Ashley Cole vs Bixente Lizarazu
England against France. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Ashley Cole
England · 1999–2014 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in England
- #20 of 33
- Caps
- 107 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Arsenal, Chelsea, LA Galaxy
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2024
Widely considered the finest left-back of his generation, his relentless attacking drive and superb defending earned him Champions League glory with both Arsenal and Chelsea. Career record: 107 caps and 0 goals for England; club career at Arsenal, Chelsea, LA Galaxy; honours include Hall of Fame 2024.
Bixente Lizarazu
France · 1988–2006 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in France
- #13 of 33
- Caps
- 97 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Athletic Club, FC Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich's shootout against Valencia at the San Siro in May 2001 came down to nerve, and the small Basque left back buried his penalty on the way to the European Cup. He started the finals of both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, won two Confederations Cups with France, and collected six Bundesliga titles and five German cups at Bayern. Career record: 97 caps and 2 goals for France; club career at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Athletic Club, FC Bayern Munich.
The verdict
The almanac puts Bixente Lizarazu ahead by 1 rating point, 90 against 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.