head to head
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.

Execution · Competitive PvP
A one-on-one basketball game testing shot timing and reading the opponent.

Execution · Competitive PvP
Execution on the ball plus constant prediction of the other player's shape.
Jordan vs. Bird: One on One leans Execution (Competitive PvP); Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 leans Execution (Competitive PvP).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
Timing shots, jumps and dunks needs precise input
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
Close control and finishing windows demand stick precision
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
Human opponent in one-on-one can be predicted and faked
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
Online and couch opponents adjust tactics against you
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
Shot success has mild randomness
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
Ricochets and keeper parries add small randomness
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
Knowing shot positions and patterns improves scoring
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
Squad setup and tactical sliders reward preparation
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.