33·Legends

Riyad Mahrez vs Tom Finney

Algeria against England. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez

Algeria · 2016–23 · RM

Almanac rating
90
Rank in Algeria
#2 of 33
Caps
120 · 40 goals
Clubs
Leicester City, Manchester City, Al Ahli
Honours
national Player of the Year 2016 · Hall of Fame 2019

Nigeria built a wall and laid a man on the grass behind it in the fifth minute of stoppage time in the 2019 semi-final, and Mahrez curled the free kick over both into the top corner. Algeria won that Africa Cup of Nations, and he collected five English league titles, one with Leicester in 2016 and four at Manchester City, the 2023 Champions League, and African Footballer of the Year in 2016. Career record: 120 caps and 40 goals for Algeria; club career at Leicester City, Manchester City, Al Ahli; honours include national Player of the Year 2016, Hall of Fame 2019.

vs
TF

Tom Finney

England · 1946–60 · RM

Almanac rating
91
Rank in England
#12 of 33
Caps
76 · 30 goals
Clubs
Preston North End, Lisburn Distillery
Honours
Hall of Fame

A true pioneer on the wing, his pace and two-footed brilliance made him a constant threat for Preston North End and England throughout the 1940s and 50s. Career record: 76 caps and 30 goals for England; club career at Preston North End, Lisburn Distillery; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac puts Tom Finney ahead by 1 rating point, 91 against 90.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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