Post by Kieran on Oct 10, 2013 21:48:20 GMT
Hello, welcome to the 2008-2013 World Football Draft Game. Basically, 8 players have spent the last couple weeks picking players to make a team (you can see how they did it in this thread pldraftgame.freeforums.net/thread/45/2008-world-football-draft-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 for club and country between 2008 and 2013, - so what they did outside of these years, is not directly relevant here.
Additionally, voters are requested to please justify the votes you cast: an explanation of why you voted for the team you did would be much appreciated and would add to the game as a whole. If you vote but don't justify your selection, then that vote may be discarded when totting up the final results. Please vote and adhere to the rules on each match thread.
Good luck to SBT and Mac
Squeakybumtime - Formation/bio/tactics
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Bios
Gianluigi Buffon
Widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, he’s known for his outstanding shot-stopping and for being a vocal organizer of the defence.
Two Ballon D’Or nominations and two World POTY nominations in the draft period, only Casillas has more.
Rafa’s fact: In 2011-12 his 82% save percentage (WhoScored), was the highest of any goalkeeper playing in Europe's five major leagues.
Peak: 2008-2012
Patrice Evra
The classic example of a modern full-back who is renowned for his pace, athleticism, and determination. He offers a genuine attacking outlet down the left and is also strong in the air despite his small frame.
Named in both the FIFPro World XI and the UEFA TOTY in 2008/09.
Rafa’s fact: In the 2010–11 Champions League MUFC became the only team to play six away games in a single season without conceding a goal (Evra played in 5).
Peak: 2009-2011
Nemanja Vidic
A no-nonsense central defender who leads the back-line superbly. Praised for his aggressive defensive style, Vidic’s reading of the game is excellent, he is fearsome in the tackle, strong, powerful, good in the air and a weapon from set-pieces.
The Premier League record is 14 consecutive clean sheets, between 15 Nov 2008 and 18 Feb 2009, during which Vidic started every game.
“He's not so much a rock as a mountain range”
Radomir Antić
Rafa’s fact: Same as Evra (Vidic played in 5).
Peak: 2008-2011
Lúcio
Best known as a powerhouse defender with good aerial ability, who also adds presence in the attack. Despite his large frame he is deceptively quick. Lúcio was perhaps at his absolute best for Inter in 2009/10, helping them to defeat Barcelona and Munich along the way to winning the Champions League.
FIFPro World XI in 2010.
Rafa’s fact: Inter became the 1st Italian club to achieve the historic Treble of League, Cup and CL in 2010, keeping 27 clean sheets en route, with Lúcio at the heart of their defence.
Peak: 2009-2011
Glen Johnson
Johnson has been a mainstay of the Liverpool and England rearguards since 2009. A solid defender that has demonstrated his qualities for a number of years, he has the ability to get forward to score and create goals.
Named in the PFA Team of the Year 2009
Rafa’s fact: Johnson won the goal of the season in 2009 for this effort (see from 1.09)
Peak: 2009-2012
Sami Khedira
A dynamic and industrious central midfielder with great aerial ability who can cover a lot of ground, recover the ball and quickly join in the team attack. He has great stamina, a good range of passing and impressive technique on the ball.
Team of the Tournament at Euro 2012
Rafa’s fact: Khedira captained Germany to European U21 triumph in 2009, in a team containing Neuer and Özil.
Peak: 2010-2013
Xavi
Xavi is one of the best central midfielders of his generation and perhaps all time. His ability to find and exploit space in the opposition is a joy to behold and his ability to completely control some matches has earned him the sobriquet, "The Puppet Master".
Xavi once said “That's what I do: look for spaces. All day. I'm always looking”. How simple he makes it sound.
Rafa’s fact: Top 5 of every Ballon D’Or list & FIFPro World XI/UEFA TOTY for the last 5 years. Made the Team of the Tournament for all major tournaments during draft, named Player of the Tournament for Euro 2008.
Peak: 2008-2013
Andrea Pirlo
Il professore, l'architetto and Mozart.
Praised for his touch, technique, control, dribbling, incredible vision, inventive play and his accurate passing ability, his skills on the ball are simply outstanding and he is able to dictate tempo as easily as he can split a defence wide open. His positional sense is unrivalled seemingly knowing where teammates and opponents are even out the back of his head. A dead-ball specialist, this freekick, and this paneka the pick of the bunch
“…it's truly embarrassing just how good he is.”
Buffon 2011.
“Pirlo is just class!“
Gerard Piqué 2012.
Rafa’s fact: Named in the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament, winning three man-of-the-match awards in the process, joint most with Andrés Iniesta.
Peak: 2008-2013
Thomas Müller
Müller is an attacking all-rounder, a player able to play in a variety of forward positions, most often part of the three attacking midfielders behind the central striker. Pace, technique, awareness and positioning are some of his key strengths.
Joachim Löw said he is "impervious to pressure”
Rafa’s fact: At the 2010 World Cup, Müller won the Golden Boot and Best young player, despite Maradona refusing to sit near him in a press conference as he thought he was a ball-boy.
Peak: 2010-2013
Kaká
Kaká is best known for his exploits for Milan in the pre-draft period, but he also had two highly effective years at the beginning of this draft.
Kaká is quick, composed, balanced, and highly skilful and a creative team player. He possesses excellent ball control, awareness, positioning, superb vision and a fantastic passing and dribbling ability.
FIFA World Player of the year 4th place in 2008 and 2009
Ballon D’or Nominee 2008 (8th) and 2009 (6th)
UEFA Team of the Year 2009
FIFPro World XI & FIFA TOTY: 2008
Rafa’s fact: Kaká was the first sportsperson to amass 10 million followers on Twitter
Peak: 2008-2010
Didier Drogba
The ideal lone-striker. A robust, bustling centre forward who harasses his markers, his key attributes include his physical strength, ability in the air, ability to retain possession of the ball allowing other players to be brought into play, and most importantly for any great striker he is a composed finisher.
He made his last appearance for Chelsea in the 2012 CL Final, after which Sir Alex Ferguson remarked: "As far as I was concerned, Drogba won the Champions League for Chelsea”
Rafa’s fact: Drogba scored in all seven English Cup finals he played in, as well as nine in nine finals in total.
Peak: 2009-2012
Tactics
Scroobiusmac - Formation/bio/tactics
![]()
Bios
Tactics
The key rule for this edition of the game is that players are to be judged on the basis of their performances for club and country between 2008 and 2013, - so what they did outside of these years, is not directly relevant here.
Additionally, voters are requested to please justify the votes you cast: an explanation of why you voted for the team you did would be much appreciated and would add to the game as a whole. If you vote but don't justify your selection, then that vote may be discarded when totting up the final results. Please vote and adhere to the rules on each match thread.
Good luck to SBT and Mac
Squeakybumtime - Formation/bio/tactics
Bios
Gianluigi Buffon
Widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, he’s known for his outstanding shot-stopping and for being a vocal organizer of the defence.
Two Ballon D’Or nominations and two World POTY nominations in the draft period, only Casillas has more.
Rafa’s fact: In 2011-12 his 82% save percentage (WhoScored), was the highest of any goalkeeper playing in Europe's five major leagues.
Peak: 2008-2012
Patrice Evra
The classic example of a modern full-back who is renowned for his pace, athleticism, and determination. He offers a genuine attacking outlet down the left and is also strong in the air despite his small frame.
Named in both the FIFPro World XI and the UEFA TOTY in 2008/09.
Rafa’s fact: In the 2010–11 Champions League MUFC became the only team to play six away games in a single season without conceding a goal (Evra played in 5).
Peak: 2009-2011
Nemanja Vidic
A no-nonsense central defender who leads the back-line superbly. Praised for his aggressive defensive style, Vidic’s reading of the game is excellent, he is fearsome in the tackle, strong, powerful, good in the air and a weapon from set-pieces.
The Premier League record is 14 consecutive clean sheets, between 15 Nov 2008 and 18 Feb 2009, during which Vidic started every game.
“He's not so much a rock as a mountain range”
Radomir Antić
Rafa’s fact: Same as Evra (Vidic played in 5).
Peak: 2008-2011
Lúcio
Best known as a powerhouse defender with good aerial ability, who also adds presence in the attack. Despite his large frame he is deceptively quick. Lúcio was perhaps at his absolute best for Inter in 2009/10, helping them to defeat Barcelona and Munich along the way to winning the Champions League.
FIFPro World XI in 2010.
Rafa’s fact: Inter became the 1st Italian club to achieve the historic Treble of League, Cup and CL in 2010, keeping 27 clean sheets en route, with Lúcio at the heart of their defence.
Peak: 2009-2011
Glen Johnson
Johnson has been a mainstay of the Liverpool and England rearguards since 2009. A solid defender that has demonstrated his qualities for a number of years, he has the ability to get forward to score and create goals.
Named in the PFA Team of the Year 2009
Rafa’s fact: Johnson won the goal of the season in 2009 for this effort (see from 1.09)
Peak: 2009-2012
Sami Khedira
A dynamic and industrious central midfielder with great aerial ability who can cover a lot of ground, recover the ball and quickly join in the team attack. He has great stamina, a good range of passing and impressive technique on the ball.
Team of the Tournament at Euro 2012
Rafa’s fact: Khedira captained Germany to European U21 triumph in 2009, in a team containing Neuer and Özil.
Peak: 2010-2013
Xavi
Xavi is one of the best central midfielders of his generation and perhaps all time. His ability to find and exploit space in the opposition is a joy to behold and his ability to completely control some matches has earned him the sobriquet, "The Puppet Master".
Xavi once said “That's what I do: look for spaces. All day. I'm always looking”. How simple he makes it sound.
Rafa’s fact: Top 5 of every Ballon D’Or list & FIFPro World XI/UEFA TOTY for the last 5 years. Made the Team of the Tournament for all major tournaments during draft, named Player of the Tournament for Euro 2008.
Peak: 2008-2013
Andrea Pirlo
Il professore, l'architetto and Mozart.
Praised for his touch, technique, control, dribbling, incredible vision, inventive play and his accurate passing ability, his skills on the ball are simply outstanding and he is able to dictate tempo as easily as he can split a defence wide open. His positional sense is unrivalled seemingly knowing where teammates and opponents are even out the back of his head. A dead-ball specialist, this freekick, and this paneka the pick of the bunch
“…it's truly embarrassing just how good he is.”
Buffon 2011.
“Pirlo is just class!“
Gerard Piqué 2012.
Rafa’s fact: Named in the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament, winning three man-of-the-match awards in the process, joint most with Andrés Iniesta.
Peak: 2008-2013
Thomas Müller
Müller is an attacking all-rounder, a player able to play in a variety of forward positions, most often part of the three attacking midfielders behind the central striker. Pace, technique, awareness and positioning are some of his key strengths.
Joachim Löw said he is "impervious to pressure”
Rafa’s fact: At the 2010 World Cup, Müller won the Golden Boot and Best young player, despite Maradona refusing to sit near him in a press conference as he thought he was a ball-boy.
Peak: 2010-2013
Kaká
Kaká is best known for his exploits for Milan in the pre-draft period, but he also had two highly effective years at the beginning of this draft.
Kaká is quick, composed, balanced, and highly skilful and a creative team player. He possesses excellent ball control, awareness, positioning, superb vision and a fantastic passing and dribbling ability.
FIFA World Player of the year 4th place in 2008 and 2009
Ballon D’or Nominee 2008 (8th) and 2009 (6th)
UEFA Team of the Year 2009
FIFPro World XI & FIFA TOTY: 2008
Rafa’s fact: Kaká was the first sportsperson to amass 10 million followers on Twitter
Peak: 2008-2010
Didier Drogba
The ideal lone-striker. A robust, bustling centre forward who harasses his markers, his key attributes include his physical strength, ability in the air, ability to retain possession of the ball allowing other players to be brought into play, and most importantly for any great striker he is a composed finisher.
He made his last appearance for Chelsea in the 2012 CL Final, after which Sir Alex Ferguson remarked: "As far as I was concerned, Drogba won the Champions League for Chelsea”
Rafa’s fact: Drogba scored in all seven English Cup finals he played in, as well as nine in nine finals in total.
Peak: 2009-2012
Tactics
I have gone with a 4-3-3 here, with Müller and Kaká in fluid, interchangeable roles in behind Drogba. My full backs will provide the attacking width, as they do with their clubs. Khedira will sit in front of the back four in a defensive role. He holds back when Evra/Johnson go forward and helps fill the gap left. He will look to take the ball from the GK/back four when they have possession and give it to Pirlo and Xavi, in the same way Busquests does.
With Xavi and Pirlo in the side the only way I can approach this tie is by using my main strength and dominating possession. Both are masters in the art of short passing and will look to hurt the opposition with their creativity, short movements and accurate, intelligent passing.
If Mac does try to snuff out Pirlo or Xavi by man-marking either, then the one who is man-marked will pull back slightly into a more withdrawn role, drawing Mac’s main defensive midfielder Mascherano into unchartered waters, leaving gaps for the other (Xavi/Pirlo) to exploit. Then Khedira will look for the other with his passes, or should he spot a gap has a licence to get forward (but only in this scenario). Pirlo and Kaká had a good understanding at Milan, and this linkup will be key when in possession going forward. Kaká and Müller will look to find spaces between the lines and takes passes from Xavi/Pirlo and run at Mac’s centrebacks. Xavi and Pirlo will have plenty of opportunities to make use of their incredible vision, and Kaká was also a player who could pick a pass through the eye of a needle.
Drogba is too strong and quick to be simply man-marked out the game – he’d win too many long-balls, turn his marker and be in on goal far too often (Ref: Mac’s tactics from the last draft). His superb hold-up play that allows other players to be brought into play will be key here – the runs of Kaká and Müller from behind him and Evra/Johnson on the wings will feed off Drogba. He has the power and pace also to make intelligent runs in behind Mac’s defence and be fed by the aforementioned Xavi, Pirlo and Kaká passes.
With no natural width in the team, I will rely on my full backs to get forward when I have possession. If one is bombing on the other is expected to hold a semi-defensive position, slightly advanced of the halfway line. I will look to Xavi and Pirlo to find their surging runs with pinpoint passes, often to feet but usually into their stride. Both provide good delivery into the box I hope it will be capitalised on by Drogba, Müller and Kaká arriving late.
In defence both of the centre backs are specialist stoppers, and will eat up any and all long balls, and balls into the box. Lúcio is very quick and covers the ground very fast. Vidic was a Ballon D’Or nominee in 2008 and 2009 and at his peak was a very formidable opponent for any striker.
When not in possession, I will look to keep it tight and press the opposition. With Ribery the only natural winger in Mac’s team, I expect the majority of his attacks to come in the left and central thirds.
In that scenario I expect my side to line up in a similar fashion to this (predicted 4-3-3 for Mac).
Here the full back in question will be expected to pick up Ribery and stay tight, with Khedira providing additional cover and Xavi/Pirlo/Kaká forming the midfield triangle.
Xavi (and to a lesser extent Pirlo) are fantastic presser’s of the ball when not in possession, and will be expected to not allow Mac’s midfield time in possession. With no out and out striker in the side (Rooney/Aguero are 10s) I am hoping the middle of the pitch between Mascherano and Khedira will be slightly congested as Aguero/Rooney will naturally drop deep, and although Mac has some fantastic passers I believe I will have the edge here with Xavi, Pirlo, Khedira and Kaká.
Set pieces:
Corners and crossed free-kicks: Xavi/Pirlo.
Direct free-kicks: Pirlo.
Penalties: Pirlo.
With Xavi and Pirlo in the side the only way I can approach this tie is by using my main strength and dominating possession. Both are masters in the art of short passing and will look to hurt the opposition with their creativity, short movements and accurate, intelligent passing.
If Mac does try to snuff out Pirlo or Xavi by man-marking either, then the one who is man-marked will pull back slightly into a more withdrawn role, drawing Mac’s main defensive midfielder Mascherano into unchartered waters, leaving gaps for the other (Xavi/Pirlo) to exploit. Then Khedira will look for the other with his passes, or should he spot a gap has a licence to get forward (but only in this scenario). Pirlo and Kaká had a good understanding at Milan, and this linkup will be key when in possession going forward. Kaká and Müller will look to find spaces between the lines and takes passes from Xavi/Pirlo and run at Mac’s centrebacks. Xavi and Pirlo will have plenty of opportunities to make use of their incredible vision, and Kaká was also a player who could pick a pass through the eye of a needle.
Drogba is too strong and quick to be simply man-marked out the game – he’d win too many long-balls, turn his marker and be in on goal far too often (Ref: Mac’s tactics from the last draft). His superb hold-up play that allows other players to be brought into play will be key here – the runs of Kaká and Müller from behind him and Evra/Johnson on the wings will feed off Drogba. He has the power and pace also to make intelligent runs in behind Mac’s defence and be fed by the aforementioned Xavi, Pirlo and Kaká passes.
With no natural width in the team, I will rely on my full backs to get forward when I have possession. If one is bombing on the other is expected to hold a semi-defensive position, slightly advanced of the halfway line. I will look to Xavi and Pirlo to find their surging runs with pinpoint passes, often to feet but usually into their stride. Both provide good delivery into the box I hope it will be capitalised on by Drogba, Müller and Kaká arriving late.
In defence both of the centre backs are specialist stoppers, and will eat up any and all long balls, and balls into the box. Lúcio is very quick and covers the ground very fast. Vidic was a Ballon D’Or nominee in 2008 and 2009 and at his peak was a very formidable opponent for any striker.
When not in possession, I will look to keep it tight and press the opposition. With Ribery the only natural winger in Mac’s team, I expect the majority of his attacks to come in the left and central thirds.
In that scenario I expect my side to line up in a similar fashion to this (predicted 4-3-3 for Mac).
Here the full back in question will be expected to pick up Ribery and stay tight, with Khedira providing additional cover and Xavi/Pirlo/Kaká forming the midfield triangle.
Xavi (and to a lesser extent Pirlo) are fantastic presser’s of the ball when not in possession, and will be expected to not allow Mac’s midfield time in possession. With no out and out striker in the side (Rooney/Aguero are 10s) I am hoping the middle of the pitch between Mascherano and Khedira will be slightly congested as Aguero/Rooney will naturally drop deep, and although Mac has some fantastic passers I believe I will have the edge here with Xavi, Pirlo, Khedira and Kaká.
Set pieces:
Corners and crossed free-kicks: Xavi/Pirlo.
Direct free-kicks: Pirlo.
Penalties: Pirlo.
Scroobiusmac - Formation/bio/tactics
Bios
Thibaut Courtois
At the tender age of 21 Courtois already has 65 cleansheets in 3 seasons. After being named Genk’s player of the season and winning the Belgian league aged just 18 Courtois was snapped up by Chelsea and subsequently farmed out to Atletico Madrid. He has been quite a revelation combining excellent shot-stopping with an excellent penalty box presence. He has Europa League and Copa del Rey victories to his name - he has only ever lost one cup tie.
Phillip Lahm
Combines pace and stamina to match any winger with superb technical ability. Lahm finished second for assists in Bundesliga behind Ribery in 12/13. A major factor in both Bayern’s superb defensive record and ability to change tempo from possession based football to swift and decisive counter-attacks. Named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup.
Sergio Ramos
When Alexander the Great was 33 he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer. Ramos is only 27.
Like Lahm, Ramos was named in the team of the tournament at both Euros and the World Cup. Two appearances in the UEFA team of the season, three in FIFA’s. 111 caps for the greatest international side of all time and the youngest player ever to reach 100 caps. A huge part of Spain’s World Cup and Euro triumphs where they conceded only 3 goals in 13 games and none in the knock-out stages. Brilliant in the air and tackle as well as excellent at dribbling and passing the ball out of defence. Also has a knack of scoring crucial goals.
Dante
A late-bloomer, Dante played a huge role in Bayern’s defensive record of 12/13. Bayern set numerous records keeping 21 clean sheets, conceding only 7 away goals, conceded only 18 goals in total and finished with an astonishing goal difference of +80. Dante is able to combine ball-playing ability with power, strength, tough-tackling and aerial prowess. In 12/13 Champions League he finished with an astonishing 84% success rate in aerial duels. He was also central to Mochengladbach finishing 4th in 11/12 and conceding only 24 goals in the season.
Marcelo
Marcelo has excellent pace, stamina and dribbling. He also possesses a mean cross and bullet shot contributing an impressive 22 goals and 30 assists for club and country over this period. In 09/10 he was second only to Messi for assists in La Liga. He was also a key figure in Real Madrid’s record breaking 11/12 season earning plaudits from Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos. Named in UEFA and FIFA’s team of the season in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
Javier Mascherano
A proper defensive midfielder Mascherano is extremely disciplined has superb positioning and excellent tackling. Although converted to a centre-back for Barcelona his best position is still arguably in midfield. He played a large role in Liverpool’s 2nd place finish in 2009/10 before joining Barcelona and helping them win two La Liga titles and a Champions League win in this period. He has been a regular for Argentina and captain since 2010 and has an Olympic Gold Medal from 2008 to his name.
Yaya Toure
Alongside Guardiola and Messi, Toure helped kick-start the era of Barcelona dominance by providing the defensive foil that allowed Xavi and Iniesta the freedom to express themselves. After Toure was snapped up by Manchester City he became a force to be reckoned with. Able to boss midfields, break up opposing attacks, drive forward a City counter or pick out a pass. A Champions League and 3 league titles to his name over this period, Toure was also named African Footballer of the Year in 2011 and 2012.
Steven Gerrard
A driving force within midfield, Gerrard has won countless individual plaudits throughout this period. Named in both FIFA and UEFA teams of the year, Euro 2012 team of the tournament, PFA team of the year and Football Writers Player of the year. Gerrard also spearheaded Liverpool’s closest chance of winning the League in 2009. He has an excellent goalscoring record for a midfielder and scored 24 goals in 08/09. Capable of splitting defences open with a pinpoint long pass.
David Silva
A ludicrous 73 assists for club and country within this period. Possessed with superb close control, brilliant vision, Deep Blue-esque decision making and artistry to the weighting of his passes. Utilised as both a creative attacking midfielder and a winger Silva has been incredibly influential in City’s style of play. He has the patience and timing to pick passes through teams who have parked the bus whilst also having the quickness of mind to split teams open on the counter. Used on the right-wing Silva started all 6 games of Spain’s Euro 2012 campaign, scoring 2 goals and creating 3 others and was named in the team of the tournament.
Sergio Aguero
Consistent 1 in 2 goal scoring record for both club and country over this period of 137 goals in 278 games. Aguero is a marvellous mixture of penalty box predator and awareness in dropping between the lines. After helping Atletico Madrid to the Euoropa League in 09/10 Aguero went on to score 27 goals in 10/11 before joining Manchester City. His performances led City to their first Premier League title with Aguero scoring one of the most iconic goals in Premier League history.
Ribery
One of brightest of the many stars of Bayern’s last 3 seasons. In 12/13 he was pivotal in Bayern’s brilliant counter-attacking against Barcelona, and in the league provided 10 goals and 14 assists in just 24 starts. In total he has 79 goals and 83 assists for club and country in this period. Considering he has struggled with injury to an extent for a couple of these years these are phenomenal numbers. Tricks galore, a superb cross and excellent through balls Ribery is able to create numerous opportunities for his team-mates whilst his role as an inverted winger sees him able to cut onto his fearsome right foot.
At the tender age of 21 Courtois already has 65 cleansheets in 3 seasons. After being named Genk’s player of the season and winning the Belgian league aged just 18 Courtois was snapped up by Chelsea and subsequently farmed out to Atletico Madrid. He has been quite a revelation combining excellent shot-stopping with an excellent penalty box presence. He has Europa League and Copa del Rey victories to his name - he has only ever lost one cup tie.
Phillip Lahm
Combines pace and stamina to match any winger with superb technical ability. Lahm finished second for assists in Bundesliga behind Ribery in 12/13. A major factor in both Bayern’s superb defensive record and ability to change tempo from possession based football to swift and decisive counter-attacks. Named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup.
Sergio Ramos
When Alexander the Great was 33 he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer. Ramos is only 27.
Like Lahm, Ramos was named in the team of the tournament at both Euros and the World Cup. Two appearances in the UEFA team of the season, three in FIFA’s. 111 caps for the greatest international side of all time and the youngest player ever to reach 100 caps. A huge part of Spain’s World Cup and Euro triumphs where they conceded only 3 goals in 13 games and none in the knock-out stages. Brilliant in the air and tackle as well as excellent at dribbling and passing the ball out of defence. Also has a knack of scoring crucial goals.
Dante
A late-bloomer, Dante played a huge role in Bayern’s defensive record of 12/13. Bayern set numerous records keeping 21 clean sheets, conceding only 7 away goals, conceded only 18 goals in total and finished with an astonishing goal difference of +80. Dante is able to combine ball-playing ability with power, strength, tough-tackling and aerial prowess. In 12/13 Champions League he finished with an astonishing 84% success rate in aerial duels. He was also central to Mochengladbach finishing 4th in 11/12 and conceding only 24 goals in the season.
Marcelo
Marcelo has excellent pace, stamina and dribbling. He also possesses a mean cross and bullet shot contributing an impressive 22 goals and 30 assists for club and country over this period. In 09/10 he was second only to Messi for assists in La Liga. He was also a key figure in Real Madrid’s record breaking 11/12 season earning plaudits from Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos. Named in UEFA and FIFA’s team of the season in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
Javier Mascherano
A proper defensive midfielder Mascherano is extremely disciplined has superb positioning and excellent tackling. Although converted to a centre-back for Barcelona his best position is still arguably in midfield. He played a large role in Liverpool’s 2nd place finish in 2009/10 before joining Barcelona and helping them win two La Liga titles and a Champions League win in this period. He has been a regular for Argentina and captain since 2010 and has an Olympic Gold Medal from 2008 to his name.
Yaya Toure
Alongside Guardiola and Messi, Toure helped kick-start the era of Barcelona dominance by providing the defensive foil that allowed Xavi and Iniesta the freedom to express themselves. After Toure was snapped up by Manchester City he became a force to be reckoned with. Able to boss midfields, break up opposing attacks, drive forward a City counter or pick out a pass. A Champions League and 3 league titles to his name over this period, Toure was also named African Footballer of the Year in 2011 and 2012.
Steven Gerrard
A driving force within midfield, Gerrard has won countless individual plaudits throughout this period. Named in both FIFA and UEFA teams of the year, Euro 2012 team of the tournament, PFA team of the year and Football Writers Player of the year. Gerrard also spearheaded Liverpool’s closest chance of winning the League in 2009. He has an excellent goalscoring record for a midfielder and scored 24 goals in 08/09. Capable of splitting defences open with a pinpoint long pass.
David Silva
A ludicrous 73 assists for club and country within this period. Possessed with superb close control, brilliant vision, Deep Blue-esque decision making and artistry to the weighting of his passes. Utilised as both a creative attacking midfielder and a winger Silva has been incredibly influential in City’s style of play. He has the patience and timing to pick passes through teams who have parked the bus whilst also having the quickness of mind to split teams open on the counter. Used on the right-wing Silva started all 6 games of Spain’s Euro 2012 campaign, scoring 2 goals and creating 3 others and was named in the team of the tournament.
Sergio Aguero
Consistent 1 in 2 goal scoring record for both club and country over this period of 137 goals in 278 games. Aguero is a marvellous mixture of penalty box predator and awareness in dropping between the lines. After helping Atletico Madrid to the Euoropa League in 09/10 Aguero went on to score 27 goals in 10/11 before joining Manchester City. His performances led City to their first Premier League title with Aguero scoring one of the most iconic goals in Premier League history.
Ribery
One of brightest of the many stars of Bayern’s last 3 seasons. In 12/13 he was pivotal in Bayern’s brilliant counter-attacking against Barcelona, and in the league provided 10 goals and 14 assists in just 24 starts. In total he has 79 goals and 83 assists for club and country in this period. Considering he has struggled with injury to an extent for a couple of these years these are phenomenal numbers. Tricks galore, a superb cross and excellent through balls Ribery is able to create numerous opportunities for his team-mates whilst his role as an inverted winger sees him able to cut onto his fearsome right foot.
Tactics
I aim to play a fast, physical style which is quick in transitioning from defence to attack. Formation wise I think it is best described as a 4-1-2-3. Stylistically the side is aiming to be similar to Bayern Munich (11-13), Manchester City (11-12), Real Madrid (10-12) and Liverpool (08-09). It features key players in each side and particularly those players which I enabled those teams to hit fast and score frequently whilst remaining solid in defence.
In midfield, Mascherano will play the anchor role whilst Toure and Gerrard both play box-to-box roles. This combination of Mascherano’s discipline combined with Gerrard and Toure’s ability to eat up miles of grass each game should make my midfield incredibly tough to break down and an explosive threat.
Down the flanks Silva and Ribery are playing inverted roles looking to bring the ball in from the wing. Complimenting them and adding width you couldn’t ask for two better overlapping wingers than Lahm and Marcelo.
Aguero will take up the role of leading the line. He will be charged with keeping up his work-rate and probing and pushing at SBT’s defence at all times. My team will be instructed to get it into Aguero’s feet – he possesses amazing strength for his size and is able to hold up the ball when given it correctly. Aguero is a weapon on the counter-attack with impressive acceleration and composed finishing. He will also attack the posts to get ahead of his marker. Pitting Aguero against Vidic and Lucio in an aerial duel would be fruitless but this aims to use his movement, acceleration and speed whilst rendering part of SBT’s strength as defenders null.
In defence Lahm-Ramos-Dante-Marcelo are well balanced. Assuming SBT doesn’t play the proven partnership of Torres and Drogba he’s likely to opt for a lone striker. If he opts for the pacier Torres then I have centre-backs who are able to match him in a footrace and stop him with a perfectly timed tackle. If he opts for Drogba then there are few CB pairings able to combat Drogba in the air as well as Dante and Ramos. Kaka and Muller are tricky customers but Lahm fears nobody whilst Marcelo will often force Muller onto the back-foot.
I think I would win for three main reasons. First, suitability. All of my team have been given a role in which they have achieved success playing a style they are aiming to play. On the contrary SBT’s midfield may find their new bedfellows rather strange. Pirlo is at his best with two players to carry the physical burden (Marchisio, De Rossi, Vidal) whilst Xavi is at his best with the outlets of Iniesta and Messi and the positioning of Busquets. Khedira, whilst far from a bad player, cannot fill the roles of the two players Pirlo is accustomed to playing with and lacks the genius of Iniesta or the discipline of Busquets.
Second, universality. Part of the risk of counter-attacking in numbers is getting caught out of position on the counter-counter. However, my defensive players are adept at roles which are adjacent to them. Ramos is as comfortable covering attacks on the counter from right-back whilst Mashcerano can easily drop into central defence. On the flanks Lahm and Marcelo can play as auxiliary wingers. Gerrard and Toure are adept at deeper midfield roles. Universality extends to the front players as during periods of sustained pressure Ribery and Silva can shift inside to the number 10 role with either full-back occupying the flank.
Third, penetration. I think that the balance may see SBT gain a slight edge in terms of possession. However I think this possession may be ‘all fart and no poo’. With a midfield capable of working hard and stifling SBT’s team’s ability on the ball and 4 top quality defenders I hope to reduce his possession to that which isn’t able to cause much goalbound damage. On the other hand I have so many players able to damage on the counter Lahm, Marcelo, Aguero, Toure, Gerrard, Silva, Ribery. With the physicality and speed of my team I expect to expose SBT with regularity creating clear cut chances which will be finished to give me the win.
Good luck Squeekybum Time.
In midfield, Mascherano will play the anchor role whilst Toure and Gerrard both play box-to-box roles. This combination of Mascherano’s discipline combined with Gerrard and Toure’s ability to eat up miles of grass each game should make my midfield incredibly tough to break down and an explosive threat.
Down the flanks Silva and Ribery are playing inverted roles looking to bring the ball in from the wing. Complimenting them and adding width you couldn’t ask for two better overlapping wingers than Lahm and Marcelo.
Aguero will take up the role of leading the line. He will be charged with keeping up his work-rate and probing and pushing at SBT’s defence at all times. My team will be instructed to get it into Aguero’s feet – he possesses amazing strength for his size and is able to hold up the ball when given it correctly. Aguero is a weapon on the counter-attack with impressive acceleration and composed finishing. He will also attack the posts to get ahead of his marker. Pitting Aguero against Vidic and Lucio in an aerial duel would be fruitless but this aims to use his movement, acceleration and speed whilst rendering part of SBT’s strength as defenders null.
In defence Lahm-Ramos-Dante-Marcelo are well balanced. Assuming SBT doesn’t play the proven partnership of Torres and Drogba he’s likely to opt for a lone striker. If he opts for the pacier Torres then I have centre-backs who are able to match him in a footrace and stop him with a perfectly timed tackle. If he opts for Drogba then there are few CB pairings able to combat Drogba in the air as well as Dante and Ramos. Kaka and Muller are tricky customers but Lahm fears nobody whilst Marcelo will often force Muller onto the back-foot.
I think I would win for three main reasons. First, suitability. All of my team have been given a role in which they have achieved success playing a style they are aiming to play. On the contrary SBT’s midfield may find their new bedfellows rather strange. Pirlo is at his best with two players to carry the physical burden (Marchisio, De Rossi, Vidal) whilst Xavi is at his best with the outlets of Iniesta and Messi and the positioning of Busquets. Khedira, whilst far from a bad player, cannot fill the roles of the two players Pirlo is accustomed to playing with and lacks the genius of Iniesta or the discipline of Busquets.
Second, universality. Part of the risk of counter-attacking in numbers is getting caught out of position on the counter-counter. However, my defensive players are adept at roles which are adjacent to them. Ramos is as comfortable covering attacks on the counter from right-back whilst Mashcerano can easily drop into central defence. On the flanks Lahm and Marcelo can play as auxiliary wingers. Gerrard and Toure are adept at deeper midfield roles. Universality extends to the front players as during periods of sustained pressure Ribery and Silva can shift inside to the number 10 role with either full-back occupying the flank.
Third, penetration. I think that the balance may see SBT gain a slight edge in terms of possession. However I think this possession may be ‘all fart and no poo’. With a midfield capable of working hard and stifling SBT’s team’s ability on the ball and 4 top quality defenders I hope to reduce his possession to that which isn’t able to cause much goalbound damage. On the other hand I have so many players able to damage on the counter Lahm, Marcelo, Aguero, Toure, Gerrard, Silva, Ribery. With the physicality and speed of my team I expect to expose SBT with regularity creating clear cut chances which will be finished to give me the win.
Good luck Squeekybum Time.
