Sergio Busquets vs Michael Essien
Spain against Ghana. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Sergio Busquets
Spain · 2008–25 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Spain
- #11 of 33
- Caps
- 143 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
The silent orchestrator, Sergio Busquets was the tactical linchpin for Barcelona and Spain, dictating play and exuding an elite level of pressing resistance en route to World Cup and Euros glory. Career record: 143 caps and 2 goals for Spain; club career at FC Barcelona, FC Barcelona Atlètic, Inter Miami CF; honours include Hall of Fame.
Michael Essien
Ghana · 2005–12 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Ghana
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 59 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- SC Bastia, Olympique Lyonnais, Chelsea
Nine minutes into the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on 6 May 2009, a Barcelona clearance dropped to Essien 25 yards out and he volleyed it in off the underside of the bar. He won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, two Premier League titles and four FA Cups there, back-to-back Ligue 1 titles at Lyon, and took Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2005 and BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2006. Career record: 59 caps and 9 goals for Ghana; club career at SC Bastia, Olympique Lyonnais, Chelsea.
The verdict
The almanac puts Sergio Busquets ahead by 1 rating point, 91 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.