DETAILED STATISTICAL PROFILE

Performance and Ballon d’Or Criteria

• Unparalleled Longevity: Considered the ‘Lionel Messi of his day’ he made 697 appearances for Stoke and Blackpool, retiring aged 50.

• Nationwide Attraction: It was estimated that his mere presence could add 10,000 extra supporters to any away game in which he participated.

Efficiency Statistics

• Olympian Speed: In his prime he could sprint 100 metres in under 11 seconds, fractions off record times recorded by the legendary Jesse Owens.

• Preparation to be Perfect: In the off-season, Matthews routinely sprinted on beaches, wearing heavy training boots, to enhance his pace and agility.

• Innovation in Trickery: He is one of a rare few footballers to have a move named after him, originating the feint inside, followed swiftly by an accelerated run down the flank.