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 · 1949–59 · ST
After taking Eduard Streltsov's place in the 1956 Olympic final, he offered the young forward his gold medal, and Streltsov turned it down. Melbourne gold sat alongside the captaincy of the Soviet Union at the 1958 World Cup, four Soviet league titles and two cups with Spartak Moscow, three scoring crowns, and a club record of 160 goals that still stands. Career record: 20 caps and 10 goals for Russia; club career at FC Dinamo Sukhumi, FC Krylya Sovetov Moscow, Spartak Moscow; honours include 5× Hall of Fame (1957–2022).
The almanac puts Nikita Simonyan ahead by 2 rating points, 90 against 88.
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