The greatest footballer that you ever saw play live

[Buzzer]

Easy 10's thread had me wondering who's the greatest footballer I've ever seen live. Back when I was little I remember seeing Alan Ball playing for Arsenal and demolishing Wolves. Liam Brady was in that side too. I saw Stan Bowles at the end of his QPR career and he was still incredible. I watched Jurgen Klinsmann in his prime, demolish Forest back in the 90s for Bayern M. I can't remember if I've seen Bergkamp play in the flesh or not so I won't include him. Ditto Gascoigne.

I was there for Beckham's debut against us and he turned out alright. But the best player I ever saw play and at his peak was Peter Beardsley. I once went to a Charlton Liverpool match at the Valley in the 80s and there was so much room in that sprawling away end that most away fans could be right up close to the pitch where I spent the entire match open-mouthed at Beardsley's style and skill.

And a mention in dispatches for one of my favourite ever foreign players. A phone call the night before, coach, train and coach to Maine Rd where I watched Georgi Kinkladze for the only time. What a player.

edit - just checked up on Alan Ball and think that might be a false memory.

 

[gjh1971]

Lionel Messi, twice

 

[LamieRobertson]

Easy 10's thread had me wondering who's the greatest footballer I've ever seen live. Back when I was little I remember seeing Alan Ball playing for Arsenal and demolishing Wolves. Liam Brady was in that side too. I saw Stan Bowles at the end of his QPR career and he was still incredible. I watched Jurgen Klinsmann in his prime, demolish Forest back in the 90s for Bayern M. I can't remember if I've seen Bergkamp play in the flesh or not so I won't include him.

I was there for Beckham's debut against us and he turned out alright. But the best player I ever saw play and at his peak was Peter Beardsley. I once went to a Charlton Liverpool match at the Valley in the 80s and there was so much room in that sprawling away end that most away fans could be right up close to the pitch where I spent the entire match open-mouthed at Beardsley's style and skill.

And a mention in dispatches for one of my favourite ever foreign players. A phone call the night before, coach, train and coach to Maine Rd where I watched Georgi Kinkladze for the only time. What a player.

For me....George Best

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Maradona. My brother lives in Bologna, so I have seen them play from time to time over the years. He came on at half time for Napoli and inspired them to a 4-2 win in the Italian Cup. He scored twice, and created the other - I think it was 1-1 at half time.

He was incredible to watch, I'll never forget it.

 

[*Gullsworth*]

George Best, saw him score a hat rick at The Dell. Easily the best player I have seen live.
Keegan and Dalglish for Liverpool.
For us Peter Ward with Lawro not far behind.

 

[Driver8]

Messi.

 

[8ace]

Luis Suarez against us at Anfield.

 

[Telboy]

Alfredo Di Stefano

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Vicente for us, probably the most naturally gifted I've ever seen. So much class, so much style, ability coming out of his ears. Truly incredible to have seen him in the stripes.

 

[Jam The Man]

1.Paul Gascoigne

And then Glenn Hoddle, Jurgen Klinsmann. David Beckham, Vicente and Gary Lineker

Not sure what order I'd put them in after Gascoigne though.

 

[atfc village]

Tough ,so i'll go for Platini,Zidane or Giresse. British player Dalglish.

 

[Triggaaar]

Gazza, then Ronaldinho.

 

[Sheebo]

Gazza v Moldova - 4-0 - 97 I think.

Mentions for Suarez / Sanchez / Vicente / Gerrard / Beckham / Scholes to name just a few...

 

[GoldWithFalmer]

Ditto Gascoigne.

Think he appeared in 1989 England V Italy B...at Goldstone,if you went to that add him.

 

[biddles911]

Glenn Hoddle. Saw him destroy Cruyff and Feyenoord in 1983. 4:0 up at half time. Fantastic skill!

Honourable mention for Gascoigne though. Saw him put three past Shilton in his heyday...

 

[kevo]

Saw Maradona play for a Rest of the World XI v a Football League XI at Wembley in 1987. Also saw Lionel Messi play for Argentina v Brazil in a friendly at the Emirates. Saw Gazza a few times, outstanding player.

 

[alfredmizen]

Gianfranco Zola, saw some truly sublime pieces of skill from him , including a fantastic fa cup semi final goal at highbury, a gentleman as well.

 

[Buzzer]

Think he appeared in 1989 England V Italy B...at Goldstone,if you went to that add him.

No, sadly not. He was on the pitch on crutches for Lineker's last ever Spurs game (against Everton?) but I don't think that counts!

 

[Peter Grummit]

Johan Cruyff

England v Holland Wembley 1977. Height of their Total Football period they destroyed Revie's England 2-0 , Keegan, Brooking et al including a debutant Trevor Francis.

PG

 

[Dorset Seagull]

George Best. And still regret not picking up his discarded tie up at the end of a match at White Hart Lane!