Best ever squad?

[Glazier#1]

Villa won the league, which was a much longer season, using 12 players.

Honestly? blimey. 42 games and only 12 players used?
That's incredible.

 

[eaglesdare]

We are still 11th 🤭

How to measure tho? Teams ability? finishing place in the table? consistency? Trophy?

I'm sure we will know at the end of the season if this squad is the best team ever 😅

 

[Badger11]

Honestly? blimey. 42 games and only 12 players used?
That's incredible.

Teams from the seventies onwards playing 42 games with 12 men squads is often mentioned. I guess the question is what was the average length of a footballer's career then and now?

Were they being flogged to death like the Grand National horse?

Are today's players having a longer careers as they are managed better? I guess you also have to factor in more protection from career threatening tackles, better pitches diets etc.

 

[Holmesdale 1989]

It’s all relative to the era teams played in. However, the team that finished third in the league is surely the best. Outstanding spine and our best two strikers.

Good as this first eleven is we will finish around mid table again. There is also a big drop from the starting eleven to the squad players. Mid table in itself is very successful for our club but it isn’t third in the league.

You're totally right. The team that came 3rd has to be considered better. Though you can see technically the current players are more skilful as a unit.