My elder brother had once said, “left-footed footballers make the game a joy to watch.” Being young, I didn’t realise then what he meant. As I look back today to that instant, I realise that his words were pure gold and it does make a difference while watching stellar dribbles, finesse finishes, flamboyant passes and last-ditch tackles. I’m not biased against any right-footed players, but it’s true that the left-footed players stand out in a playground. Some of these players go on to become world beaters. Hence, making a list of the best left-footed players ever was extremely difficult. More so, as their numbers increase exponentially by each passing second. Though a Herculean task, I have tried to a make a list, conjuring some of the world’s finest talents who took the world by storm. Though it’s completely my own opinion, I have tried to give justice and choose four of the best ever left-footed players. 4. Ferenc Puskas My father had once said, “Son you might have seen some of the best talents today but if you haven’t seen this guy tearing apart opposition defence at will, you have missed something stellar.” Sadly for this generation, there aren’t many Youtube videos you could find on this great man, who captured the limelight thanks to his outrageous skills with which he fooled defenders and hit the back of the opposition net at will. The greatest Hungarian player to have ever lived and achieved the pinnacles of glory in the beautiful game, I would have deeply wished for him to get knighthood. ‘Sir’ Ferenk Puscas, in my opinion, deserves the number 5 place on this list. He’s one of those rare players who needs no introduction and mention of the innumerable trophies he won. 3. Alfredo Di Stefano If there was ever an example of the game’s most complete player, it had to be this man, who perhaps is Real Madrid’s best player ever in the lush green pastures of Santiago Bernabeu. Dominance was something which Real Madrid and every club in the world could attribute to this legend. An absolute peach of a player who could play anywhere on the pitch, Di Stefano will always be looked upon by everyone as a footballing gem who never failed to amaze the football fraternity with his technique, passion and play on the pitch. We haven’t include his silverwares as the list would be endless. He is the number four on our list. 2. Lionel Messi In my opinion, he is someone who is surely from some other planet. No, he can’t be from planet Earth. With the ball at his feet, it’s like stuck with glue on his boots. It’s impossible to take the ball away from him when he has the possession. Making a mockery of defenders and scoring whenever he want, this Argentine has the God gifted talent to be named the best player ever to have played the game, when he reaches the end of his already illustrious career. When you are quite distant from reaching the age of thirty and have won the Ballon d’Or for a record four times, words aren’t enough to justify the glorious talent that he is. He’s number two on our list. 1. Diego Armando Maradona Even his name is enough; end of the debate. In my opinion, this ‘controversial’ Argentine is the world’s best footballer ever, without a shadow of doubt. It’s not only because of his talent of scoring from anywhere and any time he wanted, not due to the reason he scored the record number of goals, and also not just due to his dribbles or his style and flair, it’s because he showed that football could also be a one man’s game. When it comes to describing his “hand of God” or “the goal of the millennium”, I fall short of words. He is the number one on our list by a mile! Honorable Mentions: It’s sad that the following names failed to make the top five, but they are great footballers in their own right Roberto Carlos Raul Gonzalez Iker Casillas Paolo Maldini Ryan Giggs Making this list was an incredibly tough ask, given other world class legends who are left-footed and have plied their trade to win the adoration of fellow mates and fans alike. Hence, this list is only my opinion and yours is certainly bound to differ. Give your opinions in the comments below. #Soulreaper
Posted on: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:50:16 +0000
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