Van Basten was known for his strength on the ball , his tactical awareness and spectacular strikes and volleys . He was named `` European Footballer of the Year '' three times ( 1988 , '89 and ' 92 ) and `` FIFA World Player of the Year '' in 1992 . Known for his strength on the ball , his tactical awareness and spectacular strikes and volleys , van Basten was named European Footballer of the Year three times ( 1988 , '89 and ' 92 ) and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992 .