Stumbled across something on YouTube* that made me think about the great players that I’ve been lucky to see. As I’ve droned on about before, I was living in Milan 88-92 and followed the incredible AC Milan team throughout. Of all the great players the one who made a lasting impression on me, not just because of the way he played but also the way he carried himself, was Paolo Maldini. Seems his opponents and fellow professionals felt the same. Any other favourites? Doesn’t have to be a great player, could be Billy Whitehurst, just your favourite. Thought it would be more varied to keep it non QPR. *quite a long watch but worth it I think
Back in the day, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves. More recently, two contrasting Arsenal players - Dennis Bergkamp for his superb skill without being flashy or overly demonstrative and Ian Wright for his brilliant finishing and joyful exuberance.
I used to enjoy watching Serie A matches when they were on telestrial TV sometimes (on Sunday afternoons...?), and I loved watching Ronaldo in his prime at Inter. His power and ability to finish at the end of his runs was so enthralling to watch. https://www.tiktok.com/@football_le...05609628950?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Annoyingly he went to Chelsea - Joe Cole. Always seemed to play for the enjoyment & fun, how I'd want all kids to play. Ruud Gullit weren't bad either.
I concur with Maldini, otherwise Marco Van Basten, he had it all until his career was cruelly cut short.
Van Basten was a close second for me. For three seasons from 1988 he was simply awesome. Mind you, playing in that Milan team and that Dutch team had to help. Maradona will always be the best player I ever saw, but not my favourite. It was Maldini’s character that stood out.
Bergkamp for me, his sublime touch and control was a joy to watch. These two goals, so similar, are such an example...
Here in Oz, in the early 70’s, we’d watch the Big Match with Brian Moore, so our viewing scope was limited, so it is hard pick just one player. Apart from SB, to me, everyone else good but not as good. So players from other clubs? George Best often figured, so to Bobby Moore. Remember seeing Dennis Law, Billy Bremner, Frank Worthington ( can still visualise that halfway screamer )… even Malcom McDonald, ( Super Mac ) scoring some great goals. l’m sure there are many more l can add to the list.
Franz Beckenbauer for me. The teamwork between him and Gerd Muller was fun to watch. At club level Glenn Hoddle, the way he held the Spurs team together with his craft.
