China against China. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
China · 1995–2002 · CB
Shanghai Shenhua used their centre-back as a stand-in striker in 1995 and he ended the year as the Chinese league's top scorer on fifteen goals, and in 1998 he and Sun Jihai became the first Chinese footballers in England. Asian Footballer of the Year in 2001, the first Chinese winner, three times Chinese Player of the Year, a league title and FA Cup with Shanghai Shenhua, 106 caps with 17 goals, and China's one World Cup, in 2002. Career record: 106 caps and 17 goals for China; club career at Shanghai Shenhua, Crystal Palace, Shanghai United.
China · 1997–2004 · CM
His first season at Dalian in 1997 ended with the league title and both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, and the nickname that stuck was the Chinese Alan Shearer. He remains China's record international scorer from 106 caps, with five league titles at Dalian, a title and a cup earlier at Bayi, three Jia-A top-scorer awards in 1997, 1998 and 2001, Footballer of the Year in 1998 and silver at the 2004 Asian Cup. Career record: 106 caps and 41 goals for China; club career at Bayi Football Team, Dalian Shide, Sheffield United.
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 83.
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