Firstly a huge thank you to Ryan over at NL Musings (@nlmusings) for asking me to take part in this, it’s a great idea and you should check out both his and Joe from OffTheLineBlog (@OffTheLineBlog) attempts as they are brilliant. The rules originally stated that there was to be no inclusion of loanees; I’ve slightly bended the rules here, limiting myself to 4 loan players. I’m also intending on playing a 5-2-1-2 formation, such is the fashion at the top of the table. Therefore, my selections have been made with this in mind (6 centre backs for example). So, without anymore pleasantries here is my 23 man squad.
Manager: Luke Garrard (Boreham Wood)
This was really a toss up between Garrard and Stuart Maynard of Wealdstone, with the pair interchangeable, as you’ll see in my selection of a Wealdstone player later on. I edged it to Garrard though, due to him having slightly more experience, and also having a more solid defensive shape. This season he has really expanded his horizons, including creative players (Zak Brunt) and goalscorers (Lee Ndlovu, Danny Elliot and Danny Newton) in his side, adding a real attacking punch to the solid foundations he usually has. I feel he could get the best out of this group, keeping them solid at the back, whilst also allowing the flair players to do what they do best up top.
Goalkeeper – Dan Lincoln (Dorking)
This man put on one of, if not the finest goalkeeping performance I have seen in person. A fantastic shot stopper, Lincoln also has really underrated distribution, possessing a ridiculously long throw due to his cricketing exploits, as well as good passing with his feet, competing 90.68% of his passes. A brilliant communicator, I’d feel Lincoln would be able to organise his defence well, as well as being dependable when called upon; Lincoln makes 3.95 saves per 90, 4th most in the league. As was alluded to earlier, Lincoln has had somewhat of a glittering cricket career, leading him to being a specialist fielder in the Ashes for England. He is therefore used to pressure situations, and the tournament format shouldn’t phase my number 1.
Goalkeeper – Sam Howes – Wealdstone
As mentioned before, the Wealdstone and Boreham Wood selections are completely interchangeable, as had I edged for Maynard then Nathan Ashmore would be a more than capable keeper. However, as I’ve chosen to go down this route Howes gets the nod, another keeper I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live this season, and another who impressed me (despite conceding 6 on the day). A fantastic shot stopper, Howes played a massive role in Wealdstone’s early season form, preventing several goals, hoisting them up the table. Another keeper who is a fine communicator, Howes makes 3.33 saves per 90, 8th highest in the league, so is a more than capable deputy.
Goalkeeper – Grant Smith – Yeovil
As far as choices from Yeovil went, the pickings were particularly slim. The Glovers are a side who are greater than the sum of its parts, so really my main 3 contenders were Smith in goal, Jamie Reckord at left back or Mark Cooper in the dugout. This isn’t to say that Smith isn’t a good keeper, quite to the contrary, and with 2.8 saves per 90 he more than merits his place in the squad. An extremely experienced keeper, despite being just 28, Smith will provide good support in the squad, pushing the other 2 keepers. He’s also conceded just 20 goals in 17 games, a very good return for a keeper in the relegation zone, and he has never conceded more than twice on any occasion; a safe pair of hands.
Centre Back – Toby Mullarkey – Altrincham
One of the easiest choices in the squad, I’ve made it no secret the admiration I have for Mullarkey as a player. He will start to the right of my back 3, a position he should find natural considering his experience playing as a right full back. A natural defender, Mullarkey is imperious in a 1v1 situation, and he’s a good athlete too, meaning he will be perfect in the RCB role. He will be able to shift across and support the right wing back, and his ability on the ball also suits the system and role bestowed upon him. From the right hand side he will be tasked with playing the ball into dangerous areas, something he is more than comfortable with considering the way Alty like to play; Mullarkey averages 36.41 passes per 90, more than the likes of Aaron Hayden at Wrexham and Aaron Nemane at Notts County.
Centre Back – Kacper Lopata
The man in the middle of my back 3, Southend’s fortunes, especially defensively, have transformed since Lopata’s arrival. In the 10 games Lopata has played since his return to Roots Hall, his side have conceded just 5 goals; they’ve also kept 7 clean sheets in that period, and the Polish defender plays a massive role in that. At 6ft5 he is both a threat going forward, but also capable of dealing with aerials into the box too, and I had to include the man that is at the heart of the best defence in the league. He also plays the central position in a back 3, so he couldn’t be more of a natural selection there.
Centre Back – Aaron Hayden – Wrexham
Possibly the hardest choice in the squad, I initially had Mullin down, but a last minute change of heart led me to calling up Hayden instead. A brilliant centre half, Hayden already plays in a back 3, albeit to the right of the 3, but nevertheless he knows the system well, and will be a great fit. With 8 goals in 17 games we have ourselves a commanding aerial presence, one who loves a goal from a corner, and Hayden has real leadership qualities too. He possibly the finest defender at this level, so his inclusion in the side seems a natural one, and with 8.05 progressive passes per 90 he will be more than comfortable playing the style I want my men to implement.
Centre Back – Maxim Kouogun – York City
A whisker away from making the starting 11, Kouogun will have the ability to fill in for any of the defensive 3, and the York man has been part of a defence that has conceded just 17 goals, joint 4th best in the division. A superb athlete, Kouogun is comfortable on the ball, but is also strong in the tackle. He plays 8.28 progressive passes per 90, showing his ability to fit the style, and the Irish defender wins a massive 75.74% of his defensive duels, again showing what a strong member of this squad he is.
Centre Back – Jesse Debrah – Halifax
A really strong, young defender, Debrah will bring some much needed energy and youth to the squad. He’s also a man with lots of experience despite his tender years; he helped Halifax to not only having the best defence last season, but also led them to a playoff berth. In recent weeks he’s started to show the form he displayed last season, and the natural athlete deserves his place in the squad here. He’s another that is used to playing out from the back, and with a defensive duel success rate of 78.35% Debrah is more than capable of filling in if required.
Centre Back – Cole Kpekawa- Maidenhead
I feel central defence is the strongest area of this squad, as 26 year old defender Kpekawa could start for several sides in this division, such is his quality. It also speaks volumes about the overall quality of this side that he is 6th choice, showing incredible depth in talent. At 6ft3 Kpekawa is strong in the air, with 2 goals to his name already, and he is a really tough defender. He’s used to backs to the wall stuff too, being part of an Alan Devonshire side that prioritises defensive solidity. The perfect man to bring on should we need to see a lead out late on, he will be an important part of this defensive unit. He’s also a left footed defender, so would be a very natural choice on the left side of defence, so depending on the circumstances he could very easily find himself at LCB in this side.
Right Wing Back – Jeff King – Chesterfield
Okay he isn’t technically a wing back, but King has the attacking qualities that suggest to me he would be a perfect fit in this role; he practically plays like one anyway. 6 goals and 2 assists to his name already, there aren’t many who are better going forward from the full back position than King, and his shooting from range makes him a real threat down the right. He would also be our direct set piece taker; he has scored 2 so far this season, joint most in the league. He’s also won 66.96% of his defensive duels, a massive amount for a full back, so he goes straight in at RWB.
Right Wing Back – Brennan Camp – Eastleigh
Another makeshift choice here, as Camp is more of a traditional full back, I still feel he is strong enough going forward that he can fill in here, and his versatility makes him a great asset in a tournament setting, should there be injuries at centre back too. Camp is all action, strong at both ends of the pitch, and is part of a side that are unbeaten at home. Eastleigh are also a side who are used to fine margins, so Camp would be able to step up in pressure situations too.
Left Wing Back – Reece Hannam – Bromley
The owner of a very cultured left foot, Hannam starts in his natural wing back position, another player who is used to the system. This is arguably the weakest area of the pitch, but I still believe Hannam is a very capable operator, and part of a strong side. He has a mean delivery from corners too, as was seen in the week as he put a fine ball in for Cheek to head home at Meadow Lane, and the 22 year old wing back carries a goal threat too, with 2 goals in 14 games. He wins a modest 59.38% of his defensive duels, and with Hayden behind him he will have licence to attack even more than he does now.
Left Wing Back – Dillon De Silva – Torquay
The second of my loanees, De Silva would be a great squad option, not only in that he is a capable left wing back, but also due to the blistering pace he possesses, meaning he could come on in a variety of situations, to stretch the game and punish the opposition with his pace. He possesses a brilliant delivery on his left foot too, and frankly the options from Torquay were limited, and De Silva, a Sri Lankan international, seemed one of the better choices. He’s also played in tournament formats for Sri Lanka before, so he would provide valuable experience to the rest of the squad.
Midfielder – Rohan Ince – Woking
I felt the midfield needed a range of skills, and tried to keep it as balanced as possible, and none typify this better than Rohan Ince. At 6ft3 he brings some much needed height and physicality to the midfield, but does so without the need for compromising over ball playing ability. Ince is as well rounded as they come, and whilst he will be essential for breaking up play and bringing energy in the midfield battle, his range of passing will also be a vital tool for the side. Ince has sumptuous vision, allowing him to pass both long and short, and he wins a very impressive 67.63% of his defensive duels, making him an ideal candidate for the right hand side of my midfield pairing.
Midfielder – Greg Olley – Gateshead
The other candidate for the right sided midfield slot is Gateshead’s Olley, who is vastly underrated when it comes to the defensive side of his game. An energetic, well rounded midfielder, Olley wins 67.57% of his defensive duels, almost identical to that of Ince, showing he is more than capable of holding his own in a midfield battle. Olley doesn’t need much introducing when it comes to attacking contributions and creativity; he recorded 20 assists last season for Gateshead, and despite stepping up a division he has remained extremely creative. Olley plays 1.04 smart passes per 90, 2nd most in the division and in many ways he actually offers more going forward than Ince. The pair would be interchangeable in my side, depending on the opposition, and I feel both have great skill sets to bring to my midfield unit.
Midfielder – Frank Vincent – Aldershot
I’ve tried to keep my midfield as balanced as possible, so I’ve included 2 left footed midfielders and 2 right footed midfielders, so as to provide balance not just in the squad but in the midfield outing too. Vincent is the 2nd loannee in the squad, and he’s another midfielder who brings immense energy to the side. A box to box midfielder with an eye for goal, Vincent’s performances have been impressive since making the loan move south, and his cultured left foot would be of good use to my side. In a tournament setting you need players who are energetic and have supreme fitness levels, both of which Vincent possesses, and he’s already played 6 smart passes in a side who up until recently have struggled.
Midfielder – Regan Booty – Maidstone
The other left footed midfielder brings yet another look to the midfield, one who is able to sit in and create from deep, but also one who possesses a wonderful delivery, making him a good candidate to take set pieces. Booty plays 41.03 passes per 90, 12.74 of which are considered progressive, and he also wins an impressive 67.44% of his defensive duels, showing his ability to sit should the midfield push forward. He’s also an immensely creative player, as shown by the fact he plays 2 deep completions per 90, 3rd most in the league, just behind Elliot Lee and Ruben Rodrigues. That is high company indeed, and with 3 goals to his name, it’s clear he is a well rounded midfielder, and a welcome addition to this side. Should an injury crisis hit the squad Booty would be able to fill in at LWB too, so his versatility is just yet another string to his bow.
Attacking Midfield – Joe Sbarra – Solihull Moors
Last season’s Young Player of the Season, Joe Sbarra has had a slightly quieter start to the current campaign, but nevertheless his quality remains clear to see. With 4 goals and 2 assists in 15 games, Sbarra has certainly shown he is able to put up numbers, and he also offers tactical flexibility to the squad, with his ability to play out wide on the left allowing us to shift to a 4-3-3 if the circumstances presented themselves. Sbarra has played 7 key passes in that period, showing his ability to create, and his low centre of gravity makes him a nightmare for defenders, and we need goals all over the pitch; Sbarra is certainly a man who adds that from midfield. A quality operator and one who is a key part of this squad.
Attacking Midfield – Rob Apter – Scunthorpe
The final loanee in the squad, and on this season’s form this man would start for my side in the tournament. The 19 year old has 7 goal contributions, all coming in a side who are still in the relegation zone, a place they have been in for the vast majority of the season. Despite his side note performing, young Apter has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s a joy to watch, such a creative, direct, tricky player, one who combines skill with end product. This wouldn’t be a Sven taking Walcott to the World Cup; Apter would see plenty of action, and may even start, it’s that close between him and the more experienced Sbarra. Apter brings youth to the side, something which makes him fearless, a desirable attribute in any squad.
Forward – Macaulay Langstaff – Notts County
It had to be didn’t it? The top scorer in the league, it was a close call but with 17 goals already, and the potential of breaking the scoring record, Langstaff simply had to be in the side. It’s a side that would be built round him too; the ethos would be to get the ball to him in the box, something which would be made a lot easier due to his clever movement. His attacking positioning and awareness is way beyond this level; he constantly picks up the space between the full back and central defender where he cannot be marked, making him a dangerous forward at all times. He has the highest xG in the league too, showing he is rightfully at the top of the scoring charts, and you can’t win tournaments without scoring goals; and Langstaff guarantees that, and in large quantities too.
Forward – Nicke Kabamba – Barnet
Kabamba is for me the perfect foil for Langstaff. A 6ft3 forward, Kabamba would be dangerous in the air, but also possesses a goal threat of his own; only Langstaff, Mullin and McShane have more goals than him this season. He’s scored 3 headers this season, and whilst he isn’t a traditional target man he certainly has the tools to provide flick ons for Langstaff, as well as holding the ball up and bringing others into play. So often we see sides mark Langstaff out of the game, so it was important to have a forward who could score goals alongside him, and with 10 goals to his name already Kabamba is the man to do it.
Forward – Junior Morias – Dagenham
A complete live wire, and a forward who is unplayable on his day, I can’t think of many better impact subs in the league than Junior Morias. Morias is a quick, powerful forward, one who possesses a mean strike, and late on when legs are tired he has the destructive qualities to punish the opposition. He also offers versatility in the same way Sbarra does, meaning if we did opt for a 4-3-3 in certain situations he would be up to the task. He’s shown this season he’s more than capable of scoring goals, with 8 to his name, scoring a variety of goals, my particular favourite a diving header against Bromley.
The final forward in my side is Oldham’s standout player this season, Tollitt who has scored 5 goals in a side who have netted just 17. He’s also a versatile player, and I feel filling the final forward slot with a player who can also fill in both the attacking midfield and midfield positions is smart for the tournament format. Tollitt’s goals have contributed 5 points to Oldham this season, including 2 late equalisers, showing he is capable of dealing with the big occasions, another crucial attribute in a tournament format. At 27 years old he brings valuable experience to a squad which is packed with youth, so Tollitt is well equipped to make an impact both on and off the pitch.
Forward – Ben Tollitt – Oldham
Overall, I feel my squad is well balanced, and fits the criteria (other than my slight tweak), creating a squad capable of going far in a tournament format. It has plenty of match winners in the squad, and my only slight regret is not having another natural left footed centre back; Kyle Cameron would have been a good choice here, but as centre back was possibly the position with the most quality throughout the division I opted to use the County quota further up the pitch. It was a very tricky task, a testament to the ability of the National League, and I look forward to hearing any of your attempts too!
xN: Expected Nonsense 