Post by Kieran on Feb 3, 2013 22:52:50 GMT
Hello, welcome to the Premier League Draft Game. Basically, 16 players have spent the last few weeks picking players to make a team (you can see how they did it in this thread pldraftgame.freeforums.net/index.....isplay&thread=2 ). and they are now ready to go head-to-head against each other to win your vote - which do you think is the better team? The voter has both the squad-sheet and the bios/tactics to consider!
The key rule for this edition of the game is that players are to be judged on the basis of their performances in the Premier League - so what they did in other leagues, in cup competitions or on the international stage is not directly relevant here.
Additionally, voters are requested to please justify the votes you cast: an explanation of why you voted for the team you did would be much appreciated and would add to the game as a whole. If you vote but don't justify your selection, then that vote may be discarded when totting up the final results. Please vote and adhere to the rules on each match thread.
Good luck to Gargamel and Janie!
Gargamel- Formation/bio/tactics:
Janie- Formation/bio/tactics:
The key rule for this edition of the game is that players are to be judged on the basis of their performances in the Premier League - so what they did in other leagues, in cup competitions or on the international stage is not directly relevant here.
Additionally, voters are requested to please justify the votes you cast: an explanation of why you voted for the team you did would be much appreciated and would add to the game as a whole. If you vote but don't justify your selection, then that vote may be discarded when totting up the final results. Please vote and adhere to the rules on each match thread.
Good luck to Gargamel and Janie!
Gargamel- Formation/bio/tactics:
Mark Schwarzer. Schwarzer was never the most spectacular goalkeeper, but when the greatest Premier League goalkeepers are listed he's often mentioned. Known for his shot-stopping abilities and extreme consistency, only three players have kept more Premier League clean sheets than Schwarzer. Played an important part in Middlesbrough's run to the 2006 UEFA Cup final, highlighting his capabilities. One of six goalkeepers to be named Premier League Player of the Month.
Álvaro Arbeloa. Predominantly a right-back, Arbeloa has capably filled in at left-back for all his clubs and national team. First caught people's attention on his Liverpool debut when he was played to the left specifically to shackle Messi's inside runs, which he did. First teamer in arguably the greatest national side of all time, winning two Euros and one World Cup. Stronger defensively than attackingly, but good on the ball. Singled out by Mourinho shortly after his transfer to Real Madrid for being one of his best performers, because 'he is always between a 7 and a 9'.
Gary Kelly. A very good right-back who has perhaps not been as appreciated as he should. Racking up over 500 appearances for his only club, he played a big part in Leeds finishing third, fourth(twice) and fifth(three times) in the Premier League and reaching the semi-final of the Champions League. Very solid defensively, but good enough on the ball to play a significant number of games in midfield. Twice named in the PFA Team of the Year, which is an outstanding achievement for any player, let alone somebody in a club not as fancied as the biggest ones.
Jaap Stam (c). One of the best centre backs to ever play in the Premier League. Won the league in all his three seasons, and an FA Cup. Played a big part when Manchester United won the Champions League in 98/99. Made the PFA Team of the Year in all his three seasons in England. Twice won UEFA Best Club Defender of the Year during that spell. Sir Alex Ferguson famously admitted that selling Stam was a bad mistake when asked about the regrets he had as a manager. Voted into the Overseas Team of the Decade in the Premier League 10 Season Awards. The leader and organizer of this defence, and also the captain of the team.
Ricardo Carvalho. The perfect partner for the more combative Stam. Carvalho was known for being an intelligent centre back who rarely lost his man. Singled out by the back then brilliant Fernando Torres as the best defender in the league for his brilliant positioning. Excellent on the ball he'd often be the one to bring it out of the Chelsea defence. Helped Chelsea to three Premier League titles, only conceding fifteen (15. Yes, really) goals in the 04/05 season. Also won three FA Cups and two League Cups. Won an obscene amount of titles and awards throughout his career, including a Champions League.
Claude Makélélé. Frequently mentioned as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Makélélé played his holding midfield role so well that it's now popularly called 'The Makélélé role'. Won two Premier League titles, one FA Cups and two League Cups with Chelsea. Makélélé didn't offer much going forward, but was second to none in breaking up play, winning the ball back and making his teams tick. Big part of the aforementioned team that conceded fifteen goals in a whole Premier League season.
Paul Scholes. Quite possibly the greatest Premier League player of all time. I'll let Xavi describe his style - 'For me, and I really mean this, he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. He's spectacular, he has it all, the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision.' Ten Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups, two League Cups and a number of individual awards. Scored over 100 Premier League goals as a midfielder. You all know how good he was, so I'll just let Zinedine Zidane finish this - ''One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.'
Cristiano Ronaldo. Probably the best player to ever play in the Premier League, ability wise. Great goalscorer, great dribbler, quick at short and long distances. Good passer, good crosser, good set piece taker. Scorer of many goals, and also scorer of important goals. Also scorer of different type of goals, with his great shooting, heading and eye for a tap-in. In his six seasons in England he won three league titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one Champions League (scoring in the final). Individually during this spell he was voted Players’ Player of the Year twice, Fans Player of the Year twice, Writers Player of the Year twice, won the golden boot once, won the ultimate prize in world football – the Ballon D’Or – once, and was voted FIFA World Player of the Year. Oh and he was in the PFA Team of the Year four times. That’s not nearly all, but I won’t bore you with every award and title. You know how good this man was and is. Did play well in all attacking positions as well – even if he was a right winger mostly he also played to the left and centrally with good success.
David Silva. The crown jewel in Manchester City's big spending project. Voted City's player of the year when they won their first Premier League title last season. Mostly deployed to the left, Silva likes drifting inside or basically wherever he feels like, to help build up play. A truly creative player who is good enough to unlock any defence. When it comes to passing and ability to find space Silva is one of the best. Key figure in Spain, playing basically all their games in both their Euro wins. Voted into a bunch of PFA teams and such.
Freddie Ljungberg. Ljungberg made over 200 appearances for Arsenal in their most successful Premier League period. Providing endless energy on the right flank he helped his club win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups. Ljungberg managed 71 goals for Arsenal which is highly respectable in itself, but many remember him for his knack of scoring in the important games. He is one of very few players to score in consecutive FA Cup finals. Surprisingly good defensively for a player with his goal and assist stats. First teamer in the famous invincibles who went unbeaten throughout the 03/04 season. Named Barclaycard Premier League Player of the Season in 01/02.
Les Ferdinand. The seventh highest Premier League goalscorer, with 150 goals. A natural finisher, he scored serious amounts of goals predominantly for QPR, Newcastle and Tottenham. While Les Ferdinand is well known to have been one of the best headers of the ball to ever play in the Premier League, he was also rather quick and a very composed finisher with both feet. On top of that his ability to link play was good and he was a good target man. Almost fired Newcastle to the Premier League title. Voted PFA Players' Player of the Year in 95/96
Álvaro Arbeloa. Predominantly a right-back, Arbeloa has capably filled in at left-back for all his clubs and national team. First caught people's attention on his Liverpool debut when he was played to the left specifically to shackle Messi's inside runs, which he did. First teamer in arguably the greatest national side of all time, winning two Euros and one World Cup. Stronger defensively than attackingly, but good on the ball. Singled out by Mourinho shortly after his transfer to Real Madrid for being one of his best performers, because 'he is always between a 7 and a 9'.
Gary Kelly. A very good right-back who has perhaps not been as appreciated as he should. Racking up over 500 appearances for his only club, he played a big part in Leeds finishing third, fourth(twice) and fifth(three times) in the Premier League and reaching the semi-final of the Champions League. Very solid defensively, but good enough on the ball to play a significant number of games in midfield. Twice named in the PFA Team of the Year, which is an outstanding achievement for any player, let alone somebody in a club not as fancied as the biggest ones.
Jaap Stam (c). One of the best centre backs to ever play in the Premier League. Won the league in all his three seasons, and an FA Cup. Played a big part when Manchester United won the Champions League in 98/99. Made the PFA Team of the Year in all his three seasons in England. Twice won UEFA Best Club Defender of the Year during that spell. Sir Alex Ferguson famously admitted that selling Stam was a bad mistake when asked about the regrets he had as a manager. Voted into the Overseas Team of the Decade in the Premier League 10 Season Awards. The leader and organizer of this defence, and also the captain of the team.
Ricardo Carvalho. The perfect partner for the more combative Stam. Carvalho was known for being an intelligent centre back who rarely lost his man. Singled out by the back then brilliant Fernando Torres as the best defender in the league for his brilliant positioning. Excellent on the ball he'd often be the one to bring it out of the Chelsea defence. Helped Chelsea to three Premier League titles, only conceding fifteen (15. Yes, really) goals in the 04/05 season. Also won three FA Cups and two League Cups. Won an obscene amount of titles and awards throughout his career, including a Champions League.
Claude Makélélé. Frequently mentioned as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Makélélé played his holding midfield role so well that it's now popularly called 'The Makélélé role'. Won two Premier League titles, one FA Cups and two League Cups with Chelsea. Makélélé didn't offer much going forward, but was second to none in breaking up play, winning the ball back and making his teams tick. Big part of the aforementioned team that conceded fifteen goals in a whole Premier League season.
Paul Scholes. Quite possibly the greatest Premier League player of all time. I'll let Xavi describe his style - 'For me, and I really mean this, he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. He's spectacular, he has it all, the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision.' Ten Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups, two League Cups and a number of individual awards. Scored over 100 Premier League goals as a midfielder. You all know how good he was, so I'll just let Zinedine Zidane finish this - ''One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.'
Cristiano Ronaldo. Probably the best player to ever play in the Premier League, ability wise. Great goalscorer, great dribbler, quick at short and long distances. Good passer, good crosser, good set piece taker. Scorer of many goals, and also scorer of important goals. Also scorer of different type of goals, with his great shooting, heading and eye for a tap-in. In his six seasons in England he won three league titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one Champions League (scoring in the final). Individually during this spell he was voted Players’ Player of the Year twice, Fans Player of the Year twice, Writers Player of the Year twice, won the golden boot once, won the ultimate prize in world football – the Ballon D’Or – once, and was voted FIFA World Player of the Year. Oh and he was in the PFA Team of the Year four times. That’s not nearly all, but I won’t bore you with every award and title. You know how good this man was and is. Did play well in all attacking positions as well – even if he was a right winger mostly he also played to the left and centrally with good success.
David Silva. The crown jewel in Manchester City's big spending project. Voted City's player of the year when they won their first Premier League title last season. Mostly deployed to the left, Silva likes drifting inside or basically wherever he feels like, to help build up play. A truly creative player who is good enough to unlock any defence. When it comes to passing and ability to find space Silva is one of the best. Key figure in Spain, playing basically all their games in both their Euro wins. Voted into a bunch of PFA teams and such.
Freddie Ljungberg. Ljungberg made over 200 appearances for Arsenal in their most successful Premier League period. Providing endless energy on the right flank he helped his club win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups. Ljungberg managed 71 goals for Arsenal which is highly respectable in itself, but many remember him for his knack of scoring in the important games. He is one of very few players to score in consecutive FA Cup finals. Surprisingly good defensively for a player with his goal and assist stats. First teamer in the famous invincibles who went unbeaten throughout the 03/04 season. Named Barclaycard Premier League Player of the Season in 01/02.
Les Ferdinand. The seventh highest Premier League goalscorer, with 150 goals. A natural finisher, he scored serious amounts of goals predominantly for QPR, Newcastle and Tottenham. While Les Ferdinand is well known to have been one of the best headers of the ball to ever play in the Premier League, he was also rather quick and a very composed finisher with both feet. On top of that his ability to link play was good and he was a good target man. Almost fired Newcastle to the Premier League title. Voted PFA Players' Player of the Year in 95/96
Solid core.
The idea I had in mind when I drafted this team was to build the strongest foundation I could, and then add different types of wide players depending on how the team shaped up. There is no doubt that the strengths of this team lie in defensive solidity, power and ability to dominate games. Stam and Carvalho form a nearly ideal centre-back partnership with Stam being the more powerful one and Carvalho more agile. Carvalho has the ability to bring the ball out of defence, which is important in modern football.
Ahead of them is the duo of Scholes and Makélélé. Again these are three powerful players, with Makélélé obviously more defensive minded with the sole aim to break up attacks and quickly move the ball on. Paul Scholes will have license to join in the attacks when possible but will have to be very active in winning the ball back. Those two will win balls back and maintain superiority centrally, but also spray balls to the wide players and the striker. David Silva sits in front of those two and while he has no combative side to his game he is a very good player to have centrally because he is hard to get the ball off and helps relieve pressure by providing a quick outlet and combining with the other two. Having three players centrally so good on the ball is an important idea of this team.
Ideas. Ljungberg out on the right side will be the perfect target for that famous cross out right that Scholes loves to play. With his speed and extraordinary energy he should get the better of plenty of left-backs and will then look for the cross or cut-back. Here Scholes come into play again. With only one pure striker being played they will have to bomb forward into the box quite a bit. When Ljungberg is on the ball Ronaldo will arrive from the left on and add great strength and ability both aerially and on the ground.
Centrally David Silva will help build up play and hopefully form a lovely partnership with Paul Scholes. Two of the best passers around, they will combine to good effect. What should be noted here is that Silva tends to drift a bit where he wants to help overload and create situations of 2 vs 1, which makes it a bit hard to pinpoint his position on a diagram like this. It’s clear however that it’s good for the team to have him see much of the ball, and I also want him to try and intercept the ball from the back four to the deeper Lucas in Janie’s team. Trying to shut Lucas down is an important way off reducing her attacks, leaving her defenders to try and play the ball up.
Another idea I have to stop her play is to have Les Ferdinand and the closest winger press Evans and the other defenders so that Steve Bould will have to pass the ball up more often than he’d ideally like to.
The two full-backs - Arbeloa and Kelly - were handpicked because they are first and foremost good defensively. With no real wingers to help them out it could have been a weakness to have overly attacking full-backs, so I opted for solidity. This does of course come at a price, and the width that full backs ideally provide might be missing at times. Still - these are good enough full backs to help out in attack and those who remember Gary Kelly will testify that he was a good crosser of the ball.
Ideally this team will play their football on the ground, but any weak centre-back will struggle with the aerial threat Ferdinand and Ronaldo bring if the chances comes up.
Set pieces. David Silva (left foot), Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo(right foot) will share corners and free-kicks. Ronaldo, Ferdinand, Stam and Carvalho are all brilliant headers of the ball so this will be a real
The idea I had in mind when I drafted this team was to build the strongest foundation I could, and then add different types of wide players depending on how the team shaped up. There is no doubt that the strengths of this team lie in defensive solidity, power and ability to dominate games. Stam and Carvalho form a nearly ideal centre-back partnership with Stam being the more powerful one and Carvalho more agile. Carvalho has the ability to bring the ball out of defence, which is important in modern football.
Ahead of them is the duo of Scholes and Makélélé. Again these are three powerful players, with Makélélé obviously more defensive minded with the sole aim to break up attacks and quickly move the ball on. Paul Scholes will have license to join in the attacks when possible but will have to be very active in winning the ball back. Those two will win balls back and maintain superiority centrally, but also spray balls to the wide players and the striker. David Silva sits in front of those two and while he has no combative side to his game he is a very good player to have centrally because he is hard to get the ball off and helps relieve pressure by providing a quick outlet and combining with the other two. Having three players centrally so good on the ball is an important idea of this team.
Ideas. Ljungberg out on the right side will be the perfect target for that famous cross out right that Scholes loves to play. With his speed and extraordinary energy he should get the better of plenty of left-backs and will then look for the cross or cut-back. Here Scholes come into play again. With only one pure striker being played they will have to bomb forward into the box quite a bit. When Ljungberg is on the ball Ronaldo will arrive from the left on and add great strength and ability both aerially and on the ground.
Centrally David Silva will help build up play and hopefully form a lovely partnership with Paul Scholes. Two of the best passers around, they will combine to good effect. What should be noted here is that Silva tends to drift a bit where he wants to help overload and create situations of 2 vs 1, which makes it a bit hard to pinpoint his position on a diagram like this. It’s clear however that it’s good for the team to have him see much of the ball, and I also want him to try and intercept the ball from the back four to the deeper Lucas in Janie’s team. Trying to shut Lucas down is an important way off reducing her attacks, leaving her defenders to try and play the ball up.
Another idea I have to stop her play is to have Les Ferdinand and the closest winger press Evans and the other defenders so that Steve Bould will have to pass the ball up more often than he’d ideally like to.
The two full-backs - Arbeloa and Kelly - were handpicked because they are first and foremost good defensively. With no real wingers to help them out it could have been a weakness to have overly attacking full-backs, so I opted for solidity. This does of course come at a price, and the width that full backs ideally provide might be missing at times. Still - these are good enough full backs to help out in attack and those who remember Gary Kelly will testify that he was a good crosser of the ball.
Ideally this team will play their football on the ground, but any weak centre-back will struggle with the aerial threat Ferdinand and Ronaldo bring if the chances comes up.
Set pieces. David Silva (left foot), Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo(right foot) will share corners and free-kicks. Ronaldo, Ferdinand, Stam and Carvalho are all brilliant headers of the ball so this will be a real
Janie- Formation/bio/tactics:
My Team
I'm not going to criticise or bash Garg's team. That would be stupid... its quality speaks for itself. But this would be a big match!! I just want to remind you of how mine compare. The players must be judged on their play whilst in the prem; not in Europe or the World stage... JUST at their peak in the Prem. At his peak, for example, RVP outscored the inglorious Ronaldo in goals and assists during his time in the prem. #JustSayyyyyyin
David Beckham (1998/9) CAPTAIN – Number one on freekicks (football’s coming home!)
Becks OBE .... Becks OBE, where do I start? We can all remember the well-placed, low-drilled pen against the Argies in 2002; the 2001 93rd min match-winning free kick against Greece; and as part of the Reds famous treble winning side of 1999 - that sublime lob over the keeper from his own half. One of the best crossers and set piece takers there has ever been in the premiership... achieving an unprecedented 152/265 assists/premier league ratio... better than Lampard/Giggs -there were few that could bend it, score it, cross it or convert it like Beckham... top wingman.
Petr Čech (2004/5)
The athletic and agile Čech, commanding both on his line and in the box, is a world class goalkeeper. Čech holds a number of goalkeeping records; including the Premier League record for fewest appearances required to reach 100 clean sheets, having done so in 180 league appearances. Remembered mainly for 2004/5, where he achieved 9 successive clean sheets - 21 in total for the Blues season -not conceding a single goal for 1,025 minutes. Chelsea only conceded 15 goals that year, giving them the highest premier ship points record – still unbeaten. He was subsequently named the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper for 2005. Safe hands between the sticks.
Michael Owen (2000/1)
Ok... firstly, please don't be influenced by the bench-warming figure of late... Instead, remember the Michael Owen of old; the Michael Owen that was Pool's top scorer from 1997-2004 and Newcastle top scorer for the 2007/8 season. Remember his lightening fast pace that amassed a 601/323 game/goal ratio; including 118 premier league goals in 216 appearances. To quote Fergie: "There is no one better at taking chances. His positional play, first touch and finish were absolutely superb." Quite simply, go back to the year 2001 - when NO English striker came close to the world-class abilities of those of Michael Owen. Fast Forward.
Juan Mata (2011/12)
As a Mata of fact: Technically superb, close control, vision, the ability to beat his man and set up chances, making key passes, through balls, finishing, crossing, set pieces, lay-offs... Just some of the reasons why this midfielder led the assist chart for Chelsea last year, surpassing it by almost as many as the 2nd and 3rd highest put together. Deserving of his place as 2012 'Chelsea Player of the Year', he's already amassing 11 assists and 7 goals so far this term. He's a proven goal maker on an upward trajectory. Ask any Chelsea fan on the Fulham Road who the best player on the pitch was? No doubt the response will be Juan Mata!! Threads the ball through the eye of a needle.
2011/12
Robin Van Persie – Penalties! (of which there could be many)
RVP>CR7
Jürgen Klinsmann (1994/5)
Well established as one of the greatest strikers the world has ever known, Jürgen 'the Golden Bomber' Klinsmann played just one iconic full season in England, when he joined Spurs for their 1994/95 term, scoring 21 times and adding to England's hall of fame as English Player of the Year 1995. He returned to Spurs 3 years later in 1998; when he scored 9 goals in 15 matches and saved them from almost certain relegation... his tally of 232 goals in 514 matches says it all really... Legend.
Steve Bould (1997/8)
Joining Arsenal in 1988, the astute and substantially proportioned Steve Bould became part of Arsenal's doggedly mean 'famous back four' defensive line-up. Despite his age, it was Bould, with his fearsome tackling and aerial dominance that helped Arsenal go on to win the double in 1997-98 by notoriously setting up the winning final goal with a little chip that won them the Premier League title ...topping the proverbial double-layered cake two weeks later by winning the FA Cup icing. Bould's haul of club medals enriched his magnificent defensive reputation; more so did the fact that no goals were conceded by England at any point that Bould was on the pitch. Solid.
Johnny Evans (2011/12)
At just 25, the calm and relaxed-under-pressure figure of Johnny Evans provides consistent and steadfast cover in the centre back position at Old Trafford, making 27 appearances in their tightly fought league runner-up 2011/12 season. He played a key part in Edwin van der Sar's record breaking run of cleanies in 2008-9 showing an early ability to be a top-drawer player. With his form improving regularly each season; his key strengths lies in his ability to make clean, short passes with consistency and his surgically positioned tacking gives solidity to the back four. Such has been his display this season, he has threatened to break up the well-established Vidic/Ferdinand defensive axis; and he's currently the second defensive lead scorer for the League Leaders. Go johnny.
Lucas Leiva (2010/11)
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva has established himself as one of the best combative defensive midfielders in the prem. Since cementing a place in the Anfield squad he has played 183 times in the red shirt. His performance improved so much he was crowned Liverpool 'Player of the Season' for 2010-11 after winning 40% of the votes from the official fan poll. He is a strong, hard-working player with oodles of stamina; he shows intelligence on the ball and is always willing to run for it. He plays as a “midfield enforcer” with a phenomenal engine and terrific work-rate. Technically solid and able to stroke 30 yard passes and quick, incisive distribution. As tackling stats will verify, of the time he was on the field last season, he topped the tackling stats by attempting a challenge every 3.87 minutes and winning a challenge every 5.97 minutes. Combative.
Paulo Ferreira (2004/5)
Long-time servant and faithful club member, Ferreira signed for the blues in 2004/05 season, where they conceded only 15 goals all season when Chelsea won their Premier League title. The much loved and respected Paulo always gets a warm welcome from the Stamford Bridge faithful purely due to his commitment and reliability. Steadfast and very solid; he is always trusted to put in a good performance whether it be passing, holding the ball, making key passes or tackling.... he provides the cover required of him. Chelsea only conceded 15 goals that year, giving them the highest premiership points record. Not more I can say really ... Reliable.
José Enrique (2011/12)
Considered by many to be one of the best left-backs in the top flight, José Enrique is not only admired for his ability to pick out team mates with long and very accurate passes, particularly off his favoured left foot. He's also known as a strong tackler who is adept at keeping possession. 1 on 1, Enrique's very hard to beat, it happened only 9 times last season, compared to A. Cole (38), Clichy (26), Baines (24), Evra (23). His Tackling Stats Comparison is equally impressive: Enrique: 61 (84% won) Evra: 80 (76% won) Baines: 84 (74% won) Cole: 100 (67% won). And finally of note are his foul stats: of Baines, Evra, Cole, Clichy and Enrique, Enrique conceded the least fouls (in fact conceded 50% less than any of his contemporaries). Hard to beat.
I'm not going to criticise or bash Garg's team. That would be stupid... its quality speaks for itself. But this would be a big match!! I just want to remind you of how mine compare. The players must be judged on their play whilst in the prem; not in Europe or the World stage... JUST at their peak in the Prem. At his peak, for example, RVP outscored the inglorious Ronaldo in goals and assists during his time in the prem. #JustSayyyyyyin
David Beckham (1998/9) CAPTAIN – Number one on freekicks (football’s coming home!)
Becks OBE .... Becks OBE, where do I start? We can all remember the well-placed, low-drilled pen against the Argies in 2002; the 2001 93rd min match-winning free kick against Greece; and as part of the Reds famous treble winning side of 1999 - that sublime lob over the keeper from his own half. One of the best crossers and set piece takers there has ever been in the premiership... achieving an unprecedented 152/265 assists/premier league ratio... better than Lampard/Giggs -there were few that could bend it, score it, cross it or convert it like Beckham... top wingman.
Petr Čech (2004/5)
The athletic and agile Čech, commanding both on his line and in the box, is a world class goalkeeper. Čech holds a number of goalkeeping records; including the Premier League record for fewest appearances required to reach 100 clean sheets, having done so in 180 league appearances. Remembered mainly for 2004/5, where he achieved 9 successive clean sheets - 21 in total for the Blues season -not conceding a single goal for 1,025 minutes. Chelsea only conceded 15 goals that year, giving them the highest premier ship points record – still unbeaten. He was subsequently named the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper for 2005. Safe hands between the sticks.
Michael Owen (2000/1)
Ok... firstly, please don't be influenced by the bench-warming figure of late... Instead, remember the Michael Owen of old; the Michael Owen that was Pool's top scorer from 1997-2004 and Newcastle top scorer for the 2007/8 season. Remember his lightening fast pace that amassed a 601/323 game/goal ratio; including 118 premier league goals in 216 appearances. To quote Fergie: "There is no one better at taking chances. His positional play, first touch and finish were absolutely superb." Quite simply, go back to the year 2001 - when NO English striker came close to the world-class abilities of those of Michael Owen. Fast Forward.
Juan Mata (2011/12)
As a Mata of fact: Technically superb, close control, vision, the ability to beat his man and set up chances, making key passes, through balls, finishing, crossing, set pieces, lay-offs... Just some of the reasons why this midfielder led the assist chart for Chelsea last year, surpassing it by almost as many as the 2nd and 3rd highest put together. Deserving of his place as 2012 'Chelsea Player of the Year', he's already amassing 11 assists and 7 goals so far this term. He's a proven goal maker on an upward trajectory. Ask any Chelsea fan on the Fulham Road who the best player on the pitch was? No doubt the response will be Juan Mata!! Threads the ball through the eye of a needle.
2011/12
Robin Van Persie – Penalties! (of which there could be many)
RVP>CR7
Jürgen Klinsmann (1994/5)
Well established as one of the greatest strikers the world has ever known, Jürgen 'the Golden Bomber' Klinsmann played just one iconic full season in England, when he joined Spurs for their 1994/95 term, scoring 21 times and adding to England's hall of fame as English Player of the Year 1995. He returned to Spurs 3 years later in 1998; when he scored 9 goals in 15 matches and saved them from almost certain relegation... his tally of 232 goals in 514 matches says it all really... Legend.
Steve Bould (1997/8)
Joining Arsenal in 1988, the astute and substantially proportioned Steve Bould became part of Arsenal's doggedly mean 'famous back four' defensive line-up. Despite his age, it was Bould, with his fearsome tackling and aerial dominance that helped Arsenal go on to win the double in 1997-98 by notoriously setting up the winning final goal with a little chip that won them the Premier League title ...topping the proverbial double-layered cake two weeks later by winning the FA Cup icing. Bould's haul of club medals enriched his magnificent defensive reputation; more so did the fact that no goals were conceded by England at any point that Bould was on the pitch. Solid.
Johnny Evans (2011/12)
At just 25, the calm and relaxed-under-pressure figure of Johnny Evans provides consistent and steadfast cover in the centre back position at Old Trafford, making 27 appearances in their tightly fought league runner-up 2011/12 season. He played a key part in Edwin van der Sar's record breaking run of cleanies in 2008-9 showing an early ability to be a top-drawer player. With his form improving regularly each season; his key strengths lies in his ability to make clean, short passes with consistency and his surgically positioned tacking gives solidity to the back four. Such has been his display this season, he has threatened to break up the well-established Vidic/Ferdinand defensive axis; and he's currently the second defensive lead scorer for the League Leaders. Go johnny.
Lucas Leiva (2010/11)
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva has established himself as one of the best combative defensive midfielders in the prem. Since cementing a place in the Anfield squad he has played 183 times in the red shirt. His performance improved so much he was crowned Liverpool 'Player of the Season' for 2010-11 after winning 40% of the votes from the official fan poll. He is a strong, hard-working player with oodles of stamina; he shows intelligence on the ball and is always willing to run for it. He plays as a “midfield enforcer” with a phenomenal engine and terrific work-rate. Technically solid and able to stroke 30 yard passes and quick, incisive distribution. As tackling stats will verify, of the time he was on the field last season, he topped the tackling stats by attempting a challenge every 3.87 minutes and winning a challenge every 5.97 minutes. Combative.
Paulo Ferreira (2004/5)
Long-time servant and faithful club member, Ferreira signed for the blues in 2004/05 season, where they conceded only 15 goals all season when Chelsea won their Premier League title. The much loved and respected Paulo always gets a warm welcome from the Stamford Bridge faithful purely due to his commitment and reliability. Steadfast and very solid; he is always trusted to put in a good performance whether it be passing, holding the ball, making key passes or tackling.... he provides the cover required of him. Chelsea only conceded 15 goals that year, giving them the highest premiership points record. Not more I can say really ... Reliable.
José Enrique (2011/12)
Considered by many to be one of the best left-backs in the top flight, José Enrique is not only admired for his ability to pick out team mates with long and very accurate passes, particularly off his favoured left foot. He's also known as a strong tackler who is adept at keeping possession. 1 on 1, Enrique's very hard to beat, it happened only 9 times last season, compared to A. Cole (38), Clichy (26), Baines (24), Evra (23). His Tackling Stats Comparison is equally impressive: Enrique: 61 (84% won) Evra: 80 (76% won) Baines: 84 (74% won) Cole: 100 (67% won). And finally of note are his foul stats: of Baines, Evra, Cole, Clichy and Enrique, Enrique conceded the least fouls (in fact conceded 50% less than any of his contemporaries). Hard to beat.
Tactics
I figure the key to Garg's team is Makélelé. My tactic would be to bypass him on the wings when we have possession and put midfielders on him when Garg's team were in possession. Effectively, stopping him function.... as Garg has already stated that Makélelé's role is more than a def mf ... he would play him as a deep-lying playmaker and his attacks would be channeled through him. By denying him possession, it would force him to counter this tactic by withdrawing Silva and Scholes further back in midfield to relieve the pressure on Makélelé. Thus Enrique and Ferreira would push forward...
Defensive midfielders are thin on the ground... Scholes can't defend for toffee. In fact, I smile as I imagine his frustration and get all warm and fuzzy when I think of all the free kicks and potential red cards after 30 minutes of Makélelé bashing. In fact, with Makélélé and Scholes in midfield ... you'd think it was someone's birthday with all the cards being dished out!!
The Enrique and Ferrerer pushing forward is a tactic that was used on Makélélé where the mighty tactitian Mourinho was outwitted and consequently lost to a much weaker Fulham side.
Owen, Klinsmann and RVP working as an arrowhead! Woooo! Is this going to be another big match that Ronaldo doesn't turn up for? As he consistently gets a less than average performance score in big matches....
Before I go.... let me just remind you of a few famous underdog battles... The Battle of Stirling Bridge (Braveheart), Battle of Isandlwana (Zulu vs Brits) and of course The Return of the Jedi. ツ
I figure the key to Garg's team is Makélelé. My tactic would be to bypass him on the wings when we have possession and put midfielders on him when Garg's team were in possession. Effectively, stopping him function.... as Garg has already stated that Makélelé's role is more than a def mf ... he would play him as a deep-lying playmaker and his attacks would be channeled through him. By denying him possession, it would force him to counter this tactic by withdrawing Silva and Scholes further back in midfield to relieve the pressure on Makélelé. Thus Enrique and Ferreira would push forward...
Defensive midfielders are thin on the ground... Scholes can't defend for toffee. In fact, I smile as I imagine his frustration and get all warm and fuzzy when I think of all the free kicks and potential red cards after 30 minutes of Makélelé bashing. In fact, with Makélélé and Scholes in midfield ... you'd think it was someone's birthday with all the cards being dished out!!
The Enrique and Ferrerer pushing forward is a tactic that was used on Makélélé where the mighty tactitian Mourinho was outwitted and consequently lost to a much weaker Fulham side.
Owen, Klinsmann and RVP working as an arrowhead! Woooo! Is this going to be another big match that Ronaldo doesn't turn up for? As he consistently gets a less than average performance score in big matches....
Before I go.... let me just remind you of a few famous underdog battles... The Battle of Stirling Bridge (Braveheart), Battle of Isandlwana (Zulu vs Brits) and of course The Return of the Jedi. ツ
