With the soccer calendar on hold, theScore’s editors took the opportunity to go back in history. Gordon Brunt, Michael Chandler, Anthony Lopopolo, Gianluca Nesci, and Daniel Rouse participated in a standard fantasy mock draft with just one stipulation: active players can’t be selected. The term “legend,” like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
Other mock drafts: Current players | Young stars (April 27)
Round 1
| Pick | Player | Manager |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diego Maradona | Chandler |
| 2 | Pele | Lopopolo |
| 3 | Ronaldo | Nesci |
| 4 | Johan Cruyff | Rouse |
| 5 | Zinedine Zidane | Brunt |
Analysis: No surprises here. After Diego Maradona and Pele went first and second overall, respectively, there were myriad ways the rest of this could’ve unfolded, but it was virtually impossible to make a bad pick in the opening round with so many legendary players available.
Round 2
| Pick | Player | Manager |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Thierry Henry | Brunt |
| 7 | Franz Beckenbauer | Rouse |
| 8 | Paolo Maldini | Nesci |
| 9 | Alfredo Di Stefano | Lopopolo |
| 10 | Michel Platini | Chandler |
Analysis: The mind games began early. Brunt, knowing that Arsenal icon Thierry Henry was coveted by another participant, takes full advantage of the snake format and snaps him up. The Frenchman’s probably gone higher than he should have, but that’s the leap you have to make when dealing with back-to-back picks followed by lengthy waits.
Round 3
| Pick | Player | Manager |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Franco Baresi | Chandler |
| 12 | Roberto Baggio | Lopopolo |
| 13 | Ronaldinho | Nesci |
| 14 | Xavi | Rouse |
| 15 | Roberto Carlos | Brunt |
Analysis: The differing strategies are coming to light. Lopopolo’s gone all-in on firepower through the opening three rounds – that attacking trio …read more