Aki Riihilahti vs Aulis Rytkönen
Finland against Finland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Aki Riihilahti
Finland · CM
- Almanac rating
- 81
- Rank in Finland
- #10 of 33
- Caps
- 69 · 11 goals
- Clubs
- Vålerenga Fotball, Crystal Palace, Djurgårdens IF Fotboll
A tenacious and powerful midfielder, Riihilahti brought bite and boundless energy to the engine room for the likes of Crystal Palace and Finland. Career record: 69 caps and 11 goals for Finland; club career at Vålerenga Fotball, Crystal Palace, Djurgårdens IF Fotboll.
Aulis Rytkönen
Finland · 1950s · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 82
- Rank in Finland
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 37 · 7 goals
- Clubs
- Kuopion Palloseura, Toulouse, Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
Toulouse supporters called him Monsieur Magic, and the 1957 French Cup final earned the name, four assists in a 6-3 win over Angers. He had left Finland in 1952 as the country's first professional footballer, was voted Finnish player of the year in 1949, 1950 and 1952, played at the Helsinki Olympics and won 37 caps before returning to coach HJK Helsinki. Career record: 37 caps and 7 goals for Finland; club career at Kuopion Palloseura, Toulouse, Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi; honours include Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Aulis Rytkönen ahead by 1 rating point, 82 against 81.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.