That's fair enough too, especially as a lot of the current players seem to reckon Wes is the most skillful player they've played with. However, if he was really the most naturally gifted player we've ever had, I'd expect him to make much more of an impact on a game than he does. Edit: I do, however, agree with Little when he says Hoolahan is an intelligent player - he can certainly read a game. Remember when we played Charlton at home in League One? Holt and Hoolahan were about 50 miles ahead of everyone else for our first goal. Holt took a quick thrown in to Wes and he'd put it in before any other player even realised the ball was in play!
Unquestionably it has to be Ian Crook Surely anyone who saw him play would agree that he was the most naturally talented.
Decisions decisions decisions. From the list, I would probably go for Martin Peters, a player Alf Ramsey described as 10 years ahead of his time, I believe. A name not on the list is Martin O'Neill. When he came to us from Forest, he was so ahead of the team in thought, that quite often a good pass could 'look' to be a bad one.
I find it a bit difficult to see how Wes can be compared to Peters or Crook, I guess folk never saw either play
Hucks pace was indeed important, but as Kent's video amply demonstrates, that pace would have meant little without an accompanying speed of thought as to the path to take, the close control to take the ball with him and maintain possession while leaving defenders floundering in his wake, and the final ball to play, whether pass or shot. Surely intelligence on the ball doesn't just mean playing a defence splitting pass from midfield, or whatever?
As a complete player it's Ian Crook, technical ability Hoolahan will nip up there too, pace and flair Huckerby. We've always had players with certain skill sets that are amazing, completely gifted players who can do anything rarely turn up these days, when they do you can guarantee they'll be at one of the European powerhouse clubs.
good shout Dave. i remember a game at Anfield when the whole Kop applauded him when he came out for the second half to the goal at that end. he had single handedly thwarted then for the whole of the first half with a totally magnificent string of saves.
I concur with this entirely, I mentioned it a while back on another thread, he can barely speak coherently, quick pause, quick pause and makes very little sense. He's terrible on the radio.
Of the suggestions, Keelan was naturally talented; I considered him for the list but had picked midfielders and forwards (as always keepers underrated for their importance) Keith O'Neill was a good call; I remember watching him. A pity he drank it all away and had such a poor injury record. David Williams, I always think of more for his coaching ability. Dale Gordon: Was very good but how much was just pace?
Going back that far (but not as far as Ron Davies), I've gone for Martin Peters. His was a complete range of skills: passing, scoring, tackling back - he was a joy to watch. It's also interesting to note that he played more for City than any other team. Many of the others named lacked the full range of skills that make a complete player (and in this sense Peters was more than 10 years ahead of his time!).
that last bit is probably lost on a lot of readers here. too long ago for them to know about Alf Ramseys statement. for those people, Ramsey suggested Peters was 10 tears ahead of his time. and he was right.
Couple of names not on here that I would add: Flecky of course Mark Bowen a gifted left back in his time. Dave Watson a rock in defence. I was gutted when he moved to Everton. Agree with Keelan and Crook -did not see much of Peters. Maybe not the most talented but Bellamy was one of the most exciting players I have seen at Carrow Road
Thats a great shout about Mark Bowen, the lad was pure class! Remember watching my first Norwich game and he was the one player that stood out....it was because of him I became a left back....and a good one at that!!
