70s Fantasy Draft - Cold_Boy v Crustanoid

Who will win based on players in their prime, team tactics, balance & bench strength?

  • Total voters
    25
  • Poll closed .

Brwned

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Joined
Apr 18, 2008
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Important note: For the purpose of this competition, these players are considered at the level when they were in their prime.

Team Cold Boy

STRATEGY/TACTICS

My team is set -up with a 4- 2 -3-1 (or alternatively 4-3-3) with Shevchenko as the main striker with Wiltord and DI Natale on the wings who will not only put in crosses but also cut inside the box.

Litmanen will be my play-maker cum link-up between the midfield and Sheva.

Ballack and Hamann will be in central midfield with Ballack playing the box-to-box role and will be everywhere.Hamann will sit back and link up with the defense and use his abilities to spray passes ahead as well as stop/tackle the opposition's attack.

With Stam and Materazzi I have two no-nonsense ,beast of defenders who are sure to win every ball in the air and also have special attributes like speed and physical strength to tackle any kind of opposing attacker.

In Lauren and Abidal I have two extremely reliable wing-backs who will not only bomb forward but also will be solid in defense.Both again pretty tall players.

The team has plenty of height with only Natale and Wiltord who are short and also plenty of speed.
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MARCOS

Brazil's main goalkeeper during the 2002 World Cup winning squad.One of the best Brazilian keepers ever and voted 4th best in the world according to IFFHS

LAUREN

First choice in the Arsenal's Invincibles Team.Voted ANC player of tournament in 2000 and also made it into the PFA team of 2004.Was one of the best right backs in the PL era.Solid defensively as well as great going forward

Mallorca

* Supercopa de España: 1

1998

Arsenal

* FA Premier League: 2

2001–02, 2003–04

* FA Cup: 3

2002, 2003, 2005

* Community Shield: 2

2002, 2004

Portsmouth

* Premier League Asia Trophy: 1

2007

* FA Cup: 1

2008

Cameroon

* Olympic Tournament: 1

2000

* African Nations Cup: 2

2000, 2002

Individual

* African Nations Cup Player of the Tournament: 1

2000

* PFA Team of the Year: 1

2004[14]

STAM

Jaap Stam needs no intro for us United fans.Beast of a defender.
1997 Dutch player of the year.Twice best defender in the CL and 3 times part of the PFA team of year. Legend! No team will even bother messing with my team.:devil:

MATERAZZI

Now lets forget what a cnut he was and the Zidane incident. Materazzi was one of the best defenders in Italy over past 2 decades.Voted Serie A defender of the Year 2007 and won 5 Serie A titles and World Cup winner.

Known for his aggressive style and no nonsense defending.Chipped in with a decent number of goals too throughout his career.

ABIDAL

One of the best left-back of recent times.Made it into the UEFA team of the year 2007 and voted Defender of the year recently and French regular ahead of Evra.

Tall,Fast and Strong.Equally amazing attacking wise and defensively.

Lyon

* French League: 3

2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07

* French Supercup: 3

2005, 2006, 2007

Barcelona

* Spanish League: 3

2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11

* Spanish Cup: 1

2008–09

* Spanish Super Cup: 3

2009, 2010, 2011

* UEFA Champions League: 2

2008–09, 2010–11

* UEFA Super Cup: 2

2009, 2011

* FIFA Club World Cup: 2

2009, 2011

HAMANN

One of Liverpools most influential midfielders and best signing during the Houlier era.One of the most under-rated players in the PL.Known for his reliability and consistency. A quality defensive midfielder who can not only interrupt the opposition attack but also had a very good range of passing himself. Won the CL with Pool and Capped 60 times for Germany.

I think those of you'all who have seen him play many times will admit he was real quality.

BALLACK

Arguably the best box-to-box midfielder of the last decade.An absolute machine and midfielder who could do everything possible.
Known for his Passing ,Agility, Shooting, Quickness, Strength, Ability in air, Attitude.So basically everything. Had an eye for those killer through balls too and a very good goal scoring record. 42 in 90 for Germany and a similar record for the clubs in his pick.

Was my favorite midfielder before he joined Chelsea.

UEFA Midfielder of the Year 2002.
3 times German player of the Year
Named 2 times each in the World Cup and Euro's Team of the year respectively.

LITMANEN

The greatest player Finland has ever produced and arguably one of the best players ever during his peak at Ajax ( the 90's decade).

9 times Finish player of the Year, Voted 3rd best in Europe in 1995, and the Dutch player of the year and top-scorer in 1993.

One of the best players Ajax ever had, Litmanen had almost no weaknesses. Known for his touch, technique, skills, passing and scoring.In his prime at Ajax he was almost as good as the great players named of the last century.

Watch the video below please :



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jari_Litmanen#Personal_awards_and_achievements

DI NATALE

An extremely versatile forward who could play anywhere in attack. Known for his pace, skills and ability to score and create goals.

During his peak one the best attackers of the decade in Serie A scoring 183 in 280 odd matches for Udinese.

Serie A top scorer in 2010 and 2011 and also Italian player of the year 2010.

WILTORD

Another member of the brilliant Arsenal side. French footballer of the year 1999 and top scorer in the French league once.

SHEVCHENKO

Needs no introduction imo. One of the best strikers ever. AC Milan legend.

2004 Winner of the Ballon D'Or and placed 3rd thrice.

Individual

* Ukrainian Footballer of the Year: (6) 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005
* Ukrainian Sports 1999.[35]
* Commonwealth of Independent States Cup Top Scorer: 1997
* Ukrainian Premier League Top Scorer: 1999
* Ukrainian Premier League Best player: 1997
* Ukrainian Cup Top Scorer (2): 1995, 1998
* ESM Team of the Year: (3) 1999-00, 2003–04, 2004–2005
* UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: (2) 1998–99, 2005–06
* UEFA Champions League Best Forward: 1999
* UEFA Team of the Year: (2) 2004, 2005
* UEFA Super Cup 2003 Man of the match.
* Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year: 2000
* Serie A Goal of the Year 2004 (Roma-Milan 2004).[36]
* Serie A Top Scorer: (2) 1999–00, 2003–04
* Supercoppa Italiana all time top Scorer
* Best Player of Eastern Europe - Focus Vest magazine Trophy: 2001
* Baltic and Commonwealth of Independent States Footballer of the Year: (2) 2004, 2005
* Ballon d'Or: 2004
* Ballon d'Or: Third Place 1999, 2000.
* 2004 FIFA World Player of the Year Third
* Golden Foot award : 2005
* FIFPro World XI: 2005
* Ukraine all-time Top Scorer with 46 goals.
* Derby della Madonnina all-time top scorer with 14 goals.
* All time Milan's Top goal scorer in Champions League with 33 goals.
* All time FIFA World Cup qualification European Top Scorer.[37]
* FIFA World Cup qualification 2002 Top Scorer European with 10 goals.
* FIFA 100
* The World Team of the Decade by Mirror Football: 2009[38]
* A.C. Milan Hall Of Fame.[39]
* UEFA awards 100 caps.[40]
* Pallone d'Argento 2004.
* L'Équipe Team of the Year: (2) 2004, 2005.[41][42]
* Top scorer in the history of football ukrainian with 370 goals.
* Dynamo Kiev Top goalscorer (2) .
* A.C Milan Top goalscorer (6).

[edit] Ballon d'Or

* 1998 – nominated (top 50)
* 1999 – 3rd
* 2000 – 3rd
* 2001 – 8th
* 2003 – 4th
* 2004 – 1st
* 2005 – 5th
* 2006 – nominated (top 50)

[edit] FIFA World Player of the Year

* 1999 – 7th
* 2000 – 5th
* 2001 – 9th
* 2003 – 10th
* 2004 – 3rd
* 2005 – 6th
* 2006 – 21st
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338525_Dream_Team.jpg


Team Crustanoid:

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Sub: Delvecchio

Crustanoid said:
Overall approach

New graphic ever so slightly more accurate in emphasising Del Piero's role in keeping Keane busy. Three in midfield all great passers, Emerson the destroyer, Albertini the creator, Raul and Del Piero both favour runs down the left (but both intelligent / elusive enough to judge when) and Camoranesi the right, so there's the width needed when attacking and you all know what the front two could do at their peak

It's a fluid 4-2-3-1, but in reality the front 4 are going to take turns in pummelling the opposition defence, each in different ways. Camoranesi's pin-point crossing will pick out Ruud (I seem to remember Ruud doing pretty well with another expert crosser in the past). Ruud himself will be the furthest forward, with Raul playing off him, and Del Pierro given license to roam and make a front 3 when attacking.

The midfield two are extremely competent. Emerson will play as the destroyer, with Albertini's finesse and passing ability making him a deep-lying playmaker who will control the attacks, just like a latter day Scholes.

The four defenders are all competent and solid. Simic and Iuliano both had long periods as stable and dependable defenders for Milan and Juve respectably, whilst Arce is a free kick specialist and equally adept at defending. Sergi, Barcelona's Denis Irwin will also provide a good balance at defending and providing width going forward to free up Del Piero so the Italian maestro can go roaming to cause misery for the opposition defence.

Given the abilities of the front players primarily this lineup is fluid enough to switch from 4-2-3-1

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to 4-3-1-2

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depending on the conditions of the game.

Individual biographies and player descriptions

Christian Abbiati Goalkeeper

He's been around longer than you think, making the Italian squad in 2000 and 2002 and has now made over 200 appearances for Milan, following spells on loan at Juve, Atletico and Torino. Dependable and solid.

Francisco Arce Right back

61 caps for Paraguay, tough in the tackle and prolific in the free kick department. Played primarily in South American leagues, amassing a raft of honours

Sergi Left back

Barcelona's Denis Irwin. Over 3090 apps in the 90s and rarely let them down. Part of their youth academy, so has all the attributes you'd expect: technically strong, brilliant passing, intelligent etc. Also has an impressive medal collection, having been part of their successful 90s team

Dario Simic Centre back

Croatia and Milan centre back. schooled in the Dinamo Zagreb production line which produced Prosinecki, Juric and Maric, went on to play for both Milan clubs and Monaco and earned 100 caps for Croatia

Mark Iuliano Centre back

Yet another strong Italian central defender, following Ferrara, Cannavaro, Montero et al by making over 200 appearances in the heart of Juves defence. Powerful and technically adept, Iuliano made 19 appearances for Italy even though the likes of Nesta, Cannavaro, Maldini and Ferrara were at their peaks.

Emerson Defensive midfielder

Brazil's captain around the turn of the century, 73 caps. An outstanding defensive midfielder at his peak. Strong tackler and excellent passer. Won leagues in Brazil with Gremio, Italy with Juve and Roma and Spain with Real, as well as a load of cups as well at national and continental level

Demetrio Albertini Central midfielder

Classy midfielder and an integral part of the awesome Milan team who won 5 Serie As and 3 Champions League titles. 79 caps for Italy, more than 300 appearances for Milan and over 100 more at the top level with other clubs. Brilliant vision, passing and shooting ability. One of the very best of his ilk.

Mauro Camoranesi Right sided attacking midfielder / central midfielder

Veratile winger cum midfielder, extremely effective on the right flank with brilliant dribbling and crossing skills. 55 caps for Italy and a long spell amassing nearly 300 apps and a raft of trophies for Juve .

Alessandro Del Piero Left sided attacking midfielder / forward

One of the very best of his generation, Del Piero is an immensely talented attacker, equally reliable to provide goals, assists and general attacking trickery. All time top scorer at Juve, and still ammassing appearances, goals and trophies. Can play as trequartista, up front and drifting from the left.

Raul Central attacking midfielder / striker

It's not an exaggeration to say that Raul was considered as one of the 2-3 best players in the world in the early 2000s. Real Madrid icon, a striker, but so much more than that, being equally as effective as a more withdrawn player. Goals, brilliance and success surround him - a massively influential player to those around him. He is the all-time leading scorer in the Champions league. 558 apps for Madrid and 228 goals, 102 caps for Spain and 44 goals

Ruud Van Nistelrooy Striker

One of the deadliest front men ever, Ruud will score goals, anytime, anywhere, with any team. Raul and Van Nistelrooy with Del Piero playing off them is pretty much as perfect a front line as you can get. 345 goals in 577 appearances at club level. That is more than 1 in 2. His international record is similar (35 in 70). Legend

Marco Delvecchio Left sided or central midfielder / Striker

If the attacking threat of the previous 3 players is not enough, there is more firepower on the bench. An extremely versatile player, has played left wing back, central and left midfield and most prominently up front. Has 277 appearances for Roma, a real stalwart during the 90s and early part of this century. Also has 22 caps for Italy
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OOps mixed up Cals and Cold boys team - in fact there is no Keane to deal with. However I'll keep the formation the same to outnumber Ballsack and Hammann. Del Pierro will now have more freedom
 
338525_Dream_Team.jpg


This is my starting formation for the game not the previous one.

With Di Natale as the sub.

Ballack , Hamann and Albelda in midfield with Ballack as the enforcer and furthest forward. Hamann and Albelda will stay back around the centre mostly with Hamann spraying the passes and Albelda as a tough tackler to break up any play by the opposition.

Litmanen and Wiltord on wings who will cut back in whenever needed.
 
Apologies, no idea how I managed that.
 
I quite like how Crustanoid's 4-3-1-2 shapes up against Cold Boy's talented but narrow attack. Sergi is an excellent wing-back to provide width while Albertini and Emerson hold. On the right, Arce's potent right foot means he can be dangerous from deeper positions.
 
Cold Boy. Very solid back 5, strong midfield, great striker and more width (although it is a really dodgy sort as has been discussed before, expect that to be his improved area next round).

Has to be said, I actually expect Litmanen to drift centrally and Ballack to drop back more. Should I? That may be even more dodgy.

Christ, wife insisting I drive her to the hairdressers.

Will wait until I don't have her yapping next to me.
 
Close game. Don't like Cameronesi in the middle as out wide has always been his better position. On the plus side Del Piero, Raul, van Nistelrooy and Albertini are all rather special.

Defensively the game is a non contest with Cold Boy trumping Crustanoid easily IMO, saving grace being the inclusion of Emerson holding.
 
Back and, despite Crustanoid looking better than in previous games (not the colours but a tighter midfield) I can see Cold Boy holding out with a much better defence.

I still have issues with Litmanen on the right, although it may actually turn out handy that he will drift more centrally as Ballack probably won't be able to play in such an advanced role.

feck me, this is hard, I'm not at all convinced about Cold Boy going forward and would be settling it on the better defenders.

Will wait to hear Crustanoid's views on it all.
 
Well, as I've stated again and again, my strikers and forward play are my main strength - and Cold Boy's defence, strong though it is, isn't suited to cope with them. Emerson and Albertini are the two 'stayers' in midfield, and Camoranesi the one who will venture forward on the right with Del Piero doing the same on the left / centre. The Italian in the aforementioned three provides a much needed chemistry which I think will be too much for Cold Boys middle section who are strangers to each other. The two full backs are also mobile and Arce in particular has a fantastic right foot. With all the ammo going up to Ruud I think he'll blitz the opposition - he is being supplied by 5-6 of the most productive players of the last 15-20 years
 
Extremely close. Del Piero, Raul and Van Nistelrooy is absolutely immense, though Ballack, Litmanen and Shevchenko isn't to be sniffed at either. It's quite easy to forget how good Shevchenko actually was given his stint at Chelsea, and the same could be said of Ballack. They were both amazing at their best, in all fairness.

Cold Boy shades it, for me. Both have strong midfields and look great going forward on paper, but that defence is the clincher.
 
Crustanoid said:
Emerson and Albertini are the two 'stayers' in midfield, and Camoranesi the one who will venture forward on the right with Del Piero doing the same on the left / centre.

With all the ammo going up to Ruud I think he'll blitz the opposition - he is being supplied by 5-6 of the most productive players of the last 15-20 years
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I buy that. I struggle to see how Cold Boy will cause you anywhere near as much trouble so your poorer (but decent enough) defence shouldn't decide it.
 
I think the midfield three of Coldboy's team absolutely blitzes apart Crustanoid's team. Think people are under-estimating Ballack at his best, he was quite sensational for Leverkusen and was a main architect of them reaching the CL Finals. With the freedom provided by Albelda and Hamann behind him, he can surely create havoc in the opposition defenses.

As also mentioned Crustanoid's defense is not that good and at his peak Sheva was arguably better than both Raul and Van Nistelrooy.
 
Really surprised I am trailing this.

My team trumps him everywhere except maybe the front is close.
 
antohan said:
I buy that. I struggle to see how Cold Boy will cause you anywhere near as much trouble so your poorer (but decent enough) defence shouldn't decide it.
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Have you ever seen Shevchenko and Litmanen play mate?

Or maybe how Ballack can be a huge goal threat too?
 
Cold Boy has a superior defence and Cameronasi in a midfield 3 doesn't work for me. Hamann and Albeda will control the midfield, which makes Ruud and Raul's life a hell of a lot harder with their team having less of the ball.
 
People are underestimating Albertini's influence in midfield and overrating Albeda and Hamman - perhaps understandable given the the generations. Go and watch some videos of 90's Milan. Also remember Raul is fully capable of dropping deep so there is zero issue of 'losing the midfield battle'. Also if you watch Serie A at all Camoranesi has played CM on numerous occasions and his attributes make him effective there
 
Crustanoid said:
People are underestimating Albertini's influence in midfield and overrating Albeda and Hamman - perhaps understandable given the the generations. Go and watch some videos of 90's Milan. Also remember Raul is fully capable of dropping deep so there is zero issue of 'losing the midfield battle'. Also if you watch Serie A at all Camoranesi has played CM on numerous occasions and his attributes make him effective there
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Hamann is in fact under-rated many times.

Camoranesi might have played central many times he sure isn't that good there.

Ballack is the best midfielder in this match by far too.

In fact I have the best striker as well as the best defender on pitch in Shevchenko and Stam respectively.
 
Hamann is criminally underrated and always has been, even when Makelele turned that position into a hype machine, he was still underrated. But have to go with Cold Boy, Del Piero, Raul AND RVN just doesn't match up imo....doesn't need all 3 and Delvecchio coming on won't help things.

The defence happens to be better too.
 
I see this match is getting interesting, just a couple of votes in it at the moment

ColdBoy has the stronger defence for sure and then we have a pretty even midfield battle of:
Albertini/Cameronesi/Emerson vs Ballack/Hamman/Albelda
Id say Shevchenko is the best forward on show but then Wiltord is the weakest so Crustanoids front 3 are stronger as a unit.

I havent voted yet so will see who can better argue their case ...
 
Cold_Boy said:
Hamann is in fact under-rated many times.

Hamann was an above average midfielder who happened to play for a strong Germany side. Whilst he had a wicked shot, he was more functional than exceptional

Camoranesi might have played central many times he sure isn't that good there.

? Have you watched him? He has the short and long range passing needed to be very productive and in fact he always did a fine job whenever played in midfield

Ballack is the best midfielder in this match by far too.

Agree - he was the one I was worried about hence my extra man in midfield. In his prime very dangerous as an advanced midfielder

In fact I have the best striker as well as the best defender on pitch in Shevchenko and Stam respectively.

Shevchenko won the Player of the year and was awesome, but there is isn't really anything between him Ruud and Raul at their primes. Stam's influence will be negated by the presence of Matterazi
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My responses (if only touchline battles were like this. I can just imagine SAF and Kenny sat in the dugout with the caf on their laptops :lol:)
 
It's arguable whether you even have the 3rd best forward given there's not much between all of them and I thought it was just accepted that Albertini was the best centre mid on the pitch (given Ballack's ahead of the midfield). If anything I think Emerson's the one dragging you down, as effective as he might've been he's one of the least impressive defensive midfielders in the draft. He's just so dull. And while Camoranesi obviously had the skillset for it it's just like playing Beckham there really, he'll do it well but it'll make him a notably less effective player overall. Plus he was always a prick which just makes you appreciate him less as a footballer. He's still a prick based on this:

 
Rood said:
I see this match is getting interesting, just a couple of votes in it at the moment

ColdBoy has the stronger defence for sure and then we have a pretty even midfield battle of:
Albertini/Cameronesi/Emerson vs Ballack/Hamman/Albelda
Id say Shevchenko is the best forward on show but then Wiltord is the weakest so Crustanoids front 3 are stronger as a unit.

I havent voted yet so will see who can better argue their case ...
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Crustanoids front 3 are all strikers tbh and as a unit doesn't look right unless its a game where the team is down and the manager decides to throw in thw towel.

Wiltord maybe the weakest but not a bad player by any means and make my front 3 more balanced as he is not just a make shift wide player but one who has proved himself there effectively.

Also the midfield I have 3 players who have all got different attributes.Hamann and Albelda as a pair would be fantastic against any midfield. Albelda would go beserk and Hamann would to the same calmly along with sraying passes and linking the back to the front.

Plus Ballack's energy and running along with the ability and talent he has would be too much to handle.
 
I don't need Emerson to be any more than dull though (given the creativity around him - don't forget the influence the full backs would have - he wouldn't need to go forward, just hang back and shield the centre backs. Camoranesi admittedly was a twat but he, Albertini and Del Piero have the chemistry lacking in the opposition who are essentially strangers. Anyway Ballack is one of the biggest twats ever - it's not really relevant what they are like as a person is it?
 
Shouldn't be but I always felt I could never give him his due just because he was such an uber-cnut. Plus he was a bit of a boring wide player, always taking the sensible option while not having any really excellent attacking qualities. And I don't disagree that Emerson should be anything but dull, I just think his name there appears less impressive than it should be given his quality. I wouldn't be surprised if people who just take a couple of quick glances and then vote find Hamann more impressive than Emerson despite him not really being better. I think Cold Boy's team is just a little too functional, just one creative player in the side isn't enough to take advantage of the fact Crustanoid doesn't have any outstanding defenders - Sergi's excellent but obviously excels going forward, the two centre backs are very good but not great, no idea about Arce.
 
Brwned said:
Shouldn't be but I always felt I could never give him his due just because he was such an uber-cnut. Plus he was a bit of a boring wide player, always taking the sensible option while not having any really excellent attacking qualities. And I don't disagree that Emerson should be anything but dull, I just think his name there appears less impressive than it should be given his quality. I wouldn't be surprised if people who just take a couple of quick glances and then vote find Hamann more impressive than Emerson despite him not really being better. I think Cold Boy's team is just a little too functional, just one creative player in the side isn't enough to take advantage of the fact Crustanoid doesn't have any outstanding defenders - Sergi's excellent but obviously excels going forward, the two centre backs are very good but not great, no idea about Arce.
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Due to the draft process I went for an unflashy defence as I considered that whoever I got would still be in the best top 20 bracket of their generation for their position (and they are) and would be able to hold their own. I think these hypothetical match-ups are generally decided by central midfield and strikers, although outstanding strikers should really be considered as match-winners - think about what would happen in reality.
 
Brwned said:
Shouldn't be but I always felt I could never give him his due just because he was such an uber-cnut. Plus he was a bit of a boring wide player, always taking the sensible option while not having any really excellent attacking qualities. And I don't disagree that Emerson should be anything but dull, I just think his name there appears less impressive than it should be given his quality. I wouldn't be surprised if people who just take a couple of quick glances and then vote find Hamann more impressive than Emerson despite him not really being better. I think Cold Boy's team is just a little too functional, just one creative player in the side isn't enough to take advantage of the fact Crustanoid doesn't have any outstanding defenders - Sergi's excellent but obviously excels going forward, the two centre backs are very good but not great, no idea about Arce.
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Litmanen was pretty creative. Wiltord could create in his prime seasons too.

Also people overlook the height and strength factor in my team.
 
Crustanoid said:
Due to the draft process I went for an unflashy defence as I considered that whoever I got would still be in the best top 20 bracket of their generation for their position (and they are) and would be able to hold their own. I think these hypothetical match-ups are generally decided by central midfield and strikers, although outstanding strikers should really be considered as match-winners - think about what would happen in reality.
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It is a team game.

You need balance.

Outstanding strikers can be stopped by an out-standing defense.
 
"although outstanding strikers should really be considered as match-winners - think about what would happen in reality."

Brazil 2006 tells me what would happen in real life, as many other examples of using that kind of method, like Perez without a decent manager.
 
Cold_Boy said:
Have you ever seen Shevchenko and Litmanen play mate?

Or maybe how Ballack can be a huge goal threat too?
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All three, yes. The thing is I don't see you winning the midfield battle with those two alone, Ballack will need to put a shift, don't see him anywhere near as up top as you have him. He will still join attacks but, as dull as Emerson maybe, he will be tracking him.

I do rate Litmanen as your primer creative force, no idea what he doe on the right, he will drift in, which he might as well. Will that work with Ballack or are they getting in each others' ways?

Don't rate Wiltord much, not at this level.

Shevchenko is class, will the ball get to him? How good a ball? Simic and Iuliano are not Stam, but still pretty decent at this defending malarkey.

Despite on paper having more width I see you operating very centrally, while I can see how Camoranesi will project right and offer that option while both Del Piero and Raúl could offer a wide option on the left.

That is, I see more options emerging from Crustanoid's movement than yours. That's what I'm putting it down to.
 
Crustanoid basically has 3 strikers and three midfielders on the pitch, out of which only one provides any sort of width. I've not seen many teams play that sort of system before.
 
antohan said:
All three, yes. The thing is I don't see you winning the midfield battle with those two alone, Ballack will need to put a shift, don´t see him anywhere near as up top as you have him. He will still join attacks but, as dull as Emerson maybe, he will be tracking him.

I do rate Litmanene as your primer creative force, no idea what he doe on the right, he will drift in, which he might as well. Will that work with Ballack or are they getting in each others' ways?

Don't rate Wiltord much, not at this level.

Shevchenko is class, will the ball get to him? How good a ball? Simic and Iuliano are not Stam, but still pretty decent at this defending malarkey.

Despite on paper having more width I see you operating very centrally, while I can see how Camoranesi will project right and offer that option while both Del Piero and Raúl could offer a wide option on the left.

That is, I see more options emerging from Crustanoid's movement than yours. That's what I'm putting it down to.
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Ballack will pretty much be in midfield while my front 3 can rotate a bit by coming in when Ballack is busy in the centre.

My front 3 are pretty mobile and I don't see a problem how options will not appear from my forwards too.

Also Litmanen and Wiltord are less of "strikers" compared to Crustanoid's which means actually they are more capable of playing in a front 3.
 
No people are rating a team of 11 with a tactic making better use of that 11 over another team of 11.
 
kps88 said:
Crustanoid basically has 3 strikers and three midfielders on the pitch, out of which only one provides any sort of width. I've not seen many teams play that sort of system before.
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He doesn't, Del Piero is not even positioned as a striker but a creative force.

I've seen both Del Piero and Raúl operate on the left, expected one to do so and Crustanoid confirmed he is under specific instructions to offer an outlet on the left.

Crustanoid's looks narrow and tight, which is fine by me when he is battling for possession. Once he has it, he opens up like a fan offering central and wide options.

Cold Boy appears on paper to be playing with width, in practice that fan is bound to close on one side and leave a very predictable Wiltord option on the left.

I find Crustanoid will be harder to defend against, not because he has impressive names upfront but because his movement and the options it creates is going to make it very difficult not to leave someone on the loose at several points during the game.
 
kps88 said:
Crustanoid basically has 3 strikers and three midfielders on the pitch, out of which only one provides any sort of width. I've not seen many teams play that sort of system before.
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Milan in '05? They had Crespo and Shevchenko up top and then Pirlo, Gattuso and Seedorf with Kaka being the link in between. I don't think Kaka was any less of an attacker than Del Piero nor any more mobile or able to provide width, and Albertini and Camoranesi would surely be able to manoeuvre themselves about the pitch just as well as Gattuso and Seedorf while being able to offer more attacking options.

Cold_Boy said:
Litmanen was pretty creative. Wiltord could create in his prime seasons too.

Also people overlook the height and strength factor in my team.
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Yes Litmanen was the one creative player, Ballack's an excellent midfield player but not really a creative player. I'd have Di Natale out there over Wiltord every day of the week.
 
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