Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness? Just who is the greatest Scottish footballer of all time (and who could be)? – Scotsman comment

According to no less an authority than Alex Ferguson, who more than amply demonstrated an eye for talent during his time as manager of Aberdeen and Manchester United, Denis Law is the “greatest Scots player of all time, no question”.
Denis Law in action for Manchester United against Luton Town in 1971 (Picture: Bangay/Express/Getty Images)Denis Law in action for Manchester United against Luton Town in 1971 (Picture: Bangay/Express/Getty Images)
Denis Law in action for Manchester United against Luton Town in 1971 (Picture: Bangay/Express/Getty Images)

Given the Aberdeen-born Law, who unveiled his own statue in his home city yesterday, is a former European footballer of the year and Scotland’s only winner of a Ballon d'Or, he undoubtedly has a strong claim.

After all, he scored 237 goals in 404 games for Manchester United and also holds the record for the most number of goals for Scotland, 30, jointly with Kenny Dalglish.

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But many would contend that Dalglish, who scored 172 goals in 515 Liverpool appearances and 167 in 320 games for Cetlic, is the ‘GOAT’ of the Scottish men’s game. And his supporters presumably include the player often regarded as the world’s greatest of all time, Pele, given Dalglish was the only Scot on his 2004 list of the top 100 “greatest living footballers”.

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Denis Law hailed Scotland's 'greatest of all time' as statue unveiled in Aberdee...

And then there are players like Graeme Souness, the midfield general of all midfield generals, Archie Gemmill, worthy of consideration for one utterly sublime moment in Argentina in 1978 alone, and James McFadden, for his skill, that wee bit of gallus and his 2007 wonderstrike against the then World Cup runners-up France.

But what of the current men’s international team? Is John Souttar’s header against Denmark just the start of his goal-scoring exploits from defence? Will Che Adams’ obvious talents flourish? Will John McGinn keep on scoring?

Scotland awaits, with bated breath, for our next greatest player ever.

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