Didier Deschamps vs Michael Essien
France against Ghana. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Didier Deschamps
France · 1998–2000 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in France
- #14 of 33
- Caps
- 103 · 4 goals
- Clubs
- FC Nantes, Olympique de Marseille, Juventus
- Honours
- The Best FIFA award 2018
France's inspirational captain, he famously lifted both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 trophies, a midfield general renowned for his tactical intelligence and unwavering work rate. Career record: 103 caps and 4 goals for France; club career at FC Nantes, Olympique de Marseille, Juventus; honours include The Best FIFA award 2018.
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 cannot separate them: both are rated 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.