Remake Draft R16 | MJJ vs EAP

[Chesterlestreet]

Voters are asked to consider the XIs featured as remakes of classic teams, and to consider to what extent the manager has succeeded in re-creating both the individual roles and the overall functionality of the original. THIS IS NOT A FANTASY MATCH BETWEEN TWO SIDES, but rather a comparison of remakes.

Please feel free to tag the managers if you require more information about their set-ups/players etc.

Team MJJ/VivaJanuzaj:

Philosophy/Ideology of tactical set-up

Style - Aggressive Pressing, style of play(possession/counter attacking) varies according to the passage of play. Side built should be comfortable in both.

Defense

Defensive Line - Normal
Marking - Zonal
Off the ball - Aggressive closing down/
On the ball - Build up Play and Rapid transitions through defenders, fullbacks will push forward.

Midfield

Cambiasso will stay back mostly and pass the ball forwards when needed, koke and iniesta will play the role side midfielders, willing to go wide or play as traditional wingers.Naingollan is my box to box maestro.

Attack

Reus is going to play as a traditional wing-forward cum support striker.

Spoiler: Additional information

From my research about Lobanovsky's side, I found three major elements to his side.

1) His teams were physically strong.
2) His teams were among the fittest ones and he liked to employ a high pressing style.
3) He wanted defenders who were comfortable on the ball and attackers who contributed in defense.

Keeping that in mind, I present my tribute to lobanovsky.

Defense

Alba-Laporte-Koscielny-Lahm
(Matviyenko-Reskho-Fomenko-Troshkin)

Both the fullbacks are very comfortable attacking, lahm can offer everything troshkin did with the exception of physicality. I believe his attacking and possession quality will be contribute more to the soviet version of total football than his lack of height/strength.

Laporte-Koscielny are both big strong defenders who are comfortable on the ball, not the ideal ideal partnership but I think they should do okay for a first round side.

Midfield
Cambiasso-Nainggolan-Iniesta-Koke
(Konkov-Kolotov-Buryak-Muntyan)

The midfield was the hardest part to replicate for me, almost each of the players in the original side was very unique and hard to find a modern replicate.

Cambiasso was a physically strong DM who can drop back into defense while being good on the ball as well, he is going to replae Konkov.
Kolotov was a very hard role to replace, from my knowledge, he was a mixture of keane and scholes. A hard box to box midfielder who could do the job as a play maker as well. Nainggolan might not be that famous but I believe he has all the qualities to replace kolotov here.
Iniesta for Buryak might be controversial but I needed a player who was an exceptional dribbler, passer, comfortable in a pressing system but strong physically as well. I dont think there is any modern player who comes close to that description, as all of them lack a bit. Gerrard was someone who I think could have performed this role well but didnt think was tactically disciplined enough so opted for iniesta who ticks all the boxes except for the physicality one.
Koke for Muntyan, fairly straight forward this one I believe. Needed a tactically sound midfielder, with good strength, passing, dribbling and crossing ability. Someone comfortable on the wings or midfield, koke was the perfect player to replace him.

Attack
Reus-Torres
(Blokhin-Onyschenko)

Reus will play the blokhin role, fast wing-forward who is a good finisher and a playmaker. Comfortable going out wide or playing as a support striker.
Torres is another controversial choice but he played in a spanish side which employed a high press, is good defensively and is reasonably strong.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Original XI / Remake:

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Team Edgar Allan Pillow:

Cryuff "Dream Team" - Barcelona 1992

Formation: Loose 3-4-3 Diamond

In Cruyff's way of thinking, with teams playing 2 striker formations having 4 defenders is not optimal use of resources. He also notes that the extra defender takes away the possibility of gaining an advantage in midfield.

The result...Left Back (Juan Carlos) moves into a Left DM role making it a 3-4-3. When in possession, he moves infield to add to the midfield battle. When out of possession, he drops in coverage to opposition winger. He links efficiently with the False 9 (Michael Laudrup) who drops back to Left AM role...giving them a 5 vs 4 advantage in the midfield.

Philosophy/Ideology of tactical set-up:

And a quick reference gif for the benefit of TL;DW's

The 3 fundamentals of Dream Team:

1. Team Play: More focus on being a team player than any individual match winning talent, especially the AM (Bakero role) who specifically should not be a master dribbling individualistic player.
2. Possession: The team is built to retain possession and press hard to regain when opponent has the ball. Cruyff places high emphasis on keeping control of the ball.
3. First Touch Attacking Football: The game is designed for dominance in the midfield. Touch and Pass. Bakero was tasked with playing with his back to the goal. Receive passes from the defence, pass it to a oncoming defender so there's no need to turn, move forward. Rinse and repeat. The team is defined by it's rhythm and free flowing game.

Modern Remake - Players & Tactical Fit:

#5 Daley Blind <> Juan Carlos:
+ Comfortable as Left Back, Centre Back and has operated Defensive Midfield/Left Wing. Has the ball playing abilities to actively support the midfield.

#2 Wes Brown <> Munoz:
+ Comfortable as Right Back and Centre Back. Ability to lend decent support to the attack.

#3 Gerard Pique <> Koeman:
+ Has played as sweeper and is nicknamed "Piquenbauer" by the fans! Familiarity playing in a similar setup in current Barca side. Good ball playing skills and ability to step up and/or sweep behind.

#4 Xabi Alonso <> Pep Guardiola:
+ One of the best modern DLP's. Comfortable in possession based games. Intelligent and tactical enough to run the game. Excellent in long and short passing.

#10 Jan Vertonghen <> Albert Ferrer:
+ Comfortable as Left Back and Centre Back.

#8 Ruben Baraja <> Eusebio Sacristan:
+ An upgrade to Eusebio imo. Complete CM with good passing and goal scoring ability. Operated with DLP (Albelda) and comfortable in playing this role.

#6 Deco <> Joe Mari Bakero:
+ An upgrade to Bakero imo. Versatile as AM/CM. Unselfish team Player, good ability to pick a pass, play one touch game and score himself.

#7 Pedro <> Salinas:
+ Was brilliant in a similar role for Barcelona. Another unselfish player who shines in big games. Fast disciplined and puts team agenda over personal needs.

#9 Jorge Valdivia <> Michael Laudrup:
+ Played a similar False 9 role to perfection in recent Copa America to great appreciation. Creative and able to drop deep and swap with Deco (recreating the Laudrup/Bakero swap) to close perfection.
#11 Anthony Martial <> Hristo Stoichkov:
+ Comfortable through the middle and as Left Inside Forward. Able to cut in from left and occupy space left by Valdivia. Lethal in front of goal and capable of leading the scoring as shown by last season.

Play design - Defence:

Defensive Line: High. Attack oriented team.

Marking: The defence acts in compact units closing down spaces. 2 of the back 3 may step up to make it a one vs one battle against the 2 opposition strikers with the 3rd defender sweeping behind.

Off the ball: Aggressive closing down with defenders + Alonso forming compact defensive unit.

On the ball: Quick passing to Alonso who usually is a bit high up on the pitch to dictate the play thereafter.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Original XI / Remake:

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Good luck to all!

@Edgar Allan Pillow @MJJ @VivaJanuzaj

 

[Deleted member 101472]

From my research about Lobanovsky's side, I found three major elements to his side.

1) His teams were physically stronger than others.

This jumped out at me, especially since you chose it as number 1. I consider 2, maybe 3 of your players to be physically strong, and even at that none of them come close to some other players selected in this draft. I think you have absolute nailed the aggressive pressing element though, and it's probably my favourite element of re-creation in any of the teams so far. That midfield 4 you have would be seriously good at pressing .

 

[MJJ]

This jumped out at me, especially since you chose it as number 1. I consider 2, maybe 3 of your players to be physically strong, and even at that none of them come close to some other players selected in this draft. I think you have absolute nailed the aggressive pressing element though, and it's probably my favourite element of re-creation in any of the teams so far. That midfield 4 you have would be seriously good at pressing .

I dont think any of my team is lightweight though(with the possible exception of iniesta,lahm), its hard to find big strong guys with the technical skills required to play the game like lobanovksy wanted so had to compromise a bit. Would rather have guys who are strong(but not physically monsters), excellent work-rate and technical skills than the other way around.

 

[Deleted member 101472]

@Edgar Allan Pillow your decision to play Martial in Stoichkov's role is baffling to me. I do not see similarities whatsoever, but will await the justification. His left foot was one of the GOAT, and should have been looked at IMO as one of the starting point's for the re-creation.

 

[Deleted member 101472]

I dont think any of my team is lightweight though(with the possible exception of iniesta,lahm), its hard to find big strong guys with the technical skills required to play the game like lobanovksy wanted so had to compromise a bit. Would rather have guys who are strong(but not physically monsters), excellent work-rate and technical skills than the other way around.

I would suggest getting that post edited then. A lot of people could look at " physical strength" and be forgiven for thinking your squad has none.

 

[MJJ]

I would suggest getting that post edited then. A lot of people could look at " physical strength" and be forgiven for thinking your squad has none.

But that wont be in line with lobanovksy's style though.

 

[MJJ]

@Chesterlestreet can you remove the than others part from my OP, think thats a decent compromise.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

@Chesterlestreet can you remove the than others part from my OP, think thats a decent compromise.

If I understand you right, and I think I do - it's done.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

@Edgar Allan Pillow your decision to play Martial in Stoichkov's role is baffling to me. I do not see similarities whatsoever, but will await the justification. His left foot was one of the GOAT, and should have been looked at IMO as one of the starting point's for the re-creation.

It's not a question of replacing a GOAT with another GOAT, but on whether the players share similar characteristics.

Stoichkov was fast and creative left Inside Forward who was capable of scoring as well as creating for his teammates. He had good acceleration could dribble well and had a powerful shot in him....all attributes that Martial showcased this season. He may not be a GOAT (yet!) but certainly see a big resemblance in the game style.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

and should have been looked at IMO as one of the starting point's for the re-creation

If I was pushed to rank the players by importance to the team, I'd rank Guardiola first, followed by Bakero second and then maybe Laudrup or Stoichkov at third. Also the DLP pool is not really that abundant in modern era, so it became obvious to me to fill the important #4 first...and picked Alonso. Suarez or Henry might be more famous choices...but they never did last down to my turn even in R1.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

@Edgar Allan Pillow think you misunderstood his post....he said his left foot was one of the GOAT not him as a player so picking a player with a great left foot would be a starting point for his re-creation not the whole teams.

 

[harms]

If I were to create a player completely opposite to Troshkin he would look very much like Lahm.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Just to bring up something which initially caught my attention - when trying to figure out who was who (so to speak):

Salinas was a big fecker who operated as a de facto striker at times (he moved inside to take up that position, as part of the game plan). Pedro is a midget who offers nothing in terms of physical presence in the box.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

If I were to create a player completely opposite to Troshkin he would look very much like Lahm.

I knew you would have a field day with this particular team...

I'm looking forward to your take on the choices made here.

What I will say, without commenting on the choice as such, was that it did strike me as odd to go for Lahm as a first round pick when tasked with remaking that team. For several reasons, you might say - but mainly because it didn't seem like anywhere near the most crucial role to take care of by picking a top-of-the-line player.

Blokhin is obviously hell to replace - same as many others in this draft. You have to make sacrifices there, clearly so. Reus for me is...I dunno. Not a grand pick, not a horrible pick either.

 

[harms]

I knew you would have a field day with this particular team...

I'm looking forward to your take on the choices made here.

Yeah, later - I'm on the phone now. MJJ can guess all my points though, as we thoroughly discussed his ideal team

 

[Deleted member 101472]

@Edgar Allan Pillow think you misunderstood his post....he said his left foot was one of the GOAT not him as a player so picking a player with a great left foot would be a starting point for his re-creation not the whole teams.

This. I would personally have gone for someone like recoba for this role. wicked left foot, great creator and comfortable playing from the left or centrally. Xabi Alonso is a great pick.

Really dont know who to vote for here. I love that midfield from MJJ but I like Valdivia as Laudrup and Pique as Koeman. Tough call here but whoever makes it through will have to reinforce really well.

 

[Deleted member 101472]

Gone for MJJ.... Very close call but I Love how well youve re-created the midfield in terms of ability to play high pressure.

 

[Deleted member 101472]

http://therepublikofmancunia.com/flashback-he-said-what-wesley-brown/

If only he had fulfilled his potential, he'd look more at home in this re-make

 

[Deleted member 101472]

@Edgar Allan Pillow out of interest, how come you took vieira as your first pic only to not use him? Who were you originally going for with him?

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

@Edgar Allan Pillow think you misunderstood his post....he said his left foot was one of the GOAT not him as a player so picking a player with a great left foot would be a starting point for his re-creation not the whole teams.

Just to bring up something which initially caught my attention - when trying to figure out who was who (so to speak):

Salinas was a big fecker who operated as a de facto striker at times (he moved inside to take up that position, as part of the game plan). Pedro is a midget who offers nothing in terms of physical presence in the box.

Valid points. Had the same dilemma when I was researching for players...in the end I went for someone who fits the philiophy/playing style more than replicating the physical characteristics.

As for Salinas, Cruyff's vision was centered on free flowing football, smooth one touches and players operating as a team. The physical impact Salinas had the game was far less than than his fit within the style. He had a very unorthodox playing style that was just unique to him. He was tall, lanky and never looked comfortable with ball on his feet, despite his goal record..and in particular had knack was on scoring on important matches, in big occasions. His 1st season was his best and his role progressively reduced till his eventual exit.

There is no player who resembles Salinas currently, but Pedro closely fit his part within the team. Stoichkov & Laudrup were far more famous names in the front 3 of Dream Team...very similar in style to Villa-Messi-Pedro of modern Barca. Pedro is an excellent team player with knack of scoring on important occasions. Despite the difference in height, Pedro has so much in common to Salinas by the role they played in the respective setups's.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

@Edgar Allan Pillow out of interest, how come you took vieira as your first pic only to not use him? Who were you originally going for with him?

Had him as Eusebio upgrade. But the more I read of Eusebio's interviews, I think Vieira's direct style clashes with the way that team played football. Baraja was a better fit and adds his flair suits the team more than Vieira's physicality.

 

[harms]

Rudakov - Navas
Rudakov wasn't a unique goalkeeper, so every strong keeper will suffice here, Navas certainly fits the bill.

Matviyenko - Alba
A brilliant pick and an ideal fit. Lightning quick fullback with very rich attacking potential - he can both overlap and cross (like most today's fullbacks do) and to cut inside and score an occasional goal (he doesn't have a great composure in front of the goal but he appears at the receiving end of Messi's passes often enough)

Reshko - Laporte
A pure no-nonsense stopper would've been a better fit, imo - Laporte doesn't get extra credit for his ball-playing skills here as his prototype was technically very limited. But still, good enough - strong, fierce, tall...

Fomenko - Koscielny
First of all, I'm not a fan of Koscielny at all, I think that he is way overrated. But even if we forget about my bias for a moment, Fomenko was the covering defender, paired with the stopper (Reshko) - Koscielny usually steps up and tries to intercept/harass the attacking player, while Mertesacker (the best partner he ever had) covered for him. Not a great fit

Troskin - Lahm
Probably the worst pick of the entire draft Lahm literally is the reverse Troskin. Troskin was, first of all, lightning fast and everlasting fullback, who never left his flank and didn't possess a huge arsenal of tricks. In fact, he knew only one, and only beat his opponent because he was so much faster than most of his opponents. Sounds familiar? He is basically today's Antonio Valencia with the confidence and crossing ability of the peak one. Lahm is small, relatively weak player who's main traits are his unique understanding of the game and a great technique. He also contributes much more in the midfield battle even from the right back position. Don't get me wrong, Lahm is vastly superior to Troskin, but if you're asked to replicate his role to the team, you literally can't pick a worse fullback to do so.

Konkov - Cambiasso
A good fit. Intelligent and fierce holding midfielder with a great understanding of the game and an eye for a pass too. Konkov was probably more athletic, but Cambiasso is almost as good as it gets (especially since I picked Martinez )

Kolotov - Nainggolan
Kolotov was probably the best all-rounder in that team. Nainggolan is vastly inferior to him, the only similarities that I see between them are their mentality, tenacity and that they both had a good shot in them. But Kolotov was much more than that, his ball-playing ability far exceeds everything that Nainggolan can dream of. I guess Vidal would be ideal here from the given pool

Buryak - Iniesta
A controversial choice but not a bad one. Buryak was very elegant and was probably the most technical player in the squad (Muntyan and Blokhin were his only worthy competitors in that regard). Of course he was much stronger and faster than the Spaniard, it goes without saying as literally everyone

Muntyan - Koke
Koke is a brilliant pick for the Lobanovsky's team. It's not even that he is an ideal replacement for Muntyan or Buryak - he is not, but he fits into Lobanovsky's philosophy like a glove; tough, aggressive, hardworking and, at the same time, creative, versatile and unpredictable with the ball. Muntyan was the better goalscorer and a more aesthetically pleasing footballer, but never would I say that Koke is a bad fit for this recreation

Blokhin - Reus
I guess this is a usual case for this draft - there are similarities and an obvious gulp of class between them. Solid pick anyway, even though Blokhin was faster, more hardworking and a better dribbler, it can be argued that there are just a few players of Blokhin's level in the pool (probably only Henry is an unquestionable upgrade on Reus here)

Onyschenko - Torres
Torres probably is a better all-round footballer and can play the role that Onyschenko played, even if I would've picked a different player. Onyschenko was an orthodox poacher, whose main ability was to disappear in the thin air. Not only the defenders will lose the track of him, even the Dynamo's bench sometimes lost track of him, thinking that maybe he was injured and is getting help or is waiting for the referee to allow him to return. But when the time was right, he appeared, like the magician, exactly in the right place with the decisive touch. Plus, he was absolutely fearless - something that I do not associate even with prime Torres - he was Vidic-esque in the way that he put his head in the challenges that others feared to even put their feet in.

 

[Ecstatic]

Yes, Vieira doesn't make sense in a Barcelona configuration...like Xavi in a Juve context

Very interesting game to follow.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Onyschenko - Torres

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Onyschenko had the tendency to drift right more like an Right IF cutting in and drifting out wide and not like a off the last defender CF like Torres.

 

[Gio]

A great mix of various astute choices and some rather puzzling ones as well. For the dream team, I like Pique, while Blind, Baraja and Brown are solid as well. I'm not as sold on Vertonghen as Ferrer who was more full-back than centre-back albeit Cruyff crowbarred him into this line-up. Alonso as Guardiola is decent, but I would think Pirlo was an obvious one there as both were expansive, deep-lying and weak. I see the tactical roles of the front three working well, so kudos for that. although as actual remakes the parallels are generally lacking. Basically the front three had more physicality, presence and punch. And obviously that attack was the shining light of Cruyff's team and I'm not sure if this front three packs the same gravitas.

 

[Ecstatic]

Onyschenko - Torres
Torres probably is a better all-round footballer and can play the role that Onyschenko played, even if I would've picked a different player. Onyschenko was an orthodox poacher, whose main ability was to disappear in the thin air. Not only the defenders will lose the track of him, even the Dynamo's bench sometimes lost track of him, thinking that maybe he was injured and is getting help or is waiting for the referee to allow him to return. But when the time was right, he appeared, like the magician, exactly in the right place with the decisive touch. Plus, he was absolutely fearless - something that I do not associate even with prime Torres - he was Vidic-esque in the way that he put his head in the challenges that others feared to even put their feet in.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

And obviously that attack was the shining light of Cruyff's team and I'm not sure if this front three packs the same gravitas.

Tbh, I would put it down to this being R1. My first choices were already taken before my turn and could possibly upgrade that if I make it through this. As I said before the i gave preference to the dynamics much more than actual player comparison. The team after all was a lesson in fluidity and style and Cruyff's emphasis on team over individual. In some cases, getting an approx bridge between player type and playing style was possible and where it was not my choice would have been style over player type. I believe this trio would execute the style in the same fashion as the original Dream Team despite the physical characteristics of the players involved.

I'm not as sold on Vertonghen as Ferrer who was more full-back than centre-back albeit Cruyff crowbarred him into this line-up.

Yeah, Ferrer was shoehorned in as a RCB. Vertonghen was comfortable at both. He can deliver the requirements of the original role and so I think he fits his place in the team. I could have shoehorned in a RB here too but really doubt if it would have made improvements to the game play.

 

[Ecstatic]

Dynamo Kiev is the most complicated team to recreate for a non-Russian manager because the information available in English seems to be very limited.

I know @VivaJanuzaj is a fan of wikipedia, so an example:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volodymyr_Troshkin

 

[harms]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Onyschenko had the tendency to drift right more like an Right IF cutting in and drifting out wide and not like a off the last defender CF like Torres.

Not as much as Blokhin drifted to the left, and although he obviously played closer to the right side, I wouldn't call it his signature move or anything (like with Blokhin), he just looked for a free space like any other decent striker. And he didn't get much time on the ball, comparing to others

What Torres lacks is probably the defensive workrate - Onyschenko helped out defensively, like any other Lobanovsky's player

Edit - realized that I painted the slightly different picture that I wanted to. If I have to compare him to someone, I'd compare him to Rossi - they both have stats that don't paint them as a natural goalscorers, while both sacrificed themselves to the team with their off the ball movement.

 

[Gio]

Tbh, I would put it down to this being R1. My first choices were already taken before my turn and could possibly upgrade that if I make it through this. As I said before the i gave preference to the dynamics much more than actual player comparison. The team after all was a lesson in fluidity and style and Cruyff's emphasis on team over individual. In some cases, getting an approx bridge between player type and playing style was possible and where it was not my choice would have been style over player type. I believe this trio would execute the style in the same fashion as the original Dream Team despite the physical characteristics of the players involved.

Yes, I see the attack working well actually, albeit in a slightly different sense to how Barcelona operated.

Yeah, Ferrer was shoehorned in as a RCB. Vertonghen was comfortable at both. He can deliver the requirements of the original role and so I think he fits his place in the team. I could have shoehorned in a RB here too but really doubt if it would have made improvements to the game play.

Fair enough.

 

[Ecstatic]

I need more time/informations to analyse the team of MJJ with the version 1975.
If I only look at the end product: I'd say his team is well-balanced and consistent in terms of positioning.

Regarding the team of EAP, excellent recreation. My preliminary comments:

- Stoickhov/Martial: it makes sense because they could be used as 'wing forward'. Stoickhov couldn't be replaced by a typical winger. Stoickhov is probably sharper with his left feet.

- Deco/Bakero: an easy upgrade, former Barcelona player also successful with Portugal & Porto. Able to play as a deeplying playmaker if necessary

- Xabi Alonso/Guardiola makes sense. I was very surprised to see you picking Viera instead of a player like Busquets. Otherwise, I would have probably tried to get Thiago Motta (former Barcelona player) able to play as a CB when required given his presence. Motta is now 34 years but, at his prime, a lovely player.

- verthongen & brown are tactically suited (sideback + cb) but I don't know them. Are they good with the ball?

I will follow this thread and vote tomorrow

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

- Stoickhov/Martial: it makes sense because they could be used as 'wing forward'. Stoickhov couldn't be replaced by a typical winger. Stoickhov is probably sharper with his left feet.

This is an era of inverted winger and such. So I might argue that best foot plays a secondary role to actual role they play. Martial will emulate Stoichkov's game (pace, speed, dribbling, able to make assists, great shot) to an extent to be considered an appropriate fit. And he did shine in a similar role last season.

 

[Ecstatic]

This is an era of inverted winger and such. So I might argue that best foot plays a secondary role to actual role they play. Martial will emulate Stoichkov's game (pace, speed, dribbling, able to make assists, great shot) to an extent to be considered an appropriate fit.

I think it is a good choice because both players are attracted by the penalty area

 

[Enigma_87]

This is an era of inverted winger and such. So I might argue that best foot plays a secondary role to actual role they play. Martial will emulate Stoichkov's game (pace, speed, dribbling, able to make assists, great shot) to an extent to be considered an appropriate fit. And he did shine in a similar role last season.

Stoichkov was different from Martial. He had more power in his game, Martial has more elegant style. Stoichkov was a team player and his work rate was really good. He was like a hound got a nickname for it as well. In terms of role - he was very direct in his movement and dribbling. He's much better finisher than Martial(of course Martial is pretty young so probably he'll improve).

What made him really great was also the placement on his shots and the weight them that usually found the target. He played more as second striker with natural inclination to drop on the left. Was a true leader, especially for the national team while in the same time formed excellent partnerships on the pitch with Kostadinov, Balakov, Letchkov for the national team as well.

With Martial I think you are losing the goal threat a bit and Stoichkov presence and movement in the box on one hand and the power, aggression and work rate.

With that being said probably the best fit for him in the current pool is Henry. Given Martial resemblance and even at young age how he's thought to resemble him and Stoichkov role in Barca's 3-4-3 I think Martial is a good fit for this side.

Reiziger type is the one if you are looking at the RCB spot, even if you listen to Cruyff and his vision of how the team played Reiziger was the natural fit and what he always wanted for that position. On the LCB Abidal type is what you are looking at. Brown I don't think is that good on the ball and Vertonghen I don't see as a good fit for that LCB spot. You are looking at a defender that moves both with and without the ball to create space but is also a good ball playing defender. We all know Cryuff love for creating triangles all over the pitch and passing the ball around, basically why Barca became what they become, so to be fair I don't see Brown and Vertonghen as particularly good fits there.

Pique/Koeman I think is a good fit.

Xabi/Guardiola I don't think is a good pick. I think is a great pick and the best man for the job out of the current pool. I like him more than Pirlo in that role.

Blind has a good reading of the game but his movement and a bit static game is a bit underwhelming in a dream team formation.

Deco/Baraja I think are very good ones.

Pedro and Salinas although pretty much the exact opposites of a player doesn't make it a bad fit. I like Pedro in that role. Stoichkov was also in the box or lurking just besides it so having Martial cutting in makes good synergy.

Valdivia is a tough one. Particularly because he was such an essential piece of the jigsaw as it wold be recreating Clockwork Orange without Cruyff. I can see Valdivia working to an extend but the drop in quality is so huge it's make or break really. I'd prefer a more influential player in that role, because basically that was the main creative force in that team. Totti, Ronnie, Rivaldo, Bergkamp that kind of player.

 

[Ecstatic]

I agree with @Enigma_87 as a whole.

Hard to find a modern equivalent of Laudrup (He replaced Boniek at Juventus before moving to Barcelona).

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Reiziger type is the one if you are looking at the RCB spot, even if you listen to Cruyff and his vision of how the team played Reiziger was the natural fit and what he always wanted for that position. On the LCB Abidal type is what you are looking at. Brown I don't think is that good on the ball and Vertonghen I don't see as a good fit for that LCB spot. You are looking at a defender that moves both with and without the ball to create space but is also a good ball playing defender. We all know Cryuff love for creating triangles all over the pitch and passing the ball around, basically why Barca became what they become, so to be fair I don't see Brown and Vertonghen as particularly good fits there.

I'd partly agree with this. If you listen to Cruyff it falls to Guardiola to primarily run the game with Eusebio providing the creative support. Here you have Alonso and Baraja doing the same.
I do not recall Munoz being any better on the ball then Brown was. Brown was a good CB and really good at RB during the 08 season. He was not a thug and had good ball playing skills enough to do the job here.
As Gio pointed out Ferrer was a LB shoehorned in as LCB by Cruyff. Vertonghen to his advantage has played both LB, CB and in addition good up in the midfield too. Yes, Abidal is a better fit there but this is just R1 and so most positions have potential to be upgraded. Having said that, I do not see Vertonghen being a misfit or not having the skills to do the job here. I'd even consider him as a upgrade to Ferrer in that position.

Blind has a good reading of the game but his movement and a bit static game is a bit underwhelming in a dream team formation.

Juan Carlos was not in any way better than Blind. He had to mark the winger off possession and contribute to midfield when on possession...both of which Blind can do as well. I'd have preferred Alaba here, but again that is just a potential upgrade for future. Blind is perfectly competent for the Juan Carlos role.

I'd prefer a more influential player in that role, because basically that was the main creative force in that team. Totti, Ronnie, Rivaldo, Bergkamp that kind of player.

This I disagree with. Totti is definitely OK, but none of the rest fit the requirements for this position. Laudrup spent most of the time in the Left AM position creating for Stoichkov and I don't think Ronnie, Rivaldo or Bergkamp fits the bill for that. Rivaldo comes close position-wise, but Valdivia is stylistically closer to Laudrup (acknowledging the drop in quality) to the role here. He was not a individual player, not physically as powerful as Rivaldo and has more flair than dibbling ability. Not that he's a mug, but Rivaldo is a more direct player than Laudrup. Laudrup is a midfielder playing False 9...same as Valdivia, not a second striker or forward dropping deep (a la Zlatan) Either way it's a moot point as Rivaldo is not eligible.