Team NoPace
My Path to Victory: My players will be instructed to press once they get within 10 yards of half. Messi, Suarez, Xavi, Vidal, Simeone, Roberto Carlos and Reuter were all quick and excellent at hassling players, and Busquets, Hansen and Campbell were all world-class defensively in their prime.
I think I can starve Baggio and Van Nistelrooy of the service they need, since my midfield is just better than his. Brady, Seedorf, Sousa and Ancelotti were all good passers, but none of them were so good that they couldn't be nullified by a midfield of the quality I possess.
I think I'd win 2-1, with Messi getting one, Balu's strike pair accounting for another one and a late run from Vidal, Xavi (fantastic in his prime at this) or Roberto Carlos accounting for another, either via an assist or a goal.
Offensively, against Balu I see my team as having 2 main strengths:
(1) The individual skill of Messi and Suarez, an all-time great and a player who is unplayable at his best and has an incredible record both for club (2 in 3 for both Ajax and Liverpool) and internationally (38 in 77). There's no denying that Balu has an incredible defense, but players like Messi and Suarez can trouble anyone due to their dribbling prowess.
(2) The passing ability of Messi, Xavi and Suarez finding the late runs of Vidal, Xavi, Roberto Carlos, Simeone and Reuter. The movement, positional versatility and passing ability of Messi and Suarez means that even Balu's CB's will find themselves exploitable to late runs from Vidal and Xavi centrally and then Carlos and Reuter from wider.
Defensively, I have a centre back pairing with 2 wonderful all-arounders in Alan Hansen and Sol Campbell. The fullbacks are Roberto Carlos, was always an underrated defensive talent and Reuter was technically excellent defensively while being faster than most fullbacks who challenged him. Kopke was a top keeper whose performance at Euro 96 has not yet been matched by a tournament winning keeper, in my view.
More importantly, I have a midfield that I think is the strongest in the draft defensively. Busquets is a fantastic DM, Vidal and Simeone are absolute pitbulls either side of him and Xavi is a solid defensive player who could run for days in his prime and whose ability to get open and collect passes under pressure were vital in Spain's incredible defensive record during their 3 peat.
Baggio and Van Nistelrooy is a nice striker pairing, but I think I can starve them from service with my midfield diamond stopping Balu's midfield from getting them the ball. Balu's midfield is good, but lacking top-end creativity, though Seedorf and Brady come close.
Formation: 5-3-1-1
The side is build around the famous Baggio. The system is designed to maximize his impact. We pursue a fairly balanced, but defensive approach.
Defense:
The team is build to absorb pressure. The centerpiece of the defense are three all-time great centrebacks. NoPace has two player, that will constantly attack the box. Even so Suarez and Messi are exceptional dribbler, one centreback will always be able to cover for his partner. Its the ideal situation for the defense to play 3v2 in this area. Considering the individual quality, the physical superiority and great tackling skills, it will be very hard for NoPace to break the center.
The center is supported by two of the most versatile fullbacks in the draft. Whenever his fullbacks are going forward, they´ll be picked up. When his forwards are trying to elude the central cover at least one CB can follow them without opening space behind him.
The midfield is shielding the defense against any support from his midfielders. While Sousa will harass Xavi directly, Brady and RvN will try to prevent passes to Xavi. When Vidal bombs forward, Seedorf will pick him up, while Brady does the same, IF Simeone goes forward. Only Baggio gets a "free pass". He wont strain himself on defensive duties.
The sheer amount of bodies and the individual skill will create an almost impenetrable defensive force, that feels comfortable to absorb pressure for 90 minutes.
Defensive transition:
The team isnt build to press the opponents, so they´ll fall back towards their goal. The team wont play a high-line, so the three centre backs will "stay deep" anyway. This will prevent counterattacks and allows the rest of the team to drop back in position after losing the ball. Its very unlikely to be caught off-guard, when Thuram, Bergomi and Kohler are still covering for Preud'homme
Offensive transition:
The offense has several option. Sitting deep with Baggio high up the pitch the first option after winning the ball is to use very direct counterattacks to catch his defense on the break. Bradly, who was a exceptional dribbler and great passer, tries to conquer as much space as possible before sending Baggio on his lethal track to score. RvN will try to join him near/in the box proving passing/scoring alternatives. The fullbacks will only commit forward, if they dont have a direct opponent (e.g. Liza might have space against Reuter). Losing the ball during these counterattacks wont be a problem, because the back5/4 and Sousa are still in place.
Offense:
I) When counterattacks don´t promise success, the team will slow down, while the fullbacks will go forward providing maximal width and stretching the field. Thuram, Bergomi and Sousa are all comfortable with the ball, keeping possession and playing solid balls to Bradi/Seedorf.
II) Brady is the "heart of the team" and controls the game. He has a similar role (slightly more offensive) like Modric has for Real. He´ll constantly pick up the the ball deep trying to push forward and distribute it. He is a dynamic, complete midfielder with exceptional dribbling skills, close control, passing and vision. With Sousa covering for him, he´ll also constantly join the attack. His dribblings in and around the box and his ability to play the deadly pass allows him to link up perfectly with Baggio and RvN.
III) Seedorf will play the role as a modern versatile b2b player, like in his days at Milan. He´ll join the attack, offering a passing alternative for Bradi and Baggio, while also being a threat on his own.
IV) Baggio has the freedom to roam and to single out the "weakest link". Doing that he´ll escape the marking of Sergio/Simeone. He´ll constantly attack the space around Carlos, who has weaknesses considering his positioning and the defensive tackle.
V) The fullback are a vital part of the offense, both skilled enough to beat men in 1v1s and famous for their great crosses. Especially Amoros will link up with Baggio and Seedorf to outnumber and pressure Carlos. He is the the soft spot in the defense line.
VI) Ruud will stay in the box and convert through-balls, deflections and crosses. His natural ability to score is exactly what the team needs.
Setpieces:
Baggio was on of the best setpiece takers of all time. His free-kicks were incredible and are another goal threat. With the physical presents of Kohler, Bergomi, Seedorf, Thuram and RvN corners are also dangerous.
Routes to goal:
the flexible offensive approach opens various ways to score. The team can score on countattacks (Baggio/Brady), crosses(Liza, Amoros, RvN), setpieces (Baggio) and playing through the middle (brady, Baggio, Seeforf RvN). It will be hard for NoPace to focus on a single area to prevent goals.
Summery: I expect a very physical, lowscoring game. NoPace is forced into possession, but will struggle to do anything meaningful with the ball, while my team has various different ways to score. Once ahead he´ll struggle to comeback.
My Path to Victory: My players will be instructed to press once they get within 10 yards of half. Messi, Suarez, Xavi, Vidal, Simeone, Roberto Carlos and Reuter were all quick and excellent at hassling players, and Busquets, Hansen and Campbell were all world-class defensively in their prime.
I think I can starve Baggio and Van Nistelrooy of the service they need, since my midfield is just better than his. Brady, Seedorf, Sousa and Ancelotti were all good passers, but none of them were so good that they couldn't be nullified by a midfield of the quality I possess.
I think I'd win 2-1, with Messi getting one, Balu's strike pair accounting for another one and a late run from Vidal, Xavi (fantastic in his prime at this) or Roberto Carlos accounting for another, either via an assist or a goal.
Offensively, against Balu I see my team as having 2 main strengths:
(1) The individual skill of Messi and Suarez, an all-time great and a player who is unplayable at his best and has an incredible record both for club (2 in 3 for both Ajax and Liverpool) and internationally (38 in 77). There's no denying that Balu has an incredible defense, but players like Messi and Suarez can trouble anyone due to their dribbling prowess.
(2) The passing ability of Messi, Xavi and Suarez finding the late runs of Vidal, Xavi, Roberto Carlos, Simeone and Reuter. The movement, positional versatility and passing ability of Messi and Suarez means that even Balu's CB's will find themselves exploitable to late runs from Vidal and Xavi centrally and then Carlos and Reuter from wider.
Defensively, I have a centre back pairing with 2 wonderful all-arounders in Alan Hansen and Sol Campbell. The fullbacks are Roberto Carlos, was always an underrated defensive talent and Reuter was technically excellent defensively while being faster than most fullbacks who challenged him. Kopke was a top keeper whose performance at Euro 96 has not yet been matched by a tournament winning keeper, in my view.
More importantly, I have a midfield that I think is the strongest in the draft defensively. Busquets is a fantastic DM, Vidal and Simeone are absolute pitbulls either side of him and Xavi is a solid defensive player who could run for days in his prime and whose ability to get open and collect passes under pressure were vital in Spain's incredible defensive record during their 3 peat.
Baggio and Van Nistelrooy is a nice striker pairing, but I think I can starve them from service with my midfield diamond stopping Balu's midfield from getting them the ball. Balu's midfield is good, but lacking top-end creativity, though Seedorf and Brady come close.
Team Balu & PedroMendez
Formation: 5-3-1-1
The side is build around the famous Baggio. The system is designed to maximize his impact. We pursue a fairly balanced, but defensive approach.
Defense:
The team is build to absorb pressure. The centerpiece of the defense are three all-time great centrebacks. NoPace has two player, that will constantly attack the box. Even so Suarez and Messi are exceptional dribbler, one centreback will always be able to cover for his partner. Its the ideal situation for the defense to play 3v2 in this area. Considering the individual quality, the physical superiority and great tackling skills, it will be very hard for NoPace to break the center.
The center is supported by two of the most versatile fullbacks in the draft. Whenever his fullbacks are going forward, they´ll be picked up. When his forwards are trying to elude the central cover at least one CB can follow them without opening space behind him.
The midfield is shielding the defense against any support from his midfielders. While Sousa will harass Xavi directly, Brady and RvN will try to prevent passes to Xavi. When Vidal bombs forward, Seedorf will pick him up, while Brady does the same, IF Simeone goes forward. Only Baggio gets a "free pass". He wont strain himself on defensive duties.
The sheer amount of bodies and the individual skill will create an almost impenetrable defensive force, that feels comfortable to absorb pressure for 90 minutes.
Defensive transition:
The team isnt build to press the opponents, so they´ll fall back towards their goal. The team wont play a high-line, so the three centre backs will "stay deep" anyway. This will prevent counterattacks and allows the rest of the team to drop back in position after losing the ball. Its very unlikely to be caught off-guard, when Thuram, Bergomi and Kohler are still covering for Preud'homme
Offensive transition:
The offense has several option. Sitting deep with Baggio high up the pitch the first option after winning the ball is to use very direct counterattacks to catch his defense on the break. Bradly, who was a exceptional dribbler and great passer, tries to conquer as much space as possible before sending Baggio on his lethal track to score. RvN will try to join him near/in the box proving passing/scoring alternatives. The fullbacks will only commit forward, if they dont have a direct opponent (e.g. Liza might have space against Reuter). Losing the ball during these counterattacks wont be a problem, because the back5/4 and Sousa are still in place.
Offense:
I) When counterattacks don´t promise success, the team will slow down, while the fullbacks will go forward providing maximal width and stretching the field. Thuram, Bergomi and Sousa are all comfortable with the ball, keeping possession and playing solid balls to Bradi/Seedorf.
II) Brady is the "heart of the team" and controls the game. He has a similar role (slightly more offensive) like Modric has for Real. He´ll constantly pick up the the ball deep trying to push forward and distribute it. He is a dynamic, complete midfielder with exceptional dribbling skills, close control, passing and vision. With Sousa covering for him, he´ll also constantly join the attack. His dribblings in and around the box and his ability to play the deadly pass allows him to link up perfectly with Baggio and RvN.
III) Seedorf will play the role as a modern versatile b2b player, like in his days at Milan. He´ll join the attack, offering a passing alternative for Bradi and Baggio, while also being a threat on his own.
IV) Baggio has the freedom to roam and to single out the "weakest link". Doing that he´ll escape the marking of Sergio/Simeone. He´ll constantly attack the space around Carlos, who has weaknesses considering his positioning and the defensive tackle.
V) The fullback are a vital part of the offense, both skilled enough to beat men in 1v1s and famous for their great crosses. Especially Amoros will link up with Baggio and Seedorf to outnumber and pressure Carlos. He is the the soft spot in the defense line.
VI) Ruud will stay in the box and convert through-balls, deflections and crosses. His natural ability to score is exactly what the team needs.
Setpieces:
Baggio was on of the best setpiece takers of all time. His free-kicks were incredible and are another goal threat. With the physical presents of Kohler, Bergomi, Seedorf, Thuram and RvN corners are also dangerous.
Routes to goal:
the flexible offensive approach opens various ways to score. The team can score on countattacks (Baggio/Brady), crosses(Liza, Amoros, RvN), setpieces (Baggio) and playing through the middle (brady, Baggio, Seeforf RvN). It will be hard for NoPace to focus on a single area to prevent goals.
Summery: I expect a very physical, lowscoring game. NoPace is forced into possession, but will struggle to do anything meaningful with the ball, while my team has various different ways to score. Once ahead he´ll struggle to comeback.
Last edited:
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I sense a rant coming