George Best revealed that one legendary former player was the most “complete striker” he had ever seen in his entire life and he was in “awe of him.”
The Manchester United legend is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time and left behind a long-lasting legacy at Old Trafford.
One of United’s famed No 7s, Best was immortalised as part of the ‘Holy Trinity’ alongside fellow club legends Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Best lifted two First Division titles and a European Cup during a legendary career at Old Trafford, including capturing the Ballon d’Or award in 1968.
The former United star remains only one of four players to have lifted France Football’s coveted Ballon d’Or prize at Old Trafford.
Despite his remarkable playing career, Best fought his inner demons off the pitch and struggled with issues like alcoholism and bankruptcy.
The Ballon d’Or winner passed away in 2005 at the age of 59 after he suffered multiple organ failure.
Man Utd legend Best named his ‘complete striker’
Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine in 2005, George Best compiled a star-studded roster of talent to create his ‘perfect XI.’
The former Northern Ireland international surprisingly opted to have no wingers in his team, despite his own devastating impact from the role in his career.
“I don’t have any wingers in my side, which is why I have such attacking full-backs,” he said.
With the absence of wingers, Best opted for Manchester United legend Denis Law and Tottenham legend Jimmy Greaves as his two centre-forward options.
Best admitted that Law was a “hero” for him at Old Trafford and his fellow United legend made him “feel” so welcomed at the Red Devils
The legendary United No 7 praised Law’s versatility as a player and claimed the 84-year-old was the most “complete striker” he had witnessed ahead of Jimmy Greaves.
“He was already a hero at Old Trafford when I joined Manchester United and I was in awe of him,” Best said.
“I used to disappear into a side room if I saw him coming down the corridor, but he made me feel so welcome.
“Considering he didn’t even like training, he was unbelievably quick, great in the air and also very brave.
“And once he got into the penalty box he was lethal. In fact, there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. The complete striker.”
Best talks Man Utd legend Charlton
Best, unsurprisingly, ensured there was a place for fellow Holy Trinity member Sir Bobby Charlton as a left midfield option in his perfect XI.
Charlton, who passed away at the age of 86 in 2023, is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time for both England and United.
Speaking on the England and United legend, Best said: “What a pleasure to play alongside [Charlton].
“I don’t think I’ve [ever] seen anybody who could beat players as easily as him, myself included. I often used my pace, but Bobby made it look effortless.
“And once he got within 30 yards of goal, he was lethal with either foot. Because he played a lot on the left, many people assume he was a natural left-footer, but I don’t think he was. He was just so good with both feet. An easy choice.”