Subject: [Old] Canada Senior NT Discussion

I'd say that we cannot win the numbers game. Fewer managers=fewer SA pulls=less top talent to choose from for the NT. However, we do have a good core of dedicated managers, and can compete (and possibly excel) from a tactical point-of-view. Having loads of superior talent, tends to reduce the necessity for learning good tactics--we don't have that advantage, so we have to focus on making the most of what we do have.

Frankly, it is exactly what we do in hockey as well...

It's going to be tough for sure but I still believe we do have some top end talent in Canada almost at each position, players around 300. I think we can have a pretty decent team.

Now, for the future, we need to make sure that we build our facilities faster than the other countries to compete.
Next season, I expect we will have a national team and it will be exiting.

Speaking of players, I think we should start talking now about the requisite ratios that we would like to see as an entry criteria to the National Team.

What are these ratios that we should aim for?

Since we have no clue about best ratios, we could rely on player marks. Select players who get at least 6 or 7 (do we have some in Canada?) when they play normal @ home, or similar. Among them, go with players having best qualities playing for teams with good regen and training.

IMHO, the hard work will be about tactics. Selecting 11 players is easier than 22 in hockey + there are individual player marks to help... The question is where to put them on the field with which options?

I have some ideas that most people overlook. Don't want to discuss here per say seeing as it is the main building-block behind setting my team apart from the rest

I think who we pick for the team will depend on the type of tactics the manager wants to have for the tournament. I find that when I change my tactics my player ratings (4,5) change sometimes, which leads me to believe some players are built to play best in certain situations, so it will depend what the manager wants as his game plan to find the best 11 players.

Attributes are fitting best for tactics for sure. That is something that isn't influential enough in hockey in my mind. Defensive>Offensive in hockey. But if you got a bunch of snipers why play defensive against another offensive team?

It appears counter tactics are less important in soccer than hockey. It's then better to focus on our own team than try to guess opponent choice.

Therefore, you're better selecting the 11 best players and find a suitable tactics. Obviously you will still select 3 - 5 def and/or mids ; 1 to 3 fwd.

Ya... if there are even counter-tactics in soccer.

there's maybe something, but not very powerful.

I want to get a string of games together at the end of a season with someone. Have them play the same tactic and lineup. I'll play the same lineup and then change something in my tactic from one day to the next and see what game I get spanked and what game I dominate.

Me and Yosarian are doing that for almost two weeks straight in a month or so. I am playing the same tactic and whatnot and he is going to change it up.

Keep me posted on the results. All mine have been inconclusive thus far.

11 friendlies in January. So it will be a while. hehe Hopefully the info will help out in the National Team process. Understanding the influance of line up placement changes and tactical changes.

There is no counter tactics but if you know opponent is strong in center mid you might avoid it going to attack thru the middle and go for a side attack or longballs if you know what I mean.

I found this in the international forum.

Wing Forward - 4-3-3-2-1
Center Forward - 4-3-2-2-1

Wing Midfield - 4-3-2-2-1
Center Midfield - 4-3-3-1-1

Wing Defender - 4-3-2-2-1
Center Defender - 4-2-2-2-2

Goalie - 4-3-3-1-1

Numbers refer to the influence attributes as per the guide.
Shooting is not included in this, but work to train my key scorers so their shooting is 80% of their primary attribute.