Few things pop into my mind after today [lack of] action. Defenses truly on top while only a couple of good strikers made their way into the Premier. Besides the ones I talked earlier, I single out Ivan Klasnic, loaned to Bolton and quick response from Tottenham on snatching Kranjcar from Portsmouth and replacing long-term injury Modric. Nice welcomes to the British fields are posted to Lovenkrands, signed with championship side Newcastle and new Scottish League add Jérome Rothen, from PSG to Rangers, both experienced but very capable players. Look out for young Sno on loan from Ajax.
Unfortunately, rumors of Gignac and Ribéry to Man.Utd are over, Liverpool still seems needy, while the madness stops at Man.City. Everton made a good trade from a relatively good centre back to a firm eleven man from Dutch national. So, trades are over, let’s talk again at the beginning of the year.
Complete list of last day transfers in Great Britain according to BBC Sports:
Radanfah Abu Bakr [unattached - Swansea]
Obi Anoruo [Wrexham - Newtown] Loan
Mickael Antoine-Curier [Dundee - Hamilton Academicals]
Adam Barton [Preston - Crawley] Loan
Tal Ben Haim [Manchester City - Portsmouth] Undisclosed
Hameur Bouazza [unattached - Blackpool} Free
Leigh Bromby [Sheffield United - Leeds] Undisclosed
David Button [Tottenham - Crewe]
Mark Brown [Celtic - Kilmarnock] Loan
Sean Canham [Notts County - Hayes & Yeading]
David Carney [Sheffield United - FC Twente] Undisclosed
Danny Collins [Sunderland - Stoke] £2.75m
Dominic Collins [Preston - Crawley] Loan
James Collins [West Ham - Aston Villa] Undisclosed
Jamie Cook [Crawley - Oxford] Undisclosed
Sam Cox [Tottenham - Cheltenham] Loan
Aaron Davies [Nottingham Forest - Brighton] Loan
Claude Davis [unattached - Crystal Palace]
Carlos Edwards [Sunderland - Ipswich] Undisclosed
Abdou El-Kholti [unattached - Hayes & Yeading] Free
Alain Emerson [Crusaders - Dungannon Swifts] Free
Stuart Fleetwood [Charlton - Exeter] Loan
Lewis Haldane [Bristol Rovers - Port Vale] Loan
Johnny Heitinga [Atletico Madrid - Everton] £6m
Luke Holden [Rhyl - Charlton] Loan
Oscar Jansson [Tottenham - Exeter] Loan
Joe Lamplough [unattached - Mansfield] Non-contract
Grant Leadbitter [Sunderland - Ipswich] Undisclosed
Ivan Klasnic [Nantes - Bolton] Loan
Nico Kranjcar [Portsmouth - Tottenham] Undisclosed
Tom Lees [Leeds - Accrington] Loan
Peter Lovenkrands [unattached - Newcastle] Free
Sean Mackle [unattached - Portadown]
John Martin [Linfield - Crusaders] Free
Clayton McDonald [Manchester City - Walsall] Loan
Leon McKenzie [unattached - Charlton] Free
Yassin Moutaouakil [Charlton - Motherwell] Loan
David Nugent [Portsmouth - Burnley] Loan
Darren O'Dea [Celtic - Reading] Loan
Michael Poke [Southampton - Torquay] Free
Kris Renton [Norwich - Brechin] Loan
Jerome Rothen [Paris St Germain - Rangers] Loan
Alvaro Saborio [FC Sion - Bristol City] Loan
Danny Schofield [Yeovil - Millwall] Loan
Ibrahima Sonko [Stoke - Hull City] Loan
Davide Somma [unattached - Leeds] Free
Evander Sno [Ajax - Bristol City] Loan
Blair Sturrock [unattached - Mansfield]
Teemu Tanio [Sunderland - Birmingham] Loan
Borja Valero [West Brom - Real Mallorca] Loan
Ben Watson [Wigan - QPR] Loan
Mike Williamson [Watford - Portsmouth] Undisc
Hassan Yebda [Benfica - Portsmouth] Loan
Showing posts with label Transfer Speculation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transfer Speculation. Show all posts
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Defense on top on market closure… or just wait and see?
With Heitinga coming to the toffees, Da Costa on his way to the hammers, it seems only Stoke is getting some real offensive solutions on the late transfers. I pick up those three names, because they are assured wins for the Premier.
The Dutch defender still needs to fix some problems on the contract, but Everton’s board shouldn’t fail on getting a good centre-back, that adds quality on offensive air balls and that’s got a powerful outside the box kick. Heitinga is looking for a new place to settle and this seems to be between the toffees and Wolfsburg. He can also play as defensive midfielder or right back.
From the Portuguese the best thing to say is that when he appeared he was tipped as ‘the next Ricardo Carvalho’. But, still young, Da Costa as lost a lot on his move from PSV to Fiorentina, he rarely played and stop being called up to national team. Although that, with the right amount of work he can became a solid centre-back to a mid-table side like Zola’s team.
Of these three highlights, I’ve let my favorite to the end, Uruguayan Diego Arismendi come from unknown side Club Nacional. This 2.6million pounds loan deal will see one of the most talented offensive midfielder of the year to come from South America to the Premier. The one’s that have watched this year’s Libertadores have probably noticed the awesome talent of this 21 old player. Already an international, already with the title of player of the year on Uruguay, already on the Premier League.
Well, but there’s still time to buy some more. Who do you think will appear before 17:00??
The Dutch defender still needs to fix some problems on the contract, but Everton’s board shouldn’t fail on getting a good centre-back, that adds quality on offensive air balls and that’s got a powerful outside the box kick. Heitinga is looking for a new place to settle and this seems to be between the toffees and Wolfsburg. He can also play as defensive midfielder or right back.
From the Portuguese the best thing to say is that when he appeared he was tipped as ‘the next Ricardo Carvalho’. But, still young, Da Costa as lost a lot on his move from PSV to Fiorentina, he rarely played and stop being called up to national team. Although that, with the right amount of work he can became a solid centre-back to a mid-table side like Zola’s team.
Of these three highlights, I’ve let my favorite to the end, Uruguayan Diego Arismendi come from unknown side Club Nacional. This 2.6million pounds loan deal will see one of the most talented offensive midfielder of the year to come from South America to the Premier. The one’s that have watched this year’s Libertadores have probably noticed the awesome talent of this 21 old player. Already an international, already with the title of player of the year on Uruguay, already on the Premier League.
Well, but there’s still time to buy some more. Who do you think will appear before 17:00??
Friday, 26 June 2009
What about R.Madrid off list
While the world look astonished about Kaká, CR7 and a couple of more buys, the clubs managers from several leagues gaze upon the list of players the merengues are letting go. Enormous talents such as Sneijder, Van der Vaart, Huntelaar or Nistelrooy can be bought out this summer at – probably – very interesting prices. When we look at the names referred in the newspapers we could easily do one of the world’s strongest elevens – so managers all over the world get to business.
Without any closed terms, there’s a lot of space to speculation. Believing in the newspapers, Huntelaar and Nistelrooy are almost certain in the Premier League. The younger of the strikers is set to play for the red devils, while the former devil will land at White Hart Line. All star players, the talks continue, with Van der Vaart betting in a return to Hamburg. But, besides that, what’s going to happen to Saviola, Sneijder, Heinze, Drenthe, Diarra or Robben.
Saviola seems to be in talks with Benfica and River Plate, with the Portuguese side trying to copy the Los Millionarios former duo Aimar-Saviola. Drenthe and Heinze are aiming their destiny to Italy and Diarra has been tipped by older club Lyon. That leaves us with the two most talented players of this awesome bunch Sneijder and Robben. Wanted by half of the teams in Europe, the two Dutch players need to find a suitable club that, somehow, can afford their massive salaries. In the end, it’s possible for them to stay at the Bernabeu, but with Real Madrid eager to make some money it´s probable they will part away. I’d bet Robben will return to England and that the powerful kicks of Sneijder will be used in a part exchange deal for ‘untransferable’ Ribéry.
Tip: With no deals closed, the list of players that Real Madrid will release this summer can make a bigger fuse around the European club managers than the astronomic buys of Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaká. There’s still time for any club to try and reach for the meringues sell out - Saviola, Sneijder, Heinze, Drenthe, Diarra, Robben, Huntelaar or Nistelrooy. It’s hard to pick, right?
Friday, 5 June 2009
Who will catch Buonanotte?
After an amazing campaign in Beijing 08, Diego Bounanotte as made a high impact in European clubs, but he still remains at River Plate. This 21 year old, is a ‘Messi like’ player, with an awesome ability to dribble in the middle of opposition defense and an increased appetence to score goals. Obviously, with River’s poor international career and without being a National A regular, this young Argentinean as come to my attention in the Toulon Youth Festival that is going won.
He has grown up as a player and seems now ready to come to Europe. Last year we’ve read rumors about Villarreal, Aston Villa and Porto. This year, the Portuguese side seems to be the only referred in the newspapers, but we firmly believe some more teams will appear to try and snatch this Los Millonarios raw diamond. Short and light (1.60m/56kgs), Buonanotte uses his left foot in dazzling fashion, being able to crack any defense, although he’s got a slightly more ‘large’ touch then Messi, it’s also almost impossible to deprive him of the ball without conceding a foul. Besides that, he also adds a good direct free-kick form, especially in short range kicks.
He has grown up as a player and seems now ready to come to Europe. Last year we’ve read rumors about Villarreal, Aston Villa and Porto. This year, the Portuguese side seems to be the only referred in the newspapers, but we firmly believe some more teams will appear to try and snatch this Los Millonarios raw diamond. Short and light (1.60m/56kgs), Buonanotte uses his left foot in dazzling fashion, being able to crack any defense, although he’s got a slightly more ‘large’ touch then Messi, it’s also almost impossible to deprive him of the ball without conceding a foul. Besides that, he also adds a good direct free-kick form, especially in short range kicks.
Tip: Tactically he’s like a wonderer on the field, he still needs to learn when to help his teammates on defensive moves and the right time to pass the ball. Bottom-line, a new awesome product from Las Pampas that we can watch on display through this year’s Toulon tournament. Rumors tell will be blessed with his presence in European football in the upcoming season. Who will snatch Buonanotte? Nobody knows, but you can count on him to produce some impressive offensive moves.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Rodrigo Palacio coming to Europe?
Probably the next in line to gain a one way ticket to Europe, Rodrigo Palacio’s ability to play in the offensive box should gain him a harm place in the heart of his next fans. Year after year, his pointed to a big European club (Man.Utd, Liverpool, Barcelona and AC Milan are some examples) but he always seems to fail on leaving Boca Juniores. Now 27 years old, the high profile striker is getting in a turning point: or he leaves now the South America competitions or he’ll be there forever.
He’s not a typical, which gives him the ability to play on other positions of Boca’s offensive start-up. Usually he plays as a second striker alongside Martin Palermo in a 4-4-2 formation. But not being keen of a physical style of play, Palacio’s technique and speed allows him to come outside the box and be a set-up player – usually from the sides. But, while in the box his know to find space where nobody else can see it. He doesn’t have the heart of most his countryman’s, we won’t see him trying to recover a lost ball all the way back to the defense, but he’s still a team player, besides being a goal scorer his know for an impressive number of assists to his teammates.
As a professional player, his played for Argentineans’ sides Hurácan, Arroyos, Banfield and is in Boca since 2005 – here he as own all the major titles in South America competitions, such as the Copa Libertadores – the local CL. And has became an irregular called player to the national squad (well, is not easy when you need to compete with Messi, Aguero, Tevez, Crespo, Lisandro…).
Tip: With 1.76m/68kg is a lightweight striker with greater technique which allows him to pair up in a very effective way with a more physical striker. Last year Boca refused a 25 million euro offer from Barcelona. The real question is: will any major European club dispose more than this for a 27 year old? By the way things are going; I’m starting to think he’ll be number 14 in Boca the rest of his professional career – but I’d love to see him in Europe.
He’s not a typical, which gives him the ability to play on other positions of Boca’s offensive start-up. Usually he plays as a second striker alongside Martin Palermo in a 4-4-2 formation. But not being keen of a physical style of play, Palacio’s technique and speed allows him to come outside the box and be a set-up player – usually from the sides. But, while in the box his know to find space where nobody else can see it. He doesn’t have the heart of most his countryman’s, we won’t see him trying to recover a lost ball all the way back to the defense, but he’s still a team player, besides being a goal scorer his know for an impressive number of assists to his teammates.
As a professional player, his played for Argentineans’ sides Hurácan, Arroyos, Banfield and is in Boca since 2005 – here he as own all the major titles in South America competitions, such as the Copa Libertadores – the local CL. And has became an irregular called player to the national squad (well, is not easy when you need to compete with Messi, Aguero, Tevez, Crespo, Lisandro…).
Tip: With 1.76m/68kg is a lightweight striker with greater technique which allows him to pair up in a very effective way with a more physical striker. Last year Boca refused a 25 million euro offer from Barcelona. The real question is: will any major European club dispose more than this for a 27 year old? By the way things are going; I’m starting to think he’ll be number 14 in Boca the rest of his professional career – but I’d love to see him in Europe.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
The wind of change
Sami Hyypia will replace
After ten years in
PS: Hyypia came to
Ribéry worth 70 million
Manchester United offered 70 million euros for Franck Ribéry, a value that would shatter the world transfer record.The arrival of the French will overcome the alleged drop-off of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, according to the same source. Bayern Munich admitted last week-end, the possibility of departure of the former Marseille player of 26 years, who joined the Bavarian club in the summer of 2007.
However, teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid could enter the race for Ribéry.
PS: Ribery would be a fantastic addition to Manchester United squad, especially given his attacking nature and also considering United don’t really have a central mid that can put real attacking pressure on defenders.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Diego a smiling man in Germany
Talking to same friends after the last post, they’ve questioned ‘do you see Ribéry as the indisputable best player in Germany?’ No. Although always being difficult to point out only one name, if I’d had to do it, I will call Diego. The friendly Brazilian from Werder Bremen, has a constant capability to open spaces in the opponent defenses and can make the last pass or score a goal himself. Werder’s poor championship – currently in 10th – doesn’t affect the amazing offensive football Diego can produce.
With 1.75m/76kg, Diego Ribas da Cunha, 24 years old, is the typical number ‘10’. Being the playmaker in the great majority of Werder’s offensive moves, he plays most of the time in the last third of the field, receiving the ball from Thorsten Frings – the responsible for the first phase on the offensive of the German side. Using only his right foot, Diego possesses a rare ability to enter in the opponent’s area and shoots at goal always with space. He’s a master on finding a way to pass and his trademarks moves include a quick rotation over the ball, making the ball pass above the defenses and shooting in a karate way.
Formed in the well reputed Santos school, he has own the Brazilian championship in his last year with Santos (from 2001 to 04), has being pointed out in as the new Pelé, was the star in a team that had players like Man City’s Robinho and caught the attention of FC Porto – at the time European Champion. Playing for the Portuguese side in the next couple of years proved to be a mistake, while he was one of the fans favorites, his style of short pass and continuous play was a problem for coach Co Adriaanse (that came from Dutch side Az Alkmaar) that let Diego out in 2006 for the German team, with this reason ‘he’s an awesome player, but doesn’t now out to play in large spaces’. After almost one year without playing, he’d regained his confidence, was being called regularly to the National squad, and in the end was considered ‘Fussballspieler des Jahrer’ – Football player of the year.
Tip: This season, although Werder’s poor performances in the Bundesliga, Diego’s football his helping the team to a very good campaign in the Uefa Cup – they’ve dropped from the Champions League. For all this, I reckon the Brazilian has the best player in German championship. With the end of the season, the rumors point Diego to Real Madrid.
Friday, 1 May 2009
'Ferraribéry' on his way to Italy or Germany back on top?
Probably the highest profile player outside one of the three major leagues that isn’t in pre-retirement, Franck Ribéry (know has Ferraribéry since his Galatasary times) seems to be heading to Serie A next season. The last rumors are partnering him up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in José Mourinho’s Inter Milan. With an undisputable talent this 26 years old right winger needs a new boost in his career. In France and Germany (where he currently plays for Bayern Munich) all the expert’s compare Ribéry to Ronaldo, Messi or Kaka, but the rest of the world freckles their eyes and need a proof so he needs to get him the Serie A, Liga Espanõla or Premier League to cope with the biggest names of current football.
There’s no question his a top player, but can he make the difference when it matters the most? After his early seasons, that we can see like a formation to became a real pro – in Bologne, Olympique Alés, Stade Brestois (all from France) and the first adventure abroad in Galatasary, the returning to France to play for Marseille – the couple of years he spent at Bayern are an hiatus on his evolution. While he managed to make a big hit with the fans, the extremely attended Bundesliga – the highest percentage of stadium occupation in Europe – his too far away from the mainstream Champions League football, even the almighty Bayern Munich struggles when it came to the CL – yes, they’ve trashed Sporting Lisbon in the eights, but have taken the same poison in the quarters – so he must get to a top club.
Or, in another away, the wealthy clubs from Germany may see this as an opportunity to build momentum and bring more world class players to their country. This will also help the Mannschaft to return to the top of FIFA football. If they don’t bring more players like Ribéry, then the French should go away and, if Bayern fail to qualify to the CL – he will need a quick exit.
Back in the pitch, Franck Ribéry went to Germany has a promising right winger, but has evolved in to a more complex player in the midfield, Zé Roberto advanced age and Mark van Bommel lake of ability to keep the ball and make the other’s play, forced Ribéry to play more in the centre. Now the typical move of running to back line and crossing, has been replaced by an extremely quick playmaker, that can control the pace of the game and find the right moment to make a pass. With 1.71m/62kg you shouldn’t expect him to score headers or to bring an impressive physical force to the game, but his becoming quick useful in the centre.
He can advance with the ball in his feet but also with short passes, and also prompt to give Luca Toni or Miroslav Klose a chance to score. If that fails he’ll try to score himself, adding to this a good technique in free kick’s conversion.
Tip: Once seen has the new Zidane – like Samir Nasri – Ribéry is the most creative force in France and that’s more than enough to try and bring him to any club. Inter Milan seems to be the strongest candidate, it his believed that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are also on the run.
There’s no question his a top player, but can he make the difference when it matters the most? After his early seasons, that we can see like a formation to became a real pro – in Bologne, Olympique Alés, Stade Brestois (all from France) and the first adventure abroad in Galatasary, the returning to France to play for Marseille – the couple of years he spent at Bayern are an hiatus on his evolution. While he managed to make a big hit with the fans, the extremely attended Bundesliga – the highest percentage of stadium occupation in Europe – his too far away from the mainstream Champions League football, even the almighty Bayern Munich struggles when it came to the CL – yes, they’ve trashed Sporting Lisbon in the eights, but have taken the same poison in the quarters – so he must get to a top club.
Or, in another away, the wealthy clubs from Germany may see this as an opportunity to build momentum and bring more world class players to their country. This will also help the Mannschaft to return to the top of FIFA football. If they don’t bring more players like Ribéry, then the French should go away and, if Bayern fail to qualify to the CL – he will need a quick exit.
Back in the pitch, Franck Ribéry went to Germany has a promising right winger, but has evolved in to a more complex player in the midfield, Zé Roberto advanced age and Mark van Bommel lake of ability to keep the ball and make the other’s play, forced Ribéry to play more in the centre. Now the typical move of running to back line and crossing, has been replaced by an extremely quick playmaker, that can control the pace of the game and find the right moment to make a pass. With 1.71m/62kg you shouldn’t expect him to score headers or to bring an impressive physical force to the game, but his becoming quick useful in the centre.
He can advance with the ball in his feet but also with short passes, and also prompt to give Luca Toni or Miroslav Klose a chance to score. If that fails he’ll try to score himself, adding to this a good technique in free kick’s conversion.
Tip: Once seen has the new Zidane – like Samir Nasri – Ribéry is the most creative force in France and that’s more than enough to try and bring him to any club. Inter Milan seems to be the strongest candidate, it his believed that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are also on the run.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Have you asked for Sessegnon?
Stéphane Sessegnon is one of the biggest attractions of France’s top clubs, the 24 years old from Benin is making quite an impact in domestic and European football – PSG as endure until the UEFA Cup quarter-finals – and with the approach of the summer talks of transfer is in order. The blues from Stamford Bridge are – according to French media – in the pole position to bring the man from Parque des Princes to the Premier League. Brought in the late summer from Le Mans to PSG for about 8 millions pound, it is expected PSG’s board reluctance to let him go for less than 15 millions. Money at Chelsea is not a problem; the real question is to understand if the man formed in Benin’s Requins de l’Atlantique is worth the money.
Until today, I’ve seen less than ten games of Sessegnon but most say I’m very impressed with his ability to dribble the ball and to get always cool and innovative moves with the ball – if you haven´t seen him play do a quick search on Youtube. Born in 1984, his still young and has a perfect physical balance, 172cm for 72kg, he’s very quick and usually evolves like a typical right winger – going to the end line and cross or do a move to the middle and try to score, he can also play in the middle and on the other side, but his most impressive moves came from the sideline. Being a small forward his not apt to play with the head, but he’s still very combative and able to chase the ball in the team’s defensive moves – although sometimes he just stops in middle line.
Know in PSG has the new Jay-jay Okocha, he is a truly creative player that spear the opponent defenses with the sin of shame. With 30 games and five goals (until today, La Ligue is still running) in his first season, he’s a fans favorite and one of Africa most promising players. You will need a lot of money to buy this man that in five professional seasons has played for four clubs – Requins l’Atlantique (Benin) and in France for Créteil, Le Mans and PSG.
Tip: He’s one of the most effective dribblers on the European football, if you have the money and a well balanced structure to help him get more consistent in his top exhibitions then you should buy him. Chelsea, AC Milan but also Arsenal and Newcastle seem to be on the dispute.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Ancelotti’s riddle. Blue? No way
The year’s the one million dollar question is: “Who will coach Chelsea?”. A various amount of names have been thrown away, but the AC Milan’s boss is the most referred. But, although that’s true, it seems pretty unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti will leave the rossoneri for the blues. To support my theory I have to important aspects, Ancelotti’s character and the current market movements.
First, the Italian coach is one of the great thinkers of the game, he makes the teams play for and only for the score. His dream is to conquer the Serie A and the CL winning all the matches 1-0. He uses a monstrous 4-3-2-1 tactic, that needs a lot of defensive concentration, (yes the 3 means three defensive midfielders), and opt for a quick offensive game, with high pressure on the ball. In theory, this is a cool tactic, it has helped Milan to a lot of titles – and remember France and World Title win in a similar scheme? – but as a major down to a club like Chelsea and – most important – to the owner Roman Abramovich: he needs three or more season’s to put the players in the correct places on the pitch, and the Russian likes results fast and in a cool offensive fashion.
Second, the rossoneri are known for their stability, with the season coming to the end and teams trying to secure valuable players, it’s logical that Ancelotti – with the help of Galliani and Leonardo – has a major role in new acquisitions, therefore the names of Bruno Alves (Porto) and Stéphane Sessegnon (PSG) – this one also linked with Chelsea –that have been systematically appointed to being part of Milan’s squad next season are important to make us understand that Ancelloti will stay at San Siro. On the other hand he (just like Claudio Ranieri) is eager to defeat José Mourinho.
First, the Italian coach is one of the great thinkers of the game, he makes the teams play for and only for the score. His dream is to conquer the Serie A and the CL winning all the matches 1-0. He uses a monstrous 4-3-2-1 tactic, that needs a lot of defensive concentration, (yes the 3 means three defensive midfielders), and opt for a quick offensive game, with high pressure on the ball. In theory, this is a cool tactic, it has helped Milan to a lot of titles – and remember France and World Title win in a similar scheme? – but as a major down to a club like Chelsea and – most important – to the owner Roman Abramovich: he needs three or more season’s to put the players in the correct places on the pitch, and the Russian likes results fast and in a cool offensive fashion.
Second, the rossoneri are known for their stability, with the season coming to the end and teams trying to secure valuable players, it’s logical that Ancelotti – with the help of Galliani and Leonardo – has a major role in new acquisitions, therefore the names of Bruno Alves (Porto) and Stéphane Sessegnon (PSG) – this one also linked with Chelsea –that have been systematically appointed to being part of Milan’s squad next season are important to make us understand that Ancelloti will stay at San Siro. On the other hand he (just like Claudio Ranieri) is eager to defeat José Mourinho.
Tip: Make no mistakes, (his one of my favorites) Ancelotti’s tactical knowledge would help the blues to cause a big impact in the Premier (after Mourinho what have they won?), but he needs a long term commitment and, nowadays, you have to look somewhere else rather than Stamford Bridge for that.
Friday, 24 April 2009
Tevez will land in Villa Park
The prolific Argentinean striker is one of the ‘most wanted’ mans on the transfer period, but, if on one side we hear everybody at Old Trafford saying Carlitos should stay, the truth is, economically speaking there’s no reason to keep such a high profile player on the bench. While Berbatov, Ronaldo and Rooney are indisputable on the starting eleven, Carlos Tevez has lost a lot of field time since the arriving of the Bulgarian star and is keen – he has public admitted that he wants to play more time – to find a place where he can be a regular choice.
Until now, speculation – besides Real Madrid – is low about Tevez future, but knowing the potential high fee for such a gifted player, it’s important to find who can be exchanged to down cut the final pay. That said and according to praise words of Sir Alex Ferguson about Ashley Young, it´s time to make a bet. I bet Carlos Tevez will be an Aston Villa player for 2009/10, the question is to know if Young or Gabriel Agbonlahor will go as quickly as that to Man.Utd.
Tip:Next week’s will be determinant to find if I’m right, but this is the most realistic picture for the incoming transfer period. But, who knows?
Until now, speculation – besides Real Madrid – is low about Tevez future, but knowing the potential high fee for such a gifted player, it’s important to find who can be exchanged to down cut the final pay. That said and according to praise words of Sir Alex Ferguson about Ashley Young, it´s time to make a bet. I bet Carlos Tevez will be an Aston Villa player for 2009/10, the question is to know if Young or Gabriel Agbonlahor will go as quickly as that to Man.Utd.
Tip:Next week’s will be determinant to find if I’m right, but this is the most realistic picture for the incoming transfer period. But, who knows?
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
João Moutinho tipped for Toffees
In the same day that Sporting Lisbon announces the extension of the contract to 2014, the 23 years old is – once again – referred for Everton. Now with a 22.5 million euro pass, the Portuguese international seems to be in the agenda of several European clubs – Everton has opposition from Valência, Lyon and Udinese (at least according to Italian media). Potentially one of the next stars coming from Portugal, Moutinho has international experience, being in the Champions League with Sporting Lisbon for the last couple of years – with very poor results such has the 12-1 agg. against Bayern Munich – capped 17 times and usually called for the National team coached by Carlos Queiroz, still needs to improve in some vital aspects to be able to play in the Premier, Spain or even Italy.
After five years as a professional player (always with Sporting), Moutinho’s raw pace and very short injuries list give him a strong credential of always being fit to play. Always smart on the field, eager to fulfill the coach’s orders, he can play as a defensive or offensive midfielder – only in the centre, he doesn´t have enough speed to play close to the lines – but he is way to short and light weighted to cope with the awesome pressure in the middle of more evolved championships (1.70m/67kg). The basic image of Sporting’s captain is to see Moutinho crawl on the grass, complaining to the referees about alleged fouls.
Tip: If David Moyes can give Moutinho the physical evolution that Ferguson’s gave to Ronaldo, then The Toffees should try to get him, with then can´t they should look elsewhere to spend the money. Looking for abroad solutions to the midfield? Try Fábio Santos from Brazilian squad Grémio (sorry I’ve seen Univ.Chile-Grémio one of those nights and this is the first name that pops into my head).
After five years as a professional player (always with Sporting), Moutinho’s raw pace and very short injuries list give him a strong credential of always being fit to play. Always smart on the field, eager to fulfill the coach’s orders, he can play as a defensive or offensive midfielder – only in the centre, he doesn´t have enough speed to play close to the lines – but he is way to short and light weighted to cope with the awesome pressure in the middle of more evolved championships (1.70m/67kg). The basic image of Sporting’s captain is to see Moutinho crawl on the grass, complaining to the referees about alleged fouls.
Tip: If David Moyes can give Moutinho the physical evolution that Ferguson’s gave to Ronaldo, then The Toffees should try to get him, with then can´t they should look elsewhere to spend the money. Looking for abroad solutions to the midfield? Try Fábio Santos from Brazilian squad Grémio (sorry I’ve seen Univ.Chile-Grémio one of those nights and this is the first name that pops into my head).
Monday, 20 April 2009
Bring van Gaal to the Premier
The championship winning form of Az Alkmaar as turned my attention to Louis van Gaal. Obviously, the players are the real heroes behind the second Eredivisie title of this (the first was in 1980/81) – at the moment - small club. But, without a doubt van Gaal – once one of the most prominent coaches in Europe, has a central role in this epic achievement. Without star-players in the field, the biggest name in Az Alkmaar is the coach, a man that knows the club inside-out and, according to my vision, should say goodbye once again. (Lois van Gaal has played for Az and coached the team for a couple of months in 1986, then he went to Ajax to assist Leo Bennhakker).
Premier League is the place for this coach, is profile seems apt to a long term commitment and a mid-table team would benefit from his experience. In his resume he got Ajax, Barcelona (twice), National Squad and – of course – Az Alkmaar and, besides a poor performance with the National team, he got championship titles everywhere. Methodic, always looking angry and never smiling, this 57 years old man has come to a new life, forgotten in Europe, this title puts him back in the mainstream soccer. But, like all the clubs he coached, needs time – usually a couple of years – to put team’s playing as he wants (he sack anyone who doesn’t play by his saying’s). Typically he changes his team’s from a 4-4-2 to a very flexible 3-5-2/3-4-3, wants the team to own the ball and attack in a short pass way, always in progression and constant midfield rotation. He chooses quick wingers, so they can pass the ball to two permanent strikers – and get goals.
Looking to the table has it is and to their actual coaches, I believe Newcastle Utd, Blackburn or Bolton would be ideal for him. The first has the money, the second a truly good squad unfulfilled and the third the time to bear with any coach. Most important, in second half of the table, this teams are the only ones with money for such a high profile manager.
Tip: If somehow you have doubts about Louis’s van Gaal being Premier material, just remember – he is one of Mourinho’s (alongside with Sir Bobby Robson) biggest influences. So bring him.
Premier League is the place for this coach, is profile seems apt to a long term commitment and a mid-table team would benefit from his experience. In his resume he got Ajax, Barcelona (twice), National Squad and – of course – Az Alkmaar and, besides a poor performance with the National team, he got championship titles everywhere. Methodic, always looking angry and never smiling, this 57 years old man has come to a new life, forgotten in Europe, this title puts him back in the mainstream soccer. But, like all the clubs he coached, needs time – usually a couple of years – to put team’s playing as he wants (he sack anyone who doesn’t play by his saying’s). Typically he changes his team’s from a 4-4-2 to a very flexible 3-5-2/3-4-3, wants the team to own the ball and attack in a short pass way, always in progression and constant midfield rotation. He chooses quick wingers, so they can pass the ball to two permanent strikers – and get goals.
Looking to the table has it is and to their actual coaches, I believe Newcastle Utd, Blackburn or Bolton would be ideal for him. The first has the money, the second a truly good squad unfulfilled and the third the time to bear with any coach. Most important, in second half of the table, this teams are the only ones with money for such a high profile manager.
Tip: If somehow you have doubts about Louis’s van Gaal being Premier material, just remember – he is one of Mourinho’s (alongside with Sir Bobby Robson) biggest influences. So bring him.
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Cristiano Ronaldo with Real Madrid
The Manchester’s United winger/striker/pop star (whatever) seems to be the world for everyone at Madrid, if Marca assures that Cristiano Ronaldo will turn ‘merengue’ in July, the transfers theory’s are – by all means – just a little bit over the top. The last one say that Real Madrid will pay about 45 million Euros (nobody now’s the pound value in July so we didn’t bother making the conversion, but seems to way to cheap for one of Ferguson’s babies), but, obviously, like all Spanish newspapers dedicated to protect some interest that are some few twitches on the buy: beside de 45 millions, Real Madrid will accept the offer from Valência to purchase David Villa and David Silva for 40 million and will make them jump to Man.Utd.
True or only the theory’s of a madman, the next couple of months will show, at the moment we can only say: If Real Madrid offers 45 million Euros, plus David Villa, plus David Silva for CR7 we can only shout one thing – LET HIM GO.
He is awesome, but Villa and Silva are also world class in their respective positions. Villa is one of the most destroying forces in the National Team that has won the last European, with an ability to score goals from every angle (only loose to CR7 when it came to score header goals) and Silva is a creative player, excellent technique, capable of unlock any defense (in this matter, lacks the speed of the Portuguese, but has more capability to play in short spaces). In resume, none of them is the world’s greatest player, but both are very above the average as a striker or offensive midfielder.
True or only the theory’s of a madman, the next couple of months will show, at the moment we can only say: If Real Madrid offers 45 million Euros, plus David Villa, plus David Silva for CR7 we can only shout one thing – LET HIM GO.
He is awesome, but Villa and Silva are also world class in their respective positions. Villa is one of the most destroying forces in the National Team that has won the last European, with an ability to score goals from every angle (only loose to CR7 when it came to score header goals) and Silva is a creative player, excellent technique, capable of unlock any defense (in this matter, lacks the speed of the Portuguese, but has more capability to play in short spaces). In resume, none of them is the world’s greatest player, but both are very above the average as a striker or offensive midfielder.
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