Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
^^^ previous update
Newport County A.F.C.
'20-'21 August Update
The Roster
Analysis: The transfers made during this window are definitely a big topic for discussion so let's dig into those first. From July to August the deals for Lapslie and Maguire were in the works and weren't much of a surprise. Southampton identified Maguire as someone down on Marccelino's pecking order and bought low on the English defender. Brescia got a really good deal on Kagome who has the potential to become the best player on their roster if he's developed properly. The real juicy stuff took place in the week between the games against the Manchester squads: Liverpool negotiated long and hard for Konsta Salo, an Exiles' academy graduate with exciting potential, and eventually worked out a deal to acquire his services. When Newport County acquired Bill Hamid last summer they had always had in mind that the American goalkeeper was their transitional solution until and if they could acquire a world class player at the position. That opportunity came a lot sooner than expected thanks to the funds the club earned from Salo's and Maguire's sales in addition to the budget transferred over from July, and the club capitalized on that with Cillessen's acquisition. Marccelino then was frank with Hamid and confirmed the Dutch goalkeeper would take over as the starter. Hamid did not request to be transferred but did accept interest in a move on a case by case basis and Hull City provides a great opportunity for him. The Exiles then put a perfect stamp on their transfer window by replacing Salo with an experienced, Welsh, title-hungry Allen who is a perfect fit on the roster. Salo has the potential to become a better player than Allen ever was, but Allen is a better player at this point in time and bridges the gap as Gordon's backup until the club's top prospect (Daniele Martella) is ready to take over that role.
Performance-wise The Exiles weren't too bad either outside of a tough loss at the Etihad Stadium. Newport County rolls into this season with an exciting roster on paper, though it may take those new pieces some time to gel. At this point the Euro League group draws have taken place and Marccelino's squad is joined by Real Sociedad, Standard Liège, and FC Zürich in Group G where they most certainly will be expected to advance to the Round of 32.
The Academy
(listed by their ranking in it)
LW - Marcos Andrade (64 OVR, 89-94 POT): 16-year old GEM from Portugal, a physically-gifted player with a balanced game who is entrenched as the top prospect in the academy and one of the best overall prospects on the roster.
RB - Johan Sheriff (62 OVR, 85-91): This 17-year old from Sweden is our 2nd-ranked prospect in the youth squad. He possesses ideal size (6'2" 174lbs) to go along with excellent development of his physical skills (81 aggression, 78 strength, 75 jumping) and he has shown the ability to pick up the defensive game quickly so far in the academy.
CDM - Pierre Tägtström (51 OVR, 83-89): This 15-year old from Sweden is now officially next in line in a great lineup of defensive midfielders developed by the club since Marccelino's arrival. Described as physically strong, Tägtström's exciting potential is undeniable at this point. He displays excellent aggressiveness (83) towards the ball. At his age and with the club's depth at the position he should be able to spend time developing in the academy without any rush.
LW - Andre Domingues (51 OVR, 77-83): 15-year old from Portugal who is raw but exhibits great potential. His top attribute at this time is his pace (73acc/68spd).
CF - Jordan Davies (52 OVR, 73-79): 16-year old from England described as physically strong and measuring at 5'5", 154lbs. He may not be more than a backup in the future but he flashes a natural ability to play in the air (79 jumping) to go with some pace (75acc/73spd).
ST - Mikael Weilid (54 OVR, 72-80): 17-year old from Sweden with excellent physical skills (78 jumping, 73 stamina, 73 aggression) and pace (75spd/74acc) to with a solid frame (6'0", 167lbs), so it'll be up to the youth scouts to develop his skills as a scorer.
* Recent addition
Liam Taylor (ST, 62 OVR) was promoted to the senior roster following the transfer window to fill in as the team's backup striker for the B-squad following Miller's departure. Taylor shows great potential and is someone to watch for in the future.
September Schedule
9/5: vs Ireland (WC Qualifying)
9/8: at Belgium (WC Qualifying)
9/12: at Swansea City
9/17: vs Standard Liège (Euro Leage)
9/20: vs Sheffield Wed
9/23: at Norwich City (Capital One Cup)
9/26: at Liverpool
Marccelino will have a plateful next month as he starts it off with the beginning of European world cup qualifying at the helm of Hungary. It'll be a tall task as they will share a group with Italy, Belgium, Turkey, Ireland, and Austria. Hungary will host Ireland before visiting Belgium, who embarrassed them a couple of months ago at the Euro Cup, and it'll be interesting to see the Italian head coach make some adjustments as he moves to 3-4-3 diamond and a 5-3-2. Back with Newport County they'll face 5 different opponents over 3 different competitions in the course of 2 weeks so it'll be interesting to see how the manager handles playing time, with the club's B-squad assured to make at least one appearance.
Thanks for reading!
^^^ previous update
Newport County A.F.C.
'20-'21 August Update
The Roster
Spoiler
Starting XI (4-4-2 Diamond Wide)
Cillessen (85)
Al Shahrani (79)/Zouma (85)/Vlaar (79)/Amavi (78)
Pogba (89)
Farfán (C, 79) ------------------ Guerreiro (79)
Gordon (79)
Ambrose (79) ------- Ringdal Støvland (75)
______________________________________
Transfer News
Cillessen (85)
Al Shahrani (79)/Zouma (85)/Vlaar (79)/Amavi (78)
Pogba (89)
Farfán (C, 79) ------------------ Guerreiro (79)
Gordon (79)
Ambrose (79) ------- Ringdal Støvland (75)
______________________________________
Transfer News
- Bondz Laslie (CB, 69 OVR) loaned on short-term to Dagenham.
- Harry Maguire (CB, 76 OVR) sold to Southampton for €6.5 million.
______________________________________
League Match 1
Watford - Newport County (1-2)
Deeney 15'
Zouma 63' (Farfán)
Farfán 83' (pen)
Amavi 45'
Gordon 50' (sprained ankle, out 3 weeks)
Kurt Zouma scored in his first official game for the club and Bondz Moore wrecked havoc off the bench to gain a penalty kick for his side and The Exiles got their season started with a clutch come-from-behind win at Vicarage Road. Zouma had had a chance to even up the score in the 33rd minute off a corner kick but his header was saved at the goal line by a Watford defender. The same method worked in Zouma's favor in the 63rd minute thanks to another well executed CK by Jefferson Farfán. Moore, playing a bench role for the first time since 2017, came off the bench a man possessed and giving Watford defenders all kinds of trouble. It didn't take him long to beat his defender on the left wing and into the box where he was tackled late, giving Farfán the chance to score the game-winner which the skipper didn't waste. The somber note of the day for Newport County was Gordon's injury although it should only keep him out for a couple of games.
______________________________________
Transfer News
League Match 1
Watford - Newport County (1-2)
Deeney 15'
Zouma 63' (Farfán)
Farfán 83' (pen)
Amavi 45' Gordon 50' (sprained ankle, out 3 weeks)Kurt Zouma scored in his first official game for the club and Bondz Moore wrecked havoc off the bench to gain a penalty kick for his side and The Exiles got their season started with a clutch come-from-behind win at Vicarage Road. Zouma had had a chance to even up the score in the 33rd minute off a corner kick but his header was saved at the goal line by a Watford defender. The same method worked in Zouma's favor in the 63rd minute thanks to another well executed CK by Jefferson Farfán. Moore, playing a bench role for the first time since 2017, came off the bench a man possessed and giving Watford defenders all kinds of trouble. It didn't take him long to beat his defender on the left wing and into the box where he was tackled late, giving Farfán the chance to score the game-winner which the skipper didn't waste. The somber note of the day for Newport County was Gordon's injury although it should only keep him out for a couple of games.
______________________________________
Transfer News
- Satoshi Kagome (CDM, 63 OVR) sold to Brescia for €625K.
- Daniel Seager (CM, 68 OVR) loaned on short-term to Exeter City.
______________________________________
League Match 2
Newport County - West Ham (3-0)
Pogba 18' (Ambrose)
Guerreiro 81' (Nabiullin)
Ringdal Støvland 90+'
The Exiles dominated this game from beginning to end and scored a couple of late goals to have the score properly reflect that to wrap up a successful home opener. Paul Pogba, moving to CAM in Gordon's absence (with Rohan Ince starting at CDM) treated the home fans to his first official goal with the club inside of 20 minutes. Newport County managed the game from there holding West Ham to just three shots, none on target. Late in the game Elmir Nabiullin fed Raphaël Guerreiro with a wonderful pass to leave him one-on-one against the goalie near the small box for the second goal, then Ringdal Støvland wrapped up a great individual effort by finally scoring his goal in stoppage time in his fourth shot of the game (all on target).
Pogba celebrates his goal in classic Pogba style.
Guerreiro wasn't going to miss from such short range for his first goal with the club.
League Match 3
Manchester City - Newport County (1-0)
Zuculini 34'
City's B-squad did an outstanding job of keeping this a midfield game and managed the game well after their 1-0 lead to hold that as the final score. The game stalled in the middle of the field for the majority of this match as the teams combined for just three shots a piece. City was able to break The Exiles' defense down in one of their occasions to get Bruno Zuculini an open net goal that would make all the difference.
______________________________________
Transfer News
League Match 2
Newport County - West Ham (3-0)
Pogba 18' (Ambrose)
Guerreiro 81' (Nabiullin)
Ringdal Støvland 90+'
The Exiles dominated this game from beginning to end and scored a couple of late goals to have the score properly reflect that to wrap up a successful home opener. Paul Pogba, moving to CAM in Gordon's absence (with Rohan Ince starting at CDM) treated the home fans to his first official goal with the club inside of 20 minutes. Newport County managed the game from there holding West Ham to just three shots, none on target. Late in the game Elmir Nabiullin fed Raphaël Guerreiro with a wonderful pass to leave him one-on-one against the goalie near the small box for the second goal, then Ringdal Støvland wrapped up a great individual effort by finally scoring his goal in stoppage time in his fourth shot of the game (all on target).
Pogba celebrates his goal in classic Pogba style.
Guerreiro wasn't going to miss from such short range for his first goal with the club.
League Match 3
Manchester City - Newport County (1-0)
Zuculini 34'
City's B-squad did an outstanding job of keeping this a midfield game and managed the game well after their 1-0 lead to hold that as the final score. The game stalled in the middle of the field for the majority of this match as the teams combined for just three shots a piece. City was able to break The Exiles' defense down in one of their occasions to get Bruno Zuculini an open net goal that would make all the difference.
______________________________________
Transfer News
- Konsta Salo (CAM, 77 OVR) sold to Liverpool for €19.5 million.
- Patrick Miller (ST, 70 OVR) sold to Blackburn Rovers for €2.4 million.
- Jasper Cillessen (GK, 85 OVR) acquired from Olym. Lyonnais for €23 million.
- Joe Allen (CM, 78 OVR) acquired from Liverpool for €6 million.
______________________________________
League Match 4
Newport County - Manchester Utd (1-1)
Ambrose 11' (Farfán)
Dobnik 80'
Cillessen came really close to playing hero in his Exiles' debut but a scramble in the box off a corner kick left him in no-man's land and unable to stop Dobnik's shot in the 80th minute. The Red Devils did a good job of edging Newport County in possession and scoring opportunities.
______________________________________
Transfer News
League Match 4
Newport County - Manchester Utd (1-1)
Ambrose 11' (Farfán)
Dobnik 80'
Cillessen came really close to playing hero in his Exiles' debut but a scramble in the box off a corner kick left him in no-man's land and unable to stop Dobnik's shot in the 80th minute. The Red Devils did a good job of edging Newport County in possession and scoring opportunities.
______________________________________
Transfer News
- Bill Hamid (GK, 76 OVR) sold to Hull City for €8.5 million.
- Gary Woods (CM, 69 OVR) loaned on short-term to Blackburn Rovers.
______________________________________
Top Scorers
T1. Mandron (Sunderland) - 3
T1. Pérez (Newcastle Utd) - 3
T2. Lamela (Spurs) - 2
(several others with 2 also)
Assists
1. Tadić (Southampton) - 3
T2. Farfán (Newport County) - 2
T2. Lens (Sunderland) - 2
T2. Lallana (Liverpool) - 2
T2. Bannan (Sheffield Wed) - 2
Clean Sheets
1. Enyeama (Manchester City) - 3
2. Guilherme (Burnley) - 2
(several others with 1)
Top Scorers
T1. Mandron (Sunderland) - 3
T1. Pérez (Newcastle Utd) - 3
T2. Lamela (Spurs) - 2
(several others with 2 also)
Assists
1. Tadić (Southampton) - 3
T2. Farfán (Newport County) - 2
T2. Lens (Sunderland) - 2
T2. Lallana (Liverpool) - 2
T2. Bannan (Sheffield Wed) - 2
Clean Sheets
1. Enyeama (Manchester City) - 3
2. Guilherme (Burnley) - 2
(several others with 1)
Analysis: The transfers made during this window are definitely a big topic for discussion so let's dig into those first. From July to August the deals for Lapslie and Maguire were in the works and weren't much of a surprise. Southampton identified Maguire as someone down on Marccelino's pecking order and bought low on the English defender. Brescia got a really good deal on Kagome who has the potential to become the best player on their roster if he's developed properly. The real juicy stuff took place in the week between the games against the Manchester squads: Liverpool negotiated long and hard for Konsta Salo, an Exiles' academy graduate with exciting potential, and eventually worked out a deal to acquire his services. When Newport County acquired Bill Hamid last summer they had always had in mind that the American goalkeeper was their transitional solution until and if they could acquire a world class player at the position. That opportunity came a lot sooner than expected thanks to the funds the club earned from Salo's and Maguire's sales in addition to the budget transferred over from July, and the club capitalized on that with Cillessen's acquisition. Marccelino then was frank with Hamid and confirmed the Dutch goalkeeper would take over as the starter. Hamid did not request to be transferred but did accept interest in a move on a case by case basis and Hull City provides a great opportunity for him. The Exiles then put a perfect stamp on their transfer window by replacing Salo with an experienced, Welsh, title-hungry Allen who is a perfect fit on the roster. Salo has the potential to become a better player than Allen ever was, but Allen is a better player at this point in time and bridges the gap as Gordon's backup until the club's top prospect (Daniele Martella) is ready to take over that role.
Performance-wise The Exiles weren't too bad either outside of a tough loss at the Etihad Stadium. Newport County rolls into this season with an exciting roster on paper, though it may take those new pieces some time to gel. At this point the Euro League group draws have taken place and Marccelino's squad is joined by Real Sociedad, Standard Liège, and FC Zürich in Group G where they most certainly will be expected to advance to the Round of 32.
The Academy
(listed by their ranking in it)
LW - Marcos Andrade (64 OVR, 89-94 POT): 16-year old GEM from Portugal, a physically-gifted player with a balanced game who is entrenched as the top prospect in the academy and one of the best overall prospects on the roster.
RB - Johan Sheriff (62 OVR, 85-91): This 17-year old from Sweden is our 2nd-ranked prospect in the youth squad. He possesses ideal size (6'2" 174lbs) to go along with excellent development of his physical skills (81 aggression, 78 strength, 75 jumping) and he has shown the ability to pick up the defensive game quickly so far in the academy.
CDM - Pierre Tägtström (51 OVR, 83-89): This 15-year old from Sweden is now officially next in line in a great lineup of defensive midfielders developed by the club since Marccelino's arrival. Described as physically strong, Tägtström's exciting potential is undeniable at this point. He displays excellent aggressiveness (83) towards the ball. At his age and with the club's depth at the position he should be able to spend time developing in the academy without any rush.
LW - Andre Domingues (51 OVR, 77-83): 15-year old from Portugal who is raw but exhibits great potential. His top attribute at this time is his pace (73acc/68spd).
CF - Jordan Davies (52 OVR, 73-79): 16-year old from England described as physically strong and measuring at 5'5", 154lbs. He may not be more than a backup in the future but he flashes a natural ability to play in the air (79 jumping) to go with some pace (75acc/73spd).
ST - Mikael Weilid (54 OVR, 72-80): 17-year old from Sweden with excellent physical skills (78 jumping, 73 stamina, 73 aggression) and pace (75spd/74acc) to with a solid frame (6'0", 167lbs), so it'll be up to the youth scouts to develop his skills as a scorer.
* Recent addition
Liam Taylor (ST, 62 OVR) was promoted to the senior roster following the transfer window to fill in as the team's backup striker for the B-squad following Miller's departure. Taylor shows great potential and is someone to watch for in the future.
September Schedule
9/5: vs Ireland (WC Qualifying)
9/8: at Belgium (WC Qualifying)
9/12: at Swansea City
9/17: vs Standard Liège (Euro Leage)
9/20: vs Sheffield Wed
9/23: at Norwich City (Capital One Cup)
9/26: at Liverpool
Marccelino will have a plateful next month as he starts it off with the beginning of European world cup qualifying at the helm of Hungary. It'll be a tall task as they will share a group with Italy, Belgium, Turkey, Ireland, and Austria. Hungary will host Ireland before visiting Belgium, who embarrassed them a couple of months ago at the Euro Cup, and it'll be interesting to see the Italian head coach make some adjustments as he moves to 3-4-3 diamond and a 5-3-2. Back with Newport County they'll face 5 different opponents over 3 different competitions in the course of 2 weeks so it'll be interesting to see how the manager handles playing time, with the club's B-squad assured to make at least one appearance.
Thanks for reading!
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Otigba 85'
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