I was watching the match report of Oakmere v Mapleford in TWTD's own Retro Football manager
https://retro-football-manager.com/
One team was based on the 70's and the other on the 2025 team.
It all came down to a tussle between Beattie and Delap.
That just got me thinking what if those two determined, skillful players would actually have played against each other.
At 22 both strong and quick.
Delap has shown that the thing that defenders hate most is somebody running at them fast with the ball. Especially if they are strong and powerful and not easily knocked off their purpose. He has also shown some deft flicks which can alter games.
Last year we saw his power, fight and ability.
However Beattie was also fast and skillful. Midfielders are no more likely to enjoy a bloke running at speed at them with the ball than defenders are.
The Beat would get the ball and once a match would suddenly turn and run fast forwards causing panic. The crowd hoping for this would shout "oooooooooohhhhhhhOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH" depending on how far he got. When he eventually lost or passed the ball there was a "Aaaaaaawwwww"
The bottom line is that Beattie could dribble. Think of Delap and Clarke combined.
But of course the final decision is revealed when you consider Beattie played as a defender for England.
No, Delap is good. If he keeps his head down and works he may be great, but he is no Beattie.
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