I was having a discussion with a friend the other day about “Who the greatest footballer ever is.”
We discussed male players first. His argument was Messi; mine was George Best. Of course, everyone will have their reasons for their choice. It is hard to imagine anybody from my father’s generation picking Messi over Pele.
George Best
My choice for Best is purely because I was lucky enough to have been alive when he was playing and that he was a sensation on the pitch as well as off the pitch. Maradona and Pele come a very close second. I am also of the opinion that when Messi finally hangs up his boots, he will also be in contention for that title, in my opinion, he is a colossus talent.
We then began discussing best female player. With us both being fans of different teams we once again had our choice. My friend debated about Marta or Wambach. Both certainly have the right to be called the greatest ever.
Marta is a phenomenal talent, a one off. Her ability to run at defenders is almost like watching Messi and Pele rolled into one! In ten years she won world player of the year five times and was runner-up four times. 92 goals in 95 games for Brazil, her goalscoring record is breathtaking. The Olympics this year will certainly be a final curtain call on what has been a glittering career.
Wambach is another contender. When you think of her statistics, you need to read twice, alongside two Olympic Gold Medals and one World Cup Abby scored an incredible 184 goals in 255 international appearances. The leading international scorer in world football. I doubt this record will ever be bettered.
There are many others that could be called the best, Hamm, Sawa, Prinz, Wen all great players worthy of being called “The Greatest.”
My choice was one that I don’t think will change. She is still just twenty-three. But in my opinion, I have never seen better. I’m not new to women’s football; I have been watching since the 1990’s. Followed the game avidly.
I recall when I first saw Pernille Harder play. It was a cold day in March 2012, I was excited to see our new signings (Linköping I support!). With players like Lisa De Vanna arriving we truly had some world class stars.
It was a quiet, quick Danish player that caught my eye. I recall her getting the ball, skinning two defenders before trying an audacious lob from outside the box that only just missed! I had no idea who Pernille was before seeing her in this game. Her history was fairly scarce. Played for Skovbakken for two years but nothing that stood out.
Over the first season this eighteen-year-old was mature beyond her years, quick-footed, a deadly free kick taker and once she moved from midfield to attack, she found her true natural position.
Fast forward two seasons and Pernille has already broken Linköpings all-time scoring record, was voted Damallsvenskan player of the year and yesterday Danish Player of the year.
Pernille is already a superstar of football, averaging 20 goals a season, a leader on and off the pitch I think she will eclipse all in her way. When I compare the legends mentioned before, I would say she is already ahead.
I was fortunate enough to see Marta, Hamm, Wambach in their prime. All phenomenal hall of fame players.
But, for me, Pernille will be the greatest of them all.
