It's that time of year again kids, I will let last year's first post explain, with new things in brackets and bold:

Almost all of us claim to know a lot about football, in fact, most of us claim to know a lot more than most of the idiots here at Soccer Gaming. Well, this is each of our chance to prove how much about the beautiful game we know. I am proposing that 12-16 members [more this year if possible] of the forum compete in a "fantasy draft" of sorts, consisting of all players in the world. The draft will be a "snake format" to ensure competitive balance. If you do not understand what this means, I will give you an example.

In the NBA the worst team gets the #1 pick (this isn't exactly accurate because of the lottery, but it is close enough) in the first round, and then gets the #1 pick in the second round. The team that wins the NBA Finals gets the last pick in the first round and the last pick in the second round. In a 4 team league it would go like this:

1. Team A
2. Team B
3. Team C
4. Team D

5. Team A
6. Team B
7. Team C
8. Team D

However, a snake format flips the order for alternating rounds:

1. Team A
2. Team B
3. Team C
4. Team D

5. Team D
6. Team C
7. Team B
8. Team A

This ensures competitive balance. In a league of 16 teams, the team blessed with the top pick will get Messi (or Ronaldo I suppose)[no, definitely Messi], but then they will have to wait while every other team gets to pick 2 players before they can pick again. This ensures competitive balance between all teams.

Now the tricky part: choosing who participates in the Draft.

[I have been in contact with certain people who I think represent the Soccer Forum well because I knew I was going to do this again. As it stands, 11 people are already lined up. There is room for at least 9 more participants. If we get 20 or fewer signed up, the spots will just go to everyone who wants to participate, but if we get more then I will choose who participates based on frequency and quality of posting in the Soccer Forum (above all), followed by how often the person seems to be on or is able to be on (so they make their picks as quick as possible), and finally if that cannot get us down to 20 teams, I will use club diversity, nation diversity, registration date, and stuff like that. If you want to participate, I suggest posting in here as soon as possible, because I would say it's very likely that I just start the draft immediately when we get 20 people without waiting for anyone else.]

Ideally we will have 16 people participating in the Ultimate Draft Challenge, but if we can only get 12, so be it.[Again, this year I want 20] I will randomly provide the order using a random number generator; if I get the first pick I will scrap that order and do it again so it doesn't look like I rigged the process.[This year I will probably use some service online that draws fantasy draft order for you, and then post the link in here to ensure even more honesty and transparency. As much as I would love Messi, I will once again scrap the results if I get the #1 pick] I will post the Order and the member with the first pick has 24 hours to make their selection. The sooner the better. After the first pick is made the member with the 2nd pick will have 12 hours to make their selection, or else they will be skipped and the team with the third pick can pick at any time. They have 12 hours to make their pick, and Team 2 can also make their pick at any time. This is important; if you see that the team ahead of you has 30 minutes before their 12 hours is up, it's not a bad idea to wait for 1 minute after so you get the best player possible. It is also a major incentive to get your pick in on time. If you miss your pick by 4 hours you could see 6 or more players taken before you get your selection in. DO NOT MISS YOUR PICK. I understand that people have lives and this will be inevitable, but this draft will take FOREVER if we have to wait 12 hours for every selection. If you cannot check the board at least twice a day, then don't bother signing up. Most people do not sleep for 12 hours a day, and most people do not work for 12 hours a day, so these will not be tolerated as persistent excuses.

If any member becomes a hassle by constantly missing picks and holding up the draft, the rest of us[Just me. And you better believe I will kick you out if you miss your first 2] have the right to kick them out and hand their team over to someone else. If you miss a pick you will be skipped until you come back; that means that if you miss one and then it comes back to your next pick, you will not get a fresh 12 hours. If you miss 2 picks you will be kicked out of the draft unless there has been fewer than 24 hours since your initial 12 hours expired. That means that if you do not show up within 36 hours of your pick you will be out and someone will assume control of your team, no questions asked. [THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT]If you cannot make a pick, then PM someone with a list of players and they can select in your absence; this will not be counted against you even if this person is a "no show" for 36 hours as well. You might have to reveal a secret about your preferences to someone, but it is better than the alternative of getting kicked out.[And frankly, it's not really a big deal. PM someone who will not be drafting between where the draft is now and your pick. Finally, I made a LOT of picks last year and never snipered one from anyone as far as I remember. I'm very willing to accept list PMs from people].

We will do this for 18 rounds. [This year, 25, although I think we will expedite it after 18; everyone submitting a list of 15 or more, and then I will just allot the last 7 players in an hour or so] You are required to have 2 goal keepers, but there are no other restrictions on how to make your squad. After we select our players you can do whatever you want to represent your formation.This is different this year, I'll explain lower Write a quick formation on here, or create a lengthy tactical explanation with accompanying pictures, whatever you want. It would probably make sense to list your First XI.

Winning:

Ahhh, now this is where it gets tricky. How the hell do you tell who won? [At the absolute least we will have a voting champion. This will be done like how the Babe Competition is being run in The Lounge. Start with Group Stage, then move to Knockout Rounds. Beyond that, I am probably going to do some lengthy FM12 Editing and then post the season in extreme detail on the forum; further, anyone who would like to do the same thing with FIFA 12 is more than welcome to do so. BUT, if the game edits do not take place (and after last year, if I was one of you I would operate on that assumption and NOT draft players based on how good you think they'll be in the next version of FM or FIFA), we will at the absolute least have the competition done via voting and we WILL declare a winner this year.

Finally, this year detailed tactical instructions will not happen. In order to represent your formation you will get a pitch, player icons, player names, and arrows. Nothing else. The voters will draw their own conclusions about how the teams would play. If you want to say more, you can do so in the voting thread, but it will not be in the top post. This way, people who don't want or have the time to write out detailed tactical descriptions will have the same chance as those who do, it also means that stupid tactical descriptions asking players do to things they are not capable of will not influence voters.]


Alright, so hopefully a few of you are still with me. If you are interested, post in this thread saying something to that effect.

It's really all pretty simple once we start. Don't be intimidated by the length of this post.

As I said, we have some people already signed up, and there are plenty of open spots. Here is the state of the Draft.

These are the official participants, registration is closed

1. Nimreitz
2. Xifio
3. 4ndr3i
4. Coruja
5. Nady
6. Azrael
7. theo
8. fender
9. Filipower
10. Skiptomylou
11. Jaboldinho
12. kp40
13. Juventino
14. Rocky
15. Ilaje
16. Zlatan
17. Arnau
18. VantheMan
19. Dytza
20. Keegan

plz count me in as well.

Kick ass! Can't wait to start the draft. It made things very interesting for the time it went on.

Sorry I haven't responded to your PM yet, Nimreitz. I didn't follow the Draft Challenge last year, so I had to sit down and read the explanation this time. Count me in!

Last season the reason I didn't enter is because I couldn't be bothered to read such a long text. Regretted afterwards :(

Should be fun

Is that the order?

That is not the order. I'm a little surprised there isn't more interest, although truth be told I did contact a lot of regular members and the forum isn't as active as it once was. I'll PM a couple more people. My guess is that we won't go over 20, so if you're on that list, you're almost certainly in; probably don't worry about green and blue.

Sent out maybe 5 or 6 PMs. Get in while you can, this could be closed by this time tomorrow.

PM VanTheMan if you haven't yet.

Alright, not sure I totally get how this works, but I'll get into it. Sign me up! :-)

Finally! You can check out the threads from last year if you are unsure about anything:



http://www.soccergaming.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163951


http://www.soccergaming.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163923

Three spots to go.

Hahahaha, I said don't worry about colors!

I'll be missed the first week of September but add me plz, sounds funny.

Just send a list to someone and I guess it really shouldn't be a problem. Check in if you can.

Put me in !!soryr for being late !! :d

PM VanTheMan if you haven't yet.

thank you my love :D

lol I remember you were so up for it last year.

Put me in if you still have a free spot. Don't know how I missed this thread. And maybe i'll understand it from last year's topics

Teams are now locked and the draft order has been set.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/5310/orderew.jpg

Ilaje, you have 24 hours to make the first pick because there was no warning when this would start. After that you only get 12 hours before the next person can skip you. Remember to PM the person after you when you make a pick to help this go as fast as possible.

EDIT: Because the first pick is so obvious, if you cannot make your pick within 24 hours I will make it for you. After that, skipping can occur.

If anyone would like to trade up for #4, I am more than willing to trade down into the 10-15 range. PM me with offers. If I had to guess, I'd say a fair offer would be to swap First and Second Round picks and then maybe a 4th Round Swap, or a 3rd for 4th trade depending on how low in the order you are. I value the ability of the top 4-5 guys, but I don't really want one.

With the 1st pick in the 2011 Soccergaming Draft, Ilaje picks... MESUT OZIL?! Why, buddy?

This Draft is a shocker already. Unbelievable!

WOW!!!!!!

My pick is probably not available anymore.

Ozil!!! Haha I'm sure he would still be available after 3 rounds. Messi, Ronaldo still available for Keegan.

EDIT: I am 17th. All the top players will be gone by the time my turn comes. :nape:

20th, damn. I guess I'll have wait and see what's available by the time it's my turn. They silver lining is that I get two picks in a row, so there's that.

Ozil!!! Haha I'm sure he would still be available after 3 rounds. Messi, Ronaldo still available for Keegan.

EDIT: I am 17th. All the top players will be gone by the time my turn comes. :nape:

Please do not tip players. Those two are pretty obvious picks in the next 3 or 4 here, but it becomes extremely important later on.

EDIT: And 3 rounds? Nah, Ozil's a top 10 pick for sure.

Yeah I realised 3 rounds would mean 60 players ahead of him. Highly unlikely to be available by 3rd round. I wouldn't be surprised if he was picked in the 2nd round though.

Well, if I traded down to 10-15 and he was there, I would have taken him.

Don't have any idea on who I'll get, haven't made any plans, think I'll improvise for now.

Ilaje hasn't been around for the past 4 years (H)

I'm always in mid table for picking...


Not sure if this is good or bad

http://halfagiraffe.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Fry_Looking_Squint.jpg

Can someone give me a nudge when it's my turn? I'm afraid I'm going to forget about it by that time. :-(

Of all the picks i really really hope i get the player i want for the first pick.

Can someone give me a nudge when it's my turn? I'm afraid I'm going to forget about it by that time. :-(

Everyone is supposed to PM the next person after making their pick.

Nice little vulture there by Juventino, and as much as I admire Barcelona, I just gotta go with Pichichi.

And now Xifio has gone... I must say, so far it definitely has looked like people are going for guys they like more so than maybe who's considered "better". That's kind of cool.

I would've done the same. It's Messi, after all.

Messi, Agüero, Cristiano... all of them picked so Neymar is my Ace.

I hope the player(s) I got my eye on don't get picked.

I might not be able to post on Saturday and not sure when my turn will come. How do I send my nomination for someone else to post? What if I nominate someone and someone else nominates that person before my turn comes?

Messi, Agüero, Cristiano... all of them picked so Neymar is my Ace.

I honestly can't believe you passed on that balding, diving, guy. Not the one I like.

I might not be able to post on Saturday and not sure when my turn will come. How do I send my nomination for someone else to post? What if I nominate someone and someone else nominates that person before my turn comes?

It's no problem, just send a list of a few players to someone who will be online (preferably someone who won't pick between when you leave and when your pick is). They can make your pick in your place. If someone sends you a list and then you also have to be gone, please pass the list along to someone else. I would say, don't just send 1 player, send 5 (or if you have to leave and there's only 1 pick before you, obviously only send 2).

I will also be unavailable Saturday however, so for this one don't use me. In the future however, I will gladly accept this responsibility.

Finally, you might notice that on the post that keeps track of all the draft picks I have edited Keegan's pick down to where he made it chronologically. I think I'm going to do this with all the skipped picks just because it gives a better idea of where guys were selected just as in where their perceived value is. For some reason I doubt Keegan would have taken Kun #2, but hey, maybe he would have.

I honestly can't believe you passed on that balding, diving, guy. Not the one I like.

He is not a diver. Worldclass midfielder but he doesn't make the diference, even though he scored a pair of decisive goals in the past. I have to pick a team ace on the first round and this guy is really special, I thought in another balding guy but Neymar fits better to play the Messi's role in my team and his hair is cooler.

KtIYE4kOkIw

It's no problem, just send a list of a few players to someone who will be online (preferably someone who won't pick between when you leave and when your pick is). They can make your pick in your place. If someone sends you a list and then you also have to be gone, please pass the list along to someone else. I would say, don't just send 1 player, send 5 (or if you have to leave and there's only 1 pick before you, obviously only send 2).

I will also be unavailable Saturday however, so for this one don't use me. In the future however, I will gladly accept this responsibility.

Finally, you might notice that on the post that keeps track of all the draft picks I have edited Keegan's pick down to where he made it chronologically. I think I'm going to do this with all the skipped picks just because it gives a better idea of where guys were selected just as in where their perceived value is. For some reason I doubt Keegan would have taken Kun #2, but hey, maybe he would have.

7 people need to nominate before my turn so I doubt I will be able to vote before Saturday :nape:

I will wait until the last minute before I send my list to someone.

I think you'll pick tomorrow. Arnau, please don't tip players.

Hope so. Its been very slow so far.

Patiently waiting here...

I hate the time difference. :mad:

Yeah, time difference is the worst part. I remember once last year we had like the next 7 people all online... but one Aussie held it up.

...And the frustrating part is that when an Aussie guy would post, everyone else is sleeping! Making the process even longer.

Sorry about takiung long and then not PMing, I slept in and needed o hurry so my girlfriend would get to work on time. Fortunately Jabol posted on time.

Didn't go with a first round Chelsea pick this time! Decided to land a proper playmaker first and we currently don't have any, well, not any good ones. Xavi, Ozil, and Sneijder got landed, so went with Iniesta because he can also play on the wing and he's brilliant, even though I dislike him.

Kinda got blindsided since I didn't really think my pics through, but I've got a good idea on who my next picks will be, although at least 1 one of them will be picked by then.

Shocked that Arnau went Neymar and not Iniesta, actually, he picked him over Xavi last year.

And Nani? Really? Brilliant, but still hasn't managed to get the consistency needed to be one of the Best 15 players in the world. Better wingers out there, IMO.

How can someone dislike Iniesta?

I think he's a bit of a prick, honestly, just a very shrewd prick. I always see him 'metiendo cizaña' and then getting away as soon as possible. But he's a fantastic footballer.

Did last year participants post their tactical lineup as well?

Well, I may start regretting my pick. I was just counting on getting Iniesta, expecting you to get a Chelsea player, but when you took him, I was a bit baffled. Also, I haven't made any kind of a shortlist or anything. I'm pretty much just going to choose when it's my turn. Had a couple who I was thinking of, and ended up with Nani.

Don't listen Azrael, Nani is an excellent choice (H). I was considering him too but he was not among my first few choices.

5 more people before my turn. Faster people.

I know who would be your pick ;).

Fuuuuck I'm 19th...


Theo already messing my picks up, cheers (Y)

Mario Gotze as a first round pick?

I know he's impressed, but is he really one of the world's 13 best players? I haven't seen that much of him, but I highly doubt it.

Could be a great pick if he continues to impress this year, though.

Actually, the same could be said of Neymar.

I knew Iniesta wasn't gonna last, but I figured Gotze would be there. Creative attackers are trending in this draft.

3 people before my turn. Come on, quick b*tches.

Well, I may start regretting my pick. I was just counting on getting Iniesta, expecting you to get a Chelsea player, but when you took him, I was a bit baffled. Also, I haven't made any kind of a shortlist or anything. I'm pretty much just going to choose when it's my turn. Had a couple who I was thinking of, and ended up with Nani.

Nani is a good choice.

I was bored at work yesterday, so after checking my phone for who had been picked, I started writing off the top of my head who I thought were the top 40 players in the world. Who I could expect on falling to me at #37 when I pick again. I must say, Neymar, van Persie, and ESPECIALLY Mario Götze were not on that list. Neymar really just because he's in Brazil and I didn't think his profile was that high, van Persie kind of because I got him in the fourth round last time and he's injured a lot, and Mario Götze.... I mean I love the kid but I figured 4th or 5th was when I'd make my move and be sure to get him. Wow.

Nani, however, was in my First 20.

Neymar managed to lead Santos into Libertadores glory, every team need this kind of talent to win titles, although i agree he has to prove himself in Europe. Barça win tittles with Iniesta injured but i don't think we are able to compete at this level without Messi. Same goes to 2006 with Ronaldinho, Xavi were injured all season long and Van Bommel was starter, DRAMA!

I really haven't seen Neymar play more than once or twice, but the hype around him is massive. People seem to think he's going to be one of the greats. I really left him off the list because on this forum we focus mostly on Europe so I thought his perceived value would be lower, not necessarily because I think he needs to prove himself in Europe, although I do think that as well.

your spot is not that bad, then you have chance to pick another one very fast. I think the worst spot are middle ones.

I really haven't seen Neymar play more than once or twice, but the hype around him is massive. People seem to think he's going to be one of the greats. I really left him off the list because on this forum we focus mostly on Europe so I thought his perceived value would be lower, not necessarily because I think he needs to prove himself in Europe, although I do think that as well.

Brazilian hype him too much, they're looking for someone in Messi's caliber.

I followed all Santos matches in Libertadores just for him and got impressed, thought i was going to see a Robinho-esque selfish player and his style is closer to Ronaldinho or Messi, he's also Intense in pressing and got an incredible competitiveness. I really like him and i wish to see him in la liga. He was dissapointing in Copa América because his team was a disaster, someone must take him away from the wing, he'd be better in the center.

Fuuuuck I'm 19th...


Theo already messing my picks up, cheers (Y)

love you too my man (H)

I followed all Santos matches in Libertadores just for him and got impressed, thought i was going to see a Robinho-esque selfish player and his style is closer to Ronaldinho or Messi, he's also Intense in pressing and got an incredible competitiveness. I really like him and i wish to see him in la liga. He was dissapointing in Copa América because his team was a disaster, someone must take him away from the wing, he'd be better in the center.

exactly, as I mentioned before, he's Romario type.

He can show and prove himself in Olympics and Fifa World Cup as well.
If he wins the first Olympic Gold for Brazil, he will be national hero for World Cup.

Romario was a box player, best finisher ever maybe, Neymar a 40 meters one.

BTW when i typed his style is similar to Messi or Ronnie i mean his style, not his level.

Yeah Neymar isn't Romario, definitely. He just loves to roam on that far left and then cut inside to put them on the closer bottom corner, he does that ALL THE TIME. Great player, I'm not at all impressed he's been picked in the first round, really.

but he has a good instinct in the box as well, he scored two goals in Coppa like that.

He can develop alot, Messi 2007, Messi 2009 and Messi 2011 are very different. He's a complete player right now.

Not really that much different. He still scores goals, drifts over the pitch, plays great passes, runs with the ball like a demon. He's a false 9 now instead of a winger, but I don't think he's that much different.

Hope he ends up in Madrid instead Man City or Italian club; is a role model player for madrid, talented, arrogant and good marketing.

Better than the bald Frechman? I mean, of course he's better, but will he adapt quick, and will he do that role like Mourinho wants better?

Really out of ideas but at least i have my Top class striker.

****er (H)

Really surprised by some of these picks, but think it's awesome that we all have different opinions. I guess if Falcao beats the crap out of your team you have to rate him highly.

Thats one of the reasons, but when i think of world class strikers in good shape... Falcao is one of the few who comes to my mind.

VanTheman's turn now. 2.26am in India now. **** that.

Damn the time difference! I was hoping to get my picks in today.

Not really that much different. He still scores goals, drifts over the pitch, plays great passes, runs with the ball like a demon. He's a false 9 now instead of a winger, but I don't think he's that much different.

I disagree, Messi used to have a poor passing range and Barca relied on the midfield for creativity. Messi plays great passes to the runners now, and although his range of passing is still not as good as it would be for a perfect player playing in the AMC zone, he has pinned down the assists part, and in a few years, assuming his game doesn't draw him back to dribbling more than passing, he could get close to Xavi's passing ability.

Highly doubt he ever will be as good a protoypical playmaker as Xavi, but it won't ever matter since Barca produces other playmakers so Messi can keep being Messi.

I still rate Xavi higher, though, but I'll always value passing over dribbling, and no one beats Xavi's passing, although a few players are close, some practically on par, like Iniesta, Sneijder and a few others I won't mention.

Lucky for me you have Iniesta then, because I need to craft a system of good teammates around my selfish Super Talent winger.

Not sure I understand what you're getting at.

I was saying that because you have Iniesta, you won't be going as hard after the "few others I won't mention", which is good for me because with Ronaldo in my side I need unselfish players and good passers.

Ah yeah, unless they're versatile and can play deeper, or as forwards/wingers, playmakers are off my list for at least 10 rounds. My backups for the bench are probably not gonna get picked either, so that's good.

I disagree, Messi used to have a poor passing range and Barca relied on the midfield for creativity. Messi plays great passes to the runners now, and although his range of passing is still not as good as it would be for a perfect player playing in the AMC zone, he has pinned down the assists part, and in a few years, assuming his game doesn't draw him back to dribbling more than passing, he could get close to Xavi's passing ability.

Highly doubt he ever will be as good a protoypical playmaker as Xavi, but it won't ever matter since Barca produces other playmakers so Messi can keep being Messi.

I still rate Xavi higher, though, but I'll always value passing over dribbling, and no one beats Xavi's passing, although a few players are close, some practically on par, like Iniesta, Sneijder and a few others I won't mention.

Xavi's mine (Y)

Ah yeah, unless they're versatile and can play deeper, or as forwards/wingers, playmakers are off my list for at least 10 rounds. My backups for the bench are probably not gonna get picked either, so that's good.

Well there's more people this year. Maybe someone else has a fetish for Premier League mid-table players like you.

Yeah, seeing as I couldn't get Xavi last year when I was amongst the first pickers, I couldn't see me getting him this time around either, but I'm more than happy with Iniesta, in some ways he's even better than Xavi.

EDIT: Playing for a midtable club doesn't make you a midtable player, especially when playing in one of the Top 3 leagues, and I'm being purposefully non-controversial.

Arnau picked him #2 last year, so I was really shocked to see him fall outside the Top 10. To be honest, I thought I would end up with him at #4, which is why I wanted to trade the pick. Not sure he can play deep in a 4-2-3-1, nor do I think he's quick enough to play AMC in that formation, and versatility is important this early. I would imagine Az is looking at a Villas Boas style 4-3-3 now.

Since my next few picks are ones that could go either in terms of whether they're available, I'm keeping quiet on any plans. But I do have some now!

Neymar managed to lead Santos into Libertadores glory, every team need this kind of talent to win titles, although i agree he has to prove himself in Europe. Barça win tittles with Iniesta injured but i don't think we are able to compete at this level without Messi. Same goes to 2006 with Ronaldinho, Xavi were injured all season long and Van Bommel was starter, DRAMA!

Iniesta and Xavi won World Cup and Euro for spain, they were best players in those competitions. Messi couldn't score a single goal in World Cup or Coppa.

I don't think Barca can compete at this level without any of them (Iniesta, Xavi and Messi). and we are talking about world's top 3 players.

I'm keeping quiet for now, but that's because I have no idea who I'll pick. I'll knee-jerk the crap out of this one (H)

Pick Huntelaar.

And **** off, it ain't tipping, no one's picking Huntelaar in the next 3 weeks, or 50 thread pages.

Have my eye on someone and will be surprised if he isn't snapped up before my turn.

Come on VtM...

I'd have picked Messi had I known when it was my turn... not CR7. I'll work with Kun although I hope he gets knocked out in the first 5 minutes of his next Prem game and has to sit out the rest of it.

VtM's vote can be skipped in 1h 36 minutes.

I love how you use election terminology.

For those of us that aren't actually in the comp., could you guys post a list of who picks which players in the OP, or as the picks are made?

Would have liked to been part of this, but I don't post here very much...

It's all in the first post of the Selection Thread.

Lol, didn't even realise there was a selection thread! My bad...
:blush:

12 hours gone. Dytza can nominate.

Wake up bastards.

I'm keeping quiet for now, but that's because I have no idea who I'll pick. I'll knee-jerk the crap out of this one (H)

Really carefull....:icon_spyed:

Haha. Good Morning! (H)

"14. Coruja - Radamel Falcao - Porto - Colombia"


Atletico Madrid

Haha in all fairness you didn't choose for being an Atlético player :D


And once again, people messing up one of my first picks. This is why I'm not thinking ahead on this one. I get disappointed with every other pick you guys make.

FINALLY with Rooney. Honestly I'm surprised he fell this far.

"14. Coruja - Radamel Falcao - Porto - Colombia"


Atletico Madrid

Yeah yeah.

EDIT: Hey, if any mod or whatever can update the first post today and tomorrow that would be great, because I'm going to be out of town. Back either Sunday night or Monday morning.

wooow, Dytza picked Rooney, C'mon Nady, your turn ;)

He did say he had an issue with Saturday, but he'd try to stretch it out as long as possible without sending a list to anyone. Let's hope he gets up early here and makes his pick.

Yeah I was hoping Wazza got under the radar until my pick. **** 19th.

But on the plus side... 21st!!

Yeah, every cloud... Though to be fair, Rooney wasn't my first idea for my first pick, I just thought about him when I saw Dytza chose him. :D

Thought Rooney'd get picked in the next round actually.

I was surprised he wasn't picked until 16th pick

**** thought you would pick certain mexican, Nady.

wooow, Dytza picked Rooney, C'mon Nady, your turn ;)

Fabregas was my first choice and I was like 90% sure Dytza would pick Fabregas. Rooney was second choice.

I wanted to secure a top playmaker first because I think thats the most important spot to have a superstar.

**** thought you would pick certain mexican, Nady.

You might end up with no Barca players for picking Neymar :D. Barca players are being quickly picked up for obvious reasons.

He did say he had an issue with Saturday, but he'd try to stretch it out as long as possible without sending a list to anyone. Let's hope he gets up early here and makes his pick.

I actually managed to get access to SG using the library computer in the hospital I work in. (Y)

Go mullet go!

Horatiu's gonna piss Dan off.

I seriously considered Fabregas, but decided Iniesta offered more.

Haha in all fairness you didn't choose for being an Atlético player :D


And once again, people messing up one of my first picks. This is why I'm not thinking ahead on this one. I get disappointed with every other pick you guys make.

of course not, hes awesome.

You might end up with no Barca players for picking Neymar :D. Barca players are being quickly picked up for obvious reasons.

I knew i wouldn't have any Barça playmaker when i pick Neymar, but his hair is so cool.

I miss the mullet wearing boy wonder.

Lots of surprising drafts so far, interesting.

It's funny me and Nady selected Xavi and Cesc, Dytza and Jaboldinho, Rooney and Nani :).

Most surprising moment for me is Neymar for Arnau and me not having a Chelsea player yet. Ozil being first choice is also up there.

Most surprising moment for me is Neymar for Arnau and me not having a Chelsea player yet. Ozil being first choice is also up there.

Thats not surprising. You had only 1 pick so far.

Dammit, Nady. I was sure Cesc was gonna slip to be able to pick him.

Now I'll have to improvise.

Most surprising moment for me is Neymar for Arnau and me not having a Chelsea player yet. Ozil being first choice is also up there.
There are lots of talks about Neymar for months.

For me, Goetze was the surprise. Many didnt know him 2 weeks ago.

Yeah, Gotze was the sort of pick I would have expected from someone like poet, not Andrei.

Zlatan gets Robben. Couldn't you let him go for a few rounds and then I'd get him? He's bald and injury prone!

THE INCREDIBLE!

Here we go baby (H)

Zlatan gets Robben. Couldn't you let him go for a few rounds and then I'd get him? He's bald and injury prone!

Yeah I actually wanted to get Sneijder, but then Fender already drafted him so...

fender always drafts Sneijder before I get the chance, the ****.

Fili with Hulk, shocker.

I don't care who my next 19 are, really. (H) That in mind, I must start caring 'cause I'm up next.

Was expecting possibly a different Barcelona pair from skip. Thiago? Top 20 player?

**** I wanted caps. Here we go:

NEMANJAAAA (H)

Was expecting possibly a different Barcelona pair from skip. Thiago? Top 20 player?


Wasn't my first choice, but I need a playmaker, and he's looked on point from what I've seen of him.

Not surprising yet amazing choices by Max (Y)

As much as I despise beaver face, he's a great player.

I think whole Barca squad will be finished before round 3 ;).

Btw, decent draft speed :).

Yeah, we picked up the pace. Hopefully Nady is still around if not we'll have to wait a while.

Damn, another united player is gone :)

Aha Fili. Hulk would be my next pick.

Seriously?

Yes, he would be good in my tactic and i know you would pick him in early stages of the picks, so... and hes good simulating penalties, thats a plus.


ZING!

Poor Nady waited so long for his first pick, I don't think he expected this pace.

Oh yes, I see why a benfiquista would like that quality.


OH!

So many picked that I was hoping to get. I was considering Robben as my first choice, but figured with him being so injury prone, Nani's a better choice. Cesc was also on my mind, but thought he hasn't been his last year. Thought Thiago would slip a bit longer, and could maybe get him in the 3rd round (if I didn't want to take him as my second pick already). And yet again, was hoping to get Suarez as my 2nd pick. :/

Welcome to the Draft (H)

Just realised I have to wait quite long before I'm on again.
Ah well, at least I got the wings covered. (H)

Was gonna get Hulk next, not surprised Fili picked him.

Damn i thought pique wouln't be picked until the 3rd or 4th round.

Damn i thought pique wouln't be picked until the 3rd or 4th round.


I made that mistake last draft.

Cesc + Tevez (H)

I'll bet in young players, so watch out for the ones currently doing good stuff on their team.

Your kind friend, Coruja Wenger

Nice pick by Dytza, always liked Alonso, was kind of mad when he moved to Liverpool because I wanted him to go to Arsenal...

Cesc + Tevez (H)

ummmmm, Tevez:rolleyes:. Not bad.

**** ! I wanted Tevez for the second round. Well.. back to the drawing board.

Does someone actually have any player from his favourite team? :D

Aye.

Who is VantheMan, and why is he signed up? I looked up his profile, and he's banned for nearly 2 years now! Last online appeance: January 2010, last post somewhere in 2009.

http://www.soccergaming.com/forums/member.php?u=20495

Holy crap you're right.

Creativemantra is VantheMan's dupe account (referred to on the second page of this thread), but he hasn't logged on in 4 days either. This is going to take ages.

let's see, but if he doesn't post again in 12 hrs, we should think something about it.

He posted few days back, check page 2, I don't know what happened to him. According to Nady, he was very interested last year.

Actually he has a good chance of selecting two.

If he misses the first 2 picks he's out, that's what Dan said, so it's really just a matter of finding the replacement if he misses his next pick.

I might miss mine, Fili has my picks.

Doesn't seems Vantheman is in...

I'll bet in young players, so watch out for the ones currently doing good stuff on their team.

Your kind friend, Coruja Wenger

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5HPv55J20r8/TVKfPX1UmZI/AAAAAAAABFM/PD4rZld9cuY/s1600/n_20100921131805_nolito_puede_ser_la_novedad_contr a_el_sporting.jpg

Pick.

The wait continues.....

ummmmm, Tevez:rolleyes:. Not bad.

Not many top strikers left TBH. And he fits my tactics perfectly. Didn't want to wait till the 4th or 5th round to get strikers like Bent or Defoe left.

My first choices would be Villa, Rooney, Aguero, Suarez but they are all gone.

Not many top strikers left TBH. And he fits my tactics perfectly. Didn't want to wait till the 4th or 5th round to get strikers like Bent or Defoe left.

My first choices would be Villa, Rooney, Aguero, Suarez but they are all gone.



lol there are still many great forwards left to pick.

He single handedly wasted one day so far x-(.

It's all Nady's fault :rolleyes:, he recommended that guy :clapwap:.

f*ck waiting for VtM again ...
we should start looking for a replacement for VtM -- anyone interested?


I wouldn't mind having a crack...
But I can't guarantee I'll be available for all my picks.
Time difference might be a problem as well.

If someone else wants it, and is more likely to be around for it all, they can have it.

If you think you might miss a pick than you could PM a list to someone, and they will make the pick for you. I'm all for having lucacalciatore in and kicking vantheman out. Hope Dan agrees.

No offence to lucarce or whatever but he'd be like simo last year, Australian newb who stalls the proceedings. Better choice than the absent vantheman, but I'd wait a day or two to check, sinc it'll be a while before it's his turn again.

Haha, I agree completely.
I fit that bill perfectly!

Coruja's turn now. kwik!

alright bitches, I've sent my application to Dan. BEWARE (H)

--------------???--------------

Ribery ------ Götze ------ ???

------???-----------???-------

???------???------???------???

-------------???--------------


It's all in the plan !

I love your right back.

He's blazing fast. Gotze as a CB is a little suspect, though.

I didn't realize it looks that way. Oh well.

He's blazing fast. Gotze as a CB is a little suspect, though.

Well it's in the spirit of Beckenbauer to have your playmaker as CB. (H)

ahhhhh, I wanted that German :(.

great pace again, c'mon Arnau.

Az picked Schweiny. Some good choices, top players in the world just rushing out. ****.

Fili are you sure it was not, Mark Schwarzer?

The chick I posted removes all doubt. (H)

I PMed Arnau, as well. Must be watching some late night u-12 Barça training.

Thanks Fili. Actually, I was between 3 players for my 2nd choice, sent all 3 to Fili, and theo picked my 2nd choice, David Silva. Not that bothered, Schweini was surely going to get picked soon, and I've got others in mind for Silva's position. Actually, kind of glad, since I get to pick twice before Fili picks again, assuming no one picks my next player, I won'0t have to worry about Fili sniping one off me, although I don't think he'd pick that player next anyway.

A tad worried because some plays I had in mind, if not first choice then 2nd, are getting picked. A lot more variety in the way players are picked this time, and I can't say a big mistake has been made yet.

Onto Schweini, probably the best complete midfielder in the world right now, especially now that Essien is injured and played worse than the shadow of himself last season. Offers defensive prowess, energy going forward and good passing ability.

Schweini and Iniesta in my midfield mofos.

Oh, and that's 2 rounds without a Chelsea player, I'm still shocked.

That midfield is a very scary start for a team.

Schweinsteiger... meh. Decent player. Not in form.

oh the sweet bitterness (H)

Let's go Arnau, wherever you are

Schweinsteiger... meh. Decent player. Not in form.

Haha, what MaSSive said.

EDIT: Massive in for vantheman? Now that's a good swap.

Massive in with a bang! (H)

can't say I'm not delighted to have landed such a massive striking force (H)

SG United has broken the record of most uses of the word 'massive' in a row in their Draft thread on August 22nd with 4 uses.

The old record stood at 1.

Massive record, this.

Aren't you afraid Eto'o and his goals will fall off the radar at Anzhi? Could be a massive disappoint.

It's possible, but his wages are massive.

I didn't realize I don't have to pick until the end of next round. It's fun picking two players at a time, but the wait is massive!

Aren't you afraid Eto'o and his goals will fall off the radar at Anzhi? Could be a massive disappoint.
I'm pretty sure we'll be hearing about him, after all he's about to become the highest paid footballer of the universe; that alone, although being a massive weight on his shoulders, should give him the boost he'll need to keep performing on a high level... and therefore not falling short of expectations.

Anzhi is expected to give Eto'o a three-year contract worth $28.8 million per season, surpassing the estimated $17.3 million that Cristiano Ronaldo earns at Real Madrid and the $15.1 million that Lionel Messi is paid by Barcelona.

What a massive contract!






(Yep, the first stages of the draft are a bit boring...)

Eto'o has a massive cock.

-------------Falcao--------------
----------------------------------
-Bale----------------------X----
-----------------------------------
-----------X-------X-------------
---------------X-----------------
---------------------------------
-X---------------------------X---
------------X------X-------------
---------------X------------------

Eto'o has a massive cock.

thanks for sharing your experience with us.

I don't think Arnau will post this morning, but having 6-7 picks today was a massive success.(Y)

Bale as an out-and-out winger I assume? Good combination there.

EDIT: Btw, fair play to kp for trying, but Coruja ****ed it up.

Most people here are using 4-3-3.

You are shrewd.

Most people will go for 3 men in midfield, I highly doubt we'll see anything other than 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.

Yeah, I think among great teams, Manchester United is the only team who still plays 4-4-2.

4-3-3 is a tricky system, it needs good holding and passing midfielder + fast players up front and WC scorer.

Coruja did a nice combination so far. Your midfield looks very promising as well, did you decide your system?

Will be sending my pick to Nim to speed things up if, Arnau doesn't post soon.

I have two systems in mind, but we're just 2 rounds in and most of the players I want will likely get snapped.

-------------Tevez--------------
----------------------------------
----X----------------------X----
-------------Cesc-------------------
-----------X-------X-------------
--------------------------------
---------------------------------
-X---------------------------X---
------------X------X-------------
---------------X------------------
__________________

26 picks before my turn again. I have like 10 players in mind for my next pick. Hopefully at least 1 or 2 will still be available by the time my turn comes.

I must say, I'm shocked Tevez didn't go in the first round. I thought he would be top 10.

Also guys, can you make sure to post the player name along with the picture? I don't know every footballer in the world by face, and it gets tougher as the draft goes on.

Nim I don't think Eto'o is officially Anzhi's.

It's going to happen any day now. Saves me an edit.

****, the wait is insane, I had forgot about that.


At least I have two beasts in my team already (Y)

Just for the record I wanted Suarez. Would have been my next pick. Love his movement work ethic and thought he would be amazing next to Crissy.

I think Suarez would end up in the same spaces as Ronaldo, no? I mean, that's the old "great players will work together" story, but theoretically...

Yeah, Zlatan's got the backup keeper spot filled too.

On a serious note, though, I agree with Fili. Suarez's movements are generally horizontal, he doesn't tend to come deep as much when played up top, and Ronaldo makes similar movements from that positiuon, so they won't work as two central players, and if one is played wide, he'd look to come into the other's space (mostly because when they move wide, they don't stay wide). It could work, they could get really coordinated or develop good interplay, but for two players who are better known for good movement than passing, it sounds complicated. I think Ronaldo and Tevez would work better, for example.

Zing!

I just get the feeling like I did last year that I wish I had picked the player who gets picked every time there's a new pick.

You're going to have to scramble for players in the later rounds, that's fact. No one's going to be 100% happy.

Come on guys, go easy on the American. I don't know anything.

I must say, I'm shocked Tevez didn't go in the first round. I thought he would be top 10.



Tevez is not top 10 in the world. He is not even top 5 striker in the world. He is overrated. As I said, I chose him because Rooney, Villa, Suarez, Aguero etc were all gone and Tevez suits my gameplay very well. I was looking for a fast striker as opposed to a poacher. So I'm happy with my pick.

Tevez almost single handedly dragged City into the Champions League last season. Not to mention that he kept West Ham up in the Premiership almost by himself in 2007. Honestly, I don't think Rooney or Villa are as good as him. He also flies around the field pressuring guys like no other forward I've seen.

Sometimes he can be frustrating to watch though, running in circles with no end product. He improved a lot though. Still not top 10 IMO. Probably top 25.

Last season he was top scorer with 20 goals in the EPL but 6 of them were penalties.

Guys, if you are not available on a certain day, please send your list to someone who can post in on your behalf. If we waste 12 hours everyday, it will take ages.

Please take more responsibility and don't kill draft's momentum.

cheers

Guess I was being optimistic thinking I could maybe get Samu or Modric next round... This **** is frustrating. So different from doing a greatest albums draft I'm in on another forum, as here everyone is trying to get everytone, whereas there people's tastes differ much more.

Silva, Alves and Pato were in my radar

http://s4.as.com/prom/201108/pro_photo1314002255.jpg

Yeah, I thought I could get Modric a little later too. Ah well.

And Fender, come on man, I can't be expected to make a pick between 2:30am and 8am.

**** Modric and Xabi out, that sucks.

You have Iniesta and Bastian already.

Yeah, I thought I could get Modric a little later too.


Me too. :md:

You have Iniesta and Bastian already.

I'm playing them as fullbacks.

Damn you, Rocky. I knew you were going to pick Giorgio ahead of me! ;)

Had to take the best defender on the planet before anyone else did. Wasn't gonna risk him being there after the 2nd round.

I wasn't letting him fall to you, I knew you'd take him. (H)

Great pick! ******* bastard.

People starting to pick players from favourite teams.

And Fender, come on man, I can't be expected to make a pick between 2:30am and 8am.

No worries.

Was torn between Cambiasso and another player but went for Cambiasso eventually as he's just a handful of quality destroyers in midfield available.

Some more great choices, Chicharroooo :(

Um... okay I'll take Alexis Sanchez. Was targetting someone else, but figured I should take a star like this who I think fell way too far.

I'm still not sold on Alexis to be honest.


Anyway, you people need to hurry up, I wanna pick again!


Oh and ****. Chicharito got picked. Oh well, I just wanted him cause he's Mexican.

I mean, he was Player of the Year in Serie A and went to Barcelona for like 40m this summer.

The waiting part is horrible. Figuring out who you want to pick every once in a while, then you have to wait for days, and see as everyone you've had your eye on gets picked in the meantime.

Alexis Sánchez

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwmrC3RiYSA/TenuMgo156I/AAAAAAAAP7c/89SPnUr7f_c/s1600/alexis-sanchez.jpg


http://instame.me/uploads/fffuuu.png

Meh, he's no Hulk.

Meh, he's no Hulk.

Yeah, that's why I picked him.

Fabio Coentrao... Great fullbacks are hard to come by nowadays, and I'm glad I got mine in early. Incredible both on defense and offense, and plays like a veteran.

Yeah, that's why I picked him.

Yes, because Hulk was picked already (H)


Coentrão is a great pick, too! Messi and Centrão, you only need a keeper now haha

And the waiting starts again ... :(

honestly, **** you guys. I mean really De Rossi, Chiellini and Sanchez all in the same day?

C'mon Keegan. I predict his pick

http://zing.ro/imagini/stirisportive/jacques%20rogge%20bolt%20a%20fost%20controlat%20de %20z-106129.jpg

I was hoping to make 2 picks today, but it's just... not... meant... to... be. (It's past midnight here now.)

At least I hope Keegan and Ilaje are online at the same time so they'll pick in quick succession (Keegan-Ilaje-Ilaje-Keegan).

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFf

De Rossi was in my line-up... damn

Haha this is why I don't plan ahead :D