Julio Meléndez vs Teófilo Cubillas
Peru against Peru. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Teófilo Cubillas
Peru · 1970–78 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Peru
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 81 · 26 goals
- Clubs
- Club Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Six minutes after his penalty against Scotland in Córdoba on 3 June 1978, he curled a free kick into the top corner with the outside of his right foot. Peru won the 1975 Copa América with him as its best player, and he scored five goals at both the 1970 and 1978 World Cups, one of six men ever to manage that twice, alongside the 1970 young player award and 26 goals in 81 caps. Career record: 81 caps and 26 goals for Peru; club career at Club Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
The verdict
The almanac puts Teófilo Cubillas ahead by 5 rating points, 93 against 88.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.