Post by Kieran on Jan 20, 2013 1:43:53 GMT
Hello, welcome to the Premier League Draft Game. Basically, 16 players have spent the last few weeks picking players to make a team (you can see how they did it in this thread pldraftgame.freeforums.net/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=2 ). and they are now ready to go head-to-head against each other to win your vote - which do you think is the better team? The voter has both the squad-sheet and the bios/tactics to consider!
The key rule for this edition of the game is that players are to be judged on the basis of their performances in the Premier League - so what they did in other leagues, in cup competitions or on the international stage is not directly relevant here.
Additionally, voters are requested to please justify the votes you cast: an explanation of why you voted for the team you did would be much appreciated and would add to the game as a whole. If you vote but don't justify your selection, then that vote may be discarded when totting up the final results. Please vote and adhere to the rules on each match thread.
Good luck to Aditya and The Parmtree!
@aditya2991- Formation/bio/tactics
The Parmtree- Formation/bio/tactics
The key rule for this edition of the game is that players are to be judged on the basis of their performances in the Premier League - so what they did in other leagues, in cup competitions or on the international stage is not directly relevant here.
Additionally, voters are requested to please justify the votes you cast: an explanation of why you voted for the team you did would be much appreciated and would add to the game as a whole. If you vote but don't justify your selection, then that vote may be discarded when totting up the final results. Please vote and adhere to the rules on each match thread.
Good luck to Aditya and The Parmtree!
@aditya2991- Formation/bio/tactics
1) Joe Hart
Great reflexes, good positional sense and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Currently the best keeper in the league and since his breakthrough at Birmingham two time keeper of the year out of three occasions, nominated for European Footballer of the Year, the only keeper to be so. He’s a fearless young Goalkeeper and currently England’s NO1.
PFA League Two Team of the Year 2005-06; Birmingham City FC Player of the Year 2009-10; PFA Premier League Team of the Year 2009-10, 2011-12; PFA Young Player of the Year nominee 2009-10;
2) Bacary Sagna:
named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2007-08. Sagna is a strong defender who has good positional awareness and is an adept reader of the game. He also has the capability to overlap down the right hand side. One of the top right back, not only in the PL, but also for France.
3) Nigel Winterburn
Slots in nicely ahead of Hart in this defence where he performed so admirably for over a decade. If you can look past his annoying face you'll see he was an ultra-dependable, astute and experienced fullback that no winger enjoyed facing up to. 2 Premier League titles & 4 runners-up medals, 4 FA Cup titles & 1 runners-up medal, 352 Premier League appearances.
4) Vincent Kompany
Best defender currently in world football, let alone the Premiership, and currently the reigning Premier League Player of the Season – one of only two defenders to ever win the award. A revelation since moving to central defence, being quick, strong, great in the air and also positionally Kompany does not have a weak link. Solid and reliable, Kompany has talent and composure and his versatility makes him a hugely valuable asset.
5) Gareth Southgate:
highest achievements in the sport were winning the League Cup with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. He also reached an FA Cup and UEFA Cup final as a player, and made 57 appearances for the England national team . His playing career ended in May 2006 after he was appointed Middlesbrough manager. Very Under-rated central defender and in his b=very first season for Boro, he had won the POTY year and became a firm favorite.
6) David Batty
David Batty a fans favourite and undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in the draft, selected in the PFA Team of the Year on 3 occasions. A member of the title winning Blackburn and Leeds sides, as well as coming runner up twice under Newcastle, Batty was instrumental in any team he played in. An unbelievable workrate and tireless running, combined with a ruthless competitive streak makes him on of the leagues best ever ball-winners.
7) Xabi Alonso
A deep-lying midfielder, Alonso is a wonderful passer of the ball and has vision to rival any in world football.. Alonso is an expert manipulator of a football as well as reading the game superbly.
He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won both the FA Community Shield and the FA Cup. Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and the 2006 World Cup
8) Ryan Giggs
Tireless running and important goals have been the hallmark of a terrific career, but his intelligent retention of the ball and ability to create goalscoring opportunities for those around him cannot be underestimated. He is one of the best wingers one would ever see, owning the left flank, going past defenders in such a speed and scored in every season of Premier league since its inception. The opposition right backs would never enjoy the presence of Ryan Giggs.
He was the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards (1992 and 1993), though he did not win the PFA Player of the Year award until 2009. He is the only player to have played and scored in every completed season of the Premier League. He was elected into the PFA Team of the Century in 2007,the Premier League Team of the Decade in 2003, as well as the FA Cup Team of the Century.
Zidane said:"Giggs is a great player.I still vividly remember the games I played against him. My shock after watching Giggs play for the first time was very similar to the shock after seeing Luiz Ronaldo."
9) Kanchelskis:
Kanchelskis is the only player in history to have scored in each of the Glasgow, Merseyside and Manchester local derbies. Kanchelskis was United's leading goalscorer in the 1994–95 season with 15 goals in 32 games (14 of them in the Premier League). He was a fans’ favorite and was one of the top wingers in the premier league. It was delightful to watch Kan Kan running down the flank at sheer pace.
10) Samir Nasri:
Nasri boasts formidable technique and his vision and his imagination make him an unpredictable opponent. His passing and movement is excellent and his versatility is a real asset. He won his 1st PL league title with Man City last season and has won nothing during his stint at Arsenal. He is a skilled and fast midfielder, who can fight for the ball in midfield.
11) Luis Suarez:
Technically excellent and full of running, this deadly striker is a threat from long range, in the box or in the air. He is also versatile and likes to attack from wide positions, making him an elusive presence. A prolific forward and certainly can score from any range.
"The 'Hand Of God' now belongs to me. I did it so that my team-mates could win the penalty shoot-out. When I saw Gyan miss the penalty it was a great joy". Luis Suarez.
Great reflexes, good positional sense and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Currently the best keeper in the league and since his breakthrough at Birmingham two time keeper of the year out of three occasions, nominated for European Footballer of the Year, the only keeper to be so. He’s a fearless young Goalkeeper and currently England’s NO1.
PFA League Two Team of the Year 2005-06; Birmingham City FC Player of the Year 2009-10; PFA Premier League Team of the Year 2009-10, 2011-12; PFA Young Player of the Year nominee 2009-10;
2) Bacary Sagna:
named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2007-08. Sagna is a strong defender who has good positional awareness and is an adept reader of the game. He also has the capability to overlap down the right hand side. One of the top right back, not only in the PL, but also for France.
3) Nigel Winterburn
Slots in nicely ahead of Hart in this defence where he performed so admirably for over a decade. If you can look past his annoying face you'll see he was an ultra-dependable, astute and experienced fullback that no winger enjoyed facing up to. 2 Premier League titles & 4 runners-up medals, 4 FA Cup titles & 1 runners-up medal, 352 Premier League appearances.
4) Vincent Kompany
Best defender currently in world football, let alone the Premiership, and currently the reigning Premier League Player of the Season – one of only two defenders to ever win the award. A revelation since moving to central defence, being quick, strong, great in the air and also positionally Kompany does not have a weak link. Solid and reliable, Kompany has talent and composure and his versatility makes him a hugely valuable asset.
5) Gareth Southgate:
highest achievements in the sport were winning the League Cup with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. He also reached an FA Cup and UEFA Cup final as a player, and made 57 appearances for the England national team . His playing career ended in May 2006 after he was appointed Middlesbrough manager. Very Under-rated central defender and in his b=very first season for Boro, he had won the POTY year and became a firm favorite.
6) David Batty
David Batty a fans favourite and undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in the draft, selected in the PFA Team of the Year on 3 occasions. A member of the title winning Blackburn and Leeds sides, as well as coming runner up twice under Newcastle, Batty was instrumental in any team he played in. An unbelievable workrate and tireless running, combined with a ruthless competitive streak makes him on of the leagues best ever ball-winners.
7) Xabi Alonso
A deep-lying midfielder, Alonso is a wonderful passer of the ball and has vision to rival any in world football.. Alonso is an expert manipulator of a football as well as reading the game superbly.
He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won both the FA Community Shield and the FA Cup. Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and the 2006 World Cup
8) Ryan Giggs
Tireless running and important goals have been the hallmark of a terrific career, but his intelligent retention of the ball and ability to create goalscoring opportunities for those around him cannot be underestimated. He is one of the best wingers one would ever see, owning the left flank, going past defenders in such a speed and scored in every season of Premier league since its inception. The opposition right backs would never enjoy the presence of Ryan Giggs.
He was the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards (1992 and 1993), though he did not win the PFA Player of the Year award until 2009. He is the only player to have played and scored in every completed season of the Premier League. He was elected into the PFA Team of the Century in 2007,the Premier League Team of the Decade in 2003, as well as the FA Cup Team of the Century.
Zidane said:"Giggs is a great player.I still vividly remember the games I played against him. My shock after watching Giggs play for the first time was very similar to the shock after seeing Luiz Ronaldo."
9) Kanchelskis:
Kanchelskis is the only player in history to have scored in each of the Glasgow, Merseyside and Manchester local derbies. Kanchelskis was United's leading goalscorer in the 1994–95 season with 15 goals in 32 games (14 of them in the Premier League). He was a fans’ favorite and was one of the top wingers in the premier league. It was delightful to watch Kan Kan running down the flank at sheer pace.
10) Samir Nasri:
Nasri boasts formidable technique and his vision and his imagination make him an unpredictable opponent. His passing and movement is excellent and his versatility is a real asset. He won his 1st PL league title with Man City last season and has won nothing during his stint at Arsenal. He is a skilled and fast midfielder, who can fight for the ball in midfield.
11) Luis Suarez:
Technically excellent and full of running, this deadly striker is a threat from long range, in the box or in the air. He is also versatile and likes to attack from wide positions, making him an elusive presence. A prolific forward and certainly can score from any range.
"The 'Hand Of God' now belongs to me. I did it so that my team-mates could win the penalty shoot-out. When I saw Gyan miss the penalty it was a great joy". Luis Suarez.
Fantasy Draft tactics
It's a classic 4-2-3-1. The outstanding defender of the draft, Vincent Kompany, marshalls the back line. He is capably assisted by a proper, under-rated centre-half in Gareth Southgate and two class full-backs in Nigel Winterburn and Bacary Sagna and finally, completing my defence is Hart, arguably, the best goal keeper currently and capable of making remarkable saves. Having him is a big bonus to my team.
In midfield ,the hard work and determination of Giggs/Kanchelskis on the flanks, their runs forward won't leave me exposed and Nasri behind Suarez can link up very well . Suarez can nutmeg defenders and with his “diving” qualities might earn some penalties. He is no doubt a prolific finisher who fears facing no defenders. Anchoring the midfield will be Xabi and Batty and both, in my opinion, can be a deadly combination of passing ability. Vision in Xabi and a solid tackler in Batty.
With this formation, I can see complimentary partnerships across the pitch.
It's a classic 4-2-3-1. The outstanding defender of the draft, Vincent Kompany, marshalls the back line. He is capably assisted by a proper, under-rated centre-half in Gareth Southgate and two class full-backs in Nigel Winterburn and Bacary Sagna and finally, completing my defence is Hart, arguably, the best goal keeper currently and capable of making remarkable saves. Having him is a big bonus to my team.
In midfield ,the hard work and determination of Giggs/Kanchelskis on the flanks, their runs forward won't leave me exposed and Nasri behind Suarez can link up very well . Suarez can nutmeg defenders and with his “diving” qualities might earn some penalties. He is no doubt a prolific finisher who fears facing no defenders. Anchoring the midfield will be Xabi and Batty and both, in my opinion, can be a deadly combination of passing ability. Vision in Xabi and a solid tackler in Batty.
With this formation, I can see complimentary partnerships across the pitch.
The Parmtree- Formation/bio/tactics
Neville Southall - The Welshmen well known for sporting his stylish moustache coupled up 578 appearances in his 17 year tenure with the Merseyside club. He was arguably one of the best shot stoppers in the game at the time, and was renown for his excellent 1-on-1 ability and achieved 62 clean sheets in 207 starts during the Premier League period.
Gabriel Heinze - Heinze, who joined United for £6.9m at the start of 2004-05 season and made a huge impact, establishing himself as a regular in the back four, lauded by United fans with the chant of "Ar-gen-tina!" and was voted as the clubs best player that season. He went on to make 52 apperances for the Manchester club with a solitary goal to his name in his 3 year stay.
William Gallas - Gallas has had a rather eventful 9 years in the Premier League, playing for 3 different London sides. The Frenchmen, during his earlier years was an all-rounded defender, with Pace, Aerial ability and an excellent understanding of the game. He's scored 26 goals so far in England and has 2 Premier League winners medals, and was also selected in the PFA team of the year for 2003 and 2006.
Steve Finnan - The Irish Right-Back who had spells at Liverpool(2003-08) and Fulham (1998-2003) was well known for his consistency at the back, along with a high work rate. Finnan was named in the PFA team of the year during the 2001-02 season and was subsequently named Fulham's player of the season that year.
Jay-Jay Okocha - The flamboyant Nigerian brought flair to what otherwise was a dull Wanderers side under Big Fat Sam. He was a big hit among Bolton fans, with numerous shirts being printed with the inscription "Jay-Jay - so good they named his twice." He was voted BBC African Player of the Year on two occasions and was also named in Pele's FIFA 100 in 2004.
Gary Speed MBE - Speed, who had spells at Everton, Newcastle and Bolton during his time in the Premier League was arguably one of the best Left-sided midfielders of his time. He possessed great tactical awareness, and could both create and score goals. Regularly a captain, he was said by his teammates to have been an 'inspirational figure' who led by example and demanded the best from those around him and was also named in the 1993 FPA team of the year.
Chris Waddle - Waddle, who was renown for his un-stylish mullet and missing one of England's penalties in the 1990 semi-final shootout defeat to West Germany was the greatest English winger of his generation, scoring 96 times in 489 games in English football. His pace was one of his key attributes, alongside his urge for goal getting. During his 4 year stay at Sheffield Wednesday, he received the 1993 Football Writers Footballer of the Year award.
Robert Pirès - One of two invincibles in my side Pirès will go down as a club legend among Arsenal fans. Pirès scored 62 goals and picked up 42 assists during his 189 appearances for Arsenal. Pirès had great vision, and despite being 6'1, had a great amount pace. He was in the PFA team of the year on three occasions, and was awarded with the FWA footballer of the year award during the 2001-02 seeason.
Thierry Henry - Arguably the best player during the Premier League years, the Frenchmen mustered 174 goals for Arsenal including 30 Premier League goals during the invincible season. Henry's best attribute was his composure to finish in a 1-on-1 situation and his willingness to beat a man with skill and/or pace. Henry was also a deadly penalty and free-kick taker. Henry has numerous individual accolades including an appearance in the FIFA FIFPRO WORLD XI on one occasion in 2006. Henry was also named in the PFA team of the year 6 times and was selected ahead of a host of names including Eric Cantona to be named in the Premier League 20 seasons Award Fantasy team.
Paulo Di Canio - Many regard him as the greatest ever Italian to breach the English shores, Paulo is well known for his on field antics and enjoyed his best spell at West Ham, in which he scored 48 goals in 118 games under Arry' Redknapp. Di Canio had flair, skill and pace to burn, and inspired West Ham to return to victory against Bradford in one of the best Premier league games to date.
Ole Gunner Solskjær - He will perhaps be best remembered as a "super-sub", having earned wide acclaim for a remarkable habit of coming into matches late on as a substitute and scoring goals. Sir Alex Ferguson remarked that Solskjær has a knack of sitting on the bench and studying the game without taking his eye off the action. Solskjær scored 91 goals in 235 games for the reds including most noteibly 19 goals during his first season at Old Trafford, and scoring the winning goal during the 1999 Champions League final, securing the treble for the Manchester based club.
Gabriel Heinze - Heinze, who joined United for £6.9m at the start of 2004-05 season and made a huge impact, establishing himself as a regular in the back four, lauded by United fans with the chant of "Ar-gen-tina!" and was voted as the clubs best player that season. He went on to make 52 apperances for the Manchester club with a solitary goal to his name in his 3 year stay.
William Gallas - Gallas has had a rather eventful 9 years in the Premier League, playing for 3 different London sides. The Frenchmen, during his earlier years was an all-rounded defender, with Pace, Aerial ability and an excellent understanding of the game. He's scored 26 goals so far in England and has 2 Premier League winners medals, and was also selected in the PFA team of the year for 2003 and 2006.
Steve Finnan - The Irish Right-Back who had spells at Liverpool(2003-08) and Fulham (1998-2003) was well known for his consistency at the back, along with a high work rate. Finnan was named in the PFA team of the year during the 2001-02 season and was subsequently named Fulham's player of the season that year.
Jay-Jay Okocha - The flamboyant Nigerian brought flair to what otherwise was a dull Wanderers side under Big Fat Sam. He was a big hit among Bolton fans, with numerous shirts being printed with the inscription "Jay-Jay - so good they named his twice." He was voted BBC African Player of the Year on two occasions and was also named in Pele's FIFA 100 in 2004.
Gary Speed MBE - Speed, who had spells at Everton, Newcastle and Bolton during his time in the Premier League was arguably one of the best Left-sided midfielders of his time. He possessed great tactical awareness, and could both create and score goals. Regularly a captain, he was said by his teammates to have been an 'inspirational figure' who led by example and demanded the best from those around him and was also named in the 1993 FPA team of the year.
Chris Waddle - Waddle, who was renown for his un-stylish mullet and missing one of England's penalties in the 1990 semi-final shootout defeat to West Germany was the greatest English winger of his generation, scoring 96 times in 489 games in English football. His pace was one of his key attributes, alongside his urge for goal getting. During his 4 year stay at Sheffield Wednesday, he received the 1993 Football Writers Footballer of the Year award.
Robert Pirès - One of two invincibles in my side Pirès will go down as a club legend among Arsenal fans. Pirès scored 62 goals and picked up 42 assists during his 189 appearances for Arsenal. Pirès had great vision, and despite being 6'1, had a great amount pace. He was in the PFA team of the year on three occasions, and was awarded with the FWA footballer of the year award during the 2001-02 seeason.
Thierry Henry - Arguably the best player during the Premier League years, the Frenchmen mustered 174 goals for Arsenal including 30 Premier League goals during the invincible season. Henry's best attribute was his composure to finish in a 1-on-1 situation and his willingness to beat a man with skill and/or pace. Henry was also a deadly penalty and free-kick taker. Henry has numerous individual accolades including an appearance in the FIFA FIFPRO WORLD XI on one occasion in 2006. Henry was also named in the PFA team of the year 6 times and was selected ahead of a host of names including Eric Cantona to be named in the Premier League 20 seasons Award Fantasy team.
Paulo Di Canio - Many regard him as the greatest ever Italian to breach the English shores, Paulo is well known for his on field antics and enjoyed his best spell at West Ham, in which he scored 48 goals in 118 games under Arry' Redknapp. Di Canio had flair, skill and pace to burn, and inspired West Ham to return to victory against Bradford in one of the best Premier league games to date.
Ole Gunner Solskjær - He will perhaps be best remembered as a "super-sub", having earned wide acclaim for a remarkable habit of coming into matches late on as a substitute and scoring goals. Sir Alex Ferguson remarked that Solskjær has a knack of sitting on the bench and studying the game without taking his eye off the action. Solskjær scored 91 goals in 235 games for the reds including most noteibly 19 goals during his first season at Old Trafford, and scoring the winning goal during the 1999 Champions League final, securing the treble for the Manchester based club.
