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 · 1996–2015 · RB
On 26 October 2002 at Birmingham, Sun rose to head Manchester City in front after 24 minutes, the first goal an East Asian player had scored in the Premier League. Four Chinese league titles with Dalian between 1996 and 2001, the 2001 FA Cup, 130 appearances for Manchester City, 80 caps, the 2002 World Cup and a runners-up medal at the 2004 Asian Cup preceded his induction into English football's Hall of Fame in 2015. Career record: 80 caps and 1 goals for China; club career at Dalian Shide, Manchester City, Guizhou Renhe.
The almanac puts Sun Jihai ahead by 1 rating point, 84 against 83.
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