Decades Draft Tournament : Stobzilla vs Theon

[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!

Stobzilla's tactics

I have tried a million times to write something more than this, but I really can't say anything bad about Theons team, it may look a little light in the midfield and Pele would probably have his way down the right hand channel with Carlos bombing forward. Keane could probably do the job on Maradona and Baresi would make up any shortcomings for my defence.

In truth it would be an awesome game and maybe I am a fanny but Theon worked hard on his side so I'm not gonna split hairs, that's not what the draft should be about.

TEAM Stobzilla​

TEAM Theon​

Theon's tactics

FORMATION
A devastating 4-2-3-1 formation with the perfect blend of creativity, width and ruthless finishing which combines to create a faultless attacking line up impossible to defend against

TEAM
Two World Cup winning captains form the heart of the defence – Mauro Ramos and the great Argentine Passarella. One of the best defenders in the history of the game, the backline is marshalled by the inspiring leadership of Daniel Passarella. Technically gifted with a ferocious leap and expert positioning, he is the South American equivalent of his European counterpart Baresi on the opposing team.

Powerful Brazilian Mauro Ramos is a gifted defender in the same mould, nicknamed ‘Marta Rocha’ after Miss Brazil due to his elegant style and ease of defending. The nickname was also a play on words as ‘Rocha’ means ‘rock’ - for despite all of Ramos’s elegance he was still a ferocious defender, much like his partner.

On the flanks Amoros will stick close to Rivaldo who will be looking for space out on the left flank to escape a congested midfield. On the other side Roberto Carlos will bomb forward the entire match in support of Ronaldinho to create a devastating 2 vs 1 against Lahm.



Just in front of the defence sits Xavi and Tigana who will look to sit deep and congest the area around Pele. Xavi will look utilise his exceptional passing range by spraying the ball around the pitch to the attack. The greatest French centre mid of all time ahead of the likes of Makelele and Viera, Tigana brings a monstrous defensive work-ethic to toughen up the midfield whilst possessing the technical ability to fit the exquisite passing style of Xavi and Diego.

The heart of the team, Diego Maradona has the freedom of the pitch ahead of the two centre mids in a system designed to get the best out of him. With the wingers stretching the pitch and the electric pace of Ronaldo pushing back Stobz defence, Maradona will have the perfect platform to dominate this game.

We all know Maradona can dribble past players with ease, but just as impressive was his outstanding passing ability which will be an absolute joy with Ronaldo up front



The genius of Maradona is perfectly complimented by Brazilian flair, as two devastating wingers flank the greatest striker in football history. Jairzinho and Ronaldinho bring pace, trickery and goals to either flank, with both capable either cutting inside or stretching the pitch out wide. Both can create chances but also possess a huge goal threat themselves, with Jairzinho scoring in every game in the 1970 World Cup including the final, and Ronaldinho scoring or assisting 157 goals in 181 appearances forBarcelona.

The attack is beautifully rounded off with Ronaldo who reached a level brilliance only matched by Pele, Maradona and Messi. He possesses an unrivalled combination of pace, skill and dribbling ability which simply guarantees goals – particularly with this service.




TACTICS

The aim of the team is to utilise the vast amount of pace and technical ability in the forward players – purposeful movement and passing across the pitch will stretch Stobs narrow team, before transitioning into quick attacks down the flanks or letting Maradona run at the defence to slip a through ball behind the lines to the lightning fast Ronaldo.

There is too much and too balanced a threat to defend against, if Stob tries to keep it narrow and shut out Maradona then Ronaldinho and Jairzinho will wreck havoc.

When defending the team will try to shut out space centrally against Stobz narrow attack. The threat of Jairzinho and Ronaldinho mean that the opposition fullbacks cannot bomb forward, so the focus of the team is keeping it tight centrally.


1) Passarella vs Batistuta - Stobz has a great attack and Batistuta forms the sprearhead, but he is facing a master in Passarella who goes down with Baresi, Scirea and Figueroa as the best of all time. If he had a weakness then like Baresi it was a lack of pace, however Batistuta does not possess the exceptional speed of Ronaldo to expose Passarella.

2) Brazilian trickery on the flanks – Two of the best wingers of all time, Ronaldinho and Jairzinho will absolutely terrorise Lahm and Briegel with their pace and dribbling ability.

Stobz suffers from a clear lack of width meaning there will be constant space out wide to exploit. Against wingers of this calibre the space out wide is sure to be punished.

3) Roberto Carlos Double Up – The biggest threat is surely the left flank and the double up on Lahm. Stob has no right winger offering support defensively and time and time again the two Brazilians will team up on Lahm to devastating effect. Roberto Carlos has his faults defensively but attacking wide he is in a league of his own.

Lahm is seriously out his depth here.

4) Ronaldo vs a slow backline- The perfect striker and best number 9 of all time. At his peak he was absolutely lightning quick, and could dribble the ball faster than any player before or since including Messi. A clear weakness for both Baresi and Charles is that both were slow and so vulnerable in behind. Quite simply there is not a striker out there better to capitalise on a slow defence.

With the service Ronaldo will recieve deep from Xavi, left from Ronaldinho, right from Jairzinho and behind from Diego Maradona the number of chances will be endless.

5) Maradona vs Pele – The two greatest players of all time, however Maradona has the perfect platform to play from and Pele does not.

For Maradona - 1) wingers are stretching the pitch providing glorious passing opportunities and creating space for Maradona to play in, and 2) the huge threat of Ronaldo getting behind is forcing Stob to sit deep and further opening the game for Maradona to take control.

The pitch is at its absolute biggest here and Maradona has complete freedom to work his magic.

In contrast Pele is playing in a congested attacking midfield area next to Rivaldo, with midfield runs from Gerrard and Masopust further clogging the area and reducing Pele’s influence.

 

[sajeev]

Amazing teams! Stobzilla needs to put up more of a fight!

 

[Moby]

Amazing teams! Stobzilla needs to put up more of a fight!

He's terribly tied up with work mate. We had almost reached a stage of giving Theon a bye before he gave the minimum data required, so I doubt he'd be able to contribute much more.

 

[Stobzilla]

Pele having all the room in the world on the right hand side with Carlos bombing forwards is a better platform to work from than having Roy Keane hanging out of your arsehole all game.

The graphics never do any justice to what would actually happen.

And Karl Heinz Forster was slow ? He marked bth Hugo Sanchez and Platini out of games and although it would stretch him, marking Ronaldo would certainly not be beyond him.

 

[Theon]

And Karl Heinz Forster was slow ? He marked bth Hugo Sanchez and Platini out of games and although it would stretch him, marking Ronaldo would certainly not be beyond him.

I thought Charles was playing to be fair, but Forster wasn't rapid anyway so the same applies to him really.

To be honest virtually any defender would have the same problem with Ronaldo - he really was that fast and that quick a dribbler, even including Messi I've never seen a player dribble the ball as quick as Ronaldo

 

[Stobzilla]

Just to point out as well that Gerrard has the ability, energy and drive to patrol that entire right hand side. He played a lot of grea attacking stuff from that side and could be used defensively to track Carlos if needed. Personally I think it would be suicide to have Carlos doing anything other than defending when you take into account the space that is the. Afforded to Pele if he drifts right.

The interlink play Rivaldo and Masopust would get up to as well he would be busting a gut to get beyond Rivaldo when we attack.

 

[Theon]

PLAYER PROFILES​

GORDON BANKS – One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time along with the likes of Yashin, Zoff and Schmeichel. Word Cup winner for England in 1966 and pulled off that save against Pele four years later. A goalkeeping legend he is the perfect man to combat Paceme's attack based team.

Banks against Pele in from the 1970 World Cup - notice the sole goal of the game from none other than Jairzinho, who also provided the cross for Pele's header

​

MANUEL AMOROS – The best right back during the 1980’s and member of the fantastic French team of 1982-86. Tenacious, quick and with great stamina Amoros possessed a brilliant long passing game. Voted the best fullback at the World Cup and then voted 4th in the 1986 Ballon D’Or – an absolute rarity for a fullback.

DANIEL PASSARELLA (Captain) – Argentina’s imperious World Cup winning captain and considered by many the all time best defender from South America.

A classic libero with tremendous technical ability and an outstanding scoring record, Passarella combines unquestionable class with a fiery temperament and aggression. His supreme ability in possession is the perfect accompaniment to Xavi as he enables the team to build from the back, whilst possessing the long range passing to expose Stobz narrow team with passes out to the wingers.

MAURO RAMOS – Brazilian master who captained the national team to victory at the 1962 World Cup in Chile.

Ramos won the Copa Libertadores, Brazilian National Cup, Sao Paolo state championship and World Cup all within the same year in 1962 making him one of South America's most successful ever defenders. A classy defender and excellent marker who was rarely beaten in the air, like Passarella Ramos was also famous for his mental toughness and ability to inspire players around him - a natural captain and leader.

ROBERTO CARLOS – Named UEFA Defender of the Year in both 2002 and 2003 and instrumental player in the Madrid Galatico's for over 10 years. The ultimate attacking fullback, Carlos stretched the pitch and completely owned the left flank for both Real Madrid and Brazil. Famous for his exceptional stamina and lightning quick speed – he will bomb up the left the entire match.

​

JEAN TIGANA – European Championship winner and voted second in the 1984 Ballon d’Or - Tigana was an instrumental part of the French ‘Magic Square’ and is widely considered the best ever French centre midfielder ahead of the likes of Viera and Makelele.

Box to box colossus with limitless stamina and an inch perfect tackle, he provides defensive solidity whilst fitting perfectly with the possession orientated midfield.

XAVI HERNANDEZ – Unrivalled passing master and best midfielder since the turn of the century. Instrumental part of arguably the best club side of all time, winning 3 Champions Leagues with Barcelona, as well as the heart of the Spanish national team winning two consecutive European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

One of the best passers in the history of the game, he will dominate possession with Maradona and Tigana whilst constantly looking for the through ball to Ronaldinho/Ronaldo/Jairzinho.

DIEGO MARADONA - The greatest footballer of all time and the hub of the team. Maradona was not only the most creative and scintillating dribbler of all time, but was also arguably the games best ever passer.

However it is not just his phenomenal ability with a ball at his feet, but the charisma and propensity to lift those around him to a higher level that really sets him apart.

JAIRZINHO – Brazilian wizard and part of the best ever international football team of all time -1970 Brazil in which he achieved the unbelievable record of scoring in every single game including the final.

Quick and explosive with fantastic dribbling ability he can shoot either side of the fullback and either create or score himself.

RONALDINHO – Equally talented brazillian on the left wing, Ronaldinho’s peak is as good as any in the history of the game. FIFA World Player of the Year, UEFA Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldinho possesses incredible touch & close control, unstoppable dribbling ability and the penchant for the spectacular.

One of his best moments came in the 2005/06 season when he single handedly dismantled Real Madrid at the Bernebeu - getting a standing ovation from the Madrid fans no less.

RONALDO - His peak in 1996-1998 is absolutely unmatched. Explosive pace, power, balance, technique and extraordinary dribbling ability. 47 goals in 49 games at Barcelona before moving to Inter Milan and winning the Ballon d'Or as well as the Golden Ball at the 1998 World Cup as Player of the Tournament.

If it were not for the injuries at Inter Milan Ronaldo would quite possibly be regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.

​

SUBSTITUTES
CIRO FERRARA – Captain of the brilliant Zidane/Davids/Ferrara Juventus team of the 1990’s reaching three consecutive Champions League finals. Classy and elegant defender with great positioning.

ANDREA PIRLO - The greatest deeplying playmaker in the history of the game. His long range passing is absolutely perfect for getting the ball behind the defence through to Ronaldinho and Jairzinho. Time and time again Pirlo will ping the ball out wide and let the wingers terrorise the opposition defence.

JIMMY GREAVES – The most prolific striker in the history of English football.

- 44 goals in 57 games for England
- scored 30 goals in a season on nine separate occasions
- 1960-1963 he scored 126 goals in just 137 games.

Greaves' natural movement and finishing ability will be perfect foil for the talented wingers in the side. Brazilian flair and creativity mixed with ruthless killer instinct.

 

[Cutch]

Theons got a cracking side. My only doubt is if his formation suits his 2 in centre midfield. Tigana and Xavi would have no bother keepin the ball but could do with someone to add a bit of muscle in support of them especially when up against Gerrard and Keane. Tigana played his best football with France in a diamond formation and Xavi usually had someone like Yaya Toure or Busquets to do his dirty work. If Tigana had to a lot of defending not sure you'd see the best of him.

Surprised Stobzilla didn't pick Charles.

 

[Theon]

Tigana was a defensive midfielder Cutch, his best attributes were his stamina and pressing/tackling which was relentless, and linked to that his teamwork and mentality. All four in that midfield were good passers which is why that midfield was so good, but Tigana's principal style was defensive not attacking.

 

[Moby]

Man this is a tough one. Baresi was an ace pick, can really deal with Ronaldo here. Pace never mattered for him as seen in the final of WC 94. Stob's got a very balanced midfield but can it take care of Xavi and maradona? On the other hand can Tigana handle Rivaldo and Pele dropping deep?

This looks like a real goalfest, in which case Stob having the best defender on the pitch could prove handy.

 

[Theon]

Man this is a tough one. Baresi was an ace pick, can really deal with Ronaldo here. Pace never mattered for him as seen in the final of WC 94. Stob's got a very balanced midfield but can it take care of Xavi and maradona? On the other hand can Tigana handle Rivaldo and Pele dropping deep?

This looks like a real goalfest, in which case Stob having the best defender on the pitch could prove handy.

The biggest mismatch on the pitch is Lahm against Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos - there is no width on the right hand side and Lahm is the weakest defender on the pitch.

You can say Baresi is the best defender, which he is, but he is facing the far better striker in Ronaldo.

Passarella isn't far of Baresi at all, the difference between him and Baresi is far smaller than Ronaldo and Batistuta

More over the whole attack based around Ronaldo and Maradona is perfectly balanced, it has huge threat on the left wing and on the right wing, plus centrally - there is no way to defend easily against it.

The pitch will be stretched wide open with Ronaldinho running at Lahm and Jairzinho's direct runs from the right behind Forster - Maradona will absolutely thrive with these passing opportunities.

In contrast Stobz attack is much more limited to a central threat, and Batistuta lacks the pace of Ronaldo to get in behind to any comparable degree.

 

[Moby]

All that's a bit debatable if you ask me. As Stob said he has Gerrard who is well equipped to support Lahm against Dinho, but yes inevitably that would prove to be a route to goal.

But committing Carlos all game long which he would anyway is giving Pele a free ride don't you think? That is also a big route for Stob if you ask me.

 

[Theon]

All that's a bit debatable if you ask me. As Stob said he has Gerrard who is well equipped to support Lahm against Dinho, but yes inevitably that would prove to be a route to goal.

But committing Carlos all game long which he would anyway is giving Pele a free ride don't you think? That is also a big route for Stob if you ask me.

If the main role of Gerrard is to play wide right then he should be positioned there to be fair, I'm not having a situation where he's seen to be giving a 3 vs 2 in the middle whilst also doing a job on Roberto Carlos. Clearly bollocks IMO and also unfair.

Pele will not have a freeride, that is nuts. I know you watched that Madrid team Aldo so you know as well as I do that Carlos patrolled that entire flank with no trouble getting back in when attacks break down. Snow brought it up in the last draft but wingbacks go forward all the time and it doesnt create these gaping wholes in defence - because they tend to attack when you are in possession.

The only way a wingback going forward would create some trouble is if the move breaks down and the opposition can transition to attack pretty much immediately to the exact position the fullback was supposed to be in, but this needs to be quicker than it takes Roberto Carlos to get back.

It doesn't happen very often, hence attacking fullbacks are so common

If Pele is limited to playing as a right winger I would be quite happy to be fair, as I said in the OP its definitely not where you want to see him.

 

[Stobzilla]

It isn't just as a right winger though is it ? He and Rivaldo are going to get so much space between your midfield and defence they could just set up camp along with Batistuta and have digs from 25 yards all day if they wanted. All of them more than capable from that range. Ramos isn't going to commit and go and meet them. He was a staunch believer in waiting for the attackers to come to him. By that time with those three it is too late.

 

[Stobzilla]

And Ronaldo a "far" better attacker than Baresi is a defender. That is the sort of hyperbole I was trying to avoid. Baresi is number 1 or 2 centre back ever. He just is.

 

[Theon]

And Ronaldo a "far" better attacker than Baresi is a defender. That is the sort of hyperbole I was trying to avoid. Baresi is number 1 or 2 centre back ever. He just is.

That is absolutely not what I said, so calm down man as I'm not one for the hyperbole either

I said that Ronaldo is a far better striker than Batistuta

And that Baresi is a better defender than Passarella, but not by that much which is completely fair and true

 

[Gio]

Baresi wasn't slow.

 

[Stobzilla]

Batistuta carried Fiorentina and has a phenomenal record at international level as well. As I said in the first game I think he is the most under-rated striker of all time.

 

[Theon]

Batistuta carried Fiorentina and has a phenomenal record at international level as well. As I said in the first game I think he is the most under-rated striker of all time.

Yeah Batistuta was brilliant, most of these players are to be fair

 

[The Don]

No offense to Stobby, but this was an easy choice for me. Ronaldo is the best striker of all time. Ronaldinho is the most talented/skillful player of all time. Xavi could possibly be the most complete midfielder of all time and Maradona is the best player ever.

Also, you picked Gerrard, who for me, is massively overrated.

 

[Cutch]

Tigana was a defensive midfielder Cutch, his best attributes were his stamina and pressing/tackling which was relentless, and linked to that his teamwork and mentality. All four in that midfield were good passers which is why that midfield was so good, but Tigana's principal style was defensive not attacking.

I thought he was a joy going forward as well which was what i meant. Probably not going to see that much of it in this game as alongside Xavi he'll have a lot of work on his plate with Stobzilla's midfield 3 full of running. I suppose with your sides emphasis on possession the mentality will be that Stobzillas side can't hurt you if they havn't got the ball.

 

[Stobzilla]

No offense to Stobby, but this was an easy choice for me. Ronaldo is the best striker of all time. Ronaldinho is the most talented/skillful player of all time. Xavi could possibly be the most complete midfielder of all time and Maradona is the best player ever.

Also, you picked Gerrard, who for me, is massively overrated.

Fair play. I obviously think you are incorrect however.

 

[Cutch]

No offense to Stobby, but this was an easy choice for me. Ronaldo is the best striker of all time. Ronaldinho is the most talented/skillful player of all time. Xavi could possibly be the most complete midfielder of all time and Maradona is the best player ever.

Also, you picked Gerrard, who for me, is massively overrated.

Gerrard will understandably not be rated as highly as he should be on this forum, but at this best he was a beast of a player. There can't be many players that could have dragged that shite Liverpool side to win the CL in 05.

 

[Theon]

Baresi wasn't slow.

Slow is pushing it but it was in comparison to Ronaldo and other fast defenders, I also called Passarella slow on my own team but he wasn't really 'slow' either.

Both weren't fast though, as Baresi said himself - "I think my strong point was never my physique. I was a pretty fast player, but above all I was fast up here, in the head"

As I said just above he's the best centre back of all time and the best on the pitch, so I'm not downplaying him, its just a fact that Ronaldo is much faster and he could exploit that

 

[The Don]

Gerrard will understandably not be rated as highly as he should be on this forum, but at this best he was a beast of a player. There can't be many players that could have dragged that shite Liverpool side to win the CL in 05.

Oh, when he was good, he was brilliant, I just think his window of excellence was too small for him to be considered alongside the greats.

 

[Theon]

I thought he was a joy going forward as well which was what i meant. Probably not going to see that much of it in this game as alongside Xavi he'll have a lot of work on his plate with Stobzilla's midfield 3 full of running. I suppose with your sides emphasis on possession the mentality will be that Stobzillas side can't hurt you if they havn't got the ball.

Yeah definitely, I had a conversation with Brwned about it and we said the same thing. Just remembered that you had him in the last all time draft so you know all about him.

He was a defensive midfielder though, those surging runs aren't going to play a part because they aren't needed here really, but the passing, pressing and defensive work is completely normal for Tigana.

 

[Cutch]

Oh, when he was good, he was brilliant, I just think his window of excellence was too small for him to be considered alongside the greats.

He's one of those that i wonder how he'll be rated in say 20-30 years time, if people remember him more fondly looking back. How would neutrals then compare him with say Bryan Robson or Roy Keane. I know who we'd rather have but it can be hard to be subjective and not just thinking of him as a cnut.

 

[Gio]

I think it's an unfair criticism really. Baresi was quick, read the game better than anyone else and is one of the last players in this draft who would be particularly vulnerable to Ronaldo's speed. There's a really good quote I couldn't find about how quick he was even in the training ground tests, but here's the views of a few others who played with or against him:

A leader at the back, very strong and quick, with an excellent understanding of the game. As a defender, he could do everything. A lot of the time, he would know what the attacker was going to do before they knew themselves! How do you get past someone like that?

Franco was the best player I have ever played with. The guy was world class to his core. He had everything – pace, two feet, and he was a leader of men. I remember the first time I trained with him at Milan, I couldn't believe my eyes; I thought, "Christ, he is unbelievable." He was a joy to play with, and what's more, Franco is a lovely bloke too.

The consummate libero, capable of doing whatever he wanted with the ball whether he was defending or attacking. He had great positional sense and with his speed, he could bring the defence out quickly and launch an attack. And that was always half a goal in itself.

 

[Moby]

Aye, Sacchi played a high line throughout his time at Milan.

 

[Cutch]

Loads of examples of Baresi's pace in this video. 0:40 for starters

 

[The Don]

He's one of those that i wonder how he'll be rated in say 20-30 years time, if people remember him more fondly looking back. How would neutrals then compare him with say Bryan Robson or Roy Keane. I know who we'd rather have but it can be hard to be subjective and not just thinking of him as a cnut.

I don't think he's a cnut. I just think his best form didn't last too long and he wasn't ever really a true team player. Imagine how good he could have been if he cut out the stupid Hollywood passes and 40 shots a match. Gerrard always struck me as a player who made the most out of his talent by adding sheer determination. Keane did that too, but Keane could also read the game a lot better and Keane wasn't interested in hogging all the glory.
Watch Gerrard closely in any game he's played. You can see every time he receives the ball, the first thing on his mind is to look for the spectacular pass or go on a run himself. If you do this, you'll also notice his passing wasn't all that good. 5 or 6 times out of 10, he'll waste it.

I'll be honest, he couldn't lace Keane or Viera's boots, let alone Scholes'.

 

[Moby]

Quite agree with The Don here. He's good when surrounded by mediocre players who are trying to get the best out of him and let him do whatever he wants, but it is quite the opposite here and he needs to be a very disciplined team player, provide help in defense and use the space left by Carlos to provide width. It is quite possible that he will try to get himself in the thick of things already occupied by better players which could disrupt the flow of Stob's team. Particularly as The Don said him attempting those unnecessary hollywood passes and 40 yarders.

 

[Stobzilla]

Quite agree with The Don here. He's good when surrounded by mediocre players who are trying to get the best out of him and let him do whatever he wants, but it is quite the opposite here and he needs to be a very disciplined team player, provide help in defense and use the space left by Carlos to provide width. It is quite possible that he will try to get himself in the thick of things already occupied by better players which could disrupt the flow of Stob's team. Particularly as The Don said him attempting those unnecessary hollywood passes and 40 yarders.

That for me is where Keane's intangible qualities shine though. If anyone can get a team listening and making sure they are doing their jobs then it is him. One of the games greatest leaders.

 

[Theon]

I think it's an unfair criticism really. Baresi was quick, read the game better than anyone else and is one of the last players in this draft who would be particularly vulnerable to Ronaldo's speed. There's a really good quote I couldn't find about how quick he was even in the training ground tests, but here's the views of a few others who played with or against him:

Yeah I don't want to start arguing against how good Baresi was and that was never what I was trying to do - twice I said he was the best centre back of all time

The original point was that Passarella wouldn't be troubled against Batistuta as much as Baresi would be troubled by Ronaldo mainly down to his pace and how fast he could dribble the ball. The slow comment was silly for both defenders, but of all the ways to get at Baresi and Passarella the quick dribbling of Ronaldo would have the most success.

The difference in speed that Ronaldo has is just something I think could help win the game

 

[Theon]

That for me is where Keane's intangible qualities shine though. If anyone can get a team listening and making sure they are doing their jobs then it is him. One of the games greatest leaders.

So was Passarella

But in terms of raising the level of the players around him the number 1 player on the pitch for that is Maradona - every single player will look better for playing with him

 

[Fergus' son]

Tigana usually had another defensive partner alongside him, just can't see stobs attack facing much resistance and think he'll end up outscoring Theons team,

 

[Stobzilla]

So was Passarella

But in terms of raising the level of the players around him the number 1 player on the pitch for that is Maradona - every single player will look better for playing with him

I'm not doubting your guys' leadership, just focusing on my guys and allaying any fears of Gerrard's maverick tendencies.

 

[Thisistheone]

Stobz team is too narrow and one of Theon's main strengths is his flanks. He's going to run riot down both sides. If Gerrard moves out to help then stobz centre becomes vulnerable. Likewise with
Masopust on the other side.

 

[Theon]

Tigana usually had another defensive partner alongside him, just can't see stobs attack facing much resistance and think he'll end up outscoring Theons team,

That isn't true - in the '82 World Cup the carré magique hadn't formed yet and the midfield four was Tigana-Genghini-Giresse-Platini, with Tigana essentially being the anchor in a midfield with three #10s

The resistance is there for all to see, Tigana was a defensive midfielder which you can see if you watched the games. You then have a narrow defensive line dealing with an entirely central threat.

There is no width stretching the backline here, the fullbacks can tuck in making the whole attack easier to nullify

 

[Stobzilla]

Stobz team is too narrow and one of Theon's main strengths is his flanks. He's going to run riot down both sides. If Gerrard moves out to help then stobz centre becomes vulnerable. Likewise with
Masopust on the other side.

If Amoros starts pushing forward then it is a free for all on goal for me. Briegel is more than equipped to go one on one with Jairzinho, that side of my defence with him and Forster is locked down they know each other inside out.