[Football] La Liga draft

Draft order

1st round
1- PK/CC : Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
2- O=S/Bakos : Eto'o (Barcelona)
3- Evilo/The Rage : Puyol (Barcelona)
4- Juni : Riquelme (Villareal)
5- Flyhigh/Beli : Villa (Valencia)

2nd round
6- Flyhigh/Beli : Andrade (Deportivo)
7- Juni : Torres (Atletico)
8- Evilo/The Rage : Messi (Barcelona)
9- O=S/Bakos : Deco (Barcelona)
10- PK/CC : Joaquin (Betis)

3rd round
11- PK/CC : Ibanez (Atletico)
12- O=S/Bakos : Vicente (Valencia)
13- Evilo/The Rage : Xavi (Barcelona)
14- Juni : Albelda (Valencia)
15- Flyhigh/Beli : Ayala (Valencia)

4th round
16- Flyhigh/Beli : Aimar (Valencia)
17- Juni : Sorin (Villareal)
18- Evilo/The Rage : Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
19- O=S/Bakos : Marchena (Valencia)
20- PK/CC : Baraja (Valencia)

5th round
21- PK/CC : Milito (Zaragoza)
22- O=S/Bakos : Ramos (Real Madrid)
23- Evilo/The Rage : Raul (Real Madrid)
24- Juni : Rodriguez (Villareal)
25- Flyhigh/Beli : Senna (Villareal)

6th round
26- Flyhigh/Beli : Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico)
27- Juni : Marquez (Barca)
28- Evilo/The Rage : Valeron (Deportivo)
29- O=S/Bakos : Robinho (Real Madrid)
30- PK/CC : Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad)

7th round
31- PK/CC : Salgado (Real Madrid)
32- O=S/Bakos : Baptista (Real Madrid)
33- Evilo/The Rage : Javi Navarro (Sevilla)
34- Juni : Perea (Atletico)
35- Flyhigh/Beli : Tristan (Deportivo)

8th round
36- Flyhigh/Beli : Alves (Sevilla)
37- Juni : Saviola (Sevilla)
38- Evilo/The Rage : Gio (Barcelona)
39- O=S/Bakos : Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid)
40- PK/CC : Lopez (Atletico)

9th round
41- PK/CC : Casillas (Real Madrid)
42- O=S/Bakos : Cicinho (Real Madrid)
43- Evilo/The Rage : Canizares (Valencia)
44- Juni : Iniesta (Barcelona)
45- Flyhigh/Beli : Tamudo (Espanyol)

10th round
46- Flyhigh/Beli : Pernia (Getafe)
47- Juni : Miguel (Valencia)
48- Evilo/The Rage : Belleti (Barcelona)
49- O=S/Bakos : Valdes (Barcelona)
50- PK/CC : Van Bommel (Barcelona)

11th round
51- PK/CC : Baiano (Celta)
53- O=S/Bakos : Gravesen (Real Madrid)
54- Evilo/The Rage : Maresca (Sevilla)
55- Juni : Pinto (Celta)
56- Flyhigh/Beli : Palop (Sevilla)

JUDGES : Les Habs and Belgian Fan. I remind everyone that judges CAN give advices to anyone.

Damn I was hoping for some more judges on this one, I really haven't seen that much La Liga action this season. But I'll do my best as always :)

yeah I'd like at least one more judge based on the high probability of ties.
If anyone feels like it (come on Strizzi, get out of your rock), it would be better.
Judges can be added as the draft goes on.

I'm just going to remind folks that I am going to base your team NOT ONLY ON THIS SEASON ALONE. This season will factor in quite a bit, but I will also consider the past and what I think the future holds.

Nah, that's a reach there ;)

We'll pick Samuel Eto'o..

Yeah, we'll take Puyol.

Juni's up.

I'll take Juan Roman Riquelme

I'll take Juan Roman Riquelme

that was our pick, :madfire: I'll send Beli another PM.

I'll take Juan Roman Riquelme

It will be interesting to see how you build your team around him. Because for me he requires that to be really effective.

We'll take David Villa.

Flyhigh, you have another pick.

Flyhigh, you have another pick.

Sorry I've been gone all day (working the 14 hour shift), I'll try to have the other one soon.

We'll take Jorge Andrade.

Two great picks, Flyhigh. Both players that I was hoping might fall to our next pick.

I'll select Fernando Torres

We'll take Messi.

PMed O=S in both cases (La Liga + Serie A)

We'll pick Deco..

PM is out, pick coming soon.

We´re picking Vicente

We'll pick Xavi.

I'll go David Albelda

After some intense pming, we will go for Roberto Ayala and Pablo Aimar.

I'll have Juan Pablo Sorin

We'll take Ronaldo.

O=S/Bakos are up.

Carlos Marchena..

We'll take Ronaldo.

Wow. Tubby went later than I thought.

Sergio Ramos

Evilo has 23 hours and 55 minutes left to make his next pick. If not Juni is up. :biglaugh:

I had him in our last "World wide" Soccer draft. Good all around player.But he was taken very early IMO.

We'll take Raul.

Juni's up.

I'll take Gonzalo Rodriguez

Flyhigh/Beli are up twice.

I'll take Gonzalo Rodriguez

I expected him to go, but did have a slight wonder as to whether or not he'd be taken at all.

Flyhigh/Beli are up twice.

I've pm'd him, if he doesnt reply in a few hours, I'll pick.

I answered... well, we're busy tonight we also have to pick in Serie A...
And I just lost some books on e-bay... for 0,50 euros less than the winner! :(

Our first pick is Marco Senna, I'll have the 2nd in a few minutes.

Our second is Maxi Rodriguez of Atletico Madrid.

I'll take Rafael Marquez

We'll take Valeron.

O=S/Bakos are up.

We'll take Robinho..

PK/CC are up.

We'll pick Baptista..

We'll pick Javi Navarro. Juni's up.

We select Xabi Prieto and Michel Salgado.


:bow:



Exactly who I would have picked. I cleared out my pm's, sorry bout that.

I'll draft Luis Perea

Flyhigh/Beli are up.

Flyhigh/Beli are up.

I've sent a pm, if he doesn't reply soon, I'll pick.

Well, no reply, so we will take Diego Tristan and Daniel Alves.

Juni's up.

Javier Saviola

Well, no reply, so we will take Diego Tristan and Daniel Alves.
Sorry for being late, a lot of things to do today. :)
Tristan was our pick in the lastPM so no problem... ;)

We'll take Gio.

O=S/Bakos are up.

Roberto Carlos..

PK/CC are up twice.

We'll take Antonio Lopez(Athletico) and Iker Casillas(Real)

Cicinho..

We'll take Canizares. Juni's up.

I'll take Andres Iniesta

Flyhigh/Beli are up twice.

22- O=S/Bakos : Ramos (Real Madrid)
39- O=S/Bakos : Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid)
42- O=S/Bakos : Cicinho (Real Madrid)
You guys seem to like Real's defense a lot! :D

You guys seem to like Real's defense a lot! :D

Heh, not at all, but La Liga simply doesn't have much quality at D.

Huge fan of Ramos though, he'll be a stud.

I'll take Andres Iniesta

Biggest steal thus far I think

We will take Raul Tamudo and Mariano Pernia.

So far...

-----Tamudo------Tristan---------Villa
-------------Aimar-------Maxi Rodriguez----
--------------------Senna-------------------
----Pernia----------------------------Alves
----------------Ayala------Andrade---------
----------------------GK?---------------------

There are 5 players on that team that scored 10 goals or more this past year.

So far...

-----Tamudo------Tristan---------Villa
-------------Aimar-------Maxi Rodriguez----
--------------------Senna-------------------
----Pernia----------------------------Alves
----------------Ayala------Andrade---------
----------------------GK?---------------------

There are 5 players on that team that scored 10 goals or more this past year.

You know where the weakness will be though... Maxi R and Aimar in midfield + three strikers + two very attacking full backs...

Juni's up.

Our team so far :

-------Ronaldo-Raul------
Valeron---------------Messi
----?--------------Xavi------
Gio-Puyol-Javi Navarro-?
--------- Canizares--------------

I'll go with Valencia's Miguel

We'll take Belleti.

O=S/Bakos are up.

Victor Valdes

You know where the weakness will be though... Maxi R and Aimar in midfield + three strikers + two very attacking full backs...

Yeah we thought about that, but Senna is a really nice pivot player to anchor our midfield and be a ballwinner and the Andrade-Ayala pairing is one of the best out there. Teams will have trouble going down the middle against this squad and we have enough speed to get back on attacks down the wings.

PK/CC are up twice for their last two picks.
Please guys remember to post your lineups so that the judges can make their rankings as soon as possible.

We'll take Van Bommel.

I sent a PM to CC for the other one. If he doesn't reply within the hour, I'll make the pick.

***

Though I'm not sure whether he could've played the lone DM role on our squad anyway. We'll continue our search..

I'll go with a pure ball hunter in Gravesen..

Our 4-4-2 line-up:

----------------------- Eto'o -----------------------------
---------------------------------- Baptista --------------
--------- Robinho -------------------------- Vicente ---
------------------------------- Deco ---------------------
-------------- Gravesen ---------------------------------
Carlos ------------------------------------------- Cicinho
----------------- Ramos --- Marchena -----------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------- Valdes ---------------------------

I'll go with a pure ball hunter in Gravesen..

------------------------ Eto'o --------------------------------
---------------------------------- Baptista -------------------
--------- Robinho -------------------------- Vicente --------
----------------------- Deco ---------------------------------
------------------------------- Gravesen --------------------
Carlos --------------------------------------------- Cicinho
-------------------- Ramos --- Marchena ------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------- Valdes ----------------------------

Good looking team. Left side is wide open with Robinho and Carlos on the flanks. Weird seeing Vicente on the right, but he's quality on either side.

I know he was injured, but I was shocked that Aragones left him out. That guy is a jackass.

Good looking team. Left side is wide open with Robinho and Carlos on the flanks. Weird seeing Vicente on the right, but he's quality on either side.

I know he was injured, but I was shocked that Aragones left him out. That guy is a jackass.

Well Robinho is more suited leaning towards the left whereas Vicente really can play both sides effectively. Gravesen can be positioned more to the left to make up for a poor defensive flank.

Well Robinho is more suited leaning towards the left whereas Vicente really can play both sides effectively. Gravesen can be positioned more to the left to make up for a poor defensive flank.


Good points, like I said, totally agree that Vicente is quality on both sides, but he almost never starts on the right. I actually brought up Gravesen with PK, but we both thought that Van Bommel was the better option.

Good points, like I said, totally agree that Vicente is quality on both sides, but he almost never starts on the right. I actually brought up Gravesen with PK, but we both thought that Van Bommel was the better option.

Well to be honest, I like Gravesen better in a pure DM role. Van Bommel tends to go forward alot and always had defensive assistence (Cocu and Vogel with PSV, Davids with Holland). He is no doubt a better player (as 99.9999% is) in comparison to Gravesen, but I question his pure DM qualities.

I think he is capable though, he just never had such a role.

Well to be honest, I like Gravesen better in a pure DM role. Van Bommel tends to go forward alot and always had defensive assistence (Cocu and Vogel with PSV, Davids with Holland). He is no doubt a better player (as 99.9999% is) in comparison to Gravesen, but I question his pure DM qualities.

I think he is capable though, he just never had such a role.



True, but our side is well balanced with Baraja playing in front of MVB, and a backline that is as good going forward as it is defending.

True, but our side is well balanced with Baraja playing in front of MVB, and a backline that is as good going forward as it is defending.

No doubt about that. Quality team all-around..

I think the main arguement against us will be our offensive orientated system, though I probably would've drafted the same format over and over again.

No doubt about that. Quality team all-around..

I think the main arguement against us will be our offensive orientated system, though I probably would've drafted the same format over and over again.

Same for me, a lot of these players are just too good to be passed up.

Same for me, a lot of these players are just too good to be passed up.

Precisely. When you have the choice between five star forwards or one average/decent defender, it's hard making decisions.

The Primera Division really lacks quality defenders and have an abundance of quality forwards.

I'll go with a pure ball hunter in Gravesen..

Our 4-4-2 line-up:

----------------------- Eto'o -----------------------------
---------------------------------- Baptista --------------
--------- Robinho -------------------------- Vicente ---
------------------------------- Deco ---------------------
-------------- Gravesen ---------------------------------
Carlos ------------------------------------------- Cicinho
----------------- Ramos --- Marchena -----------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------- Valdes ---------------------------

As I said earlier, I will be asking questions of lineups for various reasons. Keep in mind that just because I ask you a question, I may not be disagreeing with your formation/positioning. Since Ott's posted their full side, I'll start with him.

1 Explain to me what exactly Baptista's role/position is.

2 Is Robinho wide on the left, or slightly in from the left as your lineup visually shows?

3 What do you envision from Deco in this lineup?

We'll take Maresca, best player of the UEFA Cup final.

Our lineup :
------Ronaldo---Raul-----
Valeron---------------Messi
-----Maresca-----Xavi-------
Gio-Puyol-Javi Navarro-Belleti
--------- Canizares--------------

We're quite happy.
Our defense features one of the best defenseman in the world, fully helped by three good players. Our keeper was the best in la Liga this season.
In midfield, we have the wonderful Xavi helped by Marseca, very good DM pair there.
Up front, we have Valeron and Messi providing goals and passes to Raul and Ronaldo, who can still score A LOT of goals with a good team behind them.

Juni's up.

We'll take Maresca, best player of the UEFA Cup final.

Our lineup :
------Ronaldo---Raul-----
Valeron---------------Messi
-----Maresca-----Xavi-------
Gio-Puyol-Javi Navarro-Belleti
--------- Canizares--------------

We're quite happy.
Our defense features one of the best defenseman in the world, fully helped by three good players. Our keeper was the best in la Liga this season.
In midfield, we have the wonderful Xavi helped by Marseca, very good DM pair there.
Up front, we have Valeron and Messi providing goals and passes to Raul and Ronaldo, who can still score A LOT of goals with a good team behind them.

Juni's up.

1 Explain to me what exactly Raul's role/position is?

2 What do you envision from Xavi in this lineup?

3 What do you envision from Valeron in this lineup?

1- Raul's position will be around the main striker (Ronaldo), as he's so used to play. His role will be to score off the defense confusion created by two speedy strikers that can ask for deep ball and that will also tear up defenses for our two offensive midfielders to score.

2- Well, the usual Xavi role. Passer, regulator of the flow of the game, capable of launching deep passes behind the defense to the two speedy strikers.

3- Valeron won't play much as a winger, but rather as a side AM that will often come to center and create danger. Messi as well in fact.

1- Raul's position will be around the main striker (Ronaldo), as he's so used to play. His role will be to score off the defense confusion created by two speedy strikers that can ask for deep ball and that will also tear up defenses for our two offensive midfielders to score.

2- Well, the usual Xavi role. Passer, regulator of the flow of the game, capable of launching deep passes behind the defense to the two speedy strikers.

3- Valeron won't play much as a winger, but rather as a side AM that will often come to center and create danger. Messi as well in fact.

Cool, thanks.

1 Explain to me what exactly Baptista's role/position is.

2 Is Robinho wide on the left, or slightly in from the left as your lineup visually shows?

3 What do you envision from Deco in this lineup?

1) Pretty much being the secondary striker, but I have him playing a little behind Eto'o so Eto'o can go out full throttle while Baptista clears the rest.

2) Slightly in from the left, just like where he usually plays for Madrid. His creativity should help the number of scoring chances both Baptista and Eto'o will get. He won't be used as a real winger.

3) A lot, actually. I want Deco to dictate the game. Pick up the ball from his defenders/Gravesen and start working on an attack. I don't want him to go deep very much though as he could still help defending in front of Gravesen.

I'll complete my team with the selection of Zamora winner Jose Manuel Pinto

Lineup:

-----------Fernando Torres-----Saviola-------------
---------------------------------------------------
-------------------Riquelme------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
-----------Albelda--------------Iniesta-------------
-------------------Marquez------------------------
Sorin-------Perea------Gonzalo R.------------Miguel
---------------------Pinto-------------------------

Riquelme is given solid protection by three fantastic defensive minded midfielders, who also compensate for the lack of wingers (made necessary by Riquelme's selection) by providing the defensive cover to allow Sorin and Miguel to play their natural attacking game. The centre of defence and goalkeeper are solid and dependable. Riquelme provides the goalscoring threat from midfield and a fantastic supply line to clinical finishers in Torres and Saviola.

I like your team Juni, but, may I say, I find it too bad to use Marquez in midfield when he would be your best Dman IMO and that there are still some good DMs left.
The rest is nice.

You guys seem to like Real's defense a lot! :D

Haha - i wasn´t involved all weekend. Busy time working, playing soccer (paramedic soccer torunament) etc... :)

What happened with this draft?



HELLO!


*echoes*

Yeah sorry, I kind of forgot I had to judge this.

My rankings will be in tomorrow afternoon, I've got no time to do them today I'm afraid.

Actually as les habs pointed, Flyhigh/Beli are up (like they have been for the last week in fact) for their last pick. :D

Actually as les habs pointed, Flyhigh/Beli are up (like they have been for the last week in fact) for their last pick. :D

Impatient!

:biglaugh:

Really sorry guys, I think both Beli and I have been really busy with school/work and neither of us knew that we were up. That being said, we'll take Andrés Palop of Sevilla.

FlyHigh/Belizarius

----Tamudo------Tristan------Villa
-----------Aimar------Maxi Rodriguez------
-----------------Senna--------------
--Pernia----Ayala-----Andrade-----Alves
-----------------Palop--------------


Overall, I'm happy with this team. In fact, we have 5 players from Soccernet's La Liga 05/06 team of the year. However, this team has an impressive history as well. Both Ayala and Andrade have been defensive stalwarts for many years, Aimar and Maxi are established talents and Tristan and Tamudo have impressive pedigrees as well.

I know that some may say this team is too attacking, but I would disagree. As I said earlier, we are very solid down the middle with Senna, Ayala, and Andrade. We may get caught on the wings, but both of our wingbacks are very quick and they should have the speed to get back.

I also like Palop who had to back up Canizares for many years, but has really excelled as a starter.

I thought we were done in this one... :)
Well, I think it's a nice team, well balanced, probably not a big star but all solid picks. I'm happy with this lineup.

Well after days of waiting for this draft to conclude...

I guess I'll start with my list of undrafted players off the top of my head:

Miguel Moya
Leo Franco
Oleguer
Diego Forlan
Jesus Navas
David Beckham
Ludovic Giuly
Fran Yeste
Pablo Orbaiz
Zinedine Zidane
Juan Super Arango
Ewerthon
Sergio
Carlos Gurpegi
Edmilson
Henrik Larsson

Sorry, but I'm too lazy to look up any guys. I could have seen some of these guys get picked, but others not being picked don't surprise me either.

As for your teams:

PK/CC

---------------------- Baiano ----------------------
--- Ronaldinho ----------------------------- Joaquin
---------- Baraja ------------------ Prieto ---------
------------------- Van Bommel --------------------
Lopez ------- G. Milito ------- Ibanez ------- Salgado
--------------------- Casillas ---------------------

I'll start off by saying that I think this is a very good side with one area that could have been much better. I don't rank teams based on who was drafted when, but I think you guys took guys at the wrong time and could have had a near invincible side were it not for some of your choices.

Attack: I really like your forward line. Ronaldinho and Joaquin both are great players to have on your flanks. Both can carry the ball well and beat any defender on any given day. Both of them will not only add assists, but plenty of goals. Baiano is also a good player, though not quite on their level. Still he can play up front alone and with the service he'll get from the flanks he'd probably bag about 20 goals (15 minimum). The way I see it you'd easily get 50 goals from your front three. You've got an attack for years to come. Nice work.

Midfield: This is where you lost me. Quite simply, there is just not enough creativity. Prieto brings the most creativity, but not enough for me. Van Bommel and Baraja are both very direct players. Also, they should be swapped in terms of your positioning. I also think that this midfield is lacking defensively. None of these guys really shine defensively either and this midfield doesn't help your overall defensive system. Again I won't count who you picked when with your picks, but Baraja was taken way too soon and you could have done much better at that pick and found somebody better than Baraja. Anyway, this midfield would need some work in a few years.

Defense: Definately a solid defense at the back. If you include Casillas, you've got 4/5 of Spain's actualy defense (most of the time). Even though your fullbacks can get forward, they're not as liable as other fullbacks. Your central defense is quite strong. You've got good size and enough pace. Ibanez and Milito have regressed this year, but they're both still quality and still top CB's.

GK: Casillas for me is top two in the World, if not the best. Like EVERY keeper he has his moments, but he's saved Real Madrid so many times in the last three years it's ridiculous. They'd be in real trouble if it weren't for him.

Other: I think you've got a great side for set pieces. Plenty of guys who can hit freekicks and plenty of size. You've also got some good leaders in this side.


O=S/Bakos

----------------------- Eto'o ---------------------
---------------------------------- Baptista --------
--------- Robinho ----------------------Vicente ---
------------------------------- Deco --------------
-------------- Gravesen ----------------
Carlos-------------------------------------Cicinho
----------------- Ramos --- Marchena --------------
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------- Valdes ---------------------

I have to say that IMO this in some respects is the best side that you two have put together in any of the drafts. This side definately makes more sense to me than most of your other sides and you've got people in the right places.

Attack: You've definately got a strong attack. You've got pace, power and skill (skill if I include Robinho and Vicente). I was happy to see that you have Baptista in the right spot. Had you put him as a DM you'd have been in trouble. You've actually placed him perfectly. He's just behind Eto'o which is his best place. I could definately see both he and Eto'o good for 40+ goals and very possibly 50 goals. Also, both guys will do well helping out defensively.

Midfield: I like your midfield a lot, with one exception. Gravesen is definately your weakest player and your worst pick. He's alright enough defensively, but IMO he's more bark than bite. I'd also be concerned with both he and Deco getting cards considering the defensive work they'd have to do. I really like Deco, but I feel that in this lineup he'll have just too much. I don't think he'll get forward as much as you want him to since he'll have a lot of defensive work. He also gives the ball away too much for my liking. IMO you could use another passer in the midfield and you could have easily improved on Gravesen. On the flanks, you've got two good players. Robinho is still not as good as his reputation, but I think he'll improve. Your positioning I see as a positive and negative. Positive because Robinho can cut inside, but negative because Vicente is more a pure winger. I wouldn't have inverted the pair as you have (or for your reasoning or lack there of), but it's not that bad. Either way both players will be helpful in attack and I could see 15 goals coming from them as well as a good supply of the ball for Eto'o and Baptista.

Defense: You're defense isn't too bad, but it will be risky. RC and Cicinho will definately be good going forward and be helpful out wide with Robinho and Vicente moving inside, but they'll leave gaps at the back. Gaps that I don't know Gravesen can cover alone and gaps that will take away from Deco going forward. In the middle you've got a decent combination of size and speed. Marchena has been pretty poor this season though. He's solid enough, but you could have done a lot better considering when you drafted him. I'm a big fan of Ramos and he's very similar to Puyol. He'll add speed at the back.

GK: Valdes gets a lot of "bad press" from general football fans. He definately is top 5 in Spain and has saved Barça his fair share of times (see CL Final for one).

Other: I think your side adds some "real" leadership. However you do have some hard workers which you'd need to buy into the team philosophy. There will definately need to be some hard work done, but if that were to happen I could see the offense really reaping the rewards.


Evilo/The Rage

------Ronaldo---Raul-----
Valeron---------------Messi
-----Maresca-----Xavi-------
Gio-Puyol-Javi Navarro-Belleti
--------- Canizares--------------

One of two sides that has everybody in a proper place. Some very big names and some very good players in this side. However there are weaknesses as well. I could very well see a few of your guys going undrafted.

Attack: Your attack for me is a case of six of one and a half dozen of another. I mean that both in a good and bad way. At first I was looking for Raul to be just behind Ronaldo, but he's better where you have him. He's a clever striker in the box. Still Raul is your weakness up front. He's not been performing at his standard/reputation for 3 years now. That's a long time and I see no reason to think he'll wake from his current slumber. Ronaldo on the other hand is a different story. Regardless of how much I dislike him personally, I've never denied his ability. Like Raul he's not been at his best for a while. Still he's produced the goals and if you could get him a good supply of the ball whilst keeping him fit you'd get 25 goals easily.

Midfield: Another case like up front, though not as bad. I actually like 3/4 of your midfield with Valeron being the exception. Much like Raul he's lost a step. He's not been "lost" as long as Raul, but it's been about two years if you ask me. You could have done better than him and that's even with players who went undrafted. He could do well with Gio going forward, but he's getting old and you'd have to replace him soon. Messi on the other flank however is a great choice. He'll definately be dangerous bringing goals, assists, danger and overall team play. I also like your central midfield. I think that both players are strong on both sides of the ball. I think they could be held back having to defend too much which would hurt their input offensively, but I still like the pairing. I'd prefer a better DM with them in a 4-3-3, but this isn't bad.

Defense: Another defense that will leave holes at the back, especially on the right side. That's down to your fullbacks of course. I like Belletti, but I find him a surprising choice. Oleguer starts ahead of him for a reason. Still Belletti has come on in bigger matches this season. Gio won't leave as many holes, but he won't get forward as much either. Navarro isn't a bad choice, but not a great choice either. On current form he's arguably better than Marchena and possibly Milito. He adds something aerially. Puyol being his partner may just make it work. IMO Puyol is one of the best defenders in the World if not the best. He'll definately clean up after Gio.

GK: One of the best keepers in Spain still and probably the best last season. He's still got it and I personally seem him keeping this level for a bit longer.

Other: You drafted really well until the 5th round where you could have really made this side great. It's too old for me and IMO you'd have to make some serious replacements soon considering Raul, Valeron and to a much lesser extent Ronaldo. Still you did well putting everyone in their place. You'll be very creative offensively and Ronaldo will get a lot of service. However defensively as a whole I'd be concerned. You do have a lot of experience and some real leaders in the side.


Juni

-----------Fernando Torres-----Saviola-------------
---------------------------------------------------
-------------------Riquelme------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
-----------Albelda--------------Iniesta-------------
-------------------Marquez------------------------
Sorin-------Perea------Gonzalo R.------------Miguel
---------------------Pinto-------------------------

The other team that has everybody in a place they fit right into. Very well done. Some big names as well as good players. Nobody that really shocks me as being picked either.

Attack: I don't think your attack is really strong or really weak. I think you could have done better than Saviola, though I see him doing well in this lineup. Torres while overrated is still a player I rate highly. I think he'd also do well in this lineup as he'll get better service than he ever gets with as a Pupa. I think the pair would do well playing with another as well. Goals could range from 25-45 from these guys. It'd all depend on how they take their chances. They'll get chances either way though.

Midfield: I really like your midfield. You've got creativity, solid passers, goals and defense. Well done. Riquelme has sufficient cover to play the free role in which he excels. He'll bring goals and assists. Iniesta brings more creativity and I could really see him developing that sort of relationship with Saviola that Xavi used to have. Iniesta also brings defensive work as he's been an immense DM for Barça in the CL. Albelda also is a strong DM who can play the ball as well. Definately one of Valencia's biggest players. Marquez for me is better in defense, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a strong DM. He'll definately clean up anything that Iniesta/Albelda miss. Again, nice work.

Defense: A very good defense for this lineup. Your fullbacks are strongest in attack and would provide some nice depth. They'll be covered well by your midfield. Still your CB's are very solid as well. Perrea has a lot of pace and Gonzalo is very sturdy young defender. Your defense doesn't have anybody who's the best in their position, but it's very solid and works well with the rest of your team.

GK: IMO Pinto isn't the most impressive keeper despite the Zamora. He's still good though and will be fine.

Other: The biggest weakness I can see for this team is scoring. The strikers have to produce in order for this team to win. Still they'll get a lot of service and they still score pretty well. I think leadership is also lacking a bit. However this team looks well thought out and has been put together well. I think as a team they'd work very well together.


FlyHigh/Beli

----Tamudo------Tristan------Villa
-----------Aimar------Maxi Rodriguez------
-----------------Senna--------------
--Pernia----Ayala-----Andrade-----Alves
-----------------Palop--------------

Hmmm. Well you guys definately had me scratching my head during the draft and you've done the same with this lineup. I can see 3 players who could very well have not been drafted and to an extent shouldn't have been drafted.

Attack: There is one big problem. Villa was an obvious great choice, but you've wasted him. Why do you have 3 strikers and why are they these 3 guys? You shouldn't have even take Tristan and would have done better with just Tamudo and Villa. That said, you could have done better than Tamudo too, though I don't mind him so much. Thing is youv'e got three similar type guys up there who will all be going for the ball. These guys will be tripping over each other.

Midfield: Sorry guys, but more problems. Again, I don't punish people for when they draft players but you could have done yourselves a few favours by either passing on or waiting on Aimar. I can think of a few guys who would have been better picks who were still available. Getting to the problems though, Maxi and Aimar (like your strikers) would be competing too much for the ball. Then you've got Senna as your sole defensive player ahead of the defense. Senna's good, but you need a few more Senna's to save this team.

Defense: Looking at this defense it amazes me how you could have put together your attack. It's definately good on paper and everybody's in the right place. Still I have a few problems. Alves and Pernia are arguably the best fullbacks in Spain and will be both be good going forward. They will leave holes at the back of course, though not quite as bad as most other pairings in this draft. And yes, they HAVE to go forward as you have no width if they don't. That leaves two strong CB's. The problem is that they lack pace (as does Senna). So you'll be relying on your CB's experience and ability to read the game to an extent which fortunately they have. I would have preferred a more pacey CB instead of one of those guys.

GK: A very solid GK in Palop. He's not the best though and could arguably have gone undrafted. Considering your team you'd need a Casillas back there.

Other: You just don't have a real team or flow with these guys. You'd be relying on individual performances at the end of the day and you don't have the players to pull that off. Your team is also to central and lacks width. The attack/defense balance is off and I don't see much connect between the two. Some very good players in this lineup, but too few and far between. You hurt yourselves with some of your picks and could probably improve the side swapping players from your team with my list of undrafted players (which was off the top of my head).

So, all that said here are my final rankings:

1 Juni - Very well done. Looks well thought out.

2 PK/CC - A close second I must say. The right midfield might have stolen this one.

3 O=S/Bakos - Again, one of the best teams from you guys. You were also close in this one, though clearly 3rd for me.

4 Evilo/The Rage - Not a bad side. If I gave grades/points you'd understand that this isn't a bad 4th place.

5 FlyHigh/Beli - Sorry guys, but too many problems for me. I think you lost it in the draft itself. Sorta reminds me of my Bundesliga experience, and that's not good.

OK, took me a while but now I'm ready to go :)

I haven't looked at the draft itsself so I'm not going to criticise any picks in the sense that I think player x should have been picked at that spot and so on. I'll just judge the teams.


PK/CC

---------------------- Baiano ----------------------
--- Ronaldinho ----------------------------- Joaquin
---------- Baraja ------------------ Prieto ---------
------------------- Van Bommel --------------------
Lopez ------- G. Milito ------- Ibanez ------- Salgado
--------------------- Casillas ---------------------


Attack:
On talent this is by probably the best simply due to Ronnie's presence. What I like is that all three guys are in their best position and thus will be able to play to their strenghts. Joaquin's had a relatively poor season by his standards and while Baiano's no real top striker he'll put in plenty with support from these two wizards.

Midfield:
First of all I would have switched Van Bommel and Baraja around. Van Bommel is certainly not the guy to anchor a midfield as he's a bit lazy on his coverage from time to tme.
Baraja is a great player but his physical omnipresence has gone down a bit and I think he's great the reversed triangle they have at Valencia, simply because Albelda is there to cover for him. Prieto is a pretty nice player I think.

All in all I think this is solid but unspectacular: not someone who can cover all holes defensively and not the real super playmaker, though Prieto and Van Bommel (if pushed up in stead of Baraja) would be all right in that department.

Defense:
With Casillias you obviously have an elite goalie, though I didn't think he was as incredibly outstandingly brilliant this year as he was last year (I'm a fan).
Milito and Ibanez is a rock steady partnership. Not a fan of Salgado personally but then again he's pretty good obviously, and so is Lopez.

Overall:
I think this is a solid team, which would probably have a chance to win in most games. I would have thought it would be better with a reversed triangle but then Prieta might have to carry too much playmaking responsabilities for his good.


O=S/Bakos

----------------------- Eto'o ---------------------
---------------------------------- Baptista --------
--------- Robinho ----------------------Vicente ---
------------------------------- Deco --------------
-------------- Gravesen ----------------
Carlos-------------------------------------Cicinho
----------------- Ramos --- Marchena --------------
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------- Valdes ---------------------

Attack:
Eto'o and Babptista look like a very interesting pairing. The gazelle and the beast so to speak :) not much to say here except that it looks very good.

Midfield:
Though he can play there I'm by no means a fan of Vicente on the right, the guy is one of the best in the world (the best when on form in my humble opinion) when he's on form and injury free, I wouldn't waste him on the right side.
Robinho's a bit of strange character for me, he's got obvious skills but I've not yet been convinced by him.

What mostly worries me is the lack of coverage, Vicente is pretty solid but Robinho is more of a third forward and is not that solid defensively. That leaves just Deco and Gravesen to provide the balance (and looking at the two wing backs there will be a lot to balance out).
I've been a huge Gravesen fan for years but I think he's lost a bit of his physical omnipresence lately (see what I said about Baraja). Deco's an unbelievable runner but he might loose some of his effectiveness when he'll have to play so much defense.

Defense:
The wing backs are very, very offensive and both need a lot of work on their defensive abilities. Given the relative strenght of the wing position in this draft this could be an issue.
The central pairing is pretty good. Marchena's a bit of a pylon (a very good and tough one though) but Ramos will cover with his speed. Valdes is a goalie that still hasn't convinced me but he's OK.

Overall:
I see definate coverage issues in this team, the balance is a bit off for me (only 4 of 10 outfield players should be called good defensively for their positions). On the ball this would work well though.


Evilo/The Rage

------Ronaldo---Raul-----
Valeron---------------Messi
-----Maresca-----Xavi-------
Gio-Puyol-Javi Navarro-Belleti
--------- Canizares--------------

Attack:
Nice pairing though neither are at the respecive top of their career right now (otherwise this would easily be the best attack in this league), stil this should provide some goals for sure.

Midfield:
On talent this is very good.
Messi's very effective on the right side and will leave plenty of space for Belletti to run into. Valeron I prefer in a more central role but I'm sure he'll be allowed to drift. The main drawback is of course Valeron's inconsistency, for me this guy has as much talent as Zinedine Zidane (yep you read that right) but he's just not always as focused as he should be.
Maresca is a guy I'm not convinced in, good but not excellent. Xavi's a great playmaker but not that solid defensively.
So my worry is a bit of a coverage issue, will Maresca be able to cover up for Valeron and the backs? With only Xavi supporting him?

Either way this is still a very capable and well thought out midfield.

Defense:
The best defender in the league in Puyol is a big bonus, he'll be the leader and his enthousiasm will help on a lot of tough plays. Javi Navarro is not exactly a player I think very highly of. The wing backs are very good but very attacking, which comes to play in the midfield coverage issue.
The goalie is simply great, awesome season for Canizares once again.

Overall:
I miss the ture elite go to guy on this team, Ronaldo in top form would make this team nearly unstoppable (well he himself was nearly unstoppable on his own) but right now I don't see that one big difference maker. However this is a very solid club for me that won't be easy to manouvre around.

Juni

-----------Fernando Torres-----Saviola-------------
---------------------------------------------------
-------------------Riquelme------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
-----------Albelda--------------Iniesta-------------
-------------------Marquez------------------------
Sorin-------Perea------Gonzalo R.------------Miguel
---------------------Pinto-------------------------

Attack:
This would be a nice pairing IMO. Torres' main problem is finishing the play off but he's a very good striker obviously. Saviola's never really put it together yet he's so fast and tricky he'll get goals everywhere.

Midfield:
Boy I wouldn't like to play against these guys. Riquelme is obviously the guy that will run and orchestrate things. With Torres you have a decent target man for him and Saviola's pace will also create plenty of chances for Riquelme to provide assists. He'll also create a ton of goals on set pieces obviously.

Apart from Riquelme this midfield seems like a brick well. Albelda is an awesome player, one of the smartest of the league. What he's given up physically is not as visible because of his awesome positioning all the time. Marquez is a bit of a dirty player I don't like (as opposed to Albelda who is dirty but I lke him) but nonetheless he's an incredibly tough guy to play against and should be great in that position. Then there's Iniesta who's passing will ake some off the pressure and attention of Riquelem. This would work IMO.

Defense:
Two more Villareal guys here and why not. Sorin's stamina should help this squad to create some width and he's good on the defensive end too obviously, really like the guy. In the center Perea's obviously a great player, he's very tough to play against, Gonzalo such a sound positional player, in a few years I think he'll be a really top class defender. Right now he's not far off at all. At the right Miguel is another good choice as he will also help to create width. I'm not too fond of his defensive abilities though personally but still he's a good player.
Pinto is decent but is probably the weak link here within all this quality.

Overal:
I think this will be a great team. Very tough to score or even play against and they should be lethal on the counter. Width is an issue but both Saviola and Torres like to run around and Miguel and Sorin should also help. The only slight concern would be the 'keeper and even he's still very good.


FlyHigh/Beli

----Tamudo------Tristan------Villa
-----------Aimar------Maxi Rodriguez------
-----------------Senna--------------
--Pernia----Ayala-----Andrade-----Alves
-----------------Palop--------------

Attack:

Well this is a bit of a fantasy lineup isn't it. Villa works so well as lone striker who is the focal point of attack an now the poor guy is stuck on the right? Tristan is an enigma, one day he'll be a world beater and play like Raul in his good days and the next day he's invisible. Sadly enough he's been awful for the better part of the last two years. Also Tamudo would probaly work better on the right side


Midfield:
You all know how I love Pablo Aimar. However you have to wonder how he'll be effective with such a crowded front line in front of him, there will be little space for him to run into.
Maxi Rodriguez is a nice enough player but another one who needs the ball, it won't be easy to keep em all happy.
Only Senna is there for the balance. Aimar does a decent job of coverage but I still don't think only Senna will be enough.

Defense:
Ayala and Andrade should be rock solid, at least if Ayala can stay healthy :(. Pernia's simply been excellent this season and Alves is another very great back going forward.
Palop has shown he's more then a worthy #1 after years of being an understudy to Canizares.

Overall:
This is too much of a fantasy lineup to me, too much of the same and not nearly enough balance in the squad. The defense and goalie are clearly the best part of your team.




Final Rankings

1. Juni
2. PK/CC
3. Evilo/The Rage
4. O=S/Bakos
5. Flyhigh/Beli

I had a tough time ranking 3-4 but the #1-2 and #5 were set for me.

Final Liga rankings :
1. Juni 2 points
2. PK/CC 4 points
T3. Evilo/The Rage 7 points
T4. O=S/Bakos 7 points
5. Flyhigh/Beli 10 points