ATG Managers Draft - QF - Raees vs BIG DUNK (U. Lattek vs N. Rocco)

Who will win this game (also taking realisation of the tactical blueprint into account)?


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2mufc0

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Dragon of Dojima
Team Raees



VS

Team BIG DUNK



Team Raees (Udo Lattek)


Playing style, tactics

Lattek was an incredibly adaptable and innovative manager whose Bayern side often gets overlooked in favour of the Dutch sides of the 70's... his Bayern side was just as futuristic with its crazy full backs who could join in with the midfield and wide players who were playmakers rather than just out and out wide men. He seemingly favoured a hard working base in midfield across his various sides and also deployed a libero more often than not... preferring to have a sweeper to clean up any complexities posed by the opposition threat.

I modelled his side more on the Bayern outfit of the early 70's but it is more of a Greatest Hits tribute act.

Player roles
GK: FILLOL (75-78) - based on Sepp Maier ... an agile shot stopper, the Argentine is a great All-time level replacement for him.
RB: BURGNICH (63-66) - based on Berti Vogts... tucked in defensive right back cum man marker... The Italian was the original.
CB: GODIN (13-16) - based on Schwarzenbeck... the steel to Beckenbauer's classier approach
SW: BARESI (87-90) - based on Beckenbauer.
LB: NILTON (55-58) - based on Breitner.. pioneer of attacking left backs and right footed to boot.
MIDFIELD TRIO: EDWARDS (55-58) - TARDELLI (80-83) - MASOPUST (60-63) based on Roth-Kappelmann-Zobel .. hard working box to box trio.
RW: FINNEY (53-56) - based on Hoeness all-round winger/playmaker/wing forward who could score create, score and control in equal measure
LW: RIVALDO (97-00) - based on KH Rummenigge, explosive free roaming wide forward/support striker who could devaste teams with his potency in front of goal and speed of thought.
CF: ROMARIO (91-94) - the perfect replacement for Gerd Muller.

Team BIG DUNK (Nereo Rocco)

Inspiration/blueprint


Nereo Rocco's AC Milan: 1st spell (1961-63) & 2nd spell (1967-73).

Team specific: 1969 European Cup Final - AC Milan 4-1 Ajax



Playing style, tactics

Highly disciplined and defensively organised 4-3-3, while still being very potent and direct on the counter attack. Scirea performs the libero role (modern ball playing centreback) whose expert positioning and movement is still effective with the modern offside rules. Bergomi, Gentile and Maldini can be assigned specific man marking duties, while also incorporating the modern catenaccio variation of mixed zonal marking. Deschamps can hold while Maldini or Scirea move forward. Bergomi, Scirea, Gentile and Maldini are all competent on the ball and with the ball, able to initiate attacks.

Our industry is matched by our artistry and prolific threat in attack. Having three in midfield will help to contest against possession-focused opponents, and help to control the game with and without the ball. We can build play through Scirea from deep. Our defence and attack is linked by French pair Deschamps and Tigana. Our creative play will flow through Zidane, and through Del Piero and Figo on the flanks. Luis Figo can swap wings or move centrally. Our attack is very dangerous on the counter attack, and on well-timed vertical passing transitions. Del Piero will cut in from the left wing, whose runs will create space for Batistuta.

By allowing and encouraging our opponent to attack, I believe I have the ultimate defensive platform to nullify my opponent, then counter with a very potent and clutch attack. We possess defensive strength, all-round team balance, workrate, creativity and goals. We have the tools to adapt to each opponent and exploit their weaknesses.

Player roles

Gianluigi Buffon (Goalkeeper)
- the greatest goalkeeper of all time, Gianluigi Buffon. He will form an impenetrable unit alongside Maldini, Gentile, Bergomi and Scirea. I have not seen a more complete goalkeeper than Super Gigi.

Giuseppe Bergomi (Right back) – you cannot get a superior upgrade for Angelo Anquilletti than Bergomi. Angelo Anquilletti was actually an inspiration for a young Claudio Gentile. Bergomi will be utilised as my defensive right back. Bergomi is one of the greatest man-markers of all time, if not Italy’s best ever stopper. His defending style combined the no-nonsense tough-tackling reminiscent of classic catenaccio, with defensive discipline that set him apart from other tough markers of his era and before. Giuseppe was a tenacious but very efficient tackler, whose awareness for danger and space helped him to break down attacking moves and anticipate counter attacks.

Claudio Gentile (Stopper) - the very master of the dark arts of defending, Claudio Gentile is one of the toughest man markers of all time. A tenacious and physically dominant stopper who would lockdown the opponent’s key creator, dangerous winger or goalscorer. Like the great Rocco, Gentile meticulously studied pre-game his marking assignment: identifying their strengths, and preying on their weaknesses. As with Bergomi and Maldini, Gentile can work across the back four in a variety of roles, with the tactical intelligence, technical ability and mobility to start a quick counter attack. Like the legendary Roberto Rosato, it is important that Gentile can operate as a centreback, fullback or defensive midfielder when called upon.

Gaetano Scirea (Libero) - il Grande Capitano, Juve’s greatest ever defender. Scirea is technically and tactically a perfect ball-playing central defender. Scirea transformed the limited and defensive interpretation of the sweeper role, and perfected it into the integral creative fulcrum from deep. Scirea possessed an allround game, demonstrating an elegance on the ball and passing skills that set him apart from other libero’s of his era. In this free role, Scirea will roam along his back line, shutting down attacks, closing down any spaces, covering his man-markers and anticipating any threat, then using his vision and playmaking skills to dribble the ball forward or pass to his midfielders and forwards with accurate longballs. Scirea wasn’t an aggressive tackler, but instead made well-timed interceptions and slide tackles. One-on-one against a striker or winger, you could almost always guarantee Scirea coming out with the ball, gracefully gliding forward to initiate another attack.

Paolo Maldini (Left back) - Not only the greatest left back of all time, Maldini is unquestionably one of the best players in football history. Paolo Maldini is the ultimate defender; in the sense he has every quality and skill you need at fullback or centreback. In the 90s you could appreciate him as a true athlete, nearly impossible to run past and powerful charging forward with the ball. Maldini controlled, crossed and passed the ball with great composure and precision. Maldini’s positioning, reading of the game and discipline was world-class. He executed perfectly- timed slide tackles and strong interceptions. When he positioned himself between the ball and attacker, his opponent had no chance in outmuscling and winning back the ball from the strong, agile and towering figure of Maldini. Maldini has more attacking licence down his flank than Bergomi, while also forming a solid 3-man defence with Gentile and Bergomi, when Scirea joins the attack. There is no finer upgrade to Schnellinger or Sabadini than Paolo Maldini.

Didier Deschamps (Defensive midfielder) - The highly disciplined Didier Deschamps will break down my opponent’s attacks, screen my back four and distribute the ball with accuracy. His tactical and positional intelligence in the enforcer role is very important. Deschamps has a massive match engine too, demonstrating his tenacity and pressing in areas across the midfield, both deep, central and high up the pitch. For the sheer balance he brings, vision and leadership he possesses, Deschamps is a key cog here. Giovanni Trapattoni was Nereo Rocco’s anchor, linking the Rossoneri’s defence and attack. Deschamps is the clinical master of this.

Jean Tigana (Box to box midfielder) - One of the finest box-to-box midfielders of the 80s and all-time, Jean Tigana fulfils two functions in this role: 1) his tenacious tackling, pressing, intelligent covering and endless workrate across the pitch is invaluable defensively; 2) 'Jeannot' was also effective bringing the ball forward, knitting play together with incisive short passes/through-balls and driving into the last third. Tigana's all-round game and defensive influence when we don't have the ball is vital. The defensive assurance that Tigana and Deschamps provides allows the creative likes of Zidane, Figo and Del Piero to express themselves freely. Tigana is the integral engine room of my team, as both Benetti and Lodetti so perfectly served under Rocco.

Zinedine Zidane (Attacking midfielder) - The artist amongst all the industry, Zizou is my fantasista. Not only one of the best playmakers of all time, but one of the all-time greatest footballers. A creative midfielder possessing pure technique: whether it be his elegant ball control and dribbling, accurate passing or highly technical shooting, Zidane moved with the ball with balance and grace like no other. Excellent vision, football IQ and an ability to shine the brightest in the biggest games. Zidane has the perfect defensive cover and workrate in Deschamps and Tigana, and the ideal attacking partners in Del Piero, Figo and Batistuta. As Gianni Rivera before him, Zidane is the dream artist to complement the ruthlessness of Catenaccio.

Luis Figo (Right winger) - Arguably the greatest playmaking winger of all time. Figo's dribbling and crossing ability made him one of the most effective wingers in football history. His football intelligence and link-up play makes him dangerous cutting in too, combining with Zidane centrally. Figo adds creativity and goals from the wing (a monstrous 55 goals and 62 assists in his allocated 3 seasons). To ease the creative responsibility on Zidane, I will make use of Luis Figo's high workrate on the right wing - Batistuta will no doubt benefit from Figo’s accurate crosses from the flanks, through-balls and drilled cut-backs. A tactical change and upgrade to Kurt Hamrin: Figo offers me more of a playmaking threat (creative winger-type > direct wingforward), adding superior workrate (both attacking and defensive) and covering behind. Figo gets the best out of Batistuta-Del Piero-Zidane, like no other winger in history could.

Gabriel Batistuta (Centre forward) - I needed a clinical finisher, lethal with both feet, in the air, in the box and from long range. A complete striker who was arguably the most consistent and finest striker in Serie A in the 90s, and regarded as one of the greatest centre forwards of all time. ‘Batigol’ is both a prolific goalscorer and a creative team player (excellent link-up play with his secondary strike partner/playmaker). His sheer power and shooting technique was world-class, adding to his predatory instinct and intelligent positioning. Batistuta represents all the qualities of José Altafini and Angelo Sormani wrapped in one offensive package.

Alessandro Del Piero (Supporting striker) – there is no forward in football history who can encapsulate Pierino Prati’s role more wonderfully than Del Piero: a secondary striker who can play anywhere along the front-line, but primarily here off the left wing, employed as both a creative and goalscoring threat. A highly skilled technician whose dribbling, set-piece, crossing and shooting technique were worldclass. Del Piero fits perfectly here as he works seamlessly in an attacking triumvirate: his creativity, link-up play and support for a centre-forward (Batistuta) and his fluid movement and quick-passing partnership with my playmaker (Zidane) is tactically vital. Operating in his famous ‘Del Piero Zone’, we’ll take advantage of his assists, sharp turns, curling shots and direct penetration cutting inside. His workrate on the wing, also adds cover and helps to create space for his teammates. A consistent goalscorer, Alex will ease the scoring burden on Batistuta.

Alterations from the original

Nereo Rocco’s system evolved through the eras, and he was open to make the necessary tactical adjustments. Here, we apply the modern adaption of the offside rule and positional discipline in the back four. Including an update to the mixed man/zonal-marking duties, in order to keep shape and not allowing any spaces for our opponent to work in. Rocco’s expectation of hard-work and adaptive organisation is thus maintained.
 

harms

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After watching yet another Mönchengladbach game a few days back it struck me (again) how misrepresent Vogts is in those drafts. I can’t say that I like Burgnich as his replacement personally. Vogts loved to drive forward, even though he wasn’t a Cafu/Zanetti type.

As for Big Dunk’s side – it gets scarier and scarier by the minute. I’d probably switch Gentile and Bergomi, but that may just be me, I’ve always preferred Gentile as a side back and with Bergomi I don’t have a preference. Even without Deschamps-Tigana in front of them that defensive unit is seemingly unbeatable, and with those two...
 

Physiocrat

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Not much insight but this is very close indeed. I suppose I'm a bit dubious of Edwards as a pivot in midfield 3 as everything I have read about him is as a B2B
 

2mufc0

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Not much insight but this is very close indeed. I suppose I'm a bit dubious of Edwards as a pivot in midfield 3 as everything I have read about him is as a B2B
From what I've read he used to drop back into the centre back position, so in today's game I would probably have him down as a defensive B2b or dm.
 

Raees

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After watching yet another Mönchengladbach game a few days back it struck me (again) how misrepresent Vogts is in those drafts. I can’t say that I like Burgnich as his replacement personally. Vogts loved to drive forward, even though he wasn’t a Cafu/Zanetti type.

As for Big Dunk’s side – it gets scarier and scarier by the minute. I’d probably switch Gentile and Bergomi, but that may just be me, I’ve always preferred Gentile as a side back and with Bergomi I don’t have a preference. Even without Deschamps-Tigana in front of them that defensive unit is seemingly unbeatable, and with those two...
No doubt his team is strong, but how do his players match up to Rocco's personnel and tactical set up.

I personally think Burgnich also gets underrated in terms of his technical side with the ball. When he did get forward, he was pretty neat in possession.. albeit not in the same league as a Vogts. They're both terrific man-markers though and that is why I chose him... picking a Cafu for example would have been a shiny but irrelevant pick.
 

harms

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From what I've read he used to drop back into the centre back position, so in today's game I would probably have him down as a defensive B2b or dm.
I may misremember it and it wasn't @GodShaveTheQueen, but I think someone busted that myth. He had almost never played as a center back, it just so happened that in the only full game United got down to 10 men and he dropped there to cover. Anyway, it's a bit unlikely that he used to drop there from midfield as a part of his natural game.
 

Raees

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Not much insight but this is very close indeed. I suppose I'm a bit dubious of Edwards as a pivot in midfield 3 as everything I have read about him is as a B2B
I imagine him as a latter day Keane CDM and in a box to box trio with plenty of lungs, there was a reason why I went for him instead of a CDM Pivot/Destroyer.. it is because Bayern did not play with that type of CDM. They had three hard working box to box players in midfield.
 

harms

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No doubt his team is strong, but how do his players match up to Rocco's personnel and tactical set up.

I personally think Burgnich also gets underrated in terms of his technical side with the ball. When he did get forward, he was pretty neat in possession.. albeit not in the same league as a Vogts. They're both terrific man-markers though and that is why I chose him... picking a Cafu for example would have been a shiny but irrelevant pick.
Burgnich got forward from time to time, but Vogts did it way more often and it was definitely one of his traits. I'm not saying that you should've had picked Cafu, mind you, he is way farther from Vogts than Burgnich is :)

As for Rocco – I think he had got it pretty much spot on. A sturdy defensive side built to bring the best out of its trequartista. Hamrin is a bit different to Figo, but that's about it.
 

2mufc0

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I may misremember it and it wasn't @GodShaveTheQueen, but I think someone busted that myth. He had almost never played as a center back, it just so happened that in the only full game United got down to 10 men and he dropped there to cover. Anyway, it's a bit unlikely that he used to drop there from midfield as a part of his natural game.
That's interesting, what's the source for it? But it's quite telling that he was pushed back into the CB position when required. I guess it's besides the point anyway as most sources say he was an extremely talented and versatile player who could play the defensive role.
 

Enigma_87

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Lovely side from Raees but BD team looks fantastic and to the point. Can’t see past him here.
 

Physiocrat

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I imagine him as a latter day Keane CDM and in a box to box trio with plenty of lungs, there was a reason why I went for him instead of a CDM Pivot/Destroyer.. it is because Bayern did not play with that type of CDM. They had three hard working box to box players in midfield.
Ah ok, it's the graphic that is putting me off
 

GodShaveTheQueen

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Dont mind Duncan at all in that role.

For starters, that back 4 is stupendously over defensively. But that just gives more freedom to all the front 6 to express themselves.

For Big Dunc, I am disappointed that you dropped Conti. While Figo will always be an huge upgrade, I was loving that Serie A theme. You lose romance points there (Yea yea Figo played there too but only at his retirement).

While Tigana was a brilliant pick, I was expecting you to go for someone like Cabrini to build on that beautiful theme. Move Maldini central etc.

Not a fan of that Maldini/Del Piero flank. I know Maldini did go forward but in an all time sense, that also loses points from me. Cabrini would have fixed that as well.

You still win my vote of course. Amazing that these fools let you build that roster.
 

BIG DUNK

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No doubt his team is strong, but how do his players match up to Rocco's personnel and tactical set up.
TEAM (tactical execution similarities) :

- very disciplined side with an effective defensive and counter-attacking style: my back four and the defensive work of Deschamps-Tigana are the perfect essence of Rocco's defensive dream, matched by the deadly attacking prowess of my playmakers/wingers/striker.

- utilisation of libero: Scirea is the perfect libero to play behind pure defenders Bergomi, Gentile and Maldini. Scirea's creative and attacking influence is also maximised here.

- effective markers: Bergomi, Gentile, Maldini and midfielders Deschamps and Tigana are revered in this regard. Even Del Piero and Figo were known for their workrate on the wing.

- the marriage of the suffocating Catenaccio with the artistry and creativity: we possess the ideal balance of pragmatism and artistry. On one side of the coin you have Gentile, the other, Zizou. Zidane-Figo-Del Piero have the solid defensive perform to now fully express themselves.

- quintessential 1-3-3-3 formation represented here. There is the freedom to swap wings and cut in for the 'wingers'. Del Piero will play more inside, while Figo wider on the flank. The magic triangle of Deschamps-Tigana-Zidane would match up with any all-time midfield. Perfectly balanced and able to be effective against high-possession midfields. With Scirea as my libero, Bergomi will play as the defensive right back, while Maldini will be allowed more freedom to attack (overlapping my supporting striker on the left flank who will be cutting into to the 'Del Piero zone').


PLAYER (personnel similarities):

While the playstyles of Hamrin, Schnellinger and Rivera are more well known these days, here are the wikipedia/AC Milan Hall of Fame player profiles of the more underrated heroes of that side:

Fabio Cudicini (BUFFON) - "he is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, and as one of Italy's best ever goalkeepers. A spectacular goalkeeper, who is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, and as one of Italy's and Milan's greatest ever goalkeepers, Cudicini was known for his agility, reactions, and shot-stopping ability as a goalkeeper, as well as his large reach, and his tall, slender build and long limbs, which aided him in coming off his line to collect crosses, but also occasionally limited his speed and mobility at times. Although he often stood out throughout his career for his athleticism in goal and ability to produce acrobatic dives and decisive saves, he was also known to be an extremely efficient rather than flamboyant goalkeeper, who possessed an excellent positional sense. A precocious talent in his youth, Cudicini also stood out for his consistency and longevity throughout his career, and had a highly successful spell with Milan even in his later years; despite his ability, however, he often struggled with injuries throughout his career. Cudicini frequently wore all-black goalkeeping attire, which along with his long limbs and goalkeeping abilities, earned him the nickname Il Ragno Nero ('The Black Spider'), a nickname which also belonged to legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, who was also known for wearing all-black goalkeeping attire."

Angelo Anquilletti (BERGOMI) - "A tough yet fair player, Anquilletti was a successful right-sided full-back, who was known for his strength, energy, work-rate, positioning, marking ability, anticipation, and his ability to read the game; he also excelled in the air and was confident on the ball and at distributing it to teammates, which also enabled him to be deployed as a sweeper towards the end of his career. Anquilletti was known by the fans as "Angelo Anguilla" (Angelo the Eel), due to his man-marking ability. Angelo Anquilletti joined AC Milan to build with Schnellinger, Rosato and Malatrasi the unbreakable "Maginot" defensive line of the Rossoneri. Tough, but always correct, he maniacally studied and neutralised important opponents, such as Riva, Best and Cruijff."

Roberto Rosato (GENTILE) - "A strong, hard-tackling, and reliable centre-back, he is regarded as one of Italy's greatest defenders. A powerful, consistent, hard-tackling, and tenacious man-marking centre-back, Rosato is regarded as one of the greatest and most complete Italian defenders of all time, due to his strong performances throughout his career. In addition to his tough, determined, physical, and aggressive style of play, he was also extremely composed and elegant on the ball, due to his notable technical ability and balance; he was also known for his commanding influence on the pitch. Rosato was frequently known by his team-mates and the media as "Angel Face" (Faccia d'Angelo) under manager Nereo Rocco, due to his delicate, handsome physical features, which were thought to contrast with his determination and ruggedness on the pitch."

Giovanni Trapattoni (DESCHAMPS) - "A talented defensive-minded player, Trapattoni was capable of playing both in defence, as a centre-back, and in midfield, as a defensive midfielder, due to his work-rate and ability to win back possession and subsequently distribute the ball forward to his more offensive-minded teammates. Above all, he was known for his excellent man-marking skills. Trapattoni had a successful career as a player with A.C. Milan, playing either as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder with the main task of passing the ball to more creative players such as Giovanni Lodetti and Gianni Rivera. One of the stars of the 1963 European Cup Final against Benfica, successfully man-marking Eusébio in the second half. Similarly, in the team's 4–1 victory in the 1969 European Cup Final against Ajax, he drew praise in the Italian media for his defending and ability to nullify the offensive threat of Johann Cruyff."

Giovanni Lodetti (TIGANA) - "A hard-working player, he usually supported his more creative teammates defensively, excelling as a defensive midfielder due to his stamina and his ability to read the game. Despite his supporting role in midfield, he also possessed good technique and creativity, as well as an eye for goal, which also saw him participate in his teams attacking moves. Untiring hard-fighting midfielder, he significantly contributed to the success of his surrounding teammates, working in the shadows, but also distinguishing himself for his proactive initiatives and goals."

Pierino Prati (DEL PIERO) - "A talented and opportunistic player, with an eye for goal, Prati was capable of playing anywhere along the front-line, as a striker, supporting forward, and as a winger. At Milan, he was often deployed on the left wing due to his pace, technique, distribution, and was also known for his powerful and accurate shot from both inside and outside the penalty area, as well as his ability in the air."

Angelo Sormani (BATISTUTA) - "he was capable of playing anywhere along the front-line, as a centre-forward, as well as in an attacking midfield role, or also as a winger on the right flank. Despite lacking pace, he was a physically strong, creative and intelligent player with excellent technical ability; throughout his career, he was known for his tactical versatility, power and determination, as well as his capability to take part in and initiate attacking plays due to his passing ability. A versatile forward, capable of playing anywhere along the frontline, his sublime technique and impressive strength made him the perfect partner for Prati and Rivera."



Other Milan legends who I drew inspiration from:

Cesare Maldini - libero
Giuseppe Sabadini - left back
Víctor Benítez - defensive midfielder
Romeo Benetti - box-to-box midfielder
Luciano Chiarugi - left wing/supporting striker
José Altafini - striker
 

BIG DUNK

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As for Rocco – I think he had got it pretty much spot on. A sturdy defensive side built to bring the best out of its trequartista. Hamrin is a bit different to Figo, but that's about it.
Yes, two totally different number 7's. I felt a tactical upgrade/change would make my team more effective. As per the OP: "A tactical change and upgrade to Kurt Hamrin: Figo offers me more of a playmaking threat (creative winger-type > direct wingforward), adding superior workrate (both attacking and defensive) and covering behind. Figo gets the best out of Batistuta-Del Piero-Zidane, like no other winger in history could."

This was Milan-Hamrin too (not peak Fiorentina Hamrin). He'd lost much of his physical attributes... but his close control, intelligence and direct dribbling was still there as a third offensive weapon in Rocco's attack. Hamrin only scored 9 Serie A goals in his 2-season short (but highly successful) Milan career. Figo offers me that elite dribbling penetration but now with more goals, more assists, more creative output, mobility and workrate.


For Big Dunc, I am disappointed that you dropped Conti. While Figo will always be an huge upgrade, I was loving that Serie A theme. You lose romance points there (Yea yea Figo played there too but only at his retirement).
Haha true. Conti is the greater Calcio legend. But as I mentioned earlier, I gain more goals, assists and defensive workrate on the right wing now. I wouldn't swap even Garrincha, Jairzinho or George Best for Figo.


While Tigana was a brilliant pick, I was expecting you to go for someone like Cabrini to build on that beautiful theme. Move Maldini central etc.
I don't think Bagni got much respect in the previous game, but upgraded with the greater name/better player in Tigana. He fits perfectly alongside Deschamps and Zidane too. Tigana enjoyed one the best primes for a box-to-box midfielder.


Not a fan of that Maldini/Del Piero flank. I know Maldini did go forward but in an all time sense, that also loses points from me. Cabrini would have fixed that as well.
Maldini-Del Piero is one of my favourite parts of this team. Can't upgrade Maldini, whose defensive game (which is valued more in this setup) can't be bettered, and I feel his attacking threat is somewhat underrated these days. I don't need Maldini to have a Facchetti/Roberto Carlos influence either. I can't drop any of Scirea-Gentile-Bergomi either. Del Piero will be Del Piero. Neither a winger or #9 but flourishes in the supporting striker role, in that triumvirate. I could have thrown in an "all-time greater name" than Alex, but for Del Piero's natural game and positioning, and the prospect of Del Piero and Batigol linking up too... it's a 90's Serie A fantasy.
 

GodShaveTheQueen

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@BIG DUNK

Good arguments. Scirea-Gentile has one obvious Achilles heel. Let’s see if it gets exposed in future rounds if you win this.

don't think Bagni got much respect in the previous game, but upgraded with the greater name/better player in Tigana. He fits perfectly alongside Deschamps and Zidane too. Tigana enjoyed one the best primes for a box-to-box midfielder.
I meant getting Tigana and Cabrini instead of Figo and Tigana. But either ways, you have made your point.
 

Raees

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TEAM (tactical execution similarities) :

- very disciplined side with an effective defensive and counter-attacking style: my back four and the defensive work of Deschamps-Tigana are the perfect essence of Rocco's defensive dream, matched by the deadly attacking prowess of my playmakers/wingers/striker.

- utilisation of libero: Scirea is the perfect libero to play behind pure defenders Bergomi, Gentile and Maldini. Scirea's creative and attacking influence is also maximised here.

- effective markers: Bergomi, Gentile, Maldini and midfielders Deschamps and Tigana are revered in this regard. Even Del Piero and Figo were known for their workrate on the wing.

- the marriage of the suffocating Catenaccio with the artistry and creativity: we possess the ideal balance of pragmatism and artistry. On one side of the coin you have Gentile, the other, Zizou. Zidane-Figo-Del Piero have the solid defensive perform to now fully express themselves.

- quintessential 1-3-3-3 formation represented here. There is the freedom to swap wings and cut in for the 'wingers'. Del Piero will play more inside, while Figo wider on the flank. The magic triangle of Deschamps-Tigana-Zidane would match up with any all-time midfield. Perfectly balanced and able to be effective against high-possession midfields. With Scirea as my libero, Bergomi will play as the defensive right back, while Maldini will be allowed more freedom to attack (overlapping my supporting striker on the left flank who will be cutting into to the 'Del Piero zone').


PLAYER (personnel similarities):

While the playstyles of Hamrin, Schnellinger and Rivera are more well known these days, here are the wikipedia/AC Milan Hall of Fame player profiles of the more underrated heroes of that side:

Fabio Cudicini (BUFFON) - "he is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, and as one of Italy's best ever goalkeepers. A spectacular goalkeeper, who is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, and as one of Italy's and Milan's greatest ever goalkeepers, Cudicini was known for his agility, reactions, and shot-stopping ability as a goalkeeper, as well as his large reach, and his tall, slender build and long limbs, which aided him in coming off his line to collect crosses, but also occasionally limited his speed and mobility at times. Although he often stood out throughout his career for his athleticism in goal and ability to produce acrobatic dives and decisive saves, he was also known to be an extremely efficient rather than flamboyant goalkeeper, who possessed an excellent positional sense. A precocious talent in his youth, Cudicini also stood out for his consistency and longevity throughout his career, and had a highly successful spell with Milan even in his later years; despite his ability, however, he often struggled with injuries throughout his career. Cudicini frequently wore all-black goalkeeping attire, which along with his long limbs and goalkeeping abilities, earned him the nickname Il Ragno Nero ('The Black Spider'), a nickname which also belonged to legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, who was also known for wearing all-black goalkeeping attire."

Angelo Anquilletti (BERGOMI) - "A tough yet fair player, Anquilletti was a successful right-sided full-back, who was known for his strength, energy, work-rate, positioning, marking ability, anticipation, and his ability to read the game; he also excelled in the air and was confident on the ball and at distributing it to teammates, which also enabled him to be deployed as a sweeper towards the end of his career. Anquilletti was known by the fans as "Angelo Anguilla" (Angelo the Eel), due to his man-marking ability. Angelo Anquilletti joined AC Milan to build with Schnellinger, Rosato and Malatrasi the unbreakable "Maginot" defensive line of the Rossoneri. Tough, but always correct, he maniacally studied and neutralised important opponents, such as Riva, Best and Cruijff."

Roberto Rosato (GENTILE) - "A strong, hard-tackling, and reliable centre-back, he is regarded as one of Italy's greatest defenders. A powerful, consistent, hard-tackling, and tenacious man-marking centre-back, Rosato is regarded as one of the greatest and most complete Italian defenders of all time, due to his strong performances throughout his career. In addition to his tough, determined, physical, and aggressive style of play, he was also extremely composed and elegant on the ball, due to his notable technical ability and balance; he was also known for his commanding influence on the pitch. Rosato was frequently known by his team-mates and the media as "Angel Face" (Faccia d'Angelo) under manager Nereo Rocco, due to his delicate, handsome physical features, which were thought to contrast with his determination and ruggedness on the pitch."

Giovanni Trapattoni (DESCHAMPS) - "A talented defensive-minded player, Trapattoni was capable of playing both in defence, as a centre-back, and in midfield, as a defensive midfielder, due to his work-rate and ability to win back possession and subsequently distribute the ball forward to his more offensive-minded teammates. Above all, he was known for his excellent man-marking skills. Trapattoni had a successful career as a player with A.C. Milan, playing either as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder with the main task of passing the ball to more creative players such as Giovanni Lodetti and Gianni Rivera. One of the stars of the 1963 European Cup Final against Benfica, successfully man-marking Eusébio in the second half. Similarly, in the team's 4–1 victory in the 1969 European Cup Final against Ajax, he drew praise in the Italian media for his defending and ability to nullify the offensive threat of Johann Cruyff."

Giovanni Lodetti (TIGANA) - "A hard-working player, he usually supported his more creative teammates defensively, excelling as a defensive midfielder due to his stamina and his ability to read the game. Despite his supporting role in midfield, he also possessed good technique and creativity, as well as an eye for goal, which also saw him participate in his teams attacking moves. Untiring hard-fighting midfielder, he significantly contributed to the success of his surrounding teammates, working in the shadows, but also distinguishing himself for his proactive initiatives and goals."

Pierino Prati (DEL PIERO) - "A talented and opportunistic player, with an eye for goal, Prati was capable of playing anywhere along the front-line, as a striker, supporting forward, and as a winger. At Milan, he was often deployed on the left wing due to his pace, technique, distribution, and was also known for his powerful and accurate shot from both inside and outside the penalty area, as well as his ability in the air."

Angelo Sormani (BATISTUTA) - "he was capable of playing anywhere along the front-line, as a centre-forward, as well as in an attacking midfield role, or also as a winger on the right flank. Despite lacking pace, he was a physically strong, creative and intelligent player with excellent technical ability; throughout his career, he was known for his tactical versatility, power and determination, as well as his capability to take part in and initiate attacking plays due to his passing ability. A versatile forward, capable of playing anywhere along the frontline, his sublime technique and impressive strength made him the perfect partner for Prati and Rivera."



Other Milan legends who I drew inspiration from:

Cesare Maldini - libero
Giuseppe Sabadini - left back
Víctor Benítez - defensive midfielder
Romeo Benetti - box-to-box midfielder
Luciano Chiarugi - left wing/supporting striker
José Altafini - striker
Thanks mate.
 

Enigma_87

You know who
Joined
Aug 7, 2008
Messages
27,596
@BIG DUNK

Good arguments. Scirea-Gentile has one obvious Achilles heel. Let’s see if it gets exposed in future rounds if you win this.
He just needs to get an attacking LB ala Cabrini/Bobby Carlos and tuck Maldini inside and problem is solved.

Tigana slots right in as an upgrade and Figo is a big big upgrade on Conti.

Sure he doesn't fit in the "Serie A" theme, but he's one of the greatest crossers in the game who can provide endless amount of ammo for Batistuta in the box, tireless worker and a natural width provider on the right.

In this team only Del Piero, Deschamps and Gentile can be upgraded (and not that they don't fit but rather than with individuals that are plainly better players). Rest of it is spot on.
 

Raees

Pythagoras in Boots
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
29,464
Congrats @BIG DUNK terrific side and I have another little one on the way any time soon so apologies if I haven't been on the races debate wise but a worthy winner in any case.
 

harms

Shining Star of Paektu Mountain
Staff
Joined
Apr 8, 2014
Messages
27,952
Location
Moscow
Congrats to the both of you in that case :)