Yes, Figo has better peak and Giggs had better longevity and consistency. I also feel Giggs was underrated. He seemed to be overshadowed by his Man Utd teammates. He was better than Beckham, but Beckham got the spotlight when they won the triple. The same applied to Ronaldo when they took the CL.
I think that Figo had enough world class seasons to be a consistent player in a top level. So, i'd give advantadge to Giggs only in longevity, imo. Considering only these 3 criterias, Figo get the edge. And that's without considering NT career, individual awards and maybe skillset.
Yes Figo got like 5 top seasons, and his peak were just better than Giggs (best peak). Giggs had been consistently at good to very good level for 10years. But never has he made a "wow" season (>8.5 rating per se) Figo got the edge surely ... for that (besides his advantage in Euro2000 and 04)
FIgo was a starter for Barcelona and Real Madrid for about 10 seasons in total. He had to have more than just 5 top seasons.
Read well I said TOP seasons or Worldclass years (or so). Reiziger, Gary Neville ... were all starter for years at Barca, ManU but howmany "top" seasons they got there?
They weren't even consider for player of the year. Defenders don't get any credit though so unfair comparison.
not really, Roberto Carlos, Maldini, Thuram, Desailly, Baresi ... were all great players and indeed were in TOP10 best player of the year in his prime (Maldini, Carlos were in Top3-5 a few times) Not even counted a "lucky" Canavaro won ballon Dor + WOPY in 2006!