Aulis Rytkönen vs Sami Hyypiä
Finland against Finland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Sami Hyypiä
Finland · 2000s · CB
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in Finland
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 105 · 5 goals
- Clubs
- MYPA, Liverpool
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (2021–2021)
A no-nonsense centre-back and an inspirational figure, he led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005 with his aerial prowess and leadership. Career record: 105 caps and 5 goals for Finland; club career at MYPA, Willem II, Liverpool; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (2021–2021).
The verdict
The almanac puts Sami Hyypiä ahead by 6 rating points, 88 against 82.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.