Quaranteam draft - R1: Sjor vs Michael

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

VS
......................................... TEAM SJOR ......................................................................................................... TEAM MICHAEL ....................................................


TEAM SJOR

Classic 352 that can easily transform itself into a 433 if needed. Aim was to give a platform to best offensive wingbacks of all time, given EAP kindly gifted me Cafu i now have 2 best ones which makes this theme absolutely worth it. Usually they are there just to make a formation "work" and to provide width, nah feck that, lets put them in key roles and use them as main weapon as they are used in the modern game. Specially wanted to highlight Marcelo there who won so many games on his own for that great Real Madrid side, absolutely insane footballer.
To make it easier for them they have a back 3 behind with one of the best 3 at the back specialist in Azpilicueta and the great Ruggeri. Leading that defence is Hector Chumpitaz, brilliant with the ball and even better without it, not many can marshal the whole back line as him given his football intelligence and defensive organizational skills. Behind that wall there is another wall, the great wall of russia - at worst second best keeper in history of the game, Lev Yashin.

Engine room of Gazza and Deschamps, everything you ever want from your midfield. In Gazza you get a hard working genius whose level went up with the quality of his opponent which pretty much makes him a perfect draft player. What to say about Deschamps, absolute dream player that IMO is underrated as feck for reasons i cant really understand, maybe he is boring? Leader, winner, great character and a fantastic footballer who even though could play often was taking the back seat for more formidable teammates, a perfect teammate and his trophy cabinet reflects that - 5 CL finals with 3 different teams(won it twice with Juve and Marseille, lost twice with Juve and with Valencia), 5 league titles, Italian cup, Intercontinental Cup, FA Cup, World Cup and Euro.
Tactically both fit each other and the team given both were disciplined workhorses that wont have any issues with covering out wide when needed for 2 bombing wingbacks.
At number 10 the player i absolutely love, Nils Liedholm. Given absolute freedom in possession while will still contribute heavily in the defensive phase, wouldnt love him otherwise. Guy that at his peak was unsolvable enigma for the likes of Bozsik, Szymaniak and Zito at 58 WC.

Up front two hard working maniacs in Tostao and Suarez and thats pretty much only thing they have in common. One is a wild card, goalscoring machine that will do everything to win while the other is a selfless genius that doesnt mind taking a back seat if needed so could easily see him and Liedholm enjoying each other company on the pitch while Suarez getting the benefits.

Tactics
Its a team that is easily capable of dominating possession and playing a quick direct football so playing style would be adaptive but leaning more to a direct counter-attacking style, at least at the start


TEAM MICHAEL

My team will play a 4-2-3-1 formation with the main routes to goal being the aerial ability of Kocsis (particularly if Chumpitaz plays) and the pace of Blokhin cutting in from the right hand side.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

@Šjor Bepo @Michaelf7777777 All the best!

 

[Jim Beam]

That Gazza picture had more potential

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[Himannv]

I like Michael's team a lot better than I thought I would. Some lovely player combinations in there.

 

[Physiocrat]

@Šjor Bepo

I buy the entire setup except possibly Liedholm. My understanding was he more of deeper playmaker, Gren being the more advanced on the inside forwards for Sweden. In a 433 Ibwould have no problems with him as the most advanced CM but behind the front 2 seems a little unnatural for him.

 

[harms]

I'd switch Ruggeri & Chumpitaz around, considering the threats that they're facing. Chumpitaz has issues with aerial game (as we've discussed multiple times, there are players like Cannavaro/Passarella/Seeler who were incredible despite their height, but Chumpitaz, sadly, isn't one of them — and having arguably the most threatening header of all-time playing against him isn't a great fit). I'm not sure if he's going to be able to cope with Blokhin, but he was certainly quite quick — and very astute in terms of his tackling and positioning.

As for Michael, I'd probably prefer at least one proper playmaker in that midfield three, but for the counter-attacking set up they're pretty great, especially with Zanetti and Džajić moving the ball forward into more threatening areas.

I always have issues with pre-footage players as I don't really know how to rate them properly... but since we've allowed them back in this draft we have to assess them somehow and both Monti & Nasazzi have pretty much the ideal resume on paper.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Not only is he a beautiful bastard, he is also pure magic. Often underlooked for much inferior players with same bullshit excuse that he cant defend all while pretending players from previous era are super-humans that never made mistakes and nobody roasted them, what makes that view even more laughable is the fact teams rarely get anything over him even though he was getting little to no protection from above given the fact Cristiano played on his side rather then some hard-working bastard that would double down and protect the wing. Also, have in mind he is playing against best and most talented players of his era because pretty much all of them play from the wing compared to before where players of similar/same profile were either at n10 or up front.

His resume speaks for itself, insane amount of trophies at Real Madrid while playing a key role in the team - 4 Champions Leagues and to see the impact he is having let me give you some (Rafa)facts:

• 13/14 Final - gets subbed on in the 60' minute while Atletico is leading 1:0, Madrid wins 4:1 in extra time while Marcelo scores one of the goals
• 15/16 Final - scores in the penalty shoutout
• 16/17 Final - 1 assist
• 17/18 Final - 2 assists

In fact that whole 17/18 campaign is probably one of the best of all time when it comes to defenders/fullbacks how ever you want to classify it.

• R16(PSG) - Involved in first goal of the tie(pre-assist of sorts), scored 1 goal
• QF(Juventus) - Involved in first goal of the tie(pre-assist), scored 1 goal
• SF(Bayern) - 1 assist, 1 goal
• Final(Liverpool) - 2 assists

and mind you, this is just end product - created shitloads of other chances that Madrid missed and obviously contributed heavily in all aspects of the game but you get the picture - his impact is amazing.

​

More great teams then great players but still

 

[Šjor Bepo]

@Šjor Bepo

I buy the entire setup except possibly Liedholm. My understanding was he more of deeper playmaker, Gren being the more advanced on the inside forwards for Sweden. In a 433 Ibwould have no problems with him as the most advanced CM but behind the front 2 seems a little unnatural for him.

WC Final

WC QF

I dont mind him dropping deeper but he isnt playing deep in these and this is pretty much him at his peak. Will be closer to a 8/10 hybrid then a classic 10 and i dont mind that considering personnel and tactics.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

I'd switch Ruggeri & Chumpitaz around, considering the threats that they're facing. Chumpitaz has issues with aerial game (as we've discussed multiple times, there are players like Cannavaro/Passarella/Seeler who were incredible despite their height, but Chumpitaz, sadly, isn't one of them — and having arguably the most threatening header of all-time playing against him isn't a great fit). I'm not sure if he's going to be able to cope with Blokhin, but he was certainly quite quick — and very astute in terms of his tackling and positioning.

Chumpitaz is crucial for leading the line and he cant do that from the side so i lose MUCH more then i gain just because Kocsis might out jump him few times. Looking at michaels team i reckon majority of crosses for Kocsis will come from the left side so Ruggeri will help out a lot! Also Azpi is fantastic at defending deliveries from wide areas and him having a low center or gravity like Kocsis, its a pretty good match up when it happens.

 

[Pat_Mustard]

Class team @Šjor Bepo . All sorts of flair and invention from underrated and/or underutilised players like Marcelo, Gazza, Liedholm and Tostao.

Classic 352 that can easily transform itself into a 433 if needed.

How will the team look in a 4-3-3 shape?

 

[Šjor Bepo]

How will the team look in a 4-3-3 shape?

Azpi sliding to the rightback spot, Cafu moving up(looks odd at first but id love to see him in his prime in that role out of curiosity), Suarez and Tostao interchanging between themself but mostly Suarez from the left.
If you need to chase a result i reckon it could do the trick as you get in possession this:

Yashin
Chumpitaz Ruggeri
-Azpi----------Deschamps-
Gazza Liedholm
Cafu Tostao Marcelo
Suarez
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Though when i think about it, you can easily do that from a 352 as well reckon the high press would work fantastically well.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Two good teams. Sjor's players suit the direct counter attacking style he's playing. Michael's team is more straight forward with no obvious flaws.

 

[Pat_Mustard]

Azpi sliding to the rightback spot, Cafu moving up(looks odd at first but id love to see him in his prime in that role out of curiosity), Suarez and Tostao interchanging between themself but mostly Suarez from the left.
If you need to chase a result i reckon it could do the trick as you get in possession this:

Yashin
Chumpitaz Ruggeri
-Azpi----------Deschamps-
Gazza Liedholm
Cafu Tostao Marcelo
Suarez
​

Though when i think about it, you can easily do that from a 352 as well reckon the high press would work fantastically well.

Aye, I thought that might be it. Would work well imo. Been ages since I watched them but I imagine Cafu must have played very high up the pitch under that nutter Zeman for Roma.

 

[harms]

Aye, I thought that might be it. Would work well imo. Been ages since I watched them but I imagine Cafu must have played very high up the pitch under that nutter Zeman for Roma.

I'm pretty sure that he had spent most (or even the whole entirety) of his career in Brazil as a winger — and that's including 2 consecutive International Cups with São Paolo when they've beaten Cruyff's Dream Team & Capello's Milan. It's kind of insane to think that he had only moved to Italy at the age of 27!

Here he's, aged just 20, playing as a right winger against World XI for Pelé's team

 

[Gio]

Struggling to get a handle on how this game would play out. Michael's team looks like a counter-attacking juggernaut. Very Mourinho-esque, it doesn't look that fluid in possession, but potentially devastating on the break. Would fancy Sjor's team to take control of the ball, and tactically there's some really nice touches in Azpi shifting forward/across, Deschamps calling on his Juve LCM experience covering Marcelo, midfield overload. It's just whether they can regularly get into areas to hurt Michael's team.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Struggling to get a handle on how this game would play out. Michael's team looks like a counter-attacking juggernaut. Very Mourinho-esque, it doesn't look that fluid in possession, but potentially devastating on the break.

If thats the plan it doesnt look good for michael as Goncalves is pretty much the anti Mourinho player and he is in the key area of the pitch.

 

[harms]

If thats the plan it doesnt look good for michael as Goncalves is pretty much the anti Mourinho player and he is in the key area of the pitch.

Any thoughts on that @antohan?
I don't think that he'd struggle in such system at all, just like Alonso and Cambiasso didn't. He bears some resemblances to Busquets but he was way more physical.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Any thoughts on that @antohan?
I don't think that he'd struggle in such system at all, just like Alonso and Cambiasso didn't. He bears some resemblances to Busquets but he was way more physical.

tbf i didnt watch him a lot but didnt look like a good defender(for a team that invites pressure and wants to defend - Mourinho), offensive wise i see no issue as Mou did have a fair share of deep-lying playmakers in his teams, most notably Alonso and Motta.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Leaked footage of Gazza vs non footage turd Monti

Spoiler

 

[Jim Beam]

For my limited knowledge (and talking with fellow AM before) Nestor had great passing ability while being positionally astute and much more physical. I intended to use him in Fabinho role for Klopp set up for example, so I don't see much, if any issue here.

@Michaelf7777777 I love you to bits, but you need to talk and explain just a bit more during matches. Not in the mould of @TheReligion or @Enigma_87, God knows we don't need more of that.

Just a few points here and there, can even put it in one big post. Think it is often what prevents some people to hit that button in a close match.

 

[antohan]

Any thoughts on that @antohan?
I don't think that he'd struggle in such system at all, just like Alonso and Cambiasso didn't. He bears some resemblances to Busquets but he was way more physical.

Not sure what the premise here is re peaks/scope, etc.

Tito captained and played as DLP for one of the most successful counter-attacking sides in football history. It's pretty much entirely down to that side that Conmebol recognised Peñarol as the "Champion of the (XXth) Century" in South American club football.

I wouldn't say he was Pirlo but a more physical Busquets/Carrick, tactically intelligent, keeping the shape and defensive organisation and being key to transition.

His leadership and bravery don't make him some Roy Keane type defensive beast, but what he shares with him (and Varela, who famously never returned to Peñarol's training grounds after meeting him) is the ability to control the psychological side of the game. To extract the best from your players and decimate the opposition beating their spirit into a pulp. That's also part of defending, controlling a game and, ultimately, winning.

 

[harms]

I wouldn't say he was Pirlo but a more physical Busquets/Carrick, tactically intelligent, keeping the shape and defensive organisation and being key to transition.

Yeah, that was the same image that I've got as well from those games that I've seen. I was a bit surprised at that assessment by @Šjor Bepo of him not being suited to Mourinho's game style so wanted to check with someone who knows Nestor better.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

I dont have a strong opinion on that as i watched only 2 games of him but in those games i didnt see much from the defensive side.

Mind you, in a more balanced side id have no problems, its just that for a Jose side id prefer something more, specially if playing in a midfield two as here is the case.

 

[antohan]

I dont have a strong opinion on that as i watched only 2 games of him but in those games i didnt see much from the defensive side.

Mind you, in a more balanced side id have no problems, its just that for a Jose side id prefer something more, specially if playing in a midfield two as here is the case.

I'd agree re the midfield two. Not in terms of Tito or Monti (whom I reckon would play more like Vidal, which I doubt is what people see there).

I love a good soak and hit on the break side, but that side has way too many runners/pure attackers with none pulling the strings. I would remove one of that front four and add a Deco/Sneijder in midfield (Liedholm would do). Personally I'd then get shot of Kocsis and play Dzajic-Blokhin-Boniek.

Again, subject to whatever the scope/premise is here. I don't know.

 

[Pat_Mustard]

I'm pretty sure that he had spent most (or even the whole entirety) of his career in Brazil as a winger — and that's including 2 consecutive International Cups with São Paolo when they've beaten Cruyff's Dream Team & Capello's Milan. It's kind of insane to think that he had only moved to Italy at the age of 27!

Here he's, aged just 20, playing as a right winger against World XI for Pelé's team

Surreal seeing Pele sharing a pitch with the likes of Enzo, Van Basten and Cafu. Cafu supplying a great cross for a bullet-like header from Pele around 5:25 was like a drafter's wet dream .

I think he converted to RB quite early in his career but may well have shifted between RB and winger throughout his career in Brazil. I had a gander at some matches for Brazil at the 1991 Copa and some club matches from around that period and he mostly seemed to be at RB. And straight from the horse's mouth:

Is it true you were a midfielder in your youth? If so, how did your switch to full-back come about?
Kian Gough, via email

I started as a winger. Then one day, Sao Paulo’s right-back, Ze Teodoro, got injured and our coach, Tele Santana, wanted me to play in that position for three games while he recovered. And that was that. I trusted Santana.

Despite our good relationship, I didn’t really enjoy being a full-back at first – I had to learn how to cross in a different way, and it took a while – but when Paulo Roberto Falcao called me into the Brazil squad in 1990, I knew Santana was right. Nothing meant more to me than playing for the Seleção.

The whole Q and A is a fun read.

Were you glad not to have to take a penalty in the 1994 World Cup Final? How far down the order were you? Would you have taken a better penalty than Diana Ross?
Ed Marshall, Kent

I wasn’t ready to take a penalty at all – that was never a skill of mine! I was probably dead last in the order. Even Diana Ross was ahead of me in that one.