Redcafe Champions League Draft QF1 - Akash v Gio

[Theon]

Tactics
We'll be going in with a diamond formation with Hagi at the head of the diamond. Guardiola is the deep lying playmaker with Ballack providing the steel and the craft ahead of him. Lahm will provide the width on the right and we'll have the better of Zambrotta when Hagi and Lahm double team on him. All the midfielders aside from Hagi are hard workers and help out in defense.

Vidic and Ferdinand are a good paring but I just cannot see my team not scoring in this. In Hagi, Guardiola, Ballack and newly signed Henry I expect Romario to at least bag a couple. Henry is arguable the best striker the premier league has ever seen and one of the most complete strikers of his generation.

I also expect us to win the midfield battle. Technically this midfield is top drawer and easily surpasses Gio's midfield no matter who he puts out. I'd expect us to have more possession and press that advantage by putting pressure on his defense.

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PLAYER PROFILES​

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Santiago Canizares
One of the best goalkeepers in the world at his peak, regarded by the Great Dane himself as the best keeper in the world when the likes of Kahn were also in their prime. A very reliable and complete goalkeeper who an excellent shot stopper and also good in the air when it needed to come out and deal with crosses as it is shown here. An absolute legend at Valencia and one of my personal favourites as well.

Philipp Lahm
Without a doubt the best fullback in the world for the last 4-5 odd years. Very comfortable on both flanks though he prefers to be on the right which is where he would be playing for us. An ever present fixture for both club and country, Lahm has proven to be an excellent all round fullback being extremely solid at the back while also being a dangerous threat going forward, which is proven by his performances in big games such as his 90th minute match winner in a Euro semi final against Turkey and also his excellent overlapping attacking play against Barcelona in a CL semi. A great leader while also a player who rarely has bad game, he also went on playing over 100 games for Bayern on the trot which show his immense fitness levels.

Fabio Cannavaro
Often talked as one of the very few defenders to win the Ballon D'or, Canna has enjoyed a highly successful career at both club and country level. Throughout his club life he has been one of the best defenders in Serie A, a league that boasted of names such as Maldini, Nesta, Thuram and Zanetti. For Italy, "Muro Di Berlino" gave what probably is one of if not the best performances by both a defender and captain in the 2006 World Cup where he steered Italy throughout the tournament with hardly a scare and did not put a single foot wrong, which earned him the prestigious Ballon D'or. An immense defender and a great presence in the air, with him in the team we can be sure of keeping most striker at bay.

Giorgio Chiellini
A stellar name in the modern day game, Chiellini is an established fixture for his club and country and is considered one of the best hard men in the world. A no nonsense player he has won the Serie A defender of the year award three times which is a great feat in itself.

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst
A true attacking fullback, Gio was great in providing width in the great Barcelona team under Rijkaard and his role in attack can never go unnoticed, as shown by this magical goal . With 106 caps for the orange he's a proven name at every level.

Pep Guardiola
For me, one of the best deep lying playmakers of his generation, and a true genius in himself, Pep was as key as anyone else for Cruyff's dream team. A unique player, he's a great mix of strong defensive ability, great tactical reading of the game as well as unmatched skill on the ball that combined excellent vision and creativity to start one attack after another. Just look at his through balls and you will surely find it hard to find another player with similar brilliance. Him pinging balls from the back will be a huge asset for the team and would never let the attacking players get isolated.

Emmanuel Petit
An energetic and combative player, the Frenchman has proven himself in clubs like Monaco, Arsenal and Chelsea. At Arsenal he was a key player alongside Vieira in Wenger's early years when they steered the team to cup and league wins. At the same time Petit enjoyed a great time with the French National Team and was an integral part of the team that won the 1998 World Cup, also scoring in the final . He was known for his defensive ability, energy, stamina and mobility that allowed a great platform for attacking players.

Ruben Baraja
One of the most complete midfielders of his generation, Baraja is another Valencia legend that we have in our team. Spending a whole decade at the club, Baraja was a part of Valencia's golden years where they consistently challenged for the CL and the league while also winning the La Liga twice. As shown here , Baraja's skillset is very vast, with great energy, stamina, tenacity combined with excellent ability on the ball whether it came to passing or shooting. He'd complete the midfield trio.

Gheorghe Hagi
One of the best attacking midfielders in the world at his peak, Hagi made a name for himself as a versatile and talisman attacking player of his time and was a magnificent sight to watch. Having played for a host of clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, he was a cracking little fella to have in the team. His fine performances lit up the 1994 World Cup when he destroyed a Fernando Redondo led Argentina . Brilliant skill, vision and creativity on the ball, his tricky nature makes it extremely hard for his marker to keep track of him and his ability to wriggle out of tight spaces and play a decisive pass was what made him really deadly.

Steve McManaman
Not a very popular figure, but McManaman was a really important player for Liverpool and Real Madrid in his peak. As the phrase went "Stop Macca, Stop Liverpool", it showed how he was the star player in the team, also often dubbed as a right sided twin of our very own Giggsy. Again a very versatile player who could play anywhere behind the striker, he was a great dribbler and a very neat passer. Bagged the man of the match award in the Champions League final as well.

Romario
One of the greatest goal scorers of all time, Romario's exploits are unfamiliar to none. Winning the Ballon D'or after leading Brazil to a World Cup victory in 1994, Romario has a claim to over 1000 goals while playing for many top clubs throughout his career. Like Pep, he was a vital part of the Barca dream team and he displayed great composure, skill and finishing to finish many chances created by his superstar teammates. An expert in beating his marker, he is virtually impossible to mark.

Thierry Henry - One of the most complete strikers of his generation and Arsenal's all time leading scorer. He's won the golden boot on 4 separate occasions adding to the 3 player of the year awards whilst in England. He's also the only striker in rack up 20 goals and 20 assist in the same season .


Bixente Lizarazu - Integral part of the Legendary French backline that swept all before it. Excellent in defense and attack and a player who is proven in the champions league having won it with Bayern Munich.

Michael Ballack - One of the most complete midfielders of his generation and outstanding technically. There's not much the German couldn't do. He could score goals, create them, put in a shift defensively and absolutely commanding in the air. He is a 3 time German Player of the year and had the most assists in the 2002 world cup where he unfortunately missed the final.

Team Akash​

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[Theon]

VS​

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Team Gio​

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Formation
A balanced and cohesive 4-2-3-1 provides the perfect platform for the considerable quality on display to showcase their collective ability. Balance is provided through complementary partnerships (Ferdinand/Vidic; Silva/Vieira; Rivaldo/Ronaldinho) up and down the park, while cohesion comes through the cluster of Brazilians alongside the Juventus, Inter and United partnerships.

Where the difference will be made:

• The creative attacking midfield trio will be too hot for Akash's midfielders to handle. Guardiola was more guile than graft and while Petit and Ballack can contribute, collectively there is a mismatch between how well that three can defend against the sheer brilliance of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Nedved.
• In contrast the back four of Zanetti, Ferdinand, Vidic, Zambrotta and the central pair of Mauro Silva and Vieira are a robust match and a strong fit to deal with Akash's highly talented trio of Henry, Romario and Hagi. Henry will likely drift into space occupied by Zanetti, Ferdinand and Vieira, Hagi will be patrolled by Mauro Silva and Romario will have to get the better of Ferdinand and Vidic.
• Domination of the flanks. There is a significant threat posed by Zanetti, Zambrotta, Ronaldinho and Nedved. Akash will likely set up narrowly to get the best out of his attacking trio, but in doing so will make himself vulnerable to our highly talented full-backs taking control of the game.
• Stronger defence. No chinks in a bulletproof back line. Akash has strengthened considerably but nevertheless still has the weakest centre-half on the pitch in Chiellini and a quality full-back in Lahm but one who was suspect to brainfarts in the biggest games (Euro 2008 final, Euro 2012 semi-final).

 

[Theon]

PLAYER PROFILES

Claudio Taffarel
Almost flawless at three World Cups for Brazil as he racked up 101 caps for the Selecao. Expert at pulling off big saves when it mattered most, see his penalty shoot-out stops against Holland (1998 World Cup Semi-Final) and Italy (1994 World Cup Final), his fantastic save from a Thierry Henry header in the UEFA Cup Final or even this save-of-the-tournament in the last minute of the group stages against Scotland (had that gone in we would've qualified for the knockout stages for the first time in our history - you cnut Taffarel).

Javier Zanetti
Along with Thuram and Cafu from this generation, he is one of the greatest right-backs of all time. Probably the most complete player of the last 20 years bringing together physical (check out the size of those thighs), technical (gifted user of the ball, as shown by his finish against England in '98) and mental (versatile, consistent and even at 37 see his snuffing out of a prime Messi in the 2010 CL semi-final) attributes into one supreme package.

Rio Ferdinand
The Premiership's outstanding defender and the best centre-back in the world between 2006 and 2008. Complete centre-half who thrives next to a hardman like Montero in the mould of a Vidic, Terry or Campbell.

Nemanja Vidic
Dominant centre-half who renews his proven partnership with Ferdinand.

Paolo Montero
Uncompromising, left-footed and classy, Montero complements Ferdinand and Zambrotta perfectly. A key component of the great 1990s and early 2000s Juventus sides. Very highly rated in South America, he was a huge influence on the success of the Uruguayan national team:

Spoiler

WC2002 qualifiers with him organising the defence: Uruguay conceded the least goals in the South American qualifiers (13 in 18 games, 4 of these in the 3 games he missed making it 9 in 15 games - 0.6 per game).

WC2006 qualifiers with him left out because he was "past it": Uruguay conceded 23 in 8 games (3 per game).

WC2006 qualifiers once recalled to sort out the defence: Uruguay conceded 5 in 10 games (0.5 per game, that's a SIXfold improvement).

Gianluca Zambrotta
Another member of that great Juventus side who also counts Barcelona and AC Milan amongst his employers. Excelled internationally at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 where in both instances he was named in the official team of the tournament. Only five Italians have more internationals caps than the all-rounder Zambrotta who was reliable and capable on either flank or in midfield.

Patrick Vieira
Over a decade on from their peaks Keane and Vieira remain the gold standard amongst central midfielders.

Cesc Fabregas
From 2008 to 2012 Fabregas was the Premiership's outstanding midfielder, racking up more assists than any other midfielder in Europe. Precociously gifted with a penetrating eye for a pass.

Mauro Silva
Along with Dunga, Brazil's most influential central midfielder of the last 30 years. Together their midfield-anchoring ability changed the way Brazil played with a host of copycat-but-not-quite-so-good midfielders following in their considerable footsteps. At club level, Mauro Silva remains a legend at Deportivo and it's no coincidence that his time at the club aligns exactly with the rise and best years of Super Depor.

Nobody could get through Brazil in 1994 as they kept 5 clean sheets in 7 matches (essentially 6 out of 7 for Mauro who left the fray prior to Sweden's equaliser in a group stage dead rubber). With Silva absent in 1998, they managed just 1 in 7 as opposing attacking midfielders had a field day (Zidane, Laudrup, Jorgensen all netting). Many La Liga followers will remember his display in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, a match effectively set up to celebrate Madrid's centenary and the inevitable victory of Perez's all-conquering Galacticos. Silva spoiled the party with one of the great defensive midfield performances, his domination such that Zidane and Raul were reduced to taking petulant swipes after they were dispossessed for the umpteenth time.

Pavel Nedved
Goalscoring midfielder brimming with energy and commitment. His repertoire of goals in Serie A was exceptional such was his ability to find the net from long range. Two-footed and aggressive, he inspired Juventus to the CL final in 2002-03, only to miss the match as a result of suspension. No less of a legend on the international stage as his talismanic performances at Euro 1996 and 2004 testify.

Rivaldo
Between Maradona and Messi, nobody bettered the peak that Rivaldo achieved with Barcelona and Brazil (Ronaldinho and Ronaldo hit similar zeniths). Possessor of one of the greatest and most multi-faceted left-feet the game has ever seen, he was a scintillating and talismanic match-winner between 1998 and 2002. His hat-trick against Valencia on the last day of the 2000/01 season remains one of, if not the greatest performances in the history of the game.

Ronaldinho
Phenomenal talent who was head and shoulders above everybody else between 2003 and 2006. Extraordinary dribbler, inventive passer and deadly from distance. His manipulation of the ball in tight spaces is unmatched in this draft.

Joaquin
Between the fall of Figo and the rise of Ronaldo, Joaquin was the outstanding right-winger in Europe. Orthodox winger who was Spain's best player at the 2002 World Cup and was fantastic for Betis, a level he did not maintain at Valencia and Malaga. In his peak form (2002-2005) likely to get the better of a number of the weaker left-backs in the draft.

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. Plundered a hat-trick the last time he faced Oliver Kahn.

Roy Makaay
Gifted forward who was both a great goalscorer and a scorer of great goals. 108 goals in just three seasons while at Deportivo and Bayern testify to his onion-bag-rattling ability. Normally deployed as the lone frontman in Irureta's 4-2-3-1, or occasionally wide right in recognition of his rounded skillset, Makaay was excellent at finishing from range with both feet, while a 6ft 2' frame made him a potent threat in the air.

 

[Theon]

It's a big 'if' but if Gio can get past Akash and add Romario his team will just be outstanding, and IMO unbeatable for the rest of the competition.

This game should be close though, because he does lack a world class/top tier striker, and Akash has two in Romario/Henry.

 

[Fergus' son]

This could be closer if Akash had a proper DM to help deal with Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Nedved. Romario, Henry and Hagi will definitely cause problems, and score but I'm not sure if they can out score Gios team. Wouldn't worry too much about Gios lack of a highest quality striker when he has Rivaldo....

 

[Theon]

Wouldn't worry too much about Gios lack of a highest quality striker when he has Rivaldo....

Nah probably not, but it is the clear weakness in the team compared with the rest. If there was an area to improve then it's clearly getting in someone like Romario.

 

[Fergus' son]

Nah probably not, but it is the clear weakness in the team compared with the rest. If there was an area to improve then it's clearly getting in someone like Romario.

Definitely agree.

With the extra craft of Ronaldinho and Nedved, aswell as the stability that Nedved and Vieria provide, I think Rivaldo has the scope to really support Maakay and make himself a big goal threat, more so than usual when he used to be dangerous anyway (30 goals as a number ten on occassion).

I do love a great goal scoring number ten.

Hagi, Romario and Henry is bloody dangerous though, very dangerous. Like I said, they'll score.

 

[Nighteyes]

I am not too sure about Pavel Nedved on the right hand side of the three. He can play there but his best football has always come from the left imo

 

[antohan]

Is akash's writeup the one from the first round? None of the new additions have been included. Looks weird to read the team names and then find different players on the teamsheet.

The "weak" left flank looks much improved with Lizarazu and Henry but I'm not quite sure I fancy Hagi as much as others on here seem to, nor do I think Ballack makes that midfield stronger than Baraja. I would argue Baraja is the better and more defensively sound option the way the game has been laid out. I thought Ballack was picked to make up for Hagi's absence (i.e. McManaman not being dropped). At least that was the only explanation I had for it... odd pick that.

The only thing I can see very clearly here is that it will be incredibly hard to score against Gio. I have no idea how the big names upfront would gel and function, probably well enough, but the backline and the two protecting them are immense.

 

[Cutch]

It's a big 'if' but if Gio can get past Akash and add Romario his team will just be outstanding, and IMO unbeatable for the rest of the competition.

This game should be close though, because he does lack a world class/top tier striker, and Akash has two in Romario/Henry.

What makes you think Romario is suited to the role of a lone frontman?

 

[sajeev]

Good teams, expected at this stage. I think Gio's team will edge it.

 

[Fergus' son]

What makes you think Romario is suited to the role of a lone frontman?

Rivaldo is one of the best second strikers you can get.

 

[Theon]

What makes you think Romario is suited to the role of a lone frontman?

He played up top on his own at Barcelona, and I don't think Rivaldo/Ronaldinho will be giving him any less support than Stoichkov and Laudrup did - if anything they will offer even more.

With the dominance and creativity that team possesses (plus the Brazillian link) I think Romario is the better option than Henry for Gio, should he win the game. Henry would be dropping off or drifting left and I don't think that's what Gio's side needs. Romario just suits it perfectly with the three behind him and those brilliant fullbacks creating chances.

 

[Fergus' son]

Is akash's writeup the one from the first round? None of the new additions have been included. Looks weird to read the team names and then find different players on the teamsheet.

The "weak" left flank looks much improved with Lizarazu and Henry but I'm not quite sure I fancy Hagi as much as others on here seem to, nor do I think Ballack makes that midfield stronger than Baraja. I would argue Baraja is the better and more defensively sound option the way the game has been laid out. I thought Ballack was picked to make up for Hagi's absence (i.e. McManaman not being dropped). At least that was the only explanation I had for it... odd pick that.

The only thing I can see very clearly here is that it will be incredibly hard to score against Gio. I have no idea how the big names upfront would gel and function, probably well enough, but the backline and the two protecting them are immense.

Yeah, I thought Ballack for Baraja was a bit pointless too. Mendieta would've been a better pick if they wanted to go that route but I would've prioritised a DM, to allow Guardiola into the game a bit more.

 

[Nighteyes]

Is akash's writeup the one from the first round? None of the new additions have been included. Looks weird to read the team names and then find different players on the teamsheet.

Sorry for the delay there. Will be put up in a couple of minutes.

The "weak" left flank looks much improved with Lizarazu and Henry but I'm not quite sure I fancy Hagi as much as others on here seem to, nor do I think Ballack makes that midfield stronger than Baraja. I would argue Baraja is the better and more defensively sound option the way the game has been laid out. I thought Ballack was picked to make up for Hagi's absence (i.e. McManaman not being dropped). At least that was the only explanation I had for it... odd pick that.

Don't agree there.

Ballack, quite simply put is a big upgrade on Baraja. Scores more, sets up more, technically better, better passer, more imposing physically and he's even better defensively. Ballack has the nasty side to him that Baraja didn't and gets involved a lot in the overall defensive play.

 

[Nighteyes]

Yeah, I thought Ballack for Baraja was a bit pointless too. Mendieta would've been a better pick if they wanted to go that route but I would've prioritised a DM, to allow Guardiola into the game a bit more.

Petit is a DM as he was in the last round and a very good one at that.

 

[Donaldo]

Akash.

 

[Cutch]

Rivaldo is one of the best second strikers you can get.

He played up top on his own at Barcelona, and I don't think Rivaldo/Ronaldinho will be giving him any less support than Stoichkov and Laudrup did - if anything they will offer even more.

With the dominance and creativity that team possesses (plus the Brazillian link) I think Romario is the better option than Henry for Gio, should he win the game. Henry would be dropping off or drifting left and I don't think that's what Gio's side needs. Romario just suits it perfectly with the three behind him and those brilliant fullbacks creating chances.

.

Fair enough, was just throwin it out there as its a position that as far as i'm aware he's not used to playing. Lovin Gio's side so I'm only nit picking. Love Romario too, the best finisher I have ever seen

 

[antohan]

He played up top on his own at Barcelona, and I don't think Rivaldo/Ronaldinho will be giving him any less support than Stoichkov and Laudrup did - if anything they will offer even more.

I do agree Romario would not be left on his own, but disagree on the comparison. Neither Ronnie nor Rivaldo -let alone Nedved- really operate in the box. Yes, Rivaldo through the centre will be a handful and I can see them working very well, but Stoichkov would -as and when needed- get into the box and do the "battering ram job" you find in classic strike partnerships. No one in Gio's side will do that for Romario. Agree he would be a better option than Henry, disagree it makes him unbeatable going forward though.

Anyhow, that's a nice academic debate to be had if Gio wins this game, which right now is 50-50!

Don't agree there.

Ballack, quite simply put is a big upgrade on Baraja. Scores more, sets up more, technically better, better passer, more imposing physically and he's even better defensively. Ballack has the nasty side to him that Baraja didn't and gets involved a lot in the overall defensive play.

If you want the best Ballack he will be driving forward, but he is storming into the same space Hagi is supposed to have assigned (I take it he gravitates to the right and leaves the left to Henry). Considering how brilliant the Ronnie-Rivaldo tandem is it is a shame you have a CM with a knack for attacking on that side and your DM looking after a more easily subdued Nedved on the right. Baraja would have given me greater peace of mind that the defensive side of things was being taken care of as a priority. Ballack offers more going forward, no doubt, but my primary concern is how you stop those two. With Romario and Henry upfront I don't need to see Ballack there to think you can score.

 

[Fergus' son]

Agree with everything in the above post.

 

[NM]

Damn.. this is a close one.

I see Akashs two forwards, but that against Rio and Vidic + an attacking trio of Ronnie, Rivaldo and Nedved.. Damn.. I'd JUST say Gio, but I'm not voting yet.

 

[Gio]

I am not too sure about Pavel Nedved on the right hand side of the three. He can play there but his best football has always come from the left imo

I have no concerns about placing him there. Much of his best football has come as a free-roaming attacking midfielder, either for Juventus or Czech Republic. For example, take that seminal Champions League match against Real Madrid where he created the first down the right flank and then scored the third bursting through from the inside-right channel. Most importantly he has the skillset to perform that role effectively - completely two-footed, able to go inside or outside.

Ballack, quite simply put is a big upgrade on Baraja. Scores more, sets up more, technically better, better passer, more imposing physically and he's even better defensively. Ballack has the nasty side to him that Baraja didn't and gets involved a lot in the overall defensive play.

I rate Baraja higher than most and don't think there's much if anything between both players at their peaks. Ballack obviously a better forward threat, but I prefer Baraja for a lot of the dirty work he powered through for Valencia in midfield.

 

[Fergus' son]

Bump.

Can't believe how inactive this thread is/was. Going to go with Gio, I probably could've been convinced to vote the other way but no compelling arguments were put forward and I can't see past the talent that Gio has, the Neeved performance above is one of my favourite standout individual performances of all time, against the team that steamrollered us a round or two earlier, brilliant.

 

[Gio]

Akash and Aldo's favourite tennis player celebrates on hearing his fellow countryman's result:

 

[Moby]

Well done Gio. Good luck for the rest of the draft!