PR Draft R1 - Himannv/Red Bear vs Enigma

[GodShaveTheQueen]

----------------------------------------------HIMANNV/RED BEAR----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ENIGMA

TEAM HIMANNV/RED BEAR

Formation: 4-3-3

Tactics:

While this is not a possession based side or tiki-taka exactly, we'd look to get on the ball and create.
There is position interchanging here akin to total football but is done with defensive care and opposition quality in mind.
Generally try to beat the press using out overall quality on the ball.


Attack:

• Cruyff - GOAT forward who will have the freedom to really do what he wants and make use of the on-the-ball quality of the midfield behind him and complementary attackers around him.
• Team built around Cruyff so we decided to pair him up with Benzema who is a player who will allow him to shine and who will work hard and sacrifice himself for the team, while also having the ability to decide games himself.
• Bene both crosses the ball in and also cuts in closer to goal when he needs to and is a player with versatility to suit the system. He also offers off-the-ball workrate and quality on the ball as well.

Midfield

• Scholes will drop deep and create, but he also has the freedom to venture forward and impact the game with a key goal or a match-winning assist without having to worry about the defense.
• Veratti is the DM who can also aid in creativity and keep possession with the best of them.
• Bernardo Silva will offer energy in midfield off the ball, but also brilliance on it to keep possession and make the team work like a well-oiled machine.

Defence

• Cafu and Pavoni bomb forward and help out with attacking but are also two-way fullbacks and get back and defend when it's needed.
• Passarella is great on the ball but also a great defender in his own right and great in the air. He'll venture forward at times when there is sufficient positional cover.
• Kohler is probably the best pure defender of all time and also decent on the ball.
• Mazurkeiwicz started off his career as a forward and only took up the gloves at 18 and he's actually good on the ball for a keeper of his time. Obviously he's also a top tier shot stopper.

TEAM ENIGMA

Formation: 4-3-3
Style: Build around der Kaiser in the heart of defence, direct style with quick transitions and hitting the opposition with pace.

Defence:
Franz Beckenbauer bosses the defence, that is tailored to get the best of him with a more defensive minded Bergomi on the right, able to tuck in and allow him to foray forward, a classic strong and rigid stopper in Shesternyov and a more attacking full back on the side in Nilton Santos who will surge forward when we're on the ball to overlap Cristiano and help the attack.

Midfield:
Rijkaard at the base, will protect the back four and shield the defence forming a formidable understanding with Beckenbauer. Rijkaard is well suited to hold fort having played with another libero in Baresi and is perfect for the holding role. Bremner plays in his natural B2B role, disrupting the opposition midfield and breaking up play. He is comfortable on the ball to keep it simple and allow David Silva who is the main playmaker of the team to pull the strings and link the midfield with the attack.



Attack:
A fearsome duo on the flanks who can burn the opposition with pace and trickery will attack the space between the full backs and CB's with their electric speed and dribbling, whilst Kocsis will engage the central defenders and alongside Ronaldo will be a very clinical and threatening duo both on the ground and especially in the air. Mbappe also plays his natural wide forward role and will get some favorable matchup against Pavoni who isn't the most agile and fast fullbacks on the opposition team sheet.

 

[GodShaveTheQueen]

Good luck @Himannv @Red the Bear @Enigma_87

 

[GodShaveTheQueen]

Great lineups. This should not be a R1 draw FFS, both teams could have been the finalists.

I do have a couple of criticisms for both teams though.

For Himannv/Red Bear, I think Cruyff and Benzema don't get the best out of each other. Both would do better with a different partner IMO. Also not very sure about Veratti there, the midfield looks a bit light weight defensively in midfield.

For Enigma, the fullbacks really hinder the team from looking an absolute monstrosity. With CR, there should definitely be a proper overlapping fullback. The whole flank turns goat-esque even with someone like Evra, let alone a Marcelo. Nilton was not a marauding overlapper. Same with Mbappe, really should have a good overlapper. Understandable that Bergomi compliments Kaiser really well, but then the profile of the right winger should be different. Say an orthodox winger like Beckham/Conti is there and that flank simply becomes too dangerous with crosses being whipped into Koscis/CR, probably among the top 3 greatest headers of all time.

One thing is for sure though, whoever wins will look stupendous after a round of reinforcements.

 

[Enigma_87]

For Enigma, the fullbacks really hinder the team from looking an absolute monstrosity. With CR, there should definitely be a proper overlapping fullback. The whole flank turns goat-esque even with someone like Evra, let alone a Marcelo. Nilton was not a marauding overlapper. Same with Mbappe, really should have a good overlapper. Understandable that Bergomi compliments Kaiser really well, but then the profile of the right winger should be different. Say an orthodox winger like Beckham/Conti is there and that flank simply becomes too dangerous with crosses being whipped into Koscis/CR, probably among the top 3 greatest headers of all time.

One thing is for sure though, whoever wins will look stupendous after a round of reinforcements.

cheers for the thoughts.
On our part I understand the rationale but our game plan is not to dominate possession and press very high.
We still want to physically dominate the midfield(especially with the opposition lacking a typical ball winner) but the idea is to open up the opposition so that we can use the space behind and catch the opposition on the backfoot. Nilton is very capable crosser from what I’ve seen, from deep as well and whilst he’s not the modern one to overlap consistently imo that’s much more due to the era he played in and being the pioneer in that extend.

in a more possession heavy side the need for two a lot more attacking fullbacks might be an issue but both Nilton and Bergomi are the types that can support the attack whilst of course being very solid at the back.

Bergomi also is a very nice fit for the opposition star player and plays in that zone.

Mbappe can really trouble Pavoni and I’m looking at exploiting that on counter.

 

[Himannv]

Great lineups. This should not be a R1 draw FFS, both teams could have been the finalists.

I do have a couple of criticisms for both teams though.

For Himannv/Red Bear, I think Cruyff and Benzema don't get the best out of each other. Both would do better with a different partner IMO.

Cheers for the comments.

I'd like to know more about why you feel Cruyff and Benzema aren't a good pairing.

Cruyff looks great with runners ahead of him creating space who he can also play off and Benzema would fit in very well in that sense. I also think it suits Cruyff (particularly the '71 version) to have someone dropping deeper and switching positions with him allowing him to get further forward. In my view, Benzema is excellent at playing others in and switching positions with them on occasion, while also doing the duties of a no 9.

This all touch compilation shows a lot of what he can do when dropping deeper and allowing someone else to move ahead of him, while also showing him playing in others who are coming into the box from deeper positions.

 

[Himannv]

Also not very sure about Veratti there, the midfield looks a bit light weight defensively in midfield.

I think Veratti is kind of helped here by the lack of pressing from Enigma's frontline. He likes to drop deeper and dictate the game from there, so the positions he's usually going to occupy aren't exactly under a lot of threat. I'd understand if you have a frontline that's hounding the defence or an AM who will chase him down, but I think both him and Scholes will have a reasonably amount of time on the ball here if you look at what they're up against.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Thanks @GodShaveTheQueen

 

[Šjor Bepo]

which version of ronaldo and which version of benzema

 

[GodShaveTheQueen]

Nilton is very capable crosser from what I’ve seen, from deep as well and whilst he’s not the modern one to overlap consistently imo that’s much more due to the era he played in and being the pioneer in that extend.

With CR, I think one should always look for a constant overlapping player. Also don't think its just down to era, Nilton was naturally right footed, even in this era, I don't think he would have matched the chemistry that Evra and Marcelo offered Ronaldo.

Bergomi also is a very nice fit for the opposition star player and plays in that zone.

Yea, I don't think Bergomi is the problem, he is almost perfect, Mbappe doesn't belong there IMO and I would consider changing the profile of the player in that position as it would immensely improve your team structure.

I'd like to know more about why you feel Cruyff and Benzema aren't a good pairing.

I think they would both be better off with a pure runner rather than a playmaking forward. Add to the fact that your midfield already has Scholes/Veratti/Silva and then there is Passarella, so there is no need in my eyes for 2 playmaking forwards. The squad is almost perfect and begging for Cruyff to be played as the false 9 with 2 pure wing forwards to bang in all the creativity on offer. And while the last few seasons Benzema did prove himself that he can be really prolific, I don't rate him that highly as a pure runner.

I think Veratti is kind of helped here by the lack of pressing from Enigma's frontline

Yea was going to add something on the similar lines when I first posted. Its not too much of a concern for me with regards to the opposition, but in future rounds, if you come up against a super creative midfield, it is a problem in my eyes. You definitely want a proper holder there to give Passarella the freedom as well.

 

[General_Elegancia]

@Himannv I can see young Cruyff during 1966-1971 dovetail well with Benzema. Young Cruyff during that time was more of a speedy dribbler and a lot of times selfish than playmaker who set the tempo on the pitch.

22 years old Cryuff dragging and running around Milan's defenders, such a very different player from peak Cryuff( false9).

 

[Theon]

These are two really good teams but Enigma’s is outrageous with these restrictions. Fantastic drafting. Will be interested if going so strong from the off limits him reinforcements wise.

Good team from Himannv / RB but agree on the comment that the midfield is a touch lightweight.

 

[Enigma_87]

With CR, I think one should always look for a constant overlapping player. Also don't think its just down to era, Nilton was naturally right footed, even in this era, I don't think he would have matched the chemistry that Evra and Marcelo offered Ronaldo.

To me Nilton offered a lot of key passing from deeper positions that can utilize both Cristiano and Kocsis heading ability. Yes he isn't like Marcelo to constantly go to the byline but if he played in a more modern era I can see him being a lot like Brehme - able to occupy both flanks and being an option as wing back. A very smart defender with excellent decision making he can utilize Cristiano's movement in a not very possession heavy set up like in this game.

Yea, I don't think Bergomi is the problem, he is almost perfect, Mbappe doesn't belong there IMO and I would consider changing the profile of the player in that position as it would immensely improve your team structure.

Yeah, that's a good point and something to ponder on certainly. Mbappe was a late pick for me and tbh I entertained the idea of going 5-3-2, but with Mbappe against Pavoni it seems like a very favorable matchup in my favor hence going with him for this particular game. With a slight different mechanics a more Figoesque winger/wide forward can boost Cristiano's and Kocsis strengths even more and is something to ponder on if I take it forward.

I think they would both be better off with a pure runner rather than a playmaking forward. Add to the fact that your midfield already has Scholes/Veratti/Silva and then there is Passarella, so there is no need in my eyes for 2 playmaking forwards. The squad is almost perfect and begging for Cruyff to be played as the false 9 with 2 pure wing forwards to bang in all the creativity on offer. And while the last few seasons Benzema did prove himself that he can be really prolific, I don't rate him that highly as a pure runner.

To me there are way too many playmakers out there in H/RB team. A more designated ball winner gives a lot more balance to that team. Either an anchor or defensive minded B2B would work as a treat. I agree with Cruyff being in his natural false 9 role would also boost the setup even more as it gives him the freedom to fall deep but also allows the wing forwards to get into the box and use the space left behind.

Yea was going to add something on the similar lines when I first posted. Its not too much of a concern for me with regards to the opposition, but in future rounds, if you come up against a super creative midfield, it is a problem in my eyes. You definitely want a proper holder there to give Passarella the freedom as well.

That's another point too with Kocsis, Cristiano, Mbappe lurking around you would be better with someone who can drop back from midfield and hold fort when you have an attacking minded CB. It's the same natural fit that I had in mind going for Rijkaard so it matches up with the setup behind the defensive unit.

 

[Enigma_87]

which version of ronaldo and which version of benzema

Early Real Madrid one - 09/13.

These are two really good teams but Enigma’s is outrageous with these restrictions. Fantastic drafting. Will be interested if going so strong from the off limits him reinforcements wise.

Good team from Himannv / RB but agree on the comment that the midfield is a touch lightweight.

Cheers, mate. Pretty happy with how it ended up.

 

[Himannv]

which version of benzema

To be honest, we want the best of both worlds. He's obviously been spectacular as a lone striker and he's all you'd ever want from your front man in that situation, but we also want the other guy in there who will sacrifice himself and complement the more outstanding talent. Based on how he plays with Vini and Mbappe we feel he still has that in his locker as well, even with all his recent success.

 

[Red the Bear]

I think one of the things that works in our favor in this particular match up is enigma's Frontline , as GSTQ said the lack of overlapping (or modern attacking fullbacks may i say) does ensure in my opinion that Ronaldo and to a degree Mbappe play in a less than ideal situation not suited to their particular strengths, th other major things in my opinion is the relative lack of workrate in that Frontline which may ensure a lack of dynamism which only plays to our strength as I see no reason for our backline to have any specific deficiencies in facing them and it will also ensure our midfield holding onto to the ball much easier when faced with no pressing and let alone to do their magic.

I feel our team is very nicely modeled after the modern 5 time winning Madrid side and is going to play in a similar way which has proven be incredibly potent in one off big game games and were hopping to utilize that, the abundance of characters will also ensure that there's no lack of fighting spirit with the likes of leaders such as kohler, passarella, cryuff and to a degree Benzema so I feel comfortable in our team playing a direct free flowing and aggressive form of football while being extremely efficient in staging stinging counter attacks with the immense quality of our players in easily and effectively advancing the ball forward.

I concede that our lack a defensive specialist in the middle of the park could be costly but I don't think that's going to be a major concern in this match up seeing the front lines rather less than ideal workrate so I do back our midfield in having no problems in holding onto the ball and with their immense technical quality moving it around , the immense quality of kohler and passarella will also ensure in my opinion to have a nice and very capable highline if there was a need to do so.

 

[Enigma_87]

I think one of the things that works in our favor in this particular match up is enigma's Frontline , as GSTQ said the lack of overlapping (or modern attacking fullbacks may i say) does ensure in my opinion that Ronaldo and to a degree Mbappe play in a less than ideal situation not suited to their particular strengths, th other major things in my opinion is the relative lack of workrate in that Frontline which may ensure a lack of dynamism which only plays to our strength as I see no reason for our backline to have any specific deficiencies in facing them and it will also ensure our midfield holding onto to the ball much easier when faced with no pressing and let alone to do their magic.

I feel our team is very nicely modeled after the modern 5 time winning Madrid side and is going to play in a similar way which has proven be incredibly potent in one off big game games and were hopping to utilize that, the abundance of characters will also ensure that there's no lack of fighting spirit with the likes of leaders such as kohler, passarella, cryuff and to a degree Benzema so I feel comfortable in our team playing a direct free flowing and aggressive form of football while being extremely efficient in staging stinging counter attacks with the immense quality of our players in easily and effectively advancing the ball forward.

I concede that our lack a defensive specialist in the middle of the park could be costly but I don't think that's going to be a major concern in this match up seeing the front lines rather less than ideal workrate so I do back our midfield in having no problems in holding onto the ball and with their immense technical quality moving it around , the immense quality of kohler and passarella will also ensure in my opinion to have a nice and very capable highline if there was a need to do so.

A frontline of Mbappe, Kocsis and early days Ronaldo is anything but not dynamic. On the right we also have David Silva who can weave on the wings and offer support. Generally the front four, align with him is pretty ambidextrous frontline that can occupy the pockets of space between the lines.

Furthermore no possession based modern team has played without a designated ball winner who has the main role of breaking up play like Busquets, Fernandinho, Fabinho, etc. the midfield is light compared to Rijkaard, Bremner and Silva - all able to harass the opposition players and force them into a mistake. On top of that both Rijkaard and Bremner are tough players with the ability to get stuck in so that can make it a physical game.

In terms of full backs impact we don’t need them constantly bombing forward as centrally I can see us getting some openings especially when you consider Beckenbauer effect going forward and the opposition lighter in midfield.

 

[Red the Bear]

A frontline of Mbappe, Kocsis and early days Ronaldo is anything but not dynamic. On the right we also have David Silva who can weave on the wings and offer support. Generally the front four, align with him is pretty ambidextrous frontline that can occupy the pockets of space between the lines.

Furthermore no possession based modern team has played without a designated ball winner who has the main role of breaking up play like Busquets, Fernandinho, Fabinho, etc. the midfield is light compared to Rijkaard, Bremner and Silva - all able to harass the opposition players and force them into a mistake. On top of that both Rijkaard and Bremner are tough players with the ability to get stuck in so that can make it a physical game.

In terms of full backs impact we don’t need them constantly bombing forward as centrally I can see us getting some openings especially when you consider Beckenbauer effect going forward and the opposition lighter in midfield.

Oh no , the players themselves can certainly be dynamic but I do definitely feel they need overlapping players to get the best out of themselves, in particularly Ronald who played his best with Marcelo in the version you picked.
I also don't think that fact helps them considering how much both him and Mbappe tend to drift centrally and having someone like kohler who had an immense reading of the game, incredibly physical, good in the tackle and tenacious that doesn't bode very well for him, basically having perhaps the greatest man marker in history of football with little help from his fullbacks doesn't bode very well for him.

Same for Mbappe who is still very raw and not the very best when it comes to physical center backs so I think passarella deals with him well.

While the the quality of your attacking players is undeniable i don't think it's the best combination around for example Ronaldo always had a work horse, tenacious and nimble partner partner to get the best out of him(Rooney, tevez, benzema) and kocis isn't that player in my opinion, this is also the pre ucl dominance Ronaldo so he still has some ways to go before being the clutch poacher that he became afterwards, look at his 3 cl semi final exits in that period.

I conceded your second point earlier but again I do think it won't be a death sentence in this particular set up as again while lightweight the three of them can be potent in some ways defensively and by having passarella stepping in the middle from time to time to help them out and the lack of pressing by your front line it makes me comfortable in saying that they'll be fine, the three of them are extremely press resistant as well when on the ball so they should hold the ball very very well when in possession.

On your third point i disagree, I think you simply need to have those kind of fullbacks when trying to get the best out of Ronaldo and mbappe, the current format will be a big blow to their efficiency especially when against a defense like ours.

 

[Red the Bear]

Ah well, it wasn't meant to be.

Congratulations @Enigma_87 and good luck to you for the rest of the tournament
You should have one hell of a team with some picks and a more modern style of play, best wishes.

 

[Enigma_87]

Ah well, it wasn't meant to be.

Congratulations @Enigma_87 and good luck to you for the rest of the tournament
You should have one hell of a team with some picks and a more modern style of play, best wishes.

Thanks, mate! You had a great team alongside Himanv that I certainly didn’t want to face.

A more defensive minded midfielder and you would probably won it.

tbh I didn’t expect such backslash in terms of my full backs but that certainly gives me food for though and changes has to be made..

 

[Red the Bear]

Thanks, mate! You had a great team alongside Himanv that I certainly didn’t want to face.

A more defensive minded midfielder and you would probably won it.

tbh I didn’t expect such backslash in terms of my full backs but that certainly gives me food for though and changes has to be made..

Oh no, they're great fullbacks, defensive rocks but probably not the best stylistic pairing for your wingers.

 

[Himannv]

Before the matchups were made, I was thinking we’d be fine as long as we don’t draw Enigma or something. Unfortunately that’s exactly what we did. Good game Enigma, congratulations on the win!

 

[Enigma_87]

Before the matchups were made, I was thinking we’d be fine as long as we don’t draw Enigma or something. Unfortunately that’s exactly what we did. Good game Enigma, congratulations on the win!

Cheers mate, good game indeed right to the end as it should have been. Shame he had to meet so early, both teams deserved to go forward and I think you had plenty of options to upgrade.