Nikita Simonyan vs Rinat Dasayev
Russia against Russia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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).
Rinat Dasayev
Russia · GK
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Russia
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 91 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- FC Volgar Astrakhan, Spartak Moscow, Sevilla
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
A world-class shot-stopper, he was the Soviet Union's number one through the 1980s, showcasing spectacular saves at multiple World Cups and leading Spartak Moscow to titles. Career record: 91 caps and 0 goals for Russia; club career at FC Volgar Astrakhan, Spartak Moscow, Sevilla; honours include Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Rinat Dasayev ahead by 1 rating point, 91 against 90.
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