Prolifik
Gio
Prolifik Tactics (aged 26-30)
We will continue to rely on our possession game, looking to move the ball quickly through midfield and feed our attacking trio in space to do what they do best. This starts with our entire back five being excellent on the ball, Busquets is the archetypal possession-game holding midfielder, and of course Tigana, Iniesta, and Di Stéfano are impeccable ball-carriers and playmakers.
Di Stéfano frequently drops deep to supplement the midfield, creating space for Stoichkov to make runs in behind cutting in from his nominal left wing role. Garrincha plays as more of an orthodox wide forward who relentlessly attacks the opposition left-back, but will occasionally drift infield to get into goalscoring positions as he did at the 1962 World Cup.
Djalma is the more conservative of the full-backs, while the energetic Briegel covers the left flank with constant overlapping runs to provide width, combining with Stoichkov and/or Iniesta as they both alternative moving into that space on the left.
Out of possession, we will play high up the pitch and try to constrict the opponent's time and space. Again, it starts with our mobile and athletic back five, with Van Dijk and Alisson in particular being experts at managing a high defensive line. Di Stéfano drops back into midfield, while the hard-working Tigana and Iniesta push wide to challenge the opposing full-backs.
Against Gio, Di Stéfano's work-rate will be key as we will have him pressure the opposition holding midfielder (I assume Keane replaces Silva there?) to try and slow down Gio's build-up play a bit. We also like having the defensive combination of Djalma and Nesta on Cristiano's flank.
Gio Tactics (aged 30+)
The 4-3-3 merges a high-calibre possession game with the ability to counter attack at pace.
Xavi and Modric join forces as arguably the two greatest central midfielders of all time for a ball-dominant game. Ahead, Puskas always relished the possession afforded by the Magyars and should bring neat on-the-ground interplay from his 9.5 posting. Introduced into the midfield is Roy Keane where the 30-and-over category presents an opportunity to use him in a slightly different role than the standard issue 442 B2B gig. By the age of 30 Keane for United evolved into less of a box-to-box madman and more of a controlling central midfielder, patrolling central areas with aggression and purpose. His positional decision-making had matured and perhaps most impressive by this stage was the sharpness of his passing, punching short balls unerringly through the lines of crowded midfields.
Behind them, the defence oozes quality on the ball. Passarella's credentials in that respect are crystal clear. His partner Thiago Silva offers complementary covering while his passing range and pace make him a natural fit. The resemblance to Barcelona is also evident on both sides with the Xavi/Alves axis back in action, with Nilton offering the Abidal-esque tuck-in-to-make-a-three option as well.
The attack drips with counter-attacking threat with Cristiano and Robben two of the greatest inverted wide forwards. Both are equally dangerous breaking down defences with their finishing ability when cutting onto their stronger feet. Joining the Real themed attack is Ferenc Puskas. He should feel at home in this central gig with two surging runners either side of him, allowing both his creative and his finishing games to flourish.
Gio
Prolifik Tactics (aged 26-30)
We will continue to rely on our possession game, looking to move the ball quickly through midfield and feed our attacking trio in space to do what they do best. This starts with our entire back five being excellent on the ball, Busquets is the archetypal possession-game holding midfielder, and of course Tigana, Iniesta, and Di Stéfano are impeccable ball-carriers and playmakers.
Di Stéfano frequently drops deep to supplement the midfield, creating space for Stoichkov to make runs in behind cutting in from his nominal left wing role. Garrincha plays as more of an orthodox wide forward who relentlessly attacks the opposition left-back, but will occasionally drift infield to get into goalscoring positions as he did at the 1962 World Cup.
Djalma is the more conservative of the full-backs, while the energetic Briegel covers the left flank with constant overlapping runs to provide width, combining with Stoichkov and/or Iniesta as they both alternative moving into that space on the left.
Out of possession, we will play high up the pitch and try to constrict the opponent's time and space. Again, it starts with our mobile and athletic back five, with Van Dijk and Alisson in particular being experts at managing a high defensive line. Di Stéfano drops back into midfield, while the hard-working Tigana and Iniesta push wide to challenge the opposing full-backs.
Against Gio, Di Stéfano's work-rate will be key as we will have him pressure the opposition holding midfielder (I assume Keane replaces Silva there?) to try and slow down Gio's build-up play a bit. We also like having the defensive combination of Djalma and Nesta on Cristiano's flank.
Gio Tactics (aged 30+)
The 4-3-3 merges a high-calibre possession game with the ability to counter attack at pace.
Xavi and Modric join forces as arguably the two greatest central midfielders of all time for a ball-dominant game. Ahead, Puskas always relished the possession afforded by the Magyars and should bring neat on-the-ground interplay from his 9.5 posting. Introduced into the midfield is Roy Keane where the 30-and-over category presents an opportunity to use him in a slightly different role than the standard issue 442 B2B gig. By the age of 30 Keane for United evolved into less of a box-to-box madman and more of a controlling central midfielder, patrolling central areas with aggression and purpose. His positional decision-making had matured and perhaps most impressive by this stage was the sharpness of his passing, punching short balls unerringly through the lines of crowded midfields.
Behind them, the defence oozes quality on the ball. Passarella's credentials in that respect are crystal clear. His partner Thiago Silva offers complementary covering while his passing range and pace make him a natural fit. The resemblance to Barcelona is also evident on both sides with the Xavi/Alves axis back in action, with Nilton offering the Abidal-esque tuck-in-to-make-a-three option as well.
The attack drips with counter-attacking threat with Cristiano and Robben two of the greatest inverted wide forwards. Both are equally dangerous breaking down defences with their finishing ability when cutting onto their stronger feet. Joining the Real themed attack is Ferenc Puskas. He should feel at home in this central gig with two surging runners either side of him, allowing both his creative and his finishing games to flourish.
