George Best once named the hardest player that he faced during his career. The Manchester United legend was an incredible player in an age of no-nonsense defending, so to be the toughest of the lot is certainly saying something.
During the 1960s, only a handful of players were on Best's level, as the Northern Irishman drove United to two First Division titles and the European Cup in 1968. The same year he won the latter, the winger also collected the Ballon d'Or, joining a select few British stars to win the prestigious trophy.
No shortage of praise has been lavished on the Red Devils' former golden boy, with the great Pele naming him "the greatest player in the world" during his heyday. But Best also gave credit to those who deserved it, and reserved kind words for legendary Scotsman Dave Mackay.
Mackay "the Bravest" Player Best Faced
Duo played each other 11 times
Mackay is most fondly remembered for his stints at Hearts, Tottenham and Derby County. Signing for Spurs in 1959, he went on to make 320 appearances for the club, helping lead them to a First Division title and FA Cup double in 1960/61.
Jimmy Greaves stated following Mackay's death that he was one of the best players in Tottenham's history, with the defender/midfielder as equally treasured by Scotland fans. Yet it was his toughness that was so impressive to many.
While at Hearts, Mackay broke his foot three times in the space of a year, and then suffered a hair-line fracture during a match for Spurs in 1961. Later in his career, he broke his leg twice, with one instance occurring during the European Cup Winners' Cup match against United in 1963. Yet his determination to thrive on the pitch never wavered.
It was that trait which impressed Best the most, who played against Mackay 11 times during his 11 years at Old Trafford. He hailed the Scotsman as not only the hardest player he faced, but also the bravest.
"The hardest man I ever played against, and the bravest."
George Best's Record vs Dave Mackay
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
Sir Alex Ferguson in Agreement With Best
Former United manager played against Mackay once
Ferguson
Best was not the only individual to praise Mackay for his hardman nature. Sir Alex Ferguson went on the record to state that he too thought Mackay was one of "the hardest men of all time."
Speaking at Mackay's funeral in Edinburgh, Ferguson also recalled the only time when the two played against each other ahead of Mackay's move to Tottenham. He said: "I was playing for Queen’s Park reserves at Tynecastle and the great Mackay was playing for Hearts reserves because he was coming back from a broken toe.
"He tackled me and I thought ‘Christ’. But in those days you had to get up. So I got up and had a look at that big barrel chest of his. He just said ‘are you alright, son?’
"The only time I played against Dave Mackay. I’ll never forget it."