All-time Fantasy Draft - Stobzilla v DanNistelrooy

[Brwned]

My tactics are simple. My team is better, we win. I call it "The Redknapp"

Team Stobzilla

Team DanNistelrooy

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Tactics:
The general mentality of the team will be to attack and it would be silly not with a quartet of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Platini and Puskas. With Puskas I have one of the best forwards in the draft and who better to finish the chances that Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Platini will provide. He will be fed by the ridiculously creative trio of Platini, Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. All of that front 4 is capable of creating and scoring goals against any defence. In Ronaldinho and Platini I have 2 of the best creative players to have played the game and they will perfectly compliment the goal scoring machines of Ronaldo and Puskas.

Although the team has strengths in attacking, they are able to focus on this thanks to a top defence including the best defender of his generation in Nesta and another World Cup winner and ex Germany captain in Vogts.

In midfield I have gone for an all action, strong, mobile pairing of Edgar Davids and Yaya Toure. Both proven at the highest level having league titles and Champions League medals. Their key role will be to hustle the opponent's attacking midfield players. A key battle is Zidane vs Davids, who better to neutralise the genius of Zidane than someone who has played with him for so long and someone who has the energy and strength to keep him quiet.

Petr Cech
During Chelsea’s dominance from 2004-2006 he was the best in the world and a key reason for Chelsea’s tight defence in those years. There is no doubt that Chelsea were lucky to win the European cup in 2012 but Cech pulled off some of the best performances I have seen from a keeper in that run – notable performances against Barcelona and Bayern, in particularly the decisive spot kick save from Schweinsteiger.

Berti Vogts
Winner of the World Cup and European Championships with Germany. Also took over the captaincy from Beckenbauer in 1977 so at right back I have a solid player of proper quality.

Alessandro Nesta
Another World Cup winner and also the best centre half of his generation and the finest reader of the game I have seen. The timing of his tackling in his prime was a joy to watch.

Paul McGrath
Imperious centre back and another fine reader of the game. On his day there were few better. Notable performances include the opening game of the 1994 World Cup against Italy. McGrath’s performance in this match went down as one of the best defensive displays ever against Baggio and Signori. Franco Baresi, a frequent contender for the title of best ever central defender, could merely clap watching McGrath’s performance that day.

Jose Antonio Camacho
414 appearances for Real Madrid and a fixture at left back during their dominance of the Spanish League in the 70/80s with NINE league titles to his name.

Yaya Toure
Key player for both Barca and City, winning League Titles with both and a European Cup too. Equally effective in the holding midfield role and box-to-box or attacking role. Was an integral part of Barca's Champions League winning side at the start of the Guardiola era playing in the holding midfield role. Beast of a midfielder, arguably the best in the league and one City are extremely lucky to have.

Edgar Davids
All action midfielder, who will be asked to play a disciplined role in midfield alongside Toure. Champions League winner and iconic figure whilst I was growing up. A midfield of Toure/Davids will not be outmuscled or outworked by any - full of energy, drive and class on the ball they provide a superb platform for Ronaldinho/Ronaldo/Platini/Puskas to attack.


Michel Platini
One of the best players in the draft. Arguably the greatest passer of the ball of all time and the perfect man to create and score from the advanced midfield position. Winner of the Ballon d'Or for THREE consecutive players, genius of a midfielder and big game player.

Ronaldinho
During his prime years is quite simply the best player I have ever seen. He was one of those players who could create something out of nothing and he did this against some of the tightest defences in recent history. Notably THAT goal against Chelsea but a personal favourite is this pass at 1:41 in a tight semi final vs a Milan side with one of the best defences out there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52oP6RDpOhU . Just one more clip for Ronaldinho and this one I still regard as the best individual performance since my time of watching football, the 2005 El Classico http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjabWksidPs I hope you watch those 2 clips as they are well worth a watch.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Not much needs to be said about him, the best United player in recent times and has turned into a goal scoring freak since his move to Madrid. If it wasn’t for Lionel Messi I think we would be talking about Ronaldo being one of the best ever.

Ferenc Puskás
A machine of a striker up top, capable of scoring against any defence and with a goal record 508 goals in 521 appearances there are few better strikers in the draft, if any. Perfect man to lead the line and finish off chances that Ronaldo/Ronaldinho and Platini will provide

Subs:

Spoiler

Robin Van Persie
Great option to bring off the bench, in fact it feels ridiculous having him on the bench in the first place but the nationality rule has forced my hand. If we are talking about primes, there has been no striker better than him since 2011.

Didier Drogba
What a player to lead the line. Dragged Chelsea to the European Cup in 2012 with some immense performances in the knockout stages and final. In his prime I don’ think there is another striker who is more difficult to handle. In terms of "Big Game Players" he was also up there with the best and that surely helps when coming up against the quality of defenders in this draft?

Paul Gascoigne
People often talk about what could have been with Gascoigne but there is no doubt about his quality and ability on his day. The most talented and exciting English player I have ever seen. His flair, dribbling and unpredictability will pose a threat for any defender. Sir Alex Ferguson’s biggest regret was not signing Gascoigne.

Claude Makelele
He has the defensive midfield position name after him. He was a key figure for the “Galacticos” of Real Madrid and although didn’t get as much recognition as Figo/Zidane/Ronaldo, he was just as important to their dominance. This continued to his time with Chelsea. Champions League winner, along with league titles in France, England and Spain.

Clarence Seedorf
A true great of his generation and with his engine and ball control will prove the perfect partner for Makelele. Winner of the Champions League with 3 different teams and also a league Champion in Holland, Spain and Italy. One of the best “box to box” midfielders in his prime and also scorer of one of my favourite goals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGQ6speL4Ww

.

 

[KM]

Voting for Dan really.

I'm not criticising Stob but if one person has put in an effort and other hasn't, I'm going to vote for one who has.

 

[Cling Bak]

I voted for Dan's team because despite Stob's tactic of having the better team, I don't think he has the better team.

 

[backofthenet]

Both absolutely insane teams... I vote Stob

 

[antohan]

I voted for Dan's team because despite Stob's tactic of having the better team, I don't think he has the better team.

It would be very hard to get the ball off his midfield, that's all I see going for him, not a minor detail though. Actually, neither midfield looks like stopping the other one in possession, it would be quite an open game.

I'm still not convinced by Dan's front four, great individuals but can't put my finger on why they don't sit right with me as a unit.

 

[EDogen]

I voted for Dan's team, Puskas, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Platini will have a lot of fun in the game. But more important Nesta and McGrath, two of my all time favourite defenders. It will take something special for me to vote against them.

Other than that Dan, you have good full backs, Cech likewise. And finally even though I do not like either of Davids or Toure (personal taste maybe, but I think you could do better here) they are okay with that team you have.

 

[Rood]

missed this whole thing so far

2 top teams here, Stobzilla just edges it for me as I am more of the fan of the players he selected.

 

[antohan]

Can't help but feel that, for once, the keeper would make a difference in such an open game. Dan's defence is much sturdier though.

 

[antohan]

Where are the managers?

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

Voting for Dan really.

I'm not criticising Stob but if one person has put in an effort and other hasn't, I'm going to vote for one who has.

This.

 

[DanNistelrooy]

2 ridiculously good teams but I just think my defence is better equipped to deal with Stobs attack.

The thought of my front 4 linking up together is a dream too. Very close though I admit

 

[DanNistelrooy]

I voted for Dan's team, Puskas, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Platini will have a lot of fun in the game. But more important Nesta and McGrath, two of my all time favourite defenders. It will take something special for me to vote against them.

Other than that Dan, you have good full backs, Cech likewise. And finally even though I do not like either of Davids or Toure (personal taste maybe, but I think you could do better here) they are okay with that team you have.

Absolutely. Toure and Davids in particular are in there to break things up and keep things simple, keep Zidane quiet which I think Davids is more than capable of doing

 

[Gio]

Thoughts on this one:

• Stobzilla's midfield five is outstanding. Bound to dominate possession.
• Dan's team is perfectly set up for counter-attacking so losing control of the ball in midfield wouldn't be a major issue.
• Van Nistelrooy looks a wee bit out of his depth at this level: certainly a battle I'd fancy Nesta and McGrath to win.
• Stobzilla's back four is 'gettable', particularly with Dan's exceptional front four.

 

[antohan]

keep Zidane quiet which I think Davids is more than capable of doing

He is on Kubala's side though. Still, I do buy Davids being able to do a job on Zidane (as much as Matthaus does one on Platini).

That leaves a chore of Scholes-Xavi keeping possession and playing Kubala/RvN or Cafú on, with only Toure to stop them, as I can't see Cristiano or Ronaldinho doing much pressing at all. Stobzilla would most likely enjoy the lion's share of possession. If that was in any danger he can always throw Souness on for either Xavi or Scholes.

You are more likely to play the ball out to the wingers the moment you get hold of it and keep going at it that way. On paper, Cristiano on Happel is an eye-sore there, Happel not exactly being a left-back. But I guess Stobzilla is going for a man marker over a fullback (i.e. a Gentile job, or Jones last night), which makes sense when Cristiano actually drifts everywhere and Vogts is going to do nothing down that flank.

I think the game would be open, he would get more possession and be more patient with it, you would get less and be a lot more direct, can't see a lot of goals though and in that scenario I tend to side with the more controlling side.

 

[antohan]

Thoughts on this one:

• Stobzilla's midfield five is outstanding. Bound to dominate possession.
• Dan's team is perfectly set up for counter-attacking so losing control of the ball in midfield wouldn't be a major issue.
• Van Nistelrooy looks a wee bit out of his depth at this level: certainly a battle I'd fancy Nesta and McGrath to win.
• Stobzilla's back four is 'gettable', particularly with Dan's exceptional front four.

Indeed, but Stobzilla's team doesn't strike me as one that would go all gung ho and leave a lot of room for the counter. That's very much why I see it as a low scoring game.

 

[Cutch]

Went for Stobzilla in the end. Think he'll have a serious control of the game in midfield, and similar to Antohan, i'm not really sure how Dans front four would work together. It won't help against Stobzillas midfield having 2 widemen that will do no tracking back whatsoever.

 

[antohan]

Subs

Stob has Souness to strengthen midfield if needed and Ayala (who actually should be playing), then Briegel and Puyol who can't come on. Savicevic... People may actually rate him more than Kubala TBF.

Dan is a bit stuck with nationalities (how many Dutch players can you pack into a team?!?!?!). Realistically, in the event of a lead he would swap Platini for Makelele and bring on Drogba upfront. Not bad if he scores first, if he doesn't then there are no obvious fresh legs other than Drogba.

 

[Moby]

What do you guys think of Lothar's role in this game? I've always thought of him being at his best as a box to box midfielder and hence he should be played alongside a defensively strong midfielder. While as a lone DM, he would get restricted and won't be able to dominate the midfield as much as he would with a DM providing him freedom, specially in attack as he was great going forward at Inter and scored plenty of goals. Here I see him spending most of the time keeping tabs on Platini.

 

[Thisistheone]

Good point Aldo. Still think Stob shades it with Ronaldinho and C.Ronaldo not doing any tracking back.

 

[Moby]

True, but Camacho and Vogts are both extremely solid fullbacks who can man mark top players. Vogts took out Cruyff almost by himself in the WC final, so I don't think he will need that much help from the wingers. It's the same on both sides really, as Stob's fullbacks are also on the backfoot with his team not having width on the left and I'm not sure how much Kubala would track back. Cafu and Happel would have to spend most time in their own half as they are dealing with two great wingers. TBH I see Dan's wingers giving more trouble to Stob's fullbacks than the other way round.

 

[antohan]

What do you guys think of Lothar's role in this game? I've always thought of him being at his best as a box to box midfielder and hence he should be played alongside a defensively strong midfielder. While as a lone DM, he would get restricted and won't be able to dominate the midfield as much as he would with a DM providing him freedom, specially in attack as he was great going forward at Inter and scored plenty of goals. Here I see him spending most of the time keeping tabs on Platini.

Matthaus had a very long career playing different roles, initially he was meant to be the next Beckenbauer, then he gradually became more attacking. At Inter he was almost a #10 at times, then he started regressing back to defence.

I agree he is spending most of his time keeping tabs on Platini and have no problem seeing him in that role.

TBH I see Dan's wingers giving more trouble to Stob's fullbacks than the other way round.

I don't think anyone sees it any other way. The question mark is not over his fullbacks needing help but his midfield.

 

[Moby]

Yeah, he would never have a problem doing that. I was instructed to take out Maradona if I am not wring and Platini would need that sort of attention, I just think it might not let Matthaus provide everthing as he would have to stay a bit deeper than he would prefer. Suits perfectly the role he played later in his career though, although I like the earlier matthaus more.

Also, Scholes, Xavi and Zidane, that's a bit of overkill. I think he could have afforded to drop one of those and add a DM, let matthaus his freedom and still not lose much out on the creativity front.

 

[antohan]

Yeah, he would never have a problem doing that. I was instructed to take out Maradona if I am not wring and Platini would need that sort of attention, I just think it might not let Matthaus provide everthing as he would have to stay a bit deeper than he would prefer. Suits perfectly the role he played later in his career though, although I like the earlier matthaus more.

What you are referring to as earlier was his midpoint. Yes, you no longer have as complete and influential a player, just a Makelele who's pretty good on the ball as well.

Also, Scholes, Xavi and Zidane, that's a bit of overkill. I think he could have afforded to drop one of those and add a DM, let matthaus his freedom and still not lose much out on the creativity front.

Yups, that's were I like the fact he has Souness on his bench ready to shake things up a bit. And Ayala... can't believe he has Ayala on the bench.

 

[NM]

Don't think its fairr that people vote for Dan just because Stobzilla has some issues going on and can't be online, but to each his own.

 

[Snow]

Stob's team looks very narrow. Reckon you don't need a world class team to stop that one. Big names and all that but similar roles. No idea who Kubala is and no explanation given so this one is a pretty easy vote to make.

Dan also has a few players who are match winners on their own and a better defensive unit (only just). Could you also field a slower team than Stob's?

 

[VP]

Voted for Stobzilla, better tactics.

 

[Moby]

Could you also field a slower team than Stob's?

I was about to make that point actually, that RVN is not exactly the name that suits his team perfectly IMO. Had it been someone like Shevchenko or Eto'o who have played well in narrow formation and make runs behind the defender a lot, would have been better. Ruud would still score given the service and his great positioning, but he did enjoy playing with Beckham a lot and close to 0 crosses he will be getting here as Cafu is pre occupied with Ronaldinho, which takes a valuable aspect out of his game. And as Snow said, would add some much needed pace although I think Kubala wasn't too shabby when it came to that.

 

[antohan]

No idea who Kubala is and no explanation given so this one is a pretty easy vote to make.

Hungarian forward who could play across the frontline. A Barca legend, the story goes that the Camp Nou was built for the purpose of holding all the people who wanted to go and watch him

Also a drunk, like so many from his days.

 

[Stobzilla]

I am on a phone and I have no way of making changes, is it possible to sub off Montero for Ayala and Kubala for Savicevic ?

 

[Moby]

I am on a phone and I have no way of making changes, is it possible to sub off Montero for Ayala and Kubala for Savicevic ?

Will do.

 

[antohan]

I am on a phone and I have no way of making changes, is it possible to sub off Montero for Ayala and Kubala for Savicevic ?

Interesting, why not Montero at LB and Ayala at CB?

I guess the crux is whether Happel is meant to be doing what I described (man-marking Ronaldo wherever he is, rather than a left-back).

 

[Fergus' son]

What was the thinking behind leaving Ayala on the bench in the first place? Sheer madness.

 

[antohan]

Could you also field a slower team than Stob's?

Which coupled with his array of tempo-setters means he will patiently play keep ball until an opening shows up.

Kubala is the only one offering actual repentización (sudden change of rythm), only one player offering it is a bit limited, but could be enough.

 

[Moby]

I hope this is okay.

 

[antohan]

What was the thinking behind leaving Ayala on the bench in the first place? Sheer madness.

In the first round I thought he did it to big up his other defenders in anticipation of having to drop him anyway for a better Argie.

In this game the stakes were too high to be doing that IMO.

I do rate Montero as highly -actually higher- than Ayala, but he would be a better alternative than either Happel or Vidic in this game.

 

[Gio]

Interesting, why not Montero at LB and Ayala at CB?

This would have closed up the gap between the defences for me.

 

[antohan]

This would have closed up the gap between the defences for me.

Yeah, we know how highly you rate Ayala, don't we? That side with Montero-Ayala would be absolute murder.

What about your man Souness on the bench? Reckon he can get a run around in the 2nd half? Who for Xavi or Scholes?

 

[Cantona'sCollar]

Assuming both are 433 (Meaning Ronaldinho is forward and not midfield)

Goalkeeper: Stobzilla
Back 4: DanNistelrooy (marginal)
Midfield: Stobzilla (Matter of preference for me, Platini makes it tough)
Forwards: DanNistelrooy

Hardest one so far, but the combination of Puskas, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo wins it for DanNistelrooy in my opinion - Stobzilla only wins clearly in the goalkeeping department, and Cech at his best was fantastic.

DanNistelrooy for me, but very tough.

 

[antohan]

Assuming both are 433 (Meaning Ronaldinho is forward and not midfield)

Interesting assumption, particularly the fact you make a point of clarifying it.

I do think he would be a lot better with both of them tucked in as forwards in a trident and that would certainly take nothing away from their ability to go wide.

People do have a tendency to criticise teams for being narrow if they don't have players shunted out on the line though, which is a bit odd TBH.

 

[Gio]

Yeah, we know how highly you rate Ayala, don't we? That side with Montero-Ayala would be absolute murder.

What about your man Souness on the bench? Reckon he can get a run around in the 2nd half? Who for Xavi or Scholes?

Indeed, Ayala was the main man in that Valencia defence that was head and shoulders above anything else in Spain and most of Europe.

It's a tricky one. Stobzilla's midfield should control 60% of possession and Matthaus has proven himself in every one of the central midfield roles so he'll do a competent job on Platini. I'd maybe unleash him though to showcase the imbalance between someone like Toure and Matthaus. Whether you remove Xavi or Scholes, I'm not sure - Xavi the better player, Scholes the superior goal threat which is otherwise somewhat lacking. I'd probably go a slightly lopsided 4-1-3-2 with Souness anchoring and dealing with Platini, Xavi supporting slightly to his right, Matthaus driving through the centre as in Italia '90, and Zidane in off the inside-left as with Real. Kubala slightly off Ruud's right. Lovely.