who is the greatest?

[dholliday]

I was always a Maradona man and never expected a youtube video to change my mind, but I think I finally understand the Pele:



Who for you is the greatest? I've not included Big Nev or Dixie as our bias would get the better of us, it's possibly also a bit modern-heavy so name if your man isn't there. How you quantify greatest is up to you, hence non-WC winners in the poll too.

 

[marsh]

Ronaldinho

 

[Prevenger17]

It's impossible to say without parameters. Can't compare a defender to a striker, a goalkeeper to a midfielder etc. It's a team game, so are we talking about individual flair or overall contribution to their respective teams? Iniesta, for instance, ticks massive boxes in both. That being said, for sheer, barely believable talent, you'd have to go with Messi

 

[LouReedwalkonthewildside]

It has to be who was the best defender ever, the best striker ever, etc.

 

[Saint Domingo]

For me Zidane because he was literally a star above all the other stars. He shared a pitch with the likes of Figo Davids Ronaldo Del Piero Henry Raul Rivaldo, themselves some of the biggest names in football history yet he would literally control the whole game like some sort of Demi God. He wasn't as consistent as the levels Messi and Ronaldo now operate at, but when he cranked up to top gear (in the biggest games) he could literally take a hold of a match of 21 other top players effortlessly in a way I've not seen anyone else do in the biggest moments. Even at his swansong in 2006, he gave the likes of Xavi Fabregas and Alonso etc. of Spain an absolute lesson, they could barely touch him, the same with the Brazil team in the semi. If it was a World Cup final you would not bet huge money on Messi or Ronaldo being the match winner but you would just know that Zidane would be the protagonist of the game.

 

[Boss_Blue]

@Sapie88 is the greatest.

 

[dholliday]

Ronaldinho

So very nearly included him, but went for Garrincha to more represent ye olden days. Ronaldinho's ball skills were extremely special.

It's impossible to say without parameters. Can't compare a defender to a striker, a goalkeeper to a midfielder etc. It's a team game, so are we talking about individual flair or overall contribution to their respective teams? Iniesta, for instance, ticks massive boxes in both. That being said, for sheer, barely believable talent, you'd have to go with Messi

Aye, everyone has a different parameter...bit like what's the greatest film ever*, so it boils down to using your own parameter to make your choice.

Iniesta is another one who almost made the list, but I always felt Xavi more influential in how the entire game went, whereas Iniesta more for the key moments.

*2001, by the way

It has to be who was the best defender ever, the best striker ever, etc.

Best defender thread would be interesting...it's a position often overlooked in these sorts of discussions.

For me Zidane because he was literally a star above all the other stars. He shared a pitch with the likes of Figo Davids Ronaldo Del Piero Henry Raul Rivaldo, themselves some of the biggest names in football history yet he would literally control the whole game like some sort of Demi God. He wasn't as consistent as the levels Messi and Ronaldo now operate at, but when he cranked up to top gear (in the biggest games) he could literally take a hold of a match of 21 other top players effortlessly in a way I've not seen anyone else do in the biggest moments. Even at his swansong in 2006, he gave the likes of Xavi Fabregas and Alonso etc. of Spain an absolute lesson, they could barely touch him, the same with the Brazil team in the semi. If it was a World Cup final you would not bet huge money on Messi or Ronaldo being the match winner but you would just know that Zidane would be the protagonist of the game.

Agree about Zidane, he's deffo top 3 with Pele & Maradona. Beckenbauer (a close 4th in the all-time list) was the same in his pomp...he would control the pace of the entire pitch when he had the ball, it was mesmerising.

@Sapie88 is the greatest.

Reported for being off-topic.

only joking x

 

[Boss_Blue]

Reported for being off-topic.

Thanks mate.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Loved Zidane as a kid. Think Messi is better tho.

 

[dholliday]

Thanks mate.

ffs, you didn't quote the white text

 

[LouReedwalkonthewildside]

So very nearly included him, but went for Garrincha to more represent ye olden days. Ronaldinho's ball skills were extremely special.




Aye, everyone has a different parameter...bit like what's the greatest film ever*, so it boils down to using your own parameter to make your choice.

Iniesta is another one who almost made the list, but I always felt Xavi more influential in how the entire game went, whereas Iniesta more for the key moments.

*2001, by the way



Best defender thread would be interesting...it's a position often overlooked in these sorts of discussions.




Agree about Zidane, he's deffo top 3 with Pele & Maradona. Beckenbauer (a close 4th in the all-time list) was the same in his pomp...he would control the pace of the entire pitch when he had the ball, it was mesmerising.




Reported for being off-topic.

only joking x

Would have to be Baresi for me, with Maldini running him very close.

 

[dholliday]

Loved Zidane as a kid. Think Messi is better tho.

Disagree. As @Saint Domingo said Zidane was able to dominate an entire world-class field in the most important games. Messi, as seen in WC14, just fell short.

 

[Boss_Blue]

ffs, you didn't quote the white text

What am I like mate.

 

[dholliday]

Would have to be Baresi for me, with Maldini running him very close.

Yeah, I was torn between Baresi, Cannavaro & Maldini to represent the Italians here. All possibly top 10 in an all-time greatest defenders list.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Disagree. As @Saint Domingo said Zidane was able to dominate an entire world-class field in the most important games. Messi, as seen in WC14, just fell short.

.

I don't buy the messi ain't a big game player nonsense. Hes really an every single game player. He just banged in a hat trick to single handedly save Argentina from elimination. He's won everything.

Love Zidane but I still think Messi is better.