Who is truly the best blues guitar player?

Okay, I am an aspiring young guitar player, and I love the blues, and when you are young who do you think is the best- Clapton, Hendrix, Page... Well I recently argued with a friend that Clapton is one of the best blues guitarists of all time. He disagreed- saying he is overrated because of his lack of originality. His tone and precision are terrific but is Beck the better guitarist? This is a petty question but please if you can explain to me how you feel about different blues guitarists and why they are as great as they are. Also I'm one of those "listens to purple haze and hey joe" kind of Hendrix fans. I recently heard all songs on Axis Bold as Love and was blown away. He is definitelyy one of the best guitarists of all time.. But back to my question. My friend asked me why I think Clapton is great, and i can't answer cause guys like Guthrie Govan seem to blow him away for his lack of originality. Please share your thoughts on Clapton and all of them... Thanks