Frenchman Zinedine Zidane (29) and Brazilian Rivaldo, just turned 30, represent just about the best contemporary football can offer by way of creative, inspirational midfield invention. Although very dissimilar in style, attitude and position on the field, both men are blessed with an incisive footballing intelligence that can, in a flash, turn a game on its head.
The Frenchman is perhaps a more cerebral player, a great conductor of the flowing game around him. The Brazilian is perhaps more spontaneous and undoubtedly a much more effective goalscorer.
Zidane tends to be slower, to play in a deeper, central position and to play predominantly off his right foot.
Left-footed Rivaldo, however, usually plays wide on the left, using his not indifferent turn of foot to sweep by opposing defenders when he cuts in from the wing.
After five years with Juventus, Zidane appears to be enjoying a Madrid springtime in his first season in Spanish soccer. Rivaldo, on the other hand and unlike Zidane, is hungry for international success.
When the two last met in a cup match, it happened at the Stade de France, Paris in July 1998. The event, of course, was the World Cup final in which Zidane sent France on their way to winning the title with two headed goals that rounded off a fabulously successful tournament.
Rivaldo has since admitted that, if ever there was a time in his life when he had wanted to cry, it was that night in Paris. Even if Real's current overall form seems far ahead of Barcelona (second placed Real are eight points clear of Barcelona in the league), that will mean nothing on the night. Rivaldo may get his chance to even the score with Zidane.
Zidane - Rivaldo
Born: 23/6/72 ... Born: 19/4/72
Height: 1.85m Height: 1.87m
Weight: 75kg Weight:75kg
Place of birth: Marseille Place of birth: Recife, Brazil
Country: France ... Country: Brazil
Position: Midfield ... Position: Forward
Joined current club: 9/6/01 ... Joined current club: 1/8/97
From: Juventus ... From: Deportivo
Fee: £45,620,000 ... Fee: £16 million
Club record this season: Pl: 37 Gls: 8 ... Club record this season: Pl: 32 Gls: 13
International record: Pl: 65 Gls: 18 ... International record : Pl: 55 Gls: 28
