Anatoli Ilyin vs Andrey Arshavin
Russia against Russia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Anatoli Ilyin
Russia · 1949–62 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in Russia
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 31 · 16 goals
- Clubs
- Spartak Moscow
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame
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.
Andrey Arshavin
Russia · 2000s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in Russia
- #10 of 33
- Caps
- 75 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, Arsenal, FC Kairat
The diminutive magician's electrifying dribbling and incisive passing lit up Euro 2008 for Russia and earned him a memorable move to Arsenal. Career record: 75 caps and 17 goals for Russia; club career at FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, Arsenal, FC Kairat.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 88.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.