If you ask almost any manager that is significant in the world of winning trophies on xperteleven, or is near the top of the global rankings, they will tell you that you can only achieve big with a squad of eighteen players or less.
"You have >20 players?!" they enquire, in an alarming tone; "how is it even possible to afford to train that many players?!?!".
It is, of course, a great question. Dwong Athletic currently have a full squad, that is one that contains 23 players. More than enough players for two different teams. It is something rarely seen on xperteleven and given the difficulties teams have in affording to develop their small squads - never mind a large one - it is not hard to see why.
In the Dwong squad currently are:
- 2 goalkeepers; a main goalkeeper and a young deputy.
- 8 defenders; a soon-to-be retiring legend, three quality defenders and four youngsters, some of which might be on there way to the land of econ farming.
- 9 midfielders; two bench warming oldies, five quality players and two teenagers looking for experience for their own futuristic first team chance.
- 4 forwards; two quality forwards and two teenagers looking to break into the first team.
Now you have all heard the expression 'quality is better than quantity', right? But Fabbyulous argues. that there's nothing to say he cannot have both.
"If you are suggesting that my squad lacks in quality then you are all sadly mistaken. We are dominating our division's 'Team of the Round' and we have some absolutely quality players in Nils, Ivan and Ulisses to name just three that other teams crave. That is quality. And why can't I try and get these players in bulk?"
The obvious question is, how can anyone afford to sustain a squad rich on development with so many players? Fabbyulous wasn't quizzical with his response.
"Well the simple answer is, we cannot. When I say we cannot, obvious we can as this game does not allow us to spend ourselves into insolvency and then be bankrolled by some rich Russian or American investor. Do I look like a Portuguese proclaimed 'special one'... don't answer that!"
"Seriously speaking, we struggle compared to the typical team in keeping enough cash aside to develop our players, the players we have, about half, will be on average 1.5 Development Value bars down on what they would be at other clubs. That is life. It will not change the way I play the game."
Away from the negatives, what are the positives in having so many players?
"Well, a reduction in injury impact for one. Some teams' seasons are ruined by injuries whereas we could lose a player, even a key one, and still have the necessary backup to reinforce their loss."
"Uniqueness is another thing I like about this method of teambuilding. How many other strong teams can boast a squad of twenty+ players strong? Not many. I find it fun, joyful even, Being able to develop many younger players, having more to 'click' on Change Report day, enjoying the thrill of rotating the squad perfectly to match the game time needs of each players."
"Anyway it is not as though we have a squad of 23 players that all need constant training and playing. We have two upcoming retirements, a player currently on the transfer market and teenagers that need only play four to five games per season. It is not as difficult as it sounds and, as I said, there is a real enjoyment out of it."
"Could I ever play with fewer players, at this level? I would struggle. It would take a great deal of adapting."
And what's the greatest joy of managing a larger squad?
"All the WAGS on matchday. Especially the younger players' birds. Every match we play there is a spectacle to behold, even when we are losing 3-0..."
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