The Double Draft - QF: harms vs Enigma

Who will win the match?


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Edgar Allan Pillow

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.......................................... TEAM HARMS ...................................................................................... TEAM ENIGMA ..........................................



TEAM HARMS

Player roles:

Marco van Basten is arguably the best target striker in the whole football history. A complete forward with mesmerizing technique, shooting ability, hold-up play and aerial prowess he is going to harass Enigma’s center backs, forcing them to seat deeper and creating space for Messi and Masopust to run into. He is also a fantastic goal threat on his own, obviously

Lionel Messi has a free role on the right. We all know how he plays, I won’t try to change his game which made him one of the best ever, he is by best and most important players and he’s got players all around him whose main task is to maximize Messi’s impact on this game

Dragan Džajić was known for his outstanding dribbling ability and, albeit scoring almost in every other game, he wasn’t a wide forward but rather an archetypical winger. He will provide width on my slightly more conservative left flank and his inch-perfect crosses on van Basten is one of the most obvious way to goal.


Josef Masopust in Suarez’ absence will be my standout midfielder. The classic half-back transforms very well into the modern box-to-box midfielder and his engine, defensive ability and tactical nous makes him perfect for this role, but the player I found myself comparing him with is Andres Iniesta. His preference of the left side, incisive runs with the ball (which were trademarked by the fans as the «Masopust’s slalom»), vision and passing ability, stepping up at the international stage (he won Ballon D’Or in 1962 after leading his team to the World Cup final) when it really matters, there are so many similarities between them. We all know how well Iniesta dovetailed with Messi - and imagine a more physical version of the Spaniard who is even going to cover for the left back if needed, although Iniesta was probably a slightly better passer than him.

Rainer Bonhof may not be the shiniest name around but you can’t build a team without a water-carriers, you need someone to do the dirty work for your stars. Bonhof won almost everything imaginable - WC, Euros, multiple Bundesligas (competing with Beckenbauer’s and Müller’s Bayern), UEFA Cup and EC runner-up. Hardworking all-rounder he could’ve played anywhere in defence and midfield, man-marking Müller as a center back for Borussia and assisting him after beating the Netherland’s left back in the World Cup final from the right side of midfield. With Messi having a free role on the right and Cafu bombing forward, Bonhof is arguably the most crucial tactical cog at that side - covering for Cafu as a right back (a role that he performed regularly), Schuster-esque runs to the right wing when Messi cuts inside (like the one that ended up at him assisting the winner in the WC final) or staying centrally and breaking up the opposition’s play. His football ability shouldn’t be underestimated - he made 4 assists in the semi-final and final of Euro 1976 and he possessed one of the hardest shots in history (Ray Clemence famously ducked Bonhof’s free kick because he was too afraid to catch the ball)

Zito should be known to any football fan out here, it was his introduction that proved to be the turning point in Brazil’s 1958 campaign and he got into the team of the tournament 4 years later, making him one of the few footballers to win two World Cups. He also captained Os Santásticos - Pele’s Santos what won a total of 25 titles between 1959 and 1974, playing 733 games for them. Pele, Didi and Garrincha stole the headlines, but the neat, pragmatic, impeccably organised wing-half was invariably instrumental in creating the platform from which the stars dazzled. He was also a tidy passer who believed that it isn’t the footballers who should do the running, but the ball - he continuously and accurately took the ball from the opposition and gave it to his more creative partners in genius simplicity. The closest comparison in modern football would be Busquets - but, like with the Masopust/Iniesta example, he was more dynamic and physical.


Paolo Maldini is considered by many the greatest defender that ever lived and while you can argue with that it’s impossible to find a more balanced one. He was impecable at everything, defending, attacking, pressing, organizing - and for my team he plays in his preferred left back position. I don’t have any specific instructions for him and you all know his game.

Héctor Chumpitaz is considered one of the greatest South American defenders of all time (he shares 35th place with Passarella in SA Player of the century list compiled by IFFHS). A brilliant defender without any significant weaknesses, he was an outstanding leader, organizer, read the game brilliantly, had a great leap that made up for his relatively short hight and also had great ball-playing skills which he showed quite a lot.

Fabio Cannavaro remains the only pure defender (not libero like Beckenbauer and Sammer) to win Ballon D’Or after the absolutely perfect performance at 2006 World Cup. One of the stand outs of his generation, he earned 136 caps for Italy, captaining them to the World Cup win, he was another complete defender, marrying brutal physicality with outstanding positioning and reading of the game. Another well-known player without any special instructions.

Cafu, like Maldini on the other flank, is probably the most complete right back in history - you can argue that Djalma or Thuram were marginally better defensively or that Alves was a slightly bigger attacking threat but Cafu had everything. His was a freak of nature, regaining ridiculous fitness level even at the late 30’s and single-handedly manning the whole flank. His particular set of skills is perfect for handling Cristiano Ronaldo - I would assume that Enigma will use Madrid’s version of him, that mainly relies on the pace, strength and positioning - and Cafu is one of the few players in history who can match Ronaldo’s physicality and pace. Some may argue that a defensive RCB like Thuram or Vogts would’ve been better but Cafu is also capable of capitalizing on Ronaldo’s unwillingness to track back, which is one of the few things that gives me clear advantage in a close game like this.


Sepp Maier belongs to the elite tier of keepers like Yashin, Zoff, Banks and Schmeichel who proved their level at the highest stages and very little separates them from each other. Fits my team like a glove and also adds something to the mentality of my side with his facetious approach and winner’s attitude.



Points of discussion:

  • My right side is set-up perfectly to counter Enigma's weaknesses, while Messi's unpredictability (compared to the current C. Ronaldo) and Bonhof's superior tactical nous will create all sorts of problems for my opponent
  • With van Basten pushing the Enigma's defensive line deeper there would be lots of space between the lines, considering that my opponent doesn't have an actual defensive midfielder - Tigana is more of a defensive box-to-box, Seedorf is a physically imposing playmaker and Xavi bases his game on other qualities. Messi and Masopust (to a lesser extent) will thrive there
  • I believe that Enigma's best chance of scoring is by crossing the ball on Pele or Ronaldo. My center backs are exceptional in the air, but my main preventive strategy is going to be cutting of their service - neither Nedved nor N. Santos aren't at the Beckham/Kaltz/Dzajic level when we're talking about crosses (they have lots of other strengths though) and they are facing the best fullback pairing in the draft with the help of hardworking midfielders who are comfortable out wide in Masopust and Bonhof
 

TEAM ENIGMA



Formation: 4-3-3 (lopsided)

Starting Line Up

1. GK: Rinat Dasayev - One (if not the) of my favorite keepers all time, no wonder I picked him again. Simply put - The best goalkeeper of the 80's. Nicknamed the "Iron Curtain" he's a tall keeper with magnificent reflexes. However his biggest strength is the ability to command his box and area, his anticipation and aerial presense. One of the most dependable keepers - usually prevented any dangerous situation before it even happened.

More info
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/the-double-draft.419589/page-76#post-19644429

2. DL: Nilton Santos - When thinking about top left backs in the game, his name will always pop up. He's the pioneer of overlapping full backs - something we take now for granted. Rock solid defensively he also played as a central defender for Botafogo but will be remembered mostly with his overlapping, adventurous runs on the flank.

Nilton Santos is one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian football
- Ronaldo

I had the privilege of seeing the play of Nilton Santos. He was one of the greatest in the world, at all times, even being a wide defender. He played football with an elegance and technique, he had talent to spare.

Brazil's fooball federation (CBF) president Jose Maria Marin

3. DR: Guiseppe Bergomi - In 1988/89, Inter won the Scudetto. Bergomi played an instrumental role that season. He was a natural leader on the pitch, and those who have seen him play will recall how he made his presence felt on the pitch. Bergomi commanded great respect out of his players, while instilling fear into the rivals psyche. Loyal – a true one club man. Dependable – equally at ease playing as a right back and also as a center back, he was ever dependable. Consistent – two long decades of service. Efficient – his playing style was of the ‘old school’ Italian defenders, driven by pragmatism and physicality. Hard working – he strenuously marshaled his team mates as the leader on the pitch, which also sheds light on his motivational nature.

4. CB: Willi Schulz - His main strengths are his defensive and organization game but also he was good on the ball and capable of starting attacks from the back.

Taken from Balu:

In 1966 he kept Beckenbauer out of his favorite position, because the team needed a less adventurous player in defense and no one could fill that role better than Willi Schulz. He was known as a tough defender with great positioning and strong tacklings. Because of the effort he put into his performances, he quickly became a fan favorite at home in Germany where people started to call him 'World Cup Willi' after the official mascot of that world cup.
Schulz was the heart of a defense that conceded only 2 goals on the way to the final in 66 WC.

5. CB: Elias Figueroa - Ranked the best American player in 1974, 1975, 1976, one of the best defenders in football history and all-time best football player in Chile. Figueroa was noted for his elegant style of play, his calmness in the centre of defence and his ability to cut out opposition attacks and immediately launch counterattacks from the back. With a great positional sense and aerially dominant, he comes as the complete package at the back.

Some quotes from the greats:

I'm the European Figueroa
(Beckenbauer)

Beckenbauer and Figueroa have been the only defenders who were better than I
(Passarella)

I do not hesitate when saying Elías Figueroa was the best defender ever in World Football
(Carlos Alberto Parreira)

6. CDM: Jean Tigana - Integral part of one of the most reknown midfielder lines in history, Jean Tigana was important cog in carre magique. Tireless midfielder, solid defensively and also able to contribute going forward with his passing range and technique. He brings the combative element in our side, but also effectively take part in possession and cover for the area in front of the defenders. He's very quick and with his tenacious mentality he will cover a lot of ground.

“I remember Tigana was 63kg, a defensive midfielder and he was unbelievable defensively. He had that technique. I played against him [in a kickabout] at the European Championship in Sweden in 1992 and he was still the same – he won every challenge.
- Arsene Wenger

7. MC: Xavi - Inarguably the best midfielder of his generation. In his glory days he was the engine of possibly the greatest club and international teams. No one could dominate games as Xavi and you can't really take the ball off him. He was a midfield general not only at Barca but Spain as well. He could move the ball and set the tempo with a touch or two, but also keep it, distribute it on the flanks and slice the defence wide open. On top of that he had incredible work rate and at his peak could run all game.

“If Xavi has a bad day then Barcelona do not play half as well. He is the one that sets the rhythm of the game. His play allows the team to function. He’s different”
- Cruyff

8. MC: Nedved - Another complete and technical player. Nedved is unique rounding off incredible work rate, stamina, but also play making abilities and threat outside the box. Nedved is key in linking up with Xavi/Tigana, but also carrying the ball forward and working hard in wide areas as well.

9. CF: Luis Suarez
- The man that adds bite(hehe) to our attack. One of the most clinical strikers around, it takes a special player to displace Neymar and Messi as Barca's main man for the past 15/16 season. He turned himself into a brilliant footballer with a great work rate, whose overall contribution doesn't stop simply at that. He has vision and passing to match his movement and shooting.

10. Pele #10(and a half) - Best player on the park. He'll be in his favorite zone, playing off Suarez, in a free role, pulling the strings. I'll be using prime Pele here and taking advantage of both his scoring ability and playmaking. Not much to say that it's not already been said, but he's the complete footballer, with no real weakness - technique, amazing first touch, work rate, heading, jump, scoring - the man got it all. But the biggest part of it - he's a big game player and always up for the occasion even from teenage age.

11. Cristiano Ronaldo - With his career not over yet he surely has earned his place among the best attackers in the game. Prolific, direct when needed and fitting the system like a glove - with his ability to stretch the play but also clinical in his finishing and with his presence in the box.


Overal team tactics and ideology:

We're not looking at tiki taka, just because Xavi and Tigana. The players around him fit his style pretty well - the all have the ability to hold the ball and keep possession when needed, move around and look for spaces, but also switch through defence/attack. Xavi would be our conductor from deep. He'll be pretty direct, not much tiki taka, he will keep possession of course and he has the players around him to do so and our players would look to get the ball back quickly but then we're looking at much more direct Xavi - the one from the 2008 EURO's

Tigana is a main man in terms of defensive presence who would cover a lot of ground but also participate in the build up. I didn't look for a dedicated destroyer as I didn't need one and wouldn't fit in well. Tigana is a monster defensively and will get a lot of help from Xavi and Nedved.

Nedved has an important role - he will stretch play on the right, move and carry the ball forward, but also participate in the defensive phase as he's very solid defensively.

Our left side is probably the strongest point with Nilton Santos and C.Ronaldo. I expect them to work very well and combine well aided by Xavi in the defensive phase. Figueroa, Bergomi and Schulz will be more disciplined defensively and generally our defensive line is normal - not high or very deep to limit the opportunity the ball to get past our line.

Suarez will be drifting wide, combining with Nedved and dragging harms CB's out of position, but of course be at the end of passes and crosses usually playing on the last defender.

Why we would win:

Pele/Suarez/Ronaldo - the three of them would gel well considering they've played in similar roles and tactics and have close to 2000 goals between them in their careers. They would fit well with Suarez opening channels for Pele and Ronaldo to run in and also giving them a target in the box.

Solid midfield core on the same wavelength - Tigana and Xavi match pretty well while Nedved adds to the pair even more hard work, ability to stretch the play and carry the ball forward - something that Iniesta has done at Barca when Xavi was in his prime. All are technical, team players that can work hard and set the stage for our devastating attacking trio.

Watertight defence - composed of one of the greatest defenders in the game - Nilton Santos, Figueroa and Bergomi. Schulz is not too shabby either. He was world class in his days and considered one of the best in his era. Fits the team mentality as well, being good on the ball.

Balance on both wings and centrally - we have an excellent left side in N.Santos and Ronaldo. On the right we have more balanced full back who will tuck in to help the center if needed in Bergomi. Nedved and Suarez will stretch up play on the right.

Nedved outside the box - he can be crucial in the times harms defenders are deeper in their line with the option to score from distance.[/QUOTE]
 
Well, as expected, Tigana starts as a defensive midfielder which is not ideal position for him as it restricts him and he was always a box-to-box in Tardelli or Keane's mold and not a holding mid. Messi and Masopust will be cutting in to this zone and I believe that it would be difficult for Tigana to handle them, considering that it's not his natural game.

Offensive width (and mainly crosses) is also questionable - seeing as Xavi starts as a furtherest midfielder on the left, defensively it's Nilton Santos against Messi, Bonhof and Cafu (not all the time, of course, but they will certainly use the numerical advantage); Ronaldo won't help out and Xavi is not the ideal man to help out the fullback (Tigana would've been better there, for example). Santos will have his hands full and won't have time to support the attack

The example of Bonhof moving to the right (World Cup final)


And to remind you all that he is also a great threat from the range
 
Two teams built to cancel each other out!

Cafu vs Nilton
Masopust vs Nedved
Messi vs Ronaldo
Bergomi vs Maldini
Pele vs van Basten

:lol:

I'm not really convinced on either of the DM's esp, Tigana. Zito was a wing half, aking to a DM positionwise, but with a B2B type influence in the game. He was more defensive than Didi so should be OK, I suppose...Tigana is like playing Roy Keane as pivot. Not a best use of their talents.

Not really familiar about Schulz, but both are sweepers, right?
 
Didn't have time to finish the video properly, but here are Masopust's personal all-touch compilation from the games against Hungary (based on the highlights video, not on the full game), vs Yugoslavia (same) and vs Brazil in the final (goal excluded due to the copyright restrictions)


The goal in the final:


Compilation from his game vs Spain in 1962 (not mine):
 
To address some of harms quotes above:

First - Tigana. With harms lacking a dedicated #10 or someone who can play in the hole I don't think a dedicated destroyer or a DM is needed in my set up. I wasn't looking at one either to be honest, as I've wanted to pair Xavi with a defensively sound player who is also excellent technically and able to participate in the build up.

In this formation Tigana will occupy the area between the midfield and defence will push forward when needed to participate in the build up, but his main responsibility would be what he does best - positioning at the right spot, intercepting play, harassing the opponent, getting the ball back and covering the full backs when needed. Tigana is very fast and agile midfielder and has all the needed qualities to do so. He has played as both holding, defensive and box to box midfielder with of course tactically spot on.

Next for Nedved:
I don't agree with Nedved not being a great crosser.

Some of his assists for Juve:



He's excellent from both sides and is equally apt with both feet, the right one preferred.
 
Zito was a wing half, aking to a DM positionwise, but with a B2B type influence in the game. He was more defensive than Didi so should be OK, I suppose
Zito is a defensive midfielder first and foremost. Someone (I think it was Chester, but maybe I'm wrong) in the double draft likened him to Carrick, he is also very much like a more physical (and slightly lesser passer) Busquets.

It was his introduction to the team in 1958 that finally provided individually great Brazilian team with so needed balance, he was the foundation on which Didi, Garrincha and Pele based their offensive game. He is very simple - tackle/interception > short pass to the partner, repeat. Plus Bonhof is also a defensive monster, also played as a CB, FB and DM.

2 votes handicap already :(
 
I don't agree with Nedved not being a great crosser.
Great =/= one of the best of all times

It takes one of the best of all times to make an accurate cross when Maldini and Masopust are trying to stop you from delivering it. Nedved has lots of other qualities but he can't make a Beckham-esque assist from the middle of the pitch like the one he did on Ronaldo at Madrid
 
Two teams built to cancel each other out!

Cafu vs Nilton
Masopust vs Nedved
Messi vs Ronaldo
Bergomi vs Maldini
Pele vs van Basten

:lol:

I'm not really convinced on either of the DM's esp, Tigana. Zito was a wing half, aking to a DM positionwise, but with a B2B type influence in the game. He was more defensive than Didi so should be OK, I suppose...Tigana is like playing Roy Keane as pivot. Not a best use of their talents.

Not really familiar about Schulz, but both are sweepers, right?
Schulz started as a half back (right side as this is his preferred side), then played as a stopper but made his name as a sweeper. He's versatile and very good on the ball. Not the most adventurous defenders but rock solid at the back and notorious with his tackling.

I'm sure @Balu can say few things for him as well if he's around and has the time.

Tigana is no stranger to a defensive midfielder position or anchor really. I don't think that's a problem. Wenger from the quote above even describes him in that role as well. He's equally apt as B2B and DM.

Of course just to reiterate, Tigana main focus is his defensive abilities, stamina and his work rate on top of being technically gifted. That is what I'm looking for in this game. It's not central per say all the time, basically roaming defensive position when full backs or center need support and actively participating in the build up and pushing forward when we have the ball.
 
First - Tigana. With harms lacking a dedicated #10 or someone who can play in the hole I don't think a dedicated destroyer or a DM is needed in my set up
Well, Messi will spend half of the time there probably (especially with you lacking a holding player as he's free to roam everywhere) and if you don't think that his presence requires a dedicated DM then alright. Santos won't be able to follow him there also - with Cafu and Bonhof ready to bomb forward and Ronaldo with Xavi providing no defensive cover on the flank
 
Great =/= one of the best of all times

It takes one of the best of all times to make an accurate cross when Maldini and Masopust are trying to stop you from delivering it. Nedved has lots of other qualities but he can't make a Beckham-esque assist from the middle of the pitch like the one he did on Ronaldo at Madrid
I'd say Nedved is pretty accurate in crossing. He's not as good as Beckham granted but who is? We have plenty of players able to slice the defence open through the middle, Nedved included -Xavi and Pele as well.

Well, Messi will spend half of the time there probably (especially with you lacking a holding player as he's free to roam everywhere) and if you don't think that his presence requires a dedicated DM then alright. Santos won't be able to follow him there also - with Cafu and Bonhof ready to bomb forward and Ronaldo with Xavi providing no defensive cover on the flank

Xavi provides plenty of defensive cover, he has incredible work rate. Bigger than Masopust IMO.

I don't think Cafu would bomb forward that much, otherwise N.Santos and Ronaldo would have a lot of free space to punish you. Messi and Dzajic will provide no defensive cover on the flanks either.

Tigana will watch for Messi cutting in of course.

Cannavaro and Chumpitaz are pretty short pair. I'm still not convinced that Chumpitaz and Cannavaro can match Pele or Ronaldo's leap. Cannavaro has also been criticized for his heading ability a lot during his career, it's fair to say that both weak point is in the air.
 
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Xavi at the 2008 EURO - he was paired with box to box Senna and lit up the tournament.

A great example of fast, direct Xavi with a great passing range and switching channels.
 
Dzajic video that I made for Euro draft:


Another example of Bonhof moving to the right (and Messi moving centrally), this time it's from the Euro 1976 final



Edit: video battle :lol:
 
voted harms. Think his team is better equipped for dealing with attacking powers of opponents team then enigma's team.
With enigma playing in a pretty narrow system and without a genuine wide man on the right i can see Maldini dropping into central section of defense and forming a back 3 which will be a massive help to defend against the likes of Ronaldo, Suarez and Pele. And the CB that harms has are pretty much perfect for dealing with all three, the only area i can see enigma having a big advantage in that duel is Ronaldo quality in the air.
I can see Nedved and Masopust "canceling" each other, as somebody already said, not the best use of Tigana. The rest is fine, think Xavi - Pele combo is pretty nice

On the other hand i dont see a plan for Messi and harms really did build a great platform for him to shine. Probably the best attacking rightback of all time behind him, Bonhof on RCM who is a brilliant tactical fit for both and Van Basten up front who is IMO the best striker of all time, his football intelligence is second to none and i can see him forming a brilliant partnership with Messi + is also a great fit for Dzajic.
Cafu will rape Ronaldo going forwards, Xavi isnt good enough defensively(not good enough considering the calibre of players he is facing, usually he is good) to help Nilton who should be offering width on the left but even if was in much more defensive role he would have zero chance against the duo of Messi and Cafu.
 
Right wing problem

cgCtBvf.png


Here's what I'm talking about. Imagine when my team have the ball and the attack is moving through the right flank.

  • Zito is moving to the right half position (he and Masopust now play as a midfield duo in 4-2-4, like they both did in real life)
  • Cafu is bombing forward, providing an overlapping option and keeping N. Santos busy
  • Bonhof is also moving to the right, creating 1 vs 2 advantage - I already showed his assists from the World Cup and Euro finals that he made doing exactly that - moving from the center of midfield to the right and making a smart cross
  • Messi, who is alongside Pele the best player on the pitch, now have a free role - Xavi won't drop deep and going to fly into tackles, it's not his game and Tigana, the only free player in Enigma's team, has to decide, should he cover Messi (which is an awful lot for any defensive player) or should he help Nilton Santos up, who is up against two players
 
voted harms. Think his team is better equipped for dealing with attacking powers of opponents team then enigma's team.
With enigma playing in a pretty narrow system and without a genuine wide man on the right i can see Maldini dropping into central section of defense and forming a back 3 which will be a massive help to defend against the likes of Ronaldo, Suarez and Pele. And the CB that harms has are pretty much perfect for dealing with all three, the only area i can see enigma having a big advantage in that duel is Ronaldo quality in the air.
I can see Nedved and Masopust "canceling" each other, as somebody already said, not the best use of Tigana. The rest is fine, think Xavi - Pele combo is pretty nice

On the other hand i dont see a plan for Messi and harms really did build a great platform for him to shine. Probably the best attacking rightback of all time behind him, Bonhof on RCM who is a brilliant tactical fit for both and Van Basten up front who is IMO the best striker of all time, his football intelligence is second to none and i can see him forming a brilliant partnership with Messi + is also a great fit for Dzajic.
Cafu will rape Ronaldo going forwards, Xavi isnt good enough defensively(not good enough considering the calibre of players he is facing, usually he is good) to help Nilton who should be offering width on the left but even if was in much more defensive role he would have zero chance against the duo of Messi and Cafu.
I don't think there's much difference in width to be honest. We both have one more attacking full back Nilton/Cafu and one more balanced Bergomi/Maldini. Cristiano and Messi are cutting in with Suarez dropping on the wing as well (I don't see Van Basten doing that) Dzajic and Nedved are the most natural players on the pitch in providing width. For Dzajic being a pure winger in this game is compensated by Nedved and Suarez operating wide, and as I said Van Basten can't be expected to stretch the play.

IMO Xavi is more defensively sound than Masopust it's a bit mind boggling that Xavi is slated for that which IMO is not true.

Pele and Ronaldo are better in the air than any of harms defensive line can't see how they are "perfect" for dealing with those three.



Tigana is perfectly suited to play a defensive role in 4-3-3 without a man marking job on a dedicated #10 it's in fact his best game. Zito was part of Brazil 4-2-4 and was the most defensive one in a pair with Didi, but of course I have no problem with him in defensive role. Him alone of course would not cope with Pele in the hole.
 
Right wing problem

cgCtBvf.png


Here's what I'm talking about. Imagine when my team have the ball and the attack is moving through the right flank.

  • Zito is moving to the right half position (he and Masopust now play as a midfield duo in 4-2-4, like they both did in real life)
  • Cafu is bombing forward, providing an overlapping option and keeping N. Santos busy
  • Bonhof is also moving to the right, creating 1 vs 2 advantage - I already showed his assists from the World Cup and Euro finals that he made doing exactly that - moving from the center of midfield to the right and making a smart cross
  • Messi, who is alongside Pele the best player on the pitch, now have a free role - Xavi won't drop deep and going to fly into tackles, it's not his game and Tigana, the only free player in Enigma's team, has to decide, should he cover Messi (which is an awful lot for any defensive player) or should he help Nilton Santos up, who is up against two players

In that scenario you are vulnerable on the counter.

Bonhof is moving in you are left with Zito who has to watch over Pele with Nedved and Masopust on the other side. Ronaldo is completely free on a counter and Cannavaro would move in to cover him with Suarez in the box.

Ronaldo one on one with Cannavaro on a counter is something I'll gladly take as an option :)
 
IMO Xavi is more defensively sound than Masopust it's a bit mind boggling that Xavi is slated for that which IMO is not true.
It's different kind of defensive approaches. Xavi was fantastic at Pep's pressing system, but he isn't the one to drop deep and cover for his fullback or even the one to fly into the tackle. He is very useful in the first seconds after the ball is lost, but when the game already bypassed him, he is pretty much useless.

Masopust is an old-fashioned half back who covered ridiculous amount of ground and held the fort in a midfield two. He regularly covered for his left back, the amount of times he appeared in front of Garrincha in the WC final was unreal (it didn't stop him though, but it slowed it down and allowed the defence to regroup), he was a true box-to-box and he wasn't shy in tackles either.

Overall Masopust is definitely the better defensive player for me.
 
In that scenario you are vulnerable on the counter.
Obviously - that's kind of the problem with every positional attack.

I'll have the back three of Cannavaro (who has an experience as a full back), Chumpitaz and Maldini with the additional cover of Zito and Masopust (in their natural role of right and left half backs). I'd say that it's pretty solid - most of the time it'll hold against your attacking unit long enough for Cafu and Bonhof to run back
 
It's different kind of defensive approaches. Xavi was fantastic at Pep's pressing system, but he isn't the one to drop deep and cover for his fullback or even the one to fly into the tackle. He is very useful in the first seconds after the ball is lost, but when the game already bypassed him, he is pretty much useless.

Masopust is an old-fashioned half back who covered ridiculous amount of ground and held the fort in a midfield two. He regularly covered for his left back, the amount of times he appeared in front of Garrincha in the WC final was unreal (it didn't stop him though, but it slowed it down and allowed the defence to regroup), he was a true box-to-box and he wasn't shy in tackles either.

Overall Masopust is definitely the better defensive player for me.

Xavi reading of the game and positional sense is second to none. He doesn't need to fly into tackles to get the ball or cover for a team mate. Xavi in his pump was one of the most dynamic midfielders around. He covered a lot of ground and was effectively as much useful offensively as he is defensively.

All of three - Nedved, Tigana, Xavi have enormous work rate and can cover a lot of distance. Don't get fooled by recent and deeper positioned Xavi when he was past his peak.
 
I don't think there's much difference in width to be honest. We both have one more attacking full back Nilton/Cafu and one more balanced Bergomi/Maldini. Cristiano and Messi are cutting in with Suarez dropping on the wing as well (I don't see Van Basten doing that) Dzajic and Nedved are the most natural players on the pitch in providing width. For Dzajic being a pure winger in this game is compensated by Nedved and Suarez operating wide, and as I said Van Basten can't be expected to stretch the play.

IMO Xavi is more defensively sound than Masopust it's a bit mind boggling that Xavi is slated for that which IMO is not true.

Pele and Ronaldo are better in the air than any of harms defensive line can't see how they are "perfect" for dealing with those three.

Tigana is perfectly suited to play a defensive role in 4-3-3 without a man marking job on a dedicated #10 it's in fact his best game. Zito was part of Brazil 4-2-4 and was the most defensive one in a pair with Didi, but of course I have no problem with him in defensive role. Him alone of course would not cope with Pele in the hole.

Wing Messi offers much more width then Ronaldo for start. IMO harms right side will dominate against your left side so Cafu will have a much bigger impact then Nilton. On the left he has genuine wide man in Dzajic while you have two central players that will offer width. First option will always beat the second one in width competition.

Agree with you, there isnt much but the difference is - Masopust is against Nedved and Xavi is against Cafu and Messi. If you had Masopust instead of Xavi it wouldnt make any difference.

As i said, you have advantage in that segment but other then that, they are a good match(great 1v1, reading of the game and stopping their off the ball runs, great athleticism etc.).

Id prefer a holding midfielder in that role and think that Tigana is better when he has more freedom(kind of like Kante), he can surely play that role dont get me wrong but he would be better in a classic b2b role.
 
Obviously - that's kind of the problem with every positional attack.

I'll have the back three of Cannavaro (who has an experience as a full back), Chumpitaz and Maldini with the additional cover of Zito and Masopust (in their natural role of right and left half backs). I'd say that it's pretty solid - most of the time it'll hold against your attacking unit long enough for Cafu and Bonhof to run back

Neither Cafu nor Bonhof can track back that fast. Cannavaro vs peak Ronaldo 1 on 1 is easily match winning advantage there. Cannavaro is not the ideal defender to deal with Ronaldo who has free space.

Ideally I'm not against you attacking with numbers on the right side. If I get the ball and pass it to Ronaldo on free space with Pele and Suarez as options I don't think you can stop them from running away with it.

Nearly all the players - Xavi , Tigana, my CB pair and Nilton are capable of playing very accurate forward pass to Ronaldo in space.

And btw in that picture I'm missing a center back and a right back. Assuming Bergomi is busy with Dzajic Schulz will be there around Van Basten in the picture as well.
 
Gone for harms. His team functions beautifully as a unit, it could do with some more creativity in the midfield three but as a counter attacking force it's lethal. I don't buy enigma's right side- it's too narrow and will give Džajić too much freedom and could link well with Masopust.
 
Leading the line - arguably the greatest striker of all time.



“He’s the quickest 6ft 3in centre-forward I’ve ever seen! Just awesome. He was as quick as Ian Wright, as good in the air as Joe Jordan and he held the ball up better than Alan Smith. [ . . . ] Van Basten could head, volley – he had power and strength.” — Tony Adams

“Probably the best striker I’ve ever seen. He wasn’t just a goalscorer: he could hold the ball up superbly and had great skill, which he showed in his goals. He’ll always be remembered for hooking a stunning volley into the top corner in the Euro 88 final but at that time, at Milan, he was the main man in the best team in the world.” — Jamie Carragher

“It’s such a shame Van Basten’s career was curtailed by injury. What did he have that I didn’t? Touch, skill – and he scored goals as well. He was just such a wonderful, gifted, well-balanced footballer.” — Gary Lineker

“Marco was able to score goals from impossible positions, such as that amazing volley in Euro 88 against the Soviet Union. He had all the qualities for a perfect striker, and his technique made him very hard to stop in the box. His movement was also good. He was a nightmare for defenders.” — Gheorghe Hagi

“Injuries cut him down when he was in the best form of his career, spearheading Fabio Capello’s new and rejuvenated Milan side. Yet by then, Marco had already done enough to perhaps be regarded as the greatest number nine there’s ever been. People always talk about his strike against the Soviet Union in the 1988 European Championship Final, and yes, it was a great goal, but Marco scored even better goals, for both Ajax and AC Milan.” — Ronald Koeman

“He was one of the best strikers in the world.” — Ronald Koeman

“Strong in the air and could create goals for himself. Even though he was tall, he was flexible and could turn and do pretty much everything. Headers, bicycle kicks, volleys, everything. He was also a vicious player. If defenders tried to kick him, he would kick them back. He knew how to look after himself on the pitch.” Ruud Gullit

“I think he was excellent. I just did everything I could to give him the ball as much as possible.” — Ruud Gullit

“He could score goals in every possible way; spectacular goals, tap-ins, individual goals. He was the complete footballer.” — Demetrio Albertini

“I’ve always said van Basten was the best player I ever played with because he only had a few years in which to show his talent. He won three Balon D’Or’s, yet was only 28 when he retired. Most players have a little more time than that.” — Demetrio Albertini

“He was elegance personified. He could score in millions of different ways and always with an unbelievable touch of class. He had no weak points – he was completely two-footed, and he was strong with his head, but he didn’t just score goals, he also created many, many assists. It is a shame that he stopped playing at such a young age. Had he continued into his thirties, I think he could have become a great ‘number 10’.” Marcel Desailly

“[ . . . ] there will never be a player like Van Basten again.” — Ruud van Nistelrooy

“I used to play with Marco van Basten at Milan. I asked him how we should give the ball to him. He said, “Just pass it, and then start running to congratulate me”. He always thought he would score, and he was usually right.” — Carlo Ancelotti

“Marco was the greatest centre forward that I’ve ever trained, he was a swan. [ . . . ] Marco remains the greatest in his role. It was such a shame that he was forced to retire at 28. It was a mortal misfortune for him, for football, and for Milan.” — Fabio Capello

“He’s the greatest centre-forward I’ve ever played with or against. Quite simply, he had everything. He could dribble, was good in the air, good awareness, great touch. For such a big man – he’s 6ft 2in – to be so delicate was amazing. He played off the shoulder and his finishing was as good as any striker that has ever lived.” — John Barnes

“He was an incredible player, Marco van Basten. He was the complete footballer.” — John Barnes

“I still remember the first time I saw him. It was in the dressing room from Ajax. He was there for an internship to become a coach. The moment he walked in I did not know what to say. In the period I was at Ajax I’ve got to know him better. He was a nice person, a real striker.” — Zlatan Ibrahimovic

“It is between Romário and Van Basten.” Diego Maradona, on who was the best player he ever saw

“Oh yes. Right foot. Left foot. Heading, so strong, fast. He could score, he could pass the ball. He was the best. The way he played was timeless. He had to quit when he was 28. Surgery. Stupid surgery to the ankle. It was such a pity.” Paolo Maldini, when asked about the best player he played with or against

“It wasn’t just about his goals; he was very quick, good one-on-one, he was strong in the air, he had a great shot with either foot. It was hard to find a quality that he didn’t possess.” — Filippo Galli

“He was the most beautiful striker I’ve ever seen. He had an incredible elegance about him. He could do anything with the ball.” — Mauro Tassotti

“The person who really pushed us (AC Milan) forward was van Basten, because of his ability in front of goal and the goals he scored. A really great player.” Franco Baresi

“So elegant, he never seemed to sweat, but concrete too and with both feet and his head. His footsteps are evident in football history: who doesn’t know his goal in the Euro 1988 final?” — Franco Baresi
 
Wing Messi offers much more width then Ronaldo for start. IMO harms right side will dominate against your left side so Cafu will have a much bigger impact then Nilton. On the left he has genuine wide man in Dzajic while you have two central players that will offer width. First option will always beat the second one in width competition.

Agree with you, there isnt much but the difference is - Masopust is against Nedved and Xavi is against Cafu and Messi. If you had Masopust instead of Xavi it wouldnt make any difference.

As i said, you have advantage in that segment but other then that, they are a good match(great 1v1, reading of the game and stopping their off the ball runs, great athleticism etc.).

Id prefer a holding midfielder in that role and think that Tigana is better when he has more freedom(kind of like Kante), he can surely play that role dont get me wrong but he would be better in a classic b2b role.

Nilton is defensively better than Cafu for a start. Nilton was a CB for Botafogo as well and he's the one stopping Fontaine in that 1958 WC.

I don't need that much width on the left - you can see on the diagram harms posted. Ronaldo will have a lot of space on the counter and I'd like to see him cutting in, not stretching play. Cafu is instrumental for harms right side, so he has to push forward leaving one of the best scorers on the pitch in free space.

 
qZpLuAH.jpg


and this is what happens when Ronaldo has the ball into space while Cafu and Bonhof are in the attacking phase.
 
Cristiano Ronaldo: version Real Madrid or Portugal Euro 2016 in tactical terms?
 
qZpLuAH.jpg


and this is what happens when Ronaldo has the ball into space while Cafu and Bonhof are in the attacking phase.
No, it will be back 3 with Maldini and Masopust next to Zito

Sorry for not including Schulz btw, of course he also plays a part in that phase but I don't think you'll be comfortable leaving Van Basten 1 on 1 with any of your defenders?
 
Gone for harms. His team functions beautifully as a unit, it could do with some more creativity in the midfield three but as a counter attacking force it's lethal. I don't buy enigma's right side- it's too narrow and will give Džajić too much freedom and could link well with Masopust.

harms relies on Masopust and Messi as main creative force. In my side there is Nedved, Xavi, Pele who cover pretty much the whole central pitch. On the left side Nilton and Cristiano are always a creative force as well.

Masopust at his peak with the Czechs was in much restrained role. Nedved IMO is the more creative out of the two and can carry the ball forward better, cross and finish from long range better as well IMO.

Bergomi vs Dzajic IMO is as good match as it gets, Nedved would harass Masopust as well, I don't think there's a problem at my right side. In the defensive phase I'd have Bergomi/Nedved and in attacking phase Suarez/Nedved on that side.
 
Cristiano Ronaldo: version Real Madrid or Portugal Euro 2016 in tactical terms?
Peak Ronaldo at Real. Suarez role is like his at Barca and what Benzema does for Ronaldo in Real - leaving space for him but also at the end of chances and dragging defenders around.
 
No, it will be back 3 with Maldini and Masopust next to Zito

Sorry for not including Schulz btw, of course he also plays a part in that phase but I don't think you'll be comfortable leaving Van Basten 1 on 1 with any of your defenders?

Maldini surely has to watch over Nedved on the right side on counter?

I won't leave van Basten 1 on 1 - he's between Figueroa and Schulz. On that picture I should have 5 "defenders" - Tigana, Xavi, Schulz, Nilton and Figueroa. On the right side I'll have Bergomi with Dzajic.

On counter I'll have 4 attackers in transition - Pele, Ronaldo, Suarez and Nedved. From that graphic it leaves you with Maldini, Zito, Chumpitaz and Cannavaro.

Cannavaro vs Ronaldo IMO is ideally suited for me.

I'm not sure what role will Chumpitaz will have as well during your attacking phase - as the other Peru team mates in defence he was always very adventurous, so possibly it could leave a gap on counter.

Just to reiterate, unlike the first game I'm playing balanced approach. I don't intend to starve you off possession. I'd expect to share possession, but IMO my team has better players to combat your right side than Cannavaro, Zito and Chumpitaz against my attacking trio.
 
Zito is a defensive midfielder first and foremost. Someone (I think it was Chester, but maybe I'm wrong) in the double draft likened him to Carrick, he is also very much like a more physical (and slightly lesser passer) Busquets.

It was his introduction to the team in 1958 that finally provided individually great Brazilian team with so needed balance, he was the foundation on which Didi, Garrincha and Pele based their offensive game. He is very simple - tackle/interception > short pass to the partner, repeat. Plus Bonhof is also a defensive monster, also played as a CB, FB and DM.

2 votes handicap already :(

Zito is definitely a defensive midfielder. You're catching up, would be a close game but I just think his CB pairing (Controversial but I don't rate Cannavaro as highly as some) and midfield edges yours but it comes down to personal preference.
 
I think Xavi/Nedved is more creative than Masopust/Bonhof. I recall Bonhof being more defensive oriented than offensive which is better as he'll have hands full with Cristiano supporting Zito in defense. Masopust is the main creative threat for harms from midfield.

Don't really rate Tigana in this role and Messi drifting in will have a good game here. I reckon harms will sneak through by a late goal.