MOTforum all time best attacking midfielder poll final
Pele
For nearly 20 years for most people Pele was considered the greatest player in history and wasn't much of a debate. He was the 17 year old who shone so bright in 1958 and then the talisman of what many consider the greatest international side in 1970. Depending on who you ask he is the greatest goalscorer in football history and one of the most complete players football has ever seen. He was known for his strength, pace dribbling skills, flair, creative skills and aerial threat. He won 37 trophies including a record 3 World Cups and 6 league titles in Brazil with Santos . He was a FIFA Golden Ball winner, Young Player of the Tournament winner at the World Cup, Ballon d'Or Player of the Century in 2000 and in 2016 to coincide with the 60th anniversary Ballon d'Or listed the winners of the trophy pre 1995 when non European players weren't eligible, Pele was awarded 7 for the years between 1958 and 1970 which would make him the 2nd highest recipient ever behind Lionel Messi.
Johan Cruyff
One of the few elite level players who became an elite level manager, Johan Cruyff was a visionary manager and one of the greatest players in history. The talisman of the legendary Ajax side of the 1960s and 70s Cruyff inspired the Dutch giants to 3 European Cups and 8 league titles. A move to Barcelona followed and a few more trophies enhanced his already legendary status. Whilst international wins didn't occur Cruyff was a key member of the 1974 beaten finalist Dutch side for which he was named the best player at the World Cup. So influential was Cruyff though nominally a centre forward his movement and intelligence saw it become known as the now popular false 9 position. Cruyff was exceptionally well rounded, a prolific goalscorer, known for his finishing and calmness, he was also an exceptional dribbler with brilliant close control and balance and quick feet but with the creative abilities of the best playmaker. Cruyff scored over 400 goals in his career and got over 200 assists. He was a 3 time Ballon d'Or winner, multiple time Dutch footballer of the Year, and many more.
Diego Maradona
After Pele and Cruyff came a short, temperamental tough Argentinian in the 1980s. Diego Maradona is one of the most recognised names in football history. A charismatic, controversial genius who lit up the football pitch and disgraced it at times in equal measure. He scored one of the greatest goals ever seen and one of the most controversial in the same match!!!! He moved to Barcelona for a World record fee and amongst other things became the first player ever to be applauded for his performance by Real Madrid fans in El Classico. After that he moved to Napoli and wrote himself into folklore, he became the man who inspired the first southern Italian team to not one but two league titles in what was at the time the toughest league in the world. So revered Napoli now play at the Diego Maradona stadium and retired his number 10 shirt only bringing it back occasionally through regulations or symbolism. Whilst at Napoli he inspired Argentina to what many consider the greatest carry job in history in 1986 where Maradona almost single handed dragged Argentina to the World Cup victory with 5 goals and 5 assists across the 7 games. He scored over 190 goals and got over 130 assists in his career and was known for his balance, close control, exceptional dribbling and calmness. He was a multiple time Argentina footballer of the Year, South American Footballer of the year and honorary Ballon D'Or winner
Roberto Baggio
When Pep Guardiola was asked the greatest player he played with he had a plethora of greats to choose from, Ronaldo Nazario, Luis Figo, Xavi, Romario to name a few. Instead Pep choose a player he didn't play with till that player was well into his 30s with shot knees. When Carlo Ancelotti was discussing his mistakes he described not signing this player and understanding how to use him as his biggest. Roberto Baggio, The Divine Ponytail" is an often forgotten contender on the greatest of all time list. A victim of time and circumstance, he came through at a time when Italian football was still ultra defensive and rigid. Baggio was a rebel, a beautiful playmaker with exceptional goalscoring ability who didn't quite fit. For many though he should be spoken about in the same way people like Maradona and Others are. He was an exceptional talent. A league title winner, a World Cup runner up. To this day the 7th highest Serie A scorer of all time, beloved by legends such as Buffon and Del Piero. A well rounded player he could play all across the front line. Exceptional dribbling, finishing, touch, control, set piece and playmaker abilities. Ballon d'Or winner, Fifa World Player of the Year and for many a player who in a different country with a less defensive system one who would have won many more and been the undisputed goat of the 90s. He scored over 300 goals and got over 150 assists and is regarded as one of the most rounded number 10s in history.
Dennis Bergkamp
The non flying Dutchman, Bergkamp holds legendary status in both his homeland and the Premier League. His versatility and ability to reinvent himself is legendary, a pacey winger, a tough line leading striker and finally a deft touching number 10. Bergkamp came to prominence like many before him at Ajax, a league title and European Cup winner combined with 3 consecutive golden boots before he moved to Italian giants Inter Milan. Finally finding a home and legendary status at Arsenal where he played for over a decade. He became so iconic is now a statue of him outside The Emirates. A 3 time Premier league title winner he wad a key part of the Arsenal invincible team in the 2000s, he was also a multiple time FA Cup winner. But for many he is more famous outside of Arsenal for his iconic goals, the Flick over the Leicester cb, the Flick over the Newcastle cb, are many iconic moments. Fellow nominee Thierry Henry describes him as his dream teammate and best player he ever played with. Much like the man above Bergkamp was extremely well rounded, he could score goals and create them. He got over 300 goals and 150 assists and was for a time his countries top scorer. Exceptionally good technically, strong, quick, calm, great vision, Bergkamp had few weaknesses. He is a Ballon d'Or winner, a FIFA World Player of the Year, a Premier League, Dutch and England Hall of Fame nominee.
Zinedine Zidane
A man whose final match ended with him scoring a pananka penalty, being sent off for a headbutt and ultimately being a beaten World Cup finalist but being named Player of the Tournament the day after. A man for the big occasion Zidane scored 3 goals in World Cup finals and a Champions League winning volley. Zidane was a feisty genius who for many French fans is the greatest player they ever produced. He was a member of the highly successful Serie A winning Juventus side of the 90s who also were beaten finalists in back to back European Cups. He then went on to Real Madrid where he won league titles and famously the Champions League. Alex Ferguson said all he needed to win trophies would be Zidane and 10 pieces of wood, even Barcelona icon Lionel Messi risked the Barcelona vs Madrid divide by calling Zidane one of the greatest players ever and someone he greatly admires. Zidane was known for his exceptional ball control, vision, leadership and technique. If football is an art Zidane was an artist. He got over 150 goals and 150 assists, he was a 3 time Fifa World Player of the Year, Ballon d'Or winner, La Liga footballer of the Year and many more.
Gerd Muller
One of only 2 players to have won the FIFA World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d'Or and European golden boot, "Der Bomber" is often a forgotten icon of football certainly outside of Germany. But he is the greatest goalscorer per game in Champions League history, the greatest goalscorer in Bayern Munich history. He was the top World Cup goalscorer for 30 years. Spending the vast majority of his career at Bayern Munich he scored over 500 goals in 15 seasons only scoring less than 30 twice. Franz Beckenbauer called him the most important player in the clubs history, he won multiple League titles and 3 European Cups. At International level he won a World Cup and European Championship and had an exceptional 68 goals in 62 games for West Germany. He was known for his pace, movement, excellent awareness and Lethal finishing as well as his work rate. Over his career he scored over 630 goals and got over 100 assists. He was a Ballon d'Or winner and appeared in the top 3 on 3 other occasions, multiple time German player of the Year, Bundesliga top scorer and player of the year and a member of the Bayern Munich fan voted best ever team.
Bobby Charlton
Sir Robert Charlton, its testament to the level of player he was that he appears on a Leeds forum of greatest ever players. For many the greatest player this country ever produced, for fans of Manchester United a link to the tragic Busby Babes and a brighter future and rebuild. And of course a member of the World Cup winning 1966 side during which he scored 3 goals. For over 30 years he was the all time top goalscorer for his country and Manchester United. A versatile player he played wide, centre forward and midfield, but it was in midfield he shone. He became part of the famous Best, Law and Charlton combination of the 60s. 3 league titles and a European Cup as well as an FA Cup. Such was his professionalism he played his final games in his 40s. As a player Charlton was blessed with great speed and strength as well as a rocket powered shot and great balance and vision. He was an extremely well respected player who was only cautioned twice in his 20 year career. He scored over 300 goals and got over 50 assists. A FWA Player of the Year, World Cup player of the tournament, Ballon d'Or winner, 2 time runner up and 6 times more a nominee.
For nearly 20 years for most people Pele was considered the greatest player in history and wasn't much of a debate. He was the 17 year old who shone so bright in 1958 and then the talisman of what many consider the greatest international side in 1970. Depending on who you ask he is the greatest goalscorer in football history and one of the most complete players football has ever seen. He was known for his strength, pace dribbling skills, flair, creative skills and aerial threat. He won 37 trophies including a record 3 World Cups and 6 league titles in Brazil with Santos . He was a FIFA Golden Ball winner, Young Player of the Tournament winner at the World Cup, Ballon d'Or Player of the Century in 2000 and in 2016 to coincide with the 60th anniversary Ballon d'Or listed the winners of the trophy pre 1995 when non European players weren't eligible, Pele was awarded 7 for the years between 1958 and 1970 which would make him the 2nd highest recipient ever behind Lionel Messi.
Johan Cruyff
One of the few elite level players who became an elite level manager, Johan Cruyff was a visionary manager and one of the greatest players in history. The talisman of the legendary Ajax side of the 1960s and 70s Cruyff inspired the Dutch giants to 3 European Cups and 8 league titles. A move to Barcelona followed and a few more trophies enhanced his already legendary status. Whilst international wins didn't occur Cruyff was a key member of the 1974 beaten finalist Dutch side for which he was named the best player at the World Cup. So influential was Cruyff though nominally a centre forward his movement and intelligence saw it become known as the now popular false 9 position. Cruyff was exceptionally well rounded, a prolific goalscorer, known for his finishing and calmness, he was also an exceptional dribbler with brilliant close control and balance and quick feet but with the creative abilities of the best playmaker. Cruyff scored over 400 goals in his career and got over 200 assists. He was a 3 time Ballon d'Or winner, multiple time Dutch footballer of the Year, and many more.
Diego Maradona
After Pele and Cruyff came a short, temperamental tough Argentinian in the 1980s. Diego Maradona is one of the most recognised names in football history. A charismatic, controversial genius who lit up the football pitch and disgraced it at times in equal measure. He scored one of the greatest goals ever seen and one of the most controversial in the same match!!!! He moved to Barcelona for a World record fee and amongst other things became the first player ever to be applauded for his performance by Real Madrid fans in El Classico. After that he moved to Napoli and wrote himself into folklore, he became the man who inspired the first southern Italian team to not one but two league titles in what was at the time the toughest league in the world. So revered Napoli now play at the Diego Maradona stadium and retired his number 10 shirt only bringing it back occasionally through regulations or symbolism. Whilst at Napoli he inspired Argentina to what many consider the greatest carry job in history in 1986 where Maradona almost single handed dragged Argentina to the World Cup victory with 5 goals and 5 assists across the 7 games. He scored over 190 goals and got over 130 assists in his career and was known for his balance, close control, exceptional dribbling and calmness. He was a multiple time Argentina footballer of the Year, South American Footballer of the year and honorary Ballon D'Or winner
Roberto Baggio
When Pep Guardiola was asked the greatest player he played with he had a plethora of greats to choose from, Ronaldo Nazario, Luis Figo, Xavi, Romario to name a few. Instead Pep choose a player he didn't play with till that player was well into his 30s with shot knees. When Carlo Ancelotti was discussing his mistakes he described not signing this player and understanding how to use him as his biggest. Roberto Baggio, The Divine Ponytail" is an often forgotten contender on the greatest of all time list. A victim of time and circumstance, he came through at a time when Italian football was still ultra defensive and rigid. Baggio was a rebel, a beautiful playmaker with exceptional goalscoring ability who didn't quite fit. For many though he should be spoken about in the same way people like Maradona and Others are. He was an exceptional talent. A league title winner, a World Cup runner up. To this day the 7th highest Serie A scorer of all time, beloved by legends such as Buffon and Del Piero. A well rounded player he could play all across the front line. Exceptional dribbling, finishing, touch, control, set piece and playmaker abilities. Ballon d'Or winner, Fifa World Player of the Year and for many a player who in a different country with a less defensive system one who would have won many more and been the undisputed goat of the 90s. He scored over 300 goals and got over 150 assists and is regarded as one of the most rounded number 10s in history.
Dennis Bergkamp
The non flying Dutchman, Bergkamp holds legendary status in both his homeland and the Premier League. His versatility and ability to reinvent himself is legendary, a pacey winger, a tough line leading striker and finally a deft touching number 10. Bergkamp came to prominence like many before him at Ajax, a league title and European Cup winner combined with 3 consecutive golden boots before he moved to Italian giants Inter Milan. Finally finding a home and legendary status at Arsenal where he played for over a decade. He became so iconic is now a statue of him outside The Emirates. A 3 time Premier league title winner he wad a key part of the Arsenal invincible team in the 2000s, he was also a multiple time FA Cup winner. But for many he is more famous outside of Arsenal for his iconic goals, the Flick over the Leicester cb, the Flick over the Newcastle cb, are many iconic moments. Fellow nominee Thierry Henry describes him as his dream teammate and best player he ever played with. Much like the man above Bergkamp was extremely well rounded, he could score goals and create them. He got over 300 goals and 150 assists and was for a time his countries top scorer. Exceptionally good technically, strong, quick, calm, great vision, Bergkamp had few weaknesses. He is a Ballon d'Or winner, a FIFA World Player of the Year, a Premier League, Dutch and England Hall of Fame nominee.
Zinedine Zidane
A man whose final match ended with him scoring a pananka penalty, being sent off for a headbutt and ultimately being a beaten World Cup finalist but being named Player of the Tournament the day after. A man for the big occasion Zidane scored 3 goals in World Cup finals and a Champions League winning volley. Zidane was a feisty genius who for many French fans is the greatest player they ever produced. He was a member of the highly successful Serie A winning Juventus side of the 90s who also were beaten finalists in back to back European Cups. He then went on to Real Madrid where he won league titles and famously the Champions League. Alex Ferguson said all he needed to win trophies would be Zidane and 10 pieces of wood, even Barcelona icon Lionel Messi risked the Barcelona vs Madrid divide by calling Zidane one of the greatest players ever and someone he greatly admires. Zidane was known for his exceptional ball control, vision, leadership and technique. If football is an art Zidane was an artist. He got over 150 goals and 150 assists, he was a 3 time Fifa World Player of the Year, Ballon d'Or winner, La Liga footballer of the Year and many more.
Gerd Muller
One of only 2 players to have won the FIFA World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d'Or and European golden boot, "Der Bomber" is often a forgotten icon of football certainly outside of Germany. But he is the greatest goalscorer per game in Champions League history, the greatest goalscorer in Bayern Munich history. He was the top World Cup goalscorer for 30 years. Spending the vast majority of his career at Bayern Munich he scored over 500 goals in 15 seasons only scoring less than 30 twice. Franz Beckenbauer called him the most important player in the clubs history, he won multiple League titles and 3 European Cups. At International level he won a World Cup and European Championship and had an exceptional 68 goals in 62 games for West Germany. He was known for his pace, movement, excellent awareness and Lethal finishing as well as his work rate. Over his career he scored over 630 goals and got over 100 assists. He was a Ballon d'Or winner and appeared in the top 3 on 3 other occasions, multiple time German player of the Year, Bundesliga top scorer and player of the year and a member of the Bayern Munich fan voted best ever team.
Bobby Charlton
Sir Robert Charlton, its testament to the level of player he was that he appears on a Leeds forum of greatest ever players. For many the greatest player this country ever produced, for fans of Manchester United a link to the tragic Busby Babes and a brighter future and rebuild. And of course a member of the World Cup winning 1966 side during which he scored 3 goals. For over 30 years he was the all time top goalscorer for his country and Manchester United. A versatile player he played wide, centre forward and midfield, but it was in midfield he shone. He became part of the famous Best, Law and Charlton combination of the 60s. 3 league titles and a European Cup as well as an FA Cup. Such was his professionalism he played his final games in his 40s. As a player Charlton was blessed with great speed and strength as well as a rocket powered shot and great balance and vision. He was an extremely well respected player who was only cautioned twice in his 20 year career. He scored over 300 goals and got over 50 assists. A FWA Player of the Year, World Cup player of the tournament, Ballon d'Or winner, 2 time runner up and 6 times more a nominee.