Although I did read an article in the Mundo Deportivo edition of Jan of 1984, which was in regards to Maradona, but this is what it said: "Maradona is the current best player in Spanish league football, and possibly the number 1 in the world, although in this case there are some managers that may incline themselves in favor for Zico, Rummenigge or Falcao." The author was J.J. Castillo. So perhaps Rummenigge was still seen as one of the very best. I know he was alongside Platini and Maradona the top-3 stars going into WC86, according to El Grafico. But yes, he had suffered some setbacks with injuries during those years.
I checked it and the average rating of kicker also declined past 1982 - they do not rate him as 'world class' in those years too. They do so at same phases between 1978 and 1982. It is correct I believe that some still thought that he was one of the very best at times, esp. when he made a spectacular goal. He made many spectacular goals I think. His sense for timing was praised in particular. A bit pity that he is now just as Platini an annoying football official
Vegan - I think their on-field intelligence, between Maradona and Zico, is pretty much equal. The difference was Maradona's desire, he would do just about anything to make his team win, whereas I think Zico could be more prone to giving up.
Also interesting is another article, but this time with Menotti in October of 1983. He said: “There’s no doubt that Maradona is the number 1 in the world, at his level there’s no one, but the only guy that comes close is Rummenigge. He and Diego are the only guys that can win a game on their own. Zico? He’s a great player but he doesn’t reach their level. There’s a difference that can’t be explained. It’s like the distinction that I make between a great player like Di Stefano and a genius like Pele. Pele would surprise you spontaneously every day with a new play. Just like Maradona.” So there must have been a reason that Rummenigge was hailed so high during those years.
That is something that I'm not in any position to argue. But how did you conclude that they were 'pretty much equal'?
It makes it peculiar that he is edged out by Simonsen, Dalglish and fellow countryman Magath in that year in the Ballon d'Or ranking as well as his declining rating.
On the other hand, by June of 1984, Platini would be on top, leaving Maradona, Zico and Rummenigge in his wake for the number 1 spot in the world, according to Mundo Deportivo.
What I do know by reading Mundo Deportivo, is that by June of 1984, it was said that Rummenigge had lost some speed.
I watched the friendly game england vs argentina recently from 1980, the english commentator refered to maradona as the best player in the world and specifically mentioned him being the best player from south america as well, so the english perspective seemed to be that maradona was better than zico at that time. After the game the times dedicated a section of their paper outside the sports pages to maradona and claimed that "about once in 20 years, a footballer of genius emerges. The last was Pelé, the great Brazilian player. Now there is another—Diego Maradona of Argentina" so, they didnt think much of cruyff then
http://si.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1123512/index.htm during the game maradonas skill recieved a round of applause from the wembley crowd about 4/5 times iirc
England always had a fractious relationship with him. Before the 1974WC the English were very sceptical about him and the Dutch game in general. With things like 'if he had played in the English league then he would have had it more difficult to win European Cups' or 'you cannot run the show in England'. Sometimes I think that being a descendent of an South-American country is a big advantage for your status because it provides some beneficial distance. The link you provided, of sports illustrated, has one big fail: Idiotic mistake.
It's tough to compare them because when Maradona hit his prime (84 onwards), Zico was already past it. In 82 Zico was already 29. He went to Italy with 30. So any memories of him from that time frame is not going to be of a player who is very fast as he probably had lost some of his speed. I don't think Zico was any less intelligent than Maradona. Zico was a very intelligent player with a wide array of skills. His passing was amazing ... short and long range. I think in that aspect they were equal. Maradona definitely had more "magical" skills and his close ball control/dribbling were superior which is what put him above Zico. Maradona also proved to be more clutch in the big moments. And it's another reason why he is considered superior.
Totally agree with you ... In term of pure ball control and footwork, Maradona was slightly better than Zico , but NOT necessary in playmaking and intelligence per se.
Here is a video of a 23 years old Zico It is true, most of the times people think about the 1980s Zico but he was already 27+ years old back then.
It’s the awards and the hoopla that gives the impression that he was at his best from 1977-1983. I've even heard some people on past forums say that he blossomed late. But without the reports of that time in Brazil, I cannot say.
Thanks. I had never read that one. But it coincides with all of the reports that I possess and remember from those years between 1979-1982.
Zico won the Bola de Prata already back in 1974, meaning he was the highest rated player by Placar magzine in that year. Do you know why he wasn't choosen for '74 and suffered limited playtime in '78?