How Pavel Nedved Finessed A Ballon D’or

[@RaymarFootball]

TLDR: Nedved was incredible, especially for his first 2 years in Juve which was his absolute prime. But there have been all time great midfielders with similar stats who’ve had the same impact on their squad, similar stats, and in some cases, even more silverware. (Pirlo, Deco, Xavi, Bergkamp, Raul, Iniesta for example) and NEVER won the award. And Juventus nearly beat AC Milan in the final WITHOUT Nedved. Don’t forget, they also had Buffon, Del Piero, Trezeguet, Conte, Edgar Davids, they were NOT a bad team at all. What Henry did was just too big of a difference in individual stats AND historic enough to never be repeated even 20 years later.

[@brianduru3753]

Your point about Juventus almost beating Milan in the final without Nedved isn't actually the smoking gun that you think it is. If anything, it actually helps Nedved. Juventus played great purposeful football in the knockouts, and then were very drab and timid in the final. They beat Barcelona and Madrid with Nedved scoring decisive goals in both ties. They were considered the better team going into the final, as they had won Serie A and they had a much harder path to the final, compared to Milan who beat Ajax and Inter on away goals, a less challenging gauntlet than what Juve went through. So, saying they nearly beat AC Milan without him isn't really a strong point.

[@MaurizioMezzatesta]

Yeah but the quality of the prem has also greatly increased since then.

[@qBodi]

i'd like to ask why my comment got removed, it's the truth that hard to swallow? everything about arsenal screams overhype, its 2023 and they re still overhyped by those times 20 years ago, average club for ever

[@RaymarFootball]

@@qBodi ? How is something that has never been done again overhyped 💀

[@qBodi]

@@RaymarFootball dunno, people still overhype henry/arsenal

[@andred666]

One thing worth mentioning is at the time, italian Serie A was still the the top league along with Spain, while premier league, who usually didnt perform well in UEFA leagues, was somwwhat a distant third in quality. Nedved, being crucial in both domestic league and Champions gave him the edge.

[@itzintellitube]

he literally mentioned that

[@27hiddenintheleaves]

yeah i’m beginning to understand that,as a younger football fan who wasn’t even born by the time of this decision this and the comments are very insightful,all I had to be able to understand the premier league when I was younger was the premier league years series(watched them all)so even then I was biased and then I learnt more about bdr history,when i saw this year I originally thought Henry was robbed but it’s nice seeing this

[@haroldrichardmodiya3701]

UP to now, l still think Premier League is not the best. They don't win so much at European level. Spaniards are still the King's!

[@dragonusuralis8287]

Half correct, serie a was the top league. La liga was not, stop trying to lump prime serie a with la liga. La liga was not even close to serie a at that time. U really thought u could sneak in la liga like we wouldn’t notice 😂

[@haroldrichardmodiya3701]

@@dragonusuralis8287 l beg to differ. Serie A was still the top League, but La Liga was surely closing in. Remember by this Time, you had Réal Madrid, Valencia, Deportivo La Coruna, even Sevilla in Europa League was starting to make a name for themselves

[@pedromendes5022]

Nedved is my favourite player of all time. Pure class, tenacity, amazing at playing with both feet, vision and commitment.

[@Masticore_]

I read that "Henry deserved it over Nedved" like 50 times in the last couple of weeks, in the 20 years before that I heard it like once, how

[@titorobot2711]

Premier League has ruined Football discourse

[@XxAlex530xX]

Same I saw a picture posted yesterday and the day before.

[@Prof.Maxwell]

@@MrGts92It's not hate, the Premier League is super overrated. It is only now that it is slowly becoming worthy of all the praise but there still some way to go.

[@WannesDeBacker]

Because midfielders are easier forgotten that strikers.

[@glencurtis6052]

Because the award wasn't a big deal until recently

[@obinoscopekenobi9450]

Nobody even questioned it in 2003, Nedved was that guy

[@glencurtis6052]

Nobody in England took notice of the award back then. I genuinely don't know who won it this year

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

@@glencurtis6052 The English sure don't care about it, but care enough to say Henry was robbed in 2003 and 2004. One also fails to understand how folks like yourself seem to wear your ignorance and insular mindset like a badge of honour.

[@NIDELLANEUM]

I also find it so weird how this became controversial *20 years later* Like, what happened that suddenly made this a controversy?

[@jakefeasey2691]

@@NIDELLANEUMfootball become more stats related

[@aquatics1nthatrpics51]

​@@NIDELLANEUMBecause back then ppl used their eyes and not just numbers. If you watched nedved you understood why they gave it to him.

[@francolinselfborn952]

In 2003 everyone believed nedved won,so i think the problem is nedved has been forgotten leaving henry fans to be like "who's this nedved guy and how did he win over henry"

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

In 2003 people watched the games in their entirety and understood what happened. In 2023 idiots watch highlights reels and believe Henry was better because he has more Instagrammable content to his name 🤦

[@Iosif-Bitie-glava.37.stih.17]

Nedved did not just replace Zidane at Juve, he overshadowed him and won everything he participated in (missed the final in CL). He was just the best in 2003.

[@qBodi]

one more title and couple of domestic cups, that's what you re calling " everything he participated in" more than zidane? putting zidane and nedved into the same sentence...

[@LitoLochoss]

@@qBodi Tells you how much you have to hate lol you dont need to be like zidane to be good for a team neved did what he was asked for filled his shoes perfectly and yet you are trying to downplay his achievement's because he was not same class as zidane Youre not even a juve fan that is laughable its always people who dont support the club that attack a player

[@kytaem]

Zidane was the most gifted master of the round object this sport has ever seen. But Nedved was the more effective player. BY FAR. People seem to forget, if it weren't for one miracle goal in 2002, arguably the greatest goal of all time, Zidane at the club level would be a near complete failure Zidane and Baggio are legends obvs, Baggio is one of the great loves of my life, but for us juventini, neither player is held in high regard, that is something I think would surprise a lot of people.

[@qBodi]

@@LitoLochoss you re losing the arguement the next second you re write that pathetic butthurt "hate" I was just asking something, ofc im no juve fan, im just asking a question, that dude overhype him, that's the thing, im not downgrading no one

[@LitoLochoss]

@@qBodi No I'm not You seem to lack reading skills He Juve fan His opinion matters more than yours you don't support the club you don't know how effective he was and a Juve fan is telling you he did better and you disrespected him just because you don't like it. You do hate him called him overhyped because he not Zidane he did what he was ask stop crying like a child Not every as to be like Zinedine to be effective to his team they reached final with him that enough to say he was well apriciated I'm not replying to someone who as attitude of a child

[@llolanf3650]

Nedved that year was the best player in the best team (despite the loss in the UCL final, that they would have won with him on the pitch), the title was super deserved

[@alba..8479]

31 direct goal involvements is a Phenomenal return for a midfielder

[@avikellerman4539]

Especially in prime Serie A which was very defensive at the time.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

Yeah but you know, Henry "deserves it" because he scored hat tricks against Birmingham City and West Brom...

[@melanineyedoc]

Nedved got to the UCL final. Won the league. Won the Supercopa Italia. Henry, in contrast, won the FA Cup and confederations cup. Trophies do matter.

[@RaymarFootball]

Despite the claims its an individual award they certainly do matter indeed. Although for some years it matters and others it doesnt which is weird how they dont have a standard points system for the vote but more on opinion

[@abhishekalfred3452]

Then why the heck they say it’s an individual award?

[@samlove933]

@@RaymarFootball hater

[@RaymarFootball]

@@samlove933 not hating my man, just saying it’s an “individual” award and what Henry did was historic and hasnt been done even today 20 years later in the PL. Nedved was amazing but there were midfielders with the same stats, importance, and even more trophies that havent won it. Xavi, Pirlo, Raul, Deco, Iniesta just to name a few

[@Yami1300]

​@RaymarFootball Still It's weird to give it to the guy that won just the FA cup Would anyone give it to a player thst scored 60 goals in the second division I think not Ithard to create a standard when we inconciosly associate individual success with team success In football it's impossible to separate the two

[@waltcruz1631]

Ironically, you’ve convinced me that Nedved derserved it lol 😂

[@trollinape2697]

He was the best midfielder of the year by quite a margin, but idk man 20 goals n 20 assists in the prem for a playmaker is just crazy to think about

[@मालिक-य2य]

@@trollinape2697 Italian and Spanish league were far way better than premier league Italian league was best at the time

[@biscobisco1882]

For a playmaker? Henry was a centre forward...@@trollinape2697

[@samraizshoaib585]

​@user-hb8dk2nk8j They weren't FAR better. Better but the line was getting blurred by that point.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

@@trollinape2697 Stats padding against WBA, Birmingham City and Middlesbrough, so mightily impressive. Even Spurs were garbage back then. And look at Henry's CL stats, he's a striker and the main man for Arsenal yet registered barely 2 more goals in the CL than Nedved, a midfielder.

[@quieness]

Nedved was one of the best mids in the 2000s and was so graceful to see. I miss watching him play

[@KapitanPisoar1]

I love Henry, but Nedved deserved it! Btw. comparing how good players are based on goals, when one is a striker and the other CM is an absolute nonsense...

[@Vipul6190]

Ikr

[@ethantasti2521]

Also henry getting 28 assists

[@RaymarFootball]

Thats why insane goalscorers/assists providers almost always win because it’s the most important thing in football, but that’s because there’s no alternative of the award for midfielders. What Henry did still hasn’t been replicated, but many who’ve done what Nedved done had never won the award even with the same stats, importance, and in some cases even more silverware (Raul, Xavi, Pirlo, Deco, Iniesta, Bergkamp)

[@RaymarFootball]

@@Vipul6190he had 28 assists for the year

[@momogi618]

my thought exactly, feel like click bait tittle.

[@hkmrsrg1367]

Nedved deserved it. He was the engine that kept Juve running that year. Without him, we had the Juve in the UCL final that just didn't have the drive. Without him, Juve would probably be a B-tier team. He was very impactful. Had Henry won it, I wouldn't complain though. Hard to pick between the two, they were both great that year.

[@RaymarFootball]

Yeah I think Serie A was the biggest factor being the better league. but it makes you wonder how the hell did Owen win in 2001 😂

[@hunmingng2042]

​@@RaymarFootballmake a video on it

[@brianduru3753]

​@@RaymarFootballOwen was really good in 2001 though. And Liverpool won three trophies that year (5 actually, if you include the Charity Shield and the UEFA Super Cup). And Owen had some memorable performances like scoring a hattrick in a World Cup qualifier away to Germany and a brace in the FA Cup final against Arsenal.

[@Chengyuan79]

Hi. Just chiming in on Owen. That boy deserves it. Before his injuries, he was the complete Advance Forward package. Pace (too much of it actually, caused his injuries i always felt). Off-ball movement. Great touch to control the long passes to him. Composure to then take aim and Shoot. He did need good service and ideally another striker partner to bring out his best, but ... there is only so many R9 (fat Ronaldo, and I say it as an endearing term) in the entire world football history.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

@@brianduru3753 ​ 2001 was very much an outlier. No player really stood out. Bayern Munich won a league-CL double but they didn't have an outstanding player. I think Raul should have won it but Owen had his merit too.

[@Nekudza]

From 1992 on it was Czech Republik, not Czechoslovakia anymore. Nedved was indeed amazing and fully deserved the win. His impact in important matches, against big teams was enormous. Also he played magnificently for the national team which obviously was not on the France level

[@n00g75]

what? the 2004-2006 czech team wasn ranked no.1 on fifas ranking .. did you ever watch the 2004 (i think) eu championship .. where the czech national team being 0:2 behind and turned it into a 3:2 win over a dutch team which was the clear favorite or at least one of the favorites to win the european championship!

[@Nekudza]

@@n00g75 One of my favourite matches of all time :) But my point is that Czech national team wasn't top of the world and still Nedved helped them shine

[@danielguerrero1438]

Come on i have being watching the game for almost 3 decades now. I still believe Nedved deserve the award that year.

[@piotrswat169]

Same

[@traplivesmatter1462]

That's just delusional

[@hendyw2565]

Same.. Nedved very deserved

[@27hiddenintheleaves]

Interesting that all the people who were alive around the time all have this perspective,it’s intriguing,eye opening

[@glencurtis6052]

I was 25 and think Henry deserved it as it's an individual award. But back then (and still now in the UK) the award isn't a big deal. It wasn't even reported on back then in England. Just to point out I loved Nedved, especially while at Lazio

[@mohammedsuliman8072]

The fact that people say that someone who was eliminated in the UCL in the group stage deserved it and did nothing really important In a not so strong league is crazy Nedved carried Juve to a UCL Final that they lost because he didn’t play and won the league and guess what ? Was the best player in the tournament Henry was not even in team of the tournament

[@nacheems8047]

The problem I see is that, people are comparing the g/a of a midfielder with a striker to say that it is a robbery.

[@RaymarFootball]

I know they shouldn’t but for me the main point is that what Henry did with such a large difference was historic and never repeated till this day. You have midfielders like Raul, Bergkamp, Xavi, Pirlo, Deco, Iniesta who’ve had similar stats, importance, and in some cases even more silverware but they didnt win the award

[@kangchem]

@@RaymarFootballBergkamp is a striker. Just because his goal record not so good, doesnt mean he is no longer a striker

[@Chengyuan79]

And Raul is also a forward. 😅 P.S. Love Bergkamp, by the way. Classy.

[@a-chail9720]

90% of the people saying nedved didn't deserve clearly never followed his season when he was unplayable

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

99% of them probably fall in one or both of those categories: -live in the UK or an English-speaking country -Arsenal fan

[@notthatrisk]

Henry would definitely winning it if the voters is from todays media, since they love about stats g+a and bunch of nerd numbers. Lucky enough i grew up in the era when footballers got recognition from all positions in pretty fairness, no social media impact, no media PR, just eye test and pure honest football opinions. Sammer, Owen, Cannavaro, Kaka wouldn't stance a chance to win it if they play in today's social media era

[@zorashki]

He freaking single handed knocked Galacticos Madrid out of the CL... by him self.. then he got sent off and couldn't play in the Final vs Milan... he wouldn've won, I'm not a Juve fan or Nedved.. But it wasn't a Robbery... he was indeed best player of that year better than Henry..

[@mdamiciful]

As someone who lived through that season and was 18, so probably old enought to have a wider perspective on things, Nedved was hands down the best player. Henry wasn’t even in consideration for mine. Stats are all well and good but the influence Nedved had on games went much deeper than mere goals and assists. Throw on top of it that the EPL was still a pretty average league at the time and there you have it, no contest.

[@27hiddenintheleaves]

Wow,it was seen as average back then? I’m only 19 so you can see why I must ask😂😂

[@rocktop-games]

@@27hiddenintheleaves The best leagues were, with some difference (though dwingelling at that point) the Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A (where Nedved played). So even less of a contest back in the day. He was the best Juventus player (if not full MVP)in pretty much every single UCL match Juventus played, scoring against Real Madrid, Manchester United (when they where the best England had to offer) and many more A list teams, IMO having the biggest part on taking his team to the finals. And I have no doubt that If he was in the final, win or lose, he would have been the best player of the Juventus if not the match. He was and amazing playmaker, and made his national team good almost by himself. In contrast Henry broke a goal record in a, at the time, not yet top league. Which is nice and impressive but I dont think is comparable. And I can't recall any controversy back in the day about this.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

Henry didn't even win the Premier League back in 2003. Arsenal picked up just the FA Cup that year, and it was Pires/Ljungberg who bagged the important goals.

[@josephfoulger9628]

@@rocktop-games Henry ONLY JUST secured 2nd in the BD voting that year, and I hera nobody saying Maldini should've won

[@ZinoAdlan]

I wouldn't consider he robbed Henry here's why: 1 The Prem wasn't the strongest league and the Serie A was so Henry's achievements were seen as domestic. 2 Nedved was Goated that year and replaced Zidane in a way nobody has done and actually bested him most Juve fans would say he was better than him for their club. 3 Nedved was more a winger/Left sided midfielder so saying Henry had more goal contributions even tho he was much more attacking minded and positioned isn't fair. Overall all the years where people think Henry should've won you can find arguments to justify him losing ( I will admit all the winners were very controversial at the time looking back at it)tho yeah Henry deserved one for his stellar career.

[@RaymarFootball]

Yeah Serie A being the top league definitely made a difference (same reason why Ligue 1 players dont win the award) but what Henry did in has never been done again in the PL. Nedved was a genius but there have been others with very similar stats and even more trophies/importance to their teams that didnt win it

[@ZinoAdlan]

@@RaymarFootball like I said Henry deserved at least one for his career but sadly every year where he could've won you could justify him losing so unlucky.

[@MaurizioMezzatesta]

Which is fair if the standard of the prem has always been the same but it hasn't, teams and football quality have vastly improved.

[@mugenAPEX]

@@RaymarFootball Yeah but those others were in the Messi/Ronaldo era and that really doesnt matter; Nedved simply had a bigger impact and deserved it, for sure Henry deserves one for his career but in 2003 Nedved was just something else

[@emanluitel6394]

@@RaymarFootball your glazing is crazy broo henry for sure didn't deserve it. get your ignorant opinion to you fucking self All these people are saying nedved Nedved but your fucking delusional

[@seanbristow3165]

I used to love Nedved. Unbelievably talented footballer. That early 2000's Juve team was just crazy.

[@hernanbusso1609]

It's not a consensus robbery at all. This is pure revisionism by Arsenal fans, at the time Nedved was the candidate since May and he won it and nobody thought it was controversial. Only modern Arsenal fans who didn't even watch Nedved play came with this robbery thing. He was the best player in Serie A and in Champions League.

[@Maasky]

We should stop always comparing goals and assist. Even for offensive players. Quality of passes, opportunity created, serenity preserve, impact on the game etc... are also vital to get the W.

[@Fluiad]

Nedved was a special player. He was the closest to replacing Zidane, which that alone makes you special, and his prime years were amazing, not better than Henry that season, but due to the team success, Henry didn't win it. Great video Raymar, love from Fluiad ❤❤❤

[@RaymarFootball]

Yeah got to give respect to him of course but what Henry did is historic and hasnt been repeated in 20 years and going brother! Thank you for the support again much love ❤️

[@drebalogun-vm1gu]

@@RaymarFootballdon’t worry I would do that in 5 years time

[@siiewgs]

​@@RaymarFootballHenry did what he did in a completely weak league before the Arab money. The Italian and Spanish leagues were a quality abyss compared to other leagues. While the Premier League was a Farmer League, with only 2 teams competing for the title.

[@crumbmaister]

​@@siiewgsoverall disagree about the farmer league But agree with your point on the other leagues. You see. Many other clubs were so Resentful to the top 6 That even SAF in 1996/7 claimed that teams tried harder against Manchester united (a top 6 team) than Newcastle (not a top 6). The Premier league was close there are so many surprising teams that were top 4 or even Top of the table at Christmas (Top of the table examples include, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle (Ten point lead of which I just mentioned. Also topped in 01/02) and more

[@DoubleSsoccer]

Don't know if it is just me but this video makes Nedved look underrated 😂

[@Cio_d-borba]

Because he is

[@pranaypinnenti4472]

The main people who keep complaining about Henry losing to nedved are premier league biased.

[@RaymarFootball]

You could say that but the award was also very Serie A biased at the time. You have midfielders who were equally valuable to their club as Nedved who had similar stats and MORE silverware that didn’t win the award (Bergkamp in the 90s, Pirlo, Xavi, Iniesta, Deco) just to name a few. Henry’s performances had never been done again in the prem

[@jayzretrogaminz17]

@@RaymarFootball because stats shouldnt be the decided by stats only especially for midfielder it should be who is the best player of that time

[@jayzretrogaminz17]

@@MrGts92 ok but you cant use that otherwise it going to favor attackes

[@pranaypinnenti4472]

I agree that Herny also deserves it, but he was not robbed nedved had played well to earn the award @@RaymarFootball

[@Aliquis.frigus]

Not stolen. Sure, Henry was amazing, but I remember being more mesmerised by Nedved.

[@lucarusso4740]

LOL Chat GPT said Henry was a good candidate, NOT that he deserved it more

[@vassilisxerikos3908]

If anything, Maldini deserved it more than Henry that year.

[@vikingsownpackers]

I came here to support Henry, after watching this Nedved deserved the trophy. His Goals/Assists for a midfielder are top notch. Especially in Seria A. His team success sealed it for me.

[@RaymarFootball]

That team had Buffon, Antinio Conte, Del Piero, Edgar Davids, Trezeguet and more, better than most Serie A squads off the bat

[@ScheppundFries]

@@RaymarFootball conte and del piero were not that special that season, and trezeguet was injured for a large part. Nedved was by far the best player that season for juventus

[@mugenAPEX]

@@ScheppundFries Del P in 2003 was already falling heavily out of form and Conte was just good/ok and yes Nedved really mostly carried that team

[@LitoLochoss]

same he quite literally changed my mind

[@RonnieWave]

​@@LitoLochossbut he says he doesn't believe he should've won and still believes he was robbed

[@narayanvarma3311]

My father loved France, Arsenal and Zidane. We watched every Serie A, UCL and Premier League game that season (Some using DVR). I can't state enough how influential Nedved was to that Juventus team. My father thought Zidane was irreplaceable, but when Nedved stepped up to replace him, even he conceded that Zidane may be more talented but Nedved was a total footballer, his consistency across 90m was unmatched, game after game. He didn't like that Henry was snubbed but he understood why it happened. The PL back then was mostly a two horse race with ManU & Arsenal leading the has beens, who were leading the rest. Italy by contrast was far more competitive. So many football legends are from that era of Serie A and Nedved stood out that season amongst them. I wish we had the stats we have now for ball recoveries, successful ball carry, passes into the box, tackles made etc... in that era, then perhaps the stats would tell people more of the story.

[@solorun79]

even if they ask juventus fans to choose nedved or zidane they will all choose nedved.

[@Ramses060784]

The serie A was the best league back at the day, and Nedved was so skillful so magical, he outshined Zidane and took his country to the TOP just like Modric did, I guess you were too young to appreciate it, sorry but I disagree he was the fair winner. ❤

[@soundsOf75]

Nedved Was On A Different Level That Season And An Actual Midfielder So It Makes Less Sense For Us To Compare Them With Stats Only. Also Serie A Was Probably The Best League At That Time

[@RaymarFootball]

I see your point, but Henry’s stats were historic. We’ve seen what Nedved’s done before (and more) from players who havent won the award in a similar position

[@DrRan617]

@@RaymarFootball Henry was a skriker while nedved scored a great time goals of the second

[@RaymarFootball]

@@DrRan617Raul, Xavi, Deco, Iniesta, Pirlo have done what Nedved did with similar stats (some with better stats and some with more trophies too) but didnt winn

[@dilarch.]

@@RaymarFootball Cuz when those players did it there were better players like Ronaldinho, Messi etc, dummie. When Nedved had that season he was the best in the world no matter how many goals Henry scored Nedved had a better year.

[@hyperchronicxlc]

Stop Putting Capital Letters At The Beginning Of Every Word 🤣

[@ynglgn3870]

I'm sorry raymar I always appreciate your opinions on football but it's so clear that you're biased for this video. I love henry but Nedved is such an underappreciated gem that made juve fans forget about zidane. He's a czech legend of the game and his impact in juve's 2002/03 run is matched only by buffon. He destroyed galacticos real madrid in that cl run which had ronaldo, zidane, casillas, roberto carlos, raul exc.. Both Henry and Nedved probably deserved the award that season

[@Katkayz]

Nedved was the truth , he reached the champions league final with juve in 2004 . That’s why he won the ballon dor . He was inspirational for juventus

[@FootballBamberger]

2003*

[@latibosani]

Nedved deserved it. In 2003 the Serie A was still the best league in the world, Premier League was nowhere near the stature it is today. Trophies does matter. Also judging player abilities just based on goals and assists, especially back then was a huge mistake.

[@RaymarFootball]

Yet Owen won in 2001 over Raul as a PL player

[@latibosani]

@@RaymarFootball Because Owen was simply had a better season that year? He won 3 trophies that year, including a european competition, and he was pretty hyped as a young talent. Super Cup was also meant more than just a friendly. Henry and Arsenal won less in comparison that season. That year also just one year after a terrible World Cup campaign, not to mention Arsenal early exit from Champions League. Back then football wasn't such an individual game, that's why Cannavaro won it in 2006, and he deserved it.

[@solorun79]

@@latibosani oh man, don't slap him too hard.

[@NiklTesla1987]

Seriously? Humble and hardworking Nedved with strong both left and right foot, being a motor for Juve, running the whole game, offense and defense, getting them in the UCL final, (and most likely would win it if not for the yellow card). And not even mentioning being the powerhouse for the best European national team at that time... Come on, fully deserved for Nedved.

[@nygiantsfan84]

I think Nedved deserved it due to team success and the fact that serie A was a better league that year and nedved was the better player in the league….

[@blaquenguni9249]

Imagine getting knocked out of the group stages of the CL and complaining about a robbery 😂😂

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

AND going 4 games without scoring in the process, at a time when your team is on the brink of elimination. Anyway since Raymar loves stats so much: Henry scored 7 goals that year in the CL... including 3 against one same opponent (Roma) and a further 2 against giants PSV Eindhoven. Nedved - a midfielder - scored 5, including goals in the 1/4 and 1/2 finals, against Man Utd, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

[@FootballBamberger]

@@oldskoolmusicnostalgia "Anyway since Raymar loves stats so much: Henry scored 7 goals that year in the CL..." Henry scored 4 UCL goals in 2003, not 7.

[@naaiiiz]

Nedved was Mad Bro He was one of the best ever

[@ThatGuy-qp6dv]

I always thought Henry was robbed but now knowing Arsenal were knocked out at the UCL group stage I don't think its that much of a robbery.

[@piotrswat169]

Yeah I remember those lackluster CL matches.He and Wenger just dropped the ball.Henry would win if he had better CL games.

[@ThatGuy-qp6dv]

@piotrswat169 it's such a shame because personally I think if he dominated the UCL the way Messi and Ronaldo did he may very well have been regarded as goat status with them 2. I dunno maybe I'm way off with that opinion 😅😅

[@27hiddenintheleaves]

@@ThatGuy-qp6dvhe definitely would be higher in ranking if he did

[@27hiddenintheleaves]

@@ThatGuy-qp6dvhe got a UCL in the end but it wasn’t prime Henry that won,maybe why it goes under the radar

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

Henry has a pretty appalling goalscoring record in the CL, particularly knockout rounds. It was most embarrassing in the 2002/03 season, he went 4 games in a row without scoring (Valencia, Ajax twice, Roma home) and that had a big impact on Arsenal's elimination. Meanwhile Nedved was scoring against Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid... it's a no-brainer.

[@titorobot2711]

Though I hate football stats, I believe you shouldn’t downplay those 14 goals. That’s a good season for most strikers!

[@duartedafonte7498]

After seeing this I really believe that Nedved deserved it, I mean, his individual performance helped Juventus achieve so much at the time, and as good as Henry might have been, his exceptional performances led Arsenal pretty much nowhere that season. Deserved

[@stinkinstinkus]

nowhere? ☠️

[@duartedafonte7498]

@@stinkinstinkus that year, yes.

[@STANKORachev]

​@@stinkinstinkusMessi > Penaldo, Barca > Vareal Madrid

[@stinkinstinkus]

@@STANKORachev that's off topic, sir

[@mantosh56]

​@@STANKORachevOh come on....live a damn life instead of going on and on about those shit all the DAMN TIME

[@wis4123]

Nedved had way more impact than Henry. Nedved was a beast. Only in Engeland people think Henry was robbed.

[@glencurtis6052]

29 years old was still considered peak age back then, not sure where you have got that opinion from. Also Nedved in 1996 after the Euros and Lazio was definitely considered a superstar, certainly in England

[@cheesenut0897]

Even though Nedved had impact on the pitch that couldn't be seen through stats, Thierry Henry's goalscoring and assisting was a direct contribution to the team success... and the award is for the best player of the year, so I don't see why accolades account for so much...

[@RaymarFootball]

Yup when the difference in production is just so large it’s deserved. What Henry did has never been done again in the PL while some legends in the same position as Nedved with the same production and even more trophies didnt win it

[@MessitheGOAT7720]

Never disappoints

[@rizinhokasa]

This man is a juve legend for a reason, he did a bit of everything just because he was doing it all, and stats dint cover all that u do in the field.

[@kangchem]

You can just pick another tittle and thumbnails. Even if goals is the most criteria for the award, then that year just give it to Mateja Kezman or Roy Makaay. Nedved take Juve to final UCL, score at quarter and semis.

[@fangdog29]

Makaay isn't fit to lace Henry's boots

[@amineouachao4625]

Henry was truly out of this world that year but you so was nedved .. i re-watched some of his matches from that year and he one eye candy

[@Contextualiser16-tn8nd]

Henry deserved it in 2004 over Shevchenko

[@skidflamer07]

Although i didnt watch nedved play for long, but that man was fantastic

[@somnathbose7455]

u said Modric was solely not responsible for croatia's world cup run as u pointed out rakitic and mandzukic as 2 other star players... can we then not put the same logic that real madrid won the champions league not just due to cr goals but the squad being star studded in every positions including having players like bale at the bench?

[@klausbrinck2137]

I´d say, Nedved was more influential as a midfielder, than Henry as a forward,,,And that year, they said to themselves "this year we HAVE to give the price to a midfielder, because we always give it solely to forwards and strikers". How many midfielders have won the price in the last 20 years ???

[@johnjr7070]

I RECall that season, Nedved was incredible.

[@5thdawg917]

Nedved deserved it. Its bitter Arsenal fans who over hype Henry. Henry was just another ordinary average striker at best

[@andrejdragicevic570]

Nedved was Never ever world class Player in Jos carrer

[@lejonbrames653]

'Henry was just another ordinary average striker at best' if you don't know what are u talkin about just shut up boy

[@gregorio5543]

I'd still give it to Nedved based on his team that year. They won the league and made the final were Arsenal didn't win the title and didn't play at the highest level with not playing in the UCL knockouts. Biggest controversy for me is still Sneijder not getting it in 2010

[@sameerk7151]

I don't like how raymar just conisder stats and have so much bias for attackers i mean there are alot of time also when defender has given The perfect performances and they still gets robbed by attackers but nobody talks about it but when a midfielder win it everyone calls it robbery The ATTACKERS bias is unreal 😢

[@vincepavia5267]

Football is more than just scoring goals Pavel was an outstanding midfielder and for a midfielder to score 14 goals in a season is rare. It's not just forwards who win the trophy. Buffon was considered a few times , Cannavaro won it, how many goals did he score? You're just talking out of your A$$.

[@LievenSerge]

Nobody I know, who had any clue of football, at that time doubted Nedved.

[@solorun79]

even juventus fans would choose nedved over zidane

[@zorashki]

Zidane in his entire Madrid career he only won 1 Laliga and 1 Championps leagues out of 5 years.... people seems to forget how Zidane declined after the CL.. he was doing good against Betis/Valanacia etc scoring and doing skills that's why you see videos of him. a lot.... But overall not that much... Same goes for Beckham. it was a failure consider they were SUPER stars, it was suppose to be domination like 4 Laligas at least. and 3 CLs.

[@nf9098]

If he was a midfielder you can't compare based in numbers simple as that

[@Deadlyassassin124]

Love your videos raymar

[@gohnb1333]

Nedved deserved it, won serie a and got juve to the champions league final. Arsenal didnt even make it out of the group stages that year. Only ppl that weren't even alive around this time, think henry deserved it. Dont get me wrong, henry was amazing that year but nedved was more pivotal that season.

[@carlosjavierruizgomez6571]

Nedved is beyond stats, you gotta watch the games, his impact on the game is ridiculous.

[@abhishek-dh3st]

For those who are saying nedved deserved it because of his position Kdb deserve this year according to that. Kf not, you are delusional

[@carlosjavierruizgomez6571]

KDB was not even the best in his team, that was Rodri. Nedved was no questioned the best.

[@famousalbo4480]

Nedved was one of the most unique and explosive players. Stats dont mean shit. stop stat padding

[@FlamingoSoda]

Sorry, many people just started watching football in 2010. But I’ve been watching it since the 90’s. Nedved was that guy. Pável was an amazing player who was devastating with both feet. He was also great at analyzing the field and making plays and if he didn’t find anyone open he might just elect to shoot screamer from outside the box on you out of nowhere. PÁVEL WAS THAT GUY. Love me some Pável Nedved football!

[@andreamorrione]

Henry stats as FW. Nedved stats as CC... Nedved destroy real Madrid

[@vvalentine4402]

Nedved deserved it

[@ColgateVT]

My takeaway from this is that Nedved is both underrated and overrated

[@RaymarFootball]

Yeah it’s crazy I mean he was world class no doubt but what Henry did was historic. Others have produced the same things as Nedved with similar stats, importance, and MORE trophies but didnt win. Raul, Deco, Bergkamp, Iniesta, Pirlo just off the top of my head.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

Exactly the same can be said of Henry.

[@lostintime519]

Henry is a very beautiful player, especially in reels but everyone who watched football then know that he was behind the best of his generation, because he choked outside of Arsenal, and in crucial matches - when opposition gave a fight.

[@Pavle_Savkovic]

Griezmann reminds me of Nedved as a jack of all trades, do you guys agree?

[@RaymarFootball]

Yeah he kind of is but usually he’ll stick to 2 role mostly during a match, although he can play several roles it’s usually always at a match basis he’ll be a scorer then a playmaker but very few times he’ll switch both constantly in 1 match haha

[@KasperK-su9oz]

Not at all. Nedved was an engine a machine, Griezmann does not work defensively and is a yes man player.

[@Pavle_Savkovic]

@@KasperK-su9oz were you watching griezmann last 2 years? In world cup grizzie was everywhere, in his box defending and taking balls all tournament and offensively he was also a beast

[@KasperK-su9oz]

Did you ever watch Nedved?@@Pavle_Savkovic

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

@@KasperK-su9oz He does, vital player in bringing balance to Atletico and France. Deschamps' system crumbles without him.

[@kendomyers]

Interesting way to frame the video- great video...both players are incredible

[@tobznoobs]

i distinctly remember nedved played well in the 2002 world cup, he's one of the reasons i had a croatian lanyard. the others i had was a brazil (because ronaldo ronaldinho roberto carlos) and argentina (because maradona? batistuta? messi was still a young boy that time.) then he played well with juve in the ucl and the hype was there. obviously when I watch the epl everyone is scared of henry running at them and he was a joy to watch, but perceptions still affect the results up to this day. man united won again the epl and only lost to real madrid's galacticos in the quarters, while arsenal was out of the group stage

[@Contextualiser16-tn8nd]

Nedved is Czech

[@LinDaMian-ns6ec]

Such a bias header.. football is not about individual, individual’s stats for a striker or forward can be important, but it should not undermine the role of other positions.. Nedved was exceptionally talented player who could control and dictate the game..when Juve lost Zidane, he was the replacement says it all..

[@RaymarFootball]

But they almost won the UCL final without him. That Juve squad was far from mediocre. Del Piero, Buffon, Esgar Davids, Trezeguet, Antonio Conte, Di Vaio

[@mekyparadja9438]

Have you seen the 2003 Final? As a Juve fans I admit that in that final Juventus was lacking creativity. Without the help from Nedved that time, Del Piero seemed struggle to create chances.

[@azimasyraf2838]

Nedved deserve it. He absolutely monster in his prime. Back then, seria A was extremely strong, brutal, aggressive and elite league than priemier league. - Juventus - ac milan - inter milan - as roma - napoli - lazio

[@Chengyuan79]

Napoli wasnt strong decades ago after Maradona left. Maybe Fiorentina with Batistuta? Parma was competitive for a time too. But anyway all teams are tactically strong. Mourinho, when in Inter, once said he made six changes vs bottom Genoa in a single match, and was impressed that the Genoa team responded and countered the six different threats successfully in terms of using tactical adjustments. I guess it is because there is a minimum requirement for Serie A managers to have official coaching badges before been appointed.

[@adrianfilimon2716]

The premier league wasn't that competitive at the time. U had manchester united and arsenal and that's about it. Henry was showing brilliance against weaker players but in europe he couldn't carry his team. Meanwhile nedved was playinh in the hardest league, which btw wasn't dominated by speed merchants like the pl is now, everything was tight and u had to have proper dribbling skills to get past players and he was thriving in that league and he wasn't just a component of juventus, he was the engine for the team and as good that juventus team was, he carried them and it shpwed in the final where he missed it. Nedved deserved it easily

[@ardihasan7887]

Let me ask a question.. Did you see Nedved play on live, on tv Or you just see compilation on youtube and check his stat..? I see the match nedved play in his time on lazio to juventus.. And I can say he is briliant and make juventus forget about Zidane..

[@baseupp12]

You know you can find full games of Nedved online right so you don't have to see it live

[@martinkoreny9565]

He was the changing point in a game, at that time.

[@dabitz6167]

In 2003, the battle was between Nedved and Maldini! No one was thinking that Henry could win it...

[@thecalmbeforethemaelstrom]

Thank you for breaking everything down and contextualizing this. My position has changed and I completely understand why Nedved deserved the award. I think the Modric win is much more controversial since the only difference in team achievement between Ronaldo and Modric that year was that Croatia finished 2nd in the WC. Individually however, the gulf in impact was ridiculous. Ronaldo: - 1st player in history to score in all 6 group stage games of the CL. - 1st and only player to score in 11 consecutive CL matches - 15 goals & 3 assists in 13 UCL matches. - Directly involved in EVERY goal (scored or assisted) in the UCL Ro16 vs PSG. (Both legs) - Directly involved in EVERY goal (scored or assisted) in the UCL QF vs Juventus including the last minute winner (Both legs) - Scored the only 2 goals in the Club WC including a late winner in the final vs Gremio - Scored in the SuperCoppa win vs Barcelona - 26G & 5A in 27 La liga games - Saved Real Madrid's la liga season. Spent the first month without a goal and still managed to secure third place by the end of the season - most match points won by an individual player across Europe's top 5 leagues Ronaldo not winning was beyond a robbery...it killed the integrity of the award. (Messi also had a fantastic individual year and placed 5th. That whole ceremony was a shambles)

[@Chengyuan79]

it's just a popularity contest, and designed to help sell papers at its conception. And you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that Modric got his county to 2nd in the World Cup. That's actually an important factor to many of those voting.

[@zapshenko_]

Definitely didn't rob it, I can understand saying Henry deserved it more but the votes could hove gone either way, which happens every year.

[@s.sarjonmahmud6231]

that other player played in serie a the best league at the time

[@carlosjavierruizgomez6571]

Suddenly people want to dscredit Nedved. Back in in the day nobody complained.

[@anedinburgher4328]

Nedved was scoring and assisting outside of the box and did a lot defensively, so I think he deserved it. Also, he had cool hair!

[@joaquinpinon7700]

Raymar best football KZbinr 💯💯

[@geneticjen9312]

"Making a face like he's always panicking"... shows a picture of Nedved not looking panicked at all

[@MaurizioMezzatesta]

The beginning of the video implies that everyone agrees Henry should've won. The comments suggest otherwise.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

Everyone inside England and France agrees, perhaps.

[@Cio_d-borba]

​@@oldskoolmusicnostalgiaeveryone in england. The french aren't that delusional

[@ragecandy]

Nedved was a god and single handedly made Czech republic competitive

[@bobbyricardo9667]

I'm milanisti. If only Nedved play at UCL final, Juventus maybe won that's trophy

[@dd-uf9nw]

I watched a match of nedved when he was with lazio. On the pitch he was on fire he could dribble pass tackle and he was everywhere on the pitch. Maybe he was not as majestic as zidane or other players but he was very effective as a footballer and every coach would have liked him to be in his team.

[@geneticjen9312]

Imagine thinking Modric wasn't the best player that season. It's not just goals and assists

[@Coach-rq6jx]

Great timing ;)

[@icyyynick2601]

If you know ball you know how good nedved really was

[@teguhlg]

I think its always a good thing when not forward player win it. There are alot of case where midfielder, defender, or goallie; many times are the actual most crucial player in the game.

[@s7dsaliraqy826]

Compzaring goals and assists even though nedved won the important trophies and got to ucl final so clearly henry's goals didnt amount to much

[@RaymarFootball]

You can get 15% off your first month or off your first year with Be Your Best by using the code RAYMAR15 at checkout. Just go to www.beyourbest.com to get started

[@OttawaTheOat]

Hello, really good stuff you make!

[@awghi7]

I didnt expect he replace Zidane, but he did!

[@ThunderEditz249]

Man keep this good work🐐🏅 U will reach 1M soon💖✨

[@RaymarFootball]

thank you brother 🙏 I pray one day I do and I’ll keep trying to make these videos for you guys to hopefully enjoy!

[@Pleasesmile111]

Nedved got to the UCL final. Won the league. Won the Supercopa Italia. Henry, in contrast, won the FA Cup and confederations cup. Trophies do matter.

[@Ethiopianpiano]

I remember being a Czech republic fan because of him