Russia against Russia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Russia · CM
The elegant playmaker, nicknamed 'The Tsar', graced Celta Vigo and the Russian national team with his exquisite technique, vision and ability to unlock defences. Career record: 50 caps and 10 goals for Russia; club career at Spartak Moscow, RC Strasbourg Alsace, RC Celta de Vigo.
Russia · 1949–62 · LM
Three minutes after half time in Melbourne on 8 December 1956, he scored the only goal of the Olympic final against Yugoslavia, and two years later he opened the European Championship's very first match four minutes in. Olympic gold in 1956 came with five Soviet league titles and a cup at Spartak Moscow, two league scoring crowns, and the goal that knocked England out of the 1958 World Cup. Career record: 31 caps and 16 goals for Russia; club career at Spartak Moscow; honours include 2× Hall of Fame.
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 88.
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