I would. he was an exceptional player and was not just about potential. If he had fulfilled his potential he could have been much much higher (we will never know). Based on what he actually did he should be higher.
Well said Dave. I'll admit that I had never heard of him before but just reading his accomplishments and it sounds like he was a very good player, and one who was brave enough to ply his trade abroad. The media would rather big up people like Beckham etc. Players with limited skill sets but have the ability to generate revenues because of their looks and appeal - makes me sick.
In comparison with others careers he had not fully fulfilled his potential. There is also some suggestion that Busby was concerned that his injuries were going to impede his development if not his career.
The list is just Greaves opinion, based on his footballing life & his subsequent years as a pundit. We'll all have our own opinions, based on what we have witnessed during our lifetimes. I totally disagree with the comment that todays footballs would totally outstrip those from the past. They're undoubtedly fitter today & their conditioning is better, so over 90 minutes they'd probably be capable of maintaining a high temp for longer. However, skill wise, I think there's been plenty of players of the past who are just as able as those of today.
I don't think we should read too much into where players are placed because with lists as long as this you can bet that if the author did it a second time, without referring back to the original list, the placings would be different. As said before it's one man's opinion which he is entitled to. If nothing else, it makes you read up on players that you've never heard of. I think John Charles is a classic number one on these type of lists. He has as one of his achievements, never being cautioned or sent off!
never in a month of sundays! while i would agree that potentially from reports albeit many mancunian reports and remembrances had he lived (example bobby charlton said it in one documentary i saw) then yes he could have been much higher. HOWEVER.... sorry but in a list of the top 50 british players of all time? sorry but he's not played long enough OR won enough to merit inclusion. that said... seeing paul gascoigne that high or even on the list leads me to conclude that the whole thing is a farce.
I disagree, I grew up when Gazza was in his prime and he was awesome (ok maybe a bit high on the list but I think he should be there). Certainly deserves to be in that list ahead of Rooney/Gerrard/Terry and the like, IMO.
