[wilso2276]

Here is the next installment of the Writing Challenge. Hopefully, this one receives a better response than the last one.

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8287/fmviewwritingchallenge2dn7.png

Entries are to be in no later than 01 May 08.

I am also going to start up a Challenge Ladder for these, to see how everyone goes.

[Theo]

Rhys Murphy

I’m sure some of you have heard of this guy, but only really because of the game. In real life he’s not really a big name, but upon asking Arsenal fans they say he’s the next big thing for the Gunners. He’s known for sharp finishing and quick feet, possessing some great pace on top of that. There’s not much I can really say about him in real life, I bet you can’t add much either. Let’s get cracking with what really counts.

At the beginning of the game there’s not really much he can do for your Arsenal side being a sixteen year old with no first-team experience and all that. What I’d recommend would be a couple of seasons in the U18 squad, before moving on loan to an affiliated team, or just a smaller club where they will actually play him. When he’s about 21 or 22 that’s when he really starts pushing for that first-team spot. When he gets to this age you have to make a decision. Sell him and make a fair bit of money, or keep him as a bench player for a while as he still isn’t good enough to be starting if you already have world-class stars in your first-team. Here’s a screenshot when he’s 22 to show you what he looks like in the future.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5572/murphyrz0.th.jpg
Rhys Murphy at the age of 22

From a different perspective, it’s the angle from another club. Will he fit in at your club? For a Championship team he has a real chance of banging in the goals. Even when about 18/19 he can do it. I’ve no evidence but in Theo we trust as my fans say. However, when he’s 20/21 he can be a Premiership striker at a middle-order side. For example, on my game Reading loaned him and he banged in 20 goals in just 32 appearances – An amazing feat for someone so young. It’s highly recommended you sign him from season three onwards.

Strengths you say? What can he do? A hell of a lot. I’ll tell you what; I think he’s a different version of Kevin Doyle. He has the pace, he has the ability to score goals and isn’t half bad in the air either. Pace and finishing are key attributes for strikers and he has both in high standard. Being good in the air is just an added bonus for Murphy – Oh and he’s English too. He hasn’t many weaknesses, apart from when he’s younger. The one that stands out to me is his positioning. This is something key for a striker, so he’s not always in the right place at the right time. Secondly, his low natural fitness could mean high injury proneness and lack of ability to play throughout the whole game. This is a factor on top of stamina that strikers need if you play a high tempo as most Arsenal manger’s do.

To conclude, I believe Rhys Murphy could go both ways in the game. He could stay at Arsenal and be a successful player to come off the bench and score a goal; or he could go the other way and become a brilliant middle-order striker like Berbatov – The best player at his current club. If you do keep him at Arsenal make sure he gets first team experience at some point from the third season and onwards otherwise he could be quite a late developer. Thanks for Reading lads and lasses.

[Rob]

Good review there Theo, shame you went and got yourself banned. I'll check him out next time I go on FM :)

[H]

http://www.4thegame.com/media/00/03/54/michael_johnson.jpg
Michael Johnson
Player review by H

A Premiership regular, being collared by Livverpool, representing his nation - at the itsy-witsy-teeny-weeny age of 19, Michael Johnson's footballing credentials are fantastic. Wait 'till you see him in Fm, though - he is hawt!

Oh, so you want proof? Pfft, 'nuff said.

Anyhow, Fm ... Well his strengths are not having any weaknesses, which is always good for a centre-mid. He suits a conservative role in the middle. His stamina, work rate and off the ball attributes allows for him performing an off the ball role, should you wish.
[image]

Performing at an average rating of 7.34 over the course of his first season under my management, I'd say I got the best out of Johnson. He scored a few important and spectacular goal, too. See below on how to get this kind of form from him.
[image]

In terms of potential, the guy has bags of it. Make sure you give him a fair share of games though. He has proven to be up there with my best players, making 35 appearances in a squad finishing 6th, so he is certainly capable. He has now facing a full international debut, whilst I am fighting Inter, Barcelona, Chelsea, et al. from his signature. Great! The bids keep raising into 8 figures, however I ain't letting this one go.

Invest in England; give him a try!


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To be completed ...

[Jingoringo]

http://www.fm-view.c...?showtopic=3342

Theres my entry

[Rob]

I might be wrong, but I think I read that they have to be original :)

[wilso2276]

This has been extended until the 10 May 08, to try and attract a couple more entries. :thup:

[wilso2276]

Unfortunately Jingo, Rob is correct. Taking this into account, and only having one Full Players Guide to vote for. It pains me to say it, but Theo is the winner.

Congrats Theo, shame you couldn't do the right thing, and got banned. :thup: