Michael Essien vs Igor Netto
Ghana against Russia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Igor Netto
Russia · 1956–60 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Russia
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 54 · 4 goals
- Clubs
- Spartak Moscow, HC Spartak Moscow
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame
A legendary Soviet era captain, his elegant playmaking and leadership from midfield guided Spartak Moscow and the USSR to Olympic gold in 1956 and the 1960 European Championship. Career record: 54 caps and 4 goals for Russia; club career at Spartak Moscow, HC Spartak Moscow; honours include 2× Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Igor Netto ahead by 1 rating point, 91 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.