the maestro v gazza?

had a hardcore debate today with the huns at ma work! today their topic was gazza was a better player than mcstay!! *?
yes ok gazza was a fine player defo BUT paul mcstay tears a new one off gazza any day.so this went on all day and a couple other of them joined in and i found myself arguing with 7 of the filth.
out of all honestly lads and dont just say this cos we are celtic fans DO YOU THINK GAZZA WAS BETTER?

 

I think Gazza shaded it when the two played against each other, but McStay had definitely slid as a player towards the end of his career quite a bit. McStay of the late 80's, early 90's was at least as good as the Gazza that played with Rangers.

 

Much as I hate to say it, for me Gazza was a better player than Paul McStay.

 

McStay for me. Gazza perhaps had more flair but could disapear and get frustrated hence that self-inflicted leg break. Was also a complete bell-end.

In my lifetime I've never seen someone play for the badge like McStay and that for me is worth a million show-pony efforts.

 

Hut Hut sums it up perfectly for me.

Paul McStay between about 1986 and 1992 was as good as Gazza in his best days, the thing with Gazza is he probably could have been a better player if it wasn't for his self inflicted injury and off-field exploits.

Paul McStay on the other hand was sheer class on and off the field. I always feel bad that he had to give up just before Wim Jansen stepped in.

 

I think Mcstay was the better all round player by far but Gazza had more flair.

 

In a nutshell

 

I'm sorry , but you have to be wearing your green tinted glasses to think Paul McStay was better than Gazza.
Gazza's name is world wide. and for a reason. he could change a game no matter where he played , england, Italy, Scotland and for his country.
Gazza is up there with the likes of Maradona, (not far away anyway)

You can't say that about McStay. At lot of people out side Scotland don't know who McStay is.

Don't get me wrong, McStay was a great player along with Murdo, Burns, McClair and MoJo but I don't think he reached his potential.
I remember he was meant to go to Italy but changed his mind because none of the top teams came in for him. that says it all really

 

I'm sorry, but that's probably the worst statement I've ever heard. Don't be stupid. Maradona's probably the greatest player of all time, Paul Gascoigne doesn't have anywhere near the talent Diego Maradona does. And I'm sure the most bitter Rangers fan will admit that too.

 

Probably becuase of his antics on and off the field. McStay however, conducted himself in a great manner and really played with his heart on his sleeve.

 

McStay.

 

hahahahahahahaha how dare you mention gazza`s name in the same sentence as marradona i pmsl at that one

 

2 different people/players. you can't compare.

Both better than each other in their own way. No debate.

 

I'd have to agree that Gazza wasn't in the same class as Maradona. Maradona is after all one of the 2 best players to ever walk the planet!

However, Gazza was EXCEPTIONALLY talented and if he hadn't pished the best part of his career against a wall he would have, in my opinion, been one of the top 5 players in the world at that point in time. And to be fair, even though he did pish part of his career against a wall he still had a very good career and was still a pretty awesome player.

McStay too was undoubtedly a talent but I don't think he ever had the ability to be one of the top 5 players in the world. HAIL HAIL

 

lol * * lol steady on Gazza was a good player but no where in * near enough as good as Maradona lol, McStay's earlier years imo was much better than Gazza's.

 

This has striking parallels to Maradona vs Pele (I'm not comparing abilities)

i.e. Great player but with a self destruct button versus vs Mr. Fantastic that never lets you down but both equally can be the match winner with their contribution

Gazza was a better player when at his best but his best was rare to find as he kept hitting the self destruct button. McStay showed more consistency and loyalty to fans/club over money.

McStay didnt prove himself outside of Scotland which leaves the question mark unfortunately

 

I thought Inter Milan wanted to sign him, but he decided to stay with Celtic? Think it was in around 1992 after McStay had performed well at euro '92.

Anyway, very good question, and a very tough one for me. IMO 2 of the best players Britain has produced in the last 20 years.

In all honesty, I would say Gazza at his best surpassed anything McStay did. We're talkin starring in major tournaments to within a penalty kick of the final twice (WC90 and Euro96). McStay however, was probably the more consistent performer and ignoring his career ending one, didn't pick up the injuries Gazza did.

As I said, VERY close call, but although it pains me to say it, Gazza was probably SLIGHTLY better.

 

The Maestro was a better player and all round human being!!

Gazza was a boozer and a wife beater (self inflicted - no-one made him into what he became) - appalling guy!! Worst thing was the Hun heirarchy covered it all up!!

 

Gazza by a mile mate, take yer green-tinted specs off!!

 

I loved Mcstay as a player but if im being honest its Gazza, the only football fans in the world who would say otherwise is our own.