Editing Gary Speed (section)

==Playing style and reputation==
Speed was a versatile player who could play in left midfield, central midfield, and also at left-back,<ref name="model professional">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2011/11/gary_speed_tribute.html |title=Speed the model professional on and off the pitch |last=McNulty |first=Phil |access-date=3 December 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 November 2011}}</ref> but playing mainly as a left-side attacking [[midfielder]], with a knack for directing powerful headers towards goal.<ref name=guardianobit/> He possessed great tactical awareness, and could both create and score goals.<ref name="model professional"/> Regularly a captain, he was said by his teammates to have been an 'inspirational figure' who led by example and demanded the best from those around him.<ref name=pour>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15908380.stm |title=Gary Speed: Tributes pour in for Wales manager who has died aged 42 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 November 2011 |access-date=2 December 2011}}</ref>

He was well known as a 'consummate professional' both on and off the field.<ref name="model professional" /> Hardworking, honest and self-critical,<ref name=fourfourtwo/> he was not blessed with exceptional talent at a young age, but instead developed his technique through many hours of hard work on the training field.<ref name=pour/> He had a reputation as an extremely fit footballer who looked after his body.<ref name=pour/> He had a modern approach to diet and fitness, a rare quality amongst players of his generation.<ref name="model professional"/> His level of fitness allowed him to avoid injury and to continue playing until the age of 39; he rarely missed a game.<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Aled |title=Gary Speed&nbsp;– player and manager |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15910218.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 November 2011 |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref>

He also had a reputation as a friendly and supportive person, who cared for and took an interest in the lives of the people around him;<ref name="leaves a huge hole in football">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/danwalker/2011/11/gary_speed_leaves_a_huge_whole.html |title=Gary Speed leaves a huge hole in football |first=Dan |last=Walker |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 November 2011 |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref> his 'nice guy' persona made him a popular and well respected figure amongst his peers.<ref name="model professional"/><ref name=pour/>