Think you’ve got what it takes to tactically outsmart RIASA coach Jack Salvatore? Do you want to rise to the top? Are you a football data fanatic? Who’s your wildcard pick? When would you play your special cards?
With this summer’s upcoming UEFA EURO 20024 tournament, and building on from the success of last season’s Premier League fantasy, we couldn’t resist creating a new league for the Euros.
Most of our current players, and in particular RIASA London squad members, will know how much knowledge coach Jack Salvatore possesses when it comes to world football. Having narrowly missed out on claiming 1st position in the Premier League fantasy, he’s challenging you to beat him in this summers’ tournament and coming back for revenge!
We spoke to Jack exclusively and scoped out what his team will look like for match day 1, going into tactical detail as to why he chose each player from this year’s tournament picks.
Jack commented…
“After a respectable 5th placed finish during the FPL season and narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification, I’m setting my sights on a top 4 finish for the Euros. I have a keen interest in European football, and RIASA players I’ve worked with will know this from the quiz questions that often decide which team gets the ball during practices.
Here is my team for the opening match-day, I’ve gone for a blend of on-paper reliable point scorers, wildcards and some big fishes in small ponds. I think there are a lot of top quality midfielders in this tournament, so have chosen a 3-5-2 formation to make the most of the talent available. As a Liverpool fan I’ve tried to avoid my red bias, however I don’t think I’ve been that successful.”
Here is Jack’s starting 11 and his choice of super subs.
Starting XI
Mike Maignan
I don’t see France conceding many chances, but if they do, they have one of the hottest prospects in European football in goal. After a couple of decent seasons with AC Milan, he’s been linked with Man City, and he’d be a good fit with his top quality distribution, imposing 1v1 saves and aerial presence.
Joao Cancelo
The theme with my choice in defenders is their attacking output, and Cancelo is expected to be flying down the wing to support the Portuguese attack. I expect him to be involved in most games and I think with the group that Portugal are in, there’s plenty of opportunity for attacking contributions.
Theo Hernandez
I’ve watched Hernandez a few times this season at Milan, and he’s the most exciting yet most frustrating player on the pitch. His ball carrying ability for a defender is unrivalled, and he’s at the heart of a lot of what Milan create, but he loves a yellow card and the red is never far away.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
It’s going one of two ways for Trent, he’s either going to win us the tournament or he won’t play. He hasn’t had the best end of the season and is not favoured by Southgate, but I’m starting him because of his final product and his ability to play forwards. Mix that with an England team who will largely dominate possession, it’s a recipe for success. Red tinted glasses? Possibly.
Teun Koopmeiners
Dynamic, energetic and definitely in form. He’s won the Europa League with Atalanta and has been their main man for most of the season. He’s not played much for the Netherlands, but his performances domestically could push him into the team.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Big fish, small pond. Captain fantastic for the Magyars, he scores and creates in an attacking midfield position and I love his energy, athleticism and the occasional rocket. There’s a question around his quality when it matters, but for Hungary most will go through their talisman.
Ilkay Gundogan
Last tournament? Scores, assists and starter. Good value for money and looks like he could hold his place throughout the tournament. Safe choice, and I probably need it.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Big fish, small pond. I’d take Kvaradona at Liverpool, his 1v1 attacking skills, dribbling and balance are a joy to watch, and he’s one big tournament away from moving to one of Europe’s top clubs. I really hope he does well, I’ll be taking Cancelo out of the team when they play Georgia.
Kevin De Bruyne
No reasoning required, the best midfielder in the world.
Romelu Lukaku
The forgotten man at club level, but he loves scoring for Belgium and especially in that group along with Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine. His power, hold up play and aerial threat will get him goals (hopefully) and he’s 31 and on the verge of the Saudi Pro League. This is his last hurrah.
Kylian Mbappe
I have a feeling he could set some records this tournament as I’m sure he’ll want to head to Madrid in form.
Subs
Bartłomiej Dragowski
If all goes well, Bart will be as useful as Scott Carson is for City.
Virgil Van Dijk
Aerial threat, leader, and coming off the back of a much better season for LFC. I’ll be using him in certain games when I think set pieces could play a role. Totally in awe of his precise 60 yard diagonal balls with no backlift.
Dennis Man
Won promotion to Serie A with Parma, 11 goals and 6 assists, shows he can contribute in the opposition box. Creative and clever, he’ll be a solid understudy if called upon. Unlikely to start ahead of the players in the starting XI
Pedro Porro
A useful option to bring off the bench if Trent or Cancelo don’t perform, he’ll be desperate to be involved in the attack but may not have as much freedom as he does at Spurs. Excellent on the ball, full of energy and will hope to start.
Join and compete against Jack
So, now that you know who coach Jack Salvatore is selecting for his first match day line-up, do you think you can beat him to that number one spot? The pressures on!
You can join RIASA’S UEFA EURO 2024 Fantasy Football by clicking here, or we have also provided the code pin below…
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Best of luck to everyone!