For me, yes Alan Ball. Best I’ve seen. He was burning out a bit by the time he went to Arsenal. As for keepers, Nev won us trophies. Pickford saved us from relegation. But as an influence on the team I’d take Neville Southall every day.

Tom, there is no doubt all the players you mention deserve to be included in any conversation about our greatest player. Of the players you mention I think Peter Reid was the closest match to Alan Ball. Given the overall strength of the 1984/85 group including the presence of top international players like Steven and Sheedy I can just about imagine that team winning the league title without Peter Reid. I don’t think there is any way the 1969/70 team would have done so without Alan Ball.