The Best Player In The World

[Ric Flair]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

I'll start off.

Goalkeeper

Gianluca Buffon

This was a close call between Buffon and Ilker Cassilas, both of them are classy keepers and are playing for the two best teams in europe Juventus and Real Madrid respectively. Buffon just shades it as he is the more consistent and has pulled some remarkable saves off, he also hold the record transfer fee paid for a goalkeeper at 30 million euros I believe. He's not won as many titles as Cassilas, but Juventus are flying high at the minute and Buffon is unstoppable at times.

Full back

Ashley Cole

I'm not sure if i'm being biased here because Cole is English but personally I think Ashley Cole is easily the best full back in the world. There aren't a considerable amount of world class full backs at the minute and other than Roberto Carlos no-one comes close to Cole in my opinion. Cole is alot more defensively sound than Carlos aswell and that's what's swung it for me. I think Cole has everything and he's brilliant going forward and he compliments any left sided midfielder that plays with him, which rarely happens. He is often left to play down the flank all on his own and he does this superbly. He's been so consistent for England and Arsenal, his next step is to win a european or international title with Arsenal or England.

Centre Half

John Terry

I'm not being biased here, this man has come on leaps and bounds over the past two years. He never fails to amaze me and he's a rock. He's not that quick and he doesn't offer anything fancy, but he keeps everything out that's thrown at him. He's also very dangerous at set pieces and he's currently the best centre half in the worl in my opinion. Nesta, Ferdinand, Campbell, Lucio, Puyol and Walter Samuel are all up there in the world class bracket but Terry has excelled at all levels over the past year. He stepped in remarkably well for Rio when he was banned and doesn't deserve to lose his place when the serious games for England start again, he was superb against France and kicked Henry out of the game in Euro 2004.

Winger

Pavel Nedved

Nedved has impressed me for a long time now and even though he's reaching 30 now he is still the main man. Arjen Robben is well capable of being the best winger in the world, but it will take more than a dozen games to take the crown off Nedved. Nedved was excellent in euro 2004 and he's been brilliant for Juventus over the past couple of years, i'd love to see him in the premiership. Giggs rivals him for consistency, but I feel Giggs has never really produced the goods on the big stage for Wales but he has at times for United in europe.

Defensive Midfielder

Steven Gerrard

I'm not sure if you can class Gerrard as a defensive midfielder, but he's phenomenal everywhere in midfield. I personally believe he is twice the player Vieira is and more influential than the likes of Makelele, Emerson, Xavi and others that rival him. I think once Gerrard leaves Liverpool he'll be regarded as the best midfielder in the world as Liverpool are struggling in europe alot of the time. He wasn't as impressive in euro 2004 as I expected him to be, but he has had some astonishing games for club and country. His game against Olympiakos was stunning and his ability to score goals from outside the area is better than anyone.

Attacking Midfielder

Ronaldinho

What can I say, the man is unbelievable. I knew about his talents when he played for Gremio and I can't believe it was PSG who took a chance on him, Barca or any big team could have saved alot of money by buying him a few years ago. Broke Englands hearts and Man United's, which was a shame for English football. I'd love to see him in the premiership, he'd rip any team apart. Already a world cup winner and the way Barca are playing he could well at the european champions league to his name aswell. World Footballer Of The Year and rightly so.

Striker

Julio Baptista

The reason why i've gone for Baptista is because every time i've watched him for Sevilla he has been devastating. They bought him as a defensive midfielder and has played upfront from almost day one there, he is extremely prolific and it won't be long before a big name team sign him. He might not be regarded as highly as Shevchenko or Henry, but Baptista will be soon. He's 23 and I think he could well be the top scorer in europe soon, i've seen him score a couple of hat-tricks with ease and he just shades it from Henry for me. Thierry would win it hands down if we were talking about this at the end of last season, but he had a bad euro 2004 and even though he's scored alot this season he's been absent in alot of big games in europe and the premiership.

[Who ate all the pies?]

What no Dublin!!!!

Okay in goal Pressman - just because someone that size can fall over AND get back up!!!

[MADLEVEIN]

arjen robben

shit off a shovel

[Fox in a Box]

No Gary Coatsworth? David Lowe? Jimmy Willis...... Junior Lewis

Lineker is one of the best ever!!!!

[BartonFox]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

I'll start off.

Full back

Ashley Cole

I'm not sure if i'm being biased here because Cole is English but personally I think Ashley Cole is easily the best full back in the world. There aren't a considerable amount of world class full backs at the minute and other than Roberto Carlos no-one comes close to Cole in my opinion. Cole is alot more defensively sound than Carlos aswell and that's what's swung it for me. I think Cole has everything and he's brilliant going forward and he compliments any left sided midfielder that plays with him, which rarely happens. He is often left to play down the flank all on his own and he does this superbly. He's been so consistent for England and Arsenal, his next step is to win a european or international title with Arsenal or England.

You are kidding right? Seriously, you think he is the best in the world? He's not even the best in England.

He can not even perform the most basic of duties as a left back which is to defend. He is protected at Arsenal because they are so good at going foward but looks exposed when playing for England. Well until SGE finally realised that Wayne Bridge can do the job of a proper left back and plays him in front.

I agree with you on Roberto Carlos, hideously over-rated but for many of the same reasons as Cole INHO.

[Solihullfox]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

I'll start off.

Full back

Ashley Cole

I'm not sure if i'm being biased here because Cole is English but personally I think Ashley Cole is easily the best full back in the world. There aren't a considerable amount of world class full backs at the minute and other than Roberto Carlos no-one comes close to Cole in my opinion. Cole is alot more defensively sound than Carlos aswell and that's what's swung it for me. I think Cole has everything and he's brilliant going forward and he compliments any left sided midfielder that plays with him, which rarely happens. He is often left to play down the flank all on his own and he does this superbly. He's been so consistent for England and Arsenal, his next step is to win a european or international title with Arsenal or England.

You are kidding right? Seriously, you think he is the best in the world? He's not even the best in England.

He can not even perform the most basic of duties as a left back which is to defend. He is protected at Arsenal because they are so good at going foward but looks exposed when playing for England. Well until SGE finally realised that Wayne Bridge can do the job of a proper left back and plays him in front.

I agree with you on Roberto Carlos, hideously over-rated but for many of the same reasons as Cole INHO.

57233[/snapback]

Typical, no mention of Alan Rogers

[Craig]

Frank Lampard.

[shen]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

I'll start off.

Goalkeeper

Gianluca Buffon

This was a close call between Buffon and Ilker Cassilas, both of them are classy keepers and are playing for the two best teams in europe Juventus and Real Madrid respectively. Buffon just shades it as he is the more consistent and has pulled some remarkable saves off, he also hold the record transfer fee paid for a goalkeeper at 30 million euros I believe. He's not won as many titles as Cassilas, but Juventus are flying high at the minute and Buffon is unstoppable at times.

Full back

Ashley Cole

I'm not sure if i'm being biased here because Cole is English but personally I think Ashley Cole is easily the best full back in the world. There aren't a considerable amount of world class full backs at the minute and other than Roberto Carlos no-one comes close to Cole in my opinion. Cole is alot more defensively sound than Carlos aswell and that's what's swung it for me. I think Cole has everything and he's brilliant going forward and he compliments any left sided midfielder that plays with him, which rarely happens. He is often left to play down the flank all on his own and he does this superbly. He's been so consistent for England and Arsenal, his next step is to win a european or international title with Arsenal or England.

Centre Half

John Terry

I'm not being biased here, this man has come on leaps and bounds over the past two years. He never fails to amaze me and he's a rock. He's not that quick and he doesn't offer anything fancy, but he keeps everything out that's thrown at him. He's also very dangerous at set pieces and he's currently the best centre half in the worl in my opinion. Nesta, Ferdinand, Campbell, Lucio, Puyol and Walter Samuel are all up there in the world class bracket but Terry has excelled at all levels over the past year. He stepped in remarkably well for Rio when he was banned and doesn't deserve to lose his place when the serious games for England start again, he was superb against France and kicked Henry out of the game in Euro 2004.

Winger

Pavel Nedved

Nedved has impressed me for a long time now and even though he's reaching 30 now he is still the main man. Arjen Robben is well capable of being the best winger in the world, but it will take more than a dozen games to take the crown off Nedved. Nedved was excellent in euro 2004 and he's been brilliant for Juventus over the past couple of years, i'd love to see him in the premiership. Giggs rivals him for consistency, but I feel Giggs has never really produced the goods on the big stage for Wales but he has at times for United in europe.

Defensive Midfielder

Steven Gerrard

I'm not sure if you can class Gerrard as a defensive midfielder, but he's phenomenal everywhere in midfield. I personally believe he is twice the player Vieira is and more influential than the likes of Makelele, Emerson, Xavi and others that rival him. I think once Gerrard leaves Liverpool he'll be regarded as the best midfielder in the world as Liverpool are struggling in europe alot of the time. He wasn't as impressive in euro 2004 as I expected him to be, but he has had some astonishing games for club and country. His game against Olympiakos was stunning and his ability to score goals from outside the area is better than anyone.

Attacking Midfielder

Ronaldinho

What can I say, the man is unbelievable. I knew about his talents when he played for Gremio and I can't believe it was PSG who took a chance on him, Barca or any big team could have saved alot of money by buying him a few years ago. Broke Englands hearts and Man United's, which was a shame for English football. I'd love to see him in the premiership, he'd rip any team apart. Already a world cup winner and the way Barca are playing he could well at the european champions league to his name aswell. World Footballer Of The Year and rightly so.

Striker

Julio Baptista

The reason why i've gone for Baptista is because every time i've watched him for Sevilla he has been devastating. They bought him as a defensive midfielder and has played upfront from almost day one there, he is extremely prolific and it won't be long before a big name team sign him. He might not be regarded as highly as Shevchenko or Henry, but Baptista will be soon. He's 23 and I think he could well be the top scorer in europe soon, i've seen him score a couple of hat-tricks with ease and he just shades it from Henry for me. Thierry would win it hands down if we were talking about this at the end of last season, but he had a bad euro 2004 and even though he's scored alot this season he's been absent in alot of big games in europe and the premiership.

57200[/snapback]

Quality Hoof!

'Keeper:

I agree with Buffon. There's little argument there. He had a decent Euro 2004 and he's been the best these last few years hands down. The only keeper who's rivalled him is Kahn and he's had a serious drop of form! Casillas is excellent too, but he has a slight tendency to be naive and do the odd uncharacteristic mistake, which I can't remember having seen Buffon doing.

Full Back:

Cole is world class no doubt, but somehow I feel it's because there aren't many outstanding full backs around in Europe. IMO Zambrotta would be the best in the world. Whenever I've seen him play, he's been awesome defensively and offers optimal support to the wingers. The fact he can play right back as well as left back also swayed my choice.

I don't really consider Carlos a full back. He's told to play so offensive that Real Madrid often have Carlos plying in front(!) of their winger. And that's cause he's utter crap in his defensive duties...having said that, he does excel in his offensive play.

Heinze might well be on his way to become the best, but I've not seen enough of him yet to pass judgement. But there's no doubt he's Argentina's best since Zanetti

Central Defender:

Terry's had an awesome season and he's carried his form well into this season too. Carvalho maybe shaded him last season due to the achievement of his club in the CL.

But choosing the best between Terry, Nesta and Puyol is simply too hard. There's so little to choose between them and personal bias is a deciding factor here. I've already chosen Buffon and Zambrotta, and I will stand by the 'Catenaccio' here: Nesta

Defensive Midfielder:

Gerrard is awesome, hands down! he can be classed as anything in midfield... he can play anywhere, mainly 'cause he's everywhere on the pitch anyway! Vieira is world class too no doubt about it, but as you pointed out, once Gerrard leaves Liverpool (if he still plays as well) he'll be regarded as the worlds best, I dont doubt that. Little contest here.

Attacking Midfielder:

Possibly the most coveted position of them all. Zidane, Kaka, Seedorf, Rosicky, Aimar, Diego, Valeron, Deco would all be respectable choices IMO... but there's only one Ronaldinho isn't there? I've never been a fan of Barcelona, but oh how I love watching them.. and a lot of it is down to that man. He's a footballing genius just like a lot of his 'rivals' I've named. He's just 'in the zone' and has that zest which can't be said of ZZ at the moment. You can just see he loves every minute of it, and I've also been pleasantly surprised at his fair-play attitude.

Winger:

Again a tough position to call, mostly because the levels of consistency sway a lot with wingers. I completely disagree with FIFA's (or was it UEFA?) choice of the world's best winger. Christiano Ronaldo had a good Euro 2004 but I don't think that warrants him the title. The problem is that there are so many choices that can be 'the best' on their day. These include Robben, Duff, Ljungberg, Pires, Joaquin, Mancini, Rufete, Motta, Giuly even Solari...

My choice might not be all convincing, but he's a winger I love to see, he's been performing great for Valencia in their awesome midfield, and I do feel the best is yet to come from him. Vicente had an ok Euro, but due to Spain generally underachieving (for the Xth time) he didn't get many opportunities to shine. But he'll bounce back!

Striker:

I have sadly not seen anything of Julio Baptista, but I've heard of him and I've noticed how many goals he's scored already. So I'll watch out for him, Hoof, but even without having seen him, it's a bit premature to call him the world's best. I'm not gonna exclude that he might become it, but I would think that he's more of a 'world's best prospect' yet. I had no doubt about who's the best though. Henry had an excellent season last year and the year before, but I could only smile when Shevchenko won the award. Ever since he exploded onto the scene with Dinamo Kiev during their semi-final Champions League campaign, he's never performed below expectations. He sets so high standards, and to score so many goals as he's done in the toughest defensive league is nothing short of amazing. He's been ever so devastating too in Europe and his level of consistency and quality makes him my world's best striker.

edit: forgot the winger!

[Collymore]

Collymore

[shen]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

Frank Lampard.

57250[/snapback]

Collymore

57275[/snapback]

very indepth <_<

[Anish]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

Frank Lampard.

57250[/snapback]

Collymore

57275[/snapback]

very indepth <_<

57292[/snapback]

To be fair Shen this messageboard isn't meant to be an essay writing competition. I come on here to keep up to date with the latest news and spend some of my free time...it doesn't necessarily mean that I have the time to write or even read long posts such as Hoof's here. And I bet many other people here feel the same.

[Craig]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

Frank Lampard.

57250[/snapback]

Collymore

57275[/snapback]

very indepth <_<

57292[/snapback]

To be fair Shen this messageboard isn't meant to be an essay writing competition. I come on here to keep up to date with the latest news and spend some of my free time...it doesn't necessarily mean that I have the time to write or even read long posts such as Hoof's here. And I bet many other people here feel the same.

57447[/snapback]

Sorry, i was just about to go work when i saw this thread, rather than ignore it, i wanted to give my opinion but hadn't got time to justify it

[shen]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

Frank Lampard.

57250[/snapback]

Collymore

57275[/snapback]

very indepth <_<

57292[/snapback]

To be fair Shen this messageboard isn't meant to be an essay writing competition. I come on here to keep up to date with the latest news and spend some of my free time...it doesn't necessarily mean that I have the time to write or even read long posts such as Hoof's here. And I bet many other people here feel the same.

57447[/snapback]

Fair enough but why post in this thread then, if you don't/can't/won't read the thread through first? At the start of the thread it says having an indepth view and discussing. I don't consider one-word replies very indepth, and call me uptight if you wish, but we've got more than plenty of those threads on these boards already, so I guess I'm just trying to prevent this one becoming that way too...

I don't consider this board to be an essay writing competition but threads like these do make for a nice change IMO, and I'm sure many people feel the same about that too

[Ric Flair]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

Frank Lampard.

57250[/snapback]

Collymore

57275[/snapback]

very indepth <_<

57292[/snapback]

To be fair Shen this messageboard isn't meant to be an essay writing competition. I come on here to keep up to date with the latest news and spend some of my free time...it doesn't necessarily mean that I have the time to write or even read long posts such as Hoof's here. And I bet many other people here feel the same.

57447[/snapback]

Don't ****in read or reply in it then. For **** sake, people moan about this forum and the way it is. So I try and do something abit different and get resistance from the people that often moan about how childish it is. Sorry Anish, i'll keep up the one word threads just for you. Pfft

[Oli]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

Frank Lampard.

57250[/snapback]

Collymore

57275[/snapback]

very indepth <_<

57292[/snapback]

To be fair Shen this messageboard isn't meant to be an essay writing competition. I come on here to keep up to date with the latest news and spend some of my free time...it doesn't necessarily mean that I have the time to write or even read long posts such as Hoof's here. And I bet many other people here feel the same.

57447[/snapback]

Don't ****in read or reply in it then. For **** sake, people moan about this forum and the way it is. So I try and do something abit different and get resistance from the people that often moan about how childish it is. Sorry Anish, i'll keep up the one word threads just for you. Pfft

58213[/snapback]

Don't stop posting stuff liek that Hoof its great. I enjoyed reading it. And I dont lknow wtf Anish is on about. This is a forum, you can post long or short threads. I would much rather read a longer thread than a 5 worded one.

[shen]

Right then, let's have an indepth view of who you think is the best player in the world in their position.

Frank Lampard.

57250[/snapback]

Collymore

57275[/snapback]

very indepth <_<

57292[/snapback]

To be fair Shen this messageboard isn't meant to be an essay writing competition. I come on here to keep up to date with the latest news and spend some of my free time...it doesn't necessarily mean that I have the time to write or even read long posts such as Hoof's here. And I bet many other people here feel the same.

57447[/snapback]

Don't ****in read or reply in it then. For **** sake, people moan about this forum and the way it is. So I try and do something abit different and get resistance from the people that often moan about how childish it is. Sorry Anish, i'll keep up the one word threads just for you. Pfft

58213[/snapback]

Don't stop posting stuff liek that Hoof its great. I enjoyed reading it. And I dont lknow wtf Anish is on about. This is a forum, you can post long or short threads. I would much rather read a longer thread than a 5 worded one.

58265[/snapback]

Aye, agreed! Now, it would be nice if we went back to what the thread is all about in the first place and stop spamming this almost ruined thread with posts that aren't meant to be here *breathes*

[Jonesy_rules]

I CAN'T GIVE INDEPTH REASONS, NOR CAN I GIVE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD, HOWEVER ONE OF THE BEST DEFENDERS IN THE WORLD HAS TO BE JOHN TERRY!

PERFORMED BRILLIANTLY FOR CHELSEA ALL SEASON, DESERVES A REGULAR PLACE IN THE ENGLAND STARTING 11!!! ALSO BACKS UP THE MIDFIELD WELL AND DOMINATS THE GAME!

[Craig]

I CAN'T GIVE INDEPTH REASONS, NOR CAN I GIVE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD, HOWEVER ONE OF THE BEST DEFENDERS IN THE WORLD HAS TO BE JOHN TERRY!

PERFORMED BRILLIANTLY FOR CHELSEA ALL SEASON, DESERVES A REGULAR PLACE IN THE ENGLAND STARTING 11!!! ALSO BACKS UP THE MIDFIELD WELL AND DOMINATS THE GAME!

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*turns volume down*

[Durnerz]

I'm not a fan of buffons, he constantly punches when he has the chance to catch, same with casillas, Barthez for me is the best keeper in the world, superb at catching crosses, shot stopping, back to his best now at marseille. Full back, cole is good, anyone remember him against portugal? he had ronaldo in his pocket all game and in my opinion has improved immensly since. Midfielder, Gerrard is a very complete midfielder, pace,work rate,takes players on, Not too sure on ronaldinho's defensive skills as i havnt seen him for 90 mins this season. Winger, at the moment Robben, striker, eto'o has impressed me this season for barca. Centre back? Terry at the moment.

[TrickyTrev]

Buffon is the best player in the wolrd, his agility is measmerising and he is just amillion miles better than anyone else in his position.

My favorite full back is probably Zambrotta although I don't feel Ashley Cole is an absurd suggestion, he is certainly one of the best. I think Zambrotta is jus a better crosser of the ball and thta is why I have gone for him.

The best centr back is obviously Nesta. There is not much competition for this place in my opinion, Nesta is such a natural defender and always knows where he should be.

Emerson is the best defencive midfield player in the world. This is a tough choice with Viera and Gerrard getting close but I have gone for Emerson because he is more consistent and vastly under rated.

If I can't class Zanetti as a winger I will probably go for Joaquin as I think he has doen in consistently for two ro three players and when he is at his best he is unplayable. Robben is obviously brilliant but it is yet to be seen if it is just one great run of form.

My attacking midfieler is Ronaldinho who definately deserved the world player of the year award although he has been off the boil in recent weeks. He's the future in this position with the aging greats o Zidane, Nedved and my personal favorite Manuel Rui Costa all coming towards the end of their careers, and with the exception of Nedved past their best.

Adriano is the best striker in the world although I am a keen admirer of Henry, Shevchenko and a slightly skinnier Ronaldo.

[dan_84]

Buffon is the best player in the wolrd, his agility is measmerising and he is just amillion miles better than anyone else in his position.

My favorite full back is probably Zambrotta although I don't feel Ashley Cole is an absurd suggestion, he is certainly one of the best. I think Zambrotta is jus a better crosser of the ball and thta is why I have gone for him.

The best centr back is obviously Nesta. There is not much competition for this place in my opinion, Nesta is such a natural defender and always knows where he should be.

Emerson is the best defencive midfield player in the world. This is a tough choice with Viera and Gerrard getting close but I have gone for Emerson because he is more consistent and vastly under rated.

If I can't class Zanetti as a winger I will probably go for Joaquin as I think he has doen in consistently for two ro three players and when he is at his best he is unplayable. Robben is obviously brilliant but it is yet to be seen if it is just one great run of form.

My attacking midfieler is Ronaldinho who definately deserved the world player of the year award although he has been off the boil in recent weeks. He's the future in this position with the aging greats o Zidane, Nedved and my personal favorite Manuel Rui Costa all coming towards the end of their careers, and with the exception of Nedved past their best.

Adriano is the best striker in the world although I am a keen admirer of Henry, Shevchenko and a slightly skinnier Ronaldo.

Spot on there Tricky Trev, id possibly add Kaka, looks awesome.

[Nathan_Ellington_WAFC]

ashley cole

i agree with everything bartonfox said

i'd feel more safe watching england if bridge played instead of cole, and cole is only in the england team because he plays for arsenal

he's shit at defending

i also remember him costing us 3 goals at euro 2004

[Oli]

ashley cole 

i agree with everything bartonfox said

i'd feel more safe watching england if bridge played instead of cole, and cole is only in the england team because he plays for arsenal

he's shit at defending

i also remember him costing us 3 goals at euro 2004

58521[/snapback]

I think Ashley Cole is an awesome player. He has C.Ronaldo in his back pocket whenever they play against each other either for club and country. What 3 goals are these then Wellington?

[Nathan_Ellington_WAFC]

france, and 2 against croatia

he isnt awesome, mediocre at the best

ronaldo made a mug of him at euro 2004 i'm afraid

[Guest Daniel]

france, and 2 against croatia

he isnt awesome, mediocre at the best

ronaldo made a mug of him at euro 2004 i'm afraid

58552[/snapback]

I can't work out where you got that last comment from.

I think he is a good player, not world class but better than average.

He made C.Ronaldo look silly in the quarter final though, put him on his arse twice.