Rob Fielder
@robfielder.bsky.social
Author of the Complete History of the World Cup and Complete History of the European Championship.
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Rob Fielder
@robfielder.bsky.social
· Nov 21
The 50 Best Club Teams of the Last 100 Years
Before I get into my list of the best 50 club teams of the last 100 years, I wanted to lay out some of the criteria behind it.
Before I get into my list of the best 50 club teams of the last 100 years, I wanted to lay out some of the criteria behind it.
The points listings remain one of the most interesting bits of these for me.
One thing that gets clear is that Di Stefano will at some point enter the GOAT debate in terms of my selections. He'll never reach Messi-levels but selections began when he was already 24.
Speaking of GOATs, we now enter a rare (unique?) stage in football history with two candidates active.
Speaking of GOATs, we now enter a rare (unique?) stage in football history with two candidates active.
October 28, 2025 at 6:47 PM
The points listings remain one of the most interesting bits of these for me.
We’ve made it to 1957-58 in our team of the season series. Some of history’s greatest ever figures feature in one of the most competitive editions yet.
The great @robfielder.bsky.social and I have come up with a new blogpost:
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/10/26/t...
A few momentous events in football history happened this year: Real & Di Stefano reign surpreme, the rise of Pelé & the Brazilians, and, sadly, the Munich Air Disaster
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/10/26/t...
A few momentous events in football history happened this year: Real & Di Stefano reign surpreme, the rise of Pelé & the Brazilians, and, sadly, the Munich Air Disaster
Team of the Season 1957-1958
Manager: Matt Busby Bench: Dominguez, Sarti, Herkenrath; Cervato, Lesmes, Marche; Wright, Juskowiak, C. Maldini; Corradi, Magnini; Atienza; Clamp, Szymaniak, Flowers; Masopust, Hanappi; Rial, Sivor…
footballarguments.wordpress.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM
We’ve made it to 1957-58 in our team of the season series. Some of history’s greatest ever figures feature in one of the most competitive editions yet.
Reposted by Rob Fielder
It took a bit longer than usual, but then again the season ended in an unusual way. But here it is!
New blogpost: Team of the Season 2024-2025
With player portraits by the amazing @lgambrose.bsky.social and @robfielder.bsky.social !
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/t...
New blogpost: Team of the Season 2024-2025
With player portraits by the amazing @lgambrose.bsky.social and @robfielder.bsky.social !
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/t...
August 1, 2025 at 9:13 PM
It took a bit longer than usual, but then again the season ended in an unusual way. But here it is!
New blogpost: Team of the Season 2024-2025
With player portraits by the amazing @lgambrose.bsky.social and @robfielder.bsky.social !
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/t...
New blogpost: Team of the Season 2024-2025
With player portraits by the amazing @lgambrose.bsky.social and @robfielder.bsky.social !
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/t...
Reposted by Rob Fielder
Final plug for the new blogpost!
White smoke at footballarguments:
New blogpost: Team of the Season 2002-03
Not as infallible, but (hopefully) more backwards-looking
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/05/08/t...
New blogpost: Team of the Season 2002-03
Not as infallible, but (hopefully) more backwards-looking
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/05/08/t...
Team of the Season 2002-2003
Manager: José Mourinho Bench: Casillas, Dida, Toldo; R. Carlos, Kaladze, Zambrotta; Ferdinand, Carvalho, Ferrara, Chivu, Stam, Desailly; J. Zanetti, Salgado, Cafu; Makelele, Xavi, Mauro Silva; Viei…
footballarguments.wordpress.com
May 9, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Final plug for the new blogpost!
As always, really enjoyed being able to contribute to this.
New blogpost, once again with the wonderful @robfielder.bsky.social:
Team of the Season 1956-57
Di Stefano produces a GOAT season, Argentinians en masse, the last full season of the Busby Babes - a memorable year for reasons both good and bad!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/03/23/t...
Team of the Season 1956-57
Di Stefano produces a GOAT season, Argentinians en masse, the last full season of the Busby Babes - a memorable year for reasons both good and bad!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/03/23/t...
Team of the Season 1956-1957
Manager: Matt Busby Bench: Carrizo, Dominguez, Roberto Lovati; Cervato, N. Santos, Federico Vairo; B. Wright, Santamaria, Happel; Marquitos, Giuseppe Farina, Giuseppe Corradi; Edwards, Ocwirk, Szym…
footballarguments.wordpress.com
March 24, 2025 at 4:36 PM
As always, really enjoyed being able to contribute to this.
Reposted by Rob Fielder
New blogpost, once again with the wonderful @robfielder.bsky.social:
Team of the Season 1956-57
Di Stefano produces a GOAT season, Argentinians en masse, the last full season of the Busby Babes - a memorable year for reasons both good and bad!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/03/23/t...
Team of the Season 1956-57
Di Stefano produces a GOAT season, Argentinians en masse, the last full season of the Busby Babes - a memorable year for reasons both good and bad!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/03/23/t...
Team of the Season 1956-1957
Manager: Matt Busby Bench: Carrizo, Dominguez, Roberto Lovati; Cervato, N. Santos, Federico Vairo; B. Wright, Santamaria, Happel; Marquitos, Giuseppe Farina, Giuseppe Corradi; Edwards, Ocwirk, Szym…
footballarguments.wordpress.com
March 23, 2025 at 6:57 PM
New blogpost, once again with the wonderful @robfielder.bsky.social:
Team of the Season 1956-57
Di Stefano produces a GOAT season, Argentinians en masse, the last full season of the Busby Babes - a memorable year for reasons both good and bad!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/03/23/t...
Team of the Season 1956-57
Di Stefano produces a GOAT season, Argentinians en masse, the last full season of the Busby Babes - a memorable year for reasons both good and bad!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/03/23/t...
I’m not sure why this thread got so little engagement, whether it’s just not an interesting topic or something about the way Bluesky displays threads. But at long last, I got to the end.
The 50 Best Club Teams of the Last 100 Years
Before I get into my list of the best 50 club teams of the last 100 years, I wanted to lay out some of the criteria behind it.
Before I get into my list of the best 50 club teams of the last 100 years, I wanted to lay out some of the criteria behind it.
February 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I’m not sure why this thread got so little engagement, whether it’s just not an interesting topic or something about the way Bluesky displays threads. But at long last, I got to the end.
A couple of observations on my Liverpool selection. One of the hardest to pick a timeframe on and one most disadvantaged by the 3 year timeframe. Over a longer period they would obviously beat a lot of other teams.
8. Liverpool (1982-85)
Manager: Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan
Div 1: 1983 🏆, 1984 🏆, 1985 🏆
EC: 1984 🏆, 1985 🥈
League Cup: 1983 🏆, 1984 🏆, 1985 🏆
Combination between Rush and Dalglish in attack was among the most devastating in history. Part of a much longer dynasty than other sides who just kept winning.
Manager: Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan
Div 1: 1983 🏆, 1984 🏆, 1985 🏆
EC: 1984 🏆, 1985 🥈
League Cup: 1983 🏆, 1984 🏆, 1985 🏆
Combination between Rush and Dalglish in attack was among the most devastating in history. Part of a much longer dynasty than other sides who just kept winning.
February 15, 2025 at 12:34 PM
A couple of observations on my Liverpool selection. One of the hardest to pick a timeframe on and one most disadvantaged by the 3 year timeframe. Over a longer period they would obviously beat a lot of other teams.
Maybe not the time but I reckon Gordon Banks and Bobby Moore would have had a shot.
Hugh McIlvanney said Denis Law was the only British footballer who would have got into Brazil's divine 1970 team.
His finishing was razor sharp, cheeky, as refined as art.
Aberdeen's greatest.
And just a lovely man who wore his greatness lightly, with a twinkle in his eye.
His finishing was razor sharp, cheeky, as refined as art.
Aberdeen's greatest.
And just a lovely man who wore his greatness lightly, with a twinkle in his eye.
January 17, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Maybe not the time but I reckon Gordon Banks and Bobby Moore would have had a shot.
Reposted by Rob Fielder
New blogpost:
Team of the Season 1955-56
The first European Cup, the first Ballon d'Or, the end of the Hungarian reign, Fiorentina somehow not conceding a lot... lots to unpack in this historical year!
Featuring the great @robfielder.bsky.social!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/01/17/t...
Team of the Season 1955-56
The first European Cup, the first Ballon d'Or, the end of the Hungarian reign, Fiorentina somehow not conceding a lot... lots to unpack in this historical year!
Featuring the great @robfielder.bsky.social!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/01/17/t...
January 17, 2025 at 6:55 PM
New blogpost:
Team of the Season 1955-56
The first European Cup, the first Ballon d'Or, the end of the Hungarian reign, Fiorentina somehow not conceding a lot... lots to unpack in this historical year!
Featuring the great @robfielder.bsky.social!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/01/17/t...
Team of the Season 1955-56
The first European Cup, the first Ballon d'Or, the end of the Hungarian reign, Fiorentina somehow not conceding a lot... lots to unpack in this historical year!
Featuring the great @robfielder.bsky.social!
footballarguments.wordpress.com/2025/01/17/t...
I struggled with which was Bayern’s best team. This one, the turn of the century team, Pep’s side or the 2013 CL winners.
14. Bayern Munich (1973-76)
Manager: Udo Lattek, Dettmar Cramer
Bundesliga: 1974 🏆, 1975 10th, 1976 🥉
European Cup: 1974 🏆, 1975 🏆, 1976 🏆
Intercontinental: 1976 🏆
Won a hat-trick of European Cups after winning 3 Bundesligas in a row. Genius of Beckenbauer and clinical Muller made them feared.
Manager: Udo Lattek, Dettmar Cramer
Bundesliga: 1974 🏆, 1975 10th, 1976 🥉
European Cup: 1974 🏆, 1975 🏆, 1976 🏆
Intercontinental: 1976 🏆
Won a hat-trick of European Cups after winning 3 Bundesligas in a row. Genius of Beckenbauer and clinical Muller made them feared.
December 24, 2024 at 4:13 PM
I struggled with which was Bayern’s best team. This one, the turn of the century team, Pep’s side or the 2013 CL winners.
This is so linked to the days before Christmas for me. Overall I think it’s an ok list in a tough year. Most of the voters seem to have stuck to the brief and focused on the calendar year.
The top 100 men's footballers list for 2024 is out now
The 100 best male footballers in the world 2024
Rodri has beaten Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland to top our ranking of the most talented players in the world this calendar year
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2024 at 11:56 AM
This is so linked to the days before Christmas for me. Overall I think it’s an ok list in a tough year. Most of the voters seem to have stuck to the brief and focused on the calendar year.
Reposted by Rob Fielder
Earlier this month we were lucky enough to enjoy a few days' stay at @shakespeareandcompany.com and our part of the bargain was David having a conversation about the History of Ideas.
It really was a fantastic event, one of our best. Have a listen 🎧 ⬇️
It really was a fantastic event, one of our best. Have a listen 🎧 ⬇️
💡NEW EPISODE OUT NOW💡
David Runciman, host of @ppfideas.bsky.social, joined @adambiles.net to discuss how the radical thinkers of the past 250 years remain strikingly relevant today, and why embracing diverse perspectives is key to understanding our world—and ourselves.
🎧: pod.fo/e/2933cb
David Runciman, host of @ppfideas.bsky.social, joined @adambiles.net to discuss how the radical thinkers of the past 250 years remain strikingly relevant today, and why embracing diverse perspectives is key to understanding our world—and ourselves.
🎧: pod.fo/e/2933cb
December 19, 2024 at 10:38 AM
Earlier this month we were lucky enough to enjoy a few days' stay at @shakespeareandcompany.com and our part of the bargain was David having a conversation about the History of Ideas.
It really was a fantastic event, one of our best. Have a listen 🎧 ⬇️
It really was a fantastic event, one of our best. Have a listen 🎧 ⬇️
Remember how the English bid wasn’t allowed more than 2 stadiums in London and only one city with more than 1. But Qatar were allowed to use stadiums in “cities” not built that were in a tiny desert location.
FIFA have given the Saudi bid for 2034 the same 4.1/5 score for its stadiums - despite eight not yet built - as they gave to the Canada-Mexico-USA bid for 2026, all of which are built, many of which are world leading NFL stadia.
I mean, how?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/595...
I mean, how?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/595...
FIFA report: Saudi 2034 World Cup bid has ‘medium’ human rights risk
According to a FIFA evaluation, Saudi Arabia's World Cup hosting bid in 2034 has "good potential" to spark reform
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2024 at 11:42 AM
Remember how the English bid wasn’t allowed more than 2 stadiums in London and only one city with more than 1. But Qatar were allowed to use stadiums in “cities” not built that were in a tiny desert location.
“Get the guitar out”
Strongly suspect we’re going to be hearing far, far too much about that Conor Bradley tackle on Mbappe (good though it was). There’s going to be murals on the sides of houses about it. Songs. The lot.
November 27, 2024 at 9:20 PM
“Get the guitar out”
I’m often intrigued as to whether lists like this for other sports are halfway credible. Because with respect, most football journalists are generally terrible at these because they’re not historians so they tend to just copy previous lists.
Today's "The Basketball 100" excerpt: Luka Dončić: www.nytimes.com/athletic/592...
'It’s LeBron James-like': Luka Dončić debuts at No. 53 in The Athletic's 'The Basketball 100'
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2024 at 6:04 PM
I’m often intrigued as to whether lists like this for other sports are halfway credible. Because with respect, most football journalists are generally terrible at these because they’re not historians so they tend to just copy previous lists.
I found rating this Arsenal side one of the hardest to slot in. Domestically so good but never showed in European competition that they were truly among the Continent’s premier teams.
43. Arsenal (2001-04)
Manager: Arsene Wenger
PL: 2002 🏆, 2003 🥈, 2004 🏆
FA Cup: 2002 🏆, 2003 🏆
Domestic invincibles who fell short on Continental stage. The quality of Wenger’s charges blended English grit with Gallic flair to great effect. Combination of Henry and Bergkamp in attack was lethal.
Manager: Arsene Wenger
PL: 2002 🏆, 2003 🥈, 2004 🏆
FA Cup: 2002 🏆, 2003 🏆
Domestic invincibles who fell short on Continental stage. The quality of Wenger’s charges blended English grit with Gallic flair to great effect. Combination of Henry and Bergkamp in attack was lethal.
November 27, 2024 at 12:42 PM
I found rating this Arsenal side one of the hardest to slot in. Domestically so good but never showed in European competition that they were truly among the Continent’s premier teams.
I’ve “read” more this year than for quite some time and a big part of that has been getting Audible. I used to be a bit snobby about audiobooks but they are a brilliant resource and some of the free ones available are superb, with the narrators really adding something to the experience.
One of my highlights of the season is the Financial Times’ books of the year edition. And very nice to see @samfr.bsky.social deservedly featured.
November 24, 2024 at 11:15 AM
I’ve “read” more this year than for quite some time and a big part of that has been getting Audible. I used to be a bit snobby about audiobooks but they are a brilliant resource and some of the free ones available are superb, with the narrators really adding something to the experience.
One of my highlights of the season is the Financial Times’ books of the year edition. And very nice to see @samfr.bsky.social deservedly featured.
November 24, 2024 at 10:50 AM
One of my highlights of the season is the Financial Times’ books of the year edition. And very nice to see @samfr.bsky.social deservedly featured.
Reposted by Rob Fielder
I’ll defend Allison Pearson’s right to be obnoxious – as she should defend mine | Kenan Malik
I’ll defend Allison Pearson’s right to be obnoxious – as she should defend mine | Kenan Malik
Police investigation into writer’s alleged tweet has sparked a debate over free speech, albeit a somewhat selective one
There are few columnists with whom I disagree more than I do with the Daily Telegraph’s Allison Pearson. Yet, I welcome the decision…
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2024 at 8:49 AM
I’ll defend Allison Pearson’s right to be obnoxious – as she should defend mine | Kenan Malik
Harry Kane now has more top flight league goals in total than Alan Shearer scored in the PL. Still 20 behind overall when you include Shearer’s Division 1 goals.
November 22, 2024 at 10:29 PM
Harry Kane now has more top flight league goals in total than Alan Shearer scored in the PL. Still 20 behind overall when you include Shearer’s Division 1 goals.
The 50 Best Club Teams of the Last 100 Years
Before I get into my list of the best 50 club teams of the last 100 years, I wanted to lay out some of the criteria behind it.
Before I get into my list of the best 50 club teams of the last 100 years, I wanted to lay out some of the criteria behind it.
November 21, 2024 at 12:20 PM
The 50 Best Club Teams of the Last 100 Years
Before I get into my list of the best 50 club teams of the last 100 years, I wanted to lay out some of the criteria behind it.
Before I get into my list of the best 50 club teams of the last 100 years, I wanted to lay out some of the criteria behind it.
The worst thing about this was it made it entirely unacceptable to have an umbrella at a football game, even at grassroots. Have to stand there getting soaked instead for fear of being compared to McClaren.
Seventeen years ago today, England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
Croatia ran out 3-2 winners at Wembley Stadium. Then manager Steve McClaren - dubbed 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆 after the defeat - was sacked the day after.
Croatia ran out 3-2 winners at Wembley Stadium. Then manager Steve McClaren - dubbed 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆 after the defeat - was sacked the day after.
November 21, 2024 at 9:27 AM
The worst thing about this was it made it entirely unacceptable to have an umbrella at a football game, even at grassroots. Have to stand there getting soaked instead for fear of being compared to McClaren.
I commend this thread (and all of this output) to anyone with an interest in football history.
One current project of mine:
Re-watching the 2002-03 Season
Once again I aim to watch ~50 full matches, with a clear focus on the best teams and players. In the end I compile a Team of the Season.
Re-watching the 2002-03 Season
Once again I aim to watch ~50 full matches, with a clear focus on the best teams and players. In the end I compile a Team of the Season.
November 19, 2024 at 7:17 PM
I commend this thread (and all of this output) to anyone with an interest in football history.
Reposted by Rob Fielder
One current project of mine:
Re-watching the 2002-03 Season
Once again I aim to watch ~50 full matches, with a clear focus on the best teams and players. In the end I compile a Team of the Season.
Re-watching the 2002-03 Season
Once again I aim to watch ~50 full matches, with a clear focus on the best teams and players. In the end I compile a Team of the Season.
November 19, 2024 at 6:17 PM
One current project of mine:
Re-watching the 2002-03 Season
Once again I aim to watch ~50 full matches, with a clear focus on the best teams and players. In the end I compile a Team of the Season.
Re-watching the 2002-03 Season
Once again I aim to watch ~50 full matches, with a clear focus on the best teams and players. In the end I compile a Team of the Season.