I've given Goal Involvements (goals and assists) per 90 above, which is an accurate reflection of their output. That was all I was comparing, despite others putting words in my mouth.
Stats are pretty accurate; they measure very specific metrics. I think the issues come when people can't reconcile the stats with what they think they see - or what they like - or they overlook the fact that subjective judgements are made on a whole series of different things, which is not what stats are measuring.
As to your favourite player, that's a different argument. I love players like Ronaldinho and Zidane, but their stats are not great. It's just a fact. It doesn't mean they don't put a smile on my face watching them.