[usain2010]

To be an all time great, you have to stand the test of time. An all time great is like a legend among legends. Very few players can achieve such when it matlegendary status. Not only must you posess uncanny ability but also perform when it matters. Who will be the next crop of all time greats. Who will people mention from this generation 50 years plus from now... for whenever the game is continued to be played.
* When you list someone you need to mention their credentials and key performances.

FW:Ronaldo- 4 goals in World Cup 1998, and 8 goals in World Cup 2002, which is a total of 12 goals in World Cup play so far... amazing goal record in club play apparently according to my calculations Ronaldo has a greater than .8 strike rate average after playing for around a decade in the game... he is unstoppable when his knee doesnt bother him!
MF: Zidane... will be remembered for his play at WC 98 and Euro 2000... has played for Juventus at their height and plays for Real Madrid who seemingly have been dominating UEFA Champions League play for the past 4 seasons or so... simply the best!
DF:Maldini- has won everything at club level... has started for milan for as long as i have been alive... has played and started in many world cup games... an amazing defender who just seems almost impossible to get past when he is at his best... However Italy's performance at 2002 world cup could count against him...

[Knave]

This is a tad off topic here. I'll move it to The Beautiful Game board. That's really the place for this discussion.

Check the FIFA & Tournaments board FAQ or PM me with questions.

[Doctor Stamen]

Damien Duff has an outside chance, despite being from an unglamourous country (Ireland).

[jd2084]

Originally posted by Doctor Stamen
Damien Duff has an outside chance, despite being from an unglamourous country (Ireland).

If I'm not mistaken isn't Duff 22 or 23 years old? Although he does have a chance to be that good, I would pick a different young player - Michael Owen.

His performances in the big games is legendary:

Goal in '98 WC
'01 FA Cup Final
WC Qualifying vs. Germany
UEFA Cup

[Doctor Stamen]

Yes he is of that age, but Owen is constantly injured, as is Ronaldo. A better choice may be Van Niistlerooy.

[Leto]

Van Nistelrooy's only had one good season at the very top level (phenomenal scoring record with PSV, but by that going then Henrik Larsson's place in legend is secured). He's definately one of the best strikers in the world right now, but a legend? Not yet.

[toot86]

Ronaldo isnt the best... He plays with brazil how hard is it going to be to score with brazil.. You got millions of options thrown at you.. To be the best with brazil you have to atleast get 5 goals per game because thats how many chances you get to score ... Its the same with Pele Mostly every forward playing for brazil will get goals its the easiest thing they give you soo much space to shoot.. They midfielders help the forwards soo much that they only have to be in a good position and place kick it good... The goals Ronaldo got werent of high tecnique he was just there at the right time and he hit the ball at the corner..But Ronaldo might be a good forward but he is over hyped.. Christian Veri is much better then him because he plays with Italy wich is the most defensive team ever!

[BrianCappellieri]

Originally posted by toot86
Ronaldo isnt the best... He plays with brazil how hard is it going to be to score with brazil..

Another classic Toot post.

Don't you think it means something to make the Brazilian national team? To be considered the best player in the world by many and win awards? To win a World Cup? You're such an idiot Toot.

[Doctor Stamen]

If Ronaldo hadn't have had all those injuries, he'd obviously be a much better player than he is now, and would definately be a legend.

If Beckham reproduced the sort of form in the WC qualifiers (e.g. against Greece) in the WC itself, he could have been considered.

Shearer did OK in an average England team, and was nothing short of majestic prior to that pre-season knee injury whilst at Newcastle.

All the above would probably be considered 'very good' players by the time they retire, rather than out-and-out legends like Pele, Moore or Yashin.

[Naco]

Originally posted by usain2010
To be an all time great, you have to stand the test of time. An all time great is like a legend among legends. Very few players can achieve such when it matlegendary status. Not only must you posess uncanny ability but also perform when it matters. Who will be the next crop of all time greats. Who will people mention from this generation 50 years plus from now... for whenever the game is continued to be played.
* When you list someone you need to mention their credentials and key performances.

FW:Ronaldo- 4 goals in World Cup 1998, and 8 goals in World Cup 2002, which is a total of 12 goals in World Cup play so far... amazing goal record in club play apparently according to my calculations Ronaldo has a greater than .8 strike rate average after playing for around a decade in the game... he is unstoppable when his knee doesnt bother him!
MF: Zidane... will be remembered for his play at WC 98 and Euro 2000... has played for Juventus at their height and plays for Real Madrid who seemingly have been dominating UEFA Champions League play for the past 4 seasons or so... simply the best!
DF:Maldini- has won everything at club level... has started for milan for as long as i have been alive... has played and started in many world cup games... an amazing defender who just seems almost impossible to get past when he is at his best... However Italy's performance at 2002 world cup could count against him...

In my opinion, 2 of these three (Zidane and Maldini) already are All-Time greats.

Sean