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 · 1998–2011 · CB
Between 1998 and 2011 he answered China's call 112 times, more than anyone else in the country's history, and started at centre-back against Costa Rica and Turkey at the 2002 World Cup. Shenzhen's 2004 title, the first Chinese Super League championship ever awarded, is his, along with the 2009 Korean FA Cup at Suwon Samsung Bluewings, a runners-up medal at the 2004 Asian Cup and four Chinese Team of the Year selections. Career record: 112 caps and 14 goals for China; club career at Shenzhen, Shanghai Shenhua, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.
The almanac puts Fan Zhiyi ahead by 3 rating points, 83 against 80.
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