It's... Ackter's Overall Best Eleven Longevity Challenge: Definitive Edition

Hi guys and gals.

Thought I'd reinstate the Best Eleven Longevity Challenge and this time try and run it properly. For those new to the concept, the idea is simple: Try and make the combined appearances of your Best Overall Eleven as high as possible. The ultimate aim is to fill an entire first eleven and the subs bench using players with at least 1,000 caps each - to my knowledge this has never been achieved. I believe dafuge has come closest out of everyone in previous years.

Ideally, I would like seasonal updates so we can see how everybody's teams develop, but that's not always possible. Also, seeing as I'm starting this quite late this year, people may already have made some progress already. Either way, if you would like to take part, please post in the following format:

First X1: 2,651 appearances.

Subs: 964 appearance

Overall: 3,615 total appearances.

Entries from any version, any year, any team etc are welcome. In some leagues this will obviously be easier than others due to the number of games played, but who cares? If you accomplish this with any team, you've done well. I've recently started a new game, so I'm hoping to post my progress as I go along.

Leaderboard

Total   User           Team          Players (1,000+)
7,788 - Nottm Forest - Persibom    - 0
7,632 - Thebaker     - Killyleagh  - 0
7,561 - Ackter       - Newcastle   - 0
7,314 - ClemB        - Molde FK    - 0
4,680 - JackJCFC     - Gillingham  - 0
4,584 - Jimbokav1971 - San Marino  - 0
3,119 - JDownie      - Aston Villa - 0
2,440 - ri916        - Leverkuson  - 0
2,412 - toonbalmy87  - FC Gomel    - 0
1,561 - endtime      - HB          - 0
1,372 - Lenzar       - FC United   - 0
1,111 - JDownie      - Swansea     - 0

Season 1:

First X1: 345 apps

Subs: 105 apps

Overall: 450 total apps

Now chances are, none of these will still be there when (if) I complete the challenge, but I imagine they'll hang around for a while at least. Hopefully players like Streete, Alnwick and Campbell will fill out the subs bench apps over the years.

I've signed a 19 year old Sergei Samper from Barcelona B who I'm hoping will amass a large chunk of appearances for me. He's not great at the moment, but I have Tiote tutoring him and I'm giving him game time to see how he progresses. If he's not looking up to it by 22, he'll be shipped out. Have also agreed a deal to bring this guy to the club in the winter window:

http://s24.postimg.org/sxh3sxu85/Per_Lisdorf_Overview_Attributes.png

Ben Arfa is getting more and more interest so can't see me hanging on to him much longer, and Lisdorf looks like he could already do a job for me. Have high hopes for him for this challenge.

First XI: 1863

Subs: 577

Overall: 2440

From that Cimesa (who is the best centre back I've ever had on FM), Leno, Tah, Brandt, and Neuhaus will all get loads more appearances. I also have a 17 year old CB and a 19 year old RB who will both probably be first choice from now on.

I'm assuming going by that screenshot that one of the subs must be a GK? Safe to say Leno has basically played every game of the save .

Yeah, one of the subs is always a GK.

Surely it's in your best interests to just pack your team out with young but brilliant players and make sure no injuries come their way? In which case, those starting with a very good but also very young squad (Schalke the most obvious team to come to mind here) have an edge...

Anyway, I like this challenge. If I remember to, I'll update it as much as I can. I've got a save going with Swansea atm, will post at the end of my second season how I'm doing

Surely it's in your best interests to just pack your team out with young but brilliant players and make sure no injuries come their way? In which case, those starting with a very good but also very young squad (Schalke the most obvious team to come to mind here) have an edge...

Anyway, I like this challenge. If I remember to, I'll update it as much as I can. I've got a save going with Swansea atm, will post at the end of my second season how I'm doing

In reality you're never going to complete the challenge with the starting squad though, as players basically need to be playing every game from the age of 18/19 to stand a chance of getting over 1000.

Tbf, if someone completes the challenge with Shalke (etc) it's still going to be an extremely impressive accomplishment.

In reality you're never going to complete the challenge with the starting squad though, as players basically need to be playing every game from the age of 18/19 to stand a chance of getting over 1000.

With more attacking players it needs to be even younger as they deteriorate faster, unless you fluke yourself a Ryan Giggs.

In reality you're never going to complete the challenge with the starting squad though, as players basically need to be playing every game from the age of 18/19 to stand a chance of getting over 1000.

Draxler, Advijaj, Papastathopoulos (sp), Meyer, Goretzka, Matic... there's a bunch of young players at Schalke who could easily play A LOT of games each.

Certainly, completing the challenge with starting squad isn't likely but completing the challenge with plenty of players from the starting squad is possible, in cases such as Schalke above. I don't think it'd be hard with Schalke, tbh.

Anyway, here's my S1 Swans XI:

First XI: 492

Subs: 224

Overall: 716

Not bad. Some players won't feature this season (Chico, Dyer) but some will have even more appearances - Bertolacci on 35 already and I'm only in February, for example.

e: Maybe a small side challenge within this challenge where we tally up goals scored too? With 'human' scorers it should be quite competitive, but with freak regens who can net 80+ goals in 30 games, maybe not so much

Tbh, I'm not sure if it's even possible in Germany at all. Only one cup and you don't have to play that many rounds to win it, and a fairly short league season means even Leno who played every game only made 50 odd appearances, despite me winning the Cup and CL. If they average 50 games a season (which is very unlikely with injuries and not always getting to the final of every competition) they'd have to play for 20 seasons to get to 1000. So you'd be talking about a) getting the player in the first team from the age of 17 (minimum age to play professionally in Germany) and b) being fortunate enough for them not to retire before they're into their late 30s, and c) Hope you don't get sacked whilst playing a bunch of 35 year olds .

Hmmm, very good point. I hadn't really considered how one cup and only 34 opposed to 38 League games would make such a big difference over time. Could mean as many as 15-20 games per season (which over 10 years is around 150 games, of course). That's of course taking it as final of the FA Cup and Capital One Cup as opposed to final of just the DFB Pokal but, still... it's an example of how huge the differences can be.

1st XI: 939 apps

Subs: 287 apps

Overall: 1226 apps

The domestic league season is only 27 games, plus max 5 games in the domestic cup. Europe is probably 2-6 games max, unless we fluke into the group stages of Europa or CL. I'll be amazed if anyone makes it to 500 appearances.

First XI: 670

Subs: 360

Overall: 1,030

I've signed a bunch more youth players so the majority of my second string are now U18.

First XI: 1,439

Subs: 711

Overall: 2,150

This is my team so far in 2021, only problem with a lot of the players on here is that i've had a habit of buying young developing them then selling on for huge fees so expect this to change alot of the next couple of years.

I am bit far on but here it is anyways

First X1:1577 appearances.

Subs:423 appearance

Overall: 2000

1st XI: 3,241

Subs: 1,343

Overall: 4,584

Summary: I don't think that this save is particularly suited to this challenge. First of all I find I rotate what is effectively about two and a half squads in order to keep everyone fit and give us the best chance of success both in Serie A and also in Champions League. (I think the last time I counted I had about 140+ players on the books). This means that if we play 60 games in a season, (that's the most without World Club Championships), then about 30 games(ish) each is usually the max. I also have to give Sammarinese players playing time who are simply not up to scratch, thus taking appearances away from players who might otherwise be better longer term prospects. The other problem of course is that because I am managing San Marino, I am unable to keep all the best players at the club because quite simply it would bankrupt us. Instead I just give priority to Sammarinese players and keep getting rid of everyone else, with the exception of El Amrani (ITA/MOR).

Bianchi (SMR) (2014) was the best player to be promoted from the academy during the first season. He spent 3 seasons at Latina but returned to the club and has now hung up his boots to concentrate on training the youngsters. He has actually made 540 appearances for the club, (although only 464 show up on here).

Di Santo (2015) was was the best player to be promoted from the academy in 2015, and although he has been brilliant for us, he hasn't really been good enough for the last 10 seasons and has been kept on initially as a squad player and then simply as a tutor, (he is a Model pro). He has actually made 512 appearances for the club, (although he only shows up as 429 on the Overall Best XI. He has been at the club for 19 full seasons and the initial part season. He is the clubs record league appearance holder with 392. At 35yo his days are numbered and he has just announced that he will retire at the end of the season. His ability has really taken a hit in the last 18 months so I can't really blame him. I have asked him to stay on though, just to make use of him as a tutor.

After those 2 initial decent academy products, we had a bit of a barren spell in terms of academy products and the only HG players currently in the Overall Best XI and still playing are 25yo DM Volp (SMR) (2024) and, 27yo Pier (SMR) (2023). We obviously have decvent talent coming through, but I'm just not sure if it is good enough.

The only impressive thing to note is that our GK Lucio is scoring at just a rate of just under 20%.

First XI: 1,087

Subs: 461

Overall: 1,548

A lot of this team have now left. Anita, Sissoko, Cabaye, Cisse and Alnwick have all left the club, with Coloccini on his last season. I've replaced each of them with someone younger, though I also had to bring in a top class MC and ST to keep the team's performances up.

I remembered I had my Villa save still about and figured I must have a decent score on that... here it is:

First XI: 2412

Subs: 707

Overall: 3119

Second highest score so far I think Although not sure how much I'll ever play with this save again.

First XI: 1,313

Subs: 530

Overall: 1,843

Meulenhof and Lisdorf are only 18

You rattle through seasons at an inhumane rate Ackter I'm usually quick (about 24 hours per season I'd say) but you're getting through a season every hour it feels

First XI: 814

Subs: 297

Overall: 1111

Quite annoyed at the way the game has decided not to put Yacob in the first XI. Or Amat. But whatever. Few of these players gone now, such as Shelvey, Bony, Chico, Dyer (who retired at age 27), Rangel and Michu. But the replacements will be around for longer and will do better, also.

Not far behind you Ackter and you've got two whole seasons on me

First XI: 1,457

Subs: 631

Overall: 2,088

Krul is leaving for a new challenge so Meulenhoff will start seeing a lot more games. Tiote is on the decline, Samper hasn't improved as much as I'd hoped so I've signed this guy to take their place.

I now have a 'youth' player in every position except for DLC and MLC as my main starters, with a few older players like Haidara, Mbiwa, Canales, Campbell, Tiote, Debuchy etc hanging around.

First XI :4,340

Subs: 2,030

Total : 6,370

I have been playing a while in N Ireland and there are 5 cups (reserves only play in 2 of them but they still count as apps as lower league teams play) and 38 league games, so plenty of games. Balanced against this is that players often move and get poached by better teams in England and Scotland especially when youth players.

Six still play at the club, i've had a few not on that list play more games than others who are, Gregg is especially annoying since he played in the lower leagues for the club over 20 years ago, the others have all been at the club in the last 5 years

Gregg'll be there because of his comparatively high average rating. It'll take a lot to knock him off the list.

I wish I could take part in this challenge but my save has been corrupted and my best eleven screen just sits blank.

Although, Italy doesnt seem to be a good country to do it in anyway. I have a player who has played every available game for 14 and a half seasons and he has only amassed 548 appearances!

Good luck to everyone taking part though!

First XI: 1,644

Subs: 872

Overall: 2516

An increase of 366 on last seasons total. We've had 4 players added, Belak, Barcal, Druissi and Fofana who are all still pretty young so should continue to rack up the appearances. I have sold Caballero this summer and may sell Ristovic as well so i their apps may stop increasing but i'm starting to get some very promising youngsters who should be there in a few years.

For those interested, here is my long term team now. The only exception really is Canales, but I've not found someone good enough or young enough to take his place yet.

GK: http://s21.postimg.org/pd9prg6yf/Joey_van_de_Meulenhof_Overview_Attributes.png

DR: http://s21.postimg.org/94thhyy47/Jean_Picard_Overview_Attributes.png

DL: http://s21.postimg.org/k0pgr28fr/Luke_Shaw_Overview_Attributes.png

DC: http://s21.postimg.org/wmzvnwawn/Jack_Hern_ndez_Overview_Attributes.png

DC: http://s21.postimg.org/hlxl6ms6v/Jos_Quintana_Overview_Attributes.png

MC: http://s21.postimg.org/avcijgfnb/Dener_Henrique_Overview_Attributes.png

MC: http://s21.postimg.org/ndt401cmv/Jorge_Guardiola_Overview_Attributes.png

MC: http://s21.postimg.org/o0wm3aywn/Sergio_Canales_Overview_Attributes.png

WR: http://s21.postimg.org/ia6fpkqwn/Kenneth_Bakervik_Overview_Attributes.png

WL: http://s21.postimg.org/ptzirmk3b/Per_Lisdorf_Overview_Attributes.png

ST: http://s21.postimg.org/hblh9jo6v/Aleksandar_Mitrovic_Overview_Attributes.png

Don't think Guardiola is going to be up for this challenge, he's getting injured a lot​.

First XI: 1,601

Subs: 740

Overall: 2,341

Some of the younger players have started breaking through now. Henrique, Lisdorf, Bakervik, Mitrovic and Shaw are making their presences known and it won't be long before Meulenhof takes Krul's spot.

Krul, Streete, Santon, Campbell, Anita, Colcinni, Gouffran and Cisse have all left the club now, so it won't be too long before they're gone completely.

First XI: 1,742

Subs: 960

Overall: 2702

An increase of just under 200 this season. The new additions are Castro, Bois and Whitfield all of whom should be at the club next season, although Bois will be moved on once i have a player good enough to replace him. Got quite a few youths coming through the ranks now, the best of which is Matt Hunt who is 18 and has just under 50 caps for the club, he's just made his England debut too so he has a huge future.

First XI: 1,857

Subs: 904

Overall: 2,761

Thanks to a ridiculous amount of draws in cups, I managed to play 67 games this season. Bit of an unexpected personnel change as this guy came through the youth system. That's allowed me to ship off Shaw to Arsenal for £29m. If he's lucky with injuries, Worrall stands a good chance of being my first 1,000 appearance player. Nice to see a few of the old guard like Cisse knocked out of the team by my youngsters as well.

Are you worried at all about how the team actually performs or are you gonna just chuck that 16 year old in straight away?

My squad harmony and tactical fluidity will make up for any shortcomings from left back. My left back is a defensive position rather than a support or attacking role, so he's already good enough to do a decent job there. If he was completely awful but with high potential then I wouldn't throw him in so early.

First XI: 2,236

Subs: 1,009

Overall: 3,245

Great to see Anita drop off the best X1. Though for some reason Henrique, my MC, is picked at DM and Guardiola, my DM, is picked at MC...

van de Meulenhof has nearly 300 appearances at the age of 22, so he'll probably beat Worrall to 1,000. For those wondering, Worrall managed 44 games in his full debut season with a rating of 7.02, so it's looking promising for him. You'll also notice that Adam Campbell retired at the grand age of 26, which is a shame as he could really have done a job at a number of other clubs. I guess his wage demands spoiled him.

How does everyone think we should handle the leaderboard? Minimum total apps or just list everyone?

Just list everyone for now, not that many on here at the moment. Maybe a bonus score for goals?

First XI: 1,884

Subs: 942

Overall: 2826

Only an increase of around 100 with 2 players being inducted, Salvio and Courdannes who should both be in my team for at least the next 6/7 years. I've finally managed to get myself a promising left back and i also have a CB, MC, ST and AMC all very young with potential who are making first team appearances.

First XI: 2,557

Subs: 1,161

Overall: 3,718

18 year old Jed Worral has now been voted a Fan Favourite at the end of his second full season at the club. Was definitely the right decision to start him. He hasn't even started developing properly yet. Expect him to knock Mbiwa out of here pretty soon.

Should be a bit more readable now.

First XI: 1191 apps

Subs: 370 apps

Total: 1561 apps

First XI: 3,101

Subs: 1,096

Overall: 4,197

Lisdorf and Bakervik finally in the first X1 together. Have just signed an 18 year old DM from PSV to hopefully last the next 15 or so seasons. Mbiwa has now left the club, so it won't be long before he's replaced on there by Worrall now. Interesting to note is that Guardiola and Henrique have been at the club the same length of time, more or less, but Guardiola has considerably less appearances due to his injury record. He's just too good to sell though.

First XI: 1,995

Subs: 1,105

Overall: 3,100

4 players inducted this year: Barbieri in goal who is 25 and should be there for another 10 years or so, Leandro a 26 year old CB who probably has about 5 good years left at the club, Pizzaro a 25 year old CB who has another 6-8 years and Shitts a 24 year old CM who could easily have another decade left in him. Even with these introductions we've still not seen some of the youngsters from the past couple of years who have been given a lot of game time, i expect they'll make their names know over the next couple of years.

First XI : 4551 apps

Subs : 2071 apps

Total : 6622 apps

Increased the total by a few hundred. Meehan has now left so will not increase his total. Dunne has come in for Gault and may play for a years yet although he is only 2 stars and may get replaced if better options come in. I only really have 1 or 2 young players who could play a lot of games at the club. Smyth is only 26 and could add another few hundred games, I also have a 25 yo midfielder with 250 apps who might replace maguire in a few years

11 total : 5539

Subs total : 1775

Total : 7314 !

Made with Molde FK, Norwegian League.

In my FM13 save in Indonesia I can post this. It's been going on since the 2013-2014 season. This is my Overall Best Eleven from the end of the 2058-2059 season.

First XI - 4,811

Subs - 2,977

Total - 7,788

First XI: 2,255

Subs: 1,193

Overall: 3,448

Just one addition this year and that was Leobono to the subs bench. Around half the players in the first 11 are still at the club but only one of the subs are so i'm hoping that'll change in the next year or two. I've picked up some very promising defenders recently too so they should break through in a few years.

First XI: 913

Subs: 459

Total: 1,372

Not that big compared to others, but hopefully the number will increase a little over the next few years.

First XI: 3,531

Subs: 1,096

Total: 4,627

Squad is still young overall, but the majority of the players have entered what is almost certainly their last decade at the club so looks like they'll top out around 6/700 apps max, if they're lucky.

van de Meulenhof is 25

Picard is 26

Quintana is 25

Hernandez is 25

Henrique is 27

Guardiola is 25

Bakervik is 26

Lisdorf is 25

Mitrovic is 29, and I'll be accepting the first bid that comes in for him as he's starting to deteriorate.

None of the subs bench are still at the club and others may not appear there for a while as the board have taken out a massive loan to build a new stadium so I'm having to sell my rotation players to keep the club in the black. For those keeping track, Jed Worrall has now turned 20 and has made 184 apps. He's not developed as I'd like, but I'm sticking with him regardless. He's won fan's player of the season for two years running now, they absolutely love him.

First XI: 2,465

Subs: 1,463

Overall: 3,928

3 players included this year; Belak, Hunt and Royer, all of whom are first teamers. Royer however, is 29 and suffered a serious injury last season so how many games he'll play for the club is unknown at this stage as i have 3 very promising CB's coming through. I'll probably sell him next summer. I've probably got decisions to make in other areas too with Whitfield still performing incredibly well but at 31 he's not got many years left in him. In goal Barbieri is unlikely to get anywhere close to 1000 and i have some players who could replace him sooner rather than later.