With incredible athleticism and the charisma to match, George Best is one of the biggest stars to ever play the game, and in honour of his remarkable legacy, we’re looking at the best finishes of his career.
At the peak of his powers, the Northern Irishman was almost unplayable. Utilising his supreme skill and ability on the ball, he glided past defenders like a knife through butter, before beating the keeper with immaculate precision finishing.
There’s no doubt that the forward played a big part in revolutionising the sport we all know and love today. So without further ado, here are five of his greatest goals.
Read: Pele: The top 5 goals of the Brazilian’s legendary career (sporf.com)
5) George Best vs Sheffield United – 1971
When the ball arrived at his feet, Best looked a mile away from goal. But as the icon did so often throughout his career, he burst into life, flying past a plethora of helpless Sheffield defenders, before rifling the ball into the bottom left corner.
4) George Best Manchester United v Northampton Town – 1970
Born in Belfast, the sublimely talented player rose to prominence during Manchester United’s era of dominance in the 60s. During this time, he established tremendous chemistry with fellow Ballon d’Or Kings, Sir Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law.
And during an FA Cup fifth-round fixture against Northampton Town, Best utilised his link-up play with his teammates to essentially dismantle his struggling opponents. The Old Trafford icon bagged five sensational goals before topping it off by completing an epic double-hattrick.
3) George Best vs Tottenham – 1971
Best made a career out of making defenders look ridiculous. But he wasn’t opposed to unleashing his fury on goalkeepers either. And during a game against Tottenham, he controlled the ball with his chest before lobbing it over the man in between the sticks.
2) George Best vs Benfica – 1968
In a testament to his brilliance, Best always turned up in the big moments. A decade after the Munich disaster, Matt Busby’s army collided with Benfica in the European Cup final.
In a moment of genius, he ran onto a punt from Alex Stepney before deceiving a defender and a goalkeeper with his mesmerising trickery. Cool as a cucumber, he finished the move to render the Portuguese fans devastated.
1) George Best vs Lauderdale Strikers, 1981
After an incredible stint at Manchester United, the legend graced several clubs with his greatness, including San Jose Earthquakes. And during a match-up against the Lauderdale Strikers, he showed the American public just how good he was.
Somehow, he turned on a six-pence leaving three defenders in the dust, before smashing the ball into the top bins.
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