Champions League last night.

[mickd1961]

I only got to see brief highlights but what an unbelievable quality of goals for the majority.

Much as I loved the football of the 70’s I do think the brilliance of many of the goals we now see is something truly special.

Ball and boot quality are an obvious advantage but some of the goals are just magical.

[Dubbag]

I think so too. After all you can only play and perform in the era you are born into. Way to much comparison goes on with skills from yesteryear.
Highly skillful players about and with TV their skill gets to be recognised more. Although I don't watch as much as years ago I do admire the skill and hard work many players put in to their sport. Energy levels so much higher then years ago. And perhaps because the energy levels are higher, sometimes it's taken for granted.

Yet for me two goals always stand out.
Ronnie Radford's strike for I think Hereford against Newcastle for sheer quality in diabolical conditions.
The other was the goal scored against Liverpool that was deflected in by a stray balloon.
The goal stood. But seeing the Liverpool goalie, Grobalare expression was priceless.

[Prando]

Noticed this morning Gnabry’s stunner for Bayern…I think we played him once as a sub during his 1 year loan (from Arsenal?) His season long loan with us was cut short with Pulis saying he wasn’t good enough for us! Late talent perhaps?

[Omegstrat6]

Undoubtedly some quality footballers around today and it is difficult to do a straight comparison with those from the 70s because -as Mick has already pointed out-players are much fitter these days, the balls lighter and the playing surfaces almost immeasurably better. That said, whenever I'm tempted into thinking that I'm remembering older players through very rose tinted glasses whenever I look up old clips on YouTube I'm mostly reassured that they really did possess the quality I recall.

[boingy]

Noticed this morning Gnabry’s stunner for Bayern…I think we played him once as a sub during his 1 year loan (from Arsenal?) His season long loan with us was cut short with Pulis saying he wasn’t good enough for us! Late talent perhaps?

Definitely a late talent Prando. Arsenal were happy to loan him out and he didn’t show enough for us at all at the time. I’d imagine Celtic are having similar discussions over Mikey Johnson right now when he didn’t show enough for them. I think with Gnabry it was just his being young and needing to gain a lot of confidence.

[boingy]

I do think some of the goals from the Brazilians in the 70’s would more than compare. Those banana free kicks from Roberto Carlos and rockets from 30 and even 40 yards would take some beating or even getting close to.