...Totti? Goals/game not the best but he was more creator than scorer early in his carrer and he did win a golden boot (while missing 6 or so penalties). Not the best from dead balls but has scored some beauties. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7xCtX_6j2Y"]Il gol piu bello di Totti - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwvEa5FLx8k"]totti vs tutti (totti vs everybody) - YouTube[/ame]
W/the likes of Gerrard, "Le Tiss" & Lampard being talked about, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Sir Bobby Charlton. Some of the distances and angles that he ripped the ball in the net from were just insane and he was an incredibly accurate and powerful striker of the ball w/either foot. I'll try and post some vids of him in action on a pitch if I get a chance...
Haan was for 1978 WC playing in midfield, his natural position. And he wore number 9 (like Bobby Charlton ). At 1974 he was an emergency libero and actually almost scored. See this: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=25066441&postcount=171 For example.
[Thanks for the info, mate, & speaking of Charlton, here's some vids that include him knocking the leather off of the ball: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1EhM1rKdlg&feature=related"]Bobby Charlton - Best Goals - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV17JKKOeiA&feature=fvwrel"]Sir Bobby Charlton - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa37tQUTVNg&feature=related"]Sir Bobby Charlton Tribute - Forever A Babe - YouTube[/ame] I hope that you find the info & the vids helpful...]
Mr. Roy, You described Charlton as an inside-forward of nature (I knew that) but what kind of IF was he according to you? He was, as you point out, quite deadly with his feet but did also his part of defensive work. I saw him doing that in some matches at least.
[This is probably the best 1st step in answering this question since the information is already out there: There's a book by Jimmy Murphy called "Matt, Utd. & Me" where Murphy goes into a fair amount of depth about which types of I-F that Charlton lined-up as throughout his playing career. Have you ever read or even heard of this book, "Puck"? As an aside here, my apologies to any who might think that I'm trying to take this thread off-track in advance...]
I think it is this? http://manutdnetwork.com/group/murphysbar/forum/topics/matt-united-and-me-by-jimmy Yes, I've seen it coming by but it is a bit confusing for me... I read that he was used as winger, deep lying centre-forward and inside-foward in the Di Stefano mould...
[Essentially, the term "flying column" winger is a quote straight from the mouth of legendary manager Herbert Chapman in how he wanted his wingers to approach their roles right out of the so-called "Arsenal Plan". This is one of the best profiles of Chapman on the web and for me to try and explain "Arsenal Plan"-mould wingers to you would simply be duplicating what the author(s) already both originally wrote and quoted. There's loads of great info here on the original labelling of the concept of "defence-in-depth", "three-pass raids", "conventional"-type inside-forwards (conventional-type = orthodox I-F) v. roving inside-forwards, etc. In short, it should be "right up yer alley", mate: http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/ARSENALchapman.htm If you can, follow the links to profiles of the other players and personalities that were involved w/Arsenal FC back in those days because there should be more info of the nature that you're looking for...]
Thank again, It seems indeed that these types of wingers were utilized to score goals. I was also thinking about the deep lying type of inside-fowards. That is basically how the Italians used their IF's isn't it?
Rainer Bonhof deserves a mention. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b95oSNIfrzw"]Rainer Bonhof vs Ray Clemence ... Part 2 - YouTube[/ame]
[Bonhof most DEFINITELY deserves a mention in this category IMHO: I can't believe that I didn't think of him as well, mate. It must be senility finally creeping up on me... & ]
Ronaldo Fenomeno is the most accurate shooter I have seen. He was not the most powerful shooter although he was not a weak shooter either but, in terms of accuracy, he was the best. He never lost his accuracy even after his devastating injuries and that was the reason he remained a very important player and went on to play for Real Madrid and finally with Corinthians where his accuracy contributed to the success of the team even though he was not in good physical shape.
Another oldster springing to mind might be Peter Lorimer. Back in the day considered to be the player with the hardest shot.
The all-time topscorer among the defenders deserve a note. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq-HhVwFKfM"]Barça Dream Team's Bomber ''Ronald Koeman'' by cenkfigo10 - YouTube[/ame] At his best, he could shoot 110-120 km/h. Especially in his time at PSV when he played at mid-field when Gullit was the libero. Unfortunately no long distance shots on youtube from that era.
among all DEFENDERS: Koeman was surely the BEST SHOOTER, 2nd BEST FREEKICKER (behind Mijailovic) and BEST PENALTY-KICKER R.Carlos was the most "powerful" shooter (history) with >140km/hr
Funnily, he missed a penalty in the vs 1984 Feyenoord game video I recently posted, if you remember. It is as always difficult to say who is the best in something but his PK-taking was certainly one of his best qualities, together with his long-range passing. Koeman has by the way received some high decorations so his career is appreciated. Besides Koeman, also Ludo Coeck of Belgium was noted for his shot. These examples are on youtube: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zws-xl_UTD0"]Ludo Coeck goal tegen El Salvador - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5iNWrFfqA0"]Ludo Coeck scoort onvergetelijke goal tegen DDR in 1983 - YouTube[/ame] http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=DhnjaAZIf04#t=116s