Arvīds Jurgens vs Marians Pahars
Latvia against Latvia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Arvīds Jurgens
Latvia · 1924–36 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 80
- Rank in Latvia
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 38 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Rīgas FK, Riga Vanderer, FK ASK Riga
He spent his nineteenth birthday, 27 May 1924, in the Latvian goal against France at the Stade de Paris, and returned to the Olympics twelve years later on skates as an ice hockey forward at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Latvia's first Baltic Cup came in 1928 with him behind the defence, part of 38 caps across eleven years, alongside four Latvian league titles in goal, the 1925 basketball championship and five hockey titles with ASK Riga. Career record: 38 caps and 0 goals for Latvia; club career at Rīgas FK, Riga Vanderer, FK ASK Riga.
Marians Pahars
Latvia · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 82
- Rank in Latvia
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 75 · 15 goals
- Clubs
- Skonto, Southampton, Anorthosis Famagusta
- Honours
- 3× national Player of the Year (1999–2001)
The beloved Latvian wizard, whose electrifying pace and clinical finishing terrorised Premier League defences for Southampton. Career record: 75 caps and 15 goals for Latvia; club career at Skonto, Southampton, Anorthosis Famagusta; honours include 3× national Player of the Year (1999–2001).
The verdict
The almanac puts Marians Pahars ahead by 2 rating points, 82 against 80.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.