The World League II

First topic message reminder :

Rules;
£150m budget with to be spent on anybody based on their value on TM.
Draft system to build the squads.
Squad to be between 20-25 players, no more, no less.
Tactics short, teamsheet, substitutes, 100 words of tactics, few sentences for substitutions.
Everybody votes or lose a goal from their score, just scores and scorers acceptable although feedback is encouraged.
Choose your own real life team name although this will have no bearing on the players you can or can't sign.

Participants;
Azzy - Vancouver Whitecaps
BamBam - Ebbsfleet United
Holymiky - MK Dons
Marky - Crawley Town
Nadeem - Real Madrid
Olly - Accrington Stanley
Trebs - Liaoning Whowin
Viva - Manchester United
Hero - Macclesfield Town
Nando - Chesham United

Structure;

8 fixtures per team, 4 at home, 4 away. Two relegated from the Premier League, two promoted from the Championship.
3rd place in both leagues will playoff for the right to play in the Premier League.
Starting point determined at random.

Premier League
1. Chesham United
2. Liaoning Whowin
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3. Macclesfield Town
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4. Manchester United
5. MK Dons

Championship
1. Accrington Stanley
2. Crawley Town
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3. Ebbsfleet United
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4. Real Madrid
5. Vancouver Whitecaps

http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/detailsuche/spielerdetail/suche

Draft results

Marky:

Holymiky:

BamBam:

Fernando:

Nadeem:

Azzy:

Olly:

Hero:

Trebs:

Viva:

Damn olly, back at it again with the white vans!

Holymiky wrote:Hi all,

Question of the day, favourite current central midfield player?

Jonny Howson for me

Holymiky wrote:Hi all,

Question of the day, favourite current central midfield player?

Pretty simple one for me, its the best English midfielder out there. Tom Cleverley.

Id have to agree with Afro. Marco Verratti just can't live up to his standards.

Jack Wilshs ... oh wait you said current midfielders.

Michael Carrick.

Probably Jonny Howson

Other than Howson, if I had to pick someone outside the big names, I like Danilo Pereira at the moment. Renato Sanches would also be a great signing if the United rumours are true

Fernando wrote:Id have to agree with Afro. Marco Verratti just can't live up to his standards.

Howson has scored away to Stoke on a cold Wednesday night in January - Verratti can only dream of such an accolade

All this nonsense about Jonny Howson.

Graham Dorrans is far better.

They ain't no Abou Diaby though.

Shots fired!

Nadeem, how DARE you try and turn this rag tag football management page into some kind of place for a political discussion

But but it was funny..........wasn't it??? Trust Cameron to use his own mother as an insult  "Put on a proper suit, do up your tie and sing the national anthem"

Fernando wrote:

I've found something more your taste nando. Enjoy

I thought you would prefer this Nadeem since you have the music taste of Bill Cosby.

I watch parliament and think - no wonder this country is f*cked when those bunch of clowns are running it, you see better behaviour on playgrounds ffs

It is a remarkable set of utter tossers, agree

If it's not one of my own players I'd have to pick Pogba, Sanches though I reckon could match him in the coming years.

Too early to be drinking Hero

Not really, at the beginning of the season Benfica were a shambles, 8 points off the top, getting battered by Sporting and then Sanches got his call up to the team and he's been a catalyst to their success, they've won 14 out of 16 league games since his inclusion and are now top.

Apart from running around a lot and passing which can be very sloppy there isn't much to his game, He can't really tackle that well should of been sent off on multiple occasions but got the big club card. Sound familiar    It should to United fans just a new version of Anderson

I refuse to believe a guy with 2 goals and 1 assist changed a side that much. I suspect it was more Mitroglou started to hit the back of the net (3 in the 1st 8 came in 2 games) to help Jonas who was already banging them in .

You also need to bare in mind they lost to Porto & Lisbon in them 1st 8. It was hardly a disaster.

Just to clarify, do I need to get tactics in to Azzy by the end of tomorrow?

I doubt Azzy is in any position to be voting now

Meanwhile Hero desperately searches for a Squawker article

3 non Squawka based articles instead:

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But just what does the bright young thing from Lisbon bring to the Benfica team?

Well, for a start his energy and athleticism has breathed life into the side with Sanches’ drives forward through midfield injecting pace into the Águias as they begin attacks.

Sanches has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the game this season in the Benfica midfield.

A potential deal totalling £47 million does sound like a lot for a player who is still in the early stages of his career. But for United, if Sanches does come in, thrive and become a mainstay of the team, it could well prove to be a shrewd investment.

Sanches possesses a lot of qualities this version of the Red Devils lack. On the ball he’s electric, capable of surging beyond opponents, picking passes or beating a defender with skilful play.

Although he’s a talent, looking at United’s current situation, Alex Shaw of ESPN FC is unsure who will be the driving force behind such a deal:
Would spending big on Sanches in the summer be a wise move by United?

If United do intend to part ways with manager Louis van Gaal at the end of the season, as reported by Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, paying such a substantial amount for a young player seems like a big gamble. After all, the new manager, whoever that may be, may have a completely different outlook on young players and the style of football the team will play.

In a central role, he’s a scampering nuisance with a never-say-die attitude, which leaves opponents frustrated and team-mates scurrying to keep up with him, with Diego Simeone and Andre Villas-Boas among opposing managers to praise his confidence and his ability.

Sanches' full debut for the club came against Astana in the Champions League in November, with a start in the league following immediately after, while his first professional goal came at the start of December – and what a goal it was too.

His side were already leading by two goals against Academica when he picked up the ball on the left of midfield 30 yards from goal with 85 minutes on the clock. From there he nudged the ball onto his right foot and, with a short run up, sent a ferocious shot arrowing in the top corner to seal the match.

After the goal, his boyish smile told the whole story. The strike marked his emergence and signalled his intent to make an impact with the club who he has played for since joining their youth ranks aged just nine.

Manager Rui Vitoria was smiling on the touchline too, high-fiving players and his coaching staff - he’d found the solution to his midfield puzzle.

Sanches’ brilliance undoubtedly lies in his explosive midfield bursts, and the fervour with which he willingly robs opponents of possession but his skill on the ball shouldn’t be dismissed either.

In Aldershot back in October, the 18-year-old flummoxed his opponents with a series of roulettes in one dribble from the right flank, which ended with him spiralling into the penalty area – only to be denied by a well-timed tackle.

Rio Ave players were also left in his trail in late December as a self-assured Sanches lofted the ball over one oncoming opponent before chesting the ball down and then lobbing an inch-perfect pass to a team-mate just as the next man charged in to stop his progress. The youngster has bags of confidence.

When some starlets begin their first-team careers it's quite often they will fade at least a little as the campaign goes on, such are the rigours of senior football. Sanches, though, is belying this with two solid, if unspectacular showings against Porto and Zenit St Petersburg.

In the former, he showed why he's ideally suited to a side who play pressing football as he forced mistakes and snapped up possession of the ball on several occasions, including for his assist to Konstantinos Mitroglou.

But he was also found wanting on occasions against Benfica's fierce rivals as his passing, which does need work, let him down and his inclination to do most things with his right foot saw him take unneeded risks. He also received a booking for several niggling fouls, although in his role this is always a possibility.

Sanches' positioning is a real plus too, always making himself available and with a natural tendency to drift into space where team-mates can find him with ease.

In Russia, Sanches was detailed with a more conservative, deep-lying role, which he took on manfully, succeeding as he attempted to halt Zenit's impressive attack. His ability to keep it simple was key, although again his passing let him down on occasions, and his discipline, as he resisted bolting forward in his usual style, was proved his commitment to the team cause.

One improvised tackle on Brazil international Hulk was exceptional, with him refusing to be beaten by his opponent and then, when it looked like the ex-Porto man was free, clipping the ball off his toes with a rabona, of sorts.

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Manchester United, unsurprisingly, are reportedly leading the chase for Sanches and he’d certainly offer something different for the Red Devils if they swooped for his signature.

With Michael Carrick coming to the end of his career there is room for the youngster to blossom directly in front of the back four, while he could also operate slightly further forward ahead of Morgan Schneiderlin in a box-to-box role.

His ability to carry the ball forward and break the lines and attack at pace would certainly appeal to the Old Trafford faithful who are craving some forward thrust as they witness the slow and turgid football currently being served up.

Sanches won’t come cheap but he could be easily swayed to join the team who helped mould compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo into a superstars. The possibility of linking up with Jose Mourinho, should he replace Louis van Gaal, could also prove tempting.

And the fact Jorge Mendes represents the 18-year-old may well tie the deal up perfectly.

Whatever happens in the summer, Sanches is still set for a bright future with Spanish publication Marca naming him in their best Under-18 XI but the player himself is in no rush.

He said: "I know I still have to develop. I'm 18. Over time, and with the help of my colleagues, I will improve."

And if he does improve he’s going to be a very special player indeed.

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The latest player to be linked with a move to Manchester United is Renato Sanches, the Portuguese teen sensation with a jaw-dropping €80million buyout clause.

Two months ago Benfica’s season looked set to be a shambles. In a country where there are basically three teams that matter, the reigning champions had been badly beaten three times in succession by Lisbon rivals Sporting, Porto had also got the better of them, they were out of the Portuguese Cup and were lagging eight points behind top spot.

It was at this point that 18-year-old Renato Sanches was given his first-team debut by under-fire coach Rui Vitoria. It is no coincidence that the Eagles have since got their act together in highly impressive fashion. Since Sanches became a fixture in the team at the end of November, Benfica have won 11 and drawn one of their 12 matches in domestic play.

Rui Vitoria’s side are now just two points behind Sporting in second place and right in the mix in what is proving to be a thrilling championship race.

Teen sensation: Sanches has represented his country at youth level and is fast becoming a fan favourite at Benfica

Style of play

The transformation in the team’s results has been as remarkable as the ease with which teenager Sanches has taken to top-level football. For someone so inexperienced, Sanches plays with a disconcerting swagger and self-assurance, demanding the ball and driving his team forward from his central midfield position in a manner you would expect of a seasoned veteran.

A true box-to-box midfielder, the dynamic Sanches stamps his authority on every game in much the same way as former Benfica favourite Enzo Perez did. The brilliant Argentine was sold to Valencia for €25m one year ago, and only now do Benfica fans believe he has been properly replaced.

The unfettered confidence of Sanches was evident from the very start, as exemplified in the audacious strike he unleashed into the net on his home debut, a serious contender for goal of the season.

Strengths

Sanches has boundless energy, and the step up to senior football has proven no obstacle to his impressive stamina levels. Since being seamlessly integrated into Benfica’s starting eleven, Sanches has rarely been substituted early, if at all, like one would expect with a young footballer making his first appearances amongst the big boys. If anything, he tends to get stronger as matches progress towards the latter stages, outrunning his opposite numbers.

A thunderous shot is one of the standout assets in his locker. As well as the above goal, another spectacular strike late in the game gave Benfica three vital points against Vitoria Guimaraes to maintain the team’s current winning streak.

Still a teenager he may be, but an impressive physique prevents him from being bossed. Quite the contrary, Sanches is not afraid to put himself about and has good tackling ability. Once in control of the ball, he is extremely difficult to dispossess.

Powerhouse: Sanches is not easily knocked off the ball and gets forward well to support Benfica's attackers

Weaknesses

The urge to quicken the pace of Benfica’s attacking movements, usually through rapid passes, leads him to frequently err in his distribution. This flaw in his game that can prove costly when stationed a few metres ahead of his defence – a position where he often picks up the ball. And fruit of his burgeoning confidence, he has a tendency to overdo it in dribbling forward.

His impetuousness is also translated into rash tackles at times: he has narrowly escaped a second yellow card on several occasions this season.

All three defects can be put down to the impulsiveness of youth, and it is hard to believe they will not soon be ironed out as Sanches acquires more experience.

Raw talent: Sanches could do with a bit of polishing, but the ability is there

What they say

Vitor Paneira, a former Benfica midfielder who is now a head coach: “His youthfulness brings irreverence and dynamism to the team. He plays with great attitude and consistency.

"He is very strong physically and plays with intensity, creating imbalances in the opposition team through his transitions. For an 18-year-old he’s not half bad. He’s already worth many millions.”

VIEW GALLERY

What next?

Given his impact since breaking into the first team, Benfica will be loath to lose the boy many are saying is the club’s most promising home-grown prospect since Rui Costa, and someone who has become a key player despite his tender years. In December Sanches signed an improved contract with an astonishing €80m buyout clause.

Nevertheless, as is always the case with the best players in Portugal, it is a question of when rather than if he makes the leap to a more high-profile league.

His high-energy style, impressive stamina and well-developed physique suggest he is tailor-made to thrive in the Premier League . But whoever wants to land him will have to pay big.

I hope you've read that Viva #themoreyouknow

In fairness to Viva, Sanches is very much on his radar.

Sure he may not make it, he may be the next Anderson. But akin to in these leagues where players such as Pogba, Neymar and Vidal were so sought after before they became household names then my money is on him being one going forward.

Olly wrote:I watch parliament and think - no wonder this country is f*cked when those bunch of clowns are running it, you see better behaviour on playgrounds ffs

PMQs is a national treasure. So glad that Muppet hasn't ruined it by asking questions from Margaret on Shropshire on whether its going to rain tomorrow.

All that did was literally confirm what i said

#Anderson2.0

It'd be interesting to find the articles on Anderson or Kleberson before they joined United, Obi Mikel pre Chelsea or Alfonso Alves pre Middlesboro.

Hero wrote:In fairness to Viva, Sanches is very much on his radar.

Sure he may not make it, he may be the next Anderson. But akin to in these leagues where players such as Pogba, Neymar and Vidal were so sought after before they became household names then my money is on him being one going forward.

I too think Renato will be a top player, but it is still potential. And TBH Neymar and Pogba were both marmite players until they started proving it consistently at a higher level. Vidal was doing it week in, week out for Leverkusen before he got really popular on here.

Who from the Premier league is volunteering to do votes for Championship in Azzy's place?

Afro wrote:

Hero wrote:In fairness to Viva, Sanches is very much on his radar.

Sure he may not make it, he may be the next Anderson. But akin to in these leagues where players such as Pogba, Neymar and Vidal were so sought after before they became household names then my money is on him being one going forward.

I too think Renato will be a top player, but it is still potential. And TBH Neymar and Pogba were both marmite players until they started proving it consistently at a higher level. Vidal was doing it week in, week out for Leverkusen before he got really popular on here.

Well he's already proving it for the current Portugese leaders and in the Champions League, that's a pretty high standard, certainly higher than when the buzz was surrounding Neymar.

He doesn't prove it every week.

That's normally the difference between potential and being top class, doing it week in week out.

I can do votes instead of Azzy.

BamBam wrote:Who from the Premier league is volunteering to do votes for Championship in Azzy's place?

 
Isn't it that we need someone else from the Championship to vote on the Premier League?

Hero wrote:

BamBam wrote:Who from the Premier league is volunteering to do votes for Championship in Azzy's place?

 
Isn't it that we need someone else from the Championship to vote on the Premier League?

Tomato tomato

I forgot he was in Championship rather than Premier league .. In which case I don't mind doing them unless someone else wants to

Afro wrote:He doesn't prove it every week.

That's normally the difference between potential and being top class, doing it week in week out.

He's already though playing at a higher level than those mentioned at a similar age, to be the physical b2b for a number 1 club in his country and in the CL at the age of 18 certainly looks good going forward for him.

I can do them if you want

Olly wrote:I can do them if you want

Deal .. Premier league tactics to the tractor boy please

Hero wrote:

Afro wrote:He doesn't prove it every week.

That's normally the difference between potential and being top class, doing it week in week out.

He's already though playing at a higher level than those mentioned at a similar age, to be the physical b2b for a number 1 club in his country and in the CL at the age of 18 certainly looks good going forward for him.

I do think he is going to be top class, I agree.

Anyone up for some last min deals?

Yeah

Yeah

No

We can try Hero.

How many players can you buy a week from TM?

fk knows but i remember why i hate 100 word tactics again now

Well unless it's been said and I've missed I'm presuming it's similar to the £0 player rule that most people overlooked so....