Decades Draft Tournament : Cutch vs Gio

[Moby]

The aim of this poll is to decide which team will win based on all the players being at their respective peaks. The player profiles have been linked in both tactics so please go through them to read a brief description about all the players involved in the game!

Cutch's tactics

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Flexible attackers– I’ve got 3 versatile and skillful forward players, including 2 of the all time greats. Messi will play as a False 9 with Stoitchkov left and Rummenigge right. This won’t be a rigid set up with Messi and Rummenigge inparticular swapping positions to keep Gio’s defence busy.​

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High line and heavy pressing– This game will be played with my side on the front foot and I think I’ve got the personnel to pin Gio’s side back for long periods. Alba and Suurbier are used to playing high up the pitch and are exceptionally quick and fit enough to get back. Breitner and Mauro Silva in particular are used to heavy pressing, Stoitchkov is hard working and Messi played in probably the best pressing side seen under Guardiola. Charles hasn’t got the pace to get away from my centrehalfs so a high line and squeezing the play in Gio’s half should reap rewards.​

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2 v 1s– Suurbier and Alba could have a big part to play in this game with their pace and athleticism. Offensively there is a good chance of 2v1s developing on either side if Gio’s widemen aren’t diligent enough to get back. I have a bit of a concern about Facchetti and Boniek in tandem on Gio’s left on the few occasions the former hasn’t his hands full with Rummenigge. I’m fortunate to have 1 of the great destroyers in Mauro Silva, who will generally be keeping an eye on Hagi but will move out to the right as soon as a threat develops down this side. When Facchetti makes the overlap run, Suurbier will cover this with Silva on Boniek. Charles will be the target in the box on the back post so generally Ayala will follow, and Nesta will come across. This graphic shows how this will be dealt with:​

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Spoiler

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Midfield battle​

I’ve got the perfect blend in midfield with Mauro Silva as the disciplined ballwinner and holding midfielder, Breitner will be box to box and Rivera will be the creative hub controlling the tempo of the game and getting the ball to Messi and co.​

Davids will likely be assigned to deal with Rivera, and as good player as Davids is, he’s up against 1 of the all time great Italian players. Essien had several excellent seasons at Chelsea but has never made an impression as great as Breitner has done at the highest level in World and European Cups. While Rivera will put his foot in occasionally, I don’t think Gheorge Hagi will, and I think he may struggle to exert authority in this game with Mauro Silva in close attendance. I would certainly fancy my side to come out on top in this battle. Breitner and Rivera are undoubtedly the 2 best central midfielders on the park and Mauro Silva one of the most underrated of the last 20 years. I don’t think it’s a stretch to expect all 3 to win their individual battles in midfield.​

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John Charles​

I’m a huge fan of Charles but not sure if this game will play to his strengths. He will spend large portions on his own upfront, and he will miss having the partner he craves, such as Omar Sivori when he played his best football at Juventus. The gentle giant will be a huge threat in the air but Roberto Ayala is also a beast in the air and will hopefully minimise his threat.​

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Giacinto Facchetti​

Facchetti will have his hands full with the intricate movement and trickery of my 3 attackers. A great player going forward I think his attacking forays may be more limited in this game. However, its something that will be monitored and if it becomes a problem, the plan will be to switch the strong running Stoitchkov to that side. It would also free up Rummenigge a bit more who will look to expose Armfield with Gio needing at least 2 of his defenders at all times to try to control Messi.​

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Lionel Messi​

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The little man is obviously the stand out player on the pitch and I’ve picked a squad to try and get the best out of him. My side should replicate well his surroundings at Barcelona with skilful and technical players comfortable in possession. Rivera will be chief supplier while Stoitchkov and Rummenigge should also be on the same wavelength.​

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PLAYER PROFILES​

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TEAM Cutch​

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TEAM Gio​

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Gio's tactics

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The main problem with all-time fantasy teams is that they are a collection of disparate individuals. This team is heavily founded on cohesion and pragmatism: it will kill the game and get the result.

Cutch has a great attack and the best way to deal with that trio is with an even better defence. Four Italians in the back five guarantees cohesion and three of them are fit for an all-time XI. Messi comes up against Vierchowod, a grizzly and pacy man-marker and a tougher proposition than anything he has faced in the modern era. The whole back four boast exceptional pace and, marshalled by the imperious Baresi, will form a robust and impenetrable unit.

They will be protected by a monstrous central-midfield pair of Edgar Davids and Michael Essien. Together their unrivalled energy will squeeze any space for Cutch's front three to drop into, while matching up and quite likely dominating Cutch's admittedly solid midfield trio. Supporting the midfield battle will be the tireless Boniek who will pull Suurbier all over the shop. At the hub of it all is the great and gifted Gheorge Hagi who, with the midfield built around him, will have the platform to showcase his considerable talent.

The clearest route to goal on the park will be Sandro Mazzola up against Jordi Alba. The legendary Italian's inventive dribbling should provide a plentiful supply of crosses for one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time and probably the greatest in the air - John Charles. If he's not providing crosses, Mazzola can go directly for goal, pulling Nesta out from the centre, leaving 5ft 8' Ayala up against the Gentle Giant. The third option is cut-backs for the onrushing Boniek and Hagi to attack, but whichever way, Alba is likely to struggle.

A clear route to goal, cohesion (10 of the 11 are Italian-speaking Serie A graduates) and a healthy dose of pragmatism is what will make the difference.

Player Profiles​

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[Moby]

Feck, clicked on Create thread instead of Preview by mistake!

 

[Fergus' son]

Gio has the better defence but Cutch is stronger in all other areas IMO.

Alba is probably the weakest link but Breitner on that side helps with that. I think I see gio having more joy on the other flank with Fachetti and Boniek up against Kalle and Suurbier...

 

[Cutch]

Player Profiles

Goalkeeper

Spoiler

Harry Gregg(30s)


The hero of the munich air disaster. Transferred to Manchester United for a world record fee for a goalkeeper. It says it all about the man that 4 months after the disaster he was voted the best goalkeeper at the 1958 World Cup ahead of the legendary Lev Yashin, when helping minnows Northern Ireland reach the quarter finals. Was renowned for his fearless style of goalkeeping.
http://thegoalkeeperco.com/features/harry-gregg-an-inadequate-tribute-to-an-ill-remembered-icon/

Defence

Spoiler

Wim Suurbier(40s)


Flying right back in the Golden Ajax and Holland side of the 70s. Played nearly 400 games for Ajax winning 3 European Cups and played in the 70 and 74 World Cup Final. He was an accomplished defender with great stamina, pace and technical skills with his only apparent weakness his crossing which was often maligned. He was known to dominate the entire right flank with his high energy game.



Roberto Ayala(70s)


The heartbeat of the rock solid Valencia and Argentina defence of the early 00s. Had a fantastic knack of being in the right position and being able to read the game. A fully committed defender who was tough tackling on the ground and in the air and inspired those around him.
Ayala captained the Argentine national team for more matches (63) than anyone. He played in three World Cups and made a total 115 international appearances, with only Javier Zanetti getting more caps for Argentina.



Alessandro Nesta(70s)


The best defender of his generation and probably in the top 2-3 of all time. Tremendous composure inside the box, incredible positional sense off the ball and highly accurate anticipation of a striker’s movement inside the final third were some attributes that would describe Nesta’s defensive prowess. His calming influence has brought out the best in many that have played alongside him.





Jordi Alba(80s)


Lightning quick left back who’s had great success already in his short career with Spain and Barcelona, including a goal in last years European Championship final. While a competent defender his main strengths are going forward with his pace and stamina a huge threat particularly on the counter against tired defences.

Midfield

Spoiler

Mauro Silva(60s)


As my opponent Gio said:
‘Along with Dunga, Brazil's most influential central midfielder of the last 30 years’.
One of the games great destroyers, he had a phenomenal ability to to break down attacks and frustrate opponents. Another who played at a fantastically high intensity. Also as you'd expect from a brazilian midfielder he was extremely comfortable and skillful on the ball. He was the rock in their 94 World Cup success and is one of Deportivo La Coruna's most fondly remembered players.





Paul Breitner(50s)


1981 Ballon D’Or runner up to Rummenigge. Mental German box to box midfielder who also played left back. Had a famous partnership with Rummenigge at Bayern where the 2 were dubbed ‘Breitnigge’. Strong in the tackle with a powerful shot. Another mentally strong player in my team, who stepped up in the 74 World Cup final to convert a penalty with Germany a goal down and inspired them to victory.



Gianni Rivera(40s)


‘The Golden Boy of Italian Football’. 1969 Ballon D’Or winner. One of Milan and Italys greatest ever players. Technique, vison, dribbles, goals, style. As elegant a footballer as you could ever imagine.
http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2011/10/legend-of-calcio-gianni-rivera/

Platini:

Gianni Rivera is one of the greatest football ambassadors, at both a club and International level, with more than 500 matches played with Milan and represented Italy in four editions of the FIFA World Cup. He was one of the greatest assist-men in the history of football and his skills in dribbling and in setting up the plays were equaled by few

When he won the Ballon d'Or, the France Football headline was: 'Pure class', "We all remember his nice touch on the ball, his light run, his sudden inspiration which could change a game, and also his intelligent words off the pitch. Like the story of football in general, the story of Rivera is a never-ending story. Thank you for what you were and what you still are."

Attack

Spoiler

Hristo Stoitchkov(60s)


1994 Balon D’or winner. Bulgarias greatest ever player. He was feared for his speed and potent shot, and his fiery temperament. When he channeled his aggression during a match, he was a formidable player, often carrying his team single-handedly. Renowned for his never-say-die attitude, he fought for the ball with a fierce intensity whether it was the first minute or the last.
Not lacking in confidence either:

‘’No Bulgarian will ever match my achievements’’

Was the focal point in one of the great barcelona sides in a golden period from 90-94, with his blistering acceleration, dribbling, incisive passing and explosive shooting ability.





Lionel Messi(80s)


Not much needs to be said about Lionel. World Player of the Year the last 4 times. On his way to being the best player of all time.



Karl Heinz Rummenigge(50s)


1980 and 1981 Balon D’Or winner. Arguably Germanys greatest player post Beckenbeuer. Possessed wonderful skill and technique and finishing.

 

[Gio]

Gio has the better defence but Cutch is stronger in all other areas IMO.

Alba is probably the weakest link but Breitner on that side helps with that. I think I see gio having more joy on the other flank with Fachetti and Boniek up against Kalle and Suurbier...

Better keeper, defence and much the same in midfield. Messi obviously better than Charles, albeit the Gentle Giant is a bigger, beastlier proposition than anything Nesta and Ayala have faced in the modern era. Especially getting on the end of crosses from Hagi, Boniek, Mazzola, Facchetti and Armfield.

 

[Fergus' son]

Yeah thats the main threat but check out how i plan to deal with that mate

Will do.

Better keeper, defence and much the same in midfield. Messi obviously better than Charles, albeit the Gentle Giant is a bigger, beastlier proposition than anything Nesta and Ayala have faced in the modern era. Especially getting on the end of crosses from Hagi, Boniek, Mazzola, Facchetti and Armfield.

I'd give him the edge in midfield but yours is great too. Will be interesting to see how Davids/Essien partnership would work, I'd suspect they, or at least Essien, would need more positional discipline than I'v seen him demonstrate.

 

[Gio]

While Rivera will put his foot in occasionally, I don’t think Gheorge Hagi will, and I think he may struggle to exert authority in this game with Mauro Silva in close attendance

It's the other way around. Rivera was famous for being a skinny, slippery light-weight. Hagi's got a bit more fire in the belly and will give as good as he gets. See the video of him and Maradona kicking lumps out of each other in 1990.

In terms of midfield graft, we'll get huge shifts out of Davids, Essien, Boniek and worthwhile contributions from Hagi and Mazzola. I can see two of Cutch's midifelders contributing in that regard, Stoichkov will cover Armfield, while Rivera and Messi will offer very little.

 

[Brwned]

Shame Corbatta had to get the hook as I could see him v Alba as the mismatch of the round. I don't remember Mazzola ever playing the way Gio's described here and sadly can't see him singlehandedly annihilating Alba and providing a constant stream of chances for Charles in the same way. There's too much creativity there for Cutch to keep them quiet though. Like the back five too.

It's not clear cut by any means. I'd like to know a bit more about the two rght backs as I found Suurbier fo be the most unimpressive of Ajax's back four while I can't remember ever seeing Armfield. Rivera-Messi is swinging it so far but if others agree that Suurbier wasn't up to much defensively then that weakness at fullback could be crucial here.

 

[antohan]

Yeah thats the main threat but check out how i plan to deal with that mate

It's a snapshot. A snapshot featuring Boniek can be quite deceptive. Straight off the bat, I can see him running across to the other flank dragging Silva along and leaving Hagi unmarked. Once Silva clues up to that he will be running into the box, or backwards, or anywhere he fancies taking Silva for a ride until Silva decides to leave Boniek running around and focus on Hagi. At that point Boniek moves on to doing the same with Nesta.

I worry about Ayala always being on Charles and Nesta having to come across, i.e. his positioning largely defined by where Ayala and Charles have gone. Throw a hyperactive Boniek into that mix and Nesta could end up being all over the shop. I know, it's Nesta, but I'm not sure that arrangement will suit him.

Alba probably needs help with Mazzola on the other flank, although Breitner is there too. Maybe someone else should be tracking the lesser threat in Essien (Kalle?) freeing up Stoichkov to help on the right.

It's all very reactive to specific threats though, maybe you would rather focus on your own attacking play first and foremost.

 

[Gio]

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I'll take the space afforded to Hagi in that graphic. Perfect for him to fizz a left-footer past Gregg.

 

[antohan]

Shame Corbatta had to get the hook as I could see him v Alba as the mismatch of the round. I don't remember Mazzola ever playing the way Gio's described here and sadly can't see him singlehandedly annihilating Alba and providing a constant stream of chances for Charles in the same way. There's too much creativity there for Cutch to keep them quiet though.

I actually feel the opposite. Yes, Corbatta would take Alba on in a way Mazzola wouldn't, but with Boniek/Facchetti attacking the other flank I like the alternative approach Mazzola could provide.

The fact is -and I'm not sure how this goes down with the 30s players resolution, probably shouldn't be allowed here- Mazzola would be the better and proven foil for Facchetti, while Boniek should be the one running at Alba.

 

[Cutch]

It's a snapshot. A snapshot featuring Boniek can be quite deceptive. Straight off the bat, I can see him running across to the other flank dragging Silva along and leaving Hagi unmarked. Once Silva clues up to that he will be running into the box, or backwards, or anywhere he fancies taking Silva for a ride until Silva decides to leave Boniek running around and focus on Hagi. At that point Boniek moves on to doing the same with Nesta.

I worry about Ayala always being on Charles and Nesta having to come across, i.e. his positioning largely defined by where Ayala and Charles have gone. Throw a hyperactive Boniek into that mix and Nesta could end up being all over the shop. I know, it's Nesta, but I'm not sure that arrangement will suit him.

Alba probably needs help with Mazzola on the other flank, although Breitner is there too. Maybe someone else should be tracking the lesser threat in Essien (Kalle?) freeing up Stoichkov to help on the right.

It's all very reactive to specific threats though, maybe you would rather focus on your own attacking play first and foremost.

Thought it important to show how i plan with Gio's main threat which is quite simple. Facchetti and Boniek in tandem down the left, with crosses to the back post for Charles. Stop that and i go a long way to stopping the main source. I didn't say Nesta would always move across, only if it was practical to.

Generally i'm content that Ayala deals with Charles who will be very isolated in this game without a 2nd striker, Nesta puts out fires across the backline. My fullbacks get forward, and Mauro Silva/Breitner/Rivera control the midfield tempo.

 

[Moby]

I was going to suggest the same except I wasn't sure how one/two footed Mazzola is and how suitable would he be on the left or was there a particular strategy behind putting him on the right. Boniek against Alba would be quite dangerous for Cutch but again Breitner on that side can assure him some sort of safety.

 

[Moby]

Also I think Ayala cannot be considered a weakness in the air, something that Gio is trying to portray by mentioning his height. He was very good in the air and more importantly a great reader of incoming crosses. He's far easier to beat with a striker with electric pace or trickery rather than a great aerial threat.

 

[Cutch]

Also I think Ayala cannot be considered a weakness in the air, something that Gio is trying to portray by mentioning his height. He was very good in the air and more importantly a great reader of incoming crosses. He's far easier to beat with a striker with electric pace or trickery rather than a great aerial threat.

I could copy an endless number of quotes i've found from Gio on this site regarding Ayala's aerial prowess. According to the same quotes Gio rates him as the best defender in the world from 2000-2005, with the exception of...Alessandro Nesta, his partner

 

[Brwned]

I think he was left on the right so as to not create any further issues or points if criticism over the late swap. Mazzola-Facchetti is a partnership that's led to European Cup final-winning goals down that left side.

 

[Cutch]

I was going to suggest the same except I wasn't sure how one/two footed Mazzola is and how suitable would he be on the left or was there a particular strategy behind putting him on the right. Boniek against Alba would be quite dangerous for Cutch but again Breitner on that side can assure him some sort of safety.

Mazzola is playing out of position here guys is he? I understood he played as an inside right. Charles is another who looks to be in an unsuited role as a lone frontman, he usually had Omar Sivori in close attendance when playing his best football.

 

[Cutch]

So lads, Lionel Messi. Decent player i hear.

Should get loads of joy in this game picking the ball up in the space between Gio's midfield and defence, with Davids and Essien already outnumbered with my midfield trio. Committing defenders and looking for throughpasses into Stoitchkov and Rummenigge in the channels and even his mate Alba from overlaps should reap reward.

 

[antohan]

Indeed Cutch, you should go back to the basics, your helpful picture has got everyone thinking about how Gio will or won't score. That's not a good place to be.

 

[Cutch]

They will be protected by a monstrous central-midfield pair of Edgar Davids and Michael Essien. Together their unrivalled energy will squeeze any space for Cutch's front three to drop into, while matching up and quite likely dominating Cutch's admittedly solid midfield trio

This seems like quite the bold statement. Does anyone seriously think Davids or Essien can manage this up against World Cup winning heros Breitner and Mauro Silva and one of the all time great playmakers Gianni Rivera? Only those with a short memory i'd guess

 

[Fergus' son]

Not really, no.

 

[antohan]

I don't. The only part I agreed with was Hagi having more fight in him than Rivera, your midfield trumps his otherwise and is more cohesive with the front three it is supporting. I literally can't see him getting anywhere through the middle, hardly on the right and indeed having his left flank as the most dangeorus route. I don't particularly rate Suurbier and expect crosses to come in for him to get at least one, maybe two goals.

On the other hand you have a midfield better suited to pull the strings and support in attack. Stoichkov and Alba are likely to beat Armfield as much as Suurbier at the other end. There's no big chap though so it is more about low venomous crosses and combinations inside the box, which Stoichkov, Messi and Kalle are well suited to, but facing a formidable defence. The on-rushing Paul Breitner could hit a mean ball from the edge of the box as well.

It's very tight, there's a lot more control and goals in your team but Gio has the most compelling and clear cut route to goal. One thing worth mentioning there though, while older keepers have been blasted in previous games, I can't think of a keeper better suited to deal with Charles' barnstorming approach than Harry Gregg. Against most other forwards I probably wouldn't rate him much but this is tailor-made for him.

I think you'll nick it. 2-1

 

[Cutch]

I don't. The only part I agreed with was Hagi having more fight in him than Rivera, your midfield trumps his otherwise and is more cohesive with the front three it is supporting. I literally can't see him getting anywhere through the middle, hardly on the right and indeed having his left flank as the most dangeorus route. I don't particularly rate Suurbier and expect crosses to come in for him to get at least one, maybe two goals.

On the other hand you have a midfield better suited to pull the strings and support in attack. Stoichkov and Alba are likely to beat Armfield as much as Suurbier at the other end. There's no big chap though so it is more about low venomous crosses and combinations inside the box, which Stoichkov, Messi and Kalle are well suited to, but facing a formidable defence. The on-rushing Paul Breitner could hit a mean ball from the edge of the box as well.

It's very tight, there's a lot more control and goals in your team but Gio has the most compelling and clear cut route to goal. One thing worth mentioning there though, while older keepers have been blasted in previous games, I can't think of a keeper better suited to deal with Charles' barnstorming approach than Harry Gregg. Against most other forwards I probably wouldn't rate him much but this is tailor-made for him.

I think you'll nick it. 2-1

Nah, the most compelling and clear cut route to goal is Lionel Messi.

I agree that i won't have a particular threat from crosses, i wouldn't try to con anyone into thinking otherwise, but i've deliberately picked a side to win the game on the deck and to get the best out of the standout player.

This means having personnel suited to playing a high energy game and pressing Gio's team in his own half, having good off the ball movement, pacy fullbacks, and players skillful and comfortable in possession.

 

[antohan]

I agree that i won't have a particular threat from crosses, i wouldn't try to con anyone into thinking otherwise, but i've deliberately picked a side to win the game on the deck and to get the best out of the standout player.

I don't understand why people only think of crosses as high balls to a big chap. It's a handy option, but crosses/cutbacks from the byline can be equally devastating and are notoriously hard to defend against however good the CBs are. They are on a slippery slope running towards goal, for starters.

I can see Alba delivering those regularly. In fact, Spain's lack of a proper goalscorer hits you hardest when you see them play countless such dangerous balls across the face of goal with no one there to get at the end of them.

 

[Cutch]

Yes of course Anto, you're right, i was meaning aerially.

 

[Interval]

Think people are under-rating Breitner here. Adds quite a bit to attack and alot to the defensive side.

 

[Cutch]

Think people are under-rating Breitner here. Adds quite a bit to attack and alot to the defensive side.

I think he and Rivera are comfortably the best midfielders on the park

 

[Gio]

I don't think he's being under-rated given there's a view that Cutch would have control of the midfield. And the only reason for that is how highly rated Breitner is. Obviously Mauro Silva is a solid defensive midfielder who I rate and had in the last draft, but I also said I'd happily upgrade him for a Davids or Redondo should either of those two become available.

For me him (Davids) and Keane are the best box-to-box midfielders since Matthaus. His domination of midfields at Ajax, Juventus, Holland and latterly Barcelona (even when he was past his best) was a consistent feature of European football during his and Keane's era. At the 1998 World Cup, he ran the midfield in the second round against Yugoslavia (scoring an injury time winner), against Argentina in a superb quarter final, and again against Brazil in a semi-final the Dutch lost because of profligacy in front of goal (and the creative brilliance of Rivaldo from the left). At Euro 2000, more of the same at the business end of the tournament.

I'd fancy an evenly matched midfield, probably tipped in my favour when you factor in the contributions from Boniek, Hagi and Mazzola.

 

[Gio]

I think he and Rivera are comfortably the best midfielders on the park

Sandro Mazzola was my final pick yet still started ahead of Rivera for Italy in the 1970 World Cup Final.

 

[Moby]

Sandro Mazzola was my final pick yet still started ahead of Rivera for Italy in the 1970 World Cup Final.

They were often rotated if my knowledge serves me right. They couldn't be fit together and that is why the coach played them alternatively.

Besides that I'd rate Rivera higher as he was magical at Milan, and that European Cup final was dubbed as "Rivera vs Cruyff", to mark his quality.

 

[Gio]

Generally i'm content that Ayala deals with Charles who will be very isolated in this game without a 2nd striker.

He's got the support of Hagi, Mazzola and Boniek. He's also probably the best man from times of yore to lead the line in the modern game. He's effectively a souped-up Didier Drogba.

 

[Cutch]

Sandro Mazzola was my final pick yet still started ahead of Rivera for Italy in the 1970 World Cup Final.

I didn't include Mazzola as you have shunted him out to the right wing

 

[Gio]

I didn't include Mazzola as you have shunted him out to the right wing

Where better than to exploit the weakest player on the field? He's not a classic winger, but as an inside right with an eye for goal, he'll be hammering through that channel between Alba and Nesta all day long.

 

[Cutch]

Where better than to exploit the weakest player on the field? He's not a classic winger, but as an inside right with an eye for goal, he'll be hammering through that channel between Alba and Nesta all day long.

Alba hasn't shown much weakness in his career to date and i think Breitner and Nesta also in close attendance will result in minimal threat.Hope Mazzola is prepared to be chasing back for large portions of the game after the jet heeled Alba and assisting the hugely vulnerable Armfield against Stoitchkov

 

[Gio]

There's nothing vulnerable about Armfield. He's commonly regarded as England's best right-back of all-time. Alba isn't even the best left-back in La Liga right now.

 

[NM]

Alba hasn't shown much weakness in his career to date and i think Breitner and Nesta also in close attendance will result in minimal threat.Hope Mazzola is prepared to be chasing back for large portions of the game after the jet heeled Alba and assisting the hugely vulnerable Armfield against Stoitchkov

To be fair, I don't think a player like him belongs in an all time draft.

 

[antohan]

I don't think he's being under-rated given there's a view that Cutch would have control of the midfield. And the only reason for that is how highly rated Breitner is. Obviously Mauro Silva is a solid defensive midfielder who I rate and had in the last draft, but I also said I'd happily upgrade him for a Davids or Redondo should either of those two become available.

Indeed, Breitner is the reason I see him owning you in midfield and not delivering much through the midfield or your right flank.

You are being a bit unfair on Mauro Silva there, surely he compares favourably to Essien, as does Breitner to Davids. Not that it is about direct comparisons anyway.

As in the last draft, I'm seeing your midfield as rather unbalanced with two largely defensive players who offer little going forward and a Hagi who looks quite peripheral, sort of stuck in the middle of nowhere. The roles in Cutch's midfield are clearly more compatible and add up to a better unit overall.

 

[antohan]

To be fair, I don't think a player like him belongs in an all time draft.

Not usually, no, but he is not particularly troubled here. Well supported, and a good fit to work the flank with Stoichkov.

 

[Cutch]

There's nothing vulnerable about Armfield. He's commonly regarded as England's best right-back of all-time. Alba isn't even the best left-back in La Liga right now.

Stoitchkov will relish the role he's been asked to play far more than Mazzola will, given Stoitchkov atleast played in that position

 

[Gio]

Indeed, Breitner is the reason I see him owning you in midfield and not delivering much through the midfield or your right flank.

You are being a bit unfair on Mauro Silva there, surely he compares favourably to Essien, as does Breitner to Davids. Not that it is about direct comparisons anyway.

As in the last draft, I'm seeing your midfield as rather unbalanced with two largely defensive players who offer little going forward and a Hagi who looks quite peripheral, sort of stuck in the middle of nowhere. The roles in Cutch's midfield are clearly more compatible and add up to a better unit overall.

I anticipated this criticism of my midfield from you. But I see it completely differently. Davids and Essien are perfect box-to-box partners, they don't purely sit like a Makelele and Mauro would. They are left and right-footed respectively, they will not get outrun, outfought or "owned". Their graft, grit and ability to recover possession is the perfect platform for Hagi to shine. I said earlier that Hagi needed the right players around him to make it work, and I think with that robust back-up, the delivery from defence from Baresi and Vierchowod, Facchetti and Armfield offering options out wide where appropriate, with Boniek and Mazzola buzzing around just ahead, collectively gives him the right armoury to showcase his match-winning talents.