Ferenc Bene

Ferenc Bene belonged to the Hungarian tradition of forwards who were never satisfied with just standing near the centre-backs and waiting for service. Quick, sharp and constantly alive around the box, he could play as a centre-forward or inside forward, mixing instinctive finishing with clever movement and a clean technical touch. Újpest was his kingdom: more than 300 league goals, eight Hungarian titles and the status of a club monument rather than just a prolific striker. His 1964 Olympic tournament was absurd, with 12 goals in five matches, and he remained a serious international force for Hungary through the 1960s, including four goals at the 1966 World Cup. He was not Puskás, and should not be forced into that impossible shadow, but Bene had pace, intelligence, nerve and a striker’s cruelty.