Alfred Bickel vs Xherdan Shaqiri
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.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Switzerland · 2009–26 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Switzerland
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 125 · 32 goals
- Clubs
- FC Bayern Munich, Stoke City, Chicago Fire
The 'Alpine Messi' is renowned for his spectacular big-tournament goals and creative flair, contributing to titles with Bayern Munich and Liverpool. Career record: 125 caps and 32 goals for Switzerland; club career at FC Bayern Munich, Stoke City, Chicago Fire.
The verdict
The almanac puts Xherdan Shaqiri ahead by 2 rating points, 86 against 84.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.