Player Duels: Roy Keane Vs. Patrick Vieira

Player Duels returns for a second installment. In the first episode Thierry Henry went head-to-head with Dennis Bergkamp. Voting is still open for that one so if you haven't yet voted click here to do so.

In this second installment I focus on two of the best midfielders the EPL has ever seen: Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.

They had a storied rivalry throughout their respective careers, often clashing in the biggest matches of the season. They were both captains of the two most successful and dominant clubs of the 90s and early 2000s, so heated coming togethers were inevitable, especially with the fiery temper of each player.

This was typified by the now-infamous spat in the tunnel before a match in 2005.

I'll start by looking at Roy Keane:

An aggressive player and inspirational captain, Roy Keane led Manchester United through their most successful spell in their history. He was once described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the best player he had ever coached.

His aggression and short fuse got him in trouble with the referees and FA on more than one occasion. Who could forget the premeditated attack on Alf-Inge Haaland, where he committed one of the worst fouls in EPL history, fours years after Haaland had accused him of faking injury when he had actually suffered a cruciate ligament injury.

His finest hour as a footballer, arguably, came in Turin in the 1999 Champions League semifinal where, despite picking up a yellow card which meant he would be suspended for the final, he drove Man Utd from two down to win 3-2, scoring the first goal to start the comeback.

Throughout his career he received 13 red cards, the joint most of all time.

Patrick Vieira

Another man not a stranger to disciplinary problems, Vieira was the captain of Arsenal's unprecedented "Invincible" season. He didn't have as much success with Arsenal as Keane did with Man Utd, but he had much the same effect.

His competitive spirit and quality on the ball made him a fantastic all-round player and when he came up against Keane it was a case of the Immovable against the Unstoppable. Neither would give an inch.

He was included in the PFA Team of the Year six years in a row, for his midfield general role. Throughout Vieira's career he received 12 red cards, just one below Keane's total.

So, ladies and gentlemen, who is your pick? Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira? Remember anyone can vote, just leave a comment saying who you have picked.

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