Player Profiles

Armchair Amateurs have had many top-class players on their books over the years. Here is their current first team squad.

Goalkeepers

Felipe - Felipe has been with the team since it's inception and will go down as one of the finest 'keepers of his generation. His eye for goal in meant that, in his early years, he was given free kick duty. Despite being only 30 years old, he finds himself in a position where games are harder to come by, thanks to his former no. 2.

Antonio De La Roca - Recently taken over as the club's first choice stopper, the Spanish youngster has performed impecibly over the last two or three seasons. At only 22, he has years ahead of him. His stock continues to grow rapidly and the manager may be expecting clubs to start sniffing around soon.

Full Backs

Massimo Rossi - The club's long-standing right back has been playing regularly since the tender age of 19 and has dimissed the temptation to cash in at a bigger club. He is renound for his strong mentality and free kick prowess.

Michael Tolley - Tolley is one of The Amateurs' most prized posessions and, at just 20, he has the potential to turn into the best full back in the GW. He has amassed several goals over the course of the last three season in which he has featured in the first team. He's quick and hugely powerful - a big obstacle for opposing wingers.

Miguel Ángel Espinoza - Involved in the part-exchange deal that saw Everton Ribeiro move to G700, Miguel has seen few real chances in the side due to Tolley's dominance. He has played as a secondary winger from time to time, though.

Central Defenders

David Wheater - The big name in defence, David is the current club captain and considered, by many, to be the greatest defender to ever pull on the red and blue shirt. His huge frame and aerial dominance ensures few target men get the better of them and he has proved equally effective at scoring from corners. At 31, he is reaching the climax of his career, though.

Bozkurt Yilmaz - The Turk was brought in at the age of 18 and found himself a regualr by the age of 20. The athletic, decisive centre back has formed a solid partnership with Wheater over the last few seasons and has improved vastly under the Englishman's tutelage.

Manuel Gómez Sánchez - The man with the responsibility of eventuallt replacing Wheater in defence, Manuel has looked more than capable in the games he has played. Despite being only a year younger than Yimaz, he has seen less opportunities due to his slower rate of development although many believe he is now ready.

Defensive Midfielders

Juan Manuel Torres - The older of the two experienced ball winners - Torres is pretty much a mainstay in the side. He has only been at the club for two seasons now but his expertise in play the DM role has been very rewarding for AAFC.

Gary Medel - Medel has also seen quite a lot of first team action due to his versatility. Despite failing to impress in his early years as an Amateurs, this season's performances have been a massive improvement.

Attacking Midfielders

Alberto Grossi - The 22 year old has seen his chances limited due to the emergance of other players in his position. But he has always impressed when put into the starting XI. His flair and creativity is, at times, a joy to watch.

Sandro Miranda - Probably the most naturally talented playing at the club, the 19 year old oozes class and, as such, has been an ever-present in the team. Bids of £3.5m have been rejected recently and it's understandable. Expected to be the best player in the world by many pundits.

Marques Resende Junior - Probably the most technically gifted player at the club, despite being just 18. He is fully expected to follow the example of Miranda and become truly world class.

Marco Ezio Fosatti - The club's talismanic playmaker has been playing regular football for a decade now - since the age of 15. He makes the team tick and dictates all attacking play. He is probably the best player currently on the books.

Wingers

Tomas Micola - Despite playing as a striker for his old club, Micola has established himself as one of the fiest right-sided wingers around. His pace, strength, creativity and ability with the ball at his feet really make Micola a live wire. He consistently gets lots of goals and assists, too.

Yohann Da Costa - A much improved second season after his big money move has seen Da Costa recieve plaudits from around the GW. The world famous winger is brilliantly creative and was once dubbed 'The New Zidane' in his youth.

Luke Whittaker - The industrious winger has always had a big reputation but has failed to live up to the hype in recent side. Despite still being very talented, he may be sacraficed sometime soon.

Naldo - Recent signing Naldo is believed to be the successor to Micola. The 18 year old has a deadly cross and is quck and direct on the ball. He is definately a name worth remembering.

Strikers

Macauley Chrisantus - Probably the biggest named striker in the side, Chrisantus is a well-rounded striker, with pace, strength, great movement and a lethal finish. His aerial ability is also ver good.

Mohammed Roland - Much in the same mould as Chrisantus, Roland has got it all. He was signed just a season ago, having a very small reputation. He is now world renowned and he bangs the goals in for fun.

Alex - The youngster up front is just one of a number of Brazilians at the club with infinite potential. He has already shown his galscoring prowess for the first team, despite being just 18. He is know for his pace and deadly finishing in one on one situations.