Who is the best?

[number 9]

I chose Cruyff.

[marko69]

To be honest, 9, I had thought Lionel Messi but today I’ve watched extended YouTube videos of Diego from his Boca & Napoli days.
Absolutely unbelievable football player.

I reckon it might just be Diego Maradona as the greatest football player of all time.

[number 9]

Maradona was a fantastic dribbler and he had a powerful shot. So, I understand why you'd pick him. For me, Messi is the best modern day footballer. I may be biased to a degree because I was a midfielder hence Cruyff as my selection. But for me Cruyff has given so much more than just his personal technical ability; Cruyff's 'total football' has certainly enhanced the quality, but some may argue.

[Frosty]

I actually went for Ronaldo, what a sustained performer over a long period of time

[Ricco]

I think Ronaldo is a great example of how far you can get with hard work, pure arrogance and outright shear pigheadedness, quite amazing. He has nowhere near the levels of natural talent that Messi does, yet he's arguably just as effective.

I couldn't split Messi and Maradona, Messi for longevity of playing at the level he has for so long, but then Maradona did it all first. I don't know, I voted Messi.

The others are beautiful footballers, but I wouldn't say they were as 'good' as the Argentines (not that that is at all a criticism)!

[hallamblue]

Pele, end of .

[Ando]

Maradona was better than Pele and messi imo. Messi and Maradona where great in great teams. Maradona single handily took Argentina to two World Cup finals. The Italia 90 team were absolutely shocking. Messi can’t take a pen or score consistently with his head.

But for me I voted Ronaldo he has no weaknesses.

[Ricco]

But for me I voted Ronaldo he has no weaknesses.

I'd say he's selfish, arrogant and doesn't defend, I'd hate to play with him compared to all of the others on the list, I'd say that's a weakness or two?

[Charnwood]

Of the four I’ve seen play live, Cruyff, Messi, Best and Ronaldo, I would say Lionel Messi is the stand out player although I may be biased after witnessing his one man show in last seasons 1st leg Champions League Semi Final v Liverpool at the Nou Camp where he was sensational. But in reality he’s performed consistently at this level for many years.

Pele and Maradona are more difficult to assess especially Pele who played in a completely different, era but in all probability all three South American’s probably take the top three slots.

[marko69]

Pele, end of .

No...... it’s end of Maradona I think, Hallam.

Oh you mean, end of discussion? Sorry!

[Tangfastic]

In regards to Ronaldo and Messi - Ronaldo was a world class player here in the PL before going to Spain. I truly wonder how Messi would cope here in the PL with the speed and physicality. Between those two, I’d go for Ronaldo.

[rossi]

Who is the Best is a bit ambiguous.

Best football brain...……...Cruyff

Best technical player...………..Best

But best overall (on the ground, in the air, power) can only be Pele

[hallamblue]

Pele, end of .

No...... it’s end of Maradona I think, Hallam.

Oh you mean, end of discussion? Sorry!

I just think he was the best . Problem is I suppose a players “ greatness” has to be taken in context of the era / game they played in . Some of those in the list you almost can’t compare as it’s not a like for like era of football.

[Ando]

But for me I voted Ronaldo he has no weaknesses.

I'd say he's selfish, arrogant and doesn't defend, I'd hate to play with him compared to all of the others on the list, I'd say that's a weakness or two?

I think they all have what you describe.

[Bluemike]

Bring them all into the same era and playing at the same level then it's George Best for me, I bet none of the others could perform at his level if they had the same lifestyle Best lived.

[arana peligrosa]

No Jeremy Goss ? Hard to judge but ability alone goes with Maradona. Try not to be biased but for pure ingenuity and awareness it's a name hard to beat. I'd include other figures in the selection such as Zidane, Muller, Bergkamp, Platini, Beckenbauer, Yashin et cetera. Dependant a lot on which position they'd usually field, traits required are different for each part of team.

[number 9]

No Jeremy Goss ? Hard to judge but ability alone goes with Maradona. Try not to be biased but for pure ingenuity and awareness it's a name hard to beat. I'd include other figures in the selection such as Zidane, Muller, Bergkamp, Platini, Beckenbauer, Yashin et cetera. Dependant a lot on which position they'd usually field, traits required are different for each part of team.

Yes, there's probably loads of names that could be added to the list. For me, the players I chose are probably the most recognized names from my generation. While the players you've named are certainly unique in their abilities, I don't think they're in the same class. Just my opinion...

[Ricco]

I think they all have what you describe.

Fair point! Though surely Ronaldo is the worst for it, at least outwardly.

Messi 0.35 assists per game, Ronaldo 0.22, its about the only start that splits the two and one of the main reasons I rate Messi higher.

[marko69]

No Jeremy Goss?

That deserves recognition Nice one.

Ex Budgie & Jambo b*stard

[marko69]

Well Saint, my mother is full Italian and the Italian side of me came out tonight ...... just finished watching the Maradona documentary —-> feckin bawling my eyes out. What a life that man had. He had to put up with more in three days that I have had to put up with in a whole 51 years.

He deserves the rest, and may God rest his soul.

Again, RIP Diego Maradona.

[valleyroad]

The only one I haven't seen live is Pele.
Saw Maradona at 18 in 1979 vs Scotland at Hampden and he is without doubt the best player I have seen live.
I think it was his debut for Argentina and he was totally unplayable and we had a good side out that day.

Watched George Best also on his first game for Hibs against St Mirren at the old Love Strret ground and he was pretty special too, even at the end of his career

[marko69]

The only one I haven't seen live is Pele.
Saw Maradona at 18 in 1979 vs Scotland at Hampden and he is without doubt the best player I have seen live.
I think it was his debut for Argentina and he was totally unplayable and we had a good side out that day.

Watched George Best also on his first game for Hibs against St Mirren at the old Love Strret ground and he was pretty special too, even at the end of his career

Even better than Barry Lavety? Hmmmm

Some people these days have to use google after telling them Best played for Hibs.

I know he’s got loads of famous quotes, squandering money etc, but my favourite was when Arthur Montford asked him prior to his Easter Road debut:
AM: you think you’ll score this afternoon?
GB: Maybe tonight!

[valleyroad]

The only one I haven't seen live is Pele.
Saw Maradona at 18 in 1979 vs Scotland at Hampden and he is without doubt the best player I have seen live.
I think it was his debut for Argentina and he was totally unplayable and we had a good side out that day.

Watched George Best also on his first game for Hibs against St Mirren at the old Love Strret ground and he was pretty special too, even at the end of his career

Even better than Barry Lavety? Hmmmm

Some people these days have to use google after telling them Best played for Hibs.

I know he’s got loads of famous quotes, squandering money etc, but my favourite was when Arthur Montford asked him prior to his Easter Road debut:
AM: you think you’ll score this afternoon?
GB: Maybe tonight!

Arthur probably didn't even get it