How far back in time would you need to go to play football at a high level without looking out of place?

Posted by gummibear853@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 102 comments

If you had the ability to go back in time, with you being at your own personal peak in terms of fitness/ability - how far back would you need to go before you could play top flight football without looking completely out of place? Take into account changes in tactics, fitness and diet over time. Whichever era you go to, you will be facing the best players of that time. I’ve always been a defender with absolutely no flair whatsoever. My peak in terms of fitness was about ten years ago when I did lots of running and managed a half marathon in one hour 35. Based on that, my era would probably be the 1920s or 30s. There was no expectation that defenders could actually pass or play football, and just getting rid of the ball when under pressure was actively encouraged. These days when I play five a side I generally stay at the back and block everything and close people down. I would also be fitter than players in that era as I’ve never smoked, and although I enjoy a drink I wouldn’t quaff three pints of ale before kick off. The pace of the game was slower so it would be easier to conserve my energy. I’m also smaller than average and have never been a gym bro, but the Big Lads from a century ago weren’t absolute units like you get these days due to the improved strength and conditioning (Nat Lofthouse might’ve been hard as nails, but he was only five foot nine). On the flip side I would have to adjust to wearing hobnail boots to kick a ball that is essentially a spherical brick. Also an opponent could jump in two footed and snap your leg in three places and the ref would say “that was a bit much, son. Don’t do it again or I’ll have to give you a sterner talking to next time.”