Lifting my head briefly from Saints - but I inevitably return there - two footballing events have to catch the eye this week. That volley from Van Persie helping to secure a highly impressive 20th League Title for United, and Bayern thrashing Barcelona. This has set a lot of thoughts in train about top class players, and of course the old adage that form is temporary while class is permanent.
Over many decades of watching football I've been lucky enough to see some top class players. I was thinking about the World Cup winning team and wondering whether any of that 11 would have made it into a World XI (or Garth Crooks team of the tournament!). My own conclusion is that Banks, Moore and Bobby Charlton would have been a shoo in, while a case could have been made for Peters and Ball. Any other old timers got a view?
But rather than make this thread exclusive to those of pensionable age, I'd like to pose a question. Which players from other clubs would current fans consider class, in the sense that they'd be the first name on the team sheet at any club? And are there any players in the current Saints set up that would have other fans drooling and hoping that their club will buy this summer?
Of the players I've seen this year - and unusually I have missed a few games - Van Persie stands out by a head. Suarez is class but I guess most clubs wouldn't want to bite off more than they can chew with him. I've been a bit disappointed by some names this season, but Rooney's 20 minutes against us at Old Trafford showed he is still a class player, and I find it hilarious that some of the United faithful would be happy to see him go.
As for Saints, is there anyone? If Rickie was 5 years younger there would be some clubs forming a queue, but would they be top 6 clubs? Jay Rodriguez is starting to catch the eye, and a good season next year building on his current form and he's going to be worth a few quid - he must not go, of course. Gaston is a class plyer, but needs to show it more to be considered.
There you go, a few names to get you started boys and girls, now that we're not worrying about relegation.
Over many decades of watching football I've been lucky enough to see some top class players. I was thinking about the World Cup winning team and wondering whether any of that 11 would have made it into a World XI (or Garth Crooks team of the tournament!). My own conclusion is that Banks, Moore and Bobby Charlton would have been a shoo in, while a case could have been made for Peters and Ball. Any other old timers got a view?
But rather than make this thread exclusive to those of pensionable age, I'd like to pose a question. Which players from other clubs would current fans consider class, in the sense that they'd be the first name on the team sheet at any club? And are there any players in the current Saints set up that would have other fans drooling and hoping that their club will buy this summer?
Of the players I've seen this year - and unusually I have missed a few games - Van Persie stands out by a head. Suarez is class but I guess most clubs wouldn't want to bite off more than they can chew with him. I've been a bit disappointed by some names this season, but Rooney's 20 minutes against us at Old Trafford showed he is still a class player, and I find it hilarious that some of the United faithful would be happy to see him go.
As for Saints, is there anyone? If Rickie was 5 years younger there would be some clubs forming a queue, but would they be top 6 clubs? Jay Rodriguez is starting to catch the eye, and a good season next year building on his current form and he's going to be worth a few quid - he must not go, of course. Gaston is a class plyer, but needs to show it more to be considered.
There you go, a few names to get you started boys and girls, now that we're not worrying about relegation.
