Post by Kieran on Jan 20, 2013 1:46:42 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 LittleWiz and Ljay!
Lil_Wizard123- Formation/bio/tactics
ljayham- 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 LittleWiz and Ljay!
Lil_Wizard123- Formation/bio/tactics
Fabien Barthez
After winning the World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, Barthez signed for Utd and instantly won the PL title along with goalkeeper of the year in his first season, 2000/01. Well known for his acrobatic nature and reaction saves, Barthez is comfortable on the ball and was well known for psyching out opponents. Barthez won the PL for the second time in his final season at Utd in 2002/03.
Graeme Le Saux
Possibly an unknown to the younger crowd, Le Saux played over 300 PL games in total and was an England regular. His club honours include winning Blackburn’s only PL title in 94/95 (and runner up in 93/94) in which he was in the PFA Team of the Year, and in ‘98 won the League Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup and the Super Cup for Chelsea when he was the most expensive defender in English football, again selected at left-back in the PFA Team of the Year. Known for being quick and being a highly intelligent reader of the game, Le Saux played a number of games at left midfield and left wing, showing his adaptability
Pablo Zabaleta
Joined City in 2008 and has since been a fans’ favourite. Won City’s first PL title (which included a goal in the 3-2 won against QPR) last year having replaced Richards as first choice right-back. Zabaleta’s consistency and work-rate are two of his best qualities. He is also versatile having played at left-back, right-wing back, and as a centre-back in both a back four and back five. His work-rate often sees him in very advanced positions with the ability to get back into position quickly.
Sami Hyypia
Was in the PFA Team of the Year in his first season at Liverpool (99/00) and is a Liverpool legend. Captained Liverpool and played a minimum of 32 league games every season from ‘99 to 2006. PFA Team of the Year twice. Rock solid and hugely influential at the back, his strengths include marking, strength, balance and composure.
Jamie Carragher
Arguably an even greater Liverpool legend than Hyypia, Carragher has played over 700 games for Liverpool and has played the most ever European games for a Liverpool player. Starting his career at right-back, he moved to centre-back in 2004 and partnered Hyypia from 2004-2006 during their greatest year in the modern era when they won the Champions League in 2005 together. Both Hyypia’s and Carragher’s careers flourished from this partnership. Known for his bravery and determination, Carragher and Hyypia are one of the best and most solid centre-back pairings ever seen in the PL.
Marc Overmars
Known for his pace and ability to use both feet (right footed left winger), Overmars won the PL title with Arsenal in 1998 and is the best winger Arsenal have had since the PL began by quite some distance, and second only to Giggs as the best left-winger in PL history. Capable of scoring goals as well as crossing, he scored the vital goal at Old Trafford in a 1-0 win and the first goal in the ’98 FA Cup Final that won Arsenal the double that year. Inverted winger.
Arjen Robben
Overmars’ fellow Dutchman is known for his pace, running ability and shots from distance. Again like Overmars, he is hugely talented and is able to play on both wings. Was unplayable at Chelsea, particularly in 2004/05. Currently one of the best and most explosive players in world football. Won the Premier League title twice in his first two seasons. Inverted winger.
Nicky Butt
Played 269 league games for Utd. Breaking into the Utd team in 1994, he replaced Paul Ince alongside Roy Keane in central midfield. He played at least 18 league games every season for 10 years, and is not given enough credit for his part in Utd’s dominance for this period. Honours include 6 PL titles and the Champions League in ’99 where he replaced the suspended Roy Keane in the final against Bayern. Known for his stamina, short passing speed and being solid and reliable in midfield. The opposite of RVP in FPL terms (who should always be captained) but his reliability and consistency is much more effective in the real game.
Roy Keane
With five appearances in PFA Team of the Year, Roy Keane is the best tough-tackling midfielder enforcer along with Vieira in the PL. Won 7 PL titles with Utd and was an ever-present in Utd’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson, captaining Utd from 1997 to 2005. Highly competitive and aggressive with a never-say-die attitude, he controlled the centre of the field and was the epitome of ‘captain’ due to his dominance in such a great Utd side. Scored 33 goals for Utd despite being much stronger defensively.
Steven Gerrard
Holds the record for highest number of appearances in the PFA Team of the Year with 7, and is the greatest attacking midfielder in the PL era. Captained Liverpool from 2003, and guided them to their Champions League win in 2005 including memorable goals against Olympiakos and in the final against Milan. Despite not as consistent as Lampard (who is?), his ability and influence in a game are far greater than Lampard’s. 100 England caps and along with Ashley Cole he has been the most consistent performer in and England shirt since 2000.
Darren Bent
Darren Bent is a goalscorer, with an incredible record considering he has not played for a so-called ‘big side’. He has scored 102 PL goals for Charlton, Spurs, Sunderland and Aston Villa. If given the service, Bent is lethal running in behind and converting chances due to his pace and finishing ability, and would easily have more goals if in more creative sides. At his best, he managed 24 league goals in a season for Sunderland. From 2005 -2011, only Rooney and Drogba scored more Premier League goals, and those two were on 82 to Bent’s 81.
After winning the World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, Barthez signed for Utd and instantly won the PL title along with goalkeeper of the year in his first season, 2000/01. Well known for his acrobatic nature and reaction saves, Barthez is comfortable on the ball and was well known for psyching out opponents. Barthez won the PL for the second time in his final season at Utd in 2002/03.
Graeme Le Saux
Possibly an unknown to the younger crowd, Le Saux played over 300 PL games in total and was an England regular. His club honours include winning Blackburn’s only PL title in 94/95 (and runner up in 93/94) in which he was in the PFA Team of the Year, and in ‘98 won the League Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup and the Super Cup for Chelsea when he was the most expensive defender in English football, again selected at left-back in the PFA Team of the Year. Known for being quick and being a highly intelligent reader of the game, Le Saux played a number of games at left midfield and left wing, showing his adaptability
Pablo Zabaleta
Joined City in 2008 and has since been a fans’ favourite. Won City’s first PL title (which included a goal in the 3-2 won against QPR) last year having replaced Richards as first choice right-back. Zabaleta’s consistency and work-rate are two of his best qualities. He is also versatile having played at left-back, right-wing back, and as a centre-back in both a back four and back five. His work-rate often sees him in very advanced positions with the ability to get back into position quickly.
Sami Hyypia
Was in the PFA Team of the Year in his first season at Liverpool (99/00) and is a Liverpool legend. Captained Liverpool and played a minimum of 32 league games every season from ‘99 to 2006. PFA Team of the Year twice. Rock solid and hugely influential at the back, his strengths include marking, strength, balance and composure.
Jamie Carragher
Arguably an even greater Liverpool legend than Hyypia, Carragher has played over 700 games for Liverpool and has played the most ever European games for a Liverpool player. Starting his career at right-back, he moved to centre-back in 2004 and partnered Hyypia from 2004-2006 during their greatest year in the modern era when they won the Champions League in 2005 together. Both Hyypia’s and Carragher’s careers flourished from this partnership. Known for his bravery and determination, Carragher and Hyypia are one of the best and most solid centre-back pairings ever seen in the PL.
Marc Overmars
Known for his pace and ability to use both feet (right footed left winger), Overmars won the PL title with Arsenal in 1998 and is the best winger Arsenal have had since the PL began by quite some distance, and second only to Giggs as the best left-winger in PL history. Capable of scoring goals as well as crossing, he scored the vital goal at Old Trafford in a 1-0 win and the first goal in the ’98 FA Cup Final that won Arsenal the double that year. Inverted winger.
Arjen Robben
Overmars’ fellow Dutchman is known for his pace, running ability and shots from distance. Again like Overmars, he is hugely talented and is able to play on both wings. Was unplayable at Chelsea, particularly in 2004/05. Currently one of the best and most explosive players in world football. Won the Premier League title twice in his first two seasons. Inverted winger.
Nicky Butt
Played 269 league games for Utd. Breaking into the Utd team in 1994, he replaced Paul Ince alongside Roy Keane in central midfield. He played at least 18 league games every season for 10 years, and is not given enough credit for his part in Utd’s dominance for this period. Honours include 6 PL titles and the Champions League in ’99 where he replaced the suspended Roy Keane in the final against Bayern. Known for his stamina, short passing speed and being solid and reliable in midfield. The opposite of RVP in FPL terms (who should always be captained) but his reliability and consistency is much more effective in the real game.
Roy Keane
With five appearances in PFA Team of the Year, Roy Keane is the best tough-tackling midfielder enforcer along with Vieira in the PL. Won 7 PL titles with Utd and was an ever-present in Utd’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson, captaining Utd from 1997 to 2005. Highly competitive and aggressive with a never-say-die attitude, he controlled the centre of the field and was the epitome of ‘captain’ due to his dominance in such a great Utd side. Scored 33 goals for Utd despite being much stronger defensively.
Steven Gerrard
Holds the record for highest number of appearances in the PFA Team of the Year with 7, and is the greatest attacking midfielder in the PL era. Captained Liverpool from 2003, and guided them to their Champions League win in 2005 including memorable goals against Olympiakos and in the final against Milan. Despite not as consistent as Lampard (who is?), his ability and influence in a game are far greater than Lampard’s. 100 England caps and along with Ashley Cole he has been the most consistent performer in and England shirt since 2000.
Darren Bent
Darren Bent is a goalscorer, with an incredible record considering he has not played for a so-called ‘big side’. He has scored 102 PL goals for Charlton, Spurs, Sunderland and Aston Villa. If given the service, Bent is lethal running in behind and converting chances due to his pace and finishing ability, and would easily have more goals if in more creative sides. At his best, he managed 24 league goals in a season for Sunderland. From 2005 -2011, only Rooney and Drogba scored more Premier League goals, and those two were on 82 to Bent’s 81.
Pairings
My team is built around two solid partnerships: Hyypia/Carragher and Butt/Keane. Having pairs of players who have played together is extremely important in draft games given that if players have never played together, how do you know they can? Having won many trophies together, each pairing is very strong and is the backbone of my team.
Defensive play
The basis of the team is the two strong pairings in the centre. Le Saux and Zabaleta are both reliable and hard working full-backs. The line of defence will be quite deep due to both centre-backs not being the quickest (although during their prime they were not the slowest). This should lower the threat of pace in behind. A deep line shouldn’t be problematic due to either Butt or Keane sitting in front of them, who both have the energy to cover any space left in front of them. Keane will be the more attacking of the DCMs due to his better goalscoring record and influence all over the pitch.
Attacking play
Bent, Overmars and Robben's pace along with Keane and Gerrard's energy will be the basis of the attacking threat.
Overmars and Robben, two of the most destructive PL wingers, will be given some freedom to roam and run at players, with their Dutch connection helping communication here. The team will operate using an ‘inverted wingers’ approach whereby both wingers are playing on the opposite side to their weaker foot. This allows either winger to cut inside onto their stronger foot more easily. This is particularly advantageous to Robben who is dangerous when coming onto his left foot.
Bent will be ordered to stay in the centre and offer runs in behind to offer space for Gerrard, Robben and Overmars to play balls into. Bent’s runs will also allow space for these three who are all dangerous from long range and with space. Bent’s strengths around the 6-yard box will see goals created from efforts from the midfielders. Zabaleta’s forward runs will offer further threat, with Carragher able to cover at right-back in the unlikely event that he leaves any space in behind. Le Saux’s experience as a winger will also create problems for the opposition.
LjayHam’s team
This team is interesting as I have no idea how it will line up as there are two strikers and three attacking midfielders, although I imagine that Dempsey will be given the most attacking role in a 4-3-1-2 and so Nicky Butt will mark Dempsey (or whoever played the CAM role). Butt will control Dempsey on the ground and there will be little aerial threat due to the lack of decent balls in from the wings. Ljay also has nobody who will be able to cover the full-backs from Robben or Overmars’ threat out wide, leaving too much for Carr and Richards to do.
Ljay’s best tactic would be to attempt to control the midfield by packing it as he has players who are better centrally, but Lampard and Van Der Vaart aren’t ball winners or likely to keep possession for long periods of time. Packing the midfield however leaves his team incredibly vulnerable out wide; Gerrard can come deep at times if Ljay sees too much possession to keep the numbers even and this would see Robben and Overmars get more of the ball out wide. The only way to get this width is from the full-backs, and with my defensively-strong full-backs and deep lying defensive line, Carr and Richards will have too much work to do if they want to both attack and defend.
In conclusion, if he packs the midfield in a 4-3-1-2 formation then no width will give Robben and Overmars more freedom. Any width in midfield would weaken the central area considerably and he doesn’t have the players to do this. Any width from the full-backs leaves his defence even more vulnerable to Robben and Overmars, who will be supported by Le Saux’s midfield experience and Zabaleta’s work-rate going forward.
Another weakness is the defence, as ¾ were left until the end and I don’t particularly rate Alex, Carr or Richards. One of these will have to play as left-back – Robben up against a defender who has never played at left-back will be fun to watch. My deep defensive line should keep Robbie Keane quiet, and a quality CB pairing will deal with Cole.
Gerrard, Robben and Overmars will also get a lot of space in behind due to the attacking nature of Ljay’s team, and the lack of a proper defensive midfielder means that these players cannot be man-marked, so Gerrard in particular will control the game with the support of Keane and Butt behind him. Giving Gerrard time to pick out passes out wide or balls over the top to Bent is detrimental to his chances here.
My team is built around two solid partnerships: Hyypia/Carragher and Butt/Keane. Having pairs of players who have played together is extremely important in draft games given that if players have never played together, how do you know they can? Having won many trophies together, each pairing is very strong and is the backbone of my team.
Defensive play
The basis of the team is the two strong pairings in the centre. Le Saux and Zabaleta are both reliable and hard working full-backs. The line of defence will be quite deep due to both centre-backs not being the quickest (although during their prime they were not the slowest). This should lower the threat of pace in behind. A deep line shouldn’t be problematic due to either Butt or Keane sitting in front of them, who both have the energy to cover any space left in front of them. Keane will be the more attacking of the DCMs due to his better goalscoring record and influence all over the pitch.
Attacking play
Bent, Overmars and Robben's pace along with Keane and Gerrard's energy will be the basis of the attacking threat.
Overmars and Robben, two of the most destructive PL wingers, will be given some freedom to roam and run at players, with their Dutch connection helping communication here. The team will operate using an ‘inverted wingers’ approach whereby both wingers are playing on the opposite side to their weaker foot. This allows either winger to cut inside onto their stronger foot more easily. This is particularly advantageous to Robben who is dangerous when coming onto his left foot.
Bent will be ordered to stay in the centre and offer runs in behind to offer space for Gerrard, Robben and Overmars to play balls into. Bent’s runs will also allow space for these three who are all dangerous from long range and with space. Bent’s strengths around the 6-yard box will see goals created from efforts from the midfielders. Zabaleta’s forward runs will offer further threat, with Carragher able to cover at right-back in the unlikely event that he leaves any space in behind. Le Saux’s experience as a winger will also create problems for the opposition.
LjayHam’s team
This team is interesting as I have no idea how it will line up as there are two strikers and three attacking midfielders, although I imagine that Dempsey will be given the most attacking role in a 4-3-1-2 and so Nicky Butt will mark Dempsey (or whoever played the CAM role). Butt will control Dempsey on the ground and there will be little aerial threat due to the lack of decent balls in from the wings. Ljay also has nobody who will be able to cover the full-backs from Robben or Overmars’ threat out wide, leaving too much for Carr and Richards to do.
Ljay’s best tactic would be to attempt to control the midfield by packing it as he has players who are better centrally, but Lampard and Van Der Vaart aren’t ball winners or likely to keep possession for long periods of time. Packing the midfield however leaves his team incredibly vulnerable out wide; Gerrard can come deep at times if Ljay sees too much possession to keep the numbers even and this would see Robben and Overmars get more of the ball out wide. The only way to get this width is from the full-backs, and with my defensively-strong full-backs and deep lying defensive line, Carr and Richards will have too much work to do if they want to both attack and defend.
In conclusion, if he packs the midfield in a 4-3-1-2 formation then no width will give Robben and Overmars more freedom. Any width in midfield would weaken the central area considerably and he doesn’t have the players to do this. Any width from the full-backs leaves his defence even more vulnerable to Robben and Overmars, who will be supported by Le Saux’s midfield experience and Zabaleta’s work-rate going forward.
Another weakness is the defence, as ¾ were left until the end and I don’t particularly rate Alex, Carr or Richards. One of these will have to play as left-back – Robben up against a defender who has never played at left-back will be fun to watch. My deep defensive line should keep Robbie Keane quiet, and a quality CB pairing will deal with Cole.
Gerrard, Robben and Overmars will also get a lot of space in behind due to the attacking nature of Ljay’s team, and the lack of a proper defensive midfielder means that these players cannot be man-marked, so Gerrard in particular will control the game with the support of Keane and Butt behind him. Giving Gerrard time to pick out passes out wide or balls over the top to Bent is detrimental to his chances here.
ljayham- Formation/bio/tactics
Andrew Cole
The second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history; in his
career, Cole has scored a total of 187 Premier League goals. He has
the distinction of being one of the few players in England to have
swept all possible honours in the English game, including the PFA
Young Player of the Year award. With over 500 appearances in the
league he is also a great passer of the ball and demonstrates
exceptional ball control.
Robbie Keane
A talented striker who also doubles as a playmaker, drifting deep into
midfield to help ease pressure and start attacks. He is comfortable on
the ball and has a penchant for a classy assist or two as well as an
eye for goal. The Irishman who is the 11th highest Premier League
goalscorer with 126 goals is creative, hardworking and a deadly
finisher who can lead by example.
Clint Dempsey
A versatile player with good technical skill and the ability to run at
defenders, Dempsey has been instrumental for Fulham in the Premier
League, scoring well over 50 goals and known for scoring important
goals. He is a great dribbler, with excellent vision and provides
chances for team-mates in the final third.
Frank Lampard
Talismanic. A legend to some. One of the best English footballers of
his time. His work-rate, range of passing and goalscoring ability have
seen him finish runner-up in the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of
the Year awards in 2005. Lampard is one of five players, and the only
midfielder, to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League. He
is second in the Premier League's all-time assists table with 91
assists. He is incredibly consistent.
Mikel Arteta
Arteta is a visionary with the ball at his feet and, at his best, has
operated as the creative hub. The Spaniard's set-piece skills are
largely unmatched in England and he possesses a fierce shot. At the
end of the 2006-07 campaign he scooped his second Player of the Season
award from Everton after scoring nine goals and claiming 13 assists in
the Premier League. An Influential, creative, dynamic, a cultured
midfielder.
Rafael Van Der Vaart
Van der Vaart is well known for his passing, and even though primarily
left-footed, the capacity to use both feet well. Following his
outstanding performances in the 2010–11 season with Tottenham Hotspur,
van der Vaart was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year
award. He is a versatile midfielder, good shooting, set piece
specialist and a potential match-winner.
Stephen Carr
A versatile, solid defender, with a thunderous strike and great
defensive ability. Even with the injury problems, he made over 400
league appearances scoring 8 goals. He was selected in the PFA
Premiership Team of the season twice, in 2001 and 2003. Was also
Tottenham Hotspur Members Club Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000.
Martin Laursen
He was instrumental at Aston Villa, the physical English playing style
suited him perfectly and was an effective goalscorer, scoring six
goals from his position of centre back in 2007-2008 where he was also
voted the Supporters' Player of the Year.
Alex Rodrigo
With over 85 league appearances for Chelsea, Alex was part of a
Chelsea side good for keeping clean sheets and was also known as a
great goalscorer, particularly from a thunderous free kick, and
although plagued by injury, he was massive when fit and he scored 7
league goals for Chelsea to add to his defensive work.
Micah Richards
A powerful right back, he has played in the majority of Manchester
City's matches, and was named as the club's Young Player of the Year
for the 2005–06 season. He was named Premier League Player of the
Month for August 2007 and ended the 2011/12 season with the joint most
assists for any defender in the Premier League. He has played over 173
league games for City and is known for his goal scoring ability,
scoring 7 goals and is capable of assists too.
Edwin Van Der Sar
Widely considered, by critics and fellow players, as one of the
greatest goalkeepers of all time, In the 2008–09 season he set the
world league clean sheet record by not conceding a single goal for
1,311 minutes. Has been included in the PFA Premier League Team of the
Year 3 times. He has registered almost 1000 saves in his over 300
league appearances and sure gives the defenders some confidence with
him being in goal.
The second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history; in his
career, Cole has scored a total of 187 Premier League goals. He has
the distinction of being one of the few players in England to have
swept all possible honours in the English game, including the PFA
Young Player of the Year award. With over 500 appearances in the
league he is also a great passer of the ball and demonstrates
exceptional ball control.
Robbie Keane
A talented striker who also doubles as a playmaker, drifting deep into
midfield to help ease pressure and start attacks. He is comfortable on
the ball and has a penchant for a classy assist or two as well as an
eye for goal. The Irishman who is the 11th highest Premier League
goalscorer with 126 goals is creative, hardworking and a deadly
finisher who can lead by example.
Clint Dempsey
A versatile player with good technical skill and the ability to run at
defenders, Dempsey has been instrumental for Fulham in the Premier
League, scoring well over 50 goals and known for scoring important
goals. He is a great dribbler, with excellent vision and provides
chances for team-mates in the final third.
Frank Lampard
Talismanic. A legend to some. One of the best English footballers of
his time. His work-rate, range of passing and goalscoring ability have
seen him finish runner-up in the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of
the Year awards in 2005. Lampard is one of five players, and the only
midfielder, to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League. He
is second in the Premier League's all-time assists table with 91
assists. He is incredibly consistent.
Mikel Arteta
Arteta is a visionary with the ball at his feet and, at his best, has
operated as the creative hub. The Spaniard's set-piece skills are
largely unmatched in England and he possesses a fierce shot. At the
end of the 2006-07 campaign he scooped his second Player of the Season
award from Everton after scoring nine goals and claiming 13 assists in
the Premier League. An Influential, creative, dynamic, a cultured
midfielder.
Rafael Van Der Vaart
Van der Vaart is well known for his passing, and even though primarily
left-footed, the capacity to use both feet well. Following his
outstanding performances in the 2010–11 season with Tottenham Hotspur,
van der Vaart was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year
award. He is a versatile midfielder, good shooting, set piece
specialist and a potential match-winner.
Stephen Carr
A versatile, solid defender, with a thunderous strike and great
defensive ability. Even with the injury problems, he made over 400
league appearances scoring 8 goals. He was selected in the PFA
Premiership Team of the season twice, in 2001 and 2003. Was also
Tottenham Hotspur Members Club Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000.
Martin Laursen
He was instrumental at Aston Villa, the physical English playing style
suited him perfectly and was an effective goalscorer, scoring six
goals from his position of centre back in 2007-2008 where he was also
voted the Supporters' Player of the Year.
Alex Rodrigo
With over 85 league appearances for Chelsea, Alex was part of a
Chelsea side good for keeping clean sheets and was also known as a
great goalscorer, particularly from a thunderous free kick, and
although plagued by injury, he was massive when fit and he scored 7
league goals for Chelsea to add to his defensive work.
Micah Richards
A powerful right back, he has played in the majority of Manchester
City's matches, and was named as the club's Young Player of the Year
for the 2005–06 season. He was named Premier League Player of the
Month for August 2007 and ended the 2011/12 season with the joint most
assists for any defender in the Premier League. He has played over 173
league games for City and is known for his goal scoring ability,
scoring 7 goals and is capable of assists too.
Edwin Van Der Sar
Widely considered, by critics and fellow players, as one of the
greatest goalkeepers of all time, In the 2008–09 season he set the
world league clean sheet record by not conceding a single goal for
1,311 minutes. Has been included in the PFA Premier League Team of the
Year 3 times. He has registered almost 1000 saves in his over 300
league appearances and sure gives the defenders some confidence with
him being in goal.
