yep. Hugely privileged to have seen his career from debut to sad and frustrating end. Ridiculously brilliant player.Saw him at OT on his debut. New he would be special. Never seen a footballer ever who had so much natural talent. Kick with both feet, unbelievable balance and change of pace. He had everything! Style and looks taboot. Watching Best was like seeing poetry in motion. Should never have ended up as it did. Very sad!
He was an all round forward (good in the air, for a shortish man, as well)People always seem to talk about his dribbling ability, but some of those finishes were ridiculously good.
At least he did enough to show he was a GOAT and achieved much more than most of us will do, even if he could have achieved more.Saw him at OT on his debut. New he would be special. Never seen a footballer ever who had so much natural talent. Kick with both feet, unbelievable balance and change of pace. He had everything! Style and looks taboot. Watching Best was like seeing poetry in motion. Should never have ended up as it did. Very sad!
Watch videos of him - he was hacked to pieces and still went past defenders like they weren't there. He'd probably be even better in the 21st century with so much more protection/less risk of a career-ending injuryA GOAT. I p!ss myself when people opine that he wouldn't be able to get around modern defenders.
RIP George and thanks for the memories.
The best part was the pre match interview. He was asked if Cruyff was as good as him, and responded by saying he would nutmeg Cruyff the first opportunity he got.Best player ever and this was said by Pele himself.
In 1976 Johann Cruyf was being touted as a phenomenon and Northern Ireland played Holland in a friendly.
The first time the ball came to George Best he looked around for Cruyf, went up to him and nutmegged him - then he looked up at the press box with a smile on his face!!
Any link to the interview? I YouTubed it but couldn't find itThe best part was the pre match interview. He was asked if Cruyff was as good as him, and responded by saying he would nutmeg Cruyff the first opportunity he got.
I’ve only read it I’m afraid. Will see if I can find out whereAny link to the interview? I YouTubed it but couldn't find it
You're right. With modern footwear, fitness and refereeing, he clean everyone up - he might do in old kit, tbh. That acceleration was awesome.Watch videos of him - he was hacked to pieces and still went past defenders like they weren't there. He'd probably be even better in the 21st century with so much more protection/less risk of a career-ending injury
What a privilege. I feel very jealous that you witnessed such a thing, I must admit. Living close to where George was born, I love to hear stories about him and watch videos. Of course, the snippets cannot do full justice to the man, but they give a slight flavour of what he was all about as a player. I can only assume he was awe inspiring to watch live.Saw him at OT on his debut. Knew he would be special. Never seen a footballer ever who had so much natural talent. Kick with both feet, unbelievable balance and change of pace. He had everything! Style and looks taboot. Watching Best was like seeing poetry in motion. Should never have ended up as it did. Very sad!
My dad used to go to every game in that era, says there’s never been a better player. People discuss who the greatest player ever was, but anyone who watched George Best every week doesn’t even hesitate with their answer. Says a lot to me.A GOAT. I p!ss myself when people opine that he wouldn't be able to get around modern defenders.
RIP George and thanks for the memories.
I was lucky enough to see him in person; think Messi (who is magnificent) but 2 footed and good in the air, as well.My dad used to go to every game in that era, says there’s never been a better player. People discuss who the greatest player ever was, but anyone who watched George Best every week doesn’t even hesitate with their answer. Says a lot to me.
So it was the consequence of his pre-match interview which he fulfilled.The best part was the pre match interview. He was asked if Cruyff was as good as him, and responded by saying he would nutmeg Cruyff the first opportunity he got.
Yeah. The sheer arrogance coupled with ability is mind blowing really. We’re talking about Cruyff here!So it was the consequence of his pre-match interview which he fulfilled.
Some claim peak Paul Gascoigne was the british goatDon’t think we will see a better British player again(in our lifetime)
Wife beating alcoholic?he'd possibly still be the biggest star in all sports.