Items25The creator’s order
  1. 1Stanley MatthewsStanley MatthewsBorn 1 Feb 1915Matthews made the touchline duel a repeated source of service, not a one-off trick. Blackpool's 1953 FA Cup final is the clearest historical route: his late wing play helped turn a deficit into victory. The defender knew the cross was likely, yet still had to judge when Matthews would accelerate…0i
  2. 2GarrinchaGarrinchaBorn 28 Oct 1933Garrincha could invite a full-back into a duel that appeared familiar, then change rhythm at the last instant. Brazil's 1962 World Cup run remains a way to see how his repeated right-wing take-ons opened a crossing route while defenders kept trying to close the same lane. The fascination is not…0i
  3. 3Caroline Graham HansenCaroline Graham HansenBorn 18 Feb 1995Graham Hansen makes Barcelona's right side a place where a defender must protect both the inside run and a well-timed ball into the box. UEFA's analysis of the 2025/26 semi-final against Bayern shows her one-on-one play feeding a goal for Salma Paralluelo. Her value is the combination: the duel…0i
  4. 4George BestGeorge BestBorn 22 May 1946Best's balance let him carry the ball close enough to a defender to make a tackle tempting, then take it away at the last step. The 1968 European Cup final against Benfica also reminds us that a gifted dribbler can be restricted for long spells by firm marking before finding the decisive opening.…0i
  5. 5JairzinhoJairzinhoBorn 25 Dec 1944Jairzinho brought power to a winger's duel. His runs for Brazil at the 1970 World Cup could turn a wide confrontation into a direct route through the penalty area, with the Uruguay semi-final a useful match to revisit for his carries as well as his goal. He belongs here because the defender had to…0i
  6. 6Arjen RobbenArjen RobbenBorn 23 Jan 1984Robben's cut from the right onto his left foot became famous precisely because defenders anticipated it and still struggled to stop it. He told UEFA that the threat worked only when he also passed, went outside or changed his starting position. That is the viewing lesson: the signature move is…0i
  7. 7Franck RibéryFranck RibéryBorn 7 Apr 1983Ribéry attacked from Bayern's left with quick feet but rarely treated the duel as an isolated show. His give-and-go exchanges made a defender choose whether to track the runner or stay with the ball, and his close control let him draw a second marker before releasing a teammate. Compare him with…0i
  8. 8Cristiano RonaldoCristiano RonaldoBorn 5 Feb 1985Ronaldo's early Manchester United and Portugal years are the relevant phase here, before his role became more concentrated on finishing. From a wide start he could make the defender react to stepovers, then use the hesitation to cross, pass or accelerate into shooting space. UEFA's account of his…0i
  9. 9Lionel MessiLionel MessiBorn 24 Jun 1987Messi's right-wing work at Barcelona shows how short touches can move a defender without a dramatic change of speed. UEFA traces both his early development on that flank and his later return there as a creator alongside Luis Suárez and Neymar. When he drifts inside, the duel opens a passing lane as…0i
  10. 10NeymarNeymarBorn 5 Feb 1992Neymar could slow a defender almost to a standstill before changing direction in a crowded wide channel. UEFA's analysis of Paris against Maccabi Haifa highlights a left-sided dribble back into the box that produced a dangerous low ball. The useful detail is what happens after he wins the duel: the…0i