“Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the emperor of Rome.”
There was a telling moment on November 16.
After Jon Walters had made the Aviva his own, after he had thrust himself into the hearts of Irish men and women forever with two goals that booked the country’s place in France, there was almost a rite of passage taking place in the media’s mixed zone.
Robbie Keane appeared – 67-goal Robbie Keane – and, once again, he was forced to talk about the rest of the team. He hadn’t featured against Bosnia but, as a good guy, as a captain, as an Irishman, he took great pleasure and pride in speaking about his team mates.
Then, one of those team mates appeared. Jon Walters appeared.
And, without a second’s thought, without even the respect of rushing him on, the Republic skipper was almost deserted. The new Irish hero peered his head modestly from the changing room corridor and the clamour to get a piece of him was so severe and so serious that it left the country’s finest ever international standing in its silent wake.
Robbie Keane, the legend, was now in Jon Walters’ all-consuming shadow as if he was just another defender being barged up the pitch, arse-first.
Jon Walters was now the king.
Photo of the night. Jon Walters out on an empty field in an empty Aviva Stadium after making Irish dreams come true. pic.twitter.com/k0xHSOIDLB
— Conor Clancy (@ConJClancy) November 17, 2015
Before that second leg – a game that Liam Brady described as the biggest ever night in Dublin – the PA system read aloud the team’s now iconic number 14. Following it, a name. Following that, the biggest, most excited roar since Shane Long was introduced historically against Germany.
The people had taken to Jon Walters. They had entrusted him with their hopes and dreams. The Stoke man had a nation’s desperation weighing firmly on his rock-like shoulders and he carried it with honour. He carried it to the promised land.
A flag was rolled down draping from the top tier of the Aviva. That iconic picture of Jon Walters holding two Germans at bay in the corner the last time Ireland had played on Lansdowne Road.
It read: Der Kaiser.
The emperor.
Walters didn’t even score against Germany but that possessed performance of his was the moment that a country decided that he was no longer the most underrated man in football, he was the most appreciated man in Ireland.
Throughout 12 qualification games – 10 of which the 32-year-old featured in – Walters was without doubt the side’s best and most consistent performer.
As a player with ability, he ranks alongside Coleman and Hoolahan as our finest. As a player with head, he’s absolutely crucial for Martin O’Neill’s interchanging system. As a player with heart, there’s no-one that comes close. Not anywhere on this planet anyway.
In 2015, Jon Walters earned his dues and respect from an entire island of proud countrymen and women. He won the love and admiration of Ireland and, in doing so, he wrote his name into the annals of history.
Whatever happens in France, the name Jon Walters will be spoken in mythical tones from Donegal to Waterford. Whatever happens in France, Jon Walters will lead the charge with the backing of the country. He’s earned that.
Win the crowd and you’ll win your freedom.
This is the first in a series of articles in which SportsJOE’s writers champion their sportsperson of the year. You can see the candidates below and vote for your favourite.
