Gio VS Rpitroda - All time 3 yr peak - Auction draft

[Annahnomoss]

TACTICS

A balanced and complimentary 4-3-3 designed around the legendary Franz Beckenbauer in defence - reunited with teammates with whom Beckenbauer won the '74, '75 and '76 European Cups, the '72 European Championships and the '74 World Cup, and was voted a record five times in the Top three of the Ballon d'Or.

There are no better players to compliment Beckenbauer than Vogts and Schwarzenbeck – they provide Beckenbauer the freedom to marshal the game and move forward in possession.

“He was the puppet master, standing back and pulling the strings which earned West Germany and Bayern Munich every major prize."

In midfield Desailly and Souness offer workrate and positional discipline, providing a secure base for an offense which is bursting with creativity. The best midfielder on the pitch, the great Luisito Suarez knits things together and provides the link in midfield - constantly threatening through balls to Romario, with the dribbling ability to drive at the opposition back line.

Finishing 1st (1960), 2nd (1961, 1964) 3rd (1965) and 4th (1959) in the Ballon d'Or, Luisito is in the elite tier of the games greatest midfielders.

In attack three all time great Brazilians and undisputed stars of the '50, '82 and '94 World Cup's offer pace, dribbling and an outrageous goal threat - internationally Zizinho scored 30 in 53, Romario 55 in 70 and Zico 48 in 71.

"Zico was the king. He was much better than everyone else. When there is a king, the rest fight to be close to the king. When there is no king, everybody loses direction. Society is like that. So it was Zico who should lead. It was Machiavellian, but I was the prince and Zico the king." - Socrates

SUPERIOR DEFENCE

- Both attacks are excellent but rpitroda is facing a significantly better defence which is proven at the highest level and built to compliment the best defender in the draft.

- The better defence is also better suited to the games individual match ups – Best is rpitroda's most dangerous player but he is well marshalled by Berti Vogts, who carried out a similar role against Johan Cruyff in the '74 World Cup Final. There is no better player in the draft than Vogts to mark Best and limit his influence in the match.

- In contrast, Redondo is not at all suited to tracking Zico or Luisito Suarez. Redondo was an excellent, technical footballer, but he lacked any real mobility. He will quite simply not do any sort of defensive job on Zico or Luisito – Zico in particular is much too quick and too good a dribbler.

- Furthermore Hansen's lack of agility is ill suited against Romario, who possessed an unrivalled turn of pace and acceleration. Romario's low centre of gravity, speed and movement will cause significant problems for a defense which lacks a touch of pace.

See this video of Zico terrorosing a prime Alan Hansen in the '81 Intercontential cup – Flamengo win 3–0 against Liverpool with Zico getting all three assists (and nut-megging Hansen in the process). All the goals are scored in the first half, but Zico really starts to take to the piss in the second.

SIGNIFICANTLY MORE BALANCED MIDFIELD

- Desailly and Souness were dominant ball winners who offer workrate and positional discipline, providing a secure base for the offensive players. The midfield provides balance to the team and a solid platform for the attack.

- In contrast, the opposition midfield is much more offensive - a young Scholes was an attacking player, Redondo was ultimately a playmaker and Robson himself was an offensive box to box midfielder - he wasn't Roy Keane and generally played 15 yards further forward.

- When Beckenbauer wins possession and releases a swift attack on the break, Redondo is in danger of being exposed. As discussed above, neither Robson or Scholes were holding midfielders which will leave Redondo isolated to attacks at pace.

- There is also a lack of ballwinning ability in rpitroda's side, particularly in the #10 attacking midfield area. In contrast, see Desailly's immense performance in the Champions League Final - there is significantly more defensive work rate and discipline in the side.



TWO GREAT ATTACKS

- Both attacks are excellent – Best/Eusebio/Lato and Zico/Romario/Zizinho were all wonderful players and I do not think the game will be decided here. That being said, I would give the edge to our attack for the following reasons.

- The Brazilian/Flamengo connection

- Zico and Luisito Suarez getting behind Redondo and running at the back line is something which can be exploited. As good as Redondo was on the ball he is not the type of mobile, positionally disciplined defensive midfielder to track someone like Zico.

- The clearest route to goal is undoubtedly Romario, who is perfectly placed here to score two or three goals himself. A ruthless finisher with exceptional speed and movement, the supply he has here from Zico, Zizinho and Luisito Suarez – It screams goals.

Johan Cruyff
"A genius of the goal area".

Ronaldo
"Romario was a great goalscorer, finisher, skilful, opportunist. I think I learnt all of that from him".

Roberto Baggio
"Romário is one of the greatest players of all time."

Diego Maradona on who was the best player he ever saw:
"It is between Romário and Van Basten".

Tim Vickery
“We're talking of one of the great centre-forwards. He's a master of the reduced space of the penalty area. A square metre for him is like an acre. Why? Low centre of gravity, powerful thighs so he can explode, wonderful finishing ability. Both because he's very proficient technically, but also because he's so cold in front of goal.”

PLAYER PEAKS:

MANUEL NEUER (2012-2015)

World Cup: 2014
Bundesliga: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15
UEFA Champions League: 2012–13
Germany Footballer of the Year: 2011, 2014
IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: 2013, 2014
FIFA World XI: 2013, 2014
UEFA Team of the Year: 2013, 2014
Ballon d'Or: 2014 (3rd)

FRANZ BECKENBAUER (1972-1976)

European Cup: 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76
Bundesliga: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74
FIFA World Cup: 1974
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1974
UEFA European Championship: 1972
UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament:: 1972, 1976
Germany Footballer of the Year: 1974, 1976
Ballon d'Or: 1972 (1st), 1973 (4th), 1974 (2nd), 1975 (2nd), 1976 (1st)

HANS-GEORG SCHWARZENBECK (1972-76)

European Cup: 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76
Bundesliga: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74
FIFA World Cup: 1974
UEFA European Championship: 1972

BERTI VOGTS (1974-1977)

FIFA World Cup: 1974
Bundesliga: 1974–75, 1975–76, 1976–77
UEFA Cup: 1974–75
Germany Footballer of the Year: 1971, 1979

MARCEL DESAILLY (1993-1996)

UEFA Champions League: 1992–1993
Serie A (2): 1993–94, 1995–96
UEFA Champions League: 1993–94
Supercoppa Italiana (2): 1994, 1996
UEFA Super Cup (2): 1993, 1994
Ballon D'Or 1994 (9th), 1995 (11th), 1996 (8th)

GRAEME SOUNESS (1980-1984)

Football League First Division (5): 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
League Cup (4): 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
European Cup (3): 1977–78, 1980–81, 1983–84
Ballon D'Or 1984: 6th

LUISITO SUAREZ (1960-1964)

La Liga: 1958–59, 1959–60
Copa del Rey: 1957, 1959
Fairs Cup: 1958, 1960
Serie A: 1962–63, 1964–65, 1965–66
European Cup: 1964, 1965
Intercontinental Cup: 1964, 1965
Ballon D'Or 1959 (4th), 1960 (1st), 1961 (2nd), 1964 (2nd), 1965 (3rd)

ZICO (1978-1982)
Rio State Championship: 1972, 1974, 1978, 1979, 1979 (extra), 1981, 1986
Brazilian Série A: 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987
Copa Libertadores: 1981 (best player and top scorer)
Intercontinental Cup: 1981
World Footballer of the Year 1981 - Guerin Sportivo, El Mundo, El Balon, Placar Magazine
South American Footballer of the Year 1981, 1982
1982 FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot
1982 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team

1978: 22 games, 19 goals
1979: 51 games, 65 goals
1980: 45 games, 40 goals
1981: 54 games, 39 goals
1982: 48 games, 44 goals

ZIZINHO (1947-1950)

FIFA World Cup 1950: Golden Ball
FIFA World Cup 1950 Team of the Tournament
South American Championship Winners 1949, Runners-Up 1945, 1946, 1953, 1957, Third Place 1942
1950 FIFA World Cup Runners-up

ROMARIO (1991-1994)
Eredivisie: 1991, 1992
La Liga: 1993–94
Supercopa de España: 1994; Runner-up: 1993
UEFA Champions League Runner-up: 1993–94
World Cup: 1994
World Cup 1994 Golden Ball
FIFA World Player of the Year 1994
FIFA World Player of the Year Runner 1993

1990/91: 29 games, 30 goals
1991/92: 17 games, 9 goals
1992/93: 36 games, 31 goals
1993/94: 47 games, 32 goals

 

[Annahnomoss]

-------------------------------------TEAM GIO
-----------------------------------------VS
-------------------------------------RPITRODA

 

[Annahnomoss]

Overview Rpitroda

The focus of my tactical piece is to give an overview of my team, and the strengths that this team brings tactically.

The overall key message of my tactic is that the emphasis is on holding position, absorbing pressure, and then springing on the counter through 3 extremely skilful, pacey attackers, with the support from the late runs of a young Scholes as well as Robson.

The goalkeeper brings composure, organisation, shot stopping and distribution. The defense brings solidity on both sides, as well as a stopper-cover combination in the middle to compliment each other. The midfield packs bags of technical quality with power and a goalscoring ability, with endless creativity. And the attacking trio bring incredible pace, skill, trickery, and goalscoring ability.

The opposition
Theon's team is undoubtedly strong. But I believe I have the tools to counter his strengths. Romario is a vulture but he will struggle to find space in a tightly packed defense, especially since Bergomi can come in. Also I believe his team lacks an aerial threat going forward, and playing through a tightly packed defense is not easy. His defense is brilliant, no doubts about that, but they all love to get on the ball and pass; but this element is largely negated once again by a team sitting back and absorbing pressure. My attacking 3 are extremely fast, and I believe this is one big advantage I have over his defense. There is space to be exploited there especially as they get sucked forward.

Why I will win
- A solid defence founded on first and foremost an ability to defend, and combinations which allow the defence to complement each other.

- An extremely effective and exciting midfield, with great technical and passing ability, but also great burst and power to support the front 3 on the counter.

- A front three which has scary pace, a scary ability to score goals, and the right supporting midfield to make them excel.

- Every player in this team has a role; and that role contributes to the effectiveness of the team:

Van Der Sar offers a unique ability to remain commanding in tight spaces, great shot stopping, great ability to leap off his line to sweep up the ball, but also an ability to distribute effectively. Those long throws he’s renowned for could end up to Best or Lato with space to attack.

Hansen covers and has the ability to play out of defence to kick start a quick attack.

Costacurta “unsettles” opposition attacks allowing the defenders around him to mop up.

Bergomi is an effective right back but can also close space centrally, making the inside tight and difficult to play through.

Marzolini is an effective defender who excels at defending but also at attacking in the right points.

Redondo has the passing range to instigate quick attacks, but the defensive nous to ensure the back remains strong.

Scholes and Robson are both energetic and technically gifted to contribute going forward and supporting the rapid counter attacks bursting on to the scene late. Robson also offers strength to defending and the ability to track back rapidly.

Best, Lato and Eusebio poses the pace to execute the counters, as well as the ability, poise, composure, and clinicalness to put the chances away.

Player Strengths and Strategy

Many times a goalkeeper is ignored in these drafts, but there is a very logical reason for specifically selecting Edwin Van Der Sar (Peak Selected: 2007-2010). Firstly, his ability to organise a defence, both during the game but also during set pieces. When a strategy is based around being able to absorb pressure, and remaining tight at the back, it is vital the defence is organised. Secondly, is his commanding presence? Set pieces, corners, and even general crosses into the box, you need a commanding keeper who will come to collect the ball, either in the air or rushing out to sweep up, when there are a lot of players around him. Finally, it’s his distribution. When looking to spring on the counter, you need a goalkeeper who can distribute. These 3 things are 3 of the key attributes that made VDS a world class goalkeeper and what suit him to this tactic, but of course there is a vast array of other abilities that make him special including his shot-stopping.

The defence is built around solidity. Silvio Marzolini (Peak Selected: 1964-1967) is considered the best left back to ever play for Argentina. Whilst having a reputation for having a great attacking instinct, he is renowned for also being a very solid defender, particularly in the tackle, in the air, and his positioning. All of these skills are vital for a team absorbing pressure, and, his attacking instinct means that he will know when he should and should not get involved in an attack. Alan Hansen (Peak Selected: 1978-1981) provides a unique combination of footballing intelligence; an excellent ability to read the game, to execute clean and perfect tackles, but also the technical ability to get his head up, and look for a pass. Hansen provides the ability to get the ball out quickly from defence, accurately, and to the right place, which is vital for a team looking to attack on the counter. Of course, the defence benefits from the traditional intelligent cover/aggressive stopper combination with Alessandro Costacurta (Peak Selected: 1991-1994), a key defender in the unbeaten AC Milan team of 58 games, as well as consective Italian Supercup titles, League titles, and Champions league final appearances. Costacurta was part of a defensive system notorious for its aggressive defending; stepping out and squeezing space. Whilst this system does not require stepping out and closing down early, Costacurta provides those skill sets to the defence which in turn will bring the best out of Hansen. Finally, Giuseppe Bergomi (Peak Selected: 1988-1991) is perfect for this system; he can excel as a right back but also can step in to ensure the defence remains tight as the team absorbs pressure.

There is very little to say about the midfield that everyone doesn’t already know. Fernando Redondo (Peak Selected: 1997-2000) was an exquisite passer combined with the intelligence to be a world class defensive midfielder. He has the passing range to unlock teams on the counter, whilst also having the technical skill to find space and the intelligence and ability to act as a solid holding player in front of the back four. Bryan Robson (Peak Selected: 1982-1985) is a complete box to box player, who has the intelligence to ensure the team remains sturdy at the back whilst absorbing pressure but the physicality and technical ability to burst forward as the team goes on the counter. Finally, Paul Scholes (Peak Selected: 1998-2001) in his early days was a surge-into-the-box type midfielder, yet people also forget his ability to pass the ball was still sublime. He wasn’t the deep playmaker he was at the end of his career, but he still had fantastic technique and passing ability in a more advanced role. But most of all, he scored great goals. Big goals. This is the Scholes this team needs as it bursts on the counter.

Finally, the front 3 are in my opinion perfect for this system. They all can score goals. They are renowned for it. They all have exceptional speed. They are renowned for it. And they all can beat their defender. They are renowned for it. This team isn’t looking for neat touches and short passes, it is about a direct killer forward movement in one rapid sweep, so breathtakingly fast that the opposition won’t know what hit them. And the attributes my front three of George Best (Peak Selected: 1966-1969), Grzegorz Lato (Peak Selected: 1972-1975), and Eusebio (Peak Selected: 1965-1968).

 

[harms]

@Gio

See this video of Zico terrorosing a prime Alan Hansen

The video was lost in PM's, I think? Or was it just the short gif?

 

[Šjor Bepo]

ffs why are everybody using 4 years for peaks.....as for the teams, im speechless both team deserve to go in the next round IMO

 

[Moby]

Those front threes are ridiculous. On first look trippy's seems beautifully balanced, while Gio's need a bit more inspection to see how well it will work.

 

[Gio]

@Gio

The video was lost in PM's, I think? Or was it just the short gif?

Yes, lost. I've sent poor @Annahnomoss an updated version. Some gig being a draft-master covering after careless buggers like me making a cnut of it.

 

[harms]

I feel like there's a hidden message here somewhere

 

[Joga Bonito]

Furthermore Hansen's lack of agility is ill suited against Romario, who possessed an unrivalled turn of pace and acceleration. Romario's low centre of gravity, speed and movement will cause significant problems for a defense which lacks a touch of pace.

That is quite harsh on Hansen as he did seem to be fairly pacey and good on the turn despite his lanky stature.

That being said it is extremely unfortunate for rpitroda that Hansen is facing Zico here.

Zico made Alan Hansen and Graeme Souness, two of Liverpool’s finest players, look positively ordinary. His brilliant lofted pass over Hansen’s head left the defender flat footed and sent Nunes through to score Flamengo’s first goal.

He repeated the feat for Nunes’ second and Flamengo’s third in the 41st minute. Zico also created the other goal, when his free kick on a hard, bumpy pitch was too fierce for goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar to hold. Adilio scored from the rebound.

Isolating Redondo against Suárez and Zico is also extremely harsh as Robson and the young Scholes would actively contribute to the midfield battle.

Gio's formation is a bit lop sided (obviously) but Suárez could have been much more useful as a LAM instead of the slightly right-ish position that he is now. The left side looks a bit isolated and whilst Gordillo can man the flank single handedly, he is up against Lato defensively and Bergomi on the other end.

Leaning towards Gio as it just looks like he has too much fire power and 'oomph' but still undecided as rpitroda has a nice tactical set up. He does lack a great #10 or a playmaking forward but has Redondo playmaking and other qualities in midfield to compensate for it. Do think rpitroda should swap Best and Lato's positions. Not too well informed on Lato so could be wrong here.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Team Theon or Team Gio?

 

[Gio]

That is quite harsh on Hansen as he did seem to be fairly pacey and good on the turn despite his lanky stature.

That being said it is extremely unfortunate for rpitroda that Hansen is facing Zico here.



Isolating Redondo against Suárez and Zico is also extremely harsh as Robson and the young Scholes would actively contribute to the midfield battle.

Gio's formation is a bit lop sided (obviously) but Suárez could have been much more useful as a LAM instead of the slightly right-ish position that he is now. The left side looks a bit isolated and whilst Gordillo can man the flank single handedly, he is up against Lato defensively and Bergomi on the other end.

Leaning towards Gio as it just looks like he has too much fire power and 'oomph' but still undecided as rpitroda has a nice tactical set up. He does lack a great #10 or a playmaking forward but has Redondo playmaking and other qualities in midfield to compensate for it. Do think rpitroda should swap Best and Lato's positions. Not too well informed on Lato so could be wrong here.

Thanks for the comments Joga. From what I've seen of Suarez (and I know you've seen a lot) he is quite inclined to drift into the inside-left position in the same sort of style as Iniesta and Zidane. We did want him at the hub of things - he's the sort of talent who is sometimes overlooked in drafts and deserves to have a midfield built around him. He can drift if need be to offer passing options and stretch the opposition given the solidity of the two behind him.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

I don't like Redondo as a pivot DM. He's better off paired with someone who can hold shape while he moves up to make plays himself. Kaizer/Schwarzenbeck is a proven combo and with Desailly/Souness it has a rock solid defensive shield. Suarez can pull strings from the midfield and Redondo will not be providing much cover here.

On the flip side, Best/Eusebio-Lato is just smooth. Gio's attack, I need to hear more and they are against Marzolini/Bergomi who will blunt it much. He'd be better off with a CF with hold up play rather than Romario, imo.

I think Gio will have more of the ball, but trippy is more likely to steal a quick one on the counter.

 

[harms]

I think that Bergomi will be handling Zico most of the time, not Redondo and not Hansen, no? I don't rate Gordillo that highly though, not sure why Theon/Gio pick him second draft in a row. And for that role Bergomi's ability to play both CB and RB comes in handy.

 

[Annahnomoss]

The best teams I've seen so far I think! I would love to hear more about the Zico/Gordillo flank especially a case for how well Zico would do on that left flank. I love that Zizinho is picked, deserved to be included in this draft.

 

[Gio]

On Gordillo...

RAFAEL GORDILLO

Betis' greatest ever player who is also regarded as a legend for Real Madrid as part of their memorable late-1980s team. Spanish Player of the Year in 1979/80, the swashbuckling wing-back dominated the left flank unlike anyone La Liga has seen until Roberto Carlos arrived. Blessed with the quick feet, nimbleness and body swerve of the classic winger, Gordillo was also a solid defender whose quality on the left for Spain either shunted Camacho to the right or formed a show-stopping left flank partnership.



Can he defend?

Spoiler

Has he got the class to cut it at the highest level?

Spoiler

Can he burst 100 yards to score a late winner in El Classico?

Spoiler

Can he sneak in behind Bergomi to score a diving header in a UEFA Cup Semi-Final?

Spoiler

 

[RoadTrip]

That is quite harsh on Hansen as he did seem to be fairly pacey and good on the turn despite his lanky stature.

That being said it is extremely unfortunate for rpitroda that Hansen is facing Zico here.



Isolating Redondo against Suárez and Zico is also extremely harsh as Robson and the young Scholes would actively contribute to the midfield battle.

Gio's formation is a bit lop sided (obviously) but Suárez could have been much more useful as a LAM instead of the slightly right-ish position that he is now. The left side looks a bit isolated and whilst Gordillo can man the flank single handedly, he is up against Lato defensively and Bergomi on the other end.

Leaning towards Gio as it just looks like he has too much fire power and 'oomph' but still undecided as rpitroda has a nice tactical set up. He does lack a great #10 or a playmaking forward but has Redondo playmaking and other qualities in midfield to compensate for it. Do think rpitroda should swap Best and Lato's positions. Not too well informed on Lato so could be wrong here.

Thanks for your comments.

Regarding Lato and Best, these are the positions they excelled at. This is where they played. And this is the way they scored goals. I can see the logic behind switching to create an inside forward type situation, but these players were great in these positions and able to do the business.

Regarding a lack of a no.10, this team isn't designed to require one in my opinion. I'm not looking for a man to find space and link play and carve chances. The ability to score is all based about sitting deep and forcing his team forward and hitting them on the counter. I'm talking about one pass to carve open a defence and all of my midfielders have the ability to execute said pass. This isn't a situation where I'll be breaking down a defence.

Regards to the comments about his offensive firepower both by you and others, I acknowledge he has a brilliant attacking line up. No doubt about it and I'll be a fool to say otherwise. But my ability to stop him is all about being a collective defensive unit. Think about how a Stoke team can shut out the best offences in today's game, but imagine a situation where that defence is full of world class elite players. A team defending as a unit is a team that is extremely difficult to score against regardless of talent available. And the one big key here is Bergomi. Because there isn't he has no real significant threat coming from the left and Bergomi can tuck in and almost act as a lopsided back 4 with 3 CBs. It's the key reason I picked him because he is absolutely perfect for that role. Because he can do that, it really shuts out space for him to attack in. Add in the work rate of Robson and the positional intelligence of Redondo (think Carrick who doesn't need to run around like a headless chicken but can just read danger and snuff it out), and that's a very difficult unit to break down.

 

[RoadTrip]

Also, good luck @Gio

You guys have built a very good team.

 

[Gio]

Also, good luck @Gio

You guys have built a very good team.

Good luck rpitroda - fine set-up with a couple of personal favourites (Eusebio, Hansen).

 

[Gio]

I think that Bergomi will be handling Zico most of the time, not Redondo and not Hansen, no? I don't rate Gordillo that highly though, not sure why Theon/Gio pick him second draft in a row. And for that role Bergomi's ability to play both CB and RB comes in handy.

On the rationale for Gordillo. We wanted a wing-back who could run the left flank. Of all of the options outside Carlos, Santos and Facchetti, he stood out for his ability to fulfill that very specific tactical role. The more Bergomi tucks in, the more Gordillo has space to overlap into. He made a career out of making those kinds of runs.

 

[Moby]

Why do Redondo's defensive abilities get questioned time after time. This one thing has absolutely baffled me through all these years participating in these drafts.

 

[Gio]

Irrespective of how you rate Redondo's defensive qualities, it's a big ask dealing with Luis Suarez and both Zico and occasionally Zizinho drifting into your area, no matter how good a DM you are.

 

[Annahnomoss]

The only thing I don't like about team Rpitroda is that if the idea is to sit deep, then Redondo is a but redundant. Scholes and Robson has the ball carrying and playmaking ability covered already and they'd benefit more of having a destroyer/ball winner there instead.

The positive for Rpitroda is that Lato can do a defensive job on Gordillo, knowing that on the counter they still have Eusebio and Best which is more or less perfection when it comes to a counter-threat.

It also means that Bergomi can play very narrow on his side and they can limit the space very well that Romario/Zizinho/Zico will operate in.

For Gio, Souness/Desailly/Suarez looks brilliant and with Beckenbauer making runs as well it looks like Rpitroda will stand and fall with Redondo.

 

[Moby]

Irrespective of how you rate Redondo's defensive qualities, it's a big ask dealing with Luis Suarez and both Zico and occasionally Zizinho drifting into your area, no matter how good a DM you are.

But he's not alone in stopping all of them. The way you have used Zico, it lies very clearly in Bergomi's domain, like harms said, so Redondo wouldn't have to worry too much about him. Not to say Bergomi alone will shut him down or anything, but from Redondo's point of view, he's not the main man to stop him. And with Suarez there, Zico dropping deep to evade his marker wouldn't be too beneficial as that space is best left for Suarez to operate in while Zico gives the finishing blows in the final third. Similarly for Zizinho, there's Marzolini to defend against him. And similarly again, I think he's best to provide the width and dribbling on that side, and not join the midfield party often, your team needs him more on the flank, like mine would've had I got him. So basically Redondo's primary job is cut out the service from Suarez, and that is likely to disjoint your team. I would have agreed with this point completely had Zico been played as the main #10 of the team and had the freedom of dropping deep or attacking the box or simply play in the hole, as he pleases, then Redondo would have struggled, but I don't see him struggling that much against Suarez here. And in Robson he has a perfect partner who compliments him well.

 

[Moby]

Scholes and Robson has the ball carrying and playmaking ability covered already

This is a young Scholes, and he doesn't hold a candle in front of Redondo when it comes to controlling the game from deep. Redondo's abilities on the ball are absolutely vital here, imo, specially with those two wingers who'd love receiving the ball quickly.

 

[antohan]

Why do Redondo's defensive abilities get questioned time after time. This one thing has absolutely baffled me through all these years participating in these drafts.

The more pertinent question is which peak are we talking about. The Redondo trippy needs and who can absolutely do the job required here is the Tenerife one, and yoou defo want Scholes to be the early one.

 

[antohan]

A bastard of a match up. Again.

 

[Moby]

How good was Lato on the left? I think Best against Gordillo will be more fruitful for trippy.

 

[Moby]

The more pertinent question is which peak are we talking about. The Redondo trippy needs and who can absolutely do the job required here is the Tenerife one, and yoou defo want Scholes to be the early one.

With Robbo next to him I wouldn't worry too much.

It's the same issue with Robson, like it was with Matthaus a few days back, because they made telling contributions going forward from time to time people forget what their biggest assets were.

 

[Joga Bonito]

Spoiler

Thanks for the comments Joga. From what I've seen of Suarez (and I know you've seen a lot) he is quite inclined to drift into the inside-left position in the same sort of style as Iniesta and Zidane.

I used to have that opinion too initially but later found out that it wasn't really a particular inclination of his. He did love drifting to the left hand channels for Inter in particular and shared a brilliant rapport with Corso and Facchetti, but he was equally comfortable with drifting onto both flanks/channels. You'd get more wingsmanship from him on the right, as he showed in the '61 European Cup final and the '64 European Championships final, where he assisted the openers in both games, with excellent crosses from the right. You'd get more link-up play and smart passes from the left as he did show preference for his right foot in general.

We did want him at the hub of things - he's the sort of talent who is sometimes overlooked in drafts and deserves to have a midfield built around him. He can drift if need be to offer passing options and stretch the opposition given the solidity of the two behind him.

That's great to see tbh. He is a particular favourite of mine and a brilliant player who deserves every bit of praise. One of the most tactically versatile and intelligent players I've ever seen. He simply had it all in his locker and had the uncanny ability to be exactly where the team needed him. Be it helping out the defense, drifting out wide, linking up with his fellow forwards, playing a defense splitting ball or holding a disciplined position in midfield, he just knew what to do.

The best thing was that for someone with a ballon d'Or, 2 silver ballon d'Ors and a bronze one, he had no tactical baggage and ego. You could place him in just about any set-up - a star studded top heavy one like the 50s Barca or the bottom heavy La Grande Inter - and he'll fit in seamlessly. All whilst being amongst the best players in his team, if not the best, and still helping immensely in bringing the best out in his teammates. Kind of in the mould of Charlton in that regard.

Terrific pedigree when it comes to top end matches and high pressure situations too.

He was the star of the Barca team which beat Di Stefano's Real at their prime, to two La ligas and Copa del Reys. He pioneered Real's first ever defeat in the Champions league after 5 long years. In fact till the first tie against Barca on November 9th 1960, Real Madrid had played 15 home ties in the European Cup and had won them all with a combined aggregate score of 66-8, but on that day their run came to an end. Suárez scored both goals in a 2-2 draw, which paved the way for Barca's triumph in that tie, back at the Nou Camp. He was also arguably the best player, after Coluna, in the European Cup final that year as well.

Was the best player in the Euro 64 overall and in the final too. The display in the final was an absolute masterclass and one of the best midfield displays ever in a final imo. Supposedly the MOTM in the CL final against Real for Inter, according to a source, although I found Corso more impressive on the ball that day myself (Suárez's work off the ball might have tipped it).

For someone with such impressive pedigree he is curiosly underappreciated or even underrated for that matter. Was contemplating getting him but already had him in my past 2 drafts and wanted to try something new.

Regarding Lato and Best, these are the positions they excelled at. This is where they played. And this is the way they scored goals. I can see the logic behind switching to create an inside forward type situation, but these players were great in these positions and able to do the business.

Best was equally good on the right tbf. Lato I'm not too sure but from what little I know of him, he was more of an incisive goalscoring player from the flanks and not a ball hogging player, who should be at ease with his usual role on the left.

It wasn't suggested to create an inside forward situation (even as it stands both will be cutting inside more often than not) but to place Best on Gordillo's flank. Not that Gordillo is a bad defender but he won't be going forward much (which he needs to in Gio's set up) with Best on his flank as opposed to Lato.

Regarding a lack of a no.10, this team isn't designed to require one in my opinion. I'm not looking for a man to find space and link play and carve chances.

It most certainly isn't a problem with me. Just pointing out that on first glance alone, Gio's team looks to be brimming with flair and creativity with regards to Zico and Suárez as opposed to yours which looks a bit more functional with a midfield trio.

Don't think that's fair myself as you have struck the right blend of creativity, verve and dynamism in that midfield. Also, it plays into Best and Eusebio's hands as they have all the tactical freedom in the world and do not need to tailor their games, to play alongside an ill suited ball-hogging #10 - unless it's someone selfless like Charlton, Laudrup or Suárez.

That's why I really love your team's tactical synchrony with well defined roles for individuals. Can't say anything bad about Gio's slightly chaotic yet coherent enough set up which is bound to play some great football as well. Really can't separate both teams at the moment tbh.

But he's not alone in stopping all of them. The way you have used Zico, it lies very clearly in Bergomi's domain, like harms said, so Redondo wouldn't have to worry too much about him. Not to say Bergomi alone will shut him down or anything, but from Redondo's point of view, he's not the main man to stop him. And with Suarez there, Zico dropping deep to evade his marker wouldn't be too beneficial as that space is best left for Suarez to operate in while Zico gives the finishing blows in the final third. Similarly for Zizinho, there's Marzolini to defend against him. And similarly again, I think he's best to provide the width and dribbling on that side, and not join the midfield party often, your team needs him more on the flank, like mine would've had I got him. So basically Redondo's primary job is cut out the service from Suarez, and that is likely to disjoint your team. I would have agreed with this point completely had Zico been played as the main #10 of the team and had the freedom of dropping deep or attacking the box or simply play in the hole, as he pleases, then Redondo would have struggled, but I don't see him struggling that much against Suarez here. And in Robson he has a perfect partner who compliments him well.

I do agree that Gio is wrong about isolating Redondo against Suárez and Zico, as both Robson and Scholes will be taking part in the midfield battle. Have stated this earlier myself.

That being said, I have to strongly disagree with the point about Suárez limiting Zico's range of movement and tactical freedom. He is versatile and complete enough in various phases and rarely if ever, impedes the freedom of his fellow creative players but rather enhances them tbh. Just look at the phenomenal understanding, interchanging and link up play he had with Corso for Inter and him dovetailing fantastically with Kubala for Barca. I might be waxing lyrical about him but he really is a tactical genius and a phenomenal individual as well.

He is just perfect for this team and actually, most other playmakers would have been overkill in a team featuring Beckenbauer, Zico and Zizinho but not him at all.

 

[Moby]

That being said, I have to strongly disagree with the point about Suárez limiting Zico's range of movement and tactical freedom. He is versatile and complete enough in various phases and rarely if ever, impedes the freedom of his fellow creative players but rather enhances them tbh. Just look at the phenomenal understanding, interchanging and link up play he had with Corso for Inter and him dovetailing fantastically with Kubala for Barca. I might be waxing lyrical about him but he really is a tactical genius and a phenomenal individual as well.

That was said mainly as the team needs Zico's services more in the final third and there's no real need for him to join the creative hub. I acknowledge his tactical versatility but it will be counter productive to the team here if Zico drops too deep for a significant part of the game, given the players around him - Romario functions much better with a partner rather than isolated alone up front and there's few, if any, better than Zico to be that partner. For me it's simple - Zico and Romario are up front, Zizinho's working the flank to give that needed width while Suarez pulls the strings. Most of the teams I've built revolve around fluidity and players constantly switching around so it's fair to say I value that very highly but I just don't see a reason for that to be implemented in full force here.

 

[antohan]

With Robbo next to him I wouldn't worry too much.

It's the same issue with Robson, like it was with Matthaus a few days back, because they made telling contributions going forward from time to time people forget what their biggest assets were.

Eh? What's the issue with Robbo? Did I miss something?

 

[Theon]

The way you have used Zico, it lies very clearly in Bergomi's domain, like harms said, so Redondo wouldn't have to worry too much about him. Not to say Bergomi alone will shut him down or anything, but from Redondo's point of view, he's not the main man to stop him.

I think that Bergomi will be handling Zico most of the time, not Redondo and not Hansen, no?

The point with Zico is that he drifts all over the park, there aren't many players with the same range of dribbling, passing and finishing abilities. He will at times come up against Hansen and Redondo - very often in fact as Zico was never a player to stick to one position. Aldo is correct that Zico is best used up top with Romario here but he roams all over the pitch and certainly wouldn't stick in Bergomi's area on the left wing. He would interchange with Suarez, peel wide, push up top next to Romario and drop deep - both Zico and Suarez have shown that they can play with otter creative players, so their interplay should work well. See this short video of Zico vs Hansen & co in the 3-0 win over Liverpool, he's all over the pitch.

If Bergomi is man marking Zico - in a similar way to Gentile for instance - then that's fine but it would need to be explicitly stated and more importantly that is certainly going to drag Bergomi out of position, drag him deep and create space out wide.

As Joga has already mentioned, Luisito Suarez was very comfortable out wide and he has the intelligence to exploit those gaps if Bergomi goes walk abouts following Zico.

 

[Theon]

There's been a lack of discussion on this man - it's easy to forget with the attacking talent on display that the best player on the pitch is 40 yards further back.

 

[RoadTrip]

2v1 now?! :P

 

[RoadTrip]

ffs why are everybody using 4 years for peaks.....as for the teams, im speechless both team deserve to go in the next round IMO

FYI it isn't a 4 year peak - football seasons cover 4 years as they go from summer to summer (in most places)

Get your maths textbook out son!

 

[Marty1968]

Incredible spine running through Gio's team with Neuer, Beckenbauer, Desailly/Souness and Romario up top. Good creativity with Zico, Suarez and Zizinho. Would just about edge it I'd fancy although up against an incredible midfield trio of Scholes, Robbo and Redondo. That would be one tasty midfield battle!

 

[Thisistheone]

Hats off to both managers, two excellent sides. Really like both teams but went with Gio in the end. Prefer his core. Beckenbauer, Souness, Suarez, Zico, Romario. And if anyone can limit Best slightly, it's Vogts.

Fine margins though.

 

[RoadTrip]

Thinking of switching Best and Lato - would that make a big difference in people's eyes?

 

[Moby]

Eh? What's the issue with Robbo? Did I miss something?

It's been a few times where Robbo, due to his iconic goals and attacking highlights over his career, is considered as some "advanced" or "attack minded" CM and gets criticized if he's played deeper like Gio did in the write up, saying he'd be functioning further up the pitch than shown here and that would somehow have Redondo defending alone against 4-5 of his players. It doesn't really make sense, I would have taken that criticism had Robbo himself was the holding mid or the most defensive midfielder in a three but here he has the perfect man behind him to allow him to influence the game in both phases and be right in the thick of it. And particularly defensively, so for me overlooking that part of his game because he had the knack to arrive in the box at times and score a few crucial goals is not exactly fair, in fact the fact that he did that while being the all round presence in midfield is what made him special.

 

[Physiocrat]

This is so so close. I have really no idea who to vote for.