Search results

Fair comment. But all we can do is go on the evidence presented in front of us, and that evidence makes it unfair to compare players from past eras to now, as the entire game is far advanced now in technique, fitness etc. Practically a different sport when you look at some of those old pitches.

But that's not what people are comparing, because you're talking about a hypothetical person who does not exist - impossible to judge. Nowadays Pele would be up against defenders who weren't League 2 standard, so who knows how he'd be if he had no time on the ball? All we can actually compare...

One thing I think you're also ignoring is that the speed of the game is miles ahead of back in the day. All 11 players now are finely honed machines with all the best nutrition and fitness regimes available in the world. Pele would look sluggish and slow compared, if he was dropped into the...

Agreed. Standard is absolutely lightyears ahead now.

Yet still miles better than football 30/40 years ago. Far more athletic, more advanced tactically, better technique, etc etc. I know we're going further back, but have you ever sat and watched the 1966 WC Final? It's ****ing hilarious. Genuinely looks about League Two to National League standard.

As you say, who knows? But the point is, everyone bangs on about the goal against England in 86 as if it's the greatest ever, yet Messi does that a few times every single season. And again - remember - against a far better standard of defending.

As said above. Messi has scored countless goals as good as Maradona's best ever goal, and against far, far better defending. No contest.

You're obviously right, but it won't go down well with the older generation on here.