When it comes to football commentary, one name that stands out is Peter Drury, football’s de-facto poet laureate.
The English commentator, considered the greatest ever, is now one of the people lighting up the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
There is the likes of Mark Andrew Chapman, and others, but Drury's unique style which is laced with rhymes and poetry makes him special and very pleasing to listen to. Drury, 55, has been described as poet in his own right, for he has the most amazing abstract descriptions for the beautiful game and has the tone of an utterly emotional football lover that directly connects with the audience.
He is a wonderful wordsmith.
Born on September 24, 1967, Drury, started his career at BBC radio before switching to television, working for the likes of ITV, BT Sport and Premier League Productions. He has been a constant figure in football’s biggest competitions – FIFA World Cup, Champions League, Euros, and FA Cups.
In relations to Africa, Drury has a special place for the continent in his heart. He labels a goal involving an African team at the World Cup his best commentary moment in the history of the competition. In an interview with Australian news outlet, Optus, in April, Drury who has been to every World Cup tournament as a commentator since 1998, picked Siphiwe Tshabalala's goal in South Africa's 1-1 draw with Mexico in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup as his best Mundial commentary moment.
"I remember thinking five hours before kick-off when I arrived at that game, if the world could somehow bottle this and hand it out, we’ve cracked it," he said.
"Of every goal I’ve ever seen that is the one that still makes me want to well up because it just encapsulated a moment of what felt to me like global unity."
"It was just one of those moments when everything was absolutely right.”
Drury admits that while growing up, his commentary idol was BBC Radio's Peter Jones, who he describes as having a "beautiful, authoritative, and poetic voice". Drury has gone on to emulate him so well.
The Englishman is renowned for an explosive poetic and rhyme style of commentary. He is very expressive in his commentary. His hallmark is using phrases "in a thrice" and rhyming.
Certainly, Drury's best commentary of a goal in a nerve wrecking game was on April 11, 2018 when Kostas Manolas headed home from a Cengiz Under's 82nd minute corner kick to knock Barcelona out of the Champions League in a 3-0 win.
"Roma have risen from their ruins... Manolas the Greek God in Rome. The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes... It is a Greek from Mount Olympus who has come to the seven hills of Rome and pulled off a miracle,” he said as Roma made history.
This superb piece of commentary on Manolas' goal by Drury is embedded in the UEFA Champions League history books as part of the all time classics.
On Tuesday, December 6, Drury was at his usual best again as he delivered another extraordinary commentary at the Lusail Stadium in Portugal's 6-1 win over Switzerland in the 2022 World Cup round of 16 game.
His poetic commentary on Gonçalo Ramos’ goals versus Switzerland was something, and more.
Benfica youngster Goncalo Ramos, making his first start for Portugal netted a hat-trick. Drury was full of praise for him.
"He jumps into the boots of Ronaldo and hits the stars," he stated as Ramos netted thrice.
There is much to come from Drury in terms of commentary as the tournament reaches the tough stages. If you love poetry, you just cannot miss his commentary.