33·Legends

David O'Leary vs Paul McGrath

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
PM

Paul McGrath

Ireland · CB

Almanac rating
89
Rank in Ireland
#4 of 33
Caps
83 · 8 goals
Clubs
St Patrick's Athletic, Manchester United, Aston Villa
Honours
Hall of Fame

"The Black Pearl" was a majestic defender for Aston Villa and Ireland, showcasing elegance and power that belied his injury struggles. Career record: 83 caps and 8 goals for Ireland; club career at St Patrick's Athletic, Manchester United, Aston Villa; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac puts Paul McGrath ahead by 2 rating points, 89 against 87.

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