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PHYSIO TACTICS -
Tactics – Mixed
Defensive Line – Balanced
Marking – Zonal
A pretty straight forward 4231. Zico has a free role to do whatever he wants. The wingers will get good support from the full-backs and my monstrous midfield can control the game.
Representative ages for my players -
Shearer – aged 25
Zico – aged 28
Maxi Rodriguez – aged 20
Nolberto Solano – aged 22
Jean Tigana – aged 27
Rodri – aged 27
Dede – aged 33
Thomas Berthold – aged 24
Luis Perea – aged 23
Cosmin Contra – aged 26
Sebastian Frey – aged 31
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RALAKS TACTICS -
Formation:
4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 depending on how the match proceeds – Standard back four with Fullbacks pushing up and helping the midfield. Depending on the opposition, Zanetti will be allowed to venture further upwards and Criscito will cover as a central defender using his versatility. Strachan and Bremner makes up my double ginger pivot, both of them hard working brilliant Scottish box-2-box midfielders. In front of them Aboutrika who finishes off the midfield three playing somewhat of a trequarista role where he excels. Front three is made up of Jairzinho, Batistuta and Futre. Tricky wingers playing at their natural sides providing plenty of chances not only for themselves but also especially for Batistuta.
Players:
Michel Preud’homme – Mechelen – Aged 27-35 – Apps (Goals): 263 (0):
One of the top Belgian goalkeepers of all time, especially prominent during his time at Mechelen. Excellent shot-stopper.
Javier Zanetti – Banfield – Aged 20-22 – Apps (Goals): 66 (4)
Only two years at the start of his career, but performed well enough to get a call up to the NT following the 1994 World Cup and stayed a main feature since, also earning him a transfer to Inter. Obviously it is hard to rank him against top tier players, but watching this it’s pretty clear that he was already a decent right back, displaying the beginning of the traits that made him into one of the best right backs ever.
Karlheinz Forster – Stuttgart – Aged 19-30 – Apps (Goals): 311 (22):
One of the best defenders of the late 70ies going into the 80ies. Not the biggest honor list, not due to his ability, but more due to the dominance of HSV and Bayern in Germany around that time, however Stuttgart still managed to break that dominance once. When playing with better players at the national level, he won one Euros and finished second at two world cups, earning spots on the team of the tournament (in itself not relevant for this draft, but still shows indirectly his level in a stronger team, ignore if wanted).
Robreto Perfumo – Racing Club – Aged 20-28 – Apps (Goals): 207 (14):
Spent his best years at Racing Club, considered one of the best ever Argentine Defenders (even making the all time dream team as recent as 21) over players such as Ruggeri and Ayala. Of course take what you want from these Dream XI’s, but the fact that he is within the discussion shows his merit as one of the best ever Argentinian defenders.
Domenico Criscito – Zenit St. Petersburg – Aged 25-32 – Apps (Goals): 156 (15):
Versatile player, mainly as a left back but quite capable either pushing a bit up or alternatively pushing a bit into the defense. Spent his prime here at Zenit St. Petersburg, arguably as one of if not the best left back in the league. His defensive capability makes him great for drafts like this where tactical nous and positioning is a must against clever attackers trying to draw him or the central defenders out of position.
Gordon Strachan – Aberdeen – Aged 20-27 – Apps (Goals): 183 (55):
First member of my ginger central midfield. Energetic, hard worker who is also quite prolific averaging almost a goal every third game.
Billy Bremner – Leeds – Aged 18-34 – Apps (Goals): 587 (91):
Second member of the ginger midfield. Arguably Leeds best ever player, one of the midfield greats of his generation and the perfect fit for a double pivot due to his combination of ability on and off the ball & stamina.
Mohamed Aboutrika – Al Ahly – Aged 26-35 – Apps (Goals): 163 (77):
The Egyptian Zidane, more Zidane than Mohamed Zidan. Would likely be considered the best ever Egyptian player if not for Mo Salah. Never left Egypt except for a short-term loan at the end of his career. His recognition is arguably halted by this, and he would’ve been significantly more renowned if he had played at his prime in Europe, but that does not take away that he was a fantastic attacking midfielder, most notably in the late 00ies, where he managed to finish second in the African Footballer of the Year, which is unheard of for Africa based player.
Jairzinho – Botafogo – Aged 16-30 – Apps (Goals): 416 (186):
Legendary right winger, key player. Fast, tricky, great finisher. Arguably one of the best Brazilian right wingers of all time, only not renowned as the best because of Garrincha.
Gabriel Batistuta – Fiorentina – Aged 22-31 – Apps (Goals): 269 (168):
Legendary striker. One of the most complete and clinical forwards of his generation. His long stint at a sub-top club meant he did not win anywhere near the honors he deserves.
Paulo Future – Porto – Aged 18-21 – Apps (Goals): 81 (23):
Shot but powerful stint at FC Porto – winning the league twice and the European Cup against Bayern. Naturally left footed enables him to service Batistuta over a typical inside forward. Explosive, hardworking and technically brilliant.
