Last Word on Sport

Forgotten Idols by Philip Meese - 31 Dec 2022 18:00

One of my most well-received series of articles while writing for Last Word on Sport was this one: Forgotten Idols.

This series focused on footballers who were elite players in their own right and yet are often overlooked when fans discuss the greatest players in their respective eras. In some instances, this is because the player had a bright start to their career and faded as the years went by. In others, the players were solid and consistent throughout their careers but were perhaps overshadowed by other players with more flair.

Whatever the reason, everyone on this list was a fantastic player at some point; some for longer than others.

To view these articles, click on the name of the player, and it will take you to the Last Word on Sport page.

Dejan Savićević 

A two-time Champions League winner with Red Star Belgrade and A.C. Milan, who, although inconsistent, on his day was one of the finest footballers in the world.

Stefan Effenberg

A supremely talented but controversial midfielder during his time with Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and, most notably, the German national team.

Guiseppe Signori

The explosive Italian striker topped the Serie A scoring charts several times during the 1990s, but his career was later overshadowed by allegations of illegal betting activity.

Miguel Ángel Nadal

The "Beast of Barcelona" was regarded as one of the best defenders of the 1990s, and yet his career achievements seem to have been largely forgotten.

Darko Pančev

The 1991 European Golden Shoe winner was once one of the deadliest strikers in the world, until an ill-fated move to Inter Milan saw his career completely unravel.

Oliver Bierhoff

The man whose two goals won the 1996 European Championship for Germany spent most of his career in Italy, with an impressive goal return in a league where many strikers crumbled under the pressure.

Nuno Gomes

The Portuguese forward always looked capable of taking his age to the next level, yet for some reason, it never quite happened.

Mark Hateley

Probably should have featured in my "British Players Abroad" series; a fine striker, but one who was never quite first choice for England

Andrei Kanchelskis

The flying winger was an integral part of Manchester United's success in the early 1990s, but his career slowly tailed off following his shock departure from Old Trafford.

Jari Litmanen

Finland's greatest-ever player was one of the key components of the superb Ajax side of the mid-1990s, but subsequent moves to Barcelona and Liverpool saw him struggle to hit the same heights.

Gianluca Pagliuca

At one point, the world's most expensive goalkeeper, but who never achieved the plaudits his talent deserved.

Predrag Mijatović

The man whose goal secured the 1998 Champions League trophy for Real Madrid and, despite an impressive career, his exploits are often overlooked.

Javier Saviola

One of many players to be dubbed the "New Maradona". However, during his spell at Barcelona in the early 2000s, it looked like a fair comparison.