The 30 best players in World Cup history
By James Dudko
11. Lothar Matthaus, West Germany and Germany
It’s ironic the mantle left by England’s best-ever player was later taken up by a man representing the Three Lions’ greatest rival. But Lothar Matthaus was the Bobby Charlton of West Germany in successive tournaments.
In 1986, his box-to-box brilliance and willingness to take on a shot powered an unfancied squad all the way to the final. His goal sent Morocco packing in the round of 16.
Being tasked with a roving brief to hound Maradona over every blade of grass, Matthaus couldn’t exert his usual influence in the signature match.
There were no such constraints when Matthaus led his country at Italia ’90. Free to stride forward, Matthaus scored for fun in the group stage. He also beat Czechoslovakia from the penalty spot in the last eight.
Matthaus was the central figure for an underrated generation of German talent. His authority forced his teams to levels naturally beyond themselves.