Andrey Arshavin vs Nikita Simonyan
Russia against Russia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Nikita Simonyan
Russia · 1949–59 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Russia
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 20 · 10 goals
- Clubs
- FC Dinamo Sukhumi, FC Krylya Sovetov Moscow, Spartak Moscow
- Honours
- 5× Hall of Fame (1957–2022)
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 verdict
The almanac puts Nikita Simonyan ahead by 2 rating points, 90 against 88.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.