Will start the game in a few minutes..
The Redcafe Decades Draft Tournament
- Thread starter Moby
- Start date
Good stuff. Keep me away from the Ronaldo and Twitter threads/ 
Just to clarify, I was happy to follow Juve/Barca early 80s, had a ten year hiatus (Maradona, then Uruguayan brigade at Inter/Cagliari) with Juve until Montero joined them. Barca I followed all along. It was in 1999 I dropped those two and started supporting United. I had had an increasing interest since moving to the UK but I was actually put off by most of the fledglings (didn't like the spice boy stuff, wasn't too hot on the Nevs, Scholes was too bloody calm and collected... I liked Keane and Giggs though).
It was watching us vs. Barca and then Juve during that CL that I actually felt how much I wanted United to win, which was bizarre. Particularly vs. Barca as I stuck to them through many barren years (Barca was always entertaining though!). It was to some extent the perception I had of United as European underdogs back then, but I know it sounds like the average glory hunter story
Valdes-Exceptionally gifted with his feet and insane reaction saves aplenty. The perfect keeper to get the best out of my team.
Netto- one of the greatest soviet players of all time, best known as a midfielder but I am reverting him to his original position of full back for this draft. A very solid defender and excellent man marker but if I want to let him off the leash he can show the excellent passing and dribbling that allowed him to move to midfield.
Koeman- the highest scoring defender of all time, one of the most gifted defenders of all time in terms of his technical skill. A brilliant passer and organiser at the back, he was the heart of Hollands defence during the early 90s (one of their greatest periods)
Vasovic- The heart of the Ajax defence during the total football years. He is the brick wall at the back for my team, he has everything a defender needs, intelligence, power and determination, as the heart of that ajax defence it should be obvious that his technical ability was incredible for a defender, comfortable anywhere on the pitch.
De Boer- Another of the greatest dutch defenders, mixing traditional centre half abilities with those demanded of the best total footballers, excellent passing and the ability to carry the ball forward comfortably.
Seedorf-brilliant for every club he has played for and improves every team he's in. A hard working balanced midfielder with brilliant vision and attacking abilities, he was at the heart of great Ajax, Madrid and Milan sides
Van Hanegem-one of the most underrated dutch players outside holland, most dutch people have him up with Neeskens and above the likes of Gullit, Bergkamp and Rijkaard. A brilliant technical player who could tear defences apart while also tearing attacks apart. An integral part of Hollands greatest team and another great total footballer.
Keegan-one of England's greatest ever. A midfielder come second striker who could create just as easily as score. Blessed with tremendous pace he made himself one of the greats through sheer hard work and determination.
Robben- one of the greatest wingers of the modern game, an excellent goal scoring record and proved last season with Bayern that he was more than the selfish ball hogger than many had him pinned as.
Cryuff- The ultimate general. Completely transforms teams with possibly the best mind football has seen. Blistering pace, amazing passing, ball control that's so good he has a trick named after him. Completely unmarkable at his best he will be the hub of my team.
Van Basten- possibly the best striker of all time, his scoring record is incredible and he has scored some of the greatest goals of all time. Another player who simply cannot be stopped when at his best, he can score against any defence.
Cerezo- one of the best defensive midfielders brazil have ever produced, a brilliant all round player who can be brought on to anchor my midfield if things are looking sticky.
Not the most detailed but having to do this on my phone, still not got Internet in my new place.
Netto- one of the greatest soviet players of all time, best known as a midfielder but I am reverting him to his original position of full back for this draft. A very solid defender and excellent man marker but if I want to let him off the leash he can show the excellent passing and dribbling that allowed him to move to midfield.
Koeman- the highest scoring defender of all time, one of the most gifted defenders of all time in terms of his technical skill. A brilliant passer and organiser at the back, he was the heart of Hollands defence during the early 90s (one of their greatest periods)
Vasovic- The heart of the Ajax defence during the total football years. He is the brick wall at the back for my team, he has everything a defender needs, intelligence, power and determination, as the heart of that ajax defence it should be obvious that his technical ability was incredible for a defender, comfortable anywhere on the pitch.
De Boer- Another of the greatest dutch defenders, mixing traditional centre half abilities with those demanded of the best total footballers, excellent passing and the ability to carry the ball forward comfortably.
Seedorf-brilliant for every club he has played for and improves every team he's in. A hard working balanced midfielder with brilliant vision and attacking abilities, he was at the heart of great Ajax, Madrid and Milan sides
Van Hanegem-one of the most underrated dutch players outside holland, most dutch people have him up with Neeskens and above the likes of Gullit, Bergkamp and Rijkaard. A brilliant technical player who could tear defences apart while also tearing attacks apart. An integral part of Hollands greatest team and another great total footballer.
Keegan-one of England's greatest ever. A midfielder come second striker who could create just as easily as score. Blessed with tremendous pace he made himself one of the greats through sheer hard work and determination.
Robben- one of the greatest wingers of the modern game, an excellent goal scoring record and proved last season with Bayern that he was more than the selfish ball hogger than many had him pinned as.
Cryuff- The ultimate general. Completely transforms teams with possibly the best mind football has seen. Blistering pace, amazing passing, ball control that's so good he has a trick named after him. Completely unmarkable at his best he will be the hub of my team.
Van Basten- possibly the best striker of all time, his scoring record is incredible and he has scored some of the greatest goals of all time. Another player who simply cannot be stopped when at his best, he can score against any defence.
Cerezo- one of the best defensive midfielders brazil have ever produced, a brilliant all round player who can be brought on to anchor my midfield if things are looking sticky.
Not the most detailed but having to do this on my phone, still not got Internet in my new place.
Sepp Maier: 3x German Footballer of the Year; 4 leagues, 4 German Cups, 3 European Cups, 1 World Cup and 1 Euro and that Maier-Beckenbauer-Muller axis was at the heart of each and every success. The fact he’s mentioned alongside arguably the greatest defender and striker of all-time tells you all you need to know about his standing in goalkeeping terms. One of just a handful of keepers to be named in the top 5 in the Ballon d’Or - Schmeichel, Kahn, Buffon and Casillas are the only ones since 1990. IFFHS named him the 4th best keeper of the century behind Yashin, Banks and Zoff. He didn’t possess outstanding reflexes to the level of Kahn or Schmeichel but his positioning and reading of the game are about as good as it gets and his consistency and reliability are outlined by the fact he didn’t miss a league game for 13 seasons in a row.
Andreas Brehme: Perhaps Germany’s most complete fullback in history, certainly their most two-footed player in history. 1989 Serie A POTY. Not known for terrific pace or strength unlike the majority of modern fullbacks, he was a cerebral player with great vision and awareness (which allowed him to play in midfield numerous times). A great passer and top class crosser, any striker would love to have him supplying him. Good enough for the Dutch total football 2.0 side of the late 80s/early 90s to dedicate a man-marker to him in the quarter-final of a World Cup - how many fullbacks have demanded that level of attention?
Rio Ferdinand: “A Rolls Royce of a footballer”, “one of the greatest defenders in [Manchester United’s] history”, “the greatest English centre-half since Bobby Moore”. Simply the perfect modern centre back with a combination of aerial strength, pace, power, intelligence and composure that very few defenders in history have possessed.
Giuseppe Bergomi: His nickname "Lo Zio" (The Uncle) disguises the combative, warrior-like nature of the man which, combined with his exceptional reading of the game, allowed him to mark the likes of Rummenigge, van Basten, Gullit and Maradona completely out of games. Much like Rio he possesses all the traits you’d want in a modern defender but with that extra bit of Italian grit and guile. His consistency is reflected in the fact he’s one of just a handful of players to play in four World Cups and/or play 750 games for a top club.
Jose Antonio Camacho: 9 league titles, 5 Spanish Cups and 2 Uefa Cups - above all this man was a winner. He possessed the intelligence and cultured left foot to allow him to drop back into the role of sweeper as he grow older while having the speed and tenacity to establish himself as one of the top fullbacks in the world for a number of years. He was an also an excellent man-marker as Kempes attested: “He was like a hunting dog; wherever you went on the pitch, he went. You knew that if you looked over your shoulder, he'd be there waiting for you. He didn't talk either, he just breathed in a very strange way - "Fsst, fsst, fsst, fsst"! A real nightmare."
Duncan Edwards - The English Lothar Matthäus - in other words he possessed the ability to influence the game in all areas of the pitch. He was quick across the ground, a powerful runner, a great range of passing, strong in the air, uncompromising on the ground, a lethal shot and a unflappable winning mentality. In the 25 years following the inception of the Ballon d’Or only two all-round centre mids made it into the top three - Beckenbauer and Edwards. In the entire history of the Ballon d’Or these two players were the only all-round centre mids to appear in there at 21 or under. There’s no question he was an exceptional player even in his short career at the top level.
Paulo Roberto Falcão - The brain of the last great Brazil side, the best player in an Internacional side that won the Brazilian league undefeated (which has yet to be repeated) and the best player in a Roma side which won its first title in over 40 years and reached the only European Cup final in its history. Also named the best Brazilian player in consecutive seasons in 1978 and 1979 and named third and second best player in the world in 1982 and 1983 respectively by Onze Mondial. He possessed a near-perfect blend of hard work/leadership with skill/intelligence in a way perhaps only Redondo has since.
Bobby Charlton: Perhaps the most elegant player to wear the club’s shirt due to his ability to glide past players with a little swivel of the hips, his effortless passing off either foot and his classy first touch. Arguably the best player we’ve ever had. He spent his first few years playing as a forward in which he scored 71 goals in 125 games between the ages of 20-23 making good use of his explosive strikes. He then moved out to the left wing for a couple of seasons and became more of a provider and team-player displaying his dribbling and burst of pace that he became known for before finally settling in a deeper midfield role using his excellent passing range to good effect. All-time top scorer for England and United, over 750 appearances for United and the only English player to win the Ballon d’Or.
George Best: George was unique, the greatest talent our football ever produced — easily!
Sir Alex Ferguson
I'd give all the Champagne I've ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford.
Eric Cantona
He was able to use either foot - sometimes he seemed to have six.
Sir Matt Busby
David Villa: Scored 20+ goals for 10 seasons in a row from the age of 20. All-time top scorer for Spain with 38 goals in his last 54 international games. Top scorer in Euro 2008 and joint top scorer in World Cup 2010 And of course he's the one that scored the winner in the 2012 CL final. He's right up there with the greatest goalscorers of this century and his all-round game is good enough to see him play alongside a strike partner or from a nominal wide position. Class all-round.
Subs
Yaya Toure: Throughout his career Toure has shown himself to be capable as a holding midfielder (Barcelona), a playmaker from deep (City) and an attacking midfielder (Olympiakos, City) due to his wide range of skills - great passing off either foot, explosive dribbling, a silky touch, a huge frame and a powerful shot.
Dragan Dzajic: Voted the greatest Yugoslavian footballer of all-time ahead of Stojkovic, compared favourably to George Best in his Ballon d'Or winning season by Beckenbauer, named alongside Roberto Baggio in the IFFHS Century selections...if that's not a clear sign of his genius then I don't know what is. For those unfamiliar with him, here's a glimpse of Dzajic at his peak - he is of course the man playing keepy-ups with his head before the first goal, beating a couple of men with keepy-ups in the six yard box for the second goal and then whipping in a beautiful cross for the fourth. He had flair, class and end product with some clear similarities Ronaldinho in many ways. Unlike many with his level of passing and intelligence though, he was content to stay as an out-and-out winger and embarrass his direct opponent over and over again like few others could.
Andreas Brehme: Perhaps Germany’s most complete fullback in history, certainly their most two-footed player in history. 1989 Serie A POTY. Not known for terrific pace or strength unlike the majority of modern fullbacks, he was a cerebral player with great vision and awareness (which allowed him to play in midfield numerous times). A great passer and top class crosser, any striker would love to have him supplying him. Good enough for the Dutch total football 2.0 side of the late 80s/early 90s to dedicate a man-marker to him in the quarter-final of a World Cup - how many fullbacks have demanded that level of attention?
Rio Ferdinand: “A Rolls Royce of a footballer”, “one of the greatest defenders in [Manchester United’s] history”, “the greatest English centre-half since Bobby Moore”. Simply the perfect modern centre back with a combination of aerial strength, pace, power, intelligence and composure that very few defenders in history have possessed.
Giuseppe Bergomi: His nickname "Lo Zio" (The Uncle) disguises the combative, warrior-like nature of the man which, combined with his exceptional reading of the game, allowed him to mark the likes of Rummenigge, van Basten, Gullit and Maradona completely out of games. Much like Rio he possesses all the traits you’d want in a modern defender but with that extra bit of Italian grit and guile. His consistency is reflected in the fact he’s one of just a handful of players to play in four World Cups and/or play 750 games for a top club.
Jose Antonio Camacho: 9 league titles, 5 Spanish Cups and 2 Uefa Cups - above all this man was a winner. He possessed the intelligence and cultured left foot to allow him to drop back into the role of sweeper as he grow older while having the speed and tenacity to establish himself as one of the top fullbacks in the world for a number of years. He was an also an excellent man-marker as Kempes attested: “He was like a hunting dog; wherever you went on the pitch, he went. You knew that if you looked over your shoulder, he'd be there waiting for you. He didn't talk either, he just breathed in a very strange way - "Fsst, fsst, fsst, fsst"! A real nightmare."
Duncan Edwards - The English Lothar Matthäus - in other words he possessed the ability to influence the game in all areas of the pitch. He was quick across the ground, a powerful runner, a great range of passing, strong in the air, uncompromising on the ground, a lethal shot and a unflappable winning mentality. In the 25 years following the inception of the Ballon d’Or only two all-round centre mids made it into the top three - Beckenbauer and Edwards. In the entire history of the Ballon d’Or these two players were the only all-round centre mids to appear in there at 21 or under. There’s no question he was an exceptional player even in his short career at the top level.
Paulo Roberto Falcão - The brain of the last great Brazil side, the best player in an Internacional side that won the Brazilian league undefeated (which has yet to be repeated) and the best player in a Roma side which won its first title in over 40 years and reached the only European Cup final in its history. Also named the best Brazilian player in consecutive seasons in 1978 and 1979 and named third and second best player in the world in 1982 and 1983 respectively by Onze Mondial. He possessed a near-perfect blend of hard work/leadership with skill/intelligence in a way perhaps only Redondo has since.
Bobby Charlton: Perhaps the most elegant player to wear the club’s shirt due to his ability to glide past players with a little swivel of the hips, his effortless passing off either foot and his classy first touch. Arguably the best player we’ve ever had. He spent his first few years playing as a forward in which he scored 71 goals in 125 games between the ages of 20-23 making good use of his explosive strikes. He then moved out to the left wing for a couple of seasons and became more of a provider and team-player displaying his dribbling and burst of pace that he became known for before finally settling in a deeper midfield role using his excellent passing range to good effect. All-time top scorer for England and United, over 750 appearances for United and the only English player to win the Ballon d’Or.
- George Best on Charlton: "I've never seen anyone go past players as easily as he did."
- Alan Ball on Charlton: "Bobby Charlton had gifts to die for. He was basically a quiet man whose talking came from the magic of his boots. Wherever you went in the world the foreign football fans knew everything about Bobby Charlton. He was our Pele."
George Best: George was unique, the greatest talent our football ever produced — easily!
Sir Alex Ferguson
I'd give all the Champagne I've ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford.
Eric Cantona
He was able to use either foot - sometimes he seemed to have six.
Sir Matt Busby
David Villa: Scored 20+ goals for 10 seasons in a row from the age of 20. All-time top scorer for Spain with 38 goals in his last 54 international games. Top scorer in Euro 2008 and joint top scorer in World Cup 2010 And of course he's the one that scored the winner in the 2012 CL final. He's right up there with the greatest goalscorers of this century and his all-round game is good enough to see him play alongside a strike partner or from a nominal wide position. Class all-round.
Subs
Yaya Toure: Throughout his career Toure has shown himself to be capable as a holding midfielder (Barcelona), a playmaker from deep (City) and an attacking midfielder (Olympiakos, City) due to his wide range of skills - great passing off either foot, explosive dribbling, a silky touch, a huge frame and a powerful shot.
Dragan Dzajic: Voted the greatest Yugoslavian footballer of all-time ahead of Stojkovic, compared favourably to George Best in his Ballon d'Or winning season by Beckenbauer, named alongside Roberto Baggio in the IFFHS Century selections...if that's not a clear sign of his genius then I don't know what is. For those unfamiliar with him, here's a glimpse of Dzajic at his peak - he is of course the man playing keepy-ups with his head before the first goal, beating a couple of men with keepy-ups in the six yard box for the second goal and then whipping in a beautiful cross for the fourth. He had flair, class and end product with some clear similarities Ronaldinho in many ways. Unlike many with his level of passing and intelligence though, he was content to stay as an out-and-out winger and embarrass his direct opponent over and over again like few others could.
- "[The decision was] unfair, impudent and shameful." - Beckenbauer on the news that Best was awarded the Ballon d'Or over Dragan Dzajic.
- “Dzajic is the Balkan miracle – a real wizard. I’m just sorry he’s not Brazilian because I’ve never seen such a natural footballer.” – Pelé
Brwned, you can't copy images from google images, you have to actually click on them and copy the link to the source file.
Iker Casillas:
One of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era, his impressive reflexes, shot stopping ability and superb agility make him a fearsome last line of defense.
Cafu:
Arguably the greatest right back of all time, Cafu combined electric pace with determination, strength and a tireless engine. The ultimate attacking fullback.
Laurent Blanc:
The archetypal modern centreback, the silky smooth Frenchman possessed excellent defensive awareness, composed tackling, comfort on the ball and impressive distribution from the back.
Marius Tresor:
Every bit as composed and comfortable on the ball as Blanc, with added steel and athleticism. Regarded by many as the finest defender France has ever produced.
Denis Irwin:
Manchester United's Mr Consistent, Irwin had everything you'd want from a modern fullback.
Solid and dependable in defence, possessing a fantastic work-rate, a pinpoint accurate cross and neat passing ability. Irwin was also genuinely two footed, making him a potent and unpredictable threat going forward.
Bryan Robson:
Dynamic, tenacious box to box midfielder and one of the greatest midfield talents the English game has seen. Scoring, passing, tackling - Robson could do it all.
Zito:
The anchor of Brazil's 1958 and 1962 WC winning sides. Zito's defensive prowess, intelligence and composure on the ball was the foundation on which Brazil's attacking talents stood.
Ryan Giggs:
Giggs' combination of electric pace, dribbling skill, and superb crossing make him one of the most dangerous wide men of his generation. Also a tireless runner and a strong tackler, Giggs will never leave his fullback exposed.
Raymond Kopa:
Combining prodigious dribbling skills with a brilliant touch and a keen eye for a pass, Ballon d'or winner Kopa was one of the finest playmakers of his day. Capable of great individual skill, but above all a team player who created countless goals for the likes of Di Stefano and Fontaine. Instrumental in Madrid's early European Cup exploits and player of the tournament at World Cup 58.
George Best:
There's not much that needs to be said about Best, especially on a Man Utd forum. Probably the most talented player in British football history.
"George was unique, the greatest talent our football ever produced — easily!" -- Alex Ferguson
“The closest I got to him was when we shook hands at the end of the game.” --Northampton player Roy Fairfax, who had been marking Best when he scored six goals in an 8-2 FA Cup win for Man Utd in 1970
Denis Law:
Another Ballon d'or winner and the original "king" of Old Trafford. Law combined strength, agility and aerial dominance with intelligence, awareness and a dogged determination that made him a great all round player and one of the most prolific strikers in Man Utd history.
One of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era, his impressive reflexes, shot stopping ability and superb agility make him a fearsome last line of defense.
Cafu:
Arguably the greatest right back of all time, Cafu combined electric pace with determination, strength and a tireless engine. The ultimate attacking fullback.
Laurent Blanc:
The archetypal modern centreback, the silky smooth Frenchman possessed excellent defensive awareness, composed tackling, comfort on the ball and impressive distribution from the back.
Marius Tresor:
Every bit as composed and comfortable on the ball as Blanc, with added steel and athleticism. Regarded by many as the finest defender France has ever produced.
Denis Irwin:
Manchester United's Mr Consistent, Irwin had everything you'd want from a modern fullback.
Solid and dependable in defence, possessing a fantastic work-rate, a pinpoint accurate cross and neat passing ability. Irwin was also genuinely two footed, making him a potent and unpredictable threat going forward.
Bryan Robson:
Dynamic, tenacious box to box midfielder and one of the greatest midfield talents the English game has seen. Scoring, passing, tackling - Robson could do it all.
Zito:
The anchor of Brazil's 1958 and 1962 WC winning sides. Zito's defensive prowess, intelligence and composure on the ball was the foundation on which Brazil's attacking talents stood.
Ryan Giggs:
Giggs' combination of electric pace, dribbling skill, and superb crossing make him one of the most dangerous wide men of his generation. Also a tireless runner and a strong tackler, Giggs will never leave his fullback exposed.
Raymond Kopa:
Combining prodigious dribbling skills with a brilliant touch and a keen eye for a pass, Ballon d'or winner Kopa was one of the finest playmakers of his day. Capable of great individual skill, but above all a team player who created countless goals for the likes of Di Stefano and Fontaine. Instrumental in Madrid's early European Cup exploits and player of the tournament at World Cup 58.
George Best:
There's not much that needs to be said about Best, especially on a Man Utd forum. Probably the most talented player in British football history.
"George was unique, the greatest talent our football ever produced — easily!" -- Alex Ferguson
“The closest I got to him was when we shook hands at the end of the game.” --Northampton player Roy Fairfax, who had been marking Best when he scored six goals in an 8-2 FA Cup win for Man Utd in 1970
Denis Law:
Another Ballon d'or winner and the original "king" of Old Trafford. Law combined strength, agility and aerial dominance with intelligence, awareness and a dogged determination that made him a great all round player and one of the most prolific strikers in Man Utd history.
A beautifully balanced side, with a strong spine, defensive solidity and a tough as nails midfield with Zito anchoring and the magnificent Robson playing his favoured box-to-box role.
In attack there is a focus on pace, dribbling and creativity, with Giggs' superb crossing, Kopa's passing ability and the prodigious skills of George Best all combining to create goals for the arch-poacher Denis Law.
This combination of skills and styles of the front 4 will make them very difficult to stop, and with the rock solid pairing of Robson and Zito behind them they have the freedom to be at their devasting attacking best.
Further back, Cafu supporting Best forms arguably the best right flank in the draft, while on the other side Irwin and Giggs will resume their partnership which was so effective for United down the years. In central defence the athleticism and strength of Tresor coupled with the composed tackling and passing ability of Blanc forms an outstanding partnership. Backed up by the superb shot stopping and lightning quick reflexes of Iker Casillas in goal; it won't be easy to score against my team.
- A pacey, creative and balanced attack featuring 3 Ballon d'or winners.
- No square pegs in round holes - every player is in their favoured position and will be allowed to do what they do best.
- Unmatched Flanks - even the best fullbacks in the world struggled to contain Best, and here they have to contend with the Northern Irishman as well as the best rightback of the modern era backing him up. Not to mention the proven combination of Irwin and Giggs on the opposite side.
- Goals all across the pitch - Kopa's ablility to slow the game down and pick a pass, coupled with the excellent finishing and outstanding movement of my front 3 means all of them will be dangerous goal threats. Not to mention Kopa himself, who with 18 goals in 45 games for France is no slouch in that department. Further back, Zito's defensive prowess in midfield will allow Robson the freedom to get forward and add yet another goal threat, whilst the defence has plenty of goals in them as well with Tresor and Blanc both notching very respectable tallies for France, along with the always dangerous set-pieces of Denis Irwin.
Quality side mate. Looks great
Never got a chance to get back to replying to this 'til now. I do think you're asking a lot of some of the older players to play their best in a completely alien setup but when you're talking about players like Kopa I wouldn't think it's an issue at all. Someone with his kind of comfort in possession, intelligence on the ball and ability to carry the ball can realistically play in any midfield position which doesn't put too much defensive strain on them, I think. Charlton essentially said as much when he was asked about how he found it when he was first asked to play in Ramsey's "wingless wonders". It's much harder to find an older player that would work well in one of the slightly wider roles in midfield though. You could say someone like Duncan Edwards had the skillset to play there but I'd definitely be seeing that as a weakened Edwards.
What about someone like Zito at the base of a diamond? He has the skillset to play there but it's such a distinctly different role to the one he played that I don't think you could pull it off either.
I'd never got that impression but like I said I'd be interested in hearing a bit more on Carlos Alberto defensively. I've heard him being described as having defensive frailties from quite a few sources and I didn't see him as being a level above Cafú defensively at all. All I saw of him was that '70 World Cup though and it was easy to get distracted by Tostão and co. so I'm far from clued up on Carlos Alberto to be honest!
Hans Tilkowski (GK): One of the best goalkeepers in the world during the middle 1960s. Has won trophies with Dortmund and was named German Player of The Year in 1965.
Bertie Vogts (RB): One of Europe’s best right backs. A world cup winner, Vogts was one of the key men of the all-conquering 1970s German team. He was aggressive, full of stamina and a world class tackler.
Ashley Cole (LB): One of the best left backs of his time. With over 100 caps for England, at his best, he was not only unbeatable in defense but also explosive going forward and creating havoc on the overlap.
Jurgen Kohler (CB): One of the greatest man markers of all time. Has won league titles with Bayern, Juventus and Dortmund, along with a CL and World Cup medal to his name. He was strong as an ox and unbeatable in the air. Vidic on steroids.
Fabio Cannavaro (CB): An all-round, complete defender who possessed pace, strength in the air, tackling, anticipation and leadership skills. He has also won the Ballon D’or, Serie A and World Player of The Year awards; a rare feat for a defender.
Patrick Vieira (CM): Inspirational Arsenal midfielder who, along with Keane, was the best midfielder in the world at his peak. A true box to box midfielder and a born leader.
Johan Neeskens (CM): A legend of the game and a midfield colossus. Part of the great Ajax side that won three consecutive European Cups. An all-round midfielder, he was equally capable of playing the role of defensive midfielder as well as one of a playmaker contributing to attacks. His stand out attributes were his mentality, stamina, technique and he packed a fierce shot.
Michel Platini (AM): One of the greatest and most complete playmakers of all time. Not content with being the greatest passer to ever grace the game, Platini was also an incredible goal threat capable of scoring all sorts – free kicks, cool finishes, chips, headers or long range screamers. This was perfectly demonstrated at Euro 84, where he scored a record 9 goals in 5 games to help France win the trophy. Three consecutive Ballon D’or wins confirmed his status as a legend in the game.
Roberto Donadoni (RW): Milan's tricky right sided winger known for his pace, technique and excellent crossing. He was an important part of the great Milan side that won 5 league titles and 3 European Cups.
Piet Keizer (LW): The Ajax legend who, along with Cruyff and Michels, brought about the start of total football for the Dutch club. He was known for creating goals and formed a famous partnership with Cruyff, where he was labelled the “starter” and Cruyff the “finisher”.
An exciting left winger with a mercurial left foot, Keizer’s electrifying dribbling, tricky feints and accurate crosses made him one of the chief creator of goals for that great Ajax side.
At times considered a moody genius, Keizer occasionally clashed with Michels off the pitch but always brought his best form for the big occasion. He put in match winning performances during European Cup finals against Panathanaikos (at Wembley) and Inter Milan (as captain), setting up goals in both games.
He was named Cruyff’s all-time XI, in a front three alongside Pele and Garrincha.
Just Fontaine (CF): One of France’s greatest ever strikers, best known for scoring an unbelievable 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup. But he was no one tournament wonder. Fontaine’s goal scoring record during his club career in France was an incredible 165 goals in 200 appearances, helping himself to two league titles along the way. He was strong with both feet, great in the air and could have added even more to his extraordinary stats had injuries not cut short his career.
Bertie Vogts (RB): One of Europe’s best right backs. A world cup winner, Vogts was one of the key men of the all-conquering 1970s German team. He was aggressive, full of stamina and a world class tackler.
Ashley Cole (LB): One of the best left backs of his time. With over 100 caps for England, at his best, he was not only unbeatable in defense but also explosive going forward and creating havoc on the overlap.
Jurgen Kohler (CB): One of the greatest man markers of all time. Has won league titles with Bayern, Juventus and Dortmund, along with a CL and World Cup medal to his name. He was strong as an ox and unbeatable in the air. Vidic on steroids.
Fabio Cannavaro (CB): An all-round, complete defender who possessed pace, strength in the air, tackling, anticipation and leadership skills. He has also won the Ballon D’or, Serie A and World Player of The Year awards; a rare feat for a defender.
Patrick Vieira (CM): Inspirational Arsenal midfielder who, along with Keane, was the best midfielder in the world at his peak. A true box to box midfielder and a born leader.
Johan Neeskens (CM): A legend of the game and a midfield colossus. Part of the great Ajax side that won three consecutive European Cups. An all-round midfielder, he was equally capable of playing the role of defensive midfielder as well as one of a playmaker contributing to attacks. His stand out attributes were his mentality, stamina, technique and he packed a fierce shot.
Michel Platini (AM): One of the greatest and most complete playmakers of all time. Not content with being the greatest passer to ever grace the game, Platini was also an incredible goal threat capable of scoring all sorts – free kicks, cool finishes, chips, headers or long range screamers. This was perfectly demonstrated at Euro 84, where he scored a record 9 goals in 5 games to help France win the trophy. Three consecutive Ballon D’or wins confirmed his status as a legend in the game.
Roberto Donadoni (RW): Milan's tricky right sided winger known for his pace, technique and excellent crossing. He was an important part of the great Milan side that won 5 league titles and 3 European Cups.
Piet Keizer (LW): The Ajax legend who, along with Cruyff and Michels, brought about the start of total football for the Dutch club. He was known for creating goals and formed a famous partnership with Cruyff, where he was labelled the “starter” and Cruyff the “finisher”.
An exciting left winger with a mercurial left foot, Keizer’s electrifying dribbling, tricky feints and accurate crosses made him one of the chief creator of goals for that great Ajax side.
At times considered a moody genius, Keizer occasionally clashed with Michels off the pitch but always brought his best form for the big occasion. He put in match winning performances during European Cup finals against Panathanaikos (at Wembley) and Inter Milan (as captain), setting up goals in both games.
He was named Cruyff’s all-time XI, in a front three alongside Pele and Garrincha.
Just Fontaine (CF): One of France’s greatest ever strikers, best known for scoring an unbelievable 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup. But he was no one tournament wonder. Fontaine’s goal scoring record during his club career in France was an incredible 165 goals in 200 appearances, helping himself to two league titles along the way. He was strong with both feet, great in the air and could have added even more to his extraordinary stats had injuries not cut short his career.
Agree. I can see older players pulling off the support roles in a XMAS tree, not the midfield ones, particularly in a diamond. Completely alien.
You mean the anchor, as some sort of Makelele? I'm actually not sure the skillset is the right one to begin with, someone like your man Nobby Stiles could do a mean #10 man-marking role though.
I've seen him up against it facing the best South American club football could throw at him and he was an extremely competent defender. Whenever Santos conceded a few it was typically the CBs being all over the shop that let them down (as usual with Brazilian sides
). I don't know how exactly I can provide any clarity on this though. Maybe it's a disservice to Cafú, here but Carlos Alberto seemed to have a greater awareness of emerging danger and his duties as part of a back four.I'm surprised you've heard people thinking he had frailties because every Brazilian who had seen them would have Carlos Alberto and Nilton Santos as their all-time fullback pair. At least they did when I lived there 10-13 years ago. Today I'd think Dani Alves makes them miss Cafú, so he could give Carlos Alberto a run for his money, but no one could touch Nilton Santos. The rare more defensively conscious Brazilians I interacted with would say Nilton and C. Alberto were both defenders by vocation, but who had the important bonus that they could attack as well, while the more recent fullbacks were regarded as wannabe attacking players who had wound up as defenders. That actually is somewhat the case with Cafú -originally a midfielder and an attack-minded player by vocation-, while Carlos Alberto moved on to CB as he aged and lost the required stamina and pace. Would anyone in their right mind play Cafú at CB? I don't think so.
Looks good kps, that defense is incredible and Neeskens-Vieira behind Platini is mouthwatering. Fontaine really does have a superb goal scoring record too, but I still fear he may not be rated as highly as he probably should.
Thanks. Should be a tough one against the Stobster, fear not many voters will look past his front three!
That has to be the pick of the first round games.
Hopefully Stob sends in his stuff in time. As of now I don't have anything apart from the formation he posted in this thread at the end of drafting for people to comment on to go with!
Feck sake Stobz not again!
Right so Stob hasn't replied yet. Do we wait or do we go ahead with the formation he posted in this thread?
Wait a bit I reckon, he's probably just finishing it off
My bad, I worked a night and over slept. I won't be long.
Aldo has my stuff. LETS DO THIS !!
EDogen was last seen: Wednesday at 02:03
Ah feck. Did he send you anything about his team?
Nope. Let's hope he shows up, he was okay with going on Sunday.
I have been busy all week but I will fix it right now. Speed writing here I come!
Excellent!
I just sent my tactics and team. So I am good to go.
My players profiles will end up here if I manage to get them ready.
PLAYER PROFILES
GIANLUIGI BUFFON
Amongst the greatest goalkeepers of all-time and, in terms of sustained consistency, agility and reliability, a standout in this draft. A perfect partner for Franco Baresi and Pietro Vierchowod in front of him.
GIACINTO FACCHETTI
Alongside Paulo Maldini the greatest left-back of all time. Received unparalleled recognition for a full-back in the Ballon D'Or, coming 2nd in 1965 and 3rd in 1968. A complete athlete who could cover 100m in under 11 seconds, he was a bulletproof defender as part of Herrera's Inter yet even Catenaccio could not stop him from chipping in with 5 to 10 goals a season. Oozed class and later moved to sweeper to show off his considerable football brain.
PIETRO VIERCHOWOD
Perhaps the most under-rated defender of his generation but one who commands the utmost respect amongst opposition attackers, many of whom (Diego Maradona, Gianfranco Zola, Gary Lineker) regard him as their toughest ever opponent. Another turbo-charged defender who could cover the 100m in under 11 seconds, but married that physical prowess with an intelligence and sense of positioning that saw him still excel at sweeper in Serie A at the age of 40.
- On Vierchowod, Maradona eulogised: “He was an animal, he had muscles to the eyelashes. It was easy to pass by him, but then when I raised my head, he was in front of me again. I would have to pass him two or three more times and then I would pass the ball because I couldn’t stand him anymore.”
- Gary Lineker's toughest opponent: “Vierchowod. He was absolutely brutal and lightning quick.”
- Gianfranco Zola's: "It’s a 50-50 between Franco Baresi and Pietro Vierchowod. After a game against both, your feet need loads of ice and anti-inflammatories."
FRANCO BARESI
Almost unanimously regarded as the greatest defender of all time whose marshalling of the Milan and Italy defences in the late 1980s and early 1990s remains the pinnacle of the craft.
JIMMY ARMFIELD
Widely considered to be England's finest ever right-back ahead of the lofty standards set by George Cohen and Gary Neville, Armfield was perhaps the first modern full-back of the English game. Excelled in the 1962 World Cup in Chile, where he was acclaimed as "the best right-back in the world" and was also voted "best right-back in Europe" between 1962 and 1964.
- Graham Taylor selecting Armfield for his perfect XI: "I was bought up with the 'WM' formation, where the right-back never really crossed the halfway line. If you had a number 2 on your back, you were supposed to stay back, but then Jimmy came along and changed all that. He'd bomb up and down the line overlapping and supporting his attackers, and that was the first time I saw that full-backs could actually go forward and do more than just defend. Jimmy was so good at it and he'd thrive if he was playing today, because full-backs play a vital role in starting off the moves and getting forward. He changed my perception of what a defender can do."
EDGAR DAVIDS
Tenacious and complete central-midfielder whose dominance of the middle of the park was the platform for the great Juventus and Holland sides of the late 1990s. Strong as an ox, Davids was a ruthless man-marker who also possessed great energy and searing drive. Ran the show in the 1998 World Cup, again at Euro 2000 (named in both team of the tournaments), and played in 4 Champions League finals. One of the most formidable box-to-box midfielders of all time and, alongside Roy Keane, the greatest since Lothar Matthaus.
MICHAEL ESSIEN
Box-to-box machine who dominated midfields through much of the last decade for Lyon, Chelsea and Ghana. Nominated for the Ballon D'Or in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, he will form a monstrous partnership with Edgar Davids: no fecker is getting through this.
- Peter Schmeichel: "Always seems to be where the ball is. His physicality and energy is unrivalled – he defends and attacks for the entire game, without seemingly getting tired."
ZNIGBIEW BONIEK
One of the greatest Eastern European midfielders of all time whose combination of energy, drive, dribbling and finishing were unmatched in his generation. A Pavel Nedved of the 1980s, Boniek was tireless and buzzed across the opposition's back-line hunting for weakness. Author of a delightful hat-trick against Belgium at the 1982 World Cup.
GHEORGE HAGI
Irrepressible genius who combined playmaking and goalscoring panache like few others. His portfolio of long-range goals of that wondrous left peg is worth a watch for even the most jaded Caftard. While he regularly rattled in over 30 strikes a season in Romania, it was his prompting, probing and passing that captured the imagination. Talisman of the most entertaining team of the 1994 World Cup, had spells with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, and brought UEFA and Supercup glory to Galatasaray in his mid-30s.
- Craig Brown: "At his hypnotic best he was unstoppable."
OMAR CORBATTA
El Garrincha Argentino is widely considered to be the greatest Argentinian winger of all time and shared the Brazilian's penchant both for leaving beleagured left-backs on their arse and for drinking alcohol to tragic excess. Brilliant in Argentina's 1957 Copa America win where they stomped all over Brazil and Uruguay, his trickery, invention and close ball control played a pivotal role in retaining the tournament again in 1959. He had to do that without the 'Angels with Dirty Faces' - the attacking trio of Sivori, Angelilo and Maschio - who had departed to Italy prior to the 1958 World Cup, where Corbatta again shone, scoring three goals and being the only Argentine to come home with his reputation intact.
- Uruguayan Jose Sasias became so angry at Corbatta taking the piss out of him that he punched the winger, knocking out one of his front teeth.
- Goalden Times: "His career was often interrupted by injury breaks, caused by brutal kicking, due to his tendency to toy with defenders."
- Former Chile coach Claudio Borghi: "Corbatta and Garrincha are the two best wingers of all-time"
- His goal against Chile in 1957 is still regarded as one of the greatest ever scored by the national team. "Tricking two opponents, Corbatta came face-to-face with the opposing goalkeeper. First he fooled him, then faked to shoot, before taking the ball round another defender who had come back to try and help out. For a second time, Corbatta was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The crowd held their breath, but El Loco knew exactly what he was doing. Once again, he sold the goalkeeper a fake shot, before fooling two more defenders, both of whom ended up sitting on their backsides, and placing a shot into the net off the post. This goal was the first – and only – time that American magazine Life used, as their cover shot, a sequence of photos of a goal in a football match."
JOHN CHARLES
Charles' accomplishments with Juventus led to him being voted 'the greatest foreign player in the history of the Old Lady, ahead of Michel Platini, Michael Laudrup and Zinedine Zidane – this in 1997, 34 years after his last appearance in the league. The very first foreigner to be inducted into the Azurri Hall of Hame, Charles commands legendary status at both Leeds and Juventus. Gifted with that same innate ability to shine in multiple positions as Duncan Edwards, Charles was world class at both centre half and centre forward (frequently hitting 30-40 goals a season) thanks to his hulking strength and imperious aerial ability.
- Jack Charlton: "John Charles was a team unto himself. People often say to me, 'Who was the best player you ever saw in your life?', and I answer, probably Eusebio, di Stefano, Cruyff, Pele or our Bob - but the most effective player I ever saw, the one that made the most difference to the performance of the whole team, was, without question, John Charles. He could defend, he could play in midfield, he could attack. He was quick, he was a very, very strong runner, and he was the greatest header of the ball I ever saw. His power in the air was phenomenal."
- Jimmy Greaves: "I were picking my all-time great British team, or even a world eleven, John Charles would be in it."
That's a cracking side Gio. Just one correction: sasia wasn't a leftback but a forward. I wouldn't be surprised about him knocking his teeth off!
Quality write up Gio. Looking forward to our battle on Tuesday
Corrected, thought you'd be a good barometer for the accuracy of my South American research.
The opposition's formidable so it needed a good sell.
Player Profiles
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfield
Goalkeeper
Harry Gregg(30s)
The hero of the munich air disaster. Transferred to Manchester United for a world record fee for a goalkeeper. It says it all about the man that 4 months after the disaster he was voted the best goalkeeper at the 1958 World Cup ahead of the legendary Lev Yashin, when helping minnows Northern Ireland reach the quarter finals. Was renowned for his fearless style of goalkeeping.
http://thegoalkeeperco.com/features/harry-gregg-an-inadequate-tribute-to-an-ill-remembered-icon/
The hero of the munich air disaster. Transferred to Manchester United for a world record fee for a goalkeeper. It says it all about the man that 4 months after the disaster he was voted the best goalkeeper at the 1958 World Cup ahead of the legendary Lev Yashin, when helping minnows Northern Ireland reach the quarter finals. Was renowned for his fearless style of goalkeeping.
http://thegoalkeeperco.com/features/harry-gregg-an-inadequate-tribute-to-an-ill-remembered-icon/
Defenders
Wim Suurbier(40s)
Flying right back in the Golden Ajax and Holland side of the 70s. Played nearly 400 games for Ajax winning 3 European Cups and played in the 70 and 74 World Cup Final. He was an accomplished defender with great stamina, pace and technical skills with his only apparent weakness his crossing which was often maligned. He was known to dominate the entire right flank with his high energy game.
Roberto Ayala(70s)
The heartbeat of the rock solid Valencia and Argentina defence of the early 00s. Had a fantastic knack of being in the right position and being able to read the game. A fully committed defender who was tough tackling on the ground and in the air and inspired those around him.
Ayala captained the Argentine national team for more matches (63) than anyone. He played in three World Cups and made a total 115 international appearances, with only Javier Zanetti getting more caps for Argentina.
Alessandro Nesta(70s)
The best defender of his generation and probably in the top 2-3 of all time. Tremendous composure inside the box, incredible positional sense off the ball and highly accurate anticipation of a striker’s movement inside the final third were some attributes that would describe Nesta’s defensive prowess. His calming influence has brought out the best in many that have played alongside him.
Paulo Maldini(60s)
One of the most decorated, loyal, and respected players in World Football history. The record appearance holder of AC Milan, Serie A, and Italy. The first defender ever to win World Soccer Player of the Year. He only averaged a tackle every 2 games such was his amazing reading of the game. The finest defender in recent memory.
Flying right back in the Golden Ajax and Holland side of the 70s. Played nearly 400 games for Ajax winning 3 European Cups and played in the 70 and 74 World Cup Final. He was an accomplished defender with great stamina, pace and technical skills with his only apparent weakness his crossing which was often maligned. He was known to dominate the entire right flank with his high energy game.
Roberto Ayala(70s)
The heartbeat of the rock solid Valencia and Argentina defence of the early 00s. Had a fantastic knack of being in the right position and being able to read the game. A fully committed defender who was tough tackling on the ground and in the air and inspired those around him.
Ayala captained the Argentine national team for more matches (63) than anyone. He played in three World Cups and made a total 115 international appearances, with only Javier Zanetti getting more caps for Argentina.
Alessandro Nesta(70s)
The best defender of his generation and probably in the top 2-3 of all time. Tremendous composure inside the box, incredible positional sense off the ball and highly accurate anticipation of a striker’s movement inside the final third were some attributes that would describe Nesta’s defensive prowess. His calming influence has brought out the best in many that have played alongside him.
Paulo Maldini(60s)
One of the most decorated, loyal, and respected players in World Football history. The record appearance holder of AC Milan, Serie A, and Italy. The first defender ever to win World Soccer Player of the Year. He only averaged a tackle every 2 games such was his amazing reading of the game. The finest defender in recent memory.
Midfield
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.
Paul Breitner(50s)
1981 Ballon D’Or runner up to Rummenigge. Mental German box to box midfielder who also played left back. Had a famous partnership with Rummenigge at Bayern where the 2 were dubbed ‘Breitnigge’. Strong in the tackle with a powerful shot. Another mentally strong player in my team, who stepped up in the 74 World Cup final to convert a penalty with Germany a goal down and inspired them to victory.
Attack
.
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.
Paul Breitner(50s)
1981 Ballon D’Or runner up to Rummenigge. Mental German box to box midfielder who also played left back. Had a famous partnership with Rummenigge at Bayern where the 2 were dubbed ‘Breitnigge’. Strong in the tackle with a powerful shot. Another mentally strong player in my team, who stepped up in the 74 World Cup final to convert a penalty with Germany a goal down and inspired them to victory.
Attack
Lionel Messi(80s)
Not much needs to be said about Lionel. World Player of the Year the last 4 times. On his way to being the best player of all time.
Karl Heinz Rummenigge(50s)
1980 and 1981 Balon D’Or winner. Arguably Germanys greatest player post Beckenbeuer. Possessed wonderful skill and technique and finishing.
Not much needs to be said about Lionel. World Player of the Year the last 4 times. On his way to being the best player of all time.
Karl Heinz Rummenigge(50s)
1980 and 1981 Balon D’Or winner. Arguably Germanys greatest player post Beckenbeuer. Possessed wonderful skill and technique and finishing.
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GK and DEFENCE
Manuel Neuer - the best goalkeeper in the world and former Footballer of the Year in Germany. Put in a flawless performance against Dortmund in the Champions League Final and with his huge 6 ft 4 frame is the perfect foil against Nistelrooy.
Bobby Moore - England legend and one of the best defenders the world has seen. "He was my friend as well as the greatest defender I ever played against. The world has lost one of its greatest football players and an honourable gentleman." - Pelé
"Moore was the best defender I have ever seen." - Sir Alex Ferguson
"Bobby Moore was the best defender in the history of the game." - Franz Beckenbauer
Claudio Gentile - "Football is not for ballerinas!" Successfully man-marked (young) Maradona and Zico in the road to win the 1982 World Cup with Italy. Perhaps, simply the most uncompromising defender ever.
Ruud Krol – one of the best defenders of his generation, Krol defined the Dutch ‘Total Football’ philosophy. Quick and agile of though, Krol is perhaps best remembered for his explosive runs down the left wing combined with his accurate delivery, however such was his talent that he could play anywhere across midfield or the back line and excelled as a libero at the 1978 WC.
José Leandro de Souza Ferreira - considered one of the best fullbacks of Brazilian football. In 1982, he was the star-studded Brazilian team's unsung hero, a secret weapon capable of delivering decisive crosses to the forwards, or indeed taking a pop himself. He also had an ability to dribble past players and probably covered more ground than any other player in the team – he could often be found in the outside right position, yet would get back to defence when needed.
MIDFIELD and ATTACK
Andrés Iniesta - technically flawless and unquestionably the best attacking midfielder since Zidane. Iniesta is a big game player, putting in a MOTM performance in both the 2010 World Cup Final and the Euro 2012 Final, as well as being named Player of the Tournament.
Claude Makelele - considered one of the greatest defensive midfielders of recent era, so much so that many have dubbed the position 'the Makelele role'. When Real sold him and bought Beckham, this is what Zidane had to say "Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?"
Mário Coluna - Captain of the famous Benfica side of the 1960’s. A real force of nature who would run all day & perform the textbook box-to-box midfield role. He had played almost 700 senior games for Benfica, winning ten league titles, seven Portuguese Cups and two European Cups (featured in 5 Finals).
Roberto Baggio - The Divine Ponytail played on highest level in the Italian Serie A until the age of 37. Baggio was probably Italy's most technically gifted player ever. He scored, he dribbled, he passed, he took freekicks and he was a leader.
Diego Maradona - the man.
Andryi Shevchenko - the white Ronaldo was a complete forward, with amazing instinct for goal and also sense for team work. Voted the best player in Europe when playing for Milan, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers of the Champions League era. During his seven seasons in Italy, he scored more than 25 goals per season five times.
SUB:
Enrico Albertosi - goalkeeper for the Italy side in the 1966 and 1970 World Cups. He was an unused squad member in the 1962 and 1974 World Cups. He had also played in top clubs in the Italy’s Serie A for 22 years (Fiorentina, Cagliari, AC Milan).
Manuel Neuer - the best goalkeeper in the world and former Footballer of the Year in Germany. Put in a flawless performance against Dortmund in the Champions League Final and with his huge 6 ft 4 frame is the perfect foil against Nistelrooy.
Bobby Moore - England legend and one of the best defenders the world has seen. "He was my friend as well as the greatest defender I ever played against. The world has lost one of its greatest football players and an honourable gentleman." - Pelé
"Moore was the best defender I have ever seen." - Sir Alex Ferguson
"Bobby Moore was the best defender in the history of the game." - Franz Beckenbauer
Claudio Gentile - "Football is not for ballerinas!" Successfully man-marked (young) Maradona and Zico in the road to win the 1982 World Cup with Italy. Perhaps, simply the most uncompromising defender ever.
Ruud Krol – one of the best defenders of his generation, Krol defined the Dutch ‘Total Football’ philosophy. Quick and agile of though, Krol is perhaps best remembered for his explosive runs down the left wing combined with his accurate delivery, however such was his talent that he could play anywhere across midfield or the back line and excelled as a libero at the 1978 WC.
José Leandro de Souza Ferreira - considered one of the best fullbacks of Brazilian football. In 1982, he was the star-studded Brazilian team's unsung hero, a secret weapon capable of delivering decisive crosses to the forwards, or indeed taking a pop himself. He also had an ability to dribble past players and probably covered more ground than any other player in the team – he could often be found in the outside right position, yet would get back to defence when needed.
MIDFIELD and ATTACK
Andrés Iniesta - technically flawless and unquestionably the best attacking midfielder since Zidane. Iniesta is a big game player, putting in a MOTM performance in both the 2010 World Cup Final and the Euro 2012 Final, as well as being named Player of the Tournament.
Claude Makelele - considered one of the greatest defensive midfielders of recent era, so much so that many have dubbed the position 'the Makelele role'. When Real sold him and bought Beckham, this is what Zidane had to say "Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?"
Mário Coluna - Captain of the famous Benfica side of the 1960’s. A real force of nature who would run all day & perform the textbook box-to-box midfield role. He had played almost 700 senior games for Benfica, winning ten league titles, seven Portuguese Cups and two European Cups (featured in 5 Finals).
Roberto Baggio - The Divine Ponytail played on highest level in the Italian Serie A until the age of 37. Baggio was probably Italy's most technically gifted player ever. He scored, he dribbled, he passed, he took freekicks and he was a leader.
Diego Maradona - the man.
Andryi Shevchenko - the white Ronaldo was a complete forward, with amazing instinct for goal and also sense for team work. Voted the best player in Europe when playing for Milan, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers of the Champions League era. During his seven seasons in Italy, he scored more than 25 goals per season five times.
SUB:
Enrico Albertosi - goalkeeper for the Italy side in the 1966 and 1970 World Cups. He was an unused squad member in the 1962 and 1974 World Cups. He had also played in top clubs in the Italy’s Serie A for 22 years (Fiorentina, Cagliari, AC Milan).
Most profiles I just nicked it from previous drafts. Sorry for the 'copygright' infrigement .
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Not that we disagree. I have it 1. EDogen, 2. Jayvin, 3. Cutch.
If they go through those are the three draws I wouldn't want next.
Jayvin has a top side. EDogen would at present be my frontrunner, but that would entail Brwned going out and freeing up Edwards and Charlton for Jayvin, who has been careful to plan for it with his 30s picks. All bets are off then with the Trinity back together again + Edwards, Giggs...
Sir Alex Ferguson: A Redcafe Fantasy draft first, the player manager. Great footballers come with great egos so I’ve delegated management to my sub. I’ve chosen the team, this man will ensure they win. There’s no doubt about that. Plus a handy striker to bring on in Fergie time.
Zoff: Comfortably in the top 3 keepers in the draft. An incredible career spanning three decades, countless trophies including the World Cup, and went a staggering 19 hours in international competition without conceding a goal.
Evra: Possibly a United legend already. Annoys Liverpool fans by his very existence, Lampard sucks his pussy and a cracking left back.
McGrath: Almost everyone who saw him acknowledges that he was a colossus of a defende. Persistent injuries and off-the pitch problems meant that he probably never reached his peak. But was still good enough to win Player of the Year and earn the title of God from Villa fans. How good could he have been remains one of football’s greatests what-ifs.
Sammer: the ‘new’ Beckenbauer, who actually came close to the real thing. He carried Germany to Euro 96 and then Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League. One of the rare defenders to win European Player of the Year in 1996.
Brennan: A relative unknown but he made 355 appearances for United at right back and part of our first European Cup winning team. Good enough for Busby, good enough for me.
Deschamps: The youngest man to captain a Champions League winning team, he also captained France to World Cup and European glory. A defensive midfielder before ‘DMs’ became cool, he pioneered the role of a purely holding midfielder, a very rich man’s Makelele and Busquets.
Scholes: Box to box midfielder or deep lying playmaker, long diagonals or through balls, he can do it all. He also scores goals. A real player’s player, Xavi, Zidane and Pele all regularly get their cocks out for him.
Socrates: another genuine football genius. Most footballers struggle to spell their own name, this man was a qualified doctor. He was the heartbeat of the famous 1982 Brazil team, him and Scholes together is cheating.
C Ronaldo: the most underrated football great, he’s been overshadowed by Messi and more often his own petulance but that cannot change the fact that for the last 3 years the man has guaranteed a goal a game. 201 goals in 200 games – it’s absurd. He can score from anywhere on the pitch with any part of his body – perhaps the most complete attacking footballer ever.
Gento: apparently could run 100 metres in 11 seconds flat – ridiculous for a footballer in the 1950s. Averaging nearly a goal every 3 games, he was a fixture in the great Madrid side of the 50s and 60s starring in all of their European cup wins.
Van Nistelrooy – arguably United’s greatest striker, scored a remarkable 150 goals in 219 appearances feeding off dross from Kleberson and Djemba-Djemba; imagine the damage he’d cause playing with Scholes, Socrates and Ronaldo.
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Rushed job, will add videos and all if I have time later.
Nice team mate, strange you never got talked when talking of teams with great wings. Yours is my favourite wing combo in the draft, absolutely deadly.
It's a great combination, between them and Giggs/Best for me and it's close.
Just realised there's another, more problematic, inaccurate thing about your team. You have three 30s players so you have a choice of Lloris playing striker, right back or right wing.
I'd go with Buffon as striker.