Patrick Vieira vs Michael Essien
France against Ghana. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Patrick Vieira
France · 1998–2000 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in France
- #11 of 33
- Caps
- 107 · 6 goals
- Clubs
- AS Cannes, Arsenal, Inter Milan
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2022
The midfield engine of Arsenal’s Invincibles, his imposing physicality and leadership drove France to World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 glory. Career record: 107 caps and 6 goals for France; club career at AS Cannes, Arsenal, Inter Milan; honours include Hall of Fame 2022.
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 Patrick Vieira ahead by 1 rating point, 91 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.