Team Enigma/TRV:
Formation:- Zona Mista/4-2-3-1. Direct & Counter-Attacking.
Defensive line:- Normal.
Style:- Solid defensive line marshaled by Scirea, counter attack at every opportunity. Amancio and Nílton to provide width down the flanks and stretch the game so that it would allow space through the middle for the likes of Puskas, Zidane and Greaves to exploit.
GK:- Michel Preud'homme - One of the best and complete goalkeepers in the 80's and early 90's. Phenomenal reflexes and he was great organizer at the back and always dependable in collecting crosses and in the air.
Tucked-in RB:- Claudio Gentile - The Italian defender wore his reputation as a tough, uncompromising defender, or as the more clickbait YouTube video titles would have you believe, ‘The Hardest Man in Soccer’, as a badge of honour. One of the best, if not the best man-markers in the history of the game. Very few could boast of marking Diego Maradona and Zico out of the game like Gentile did. It is impossible not to admire the tenacity and discipline with which he played the game, as well as his innate ability to consistently play on the very precipice of what was acceptable over 90 minutes. The contrasting defensive pairing with Scirea in terms of style, which expertly combined silk and steel together with the experienced Zoff as the last line of defence, saw Juventus claim the 1974/75 title. Gentile played 29 of 30 league games and was integral to a Bianconeri side which only conceded three goals at home in the league all season.
Libero:- Gaetano Scirea - One of the greatest defenders to have graced the game of football. Marshaled the defense two of the most iconic sides of all time in 1980s Italy NT & 1980s Juventus. A leader amongst men, Scirea was a master at organizing the defense the back yet at the same time, initiate plenty of swift attacks from the back and often step up in the midfield when needed in a true libero role at his peak.
LCB:- Karlheinz Förster - One of the most brilliant, yet often overlooked defenders in German football's rich history is Karlheinz Förster. Although his time came after the glory years of the 1970s, he was perhaps Germany's most important defender in the early 1980s. An outstanding marker who could negate any striker out of the game.
LWB:- Nílton Santos - One of the greatest left backs in the history of the game. Blessed with immaculate technique, engine and passing, Nílton Santos was the true pioneer of the attacking full-backs, which has become such a common theme in modern era. But at the same time, he was a brilliant defender as well.
DM:- Dave Mackay - George Best called him “the hardest man I have ever played against – and certainly the bravest”; while Mackay’s former team-mate Jimmy Greaves described him as “the most complete professional footballer I’ve ever known. He was a genuinely hard bastard and a truly gifted footballer, a combination which is so rare.” Although standing only 5ft 8in, the sturdily built Mackay’s presence was such that he seemed taller. Uncompromising in the tackle, he was driven by an intense desire to win, and was unimpressed by attempts at intimidation.
Sir Alex Ferguson:- "I know he was the bravest man in the world but he was a fantastic footballer, he was skillful. His personality, his intensity, his desire to win could make any team."
CM/Box-Box:- Yaya Toure - An absolute midfield dynamo, Yaya Touré was a midfield powerhouse. Built like a tank but moved so swiftly, it was nearly impossible to stop Yaya once he made up his mind to attack. Players bounced off him whenever he made driving runs from the midfield into the opposition box. Such was his strength and power. At his peak, he was world class and one of the greatest midfielders in the Premiership era. However, he made a name for himself in world football as a defensive holding midfielder with Barcelona where he played an integral part in Pep Guardiola's first season in charge when they won the treble. He was the holding midfielder who allowed the license to Xavi and Iniesta to do what they do best. Fast forward four years, in the first season under Manuel Pellegrini, Yaya evolved into a marauding box-box attacking midfielder who created havoc in the final third. He scored 20 Premier League goals and registered 9 assists for his teammates in 35 outings. One of the most complete midfielders of modern era, Yaya Touré was the perfect definition of the term "beast".
RW:- Amancio Amaro - Spain's best ever Right Winger, Amancio Amaro played alongside Francisco Gento for nine years at Real Madrid and seven years for Spain. Despite being a winger, Amaro won the Pichichi Trophy as Spanish footballs top scorer twice, and scored a total of 173 goals in 344 games for Real Madrid and 11 goals from 42 caps for Spain. Amancio was the best player for Spain when they won the Euros in 1964 and his exploits with Spain and Real Madrid helped him finish 3rd in Ballon d'Or voting that year.
AMC:- Zinedine Zidane - A Rolls-Royce of a midfielder, Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest players to have stepped foot on a football pitch. A true big-game player who thrived when the stakes were higher. Scorer of important goals, Zidane was blessed with immaculate technique, fantastic vision and range of passing.
SS:- Ferenc Puskás - The Galloping Major, is one of the greatest footballers to have graced the game. He was the captain of the legendary Mighty Magyars in the fifties and led them to winning a gold medal in the 1952 Olympics and a silver medal in 1954 World Cup. Even though he was out injured for few games, he still ended the 1954 World Cup with the Golden Ball as well as Bronze Boot. Till date, he remains the only footballer to have scored more than one hat-trick in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League Final, a feat he had achieved with Real Madrid when he was past his peak. Not only was he a prolific goalscorer but also a brilliant playmaker as well. This quote by Jeno Buzanszky, The Mighty Magyars' right back, gives a brief idea about the genius of Ferenc Puskás:- "If a good player has the ball, he should have the vision to spot three options. Puskás always saw at least five."
ST:- Jimmy Greaves - Greaves went on to become one of the greatest goal scorers ever in the history of the English game. His incredible ability to find the net saw him make a name for himself, not just on these shores, but across Europe too. The ultimate goal-scoring machine, still remains the highest scorer in the history of English top-flight football and has also netted more hat-tricks for England than anyone else. So deft was the forward when rounding defenders and beating goalkeepers, that his playing style was once described as the football equivalent of closing the door on a Rolls Royce. By his own admission, Greaves didn’t spend lots of time practicing his finishing, but instead relied on his sheer pace, incredible dribbling ability and a natural instinct when it came to finding the net.
Defence:- Marshaled by Gaetano Scirea at his peak, alongside his partner in crime in Claudio Gentile we have a proven fit, especially when it comes to pairing him with one of the best stoppers ever in Förster. Nilton Santos is the attacking left-back - commanding the left flank and providing width in attack as well as being the creative outlet from the left wing.
Midfield:- Mackay and Yaya form a double-pivot in the midfield. Mackay would be the defensive holding midfielder. A hard tackler but had really good defensive nous and passing ability. Alongside Mackay, we have an all-action packed, perfect box-box midfielder in Yaya who would complement Mackay really well. Both would provide the base for our attacking quartet to decide the game. Ahead of them, we have Zidane, one of the finest playmakers of all time to dictate the game for us and pull the strings. With Zidane as the No 10, we have a midfielder who can link-up with the attack and provide the necessary service as well. Amancio brings width on the right flank with his pace and creativity and also another goalscoring threat in attack considering his goalscoring output during his peak.
Attack:- We possess the best attack in the draft. A front-two of Greaves - Puskás is as good as it gets. Two outstanding goalscorers but could score goals in variety of ways. Greaves would run the channels and with his pace and finishing ability would be a constant threat playing on the shoulders of the last defender. Puskás on the other hand was an all-around forward who not only scored goals for fun but also created a shit load of chances for others as well. Playing on the left channel in a slightly left forwardish role, Puskás would be the perfect foil for Greaves.
vs Edgar Allan Pillow:- Two very similar formations and teams and most likely the personnel would decide the game, especially in the defense. We have a much superior defense, and more importantly players in their ideal roles in the zona mista formation. EAP lacks a sweeper like a Scirea or Baresi or Beckenbauer to maximize the complete potential of a zona-mista set-up. Cannavaro and Maldini are good but none of them can play that Scirea role. We also undoubtedly have a much better keeper in Preud'homme, compared to Weidenfeller. Midfield its close but I feel our central-midfield is much more balanced. Coming to attack, we have the superior attack especially with that trident of Zidane - Puskás - Greaves.
vs
Team Edgar:
The goal is manned by Roman Weidenfeller, Dortmund's finest ever goalkeeper. A key member of Klopp's freewheeling, high-pressing side around the turn of the decade and crucial in the double-winning 2011/12 campaign, he combined excellent shot-stopping with a preternatural domination of his penalty area. With that defence in front of him, he is sure to have a "grandoise spiel gespielt".
Ahead of Roman stands the GOAT pair of Centre Backs in Paolo Maldini & Fabio Cannavaro. No introduction needed for either of them. One of the strongest CB pairs in this draft and a rock solid base for the team.
Leo Junior joins the team as the new left back. A classy versatile player who can play full back, wing back and Defensive Midfielder comfortably. In 1985 Platini got the Ballon d'Or and top scorer in Serie A for a third consecutive year, yet it was Leo Junior awarded with Serie A Best Player. He is also the joint record holder for Bolas de Prata in Brazil, along with none other than Zico. though he prefers to drift in and use his passing skills as a additional playmaker, he is also comfortable providing overlapping width when necessary. Tarcisio Burgnich, one of Italy's best defenders compeltes the back line. An old fashioned no nonsense defender. Excellent man-marker and a hard tackler, who was difficult to beat in one on one situations. Crucial part of famed Herrera's Grade Inter team.
Claude Makelele joins the team to provide defensive steel. A all action, hard working midfielder who specializes in snuffing out attacks and shielding the defence. He's partnered by Marcos Senna another defensive midfield maestro whose impressive passing range and outstanding shooting ability will help bringing the ball out of the defence quickly. Between these two they form a impregnable wall in front of my GOAT CBs.
Attack is modeled around the Juventus side that Michel Platini excelled in. He has two hard working midfielders behind him doing the dirty work and freeing him up to run the game. Beppe Signori is super quick and lethal left sided forward who is adept at scoring himself or stretching the defence opening them up for Platini's goals. Jairzinho one of the best RWs of all time mans the flank and the attack is spearheaded by none other than United own Denis Law. It is a lethal and lightning fast attack that will terrorize any defence with wide spectrum of attacking possibilities.
Why I'll win:
1. Better attack: Puskas is clearly the star of Enigma's team, but Law, Platini and Jairzinho are all better than their counterparts in Enigma's team. Also Puskas is playing in a new role without wingers he usually prefers (Czibor/Gento).
2. Makelele on Zidane: There are few peers to Makelele against traditional #10s like Zidane. It will be an even matchup but having Makelele there would definitely prevent Zidane from influencing the game too much. With a astute partner in Senna, they will make sure creativity from midfield is snuffed out at the earliest limiting my opponent greatly.
3. Platini: Platini is faced by two all action midfielders, but lack of a dedicated DM would be crucial point in my favour. Platini will find it possible to stamp his authority in this game that Zidane could not.
Formation:- Zona Mista/4-2-3-1. Direct & Counter-Attacking.
Defensive line:- Normal.
Style:- Solid defensive line marshaled by Scirea, counter attack at every opportunity. Amancio and Nílton to provide width down the flanks and stretch the game so that it would allow space through the middle for the likes of Puskas, Zidane and Greaves to exploit.
GK:- Michel Preud'homme - One of the best and complete goalkeepers in the 80's and early 90's. Phenomenal reflexes and he was great organizer at the back and always dependable in collecting crosses and in the air.
Tucked-in RB:- Claudio Gentile - The Italian defender wore his reputation as a tough, uncompromising defender, or as the more clickbait YouTube video titles would have you believe, ‘The Hardest Man in Soccer’, as a badge of honour. One of the best, if not the best man-markers in the history of the game. Very few could boast of marking Diego Maradona and Zico out of the game like Gentile did. It is impossible not to admire the tenacity and discipline with which he played the game, as well as his innate ability to consistently play on the very precipice of what was acceptable over 90 minutes. The contrasting defensive pairing with Scirea in terms of style, which expertly combined silk and steel together with the experienced Zoff as the last line of defence, saw Juventus claim the 1974/75 title. Gentile played 29 of 30 league games and was integral to a Bianconeri side which only conceded three goals at home in the league all season.
Libero:- Gaetano Scirea - One of the greatest defenders to have graced the game of football. Marshaled the defense two of the most iconic sides of all time in 1980s Italy NT & 1980s Juventus. A leader amongst men, Scirea was a master at organizing the defense the back yet at the same time, initiate plenty of swift attacks from the back and often step up in the midfield when needed in a true libero role at his peak.
LCB:- Karlheinz Förster - One of the most brilliant, yet often overlooked defenders in German football's rich history is Karlheinz Förster. Although his time came after the glory years of the 1970s, he was perhaps Germany's most important defender in the early 1980s. An outstanding marker who could negate any striker out of the game.
LWB:- Nílton Santos - One of the greatest left backs in the history of the game. Blessed with immaculate technique, engine and passing, Nílton Santos was the true pioneer of the attacking full-backs, which has become such a common theme in modern era. But at the same time, he was a brilliant defender as well.
DM:- Dave Mackay - George Best called him “the hardest man I have ever played against – and certainly the bravest”; while Mackay’s former team-mate Jimmy Greaves described him as “the most complete professional footballer I’ve ever known. He was a genuinely hard bastard and a truly gifted footballer, a combination which is so rare.” Although standing only 5ft 8in, the sturdily built Mackay’s presence was such that he seemed taller. Uncompromising in the tackle, he was driven by an intense desire to win, and was unimpressed by attempts at intimidation.
Sir Alex Ferguson:- "I know he was the bravest man in the world but he was a fantastic footballer, he was skillful. His personality, his intensity, his desire to win could make any team."
CM/Box-Box:- Yaya Toure - An absolute midfield dynamo, Yaya Touré was a midfield powerhouse. Built like a tank but moved so swiftly, it was nearly impossible to stop Yaya once he made up his mind to attack. Players bounced off him whenever he made driving runs from the midfield into the opposition box. Such was his strength and power. At his peak, he was world class and one of the greatest midfielders in the Premiership era. However, he made a name for himself in world football as a defensive holding midfielder with Barcelona where he played an integral part in Pep Guardiola's first season in charge when they won the treble. He was the holding midfielder who allowed the license to Xavi and Iniesta to do what they do best. Fast forward four years, in the first season under Manuel Pellegrini, Yaya evolved into a marauding box-box attacking midfielder who created havoc in the final third. He scored 20 Premier League goals and registered 9 assists for his teammates in 35 outings. One of the most complete midfielders of modern era, Yaya Touré was the perfect definition of the term "beast".
RW:- Amancio Amaro - Spain's best ever Right Winger, Amancio Amaro played alongside Francisco Gento for nine years at Real Madrid and seven years for Spain. Despite being a winger, Amaro won the Pichichi Trophy as Spanish footballs top scorer twice, and scored a total of 173 goals in 344 games for Real Madrid and 11 goals from 42 caps for Spain. Amancio was the best player for Spain when they won the Euros in 1964 and his exploits with Spain and Real Madrid helped him finish 3rd in Ballon d'Or voting that year.
AMC:- Zinedine Zidane - A Rolls-Royce of a midfielder, Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest players to have stepped foot on a football pitch. A true big-game player who thrived when the stakes were higher. Scorer of important goals, Zidane was blessed with immaculate technique, fantastic vision and range of passing.
SS:- Ferenc Puskás - The Galloping Major, is one of the greatest footballers to have graced the game. He was the captain of the legendary Mighty Magyars in the fifties and led them to winning a gold medal in the 1952 Olympics and a silver medal in 1954 World Cup. Even though he was out injured for few games, he still ended the 1954 World Cup with the Golden Ball as well as Bronze Boot. Till date, he remains the only footballer to have scored more than one hat-trick in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League Final, a feat he had achieved with Real Madrid when he was past his peak. Not only was he a prolific goalscorer but also a brilliant playmaker as well. This quote by Jeno Buzanszky, The Mighty Magyars' right back, gives a brief idea about the genius of Ferenc Puskás:- "If a good player has the ball, he should have the vision to spot three options. Puskás always saw at least five."
ST:- Jimmy Greaves - Greaves went on to become one of the greatest goal scorers ever in the history of the English game. His incredible ability to find the net saw him make a name for himself, not just on these shores, but across Europe too. The ultimate goal-scoring machine, still remains the highest scorer in the history of English top-flight football and has also netted more hat-tricks for England than anyone else. So deft was the forward when rounding defenders and beating goalkeepers, that his playing style was once described as the football equivalent of closing the door on a Rolls Royce. By his own admission, Greaves didn’t spend lots of time practicing his finishing, but instead relied on his sheer pace, incredible dribbling ability and a natural instinct when it came to finding the net.
Defence:- Marshaled by Gaetano Scirea at his peak, alongside his partner in crime in Claudio Gentile we have a proven fit, especially when it comes to pairing him with one of the best stoppers ever in Förster. Nilton Santos is the attacking left-back - commanding the left flank and providing width in attack as well as being the creative outlet from the left wing.
Midfield:- Mackay and Yaya form a double-pivot in the midfield. Mackay would be the defensive holding midfielder. A hard tackler but had really good defensive nous and passing ability. Alongside Mackay, we have an all-action packed, perfect box-box midfielder in Yaya who would complement Mackay really well. Both would provide the base for our attacking quartet to decide the game. Ahead of them, we have Zidane, one of the finest playmakers of all time to dictate the game for us and pull the strings. With Zidane as the No 10, we have a midfielder who can link-up with the attack and provide the necessary service as well. Amancio brings width on the right flank with his pace and creativity and also another goalscoring threat in attack considering his goalscoring output during his peak.
Attack:- We possess the best attack in the draft. A front-two of Greaves - Puskás is as good as it gets. Two outstanding goalscorers but could score goals in variety of ways. Greaves would run the channels and with his pace and finishing ability would be a constant threat playing on the shoulders of the last defender. Puskás on the other hand was an all-around forward who not only scored goals for fun but also created a shit load of chances for others as well. Playing on the left channel in a slightly left forwardish role, Puskás would be the perfect foil for Greaves.
vs Edgar Allan Pillow:- Two very similar formations and teams and most likely the personnel would decide the game, especially in the defense. We have a much superior defense, and more importantly players in their ideal roles in the zona mista formation. EAP lacks a sweeper like a Scirea or Baresi or Beckenbauer to maximize the complete potential of a zona-mista set-up. Cannavaro and Maldini are good but none of them can play that Scirea role. We also undoubtedly have a much better keeper in Preud'homme, compared to Weidenfeller. Midfield its close but I feel our central-midfield is much more balanced. Coming to attack, we have the superior attack especially with that trident of Zidane - Puskás - Greaves.
vs
Team Edgar:
The goal is manned by Roman Weidenfeller, Dortmund's finest ever goalkeeper. A key member of Klopp's freewheeling, high-pressing side around the turn of the decade and crucial in the double-winning 2011/12 campaign, he combined excellent shot-stopping with a preternatural domination of his penalty area. With that defence in front of him, he is sure to have a "grandoise spiel gespielt".
Ahead of Roman stands the GOAT pair of Centre Backs in Paolo Maldini & Fabio Cannavaro. No introduction needed for either of them. One of the strongest CB pairs in this draft and a rock solid base for the team.
Leo Junior joins the team as the new left back. A classy versatile player who can play full back, wing back and Defensive Midfielder comfortably. In 1985 Platini got the Ballon d'Or and top scorer in Serie A for a third consecutive year, yet it was Leo Junior awarded with Serie A Best Player. He is also the joint record holder for Bolas de Prata in Brazil, along with none other than Zico. though he prefers to drift in and use his passing skills as a additional playmaker, he is also comfortable providing overlapping width when necessary. Tarcisio Burgnich, one of Italy's best defenders compeltes the back line. An old fashioned no nonsense defender. Excellent man-marker and a hard tackler, who was difficult to beat in one on one situations. Crucial part of famed Herrera's Grade Inter team.
Claude Makelele joins the team to provide defensive steel. A all action, hard working midfielder who specializes in snuffing out attacks and shielding the defence. He's partnered by Marcos Senna another defensive midfield maestro whose impressive passing range and outstanding shooting ability will help bringing the ball out of the defence quickly. Between these two they form a impregnable wall in front of my GOAT CBs.
Attack is modeled around the Juventus side that Michel Platini excelled in. He has two hard working midfielders behind him doing the dirty work and freeing him up to run the game. Beppe Signori is super quick and lethal left sided forward who is adept at scoring himself or stretching the defence opening them up for Platini's goals. Jairzinho one of the best RWs of all time mans the flank and the attack is spearheaded by none other than United own Denis Law. It is a lethal and lightning fast attack that will terrorize any defence with wide spectrum of attacking possibilities.
Why I'll win:
1. Better attack: Puskas is clearly the star of Enigma's team, but Law, Platini and Jairzinho are all better than their counterparts in Enigma's team. Also Puskas is playing in a new role without wingers he usually prefers (Czibor/Gento).
2. Makelele on Zidane: There are few peers to Makelele against traditional #10s like Zidane. It will be an even matchup but having Makelele there would definitely prevent Zidane from influencing the game too much. With a astute partner in Senna, they will make sure creativity from midfield is snuffed out at the earliest limiting my opponent greatly.
3. Platini: Platini is faced by two all action midfielders, but lack of a dedicated DM would be crucial point in my favour. Platini will find it possible to stamp his authority in this game that Zidane could not.
Really moot point behind that defensive line. Agree that Preud'homme is a better kepper, but then Weidenfeller's peak was short but pretty stellar. CL and Don Balon winner to boot.