Defences are far better today but back then you didn't need to be that good, you could just kick the shit out of the opposition's star player and get away with it, that's how Pele was stopped in 1966.He was brilliant. in his era. Problem is, it's human nature to wonder how he'd do in the modern era, judging how he'd do NOW, using his peak form as a guide. Defences are generally better now.