Team Pat
Sir Alex Ferguson:
Out with the 4-4-1-1 from our last game, and in with a 4-3-3 with Raul as a false 9. Having led the line as a youngster when Zamarano was injured, Raul would pop up in that role sporadically throughout his career, notably at the business end of possibly his career-best season in 2000-01 after Morientes’ injury. He also starred playing behind Suker and Mijatovic in a three-pronged attack around 1998, and briefly in a similar role behind Morientes and Anelka. His role here can be considered something of a hybrid. With two blisteringly fast wide attackers who can play off the shoulder of the opposition defensive line, there’s little imperative for him to try to engage the centre backs as a back-to-goal bruiser. Instead, he can play to his strengths, namely his superb movement and creativity. He’s free to drift deep to link with the midfield and to create, or to prowl around the penalty area as he sees fit. As this excellent article by Jacob Steinberg states,
Style: A quick tempo passing game, with the full backs supporting the attack whenever possible. Think early '90s Barca rather than Pep's Barca in terms of tempo, but don't tell Raul we're comparing them to Barcelona at all.
Defence: High defensive line and an aggressive pressing game. Boateng will tend to attack the first ball, with Koeman sweeping up behind him. Koeman to orchestrate the transitions when possible, either finding the front men early or else opting for the slower build up.
Midfield: A well-rounded midfield trio with plenty of attacking verve and energy. Haan as DM, Giles as the main orchestrator and Hassler as the main ball-carrier.
Attack: Raul is flanked by two extremely quick wide attackers, either of whom can play off the shoulder when our main man drops deep.
Team Edgar
Central player
"El Príncipe" Enzo Francescoli
Basic Wiki for the Philistine's:
One of the greatest players of Uruguay, Enzo was classy and elegantly stylish elite playmaker. An elegant, creative, and technically gifted attacking midfielder, who was also capable of playing as a second striker Francescoli was noted in particular for his control, grace, fluidity, dribbling skills, and ability on the ball. A two-footed playmaker, with excellent vision and an eye for goal from midfield, he was also known for his ability from set-pieces, and also had a penchant for scoring acrobatic goals from overhead kicks.
Specific Tactical Role:
In my team Enzo is the star man, the "Fantasista" and has a free role upfront. He is the primary playmaker and controls the game from the front.
Style/Formation:
3-4-3 Diamond / 3-3-1-3
Defensive Line:
Normal
Defensive Strategy:
Compact defensive unit with Stiles (who is comfortable as a CB for United) dropping back for support. Both Montero and Gentile are comfortable out wide and Picchi is a elegant sweeper marshalling the defence. In addition to Stiles, Cambiasso also adds to the defensive shield in from of the defence.
Midfield
A hardworking midfield anchored by the indomitable Nobby Stiles. A destroyer par excellence, his ability to sniff out attacks and hound dog opponents players needs no further introduction.
Estaban Cambiasso makes his way into the team in his preferred Left Midfielder role. Defensively sound his dynamism and passing ability will ensure free transition of the ball to Enzo/attack. Albertini mans the other side of the midfield diamond. With his brilliant passing range and hard working playing style he will aim to provide a constant supply of quick balls to Enzo/attack.
Attack:
Enzo sits atop the midfield diamond, the crown jewel of the team. Cambiasso/Albertini ensures a smooth transition and supply of balls from the deep. He has the dynamic trio of Eder-Cole-Muller playing with him. Eder and Muller operate as wide forwards. Both are comfortable in their flanks and will serve to stretch the defence for Enzo and/or will benefit from being at the end of some pinpoint passing from Enzo. Both are dynamic forwards who'll drop into spaces both centrally and out wide. They are selfless in pulling defenders out if position and opening for Enzo or running into a accurate pass and score themselves. Cole is the main target man who'll hold up defenders and provide the constant presence upfront. He's not just a in-the-box poacher, but his all round style will aim to score and create for others.
Sir Alex Ferguson:
Fernando Hierro:
Out with the 4-4-1-1 from our last game, and in with a 4-3-3 with Raul as a false 9. Having led the line as a youngster when Zamarano was injured, Raul would pop up in that role sporadically throughout his career, notably at the business end of possibly his career-best season in 2000-01 after Morientes’ injury. He also starred playing behind Suker and Mijatovic in a three-pronged attack around 1998, and briefly in a similar role behind Morientes and Anelka. His role here can be considered something of a hybrid. With two blisteringly fast wide attackers who can play off the shoulder of the opposition defensive line, there’s little imperative for him to try to engage the centre backs as a back-to-goal bruiser. Instead, he can play to his strengths, namely his superb movement and creativity. He’s free to drift deep to link with the midfield and to create, or to prowl around the penalty area as he sees fit. As this excellent article by Jacob Steinberg states,
Style: A quick tempo passing game, with the full backs supporting the attack whenever possible. Think early '90s Barca rather than Pep's Barca in terms of tempo, but don't tell Raul we're comparing them to Barcelona at all.
Defence: High defensive line and an aggressive pressing game. Boateng will tend to attack the first ball, with Koeman sweeping up behind him. Koeman to orchestrate the transitions when possible, either finding the front men early or else opting for the slower build up.
Midfield: A well-rounded midfield trio with plenty of attacking verve and energy. Haan as DM, Giles as the main orchestrator and Hassler as the main ball-carrier.
Attack: Raul is flanked by two extremely quick wide attackers, either of whom can play off the shoulder when our main man drops deep.
Team Edgar
Central player
"El Príncipe" Enzo Francescoli
Basic Wiki for the Philistine's:
One of the greatest players of Uruguay, Enzo was classy and elegantly stylish elite playmaker. An elegant, creative, and technically gifted attacking midfielder, who was also capable of playing as a second striker Francescoli was noted in particular for his control, grace, fluidity, dribbling skills, and ability on the ball. A two-footed playmaker, with excellent vision and an eye for goal from midfield, he was also known for his ability from set-pieces, and also had a penchant for scoring acrobatic goals from overhead kicks.
Specific Tactical Role:
In my team Enzo is the star man, the "Fantasista" and has a free role upfront. He is the primary playmaker and controls the game from the front.
Style/Formation:
3-4-3 Diamond / 3-3-1-3
Defensive Line:
Normal
Defensive Strategy:
Compact defensive unit with Stiles (who is comfortable as a CB for United) dropping back for support. Both Montero and Gentile are comfortable out wide and Picchi is a elegant sweeper marshalling the defence. In addition to Stiles, Cambiasso also adds to the defensive shield in from of the defence.
Midfield
A hardworking midfield anchored by the indomitable Nobby Stiles. A destroyer par excellence, his ability to sniff out attacks and hound dog opponents players needs no further introduction.
Estaban Cambiasso makes his way into the team in his preferred Left Midfielder role. Defensively sound his dynamism and passing ability will ensure free transition of the ball to Enzo/attack. Albertini mans the other side of the midfield diamond. With his brilliant passing range and hard working playing style he will aim to provide a constant supply of quick balls to Enzo/attack.
Attack:
Enzo sits atop the midfield diamond, the crown jewel of the team. Cambiasso/Albertini ensures a smooth transition and supply of balls from the deep. He has the dynamic trio of Eder-Cole-Muller playing with him. Eder and Muller operate as wide forwards. Both are comfortable in their flanks and will serve to stretch the defence for Enzo and/or will benefit from being at the end of some pinpoint passing from Enzo. Both are dynamic forwards who'll drop into spaces both centrally and out wide. They are selfless in pulling defenders out if position and opening for Enzo or running into a accurate pass and score themselves. Cole is the main target man who'll hold up defenders and provide the constant presence upfront. He's not just a in-the-box poacher, but his all round style will aim to score and create for others.
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but to be fair im biased as im weak on false nine formations....
You learn something new every draft.