The lads of
The Matchday decided to take an early (?) holiday and left us with this list. No limits on players per team. This is their list of the twenty-two best players of the 2013 Arda Cup
The First Team (4-2-3-1):
Marach (AC Beleriand)
He was already a good goalkeeper last year, but this year he made the leap to become one of the best, anchoring one of the tightest defences in Arda. His save rate of 80.65% was the highest among the four semifinalist goalkeepers, and fifth best overall.
Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
The leader of AC Beleriand's back line. He has contributed less to their offence (mostly because they now have width in their front four), but could be called upon to go forward and attack when needed.
NilpWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Scoring an all-important goal in TiG's opening win vs Angband, he is as good playing in the centre as he is in his primary role as an attacking left-back. Túrin might have embarrassed him in their aerial duels during the semifinals, but he kept him scoreless when it mattered.
Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
Hithlum also acquired Galdor and Gundor to improve their defence (as well as Arda Cup winner Huor in goal), but Balrog #5 was the rock of their back line. Along with his strengths in traditional centre-back skills (strong and powerful in the air), he is also as good with the ball on his feet as midfielders. He was the outlet that allowed Hithlum to bypass Nargothrond's aggressive high pressing during their last sixteen thrashing of the Cave Elves.
BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
His domination of the right flank in TiG's game vs Armenelos cemented his status as the lungs of the Wolves' team; his defensive performance against Hithlum's Húrin was equally impressive. A good crosser as well as a positionally solid defender, he is a quality two-way full-back who stands out because of his sheer energy.
LegateWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
One of the best pure defensive midfielders in the tournament. LegateWight didn't show up in the score sheet at all, but his ability to protect the back four, cutting off through passes, marking midfield runners, and denying space to opposing playmakers, ensured that TiG's defenders had an easier time dealing with Ancalagon, Gothmog, Tuor, Ar-Pharazôn, Túrin, and Fëanor.
Hador (Hithlum)
AC Beleriand, Eriador, and FC Valinor aside, the idea of a passing midfield has not yet made much inroads into Arda Cup squad-building considerations. Energy and stamina remain the greater consideration when choosing midfielders: Hador in that sense was the ideal top-flight midfielder--excellent on the tackle and in the penalty area (with three goals and two assists) who ran for the whole ninety minutes. He also played left wing-back against Nargothrond without a hitch.
Curufin (FC Valinor)
The FC Valinor striker is clearly of the same class as the two-star max contract forwards Fëanor and Túrin, matching their production with six goals and two assists in seven games. His team has fallen short of their goal once again, but their failure to beat AC Beleriand was more a team issue than a personal one for Curufin.
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
Playing behind Eöl for most of this year, the Fiery Boot still managed to be joint top scorer of the tournament. A devastating finisher with tricky dribbling, clever movement, and uncanny positional instinct, he managed to gel immediately with new wing recruits Angrod and Aegnor and continue his partnership with Eöl to give AC Bel one of the most potent offences in the tournament.
PhantomWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
A versatile player, having played as number ten, right-sided midfielder, and right winger, the Phantasista has clearly been the best player of TiG's dangerous attacking trio. His right-sided partnership with BoroWolf was the best wing partnership in the tournament (rivalled only perhaps by Inter's Beren and Lúthien).
Túrin (Hithlum)
He returns to prominence after a disappointing 2012 campaign. Renewing his partnership with Beleg, Túrin had been the recipient of eight crosses from the winger, scoring thrice from them. He remains a dangerous penalty box presence, with his strength, speed, and nose for goal, able to score as adeptly with his head as with either foot.
The Second Team (4-4-2):
Elrond (Eriador)
His ridiculous one or less goals conceded streak extends to 18 games, despite playing against Hithlum.
Alatar (Barad-dûr)
The Black Tower's defence improved drastically from last year's shambles, conceding around 12 shots per game despite having only 47% possession on average--if only their offence were clicking. The addition of the Blue Wizards, as well as the growth of goalkeeper Grishnákh, was the reason for it. Alatar almost contributed to a goal against Eriador, and he converted his penalty in the shootout, so he gets the nod ahead of Pallando.
Eönwë (FC Valinor)
Replaced Penlod as the rock of FC Val's defence without a hitch. Also scored a crucial goal against city rivals Real Valinor in the quarterfinals.
Gil-galad (Eriador)
Eriador conceded less than 11 shots per game, despite having less of the ball compared to last year. The Elven king often marked the opposition's most dangerous threat; his slip-up against Túrin in the quarterfinals was his only big mistake, but it proved costly.
Maglor (FC Valinor)
Although not as aggressive as he had been last year, he remains a solid full-back in the Fingolfin mould--a defensively solid player with attacking nous.
Yavanna (FC Valinor)
Started slowly but ended up being joint leader in assists. Nominally placed on the right of FC Val's midfield, she often moved centrally to help control possession and link up midfield and attack.
SallyWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Another energetic box-to-box midfielder makes the list. She helped press and disrupt the build-up plays of Armenelos, Hithlum, and AC Bel; with her forward runs she scored two goals and created one more for the Wolves.
Elros (Armenelos)
With Armenelos' wing-backs disappointing, a tremendous creative burden was often placed on Elros' shoulders. His hand in five of the Royals' eight tournament goals meant that he had done well bearing that burden.
Beleg (Hithlum)
One of the best wingers in the game with his speed, dribbling, and crossing ability, he was the most consistent outlet and creator in a Hithlum front line full of finishers.
InzilWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Athletic, hardworking, intelligent, InzilWolf's movement had opposing defences bending in uncomfortable ways, creating space for PhantomWolf to get his wonderstrikes in or to wreak havoc on a disorganised back line. He is also a decent finisher with his four goals.
Eöl (AC Beleriand)
The Dark Boot perfectly understands his role at the tip of AC Beleriand's attacking lance--drag opposing defenders out of position and create space for Fëanor to run into. He has not lost the knack of going to the wings to combine with his new teammates Angrod and Aegnor, and his four goals + assists is the best production among the non-Túrin/Fëanor/Curufin crowd.
Just Missed the Cut
GK ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Tilion (Real Valinor)
DF Ingwion (Real Valinor)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
MF Denethor (AC Beleriand)
FW Thuringwethil (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
FW Húrin (Hithlum)