Who is the most complete footballer you have seen?

After a recent game in Markievicz Park, I was introduced to one of those footballing gurus that you meet from time to time.

The match in question was the All-Ireland U21 semi-final between Tyrone and Roscommon. The guru was from neither county. You get the picture. This man liked his football. A native of Longford, he informed me that he read my column. I tried not to look surprised. But I quickly formed the impression that my new friend read a lot of newspapers and a lot of columnists.

After a few observations about the game, the guru quickly got down to business. “Tell me this,” he asked, “Who in your opinion is the most complete footballer that you have ever witnessed?” I knew immediately that my ‘opinion’ wasn’t being sought. This wasn’t a survey. It was an exam, and the question had a right or wrong answer. I felt under pressure.