thamerooniTunisia Starting XI
25.07.2011
kmcculleythamerooni, wow I'm glad to see another person with an interest in Tunisian football! Ever since watching the brilliant Amine Chermiti playing for Hertha in preseason, I've also had a soft spot for Tunisian football.
All in all, this is an excellent XI. I only have two suggestions: One, maybe you should consider Khaled Souissi as the rightback instead of Derbali. I know Souissi is somewhat of the old guard, but I'm much more confident of his defensive abilities. While he may not provide width, I think Tunisia has enough attacking quality to survive without Derbali. Two, instead of Mejdi Traoui, maybe you could play Jamel Saihi on Montpellier. I think it's important to have players with European experience.
But all in all an incredible XI. Hopefully this group can qualify for the ACN and WC!
25.07.2011
thameroonikmculley, thank you for your comments. in response to your first suggestion, you're right in that souissi is a much more capable defender than derbali, but souissi is cb for club and has only played at rb for the national team because of our lack of a true rb who can deliver crosses and make smart runs. too many times souissi has given up possesion by making foolish passes and crosses that sail past the goal line. i think that derbali's presence in the team will add fluidity which is something we desperately lack.
saihi is an exciting prospect, but he hasnt yet reached the level of maturity that is needed at the top level of international football. his technique is unquestionable as is evident with some of the goals hes scored.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnPqlJMrlrs
(last goal in video, his first touch in that game)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSAVP5X5mt8
(minute 2:20)
however, traoui has proven time and again that he is an excellent central midfielder. he has plenty of experience and has started in the final of the CAF champions league 4 times. he can dictate tempo, find the best possible pass, and chip in with the odd goal, so i would go with him for now, but saihi is always a possibility for the future.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSn4Ny0gaOM
(minute 1:30)
25.07.2011
kmcculleyGood points thamerooni, those videos were illuminating. I'm gald to see that an enthusiasm for Tunisian football is alive and well. This can only mean good things for the future of Les Aigles!
25.07.2011
