Dominoes draft: R1 - EAP vs Mazhar13/2mufc0

[Tuppet]

EAP

VS

mazhar13/2mufc0

TACTICS

EAP
​

Formation:

Balanced 4-3-3

Defence:

A solid defensive line of Lizarazu - Passarealla - Adams - Carlos Alberto form the base of the team. Ze Roberto will be tasked with covering for Lizarazu/Passarella when they go on attack. Between them and Cristiano ahead, it'll be a potent and difficult to stop flank. Down right flank I have Simeone and Carlos Alberto to make plays. Xavi's brilliance ties it all together with his pinpoint passing and he has the best setup to run the game.

Attack:

A brilliant front 3 of Cristiano - Puskas - Gullit. It's a heady mix of attacking talent which is both flexible and has a good midfield contribution. Playing a 4-3-3 ensures that Cristiano and Gullit can cut in when ball is on the other flank or move up when Puskas drops back as a False 9. Both Puskas and Gullit have good contribution to midfield/defence. And this would ensure we are not outnumbers in the middle.

mazhar13/2mufc0​

Formation: 5-3-2
Bench spectators: R. Dierckx, R. Lewandowski, N. Hof

We have put together a versatile team with a strong spine from Picchi to Robson to Baggio. The defence is marshalled by Grande Inter defensive linchpin Armando Picchi who is supported by Montero and world cup winner Jerome Boateng, creating a tough core at the back. With a hard defender on the left, an intelligent sweeper in the middle, and a cultured, skillful yet tough defender on the right, the back 3 is ready to face all challenges. The wing back positions will be manned by one of the greatest left backs of all time in Paul Breitner on the left and World Cup winner Camoranesi. Both are able to defend well as well as get forward and provide wing play. Given that both are particularly adventurous players In goal is the second best Autrian keeper of all time Walter Zeman. With nicknames such as "Tiger" and "Panther", his catlike reflexes and athleticism made him a key component of Austria's second Wunderteam and the second-best Austrian goalkeeper behind Rudolph Hiden.

The midfield consists of a fluid trio of Robson, Redondo and former Yugoslavian great Branko Oblak. Robson and Redondo provide the obvious star power, and Oblak is the enabler that knits the whole midfield together. Oblak is the player that will provide Robson and Redondo to play their natural game and take over the midfield, and he's the player who can link up excellently with Baggio and keep our attacks flowing in the opposition final third. With Redondo's silky smooth feet, Robson's all-action playing style, and Oblak's skillful yet altruistic playing style, we have a midfield that is ready to take on all comers.

Upfront in his favoured second striker position we have Italian GOAT Roberto Baggio who will have the space to run at the opposition and combine with Real Madrid goal machine Hugo Sanchez. Sanchez has had his best years when playing with a second striker/inside forward for Real Madrid, and with Baggio in his side, he'll probably not have a better partner. These two will combine well and have a guaranteed goal threat no matter the opposition.

Summary of Advantages

• Balanced defence with an aggressive stopper, an intelligent sweeper, and a cultured ball-playing defender
• All-rounded midfield with a silky playmaker, all-action midfielder, and an energetic enabler
• Quick, hardworking wing backs who are adept crossers and able to stretch the pitch
• X-factor players (Robson, Redondo, Baggio, Sanchez, Breitner) supported by a solid set of hardworking players (Oblak, Camoranesi, Montero, Picchi)

 

[Tuppet]

Best of luck @Edgar Allan Pillow @2mufc0 @mazhar13

 

[idmanager]

Cesc sacrificed. That is a discussion killer

 

[Moby]

Xavi as an AM?

 

[Physiocrat]

Why has Oblak got an arrow pointing backwards?

Xavi as an AM?

Played there for Spain in 2012 in a similar formation but somewhat less direct than this. I don't think he'll be as far forward as a typical 10 since Puskas is a false 9. Probably not ideal but I think he could certainly cause damage and has three tasty players to assist

 

[prath92]

Attacking trio wins this for EAP.

 

[diarm]

2 cracking sides make this a very tough match to call. My initial instincts were that EAP has struck a very nice balance here and his attack is going to really shine. I really like his defence but then I reckon the lads have the edge in midfield.

Add in Baggio, the man for whom was invented and it's very hard to decide. I'm going to see how the debate goes for a while first.

 

[green_smiley]

For all the moaning EAP had on his GK, it is eventually being overlooked

 

[green_smiley]

For all the defense EAP had on Cesc-Xavi combo, Cesc is benched

 

[2mufc0]

We should win the midfield battle which is key to this game imo cutting off the supplies to that fantastic front 3.

And his keeper is a massive issue here and doesn't belong in an all time context, i mean EAP hasn't even mentioned him in his write up which says it all.

 

[2mufc0]

Just done a google search of this Tsanaktsis fella and he doesn't even have a Wiki page and doesn't even come up by searching his last name. I wonder if the people that have voted for him noticed this at all? It's easy to be seduced by that front 3 i guess without looking properly at the rest of the team.

Can see him parrying some long shots from Baggio into the feet of Sanchez to pounce.

 

[idmanager]

Some obvious weaknesses

EAP: Don't like Ze Roberto there in that midfield. Also, I would put peak Xavi on an axis with another midfielder. Him ahead of 2 MF's is something I am not a fan of and it was definitely far from his peak. And the GK of course which is the biggest weakness.

mufc/mazhar: Camoranesi no matter how hard working will struggle against CR7. Lizarazu was decent as well. That is a clear way to goal.

Strengths:
EAP: For all the star power in attack, his defense is the actual star of the team. Looks amazing, secure and very balanced. The attack of course doesn't need a lot of selling

mufc/mazhar : Hugo Sanchez is perfect for both his wings backs being good crosses. Also Picchi was renowned for his long balls into strikers and second strikers. Sanchez+Baggio is a great match for Picchi as well. Robson+Redondo is a great midfield against EAP's setup which should limit Xavi a lot. Picchi's limited disciplined Sweeper role would suit Boateng in helping out against CR, but I still consider that side of the defense a weakness

Tough to choose, even in terms of strengths and weaknesses IMO.

 

[2mufc0]

Some obvious weaknesses

EAP: Don't like Ze Roberto there in that midfield. Also, I would put peak Xavi on an axis with another midfielder. Him ahead of 2 MF's is something I am not a fan of and it was definitely far from his peak. And the GK of course which is the biggest weakness.

mufc/mazhar: Camoranesi no matter how hard working will struggle against CR7. Lizarazu was decent as well. That is a clear way to goal.

Strengths:
EAP: For all the star power in attack, his defense is the actual star of the team. Looks amazing, secure and very balanced. The attack of course doesn't need a lot of selling

mufc/mazhar : Hugo Sanchez is perfect for both his wings backs being good crosses. Also Picchi was renowned for his long balls into strikers and second strikers. Sanchez+Baggio is a great match for Picchi as well. Robson+Redondo is a great midfield against EAP's setup which should limit Xavi a lot. Picchi's limited disciplined Sweeper role would suit Boateng in helping out against CR, but I still consider that side of the defense a weakness

Tough to choose, even in terms of strengths and weaknesses IMO.

Depends which CR7 EAP is working with, if it's the latter Real Madrid version (peak) Camo will be fine as he won't be running and dribbling as much.

Also no comment on the keeper? It's like they don't exist in these drafts.

 

[2mufc0]

Also if Camo is a mismatch, Ze Roberto and to a lesser extent Simeone don't belong in the company of Redondo and Robson.

 

[diarm]

It's a good point on the keeper. EAP has an excellent attack and defence but a journeyman keeper up against Sanchez and Baggio is a huge factor in this game. In any other position it would be slammed in every post.

 

[idmanager]

Depends which CR7 EAP is working with, if it's the latter Real Madrid version (peak) Camo will be fine as he won't be running and dribbling as much.

Also no comment on the keeper? It's like they don't exist in these drafts.

Also if Camo is a mismatch, Ze Roberto and to a lesser extent Simeone don't belong in the company of Redondo and Robson.

I did comment on the goal keeper and Ze Roberto as well mate

 

[Enigma_87]

Any info on both keepers?

I'm not really sure how that midfield will work @Edgar Allan Pillow ? Don't see anything in the write up too.

Attack looks great, defence as well, but stitching them up centrally seems off.

 

[2mufc0]

Any info on both keepers?

I'm not really sure how that midfield will work @Edgar Allan Pillow ? Don't see anything in the write up too.

Attack looks great, defence as well, but stitching them up centrally seems off.

There's some info regarding our keeper in the writeup. Like a lot of older players there is limited information out there but Zeman played at the highest level, played for Austria in the 1954 World Cup where they came third place and 41 international appearances.

 

[Enigma_87]

There's some info regarding our keeper in the writeup. Like a lot of older players there is limited information out there but Zeman played at the highest level, played for Austria in the 1954 World Cup where they came third place and 41 international appearances.

I imagine old school keeper? Would fit in that 5-3-2.

mazhar/2mufc0 think have the better balance in the team and also more coherent midfield set up.

Tough to decide tho, Edgar has star quality in both defence and attack capable of deciding the game. Think he missed a trick with Makelele, would've taken his midfield to another level.

 

[Raees]

Attacking trio wins this for EAP.

Same despite the fact I don't buy the midfield or the cohesion of the side in terms of theme.

It's a good point on the keeper. EAP has an excellent attack and defence but a journeyman keeper up against Sanchez and Baggio is a huge factor in this game. In any other position it would be slammed in every post.

Must admit completely forgot the keeper and am having two minds about it.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Xavi as an AM?

Played there for Spain in 2012 in a similar formation but somewhat less direct than this. I don't think he'll be as far forward as a typical 10 since Puskas is a false 9. Probably not ideal but I think he could certainly cause damage and has three tasty players to assist

CM in a 4-3-3. Not a in the hole #10. Hell dictate the game from the middle with both Gullit, Cristiano and Puskas comfortable to drop back depending on where the ball is, I don't really need a specialist AM.

Him ahead of 2 MF's is something I am not a fan of and it was definitely far from his peak.

Why not? He's a CM and played as one. It's not always possible to replicate his exact real life role in drafts and even if done it'll only end up being compared to Iniesta, which I wanted to avoid.

It's a 3 man midfield with all 3 being good on the ball, good workrate, defensive awareness....and certainly will hold the game against this opposition.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Same despite the fact I don't buy the midfield or the cohesion of the side in terms of theme.

Like what? Im not playing any specific theme...

 

[Raees]

Like what? Im not playing any specific theme...

That is my point. There is no theme.. which I don't expect of every side, but I like to see some sort of natural chemistry between the players and the side put together.. and you're usually one of my favourites at doing that.. but like you admitted during the drafting process, it is a very un-EAP sort of side which is a negative for me. Not enough for me to vote against you as that is an immensely strong side.

 

[prath92]

The keeper I think is not such a huge deal. Mainly because with that back 4, someone who is a decent shot stopper would work.

 

[2mufc0]

The keeper I think is not such a huge deal. Mainly because with that back 4, someone who is a decent shot stopper would work.

Imo it is a big deal because there's no indication at all whether he was a decent shot stopper either he's literally a nobody, all it takes is a few mistakes in goal and we can score a few just on the back of that.

But i agree with your overall point a decent keeper can do a job, but i don't even think that his keeper is even that esp when he's facing the likes of Baggio and Sanchez who will punish any little mistake.

It defeats the point of the draft if we can pick a nobody player in an all time context and dismiss it as not being a huge deal.

 

[2mufc0]

Although he has 3 brilliant attackers i do feel our defence can limit them to a certain extent, Breitner is good enough to keep tabs on Gullit and he also has Montero and Redondo for support on that side, on the right side as mentioned above Camo can put a shift in keeping tags on Ronnie, then you also have support from Boateng and Robbo on that side. And Picchi is good enough to keep an eye on Puskas.

But our first line of defence will be cutting off the supply, with Robson and Redondo he won't get much joy in the middle, they will also be supported by Oblak who has a tireless workrate to help out, Ze Roberto will be out of his depth here. Once we do get the ball back Robson/Redondo are world class ball players who can move the ball forward quickly, supported by Breitner and Camo who were both good in attacking positions. I think we have good setup to counter his team.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

That is my point. There is no theme.. which I don't expect of every side, but I like to see some sort of natural chemistry between the players and the side put together.. and you're usually one of my favourites at doing that.. but like you admitted during the drafting process, it is a very un-EAP sort of side which is a negative for me. Not enough for me to vote against you as that is an immensely strong side.

Just for sake of argument, what theme did United if 99 or 08 play? What theme does current Real Madrid play?

I think Xavi outside tiki taka takes some getting used to. He'll be stellar in most formation.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

with Robson and Redondo he won't get much joy in the middle,

Not really. Picchi is a defensive sweeper in true sense, not a liberos. Neither Montero not Boateng are capable of moving up to bridge the gap and push your midfield ahead. Redondo will be the in dropping back to orchestrate from the deep with Robson for support.

Oblak just has too much to do and I don't see Baggio as dropping back to help type.

You'll be vertically stretched in the middle and my trio will have the advantage.

And Camoranesi....less said about his positional strength. Against Cristaino specially...

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Edgar has built a very good team and i dont see an issue with Xavi but he is unfortunate to face this specific opponent. Not saying they have the best team at this stage but they have a good team but their defence is a perfect tactical match for edgar's attacking trio and i reckon they can nick it on a counter attack.

 

[antohan]

I imagine old school keeper? Would fit in that 5-3-2.

mazhar/2mufc0 think have the better balance in the team and also more coherent midfield set up.

Tough to decide tho, Edgar has star quality in both defence and attack capable of deciding the game. Think he missed a trick with Makelele, would've taken his midfield to another level.

He also passed on Uli Stielike, anveven better fit.

 

[Raees]

Just or sake of argument, what theme did United if 99 or 08 play? What theme does current Real Madrid play?

I think Xavi outside tiki taka takes some getting used to. He'll be stellar in most formation.

You're taking the word theme, too literally as in I expect you to be playing fully total football/tiki taka. All I'm saying is that there seems to be alot of clashing in the side of different styles, which don't look natural to me.

United 99 - predominantly british side, plays at high tempo, aggressive direct football with two lively front men and two giant characters at the back holding the defence together. Very 'northern' in style and not very latino.

United 08 - a classic counter-attacking/balanced side, with a mixture of everything but again a high tempo side with aggresive fluid forwards, direct in nature supported by a direct passing midfield and a world class defence.

Real Madrid, another balanced side but with direct aggressive forwards/direct aggressive full backs and balanced out by a midfield which likes to control a game but has direct passers who can spread the play, hit passes forward at will.

With your side, its predominantly the midfield i am struggling with. Xavi and Simeone doesn't seem a natural fit, and Xavi with very direct forwards in Ronaldo/Gullit.. I mean its not impossible it would work, but its not a seamless fit.

 

[antohan]

Edgar has built a very good team and i dont see an issue with Xavi but he is unfortunate to face this specific opponent. Not saying they have the best team at this stage but they have a good team but their defence is a perfect tactical match for edgar's attacking trio and i reckon they can nick it on a counter attack.

Nick it? This is never a 1-0. Baggio just needs a few decent shots on target, Sanchez will connect with a few crosses... are we all assuming that clown in goal will pull a Friedel? Friedel was still an international and experienced PL goalie.

 

[2mufc0]

Not really. Picchi is a defensive sweeper in true sense, not a liberos. Neither Montero not Boateng are capable of moving up to bridge the gap and push your midfield ahead. Redondo will be the in dropping back to orchestrate from the deep with Robson for support.

Oblak just has too much to do and I don't see Baggio as dropping back to help type.

You'll be vertically stretched in the middle and my trio will have the advantage.

And Camoranesi....less said about his positional strength. Against Cristaino specially...

I think it will cancel out in this respect, as Ronaldo and Puskas won't be busting a gut to get back either, Robson and Oblak are tireless workers. If Ronaldo is in his dribbling days yeah he will cause a few issues on the right for Camoranesi, but if this is the case you will lose goal threat if he's coming from deep. If he's playing up top like he does for Madrid, it's more of a case of handling his movement, which will be more an issue for the central defenders.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Nick it? This is never a 1-0. Baggio just needs a few decent shots on target, Sanchez will connect with a few crosses... are we all assuming that clown in goal will pull a Friedel? Friedel was still an international and experienced PL goalie.

wouldnt a 1:2 win via counter also be seen as nicking it? What i meant to say, i reckon they would win by 1 goal difference.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Xavi and Simeone doesn't seem a natural fit, and Xavi with very direct forwards in Ronaldo/Gullit.. I mean its not impossible it would work, but its not a seamless fit.

Barca had a roaming forward like Messi and a more direct one like Henry or Neymar on other flank with Suarez type CF to drop back in a flexible formation. I see mine similar with Gullit roaming, Cristaino direct and Puskas as a dropping back flex CF.

 

[antohan]

You're taking the word theme, too literally as in I expect you to be playing fully total football/tiki taka. All I'm saying is that there seems to be alot of clashing in the side of different styles, which don't look natural to me.

United 99 - predominantly british side, plays at high tempo, aggressive direct football with two lively front men and two giant characters at the back holding the defence together. Very 'northern' in style and not very latino.

United 08 - a classic counter-attacking/balanced side, with a mixture of everything but again a high tempo side with aggresive fluid forwards, direct in nature supported by a direct passing midfield and a world class defence.

Real Madrid, another balanced side but with direct aggressive forwards/direct aggressive full backs and balanced out by a midfield which likes to control a game but has direct passers who can spread the play, hit passes forward at will.

With your side, its predominantly the midfield i am struggling with. Xavi and Simeone doesn't seem a natural fit, and Xavi with very direct forwards in Ronaldo/Gullit.. I mean its not impossible it would work, but its not a seamless fit.

That midfield pair would work better with Stielike behind them than Xavi ahead.

 

[idmanager]

Why not? He's a CM and played as one. It's not always possible to replicate his exact real life role in drafts and even if done it'll only end up being compared to Iniesta, which I wanted to avoid.

Well, its your responsibility as a manger to sell it well to the voters why Xavi would work with a certain MF.
I think the whole Cesc saga while drafting and a prejudice that any midfielder with Xavi would lead to a Iniesta comparison and go negatively for you, has lead to you picking a weak midfield.

You don't need to replicate his exact role in real life but for me he never was someone who had a command over huge areas of the pitch and worked at his best when he had quality in the midfield capable of coping with his talent and matching it if possible. By using 2 relative anchors below him, you are wasting a midfielder behind him, while reducing his peak drastically.

Even in Spain 2012, Alonso and Busquets were not on the same Axis, although Xavi was the furthest.

---------------------------Xavi------------
---------Alonso---------------------------
-------------------Busquets--------------

 

[Enigma_87]

That midfield pair would work better with Stielike behind them than Xavi ahead.

I'm not sure at all of the current mechanics tbh. I assume Simeone will be a DM or even destroyer in that 4-3-3. Ze Roberto perhaps covering role on the left central midfield covering Robbo's forays and Xavi will surely drop deep to orchestrate.

Against Redondo and Robson I doubt Edgar could take control of the game. As things stand he's better off skipping that midfield altogether with a long balls from Passarella and Carlos Alberto to Cristiano and Gullit playing on counter, but that negates the influence Xavi would bring to the center of the park.

 

[Gio]

Nick it? This is never a 1-0. Baggio just needs a few decent shots on target, Sanchez will connect with a few crosses... are we all assuming that clown in goal will pull a Friedel? Friedel was still an international and experienced PL goalie.

Throw in the long-range ability of Oblak and Breitner and he's going to get tested/exposed.

 

[antohan]

I'm not sure at all of the current mechanics tbh. I assume Simeone will be a DM or even destroyer in that 4-3-3. Ze Roberto perhaps covering role on the left central midfield covering Robbo's forays and Xavi will surely drop deep to orchestrate.

What Zé brings on the ball is working the flank with Lizarazu and completely freeing up Cristiano. I can see that flank working superbly actually. So long as Zé has a platform behind him.

Against Redondo and Robson I doubt Edgar could take control of the game. As things stand he's better off skipping that midfield altogether with a long balls from Passarella and Carlos Alberto to Cristiano and Gullit playing on counter, but that negates the influence Xavi would bring to the center of the park.

That's why I think Stielike would be awesome here instead of Xavi chucked in there with no partners in crime.