elampiro:
Messi is right... Copa America win as
important as World Cup
www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3710/copa-america/2015/07/04/13284142/messi-is-right-copa-america-win-as-important-as-world-cup

After reading how Messi lamented his pains about last world cup and how he is unfulfilled, I was expecting him to propel Argentina to finish chile in the first half.

Yet they compare him to Pelé who did everything right on crucial days.

While i feel that Pele is a better player than Messi, it's degrading saying Messi shouldn't be compared to Pele. Comparing someone to another person doesn't mean they're exactly the same. Messi has merited to be compared with Pele, he's the best of his generation.

Also saying Messi should've propelled his team to Copa title is a bit harsh on him. He can't do it all, he can only give his best (Pele didn't do it alone for Brazil too, he had the best of squads). He did that and his teammates let him down. If Higuain had converted the chances he had in the finals of WC and Copa America, Messi would've finally gotten both titles. Messi is the main man and the star player of this Copa America and he lived up to that. You can't begrudge him for that.

PS: I'm someone that don't like Messi, but it won't stop me from saying the truth about him.

leggo:

how many of his 1million goals are on tape elamps?

How do I know? The tapes were many, and I was just a boy enjoying life growing up . But my favourite was the one titled 'boys from Brazil'. Because that was basically highlight of all Brazil world cup goals from 1930 to 1982.

leggo:

Eusebio, puskas both have 0.97goals/game and we are are assured there is no exaggeration.

Eusebio and Puskas were renowned prolific scorers. Where there is Messi and Ronaldo, there will also be Ibrahimovic and Falcao.

elampiro:


How do I know? The tapes were many, and I was just a boy enjoying life growing up . But my favourite was the one titled 'boys from Brazil'. Because that was basically highlight of all Brazil world cup goals from 1930 to 1982.



Eusebio and Puskas were renowned prolific scorers. Where there is Messi and Ronaldo, there will also be Ibrahimovic and Falcao.

I'm telling you for a fact that the only videos you would see are of his world cup performances and few Santos games anything else they tell me is hearsay to me. Elamps be frank the videos you saw , the first course of the defenders was to charge like Phil Jones . when you charge like that even bebe would be like Garrincha

NANI HAS BEEN SOLD TO FERNEBERCHE

JUST FOLDING MY HANDS TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. WE SAID IT WAS TOO EARLY AND THAT THE TRANSFER MARKET JUST OPENED.............OKAY......
...SOME CRITICIZED US OF NOT KNOWING HOW TO DO BUSINESS, WE SHUNNED THEM........WE HAVE BEEN COURTING PLAYERS LIKE NIGERIAN MEN..........WE SAW LIVERPOOL SNATCHED CYLNE AND WE SAID HE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH .......OKAY.......WE TARGETED OTAMENDI(guess spelling) AND ON THE WAY WE WERE DISTRACTED BY RAMOS ISSUE......I PRAY WE STILL GET HIM.........


SCHENDERIN(guess spelling) IS WAITING ON US, WE WANT TO GET THE BEST DEAL THEREBY DELAYING THE SIGNING AND WE FORGOT ARSENAL ALSO HAS EYES ON THIS PLAYER........OKAY.......REAL M WANTS DE GEA AND HE TOO CONFIRMED HE WANTS TO JOIN THEM........AND WE... ARE LOOKING FOR THE BEST WAY TO GET BIG CASH INSTEAD OF FINDING ANOTHER WORLD CLASS GK........OKAY....

OUR INEXPERIENCED DEFENCE HAVE NOT BEEN UPGRADED AND WE ARE MAKING BIDS FOR RAMOS WHO LIKE ALVES IS JUST USING US TO BOOST THEIR CONTRACT........

I CAN'T UNDERSTAND OUR TRANSFER TACTICS BUT I HOPE THIS COME OUT GREAT AT THE START OF THE SEASON...,........ NOT ALL PLAYERS ARE UP FOR TRANSFER .........THEY SAY THE PATIENT DOG EAT THE FATTEST BONE...BUT THATS WHEN OTHERS HAVE FINISHED EATING THE MEAT........

sinizia:


While i feel that Pele is a better player than Messi, it's degrading saying Messi shouldn't be compared to Pele. Comparing someone to another person doesn't mean they're exactly the same. Messi has merited to be compared with Pele, he's the best of his generation.

Also saying Messi should've propelled his team to Copa title is a bit harsh on him. He can't do it all, he can only give his best (Pele didn't do it alone for Brazil too, he had the best of squads). He did that and his teammates let him down. If Higuain had converted the chances he had in the finals of WC and Copa America, Messi would've finally gotten both titles. Messi is the main man and the star player of this Copa America and he lived up to that. You can't begrudge him for that.

PS: I'm someone that don't like Messi, but it won't stop me from saying the truth about him.

I am not taking away any of Messi's credit, but if his team mate didnt score, why did Messi not score? Messi missed a good chance in the world cup final. If he scored in the copa final, would the match have gone into extra time?

Pele scored in two world cup final matches, and was obviously the star man. He was easily also star man in club final matches he played.

Maradona, did the extra ordinary to help Argentina win the world cup. He dribbled everyone in his way three times in the quarter and semi final. He went to Napoli and delivered.

Messi also has Mascherano, Aguero, Di Maria, Tevez, Higuian, and some of the best defenders. A team made from two U-21 world cup champions from 2005 and 2007. Messi best player in 2005 and Aguero best in 2007. It's not like Messi is from Greece or Cameroun.

leggo:

I'm telling you for a fact that the only videos you would see are of his world cup performances and few Santos games anything else they tell me is hearsay to me. Elamps be frank the videos you saw , the first course of the defenders was to charge like Phil Jones . when you charge like that even bebe would be like Garrincha

So how come Phil Jones has never been rape'd. Phil Jones who took out Robben and Ribery?

You call a world cup final defender rubbish? May be you should go and check how many goals that team conceded before Pele murde'red them. To the extent a team mate of that defender applauded Pele. Which meant he had regard for that defender.

1970, Pele also finished Italian defence. Italy had the best defence those days- water tight.

If you saw Video clips of a player world cup over 20 years. what else do you want? He even performed better in his club according to stats and report.

elampiro:


So how come Phil Jones has never been rape'd. Phil Jones who took out Robben and Ribery?

You call a world cup final defender rubbish? May be you should go and check how many goals that team conceded before Pele murde'red them. To the extent a team mate of that defender applauded Pele. Which meant he had regard for that defender.

1970, Pele also finished Italian defence. Italy had the best defence those days- water tight.

If you saw Video clips of a player world cup over 20 years. what else do you want? He even performed better in his club according to stats and report.

in 10 years I'll show you a video of Cr7 tearing ass in LA liga and UCL over 20 years too..are we watching the same clips? where Pele stands on the by line for 5 secs before a defender got to him? water tight defending abi na waterlogged?

elampiro:


I am not taking away any of Messi's credit, but if his team mate didnt score, why did Messi not score? Messi missed a good chance in the world cup final. If he scored in the copa final, would the match have gone into extra time?

Pele scored in two world cup final matches, and was obviously the star man. He was easily also star man in club final matches he played.

Maradona, did the extra ordinary to help Argentina win the world cup. He dribbled everyone in his way three times in the quarter and semi final. He went to Napoli and delivered.

Messi also has Mascherano, Aguero, Di Maria, Tevez, Higuian, and some of the best defenders. A team made from two U-21 world cup champions from 2005 and 2007. Messi best player in 2005 and Aguero best in 2007. It's not like Messi is from Greece or Cameroun.

hehe.. Argentina plays two strikers ahead of messi, why don't you blame aguero,higuain ,dimaria and the defenders extraordinaire like rojo and otamendi for failing to inspire Argentina like garrincha and jairzinho did when Pele wasn't up to par??

leggo:

hehe.. Argentina plays two strikers ahead of messi, why don't you blame aguero,higuain ,dimaria and the defenders extraordinaire like rojo and otamendi for failing to inspire Argentina like garrincha and jairzinho did when Pele wasn't up to par??

Maradona was an Attacking midfielder , from there he dribbled everyone ahead of him to score.

Messi even played as one of front three in the tournament.

Jair scored because Pele inspired him. YoriYori.

elampiro:


Maradona was an Attacking midfielder , from there he dribbled everyone ahead of him to score.

Messi even played as one of front three in the tournament.

You don't seem to understand the foundation of my argument , defending back then contrary to the myth your like propagate, was terrible. If messi, ronaldo played then ,they would bang in 50 goals each by the winter break. I'm trying to upload some gifs but my network is messing up..
Jair scored because Pele inspired him. YoriYori. and all through the WC and Copa didn't Argentina ride solely on messi?

sinizia:


While i feel that Pele is a better player than Messi, it's degrading saying Messi shouldn't be compared to Pele. Comparing someone to another person doesn't mean they're exactly the same. Messi has merited to be compared with Pele, he's the best of his generation.

Also saying Messi should've propelled his team to Copa title is a bit harsh on him. He can't do it all, he can only give his best (Pele didn't do it alone for Brazil too, he had the best of squads). He did that and his teammates let him down. If Higuain had converted the chances he had in the finals of WC and Copa America, Messi would've finally gotten both titles. Messi is the main man and the star player of this Copa America and he lived up to that. You can't begrudge him for that.

PS: I'm someone that don't like Messi, but it won't stop me from saying the truth about him.

make a quick eval & compare the defenders & the game format of Pele's time to now.

If Pele faced the defenders of nowadays I doubt he would have found the back of the net as much as he did.
the stakes & technicality of the game are way higher than ever before.

I have also watched him play severally & honestly there is nothing spectacular about his style of play. a little bit over-hyped.

Maradonna was a better & more fantastic player.
Messi is also a better player than Pele..let's call a spade a spade✘

leggo:

in 10 years I'll show you a video of Cr7 tearing ass in LA liga and UCL over 20 years too..are we watching the same clips? where Pele stands on the by line for 5 secs before a defender got to him? water tight defending abi na waterlogged?

I am sure even in 100 years to come you wont have a clip of Messi messemarizing defenders enroute to scoring a world cup goal, not to talk of doing a flick over to score in a world cup final match. Or Messi lifting world cup trophies.

In 100 years time you wont have Messi having a goal per match.

Till thy Kingdom come, you wont have a clip of 17 years old playing in a world cup. Not to talk of scoring 6 goals in 4 matches.



For your information, there are beautiful clips of Zico but no one talks of him today. In 30 years time kids would not know Messi except he wins a world cup. Are we on same page?

Messi doesn't have to win a world cup to cement his legendary spot in the hall of fame of soccer

he's already a greater legend than Pele & Maradonna.

& who says he can't still win a world cup?
he can still play in 2 world cups before retirement.
don't be in a haste. ✘

elampiro:


I am sure even in 100 years to come you wont have a clip of Messi messemarizing defenders enroute to scoring a world cup goal, not to talk of doing a flick over to score in a world cup final match. Or Messi lifting world cup trophies.

In 100 years time you wont have Messi having a goal per match.

Till thy Kingdom come, you wont have a clip of 17 years old playing in a world cup. Not to talk of scoring 6 goals in 4 matches.



For your information, there are beautiful clips of Zico but no one talks of him today. In 30 years time kids would not know Messi except he wins a world cup. Are we on same page?

lol... in this digital age people will not know messi in 30 years? Words on Marble by Elamps..
Did Cruyff, Best, Cantona win the WC? Elamps, in 100 years a virus would have erased all that is left of Pele nutmegging defenders who were probably all on LSD during the game..like for real the sheer number of times players found themselves one on one with the goalkeeper was amazeballs.

darkenedrebel:



they are comparing the defenders & the game format of Pele's time to now. such ludicrousness.

If Pele faced the defenders of nowadays I doubt he would have found the back of the net as much as he did.
I have watched him play & honestly there is nothing spectacular about his style of play. a little bit over*hyped.

Maradonna was a better & more fantastic player.
Messi also tops Pele..✘

ZICO IS BETTER THAN MESSI.

IN 20 years Messi would be forgotten.

Defenders of old were even better. Which defender today can match Baresi, Maldini, Stam, Adams, Carlos? DEFENSDERS ARE REGRESSING SEF.

You call a player who went past 5 defenders to score a world cup goal ordinary? A player who flicked the ball over a top defender in a world cup final ordinary?

The defenders were poor right? How players did all these things before Pele? Football had been played 100 years Pele, world cup 28 years before Pele. Why was he who came to do the extra ordinary? Wouldnt there have been people to create better records before Pele when the game had less evolved?



Think.

If Pele faced the defenders of nowadays I doubt he would have found the back of the net as much as he did.
the stakes & technicality of the game are way higher than ever before.

Eusebio has hit out at people for comparing Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring exploits and his own after the Real Madrid star moved past him in Portugal's all-time top-scorer list. "The comparisons make me sad. It's easier now. I never played against Liechtenstein and Azerbaijan".
"It's wrong. There is no comparison. I scored my 41 goals in 60 games. It's easier now because you play more games against weak teams. I feel sad", the 'Black Panther' told Portuguese television.
CR7's hat-trick against Northern Ireland last week took him onto 43 international goals, with only Pauleta having scored more for the Portuguese national team.

http://www.marca.com/2013/09/11/en/football/international_football/1378917585.html

darkenedrebel:
Messi doesn't have to win a world cup to cement his legendary spot in the hall of fame of soccer

he's already a greater legend than Pele & Maradonna.

& who says he can't still win a world cup?
he can still play in 2 world cups before retirement.
don't be in a haste. ✘

He has to win a world cup, other wise he is no better than zico.

elampiro:


ZICO IS BETTER THAN MESSI.

IN 20 years Messi would be forgotten.

Defenders of old were even better. Which defender today can match Baresi, Maldini, Stam, Adams, Carlos? DEFENSDERS ARE REGRESSING SEF.

You call a player who went past 5 defenders to score a world cup goal ordinary? A player who flicked the ball over a top defender in a world cup final ordinary?

The defenders were poor right? How players did all these things before Pele? Football had been played 100 years Pele, world cup 28 years before Pele. Why was he who came to do the extra ordinary? Wouldnt there have been people to create better records before Pele when the game had less evolved?



Think.

Elamps you should be doing all the thinking here, you've been mentioning the same set of defenders all day ,who were the defenders when Pele played. don't give us players who even I have seen play.. name the defenders who let Pele get away with some of the most ridiculous stepovers the world has seen, you will say the defenders had a license to kill but if Pele with his ivanovic-esque bum can nutmeg and flick the ball over them imagine what cr7 the eternal showoff would do..

leggo:
lol... in this digital age people will not know messi in 30 years? Words on Marble by Elamps..
Did Cruyff, Best, Cantona win the WC? Elamps, in 100 years a virus would have erased all that is left of Pele nutmegging defenders who were probably all on LSD during the game..like for real the sheer number of times players found themselves one on one with the goalkeeper was amazeballs.

Pele played in stone age, he is remembered for ever. Zico played in digital age, he is almost forgotten and unknown to under 25 boys and girls.

In last world cup final Argentina came face to face with Neuer about 4 times, they all miss, including Messi.

One vs one have always been scarce, but legends make them look cheap.

elampiro:


Pele played in stone age, he is remembered for ever. Zico played in digital age, he is almost forgotten and unknown to under 25 boys and girls.

In last world cup final Argentina came face to face with Neuer about 4 times, they all miss, including Messi.

One vs one have always been scarce, but legends make them look cheap.

lord knows I didn't say legends had the one on one, I'm telling you even the sweeper could run the full length of the pitch and still be left face to face with the opposition keeper. no be only scarce na farce... so you think the world cup has as strong a pull as the UCL presently? you are more delusional than imagined bro

leggo:

Elamps you should be doing all the thinking here, you've been mentioning the same set of defenders all day ,who were the defenders when Pele played. don't give us players who even I have seen play.. name the defenders who let Pele get away with some of the most ridiculous stepovers the world has seen, you will say the defenders had a license to kill but if Pele with his ivanovic-esque bum can nutmeg and flick the ball over them imagine what cr7 the eternal showoff would do..

No you should be the one to think. How old is club football? About 80 to 100 years before Pele. How come Pele owns the highest number of goals in a single season in Brazil? If he scored 58 goals in 1958 why did anyone else not score 150 against the suppossed far weaker defenders long before Pele arrived football world?

Pele's legendary skills made his defenders at his time look stupid. The same defenders Ganicha and some other legends from Germany, Spain, England, France, Argentina find hard to beat to score.

When Ronaldinho used leg over to dribble Ashley Cole in world cup quarter final, was Cole an slowpoke to have gone the wrong way completely? Cole was the best left back in the EPL around 2006.

Before Maradona no one could get past two defenders that period, but Maradona turned same defender to mugus.

leggo:

lord knows I didn't say legends had the one on one, I'm telling you even the sweeper could run the full length of the pitch and still be left face to face with the opposition keeper. no be only scarce na farce... so you think the world cup has as strong a pull as the UCL presently? you are more delusional than imagined bro

Lies, tell us the sweepers who score one vs one.

Go back you will see heroic defending and goalkeeping. Stop rubbishing defenders of those days. The same old days Africa will send one team to world cup and the team will score only one goal or zero.

UCL is easier than world cup. ROONEY has a UCL final goal, as much as he has in the world cup.

darkenedrebel:
Messi doesn't have to win a world cup to cement his legendary spot in the hall of fame of soccer

he's already a greater legend than Pele & Maradonna.

& who says he can't still win a world cup?
he can still play in 2 world cups before retirement.
don't be in a haste. ✘

messi has to win the world cup to be mentioned in the same category as pele & maradona. it's becoming embarrassing for him that he cannot win a spoon if xavi or iniesta isn't in the team. maybe argentina should adopt xavi & iniesta or they should change their national team shirt to that of barcelona.

pele is greater than messi....
people talking about the level of footie in pele's time. it was more difficult then than now. there was no player substitution when pele played & a career-ending tackle from behind was perfectly legal.

would messi survive in the 60s/70s when pele played? i doubt it. today's footballers are too soft to cope with what footballers of yore faced. the only world cup pele failed to win was in 1966 & portugal came out all to injure him in the game. the tackles are on youtube....if such is attempted these days, the offender would go to prison!

elampiro:


No you should be the one to think. How old is club football? About 80 to 100 years before Pele. How come Pele owns the highest number of goals in a single season in Brazil? If he scored 58 goals in 1958 why did anyone else not score 150 against the suppossed far weaker defenders long before Pele arrived football world?

Pele's legendary skills made his defenders at his time look stupid. The same defenders Ganicha and some other legends from Germany, Spain, England, France, Argentina find hard to beat to score.

When Ronaldinho used leg over to dribble Ashley Cole in world cup quarter final, was Cole an slowpoke to have gone the wrong way completely? Cole was the best left back in the EPL around 2006.

Before Maradona no one could get past two defenders that period, but Maradona turned same defender to mugus.

how old is Association football itself?
elampiro, as always you have farted instead of communicating. a simple Google search would reveal that the closest thing to a league in Brazil was founded in 1933. how many players had the hype Pele had? It is not news that your 'legends' count goals scored in five-a-sides so I won't dignify that question with a response.
so maradona suddenly taught people how to get past defenders? So George best was merely teleporting to get past them eh?

elampiro:


He has to win a world cup, other wise he is no better than zico.

He can still play in 2 world cups so there is every possibility that he can still cling the trophy.

besides, who is Zico compared to Messi?
Messi also doesn't have to win a world cup to prove anything.

that's like saying Eminem has to win a particular musical award before he can be placed among Hip-Hop legends. that's just ludicrous.✘

LOL see back and forth o.
But who is that said Messi is already a greater legend than Maradona and Pele?

Unfortunately he has to win world cups to get that accolade. Until he does he would be slightly below them on the next rung with Cruyff, Best, Di Stefano.

Best Football Defenders Ever The greatest defensive players of all time are in this top ten list. Did your favorite soccer defender make it? For a player to become one of the best football defenders, he must have the skills and the trophies. But most importantly, he must have contributed to making football a more beautiful sport. This list of great football defenders include players who revolutionized the position of a defenseman. This top 10 list of footballers is a selection of players from all era. It is not surprising to see many Italian players in this list. Italy is renowned for its defense, being home to catenaccio style football. 10. Daniel Passarella Years active: 1971-89 National team: Argentina Clubs : Sarmiento, River Plate, Fiorentina, Internazionale Milano Daniel Passarella was a reliable defensive force but what makes him unique among history’s greatest defenders is his scoring ability. He was a dangerous man off set pieces and was remarkable for his ability to score from corners with a header even if he stands at only 5’8”. Passarella sealed his place in the hall of greatness during the 1978 World Cup when he captained Argentina to the championship. He replicated this feat by winning the 1986 World Cup for Argentina. In the 70 games he played for the Argentine football team , he scored a total of 22 goals, quite remarkable for a player committed to defense.
9. Giacinto Facchetti Years active: 1960-78 National team: Italy Club: Internazionale Milano Giacinto Fachetti began playing as a forward but Helenio Herrera, the legendary coach who perfected catenaccio football , saw that Fachetti best fit a defender. He played his new role exceptionally well because of the technique he got by playing as a forward. Fachetti’s knack for scoring remained even though he was positioned on the defensive back. He was the one who revolutionized the position of a football defender into someone who can score and help teammates score. Facchetti was an integral part of the “Grande Inter,” the finest squad the Internazionale Milano had. With Inter, he won four Italian Serie A championships, two European Cups (1964, 1965), and two Intercontinental Cups (1964, 1965). He also helped Italy win the 1968 European Football Championship and in its runner-up campaign in the 1970 World Cup.
8. Rudi Krol Years active: 1968-86 National team: Netherlands Clubs: Ajax, Vancouver Whitecaps, Napoli, Cannes Ruud Krol is an extremely versatile player, which made him a perfect proponent of the Dutch total soccer system. He is highly regarded for his speed, which he retained over his long player career. When not defending, Krol would lead his team’s attack or make long passes which always find their way to the intended player. His passing skills greatly enhanced Johan Cruyff’s offense. Rudi also proved several times that he can score. One of his most notable goals was against Argentina in the 1974 World Cup, which he scored from 25 yards away. Krol is a member of the unlucky Netherlands football team which made it to the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals but never won the championship. He is remembered by Dutch fans for his reliability and versatility, which he showed in the 83 caps he has for their national team.
7. Djalma Santos Years active: 1948-70 National team: Brazil Clubs: Portuguesa, Palmeira, Atletico Paranaense Djalma Santos was the starting defender of the Brazilian powerhouse of 1950s and 1960s. Although he mostly started as right-back, Santos can switch to different soccer positions and was often seen playing up the field. Santos played his first of four World Cups in 1954 where he showed his consistency and solidity by playing in all games of the tournament. His second, the 1958 World Cup, was the best for him despite being the briefest. He played only one game, which is the final against Sweden, yet his performance was so outstanding that he was included in the All-Star Team that year. The 1962 FIFA World Cup saw another stellar performance from Santos. He played in every game in that tournament and dished an unforgettable assist to Vava in the final against Czechoslovakia. The 1966 World Cup would be the last for Santos. It was an unexpected selection because he was already 37 years old that time and a younger Carlos Alberto provided another option for the right back position. Djalma Santos is one of only two player who became a member of the FIFA World Cup All Star team three times (1954, 1958, & 1962). His counterpart is no less than the German legend Franz Beckenbauer. Until today, he is widely considered as the best wing back ever to play the game.
6. Carlos Alberto Torres Years active: 1963-1982 National team: Brazil Clubs: Fluminense, Santos, Flamengo, New York Cosmos, California Surf While Pele led the Brazilian attack during its glory days, Carlos Alberto was the one who manned its back. Carlos Alberto became famous at a young age because of his excellent ability to read opponents, a skill he complemented with his flawless tackling. Carlos Alberto was more than a defender. He was also a solid playmaker, a feat he was able to do because of his excellent passing and dribbling skills (How to dribble a soccer ball). During his professional careers in Brazil and later on the United States, he became instrumental in the championships of whatever club he was in. Carlos Alberto claimed his greatest game in the 1970 World Cup (Football world cup 1970) final, with a goal against Italy. He scored it by cutting to the edge of the penalty box and kicking the ball with so much power that it left the keeper with no chance. It would become one of the greatest goals of all time.
5. Gaetano Scirea Years active: 1972-1988 National team: Italy Clubs: Atalanta, Juventus Gaetano Scirea spent most of his club career with Juventus where he played as a libero. Being in that position placed him as the last line of defense before the goalkeeper, a role which he fulfilled with unparalleled brilliance. Scirea was remarkable for his ability to read the opponents’ offence, break up their plays, and retrieve the ball for his team. Yet he was more than a defensive libero. He also orchestrated plays and even scored goals himself. Gaetano Scirea was a gentleman on and off the pitch. He defended solidly but cleanly, and was never booked in his professional career. Scirea was humble despite his brilliance, making him well-loved among the Juve fans. Scirea was in the Italian football team for nearly 12 years, with which he won a World Cup title in 1982 . He teamed up with Claudio Gentile to become one of the pillars of Italy’s defence. Although he passed away at the young age of 36, Scirea gathered enough titles to become a legend. Among his championships were seven Serie A titles, UEFA Cup (1977), UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup (1984), European Cup (1985), and Intercontinental Cup (1985).
4. Franco Baresi Years active: 1977-1997 National team: Italy Club: AC Milan Baresi is endeared to AC Milan fans for staying with the club through its best and worst times. But what makes him admired by football fans is his defensive ability. Any attacker who comes close to the penalty area that Baresi guards is bound to end up getting tackled or ripped of the ball. Despite playing sweeper, Baresi did not hesitate to go up when there is a chance to attack. This is quite unusual since running the whole length of the field is a task for wingbacks. Baresi is also remembered for being the mentor of Paolo Maldini. As testament to his greatness, the AC Milan club retired his football jersey number, a very rare practice in Italy. No player of AC Milan will ever wear the number 6 jersey after Baresi. By the time his career ended, Baresi has gathered at total of 14 major championships: 6 Serie A titles, 3 European Super Cups, 3 European Cups , and 2 Intercontinental Cups. Unknown to many, Baresi has a World Cup title which he won in 1982. But he was not given a single minute in the tournament for reasons known only to his coach Enzo Bearzot.
3. Bobby Moore Years active: 1958-73 National team: England Clubs: West Ham United, Fulham, San Antonio Thunder, Seattle Sounders, Herning Fermad Robert Frederick Chelsea “Bobby” Moore was hailed by Pele as the greatest defender he has ever faced. He never gave up on a ball and he times his tackles immaculately. Despite his physicality, Moore played fairly and clean, which earned him the respect of other players. One of Moore’s greatest moments came in the 1970 World Cup. Jairinzho, a legendary Brazilian winger, was rushing towards England’s goal and was about to score inside the penalty area when Moore tackled the ball away from him. Despite his brilliance, Bobby Moore’s career is highlighted only by two major championships. One is the 1965 UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup which he won with West Ham United. The other is no less than the World Cup in 1966 , which he won as England’s Captain. Bobby Moore became an enduring icon of World Cup victory from then on, with the famous photo of him lifting the Jules Rimet trophy as he was held high by teammates.
2. Paolo Maldini Year active: 1985-2009 National team: Italy Club: AC Milan With 26 championships across his name and owning the most number of caps for Italy, Paolo Maldini is practically unequalled both as a player and a defender. But he earned his place in football greatness for far greater reasons than the championships could tell. Maldini is, quite simply, the best defender of his time. He was quick and strong, able to stick to his man and tackle down any opponent who challenges his defense. He also has exceptional endurance, able to run up and down the whole field length throughout the game. Maldini owned the left flank of the field, not only in defense, but also in offense as well. He makes excellent crosses and could finish if necessary. He also has an excellent leadership skill, which he utilized best as center back. Because of his ability to control the game, he is nicknamed “Il Capitano,” a nickname made more appropriate by the fact that he captained the Italian national team and AC Milan.
1. Franz Beckenbauer Years active: 1964-83 National team: Germany Clubs: Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV Franz Beckenbauer was notable for his game- turning goals but amazingly, he played as a sweeper. His success was a result both of his skills and his brilliance in modifying the roles of a defender. Before Beckenbauer came into the spotlight, the role of the sweeper or libero was purely defensive. But he saw the possibility of utilizing his position in order to lead his team’s attack and would at times finish the attack he started. Franz Beckenbauer’s skills are equaled by his successes. He won the European Cup thrice, UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup. He also played a great part when Germany proved itself to be the best in Europe by winning the 1972 UEFA European Football Championship. On top of those major championships is the 1974 FIFA World Cup title, which was made more memorable for Beckenbauer since he won it as a team captain. Beckenbauer’s brilliance was twice confirmed by the Ballon d’Or, the highest individual award in Europe. It is very rare for a defender to win that award and winning it in 1972 and 1976 only shows that Beckenbauer is the best defenseman ever.
www.football-bible.com/soccer-info/best-football-defenders-ever.html

afrodoc2:
LOL see back and forth o.
But who is that said Messi is already a greater legend than Maradona and Pele?

Unfortunately he has to win the world cup to get that accolade. Until he does he would be slightly below them on the next rung with Cruyff, Best, Di Stefano.

messi isn't even better than garrincha!
messi is just in the same league as best, eusebio, etc. i am not even sure messi is greater than fat ronaldo of brazil.

http://discusssoccer.myfreeforum.org/archive/the-greatest-defenders-of-all-time__o_t__t_44.html

Another link telling us about great defender in football history.

afrodoc2:
LOL see back and forth o.
But who is that said Messi is already a greater legend than Maradona and Pele?

Unfortunately he has to win the world cup to get that accolade. Until he does he would be slightly below them on the next rung with Cruyff, Best, Di Stefano.

did Pele win the champions league or 5 balon d'ors?
did he ever win 2 trebles throughout his career?


using the world cup as a yardstick isn't it. that's just wack Nigerian mentality.
same way some people say Messi needs to move from Barcelona & excel in another club before he can be said to be great.✘

darkenedrebel:



did Pele win the champions league or 5 balon d'ors?
did he ever win 2 trebles throughout his career?


using the world cup as a yardstick isn't it. that's just wack Nigerian mentality.
same way some people say Messi needs to move from Barcelona & excel in another club before he can be said to be great.✘

Did Pele play in Europe?

afrodoc2:
LOL see back and forth o.
But who is that said Messi is already a greater legend than Maradona and Pele?
Unfortunately he has to win the world cup to get that accolade. Until he does he would be slightly below them on the next rung with Cruyff, Best, Di Stefano.

I said so, messi a better player than Pele. I trust my own two eyes more than what a bunch of retired almost senile players tell me, I have seen messi live and seen Pele's hames on YouTube and quite frankly it was not all it is made out to be, Pele had the flamboyance that comes with being Brazilian but I doubt if anyone can sit through a clip of him running circles around teams and not just wonder what they were feeding the defenders. There was zero tactical defending, you would basically see 3 defenders converge at the right corner leaving enough space for two elephants to have a tap dance before tapping into tho empty net ( elampiro's heroic keepers would have dived before the shot ).
Just watch Pele