Post by Kieran on Jun 16, 2013 20:10:39 GMT
Hello, welcome to the 00s World Football 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/thread/26/world-football-draft-game-round ) 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 2000s - so what they did pre 2000 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.
Cambo- Formation/bio/tactics
Berbacat- Formation/bio/tactics
*See under tactics for formation diagram(s)
The key rule for this edition of the game is that players are to be judged on the basis of their performances in the 2000s - so what they did pre 2000 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.
Cambo- Formation/bio/tactics
Bio's:
Victor Baia:
A goalkeeper who slipped many draft player's net, this portuguese medal hoarder must have one of the largest trophy cabinets in world football history. Netting an astonishing 30 trophies for Porto alone, including the Champions League in 2003-04, Baia also scooped the uefa best club goalkeeper in the same season. Safe hands.
Michel Salgado:
A right back warrior, his former team mate at Real Madrid Steve McManaman described Salgado as "the hardest person in the world....a genuine psychopath, even in training." He was known for his combative tough tackling style and would give the opposition winger a torrid time from min 1 through to 90. Winner of 2 champions leagues and 4 La Liga titles in the noughties. A Real Madrid hero who was idolised by the Bernabeu fans.
Sol Campbell:
Judas to Spurs supporters, the centre back colossus of 'the invincibles' Arsenal team steamrollered his way through opponent centre forwards in the early 2000s. Winning 3 Fa Cups and 2 premier league titles, Sol also found himself in the Fifa world cup team of the tournament in 2002. A mountain of a man, with ridiculous pace he was one of the greatest centre backs of his, or any other generation.
Ricardo Carvalho:
If Campbell is the power of the centre back pairing, Carvalho would provide the brains and guile. Quick, good in the air and possessing superb technique many compared him to Italian legend Branco Baresi. A player so gifted he made John Terry look world class, he was the real leader of the Chelsea defence which remarkably only conceded 15 goals in 2004-05, an astonishing achievement.
Eric Abidal:
As the left back of Pep Guardiola's first great Barca team Abidal obviously won it all and then some. He described his game as "…to infuriate the opponent, I want him to be so sick of the sight of me that he has to move somewhere else on the pitch to get away." Perhaps Abidal's most accomplished achievement, however, was overcoming a life threatening illness and pulling on the barca jersey again afterwards. An outstanding player and worthy uefa team of the year 2007 member.
Paul Scholes:
The greatest midfielder of his generation bar none. But don't take my word for it:
"My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. Scholes is undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation." - Zidane.
"Paul Scholes is a role model. For me – and I really mean this – he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. I've spoken to Xabi Alonso about him. He's spectacular, he has it all: the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision. If he'd been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him." - Xavi.
Patrick Vieira:
Another warrior and leader of 'the invincibles' Arsenal team. Widely considered one of the best midfielders the premier league has ever seen, Vieira would add endless energy and physicality coupled with Scholes' vision and technique. With Vieira also capable of also scoring important goals this midfield partnership would have absolutely everything.
Fabregas:
The technical excellence and vision and character of Fabregas make him arguably one of the most 'complete' players in the world. Instrumental in leading Arsenal to their 1st CL final, he was considered to be their best player and the youngest ever to play in their 1st team. More potent now in front of goal, Barca's midfielder is capable of scoring 15-20 goals each season. A quite superb passer of the ball he has both excellent vision and the ability to dictate the pace and tempo of any game. Who can forget him setting up the winning goal for Andres Iniesta in the 2010 World Cup final clash against Holland.
Marco Reus:
At just 24, Reus; has been tipped as 'one of the hottest properties in world football' and considered by many in current form to be one of the top 10 players in the world today. Known for his versatility, speed and technique, has already been prolific for the Borussians with an 18 goal/11 assist haul. With crucial goals and assists all throughout the Champions League Reus is a simply sensational winger with a massive future ahead of him.
Eden Hazard:
In 2011, Pacey midfielder Eden Hazard was arguably one of the best players in the world (except for 2 super-humans that compete on their own level) and the best Belgium talent ever. He was the star turn of the 2010 Don Balon list guiding Lille virtually single-handedly to the Ligue 1 championship. However, his biggest asset is his ability to play in any position across the field. He terrorises the most experienced defenders with his tricks, speed, slick passing and accurate shooting ... all told, his rip-roaring pace and attacking flair make him a fearsome sight in full flight.
Cavani
Scoring over 30 goals in his last 3 seasons Edison cavani is a bonafide goal machine. That's not all though, as well as a frightening goal scoring record Cavani puts in a lung busting effort and work rate for his team. Running channels and physically occupying both centre backs 'el matador' creates space for the players behind him. The perfect centre forward, a move to one of Europe's leading teams awaits.
Victor Baia:
A goalkeeper who slipped many draft player's net, this portuguese medal hoarder must have one of the largest trophy cabinets in world football history. Netting an astonishing 30 trophies for Porto alone, including the Champions League in 2003-04, Baia also scooped the uefa best club goalkeeper in the same season. Safe hands.
Michel Salgado:
A right back warrior, his former team mate at Real Madrid Steve McManaman described Salgado as "the hardest person in the world....a genuine psychopath, even in training." He was known for his combative tough tackling style and would give the opposition winger a torrid time from min 1 through to 90. Winner of 2 champions leagues and 4 La Liga titles in the noughties. A Real Madrid hero who was idolised by the Bernabeu fans.
Sol Campbell:
Judas to Spurs supporters, the centre back colossus of 'the invincibles' Arsenal team steamrollered his way through opponent centre forwards in the early 2000s. Winning 3 Fa Cups and 2 premier league titles, Sol also found himself in the Fifa world cup team of the tournament in 2002. A mountain of a man, with ridiculous pace he was one of the greatest centre backs of his, or any other generation.
Ricardo Carvalho:
If Campbell is the power of the centre back pairing, Carvalho would provide the brains and guile. Quick, good in the air and possessing superb technique many compared him to Italian legend Branco Baresi. A player so gifted he made John Terry look world class, he was the real leader of the Chelsea defence which remarkably only conceded 15 goals in 2004-05, an astonishing achievement.
Eric Abidal:
As the left back of Pep Guardiola's first great Barca team Abidal obviously won it all and then some. He described his game as "…to infuriate the opponent, I want him to be so sick of the sight of me that he has to move somewhere else on the pitch to get away." Perhaps Abidal's most accomplished achievement, however, was overcoming a life threatening illness and pulling on the barca jersey again afterwards. An outstanding player and worthy uefa team of the year 2007 member.
Paul Scholes:
The greatest midfielder of his generation bar none. But don't take my word for it:
"My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. Scholes is undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation." - Zidane.
"Paul Scholes is a role model. For me – and I really mean this – he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. I've spoken to Xabi Alonso about him. He's spectacular, he has it all: the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision. If he'd been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him." - Xavi.
Patrick Vieira:
Another warrior and leader of 'the invincibles' Arsenal team. Widely considered one of the best midfielders the premier league has ever seen, Vieira would add endless energy and physicality coupled with Scholes' vision and technique. With Vieira also capable of also scoring important goals this midfield partnership would have absolutely everything.
Fabregas:
The technical excellence and vision and character of Fabregas make him arguably one of the most 'complete' players in the world. Instrumental in leading Arsenal to their 1st CL final, he was considered to be their best player and the youngest ever to play in their 1st team. More potent now in front of goal, Barca's midfielder is capable of scoring 15-20 goals each season. A quite superb passer of the ball he has both excellent vision and the ability to dictate the pace and tempo of any game. Who can forget him setting up the winning goal for Andres Iniesta in the 2010 World Cup final clash against Holland.
Marco Reus:
At just 24, Reus; has been tipped as 'one of the hottest properties in world football' and considered by many in current form to be one of the top 10 players in the world today. Known for his versatility, speed and technique, has already been prolific for the Borussians with an 18 goal/11 assist haul. With crucial goals and assists all throughout the Champions League Reus is a simply sensational winger with a massive future ahead of him.
Eden Hazard:
In 2011, Pacey midfielder Eden Hazard was arguably one of the best players in the world (except for 2 super-humans that compete on their own level) and the best Belgium talent ever. He was the star turn of the 2010 Don Balon list guiding Lille virtually single-handedly to the Ligue 1 championship. However, his biggest asset is his ability to play in any position across the field. He terrorises the most experienced defenders with his tricks, speed, slick passing and accurate shooting ... all told, his rip-roaring pace and attacking flair make him a fearsome sight in full flight.
Cavani
Scoring over 30 goals in his last 3 seasons Edison cavani is a bonafide goal machine. That's not all though, as well as a frightening goal scoring record Cavani puts in a lung busting effort and work rate for his team. Running channels and physically occupying both centre backs 'el matador' creates space for the players behind him. The perfect centre forward, a move to one of Europe's leading teams awaits.
Tactics:
My team will play a 433 formation similar to Jose Mourinho's early dominant Chelsea team. Crucially, this team has a centre forward in Cavani who can occupy both centre backs with his physicality and energy to run the channels. Heirro would certainly struggle against him as he was well past his best even in the early 00's.
Cavani's ability to keep both centre backs busy will give space for Fabregas, Hazard and Reus to exploit the hole between the centre backs and midfield. All four attacking players have excellent goal scoring records, and fed by Scholes in the deep lying playmaker role, chances and goals would flow.
There will be extreme solidity in defence with Patrick Vieira shielding the dominant centre back pairing and the tenacious left and right back. Let's not forget Jose's team only conceded 15 goals in one premier league season, with arguably worse defensive players than this line up (John Terry). Vieira's task without the ball would be to make Zidane's life as miserable as possible. Zidane would be the creative lynch pin to Berbacat's team and with the ageing legs of Batistuta upfront against the pace and power of Carvalho and Sol, i think Berba's team would struggle to open up this defensive wall, even with Zola floating around looking for pockets of space. With Vieira, Scholes and Fabregas in midfield, this team would also dominate possession, Senna would probably run himself into the ground trying to keep up with the trigonometry that these 3 could produce.
My wide forward players, just like Jose's 2004-2006 team would be able to switch wings at will. Although both are young, both also are extremely talented, fast and are brilliant with either foot. This would give them the unpredictability to go inside or beat their man on the outside. I have a feeling Van Bronkhorst especially would struggle against their direct running and trickery.
Berbacat's team is full of flair players, but it seems very attack heavy and unbalanced to me, and a few of his players were well past their best after 2000. I think i'd dominate midfield, with Zidane and Zola struggling to get enough of the ball to influence play. Berba has very capable wingers in Robben, Ljungberg and Ze Roberto but I don't think Salgado or Abidal would give them an inch.
To sum up my team would be extremely flexible. The defensive is rock solid in the air and on the floor, the full backs are both capable of bombing forward and joining attacks if needs be, the midfield can dominate possession or play counter attack with defence splitting passes to the wingers from deep, and most importantly there is goal scoring pedigree and creativity in every single attacking player.
My team will play a 433 formation similar to Jose Mourinho's early dominant Chelsea team. Crucially, this team has a centre forward in Cavani who can occupy both centre backs with his physicality and energy to run the channels. Heirro would certainly struggle against him as he was well past his best even in the early 00's.
Cavani's ability to keep both centre backs busy will give space for Fabregas, Hazard and Reus to exploit the hole between the centre backs and midfield. All four attacking players have excellent goal scoring records, and fed by Scholes in the deep lying playmaker role, chances and goals would flow.
There will be extreme solidity in defence with Patrick Vieira shielding the dominant centre back pairing and the tenacious left and right back. Let's not forget Jose's team only conceded 15 goals in one premier league season, with arguably worse defensive players than this line up (John Terry). Vieira's task without the ball would be to make Zidane's life as miserable as possible. Zidane would be the creative lynch pin to Berbacat's team and with the ageing legs of Batistuta upfront against the pace and power of Carvalho and Sol, i think Berba's team would struggle to open up this defensive wall, even with Zola floating around looking for pockets of space. With Vieira, Scholes and Fabregas in midfield, this team would also dominate possession, Senna would probably run himself into the ground trying to keep up with the trigonometry that these 3 could produce.
My wide forward players, just like Jose's 2004-2006 team would be able to switch wings at will. Although both are young, both also are extremely talented, fast and are brilliant with either foot. This would give them the unpredictability to go inside or beat their man on the outside. I have a feeling Van Bronkhorst especially would struggle against their direct running and trickery.
Berbacat's team is full of flair players, but it seems very attack heavy and unbalanced to me, and a few of his players were well past their best after 2000. I think i'd dominate midfield, with Zidane and Zola struggling to get enough of the ball to influence play. Berba has very capable wingers in Robben, Ljungberg and Ze Roberto but I don't think Salgado or Abidal would give them an inch.
To sum up my team would be extremely flexible. The defensive is rock solid in the air and on the floor, the full backs are both capable of bombing forward and joining attacks if needs be, the midfield can dominate possession or play counter attack with defence splitting passes to the wingers from deep, and most importantly there is goal scoring pedigree and creativity in every single attacking player.
Berbacat- Formation/bio/tactics
*See under tactics for formation diagram(s)
Marcos
• Why you might have heard of him:
He’s the goalkeeper for the 2002 World Cup winning Brazil squad. He also played for Palmeiras from 1992 until his retirement in 2012.
• Why you’ve might not heard of him:
He’s never left Brazil. He was meant to go to Arsenal after the World Cup in 2002, but he eventually turned them down to stay in South America. He retired playing for the same club in 2012.
• Why he’s one of the best:
He relegated Dida to the bench in the 2001 Copa America squad, and then in the 2002 World Cup tournament, he was Brazil’s first choice goalkeeper, registering 4 clean sheets, conceding only 4 goals in 7 matches.
• What makes him the shizzle:
“Sao Marcos” wasn’t just about reflexes; he knew how to deliver when it mattered. In the World Cup 2002 Final, he saved Oliver Neuville’s freekick onto a post, and then saving from Oliver Bierhoff while Brazil were ahead.
Preferred Judging Period: 2002 (Brazil)
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
• Why his name might sound familiar:
“Gio” was Barcelona’s first choice Left-back that won the La Liga in 2005, and the La Liga-Champions League double in 2006. You might have seen him more for Holland though, especially in the last World Cup (2010).
• Besides what we know him for:
He also played defensive midfield, as in his Premier League and FA Cup winning years with Arsenal. He developed his speed and his physical game while plying his trade in Scotland for Rangers, and was only sold by Arsenal due to injury and competition.
• What makes him worthy of being heralded:
Gio wasn’t just apt, he was also CONSISTENT. He had played every part (bar 21minutes) of Barcelona’s 2005-06 Champions League victory, and he could defend (Barcelona conceded 5 goals all competition) while contributing in attack as well (4 goals in Barcelona’s 04-05 winning season, as well as scoring and assisting against Italy in Euro 2008)
• What makes him a cut above the rest:
Anyone that hasn’t seen Holland’s opening goal in the semifinal of 2010 against Uruguay is lying.
Preferred Judging Period: 2005-2007 (Barcelona), 2010 (Holland)
Fernando Hierro
• How his name might ring a bell:
Fernando Ruiz Hierro, while being known in the Premier League as the other star besides Jay-Jay Okocha at Bolton, is actually widely famous for being part of the center-back partnership during the Real Madrid “Galacticos” era.
• Some useful info for those who don’t know him:
For a defender, he could score goals. While consistently scoring during the 90s, he also kept up his scoring record in the 00s with 5 goals in 00/01 and 01/02. He also netted internationally for Spain, scoring twice in the 2002 World Cup and only bowing out on penalties (where he scored too, as well as in the previous shootout against Ireland).
• At his peak (which never diminished in the 2000s):
Besides being an able defensive midfielder, he had the ability, at his peak, to combine solid defensive play with a near-unlimited passing range (courtesy of Real Madrid’s biography). His abilities weren’t unrecognised internationally as well, being the only Spanish player to make the 2002 World Cup’s FIFA All-Star team.
• Why is he up there with the elite:
As a ball-playing and goal scoring center-back, Fernando Hierro can be said as almost unrivalled in the early noughties. His hat-trick against Real Zaragoza in 2002 summed up his ability: The first a header, the second a penalty, and the third a left foot shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000-2002 (Real Madrid)
Lilian Thuram
• The man:
Lilian Thuram, the most capped player in the history of the France national team, is a defender who is most known for playing as a center-back for Parma (00-01) and Juventus (until 06).
• The legend:
Thuram was part of the Juventus backline that was considered one of the best defences in the world by many during the early noughties. While his defensive partners came and went, Lilian Thuram’s 5 year tenure at Juventus won him 4 Scudettos (2 Scudettos officially to be fair AND HONEST, but I’d like to highlight that it’s what happened on the pitch that counts).
• Some say:
Some say that his achievements were largely augmented by his 1998 World Cup triumph with the national team. Let’s discount that tournament and consider his participation in the other editions of the world’s biggest stage: His defensive partnership with William Gallas also was the foundation of France’s run to the 2006 World cup Final, while his Euro 2000 triumph also had him named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament.
• What sets him apart from the rest:
“Tutu” was largely rated for his “longevity”, but his real strength lies within his all-rounded ability to display athleticism, intelligence and technique when needed. His physical and technical strengths ensured that he was rarely beaten on speed or tackling, while his tactical nous made him equally able at right-back or center-back.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000-01 (Parma), 2001-2006 (Juventus)
Javier Zanetti
• The Player:
Having played for Inter Milan since 1995, Javier Zanetti has been widely recognised for staying true to his club through thick and thin, and has been rewarded with the massive trophy haul of Inter’s from 2005 to 2010. Now that times are tough for Inter, Zanetti still remains, but we will look at “Pupi”s performances during Inter’s triumphs from 2005 to 2010.
• The versatility and key role for his squad:
Zanetti picked up the nickname “El Tractor” (The Tractor) soon after his move to Italy where his strength, resilience, stamina, and his ability to run past opposing defenders when joining the attack from his right back position earned him reverence. During the period of judgement, Zanetti started as a fullback, and moved into midfield when Maicon was brought into the Inter side. During 2008 he was the moved over to right of midfield and made it his own, occasionally moving to the center of midfield if needed.
• The Highlights:
At his prime, Zanetti was able to blend his defensive abilities with his attacking prowess; Zanetti was instrumental in Inter’s Champions League winning campaign, beating Barcelona and shutting out Bayern Munich in the final through intelligent defending. At right back, Zanetti was unquestionably solid; In the center of midfield, he was able to cover any offensive runs his fullbacks made, displaying defensive discipline as well as tactical intelligence.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
In drafting games like these, appearances usually don’t matter much. Javier Zanetti’s 700th appearance for Inter Milan was their 2010 Champions League Final against Bayern Munich, which they won 2-0. Having played 15 years, while being asked a million things of him, I expect voters to at least give the world’s best attackers a run for their money, while not underestimating his ability to bomb forward when necessary.
Preferred Judging Period: 2005-2010 (Inter Milan)
Jose da Silva Junior Ze Roberto
• Who he is known as:
Ze Roberto is an all-rounded, all-action midfielder that has played the best part of Bayern Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and the Brazil national squad. He was instrumental alongside Michael Ballack in the early 2000s at Leverkusen en route to the Champions League final in 2002; they both went to Bayern Munich and won more silverware there, got sent away by Felix Magath in 2006 to Brazil and made him regret it, helped Santos win the Brazilian League, THEN returned to Bayern after Magath was sacked to help Bayern win the 08 and 09 titles.
• How he rolls:
Ze Roberto started as a fullback in his youth, but moved into central midfield at the turn of the century, and played as the typical central midfielder throughout his Leverkusen days. At Bayern Munchen he played on both wings during Felix Magath’s tenure, but after developing his playmaking skills in Brazil, he returned to Germany as a deep-lying playmaker.
• Why he’s world class:
FIFA did an interview with Ze Roberto in 2012. His most impactful quote was “Skilful players can play anywhere”, which summed up his career perfectly. Playing on the wings, he got assists regularly; in the center of midfield he demonstrated guile, as well as goalscoring ability. His awareness of his physical condition, as well as his discipline over his lifestyle enabled him to play at the top level of football for nearly a decade. Ironically, in a career plagued by “nearly there” achievements, his absences for his key clubs were the most appreciated: He didn’t make the Champions League Final loss in 2002, nor did he play in Brazil’s 2006 defeat to France, but starred in every match before that.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
Courtesy of Transfermarkt:
4 goals and 7 assists as a CM/LM at Leverkusen, 2 goals and 11 assists playing LW/LM at Bayern Munich during the mid 2000s; 5 goals and 4 assists as a CM/DM at Bayern Munich in the late 2000s.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000-2002(Bayer Leverkusen), 2005-2009(Bayern Munich), 2006 (Brazil)
Marcos Senna
• Who he is known as:
Marcos Antonio Senna da Silva is a central midfielder who plied his trade at Villareal, making his name there and making the national squad that participated in WC2006 and Euro 2008 as a starter, winning the latter.
• How he rolls:
A central midfielder that is able to shoot from really, great, distances. His passing range is also very underrated, and his free kicks and penalties are also a very dangerous weapon. I’ll let the video do the talking for this case: www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9qtDJDyh4Q
• Why he’s world class:
The man wasn’t just a one-off. He starred in Villareal’s epic run in the Champions League, scoring a cracker against Arsenal; his highlights include a goal from the center circle in 2008, and he even scored an equalising free kick against Real Madrid recently in 2012. He was also recognised when his side won silverware: Senna’s composure and consistency in the Euro 08 winning side had him included in UEFA’s squad for the competition, and even voted by some as the player of the tournament.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
Courtesy of Transfermarkt:
To reinforce Senna’s ability to score and create goals, He has scored every season in the preferred judging period and averaged 3 assists a season from a DM role.
Preferred Judging Period: 2005, 2008, 2012 (Villareal)
Arjen Robben
• Who he is known as:
As much as Arjen Robben has been vilified, whether for his tendency to go down easily to challenges or his selfish tendencies, Arjen Robben is a household name for the Dutch, especially among his peers in the last decade. He’s won the Premier League with Chelsea, the La Liga with Real Madrid, and most recently, the historic treble with Bayern Munich. His performances for Holland in the last few international tournaments have also seen him deliver for le Oranje for their best performances in the last decade, which included a World Cup Final appearance.
• How he rolls:
At his peak, Robben’s about speed, trickery and finishing technique. While Robben’s fastest was arguably during the mid 2000s where he contributed most for Chelsea and Real Madrid with his pacy runs down the left, the late 2000s have seen him add a dimension to his game by improving his shooting. Robben could do two things best: He could beat a defender on the left wing with pace, beat them on the byline with his trickery and then find the bottom corner of the net, or he could operate as a right winger, cut in from wide and shoot. There has been evidence that suggests that Robben is playing
• Why he’s world class:
As mentioned earlier, Robben’s achievements will never be taken away from him; perhaps the most impressive thing about Robben is the fact that he reinvented himself after each hurdle that came his way throughout his career, improving himself as a footballer at each stage of his career. He gained fame at Chelsea as a wide forward in a 4-3-3; He earned plaudits at Real Madrid as an orthodox left winger, and for Holland as well as Bayern, Robben’s mastered the role of the inverted winger, in addition to being converted into a second forward behind the striker in the late 2000s. He’s missed his first opportunity in that role for Holland in 2010, but he’s finally delivered for Bayern, scoring the winner against Borussia Dortmund in the final.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
For all the years that Robben has played in the preferred judging period, he has scored and assisted in each of those campaigns.
Preferred Judging Period: 2005-2006 (Chelsea), 2007-2009 (Real Madrid), 2009-2013 (Bayern Munich)
Freddie Ljungberg
• Who he is known as:
Karl Fredrik “Freddie” Ljungberg was best known as the right winger in Arsenal’s “Invincibles”, with sexy runs from the flanks resulting in sexy goals scored for Arsenal as part of their beautiful football philosophy, and later culminated his sexiness by posing for Calvin Klein as an underwear model. Ljungberg’s best form, was arguably in Arsenal’s double in 2002.
• How he rolls:
Ljungberg’s mainly a winger for Arsenal that could play on either flank. While he developed a telepathic understanding with Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp up front, he played the role of the poacher out of the 2 wingers. His far post runs, as well as his late central runs into the box got him goals while he was also an able player beater and crosser from the flanks. He also possessed tremendous speed, and had the intelligence to use it to beat his marker.
• Why he’s world class:
Freddie Ljungberg had been acknowledged as an elite player already among the Arsenal fans and those that have played against Freddie, but what cemented that status was his contribution during Pires’ injury during the climax of the 2001/02 campaign, including a run of 6 goals in 5 games, earning him the Player of the Season award. This goal really summed up everything great about Ljungberg: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsCF_F1twJ8
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
Freddie racked up 15 goals and 3 assists from that epic 01/02 season.
Preferred Judging Period: 2001-02 (Arsenal)
Zinedine Zidane
• Who he is known as:
I’ll make this part really simple. One of the Principle Galacticos. 3 times FIFA World Player of the Year. One of the best and most important attacking players for France and Real Madrid to have ever lived. And most importantly, he loves his sister (and immediate family) very, very much.
• How he rolls:
Zizou’s all about his all round ability to dribble, pass and shoot from distance as an attacking midfielder. His role in a squad is obvious: as a no 10, Zidane is a world-class instigator of attacking plays, whether through his long passing from deep, his runs that (usually) involve beating a player or just playing 1-2s off his teammates.
• Why he’s world class:
There are certain players that you know will become iconic due to certain traits of theirs. Messi’s agility, Luiz Ronaldo’s finishing, Ronaldinho’s trickery are all household names, but Zinedine Zidane had something completely unparalleled at the peak of his powers, demonstrated in full flight during Euro 2000: His speed of thought, combined with his superior technique on his first touch ensured that he ALWAYS kept the ball when he received it from his teammates. The fact that he was always two steps ahead of his immediate opponents also enabled Zidane to make the right decisions when he had the ball, which was even more amazing given that he usually had a plethora of offensive options whether he played for the Galacticos or Le Bleus.
There was also his tendency to go for the jugular when it required him to. His iconic goal, the volley against Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League Final, was the epitome of what Zidane was all about: Correct decision making, shooting technique at the highest level and the composure and focus to execute it at the highest of stages.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
Zidane’s sole absence for a top side was when he was injured for France during their 2002 WC Finals group games in Korea/Japan. The national side crashed out without scoring a goal.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000 (France), 2001-2006 (Real Madrid)
Gianfranco Zola
• Who he is known as:
“The Little Wizard” is a second striker for Chelsea, playing just off Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at the turn of the century, voted as Chelsea’s greatest player ever in 2003.
• How he rolls:
Gianfranco Zola was known at Chelsea for his dribbling ability. Another player hailed for his all-rounded ability to shoot, pass and dribble, Zola operated slightly more advanced compared to the aforementioned Zidane. While Zidane started moves from central midfield and moved forward when necessary, Zola (in 2003) operated as a second striker off Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink or Gudjohnsen.
• Why he’s world class:
Instead of spending 10 minutes getting you to read how his abilities never diminished despite being relatively old, here’s a 10 minute video of his goals AND assists in the 2002-2003 season. Note that the goals Zola scored were a mix of free kicks, fox-in-the-box and shots from the edge of the pen. Goals start at 3:15 mark.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HreR9_usDtk
There’s also the mid-air backheel flick in the 2002 FA Cup against Norwich, but I’ll leave that to your imagination as to how that happened.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
For his last game against Liverpool in 2003, Zola ran the ball to the corner flag, beat Jamie Carragher, turned back, beat him again, and skipped past Igor Biscan and then Danny Murphy to put in a cross. He received applause for that moment of magic from both sets of supporters.
Preferred Judging Period: 2001-2003 (Chelsea)
Gabriel Batistuta
• Who he is known as:
“Batigol” is a prolific Argentine striker that played for Roma during their title winning 2000-01 season.
• How he rolls:
While enhanced his reputation at Fiorentina, Batigol was bought by Roma to challenge for the title. Batigol displayed the traits of an all-rounded striker – Technique and intelligence in the air, a supreme eye for goal as well as sufficient ability to put the ball into the net when needed.
• Why he’s world class:
Most would find it hard to refute the fact that Batigol wasn’t integral during Roma’s title winning season. He still calmly put away penalties, and some would fondly remember his first-time, mid-air volley against a young Gigi Buffon from a long ball by Walter Samuel from the back.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
While the aforementioned Zola was the perfectly selfless striker, Batigol was the complete opposite. 20 goals and 0 assists clearly defines his role in the side, and this partnership will surely flourish with both strikers already knowing that they only need to operate within their element.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000-01 (Roma)
• Why you might have heard of him:
He’s the goalkeeper for the 2002 World Cup winning Brazil squad. He also played for Palmeiras from 1992 until his retirement in 2012.
• Why you’ve might not heard of him:
He’s never left Brazil. He was meant to go to Arsenal after the World Cup in 2002, but he eventually turned them down to stay in South America. He retired playing for the same club in 2012.
• Why he’s one of the best:
He relegated Dida to the bench in the 2001 Copa America squad, and then in the 2002 World Cup tournament, he was Brazil’s first choice goalkeeper, registering 4 clean sheets, conceding only 4 goals in 7 matches.
• What makes him the shizzle:
“Sao Marcos” wasn’t just about reflexes; he knew how to deliver when it mattered. In the World Cup 2002 Final, he saved Oliver Neuville’s freekick onto a post, and then saving from Oliver Bierhoff while Brazil were ahead.
Preferred Judging Period: 2002 (Brazil)
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
• Why his name might sound familiar:
“Gio” was Barcelona’s first choice Left-back that won the La Liga in 2005, and the La Liga-Champions League double in 2006. You might have seen him more for Holland though, especially in the last World Cup (2010).
• Besides what we know him for:
He also played defensive midfield, as in his Premier League and FA Cup winning years with Arsenal. He developed his speed and his physical game while plying his trade in Scotland for Rangers, and was only sold by Arsenal due to injury and competition.
• What makes him worthy of being heralded:
Gio wasn’t just apt, he was also CONSISTENT. He had played every part (bar 21minutes) of Barcelona’s 2005-06 Champions League victory, and he could defend (Barcelona conceded 5 goals all competition) while contributing in attack as well (4 goals in Barcelona’s 04-05 winning season, as well as scoring and assisting against Italy in Euro 2008)
• What makes him a cut above the rest:
Anyone that hasn’t seen Holland’s opening goal in the semifinal of 2010 against Uruguay is lying.
Preferred Judging Period: 2005-2007 (Barcelona), 2010 (Holland)
Fernando Hierro
• How his name might ring a bell:
Fernando Ruiz Hierro, while being known in the Premier League as the other star besides Jay-Jay Okocha at Bolton, is actually widely famous for being part of the center-back partnership during the Real Madrid “Galacticos” era.
• Some useful info for those who don’t know him:
For a defender, he could score goals. While consistently scoring during the 90s, he also kept up his scoring record in the 00s with 5 goals in 00/01 and 01/02. He also netted internationally for Spain, scoring twice in the 2002 World Cup and only bowing out on penalties (where he scored too, as well as in the previous shootout against Ireland).
• At his peak (which never diminished in the 2000s):
Besides being an able defensive midfielder, he had the ability, at his peak, to combine solid defensive play with a near-unlimited passing range (courtesy of Real Madrid’s biography). His abilities weren’t unrecognised internationally as well, being the only Spanish player to make the 2002 World Cup’s FIFA All-Star team.
• Why is he up there with the elite:
As a ball-playing and goal scoring center-back, Fernando Hierro can be said as almost unrivalled in the early noughties. His hat-trick against Real Zaragoza in 2002 summed up his ability: The first a header, the second a penalty, and the third a left foot shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000-2002 (Real Madrid)
Lilian Thuram
• The man:
Lilian Thuram, the most capped player in the history of the France national team, is a defender who is most known for playing as a center-back for Parma (00-01) and Juventus (until 06).
• The legend:
Thuram was part of the Juventus backline that was considered one of the best defences in the world by many during the early noughties. While his defensive partners came and went, Lilian Thuram’s 5 year tenure at Juventus won him 4 Scudettos (2 Scudettos officially to be fair AND HONEST, but I’d like to highlight that it’s what happened on the pitch that counts).
• Some say:
Some say that his achievements were largely augmented by his 1998 World Cup triumph with the national team. Let’s discount that tournament and consider his participation in the other editions of the world’s biggest stage: His defensive partnership with William Gallas also was the foundation of France’s run to the 2006 World cup Final, while his Euro 2000 triumph also had him named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament.
• What sets him apart from the rest:
“Tutu” was largely rated for his “longevity”, but his real strength lies within his all-rounded ability to display athleticism, intelligence and technique when needed. His physical and technical strengths ensured that he was rarely beaten on speed or tackling, while his tactical nous made him equally able at right-back or center-back.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000-01 (Parma), 2001-2006 (Juventus)
Javier Zanetti
• The Player:
Having played for Inter Milan since 1995, Javier Zanetti has been widely recognised for staying true to his club through thick and thin, and has been rewarded with the massive trophy haul of Inter’s from 2005 to 2010. Now that times are tough for Inter, Zanetti still remains, but we will look at “Pupi”s performances during Inter’s triumphs from 2005 to 2010.
• The versatility and key role for his squad:
Zanetti picked up the nickname “El Tractor” (The Tractor) soon after his move to Italy where his strength, resilience, stamina, and his ability to run past opposing defenders when joining the attack from his right back position earned him reverence. During the period of judgement, Zanetti started as a fullback, and moved into midfield when Maicon was brought into the Inter side. During 2008 he was the moved over to right of midfield and made it his own, occasionally moving to the center of midfield if needed.
• The Highlights:
At his prime, Zanetti was able to blend his defensive abilities with his attacking prowess; Zanetti was instrumental in Inter’s Champions League winning campaign, beating Barcelona and shutting out Bayern Munich in the final through intelligent defending. At right back, Zanetti was unquestionably solid; In the center of midfield, he was able to cover any offensive runs his fullbacks made, displaying defensive discipline as well as tactical intelligence.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
In drafting games like these, appearances usually don’t matter much. Javier Zanetti’s 700th appearance for Inter Milan was their 2010 Champions League Final against Bayern Munich, which they won 2-0. Having played 15 years, while being asked a million things of him, I expect voters to at least give the world’s best attackers a run for their money, while not underestimating his ability to bomb forward when necessary.
Preferred Judging Period: 2005-2010 (Inter Milan)
Jose da Silva Junior Ze Roberto
• Who he is known as:
Ze Roberto is an all-rounded, all-action midfielder that has played the best part of Bayern Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and the Brazil national squad. He was instrumental alongside Michael Ballack in the early 2000s at Leverkusen en route to the Champions League final in 2002; they both went to Bayern Munich and won more silverware there, got sent away by Felix Magath in 2006 to Brazil and made him regret it, helped Santos win the Brazilian League, THEN returned to Bayern after Magath was sacked to help Bayern win the 08 and 09 titles.
• How he rolls:
Ze Roberto started as a fullback in his youth, but moved into central midfield at the turn of the century, and played as the typical central midfielder throughout his Leverkusen days. At Bayern Munchen he played on both wings during Felix Magath’s tenure, but after developing his playmaking skills in Brazil, he returned to Germany as a deep-lying playmaker.
• Why he’s world class:
FIFA did an interview with Ze Roberto in 2012. His most impactful quote was “Skilful players can play anywhere”, which summed up his career perfectly. Playing on the wings, he got assists regularly; in the center of midfield he demonstrated guile, as well as goalscoring ability. His awareness of his physical condition, as well as his discipline over his lifestyle enabled him to play at the top level of football for nearly a decade. Ironically, in a career plagued by “nearly there” achievements, his absences for his key clubs were the most appreciated: He didn’t make the Champions League Final loss in 2002, nor did he play in Brazil’s 2006 defeat to France, but starred in every match before that.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
Courtesy of Transfermarkt:
4 goals and 7 assists as a CM/LM at Leverkusen, 2 goals and 11 assists playing LW/LM at Bayern Munich during the mid 2000s; 5 goals and 4 assists as a CM/DM at Bayern Munich in the late 2000s.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000-2002(Bayer Leverkusen), 2005-2009(Bayern Munich), 2006 (Brazil)
Marcos Senna
• Who he is known as:
Marcos Antonio Senna da Silva is a central midfielder who plied his trade at Villareal, making his name there and making the national squad that participated in WC2006 and Euro 2008 as a starter, winning the latter.
• How he rolls:
A central midfielder that is able to shoot from really, great, distances. His passing range is also very underrated, and his free kicks and penalties are also a very dangerous weapon. I’ll let the video do the talking for this case: www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9qtDJDyh4Q
• Why he’s world class:
The man wasn’t just a one-off. He starred in Villareal’s epic run in the Champions League, scoring a cracker against Arsenal; his highlights include a goal from the center circle in 2008, and he even scored an equalising free kick against Real Madrid recently in 2012. He was also recognised when his side won silverware: Senna’s composure and consistency in the Euro 08 winning side had him included in UEFA’s squad for the competition, and even voted by some as the player of the tournament.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
Courtesy of Transfermarkt:
To reinforce Senna’s ability to score and create goals, He has scored every season in the preferred judging period and averaged 3 assists a season from a DM role.
Preferred Judging Period: 2005, 2008, 2012 (Villareal)
Arjen Robben
• Who he is known as:
As much as Arjen Robben has been vilified, whether for his tendency to go down easily to challenges or his selfish tendencies, Arjen Robben is a household name for the Dutch, especially among his peers in the last decade. He’s won the Premier League with Chelsea, the La Liga with Real Madrid, and most recently, the historic treble with Bayern Munich. His performances for Holland in the last few international tournaments have also seen him deliver for le Oranje for their best performances in the last decade, which included a World Cup Final appearance.
• How he rolls:
At his peak, Robben’s about speed, trickery and finishing technique. While Robben’s fastest was arguably during the mid 2000s where he contributed most for Chelsea and Real Madrid with his pacy runs down the left, the late 2000s have seen him add a dimension to his game by improving his shooting. Robben could do two things best: He could beat a defender on the left wing with pace, beat them on the byline with his trickery and then find the bottom corner of the net, or he could operate as a right winger, cut in from wide and shoot. There has been evidence that suggests that Robben is playing
• Why he’s world class:
As mentioned earlier, Robben’s achievements will never be taken away from him; perhaps the most impressive thing about Robben is the fact that he reinvented himself after each hurdle that came his way throughout his career, improving himself as a footballer at each stage of his career. He gained fame at Chelsea as a wide forward in a 4-3-3; He earned plaudits at Real Madrid as an orthodox left winger, and for Holland as well as Bayern, Robben’s mastered the role of the inverted winger, in addition to being converted into a second forward behind the striker in the late 2000s. He’s missed his first opportunity in that role for Holland in 2010, but he’s finally delivered for Bayern, scoring the winner against Borussia Dortmund in the final.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
For all the years that Robben has played in the preferred judging period, he has scored and assisted in each of those campaigns.
Preferred Judging Period: 2005-2006 (Chelsea), 2007-2009 (Real Madrid), 2009-2013 (Bayern Munich)
Freddie Ljungberg
• Who he is known as:
Karl Fredrik “Freddie” Ljungberg was best known as the right winger in Arsenal’s “Invincibles”, with sexy runs from the flanks resulting in sexy goals scored for Arsenal as part of their beautiful football philosophy, and later culminated his sexiness by posing for Calvin Klein as an underwear model. Ljungberg’s best form, was arguably in Arsenal’s double in 2002.
• How he rolls:
Ljungberg’s mainly a winger for Arsenal that could play on either flank. While he developed a telepathic understanding with Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp up front, he played the role of the poacher out of the 2 wingers. His far post runs, as well as his late central runs into the box got him goals while he was also an able player beater and crosser from the flanks. He also possessed tremendous speed, and had the intelligence to use it to beat his marker.
• Why he’s world class:
Freddie Ljungberg had been acknowledged as an elite player already among the Arsenal fans and those that have played against Freddie, but what cemented that status was his contribution during Pires’ injury during the climax of the 2001/02 campaign, including a run of 6 goals in 5 games, earning him the Player of the Season award. This goal really summed up everything great about Ljungberg: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsCF_F1twJ8
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
Freddie racked up 15 goals and 3 assists from that epic 01/02 season.
Preferred Judging Period: 2001-02 (Arsenal)
Zinedine Zidane
• Who he is known as:
I’ll make this part really simple. One of the Principle Galacticos. 3 times FIFA World Player of the Year. One of the best and most important attacking players for France and Real Madrid to have ever lived. And most importantly, he loves his sister (and immediate family) very, very much.
• How he rolls:
Zizou’s all about his all round ability to dribble, pass and shoot from distance as an attacking midfielder. His role in a squad is obvious: as a no 10, Zidane is a world-class instigator of attacking plays, whether through his long passing from deep, his runs that (usually) involve beating a player or just playing 1-2s off his teammates.
• Why he’s world class:
There are certain players that you know will become iconic due to certain traits of theirs. Messi’s agility, Luiz Ronaldo’s finishing, Ronaldinho’s trickery are all household names, but Zinedine Zidane had something completely unparalleled at the peak of his powers, demonstrated in full flight during Euro 2000: His speed of thought, combined with his superior technique on his first touch ensured that he ALWAYS kept the ball when he received it from his teammates. The fact that he was always two steps ahead of his immediate opponents also enabled Zidane to make the right decisions when he had the ball, which was even more amazing given that he usually had a plethora of offensive options whether he played for the Galacticos or Le Bleus.
There was also his tendency to go for the jugular when it required him to. His iconic goal, the volley against Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League Final, was the epitome of what Zidane was all about: Correct decision making, shooting technique at the highest level and the composure and focus to execute it at the highest of stages.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
Zidane’s sole absence for a top side was when he was injured for France during their 2002 WC Finals group games in Korea/Japan. The national side crashed out without scoring a goal.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000 (France), 2001-2006 (Real Madrid)
Gianfranco Zola
• Who he is known as:
“The Little Wizard” is a second striker for Chelsea, playing just off Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at the turn of the century, voted as Chelsea’s greatest player ever in 2003.
• How he rolls:
Gianfranco Zola was known at Chelsea for his dribbling ability. Another player hailed for his all-rounded ability to shoot, pass and dribble, Zola operated slightly more advanced compared to the aforementioned Zidane. While Zidane started moves from central midfield and moved forward when necessary, Zola (in 2003) operated as a second striker off Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink or Gudjohnsen.
• Why he’s world class:
Instead of spending 10 minutes getting you to read how his abilities never diminished despite being relatively old, here’s a 10 minute video of his goals AND assists in the 2002-2003 season. Note that the goals Zola scored were a mix of free kicks, fox-in-the-box and shots from the edge of the pen. Goals start at 3:15 mark.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HreR9_usDtk
There’s also the mid-air backheel flick in the 2002 FA Cup against Norwich, but I’ll leave that to your imagination as to how that happened.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
For his last game against Liverpool in 2003, Zola ran the ball to the corner flag, beat Jamie Carragher, turned back, beat him again, and skipped past Igor Biscan and then Danny Murphy to put in a cross. He received applause for that moment of magic from both sets of supporters.
Preferred Judging Period: 2001-2003 (Chelsea)
Gabriel Batistuta
• Who he is known as:
“Batigol” is a prolific Argentine striker that played for Roma during their title winning 2000-01 season.
• How he rolls:
While enhanced his reputation at Fiorentina, Batigol was bought by Roma to challenge for the title. Batigol displayed the traits of an all-rounded striker – Technique and intelligence in the air, a supreme eye for goal as well as sufficient ability to put the ball into the net when needed.
• Why he’s world class:
Most would find it hard to refute the fact that Batigol wasn’t integral during Roma’s title winning season. He still calmly put away penalties, and some would fondly remember his first-time, mid-air volley against a young Gigi Buffon from a long ball by Walter Samuel from the back.
• Stat and Preferred Judging Period:
While the aforementioned Zola was the perfectly selfless striker, Batigol was the complete opposite. 20 goals and 0 assists clearly defines his role in the side, and this partnership will surely flourish with both strikers already knowing that they only need to operate within their element.
Preferred Judging Period: 2000-01 (Roma)
Tactics
Considering the amount of time I have spent on my team, I’m quite envious of how Cambo’s team is set up. A back 4 that virtually picks itself, Vieira the only DM in the side and a plethora of attacking options up front really saves him time for writing bios. The only guessing game I’ll have to play is how many wide players he’ll play; Valencia, Hazard and Reus are very able wide players, while Cavani is a good combination of pace and intelligence.
Areas of Strength – The Flanks
The key to me outscoring my opponents this game is to utilise the strengths I have over my opponent. My strengths over his are quite straight forward; Cambo’s fullbacks are able, but beatable, especially Michel Salgado. While Salgado is known to be tough tackling while possessing a good cross, his weakness against pace, such as being outrun by Bayern’s Lizarizu in their 01-02 Champions League QFs (his peak years arguably) were exposed. Eric Abidal’s equally as impressive going forward, possesses great stamina and is tactically aware, but when put in a 1v1 situation he will more often than not be beaten by world class dribbers or pace players.
This will be my primary strategy to beating Cambo, as I will focus on isolating my winger against his fullbacks as often as possible. There are 2 key parts to this strategy: The first part of the strategy entails positioning Zidane as deep as possible off the ball, so that when my team receives possession, their first priority is to find Zidane. Zidane’s instructions are simple: Find the fullback that is out of position and pass to the winger that will take him on. Then, Zidane will assess Vieira’s position and advance accordingly, which will be explained in the later section.
The second part of the strategy is Arjen Robben’s positioning. Arjen Robben’s positioning off the ball will be an interesting one: His job is to watch for the advanced runs of Eric Abidal. As for defensive duties, Robben will be asked to focus on intercepting passes to Abidal. In possession, if Robben doesn’t retrieve the ball himself, all of my midfielders/defenders are instructed to find him ASAP. If Robben is man marked by an advanced midfield for whatever reason, Ze Roberto will burst forward from deep midfield to fill the left wing role, taking on Salgado. For those who doubt his ability, anything after the 2 minute mark of this video showcases his pacy runs and finishes from deep:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PyFe_tkk9M
Cambo defending deep
There is a third element to this strategy just in case Cambo defends deep while my team is in possession, which could happen. Robben and Zanetti on the right will no doubt trouble Abidal on my right flank, having the option to shoot from distance (Robben) or cross (Zanetti + Robben) as I don’t expect Cambo to have a left winger to defend, while on the left flank, Ze Roberto can move out wide, leaving Zidane and Senna in the center of midfield.
However, I expect GVB and Ze Roberto to be an even contest against Valencia and Salgado, so from there I will either have Zola head to the edge of the box to receive possession, taking shots from distance or have Robben move over to the left flank instead of Ze Roberto (maintaining DM), which makes the matchup favour Robben and GVB more. Either way, if Zola doesn’t push out wide, my priority for the left flank attack will be to cross (Ze Roberto/Robben) or to take shots from distance (GVB) if Robben/Ze Roberto is double marked. Crosses into the box are low/near post for Zola, or far post for Batistuta.
Secondary Strategy – Pulling Vieira out of Position
Another tactic I will aim to highlight as part of this match is the fact that Patrick Vieira is alone in defensive midfield. Cambo’s midfield is interesting because he possesses flexibility in that area. He can either go a standard stock 4-4-2 with Scholes/Fabregas partnering Vieira and go with the early 2000s EPL trend, or use Vieira in a 4-1-4-1 strategy that involves fluid double-AMs behind the lone striker. What I would like to highlight here is that on his left wing, he can only use Reus or Hazard on the left wing regardless of what setup he uses.
What I will be anticipating is that Vieira will be asked to help out whichever fullback is struggling, and this is where Zidane will really shine. As Zidane will operate primarily deeper than Zola up front, Zidane will be watching Vieira’s movement and rushing into the zone that Vieira vacates immediately, making Vieira pick his poison. If a midfielder is tasked to mark Zidane for whatever reason, Zola will be instructed to drop from the second striker role to receive the ball and occupy Vieira’s zone, as neither of Cambo’s CBs will are the type that are willing to be pulled out of position with Batistuta present.
Nullifying Cambo’s Team – Spare man at the back
The main plan I’m using here is matching his attacking players, intentionally baiting his fullbacks forward to set myself up for the counters, attacking his fullbacks even more. Ze Roberto alongside Zidane, with Senna in DM will give me a 3v2 advantage against Cambo’s midfield. While I outnumber him in midfield, for those that doubt this combination, I have instructed Hierro to move into defensive midfield if he sees that my midfield would be overrun, leaving Thuram against Cavani at the back, which is still a matchup that favours Thuram.
To deal with his wide players, I will instruct GVB to not bomb forward while in possession, and to focus on blocking Valencia’s crosses and showing him inside as Valencia is extremely one-footed. Dealing with Hazard and/or Reus will be a separate issue: Zanetti will play a man marking role if one of Hazard or Reus take the field, while if both are present, I will instruct Zanetti to marshall the Right-back zone rather than track the player.
With the wingers and the midfield sorted, all that’s left is the final piece of the puzzle: Dispossessing the overlapping fullbacks, if they do advance. Showing them forward plays into my hands for 2 reasons: (1) Cambo’s attacking players are not good in the air bar Cavani, who will face a 2v1 situation at the back against Hierro and Thuram. (2) While I allow Salgado to advance, I will instruct Ze Roberto and Senna to track the runs of Scholes and Fabregas, taking out virtually all of Cambo’s crossing options. Zanetti, who is comfortable as a right-back, center-back or a defensive midfielder, will track Reus or Hazard.
I also do not expect Carvalho to bomb forward, as that will leave Campbell exposed 2v1 at the back, as I don’t expect Vieira to fill in as a center-back.
Summary
• Expose Cambo’s fullbacks by isolating them against Robben or Ze Roberto as much as possible, whether in possession or on counterattacks, with Zidane the chief instigator of these attacks. Zidane to advance if Vieira is pulled out of position.
• Use the extra man at the back to nullify Cambo’s central threat, while matching Cambo’s wing play man for man, baiting his fullbacks forward.
• Pull Vieira out of position by forcing him to cover if fullbacks, if not getting Zola to pull out wide, pushing Zidane up to the edge of the box.
All the best to Cambo’s team, the fact that I spent went to this length for tactics/bios shows the amount of respect I have for Cambo’s star-studded lineup. Thanks Demi for hosting this draft.
Considering the amount of time I have spent on my team, I’m quite envious of how Cambo’s team is set up. A back 4 that virtually picks itself, Vieira the only DM in the side and a plethora of attacking options up front really saves him time for writing bios. The only guessing game I’ll have to play is how many wide players he’ll play; Valencia, Hazard and Reus are very able wide players, while Cavani is a good combination of pace and intelligence.
Areas of Strength – The Flanks
The key to me outscoring my opponents this game is to utilise the strengths I have over my opponent. My strengths over his are quite straight forward; Cambo’s fullbacks are able, but beatable, especially Michel Salgado. While Salgado is known to be tough tackling while possessing a good cross, his weakness against pace, such as being outrun by Bayern’s Lizarizu in their 01-02 Champions League QFs (his peak years arguably) were exposed. Eric Abidal’s equally as impressive going forward, possesses great stamina and is tactically aware, but when put in a 1v1 situation he will more often than not be beaten by world class dribbers or pace players.
This will be my primary strategy to beating Cambo, as I will focus on isolating my winger against his fullbacks as often as possible. There are 2 key parts to this strategy: The first part of the strategy entails positioning Zidane as deep as possible off the ball, so that when my team receives possession, their first priority is to find Zidane. Zidane’s instructions are simple: Find the fullback that is out of position and pass to the winger that will take him on. Then, Zidane will assess Vieira’s position and advance accordingly, which will be explained in the later section.
The second part of the strategy is Arjen Robben’s positioning. Arjen Robben’s positioning off the ball will be an interesting one: His job is to watch for the advanced runs of Eric Abidal. As for defensive duties, Robben will be asked to focus on intercepting passes to Abidal. In possession, if Robben doesn’t retrieve the ball himself, all of my midfielders/defenders are instructed to find him ASAP. If Robben is man marked by an advanced midfield for whatever reason, Ze Roberto will burst forward from deep midfield to fill the left wing role, taking on Salgado. For those who doubt his ability, anything after the 2 minute mark of this video showcases his pacy runs and finishes from deep:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PyFe_tkk9M
Cambo defending deep
There is a third element to this strategy just in case Cambo defends deep while my team is in possession, which could happen. Robben and Zanetti on the right will no doubt trouble Abidal on my right flank, having the option to shoot from distance (Robben) or cross (Zanetti + Robben) as I don’t expect Cambo to have a left winger to defend, while on the left flank, Ze Roberto can move out wide, leaving Zidane and Senna in the center of midfield.
However, I expect GVB and Ze Roberto to be an even contest against Valencia and Salgado, so from there I will either have Zola head to the edge of the box to receive possession, taking shots from distance or have Robben move over to the left flank instead of Ze Roberto (maintaining DM), which makes the matchup favour Robben and GVB more. Either way, if Zola doesn’t push out wide, my priority for the left flank attack will be to cross (Ze Roberto/Robben) or to take shots from distance (GVB) if Robben/Ze Roberto is double marked. Crosses into the box are low/near post for Zola, or far post for Batistuta.
Secondary Strategy – Pulling Vieira out of Position
Another tactic I will aim to highlight as part of this match is the fact that Patrick Vieira is alone in defensive midfield. Cambo’s midfield is interesting because he possesses flexibility in that area. He can either go a standard stock 4-4-2 with Scholes/Fabregas partnering Vieira and go with the early 2000s EPL trend, or use Vieira in a 4-1-4-1 strategy that involves fluid double-AMs behind the lone striker. What I would like to highlight here is that on his left wing, he can only use Reus or Hazard on the left wing regardless of what setup he uses.
What I will be anticipating is that Vieira will be asked to help out whichever fullback is struggling, and this is where Zidane will really shine. As Zidane will operate primarily deeper than Zola up front, Zidane will be watching Vieira’s movement and rushing into the zone that Vieira vacates immediately, making Vieira pick his poison. If a midfielder is tasked to mark Zidane for whatever reason, Zola will be instructed to drop from the second striker role to receive the ball and occupy Vieira’s zone, as neither of Cambo’s CBs will are the type that are willing to be pulled out of position with Batistuta present.
Nullifying Cambo’s Team – Spare man at the back
The main plan I’m using here is matching his attacking players, intentionally baiting his fullbacks forward to set myself up for the counters, attacking his fullbacks even more. Ze Roberto alongside Zidane, with Senna in DM will give me a 3v2 advantage against Cambo’s midfield. While I outnumber him in midfield, for those that doubt this combination, I have instructed Hierro to move into defensive midfield if he sees that my midfield would be overrun, leaving Thuram against Cavani at the back, which is still a matchup that favours Thuram.
To deal with his wide players, I will instruct GVB to not bomb forward while in possession, and to focus on blocking Valencia’s crosses and showing him inside as Valencia is extremely one-footed. Dealing with Hazard and/or Reus will be a separate issue: Zanetti will play a man marking role if one of Hazard or Reus take the field, while if both are present, I will instruct Zanetti to marshall the Right-back zone rather than track the player.
With the wingers and the midfield sorted, all that’s left is the final piece of the puzzle: Dispossessing the overlapping fullbacks, if they do advance. Showing them forward plays into my hands for 2 reasons: (1) Cambo’s attacking players are not good in the air bar Cavani, who will face a 2v1 situation at the back against Hierro and Thuram. (2) While I allow Salgado to advance, I will instruct Ze Roberto and Senna to track the runs of Scholes and Fabregas, taking out virtually all of Cambo’s crossing options. Zanetti, who is comfortable as a right-back, center-back or a defensive midfielder, will track Reus or Hazard.
I also do not expect Carvalho to bomb forward, as that will leave Campbell exposed 2v1 at the back, as I don’t expect Vieira to fill in as a center-back.
Summary
• Expose Cambo’s fullbacks by isolating them against Robben or Ze Roberto as much as possible, whether in possession or on counterattacks, with Zidane the chief instigator of these attacks. Zidane to advance if Vieira is pulled out of position.
• Use the extra man at the back to nullify Cambo’s central threat, while matching Cambo’s wing play man for man, baiting his fullbacks forward.
• Pull Vieira out of position by forcing him to cover if fullbacks, if not getting Zola to pull out wide, pushing Zidane up to the edge of the box.
All the best to Cambo’s team, the fact that I spent went to this length for tactics/bios shows the amount of respect I have for Cambo’s star-studded lineup. Thanks Demi for hosting this draft.
