Post by Kieran on Feb 3, 2013 22:55:59 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 AB and LittleWiz!
@apple_bonkers- Formation/bio/tactics:
Lil_Wizard123- 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 AB and LittleWiz!
@apple_bonkers- Formation/bio/tactics:
Jens Lehmann. He was the invincibles keeper in his 1st season. In his 2nd season he won the FA Cup saving a Scholes penalty in the shoot-out after a 0-0. In his 3rd season he won UEFA goalkeeper of the year and set a European record for minutes without conceding. He had 1 more full season but by the end of it mistakes were starting to creep into his game so at 38 he returned to Germany for a well-earned pint of Beck's.
Ashley Cole. Leagues, cups, PFA team of the years, UEFA team of the years, an invincible, Cheryl Cole.
Gary Pallister. In his 6 Premier League seasons with Man Utd he was voted in the PFA Team of the Year 4 times, only Rio Ferdinand has been in more as a CB. An amazing 18 home clean sheets in 94/95. Tall and aerially dominant, but also composed on the ball, Pallister is the zonal defender of this partnership. He chipped in with some important goals too including a brace in what was labelled the title-decider at Anfield in 96/97.
Paul McGrath. In 92/93 he won the big one, PFA Player of the Year, an award voted for by all the players who faced him. Only John Terry has won the award since as a defender. Whilst the Bruce & Pallister partnership flourished domestically their dismantling by genuinely world-class foreign talent in Europe was worrying. McGrath is picked for this reason, for his extra athleticism and man-marking ability. The bigger the game it seemed the bigger the performance. Won the League Cup in 93/94 and 95/96.
Markus Babbel. Defensively he was the same player who won Euro 96 as a first-choice CB. Attacking wise he’s the man who chipped in with 6 goals in Liverpool’s treble winning season and 3rd place league finish. He was able to play right back due to surprising pace for his height & great stamina. A sudden illness cut his PL career short but his performances in 00/01 remain untouched. www.youtube.com/watch?v=g427DLBEJv0
Patrick Vieira (C). I’d argue this captain of the invincibles was the best PL player ever in terms of importance rather than just pure ability. 6 straight PFA Team of the Year appearances, Premier League Player of the Season in 00/01, 3 Leagues, 4 FA Cups & won everything with France while at Arsenal. A superb blend of beastly and elegantly talented. Arsenal haven’t won a thing since he left whilst he went and won 5 Serie A titles in his 5 seasons in Italy…with 2 different teams. Vieira = a winner.
Ruud Gullit. The former world player of the year knew the Chelsea team wasn’t good enough to challenge for the league so with the pressure off he went and had fun for a season, strolling into the PFA Team of the Year and finishing runner up to Cantona in Footballer of the Year, meaning he was regarded as the best midfielder in the league that season, despite A) being 33/34 and B) not even being a midfielder really, just a complete footballer who had everything and could therefore play anywhere.
Yaya Toure. $urpri$ingly left a successful Barcelona to join Man City. A top 4 place & the winning goal in the FA Cup final in his first season, last season it was the league title and an overdue place in the PFA team of the year. Like Vieira a blend of skill/technical ability and athleticism which has rarely been seen in the PL.
Robinho. In his one full season Robinho showed bursts of real talent. He finished 4th top scorer as a winger with 14 goals in 31 games. He’s also picked here due to his ability to pick-out a pass. 5 assists in that season suggests otherwise but the context is the bizarre merry-go-round of forwards he was trying to feed: Caicedo, Ched Evans, Sturridge, Benjani, Jo, Vassel & Bojinov. Here it’s Cantona and Anelka at their best. Please ignore his second ‘season’. He was injured for 3 months, didn’t get on with Mancini (Hughes had bought him) and was gone in January.
Anelka. Extreme pace which only the likes of Henry, Walcott, Martins or a young Owen could rival, for this reason he excelled as an off the shoulder player. Also had the touch & skill to play wide as he did at Chelsea, reaching double figures for assists in 09/10 as they won the league. He’s the only attacking player to win the Premier League with 2 different teams. Also 2 PFA Team of the year appearances, a PFA Young Player of the Year, 3 FA Cups & a golden boot.
Cantona. These were his 5 seasons.
1 – Joins a Utd side in 10th having scored just 14 goals in 15 games. ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hDxoYMqsGI#t=5m47s ). They score 31 goals in Cantona’s first 15 games and win the League. He finishes with 9 goals and 13 assists in his 22 games there. Comes 3rd in the 93 Ballon D’or.
2 – The League title, the winning goal in the FA Cup final and named the PFA Player of the Year. 34 games 18 goals and 15 assists.
3 – The famous kung-fu kick meant he was banned from January onwards, Utd win nothing.
4 – The League title, the winning goal in the FA Cup final and Football Writer’s Footballer of the Year. 30 games 14 goals and 12 assists.
5 – The League title and retires. 36 games 11 goals and 18 assists. Later named in the Premier League Team of the Decade as the Overseas Player of the Decade.
He was a big game player who regularly produced against Newcastle, Arsenal and Blackburn and in cup finals. A prolific assister from his deep striker role behind Hughes, Cole then Solskjaer. A player to lead through sheer aura as well as ability. Safe to say the penalty taker is sorted too.
Ashley Cole. Leagues, cups, PFA team of the years, UEFA team of the years, an invincible, Cheryl Cole.
Gary Pallister. In his 6 Premier League seasons with Man Utd he was voted in the PFA Team of the Year 4 times, only Rio Ferdinand has been in more as a CB. An amazing 18 home clean sheets in 94/95. Tall and aerially dominant, but also composed on the ball, Pallister is the zonal defender of this partnership. He chipped in with some important goals too including a brace in what was labelled the title-decider at Anfield in 96/97.
Paul McGrath. In 92/93 he won the big one, PFA Player of the Year, an award voted for by all the players who faced him. Only John Terry has won the award since as a defender. Whilst the Bruce & Pallister partnership flourished domestically their dismantling by genuinely world-class foreign talent in Europe was worrying. McGrath is picked for this reason, for his extra athleticism and man-marking ability. The bigger the game it seemed the bigger the performance. Won the League Cup in 93/94 and 95/96.
Markus Babbel. Defensively he was the same player who won Euro 96 as a first-choice CB. Attacking wise he’s the man who chipped in with 6 goals in Liverpool’s treble winning season and 3rd place league finish. He was able to play right back due to surprising pace for his height & great stamina. A sudden illness cut his PL career short but his performances in 00/01 remain untouched. www.youtube.com/watch?v=g427DLBEJv0
Patrick Vieira (C). I’d argue this captain of the invincibles was the best PL player ever in terms of importance rather than just pure ability. 6 straight PFA Team of the Year appearances, Premier League Player of the Season in 00/01, 3 Leagues, 4 FA Cups & won everything with France while at Arsenal. A superb blend of beastly and elegantly talented. Arsenal haven’t won a thing since he left whilst he went and won 5 Serie A titles in his 5 seasons in Italy…with 2 different teams. Vieira = a winner.
Ruud Gullit. The former world player of the year knew the Chelsea team wasn’t good enough to challenge for the league so with the pressure off he went and had fun for a season, strolling into the PFA Team of the Year and finishing runner up to Cantona in Footballer of the Year, meaning he was regarded as the best midfielder in the league that season, despite A) being 33/34 and B) not even being a midfielder really, just a complete footballer who had everything and could therefore play anywhere.
Yaya Toure. $urpri$ingly left a successful Barcelona to join Man City. A top 4 place & the winning goal in the FA Cup final in his first season, last season it was the league title and an overdue place in the PFA team of the year. Like Vieira a blend of skill/technical ability and athleticism which has rarely been seen in the PL.
Robinho. In his one full season Robinho showed bursts of real talent. He finished 4th top scorer as a winger with 14 goals in 31 games. He’s also picked here due to his ability to pick-out a pass. 5 assists in that season suggests otherwise but the context is the bizarre merry-go-round of forwards he was trying to feed: Caicedo, Ched Evans, Sturridge, Benjani, Jo, Vassel & Bojinov. Here it’s Cantona and Anelka at their best. Please ignore his second ‘season’. He was injured for 3 months, didn’t get on with Mancini (Hughes had bought him) and was gone in January.
Anelka. Extreme pace which only the likes of Henry, Walcott, Martins or a young Owen could rival, for this reason he excelled as an off the shoulder player. Also had the touch & skill to play wide as he did at Chelsea, reaching double figures for assists in 09/10 as they won the league. He’s the only attacking player to win the Premier League with 2 different teams. Also 2 PFA Team of the year appearances, a PFA Young Player of the Year, 3 FA Cups & a golden boot.
Cantona. These were his 5 seasons.
1 – Joins a Utd side in 10th having scored just 14 goals in 15 games. ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hDxoYMqsGI#t=5m47s ). They score 31 goals in Cantona’s first 15 games and win the League. He finishes with 9 goals and 13 assists in his 22 games there. Comes 3rd in the 93 Ballon D’or.
2 – The League title, the winning goal in the FA Cup final and named the PFA Player of the Year. 34 games 18 goals and 15 assists.
3 – The famous kung-fu kick meant he was banned from January onwards, Utd win nothing.
4 – The League title, the winning goal in the FA Cup final and Football Writer’s Footballer of the Year. 30 games 14 goals and 12 assists.
5 – The League title and retires. 36 games 11 goals and 18 assists. Later named in the Premier League Team of the Decade as the Overseas Player of the Decade.
He was a big game player who regularly produced against Newcastle, Arsenal and Blackburn and in cup finals. A prolific assister from his deep striker role behind Hughes, Cole then Solskjaer. A player to lead through sheer aura as well as ability. Safe to say the penalty taker is sorted too.
Tactics.
PLEASE DON’T LOOK AT MY TEAM DIAGRAM WITHOUT READING THIS, OTHERWISE IT JUST LOOKS LIKE SOME CRAZY WINDMILL
Defensive/off the ball:
First of all Wiz has a very strong team so I need to find anything I can and really pounce on it. Unfortunately he’s got rid of Bent so a very easy task now becomes much harder. The key to my tactics will be Andy Cole up front on his own (touch wood). Cole went from being an incredible goal machine in a front 2 at Newcastle to a striker who was asked to do more on his own at Man Utd and the goals dried up (30 in 71 games in his first 3 seasons there), so much so Solskjaer eventually relegated Cole to the bench in 96/97. Man Utd then signed Yorke and Cole had a strike partner he craved again, his goal tally returned to the far more healthy rate of 51 in 94 in the following 3 seasons. Put short Cole made his name in a front 2. This and how highly I rate Gerrard has shaped my tactics.
I will be putting just Pallister on Cole and will bring McGrath forward a bit to join Vieira (he used to play in midfield for Man Utd and Ireland). The purpose of this is target Gerrard. I want McGrath and Vieira to double-up and squeeze him out the game, leaving Yaya to go toe to toe with Keane, while Butt is presumably busy trying to deal with Cantona (Cantona used to drop far too deep for centre backs). The aim is essentially create an extra man to counter the hugely dangerous Gerrard. I’m willing to gamble leaving Pallister largely alone with Cole as by restricting his supply from central areas and forcing it out wide Cole won’t get to use his pace against Pallister, instead it will be crosses fired in, playing to Pallister’s strengths. For extra security however (especially with his two wingers too) I’ll be playing quite a deep defence to shut down the space in behind. The risk of this is it brings Gerrard and Robben’s long-range shooting into play, the doubling up on Gerrard has been explained already and if Robben cuts inside on his left foot he’s running into a packed area of the pitch. Also if he sticks with inverted wingers both my full backs will tuck in slightly narrower to again try and force his attacks out wide.
Elsewhere I’m not too worried about Keane and Butt from an attacking viewpoint, I’m happy to leave Yaya and Cantona to occupy them (I don’t say this lightly, Keane was a phenomenal player but Yaya is one of very few with the engine and physicality to compete).
So that leaves his wingers, no doubt a big strength in his team with the superb pacey Dutchmen (his Overmars bio is a little cheeky, Pires anyone?). I think it’s clear what he’s going to say about Robinho, that he’s a tracker-backer-slacker. Absolutely, I can’t argue with that. I am however happy to carry that in my team, the reason being it’s exactly the same case for Robben. I’m obviously concerned about Robben but if there’s one left back I want it’s the one I have. There should be a spare man in midfield to shift across and help out too if necessary. Obviously it’s a fine balancing act between the aim of doubling-up on Gerrard and having either Vieira, McGrath or Yaya free to assist putting out fires out wide, but that’s football, this is where I rely on the intelligence/awareness of my players.
On the other side it’s Overmars so Babbel will no doubt be targeted. This is where Gullit comes in. A position he never played in the Premier League here but for the reasons I outline in my bio he’s my joker who I’m happy to play pretty much anywhere. In this case it’s as a deeper and slightly more central winger to help Babbel with Overmars, yet not be completely isolated from the middle of the pitch. I rated Overmars far more than Robben defensively so I’m not even going to bother trying to exploit the right hand side with running. Instead I want Gullit to spring attacks with his infinite passing-range from the right, I don’t care how speedy Overmars was, he’s not as fast as a football. This extra bit of space on the right also provides Anelka the option of drifting into it, like how Henry would sometimes have a wander to the left for Arsenal www.zonalmarking.net/2010/02/12/teams-of-the-decade-9-arsenal-2001-04/.
Offensive/in possession:
- Cantona’s playmaking and Anelka’s pace.
These two go hand in hand. I felt I had to use Anelka in this position up against Hyypia and Carragher. Cantona could pluck any pass out the sky, turn and be facing the opposition defence all in one move. This brings Gullit’s quick and accurate long-passing into play to feed him. I want the French pair to be like Bergkamp and Anelka in 97/98.
- Cantona’s far post heading.
This is where Robinho as a right footer is no issue. Like an Ashley Young he’ll look to cut back on his right and in doing so eat-up an extra second or two to allow Cantona to get to the far post. If there’s one man with the step-overs to create that yard to cross it’s Robinho. Gullit can try more diagonal crosses from deeper positions where Cantona would then try and head across to Anelka or back down to the on-rushing Yaya Toure.
- Anelka attacking the near post.
Hyypia was great in the air, no getting away from that, this is where the low cross fired in early to Anelka would be an option. Robinho can do this with his left foot and as early as he wants with the pace of himself and Anelka.
- Yaya Toure being a pain in the arse
He can feed Cantona, overlap and be fed by Cantona, arrive late in the box or drive into the right wing area vacated by Gullit. He has almost a free-reign; I want to let Keane worry about him, not the other way round.
- Robinho’s trickery
Robinho is the perfect player to get Zabaleta booked who himself is a card-magnet. Robinho buys so many tickets that he'll lose the ball a lot but he’ll always beat his man a few times a game too, on a yellow card there is no margin for error.
PLEASE DON’T LOOK AT MY TEAM DIAGRAM WITHOUT READING THIS, OTHERWISE IT JUST LOOKS LIKE SOME CRAZY WINDMILL
Defensive/off the ball:
First of all Wiz has a very strong team so I need to find anything I can and really pounce on it. Unfortunately he’s got rid of Bent so a very easy task now becomes much harder. The key to my tactics will be Andy Cole up front on his own (touch wood). Cole went from being an incredible goal machine in a front 2 at Newcastle to a striker who was asked to do more on his own at Man Utd and the goals dried up (30 in 71 games in his first 3 seasons there), so much so Solskjaer eventually relegated Cole to the bench in 96/97. Man Utd then signed Yorke and Cole had a strike partner he craved again, his goal tally returned to the far more healthy rate of 51 in 94 in the following 3 seasons. Put short Cole made his name in a front 2. This and how highly I rate Gerrard has shaped my tactics.
I will be putting just Pallister on Cole and will bring McGrath forward a bit to join Vieira (he used to play in midfield for Man Utd and Ireland). The purpose of this is target Gerrard. I want McGrath and Vieira to double-up and squeeze him out the game, leaving Yaya to go toe to toe with Keane, while Butt is presumably busy trying to deal with Cantona (Cantona used to drop far too deep for centre backs). The aim is essentially create an extra man to counter the hugely dangerous Gerrard. I’m willing to gamble leaving Pallister largely alone with Cole as by restricting his supply from central areas and forcing it out wide Cole won’t get to use his pace against Pallister, instead it will be crosses fired in, playing to Pallister’s strengths. For extra security however (especially with his two wingers too) I’ll be playing quite a deep defence to shut down the space in behind. The risk of this is it brings Gerrard and Robben’s long-range shooting into play, the doubling up on Gerrard has been explained already and if Robben cuts inside on his left foot he’s running into a packed area of the pitch. Also if he sticks with inverted wingers both my full backs will tuck in slightly narrower to again try and force his attacks out wide.
Elsewhere I’m not too worried about Keane and Butt from an attacking viewpoint, I’m happy to leave Yaya and Cantona to occupy them (I don’t say this lightly, Keane was a phenomenal player but Yaya is one of very few with the engine and physicality to compete).
So that leaves his wingers, no doubt a big strength in his team with the superb pacey Dutchmen (his Overmars bio is a little cheeky, Pires anyone?). I think it’s clear what he’s going to say about Robinho, that he’s a tracker-backer-slacker. Absolutely, I can’t argue with that. I am however happy to carry that in my team, the reason being it’s exactly the same case for Robben. I’m obviously concerned about Robben but if there’s one left back I want it’s the one I have. There should be a spare man in midfield to shift across and help out too if necessary. Obviously it’s a fine balancing act between the aim of doubling-up on Gerrard and having either Vieira, McGrath or Yaya free to assist putting out fires out wide, but that’s football, this is where I rely on the intelligence/awareness of my players.
On the other side it’s Overmars so Babbel will no doubt be targeted. This is where Gullit comes in. A position he never played in the Premier League here but for the reasons I outline in my bio he’s my joker who I’m happy to play pretty much anywhere. In this case it’s as a deeper and slightly more central winger to help Babbel with Overmars, yet not be completely isolated from the middle of the pitch. I rated Overmars far more than Robben defensively so I’m not even going to bother trying to exploit the right hand side with running. Instead I want Gullit to spring attacks with his infinite passing-range from the right, I don’t care how speedy Overmars was, he’s not as fast as a football. This extra bit of space on the right also provides Anelka the option of drifting into it, like how Henry would sometimes have a wander to the left for Arsenal www.zonalmarking.net/2010/02/12/teams-of-the-decade-9-arsenal-2001-04/.
Offensive/in possession:
- Cantona’s playmaking and Anelka’s pace.
These two go hand in hand. I felt I had to use Anelka in this position up against Hyypia and Carragher. Cantona could pluck any pass out the sky, turn and be facing the opposition defence all in one move. This brings Gullit’s quick and accurate long-passing into play to feed him. I want the French pair to be like Bergkamp and Anelka in 97/98.
- Cantona’s far post heading.
This is where Robinho as a right footer is no issue. Like an Ashley Young he’ll look to cut back on his right and in doing so eat-up an extra second or two to allow Cantona to get to the far post. If there’s one man with the step-overs to create that yard to cross it’s Robinho. Gullit can try more diagonal crosses from deeper positions where Cantona would then try and head across to Anelka or back down to the on-rushing Yaya Toure.
- Anelka attacking the near post.
Hyypia was great in the air, no getting away from that, this is where the low cross fired in early to Anelka would be an option. Robinho can do this with his left foot and as early as he wants with the pace of himself and Anelka.
- Yaya Toure being a pain in the arse
He can feed Cantona, overlap and be fed by Cantona, arrive late in the box or drive into the right wing area vacated by Gullit. He has almost a free-reign; I want to let Keane worry about him, not the other way round.
- Robinho’s trickery
Robinho is the perfect player to get Zabaleta booked who himself is a card-magnet. Robinho buys so many tickets that he'll lose the ball a lot but he’ll always beat his man a few times a game too, on a yellow card there is no margin for error.
Lil_Wizard123- Formation/bio/tactics:
Fabien Barthez
After winning the World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, Barthez signed for Utd and instantly won the PL title along with goalkeeper of the year in his first season, 2000/01. Well known for his acrobatic nature and reaction saves, Barthez is comfortable on the ball and was well known for psyching out opponents. Barthez won the PL for the second time in his final season at Utd in 2002/03.
Graeme Le Saux
Possibly an unknown to the younger crowd, Le Saux played over 300 PL games in total and was an England regular. His club honours include winning Blackburn’s only PL title in 94/95 (and runner up in 93/94) in which he was in the PFA Team of the Year, and in ‘98 won the League Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup and the Super Cup for Chelsea when he was the most expensive defender in English football, again selected at left-back in the PFA Team of the Year. Known for being quick and being a highly intelligent reader of the game, Le Saux played a number of games at left midfield and left wing, showing his adaptability
Pablo Zabaleta
Joined City in 2008 and has since been a fans’ favourite. Won City’s first PL title (which included a goal in the 3-2 won against QPR) last year having replaced Richards as first choice right-back. Zabaleta’s consistency and work-rate are two of his best qualities. He is also versatile having played at left-back, right-wing back, and as a centre-back in both a back four and back five. His work-rate often sees him in very advanced positions with the ability to get back into position quickly.
Sami Hyypia
Was in the PFA Team of the Year in his first season at Liverpool (99/00) and is a Liverpool legend. Captained Liverpool and played a minimum of 32 league games every season from ‘99 to 2006. PFA Team of the Year twice. Rock solid and hugely influential at the back, his strengths include marking, strength, balance and composure.
Jamie Carragher
Arguably an even greater Liverpool legend than Hyypia, Carragher has played over 700 games for Liverpool and has played the most ever European games for a Liverpool player. Starting his career at right-back, he moved to centre-back in 2004 and partnered Hyypia from 2004-2006 during their greatest year in the modern era when they won the Champions League in 2005 together. Both Hyypia’s and Carragher’s careers flourished from this partnership. Known for his bravery and determination, Carragher and Hyypia are one of the best and most solid centre-back pairings ever seen in the PL.
Marc Overmars
Known for his pace and ability to use both feet (right footed left winger), Overmars won the PL title with Arsenal in 1998 and is the best winger Arsenal have had since the PL began by quite some distance, and second only to Giggs as the best left-winger in PL history. Capable of scoring goals as well as crossing, he scored the vital goal at Old Trafford in a 1-0 win and the first goal in the ’98 FA Cup Final that won Arsenal the double that year. Inverted winger.
Arjen Robben
Overmars’ fellow Dutchman is known for his pace, running ability and shots from distance. Again like Overmars, he is hugely talented and is able to play on both wings. Was unplayable at Chelsea, particularly in 2004/05. Currently one of the best and most explosive players in world football. Won the Premier League title twice in his first two seasons. Inverted winger.
Nicky Butt
Played 269 league games for Utd. Breaking into the Utd team in 1994, he replaced Paul Ince alongside Roy Keane in central midfield. He played at least 18 league games every season for 10 years, and is not given enough credit for his part in Utd’s dominance for this period. Honours include 6 PL titles and the Champions League in ’99 where he replaced the suspended Roy Keane in the final against Bayern. Known for his stamina, short passing speed and being solid and reliable in midfield. The opposite of RVP in FPL terms (who should always be captained) but his reliability and consistency is much more effective in the real game.
Roy Keane
With five appearances in PFA Team of the Year, Roy Keane is the best tough-tackling midfielder enforcer along with Vieira in the PL. Won 7 PL titles with Utd and was an ever-present in Utd’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson, captaining Utd from 1997 to 2005. Highly competitive and aggressive with a never-say-die attitude, he controlled the centre of the field and was the epitome of ‘captain’ due to his dominance in such a great Utd side. Scored 33 goals for Utd despite being much stronger defensively.
Steven Gerrard
Holds the record for highest number of appearances in the PFA Team of the Year with 7, and is the greatest attacking midfielder in the PL era. Captained Liverpool from 2003, and guided them to their Champions League win in 2005 including memorable goals against Olympiakos and in the final against Milan. 100 England caps and a rare England performer, and to please Falvey, the greatest PL player never to win the PL.
Andy Cole
Cole was a goalscoring machine, who is second in the all-time list of Premier League goalscorers. Although more known for his time at Utd, it was his 34 goals in 40 games for Newcastle, winning PFA Young Player of the Year where he was arguably at his best. Cole scored 55 in 70 PL games for Newcastle, and 93 in 195 PL games for Man Utd. His natural goalscoring ability stemmed from his ability to work off his team mates and time runs behind the defence. Highly instinctive with excellent movement, who was strong at dropping deep and helping out in defence. Won the PL five times.
After winning the World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, Barthez signed for Utd and instantly won the PL title along with goalkeeper of the year in his first season, 2000/01. Well known for his acrobatic nature and reaction saves, Barthez is comfortable on the ball and was well known for psyching out opponents. Barthez won the PL for the second time in his final season at Utd in 2002/03.
Graeme Le Saux
Possibly an unknown to the younger crowd, Le Saux played over 300 PL games in total and was an England regular. His club honours include winning Blackburn’s only PL title in 94/95 (and runner up in 93/94) in which he was in the PFA Team of the Year, and in ‘98 won the League Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup and the Super Cup for Chelsea when he was the most expensive defender in English football, again selected at left-back in the PFA Team of the Year. Known for being quick and being a highly intelligent reader of the game, Le Saux played a number of games at left midfield and left wing, showing his adaptability
Pablo Zabaleta
Joined City in 2008 and has since been a fans’ favourite. Won City’s first PL title (which included a goal in the 3-2 won against QPR) last year having replaced Richards as first choice right-back. Zabaleta’s consistency and work-rate are two of his best qualities. He is also versatile having played at left-back, right-wing back, and as a centre-back in both a back four and back five. His work-rate often sees him in very advanced positions with the ability to get back into position quickly.
Sami Hyypia
Was in the PFA Team of the Year in his first season at Liverpool (99/00) and is a Liverpool legend. Captained Liverpool and played a minimum of 32 league games every season from ‘99 to 2006. PFA Team of the Year twice. Rock solid and hugely influential at the back, his strengths include marking, strength, balance and composure.
Jamie Carragher
Arguably an even greater Liverpool legend than Hyypia, Carragher has played over 700 games for Liverpool and has played the most ever European games for a Liverpool player. Starting his career at right-back, he moved to centre-back in 2004 and partnered Hyypia from 2004-2006 during their greatest year in the modern era when they won the Champions League in 2005 together. Both Hyypia’s and Carragher’s careers flourished from this partnership. Known for his bravery and determination, Carragher and Hyypia are one of the best and most solid centre-back pairings ever seen in the PL.
Marc Overmars
Known for his pace and ability to use both feet (right footed left winger), Overmars won the PL title with Arsenal in 1998 and is the best winger Arsenal have had since the PL began by quite some distance, and second only to Giggs as the best left-winger in PL history. Capable of scoring goals as well as crossing, he scored the vital goal at Old Trafford in a 1-0 win and the first goal in the ’98 FA Cup Final that won Arsenal the double that year. Inverted winger.
Arjen Robben
Overmars’ fellow Dutchman is known for his pace, running ability and shots from distance. Again like Overmars, he is hugely talented and is able to play on both wings. Was unplayable at Chelsea, particularly in 2004/05. Currently one of the best and most explosive players in world football. Won the Premier League title twice in his first two seasons. Inverted winger.
Nicky Butt
Played 269 league games for Utd. Breaking into the Utd team in 1994, he replaced Paul Ince alongside Roy Keane in central midfield. He played at least 18 league games every season for 10 years, and is not given enough credit for his part in Utd’s dominance for this period. Honours include 6 PL titles and the Champions League in ’99 where he replaced the suspended Roy Keane in the final against Bayern. Known for his stamina, short passing speed and being solid and reliable in midfield. The opposite of RVP in FPL terms (who should always be captained) but his reliability and consistency is much more effective in the real game.
Roy Keane
With five appearances in PFA Team of the Year, Roy Keane is the best tough-tackling midfielder enforcer along with Vieira in the PL. Won 7 PL titles with Utd and was an ever-present in Utd’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson, captaining Utd from 1997 to 2005. Highly competitive and aggressive with a never-say-die attitude, he controlled the centre of the field and was the epitome of ‘captain’ due to his dominance in such a great Utd side. Scored 33 goals for Utd despite being much stronger defensively.
Steven Gerrard
Holds the record for highest number of appearances in the PFA Team of the Year with 7, and is the greatest attacking midfielder in the PL era. Captained Liverpool from 2003, and guided them to their Champions League win in 2005 including memorable goals against Olympiakos and in the final against Milan. 100 England caps and a rare England performer, and to please Falvey, the greatest PL player never to win the PL.
Andy Cole
Cole was a goalscoring machine, who is second in the all-time list of Premier League goalscorers. Although more known for his time at Utd, it was his 34 goals in 40 games for Newcastle, winning PFA Young Player of the Year where he was arguably at his best. Cole scored 55 in 70 PL games for Newcastle, and 93 in 195 PL games for Man Utd. His natural goalscoring ability stemmed from his ability to work off his team mates and time runs behind the defence. Highly instinctive with excellent movement, who was strong at dropping deep and helping out in defence. Won the PL five times.
Tactics
Please read my first post in the thread
The decision was between taking Cole over Bent or Van Der Sar over Barthez. Despite VDS being the third best keeper in PL history in my opinion, Cole offers more to the team than Bent – movement, defensive ability and even more goals. What Bent offers – goals – Cole offers much more of. Despite highly rating Bent as a goalscorer, choosing the second highest PL goalscorer was a no-brainer, considering the role of the lone striker is to score goals.
The formation I am playing is a modern 4-2-3-1 formation with players I feel are suited to their positions. Keane and Butt are solid in a 4-4-2, so are even more solid in a 4-2-3-1. Cole is a goalscorer with excellent movement and would therefore be a perfect focal point of the team.
Pairings
My team is built around two solid partnerships: Hyypia/Carragher and Butt/Keane. Having pairs of players who have played together is extremely important in draft games given that if players have never played together, how do you know they can? Having won many trophies together, each pairing is very strong and is the backbone of my team. Andy Cole spent every season at Utd alongside Butt and Keane.
Defensive play
The basis of the team is the two strong pairings in the centre. Le Saux and Zabaleta are both reliable and hard working full-backs. The line of defence will be quite deep due to both centre-backs not being the quickest (although during their prime they were not the slowest). This should lower the threat of pace in behind (particularly from Robinho and Anelka). A deep line shouldn’t be problematic due to either Butt or Keane sitting in front of them, who both have the energy to cover any space left in front of them. Keane will be the more attacking of the central midfielders due to his better goalscoring record and influence all over the pitch.
Attacking play
Overmars and Robben's pace along with Keane and Gerrard's energy will be the basis of the attacking threat.
Overmars and Robben, two of the most destructive PL wingers, will be given some freedom to roam and run at players, with their Dutch connection helping communication here. The team will operate using an ‘inverted wingers’ approach whereby both wingers are playing on the opposite side to their weaker foot. This allows either winger to cut inside onto their stronger foot more easily. This is particularly advantageous to Robben who is so dangerous when coming onto his left foot. Furthermore, inverted wingers works better against defenders who play on the side of their best foot – Ashley Cole is left footed and Babbel is right-footed. Attacking their weaker feet will see more success.
Andy Cole will be ordered to stay in the centre and offer runs in behind to offer space for Gerrard, Robben and Overmars to play balls into. Colet’s movement forwards will also allow space for these three who are all dangerous from long range and with space. Cole’s strengths around the 6-yard box will see goals created from efforts from the midfielders. Cole’s ability to drop deep will give Robben and Overmars even more space to run into – Andy Cole will not be drifting wide and hence will always offer a threat centrally.
Zabaleta’s forward runs will offer further threat, with Carragher able to cover at right-back in the unlikely event that he leaves any space in behind. Le Saux’s experience as a winger will also create problems for the opposition, because of the lack of wide cover ab’s team has.
AppleBonker’s team
Okay, so I will assume the ab continues his 4-3-3 formation and replaces Berbatov with Cantona.
The central midfield battle between these two sides will be immense. Keane vs. Vieira is the greatest PL battle we’ve seen, with Keane’s Utd coming out on top more often. Butt’s understanding with Keane is further supported by Cole dropping back – something he is used to doing alongside Butt and Keane. Gerrard offers further support in the middle – he is capable of playing slightly deeper when the opposition are in possession.
The major advantage I have in this game are the wingers. Robben and Overmars will stretch ab more than Billy_Mac was able to do with Nani and Young, given that the wingers are of much better quality. Ab’s main weakness is in Anelka and Robinho’s defensive work – Robben and Overmars need to be doubled up on but Anelka and Robinho are hardly going to be helping out here. Zabaleta’s energy and work-rate in supporting Robben on the right will stretch ab’s very narrow formation – the weakness of playing with a 4-3-3 system. If ab again chooses to allow Toure to drift right, Butt and Keane’s partnership in the middle will be even stronger.
Ab’s 4-3-3 formation also relies on the 3 central midfielders being quite tight. As well as Toure roaming off to the right, ab does not have an appropriate defensive midfielder to pick up Gerrard. Any space given to Gerrard gives him the opportunity to drive forward and spray passes to Robben, Overmars and Cole.
Zabaleta played alongside Robinho at City, and therefore knows how to play against Robinho. Zabaleta’s consistency and work-rate will be enough to handle Robinho, particularly with Carragher’s strength at right-back offering cover. Anelka on the right will not be stretching Le Saux as he is stronger in the middle – Hyypia and Carragher’s understanding vital in covering Anelka when he comes inside. Le Saux will be ordered to watch Anelka when ab has the ball, and this will leave a 3 vs 2 with Anelka and Cantona watched by the two CBs and Le Saux.
Later on in the game, there will be an element of counter-attacking to the team. All of my central players are capable of sitting back (Cole, Gerrard, Keane and Butt) and outnumbering ab in midfield. Overmars and Robben will then have freedom in this situation, with their pace and energy deadly from counter-attacks. The aim of this is again to stretch ab's team. Even Ashley Cole (without Robinho’s help) won’t be able to cope with both Zabaleta and Robben.
Please read my first post in the thread
The decision was between taking Cole over Bent or Van Der Sar over Barthez. Despite VDS being the third best keeper in PL history in my opinion, Cole offers more to the team than Bent – movement, defensive ability and even more goals. What Bent offers – goals – Cole offers much more of. Despite highly rating Bent as a goalscorer, choosing the second highest PL goalscorer was a no-brainer, considering the role of the lone striker is to score goals.
The formation I am playing is a modern 4-2-3-1 formation with players I feel are suited to their positions. Keane and Butt are solid in a 4-4-2, so are even more solid in a 4-2-3-1. Cole is a goalscorer with excellent movement and would therefore be a perfect focal point of the team.
Pairings
My team is built around two solid partnerships: Hyypia/Carragher and Butt/Keane. Having pairs of players who have played together is extremely important in draft games given that if players have never played together, how do you know they can? Having won many trophies together, each pairing is very strong and is the backbone of my team. Andy Cole spent every season at Utd alongside Butt and Keane.
Defensive play
The basis of the team is the two strong pairings in the centre. Le Saux and Zabaleta are both reliable and hard working full-backs. The line of defence will be quite deep due to both centre-backs not being the quickest (although during their prime they were not the slowest). This should lower the threat of pace in behind (particularly from Robinho and Anelka). A deep line shouldn’t be problematic due to either Butt or Keane sitting in front of them, who both have the energy to cover any space left in front of them. Keane will be the more attacking of the central midfielders due to his better goalscoring record and influence all over the pitch.
Attacking play
Overmars and Robben's pace along with Keane and Gerrard's energy will be the basis of the attacking threat.
Overmars and Robben, two of the most destructive PL wingers, will be given some freedom to roam and run at players, with their Dutch connection helping communication here. The team will operate using an ‘inverted wingers’ approach whereby both wingers are playing on the opposite side to their weaker foot. This allows either winger to cut inside onto their stronger foot more easily. This is particularly advantageous to Robben who is so dangerous when coming onto his left foot. Furthermore, inverted wingers works better against defenders who play on the side of their best foot – Ashley Cole is left footed and Babbel is right-footed. Attacking their weaker feet will see more success.
Andy Cole will be ordered to stay in the centre and offer runs in behind to offer space for Gerrard, Robben and Overmars to play balls into. Colet’s movement forwards will also allow space for these three who are all dangerous from long range and with space. Cole’s strengths around the 6-yard box will see goals created from efforts from the midfielders. Cole’s ability to drop deep will give Robben and Overmars even more space to run into – Andy Cole will not be drifting wide and hence will always offer a threat centrally.
Zabaleta’s forward runs will offer further threat, with Carragher able to cover at right-back in the unlikely event that he leaves any space in behind. Le Saux’s experience as a winger will also create problems for the opposition, because of the lack of wide cover ab’s team has.
AppleBonker’s team
Okay, so I will assume the ab continues his 4-3-3 formation and replaces Berbatov with Cantona.
The central midfield battle between these two sides will be immense. Keane vs. Vieira is the greatest PL battle we’ve seen, with Keane’s Utd coming out on top more often. Butt’s understanding with Keane is further supported by Cole dropping back – something he is used to doing alongside Butt and Keane. Gerrard offers further support in the middle – he is capable of playing slightly deeper when the opposition are in possession.
The major advantage I have in this game are the wingers. Robben and Overmars will stretch ab more than Billy_Mac was able to do with Nani and Young, given that the wingers are of much better quality. Ab’s main weakness is in Anelka and Robinho’s defensive work – Robben and Overmars need to be doubled up on but Anelka and Robinho are hardly going to be helping out here. Zabaleta’s energy and work-rate in supporting Robben on the right will stretch ab’s very narrow formation – the weakness of playing with a 4-3-3 system. If ab again chooses to allow Toure to drift right, Butt and Keane’s partnership in the middle will be even stronger.
Ab’s 4-3-3 formation also relies on the 3 central midfielders being quite tight. As well as Toure roaming off to the right, ab does not have an appropriate defensive midfielder to pick up Gerrard. Any space given to Gerrard gives him the opportunity to drive forward and spray passes to Robben, Overmars and Cole.
Zabaleta played alongside Robinho at City, and therefore knows how to play against Robinho. Zabaleta’s consistency and work-rate will be enough to handle Robinho, particularly with Carragher’s strength at right-back offering cover. Anelka on the right will not be stretching Le Saux as he is stronger in the middle – Hyypia and Carragher’s understanding vital in covering Anelka when he comes inside. Le Saux will be ordered to watch Anelka when ab has the ball, and this will leave a 3 vs 2 with Anelka and Cantona watched by the two CBs and Le Saux.
Later on in the game, there will be an element of counter-attacking to the team. All of my central players are capable of sitting back (Cole, Gerrard, Keane and Butt) and outnumbering ab in midfield. Overmars and Robben will then have freedom in this situation, with their pace and energy deadly from counter-attacks. The aim of this is again to stretch ab's team. Even Ashley Cole (without Robinho’s help) won’t be able to cope with both Zabaleta and Robben.
