Season 6 Line-up

Season 6 is well under way and yet again I’m behind schedule in updating this blog! Instead of taking you through the numerous, extensive transfers that have taken place over the last couple of weeks, I thought I’d just introduce you to the players who have been gracing the Anchor in Season 6 in Saunders…


GK – Helton

To the surprise of many, the Brazilian buffoon returns for a second season in-between the sticks for The Blues. Several high profile gaffes (much like in real life) had brought his place into question, but the lack of money to sign a suitable replacement ensured the aging South American of a starting berth.


DL – Balzaretti

The veteran Italian is another player starting his second season at The Anchor. Adept at right or left back, Frederico is a quality player who turns in solid performances in defence. Although never really chipping in with the goals and assists, he rarely makes mistakes and is a reassuring presence in the backline.


DR – Longobardi

The first of the new arrivals, Matteo Longobardi is a true wonderkid at right back, signed for £550,000 (AF £475,000). Blessed with strength and pace, amazing metal skills and a mean tackle, he’s fitted in solidly as a replacement for Nelson. Although nowhere near as good as the Portuguese monster, Matteo is on just 1,500 a day, making him a true bargain.


DC – Caceres (Captain)

Martin Caceres is entering his 6th season at The Anchor and remains an integral part of not just the team, but the identity of the club. A truly world-class defender blessed with both pace and aerial ability, he’s an ever-present rock in my back-line. This season will see him take on the responsibility of being captain of Beaulieu FC, a well deserved reward for his lengthy stint.


DC – Hummels

The second new arrival joined as part of the biggest and most complex deal in the clubs history. Mirel Radoi, Julio Baptista and Yoann Gourcuff where sold in exchange for £400,000, Hummels and two replacement midfielders, with transfer negotiations lasting an incredible 2 hours. Hummels is brilliant in the air and with silky skills with the ball at his feet, the versatile German can also shift forward into central midfield. His arrival cements the Beaulieu FC backline as one that is truly formidable.


MC – Dessena

The Italian playmaker was shackled during the 5th season in order to accommodate both Gourcuff and Baptista in midfield, but with both of those players at pastures new, Dessena has been transformed into an attacking playmaker. Blessed with real pace, good finishing and shooting and a great eye for a pass, he’s an integral part of the team.

MC – Donadel

The second of the trio of new signings, Donadel has adopted a more defensive role within the Beaulieu FC side. Acting as the anchor in midfield, he’s got a great work rate combined with a biting tackle. Importantly, he’s a stunning passer of the ball and is not just a destructor, but also a Xabi Alonso-esque deep lying midfield playmaker. In my time in FML, I’ve found that the DM seems to get the most of the ball, so having a player of such quality in this position is a real coup for Beaulieu FC.


MC – Wellington

Wellington was the final player to move to Beaulieu FC in the huge transfer with Dan Cashmore’s side. At just 23, he’s a little raw, but adds youth into a previously aging midfield. Able to play at CM, in the hole or even as a striker, the Brazilian is blessed with good finishing and pace and loves to run at people with the ball. He’s caused real havoc so far this season and will hopefully fill the very large Julio Baptista sized hole in my side.


AML – Menez

Jeremy Menez has emerged as a truly world class player over the course of the last season. A quite brilliant, two-footed winger, the Frenchman causes constant trouble for whoever he’s up against. I’d love to be able to move him inside to AMC, but having seen how badly Carlos Eduardo struggled in his short time at The Anchor, I’m sure there are few better left wingers in the game.


AMR – Dani Alves

Although he’s now hit his 30’s, Dani Alves is still, put simply, one of the best players in the game. A dynamic influence from the right wing, he single handedly wins me games on a number of occasions. His influence at right wing has cemented his place further up the field, although he has often been shifted to right back to accommodate the emergence of another genuine wonderkid Giovanni Capitani. I paid £900,000 and Jake Thompson (a player of massive unrealised potential) to secure the right wing wizard (AF 950,000) and he’s put in a number of solid if unspectacular performances at both senior and youth level. By the time he hits his prime, Dani Alves may well be on the wane, so the right wing is now sorted for the next 10 seasons, locks permitting.


ST – Pato

The 24 year old striker is following up his stunning debut season with another season of destruction. He scored 5 goals over 2 recent Gold Cup matches, scoring an average of 1.10 goals per game so far. He struggled in the early parts of the season, but this coincided with a general lack of form across my team. His form recaptured, my team has hit a new wave of good results.