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Overrated players
Re: Overrated players
southbankbornnbred wrote: ↑26 Mar 2026, 12:55eusebiovic wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 21:26Gary Strodders shank" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 20:50Robbo
Captain Marvel amd irreplaceable according to most journos and pundits at the time
He would throw himself into challenges recklessly hence the injuries sustained and would also get a free pass by most referees particularly George Courtney his hometown buddy.
Funnily enough though after he fucked himself up early doors in Italia 9O we seemed to play so much better.
The same could be said of JT and Keane who were both supposedly irreplaceable but whose teams went on to win European trophy finals in there absence.
Robbo was a tactical liability. I never understood the fascination with him. He would go on a wild goose chase to the furthest corners of the pitch and if the opposition were canny they would simply wait for the massive hole he would leave by going on vacation and easily pick the team off.
Any half decent continental opposition would just laugh about it amongst themselves because it was so damn obvious. Domestically, everybody else started to catch on when they realised how easy it was.
He's right up there in the top 5 most overrated of all time.
Couldn’t agree more with this. Bryan Robson was considerably over-rated IMHO, and I still revel in telling Man Utd fans who sing that stupid song about him.
As an athlete, he was excellent. Would run all day, and he was brave.
But he had absolutely no tactical brain whatsoever. He was basically an athletic headless chicken who, like a schoolboy, would constantly go chasing the ball into all areas of the pitch and get caught out for it.
Bright sides - including West Ham under John Lyall - used to pick him apart when he was (often) out of position.
The way the Dutch picked him off in the 1988 Euros was a lesson in how to play against boneheads.
For me, it’s not a coincidence that England played better in major tournaments where he got injured (86 and 90), or that Man Utd never won the league until he’d almost retired (he got a medal when he was basically a sub for Ince and Keane: two players who understood their positional discipline).
He was a decent headless chicken who’d get you a few headline-grabbing goals by chasing the ball. But he was undoubtedly over-rated. The problem was the press loved the brainless blood and thunder he brought. All sweat, little guile.
Hate to say ill of the dead but you could add Ray Wilkins to that list. He could do a fantastic side pass.
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southbankbornnbred
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Re: Overrated players
eusebiovic wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 21:26Gary Strodders shank" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 20:50eusebiovic wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 17:41You had to mention the Butcher Boy didn't you?
Now I don't know whether to go postal regarding Bryan "Captain Marvel" Robson or to take a deep breath and keep my own counsel...Robbo
Captain Marvel amd irreplaceable according to most journos and pundits at the time
He would throw himself into challenges recklessly hence the injuries sustained and would also get a free pass by most referees particularly George Courtney his hometown buddy.
Funnily enough though after he fucked himself up early doors in Italia 9O we seemed to play so much better.
The same could be said of JT and Keane who were both supposedly irreplaceable but whose teams went on to win European trophy finals in there absence.
Robbo was a tactical liability. I never understood the fascination with him. He would go on a wild goose chase to the furthest corners of the pitch and if the opposition were canny they would simply wait for the massive hole he would leave by going on vacation and easily pick the team off.
Any half decent continental opposition would just laugh about it amongst themselves because it was so damn obvious. Domestically, everybody else started to catch on when they realised how easy it was.
He's right up there in the top 5 most overrated of all time.
Couldn’t agree more with this. Bryan Robson was considerably over-rated IMHO, and I still revel in telling Man Utd fans who sing that stupid song about him.
As an athlete, he was excellent. Would run all day, and he was brave.
But he had absolutely no tactical brain whatsoever. He was basically an athletic headless chicken who, like a schoolboy, would constantly go chasing the ball into all areas of the pitch and get caught out for it.
Bright sides - including West Ham under John Lyall - used to pick him apart when he was (often) out of position.
The way the Dutch picked him off in the 1988 Euros was a lesson in how to play against boneheads.
For me, it’s not a coincidence that England played better in major tournaments where he got injured (86 and 90), or that Man Utd never won the league until he’d almost retired (he got a medal when he was basically a sub for Ince and Keane: two players who understood their positional discipline).
He was a decent headless chicken who’d get you a few headline-grabbing goals by chasing the ball. But he was undoubtedly over-rated. The problem was the press loved the brainless blood and thunder he brought. All sweat, little guile.
As an athlete, he was excellent. Would run all day, and he was brave.
But he had absolutely no tactical brain whatsoever. He was basically an athletic headless chicken who, like a schoolboy, would constantly go chasing the ball into all areas of the pitch and get caught out for it.
Bright sides - including West Ham under John Lyall - used to pick him apart when he was (often) out of position.
The way the Dutch picked him off in the 1988 Euros was a lesson in how to play against boneheads.
For me, it’s not a coincidence that England played better in major tournaments where he got injured (86 and 90), or that Man Utd never won the league until he’d almost retired (he got a medal when he was basically a sub for Ince and Keane: two players who understood their positional discipline).
He was a decent headless chicken who’d get you a few headline-grabbing goals by chasing the ball. But he was undoubtedly over-rated. The problem was the press loved the brainless blood and thunder he brought. All sweat, little guile.
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Eerie Decent
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Re: Overrated players
Terry was named UEFA Club Defender of the Year in 2005, 2008 and 2009, PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2005, and was included in the FIFPro World XI for five consecutive seasons, from 2005 to 2009. He was also named in the all-star squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the only English player to make the team. In 2024, Terry was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. Terry is Chelsea’s most decorated captain in terms of trophies won. During his 19 years with the club, he led them to five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, one UEFA Europa League and one UEFA Champions League title.
Saying all that, the Germany manager once said they targeted him.
Saying all that, the Germany manager once said they targeted him.
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Jean-Luc Paul Goddard
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Re: Overrated players
I wonder how John Terry would get on now. Remember so many times him doing his signature move: a big star jump in front of anyone taking a shot at goal, half the time handballing it and somehow getting away with it. It would be an instant penalty or red card these days.
- Far Cough UKunt
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Re: Overrated players
I can't think of anyone media or otherwise who rated that absolute bellend, Robbie Fucking Savage?
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Eerie Decent
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Re: Overrated players
Haaland & Kane are both flat track bullies.
Both superb players against the likes of us, or Werder Bremen. Big games in the Champions League? Cup semi finals/finals? Latter stages of a World Cup/Euros? Absolute passengers.
The top dogs come alive in those games.
Both superb players against the likes of us, or Werder Bremen. Big games in the Champions League? Cup semi finals/finals? Latter stages of a World Cup/Euros? Absolute passengers.
The top dogs come alive in those games.
- Far Cough UKunt
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Re: Overrated players
zebthecat wrote: ↑26 Mar 2026, 09:05frank marker" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 14:13 I'm keeping out of this. When Harry Kane first appeared on the scene I thought he was vastly overrated. ;-(You're not the only one.
I remember Jimmy Armfield saying something along these lines.
"Harry Kane is no sort of footballer whatsoever but, my word, that kid can score."
Well isn't that the point of football, you know sticking the ball in the net?
Re: Overrated players
frank marker" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 14:13 I'm keeping out of this. When Harry Kane first appeared on the scene I thought he was vastly overrated. ;-(
You're not the only one.
I remember Jimmy Armfield saying something along these lines.
"Harry Kane is no sort of footballer whatsoever but, my word, that kid can score."
I remember Jimmy Armfield saying something along these lines.
"Harry Kane is no sort of footballer whatsoever but, my word, that kid can score."
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Gank
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Re: Overrated players
Bartle Boy" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 14:03 I’m going to take stab at Callum Davenport for West Ham and outside us I’m going Ledley King
I used to work with Callum, he's a nice bloke (for a man u supporter) humble and a born again christian .
Watching a game with an ex prem footballer is eye opening, it's like a chess player . They are 3-4 moves ahead of everything.
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Fauxstralian
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Re: Overrated players
After the 2010 World Cup match the German manager said their tactic had been to draw the naive John Terry out of position and exploit the space
Worked a treat but for some reason was ignored by the English press
Worked a treat but for some reason was ignored by the English press
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eusebiovic
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Re: Overrated players
Gary Strodders shank" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 20:50eusebiovic wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 17:41Gary Strodders shank" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 14:50 Terry Butcher a lumbering lummox Bernard Breslaw of a centre half who cut his head and become a national hero.
If it wasn't for this and his previous with Ipswich and Robson Alvin who was a far more mobile and cultured defender would of won many many more caps.
It's criminal the caps Butcher racked up but his longevity is also due in no small part to having Des Walker alongside him to get him out of jail.
You had to mention the Butcher Boy didn't you?
Now I don't know whether to go postal regarding Bryan "Captain Marvel" Robson or to take a deep breath and keep my own counsel...Robbo
Captain Marvel amd irreplaceable according to most journos and pundits at the time
He would throw himself into challenges recklessly hence the injuries sustained and would also get a free pass by most referees particularly George Courtney his hometown buddy.
Funnily enough though after he fucked himself up early doors in Italia 9O we seemed to play so much better.
The same could be said of JT and Keane who were both supposedly irreplaceable but whose teams went on to win European trophy finals in there absence.
Robbo was a tactical liability. I never understood the fascination with him. He would go on a wild goose chase to the furthest corners of the pitch and if the opposition were canny they would simply wait for the massive hole he would leave by going on vacation and easily pick the team off.
Any half decent continental opposition would just laugh about it amongst themselves because it was so damn obvious. Domestically, everybody else started to catch on when they realised how easy it was.
He's right up there in the top 5 most overrated of all time.
Any half decent continental opposition would just laugh about it amongst themselves because it was so damn obvious. Domestically, everybody else started to catch on when they realised how easy it was.
He's right up there in the top 5 most overrated of all time.
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Gary Strodders shank
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Re: Overrated players
eusebiovic wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 17:41Gary Strodders shank" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 14:50 Terry Butcher a lumbering lummox Bernard Breslaw of a centre half who cut his head and become a national hero.
If it wasn't for this and his previous with Ipswich and Robson Alvin who was a far more mobile and cultured defender would of won many many more caps.
It's criminal the caps Butcher racked up but his longevity is also due in no small part to having Des Walker alongside him to get him out of jail.
You had to mention the Butcher Boy didn't you?
Now I don't know whether to go postal regarding Bryan "Captain Marvel" Robson or to take a deep breath and keep my own counsel...
Robbo
Captain Marvel amd irreplaceable according to most journos and pundits at the time
He would throw himself into challenges recklessly hence the injuries sustained and would also get a free pass by most referees particularly George Courtney his hometown buddy.
Funnily enough though after he fucked himself up early doors in Italia 9O we seemed to play so much better.
The same could be said of JT and Keane who were both supposedly irreplaceable but whose teams went on to win European trophy finals in there absence.
Captain Marvel amd irreplaceable according to most journos and pundits at the time
He would throw himself into challenges recklessly hence the injuries sustained and would also get a free pass by most referees particularly George Courtney his hometown buddy.
Funnily enough though after he fucked himself up early doors in Italia 9O we seemed to play so much better.
The same could be said of JT and Keane who were both supposedly irreplaceable but whose teams went on to win European trophy finals in there absence.
- Far Cough UKunt
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eusebiovic
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Re: Overrated players
Gary Strodders shank" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 14:50 Terry Butcher a lumbering lummox Bernard Breslaw of a centre half who cut his head and become a national hero.
If it wasn't for this and his previous with Ipswich and Robson Alvin who was a far more mobile and cultured defender would of won many many more caps.
It's criminal the caps Butcher racked up but his longevity is also due in no small part to having Des Walker alongside him to get him out of jail.
You had to mention the Butcher Boy didn't you?
Now I don't know whether to go postal regarding Bryan "Captain Marvel" Robson or to take a deep breath and keep my own counsel...
Now I don't know whether to go postal regarding Bryan "Captain Marvel" Robson or to take a deep breath and keep my own counsel...
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Gary Strodders shank
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Re: Overrated players
Terry Butcher a lumbering lummox Bernard Breslaw of a centre half who cut his head and become a national hero.
If it wasn't for this and his previous with Ipswich and Robson Alvin who was a far more mobile and cultured defender would of won many many more caps.
It's criminal the caps Butcher racked up but his longevity is also due in no small part to having Des Walker alongside him to get him out of jail.
If it wasn't for this and his previous with Ipswich and Robson Alvin who was a far more mobile and cultured defender would of won many many more caps.
It's criminal the caps Butcher racked up but his longevity is also due in no small part to having Des Walker alongside him to get him out of jail.
- frank marker
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Re: Overrated players
I'm keeping out of this. When Harry Kane first appeared on the scene I thought he was vastly overrated. ;-(
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Bartle Boy
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Re: Overrated players
I’m going to take stab at Callum Davenport for West Ham and outside us I’m going Ledley King
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Bartle Boy
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Re: Overrated players
Was he really that rated?
in recent decades, you would have to be pretty inferior to play that many games and not get called up for any England Squad
That said a great captain and that was his ups.
in recent decades, you would have to be pretty inferior to play that many games and not get called up for any England Squad
That said a great captain and that was his ups.
- Mad Ferret
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Re: Overrated players
Council Scum" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 11:19El Scorchio" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 11:09 I don't like John Terry and he's done a fucking tonne of twattish things, but he was a very very good defender.
You're not the mainstay and captain of that moneybags Chelsea era if you're not. They could have got anyone in to replace him if they wanted, and they didn't.The better defenders were alongside him Caravlho, Desailly, Gallas, having Makelele sat in front of him. Essien etc.
Terry was your typical English defender, all blood, guts and last ditch defending, but he got skinned for fun on numerous occasions and was helped by all of the above and with being English in a team that needed its quoter.
Gallas better than Terry 
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eusebiovic
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Re: Overrated players
David Luiz...an awful defender who relied on his pace to get out of trouble and little else as far as I could see. His positional sense was all over the shop.
Anybody decent wouldn't be on the wrong end of a 1-7 at home to Germany in their home World Cup...in a semi final. If you were half decent and had a positive influence on your teammates that is 1-3 at the wurst. See what I did there?
Anybody decent wouldn't be on the wrong end of a 1-7 at home to Germany in their home World Cup...in a semi final. If you were half decent and had a positive influence on your teammates that is 1-3 at the wurst. See what I did there?
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Council Scum
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Re: Overrated players
El Scorchio" wrote: ↑25 Mar 2026, 11:09 I don't like John Terry and he's done a fucking tonne of twattish things, but he was a very very good defender.
You're not the mainstay and captain of that moneybags Chelsea era if you're not. They could have got anyone in to replace him if they wanted, and they didn't.
The better defenders were alongside him Caravlho, Desailly, Gallas, having Makelele sat in front of him. Essien etc.
Terry was your typical English defender, all blood, guts and last ditch defending, but he got skinned for fun on numerous occasions and was helped by all of the above and with being English in a team that needed its quoter.
Terry was your typical English defender, all blood, guts and last ditch defending, but he got skinned for fun on numerous occasions and was helped by all of the above and with being English in a team that needed its quoter.
- El Scorchio
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Re: Overrated players
I don't like John Terry and he's done a fucking tonne of twattish things, but he was a very very good defender.
You're not the mainstay and captain of that moneybags Chelsea era if you're not. They could have got anyone in to replace him if they wanted, and they didn't.
You're not the mainstay and captain of that moneybags Chelsea era if you're not. They could have got anyone in to replace him if they wanted, and they didn't.
