33·Legends

David O'Leary vs Johnny Giles

Ireland against Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

DO

David O'Leary

Ireland · 1975–1995 · CB

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Ireland
#9 of 33
Caps
68 · 1 goals
Clubs
Arsenal, Leeds United

Packie Bonner's save from Daniel Timofte in Genoa on 25 June 1990 left one penalty to take, and O'Leary, a centre-half, walked up from the halfway line to score it and put Ireland in a World Cup quarter-final. He holds Arsenal's appearance record at 722 games and won two league titles there, in 1989 and 1991, with the FA Cup in 1979 and 1993 and the League Cup in 1987 and 1993. Career record: 68 caps and 1 goals for Ireland; club career at Arsenal, Leeds United.

vs
JG

Johnny Giles

Ireland · CM

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Ireland
#10 of 33
Caps
59 · 5 goals
Clubs
Manchester United, Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion
Honours
Hall of Fame

A true Leeds United legend, his intelligent passing and midfield generalship were central to their dominant side of the late 60s and early 70s, winning the First Division title and FA Cup. Career record: 59 caps and 5 goals for Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 87.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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