José Velásquez vs Julio Meléndez
Peru against Peru. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
José Velásquez
Peru · 1975–78 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Peru
- #10 of 33
A header in Córdoba on 11 June 1978 was his contribution to the 4-1 win over Iran that took Peru into the second round, by which time the country had long since settled on calling him El Patrón. He won the 1975 Copa América with Peru, three Peruvian championships with Alianza Lima in 1975, 1977 and 1978, and made 82 appearances for his country over thirteen years.
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 Julio Meléndez ahead by 1 rating point, 88 against 87.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.