Sheep Draft R1 - MJJ v Enigma_87/RedTiger

[Gio]

TEAM MJJ​

Tactics/Observations

• 4-2-2-2/4-4-2, with gullit comfortable outwide as well as through the middle.
• Ferrer plays as leftback to combat Nedved who will cut inside on his stronger foot.
• Overall a very physical side, all of whom are blessed with wonderful technique.
• Hansen and McGrath are best suited to deal with Shearer
• I have two GOATs playing for me in Yashin and Romario and ultimately that will give me the edge.

TEAM ENIGMA_87 / REDTIGER​

We’re employing a 4-2-3-1 formation with Seedorf and Redondo holding midfielders, 4 at the back –Komano, McNeill, Cannavaro, Vogts. Signori, Nedved, Stojkovic as a front 3 behind Shearer as a striker.

Stojkovic and Nedved can provide width drifting to the right and left respectively as they usually do and that being their natural movement and position, while Signori will play in the hole so that he can utilize Shearer’spresence and also get the ball with his face to the goal most of the time. The beauty between the front 3 is that they all can change position and interchange as Signori can drift left and use his excellent crossing abilities and pace, while Nedved can move centrally or on the right in some attacks. Same goes forStojkovic as well. All of Stojkovic, Nedved and Signori have plenty of creativity in their locker and can open up the opposition, beat their man either with trickery or pace and also find the net outside the box.

Redondo and Seedorf can orchestrate and start attacks from deep as both of them are excellent even as deep lying playmakers and can find either of them on the flank or with a through ball.

Nedved can also provide some work rate as his teamwork is never to be underestimated. All of Stojkovic,Nedved, Shearer, Seedorf, Redondo, Signori are known leaders on the pitch that won’t budge under pressure.

Seedorf is inside left so that he can help Komano if he gets beaten, although Komano is known for his excellent speed and pace so he can regain position while Seedorf and Redondo protect the middle.

Both Vogts and Komano are known to be excellent crossers on the ball and with the pace to burn they easily can find Signori or Shearer in the box.

Shearer is the ultimate target man for this formation. I’d struggle to think of any better striker that can play as a lone one and provide the physical presence as well as the goal scoring abilities. Luckily Shearer has them both.

Seedorf and Redondo are going to control the midfield. Both have played together and are no strangers to each other and already have faced a great midfield of Davids/Deschamps/Zidane and came away on top.Redondo of course is a pivotal figure and on top of his game I can’t think of a better and more complete DM. He already has shown what he can against an ever higher profile midfield combo in Keane/Scholes.

What also has to be taken into consideration is that all Nedved/Stojkovic/Seedorf/Redondo have excellent technical ability which will help them keep and shield the ball ahead of Robson and Souness.

When off the ball we’ll probably be looking at this:



Nedved/Stojkovic in particular can expect to be of a great use on the break beating MJJ weak spots in full backs as probably both Ferrer and Petrescu should provide the width he’s lacking up the park.

McGrath was pretty fit and physical defender, but peak Shearer was pretty quick in his peak, as for Signoriwe all know he had pace to burn, so most likely MJJ’s team will also be likely to be punished on counter.

 

[Gio]

Short team profiles:

1. Roa – solid keeper with great reflexes – was at his peak in 98-99 when he was one of the main reasons Argentina eliminated England in the World Cup saving 2 penalties. Made it to CWC final against Lazio with the smaller Mallorca team. Tall keeper with good organizational skills will be good choice for any back line.

2. Yuichi Komano - An excellent crosser of the ball with his right foot, he was well known in the J-League for his curling and sharp bended crosses. The "weekly soccer Digest" rated him the best crosser of the ball in the J-League in issue May 22, 2007.

In addition, he had a strong engine which allowed him to cover mileage. He was quick footed with a burst of pace which allowed quick defence to offence(FIFA clocked him at 25.77kmh at one point at the 2010 finals) his national team manager Ivica Osim said "Komano is by far the quickest player in japan. He was a good dribbler who liked to cut inside and shoot with his right foot. With over 75 matches for Japan he represented the national team at 2 world cups and 1 olympic games.

3. Berti Vogts – der terrier - One of Germany’s greatest defenders of all-time, which says a lot. He was the most instrumental player in a backline of Germany to success in every international tournament between 1970 -1976 especially World Cup 1974 final round which his best highlight was appeared. Effectively and completely neutralizing and man marking Johan Cruijff to prevent him reaching his prime level. However, Vogts was very overshadowed by Beckenbauer whom he partly forced his greatness. He was known for his aggressive style, uncompromising, tireless and world-class tackling ability. Vogts was not only great in defensive game as a right full-back but also could make his impressive performance as a wing-back with his acceleration and crossing. Considered the best European full back of all time and IMO the best full back in the draft.

4. Billy McNeall “Caesar” – the captain of the Lisbon Lions. Led his team to unprecedented 9 times in a row domestic titles, 1 European cup, 7 domestic cups, a lynchpin in the team Stein led to much success. A strong determined footballer, he commanded respect not only from his fellow players but from opposition players as well. Strong in the tackle and in the air, he was a commanding player but it was his organisational skills and communicational abilities on the park that gave him an edge over others. He had an aura and despite his strong will, he was actually a pleasant and decent person at all times and few if any have ever had anything to say bad about him.

5. Fabio Cannavaro – world class defender and one of the best defenders Italy produced over time he is their all-time most capped player for Italy and longest serving captain. He could easily play as both sweeper and stopper, noted for his outstanding in his fierce defending, aggressive and interception. Played against world class attackers in his career spanning 2 decades like Zidane, Ronaldo, Shevchenko, Del Piero, Batistuta, Inzaghi, Baggio, etc… One of the best in his position with his spotlight in 2006 when he won 10 individual awards.

6. Fernando Redondo - Fabio Capello, one of the more respected people in the sport called Redondo “a tactically perfect player”. And he was. Fernando Redondo is perhaps the most complete defensive midfielder to have graced a football pitch.His awareness was infectious, measuring the state of the game astutely. Every single move, every single pass. His tackles were precise and perfectly timed with the right mix of aggression. Nothing too fussy in his play, Redondo relied on his brilliant reading of the opposition play, making crucial interceptions in the process. Standing 6′ 1″ tall, the Argentine wasn’t the most physically intimidating specimen but he was no pushover either. Two of his finest and more remarkable moments came in the CL. In 1998 Real Madrid came across Juventus, a team with a frighteningly gifted midfield of Deschamps-Davids-Zidane. Despite the plethora of talent on display Fernando Redondo was named man of the match in a close fought 1-0 win in the final. He dominated the middle of the park with his uncanny knack of breaking opposition play and initiating attacks with his crisp passing. The second one being the QF against United against peak Scholes/Keane midfield when Fergie said “Redondo must have a magnet in his boots, he was fantastic, unbelievable. He had one of those games. Every time we attacked and the ball came out of their box, it fell at his feet. Every time!”. Later he called him the best midfielder in the world. Ferguson decided United lost because he was too slow to react to Madrid's unprecedented 3-3-2-2 formation, with Redondo the only central midfielder. Roy Keane had a brilliant game, and was in the best shape and form in his career but Redondo was on another level that night.

7. Clarence Seedorf - is a consistency international-class player during the 2nd half 90s to 2000s and being the only player in history of the game to win UEFA Champion League with three different teams. He is a versatile midfielder, can adapt himself to create game on the left or right side in midfield, possesses high stamina, excellent technique and teamwork, fitness and intelligence. Seedorf started well-known with golden generation of Ajax alongside Kluivert, Davids and Rizeger. Seedorf is named in ESM team of the month 8 times and team of the year once time and was named in UEFA Team of the year twice times. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor three times. At his peak he was one of the most complete midfielders to play the game – thunderous long range shot, excellent technique, great passing range. Back in January 2010 before Manchester United’s last-16 Champions League tie against AC Milan Wayne Rooney also said:


“Seedorf is the Milan player I fear most. He’s probably the best player I’ve ever played against.”

8. Dragan Stojkovic – the 5th star of Red star. He won two national titles with Red Star & one National Cup, also being named as the best player of Yugoslavian league twice. Stojkovic played plenty of legendary games throughout his career. Red Star’s Champions Cup game vs Milan, when one of the greatest teams in the history was saved by Belgrade fog, is one such example. He was also part of the Red Star team that were up by 3 goals against the mighty Real Madrid in the Champions Cup after 40 minutes. Real Madrid had one of the greatest players of the time, Hugo Sanchez, in their squad and managed to get the game back to 4-2, winning the tie on away goals with a 2-0 win in the second leg. But that team, lead by Piksi, was the sign of things to come. Perhaps no one expected that the team would reach the top without Stojković. Dragan Stojkovic was a sensational footballer, possibly the most naturally gifted to come out of Eastern Europe. His vision, skillset, dribbling was rivaled to none as he gained recognition on international stage as well – scoring a brace against Spain in 1990, and also the same year arguably getting the better of Maradona in their match against Argentina. Even at 33 he was one of the best players in the national team scoring against Germany in the World Cup in 1998. Injuries has plagued his later career, but at his peak he was unplayable and one player that always stood out of the pack.

9. Alan Shearer – a complete striker. He doesn’t have the flash in his game like Ronaldo in his game, along with the fact that he didn’t play for a big club in his career, which probably didn’t get him the recognition he deserved, but at his peak he was really the complete striker. Many people went berserk when Suarez recently scored 31 in one season in premiership, and probably deservedly so, but Shearer in the 90’s did that 3 times…in a row.. He was great header of the ball, possessed great strength, could shield the ball, bring others into the play, had a thunderbolt of a shot, always knew where the target was and was very quick in his peak, before the operations. More than 400 goals for club and country and instrumental in 94/95 season when Blackburn became champions. Always scoring important goals and always a big game player when it came. Inspirational captain with who probably United would’ve notched up 1 or 2 CL’s more.

 

[Gio]

10. Pavel Nedved - The man was, without doubt, one of the greatest and most creative midfielders of his generation. Nedved is considered one of the most innovative midfielders of all time. His sheer ability, both in scoring and creating goals, dazzled Serie A for a number of years, leading to a host of titles and deserved awards for the great Czech. Nedved was a pleasure to watch as a young football fan. Not only did he get the job done, he got it done in style. I used to be in awe of this man's sheer ability to dazzle both the crowd and opposition, and I can honestly say there are very few players I have enjoyed watching more than this man.

His ability to astound opponents with his incredible touch and foresight with his play was almost like a sixth sense, and his goalscoring and assist records throughout his career speaks for itself. Nedved may very well be the most gifted player in regards to putting both of his feet to good use. Equally deadly accurate with both his right or left foot, he is one of the few players capable of performing such magic with a touch from either foot. What is also important to note is that Nedved was incredible hard worker on and off the pitch, his positional sense and awareness as well as tactical discipline made him one of the most complete midfielders in the game. He could easily play on both flanks and through the middle.

11. Giuseppe “Beppe” Signori - It was a time when the Italian League was peerless and was the best championship in terms of quality. Signori played against world class defenders and legends of the game such as Baresi, Maldini, Cafu, Cannavaro, Costacurta, etc, etc..(Luckily he won’t have to play against Cannavaro here as well, he he). Beppe was beating offside traps before Fillipo Inzaghi had grown hairs on his chest and was the consummate striker.

Despite his lack of medals to show for it, Signori was a wonderful striker. He was Serie A top scorer in three seasons and Coppa Italia top scorer twice. In 1993, he won the Guerin d’Oro as the player in Serie A with the highest average rating, beating off the likes of Roberto Baggio, Paolo Di Canio, Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten and other such legends. He was fast, sharp, excellent dribbler of the ball, capable of scoring anywhere in and off the box, added with the fact that he was one of the best free kick takers in the 90’s. He was loved at every team he played. In 1995 rumours surfaced that he was to be sold by Lazio to Parma - the news caused rioting among the Biancocelesti fans, marching to Via Venato and pressuring management to halt the transfer. President Sergio Cragnotti eventually accepted the pleas to keep Signori in the team, breaking the multi-million-pound deal.

Short highlight of one of Seria A finest strikers:

 

[Gio]

Why we will win:

1. Balance – McNeill and Cannavaro are a great combo – McNeill is tough, strong into tackle defender that will win anything in the air neutralizing Voller. Cannavaro is one of the best defenders – both capable of playing as a stopper or sweeper. He’s certainly one of the best choices to stop peak Romario. Vogts is one of the best right full back of all time – he is also great offensively as well as defensively as his pace and great crossing ability will certainly find Shearer in the box. Seedorf is a midfielder of a great engine and will be deployed on the inside left side of central midfield, so he can cover for Komano if he’s having trouble with either Mazolla or Gullit on the wing. He will be covering position if Komano is beaten on one on one. Nedved is also on the left central side and known for his hard work and determination which made him one of the most complete midfielders in the last decade. Redondo of course has the reading skills to intercept play and also has the defensive skills to protect the back 4. When we have the ball both Redondo and Seedorf are perfectly capable of surging passes to split the defence in half. Especially Redondo can find both Stojkovic and Nedved on each wing (or occasionally Signori) who on other hand would get the better off MJJ fullbacks - Petrescu/Ferrer and cut inside or try a cross for Signori/Shearer in the box. Stojkovic as well as Nedved can interchange positions and are one of their most creative midfielders of their time. Both capable of splitting the defence or taking a man on. On top of that we have Shearer who is one of the most natural goalscorers and was unstoppable in a Blackburn side in 95 along with Chris Sutton. He can play with his back to the goal, shield the ball, bring Signori into the game who can burst pass him with his pace.

2. Direct Free kicks – Stojkovic, Nedved, Shearer are excellent FK takers. One of them might have a bad day, but three of them? Not a chance!

3. Dead ball situations – Shearer, McNeill, Cannavaro are known to be a great danger in the box from corners or indirect free kicks. McNeill might be less known but for a centre half to score in three Scottish cup finals is a magnificent achievement (1965, 1969 and 1972)! Nedved and Stojkovic will of course deliver the perfect cross. Vogts will cover for counters with his pace and defensive abilities, while Redondo will stay further back to intercept a possible counter. Seedorf just outside the edge of the area to pounce on any rebounds.

4. Leadership – McNeill is has been voted Celtic’s greatest ever captain, he led the Lisbon lions to European glory and dominated the Scottish league for 9 years. Cannavaro is a true leader himself and being Italy’s longest serving captain. Nicknamed “Wall of Berlin” for his game in 2006 will be enough to keep Romario at bay. Dragan Stojkovic and Shearer are born leaders and captains in their respective teams. Stojkovic was the star in possibly the greatest generation Red Star Beograde paving the way to their CL win in the early 90’s.

5. Crossing and heading – Nedved, Stojkovic, Vogts (when we’re in possession) can deliver perfect crosses in the box for Shearer to head it home or to unlock Singori natural goalscorer instinct.

6. Scoring outside the box - as we will probably take control of the midfield and found ourselves around the box Seedorf, Nedved, Shearer, Signori are all known for their fierce long shots and can score from pretty much anywhere outside the box.

7. Creativity – we have Seedorf and Redondo who have outstanding vision and passing range. Both of them can make key direct pass or to create width finding Nedved/Stojkovic on the wing leaving them one on one with MJJ’s fullbacks. Stojkovic and Nedved have enough skill in their locker to beat their man and create advantage. While Signori will have his best position in the hole off Shearer. Signori at his peak was one of the most devastating strikers in Seria A – top goalscorer in 3 seasons at a time when the Seria A was by far the best league in the world and had strikers like Weah, Ronaldo, Batistuta, Baggio, Van Basten etc…

8. Keeping possession in midfield – As our very own manager said about Redondo - “What does this player have in his boots? A magnet? Him and Seedorf are not strangers together. Both of them played in that 1998 CL final against one of Juve’s greatest midfield three of Davids, Deschamps and Zidane. Both of them are technically gifted, and along with Stojkovic who is one of the best dribblers and passers on the pitch will surely keep possession most of the time.

9. Isolating Voller and Romario – Voller and Romario are not known for their hard work and will require service while I don’t think MJJ can exploit the wide area(and our weakness in Komano, who will be doubled most of the time) and will try to force its way through the middle. Depending on his tactics he’ll most likely play on counter, but our defensive line consists of 3 great players in both tactical and defensive sense – Vogts, McNeill and Cannavaro.

10. Lack of natural left side full back – Petrescu and Ferrer are known full backs(in Petrescu’s case even a winger at times). Even Komano who is our weak spot spent most of his international and highest profile career at left back. Effectively MJJ has a position that is not covered by any of his picks and he’ll either be forced to play a player outside his natural position or playing narrower and to soak pressure.

11. Playing players in their natural positions. From Roa to Shearer we have a team that has all it’s players on their right spots. Vogts is natural at his RB, as Komano is natural as well at his LB(at highest level). McNeill and Cannavaro compliment each other which was pretty hard considering tight pools to get a right match. Seedorf and Redondo played together and are natural at the holding roles in which they are. Nedved and Stojkovic are natural in central AM position or winger – Stojkovic drifts on the right as Nedved on the left to create width. Both like to cut inside and take a man on. Signori will work his magic best with Shearer type of striker playing in the hole or off his shoulder.

 

[Enigma_87]

Thanks,
@Gio !

Apologizes for the longer/in depth analysis and good luck to @MJJ

 

[Gio]

Game on.

Good luck @MJJ @Enigma_87 @RedTiger

Please remember draft OP limits in future Enigma.

 

[Enigma_87]

Game on.

Good luck @MJJ @Enigma_87 @RedTiger

Please remember draft OP limits in future Enigma.

Sure @Gio . I'll be more prompt in the future with the opening posts. Thanks!

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Might be good practice for all to just reserve a post (or several) in the general match tread for the profiles and the in-depth stuff - and then provide links in the match write-up.

 

[Enigma_87]

Might be good practice for all to just reserve a post (or several) in the general match tread for the profiles and the in-depth stuff - and then provide links in the match write-up.

I was unsure where to put the players profiles. Ultimately it's better to be in the general thread and here we can put just a link to the post, to relieve space. And here to have only match discussions and tactics. But my first match, so live and learn I guess

 

[Chesterlestreet]

I was unsure where to put the players profiles. Ultimately it's better to be in the general thread and here we can put just a link to the post, to relieve space. And here to have only match discussions and tactics. But my first match, so live and learn I guess

No problem, mate - there has been no proper form for this so far, so you're not violating any golden traditions. In previous drafts there's been a tendency to post huge initial write-ups (including player profiles) in the match threads, which is something Gio took a stand on before this draft.

Clearly not a big deal, of course - but I think it's a good idea to keep the write-ups relatively brief and to the point.

 

[MJJ]

Will respond later in detail but there is quite a lot wrong there. Expecting cannavaro to keep Romario at bay is laughable as is expecting that you will dominate the midfield. Man to man souness and Robson are better than seedorf and Redondo. Gullit will also dominate kamano and not really sure how you have an edge on indirect free kicks with my side having the taller and stronger players.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

MJJ's has a surplus of attacking players, though I'm not sure how they'll work together. Mazzola was a Inside Right and played on left here. Despite player superiority, they'll all be playing in nearly the same area occupied by Seedorf/Redondo which works against MJJ.

This is a game built for Nedved to shine. He'll have a great game out wide with Seedorf supporting him.

I'm thinking a 2-1 to Enigma.

 

[Cal?]

2 strong sides, originally leaning towards Enigma, but having doubts with the players being all over the place with all those arrows heading everywhere.

Will vote later...

 

[harms]

I like that Enigma's players actually move around the pitch and don't just stand there like MJJ's

 

[Enigma_87]

2 strong sides, originally leaning towards Enigma, but having doubts with the players being all over the place with all those arrows heading everywhere.

Will vote later...

Thanks for you input. The arrows are really just to define the area most of the time the players will cover during the match. I've tried to explain in detail in the write-up which positions and areas will each player cover and what is expected of them.

Will respond later in detail but there is quite a lot wrong there. Expecting cannavaro to keep Romario at bay is laughable as is expecting that you will dominate the midfield. Man to man souness and Robson are better than seedorf and Redondo. Gullit will also dominate kamano and not really sure how you have an edge on indirect free kicks with my side having the taller and stronger players.

Redondo and Seedorf already have a history when playing against a tough midfield with Zidane, Davids and Deschamps in the same team, where Redondo excelled and was named man of the match.

It's fair to say Redondo dominated a Scholes/Keane midfield in 99/00 as well. Robson vs Keane in terms of quality is debatable and ultimately both are great players at their position, but Redondo has already a history of dominating prime Keane in a 2 legged match, which was observed and noted from Ferguson himself where the match was lost.

Gullit may have the better on Komano, but so will Nedved and Stojkovic on your two full backs. Ferrer in particular is a right back covering the left side in a position that is unfamiliar for him. Both Stojkovic and Nedved will have more trickery and will be able to beat Petrescu and Ferrer more often than not.

I think in attack your formation is too narrow to exploit the flanks as the two teams are set up.

For Cannavaro/Romario. Cannavaro has experience of playing and dealing with some of the best strikers and attackers playing at Seria A during it's golden years and on national stage. Sure it's up for interpretation who will get the better of who, of course we'd think/hope it's Cannavaro, you - Romario. My point is Cannavaro is not a slouch definitely and will be up there with Romario most of the time.

as for indirect free-kicks. Billy McNeal has a knack of important headers. He was the one to put Celtic through in the CL tie against Voivodina when Celtic won the European cup and also has scored vital goals in the box throughout his career. Shearer is notorious not only for his heading but also his positioning and strength in the box. Signori is a great poacher in the box with 0.55 career percentage goal per game in the zenith of Seria A. Also Cannavaro has scored some important goals from IFK.

Stojkovic and Nedved have excellent delivery from FK's and can provide a vital assist.

As for taller and stronger I'm not sure who you imply but McNeall and Shearer are the same height as your CB pair and surely both don't lack strength.

 

[Moby]

MJJ's has a surplus of attacking players, though I'm not sure how they'll work together. Mazzola was a Inside Right and played on left here. Despite player superiority, they'll all be playing in nearly the same area occupied by Seedorf/Redondo which works against MJJ.

This is a game built for Nedved to shine. He'll have a great game out wide with Seedorf supporting him.

I'm thinking a 2-1 to Enigma.

Quite agree to that.

 

[Enigma_87]

^^ here's Shearer against 13 cm higher Hyypia.

And another one with 2 in the same match where he batters the defender.

 

[Enigma_87]

One thing to mention is the right flank when we will have Vogts/Stojkovic who will have out of position Ferrer and Mazzola against them which will surely lead to a big advantage out wide.

Here's what Stojkovic did to Maradona's Argentina in 1990:




Effectively created several clear cut chances 3 players got carded trying to stop him, and really tore them apart, beating his man regularly and providing beautiful crosses. Shearer and Signori will not miss chances like that, given that service.

 

[Joga Bonito]

Interesting game.

Straight off the bat, do think MJJ could have presented his team better - looks cramped and static.

Love the monstrous and complete midfield duo, and the complementary central defensive partnership. Perhaps a narrow 4-2-3-1 might have been more ideal than a 4-2-2-2 here though, the players would essentially have the same roles but it would look better presentation wise. Granted, it still doesn't have much width but the likes of Gullit, Völler and Mazzola were comfortable out wide, albeit not in a chalk-hugging manner. So there shouldn't be too much issue with fluidity or ability to stretch play, although a more defined wing presence, to add on to Petrescu's wing-play, would obviously improve MJJ's side considerably.

A key point of contention would be Völler's role as a second-striker of sorts. He managed to strike up a great strike partnership with Klinsmann but they didn't really have fully defined roles that you'd expect from most strike duos - in the sense that both seemed to have pretty interchangeable roles for Germany and were complete strikers with pace, decent dribbling, aerial ability, graft and the ability to spearhead play/drop off/venture out wide etc. Klinsmann was relatively the more complete forward and perhaps the slightly more second-strikerish player from that duo, but it didn't seem that pronounced to me from that partnership. How Völler meshes together with Romario could prove to be crucial here. I could see it working for what's it worth, given Völler all round game in combination with his graft and interchanging ability, but it is a point of contention nonetheless.

MJJ's has a surplus of attacking players, though I'm not sure how they'll work together. Mazzola was a Inside Right and played on left here. Despite player superiority, they'll all be playing in nearly the same area occupied by Seedorf/Redondo which works against MJJ.

This is a game built for Nedved to shine. He'll have a great game out wide with Seedorf supporting him.

I'm thinking a 2-1 to Enigma.

IIRC, Mazzola played as an inside left of sorts in the European Cup final against Real were he and Milani had free roles essentially. He didn't have a particular preference when playing or dropping off to a flank as far as I know.

 

[Gio]

The Souness and Robson midfield combination is outstanding. It's effectively a like-for-like upgrade on the Souness/McDermott partnership that won all those European Cups. In that respect I take issue with this claim:

Seedorf and Redondo are going to control the midfield. Both have played together and are no strangers to each other and already have faced a great midfield of Davids/Deschamps/Zidane and came away on top.Redondo of course is a pivotal figure and on top of his game I can’t think of a better and more complete DM. He already has shown what he can against an ever higher profile midfield combo in Keane/Scholes.

For instance, I don't think there was much in the 1998 Champions League Final and it was largely a case of both midfields cancelling one another out. Where there may well be an advantage for Enigma is the wide threat of Nedved - important when the opposition spine is so imposing. Especially when that is combined with the one-on-one brilliance of Stojkovic.

Like Joga I don't have any issues with Mazzola's positioning. In fact from what I've seen he took on that type of role for Inter and Italy quite often, connecting well with Facchetti. Him, Gullit and Voller could offer useful support for Romario, although I'd say one of that trio is probably surplus to requirements and replicating a job already getting done.

MJJ's teamsheet isn't exactly a work of art - it looks like an upside-down egg balancing on a plate. You'd want some space for Robbo to burst through the middle - always a danger of a central clusterfeck with a 4-2-2-2. That said, Gullit has the physicality to spring wide and would allow Petrescu to overlap down the flank.

 

[Balu]

Redondo and Seedorf already have a history when playing against a tough midfield with Zidane, Davids and Deschamps in the same team, where Redondo excelled and was named man of the match.

You're talking about the CL final here, right? I didn't know Redondo was named man of the match, but I thought he wasn't that great in that game. Juve created quite a bit and poor finishing let them down. More importantly though Karembeu was fantastic and gave a lot of balance to Seedorf and Redondo, who never played as a midfield pair like you have them lined-up as far as I know.

 

[Enigma_87]

You're talking about the CL final here, right? I didn't know Redondo was named man of the match, but I thought he wasn't that great in that game. Juve created quite a bit and poor finishing let them down. More importantly though Karembeu was fantastic and gave a lot of balance to Seedorf and Redondo, who never played as a midfield pair like you have them lined-up as far as I know.

yeah that final - Redondo excerpt:

His awareness was infectious, measuring the state of the game astutely. Every single move, every single pass. His tackles were precise and perfectly timed with the right mix of aggression. Nothing too fussy in his play, Redondo relied on his brilliant reading of the opposition play, making crucial interceptions in the process. Standing 6′ 1″ tall, the Argentine wasn’t the most physically intimidating specimen but he was no pushover either. One of his finest moments came in the Champions League triumph of 1998. Real Madrid came across Juventus, a team with a frighteningly gifted midfield of Deschamps-Davids-Zidane.

Despite the plethora of talent on display Fernando Redondo was named man of the match in a close fought 1-0 win in the final. He dominated the middle of the park with his uncanny knack of breaking opposition play and initiating attacks with his crisp passing. This is one aspect of Redondo’s game that made him so enviable, as he could pull strings in any side against any opposition. Darting arrows without failure like a professional archer, the accuracy of his passing meant he could even play as a deep-lying playmaker if and when required thus making him a near complete central midfielder and a priceless commodity to own. Helping out in defence, contributing in attack, he remained omnipresent. Redondo had a perfect idea of the movement of players around him spraying the vivid colours of his imagination on the palate for the forwards to paint a beautiful outlay. An outlay Redondo had long pictured in his head even before passing the ball.

To be fair I didn't know it before recently when I did some research on Redondo in that particular game.

From memory it was pretty even match, and Juve had a pretty brilliant team and favorites for the final at that time. I recall most papers calling it an upset when they got beaten.

When they played us in 99/00 I think their team was in disarray as well. I think on paper United had much greater quality while in midfield Real had Savio, Helguera, Redondo and McManaman, compared to 4-4-2 with our optimal Giggs/Keane/Scholes/Beckham...

In that final Karembeu was played on the right with Seedorf left and Redondo as an anchor. Usually Karembeu was on the right with Seedorf on the left. Real mostly played middle three with either McManaman, Helguera or Karembeu with addition to Seedorf and Redondo.

I think the two of them can play in that role and compliment each other. In this system we have also Stojkovic and Nedved who can keep the possession. Seedorf has played in that position in the past. In his later years he got more advanced role and/or to compliment Milan midfield depends on what they had.

Seedorf/Redondo combo was picked due to the great dexterity among the two and why they can keep a possession and get the ball back, also in positional sense I think both of them excel so they can keep and play in that formation, also to break up the play and get the ball back.

They are familiar in the sense they have played together for 3 years, of course Real had a different formation back then and depended on the players they had, but IMO both of them are perfectly fine in holding roles.

 

[Balu]

yeah that final - Redondo excerpt:

That's not a neutral report of the final, is it? That sounds like a love letter

 

[Gio]

That's not a neutral report of the final, is it? That sounds like a love letter

@Aldo own up.

 

[Balu]

 

[RedTiger]

Just realized the game is on.

MJJ has put out a lovely looking side of players but enigma and me have put out a coherent side with players playing their natural positions. I think our right side and MJJ's left side is where the game will be won and lost, with Ferrer and Mazzola playing slightly out of position.

 

[Enigma_87]

That's not a neutral report of the final, is it? That sounds like a love letter

Well it's not from Wikipedia where everyone can write it I tried to find the official reports but on UEFA site they don't publish that, just teams and half arsed stats, which more often or not doesn't seem to be up to par...

If you have some other sources please do share

 

[Fergus' son]

This one tight, will vote after more input from the managers.

Beppe Signori though, what a player!

 

[Tuppet]

Looks like a very even game this. While Souness-Robson is obviously an outstanding pair, Seedorf-Redondo is not far from it really and Enigma87's team does have better width. I think both Gullit and Nedved would provide support in the midfield. I don't like either team's striker partnerships though.

With both team's are matched very evenly, I think the two outstanding players on the pitch are Romario and Yashin and both belong to MJJ's team, especially Romario being against Roa, while Yashin is guarding the goalpost on the other end edge this toward MJJ for me.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

pretty much agree with everything what @Tuppet said, would expect a slaughterhouse in midfield and in the game of few chances a slight edge goes to mjj because of Yashin.

 

[Enigma_87]

Looks like a very even game this. While Souness-Robson is obviously an outstanding pair, Seedorf-Redondo is not far from it really and Enigma87's team does have better width. I think both Gullit and Redondo would provide support in the midfield. I don't like either team's striker partnerships though.

With both team's are matched very evenly, I think the two outstanding players on the pitch are Romario and Yashin and both belong to MJJ's team, especially Romario being against Roa, while Yashin is guarding the goalpost on the other end edge this toward MJJ for me.

I think the mismatch between Petrescu/ Ferrer and Stojkovic / Nedved is underestimated. MJJ left flank consists of Ferrer who is a right full back and Sandro Mazzola who IMO is played slightly off his natural role. On the right flank we have Petrescu/Gullit and Nedved/ Vogts. I think both pairs have the advantage in an even CM battle(although it's up to interpretation who will have the more ball possession in this game).

Stojkovic as seen above is perfectly capable of tearing apart Maradona's Argentina when in his peak, let alone Petrescu(who is a bit more offensive minded than defensive minded) even with a man down from the 30th minute.

I think our strike partnership is a bit better as both attackers(Shearer, Signori) compliment each other and have different virtues to their game with the one obvious similarity - scoring goals!

 

[harms]

The new voting system depresses me

 

[RedTiger]

Looks like a very even game this. While Souness-Robson is obviously an outstanding pair, Seedorf-Redondo is not far from it really and Enigma87's team does have better width. I think both Gullit and Nedved would provide support in the midfield. I don't like either team's striker partnerships though.

With both team's are matched very evenly, I think the two outstanding players on the pitch are Romario and Yashin and both belong to MJJ's team, especially Romario being against Roa, while Yashin is guarding the goalpost on the other end edge this toward MJJ for me.

Why don't you Like our strike partnership?

 

[MJJ]

Thanks for you input. The arrows are really just to define the area most of the time the players will cover during the match. I've tried to explain in detail in the write-up which positions and areas will each player cover and what is expected of them.



Redondo and Seedorf already have a history when playing against a tough midfield with Zidane, Davids and Deschamps in the same team, where Redondo excelled and was named man of the match.

It's fair to say Redondo dominated a Scholes/Keane midfield in 99/00 as well. Robson vs Keane in terms of quality is debatable and ultimately both are great players at their position, but Redondo has already a history of dominating prime Keane in a 2 legged match, which was observed and noted from Ferguson himself where the match was lost.

Gullit may have the better on Komano, but so will Nedved and Stojkovic on your two full backs. Ferrer in particular is a right back covering the left side in a position that is unfamiliar for him. Both Stojkovic and Nedved will have more trickery and will be able to beat Petrescu and Ferrer more often than not.

I think in attack your formation is too narrow to exploit the flanks as the two teams are set up.

For Cannavaro/Romario. Cannavaro has experience of playing and dealing with some of the best strikers and attackers playing at Seria A during it's golden years and on national stage. Sure it's up for interpretation who will get the better of who, we'd think/hope it's Cannavaro, yof course ou - Romario. My point is Cannavaro is not a slouch definitely and will be up there with Romario most of the time.

as for indirect free-kicks. Billy McNeal has a knack of important headers. He was the one to put Celtic through in the CL tie against Voivodina when Celtic won the European cup and also has scored vital goals in the box throughout his career. Shearer is notorious not only for his heading but also his positioning and strength in the box. Signori is a great poacher in the box with 0.55 career percentage goal per game in the zenith of Seria A. Also Cannavaro has scored some important goals from IFK.

Stojkovic and Nedved have excellent delivery from FK's and can provide a vital assist.

As for taller and stronger I'm not sure who you imply but McNeall and Shearer are the same height as your CB pair and surely both don't lack strength.

• As has been pointed out already, that never really happened. Robson Souness is better as a two man midfield than scholes-keane as well, given that both robson and souness are on keane's level and among the best box to box midfielders from the EPL.
• Not really, voller, gullit and mazzola are all comfortable outwide and are good dribblers of the ball which will open up a lot of space.
• Thats laughable really, one is a GOAT attacker and the other was a pretty good defender who had an excellent worldcup. There is no way cannavaro is getting the better of romario here.
• Gullit,Voller,Souness,Keane, McGrath and Hansen will be defending on freekicks. Given that your side has a height advantage I really dont see how it gives you an edge on freekicks.
  
• You also have a joke of a keeper while I have yashin in goal. Ultimately, having romario against roa will win the game for me.
• Having a right back as a left back ( one that has played there at the highest level) will help me out here as Nedved will look to cut in often and thats where having a right-footed leftback will be immense.

 

[Gio]

• You also have a joke of a keeper while I have yashin in goal. Ultimately, having romario against roa will win the game for me.

There is clearly a significant quality gap with Yashin, but Roa's no joke. He was amongst the best in the world at Mallorca and one of the scarcely few convincing Argentinian goalkeepers since Fillol.

The new voting system depresses me

I'd like to review it after the first round of matches. See if there's any need to tweak it. Cal's match with Tuppet had 33 votes though which is a fine turnout for a slaughter.

 

[RedTiger]

I'm sorry, but the midfield is ours. We can EASILY turn our side into a strong 5 man midfield with Signori left mid and stojkovic right mid and nedved centrally with seedorf and redondo, there is no way MJJ's team beats us man for man in that situation.

The reason we picked our specific players was because of their versatility in playing different formations.

How is Voller & Romario rated better than Signori and Shearer as strike partners? Voller and Romario are the same type of player, both need an SS to play with foe their strengths to come through, neither voller nor Romario played as SS, both needed the creative runners next to them.

We are playing a true centre forward (highest scorer in the premiership) with a true SS (highest scorer in serie A).

To finish with, we have round pegs in round holes while MJJ has square pegs.

 

[RedTiger]

There is clearly a significant quality gap with Yashin, but Roa's no joke. He was amongst the best in the world at Mallorca and one of the scarcely few convincing Argentinian goalkeepers since Fillol.


I'd like to review it after the first round of matches. See if there's any need to tweak it. Cal's match with Tuppet had 33 votes though which is a fine turnout for a slaughter.

Cal and tuppet Have played?

 

[MJJ]

There is clearly a significant quality gap with Yashin, but Roa's no joke. He was amongst the best in the world at Mallorca and one of the scarcely few convincing Argentinian goalkeepers since Fillol.


I'd like to review it after the first round of matches. See if there's any need to tweak it. Cal's match with Tuppet had 33 votes though which is a fine turnout for a slaughter.

I googled him since I didnt have much knowledge about him, seems to be more popular for being religious and a vegan than an actual keeper. He also stopped playing while in his prime so dont think he can be rated that highly particularly against the quality of attackers he is up against here.

I'm sorry, but the midfield is ours. We can EASILY turn our side into a strong 5 man midfield with Signori left mid and stojkovic right mid and nedved centrally with seedorf and redondo, there is no way MJJ's team beats us man for man in that situation.

The reason we picked our specific players was because of their versatility in playing different formations.

How is Voller & Romario rated better than Signori and Shearer as strike partners? Voller and Romario are the same type of player, both need an SS to play with foe their strengths to come through, neither voller nor Romario played as SS, both needed the creative runners next to them.

We are playing a true centre forward (highest scorer in the premiership) with a true SS (highest scorer in serie A).

To finish with, we have round pegs in round holes while MJJ has square pegs.

It doesnt really count for a lot because you arent playing that formation. I can easily play a 2-2-2-4 if I wanted too but I wont say that makes the attack mine since a) not playing that formation b) would be compromising elsewhere.

Erm what do think mazzola and gullit are?

 

[Gio]

Cal and tuppet Have played?

Aye. Djimi Traore scored a 90th minute overhead kick into his own net to give Cal a 3-2 win.

 

[RedTiger]

I googled him since I didnt have much knowledge about him, seems to be more popular for being religious and a vegan than an actual keeper. He also stopped playing while in his prime so dont think he can be rated that highly particularly against the quality of attackers he is up against here.



It doesnt really count for a lot because you arent playing that formation. I can easily play a 2-2-2-4 if I wanted too but I wont say that makes the attack mine since a) not playing that formation b) would be compromising elsewhere.

Erm what do think mazzola and gullit are?

If you look at the tactics we put up you'll see that the 5 man midfield is one of the options that our formation can switch to.
Mazzola and gullit are fine players but you'll need one of Romario (lol) or Voller to come back into midfield to counteract numbers... In that scenario we would be better placed to control the game.