GSTQ:
MUSTARD:
GSTQ:
Style of play - Stay solid at the back, quick transitions from front to back, be lethal on the counters
Thoughts on my team -
1. The team more or less comprises exclusively of draft regulars almost all of whom can be categorized as positional greats even for an all time draft.
2. Fact that there are no square pegs in rounds holes in a straight forward symmetric formation means there is great balance in the team.
3. The team is neither top or bottom heavy nor is it attack or defense heavy. And yet, the team can score for fun and can also keep clean sheets for fun.
Only player who I would categorize as not a regular in all time drafts is Javi Martinez, so I would go into more details only about him. I am sure most have watched a decent bit of him, if not in the Bundesliga, at least in the UCL knockouts. But below is a quick refresher video. Based on below compilation, this is what he brings to the table -
1. Great at interceptions and tackling even in dangerous situations inside the box. Expert sliding tackler.
2. Excellent at shielding the ball in tight situations even deep in his own half or even against a multiple player press.
3. High emphasis on not just winning the ball back but making sure it gets forward quickly either through his own thrust forward or a smart layoff to a more advanced midfielder
4. Very good on the ball, can dribble well for a DM and can actually beat men with faints and turns. Excellent long passer.
5. Brilliant at getting the ball to the wide men high up the pitch from the central areas be its through a quick thrusted pass or through an accurate long ball.
6. Excellent first time pass and awareness of players up front, can trigger a sudden attack up front from deep through an unexpected first time pass which would be great on the counters.
7. Has a very good through ball on him, be it from the deep or from outside the box.
8. Smart scorer. Can score through shots just outside the box. Also incisive when the ball falls to him inside the box.
9. Excellent header of the ball, always a danger during set pieces.
10. Classic good looks as a bonus.
PAT MUSTARD:
Formation: Lopsided 4-4-2/4-3-3 hybrid
Off The Ball: A strong central defensive spine containing the commanding Southall, a complementary CB partnership of sweeping-and-covering specialist Belodedici and proactive stopper Cannavaro, and a robust midfield shield of Voronin and Cerezo. The dogged and tenacious FBs Amoros and McGrain face daunting assignments against Dzajic and Finney, although with Djalma and particularly Marzolini being fairly conservative FBs we should be able to double-up on the wingers when we're in our organised shape at least. It's a highly industrious unit overall, with no passengers in the defensive phase. Lewa, our most average player against-the-ball, has still done enough to pull his weight under the likes of Pep and Klopp. Best was a keen runner and tackler, De Bruyne's work rate is consistently impressive, and Keegan is simply exceptional in that regard.
On The Ball: There's a good seam of ability on the ball in deeper areas. Belo is a sharp passer off either foot, Voronin is skilful on the ball, and Cerezo had an excellent passing range. Amoros is a relentless overlapper and fine ball carrier who should be in his element providing width on our right wing here, with McGrain providing more of a playmaking presence on the opposite flank with his astute, progressive use of the ball. Ahead of them, Best has licence to either test Djalma on the outside or maraud infield, De Bruyne will create chances from his favoured attacking RCM berth, Lewa will provide the lethal cutting edge, and Keegan will basically be an irrepressible pain in the balls, disrupting an excellent opposition defence with his non-stop movement and hustle.
MUSTARD:
GSTQ:
Style of play - Stay solid at the back, quick transitions from front to back, be lethal on the counters
Thoughts on my team -
1. The team more or less comprises exclusively of draft regulars almost all of whom can be categorized as positional greats even for an all time draft.
2. Fact that there are no square pegs in rounds holes in a straight forward symmetric formation means there is great balance in the team.
3. The team is neither top or bottom heavy nor is it attack or defense heavy. And yet, the team can score for fun and can also keep clean sheets for fun.
Only player who I would categorize as not a regular in all time drafts is Javi Martinez, so I would go into more details only about him. I am sure most have watched a decent bit of him, if not in the Bundesliga, at least in the UCL knockouts. But below is a quick refresher video. Based on below compilation, this is what he brings to the table -
1. Great at interceptions and tackling even in dangerous situations inside the box. Expert sliding tackler.
2. Excellent at shielding the ball in tight situations even deep in his own half or even against a multiple player press.
3. High emphasis on not just winning the ball back but making sure it gets forward quickly either through his own thrust forward or a smart layoff to a more advanced midfielder
4. Very good on the ball, can dribble well for a DM and can actually beat men with faints and turns. Excellent long passer.
5. Brilliant at getting the ball to the wide men high up the pitch from the central areas be its through a quick thrusted pass or through an accurate long ball.
6. Excellent first time pass and awareness of players up front, can trigger a sudden attack up front from deep through an unexpected first time pass which would be great on the counters.
7. Has a very good through ball on him, be it from the deep or from outside the box.
8. Smart scorer. Can score through shots just outside the box. Also incisive when the ball falls to him inside the box.
9. Excellent header of the ball, always a danger during set pieces.
10. Classic good looks as a bonus.
PAT MUSTARD:
Formation: Lopsided 4-4-2/4-3-3 hybrid
Off The Ball: A strong central defensive spine containing the commanding Southall, a complementary CB partnership of sweeping-and-covering specialist Belodedici and proactive stopper Cannavaro, and a robust midfield shield of Voronin and Cerezo. The dogged and tenacious FBs Amoros and McGrain face daunting assignments against Dzajic and Finney, although with Djalma and particularly Marzolini being fairly conservative FBs we should be able to double-up on the wingers when we're in our organised shape at least. It's a highly industrious unit overall, with no passengers in the defensive phase. Lewa, our most average player against-the-ball, has still done enough to pull his weight under the likes of Pep and Klopp. Best was a keen runner and tackler, De Bruyne's work rate is consistently impressive, and Keegan is simply exceptional in that regard.
On The Ball: There's a good seam of ability on the ball in deeper areas. Belo is a sharp passer off either foot, Voronin is skilful on the ball, and Cerezo had an excellent passing range. Amoros is a relentless overlapper and fine ball carrier who should be in his element providing width on our right wing here, with McGrain providing more of a playmaking presence on the opposite flank with his astute, progressive use of the ball. Ahead of them, Best has licence to either test Djalma on the outside or maraud infield, De Bruyne will create chances from his favoured attacking RCM berth, Lewa will provide the lethal cutting edge, and Keegan will basically be an irrepressible pain in the balls, disrupting an excellent opposition defence with his non-stop movement and hustle.
