George Best

[Merlin5]

I remember many years ago, George Best actually had a half hour weekly tv series teaching his football skills. Can't remember much more about it, I think it was probably an ITV series. I was never really into football but I did enjoy watching that show. I wonder if anyone else here is old enough to remember it. He was the man that everyone revered as having exceptional talent. Like the irish equivalent of Pele. So just a quick couple of questions really. I was just wondering, how did his skill compare to the technical players of today like Messi and others? Was he as good, or maybe better? Every sport these days is far more technical because of sports science, increased fitness and increased knowledge. Generalising further then, were footballers in the 1970's perhaps less skilled by comparison?

Some good skill footage of him here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4vmmddFvEE

 

[Merlin5]

Since posting this thread, I found a post on the Man Utd forum where someone wrote:

"Messi is, without a doubt one of the best players we will ever see and will go on to be mentioned in the same sentences as pele etc. BUT as many have pointed out, the likes of messi and Ronaldo etc play such a different game to that which Best played, you have to say that Best is the better player. Best played on diabolical pitches (by todays standards) with heavy, awkward boots and had people like Chelsea's 'Chopper Harris' smashing into him at every availible oppertunity. Don't get me wrong messi is a strong player but he couldn't have been the player he is today playing in those conditions. That's what makes best the player he was, he had very little protection and still tore teams apart single handedly. Quite simply Best is the best player of all time. FACT!"

 

[Merlin5]

I stand by the one thing I learnt living in Belfast was Best would have punched you if you called him Irish, he was British by birth and death, only played for NI and would have had you on the floor for saying otherwise (mostly for being a drunk).

Heh. But he had a very strong NI accent, so anyone could be forgiven for thinking he was irish.