Most Influential Footballer

From Manchester, 23 posts

Who has been the most influential footballer ever?

6 posts

I cant speak of the most influential player 'ever' as I am 18 and never been that much into football to make such a strong a arguement on this.
However, I can speak of the most influential player for me growing up... Roy Keane.

In terms of ability, Roy wasn't the best player; but in terms of influence I think he was.
I feel he did well in Man U due to his real determination... In my opinion he had good knowledge of the game and he's very strong-minded.

I remember Sir Alex always looking up to him and find that aspect in a player a key point as I think that most managers want to see themselves on the pitch, and with Keane that happened.
While surrounded by more naturally gifted talents (Cantona, Giggs...) during his time at Old Trafford, Keane's determination seemed to excell...
Which in my opinion makes Roy Keane the most influential player, not ever... but deffinatly for me!

From Manchester, 163 posts

Now there is a question with a million possible answers

It's a difficult one to answer, I guess it is mostly dependent on your age and which team you have watched the most in your lifetime. As a 23 year old United fan, my shortlist would include Schmeichel, Bruce, Robson, Cantona and Keane. Keane and Robson in similiar ways, hard tackling centre midfielders who wouldn't think twice about giving you an earful if you made a mistake. The sheer presence of Cantona in the side was enough to influence the young lads who played with him at the time achieve a lot of success, so for that reason I think I'd say Eric

From a personal point of view however, as a kid growing up I started to become a serious football fan at a similar time that Beckham and Scholes were becoming serious first team footballers, they are the two footballers that I have admired the most over the years, for their enthusiasm and their professionalism more so than their ability, which is also top class.

I think if you look at the bigger picture though, it would be hard to argue against Terry Butcher. Although I cant really remember seeing him play due to my age I think he would be a lot of people's choice. Duncan Edwards also had a huge physical presence, so tragic that he perished in the aftermath of Munich otherwise England and United may of had more success in his generation. He would certainly of been a world cup winner in '66, and quite possibly would of played in the place of Bobby Moore. And whilst on the subject lets not forget Byrne, captain of the babes

told ya it was a difficult question

From On A Hot Tin Roof, 221 posts

that's a real tricky question, I watched Maradona win a couple of Schudetto's with Napoli and I have to say he was pretty influential, Cantona was crucial Man U also, he ensured Man U where just that bit better than anyone else for a period.