Boards.ie Football forum draft; First Round Game 3; Mitch Connor vs G.K.

bamboozling

Presenting Game 3 of the Boards.ie soccer forum Football Draft.

Poll will stay up for 96 hours, anyone may vote, however only votes attached with reasoning on thread will be counted.

Mitch Connor and G.K., submit your teams and counter argue and the very best of luck.

Mitch Connor

G.K.

In goals I have one of the keepers who has been amongst the most solid in the league for a long time - I don't think I need to go into much detail here, I don't think any real fault can be picked with him.

My back line has pace in the full back areas, with proven premiership quality - both full backs are strong defensively and offer a great threat going forward.

At centre back I have two big, strong central defenders who add leadership to my side. Hyppia is one of the best defenders teh premiership has seen and offers as much of a goal threat as any CB in the draft for me as well. Roger Johnson is a solid CB too, and will add to the commanding presence of my side.

Tiote is my midfield destroyer - no midfielder in the draft offers more bite than this lad, and should my team be a few goals down he'll smack one in from forty yards for me! A look at his passing stats show that he is a good user of the ball too. Not expansive , but rarely gives it away.

The three other midfielders are a bit changable. Valencia is possibly the most consistent winger in the premiership, stong going forward and defensively. Arteta has been one of the stronger midfielders in the league over the last number of years. Over his career he has shown himself to be a very intelligent user of the ball and very good from set pieces. He also doesn't mind putting his foot in and doing his share of defensive work. Bannan is one of the most promising midfielders in the league and a player I have had my eye on for a number of years. Supremely comfortable on the ball, silky technical skills and a great user of the ball. He can can play from the left side of midfield as well as centrally, which gives me good versatility as Arteta has been known to do the same, and Valencia has played centrally on many occasions for his international side.

My last two players.... Messi and Rooney - two of the very best in the world in the attacking 3rd, Messi the very best player in the world full stop, possibly ever. They will get me goals, and lots of them. No defence will be able to keep them out imo, especially messi. Their versatility is also key to how i can play, both can play as the front man (as false 10's). both can play from the wide area's too, using their pace and vision from deeper areas - which allows me to swap them around as the support player in a more traditional 442 and also allowing me to play 433.

G.K.

Firstly, the basic overview of my team, who play a 4-2-3-1.

In goal, I have Asmir Begovic, one of the most capable goalkeepers in the premier league, incredibly underrated and incredibly good in all areas.

My defence is settled with all players playing in their natural position. (I include centre backs being on the right side of their pairings.) At right back I have Sagna, the best RB in the PL for the best few years. At LB I have Neil Taylor, a competent young LB who is impressing at the highest level domestically and internationally. Both these players are competent in all areas, especially Sagna.

At CB I don’t have incredibly household names, but I feel Ivanovic and Alcaraz would gel together excellently. Both quick, good with the ball, strong in the air, competent at going forward and scoring and first choice for their countries, there is immense pedigree here. Both play on the correct side of the centre back pairing. Before anybody knocks Alcaraz, saying ‘Oh he plays for Wigan he sucks’. Think again. He is a first choice centre back for Paraguay, a country not too many rungs down the ladder. That defence held Spain for most of a WC match and reached the Copa America final. He scored in both tournaments too.

In Midfield, I feel I have one of the strongest partnerships in the game with Busquets and Wilshere. Wilshere, though still a teen, is a first choice for club and country and is rivalled as a box-to-box midfielder in the EPL only by Yaya Toure. Tackling, running, passing, shooting – Wilshere can do it all. He’ll run all day and give 100% to the cause. He’s a great vocal character and could easily be Arsenal captain already. As for his partner in crime, Busquets, well, where do I start? He can be a prat but I’d try to get him to not be one. As for his footballing skill, it can be summed up from this quote from Guardiola, from before the CL final this year: "Busquets will be the first name on the teamsheet."
That should tell you all you need to know. His anticipation is near to unrivalled, he’s astounding at passing and winning the ball, and will drop back to defence to allow my other players to push forward. If you really want more on him, watch this.

Just in front of those two, I have a 3 man attacking midfield. Out wide on the right is Kuyt, and in the middle/left, regularly swapping are Dempsey and Hoilett. All three work hard to press, get into space and track back, especially Kuyt, all 3 can pass, and all 3 can create and score goals. All underrated and all top players, 2 of them are automatic choices for their countries, and Hoilett, the other, is incredibly fast.

Finally, up front, I have Eric Cantona. An absolutely magnificent player, who could do almost anything. Granted, he wasn’t the fastest, but he can hold the ball up, win it in the air, beat players, pick a pass and shoot very well. He’ll be the fulcrum of the team.

OFFENSE
From a goal kick – Busquets comes short to receive the ball, and the forward players can begin to make their runs. Busquets can then distribute to any player bar Cantona and whichever of Dempsey or Hoilett plays central. If he passes back to a defender, they can then go on a run, though Ivanovic will be more likely to pass it than make a run. If a defender makes a run Busquets drops back into defence and Wilshere doesn’t necessarily run up.

All players have creative freedom and can do whatever they want, because with the calibre of player I have, all options are possible. Common moves will include: full-back run and cross. Passing moves through Wilshere, Cantona and Busquets (Obviously involving other players) that can result in long range shots from Dempsey/Cantona or through balls for Hoilett (And others maybe too) to run to. Kuyt, Dempsey, Cantona and Hoilett will provide runs to exploit and create space, allowing for those through balls to be run onto. With all players comfortable with the ball, passing moves in and about the penalty area will be encouraged. Dempsey will be able to control the game when he is in the middle, and when he switches to the left to cut inside and shoot or pick passes. Hoilett can easily beat most players on the left, where he can cross or cut in, and will be the main chaser of through balls in the middle.
Play should not get too enclosed, and there will always be a player, typically a full-back or Wilshere or Busquets, who can receive the ball from players being closed down, and then can spray the ball to the other flank or middle to maximise usage of space straight away, as shown here:

Starting with Hoilett is an example, it will happen elsewhere. White arrow indicates ball movement, yellow line indicates player movement.
We won’t always do that, it is just one of our options. The last option is play a ball up to Cantona, to knock it down to Dempsey or Hoilett for a shot or pass from the former, or a run from the latter.

DEFENCE
There are always 4 outfield players and the keeper back. Whether this is 3 defenders and Busquets or all 4 defenders, this will vary through the game. When the opposition gets the ball from ouiur attack, everyone bar Cantona and Dempsey is to get back fast. Dempsey, Wilshere or a winger should press the player and we should look to get as many opposition players clumped together, reducing the offensive options. Against opponents with a false 9, talented CF, or trequartista, Busquets will man-mark them out of the game at this point. The full-backs and wingers will double up on wide players, wingers also covering if full-backs run. CB’s (And Busquets if not man-marking) will deal with any remaining central threats, like forwards and runners from midfield, and Wilshere will look to take any partial clearences/passes back to opposition midfielders. He can then, with Cantona and Dempsey, hold up the ball until wingers and another runner allow us to build up an attack again. The CB’s, Busquets and Begovic are adept at dealing with aerial threats, and Begovic should keep out most long shots too.

SUMMARY
The team should do a variety of creative attacks, utilising the skill of the front 4 and runners to draw open defences and get in shots. Variation, both of Hoilett/Dempsey and the attacking move is key, it keeps the opponents from knowing what to expect.

AGAINST MITCH

I like Mitch's team, he's used a lot of players I like personally. However, I feel he has weaknesses I can exploit. Also, my players might not be as high profile as his, but that doesn't mean they are worse.

Jaaskelinen, one of my favourite keepers, has been a Bolton legend but he's getting on a bit and this is beginning to show in some of his performances. Rafael, I feel is not the best defensively and can be a bit rash, which I can exploit. Neither Johnson or Hyppia are incredibly fast, I will exploit that with Hoilett, Dempsey and sleek passing from Cantona, Kuyt, Wilshere and Busquets. I find it hard to find fault with Tiote or Figueroa, solid players. Bannan and Arteta aren't incredibly strong players in a physical sense, and I will look to exploit that weakness with my powerful physical players. Valenica is incredibly one footed and I will look to my defence to ensure he has to use his left wherever possible. Rooney and Messi are undoubtedly world class but I feel they occupy too much of the same space too often, unless Mitch forces Bannan and Arteta into the middle, and Messi on the left to make a 4-3-3, when I'll just bulldoze them through the middle.

I will also have Busquest man-mark Messi out of the match, and there's nobody else in the world capable of doing so. He, as Xavi has said, knows what will happen before it happens and as he plays with Messi there is no DM who will understand him and what he could do better. I'm unsure if the rest of the attackers (I know he has Rooney) will be alble to breach my defense all to often, and then I have a fantastic keeper for them to get past.

So, my summary of what I'll look to do against Mitch:

• Man-mark Messi with Busquets, the only player capable of taking the Argentine out of the game.
• Fluidly swap my attacking 3 and attack RB, put Rafael under differing pressures.
• NOT PLAY THE BALL IN THE AIR - Hyppia and Johnson are sure to beat me. Corners and Free kicks will be taken short.
• Pass the ball around the CB's instead.
• Use the raw power of Cantona and Wilshere (And forward runs from my CB's) to get through the weaker Bannan and Arteta.
• Have Taylor never let Valencia onto his right foot.
• Wind up Rooney - he could lose his temper and be sent off.

Cantona will be my captain, Kuyt my penalty taker, and Wilshere/Cantona/Dempsey will take direct free kicks.

I look forward to Mitch's response and the debate that ensues. May the best team win.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

G.K.

Only one winner here imo. Rooney and Messi will be a very difficult partnership to foil, and Ivanovic and Alcaraz haven't a hope of diong that. Both midfields are uninspiring, but in fairness to Mitch's team, his doesn't need to be.

G.K.

^^Which is why Alcaraz and Ivanovic won't be doing that... Busquets will be taking Messi out of the game...

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

^^Which is why Alcaraz and Ivanovic won't be doing that... Busquets will be taking Messi out of the game...

Well that leaves your midfield very open. You've also stated that Busi will be involved in this 'sleek passing' and Wilshere will be using his 'raw power' to get through the opponents midf. That will inevitably leave Messi and Rooney 2-on-2 with Alcaraz and Ivanovic. I'd fancy him to tonk you tbh.

G.K.

By which I mean he'll be the base of my attacks, and just because my midfielders attack sometimes doesn't mean they always will. I also have full-backs to hep defend, but in reality Busquets will rarely be in Mitch's half, his main job is to keep Messi out of the game. I'm sure my two international standard CB's can deal with Rooney. What about my prowess against his defenders? Are my forwards not capable of scoring past that defense?

Bounty Hunter

G.K.

I honestly think this would be far far closer than the poll will probably suggest in the end as to use a rather uncouth phrase it looks like Mitch Spunked all his quality picks on strikers leaving the rest of his team looking a level below and something that Cantona and co could actually exploit the weeknesses in. However having said that im going to be going with what I believe the masses will and thats Rooney & Messi. I think there would be goals galore in this game and despite my liking of the CM combo of Busquets & Wilshere and being a big fan of Ivanovic & Sagna who make up the right side of the defense I would expect these two to just about get the goals to give Mitch the win.

So Mitch gets my vote but id say that if people can look at the full teams and not just those two names they might disagree with me and go for G.K

lordgoat

G.K.

Mitch by a few

Rooney and Messi to run riot.

flahavaj

G.K.

Mitch's strike force looks unstoppable.

LuckyCharms

I am going to wait till they get to debate before deciding as i think it is alot closer than people think and probably the Rooney/Messi factor is skewing perception slightly.

A couple of points:

Which of the three formations will you be using Mitch as they are quite different ?

I feel that with Messi and Rooney in the same team, one will have to be the star like ronaldo/rooney. So Who is the main man in the team?

I think that Valencia is slightly redundant with both Messi and Rooney looking to run at players and Rooney's best position being behind the Striker.

Need Clarification on formation before commenting further though as they create different situations.

The plan of using Busquets to stop Messi is interesting, do you not think that it would leave a major hole in CM and leave Wilshere open to being overrun if Mitch plays 3 in the middle?

I believe Cantona needs someone to play behind a la Rooney which is why i don't think the current formation used would prove to be particularly effective.

I defo think the team is sorely lacking a striker with pace and penetration to lead the line.

Mitch Connor

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

Firstly, the basic overview of my team, who play a 4-2-3-1.


AGAINST MITCH

I like Mitch's team, he's used a lot of players I like personally. However, I feel he has weaknesses I can exploit. Also, my players might not be as high profile as his, but that doesn't mean they are worse.

Jaaskelinen, one of my favourite keepers, has been a Bolton legend but he's getting on a bit and this is beginning to show in some of his performances. Rafael, I feel is not the best defensively and can be a bit rash, which I can exploit. Neither Johnson or Hyppia are incredibly fast, I will exploit that with Hoilett, Dempsey and sleek passing from Cantona, Kuyt, Wilshere and Busquets. I find it hard to find fault with Tiote or Figueroa, solid players. Bannan and Arteta aren't incredibly strong players in a physical sense, and I will look to exploit that weakness with my powerful physical players. Valenica is incredibly one footed and I will look to my defence to ensure he has to use his left wherever possible. Rooney and Messi are undoubtedly world class but I feel they occupy too much of the same space too often, unless Mitch forces Bannan and Arteta into the middle, and Messi on the left to make a 4-3-3, when I'll just bulldoze them through the middle.

I will also have Busquest man-mark Messi out of the match, and there's nobody else in the world capable of doing so. He, as Xavi has said, knows what will happen before it happens and as he plays with Messi there is no DM who will understand him and what he could do better. I'm unsure if the rest of the attackers (I know he has Rooney) will be alble to breach my defense all to often, and then I have a fantastic keeper for them to get past.

So, my summary of what I'll look to do against Mitch:

• Man-mark Messi with Busquets, the only player capable of taking the Argentine out of the game.
• Fluidly swap my attacking 3 and attack RB, put Rafael under differing pressures.
• NOT PLAY THE BALL IN THE AIR - Hyppia and Johnson are sure to beat me. Corners and Free kicks will be taken short.
• Pass the ball around the CB's instead.
• Use the raw power of Cantona and Wilshere (And forward runs from my CB's) to get through the weaker Bannan and Arteta.
• Have Taylor never let Valencia onto his right foot.
• Wind up Rooney - he could lose his temper and be sent off.

Cantona will be my captain, Kuyt my penalty taker, and Wilshere/Cantona/Dempsey will take direct free kicks.

I look forward to Mitch's response and the debate that ensues. May the best team win.

1. Rooney has been sent off, what, 3 or 4 times in his career? Considering this is a tactic you are planning to use to stop me, and not one that would be a genius tactic no one else has thought of....it is far more likely to fail than suceed.
2. You reckon Taylor is a better full back than Ashley Cole (best LB in the world imo) who Valencia tore apart. I won't argue against Valencia being one footed - but the vast majority of full backs haven't been able to nulify him as easily as you suggest - the fact is he was one of Uniteds best players in his debut season and excellent on his return last season, despite everyone knowing how one footed he is.... Knowing what he wants to do and stopping him doing it are very different.
3. Raf, on a bad day, can be caught out - on a good day, which i believe we base this on, he can be one of the best RBs around. If you do plan on targeting him, I have Valencia in front of him, helping him. Valencia is one of the best workers around, Raf won't be isolated.
4. You are going to man mark Messi? Really? Good luck with that. The guy is arguably the best footballer ever. He will cause problems, no matter who you put on him. A good chance you will just take your own player out of the game, and leave yourself with just one player in the centre (Wilshere). I do really like Wilshere, I had him picked for my pick in the round you got him. However, your tactics will leave him isolated and exposed. I would also disagree with the amount of 'raw power' you reckon he has.
5. Bannan and Arteta aren't considered to be the most physical, but both put themselves about - just as much as Wilshere. In fact, Arsenal fans I lknow (and some on here) have been surprised that one thing Arteta has added to their midfield is workrate and tackling.
6. You plan on your CBs running forward, leaving space for Rooney and Messi to attack on the counter.
7. I feel like you are ignoring the impact Tiote could have on your plans to come through midfield (especially as you have tied Busquets up with marking Messi). Tiote won't give you space infront of my defence and I don't think you have the pace to get behind me. Hyppia and Johson aren't the fastest around but both are smart enough, neither too slow and Hyypia is one of the smartest and best positioned CBs to have played in the PL.

LuckyCharms wrote: »

I am going to wait till they get to debate before deciding as i think it is alot closer than people think and probably the Rooney/Messi factor is skewing perception slightly.

A couple of points:

Which of the three formations will you be using Mitch as they are quite different ?

I feel that with Messi and Rooney in the same team, one will have to be the star like ronaldo/rooney. So Who is the main man in the team?

I think that Valencia is slightly redundant with both Messi and Rooney looking to run at players and Rooney's best position being behind the Striker.

Need Clarification on formation before commenting further though as they create different situations.

The plan of using Busquets to stop Messi is interesting, do you not think that it would leave a major hole in CM and leave Wilshere open to being overrun if Mitch plays 3 in the middle?

I believe Cantona needs someone to play behind a la Rooney which is why i don't think the current formation used would prove to be particularly effective.

I defo think the team is sorely lacking a striker with pace and penetration to lead the line.

Part of my team's strength, imo, is the ability to switch between formations as a game progresses. However, as the starting tactic for this game, I would go with a combination of the 433 with Rooney and Messi leading the line, and Valencia on the right, dropping Valencia a bit deeper if Rafael is having problems.

Don't forget Rooney's best goal scoring season... two years ago, leading the line on his own and Valencia's crossing a big weapon in his threat. I do agree he looks better as a 'false 10' but as a leading striker he has proven himself capable and a goal scorer (even if I would feel his allround play suffered a bit)

CSF

G.K.

Rooney and Messi says it all. How one person got both of these baffles me.

G.K.

Mitch Connor wrote: »

1. Rooney has been sent off, what, 3 or 4 times in his career? Considering this is a tactic you are planning to use to stop me, and not one that would be a genius tactic no one else has thought of....it is far more likely to fail than suceed.
2. You reckon Taylor is a better full back than Ashley Cole (best LB in the world imo) who Valencia tore apart. I won't argue against Valencia being one footed - but the vast majority of full backs haven't been able to nulify him as easily as you suggest - the fact is he was one of Uniteds best players in his debut season and excellent on his return last season, despite everyone knowing how one footed he is.... Knowing what he wants to do and stopping him doing it are very different.
3. Raf, on a bad day, can be caught out - on a good day, which i believe we base this on, he can be one of the best RBs around. If you do plan on targeting him, I have Valencia in front of him, helping him. Valencia is one of the best workers around, Raf won't be isolated.
4. You are going to man mark Messi? Really? Good luck with that. The guy is arguably the best footballer ever. He will cause problems, no matter who you put on him. A good chance you will just take your own player out of the game, and leave yourself with just one player in the centre (Wilshere). I do really like Wilshere, I had him picked for my pick in the round you got him. However, your tactics will leave him isolated and exposed. I would also disagree with the amount of 'raw power' you reckon he has.
5. Bannan and Arteta aren't considered to be the most physical, but both put themselves about - just as much as Wilshere. In fact, Arsenal fans I lknow (and some on here) have been surprised that one thing Arteta has added to their midfield is workrate and tackling.
6. You plan on your CBs running forward, leaving space for Rooney and Messi to attack on the counter.
7. I feel like you are ignoring the impact Tiote could have on your plans to come through midfield (especially as you have tied Busquets up with marking Messi). Tiote won't give you space infront of my defence and I don't think you have the pace to get behind me. Hyppia and Johson aren't the fastest around but both are smart enough, neither too slow and Hyypia is one of the smartest and best positioned CBs to have played in the PL.

1. I'm not advocating it as a major tactic, I'm just saying it's something we can do.
2. I'm not suggesting Taylor is amazing, I'm just saying that's what the aim would be.
3. I still feel Rafael is the weak point.
4. If it were anyone else I'd agree with you but Busquets is incredible. As people like Xavi have said, Busquest knows what will happen before it happens, and is more familiar with Messi than any other DM. He is capable of taking Messi out. My other players will drop back to help Wilshere, he won't be alone, Kuyt being one of the best workers out there.
5. Nevertheless, Cantona, Dempsey, Wilshere and Kuyt should be capable of getting through them.
6. Again, that's only an occasional tactic and others drop back to make up the numbers.
7. Tiote is one man, as much as I rate him. My players are easily capable of passing around him.

Also btw you didn't have Wilshere earmarked for that round, you already picked Rooney. xD

G.K.

CSF wrote: »

Rooney and Messi says it all. How one person got both of these baffles me.

A team is more than 2 players.

Mitch Connor

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

A team is more than 2 players.

I agree with you on this, but I do think i have some other very good players. Valencia has been one of the best wingers in the league, Arteta has been a star for Everton since he signed and has been doing well for Arsenal. Tiote has been, imo, a revelation for Newcastle, a great DM and a player I would LOVE at United. Bannan is also, as I have said, a player I have been impressed with for years, but is yet to really make a name for himself outside of Villa.

CSF

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

A team is more than 2 players.

I know but the vast majority of your players are muck so Rooney and Messi are clearly going to stand out.

Mitch Connor

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

1. I'm not advocating it as a major tactic, I'm just saying it's something we can do.
2. I'm not suggesting Taylor is amazing, I'm just saying that's what the aim would be.
3. I still feel Rafael is the weak point.
4. If it were anyone else I'd agree with you but Busquets is incredible. As people like Xavi have said, Busquest knows what will happen before it happens, and is more familiar with Messi than any other DM. He is capable of taking Messi out. My other players will drop back to help Wilshere, he won't be alone, Kuyt being one of the best workers out there.
5. Nevertheless, Cantona, Dempsey, Wilshere and Kuyt should be capable of getting through them.
6. Again, that's only an occasional tactic and others drop back to make up the numbers.
7. Tiote is one man, as much as I rate him. My players are easily capable of passing around him.

Also btw you didn't have Wilshere earmarked for that round, you already picked Rooney. xD

You took Rooney first round? Why the hell did I have him earmarker for so long! D'Oh!

1,2,3 - Fair I enough - I don't think you will be succesful on these, but then that is always going to be my opinion of my team.

You're players may be able to pass around Tiote, but it won't be easy (he appears to be the size of a mountain!) and my 3 in midfield, adding in Bannan and Arteta, won't make things easy, and Valencia will help them out as he is well known for doing. Kyut is one of the most willing workers in the league, but he doesn't have an edge over Valencia here - Valencia is a better winger going forward and backwards imo; though Kyut is a better goalscorer.

G.K.

CSF wrote: »

I know but the vast majority of your players are muck so Rooney and Messi are clearly going to stand out.

Give me whatever you are smoking, I don't agree at all (except Taylor, which you can make a case for)

CSF

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

Give me whatever you are smoking, I don't agree at all (except Taylor, which you can make)

A backline of Taylor/Alcaraz/Ivanovic/Sagna could not be less inspiring in general, up against the 2 best attackers in the world it becomes beyond useless. And you're honestly telling me you couldn't have found someone better than Hoilett? I mean you look at his strikeforce compared to yours and you'd think 'ah but sure the other lad must have an amazing defence or and an amazing midfield' but then it turns out no.

You've Cantona, Wilshere and Busquets and Kuyt to do the donkey work but outside of that you could not be much further behind the other lad's team if you tried and no attempts to get Rooney sent off would change that even if you swapped Neil Taylor for a 60 year old prozzy.

LuckyCharms

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Part of my team's strength, imo, is the ability to switch between formations as a game progresses. However, as the starting tactic for this game, I would go with a combination of the 433 with Rooney and Messi leading the line, and Valencia on the right, dropping Valencia a bit deeper if Rafael is having problems.

Don't forget Rooney's best goal scoring season... two years ago, leading the line on his own and Valencia's crossing a big weapon in his threat. I do agree he looks better as a 'false 10' but as a leading striker he has proven himself capable and a goal scorer (even if I would feel his allround play suffered a bit)

I remember it , Rooney was the main man at Utd and the team was tailored to get the best out of him like it was with Ronaldo. Rooney moved around to accommodate him so Ronaldo would flourish so my original question still stands, who is the main man in the team? Is it Messi or Rooney? If you don't move one to accommodate the other , both will end up in each others way trying to do the same job.

G.K.

CSF wrote: »

A backline of Taylor/Alcaraz/Ivanovic/Sagna could not be less inspiring in general

Nonsense - What is wrong with Alcaraz, Ivanovic or Sagna?

CSF wrote: »

And you're honestly telling me you couldn't have found someone better than Hoilett?

I carefully looked this through, the only other player imo worth taking was Sessegnon. Hoilett isn't bad anyway.

CSF wrote: »

You've Cantona, Wilshere and Busquets and Kuyt to do the donkey work but outside of that you could not be much further behind the other lad's team if you tried and no attempts to get Rooney sent off would change that even if you swapped Neil Taylor for a 60 year old prozzy.

Because Begovic, Dempsey, Sagna, Ivanovic and Alcaraz aren't international standard players or anything...

eugeneious

G.K.

Went for Mitch. Too much quality imo.

CSF

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

Nonsense - What is wrong with Alcaraz, Ivanovic or Sagna?



I carefully looked this through, the only other player imo worth taking was Sessegnon. Hoilett isn't bad anyway.



Because Begovic, Dempsey, Sagna, Ivanovic and Alcaraz aren't international standard players or anything...

You understand that the idea of these sort of games is to have players of a high standard yes? Not just players who play for their country? All the other teams have a large selection of top quality international players playing in the top leagues and yours just seems to have international players playing in the top leagues.

You can't honestly tell me you looked at your backline compared to the others and thought 'yeah this is gonna win, I'm on to a good deal here'?

G.K.

Yes, which is why I have players of a high standard.

Defences not of a high standard don't get into the Copa America Final and the World Cup eliminations - Alcaraz did and was the key amn for Paraguay.

Defenders not of a high standard don't get into a title winning team consistently and be noted as one of the best - Ivanovic did.

Defenders not of a high standard don't consistently be considered the best RB in the league - Sagna is.

Looking at other backlines, I consider 2 defenses superior to mine (Bounty Hunter's and Redzerdrog's) and 2 more on a similar level (Mark's and Noel's)

Tell me what is wrong with those players.

CSF

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

Yes, which is why I have players of a high standard.

Defences not of a high standard don't get into the Copa America Final and the World Cup eliminations - Alcaraz did and was the key amn for Paraguay.

Defenders not of a high standard don't get into a title winning team consistently and be noted as one of the best - Ivanovic did.

Defenders not of a high standard don't consistently be considered the best RB in the league - Sagna is.

Looking at other backlines, I consider 2 defenses superior to mine (Bounty Hunter's and Redzerdrog's) and 2 more on a similar level (Mark's and Noel's)

Tell me what is wrong with those players.

They are very average. I think you have delusions of grandeur about your team. You've seen the poll results yes? The most voted in poll and you've still only got one vote that isn't your own, yet I'm the one talking nonsense.

Blatter

G.K.

I went for Mitch(Because he paid me to;):p)

Although I don't rate the Messi/Rooney combo as highly as some(I think they're both play at their very best centrally, so you have to play one of them out of position or risk them getting in the way of each other) they are still a pretty daunting duo and should get the better of GK's defense.

Mitch Connor

G.K.

LuckyCharms wrote: »

I remember it , Rooney was the main man at Utd and the team was tailored to get the best out of him like it was with Ronaldo. Rooney moved around to accommodate him so Ronaldo would flourish so my original question still stands, who is the main man in the team? Is it Messi or Rooney? If you don't move one to accommodate the other , both will end up in each others way trying to do the same job.

`Rooney was moved around for Ronaldo because Ronaldo is a selfish player and needed to be accomdated. I don't think such an issue exists with Messi - he has proven himself well capable of playing with others and playing a roving game, I simply disagree that Rooney and Messi could not play together as a partnership.

Mr Alan

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

A team is more than 2 players.

When you have Rooney & Messi, it doesn't have to be!

Mitch by a cricket score for me.

G.K.

CSF wrote: »

They are very average. I think you have delusions of grandeur about your team. You've seen the poll results yes? The most voted in poll and you've still only got one vote that isn't your own, yet I'm the one talking nonsense.

What aspects of the games of Sagna, Alcaraz and Ivanovic are average? Can't you just tell me ffs? Do you have a vendetta against them?

redzerdrog

G.K.

afaik mitch has stated he will go with the 4-3-3 formation for this game which i presume is this one



I think this is a good choice and his best formation although i do think it is silly having the best player in the world playing out of position as such but the use of this formation has won me over and I do think it would be a lot closer than some people seam to think

NoelJ

G.K.

I went for mitch. I dont rate G.Ks midfield and think Mitch's strikeforce would score.

LuckyCharms

Mitch Connor wrote: »

`Rooney was moved around for Ronaldo because Ronaldo is a selfish player and needed to be accomdated. I don't think such an issue exists with Messi - he has proven himself well capable of playing with others and playing a roving game, I simply disagree that Rooney and Messi could not play together as a partnership.

Not going to comment on what you said about Ronaldo because it doesn't really have any bearing on what i was saying.

I think your missing my point, i never stated that they could not play together but simply said that one would be the fulcrum of the team while the other may need to move to be accommodated. Not playing the best player in the world in his best position by putting Rooney in there means you made Rooney the main man and Messi was moved to accommodate him.

PARlance

G.K.

Considering Alcarez will give away 2 goals, and Rooney and Messi would get 4 or 5 on top of that, it's Mitch for me

Jax Teller

G.K.

Mitch by a few . Alcaraz and Taylor are weak links in defence .

I'd expect valencia to get the beating of Taylor everytime .

Trying to man mark messi I think is really hard and I don't think would work .

Bounty Hunter

G.K.

having had another look at Mitch's team I think I was a bit harsh in my post about it as he has far more quality than just upfront. I still picked his side however but I think I was meerly saying that it would be closer than the poll suggests

Liam O

G.K.

I picked Mitch, feel he's too strong up front but I'd say if it was Hoillett and not Dempsey on the left that G.K. could get a lot of jot down the right side if valencia is playing such an advanced role.

GavRedKing

G.K.

G.K. is very unlucky to have drawn Mitch.

Mitch edges this for me, ronney and Messi can be marked out of the game forperiods of time but both, together cant be fully marketd out for the full 90 minutes.

Busquets is as good as ti gets at breakig up play but asking him to do the job of 2 players against 2 of the finest players around is nearly impossible.

G.K. front line and suport act would casue problems for Mitch and I'd believe Rafael is a weak link but with Valencia ahead of him and Tiote in CM to break up play Mitch's team should take this game.

G.K.

Liam O wrote: »

I picked Mitch, feel he's too strong up front but I'd say if it was Hoillett and not Dempsey on the left that G.K. could get a lot of jot down the right side if valencia is playing such an advanced role.

They do swap a lot.

G.K.

1 bad game does not a weak link make. Alcaraz is a good defender.

whatawaster

G.K.

Mitch has too much quality up front, and his team would have to be seriously malfunctioning elsewhere (say, like Argentina at the world cup) or he would have to up against a side that is superior to him elsewhere and good enough to dominate possession. This is clearly not the case in this match.

ColeTrain

G.K.

It is hard to see past Rooney and Messi.

Add Valencia's pace and Arteta's creativity and that's a pretty formidable attack. I don't think GK's attack is near that level but I think he has the superior central midfield. Wilshere and Busquets would compliment each other well.

I think there would be a lot left on the shoulders of Dempsey to create chances.

I don't think there's an awful lot in the two defences.


Overall I think Mitch takes it.

dfx-

G.K.

Mitch Connor for me. Busquets is a weak spot as a defensive midfielder/man-marker/breaking up play. He suits Barcelona, but not as a destroyer in my opinion. He's not defensively aware enough as any time he's put at centre-half at Barcelona shows.

G.K.

CB and DM are different positions.

PHB

G.K.

For me, defenses are relatively equal, but Mitch's front 6 outshine by a country mile. Mitch for me.

G.K.

Front 6? Nonsense. Front 2, completley understandable.

Busquets > Tiote
Wilshere > Bannan
Kuyt = Valencia
Dempsey > Arteta
Hoilett < Messi
Rooney > Cantona (Not by much imo)

redzerdrog

G.K.

G.K. wrote: »

Front 6? Nonsense. Front 2, completley understandable.

Busquets > Tiote
Wilshere > Bannan
Kuyt = Valencia
Dempsey > Arteta
Hoilett < Messi
Rooney > Cantona (Not by much imo)

As the right hand side of a front 3
kuyt > valencia imo

flahavaj

G.K.

Arteta's better than Dempsey by a god bit GK mate.

And Rooney is a much better player than Cantona ever was, its nowhere near as close as you imply.

G.K.

That's fair enough, tbh, I know very little about Cantona.

I still think Dempsey is better than Arteta, though.

ynwa_17

G.K.

Mitch - Just for the forward line. Gonna be tough for the side that faces him next