Saw this thread in the newbies and it is an interesting debate. Agreed with some of the opinions there that Messi and Ronaldo are not necessarily the stand out names in this regard despite their talent.
Funnily enough i'd argue the younger version of Ronaldo and Messi would both improve poorer sides due to the hunger, pace and constant running with the ball.. that they had in their games when younger, whereas the more measured approach they have now is more suited to being finishers, decisive players in well-coached sophisticated teams - same could be said for a young Rooney.
Anyway, I think this can be split between greats from the past and the current players. Qualities I'd say are vital is that ability to just drive a game based on your own ability, regardless of the service around you... or from a defenders perspective, ability to marshal a defence in any type of side i.e. I think a Pique would struggle in this regard whereas a Puyol/Terry could improve any side at their peak.
Classic
Maradona - proved it domestically and internationally, not only could he win games on his own single-handed but had that quality to make his team mates look like world-beaters too, just by being on the same pitch as them. I think he is the pinnacle when it comes to a debate like this and the yardstick by which others should be measured.
George Best - I'm sure there are others which we will no doubt mention, but he definitely is a player who strikes me as being able to fit into any side and transforming the style and effectiveness of the side. No need for tactics or service when it comes to George, unplayable at his best.
Current
In terms of the modern game, I'd say the likes of Ribery, Suarez strike me as players who'd find a way of winning no matter what. Robben funnily enough has an insatiable appetite for running with the ball too, so he's another player I can see going into any side and his game wouldn't change for the worse.
Anyway, which others do you think have it in them.. defenders too please.
Funnily enough i'd argue the younger version of Ronaldo and Messi would both improve poorer sides due to the hunger, pace and constant running with the ball.. that they had in their games when younger, whereas the more measured approach they have now is more suited to being finishers, decisive players in well-coached sophisticated teams - same could be said for a young Rooney.
Anyway, I think this can be split between greats from the past and the current players. Qualities I'd say are vital is that ability to just drive a game based on your own ability, regardless of the service around you... or from a defenders perspective, ability to marshal a defence in any type of side i.e. I think a Pique would struggle in this regard whereas a Puyol/Terry could improve any side at their peak.
Classic
Maradona - proved it domestically and internationally, not only could he win games on his own single-handed but had that quality to make his team mates look like world-beaters too, just by being on the same pitch as them. I think he is the pinnacle when it comes to a debate like this and the yardstick by which others should be measured.
George Best - I'm sure there are others which we will no doubt mention, but he definitely is a player who strikes me as being able to fit into any side and transforming the style and effectiveness of the side. No need for tactics or service when it comes to George, unplayable at his best.
Current
In terms of the modern game, I'd say the likes of Ribery, Suarez strike me as players who'd find a way of winning no matter what. Robben funnily enough has an insatiable appetite for running with the ball too, so he's another player I can see going into any side and his game wouldn't change for the worse.
Anyway, which others do you think have it in them.. defenders too please.
And a good sense of humour when the going gets tough vs Chelsea.