I think Ronaldo is the right answer in terms of someone who has maximised their talent - I've always thought the biggest compliment to him is that he's even made it a debate between himself and Messi, as I think there's a significant gulf in natural ability.

For us, I think Jedinak is as extreme an example as I saw - he was abysmal his first few games; poor on the ball, couldn't turn, couldn't run, game just seemed to pass him by. Turned into probably the most dominant midfielder I've seen play for us, certainly physically.

I also remember Wardy getting skinned by a Watford prospect called Sean Murray in his first game for us - Murray absolutely ran rings round him and I thought we'd signed a real dud.

Murray is now 27 and playing in the League of Ireland, so I think Joel won the war.

to flip the thread on its head.........

The most dis-improved player : George Best

Terry Fenwick was cr*p as a youngster as Kenny Sansom's understudy, went on to play for England. Doris Hinshlewood was our weak link - ended up POTY and captain. Johnny Ertl worked on his technique and made himself a very valuable player under Warnock, the Shaun Derry who left was a different player to the one who left (under Francis) - Jedi was awful in his first season but that was just about getting his fitness levels up. Chris Coleman was a top-class centre half but not when he started out - very shaky as a youngster. And David Wright was a dodgy full back bought by George Burley but was a great defensive midfielder and a big part of our turn around under Dougie.