Johan Neeskens vs Marco van Basten
Netherlands against Netherlands. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Johan Neeskens
Netherlands · 1968–85 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Netherlands
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 49 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, New York Cosmos
The beating heart of Total Football, his relentless energy and box-to-box prowess drove Ajax, Barcelona, and the Dutch national team to multiple finals in the 1970s. Career record: 49 caps and 17 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, New York Cosmos.
Marco van Basten
Netherlands · 1981–93 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Netherlands
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 58 · 24 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1988 · FIFA World Player of the Year 1992
Widely considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner and Euro '88 champion was a phenomenon for AC Milan before his career was cut short by injury. Career record: 58 caps and 24 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or 1988, FIFA World Player of the Year 1992.
The verdict
The almanac puts Marco van Basten ahead by 5 rating points, 95 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.