“Taylor Had More Aura” — Michael van Gerwen Plays Down Luke Littler GOAT Talk

Teenage sensation Luke Littler continues to dominate the conversation in the world of darts, with comparisons to the sport’s undisputed GOAT, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, arriving remarkably early in his career. 

Despite being only in his third season on the PDC professional tour, the 19-year-old has already forced himself into debates reserved for the very elite.

Those comparisons reached a new level following Littler’s latest major triumph, when one of his fiercest modern-day rivals offered what many considered the ultimate compliment.

Humphries’ Emotional Praise After World Masters Defeat

‘Cool Hand’ Luke Humphries was beaten 6-5 by Littler in a dramatic World Masters final, a result which saw the teenager lift his first World Masters crown and move to 11 major PDC titles.

That haul now places Littler joint-third on the PDC era honours list alongside James Wade, behind only Michael van Gerwen (48) and Phil Taylor (79).

Speaking on stage immediately after the final, a gracious Humphries admitted the pressure Littler applies at the highest level is almost suffocating.

"You look back on the whole game. It's hard to pick holes in it. It's only the three at double top [he missed],” Humphries said. 

“That's the pressure he puts you under. He has shown that through class. He never folds under pressure.”

“I think he's the greatest darts player who has ever lived.”

Van Gerwen Steps into the GOAT Debate

Few players are better placed to weigh in on the debate than Michael van Gerwen. 

The three-time world champion has shared iconic battles with both Taylor and Littler, finishing as world championship runner-up to each and dominating two separate generations of the sport.

While Van Gerwen has nothing but admiration for Littler’s talent, he believes Humphries’ verdict has arrived far too soon.

The Dutchman suggested Humphries’ comments were driven by emotion in the immediate aftermath of defeat, rather than cold reflection.

“Maybe he said that in his emotion. Of course, there’s no shadow of a doubt, he’s a fantastic player and definitely one of the greatest players I ever seen,” van Gerwen said. 

“But to say he's the greatest player of all, that's a bit. Uh,” he shrugged.

“If he can continue this for another 10 years or 15 years, I’ll say yes, he's right, but first let him do it.”

Longevity Still the Ultimate Test

Having competed against Taylor extensively during the early stages of his own career, Van Gerwen believes greatness in darts must be judged over sustained dominance, not just a breathtaking peak.

“If I purely look to what he’s doing now, and his capability, he’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen.”

“But you need to look over a longer distance. I think he can, but I want to see his hunger over the next five, six, seven years.”

Taylor’s ‘Aura’ Still Sets Him Apart

For Van Gerwen, one defining edge still separates Taylor from the current generation, the fear factor he brought onto the stage night after night.

The Dutchman feels Littler may yet reach those heights but believes that presence is something only time can create.

“Taylor had more aura over him,” he concluded.