Tributes to Norman Hunter have continued to pour out across the weekend since his death on Friday.
The Leeds United icon was much more than a rough and ready central defender who tackled hard. Many of the tributes have tried to underline that.
Retired England and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, now a respected pundit, was among those to go the extra yard with their Hunter tribute.
Watching the Whites’ 1972 FA Cup win over Arsenal, Murphy has analysed Hunter’s performance and delivered some of the following observations for The Mail on Sunday.
“He never wants to waste the ball,” said Murphy. “He could play the percentages here, especially in the final and hoof it forward but he doesn't.
“He is calm and authoritative. Not many centre-backs possess that level of comfort on the ball. He reminds me of Aymeric Laporte at Manchester City. Years ahead of his time.”
He added: “For someone who had the reputation of a tough tackler, this is superb. We are talking serious technique of someone who is excellent on the ball. It's almost too easy for him.”
And on Hunter’s battle with Charlie George, Murphy said: “It's the simplicity I love here. He could have a physical battle but his intelligence means he doesn't have to.
“You see Virgil van Dijk or Rio Ferdinand do it.”
The pundit’s final verdict was: “My impression of what Hunter was has been completely changed.
“Never mind this image of him as the brutal tackler, here is an intelligent footballer years ahead of his time.
“I also believe the best players then would still be the best players now. They would evolve with the game and the fitness demands.
“Hunter looks like he's playing in the Man City or Liverpool team.”
