The Europa League is a competition providing crucial extra income for teams in lower standard leagues across Europe and for the spainish teams where most of the television rights go to Barcelona and Real Madrid.But it is also a nuisance for established sides who somehow slipped into the" Champions Leagues ugly sister" Nevertheless it is a tournament which will exhibit tremendous goals and skills alongside howlers and jittery goalkeeping (in general not just from David De Gea).I appologise for being harsh on the young Spanish shot stopper, he made a name for himself with some fine displays showing the importance this competition can be for players.
Wayne Rooney entered the European fray with a fine hat-trick against Fernabache.Can he make a similar impact on his Europa League debut.I`m sure he is disappointed since he was only scoring in a Champions League final last May but that`s football and Rooney is mature enough to put in wholehearted performances for the Red Devils.
Lucho Gonzalez raised eyebrows when he traded Champions League football and the sunny shores of France to return to his beloved FC Porto who are not the force they where after AVB and Falcao`s exit last summer.Can the Argentine playmaker defend the Europa League holder`s title?on current form the answer would have to be no.
Fernando Llorente could fire Athlectic Bilbao to the next round .The Basque clubs cup form has been fantastic in the Copa Del Ray and so has Llorente who has averaged a goal a game in the tournament.Under Biesla watchful eye Bilbao could cruise past Lokomotiv Moscow and Llorente needs to force himself into the Spainish squad
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Monday, 23 January 2012
Future superstars in football
Every young Argentine winger that moves across the continent to Europe and is usually given an unjustified tag of being touted as the "new Maradona or Messi".This happens with most young players who stand out from the crowd in their their region our league.So I going to pull together all my knowledge of young talents in football in order to bring you the future stars of football so you don`t have to.
Mats Hummels has three sublime attributes that makes Hummels so great his anticipation of the game composure and confidence.Showing rare maturity for his age with impressing performances for title holders Dortmund and for Germany.For such an athletic figure he has quick feet useful when playing the ball out from the back.His aerial ability is second to none scoring 5 headed goals last season.He is the perfect description of a modern centre back and he is still only 22.
Exploding on to the world scene Mario Gotze has never looked back 10 caps for Germany yet only 19 years old.His capability of bamboozling opposition with his lightning quick feet and deft first touch it will not be long before he will be credited alongside Europes elite players.According to Opta stats he has created 80 chances in 2011.
Alexis Sanchez has been outstanding for Chile, becoming a key player at the 2010 World Cup and Copa America and already having won 45 caps.Proving his undoubted potential at Udinese including four goals in one game.A transfer to Barcelona will only improve him as a player with his versatility being important during the build up of fixtures at Barcelona.
Neymar is proving to be one of the most skillful players since Ronaldinho in his prime.His Samba flair and electric pace can be mesmerising even to watch.He wears a nose porestrip to aid his breathing and enhance his performances.He has a the attributes to thrive in European football.Will be Brazil`s key player in the run in to the 201 World Cup.
Lucas Moura has been slightly overshadowed by the quick progression and media coverage of Neymar but quality speaks for itself and Lucas has it in abundance,full of pace,skill imaginative,versatile and quite a good finisher.I would like to see him develop at Sao Paulo then maybe be involved in a swap move to Real Madrid with Kaka possibly returning back to his former club.
Barcelona`s new starlet from the famed La Masia academy is named Thiago Alcantra.He shot to fame scoring a free kick from 40 yards in the under 21 finals and received the man of the match award.He will gain crucial expeirence training along side Xavi Ineista and Fabergas.
Phil Jones made his debut marking Didier Drogba and did a fantastic job preventing the Ivorian from scoring.He caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson and was bought for 16 million pounds.Injuries to Vidic and Ferdinand early in the season jumped straight into the team.He also showed versatility as he has also played full back and centre midfield.
Mats Hummels has three sublime attributes that makes Hummels so great his anticipation of the game composure and confidence.Showing rare maturity for his age with impressing performances for title holders Dortmund and for Germany.For such an athletic figure he has quick feet useful when playing the ball out from the back.His aerial ability is second to none scoring 5 headed goals last season.He is the perfect description of a modern centre back and he is still only 22.
Exploding on to the world scene Mario Gotze has never looked back 10 caps for Germany yet only 19 years old.His capability of bamboozling opposition with his lightning quick feet and deft first touch it will not be long before he will be credited alongside Europes elite players.According to Opta stats he has created 80 chances in 2011.
Alexis Sanchez has been outstanding for Chile, becoming a key player at the 2010 World Cup and Copa America and already having won 45 caps.Proving his undoubted potential at Udinese including four goals in one game.A transfer to Barcelona will only improve him as a player with his versatility being important during the build up of fixtures at Barcelona.
Neymar is proving to be one of the most skillful players since Ronaldinho in his prime.His Samba flair and electric pace can be mesmerising even to watch.He wears a nose porestrip to aid his breathing and enhance his performances.He has a the attributes to thrive in European football.Will be Brazil`s key player in the run in to the 201 World Cup.
Lucas Moura has been slightly overshadowed by the quick progression and media coverage of Neymar but quality speaks for itself and Lucas has it in abundance,full of pace,skill imaginative,versatile and quite a good finisher.I would like to see him develop at Sao Paulo then maybe be involved in a swap move to Real Madrid with Kaka possibly returning back to his former club.
Barcelona`s new starlet from the famed La Masia academy is named Thiago Alcantra.He shot to fame scoring a free kick from 40 yards in the under 21 finals and received the man of the match award.He will gain crucial expeirence training along side Xavi Ineista and Fabergas.
Phil Jones made his debut marking Didier Drogba and did a fantastic job preventing the Ivorian from scoring.He caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson and was bought for 16 million pounds.Injuries to Vidic and Ferdinand early in the season jumped straight into the team.He also showed versatility as he has also played full back and centre midfield.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
The importance of a great captain
A great captain can lead his team to success and recognition and can help moderate a team to make the team more complete.As of September 2009 Manchester City were 100% owned by Sheifk Mansour who has an estimated family wealth of 1 trillion dollars.Almost instantly they broke Premier League transfer records and made outrageous bids for the worlds best players.In the 1st season under new ownership they didn`t challenge for a Champions League spot,40 points behind Man.utd.The following season Tevez moved across town and the gap was cut to three places and 18 points.Last term it was two places and 9 points along with their first trophy since 1976.
Carlos Tevez was captain for two seasons scoring 43 goals, but does that mean he was a great captain?I my opinion he wasn`t.In December 2010 Tevez handed in a written transfer request citing" family reasons" although he withdrew his transfer request and was "absolutely committmed " his actions must have had a devestating effect on the Man City dressing room.Vincent Kompany became club captain for City`s fist encounter this season against Swansea and has proved to be an outstanding force and as a result of a change in leadership City are pearched on top of the table three points ahead of Man.Utd.Meanwhile Tevez is currently placed on gardening leave as a result of the Munich fiasco.
My second reason regarding the importance of a strong leader is shown in the Manchester United defense since Nemanja Vidics injury in Basel.Vidic has a solid character and an almighty presence in the Red Devils backline.I watched the recent fixture at Sports Direct Arena and the Serbs absence was a major cause for concern as it showed the hidden weakness of the 3 times European Cups winners back five.Neither Jones nor Ferdinand decided to mark Demba Ba and could not match his aerial ability.These are both England internationals but both are not worthy to lead Man.Utd out of the tunnel with preformances such as that.
The Reds need belief and leadership as soon as possible and the January is the perfect opportunity to rectify the problem. Daniel De Rossi would be a coup for Man.Utd as he would add quality to the center of midfield,be a leader when the heads of fellow teammates are dropped and would be the deference between defending their title or winning no silverware at all this season.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Possible transfers in January window
Many managers in world football constantly deny any need to spend vast amount of money but in a mid-season crisis they spend emergency funds hidden within the club in order to reach the season objective. A total of £225 million was spent in the Premier League January window last season with a £195million increase from the previous year. A good signing in the short window can make or break your season .The two main signings where made in the last few hours, though Torres and Carroll have been disappointments,which raises the questions will more or less money be spent this year?
Aresenal: The club will lose their defensive midfielders Song and Frimpong for the African Nations Cup .Gary Neville recently stated that their is no need for a holding midfielder in the modern game but I`m sure Wenger will try to buy either Yann M`villa or Gonalons.
Chelsea: Already agreeing terms with Gary Cahill shows it could be a busy window for the Blues.Hulk is desperate to be reunited with his former manager .But in order to spend big some of the fringe players must be cleared to put forward massive bids for Villa, Hazard or Gotze.
Liverpool: Goalscoring crisis,top scorer Suarez suspended and Carroll out of form a striker is required.Many well known strikers names are thrown around in the media .Podolski is the most likeliest of targets as he`s contract runs out at the end of the season.
Man city: Being that City are top at Christmas there should be no room for improvement .With Kolo Toure in dispute with Mancini and Lescott not deemed of sufficient quality ,City could enter the market for a centre half they could also replace the outgoing Carlos Tevez even though they don`t need to.
Manchester United:Paul Scholes has yet to be replaced .Playmakers of his quality are hard to find in January leaving Ferguson fuming that he was unable to sign Sneijder or Modric last Summer.
Tottenham: The injury of Aaron Lennon means Sprus have lost an accelerating threat on the right wing .Possible targets include Gaitan of Benfica and Willian of Shaktar.
Aresenal: The club will lose their defensive midfielders Song and Frimpong for the African Nations Cup .Gary Neville recently stated that their is no need for a holding midfielder in the modern game but I`m sure Wenger will try to buy either Yann M`villa or Gonalons.
Chelsea: Already agreeing terms with Gary Cahill shows it could be a busy window for the Blues.Hulk is desperate to be reunited with his former manager .But in order to spend big some of the fringe players must be cleared to put forward massive bids for Villa, Hazard or Gotze.
Liverpool: Goalscoring crisis,top scorer Suarez suspended and Carroll out of form a striker is required.Many well known strikers names are thrown around in the media .Podolski is the most likeliest of targets as he`s contract runs out at the end of the season.
Man city: Being that City are top at Christmas there should be no room for improvement .With Kolo Toure in dispute with Mancini and Lescott not deemed of sufficient quality ,City could enter the market for a centre half they could also replace the outgoing Carlos Tevez even though they don`t need to.
Manchester United:Paul Scholes has yet to be replaced .Playmakers of his quality are hard to find in January leaving Ferguson fuming that he was unable to sign Sneijder or Modric last Summer.
Tottenham: The injury of Aaron Lennon means Sprus have lost an accelerating threat on the right wing .Possible targets include Gaitan of Benfica and Willian of Shaktar.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Racism in football
There has been charges this week for John Terry and Luis Suarez as a result of the racist slurs they has horridly passed to fellow professionals this season .Both have deserved their bans and fines inflicted on them But in legal terms the cases of Terry and Suarez are dealt in a completely different way,because a fan overheard Terry`s racist slur towards Anton Ferdinand and therefore complained .
The situation was brought to the police and eventually to Scotland Yard.But the charge that interest me is the Suarez-Evra incident.It was only Evra who complained .Suarez is well known for being a fiery character on the pitch but to be banned for 8 games for only taking the word of one player is out there to be debated .Now I`m not defending Suarez who is clearly in the wrong but Liverpool will be without the former Ajax man for 8 crucial matches which could decide their season .
If Robin Van Persie was in Suarez`s shoes Arsenal would easily slip down the Premier League as they simply are not a quality team without him,Arsenal recently played against Marsielle in the Champions League group stage without RVP and therefore lacked class in the final third to score at home and as a result the match ended in a no score draw.
I hope strict bans on players who are racist on the football field can kick racism out of football, it might result in more bans but i believe the right steps are being taken in order to prevent racism.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Champions League Last 16
Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona
Madrid`s frontline are menacing this season ,Ronaldo and co are firing on all fronts and should continue their winning streak in the Champions League despite playing on a plastic pitch.CSKA are 6 points behind Zenit in the Russian League ,they proved that in beating Inter Milan on matchday 6 that they are a match for anyone.
Lyon v Apoel Nicosia
Lyon scraped through Group D ousting Ajax to second spot . Against opposition, inexpierenced at this level they have a golden chance to show the credibility of French football.
Bayern are top of the Bundesliga tree at Christmas and are perched comfortably .In Mario Gomez they have the top scorer in the Champions League.Basel went through on match day 6 with a win over Manchester United protraying a strong image for Swiss football.
Inter Milan v Marseille
Inter are mid table in SEIRE A but are steadily on the rise under new coach Claudio Ranieri .Marseille recently beat title rivals PSG with Lucho Gonzalez pulling the strings in midfield.
Key Players : Playing as trequista under Ranieri ,Sneijder is enjoying his football in Milan.Andre Ayew signed a new contact for Mareille this month and will continue to shine for the Blues.
Zenit v Benfica
Both teams are on winning form with both teams riding high in their leagues.Both include classy playmakers in Danny and Aimar respectively so it will be a close contest over both legs.
Bayer Leverkusen are a hard working German side who lack a truly outstanding talent but are difficult for opposition to break down .Barcelona should be very confident with this draw .Club captain Simon Rolfes spoke with great optimism "at the start of the campain saying our aim is to reach the last 16", "anything else would be a bonus".This suggest`s they will play without fear and pressure.Barcelona have won 12 out of 15 trophies during Guardiola reign and their attacking starlets should see them progress into the next round.Key players : Bayer`s swiss striker Erin Derdiyok uses his strength intelligently expertly showed in the recent 3-3 draw against Hertha Berlin. Puyol is the cog in an underrated rearguard which only conceded 9 times in last seasons campain.
Napoli v ChelseaNapoli are an energetic opposition with a fearsome frontline who Trappatoni "states is second to none",they are critical on the counter attack as showed against Man City.Chelsea have been poor defensively this season they play with a high line without intense pressing and Napoli could expose this area .
AC Milan v ArsenalI am a fan of Milan boss Max Alegri ,he has reinvigorated Milan, he gives freedom to his frontline with protection from expierenced midfielders .If Wilshere returns he will add fluidity led by talismatic skipper Robin Van Persie.
Key Players: Nesta has formed a crucial partnership with Thiago Silva .He will retire at the end of the season.Szczeny has impressed between the sticks for the Gunners attracting interest from Bacelona with his displays.Real Madrid v CSKA Moscow
Madrid`s frontline are menacing this season ,Ronaldo and co are firing on all fronts and should continue their winning streak in the Champions League despite playing on a plastic pitch.CSKA are 6 points behind Zenit in the Russian League ,they proved that in beating Inter Milan on matchday 6 that they are a match for anyone.
Lyon v Apoel Nicosia
Lyon scraped through Group D ousting Ajax to second spot . Against opposition, inexpierenced at this level they have a golden chance to show the credibility of French football.
Key Players: Bafetimi Gomis has scored 7 goals in the French League so far.Ailton steered Apoel to the last 16 proving the critics wrong.Bayern Munich v FC Basel
Bayern are top of the Bundesliga tree at Christmas and are perched comfortably .In Mario Gomez they have the top scorer in the Champions League.Basel went through on match day 6 with a win over Manchester United protraying a strong image for Swiss football.
Inter Milan v Marseille
Inter are mid table in SEIRE A but are steadily on the rise under new coach Claudio Ranieri .Marseille recently beat title rivals PSG with Lucho Gonzalez pulling the strings in midfield.
Key Players : Playing as trequista under Ranieri ,Sneijder is enjoying his football in Milan.Andre Ayew signed a new contact for Mareille this month and will continue to shine for the Blues.
Zenit v Benfica
Both teams are on winning form with both teams riding high in their leagues.Both include classy playmakers in Danny and Aimar respectively so it will be a close contest over both legs.
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