Gary Speed vs Mark Hughes
Wales against Wales. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Gary Speed
Wales · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Wales
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 85 · 7 goals
- Clubs
- Leeds United, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2010
The iconic captain who led Wales with distinction for years, Speed was a tirelessly energetic midfielder for Leeds, Newcastle, Everton, and Bolton. Career record: 85 caps and 7 goals for Wales; club career at Leeds United, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers; honours include Hall of Fame 2010.
Mark Hughes
Wales · 1985–91 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in Wales
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 72 · 16 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Chelsea, Southampton
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
The terraces called him Sparky, and on 30 April 1985 he volleyed past Spain at the Racecourse Ground in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win. He scored both goals against Barcelona, his former club, in the 1991 Cup Winners' Cup final in Rotterdam, won a second Cup Winners' Cup with Chelsea, two league titles and four FA Cups, and became the first man voted PFA Players' Player of the Year twice, in 1989 and 1991. Career record: 72 caps and 16 goals for Wales; club career at Manchester United, Chelsea, Southampton; honours include Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Mark Hughes ahead by 1 rating point, 88 against 87.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.