Prath vs P-nut/Enigma - Tactical Draft

[Šjor Bepo]

Team Prath

Philosophy/Ideology of tactical set-up
A modified 4-4-2 of the SAF and early Arsene Wenger era

Style - Counter attacking/Wing-Play

Central player
Uwe Seeler

A perfect striker with Strength, guile and aerial prowess, excellent at hold up play and link up play.

The tactic here is

Wingers (Coppell and McManaman) and Full backs (Alves and Lizarazu) who are excellent crossers to utilize his aerial ability
Wingers who are also good centrally to give space for the full backs to overlap
DLP (Sousa) who will utilise him with accurate long balls in his runs through the channels
A second striker who is an excellent scorer (Rooney) who can make the runs into spaces created by Seeler's movement and link up with him

Defense

Defensive Line - Deep
Marking - Generally Zonal but special players of teams will need Man-marking
Off the ball - tucking in defenders to form compact defense
On the ball - Rapid transitions through DLP

CBs are tall, fast, agile, good in the air and excellent in all defensive aspects (tackling, interceptions blocks etc.). They will ensure that any threat in the form of crosses, through balls etc. will be snuffed out. Both are very experienced having been key to title winning teams. Alves and Lizarazu will be mainly expected to attack. However they are quite capable of defending their flank. In this set up, they will be well helped by both McManaman and Coppell who are well known for being very good in handling defensive duties while at the same time not losing their attacking guile.

In addition the full backs will be also covered by the midfielders both of whom are exceptional ball winners. Rooney is also well known for his box to box workrate

Julio Cesar is known for his exceptional shot stopping (especially penalties), commanding the box and reflexes. He will definitely be an extra man to beat

Midfield
Defensive - Both Sousa and Gattuso are excellent Ball winners. Gattuso's job is to cover Sousa's lack of pace if caught on the counter. Though this will not be a big issue since this is a counterattacking set up

Attacking - Sousa was well known for his accurate long passing and vision. He will play a key role in starting attacks by spraying the ball to the wingers/full backs and Seeler.

Rooney will drop back when defending and will be an extra man in midfield off the ball.

Attack

In attack, we have 2 very creative wingers who were adept at crossing and also cut in and come centrally to provide width and space for the fullbacks, as they are ably supported by the full backs who are exceptionally good at crossing

Wayne Rooney will provide the foil for Seeler and link up with him.

Sousa will dictate play from deep with his accurate passing.

Counterattack will be bread and butter for this team since all 4 wingers and full backs are fast. Rooney again is fast and can get box to box in no time

Ball winners in the team in midfield and defence will help the team to regain possession and Sousa in midfield will spray the ball to wingers/ strikers making the run behind the defenders and all of them are lethal in their position.

Cesar also has good distrtibution skills so his ability to start off counters will also help the team.

Player Roles

Julio Cesar - Goalkeeper- Stopper
Dani Alves - Full back - Attacking
Vincent Kompany - Sweeper CB
Giorgio Chiellini - Destroyer CB
Bixente Lizarazu - Full back - attacking
Paulo Sousa - DLP/DM Hybrid
Gennaro Gattuso - B2B/DM Hybrid
Steve McManaman - Left Winger
Steve Coppell - Right Winger
Wayne Rooney - Second Striker
Uwe Seeler - Striker

Points

1. Defensive side of Alves

Alves isnt the most defensive full back. However here his side is covered by Gattuso and Kompany. Not to mention Coppell was known for tracking back in his united and england days. So that side is secure and possess no vulnerabilty in terms of opposition attacks. Rooney also would track back to help with overall defence.

2. Paulo Sousa's lack of pace

Sousa, albeit an exceptional ball winner and deep lying playmaker in general, was not the fastest DM. However, in a counterattacking set up this is negated. However, if the team is caught in a counterattacking situation, he will be well covered by Gattuso who thrived playing such a cover job for Pirlo in the Italy and Milan set up.

Team P-nut/Enigma

Formation: 5-3-2
Style - Counter attacking set up. Sit deep and compact and break quickly.
Philosophy/Ideology of the tactical set up:

We're setting in a counter attacking formation with two no-nonsense defenders as stoppers, Vasovic sweeping behind and pushing forward in possession boosting numbers in midfield. 2 fast wingbacks, who are also good crossers of the ball and that can overlap in attack and man their flanks. In attack we are going with similar style to Herrera's Inter and using the basics - vertical football at great speed, with direct passes to get to the opponent's box as quickly as possible.

In defence we're staying deep, soaking the pressure, win the ball back in their half and launch the ball forward with speed and directness. Veron or Vasovic can start an attack from deep and look for space on the flanks for our quick full backs, or either Signori, Mazzola or Vieri up field. All players can move quickly in transition and are used to counter attacking style of football. Directness is the key.

Mazzola has Vieri and Signori - two excellent goalscorers with solid link up game and most of all great off the ball movement which will allow him to create space for himself or use his passing and vision to set them up.

Player roles:

GK: Thibaut Courtois - Solid in the air and excellent at starting the attacks if needed.
LWB: Zé Roberto - Stretch the attack, man his own flank moving vertically through the lines when in and off possession. Cross from deep and get the ball to the forwards.
RWB: Eric Gerets - Same as Ze Roberto from the other side.
Libero: Velibor Vasović - last line of defence, start attacks from deep, overload the midfield moving vertically.
LCB: Walter Samuel - Rugged defender who is also solid on the deck and in the air.
RCB: Carles Puyol - pacy and good on the ball can cover the right side when Gerets goes forward.
Deep playmaker: Juan Verón - look for openings both on the flank and up field, get the ball to the forwards as quickly as possible.
Box to Box: Mario Coluna - Energetic, complete midfielder who is also very solid defensively.
Central player: Sandro Mazzola - focal point of the attack. Getting the ball to him, playing in a free role and pressing the opposition defenders off the ball.
LWF - Giuseppe Signori - use his pace on counters, stretch the attack wide and more often on his favorite left position.
CF: Christian Vieri - target man, keep the opposition defence honest, make space for Mazzola, use his strength in aerial duels to bring the ball down.

Central player - Sandro Mazzola

Mazzola’s role in the Grande Inter team was particularly tasking. A wonderfully creative player who combined a glorious touch with dangerous pace and agility, Mazzola was relied upon to bring Suarez and Picchi’s sweeping balls under control and immediately feed Peiro or take a shot on goal. Inter’s system relied upon maximum efficiency up front, and it was largely down to Mazzola to turn hopeful passes into clear-cut opportunities. Mazzola was a brilliant dribbler and finisher often leading Inter goalscoring charts. The combination of notoriously hard to please and a strict disciplinarian - Herrara, and a perfectionist and hard worker - Mazzola, was always going to produce scintillating displays of football on the pitch. One where technique, flair and skill meet hard work, determination, tactics and will to win. Mazzola's role in defending was not to fall back on the pitch when not with ball, but to harry defenders get the ball back.

In this particular set up Vieri and Signori will compliment Mazzola's strengths but also allow him to play his natural game. Vieri with his strength up field can engage the central defencers in a way Peiro did, whilst allowing space for Mazzola to get the ball and run towards the goal or either look for Signori who will be hovering around the box or at the left wing. He will be overlapped by Gerets also allowing him to utilize the right flank and a 5-3-2 system will give more space for him to operate with two other clinical forwards around him.

Like Grande inter in this set up we have chosen two very efficient forwards in Vieri and Signori, fluent in counter attacking set up and very direct with their movement towards the goal.

The midfield is based on getting the ball as quickly as possible to Mazzola with two excellent passers in Veron and Coluna, who also possess considerable work rate and can stay deep to break attacks.

The set up is aimed to get the best out of Mazzola in a way that it would highlight his dribbling and creative talent by being our focal attacking point and would allow Veron, Coluna and Vasovic to find him into space while Signori and Vieri occupy the opposition defenders. In the same time we have very direct and fast players on both wings and up front who will give a lot of passing options for him to link up and combine in the attacking third.

Defence - Our defence is made up of 2 stoppers combined with a sweeper. Puyol and Samuel will be tasked with no nonesense defending. When they win the ball they will simply shift it to either the sweeper in Vasović or play a simple ball to Veron if it is on.

Vasović will be tasked with deciding when to step into midfield and when to drop off so that our defence always has the numbers to deal with any threat.

Both wing backs will provide the same roles of manning their flanks and providing outlets out wide. Ze Roberto will have slightly more license to tuck into midfield if the situation arises where he has to, however most of the time he will keep his width.

Defensive Line - Deep
Marking - Custom (1 stopper to pick up the striker, other sliding wide to help the wing back, sweeper following any strikers that drop deep)
Off the ball - Standing off
On the ball - Rapid transitions through sweeper (or Veron)

Midfield roles:
Coluna will be playing as a complete box to box midfielder. His energy passing range and strength will be a huge boost. Both Verón and Coluna will be deeper when off the ball then either move vertically into space and shoot from distance, combine with Mazzola or get the ball to the attackers. Vasović in his libero role will be pushing up when needed to overload the midfield and keep things tight. When off the ball Zé Roberto can also shore the space by tucking in.

Attack - Three pronged attack all designed to give Mazzola space to work and options to link up with. Vieri will occupy the centre backs whilst Signori keeps the pitch stretched to afford maximum room. Attack can expect to recieve the ball quickly and will stay high up the pitch in order to gain ground on quick counter attacks.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

• Draft matches would be decided based on who has crafted/built the more coherent and cohesive tactical set-up around his main star as opposed to who might win in a fantasy encounter. Hopefully, this paves way for interesting discussions on the set-ups themselves - delving deeper into the creation/evolution etc of said set-up - and the personnel fit.
  
• Voters are asked to consider the XIs featured as 2 separate teams not like a classic game of football, and to consider to what extent the manager has succeeded in building around his central figure. This is not a fantasy match but a comparison of 2 tactical attempts.

• Teams will be built and judged for best tactical fits rather then the quality of the team. First, team has to be perfectly built around the central figure, if both teams are very close then you look at the other specific pairings, good fits for the team etc. if the level is still close then you watch at quality of the individual players except of the central player.

good luck @P-Nut0712 @prath92 @Enigma_87

 

[prath92]

I have voted for myself by the way to see the score.

 

[Invictus]

* Test vote.

 

[Invictus]

Resetting poll. Please recast the votes so the managers can see who voted for whom.

 

[P-Nut]

Resetting poll. Please recast the votes so the managers can see who voted for whom.

I can't see the poll currently

 

[Invictus]

I can't see the poll currently

Check again, please. x

 

[P-Nut]

Check again, please. x

Yeah can see the poll and the results after voting

 

[Invictus]

Yeah can see the poll and the results after voting

Okie dokie, my work here's done, then.

 

[Enigma_87]

@Šjor Bepo thanks mate for setting it up and @Invictus for fixing up the poll.

Good luck @prath92 !

 

[P-Nut]

Okie dokie, my work here's done, then.

Feel free to give your thoughts on the teams before you go

 

[Raees]

Can I suggest some video footage of the two main men so people unfamiliar to them can grasp the nuances of their play for themselves

 

[Enigma_87]

Can I suggest some video footage of the two main men so people unfamiliar to them can grasp the nuances of their play for themselves

Indeed. Some points made from the remake draft. Full credit goes to @Tuppet for his great work in trying to recreate the Grande Inter.

Sandro Mazzola role and style -

thesefootballtimes said:
Sandro, despite his touch and vision, was a bustling forward, perfect at defending from the front as Herrera demanded. He buzzed around in the inside right position, finding space and turning possession over. Sandro, unlike the man he barely knew but revered with all his instincts, was a warrior. He had to work to become a legend and fulfil his undoubted quality.
thesefootballtimes said:
Mazzola was to push on and mould himself into one of the most effective forwards in the game. In many ways, he was an early Kenny Dalglish; capable of using his body to shield possession and spotting passes before most others on the field. A goal every four games for the club is testament to the finishing and technical qualities that ensured he successfully emulated his father.
thefalse9 said:
Blessed with sensational touch and explosive pace and finishing to match, Mazzola was the man responsible for netting every half-chance


From these quotes we get a picture, of a bustling, warrior like deep forward, who had great technique and finishing instincts. Here's what he has to say, about who he considered his modern day equivalent -

Sandro Mazzola said:
It is always difficult to make comparisons to players these days, because this is a faster, more tactical game today. After all, in the old days, attackers were all technicians, everyone knew how to dribble and beat an opponent. Now, sometimes it seems that it's enough just be fast, to just launch the ball forward and run after it. I must say, however, that I see a little of myself in Cristiano Ronaldo. Every time I see one of his fakes, I say, 'I also used to do that!' At the time we were not as fast, but I had quick feet, thought quickly and was certainly not lacking technically. So, I was a little like the Portuguese today, who is blessed with athleticism and class.


So, we are looking for a player who positions as deep forward, who's got work rate, dribbling, finishing and creativity. Let's take these one at a time -

Position -

outsideoftheboot said:
Defensive security was not to be risked, a method that frequently left forward Sandro Mazzola and number nine Joaquin Peiro isolated at the top of the pitch.

outsideoftheboot said:
Mazzola’s role in the team was particularly tasking. A wonderfully creative player who combined a glorious touch with dangerous pace and agility, Mazzola was relied upon to bring Suarez and Picchi’s sweeping balls under control and immediately feed Peiro or take a shot on goal. Inter’s system relied upon maximum efficiency up front, and it was largely down to Mazzola to turn hopeful passes into clear-cut opportunities.


From these quotes it would seem that Mazzola was a part of 2 man forward line which was often left isolated at top. He acted both like a target man - often aimed by Picchi and Suarez - but also like a playmaker, playing a final ball to Piero. A 9.5 then, but with incredible stamina and will to win.
He was also often put on top as a lone forward in difficult away games, e.g. CL final against Celtic -


Work rate -
The combination of notoriously hard to please and a strict disciplinarian - Herrara, and a perfectionist and hard worker - Mazzola, was always going to produce scintillating displays of football on the pitch. One where technique, flair and skill meet hard work, determination, tactics and will to win. Mazzola's role in defending was not to fall back on the pitch when not with ball, but to harry defenders get the ball back, e.g. -

Dribbling -
Mazzola was a brilliant dribbler, here's an anecdote someone shared -

In a European cup game against Vasas Budapest, he did something that put out everyone. He got into Vasas' area, with most of the defense out, went bordering two defenders, then kept the ball feinting without pause. Every teammate waited for him to pass. Alas, he did not: he went on feinting.

Vasas defenders returned. Shouts came and go. Indeed Sandro did NOT pass at all. He rounded the Vasas goal, when he felt the defender breathing on his scalp and the goalie running out, he shoot between the keeper's boot and the goalpost. Goal.

Here he is toying with defenders -

Finishing -
He was Inter's goto source for goals, often finishing as club's top scorer and finishing as Serie A top scorer in 1964-65 campaign -

Sandro was no one-season wonder and he proved this when he became the Capocannoniere next season, scoring 17 goals in total and leading Internazionale to another Seria A title.

He was a stone cold one on one finisher -

Creativity -
Mazzola was a beautifully creative player, so much so, that he was often preferred over the most celebrated Itallian playmaker of that time - Rivera - in the national team. There are way too many moments showing his wonderful abilities with ball and a brilliant tactical mind to gif, just check this video showing his highlights for Grande Inter -

 

[Raees]

@Enigma_87 thanks bud

 

[Šjor Bepo]

brilliant work @P-Nut0712 and @Enigma_87 , from team tactics through personnel its a perfect side to get the best of Mazzola. That front three is just perfect, Bobo playing in Riva role, Signori is a great fit for both and midfield is nicely balanced as well.
Great job around central player, other tactical fits also spot on and player quality on a very high level. All bases covered.

@prath92 did also a good job but IMO not as good as the other team. Id prefer possession based team around Uwe, midfield pair im not really fond of but it can work i guess, would prefer both in a midfield three but with hard workers and good all-around footballers around them it can work but its not ideal. What i absolutely love is the front 4, that part of the team is fantastic.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Good teams.

Sousa/Gattuso is functional but a bit underwhelming for prath, whereas not really convinced on Veron's role in P-Nut's team. Looking forward the hearing more from the managers.

 

[Enigma_87]

@Enigma_87 thanks bud

Cheers mate.

brilliant work @P-Nut0712 and @Enigma_87 , from team tactics through personnel its a perfect side to get the best of Mazzola. That front three is just perfect, Bobo playing in Riva role, Signori is a great fit for both and midfield is nicely balanced as well.
Great job around central player, other tactical fits also spot on and player quality on a very high level. All bases covered.

Thanks, mate. We prioritized the attack, top class libero in Vasovic, a midfield dynamo in Coluna who is also excellent in transition and also Gerets on the right side(Mazzola's side) to compliment the right flank and overlap him when in possession.

Good teams.

Sousa/Gattuso is functional but a bit underwhelming for prath, whereas not really convinced on Veron's role in P-Nut's team. Looking forward the hearing more from the managers.

Veron is in a DLP role with the basic premise of using his passing range and vision to start attacks and get the ball quickly to the forwards. Vasovic and Ze Roberto would also help centrally when needed, with the former having the ability to step up and the latter to tuck in when the ball is on the other side of the pitch.

 

[Ecstatic]

A 3-5-2 makes sense for Mazzola if we look at the Grande Inter

Always interesting to read this game

https://www.redcafe.net/threads/remake-draft-finals-tuppet-vs-gio.419337/

 

[Ecstatic]

I have the information about Mazzola. More infos about Seeler would be the welcome here.

The two tactical systems make sense (3-5-2 of Grande Inter vs 4-4-2 of Germany 66).

We need some discussions

 

[Šjor Bepo]

I have the information about Mazzola. More infos about Seeler would be the welcome here.

The two tactical systems make sense (3-5-2 of Grande Inter vs 4-4-2 of Germany 66).

We need some discussions

will let his manager give you the info but here is Uwe in action:

 

[Ecstatic]

will let his manager give you the info but here is Uwe in action:

Sure, brilliant player He would have deserved an arrow (to highlight his playmaking skills) like Lizarazu and Dani Alves (for their offensive contribution).

The 2 managers have understood the spirit of this draft.

An offensive B2B for Prath would have been ideal but I don't see any weakness in itself here.

 

[prath92]

@prath92 did also a good job but IMO not as good as the other team. Id prefer possession based team around Uwe, midfield pair im not really fond of but it can work i guess, would prefer both in a midfield three but with hard workers and good all-around footballers around them it can work but its not ideal. What i absolutely love is the front 4, that part of the team is fantastic

Uwe would be perfect for this set up. Both full backs and wingers are excellent crossers. And in a counter he is perfect for a quick transition and can interchange well with Rooney and one of the wingers as well. His aerial prowess will be very useful through crossing from accurate crossers like Alves and Lizarazu as well. All in all, he will fit in well there imo.

Pirlo and gattuso player iirc in a midfield 2 in the WC 2006? However this being a counterattacking setup with McManaman and Coppell tracking back there wouldn't be a situation where they get overrun in midfield.

Good teams.

Sousa/Gattuso is functional but a bit underwhelming for prath, whereas not really convinced on Veron's role in P-Nut's team. Looking forward the hearing more from the managers.

I agree that it may not be the best midfield but it will do the job imo. Both ball winners to cover the attacking full backs. And gattuso covering for Sousa as well.

 

[prath92]

Sure, brilliant player He would have deserved an arrow (to highlight his playmaking skills) like Lizarazu and Dani Alves (for their offensive contribution).

The 2 managers have understood the spirit of this draft.

An offensive B2B for Prath would have been ideal but I don't see any weakness in itself here.

Seeler was excellent all round striker. Good finishing, vision, aerial prowess (even though he is shorter than Mata) and link up play. Kind of like Zlatan in a way I suppose (also seeler was adept at bicycle kick goals so he loves the spectacular too )

I wanted to put an arrow but that would mean arrows all over as Rooney is effectively a box to box attacker in his prime, Sousa also is key to attacks with his passing from deep

I went for the more conservative midfield to offset the added attack from both full backs. Alves and Lizarazu attacking would arguably leave the side defensively weaker. This is offset by the midfield. But again, Sousa is excellent at the DLP role even though he is a very good DM as well spraying passes to start a counter

 

[antohan]

I love Seeler, but he would be better off in P-Nut's side I reckon. It's primarily the CM pairing that kills it for me, possibly Rooney too. I'd prefer a mazzola type upfront with him and definitely a midfielder arriving in the box to exploit his hold up play and lay offs. Haller and Beckenbauer had great tournos in '66 largely thanks to Seeler linking up well with them, but I see no such players here.

Like the look of P-Nut/Enigma, although Coluna-Verón doesn't inspire much confidence defensively, but it shouldn't be a problem in this game.

 

[harms]

Haller and Beckenbauer had great tournos in '66 largely thanks to Seeler linking up well with them, but I see no such players here.

Yeah, he was so good! Rewatched some of the 1966 for the previous draft. Would definitely have an attacking box-to-box in Seeler's team, here he is basically restricted to a battering ram role

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Uwe would be perfect for this set up. Both full backs and wingers are excellent crossers. And in a counter he is perfect for a quick transition and can interchange well with Rooney and one of the wingers as well. His aerial prowess will be very useful through crossing from accurate crossers like Alves and Lizarazu as well. All in all, he will fit in well there imo.

Pirlo and gattuso player iirc in a midfield 2 in the WC 2006? However this being a counterattacking setup with McManaman and Coppell tracking back there wouldn't be a situation where they get overrun in midfield.

It can work but its not ideal
As for Uwe, yeah wingbacks with good crossing ability is a great asset but id still prefer possession based team around him, he is so good on the ball for a striker that you want him in game as much as possible. Id play tape after tape of him for today strikers so they can learn how does a modern striker has to play. Would he be deadly in counter-attacking system? Sure but you want to use his one two ability, little flicks when under pressure and his passing ability as much as possible.

 

[Ecstatic]

Seeler was excellent all round striker. Good finishing, vision, aerial prowess (even though he is shorter than Mata) and link up play. Kind of like Zlatan in a way I suppose (also seeler was adept at bicycle kick goals so he loves the spectacular too )

I wanted to put an arrow but that would mean arrows all over as Rooney is effectively a box to box attacker in his prime, Sousa also is key to attacks with his passing from deep

I went for the more conservative midfield to offset the added attack from both full backs. Alves and Lizarazu attacking would arguably leave the side defensively weaker. This is offset by the midfield. But again, Sousa is excellent at the DLP role even though he is a very good DM as well spraying passes to start a counter

I understand your reasoning.

In terms of style of play, central midfielders like Vieira/Keane/Ince would have been perfect to provide Rooney/Seeler more support and coverage, without compromising the team balance.

Great to see players like Coppell.

What do think of team Enigma/Pnut?

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

If this was an actual match I'd be a little more concern with Coluna-Veron as a midfield 2 but with just tactical fit it makes sense.

Gattuso though I don't like as much in this system.

I understand your reasoning.

In terms of style of play, central midfielders like Vieira/Keane/Ince would have been perfect to provide Rooney/Seeler more support and coverage, without compromising the team balance.

Great to see players like Coppell.

What do think of team Enigma/Pnut?

Ah Ince does seem like a great choice. So does one my favorites Rocky Rocastle!

 

[P-Nut]

If this was an actual match I'd be a little more concern with Coluna-Veron as a midfield 2 but with just tactical fit it makes sense.

Vasović is there to step up if the midfield is getting overloaded as well as Ze Roberto tucking in with the ball on the other side of the pitch.

 

[Ecstatic]

Is Mazzola capable to play as classic #10 behind 2 strikers?

Has he always played slightly on the right?

 

[P-Nut]

Is Mazzola capable to play as classic #10 behind 2 strikers?

Has he always played slightly on the right?

From the little I know about him I believe he preferred to operate wider where there was more room and space for his dribbling abilities. Drifting inside if space opened up and allowed it.

 

[Enigma_87]

Is Mazzola capable to play as classic #10 behind 2 strikers?

Has he always played slightly on the right?

Just to elaborate. Mazzola is inside right of sorts in this formation, not a classic #10, but more of a second striker type playing off Vieri. That's IMO is his best position with Gerets overlapping in a similar mold that Jair offered his presence on the right. He's not the main playmaker or conductor of the team but rather dribbler, finisher and also the most creative outlet in the final third.

We've chosen 5-3-2 as it allows him more space up front but also can accommodate two additional forwards he can link up and also a target man in Vieri to engage the defence.

 

[Ecstatic]

Thanks for the info. Mazzola seems to be a fascinating player.

In the remake draft of that Grande Inter, Tuppet used Tevez and then Luis Suarez to play the role of mazzola

"Joga Bonito, post: 19400523, member: 90058"][/COLOR]

Team Tuppet:​

New Additions:
Luis Suarez replaces Tevez to play the Sandro Mazzola role, I'll add more on his suitability for this role in the match thread, But in short, Sandro's role in Grande Inter was of a deep lying creative forward, with great work rate, technique and dribbling skills. Luis Suarez with his brilliant dribbling, work rate and finishing is the best imitation of that role in the given player pool (may be even outside it). It should be noted that this role is very different from the role Mazzola used to play for Italy, where he was primary playmaker playing behind two forwards (Riva, Boninsegna), while for Inter the primary playmaker was Suarez, with support from Corso. Mazzola for Inter was their primary goal threat, leading goal scoring chart for Inter and once for Serie A as well.


Much like the grande Inter our team is built on the principles of a team effort and strong work ethic. Organization is of prime importance whereby the team set out in the shape of 4 levels. These are: first level of a sweeper, two/four defenders depending upon the possession, five/three midfielders and two forwards.

How defensive was catenaccio ? -
Debate has also enveloped the nature of Catenaccio. Several contemporaries say it was more constructive than its reputation suggests. Herrera claimed his system was misunderstood, because others had copied it and left out several attacking principles. This is supported by Mazzola, who believes the misconception is rooted in the European campaigns that served to establish Inter’s notoriety. “When I hear about Inter playing catenaccio, I have to say we played about six matches with catenaccio and 40 matches with attacking football,” Mazzola told FIFA.com. “I remember my team-mates Picchi and Guarneri, two centre-backs, who during San Siro home games could spend 60 minutes looking into the stands, trying to spot a girl to take out that evening, because the opposition only played in their half. But then, when we played abroad – and I guess this was a mistake – we didn’t feel very comfortable and secure, and stayed back more.”

He added: “We had five attacking players in the side, six if you include Facchetti, who used to get forward a lot, something that no one else did at the time. It’s true that we sometimes employed a very defensive system away from home, but we regularly played 4-2-4, and everyone worked really hard.”

 

[P-Nut]

@Downcast maybe remove the bits that don't relate to Mazzola. It's a lot to have to have to scroll past.

 

[Ecstatic]

@Downcast maybe remove the bits that don't relate to Mazzola. It's a lot to have to have to scroll past.

Done

 

[SirMattBugsby]

I love Seeler, but he would be better off in P-Nut's side I reckon. It's primarily the CM pairing that kills it for me, possibly Rooney too. I'd prefer a mazzola type upfront with him and definitely a midfielder arriving in the box to exploit his hold up play and lay offs. Haller and Beckenbauer had great tournos in '66 largely thanks to Seeler linking up well with them, but I see no such players here.

Like the look of P-Nut/Enigma, although Coluna-Verón doesn't inspire much confidence defensively, but it shouldn't be a problem in this game.

This is a bigger concern for me even in the tactical sense. There has to be a ball-winner in midfield for more transitions for Mazzola to exploit. I wish @P-Nut0712 and @prath92 would exchange Coluna and Gattuso..

Right now I slightly favour prath because of Rooney, whose energetic presence partly makes up for the lack of an attacking box-to-box mid. P-nut/Enigma's trio upfront is perhaps even better but, as I said before, whether they will get the counter-attacking opportunities they deserve, I'm not sure.

 

[prath92]

I put a defensive midfield intentionally though. Since Alves and Lizarazu are going to be attacking, it makes little sense to have another midfielder attacking and entering the box. That would in turn make it vulnerable to counters. It would be too attacking in that case imo.

 

[SirMattBugsby]

I found a site where Grande Inter has been 'renovated' with more current players. Highlights: Bale at LWB and Mascherano in midfield.
https://theother87.wordpress.com/2011/05/01/formation-renovation-inter-1964-1967/

I put a defensive midfield intentionally though. Since Alves and Lizarazu are going to be attacking, it makes little sense to have another midfielder attacking and entering the box. That would in turn make it vulnerable to counters. It would be too attacking in that case imo.

That explains it, but only partially. Your full-backs are no mugs going back and as you mentioned, they'll get support defensively from the wingers. Plus, seeing as your central player is a forward, he should be getting more support. Then there's Rooney as well, who can track back in case the B2B is caught in advanced areas.

 

[prath92]

I found a site where Grande Inter has been 'renovated' with more current players. Highlights: Bale at LWB and Mascherano in midfield.
https://theother87.wordpress.com/2011/05/01/formation-renovation-inter-1964-1967/



That explains it, but only partially. Your full-backs are no mugs going back and as you mentioned, they'll get support defensively from the wingers. Plus, seeing as your central player is a forward, he should be getting more support. Then there's Rooney as well, who can track back in case the B2B is caught in advanced areas.

I have always seen that Alves in drafts here is seen as suspect at defending (can't fault them tbh. He has been critiscized as such in reality as well). So if some exceptional winger is put on that flank, then there would be a vulnerability defensively. I wanted to mitigate that with gattuso covering that side alongside Kompany.

Sousa here is a DLP mainly. It's an added bonus that he is a ball winner. It's not a fully defensive midfield with no avenue for attack. Nobody thinks Pirlo and Gattuso (Italy won the WC with that midfield) or Xabi and Mascherano is a fully defensive midfield. It's of similar calibre I feel.

In any case, McManaman can drift inside to create space for Lizarazu and create through the middle. He often did that when playing alongside Carlos in the left flank. Coppell would often do the same at United too from what I've seen of him to release, in this case, Alves down the right.

 

[P-Nut]

This is a bigger concern for me even in the tactical sense. There has to be a ball-winner in midfield for more transitions for Mazzola to exploit. I wish @P-Nut0712 and @prath92 would exchange Coluna and Gattuso..

Right now I slightly favour prath because of Rooney, whose energetic presence partly makes up for the lack of an attacking box-to-box mid. P-nut/Enigma's trio upfront is perhaps even better but, as I said before, whether they will get the counter-attacking opportunities they deserve, I'm not sure.

Again that's negated by Vasović stepping up and becoming that third midfielder when needed. He's probably got the most license in the side to decide when to press forward and when he needs to drop in deep.