By Lee Clayton
Last updated at 2:11 PM on 15th December 2008
Bryan Robson was the ultimate Captain Marvel, but Steven Gerrard’s latest match-saving performance for Liverpool got us thinking about our ten best.
Our criteria is this: when the odds were against their team, these captains produced superhero moments to change the destiny of a match on a consistent basis.
1. Bryan Robson
Dynamic goalscorer from midfield, who put his body on the line for club and country. The timing of those runs to meet the ball with a header or volley from deep… that’s what made him such a special player. The Captain Marvel nickname was born for him. And he was.
Lung-busting: Robson (second right) celebrates his goal in Bilbao against France at the 1982 World Cup after just 27 seconds
2. Steven Gerrard
If Liverpool are in trouble, Gerrard comes to the rescue time and time again. Two against Hull is his latest, but the most famous was during the Champions League Final in Istanbul. And then there was the FA Cup Final against West Ham, when another two goals – including a stunning long range shot wrestled the cup back to Anfield.
Red blooded: Gerrard (leaping) scores Liverpool’s seismic first goal in the Ataturk Stadium
3. Tony Adams
Warrior defender. He stopped goals and scored goals and inspired Arsenal and England with his captaincy and leadership. If you wanted to beat Arsenal, you had to get past Adams.
Indomitable: Adams was made Arsenal captain in 1988 at the age of 21
4. Roy Keane
Inspired Manchester United to European Cup Final in 1999 with a one-man midfield super-show in Turin as United overcame Juventus to squeeze through. Even though Keane had been booked and would miss the final, that only seemed to inspire the man. Went a bit crazy at the end of his United career, but was still an incredible competitor.
Inspiration: With his side trailing 2-0 after 11 minutes at the Stadio Delle Alpi – and 3-1 on aggregate – Keane scored this goal to prompt a remarkable comeback from Manchester United
5. Dave Mackay
It was a close call – three Tottenham skippers, Danny Blanchflower, Gary Mabbutt and Alan Mullery may too have had a case for being included – but Mackay was the inspiration behind the 1961 ‘double’ and, for that reason, has to be in this list. He played as a left half and scored once every six games, but was known more for his tackling and inspiration.
Necking session: Dave Mackay confronts Billy Bremner in 1966
6. Billy Bremner
Voted the greatest Leeds player of all time and skipper of the side managed by Don Revie. Won the captaincy and inspired Leeds to their greatest years of achievement, including the 1969 season when they lost only two of 42 league games. Won two league titles in all and his clever trademark free kicks – as well as his aggressive nature – were synonymous with their success.
7. David Beckham
Controversial pick, maybe. Some will ask: ‘How can you have Beckham and no Bobby Moore?’ Look at the criteria. How many matches did Moore turn around for England and West Ham? How many matches did John McGovern save for double-European Cup winners, Nottingham Forest? When Beckham scored the goal to take England to the 2002 World Cup Finals, he proved his value. And he just had to be No 7 in our list.
Match-winner: Beckham puts England on the plane to Japan with that free-kick against Greece
8. John Terry
Chelsea’s Adams, a title-winning skipper who can also save his team with crucial goals (just don’t let him near a penalty kick ever again). Surely more honours will follow and he will rise up the list. Sets the example at his team-mates with his aggressive play. England’s match-winner in the recent friendly in Germany.
Putting his body on the line: Terry leaps to beat German keeper Tim Wiese in the Olympic Stadium
9. Graeme Souness
He could play and he could kick the opposition too and this European Cup winning captain inspired his multi-trophy winning team to take on the best, all over the world. Brilliant passer of a ball who could control the tempo of a game.
Deadly combination: Souness aligned a fearsome will to win with a killer reading of the game
10. Stuart Pearce
Edges out Terry Butcher – just – and is the only left back on our list. Scored goals from set plays and penalties and boasted a powerful shot, but doesn’t have the trophy cabinet packed like most of these other names.
Emotional scenes: Pearce exorcises the heartbreak of Turin after scoring England’s third penalty at Wembley during Euro 96
Here’s what readers have had to say so far. Why not debate this issue live on our message boards.
The comments below have been moderated in advance.
darren huckerby/gary pallister/waddle or hoddle!
- mike, coventry, 16/12/2008 13:26
How on earth can Beckham be on this list? He turned one game, against Greece, but he wasn’t an inspiring skipper. What about Mick Lyons for Everton, or Frank McClintock at Arsenal? Gerry Francis of QPR and England was more inspiring than Beckham.
- Marek, Czech, 15/12/2008 16:38
to be fair, bobby Moore should have been in there somewhere. Steven Gerrard is Probably the best captain around at the moment.
When Liverpool are in danger, its always Gerrard to the resuce. Glad he plays for us.
Also he should have been made England captain too. Terry had his chance and Threw it away.
- ste soprarnold, kirkby, liverpool, 15/12/2008 13:07
Check your facts. Robson scored the 27 sec goal against France in the 1982 World Cup.
Despite liking the player – How many times did Pearce turn the game?
Terry captain of a great team not a great captain.
Moore turned games by giving the team confidence and a calmness, he should have been included especially over Terry.
Keane should have been higher than Robson. Despite Robson being so important to United and England, Keane actaully went the extra step and drove United on to win Championships.
What about Dennis Mortimer for Villa’s European Cup Winners? His display in the 1/4 final while strapped up got them through that game.
Keegan as England Captain was just as good as those mentioned on list but the rest of the team at that time was complete bobbins.
- badjourno, Burntwood, England, 15/12/2008 13:01
I think Graeme Souness deserves to be quite a bit higher!
I am a man utd fan and even i know that he was the captain of one of the greatest team in footballing history…
- Chris, Northants, 15/12/2008 12:34
How can you leave out Emlyn Hughes? I would have thought that “Crazy Horse” deserved to be on this list
- Dave, Piotrkow, Poland, 15/12/2008 11:49
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