George Best RIP

[Sweder]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
I used to curl my lip at such chrulish newspaper stories as 'who was the greatest?' Comparing players from different generations is like comparing wines from different parts of the world; each, of its time and in its setting, is unique and outstanding.

Food for thought: compare the playing records of George Best and Ryan Giggs.
Both exciting talents, crowd-pleasers, dazzling dribblers.
Both scored exceptional goals.
Both missed out on top international honours, playing for smaller nations.
(the suggestion that Giggs, who played for England Schoolboys, could and should have played for England is complete rubbish).
Best won top honours with United - a European Cup, two championships, player of the year accolades, top scorer for the club four seasons running.
Giggs? A European Cup, a Cup Winners Cup, Four FA Cups and Eight - count 'em, Eight - championships, inlcuding one amazing treble.

Best blew up, hit the booze, lived the high life, ended his career long before time was due.
Giggs, protected by Ferguson almost certainly because of the Best legacy, struggled with injuries yet remains the consumate professional.

I've recently read their respective autobiographies - 'Blessed' and 'Giggs' - and I have to say much as I loved Georgie as I was growing up, the Welshman has him beat hands down when it comes to being a thoroughly decent human being.

Why all this nonesense about Giggs?
Why, it's his birthday today!
And from one celebrating sagi to another, happy birthday old son -
and thanks for that miraculous goal against the Gooners in '99