The uncapped, Part Six

1- Norbert Dickel

Norbert Dickel was a West German striker who had failed to make it in a spell at Koln in the early 80s. After transferring to Borussia Dortmund, he formed a successful partnership with Franck Mill and helped Dortmund qualify for the UEFA Cup at the end of 1986/87 season. This particular season would have been his best chance to earn a cap, however he was overlooked.

Photo from: Fussball Magazin, May 1987

(Borussia Dortmund’s Norbert Dickel)

2- Pietro Paolo Virdis

Italian striker Pietro Paolo Virdis was a solid striker for many seasons and played for a number of teams such as Juventus, Cagliari, Udinese and AC Milan.

At the veteran stage of his career he even inspired the 1988 Scudetto winning side of AC Milan with many key goals and was even top goalscorer in the Serie A the previous season (1986/87).

However, international recognition eluded him, though he was selected for Italy’s 1988 Olympics squad.

Photo from: Guerin Sportivo, May 18-24, 1988

(AC Milan’s Pietro Paolo Virdis)

3- Ruel Fox

English midfielder Ruel Fox was an integral part of the Norwich City squad under Mike Walker that earned UEFA Cup qualification (1992/94).

Kevin Keegan signed him for Newcastle in 1994, however despite England ‘B’ appearances, he was never selected for the full national team.

Photo from: World Soccer, December 1993

(Ruel Fox, October 19, 1993, UEFA Cup, Bayern Munich 1-Norwich City 1)

4- Fritz Walter

German striker Fritz Walter (not to be confused with the 1950s legend namesake) was a prolific goalscorer for Waldorf Mannheim and Stuttgart.

His solid goalscoring record earned him a spot in West Germany’s 1988 Olympics squad.

However, he was never selected for the national team due to competition from Klinnsman, Voeller, Riedle, Kirsten and others.  

Photo from: Fussball Magazin, December 1989

(Stuttgart’s Fritz Walter)

5- Edward Linskens

Dutch defensive Edward Linskens midfielder was an integral part of PSV Eindhoven’s 1988 treble winning squad.

However, he was never selected for the full national team despite holding his own with such a top club like PSV for many seasons.

Photo from: World Soccer, March 1993

(Edward Linskens and Paolo Maldini, December 9, 1992, Champions League, PSV Eindhoven 1-AC Milan 2)