The Player Skill Evaluation

* Update after 2022 World Cup 
I.  Introduction and Historical Literature Review
               Footballer’s Skill in this context is the prime individual playing proficiency in specific role or position. Skill is the unique ability aspect that is developed through training and experience. Moreover, skill is an internal intangible resource that players utilize in application under the game situation and circumstance to achieve great performance.
             Pesdatabase[1] is a well-known players’ skill evaluation website that allows its administrators and free members to create players or legends skill profile in their specialization. However, the criteria standard of evaluation is largely different between personal perspectives and the sampling of skill measurement is unclear.         
             Footballermanager[2] is a famous football software game that evaluate skills of current players by its professional team. Its original version was created in 1992. As the games have been creating in purpose to represent the skill of players in specific year and its evaluation system has been developing, the criteria between years is non-standardized.  
            Accordingly, this research work is aimed to rate football legends skill by standardizing the perspective criteria of legends skill evaluation through the history of football by visual measurement from video sampling or analyzing paper in two main parts : Total skill and Specialized skill.

II. Methodology 
   Measurement of Skill Attribute
  It is measured in both qualitative and quantitative visual inspection by perspective of one evaluator in scales (0 - 10 in two decimal).


1. Total Skill

   1.1) Watch video mainly from footballia source[3] and rate every related skill by approximate visual inspection and input score of each skill capture onto skill data format. The number of full-matches or highlights for each player will also be specified in the format.  
        1.1.1) Full-Matches
               - Pre-1954  : Video Highlight
          - 1954 - 1993 : Full match of historical games and some Video Highlights during the 1950s and the 1st half 1960s. The number of matches is 222 in total as following competitions ;
                   International Country : 145 Matches
                   International Club : 70 Matches
                   Domestic : 7 Matches  
             - 1994 onwards : Author Tacit Knowledge : This is the period that author watched important football matches regularly.
         1.1.2) Goals Highlight in international matches for all periods  
         1.1.3) The legends who is unavailable in full-matches video are mutually considered with paper analysis.

  
  1.2) The criteria formula in format will calculate total skill and rank top 50 most skillful players in by 9 positional category. The weight percentage criteria to calculate total skill of players is designated by value analysis in each position provided in scorecard table. Value Analysis is a consideration of importance level of skill to specific role. 
    
Skill Aspect
Abv.
Definition
Shooting
SHT
Ground shooting combined between accuracy, weight and technique
Aerial
ARL
Aerial shooting combined between jumping, heading, volleying or overhead kick
Scoring
SCR
The ability of ground and aerial shooting
Passing
PAS
Passing accuracy, tempo and curve
Creativity
CRT
The imagination of playing such as coordination method
Vision to pass the ball for attackers
Assisting
AST
The vision and expectable passing for striker 
Dribble
DRB
Dribbling accuracy and agility of footage
Technique
TECH
The technique of ball controlling or touching ball
Agility
AGL
The agility of body movement
Speed
SPD
Speed without the ball and acceleration with the ball for attackers
Stamina
STM
The tenacity of body
Strength
STR
BB 
The body balance and body ability to resist the impact
Position
POS
The off the ball standing or movement
Tackling
TCK
The
Reading
RDG
The anticipation and interception
Handling
HND
The ability to catch the ball with the hand
Reflexs
RFX
The reaction to save the ball
Ball Opening
BO
The goal kicking or opening ball by hand
Jumping
JMP
Goalkeeper Ability to reach the ball includes height and jumping. 
                             

2. Specialized Skill

      2.1) From the total skill, list top potential players candidates 
    2.2) Calculated skill function score by combining skill attribute weight criteria as below chart. (Weight Criteria is showed in result table) 



IV. Result & Statistics


*Remark : One player could appear in more positions.


1. Total Skill  


   SP means Sampling : Number is the watched full-matches
                            H is Video Highlight, P is Paper Analysis 


                                                    I : Striker





                                                   II : Forward






                          
                                     III : Advanced Midfielder





                                              IV : Playmaker 







                                                   V : Winger






                                                  VI : Defensive Midfielder







                                        VII : Central Defender 








                                       VII : Defensive Lateral






                                               IX : Goalkeeper




2. Specialized Skill

Shot Saving
Rank
Name
Total


100
1
Yashin
9.47
2
Schemichel
9.37
3
Zamora
9.30
4
Buffon
9.30
5
Beara
9.28
Pass Saving
Rank
Name
Total


100
1
Yashin
9.42
2
Buffon
9.40
3
Zoff
9.40
4
Shilton
9.20
5
Mazurkiewicz
9.20
Defence
Rank
Name
Total


100
1
Figueroa
9.23
2
Baresi
9.20
3
Moore
9.20
4
Maldini
9.14
5
Nesta
9.13
6
Scirea
9.11
7
Passarerlla
9.00
8
Kohler
8.93
9
Bergomi
8.91
10
Chumpitaz
8.91

Dribbling
Rank
Name
Total
Agility
Accuracy
Technique


100
33.3
33.3
33.3
1
Garrincha
10
10
10
10
2
Maradona
9.90
9.9
9.8
10
3
Cruyff
9.87
10
9.85
9.75
4
Ronaldo
9.87
9.85
9.75
10
5
Sivori
9.85
10
9.85
9.7
6
Best
9.85
9.8
9.75
10
7
Zico
9.85
9.8
9.75
10
8
Messi
9.70
9.8
9.6
9.7
9
Ronaldinho
9.70
9.7
9.4
10
10
Sindelar
9.67
9.5
9.75
9.75
Passing
Rank
Name
Total
Accuracy
Vision
Technique


100
40
40
20
1
Platini
9.85
9.85
9.85
9.85
2
Didi
9.73
9.7
9.7
9.85
3
Maradona
9.68
9.65
9.7
9.7
4
Xavi
9.67
9.5
9.8
9.75
5
Netzer
9.65
9.8
9.5
9.65
6
Liedholm
9.58
9.75
9.5
9.4
7
Zidane
9.58
9.6
9.6
9.5
8
Guardiola
9.58
9.7
9.5
9.5
9
Haynes
9.52
9.7
9.4
9.4
10
Pirlo
9.52
9.6
9.4
9.6
Crossing
Rank
Name
Total
Accuracy
Vision
Technique


100
40
40
20
1
Beckham
9.84
10
9.6
10
2
Dzajic
9.52
9.7
9.3
9.6
3
Brehme
9.52
9.7
9.4
9.4
4
Matthews
9.32
9.5
9.4
8.8
5
Arce
9.24
9.4
9
9.4
Shooting
Rank
Name
Total
Accuracy
Weight
Technique


100
50
35
15
1
Puskas
9.84
10
9.6
9.85
2
Batistuta
9.72
9.85
9.85
9.2
3
Pele
9.66
9.7
9.7
9.5
4
Eusebio
9.61
9.6
9.8
9.35
5
Shearer
9.44
9.5
9.5
9.2
6
Muller
9.40
9.7
8.8
9.55
7
Kostic
9.38
9.2
9.75
9
8
C.Ronaldo
9.38
9.3
9.5
9.4
9
Nordahl
9.30
9.3
9.3
9.3
10
Hasselbenk
9.30
9.4
9.35
9
9.06
9.4
8.6
9.3
Aerial Scoring
Rank
Name
Total
Height
Jumping
Heading


100
15
15
70
1
Bierhoff
9.72
9.50
8.6
10
2
Kocsis
9.65
8.80
9.3
9.9
3
Hrubesch
9.64
9.35
9.2
9.8
4
Dean
9.53
8.85
9.4
9.7
5
Spencer
9.51
8.90
9.2
9.7
6
Klose
9.50
9.05
9.5
9.6
7
Riedle
9.43
8.80
9.7
9.5
8
Aguas
9.43
9.10
9.4
9.5
9
R.Falcao
9.40
8.85
9.5
9.5
10
Charles
9.31
9.35
8.4
9.5
Free-Kick Specialist
Rank
Name
Total
Accuracy
Power
Technique


100
50
30
20
1
Mihajlovic
9.64
9.7
9.7
9.4
2
Zico
9.44
9.85
8.5
9.8
3
Rivelino
9.44
9.3
9.5
9.7
4
Koeman
9.40
9.5
9.7
8.7
5
Juninho
9.38
9.7
8.9
9.3
6
Recoba
9.38
9.4
9.2
9.6
7
Beckham
9.37
9.6
8.7
9.8
8
Rivaldo
9.27
9.3
9.2
9.3
9
Maradona
9.21
9.6
8.3
9.6
10
Platini
9.21
9.6
8.3
9.6

Riquelme
9.20
9.4
8.6
9.6
Rapidity
Rank
Name
Total
Top Speed
Accel


100
30
70
1
Gento
9.88
9.6
10
2
Ronaldo
9.85
9.5
10
3
Owen
9.63
9.7
9.6
4
Walcott
9.63
9.7
9.6
5
Overmars
9.60
9.6
9.6
6
C.Ronaldo
9.54
9.4
9.6
7
Caniggia
9.52
9.8
9.4
8
Blokhin
9.5
9.5
9.5
9
Bican
9.49
9.7
9.4
10
Henry
9.46
9.7
9.35
Strongest
Rank
Name
Total
Strength
Stamina


100
30
70
1
Matthaus
9.38
8.9
9.85
2
Edwards
9.35
9.8
8.9
3
Rijkaard
9.33
9.4
9.25
4
Mackay
9.30
9.2
9.4
5
Desailly
9.25
9.5
9
6
M.Silva
9.25
9.2
9.3
7
O.Varela
9.20
9.1
9.3
8
Essien
9.18
8.85
9.5
9
Kohler
9.15
9.4
8.9
10
Vieira
9.15
9
9.3



 Destroying

Rank
Name
Total
Defence
Agility
Stamina


100
60
20
20
1
Makelele
8.94
8.7
8.75
9.85
2
Matthaeus
8.85
8.6
8.6
9.85
3
Kante
8.84
8.7
8.5
9.6
4
Mackay
8.78
8.8
8
9.5
5
Keane
8.76
8.7
8.2
9.5
6
Rijkaard
8.76
8.8
8.1
9.3
7
Robson
8.74
8.75
8.1
9.35
8
Monti
8.75
8.8
8.2
9.15
9
Edwards
8.66
8.8
7.9
9
10
O.Varela
8.66
8.75
7.8
9.25




Offensive Side-Back
Rank
Name
Total
1
R.Carlos
8.65
2
Alves
8.52
3
Nelinho
8.50
4
J.L.Andrade
8.49
5
Leonardo
8.48
6
Breitner
8.41
7
Brehme
8.34
8
C.Alberto
8.32
9
Junior
8.31
10
Marcelo
8.30
11
Cafu
8.27
12
Amoros
8.25


Strongest
Rank
Name
Total
Strength
Stamina


100
50
50
1
Matthaus
9.38
8.9
9.85
2
Edwards
9.35
9.8
8.9
3
Rijkaard
9.33
9.4
9.25
4
Mackay
9.30
9.2
9.4
5
Desailly
9.25
9.5
9
6
M.Silva
9.25
9.2
9.3
7
O.Varela
9.20
9.1
9.3
8
Essien
9.18
8.85
9.5
9
Kohler
9.15
9.4
8.9
10
Vieira
9.15
9
9.3


V. Discussion
    The skill measurement system support to identify players' skill characteristic at players' prime performance in specific positions by 9 categories. Each of player skill could reach the prime in different period, so the skill rating is not limited to specific period of prime. The skill rating is also an important role on analyzing players performance. Most sampling of videos are full-most competitive international matches in order to obtain mutual similar standard against skill level. The accuracy and uncertainty of skill evaluation is depended on number and level of samplings, particularly many players in the pre-1950s are no evidence of footage and is just rated based on article analysis in which the subjectivity is inevitable. Importantly, the weight from value analysis is a key factor to determine player total skill. Finally the result of evaluation is applied to the performance evaluation and help to increase the objectivity in overall rating significantly.
    In Goalkeeper position, Lev Yashin is unanimously the most skillful goalkeeper ever. Although he is rated as the most skillful keeping ever in only one aspect, reflex, but he is among one of the most skillful in other aspects. In side-back position, Paolo Maldini is the most skillful player in this position in a high distance to below ranking. He is rated as the best ever in defensive skill of side-back while R.Carlos is best ever at offensive skill. Beckenbauer is number one in central defender skill when he is also rated as the best ever at offensive skill for central defender. The most skillful players in defense are Baresi, Moore and Figueroa whose rating are in similar level. In defensive midfielder position, Lothar Matthaeus and Claude Makelele are the best destroyers ever. Beckenbauer in defensive midfield position is rated as the best ever at offensive skill. Garrincha is also the most skillful winger ever by large margin. The most skillful playmaker ever is belonged to Zidane. In advanced midfielder list, Maradona is unsurprisingly the best ever, is significantly better than Cruyff. Between Messi and Pele is unjustifiable who is the most skillful forward of all-time. Luis Nazario Ronaldo is the most skillful striker ever.

Reference
[1]https://pesstatsdatabase.com
[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_Manager
[3] www.footballia.com

605 comments:

  1. Why Stanley Matthews is above George Best in this ranking?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Skill is only player’s potential. Top Performance will be reached when required skills are fulfilled its high potential coincidently. Matthews’s potential was rated insignificantly superior to George Best (could be equal) but Matthews never reached each of his best skill simultaneously. (details as below in priority of importance).
      1) Creator-Crosser-Team Work : Matthews >> George Best
      2) Dribble : George Best > Matthews
      3) Speed, Agility : George Best > Matthews
      4) Scoring : George Best >> Matthews
      Matthews is superior to George Best in only one major role which is given highest proportion. As I reviews in equal players result of comparison, I add new condition that players which has a more number of better skills will be advantageous. Thanks again for originating great point of improvement.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for answering my question! This blog gets better every day!

      Delete
  2. Why Ronaldo is listed as forward? Wasn't he a striker?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is very good question. It could be seen the positional ranking of total skill is categorized in more number than any other list but there are still equal number of attacker categorizations to the 10 x 100 ranking list. Even so, I set different criteria of categorization base on objective. For total skill ranking, Ronaldo is too much different from poacher in penalty box so his skill would not best fit to striker position in definitive skill. However, the 10 x 100 ranking list definite in wider range of striker as a main scorer role.

      Delete
    2. Why isn't he in the winger category? also, I don't understand what the BM category means since Im guessing PM stands for plam maker.

      Delete
    3. Whom are you refer should have been in winger list ?
      I have revised category name to easier understanding. DM means destroyer by which very high proportional criteria in defensive quality. CM give more weight in offensive skill. The first box is included both DM and CM list.

      Delete
  3. think ribery is nor better than robben. robben has also the better goal and assist average than ribery. robben was only injured a lot, but his potential is higher than ribery's

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ribery is just slower than Robben but is by far a better creator and crosser.

      Delete
  4. hello naratorn wirunhchatapant! i want to ask you can you find me the best possible for a system 3-3-3-1? if you want extra details about the position that i want tell me to explain to you.
    you are the man. only you know

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you mean my Best XI of 3-3-3-1 system ?

      Delete
    2. yes i care about balance also, not only names. people who play the position for this system perfectly.

      Delete

    3. Pele
      Cruyff Maradona Messi
      Zidane Beckenbauer Matthaus
      Maldini Baresi Figueroa
      Yashin

      The 3-3-3-1 formation requires the great semi-side players in all three functional lines. Figueroa is not a semi-side defender in his historical playing but he would be most fit to this role for me even tougher than Thuram, thanks to his great speed. In midfield line, central midfielder should be a deep-lying defensive midfielder as he need to help defensive line very much and at the same times he must be a good creator of the game so I’d not hesitate to go for Beckenbauer. For left-midfielder in this formation, I’d say left-half is most similar to this position and Duncan Edwards is arguably the best left-half ever in hi peak. Anyway, I need to go for Zidane because it would be too defensive when I already choose Matthaus as right-midfielder.


      Delete
  5. I want to help you. You can consult this 3 pages as a reference:
    http://www.pesmitidelcalcio.com/
    http://pesstatsfanon.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
    http://habilidadespesefifa.blogspot.com.ar/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, I've ever discussed with their Pesmit administrators. Now it's time for me to make my own research.

      Delete
  6. Oh I forgot this page: http://www.pesmaster.com/ (official Konami stats)

    ReplyDelete
  7. When will you complete this list? Before the world cup?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for asking. Now I have been watching all related highlight videos aside from 220 full-matches I have done. I try to finish at the end of this month but it might be late for a week.

      Delete
  8. Ocwirk is underrated in passing score. His long pass was amazing. At least he deserves the same score of Boszik in passing. He was a lot better than Rijkaard in that aspect, not only 0.2 points.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ok. But why his score in DEF is lower now? And according to your scores, Bozsik surpass Rijkaard now.

      Delete
    2. Honesty there is no footage of his defense but 8.8 is a level of central defender. Ocwirk is never known as world-class defender. I also downgrade Bozsik scoring skill so now he is equal to Rijkaard.

      Delete
  9. I also think that Maradona deserves, at least, 9.9 in technique and dribbling. Garrincha and Diego are both the best dribblers ever and I don`t see a 0.15 difference between them (and for me Diego makes more different variants in his dribble and "takes more risks" , Garrincha sometimes repeates the same action). And the technique of Diego is the best that I've seen in my whole life. If Ronaldinho deserves a 10, Maradona too, but at least a 9.9 or 9.95.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree at least Maradona dribb pass tougher defenders than Garrincha. In my paper, the best dribbler has been concluded. Garrincha is better than Maradona in dribbling speed, other than that is not superior.

      Delete
  10. I think that you made a mistake in the definition of BB. You mix BB with BO I think.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Why Gordon Banks isn't in top five in specialized skill in shot saving or pass saving?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I forgot to update the skill table. Anyway, I have adjusted weight criteria to be more proportionate and some rankings have been changed. Note that Gordon Banks is praised for his World Cup performance but he is not really great in many British home championship matches. His reflex is superb but his jumping is rather limited.

      Delete
    2. So, Banks is worse than Zamora, Buffon and Beara in shot saving because of his jump?

      Delete
    3. Yes,​ he​ is​ not​ much tall and​ his​ jump is​ also not​ spring enough.

      Delete
  12. The shooting specialized skill scores are not the same in the total skill table for some players.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OK I have revised some values. Note that passing in specialized skill include vision to pass but passing in total skill doesn't include so value between the two parts are not same.

      Delete
    2. I think that the shot scores of Ronaldo and Van Basten are underrated. Specially Ronaldo, he was a lethal striker in Real Madrid, he had a great shot accuracy, more than 9.0 for sure.

      Delete
  13. Acoording to your scores, George Best has to be number 3, Matthews 4, Dzajic 5, Finney 6, Figo 7, Jairzinho 8, Gento 9 and Julinho 10.

    ReplyDelete
  14. And Carlos Santillana in Aerial Scoring?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting and​ Let​ me​ check if​ he​ should have​ bee0n qualified.

      Delete
    2. Hi, how's your assessment of Carlos Santillana?

      Thank you Naratorn and congratulations for your sensational Blog.

      Delete
    3. Unfortunately I​ am​ very​ busy recently.​ I​ will​ look at​ his​ aerial​ability​ in​ near​ future.

      Delete
  15. Hi Naratorn. Massive fan of your work here. I wanted to ask about the relatively low score of Pirlo's on technique. Just to give a contemporary example, I think most people would pick his technique over Xavi's. Xavi was a better player for other reasons, namely his massive frontal lobe, but Pirlo constantly astounded with his raw technique. Perfectly-weighted 40 m switch passes, curved through balls, curved free kicks, flawless deadening first touch; these are all possible on command for Pirlo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pirlo's first touch and basic ball controlling is definitely classier than Xavi. I agree that the technical value of him should be increased.

      Delete
  16. You omitted the definition to tackling. Anyway, which part of the blog are you updating now?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I intend to omit because tackling is no point to interpret in other ways. Recently, I adjust criteria of competition. Domestic is fixed at 45 % and flexible to 50 % of limit in opportunity. This led CR7 to get ahead of Di Stefano already when I have not talent his performance in 2018 world cup yet. Next I'll be updating the 2010s Real Madrid in the best dominant club team ever.

      Delete
  17. Riquelme passing is underrated. At least, he deserves 9.5. And his dribbling NEVER was 8.9. He was slow but his dribbling was amazing. And his technique was better too. You have to see him again in his best matches with Boca and Argentina.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I​ totally agree.​Although Riquelme​ mostly dribb pass opponents who approach to him that easier than himself approach​ to​ OPPONENT, his ball controlling is​ really amazing.

      Delete
  18. I wanted to call to your attention this legends database for Football Manager:
    https://community.sigames.com/topic/431766-fm18-return-of-the-legends-by-david/

    It has been updated continually for the past few years. Most of the ratings are spot-on. I wonder if there might be some opportunity for fruitful dialogue between the author and you?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Xavi and Riquelme has to be above Bochini and Netzer according to your scores.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Who is the number 11 in shooting? Ronaldo Nazario?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did not rank 11th. I think there are many potential candidates anyway.

      Delete
  21. If I understand Dribbling is the ability to go past an opponent without loosing the ball. It includes technique (usage of skills and tricks ...), accuracy, agility (body feints, ...).
    If you never go past several opponents but always one (rather statically) then give the ball or shoot. Are you considered as a good dribbler ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Player could get pass one defender mainly by acceleration but they could be a great dribbler if get pass a top defender by technical skill.

      Delete
  22. It's strange to me to not see Juninho number one at free-kick. He could score from anywhere and a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  23. After having seen his world cup games and a few videos I am trying to figure out why you put 10 to Garrincha in dribbling and especially you consider him as a better dribbler than maradona for example.

    What is important ?
    Number of successful dribbles ?
    Ratio of successful dribbles / attempted dribbles ?
    Ability to get past several opponents ? (Same questions, how often ?)
    Ability to be decisive (assist, scoring ...) after dribbling ?
    Skills used to dribble ? (body feints ... )
    When you did the dribbles ?

    Note I can imagine in the dayly life Garrincha would be even more impressive than in world cup.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Garrincha dribbling always seems easy to get pass opponents thanks for his phenomenon agility of his feet plus the ball is perfectly controlled on his feet. He failed to get pass opponents in some situations mostly after getting passing 1 - 2 players with too narrow area as well. For level of opponents, he could get pass Czechoslovakian defenders that are very tough at that time.

      Delete
    2. In my opinion, from your top 10 I would be more like (I can not evaluate Sindelar ...) because the ability to get pass several opponents mixing short and speed dribbling is for me what makes the greatest dribbler.
      1. Messi
      2. Maradona
      3. Zico
      4. Ronaldo
      5. Sivori
      6. Cruyff
      7. Best
      8. Ronaldinho
      9. Baggio
      10.Garrincha


      Delete
  24. In my opinion, X.Alonso deserves more than 8.8 in passing, his short and long passing ability was just amazing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I​ tend to​ agree.​ His​ long​ passing is​ always​ accurate.​ I​ will​ revise as​ soon as​ my​ Internet​ signal has​ been​ resolved.

      Delete
    2. 9.2 is much better at passing but if passing is accurracy, tempo... as in your definition he may deserve more like 9.4. Especially as you differentiate passing from creativity.

      Delete
    3. if it can help : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCoEGXiIPN4

      Delete
  25. Thuram had a better technique than Vogts for sure, and I think there isn't that big difference in stamina between them.

    ReplyDelete
  26. "SPD: Speed without the ball and acceleration with the ball for attackers
    Rapidity = 30 % of top speed + 70 % of acceleration."
    With this definition of SPD I don't see how M.Laudrup could only be 8.2 while Iniesta is 8.3.
    For sure Laudrup top speed is much better than Iniesta's and in my opinion Laudrup's acceleration is in the same order of magnitude.
    All this allowed Laudrup to rush with the ball when Iniesta must dribble to not be caught.


    From my point of view with the metrics systems, I already presented this in another comment, I like to separate speed this way.
    10 - 15 m : explosion power/acceleration (with the ball) : Iniesta ~= Laudrup
    15 - 25 m : Acceleration + speed (with or without the ball) : Laudrup > Iniesta
    25 - 40 m : Acceleration + top speed (with or without the ball): Laudrup > Iniesta

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree as you analyze. I really like your comments that is helpful to develop the list. Please continue.

      Delete
    2. Speed is most probably the easier part to analyze.
      Glad to help, but to keep on doing I need to understand the way you ranked.

      From what I understand from your ranking.
      70 % of acceleration is linked to the burst I describe on 10 - 15 m and top speed is more 25 - 40 m.

      I may be wrong but you give less credits to the ability to get speed between 15 - 25 than me.

      What I can say is it will decide if you can go alone or need to dribble for attackers and for defenders it will allow you to come back on counter attack.

      Delete
    3. Now what do you think of messi's acceleration here : https://youtu.be/jFyr0oVJSXE?t=23 ?

      It was in 2014/2015 and I am pretty sure he had an even bigger explosion power a few years before.

      Messi's explosion power was just incredible at his prime and as it seems to be 70 % of your rating most probably he deserves more

      Now If I compare him to Robben 9.4 while Messi is 9.1.

      10 - 15 m : Messi >= Robben (same order of magnitude)
      15 - 25 m : Robben >= Messi (same order of magnitude)
      25 - 40 m : Robben > Messi
      > 40 m : Robben >> Messi

      So having Robben ahead of Messi in speed is ok for me but with your definition it's not so obvious.

      Delete
    4. R.Carlos 9.6 maybe too high in speed also. He has a great top speed maybe clote 9.5/9.4 but for sure acceleration is under 9.35. Being optimistic it would give 0.30 * 9.5 + 0.70 * 9.3 = 9.36. Thus for me r.carlos should be under 9.3

      Delete
    5. I think the top speed for defender should be rated as the majority part of overall speed since their main duty is not running with the ball but I agree 9.6 could be a bit too high.

      Delete
    6. So definition is not the same depending on the position. Is what explain what ronaldinho is rate 8.9 and 9 or is it just a rounding issue ?

      Delete
    7. It is the same within attacking position but different to other roles.

      Delete
  27. Where is Recoba? He was a gifted player.

    ReplyDelete
  28. There is some skillful player in 9x100 I don't understand they are note rated here, a lot of skillfull player not ranked, especially if they have a chance to enter the list or can be number in one of the skills.
    If I concentrate only at defensive part at least T.Silva, Hummels, D.Alves, Marcelo, Berbatov, Aguero, D.Villa, D.Silva ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I calculate for all of them but their rating is not great enough for top 50.

      Delete
  29. Maybe you don't want to publish their rating but for a fan of figures and football like me it's really hard to not see exactly what they missed to be here. Because here, we are rating skills, not only greatness as 9x100 list is here for this purpose.

    Marcelo or D.Alves may have missed of defensive skills in your rating but it would be really interested to have their offensive ability and maybe a top 10 offensive skills for defensive lateral. If your rate them as side midfielder as d.alves played sometimes in seville they would have been higher.

    T.Silva he may have done things preventing him of bein in top 9x100 list but in pure skill ability I don't understand why he is not rated.

    Another player for which if you rate his skills at prime level has no reasons to not be here is Y.Touré. I have tried to as pessimistic as possible with your formula but I don't manage to make him out of the top 50.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I will show top 10 best offensive skill for central defender and defensive lateral by the end of this week. For Tiago Silva and Yaya Toure, let me take some time to recheck. Thanks you.

      Delete
    2. For yaya it can help you to analyze his abilities : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ecGme2uyss

      Delete
    3. If you mix all his qualities from Olympiakos, Monaco, Barcelona and city Y.Touré is a very complete midfielder. Strength, ball control, ball retention, passing, scoring ability, ability to perform long run .... from box to box midfielder in olympiakos, he switched to offensive midfielder in monaco, defensive holding in barcelona, box to box at the begining in city to conclude his peak as playmaking box to box ...

      Delete
    4. No time for a review ? :). I am really interested by your rating in case he is not eligible for top 50.

      Delete
    5. I will review in this weekend. Sorry for late reply.

      Delete
    6. Great :)

      Delete
    7. In calculation result, Yaya Toure get total skill at 81.8 only.

      Delete
    8. Thans for the time spent for the review.

      I am found of football and I 've been massively playing, watching, since the late 80s then coaching. Your site is for me a reference in terms of ranking (I posted dozens of comment I think and managed sometimes to convince you to change). For this one we have more than 1 point difference in our vision of yaya so I would be really interested to see the details.

      Can you share the details please ? :)

      Delete
    9. No chance to have it Naratorn ? :)

      Delete
    10. Skill rating for Yaya Toure.
      Def 8.1, Stm 9.2, Pas 8.1, Crt 7.8, Agl 7.8, Drb 8, Spd 8.2, Str 8.9, Scr 8, Arl 7.8, Tec 8

      Delete
    11. Thanks a lot once again for your reply !

      If you allow me to give my points about players:
      Crt 7.8 while Essien is 8 so for me Yaya is then at least 8.1
      Drb 8 while X.Alonso is 8.3 so for me yaya is at leasy 8.4
      Str 8.9 maybe I don't understand for you because yaya's strength looks to me much higher than this when he rushes with the ball, people can't get the ball because of his strength or when he put his body in front of players, I saw him even stronger than Vieira so at least 9.4
      Arl 7.8 Essien is 7.9, Vieira 8 could be increase a bit
      Scr 8 in his prime but maybe it's not long enough for you, could deserve a little more in this condition
      Tec 8 Essien is 8 so at least 8.1 in my opinion

      This way I get 82.95 ~ 83 thinking he may also deserve a little more in speed etc ..

      Anyway thanks for the reply

      Delete
    12. For you strength is not only the fact of being physically strong and resist to physical impact but also includes kind of aggression to get back the ball physically right ?
      If it's only the first part Y.Touré deserves more in strength.

      Delete
    13. OK, I have recalculated and his total score is around 82.5.

      Delete
    14. But now you are going to hate me :)
      With your strongest formula : 8.9 * 0.30 + 9.2 * 0.70 = 9.11 means no yaya
      But with the increase ... it means yaya ;) I won't insist I would have prefere to see yaya in top50 :)

      But I am not sure what you want to show with this formula as you already classified Destroyer because, like I posted, applied to Davids it also shows Davids should enter top 10.

      Delete
    15. When I see people you put in the list, it looks to me you want to show players used to looking for physical battle then winning it thanks to strength and/or stamina, so, like I said it before a kind of positive aggression to enter a physical battle.

      Delete
  30. Gerrard passing may be a little underrated with 8.3 no ? If you take his late career his long passing was in particular really accurate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tend to agree that I may underrate him from a few of samplings.

      Delete
  31. Totti only 8.7 at scoring ?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Vieira was probably faster than 7.8 especially when I see Pogba 8.3. It allowed him to rush and run on long distance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would only reduce Pogba if the gap is too high. Vieira is really not fast enough for 8.0

      Delete
    2. Fair enough

      Delete
    3. Trezeguet 8.2 looks to me far too much. If he had an amazing positionning sense and reaction time, it's not because of his acceleration but more because he starts moving first. He sonds to me more 7.5 than 8.2. On the other side Etoo is probably faster than 9/9.1 in my opinion closer to 9.3/9 4

      Delete
    4. Agree on Trezeguet and increase speed for Eto as well.

      Delete
    5. I don't agree with you guys. Vieira could rush on 30 40 m without being caught. His acceleration is most probably greater than pogba's one. Pogba top speed may be higher. 8.3 may be a little but 8.4 for vieira would not be stolen.

      Delete
  33. In my opinion it's not fair to use power to not put Juninho higher in freekick specialist. He was just incredible and so consistent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I watch many goals from his free-kick and I really cannot feel it is powerful enough for higher point.

      Delete
    2. I was not saying he has the power criteria you use on your ranking. I was saying his freekicks were so effective that power criteria is pointless in my opinion.

      Delete
    3. If you add a criteria "floating ball" with a a big enough weight it could be higher.
      In my opinion a great free-kick taker must be consistent and able to score from anywhere.

      Delete
  34. Was n'golo kante skills evaluated ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same question for Seedorf.

      Delete
    2. no chance to have the score and the details ? :)

      Delete
  35. If we apply your Destroying formula he has 8.82 if I am not mistaken. He is not a destroyer enough to be in the list ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Applied to Davids.

      Delete
    2. My personal criteria set that top destroyers must get at least 8.5 in defence.

      Delete
  36. Same your "strongest" formula applied to davids give 9.55. For destroying you may have put a min level of 8.5 in defense to be seen as a destroyer but this time I don't see this kind of lmitations :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Did you evaluate Aduriz heading ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I ask this because I saw you evaluated Hasselbaink and in my opinion Aduriz is great at heading.

      Delete
    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlKIJPRkMEs if it can help

      Delete
    3. No time to review Aduriz heading ?

      Delete
    4. Recently I'm so busy. Anyway pesstats show Aduriz heading ability is far from one of the best ever. I need to verify. When I will have done, I'll back to comment.

      Delete
    5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEi3W3n_GaA this also can help

      Delete
  38. Do you differentiate type of passing ?
    - short passing
    - ground through ball (ground long passing)
    - air through ball (air long passing)
    - air long ball (air long passing)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I mean you don't put penalty to somebody using less air long/semi-long passing like Zidane for example. You concentratre more on vision, creativity and accuracy of the pass rather than the type.
      Am I right ?

      Delete
    2. Yes I'm not categorize passing in various types like that.

      Delete
  39. I think that Ruggeri deserves 9.1 or 9.2 in defense if Domingos Da Guia has a 9.0. He was clearly better than Domingos in that aspect of the game. Domingos was more technical, but Ruggeri was more defensive.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Isn't modric better than 6.5 defending ? And I am not sure Iniesta has a greater speed than him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think 6.5 is fine. He rarely tackles and most of scenes he won the ball is beneficial form stamina.

      Delete
    2. I could agree but what you call stamina is also the ability to accelerate to get the ball back which defintely make me think than modric is faster than 8.2 especially when iniesta is 8.3

      Delete
    3. Speed includes both with the ball and without the ball. Modric speed with the ball is really that great.

      Delete
  41. Did you have to prepare the top 10 or maybe 15 of side backs offensively skilled ?
    Would be so interesting !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have added the summarized table for offensive side-back skill.

      Delete
    2. Great ! Thanks a lot !

      From how much Marcelo Vieira missed the top 12 ? I guess dribbling is not a big part of your ofensive ranking because Marcelo is most probably the most technically gifted side back ever even. If his shooting has not been the best he has been improving it (still not is the same category than others players players in the list). He is also really good at passing/crossing. He may miss a little top speed but has more than decent acceleration.

      Delete
    3. Actually he is rated equal to 12th place. I'd prefer Amoros who is much more impressive in vision and crossing.

      Delete
    4. Thanks for your answer once again !

      So why not a top 15 then :) (would do top of 5 10 and 15 :) )

      Delete
    5. I agree, top 15 would be fine ... Marcelo, Lahm, Marinho or maybe Jorginho, Krol would be fine to complete this top :)

      Delete
  42. Don't you think Del Piero deserve 9.1 or 9.2 at dribbling especially if totti is 9 ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I may reduce Totti dribbling. He is not that great.

      Delete
  43. How Zico can be only 9.3 at passing and 8.9 at creativity ... Charlton 9.4, Di Stefano 9.3 I do not think there is 4 or 5 in creativty between them and zico ... and platini 9.9 ... Zico should be more 9.3/9.4 at creativity and 9.4/9.5 at passing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe the goal is to make in sort Zico remains behind Di Stefano :)

      Delete
    2. I agree. Zico's creativity is porbably greater than 8.9.

      Delete
    3. If I can give my points and remeber well. He was rate higher then decreased but I don't know the reason.

      Delete
    4. Probably I haven't watch Zico enough but for 6 full-matches I have watched, his style is not a main playmaker but establishing himself in trequatistas area where he act as second striker multiples times.

      Delete
    5. Could you provide the list of match seen ? I imagine (Brazil vs argentina 1982, flamengo vs cobreloa 1981 etc ...) I may advice you some more.

      Delete


    6. 1978 Brazil VS Peru
      1979 Brazil VS Argentina
      1981 Flamengo Vs Liverpool
      1982 Brazil VS USSR
      1982 Italy VS Brazil
      1982 Brazil VS Argentina

      Delete
    7. Here are some games where Zico has demonstrated talent in creating plays as a playmaker. Remembering that in these games he also played near to the treqartista area in some moments of the game.

      1979 Brazil x Uruguay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkKRMt3LrzI
      1980 Flamengo x Ponte Preta https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znSF5qZSf_c&t=770s
      (AMAZING PERFOMANCE!!!)
      1981 Brazil x France (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2IGfi_LuM8)
      1981 Flamengo x America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0LDwdA528w&t=3994s
      1983 Flamengo x Corinthians https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkrmFE7Mlek&t=3780s (The Duel, Zico x Socrates. Amazing perfomance!!)
      1986 Flamengo x Fluminense https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZwd436MSPw (One of the best performances of Zico's career)
      1988 Flamengo x Criciuma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Fj4w91cK0

      Cheers,
      P.G.

      Delete
    8. OK, Thanks, Let me find some time to assess. Recently I'm so busy.

      Delete
    9. By the way would you have the matches thatm ake you say Beckenbauer is 9.2 at creativity ?

      Delete
    10. Any news on the subject :) ?

      Delete
    11. I'm full of schedule in January and February. I will take a look in March. Sorry for late.

      Delete
    12. Did you have time for the review ?

      Delete
    13. I'm sorry that I've been too busy in everyday life in March. I think my schedule will be less tighten in late April.

      Delete
  44. What about doing now a top 10-15 centre-back offensively skilled of all time now ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds also to me really interesting.

      Delete
    2. It will be interestingly listed as offensive libero but this position was available as a minor proportion in the whole history. I may create only top 10.

      Delete
  45. Was Blanc so slow ? 7.0 ? I d'ont remember to have seen him had hard time thanks to pacy player contrary to Koeman vs Weah, or Hierro etc ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OK I have adjusted his speed to 7.3. I'm agreeable that he wasn't that slow during his pre-30 years old.

      Delete
    2. You mean you will update when time permits ?! Because i don't see it updated. Same remark for trezeguet.

      Delete
  46. Can you provide me your heading score and jumping score of these players?:
    -Peyroteo
    -Erico
    -Seeler
    -Pelé
    -Moreno

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did not make it in my database. I approximately find the average point between heading and jumping skill.

      Delete
    2. Ok. But you put a 9.6 in ARL to Van Basten (more than Kocsis and Dean) and he isn't in the "Aerial scoring" table. Why?

      Delete
    3. Axel Persico, I also pointed this kind of thing for "strongest" and "destroying" table

      Delete
  47. What would you put to Varane in speed ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same question for ivan cordoba

      Delete
    2. I will let Naratorn give a reply but imo varane is the fastest centre back ever and I saw vierchowood

      Delete
  48. In the 9x100 list, have you evaluated Lucien Muller ?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Quite surprised to see Cerezo is not skilled enough to be in the defensive midfielder list ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ok. Thanks What about Alemao ? From how much did he miss ?

      Delete
  50. Hazard's Agility 8.8 is underrated ... same for ribery they match exactly your definition and sounds more easily over 9

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I saw his turning movement is one of the most remarkable skills in the 2018 World Cup but I think he more achieved it by his technique than agility.

      Delete
    2. Hazard has 8.8 agility and 9.3 tec
      Zidane has 8.7 agility and 9.8 tec

      Do you think Zidane could execute this kind off turn thanks to technique attribute 9.8 > 9.4 while agility is the same for you ?

      On my side I don't think so which makes me think hazard defintely deserves more in agility. When we see what is given to others people like Ortega 9.2, Rivelino 9.3 he deserves > 9 for sure

      Delete
    3. I'm agreeable that Hazard agility should be higher than that of Zidane significantly.

      Delete
  51. Rossi is Paolo Rossi ? Looks to me overrated, especially in seeing him 28 as forward.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paolo Rossi in late 70s is very impressive. He is versatile to any forward position. He performed on the wings and deep-lying to center-forward area. He is agile and accurate in passing.

      Delete
  52. Pele only 8.8 at speed ? From what I see, he looks to me faster than Garrincha rated > 9

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I observe he rarely get pass opponents by his acceleration. I'm positive Garrincha is clearly faster.

      Delete
  53. If I am convinced pele would suit nowadays speed criterias I am not sure it would be enough for garrincha. he has a burst of acceleration but a lot of people has it and he is far away from acceleration of douglas costa, mbappe etc ...

    ReplyDelete
  54. Rivelino seens as a playmaker would get 89.32~89.4

    ReplyDelete
  55. Didi 9.3 at dribbling ? It means he is a better dribbler than Romario, Rivaldo, Hagi, Del Piero, Riquelme, Littbarski and I forget some. I don't quote the ones rated 9.3 he should be equivalent according to your rating.
    I saw a few matchs and highlights and in my opinion didi's dribbling is under 9

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I understand how difficult to rate dribbling for central midfielder position. They're more ball controller than dribbler forward against opponents.I agree to reduce his dribbling score. Thanks you.

      Delete
    2. So you plan to do a review of the rating ? you told me you were going to change Etoo, Blanc, Trezeguet, Didi, Totti ... I know it takes time :)

      Delete
    3. Yes, I have changed and will re-establish soon.

      Delete
    4. I have done updating. Sorry for late.

      Delete
    5. Thanks.
      So you decided to give 9.1 Dribbling to Didi, as good as Iniesta ?
      It still looks to me too much or not enough for iniesta.
      Iniesta is one of the greatest player for ball retention and looks to me to have a better dribbling ability than Didi. (the gap with xavi 8.9 should be higher in my opinion)
      Maybe you want to keep Didi at the second place in this case you may upgrade iniesta :)

      Delete
    6. The style of dribbling between the two is completely different. I see Didi has a better technique significantly but most of his dribbling are ball controlling against opponent ran forward to him.

      Delete
    7. Sure didi's dribbling style is closer to Xavi's but in my opinion conduct the ball to dribble opponent is harder than waiting and dribbling one opponent.
      To me ability to perform "dribbling runs" resulting in the elimination of several opponents should have a greater weight.

      Now, with the same credit you give to didi's dribbling style applied to pirlo, shouldn't he get more ?

      Delete
    8. You don't think so ? Except if the 9.1 goal is to keep Didi over M.laudrup in playmaking skills.

      Delete
  56. Isn't 9.7 dribbling high for zidane. His technique is awesomme (9.8 maybe even higher) but for the dribbling part (9.7) I am not sure there is a so big difference between him and players such as Giggs, Figo, Hazard or he is equal to Savicevic, Ronaldinho and certainly not Messi.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zidane has a better ball controlling but I agree his dribbling speed is not really high. Let me check it again.

      Delete
    2. Good to know you may revised.

      Delete
  57. Isn't shevchenko better than 8.6 in technique ? His first touch was really good and he had a good ball conduction.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He has no spectacular technique ? Most of his dribbling are really not awesome.

      Delete
  58. No more update on http://xtrahistory.blogspot.com/2013/01/Annual-Best-Player.html ?
    I posted a months ago some comments and still can not find it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You may click in loading and the hidden comments will be shown.

      Delete
  59. Could you advice me some footage showing Dragan Dzajic is 9.6 at dribbling. I didn't find a lot of thing and I don't feel like a so high dribbling compared to his reputation.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MccQN9r6c4
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlEli9tVh9g

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I watched a full match of 1968 Euro. His technique with the ball is literally awesome but his dribbling speed is not very outstanding.

      Delete
    2. Enough to get 9.6 at dribbling ?

      Delete
    3. His dribbling accuracy and technique is among the best and enough for total score 9.6.

      Delete
  60. Doesn't ortega deserve more speed ? Especially if you think acceleration is more important than top speed

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember he was too slow when he was on the right-wing. He is very good in dribbling speed anyway.

      Delete
  61. Could we have the rating of Recoba please naratorn ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As calculated, his total is 85.5 is far from top 50, is 64th is my database.

      Delete
    2. In particular I am interested in what you gave in speed, agility, dribbling, technique.

      Delete
    3. Speed 8.5, agility 8.6, dribbling 9.2, Technique 9.25

      Delete
  62. Wasn't figo more spacy ? Especially in barcelona.

    ReplyDelete
  63. For sure Zola is not that slow than 7.9 and most probably be revised.

    ReplyDelete