César Cueto vs Julio Meléndez
Peru against Peru. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
César Cueto
Peru · 1975–84 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Peru
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 51 · 6 goals
- Clubs
- José Gálvez FBC, Club Deportivo Municipal, Atlético Nacional
Lima called him the Poet of the Left Foot, and in Córdoba on 3 June 1978 he answered Joe Jordan's opener with a 43rd-minute equaliser and set Peru on the way to beating Scotland 3-1. Copa América in 1975, two World Cups, three Peruvian titles with Alianza Lima, the 1981 Colombian championship at Atlético Nacional where he captained the side and led the scoring with 17 goals, and one more with América de Cali in 1984. Career record: 51 caps and 6 goals for Peru; club career at José Gálvez FBC, Club Deportivo Municipal, Atlético Nacional.
Julio Meléndez
Peru · 1968–75 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in Peru
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 35 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atletico Defensor Lima 1931, Sport Boys, Defensor Arica
La 12 sang him his own chant at the Bombonera, y ya lo ve, es el peruano y su ballet, and Boca Juniors, who signed him in 1968, ended up putting the captain's armband on a Peruvian centre-back. Two Argentine championships in 1969 and 1970, the Copa Argentina in 1969, the Copa América with Peru in 1975, 35 caps, and a place in Boca's all-time XI. Career record: 35 caps and 0 goals for Peru; club career at Club Atletico Defensor Lima 1931, Sport Boys, Defensor Arica.
The verdict
The almanac puts César Cueto ahead by 1 rating point, 89 against 88.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.