OK so I've been playing ChampMan straight for the better part of a week here (that's just the current phase, I've had it for six months or so) and I've found that I buy a few players (or make them mine through the editor) in nearly every game. Who is your favorite? It doesn't have to be someone you can even get (easily) if you're another club (RvN, Henry). So there it is and I've used entirely too many parentheses.
Saviola is absolutely amazing. And in the later updates out there, Fernando Cavenaghi is one of the best strikers I've ever had.
I have a strong affinity for Miguel Angel Angulo. I was managing Valencia and Angulo scored crucial, late winners at every turn. Plus, 5 goals against Real Madrid and Barcelona towards the end of the season that probably gave us the championship. Currently, I'm with Villarreal and Quique Martin has been huge. I would be answering Youssouf Hersi from my time with Ajax, but he kept punching people and getting banned.
Mark Kerr 19 years old Midfield Central Falkirk Relatively cheap and talented. Can be bought for 1.5 at the beginning of the game. Good enough to play in any midfield in the Premiership from the day he is purchased. Nick Anelka- Not so cheap, but all he does is score goals in bunches for me at whatever club I go to. Just never ever substitute, fail to praise, look cross in his direction etc.
I bought Samba about six seasons ago with Coventry for $12MM. His value has risen to over $20MM and hes staring on the national team. He's been voted my fans favorite player every year, and has scored over 100 goals for Coventry already.
I always start in conference so I never get a chance to get all the good players at the start of the game. I did have Christian Vieri playing for Forest Green at the end of his career though, so that sorta makes him a favorite of mine.
Arjen Robben is always one of the top 3 players in the world when he is playing in my game. Plus he can play many positions. Samba has to be a close second. He is a bit inconsistent for me though. Often getting 3 or 4 goals against poor competition and then nothing when it matters.
I could never get Robben to sign with Coventry. I havent seen Samba's inconsistancies at all. In six seasons he's scored over 20 goals each year, topping 30 in two seasons.
South America has many bargain players... If you look hard enough you can find some real gems for about 20k or cheaper. Just look at teams from Bolivia ,Peru..etc check the lower division teams as well. you never know what you'll find.
Marcelo Mattos - Mirassol (Brazil) Affordable, young, and nasty good. I make it a point to try and get this guy ... even if he only sticks around for a couple years, he'll at least get you a 200% turnaround on your investment.
Maxim Tsigalko - very cheap striker (around 80k is normaly good enough) who scores bags of goals and is only 18 when the game starts. Pablo Aimar - the king of assists, the best AMC in the game. Pavel Brozek - young Polish FRC who is superb - goals, assists, and loyalty. Plus there's a whole sack full of Greek players who are good as well.