John Charles vs Mark Hughes
Wales against Wales. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
John Charles
Wales · CB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Wales
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 38 · 15 goals
- Clubs
- Leeds United, Hereford United, Merthyr Tydfil
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
Blessed with immense versatility, the "Gentle Giant" was a world-class inside-forward for Juventus, but equally dominant as a centre-back for Wales and Leeds. Career record: 38 caps and 15 goals for Wales; club career at Leeds United, Hereford United, Merthyr Tydfil; honours include Hall of Fame.
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 John Charles ahead by 3 rating points, 91 against 88.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.