Reality-Monopoly Draft - QF: Enigma vs Skizzo

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

vs

...................................... TEAM ENIGMA ..................................................................................... TEAM SKIZZO ......................................



TEAM ENIGMA

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defensive line: Normal
Style: Counter attacking - direct style - high work rate

Players:

GK: Peter Schmeichel - He broke nearly every commonly taught aspect of goalkeeping. Gifted with an out of this world amount of athleticism it was almost comedic how he managed to make so many different, spectacular saves. Whatever the occasion, Schmeichel was up to the task, and then some. Schmeichel was unbeatable in one verus one situations. Much credit is due to his lateral movement but also how active his hands always were.

LB: Joan Capdevila - Balanced full back who is solid in defence but also contributes going forward. Ever-present throughout the ultimate victorious World Cup Finals campaign. He was also the only player who started the final that did not represent either Real Madrid or Barcelona. Won the EURO's 2 years prior as undisputed starter in the golden era of Spanish football.

RB: Eric Gerets - One of the best full backs in the 80's Gerets was tough, disciplined and tactically shrewd right back. Considered to be one of the greatest players in Belgian football history and at his peak he was regarded as one of the best right-backs in Europe. His contribution to PSVs success is immeasurable; he provided the stability season after season and this allowed the club to build on their success. The bravery, courage and heart he offered on the pitch earned him a nickname: “The Lion (of Flanders)”.

CB: Jürgen Kohler - When you are looking at the greatest players in certain position you can't look further than Kohler in the stopper role. EURO champion in '96, world champion in '90. CL winner with Dortmund, 3 times Bundesliga winner and once Seria A winner in its heyday. He won it all on club and international level while fending off the best forwards in the game. Kohler was dubbed a Fussballgott when he ended Eric Cantona's United run in Champions League semifinal in 97. His duels with Marco van Basten during the 1988 tournament will never be forgotten. Coming out of the famous Mannheimer Schule, Kohler was a rock-solid defender, and much more than that. Interesting fact about Jurgen Kohler is in all his games with Juve or Germany, Marco van Basten never scored against him.

Spoiler: Immaculate performance against Milan

CB: Rio Ferdinand - arguably the best CB in United history, he formed a rock solid partnership with Vidic, wining more than 10 titles with United in it's best days domestically and in Europe.

CM: Igor Netto - One of the best talents the Soviet Union has produced. Netto was an amazing footballer who initially started in defence but was too talented to be restricted to a left back role. He was pretty versatile and could play as a wide midfielder or a left back and defensive midfielder or a central one. His grit, determination and solid defensive skills are going to be of great use to our side, but also his excellent passing skills.

CM - Mário Coluna - a complete midfielder, energetic, with enormous work rate and solid defensively. True leader in the best Benfica team alongside Eusebio and one of the all time greats in his position.

AM/Playmaker - Luis Suárez Miramontes - The Architect" Luis Suarez Miramontes is regarded as the greatest Spanish footballer of all-time and the best European midfielder in the early 1960s, is one of the greatest midfielders in history of European Cup. Luis Suarez is also one of the best passers ever. He was the great organizers of the classic era. Not content to direct from a distance, he help modernized the forward-looking more free-ranging creative midfielder and known as his elegant movement. He was also noted for his perceptive passing and explosive shot. Suárez first played as an inside left for Barcelona and in 1960 he became the only Spanish-born player to date to have won Ballon D’or awards. In 1961 Suárez became the world's most expensive footballer when Barcelona sold him to Inter Milan where he was an equally prominent member of the legendary Great Inter side of the 1960s as a deep-lying playmaker. He retired as a player after the last three seasons at Sampdoria. Luis Suarez also finished fourth place Ballon'Dor in 1959.

LW: Rob Rensenbrink - The hit-man went by many nicknames. At various times they called him ‘the snake man’, ‘the serpent’ and ‘the contortionist’ but today, those names are a distant memory. To those he worked alongside, he was one of the all time greats. Around this time, teammates described watching the silent Rensenbrink during training sessions and describing his movement and skill as art. More beautiful, in fact; more precise. By all accounts, watching Robbie in these sessions were akin to peering into the Leonardo’s sketch books; the smooth, elegant way of releasing the ball or his dribbling technique when he retained it. When not in possession; quick acceleration, his movement off the ball and ability to find space met with comparisons to George Best. Rensenbrink was lethal in front of the goal with 208 goals in 467 matches in a very strong at the time Belgian league, achieving great success with Anderlecht and also the Netherlands, whilst finishing 2nd and 3rd in Ballon D'or ahead of the likes of Platini, Cruyff and Gerd Muller.

RW: Pavel Nedvěd - Czech's best player ever along with Masopust. Ballon D'or winner, who combines great energy, skill and enormous work rate.

CF: David Villa - Probably the greatest Spanish striker of all time. Probably Acebal the Sporting Gijón former manaeger describes him best - the key to his game is his movement – desmarques de rotura, the ability suddenly to shake off defenders, made him stand out.

At his peak he played for Valencia side which was inferior to the giants Real and Barca but individually he was a terrific footballer a quote from 2009:

He has scored free-kicks, headers, volleys, chips and screechers. There is a certain obsessiveness about him. "I can't remember every goal," he says, "but if I sat down with a pen and a piece of paper, I'm sure I'd remember most of them." There are a hell of a lot to remember. There are 168 league goals, despite not playing for one of the country's very best sides. Valencia have finished fifth, 10th, fourth and third in the seasons Villa has spent there; Zaragoza were 12th twice. Over the last five years, only Samuel Eto'o has scored more goals than him. And Eto'o only has six more – in a team that racked up 129 more than Villa's sides. Then there's the fact that for most of that time he has taken Valencia's corners and free-kicks – and however good a player is he can't head in his own crosses.

Player roles:

GK: Schmeichel - Complete keeper, wall for opposing attackers.
LB: Capdevila - balanced full back contributing in both phases
RB: Gerets - balanced full back contributing in both phases
CB: Kohler - stopper
CB: Ferdinand - ball playing defender
CM: Netto - Box to Box, more defensive functions, but will also use his passing skills and blend right in to the midfield.
CM: Coluna - Box to box midfielder contributing in both phases
AM: Luis Suárez Miramontes - All action midfielder and main playmaker of the side - controls the tempo and flow of the game
LW: Rob Rensenbrink - great dribbler that can stretch the opponent and provide Villa/Kalle with assists, but also finish himself given his great goalscoring output.
RW: Pavel Nedvěd - right wing - contributing to the midfield and attack. Using his skill and pace to beat opponents and set up chances, while also scoring himself.
CF: Villa - Complete striker with top notch movement and excellent finishing

Key Points:
- Probably the best keeper/central defence combo in the draft. Rio, Kohler and Schmeichel will sniff out everything thrown at them, protected by a solid base in midfield in Netto and Coluna.
- complimentary midfield full of steel, determination, creativity and passing ability
- deadly on counters with Nedved and Rensenbrink on each wing complimented by overlapping full backs.
- Complete center forward in Villa who also can make space for both wingers/wing forwards to attack the box.
- a fluid front three that will interchange positions all the time while also providing tremendous support to their midfield as every single on of them is very good defensive wise and has a great work ethic


TEAM SKIZZO

Tactical Write up

Defensive line-Deep
Attacking Style - Counter

Obviously more of a change from the standard 442/4411 of last game. With the players injured, a re-shuffle was needed, and fortunately I managed topic together something close to resembling what I had in mind originally for the first round.

Rinat Dasayev is crucial to this setup as he not only is a great keeper, and can help keep our defense organized, but one of the key factors of this setup is the ability to burst forward quickly on the counter. With his distribution from the back, he can spring Bossis and Beckham wide, or find Kaka surging ahead.

Gheorge Popescu takes up his sweeper role here, marshaling the defense behind Tarcisio Burgnich and Frank de Boer. Burgnich takes up a very familiar role as the rcb, and de Boer slots in comfortably into a lcb role here. Maxime Bossis will be up and down the flank, with his all round game being a huge benefit to the task at hand here. He's by no means a Fachetti, but I'm comfortable with what he can offer down that flank.

Xabi Alonso slots into midfield behind Graeme Souness and Jean Tigana. Alonso will look to find the runners and movement ahead of him with his distribution, while Souness and Tigana play more of the solid box-to-box roles, hounding the opposition when they push forward into our half. David Beckham will man the right side flank, and has the ability to be up and down the wing all game. His ability to put the ball into the box from anywhere on that right flank is crucial as it allows our attackers to get into the box and make runs as soon as they can, knowing we have two of the best long range passers able to pick them out.

Kaka will play in a free role behind Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Kaka at his peak was lightning, and on the counter will look to explode into space. His ability to beat a man and find the net himself means Ruud won't be isolated as a lone striker. Ruud's finishing can't be questioned, and with Kaka looking to play him in behind, or the distribution from deeper with Alonso and Beckham, I'd back the two of them to take some of the chances that would inevitably come their way.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

@Enigma_87 @Skizzo All the best!

 

[Enigma_87]

Cheers for setting it up @Edgar Allan Pillow

All the best @Skizzo !

 

[Enigma_87]

Didn't expect @Skizzo to set up that defensively and it seems that both teams are playing counter attacking style

Anyhow I think we have all that is needed to unlock tight defences. Villa, Nedved, Coluna and Luisito are perfectly capable of scoring from outside the box which essentially can be the difference maker.

A bit more about the man between the sticks for us and huge upgrade on Gregg:

Peter Schmeichel shouldn’t have been as good as he was. He broke nearly every commonly taught aspect of goalkeeping. Gifted with an out of this world amount of athleticism, he was the Tom to everyone else’s Jerry. It was almost comedic how he managed to make so many different, spectacular saves. Whatever the occasion, Schmeichel was up to the task, and then some.

The proof is in the medals. At his insurmountable peak, Schmeichel played for Manchested United from 1991-99. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Schmeichel won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup three times, and wore the captain’s armband as he lifted the Champions League trophy in his final game for Manchester United in 1999, completing the club’s famous treble-winning season. Schmeichel also dominated his way into international history, winning an unexpected European Championship with Denmark in 1992, and anchoring Denmark’s best-ever World Cup performance: a trip to the quarter-finals in 1998.

Always aggressive
The Danish goalkeeper walked a fine line between being aggressive and reckless, only redeemed by how long he played at an elite level. Had he topped out at 29 or 30, Schmeichel would be another dime-a-dozen keeper who was once quick but couldn’t hold up. Instead, he fearlessly approached the game by putting attackers on the defensive until he was 40 years old, playing for more years the top-flight—first for Sporting in Portugal, then for Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Premier League.

Schmeichel held a breath-holdingly high line, especially considering he wasn’t a sweeper-keeper. In one versus one situations he would quickly and efficiently close the gap, always increasing the pressure on the attacker. You’ve heard of great strikers being composed, right? Not on Schmeichel’s watch. No sir.

On loose balls he was crazed and focused enough to ALWAYS end up with the ball in his hands, by sheer aggression and determination. There was no other conceivable outcome. All of which was done with unpredictable technique.

Breaking the rules

Watch the video above (@3:28) ... the final save is not even close to proper technique. But it worked for Peter Schmeichel.

He should not able to spring as much as he does with such a wide jumpset. One of the first thing a young goalkeeper is taught is to stay away from mirroring his stance. If a goalkeeper’s feet are farther apart than his shoulders, it’s tougher to push off with both feet and dive out. Typically, another step is required from the foot nearest the ball to step in (away from the ball) in order to move out, thus limiting the goalkeeper’s dive.

Schmeichel overcame this limitation by having one of the biggest horizontal leaps in goalkeeping. Same video above at 1:29 ...

Schmeichel pulls in a free-kick headed towards the corner then dives another two feet past the past at the height of the crossbar. For fans not familiar with what a goalkeeper’s dive should look like, Schmeichel is the equivalent of Michael Jordan’s free-throw line dunk or Wile E. Coyote’s gravity defying run through air. It just doesn’t make sense.

Schmeichel versus strikers
For most goalkeepers, that would be enough, but Schmeichel was unbeatable in one verus one situations. Much credit is due to his lateral movement but also how active his hands always were. He was quick to move into position and while he would save with his body and legs when needed, they were second in priority to his hands. He wanted to outright deny the shooter a goal, not merely happen to be in the way. This is why he was so good at every type of save. The awkward, ricochet shots were not a problem because he was prepared for every angle and knew how to get his hands to each corner of the goal. Even on his own mess ups, he was quick enough to make another save on the ball before anyone else could get to it.

Schmeichel’s career can best be summed up by a picture of a striker mid-curse, pulling his hair back in disbelief. While his mechanics weren’t textbook, Schmeichel had the mindset every goalkeeper of knowing every possible goal-scoring situation and know how to stop each one. Being a little sloppy in the process is not as important as the ball hitting the net. If there’s one thing that Peter Schmeichel has taught us, it’s that if you’re going to break the rules, you’re going to have to be one of the best in the world to get away with it.

 

[Enigma_87]

And of course some of the terrific goals from Nedved

 

[SirMattBugsby]

Burgnich vs Rob.. a proper duel.

Somehow I feel the answer lies on Nedved's wing but I can't envision it.

 

[Moby]

Beckham in a Zona Mista stands out like a sore thumb. Yes he was a hard working player, but his physical qualities - pace, stamina, workrate, willingness to close down, etc - weren't at the level of the likes of say Boniek, Conti etc and also style wise I think, and also Neville's constant overlap and support enable a lot of space for Becks who could either tuck into midfield or launch missiles from deep. Not sure if he would be an ideal player to man the entire flank, in my opinion.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

reckon we have the upper hand in the game, all players(even a gk lol) fit the team general setup, player quality is on a very high level with great pairings all over the pitch. Even the weakest link is pretty much "safe" as its supported with Netto and Rensenbrink while facing Becks who isnt in his best role. Personally i used Becks before as a wingback and think he would be a pretty good one so dont see a big issue about his involvement but he wont be at his best and i reckon Capdevilla + supporting staff can take him out of the game.

Skizzo team lacks a bit in creativity and runners(both with and without the ball) for the quick breaks. It feels if we stop Kaka we stopped skizzo while on the other side you have match winners and players capable of magical moments all over the pitch and with both sides playing it safe and on the counter that could be crucial.

 

[SirMattBugsby]

Beckham in a Zona Mista stands out like a sore thumb. Yes he was a hard working player, but his physical qualities - pace, stamina, workrate, willingness to close down, etc - weren't at the level of the likes of say Boniek, Conti etc and also style wise I think, and also Neville's constant overlap and support enable a lot of space for Becks who could either tuck into midfield or launch missiles from deep. Not sure if he would be an ideal player to man the entire flank, in my opinion.

But his opponent is Capdevilla, not much to worry about imo. Burgnich is there for Rensenbrink.

 

[Moby]

But his opponent is Capdevilla, not much to worry about imo. Burgnich is there for Rensenbrink.

He doesn't have Burgnich playing as a right back here, though, in the Zona Mista he'd move centrally requiring the lateral offensive to track the winger at times - and even Capdevila with Enigma on the ball will bomb forward, and having to track him could limit Beck's influence on the game.

 

[Enigma_87]

He doesn't have Burgnich playing as a right back here, though, in the Zona Mista he'd move centrally requiring the lateral offensive to track the winger at times - and even Capdevila with Enigma on the ball will bomb forward, and having to track him could limit Beck's influence on the game.

Yeah, I think Skizzo's attack is more centrally oriented with Becks and Bossis stretching the pitch and also having to look after Nedved and Rob. This is good for us as we'd love a centrally oriented attack with Rio/Kohler CB's and Netto/Coluna protecting the defence.

Also Gerets and Nedved on the right will provide a lot going forward and might be too hot to handle for Bossis and de Boer(covering).

We have a lot of variety in our attack and some excellent players who could shoot from distance, which could open the scoreline and let us play our natural counter attacking game.

 

[SirMattBugsby]

He doesn't have Burgnich playing as a right back here, though, in the Zona Mista he'd move centrally requiring the lateral offensive to track the winger at times - and even Capdevila with Enigma on the ball will bomb forward, and having to track him could limit Beck's influence on the game.

Don't think Becks will have to track Rensenbrink. Rob is Burgnich's duty. If he drifts inside, Burgnich will engage him. If he goes wide, Burgnich will restrict him and prevent him from crossing. Becks' responsibility will be Capdevila at most.

The key here is the style of play: counter-attack. The only way Capdevila will be overlapping Rob in a counter is if he wins the ball from Becks. I don't see that happening much since Becks won't be engaging him in a duel. Becks will mostly pass or cross.

What I do see happening is Burgnich successfully tackling Rob and sending Becks through, either directly or via midfield. So if anything, it's Capdevila who could get caught upfield in Skizzo's counter.

 

[harms]

WHy
----------ruud
Kaka

And not the other way around?
Ruud would be better on the far post to finish Beckham's crosses and Kaka is more natural on the right, no?

And wouldn't put Souness as the furtherest in that midfield personally

 

[SirMattBugsby]

Since both teams are counter-attacking, we need to see the vulnerable areas in defensive transition and whether the opponent has the system and personnel to exploit those areas.

Skizzo is vulnerable on the wings. He'll have a sort of central defensive diamond (Alonso at the tip) in the worst-case scenario. De Boer and Burgnich will have to contend with one-on-one situations with Nedved and Rensenbrink respectively.

Enigma's team, on the other hand, are light in defensive midfield. Granted, there's Netto and Coluna, but I think it's safe to assume that one of them might be caught upfield in a counter (both are in a box-to-box role), most likely Coluna as Netto is the more defensive of the two.

This gives a great chance to Kaka. He has space, short as well as long passing options to get the ball quickly and will be up against Ferdinand on his side. I don't know if Skizzo thought this much, but he couldn't have used Kaka any better tactically.

For that reason, Kaka wins the game for Skizzo imo.

 

[SirMattBugsby]

WHy
----------ruud
Kaka

And not the other way around?
Ruud would be better on the far post to finish Beckham's crosses and Kaka is more natural on the right, no?

And wouldn't put Souness as the furtherest in that midfield personally

I think Kaka is placed perfectly for counter-attacking. Left half space is Enigma's most vulnerable area. It also means Kaka will be against Ferdinand rather than Kohler, which is good for him.

Besides, Ruud can always finish those crosses from the near post as well

 

[Enigma_87]

I think Kaka is placed perfectly for counter-attacking. Left half space is Enigma's most vulnerable area. It also means Kaka will be against Ferdinand rather than Kohler, which is good for him.

Besides, Ruud can always finish those crosses from the near post as well

Think you are underestimating Netto defensively mate. We've gone for him especially for a reason - covering that left side and helping out Capdevila. He's excellent defensively and all our our midfielders have excellent work rate and contributing to the midfield.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Since both teams are counter-attacking, we need to see the vulnerable areas in defensive transition and whether the opponent has the system and personnel to exploit those areas.

Skizzo is vulnerable on the wings. He'll have a sort of central defensive diamond (Alonso at the tip) in the worst-case scenario. De Boer and Burgnich will have to contend with one-on-one situations with Nedved and Rensenbrink respectively.

Enigma's team, on the other hand, are light in defensive midfield. Granted, there's Netto and Coluna, but I think it's safe to assume that one of them might be caught upfield in a counter (both are in a box-to-box role), most likely Coluna as Netto is the more defensive of the two.

This gives a great chance to Kaka. He has space, short as well as long passing options to get the ball quickly and will be up against Ferdinand on his side. I don't know if Skizzo thought this much, but he couldn't have used Kaka any better tactically.

For that reason, Kaka wins the game for Skizzo imo.

light in midfield? really? 3 man midfield of Suarez, Coluna and Netto in a counter-attacking system ffs.....
If you look only formation pictures then you are right but players move around, when Coluna goes forward Netto will just move himself to the DM position and Gerets will stay back if needed and he can easily stay close to Kaka inside as he doesnt have anyone to mark.
Kaka is alpha and omega of skizzo's team, his only chance of winning so there is absolutely no chance he would ever stay free on the break, there will always be at least one if not two players around him. Can he still win the game through Kaka? Of course, but lets not underestimate players around him with saying its a clear route to goal because its far from it.

Spoiler: Netto in Euro Final, you can see him often in DM position providing cover for others

Spoiler: Suarez in Euro Final, fantastic defensive wise

 

[SirMattBugsby]

Think you are underestimating Netto defensively mate. We've gone for him especially for a reason - covering that left side and helping out Capdevila. He's excellent defensively and all our our midfielders have excellent work rate and contributing to the midfield.

I meant the left half-space for Kaka, sorry. Netto would be on the other side.

 

[SirMattBugsby]

light in midfield? really? 3 man midfield of Suarez, Coluna and Netto in a counter-attacking system ffs.....
If you look only formation pictures then you are right but players move around, when Coluna goes forward Netto will just move himself to the DM position and Gerets will stay back if needed and he can easily stay close to Kaka inside as he doesnt have anyone to mark.
Kaka is alpha and omega of skizzo's team, his only chance of winning so there is absolutely no chance he would ever stay free on the break, there will always be at least one if not two players around him. Can he still win the game through Kaka? Of course, but lets not underestimate players around him with saying its a clear route to goal because its far from it.

Spoiler: Netto in Euro Final, you can see him often in DM position providing cover for others

Spoiler: Suarez in Euro Final, fantastic defensive wise

If that is the case, then it should have been shown. Skizzo's formation and arrows gave me a very clear image: right-sided defender central, left side wide player more withdrawn, Kaka in the left half space.

So with the information I have been provided, I cannot possibly make the deductions you mentioned. In fact, the arrows show that the full-backs will be attacking (which in itself is strange for a counter-attacking team).

Granted, your midfield is tremendous, but so is the opposition's. The three central midfielders of both teams virtually cancel each other out.

This brings us to the players linking that midfield to attack. In your case, it's the wingers, while in Skizzo's case, it's Kaka. Rensenbrink and Burgnich are in a duel for the ages while Nedved has an edge over de Boer but also has to contend with the more withdrawn Bossis.

I don't know which two players you'd be having around Kaka to be honest (again, based on the info provided). Gerets wouldn't be able to do much since Kaka will always be moving to the right, away from his direction. If Coluna recovers to catch up with him, Tigana will be free. And the last stand is Ferdinand who, although a wonderful player, isn't aggressive enough to stop Kaka.

Now, if there was a committed defensive midfielder in front of the CBs or if the midfielder on Kaka's side was not box-to-box and was more defensive, I'd change my mind. As it stands, Kaka is imo placed very well tactically.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Beckham in a Zona Mista stands out like a sore thumb. Yes he was a hard working player, but his physical qualities - pace, stamina, workrate, willingness to close down, etc - weren't at the level of the likes of say Boniek, Conti etc and also style wise I think, and also Neville's constant overlap and support enable a lot of space for Becks who could either tuck into midfield or launch missiles from deep. Not sure if he would be an ideal player to man the entire flank, in my opinion.

But the Beckham is far more of a threat from the deep than either of Boniek or Conti who rely on pace/trickery. A quick pass from Alonso to Becks and a standard pinpoint cross will spring the counter far more quickly too.

 

[Skizzo]

lest we forget Kaka's ability to find space and terrorize defenders from starting deeper and running at them, or his pace causing all kinds of issues in behind.

 

[Skizzo]

Beckham in a Zona Mista stands out like a sore thumb. Yes he was a hard working player, but his physical qualities - pace, stamina, workrate, willingness to close down, etc - weren't at the level of the likes of say Boniek, Conti etc and also style wise I think, and also Neville's constant overlap and support enable a lot of space for Becks who could either tuck into midfield or launch missiles from deep. Not sure if he would be an ideal player to man the entire flank, in my opinion.

The benefit of Neville can't be underrated, but to say without him, Becks wouldn't be as effective isn't true either. The man has the ability to put the ball into the box from just about anywhere on that right flank. It's also what gives him an advantage of other wingers who NEED to get to the byline to put in a cross. With his talents, either Capdevilla steps all the way forward to close him down, opening space along the backline, or Beckham can go past him and whip in crosses from the byline also.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

If that is the case, then it should have been shown. Skizzo's formation and arrows gave me a very clear image: right-sided defender central, left side wide player more withdrawn, Kaka in the left half space.

So with the information I have been provided, I cannot possibly make the deductions you mentioned. In fact, the arrows show that the full-backs will be attacking (which in itself is strange for a counter-attacking team).

Granted, your midfield is tremendous, but so is the opposition's. The three central midfielders of both teams virtually cancel each other out.

This brings us to the players linking that midfield to attack. In your case, it's the wingers, while in Skizzo's case, it's Kaka. Rensenbrink and Burgnich are in a duel for the ages while Nedved has an edge over de Boer but also has to contend with the more withdrawn Bossis.

I don't know which two players you'd be having around Kaka to be honest (again, based on the info provided). Gerets wouldn't be able to do much since Kaka will always be moving to the right, away from his direction. If Coluna recovers to catch up with him, Tigana will be free. And the last stand is Ferdinand who, although a wonderful player, isn't aggressive enough to stop Kaka.

Now, if there was a committed defensive midfielder in front of the CBs or if the midfielder on Kaka's side was not box-to-box and was more defensive, I'd change my mind. As it stands, Kaka is imo placed very well tactically.

Its only so much you can do in a formation picture with 2 possible arrows and we have an arrangement not to go overboard with tactics OP as then majority doesnt read it but to discuss details in a match thread how we are doing right now.

We placed Netto a bit more towards our goal to show he will be the more defensive one so when Coluna goes up he justs adjusts his position and steps towards DM spot or goes in a midfield two with Suarez if he isnt to far up.
Gerets will bomb up and down the entire game as he is free so why not, its the biggest weapon on the pitch and quite possibly a decider as he either draws Tigana to himself and makes it much easier for us in the middle or him and Nedved torment skizzo's left side. With that in mind Coluna doesnt really need to bomb forward and can easily play a more conservative game but when he actually breaks up Gerets will then stay back and provide cover alongside Netto.

Skizzo's midfield is brilliant, slightly lacks creativity and runners but a midfield of Tigana and Souness is just fantastic there is no other way around it. Still, i reckon ours is a little bit better and what really gives us the edge is our front 3 compared to skizzo's fron 2....they are all fantastic defensive wise and all work like two players, they will pressure that midfield and make things much easier for our midfield.

The plan for Kaka is very simple, Coluna will play a conservative game so he can keep tabs on Kaka + ensure Gerets can bomb forward. When and if Coluna decides to go forward Gerets is intelligent enough to see that so will stay alongside(and track Kaka inside as he doesnt have anyone else to mark out wide) Netto who will occupy DM spot.
As i said it few times, we see Kaka as the best and most important player in skizzo team. In our opinion if we stop Kaka we stopped the whole team so there will always be a full focus on Kaka, both in possession and without it.

 

[Enigma_87]

The thing is Beckham's delivery is a dangerous weapon but Ruud is probably the sole threat at the end of these crosses and he'll be up against no other but Kohler- who is quite capable of shutting him down and probably the best pure marker in history.

 

[Skizzo]

Heading out for a bit with the fam.

Good luck @Šjor Bepo @Enigma_87 ill be back around later on today, and I'll try and be around to chip in where possible.

And thanks for fighting the good fight so far @SirMattBugsby

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Heading out for a bit with the fam.

Good luck @Šjor Bepo @Enigma_87 ill be back around later on today, and I'll try and be around to chip in where possible.

And thanks for fighting the good fight so far @SirMattBugsby

likewise, both for heading out and wishing luck....hopefully enigma and bugsby will keep the thread alive

 

[Skizzo]

The thing is Beckham's delivery is a dangerous weapon but Ruud is probably the sole threat at the end of these crosses and he'll be up against no other but Kohler- who is quite capable of shutting him down and probably the best pure marker in history.

Saying he's "quite capable" of shutting him down is all well and good, but Ruud has shown time and time again he's quite capable of finding that little bit of space and smacking the ball into the net.

Not to mention if crosses come in, Ruud can just as easily drift to the back post bringing Kohler and his pure marking skills out of the lane to the near post for Kaka to sprint towards, getting a step on Rio and knocking it in with his head or feet. We aren't limited to just trying to knock it onto Ruud's head, and to say that means you're either downplaying the ability of Beckham to mix up his delivery and find dangerous areas to put the ball, or you don't believe the movement or Ruud and Kaka around the box is a serious threat. Either one is good for us if you're really underestimating either scenario.

 

[SirMattBugsby]

Fair enough @Šjor Bepo . I must admit, I overlooked Gerets a bit. You guys definitely have the edge on the wings and the plan to restrict Kaka could work. Will come back later to see what's up.

@Skizzo has this strange knack for basing teams around players I adore. Keep 'em coming mate!

 

[Skizzo]

And while he often seems to be seen as just a bit of a midfield bruiser, Souness had much more to his all round game. While he's no Xabi Alonso on the ball (Fortunately he's somewhere around here too I think ) he had goals and assists in his locker as well. A real leader on the pitch, and would relish the midfield battle against the opposition here (which is a great midfield in its own right!) but with all the main focus and onus on defensively trying to switch players off onto Kaka, there is other openings to be wary of.

Apologies for Liverpool spam

 

[Skizzo]

And my last input for now before getting yelled at by the wife

Kaka' ability to get on the ball and run at defenders, and his pace to get away from them, will cause at least a few instances where he's dragged down to the ground and tripped up and slowed down.

Which gives us a legitimate threat which you really can't prepare for.

 

[Skizzo]

@Skizzo has this strange knack for basing teams around players I adore. Keep 'em coming mate!

You just have great taste mate

 

[Enigma_87]

Saying he's "quite capable" of shutting him down is all well and good, but Ruud has shown time and time again he's quite capable of finding that little bit of space and smacking the ball into the net.

Not to mention if crosses come in, Ruud can just as easily drift to the back post bringing Kohler and his pure marking skills out of the lane to the near post for Kaka to sprint towards, getting a step on Rio and knocking it in with his head or feet. We aren't limited to just trying to knock it onto Ruud's head, and to say that means you're either downplaying the ability of Beckham to mix up his delivery and find dangerous areas to put the ball, or you don't believe the movement or Ruud and Kaka around the box is a serious threat. Either one is good for us if you're really underestimating either scenario.

Yeah sure Ruud is a great striker but Kohler has shut down one of the greatest forwards in the game and his record against van Basten is really great for example.

Rio is pretty fast at his peak and considering his quality and support he'll get from midfield I think we have better chance at shutting down your attack

 

[Physiocrat]

Nice Schmiechel compilation @Enigma_87 but it misses his best save which was against Rapid Vienna in the CL IIRC

 

[Enigma_87]

Nice Schmiechel compilation @Enigma_87 but it misses his best save which was against Rapid Vienna in the CL IIRC

Yeah odd that. That save was one of the best in the game and in plenty of best save compilations. His distribution is something worth highlighting and will add up some more for him on that front.

 

[Skizzo]

And here's one of the best keepers we could have in our set up here. Organizing the defense, able to command the penalty area, and his quick distribution from the back to set us on the front foot quickly.

Name: Rinat Fayzrakhmanovich Dasayev

Nickname: "The Iron Curtain" | "The Cat"

Rinat Dassayev was a great goalkeeper, his coolness under pressure and safe handling gives confidence to his defence. He has a knack of always being in the right place at the right time. He was one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the world, as during 1986 he was regarded as being one of the world’s greatest goalkeeper’s. Dassayev started his career playing for his local team, Volga Astrakhan in the second division. He played as a centre forward and then decided to become a goalkeeper, because the regular goalkeeper of that team was frequently injured. He then went onto become the goalkeeper of Spartak Moscow, one of the top Russian football clubs. He made his international debut in 1979 a game which USSR beat East Germany 1- 0.

Dassayev went on to play for USSR in the Olympics in 1980, where the Soviet team reached third place. However his reputation was really enhanced during both the 1982 and 1986 world cup tournaments. In the World cup, he has played a total of 8 games and has only conceded 9 goals, that it only just over 1 goal a game, which is an extremely impressive record. He made some excellent goalkeeping displays in the 1986 world cup in their games against Canada and France. After the 1986 World cup, he was still in top form for the Soviet’s and for his club Spartak Moscow. At the 1988 European championships, Dassayev was outstanding for the Soviets, making some brilliant saves, and despite the Soviets losing 2- 0 in the final to Holland, he made a hatful of excellent saves and denied Gullit and Van Basten from scoring more goals.

Dassayev also played in the 1990 world cup finals in Italy; he captained USSR in their opening game against Romania.

Rinat Dasaev, described by many as the finest goalkeeper of the 1980′s, was born in Astrakhan, on the Caspian Sea and played for his home town club until the age of 21, until the day Spartak Moscow arrived to play a friendly. Renat Dasaev’s performance that day was good enough to persuade Spartak Moscow to sign him immiediately; had it not been for that chance friendly, Dasaev’s talents may have run their course in that desolate outpost.

From the outset of the following season, Dasaev was promoted to first choice goalkeeper for both Spartak, and the Soviet national side. The Russian muslim always carried a copy of the koran on to the pitch with him and placed it in his goal.

By 1982, Dasaev was earning plaudits world wide for his performances during the World Cup in Spain, the highlight of which was probably a save from Scotland’s Joe Jordan which was simply magnificent; shifting his body weight quickly to turn the point-blank header to safety.

Very slim for a goalkeeper, Dasaev relied heavily on his superb reflexes, rather than trying to claim crosses against heavier and more powerful opponents.

In 1986, Dasaev participated in the World Cup in Mexico, the Soviet Union losing out to Belgium 4-3 in the second round, which was widely regarded as one of the greatest world cup matches ever played.

In the years, 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1988 Renat Dasaev was voted the world’s best goalkeeper, which is a special achievement, only the great Lev Yashin, another Russian, surpassed this feat, voted the best on six occasions.

The form of Renat Dasaev continued in an upward arc until 1988, when again in the European championships his performances peaked, helping the Soviet Union to the final where they met the Dutch, and in particular the unsurpassable Marco Van Basten. The Soivet Union held out for a long time, and even missed a penalty, but eventually succumbed to first Ruud Gullit, and then to a memorable Van Basten volley from an acute angle.

During the season following the Chamionship, Dasaev transferred to Sevilla in Spain, and found his new surroundings difficult to adjust to, missing his homeland, his form deteriorated until 1990 when he was axed from the Soviet team and replaced by Alexandr Uvarov.

Despite a relatively sad ending to his career, Dasaev will be remembered for an outwardly frail appearance but an astonishing ability to produce saves that would seem impossible.

Dasaev was the second most capped Soviet player of all time with 91 Caps spanning eleven years from 1979 through to the 1990 World Cup.

 

[Ecstatic]

Didn't expect @Skizzo to set up that defensively and it seems that both teams are playing counter attacking style

Skizzo has a counter-attacking style because he hasn't pure playmakers. He also has Prime Kaka who is brilliant when his team counter-attacks.

By contrast, your team is more likely to keep the ball and set the tempo thanks to players like Miramontes.

 

[Ecstatic]

reckon we have the upper hand in the game, all players(even a gk lol) fit the team general setup, player quality is on a very high level with great pairings all over the pitch. Even the weakest link is pretty much "safe" as its supported with Netto and Rensenbrink while facing Becks who isnt in his best role. Personally i used Becks before as a wingback and think he would be a pretty good one so dont see a big issue about his involvement but he wont be at his best and i reckon Capdevilla + supporting staff can take him out of the game.

Skizzo team lacks a bit in creativity and runners(both with and without the ball) for the quick breaks. It feels if we stop Kaka we stopped skizzo while on the other side you have match winners and players capable of magical moments all over the pitch and with both sides playing it safe and on the counter that could be crucial.

What did you say about Beckham?

He plays as a defensive right midfielder to be precise, you can count him as a supporting wingback if you want. Yes, he isnt played in a role where he shined, in fact im not sure if he ever played in this role(think gio was mentioning in first round that he didnt but not important for me tbh).
Fullback and specially wingback positions are the easiest to play if you have the right attributes. There isnt much thinking involved in it and thats why you see a lot of players from different positions shining there. Failed centerbacks, failed wingers, midfielders etc. You had Hargo at United, Kuyt for Holland, now you see Milner for Pool and Moses for Chelsea, Valencia and Young for United etc. If you have the right qualities and IMO Beckham has you can play there.

https://www.redcafe.net/threads/black-sheep-qf-downcast-vs-sjor-bepo.427329/#post-20600534

 

[Šjor Bepo]

@Ecstatic if you read everything i said in this thread you will see that your post is pointless as i mentioned that game....with one big difference, here beckham is one of the main offensive/creative forces whilw in my team him he was a part of the supporting cast for diego.

 

[Ecstatic]

@Ecstatic if you read everything i said in this thread you will see that your post is pointless as i mentioned that game....with one big difference, here beckham is one of the main offensive/creative forces whilw in my team him he was a part of the supporting cast for diego.

No problem if you like to play with words.

You and Skizzo tell the same story: a Super Beckham supposed to own the whole flank.

I don't criticize anybody or any choice >> it just makes me smile to see you having a double-speak

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

You and Skizzo tell the same story: a Super Beckham supposed to own the whole flank

Honestly, I can only think of few others who are more qualified than Beckham to hold a flank alone.