The debate continues

'Top 10 world players' list stirs up controversy

I was pleased that my "top 10 players in the world" list created such an uproar (in a good way). All of you seemed to have your ideas on who the best performers are, and it was interesting to read about your favorite players. Of course this is a very subjective topic, but here are my attempts to argue why I made my choices.

I appreciate your Top 10 list, but since we are talking in subjective terms, I must disagree with a few. Most importantly, Vieri is a must on this list. Totti and Tristan are far less accomplished. Vieri has lead the two strongest leagues in scoring (La Liga and Serie A) and he scores big goals for club and country. Neither Totti nor Tristan can say that. As far as target forwards go, there are none better. My question, how can you disagree? ;)
-- Nick Spano, Ferndale, MI

Vieri is probably the best goalscorer in the world, but I don't consider him to be an amazing all-round talent. His finishing skills are phenomenal, his positioning is immaculate, I will not argue with that. But can he create his own goals? Not often. Can he create opportunities for others? Not really. That is why I put in players like Totti, Raul and Tristan ahead of him. Because as far as overall ability is concerned, I believe they are superior.

Where is David Beckham in the list, Ruud Van Nistelrooj or Trezeguet? I think someone needs to watch more football matches in order to pick the best 10 than you. Do you know soccer Pedro? Please answer this.
-- Sas, Boston

Sas, I don't believe there are too many people who watch more football matches than me. I have to tell you that every time a decent game is on, I can be found in front of my television absorbing it. If I know football (soccer)? I think I know it quite well since I have been passionate about it all my life and have covered it for a few years. But then again, everything is relative, isn't it? About Beckham, he is a great crosser of the ball and a sublime free-kick taker, but I don't think he can take over a game. That is what makes a great player. Van Nistelrooy and Trezeguet? Excellent strikers, but I would put Vieri ahead of them and I explain above why the Italian was not on my list.

Why have you not at least listed a player like Andriy Shevchenko in Del Piero's place? Another player who I feel should have made it in the top 10 is Javier Saviola, the little dynamite from Argentina.
--Siphiwe, Johannesburg

Shevchenko and Saviola are both quite impressive. However, they rely too much on pace. Don't get me wrong, I believe they are world class strikers, but they still need to refine their skills. They have a long way to go before they can consistantly change the course of a game like Del Piero has done throughout much of his career.

Where's the defense in your list? What about Alessandro Nesta or Rio Ferdinand? Roberto Carlos seems like an alibi-pick, because his offensive skills are much higher. And why doesn't this list include Michael Ballack? He is one of the most intelligent players in the game right now. Very strong on defense, he's also a permanent threat on the Bayern-attack. I would rather pick Ballack than Totti.
-- Vincent, Paris

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I picked Roberto Carlos because he can attack "and" defend. There have not been too many defenders who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch. In his prime, Maldini could do this, so could Hierro, even Koeman. One moment, they would be making a breathtaking tackle, the next they could send a perfect ball downfield, starting a counter attack. Ferdinand has the potential to do this, Chivu (Ajax) is another defender who can turn into that type of player. Nesta? He is an impressive tackler and reader of the game, but I don't see him as a constructor of play. As far as Ballack is concerned, he enjoyed a stellar season with Leverkusen last year, but has yet to hit his stride with Bayern. I have no doubt that he will find his best form again and then I can put him on my top 10 list.

Why are there no English players in your top 10? I don't remember Italy or France getting very far in the World Cup. Thierry Henry is not a complete striker and he has no idea how to head the ball. Roberto Carlos can't defend. Tristan?? Where did you get that from! Del Piero -- past it!
-- Wafic Nsouli, London

The reason why France did not make it far in the World Cup was because their best players were exhausted, Zidane was injured, and Roger Lamerre insisted on using the same tactical scheme even when it wasn't working. A similar case happened in the Italy camp, where Giovanni Trapattoni refused to play Totti and Del Piero together and deployed only one striker. Why no English players? Because I don't see one player from England who is worthy of being on that list. I already talked about Beckham. Owen? Overrated. He is extremely fast but misses too many chances and is not yet a complete forward. Ferdinand? Not yet the finished article. Actually, I think the best English player is Steven Gerrard. He can pass, shoot, dribble, tackle and leave his mark on a game. If he continues to develop, he will be the one everyone should watch out for.

Pedro, how can you not include Pavel Nedved in your top 10? He has been one of the most dangerous players to play the game for several years now. Nedved approaches the game with pure adrenaline. He enjoys doing the midfield dirty work by winning balls, he retreats at will to defend, and most important he can score from anywhere on the field. You make comments about Zidane's scoring feats, they don't compare to Nedved. Oh and by the way, Juventus is winning with Nedved, not Zidane!
-- Gash, NYC

Nedved is having his best season ever with Juve right now. While Del Piero was injured, the Czech proved that he can be nearly as good as the Italian midfield maestro, But let's wait and see if he can put in these kind of world class displays consistantly. If we can compare Nedved with Zidane? I don't think so. Zizou has proven time and time again that when he wants he can decide a game. He has won the World Cup, European Championship, European Cup, Italian league and will probably win the Spanish league soon as well.

 

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