......................................... GSTQ ........................................................................................................................................................ GIO ...........................................................
TEAM GSTQ
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (Colo-Colo)
- Accomplishments: Claudio Bravo was a standout performer at Colo-Colo, where he showcased his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and leadership. During his peak years from 2005 to 2007, he helped Colo-Colo win the Chilean Primera División twice and was named Chilean Footballer of the Year in 2006.
- Accomplishments: Andreas Brehme was a versatile and technically gifted left back known for his precise crossing, free-kick taking, and ability to play with both feet. During his first peak years at Kaiserslautern from 1980 to 1986, Brehme was instrumental in their Bundesliga campaigns. His ability to deliver accurate crosses and his proficiency in set-pieces made him a constant threat in the attacking third. His defensive solidity and tactical awareness ensured that he was equally effective in his primary role as a defender. In his later peak years at FC Kaiserslautern from 1993 to 1998, Brehme continued to excel both defensively and offensively. He helped the team win the German Cup in 1996 and the Bundesliga in 1998.
- Accomplishments: At Parma, Cannavaro was a defensive rock, winning the UEFA Cup in 1999. From 1998 to 2000, he also won two Coppa Italia titles and the Italian Super Cup. His defensive prowess during these years earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his reputation as one of the best defenders of his generation.
- Accomplishments: Vasovic was a key figure for Partizan, leading them to the European Cup final in 1966. During his peak years from 1960 to 1965, he won four Yugoslav Championships (1960-61, 1961-62, 1962-63, 1964-65) and was known for his leadership and defensive skills. Vasovic was also renowned for his ability to distribute the ball and initiate plays from the back, making him a crucial part of the team's build-up play.
- Accomplishments: Cafu was a dynamic presence at São Paulo, winning the Copa Libertadores in 1992 and 1993 and the Intercontinental Cup in those same years. His attacking runs and defensive contributions were unmatched, making him a key player for the team. Cafu was also named South American Footballer of the Year in 1994.
- Accomplishments: Van Der Elst was a midfield general at Club Brugge, winning multiple Belgian league titles. He won five Belgian championships (1987-88, 1989-90, 1991-92, 1995-96, 1997-98) and four Belgian Cups (1985-86, 1990-91, 1994-95, 1995-96), establishing himself as a legend at the club. He was also awarded the Belgian Golden Shoe in 1990 and 1996.
- Accomplishments: Di Stefano was a legend at Real Madrid, leading them to multiple European Cup victories. From 1956 to 1960, he won five European Cups and eight La Liga titles. He scored 308 goals in 396 appearances for Real Madrid, showcasing his creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability, which made him one of the greatest players of all time. He was also awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1957 and 1959.
- Accomplishments: Gullit was a versatile and powerful midfielder at PSV, known for his technical skills and physical presence. He won the Eredivisie title in 1986 and 1987 and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1986. His ability to drive forward and contribute both defensively and offensively made him a key player. Gullit was also awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1987.
- Accomplishments: Stoichkov was a prolific scorer at CSKA Sofia, winning multiple Bulgarian league titles. From 1984 to 1990, he scored 81 goals in 119 appearances, and won three Bulgarian championships and four Bulgarian Cups. He was named Bulgarian Footballer of the Year in 1989 and 1990.
- Accomplishments: Riva was a legendary striker at Cagliari, leading them to their only Serie A title in 1969-70. From 1963 to 1976, he scored 164 goals in 315 appearances, known for his clinical finishing, strength, and aerial ability. He was the Serie A Top Scorer in 1966-67, 1968-69, and 1969-70.
- Accomplishments: Rep was a key player for Bastia, leading them to the UEFA Cup final in 1978. From 1977 to 1979, he scored 33 goals in 65 appearances, making him a fan favorite and a legend in French football. Rep's ability to score crucial goals and his partnership with other forwards made Bastia a formidable attacking force during his tenure.
Defense Our four-man defense is built on a foundation of solidity and tactical intelligence. Andreas Brehme, Fabio Cannavaro, Velibor Vasovic, and Cafu form a formidable backline. Brehme and Cafu will support the attack with overlapping runs, while Cannavaro and Vasovic will focus on maintaining a strong central defense. This quartet will play a balanced line, pressing the opposition and maintaining compactness to prevent counter-attacks.
Midfield The midfield trio is designed to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Franky Van Der Elst anchors the midfield, breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball efficiently. Alfredo Di Stefano and Ruud Gullit provide central support, adding numbers to the midfield to maintain control and fluidity. Di Stefano's creativity and vision, combined with Gullit's power and technical skills, ensure a dynamic and versatile midfield. The midfield's energy and pressing ability ensure that the team can effectively disrupt the opposition's build-up play.
Attack The attacking trio of Hristo Stoichkov, Johnny Rep, and Luigi Riva is designed to stretch the opposition and create scoring opportunities. Stoichkov and Rep, as wide forwards, provide width and pace, cutting inside to create chances and take shots on goal. Riva, the centre forward, leads the line with his clinical finishing and aerial prowess, converting chances created by the dynamic midfield and wide forwards. The forwards' pace and work rate allow them to press the opposition's defenders and force errors, creating opportunities for quick transitions and counter-attacks.
TEAM GIO
CARLOS ROA - aged 25-28
Someone whose legacy would be much bigger had he not assumed the world was about to end and took a year off at the height of his career. That was only days after he had been voted the best goalkeeper in Europe during the 98/99 season at Mallorca, who he joined from Lanus in Argentina. It was at Lanus where he established himself as the top Argentine goalkeeper, winning the Copa COMNEBOL in 1996.
LAURENT BLANC - aged 18-25
It was at Montpellier where Blanc transformed from attacking midfielder to defence, making such an impact that went on to win French Player of the Year in 1990. As club captain he led Montpellier to only their second every trophy, with Blanc scoring in an extra-time Coupe de France win over RC Paris. He built on this with an exceptional 90/91 campaign, scoring 14 goals in Ligue Un alone, despite playing at the back. In Europe they turned over recent European Cup winners PSV and Steau Bucharest, keeping 4 clean sheets in 4 games, before falling to Ferguson's United.
LUCIO - aged 22-26
All-action defensive monster who helped drive Leverkusen to the brink of an unfathomable treble in 2001/02. Lucio scored in the Champions League Final against Real Madrid. A couple of weeks' later he led Brazil's defence to the 2002 World Cup. Kicker gave him a World-Class rating for his performances in 2001 and 2002. Selected in the European Sports Media Team of the Season in 2001/02 and an ever-present in the Bundesliga Team of the Season from 2000 through to 2006.
ERIC GERETS - aged 17-29
One of the greatest right-backs of all time whose box-to-box game came to the fore at Standard Liege where he spent the bulk of his career. Liege won the league in 1982 and 1983, were runners-up in the ECWC, while Belgium were runners-up at Euro 1980. Gerets won the Golden Shoe in 1982, the Bronze Shoe in 1981, was nominated for the Ballon D'Or in 1982 and 1983, and selected in the Don Balon World Cup All-Star Team in 1982.
JUAN PABLO SORIN - aged 23-28
Spent his prime years at Cruzeiro in Brazil. Scored a solid 18 goals in 121 games as he swashbuckled up and down the flank.
GABI - aged 24-28
Started his career at Atletico, moved out to Zaragoza, and came back as the finished article having transformed from a wide midfielder into a midfield-controlling holder. His final season at Zaragoza was remarkable - assuming the captaincy, assigned to penalties and scoring 11 goals.
Worth reflecting on the highest media-rated midfielders of La Liga in 2010/11 - at a time when the league was its strongest and it was overflowing with midfield quality.
1 - Andres Iniesta - 6.74
2 - Gabi - 6.69
3 - Xabi Prieto - 6.52
4 - Xavi Hernandez - 6.48
Masterful at locking down a midfield, Gabi was specifically chosen because the way he is ingrained in a short-passing give-and-go style.
FRANK RIJKAARD - aged 25-30
3rd place in the Ballon D'Or during each of his first two seasons at Milan. Was Serie A Footballer of the Year in 1992. Highest rated CM in Serie A in 89/90 and 91/92. Won the European Cup twice as the central midfielder in Sacchi's all-conquering 4-4-2.
RIVELLINO - aged 19-29
Long career with Corinthians. Was in the COMNEBOL All-Star Team of 1973 when he was also awarded the bronze ball for South American Footballer of the Year. Will be deployed in the inside-left channel which should marry his creative game with his natural left-sidedness. Freed up with the platform of Gabi and Rijkaard, he will pose questions of the opposition holding midfield area. Complementary options around him with Sorin's bursting energy down the flank, Blokhin's searing pace ahead, and Messi of course in the middle. One of the few players on Messi's technical wave-length.
LIONEL MESSI - aged 17-34
778 games for Barcelona. 672 goals. 269 assists. 7 Ballon D'Or.
OLEG BLOKHIN - aged 17-34
Won 19 titles with Kyiv, including 8 league titles and 3 European trophies. Secured the Ballon D'Or in 1975, thrice the Eastern European Footballer of the Season, and 9 times the Ukraine Footballer of the Year.
ZIBI BONIEK - aged 19-26
Such was Boniek's impact on the Widzew side, he was recently made an honorary citizen of Lodz. They won their first two league championships under his leadership, before the moved to Juventus in the summer of 1982. That year he came 3rd in the Ballon D'Or, won his 2nd Polish Footballer of the Year award, and won the Eastern European Footballer of the Season Award.
TACTICS
Set up in a 4-3-3 with Messi as the centre-piece. The attack and flanks are full of work rate, energy and movement. In the front three, Messi has mobile, pacy and gifted options either side. Overlapping down the flanks will be Sorin and Gerets: both natural overlappers, in their prime, capable of doing the box-to-box work. They will create space for Blokhin and Boniek to cut in and roam to cause all sorts of confusion in the opposition defence, with Messi pulling the strings from the hole.
Midfield tries to blend technical quality with the short passing give-and-go game that no doubt gets the best out of Messi. There were other options, but I felt Gabi blends that style with his own forensic command of the midfield. To his right is Frank Rijkaard whose dynamic box-to-box game was pivotal to Milan's success and finds himself in the same role here. Together they will be tasked with cutting the supply to and space for Di Stefano. Contributing too will be Rivellino who in 1970 delivered a masterclass in adapting his game to co-exist with a plethora of great attackers. Going forward Rivellino, Messi and Rijkaard will offer a range of threats in behind GSTQ's midfield.
Defensively there is loads of physicality to match up to GSTQ's forward line. Lucio has the strength to challenge for the first ball, while Blanc will sweep, cover, and lock out the threats in behind. In style it should resemble the Blanc/Desailly partnership, with Gabi and Rijkaard shutting out the space ahead.
CHANGES
The two additions are Frank Rijkaard and Eric Gerets who replace Andy Moller and Dan Petrescu. Recognising the valid feedback on the gung-ho nature of the first round team, the changes hopefully help to re-balance the side. Rijkaard obviously has more defensive attributes than Moller and should complement Gabi's forensic concentration with his own greater dynamism. Gerets strengthens the flank, particularly defensively which is necessary against Hristo.
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