Sparks will fly in that semi 
Premier League 20 Seasons Fantasy Tournament
- Thread starter Polaroid
- Start date
So what do you guys think of the below formations?
Makelele in for Wise, and RVN.
Or Ince for Wise?
Or a three man midfield?
Thoughts?
Makelele in for Wise, and RVN.
Or Ince for Wise?
Or a three man midfield?
Thoughts?
Ince for Wise. If you go with a three man midfield you either lose the width as shown (suicidal) or lose the man in the hole. Either way, you hand over the initiative to Gio and given the initiative he will slaughter you. There's no chance you can soak him and fluke a win on the counter. He probably has the best CB partnership you could put together to play against a counter-attacking side.
Bergkamp in the hole gives Gio a lot more to think about than "how do I get around Makelele?". No Bergkamp in the hole and suddenly Scholes looks very vulnerable. Makelele instead of a more technically proficient box-to-box like Ince also leaves too much of the onus on Scholes.
He takes out Scholes and you lose the game, simple. You have to surround him with players he can link-up and build play with, not a one-dimensional destroyer (as excellent as he was at it).
Bergkamp in the hole gives Gio a lot more to think about than "how do I get around Makelele?". No Bergkamp in the hole and suddenly Scholes looks very vulnerable. Makelele instead of a more technically proficient box-to-box like Ince also leaves too much of the onus on Scholes.
He takes out Scholes and you lose the game, simple. You have to surround him with players he can link-up and build play with, not a one-dimensional destroyer (as excellent as he was at it).
Semi-finals will be held tomorrow
Managers, please post your updated line-ups and tactics if you have not done so, thank you
Semi-finals will be held later today at 1000 hrs UK time
Reminder PMed to all managers
Reminder PMed to all managers
Just off to the gym, but will stick mine up when I'm back in an hour or so.
Tactics:
It's a classic 4-2-3-1 full to the brim with complementary partnerships across the pitch. The outstanding defender of the draft, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell form the strongest central defensive partnership of the competition, one which was nigh on impossible to penetrate at international level. The pair are ably assisted by a two international class full-backs in Graeme Le Saux and Rob Jones (the latter having done an excellent man-marking job in taming the young Giggs on his Liverpool debut). Both will play conservatively to limit the space available for Pires and McManaman.
In midfield Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso renew their phenomenal partnership and they will be supported in the engine room by the monstrous Michael Essien: a trio who will dominate the centre of the park, forming the perfect platform for the counter-attacking punch of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianfranco Zola. The direct and relentless match-winning ability of Ronaldo complements the incisive and inventive Zola. As the rest of Europe found in 2008, the combination of Rooney and Ronaldo will likely be too hot to handle.
On a stacked bench is the only other Ballon D'Or winner the Premiership has seen, Michael Owen, whose pace late on in games should cause Carvalho and Vidic problems. Strength in depth is the name of the game with Martin Keown, Emmanuel Petit, Joe Cole and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on hand to bolster the first XI.
Player Profiles:
Jens Lehmann
Imposing personality who like Van der Sar matured with age and spent his best years in the Premiership. 61 caps for Germany and UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2006 when he kept 10 consecutive clean sheets.
Rob Jones
Probably the only top class right-back England have produced, aside from Neville, in the last 25 years. Plucked from Crewe as a 19-year-old, he made his Liverpool debut against another precocious talent in Ryan Giggs and achieved the rare feat of shutting the winger out. Such a performance was typical of the standard Jones maintained in establishing himself, first in a Liverpool shirt, then latterly in an England shirt. Injury cut him down in his prime, but not before he reached a level of performance - "he was as good as anything in Europe at the time", said Jamie Carragher - that forced Steven McManaman into naming the full-back in his perfect XI alongside the likes of Zidane and Carlos.
Rio Ferdinand
The Premiership's outstanding defender and one of a small handful of players who can claim to have been the best in the world in their position, which he undoubtedly was between 2006 and 2008.
Sol Campbell
Imperious one-on-one, he was dominant in both the Premiership (3 times PFA Team of the Year) and on the international stage, making the Team of the Tournament at World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004.
Graeme Le Saux
England's outstanding left-back of the 1990s who usurped Stuart Pearce to make the position his own. Twice selected in the PFA Team of the Year and was fundamental in Blackburn's success in 1994/95.
Xabi Alonso
Liverpool's downward trajectory post-Alonso and Madrid's rising status following his switch is testament to the calibre of the tenacious playmaking midfielder.
Michael Essien
Box-to-box machine who:
His Roy-of-the-Rovers performances have fuelled Scouser delusions of title challenges for more than a decade. Will thrive with a platform of Essien and Alonso to dominate midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Premiership saw the best of both sides of Ronaldo: the trick-laden, full-back-dismantling winger evolving into the relentless goalscorer and match-winner.
Wayne Rooney
Played some of his very best and most creative football alongside Owen and Ronaldo.
Subs:
Michael Owen
Embarrassed an array of world-class defenders during his career thanks to his blistering pace and always reliable finishing - particularly on the biggest stages.
Martin Keown
Formed a inpenetrable partnership with Adams, it was little surprise that Arsenal had the best defensive record in the Premiership 4 seasons out of 6 following his arrival at the club.
Emmanuel Petit
Combative yet oozed quality as part of an Arsenal midfield that went toe-to-toe with and matched Manchester United's famous four. Integral to France's World Cup success in 1998.
Joe Cole
Developed immensely under Mourinho, marrying the natural technical ability with an improved awareness and incisiveness. Silenced the 15-year debates about who could fill the problem left-midfield slot for the national team.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Guaranteed to be either top scorer (97/98, 00/01 and La Liga 99/00) or thereabouts for a number of seasons thanks to his ruthless and emphatic finishing on either foot.
Imposing personality who like Van der Sar matured with age and spent his best years in the Premiership. 61 caps for Germany and UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2006 when he kept 10 consecutive clean sheets.
Rob Jones
Probably the only top class right-back England have produced, aside from Neville, in the last 25 years. Plucked from Crewe as a 19-year-old, he made his Liverpool debut against another precocious talent in Ryan Giggs and achieved the rare feat of shutting the winger out. Such a performance was typical of the standard Jones maintained in establishing himself, first in a Liverpool shirt, then latterly in an England shirt. Injury cut him down in his prime, but not before he reached a level of performance - "he was as good as anything in Europe at the time", said Jamie Carragher - that forced Steven McManaman into naming the full-back in his perfect XI alongside the likes of Zidane and Carlos.
Rio Ferdinand
The Premiership's outstanding defender and one of a small handful of players who can claim to have been the best in the world in their position, which he undoubtedly was between 2006 and 2008.
Sol Campbell
Imperious one-on-one, he was dominant in both the Premiership (3 times PFA Team of the Year) and on the international stage, making the Team of the Tournament at World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004.
Graeme Le Saux
England's outstanding left-back of the 1990s who usurped Stuart Pearce to make the position his own. Twice selected in the PFA Team of the Year and was fundamental in Blackburn's success in 1994/95.
Xabi Alonso
Liverpool's downward trajectory post-Alonso and Madrid's rising status following his switch is testament to the calibre of the tenacious playmaking midfielder.
Michael Essien
Box-to-box machine who:
Steven Gerrard
His Roy-of-the-Rovers performances have fuelled Scouser delusions of title challenges for more than a decade. Will thrive with a platform of Essien and Alonso to dominate midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Premiership saw the best of both sides of Ronaldo: the trick-laden, full-back-dismantling winger evolving into the relentless goalscorer and match-winner.
Wayne Rooney
Played some of his very best and most creative football alongside Owen and Ronaldo.
Subs:
Michael Owen
Embarrassed an array of world-class defenders during his career thanks to his blistering pace and always reliable finishing - particularly on the biggest stages.
Martin Keown
Formed a inpenetrable partnership with Adams, it was little surprise that Arsenal had the best defensive record in the Premiership 4 seasons out of 6 following his arrival at the club.
Emmanuel Petit
Combative yet oozed quality as part of an Arsenal midfield that went toe-to-toe with and matched Manchester United's famous four. Integral to France's World Cup success in 1998.
Joe Cole
Developed immensely under Mourinho, marrying the natural technical ability with an improved awareness and incisiveness. Silenced the 15-year debates about who could fill the problem left-midfield slot for the national team.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Guaranteed to be either top scorer (97/98, 00/01 and La Liga 99/00) or thereabouts for a number of seasons thanks to his ruthless and emphatic finishing on either foot.
Half hour past kick-off time and no updates from Omar
We will wait another 4 hours for Omar and Theon before we proceed with the following line-ups for the semi-finals
We will wait another 4 hours for Omar and Theon before we proceed with the following line-ups for the semi-finals
PM from Aldoraine
AldoRaine18 said:Hi, Here is the formation that we want for the semi.
We are keeping the same set up which is familiar to our players, with direct replacements. Bruce, Cole and Wise are replaced by Vidic, RVN and Ince.
The plan is again to go out there and gain control of the game with the bunch of technically superior players on the pitch. Ince, Scholes, Pires, McManaman an Bergkamp are all technically gifted players with creativity, vision, variety and goals in them. There will be a lot of movement and interplay around his penalty box, and we have just the man you would want to finish all those chances that would be created. Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
McManaman v Le Saux would be a key area for us, as Le Saux's defensive inability would be a huge concern against a world class winger in Macca. Rob Jones, while having had a good career before injuries hit him, would also find it very tough against Pires, who at his peak could get past the best fullbacks out there. Ronaldo, as good as he was, found it tough against defensively good fullbacks at his time in England, and couldn't do much against the likes of Cole and Clichy. Pearce is someone tailor made to stifle him down the flank and use his tenacity and aggression combined with excellent tactical awareness to shut down the best player of his team.
Bergkamp and Nistelrooy is a dream combo to have up front, and they compliment each other perfectly. RVN's continuous movement with the large amount of service and defense splitting through balls from Pires, Scholes and Bergkamp would lead to comfortable chances for the dutchman.
Semi-final 1 between Aldomar United FC and Team Gio is underway
We will wait another 3 hours for Theon, in case he wishes to add anything, before we proceed with Semi-final 2
We will wait another 3 hours for Theon, in case he wishes to add anything, before we proceed with Semi-final 2
Subs:
Joe Hart, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, David Batty
The most balanced team in the tournament, my side is the ultimate 4-4-2 with the perfect blend of pace, flair, power and technique, as well as unquestionable leadership qualities throughout. It combines the Premierships two outstanding performers in Shearer and Giggs – winners of the Premiership Player of the Decade and the Premiership Player of 20 Years.
Overview
The back 5 is outstanding with Kompany, McGrath and Schmeichel forming the heart of a nigh on impenetrable defence. Schmeichel has more accolades than any other goalkeeper and is the only one to win Player of the Year, Irish legend Paul McGrath remains the only defender to win the PFA Player of the Year award and Kompany is only the second to win the Premier League Player of the Season. Kompany is comfortable stepping out of the back line to make challenges with his superb athleticism, whilst McGrath will use his immense positioning and reading of the game to provide cover and sweep up any danger. Ferguson on McGrath - "He was an exceptionally skilful and stylish defender, with marvellous innate athleticism, a man whose abilities stood comparison with any central defender in the game."
Flanked by two of the best fullbacks in the game, particularly Gary Neville who is unmatched defensively, my defence is concoction of strength, commitment, aerial ability, positional awareness – and most importantly pace. Unlike Polaroid, my defence is completely mobile.
Just ahead, the midfield is controlled by two of the best central midfielders in world football. Roy Keane is capable of winning a game on his own and remains the most dominating player the league has seen, his influence will lift the performance of those around him. Like Keane, Lampard has exceptional stamina defensively but also offers a goal threat that in unparalleled for a midfielder – scoring more in one season than Viera scored in nine and Fabregas scored in six.
Offensively Giggs and Evra will maraud down the left overwhelming an isolated and out of position Irwin, whilst the proven Beckham and Neville combination offer a more cultured approach down the most dominating right flank the Premiership has ever seen, with the single greatest passer and two of the best crossers in the game. Le Tissier is a master at creating space and will have a free role in attack, dropping off Shearer to pick up possession, whilst Shearer leads the line to occupy the two centre backs and finish the chances provided by the unmatched creativity of Giggs, Beckham, Le Tissier and Lampard. With Shearer leading the line and battling Adams, Giggs and Beckham running the channels and Le Tissier drifting over the park, the attack is beautifully balanced with an unbelievable amount of goals and creativity that is unmatched.
Partnerships
Poloroid has a great team and the two are very similar in their tactical set up, but whereas Polaroid’s is just a collection of good players mine is filled with textbook complimentary partnerships –
Giggs/Beckham - one winger beating defenders with the best dribbling skills on the pitch, the other sitting deeper playing pin-point long range passes and crosses to the perfect centre forward
Le Tissier/Shearer – The ultimate creator/finisher combination, Le Tissier is a master of assists and his clever passes will lead to countless opportunities for the best finisher in the game. Le Tissier is the definition of a flair player and capable of magic at any time, whereas Shearer is a force of nature, pure power and ruthless efficiency. This combination is far more natural than anything Pol can produce
Lampard/Keane – The classic holding/attacking combination with Keane marshalling the middle of the pitch, mirroring the similar partnership Scholes and Keane mastered
Kompany/McGrath/Schmeichel – Stopper/cover partnership that Polaroid lacks. Kompany is beautiful at stepping out of the back four and making tackles, whilst McGrath has unrivalled reading of the game perfect for eliminating any danger that gets past Kompany, with Schmeichel sweeping up any through balls
In addition, Beckham’s crosses are perfect for the aerial strength of Shearer, whilst the presence of Shearer allows Lampard to recreate a similar partnership as with Drogba, playing off his knockdowns that led to 22 goals from midfield in one year.
Goals
Along with unrivalled creativity I have unmatched finishing power with Shearer being the undisputed best finisher in the game with Fowler, Lampard and Le Tissier carrying their own huge threats. Goals from midfield are heavily in my favour with Lampard scoring by far more than anybody else. For example Scholes only scored 10 goals in a season twice, in comparison Lampard has done so 9 times. Lampard also has a better goals per game ratio than a world class forward in Bergkamp! Niether of Pol’s midfielders come close to that goal threat, despite Fabregas being just as offensively minded.
Then there is the 'Premiership Player of the Decade’ Alan Shearer. In three consecutive seasons Shearer scored a total of 96 Premier League goals – scoring over 30 goals each year. At Blackburn the only word for him is unstoppable – in his 4 seasons he scored 112 goals in 138 appearances. That is a football manager type of statistic and every game he had an 81% chance of scoring a goal, which is unmatched by any striker including Thierry Henry. No striker in the draft comes close to Alan Shearer at his peak.
Assists
With Beckham, Giggs and Lampard I have the number 1, 2 and 3 in all time Premiership assists, along with Shearer, Neville, Keane and Le Tissier who make the top 50 with over 75 each – Poloroid can’t come close to matching that. It is without doubt the most creative team in the tournament with assists coming from all angles, whether it’s the crosses of Becks and Nev, the mazy dribbling and cut backs from Giggsy or the clever through balls of Lampard and Le Tissier.
My Team in more detail
Attack
Shearer is the most complete forward to ever play in the Premier League, all time top goalscorer, winner of numerous Player of The Season awards in 1994, 1995,1996 and 1997, 6 time PFA Team of the Year, voted into the Premiership Team of the Decade 1992-2002 and voted as the Domestic Player of The Decade and Overall Player of the Decade and recently voted into the Premiership 20 seasons Team of All Time. Quite simply, Shearer’s combination of pace, strength, power, heading ability and deadly finishing make him the best striker the league has seen.
Playing in the hole Le Tissier was just an outrageously talented footballer with the capacity to change a game at any moment. As Xavi said - "His talent was simply out of the norm. He could simply dribble past seven or eight players but without speed - he just walked past them. For me he was sensational". He will bring flair and creativity to the team drifting all over the pitch, with some of the best long shots ever seen in the league.
On the right Beckham is the perfect foil for Shearer, I can’t think of a more better suited combination in the entire draft. Shearer was lethal in the air or on the ground and with Beckhams delivery he will have too many chances to score for Pol to cope. On the left Giggsy is simply the best winger to play the game, he will attack Irwin the entire match whilst cutting inside to run at Adams who won’t have a hope of keeping up.
Midfield
In midfield you have two of the best central midfielders to not only play in the Premiership, but in world football over the last 20 years. The inspirational Roy Keane is the most dominating player the league has seen and one of the best in world football. As Sir Alex said, ‘He would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt it was an honour to be associated with such a player." He is the ultimate midfielder and the most important player in United's recent history.
Keane is partnered by Lampard, statistically the best player to ever play in the Premiership, 5th Highest Goalscorer of All Time, 2nd Highest Assists of All Time. In his prime there was not a better central midfielder in world football, culminating in 2005 where he cleaned up the awards winning the PFA Player of the Year, the Football Writers Association Player of the Year, the Premier League Player of the Season and achieved international recognition winning the Silver Award in the Ballon d’Or behind Ronaldinho and the Silver Award in the FIFA World Player of the Year. One of the fittest players in the league Lampard will partner Keane in constant pressurising of the opposition midfield, combined with those devastating runs into the box and the passing ability to unlock the tightest defence.
Defence
At the back I have the best fullbacks in the draft in Neville and Evra who have the freedom to charge forward and stretch the pitch. The best Right Back the league has ever seen – no debate – Neville is a consummate professional who never seems to have a bad game. Selected 5 Time PFA Team of The Year, Team of the Decade and the Premiership Team of All Time. Defensively he is a rock, effective in the air and tireless on the ground, it is very rare for a winger to get the best out of Neville. Along with his obvious defensive skills Neville is a terrific footballer who can keep possession. One of the best crosses of the ball, Gary Neville has a tonne of assists and should thrive off a target man like Shearer.
On the other side Evra is the modern wingback and from 2007 to 2010 he was genuinely world class – consequentially selected to the 2009 FIFA world XI and the 2009 UEFA Team of the Year, as well as 3 time PFA Team of the Year. Defensively robust Evra was fantastic in the challenge, as well as being unstoppable at getting forward.
In centre half I have perhaps the best defender currently in world football, let alone the Premiership, and currently the reigning Premier League Player of the Season – one of only two defenders to ever win the award. A revelation since moving to central defence, being quick, strong, great in the air and also positionally Kompany does not have a weak link. Partnering him is the most naturally talented defender ever seen in the league, Paul McGrath was a colossus and supremely gifted. He could glide through a game without giving the opposition a kick, whilst making it look simple – keeping the likes of Shearer and Baggio quiet all game.
Behind them Peter Schmeichel is the best keeper the league has seen by an absolute mile. Voted the world goalkeeper of the year and UEFA Keeper of the year on four occasions, he was selected in the Team of the Decade and the Team of 20 Seasons. If they manage to break through Keane/McGrath/Kompany then Schmeichel will provide the last wall of defence.
Shearer is the most complete forward to ever play in the Premier League, all time top goalscorer, winner of numerous Player of The Season awards in 1994, 1995,1996 and 1997, 6 time PFA Team of the Year, voted into the Premiership Team of the Decade 1992-2002 and voted as the Domestic Player of The Decade and Overall Player of the Decade and recently voted into the Premiership 20 seasons Team of All Time. Quite simply, Shearer’s combination of pace, strength, power, heading ability and deadly finishing make him the best striker the league has seen.
Playing in the hole Le Tissier was just an outrageously talented footballer with the capacity to change a game at any moment. As Xavi said - "His talent was simply out of the norm. He could simply dribble past seven or eight players but without speed - he just walked past them. For me he was sensational". He will bring flair and creativity to the team drifting all over the pitch, with some of the best long shots ever seen in the league.
On the right Beckham is the perfect foil for Shearer, I can’t think of a more better suited combination in the entire draft. Shearer was lethal in the air or on the ground and with Beckhams delivery he will have too many chances to score for Pol to cope. On the left Giggsy is simply the best winger to play the game, he will attack Irwin the entire match whilst cutting inside to run at Adams who won’t have a hope of keeping up.
Midfield
In midfield you have two of the best central midfielders to not only play in the Premiership, but in world football over the last 20 years. The inspirational Roy Keane is the most dominating player the league has seen and one of the best in world football. As Sir Alex said, ‘He would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt it was an honour to be associated with such a player." He is the ultimate midfielder and the most important player in United's recent history.
Keane is partnered by Lampard, statistically the best player to ever play in the Premiership, 5th Highest Goalscorer of All Time, 2nd Highest Assists of All Time. In his prime there was not a better central midfielder in world football, culminating in 2005 where he cleaned up the awards winning the PFA Player of the Year, the Football Writers Association Player of the Year, the Premier League Player of the Season and achieved international recognition winning the Silver Award in the Ballon d’Or behind Ronaldinho and the Silver Award in the FIFA World Player of the Year. One of the fittest players in the league Lampard will partner Keane in constant pressurising of the opposition midfield, combined with those devastating runs into the box and the passing ability to unlock the tightest defence.
Defence
At the back I have the best fullbacks in the draft in Neville and Evra who have the freedom to charge forward and stretch the pitch. The best Right Back the league has ever seen – no debate – Neville is a consummate professional who never seems to have a bad game. Selected 5 Time PFA Team of The Year, Team of the Decade and the Premiership Team of All Time. Defensively he is a rock, effective in the air and tireless on the ground, it is very rare for a winger to get the best out of Neville. Along with his obvious defensive skills Neville is a terrific footballer who can keep possession. One of the best crosses of the ball, Gary Neville has a tonne of assists and should thrive off a target man like Shearer.
On the other side Evra is the modern wingback and from 2007 to 2010 he was genuinely world class – consequentially selected to the 2009 FIFA world XI and the 2009 UEFA Team of the Year, as well as 3 time PFA Team of the Year. Defensively robust Evra was fantastic in the challenge, as well as being unstoppable at getting forward.
In centre half I have perhaps the best defender currently in world football, let alone the Premiership, and currently the reigning Premier League Player of the Season – one of only two defenders to ever win the award. A revelation since moving to central defence, being quick, strong, great in the air and also positionally Kompany does not have a weak link. Partnering him is the most naturally talented defender ever seen in the league, Paul McGrath was a colossus and supremely gifted. He could glide through a game without giving the opposition a kick, whilst making it look simple – keeping the likes of Shearer and Baggio quiet all game.
Behind them Peter Schmeichel is the best keeper the league has seen by an absolute mile. Voted the world goalkeeper of the year and UEFA Keeper of the year on four occasions, he was selected in the Team of the Decade and the Team of 20 Seasons. If they manage to break through Keane/McGrath/Kompany then Schmeichel will provide the last wall of defence.
Cracked me up that one
With all the thinking you've put into this, what possessed you to use the Dortmund kit and not the United one?
It's a 4-4-2 packed with United players, what does Dortmund have to do with it?
Pol used a united kit and I didnt want us to use the same one, thought it would look better if one of us changed. Ideally he would have gone Arsenal and I would have gone united because he has a great Arsenal theme!
Ermm, feck knows why I chose Dortmund, I've just been choosing random teams that I like so far. Used AC, Dortmund, Juve so far.
Ermm, feck knows why I chose Dortmund, I've just been choosing random teams that I like so far. Used AC, Dortmund, Juve so far
.I noticed Pol's confusion tactics and thought he obviously shouldn't make it United vs. Arsenal. I'm just baffled as to why you turn that into dropping a winning theme.
You are probably right that I should have kept it, but I thought it would look better with different kits and Pol has used United throughout I think.
Theon, if you want to, I can change kits
No not at all mate, you had it first. Plus, I like Dortmund 
The final will kick off tomorrow 15 October 1400 hrs UK time
Tactics:
It's a classic 4-2-3-1 full to the brim with complementary partnerships across the pitch. The outstanding defender of the draft, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell form the strongest central defensive partnership of the competition, one which was nigh on impossible to penetrate at international level. The pair are ably assisted by a two international class full-backs in Graeme Le Saux and the pacey Rob Jones (the latter having done an excellent man-marking job in taming the young Giggs on his Liverpool debut). Both will play conservatively to limit the space available for presumably Henry and Overmars.
In midfield Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso renew their phenomenal partnership and they will be supported in the engine room by the monstrous Michael Essien: a trio who will dominate the centre of the park, forming the perfect platform for the counter-attacking punch of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianfranco Zola. The direct and relentless match-winning ability of Ronaldo complements the incisive and inventive inside-forward Zola. As the rest of Europe found in 2008, the freely rotating combination of Rooney and Ronaldo will likely be too hot to handle.
On a stacked bench is the only other Ballon D'Or winner the Premiership has seen, Michael Owen, whose pace late on in games should cause Adams and Desailly problems. Strength in depth is the name of the game with Martin Keown, Emmanuel Petit, Joe Cole and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on hand to bolster the first XI.
Player Profiles:
Jens Lehmann
Imposing personality who like Van der Sar matured with age and spent his best years in the Premiership. 61 caps for Germany and UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2006 when he kept 10 consecutive clean sheets.
Rob Jones
Probably the only top class right-back England have produced, aside from Neville, in the last 25 years. Plucked from Crewe as a 19-year-old, he made his Liverpool debut against another precocious talent in Ryan Giggs and achieved the rare feat of shutting the winger out. Such a performance was typical of the standard Jones maintained in establishing himself, first in a Liverpool shirt, then latterly in an England shirt. Injury cut him down in his prime, but not before he reached a level of performance - "he was as good as anything in Europe at the time", said Jamie Carragher - that forced Steven McManaman into naming the full-back in his perfect XI alongside the likes of Zidane and Carlos.
Rio Ferdinand
The Premiership's outstanding defender and one of a small handful of players who can claim to have been the best in the world in their position, which he undoubtedly was between 2006 and 2008.
Sol Campbell
Imperious one-on-one, he was dominant in both the Premiership (3 times PFA Team of the Year) and on the international stage, making the Team of the Tournament at World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004.
Graeme Le Saux
England's outstanding left-back of the 1990s who usurped Stuart Pearce to make the position his own. Twice selected in the PFA Team of the Year and was fundamental in Blackburn's success in 1994/95.
Xabi Alonso
Liverpool's downward trajectory post-Alonso and Madrid's rising status following his switch is testament to the calibre of the tenacious playmaking midfielder.
Michael Essien
Box-to-box machine who:
His Roy-of-the-Rovers performances have fuelled Scouser delusions of title challenges for more than a decade. Will thrive with a platform of Essien and Alonso to dominate midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Premiership saw the best of both sides of Ronaldo: the trick-laden, full-back-dismantling winger evolving into the relentless goalscorer and match-winner.
Wayne Rooney
Played some of his very best and most creative football alongside Owen and Ronaldo.
Subs:
Michael Owen
Embarrassed an array of world-class defenders during his career thanks to his blistering pace and always reliable finishing - particularly on the biggest stages.
Martin Keown
Formed a inpenetrable partnership with Adams, it was little surprise that Arsenal had the best defensive record in the Premiership 4 seasons out of 6 following his arrival at the club.
Emmanuel Petit
Combative yet oozed quality as part of an Arsenal midfield that went toe-to-toe with and matched Manchester United's famous four. Integral to France's World Cup success in 1998.
Joe Cole
Developed immensely under Mourinho, marrying the natural technical ability with an improved awareness and incisiveness. Silenced the 15-year debates about who could fill the problem left-midfield slot for the national team.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Guaranteed to be either top scorer (97/98, 00/01 and La Liga 99/00) or thereabouts for a number of seasons thanks to his ruthless and emphatic finishing on either foot.
Imposing personality who like Van der Sar matured with age and spent his best years in the Premiership. 61 caps for Germany and UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2006 when he kept 10 consecutive clean sheets.
Rob Jones
Probably the only top class right-back England have produced, aside from Neville, in the last 25 years. Plucked from Crewe as a 19-year-old, he made his Liverpool debut against another precocious talent in Ryan Giggs and achieved the rare feat of shutting the winger out. Such a performance was typical of the standard Jones maintained in establishing himself, first in a Liverpool shirt, then latterly in an England shirt. Injury cut him down in his prime, but not before he reached a level of performance - "he was as good as anything in Europe at the time", said Jamie Carragher - that forced Steven McManaman into naming the full-back in his perfect XI alongside the likes of Zidane and Carlos.
Rio Ferdinand
The Premiership's outstanding defender and one of a small handful of players who can claim to have been the best in the world in their position, which he undoubtedly was between 2006 and 2008.
Sol Campbell
Imperious one-on-one, he was dominant in both the Premiership (3 times PFA Team of the Year) and on the international stage, making the Team of the Tournament at World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004.
Graeme Le Saux
England's outstanding left-back of the 1990s who usurped Stuart Pearce to make the position his own. Twice selected in the PFA Team of the Year and was fundamental in Blackburn's success in 1994/95.
Xabi Alonso
Liverpool's downward trajectory post-Alonso and Madrid's rising status following his switch is testament to the calibre of the tenacious playmaking midfielder.
Michael Essien
Box-to-box machine who:
Steven Gerrard
His Roy-of-the-Rovers performances have fuelled Scouser delusions of title challenges for more than a decade. Will thrive with a platform of Essien and Alonso to dominate midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Premiership saw the best of both sides of Ronaldo: the trick-laden, full-back-dismantling winger evolving into the relentless goalscorer and match-winner.
Wayne Rooney
Played some of his very best and most creative football alongside Owen and Ronaldo.
Subs:
Michael Owen
Embarrassed an array of world-class defenders during his career thanks to his blistering pace and always reliable finishing - particularly on the biggest stages.
Martin Keown
Formed a inpenetrable partnership with Adams, it was little surprise that Arsenal had the best defensive record in the Premiership 4 seasons out of 6 following his arrival at the club.
Emmanuel Petit
Combative yet oozed quality as part of an Arsenal midfield that went toe-to-toe with and matched Manchester United's famous four. Integral to France's World Cup success in 1998.
Joe Cole
Developed immensely under Mourinho, marrying the natural technical ability with an improved awareness and incisiveness. Silenced the 15-year debates about who could fill the problem left-midfield slot for the national team.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Guaranteed to be either top scorer (97/98, 00/01 and La Liga 99/00) or thereabouts for a number of seasons thanks to his ruthless and emphatic finishing on either foot.
How come you aren't just going 4-5-1 Gio?
You have the perfect midfield for it, Gerrard and Essien the box to box CM's, with Alonso playing his preferred defensive midfield position.
You have the perfect midfield for it, Gerrard and Essien the box to box CM's, with Alonso playing his preferred defensive midfield position.
I think its fine. Alonso's right where he should be with a runner alongside him. He isn't limitted to sitting infront of the back 4 like a Makelele. Also Gerrards in the right place as you dont wan't too big a gap between midfield and attack. Rooney better with close support.
What I don't get is the flank switch between Ronaldo and Zola. Not that it is wrong or anything, just can't see much between the fullbacks and would probably prefer Cole to be the busier one.
Not sure Zola will do it here either, got a lot of flak in the last outing, maybe Owen and Rooney left, particularly for any counter opportunity.
Pol will certainly bang on about Jones and Le Saux... If it weren't for that defensive frailty I would set up to soak him and hit him on the break with Rooney-Owen-Ronaldo
Interesting game, will go down to nuances. Don't expect an early vote from me here!
Not sure Zola will do it here either, got a lot of flak in the last outing, maybe Owen and Rooney left, particularly for any counter opportunity.
Pol will certainly bang on about Jones and Le Saux... If it weren't for that defensive frailty I would set up to soak him and hit him on the break with Rooney-Owen-Ronaldo
Interesting game, will go down to nuances. Don't expect an early vote from me here!
Yeah but Alonso plays that way, sitting in front of the back four. He wasn't a centre midfielder for Liverpool and still isn't for Madrid, only scored 15 goals for Liverpool and most of them were freekicks or long range shots.
But Essien is actually a centre mid partnering Lampard for Chelsea, which would be a similar partnership in Gio's team with Gerrard. Gerrard played his best football as a centre mid as well IMO as he could do everything as a midfielder, really good tackler, stamina, work rate etc, so I wouldn't limit him to an AM role.
It would be a match up in the middle of Essien and Gerrard vs Fabregas and Viera, which I think Gio would win fairly comfortably. Then Alonso being free to watch Cantona.
A balanced team all-round with devastating attacking capabilities and a rock-solid defensive spine.
The high-octane jet-heeled attacking game springs forth from this wondrously cohesive team passing and moving at high speed, continuously attacking space and weaving together slick attacking moves to punch gaping holes in opposition defences with rapid-fire intensity. At the cutting edge of this fluid and dynamic offense is that glorious attacking quintet boasting the fantastical magic of Henry, the visionary genius of Cantona, the explosive penetration of Overmars, the prodigious play-making brilliance of Fabregas and the footballing force of nature that is Vieira...a potent cocktail of speed, power, technique, flair and creativity that ignites into an explosive spectacle of dazzling fireworks and ruthless efficiency, creating and scoring goals in a swashbuckling fashion that is breathtakingly beautiful for the spectator but brutally cruel to the opposition. The ace in the attacking gameplan is simple – to break the weakest link in the chain and target the softest chink in the armour ie Gio’s fullbacks. The biggest mismatch in this game is Rob Jones and Le Saux vs Henry and Overmars. Henry will go from out to in, attacking and breezing past Jones with his dribbling, pace and movement, taking him out of the game and penetrating at speed into the penalty box, getting goalside of the centrebacks which forces them to turn back towards their own goal in hasty catch-up. Ditto Overmar against Le Saux. Cantona, Fabregas and Vieira will then capitalise on the disarray and vacated space to wreck further havoc and inflict brutal carnage.
Defensively, the fort is authoritatively marshalled by the formidable central towers of Van der Sar, Adams and Desailly with Irwin and Ashley Cole buttressing the flanks and the trio of Gilberto Silva, Vieira and Fabregas shielding from the front for even more defensive solidity to complete an insurmountable wall of resistance. Adams’s inspirational leadership and organisational skills will run the back four as one water-tight unit working in unison to shut out the opposition. Desailly is the ideal stopper to snuff out opposition attacks with his pace, power, anticipation and ball-winning prowess
Michael Owen on Desailly
With some defenders you think “he’s not strong”, “he’s not so quick” or whatever and try to play against that weakness. But Desailly was virtually impossible to play against. He was strong, quick, and good on the ball.
Jamie Carragher on Desailly
He loved the big occasions. Whenever we used to play against him at Anfield he used to play so well that, to be honest, it was a case of men against boys.
Ruud Gullit on Desailly
A very strong defender and excellent in the air, which is something you need. He also had the kind of pace and power that would frighten attackers into making a mistake.
Gilberto Silva fits like a glove into his defensive anchor role to provide additional cover and security for his team-mates, affording Fabregas, Vieira and Cole greater freedom to support the attack when the opportunity arises. Their ability on the ball and comfort in stepping out of defence will aid the transition from defense to attack, not to mention Van der Sar's masterful distribution, Fabregas' incisive passes, Vieira's driving runs and Cantona's visionary through-balls which can launch counterattacks in an instant, unleashing Henry and Overmars in lightning-quick raids to deliver the sucker-punch in a flash.
Set-pieces will be a treat with the fabulous ball-striking technique of Henry, Fabregas and Irwin arrowing laser-guided missiles into goal or delivering perfectly flighted balls to aerial powerhouses Adams, Desailly, Vieira and Cantona. 7 of the starting 11 are from the two formidable Arsenal sides that Wenger built, with at least 5 of them training and playing together for 3 seasons, at least 4 of them for 7 seasons. And this is without including van Persie and Sagna on the bench. The rest of the bench comprises Gareth Bale, Antonio Valencia and Daniel Agger, bolstering my team with further quality and versatility. The cohesion and understanding in my team is a priceless lubricant oiling both the offensive and defensive phases of the game, enabling my team to work as a team in the true sense of the word, handing my side another significant advantage. The footballing philosophy guiding my team's style of play is crystal-clear and compatible with the qualities of my players, making the best use of their individual talents to forge a team greater than the sum of its parts. The common understanding in a shared philosophy and identity enhances the team's cohesiveness and effectiveness, giving my team an invaluable competitive advantage over the opposition. This advantage is further rammed home by the glaring mismatch in Henry and Overmars vs Jones and Le Saux.
sub: Robin van Persie, Gareth Bale, Antonio Valencia, Daniel Agger, Bacary Sagna
The high-octane jet-heeled attacking game springs forth from this wondrously cohesive team passing and moving at high speed, continuously attacking space and weaving together slick attacking moves to punch gaping holes in opposition defences with rapid-fire intensity. At the cutting edge of this fluid and dynamic offense is that glorious attacking quintet boasting the fantastical magic of Henry, the visionary genius of Cantona, the explosive penetration of Overmars, the prodigious play-making brilliance of Fabregas and the footballing force of nature that is Vieira...a potent cocktail of speed, power, technique, flair and creativity that ignites into an explosive spectacle of dazzling fireworks and ruthless efficiency, creating and scoring goals in a swashbuckling fashion that is breathtakingly beautiful for the spectator but brutally cruel to the opposition. The ace in the attacking gameplan is simple – to break the weakest link in the chain and target the softest chink in the armour ie Gio’s fullbacks. The biggest mismatch in this game is Rob Jones and Le Saux vs Henry and Overmars. Henry will go from out to in, attacking and breezing past Jones with his dribbling, pace and movement, taking him out of the game and penetrating at speed into the penalty box, getting goalside of the centrebacks which forces them to turn back towards their own goal in hasty catch-up. Ditto Overmar against Le Saux. Cantona, Fabregas and Vieira will then capitalise on the disarray and vacated space to wreck further havoc and inflict brutal carnage.
Defensively, the fort is authoritatively marshalled by the formidable central towers of Van der Sar, Adams and Desailly with Irwin and Ashley Cole buttressing the flanks and the trio of Gilberto Silva, Vieira and Fabregas shielding from the front for even more defensive solidity to complete an insurmountable wall of resistance. Adams’s inspirational leadership and organisational skills will run the back four as one water-tight unit working in unison to shut out the opposition. Desailly is the ideal stopper to snuff out opposition attacks with his pace, power, anticipation and ball-winning prowess
Michael Owen on Desailly
With some defenders you think “he’s not strong”, “he’s not so quick” or whatever and try to play against that weakness. But Desailly was virtually impossible to play against. He was strong, quick, and good on the ball.
Jamie Carragher on Desailly
He loved the big occasions. Whenever we used to play against him at Anfield he used to play so well that, to be honest, it was a case of men against boys.
Ruud Gullit on Desailly
A very strong defender and excellent in the air, which is something you need. He also had the kind of pace and power that would frighten attackers into making a mistake.
Gilberto Silva fits like a glove into his defensive anchor role to provide additional cover and security for his team-mates, affording Fabregas, Vieira and Cole greater freedom to support the attack when the opportunity arises. Their ability on the ball and comfort in stepping out of defence will aid the transition from defense to attack, not to mention Van der Sar's masterful distribution, Fabregas' incisive passes, Vieira's driving runs and Cantona's visionary through-balls which can launch counterattacks in an instant, unleashing Henry and Overmars in lightning-quick raids to deliver the sucker-punch in a flash.
Set-pieces will be a treat with the fabulous ball-striking technique of Henry, Fabregas and Irwin arrowing laser-guided missiles into goal or delivering perfectly flighted balls to aerial powerhouses Adams, Desailly, Vieira and Cantona. 7 of the starting 11 are from the two formidable Arsenal sides that Wenger built, with at least 5 of them training and playing together for 3 seasons, at least 4 of them for 7 seasons. And this is without including van Persie and Sagna on the bench. The rest of the bench comprises Gareth Bale, Antonio Valencia and Daniel Agger, bolstering my team with further quality and versatility. The cohesion and understanding in my team is a priceless lubricant oiling both the offensive and defensive phases of the game, enabling my team to work as a team in the true sense of the word, handing my side another significant advantage. The footballing philosophy guiding my team's style of play is crystal-clear and compatible with the qualities of my players, making the best use of their individual talents to forge a team greater than the sum of its parts. The common understanding in a shared philosophy and identity enhances the team's cohesiveness and effectiveness, giving my team an invaluable competitive advantage over the opposition. This advantage is further rammed home by the glaring mismatch in Henry and Overmars vs Jones and Le Saux.
sub: Robin van Persie, Gareth Bale, Antonio Valencia, Daniel Agger, Bacary Sagna
Gio, I just posted my tactics, you can make any amendments or additions to yours if you wish to, I will start the match in an hour's time
It's a bit odd how adding Silva and dropping Van Persie can make a side stronger, but it does. Was quite clear in the semifinal ET, Silva added so much more than RvP just looking pretty upfront.
Theon does have a point on Alonso deeper to pick Cantona, not a bad option. It depends on how Gio wants to approach the game, but Pol is looking stronger and more in control if the proposition is to play on equal terms.
Theon does have a point on Alonso deeper to pick Cantona, not a bad option. It depends on how Gio wants to approach the game, but Pol is looking stronger and more in control if the proposition is to play on equal terms.
Cole's got a decent record against Ronaldo and other wingers of his direct type. Hence the switch to challenge Cole with a different type of player, one who he's more likely to struggle against IMO.
Did think about starting Owen up top because his pace will cause problems, but saving that for the second half as the teams tire.
Theon - Not too fussed either way about Alonso behind Gerrard/Essien, but he plays exactly like that for Real Madrid, Spain and did the same at Liverpool alongside Masherano. Obviously in possession it's a more fluid set-up as he dictates from deep while the other four move into space.
He plays in defensive midfield for all those teams, at Liverpool Mascherano was a DM as well.
As part of the two in a 4-2-3-1, usually alongside a physically imposing partner (Mascherano/Busquets/Khedira).
All other DM's, Essien isn't.
At Pool Masch and Alonso sat, but Essien was box to box, so it's a completely different partnership.
At Pool Masch and Alonso sat, but Essien was box to box, so it's a completely different partnership.
I'm not sure there's a tangible difference in what Khedira does for Real and what Essien is doing in my formation. Anyway, at the moment I'm quite happy with the two as it provides a bit more support to the full-backs if the wide forwards cut into the middle.
Essien was definitely more advanced than Khedira, he is averaging about 3 times as many goals per games in the Premiership. But regardless of goals, him and Lampard got forward all the time, with Makelele holding behind. That's not how Khedira plays at Madrid at all IMO.
But anyway, it's a different scenario due to the players each manager has. If you look at Madrid they have to play the 4-2-3-1 in order to play Ozil, their formation is very similar to City who accomadate Silva and so try and reign Yaya back.
With your formation Gerrard isn't the same type of player as Silva or Ozil and can actually play in midfield, indeed most would probably say he was better there. So playing 4-2-3-1 is unnecessary. It just seems an awkward way to postion the players, it would obviously work but isn't the most suited.
You have two quality centre mids and one quality defensive mid, so should just play them like that, 4-5-1 is a good formation so don't see the downside and it gets Gerrard involved in the game to the greatest extent.
Up to you though mate I was just interested in your thinking, still think you'l win unless Pol changes it around. He has thought a bit too deeply I think and it's ended up distorting his team unfortunately.
I thought it was about Cole having kept him quiet a few times, but then, Irwin never got the chance. Not sure Zola will challenge Cole more but it sure would not play to his strengths.
Fair enough, or to sit back later, hold a lead and hit him on the break.
The benefit I can see in Theon's proposal is clarity as to who is onto Eric, the rest would be rather fluid indeed.