for “Great And…Not Great” to focus on the ticking clock master in the midfield, the tireless worker, the precision-passer. Enjoy this photo-laden take on the Milan maestro.

Frank Rijkaard began his career at the age of 17 and played for Ajax. Under the tutelage of Leo Beenhakker, Frank played the classic role of utility player. Rijkaard played central defense, holding midfielder, and had spells on the right of the midfield. Despite his spot on the field, his awareness, technique, and defensive tenacity emanated confidence in his teammates. He was a player’s player.

Frank won three Dutch league titles at Ajax, but butted heads with a former Ajax legend turned coach: Johan Cruijff. At the end of pre-season in 1987, Rijkaard left the Ajax training facilities and refused to return. Due to the start of the season, his transfer/loan turned into a nightmare – first he was loaned to Sporting of Portugal, but he signed so late that he had zero eligibility. So he was in turn loaned out to Real Zaragoza of Spain.

This spell in purgatory was undoubtedly a low point in his blossoming career – but Frank would not rot away in Iberia for long. After one year, Italian giants AC Milan signed him and he would go on to form a very successfully Dutch trifecta with Ruud Gullit and Marco Van Basten.

Arrigo Sacchi found Rikaard’s best position, in front of the back four, and the two won the European Cup and Serie A twice. In the 1990 European Cup final against Benfica, he scored the game-winning goal.After 5 seasons, he would return to Ajax and win two domestic titles. He also would guide the young Dutch side to a European Cup title in his final professional match.

For the Dutch national team, he formed part of the 1988 European Championship side and played central defense alongside Ronald Koeman. Still, his undisputed career low was the spitting-gate incident at Italia 1990. In a tense match against West Germany, Rijkaard saw yellow for a rough tackle on Rudi Voller. The Germans were awarded then a free kick.

Reports vary as to the number of times Frank spit in Voller’s hair, but photographic evidence confirms Rijkaard gave the German at least one dose of Dutch conditioner in the head. And this video indicates a second incident took place after both were red-carded.

Still, despite the questions about his temperament, Rijkaard’s competitive fire led to a closet full of trophies. And also managerial opportunities post-player retirement. Frank began his coaching career on the right foot, guiding the Netherlands to a semi-final appearance at Euro 2000, including a total demolition 6-1 of Yugoslavia.

Despite calls for him to stay on, Rijkaard resigned and took over the reigns at Sparta Rotterdam. His tenure at Sparta was embarrassing – despite being the oldest Dutch club, they were relegated during his tenure for the first time in their history. He was justly fired.

In 2003, after 5 trophy-less seasons and the Nou Camp full of despair, Joan Laporta turned to Rijkaard to rebuild the Azulgrana empire. And he succeeded beyond your wildest expectations. Rijkaard oversaw the signing of key players Ronaldinho, Rafa Marquez, Edgar Davids, and Gio Van Bronckhurst. He also put his faith in youth, establishing Carlos Puyol and Xavi in the first team.

Barcelona experienced growing pains, dropping as low as 16th place in Frank’s first season. Still, despite a December loss to rivals Real Madrid, the Azulgrana experienced a fantastic Spring – finishing 2nd place and only 5 points behind La Liga winners Valencia. And two places above the declining Galacticos.

That off-season, Rijkaard would swap Ricardo Quaresma for Porto starlet Deco and sign Mallorca scoring machine Samuel E’too. In 2004, Barcelona would crown themselves kings of Spain. One year later, with the key signing of vetern Henrik Larsson, the would win both La Liga and the Champion’s League.

In the final against Arsenal, Barcelona played with a man advantage most of the match but trailed the Gunners 1-0 due to a Sol Campbell header. Rijkaard’s two substitutes, Henrik Larsson and Juliano Belleti, would play a key role in the Azulgrana comeback. Larsson first assisted Samuel E’too on the opening goal, and then the Swede assisted Belleti on the game-winner. Rijkaard became only the 5th individual to win the Champions League as a coach and player.

Still, the next two years were trophy-less spells for Frank as a resurgent Madrid and declining Ronaldinho doomed the Azulgrana. Rijkaard did establish Leo Messi was a first team regular and managed injuries to key players well, but ultimately resigned in 2008 amidst calls for his head. Frank refused to point the finger at anyone other than himself, ending on classy terms especially considering his volatile reputation as a player.

He took a break from the game, but in 2009 took the helm at Galatasaray, where we can only expect the best. Despite his foibles and flaws, the Dutchman has won every medal but a World Cup and, more importantly, demonstrated a commitment to attractive and attacking football.

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