retired_lmgordon

I'm into my fourth season and doing very well, in the premiership and europe. but my problem is keeping everybody happy.

I know who my first choice 11, but the second string players want more games (understandably).

I've trimmed my squad down, so much so i'm a little weak in certain areas.

Basiclly i'm wondering what your view is on what's the perfect Backup 11??
players who are strong but don't mind playing second fiddle to the first choice players.

retired_lmgordon

anybody have any thoughts or opinions on this??

retired_eyoregirls

Your backup's will depend on who you have as first 11, what team you are (ie: Premiership title chasers, Championship etc etc) and the formation and tactics you play

retired_lmgordon

Cheers Rico, great help

as i said, i'm playing in the premiership and europe and doing well!

Let's just put it as a 4-4-2 formation with the two central midfielders being an AMC and a DMC.

So come on people, who in your opinion would be a good backup 11 for a high flying premiership team pushing for top european honours?

retired_jmaharry

Well i always try to have 2 players for each position and like to play a second string team in the cup's bit lik Arsenal, my second team is usually made up of future world beaters so they get experience at first team level.

retired_lmgordon

if it helps, here is my first 11.

GK Ochoa
DR Micah Richards
DL Balzeretti
CB Breno
CB Zapata
MR Fernando Belluschi
ML Matias Fenandez
MC Abou Diaby
MC Luis Jimenez
ST Anelka/Billy Sharp
ST Lupoli

retired_genelia

little rat, i suggest what liamoville said....

i have a squad of 25, 22 of those are first team material but for the centreback, central midfield, striker i have awesome youngsters they wont become unhappy until around 23-24 so is fine to have them as backup playing in cups etc.3 others are reserves who i dont care if they become unhappy on low / reasonable wages goalkeeper, versatile defender and midfielder who can play 2 positions


Also for first team i give them 25-28 premiership games keeps them happy around 40 games total end of season, for second string 10-13 premiership games, maybe more rotaitng around 18-25 games total end of season..

Works sweet ;-)

As for recommendations, just use miniscout or geniescout and search for players with ca of 160-175 ;-)

retired_eyoregirls

Interesting team mr rat!
So I would say something along the lines of the following (taking into account money being no problem)

GK Ochoa/ Foster, Akinveev or Ustari
DR Micah Richards/ de Silvestri
DL Balzeretti/ Bale
CB Breno/ Pique
CB Zapata/ A.Traore
MR Fernando Belluschi/ Ronaldo (dreaming) or de Guzman
ML Matias Fenandez/ ??
MC Abou Diaby/ Ever Banego
MC Luis Jimenez/ lilinho (spelling)
ST Anelka/Billy Sharp/ Aguero/ Saviet
ST Lupoli/ Baxter/ Jo (Target Man)

I think that you could do with better 1st choices in certain positions but most players as long as they get about 20 games per season re fine so rotate and they should all stay happy enough!

retired_lmgordon

cheers guys both are great help.

so basiclly keep the back up player as youngsters and i suppose old greats from your team who are starting to get on too!!!

and yeah you're right Rico, my squad does need strengthening in certain areas especially left back,

cheers again guys!

retired_eyoregirls

little rat can you tell me where you got Zapata from and how much?? Also what do you think of Breno? I've heard so many good reports but never bought him yet as he seems a little up himself!