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Cristiano Ronaldo’s wonder season has inevitably attracted comparisons with Manchester United’s greatest player, George Best.
Best held Ronaldo in high enough regard to feel flattered by being compared to him. Ronaldo is nearly as two-footed as Best and slightly better in the air, although he has a height advantage. And he certainly gives the impression of being quicker.
The blogosphere already has plenty of this kind of discussion, so what is perhaps more interesting than comparing their records is looking at how football has changed in the 40 years since Best was in his prime.
As an 18-year old, Best was part of a United side that went to unbeaten league leaders Chelsea at the end of September and won 2-0. He played so well in this game that he was applauded off the field by the crowd and both teams. Modern-day crowds are not noted for spontaneous outbursts of appreciation and are far more likely to shower an outstanding opponent with abuse. The world is different now, never mind football.
Best never played in a World Cup, and ended up with only 37 caps, but reserved his best performances for the largest stage available to him, the European Cup. In the 1966 quarter-final, United, defending a single-goal lead that was felt to be inadequate, went to Lisbon to face Benfica, who had never lost a home European tie. In front of 90,000 hostile fans they slaughtered them 5-1, with Best putting the game beyond Benfica in the first fifteen minutes.
In the 1968 semi-final, United, again defending a one-goal lead, went to Real Madrid and silenced an even bigger crowd (120,000) with another remarkable win after being 3-1 down at half-time. Best set up the decisive goal for Bill Foulkes.
Without wishing to lapse into the familiar refrain that football just isn’t the same any more, I don’t believe that the Champion’s League throws up such memorable nights as these. Firstly, there are simply too many games, and the sense of occasion is devalued. I don’t even remember these two games being televised. Now we have to sit through the phony war of the group matches before there is any potential for tension and excitement. More significantly, the European Cup was then a competition exclusively for champions. In 1966, with Best out injured, United lost narrowly to Partizan Belgrade and missed the final. Before they could become the first English team to win the trophy they had to go out and win the League again, not limp home in second, third or even fourth place.
The most glaringly obvious difference between the two also illustrates how the physical side of the game has changed. Best was always able to stay on his feet in an era when defenders had license to kick opponents, whereas Ronaldo goes to ground even when the defender is doing all he possibly can to avoid making contact. It is clearly a good thing that skillful players are protected from serious foul play, but the game is now ruined by diving and simulation. Best would have thrived in the modern game, with better playing surfaces and a more responsive ball. Ronaldo would have found life difficult playing in ankle-deep mud against Tommy Smith or Norman Hunter.
And there is another significant difference. Although he played for numerous clubs after he effectively retired from first-class football, George Best only ever wanted to play for Manchester United.
The blogosphere already has plenty of this kind of discussion, so what is perhaps more interesting than comparing their records is looking at how football has changed in the 40 years since Best was in his prime.
As an 18-year old, Best was part of a United side that went to unbeaten league leaders Chelsea at the end of September and won 2-0. He played so well in this game that he was applauded off the field by the crowd and both teams. Modern-day crowds are not noted for spontaneous outbursts of appreciation and are far more likely to shower an outstanding opponent with abuse. The world is different now, never mind football.
Best never played in a World Cup, and ended up with only 37 caps, but reserved his best performances for the largest stage available to him, the European Cup. In the 1966 quarter-final, United, defending a single-goal lead that was felt to be inadequate, went to Lisbon to face Benfica, who had never lost a home European tie. In front of 90,000 hostile fans they slaughtered them 5-1, with Best putting the game beyond Benfica in the first fifteen minutes.
In the 1968 semi-final, United, again defending a one-goal lead, went to Real Madrid and silenced an even bigger crowd (120,000) with another remarkable win after being 3-1 down at half-time. Best set up the decisive goal for Bill Foulkes.
Without wishing to lapse into the familiar refrain that football just isn’t the same any more, I don’t believe that the Champion’s League throws up such memorable nights as these. Firstly, there are simply too many games, and the sense of occasion is devalued. I don’t even remember these two games being televised. Now we have to sit through the phony war of the group matches before there is any potential for tension and excitement. More significantly, the European Cup was then a competition exclusively for champions. In 1966, with Best out injured, United lost narrowly to Partizan Belgrade and missed the final. Before they could become the first English team to win the trophy they had to go out and win the League again, not limp home in second, third or even fourth place.
The most glaringly obvious difference between the two also illustrates how the physical side of the game has changed. Best was always able to stay on his feet in an era when defenders had license to kick opponents, whereas Ronaldo goes to ground even when the defender is doing all he possibly can to avoid making contact. It is clearly a good thing that skillful players are protected from serious foul play, but the game is now ruined by diving and simulation. Best would have thrived in the modern game, with better playing surfaces and a more responsive ball. Ronaldo would have found life difficult playing in ankle-deep mud against Tommy Smith or Norman Hunter.
And there is another significant difference. Although he played for numerous clubs after he effectively retired from first-class football, George Best only ever wanted to play for Manchester United.
Here Is The Writer : John Kirk
John Kirk works at Precise Media where he monitors newswires and business internet sites. He previously worked in the wine trade and has lived in southwest London for 18 years. John grew up in Bristol and is in his fifth decade as a Bristol City fan. After a long and undistinguished career as a club cricketer he has recently taken up golf, reasoning that his lack of foot movement will be an asset. John is also interested in City churches and pubs.
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