Sheep draft - sajeev vs MDFC Manager

[Balu]

Team sajeev​

The team is very strong all over and can play pretty much any style. I expect to keep good possession of the ball (courtesy the midfield anchored by Marquez) with the full-backs supporting in attack along with Seedorf and Davids supplying the front three of Kaka, Rivaldo & Henry.
Rivaldo will be dropping to the left at times, while Henry too could drop back when required and then run at the defence.

I defence, McGrath and Bossis with assistance when required form Marquez and the full-backs to take care of the opposition's attacks. I want to emphasize the versatility and fluidity possible from my defence as it has McGrath (who played really well as a defensive midfielder at '90 WC), Bossis (who can also play at LB/LWB), Marquez who can play as CB, SW and DM, Amoros who can play both right and left, and Alaba who can be very adept when require to cover things in midfield.

Player Profiles:

CANIZARES – I will let the best the keeper I have known speak for my keeper. The Great Dane on Canizares

I think Spain's Santiago Canizares is possibly the best goalkeeper in the world.The Valencia star doesn't make things more difficult than they should be.Nowadays you see a lot of keepers making life complicated for themselves.
They try things with their feet or their throws and end up making some really silly mistakes.
Canizares has got a fine pair of hands. But he keeps things very simple, which reduces the risk of giving away the ball.

Some think he's a bit crazy!
I know he dyes his hair and rolls his socks over his knees, but that doesn't really matter!
As long as he's keeping it simple and making no mistakes, that's fine by me.

Also famous for missing out on a World Cup due to dropping a bottle of aftershave on his foot.


McGRATH – Someone who should need no introduction on this forum. An absolute dream of a defender, graceful on the ball and yet very strong off it. A performer on the very biggest of stages and one of the greatest Irish players ever. That should count for something on this board!

BOSSIS – Along with Platini, one of the cornerstones of French success in the 1980s. He was twice named as ‘Footballer of the Year’ by France Football. Won the league three times with Nantes. Adept across the back line, will be featuring in this match as a left-sided centre-back. In keeping with the defensive side of the team, he is very adept on the ball, and absolutely sound defensively. Very pleased to have this cultured defender as a star of the team.

AMOROS – Another star of the French team of the 1980s. Was voted the best young player at the 1982 World Cup and was part of the All Star team at the 1986 edition. Also was French player of the year in 1986. Known for his attacking prowess and ability to perform on both the right and left full-back/wing-back positions, he will patrolling the right-side of the field in this match. A position in which he is an undoubted star.

ALABA – David Alaba, Bayern Munich!

MARQUEZ – Another versatile player who excelled as a centre-back, sweeper and defensive midfielder. His role here would be that of a defensive midfielder capable of falling back when required. His ability on the ball will also be utilized as he acts as the base of a dynamic midfield.

DAVIDS – Was very tempted to leave this as Edgar Davids but it doesn’t do justice to him nor my interest in him as a player. I absolutely loved him in WC’98 and in my opinion he was the player of the tournament. Of course he has achieved a lot more in his very distinguished career, but his performances at ’98 put him in a class of his own for me.

SEEDORF – Still holds the record for winning the Champions League with 3 different clubs. Great player who is part of a brilliant midfield in partnership with Davids with whom he is very familiar. He will also be linking up with Kaka, tying in midfield with attack.

KAKA – Absolutely brilliant player, very silky, a delight to watch. A Ballon d’Or winner who shone brightly if only for a little while.

RIVALDO – Who doesn’t remember his last-minute heroics against Valencia ensuring Bareclona qualify for Champions League back in 2001. He again lit up the world cup in 2002, and should be rightly be considered the reason Brazil won that World Cup. In such a star-studded team, he is the wildcard who can make things happen in a tight match against opponents of great quality.

HENRY – I absolutely hated the guy when he played for Arsenal. There seemed to be a time when if he was given the ball in space it would lead to a goal. I wish I appreciated him better when he played for Arsenal but couldn’t. However, in this draft he was a player I absolutely wanted and was delighted to get. He is going to win this match and draft!

vs
​

 

[Balu]

Team MDFC Manager​

How I line up: A variant of a 4-4-2 diamond, with Veron orchestrating things in midfield while Zico does his ‘thing’ at the cutting edge.

Defense: There’s a wealth of experience here along with top class ability.

Seaman is in goal, known for his dependable and steady performances. Comfortable in making reflex saves, as well as gathering aerial balls cleanly and decent enough with the ball at his feet.

In this team, Seaman will be marshaling a very strong and sturdy defensive center back duo of Alessandro Costacurta and Oscar Ruggeri. Both can lay claim to being amongst the best defenders of their generations. While Costacurta was part of the fantastic defensive unit for many years at Milan, Ruggeri was one of the top defenders to come out of Argentina. Both are very good at pure stopping, Ruggeri being excellent in the air as well.

Denis Irwin and Stefan Reuter man the left and right full back positions respectively. Irwin is a dependable, error-free and astute left back. Fergie called him the only certainty to be picked in an all-time SAF United XI, mainly thanks to his reliable and consistent performances. Reuter, on the other hand, provides dynamism to the back 4. He brings superb pace and acceleration which combined with his high work-rate allows him to bomb up and down the pitch.

As a unit, this back 4 is very balanced and their tactical remit is fairly simple. Only Reuter has instructions to get forward judiciously, whereas the other 3 will keep things tight and simple at the back.

Midfield: The heartbeat of this particular team, the midfield is the centerpiece of the tactical setup.

Juan Sebastian Veron acts as the primary playmaker of the team, which is a role he is more than capable of performing, thanks to his superb passing range and ability to dictate play by playing it short or long. He is the primary link between the defense and the rest of the team.

He is closely flanked by two industrious box to box midfielders in Patrick Vieira and Osvaldo Ardiles. While Vieira brings presence, power and strength, Ardiles brings his own tenacity and superb dribbling skills. Both have a very decent passing range and both of them are known for making opportunistic forward runs.

All three of Vieira, Veron and Ardiles have ball winning abilities (to varying degrees), which negates the need for a specialist defensive midfielder. This, IMO, adds superbly to the overall balance of the midfield simply due to there being no single player being overburdened with that specific task.

The tip of the diamond will be occupied by the best player on both teams IMO – Zico; one of the greatest ever #10/forward players. Nicknamed ‘White Pele’, he has everything that you need from a player for this position. Brilliance in dribbling, creative vision and passing ability. And if that wasn’t enough, his goal scoring record from this position is simply breathtaking.



Attack: The attack comprises of the Dutchmen duo of Marco van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp.

Bergkamp brings more creativity to the table. His technical skill and ability to get around tight spaces in the final third will be invaluable. As will be his very good goal scoring record. He also adds a bit of aggression at the top end of the pitch.

And last, but not the least, we have Marco van Basten. To finish off all the creativity, a top class striker is needed and that’s exactly what this guy is. Amongst the most feared marksman of his time, he was a very complete striker and a perfect fit to this system. Strong finishing skills with either foot as well as superb in the air, he can be relied up to score any kind of goal.





Brief tactical setup:

· Seaman, Costacurta and Ruggeri to keep things very simple at the back. No nonsense defending whenever possible.

· Defense to pass the ball short if secure options available (Veron/Viera/Ardiles).

· Irwin to have very limited offensive forays at the start of the game, to balance out Ardiles’s forward ventures.

· Reuter to bomb forward, judiciously. His pace and work rate should be enough to do so.

· Vieira to cover for Reuter’s forward runs.

· Ardiles to wander wide left/forward in case of any gaps opening. His dribbling ability should allow him to do so.

· Vieira to get forward rarely at the start of the game.

· Veron to collect the ball from defense (when they play short) and orchestrate moves from deep.

· All of Veron, Viera and Ardiles to share ball winning responsibilities. Vieira and Ardiles to play high pressure and hassle their opponents.

· Zico to collect the ball and use his ability to get to the opposition box and look for Van Basten or shooting opportunities for himself. His interplay with Bergkamp will be fun to watch and expected to be very effective.

· Bergkamp is my key tactical weapon. He will have a complete free role and will have the license to roam all over the attacking third. He should subsequently be able to create enough confusion and drag defenders out of position, in turn allowing Zico to operate more freely as well as Van Basten to have fewer eyes tracking him.

· Lastly, Van Basten to receive the ball and stick it in the back of the net.

The Game Breaker:

With so much skill and trickery coming from the likes of Zico, Bergkamp, Ardiles and even Van Basten, the opponent is bound to concede at least a few free kicks in dangerous positions. Step forward, Zico. Possibly one the best free kick takers of all time, I trust him to score few of these kinds:



Good luck @sajeev, hopefully it’s a good game.

 

[Balu]

Good luck @sajeev @MDFC Manager

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Sajeev is better in a diamond too!

 

[crappycraperson]

Don't think you want Rivaldo and Henry in the same team. In the formation sajeev plays, you want both to play the left forward role ala what Rivaldo played in 2002 for Brazil or what Henry is capable of playing. Playing Henry as someone who will provide the presence up front, takes away a lot from his prime role. Then you add Kaka to the mix, another player who will do damage from the middle mostly and I don't think that is the best trip up front in terms of complementing the attacking partners.

MDFC suffers from a similar issue since he has 2 number 10s in there in DB and Zico.

Defense wise, very slight edge to MDFC since I would rate Irwin higher than Alaba at this stage of latter's career. MF 3 is about the same quality as well. In the end, voting for MDFC since I rate the Zico + Basten combo more than any other potential partnership on the pitch.

 

[sajeev]

Good luck @MDFC Manager

 

[VivaJanuzaj]

I think MDFC's attacking trio of VB-Bergkamp-Zico will have too much space to operate here, but on the other hand I don't see him creating anything from wide.

 

[sajeev]

Don't think you want Rivaldo and Henry in the same team. In the formation sajeev plays, you want both to play the left forward role ala what Rivaldo played in 2002 for Brazil or what Henry is capable of playing. Playing Henry as someone who will provide the presence up front, takes away a lot from his prime role. Then you add Kaka to the mix, another player who will do damage from the middle mostly and I don't think that is the best trip up front in terms of complementing the attacking partners.

MDFC suffers from a similar issue since he has 2 number 10s in there in DB and Zico.

Defense wise, very slight edge to MDFC since I would rate Irwin higher than Alaba at this stage of latter's career. MF 3 is about the same quality as well. In the end, voting for MDFC since I rate the Zico + Basten combo more than any other potential partnership on the pitch.

It isn't just about the quality of the players, however it is about how you think the game will play out.

I don't see his midfield dominating the game against mine, and this is one of the games where the quality on the field would dictate that I would have more opportunities to penetrate than his team would

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Seedorf is operating on the wrong side here. He usually plays left, right? I don't see you covering that flank well.

Too close but I'm leaning towards MDFC.

Will wake up fully before voting. Still too close!

 

[sajeev]

Seedorf is operating on the wrong side here. He usually plays left, right? I don't see you covering that flank well.

Too close but I'm leaning towards MDFC.

Will wake up fully before voting. Still too close!

When he played with Davids in the Dutch team he was on the right. There is adequate cover on the side, as McGrath is very comfortable moving a little to the right.

 

[Balu]

Seedorf is operating on the wrong side here. He usually plays left, right? I don't see you covering that flank well.

Pretty sure he played on the right for Ajax and for the nationalteam. Makes sense, because Seedorf is right footed and Davids left footed, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[antohan]

This will be a tight game, although it really boils down to whether you favour tactics and cohesiveness or individual impact. The former makes things rather straightforward.

Defences: Sajeev's is markedly better, more balanced, with a great counter-attacking outlet be it from Bossis or Marquez's passing. Crucially, the back 5 is spot on with two CBs who are comfortable covering their flank and a (very underrated, I know) Márquez doing what he did best. That in turn will unleash the attacking fullbacks to make their impact in midfield, occasionally operating as wingbacks, and upfront. While Verón's passing is better than Márquez's, it's not that much better that it makes up for Márquez actually being a proper defender, who can either keep tabs on Zico or drop back into a three if the wings look more exposed.

Central Midfield: Davids-Seedorf, with Márquez pushing up, offers everything MDFC has and more. The lack of width in MDFCs diamond is a major flaw, only Ardiles offers something in that department and he would be better off on the right. The unit simply doesn't compare to how seamlessly Davids-Seedorf would operate, with a Márquez well versed in and appreciated for his tactical fit in a Dutch-inspired Barca.

Attacking midfielders/creators: again, Rivaldo and Kaká can support the flanks better and are far more compatible than Zico and Bergkamp who pretty much do the same stuff IMO. I disagree with @crappycraperson re: Rivaldo's 2002 role (Brazil's real player of the tourno IMO), he operated across the frontline, probing everywhere, with a young Ronaldinho adapting to his movement. Where I do agree is that having Henry and Rivaldo there isn't the best setup. A Crespo would work better as there's no need for the striker to offer width here. To be honest, both would be better off swapping Zico and Rivaldo. Zico could do having a striker that peels wide and let's him play 9 1/2 (Henry), while Rivaldo would be better behind (and alongside) van Basten. You could also argue Kaká-Bergkamp would work better if swapped. It's no wonder these two were after the same forwards

Strikers: van Basten is the better striker, no brainer. Not that Henry couldn't score though. The question is whether a team lacking width and almost exclusively going through the middle is ideal for Marco, and the fact his team faces a stronger defensive core both in defence and midfield.

With prolonged possession, MDFC is likely to get into a bit of a central clusterfeck, sajeev has more options. On the counter sajeev can spread his play and has specialists that will best execute and exploit the quick transition. Kaká on the break was a sight to behold.

So it's better striker vs. better build up and sturdier defence. I think sajeev would prevail, but strikers do have a way of pulling in votes when, on paper, a game appears so close.

 

[antohan]

Seedorf is operating on the wrong side here. He usually plays left, right? I don't see you covering that flank well.

Too close but I'm leaning towards MDFC.

Will wake up fully before voting. Still too close!

You are looking at things upside down Seedorf played right for Ajax, Netherlands and Madrid. It was at Milan that he swapped to the left.

 

[antohan]

Pretty sure he played on the right for Ajax and for the nationalteam. Makes sense, because Seedorf is right footed and Davids left footed, if I'm not mistaken.

Indeed, and they were both converted left and right wingers to begin with. That's one of the things that made that Ajax side so interesting, either could go off on one and rely on Rijkaard pushing up to fill the gap.

 

[crappycraperson]

This will be a tight game, although it really boils down to whether you favour tactics and cohesiveness or individual impact. The former makes things rather straightforward.

Defences: Sajeev's is markedly better, more balanced, with a great counter-attacking outlet be it from Bossis or Marquez's passing. Crucially, the back 5 is spot on with two CBs who are comfortable covering their flank and a (very underrated, I know) Márquez doing what he did best. That in turn will unleash the attacking fullbacks to make their impact in midfield, occasionally operating as wingbacks, and upfront. While Verón's passing is better than Márquez's, it's not that much better that it makes up for Márquez actually being a proper defender, who can either keep tabs on Zico or drop back into a three if the wings look more exposed.

Central Midfield: Davids-Seedorf, with Márquez pushing up, offers everything MDFC has and more. The lack of width in MDFCs diamond is a major flaw, only Ardiles offers something in that department and he would be better off on the right. The unit simply doesn't compare to how seamlessly Davids-Seedorf would operate, with a Márquez well versed in and appreciated for his tactical fit in a Dutch-inspired Barca.

Attacking midfielders/creators: again, Rivaldo and Kaká can support the flanks better and are far more compatible than Zico and Bergkamp who pretty much do the same stuff IMO. I disagree with @crappycraperson re: Rivaldo's 2002 role (Brazil's real player of the tourno IMO), he operated across the frontline, probing everywhere, with a young Ronaldinho adapting to his movement. Where I do agree is that having Henry and Rivaldo there isn't the best setup. A Crespo would work better as there's no need for the striker to offer width here. To be honest, both would be better off swapping Zico and Rivaldo. Zico could do having a striker that peels wide and let's him play 9 1/2 (Henry), while Rivaldo would be better behind (and alongside) van Basten. You could also argue Kaká-Bergkamp would work better if swapped. It's no wonder these two were after the same forwards

Strikers: van Basten is the better striker, no brainer. Not that Henry couldn't score though. The question is whether a team lacking width and almost exclusively going through the middle is ideal for Marco, and the fact his team faces a stronger defensive core both in defence and midfield.

With prolonged possession, MDFC is likely to get into a bit of a central clusterfeck, sajeev has more options. On the counter sajeev can spread his play and has specialists that will best execute and exploit the quick transition. Kaká on the break was a sight to behold.

So it's better striker vs. better build up and sturdier defence. I think sajeev would prevail, but strikers do have a way of pulling in votes when, on paper, a game appears so close.

That's quote a vote of confidence in someone's team. Almost like you have written a tactical write up for sajeev's team.

Few things I would disagree with -

- MDFC does have outlets out wide. Irwin and Reuter do provide him that option from time to time. It is true, both Rivaldo and Kaka are more comfortable out wide than Zico and DB. But neither are going to hog the line either.

- Marquez played this role very well in Mexico's WC team, so I do agree with you that he should get some credit here. But you have underestimated Veron too much here. He most definitely has a better passing range and is capable of doing much more damage than Marquez from the deep if no one of Sajeev's forwards press him when he is on the all. It is basic give and take IMO- Marquez's role adds more defensive steel while Veron's give MDFC another player to affect the game in attacking sense.

I am not sure you can just account for Marquez taking care of Zico here. If we do assume DB will be wasted here (he will be if he is instructed to stay up front but while Henry is better than him in that role, that's not his best usage either or a good one), it will be Zico + Basten against Marquez + Bossis + Mcgrath. A fair fight where I would give the edge to the attacking trio, both are possibly in top 10 (all time) of their respective roles. It is not just Basten's individual quality that is in play here.

 

[Gio]

Seedorf is operating on the wrong side here. He usually plays left, right? I don't see you covering that flank well.

Too close but I'm leaning towards MDFC.

Will wake up fully before voting. Still too close!

As Balu says, he almost always played a right-sided role for Holland and Ajax. He operated there often enough for Real Madrid as well. Plus he's right footed.

Neither team's quite perfect, but I'm buying the shape of both teams and there's loads of tasty firepower on show. Some memorable partnerships there with Davids/Seedorf and Van Basten/Berkgamp.

 

[sajeev]

- MDFC does have outlets out wide. Irwin and Reuter do provide him that option from time to time. It is true, both Rivaldo and Kaka are more comfortable out wide than Zico and DB. But neither are going to hog the line either.
.

he doesn't really set up his team to have the ful-backs as attacking out-lets since he doesn't have a defensive midfielder and his full-backs especially Irwin is likely to stay back. If he does stray forward it will give me an advantage on the counter

Another thing is my defensive unit is very adaptable to deal with situations.

Also my attackers are more likely to be fluid as they are intelligent players with amazing ability to make something out of nothing. For example, Rivaldo for the national team in 2002, operated across the front-line as the creative hub. Similarly Henry while preferring to peal to the left is still very effective up-front, and at the same time can move when required.

 

[antohan]

That's quote a vote of confidence in someone's team. Almost like you have written a tactical write up for sajeev's team.

Anyone reading his write up can tell I had no involvement whatsoever. It's not a criticism, it's just clear as day not the way I approach games (or teamsheets, McGrath's name crossed out with the penalty box line gets on my tits).

- MDFC does have outlets out wide. Irwin and Reuter do provide him that option from time to time. It is true, both Rivaldo and Kaka are more comfortable out wide than Zico and DB. But neither are going to hog the line either.

Irwin is supposed to be staying back. There isn't a comparable safety net to Marquez dropping into a three (Verón doing that would be comical defending). Sajeev's fullbacks have far more freedom to push forward, Davids and Seedorf are far better out wide and initially played as wingers, plus the Rivaldo-Kaká that you acknowledge. I'm not saying they will be line-hugging, I'm saying the ability to spread the play across the pitch is very much there and comes from several players, not just Reuter. If Reuter is all that he has coming, Alaba will be comfortable here, he has dealt with actual/proper/better wingers.

- Marquez played this role very well in Mexico's WC team, so I do agree with you that he should get some credit here. But you have underestimated Veron too much here. He most definitely has a better passing range and is capable of doing much more damage than Marquez from the deep if no one of Sajeev's forwards press him when he is on the all. It is basic give and take IMO- Marquez's role adds more defensive steel while Veron's give MDFC another player to affect the game in attacking sense.

Agree Verón's passing is better, but how effective is it when there's no width upfront? He can't exactly spread the ball, so it's significance is rather limited and, while Kaká and Rivaldo won't do significant defensive work giving a rather static/lackadaisical Verón no time on the ball isn't too much to ask. I'm not knocking him, just prefer Verón in his early incarnation further up the pitch TBH and the only reason I can see for having him deep is his passing, but he doesn't have a wide variety of options before him.

I am not sure you can just account for Marquez taking care of Zico here.

Of course not, he will do a far better job than MDFC is doing with Kaká and Rivaldo though.

Anyhow, I'll be off. I made a conscious effort not to get involved in the build up so sajeev can break into his drafting boots! (same goes for MDFC). But you know I'm a sucker for Márquez and can't stand him being overlooked in that role. I've told you (and others) to get him several times, like a broken record

 

[NM]

Antohan being the good assistant herw. Very close game. Leaning towards mdfc because I don't buy kaka giving any width on the right. Or starting in the right attacking midfielder position, and don't rate Marquez that highly. it's a close one though

 

[NM]

@antohan what crappy meant was that your post read like a tactical write up for him. You clearly didn't have involvment in the original write up

 

[sajeev]

Very close game. Leaning towards mdfc because I don't buy kaka giving any width on the right. Or starting in the right attacking midfielder position, and don't rate Marquez that highly. it's a close one though

Amoros is a very good attacking option, from the right. Yes Kaka is more likely to be central, but Seedorf in alliance with Kaka and Amoros is more threat from the right than MDFC is offering from any of the wings.

Marquez is quite good for the job he is designated to do here. So in terms of set-up it is better than Veron at the base, unless you the back 4 aren't adventurous.
Whereas having Marquez there allows my defence to be much more supporting in attack, which Bossis and McGrath are very much capable of.

 

[kps88]

That's quote a vote of confidence in someone's team. Almost like you have written a tactical write up for sajeev's team.

I'm pretty sure he's his AM (or at least helped plan his picks a lot), so I guess it's fine.

 

[harms]

Voted for sajeev - I feel that he has more balance in his team. But the ultimate technical trio of Van Basten, Bergkamp and Zico - sounds mouthwatering.

 

[Balu]

McGrath's name crossed out with the penalty box line gets on my tits

 

[Mani]

I don't see much width on either side,back four look evenly matched.Both got brilliant Brazilian's to support their strikers.
Right now leaning towards MDFC but might change my vote.

 

[antohan]

Antohan being the good assistant herw. Very close game. Leaning towards mdfc because I don't buy kaka giving any width on the right. Or starting in the right attacking midfielder position, and don't rate Marquez that highly. it's a close one though

That's an interesting point, because I also noticed sajeev put a straight arrow rather than the two arrows on Rivaldo, so he must be of the same opinion. Kaká did however start out as a right midfielder, if you dig deep enough you'll find exchanges from his time in Sao Paulo when @Raoul used to resort to me as his local scout (I was living in Brazil then).

We had a really interesting discussion on Kaká among the Sheep Committee (loved that convo, was brilliant!). @Chesterlestreet arguing his peak form is affected by him losing "it" too suddenly, leading to discussions about "it" being more affected by injuries than the "it" of someone like Maradona... "It" to me with Kaká was what we call repentización, the sudden change of pace and rhythm of a game from dead to electric, or as I tried to describe it:

Indeed, not sure the point on repentización was clear but it basically boils down to more than just accelerating but using that acceleration wisely. Bellion can accelerate, Valencia can accelerate... the thing with Kaká was he suddenly resorted to it at the exact time that it would be devastating and pull a defence into disarray. "Pacing of the acceleration" sort of thing, which is where his genius was, take away the acceleration and he is fecked.

Leading to a gem by Gio, which best explains him being repositioned and perceived as a central player:

Yes. That's why he played in the middle, in the most crowded area of the park, rather than bunged out wide as would be the conventional location for anyone with that kind of burst.

Now that I think of it, @Chesterlestreet kept asking me for other examples of repentización: Aimar, there you go, what clearly set him and Riquelme apart from a young age was that trait and with time it just got more exacerbated. "El Payaso", there's one irreverent genius that has missed way too many draft... Fantastic player.

 

[sajeev]

I don't see much width on either side,back four look evenly matched.

you don't think Alaba and Rivaldo provide width on the left?
Even on the right where it is more of a concern, Amoros will supporting in attack, and Kaka is a very intelligent player who can take advantage of the movement around him.

 

[VivaJanuzaj]

McGrath's name crossed out with the penalty box line gets on my tits

THIS!
Almost got me voting against sajeev here, a real eye sore

 

[MDFC Manager]

Internet at home has gone down at the wrong time here...Doing some jugaad with mobile tethering Will have to keep it short

you don't think Alaba and Rivaldo provide width on the left?
Even on the right where it is more of a concern, Amoros will supporting in attack, and Kaka is a very intelligent player who can take advantage of the movement around him.

The width in your team is really not a lot different from what my team is offering. Yes, both your fullbacks are attacking vs. just one of mine that's attacking, but thats suplemented by Ardiles drifting wide on one side and Bergkamp's free role means he keep the other full back occupied. This isn't a lot different from the width your team is offering at all. In any case, I don't see why I need to be explosive on the wings in any case. Clearly my team isn't built to spread play out on both flanks and get to the bylines. Its not a weakness at all, let alone a major one

I also disagree with antohan saying your defense AND midfield creativity are both superior to mine. That really isn't the case, perhaps you have a marginal edge in defense, thanks to added protection from Marquez, but that only makes things easier in midfield for me.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Just to expand a bit more on Bergkamps free role, as I see it a potential match winning role, he'll always be keeping one full back busy. Not so much due to running with the ball like a traditional winger but simply drifting into spaces between the center back and full back, using his intelligent running. Marquez is supposedly going to try and keep Zico quiet (not sure how he'll actually execute that), so Bergkamp will have to be looked after by someone else. I'm not sure how both of the opposing fullbacks can be given license to get forward. Zico-Bergkamp-van Basten will pick off the spaces with ease.

 

[Kazi]

Great match-up.

 

[NoPace]

Random thoughts:
-2 really solid teams. The weakest players are in the right roles and the firepower up front is excellent.

-People seem to think Henry isn't a great fit in front of Rivaldo or Kaka, but the latter especially would love the central space left by Henry's drifting. Kaka should be able to attack the Veron-Ardiles space and get the change to run at the defense, and he was fantastic at that in his prime.

-Also, Reuter bombing forward should allow Henry to get in that left-wing channel and run at Ruggeri, and Henry in his prime in that spot is trouble for any CB. Rivaldo

-I think MDFC would have to push his fullbacks up to get width, and if not his narrow attack would lead to turnovers, and Kaka-Rivaldo-Henry looks lethal on the break. So, I'm voting for Sajeev.

 

[NM]

Amoros is a very good attacking option, from the right. Yes Kaka is more likely to be central, but Seedorf in alliance with Kaka and Amoros is more threat from the right than MDFC is offering from any of the wings.

Marquez is quite good for the job he is designated to do here. So in terms of set-up it is better than Veron at the base, unless you the back 4 aren't adventurous.
Whereas having Marquez there allows my defence to be much more supporting in attack, which Bossis and McGrath are very much capable of.

I agree on Amoros. I don't rate Marquez at the base - always thought he was overrated. I am very surprised the likes of Antohan aren't making a very easy comment on Veron though.

I'm just LEANING towards MDFC. I'm still not sure.

That's an interesting point, because I also noticed sajeev put a straight arrow rather than the two arrows on Rivaldo, so he must be of the same opinion. Kaká did however start out as a right midfielder, if you dig deep enough you'll find exchanges from his time in Sao Paulo when @Raoul used to resort to me as his local scout (I was living in Brazil then).

Come on. Don't try to sell Kaka as playing on the right. He just never did. Evra started as a striker. I wouln't play him there.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Random thoughts:
-2 really solid teams. The weakest players are in the right roles and the firepower up front is excellent.

-People seem to think Henry isn't a great fit in front of Rivaldo or Kaka, but the latter especially would love the central space left by Henry's drifting. Kaka should be able to attack the Veron-Ardiles space and get the change to run at the defense, and he was fantastic at that in his prime.

-Also, Reuter bombing forward should allow Henry to get in that left-wing channel and run at Ruggeri, and Henry in his prime in that spot is trouble for any CB. Rivaldo

-I think MDFC would have to push his fullbacks up to get width, and if not his narrow attack would lead to turnovers, and Kaka-Rivaldo-Henry looks lethal on the break. So, I'm voting for Sajeev.

I'm sorry but I simply won't be pushing both fullbacks to get width. There's simply no major gain to be had from Irwin pushing on as well. If I did, like you say, I'd be punished on counters.
And I disagree about turnovers, as I'm simply not setup to push too many numbers forward at the same time. It's only Ardiles who has a slight license to drift wide but he has Irwin on that side, who isn't bombing forward. I really don't see the spaces for the opposition to even think about counterattacking. Maybe they might have the occasional joy on Reuter's side but I fully expect Vieira to plug in the gaps on that side.

The game being concentrated in the middle areas works brilliantly for me. Zico and Bergkamp are extremely comfortable operating in congested central areas. Kaka and Rivaldo, not to that extent.

 

[NoPace]

I'm sorry but I simply won't be pushing both fullbacks to get width. There's simply no major gain to be had from Irwin pushing on as well. If I did, like you say, I'd be punished on counters.
And I disagree about turnovers, as I'm simply not setup to push too many numbers forward at the same time. It's only Ardiles who has a slight license to drift wide but he has Irwin on that side, who isn't bombing forward. I really don't see the spaces for the opposition to even think about counterattacking. Maybe they might have the occasional joy on Reuter's side but I fully expect Vieira to plug in the gaps on that side.

The game being concentrated in the middle areas works brilliantly for me. Zico and Bergkamp are extremely comfortable operating in congested central areas. Kaka and Rivaldo, not to that extent.

I think it'll be congested when you get it, but Alaba or Amoros should be able to burst forward (no direct opponents) and start attacks from out wide. If, as you say, Vieira comes right to deal with Alaba, you suddenly have Ardiles and Vieira covering a lot of crucial midfield space, and I don't think they're well equipped to deal with the pace and power of Kaka, Rivaldo, Seedorf and Davids.

 

[antohan]

I agree on Amoros. I don't rate Marquez at the base - always thought he was overrated. I am very surprised the likes of Antohan aren't making a very easy comment on Veron though.

Verón-Keane = Verón-Vieira? Cheap shot IMO. I don't really have a problem with that TBH. I would actually argue his best performances for us (yet not his peak) where in midfield trios with him playing deeper in European games. Those were the only times Verón and Keane worked together and that's the setup here. My issue though is he can't spray passes when his team plays in such a narrow setup, at which point you have to question what the point of him really is.

Come on. Don't try to sell Kaka as playing on the right. He just never did. Evra started as a striker. I wouln't play him there.

I never said he would play right winger, just that he would provide more support to the flanks, which are already well worked via Amoros and Seedorf. As far as I see sajeev ain't playing him wide but sort of inside right, so don't see what looks off about that because it's exactly what he did for Milan. Don't take my word for it though, just check ZonalMarking.

..........................

 

[NM]

@antohan all I can think of about the 2006/2007 team is Maldini and Nesta thinking that they went form playing alongside Stam and Cafu to fecking Oddo and Jankulovski.

With regards to the Veron-Vieira, thing I was thinking that plus one more BIG issue on both teams that nobody has hit on yet (for both teams).

 

[MDFC Manager]

I think it'll be congested when you get it, but Alaba or Amoros should be able to burst forward (no direct opponents) and start attacks from out wide. If, as you say, Vieira comes right to deal with Alaba, you suddenly have Ardiles and Vieira covering a lot of crucial midfield space, and I don't think they're well equipped to deal with the pace and power of Kaka, Rivaldo, Seedorf and Davids.

You're describing an absolutely extreme scenario there. Both of his fullbacks engaging my side midfielders at the same time? I don't think that'll happen at all. If he does attack with both fullbacks, he'll be leaving Bergkamp completely free in whichever flank he drifts out to.

The only point I agree with you over, is regarding Henry. He will certainly be a threat on my right side but then again, no more than the threats from my forward lineup

 

[kps88]

With regards to the Veron-Vieira, thing I was thinking that plus one more BIG issue on both teams that nobody has hit on yet (for both teams).

Just bring it up man. This isn't supposed to just be a back and forth among the managers.

 

[sajeev]

McGrath's name crossed out with the penalty box line gets on my tits.

I was too tied up in trying to get my posts through as I was having trouble getting the site to work for me and then post that in the convo. @Balu can testify to that