WEEKEND EPL TACTICAL BATTLE: 3/12/16

MANCHESTER CITY (1)   -   (3) CHELSEA:

Pep Guardiola vs Antonio Conte:

It is obvious that tactical battle between them won by Conte but the fact is, Man City could be 3 or 4 nil up before Costa equalized.  So who is the winner between them?  Pep's football is unbelievable against Chelsea unfortunately, the discipline of Chelsea side won the battle.  I think we can try implementing both team's tactics in FM17.  Looks fine.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

CRYSTAL PALACE (3)   -   (0) SOUTHAMPTON

Alan Pardew vs Claude Puel:

Battle between the mid table team.  Pardew team started slowly and gain their momentum as the game goes on.  Pardew in under tremendous pressure due to poor recent result for Palace.  In form Southampton team just beaten Arsenal in EFL Cup.  Here you go.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

STOKE CITY (2)   -   (0) BURNLEY

Mark Hughes vs Sean Dyche:

Hughes has changed the way Stoke play since he took over from Pulis.  The current Stoke side like to keep the ball and play on the feet rather than typical Stoke City long ball game.  Sean Dyche is definitely underrated.  Burnley can be brilliant at home.  They are not afraid of any big team and play their own football.  Beaten Liverpool this season at home.  Let's see what can we learn from both teams.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

SUNDERLAND (2)   -   (1) LEICESTER CITY

David Moyes vs Claudio Ranieri:

Sunderland is in good run of form.  Winning 3 out of last 5 games.  Sunderland has started to understand the type of football Moyes trying to implement.  As for Leicester, their team is struggling in EPL and competitor started to read their game.  Typical 4-4-2 and definitely weaken by the departure of Kante to Chelsea.   

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

TOTTENHAM (5)   -   (0) SWANSEA

Mauricio Pochettino vs Bob Bradley:

A very obvious winner.  Tactically spot on and definately player quality between both teams is the key reason.  Let's see what can we learn from it. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

WEST BROM (3)   -   (1) WATFORD

Tony Pulis vs Walter Mazzarri:

We are all impressed with WBA's performance this season.  They are in rich vein of form standing at No.7 in the league at the moment.  Their tactical approach is something for us learn if we look to manage a smaller club in FM.  As for Mazzarri, he played with 4-4-2 instead of his normal tactical approach. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

WEST HAM (1)   -   (5) ARSENAL

Slaven Bilic vs Arsene Wenger

Kaboom!  I watched this game before I sleep and I rarely see any threat from Bilic side.  Rich of quality upfront but creating nothing at all in the game.  Arsenal were brilliant in this game. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

*** Let's learn together mates....

CURRENT EPL TOP 6 TEAM'S TACTIC: Why are they at the top?

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:

1) CHELSEA : ANTONIO CONTE

Chelsea currently is at good shape.  Fluid in the system that Conte implement into the team.  It works well and even the likes of Moses, his career start kicking off.  What a good performance from Chelsea yesterday against Man City.  A fast counter-attacking football led by Hazard and Costa.  If all players discipline at implementing the tactic correctly, it can be unplayable. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

2) ARSENAL : ARSENE WENGER

I think Arsenal is better with Giroud around the squad but Wenger played a different kind of football compared to last season.  They playing into the feet more compared to last season.  The squad quality that Wenger has is unbelievable.  The likes of Sanchez, Ozil at the front is fearsome.  Ozil play making role suits him well by playing more on the feet. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

3) LIVERPOOL : JURGEN KLOPP

Gegenpressing is terms of Klopp's fighting football.  You need a warrior to play Klopp's kind of football, with or without the ball.  The reason Firmino is ahead of Sturridge is because Firmino work rate off the ball is better than Sturridge.  No doubt that in terms of quality as a forward, Sturridge is better at it.  Klopp finally manage to compile a squad that suits his kind of football.  Currently, Liverpool are doing great.  Their attacking line led by Coutinho, Mane and Firmino is brilliant, non-stop movement.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

4) MANCHESTER CITY : PEP GUARDIOLA

Pep is tuning on his tactic and try to get it right with the player he is having in Man City.  Possession oriented football and pressing at higher line.  Midfield in the middle of the park and wide player is key for Pep's tactic.  Passing ability from the back is important for Pep's team therefore the likes of Hart, Mangala is losing their place in the squad.  The football I admire the most is Pep's kind of football.  He changed the world football with his football understanding and newly invented football philosophy.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

5) TOTTENHAM :  MAURICIO POCHETTINO 

One of the best young manager around.  Fitness is key for Pochettino's team.  They get's better as the game goes on, his Tottenham's squad is young and energetic.  Pochettino responsible for bring out the best in Harry Kane.  Tottenham's tactic is simple, they played their part in their role and beat their opponent in fitness battle. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

6) MANCHESTER UNITED : JOSE MOURINHO

The same old tactic since his time at Real Madrid, Chelsea and now at Man Utd.  Most team's can read Mourinho's team.  Mourinho is very good in coordinating defensive line.  His team defensive arrangement can frustrate opponent and kill their opponent during counter attack.  Defensive is key for Mourinho's team.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

*** The review is solely based my personal opinion.

TOP 5 PLAYERS (U23) WITH GREAT POTENTIAL IN THE ATTACKING LINE:

ATTACKING MIDFIELD RIGHT:

1)  OUSMANE DEMBELE : DORTMUND

Super wonderkids.  My signing for Southampton in my 2nd season (FM).  Fast winger.  At the age of 21, he is already won French Player of The Year award ahead of Pogba.  Current superstar at Bundesliga after signing for Dortmund.  Regular started for Dortmund and earning himself 3 caps for France.  

2) LEROY SANE : MANCHESTER CITY

Big money signing for Man City this season reportedly 37 million pound.  A very young and talented winger that can play in either side.  Fantastic dibbler of the ball.  47 appearances for Gelsenkirchen and 4 caps for Germany. 

3) DOMENICO BERARDI : SASSUOLO

We hardly heard about him in real life but no doubt that Berardi is decent complete player.  He can score, he can press and he can go pass people as well.  A complete player.  This season is an injury hampering season for him.  129 appearances for Sassuolo.  Underrated player.

4) ADAM OUNAS : BORDEAUX 

Another young and talented winger.  Good dribbling skill and very highly rated in french league.  Making his debut last season with Bordeaux.  32 appearances for Bordeaux.  Featured in international level for France U20.

5) GABRIEL JESUS : MANCHESTER CITY

I choosen Jesus ahead of Barbosa in the TOP 5 is because of their current ability in the game.  Jesus is more into a good current player and definitely big potential ahead of him.  Singed for Man City reportedly 32m Euros.  Olympic gold medal winner with Brazil.  6 caps for Brazil so far, scoring 4 goals.  Big future ahead. 

ATTACKING MIDFIELD LEFT:

1) ANTHONY MARTIAL : MANCHESTER UNITED

A very potential in FM17.  Technically gifted player.  Let's not forget how Martial terrorise EPL defenders last season.  Currently is not at Man Utd first 11 but we all know is just matter of time.  I rate Martial higher than Lingard.  Signed for Man Utd reportedly 36 million pound with the potential up to 57.6 million pound.  39 appearances for Man Utd scoring 12 goals and 15 caps for France.  We've been seeing a lots of talent in A.S. Monaco. 

2) KINGSLEY COMAN : JUVENTUS

On loan to Bayern for 2 season.  Bayern had mentioned that they are not going sign him at the end of Coman loan spell.  Speedy winger that can play at both flank.  29 appearances for Bayern and 11 caps for France.  

3) JULIAN BRANDT : LEVERKUSEN

One of my signing in my Southampton save this season (FM).  A very classy left flank player that can play on the right as well.  They way he played is almost like Kevin De Bruyne.  Currently Liverpool and Klopp are monitoring is availability and progress in Leverkusen.  77 appearances for Leverkusen and 4 caps for Germany.  

4) JULIAN DRAXLER : WOLFSBURG 

Big signing for Wolfsburg last season to replace Kevin De Bruyne.  Draxler having a wonderful last season and good EURO 2016 performance for the Germany.  Arsenal's target this season.  118 appearances for Gelsenkirchen before joining Wolfsburg and 27 caps for Germany. 

5) CHRISTIAN PULISIC : DORTMUND

A young and talented American player.  He is only 17 and is already a big player for Dortmund.  A player to look up to and farm in FM17.  19 appearances for Dortmund and earning himself 11 caps for USA.  Don't forget, Pulisic is only 17.  Great potential ahead.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD CENTER

1) MARCO ASENSIO : REAL MADRID

One of most gifted youngster around.  Already playing regularly in the first team for Zidane side.  A future superstar in playmaking role.  10 appearances for Madrid so far and earning 2 caps for Spain. 

2) BERNARDO SILVA : A.S. MONACO

A big player in my Southampton save (FM).  86 million pound signing for Man City.  Silva can play at the right side as well.  Performing well for Monaco side in French League and Champions League.  61 appearances for Monaco and 10 caps for Portugal.  A little surprise not see him feature in EURO 2016 for Portugal.

3) DELE ALLI : TOTTENHAM 

Dele Alli emerge himself as regular for both club and country.  A very strong player with good finishing touch.  Combined very well for club with fellow countryman Harry Kane.  41 appearances for Spurs and 15 caps for England. 

4) THOMAS LEMAR - A.S. MONACO

As mentioned earlier, so much talented player in Monaco.  I hardly get a chance to watch him play but Lemar is higher regarded in the game.  38 appearances for Monaco and earning 1 cap for France. 

5) DANI CEBALLOS - SEVILLA 

Ups and down is his career but finally signed a senior contract for Sevilla after a good season with Real Betis.  68 appearances for Betis and playing for his country Spain 11 times at U21 level.

STRIKER:

1) PAULO DYBALA : JUVENTUS

A god-like player in FM17.  If you have the budget, this is player to sign.  Guarantee 30 goals a season for sure.  Scoring machine in FM17 with huge potential ahead.  41 appearances for Juventus scoring 22 goals and 6 caps for Argentina. 

2) MAURO ICARDI : INTER

Another super striker in Italian Serie A.  A little controversy with his personal life but definitely he is a gifted talent.  Icardi already captaining Inter side at young age.  105 appearances for Inter scoring 59 goals.  Only 1 cap for Argentina.  

3) ALVARO MORATA : REAL MADRID

A good complete striker.  Brilliant during his time at Juventus.  Morata is not a goal scoring type of player but he contributed in every aspect of the game upfront.  63 appearances for Juventus and 18 caps for Spain.

4) HARRY KANE : TOTTENHAM

Superstar in EPL since break thru the first team for Tottenham.  Golden boot winner last season.  His instinct inside the box is brilliant, almost a Shearer type of player.  Old fashioned center forward.  92 appearances for Tottenham scoring 56 goals.  17 caps for England.  

5) MARCUS RASHFORD : MANCHESTER UNITED

Since Rashford breakthrough last season, everyone is this world knew who Rashford was.  His movement in the box is brilliant.  21 appearances for Man Utd scoring 8 goals.  5 caps for England.  Again, Rashford is only 18 years old.

*** Thanks for viewing folks.  I hope all the data could assist...   

TOP 5 PLAYERS (U23) WITH GREAT POTENTIAL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARK:

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD:

1) JOSHUA KIMMICH : BAYERN

Talented young player with great potential ahead.  One of the starter for Bayern side and also his country Germany.  Many already describe Kimmich as Lahm's heir (Bayern and Germany's captain).  34 appearances for Bayern and 11 caps for Germany.  

2) EMRE CAN : LIVERPOOL

Another german player in the top 5.  Emre Can has improved dramatically since his move to Liverpool.  Played key role under Rodgers and Klopp in Liverpool.  66 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Leverkusen.  7 caps for Germany.  

3) ERIC DIER : TOTTENHAM

Super scout that scouted Dier in Portuguese league playing for Sporting.  Started his career as defender and Pochettino played him at DM last season and he excel superbly at DM.  Key player for England current team.  76 appearances for Tottenham and 15 caps for England.

4) RUBEN NEVES : FCP

Wonderkid for FM17 & FM16.  Calm and cool midfield player.  Possess good passing and good reader of the game.  51 appearances for FCP so far as such tender age, earning himself 2 caps for Portugal.

5) THIAGO MAIA : SANTOS

Another wonder kid that his world on his feet.  The ball winning midfield player is a killer.  In Brazilian Olympic winning squad.  59 appearances for Santos.  A player that all FM player would recommend to sign for sure. 

CENTER MIDFIELD:

1) PAUL POGBA : MANCHESTER UNITED

The world most expensive player right now.  Many regarded him as the next Yaya Toure.  At young age, Pogba has shown his ability during his time at Juventus.  124 appearances for Juventus and move to Man Utd this season.  Almost started every game for Man Utd so far.  44 caps for France.

2) MARCO VERRATTI : PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Great passing ability.  Regarded as the next Pirlo.  His vision is extraordinary.  Excel at his career at very young age.  115 appearances for PSG and 19 caps for Italy. 

3) RENATO SANCHES : BAYERN

Almost everyone is the world knew who Sanches was due his performance in EURO 2016.  Young Player of The Tournament winner and Golden Boy winner.  Signed for Bayern this season for reportedly 35m euros and potential rise up to 80m euro.  The most expensive Portuguese player to leave the domestic league ever.  12 caps for Portugal. 

4) LEON GORETZKA : GELSENKIRCHEN 

Brilliant young player.  Every manager would love to have Goretzka in their midfield.  Very cool and steady plus technically gifted player.  70 appearances for Gelsenkirchen so far and earning himself 3 caps for Germany.

5) MATEO KOVACIC : REAL MADRID

We haven't see a lot of Kovacic so far in Real Madrid but I've watch a few games of Kovacic during his time at Inter Milan.  Super player.  A good dribbler and a good passer of the ball.  Big money signing from Inter after 80 appearances for them.  35 appearances for Real Madrid and 32 caps for Croatia.

*** Stay tune for Top 5 players with great potential in attacking line....

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET TEAM IN OTHER CONTINENTS' LEAGUE:

As per earlier transfer budget list for EUROPE Club (as per below link), we are listing down for other continent as well to assist FM mates that intended to manage other continent's league.  


http://fmthejourneytoglory.blogspot.my/2016/11/highest-transfer-budget-team.html

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET CLUBS IN ASIA:

1.  GUANGZHOU (CHINA) - 23,036,510
2.  JIANGSU (CHINA) - 17,277,382
3.  HUAXIA XINGFU (CHINA) - 13,821,906
4.  SHANDONG (CHINA) - 9,214,604
5.  SEONGNAM (KOREA) - 9,000,000

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET CLUBS IN SOUTH AMERICA:

1.  FLA (BRAZIL) - 4,756,265
2.  UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE (CHILE) - 3,457,947
3.  SEP (BRAZIL) - 2,378,132
4.  CEC (BRAZIL) - 2,140,319
5. UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA (CHILE) - 2,074,768

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET CLUBS IN N. AMERICA:

1.  MONTERREY (MEXICO) - 6,147,462
2.  TIGRES (MEXICO) - 5,763,246
3.  AMERICA (MEXICO) - 5,763,246
4.  NYCFC (USA) - 4,610,596
5.  CHIVAS, CRUZ AZUL, XOLOS TIJUANA (MEXICO) - 4,610,596

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET CLUBS IN AFRICA:

1.  SUNDOWNS (AFRICA) - 1,694,953
2.  WITS (AFRICA) - 847,476
3.  ORLANDO PIRATES (AFRICA) - 847,476
4.  SUPERSPORT UTD (AFRICA) - 564,984
5.  KAIZER CHIEFS (AFRICA) - 564,984

P/S: Currency in pound sterling.

*** I hope it could assist... 

TOP 5 PLAYERS (U23) WITH GREAT POTENTIAL IN THE DEFENSIVE LINE:

GOALKEEPER:

1) GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA : A.C. MILAN

Make his debut at 2015 at the age of 16.  Giant goalkeeper with great potential ahead.  44 appearances for Milan and 2 caps for Italy.

2) JAN OBLAK : A. MADRID

58 appearances for A. Madrid.  Key player for A. Madrid at the back since the Courtois departure.  12 caps for Slovenia.

3) PREDRAG RAJKOVIC : MACCABI TEL-AVIV

Great potential.  FM regarded Rajkovic highly since FM16.  44 appearances for club.  5 caps for Serbia.  

4) MATTIA PERIN : GENOA

Brilliant goalkeeping attribute.  98 appearances for Genoa earning 1 cap for Italy.  His potential ability is as good as any goalkeeper around.

5) ALBAN LAFONT : TOULOUSE

Young goalkeeper with huge future ahead.  At the age of 17, he already make 39 appearances for Toulouse.  Playing for France (U18)

DEFENDER CENTER:

1) JONATHAN TAH : LEVERKUSEN

Solid at the back.  Physically gifted player.  39 appearances for Leverkusen and 3 caps for Germany.  One of the most sort around player.

2) MARQUINHOS : PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

85 appearances for PSG and 17 caps for Brazil.  He is little small for center back but his reading of the game at the back is very good. 

3) DANIELE RUGANI : JUVENTUS

Classy center back with great potential.  Rugani is very calm at the back.  His talent did not go unnoticed, earning 2 caps for Italy.  

4) AYMERIC LAPORTE : BILBAO

Ball player defender with good passing ability.  One of Pep's target for Man City at the start of the season but he signed a new long term contract with Bilbao.  121 appearances for Bilbao.

5) JOHN STONES : MANCHESTER CITY

Classy old fashioned ball playing center back.  Signed for Man City this season reportedly 47.5 million pound.  77 appearances for Everton and 15 caps for England.

DEFENDER RIGHT:

1) POL LIROLA : JUVENTUS

Good potential right back for Juventus.  Loan to Sassuolo this season.  Let's hope for a great future ahead of him.

2) BENJAMIN HENRICHS : LEVERKUSEN

Big target for many clubs this summer.  Young and talented full back.  Making 18 appearances for Leverkusen and earning himself a cap for Germany.

3) HECTOR BELLERIN : ARSENAL

Fastest player in the world if Usain Bolt did not manage to secure a contract at Dortmund.  Speedy full back make 67 appearances for Arsenal earning himself 3 caps for Spain.  

4) JOAO CANCELO : VALENCIA

Signed from Benfica in the year 2015 after a season loan.  41 appearances for Valencia and 4 caps for EURO champion Portugal.  

5) ELSEID HYSAJ : NAPOLI

Regarded one of the best right back for the future.  48 appearances for Napoli and 27 caps for Albania at such tender age.

DEFENDER LEFT:

1) RAPHAEL GUERREIRO : DORTMUND

Signed for Dortmund from Lorient this season.  Making 102 appearances for Lorient and 16 caps for Portugal.  He is having a good tournament with Portugal at EURO 2016.

2) LUKE SHAW : MANCHESTER UNITED

The best young English left back.  Make his debut for Southampton and eventually signed for Man Utd for 30 million pound.  6 caps for England.  Injury hampering his bright career.

3) ALEX GRIMALDO : SLB

Signed for Benfica from Barcelona.  Various of top clubs is hunting for his service.  10 appearances for Benfica this season.  Top form and top quality full back.

4) JUAN BERNAT : BAYERN MUNICH

Playing supporting role for Alaba in Bayern.  Signing from Valencia in 2014.  50 appearances for Bayern and 7 caps for Spain. 

5) LUCAS DIGNE : BARCELONA

A very talented young full back.  Barcelona signed Digne from PSG this season.  Many wonder whether can he adapt to this star studded team but he has proven with many great performances for Barcelona this season.  15 caps for France.

*** Stay tune for the remaining of the list for midfield and attacking line...

TOP 5 BEST ATTACKING MIDFIELD CENTER & STRIKER IN FM 2017:

TOP 5 BEST AMC & ST IN FM 2017:

ATTACKING MIDFIELD CENTER:

1) MESUT OZIL : ARSENAL

Ozil has been brilliant last season topping the assist chat in EPL.  Signed for Arsenal from Real Madrid reportedly 42.5 million pound.  His departure from Real Madrid saddened Cristiano Ronaldo because he is such a passer of the ball and could read Ronaldo's run perfectly.  105 appearances for Real Madrid and 95 appearances for Arsenal.  83 caps for Germany. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

2) DAVID SILVA : MANCHESTER CITY

One of the best playmaker around.  Very good with ball in feet.  Brilliant reading of the game and great vision.  195 appearances for Man City and 105 caps for Spain.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

3) KEVIN DE BRUYNE : MANCHESTER CITY

Silve's teammate in Man City.  De Bruyne improved dramatically since moving from Chelsea to Wolfsburg.  Top in assist chart for Bundesliga.  Signed for Man City for 55 million pound after a great season with Wolfsburg.  37 appearances for Man City and 50 caps for Belgium.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

4) JAMES RODRIGUEZ : REAL MADRID

Finding himself out of favor in Real Madrid but no doubt that Rodriguez still a world class player.  One the big performer in 2014 World Cup with Colombia.  Signed for Real Madrid after the World Cup reportedly 80 million euros.  62 appearances for Real Madrid and 52 caps for Colombia.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

5) ISCO : REAL MADRID

Another player who is out of favor for Real Madrid and yet FM17 still Isco highly.  Top class player for Malaga which earn him a move to Real Madrid.  Indeed Isco is good playmaker.  107 appearances for Real Madrid and earning 17 caps for Spain. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

STRIKER:

1) LUIS SUAREZ : BARCELONA

No doubt that Suarez is best striker in the world.  He had shown to the world how talented he since joining Liverpool from Ajax.  110 appearances for Liverpool scoring 69 goals and 74 appearance for Barcelona scoring 64 goals.  90 caps for Uruguay.  The best forward in the world today for sure.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

2) SERGIO AGUERO : MANCHESTER CITY

Another superb striker.  Goal scoring ability is unbelievable.  Signed for Man City in 2011 from A. Madrid.  161 appearances for Man City scoring 112 goals.  80 caps for Argentina.  He is Messi's best friend.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

3) ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI : BAYERN

Typical center forward.  A great goalscorer.  Making his name Dortmund under Klopp earning his move to Bayern.  131 appearances for Dortmund scoring 74 goals and 75 appeareances for Bayern scoring 54 goals.  85 caps for Poland.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

4) GONZALO HIGUAIN : JUVENTUS

Ups and down in Higuain's career.  Last season has been tremendous for Higuain.  Leading the scoring chart in Italian Serie A.  Big signing for Juventus this season, spending most of the money they earned from Pogba sale to buy Higuain.  104 appearances for Napoli scoring 71 goals.  Super striker. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

5) KARIM BENZEMA : REAL MADRID 

Recently involved in big scandal.  One of the most gifted player around.  Signing for Real Madrid at very young age.  Since then making 225 appearances for Real Madrid scoring 115 goals.  81 caps for France. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

*** I hope it could assist.  Stay tune for TOP 5 in every position for player with high potential ability.  Stay tune mates....