Sjor Harmsopoly: QF - Jim Beam vs Pat_Mustard

[Physiocrat]

Jim Beam

Pat_Mustard

Jim Beam Tactics

"Win at all cost (secondary)... entertain, first and foremost (primary)"

The team dynamics doesn't change much, especially as Cerezo will still be the one in the holding role with Neeskens having freedom to run and operate around the pitch. My obsession with hitting opponent through multiple different ways and routes stays, so if you over commit on one side you can easily be punished on the other.

It is still full of players who (while maintaining their individual brilliance) let the other star teammate shine which should suit Lionel Messi to a tee... Neeskens --> Cruyff, Cerezo ---> Falcao/Zico, Benzema ---> Ronaldo

Owen will still get polarizing views and people won't consider him the right fit in this kind of pool, but there is zero chance am putting Rivellino or adding another dribbler in a team that has Messi and Prosinecki with Benzema on top. So, the upgrade is a fair point, but only if we are talking about Hristo Stoichkov, Saudio Mane or the likes.

In comes Robert Prosinecki in his absolute pomp or peak while being in Red Star Belgrade. Some would argue he was the best player in that time and deserved Ballon D'or which definitely has its arguments as he was pulling the strings so brilliantly in that Zvezda midfield.

He is also the man who formed such a deadly combo with Dejan Savicevic operating on the right side in that team. Savicevic loved to combine, join the midfield areas, hold the ball, run at you, score or assist in any given opportunity... Well, we will give him the best player of all time with similiar traits on that very same side here.

A bit of Prosinecki glorious talent.

Zvonimir Boban about Robert Prosinečki in the new Fifa Documentary

"...I remember Robert Prosinečki a lot, first of all, because he would always keep fecking with me. He started smoking red Marlboro when he was 13, so when it comes to sharing a room with him (we were roommates), it wasn't fun, he would wake up at 3-4 AM, and you would hear a lighter clicking and him firing a cigarette. I would say to him: "Robi are you real, how you can smoke at this time?" And he would reply: "Oh feck off Zvone"..."

Pat_Mustard Tactics

• Mindful of @Synco 's astute point in my last match that Sammer's aggressive style of play would lead to Azpi essentially playing as an orthodox CB rather than a specialist back five RCB, I've upgraded him with one of the GOATs in Nesta. Accordingly, I've adjusted Sammer's role and position on the teamsheet to better reflect his 'libero in front of defense' peak role. Kicker described him thus: "In 1993 he started to act as a libero playing for Borussia Dortmund. There, he was usually operating in front of his two markers and thus could be described as a very deep sitting defensive midfielder. In the grand scheme of things, Matthias Sammer was probably the only ‘real’ successor of Franz Beckenbauer, but he came a bit late. Germany had been looking for a player like him ever since Beckenbauer left the country in 1977...Sammer was one of the most strong-willed players ever to play for Germany, an incredibly dominant character, who immediately switched to offensive actions as soon as he was in possession, either with his passing skills (long and short) or by rushing forward himself, giving in to his instincts as a former winger. He was often seen covering 30, 40 meters in a few seconds, causing panic in his opponents. With his very good shooting technique he was often able to finish such a move himself with a goal." With Nesta and Costacurta forming a true and proven CB partnership behind him, he's free to play to his strengths and aggressively pursue Jim's danger men Messi and Benzema when they drop between the lines.
• I feel there's less need for Netto's ability to drop in to cover for Sammer now, so Tigana switches to the left side of midfield. With his tigerish ball-winning and low centre of gravity, he'll play a vital role in our attempts to contain Messi. The Duracell bunny Mendieta comes into the team on the right side of midfield, where his experience at FB and boundless stamina will help plugging any gaps Hakimi leaves.
• Predrag Mijatovic replaces Marco Reus, as much to freshen things up as a definitive upgrade. The front three can interchange however they see fit and boast such an impressive range of qualities - Rummenigge's bruising physicality and pace on top of his technical ability, Mijatovic's dynamism and flair, Puskas' GOAT-tier ability as both a scorer and creator. All three have CF qualities as well as being adept at dropping deeper, and they're all willing to share the ball.

 

[Physiocrat]

@Pat_Mustard @Jim Beam

Game on!

 

[Himannv]

I really like Pat's formation graphic - it has a lovely symmetry to it and I think that team will work together quite well. The real question for me is how well they'd be able to deal with Messi. Good player though he is, Costacurta at LCB for example has a big game on his hands.

 

[Jim Beam]

You'll know you see a Mustard team when you see one! It is seriously impressive how distinctive/unique his teams are in almost every draft... A bit like Pink Floyd sound or Jimmy Page riffs in music, you hear it and you know who is behind it. Innovative, intriguing, expansive and sometimes even borderline psychedelic or trippy (as much as a draft team can be).

Now, objectively and rationally, will it work? Have some doubts and in reality, he would end up playing almost suicidal 2-5-3 at times when Sammer pushes up against a Messi led attack of all people. Would I prefer Redondo like figure (even Cerezo or Rodri) in the midfield who would add a bit more control, much needed holding presence while the whole team pushes up and he tries to hold the fort? Definitely. Think Tigane actually might have it in his locker to make the whole thing work btw and the use of Mijatović to add another layer to that attack is lovely.

But... The last game I said I like to try new things and always will. Some will like it, some not. So, in the grand scheme of things how can I have many, if any objections to the team am facing?

The only novelty I have in this round is funny Prosinecki story, so feck my boring 4-2-3-1 and good luck in the next round my friend.

 

[Michaelf7777777]

I voted for Jim Beam although it is very close because Pat_Mustard has the wrong CB on Messi's side

 

[Synco]

Really like both teams, for many reasons (not in the mood to list them all). Voted Beam as well, as good as Pat's defense is, imagine Messi & Benz can still do it in decisive moments.

I voted for Jim Beam although it is very close because Pat_Mustard has the wrong CB on Messi's side

Not even sure - the more nimble Costacurta may actually be a very good choice vs Messi? What do you guys think?

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Not everyone can upgrade his team with a balon dor winner.....there is no price in the world i wouldnt pay to see him and Messi making fools out of everyone together.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

pat has the better team but i have trouble pulling the trigger as i dont really rate Sammer and when you have him you almost have to build around....

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

If I vote for Pat it's because I think Puskas and Kalle will work really well and Pats CBs are well positioned to defend here. Plus I don't really buy Owen in this team.

If I vote for Jimbo it's because I think that midfield+Messi will dominate and I'm not fully convinced on Sammer here but I do think costacurta and Nesta are good choices against a Messi side.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

its "older" messi so having a "better" defender on the opposite side is actually more beneficial then having someone on "his" side as this way he will come to you rather then escape from you + his passing is insane and those trademark passes of his between right centerback and fullback are almost unstoppable so if you defending that you want your best defender in that zone.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Gone for Jim as I don't really rate Pat's CBs in this role. Would have rather played Sammer as a DM....which will be acceptable against Prosinecki.

As to JB, I don't buy Owen in that LW role. That single highlight isn't something I buy and over a course of a multiple matches, I don't think he has the workrate and assist rate to pull that off successfully. Simply put....it's nowhere close to his peak. Prosinecki needs upgrade too at this stage of draft.

Not convinced by either side, but gave JB the benefit of doubt (Messi).

 

[Physiocrat]

Gone for Pat. I reckon Sammer will be very disciplined this game. JB will still score but I think the Neeskens ans Cerezo midfield will be a bit porous plus Campbell have triple with Kalle and Puskas could cause some chaos.

3-2 Pat

 

[Enigma_87]

Little late to the party would’ve gone JB mainly due to the Messi factor and Coatacurta on the side.

Great side from Pat as well as I especially like the attack.

 

[Pat_Mustard]

You'll know you see a Mustard team when you see one! It is seriously impressive how distinctive/unique his teams are in almost every draft... A bit like Pink Floyd sound or Jimmy Page riffs in music, you hear it and you know who is behind it. Innovative, intriguing, expansive and sometimes even borderline psychedelic or trippy (as much as a draft team can be).

Now, objectively and rationally, will it work? Have some doubts and in reality, he would end up playing almost suicidal 2-5-3 at times when Sammer pushes up against a Messi led attack of all people. Would I prefer Redondo like figure (even Cerezo or Rodri) in the midfield who would add a bit more control, much needed holding presence while the whole team pushes up and he tries to hold the fort? Definitely. Think Tigane actually might have it in his locker to make the whole thing work btw and the use of Mijatović to add another layer to that attack is lovely.

But... The last game I said I like to try new things and always will. Some will like it, some not. So, in the grand scheme of things how can I have many, if any objections to the team am facing?

The only novelty I have in this round is funny Prosinecki story, so feck my boring 4-2-3-1 and good luck in the next round my friend.

Cheers Jim and well played! I did struggle to get the right balance defensively with this team and Messi/Benz is clearly about as great as it gets to exploit that.

A post-match taste of Mijatovic for anyone who isn't familiar with him. Superb footballer with a very aesthetically pleasing style:

 

[Jim Beam]

Thanks Mustardo, I already wrote everything I thought about your team. And yeah, the use of Mijatovic was lovely. Won't get much traction unfortunately here.

 

[Demyanenko_square_jaw]

Sometimes i think it should be more widely recognised that Zidane was just a Prosinecki regen with less technique, more dedication and much better luck with injuries tbh