The hard player: Dario Šimić
Born on 12 November 1975 in Zagreb, then Yugoslavia, Dario Šimić is a Croatian central defender who built the core of his career in Italy. After 194 matches and 20 goals for Croatia Zagreb, he crossed the Adriatic to join Inter Milan (92 matches, 4 goals), then moved across town to sign for AC Milan, where he made 129 appearances and scored 1 goal. A journey through both sides of the great Milanese rivalry – a rather singular path for any player.
He rounded off his career with a stint at AS Monaco (30 matches, 0 goals). On the international stage, he represented Croatia from the under-17 level onwards. A solid and versatile defender, Šimić experienced the Milan derby from both dressing rooms – a distinction very few players can claim.
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PlayThe medium player: Jocelyn Angloma
Born on 7 August 1965 in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, Jocelyn Angloma was a right back who built his reputation on the most demanding European pitches. He made 106 appearances for Olympique de Marseille and 104 for Lille OSC, before crossing the Alps to join Torino Calcio (62 matches, 8 goals), then settling at Valencia CF, where he played 177 matches and scored 8 goals – his longest spell at any club.
Capped 37 times for the French national team, he scored 1 international goal. He rounded off his playing days with a stint at Stade Rennais FC (48 matches, 2 goals) before moving into coaching. A packed career spanning Brittany, the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula, proof of a sustained presence at the top level.
The easy player: Lev Yashin
Born on 22 October 1929 in Moscow, Lev Yashin knew only one club throughout his entire career: Dynamo Moscow, where he played 365 matches. A rare loyalty, almost anachronistic, that stands in sharp contrast to the modern game. His all-black kit and matching cap earned him the nickname the Black Spider, as if his goal was an unbreakable web no attacker could pierce.
A tactical and technical pioneer, he was the first goalkeeper to leave his line to close down opponents, laying the groundwork for reflex saves and aerial commanding that all modern keepers now practice. In 1963, he became the only goalkeeper in history to win the Ballon d’Or. Olympic gold medallist in 1956, European Champion in 1960, he also played in four World Cups with the USSR. In 1999, the IFFHS named him the best goalkeeper of the century, both in Europe and worldwide. He passed away on 21 March 1990 in Moscow.