Xabi Alonso vs Michael Essien
Spain against Ghana. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Xabi Alonso
Spain · 1999–2017 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Spain
- #28 of 33
- Caps
- 114 · 16 goals
- Clubs
- Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2011
A midfield maestro with an exquisite passing range, Xabi Alonso’s calming presence and pinpoint distribution were vital to Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern, and Spain's World Cup and Euros wins. Career record: 114 caps and 16 goals for Spain; club career at Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Hall of Fame 2011.
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 Michael Essien ahead by 1 rating point, 90 against 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.