There are some players who perfectly embody their football clubs: Paolo Maldini and Javier Zanetti are two of those players.
The numbers speak for themselves: Maldini played 902 games for his Milanese club and Zanetti 858 for his.
But who was better?
That’s the question we’re here to answer as part of the series. 90min.
The two mainstay pillar defenders of their teams at the Derby della Madonnina, devoting their careers as footballers to the city’s two famous clubs and also becoming protagonists off the pitch once they retired (albeit in very different roles).
Both players are known for their ability to play multiple positions, with Paolo Maldini being able to play anywhere in a back three or four, mostly at left back.
Javier Zanetti was a bit more tactically flexible, being able to perform at a high level as both a full-back and centre-back, a full-back midfielder or even a central midfielder when called upon.
That level of tactical flexibility is unique, which is why this category belongs to Zanetti.
Winner: Zanetti
It is impossible to talk about Zanetti and Maldini without mentioning their remarkable performances in the derby.
The two are, in fact, the holders of the record for appearances in the Derby della Madonnina: Maldini in first place with 56 appearances, while Zanetti is in second place with 47 appearances.
Both enjoyed memorable derby victories, but Maldini tops it with those famous Champions League semi-final wins over Inter.
Winner: Maldini
Maldini wins this category if he faces practically any footballer.
The quality of the Milan legend is undeniable, whether on the left or in the centre, he was one of the best and toughest defenders. His ability to read the game, his aggressiveness in the game and his aerial ability made him a truly special defensive talent.
Winner: Maldini
At the other end of the field, Zanetti was undeniably more effective.
That’s not to say that Maldini didn’t do his job coming up from the left-back, but Zanetti had more quality and composure in the final third and was a more ‘modern’ full-back.
Zanetti’s ability to drive the ball forward and cross the ball into the box with consistent quality means he hands down wins in this category.
Winner: Zanetti
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