Philipp Lahm vs Johnny Carey
Germany against Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Philipp Lahm
Germany · 2013–14 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Germany
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 113 · 5 goals
- Clubs
- FC Bayern Munich, VfB Stuttgart
- Honours
- national Player of the Year 2017 · 3× Hall of Fame (2018–2018)
The peerless captain and tactician, Lahm led Germany to World Cup glory in 2014 and was an integral part of Bayern's historic treble in 2013. Career record: 113 caps and 5 goals for Germany; club career at FC Bayern Munich II, FC Bayern Munich, VfB Stuttgart; honours include national Player of the Year 2017, 3× Hall of Fame (2018–2018).
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 Philipp Lahm ahead by 4 rating points, 93 against 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.