I can make a start on the World Cup ones, with games from the 50s and 60s.... As with European Cup games, it is just a selection of them which are assessed (even in later years where more footage of games exists of course - so I'm showing any grade of 7.5 or above but only from games they have looked at so potentially they'd award a decent amount more of them in World Cup games overall - the list of France Football grades of 6 out of 6 is different for example because all games are rated so it's just a case of making sure not to miss any; on the other hand I think all players in these games are considered even if only a selection receive a grade and description (more than just the ones with 7.5+ which I'm highlighting but far from all the players on the pitch) - I think anyone that they deemed to be worth 7.5 or above would probably get one). Hungary vs Uruguay 1954: Kocsis 8 - you need the assist for the first goal and in the second overtime stands as a great protagonist, stamping the decisive brace and removing Hungary from hindrances. On a technical level, there are likely to be comrades who are more gifted than him. But on that of effectiveness it has very few equals. Hohberg 8 - scores two goals of cunning and class, hits the post with another incredible stone, is a constant threat to the Hungarian defense. Hero of this semifinal. Schiaffino 8 - fantastic in reading the game, his duets with Hohberg put the resistance of the Hungarian defense to a severe test. In a couple of circumstances it also goes close to personal marking, but the appointment is missing a little due to bad luck and a little because of a not very precise aim. Hidegkuti 7.5 - always in the thick of the game. Score a nice goal for timing and opportunism, touches a couple more at the end of plays of excellent workmanship. He is confirmed as a very complete striker, skilled with both feet, very good at dictating the timing of the action and in the final phase. Budai 7.5 - decisive in the Hungarian success. On the right side he does what he wants and brushes several crosses to kiss: on two of these, Hidegkuti and Kocsis are ready for the winning thrust West Germany vs Hungary 1954: Turek 8.5 - he is the real “miracle of Bern”. The Hungarians attack and attack, as usual, but they hit a wall. He messes about Czibor's goal that gives Hungary the momentary 2-0, then becomes the absolute protagonist: saves and rejected of all kinds, at least three interventions at the limits of the supernatural. A day worth a career, a performance worth a world title. Rahn 7.5 - double in the world final, together with Turek is the great protagonist of the success. On the first goal he is brave to pounce on Fritz Walter's cross that catches the Hungarian defense unprepared. On the third and decisive, he shows what class he is made of: cold in control and dribbling, quick in shooting, where Grosics cannot reach. Little Kaiser Brazil vs France 1958: Pele 8.5 - two goals of robbery and cunning, one of the purest class. But the best action is perhaps the one in the 21st minute of the second half, when he overtakes a French defender with a catlike sprint, draws two more on the left side of the area, then unmarks Garrincha on the opposite side with a shot from the outside. All at an impressive speed. It doesn't seem to make continuity a strong point, but when it decides to make a difference, it rises one level above all the others. Didi 8 - he plays an all-out game, dictates the times to the team with surgical precision, intelligent and never exaggerated in his plays, touches a sea of balls and very few are wrong. And then the 2-1 goal is a real marvel, a ground-to-air torpedo that goes out in the “seven” making the desperate dive of the French goalkeeper useless. Sweden vs Brazil 1958: Pele 8.5 - some excess due to youth, a couple of mistakes, but it turns out to be the trump card of the Brazilians. At just 18, he shows numbers that no other of the 22 on the field would even dare to imagine. He hits a post from the edge after a half-height shot of inhuman strength. Score a goal - that of the 3-1 - masterpiece, with a lob on the defender and an impregnable conclusion in the corner (in the first half he gives life to another similar play, with the ball just out). He finds the brace in the 90th minute at the end of a highly intelligent play: after being unloaded in Zagalo, he is very good at entering without the ball and dictating the passage to his teammate. In short, it is already O Rey, in all respects. Zagallo 7.5 - if there were no Pele, probably the palm of "man of the match" we should assign it to him. He does not have the flashes of Garrincha on the other wing, he almost never goes to the bottom and seldom seeks dribbling effect, but he plays with the tactical intelligence of a true master (it is perhaps no coincidence that he will also become a very successful coach). A goal and an assist, he dominates the left-handed wing with his mere presence. Garrincha 7.5 - always looking for the same number, aiming the direct opponent on the outside, but the move yields two easy goals from Vava and a couple of other dangers. Launched at speed, it proves to be a tremendous weapon, impossible to contain. A real puzzle for the Swedish defense. In a few games on the site only the best players from each team are chosen, without a grade - normally I think the grades would not have been especially high, but I'll insert here what they say for Brazil vs Mexico 1962, as potentially Pele's grade might have been, and it's interesting to see what is said anyway THE BEST Pelé (Brazil): the Mexican commentator calls him “the master of masters”. He scores a wonderful goal, offers 1-0 to Zagalo on a silver platter, hits a crossbar, calls Carbajal to other important interventions and, more generally, starts all the dangerous actions of Brazil. It seems even more mature and complete, in some ways, compared to '58 when he enchanted the world with superfine plays. Carbajal (Mexico): a good impression in Mexico is aroused by the midfielder Reyes and the right winger Del Aguila, but the palm of the best goes in our opinion to the goalkeeper, in his fourth world championship and capable of foiling numerous pitfalls. Brazil vs England 1962: Garrincha 8.5 - we had never seen him at this level. Without Pele, it is he who carries his teammates on his shoulders and guides them weightlessly over the England obstacle. He proves he knows how to do everything: he is not just a right wing with a deadly start and an irresistible feint, but a complete champion, who focuses, serves brilliant assists, scores in every way. The real difference between Brazil and England is him Brazil vs Chile 1962: Garrincha 7.5 - half a vote less only for the final expulsion, in which he loses his head a little and gets thrown out. For the rest, he bites Chile on the jugular, extracting two fabulous nets from the hat, for power and class. We also need the assist for Vava's third goal and overall confirms that he is going through a truly sensational moment. He is definitely more complete and dominant than in the '58 World Cup, in which he seemed devastating only on his level of competence. England vs Mexico 1966: Bobby Charlton 8 - Okay, Mexico was not such a convincing opponent, but his performance is absolutely dominant. Build a wonderful network, one of the most beautiful in World Cup history, with a ground-to-air torpedo from outside. He sews the game continuously, proposing himself in every area of the pitch. Start the double action. Perhaps on a stylistic level he concedes something, but as a weight on the field few have been greater than him. West Germany vs Switzerland 1966: Beckenbauer 8 - at 21 he is already a phenomenon. Power, style, dribbling, ballistic skills: a total, unique midfielder. Two goals scored after Alberto Tomba-style slalom, two more missed and a constant presence in every area of the pitch. Haller 7.5 - pure genius, the least German of the Germans. Double for him too. The first net, in particular, is a pearl with a fantastic centerfire. Also participates in Beckenbauer's first goal. Overath 7.5 - the director of the game, sews the threads of the maneuver with an absolute quality, paints football for 90 minutes. Certain long-range apertures are a feast for the eyes. He hits the crossbar with a crazy shot from outside the box. West Germany vs Spain 1966: Iribar 7.5 - if Spain caresses the possibility of a sensational qualification against one of the favorites up to 5 'from the end, the merit is his. Fantastic in low exits, he makes several desperate saves, demonstrating extraordinary reflexes. Brazil vs Bulgaria 1966: Pele 8 - he is now the designated leader of a Brazil that has lost the brilliance and champions of four years earlier. The game is slow and boring, he is the only one able to turn on the light: brilliant assists to teammates who waste, accelerations and burning shots, a strong goal and another close after a personal action from the film library. Hungary vs Brazil 1966: Albert 7.5 - does not score, but makes the audience score and delight. When it starts in progression it is unstoppable. Elegant, he always plays ball on the ground and shows a clear vision of the game. Bene 7.5 - a thorn in the side of the Brazilian defense. He puts his foot in all the most dangerous actions of the Magyars: he scores the 1-0, he offers the ball for doubling to Farkas, he gets the penalty of 3-1, he drives Paulo Henrique crazy, he misses the goal of 4-1 with a comfortable header. Garrincha looks like him. Portugal vs Brazil 1966: Eusebio 8 - two goals, burning accelerations, power and elegance. Impossible to take the ball away from him, when he starts at speed he sows panic. He has a hand in all of Portugal's most dangerous actions. Monstrous performance. Italy vs Chile 1966: Barison 7.5 - indomitable fighter, plays on the bank, favors the insertions of his teammates, fully engages the Chilean defense and leaves his mark when it counts: first with the assist for Mazzola's 1-0 and then with the splendid 2-0 goal. North Korea vs Italy 1966: Pak Doo Ik 7.5 - a historic goal that delivers him directly into the myth. The running diagonal with which he strikes Albertosi is splendid, condemns Italy to a sensational elimination and gives his team a surprising qualification to the quarter-finals. His cues in speed repeatedly put the static blue defense in crisis. Portugal vs North Korea 1966: Eusebio 10 - impossible to describe in words what he was able to do in this match. He scored 4 goals, two from a penalty and two with cannon shots in the running, he obtained one of the penalties after a start in extraordinary speed starting from behind the midfield and the other after catching Torres in the area with a brilliant touch. He beats the corner from which the fifth goal comes. Initiates the majority of offensive actions of his own. Goes to take throw-ins and set pieces. He touches other goals, gives life to other burning accelerations and churns out assists in a continuous stream. From another planet West Germany vs Uruguay 1966: Haller 7.5 - always in the heart of the game, he crowns a memorable day with a brace. On the first goal he accidentally deflects Held's shot from outside into the net; on the second he takes advantage of an error by a defender. Close to the personal trio in the final Tilkowski 7.5 - if West Germany keeps the clean sheet, it's his credit. In the first 20 minutes he makes a series of saves that will leave you speechless. At least as decisive as the attacking companions. Beckenbauer 7.5 - he allows himself long breaks, but in the times when he lights up he inflames the game with extraordinary plays. As always, his forehand accelerations are fabulous, as is his long-range shot. The goal in slalom was splendid. USSR vs Hungary 1966: Yashin 7.5 - always confident, careful, sluggish Magyar attempts and in the end he makes a simply prodigious save by removing a very poisonous free-kick from Sipos from the corner. England vs Portugal 1966: Bobby Charlton 8 - two goals, a permanent presence in the game at all levels and in every area of the pitch, takes England by the hand and takes them to the final. The Portuguese commentators call his match "Charlton's best in this tournament". England vs West Germany 1966: Hurst 8 - He is the only one in history to score three goals in a world final. He is the classic buoy center forward, strong in the head and physically, more rough on the technical level. He does not participate much in the maneuver and shows himself with the dropper, but when he does he leaves his mark: a header, a robbery and the third after a long gallop. It's his day of glory Ball 7.5 - after a first half as supporting actor, in the second half and in extra time he becomes absolutely unstoppable for the German defense, drives the feared Schnellinger mad and puts a hand in all the most important England actions . Moore 7.5 - in defense is a dragon: Emmerich stops launched at the net with an extraordinary tackle and closes every gap with incredible timeliness. But he does not just play in his own half: he is the first playmaker of the team in possession and climbs often to support the attacking action. Crown an all-round performance with two assists for the first and fourth goals.
It is because of a lack of reviewed games basically. If they had included the game vs Bayern of 94/95 (as one prime example that comes to mind) I think some, probably several, of their players would be getting 7.5 or above. The collection of games becomes a bit more sparse in general during the 90s, and doesn't continue into the new century (except for a few new games as mentioned, from recent times).
Okay, yeah I see. Would have thought Rijkaard gets a 7.5 for one of his three Milan games (considering his 'name' and 'past', the winning assist and other grades as well) but they only reviewed the final match. 80 - Frank Rijkaard attempted more passes (80, 71 successful) and had a higher duel success percentage (84.6% – 11/13) than any other player during the 1995 Champions League final. Leader. #Ajax95Final pic.twitter.com/bJdpAFo13Z— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) May 24, 2020 https://gameofgoals.it/2020/03/19/1995-finale-ajax-milan-1-0.html Find the grade Cruijff received for his Nuremberg game also on the low end compared to his other grades, but fair enough. It is of course not always the same author. P.S. very good game by Van Dijk and De Ligt (replacing the injured De Vrij) yesterday in the decisive Norway match! My MOTM, and other posters in the thread apparently saw the same. edit: the descriptions are fine like you say
To give however an opposite example, a 7 for Ronaldo here and a 7.5 for his opposing defender (in an improvisational defense) also feels somewhat wrong: https://gameofgoals.it/2016/02/19/1998-semifinali-brasile-olanda-5-3-dr-1-1.html
Continuing with 70s and 80s World Cup games (at some point I'll add 90s and early 00s ones which is far as it goes, and then there are still some others from Libertadores games for example and the recent ones - there aren't any for Euros games except for Euro 2020 though).... Like I say, not all game are covered by any means, but of course there are some others I'm not listing because there aren't any 7.5+ grades awarded - check the site to see those and the full write-ups for the reviewed games obviously. Brazil vs Czechoslovakia 1970: Pele 8 - compared to the triumphs of '58 and '62 he seems less attacking and more midfielder across the board. He finishes and concludes with the same, unparalleled, mastery and becomes the protagonist of some plays that others can only imagine, such as some assists in a poke, or the pearl of that lob from the first half of the field finished at the side of very little. Immense, as expected Gerson 7.5 - in the 1966 World Cup we had already glimpsed him, he seemed a bit shy and not always in the nursery of the game. Four years later he really appears transformed: two throws with the protractor for the goals of Pele and Jairzinho, an amazing outside pole, a flood of balls always touched in the interest of his teammates. Jairzinho 7.5 - Sometimes he makes trivial mistakes. Others fall excessively in love with the ball. But when it comes on it is simply unstoppable. He grows a lot in the second half, when he scores a designer brace: the second goal, in particular, is a pearl of rare beauty. Brazil vs England 1970: Moore 7.5 - Absolutely fantastic. He organized the rearguard with class and leadership, very good at doubling down on the feared Brazilian strikers, unsurpassed in one-on-one (see that textbook intervention on Jairzinho). Defender of the purest class. Brazil vs Romania 1970: Jairzinho 7.5 - a goal of cunning, starts the action of the third goal with a cross of fine workmanship, drives the Romanian full-back Mocanu crazy and is always a thorn in the opponent's side. Garrincha's heir, in all respects. West Germany vs Bulgaria 1970: Libuda 8 - a return, simply irrepressible on the right wing. Score a goal with the complicity of Simeonov, get a penalty and need two assists to kiss. Day of grace, every ball he touches becomes gold. Beckenbauer 8 - devastating performance, when it starts in central acceleration it is an impossible fury to contain. He adds a vision of the game, elegance, dynamism and recovered balls. He comes out mid-shot to applause. A monument. Muller 7.5 - three goals and an assist: what more could you want? It exposes all the technical and positioning limitations of the Bulgarian defenders. West Germany vs Peru 1970: Muller 7.5 - a sentence. He touches a few balls, but in the area he does not miss a shot. He scores three heist goals and they could have been more had it not been for Rubinos' saves. Brazil vs Peru 1970: Rivelino 8.5 - Peruvian nightmare number one is him. He proves he can really do everything: he lends a hand in front of the defense, lights up the game with openings and throws as precise as a clock, sows panic on the left wing with dribbling and drunken feints, scores a great goal and scores two more. Regal. Tostao 7.5 - finally! After three performances that are anything but unforgettable in the group, he unlocks himself by scoring two goals (the first of cunning, the second of opportunism) and demonstrating that he can speak the same football language as his teammates. Some memorable duets in speed with Rivelino and Pele and a personal action, which Rubinos foiled at the last minute Pele 7.5 - part in full, hits two poles in the first half, but does not find the goal. In the second half, he sends Tostao on the net and starts the fourth goal, acting more as a director than as a raider. Compared to '58 he seems less hungry and more inclined to refine the collective maneuver. West Germany vs England 1970: Beckenbauer 7.5 - he is the fulcrum of the German game, as well as the soul of the comeback. Play between the defensive line and the midfield. He gives Overath a hand in the direction of the game, misses very few balls and sorts a lot of them. He has a tendency to play at a low pace, but when he accelerates he hurts very badly: he scores a good goal (with the complicity of Bonetti), touches a second after a sumptuous triangle with Muller which is the best action of the match; and a third with a stone that Bonetti deflects for a corner. In the final, exhausted, he gets along even as a pure defender. Business suit. Mexico vs Italy 1970: Rivera 8 - enter and change the game with a series of high quality plays. Riva's two goals were born from his feet, he made the 2-1 after a stubborn personal action, sent several teammates into goal with illuminating and unmarking touches. Sumptuous. Riva 7.5 - the Mexican defense limits him quite well, but in the end he is right: two goals and an assist for Rivera. Effective. Albertosi 7.5 - if Italy maintains the draw in the first half and does not recover at the key moment, it owes it almost exclusively to him: he makes at least three extraordinary interventions. Goalkeeper perhaps a little underestimated, but formidable. Italy vs West Germany 1970: Rivera 7.5 - takes the place of Mazzola at the beginning of the second half. In regulation time he plays undertone, missing some balls and going at a small trot. In extra time he transforms and becomes the main protagonist of the blue success: first Burgnich draws in the area for the 2-2 goal; then starts the action of Riva's 3-2 with a splendid opening for Domenghini; and finally, he achieves the final 4-3 with a soft touch. The only drawback: the lack of intervention on Muller's momentary 3-3. It does not seem to make dynamism a strong point, but its honeyed feet are enough and advance. Muller 7.5 - the vote is not just a consequence of the two goals, of ruthless opportunism, which show Italy the green mice. Muller proves to be a great class center forward: he fights for every ball, he never gives up, he gets a lot of free-kicks. A cobra that in the area really does not seem to fear comparisons with anyone. Brazil vs Uruguay 1970: Tostao 7.5 - he does not score, but in fact he is the decisive player of the Brazilian success. He offers Clodoaldo a chocolate and it's 1-0. In the second half, he throws Jairzinho for an encore, then starts the action of the third goal. And finally, he gives a splendid ball to Pele, capable of giving life to that number on Mazurkiewicz that will make an era. Pele 7.5 - he does not play a great game, in terms of continuity, perhaps also weakened by the many hard fouls of the Uruguayan defenders. In the first half, and also for large parts of the second half, he is often in the shade. But when he lights up he does memorable things: a solitary action starting from his own half and stopped foully on the edge of the Uruguayan area; a flying shot on Mazurkiewicz's postponement who at times misses the goal; puts a hand in the second goal and offers Rivelino an assist for the third; finally, he closes with that feint on Mazurkiewicz with a cross shot on the far post that touches the goal. Jairzinho 7.5 - together with Pele is the Brazilian player most targeted by interventions often beyond the limit of the lawful. He scores the 2-1 goal after a wonderful action, which he himself initiates and then concludes at the end of an impetuous ride and is many times in the heart of the game Brazil vs Italy 1970: Pele 8 - like the great champions, on the most important day he plays the best match of these World Cups . He scored a goal with a formidable header and only a questionable referee's whistle and a sensational save from Albertosi prevented him from rounding up his personal tally. Then he delights the audience with some artist touches and serves two assists to kiss for the goals of Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto. Compared to '58, it seemed less explosive and continuous over an entire match, but more essential and mature on a tactical level. The disappointment of the 1966 World Cup is just a memory: this third world championship triumph brings Pele back to the throne of world football. Gerson 8 - man everywhere, he directs traffic flawlessly and is the engine of all actions in Brazil. Not content with putting himself at the service of the others, in the middle of the second half he decides to do his own thing and pulls a crazy left out of the hat that definitely launches his team towards the conquest of the Rimet Cup. Carlos Alberto 7.5 - a complete right-back, very good especially in the push phase, a very fearsome weapon especially in crosses, cut and sharp. With Jairzinho dominates the right lane, the one preferred by Brazil in this final. He closes the accounts with a splendid external shot that goes to the right of the innocent Albertosi. West Germany vs Chile 1974: Figueroa 7.5 - West Germany makes it rain in the cross area and continuous jet balls, he never breaks down and rejects everything. Keeps the bogeyman Gerd Muller to a minimum and is a real undertaking, considering the danger under the net of the German center forward Netherlands vs Uruguay 1974: Cruyff 7.5 - does not score, but is a thorn perpetually stuck in the side of the Uruguayan defense. He sets off on Rep's first goal and his ball-and-foot accelerations are devastating. It appears and disappears in different areas of the field and wherever it brings danger. Simply unstoppable Van Hanegem 7.5 - director in name only, because very often he is in the area ready to place the winning thrust. He touches the personal mark and puts himself at the service of the collective, displaying a tactical sense and a marked intelligence. Some wonderful exchanges with Cruijff and even more brilliant the assist for Rensenbrink in the 2-0 of Rep. (Maybe interesting to add the generally very positive write-up for Cruyff vs Sweden here, even though he only gets awarded a 7 - nevertheless MOTM) for over an hour he paints football: irrepressible accelerations, kissing crosses, illuminating openings and a continuous movement on the entire attack front. He acts more as a playmaker than a striker and in fact creates all the dangers of the Dutch team. In the last 20 minutes, now exhausted, the whole team falls and suffers, which in the end also risks losing. Netherlands vs Bulgaria 1974: Cruyff 7.5 - has not yet found the way to the network. But otherwise, it's a show. He gets a penalty, starts the action that leads to 2-0, calls Stajkov to a very difficult save with a shot from the edge of rare beauty, drives the Bulgarian defenders crazy with his devastating accelerations. And finally, he closes with a cross to kiss for the final seal of de Jong. King Johann. Neeskens 7.5 - two goals, even if both goals come from a penalty kick. Some quick exchanges with Cruijff remain etched in the eyes, he hits a sensational post and contributes to the maneuver in practically every area of the pitch. Netherlands vs Argentina 1974: Cruyff 8 - scores his first two goals in the World Cup and serves the assist for the Rep 3-0, just on the day when he appears a little less brilliant and a little less dynamic than usual. But concreteness and cynicism have always been the virtues of great champions. West Germany vs Yugoslavia 1974: Beckenbauer 7.5 - a cut above all. Perfect in defensive diagonals, in cuts and in the game without the ball. All German actions start and go from him, including the action of the first goal. Fearsome even when he advances and tries to do badly with long distance shots. The only one in West Germany who plays without the hand-held frano, but dispensing football lessons for 90 '. A real Kaiser West Germany vs Sweden 1974: Hoeness 7.5 - he final goal seals a capital performance. He loads his comrades on his shoulders on the offensive front and guides them to success. He starts the actions of two goals and signs the assist of another. Untouchable when he leaves the ball and chain. West Germany vs Netherlands 1974: Beckenbauer 7.5 - on the most important day, play one of the best games. He commands the defense, he is always clean and precise, whether it is an intervention to stop an opponent or a pass to a teammate. Play with your head held high and refine the entire maneuver with long throws from behind. Start the action of the first goal and touch the personal mark with a wonderful free kick. A real Kaiser. Peru vs Scotland 1978: Cubillas 8 - leader, heart and solver of Peru. He has technique, dynamism, athleticism and a devastating shot: a complete mezzala who can do everything. He offers Cueto the 1-1 ball then in the second half he decides to go it alone, scoring two beautiful goals for class and precision. Underrated. Scotland vs Netherlands 1978: Gemmill 7.5 - in the second half he becomes the main protagonist of the Scottish success. Coldly transforms the penalty, score a wonderful goal after discarding three Dutch players and distribute several balls to his teammates. Highlander. Argentina vs Peru 1978: Kempes 8 - he is the extra man of this team. He opens the scoring in the first half after a stubborn personal action, thus dissolving the fears of the whole team. He starts the actions of the second, fourth and fifth goals and achieves the 3-0 again with a mix of opportunism and speed. Argentina vs Netherlands 1978: Kempes 8.5 - it is the emblem of triumph. He scores two beautiful, difficult and heavy goals and favors Bertoni's 3-1 final point. Without him, his devastating accelerations and his goals, Argentina would never have won the title. Passarella 7.5 - not only a ruthless scorer, but a real team man, useful in the construction of the game, dangerous in offensive bets, capable of grooming his teammates with mere presence. A Captain with a capital C. With Kempes, the strongest of the Albiceleste national team. Bertoni 7.5 - stylistically it may not be beautiful to look at, but it is tremendously effective. He gives Kempes the 2-1 ball, then his teammate returns the favor and he chills Jongbloed with power. Physically it is a bull: when it starts in progression, it becomes stopable only with the bad ones. Algeria vs West Germany 1982: Belloumi 7.5 - the man of destiny. Algerian number 10, technically gifted, propitiates the first goal, with his shot that is rejected by Schumacher ends in Madjer, and then achieves the definitive 2-1, for a goal that sends an entire population into ecstasy and plunges West Germany into the 'nightmare. Argentina vs Hungary 1982: Maradona 9 - exceptional. Devastating. Impregnable. You choose the adjective you prefer. Two goals of cunning, class and power, but they are only a small appetizer of a fabulous performance. Every time he starts in slalom, his opponents can't stop him. He plays without bridle on his neck, moving in attack where genius takes him most. Create limitless dangers by slicing up the poor Magyar defense. In terms of performance continuity, perhaps it is his best performance at the World Cup (the match against England in 1986 represents the top as a symbolic and iconic moment). Ardiles 7.5 - an inexhaustible scooter that systematically attacks rivals and at the same time packs high-class games. A robbery goal and perfect traffic direction. It is always in the thick of the game. Start two networks. Bertoni 7.5 - another player who knows how to combine quantity and quality in a fantastic way. He also signs up for the scorers' table and also participates in the 2-0. Brazil vs USSR 1982: Eder 7.5 - he has a truly fantastic shot, an outside shot with which he scores the decisive goal and with which he always puts the Soviet defense in crisis. He is the absolute master of the left-handed band, from which he brushes fantastic crosses, but various on the whole offensive front with danger, resulting very formidable even on corner kicks. More than just a wing, it looks like a total weapon. Falcao 7.5 - rational, methodical, intelligent. He touches a quantity of balls that cannot be quantified numerically, directs the game with wisdom, always plays the ball on the ground and with his head held high. And he is also dynamic and very good at getting in without the ball. Auspicious Eder's goal with a brilliant veil that disorientates the entire Soviet defense. Socrates 7.5 - with Falcao he forms a pair of midfield who dominate in terms of rhythm and play. Disputes a first half at a frenzied pace, drops in the second half. But at half an hour he pulls a sensational play from the hat, finding the high corner with a fantastic trajectory. It is the goal that allows Brazil to gain confidence and overtake Eder in the final minutes. Brazil vs Scotland 1982: Zico 7.5 - in the moment of greatest difficulty, he takes his teammates by the hand and guides them out of the quagmire. The penalty is splendid (the free-kick goal I guess this means - PDG), which is worth 1-1, he refines the whole offensive maneuver with touches of class and touches an encore on other occasions. In the end, he leaves the window to others Eder 7.5 - confirms an offensive winger with all the trimmings, gifted with inspiration and speed. The 3-1 in lob is a pearl to tell the grandchildren, when it starts in slalom it becomes difficult to contain. Sumptuous certain crosses from the left side, which are not converted into the net by the teammates for a very short time. Italy vs Argentina 1982: Tardelli 7.5 - plays a second half as a man everywhere and puts his signature in most of the decisive actions. He scores the 1-0 with a perfect diagonal, starts the doubling action, puts the Argentine defense in crisis with his continuous insertions and causes the expulsion of Gallego. Brazil vs Argentina 1982: Zico 7.5 - opens the dance with a goal of opportunism and shrewdness. In the second half he loads his teammates on his shoulders with plays of pure art, first starting the action of 2-0 with a wonderful assist to Falcao and then serving an even more sparkling ball to Junior for the 3-0. With the ball at his feet, he does what he wants. And even when launched at speed, it becomes difficult to stop Italy vs Brazil 1982: Rossi 8 - the man of destiny. He wakes up on the most important day, the one from inside or outside, and drags Italy into the semifinals with an extraordinary hat-trick. He confirmed his great skills as a finalizer and ruthless opportunist, punishing the mistakes of the Brazilian defense and turning every stray ball into gold. West Germany vs France 1982: Littbarski 7.5 - puts his signature on all the most important actions of the Germans. Opens the dance with the 1-0, serves the assist to Rummenigge for the goal that reopens the match, packs the cross from which the definitive draw is born. The only flaw, when you devour a net practically empty net. But otherwise, he proves to be the most continuous and decisive player on the field. Italy vs West Germany 1982: Conti 8 - he gets a penalty, takes part in the action of the second goal and ends a splendid match, in terms of quantity and quality, with the assist for Altobelli's 3-1. Not just a winger with a pungent dribbling, but a true attacking playmaker, always ready to sacrifice himself on the defensive if necessary. Rossi 7.5 - scores the first goal, the sixth of these World Cups, making the most of a Gentile ball from the right and showing the usual ruthless opportunism. He is also decisive in the construction of the second Italian goal, recovering a ball in defense and then throwing Scirea. When served properly, he always manages to put his direct scorer, Karl Heinz Forster into trouble. Scirea 7.5 - he directs the defense with precision and punctuality and is the main protagonist in the action that leads to the 2-0: the ball and chain descent, the playmaker's heel strike to unmark Bergomi and the assist for Tardelli's shot-goal are authentic wonders. Belgium vs USSR 1986: Belanov 7.5 - he rarely lights up, but leaves the most evident mark on the match, making a hat- trick like a true opportunist: his feat is, however, made in vain by an excessively distracted defense. Argentina vs Uruguay 1986: Maradona 8 - he is from another planet than all the others. When he starts the ball, sets up a dribble or tries a pass, he proves to be an absolute football genius and is practically impossible to stop. To accompany a monstrous performance, he hits the crossbar with a perfect free kick and also finds the 2-0 goal, unjustly canceled. Argentina vs England 1986: Maradona 10 - impossible to record in a match more than that. He literally drags on his own a little more than honest team over the obstacle England, scoring two goals that sum up his being "genius and recklessness": the 1-0 is an unseen trick; the 2-0 is the best action ever seen at the World Cup. Worthy of Pele. Brazil vs France 1986: Bats 8 - There may have been stronger and more famous goalkeepers, but very few in World Cup history have played a game like yours. He makes only one mistake, when Branco lands and causes the penalty, but otherwise he is unsurpassed. The Brazilians try in every way, but he always manages to weaken every attempt with saves of all kinds, from near and far. And, just to appreciate, it also neutralizes a penalty in Socrates in the final lottery. Careca 7.5 - physique, technique and instinct of the predator. When served properly, he does not betray. He falls a bit in the second part of the match, but leaves a clear mark on the game, not only for a wonderful goal, but also for the crossbar and the impact force with which he puts the French defense to fire and sword. He is certainly the best in Brazil in this World Cup, with 5 goals scored. Argentina vs Belgium 1986: Maradona 8.5 - as always, he is the one to drag Argentina to victory. After the monstrous performance against England, he develops another match with a very high technical content, scoring two beautiful goals, grazing the third and putting all the Belgian defense on fire every time he accelerates. Argentina vs West Germany 1986: Burruchaga 7.5 - inspired right from the start, he needs the assist for Brown's 1-0 and achieves the decisive goal after a breakaway from midfield ended with an impregnable diagonal. He speaks almost the same technical language as Maradona and certain exchanges in speed are pure art. Thus ends, as he could not have imagined better, a super World Cup: after the unrivaled number 10, he was certainly the best of the Argentines Maradona 7.5 - less devastating than other times, also because the Germans try to stop him in every way, with iron markings or with systematic doubling. However, he finds a way to become a great protagonist, leaving his mark when it matters most: take part in the 2-0 action and find Burruchaga for the final 3-2 goal, with a splendid assist, which alone is worth the price of the ticket. . Without him, this team would never have taken the title.
The same author places him however as 2nd best player in the world in 1995 (article of one year later): https://gameofgoals.it/2021/03/28/i-nostri-palloni-doro-dal-1900-al-2020.html
Yeah, like you've seen I guess they award him MOTM (same rating as Kluivert/Kanu but selected as MOTM), but with a 7 rating. Since you've mentioned him though, I'll add the description of his performance (adding all 7s would take much longer though, and maybe it's starting to get too many performances then even if more of the really good ones would be highlighted) "the ex's revenge. Play a match of great substance and continuity, starting most of the actions of the Dutch and standing up as a precious shield in front of the defense. Crown an all-round test with the assist that frees Kluivert for the goal-match."
To be fair, he is rated extremely highly there (again, written after those individual games/research): https://gameofgoals.it/2020/11/03/i-10-piu-grandi-centravanti-del-dopoguerra.html https://gameofgoals.it/2021/03/28/i-nostri-palloni-doro-dal-1900-al-2020.html I guess most of that generation naturally lean a bit more to Ronaldo Fenomeno. It does seem there is a tendency towards players who have played (very well) in Italy. For example, Michael Laudrup is never mentioned. Ibrahimovic is held in higher regard than his (semi-)contemporaries.
Yeah, no doubt he is rated very highly in general by the authors, and it's influenced a lot I guess by the games watched in full and rated indeed. This was the performance that was arguably played down a bit though (ratings wise and/or description wise) Marco van Basten vs Real Madrid 1989 ★ Complete Striker ★ - YouTube Yeah, you might be right there. Some Juventus fans on Youtube for example remember Laudrup fondly and rate him highly (on his best days anyway) at Juventus but yeah overall (although with a promising final season before going to Barcelona) he didn't make a mark like Van Basten or some others. I think the selection of games doesn't favour him particularly (I know you are talking of the rankings not only the game ratings though), unlike the list of games on Football-Ratings-Blogspot that comme wrote and I quoted - a few of his notable high profile ones, including but not only for Denmark are featured there but not on the GameOfGoals site. Maybe these highlights will be a bit misleading to some extent, but give an idea about his performance vs Barcelona I referred to (in his write-up the merits of the first half are mentioned though, and to some extent it's fair to say his contributions decreased towards the end in a crucial phase maybe...although on another day his first half contributions might have already sealed the game) 19/03/1986 Juventus v Barcelona - YouTube
Finishing off the World Cup ones now.... Cameroon vs Argentina 1990: Omam Biyick 8 - makes the department alone, driving the Argentine defense crazy and proving to have complete fundamentals: shooting, game viewing, running. And halfway through the second half he enters directly into the history of his country and of African football, with an impressive elevation and a goal that pits Pumpido's hands. Heroic. Italy vs Czechoslovakia 1990: Schillaci 7.5 - not only an exceptional area robber, but also an attacker who demonstrates that he knows how to communicate with his teammates, retreat and suggest. They are really his World Cup, his "magic nights". It is a pity that the continuation of his career will not be in line with such performances. But that's another story. Baggio 7.5 - misses two goals in the first half, but redeems himself widely in the second half, creating a fantastic goal, starting from the left-handed side and sowing two opponents before killing Stejskal. Certain throws and certain plays are of a unique refinement. Art in power. West Germany vs Yugoslavia 1990: Matthaus 8 - lungs, strength and class. He is the engine of the German game, but he does not limit himself to commanding the team and refining the collective maneuver: he also scores two goals. The Yugoslavian goalkeeper Ivkovic has some responsibility on the first, while the second is a real jewel, one of the most beautiful goals admired at the World Cup, which is paired with the amazing action of Baggio against Austria. Tank. Klinsmann 7.5 - only one spot, when he is overtaken by Jozic for the goal of the momentary 2-1. For the rest, he plays a fantastic game, in terms of intensity and dedication to the cause. Very good at protecting the ball, perfect in the 2-0 flying deviation, he touches the pokerissimo at the last minute with a crossed diagonal. Argentina vs Brazil 1990: Maradona 7.5 - he touches a few balls and the Brazilians try to limit him in every way, anticipating the passing lines or doubling his marking. But he, even if he does not seem to have the athletic brilliance of 1986, still finds a way to become decisive: the action that leads to Caniggia's goal, with a serpentine worthy of the best days and an even more princely assist, is the most beautiful postcard. beautiful of the meeting. He touches the encore on a free-kick a few minutes later, but finds the answer of an excellent Taffarel. Germany vs Netherlands 1990: Klinsmann 8 - alone holds the weight of the German attack, as Voeller is sent off after less than 20 minutes. Play a monstrous game, by spirit of sacrifice, dedication to the cause, heart; he fights for every ball like a lion, drives the statuesque Dutch defenders mad and, as if that weren't enough, scores a beautiful and difficult goal, deflecting a perfect cross from Buchwald to the opposite post like a refined stylist Argentina vs Yugoslavia 1990: Goycochea 7.5 - the decisive man for Argentina's success. In the lottery of penalties the last two Yugoslavian penalties are exalted and saved: Brnovic's shot is not irresistible, but Hadzibegic's conclusion is powerful and well angled: Goycoechea, with a feline leap, gets there and takes Argentina to the semifinals. England vs Cameroon 1990: Milla 7.5 - King Midas of Cameroon. He enters and the Africans, after a rather colorless first half, light up. He gets the penalty, sends Ekeke in the goal for the 2-1 after a princely assist, drives the English defense crazy with high school plays. In addition, he is one of the last to give up: 38 years old who? West Germany vs England 1990: Brehme 7.5 - the manual of the perfect left-back. Play a game of scary cleanup and attention. He does not miss a defensive diagonal, he does not miss an intervention, he is good at offering himself to support the offensive action. He is the one who opens the dance with the deflected free-kick, which brings Germany the lead and from the spot he is confirmed infallible. Italy vs Bulgaria 1994: Roberto Baggio 8 - in a game that is anything but unforgettable in terms of play and emotions, he is the only one to give flashes of sublime class. He achieves two wonderful goals in terms of technique, ball control and instinct and enters all the most beautiful actions in Italy, which is expressed at a high level only as long as he is the one to illuminate it. Too bad for the injury in the second half. A perpetually lit light on the rainbow path of the Azzurri Brazil vs Sweden 1994: Romario 7.5 - a little too affected in the first half, when he tries to score a goal instead of placing it with power. But on balance it is a venial sin, because it is he who scores the decisive goal with about ten minutes to go. Not only that: he drives the Swedish defense crazy with his “malandro” movements in the penalty area, always ready to enter and strike from any position. Forbidden to leave an inch of space. Ravelli 7.5 - if Brazil wins with just one goal difference, it's his credit. From near and far it repeatedly repels any pitfalls. He can do nothing about Romario's deadly header. France vs Italy 1998: Thuram 7.5 - elegance, power, dynamism and effectiveness: a train in the right lane. Clean and careful in the defensive phase, when he pushes he puts in a couple of numbers of the highest technical caliber. A fabulous full-back. Cannavaro 7.5 - at 24 he is already a leader. Impossible to overcome in direct marking, French strikers bite the jugular with the personality of a veteran and the hunger of a great defender. He does not miss an intervention, he does not miss a movement. The Wall. Brazil vs Netherlands 1998: Frank de Boer 7.5 - see Cannavaro against France. Monumental match. Perfect in defensive closures, he is the only Dutch defenders who manages to keep up with Ronaldo without disfiguring. He touches a goal, saves a couple of desperate situations, throws Kluivert on the counterattack in extra time for the action that can send the Dutch to Heaven. Fabulous. France vs Brazil 1998: Zidane 8 - logical and obvious to give him the palm of the best. He scores the two decisive goals in the first half, in the second he sends Dugarry into the goal with a velvety throw. The paradox is that compared to other times, it appears less present in the game and less able to shift the balance in the middle of the field. In short, it limits itself to doing what it takes: but it does it very well and becomes "Napoleon" on the most awaited and important day. Brazil vs England 2002: Ronaldinho 8 - an absurd and exaggerated expulsion (vote 4 to the referee) deprives the match of the best man, the only one able to turn on the light in a truly monotonous context. Even before the assist to Rivaldo he is the most enterprising of his, then he lights up with that fantastic percussion crowned by the pocketing for his partner and at the beginning of the second half he closes the games with a crazy goal. Seaman's complicity is decisive, true, but his stroke of genius is still worth applauding. Brazil vs Germany 2002: Ronaldo 8 - on the most important day he leaves his unmistakable signature, crowning a fantastic World Cup closed with 8 goals in 7 games. He does the dress rehearsal in the first half, then in the second half he goes to collect: the 1-0 is an opportunist flicker on Kahn's error, the 2-0 a surgical diagonal that leaves no way out to the goalkeeper.
Laudrup had an odd record in serie a. In terms of goal output he was good one season, non-existent the next season, then good again the season after that, then non-existent again after that. Quite strange.
There are quite a few from the Copa Libertadores, as follows.... Santos vs Penarol 1962: Pele 8.5 - he starts slowly, then he lights up and makes it clear that he is practicing another sport compared to all the others. Accelerations, dribbling, openings: when he starts in slalom, the opponents have to knock him down to be able to stop him. He scores two goals, the first of which is splendid, and puts his mark on the final triumph. Unique. Santos vs Boca Juniors 1963: Sanfilippo 8 - at times it really looks like Sanfilippo against Santos. Fighting against the defense deployed, he shoots several times, engages Gilmar, scores two goals. Quick, fast, technical, shrewd: great striker. Boca Juniors vs Santos 1963: Pele 8.5 - after a first half in which one sees little, with Santos forced to defend himself for large stretches, he literally dominates the second half. Accelerations, dribbling, continuous embroidery, impregnable with the ball and chain. The assist for Coutinho's goal is a jewel. Even more fabulous is the 2-1 goal in which he dusts off all his infinite technical samples. From the highliths it is clear that the Argentine defenders try in every way to stop him, often with interventions beyond the lawful. But he proves to be stronger than everything and everyone. Gilmar 7.5 - in the first half it's a wall, if Santos keeps the 0-0 it's thanks to him. In the second half he messed up a bit about Boca's advantage, then recovered by neutralizing a couple of opponent attempts as a champion. Coutinho 7.5 - the couple with Pele is Oscar-worthy, certain one-two in speed are pure poetry. He makes good use of his partner's assist for the equal paw, then returns the favor by serving him to the limit in the action that leads to 2-1. Sanfilippo 7.5 - as in the first leg, you can clearly see that he is the extra man of this team. Woe to leave him a meter of space: it hurts terribly. He makes perfect use of an empty exit from Gilmar and punishes Santos, he goes close to his personal encore several times but finds a majestic Gilmar on his way. The best Argentine striker of the period and among the best in the history of Albiceleste football, today not remembered as he deserves. River Plate vs Penarol 1966: Onega 7.5 - the “10” of the River disputes a continuous, incisive match and offers high quality gems. From his feet pass the main actions of the team, serves the assist for the 2-2 of Sarnari and stamps the goal of success from the right winger. Elegance in power. Penarol vs River Plate (Play-Off match) 1966: Spencer 8 - he has physique, dynamism, a nose for goals and works alone: a center-forward with all the trimmings. He decides the final by stamping two beautiful and heavy goals: first, he stabs Carrizo with a flying cannon, then scores the 3-2 with a spectacular aerial twist. Determinant. Rocha 7.5 - player with a particularly developed IQ, total attacker who moves beautifully between the lines and weaves all the threads of the game. He hits a post, serves an assist to the kiss, hits a sea of balls in the interest of his teammates and crowns a capital performance with a header that is worth 4-2. Racing Avellenada vs River Plate 1967: Cardenas 8 - an impregnable ferret, which sows panic wherever it moves: right, left, center. Rodriguez draws for the 1-1 and Raffo for the 3-1 with two splendid throws and from his bucking Cafu style of modern times the second goal is born, the one that signs the overtaking and definitively directs the game on tracks favorable to Racing. Flamengo vs Cobreloa 1981: Zico 7.5 - He scores the two decisive goals, first with a sudden shot from inside the area, then with a honey free-kick, his proverbial trademark. In the first half we see little, in the second half it lights up. It touches the third net several times after a series of notable numbers. Unmatched artist. River Plate vs Flamengo 1982: Lico 7.5 - Robbery goals for the 1-0, launches Zico with a magic touch for the encore, closes a day as a great protagonist with the descent on the left-handed side and the comfortable assist for the trio of Nunes. Judgment. Flamengo vs River Plate 1982: Junior 7.5 - Total weapon, starts from the left- handed band and plays almost everywhere. Accelerations, dribbles and quality touches. If he has to defend a little and can only worry about the attacking phase, it's a spectacle. The triangle leading to the 2-0 goal was splendid, his assist for Zico's third goal. River Plate vs America Cali 1986: Funes 7.5 - When he accelerates he is impregnable, the defenders of America Calì are simply overwhelmed. Touch the goal on several occasions after terrifying solos ball and chain or crazy conclusions from outside, then find the gem that is worth the success: dry dribble to a defender and ball in the corner with a shot of unprecedented power Nacional vs Newell's Old Boys 1988: De Leon 7.5 - Unravels any intricate situation in defense, puts his body in, plays early, acts as a playmaker and closes the score by transforming the penalty of 3-0. Monumental. Nacional Medellin vs Olimpia Asuncion 1989: Higuita 9 - Four penalties saved in the final lottery, three of which in a row. He is the absolute hero of the challenge. Known more for the very risky and reckless exits from the poles (see the one at 35 'of the second half, with some opposing players jumped in dribbling), on this occasion Higuita confirms himself as an absolute dominator between the poles after already in 90 minutes he had unraveled some intricate situations. Celebrated by Colombian commentators and carried in triumph by his companions. Usuriaga 8 - A goal procured, another headed by the head, accelerations and ideas in a continuous jet, deadly shots from outside the area. It is a thorn stuck in the side of the Paraguayan defense and it hurts terribly. Powerful, fast and technical, he confirms all his qualities after the already excellent first leg match. Alvarez 7.5 - Present, continuous, he enters into numerous attacking actions, playing a little on the right and a little in the middle, where he tries to give substance to the game. It is his decisive penalty, which displaces Almeida and gives the Copa Libertadores to the Nacional. Barcelona (Ecuador) vs Olimpia Asuncion 1990: Almeida 8 - A wall: instinct and insane thrusts, it thwarts any threat, from near and far. Save a penalty with a Donnarumma-worthy dip in the final penalty lottery at Euro 2021 against England. Trobbiani 7.5 - He invented football in a continuous jet, not giving reference points to the Paraguayan defense. Director, playmaker, incursor: he is always in the thick of the game. Score a wonderful (albeit illusory) goal. Redeem the lackluster test of the first leg with a superlative return. Colo Colo vs Olimpia Asuncion 1991: Barticciotto 7.5 - When you insert the turbo it becomes impregnable. Starts the action of the first goal, serves two assists for the second and third goal. Sometimes he makes some mistakes due to an excess of confidence, but it is a venial sin. With his movements and his technique he literally sends Olimpia's defensive mechanism into a tailspin and is confirmed at very high levels after the already excellent first leg match. Pizarro 7.5 - Mobile director, part slowly then dominates. Second half of monstrous level, refines the game with superior class and does not lose a ball. Wonderful opening that opens the field for Barticciotto in the action that leads to the trio. Perez 7.5 - Ruthless, he scored a brace in the first 20 minutes and kicked off a day of glory for the Chilean colors. He had the task of replacing Martinez, sent off in the first leg. He absolves him in a big way and indeed: he is better off. Sao Paulo vs Universidad Catolica 1993: Palhinha 8 - half a vote less because he lacks a bit of killer instinct in front of goal. For the rest he plays a supersonic match. The Chilean defenders never manage to predict his movements or to anticipate him, he starts from the position of center forward but ranges everywhere, opening passages for his team-mates with brilliant suggestions or throwing himself in in first person to conclude. He actively participates in three (perhaps four because it is not clear who is exchanging with Gilmar) of the five Brazilian goals. Cafu 7.5 - a train perpetually active on the right side. Playing from a tall winger can afford the luxury of covering little and pushing with disarming continuity. It is no coincidence that it is above all on his side that the San Paolo backgrounds. Close to scoring in a couple of situations, packs the assist for Raì's goal. Vitor 7.5 - he is the full-back, in reality when he gets on the wing (very often) Cafu is centered creating a superiority of men on the offensive front that sends the defense of the Universidad Catolica completely haywire. The 2-0 goal in the race was splendid. Universidad Catolica vs Sao Paulo 1993: Lunari 7.5 - with the ball between his feet he invents high quality plays in a continuous jet, freeing his teammates or trying to find a personal solution. He scores a splendid goal with an unstoppable right-foot from outside the box and between the lines he literally drives the Brazilian defense crazy. Sao Paulo vs Velez Sarsfield 1994: Chilavert 7.5 - The decisive man. To a series of excellent interventions in the game (feline reflexes and commendable safety between the posts) he combines the penalty saved by Palhinha which in fact proves to be decisive for the victory of the Cup. In addition, on the occasion of his penalty he proves to be colder than many forwards.
Starting to add Champions League 2020/21 performances they awarded 7.5 or above to now. They review some games individually, the same as for the historical ones, so I'll start with those (including the descriptions), but then there will be some other ones to note from pages which are weekly summaries of all games (mentioning some performances they give 7.5 or above to occasionally also), so I'll probably make a list of those after getting through the fully reviewed games For 2021/22 they haven't mentioned any grades yet for players even though there are some weekly summaries. The first game they cover with a full report for 2020/21 is Barcelona vs PSG, here Champions League, round of 16: Barcelona-PSG 1-4 - Game of Goals (gameofgoals-it.translate.goog) As you can see, Mbappe gets an 8, with this description - it's his big night. Three different goals, sumptuous cues in speed, slices Barcelona's defense. He is no stranger to such monstrous performances in the round of 16. See - just against Messi - France-Argentina 4-3 at the 2018 World Cup. See Manchester United-PSG in the Champions 2019. But if Mbappé really wants to devote himself to the highest levels - and he certainly has the potential - then he must start to have an impact as well in subsequent rounds. In the 2020 Champions League final against Bayern Munich he played a Luther Blissett-style match in his worst Milanese nights. We'll see if this time the outcome will be different. Of course, of the new generation he seems - but not since yesterday - the most accredited to collect the legacy of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Interesting maybe to note the grade (7) and description for Verratti, because I'd lean to at least a 7.5 myself, if not quite a bit more even, but also because it might be an indicator (like with missed penalties and other things - reasonably I'd say, especially as they don't seem to penalise too heavily but just a little) that when players don't play the full game or very close to it their grades could be affected, and thirdly for the predictive comment about Italy's midfield in the Euros! "Princely assist for Mbappé's first goal, sumptuous traffic direction with artist touches. Him, Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli and add whoever you want: Italy has a great midfield at an international level. We hope dividend yields for Euro 2021." The site seems to be updated fairly regularly in terms of the reports about old games watched by the way, so I guess more ratings of 7.5 and above will be appearing for historical performances as well from current football as they continue with the Champions League pages (probably with full reports again for some knockout matches in 2021/22 I guess)....
Other Champions League 2020/21 performances they gave 7.5 or above.... Lazio vs Bayern Munich: Sane 7.5 - As long as there is a game, he breaks it in two with his accelerations and his breaks that send the Biancocelesti defenders to the bar. He scores the 3-0 in tapin and provokes Acerbi's 4-0 after a solo escape. Juventus vs Porto: Chiesa 8 - The face from which Juventus must start again. Porto overturns on its own, bringing their team to extra time. The first goal is reminiscent of Del Piero's (albeit from close range), the second is a Charles or John Hansen-style lash. Just to stay with the bianconeri who have made history. History that he can do very well too. Clean face and nerve. An investment also for the national team. Mancini, who was his father's assist-man in Sampdoria, now has the task of weaning his son making him the cornerstone of Italy at Euro 2021. Oliveira 7.5 - decisive double, which is worth the qualification. A quality and government midfielder, he shows the green mice to the Juventus midfielder, like Aouar of Lyon a year ago. He is not a champion, but Juve would need a midfielder like this… Pepe 7.5 - Experience, sense of position, sense of anticipation. Play a royal match. He closes all possible gates, immolates himself on the flicker of the Church (Chiesa - PDG) that ends on the pole, commands the defense. Gladiator. Paris St Germain vs Barcelona: Navas 7.5 - He was unquestionably the best in the field. He made two amazing saves on Dest and Busquets, parried a very heavy penalty against Messi in the final of the first half and finally made another important intervention in the second half always on Busquets, confirming himself as one of the strongest and most reliable goalkeepers of the last ten years, as well as one of the most underrated. Real Madrid vs Atalanta: Vinicius 8 - Thorn in the constant flank of the Atalantine defense, he escapes in turn to Romero, Toloi and Maehle. He touched a film library goal after getting wedged between 2-3 Nerazzurri shirts and obtained the penalty which was then converted by Sergio Ramos. Benzema 7.5 - Beacon of the Blancos attack, opens the game but above all has the merit of not wasting a ball. He opens the game several times for the benefit of his teammates and on one occasion comes close to a personal double. It would be 8, we give him half a point less for the post hit by Sportiello beaten. Real Madrid vs Liverpool: Vinicius 7.5 - The award for the best player in the field can only belong to him. Making the most of the assists of Kroos and Modric, the Brazilian winger has signed on to this victory, confirming himself as a staple of the Blancos in recent years. In addition, despite having yet to prove that he is not gifted with superfine class, he wreaks havoc in Liverpool's defense. Furthermore, he is the first player born in 2000 to have scored in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. For him this is another test to remember in the Europe that matters, which is beginning to notice him. Kroos 7.5 - Considering the umpteenth extraordinary performance he showed, he could easily have been elected MVP of the match. He assists Vinicius in the first goal with a millimeter throw and another propitious goal of 2-0 by Asensio. Moreover, with his usual Olympic calm, he dictates the law in the middle of the field, with a demeaning - for the opponents - 90.7% accuracy of the passes (93.4% if you consider the whole season!) It is confirmed (as if there was really a need ...) the metronome of the Real Madrid midfield for seven years now. Bayern Munich vs Paris St Germain: Mbappe 7.5 - Does few things, but crucial for the outcome of the match. He scores the 1-0 with the complicity of Neuer, touches the target in another circumstance and closes the accounts with the splendid goal of the 3-2 in the running. Demonstrates remarkable tactical intelligence as well as the proverbial gun-cotton speed in open spaces. Redeem the final opaque of 2020 lost against Bayern with a champion's performance Paris St Germain vs Bayern Munich: Neuer 7.5 - He has the challenge of the first leg on his conscience, in which he paved the way for the Parisian victory with a duck on Mbappé's first goal. The response of the champion could only be there and that of Manuel Neuer was extraordinary, with an all-round performance for the exits and for the splendid saves on Neymar and associates, which allowed the Bavarians to hang on to the game until the end. The last to surrender was he, with a test that confirms his greatness, despite the premature exit from the top European competition. Manchester City vs Paris St Germain: Mahrez 8 - Unstoppable on the right side, he repeatedly sends poor Diallo to the bar and scores both goals that knock down the resistance of PSG with two close conclusions to crown splendid choral actions. It also goes close to the three of a kind. Already great in the first leg, a giant in the return. Amazing form moment. De Bruyne 7.5 - Defender, midfielder and attacker. It starts in front, it's actually everywhere. He puts his teammates in goal, there is his hand in the first goal, starts several counterattacks including the action of 2-0. Cyclonic. Dias 7.5 - A colossus in the center of the City defense, rejects any pitfalls and immolates himself on a shot from Herrera without fail. One of the differences between the City of this year and that of previous years is in the presence at the center of the defense of Ruben Dias. Monumental. Chelsea vs Real Madrid: Kante 8 - It is from two of his splendid plays on the trocar that the two goals that bring Tuchel's boys straight to the final are born. He runs like a damned man, presses, clings balls like an octopus and serves delicious passes to his teammates. He would even have the opportunity to score only in front of Courtois, but only a heroic Valverde in a crash denies him the joy of entering the scorers' table. He deserved it. Soul and driving force of this Chelsea, just as it was for Ranieri's Leicester, for Conte's Chelsea and for France at the World Cup in Russia. Definitely one of the very first midfielders in the world. Thiago Silva 7.5 - Perfect defensive hinge: the German shoves, sweeps dangerous balls and even allows himself to thrust ball and chain into the soft belly of Real Madrid; the Brazilian anticipates the man, closes the spaces with elegance and guides the movements of the entire defensive line. The Brazilian will play the second Champions League final in nine months with two different teams and will really have the opportunity to end a great career with a bang. Chelsea vs Manchester City: Kante 8 - Both in the offensive and in the defensive phase, he was the extra man of Tuchel's Chelsea and he embodied their essence in every single possession fought in the middle of the field. His performance was simply a colossal film, among the best ever drawn by a midfielder in recent years, and he puts the exclamation point on a simply monumental Champions League on his part. Mount 7.5 - How Kanté has just finished a Champions League played at simply extraordinary levels. In the first half he is simply unstoppable and a large part of Chelsea's actions start from his feet. Furthermore, Havertz's winning goal was born from his millimeter throw. He is now establishing himself as one of the strongest midfielders in Europe. Havertz 7.5 - He is a constant thorn in the side between the lines for Manchester City and his decisive goal for Chelsea's second Champions League. Also, he wreaks havoc again in the second half, sending Pulisic on goal for a potential 2-0.
Interesting to see, Pele always ending up as MOTM in most big games and get a decent to great grade on his ratings .
Sorry, correction: it seems there aren't any more specified grades of 7.5 or above (or any grades announced at all) for early rounds of the 2020/21 Champions League that they have weekly summaries (with player/XI of the week chosen etc). IIRC there were though for Euro 2020(2021) and/or Copa America 2021. I'll get round to posting the grades from those tournaments another day though.
Continuing the GameofGoals ratings, with Euro 2020 performances.... Italy vs Turkey: Spinazzola 7.5 - On the left wing is a tornado, throughout the game. Even in the first half where Italy was struggling to find the decisive starting point, the Roma player guaranteed a constant push on the wing, as an added winger, and ventured into dribbling and forays that gave opponents headaches. He took the shot twice, forcing Cakir to be rejected. From the umpteenth descent on the left wing was born the episode of the touch of the hand that made the Italians angry at the end of the first half. Like Giaccherini 5 years ago on his debut at the European Championship, a great surprise on his debut. France vs Germany: Kante 7.5 - Despite the incredible technical capital available to Deschamps, Kanté is perhaps the only truly unique and irreplaceable pawn. Almost perfect performance both in terms of interdiction and management of the sphere. Pogba 7.5 - Difficult to choose the MOTM between him and the aforementioned Kanté. Pogba shows all his quality and physicality, dominates the German midfield and starts Benzema's goal with an assist perfect for precision and timing, then canceled by the referee. Its tentacles seem to reach everywhere. Italy vs Switzerland: Locatelli 8 - The hero you don't expect. Against Turkey he had respected the instructions, but the scene had taken the tips and his comrades in the department. This time the best is he, who between openings to kiss, tap in and stones from outside, lives the best evening of his career, always doing the right thing with the confidence of a veteran. His ownership is due to Marco Verratti's injury, but now it will also be hard for a talent like the PSG rider from Pescara to take the place away from this Locatelli. Insigne 7.5 - This time he does not score but plays even better than the previous game. His touches are authentic pearls of class and perfectly functional to the needs of the team. On the left, create an amazing axis with Spinazzola that works, and how it works. He does not insist on "round shots", playing a game of class, intelligence and even sweat, because not a few times he does his utmost to recover balls as a halfback. The blue 10 had heavy predecessors, Insigne is showing humility that he can carry it with honor. Don't stop, Lorenzo! Berardi 7.5 - He too is in a state of grace, from the very first minutes. He does not lose a ball, he is lethal in the restarts and in the intuitions. In league with Locatelli he packs the 1-0 with a deadly incursion, like a real winger. His movements drive the Swiss defenders crazy, who never keep him. He only misses the goal, but to date he is probably the brightest blue of all. Italy vs Austria: Spinazzola 7.5 - Perpetual motion, is the Italian player with the greatest change of pace and proof of this is the assist that delivers on Barella's right. A constant threat on the left wing, he once again shows an excellent combination of speed and technique. Chiesa 7.5 - The impact on the game is immediate but the vote rests mainly on the game that turns the game around: a complicated right-footed control followed by an excellent conclusion with a weak foot. Belgium vs Portugal: Thorgan Hazard 7.5 - The palm of the man of the field can only go to the man who resolves the game. On the left wing he is omnipresent and does very well in both phases. The understanding with his brother Eden grows more and more, the two often seek each other and when there is a connection for the Portuguese they are pains. Meunier 7.5 - Very valuable match by the Borussia Dortmund defender. On the right wing it is a scooter, so much so that it is one of the most dangerous already in the first half, when it even touches the goal and participates in the action of the goal of the advantage. Behind makes a solid performance, not conceding anything to the Portuguese. In the area he takes all the high balls, "disarming" Cristiano Ronaldo. Renato Sanches 7.5 - Today “Kantè” version: in the first half he creates numerical superiority with coast to coast percussion, fights for every ball, wins tackles and dispenses a significant amount of balls in the area. It is not enough to pass the turn, but he played a lady match. England vs Germany: Sterling 7.5 - It goes a lot in waves, but it is still one of the main threats to the defense of Germany. Moreover, he has the very important merit of scoring the goal that unlocks the game, with a simply perfect insertion time that leaves the Teutonic defense in stone. His tally, at the moment, is 3 goals in 4 games and he is clearly the extra man of the Three Lions , as well as the most dangerous in the arc of the 90 minutes. Italy vs Belgium: Insigne 7.5 - The 2-0 rainbow is a rare pearl, worthy of the numbers 10 that preceded him to wear that shirt. Tonight he is very inspired: he duets with Verratti, scores, touches the brace and serves chocolates to his teammates. After a "normal" half hour where he looks for the square, he picks up his tone and does what he wants. Barella 7.5 - Until now he had been the least brilliant among the holders in midfield, today he takes the stage. Gorgeous goal for intensity and execution and performance of substance across the board. Italy vs Spain: Donnarumma 7.5 - An amazing save on Dani Olmo, the penalty neutralized by Morata, sometimes risky but always effective outings. Few things, but very important. The Man of the Match prize can only go to him. Chiesa 7.5 - In the first half he suffers and forms a group, trying to restart the ball as usual. In the second he blossoms definitively and takes us ahead with his right-footed shot. Berardi also needs a delicious ball, but he doesn't materialize. He ends the game with cramps, being replaced, after running with the intensity of a median. Olmo/Pedri 7.5 (joint write-up) - They give us a headache, with dribbles, cuts, position swaps. Two point guards in the Spanish game who are scary when they accelerate. With Xavi and Iniesta gone down for personal reasons, and Isco and Asensio evaporated - who for different reasons have never really met expectations - they are the new monsters of the Iberian trocar. England vs Denmark: Schmeichel 7.5 - Good blood does not lie. He made a series of excellent saves, including the one on Maguire's header midway through an Oscar shot. He also rejects Kane's penalty, it is a pity that the ball then caramboli again on the feet of the English striker who can comfortably put in the net. Italy vs England: Donnarumma 8 - Shaw strikes him on his pole in the third minute, then he doesn't have to do too much work. Some excellent high and low output, some, however, a little more risky but always effective. But on penalties he makes history: he neutralizes two and gives Italy the European title. He is honored by UEFA as the best player of the tournament at the age of 22. We had an absolute giant like Gigi Buffon, but now with Donnarumma we are equally calm. The blue door is in good hands, predestined. Chiellini/Bonucci 8 (joint write-up) - Behind they fight against the English and against an entire stadium and not even the air passes, Kane is forced to turn off. Chiellini unravels a crucial situation, keeping his concentration very high during the English flare-ups. Bonucci confirms himself as a goalscorer defender, going to sign the equalizer. The only flaw of their European remains the draw of Morata and some too much trouble in the semifinals, for the rest they play a sumptuous tournament. Pickford 8 - Amazing on Chiesa in the second half, sumptuous on the penalties of Belotti and Jorginho. Maguire 7.5 - His great performance, he dominates his area with the right body and timing. The value of his card had been widely criticized, but time is showing us that Maguire is truly a great defender, this tournament also confirmed it.
Also, noted in the round-ups during the tournament.... Germany vs Portugal: Gosens 8 - The winger of Atalanta was the best in the field in the 4-2 with which the German national team redeemed the hardships of the debut and gave a lesson to the Portuguese European champions (with Cristiano Ronaldo (6.5) who played better against the Germans while losing than against the Hungarians while winning ... confirming that to evaluate a player, winning and losing are relative) Croatia vs Scotland: Modric 8 - the old school, that of the timeless 36-year-olds, continues to dictate the law. It is he, in the decisive match with Scotland, who leads the Croatians in the second round. Authoritative performance in the middle of the field and a gem with the winger slipping into the “seven” allowing Croatia to place the arrow. An impeccable first phase for Modric, who had been the best of his even in the debut defeat against England. Switzerland vs France: Sonner 8 - A series of incredible saves against France - one on Pavard in particular by removing the ball from the "seven" - and Mbappé's penalty saved in the final lottery. Hero of the day and of a national team that has never stopped believing in it and comes as a surprise, but with full merit, to the quarterfinals. Seforovic 8 - no additional comments England vs Ukraine: Kane 7.5 - nailed Ukraine in Rome with an extraordinary double and dragged the best England seen so far in the European Championships in the semifinals.
Finally (for now at least - this completes the summary as of today in terms of reviewed games/performances they've published on the site) from Game of Goals, Copa America 2021.... Brazil vs Peru: Neymar 8 - in addition to the splendid goal, the number 10 of the Seleçao inspired the third and fourth goals, he put his teammates in goal, he touched other goals, he delighted the audience with sensational numbers Venezuela vs Colombia: Farinez 7.5 - who saved everything against Colombia allowing Vinotinto to win her first point. Argentina vs Ecuador: Messi 8 - A free-kick goal, two remote-controlled assists, a post and other classy plays Peru vs Paraguay: Lapadula 7.5 - continues to leave his mark: first he provokes Gomez's own goal from Carrillo's cross, then he gets on his own, sprints on the edge of the offside and beats Silva again. Flawless even from the disk Uruguay vs Colombia: Ospina 7.5 - who saves two penalties against Uruguay and drags the Cafeteros to the semifinals. Argentina vs Brazil: Di Maria 8 - When the stakes are up, you can be sure that Ángel Di María will be the star of the evening. A champion lob and devastating on the right wing to such an extent that poor Renan Lodi was completely mad. De Paul 8 - Tonight De Paul was extraordinary, capable of launches and verticalizations of absolute beauty and foresight. He dominated the midfield for ninety minutes and perhaps our Serie A could do something more to keep him.
I appreciate the nice comment mate, thanks. Most of the credit goes to the contributors on the Game of Goals site though of course, for their choices and descriptive comments.