I count myself as extremely privileged to have seen him 'up close and personal' during our glory days What a player, I remember us beating Barcelona 3-0 at home in the uefa cup but on the return leg Johann decided he wanted to play Phew I just had to stand and applaud him A true legend
The term legend has often been wrongly applied to many so-called stars in their field of art, music, sports etc. Difference is that Johan totally altered and changed we think about the beautiful game we all love. His influence as a wonderfully player and manager was extraordinary. Whoever was lucky enough to witness his deft touches and dazzling skills knew they were watching a master....a true legend. Moreover, he has given so much back, notably to disabled children. I too saw that Eufa cup home game Yorkie! I do wonder and like to think that our player policy of buying Dutch before and during his time, were much influenced by him. And what Dutch players we too were lucky to see play for good old Ipswich and play a key part in our success. Any more we can get on our books...like now!? Especially as their national team struggle....and the geography/location/ferry ports work well. I would happily head for Amsterdam and further afield to go scouting....expenses paid of course! We will miss the likes of Johan Cruyff.
Perhaps embarrassingly that's the most I've seen him play ever. Obviously heard about the class of the guy. So where does he rank ever? Pele / Maraona seem 1/2. People say Cruyff perhaps 3? I'm 30 but Messi surely is the greatest of all time. Pure class. Just needs that world cup / Copa America.
It's very difficult to compare him against current players He was certainly the best in the world at that time. He was light years ahead of his time, the ball never seemed to be more than six inches from his feet, I guess the best way I can describe him is silky smooth And let's not forget that when he went to Barcelona as manager, it was him who set out the blueprint for the Barcelona we see today Would I say he was the best ever? Probably not, I would agree with you that Messi holds that title. But he would certainly be in my top 5 of greatest footballers ever
