Fantasy and Reality: Could the Great Midfielders of the Past Play Well Today? And Should They Be In Your Starting Lineup?
Half the fun of crafting a fantasy football league is exploring the ‘what-ifs’ and the possibilities long past the live action on the field. From drafting unusual players, to matching up complimentary skills to create a true dream team, we can enjoy the sport in a wealth of ways beyond grabbing a beer at the pub with your mates for the latest game. Many fans love the challenge of bringing in the legends of old to test out their skills in the modern game- and it’s a great way to shape and adapt your starting lineup and give yourself a challenge. Football is a game that’s always evolving, and we’ve seen many changes introduced in the last two decades alone. How would your favourite midfielders of the past fare today? We can’t promise the answers-but it will be great fun finding out.
How Has Football Changed since 2005?
From a simple schoolyard game to a multi-billion dollar sport, football is now a global phenomenon loved by millions. And now, of course, fantasy football has become a popular hobby! But after picking the best lineup for your fantasy football team, it comes down to how well the players do on the pitch. And what counts as a great on-pitch performance for the stars of today has changed a lot from earlier generations
The game has become considerably more tactical, with the emphasis on possession play and playing out from the back. Teams have also become more organised defensively, and pressing has become more common. Players today have an excellent first touch, which allows them to quickly control the ball and move it within space. This skill has become more critical than ever with the increased emphasis on possession play. Dribbling has also become more effective, executing feints and using sudden changes of direction to beat defenders. Players are more accurate and precise with their passing, playing the ball over long distances and executing a wider range of passes.
Football players have become fitter and more athletic. They now rely on speed and stamina to gain an advantage over their opponents more than ever before. This means support systems on the club side have also evolved, with personally tailored training regimes, a focus on science-backed nutrition, and more, allowing the game to evolve to a new level. We’ve also seen the role of ‘talent scout’ drop away, with many players now using specialised agents (similar to entertainment agents) to help them find the perfect club, with the right game plan, that fits each unique player. In turn, this gives the player the chances to shine with their best attributes on show. Think of how we’ve seen Manor Solomon’s career evolve as he’s been ‘loaned’ to Fulham, a club at which he is truly shining.
Football positions have also evolved in recent years, with players being asked to play more versatile roles. Full-backs are now expected to contribute to the attack, while wingers are now required to track back and defend. Modern Football players are expected to be more tactically intelligent, with a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the team. They need to adjust to different playing systems and execute different tactics without stumbles.
Of course, that’s only scraping the surface of the changes for players which we’ve seen in football over the last two decades- and there’s plenty more to come. Football will continue to evolve and change as the times do, keeping it a fresh and evergreen sport- and adding an even greater challenge to building your fantasy football league.
Would Famous Midfielders of the Past still Thrive in Modern Football?
Any football fan knows the intrigue of wondering if the world’s best playmaking midfielders of the past would still be superstars of the modern field (and their starting lineup). One of the coolest things about fantasy football leagues, of course, is that we can try and answer that question!
It’s very tough to take the apples-and-oranges nature of past players playing the game of their day and try and transplant them to the modern goalline. Many famous football players of the past would struggle to keep up with the faster pace and higher physical demands of the modern game, especially for midfielders.
On the flip side, some of the exceptional midfielders of the past weren’t great just as muscle-bound machines at the peak of fitness, but because they brought exceptional skills, technique, vision, and leadership abilities to their teams. Needless to say, that’s the sort of star quality that never gets old! Some of the best playmaking midfielders of all time had skills that would make them assets to modern teams, too- and which would make them worthy of entering the starting lineup for the best teams in fantasy football today. Not convinced? Let’s take a closer look at a few of the greats.
Great Midfielders Who Could Play Well Today
Michel Platini was known in his era as a player of exceptional technique, vision, and passing ability. Platini possessed excellent ball control, passing, and finishing abilities. He was also known for his intelligent movement with and off the ball, which allowed him to create space for himself and his teammates. It’s a skill that will help a team in any era, and we can even argue it’s more important than ever today.
On the other hand, the modern game has become more physically demanding, which may have posed a challenge for Platini. Additionally, the role of attacking midfielders has evolved over the years, with many modern teams relying more on pace and mobility in the middle of the park. Could he adapt to the challenge? It’s likely, but there is no doubt that he was a truly exceptional player whose skills and achievements will continue to be celebrated by football fans around the world for years to come.
Diego Maradona, the infamous ‘Hand of God’, would have an excellent chance of playing as well today as he did at his peak. Maradona possessed exceptional close control, dribbling, and passing. He was also known for his incredible vision and creativity, which allowed him to score goals and create chances for his teammates- and that’s always a recipe for success! The modern sports climate would be a lot less tolerant of his forays into anger and drug use, however, and he would need a much more rigorous physical training regime than he did at his peak to stay competitive. Luckily these are not concerns his fantasy football equivalent needs to worry about!
Another great example of a bygone superstar, Ruud Gullit was one of the greatest footballers of his generation, known for his versatility, technical ability, and leadership qualities. If he were playing today, it is difficult to say for sure how he would perform, but Gullit again possessed excellent ball control, passing, and finishing ability, all of which would stand him in good stead today. He was also a versatile player who could play in multiple positions, including as an attacking midfielder, a striker, or even a defender, which would make him a valuable asset to any modern team.
While speculation about the past greats on the live football pitch can only ever be that- fun speculation- fantasy football allows us a fantastic chance to ‘try out the what-ifs’, and if you’re looking for a way to make your fantasy football league starting lineup even more exciting, it’s worth considering some of the greats who match your team’s strategy and tactics.
