Greatest Ever Footballer

[Colin Roberts]

I didn't expect a mention for Ron Harris! Who's the No.10 on the receiving end?

I wasn't voting for the Chopper; I was simply making the point that today's supposed stars wouldn't have been anything of the sort had they been forced to contend with a certain sort of defender, way back when.

Chelsea's greatest? Alan Hudson.

I believe the photo was taken during Chelsea v Manchester United in April, 1973: Bobby Charlton's last match as a professional.

That looks as if it could be Charlton in the background.

Number 10? I don't know.

[Bridewell]

I didn't expect a mention for Ron Harris! Who's the No.10 on the receiving end?

Regards, Bridewell.

I'll answer my own question. I believe it's Stan Bowles (who could also play a bit).

Regards, Bridewell.

[Bridewell]

True, yet that hasn't stopped a number of people voting for George Best. Best's greatest achievements pale in comparison to the others in the poll.

Hi Jason,

I always find that argument for the exclusion of George Best a little contrived. Best didn't play in a World Cup because Northern Ireland never qualified. I suppose it all depends on the measure of greatness. For me, if the measure is talent alone, George Best reigns supreme.

Regards, Bridewell.

[Bridewell]

I didn't expect a mention for Ron Harris! Who's the No.10 on the receiving end?

Regards, Bridewell.

[Colin Roberts]

Today's whiners, divers, cheats, and fairies wouldn't have survived the game when it was played by real men, so they shouldn't be considered.

It's pointless to try naming a single greatest individual, but perhaps somewhat meaningful to try naming a greatest assembled eleven.

The Hungarian side led by Ferenc Puskás that taught England a lesson and introduced the world to the modern game in 1953, gets my vote.

As much as the sectarian aspect of the Old Firm saddens me, and even though I would never support either Celtic or Rangers against any opponent, I'll give my honorable mention to the Celtic side that won the 1967 European Cup with eleven players that all emanated from within thirty miles of Glasgow.

[Livia]

0% for Messi? You must be joking!

Fixed that, Chris.

As for not having won a World Cup, Messi's got a few
more years to play before he hangs up his boots for
good. He's won all the top awards several times over,
and broken several long standing records. Had he not
opted to play for Argentina, he would have won a World
Cup by now.

He's phenomenal and a joy to watch.

[jason_c]

Hi Christian

Let's see how he shapes up at the next World Cup. I still think that doing it at the highest level is an essential qualification for the title.

True, yet that hasn't stopped a number of people voting for George Best. Best's greatest achievements pale in comparison to the others in the poll.

[Robert]

Hi Christian

Let's see how he shapes up at the next World Cup. I still think that doing it at the highest level is an essential qualification for the title.

[chrisjd]

0% for Messi? You must be joking!

[Robert]

Mention of Edwards reminds me that discussions like this are always skewed, because if you look at pre-WW2 players there isn't much film of them and few people left who saw them play, so they'll be under-represented. And that's this country, let alone foreign pre-WW2 players.

Also, it's difficult to compare different generations. There have been a lot of changes over the years :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLCZZAheNSU

[Cogidubnus]

Hi Barbara

I referred to the alleged sport rather than any of it's practitioners

All the best

Dave

[Beowulf]

'ex-colonial rugby substitute'....

'ex'? Has he moved?

[Cogidubnus]

A hint to left ponders

Be very careful...In some circles the name Duncan Edwards is only SLIGHTLY less regarded than that of the Messiah...seriously....

All the best

Dave

[Cogidubnus]

Hi Barbara

I'm sorry but since when is a tadpole a frog? The thread's about football (soccer if you wish) rather than some falsely-globalised ex-colonial rugby substitute?

I'm sure your intervention in this respect was accidental (not!)

Lots of love

Dave

[Beowulf]

Joe Namath.