Just wondering as Messi has won his 3rd Ballon d'Or and he is miles better than anyone I've ever seen. I can't remember who my Dad said was the best he'd ever seen, might've been Messi as well actually. So who is everyone else's? I particularly would like to hear who Potts, Nicky and Waddo would go for as they've seen some of the best in Pele, Platini, Cruyff, Best, Van Basten, Zidane, Ronaldo (Brazilian one) and of course Messi.
If we are talking physically seen and not on the T.V. It has to be George Best for me if talking other teams as well. He was so gifted and drifted past tackles like they were not there. I'm talking proper tackles now that would break your legs not the soft stuff we have today. He never rolled all over the floor either he just got on with it. For Stoke it would have to be Alan Hudson. Again watching him was magical, wish we had someone like him in the squad today!
This is a real tough one - so many greats. Keeper - Gordon Banks Full back - Carlos Alberto Defensive Midfield - Bobby Moore Attacking Midfield - Rivelino Centre Half - John Charles Winger - George Best Inside Forward (!!!) Puskas General purpose forward - Pele Centre Forward - Van Basten I probably would stick with most of them, if asked again in one hour: Maradonna for Puskas (its a memory thing) DiStefano for Van Basten Beckenbaur for Moore Aaaggghhhh And of Sir Stan and his mate Tom Finney. Not forgetting Messi........................
In the flesh... Shevchenko was a world great, but well past his peak six weeks ago when I saw him at the Brit! I'm tempted to say Hoekstra, but is he on a par with the players we have now we're at a higher level? I've seen Roy Keane play for Ireland as well, when I was quite small, Shay Given's debut against Russia in 1996... He's a traitor and a prat though, so he doesn't count. As for players I've seen on TV, probably Messi, although Portuguese Ronaldo (*spit*), Zidane, the real Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho in his prime also spring to mind.
Wow Sgt - in our dreams my friend!! Mind you, the second team would give them a game; Shilton/Yashin Roberto Carlos Santamaria Franklin Maldini Zidane, Scholes (really), Jim Baxter, any German midfieder from the 80's or 90's Take yer pick up front from: Cruff, Gullit, Gert Muller, Lineaker, Denis Law, Bobby Charlton. Now then, for the third, fourth, fifth team etc etc etc. It is a wonderful exercise - and yes, everybody I have mentioned - I HAVE seen Live - one advantage of being old!!,
When i was a pup with me dad i can never forget goin to Brum and watching Mark Chaimberlain pick the ball up and travel and boy did he travel all the way and score ! The game was finished at half time at 0-4 !! At that time he was the best id ever seen ! and also was the 1st Stoke player id seen play for England .. How times change but he was very good .........
I was a ball boy down at Stoke when Mark Chamberlain was playing. We had some other great players around about the same time - Sammy McIlroy, Mickey Thomas and so on. It's just a pity Chamberlains hamstrings were so suspect...
Just off topic guys but... I'm sure no one has mentioned this to date. I read tonight that former Stoke player Paul Ware is seriously ill. I've no idea what is wrong with Paul but he's a local lad from Congleton. I just want to wish him all the best. I remember Paul he was a tough lad, who gave everything for our club, and I hope he get's through this. Best wishes Paul a Stokie born and bred.
In the flesh, Wayne Rooney, but Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard both single-handedly won their teams points against us
It easy really best world player Pele European Cryuff English Charlton Scottish Dalglesh Irish Best Wales Rush Overall it gotta be Pele
