[Football] BOTR draft

Draft order

1st round
1- Bakos : Kuijt (Holland)
2- PK : Sneijder (Holland)
3- The Rage/Evilo : Tevez (Brazil)
4- GoM : Mascherano (Brazil)
5- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Huntelaar (Holland)
6- Les Habs : Kompany (Belgium)

2nd round
7- Les Habs : Alex (Holland)
8- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Maduro (Holland)
9- GoM : Gomes (Holland)
10- The Rage/Evilo : Simao (Portugal)
11- PK : Trabelsi (Holland)
12- Bakos : Alex (Turkey)

3rd round
13- Bakos : Cocu (Holland)
14- PK : Anelka (Turkey)
15- The Rage/Evilo : Akinfeev (Russia)
16- GoM : Rosenberg (Holland)
17- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Heitinga (Holland)
18- Les Habs : Aguero (Argentina)

4th round
19- Les Habs : Farfan (Holland)
20- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Donovan (USA)
21- GoM : Carvahlo (Russia)
22- The Rage/Evilo : Luisao (Portugal)
23- PK : Petrov (Scotland)
24- Bakos : Kalou (Holland)

5th round
25- Bakos : Krancjar (Croatia)
26- PK : Landzaat (Holland)
27- The Rage/Evilo : Toure (Greece)
28- GoM : Boukhari (Holland)
29- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Nuno Gomes (Portugal)
30- Les Habs : Hasan Sas (Turkey)

6th round
31- Les Habs : Appiah (Turkey)
32- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Grygera (Holland)
33- GoM : Van Den Borre (Belgium)
34- The Rage/Evilo : Vennegor of Hesselink (Holland)
35- PK : Nilmar (Brazil)
36- Bakos : Quaresma (Portugal)

7th round
37- Bakos : Mathijsen (Holland)
38- PK : De Cler (Holland)
39- The Rage/Evilo : Vagner Love (Russia)
40- GoM : Kerzhakov (Russia)
41- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Castelen (Holland)
42- Les Habs : Ooijer (Holland)

8th round
43- Les Habs : Emanuelson (Holland)
44- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Costinha (Portugal)
45- GoM : Jaliens (Holland)
46- The Rage/Evilo : Rodriguez (Scotland)
47- PK : Petit (Portugal)
48- Bakos : Wilhelmsson (Belgium)

9th round
49- Bakos : Toraman (Turkey)
50- PK : Opdam (Holland)
51- The Rage/Evilo : Reizinger (Holland)
52- GoM : Bahia (Holland)
53- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Lucuis (Holland)
54- Les Habs : Gago (Argentina)

10th round
55- Les Habs : Moutinho (Portugal)
56- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Caneira (Portugal)
57- GoM : Sankoh (Holland)
58- The Rage/Evilo : Eduardo (Brazil)
59- PK : Gordon (Scotland)
60- Bakos : Ricksen (Scotland)

11th round
61- Bakos : Coltorti (Switzerland)
62- PK : Vlaar (Holland)
63- The Rage/Evilo : Galasek (Holland)
64- GoM : Perez (Holland)
65- Flyhigh/Belizarius : Timmer (Holland)
66- Les Habs : Ceni (Brazil)

JUDGES : Belgian Fan, Helicecopter and Ott=Snott. I remind everyone that judges CAN give advices to anyone.

I have about 15 players of which neither would look out of place being drafted in the first round.

Let me guess.. 14 are in the Eeredivisie? :D

Let me guess.. 14 are in the Eeredivisie? :D

I counted 10.. :D

Lol, I don't know how you do it.
I count less than that.
Did you forget South America?

Lol, I don't know how you do it.
I count less than that.
Did you forget South America?

Actually I've only made a list of the Ere Divisie.. I've yet to do the rest. But from the top of my head I only came up with 5 players outside the Ere Divisie deserving of a first round selection. Naturally, when I'm start making lists of other countries, it will be more.

Nicolas Frutos for #1 :yo: :yo: :yo:


Seriously, this will be the most interesting draft of the bunch IMO, loads of possibilities from South America, Holland, Russia, Portugal, Scotland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Greece, ...

I'm happy that I'm judging here, it should be very interesting!

I think it will be awesome.
I count around 20 players that could be chosen in the top 6.

I hope FlyHigh will be better than me because I'm going to have some trouble to make a good choice...!!!

I see two clear cut #1's out there and both of them play in the same league. Just checked their stats and I went :eek:.

I see two clear cut #1's out there and both of them play in the same league. Just checked their stats and I went :eek:.

Interesting..

Not sure who you're talking about though..

Yeah there are two big names out there, but some others could be good choices.
These two names IMO need to be tested against the best. That hasn't been the case yet.

Yeah there are two big names out there, but some others could be good choices.
These two names IMO need to be tested against the best. That hasn't been the case yet.

The younger one will get his chance.

Both have been tested, I'm not sure what Evilo is talking about if we're indeed talking about the same two players. Untested players don't play for top sides and in European tournaments, not to mention being internationals. Now one of them is perhaps unexperienced, but that's a different thing.

Yep, we're not talking about the same players.
Mine don't play in european tournaments.

The younger one will get his chance.
I think both will come to Europe pretty soon, but it also depends on the WC. If they impress enough, some big teams will give up the euros.

I think both will come to Europe pretty soon, but it also depends on the WC. If they impress enough, some big teams will give up the euros.

Europe? Both of my favorites play in Europe.

I have 2 names coming in my mind, one from Europe the other not... :)

I have 2 names coming in my mind, one from Europe the other not... :)

If I'm narrowing it down, I have a top 5 consisting of 4 from Europe, one from South America..

Europe? Both of my favorites play in Europe.
Hehe, not mine.

This will be a tough draft. There are some many players. I have some in my head, but it's hard to make a list because when one of the guys you wanted gets picked that can change things. For me there are things that I hope the judges will considering. Things like formation, non-traditional attributes and current form (last season or this season). Those are things that I'm worried will get overlooked.

Yep, we're not talking about the same players.
Mine don't play in european tournaments.

That's what I thought you meant. Still about them being untested, kind of hard or perhaps even a bit unfair for a judge to say they are untested. Actually, I'm kind of expecting the opposite viewpoint from the Ligue 1 judges as far as untested players. I don't mean that in a bad way, but as judges we all have our own takes and I think we're all aware of one anothers "viewpoints" for lack of a better term.

I think we should make the teams according to our own priorities.
The fact there are more than 1 judge evens up the criteria and adds to the fairness.

I think we should make the teams according to our own priorities.
The fact there are more than 1 judge evens up the criteria and adds to the fairness.

Well yeah, that's why I'm happy there are more than one judge for each draft. Still with only 2 or 3 judges you could still get some influence from particular judges that may affect things more.

I think everyone will be honest.
With two or three rankings, the difference should not be big enough that it changes a lot in the overall rankings.
For instance, as a PSG fan, there's no way I rank Yepes above Cris, even though I'm VERY high on Yepes.

However, the reason I like the league by league draft is because the last time we did an overall draft, and there was a lot of bias towards the "Big three" leagues, and I think Tom and I (and some others) were penalized for taking lower names.
Heck, Tom didn't want to pick Cris because he thought he wasn't good enough. And I wasn't too keen on taking Marcelinho either (we took him as a sub though).

I think everyone will be honest.
With two or three rankings, the difference should not be big enough that it changes a lot in the overall rankings.
For instance, as a PSG fan, there's no way I rank Yepes above Cris, even though I'm VERY high on Yepes.

However, the reason I like the league by league draft is because the last time we did an overall draft, and there was a lot of bias towards the "Big three" leagues, and I think Tom and I (and some others) were penalized for taking lower names.
Heck, Tom didn't want to pick Cris because he thought he wasn't good enough. And I wasn't too keen on taking Marcelinho either (we took him as a sub though).

Well if it's any consolation, I didn't even know you were a PSG fan. I remember you saying something a while back about not really having a side and supporting whoever was best in France. Maybe that was Beli.

I still wish we had subs.

I'm not really a maniac fan, and I usually support any team that plays spectacular football (Nantes in 95, Monaco three years ago, Lyon these last two years), but I still support PSG, Rennes and Caen.

to keep the delay as small as possible:

#1:

Dirk Kuijt

I'm trying to get in touch with The Rage, but I'm happy my number one guy is still up for grabs.

I'm trying to get in touch with The Rage, but I'm happy my number one guy is still up for grabs.

Let's do it, we're picking Tevez.

Let's do it, we're picking Tevez.

OMG! Chelsea have all the money, now you're taking my players. :rant: :cry:

Nice pick fellas. Was my #1

Was our #1 as well.
Actually my top 4 were still available when we picked. That leaves 3 players I'd really like. Hopefully we can pick one of these in the second round.

Still plenty of good Dutch players left. I've been wracking my brain about Portugal, but Greece has a league that I may avoid altogether as I'm really not that familiar with it.

I have three players at the top still left, and two of them are playing in Europe. And none in Holland.

I select from Argentina M Javier Maschereno

I've completely forgotten to prepare a list for this draft, time to get organized :eek:

I select from Argentina M Javier Maschereno

I've completely forgotten to prepare a list for this draft, time to get organized :eek:

Great pick.. The 3rd best midfielder on my list before we started.

Great pick.. The 3rd best midfielder on my list before we started.
And the first on mine.

Flyhigh and Beli are up.

And the first on mine.

Understandable, but I still have one in higher regards. Right between Sneijder and Maschereno.. All 3 are interchangable I think though. Just goes on to show how close this draft will be.

Well, in my book, Mascherano is clearly the best midfielder in this draft.
He could have gone first overall. But due to the depth at midfield rather than striker, we went for Tevez.

And the first on mine.:eek:

he is still playing in South America! He is completely UNPROVEN!!
how can you even consider to give your midfield in the hands of a youngster that has yet to prove anything!..since he has yet to play in Europe!
lol, who is this Mascherano kid, how could GoM pick this guy so high???

:D
(does that remind you anything guys?)

It sure does :D.

:eek:

he is still playing in South America! He is completely UNPROVEN!!
how can you even consider to give your midfield in the hands of a youngster that has yet to prove anything!..since he has yet to play in Europe!
lol, who is this Mascherano kid, how could GoM pick this guy so high???

:D
(does that remind you anything guys?)
I would remember it if I wrote anything about it. But I didn't. :D

I would remember it if I wrote anything about it. But I didn't. :DDidn't mean you were the one.. :D

Oh boy...I clearly didn't put a huge effort in looking for talent in South America. :innocent:

Teves...I knew about him before

Mascherano...The first time I heard about this kid was here on HF. lol
Here's a nice read on this kid:
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/040925/1/296d.html

So we have half of my top 4 gone :
1- Mascherano
2- Tevez
3- .............
4- ...........

I'm willing to bet one of the two is falling into our trap in the second round.

And to please O=S, I had Kujt 5th and Sneijder 6th. But I knew they would be picked too early.

BTW Helice, is your proposal to judge this draft still up?
If so, let me know. We only have two judges...

BTW Helice, is your proposal to judge this draft still up?
If so, let me know. We only have two judges...Yes.

OK, thanks!

Oh and BTW, I have another striker ahead of Kuijt on my list. I had forgotten him.

Oh and BTW, I have another striker ahead of Kuijt on my list. I had forgotten him.

Wicked..

I'll be interesting to see the names, as Kuijt does under for no one in this thread.

Well, he's a national team player (on a BIG national team) that has scored at every level, in every league he's been on (and he's played in two of the top 3 leagues), that has won a CL (scoring clutch goals along the way), and that was once considered another Ronaldo.
Certainly a much more impressive resumé than Kuijt.
And BTW, he's not old, even after all these travellings. He's something like 2 years older than Kuijt.

Well, he's a national team player (on a BIG national team) that has scored at every level, in every league he's been on (and he's played in two of the top 3 leagues), that has won a CL (scoring clutch goals along the way), and that was once considered another Ronaldo.
Certainly a much more impressive resumé than Kuijt.
And BTW, he's not old, even after all these travellings. He's something like 2 years older than Kuijt.

LOL..

No, he's got nothing on Kuijt.

There's a reason he's been through 7 teams in his career so far.

6 teams.
And yes he has a lot on Kuyt : talent.

And the reason he's been on 6 teams has nothing to do with his talent. It has all to do with money.

6 teams.
And yes he has a lot on Kuyt : talent.

And the reason he's been on 6 teams has nothing to do with his talent. It has all to do with money.

I'm not even going to debate this. Just proves that you haven't seen Kuijt play much and/or underrate him.

So you're saying the guy we're talking about is not more talented than Kuijt?
The guy is one of the most talented players in the game. He's a top 5 striker on talent. Of course, his head is another matter, and he didn't get the most of his talent. But his talents make me pick him before Kuijt.

So you're saying the guy we're talking about is not more talented than Kuijt?
The guy is one of the most talented players in the game. He's a top 5 striker on talent. Of course, his head is another matter, and he didn't get the most of his talent. But his talents make me pick him before Kuijt.

I'm not denying his talent, but once again you're failing to look past talent and factor in other assets. Besides, if a player only has talent going for him but doesn't uses it much often and/or doesn't know how to deal with it, what does it make him? Indeed.. useless. Kuijt's never earned a grade below 6 in his entire career. In 100 games for Feyenoord, he scored 70 goals, assited on 54 others, numbers no one comes even close to. The rest of his intangibles are second to none and is an actual starter on one of the most talented and deep squads in the World. Your player? He actually didn't get a call for a long time, and as it stands now, is the 4th, if not 5th best striker on the squad, and not even a lock to head to Germany.

Your bias against the Dutch is making you look quite uninformed to say the least.

We're comparing Mariusz Cherkawski with Jere Lehtinen. Guess who your player is.

Lol, we're talking about Czerkawski?
You're realizing this guy has won the CL, has been a scorer in every league (and consistently good), and yes, is ranked as the third striker on the hardest national team to break through (for strikers at least).
Look at it this way : Kujt on your national team is below player X, who's been stolen his starting role by player Y ranked lower (on his NT) than the guy we're talking about.

Why would I be anti-dutch? On the other hand, we can all see you're pro-dutch... :sarcasm:

Ly guys has scored three times more than 15 goals in one of the toughest leagues, including one as a 19 year old. Can Kujt say as much?
At 25, my guy was filled with lines on his résumé. Kuijt is only starting to play on his NT.

So your comparison is way off.
We're comparing Eric Lindros with Bill Guerin. Lindros' injuries would be equal to my guy's career problems.

%y anti-dutch bias?
It's like when someone threw out a poll comparing Trézéguet and Makaay. At the time Trézéguet was injured, and Makaay was scoring like crazy.
I was among the only one that said Trézéguet was the better player.
I'm wondering where this poll would stand today a year later, when Trézéguet is scoring at an impressive clip in Italy, while Makaay doesn't in Germany?

Lol, we're talking about Czerkawski?
You're realizing this guy has won the CL, has been a scorer in every league (and consistently good), and yes, is ranked as the third striker on the hardest national team to break through (for strikers at least).
Look at it this way : Kujt on your national team is below player X, who's been stolen his starting role by player Y ranked lower (on his NT) than the guy we're talking about.
The Dutch have a player as good and with an even better track record than the one you've been pimping. And he hasn't even gotten a sniff for the National squad. And I am not taking your comment on Ruud very seriously, you can't possibly be that much of a homer to suggest the one that's been giving some minutes is actually better. The one who started a few games but is back on the bench again..


Ly guys has scored three times more than 15 goals in one of the toughest leagues, including one as a 19 year old. Can Kujt say as much?
At 25, my guy was filled with lines on his résumé. Kuijt is only starting to play on his NT.

Awesome. He also can't be succesful for consecutive seasons, or manage to be a full time regular for a mere average European team.

Either way, Kuijt can say that he's a better player in all the remaining aspects, that's for sure. He can also say he's been named best player of the Ere Divisie, not to mention his rediculous goal/assist ratio which is superior to any player the Ere Divisie has ever seen.


So your comparison is way off.
We're comparing Eric Lindros with Bill Guerin. Lindros' injuries would be equal to my guy's career problems.
:biglaugh:

Bill Guerin is onesided. Where's the comparison? Cherkawski was known for having huge talent as well, he just had no drive and heart. No striker does as much for as team as Kuijt does, no one in the entire world.

I'm through with this rediculous debate. Pick your guy, just don't count on any credit.

%y anti-dutch bias?
It's like when someone threw out a poll comparing Trézéguet and Makaay. At the time Trézéguet was injured, and Makaay was scoring like crazy.
I was among the only one that said Trézéguet was the better player.
I'm wondering where this poll would stand today a year later, when Trézéguet is scoring at an impressive clip in Italy, while Makaay doesn't in Germany?

Makaay is 4th in scoring in the Bundesliga. I don't see why you have to bring this up all the time.

Yeah I know I won't get any vote form a certain judge because his bias is too big.
I accepted the rules.

Have you ever seen my guy play at least? Because to bring you some news, he's a set up man as well. He has a lot of drive and a lot of heart. Saying that proves your fantastic bias.
My guy's problem has never been drive or heart but a lack of brains of a lack of good relationship with his surroundings.

Makaay is 4th in scoring in the Bundesliga. I don't see why you have to bring this up all the time.
Because at that point you said I was biased.
Am I biased now to say he's a better player? Trez has 20 goals in the Calcio. Makaay has 14 in the highest scoring league.

Yeah I know I won't get any vote form a certain judge because his bias is too big.
I accepted the rules.
I have no bias in any way, shape or form against the player you've been raving about. But everyone knows I like all-round players. Be it in hockey, basketball or football.


Have you ever seen my guy play at least? Because to bring you some news, he's a set up man as well. He has a lot of drive and a lot of heart. Saying that proves your fantastic bias.
My guy's problem has never been drive or heart but a lack of brains of a lack of good relationship with his surroundings.
Ofcourse I have, even live twice when his team faced PSV. Talent is definitely there, but he'll never carry his team like Dirk Kuijt does.

The real question is have you seen Kuijt play on a constant base?

Because at that point you said I was biased.
Am I biased now to say he's a better player? Trez has 20 goals in the Calcio. Makaay has 14 in the highest scoring league.

I have a hard time believing I said you were biased for picking Trezeguet. Whenever I make polls, they are supposed to be equal.

And the Bundesliga is FAR from the highest scoring league. In fact, the Serie A has been a lot higher scoring than the Bundesliga.

Average goals per team Bundesliga: 39.7
Average goals per team Serie A: 44.9

I have no bias in any way, shape or form against the player you've been raving about. But everyone knows I like all-round players. Be it in hockey, basketball or football.



Ofcourse I have, even live twice when his team faced PSV. Talent is definitely there, but he'll never carry his team like Dirk Kuijt does.

The real question is have you seen Kuijt play on a constant base?
I do see him regularly enough. Certainly not every week but enough to have an opinion, dare I say.

I have a hard time believing I said you were biased for picking Trezeguet. Whenever I make polls, they are supposed to be equal.

And the Bundesliga is FAR from the highest scoring league. In fact, the Serie A has been a lot higher scoring than the Bundesliga.

Average goals per team Bundesliga: 39.7
Average goals per team Serie A: 44.9
Goals by Juventus : 61 in 32 games. Trez : 20 goals. 6 goals in CL.
Goals by Bayern : 59 in 29 games. Makaay : 14 goals. 2 goals in CL.

Goals by Juventus : 61 in 32 games. Trez : 20 goals. 6 goals in CL.
Goals by Bayern : 59 in 29 games. Makaay : 14 goals. 2 goals in CL.

And where is your claim to prove the BundesLiga is the highest scoring league? If anything, scoring is more easier in the Serie A, especially on Juventus where even Del Piero has 12 goals.

The whole "Serie A is the best defensive league in the world" trend is getting old.

Yeah I mixed up with last year's numbers (the ones we used for that same comparison).
And you're actually typing that it's easier to score in Serie A than Bundesliga?

Oh gosh.

That'd be like me saying Daniel Cousin is a superior player to almost any striker (like Makaay for instance) since he's scored 12 goals in L1.
That'd be like me saying nobody can touch Pauleta since he has 20 goals in L1.

Oh my... :shakehead

I can go on and on, but we don't need to go through all this again. Let's just stay on topic.

Let's.

Not to sound completely ignorant, but what leagues are we drafting from here? Anything outside of L1, Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, and Premiership?

It looks like i have to 'defend' my selection a bit:

I was aware of the talented guy called Tevez and he´d be my 2nd choice, but overall i am a big fan of those 'warriors' on the field who´re not that much talented but who´re able to get to a level they can´t reach on talent alone and Kuijt is a superb fighter and a role model for that IMO - especially he´s got all skills (not technically or talent wise) to be 'my fan favorite' AND be a premier striker.

If i´d be allowed to sign players for my hometeam, i´d rather sign a Kuijt or Gattuso instead of a D`Allesandro or Tevez. He´s my choice to form a team containing the BOTR players and i wasn´t happy at all that i had to pick 1st overall since i was aware to get flammed for my selection since many other players do get better stories (and hype), but Kuijt fits the bill for me at 100% while Tevez just gets 95% because of his style.
Maybe it sounds strange, but i´d rather watch Blackburn-Norwich than Real-Barca.

Kuijt is 'my' choice while Tevez would´ve been the best choice, but wouldn´t fit in 'my' team and the BOTR is the draft of my team while i´ll be going (with O=S) for the 'best' (i.e. most talented, most hyped, best reputation) guy available.

Not to sound completely ignorant, but what leagues are we drafting from here? Anything outside of L1, Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, and Premiership?I guess so.. (best of the rest..)

Not to sound completely ignorant, but what leagues are we drafting from here? Anything outside of L1, Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, and Premiership?
Any league except for these 5.

Any league except for these 5.

That left :
Russia, Belgium, Netherlands, Scotland, Switzerland, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Greece, Turkey, Brazil, USA, Argentina, Mexico, Japan...
Well, I have to make a short list by country...
FlyHigh, wait for me! I have and idea... ;)

24 hours is up lads.

I select Vincent Kompany

24 hours is up lads.

I select Vincent Kompany

Quality pick, but his inexperience makes him weaker than at least 4 other defenders. High potential and already quite good though, I still think he went a bit too early.

EDIT: Not sure why les habs didn't pick in the L1 draft while he's at it.

defenseman is IMO the weakest position (with goaltending) in this draft. Good pick.

Sorry I'm late with this pick again, been having some internet issues and Les Habs stole Kompany from us.

However, we are proud to select the scoring sensation who has been taking the Eredivisie by storm, Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Sorry I'm late with this pick again, been having some internet issues and Les Habs stole Kompany from us.

However, we are proud to select the scoring sensation who has been taking the Eredivisie by storm, Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

There he goes. Was wondering where he would fall. He easily could've went first based on the season he's having. Youngest 30 goal scorer in the Ere Divisie since Ronaldo, holds tons of records for young Oranje and an international to boot. Great pick.

Well I can think of one or two defenders in Portugal I would prefer over Kompany right now but that's about it.

I have to say Sneijder especially and Kuyt arguably went too early for me, Huntelaar as well I'd say. But then again it's tough judging these players against each other. Especially the south american ones...

Sorry I'm late with this pick again, been having some internet issues and Les Habs stole Kompany from us.

However, we are proud to select the scoring sensation who has been taking the Eredivisie by storm, Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Good pick, and good coordination ;)

Les Habs is up.
And Fly and Beli, don't go too far, you're next after him.

Well I can think of one or two defenders in Portugal I would prefer over Kompany right now but that's about it.

I have to say Sneijder especially and Kuyt arguably went too early for me, Huntelaar as well I'd say. But then again it's tough judging these players against each other. Especially the south american ones...
Agreed on everything.
But you have to be aware you have anti-dutch bias... ;)

Not really, Kuijt is an OK pick as #1 for me though I personally think Mascherano and Tevez should be considered better.

I don't like Sneijder at all and Huntelaar was picked close to his value a tad too high for my liking.

I'm still waiting for one of my favorite players to get picked from Greece, probably still a bit early for him though.


As for the Belgian league, I think there are one or two guys that could be chosen in the next few rounds. After 11 rounds there should be a decent number of guys chosen, but since they are unknown it's highly unlikely :)

Yes the belgian league is IMO the one that gets the least publicity out of the main european leagues.
I think there should be plenty of guys taken from the dutch league, around 5-7 from the portugese league, 2 or 3 from the belgian league, 3 or 4 (at least) from South America, 2 from Greece, 5 or 6 from Turkey, more than 5 from Russia (probably more), 1 or 2 from Ukraine, a few from Scotland and that's about it.

Now that I think of it there are at least two defenders (one playing in Holland) that should have gone over Kompany. Maybe more but I'm not making any lists so this is just of the top of my head without thinking too hard.

that one guy in Holland is really overdue to be picked though...

I don't like Sneijder at all

That has to be his rather cocky personality as there's nothing wrong with his talent.

Now that I think of it there are at least two defenders (one playing in Holland) that should have gone over Kompany. Maybe more but I'm not making any lists so this is just of the top of my head without thinking too hard.

that one guy in Holland is really overdue to be picked though...
Absolutely. He was ranked first defenseman on my list.

Now that I think of it there are at least two defenders (one playing in Holland) that should have gone over Kompany. Maybe more but I'm not making any lists so this is just of the top of my head without thinking too hard.

that one guy in Holland is really overdue to be picked though...

I can think of 3 defenders, actually. They are rumoured to leave to Chelsea, Chelsea and Juventus, respectively. One of them is currently enjoying a good, but not up to par season, one is playing great and one's been injured all year long.

That has to be his rather cocky personality as there's nothing wrong with his talent.

I don't like his playing style either though, he's small and lacks a true position. He is extremely talented though, no doubt, I'm just waiting for him to put it together. I think he could do well in a real team based concept under a great (ala Mourinho or Rafa) coach for instance. But right now I often don't like what he does on the pitch

I don't like his playing style either though, he's small and lacks a true position. He is extremely talented though, no doubt, I'm just waiting for him to put it together. I think he could do well in a real team based concept under a great (ala Mourinho or Rafa) coach for instance. But right now I often don't like what he does on the pitch

He's rumored to leave for Milan next season (17 million Euro's). Maybe he will be of your satisfaction there.. ;)

Sneijder is a crowd favorite in Holland though. He singlehandedly carried one of the strongest national squads in the world into EC 2004, with the game winning goal and 4 primary assists in the deciding game. A full time international at the age of 19, continues starter on Ajax, exceptional shot/cross and a great playmaker. I agree he tends to float a lot and that he's also quite inconsistent, but he's 21 years old. Not many 21 year olds can say they are flawless already. Nobody can I think..

I can think of 3 defenders, actually. They are rumoured to leave to Chelsea, Chelsea and Juventus, respectively. One of them is currently enjoying a good, but not up to par season, one is playing great and one's been injured all year long.

you guys are killing me, I think we both have the same guy in mind, but don't give it away. :eek:

Not really, Kuijt is an OK pick as #1 for me though I personally think Mascherano and Tevez should be considered better.


I agree, but i was stuck with the 1st overall selection and i´m not going for players i don´t like overall (and that´s the case for both).
I stick to my guns :)

Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa of PSV is my next pick

I agree, but i was stuck with the 1st overall selection and i´m not going for players i don´t like overall (and that´s the case for both).
I stick to my guns :)

Don't bother explaining. I'm sure you've heard the saying "everybody's an expert". I personally wouldn't have taken Kuyt first, but he was still a good pick for one reason in particular. Whether you're reasoning was this or not, it still works in your favour. In fact if you consider some of the names chose after him then it just backs up my reasoning (which actually is a very good second reason why Kuyt was a good choice - the two reasons go hand in hand). Kuyt was in my starting XI on paper. At the end of the day it's all about the team you put together, not when you drafted who.

For me, I'm laughing at a few of the suggestions of defenders that are better than Kompany. One in particular gave me a good laugh. Fortunately for that person (or rather unfortunately) that player is still available. I chose Kompany with the same sort of reasoning as I would have Kuyt and one post in particular has confirmed that line of thinking for me.

defenseman is IMO the weakest position (with goaltending) in this draft. Good pick.

Totally agree on keepers and to an extent on defenders. I think familiarity will go a long way with keepers. There are some big "names" in this category, but choices could be very interesting. I wouldn't be surprised to see one keeper go soon. There's a fair number of defenders and again it will come down to familiarity.

There is one player in particular who I was tempted to draft with either pick I had. Hoping he'll be around for next round. There are some ex-Barça players out there in a number of positions.

One final though, strikers are really going fast.

And there are still a lot of quality strikers available.
And I do have a keeper in mind.
He would have been a top 5 pick for me due to the lack of depth at this position.

And there are still a lot of quality strikers available.
And I do have a keeper in mind.
He would have been a top 5 pick for me due to the lack of depth at this position.

Quality strikers available, yes. Plenty? We'll see. Depends on formations to an extent. I still hate you and the Rage after you took Tevez! :madfire: :cry: :biglaugh:

I think I know what keeper you're thinking of. I think one of them is a real darkhorse with most folks drafting, so we'll see if he goes.

I completely overlooked a midfielder. One who I'd wish Bakos would've picked first overall, either way, he might still be available with the next pick. He's easily ahead of Sneijder.

EDIT: I'll select Hedwiges Maduro, I had a change of heart like 30 secs later, but let me know if I'm not allowed to change.

Alex and Maduro are qood picks, but I can name about 2/3 guys on par, if not better than the former, and about 2/3 more who are better than the latter. Though all are completely different players..

Maduro deserves to be mentioned among Holland's finest products (Robben, Sneijder, van der Vaart, van Persie) having accomplished as much but being younger. Not many 19 year olds can say they've started on one of the deepest nationals squads in the world, much less in crucial games.

Alex and Maduro are qood picks, but I can name about 2/3 guys on par, if not better than the former, and about 2/3 more who are better than the latter. Though all are completely different players..

Maduro deserves to be mentioned among Holland's finest products (Robben, Sneijder, van der Vaart, van Persie) having accomplished as much but being younger. Not many 19 year olds can say they've started on one of the deepest nationals squads in the world, much less in crucial games.

I always favor young players a lot for some reason, but I really do like Maduro although I was torn between him and another player.

I completely overlooked a midfielder. One who I'd wish Bakos would've picked first overall, either way, he might still be available with the next pick. He's easily ahead of Sneijder.

Too late, Mascherano's already been drafted.

GoM is up.

He's rumored to leave for Milan next season (17 million Euro's).lol, no way Milan is going to spend that sum on Sneijder. IF they are going to acquire him it will be for half that price at max imo.

lol, no way Milan is going to spend that sum on Sneijder. IF they are going to acquire him it will be for half that price at max imo.

Huh? Sneijder has a contract running through 2011, he'll most definitely go for the jackpot or not at all. Sneijder is worth as much, if not more seeing what players like Essien and Diarra are going for.

Bah, been crazy busy lately, still haven't made any kind of list..so..panic pick G - Gomes (PSV)

We pick Simao.
PK's up.

We pick Simao.
PK's up.

Hmmm. Was he one of your top 4?

Yep.
But actually, I have one guy available that was ranked higher than him on our list, but we went with name recognition.
3 guys out of my top 6 or 7 are still available.

Huh? Sneijder has a contract running through 2011, he'll most definitely go for the jackpot or not at all. Then he won't join Milan.

Bakos is up.

Hard stuff here.
three favorites still out there, but only able to pick two i´m going with these:

Alexsandro de Souza Alex - Fenerbahce Istanbul

Phillip Cocu - PSV Eindhoven

Alex is a great pick IMO.
Cocu is more of a reach (ouch, O=S will kill me for that).

Anyway, PK's up. And he'd better not pick my guy...

Another good pick that could have gone much earlier.

Anyway, we'll pick goalkeeper Afinfeev.

GoM is up.

Alex is a great pick IMO.
Cocu is more of a reach (ouch, O=S will kill me for that).


Just went for versatility here since i´d decide about my system later in the draft.
My third guy is a versatil guy too, but i highly doubt that he´s falling to me for my next pick.

Anyway, we'll pick goalkeeper Afinfeev.

Good one here, but i´m still shying away from a gk that early. I still have lots of solid gk´s on my list :)

Good one here, but i´m still shying away from a gk that early. I still have lots of solid gk´s on my list :)
Well, I only have one solid goalie available after that and another one who could be considered good.
IMO Akinfeev is head and shoulders the best goalie of this draft.
After that, I have two guys not picked yet and then Gomes as 4th.

Well, I only have one solid goalie available after that and another one who could be considered good.
IMO Akinfeev is head and shoulders the best goalie of this draft.
After that, I have two guys not picked yet and then Gomes as 4th.

My list contains guys from Bulgaria, Romania, Australia, etc.
About 20 guys at the same level - the only a slight step above was Akinfeev. The rest doesn´t differ a lot (to me atleast).
Can´t hand out the names yet ;)...but later :)

I select F Markus Rosenberg - Ajax

Flyhigh and Beli are up.

I select F Markus Rosenberg - Ajax

Not an entirely bad pick, Rosenberg is doing quite well, easily better than countryman and former Ajacied Zlatan Ibrahimovic did his first season. But he got picked too early for my likings.

As for Cocu - It was him who I forgotten about. Easily ahead of Sneijder and quite possibly the best Dutch player in the world.

I will follow FlyHigh choice:
Defenseman Johnny Heitinga. :)
Another Ajax... well, in fact another one from Holland... :sarcasm:

I will follow FlyHigh choice:
Defenseman Johnny Heitinga. :)
Another Ajax... well, in fact another one from Holland... :sarcasm:

You could've waited a few rounds as well I think. Heitinga's potential is huge, but he seems to have stalled.

Les Habs is up twice.

Beli, you can pick again, the 24 hours mark is done.

I'll take Sergio Aguero of Independiente

Wow, to the limit, huh? You can make your other pick.

Fortunatly, I was looking for our pick... otherwise I would have select before you. :)
It wasn't the player I targetted so no problem. :)

My next pick will be Jefferson Farfan of PSV

OK, you're up Beli. Sorry folks for any delay, been REALLY busy and having a tough time deciding.

Well, go to the L1 thread and make your pick!

I'm a little bit worried because FlyHigh is away and comes back saturday morning.

Anyway I'm trying a pick :
US star midfield Landon Donovan.

Even if he didn't impress in Germany, clearly the best US player (3 times MVP)... :)

GoM is up.

I'm a little bit worried because FlyHigh is away and comes back saturday morning.

Anyway I'm trying a pick :
US star midfield Landon Donovan.

Even if he didn't impress in Germany, clearly the best US player (3 times MVP)... :)

Gotta say, I'm a little surprised by this pick. Not that he is a bad player...

Farfán - Great pick, a steal!
Donavan - Never liked him, bad pick IMO.

There's a huge steal still walking around..

Yep, there's a huge steal around, but I'm not sure we're talking about the same guy... ;)

Yep, there's a huge steal around, but I'm not sure we're talking about the same guy... ;)

I'm positive we're not.. Though we might agree on both being steals if we find out who.

Sure.
I have one striker that I would say is as good or better than Farfan still available, but he doesn't play in Holland.
I have an offensive midfielder that is very very talented, a bit inconsistant, but still he should have been picked. However, he plays in a very lesser known league.
I have one striker in Holland that I think would fit right here. He could be a steal if he continues to fall.
I have another striker in Holland that should be picked around here.
And I have a few defensemen that could be taken here both in and outside of Holland.

Sure.
I have one striker that I would say is as good or better than Farfan still available, but he doesn't play in Holland.
I have an offensive midfielder that is very very talented, a bit inconsistant, but still he should have been picked. However, he plays in a very lesser known league.
I have one striker in Holland that I think would fit right here. He could be a steal if he continues to fall.
I have another striker in Holland that should be picked around here.
And I have a few defensemen that could be taken here both in and outside of Holland.

Wow..

We might have the same list. But I add, I also have another creative midfielder walking around, but he plays in a lesser known league. I also have an old vet with a big name playing in an even poorer league.

Oh yeas I forgot about an offensive midfielder that played in a lower known league but who's coming from a football power country and who's shined in european cup action.

I think we should have renamed the BOTR draft in Holland draft... :shakehead
Just because a pick isn't in Holland it's a bad pick? :sarcasm:
USA is 6th in FIFA rankings and Donovan was 3 times best US player. I don't think it's a bad pick at all (if not, I would'nt draft him... ;) ).

Sorry, but I don't think MLS is too far behind Holland or Belgium... just my opinion, as I don't see any games of both leagues after all! :D

I think we should have renamed the BOTR draft in Holland draft... :shakehead
Just because a pick isn't in Holland it's a bad pick? :sarcasm:
USA is 6th in FIFA rankings and Donovan was 3 times best US player. I don't think it's a bad pick at all (if not, I would'nt draft him... ;) ).

Sorry, but I don't think MLS is too far behind Holland or Belgium... just my opinion, as I don't see any games of both leagues after all! :D

Being named best US player means little seeing their utterly low talent level. Donovan couldn't even succeed in Europe, giving him a disadvantage in comparison to those who are already playing in Europe to begin with. Bringing in FIFA rankings to support your case was rather comical.

The Belgium League and Ere Divisie in particular, are so much ahead of the MLS, it's not even funny.

Donovan had proved much more on the international stage than at least 10 players chosen before him in that draft.
I'd rather select an International player with World Cup appearance, including quarter finals, than a few 20-year old players with no experience but from Holland...

Sorry, just a point of view... :)

And I don't see either the "he didn't have success in Europe" thing as some players from the 1st round never played in Europe...

Donovan had proved much more on the international stage than at least 10 players chosen before him in that draft.So has Mark Viduka, but I doubt he gets even considered for the Premier League draft. Just because one has international experience doesn't necessarely make him better than one who has not. Not especially when that player might be Brazillian, Dutch, Italian or French as they have a much, much harder task of cracking the National team than any American, Australian or other comparable country has.


I'd rather select an International player with World Cup appearance, including quarter finals, than a few 20-year old players with no experience but from Holland...Every 20 year old player from the Ere Divisie chosen so far has international experience. Only Alex (PSV) has not. Judging by your logic, Donovon is a better player than Alex simply because of the fact he has yet to manage to crack the Brazillian National squad.


And I don't see either the "he didn't have success in Europe" thing as some players from the 1st round never played in Europe...But in better leagues than the MLS to begin with..

Well, some of your points are not bad point of view... but I'm sorry, you can't use Brazil to justify your point of view. Of course, Alex isn't a bad player! Never say otherwise... and craking Brazil lineup is of course more difficult...

This topic simply shows how hard it is to make a "best of the rest" draft. I don't think Dutch league is as good as you think, it's so subjective... I wasn't impressed by Dutch teams in CL for example, and it's just a point of view. Am I right or wrong? who knows... You know better than me this league, and so, logically, you also can underestimate other league value (French ligue 1 for example :D)

I'm just annoyed to see every guy here select players from Holland as it was the best of the "best of the rest"... I think there's a lot of better players in other place than Holland. Just because the judge is from Holland doesn't mean we have to select players from this league to please everybody... :)
Just kidding. ;)

But, with the great work you're putting in this forum, every guy here knows better Ere Divisie than, for example, Russia, Switzerland or Greece. Just because a player isn't in your list doesn't mean he's a bad player... and, personnally, I would be very arrogant to make a ranking of Europe-American-other leagues... I already have troubles to estimate the reality of value for France-Germany-Italia-England-Spain leagues... These 5 leagues are not well balanced with 4-5 big teams and a lot of middle-bad teams. Same for Holland, I'm sure... so what?
Of course these big teams will be better than US (or Scotland, or whatever) teams... but can you say MLS isn't more balanced, and that every team in MLS could beat a lot of teams from Holland or other European league?
Nobody can estimate that.

That's why I select this player, because he's far more consistant than a Viduka for example. And he returned to US not only for sports reasons, but also for family reasons.
I don't know half of the players selected before this one. Never saw them play. Are they better? Why not?!
But I saw Donovan play during the last World Cup, and he was better, much better, than Germany as a whole in WC quarters... and Germany was very lucky to advance to the next round. Maybe it was 4 years ago but still, I'm selecting a player I know, and I saw him play. :)

The Ere Divisie is the best European league after the Big 3 (Serie A, La Liga, Premier League) and the two semi-elite leagues (Bundesliga, Ligue 1). It's only natural most players drafted are from the Ere Divisie. I doubt posters are drafting Ere Divisie players just to please me. That's not how it works.. If the Ere Divisie were to have a draft of its own, and Ligue 1 was thrown into the Best of the Rest pot, we would be seeing an awful lot of L1 players drafted in the first few rounds and there would be no one questioning it.

Seems to me you're just playing it safe by selecting a player you know (Donovan) over players you don't. Which is cool, it's your team, but you'll be passing on a lot more talented players. Besides, this draft isn't neccesarely about who picks the best players, the sole purpose is to learn about the different leagues and its players. By strictly remaining to draft from a specific group of players you're familiar with, you won't learn anything about the Ere Divisie, Belgian League, Portugal, etc.. And it will ruin your chances of winning this draft as well.

I don't care winning the draft as I'm exactly here to learn... :)
But how can I select the best player if I don't know anything? How can I select a player I don't know? On which criteria?... player reputation? league reputation?

That's why I try to select players with international experience and try to play it safe... ;)
I'm reading some things here and there, and in my estimation I'm trying to select the best player at a position.

The goal is to have a balanced team with good players at 11 positions. Not big players at 2-3 positions and hope that, by luck, you select nicely the others... :)

BTW, you said it's as hard to crack French NT lineup as for Dutch players their own NT... Suddenly I thought to Jurietti and Cheyrou and I tried to imagine that for Holland! :lol:

I got a couple ideas who this start-offensive-mid-in-a-lesser-league may be...

I have my exam in a few hours, I'll make my pick when I get back...which'll be around 5-5:30 EST

Which Brazilian CB is better than Alex? Lucio--he's not bad, but I think Alex is more solid defensively. Roque Junior--Alex is definately better. Brazil is a stacked team in many areas, but they are hardly overflowing with defensively solid players like Alex. He's getting shafted by the Brazil NT coaches in my opinion.

The central defense of Brazil should consist of Cris and Alex.
No brazilian CB even comes close to these two.

OK, what is going on here? There is no rule about judges and what they can and can not say. Still this is getting really ridiculous. Two of you should just post a list of who should be drafted next so that the other teams can just pick them since you're practically spelling out who these guys are. You're making the drafts practically pointless. It's one thing to say that I think he went early or you could have waited to draft so and so. It's an entirely another to say I would have taken the Argentinian striker who plays for Corinthians and whose name may be Tevez. :shakehead

No brazilian CB even comes close to these two.

And of the other CB's was mentioned after I took Kompany. I'm saving it for when that player is drafted and somebody says something about Kompany during judging. Then the fireworks will happen.

I select MF - Daniel Carvalho

Which Brazilian CB is better than Alex? Lucio--he's not bad, but I think Alex is more solid defensively. Roque Junior--Alex is definately better.


The central defense of Brazil should consist of Cris and Alex.
No brazilian CB even comes close to these two.


I agree and disagree, cause Lucio has more defensive flaws for sure, but he´s got that crazy offensive drive and some coaches fall in love with that. I don´t like it at all, but i´d say Alex, Cris and Lucio are at the same level overall - the only difference (pretty big one) is that Lucio is more like a OM/S playing as a CB.

btw: i wouldn´t line-up Lucio, too ;)

I'm a bit ehhhh on the Donovan pick, but I'll take it, thanks a lot for picking for me Beli.

Donovan is quite an interesting player. I think that he probably has the talent level to succeed in Europe, but he just lacks motivation. He decided to sulk when he got put on the bench at Leverkusen rather than work hard and get through it. He'd never be a star in a top European league, but I think he could be a stand-out player if he would work a bit. It seems that he'd rather play in the US where he doesn't have to work to dominate the players around him.

I read an article that interviewed him and it was pretty clear that he just wasn't that passionate about football. It's regrettable because I think he does have the talent to be a good player on the world stage, but he refuses to push himself.

He decided to sulk when he got put on the bench at Leverkusen rather than work hard and get through it. He'd never be a star in a top European league, but I think he could be a stand-out player if he would work a bit. It seems that he'd rather play in the US where he doesn't have to work to dominate the players around him.


Exactly what it looked like when he´s been with Bayer and i´m on the same impression as you.
Talented, but rather goes the easy way.

I select MF - Daniel Carvalho
Great pick.

We pick Luisao. PK's up.

I'm a bit ehhhh on the Donovan pick, but I'll take it, thanks a lot for picking for me Beli.

Donovan is quite an interesting player. I think that he probably has the talent level to succeed in Europe, but he just lacks motivation. He decided to sulk when he got put on the bench at Leverkusen rather than work hard and get through it. He'd never be a star in a top European league, but I think he could be a stand-out player if he would work a bit. It seems that he'd rather play in the US where he doesn't have to work to dominate the players around him.

I read an article that interviewed him and it was pretty clear that he just wasn't that passionate about football. It's regrettable because I think he does have the talent to be a good player on the world stage, but he refuses to push himself.

I tried to do my best and had absolutly no list... lack of time to explore better several leagues so I just chose a player I knew from the international stage. :)

I tried to do my best and had absolutly no list... lack of time to explore better several leagues so I just chose a player I knew from the international stage. :)

It's not really a bad pick IMO, Donovan does have potential and I think he plays better with talent around him, sorry for being so vague regarding BOTR. He has met with a deal of success on the international stage and that's certainly not something to be discounted.

It's not really a bad pick IMO, Donovan does have potential and I think he plays better with talent around him, sorry for being so vague regarding BOTR. He has met with a deal of success on the international stage and that's certainly not something to be discounted.
Come on Flyhigh, make your pick! (in the L1 draft).

Bakos is up.

I select SM Stilian Petrov from Celtic.

Interesting pick. I only say that because I didn't necessarily expect anybody else to be looking at him much less take him now. I was definately considering him myself.

He's one of the most underrated player IMO, capable of playing almost any position, a tireless worker, great leader and has an impressive set of skills. He's the kind of player you want to anchor a midfield and a team.

I agree. Very box to box player, in Scotland at least. Like I said, I was looking at him for my team. I have to say though, it's getting annoying you taking players that I want. :madfire:

I select:

Salomon Kalou (Feyenoord Rotterdam)

and

Niko Krancjar (Hajduk Split)

PK's up.

We'll gladly take Yaya Toure.
GoM is up.

We'll gladly take Yaya Toure.
GoM is up.

Finally, I thought he'd be long gone by now!

Same with Landzaat actually

Yep, me two, for both of them.
I didn't think we'd get Toure this late and was actually scouting for other DMs for a later pick. But I couldn't allow him to drop any further.

IMO the best african DMs are :
1- Toure
2- unpicked L1 player
3- Diarra
4- Zokora
5- Unpicked L1 player

Weird three guys went unpicked that late.

IMO the best african DMs are :
1- Toure
2- unpicked L1 player
3- Diarra
4- Zokora
5- Unpicked L1 player

Weird three guys went unpicked that late.
Oops, forgot Essien. Put everyone down one spot and put Essien as the best african DM.

From Ajax, I select M - Nourdin Boukhari

From Ajax, I select M - Nourdin Boukhari

Wow, very surprising.. Bad pick I think..

Wow, very surprising.. Bad pick I think..

Ehh, once again, going mostly on name recognition/stats I see on foxsoccer/team sites..so...I see 45 appearances, 10 goals, which is decent enough for a winger/midfielder....but I have no idea how he plays week-in/week-out, or have a broad enough grasp of the rest of the world

This is where I probably should have teamed up with someone, I don't know other leagues very well :help:

Ehh, once again, going mostly on name recognition/stats I see on foxsoccer/team sites..so...I see 45 appearances, 10 goals, which is decent enough for a winger/midfielder....but I have no idea how he plays week-in/week-out, or have a broad enough grasp of the rest of the world

This is where I probably should have teamed up with someone, I don't know other leagues very well :help:

I see.. Wel it's not a horrible pick in terms of talent, but there's just too much depth still available. He's actually been one of Ajax' better players over the last few games, so he definitely has game but he's normally a benchwarmer. However, he's very, very inconsistent and for a large part of the season he's had the Ajax crowd rooting against him.

A tall, inconsistent, but very skilled winger who likes to score rather than create plays. Good enough to be a benchwarmer/occasional starter for a quality team but he'll dissapoint playing on a top team in a better league. Rumored to go to Fiorentina, btw.. Probably his highest potential.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Ux-uC6O1M&search=Boukhari

The first two actions are Boukhari, first one in an Ajax uni, the other while still with Sparta. All I could find..

Just thought I'd inform you a bit. If you're having trouble selecting a player the next time, just send me a PM and I might help you out a hand without reveiling too much ofcourse..

Flyhigh/Beli are up.
Let's get this going boys. We have 4 other drafts to make.

Yes, I'm here but I'm going to let FlyHigh make a better choice... If there's a problem I'm going to be there tomorrow morning to save the draft. ;)

This one took some thinking, but after some back and forth, I'll take Nuno Gomes of Benfica.

Les Habs is up twice.

This one took some thinking, but after some back and forth, I'll take Nuno Gomes of Benfica.
I like this choice a lot. :)

I like this choice a lot. :)

Not as much as I do.


For me, I'll take two Turkeys:

Hasan Sas and Stephen Appiah

He's already been picked by The Rage/Evilo.

Yeah I just saw that, but the site went down for me right after the pick. Well, my new pick is Zdenek Grygera of Ajax.

I'm expecting a fair amount of defenders to be picked soon considering not too many have gone just yet.

GoM is up right now.
I think defensemen is the less deep group.

As for Nuno Gomes, I'm not a fan. There's at least two strikers I'd take before him.

The 24 hours are up. We'll pick Vennegor of Hesselink.

PK's up.

Not too fond on the Vennegoor and Nuno Gomes picks, though I do like the Grygera one.

There's still a forward out there who would just make your offense instantly dangerous, and no he's not playing in the Ere Divisie.

I agree with you, there's a striker out there that's much better than VOH, however, he's somewhat smiliar to Tevez, and I wanted a big stiker around Carlito.
We didn't go for the BPA, but for the best duo.

Nah, Nilmar is close to being sold to Corinthians for 10M euros.
Nice pick, but there's still that other stiker up for grabs.

I have absolutely no idea who to take

I select: Ricardo Quaresma (FC Porto)

2nd selection is: Joris Mathijsen (AZ Alkmaar)


@ GoM:
Your in search of player for what position ?!?

GoM, check your PMs.

Decisions, decisions..between two players..quality, or need?

hmmm

Well, as I said many times, there's a guy that should have been a first rounder who's still available.
If you still need a striker, he makes your team instantly threatning.

You know..I have a striker, three mids and a keeper...time ot take a defenseman

Wasn't sure about this pick until somebody else suggested it, but that rather confirmed it

Anthony Vanden Borre, the other Belgian ;)

Well, as I said many times, there's a guy that should have been a first rounder who's still available.
If you still need a striker, he makes your team instantly threatning.

Well, if he drops past your pick...:D

You know..I have a striker, three mids and a keeper...time ot take a defenseman

Wasn't sure about this pick until somebody else suggested it, but that rather confirmed it

Anthony Vanden Borre, the other Belgian ;)


Good one IMO :)

Seeing your team, yes you still need a striker, and he has very good chemistry with one of your guys...

Seeing your team, yes you still need a striker, and he has very good chemistry with one of your guys...

lol....let me guess ;)

(heard of him before, and his reputation, just went with pressing need over perhaps that cutting quality)

Well, if he drops past your pick...:D
Nah, we are set at strikers. As I said before, I would have picked him instead of VoH if we had another striker than Tevez.
Two small midgets is not a very good combo. A midget and a giant is usually much better.

PK's up.

Wow, this one is moving along pretty fast. I have a few good strikers left out there. Keep drafting guys and hopefully you'll be to me tonight. Then I can draft when I get home and you guys can have all day Saturday.

Quaresma - Awesome..
Matijssen - Might be the biggest steal so far..
Anthony Van den Borre - Great, great pick.

Some smart drafting lately..

We changed our plans because our guy keeps falling, and we found a spot for him, he's too good to pass up.
We pick Vagner Love.

Quaresma - Awesome..
Matijssen - Might be the biggest steal so far..
Anthony Van den Borre - Great, great pick.

Some smart drafting lately..
I think Vagner Love could have been a first rounder. Same for Yaya Toure. Luisao was a good steal as well.
We're pretty pleased with our own steals... :D

GoM is up.

I think Vagner Love could have been a first rounder. Same for Yaya Toure. Luisao was a good steal as well.
We're pretty pleased with our own steals... :D

GoM is up.

Luisao and Toure were steals, but Nuno Gomes I would take over Love, in fact, that's what I ended up doing. Gomes has really played well this year.

Well I disagree. Nuno Gomes is a whiny striker that doesn't score nearly enough.

Vagner Love is not only a scorer, but a great passer. He was a huge key for Moscow to win the UEFA cup last season.

And Gomes is 8 years older to boot.

Gomes has really played well this year.
I think he has 0 goal in this year's CL, while being a starter almost every game.

I think he has 0 goal in this year's CL, while being a starter almost every game.

I know he hasn't had much success in Europe, but from all I've heard and seen, he's played pretty well for Benfica domestically. I like the idea of a Gomes-Huntelaar pairing as well.

I think Vagner Love could have been a first rounder.

Many others could be too (if we´re going by a potential 'could be')...but Vagner Love in round one sounds like a reach to me.
Agreed on the rest, but i wouldn´t judge N.Gomes alone on goals in CL. There´s his success and importance for the team in the portugese league (sp?) too.

Well I disagree. Nuno Gomes is a whiny striker that doesn't score nearly enough.Still he completely outplayed Pauleta at Euro 2004!! :D

Steals in this draft are relative considering some of the picks i've seen.

Luisao wasn't a steal considering how few defenders have been taken. He's alright for this draft, but in the overall scheme of things he's overrated. Make no mistake, the best steal you got was getting Tevez as 3rd pick overall.

Vagner Love is better than Gomes, but I don't see what Gomes' age has to do with it. Actually I'm surprised that there are still some of the strikers out there still available. There are strikers in at least four of the leagues that could easily make this draft.

I'm still deciding if I want a certain player that I'm very fond of from the past. I may just pick him because of the memories. :D

Still he completely outplayed Pauleta at Euro 2004!! :D
Who didn't? ;)

I'm still deciding if I want a certain player that I'm very fond of from the past. I may just pick him because of the memories. :D
You shouldn't. He's completely toasted and seems disinterested.

You shouldn't. He's completely toasted and seems disinterested.

I wasn't talking about Ronaldo. :biglaugh:

I wasn't talking about Ronaldo. :biglaugh:
Yes, but yours fits my description as well. Actually more than Ronaldo.

Yes, but yours fits my description as well. Actually more than Ronaldo.

Well I wudn't taking him 'cause he's setting the World on fire. Like I said, it was for old time's sake. Besides, he's not as fat.

Sure, he's not fat. But he went for money. Which is a big cause of disinterest.

Awwww Evilo...you took him :p

I select Russian striker Alexander Kerzhakov

Flyhigh/Beli are up.

I'm not sure on this one, but apparently he's going to Germany and I've heard decent things about him, so I'm not sure how he'll fit it, but I need a winger, so I'll take Romeo Castelen.

For my next pick I select PSV's Andre Ooijer

For my next pick I select Ajax's Urby Emanuelson

For my next pick I select Ajax's Urby Emanuelson

that was my pick, but I'll take Portuguese International Costinha.

that was my pick, but I'll take Portuguese International Costinha.

Well I felt that defenders were at a premium still so I nabbed him when I could. Besides, I've really had some headaches in the L1 draft all things considered. If I had a dollar for everytime somebody took one of my guys in that draft...

Well I felt that defenders were at a premium still so I nabbed him when I could. Besides, I've really had some headaches in the L1 draft all things considered. If I had a dollar for everytime somebody took one of my guys in that draft...

still a few guys around though and at least Costinha completes my midfield.

HMm

I need a defenseman..or 3

I'll maek my pick tommorrow, need to figure out who first

edit: Thanks for the PMs too, Chris, to let me know

HMm

I need a defenseman..or 3

I'll maek my pick tommorrow, need to figure out who first

edit: Thanks for the PMs too, Chris, to let me know

No problem man. Looking forward to seeing who you take. Glad you decided to see this one through. :thumbu:

I like Les Habs' approach.. He arguably has the league's top two Center backs, followed by Ere Divisies' top side backs.

Also like the Costinha and Castelen picks. There hasn't been reached here for a while now.

There's still A LOT of quality around.. With only a handful standing out.

Good picks FlyHigh... I'm not a great help but you're working nicely ;)

Good picks FlyHigh... I'm not a great help but you're working nicely ;)

thanks a lot man, and without your help in the L1 draft, my team would be worse thant it already is. :D

I like Les Habs' approach.. He arguably has the league's top two Center backs, followed by Ere Divisies' top side backs.

Well it wasn't so much an approach with the defenders. I was just fortunate to get about 3 of my top 4 choices for the back. I was also fortunate that I could wait a an entire round/ 10 picks and still have my last two picks available. I definately had to go to my depth charts for other areas though, except in goal really. With the exception of an upcoming draft or two, I really don't see any point in taking a keeper too high.

Well it wasn't so much an approach with the defenders. I was just fortunate to get about 3 of my top 4 choices for the back. I was also fortunate that I could wait a an entire round/ 10 picks and still have my last two picks available. I definately had to go to my depth charts for other areas though, except in goal really. With the exception of an upcoming draft or two, I really don't see any point in taking a keeper too high.

I agree with you about the goalies. L1 has lots of guys that could play on many national teams and I also see 5-6 more in the BOTR draft that are pretty good. I'm still a bit miffed at you for taking Alex and Emanuelson though. ;)

I agree with you about the goalies. L1 has lots of guys that could play on many national teams and I also see 5-6 more in the BOTR draft that are pretty good. I'm still a bit miffed at you for taking Alex and Emanuelson though. ;)

Yeah, that's the thing. Even in the L1 draft there's no reason to take a keeper too early and that includes Coupet.

Well I'm not too pleased with you getting Gourcuff and Caçapa, so I guess we're even. :)

Well I'm not too pleased with you getting Gourcuff and Caçapa, so I guess we're even. :)

Fair enough.

Agreed - L1 has a superb crop of GKs. Same for the Bundesliga by the way. Will be exciting for me to see which of the goalies gets picked.

IMO both L1 and BuLi GKs (and often the BUs, too) would be superb GKs in others leagues.

I think goalies are far from impressive in the BOTR draft. Akinfeev was IMO clearly above the rest, which is why we picked him early.
I'm not too fond of the other goalies.
Maybe I missed them, we'll see.

I think goalies are far from impressive in the BOTR draft. Akinfeev was IMO clearly above the rest, which is why we picked him early.
I'm not too fond of the other goalies.
Maybe I missed them, we'll see.

This might just be difference of opinion, but I can think of a fair few who aren't too far beloe Akinfeev.

This might just be difference of opinion, but I can think of a fair few who aren't too far beloe Akinfeev.

I agree. I'm thinking of one in particular based on what I've heard. Anyway, there's a reason why keepers on average are paid less than everybody else.

I agree.. the level of quality goalies in the Ere Divisie is quite low. A former teammate of mine is even starting for one, though he's quite talented.

There are about 3, perhaps 4 keepers who should be picked, and the best one is still available. You shouldn't care much about the rest, though they aren't bad or horrible, just no gamebreakers.

Hmm strange but not unexpected to see VDB and Kompany picked already while they aren't really enjoying great seasons.

IMO the two or three best players in Belgium this season haven't been picked yet...

Hmm strange but not unexpected to see VDB and Kompany picked already while they aren't really enjoying great seasons.

IMO the two or three best players in Belgium this season haven't been picked yet...

Then I suppose it's fortunate that this isn't an 05-06 draft.

24 hours is up, we'll pick former Monaco captain, Julien Rodriguez (Glasgow Rangers).

PK's up in 24 hours.