As this team continues to dominate games, dominate possession, thrash teams, reach and win finals, score plenty of goals, the debate on how good this team will continue. I am of the opinion that it isn't a debate anymore and when you turn your tv on to watch FC Barcelona you are watching the greatest football team in the world, not necessarily club. This team plays flawless football for majority of the season and deserve the rights to be called the best team. There are world class players almost every where for this team.
The grit of Puyol alongside the poise and ball control of Gerard Pique at the heart of the back keeping a solid central defence. Flanked by them you have the world's best attacking wing back in Dani Alves who continue to be crucial to this team since he has arrived, and Eric Abidal the true champion of this team and has been class ever since his Lyon days. in Victor Valdes they have an accident prone goalkeeper but is hardly tested, and I will state why.
At the top they have three 5 foot players that cause havoc anywhere in the world in Leo Messi, David Villa and the tireless Pedro. In Messi they arguably have the best player in the world based on technical ability and finishing for sure. David Villa has been sensational in Spain for years and showed his class with his finish in the Champions League final. Pedro in my opinion their weakest attacker in the starting 11 continues to impress and perform at the highest level scoring in crucial games like the Classico and the Champions League final.
For me however, it is the midfield that allows this team to be the best in the world and for me to go even further and say the best ever. In Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta, you witness two players in their prime that do no know their limits.For me the two best Spanish midfielders of all time and arguably two of the best of all time. They would warrant a place in any team within the past 20 years ATLEAST. Although Lionel Messi continues to score more goals and drop jaws, he would be a shadow of a player without these two, lets take for example his Argentine performances.However, these two players have dominated world football for the past 3-4 seasons and have hardly faced opposition that can actually make them sweat. The beauty of these two midfielders is that they let the ball do the work. One of the biggest principles of the game. They know when and where and have a Football IQ of 1000000. They are two mid fielders that know about dictating tempo of a game to allow their team to get into a groove of smooth flowing football that's like Eye-Candy for a football lover. With their ability to hold the ball so well it is a defence within an offense as an opposing team can not score if they do not have the ball. It is a philosophy that these two live by and with Iniesta and Xavi being partnered with Sergio Busquets they have a highly tactical player that knows his role and allows them their freedom but sitting deep and breaking up play and intercepting then quickly feeding them to allow these two maetros to rack up ridiculous passing statistics.
I have broken down this unit to show its class in every department but notice the word used..."Unit". This is exactly what FC Barcelona is. It is a unit, a team, full of friendships that desire to play with each other and are highly motivated to become the best and continue winning. They convincingly play the most attractive football with amazing combinations and intricate play that is second to none in this sport. As beautiful as they are on the attack, they are just as amazing on the defense. Every player is a work horse and when they lose the ball they fight to win it back and its a fantastic tactic employed by their extremely successful coach. As the players say, "they play football the right way and deserve to win". It is true.
The most scared question to ask now is, " How long will this Barcelona Team Dominate" and to be honest it is hard to see anyone knocking them off their perch anytime soon. They dismantled the next two strongest teams in the world ( Real Madrid, Manchester United) like they were playing a team from sunday league. What I will say is this team has weaknesses like all teams and it comes in their bench. Not many people would know their bench because they hardly ever need it. That will not be the case as all of their players will be older and teams will start getting used to their style of play and they will need options. They have gone in the right direction with Ibrahim Afellay but besides that its a very basic bench for a starting 11 so bolstered. If they ever land the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Guiseppe Rossi as linked, the world will fear the worst. This team will dominate for years. Congratulations FC Barcelona, the Greatest Football Team ...Ever.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Real Madrid vs Tottenham : Recap
What did we learn about yesterday's game? Finally after getting beyond the haunted round of 16, Madrid can really be seen as contenders for the title. They sure did play like it. I'll give Spurs some credit for the first half performance and also playing with 10 men for such a long time but all in all they were outplayed by a way better team with better players and a better manager. As simple as that. Madrid was as fluid as ever seen this season and constantly peppered Gomes' goal. Defending by Spurs was constantly last ditch and this was premise to the domination of Madrid in the match. The European adventure was sweet and entertaining while it lasted for Spurs and hats off to them as they shocked the two strongest teams in Italy to get where they are and played great football, but they must now step aside as the greater teams make way. If Real Madrid can stay healthy and get all of their players back to peak form, especially the likes of Higuain (Great to see him back) and Ricky Kaka they will seriously have to be contenders for the title at Wembley. Madrid will have no excuses for not putting in a great showing in the next round (given they see off spurs) who ever they play as they are practically out of the La liga race. It will be all champions league and copa del rey final for las madridistas.This being said, how do you rate Real Madrid's chances of winning back their beloved Champions League trophy?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
What's left of Italian Football?
Did Inter Milan single handedly save Italian football today from the ultimate shame? Or maybe just for a couple weeks until they play their next opponents, who knows, but all we can say based on what we have seen is that Serie A is on the drop. As we all know by know Germany's Bundesliga will be 3rd ranked league in the world and will be granted that 4th CL spot opportunity while only 3 Serie A teams will be competing for European's Football most prestigious competition. The League will have a long way before it can get back to its dominating years like in the recent past such as the 90's, when Juventus was probably the most feared team. Now Juventus can't even scare Bari...or Cesena. Teams like Juventus and Roma are in disarray, Milan a top european team now hasn't been past the round of 16 since they last won it in 2007. Italy seems to be depending on growing teams such as Napoli and Udinese to carry the torch but it seems Napoli's Europa dream was short lived. Who knows how long Serie A will be in a slump? I sure can't give an answer but I will admit i like the direction teams such as Napoli and Udinese are heading and with a little more money invested in teams like Roma, Milan and Lazio...I surely believe they all will be reckoned with in the future. For now, and for the past few years Italy has been riding on Inter's back but how much longer can they carry it? Let's wait and see.....btw Super Win for Inter vs Bayern...amazing come back! Leave comments...tell me what you think.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Champions League Recap
Is there truth in saying that no team really played to the potential they can? I guess this can be argued.
Shockingly Chelsea looked good, away from home, (albeit their opposition) but going into this game, they must have been the worst out of form team and they really put in a good shift. Definitely already into the next round. Torres hasn't impressed yet but he is getting there. Few more games.
The Valencia- Shalke tie is well poised at 1-1 and with Shalke having the away goal and heading home should be favourites. However there is quality in this Valencia team and they have decent ball away from home and I fancy them in Germany somehow. Raul continued his amazing European goal scoring record. Tied with Pippo now.
Inter really disappointed and this summed up the Italian teams in Europe this season. All remaining three in the competition may well be out. Milan had a terrible game at home to a pretty decent spurs but a spurs line up without their best line up. Will probably be put to the sword at White Hart Lane. Roma continued to embarrass themselves against Shakhtar, in my opinion very unexpected and surely won't be able to turn it around after letting their opposition to ship in three away goals. Inter have it all to do in Germany and I don't see them turning it around or stopping this Bayern Team from scoring. Time will tell.
Madrid came from Lyon without a win but surely everyone must have won a bet with this one. Expected right? Lyon usually give Madrid hell but I just have a funny feeling they can progress and pretty comfortable at home in the return leg. Either way Madrid weren't that good and Lyon was solid for majority of the game and Madrid only threated from set pieces really.
Barcelona almost gave their fans a heart attack when they shipped in those 2 late goals by Arsenal. They weren't nearly as clinical as they can be. If they were, Arsenal wouldn't need to travel to Spain cause it would be over.
On the other hand Arsenal played pretty decent ball and got a win that not many thought was possible. Gave themselves hope of reaching the final 8 and maybe the finals in London Town! (Wembley)
Being a Man United fan I can be honest and admit that we were nothing short of terrible against Marseille. In the attack I should say. We were pretty comfortable at the back but thats a norm with Vidic in the back, at least 70% of the time. Midfield was clueless and seemed to lost ability or gather the little available. Carrick is on the down surely and Gibson is straight up garbage. Summer reinforcements needed desperately in midfield especially if Scholes doesn't sign on. Overall the game was a bore and Marseille really threatened and United should take care of business in second leg.
Well that's my take on how this round of CL fixtures went, I also gave my thoughts about who should be going through from here....but i must admit I can't call the Barcelona Arsenal game...it is well poised though.
Shockingly Chelsea looked good, away from home, (albeit their opposition) but going into this game, they must have been the worst out of form team and they really put in a good shift. Definitely already into the next round. Torres hasn't impressed yet but he is getting there. Few more games.
The Valencia- Shalke tie is well poised at 1-1 and with Shalke having the away goal and heading home should be favourites. However there is quality in this Valencia team and they have decent ball away from home and I fancy them in Germany somehow. Raul continued his amazing European goal scoring record. Tied with Pippo now.
Inter really disappointed and this summed up the Italian teams in Europe this season. All remaining three in the competition may well be out. Milan had a terrible game at home to a pretty decent spurs but a spurs line up without their best line up. Will probably be put to the sword at White Hart Lane. Roma continued to embarrass themselves against Shakhtar, in my opinion very unexpected and surely won't be able to turn it around after letting their opposition to ship in three away goals. Inter have it all to do in Germany and I don't see them turning it around or stopping this Bayern Team from scoring. Time will tell.
Madrid came from Lyon without a win but surely everyone must have won a bet with this one. Expected right? Lyon usually give Madrid hell but I just have a funny feeling they can progress and pretty comfortable at home in the return leg. Either way Madrid weren't that good and Lyon was solid for majority of the game and Madrid only threated from set pieces really.
Barcelona almost gave their fans a heart attack when they shipped in those 2 late goals by Arsenal. They weren't nearly as clinical as they can be. If they were, Arsenal wouldn't need to travel to Spain cause it would be over.
On the other hand Arsenal played pretty decent ball and got a win that not many thought was possible. Gave themselves hope of reaching the final 8 and maybe the finals in London Town! (Wembley)
Being a Man United fan I can be honest and admit that we were nothing short of terrible against Marseille. In the attack I should say. We were pretty comfortable at the back but thats a norm with Vidic in the back, at least 70% of the time. Midfield was clueless and seemed to lost ability or gather the little available. Carrick is on the down surely and Gibson is straight up garbage. Summer reinforcements needed desperately in midfield especially if Scholes doesn't sign on. Overall the game was a bore and Marseille really threatened and United should take care of business in second leg.
Well that's my take on how this round of CL fixtures went, I also gave my thoughts about who should be going through from here....but i must admit I can't call the Barcelona Arsenal game...it is well poised though.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Arsenal FC vs Barcelona FC : What did we witness?
1.That both these teams play the sport beautifully. Smooth passing ( sometimes over passing) silky skills, great movement and over all just great on the eye.
2. Arsenal's defence is really not that good ( barca EASILY could have killed this TIE by the 65th min)..desperately missed Sanga on the right and Clichy falls asleep way to regular, Dani Alves enjoyed tonight!
3. That Lionel Messi is human. Did he really miss 2 one on ones?? In the same game?? wow didn't know he does that. Nice through pass for Villa's opening goal still.
4. Cesc Fabregas? No sir...JACK WILSHERE. The teenager is the heir to england's midfield and will be a regular for years based on what we have seen. Not sure if he was tackled more than twice today. Hardly ever caught on the ball( unless Eboue played a ridiculous pass to him) fantastic passing and a driving force in the midfield. Could have easily worn Cesc's captain armband in this game. BOSS!
5. Cesc Fabregas continues his hot streak of having a stinker against his boyhood team. 2 out of 2. Besides his beautiful clip to RVP in the first few minutes was non existent and gave the ball away a good few times. Should have taken the note pad out and write down pointers based on Xavi's and Iniesta's ball retention skills and decisive passes on the big occasion.
6. Barcelona has NO PLAN B. No depth at all. None what so ever. They were evidently rattled by the RVP equalizer and had no answer to the lift in Arsenal's game although they dominated this game since the 10th minute. If the first 11 doesn't do the job, it won't be done.
7. Barcelona will boss any midfield in the world, on any ground, at any time. Only thing they need is the motivation to get up and walk out of the dressing room. It is tooooo easy for the catalans. At points in time, Arsenal didn't have a touch on the ball for something near to two minutes or even 3. That is crazy!
Tell me what you thought of the game and my point of view on the first leg. Champions League is back!
2. Arsenal's defence is really not that good ( barca EASILY could have killed this TIE by the 65th min)..desperately missed Sanga on the right and Clichy falls asleep way to regular, Dani Alves enjoyed tonight!
3. That Lionel Messi is human. Did he really miss 2 one on ones?? In the same game?? wow didn't know he does that. Nice through pass for Villa's opening goal still.
4. Cesc Fabregas? No sir...JACK WILSHERE. The teenager is the heir to england's midfield and will be a regular for years based on what we have seen. Not sure if he was tackled more than twice today. Hardly ever caught on the ball( unless Eboue played a ridiculous pass to him) fantastic passing and a driving force in the midfield. Could have easily worn Cesc's captain armband in this game. BOSS!
5. Cesc Fabregas continues his hot streak of having a stinker against his boyhood team. 2 out of 2. Besides his beautiful clip to RVP in the first few minutes was non existent and gave the ball away a good few times. Should have taken the note pad out and write down pointers based on Xavi's and Iniesta's ball retention skills and decisive passes on the big occasion.
6. Barcelona has NO PLAN B. No depth at all. None what so ever. They were evidently rattled by the RVP equalizer and had no answer to the lift in Arsenal's game although they dominated this game since the 10th minute. If the first 11 doesn't do the job, it won't be done.
7. Barcelona will boss any midfield in the world, on any ground, at any time. Only thing they need is the motivation to get up and walk out of the dressing room. It is tooooo easy for the catalans. At points in time, Arsenal didn't have a touch on the ball for something near to two minutes or even 3. That is crazy!
Tell me what you thought of the game and my point of view on the first leg. Champions League is back!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Barcelona best "TEAM" of all time? Where do they rank?
Well there is no doubt in the class of the current Barcelona team. I can honestly admit that i personally believe they are the best team currently in the world based primarily on form and simply the way they have done their business. After the Super Classico they were calls about this team being the best of all time, maybe...maybe not....but ill give my view on this well built team.
As a unit this team is incredible, they pass the ball well, score plenty goals, hardly concede and dominate majority of their games if not all but there have been great teams in the past that were well built and just as amazing..not so?
As a unit this team is incredible, they pass the ball well, score plenty goals, hardly concede and dominate majority of their games if not all but there have been great teams in the past that were well built and just as amazing..not so?
- How about Arsenal's Invincibles? The only thing missing was a Champions League for Wenger's outfit that season. That team attacked with as much grace as this current Barcelona team. That team had world class attacking players such as Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp and ljungberg. The steel in the midfield with Gilberto Silva and Captain Patrick Veira and their best ever defence with the likes of Toure and Campbell and Keown and at the time the ever improving Ashey Cole who could arguably be one of the best left backs in the game. This team was as dominant as the current Barcelona team but may lose out on ranking in site of the lack of achievements.
- What about Mourinho's Chelsea which he almost assembled all on his own with his arrival. An extremely solid, powerful, fast, strong squad of players that dominated the Premier League for two years and made a few champions league runs. Their first title they only lost one league game and amassed the most points ever in a Premier League season with 95 points. Mourinho had at that time a world class goal keeper in Petr Cech. A line of quality defenders with John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, William Gallas, Paulo Fereira. The improving Frank Lampard, Damien Duff in his prime, Joe Cole...crowd favourite Arjen Robben, Thiago Mendes, and up top with Gudjohnsen and Drogba. Mourinho had a top starting 11 and great squad players in which he made a run in a Champions League where he knocked out a great Barcelona team too. Arguably one of the best teams, atleast in the Premier league if not.
- What about two great Man United teams put together by Sir Alex Ferguson. Firstly the treble winners that held arguably one of the best strike partnerships in the history of the Premier League where Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke scored nearly 40 goals between them for the Premier League. Almost half the goals of the whole team. That team had Man Utd's best goalkeeper of all time most might say( until VDS retires), in Peter Schmeichel. A world class defense at that time in Gary Neville, Denis Irwin, Jaap Stam. A great midfield which Roy Keane marshalled and was accompanied by players such as Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs. Along with the lucky charms of Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar this team won the champions league in the most dramatic of scenes and defeated some of the bests teams in the world on their way to it including Inter Milan at the San Siro, Juventus in Turin and the mighty Bayern Munich at that time. Also they played out two draws against a star studded Barca team in those times. Easily one of the best teams in the history of the game.
- Another great Man United team put together by S.A.F as they were the 2008 Champions League winners with a great mixture of youth and experience. This team did the prestigious double of winner Champions League and Premier League in fashionable style. A team built from a solid foundation and world class defense with players such as Van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra. A strong and workman like midfield with the likes of Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and the added youth of Anderson and Nani. The Top 3 was the crowd drawers as Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and these three players were the deadliest attacking players in that year where the three combined for nearly 80 goals for man united. This team was quality all the way round and had a never-give-up attitude that has been instilled by Sir Alex Ferguson. Definitely one of the best teams.
- AC Milan have had great teams through out their history and these teams have dominated European Football especially in recent times. Teams built primarily on strong defense and the attacking players with the ability to make great counter attacks they took out all the top teams. From their win in 2003 at Old Trafford in the final of the Champions League against Serie A rivals Juventus to their infamous loss against Liverpool in Istanbul to their triumph in 2007 in their repeat against Liverpool in Athens. There were all great teams with a similar base. With two of the greatest Defenders to play they game in Alessandro Nesta and Paulo Maldini they had a great defensive stalwarts.These two were accompanied by at the time, a quality goal keeper in Dida and the aging but ever present Cafu, one of the greatest ever. With a workman like midfield in Gattusto, Seedorf, Pirlo and the poise of Rui Costa to add to the World Class Duo of Shevchenko and Pippo Inzaghi they really had a good team that took had ability to compete against any team in the world. Adding Kaka to their ranks, they made it to the finals in 2005 and 2007 where they could have been seen as the best team in the world as they thrashed most their teams on their route to those finals, including the humiliation of Manchester United in Italy. The soon to be WPOTY Kaka was emerging as a class act and this team went down in history as they won their latest CL title in 2007 with the same core of Kaka, Maldini, Nesta, Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Inzaghi. Where do they rank?
- Can't have a discussion about the best team of all time and not call Real Madrid. Madrid is a club that have had many great teams through out their history and some stand out for the wrong reasons such as los galacticos. The project that never came to fruition. In my opinion, the greatest Madrid team had been the team under Vincente Del Bosque which took home the last European crown Real Madrid ever won. In 2002, madrid had a team that was built with quality in all areas with players such as Iker Cassilas, Fernando Hierro, Michel Salgado, Roberto Carlos, Ivan Helguera, Claude Makalele, ( madrid hasn't replaced him up to this day) Luis Figo, Raul , Morientes and the amazing Zinedine Zidane who himself won them that CL crown. At that time they had great squad players such as Solari and Guti, the latter becoming ever present and a legend for the club. On paper may not be the best ever but this team was the last to bring great glory to the White House and were predominantly home based players, very similar to the current barca team. Where do they rank?
These are just some great teams in the history of the sport....they are many more such as Los Galacticos built by Perez that on paper must have been the greatest ever but the missed out due to their lack of achievements and ability to play to their ability. Also there were other great Milan teams with the likes of Rijkaard, Van basten, Ancelotti and those old folks.Maybe some of the Ajax teams of the past could be on this list.Where do you rank this Barca team with these teams?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Top 10 Summer 2010 signings with the biggest impact?
Last summer there was a lot of transfer activity as usual and now we are more than half way through the season. Now I'll take a look and give the top 10 most impacted summer purchases, in my opinion for the European clubs of the world.
10. Milos Krasic - The tumbling ballerina as he may be known with his extremely exaggerated dives, the Serbian playmaker in my eyes have been a difference maker for the Bianconeri. Although he has only scored 5 league goals and attributed with 6 assists, his overall play has been good and Juventus rarely looked good without him if good at all as they continue their indifferent season.
9. Shinji Kagawa - The Japanese summer signing for German league toppers Borussia Dortmund has been great for them in the league, scoring 8 league goals, 2nd top scorer for the team in the league. In total he has scored 12 goals in all competition from 27 appearances and his early season form had given Dortmund great momentum for the season.
8. Ricardo Carvalho - The Portuguese summer signing from Chelsea FC has been a rock at the back for the Bernabeu outfit. Madrid has improved defensively this season ( bar the super classico) and much of that had to do with the acquisition of the consistent CB from Chelsea FC.
7. Borja Valero - The Spanish midfielder joined on loan from West Brom on a season long loan and has had a fantastic impact from the middle of the park, scoring 4 goals and assisting 8. His form is part of the reason for the rejuvenated Villarreal side we have seen this season. ( didn't mean to rhyme)
6 Yaya Toure - In my opinion, money well spent. 25 million large Man City splashed for the Ivorian. He just might be the fastest and strongest midfielder in the Premier League and has been ever present in the Man City line up from day 1. His midfield presence this season has made Man City one of the tougher teams in the league and is no shock they are well within the title race.
5. Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) - Another great piece of transfer business done by Sir Alex Ferguson where he got the little Mexican before the summer World Cup where he would go on to show his great potential and scored two goals. For united this season he has been a savior with the name tag of Ole Gunar! He has been a superb impact substitute and has scored 11 goals this year for the team becoming the 2nd top scorer for them. From those 11, 5 of them have been GAME WINNERS!
4. Mesut Ozil - Although Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain contribute the goals and snatch the headlines, the German play maker has been the silent star and arguably their most important player this season thus far (bar Casillas lol) So far this season he has made a great impact, scoring 9 goals and setting up 12 others in the absence of kaka. He is a favourite of Mourinho as he regularly gets the nod and he justifies this with his silky play and clinical passes.On Form...Currently probably only 2nd to Iniesta in his position.
3. Rafael Van Der Vaart - A great coup from Harry Redknaap late in the transfer market in the summer of 2010 for Tottenham. Although he hasn't been their more important player, he has statistically made the biggest impact and has brought a bit of consistency and a winning mentality to the ever improving London based club. He has scored 12 goals and assisted 6 more for the team. At least 5 of them being game winners and game changers. He made his biggest impact for Spurs against local rivals Arsenal in the Derby after being two goals down at the break, he brought spurs back by supplying two assists and converting a penalty.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - The big Swede has been a revelation for the Rosseneri this year. He has scored plenty of goals, and assists including a stunning volley for Milan against Lecce. It is hard to see where AC Milan would be this season without his contribution. He made a significant impact since game 1 and has been ever present in the team. Made the right choice to leave Barcelona and is playing at Milan as if he feels at home.( Although he is an ex Juventus and Inter player) He has scored 13 league goals and supplied 9 assists. Great from the front man.
1. MR. EDISON CAVANI - Mr. Napoli himself. This Uruguayan super star has easily been the best signing of the summer and money well spent by Napoli. He just may be their heir to the void unfilled by Diego Maradona years ago. He is for sure one of the best strikers in the world right now and shows no weakness. Great with his right, left and fantastic with his head! He just scores goals and have single handedly kept Napoli in the Serie A title race. So far he has is the top scorer in the league with 18 but has a total of 25 goals for Napoli in the season thus far. Top Player!
so that is my list for the top 10 summer signings with the biggest impact thus far....what's your take on this latest blog? any Notable Absentees from my list? ...maybe David Villa, Quaresma and Guti at Beskitas?...Chamakh for Arsenal? Fabio Quagliarella? Fabio Simplicio? Asamoah Gyan? Please give me your opinions....I feel i have been close to spot on...
10. Milos Krasic - The tumbling ballerina as he may be known with his extremely exaggerated dives, the Serbian playmaker in my eyes have been a difference maker for the Bianconeri. Although he has only scored 5 league goals and attributed with 6 assists, his overall play has been good and Juventus rarely looked good without him if good at all as they continue their indifferent season.
9. Shinji Kagawa - The Japanese summer signing for German league toppers Borussia Dortmund has been great for them in the league, scoring 8 league goals, 2nd top scorer for the team in the league. In total he has scored 12 goals in all competition from 27 appearances and his early season form had given Dortmund great momentum for the season.
8. Ricardo Carvalho - The Portuguese summer signing from Chelsea FC has been a rock at the back for the Bernabeu outfit. Madrid has improved defensively this season ( bar the super classico) and much of that had to do with the acquisition of the consistent CB from Chelsea FC.
7. Borja Valero - The Spanish midfielder joined on loan from West Brom on a season long loan and has had a fantastic impact from the middle of the park, scoring 4 goals and assisting 8. His form is part of the reason for the rejuvenated Villarreal side we have seen this season. ( didn't mean to rhyme)
6 Yaya Toure - In my opinion, money well spent. 25 million large Man City splashed for the Ivorian. He just might be the fastest and strongest midfielder in the Premier League and has been ever present in the Man City line up from day 1. His midfield presence this season has made Man City one of the tougher teams in the league and is no shock they are well within the title race.
5. Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) - Another great piece of transfer business done by Sir Alex Ferguson where he got the little Mexican before the summer World Cup where he would go on to show his great potential and scored two goals. For united this season he has been a savior with the name tag of Ole Gunar! He has been a superb impact substitute and has scored 11 goals this year for the team becoming the 2nd top scorer for them. From those 11, 5 of them have been GAME WINNERS!
4. Mesut Ozil - Although Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain contribute the goals and snatch the headlines, the German play maker has been the silent star and arguably their most important player this season thus far (bar Casillas lol) So far this season he has made a great impact, scoring 9 goals and setting up 12 others in the absence of kaka. He is a favourite of Mourinho as he regularly gets the nod and he justifies this with his silky play and clinical passes.On Form...Currently probably only 2nd to Iniesta in his position.
3. Rafael Van Der Vaart - A great coup from Harry Redknaap late in the transfer market in the summer of 2010 for Tottenham. Although he hasn't been their more important player, he has statistically made the biggest impact and has brought a bit of consistency and a winning mentality to the ever improving London based club. He has scored 12 goals and assisted 6 more for the team. At least 5 of them being game winners and game changers. He made his biggest impact for Spurs against local rivals Arsenal in the Derby after being two goals down at the break, he brought spurs back by supplying two assists and converting a penalty.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - The big Swede has been a revelation for the Rosseneri this year. He has scored plenty of goals, and assists including a stunning volley for Milan against Lecce. It is hard to see where AC Milan would be this season without his contribution. He made a significant impact since game 1 and has been ever present in the team. Made the right choice to leave Barcelona and is playing at Milan as if he feels at home.( Although he is an ex Juventus and Inter player) He has scored 13 league goals and supplied 9 assists. Great from the front man.
1. MR. EDISON CAVANI - Mr. Napoli himself. This Uruguayan super star has easily been the best signing of the summer and money well spent by Napoli. He just may be their heir to the void unfilled by Diego Maradona years ago. He is for sure one of the best strikers in the world right now and shows no weakness. Great with his right, left and fantastic with his head! He just scores goals and have single handedly kept Napoli in the Serie A title race. So far he has is the top scorer in the league with 18 but has a total of 25 goals for Napoli in the season thus far. Top Player!
so that is my list for the top 10 summer signings with the biggest impact thus far....what's your take on this latest blog? any Notable Absentees from my list? ...maybe David Villa, Quaresma and Guti at Beskitas?...Chamakh for Arsenal? Fabio Quagliarella? Fabio Simplicio? Asamoah Gyan? Please give me your opinions....I feel i have been close to spot on...
Monday, February 7, 2011
Tommy Smyth's top 25...agree?
As of Thursday, February 3, 2011...will be updated by him on Thursday, Feb 10th 2011
1 Barcelona
2 Manchester United
3 AC Milan
4 Arsenal
5 Napoli
6 Borussia Dortmund
7 Real Madrid
8 Inter Milan
9 Manchester City
10 Chelsea
11 Porto
12 Tottenham
13 PSV Eindhoven
14 Roma
15 Estudiantes
16 Fluminense
17 Lille
18 PSG
19 Shakhtar Donetsk
20 Copenhagen
21 Atlas
22 Villarreal
23 Zenit St Petersburg
24 Lazio
25 Udinese
After the past weekend there might be a bit of a shuffle. I have to disagree on some of these placings. For one, Napoli has had a great season thus far but Borussia Dortmund has been sensational. They have totally dominated Germany so far and have hardly slipped up. They have ever presently been better than Napoli this year in my opinion, even within the past couple weeks. I actually would give them 4th spot based on their year. The ever improving Udinese is really getting up the table and should climb much higher than that 25th place. Chelsea continue to stutter, should they lose their top 10 place? Surely Inter may find themselves in the top 6? What about Arsenal and Man United? after losing a 4 goal lead and ending a 29 unbeaten streak respectively, should their position be lowered? One thing is for sure, Barcelona has been the best for the past two months comfortably and deservedly are number one! Give me your ideas on this.
2 Manchester United
3 AC Milan
4 Arsenal
5 Napoli
6 Borussia Dortmund
7 Real Madrid
8 Inter Milan
9 Manchester City
10 Chelsea
11 Porto
12 Tottenham
13 PSV Eindhoven
14 Roma
15 Estudiantes
16 Fluminense
17 Lille
18 PSG
19 Shakhtar Donetsk
20 Copenhagen
21 Atlas
22 Villarreal
23 Zenit St Petersburg
24 Lazio
25 Udinese
After the past weekend there might be a bit of a shuffle. I have to disagree on some of these placings. For one, Napoli has had a great season thus far but Borussia Dortmund has been sensational. They have totally dominated Germany so far and have hardly slipped up. They have ever presently been better than Napoli this year in my opinion, even within the past couple weeks. I actually would give them 4th spot based on their year. The ever improving Udinese is really getting up the table and should climb much higher than that 25th place. Chelsea continue to stutter, should they lose their top 10 place? Surely Inter may find themselves in the top 6? What about Arsenal and Man United? after losing a 4 goal lead and ending a 29 unbeaten streak respectively, should their position be lowered? One thing is for sure, Barcelona has been the best for the past two months comfortably and deservedly are number one! Give me your ideas on this.
Record Weekend of Premier League goals...Good or Bad?
Must admit I'm a huge fan of high scoring games, its really good on the eye but is there as much bad as good of this? This past weekend there were many high scoring games and pretty exciting ones but did this record weekend highlight the quality of attack in the EPL or the lack of defense from various teams. In most games I watched or saw the highlights for there were many set piece goals as if they teams have forgotten how to defend them. Once again Arsenal struggled from them (poor referee I might add) Man United, Sunderland, Aston Villa...it is an alarming trend..
How Credible is La Liga? (Spanish Football League)
Lets not take anything away from the quality that is Barcelona and Real Madrid, but let us be serious. How credible is this league? These two teams average almost 4 and 3 goals a game. How often have these teams had to fight for a result? 90% of the time the result is a given. People always like to call the names of players at the various spanish teams but are they really that good. The English Premier League and Italy Serie A have shown what a competitive league should be and is like and still giving quality football. Please Give me your opinion
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)