Alfred Bickel vs Stephan Lichtsteiner
Switzerland against Switzerland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Alfred Bickel
Switzerland · 1935–1956 · SS
- Almanac rating
- 84
- Rank in Switzerland
- #10 of 33
- Caps
- 71 · 15 goals
- Clubs
- Grasshopper Club Zürich
Two goals down to Greater Germany in the Paris replay on 9 June 1938, Switzerland came back, and Bickel, German-born himself, made it 2-2 in the 64th minute of an eventual 4-2 win. Seventy-one caps for Switzerland and World Cups either side of the war, in 1938 and 1950, a span only Sweden's Erik Nilsson also managed; seven Swiss championships and nine Swiss Cups with Grasshopper, and Swiss Sportsman of the Year in 1953. Career record: 71 caps and 15 goals for Switzerland; club career at Grasshopper Club Zürich.
Stephan Lichtsteiner
Switzerland · 2002–20 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Switzerland
- #5 of 33
- Caps
- 108 · 8 goals
- Clubs
- Lille OSC, SS Lazio, Juventus
A tireless engine on the right flank, this marauding full-back was a serial Serie A winner with Juventus and a stalwart for the national team. Career record: 108 caps and 8 goals for Switzerland; club career at Lille OSC, SS Lazio, Juventus.
The verdict
The almanac puts Stephan Lichtsteiner ahead by 2 rating points, 86 against 84.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.