How Swansea City icon Lee Trundle has reacted to claims he was a better player than Pelé | OneFootball

Lee Trundle has spoken out on claims that he was a better footballer than Brazilian legend Pelé

Swansea City hero Lee Trundle has reacted to a controversial claim that he was a better footballer than Pelé - which has unsurprisingly garnered much attention.

Throughout the history of the EFL, many footballers have been praised for their brilliant performances, with some supporters backing them to achieve greater things.

For whatever reason, sometimes these operators fail to progress to the top-flight level, with question marks surrounding their true capabilities and what stage they could’ve performed at if given the opportunity.

Trundle enjoyed an extensive EFL career, turning out for teams such as Swansea City, Bristol City, Leeds United and Preston North End - albeit he only appeared twice for the Lilywhites.

A throwback showman, Trundle lit up the lower leagues with his audacious skill, love for a nutmeg and dizzying collection of goals, but, perhaps, he never quite lived up to his potential.

Whilst still an impressive collection of teams, his inability to compete in the top-flight may limit how highly some people rate his talents.

However, that doesn’t appear to be the case, as one notable British YouTuber made a somewhat audacious claim, comparing him to a footballing icon.

Swansea City icon Lee Trundle reacts to bold Pelé claim

Clearly, Trundle’s performances and skills gained him some admirers, with one football fan going as far as to claim he was a better 'footballer' in terms of technical ability than the legendary Brazilian striker Pelé.

A three-time World Cup winner and largely accepted as one of the greatest players to grace a football pitch, the iconic Brazilian is no match for Trundle according to YouTuber and podcaster Theo Baker.

On the Pitch Side podcast, Baker stated, “Lee Trundle is a better footballer than Pelé”, much to the amazement of the other hosts on the show. He would double down on his claim, stating that the 49-year-old was also better on a technical basis.

Clearly flattered by this opinion, Trundle replied to the podcast via X, whilst also correcting Baker as to where he's actually from - it's not Wales.

“I’d have to go Pele on this one boys and I’m a scouser,” Trundle commented - clearly flattered but somewhat embarrassed by the outlandish claim.

The Swansea City ambassador was evidently happy to hear Baker’s glowing opinion of him, but also didn’t want any comparisons with Pele to go much further.

Indeed, with all respect to Trundle, many will be wondering how any comparisons could even be made - the striker never made it to the Premier League in his career, even though he was a cult hero at Swansea and did well mostly at League One level, whilst Pelé scored 541 top division goals in his career and won three FIFA World Cup's.

Lee Trundle may fall just short of Pelé’s talents

Trundle did enjoy some high points during his EFL career, such as clinching the Football League trophy with Swansea City in 2006. A precocious talent, Trundle's technical gifts were perhaps stronger than the career he actually enjoyed.

However, he may fall just below Pelé in terms of achievements.

The Brazilian revolutionised the game and operated at a level previously unseen before in the world of football, which is why he enjoys such a legendary status now.

Although football has evolved greatly since then, which is what Baker was mainly focussing on, Pelé must be taken as an exception.

He is the only man to win the World Cup on three occasions, highlighting his ability to transcend generations and continue to perform.