At the moment it's the 70s and 80s for me, mainly because I find the players the most fascinating. Collective performance and athleticism are way below later standards (games can look quite lame, actually), but the top players of that period appeal the most to me, for whatever reason.
What is the greatest ever decade for players and teams?
- Thread starter Fortitude
- Start date
Yeah. It would've been nice to see motivated France and Netherlands in the final of 2000. Fantastic team.
In the modern era. I’d say it’s close to call between 00s and 90s.
The United team of the late 00s was arguably better than the team which won the Treble. The Arsenal teams in 02 and 04 were probably on par with the one of the late 90s (who were very unlucky not to win back to back doubles if we’re being honest).
The 90s had a larger variety of League winners including smaller clubs such as Blackburn, Leeds and Liverpool.
I’d say older reds probably have different opinions of the 50s and 60s. My Grandad often insisted that the United team of the mid 50s (pre Munich) was better than the one which actually won the European Cup in 68. Real Madrid dominated the first part of that era but for the most part were playing against teams just getting used to a very different style of competition.
The United team of the late 00s was arguably better than the team which won the Treble. The Arsenal teams in 02 and 04 were probably on par with the one of the late 90s (who were very unlucky not to win back to back doubles if we’re being honest).
The 90s had a larger variety of League winners including smaller clubs such as Blackburn, Leeds and Liverpool.
I’d say older reds probably have different opinions of the 50s and 60s. My Grandad often insisted that the United team of the mid 50s (pre Munich) was better than the one which actually won the European Cup in 68. Real Madrid dominated the first part of that era but for the most part were playing against teams just getting used to a very different style of competition.
I agree he was put there in the 1957 Cup Final because we were down to 10 men and the regular centre-half Jackie Blanchflower had to go in goal. He wasn't selected in that position.
I wouldn't call Blanchflower a goalkeeper either as a consequence.
Lot's of players cover for others in a range of situations.
Was that because United had to rejig the team once the goalie was assaulted (no subs in those days)? It’s not easy to equate positions in the WM formation to modern football but I always thought Edwards was a midfielder.
How the mighty have fallen...
Yeah, it was a direct consequence of that injury. Perhaps it is my ignorance, but I'm sure that he played there before. I'm not stating that it was his best position — it clearly wasn't and there is no doubt in my mind that Duncan would be a box-to-box midfielder today. But to say that he hadn't played there is, from the information that I've gathered over the years, doesn't seem like a true statement. I'm happy to be proved wrong though as I'm in no way an expert on the matter.
From The Telegraph's article on him where they quote United fans of the time:
Don Revie as well:
edit: Anyway, this doesn't really require an answer, as I'm not arguing that he was a center back and I agree with you on his best role and position.
As many have said, great read. Decisions are heavily influenced by age.
I'll go for 00's cause of nostalgia. Ronaldinho, Henry, RVN, Shevchenko etc. These players made me fall in love with football.
I'll go for 00's cause of nostalgia. Ronaldinho, Henry, RVN, Shevchenko etc. These players made me fall in love with football.
We need a second poll with posters' ages / age of first following football. The nostalgia is strong in this one.
What an OP that is, well done.
It's hard because most of my footballing memories are from the 00's through to now. Barcelona's late 00's side was really special and Ferguson created a hell of a team from 07 through to 10. Ferdinand and Vidic are up there with the greatest partnerships of all time imo.
It's hard because most of my footballing memories are from the 00's through to now. Barcelona's late 00's side was really special and Ferguson created a hell of a team from 07 through to 10. Ferdinand and Vidic are up there with the greatest partnerships of all time imo.
Cracking side. They were the better team against Brazil in the 1998 semi and could have thrashed Italy in the 2000 semi. Rock solid spine with Stam / De Boer, Bergkamp / Kluivert and a midfield that was so dominant with Davids at the helm supported by Cocu and Seedorf.
as united fan in his 50s i got to go for the 70s when i first started going home and away great football under tommy doc not so great but ok under dave sexton but 3 wembley visits was pure magic and filling every big away end every match magic days
One of my favorite players. Maybe because of the glasses.
@Fortitude
Not to hijack the thread but we had this little discussion on the draft forum.
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/my-favourite-teams-per-decade-who-would-win.443536/
Not to hijack the thread but we had this little discussion on the draft forum.
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/my-favourite-teams-per-decade-who-would-win.443536/
I disagree. Lets wait a decade or so. A player's reputation always gets boosted massively after retirement.
You might be the first to get that link on here. Only taken 18 years.Surprised you didn’t mention the guy your username is after
Him being best mates with Henke I had more tolerance for him than any other rangers player, but he really was brilliant. Him and Larsson were by far and away the best players in the league in my opinion. Love that they got to win the CL together at Barca.
Yup. Scotland seen the best of both players IMO, Larsson obviously because of age, Van Bronckhorst because of the knee injury he suffered early on at Arsenal. Testament to both that they were both influential to win major trophies and shine at the top level well into their 30s.
Interesting thread.
I think you are overating the German teams, notwithstanding their successes.
A couple of instances:
In 1966, I know there was controversy as to whether the Hurst’s goal crossed the line, but there was not much doubt as to the better team on the day. Even some of the German players have commented that they were surprised, when they watched a replay, as to just how much better England were.
The 90’s. There was a cigarette paper IMO between the three World Cup winners, I would put the Brazil team in both 94, and 98 (up until Ronaldo’s fit) above the 1990 German team, and a mile ahead of Germany’s, greater than the sum of its parts, 1996 team.
Also, separately, in the 60’s Uniteds 67-68 team were coming to the end, but they had arguably been better in 65/66, so their run was longer than one season.
I think you are overating the German teams, notwithstanding their successes.
A couple of instances:
In 1966, I know there was controversy as to whether the Hurst’s goal crossed the line, but there was not much doubt as to the better team on the day. Even some of the German players have commented that they were surprised, when they watched a replay, as to just how much better England were.
The 90’s. There was a cigarette paper IMO between the three World Cup winners, I would put the Brazil team in both 94, and 98 (up until Ronaldo’s fit) above the 1990 German team, and a mile ahead of Germany’s, greater than the sum of its parts, 1996 team.
Also, separately, in the 60’s Uniteds 67-68 team were coming to the end, but they had arguably been better in 65/66, so their run was longer than one season.
Great posts Fortitude! Only thing: Crespo is missing.
It depends, immediately maybe. Over time most players get forgotten about.
On the other hand the football marketing machine is constantly telling us everything about the current game is the best its ever been.
I'm pretty sure it came up before — at least I remembered the link already.
The 1965 champions were a very good, free-scoring side. We had a very tight defence too which was the difference between us being champions and runners-up because, if memory serves, Leeds allowed a lot of goals.
Have to correct something. I said @Fortitude only mentioned Eusébio and Coluna from Portugal and Benfica during the 60's but he also added José Águas and Simões. I was thinking on Simões, would be nice to know how many goals he assisted for Eusébio or Torres during that era. I have to read again with more detail.
brilliant thread and effort. will post something longer and more deserving tomorrow (at work..)
Wow great thread, great work. Amazing!
Just a question: Why is Matthäus not mentioned in any all-star eleven? Matthäus is the 2nd best german player of all time, just behind Beckenbauer. And to this day the only german balon d'or (whatever it was called back then) winner. He should surely even be mentioned as one of the 3 best players of his peak decade. There is no way that Sammer or Kohler should be mentioned above him in an 90' all star elven.
Just a question: Why is Matthäus not mentioned in any all-star eleven? Matthäus is the 2nd best german player of all time, just behind Beckenbauer. And to this day the only german balon d'or (whatever it was called back then) winner. He should surely even be mentioned as one of the 3 best players of his peak decade. There is no way that Sammer or Kohler should be mentioned above him in an 90' all star elven.
Yes the declaring everything and everybody as GOAT (not just in football you see it in every sport) seems to be a new phenomenon.
Hi, I've amended that. Thanks.
Matthäus is listed in the 80's. The problem, as pointed out by a few people, is that a number of players don't just comfortably have their best period of football inside a decade and countless players are crossovers who can be put either side of a decade's divide: Laudrup, Baresi, Rijkaard, C. Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Zico being just a few more examples to add to the likes of Matthäus in this department.
Matthäus was a known and monstrous, rampaging entity by the '90's, but he did that groundwork throughout the 80's where he was lauded as one of few players who could match Maradona in his absolute prime 1on1. He also burst onto Serie A's stage then and shook the league up with his performances. Of course, his World Cup performance (in '90 this time) won him the plaudits for the Ballon win, but honestly, it could easily be considered the icing on a cake that was made a long time before that candle was lit.
I wouldn't object to Matthäus being classed as '90's, but there's no way he was 'better' then than he was in the 80's. Truth is, if you favour him for the 90's, of course he gets into the midfield ahead of literally anyone else, that's not in question. Almost all of those decade teams can be re-jigged and have some personnel switched from one decade to another. I don't think there is a right or wrong to doing so in most cases, however.
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The best teams of the modern era would beat the best teams of any other era comfortably, so I’ll go with 2010s.
Thanks for all the kind words and input. I will reply to some questions directed at me tomorrow. I wanted the thread to grow organically, which it has done and I'm honestly quite surprised by the interest shown, so thanks for that everybody.
The intention initially was to err on the side of brevity in both the listing of names and the feats for the decades - the lists were not supposed to be extensive (nor the feats/changes), so where names that are 'missing' are pointed out, it's not that they were forgotten, it's that to include them would be to expand the groupings more than initially intended, which you may notice has happened a number of times as is.
With the interest shown, it will probably do justice to extend those lists to 10 names per position if it's warranted.
The thread might have been posted, but I guess it's still a work in progress.
The intention initially was to err on the side of brevity in both the listing of names and the feats for the decades - the lists were not supposed to be extensive (nor the feats/changes), so where names that are 'missing' are pointed out, it's not that they were forgotten, it's that to include them would be to expand the groupings more than initially intended, which you may notice has happened a number of times as is.
With the interest shown, it will probably do justice to extend those lists to 10 names per position if it's warranted.
The thread might have been posted, but I guess it's still a work in progress.
Fair enough. I must have overlooked him in the 80's squad, my bad. But i do believe that some players, as influential as the likes of Matthäus or CR7 for example, deserve to be listed in 2 decades. Especially if you consider that some careers can last for 20 years (GK's mostly). If i remember correctly, Matthäus ended his career in 2000.
I must admit i am really impressed by your knowledge. A true expert! Really good work, i hope this thread will stay alive for a long time, it really deserves it!
Shows his versatility that he was able to play in so many positions.
Interestingly when United fans point out that Cantona should be more revered than Edwards their records are virtually the same...
Having watched a lot of Matthaus footage recently for research purposes I don’t think you have anything to apologise about.
He was still a force in very early 90s but was practically half the player by mid 90s (yet still a very classy top level operator) - he’s an 80s god. That was his prime.. World Cup finalist in 86 and winner in 1990 (back end of 1989/90 season). Winning Serie A in 88/89 and generally speaking his quality of play in the 80s was just unbelievable - simply not much this guy couldn’t do on a football pitch. One of the most complete footballers of all time.
van Bronckhorst's nickname? Played for Rangers.
Always assumed that was reason behind your user name.
Surprised there's no mention of Scifo in the 90's. Maybe not quite good enough to make the all decade side but certainly worthy of consideration
Using the OP albeit with some tweaks.. my rough analysis of what was the greatest decade for players and teams is as follows (in order to avoid it getting too subjective, I'd award points to the top 3 and perhaps a minus for the weakest side):
PLAYERS
Goalkeepers
1) 1960's (10 pts)
2) 1970's (8 pts)
3) 2000's (5pts)
4) 2010's
5) 1990's
6) 1980's
7) 1950's (-2 pts)
Full backs
1) 60's (10pts)
2) 90's (8pts)
3) 00's (5 pts)
4) 70's
5) 50's (on paper they should be first - but having watched Brazil of that era closely, I simply don't rate Nilton Santos that highly - Djalma on the other hand is alongside Carlos Alberto as my top two right backs of all time, phenomenal player).
6) 2010's
7) 80's (-2pts)
Centre backs
1) 70s (10 pts)
2) 80's - I personally think Baresi's peak falls in 80's (8pts)
3) 00's (5 pts)
4) 90's
5) 2010's
6) 1960's
7) 1950's (not enough strength in depth in this category) (-2pts)
Midfielders
1) 80's (10pts) stacked as feck
2) 60's (8pts)
3) 50's (Varela and Didi.. dayum) (5pts)
4) 90's
5) 10's
6) 70's
7) 00's (-2pts)
Wingers/Wide Forwards
1) 10's (10pts)
2) 60's (counted Garrincha for this too based on 1962) 8pts
3) 50's (5pts)
4) 90's
5) 00's
6) 70's
7) 80's (-2pts)
Support Strikers/10's
1) 80's / 60's (10pts)
2) 50's (8pts) - I would see Puskas/Di stefano falling into this category due to their positioning at their peaks
3) 90's (5pts) - if you give this era Zidane and Rivaldo
2) 70's (5pts) - Cruyff factor
4) 00's
5) 10's (-2pts)
Centre Forward
1) 90s (10pts)
2) 50's (8pts.. Kocsis, Fontaine and Nordahl - kapow!)
3) 00's (5pts)
4) 60's (not really many out and out strikers.. more 9.5's)
5) 80's
6) 10's
7) 70s (apart from Muller it lacks depth) (-2pts)
PLAYER POOL RANKINGS...
1) 1960's (38 pts)
2) 1980's (24 pts)
3) 1990's (23 pts)
4) 1970's (21 pts)
5) 2000's (18pts)
6) 1950's (17pts)
7) 2010's (8pts)
TEAM RANKINGS
1) 1970s* (20 pts) * does that Brazil team count towards culmination of 60's era perhaps as it falls at end of 69/70 season rather than being a 70s side?
2) 1950s (15 pts)
3) 2000s (10 pts)
4) 1980s (5pts)
5) 2010s/1960s
6) 1990s (-5pts) *punished for its very weak national sides
OVERALL RANKINGS
1)1970's* (41 pts)
2) 1960's (38 pts)
3) 1950's (33pts)
4) 1980's (29 pts)
5) 2000's (18pts)
5) 1990's (17 pts)
7) 2010's (8pts)
SUMMARY
Its a tough one, IMO overall the 60's era is the strongest but it depends on the classification of the 1970's side as that was a side which was so early into the decade, it can't really be referred to as a side which defined an era per se... but generally speaking even without that side the 70's era from a team perspective is so strong with two all time level club sides and two all time level national sides even excluding Brazil.
Player wise 60's won by a large margin, but 80's pool was strong. The sides from the 50's suffered due to lack of organisation around certain events such as European Cup/European Championships and people finding their feet post War... some outstanding sides from that period though. For me one thing is for sure, the modern era seems to my eyes to be the weakest in terms of individual quality outside the Messi/Ronaldo axis but from an organisational stand point, we have seen some really strong sides in this era especially at the international level i.e. Spain and Germany.
@Gio @harms @Fortitude what was your own conclusions as to what was the greatest?
PLAYERS
Goalkeepers
1) 1960's (10 pts)
2) 1970's (8 pts)
3) 2000's (5pts)
4) 2010's
5) 1990's
6) 1980's
7) 1950's (-2 pts)
Full backs
1) 60's (10pts)
2) 90's (8pts)
3) 00's (5 pts)
4) 70's
5) 50's (on paper they should be first - but having watched Brazil of that era closely, I simply don't rate Nilton Santos that highly - Djalma on the other hand is alongside Carlos Alberto as my top two right backs of all time, phenomenal player).
6) 2010's
7) 80's (-2pts)
Centre backs
1) 70s (10 pts)
2) 80's - I personally think Baresi's peak falls in 80's (8pts)
3) 00's (5 pts)
4) 90's
5) 2010's
6) 1960's
7) 1950's (not enough strength in depth in this category) (-2pts)
Midfielders
1) 80's (10pts) stacked as feck
2) 60's (8pts)
3) 50's (Varela and Didi.. dayum) (5pts)
4) 90's
5) 10's
6) 70's
7) 00's (-2pts)
Wingers/Wide Forwards
1) 10's (10pts)
2) 60's (counted Garrincha for this too based on 1962) 8pts
3) 50's (5pts)
4) 90's
5) 00's
6) 70's
7) 80's (-2pts)
Support Strikers/10's
1) 80's / 60's (10pts)
2) 50's (8pts) - I would see Puskas/Di stefano falling into this category due to their positioning at their peaks
3) 90's (5pts) - if you give this era Zidane and Rivaldo
2) 70's (5pts) - Cruyff factor
4) 00's
5) 10's (-2pts)
Centre Forward
1) 90s (10pts)
2) 50's (8pts.. Kocsis, Fontaine and Nordahl - kapow!)
3) 00's (5pts)
4) 60's (not really many out and out strikers.. more 9.5's)
5) 80's
6) 10's
7) 70s (apart from Muller it lacks depth) (-2pts)
PLAYER POOL RANKINGS...
1) 1960's (38 pts)
2) 1980's (24 pts)
3) 1990's (23 pts)
4) 1970's (21 pts)
5) 2000's (18pts)
6) 1950's (17pts)
7) 2010's (8pts)
TEAM RANKINGS
1) 1970s* (20 pts) * does that Brazil team count towards culmination of 60's era perhaps as it falls at end of 69/70 season rather than being a 70s side?
2) 1950s (15 pts)
3) 2000s (10 pts)
4) 1980s (5pts)
5) 2010s/1960s
6) 1990s (-5pts) *punished for its very weak national sides
OVERALL RANKINGS
1)1970's* (41 pts)
2) 1960's (38 pts)
3) 1950's (33pts)
4) 1980's (29 pts)
5) 2000's (18pts)
5) 1990's (17 pts)
7) 2010's (8pts)
SUMMARY
Its a tough one, IMO overall the 60's era is the strongest but it depends on the classification of the 1970's side as that was a side which was so early into the decade, it can't really be referred to as a side which defined an era per se... but generally speaking even without that side the 70's era from a team perspective is so strong with two all time level club sides and two all time level national sides even excluding Brazil.
Player wise 60's won by a large margin, but 80's pool was strong. The sides from the 50's suffered due to lack of organisation around certain events such as European Cup/European Championships and people finding their feet post War... some outstanding sides from that period though. For me one thing is for sure, the modern era seems to my eyes to be the weakest in terms of individual quality outside the Messi/Ronaldo axis but from an organisational stand point, we have seen some really strong sides in this era especially at the international level i.e. Spain and Germany.
@Gio @harms @Fortitude what was your own conclusions as to what was the greatest?