As the football world marks what would have been George Best’s 80th birthday, those who watched him still talk about the Northern Irish legend in hushed, almost mythical tones.
Best dazzled in the 1960s for Manchester United and Northern Ireland with skills that transcended his era. Teammate Sammy McIlroy, who played alongside him, compares him to Lionel Messi for his dribbling, creativity, and ability to score and create. But Best did it on heavy pitches against defenders who weren’t afraid to dish out rough treatment.
McIlroy remembers watching a teenage Best put on a “one-man show” against Scotland that inspired his own career. Best wasn’t just naturally gifted – he was fiercely competitive in training and looked out for young Northern Irish players coming to England.
Here are five standout reasons why Best is still considered one of the greatest:
- Superb finisher: That delicate lob against Tottenham, beating defenders on the line.
- Brilliant balance: Staying on his feet after a brutal challenge from Ron Harris to score against Chelsea.
- Blistering pace: Taking on multiple defenders and slotting home from distance against Sheffield United.
- Big-game player: His iconic goal in the 1968 European Cup final against Benfica.
- Dribbling mastery: Turning defenders inside out, including Bobby Moore, before smashing one home.
Best’s legacy reminds us of a time when pure talent and fearlessness lit up the game.
Discussion about this post