Team Cutch
PLAYER PROFILES
EDWIN VAN DER SAR
One of the most reliable and acclaimed goalkeepers of the last 20 years. Had a wonderfully long and glittering career for club and country.
JAVIER ZANETTI
19 years at Inter Milan and an astonishing 145 caps for Argentina. One of the finest fullbacks of all time. Physical powerhouse and a model of consistency.
ALESSANDRO NESTA
The best defender of his generation. Tremendous composure inside the box, incredible positional sense off the ball and highly accurate anticipation of a striker’s movement inside the final third were some attributes that would describe Nesta’s defensive prowess. His calming influence has brought out the best in many that have played alongside him.
DANIEL PASSARELLA
Argentina's magnificent 'El Grand Capitan', one of the all time great defenders. Inspirational leader and the second most prolific goal scoring defender of all time. Despite his average height Passarella was phenomenal in the air at both ends of the pitch. Wonderful organiser and reader of the game.
NILTON SANTOS
Legendary Brazilian left back selected in the FIFA world team of century in 1998. A defender so complete he was nicknamed ‘The Encyclopaedia of Football’. Revolutionised the position of attacking fullback and inspired generations of Brazilian that followed in that position. Outstanding in attack with his pace, world-class dribbling and crossing.
MARCEL DESAILLY
A colossus of a defensive midfield player in Capello's all conquering Milan side. Incredibly strong and fast, he combined his physical capabilities with great defensive abilities.
JOZSEF BOZSIK
Forget the likes of Pirlo and Alonso, Jozsef Bozsik is considered the finest deep lying playmaker in the history of the game. The brains of one of the best sides of all time, Hungary’s Mighty Magyars that dominated the 1950's.
There are few historical players who would have been more valued in the modern game. For Bozsik possessed the gift that is the most valued in contemporary football and the hardest to find, that of time. He had the ability and composure to wait for the right option and to execute what few others could even see. In an era where such qualities are at a premium, Bozsik would have been peerless.
SIR BOBBY CHARLTON
Arguably the finest player to come out of English football. Man Utd and Englands all time goalscorer. A legend of the game. A gentleman of honesty and integrity. Personified the Busby Babes – the triumph, tragedy and the ability to rise from the munich air disaster to restore the glory days to the club. His game displayed grace, speed, athleticism and a thunderous shot.
FRANCISCO 'PACO' GENTO
Trophies, trophies and more trophies. That’s the story of the career of A player many believe to be the best left-winger of all time and the only player in history to win six European Cups. Gento had lightning pace, fantastic dribbling skills and perfect accuracy in his crosses, and he played in one of the truly great Real Madrid teams. Along with Di Stefano, Kopa, Rial and Puskas he was part of a stunning forward line that led the team to win five consecutive European Cups. He was scorer of a not too shabby 182 goals in 602 matches.
http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174556/index.html
JAIRZINHO
After Garrincha and other lieutenants got retired, in 1970 the entire football world was curious who would back up Pelé at the World Cup. Brasil 1970 turned out to be a Dream Team and Jairzinho was arguably the finest, most electrifying member of that abundantly talented group of players.
Jairzinho scored in each and every match of the World Cup 1970, finishing with seven goals and a reputation as one of the world’s best players. Much more of a team player than his predecessor Garrincha, Jairzinho was so direct always looking to get on the end of passing moves.
MARCO VAN BASTEN
World player of the year in 1992 and 3 time European footballer of the year. Voted 12th in the FIFA player of the century. 3 time European cup winner with Milan and starred for Holland in the 88 Euros scoring 1 of the best goals of all time in the final.
One of the most reliable and acclaimed goalkeepers of the last 20 years. Had a wonderfully long and glittering career for club and country.
JAVIER ZANETTI
19 years at Inter Milan and an astonishing 145 caps for Argentina. One of the finest fullbacks of all time. Physical powerhouse and a model of consistency.
ALESSANDRO NESTA
The best defender of his generation. Tremendous composure inside the box, incredible positional sense off the ball and highly accurate anticipation of a striker’s movement inside the final third were some attributes that would describe Nesta’s defensive prowess. His calming influence has brought out the best in many that have played alongside him.
DANIEL PASSARELLA
Argentina's magnificent 'El Grand Capitan', one of the all time great defenders. Inspirational leader and the second most prolific goal scoring defender of all time. Despite his average height Passarella was phenomenal in the air at both ends of the pitch. Wonderful organiser and reader of the game.
NILTON SANTOS
Legendary Brazilian left back selected in the FIFA world team of century in 1998. A defender so complete he was nicknamed ‘The Encyclopaedia of Football’. Revolutionised the position of attacking fullback and inspired generations of Brazilian that followed in that position. Outstanding in attack with his pace, world-class dribbling and crossing.
MARCEL DESAILLY
A colossus of a defensive midfield player in Capello's all conquering Milan side. Incredibly strong and fast, he combined his physical capabilities with great defensive abilities.
JOZSEF BOZSIK
Forget the likes of Pirlo and Alonso, Jozsef Bozsik is considered the finest deep lying playmaker in the history of the game. The brains of one of the best sides of all time, Hungary’s Mighty Magyars that dominated the 1950's.
There are few historical players who would have been more valued in the modern game. For Bozsik possessed the gift that is the most valued in contemporary football and the hardest to find, that of time. He had the ability and composure to wait for the right option and to execute what few others could even see. In an era where such qualities are at a premium, Bozsik would have been peerless.
SIR BOBBY CHARLTON
Arguably the finest player to come out of English football. Man Utd and Englands all time goalscorer. A legend of the game. A gentleman of honesty and integrity. Personified the Busby Babes – the triumph, tragedy and the ability to rise from the munich air disaster to restore the glory days to the club. His game displayed grace, speed, athleticism and a thunderous shot.
FRANCISCO 'PACO' GENTO
Trophies, trophies and more trophies. That’s the story of the career of A player many believe to be the best left-winger of all time and the only player in history to win six European Cups. Gento had lightning pace, fantastic dribbling skills and perfect accuracy in his crosses, and he played in one of the truly great Real Madrid teams. Along with Di Stefano, Kopa, Rial and Puskas he was part of a stunning forward line that led the team to win five consecutive European Cups. He was scorer of a not too shabby 182 goals in 602 matches.
http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174556/index.html
JAIRZINHO
After Garrincha and other lieutenants got retired, in 1970 the entire football world was curious who would back up Pelé at the World Cup. Brasil 1970 turned out to be a Dream Team and Jairzinho was arguably the finest, most electrifying member of that abundantly talented group of players.
Jairzinho scored in each and every match of the World Cup 1970, finishing with seven goals and a reputation as one of the world’s best players. Much more of a team player than his predecessor Garrincha, Jairzinho was so direct always looking to get on the end of passing moves.
MARCO VAN BASTEN
World player of the year in 1992 and 3 time European footballer of the year. Voted 12th in the FIFA player of the century. 3 time European cup winner with Milan and starred for Holland in the 88 Euros scoring 1 of the best goals of all time in the final.
TEAM
In between the sticks is the calming presence of Edwin Van Der Sar.
'El Grand Capitan' Daniel Passarella is in charge of marshalling the back 4 alongside the silky Alessandro Nesta. With KPS88 likely employing the lone striker Puskas, Nesta's athleticism and reading of the game makes him the perfect man to mark Puskas, one of the worlds great strikers but without the pace to get away from Nesta. Passarella plays on his favoured left side of centre defence as a spare man to assist particularly with the threat of Garrincha and Platini. At left back is the great Nilton Santos 'The Encyclopaedia', inspiration and mentor to his opposite number here, Garrincha. A fascinating battle but with Nilton Santos' game exuding composure and elegance and typified with beautifully timed challenges and intelligent interceptions i could not be more fortunate here. Nilton Santos will play a controlled game where necessary but is clever enough to also try and test whether Garrincha wants to track him back at the other end (which is unlikely). At right back is another classy performer, the tireless 'El Tractor' Javier Zanetti, a model of consistency for the last 20 years.
In midfield, infront of the back 4 is the powerhouse Marcel Desailly in the position where he made his name in the great Capello AC Milan side. Desailly's main role will be to protect the defence, to break up play and stop the influence of the player he's directly up against here, his fellow countryman Platini. Desailly will provide protection for the classy Jozsef Bozsik, the brains of the fantastic 1950s Hungarian 'Mighty Magyars' team to stamp his class on his game as chief playmaker with his outstanding range and timing of pass. Not the quickest, i've ensured that Bozsik has pace, power and athleticism nearby, so aswell as Desailly in behind, just infront is the legendary England and Manchester United player 'Sir Bobby Charlton', record scorer for club and country and one that needs no introduction.
On the wings is 2 world class and direct flying machines. Francisco Gento on the left, one of the most decorated players in the game will provide genuine width, using his searing pace and crossing. Jairzinho on the right offers something similar but in addition is much more of a goalscoring attacker than an orthodox touchline hugging winger, so will get into the box and link the attack more than Gento will. A scorer in every match in the 1970 World Cup he gives an added goalscoring threat.
Upfront i've reinforced with probably the best all round lead the line forward you could imagine, the great Marco Van Basten. Marco offers the perfect focal point in attack against KPS' tough and resolute defence. Van Basten knows all about looking after himself against tough Serie A defenders like Scirea and Cannavaro. He's the perfect link up and hold up attacker and provides a great target from particularly Gento's deliveries. With Cannavaro and Scirea 5'9'' and 5'10' respectively MVB will fancy himself to get a head one of these pinpoint deliveries.
Defense: Providing the defensive base for my team is the world class Italian trio of Cannavaro, Scirea and Zoff. All three are defensive legends of the game with unrivalled leadership qualities and experience. Between the three of them, they should be able to deal with any type of striker they come up against. On either side of the trio are Brehme and Bergomi. Brehmewill be given the license to support Laudrup in attack when suitable.
Midfield and Attack: The job of Redondo - Tigana is to provide a stable base and allow the wealth of attacking and creative talent ahead of them to shine. Having such a solid pairing behind him will allow one of the greatest playmakers in the world in Platini, reunited with his compatriot Tigana, the freedom to drift where he chooses and exert his influence on the game. With a goal scoring record of 265 goals in 504 games, he is a big goal threat as well.
On either side of Platini are very different options. On the right is Garrincha, who will provide traditional width and a raw, direct threat. His presence will ensure the opposition full back is pinned backed and would often need a second player on the cover to help deal with the Brazilian. On the left is Laudrup – the perfect team player who offers yet another creative presence in the team. He will be ably supported by Brehme on his outside and I expect them to strike up a deadly partnership.
Leading the line is the legendary Puskas, who has the incredible scoring record of 592 goals in 606 games for club and country. With the sheer amount of creative and attacking talent surrounding him, I’m confident he will either get chances himself or create chances for others to score.
Each of my front four are capable of deciding the game on their own and it’s going to be quite the challenge to contain them all.
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