Frank Rijkaard vs Obdulio Varela
Netherlands against Uruguay. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Frank Rijkaard
Netherlands · 1980s · CB
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Netherlands
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 73 · 10 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, Real Zaragoza, AC Milan
- Honours
- national Player of the Year 1995
An elegant yet imposing figure, Rijkaard was a defensive lynchpin for both AC Milan and Ajax, winning the Euros in 1988 and dominating as a centre-back or defensive midfielder. Career record: 73 caps and 10 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, Real Zaragoza, AC Milan; honours include national Player of the Year 1995.
Obdulio Varela
Uruguay · 1942–50 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Uruguay
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 45 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol
After Friaça put Brazil ahead at the Maracanã on 16 July 1950, Varela tucked the ball under his arm and walked to referee George Reader to argue an offside he later admitted never existed, buying the minutes it took the stadium to fall silent. Uruguay won that final 2-1, and El Negro Jefe had already been named best player of the 1942 South American Championship, adding six Uruguayan titles with Peñarol. Career record: 45 caps and 9 goals for Uruguay; club career at Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol.
The verdict
The almanac puts Frank Rijkaard ahead by 2 rating points, 93 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.