Okay folks, this is the picks thread.

Here is the order (picked randomly using http://www.randomizer.org/form.htm):

Mercury69 (1)
Jam-Fly (2)
KDawgCometh (3)
mr paddyx (4)
james D (5)
Rinswun (6)
LJB723 (7)

So Mercury69, commence picking!

A few reminders...

1) This is for picks only. To discuss one's pick, go to this thread

2) This thread should consist of picks, and a spiel as to why a certain player was picked. You should include: a brief description of the player - his strengths and weaknesses, why he'll fit in well in YOUR team, why he's better than other player's in his position, his honours, a picture, possibly a YouTube clip etc. It is your responsibility to justify your pick and convince the rest of us that you made the best pick available to you.

3) After a poster receives a PM reminding him that it is his turn, he then has 24 hours to make a pick. If you fail to act in time, your turn will be skipped, and it will return to you when you become available to post. Hopefully this won't happen too much, as it really messes up the game. I think most here are fairly frequent users of the forum so it shouldn't be a big problem, but if you are the type to visit the forum once a month, it's probably best to not be part of the draft. Also, keep an eye on the order. So if you see that it will be your turn to pick soon, make it a point to visit the forum frequently.

4) The order goes like this.
1st round- 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
2nd round - 7,6,5...
3rd round - 7,6,5...
4th round - 1,2,3...
5th round - 1,2,3...
6th round - 7,6,5...
7th round - 7,6,5...
8th round - 1,2,3...
9th round - 1,2,3...
10th round - 7,6,5...
11th round - 7,6,5...

5) Remember, this is from the whole Premiership. Players from 1992 up to 2009. Players must have played a minimum of 50 games to be part of the draft (so guys like Robinho, Gullit, Baptista don't count). Players will be judged from their period in the Premiership. So if you pick Edgar Davids, this Davids is judged ONLY as the Spurs player, not the guy who dominated Europe at Juventus. Likewise, if you choose David Beckham, it's the Man Utd. David Beckham you chose, not the Madrid/LA/Milan Beckham.

6) Bear in mind, that you are picking a team to play matches. So if you pick 5 central-attacking midfielders, and 4 wingers, expect to 'conceed' alot of goals!

7) At the end of the draft, when all teams are picked, it is expected for each poster to make one final post in this thread. They are expected to make a post outlining their picks, tactics, why the feel the team will work well together, etc. This part is hugely important. It is hard to judge a team of 11 players against a team of 11 players unless we hear how the manager plans for the team to play eg. One manager may play Ronaldo as an out and out winger, affecting the dynamics of the team. Another manager may play Ronaldo in the free role which would have a different affect on the team. Both are possible options, but it is up to the manager to show how he wants his team to play. This will enable the rest of us to judge accurately what team is best, given the manager's tactics'

8) Hopefully when everyone has picked a team, we will be able to have a competition pitting teams against each other and have people vote on the winners. This can be discussed at a later date. First, let's pick the teams!



Okay, let's go! Good luck everyone!


SUBS PICKS ORDER:

Round 12: 2, 4, 5, 3, 6, 1, 7
Round 13: 1, 4, 2, 5, 7, 3, 6
Round 14: 1, 6, 2, 3, 7, 5, 4
Round 15: 7, 4, 1, 5, 2, 6, 3
Round 16: 6, 5, 1, 7, 4, 3, 2
Round 17: 7, 6, 3, 2, 5, 1, 4
Round 18: 1, 3, 6, 4, 7, 2, 5

This will be a record of all picks made. It will make it is easier as the game progresses to see what players have been picked and what players are still available.

Round 1
1 Alan Shearer - Striker - (picked by Mercury69)
2 Thierry Henry - Forward - (picked by Jam-Fly)
3 Roy Keane - Midfielder - (picked by KDawgCometh)
4 Cristiano Ronaldo - Winger - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Ryan Giggs - Winger - (picked by James D)
6 Peter Schmeichel - Goalkeeper - (picked by rinswun)
7 Andy Cole - Striker - (picked by LJB723)

Round 2
1 Petr Cech - Goalkeeper - (picked by LJB723)
2 Patrick Vieira - Midfielder - (picked by rinswun)
3 Eric Cantona - Forward - (picked by James D)
4 Ruud Van Nistelrooy - Striker - (picked mrpaddyx)
5 Matt Le Tissier - Midfielder - (picked by KDawgCometh)
6 Paul Scholes - Midfielder - (picked by Jam-Fly)
7 David Seaman - Goalkeeper - (picked by Mercury69)

Round 3
1 Steven Gerrard - Midfielder - (picked by LJB723)
2 Frank Lampard - Midfielder - (picked by rinswun)
3 Fernando Torres - Striker - (picked by James D)
4 Dennis Bergkamp - Centre-Forward - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Ian Wright - Striker - (picked by KDawgCometh)
6 Shay Given - Goalkeeper - (picked by Jam-Fly)
7 Denis Irwin - Full-Back - (picked by Mercury69)

Round 4
1 David Beckham - Midfielder - (picked by Mercury69)
2 Rio Ferdinand - Centre-Back - (picked by Jam-Fly)
3 Wayne Rooney - Forward - (picked by KDawgCometh)
4 John Terry - Centre-back - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Jaap Stam - Centre-back - (picked James D)
6 Tony Adams - Centre-back - (picked by rinswun)
7 Marc Overmars - Winger - (picked by LJB723)

Round 5
1 Sol Campbell - Centre-back - (picked by Mercury69)
2 Teddy Sheringham - Centre-Forward - (picked by Jam-Fly)
3 Martin Keown - Centre-back - (picked by KDawgCometh)
4 Cesc Fabregas - Midfielder - (picked by mr paddyx)
5 Gianfranco Zola - Forward - (picked by James D)
6 Jamie Carragher - Centre-/Full-Back - (picked by rinswun)
7 Marcel Desailly - Centre-back/Defensive Midfielder - (picked by LJB723)

Round 6
1 Mark Hughes - Striker - (picked by LJB723)
2 Robbie Fowler - Striker - (picked by rinswun)
3 Nemanja Vidic - Centre-Back - (picked by James D)
4 Gary Neville - Right-Back - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Andrei Kanchelskis - Winger - (picked by KDawgCometh)
6 Gary Pallister - Centre-Back - (picked by Jam-Fly)
7 Michael Owen - Striker - (picked by Mercury69)

Round 7
1 Paul Ince - Midfielder - (picked by LJB723)
2 Robert Pires - Winger - (picked by rinswun)
3 Dietmar Hamann - Midfielder - (James D)
4 Claude Makelele - Defensive Midfielder - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Stuart Pearce - Left-Back - (picked by KDawgCometh)
6 Michael Essien - Defender/Midfielder - (picked by Jam-Fly)
7 Gary McAllister - Midfielder - (picked by Mercury69)

Round 8
1 Gareth Southgate - Centre-Back - (picked by Mercury69)
2 Freddie Ljungberg - Winger - (picked by Jam-Fly)
3 Ashley Cole - Left-Back - (picked by mrpaddyx)
4 Arjen Robben - Winger - (picked by KDawgCometh)
5 Xabi Alonso - Midfielder - (picked by James D)
6 David Ginola - Winger - (picked by rinswun)
7 Steve MacManaman - Winger - (picked by LJB723)

Round 9
1 Gilberto Silva - Defensive Midfielder - (picked by Mercury69)
2 Dan Petrescu - Right-Back - (picked by Jam-Fly)
3 Lucas Radebe - Centre-Back - (picked by KDaegCometh)
4 Harry Kewell - Winger - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Lee Dixon - Right-Back - (picked by James D)
6 Frank Leboeuf - Centre-Back - (picked by rinswun)
7 William Gallas - Defender - (picked by LJB723)

Round 10
1 Patrice Evra - Left-Back - (picked by LJB723)
2 Nigel Winterburn - Left-Back - (picked by rinswun)
3 Edwin Van Der Sar - Goalkeeper - (picked by James D)
4 Brad Friedel - Goalkeeper - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Steve Finnan - Right-Back - (picked by KDawgCometh)
6 Damien Duff - Winger - (picked by Jam-Fly)
7 Gareth Barry - Defender/Midfielder - (picked by Mercury69)

Round 11
1 Markus Babbel - Right-Back - (picked by LJB723)
2 Jurgen Klinsmann - Striker - (picked by rinswun)
3 Gael Clichy - Left-Back - (picked by James D)
4 Colin Hendry - Centre-Back - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Magnus Hedman - Goalkeeper - (picked by KDawgCometh)
6 Graeme Le Saux - Left-Back - (picked by Jam-Fly)
7 Kolo Toure - Centre-Back - (picked by Mercury69)



Round 12
1 Les Ferdinand - Striker - (picked by Jam-Fly)
2 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Striker - (picked by mrpaddyx)
3 Eidur Gudjohnsen - Forward -(picked by James D)
4 Dwight Yorke - Striker - (picked by KDawgCometh)
5 Juninho - Attacking Midfielder - (picked by rinswun)
6 Nicky Butt - Defensive Midfielder - (picked by Mercury69)
7 Didier Drogba - Striker - (picked by LJB723)

Round 13
1 Jimmy Hasselbaink - Striker - (picked by Mercury69)
2 Ricardo Carvalho - Centre-Back - (picked by Jam-Fly)
3 Mikel Arteta - Winger - (picked by mrpaddyx)
4 Robin Van Persie - Forward - (picked by James D)
5 Emanuel Petit - Defensive Midfielder - (picked by LJB723)
6 Nigel Martyn - Goalkeeper - (picked by KDawgCometh)
7 Steed Malbranque - Midifelder - (picked by Mercury 69)

Round 14
1 Joleon Lescott - Defender - (picked by rinswun)
2 Nicolas Anelka - Striker - (picked by rinswun)
3 Dennis Wise - Defensive Midfielder - (picked by Jam-Fly)
4 Rob Lee - Midfielder - (picked by KDawgCometh)
5 Pepe Reina - Goalkeeper - (picked by LJB723)
6 Sami Hyypia - Centre-Back - (picked by James D)
7 Tim Flowers - Goalkeeper - (picked by mrpaddyx)

Round 15
1 John Arne Riise - Left-Back - (picked by LJB723)
2 Olaf Mellberg - Right-/Centre-Back - (picked by mrpaddyx)
3 Paolo Di Canio - Forward - (picked by Mercury69)
4 Peter Beardsley - Midfielder - (picked by James D)
5 Jay-Jay Okocha - Attacking Midfielder - (picked by Jam-Fly)
6 Carlos Tevez - Forward - (picked by rinswun)
7 Des Walker - Centre-Back - (picked by KDawgCometh)

Round 16
1 Phil Neville - Full-Back/Defensive Midfielder - (picked by rinswun)
2 Wayne Bridge - Left-Back - (picked by James D)
3 Richard Dunne - Centre-Back - (picked by Mercury69)
4 Gus Poyet - Attacking Midfielder - (picked by LJB723)
5 Jamie Redknapp - Midfielder - (picked by mrpaddyx
6 Warren Barton - Right-/Centre-Back - (picked by KDawgCometh)
7 Mikael Silvestre - Left-/Centre-Back - (picked by Jam-Fly)

Round 17
1 Joe Cole - Attacking Midfielder - (picked by LJB723)
2 David James - Goalkeeper - (picked by rinswun)
3 Carlo Cudicini - Goalkeeper - (picked by Jam-Fly)
4 Tony Yeboah - Striker - (picked by mrpaddyx)
5 Paul Gascoigne - Midfielder - (picked by mrpaddyx)
6 Mark Schwarzer - Goalkeeper - (picked by Mercury69)
7

Round 18
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

My first pick is...The one and only:

Alan Shearer, Centre Forward/Striker, (Best Season: 1994-1995 season, Blackburn Rovers)



The first Premiership superstar has remained one of the EP's greatest legends, both on and off the pitch. The all-time leading scorer in EP history, leading the Blackburn Rovers to a championship in their 94-95 season. Other seasons with Blackburn and Newcastle United led to runner-up finishes and Shearer's international impact, while not resulting in any titles, was significant.

Modelling the classic centre forward, Shearer's strength and strong shot made him a threat and a target. Strong heading skills and a propensity for using his elbows resulted in many header goals (49 of 207 with NU were scored with the head), penalty cards (2 red and 59 yellow for his career) and penalty shot goals (45 for NU and 5 more off corners).

First pick was always gonna be a tough one with so many great players to choose from. I had 3 players in mind to pick first, but when it came down it, I had to pick...



Sheer excellence on the ball, unbelievable speed, a superb set-piece taker, an amazing captain and team player, a huge will to win, and a great goal scoring record. What seperates Henry imo is, he did for 5 seasons in a row! Many strikers have 1 or 2 twenty plus goal seasons, but Henry had 5 in a row (including one 30 goal season). His worst goal-scoring ratio came in the 00-01 season where he scored 17 goals in 35 games, not too shabby for a 'bad' season by Henry's standards.



He averaged 0.68 goals per game in his time with Arsenal in the Premiership. Coupled with this was 77 recorded assists in 254 games. This means, that on average, Henry contributed with either an assist or a goal EVERY GAME! He also won the golden boot in 2001–02, 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005-06 seasons!




Honours:

• FA Premier League: 2001–02, 2003–04
• UEFA Champions League: (Runner-up) 2005-2006
• UEFA Cup: (Runner-up) 1999-2000
• FA Cup: 2002, 2003, 2005
• FA Community Shield: 2002, 2004

Sheer brilliance, an utter legend, my first pick...




...Thierry Henry

Rd 1: Roy Keane








every side needs a captain and field marshall, and Keane will be mine. He does all sorts of things that don't end up on the stat sheet, but at the end of the day, he brings out the best from the players around him


------

----- ------ ------ --------

---- Keane ----------- ------

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1st Round Pick - Cristiano Ronaldo



I was so torn on my first pick as there is so much quality to pick from. However Ronaldo is simply the best attacking midfielder I have ever seen. He dribbles past players for fun and had the some of the sickest free kicks you will ever see. Also he is an excellent header of the ball. He has not played as long as of some players but the best is sure to come from the 24 year old.

Key Stats

Premier League Winner - 2007-08, 2008-09
Top Goal Scorer - Golden Boot - 2008-09 (31 goals in 34 games)
PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08
FWA Footballer of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08

1st Pick: Ryan Giggs




If there's any player who defines the Premiership (and who should be first on anyone's list), it's Ryan Giggs. He is not only the most succesful player in English history, but he's a model example of how a modern day professional footballer should be. He's scored in every single season, since 1990/91... but really his influence goes much deeper than just goals, or even assists.

Loyal to the bone, he has had more influence than anyone (Alex Ferguson aside) in developing Manchester United to what they are today.



Honours (ridiculous really... and counting!)

* Premier League (10): 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
* FA Cup (4): 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04
* Football League Cup (3): 1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09
* FA Community Shield (7): 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008
* UEFA Champions League (2): 1998–99, 2007–08
* UEFA Super Cup (1): 1991
* Intercontinental Cup (1): 1999
* FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2008


Add to this a ton of personal awards including successive PFA Young Player of the Year awards, and you start to get a sense of how great he really is. It's a complete joke that he's never had a senior player of the year (edit - He is now the 2009 PFA Player of the Year), or a FIFA award etc... but that is simply because he doesn't shout from the rooftops and whore himself out in terms of the media etc, like many others (Beckham, Ronaldo to name but two).

He's also proved himself to be very adaptable over time. In the early years, he'd tear down the wing gliding past defenders with the most beautiful style I've ever seen.. almost effortless. Recently, he is used more in a central role, but still roves down the left wing at times. He can link up well with anyone, from Hughes, to Cole, to Berbatov (just a sense of how he's spanned the years, and adapted). I am very happy to have someone in my team, who first lit up the Premiership when it started, and who 18 years later, is putting in man of the match performances in crucial victories such as MU v Chelsea this year.


Best goal ('99 FA Cup semi against Arsenal). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrOyedpeZnk

Rinswun's 1st pick:

Every great team is built on a strong spine and as the saying goes 'defence wins championships'. Where better to start then than with the last line of defence and arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time, The Great Dane - PETER SCHMEICHEL.

Schmeichel made over 351 premiership appearances over 10 Premier League seasons from 1992-2003, most notably with Manchester United and laterly with Aston Villa and Man City. He also made 129 international appearances for his native Denmark. As well as clean sheets, Schmeichel also had quite the goalscoring record for a non-freekick taking keeper with 2 premiership goals and an international strike to his credit - amongst 10 in his career.

Over the course of his Premiership career Schmeichel backstopped his teams to 5 Premier League crowns, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup and a Champions League title. He also clocked up individual accolades including 3 UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year awards, and International honours winning the European Championship with the unheralded Denmark squad in 1992.

A physically imposing man, Schmeichel was a fine organiser of a defence, a brilliant shot-stopper, technical sound when dealing with crosses and an excellent distributor with a long throw that is still unparrelled today. He was as likely to intimidate the opposition into missing a good chance as he was likely to make a world class save and he was a great leader when called upon by his respective managers.

Peter Schmeichel, the Premiership's number 1.





Peter the Great - video

Peter Schmeichel - Wikipedia

If goals are what you're looking for look no further than Andy Cole. 2nd top scorer in EPL history. 5 premier league titles. 2 FA cups and the CL in 1999.

Cole made his name at Newcastle before moving to Man Utd in a then British record £7m deal. There Cole formed a deadly partnership with Dwight Yorke and together they helped Manchester United win everything under the sun.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Cole

For my first pick for round 2 I give you:



Petr Cech. Already a winner of 2 EPL titles with Chelsea. The Czech international is a model of cosistency and showed remarkable powers of recovery to return to football despite fracturing his skull. Still considered one of the top goalkeepers in world football at the moment the Chelsea man is a fine edition to team LJB.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petr_Cech#Chelsea_2

My 2nd pick:

Continuing the theme of building a strong spine for the team, my second pick will be the tall, tough tackling, Frenchman PATRICK VIEIRA.

Vieira spent his whole Premier League career (9 seasons, 1996 - 2005) at Arsenal, patrolling the middle of the park with his long, languid stride that could often look lazy to the untrained eye. Make no mistake however, Patty V was no lazy player. Ferious in the tackle, outstanding range on his pass, a non stop engine and a good eye for goal, Vieira was the metronome from which Arsenal took their rhythm. Often remembered for his clashes with Roy Keane in particular, he clocked up 279 Premier League appearances and scored 29 goals, preventing many more besides.

Like Schmeichel, Vieira has a long list of Domestic and International team achievements and plenty of individual honours. 3 Premier League titles - including one skippering the 2003/4 unbeaten 'Invincibles' and 4 FA Cups were his achievements in the domestic game and he also picked up winners medals in the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship whilst an Arsenal player. Individual accolades include being named to the PFA Team of the year 6 years in a row from 1999-2004 and the UEFA Team of the year in 2001.

Patrick Vieira - my captain.





Patrick Vieira, Legend - video

Patrick Vieira - wikipedia

2nd pick: Eric Cantona







Where do you start, really? If Giggs defines the Premiership, then Cantona invented it.

No one else comes close, in terms of iconic status to him. Every (full) season he played at Man Utd, we won the league, and his name will be one of a small handful that United fans will sing about for eternity, at Old Trafford. In fact, he even won the league for Leeds the season before joining us... I know that isn't strictly Premiership, but it has to be mentioned.

When I think of my favourite period of ever watching United, the Cantona years will always be at the top, higher than the treble winning team or the current one. I'm sure this must be the case for non United fans too... when he was playing there was something about him that you couldn't take your eyes off him, not knowing what outrageous piece of skill he was going to attempt next (not in a Ronaldo type way either... it was altogether more classy than that). Despite his disciplinary record, somehow he was a true leader... EVERYONE in my team would look up to him, and would be honoured to play alongside him.


This isn't just my sentimentality talking, however. Because he is the most skillful, imaginative, controlling and audacious player to have ever played in the Premiership. Also one of the most successful.. The only reason I picked Giggs ahead of him was because of longevity and temperament. We all know about his temper, but that just adds to the enigma... Oh, and if Eric does something, he does it better and more extreme than anyone else. He does it properly. None of this finger waving, namby-pamby stuff... he just goes flying into the crowd and unleashes hell.





He also had one of the single biggest influences that anyone has had on one team (1996 season), in winning the League and FA Cup double. His goals proved crucial, and there was a period where it seemed we always won by one goal... scorer: Cantona. Then he finished off Liverpool in the Cup Final.


Genius.


Eric Cantona - The King



Honours:

Manchester United
Premier League (4): 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97
FA Cup (2): 1993-94, 1995-96
Charity Shield (3): 1993, 1994, 1996

Individual
PFA Players' Player of the Year: 1994

Round 2: I'm going to forget my manners because its time to get Ruud!

My 2nd draft pick is the legendary goal scorer Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooij otherwise know as Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Signed from PSV Eindhoven for hefty £20 Mil his time at Old Trafford was highlighted by goals, goals and even more goals. In only 5 seasons (one of which he was mainly injured) he scored 95 Premiership goals. In total he scored 150 goals in less than 200 games. Like a few high profile players, his time in England was cut short by an falling out with Alex Ferguson and he was shipped off the Real Madrid.


Key Stats

Premier League Winner - 2002/03
PFA Player of the year 2002/03

sorry it took me a while, was recovering from a very long night on saturday/sunday


Round 2: Matt LeTissier




a magician in the midfield who never really got his due with england. Maybe it was down to his not moving from southampton, but its hard to deny his class. He basically kept southampton up for years with his skill and making a whole bunch of crap look a lot better then they were. I'd love to see what he can do with actual good players around him to see what magic he can do


stats:

Southampton 443(162)
England: 8(0)

PAUL SCHOLES


What a player. Vision, passing, shooting, work rate, what more could you ask for? Never the centre of attention, but ever-present for United for the last 15 years!
He has played 408 league games, scored 97 goals and won no less than 8 (!) EPL titles! In 2008, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
I don't think I really need to go on about this guy's achievments as everyone knows how brilliant he is. Instead, I'll let you enjoy this video...

The legend - Paul Scholes

HONOURS

• Premier League: 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
• FA Cup: 1996, 1999, 2004
• Football League Cup: 2006, 2009
• FA Community Shield: 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2008
• UEFA Champions League: 1999, 2008
• Intercontinental Cup: 1999
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
• Barclays Premiership Player of the Month: January 2003, December 2003, October 2006
• PFA Team of the Year: 2002–03, 2006–07
• English Football Hall of Fame: 2008

Team so far: Henry, Scholes

My 2nd pick of the draft...

Topnotch goaltenders are, perhaps, harder to come by than any other position, so I'm going to make my 2nd overall pick:

David Seaman, MBE



This anchor of the Arsenal juggernaut of the 90's. inexplicably rejected by Graham Taylor to be part of the English World Cup squad of 1992 (after a season in which he conceded only 18 goals in 38 matches), Seaman took his revenge by leading Arsenal to the League Cup and FA Cup in 93. , Seaman and Arsenal managed to grab two titles despite Man U's domination through the 90's and finished near the top of the table in most seasons. Easily one of the top 3 goaltenders in premiership history...

Honours

Tournoi de France
Winner: 1997

First Division Championship*/FA Premier League:
1997-1998, 2001-2002

FA Cup:
1992-1993, 1997-1998, 2001-2002, 2002-2003

League Cup:
[b]1992-1993 [/b]

Cup Winners' Cup:
1993-1994

Coming in for my 3rd pick is Mr. Liverpool himself. Steven Gerrard MBE.

Excelling in Europe where he almost single handedly dragged Liverpool through the group stages of the CL of 2005 and scored in the final. Gerrard got them back there again in 2007 where he narrowly missed out on another winner's medal.



Honours

FA Cup: 2000-01, 2005-06
League Cup: 2000-01, 2002-03
FA Community Shield: 2001-02, 2006-07
UEFA Champions League: 2004-05
UEFA Cup: 2000-01
UEFA Super Cup: 2001-02, 2005-06

Individual
PFA Young Player of the Year: 2000–01[21]
UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2004–05
UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 2004–05
FIFA Club World Championship Silver Ball: 2005
PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2005–06[21]
FA Premier League Player of the Month: March 2001, March 2003, December 2004, April 2006
FA Cup Final Man of the Match: 2005–06
FIFPro World XI: 2006–07, 2007–08
UEFA Team of the Year: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07
PFA Team of the Year: 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08

The only thing missing from this man's resume is a Premiership medal. Maybe this year...

Retracted...process problem...sorry.

My third round pick is the living embodiment of the term 'Box-to-Box' midfielder, Chelsea's FRANK LAMPARD.

Lampard's blood lines are impressive with his dad a well respected coach and former England full-back, his uncle Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp and his cousin ex-Liverpool and England midfield Jamie Redknapp. Despite this impressive football heritage, Lampard is the best of the lot. Along with Matt Le Tissier, Lampard is one of only 2 midfielders to have notched 100 Premier League goals - as well as 16 for England.

Lampard has an impressive array of honours, both with Chelsea and individually. They include 2 Premier League titles, an FA Cup and 2 League Cups with the Blues and indivually he was voted Football Writers player of the year in 2005, voted to the Premier League team of the year 3 times from 2004-06 and voted UEFAs top midfieder in the 2007-8.

Lampard's primary strengths are his boundless energy and workrate, the timing of his runs in the box, the great range on his pass and an uncanny net of getting a shot on target even through a crowded penalty area. He is also very durable, making 164 consecutive Premier League appearances from his debut in 2001 until December 2005 - which was a record at the time. A talismanic figure for Chelsea and underrated leader, Lampard will be a fine addition alongside Vieira in the engine room of my team.

Frank Lampard - centre midfield





Frank Lampard, midfield maestro - video

Frank Lampard - wikipedia

I feel like I've just made a frantic transfer deadline day type signing to my team here... but after receiving final confirmation from the authorities, I can proudly reveal to fans of Real Jamborino (yes, that's my team name) that our 3rd signing is none other than 'El Nino' himself... Fernando Torres!






This guy is most definately the real deal, and he's beaten a whole host of established Premiership names in getting a contract from me as my main striker (am I getting carried away? lol!).

His impact on the Liverpool team is clear for everyone to see and he marked his first season at the club by being their first player to score more than 20 league goals (33 in total) for the club in a season since 1995. He will be around for a long time to come, I love his attitude (seems very committed to his club, and loyal... I like to see that, especially in today's world of football), his style and ambition. And he is only getting better. He's very much a big game player too, completely unafraid of big name defenders... he's put in man-of-the-match performances against Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United in the last few months alone.

Also worth mentioning that he has won the European Championships with Spain. Not only that, he was their leading scorer in qualification and scored the winner in the final against Germany, and was man-of-the-match.




I enjoy watching him play a lot, his style seems effortless yet deadly effective and he manages to find that extra yard of space that is synonymous with only the very very best strikers. I think his link up play in my team with Cantona playing in the hole just behind him (no, not like that silly) would be too much for any team to handle.

I said in the main Premiership thread at the time Liverpool were going for him, Man Utd should have signed him. We didn't, and I still believe that Fergie missed out there.


Oh, and he's pretty good looking too... so I'll have lots of female fans coming to watch my games - I'm thinking of everything here... I'm building a goddamn EMPIRE!!


Youtube - Fernando Torres

Round 3 - Its getting harder to pick true quality but I think I have got a steal in the 3rd round. The legend that is Dennis Bergkamp.



Simply one of the best 2 footed players I have ever seen. His contribution to Arsenal over 11 seasons is hard to match with goals and assists all over the place. He won the Premier League 3 times and The Fa Cup 4 times. He was also a scorer of some truly outstanding goals including 2 goal of the season efforts.

Goal of the Season vs Leicester

Goal of the Season vs Newcastle

In my team I see him playing in the hole just behind van Nistelrooy.

Round 3- Ian Wright







I need a striker and wrighty more then fits the bill. A true predator with great instincts he just went out there and got goals for aresenal and his strike rate of better then a goal every other match proves it. Though he came late into football, he kept himself together and had most of his best seasons after the age of 30



stats:

Aresenal 91-98 221(128)
west ham 99 22(9)
England 91-98 33(9)

Honors:

MBE- 2002

FA Cup: 93, 98
Cup Winners Cup: 94
Premier league: 98



squad:


--------

----- ------ ------- ------

----- Keane Le Tissier -----

---- Wright

Round 3, Pick 6 - Pick #20 OVERALL


I was planning on picking a defender for this pick, however, I have changed my mind and decided to pick a Goalkeeper. The reason for this is there are still alot of top quality defenders left, all roughly the same standard (ie there is no single 'stand out' defender in my eyes). So even if my no. 1 pick for a defender is chosen, I know I'll be able to choose a replacement of almost identical quality.

The same cannot be said for keepers. If this keeper is choosen, I know I will NOT be able to choose a replacement of almost identical quality. Schmeichel is no. 1, that's pretty clear. But the second best keeper in the history of the Premiership is, in my opinion....

Shay Given




Cat like reflexes, out of this world shot stopping, complete command of area, unrivalled bravery and top class positioning. Given has it all. He spent 12 years at Newcastle and during this time he has proven himself as one of the top keepers in the world, and he has done this without a defender in front of him. He has been Ireland and Newcastle's hero too many time to count. He finally earned himself a well deserved move to Manchester City this January, and even in his short time at the club, he has shown the Manchester City faithful what a top keeper he is. He made his debut in a 1-0 win against Middlesborough and picked up the man of the match award in the game.





Given was named in the PFA team of the year in 01/02 and 05/06, more times than ANY other keeper! He appeared in the 1998 and 1999 FA Cup final, and won the Inter-Toto cup in 2007. Given's honours do not do justice to the player that he is. Hopefully in his time at Manchester City he will be able to pick up some silverware.





Team so far:

------Henry--------XXX------
-XXX---Scholes--XXX----XXX
-XXX----XXX-----XXX----XXX
------------Given-------------

No team with a striker and a goaltender gets anything done without a top-notch defender. I'm going across the Irish Sea for this fellow who picked up 56 caps for the Republic and assisted the Irish in reaching the round of 16 in the 1994 World Cup:

Denis Joseph Irwin



A defender of the highest quality, Irwin excelled at leftback and was equally comfortable at fullback. An expert at free kicks and penalties, Denis even scored 22 goals during his tenure with Man U, while quarterbacking the dominating club to 7 Premiership titles. While not the best known defender in Premiership history, no list/draft is complete without his name. An absolute slew of honours completely supports this determination.

Honours

Manchester United
Premier League
Winner (7): 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1997, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01
Runner Up (2): 1994–95, 1997–98

FA Cup
Winner (3): 1994, 1996, 1999
Runner Up (1): 1995

League Cup
Winner (1): 1992
Runner Up (1): 1994

UEFA Champions League
Winner (1): 1999
Cup Winners' Cup
Winner (1): 1991

European Super Cup
Winner (1): 1991
Runner-up (1): 1999

Intercontinental Cup
Winner (1): 1999
Wolverhampton Wanderers

Division One Play-off
Winner (1): 2003

And I get to kick off Round 4! (this time, I checked)

Well, I have one of the best strikers of all-time up front...Who is, perhaps, one of the best set-up men ever? Who is, perhaps, the best dead ball hitter ever? Who is, definitely, the most photographed player in football history?

At midfield, David Beckham...



What more needs to be said about Becks? Here's the Wiki page in case you missed anything lol

David Beckham on Wiki



The Mercury Rangers:

G: Seaman
D: Irwin,
M: Beckham,
F: Shearer,

Round 4, Pick 2 - Pick #23 OVERALL

Probably the best centre-half to play football in the EPL. He has pace, strength, positioning, good passing and a great football brain - everything you want from a centre-back. I give you...




...Mr. Rio Ferdinand!

Rio started his career at West Ham where he was one of the finest assets produced by one of the finest youth academies in the country. He made his debut for West Ham in 1996 and went on to make 127 appearances for the club, picking up the 'Hammer of the year' award at age 19 - a remarkable feat for someone so young.



In 2000, Leeds United secured the services of the talented young centre-back. It was at Leeds where Ferdinand really proved himself as a top class defender. He was made club captain at the start of the 2001-2002 season, and went to be named in the PFA team of the year. The 2002 World Cup was where Rio announced himself on the world stage and lived up to all the potenital surrounding him. This good Premiership defender now became a feared world-class centre-back. Rio was now one of the highest rated young players in world football.



On the 22 July 2002, Sir Alex Ferguson splashed out almost £30million to bring this 23 year old to Old Trafford. With this move, Rio became the most expensive defender and the most expensive Brit of all time. Ferdinand has made 204 appearances for Manchester United and is still going strong. He helped lead United to 3 league titles, in 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08. He has easily been one of the key players behind United success in England and Europe over the past 7 years.



For me, Rio is great because he has done the business at three different clubs, each time surpassing his perfomances at the previous club. Alot of players have 4 or 5 great years in the Premiership but Rio has done well for over 13 seasons. One of the best judges of a player is how he is rated by his fellow players, and Ferdinand has been named in the PFA team of the year 4 times. He has anything you could ever want in a centre-back, speed, strength, passing, vision, positioning, composure, passion etc. He is also a great leader, and depending on my later picks, Rio could well end up being my captain. I am delighted to have Rio in my time and I am sure he will lead a great defence. The important to remember picking centre-backs is that they work in partners. Some centre-halves just won't work well together, but I know whoever I choose to partner Rio Ferdinand in central defence, he will compliment them well and make them raise their game so they can be a good enough player to compliment him.

Honours:

• Premier League: 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
• Football League Cup: 2006, 2009
• FA Community Shield: 2003, 2007, 2008
• UEFA Champions League: 2007–08
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
• PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2001–02, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2007–08
• FIFPro World XI: 2007–08

Stats:
England - 72 caps (3 goals)

West Ham - 127 apps (2 goals)
Leeds Utd. - 52 apps (2 goals)
Man. Utd. - 203 apps (6 goals)
TOTAL - 394 apps (10 goals)


He is excellent, and I am thrilled to have him in my team.

Team so far:
--Henry------x---
x----Scholes----x---x
x---Ferdinand---x---x
-----------Given-------

Round 4 pick 24- Wayne Rooney







While he hasn't scored as much as people expected him to since he had that cracking debut goal, instead he has turned into a ferocious striker, passer, and all around box to box player. He will play slightly behind Wright and with him, Wright, and Le Tiss leading the attack it should be utter hell for a lot of teams to deal with as there will be good interchanging between him and Le Tiss


stats: Everton 67(15)
ManU 148(62)
England 48(19)

Honors: Premier League: 07, 08
League Cup: 06, 09
Champions League: 08
Fifa Club Cup: 08


------

--- ----- --------- ------

----- Keane Le Tiss --------

Wright Rooney

This is getting tricky. There is a few attacking players I really wanted but its time to add some defensive steel. For this role I have picked Mr. Chelsea and the current England Captain, John Terry.





Though probably not quite as accomplished on the ball as Rio Ferdinand, there is no better defender in the Premier League than John Terry. A leader of men he seems to will Chelsea to victory when others would give up. He was part of the Premier record breaking defensive performance of Chelsea in 2004-05 when they conceded the fewest goals in EPL history and also had the most clean sheets. He also has an eye for goal with a total of 17 Premiership goals to his name.

Key Stats

Premier League Winner 2004-05, 2005-06
PFA Player of the Year 2004-05

The board over here at Jamborino are calling for some defensive stability... I agree, so what better time to call in the best centre back to have ever played in the Premiership. I give you:


Jaap Stam





A truly imposing 6ft 3 figure at the centre of my defence, as a Manchester United fan I couldn't believe it when we sold him (Ferguson has admitted since that this was a mistake). Our defence had never looked so solid, a true rock, so reliable it was incredible. He was with us for 3 seasons only, but guess what... in that time, we won 3 Premier Leagues, 1 Champions League and an FA Cup. He was also twice voted best defender in the 1999 and 2000 UEFA Champions League.




He will be my Vice-Captain (to Cantona), and will rule the rest of my defence with an iron fist. I can be assured of composure and an organized defence with Jaap in there.

AFC Rinswun continue to build a strong spine with their 4th round pick, picking a legendary centre back and fearless leader - ex-Arsenal and England captain TONY ADAMS.

'Mr Arsenal' was a no-nonsense defender, who combined outstanding positioning and anticipation with bravery and speed to lead Arsenal to 2 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, a league cup, a UEFA cup and a Cup Winners Cup. Adam's also holds the honour of being the only man to captain his team to a title in 3 different decades.

Not afraid to put his body and head on the line, Adams is worshiped at Arsenal where he made a total of 668 appearances including 255 in the Premiership - scoring 12 goals. He was also a stalwart for England making 66 appearances with 5 goals to his credit.

Adam's faced adversity at various points of his career as he spent 2 months in prison following a drunk-driving car crash, and revealed himself to be an alcoholic but fought to change his lifestyle to prolong his career and raise aware to those others who battled addiction. This kind of battling character tippified Adams as footballer and will add greatly to the determination of my squad.





Tony Adams - Arsenal Captain, video

Tony Adams - wikipedia

Although he only played in England for 3 years he made a mighty impact. Gentlemen, tearing up the left (or right) wing I present; Marc Overmars.

Signed from Ajax for around £5m back in 1997 Overmars played for Arsenal for 3 years before leaving them for Barcelona and a tidy profit of £20m.

Overmars scored 25 goals and won the Premier League and FA cup double in 1998.

With his pace on the wing supplying cross for my strikers I think Overmars is a great addition to my team. And, he could score a fair few himself.

Marc Overmars in 501 Arsenal goals

Let's contnue the run on defenders and send those who think a strong offense is going to win this runnung for the hills in a panic. There really aren't very many tried and true names left that are superstar defenders, but I believe I have found one in...

Sol Campbell



Subject of some controversy and recently the alleged target of racist chanting, there is no overlooking the quality that this world class defender has brought to the pitch for over 15 years. Capable of playing any defensive position, Campbell anchored the Spurs' defense for 9 years before moving over to the Gunners. A League Cup with the Spurs was just the beginning. Campbell's solid play helped Arsenal to 2 Premiership titles, 2 FA Cup titles, as well a couple of second place finishes in the Premiership and a runner-up spot in the UEFA Champions League.

A perennial selection for England's international squads, going as far back as a U21 selection, Campbell's biggest moment in the sun could have been a goal against Argentina that ended up being waved off due to Alan Shearer's illegal elbow on the Argentinian goalkeeper. Perhaps, this time around, Shearer will keep his elbows to himself.

Honours

Tottenham
League Cup: 1999

Arsenal

Winner
FA Premier League: 2002, 2004
FA Cup: 2002, 2005
FA Community Shield: 2002, 2004

Runner-up
UEFA Champions League: 2006
FA Premier League: 2003, 2005

Portsmouth
FA Cup: 2008
Barclays Asia Trophy: 2007

Runner-up
FA Community Shield: 2008

Individual

FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2002
UEFA European Championship All-Star Squad: 2004
PFA Team of the Year: 1998-99, 2002-03, 2003-04


The Mercury Rangers:

G: Seaman
D: Irwin, Campbell,
M: Beckham,
F: Shearer,

Round 5, Pick 2 - Pick #30 OVERALL


TEDDY SHERINGHAM


Teddy Sheringham was one of the best centre-forwards in the Premier League. Best remembered for his time at Spurs and Man. Utd, he also had spells with Portsmouth, West Ham and Notts Forest. In all, he scored 252 goals in 682 EPL games. In the early Premiership days he was a Tottenham Hotspur player. He played 166 games for Spurs from 1992-1997 and scored 76 goals. He re-joined Spurs in 2001 and scored another 22 goals in 70 games. In between his spellls at Spurs he played for Manchester United. Sheringham was part of the 1999 Treble-winning side (he did score one goal of semi-importance during that campaign - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcSt08-Qy50). He went on from here to win the Premier League in 2000 and 2001.

He will be the perfect strike partner for Thierry Henry. Henry works best with an intelligent centre-forward beside him. That's exactly what Teddy is. Great at finding holes in defences and punishing them. I am thrilled to have Sheringham and Henry as my strike force.

Honours:

• Premier League: 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-2001
• FA Cup: 1999
• UEFA Champions League: 1998-99
• Intercontinental Cup: 1999

Still haven't decided on a team name, but this is it so far:

--Henry-----Sheringham
x-----x----Scholes--x
x---Ferdinand---x---x
-------Given------

Round 5- Martin Keown








Well, since there seems to be a run on Defenders, I need to make sure to get myself one of the few class defenders left. Uncomprimising and solid as a rock in the back, him and Adams formed a spine for aresenal that was legendary in the 90s and continued up to 2004


Honors: Premiership: 98, 02, 04
FA Cup: 98, 02, 03
43 England Caps


---------

------ Keown --------- ----------

------ Keane Le Tissier ---------

Wright Rooney

I can't believe this player has dropped all the way to the 5th round. There are other positions I have a need for but I'm going take one of the best players left. He is the one, the only Cesc Fàbregas.



To many he is Arsenal's midfield. His play making skills make him one of the most important players for Club and Country. In one of many early highs he scored against Blackburn Rovers in 2004 to make him he youngest goal scorer in a legaue game in Arsenals history. Perhaps his most influential performance to date was when Arsenal went to Milan last season and won 2-0 where he was praised as the instrumental figure in that game.

He has developed into a visionary passer of the ball and a clear goal scoring threat.

Key Stats

Premier League Games 153 - Goals 15 - Assists 45

FA Cup 2004-05

PFA Young Player of the Year 2007-8

European Champion 2008

-------

------- Terry ------- -------
Ronaldo Fàbregas -------- ---------
<<<<<<Bergkamp>>>>>>
<<<<<<Van Nistelrooy>>>

4-5-1 at the moment (depends if i get another striker)

I was in 3 minds tactically who to pick this round (3 different positions too), but I've decided I have to complete my strikeforce... Playing just behind Torres, linking play in a crazy-talented and lethal triangle with Cantona, I present my latest aquisition:

Gianfranco Zola








One of the best Premiership signings ever, in my opinion, Zola simply oozed talent and skill. These were the days before Abramovich's billions (and without so many other great players around him, like he would have today, of course)... but in many ways Zola could be accredited with starting the modern resurgence at Chelsea and if I was a fan I'd have a lot to be thankful to him for.

His impact at the club was instant, helping the club to win the FA Cup in his first year... he won the Football Writer's Player of the Year Award that year, deservingly so. The next year he helped them to the League Cup, the Cup Winner's Cup and the Supercup. In 2003 he was voted best ever Chelsea player, by Chelsea fans.


Zola scored many fantastic goals for Chelsea, but his impact for the team went way beyond that... his vision, ability to create space, through balls, desire and workrate, and all round wizardry makes Zola a key player in my team. I think he'll work especially well in my team... dashing to the left, the right and through the middle.. the footballing understanding, awareness and ability between my front three will surely be too much for any defenders here?!


Gianfranco Zola - Legend

apologies for holding things up, i have been afk for the last day or so. i am just on quickly so will give it a full write up later but my pick is Jamie Carragher

First up in my defence is the rock solid and ever reliable World Cup winning captain, Marcel Desailly.

And the honour of being the first pick of round 6 is another legend. Rounding out my strikeforce is Welsh God, Sparky; Mark Hughes.

My 6th round pick is the 4th all time Premier League top scorer, Liverpool legend ROBBIE FOWLER.

Fowler took the Premier League by storm in its early years and in his first spell with the Reds he used his pace, skill and predatory instincts to record a ratio of better than a goal every other game scoring 120 goals in 236 games over 8 seasons. Sadly for Liverpool and Fowler, he was snakebitten with injury problems that blighted his career but he was still able to use his intelligence and positioning to sustain a Premiership career, finally bowing out of the league earlier this season after a short spell with Blackburn.

Over 16 years and in 2 terms at Liverpool, a spell with Leeds plus time at Man City and Blackburn, Fowler racked up 375 appearances and 161 league goals. He also scored 7 times in 26 games for England and won the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice in 1995 and 1996. In terms of team accolades Fowler won 2 League Cups, an FA Cup, a UEFA Cup and a Super Cup.





There's only one Robbie Fowler - video

Robbie Fowler - wikipedia

I am delighted to complete my central defensive partnership with my next pick... I have the best ever Premiership centre back already in my team, so why not pair him alongside the second best? Who is it?

Nemanja ohhh, Nemanja ohhh,
He comes from Serbia,
He'll f'kin' Murder Ya!


My 6th Round pick: Nemanja Vidic





Vidic has been a huge success at United and become the best and currently most sought after defender in Europe. This should be no big surprise however, because since his arrival three years ago he's won 2 Premier Leagues (1 runner's up), 1 Champions League and a FIFA World Cup. This season, he started every match in a British Football League record run of 14 consecutive clean sheets in Premier League matches. Pretty impressive.

He also adds a big aerial threat when coming forward and attacking set pieces.. he's scored many crucial goals to add to his defensive success.




Brave, strong, committed... he takes no nonsense. We have a VERY solid back line forming here at Real Jamborino.



Nemanja Vidic - Wikipedia

For my next pick I really want to add some defensive steel. For this role I have chosen to pick the 1st Choice right back for England and Manchester United for many years - Gary Neville.




Probably the most decorated right back in the History of the game. Gary Neville is the current Manchester United captain and one most consistent players in Premiership history. Amongst his many medals there is also a hint in controversy to his nature. After Manchester United scored a last minute winner against Liverpool in 2006 he, instead of joining in with his team mates, ran up to the Liverpool fans and celebrated in front of them.

Key Stats

Premier League Champion - 7 Times
Champions League - 2 times


-------

------- Terry ------- Neville
Ronaldo Fàbregas -------- ---------
<<<<<<Bergkamp>>>>>>
<<<<<<Van Nistelrooy>>>

6th Round- Andrei Kanchelskis








Kanchelskis Gives me some real pace and more goal scoring prowess on the wing. This will provide some diversity and a lot of attacking options. Its easy to forget how good he was as a certain England winger that has amassed 109 caps came right after him, but Kanchelskis was key to the early ManU prem sides

Honors: Premier League- 93, 94
FA Cup- 94



----------

----- ------ Keown -----

Kanchelskis Keane Le Tissier -------

Wright Rooney

Round 6, Pick 6 - Pick #41 OVERALL

Fellow FCPers, I present to you...



Mr. Gary Pallister


6ft5in of footballing talent. This centre-back was the absolute rock at the base of United's team during the early-mid ninties. He played a total of 206 games for United and scored 8 goals. During his time with Manchester United, he won 4 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cup (2 coming post-1992) and a League Cup.

Following his highly successful spell at Man. Utd, Pallister re-joined Middlesborough with whom he spent 5 seasons with in the '80s. At Boro, he played 55 games and scored 1 goal. He won 22 caps for England.




In my team, Pallister will obviously partner Rio in central defence. In Ferdinand, I have speed, intelligence, passing and tackling. In Pallister, I have strength, determination, marking and heading. Both players are fantastic defenders. I feel it is vital to think about centre-backs in pairs (one centre-back make work excellently with a certain player, but may look terrible when paired with a different player). I feel these players will work very well together. They are both great leaders and both inspirational. They are both very intelligent players and are great at tackling and marking. Pallister is the big strong one, and Ferdinand is the quick, agile one. I think these two are great players, and it will be very, very hard to get the best of them...


...and even if you do, Given will save the shot


Honours:

• Premier League: 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97
• FA Cup: 1990, 1994, 1996
• League Cup: 1992
• Community Shield: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1991
• UEFA Super Cup: 1991

My team so far:

---------Henry-----------
---Scholes---Sheringham-
------x------x--------x--
x--Ferdinand---Pallister--x
-----------Given----------

Ending Round 6 with a bang and, dare I jest, a bit of a limp...

Adding a little pop up front, the goal scoring threat that is Michael Owen



The #7 all-time goalscorer in the Premiership despite a nagging hamstring issue, Owen rose to prominence in Liverpool, scoring 118 goals in 216 matches for the Reds. After a season with Real Madrid, Owen returned to the EP with Newcastle United and continues to score when uninjured.

The only player to have ever scored in 4 major tournaments for England, he has scored a national record 26 competitive goals (40 total international goals, 4th highest all-time). He is also the 7th most capped English player.

Honours

Liverpool
FA Cup: 2001
Football League Cup: 2001, 2003
FA Community Shield: 2001
UEFA Cup: 2001
European Super Cup: 2001
FA Youth Cup: 1996

International
FA Summer Tournament: 2004

Individual
PFA Young Player of the Year: 1998
Premier League joint top scorer: 1998, 1999
BBC Sports Personality of the Year: 1998
Ballon d'Or: 2001
FIFA 100

I'm going to throw in my pick quickly not to hold you guys up as I'll be away for awhile.

The Guv'nor - Paul Ince.





Doing the hard grind to allow freedom for Steven Gerrard to go do his thing I think Ince will fit in nicely in this squad and adds a strong character into the dressing room - so strong Sir Alex couldn't deal with it

A 2-time Premiership winner, Ince won't feel out of place among the champions he'll be playing with in my team.

For my next pick, i finally see fit to give my team a bit of width, selecting former Arsenal and France winger ROBERT PIRES.

Pires joined Arsenal in 2000 having already won a World Cup and European Championship for France for whom he clocked up 79 caps and 14 International goals. 14 goals was to be a favourite number of Pires during his time at Arsenal as that was the exact number he scored for 3 consecutive years from 2002-2005, amongst a total of 62 scored in 189 games over 6 years in the Premiership with the Gooners.

During his time with Arsenal, Pires never finished outside the top 2 in the Premiership - winning it twice and runner up a further 3 times, he also won 3 FA Cups and was unfortunate to be subbed after just 12 minutes in the Champions League final, a game that turned out to be his last for the club. Pires also becomes the second member of the 'Arsenal' invincibles side that went unbeaten for the whole year in 2004, to be selected for my team.

Individual honours include a Football Writers player of the year award in 2002, 3 appearances in the PFA team of the year plus being names top assist provider in the Premiership in 2002 and the top scoring midfield in 2004 showing he had a lovely balance to his game.

My number 11, Robert Pires.





Bobby: True Arsenal Legend - video

Robert Pires - wikipedia

A true midfield dynamo is being added to my team this round, the tough-tackling... Dietmar Hamann




Adding solidity and composure in my midfield, Hamann also posseses a superb strike of the ball (England fans know all about this, unfortunately) and is also very well known for his range of passing and getting the most out of his team-mates.

Having been signed for a then club record fee, he quickly became a key figure in the Liverpool team for seven years. In the 2000/2001 season he was in the form of his life and won his first big English trophy when Liverpool won a much-celebrated cup treble (League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup).




He also played a huge part in Liverpool's dramatic 2005 Champions League win against AC Milan. It was his introduction into the game that started the comeback from 0-3 down, to eventually win on penalties. The reason he didn't start was because he was nursing a broken toe... but after a legendary performance he then stepped up and converted Liverpool's first penalty. That neatly summarizes the attitude of the man. He won the FA Cup again with Liverpool in 2006.

His big time experience (along with everything else, he's had a fantastic international career and played in a World Cup Final), workrate and defensive duties make him the perfect Midfield General at Real Jamborino. Personally I always rated him very highly indeed, and would love to see how he lined up with some of the best players around him to work with.

I think he gives some of my more attacking players a great platform to play from, as he will be playing ahead of Stam and Vidic putting in the tackles whilst also spraying the ball forward, or wide, creating space. I'm very happy to have Didi in my team!

For my next pick I have a player so good that they named a position after him - Claude Makélélé



He was signed by Chelsea in the summer of 2003 from Real Madrid for over £16 MIL. By doing so it ripped the heart out of "Los Galacticos". This is because Makélélé is the heart of any midfield that he plays in, simply letting players around him flourish. A key member of Chelsea's two recent Premiership titles he is undoubtably the greatest defensive midfielder in Premiership history. His name has become so synonymous with his role on the pitch it is now commonly called the Makélélé postion.

Key Stats

Premier League Winner 2004-05, 2005-06
World Cup runner up 2006

------- Terry ------- Neville
Ronaldo Fàbregas Makélélé ---------
<<<<<<Bergkamp>>>>>>
<<<<<<Van Nistelrooy>>>

Round 7- Stuart PSYCHO Pearce






I want to grab Psycho before someone gets smart and drafts him. Captain of England basically speaks for itself, especially while doing it when being at forrest. He will lock down my left side and is one of the 3 LBs worth drafting IMO that are truly world class, with Irwin being one of the others. Him and Keane will give my side some needed touchness and working class mentality while being great footballers


----------

----- ------- Keown Psycho

Kanchelskis Keane Le Tissier --------

Wright Rooney