[silverbaggie]

No one would dispute that his off-field behaviour was outrageous, and contributed to his downfall.  But natural skill is natural skill.  The famous moment (around 50 seconds into this video) when he took on five Wimbledon players at once on a pitch like a farmer's field sums it up for me.  Even when he was surrounded, he never stopped trying to dance his way out, and the ball just seemed to obey his every move.

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Easily the most naturally-gifted English midfielder of the era between Hoddle and Beckham

Yep, I'd agree with that..... but from memory there wasn't too much to beat in the silky skills department for us in that era?!

(I just KNOW you're now going to name several crackers, Ska'd!)  

Damn right I am.  He was up against the likes of Robson, Waddle, Barnes, Platt, Ince, Redknapp, McManaman and a young Scholes.  Maybe not world-beaters, but no mugs.

Also a very gifted if underrated player was one of the few players from the Channel Islands to make the grade. Le Tiz anyone?