Would happily have Irwin in an all time XI. 7 Premier League titles with Manchester United, 3 FA Cups, a league cup and a Champions League. He made over 350 Manchester United appearances and was capped 56 times for Ireland. He got into the Overall Team of the Decade (92-02) also. In terms of his consistent performances, reliability in defence, work rate, attitude and the ability to repeatedly supply good delivery into the penalty box through early crosses and free kicks. He is a shoe-in for me. I've had the pleasure of watching him play a lot for Ireland over the years through old tapes and watching Manchester United. Can't look past him in my opinion. Look I can only go off what I've seen and I've never watched Andreas Brehme Emlyn Hughes and the likes of all of these guys so I can't really compare. Irwin is someone who I have watched quite a lot of and I can make an informed decision that he is the best left back I have ever seen.
You can't really say he's the best if you've never seen some of the best play. I had the pleasure of watching both Irwin and Maldini and as much as I like Irwin, he's not fit to lace Maldini's boots. Also, shall I post Maldini's honors for you?
Shane knows. On Irwin, if he was Italian or Spanish he would be rated higher though still not top 3 LB of all time.
I have watched Maldini play only 4 times I'm afraid so I can't compare. His honours suggest Maldini was a top left back. You have a more comprehensive knowledge and so I can't go against you if you say Maldini was better; then he likely was. Although in comparison with Ashley Cole and any other modern day left back. Irwin is a class above them all in my opinion.
Irwin was class mate, but no comparison with Cole and i wouldn't even name in the top 20 greatest LB of all time.
Irwin was the best LB in the Premier League in his era. One of the top 10 left backs in Europe of his era. All-time...? Not top 10.
