Lilian Thuram vs Johnny Carey
France against Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Lilian Thuram
France · 1998–2000 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in France
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 142 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- AS Monaco, Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus
A formidable and versatile defender, he anchored France's World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 victories before marshalling the defence for Juventus, Parma, and Barcelona. Career record: 142 caps and 2 goals for France; club career at AS Monaco, Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus.
Johnny Carey
Ireland · 1937–1953 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Ireland
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 29 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton
Nine different positions bore his name on Manchester United teamsheets, goalkeeper included, yet it was as captain that he lifted the FA Cup after the celebrated 4-2 final against Blackpool in 1948. The First Division title of 1952 followed, along with the 1949 Footballer of the Year award and the honour of captaining the Rest of Europe XI at Hampden in 1947. Career record: 29 caps and 3 goals for Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lilian Thuram ahead by 3 rating points, 92 against 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.