Post by Kieran on Jul 14, 2013 20:08:26 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.
Kieran- Formation/bio/tactics
Tactics:
After coming through against Jk, there were 2 players from his team which i desired. One was Maldini, and the other Makelele. Some thinking led to me plump for Makelele in the end. I decided that my defence was fairly strong, and the addition of Maldini wouldn't improve it as much as the addition of Makelele would to my midfield. Makelele has come in with Van Bommel dropping out from the last round. Looking at Ben's team, and the main thing that stands out is his glorious triumvirate in attack. He's arguably got the strongest forward line in the draft, so my team will have to have their wits about them. Ben has stated that he'll be taking Vieira from his opponents team and dropping Owen. From this, i've assumed that his lineup will be the same as in his last match, with the only change being a straight swap of Cocu out for Vieira. I think he will lineup with Vieira as the deepest of his 3 midfielders and Ballack in the box to box role once again.
My formation:
I've decided to roll out with the 4-3-3 formation again, but with different roles in midfield. My front 3 has Pires on the left wing, Di Maria as a right sided forward and Samuel Eto'o through the middle. I have the same back 4 and goalkeeper as in the last round. In midfield, Makelele is the holding midfielder, with Yaya Toure and Xavi playing just ahead of him. The latter two will take it in turns to get forward in attack, and also help in defence when the team is faced with counter attacks. My team will be built around a possession game, with a key caveat being Yaya Toure's bursts into the box, using his strength and acceleration to my advantage. Yaya Toure is also a brilliant passer of the ball, so he will be comfortable when in possession in the attacking third, and not just in the middle of the pitch. He and Xavi both have the skills to play a killer pass into the forwards and this is another way i expect to trouble my opponent's defence.
The defence
Fairly standard here. I've gone with a back 4. Badstuber and Cannavaro in central defence with Ashley Cole on the left and Sergio Ramos as a right full back. Cole will be given license to get forward and link up with Pires and Eto'o in attack when in possesion. Likewise, Ramos will make raids down the right, and overlap with Di Maria to provide crossing opportunities for my attackers. Both wide forwards will be tasked with tracking back resolutely, especially against the pace and trickery of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
The attack
As stated before, my formation is a 4-3-3, this time with Makelele as the deepest midfielder. Xavi will be the main orchestrator looking to dictate the play in the opponents half when in possession. Yaya Toure will be positioned near Xavi and help in keeping possession, whilst also making penetrative runs with the ball into the opponents box. Toure will create by using his drive to go into the attacking zones. Xavi is tasked with the main role of linking the midfield and attack. He'll also try to control the game from central midfield while at times using his clever off the ball movement or dribbling ability to drive into the creative zone and fire shots at goal. Both Toure and Xavi will also be key in assisting my attackers; Di Maria, Pires and especially Eto'o. The plan is for Xavi and Toure to overload the oppositions half when attacking and not let their midfielders have any time on the ball. With Ben's CB's helping him out, this should create space for my forwards to attack, and hopefully create a goalscoring opportunity.
The Pires and Ashley Cole partnership + Eto'o
Pires will act as one of the key playmakers from time to time in the match. He'll drift inside with his right foot and make attacking runs into the penalty area with the objective of putting the ball in the back of the net. This will give license to Ashley Cole to get forward and provide the width. He'll also be handy with his crossing. Pires and Ashley cole had a brilliant understanding at Arsenal, and with the help of Henry were responsible for a large number of their goals in the league. I hope to recreate something similar on the left side of my attack here. The difference is that i have Eto'o instead of Henry. Eto'o is less comfortable out wide but in terms of finishing off chances there's not alot between them. A similarity is that both were great at exploiting the space behind the defence, as they were extremely quick and tactically aware. When Pires comes inside into central areas, he'll also look the pierce the defence with through balls for Eto'o to latch on to. Another difference here is that Henry had Begkamp, so he could comfortably drift out wide and provide crosses, knowing that Bergkamp would be in the box. Eto'o is less suited to this role, so he'll mainly be tasked with being near the opposition penalty area and occupying Ben's centre backs. The crosses, as stated before will mainly come from Ashley Cole on the left. I hope people here remember Arsenal's Cole. He was very good in linking up with the attack, and providing assists from a wide position. Unlike in the last round, Ashley Cole will need to be less gung ho here due to the attacking threat of Ronaldinho. He'll need to use his brain to get forward at the right time, and not leave the defence exposed to the counter.
Other areas of attack
The left side of my team will be where the majority of my attacks occur. This doesn't mean i've ignored the right though. Di Maria will play a key part when i attack. He is for me the perfect right sided attacker in this role. He'll mainly cut inside and shoot from distance. I feel this is where he excels, given his dribbling ability and powerful shot. Xavi and Ramos will help in linking up with Di Maria. Xavi's the best passer in the world and so effective with his short range passing but also his long range passing. He'll feed balls over the top for Di Maria and look to play short passing triangles with him and Ramos on the right.
His attack
I believe against Ben's 2 wide forwards, i have two solid fullbacks to counter them. Cole was always a match for any winger and usually came up trumps. Here he'll be up against Ronaldinho in all probability so will need to be very cautious. I will give Cole the task of sticking tight to Ronaldinho and not let him cut inside for a shooting opportunity or stopping him from playing the killer pass. Cole has the pace and tactical awareness to keep Ronaldinho quiet and restrict his impact on the match. On the other side i will have Ramos up against the threat of Ronaldo. This will be another hard tussle but i feel Ramos does possess the strength and pace to limit Ronaldo's effectiveness on the match. He'll receive a bit of help from Pires tracking back, but also from Makelele. Both will need to stick tight to Ronaldo and not let him have a clear run at goal, denying him space to shoot at every opportunity. I believe my centre backs will cope adequately with the threat of Ben's central striker. As in the last round, Ben has a similar striker in Raul. He is as clinical and doesn't need a second invitation to score, so i will need my centre backs to be alert and cut the space for Raul, not allowing them any time on the ball to get a shot away. I would hope that Cannavaro and Bastuber are both quick enough to deal with Ronaldo and the other forwards should they be left alone with them in a one on one situation. Cannavaro also has a great leap which will be effective when dealing with crosses, and corners/free kicks.
Set pieces
Corners - Xavi/Di Maria
Direct free kicks - Xavi/Ramos
Indirect free kicks - Pires/Xavi
Penalties - Eto'o
Chillada- 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 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.
Kieran- Formation/bio/tactics
Bios
Xavi - One of the most decorated players of all time. This guy is phenomenal. Him and Zidane are in their own bracket as being two of the best central midfielders of their generation, if not of all time. Xavi will be the one dictating play in my team and controlling the match. He's the best passer in the game, constantly finding his teammates, with his pass success rate always being in the high 90s. His ability to find space on the pitch is also second to none. Xavi will be trusted upon to maintain possession and at times supply the killer ball for my forwards to latch on to. He's shown throughout his career that he can protect the ball like no other, and take the pressure off his teammates. Xavi is also no slouch when out of possession. He works very hard to win the ball back, pressing the opponents, and is usually always at the top of the list, when it comes to players who've covered the most distance in a match. Xavi has been so vital to Barcelona's success (7 La Liga titles and 3 Champions leagues) and also for Spain with whom he's won 2 European Championships and a World Cup. He was named man of the tournament in Euro 2008, setting up the winning goal in the final. His individual honours are far too many to list, so here's a screenshot of them: i.imgur.com/EihiCwq.png
Samuel Eto'o - The greatest African footballer of all time. Presenting to you Samuel Eto'o. Eto'o is known to of been one of the most deadliest strikers of the 2000s. He's scored over 100 league goals in less than 150 La Liga appearances for Barcelona(No other La Liga based player scored more goals than him in the 2000s), being a vital member of the all conquering Barcelona side between 2005 and 2009. Samuel Eto'o was a thrilling player to watch in the immediate vicinity of the goal, and his textbook of finishes has no blank pages. He's the only player in the history of European football to have won back to back trebles, he was the first player to score in 7 different competitions in a calender year and is the all time African Cup of Nations record goalscorer with 18 goals. Eto'o also loved the big occasion, having scored vital goals in 2 Champions league finals. His goalscoring record at Inter Milan was fairly modest by his obscene standards (33 in 67 league appearances) but this was largely due to him playing as wide forward on the right, which is a testament to his dynamism, and also his selflessness. Eto'o will play upfront in my team. His work-rate and willingness to harass the opposition CB's will also be a key feature in the match.
Ashley Cole - The left back in my team. Cole has been not only the most consistent, but one of the best LB's in England and the World for the last decade. At Arsenal, Cole was known to be a fairly attacking full back, constantly linking up with Pires and Henry in Arsenals brand of attacking football. He was fairly attacking at Chelsea under Scolari too but was more focused in defence later on. He's been a key defender in Chelsea's success under Abramovich. Cole's had countless exemplary defensive displays for Chelsea resulting in plenty of cleansheets. He's one of the few to have kept Ronaldo quiet when one-on-one on several occasions when Chelsea have played United. Ashley Cole's won 3 Premier League titles and a record 7 FA Cups. He's also been in the PFA team of the year 4 times.
Julio Cesar - Goalkeeper who's won almost everything there is to win. There was a period where he was arguably the best keeper in the world, when he was winning titles left right and centre with Inter Milan. Athletic goalkeeper who at his peak had stunning reflexes and shot stopping abilities. He also has an excellent leap and a very safe pair of hands when catching the ball. He was a match winner in many games for Inter. With Brazil, Cesar set the longest consecutive clean sheet record, going over 10 hours without letting in a goal. He was Brazils' first choice goalkeeper, playing all 6 games when they won the Copa America in 2004. Voted Serie A goalkeeper of the year in 08-09 and 09-10.
Fabio Cannavaro - Nicknamed "The Berlin wall" for his performance against Germany in the 2006 World cup. He is one of the finest defenders of the 2000s. Cannavaro was known for his excellent reading of the game. He wasn't the tallest of CB's but this didn't matter because of his ability to jump so well. He was a fast mobile defender and very good at cutting the spaces for the opposition forwards, and his anticipation skills were excellent. Crowning moment came when he captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006. He was imperious all tournament and this was recognised as he won the Ballon d'Or which identified him as the best footballer in Europe that year. Cannavaro was voted Serie A defender of the year in 05 and 06. He moved to Real Madrid and was pretty much an ever present when they won back to back La Liga titles in 2007 and 2008. In April 2013, he was named by Marca as a member of the "Best foreign eleven in Real Madrid's history".
Sergio Ramos - Ramos is part of the Spain generation to dominate World football winning 2 European championships and a World cup. He is mainly a central defender but is more than capable at playing Right back and has done for prolonged periods for Real Madrid and Spain. He won La liga titles in 06/07 and 07/08 when he was establishing himself as a right back, following the departure of Salgado. Ramos has great speed, technically excellent and is positionally astute which is important for any defender. He is also a menace in the opposition penalty area, blessed with a phenomenal goalscoring instinct. Ramos is also a great athlete and a leader on the pitch.
Robert Pires - Part of Arsenals' invincibles season where they went 49 league games unbeaten. Pires was a major part of that with his excellent techinque, skills and finishing. Pires was mainly a left winger but could also play in support of the striker. He, Henry and Cole had an amazing understanding on the left hand side during that season and they were at times unplayable and the most feared combination in Europe. Pires and Henry registered a staggering 57 goals between them that season in all competitions. Pires was a genius and a footballing wizard all rolled into one. He's been one of the finest wingers to ever play in the Premier league. Pires had a great knack for scoring goals but also for providing them. At his best Pires was a wonderful passer who's ability to link up play with the attack is unheralded in the Premier league era. 62 goals, 2 League titles and 3 FA Cups is a testament to that.
Yaya Toure - A box to box midfielder who does just about everything in the midfield. He's a big man with an amazing touch and excellent technique. Yaya Toure's game is built on power and driving through midfields, and when he goes on his lung busting runs, he's usually unstoppable. Toure was also part of one of the finest Barcelona sides of the 2000s which is presumably where he learn't to be such a good passer too. He's always in the high 90s in terms of pass completion rates in the Premier league. His passing can be safe, but also very daring and inquisitive. Toure is often also deployed further forward as as an attacking midfielder, scoring some vital goals for Manchester City. In his career he's won 2 La Liga titles, a Champions league, a Copa del Rey, a Premier league title and an FA Cup. “There isn’t another Yaya,” says Roberto Mancini.
Angel di Maria - A tricky, wiry, speedy winger who can play on both flanks. Di Maria is an excellent footballer who was destined for big things from a young age. He's skillfull on the ball, is a wonderful dribbler and has a great burst of pace to beat his man. It says alot about how good he is that he is now a constant fixture for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Real Madrid. Di Maria is a brilliant attacking force in the Madrid side, second only to Ronaldo. Di Maria has won an Olympic Gold medal with Argentina and a La Liga title whilst at Real Madrid. He's scored 18 goals in under 90 La Liga appearances, whilst providing countless assists.
Holger Badstuber - Left footed centre back. Played for Bayern aged 17. Badstuber is your typical modern CB. Possesses good pace and great passing from the back. First choice for Germany when not injured. He can also play at left back. He was part of a defence that once went on a run of 11 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
Makelele -The finest holding midfielder of the early 2000s. Makelele is one of the few footballers to have defined a position, such was his mastery in breaking up attacks, recycling possession, and generally just holding the shape of the team. There was nothing exciting about his role, he just got on with it. Makelele, with his world class positional sense, was the basis for some of the greatest sides of the decade, including Real Madrid's Los Galacticos. His departure from Real Madrid signalled the beginning of the end for Los Galacticos with their team suffering a gradual decline. Real Madrid's loss was Chelsea's, and Mourinho's gain. Jose built another title winning side with Makelele at the heart of it. He continued to earn plaudits and trophy hauls. Makelele has won the Champions League, 2 La Liga titles and also 2 Premier League titles during his long and successful career.
Zidane remarked after Makelele was sold, and Beckham bought, "Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?"
Xavi - One of the most decorated players of all time. This guy is phenomenal. Him and Zidane are in their own bracket as being two of the best central midfielders of their generation, if not of all time. Xavi will be the one dictating play in my team and controlling the match. He's the best passer in the game, constantly finding his teammates, with his pass success rate always being in the high 90s. His ability to find space on the pitch is also second to none. Xavi will be trusted upon to maintain possession and at times supply the killer ball for my forwards to latch on to. He's shown throughout his career that he can protect the ball like no other, and take the pressure off his teammates. Xavi is also no slouch when out of possession. He works very hard to win the ball back, pressing the opponents, and is usually always at the top of the list, when it comes to players who've covered the most distance in a match. Xavi has been so vital to Barcelona's success (7 La Liga titles and 3 Champions leagues) and also for Spain with whom he's won 2 European Championships and a World Cup. He was named man of the tournament in Euro 2008, setting up the winning goal in the final. His individual honours are far too many to list, so here's a screenshot of them: i.imgur.com/EihiCwq.png
Samuel Eto'o - The greatest African footballer of all time. Presenting to you Samuel Eto'o. Eto'o is known to of been one of the most deadliest strikers of the 2000s. He's scored over 100 league goals in less than 150 La Liga appearances for Barcelona(No other La Liga based player scored more goals than him in the 2000s), being a vital member of the all conquering Barcelona side between 2005 and 2009. Samuel Eto'o was a thrilling player to watch in the immediate vicinity of the goal, and his textbook of finishes has no blank pages. He's the only player in the history of European football to have won back to back trebles, he was the first player to score in 7 different competitions in a calender year and is the all time African Cup of Nations record goalscorer with 18 goals. Eto'o also loved the big occasion, having scored vital goals in 2 Champions league finals. His goalscoring record at Inter Milan was fairly modest by his obscene standards (33 in 67 league appearances) but this was largely due to him playing as wide forward on the right, which is a testament to his dynamism, and also his selflessness. Eto'o will play upfront in my team. His work-rate and willingness to harass the opposition CB's will also be a key feature in the match.
Ashley Cole - The left back in my team. Cole has been not only the most consistent, but one of the best LB's in England and the World for the last decade. At Arsenal, Cole was known to be a fairly attacking full back, constantly linking up with Pires and Henry in Arsenals brand of attacking football. He was fairly attacking at Chelsea under Scolari too but was more focused in defence later on. He's been a key defender in Chelsea's success under Abramovich. Cole's had countless exemplary defensive displays for Chelsea resulting in plenty of cleansheets. He's one of the few to have kept Ronaldo quiet when one-on-one on several occasions when Chelsea have played United. Ashley Cole's won 3 Premier League titles and a record 7 FA Cups. He's also been in the PFA team of the year 4 times.
Julio Cesar - Goalkeeper who's won almost everything there is to win. There was a period where he was arguably the best keeper in the world, when he was winning titles left right and centre with Inter Milan. Athletic goalkeeper who at his peak had stunning reflexes and shot stopping abilities. He also has an excellent leap and a very safe pair of hands when catching the ball. He was a match winner in many games for Inter. With Brazil, Cesar set the longest consecutive clean sheet record, going over 10 hours without letting in a goal. He was Brazils' first choice goalkeeper, playing all 6 games when they won the Copa America in 2004. Voted Serie A goalkeeper of the year in 08-09 and 09-10.
Fabio Cannavaro - Nicknamed "The Berlin wall" for his performance against Germany in the 2006 World cup. He is one of the finest defenders of the 2000s. Cannavaro was known for his excellent reading of the game. He wasn't the tallest of CB's but this didn't matter because of his ability to jump so well. He was a fast mobile defender and very good at cutting the spaces for the opposition forwards, and his anticipation skills were excellent. Crowning moment came when he captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006. He was imperious all tournament and this was recognised as he won the Ballon d'Or which identified him as the best footballer in Europe that year. Cannavaro was voted Serie A defender of the year in 05 and 06. He moved to Real Madrid and was pretty much an ever present when they won back to back La Liga titles in 2007 and 2008. In April 2013, he was named by Marca as a member of the "Best foreign eleven in Real Madrid's history".
Sergio Ramos - Ramos is part of the Spain generation to dominate World football winning 2 European championships and a World cup. He is mainly a central defender but is more than capable at playing Right back and has done for prolonged periods for Real Madrid and Spain. He won La liga titles in 06/07 and 07/08 when he was establishing himself as a right back, following the departure of Salgado. Ramos has great speed, technically excellent and is positionally astute which is important for any defender. He is also a menace in the opposition penalty area, blessed with a phenomenal goalscoring instinct. Ramos is also a great athlete and a leader on the pitch.
Robert Pires - Part of Arsenals' invincibles season where they went 49 league games unbeaten. Pires was a major part of that with his excellent techinque, skills and finishing. Pires was mainly a left winger but could also play in support of the striker. He, Henry and Cole had an amazing understanding on the left hand side during that season and they were at times unplayable and the most feared combination in Europe. Pires and Henry registered a staggering 57 goals between them that season in all competitions. Pires was a genius and a footballing wizard all rolled into one. He's been one of the finest wingers to ever play in the Premier league. Pires had a great knack for scoring goals but also for providing them. At his best Pires was a wonderful passer who's ability to link up play with the attack is unheralded in the Premier league era. 62 goals, 2 League titles and 3 FA Cups is a testament to that.
Yaya Toure - A box to box midfielder who does just about everything in the midfield. He's a big man with an amazing touch and excellent technique. Yaya Toure's game is built on power and driving through midfields, and when he goes on his lung busting runs, he's usually unstoppable. Toure was also part of one of the finest Barcelona sides of the 2000s which is presumably where he learn't to be such a good passer too. He's always in the high 90s in terms of pass completion rates in the Premier league. His passing can be safe, but also very daring and inquisitive. Toure is often also deployed further forward as as an attacking midfielder, scoring some vital goals for Manchester City. In his career he's won 2 La Liga titles, a Champions league, a Copa del Rey, a Premier league title and an FA Cup. “There isn’t another Yaya,” says Roberto Mancini.
Angel di Maria - A tricky, wiry, speedy winger who can play on both flanks. Di Maria is an excellent footballer who was destined for big things from a young age. He's skillfull on the ball, is a wonderful dribbler and has a great burst of pace to beat his man. It says alot about how good he is that he is now a constant fixture for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Real Madrid. Di Maria is a brilliant attacking force in the Madrid side, second only to Ronaldo. Di Maria has won an Olympic Gold medal with Argentina and a La Liga title whilst at Real Madrid. He's scored 18 goals in under 90 La Liga appearances, whilst providing countless assists.
Holger Badstuber - Left footed centre back. Played for Bayern aged 17. Badstuber is your typical modern CB. Possesses good pace and great passing from the back. First choice for Germany when not injured. He can also play at left back. He was part of a defence that once went on a run of 11 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
Makelele -The finest holding midfielder of the early 2000s. Makelele is one of the few footballers to have defined a position, such was his mastery in breaking up attacks, recycling possession, and generally just holding the shape of the team. There was nothing exciting about his role, he just got on with it. Makelele, with his world class positional sense, was the basis for some of the greatest sides of the decade, including Real Madrid's Los Galacticos. His departure from Real Madrid signalled the beginning of the end for Los Galacticos with their team suffering a gradual decline. Real Madrid's loss was Chelsea's, and Mourinho's gain. Jose built another title winning side with Makelele at the heart of it. He continued to earn plaudits and trophy hauls. Makelele has won the Champions League, 2 La Liga titles and also 2 Premier League titles during his long and successful career.
Zidane remarked after Makelele was sold, and Beckham bought, "Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?"
Tactics:
After coming through against Jk, there were 2 players from his team which i desired. One was Maldini, and the other Makelele. Some thinking led to me plump for Makelele in the end. I decided that my defence was fairly strong, and the addition of Maldini wouldn't improve it as much as the addition of Makelele would to my midfield. Makelele has come in with Van Bommel dropping out from the last round. Looking at Ben's team, and the main thing that stands out is his glorious triumvirate in attack. He's arguably got the strongest forward line in the draft, so my team will have to have their wits about them. Ben has stated that he'll be taking Vieira from his opponents team and dropping Owen. From this, i've assumed that his lineup will be the same as in his last match, with the only change being a straight swap of Cocu out for Vieira. I think he will lineup with Vieira as the deepest of his 3 midfielders and Ballack in the box to box role once again.
My formation:
I've decided to roll out with the 4-3-3 formation again, but with different roles in midfield. My front 3 has Pires on the left wing, Di Maria as a right sided forward and Samuel Eto'o through the middle. I have the same back 4 and goalkeeper as in the last round. In midfield, Makelele is the holding midfielder, with Yaya Toure and Xavi playing just ahead of him. The latter two will take it in turns to get forward in attack, and also help in defence when the team is faced with counter attacks. My team will be built around a possession game, with a key caveat being Yaya Toure's bursts into the box, using his strength and acceleration to my advantage. Yaya Toure is also a brilliant passer of the ball, so he will be comfortable when in possession in the attacking third, and not just in the middle of the pitch. He and Xavi both have the skills to play a killer pass into the forwards and this is another way i expect to trouble my opponent's defence.
The defence
Fairly standard here. I've gone with a back 4. Badstuber and Cannavaro in central defence with Ashley Cole on the left and Sergio Ramos as a right full back. Cole will be given license to get forward and link up with Pires and Eto'o in attack when in possesion. Likewise, Ramos will make raids down the right, and overlap with Di Maria to provide crossing opportunities for my attackers. Both wide forwards will be tasked with tracking back resolutely, especially against the pace and trickery of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
The attack
As stated before, my formation is a 4-3-3, this time with Makelele as the deepest midfielder. Xavi will be the main orchestrator looking to dictate the play in the opponents half when in possession. Yaya Toure will be positioned near Xavi and help in keeping possession, whilst also making penetrative runs with the ball into the opponents box. Toure will create by using his drive to go into the attacking zones. Xavi is tasked with the main role of linking the midfield and attack. He'll also try to control the game from central midfield while at times using his clever off the ball movement or dribbling ability to drive into the creative zone and fire shots at goal. Both Toure and Xavi will also be key in assisting my attackers; Di Maria, Pires and especially Eto'o. The plan is for Xavi and Toure to overload the oppositions half when attacking and not let their midfielders have any time on the ball. With Ben's CB's helping him out, this should create space for my forwards to attack, and hopefully create a goalscoring opportunity.
The Pires and Ashley Cole partnership + Eto'o
Pires will act as one of the key playmakers from time to time in the match. He'll drift inside with his right foot and make attacking runs into the penalty area with the objective of putting the ball in the back of the net. This will give license to Ashley Cole to get forward and provide the width. He'll also be handy with his crossing. Pires and Ashley cole had a brilliant understanding at Arsenal, and with the help of Henry were responsible for a large number of their goals in the league. I hope to recreate something similar on the left side of my attack here. The difference is that i have Eto'o instead of Henry. Eto'o is less comfortable out wide but in terms of finishing off chances there's not alot between them. A similarity is that both were great at exploiting the space behind the defence, as they were extremely quick and tactically aware. When Pires comes inside into central areas, he'll also look the pierce the defence with through balls for Eto'o to latch on to. Another difference here is that Henry had Begkamp, so he could comfortably drift out wide and provide crosses, knowing that Bergkamp would be in the box. Eto'o is less suited to this role, so he'll mainly be tasked with being near the opposition penalty area and occupying Ben's centre backs. The crosses, as stated before will mainly come from Ashley Cole on the left. I hope people here remember Arsenal's Cole. He was very good in linking up with the attack, and providing assists from a wide position. Unlike in the last round, Ashley Cole will need to be less gung ho here due to the attacking threat of Ronaldinho. He'll need to use his brain to get forward at the right time, and not leave the defence exposed to the counter.
Other areas of attack
The left side of my team will be where the majority of my attacks occur. This doesn't mean i've ignored the right though. Di Maria will play a key part when i attack. He is for me the perfect right sided attacker in this role. He'll mainly cut inside and shoot from distance. I feel this is where he excels, given his dribbling ability and powerful shot. Xavi and Ramos will help in linking up with Di Maria. Xavi's the best passer in the world and so effective with his short range passing but also his long range passing. He'll feed balls over the top for Di Maria and look to play short passing triangles with him and Ramos on the right.
His attack
I believe against Ben's 2 wide forwards, i have two solid fullbacks to counter them. Cole was always a match for any winger and usually came up trumps. Here he'll be up against Ronaldinho in all probability so will need to be very cautious. I will give Cole the task of sticking tight to Ronaldinho and not let him cut inside for a shooting opportunity or stopping him from playing the killer pass. Cole has the pace and tactical awareness to keep Ronaldinho quiet and restrict his impact on the match. On the other side i will have Ramos up against the threat of Ronaldo. This will be another hard tussle but i feel Ramos does possess the strength and pace to limit Ronaldo's effectiveness on the match. He'll receive a bit of help from Pires tracking back, but also from Makelele. Both will need to stick tight to Ronaldo and not let him have a clear run at goal, denying him space to shoot at every opportunity. I believe my centre backs will cope adequately with the threat of Ben's central striker. As in the last round, Ben has a similar striker in Raul. He is as clinical and doesn't need a second invitation to score, so i will need my centre backs to be alert and cut the space for Raul, not allowing them any time on the ball to get a shot away. I would hope that Cannavaro and Bastuber are both quick enough to deal with Ronaldo and the other forwards should they be left alone with them in a one on one situation. Cannavaro also has a great leap which will be effective when dealing with crosses, and corners/free kicks.
Set pieces
Corners - Xavi/Di Maria
Direct free kicks - Xavi/Ramos
Indirect free kicks - Pires/Xavi
Penalties - Eto'o
Chillada- Formation/bio/tactics
Bios
1. Petr Cech
Playing Style
Cech is a world class goalkeeper, big, reliable, great reflexes and agility, with superb distribution.
Summary
Cech is a World Beating goalkeeper, showing time and time again why he is rated so highly by everyone. He was key to Chelsea winning the Champions League with his performances vs. Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Cech saved Chelsea time and time again from defeat. He was named fan’s player of the match for the Champions League final. goalkeepers that can make big-time saves. There are even fewer that can save penalties. Then there are even fewer that are clutch enough to save their team on the brink of history.
He holds a Czech professional league record of not conceding a goal in 903 competitive minutes. In addition, he has a club record at his former club Sparta Prague, having gone 928 minutes unbeaten in all competitions in 2001-02. During the 2004–05 season, Cech went 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal – a Premier League record at the time. Cech also won the Golden Glove in both the 2004–05 and 2009–10 seasons. As of 5 May 2013, Cech has kept 142 clean sheets for Chelsea in the Premier League.
He was voted into the all-star team of Euro 2004 after helping his country reach the semi-finals. Cech also received the individual award of Best Goalkeeper in the 2004–05, 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons of the UEFA Champions League. In addition, he was named in the FIFPro and UEFA Champions League teams of the season in 2006. Cech holds the record for fewest Premier League appearances required to reach 100 clean sheets. Seriously he has won so many awards just check it out, its mind blowing.
2. Paulo Ferreira
Playing style
Ferreira is an intelligent, reliable right-back, known more for his defensive qualities rather than attacking. A superb man marker, Ferreira has marked some of the world’s best players completely out of important football matches. He is known for his versatility and ability to play right, left and central defence to a high standard.
Summary
Paulo is a quiet, often forgotten hero who is a proper, loyal, club servant and professional. He was signed by Jose Mourinho for £13.2 million, a then British record fee for a right back. He was the most sought after right back in the world after Paulo had been part of Mourinho’s all-conquering Porto side. He instantly became an integral part of a record breaking defence in the season that brought Chelsea its first league title for 50 years. He always went about his job efficiently and intelligently for Chelsea always giving 100% and a good performance. The perfect example of this came in the 2007 FA Cup final against Man Utd. Man Utd were seen as favourites for that and there were concerns that Ronaldo may cause Chelsea problems, and Paulo was the man tasked with stopping him. Everyone need not have worried as Paulo in his own understated way did his job and kept Ronaldo in his pocket for the entire 120 mins. No fuss, no histrionics, just good old fashioned experience and professionalism. I think it may have helped that Ferreira knows Cristiano Ronaldo’s game inside out and knows how to stop him.
Internationally, Ferreira represented Portugal 61 times and played in four major tournaments. He was named in the UEFA team of the year 2002-03 and the ESM Team of the Year 2003-04.
Reliable was the most popular term used to describe Paulo throughout his career, even now at 33 years old you can always rely on Paulo to step in to the team. He will go down as a legend when the curtains finally close on his time with Chelsea, but not your typical John Terry legend, a different kind of legend, one that would play in any game, anytime, under any kind of pressure, and put in a decent performance in whatever position you ask him to play.
3. Bixente Lizarazu
Playing Style
Lizarazu was an incredibly calm and consistent left back with a great defensive awareness. He was reliable and experienced in big matches, with pace and aggression aiding his attacking prowess.
Summary
Lizarazu is widely renowned as one of the best full-backs of recent times helping him to become the most decorated player in French football history. He was part of the “Golden Era” of French Football and a fan’s favourite at Bayern Munich. At club level he has won two French league titles, six German league titles, five German Cups, four German League Cups and a Champions League, while at international level he helped France to success in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Lizarazu is remembered for his superior defending and ability to get up and down the flanks to create opportunities for his teammates.
In all, he made 97 appearances for France. After winning the Intercontinental Cup in late 2001 with Bayern, Lizarazu became the first player to be European Champion and World Champion on both club-level (with Bayern) and national level (with France). He was instrumental in changing Bayern's traditional Libero system to a modern four at the back bringing huge success. His arrival from Athletic Bilbao coincided with Bayern's re-emergence on the European scene. In 2001 he was selected as UEFA’s best left back in world football.
4. Pepe
Playing Style
One of the fastest centre backs in recent times, Pepe is dominant in the air and practically unbeatable in one-on-one situations. His uber-aggressive style of defending and playing often gets him roughed up and hurt, but usually you’d want a bruiser in your back four and Pepe fits and plays the role in excellent fashion. He leaves it all out there, and he’ll make you spit blood, literally, to get one on him
Summary
OK let’s avoid all opinions on Pepe as a person, as this draft is purely based on football. Many people think that just because he doesn't always play nicely with the other kids, that he is therefore not a good defender. Let’s not forget during Real Madrid’s La Liga triumpth of 2012, Pepe was the babysitter of the defence, namely, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sergio Ramos. Real Madrid barely kept a clean sheet without him. I don’t condone Pepe’s actions, but I will stand by his strategy of being that guy; the one that you don’t mess with. For any opposing team, he’s a dangerous distraction and that’s invaluable
Pepe is undoubtedly a polarizing defender amongst fans due to his antics such as diving and unsportsmanlike conduct. If Pepe was not an excellent player, this would not be tolerated. He is however an exceptional tackler, plays well in the air and is extremely confident with the ball at his feet. During his 2 and a half years at Porto, Pepe won 6 trophies as well as many personal accolades. His brilliant performances in central defence helped drive Porto to two league championships and also caught the eyes of scouts from Real Madrid. So impressed were they with Pepe that Madrid shelled out a whopping €30 million for the defender in 2007, a fee he began to almost immediately repay when he helped Real to the Spanish league title in 2008. During his time at Real Madrid Pepe has played over 138 games with a terrific clean sheet ratio. He has predominantly played in central defence although has played Defensive Midfield with great effect too. He has already won 5 trophies with Real, and more are sure to follow.
Pepe is a key member of the Portuguese National Team and has amassed 51 appearances so far. He was selected in the team of the tournament for Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. Pepe was also voted the best defender at Euro 2012. Pepe is an old-school defender with new-school traits. His size and strength, combined with good athleticism and ability to play as a sweeper sometimes, makes him a great player.
5. John Terry
Playing Style
John Terry is a brave, intelligent footballer who plays every game with passion and possesses strong leadership qualities. Terry’s an all-action defender, characterised by aggression, last-ditch clearances and tackles and ruthless determination. He is also a decent passer of the ball, a natural leader, and a consistent goal scorer.
Summary
I hate him. I wouldn’t want him to be my friend. I wouldn’t want him near my friends. Despite this there is no doubt he’s a quality defender for club and country. There is something so quintessentially English about him: from his name to his playing style and his attitude - for better or worse - it's all a fit for the armband. He’s probably the most influential defensive captain in Europe, maybe even the world. He is extremely passionate about football, his country and the game as a whole. He has had his off field criticisms but they’re irrelevant, all I can say is that Terry has without doubt been one of our Country’s greatest centre backs, and it’s the experience he brings to the table which will make any squad add him into their starting eleven.
Terry is Chelsea's most successful captain, having led them to three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and a UEFA Champions League since 2004. He is one of five players to have made over 500 appearances for Chelsea and is also the club's all-time highest scoring defender. In 2007, he became the first captain to lift the FA Cup at the new Wembley Stadium and also the first player to score an international goal there. In a time when players fake injuries, fall down easily to win penalties and freekicks, a person with Terry’s commitment is a rare breed. Broken ribs or chronic knee injury which requires regular pain killer, nothing is big enough to stop him. Even after being knocked out on the pitch, Terry came back okay without much fuss.
His personal honours are too vast to list entirely. Terry was named UEFA Club Defender of the Year in 2005, 2008 and 2009 and PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2005. He is the only player to be included in the FIFPro World XI for five consecutive seasons (2005-2009). During this time Terry was widely renowned as the best centre back in world football. He was also named in the all-star squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the only English player to make the team.
6. Patrick Vieira
Playing Style
Rated Arsenals best ever captain, Vieira can do everything to win at the highest level. Capable on the ball with perfect positional/marking sense Vieira is one of the best Defensive midfielders in world history
Summary
He won three Premier League titles – one unbeaten – and four FA Cups. Arsenal haven’t won a trophy since he left, where he won 4 consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter. He is a colossus wherever he has played and has won the biggest prizes in football.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
Playing Style
OK let’s not kid ourselves. We all know Ronaldo mixes strength, skill, desire, and natural ability to make himself clearly the 2nd (at least) best player in the world. It’s no coincidence he was 2nd draft pick (however I’d still have peak Ronaldinho and Zidane as my first two)
Summary
Consistently referred to as the best European footballer in the world Ronaldo’s success can be judged by the fact he doesn’t need to be referred to as ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ anymore. The other Ronaldo is now known as Fat Ronaldo, sadly he was a good player but definitely the 2nd best Ronaldo in this draft.
8. Michael Ballack
Playing Style
A player who possesses superb vison, awareness, positioning and leadership as well as a physique, he belied his natural position as a complete midfielder. His technical qualities and a fearsome right foot – as his 42 international goals (98 caps) would attest – make him the prototype for the modern day player.
Summary
Ballack was selected by Pelé as one of FIFA's 125 Greatest Living Players, and as the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year in 2002. He has won the German Footballer of the Year award three times – in 2002, 2003 and 2005. In his prime he was undoubtedly one of the greatest centre-midfielders. Heck, even players, of the noughties. I have always seen key similarities between Ballack and Gerrard, and until today they are the only 2 players in their position that I’ve seen who can take the game by the scruff of the neck and drive the team forward in such a way. Ballack was at his best before Chelsea, however even at Stamford Bridge in a deeper role he became a key and reliable player.
The three-time German Footballer of the Year has been a commanding presence in the midfield for some of the world's top clubs. His goals, be it free-kicks, penalties or from open play, were decisive in unfancied Germany finishing runners up in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup, as well as runners up in the European Championships of 2008. If Michael Ballack isn't the greatest German footballer of all time, well then he's pretty damn close.
9. Raul
Playing Style
Raul is a natural goal scorer with an undying enthusiasm to win. He’s a complete forward who is capable with both feet, his head and pretty much any part of his body. He’s quick, clever, creative, a potent poacher in front of goal. His records will never be beaten.
Summary
I had a man crush on Raul, well for a certain period. The guy was much more than a football player, captain or symbol; he was someone who made you love the game, love Spanish football more and more. Raul González Blanco has a couple of decent tags to his name: All-time top scorer in the Champions league, all-time top scorer at Real Madrid (323 goals), third top goal scorer in La Liga (228 goals) and second top scorer of the Spanish national side (44 goals). He’s quite simply one of the best, if not the best striker in past decade; arguably in the history of football. Raul's intelligence sees him get away from his marker and create space well. His finishing touch in the box is second to none.
In 2003 Sir Alex Ferguson, Figo, Zidane and more all said Raul was the best player in the world. He was nicknamed 'the Lord of the Rings', because he always kissed his wedding ring after he scores. Raul is a master goal scorer on any stage. In European competitions, he is the all-time leading scorer of UEFA tournaments. He is the only player that has been awarded three times the "Best Forward of the Year" by UEFA (2000, 2001 and 2002)
It’s testament to Raul’s abilities that while Real Madrid have been the richest club in the world and could sign any player in the world, he was a constant fixture at the top of their team sheet. He doesn't play for himself and personal awards he plays for the team. This is one of the main reasons why Real Madrid were so successful in the early noughties. Raul was the maverick of the most successful club of his generation.
Over the course of his 16 year Real Madrid career, Raul went on to win almost everything bar the Nobel Peace Prize. Take a look in his trophy cabinet and you will see six La Liga titles, three Champions League winners’ medals and four Spanish Super Cups. He has captained club and country. Raul has scored in two Champions League finals and has never once been issued a red card; a predator in front of goal he may be, but a fair and respectful one at that.
10. Ronaldinho
Playing Style
Unplayable from 2002-2006
Summary
Ronaldinho made the best defenders in the world look awful, on a consistent basis. He turned Real Madrid into a laughing stock, and owned every team in the Champions League time and time again. Fast, Skillful, Creative he was one of a kind that was always a big game player. Two times World Footballer of the year and Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldinho was the greatest.
11. Pavel Nedvěd
Playing Style
Nedved is a creative genius on the ball and has vision that other players can only dream of. He is an all-round superstar and there is nothing he can’t do.
Summary
The Ballon d'Or winner was, without doubt, one of the greatest and most creative midfielders of his generation. My deepest regret is that we never got to see this great player grace the Premier League. Nedved is, in my mind, one of the most innovative midfielders of all time. His sheer ability, both in scoring and creating goals, dazzled Serie A for a number of years, leading to a host of titles and deserved awards for the great Czech.
Key to his success was his ability to astound opponents with his incredible touch and foresight. His play was almost like a sixth sense, and his goal scoring and assist records throughout his career speaks for itself. Ballon D’or Winner.
1. Petr Cech
Playing Style
Cech is a world class goalkeeper, big, reliable, great reflexes and agility, with superb distribution.
Summary
Cech is a World Beating goalkeeper, showing time and time again why he is rated so highly by everyone. He was key to Chelsea winning the Champions League with his performances vs. Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Cech saved Chelsea time and time again from defeat. He was named fan’s player of the match for the Champions League final. goalkeepers that can make big-time saves. There are even fewer that can save penalties. Then there are even fewer that are clutch enough to save their team on the brink of history.
He holds a Czech professional league record of not conceding a goal in 903 competitive minutes. In addition, he has a club record at his former club Sparta Prague, having gone 928 minutes unbeaten in all competitions in 2001-02. During the 2004–05 season, Cech went 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal – a Premier League record at the time. Cech also won the Golden Glove in both the 2004–05 and 2009–10 seasons. As of 5 May 2013, Cech has kept 142 clean sheets for Chelsea in the Premier League.
He was voted into the all-star team of Euro 2004 after helping his country reach the semi-finals. Cech also received the individual award of Best Goalkeeper in the 2004–05, 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons of the UEFA Champions League. In addition, he was named in the FIFPro and UEFA Champions League teams of the season in 2006. Cech holds the record for fewest Premier League appearances required to reach 100 clean sheets. Seriously he has won so many awards just check it out, its mind blowing.
2. Paulo Ferreira
Playing style
Ferreira is an intelligent, reliable right-back, known more for his defensive qualities rather than attacking. A superb man marker, Ferreira has marked some of the world’s best players completely out of important football matches. He is known for his versatility and ability to play right, left and central defence to a high standard.
Summary
Paulo is a quiet, often forgotten hero who is a proper, loyal, club servant and professional. He was signed by Jose Mourinho for £13.2 million, a then British record fee for a right back. He was the most sought after right back in the world after Paulo had been part of Mourinho’s all-conquering Porto side. He instantly became an integral part of a record breaking defence in the season that brought Chelsea its first league title for 50 years. He always went about his job efficiently and intelligently for Chelsea always giving 100% and a good performance. The perfect example of this came in the 2007 FA Cup final against Man Utd. Man Utd were seen as favourites for that and there were concerns that Ronaldo may cause Chelsea problems, and Paulo was the man tasked with stopping him. Everyone need not have worried as Paulo in his own understated way did his job and kept Ronaldo in his pocket for the entire 120 mins. No fuss, no histrionics, just good old fashioned experience and professionalism. I think it may have helped that Ferreira knows Cristiano Ronaldo’s game inside out and knows how to stop him.
Internationally, Ferreira represented Portugal 61 times and played in four major tournaments. He was named in the UEFA team of the year 2002-03 and the ESM Team of the Year 2003-04.
Reliable was the most popular term used to describe Paulo throughout his career, even now at 33 years old you can always rely on Paulo to step in to the team. He will go down as a legend when the curtains finally close on his time with Chelsea, but not your typical John Terry legend, a different kind of legend, one that would play in any game, anytime, under any kind of pressure, and put in a decent performance in whatever position you ask him to play.
3. Bixente Lizarazu
Playing Style
Lizarazu was an incredibly calm and consistent left back with a great defensive awareness. He was reliable and experienced in big matches, with pace and aggression aiding his attacking prowess.
Summary
Lizarazu is widely renowned as one of the best full-backs of recent times helping him to become the most decorated player in French football history. He was part of the “Golden Era” of French Football and a fan’s favourite at Bayern Munich. At club level he has won two French league titles, six German league titles, five German Cups, four German League Cups and a Champions League, while at international level he helped France to success in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Lizarazu is remembered for his superior defending and ability to get up and down the flanks to create opportunities for his teammates.
In all, he made 97 appearances for France. After winning the Intercontinental Cup in late 2001 with Bayern, Lizarazu became the first player to be European Champion and World Champion on both club-level (with Bayern) and national level (with France). He was instrumental in changing Bayern's traditional Libero system to a modern four at the back bringing huge success. His arrival from Athletic Bilbao coincided with Bayern's re-emergence on the European scene. In 2001 he was selected as UEFA’s best left back in world football.
4. Pepe
Playing Style
One of the fastest centre backs in recent times, Pepe is dominant in the air and practically unbeatable in one-on-one situations. His uber-aggressive style of defending and playing often gets him roughed up and hurt, but usually you’d want a bruiser in your back four and Pepe fits and plays the role in excellent fashion. He leaves it all out there, and he’ll make you spit blood, literally, to get one on him
Summary
OK let’s avoid all opinions on Pepe as a person, as this draft is purely based on football. Many people think that just because he doesn't always play nicely with the other kids, that he is therefore not a good defender. Let’s not forget during Real Madrid’s La Liga triumpth of 2012, Pepe was the babysitter of the defence, namely, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sergio Ramos. Real Madrid barely kept a clean sheet without him. I don’t condone Pepe’s actions, but I will stand by his strategy of being that guy; the one that you don’t mess with. For any opposing team, he’s a dangerous distraction and that’s invaluable
Pepe is undoubtedly a polarizing defender amongst fans due to his antics such as diving and unsportsmanlike conduct. If Pepe was not an excellent player, this would not be tolerated. He is however an exceptional tackler, plays well in the air and is extremely confident with the ball at his feet. During his 2 and a half years at Porto, Pepe won 6 trophies as well as many personal accolades. His brilliant performances in central defence helped drive Porto to two league championships and also caught the eyes of scouts from Real Madrid. So impressed were they with Pepe that Madrid shelled out a whopping €30 million for the defender in 2007, a fee he began to almost immediately repay when he helped Real to the Spanish league title in 2008. During his time at Real Madrid Pepe has played over 138 games with a terrific clean sheet ratio. He has predominantly played in central defence although has played Defensive Midfield with great effect too. He has already won 5 trophies with Real, and more are sure to follow.
Pepe is a key member of the Portuguese National Team and has amassed 51 appearances so far. He was selected in the team of the tournament for Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. Pepe was also voted the best defender at Euro 2012. Pepe is an old-school defender with new-school traits. His size and strength, combined with good athleticism and ability to play as a sweeper sometimes, makes him a great player.
5. John Terry
Playing Style
John Terry is a brave, intelligent footballer who plays every game with passion and possesses strong leadership qualities. Terry’s an all-action defender, characterised by aggression, last-ditch clearances and tackles and ruthless determination. He is also a decent passer of the ball, a natural leader, and a consistent goal scorer.
Summary
I hate him. I wouldn’t want him to be my friend. I wouldn’t want him near my friends. Despite this there is no doubt he’s a quality defender for club and country. There is something so quintessentially English about him: from his name to his playing style and his attitude - for better or worse - it's all a fit for the armband. He’s probably the most influential defensive captain in Europe, maybe even the world. He is extremely passionate about football, his country and the game as a whole. He has had his off field criticisms but they’re irrelevant, all I can say is that Terry has without doubt been one of our Country’s greatest centre backs, and it’s the experience he brings to the table which will make any squad add him into their starting eleven.
Terry is Chelsea's most successful captain, having led them to three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and a UEFA Champions League since 2004. He is one of five players to have made over 500 appearances for Chelsea and is also the club's all-time highest scoring defender. In 2007, he became the first captain to lift the FA Cup at the new Wembley Stadium and also the first player to score an international goal there. In a time when players fake injuries, fall down easily to win penalties and freekicks, a person with Terry’s commitment is a rare breed. Broken ribs or chronic knee injury which requires regular pain killer, nothing is big enough to stop him. Even after being knocked out on the pitch, Terry came back okay without much fuss.
His personal honours are too vast to list entirely. Terry was named UEFA Club Defender of the Year in 2005, 2008 and 2009 and PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2005. He is the only player to be included in the FIFPro World XI for five consecutive seasons (2005-2009). During this time Terry was widely renowned as the best centre back in world football. He was also named in the all-star squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the only English player to make the team.
6. Patrick Vieira
Playing Style
Rated Arsenals best ever captain, Vieira can do everything to win at the highest level. Capable on the ball with perfect positional/marking sense Vieira is one of the best Defensive midfielders in world history
Summary
He won three Premier League titles – one unbeaten – and four FA Cups. Arsenal haven’t won a trophy since he left, where he won 4 consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter. He is a colossus wherever he has played and has won the biggest prizes in football.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
Playing Style
OK let’s not kid ourselves. We all know Ronaldo mixes strength, skill, desire, and natural ability to make himself clearly the 2nd (at least) best player in the world. It’s no coincidence he was 2nd draft pick (however I’d still have peak Ronaldinho and Zidane as my first two)
Summary
Consistently referred to as the best European footballer in the world Ronaldo’s success can be judged by the fact he doesn’t need to be referred to as ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ anymore. The other Ronaldo is now known as Fat Ronaldo, sadly he was a good player but definitely the 2nd best Ronaldo in this draft.
8. Michael Ballack
Playing Style
A player who possesses superb vison, awareness, positioning and leadership as well as a physique, he belied his natural position as a complete midfielder. His technical qualities and a fearsome right foot – as his 42 international goals (98 caps) would attest – make him the prototype for the modern day player.
Summary
Ballack was selected by Pelé as one of FIFA's 125 Greatest Living Players, and as the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year in 2002. He has won the German Footballer of the Year award three times – in 2002, 2003 and 2005. In his prime he was undoubtedly one of the greatest centre-midfielders. Heck, even players, of the noughties. I have always seen key similarities between Ballack and Gerrard, and until today they are the only 2 players in their position that I’ve seen who can take the game by the scruff of the neck and drive the team forward in such a way. Ballack was at his best before Chelsea, however even at Stamford Bridge in a deeper role he became a key and reliable player.
The three-time German Footballer of the Year has been a commanding presence in the midfield for some of the world's top clubs. His goals, be it free-kicks, penalties or from open play, were decisive in unfancied Germany finishing runners up in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup, as well as runners up in the European Championships of 2008. If Michael Ballack isn't the greatest German footballer of all time, well then he's pretty damn close.
9. Raul
Playing Style
Raul is a natural goal scorer with an undying enthusiasm to win. He’s a complete forward who is capable with both feet, his head and pretty much any part of his body. He’s quick, clever, creative, a potent poacher in front of goal. His records will never be beaten.
Summary
I had a man crush on Raul, well for a certain period. The guy was much more than a football player, captain or symbol; he was someone who made you love the game, love Spanish football more and more. Raul González Blanco has a couple of decent tags to his name: All-time top scorer in the Champions league, all-time top scorer at Real Madrid (323 goals), third top goal scorer in La Liga (228 goals) and second top scorer of the Spanish national side (44 goals). He’s quite simply one of the best, if not the best striker in past decade; arguably in the history of football. Raul's intelligence sees him get away from his marker and create space well. His finishing touch in the box is second to none.
In 2003 Sir Alex Ferguson, Figo, Zidane and more all said Raul was the best player in the world. He was nicknamed 'the Lord of the Rings', because he always kissed his wedding ring after he scores. Raul is a master goal scorer on any stage. In European competitions, he is the all-time leading scorer of UEFA tournaments. He is the only player that has been awarded three times the "Best Forward of the Year" by UEFA (2000, 2001 and 2002)
It’s testament to Raul’s abilities that while Real Madrid have been the richest club in the world and could sign any player in the world, he was a constant fixture at the top of their team sheet. He doesn't play for himself and personal awards he plays for the team. This is one of the main reasons why Real Madrid were so successful in the early noughties. Raul was the maverick of the most successful club of his generation.
Over the course of his 16 year Real Madrid career, Raul went on to win almost everything bar the Nobel Peace Prize. Take a look in his trophy cabinet and you will see six La Liga titles, three Champions League winners’ medals and four Spanish Super Cups. He has captained club and country. Raul has scored in two Champions League finals and has never once been issued a red card; a predator in front of goal he may be, but a fair and respectful one at that.
10. Ronaldinho
Playing Style
Unplayable from 2002-2006
Summary
Ronaldinho made the best defenders in the world look awful, on a consistent basis. He turned Real Madrid into a laughing stock, and owned every team in the Champions League time and time again. Fast, Skillful, Creative he was one of a kind that was always a big game player. Two times World Footballer of the year and Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldinho was the greatest.
11. Pavel Nedvěd
Playing Style
Nedved is a creative genius on the ball and has vision that other players can only dream of. He is an all-round superstar and there is nothing he can’t do.
Summary
The Ballon d'Or winner was, without doubt, one of the greatest and most creative midfielders of his generation. My deepest regret is that we never got to see this great player grace the Premier League. Nedved is, in my mind, one of the most innovative midfielders of all time. His sheer ability, both in scoring and creating goals, dazzled Serie A for a number of years, leading to a host of titles and deserved awards for the great Czech.
Key to his success was his ability to astound opponents with his incredible touch and foresight. His play was almost like a sixth sense, and his goal scoring and assist records throughout his career speaks for itself. Ballon D’or Winner.
Tactics:
Basically here we have two top squads of players with vaguely similar tactics. I think it will be a close game and will try not to write too much about my opponent Kieran and will focus more on my team. This doesn’t mean that I haven’t used my team thinking of how to counteract specific threats of his.
So firstly with the steal, Vieira one of the best Defensive midfielders in history… He is more of a complete player than many give him credit for and it very good at leading teams to success. No surprise Arsenal’s last trophy was when Vieira was playing in the FA Cup final netting the winning penalty. He casually went on to win 4 consecutive Serie A titles with Inter. Basically the guys a machine and surprisingly made not picking Zidane easy.
I’m going for a similar formation to Chelsea used to use – a 4-2-3-1 with extra emphasis on my wide players. I have 3 of the Chelsea back 5 of their award winning season conceding just 15 in 38 games, getting a PL record of 25 clean sheets
www.zonalmarking.net/2010/01/25/teams-of-the-decade-13-chelsea-2004-06/
I do believe I have a better squad of players than that successful Chelsea team which will enable me to take it to the next level. One of the key differences with my formation is I will be playing Michael Ballack in a deeper lying playmaker position than Tiago played for Chelsea. This will be useful because it helps Vieira with Ballack’s tackling nous and also means that they can help pick out passes when required.
My wingers are alright I guess Ronaldo and Ronaldinho at peak is quite a prospect. Nedved is another key player for me, the best player in the world 2002-03 he was just insanely good. He has the added freedom of knowing Ballack and Vieira are behind him so he can advance and do what he does best. Goals are important and no one has scored more Champions League goals than Raul, He is possibly the most natural finisher and his records are untouchable.
Along with my 3 Chelsea heroes, I have Pepe who has received a bit of criticism from people. I agree he has got himself a bad reputation but his record with Real Madrid is ridiculously good. They could have any CB in the world and they trust him as their number 1 (until he argued with Jose) but in a footballing sense he is 1st choice ahead of Varane, Albiol and Ramos. He is a quick player and I think compliments Terry’s attributes well. At left back I have Lizarazu, who was just a brilliant Left back and was extraordinary in agility, acceleration, stamina and basic skillful.
Basically here we have two top squads of players with vaguely similar tactics. I think it will be a close game and will try not to write too much about my opponent Kieran and will focus more on my team. This doesn’t mean that I haven’t used my team thinking of how to counteract specific threats of his.
So firstly with the steal, Vieira one of the best Defensive midfielders in history… He is more of a complete player than many give him credit for and it very good at leading teams to success. No surprise Arsenal’s last trophy was when Vieira was playing in the FA Cup final netting the winning penalty. He casually went on to win 4 consecutive Serie A titles with Inter. Basically the guys a machine and surprisingly made not picking Zidane easy.
I’m going for a similar formation to Chelsea used to use – a 4-2-3-1 with extra emphasis on my wide players. I have 3 of the Chelsea back 5 of their award winning season conceding just 15 in 38 games, getting a PL record of 25 clean sheets
www.zonalmarking.net/2010/01/25/teams-of-the-decade-13-chelsea-2004-06/
I do believe I have a better squad of players than that successful Chelsea team which will enable me to take it to the next level. One of the key differences with my formation is I will be playing Michael Ballack in a deeper lying playmaker position than Tiago played for Chelsea. This will be useful because it helps Vieira with Ballack’s tackling nous and also means that they can help pick out passes when required.
My wingers are alright I guess Ronaldo and Ronaldinho at peak is quite a prospect. Nedved is another key player for me, the best player in the world 2002-03 he was just insanely good. He has the added freedom of knowing Ballack and Vieira are behind him so he can advance and do what he does best. Goals are important and no one has scored more Champions League goals than Raul, He is possibly the most natural finisher and his records are untouchable.
Along with my 3 Chelsea heroes, I have Pepe who has received a bit of criticism from people. I agree he has got himself a bad reputation but his record with Real Madrid is ridiculously good. They could have any CB in the world and they trust him as their number 1 (until he argued with Jose) but in a footballing sense he is 1st choice ahead of Varane, Albiol and Ramos. He is a quick player and I think compliments Terry’s attributes well. At left back I have Lizarazu, who was just a brilliant Left back and was extraordinary in agility, acceleration, stamina and basic skillful.
