Best used his 'nous' to score 'remarkable' goals
- Published
George Best would have been 80 years old on 22 May.
It is six decades since he started to dazzle home audiences and over 40 years since he last played a game.
So myself and fellow former Manchester United and Northern Ireland great Sammy McIlroy have picked out five reasons why he is regarded by many as one of the greatest players in history.
Superb finisher
This clip shows Best scoring a lob right in front of the Stretford End against Tottenham in February 1971.
McIlroy said: "He does it so well because it just falls underneath the bar. There are actually two Spurs players on the line, and he still lobs it into the goal. Absolutely fantastic."
Brilliant balance
This clip shows Best managing to stay on his feet to score the winning goal in a 2-1 League Cup win over Chelsea in October 1970.
McIlroy added: "I was actually at this game. It was remarkable - the bravery and skill. There is everything in that goal."
Brilliant balance
This clip shows Best scoring one of his most iconic goals in a 2-0 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford in October 1971.
McIlroy explained: "You see the Sheffield United defenders thinking: 'How did he do that?' - he just takes them all on. He is going away from goal but he has the nous to put it in the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance at all."
Big-game player
Best scored for Manchester United in a 4-1 victory over Benfica to win the 1968 European Cup.
McIlroy reminisced: "Pure class - to score a goal like that in a European Cup final is a dream come true."
Dribbling ability
This clip shows Best scoring a hat-trick for Manchester United in a 4-2 win over West Ham in September 1971.
McIlroy said: "Best was up against the great Bobby Moore, one of the best defenders in the world at the time. He shows him a dummy, goes past and smashes it past the goalkeeper. It was a remarkable goal."
