Football writers Michael Cox and Mark Carey join Ali Maxwell to create an alternative team of the season from the bottom half of the Premier League. They discuss tactical choices, player selections, and the rise of players like Ethan Pinik. The podcast explores the selection of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and strikers based on performance, potential, and contributions to their teams.
Midfielders showcase defensive skills and playmaking abilities, emphasizing unique strengths in ball-winning and transitional play.
Fullbacks stand out for aggressive play, energy, and defensive contributions, providing width and creativity to support team structure.
Deep dives
Functional Yet Effective Midfield Selection
Chosen midfielders like Mario Lemina, Sander Berger, and Vitaly Janelt showcase strong defensive abilities, playmaking skills, and reliability in the middle of the pitch. Each player brings unique strengths to the team, with Lemina excelling as a ball winner, Berger shining in transitional play, and Janelt displaying versatility and hard work ethic.
Versatile Fullbacks with Strong Defensive Abilities
Anthony Robinson of Fulham and Lorenz Isignan of Burnley are highlighted for their aggressive play, energy, and defensive capabilities. Robinson stands out with interceptions and progressive actions, while Isignan impresses with attacking contributions despite Burnley's challenging season. Both fullbacks offer width and creativity to support the team's structure.
Solid Defensive Foundation with Talented Centre-back Pairings
Centre-back duos like Ilyas Zebede and Joachim Andersen bring solidity and composure to the backline, focusing on their ball-playing abilities and minimal defensive errors. Jared Branthwaite's strong duels and defensive prowess pair well with Ethan Pinnock's smart reading of the game and low error rate, forming a reliable defensive unit for their respective teams.
Goalscoring Prowess Up Top with Dominic Solanke and Michael Olise
Dominic Solanke's impressive penalty box presence and goal-scoring capabilities highlight his contributions upfront, while Michael Olise's playmaking skills, versatility, and creative spark make him a key attacking asset. The combination of Solanke's finishing abilities and Olise's flair and vision offer a potent attacking threat in the final third.
In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox and Mark Carey join Ali Maxwell to put together an alternative team of the season from the 23/24 Premier League.
Mark and Michael are allowed to choose one player from each of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League to make up their side.
The mathematically minded amongst you will clock that only gives them eleven players, so from one team they get two picks.
This episode really illustrates the truth held within that famous internet aphorism from E.M. Hudson:
“Dudes can literally just sit around and name old sports players and just have the best time.”