My MFL Journey 10 – Season 15 Preview

Planning for the Future

By now I’ve built an agency of almost 60 players, ranging from the low 40s to the low 70s. Keeping those players developing is becoming increasingly difficult, because regular minutes are essential – especially for those on the verge of first-team football.

Rather than relying on loans, I wanted as much control over their development as possible. That’s why I purchased Academia del Mayhem, a Spark division club in Argentina. Using the same tactical system as Madero Mayhem FC, it gives younger players competitive football, consistent minutes and a clear pathway into the first team.

Introducing The Academy

Just after the mid-season break I purchased a club also in the Spark division, based in San Miguel de Tucuan, Argentina.

Acadamia del Mayhem.

This will give the opportunity for players rated from the early to mid 60s (and possibly a little scope either side of those) to work together, in the same squad, using the same formation as Madero Mayhem FC in a much more competitive environment than if I’d bought a team in Flint.

The plan is for them to be relatively close in overall ratings, which along with a small squad and decent level of opposition, should tick all the boxes for the “progression golden zone“.

With them playing the same system, it’ll allow me to see who’s good enough to make the step up to The Mayhem based on performance as well as attributes.

Hopefully this will mirror the Red Bull setup and be as successful at developing players to make the next step up! Just like Red Bull, we won’t just be stockpiling players in the hope one sees massive progression and can be sold for a profit. Each is recruited with a player profile in mind which fits The Mayhem DNA.

Maximising Playing Time

In my first two seasons I probably rotated too much. Nobody benefited. Not the team and not the players’ progression.

This season I’ll instead rely on experienced players and loan signings as backups, allowing my own developing players to play the vast majority of minutes.

Maximum gametime

Competitive division

Close OVR groupings

Maximum opportunities for progression.

Madero Mayhem Squad Preview & Transfer Roundup

My recruitment for Season 15 actually started just after Season 14 had kicked off.

The Goalkeepers

Whilst Mark Wells was steady last season, I was never fully comfortable with him between the sticks, so he’ll become backup to new signing Gaspar Takacs.

Gaspar joins for $16 from the Stone division, where he made only 6 starts. He’s 27 but was minted as a 26 year old so I’m hoping some regular game time, at a competitive level, can see him progress quickly.

The Defenders

After conceding only 15 goals last season, I wanted to keep as much continuity in defence as possible. Vlasak, Janssen and Vollmer all retain their places, while Didier Cambier moves into midfield.

To replace Cambier, I picked up Australian Leo Tan for $25. The 25-year-old offers nice versatility, being equally adept at Left Back and as a Central Defender.

Another new addition is Rinaldo Tonelli, who was signed as part of the deal which bought midfielder Graeme Moss to the club in the mid-season transfer window. Tonelli brings pace and power to our back line.

Finally, we bought in two experienced players on loan. Hans-Jurgen Haupt (72 OVR) is a quick and skilful Left Back whilst Central Defender Pedro Moreno (71 OVR) will play his last MFL season with The Mayhem before retiring.

The Midfielders

Although Daniel Karsai (DM, 68 OVR) performed well last season, Cambier’s (DM, 69 OVR) mobility makes him a better fit for the defensive midfield role in Ice.

Graeme Moss (CM, 70 OVR) will maintain is position as the more combative Central Midfielder, but I felt an upgrade over Gerhard Zander (CM, 67 OVR) was needed to compete in Ice. In comes Frenchman Anthony Maillot (CM, 71 OVR). He’s well rounded and young enough (23) to develop well. Costing $35 he spent last season in Ice, averaging a 7.0 match rating with 5 goal contributions.

Although Zander will be the rotation player to aid his development, I also bought in another Frenchman, this time 32-year-old Renaud Marin (CM, 70 OVR) who is able to cover both midfield slots as well as cover at Right Back if needed.

The Forwards

Starting on the wings, I’ve made upgrades on both flanks. Roman Fasching (LW, 66 OVR) enjoyed an excellent season, but at 30 it was time to invest in a younger long-term option.

Costing $32, Olgierd Jagietto is a pure attacking winger who should be able to play almost like a second striker, alongside Aristizabal. Admittedly, he didn’t have a great season in Ice, with just 1 goal and 3 assists in 18 games. However, I’m confident in our tactical system and he’ll get good goalscoring opportunities.

On the right flank, Mauro Alderete had a very positive impact on the team in the second-half of last season. With 9 goals in 9 games, it was he who gave us the lead in our 2-0 playoff victory which saw us clinch promotion. However, at 29-year-old, and 68 OVR he’s not going to have the same effect in Ice.

At just 23, Buzatu (RW, 71 OVR) is more of a creator than Alderete and represents excellent value, with comparable players listed for over $70.

Elias Aristizabal (ST, 73 OVR) will remain as our main striker, but I needed someone who could step in and grab goals when needed. Joining for just $6, Englishman Allan Ellis should be a very reliable backup option. A deadly shooter, he scored 6 goals and grabbed 6 assists in 8 games in Ice last season.

Madero Mayhem FC Thoughts

I’ve spent $152 assembling a team that may only be good enough for mid-table in Ice. I could almost certainly have built a stronger side by buying older players, but that was never the plan. The average age of the starting XI is 25, which should be one of the, if not THE youngest in the division.

Developing players is what makes MFL enjoyable for me, and while it’s still financially possible, I’d rather invest in players who can improve alongside the club. If we establish ourselves comfortably in Ice while that squad develops, I’ll consider it a successful season.

The transfer window hasn’t closed yet, but we have the 7th best rated team in the division, so it’ll be tough.