Joga Bonita VS MDFC - All time 3 yr peak - Auction draft

[Annahnomoss]

Team Joga Bonito​

Style of Play :

Offensive Phase

The play starts from the back with Scirea taking charge of build-up responsibilities whilst Nasazzi plays as the covering CB. The fact that all four of my defenders are terrific in possession, makes it much more easier to generate attacks. Nilton Santos has full freedom to bomb forward and contribute to the attack, with his mazy runs and quality crossing.

Spoiler: N.SANTOS CROSSING

N.Santos has the perfect complementary partner ahead of him in Rivaldo, who will give him full freedom to express his attacking instincts and allow him to dominate the entire left flank. Rivaldo loved occupying the left hand channels and posed a legitimate threat there - this naturally meant that the oppositions RM/RCM/RB were a bit more tucked in than usual and this freed up space on the left flank for Rivaldo's partner in crime to burst forward.

Spoiler: RIVALDO - LWB LINK UP

Him occupying the left hand channels attracts opposition's defenders and midfielders to him like a moth which presents room for the LWB to thrive in

Crosses for R.Carlos after a mazy run

The midfield duo have relatively straightforward roles with Keane as the defensive B2B and Varela as the DM screening the defense. It is vital to keep in mind that they are not just limited defensive players, and will offer passing avenues and keep themselves available for the ball as always, when the team is in possession. This is absolutely integral for Cruyff to shine in and he can't have players in limited defensive roles in the same team as him. Both Varela and Keane were defensive behemoths but were excellent on the ball as well. Less so for Varela perhaps, but he was tidy in possession and could spread play, if need be.

Spoiler: KEANO

In attack, Conti plays as the up and down right winger, which made him one of the best wingers in the eighties and arguably the best player in the World cup 1982 final. Conti had blistering pace, great link-up abilities and more importantly a stunning cross which Law would simply feast on. He also has priors with Briegel and faced him in the World Cup final and Conti came up trumps, with Briegel conceding a penalty by fouling Conti and losing control of the battle, with Conti running wild.

Spoiler: CONTI RUNNING RAMPANT

Rivaldo plays as the inside left which makes full use of his multi-faceted game. Rivaldo could drop into the midfield, let Keane or Santos surge past him, and supply a deft, defense-splitting pass. He could venture out left and send in a perfect, pinpoint cross. He could play a one-two with Law, receive the return pass on the edge of the box, and with a sublime first touch, finish deftly pass the keeper. He could drift into the centre of the area and score a header with surprising confidence. And when the opposition was prepared for all these things, he could score a long-range screamer from well outside the box.

That was his genius. How do you prepare against a player like Rivaldo? Mark him one way and he'd simply beat you another. Deny him one channel and he'd find a second. He was a playmaker, penetrator and punisher all in one.

Law is not playing as a traditional centre forward who is functioning as a mere focal point up top, but rather as a roaming and mobile goalscoring forward. Be it probing across the entire forward line, dovetailing with Rivaldo and Cruyff, posing a legitimate threat with Santos and Brehme's crossing, playing as a foil for Rivaldo and Cruyff's goalscoring abilities, poaching and posing a proper pacy threat on the counter - The King will be in his element, with service aplenty and technical maestros for company.


Johan Cruyff will be the glorious conductor of the orchestra. It is hard to find the right set-up for Cruyff as he requires a fluid environment and a superlative tactical and technical company to thrive in. I believe he has just that and then some with the likes of Scirea, N.Santos, Bossis, Keane, Conti, Rivaldo and Law around him - all of whom offer something different but are all highly technical and intelligent footballers who would be on the same wavelength as The Flying Dutchman.

Cruyff has all the freedom in the world and has full tactical authority over the team - one moment he could be found drifting into his favourite left hand channels or he could be making an incisive run forward to link up with Law or he could be dropping deep wherever and whenever he wants. Simply put, he has full range of movement all over the pitch and full command here, with the ideal platform for him to shine in. What truly made him special, was his ability to truly impose himself in just about every position on the pitch - be it overloading either of the flanks, dropping deep and going on a mazy run to score all by himself and linking up with players or providing the defense splitting pass/cross. He truly was an all-round threat all over the pitch.

Spoiler: CRUYFF

Goals

Creativity

One crucial aspect which differentiates Cruyff from most playmakers of his ilk, is his sheer electric and dynamic game. He had phenomenal technique, creativity and intelligence but he could do all of this at speed - both physically and mentally. It truly made him a nightmare to deal with and he could literally conjure up intricate combinations and plays all in his head, and could execute them all seamlessly on the pitch. In fact, he came up with the Cruyff turn impromptu - no real wonder when his moniker is Pythagoras In The Boots

Spoiler: VID OF CRUYFF DRIBBLING

If I show this video to someone who hasn't watched Cruyff before, they will probably group him with the likes of Best, Boniek and Littbarski as an electric showman. Cruyff was obviously much much more than that, and when you throw in his goal-scoring ability and his ability to orchestrate a game flawlessly, it makes for a stunning all-round package. Very few rival him in the history of the game and for me he is probably the greatest player ever, after Maradona and Pele.


Defensive Phase

Off the ball, the team will obviously have a keen eye on Mardona and MDFC's dynamic forwards - Seeler and Boniek. Keane and Varela form a formidable wall shielding the defense and in tandem with the legendary Scirea (who already has experience of squaring up against El Pibe), look to limit Maradona's (and Neeskens) influence.

In Seeler and Boniek, MDFC has two extremely dynamic forwards who will constantly be roaming and probing to find openings. The back-line is full of well-rounded individuals who do not have any particular weaknesses and are comfortable in various positions and phases - which bodes well, when dealing with the pacy and mobile Seeler and Boneik.

Conti's industry would also prove vital against Briegel's forays forward and it showed in the WC final where Conti helped nullify Briegel's forays forward to a large extent.

Spoiler: CONTI

Cruyff's can put in a shift off the ball and can help in the midfield battle whilst Rivaldo and Law would be looking to take up intelligent positions to pose an immediate threat on the counter.

Why I think I have the edge

1) Too much firepower

Cruyff, Law and Rivaldo are proven match-winners who share 5 ballon d'Ors between them. They can turn a match on its head with their sublime skills and also have a sterling supporting cast to back them up - Conti, Keane, Bossis and Santos who are all great players within their own right. As much as I like the complementary partnership of Ferrara and Vierchowod, I would back my attack to have the edge on them.

2) Best suited to deal with his threats, relatively

Maradona is a great player but he couldn't face more resistance here, as it stands he is operating inside the fiery quadrant of fire. The Great Marshal, Nasazzi - the only defender to win the World Cup Golden Ball, was named the player of the tournament in two Copa Americas - no mean feat for a centre back. Scirea is widely regarded as the best libero ever after Beckenbauer, and someone who commandeered his teams to just about every trophy out there. Varela is quite simply another monstrous player who was arguably the best, if not the most influential, player at the 1950 WC and is one of the top 5 DMs to grace the game imo. Keane? This smilie simply says it all .

Maradona has an immense job on his hands trying to operate in that area and in getting past that defense.

 

[Annahnomoss]

-------------------------------------JOGA BONITO
-----------------------------------------VS
----------------------------------MDFC MANAGER


MDFC TACTICS
HOW WE LINE-UP



A variant of a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 , with a rock solid defensive base; an industrious hardworking midfield; and a creative, powerful and pacy forward lineup.

*********

DEFENSE
There’s a wealth of experience here along with top class ability. A key selling point to note here is that Vierchowod & Ferrara are a proven partnership, winning the 1996 CL with Juventus. Hans-Peter Briegel at left back also has the experience of playing alongside Vierchowod. Again, a proven partnership.

Gordon Banks is in goal, regarded as one of the greatest keepers of all time. Extremely agile and excellent at making reflex saves, he's also very reliable and comfortable in marshaling his defensive line. Also some regard him to have made the "save of the century", against a Pele header.

Banks will be marshaling a very strong and sturdy defensive center back duo ofPietro Vierchowod and Ciro Ferrara. Both can lay claim to being amongst the best defenders of their generations. As already mentioned, they formed a proven CL winning partnership at Juventus. They form a beauty and the beast thing in central defense that's often talked about as being vital in a great defensive partnership.

Vierchowod is the monster tackling, aggressive in-your-face defender, blessed with speed and excellent man-marking/stopping abilities. He wasn't just your ordinary brute though, as he had plenty of skill and game reading abilities as well, which were very necessary for a defender to succeed in the Italian game of his time. Maradona called him his toughest opponent ever. He had to say this about him: "Vierchowod was an animal, he had muscles to the eyelashes. It was easy to pass by him, but then when I raised my head, he was in front of me again. I would have to pass him two or three more times and then I would pass the ball because I couldn't stand him anymore". Maradona is glad that in this match Vierchowod is his teammate

The perfect complement on the other center back position is Ciro Ferrara. Not as ferocious as his partner, Ferrara was a skillful & classy center back. He had excellent tacking skill as well as being excellent in the air. A key advantage he possessed was his classy passing, ability to play the ball out of the back and his organizational skills in maintaining defensive shape.

Carlos Alberto Torres and Hans-Peter Briegel man the right and left full back positions respectively. Carlos Alberto is possibly the best right back of all time. He's best remembered for scoring THAT goal in the 1970 WC final. He brings an immense combination of skills and ability to this team. He was a top all round full-back with his ball control, dribbling, playmaking ability, brilliant positioning, great tackling and reading of the game. In tight draft games, having this gem of an attacking outlet at right back is an exceptional tactical advantage.

Hans-Peter Briegel, on the other hand is an extremely hardworking and pacy full back. He can run up and down that side all day long, while bringing strength, strong tacking and excellent ball skills of passing and crossing. To top it all, he also had great teamwork, which would help him tuck in to defense as necessary, whenCarlos Alberto goes on his marauding runs on the other side. Again, he forms a proven partnership with Vierchowod, as they have played together for a while at Sampdoria, when they were a superb team.

So, to sum it up, as a unit, this back 4 is as 'complete' as it can get, with the perfect combination of all the skills that you would look for if you were setting up a dream team, as well as the aforementioned proven partnerships.

*********

MIDFIELD

The midfield of this team is a proper engine-room, with two ferocious and extremely high work rate ball winners in Johan Neeskens & Uli Stielike.

Neeskens is very much the definition of a top class box-to-box midfielder. There are several anecdotes of him winning the ball in midfield and then appearing at the end of an attacking move to finish off chances. The Dutch concept of total football, as well as Cryuff being able to work his magic in those teams, heavily depended on how Neeskens bossed the midfield. Aggressive tackling, ability to run all day long and excellent technique when on the ball, Neeskens is the midfield general of this team.

Stielike, is in some ways similar to Neeskens but where he differs, is what is crucial to bringing balance to this midfield. While Neeskens would leave no blade of grass untouched, Stielike would provide top class shielding in defensive midfield. He'd bring certain amount of playmaking ability as well, but most importantly, he'll be trusted to bring in some composure and tactical knowledge to the pitch. A fan favorite at Real Madrid for a long time, he too brings total commitment like his midfield partner.

The way they are setup here, makes proper use of both of their qualities. While both will be tasked to win the ball, Neeskens will be operating closer to Maradona, whereas Stielike will be operating closer to the defense.

Regardless of who they are coming up against, they can be trusted to be up to the task. They can essentially be expected to do the leg work of two players each. Both are fan favorite type of players thanks to their commitment and all-in style. GivenFerrara and Carlos Alberto play in the defense behind them, they do not have to worry too much about ferrying the ball from defense to attack all the time.

*********

ATTACK

The attack is a quartet of superb talents. There's Zbigniew Boniek and Sir Tom Finney bombing down the flanks and a lethal striker in Uwe Seeler at the tip of it all. As, if that wasn't enough, there's a certain Diego Maradona running the show and is the jewel of this team.

Maradona will be operating in his favored #10 position. He will have all the license to own this area, as there will be minimum interference from the midfielders behind him, or the wide men and the striker ahead of him. In short, he has the perfect setup to absolutely shine through. With his poise, dribbling ability, close control, he can own this space with ease. Even if he is put under pressure or teamed up against, he is a class team player and with his vision and awesome passing ability, he should be able to setup his team mates instead.

On the left flank, there's Boniek, who can bomb down that flank, or even cut infield to take shots or link up with Seeler/Maradona. Very fast and skillful on the ball, he could use both feet to cross or take shots. He's best known for his Juventus exploits where he formed an excellent partnership with Platini and Rossi. I fully expect him to form a similar, or even better partnership with Maradona andSeeler.

On the right flank, there's the versatile Tom Finney. He could play any of the roles in the forward line and was genuinely two footed. Like Boniek, he too is a fast, powerful and skilful dribbler and can pass, cross and shoot with either foot with the same accuracy. His style of dribbling is said to be very identical of that of Lionel Messi. Again, he too brings excellent teamwork to the table and that adds to the overall theme of the unit.

And last, but not the least, we have Uwe Seeler. To finish off all the creativity, a top class predatory striker is needed and that’s exactly what this guy is. Amongst the most feared marksman of his time, he was a very complete striker and a perfect fit to this system as he's technically brilliant and excellent in link play. Strong finishing skills with either foot as well as superb in the air, he can be relied up to score any kind of goal or make space for his other attacking teammates.

To summarize, this attacking quartet has wingers who are two footed and extremely comfortable playing on either wings, Maradona who is pretty much the perfect #10 to orchestrate everything and Seeler at the tip of it, who is a as deadly a striker as you can get. Boniek, Finney and Seeler create enough space for Maradona to operate in, but if Maradona is restricted, they can all take the mantle of creating chances by themselves. There's plenty of goal throughput from all 4 of them, there's oodles of creativity and edge of the seat entertainment as well. What's more, the way its setup, pretty much uses the strengths of all of them, without getting into each others way either.

 

[Annahnomoss]

*********

BRIEF TACTICAL SETUP

· Banks, Vierchowod and Ferrara to keep things simple at the back. Ferrara can occasionally play the ball out of the back, with Stielike covering if necessary.

· Carlos Alberto has the license to get forward, playmake or cross as necessary. The idea is to open up spaces for Finney and Maradona.

· Briegel to keep things simple on the other side, but can also move forward when there is space to do so, especially when there's an overload on the right side.

· Stielike to ensure there isn't too much space vacated by the advancing full backs.

· Briegel to tuck inside, in case Carlos Alberto is too far up the pitch.

· Stielike and Neeskens to play their natural game; i.e win the ball as soon as possible and keep the game flowing in the direction of the forward quartet.

· Neeskens to support and offer Maradona short passing options.

· Finney to allow overlaps from Carlos Alberto, or use him to go on runs himself. When he runs himself, he can cross or cut in and shoot.

· Finney to also allow short passing option to Maradona.

· Maradona to occupy #10 position and orchestrate the game. Supplying the ball to players ahead of him, or go dribbling himself, as he chooses. Can shoot or setup Seeler/Boniek/Finney.

· Maradona to Boniek and then to Seeler is the key and possibly shortest path to goal. Maradona's superb distribution to left wing, long and short will help immensely.

· Boniek to hug left touchline to recieve balls from Maradona/others and bomb down that flank to cross, or cut in to shoot.

· Boniek and Finney can easily switch flanks as and when suitable.

· Lastly, Seeler to receive the ball and stick it in the back of the net or link up with the arriving Maradona/Boniek/Finney/Neeskens.

WHY WE'LL WIN​

Proven partnerships in defense: Vierchowod & Ferrara are a CL winning partnership with Juventus. Vierchowod & Briegel were part of a solid defensive unit at Sampdoria.
Defense is a an extremely well balanced unit: There's pace, strength, composure, brilliant tackling and marking ability as well as ability to play it out from the back.
Midfield provides a rock solid core: Neeskens and Stielike are proven ball winners at the highest levels. They offer tireless running and energy. They keep the defense shielded, and the attack regularly supplied with the ball.
Wingers can freely interchange: Both wingers are two-footed enough and can effortlessly switch positions.
Maradona: The man has pretty much the ideal setup to do his thing. No one gets in his spaces, but offer him plenty of options at the same time
Attackers dove-tail superbly: Seeler is excellent at linking up his fellow attackers, wingers don't get into Maradona's areas.
High goal throughput: All the 4 attackers have goals in them.

A few gifs and vids:

Spoiler: Maradona GIFs

Spoiler: Ferrara GIFs

Spoiler: NEESKENS vs Brazil

Spoiler: Uwe Seeler GIFs

 

[Raees]

Damn... both sides very strong.

 

[Annahnomoss]

The selected peaks from the managers.

Joga Bonito

Spoiler

Rinat Dasayev - 1986-1988

Soviet League - 1987; European Championships - 1988 Runners Up.
Ballon d'Or - 16th (1986), 21st (1987), 13th (1988)

Maxime Bossis - 1979 - 1981

French League - 1980; Runners Up 1979, 1981
French Footballer of the Year - 1979, 1981; Ballon d'Or - 11th (1981)

José Nasazzi - 1928 - 1930

Olympics Gold - 1928; World Cup - 1930
World Cup Golden Ball - 1930

Gaetano Scirea - 1982 - 1984

Serie A - 1982, 1984; Italian Cup - 1983; World Cup - 1982; European Cup - 84; UEFA Super Cup - 1984 UEFA Cup Winners Cup - 1983

Ballon d'Or - 12th (1982)

Nilton Santos - 1957 - 1959

World Cup - 1958; COPA CONMEBOL - 1957; Campeonato Carioca - 1957
World Cup Team of the Tournament - 1958

Obdulio Varela - 1949 -1951

World Cup 1950; Uruguayan League - 1949, 1951; Tourneo de Honor - 1949, 1950, 1951; Competencia Tourney - 1949, 1951

World Cup Team of The Tournament - 1950

Roy Keane - 1999 - 20001

Premier League - 1999, 2000, 2001; FA Cup - 1999; Champions League - 1999; Intercontinental Cup - 1999

FWA Footballer of the Year - 2000; Player's Player of The Year - 2000; PFA Team Of The Year - 1999,2001; Ballon d'Or - 6th (1999)

Bruno Conti - 1982 - 1984

World Cup - 1982; Serie A - 1983, Runner-Up - 1984; Coppa Italia 1984
World Cup Team of The Year - 1982; Ballon d'Or - 5th (1982)

Johan Cruyff - 1972 - 1974

Eredivisie - 1972, 1973; KNVB Cup - 1972; European Cup - 1972, 1973; Intercontinental Cup - 1972; La Liga - 1974; UEFA Super Cup - 1972; World Cup - 1974 Runners Up

Ballon d'Or - 1973, 1974, 4th (1972); World Cup Golden Ball - 1974; Dutch Footballer of the Year - 1972; World Cup TOTM - 1974

Rivaldo - 1997 - 1999

La Liga - 1998, 1999; Copa Del Rey - 1998; UEFA Super Cup - 1997; Confederations Cup - 1997; Copa America - 1999; World Cup Runners up - 1998

Ballon d'Or - 1999, 5th (1998); Fifa World Player of The Year - 1999; Onze d'Or - 1999; Copa America Most Valuable Player - 1999; Copa America Top Scorer - 1999; Spanish League Footballer of the Year - 1999

Denis Law - 1963 - 1965

First Division - 1965; FA Cup - 1963; Charity Shield - 1965
Ballon d'Or - 1964, 11th (1962), 4th (1963); Most goals in a single season by a United player - 1964 (46 goals)

 

[Annahnomoss]

MDFC

Spoiler: PLAYER PEAKS

Gordon Banks: Peak 1966-68/69
FIFA World Cup: 1966
UEFA European Championship third-place (Bronze Medallist): 1968
FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1966

Hans-Peter Briegel: Peak 1980-1982/83
European Championship: 1980

Pietro Vierchowod: Peak 1989-1991/92
Serie A: 1990–91
Coppa Italia: 1988–89, 1990–91
Supercoppa Italiana: 1989
European Cup Winners' Cup: 1989–90

Ciro Ferrara: Peak 1996-1998/99
Serie A: 1996–97, 1997–98
Champions League: 1995–96
Intercontinental Cup: 1996
European Super Cup: 1996

Carlos Alberto Torres: Peak 1967-1969/70
Recopa Sul-Americana: 1968
Taça de Prata: 1968
Paulista Championship: 1967, 1968, 1969
FIFA World Cup: 1970
World Team of the 20th Century
FIFA 100

Johan Neeskens: Peak 1972-1974/75
Eredivisie: 1972, 1973
European Cup: 1971, 1972, 1973
UEFA Super Cup: 1972, 1973
Intercontinental Cup: 1972
FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1974
1974 FIFA World Cup Silver Boot
1974 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
Don Balón Award (La Liga Foreign Player of the Year): 1976–76
FIFA 100

Uli Stielike: Peak 1979-1981/82
La Liga: Winner: 1979, 1980
Copa del Rey: Winner: 1980, 1982
European Cup: Runner-up: 1981
UEFA European Football Championship: Winner: 1980
FIFA World Cup: Runner-up: 1982
Spanish Foreign Player of the Year Award (Don Balon Mejor Extranjero de la Liga): 1979-80, 1980-81, 1981-82
1981-82 Uli Stielike Real Madrid West Germany
1980-81 Uli Stielike Real Madrid West Germany
1979-80 Uli Stielike Real Madrid West Germany

Zbigniew Boniek: Peak 1983-1985/86
Serie A: 1984
Coppa Italia: 1983
European Cup: 1985
UEFA Super Cup: 1984
European Cup Winners' Cup: 1984
Intercontinental Cup: 1985

Diego Maradona: Peak 1986-88/89
Serie A: 1986-87
Coppa Italia: 1986-87
UEFA Cup: 1988-89
FIFA World Cup: 1986
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 1986
FIFA World Cup Silver Shoe: 1986
FIFA World Cup Most Assists: 1986
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1986
Onze d'Or (2): 1986, 1987
Argentine Sports Writers' Sportsman of the Year: 1986
L'Équipe Champion of Champions: 1986
United Press International Athlete of the Year Award: 1986
World Soccer Awards Player of the Year: 1986
FIFA Player of the Century
FIFA Goal of the Century
FIFA World Cup Dream Team

Tom Finney: Peak 1954-1956/57
FWA Footballer of the Year: 1954, 1957

Uwe Seeler: Peak 1963-1965/66
1 Time German Champion, 1 Time German Cup
European Cup Winner's Cup 1968 Runners Up
1966 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up

 

[Šjor Bepo]

fantastic write up @Joga Bonito , love you team!

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Not sure why Neeskens is on the left. He played right back and right wing and should be there in the flank Nilton Santos is operating on. Carlos Alberto-Neeskens-Finney will just be drool worthy!

Still have gone for Joga. His team feels more cohesive and has has the edge in players too.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

I think we should rein in the gif's a bit. The page takes ages to load!

 

[Joga Bonito]

fantastic write up @Joga Bonito , love you team!

Cheers mate.

I think we should rein in the gif's a bit. The page takes ages to load!

Hmmm, thought spoilering the GIFs would have circumvented that problem.

Good luck @MDFC Manager , you have assembled a nice team. Will wait for you to be online before beginning discussions.

 

[VivaJanuzaj]

Maradona-Neeskens-Stileke with Boniek...

@Joga Bonito Wasn't Nassazi's best position was RB? the one he was known for in Uruguay? @antohan

I love @MDFC Manager 's team, but I really enjoy Joga's tactics.

 

[NM]

@Annahnomoss not sure what the point of the peaks not being in the OP are as most are simply not going to look at them before voting if they are in lower posts.

 

[Annahnomoss]

@Annahnomoss not sure what the point of the peaks not being in the OP are as most are simply not going to look at them before voting if they are in lower posts.

People have write-ups that alone exceeds two posts at times these days while before we were capable of getting both write-ups and the formation pictures in the first post.

So the least important thing is the three year peaks so they were removed and pushed further down. Unfortunately when you need to make 4 posts to get it done there is always a good chance that someone else posts before you do as you have to wait for some minutes even if you reserve posts.

 

[Joga Bonito]

Maradona-Neeskens-Stileke with Boniek...

@Joga Bonito Wasn't Nassazi's best position was RB? the one he was known for in Uruguay? @antohan

I love @MDFC Manager 's team, but I really enjoy Joga's tactics.

Cheers.

In the 2-3-5, or its variants, the central 2 at the back were labelled as 'full backs'. They are more akin to the centre back role in the modern era, rather than than the full back role.

 

[antohan]

Not sure why Neeskens is on the left. He played right back and right wing and should be there in the flank Nilton Santos is operating on. Carlos Alberto-Neeskens-Finney will just be drool worthy!

I would actually swap all midfielders with Diego staying in the same place obviously.

Boniek is a lot more than just a winger and ideally you want the more attacking fullback (Torres) behind him so that he has complete freedom. In turn, with Boniek in a free role and Carlos Alberto bombing forward more often, Neeskens would provide excellent cover at right back.

That said, I would agree you don't want Neeskens to be reduced to being Carlos Alberto's cover, so if the point is for Stielike to hold while keeping an eye on that I'd buy it. That would leave Nilton and Carlos Alberto in a mighty back and forth battle, Stielike on Rivaldo, Briegel on Conti just like in 1982 and a worthy battle of the Johans.

What I don't think suits @MDFC Manager at all is having Boniek/Finney where they are.

 

[antohan]

Maradona-Neeskens-Stileke with Boniek...

@Joga Bonito Wasn't Nassazi's best position was RB? the one he was known for in Uruguay? @antohan

I love @MDFC Manager 's team, but I really enjoy Joga's tactics.

What Joga said, he was a right fullback in a WW, i.e. a right-side centreback.

 

[antohan]

This is such a bastard first round draw, would have loved to see how both teams got on further down the line.

 

[Joga Bonito]

This is such a bastard first round draw, would have loved to see how both teams got on further down the line.

Aye, MDFC has a well constructed team with some fine individuals and it will be a close match imo.

In such a nail biting encounter with both teams being fairly evenly matched, and with plenty of individual battles that could go either way, I'd just about back my attack to have a wee bit more joy than his, relative to both defenses of course. As good as Vierchowod and Ferrara were, I'd back Law with the support of his mobile forwards to have the edge over them.

Needless to say, Conti gave Briegel the run around in the WC final and was the best player on the pitch that day - playing a part in the 2nd goal, assisting the 3rd goal and winning a penalty after Briegel fouled him in the box (All in the GIFs in the OP). That is a nice advantage to have here, with the deadly Law, of all people, being at the end of Conti's service.

 

[Joga Bonito]

Bump

 

[Mani]

It would highly impossible task for Joga's MF pair to deal with Maradona and Neeskens especially with support of Boniek and Finney, with Boniek running at open spaces and a pass Maradona would result in fine finish.
Finney is top class player,good at either foot who had played in all three positions up top include CF in his career and a great finisher can switch either flank with Boniek when needed would be too much to deal with.
With Seeler/Boniek/Finney ahead of him Maradona and Neeskens,I would say MDFC got edge in attack compared to Joga.

 

[Joga Bonito]

I do have 2 midfield giants in Keane and Varela and 2 top notch centre backs in Scirea and Nasazzi, a core that isn't easy to breach by any means.

Both attacks are impressive but I do think mine faces slightly less resistance, as opposed to yours.

 

[Annahnomoss]

I really rate Finney but he is surplus to the requirements here. Seeler-Maradona-Boniek is already a more or less perfect front trio where Maradona will get to hug the ball and dictate every attack.

Bringing that winger out and a defender in would make it more even for me. As it is I would probably lean towards Joga.

 

[antohan]

I really rate Finney but he is surplus to the requirements here. Seeler-Maradona-Boniek is already a more or less perfect front trio where Maradona will get to hug the ball and dictate every attack.

Bringing that winger out and a defender in would make it more even for me. As it is I would probably lean towards Joga.

That's not a bad call, playing Stielike as sweeper with Vierchowod and Ferrara either side, then add a midfielder. Is that something MDFC can do?

Maradona would work brilliantly with Boniek and Seeler is the sort of striker that can make both thrive as well as score himself. No slight on Finney, but what is tipping the balance for me right now is that Keane-Varela and Cruyff are more likely to take control of midfield than Neeskens-Stielike-Maradona. The former is a more hardworking and cohesive unit.

 

[Mani]

I do have 2 midfield giants in Keane and Varela and 2 top notch centre backs in Scirea and Nasazzi, a core that isn't easy to breach by any means.

Both attacks are impressive but I do think mine faces slightly less resistance, as opposed to yours.

But here they are up against the world's best playing in his best position supported by Boniek and Seeler.With Both varela and Keane tracking Maradona, Neesken can attack the box with movement of Seeler/Boniek it would be to hard to resist.
I like your attack, but they are against the proven combo of Ferrara & Vierchowod(CL winning side of Juve 1996) supported by Steilike, which is not easy by any means.

 

[MDFC Manager]

That's not a bad call, playing Stielike as sweeper with Vierchowod and Ferrara either side, then add a midfielder. Is that something MDFC can do?

Maradona would work brilliantly with Boniek and Seeler is the sort of striker that can make both thrive as well as score himself. No slight on Finney, but what is tipping the balance for me right now is that Keane-Varela and Cruyff are more likely to take control of midfield than Neeskens-Stielike-Maradona. The former is a more hardworking and cohesive unit.

Interesting idea and I'm working towards incorporating that change.

 

[Mani]

Seeler

Take, for example, Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo di Stefano, Diego Maradona or Pele: your first off-the-top-of-your-head association would probably be with one particular club, in this instance Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Napoli and Santos.

For those in the know, the same applies to Uwe Seeler. Mention the former world-class striker, and north German giants Hamburg instantly spring to mind, as Seeler was, is and remains inextricably linked to the Bundesliga founder members.

An unforgettable careerSeeler was born in Hamburg on 5 November 1936 into a well-known sporting family: his father Erwin was one of the port city's most popular contemporary footballers. Young Uwe joined HSV, as Hamburg's biggest club are commonly known, at the age of ten and made his first-team debut in 1953 while still only 16.

“It came as a total surprise,” Seeler told FIFA.com with a smile on his face. “We played Gottingen at the Rothenbaum stadium, and the man I was up against was twice as big and heavy as I was. But I actually played well, and even won a couple of aerial challenges.”

Over time, the player lovingly nicknamed Uns Uwe (Our Uwe) acquired iconic status at the club, and his fame spread far beyond the city limits.

I never cared whether it was pretty or not. For me, the finest thing was the ball just making it over the line.

Uwe Seeler on scoring goals




Seeler earned his first cap for Germany under coaching legend Sepp Herberger in 1954, just a few months after the 'Miracle of Berne' when the Germans recorded the first major triumph of their history at the FIFA World Cup™ in Switzerland. From then on, Seeler’s career really took off.

Diminutive even by the standards of the day at just 1.68m tall, he scored 43 goals in 72 appearances for his country and earned a reputation as one of their best centre-forwards of all time. There was to be no trophy for the German national team during his era, but Seeler still finished with the impressive record of coming runner-up, third and fourth at the World Cup.

Just two years after he stepped down from the national team, the Germans won the European Championship, before claiming their second world triumph on home soil in 1974. Unusually, Seeler was still recognised with the title of honorary captain of the German national team.

A scorer of great goalsFor his beloved club, the striker played a starring role as HSV won the North German championship nine times in a row, going on to win the pre-Bundesliga German championship in 1960. He was named the inaugural German Player of the Year that season, an award he would win twice more.

The prolific goalscorer competed at four World Cups, on a par with the likes of Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo and Oliver Kahn. He earned a German Cup winner’s medal in 1963, and went on to become the first-ever top scorer in the newly-launched Bundesliga the following season.

“I scored many great and often important goals in the course of my career," he told FIFA.com. “Scissor kicks, diving headers, and even some with the back of my head. But I never cared whether it was pretty or not. For me, the finest thing was the ball just making it over the line.

"A very important goal for me personally came in Sweden in 1965," he continued. "It was a game we had to win in order to qualify for the World Cup in England. I'd just recovered from a complicated Achilles tendon operation and I didn't know if it would all hold together. The fact I scored in such an important match was vital for my confidence, because I knew I'd be able to continue as an international."

Seeler's self-assessment is spot on, as he was hailed less for his skill than for his fighting spirit and work rate. As he mentioned, one of his most memorable goals was scored with the back of his head against England in the 1970 World Cup quarter-finals.

“Yes, that goal," he smiled. “I don't think it's something you can train. It was more like making a virtue out of necessity. The ball was going over my head and I was also running backwards, something which isn't easy in and of itself. The ball hitting me on the back of the head and then going in isn't something you do without a bit of luck."

The man now aged 76 was always an exemplary character on and off the field, collecting many civic honours to go with his footballing achievements. He holds the Silver Laurel Leaf, the highest sports award in Germany; a Bambi media award; he was the first athlete ever to be awarded the Federal Cross of Merit; and he is a freeman of the City of Hamburg.

Nowadays, the father of three has withdrawn from the public glare and lives – where else – in Hamburg. Decades after hanging up his boots, he remains one of the proud port city’s best-loved characters. And just as the locals will never forget Uns Uwe, he has remained steadfastly true to his only footballing love: “I'm Hamburg born and bred, and the HSV emblem is on my heart. I'm a passionate fan. Hamburg is my club," he declared.

 

[Mani]

Partnership of Boniek and Platini, i could see similarities here with Maradona with Boniek.

Boniek and Platini may have wanted different results that day, but over the next three years they were fighting for an identical cause. And what a terrific, telepathic tandem they formed, with Platini’s stately passes over the top proving a perfect supply for the elusive movement and electric speed of Boniek. Together, they helped Juventus win a Coppa Italia, Scudetto, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup and, crucially, their first European Cup.

Giampiero Boniperti, Juve’s president during that era, recalled: “They were good friends off the pitch, and they had a wonderful understanding on it. When Platini received the ball, Boniek was already off. And when Platini was making a pass, you knew it would be pinpoint, and when Boniek was running, you knew nobody could catch him.”

Boniperti added of Boniek: “He was a truly magnificent player. He was so fast, his movement was very clever, he was very skilful, a great passer, could score with his right, his left and his head, and was very brave. And he had a knack of taking his game to another level on an evening, when we played the huge European matches.”

 

[MDFC Manager]

TACTICAL CHANGE:
Osvaldo Ardiles comes in place of Tom Finney. Formation gets changed, as a result. Stieleke goes into his preferred DM/Sweeper position, Neeskens goes into his preferred RCM position and Ardiles plays beside him. As a result, Boniek gets more freedom to play his preferred free forward role better.

The biggest beneficiary though, is possibly Maradona. He has more freedom to express himself, with the addition of the extremely hardworking Ardiles. Both Ardiles and Neeskens are adept at getting forward as well, which means Maradona has a wealth of options all around him. Restricting his influence was already a huge task, and it just got bigger.

Apart from his graft and hardwork, Ardiles brings excellent dribbling on-the-ball ability as well. Him and Neeskens are going to hound the opponents to the final whistle.

This move also further frees up Carlos Alberto, who can now maraud fearlessly, with Stielike and Neeskens covering him sufficiently.

Boniek can still switch flanks as he wishes, but while he stays on the left, its IMO still the easiest route to goal: Maradona inviting pressure on himself, and then releasing Boniek on the other side. Reminiscent of the fantastic Platini-Boniek partnership. When Boniek does go over to the right side, Ardiles is extremely comfortable in dribbling the ball out towards the left side/wing.

 

[MDFC Manager]

I really rate Finney but he is surplus to the requirements here. Seeler-Maradona-Boniek is already a more or less perfect front trio where Maradona will get to hug the ball and dictate every attack.

Bringing that winger out and a defender in would make it more even for me. As it is I would probably lean towards Joga.

That's not a bad call, playing Stielike as sweeper with Vierchowod and Ferrara either side, then add a midfielder. Is that something MDFC can do?

Maradona would work brilliantly with Boniek and Seeler is the sort of striker that can make both thrive as well as score himself. No slight on Finney, but what is tipping the balance for me right now is that Keane-Varela and Cruyff are more likely to take control of midfield than Neeskens-Stielike-Maradona. The former is a more hardworking and cohesive unit.

I suppose this is what you lads were hinting at?
@Annahnomoss Please update it in the OP as well.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong: Having Ardiles next to Neeskens is similar in style as having Van Hanegem next to Neeskens.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Ardiles, is a fantastic little player in his own right. If you watch the videos below, you'll see that he's got all the qualities to dovetail superbly with the players around him, especially Neeskens and Maradona.

 

[MDFC Manager]

I already talked about the Maradona-Boniek goal route. On the right hand side, something like this is very much possible, involving Carlos Alberto on the wing and Maradona/Ardiles carrying the ball centrally

 

[Pat_Mustard]

This is brutally hard to decide on. I was edging towards Joga but MDFC's tactical change has got me thinking again.

 

[harms]

Scirea was the main reason I was leaning towards Joga, but now MDFC has tactical advantage. This is incredibly hard, I want this to go to penalties and certainly won't vote at 6:6.

 

[Pat_Mustard]

Scirea was the main reason I was leaning towards Joga, but now MDFC has tactical advantage. This is incredibly hard, I want this to go to penalties and certainly won't vote at 6:6.

Vote for MDFC then mate . I really don't want to cast the winning vote but I've slightly favoured Joga fairly consistently since the thread was posted so it seems unfair not to vote for him.

 

[Joga Bonito]

It is a good change and it more or less makes it more even now.

However, a couple of things that still work in my favour.

N.Santos has much more freedom now without Finney in his zone and he can make the decisive difference in combination with Rivaldo.

Briegel is even more isolated against Conti, someone who was the best player on the pitch in the 82 WC final - with Briegel struggling to contain him defensively and Conti actually stifling Briegel's forward forays with his industry.

A slight tactical change to counteract MDFC's centrally oriented change. Bossis becomes a RB-RCB with Conti as the RM - the same role in which he dominated Briegel and also shut him down. This gives more freedom for Santos to venture forward and Scirea more freedom to push forward and influence the midfield battle - all safe in the knowledge that Conti has the beating of Bruegel both defensively and offensively.

Could someone help with the formation graphic please, on my phone right now.

 

[Joga Bonito]

A great video which extols the virtues of Scirea and delves into his tactical intelligence - a quality which is paramount to dealing with MDFC's forward line and helping with the midfield battle whenever necessary.

 

[MDFC Manager]

It is a good change and it more or less makes it more even now.

However, a couple of things that still work in my favour.

N.Santos has much more freedom now without Finney in his zone and he can make the decisive difference in combination with Rivaldo.

Briegel is even more isolated against Conti, someone who was the best player on the pitch in the 82 WC final - with Briegel struggling to contain him defensively and Conti actually stifling Briegel's forward forays with his industry.

A slight tactical change to counteract MDFC's centrally oriented change. Bossis becomes a RB-RCB with Conti as the RM - the same role in which he dominated Briegel and also shut him down. This gives more freedom for Santos to venture forward and Scirea more freedom to push forward and influence the midfield battle - all safe in the knowledge that Conti has the beating of Bruegel both defensively and offensively.

Could someone help with the formation graphic please, on my phone right now.

I've to disagree with your conclusions there mate.

First, about the impact of Nilton-Rivaldo. With Stielike moving into DM, and Neeskens into RCM, there's now plenty of cover afforded to Carlos Alberto. Especially Neeskens, who will gladly step in as required. Its exactly what he's great at doing.

On the other side, with Conti-Briegel battle, again its the same story. It won't be a 1v1 battle there at all, as Ardiles is going to buzz around that whole area. You say that Conti is going to have the beating of Briegel both offensively and defensively, based on an one-off encounter? This is a completely different situation, IMO.

As for the change you're making, IMO that is a really risky one. Boniek would already be holding an edge against Bossis and when you move him more centrally, it only gives him even more room to work in, out wide. Unless you're suggesting Conti will man that whole area against the Briegel-Ardiles-Boniek trio...which I seriously doubt you are.

Just to sum things up, Ardiles-Briegel and Neeskens-Carlos Alberto are working in pairs to deal with any wide threats that you possess. Stielike sitting behind helps them do exactly that. I'm not suggesting that these two pairings will completely shut you out, but there's no way you'd have the kind of impact that you are suggesting in your post here.

 

[Joga Bonito]

First, about the impact of Nilton-Rivaldo. With Stielike moving into DM, and Neeskens into RCM, there's now plenty of cover afforded to Carlos Alberto. Especially Neeskens, who will gladly step in as required. Its exactly what he's great at doing

With Keane and Cruyff in their zones, I doubt Neeskens and Stielike would be helping to cover Carlos Alberto against Santos and Rivaldo all that much.

Boniek would already be holding an edge against Bossis and when you move him more centrally, it only gives him even more room to work in, out wide

Bossis is the perfect player to deal with Boniek as he has pace, tactical intelligence and more importantly the ability to function both in central and wider areas seamlessly. He isn't going to be conceding space for Boniek and I expect it to be an even battle.

Unless you're suggesting Conti will man that whole area against the Briegel-Ardiles-Boniek trio...which I seriously doubt you are.

Of course not. With Conti having the beating of Briegel, I'd say Ardiles would have his hands full stemming the leak on your left side. I'd say Bossis-Varela-Conti have the edge on that side as too do Santos-Rivaldo on the left.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Just to summarize my thoughts here: Ardiles and Neeskens can be fully relied upto to help out their fullbacks. Its nothing new to them, that's what they are good at doing. Stielike shielding the defense only helps Ardiles and Neeskens do their job even better. Now you are retaliating to our change by crowding the central areas a bit more (pushing in Bossis, allowing Scirea to get ahead), but that is exactly playing into our hands IMO. Maradona is a superb team player, he works extremely well when there is that kind of multiple attentions on him.

With Keane and Cruyff in their zones, I doubt Neeskens and Stielike would be helping to cover Carlos Alberto against Santos and Rivaldo all that much.

That's a really strange thing to say. Neeskens and Stielike are not going to both rush out wide to deal with threats at the same time.

Bossis is the perfect player to deal with Boniek as he has pace, tactical intelligence and more importantly the ability to function both in central and wider areas seamlessly. He isn't going to be conceding space for Boniek and I expect it to be an even battle.

If you're going to cede the right back area to move Bossis centrally, Boniek will exploit that space all day long. I don't understand how you can cede space to a player like Boniek and then expect it be an even battle.

Of course not. With Conti having the beating of Briegel, I'd say Ardiles would have his hands full stemming the leak on your left side. I'd say Bossis-Varela-Conti have the edge on that side.

Again, I don't get how this would work. You say Conti can have the beating of Briegel both offensively and offensively, maybe I should say Carlos Alberto can have the beating of Santos and Neeskens the beating of Rivaldo?

You're saying Conti (playing at RM) is going to give Briegel AND Ardiles a headache, while Bossis has gone to RCB(ish) position? Sorry, but that is just absurd mate.