Modern Draft Semifinals: Moby Vs. Enigma/TRV

[Moby]

There's been far too much talk about the attacks and midfields, and while on one side the defenders figure out how to keep out that soul crushing attacking 3, on the other sits the young yet complete and absolutely dominant figure who has proven to make the danger disappear. The serial winner himself!

The Modern Beckenbauer
Raphael Varane​

French media crown Varane as their 'minister of defence'

​

Kylian Mbappe been France's attacking star so far, but Raphael Varane has been praised by the French media too for his leadership throughout the 2018 World Cup.

The Real Madrid defender participated in his first major international tournament at the age of 21 and then missed the European Championships on home soil in 2016.

This World Cup has been his chance to shine and the French newspaper Le Monde have already named him "Minister of Defence".

His nickname in the dressing room of Les Bleus, however, is Mr Clean, because of the way he gets to the ball, because of his anticipation and because of his discretion.

Varane is Hugo Lloris's lieutenant and he doesn't hesitate to speak up in a dressing room packed with huge personalities.

"Varane is being heard," L'Equipe said of the Real Madrid man.

"The young and timid centre-back is now a voice that is heard in the France national team."

According to the French publication, Varane has become an active leader in terms of tactics, unlike Paul Pogba, who boosts his colleagues in a more emotive manner.

With four Champions League trophies at the age of 25, the talented defender aims to carry on his European success to an international level with the French national team.


FIFA World Cup 2018 final: France's World Champion Raphael Varane has an incredible CV at the age of just 25

Managed by FIFA World Cup 1998 winner Didier Deschamps, France dazzled with their coruscating football throughout the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia before lifting the cherished silverware playing against Croatia on Sunday. A searing crowd at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and the billions across the globe witnessed all the emphatic French young guns overwhelm a persistent Croatian side led by one of the eclectic midfielder Luka Modric.

And if Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe stole the show with their stunning strikes, it has to be Raphael Varane's brilliance at the back that cannot go unmentioned. The 25-year-old centre-back who plays for Real Madrid has been the backbone of French' defence in this year's World Cup. The 6'3" defender cordoned his team's defensive line with finesse, which is exceptional at his age.

Accompanied by Samuel Umtiti, Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, Varane spearheaded France's defence. He helped Les Blues keep clean sheets against ruthless attacking units like Argentina and Belgium. He also found the back of the net against Uruguay in this World Cup.

And after France lifted the coveted title, it was the Frenchman's achievements which grabbed all the eyeballs. And why not? Aged only 25, Varane's glittering silverware's latest addition is the most desired trophy on the planet - FIFA World Cup.

Here's a glance at Raphael Varane's trophy cabinet so far:

• 
  
  
  • 4 Champion Leagues
  • 3 Club World Cups
  • 3 European Super Cups
  • 2 Spanish Super Cups
  • 2 La Ligas
  • 1 Copa Del Rey
  • 1 World Cup

Besides, the Real Madrid centre-back also boasts some spectacular stats - Playing in 10 semi-finals he has won nine and out of 10 finals, he has also won nine.

 

[Moby]

Makes sense only to pick a fast player and you’ll win the draft

France did that and won the world cup.

If only pace was the only danger he posed. The combination of pace, dribbling, skill and a teenager capable of utilising that to the max is something you cannot live with. His penalty winning run vs Argentina at the World Cup is a proof of the vertical disturbance he causes in the spine of opposition teams creating mayhem.

You couldn't have a bigger complement than being in a squad so full of talent as France right now and coming out as one of the standout performers with the teammates looking at him as the one who can make the difference more and more with every game that goes by.

And that's precisely what he is. The differential.

Not like your defenders are the only ones worried about him:

World Cup: Will have to dust off my boots if Kylian Mbappe continues to break my records like this, jokes Pele

FIFA World Cup 2018 has been a game of records and the final match didn't end without one. Kylian Mbappe scored the fourth goal for France to put his team closer to victory. With the goal, Mbappe became the second teenager to score in the final after legendary footballer Pele. While social media lauded Mbappe, Pele himself took to Twitter to heap praise on him.

Pele lauded the teenager after he equalled his record. Praising the young talent, he also jokingly hinted how it could be a reason for his return from the retirement. "If Kylian keeps equalling my records like this I may have to dust my boots off again...," Pele tweeted.




At such a young age, Mbappe has proved to be a major threat for the teams in the World Cup. After proving his skills in the match against Peru, he amplified his performance in the match against Argentina and there has been no stopping since then.

He has established his name in the football history and is also the most expensive teenager currently. The Paris Saint Germain (PSG) striker is following Pele's footsteps and is trying to match his moves.

Pele, one of the greatest footballers ever, holds several records and two records from his teenage days have already been equalled by Mbappe. The soccer legend still stands as the most hat-trick scorer, holds the record for the most number of goals and also the top medal grosser as an individual.

At the presentation ceremony, Mbappe was given the young player of the tournament award. Having tasted World Cup success at the age of 19, a delighted Mbappe said after the match, "I'm very happy. The road was long but it was worth it. We are proud to make the French happy. We had this role to help them forget all their problems. We play for that kind of thing."

 

[Moby]

@Indnyc please make this tactical update as close to half time or whenever you see this and please add the change instruction somewhere in the OP tagged as 'tactical update'. Might be going off soon hence posting now.

With the teams neck to neck and mine likely to be in the lead around the half way mark, a slight tactical change in midfield. After a mammoth first half holding the fort at the back, Saul is released as the right sided shuttling box-to-box midfielder allowing him to use his energy off the ball in defending out wide as well charging forward pinning Sandro back and providing late runs into the box if needed. Verratti moves central into the position of a deep lying midfielder, provides further stability and control to that area, shores up the defense and is instructed to play those trademarks lobs from deep to onrushing forwards up front. The team plays slightly deeper than before, inviting the opposition and hitting them on the counter, especially out wide with their wingbacks committed forward.

​

 

[The Red Viper]

You have actually taken the 7 game sample size for MaTS there.

Not to mention, that's another strawman arguement from your side as I've never used the stats literally, it was to highlight Saul's defensive game and there are numerous reports that mention exactly what the stats portray there.

Completely disagree if you think Saul in a massively hard working hound mentality unit like that will be another apart from a happy camper and would absolutely relish the entire battle. And lastly, he is up against the worst attacking player on the pitch and one I am least worried about.

Ok. How about this for a better sample size then?

Saul is incredibly hard-working, yes. But so is someone like say Dirk Kuyt or Park Ji-Sung. Doesn't mean you can go and have him play as a DM/Holding Midfielder and then sell him that he will be able to do well in a role which he has NEVER played in his career. Even if he has, you can count them in one hand.

And the worst attacking player on the pitch? Well may be. But, James would eviscerate Saul here, inside out.

Also, I love Verratti. But.....

That attribute complements the powerful running of Blaise Matuidi and the organisation provided by Thiago Motta. PSG’s is one of Europe’s most balanced midfield trios, bettered only by Barcelona’s Xavi, Busquets and Andres Iniesta and Juventus’s Pirlo, Pogba and Arturo Vidal. It – and Ibra, in addition of course to the club’s spending power – was one of the principal reasons why they won the league for the first time in nearly two decades in Verratti’s first season.

Who will play the defensive organizer of Thiago Motta here?

Saul, in a role where he has never played for two consecutive games at either club level or International level? Or are you going to sell Verratti as the not only Pirlo's heir but Gattuso's as well? Not to mention Di Maria simply doesn't have the discipline like that of Matuidi in terms of keeping the possession and maintaining the shape.

I am genuinely perplexed.

Moby is out here highlighting how Hummels, a world class defender, would struggle to deal with Mbappe just because he isn't pacy enough to keep up with Mbappe. Who is, lol? While the biggest mismatch in the entire pitch is Moby fielding Saul in role where he has never played, and that too in a key position as the holding midfielder. Not to mention Alexis vs Asamoah and Hazard vs Zabaleta which are far bigger mis-matches.

Yes, Hummels would struggle against Mbappe's pace. Almost everyone would but there have been plenty of instances where slow defenders have manged to restrict pacy attackers. At least, if not anything, Mats Hummels is a world class player and is one of the best defenders of this decade

How is Mbappe vs Hummels a bigger mis-match than Saul playing in a role which he NEVER has OR a jabroni like Asamoah having to defend against Alexis OR Zabaleta vs Hazard where there is actual evidence of Hazard skinning and making Zabaleta sit on his ass?

Mbappe vs Hummels & Rooney vs Gimenez

OR

James vs Saul, Hazard vs Zabaleta & Alexis vs Asamoah.

Which one has more mis-matches?

 

[Moby]

Ok. How about this for a better sample size then?

Saul is incredibly hard-working, yes. But so is someone like say Dirk Kuyt or Park Ji-Sung. Doesn't mean you can go and have him play as a DM/Holding Midfielder and then sell him that he will be able to do well in a role which he has NEVER played in his career. Even if he has, you can count them in one hand.

And the worst attacking player on the pitch? Well may be. But, James would eviscerate Saul here, inside out.

Also, I love Verratti. But.....



Who will play the defensive organizer of Thiago Motta here?

Saul, in a role where he has never played for two consecutive games at either club level or International level? Or are you going to sell Verratti as the not only Pirlo's heir but Gattuso's as well? Not to mention Di Maria simply doesn't have the discipline like that of Matuidi in terms of keeping the possession and maintaining the shape.

I am genuinely perplexed.

Moby is out here highlighting how Hummels, a world class defender, would struggle to deal with Mbappe just because he isn't pacy enough to keep up with Mbappe. Who is, lol? While the biggest mismatch in the entire pitch is Moby fielding Saul in role where he has never played, and that too in a key position as the holding midfielder. Not to mention Alexis vs Asamoah and Hazard vs Zabaleta which are far bigger mis-matches.

Yes, Hummels would struggle against Mbappe's pace. Almost everyone would but there have been plenty of instances where slow defenders have manged to restrict pacy attackers. At least, if not anything, Mats Hummels is a world class player and is one of the best defenders of this decade

How is Mbappe vs Hummels a bigger mis-match than Saul playing in a role which he NEVER has OR a jabroni like Asamoah having to defend against Alexis OR Zabaleta vs Hazard where there is actual evidence of Hazard skinning and making Zabaleta sit on his ass?

Mbappe vs Hummels & Rooney vs Gimenez

OR

James vs Saul, Hazard vs Zabaleta & Alexis vs Asamoah.

Which one has more mis-matches?

Incredible timing.

 

[2mufc0]

Finding it hard to vote in this game, Moby's attack is incredible but i don't buy Saul in that DM role or Asamoah against those wingers.

While Enigma's defence will have issues against the pace of Mbappe and Rooney.

Both keepers aren't particularly great for semi final stage either.

 

[Moby]

Mbappe vs Hummels & Rooney vs Gimenez

OR

James vs Saul, Hazard vs Zabaleta & Alexis vs Asamoah.

Which one has more mis-matches?

Who is picking up Griezmann?

With Di Maria and Saul up against Kroos and Kante, and the two CBs fighting for their lives vs those two forwards (which is a suicidal match up), who is picking up Griezmann?

 

[Moby]

Moby's attack is incredible but i don't buy Saul in that DM

I do get the point of evidence, however he has been tasked with the role before and has done it well. Either ways, he's playing as a #8 now, a box to box midfielder.

 

[2mufc0]

Why would Zabaleta struggle against Hazard? He's been one of the more consistent RB's in the PL, unless he has a good record against him?

 

[2mufc0]

I do get the point of evidence, however he has been tasked with the role before and has done it well. Either ways, he's playing as a #8 now, a box to box midfielder.

I've been looking at transfermkt and he has played there but very rarely and this includes last season.

 

[Moby]

I've been looking at transfermkt and he has played there but very rarely and this includes last season.

Yeah, that assignment was more down to his general defensive ability more than evidence. Even with another DM next to him, he (as a lot of the Atletico players) defend quite deep and he is well versed with winning the ball in front of the defense (the video I posted has quite a few tackles in that area).

Anyway, have made the tactical change.

 

[Enigma_87]

Why would Zabaleta struggle against Hazard? He's been one of the more consistent RB's in the PL, unless he has a good record against him?

Hazard is much better player for starters and he also has the support of Sandro who is great going forward. Zabaleta will get very little support and Verratti isn’t really a covering midfielder.

On top of that the other flank is barely mentioned and Asamoah is really not that convincing defender either yet he magically will also cope with Carvajal and Sanchez.

There is also Saul in a role that is basically make or break for Moby’s midfield - a position he never played in and also being targeted as weakness even in the report Moby provided for the player.

 

[Moby]

Who is picking up Griezmann?

With Di Maria and Saul up against Kroos and Kante, and the two CBs fighting for their lives vs those two forwards (which is a suicidal match up), who is picking up Griezmann?

Even without TRV answering that, the mismatches against their CBs are far worse. Even with Saul as the DM, he had plenty of world class support in midfield in the likes of Verratti and Di Maria with easily the better CB pair out of the two behind them to shore up any errors.

In case of Hummels facing Mbappe directly at him and getting isolating, there is nothing that will save his sorry ass if he gets beaten. And there are not many chances you can give Mbappe to make those runs at you. Not to mention, he would never be having to individually beat him in every play (well capable of doing that), but he would have a seemingly unmarked Griezmann (largely due to the two forwards and that swarm of midfielders occupying his players) and freaking Wayne Rooney in support, who's dragging around Gimenez.

It's a terrible match up overall. All of Rooney, Griezmann and Mbappe can score and create for each other which will be simply unstoppable here. There's goals in there, end of.

But who is picking Griezmann?

 

[Enigma_87]

Come on mate you keep banging on the same drum. Yet your flanks are completely exposed in a 4-4-2 diamond with the two weakest full backs on the pitch.

There’s also Kante you know the best DM on the pitch who is actually a DM not Verratti or Saul at DM - a position they BOTH aren’t at their best at

 

[Moby]

Come on mate you keep banging on the same drum. Yet your flanks are completely exposed in a 4-4-2 diamond with the two weakest full backs on the pitch.

Yeah you are right a diamond has never won versus a team that had wingers.

 

[Enigma_87]

Yeah you are right a diamond has never won versus a team that had wingers.

Not with inferior full backs. Or without a DM who is an actual DM rather than a filling in who can play there as well.

So you kept banging on the Saul being great at DM yet subbed him from that position at HT?

 

[Moby]

So you kept banging on the Saul being great at DM yet subbed him from that position at HT?

Sorry for being tactically aware of the situation, having multiple plans and options in hand and switching things around to keep your side guessing, one who is still wondering where the hell is that Koke guy their manager told them was playing against them.

You are seriously blaming a manger for making a tactical switch? Incredible.

Either ways, let's discuss on what's on the pitch. Bring it on.

 

[Enigma_87]

Sorry for being tactically aware of the situation, having multiple plans and options in hand and switching things around to keep your side guessing, one who is still wondering where the hell is that Koke guy their manager told them was playing against them.

You are seriously blaming a manger for making a tactical switch? Incredible.

Either ways, let's discuss on what's on the pitch. Bring it on.

A tactical error usually means you get punish for it. You can’t get a free pass for that as game has long way started and judging by the vote count near the middle to end

 

[Moby]

@Enigma_87

Who is picking Griezmann?

 

[Moby]

A tactical error usually means you get punish for it. You can’t get a free pass for that as game has long way started and judging by the vote count near the middle to end

The fact that my team is leading says it wasn't really an error.

 

[Enigma_87]

So a World Cup winner, in the team of the tournament as well, multiple BL winner and countless of individual awards gets rough treatment and the opposition fields two average full backs for a semifinal and gets a free pass?

 

[Enigma_87]

@Enigma_87

Who is picking Griezmann?

He's in a zone that Kante will operate - a pretty fair fight isn't it?

What's the plan for your wings?

 

[Moby]

He's in a zone that Kante will operate - a pretty fair fight isn't it?

In that case, who is picking Di Maria?

 

[Enigma_87]

The fact that my team is leading says it wasn't really an error.

Well you just abandoned your whole case since the beginning of the game.

I really like to hear what @Pat_Mustard @Edgar Allan Pillow @Ecstatic @Indnyc think about that and the game overall?

Think only Indy commented so far on it.

 

[Moby]

What's the plan for your wings?

Have answered it multiple times before. Even Gio has repeated the exact same thing. It's one thing if you don't agree it working but I am not going to repeat the same thing 10 times.

 

[Enigma_87]

In that case, who is picking Di Maria?

So I guess you are playing centrally without anyone on your wings and Carvajal/Sanchez and Sandro/Hazard will get a free pass all game?

You really haven't even mentioned who is picking THEM

 

[Moby]

Well you just abandoned your whole case since the beginning of the game.

That's not how in-game management works.

 

[Enigma_87]

Have answered it multiple times before. Even Gio has repeated the exact same thing. It's one thing if you don't agree it working but I am not going to repeat the same thing 10 times.

Like you answered on Saul and at the end subbed him off his position?

 

[Moby]

So I guess you are playing centrally without anyone on your wings and Carvajal/Sanchez and Sandro/Hazard will get a free pass all game?

You really haven't even mentioned who is picking THEM

We are discussing the phase when MY TEAM has the ball.

So, who is picking Di Maria?

 

[Moby]

Like you answered on Saul and at the end subbed him off his position?

Mate its 2 am here. I'd rather hit the bed if you are in the mood for spamming.

 

[Enigma_87]

We are discussing the phase when MY TEAM has the ball.

So, who is picking Di Maria?

It's a team job. Carvajal might tuck in for example, depending on where the ball is.

We're not man marking anyone here.

In essence when you have the ball you are only attacking centrally is that your point?


When Di Maria loses the ball who is covering the wings on the counter?

 

[Enigma_87]

Mate its 2 am here. I'd rather hit the bed if you are in the mood for spamming.

Well you are avoiding questions either way so it's futile, can wish you good night

 

[Moby]

Sandro might tuck in for example, depending on where the ball is.

Sandro is on the opposite flank to where Di Maria is (on your right).

Come on man.

 

[Moby]

Well you are avoiding questions either way so it's futile, can wish you good night

Which question have I avoided?

 

[Enigma_87]

Sandro is on the opposite flank to where Di Maria is (on your right).

Come on man.

Edited out. Meant Carvajal.

Which question have I avoided?

The defensive play of your team.

- When Di Maria loses the ball high up the pitch who is covering Carvajal / Sanchez?
- Who is covering the left flank when we have the ball and Sandro and Hazard overload Zabaleta?
- Who is covering the right flank when we have the ball and Carvajal and Sanchez overload Asamoah?
- Are you playing possession football (something you rather implied) or counter?
- If you are sitting back doesn't that mean that your defenders will get overwhelmed on the flanks?
- If you are not sitting back does Griezmann and Saul enjoy possession football or it's exactly the opposite?
- Is now Verratti man marking James? What happened to that?
- When did Asamoah play (and for which club) as a left back in back 4 and how good he was?

Those are for starters.

 

[MJJ]

Erm isn't verratti as a DM worse than Saul as a DM? The guy is a bit notorious for not being the most defensivelh astute and putting a shift in?

 

[Moby]

Edited out. Meant Carvajal.

So that takes out the 2v1 wing advantage you have been banging on so far?

Does Carvajal have experience of playing in midfield or central defense to come inside narrow and become an auxiliary CB/DM to help out there?

 

[Enigma_87]

So that takes out the 2v1 wing advantage you have been banging on so far?

Does Carvajal have experience of playing in midfield or central defense to come inside narrow and become an auxiliary CB/DM to help out there?

erm, we're without the ball, what is Carvajal supposed to do? Stay still?

Erm isn't verratti as a DM worse than Saul as a DM? The guy is a bit notorious for not being the most defensivelh astute and putting a shift in?

Yes it is, but Moby so far gets free pass on both!

Verratti was never a holder as well. He had players like Motta and Matuidi both doing the heavy lifting for him!

 

[Moby]

When Di Maria loses the ball high up the pitch who is covering Carvajal / Sanchez?

Carvajal is tucking in defending BEHIND Di Maria or pushed forward for a counter? Can't be at two places at once. Di Maria wont stop running after losing the ball, so there's no counter there.

Who is covering the left flank when we have the ball and Sandro and Hazard overload Zabaleta?

Saul.

Who is covering the right flank when we have the ball and Carvajal and Sanchez overload Asamoah?

Di Maria.

 

[Enigma_87]

Carvajal is tucking in defending BEHIND Di Maria or pushed forward for a counter? Can't be at two places at once. Di Maria wont stop running after losing the ball, so there's no counter there.

Same goes for both Di Maria and Verratti (till half time) and also Saul. In diamond formation it's more likely Di Maria and Saul/Verratti BOTH to start BEHIND Carvajal when you are on counter. Or you are playing possession football?

Saul.

Can't be on two places at once.

Di Maria.

Same as Saul and also please answer all questions, don't cherry pick them.