Green Smiley VS Skizzo - All time 3 yr peak - Auction draft

[Annahnomoss]

Green Smiley
Tactics

Tactics will vary depending on what opponent has put up - either two-pronged (4-3-1-2/3-5-2) or three-pronged attack (4-2-3-1/4-3-3)

Defensive Play

• Rijkaard to defend the left-side midfield. He will not be specified to do man-marking, but will help out Dzajic (against Amoros), plus another defensive duty depending on what opponent's attacking strategy may be. Given Rijkaard's work-rate, speed, strength, positioning and tactical intelligence, he is the perfect player to carry out this important task
• Di Stefano against opponent's no. 10. He is not alone, and will be supported by his teammate(s), depending on how opponent sets up
• Gerson to defend the right-side midfield
• Littbarski defends the right flank against Cabrini's attack
• Müller to move in front of opponent's CBs when they bring the ball forward, and attempt to win back the ball
• Zanetti defends against opponent's left forward, or tucks into the right depending on how opponent sets up . He is comfortable to track opponent's movement, either out-wide or drifting towards centre
• Brehme defends the left flank against opponent's right forward
• Santamaria, with his uncompromising defending skill, strength and speed, will be up against van Basten
• Moore to lead and organize defense at the back, anticipate and sniff out any danger. He will act as sweeper to "sweep up" the ball if opponent manages to breach the defensive line, supporting his defensive teammates
• Dzajic - he will defend against Amoros at most until the halfway line. He will primarily wait at the halfway line, either at the left or drifting towards centre, waiting for opportunity to counter (see "Counter-Attacking Play"). Opponent will have to watch out closely on Dzajic during my team's counter, especially when Amoros commits to attacking play

Attacking play

• Zanetti is given licence to move forward when there is chance. He can choose to run-and-cross, cut-in from the right, or make quick one-two passes withLittbarski
• Brehme has a more withdrawn role as compared to Zanetti, to ensure there are at least 3 defenders to defend against any quick counter. He will still supportDzajic from behind and provide crosses into the box
• Rijkaard to move the ball forward when there is space in front, starting an attack or even score goal by himself. His passing range is also not to be underestimated
• Gerson pulling the strings from deep midfield, supplying wide-range of passes to any attacking player. He is excellent at controlling the tempo of the game to ensure his team does not get stuck to opponent's rhythm. He does not succumb to pressure and will always find his teammate to pass the ball to when being closed down
• Di Stefano orchestrating attacking play, constantly creating space for himself and teammates to score with his fantastic work rate, technique, vision and skills
• Littbarski, a very mobile attacking player that will thrive in quick link-up withDi Stefano and Zanetti. Apart from his well-known speed and dribbling skill, he constantly looks for space to exploit, either drifts from right to centre, or to the right far post inside opponent's penalty area, ready to score
• Dzajic, another fast and skillful winger. Can cut-in, can cross, can beat his markers with insane dribbling skill. Similar to Littbarski, he doesn't limit himself to hugging the left wing, and will also drift towards centre or to the left far post inside opponent's penalty area, ready to score. On few occassion,Dzajic will also switch wing with Littbarski, creating confusion among opponent's defense
• Müller, greatest striker of all-time, with his fantastic movement inside the box, lethal acceleration over short distances, remarkable aerial game, and uncanny goal-scoring instincts. He will punish the opposition when given the slightest chance to score. He can also set up his teammates to score when defenders are around him

Set Pieces
Special mention to Dzajic, who is brilliant in scoring from free-kick

Counter-Attacking Play
This involves quick, precise pass from Gerson or Moore to the attacker(s) waiting up-front

Dzajic will stay up-front most of the time, looking for opportunity to counter. He will move towards centre at the halfway line, so that he has options to go left, right or centre. This depends on where the space is in front of him. Müller, who stays close to the opponent's centre halves, will join the attack, drawing the defenders to him and thus creating space for Dzajic to move forward. Littbarski with his explosive pace, will drive forward from deep too.

Player's Profile

Goalkeeper and Defense

Spoiler: GK and DF

Lev Yashin (1960-1963) - USSR/Dynamo Moscow

Major Honours

• Soviet Top League: 1963
• UEFA European Football Championship: 1960
• USSR Goalkeeper of the year: 1960, 1963
  
• Ballon d'Or: 1963

Javier Zanetti (2001-2003) - Italy/Inter Milan

Ryan Giggs: "The most difficult opponent to play against was Javier Zanetti"

Esteban Cambiasso: "Zanetti? Just one word, PERFECT"

Andreas Brehme (1988-1990) - Germany/Inter Milan

Major Honours

• Serie A: 1988–89
• Supercoppa Italiana: 1989
• FIFA World Cup: 1990
• Guerin d'Oro (Serie A Footballer of the Year): 1989
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1990
• Ballon d'Or – Third place: 1990

Bobby Moore (1966-1968) - England/West Ham United

Major Honours

• FIFA World Cup: 1966
• UEFA Euro (Bronze Medalist): 1968
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1966
• 1966 FIFA World Cup Best Defender, European Defender of The Year
• UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 1968

Pele: "He was my friend as well as the greatest defender I ever played against"

Jose Santamaria (1957-1959) - Uruguay/Real Madrid

Major Honours

• European Cup: 1957–58, 1958–59
• La Liga: 1957–58

Spoiler: MF

Frank Rijkaard (1988-1990) - Netherlands/AC Milan

Major Honours

• Supercoppa Italiana: 1988
• European Cup: 1988–89, 1989–90
• European Super Cup: 1989, 1990
• UEFA European Championship: 1988
• Ballon d'Or – Third place: 1988, 1989
• 1988 European Championship Team Of Tournament

Gerson (1968-1970) - Brazil/Botafogo & Sao Paulo

Major Honours

• FIFA World Cup: 1970
• Taça Brasil: 1968
• 1970 FIFA World Cup Best Midfielder

Alfredo Di Stefano (1957-1959) - Spain/Real Madrid

Major Honours

• Primera División: 1957, 1958
• European Cup: 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59
• Pichichi Trophy: 1957, 1958, 1959
• Ballon d'Or: 1957, 1959
• European Cup Top Scorer: 1958 (10 goals)
• Spanish Player of The Year: 1957, 1959

Pele: "People argue between Pele or Maradona. Di Stéfano is the best, much more complete"

Spoiler: FW and ST

Pierre Littbarski (1981-1983) - Germany/FC Koln

Major Honours

• DFB-Pokal: 1982–83
• German Cup: 1983
• FIFA World Cup Runner-up: 1982
• 1982 FIFA World Cup Top Assister (5 assists)

Dragan Dzajic (1968-1970) - Yugoslavia/Red Star Belgrade

Major Honours

• Yugoslav First League: 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70
• Yugoslav Cup: 1967–68, 1969–70
• UEFA European Championship (Runners-Up): 1968
• UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament: 1968
• UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 1968
• Ballon d'Or (3rd place): 1968

Pele: "Dzajic is the Balkan miracle – a real wizard. I'm just sorry he's not Brazilian because I've never seen such a natural footballer"

Gerd Muller (1972-1974) - Germany/Bayern Munich

Major Honours

• Bundesliga: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74
• European Cup: 1973–74
• FIFA World Cup: 1974
• European Championship: 1972
• Bundesliga top scorer: 1972, 1973, 1974
• European Golden Shoe: 1972
• UEFA European Championship top scorer: 1972
• UEFA European Championship Teams of the Tournament: 1972
• European Cup top scorer: 1973, 1974

Franz Beckenbauer: "His pace was incredible. In training I have played against him and I never had a chance."

Special mention to Jose Santamaria
Nicknamed "The Wall" for his consistent defensive displays, Jose Santamaria is the greatest South American man-marker of all-time, is the best defender in history of Real Madrid club and was the best defender in the World during the 1950s. He was indispensable in Real Madrid's “First Decade of Galaticos”, setting up solid defensive foundation at the back that allows Real Madrid's attacking foray, led by Di Stefano, to blossom

He was known for his anticipation, toughness, uncompromising display, top-class stamina and strength. He was also quick, good in air, and no-nonsense attitude

Spoiler: Santamaria (RM vs Nice 1959/1960)

 

[Annahnomoss]

---------------------------------GREEN SMILEY
--------------------------------------VS
------------------------------------SKIZZO


Skizzo/Pat's Tactical synopsis:

We'll be lining up in our same 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation, built on a rock solid foundation, and setting up the best player on the field to shine in his preferred role. Our attacking width comes primarily from the full backs and the forwards. To that end we’ve drafted two of the all-time great attacking full backs in Cabrini and Amoros. Cabrini, in particular, was effectively a one man left wing for Juventus and Italy and was an immensely important part of those highly successful sides.

The strength of the formation is that it provides us with the rock solid central core that will enable us to nullify much of GS’ threat and take control of the match. We field Ruggeri and Figueroa as our all-South American central defence, with Scirea playing in his renowned libero role, cleaning up behind, and stepping up to minimize space ahead when necessary.

Ahead of them, Van Hanegem and Tardelli form a ferociously competitive, suffocatingly powerful, and technically brilliant central midfield. Van Hanegem is a master at patrolling that left midfield position, recovering possession with his superb reading of the game and fearsome tackling, manoeuvring into space with his superb close control, and initiating attacks with his first-rate passing. Tardelli initially starts on the right of central midfield. As the most mobile of our midfielders, he’ll play a vital role in supporting Amoros and Ruggeri.

Pressing and Build Up:


Our defensive strategy is based around capitalising on the strengths of our formation and maintaining a solid shape. To that end, we won’t be pressing as a team until roughly when the opposition reach the half-way line. While one of the attackers will pressure whoever is on the ball, the priority is getting our midfield back behind the ball, and giving the opposition the unenviable task of getting through them.


The build up will be mixed. Scirea, Figueroa, Van Hanegem and of course Maradona if he drops deep, all easily have the vision and technique to launch a counter attack by finding a forward or an advancing full back with a pass. Equally they can take the sting out of the game and retain possession, or more typically probe for openings in a quicker more direct style. The full backs both have good delivery, and in Van Basten and Eusebio, Cabrini has an inviting target to aim for.


The crown jewel of the team is the Maradona, set up in a similar style to his Argentina team of WC 86, where he was unplayable and ran the show against all opposition. Here we have paired Eusebio and Van Basten ahead of him, both to stretch the defence with pace, and threat. Neither can be left alone, and will stretch the defence with their pace and movement, creating havoc themselves, and leaving space for Maradona to exploit.

Keys To Victory:


1) We have the better set up to contain the opposition threat. While Moore is a top class defender, he won't be able to play the same role as last game, sweeping up while Cruyff drops deep. Here both of our forwards will need a defender assigned to them. If Moore picks up Van Basten
(since he pace of Eusebio will be too much for him) then Santamaria or Charles will need to follow the runs of Eusebio. I assume Rijkaard will be tracking Maradona, meaning the defence will be dragged to create all kinds of openings. With the attacking players we possess...that spells trouble for him, plain and simple.

2) The width GS possesses will give him an edge out wide, but to threaten the goal, he needs to come back centrally. Our core is too strong for many chances to be created. While Muller is certainly a threat, with the likes of Figueroa, Ruggeri and Scirea around, he won't find the space to thrive in.

3) Scirea coming in. While we still play with 3 center backs in our formation line up, the brilliance of Scirea means he's comfortable coming out of that back line when necessary. With Di Stefano looking to move into the "hole" as assumed he will, Scirea is comfortable moving to press when needed, knowing he has Figueroa and Ruggeri around to stifle the space for Muller.

4) We assume Rijkaard will be assigned to try and keep tabs on Maradona. If that's the case, it will warp his midfield shape, leaving space for Van Hanegem to push up into his channels and help recycle possession. Eusebio also has the option to drop deep if necessary, and he just won't have the numbers on defence to keep us out when attacking.

We kept this simple as we hope to expand on more in the thread to keep the discussion going

Good luck GS!

 

[Annahnomoss]

@Skizzo @green_smiley @Pat_Mustard

 

[green_smiley]

Good luck Skizzo!

First impression is that 3 centre-backs is excessive for Skizzo, considering the quality of his defenders, and myself playing a lone striker. Will elaborate more later

 

[antohan]

Our defensive strategy is based around capitalising on the strengths of our formation and maintaining a solid shape. To that end, we won’t be pressing as a team until roughly when the opposition reach the half-way line.

This made me chuckle @Pat_Mustard @Skizzo. Of course you won't, you couldn't even if you wanted to.

But yeah, I do like how the regroup and form a brick wall works in terms of drawing the opponent and setting up for the counter. That will get the most out of your attacking players.

The only chance GS has in this game is through Dzajic exploiting space and finding one of Müller/Di Stéfano. Compress the space and that's less worrying, while your counter will be devastating.

 

[Annahnomoss]

First thoughts are that GS central midfield is more or less the best you can create. You could argue for some slight personnel upgrade over Gerson, but every player brings some unique and specialized abilities while still not losing balance by any means.

When GS drafted Santamaria and Eusebio my first reaction was to check if any of the remaining teams had van Basten as I think him and Cristiano are the ones who can exploit that centre back duo. Santamaria and Moore would be a perfect pair against all the technical dribblers, they are also great in 1 vs 1's in general and even great in the air for their size.

The only problem is that van Basten is probably the best aerial threat with Cristiano of the all-time quality players. Santamaria and Moore weren't short(178cm) but ideally in this match-up at least one of the defenders should have been All-time quality in the air.

Will read the write-ups in a while, just went off the team sheets for the first thoughts to get some activity in here.

 

[antohan]

Good luck Skizzo!

First impression is that 3 centre-backs is excessive for Skizzo, considering the quality of his defenders, and myself playing a lone striker. Will elaborate more later

The way I see it Scirea plays libero and tracks Di Stéfano primarily. Makes sense to me, the two midfielders needed someone between them and the defence. A dedicated DM would be a waste of space much of the time as Di Stéfano will be all over the pitch. A defender who can come forth and deal with him in attacking phases? Yups, that's the best way around it.

 

[antohan]

First thoughts are that GS central midfield is more or less the best you can create. You could argue for some slight personnel upgrade over Gerson, but every player brings some unique and specialized abilities while still not losing balance by any means.

It's awesome, and a distinctly better unit than van Hanegem/Tardelli/Maradona.

That's why I focus so much on SkizzoPat's regrouping and Scirea's role. They know this and aren't even trying to win the game in midfield but on the terms that best suit them, and I think it would work brilliantly.

 

[VivaJanuzaj]

Loving GS's team, that midfield works perfectly. @antohan I agree about Scirea, that's the perfect way to deal with him, but will that be enough to beat that midfield tick in you mind?

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Back 3 is a overkill and I think he'd concede a bit of possession in the middle due to that. I like GS's midfield better and with a bit of possession, I expect him to have a edge. And the 2 DM's is perfect to dampen Skizzo's central attack. It's a very slight edge though considering Skizzo's attack has the ability to bulldoze most defences!

I still not sure why Gerson is playing. He certainly is a good fit, but surely in a all time draft there'd be couple better!

 

[antohan]

Loving GS's team, that midfield works perfectly. @antohan I agree about Scirea, that's the perfect way to deal with him, but will that be enough to beat that midfield tick in you mind?

There's no "midfield battle", SkizzoPat is offering GS to come onto him and try break down his defence and the midfielders protecting it. Meanwhile van Basten stays up top and probably requires two staying conservatively low (not deep deep but no high line), Rijkaard, Brehme and Zanetti need to curb any attacking instinct as Maradona and Eusebio ready themselves for a sprint around the halfway line...

So either GS ends up with too few players attacking that defence to break it down, or he brutally exposes himself to counterattacking GOATs like Maradona and Eusebio. Best he can hope for is a draw IMO.

 

[green_smiley]

The way Skizzo has set up his team, means I have to alter my attacking play

I would think that Skizzo's team has more threat on my right, so I have to focus more defense on that area, while attempt to exploit space through my left-hand side

Santamaria will still be keeping close eye on van Basten, and Zanetti against Eusebio, with Moore as the extra man in defense. Meanwhile, Gerson dictates the play from deep. Not sure if van Hanegem is going to track him deep in my midfield area

Amoros will have to watch out for Dzajic, while Brehme overlapping will pull Tardelli away to the side, leaving space in front for Rijkaard to exploit. There will be argument whether Rijkaard is allowed to do that and leave Maradona unattended. But with Rijkaard's positioning sense, tactical intelligence and high recovery rate, he will know when to commit to attack (with his teammates supporting defense at the back), and when to stay a bit deeper

Di Stefano may have Scirea marking him, but he is more than able to pull Scirea away, creating space for Dzajic or Littbarski to cut-in and score

 

[Gio]

That's better @green_smiley. You really want to make more use of Brehme's quality on the ball and it makes more sense for Frank Rijkaard to cover Brehme than Gerson to cover Zanetti.

 

[green_smiley]

For my defensive play, it is clear why Skizzo's 3-man defense is over-kill. Muller will be up against Scirea to regain possession when Scirea attempts to bring the ball forward

On the flanks, Brehme defends against Amoros, while Littbarksi defends against Cabrini. Tardelli can't afford to leave Dzajic unmarked so he won't be able to venture forward freely. Rijkaard on the left-side of midfield will primarily help Di Stefano to defend against Maradona, and is able to support Dzajic if needed

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Don't necessarily agree with the overkill assessments regarding the back three. Makes sense if Cabrini and Amoros are fielded - as they are - as wingbacks. It does, as GS suggests, impose certain limitations on Tardelli and Van H., but them's the breaks. Someone has to perform a purely conservative role here, that goes without saying.

My initial thought is that Maradona won't be stifled sufficiently. He'll be just free enough to make the difference, if you will.

It's a ridiculous task to pick a winner here, though. Nothing wrong with either team as such.

 

[Skizzo]

The way Skizzo has set up his team, means I have to alter my attacking play

I would think that Skizzo's team has more threat on my right, so I have to focus more defense on that area, while attempt to exploit space through my left-hand side

Santamaria will still be keeping close eye on van Basten, and Zanetti against Eusebio, with Moore as the extra man in defense. Meanwhile, Gerson dictates the play from deep. Not sure if van Hanegem is going to track him deep in my midfield area

Amoros will have to watch out for Dzajic, while Brehme overlapping will pull Tardelli away to the side, leaving space in front for Rijkaard to exploit. There will be argument whether Rijkaard is allowed to do that and leave Maradona unattended. But with Rijkaard's positioning sense, tactical intelligence and high recovery rate, he will know when to commit to attack (with his teammates supporting defense at the back), and when to stay a bit deeper

Di Stefano may have Scirea marking him, but he is more than able to pull Scirea away, creating space for Dzajic or Littbarski to cut-in and score

In theory, sure, that looks great. Consider what you're up against here though in terms of personnel and tactics. This is exactly what we're set up to defend against..here you throw just about everyone you can forward when attacking...even Rijkaard (who's your best chance to curb Diego...which he won't be successful at 100% of the time anyway) at various times will be up. Look at that huge area of space. We have two of the best counter attacking GOAT players who would shit themselves seeing that space to run into. Moore, while an exceptional defender, won't be stopping Maradona or Eusebio if they are coming full speed.

I'm also a bit curious as to why you think Moore will be an extra man in defence all the time...and also why you think its a benefit to your team to have an extra free defender, but a hindrance to ours.

 

[Physiocrat]

This is seriously close but Pat Jennings, was he really all that? GS has Yashin in goal. I think GS has what it takes to break down Skiz and with Yashin in goal, if he's a bit more exposed he could come to the rescue.

All that said did Muller ever play as a lone forward? If he didn't would he theoretically thrive there? (I'm thinking he would but I don't know him that well)

 

[Skizzo]

This is seriously close but Pat Jennings, was he really all that? GS has Yashin in goal. I think GS has what it takes to break down Skiz and with Yashin in goal, if he's a bit more exposed he could come to the rescue.

All that said did Muller ever play as a lone forward? If he didn't would he theoretically thrive there? (I'm thinking he would but I don't know him that well)

FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup with Spurs
FA Cup with Arsenal

FWA Footballer of the year in 72
PFA Players player of the year in 75 (first goalkeeper to receive this award)

He's in England's hall of fame, played in 6 World Cup qualifying campaigns (a record), was the first player in English football to make 1,000 senior appearances.

With an OBE thrown in for good measure :P Yeah, I think he's good enough to be here

 

[Physiocrat]

Fair enough. You've sold him well, EAP would be proud.

 

[Skizzo]

Fair enough. You've sold him well, EAP would be proud.

I haven't even used the obligatory gif or youtube video yet

 

[Chesterlestreet]

This is seriously close but Pat Jennings, was he really all that?

He was grand. He was grand even far beyond his prime.

I'd say it's him and Banks - for British keepers. That says it all, really. He's above...who have ya? Shilton? Clemence? Above those for me, clearly so too.

There's a discrepancy - because the other guy is Yashin. But beyond that, no. He's right up there for my money. Incredible keeper.

 

[Pat_Mustard]

The way I see it Scirea plays libero and tracks Di Stéfano primarily. Makes sense to me, the two midfielders needed someone between them and the defence. A dedicated DM would be a waste of space much of the time as Di Stéfano will be all over the pitch. A defender who can come forth and deal with him in attacking phases? Yups, that's the best way around it.

Aye, that's the plan. Scirea is as good a fit as possible to help contain Di Stefano.

 

[RooneyLegend]

Back 3 is a overkill and I think he'd concede a bit of possession in the middle due to that. I like GS's midfield better and with a bit of possession, I expect him to have a edge. And the 2 DM's is perfect to dampen Skizzo's central attack. It's a very slight edge though considering Skizzo's attack has the ability to bulldoze most defences!

I still not sure why Gerson is playing. He certainly is a good fit, but surely in a all time draft there'd be couple better!

Gerson is arguably the greatest brazilian midfielder ever, why is it strange that he's still in the draft?

 

[harms]

Gerson is arguably the greatest brazilian midfielder ever, why is it strange that he's still in the draft?

He isn't though. Not that he is out of place here

 

[Balu]

All that said did Muller ever play as a lone forward?

Kinda did for most of his career. Both Germany and Bayern played a 4-3-3 ish formation, sometimes lopsided with a regular winger and a wide forward like Heynckes/Grabowski or Rummenigge next to him, but none of that was a real strike-partnership. The only exception would be with Seeler at the World Cup in 1970.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Gerson is arguably the greatest brazilian midfielder ever, why is it strange that he's still in the draft?

What? Your rate him above Didi, Zico, Falcao etc? This is an all time draft with no restrictions. You saying there are none above Gerson?

 

[Physiocrat]

Kinda did for most of his career. Both Germany and Bayern played a 4-3-3 ish formation, sometimes lopsided with a regular winger and a wide forward like Heynckes/Grabowski or Rummenigge next to him, but none of that was a real strike-partnership. The only exception would be with Seeler at the World Cup in 1970.

Thanks for that. I just wondered since the sort of modern lone striker doesn't seem to exist until the 90s or so. Either they were in a front five or with a front two. Obviously there was more diversity than I thought

 

[Annahnomoss]

Don't necessarily agree with the overkill assessments regarding the back three. Makes sense if Cabrini and Amoros are fielded - as they are - as wingbacks. It does, as GS suggests, impose certain limitations on Tardelli and Van H., but them's the breaks. Someone has to perform a purely conservative role here, that goes without saying.

My initial thought is that Maradona won't be stifled sufficiently. He'll be just free enough to make the difference, if you will.

It's a ridiculous task to pick a winner here, though. Nothing wrong with either team as such.

Agree with that. Usually I'd be the first to point fingers at it but Di Stefano will be wanted inside(or very close) the box in the attacking phase and Dzajic is an absolute monster as well. So with Muller, Di Stefano, Dzajic and Littbarski I see those three defenders having their hands full already - to the point that I am not sure that is enough even.

 

[Skizzo]

Agree with that. Usually I'd be the first to point fingers at it but Di Stefano will be wanted inside(or very close) the box in the attacking phase and Dzajic is an absolute monster as well. So with Muller, Di Stefano, Dzajic and Littbarski I see those three defenders having their hands full already - to the point that I am not sure that is enough even.

The issue he'll face is he wants Di Stefano pushing up to the edge of the box, and then dropping back to cover Maradona on defence. The way we're set up here, to soak the pressure (and the defence/midfield we have here is more than capable really) and then break quickly...there's just no way that anyone can stop Maradona and Eusebio once we start that counter. Di Stefano is being tasked with a bit too much. If we were looking to hold possession and build slowly, then sure, he could get there...but having him link with Muller, and then try to recover to stop Maradona just isn't feasible.

Sacchi on Maradona

Maradona destroyed all my theories about football, We could dominate playing great football as a team, but then he needed just one touch to completely change the game

It would be hard enough trying to mark Maradona out of the game anyway, but here, there's no one assigned to him at all. In transition's he would be absolutely ruthless, especially with Eusebio and Van Basten ahead to draw those defenders and pull them around.

 

[antohan]

He was grand. He was grand even far beyond his prime.

I'd say it's him and Banks - for British keepers. That says it all, really. He's above...who have ya? Shilton? Clemence? Above those for me, clearly so too.

There's a discrepancy - because the other guy is Yashin. But beyond that, no. He's right up there for my money. Incredible keeper.

As a kid there were only five European keepers I could name as great off the top of my head: Zamora, Yashin, Banks Maier and Jennings. Possibly Zoff, but that was more 80s.

Of course, based on sweet FA other than their names transcending all the way to a little kid in South America with no cable or internet. That's some feat though and would warrant stating he is definitely not unworthy of a semi.

 

[antohan]

What? Your rate him above Didi, Zico, Falcao etc? This is an all time draft with no restrictions. You saying there are none above Gerson?

Not sure why you include Zico. As a CM it's one of Didi, Gerson or Falcao. They all have a good claim but you couldn't say any is head and shoulders better.

Gerson is the least suited to modern football, that's why he doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

 

[Annahnomoss]

The issue he'll face is he wants Di Stefano pushing up to the edge of the box, and then dropping back to cover Maradona on defence. The way we're set up here, to soak the pressure (and the defence/midfield we have here is more than capable really) and then break quickly...there's just no way that anyone can stop Maradona and Eusebio once we start that counter. Di Stefano is being tasked with a bit too much. If we were looking to hold possession and build slowly, then sure, he could get there...but having him link with Muller, and then try to recover to stop Maradona just isn't feasible.

Sacchi on Maradona


It would be hard enough trying to mark Maradona out of the game anyway, but here, there's no one assigned to him at all. In transition's he would be absolutely ruthless, especially with Eusebio and Van Basten ahead to draw those defenders and pull them around.

Clearly having Di Stefano marking the opponents number 10 is crazy and won't work. At the same time I don't like seeing Eusebio in your setup. With Maradona there you want players who are happy without the ball but who are excellent at the link-up play so that Maradona can play off them.

I get that Eusebio adds a great threat on the counter, but I would have personally thought Gullit and van Basten were the obvious choice for the front. They are proven together, would terrorize Santamaria/Moore in the air and physically and Gullit can probe wide as well to both sides.

They are a perfect striker partnership for Maradona and I am not sure you can upgrade that duo for this team. They would love having Maradona behind them orchestrating everything. I see the reasoning behind it though, I doubt the votes would be as close without Eusebio up there.

 

[green_smiley]

Di Stefano alone marking Maradona is crazy, but not when Rijkaard is helping him, so it is essentially 2 vs 1

I also think that Gullit would be more suitable than Eusebio. I was quite surprised that he was left out. A fantastic player

 

[RooneyLegend]

What? Your rate him above Didi, Zico, Falcao etc? This is an all time draft with no restrictions. You saying there are none above Gerson?

In terms of true midfielders I.e no 8's. Its him, Didi and Falcao hence I said arguably. He's certainly not out of place in that argument.

 

[antohan]

This has been going on for so long that I frankly have no idea what the squads look like.

Gullit is a good call. In this game I still like the double threat of Eusebio and Maradona, as you could hardly control one, but never both.

In a more controlled game I agree, Gullit/van Basten with Maradona behind them is a better unit.

 

[green_smiley]

As for why I don't assign Rijkaard specifically to track Maradona, that is because I don't think there is anyone who can track Maradona 1-on-1 the full 90 minutes, and also it will be a waste for Rijkaard to do so, seeing how Skizzo leans more towards soaking up pressure and counter. Therefore, Rijkaard and Di Stefano has to work together: know where and when to position themselves, read and control the game with tactical intelligence and awareness, and work together to limit Maradona's threat when he is on the ball

 

[Pat_Mustard]

Clearly having Di Stefano marking the opponents number 10 is crazy and won't work. At the same time I don't like seeing Eusebio in your setup. With Maradona there you want players who are happy without the ball but who are excellent at the link-up play so that Maradona can play off them.

I get that Eusebio adds a great threat on the counter, but I would have personally thought Gullit and van Basten were the obvious choice for the front. They are proven together, would terrorize Santamaria/Moore in the air and physically and Gullit can probe wide as well to both sides.

They are a perfect striker partnership for Maradona and I am not sure you can upgrade that duo for this team. They would love having Maradona behind them orchestrating everything. I see the reasoning behind it though, I doubt the votes would be as close without Eusebio up there.

Passing up on the Van Basten/Gullit partnership is always tough but Eusebio's overall quality and suitability for the counter-attacking setup was just too great to bench him. With Van Basten leading the line, stretching the defence and providing the hold-up play Eusebio will have considerable freedom here. Its had a mixed reception but I love the Maradona/Eusebio link up. As one of them runs at the defence and commits defenders the other has the pace to keep up and it'll open up some brilliant opportunities for defence splitting through balls.

 

[RooneyLegend]

Passing up on the Van Basten/Gullit partnership is always tough but Eusebio's overall quality and suitability for the counter-attacking setup was just too great to bench him. With Van Basten leading the line, stretching the defence and providing the hold-up play Eusebio will have considerable freedom here. Its had a mixed reception but I love the Maradona/Eusebio link up. As one of them runs at the defence and commits defenders the other has the pace to keep up and it'll open up some brilliant opportunities for defence splitting through balls.

True, don't see why some are suggesting you bench him. As far as second strikers go, him and Pele are as good as it gets. Given you don't have the brazilian its an easy choice.

 

[Balu]

Passing up on the Van Basten/Gullit partnership is always tough but Eusebio's overall quality and suitability for the counter-attacking setup was just too great to bench him. With Van Basten leading the line, stretching the defence and providing the hold-up play Eusebio will have considerable freedom here. Its had a mixed reception but I love the Maradona/Eusebio link up. As one of them runs at the defence and commits defenders the other has the pace to keep up and it'll open up some brilliant opportunities for defence splitting through balls.

I don't mind it now anymore with a real number 9 upfront. As I said, I prefer Eusebio himself in a 2nd striker role and with Gullit and Maradona as a front three it didn't really work for me, not at all. With van Basten, as wonderful as the van Basten - Gullit combo was, it's a no-brainer that Eusebio starts here.

 

[Cal?]

Surprisingly one-sided...