2024
Season 24 Division 1 Stats and Facts
Usual blurb for new managers.
All data was gathered at the end of the season , new transfer deals might not be included.
I work out the likely average rating in each position and the lowest rated player in the top 18 excluding multiple keepers. If the lowest player is much lower I apply common sense to not skew that data. This is fed into a formula to produce the ETOT and the expected finishing position.
Dortmund and Verona should be battling it out for the top spot with a clear 1 pt lead over Porto. Both have potent attacks but Hellas benefit maybe more from the excellent keeper. Porto with less depth match Verona in most other areas. Chelsea could maybe do with a stronger midfield to win the title but they have in team options to adjust if they wish. Juventus are swimming in high rated players which is why they just top Bayern the 7th rated team. Inter are the highest promoted team and should finish mid table. 223 would normally be enough for survival but only 2 teams Espanyol and Schalke fall below that mark. Schalke maybe ok with that decent keeper. Espanyol on the other hand hope their strong attack can score more than they let in but with a weaker midfield they look favourite to drop. Cologne lack serious depth and despite and good midfield attack combo they are really weak at the back.
Juventus should win the cups with Sporting also in with a chance.
As a whole the division in 0.25 points higher rated than this year.
| Gk | Def | Mid | Att | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | |
| Dortmund | 92.0 | 92.8 | 94.2 | 96.0 | 87.0 | 92.4 | 233.44 | 1 |
| Hellas Verona | 94.0 | 92.8 | 93.0 | 96.0 | 89.0 | 93.0 | 232.96 | 2 |
| FC Porto | 94.0 | 91.5 | 93.4 | 96.0 | 86.0 | 92.2 | 231.92 | 3 |
| Chelsea | 95.0 | 92.5 | 92.8 | 95.0 | 87.0 | 92.5 | 231.83 | 4 |
| Juventus | 95.0 | 92.5 | 92.6 | 92.0 | 89.0 | 92.2 | 229.96 | 5 |
| Bayern | 91.0 | 91.8 | 91.0 | 96.0 | 87.0 | 91.4 | 229.96 | 6 |
| Barcelona | 92.0 | 91.5 | 91.6 | 94.0 | 87.0 | 91.2 | 229.06 | 7 |
| Leicester City | 90.0 | 91.3 | 92.4 | 93.0 | 86.0 | 90.5 | 228.49 | 8 |
| Internazionale (PC) | 92.0 | 89.8 | 91.0 | 95.0 | 87.0 | 91.0 | 227.83 | 9 |
| Levante UD | 91.0 | 91.8 | 91.4 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 90.4 | 227.56 | 10 |
| São Paulo FC | 88.0 | 90.5 | 92.0 | 93.0 | 86.0 | 89.9 | 227.33 | 11 |
| Manchester City | 94.0 | 90.5 | 91.6 | 92.0 | 87.0 | 91.0 | 227.20 | 12 |
| Arsenal | 91.0 | 90.5 | 90.8 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 90.1 | 226.08 | 13 |
| Sporting CP (P) | 91.0 | 90.0 | 90.6 | 91.0 | 88.0 | 90.1 | 225.11 | 14 |
| SL Benfica | 93.0 | 89.0 | 89.2 | 94.0 | 85.0 | 90.0 | 225.02 | 15 |
| Leverkusen | 90.0 | 90.5 | 90.8 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.7 | 224.78 | 16 |
| Cologne (PP) | 88.0 | 88.5 | 91.6 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 88.8 | 223.99 | 17 |
| Real Madrid | 89.0 | 90.0 | 90.0 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.2 | 223.62 | 18 |
| RCD Espanyol | 88.0 | 89.3 | 88.6 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 88.8 | 222.96 | 19 |
| Schalke (P) | 91.0 | 88.5 | 89.6 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.2 | 222.34 | 20 |
CSKA Entering Season 24
We enter our 2nd consecutive season in division 3. The Brazilian ratings were kind to us with a +13 for Lorran, Matheus Pereira possibly entering our starting lineup, and our starting youth GK Mycael rising to 80. It is tough to write this post with many unknowns since rating updates have just started, but in order to engage our audience in the US (and possibly our original home in Russia as the two countries may be joining forces).
GK: We have starting GK Carnesecchi (88) who is having a good season domestically and in the Champions League. He has not forced his way into the Italy team, though that will be a future goal. Backup GK is Majecki - back from injury and starting for Monaco, also in the CL. It is a luxury to have 2 U25 GKs in the CL and it is possible one of the two will force a transfer. Mycael is also starting for cellar dwellars Paranaense. The Brazil U20 GK has drawn comparisons to Ederson and one can only hope he continues to progress. He certainly faces enough shots!
RB: A two way battle between Kyle Walker Peters (soon to be a free agent?) and Alexander Bah, stalwart in the Benfica side. Behind those two are youth players Alex Jimenez, who has struggled for minutes in Milan but should have a bright future with Madrid's buy back clause, and Wes Okoduwa, who this American manager hopes will switch his allegiance from England to the US (fun fact: 4 U17 England callups today have American eligibility).
CB: We sent two promising prospects to Levante for Varane. No regrets as he helped solidify our place in D3. However, his unexpected retirement has hurt CB depth. Our two starters will be Harry Maguire (you all may be more familiar with him as Dursley in the Harry Potter movies) and former Sporting captain Sebastian Coates. Behind them are Chris Richards and Martin Valjent, both fairly promising CBs who hold our floor at 87. Youth team players Jon Martin, Jan-Carlo Simic, Mamadou Sarr, and Tarek Buchmann hold down the fort. Simic and Sarr should be in for hefty rises given their starting spots at Anderlecht and Strasbourg. Buchmann may be the most talented of the bunch if he can stay healthy.
LB: Caio Henrique is back from his ACL tear and returning to form. Behind him temporarily is Max Wober. Alvaro Carreras is the new hot thing at Benfica. A very graceful player with a bright future, perhaps back at United. Christian McFarlane, another UK/US dual nat, is on the move to City in January. He has drawn comparisons to Antonee Robinson and was the fastest player in MLS at the ripe age of 17.
At DM, we have two oldies holding down fort. Daler Kuzyaev and Jordan Henderson will start the season on the team sheet. Behind them are fast rising Romeo Lavia, who may have overtaken Enzo certainly as a role model and possibly at Chelsea as well. Pape Gueye seems to acclimating to Spanish football after his suspension last year in France. A number of African prospects are in the youth side, including Super Samp loanee from Inter Akinsanmiro, Makalou - silver ball winner and soon to be Brest player, Pape Diong, another Strasbourg signee, and Sekou Kone, another United prospect. Saimon Bouabre, the silky playmaker for French youth teams, may also slot into this position.
At CM, Matheus Pereira and Callum McGregor battle for the starting point. Hot prospects Mastantuano and Lorran battle behind them, with wildcard Roger Gabriel also slotted in.
On the Wings we have Adingra and Laborde as starters. Traore and Ayew are the main backups. Kendry and Odobert should break into the team soon. Top Australian prospect Irankunda shows tremendous ball striking and speed, Cavan Sullivan is likely the next Pulisic, with the manager waiting to see what Olivio Tome and Luka Andrade can bring to the table.
Forward will likely have Ayew or Laborde at some point during the season. Until then it is up to player of the season Cavani to hold down the fort with Golden Boy Konate showing potential. Jayden Daans and Jovan Milosevic are also part of the squad.
Likely starting lineup: Carnesecchi, Walker Peters, Maguire, Coates, Caio Henrique, Kuzyaev, Henderson, Pereira, Laborde, Adingra, Cavani.
Youth lineup: Mycael, Martin, Sarr, Simic, Alvaro, Lavia, Paez, Lorran, Mastantuano, Irankunda, Konate
Vote: External Transfer Rule
Last night I did a couple of polls on WhatsApp and Facebook to confirm what I thought we already knew: that we want to keep the new player rule, and change the temporary external player rule.
This was confirmed.
So now we will vote here for a new external player rule.
S23 Sackings and Re-appointments
After the manager turnover following the SM worlds 2.0 updates in August, this end of season was always going to be a little different to our usual end of season chum. With such a big movement of managers in and out we've got fewer managers looking for a move, and fewer managers lined up to replace any that quit or who are not reappointed or who don't take another club.
In many ways, that makes the Admin Team's job a lot easier. In the end, I think there was only one manager we didn't reappoint. In the interests of transparency, here's how it went.
D5
Athletic Club: Wayne reappointed. Predicted to finish in last place and failed to improve, but he's active and clearly building. Another decent run in the Youth Cup.
Chievo Verona: Carlos re appointed. Started mid-season.
Villarreal: Rob reappointed. Closest to the boot as he didn't ask to be reappointed until after he was sacked, but no one was asking me for his job.
D4
Napoli: Mattia reappointed. Poor season after a couple of decent seasons, Mattia asked to stay.
Olympiacos: Ricardo reappointed. Started mid- season.
Rubin Kazan. Frank re-appointed. Promoted last season.
D3
Crystal Palace: Ricardo reappointed. Very poor Just season, but no one else wanted them when he got the job, and I couldn't see that being any different now.
Werder Bremen: Kristaps only just joined so he wasn't even sacked.
Lille: Ross reappointed after promotion last season.
D2
Valencia: Giuseppe reappointed. Started mid- season. Double relegation for Valencia, so hopefully Beppe has a plan to prevent an unwanted treble.
Celtic: Hugo reappointed. Made a good effort to stay up and avoid the sack, just failed on the last day of the season.
Udinese: Mark NOT reappointed. Poor season, zero activity seen, and Mark is the only manager who didn't ask to be reappointed.
D1
Hertha Berlin: Regan reappointed. Promotion last season, but third relegation in seven seasons. No signings that could have helped to stay up or avoid the bottom three. I have to say I was in two minds about this one, and as an Admin Team it took us nearly two days to come to a decision. That was no fun for anyone involved, least of all Regan. So apologies for that. Maybe we need a VAR for these decisions - reappoint unless there is a clear and obvious error.
Atletico Madrid: Gav reappointed following his Youth Shield triumph. Gav's doing a rebuild after too many seasons propping up mid-table. He possibly should have done it sooner and more gradually, as the rebuild is almost certainly what got him relegated. But Gav is hyper-active in Top 100 and the life and soul of the party, even if he isn't everyone's Cup of tea. I'm sure he is keen to avoid a double relegation.
Genoa. Frank reappointed. for those of you who don't know, Frank founded Top 100 and ran it for nine seasons. When he handed over to me we agreed he has a job for life.
Available Clubs
That all means that just Udinese became available as a result of sackings. Neil won that job.
Andrew quit Milan as he's quitting SM, so they were available, too. Simon go that one.
And Monaco are available after Jena left to take PSG, along with (as I write) Fenerbahce and Anderlecht.
Espanyol Signs French Star Bradley Barcola: A New Era Begins
In a thrilling move that has captured the attention of football fans across Europe, Espanyol has secured the signing of French forward Bradley Barcola from Stoke City. This transfer not only bolsters Espanyol's attacking lineup but also marks a significant step in their ambitions for the upcoming season.
A Star on the Rise
Bradley Barcola, known for his speed, technical ability, and knack for finding the back of the net, has been making waves in the Division 2. His impressive performances at Stoke City, where he showcased his talent and potential, caught the eye of several clubs. Espanyol's decision to bring him on board reflects their commitment to strengthening the squad and pushing for higher achievements in Top100
Unveiling in Front of a Passionate Crowd
The unveiling ceremony held at the RCDE Stadium was nothing short of electric. A packed home crowd eagerly awaited the moment when Barcola would step onto the pitch in Espanyol colors. Fans waved banners and chanted in anticipation, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and hope.
As Barcola emerged, donning the iconic white and blue jersey, the cheers erupted, signaling the arrival of a player who could become a fan favorite. The young Frenchman took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, visibly moved by the warm welcome from the supporters. In his speech, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and his determination to contribute to the team's success.
What Barcola Brings to Espanyol
With Barcola's signing, Espanyol adds depth and dynamism to their front line. His ability to play across the attacking positions, combined with his sharp instincts, makes him a versatile asset. Fans can expect to see his pace and creativity on display, particularly in tight matches where a spark of brilliance can make all the difference.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, Espanyol's ambitions are clear: to compete fiercely in top100 and establish themselves as a formidable force. With Barcola in the squad, they are certainly taking steps in the right direction. The combination of his youthful energy and the club's experienced players could lead to a potent attacking unit.
In conclusion, Bradley Barcola's transfer to Espanyol is not just about a player switching clubs; it symbolises hope and a fresh start for the team. With the passionate support of their fans, Espanyol is poised for an exciting season ahead, and Barcola is ready to play a pivotal role in that journey.
A Celebration to remember in Madrid
Atlético Madrid Celebrates Youth Shield Victory with Unforgettable ParadeIn a dazzling display of pride and celebration, Atlético Madrid’s youth team paraded through the streets of Madrid on an open-top bus after clinching the coveted Youth Shield.
The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to cheer on their young champions, a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up.
The parade kicked off at the iconic Metropolitano Stadium, where players and staff were met with an enthusiastic crowd. As the bus rolled through the city, chants of “Atleti!” filled the air, uniting supporters of all ages in a jubilant celebration of the club’s achievements. Among the highlights of the day was manager Gav Harmer, who made headlines not only for his leadership but for his celebratory antics.
In a lighthearted moment, Harmer raised the Youth Shield trophy high, taking a sip of champagne straight from it, much to the delight of fans and players alike. This playful gesture symbolized the joy of victory and the unity within the team.
As the bus approached the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the atmosphere shifted to one of playful rivalry. In a cheeky move that captured the spirit of the day, Harmer decided to pull a moonie—flashing his backside—outside the home of rivals Real Madrid. This spontaneous act was met with laughter and cheers from the fans, embodying the competitive yet friendly nature of football in the city.
The parade concluded with a gathering in front of the Metropolitano, where players and coaching staff took to the stage to express their gratitude to the supporters. Harmer emphasized the importance of youth development in the club’s philosophy, reminding everyone that these young talents are the future of Atlético Madrid.
As the sun set on a memorable day, the celebration not only honored the achievement of the youth team but also strengthened the bond between the club and its passionate supporters. Atlético Madrid continues to stand as a beacon of hope and talent in Spanish football, and with moments like these, the future looks incredibly bright.May or may not of happened 😜
BUILDING A LEGACY BY GAV
Managing a club like Atlético Madrid in Top100 is not just about winning matches; it’s about constructing a sustainable future. I've guided my team through seasons, understanding the importance of long-term planning and player development is crucial. Let's explore how I've built my club while integrating some exciting new signings, including Nusa, Adam Wharton, Reis, Diego López, and Noni Madueke.
The Foundation:
Club Philosophy and VisionFirst, it’s essential to establish a clear club philosophy. Atlético Madrid is known for its strong defensive organization and resilience, so it's vital to adopt tactics that reflect this identity. As a manager, I focus on developing a playing style that not only aims for immediate success but also aligns with the long-term vision of the club.Investing in Youth and TalentOne of the most significant aspects of managing Atlético Madrid is the emphasis on scouting and nurturing young talent. The signings of Nusa, Adam Wharton, Reis, Diego López, and Noni Madueke should be seen as strategic moves to build a robust squad for the future.Nusa: A talented winger with incredible potential, his ability to stretch the play will be invaluable. Invest in his development, focusing on skills like crossing and dribbling, to ensure he becomes a cornerstone of your attack.Adam Wharton: This young midfielder has the potential to become a key player. By providing him with consistent first-team action and mentoring, we can help him develop into a midfield general who embodies
Atlético’s fighting spirit.
Reis: Known for his versatility, Reis can play in various positions. Utilize his adaptability to strengthen our squad depth, especially in crucial fixtures where rotation is necessary.
Diego López: A skill full winger , he offers stability in attack . While focusing on his training, we are integrating a young player to challenge for the position in the future, ensuring a smooth transition in our squad as he evolves.
Noni Madueke: His flair and creativity will add a new dimension to our attacking play. I Encourage him to express himself on the pitch while instilling a strong work ethic to fit into Atlético’s tactical framework.
Strategic Transfers and Financial Management
When managing our finances, i always prioritize sustainability. While it may be tempting to splash cash on high-profile signings, focusing on developing players and making smart acquisitions will ensure financial health. I Monitor my club's financial situation closely. Selling surplus players or those who don’t fit in my long-term plans this can free up funds for future investments. Additionally, fostering relationships with our youth academy will provide a steady stream of talent and reduce reliance on the transfer market.
Community and Culture
A successful club is built on a strong community. Engaging with fans and promoting a positive club culture will enhance morale both on and off the pitch. We Host community events, invest in local talent, and maintain an open dialogue with our supporters to build loyalty and support for our club.
Conclusion
Managing Atlético Madrid in Top100 is a rewarding challenge that goes beyond tactics and match outcomes. By prioritizing player development, strategic financial management, and community engagement, i'm creating a legacy that will endure for years to come. Embracing the responsibility of building not just a team, but a thriving club that upholds the values of Atlético Madrid. With the right approach, and signings like Nusa, Adam Wharton, Reis, Diego López, and Noni Madueke can pave the way for future successes, ensuring that our club remains competitive at the highest levels.