The Redcafe Decades Draft Tournament
- Thread starter Moby
- Start date
Alright I think most of us here know the drill.
Post the Player Profiles in this thread any time before your game. The final formation graphic and tactics to be PMd me before your game and also a like to the post which has your profiles.
You can use www.this11.com or www.footballuser.com to draw formations.
Post the Player Profiles in this thread any time before your game. The final formation graphic and tactics to be PMd me before your game and also a like to the post which has your profiles.
You can use www.this11.com or www.footballuser.com to draw formations.
This is what I am thinking of going with. The games are not in the same order as they were drawn. I'll start with mine as it only needs one person to sent me his tactics and formation.
Tuesday 13th : NM vs AldoRaine18
Wednesday 14th : Fergus' son vs antohan
Thursday 15th : Theon vs paceme
Friday 16th : Jayvin vs KM
Saturday 17th : Stobzilla vs kps88
Sunday 18th : Brwned vs EDogen
Monday 19th : VP vs Isotope
Tuesday 20th : Cutch vs Gio
If anyone has an issue with these fixtures and ca't be available on that day just tell it here and we can move things around as usual.
Tuesday 13th : NM vs AldoRaine18
Wednesday 14th : Fergus' son vs antohan
Thursday 15th : Theon vs paceme
Friday 16th : Jayvin vs KM
Saturday 17th : Stobzilla vs kps88
Sunday 18th : Brwned vs EDogen
Monday 19th : VP vs Isotope
Tuesday 20th : Cutch vs Gio
If anyone has an issue with these fixtures and ca't be available on that day just tell it here and we can move things around as usual.
Can't do the Friday, a Saturday or Sunday is much better for me if someone could switch ?
Wednesday doesn't suit me at all. Sorry.
Which day would you prefer?
Friday,next Monday or Tuesday.
Stob is Wednesday fine for you?
Bit worse if anything.
Alright, I've made the changes.
Guys whatever problems anyone has with the fixtures, please inform me latest by tomorrow, it would be very difficult to switch it around once I start them.
Updated the fixtures again.
By the way it would be easier if you could ask for the changes here than the conversations which I made mainly to inform you of the update as it would be easier for everyone to respond.
By the way it would be easier if you could ask for the changes here than the conversations which I made mainly to inform you of the update as it would be easier for everyone to respond.
I'm OK with the change to Wednesday Aldo, no probs.
These are the final fixtures then? Fine by me.
I won't be around much on Saturday once the football starts. Would prefer any other day apart from the 15th or 18th. If Stobs can't do any other day then we can stick to Saturday.
As of now yeah. If anything changes it would be by tonight, nothing after that.
Seems like Stob can't do anything but a weekend so I guess Saturday it is.
Revisited since I can now name people who were unpicked then:
It’s 1959 and Peñarol (founded as the Central Uruguay Railway Cricket Club) are on course to the third of five consecutive national championship wins. Following the introduction of the European Cup, the club has successfully pushed for the creation of the South American equivalent: the Copa Libertadores.
Also following a certain European example, the club decides to amass the best players from elsewhere in the continent and sign Alberto Spencer (Eusebio his more than able deputy), which delivers the first Libertadores Cup. Real Madrid still trounce them in the Madrid leg of the Intercontinental Cup after a draw in Montevideo.
So Peñarol go further the next year and sign a world class partner for him: JUAN JOYA. The Joya-Spencer (i.e. Joya-Eusebio) tandem went from strength to strength over eight years and went on to deliver:
It’s largely down to that decade that the statsmen at IFFHS worked out Peñarol was the best South American club of the 20th Century. I’d say that Peñarol side was right up there with Pelé’s Santos one, and both light-years ahead of any other the continent has produced. Bleacher (yes, I know!) have that Peñarol side as one of the top 15 club sides in history, largely down to the exploits of Joya-Spencer.
- 6 league titles,
- two Libertadores Cup wins,
- two Libertadores runners-up (would have been 4 wins with GD or away goals settling things instead of a third game
)
- two Intercontinental Cup wins (against Benfica in 1961 and Real Madrid in 1966)
- the 1969 Intercontinental Cup Supercup (a tournament for all former Intercontinental winners i.e. “the 60s Super Cup”)
Despite repeated approaches by the Uruguayan FA, neither Joya nor Spencer accepted the invitation to play for the national team, or else the 1966 World Cup would have quite probably gone elsewhere. Instead, they both joined Ryan Giggs in the pantheon of football greats who never set foot on the world’s biggest stage.
Their destinies remained interlinked all the way to their deaths. Ironically, Joya dies a year after Spencer, just like he joined Peñarol a year later. Despite having stayed loyal to their countries, they were mourned in Uruguay even more than in Peru and Ecuador – to the point their families decided to bury them in Montevideo, with all expenses paid by the club. A Carnival song dedicated to them went on to top the Uruguayan charts almost 40 years after they had last kicked a ball.
Damn Garrincha for not letting me reunite them again, but he’ll make up for it
Eusebio knows the big boots he is being asked to fill after seeing his Benfica side concede seven goals to Peñarol over two games. He is aware much of that (two goals + three assists) came from the man on his left wing, so he is feeling confident about living up to it with him and the Canhotinho de Ouro to rely on.
So is Carlos Alberto, the man who had some epic duels with Joya in those classic Peñarol-Santos encounters.
Some apeman was going to sit on the bench with a big bucket of water bottles just so people realise them old wingers would go for 100M+ today. I opted for Schweinsteiger as no one whose name doesn't start with R (CR7, Ronaldinho and possibly Rivaldo) will start ahead of Joya in my side. And Best, of course.
A refreshing story in this age of rolling around.
Prior to the 1962 Libertadores finals, the players hadn’t agreed bonuses yet. Joya was of the opinion they should be negotiated individually (as a Galáctico would) but Sasía, one of his teammates, was the President of Uruguay’s players' union and was having none of it.
One day Goncalves (the captain) and Sasía are called up by the directors during training. When they come back Joya asks what that was about and is told bonuses had been agreed. “Is there a problem?” Goncalves asks with his usual authority. “Nope”, answers Joya staring at Sasía.
Two days later the team are watching the reserve game prior to theirs and Sasía notices Joya is still mad at him so goes up to him and offers to “sort it out”. Joya agrees so long as there’s nothing at head level (fair enough, as he was quite a ladies’ man while Sasia’s mug was beyond repair).
They go to the changing rooms and have a go. About ten minutes later they hear knocks on the door: it’s half-time and the reserves need to come in so they tidy themselves up and open the door looking visibly agitated. Later that day the game is played, Peñarol wins 5-0, but back in the showers Sasía notices Joya is still pissed off so offers him more, and off they go again until they are knackered.
As they leave the stadium Sasia waves him goodbye: “See you Tuesday in training”. “Yeah, see you Tuesday mate”.
No circus, gesturing during a game, or media bullshit. Men.
As it turns out the bonus negotiation was pointless as Santos won after resorting to every trick in the book. A final with three laps of honour that: one by Santos celebrating the win after the second leg was called off for their own fans’ behavior; one by Peñarol after showing up for the third game and Santos not showing up because Pelé was injured; and the final one a month later when Santos finally agreed to play it with a fully fit Pelé, at a few days notice, with all the Peñarol players in the middle of a break.
If you take just the first two games Peñarol would have won on away goals, even discounting a penalty on Joya the ref ruled out for offside. “We won’t get out of here alive otherwise”, he explained to Tito Goncalves.
Prior to the 1962 Libertadores finals, the players hadn’t agreed bonuses yet. Joya was of the opinion they should be negotiated individually (as a Galáctico would) but Sasía, one of his teammates, was the President of Uruguay’s players' union and was having none of it.
One day Goncalves (the captain) and Sasía are called up by the directors during training. When they come back Joya asks what that was about and is told bonuses had been agreed. “Is there a problem?” Goncalves asks with his usual authority. “Nope”, answers Joya staring at Sasía.
Two days later the team are watching the reserve game prior to theirs and Sasía notices Joya is still mad at him so goes up to him and offers to “sort it out”. Joya agrees so long as there’s nothing at head level (fair enough, as he was quite a ladies’ man while Sasia’s mug was beyond repair).
Sasía – Spencer - Joya
They go to the changing rooms and have a go. About ten minutes later they hear knocks on the door: it’s half-time and the reserves need to come in so they tidy themselves up and open the door looking visibly agitated. Later that day the game is played, Peñarol wins 5-0, but back in the showers Sasía notices Joya is still pissed off so offers him more, and off they go again until they are knackered.
As they leave the stadium Sasia waves him goodbye: “See you Tuesday in training”. “Yeah, see you Tuesday mate”.
No circus, gesturing during a game, or media bullshit. Men.
As it turns out the bonus negotiation was pointless as Santos won after resorting to every trick in the book. A final with three laps of honour that: one by Santos celebrating the win after the second leg was called off for their own fans’ behavior; one by Peñarol after showing up for the third game and Santos not showing up because Pelé was injured; and the final one a month later when Santos finally agreed to play it with a fully fit Pelé, at a few days notice, with all the Peñarol players in the middle of a break.
If you take just the first two games Peñarol would have won on away goals, even discounting a penalty on Joya the ref ruled out for offside. “We won’t get out of here alive otherwise”, he explained to Tito Goncalves.
Garrincha - Eusebio -Joya
TEAM ANTOHAN
GOALKEEPER
PETR CECH (80s): You know, the one who was, along with VDS, the world's best before that skull fracture. That he still performs at the very top level and delivered a miserly Chelsea a Champions League despite the mental scars is a testament to what a complete keeper he is. Even a peno during the game is no sure goal.FULLBACKS
GIACINTO FACCHETTI (40s): Let's make this simple, think Maldini but much better going forward and clocking 0:11 in 100m. Played 634 games and scored 75 goals for Inter over 18 years, mostly as captain, winning four scuddeti, two European and International Cups and being runner-up twice. He was capped 94 times over 11 years, 74 of them as captain, and was runner-up at the 1970 World Cup.Facchetti is remembered as one of the first truly great attacking-full backs. He was a key attacking weapon for the Grande Inter of the 60s, making marauding runs upfield using his wonderful dribbling and crossing. He could also play at centre-back where his tackling was used to great effect. He also possessed wonderful stamina and scored important goals. This is no minor point, no other fullback in the game's history has scored in double digits in a competitive league, and that includes the likes of Bobby Carlos. And he did it from open play, not taking set pieces or penos.
JAVIER ZANETTI (70s): The very model of uncomplaining duty, a beacon of honest, virtuous endeavour. To see him playing for Inter or Argentina, putting out fires here, there and everywhere, you half expect him to nip into a phone booth and emerge with cape and the power of flight – not that he needed it.
Notwithstanding his increasingly frequent auxiliary midfieldery, Zanetti is, to the core, a defender’s defender: there’s no jockey, block, block-off, block-tackle, slide tackle or header, no marking job or last-ditch clearance that is not carried out with diligence, courage, and a preternatural relish – a leader, yes, but by deed, not word; he is incredibly taciturn on the field, his expression scarcely anything other than one of engrossed concentration, a concentration as relentless as his industriousness. He just keeps going and going and going – his nickname in Italy is Il trattore (‘The Tractor’), thighs curved like some improbable stringed instrument of the Carpathians, driving and pumping until his opponent yields, whereupon, having dispossessed him, efficiently and without fuss, the ball is laid off to a creative player (or else, he might surge forward himself. Why not…?).
All-time highest number of caps for Argentina on 145, despite his last World Cup game being played in 2002 thanks to ludicrous management.
CARLOS ALBERTO TORRES (40s): Along with Zanetti, the best all-round rightbacks in the draft. A Cafú with better defending, while Zanetti would be more a Thuram with better attacking. Possibly understated as a playmaker from deep for a 1970s side packed with playmakers and the scorer of the best World Cup final goal ever.
LEO JUNIOR (50s): As a fullback at Flamengo captained the side in its Golden Era, winning everything in sight and deservedly achieving the feat of being the joint record holder of Brazilian league Bolas de Prata with Zico. Same as Carlos Alberto, he shone at the 1982 World Cup displaying his football brain as a playmaker from deep for a side packed with stars and made the 1982 World Cup XI leftback position his own.
In 1984 he agreed to be transferred to Torino with one condition: in order to extend his career he believed he needed to move to midfield so he demanded to be the side's playmaker from left midfield. That was the last time Torino challenged for a Serie A title (2nd) and Junior was awarded the Player of the Year ahead of triple Ballon d'Or and cappocanionero Michel Platini. No mean feat!
Upon his return to Brazil, he played as a left pivot and playmaker where he is considered to have been instrumental as a role model for the sort of disciplined, organised and effective approach that helped turn the tide for Brazil and return to winning ways. He was awarded Player of the Year in 1992 ahead of the likes of Mauro Silva, Cafú, Bebeto and Raí.
He was also a truly exceptional set piece taker, and the only footballer ever to make anything decent as a musician, as can be seen from the clip below:
CENTRAL DEFENDERS (OR MIDFIELDERS????)
FERNANDO HIERRO (60s): An outstanding player who could play in a central two or in midfield and was the rock Real Madrid relied on for five La Liga and three (yes, 3!) Champions League titles. It is primarily his attributes as a ball-playing defender that I will be drawing upon, although he has been known to hold a 1 in 2 record from midfield (26 goals in 1991-92). Maybe there won't be as many long range screamers from defence, but his eye for a pass, the headed goals and free kicks we can still count on.
MARCEL DESAILLY (60s): A beast. He inherited Rijkaard's role in Milan's midfield and they marched on to another CL win (his second), then moved to CB and won a World Cup and the Euro's partnering another outstanding ball-playing defender in Blanc. He will start in midfield if there's a #10 that needs "attending to".
SOL CAMPBELL (70s): A solid and physically imposing performer and the rock for the Invincibles (TM) defence. Sol is here to partner either of the prior two if one is required in midfield without it resulting in any weakness or drop in standards.
MIDFIELDERS
BERND SCHUSTER (50s): The Blonde Angel is the midfield general my central midfield will revolve around. Balu and Brwned agree he was the best German playmaker of the last 30 years, but it isn't just his brain and effortless spraying of killer passes which he brings to the table. He was a determined and competitive character who would get stuck in as much as the meanest defensive midfielders when it came to it. He took the world by storm in the 1980 Euros and may have made it three in a row for Germany had it not been for injury in 1982 and a fallout with the German FA thereafter. As mentioned earlier in the thread, the only player I've seen play alongside Maradona and not look like an understudy. Immense.
The guys on this clip mention he was a Pirlo mixed with Effenberg's power, but that doesn't account for his movement and one-twos upfront, which is the only bonus from clips focusing on goals and not his glorious passing, that you get to see that side of his game too:
LUIS ENRIQUE (70s): One of my favourite players and the best box-to-box player I've seen as far as attacking contribution is concerned. "Keano with goals": 1 in 3 record for Barca overall, 1 in 2 in Europe, 25 in a season at his peak. He had the same engine, drive and determination as our Keano but his movement often found him unmarked, his shot power and placing would be the envy of top strikers, his fortitude as a poacher and scorer of important goals was unrivalled, and his heading was devastating (another thing that reminds me of Keano, that goal in Turin had Luis Enrique written all over it). It is handy that he can also play right or left back (where he started for Spain in 1994) or wing, but it is his driving runs and one-twos I'm looking to exploit.
Seriously, watch this, it's a joy from start to end:
BASTIAN SCWHWEINSTEIGER (80s): Despite being a current player Schweini has already established his credentials as one of the best, if not the best, complete midfielders in Europe. In five years time we may look back and laugh at him being picked so late when he has just made two consecutive CL finals (should have won two!) with different midfield roles, 7-0 demolition of the tiki taka masters included. I just hope Pep's tinkering in the next few weeks doesn't bring results that devalue what we know he can do there.
WINGERS
GARRINCHA (30s): No intro needed, simply the best and most devastating right winger the world has seen. Just to avoid the headache, if I ever come across George Best he can play on the left Best player and top scorer at the 1962 World Cup. It will take both a top quality left back and left-sided CB to have any chance, creating openings for others.
Best player and top scorer at the 1962 World Cup. It will take both a top quality left back and left-sided CB to have any chance, creating openings for others.
JUAN JOYA (30s): Alberto Spencer's partner in crime for the 1960s Peñarol side which dominated South American football and was only rivalled by Pelé's Santos. A lightning fast left wing wizard whose crosses made Spencer the top Libertadores scorer to this day, yet had the eye for goal to maintain a 1 in 2 record. For further info click here.
SASÍA - SPENCER - JOYA: Peñarol's devastating combination
CENTREFORWARD
EUSEBIO (40s): Some have him up there as one of the best ever, so it may be a disservice to say I picked him because he had all the attributes to replicate Spencer's role in that partnership. Indeed, he may fill his boots even more on his own merit, let alone as a result of Garrincha causing havoc down the right wing.He held a 1 goal per game record over his career, and that wasn't the Portuguese league being weak as he scored 57 in 64 in Europe and 41 in 64 for the Portuguese national team. One European Footballer of the Year award, two runner-up spots, the European Golden Boot twice, three times top European Cup Scorer, World Cup Golden Boot... He will score.
Carlos Alberto a much better defender than Cafú? Hmmm. I'd like to see some evidence of this.
I got so much work done today without this distraction
I'll happily edit the much as it may paint Cafú in a bad light, which is not in any way the intention. The point was that as all-rounders I'd have Carlos Alberto and Zanetti as the most accomplished ones, with one being somewhat better when attacking and the other when defending but not much separating the two other than preference (and what the game requires from them would be relevant, obviously).
The point is purely to provide a helpful benchmark for those familiar with the more recent ones. If you put attacking and defending at the extremes you would order them: Cafú-Carlos Alberto-Zanetti-Thuram. At least I would.
That's actually a really good team antohan, great write up especially the Joya part.
I think you got unlucky going against that monster midfield but at the same time you're a huge threat going forward and you have far more width than Fergus
I think you got unlucky going against that monster midfield but at the same time you're a huge threat going forward and you have far more width than Fergus
Enjoyed your write up as always Anto. Just the One thing, Luis Enrique having as much drive and determination as Keane? No chance.
Lovely write up Anto.
If you take your United rosy specs off the answer is yes. I can't get you to watch as much of him as I did back in his days but the clip -despite being a clip- shows countless examples where he just steamrollers the oppo out of sheer will (inc. a little melee with a keeper trying to take the ball back for the restart
).Do notice I said he was the best box-to-box when it came to attacking contribution (and I stand by that). Keano would be the more accomplished one defensively, that we would agree on, but in terms of winning mentality there was nothing separating the two. The muppet in me would love to get them both in a fantasy side some day
I'm glad that someone else (anto) shares the same enthusiasm I have for Luis Enrique. Obviously when compared to other midfielders his goal return is skewed because he had various spells up top for Barcelona, but he brimmed with energy, penetration and classy finishing.
I took drive and determination as "will to win" and Keane's mental ability, being the most obsessed with winning player in my time.
Alright no further changes to the fixtures. I hope everyone is alright with it.
Ladilslao Mazurkiewicz - Considered one of the greatest South American goalkeepers of all time, he helped the Uruguay national team qualify for the semifinals of the 1970 World Cup, where the charrúas were stopped by the eventual champion, Brazil. He was elected the best goalkeeper of that tournament. He also played for the Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro.
Javier Zanetti - The most capped player in the history of the Argentine national team who also holds the record for the highest all-time appearances by a non-Italian born player for an Italian club and his 834 official matches for the club put him first in Inter's all-time appearances list. 'El Tractor' or 'El Capitno' is easily amongst the top 5 right backs of all time.
Tarcisio Burgnich - Rather simply, Tarcisio Burgnich was known as “the rock”. And, unlike some of football’s quaint old nicknames, there’s rarely been one so apt. Burgnich was, essentially, a formidable presence that opposition attackers found very difficult to get around or by. He effectively set the template for the Italian defensive stereotype: uncompromising and unforgiving. Fittingly, “the rock” proved one of the building blocks to two for Italy’s greatest ever teams: the international side of 1968-70 that won the European Championships and got to the final of the World Cup; and Helenio Herrera’s Gran Inter. Of course, not only were they great Italian sides. But also two of the most durable defensive sides.
Gaetano Scirea - Considered one of the greatest defenders of all-time, Scirea is one of only five players in European football history to have won all international trophies for football clubs recognized by UEFA and FIFA. Scirea is also one of only nine players in the history of the European football that won all three major UEFA football competitions. He played for the Italian national team for more than a decade during which he was irreplaceable as the leading defender, keeping Franco Baresi out of the national team for four years until he retired in 1986. Scirea became a World Champion with the 1982 FIFA World Cup winning team, which defeated Brazil 3–2 in a brilliantly played quarter-final match, and dominated Germany 3–1 in the final.
Antonio Cabrini - Scirea's left back partner, a roving left-back in classically Italian counter-attacking Juventus and Azzurri sides, Cabrini’s brilliant breaks proved a key outlet. As well as goal returns that were more than decent for a defender, his crossing ability was of the highest quality. A WC and EC winner.
Fernando Redondo - A defensive midfielder with the ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, he played one full decade in La Liga, mainly for Real Madrid, and is considered one of the greatest in his postion of all time.
Lothar Matthaus - Named European Footballer of the Year and World Soccer Player of the Year after captaining West Germany to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. One year later, he was also named the first ever FIFA World Player of the Year, and remains the only German to do so.
He has played in five FIFA World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998) more than any other outfield player, and holds the record for the most World Cup matches played by a single player (25 games). He also won UEFA Euro 1980 and is the most capped German player of all time, retiring with a total of 150 appearances (83 for West Germany) in 20 years, and 23 goals for the German national team. Diego Maradona said about Matthäus "he is the best rival I've ever had. I guess that's enough to define him" in his book Yo soy el Diego (I am Diego). A versatile and complete player, Matthäus was renowned for his perceptive passing, positional sense, and well-timed tackling, as well as his explosive shot. During his career, he usually played as a box-to-box midfielder, although later in his career he played as a sweeper.
Gunter Netzer -The German national team’s crowning moment may have come in the 1974 World Cup, when the team confirmed their place as one of the most all-conquering of all time. But it wasn’t their peak. That came two years earlier in the European Championships. And, for once, it wasn’t primarily driven by Franz Beckenbauer. The star was undoubtedly Gunter Netzer. At the peak of his game in the early ’70s, Netzer orchestrated Germany’s greatest ever international side and one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting ever club teams. Netzer’s range-finding passes, fulminating strikes and driving runs all contributed to him now being considered one of the greatest playmakers of all time.
Amaro Amancio - commonly known simply as Amancio, is a former Spanish football winger. Nicknamed El Brujo (The Witch) he played for Deportivo de La Coruña, Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He was a key attacking component of a Madrid team which won a EC and & La Liga as well as the Spanish National team which won the European championships in 1964.
Alessandro Del Piero - Third in the ranking of Italian all-time top scorers, WC winner Del Piero played in Juventus F.C. for 19 years (11 years as captain) and holds the club records for goals (290) and appearances (705). One of Del Piero's greatest strengths as a footballer is his versatility, which allows him to play in a variety of attacking positions. Del Piero usually plays as a supporting-striker and occasionally between the midfield and the strikers, known in Italy as the trequartista position, due to his vision, dribbling ability and creativity.[118] Del Piero's playing style is regarded by critics as creative in attacking, assisting many goals as well as scoring himself, as opposed to just "goal poaching"
Samuel Eto'o - Eto'o scored over 100 goals in five seasons with Barcelona, and is also the record holder in number of appearances by an African player in La Liga.[6] In 2010, he became the first player to win two European continental trebles following his back-to-back achievements with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He is the second player to have ever scored in two separate UEFA Champions League finals and the fourth player, after Marcel Desailly, Paulo Sousa, and Gerard Piqué, to have won the UEFA Champions League two years in a row with different teams.[7] He is the most decorated African player of all time having won the African Player of the Year award a record four times: in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010.
Substitues:
Ricardo Kaka - Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, Kaká has been described as a quick, composed, balanced and highly skilful team player, who possesses a great shot, superb vision and fantastic passing ability.
Javier Zanetti - The most capped player in the history of the Argentine national team who also holds the record for the highest all-time appearances by a non-Italian born player for an Italian club and his 834 official matches for the club put him first in Inter's all-time appearances list. 'El Tractor' or 'El Capitno' is easily amongst the top 5 right backs of all time.
Tarcisio Burgnich - Rather simply, Tarcisio Burgnich was known as “the rock”. And, unlike some of football’s quaint old nicknames, there’s rarely been one so apt. Burgnich was, essentially, a formidable presence that opposition attackers found very difficult to get around or by. He effectively set the template for the Italian defensive stereotype: uncompromising and unforgiving. Fittingly, “the rock” proved one of the building blocks to two for Italy’s greatest ever teams: the international side of 1968-70 that won the European Championships and got to the final of the World Cup; and Helenio Herrera’s Gran Inter. Of course, not only were they great Italian sides. But also two of the most durable defensive sides.
Gaetano Scirea - Considered one of the greatest defenders of all-time, Scirea is one of only five players in European football history to have won all international trophies for football clubs recognized by UEFA and FIFA. Scirea is also one of only nine players in the history of the European football that won all three major UEFA football competitions. He played for the Italian national team for more than a decade during which he was irreplaceable as the leading defender, keeping Franco Baresi out of the national team for four years until he retired in 1986. Scirea became a World Champion with the 1982 FIFA World Cup winning team, which defeated Brazil 3–2 in a brilliantly played quarter-final match, and dominated Germany 3–1 in the final.
Antonio Cabrini - Scirea's left back partner, a roving left-back in classically Italian counter-attacking Juventus and Azzurri sides, Cabrini’s brilliant breaks proved a key outlet. As well as goal returns that were more than decent for a defender, his crossing ability was of the highest quality. A WC and EC winner.
Fernando Redondo - A defensive midfielder with the ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, he played one full decade in La Liga, mainly for Real Madrid, and is considered one of the greatest in his postion of all time.
Lothar Matthaus - Named European Footballer of the Year and World Soccer Player of the Year after captaining West Germany to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. One year later, he was also named the first ever FIFA World Player of the Year, and remains the only German to do so.
He has played in five FIFA World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998) more than any other outfield player, and holds the record for the most World Cup matches played by a single player (25 games). He also won UEFA Euro 1980 and is the most capped German player of all time, retiring with a total of 150 appearances (83 for West Germany) in 20 years, and 23 goals for the German national team. Diego Maradona said about Matthäus "he is the best rival I've ever had. I guess that's enough to define him" in his book Yo soy el Diego (I am Diego). A versatile and complete player, Matthäus was renowned for his perceptive passing, positional sense, and well-timed tackling, as well as his explosive shot. During his career, he usually played as a box-to-box midfielder, although later in his career he played as a sweeper.
Gunter Netzer -The German national team’s crowning moment may have come in the 1974 World Cup, when the team confirmed their place as one of the most all-conquering of all time. But it wasn’t their peak. That came two years earlier in the European Championships. And, for once, it wasn’t primarily driven by Franz Beckenbauer. The star was undoubtedly Gunter Netzer. At the peak of his game in the early ’70s, Netzer orchestrated Germany’s greatest ever international side and one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting ever club teams. Netzer’s range-finding passes, fulminating strikes and driving runs all contributed to him now being considered one of the greatest playmakers of all time.
Amaro Amancio - commonly known simply as Amancio, is a former Spanish football winger. Nicknamed El Brujo (The Witch) he played for Deportivo de La Coruña, Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He was a key attacking component of a Madrid team which won a EC and & La Liga as well as the Spanish National team which won the European championships in 1964.
Alessandro Del Piero - Third in the ranking of Italian all-time top scorers, WC winner Del Piero played in Juventus F.C. for 19 years (11 years as captain) and holds the club records for goals (290) and appearances (705). One of Del Piero's greatest strengths as a footballer is his versatility, which allows him to play in a variety of attacking positions. Del Piero usually plays as a supporting-striker and occasionally between the midfield and the strikers, known in Italy as the trequartista position, due to his vision, dribbling ability and creativity.[118] Del Piero's playing style is regarded by critics as creative in attacking, assisting many goals as well as scoring himself, as opposed to just "goal poaching"
Samuel Eto'o - Eto'o scored over 100 goals in five seasons with Barcelona, and is also the record holder in number of appearances by an African player in La Liga.[6] In 2010, he became the first player to win two European continental trebles following his back-to-back achievements with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He is the second player to have ever scored in two separate UEFA Champions League finals and the fourth player, after Marcel Desailly, Paulo Sousa, and Gerard Piqué, to have won the UEFA Champions League two years in a row with different teams.[7] He is the most decorated African player of all time having won the African Player of the Year award a record four times: in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010.
Substitues:
Ricardo Kaka - Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, Kaká has been described as a quick, composed, balanced and highly skilful team player, who possesses a great shot, superb vision and fantastic passing ability.
That's a fine team you've pulled together Fergus, Anto will have his work cut out to stop it.
Cheers mate.
I know where you are coming from mate. Not sure you are aware -and I find it weird myself- but I was actually a Barca fan for longer than I have supported United. I would emphasise the distinction between "fan" and "supporter" there. I was really into Juve and Barca since the early 80s, primarily Barca thereafter all the way to the late 90s when I finally switched allegiances while living in the UK.
Passion and drive is what defines my sort of player. I loved the Dream Team but the player that got to me most wasn't Romario or even Laudrup, but Stoichkov (demostrated by the fact I started him in the All-time final!). When he left, it was Luis Enrique that took over that mantle as the source of rausa (passion) and it was ironically through my observation of how much Keano had in common with him that United started winning me over.
I couldn't believe my luck to be witnessing two such players at the same time, so I can see how you would find it unlikely that it is even possible
PLAYER PROFILES
Antonio Roma
Nicknamed the "Tarzan", Roma is one of the pioneers at his position in the continent of South America, and an idol at the club he spend most of his career at, Boca. Known for his agility, amazing reflexes and a towering presence in goal, the Argentine has proven himself to be an ace penalty stopper.
Gianluca Zambrotta
Versatile, consistent, energetic and reliable, the Italian fullback is known to provide extreme solidity at either flank against top wingers while also providing considerable ammo in attack. Having played as a winger at times, he is extremely useful in providing width to stretch the opponents while also being extremely tactical aware to position himself at the right place at the right time most times. Remembered particularly for his performances in the 2006 WC that got him into the all star squad.
Alan Hansen
The Scot is famous for leading the defense of Liverpool for numerous trophies like 8 domestic leagues and 3 European Cups, a record a very few can even think of matching. A classy operator, Hansen not only was a rock at the back marshalling them to one triumph after another, but his ability on the ball made him a rare combination of steel and style. One of the few players from that all conquering squad that can be put up against the best of all time in his position.
Nemanja Vidic
Out captain, nothing much to say about him. Ever since at his time at United he is one of the most consistent and decorated players in the league. The team rarely loses with him at the back, made a unbreakable united with Rio and VDS and continued afterwards with ever changing partners and declining players, never letting his performances drop. Physically a beast and a huge presence in the air both in defense and attack, the Serbian combines strength with great tactical awareness to send fear down his opponent's spines.
Orvar Bergmark
Part of the golden Swedish team that reached the final and alongside Djalma and Armfield one of the best right backs of his time. Voted as the best right back of the 1958 World Cup, the Swede while always being as solid as they come in defense was very potent going forward as well. Quick and a decent dribbler on his day, his main strengths combine stamina, anticipation and man marking.
Frank Rijkaard
IMO the greatest proper defensive midfielder of all time, the dutchman was the core of the great Milan team of late 90s. Going on to win European Cups and the European Championships, Rijkaard excelled in breaking up play against the best of players in the world, while also being very good on the ball. Versatile as he also won a CL while playing in defense, he possessed amazing balance, stamina and teamwork. Can do a job on most top number 10s in the game.
Billy Bremner
Greatest player in the history of Leeds, the talisman captain was the definition of passion and putting his body on the line for the team. Defensively very solid and aggressive, he drove his team on by example by literally doing anything to not let the opponent score, but we must not forget that he was a very able playmaker and could easily convert defense into attack.
Pavel Nedved
An all action midfield who pivots his game on versatility, energy and teamwork while being explosive in attack, the Czech Cannon had a vicious shot and was incredibly two footed, to an extent that he did not know what his stronger foot was. Playing as the left midfielder he won the Ballon D'or for taking Juventus to the final and would have arguably won it had he not been suspended.
Ruud Gullit
Another Ballon D'or winner, he continues the trend of versatile players in the team but takes it to another level. Where do I begin, there is nothing this man doesn't possess. Physically a monster, beast in the air and quick as a gazelle, he adds to that immense technical ability, awareness and ball control, so much so that George Best considered him as good as Maradona. To add to all that he was a big game player and had great determination and work rate that never let him not be involved in the game.
Zico
The While Pele, Zico was the best player in the world at his peak and showed qualities that left everyone who watched him mesmerized. After showing how unstoppable he was in Brazil with his extremely unstoppable finishing and playmaking, not to forget one of the best free kick taker the game has seen, he stepped on to Europe and scored 19 in 24 games in a season, more goals per game than Michel Platini who played for the giants Juventus. He led Flamengo to an unforgettable destruction of the European Titans Liverpool in 1981, and was voted the best player in the world on multiple instances. His contribution in Japanese football is also huge and has led to a lot of player in the country idolize him, which is resulting in World stars like Honda and Kagawa. 52 in 72 for Brazil shows he was as potent on the big stage representing his nation as he was for his clubs. The following two videos should make it clear what exactly he is capable of, unstoppable.
Gerd Muller
An absolute machine in front of goal, is putting it mildly. The German is arguably the greatest finisher of all time and there is nothing that he hasn't won. World Cup, European Cup, European Championship, Domestic leagues and has gone on to score at an insane rate throughout his career. He has the best goals per game ratio in the all time top 25 scorer at International level getting 68 in 62 games while getting 655 in 709 games in his club career with a season best of 67 goals in 49 games. More records follow that were recently broken which include all time highest scorer in World Cups and most goal in a calendar year. Extreme burst of pace in him, he is impossible to mark inside the box, and can leap over most tall defenders. He plays, he scores, as simple as that.
Sub: Xabi Alonso
A deep lying playmaker who has been a part of the all conquering Spanish outfit of the modern age and has been the heart of Real Madrid over last few years, the Spaniard has a great accurate pin point passing range that can cut through tight units while also having excellent reading of the game and great at sweeping second balls. Can be brought on to get a complete grip on possession and see the lead till the end.
Sorry for the shitty write up, almost 7 am here and I haven't slept yet, would probably add something later.
Don't worry. I am starting now, and I won't be around for most of the game tomorrow. If somebody wants to argue my cause when I'm not around, please do!
Peter Schmeichel:United's greatest keeper. Not much I have to say about him here. To many, he is the best keeper that ever lived. With Yashin not around, I'd say he is the best in the draft. If you can ignore the shit music, here is a video of some of his best saves. If any1 wants to relive Bergkamp's saved penalty (no penalty save, no treble), it is on here!
Dani Alves: The best attacking right back in the world in the late 00s. Electric pace, a powerful shot and the ability to run all day, Alves is the archetypal modern fullback. What shouldn't be overlooked is that he is a quality defender as well. His pace allows him to easily track back after his forward runs. For Barcelona, he was often required to own the entire flank as the winger ahead cut in, and Alves did this with ease! Cristiano Ronaldo said of him: "I usually don't have a problem with defenders when it comes to outracing them, but when playing a match against Barcelona it happens to be complicated with Daniel Alves"
Elias Figueroa: (Shamelessly stealing this from Antohan!)
"The area is my home, and I decide who enters it"
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, Figueroa would be remembered by all as one of the best ever had he not turned down Real Madrid and favoured Inter de Porto Alegre (which allowed him to stay in the Chilean NT setup).
Beckenbauer said:
I'm the European Figueroa
Passarella said:
Beckenbauer and Figueroa have been the only defenders who were better than I
Carlos Alberto Parreira said:
I do not hesitate when saying Elías Figueroa was the best defender ever in World Football
Amazing backs-against-the-the-wall display vs. Germany '74
John Terry:Look, this is a football draft. Not a popularity contest. The sad truth is Terry was the best defender in the world at his peak. I don't have to say much about him other than judge him as a player, and at his peak. If you do, you will know that he was the best around, and will form an amazing combination with Figueroa.
Bixente Lizarazu:One of the greatest left backs ever. Everybody here should know him too. Otherwise, just look up the other draft threads!
Graeme Souness:He is the engine upon which Liverpool relied on during their glory years. could do the work of two men and can dominate a midfield singlehandedly. He has the intelligence to hold the fort if Suarez sees an opportunity to change the match with one of his runs forward. Souness can do it all - tackle, shield, pass, and is a leader.
Luis Suarez: Still considered the best Spanish player ever. Winner of the Ballon D'or. Started out as an attacker, but played as a deep lying playmaker with Inter, where he controlled the game and could decide it with a burst forward. He had everything you could want of a footballer: amazing skill, an amazing talent for moving the ball about with his feet, great vision and a tremendous shot. But he was mainly noted for his elegant style, it was often said he was such a graceful player that he could have played in a dinner jacket.
Jimmy Johnstone:Voted the best Celtic player by their fans. Simply unplayable in his prime.
Oleh Blokhin:Considered the greatest Soviet footballer and one of the games best ever dribblers, combining sprinter speed with exceptional ball control. Blokhin’s game was based around electric and mazy dribbles either on the left flank or upfront, committing defenders and then shooting past them. Voted the best player in Europe 1975 when he won the Ballon D’Or beating the likes of Cruyff and Beckenbauer, and was inside the Top 20 on four occasions.
Zinedine Zidane:Nothing to say on him. Legend
Thierry Henry:If he wasn't an Arsenal player, he would probably be worshiped on here. Nothing more to say.
Sub:
Horst Szymaniak: An underrated gem. An all round midfielder. He will be wrench control of the midfield for me if needed. He can pass, tackle, shoot and control the midfield. He isn't as well known as he should be because the German team that he played in wasn't the best at the time.
Read more about him here:
http://inbedwithmaradona.com/journal/2011/7/12/the-true-worth-of-horst-szymaniak.html
Formation:
All, I will only be able to do a tactics write up later in the evening UK time tomorrow. I'm unsure how much I'll be online tomorrow. Good luck Aldo!
Dani Alves: The best attacking right back in the world in the late 00s. Electric pace, a powerful shot and the ability to run all day, Alves is the archetypal modern fullback. What shouldn't be overlooked is that he is a quality defender as well. His pace allows him to easily track back after his forward runs. For Barcelona, he was often required to own the entire flank as the winger ahead cut in, and Alves did this with ease! Cristiano Ronaldo said of him: "I usually don't have a problem with defenders when it comes to outracing them, but when playing a match against Barcelona it happens to be complicated with Daniel Alves"
Elias Figueroa: (Shamelessly stealing this from Antohan!)
"The area is my home, and I decide who enters it"
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, Figueroa would be remembered by all as one of the best ever had he not turned down Real Madrid and favoured Inter de Porto Alegre (which allowed him to stay in the Chilean NT setup).
Beckenbauer said:
I'm the European Figueroa
Passarella said:
Beckenbauer and Figueroa have been the only defenders who were better than I
Carlos Alberto Parreira said:
I do not hesitate when saying Elías Figueroa was the best defender ever in World Football
Amazing backs-against-the-the-wall display vs. Germany '74
John Terry:Look, this is a football draft. Not a popularity contest. The sad truth is Terry was the best defender in the world at his peak. I don't have to say much about him other than judge him as a player, and at his peak. If you do, you will know that he was the best around, and will form an amazing combination with Figueroa.
Bixente Lizarazu:One of the greatest left backs ever. Everybody here should know him too. Otherwise, just look up the other draft threads!
Graeme Souness:He is the engine upon which Liverpool relied on during their glory years. could do the work of two men and can dominate a midfield singlehandedly. He has the intelligence to hold the fort if Suarez sees an opportunity to change the match with one of his runs forward. Souness can do it all - tackle, shield, pass, and is a leader.
Luis Suarez: Still considered the best Spanish player ever. Winner of the Ballon D'or. Started out as an attacker, but played as a deep lying playmaker with Inter, where he controlled the game and could decide it with a burst forward. He had everything you could want of a footballer: amazing skill, an amazing talent for moving the ball about with his feet, great vision and a tremendous shot. But he was mainly noted for his elegant style, it was often said he was such a graceful player that he could have played in a dinner jacket.
Jimmy Johnstone:Voted the best Celtic player by their fans. Simply unplayable in his prime.
Oleh Blokhin:Considered the greatest Soviet footballer and one of the games best ever dribblers, combining sprinter speed with exceptional ball control. Blokhin’s game was based around electric and mazy dribbles either on the left flank or upfront, committing defenders and then shooting past them. Voted the best player in Europe 1975 when he won the Ballon D’Or beating the likes of Cruyff and Beckenbauer, and was inside the Top 20 on four occasions.
Zinedine Zidane:Nothing to say on him. Legend
Thierry Henry:If he wasn't an Arsenal player, he would probably be worshiped on here. Nothing more to say.
Sub:
Horst Szymaniak: An underrated gem. An all round midfielder. He will be wrench control of the midfield for me if needed. He can pass, tackle, shoot and control the midfield. He isn't as well known as he should be because the German team that he played in wasn't the best at the time.
Read more about him here:
http://inbedwithmaradona.com/journal/2011/7/12/the-true-worth-of-horst-szymaniak.html
Formation:
All, I will only be able to do a tactics write up later in the evening UK time tomorrow. I'm unsure how much I'll be online tomorrow. Good luck Aldo!
I know where you are coming from mate. Not sure you are aware -and I find it weird myself- but I was actually a Barca fan for longer than I have supported United. I would emphasise the distinction between "fan" and "supporter" there. I was really into Juve and Barca since the early 80s, primarily Barca thereafter all the way to the late 90s when I finally switched allegiances while living in the UK.
Passion and drive is what defines my sort of player. I loved the Dream Team but the player that got to me most wasn't Romario or even Laudrup, but Stoichkov (demostrated by the fact I started him in the All-time final!). When he left, it was Luis Enrique that took over that mantle as the source of rausa (passion) and it was ironically through my observation of how much Keano had in common with him that United started winning me over.
I couldn't believe my luck to be witnessing two such players at the same time, so I can see how you would find it unlikely that it is even possible
Fair enough. Didn't know you we're into Juv and Barca to that extent. I've been a Utd supporter since 1992 so Keane obviously dominates my mind when it comes to driven midfielders. And fergie throwing quotes around like "if I could play Roy Keane in a one on one for Manchester United, We'd win the World Cup, the Grand national, the boat race and everything else. It's an amazing gift he's got"
That video you put up of Luis Enrique doesn't seem to work but I'm definitely going to look more into him. Edit: not to worry I've got it working now