These things are just impossible, for me. How many full games of Pele did those that created it watch? How about Charro Moreno, who they've ranked 51st, who played most of his football in the 30s and 40s? Do we just go by general reputation, based on the opinions of random people we've never met? Seems rather speculative, at best.
As you say it's just not possible to produce such a list that has any basis in truth. It's all a matter of opinion anyway and as you say how do we know how good players of the past were, Dixie Dean for example who was hailed by many as the best. For me it has always been Cruyff because not only was he a great technical player he was also an innovator both in moves (like the Cruyff turn) but also in being a true box to box player. Best was another with amazing skills, he was able to bounce the ball the ball off the defender and catch the rebound as he went past him. Maldini was a truly awesome defender as was Bobby Moore. Where is Hoddle and Gazza. It's just makes no sense to compare and rate players from different periods.
Tom Finney Danny Blanchflower Ivor Allchurch John Charles Dennis Law Johnny Haynes not forgetting Eusebio definitely one of the greats and should be there for his sportsmanship alone. Jimmy Greaves of course. and on and on.
AND I Forgot the main man of my childhood Stanley Mathews. At the time everybody knew he was the best footballer. Stanly Mathews was to football like Hoover is to vacuum cleaners.
Could be worse, Spurf could have compared him to the Dyson of vacuum cleaners, the suckiest of suckers! (And Stanley never deserted the UK .....)
If I remember correctly Mathews extended his career by playing in Malta just to spoil your analogy. Playing until he was 55.
Got to think that’s probably his career over with this happening at his age. Shame as Ange seems to have found a good role for him this season. Plus he can take corners which is like gold dust at Tottenham!
RIP David McCallum. A beloved actor and all round lovely fella. As kids, my older brother and I each had The Man From Uncle guns. As the younger sibling, I always got to play Robin, Cato...and in this case, Illya Kuryakin...but I never minded on this one. McCallum was cool. There's a lovely bit in NCIS when one of the characters muses on what a young Dr Mallard looked like. Gibbs replied "Illya Kuryakin." Nice! Thanks for those memories.
