The Third Redcafe Sheep Draft

I'm surprised you didn't go for Benarrivo in R3. And glad now!
Nah, Winterburn and Bennarivo are choices that IMO had to be replaced in the next round as well. Yeah the would be upgrade on Komano per say, but still wouldn't be up to par against a top RW so we have to fix that position again.

That's why we decided to wait for the next round(if we qualify to go for that position) and upgrade the keeper. Now we're set with the GK position as we have one of the best in the draft.

IMO Bennarivo and Winterburn will be again the weakest link if we went for them like we have Komano now.

I'm quite surprised no one blocked Laudrup. Is he not that highly rated around here?
 
Nah, Winterburn and Bennarivo are choices that IMO had to be replaced in the next round as well. Yeah the would be upgrade on Komano per say, but still wouldn't be up to par against a top RW so we have to fix that position again.

IMO Bennarivo and Winterburn will be again the weakest link if we went for them like we have Komano now.

Come on, he's not in the class if Top 3 available but he certainly was one of the best at his peak. I certainly rate him above Winterburn and should be OK till finals.
 
Come on, he's not in the class if Top 3 available but he certainly was one of the best at his peak. I certainly rate him above Winterburn and should be OK till finals.
Sure he's no mug but IMO there will be better options in the next reinforcement round(given we advance of course) where it won't be top 3 but also maybe 4-5 at least top LB to choose from(and only 3 others that can block them). It was a risk of course, but at the end we got a keeper that is top class.

If we go through we will have some more options at left back apart from the obvious 2 so tough decision but better to not have a reinforcement at all.

Good job on Neeskens and IMO Cal? again is the clear winner here - one of the best keepers and Thuram.
 
Can we have the full teams list before QF? I'm too lazy to do it myself
 
Can we have the full teams list before QF? I'm too lazy to do it myself

TEAMS:

Chesterlestreet (1) Šekularac (2) Franklin (3) Larsson (4) Mendieta (5) Mullery (6) Junior (7) Owen (8) Kilbane (9) Blanchflower (10) Billy Wright (11) Bezsonov (12) Fillol (13) Rensenbrink
Sjor Bepo/Physiocrat (1) Charisteas (2) J. Johnstone (3) Bergomi (4) Schneider (5) Trautmann (6) Hoddle (7) Holebas (8) Finnan(9) Law (10) Scholes (11) Gentile (12) Jaime Pacheco
EAP/ctp (1) Džajić (2) Monti (3) C. Moore (4) Sierra (5) Socrates (6) Luis Pereira (7) F. De Boer (8) Lupu (9) Eusebio (10) Sárosi (11) Urruti (12) Gerets (13) Neeskens 14. Benarrivo
Stobzilla (1) Demyanenko (2) Dixie Dean (3) Hierro (4) Ha Seok-Ju (5) Gerrard (6) Henry (7) Maradona (8) Prosinecki (9) Suurbier (10) Shesternyov (11) Reid (12) Konsel (13) Coluna
Invictus/KM (1) Bene (2) Liedholm (3) Chipperfield (4) Lee Chun-Soo (5) Hellstorm (6) Trésor (7) Vieri (8) M. Bernal (9) Gento (10) Camacho (11) Rivera (12) Kurbjuhn (13) Gonçalves
Isotope (1) Boban (2) Sivori (3) F. Walter (4) Branco (5) Hyppia (6) Allardyce (7) Dunga (8) Marcio Santos (9) Van Basten (10) Busquets (11) Nesta (12) Fatty Foulke (13) Gullit
Enigma_87/RedTiger (1) Stojkovic (2) Redondo (3) Cannavaro (4) Kubik (5) Signori (6) Vogts (7) Shearer (8) Komano (9) Seedorf (10) Billy McNeill (11) Nedved (12) Roa (13) Dasayev
Cal? (1) Vidic (2) Reus (3) Zidane (4) Beckham (5) De Rossi (6) Ibrahimovic (7) C. Ronaldo (8) Carragher (9) Irwin (10) Gary Neville (11) Guardiola (12) Lama (13) Thuram (14) Schmeichel
 
ericgeretssticker.jpg




Eric Maria Gerets was born on 18th May, 1954 in Rekem, Belgium. Gerets began his career playing for his local amateur team AA Rekem, before joining the then Belgian league title holders Standard Liege. These formative years at Standard Liege were not marked by success either, as the mid to late 70s marked a decline in Liege’s fortunes and they seemed destined to finish third in the league each season (after Club Brugge and Anderlecht). Despite the lack of domestic success, Gerets had developed into a tough, disciplined and tactically shrewd right back; this progression meant that inevitably Gerets would soon gain his first international cap and did so on October 1975, against the GDR. This cap would herald the beginning of an international career that would end with him becoming the Rode Duivelsthird most capped player with 86 appearances.

Standard Liège era

The 1980s arrived with an ambitious Standard Liege determined to replicate the success of the late 60’s / early 70’s.A new generation of players were being put together under the management of Ernst Happel later Raymond Goethals. Weathering the influx of newcomers, Gerets remained in defence and became a Captain who would lead established, older players such as like Arie Haan as well as greener, youth team graduates such as Michel Preud’homme. The results started to show and Standard finished runners up in the league in 1980, before winning the national cup in 1981. they would also reach a European Cup Winners Cup Final, losing to Barcelona. Despite this, individually Gerets would go on lift his 2nd title (1982) and was also presented with the 1982 Golden Shoe as Belgium’s best league player. In what was to be his last season at the club, Gerets captained Liege to their ninth league title; one which would prove to be their last for 25 years.

AC Milan stint:

In 1983, Gerets was 29 and for several years had longed for a transfer abroad. When that call finally came, it was from AC Milan. Gerets left Standard and as per tradition, Internazionale made what they believed to be an equivalent signing to upstage their rivals (see Klinsman, Breame & Matthaus to Inter in order to upstage the Rossoneris signings of Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard) but a storm was brewing back home in Belgium.An investigation had been carried out into bribery and corruption in Belgian football which ended with Gerets receiving a suspension of one year and ended his Milan career, playing only thirteen games.

PSV era:

By the time the ban had been lifted, Eric Gerets was in his early 30’s and was looking at lower leagues before a surprising phone call came from PSV Eindhoven. PSV were in a period of stagnation. It had been eight years since last Eredivise title, nine years since their last KNVB cup victory and seven years since their last European trophy. A new regime was being formed by the appointment of Jan Reker as coach and a different kind of player was signed – cultured performers and players with flair such as like Ruud Gullit from Feyenoord, Soren Lerby from Monaco. One of the first signings of the era was Eric Gerets and he joined alongside Gullit. This proved to be successful and PSV won the league in 1985-86. The next season was began shakily with Gullit leaving to Milan and new manager Guus Hiddink gave the armband to Eric Gerets. In 1986, the Belgian national team’s ‘Golden Generation’ would fulfill their potential. With Hiddink in charge on the side lines and Gerets leading on the pitch, the 1987-88 Eredivisie season turned out to be the most successful in PSV’s history. With the League title already secured, the KNVB Cup was next and Roda JC were PSVs opponents. The game finished 3-2 to PSV in extra time and Gerets scored twice. To top it all PSV had won the European Cup and completed the treble. With Gerets retained as club captain by the incoming Robson, PSV won a further two league titles;

.


He left the game and is considered to be one of the greatest players in Belgian football history and at his peak he was regarded as one of the best right-backs in Europe. His contribution to PSVs success is immeasurable; he provided the stability season after season and this allowed the club to build on their success. The bravery, courage and heart he offered on the pitch earned him a nickname: “The Lion (of Flanders)”. Few would have predicated this peak would have been after the age of 31. In light of the trying times which led to him signing for PSV, it was a nickname well and truly earned.

Key Capabilities:

+ Natural leader, be it Liege, National team or PSV, he was a captain and a leader.
+ Stamina. He could go up the right flank with easy flair and an immense stamina which made him last whole games at full throttle.
+ Long-throws
+ Solid defender combined with a attacking verve.
+ He had good positional awareness as later in his career he would sometimes play as a central defender.
+ Good his aerial game, despite not being that tall.
+ Very determined and fearless.

At his time, he was probably the best right defender of the world.

Ronald Koeman said:
"Another old PSV team mate, Gerets was one of the best attacking right-backs in the history of the game, but I don’t think he ever really got the recognition that his talents deserved. Defensively he was solid, yet what truly set him apart was his relentless capacity for getting forward."
 
Stuff sent. Slightly busier day than expected, and the bloody Chelsea match will eat into it as well, but I should be able to cook up a lie or two for the match discussion nonetheless.

Good luck, gents!

@Enigma_87 @RedTiger
 
When's the match?

Up to @Gio - but we decided on Monday, so sometime today. Personally, I'd prefer a fairly late kickoff, but it doesn't really matter.

ETA Given the Chelsea match (and the inevitable meltdowns following it) it could be slow going, but that's the nature of the thing. However, there's no point in kicking off during the actual match - so a couple of hours before, perhaps? Or after it has finished (but that'll be fairly late in the day). Anyway, it's Gio's call.
 
How late Chester? I'm working from 6pm but I should be able to ignore my customers and give all my attention to the more important things:)

Customers, eh? They can wait - tell 'em you're doing some kind of end-of-year inventory.

But, yeah - it's a bit awkward with the match on and everything. Given what you say, it looks like an EARLY kickoff would actually be better. I'll be able to chip in every now and then throughout the day - so for me it's not that big a deal. Start anytime, basically.
 
Customers, eh? They can wait - tell 'em you're doing some kind of end-of-year inventory.

But, yeah - it's a bit awkward with the match on and everything. Given what you say, it looks like an EARLY kickoff would actually be better. I'll be able to chip in every now and then throughout the day - so for me it's not that big a deal. Start anytime, basically.
Any time is cool mate, that thing about ignoring customers was totally true though:lol: I have no problem with starting a bit later.
 
Up to @Gio - but we decided on Monday, so sometime today. Personally, I'd prefer a fairly late kickoff, but it doesn't really matter.

ETA Given the Chelsea match (and the inevitable meltdowns following it) it could be slow going, but that's the nature of the thing. However, there's no point in kicking off during the actual match - so a couple of hours before, perhaps? Or after it has finished (but that'll be fairly late in the day). Anyway, it's Gio's call.

I'd rather be the same mate. I'll send my stuff to @Gio in couple of hours.
 
Short team profiles:

1. Rinat Dasayev – Playing in three consecutive World Cups is an accomplishment only a handful of goalkeepers can lay claim to, but being the first-choice keeper for your country and arguably one of the best goalkeepers of the decade you played in is even harder to attain. For Rinat Dasayev, that’s exactly what happened: although he never did lift the World Cup trophy, he was the Soviet Union’s main man in goal, being team captain during the 1990 finals in Italy. The goalkeeper known as “The Iron Curtain” would only take the Soviets to the second round despite solid performances in the early stages of competition. Dasaev was the highest ranked goalkeeper in the Ballon d’Or – European Player of the Year award – in 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1988.

2. Yuichi Komano - An excellent crosser of the ball with his right foot, he was well known in the J-League for his curling and sharp bended crosses. The "weekly soccer Digest" rated him the best crosser of the ball in the J-League in issue May 22, 2007.

In addition, he had a strong engine which allowed him to cover mileage. He was quick footed with a burst of pace which allowed quick defence to offence(FIFA clocked him at 25.77kmh at one point at the 2010 finals) his national team manager Ivica Osim said "Komano is by far the quickest player in japan. He was a good dribbler who liked to cut inside and shoot with his right foot. With over 75 matches for Japan he represented the national team at 2 world cups and 1 olympic games.

3. Berti Vogts – der terrier - One of Germany’s greatest defenders of all-time, which says a lot. He was the most instrumental player in a backline of Germany to success in every international tournament between 1970 -1976 especially World Cup 1974 final round which his best highlight was appeared. Effectively and completely neutralizing and man marking Johan Cruijff to prevent him reaching his prime level. However, Vogts was very overshadowed by Beckenbauer whom he partly forced his greatness. He was known for his aggressive style, uncompromising, tireless and world-class tackling ability. Vogts was not only great in defensive game as a right full-back but also could make his impressive performance as a wing-back with his acceleration and crossing. Considered the best European full back of all time and IMO the best full back in the draft.

4. Billy McNeall “Caesar” – the captain of the Lisbon Lions. Led his team to unprecedented 9 times in a row domestic titles, 1 European cup, 7 domestic cups, a lynchpin in the team Stein led to much success. A strong determined footballer, he commanded respect not only from his fellow players but from opposition players as well. Strong in the tackle and in the air, he was a commanding player but it was his organisational skills and communicational abilities on the park that gave him an edge over others. He had an aura and despite his strong will, he was actually a pleasant and decent person at all times and few if any have ever had anything to say bad about him.

5. Fabio Cannavaro – world class defender and one of the best defenders Italy produced over time he is their all-time most capped player for Italy and longest serving captain. He could easily play as both sweeper and stopper, noted for his outstanding in his fierce defending, aggressive and interception. Played against world class attackers in his career spanning 2 decades like Zidane, Ronaldo, Shevchenko, Del Piero, Batistuta, Inzaghi, Baggio, etc… One of the best in his position with his spotlight in 2006 when he won 10 individual awards.

6. Fernando Redondo - Fabio Capello, one of the more respected people in the sport called Redondo “a tactically perfect player”. And he was. Fernando Redondo is perhaps the most complete defensive midfielder to have graced a football pitch.His awareness was infectious, measuring the state of the game astutely. Every single move, every single pass. His tackles were precise and perfectly timed with the right mix of aggression. Nothing too fussy in his play, Redondo relied on his brilliant reading of the opposition play, making crucial interceptions in the process. Standing 6′ 1″ tall, the Argentine wasn’t the most physically intimidating specimen but he was no pushover either. Two of his finest and more remarkable moments came in the CL. In 1998 Real Madrid came across Juventus, a team with a frighteningly gifted midfield of Deschamps-Davids-Zidane. Despite the plethora of talent on display Fernando Redondo was named man of the match in a close fought 1-0 win in the final. He dominated the middle of the park with his uncanny knack of breaking opposition play and initiating attacks with his crisp passing. The second one being the QF against United against peak Scholes/Keane midfield when Fergie said “Redondo must have a magnet in his boots, he was fantastic, unbelievable. He had one of those games. Every time we attacked and the ball came out of their box, it fell at his feet. Every time!”. Later he called him the best midfielder in the world. Ferguson decided United lost because he was too slow to react to Madrid's unprecedented 3-3-2-2 formation, with Redondo the only central midfielder. Roy Keane had a brilliant game, and was in the best shape and form in his career but Redondo was on another level that night.

7. Clarence Seedorf - is a consistency international-class player during the 2nd half 90s to 2000s and being the only player in history of the game to win UEFA Champion League with three different teams. He is a versatile midfielder, can adapt himself to create game on the left or right side in midfield, possesses high stamina, excellent technique and teamwork, fitness and intelligence. Seedorf started well-known with golden generation of Ajax alongside Kluivert, Davids and Rizeger. Seedorf is named in ESM team of the month 8 times and team of the year once time and was named in UEFA Team of the year twice times. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor three times. At his peak he was one of the most complete midfielders to play the game – thunderous long range shot, excellent technique, great passing range.
 
8. Dragan Stojkovic – the 5th star of Red star. He won two national titles with Red Star & one National Cup, also being named as the best player of Yugoslavian league twice. Stojkovic played plenty of legendary games throughout his career. Red Star’s Champions Cup game vs Milan, when one of the greatest teams in the history was saved by Belgrade fog, is one such example. He was also part of the Red Star team that were up by 3 goals against the mighty Real Madrid in the Champions Cup after 40 minutes. Real Madrid had one of the greatest players of the time, Hugo Sanchez, in their squad and managed to get the game back to 4-2, winning the tie on away goals with a 2-0 win in the second leg. But that team, lead by Piksi, was the sign of things to come. Perhaps no one expected that the team would reach the top without Stojković. Dragan Stojkovic was a sensational footballer, possibly the most naturally gifted to come out of Eastern Europe. His vision, skillset, dribbling was rivaled to none as he gained recognition on international stage as well – scoring a brace against Spain in 1990, and also the same year arguably getting the better of Maradona in their match against Argentina. Even at 33 he was one of the best players in the national team scoring against Germany in the World Cup in 1998. Injuries has plagued his later career, but at his peak he was unplayable and one player that always stood out of the pack.

9. Alan Shearer – a complete striker. He doesn’t have the flash in his game like Ronaldo in his game, along with the fact that he didn’t play for a big club in his career, which probably didn’t get him the recognition he deserved, but at his peak he was really the complete striker. Many people went berserk when Suarez recently scored 31 in one season in premiership, and probably deservedly so, but Shearer in the 90’s did that 3 times…in a row.. He was great header of the ball, possessed great strength, could shield the ball, bring others into the play, had a thunderbolt of a shot, always knew where the target was and was very quick in his peak, before the operations. More than 400 goals for club and country and instrumental in 94/95 season when Blackburn became champions. Always scoring important goals and always a big game player when it came. Inspirational captain with who probably United would’ve notched up 1 or 2 CL’s more.



10. Pavel Nedved - The man was, without doubt, one of the greatest and most creative midfielders of his generation. Nedved is considered one of the most innovative midfielders of all time. His sheer ability, both in scoring and creating goals, dazzled Serie A for a number of years, leading to a host of titles and deserved awards for the great Czech. Nedved was a pleasure to watch as a young football fan. Not only did he get the job done, he got it done in style. I used to be in awe of this man's sheer ability to dazzle both the crowd and opposition, and I can honestly say there are very few players I have enjoyed watching more than this man.

His ability to astound opponents with his incredible touch and foresight with his play was almost like a sixth sense, and his goalscoring and assist records throughout his career speaks for itself. Nedved may very well be the most gifted player in regards to putting both of his feet to good use. Equally deadly accurate with both his right or left foot, he is one of the few players capable of performing such magic with a touch from either foot. What is also important to note is that Nedved was incredible hard worker on and off the pitch, his positional sense and awareness as well as tactical discipline made him one of the most complete midfielders in the game. He could easily play on both flanks and through the middle.

11. Giuseppe “Beppe” Signori - It was a time when the Italian League was peerless and was the best championship in terms of quality. Signori played against world class defenders and legends of the game such as Baresi, Maldini, Cafu, Cannavaro, Costacurta, etc, etc..(Luckily he won’t have to play against Cannavaro here as well, he he). Beppe was beating offside traps before Fillipo Inzaghi had grown hairs on his chest and was the consummate striker.

Despite his lack of medals to show for it, Signori was a wonderful striker. He was Serie A top scorer in three seasons and Coppa Italia top scorer twice. In 1993, he won the Guerin d’Oro as the player in Serie A with the highest average rating, beating off the likes of Roberto Baggio, Paolo Di Canio, Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten and other such legends. He was fast, sharp, excellent dribbler of the ball, capable of scoring anywhere in and off the box, added with the fact that he was one of the best free kick takers in the 90’s. He was loved at every team he played. In 1995 rumours surfaced that he was to be sold by Lazio to Parma - the news caused rioting among the Biancocelesti fans, marching to Via Venato and pressuring management to halt the transfer. President Sergio Cragnotti eventually accepted the pleas to keep Signori in the team, breaking the multi-million-pound deal.

Short highlight of one of Seria A finest strikers: