Before I get into Berti Vogts’ preliminary Nations Cup list, just a few words about my impressions of his tenure so far.
I know Vogts has his critics in Nigeria, not least those who believe he knows nothing about African soccer and hence couldn’t possibly know the first thing about coaching the Super Eagles. I have to disagree with that.
Knowledge of African soccer is certainly not a prerequisite for successfully coaching an African team. Clemens Westerhoff knew exactly zilch about our continent before taking on the Nigeria job in 1989. Yet, his five year stint remains the Super Eagles’ most successful spell in fifty years of international soccer.
Then there’s the question of Vogts’ not so impressive stint as manager of Scotland, especially in light of the Scots recent exploits in Euro 08 qualifiers. With Walter Smith and then Alex McLeish leading Scotland to the verge of Euro qualification – in a group including France and Italy – Vogts’ failures with the same team certainly appear ever so glaring. But there’s another side to that argument: Vogts’ laid the foundation for this new lease of life in Scottish fortunes - capping youngsters like Craig Gordon, Jamie McFadden and Darren Fletcher - but got fired before his best laid plans came to fruition.
Okay, no matter its merits, I wouldn’t spend too much time defending that position either. Let’s just put that period down as a black period in an otherwise decent resume.
Vogts, afterall, did lead Germany to glory at Euro 96, and was also at the helm when they lost to Denmark in the final of Euro 92. His World Cup record isn’t quite as impressive – quarter final losses to Bulgaria and Croatia in 94 and 98 respectively surely mark a departure from the Germans’ appearance in the previous three finals between 1982 and 1990.
On the whole, it’s not a bad resume and surely there can’t be any doubts about the German’s pedigree. It certainly beats that of any coach we’ve ever had, bar none.
But that’s all history. It’s the here and now that counts and after just 8 months on the job it’s fair to say that the jury is still out on Mr Vogts. A handful of Nations Cup qualifiers and friendly matches seem a little thin to base a decent conclusion on. On the plus side, Nations Cup qualification was achieved with room to spare, yet the two Uganda matches – especially that loss in Kampala - left much to be desired. But, the upcoming Nations Cup would be the real test of Vogts’ mettle – he would have had time to work with his squad so there’ll be little room for excuses. My impressions so far are quite the mixed bag. I’ve liked a few things about his regime, but I am bothered by a couple of things as well.
Here’s what I’ve liked:
1) For the first time in several years, Vogts has dug deeper into the increasingly growing pool of Europe-based players available for national duty. Hence, the blooding of the likes of Danny Shittu, Dickson Etuhu, Ike Uche, Ifeanyi Emeghara, Manasseh Ishiaku and the return of Rabiu Afolabi. That can only be a positive development for the Eagles – more competition should ensure that only the very best make the cut.
2) For once the Eagles are actually playing friendly matches on a regular basis – Romania, Mexico, Australia and Switzerland, all in the last two months. There’s even word that we have two more games lined up before the Nations Cup kicks off in 5 weeks time. What a big change from the good old days when all we did was talk about friendlies and went into major tournaments with poorly prepped teams.
3) Everyone’s on notice now. No more waltzing into camp at will and expecting to play regardless. Vogts has imposed a much needed dose of professionalism and discipline to the squad and that can only be a good thing. The players have even agreed to a bonus schedule with the NFA well ahead of the finals, so we should avoid the usual distracting money squabbles in Ghana.
And here’s what bothers me:
1) Vogts insistence on managing the Eagles from his base in Europe is certainly far from ideal. Sure, that’s where the talent is these days but there are certainly some areas of the squad that could benefit from some new blood from the local league. Not good enough? Give me a break. If Taiye Taiwo could stroll into Marseilles’ first team direct from the local league, what’s to say there aren’t many more like him just waiting for the chance? Don’t get me wrong, I am all for Europe-based players. There’s no better preparation for the international ranks than the improved coaching, exposure and competition that Europe’s top leagues offer. If Vogts can find a Europe-based player to fill any position on his team, I have no problems with giving that player a first crack at making it his own. What I am against is the persistent fitting of square pegs in round holes when the foreign-based pool offers no obvious fit for certain positions. In particular, consider the Eagles’ wide midfield positions. Since the period between 1993 and 2002 when the likes of Finidi George, Tijjani Babangida and Emmanuel Amuneke graced the Eagles flanks, the team has been conspicuously lacking in those areas. In their stead, over the last five years, we’ve seen the flank positions filled by strikers – John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie, Obinna Nsofor - good players no doubt, but all playing out of position. And there are other positions too: Taiwo is the only natural left back in the Eagles set up, and, since Chidi Odiah’s injury, we’ve lacked a convincing replacement at right back. Now, if Vogts spent a little time checking out the local league, who knows what he might unearth.
We’ve been here before too. In the early days of the “soccer drain” – back in the late 80s when the player exodus to Europe really got under way – this same eagerness to fit in all the foreign-based players gave us lop-sided, unbalanced teams that consistently failed to succeed. Clemens Westerhof broke the pattern, primarily with the introduction of a then home-based Finidi back in 1991. I think Mr Vogts should look to do the same, particularly for those positions in which his squad is so clearly lacking.
2) Along the same lines is Vogts seeming reluctance to call up players from the U-20 and U-23 teams. That was certainly a big concern when I started thinking about this write-up 8 weeks ago. Those sentiments have been partially assuaged by the participation of Nsofor in the Switzerland game and the inclusion of Efe Ambrose and Oladapo Olufemi in the preliminary Nations Cup squad. And I say partially because I think he could have done much more and earlier too. Onyekachi Apam was not a resounding success in his run out against Mexico, but that’s just one game. He’s playing on a decent Nice team in France and can only improve with time. How about calling Uwa Echiejile to under-study Taiwo at left back? He was one of the very few to impress at the U-20 World Cup last summer and we are not exactly overflowing with talent in that position given the disappearance of erstwhile regulars Celestine Babayaro and Ifeanyi Udeze.
3) I have to say, this is only based on the Switzerland game in which many regulars were missing, and what I know of the players in the squad, but I am yet to be convinced that we have the right players for Vogts’ preferred 4-3-3 formation. I hope to be convinced by February, but I’ll talk more about tactical matters in my next post when I’ll sink my teeth into that preliminary squad and the Super Eagles chances in Ghana.
Have a merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Bojan:Another Barca Phenom
I guess everyone’s heard about Bojan Krkic by now. If you caught any part of the recent Fifa U-17 World Cup Finals in China then his name should be familiar to you. Or maybe you’ve been fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of his few appearances in La Liga with Barcelona.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure, Bojan – as he is know for obvious reasons – was Spain’s best player and top scorer at China 07 where he weighed in with 5 goals in 5 matches, including the extra time winner that secured his country’s place in the final. Of course, he finished that game in tears after picking up a yellow card that would rule him out of the final against Nigeria.
The Spaniards felt their team was highly handicapped by his absence – they lost to Nigeria on penalties – and, based on what I’ve seen of this kid so far, I have to agree. It’s not that Nigeria did not deserve to win, they were certainly the real deal over the entire competition, but Golden Eaglet’s task would have been that much harder with Bojan on the pitch.
The 17-year-old came on at the break against Recreativo Huelva several Sundays ago and proceeded to turn a hitherto flaccid Barcelona into 3-0 winners. He scored an excellent goal after being set up by Thierry Henry, and was a thorn in the side of the visitors’ defence for the 45 minutes he was on the field. For one so young, Bojan shows maturity beyond his years, and if he reaches his full potential, La Liga – and Champions League – clubs must be dreading a future Bojan-Messi Barcelona striker force.
Watching this latest Barcelona phenom, it occurred to me that the Catalan club is hardly given enough credit for its youth development program. Not surprising, given the usual procession of big name imports: from Stoichkov, Koeman and Romario in the early 90s, through Ronaldo, Figo and Rivaldo, and now Ronaldinho, Eto’o, and Deco.
But consider this; of the current first team squad at Barcelona, no less than seven players have come up through the ranks: Olegeur Pressas , Carles Puyol, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Bojan, Leo Messi, and Giovanni dos Santos. It’s true that the latter two are from Argentina and Mexico respectively, but they’ve both been at Barcelona since they were barely out of diapers. Of course, Barcelona have also produced a couple of youngsters that have since flown the coop – Arsenal duo Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida, both scooped away prematurely by the wily Arsene Wenger. Fabregas, just 20, is already proving his worth in the Arsenal first team while Merida, still only 17 has yet to make the breakthrough. Then there’s the “Little Buddha”, Ivan De La Pena, now pulling the midfield strings at Espanyol. He also came through as a teenage wonder at Barcelona in the mid-90s before traipsing all over Europe and finally settling down at the other Barcelona club.
I can’t think of any other top European club with such an impressive turn out of young talent.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure, Bojan – as he is know for obvious reasons – was Spain’s best player and top scorer at China 07 where he weighed in with 5 goals in 5 matches, including the extra time winner that secured his country’s place in the final. Of course, he finished that game in tears after picking up a yellow card that would rule him out of the final against Nigeria.
The Spaniards felt their team was highly handicapped by his absence – they lost to Nigeria on penalties – and, based on what I’ve seen of this kid so far, I have to agree. It’s not that Nigeria did not deserve to win, they were certainly the real deal over the entire competition, but Golden Eaglet’s task would have been that much harder with Bojan on the pitch.
The 17-year-old came on at the break against Recreativo Huelva several Sundays ago and proceeded to turn a hitherto flaccid Barcelona into 3-0 winners. He scored an excellent goal after being set up by Thierry Henry, and was a thorn in the side of the visitors’ defence for the 45 minutes he was on the field. For one so young, Bojan shows maturity beyond his years, and if he reaches his full potential, La Liga – and Champions League – clubs must be dreading a future Bojan-Messi Barcelona striker force.
Watching this latest Barcelona phenom, it occurred to me that the Catalan club is hardly given enough credit for its youth development program. Not surprising, given the usual procession of big name imports: from Stoichkov, Koeman and Romario in the early 90s, through Ronaldo, Figo and Rivaldo, and now Ronaldinho, Eto’o, and Deco.
But consider this; of the current first team squad at Barcelona, no less than seven players have come up through the ranks: Olegeur Pressas , Carles Puyol, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Bojan, Leo Messi, and Giovanni dos Santos. It’s true that the latter two are from Argentina and Mexico respectively, but they’ve both been at Barcelona since they were barely out of diapers. Of course, Barcelona have also produced a couple of youngsters that have since flown the coop – Arsenal duo Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida, both scooped away prematurely by the wily Arsene Wenger. Fabregas, just 20, is already proving his worth in the Arsenal first team while Merida, still only 17 has yet to make the breakthrough. Then there’s the “Little Buddha”, Ivan De La Pena, now pulling the midfield strings at Espanyol. He also came through as a teenage wonder at Barcelona in the mid-90s before traipsing all over Europe and finally settling down at the other Barcelona club.
I can’t think of any other top European club with such an impressive turn out of young talent.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Switzerland v Nigeria: Super Eagles Concerns
I had the opportunity to catch Nigeria’s friendly against Switzerland last Tuesday – my first viewing of the Super Eagles under Berti Vogts – so I figure it’s as good a time as any to put down my thoughts on the team, or at least that game, and begin looking ahead to the Nations Cup Finals.
Taiye Taiwo settled the match with a typical thunderous strike from 20 yards, yet neither side could have drawn any kind of conclusions from a largely sluggish affair on a chilly night in Zurich.
For one thing, neither side was at full strength. The Swiss – no superpowers but good enough to reach the World Cup 2nd round last year – were without many of their better known stars: Phillipe Senderos, Alexander Frei, Patrick Muller and Marco Streller.
The Eagles were hardly at full strength either. It’s hard to determine what Berti Vogts considers his first choice eleven – assuming he has his mind made up – but one can safely assume that a Nigerian line-up without captain Nwankwo Kanu, vice-captain Joseph Yobo, midfield marvel Mikel Obi and top striker Obafemi Martins, is not exactly full strength. And I haven’t even mentioned John Utaka, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Vincent Enyeama and Chidi Odiah – players I would consider possible starters.
Even so, Eagles’ supporters – ever expecting the world – would have been looking for a convincing win, or at the least, a performance better than the reportedly shoddy show against Australia four days earlier (I didn’t see that game).
The Eagles lined up in what, nominally, looked like a 4-3-3 formation:
Ejide – Emeghara, Shittu, Nwaneri, Taiwo – Okonkwo, Ayila, Etuhu – Odemwingie, Makinwa, Uche.
Yet, as the game progressed, they seemed to morph into a 4-4-2/4-3-1-2 hybrid, with Odemwingie – captain on the day – attacking from deep, at times in the midfield role usually filled by the now retired JayJay Okocha, at other times filling the hole-behind-the strikers a la Nwankwo Kanu.
Not that this was a bad performance against admittedly sub-par opponents. The Eagles certainly had their moments. They started the stronger of the two sides – dominating the first 20 minutes without really troubling the Swiss goal. Etuhu had a long range effort tipped round the post and Odemwingie, looking pretty sharp, saw his dipping free kick parried for a corner kick.
Then they lost their way a little in the latter part of the first half, conceding possession far too easily and creating little in attack. The Swiss had the better chances early in the second half but Ejide saved from Yakin and Djourou, and Okonkwo cleared another effort off the line.
The Eagles settled after that though, and were clearly the better side for the last 30 minutes. Uche came very close with a lob after Makinwa’s flicked header, but it took the introduction of Obinna to give the Eagles the breakthrough. His first touch was the lobbed pass from which Odemwingie set up Taiwo for the winner, and that was that.
Mission accomplished, but….the Eagles’ performance left me wondering if Vogts’ masterplan could deliver the kind of results Nigeria fans will be hankering for come January. Or maybe the right question is if he can pick the right players to make his tactics work. Yes, I know the personnel will probably be vastly different by the time the Nations Cup kick off, but still…
Here are my concerns:
The three man midfield did a fine job of shielding Shittu and Nwaneri in defence, but it also left the team severely lacking in invention and width. The one midfielder who could play wide was Odemwingie, and though he played centrally, his free role enabled him to carve out a few crosses. One would expect that the narrow midfield would open up the flanks for the full backs to attack, but it wasn’t until the second half that Emeghara and even the usually adventurous Taiwo managed to venture forward with any purpose. In addition, while the Eagles deprived the Swiss room to play in the middle of the park, they hampered their own ability to move the ball as well – too many bodies in a confined space. It was often confusing to figure out which of Ayila and Etuhu was anchoring the midfield.
Without wide players, and with the full backs seating back, it was left to the strikers to create width by chasing passes into the corners. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – provided you have midfielders arriving in the box to finish off the crosses. Too often, Uche’s crosses were aimed for his strike partner, Makinwa, isolated in a box full of Swiss defenders. Other than that, the Eagles just tried to bully their way down the middle or lumped long balls forward for Makinwa and Uche to battle for.
For a team playing three men in midfield, ball possession is particularly important. For one thing, if the opposing team plays 4 in midfield you don’t want the 3 midfielders chasing after them all day. That’ll be a recipe for failure. In addition, they need to dictate possession in order to give the full backs ample time to get forward down the flanks and keep the pressure on the opposing team. The best 4-3-3 teams are masters at keeping the ball – watch Barcelona or Mourinho’s Chelsea. The Eagles midfield certainly didn’t keep the ball well against Switzerland, easily coughing up possession time and again. Vogts has already confessed that his midfield needs more work – or new personnel. He can certainly do better than what was on show here.
Tactics – or their execution – apart, let’s talk about the players.
GK. Austin Ejide – Messed up a decent enough performance with one dropped corner kick. Otherwise, he proved a competent shot stopper and read the game well, coming off his line to stop a goal attempt in the first half.
RB. Ifeanyi Emeghara - defended very well; quick and smart, but did little on the attacking end – understandable for a converted centre-back. But will need to attack more if he wants the job.
LB Taiye Taiwo - decent performance, impressively highlighted with a stunning goal. His positioning has improved over the past couple of seasons, and I liked his passes down the left flank, but – in the absence of wide midfielders - he needs to get forward more.
CB Obinna Nwaneri – Defended well, but careless in possession. Over-complicated simple passes and gave the ball away far too easily.
CB Danny Shittu - Sound positioning– I was impressed with the way he cut off the angles – but a little subtlety and guile, and better ball distribution, would help his game no end.
MF Dickson Etuhu – Played with energy and aggression, breaking up many Swiss attacks with his ceaseless running. A bit too clumsy for my liking though, giving away needless fouls, and I wasn’t crazy about his distribution either.
MF Yusuf Ayila – Struggled to impose himself on this game. Strong defensively and showed good distribution early on but disappeared in the midfield crowd as the game wore on.
MF Onyekachi Okonkwo – Was anonymous for most of the first half. I expected more creativity from him but he never really got going.
F Osaze Odemwingie – The pick of the lot. Was excellent in roving role behind the strikers, and his great first touch and close control prompted the best attacking moves.
F Ayo Makinwa –.Showed little aggression, had no idea in one-on-one situations and was simply too predictable. Had his moments but missed a couple of free headers, gave up possession too easily.
F Ikechukwu Uche - Direct, aggressive and eager to take on defenders, but often tried to do too much, and faded as the game wore on.
F Victor Obinna – Full of purpose, fight and invention in his 20 minutes on the pitch. Replaced Uche and set up the only goal with an impressive run and excellent pass after just one minute on the pitch.
F Manasseh Ishiaku – Didn’t really get into the game after replacing Makinwa in the 67th minute.
F Seyi Olofinjana – Came on for Ayila in a like-for-like substitution. Strong defensively, and used the ball well.
FB Rabiu Afolabi – Replaced an injured Taiwo late on. Wasn’t on long enough to make an impression.
In all, of the 15 players on show, only 4 convinced me they could fight for a starting place in a full strength Super Eagles – Shittu, Taiwo, Odemwingie and Obinna.
What would be really useful now would be a chance to see Vogts’ first choice team in action. As to what that team will look like, your guess is as good as mine and chances are we won’t know until the Eagles reach Ghana in January. But I’ll definitely be sharing my thoughts about Berti Vogts and the Eagles’ Nations Cup squad in the weeks ahead.
Taiye Taiwo settled the match with a typical thunderous strike from 20 yards, yet neither side could have drawn any kind of conclusions from a largely sluggish affair on a chilly night in Zurich.
For one thing, neither side was at full strength. The Swiss – no superpowers but good enough to reach the World Cup 2nd round last year – were without many of their better known stars: Phillipe Senderos, Alexander Frei, Patrick Muller and Marco Streller.
The Eagles were hardly at full strength either. It’s hard to determine what Berti Vogts considers his first choice eleven – assuming he has his mind made up – but one can safely assume that a Nigerian line-up without captain Nwankwo Kanu, vice-captain Joseph Yobo, midfield marvel Mikel Obi and top striker Obafemi Martins, is not exactly full strength. And I haven’t even mentioned John Utaka, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Vincent Enyeama and Chidi Odiah – players I would consider possible starters.
Even so, Eagles’ supporters – ever expecting the world – would have been looking for a convincing win, or at the least, a performance better than the reportedly shoddy show against Australia four days earlier (I didn’t see that game).
The Eagles lined up in what, nominally, looked like a 4-3-3 formation:
Ejide – Emeghara, Shittu, Nwaneri, Taiwo – Okonkwo, Ayila, Etuhu – Odemwingie, Makinwa, Uche.
Yet, as the game progressed, they seemed to morph into a 4-4-2/4-3-1-2 hybrid, with Odemwingie – captain on the day – attacking from deep, at times in the midfield role usually filled by the now retired JayJay Okocha, at other times filling the hole-behind-the strikers a la Nwankwo Kanu.
Not that this was a bad performance against admittedly sub-par opponents. The Eagles certainly had their moments. They started the stronger of the two sides – dominating the first 20 minutes without really troubling the Swiss goal. Etuhu had a long range effort tipped round the post and Odemwingie, looking pretty sharp, saw his dipping free kick parried for a corner kick.
Then they lost their way a little in the latter part of the first half, conceding possession far too easily and creating little in attack. The Swiss had the better chances early in the second half but Ejide saved from Yakin and Djourou, and Okonkwo cleared another effort off the line.
The Eagles settled after that though, and were clearly the better side for the last 30 minutes. Uche came very close with a lob after Makinwa’s flicked header, but it took the introduction of Obinna to give the Eagles the breakthrough. His first touch was the lobbed pass from which Odemwingie set up Taiwo for the winner, and that was that.
Mission accomplished, but….the Eagles’ performance left me wondering if Vogts’ masterplan could deliver the kind of results Nigeria fans will be hankering for come January. Or maybe the right question is if he can pick the right players to make his tactics work. Yes, I know the personnel will probably be vastly different by the time the Nations Cup kick off, but still…
Here are my concerns:
The three man midfield did a fine job of shielding Shittu and Nwaneri in defence, but it also left the team severely lacking in invention and width. The one midfielder who could play wide was Odemwingie, and though he played centrally, his free role enabled him to carve out a few crosses. One would expect that the narrow midfield would open up the flanks for the full backs to attack, but it wasn’t until the second half that Emeghara and even the usually adventurous Taiwo managed to venture forward with any purpose. In addition, while the Eagles deprived the Swiss room to play in the middle of the park, they hampered their own ability to move the ball as well – too many bodies in a confined space. It was often confusing to figure out which of Ayila and Etuhu was anchoring the midfield.
Without wide players, and with the full backs seating back, it was left to the strikers to create width by chasing passes into the corners. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – provided you have midfielders arriving in the box to finish off the crosses. Too often, Uche’s crosses were aimed for his strike partner, Makinwa, isolated in a box full of Swiss defenders. Other than that, the Eagles just tried to bully their way down the middle or lumped long balls forward for Makinwa and Uche to battle for.
For a team playing three men in midfield, ball possession is particularly important. For one thing, if the opposing team plays 4 in midfield you don’t want the 3 midfielders chasing after them all day. That’ll be a recipe for failure. In addition, they need to dictate possession in order to give the full backs ample time to get forward down the flanks and keep the pressure on the opposing team. The best 4-3-3 teams are masters at keeping the ball – watch Barcelona or Mourinho’s Chelsea. The Eagles midfield certainly didn’t keep the ball well against Switzerland, easily coughing up possession time and again. Vogts has already confessed that his midfield needs more work – or new personnel. He can certainly do better than what was on show here.
Tactics – or their execution – apart, let’s talk about the players.
GK. Austin Ejide – Messed up a decent enough performance with one dropped corner kick. Otherwise, he proved a competent shot stopper and read the game well, coming off his line to stop a goal attempt in the first half.
RB. Ifeanyi Emeghara - defended very well; quick and smart, but did little on the attacking end – understandable for a converted centre-back. But will need to attack more if he wants the job.
LB Taiye Taiwo - decent performance, impressively highlighted with a stunning goal. His positioning has improved over the past couple of seasons, and I liked his passes down the left flank, but – in the absence of wide midfielders - he needs to get forward more.
CB Obinna Nwaneri – Defended well, but careless in possession. Over-complicated simple passes and gave the ball away far too easily.
CB Danny Shittu - Sound positioning– I was impressed with the way he cut off the angles – but a little subtlety and guile, and better ball distribution, would help his game no end.
MF Dickson Etuhu – Played with energy and aggression, breaking up many Swiss attacks with his ceaseless running. A bit too clumsy for my liking though, giving away needless fouls, and I wasn’t crazy about his distribution either.
MF Yusuf Ayila – Struggled to impose himself on this game. Strong defensively and showed good distribution early on but disappeared in the midfield crowd as the game wore on.
MF Onyekachi Okonkwo – Was anonymous for most of the first half. I expected more creativity from him but he never really got going.
F Osaze Odemwingie – The pick of the lot. Was excellent in roving role behind the strikers, and his great first touch and close control prompted the best attacking moves.
F Ayo Makinwa –.Showed little aggression, had no idea in one-on-one situations and was simply too predictable. Had his moments but missed a couple of free headers, gave up possession too easily.
F Ikechukwu Uche - Direct, aggressive and eager to take on defenders, but often tried to do too much, and faded as the game wore on.
F Victor Obinna – Full of purpose, fight and invention in his 20 minutes on the pitch. Replaced Uche and set up the only goal with an impressive run and excellent pass after just one minute on the pitch.
F Manasseh Ishiaku – Didn’t really get into the game after replacing Makinwa in the 67th minute.
F Seyi Olofinjana – Came on for Ayila in a like-for-like substitution. Strong defensively, and used the ball well.
FB Rabiu Afolabi – Replaced an injured Taiwo late on. Wasn’t on long enough to make an impression.
In all, of the 15 players on show, only 4 convinced me they could fight for a starting place in a full strength Super Eagles – Shittu, Taiwo, Odemwingie and Obinna.
What would be really useful now would be a chance to see Vogts’ first choice team in action. As to what that team will look like, your guess is as good as mine and chances are we won’t know until the Eagles reach Ghana in January. But I’ll definitely be sharing my thoughts about Berti Vogts and the Eagles’ Nations Cup squad in the weeks ahead.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
England Loving Africans
I did mention my intention to dive into African Nations Cup talk in my last post and something that really struck me as I started getting into that mode was the sheer number of African players playing in the English Premiership.
Sure, it’s no big deal these days to find three or four Africans featured in any Premiership game, but those of you who, like yours truly, have followed the English game for more than 20 years must just marvel at how common place the African player has become in England’s top division.
Actually, forget about African players, black players were still a novelty in England back in the late 70’s. You could count the number of black players in the top flight on the fingers of one hand back in the day. Heck, I can even name them – Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson, Viv Anderson, Howard Gayle, Chris Houghton, Garth Brooks, Justin Fashanu…Okay, maybe a little more than five, but you get the picture.
Of course, these were the days when some yahoos subscribed to the insulting notion that “black players are lazy”. I can only imagine what they must have thought about African players. I can still recall watching the Tottenham Hotspurs of the day – circa. 1984 – and swelling with pride at the sight of John Chiedozie flying down the right wing, the first Nigerian player to make a mark in England, and the one black African face on display in the entire top division.
Ah, the good old days. Seems like a lifetime ago now, with Africans performing creditably week in and week out in the rough and tumble of the Premiership. Consider this: Of the 20 clubs in the Premiership this season, only one – champions Manchester United – have no African players on their books. Contrast that to 1979, when Justin Fashanu and Bruce Grobelaar were the only Africans in the top division - one, born and bred in England, the other, a white goalkeeper from Zimbabwe.
Indeed, some clubs today are so chockfull of African internationals, I wonder how they’ll cope when the Nations Cup Finals kick off in January. Take Portsmouth, with no less than six Africans - Kanu, Utaka, Muntari, Diop, Benjani, and Lauren. Newcastle have five – Martins, Abdou Faye, Beye, Babayaro and Geremi – while Everton have four – Pienaar, Yobo, Anichebe and Yakubu. Arsenal have only three Africans – Eboue. Toure and Adebayor – but a closer look at their other players betrays a strong African influence. Diaby, Diarra, Song, Traore and Sagna may all be French nationals, but – like Vieira before them - we all know where they “really” come from.
Chelsea were concerned enough to declare they wouldn’t be signing any African players this season. Of course, they already have fair number among their ranks. Essien, Mikel, Drogba and Kalou are all likely to be missing during the Nations Cup.
So why the sudden love for the African player? Well, the obvious answer would be that England as suddenly woken up to the wealth of talent that Africa has to offer. The performance of the first African faces in the Premiership certainly did a lot to recommend more of the same: the free-scoring Anthony Yeboah at Leeds in the mid-90s, South Africa’s impressive Lucas Radebe, also at Leeds in the late 90s and Kanu’s spectacular arrival at Arsenal in 1999.
Sure, there’s no doubting the skill level of the African player, but that’s only half the story. Let’s face it, South American countries Brazil and Argentina have a larger reputation for producing and exporting skilled players – check Italy and Spain – yet there are only a handful of them in the Premiership. Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) and Carlos Tevez (Man U) are the two Argentines of note in the Prem, while Brazil is represented by Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Fabio Aurelio, Lucas Leiva (Liverpool) and Anderson (Man U). That’s it. By contrast, Real Madrid have four Argentines and three Brazilians while Barcelona have three Brazilians and two Argentines.
So, the other half to this allure for African players is surely economics. African players will cost you less than their South American counterparts – or even young Englishmen. Take Portsmouth’s purchase of John Utaka from French club Rennes. The Super Eagles striker – who played at the 2002 World Cup and the last two Nations Cup Finals, as well as impressing in four seasons in France – cost Pompey 7 million pounds. No small change, but Arsenal paid 5 million pounds for untried teenager Theo Walcott in 2006 and England fringe player Daren Bent joined Tottenham for 16.5 million pounds after just one season in the top flight. Trust me, English or South American player with Utaka’s pedigree would have cost at least twice as much. It’s an even better deal when players are shipped in straight from Africa, as Kolo Toure was when he arrived at Arsenal in 2001.
The increasing hue and cry for limits on foreign players in European leagues may yet stem this increasing African exodus to the Premiership although the likes of Arsene Wenger will be in vehement opposition. For now, English clubs can continue to get a bigger bang for their buck from African players and African fans have an even bigger reason to follow the Premiership. A win-win situation, don’t you think?
Sure, it’s no big deal these days to find three or four Africans featured in any Premiership game, but those of you who, like yours truly, have followed the English game for more than 20 years must just marvel at how common place the African player has become in England’s top division.
Actually, forget about African players, black players were still a novelty in England back in the late 70’s. You could count the number of black players in the top flight on the fingers of one hand back in the day. Heck, I can even name them – Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson, Viv Anderson, Howard Gayle, Chris Houghton, Garth Brooks, Justin Fashanu…Okay, maybe a little more than five, but you get the picture.
Of course, these were the days when some yahoos subscribed to the insulting notion that “black players are lazy”. I can only imagine what they must have thought about African players. I can still recall watching the Tottenham Hotspurs of the day – circa. 1984 – and swelling with pride at the sight of John Chiedozie flying down the right wing, the first Nigerian player to make a mark in England, and the one black African face on display in the entire top division.
Ah, the good old days. Seems like a lifetime ago now, with Africans performing creditably week in and week out in the rough and tumble of the Premiership. Consider this: Of the 20 clubs in the Premiership this season, only one – champions Manchester United – have no African players on their books. Contrast that to 1979, when Justin Fashanu and Bruce Grobelaar were the only Africans in the top division - one, born and bred in England, the other, a white goalkeeper from Zimbabwe.
Indeed, some clubs today are so chockfull of African internationals, I wonder how they’ll cope when the Nations Cup Finals kick off in January. Take Portsmouth, with no less than six Africans - Kanu, Utaka, Muntari, Diop, Benjani, and Lauren. Newcastle have five – Martins, Abdou Faye, Beye, Babayaro and Geremi – while Everton have four – Pienaar, Yobo, Anichebe and Yakubu. Arsenal have only three Africans – Eboue. Toure and Adebayor – but a closer look at their other players betrays a strong African influence. Diaby, Diarra, Song, Traore and Sagna may all be French nationals, but – like Vieira before them - we all know where they “really” come from.
Chelsea were concerned enough to declare they wouldn’t be signing any African players this season. Of course, they already have fair number among their ranks. Essien, Mikel, Drogba and Kalou are all likely to be missing during the Nations Cup.
So why the sudden love for the African player? Well, the obvious answer would be that England as suddenly woken up to the wealth of talent that Africa has to offer. The performance of the first African faces in the Premiership certainly did a lot to recommend more of the same: the free-scoring Anthony Yeboah at Leeds in the mid-90s, South Africa’s impressive Lucas Radebe, also at Leeds in the late 90s and Kanu’s spectacular arrival at Arsenal in 1999.
Sure, there’s no doubting the skill level of the African player, but that’s only half the story. Let’s face it, South American countries Brazil and Argentina have a larger reputation for producing and exporting skilled players – check Italy and Spain – yet there are only a handful of them in the Premiership. Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) and Carlos Tevez (Man U) are the two Argentines of note in the Prem, while Brazil is represented by Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Fabio Aurelio, Lucas Leiva (Liverpool) and Anderson (Man U). That’s it. By contrast, Real Madrid have four Argentines and three Brazilians while Barcelona have three Brazilians and two Argentines.
So, the other half to this allure for African players is surely economics. African players will cost you less than their South American counterparts – or even young Englishmen. Take Portsmouth’s purchase of John Utaka from French club Rennes. The Super Eagles striker – who played at the 2002 World Cup and the last two Nations Cup Finals, as well as impressing in four seasons in France – cost Pompey 7 million pounds. No small change, but Arsenal paid 5 million pounds for untried teenager Theo Walcott in 2006 and England fringe player Daren Bent joined Tottenham for 16.5 million pounds after just one season in the top flight. Trust me, English or South American player with Utaka’s pedigree would have cost at least twice as much. It’s an even better deal when players are shipped in straight from Africa, as Kolo Toure was when he arrived at Arsenal in 2001.
The increasing hue and cry for limits on foreign players in European leagues may yet stem this increasing African exodus to the Premiership although the likes of Arsene Wenger will be in vehement opposition. For now, English clubs can continue to get a bigger bang for their buck from African players and African fans have an even bigger reason to follow the Premiership. A win-win situation, don’t you think?
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Liverpool & Rafa: Keep it Simple
Ah, the joy of procrastination. I’ve been planning to tear into Liverpool’s season of diminishing returns for sometime now, and just as I get started the Reds go and put a whipping on Besiktas in the Champions League. Eight unreplied goals at Anfield mean I have to tone down on the vitriol I was about to hurl at my favorite club and especially manager Rafa Benitez. Eight goals mean that maybe Liverpool still has something in the tank for the rest of this season. Eight goals mean, perhaps, all is not lost yet and maybe, just maybe, this could be the confidence boost needed to re-ignite a season that had started with so much hope and optimism.
Okay, bear with me. I know it’s just one game and I know that Besiktas aren’t exactly in the top echelon of European soccer. But this is my MY TEAM in question here so if I get a little emotional and start clutching at straws I trust you’ll understand. Besides, no one mentioned Slavia Prague’s place in European soccer hierarchy when drooling about Arsenal’s 7-0 thrashing of the Czech’s 2 weeks ago. So there.
Truth is Liverpool’s form in the last four weeks as been simply frustrating, no less.
I couldn’t believe the poor fare they offered in the 2-1 loss at Besiktas two weeks ago. They certainly didn’t look anything like title contenders on that kind of form. The last-gasp win at Everton was wonderful, but again, the team hardly performed until Everton were reduced to 10 men in the second half. They played decently enough against Arsenal at Anfield, but couldn’t seal the deal, missing a great opportunity to close the gap on the Gunners. Then came the Blackburn game last weekend. With Arsenal and Man U having shared the spoils earlier in the day, here was another opportunity to get back in the mix with a road win. Okay, Blackburn on current form was never going to be easy. But Liverpool had the chances to win this one – once they got down to attacking in the second half – and, despite Blackburn hitting the woodwork twice, this can only be seen as another two lost points.
So what’s gone wrong with Liverpool after such an exciting start? They certainly looked the part in the thrilling 1-1 draw with Chelsea in week 2, and I was quite impressed with the 4-0 pounding of Toulouse in the Champions League Qualifiers, especially since this was achieved with almost a second-choice line-up. It’s always easy to blame Rafa and his constant tinkering – and, frankly, I wondered what he was smoking when he left Torres on the bench against Portsmouth and Birmingham, at a time when the Spaniard was in great form - and I do think that's part of the problem, especially with many new faces - Torres, Babel, Voronin, Benayoun - just getting adjusted to the team.
For me though, there are two key issues. One is the constantly changing tactics – 4-4-2 today, 4-2-3-1 the next – and the second is the never-ending search for Steve Gerrard’s best position.
Yes, it’s alright to amend your tactics to suit the opponents, but when you combine that with the kind of wholesale changes in personnel that Rafa so loves, then what you get are the kind of disorganized, off color performances that we have seen much too often this season. Now, that is not to say that Rafa's approach cannot work over the course of the season. But by the time the results start coming, it's more than likely that the championship would be well out of reach.
As for Gerrard, Rafa needs to trust the surrounding cast he has expensively assembled and just keep things simple. Gerrard is most comfortable and effective playing in the centre of midfield and that’s where he should play. Not in some advanced second striker position – as he did against Blackburn – or out on the flank. There's this sense in certain games that the team needs two defensive midfielders to accomodate Gerrard's contribution on the attacking end. On the contrary, this takes away from the team. For one thing, it's harder for Gerrard with his back to goal - he is certainly more dangerous driving through from midfield. And for another, the team misses his midfield passing and organization. Alonso, when he is in form can organize as well, but Sissoko's passing is far below par.
This was the beauty of Tuesday’s thrashing of Besiktas: Gerrard in the middle with the excellent Javier Mascherano – probably the best defensive midfielder in the game –in a straightforward 4-4-2, Benayoun and Riise raiding down the flanks, and Voronin - who was involved in 4 of the goals - buzzing around Crouch in attack. Liverpool fans will be looking for more of the same as the season progresses.
The African Nations Cup are coming up in January, and after some harassment from close quarters – they know themselves – I will be delving into the African scene over the next few weeks. The Nations Cup groupings sure look interesting and I’ll offer my humble opinion on the way I think things will go. I’ll also vent at will about my favourite team, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, and the stewardship of Mr. Berti Vogts. So, if you love the African game, keep an eye out – but if Liverpool run up another cricket score ………….
Okay, bear with me. I know it’s just one game and I know that Besiktas aren’t exactly in the top echelon of European soccer. But this is my MY TEAM in question here so if I get a little emotional and start clutching at straws I trust you’ll understand. Besides, no one mentioned Slavia Prague’s place in European soccer hierarchy when drooling about Arsenal’s 7-0 thrashing of the Czech’s 2 weeks ago. So there.
Truth is Liverpool’s form in the last four weeks as been simply frustrating, no less.
I couldn’t believe the poor fare they offered in the 2-1 loss at Besiktas two weeks ago. They certainly didn’t look anything like title contenders on that kind of form. The last-gasp win at Everton was wonderful, but again, the team hardly performed until Everton were reduced to 10 men in the second half. They played decently enough against Arsenal at Anfield, but couldn’t seal the deal, missing a great opportunity to close the gap on the Gunners. Then came the Blackburn game last weekend. With Arsenal and Man U having shared the spoils earlier in the day, here was another opportunity to get back in the mix with a road win. Okay, Blackburn on current form was never going to be easy. But Liverpool had the chances to win this one – once they got down to attacking in the second half – and, despite Blackburn hitting the woodwork twice, this can only be seen as another two lost points.
So what’s gone wrong with Liverpool after such an exciting start? They certainly looked the part in the thrilling 1-1 draw with Chelsea in week 2, and I was quite impressed with the 4-0 pounding of Toulouse in the Champions League Qualifiers, especially since this was achieved with almost a second-choice line-up. It’s always easy to blame Rafa and his constant tinkering – and, frankly, I wondered what he was smoking when he left Torres on the bench against Portsmouth and Birmingham, at a time when the Spaniard was in great form - and I do think that's part of the problem, especially with many new faces - Torres, Babel, Voronin, Benayoun - just getting adjusted to the team.
For me though, there are two key issues. One is the constantly changing tactics – 4-4-2 today, 4-2-3-1 the next – and the second is the never-ending search for Steve Gerrard’s best position.
Yes, it’s alright to amend your tactics to suit the opponents, but when you combine that with the kind of wholesale changes in personnel that Rafa so loves, then what you get are the kind of disorganized, off color performances that we have seen much too often this season. Now, that is not to say that Rafa's approach cannot work over the course of the season. But by the time the results start coming, it's more than likely that the championship would be well out of reach.
As for Gerrard, Rafa needs to trust the surrounding cast he has expensively assembled and just keep things simple. Gerrard is most comfortable and effective playing in the centre of midfield and that’s where he should play. Not in some advanced second striker position – as he did against Blackburn – or out on the flank. There's this sense in certain games that the team needs two defensive midfielders to accomodate Gerrard's contribution on the attacking end. On the contrary, this takes away from the team. For one thing, it's harder for Gerrard with his back to goal - he is certainly more dangerous driving through from midfield. And for another, the team misses his midfield passing and organization. Alonso, when he is in form can organize as well, but Sissoko's passing is far below par.
This was the beauty of Tuesday’s thrashing of Besiktas: Gerrard in the middle with the excellent Javier Mascherano – probably the best defensive midfielder in the game –in a straightforward 4-4-2, Benayoun and Riise raiding down the flanks, and Voronin - who was involved in 4 of the goals - buzzing around Crouch in attack. Liverpool fans will be looking for more of the same as the season progresses.
The African Nations Cup are coming up in January, and after some harassment from close quarters – they know themselves – I will be delving into the African scene over the next few weeks. The Nations Cup groupings sure look interesting and I’ll offer my humble opinion on the way I think things will go. I’ll also vent at will about my favourite team, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, and the stewardship of Mr. Berti Vogts. So, if you love the African game, keep an eye out – but if Liverpool run up another cricket score ………….
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Enough Prem, Super Bundesliga and Santos Exports
There are those who think the English Premiership is over-hyped, over-covered and over-rated. Okay, I guess I am part of the problem, if the general slant of my posts is anything to go by. What can I say? I grew up on a steady staple of English soccer – long before the advent of the Premiership, I must add – and with my long affair with the Liverpool football club it’s inevitable that I would have this close tie to the English game, if there’s any such thing these days.
Unfortunately that has left other leagues under-covered on these pages. Not least the German Bundesliga, which, for my money is producing some of the most entertaining soccer on view this season. And by that I don’t mean just Bayern Munich, even if the Bavarian giants are leading the pack again this season. After a disastrous 2006-07 season left them out of the Champions League, Bayern went on a shopping spree in the summer, digging deep to bring in Italian striker Luca Toni, French ace Franck Ribery, Germany striker Miroslav Klose and Turk Hamit Altintop.
They’ve been a transformed team this season as the newcomers have settled quickly. Ribery has been the outstanding player in the league this season, taunting and teasing opposing defences with his creative skills and proving the perfect foil for the Toni-Klose tandem upfront. Both strikers have scored 8 goals apiece after 10 games, but Bayern look strong all over. Oliver Kahn has been his old solid self, centre-backs Lucio and Martin Dimechelis make a formidable barrier at the back, and Ze Roberto - back from a year’s sabbatical in Brazil - has been equally impressive. For my money, Bayern are the best team outside the Champions League this season and I can’t wait to see them back next year.
But – as I’ve said – the Bundesliga isn’t all about Bayern. I caught the Schalke-Werder Bremen game on Saturday and it was probably the best game I’ve seen this season. Sure, I’ve seen some impressive soccer from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona, but those were mostly one-sided affairs, with the other team just hanging on. This was different. Exciting attacking soccer from both sides, loads of chances and solid defensive play as well – all that’s beautiful about our game.
My one criticism would be the low score line – it finished 1-1 – and missed chances, but the stalemate probably contributed to the occasion with neither side willing to settle for one point. The best player on view was Bremen midfielder Diego, the Brazilian voted player of the year last season. His ball control, vision and range of passing were simply superb. And to think he can’t get into the Brazil team.
There were others that caught the eye too: For Bremen, centre-backs Naldo (another Brazilian) and Per Mertesacker, captain Torsten Frings and strikers Boubacar Sanogo and Hugo Almeida. For Schalke: Brazilian midfielder Rafinha, strikers Kevin Kuranyi and Gerald Asamoah, and midfielders Ivan Rakitic, Carlos Grossmuller and Fabian Ernst.
I think Bayern will win the title this season, although both Schalke and especially Werder Bremen – currently 5th and 2nd respectively – should chase them all the way. Third-placed Hamburg, another exciting team admirably led by the young Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart, should also finish amongst the top four, while last season’s surprise champions Stuttgart are looking like a one-season wonder as they currently lie in 12th place.
On a more personal note, I was pleasantly surprised to see two young Nigerian strikers in fine form in the Bundesliga several weeks ago. Olympic team star Solomon Okoronkwo was on target with a beautiful 20 yard screamer into the top corner to give Hertha Berlin a 2-1 win against Wolfsburg, while Super Eagles new boy Manasseh Ishiaku went one better with two well taken goals as Duisburg beat Arminia Bielefeld 3-0. They are both havng decent seasons so far too; Ishiaku has five goals to his name after 10 rounds, while Okoronkwo has found the net four times. Little wonder Berti Vogts gave the Duisburg striker his international debut in the 2-2 draw against Mexico a fortnight ago.
It’s no surprise now that Brazil is the world’s number one exporter of soccer talent. But how often does one team produce no less than five exports that end up at the very top of the European game? That’s the remarkable story of Santos FC, class of 2002-03. Pele’s old team won the Brazilian championship in style in 2002 with a bunch of players that include some of the better known names in Europe today.
At centre back was Alex, the big stopper now plying his trade with Chelsea after several successful years with PSV; upfront was Luis Fabiano, now leading the line for Sevilla in Spain; and in midfield was the trio of Diego, Elano and Robinho. I’ve already waxed lyrical about Diego in this post, and Robinho has been making his mark, with both Real Madrid and Brazil, over the past couple of seasons. Elano is the latest of this bunch to come out of the dark, after Sven Goran Errikson paid 8 million pounds get him to Manchester City from Shakhtar Donetsk. Since then, the 27-year-old has been one of the best players in England this season – scoring 4 goals and creating many more to help City to its best season start in over 10 years.
I guess in retrospect it’s no surprise that Santos did so well with this bunch in its ranks. They would have done even better, had they succeeded in their bid for the 2003 Copa Libertadores. They did reach the final that year, before losing to Argentina’s Boca Juniors – a team led by a stocky young striker by the name of Carlos Tevez.
Unfortunately that has left other leagues under-covered on these pages. Not least the German Bundesliga, which, for my money is producing some of the most entertaining soccer on view this season. And by that I don’t mean just Bayern Munich, even if the Bavarian giants are leading the pack again this season. After a disastrous 2006-07 season left them out of the Champions League, Bayern went on a shopping spree in the summer, digging deep to bring in Italian striker Luca Toni, French ace Franck Ribery, Germany striker Miroslav Klose and Turk Hamit Altintop.
They’ve been a transformed team this season as the newcomers have settled quickly. Ribery has been the outstanding player in the league this season, taunting and teasing opposing defences with his creative skills and proving the perfect foil for the Toni-Klose tandem upfront. Both strikers have scored 8 goals apiece after 10 games, but Bayern look strong all over. Oliver Kahn has been his old solid self, centre-backs Lucio and Martin Dimechelis make a formidable barrier at the back, and Ze Roberto - back from a year’s sabbatical in Brazil - has been equally impressive. For my money, Bayern are the best team outside the Champions League this season and I can’t wait to see them back next year.
But – as I’ve said – the Bundesliga isn’t all about Bayern. I caught the Schalke-Werder Bremen game on Saturday and it was probably the best game I’ve seen this season. Sure, I’ve seen some impressive soccer from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona, but those were mostly one-sided affairs, with the other team just hanging on. This was different. Exciting attacking soccer from both sides, loads of chances and solid defensive play as well – all that’s beautiful about our game.
My one criticism would be the low score line – it finished 1-1 – and missed chances, but the stalemate probably contributed to the occasion with neither side willing to settle for one point. The best player on view was Bremen midfielder Diego, the Brazilian voted player of the year last season. His ball control, vision and range of passing were simply superb. And to think he can’t get into the Brazil team.
There were others that caught the eye too: For Bremen, centre-backs Naldo (another Brazilian) and Per Mertesacker, captain Torsten Frings and strikers Boubacar Sanogo and Hugo Almeida. For Schalke: Brazilian midfielder Rafinha, strikers Kevin Kuranyi and Gerald Asamoah, and midfielders Ivan Rakitic, Carlos Grossmuller and Fabian Ernst.
I think Bayern will win the title this season, although both Schalke and especially Werder Bremen – currently 5th and 2nd respectively – should chase them all the way. Third-placed Hamburg, another exciting team admirably led by the young Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart, should also finish amongst the top four, while last season’s surprise champions Stuttgart are looking like a one-season wonder as they currently lie in 12th place.
On a more personal note, I was pleasantly surprised to see two young Nigerian strikers in fine form in the Bundesliga several weeks ago. Olympic team star Solomon Okoronkwo was on target with a beautiful 20 yard screamer into the top corner to give Hertha Berlin a 2-1 win against Wolfsburg, while Super Eagles new boy Manasseh Ishiaku went one better with two well taken goals as Duisburg beat Arminia Bielefeld 3-0. They are both havng decent seasons so far too; Ishiaku has five goals to his name after 10 rounds, while Okoronkwo has found the net four times. Little wonder Berti Vogts gave the Duisburg striker his international debut in the 2-2 draw against Mexico a fortnight ago.
It’s no surprise now that Brazil is the world’s number one exporter of soccer talent. But how often does one team produce no less than five exports that end up at the very top of the European game? That’s the remarkable story of Santos FC, class of 2002-03. Pele’s old team won the Brazilian championship in style in 2002 with a bunch of players that include some of the better known names in Europe today.
At centre back was Alex, the big stopper now plying his trade with Chelsea after several successful years with PSV; upfront was Luis Fabiano, now leading the line for Sevilla in Spain; and in midfield was the trio of Diego, Elano and Robinho. I’ve already waxed lyrical about Diego in this post, and Robinho has been making his mark, with both Real Madrid and Brazil, over the past couple of seasons. Elano is the latest of this bunch to come out of the dark, after Sven Goran Errikson paid 8 million pounds get him to Manchester City from Shakhtar Donetsk. Since then, the 27-year-old has been one of the best players in England this season – scoring 4 goals and creating many more to help City to its best season start in over 10 years.
I guess in retrospect it’s no surprise that Santos did so well with this bunch in its ranks. They would have done even better, had they succeeded in their bid for the 2003 Copa Libertadores. They did reach the final that year, before losing to Argentina’s Boca Juniors – a team led by a stocky young striker by the name of Carlos Tevez.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
FIFA Shortlist: What??
FIFA must be trapped in some kind of time warp. How else to explain the shortlist for the 2007 FIFA World Player of the year? For a moment there I thought the shortlist was for player of the decade, what with the inclusion of several players clearly past their best.
Okay, I have no problems with including five Italian players – they are, after all, World champions – but when that list includes Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro, one begins to wonder. Buffon, remember, was playing in Serie B last season, while Cannavaro, who won the award last year after an outstanding world cup, struggled to settle in his first season in Spain with Real Madrid. Then there’s Francesco Totti. He won the Golden Boot as top scorer in Europe last season, leading Roma to 2nd in Serie A and lifting the Italian Cup. Certainly deserving of mention, right? Wrong. FIFA couldn’t find room for him in a shortlist of the 30 best players of the last year.
And there is more. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, led Inter’s championship run last season with 15 goals. He’s also missing from the list. Instead, we have Samuel Eto’o, great player, but out with injury trouble for the better part of the year. Eto’o scored 11 goals for Barcelona last season, but 8 of those came in the early part of the season – in 2006 – before injuries hobbled the Cameroon star. No room also for Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, the inspiration of Arsenal’s amazing start to the new season. Instead we have Lillian Thuram, another veteran struggling to settle at a new club. I am sure he deserved a place on the 2006 shortlist, but certainly not this year’s. His teammate, Thierry Henry also has a place among the chosen thirty. Now, there’s no question that Henry is one of the very best strikers in the game, but not in 2007, when injuries restricted him to half of Arsenal’s matches and left him playing well below his high standards.
FIFA’s list frankly looks like nothing more than a collection of high profile names. At best, someone just got lazy at FIFA and decided to reel out all the usual suspects from years past. At worst, FIFA appears to be out of touch with the game it is supposed to be running. Now that’s a scary thought.
Then again, it could just be that FIFA knows there’s only going to be three real contenders anyway so it doesn’t really matter who else they pad up their list of thirty with.
That makes me wonder why they need to list 30 players in the first place. Wouldn’t it make more sense to name just ten? Well, here’s my personal top ten of 2007 – and the reasons why I have picked them.
1. Kaka (Milan & Brazil) – outstanding in Milan’s Champions League campaign
2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina) – spectacular performances and goals for club and country
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Man U & Portugal)– Man U’s inspiration in championship winning season
4. Didier Drogba (Chelsea & Ivory Coast) – 30 goals for Chelsea , including winning goals in both Carling and FA Cup finals
5. Michael Essien (Chelsea & Ghana) – excellent all round season in midfield (and right back)
6. Juan Riquelme (Villareal/Boca & Argentina) – inspired Boca to Copa Libertadores and was outstanding for his country at Copa America.
7. Francesco Totti (Roma & Italy) – Roma’s inspiration and European Golden Boot winner
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter & Sweden) - Key player in Inter’s Scudetto winning season
9. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal & Spain) – Midfield brain behind Arsenal’s spectacular start to new season
10. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid & Holland) – His goals pushed Real to Spanish title
So, what do you think of my list? Better than FIFA’s effort I’d bet. Well, do let me know. I would pick the first four in that order; after that, well, it’s a free for all.
Okay, I have no problems with including five Italian players – they are, after all, World champions – but when that list includes Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro, one begins to wonder. Buffon, remember, was playing in Serie B last season, while Cannavaro, who won the award last year after an outstanding world cup, struggled to settle in his first season in Spain with Real Madrid. Then there’s Francesco Totti. He won the Golden Boot as top scorer in Europe last season, leading Roma to 2nd in Serie A and lifting the Italian Cup. Certainly deserving of mention, right? Wrong. FIFA couldn’t find room for him in a shortlist of the 30 best players of the last year.
And there is more. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, led Inter’s championship run last season with 15 goals. He’s also missing from the list. Instead, we have Samuel Eto’o, great player, but out with injury trouble for the better part of the year. Eto’o scored 11 goals for Barcelona last season, but 8 of those came in the early part of the season – in 2006 – before injuries hobbled the Cameroon star. No room also for Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, the inspiration of Arsenal’s amazing start to the new season. Instead we have Lillian Thuram, another veteran struggling to settle at a new club. I am sure he deserved a place on the 2006 shortlist, but certainly not this year’s. His teammate, Thierry Henry also has a place among the chosen thirty. Now, there’s no question that Henry is one of the very best strikers in the game, but not in 2007, when injuries restricted him to half of Arsenal’s matches and left him playing well below his high standards.
FIFA’s list frankly looks like nothing more than a collection of high profile names. At best, someone just got lazy at FIFA and decided to reel out all the usual suspects from years past. At worst, FIFA appears to be out of touch with the game it is supposed to be running. Now that’s a scary thought.
Then again, it could just be that FIFA knows there’s only going to be three real contenders anyway so it doesn’t really matter who else they pad up their list of thirty with.
That makes me wonder why they need to list 30 players in the first place. Wouldn’t it make more sense to name just ten? Well, here’s my personal top ten of 2007 – and the reasons why I have picked them.
1. Kaka (Milan & Brazil) – outstanding in Milan’s Champions League campaign
2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina) – spectacular performances and goals for club and country
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Man U & Portugal)– Man U’s inspiration in championship winning season
4. Didier Drogba (Chelsea & Ivory Coast) – 30 goals for Chelsea , including winning goals in both Carling and FA Cup finals
5. Michael Essien (Chelsea & Ghana) – excellent all round season in midfield (and right back)
6. Juan Riquelme (Villareal/Boca & Argentina) – inspired Boca to Copa Libertadores and was outstanding for his country at Copa America.
7. Francesco Totti (Roma & Italy) – Roma’s inspiration and European Golden Boot winner
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter & Sweden) - Key player in Inter’s Scudetto winning season
9. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal & Spain) – Midfield brain behind Arsenal’s spectacular start to new season
10. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid & Holland) – His goals pushed Real to Spanish title
So, what do you think of my list? Better than FIFA’s effort I’d bet. Well, do let me know. I would pick the first four in that order; after that, well, it’s a free for all.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Mourinho: Annoying, But Great Coach
It’s ironic that a few weeks after railing against the antics of the “Special One” I should be lamenting the departure of Jose Mourinho from Chelsea. It was quite a rude shock when I belatedly stumbled on news of his departure a good day and a half after the deed was done. It’s perhaps appropriate then that it’s taken me this long to put my thoughts down.
If you read my earlier posts you would know for sure that Mourinho isn’t exactly my favorite person. Arrogant, loud, full of himself, sore loser and just simply annoying, are all apt descriptions of the Portuguese coach. But there can be no denying that the man knows a thing or two about coaching.
Sure, he had Roman Abramovich’s millions to play around with, but I think it takes much more than money to achieve success. For one thing, his predecessor, Claudio Ranieri, came up short on all fronts in his one season at the helm of the “Roman Revolution”. Mourinho settled in quickly, claiming the Premiership title at his first attempt and repeating the feat the following year. Besides, Mourinho had already proved his worth in leading modest Porto to Champions League glory in 2004.
Mourinho certainly ruffled feathers in his three year stint in England, not least those of fellow high-flyers Arsene Wenger, Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez. And he was great entertainment for the press corps as well, spouting quotable quotes on almost every occasion. To my mind, Mourinho’s one failing was that same brash arrogance that made him such great copy. He started last season with a lean squad of 21 players, proclaiming that was all he needed to win a third championship and finally bring home the Champions League. In the end, an unexpected injury crisis left his team below par. Their saving grace was that goalscorers Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba stayed healthy – as their absence early this season as proved. Sure, they still won two cups, but a deeper squad could have achieved much more. Some would put that down to bad luck, but a manager – especially with that much financial muscle - has to factor in the possibility of injuries at the beginning of the season and Mourinho chose not to bother. Instead, he tried to beat all comers with one hand tied behind his back!
I think Chelsea will be the poorer for his absence, though, especially given that he had already deepened his squad this season with the arrival of the likes of Belletti, Alex, Ben Haim, Sidwell and Pizzaro. That is not saying they won’t be challenging for honours. They certainly have players to match any club in England. Watching Chelsea lose to Man U the other day, I couldn’t imagine Mourinho doing nothing to address Mikel Obi’s sending off with one of his astute substitutions. Avram Grant did just that – nothing – and Chelsea lost a game they could have shut down under Mourinho. For me, the game that best demonstrates Mourinho’s quality and courage as a coach was the spectacular FA Cup clash with Tottenham last season, when with his team trailing 3-1 at half time, he tossed in his full cavalry to salvage a remarkable draw.
Okay, I’d better stop waxing lyrical about Mourinho’s coaching before you think I’ve fallen in love with the man! Point is: For all his other annoying traits, Mourinho is a damned a good coach. It’ll be interesting to see where he goes next – my bet would be one of Italy’s top teams. Wouldn’t it be ironic if he ended up at Juventus – taking over from Ranieri yet again?? More interesting for me would be a move to AC Milan, my favourite Serie A team. Would I be forced to become a Mourinho fan then? Ouch!!
If you read my earlier posts you would know for sure that Mourinho isn’t exactly my favorite person. Arrogant, loud, full of himself, sore loser and just simply annoying, are all apt descriptions of the Portuguese coach. But there can be no denying that the man knows a thing or two about coaching.
Sure, he had Roman Abramovich’s millions to play around with, but I think it takes much more than money to achieve success. For one thing, his predecessor, Claudio Ranieri, came up short on all fronts in his one season at the helm of the “Roman Revolution”. Mourinho settled in quickly, claiming the Premiership title at his first attempt and repeating the feat the following year. Besides, Mourinho had already proved his worth in leading modest Porto to Champions League glory in 2004.
Mourinho certainly ruffled feathers in his three year stint in England, not least those of fellow high-flyers Arsene Wenger, Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez. And he was great entertainment for the press corps as well, spouting quotable quotes on almost every occasion. To my mind, Mourinho’s one failing was that same brash arrogance that made him such great copy. He started last season with a lean squad of 21 players, proclaiming that was all he needed to win a third championship and finally bring home the Champions League. In the end, an unexpected injury crisis left his team below par. Their saving grace was that goalscorers Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba stayed healthy – as their absence early this season as proved. Sure, they still won two cups, but a deeper squad could have achieved much more. Some would put that down to bad luck, but a manager – especially with that much financial muscle - has to factor in the possibility of injuries at the beginning of the season and Mourinho chose not to bother. Instead, he tried to beat all comers with one hand tied behind his back!
I think Chelsea will be the poorer for his absence, though, especially given that he had already deepened his squad this season with the arrival of the likes of Belletti, Alex, Ben Haim, Sidwell and Pizzaro. That is not saying they won’t be challenging for honours. They certainly have players to match any club in England. Watching Chelsea lose to Man U the other day, I couldn’t imagine Mourinho doing nothing to address Mikel Obi’s sending off with one of his astute substitutions. Avram Grant did just that – nothing – and Chelsea lost a game they could have shut down under Mourinho. For me, the game that best demonstrates Mourinho’s quality and courage as a coach was the spectacular FA Cup clash with Tottenham last season, when with his team trailing 3-1 at half time, he tossed in his full cavalry to salvage a remarkable draw.
Okay, I’d better stop waxing lyrical about Mourinho’s coaching before you think I’ve fallen in love with the man! Point is: For all his other annoying traits, Mourinho is a damned a good coach. It’ll be interesting to see where he goes next – my bet would be one of Italy’s top teams. Wouldn’t it be ironic if he ended up at Juventus – taking over from Ranieri yet again?? More interesting for me would be a move to AC Milan, my favourite Serie A team. Would I be forced to become a Mourinho fan then? Ouch!!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Gunners Looking Good
So, Arsenal have the early lead in England – even if it’s early days yet – and they’ve looked well worth their place at the top, I must confess. To think all the “experts” had them well out of contention a few short weeks ago.
I’ve seen the Gunners twice in the last week now – plenty for a non-Arsenal fan – and if anything, they look far stronger this term than they did in the previous one. They showed great resolve and character while riding their luck to a comeback win against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday and their 3-0 demolition of Sevilla on Wednesday – in truth a closer game than the scoreline suggests – was an impressive display against one of Europe’s top teams.
Arsene Wenger’s team always play brilliant passing football, but they clearly lacked a clinical cutting edge last season, especially with Thierry Henry missing for long spells. How ironic then that they’ve become much more ruthless after the departure of the prolific Frenchman. Togolese Emmanuel Adebayor is looking pretty sharp upfront and the skillful midfield duo of Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky are finally looking a part of the Emirates family.
The key man, of course is 20-year old midfield general Cesc Fabregas, despite his tender years, one of the best schemers in world football. Already with 4 goals to his name this season, the youngster is showing he can score goals as well as he’s created them over the past couple of seasons. Then again, despite his slim returns since joining Arsenal, Fabregas knows a thing or two about scoring goals. He won the Golden Boot as top scorer (as well as the Golden Ball, for best player) at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2003. If the Spanish genius can have what I call a Lampard season – 20 goals from midfield – then there’ll be no stopping the Gunners this season.
On another note, they say one should not speak ill of the dead – or in this case the departed – and so I’m being really careful with my take on the exit from Chelsea of a certain Mr. Jose Mourinho. Trust me, it’s not easy. But there’ll definitely be more on that topic later this week.
I’ve seen the Gunners twice in the last week now – plenty for a non-Arsenal fan – and if anything, they look far stronger this term than they did in the previous one. They showed great resolve and character while riding their luck to a comeback win against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday and their 3-0 demolition of Sevilla on Wednesday – in truth a closer game than the scoreline suggests – was an impressive display against one of Europe’s top teams.
Arsene Wenger’s team always play brilliant passing football, but they clearly lacked a clinical cutting edge last season, especially with Thierry Henry missing for long spells. How ironic then that they’ve become much more ruthless after the departure of the prolific Frenchman. Togolese Emmanuel Adebayor is looking pretty sharp upfront and the skillful midfield duo of Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky are finally looking a part of the Emirates family.
The key man, of course is 20-year old midfield general Cesc Fabregas, despite his tender years, one of the best schemers in world football. Already with 4 goals to his name this season, the youngster is showing he can score goals as well as he’s created them over the past couple of seasons. Then again, despite his slim returns since joining Arsenal, Fabregas knows a thing or two about scoring goals. He won the Golden Boot as top scorer (as well as the Golden Ball, for best player) at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2003. If the Spanish genius can have what I call a Lampard season – 20 goals from midfield – then there’ll be no stopping the Gunners this season.
On another note, they say one should not speak ill of the dead – or in this case the departed – and so I’m being really careful with my take on the exit from Chelsea of a certain Mr. Jose Mourinho. Trust me, it’s not easy. But there’ll definitely be more on that topic later this week.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
La Liga: It's Looking Like Real To Me
I had this La Liga post in the pipeline a few weeks ago, after the first two rounds, but never quite got it done. The season’s three rounds old now, but not much has changed so here goes:
Ah, La Liga! After last season’s exciting finish, I think we can look forward to another superb season. All eyes, as usual, will be on Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Sevilla will be pushing them all the way again, even if they haven’t added many new faces like the big two.
Barcelona were my pre-season favorites for the title, but Real have made the more convincing start. The Catalans have lost Samuel Eto’o to injury for a couple of months but even that disappointing news has only made coach Frank Rijkaard appear to be something of a genius. His summer signing of Thierry Henry had everyone wondering how he would fit his four star forwards into three starting positions, but with the Cameroon striker out, Henry will partner Ronaldinho and Leo Messi in the meantime. Problem solved- at least in the short term. Of course, Barca have added more personnel elsewhere too and they should be more resilient than last season. Yaya Toure will be a useful addition in central midfield and Eric Abidal already looks a great buy at left back. Then there’s Gaby Milito, the Argentina centre back, who will provide much needed cover for Carles Puyol and the aging Lillian Thuram. Beyond that, Rijkaard has to restore team spirit, after the soap-opera-like spats of last season, if Barcelona are to return to their all-conquering form of 2006.
Unlike last season, Real Madrid – under new coach Bernd Schuster - have got off to a flying start. Not that they’ve had an easy start either. A local derby against arch-rivals Atletico Madrid, which they won 2-1 on a last-minute winner, was followed by an amazing 5-0 trouncing of Villareal at the dreaded Madrigal. It’s early days yet, but Schuster’s team has played with the swagger and style of a championship winning side. Where Fabio Capello moulded a pragmatic, effective but unexciting team last season, Real’s new arrivals have transformed this side into an attacking machine built on a solid defensive base. The German Christoph Metzelder is proving an able replacement for the departed Helguera in defence, and veteran Guti is excelling in his attacking midfield role. It’s the Dutch boys that are making all the difference though. Royston Drenthe, the dreadlocked U-20 star has been a revelation at left wing back while Wesley Sneijder, the oft under-rated former Ajax player as been the star so far with 3 goals and 4 assists from 2 games. If Ruud van Nistelrooy can keep scoring as is his wont, Real look a good bet for another title.
The good news for Sevilla is that they have managed to keep coach Juande Ramos and the bulk of their pretty solid squad. Newcomer Seydou Keita, the Mali international, should add depth and a creative edge to a midfield anchored by the energetic Christian Poulsen. The two-time UEFA Cup winners will also be looking to make an impact in the Champions League but I don’t think they’ll push the big two out of the top positions. Watch out for Atletico Madrid though. After letting star striker Fernando Torres leave for Liverpool, they have added loads of quality in the shape of Luis Garcia, Simao, and Diego Forlan, and they already have Argentine starlet Sergio Aguero on the books. If only they had been able to lure Juan Riquelme from Villareal…..
Ah, La Liga! After last season’s exciting finish, I think we can look forward to another superb season. All eyes, as usual, will be on Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Sevilla will be pushing them all the way again, even if they haven’t added many new faces like the big two.
Barcelona were my pre-season favorites for the title, but Real have made the more convincing start. The Catalans have lost Samuel Eto’o to injury for a couple of months but even that disappointing news has only made coach Frank Rijkaard appear to be something of a genius. His summer signing of Thierry Henry had everyone wondering how he would fit his four star forwards into three starting positions, but with the Cameroon striker out, Henry will partner Ronaldinho and Leo Messi in the meantime. Problem solved- at least in the short term. Of course, Barca have added more personnel elsewhere too and they should be more resilient than last season. Yaya Toure will be a useful addition in central midfield and Eric Abidal already looks a great buy at left back. Then there’s Gaby Milito, the Argentina centre back, who will provide much needed cover for Carles Puyol and the aging Lillian Thuram. Beyond that, Rijkaard has to restore team spirit, after the soap-opera-like spats of last season, if Barcelona are to return to their all-conquering form of 2006.
Unlike last season, Real Madrid – under new coach Bernd Schuster - have got off to a flying start. Not that they’ve had an easy start either. A local derby against arch-rivals Atletico Madrid, which they won 2-1 on a last-minute winner, was followed by an amazing 5-0 trouncing of Villareal at the dreaded Madrigal. It’s early days yet, but Schuster’s team has played with the swagger and style of a championship winning side. Where Fabio Capello moulded a pragmatic, effective but unexciting team last season, Real’s new arrivals have transformed this side into an attacking machine built on a solid defensive base. The German Christoph Metzelder is proving an able replacement for the departed Helguera in defence, and veteran Guti is excelling in his attacking midfield role. It’s the Dutch boys that are making all the difference though. Royston Drenthe, the dreadlocked U-20 star has been a revelation at left wing back while Wesley Sneijder, the oft under-rated former Ajax player as been the star so far with 3 goals and 4 assists from 2 games. If Ruud van Nistelrooy can keep scoring as is his wont, Real look a good bet for another title.
The good news for Sevilla is that they have managed to keep coach Juande Ramos and the bulk of their pretty solid squad. Newcomer Seydou Keita, the Mali international, should add depth and a creative edge to a midfield anchored by the energetic Christian Poulsen. The two-time UEFA Cup winners will also be looking to make an impact in the Champions League but I don’t think they’ll push the big two out of the top positions. Watch out for Atletico Madrid though. After letting star striker Fernando Torres leave for Liverpool, they have added loads of quality in the shape of Luis Garcia, Simao, and Diego Forlan, and they already have Argentine starlet Sergio Aguero on the books. If only they had been able to lure Juan Riquelme from Villareal…..
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Eaglets Rule The World. So What Next??
Nigeria claimed the U-17 World Cup in Korea for the 3rd time last weekend, after earlier wins in China (1985) and Japan (1993). They did it playing excellent soccer too, and for that much kudos to coach Yemi Tella and his well-drilled team. But, beyond the high of another win – and the players’ hopes of European contracts - what does that really mean for Nigerian soccer?
A friend actually got me thinking about this earlier in the week when he asked how come the Eaglets successes had not translated to better fortunes at senior level. Big question, that, and one I’ve pondered often over the years. I’ve heard many arguments too, the most common of which is that the alleged use of over-age players means that the boys are spent – too old – by the time they should be performing for the senior team.
Others blame the inevitable exodus to European clubs that makes it subsequently impossible to camp a team for several months, as we are wont to do with our U-17 teams. In fact, my friend wondered why, if we could raise a wholly home-based U-17 team to win the world cup, we couldn’t do the same at senior level. Now, that’s a thought.
Here’s what I think. There’s plenty to suggest that over-age players have often been used and there’s no question that moving abroad robs us of the easy camping logistics. But I don’t think that’s why our U-17 and U-20 successes have not translated to senior success. Frankly, I don’t think age-grade success is ever an indication of success at senior level. Just look at the evidence: Of all the past winners of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, only Argentina, Brazil and Germany have gone on to win at senior level, and only very rarely has any players been involved at both levels. Maradona (Argentina), Taffarel, Dunga, Bebeto (Brazil) – that’s the list of players who’ve won world cups at youth and senior level. Of course, when you consider that these major powers – all past World Cup winners before the advent of age-grade world cups – would probably have won the World Cup anyway, the value of their youth successes pales even further.
More starkly, consider what became of the other U-20 winners: USSR won in 1977 and the peak of their senior achievement was a European Championship final appearance in 1988; Yugoslavia, champions at Chile 87, did show promise at the World Cup in 1990 – reaching the last eight – but the subsequent Balkan split robbed us of a true evaluation of that team, even if Croatia did reach the World Cup semis in 1994 featuring some of the stars of that youth team. Portugal are perhaps the best example of the potential of a sound U-20 foundation, with the emergence of their “golden generation”, following consecutive World U-20 cup wins in ’89 and 91. But, despite giving us the likes of Luis Figo and Rui Costa, that side too ultimately under-achieved at senior level. Remember too, that Qatar were runners-up in 1981!
More recently, Argentina have won five of the last seven U-20 finals, playing great soccer and producing some of the best young talent in world soccer. Yet, the South Americans have not won a senior trophy in 14 years, and their last World Cup triumph was in 1986 when Maradona ruled the roost.
The evidence at U-17 level isn’t any more encouraging. Taking Brazil out of the picture, not one U-17 champion has repeated at U-20 level. Both Nigeria and Ghana have been beaten finalists at U-20 level years after being crowned at U-17 level; Argentina and Spain finished 3rd in 95 and 97 respectively, and then followed that with U-20 championship wins two years later. On the flip side, Saudi Arabia beat Scotland in the 1991 final, Guinea, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman have all finished third and Australia were runners-up in 1999.
Even with the players, standing out at youth level doesn’t ever guarantee a successful senior career. The truth is that nobody really knows how a sixteen year old is going to turn out. It all depends on attitude, character, clubs, coaches, luck, health etc. Remember the top scorer from the 1987 U-17 World Cup? I do. His name is Yuri Nikoforov, and he was a superb striker for the USSR team that beat Nigeria in that year’s final. He was good enough to play at U-20 level two years later and eventually made it to the senior Russia squad in the mid-90s. By then, of course, he had become a capable centre-back for Moscow club, Dynamo. From top-rated striker to central defender - who could have predicted that - yet he’s one of the lucky ones who made it all the way. Many others fall by the way side: James Will won the Golden Boot at Scotland 89, and then what?
Having said all that, age-grade soccer certainly has its merits, no more so than as a shop-window for clubs to view tomorrow’s potential stars. These championships also provide a valuable learning experience for young players on their way to the professional grade, and hopefully, to senior international prominence.
In this regard at least, Nigeria has not fared badly. Our Nations Cup winning squad of 1994 involved several players who had come through the age-grade ranks: Nduka Ugbade (U-17 85, U-20 87,89), Samson Siasia (U-20 83), Stephen Keshi (U-20 79), Willy Agbonavbare (U-20 83), Thompson Oliha (U-20 87), Mutiu Adepoju (U-20 89), Austin Okocha (U-20 93), Emmanuel Amuneke (U-23 91), Victor Ikpeba (U-17 89), Alloy Agu (U-20 85). And many more have been involved since then – think Nwankwo Kanu, Celestine Babayaro, Taribo West, Jonathan Akpoborie, Garba Lawal, Mobi Oparaku, Victor Agali, Yakub Ayegbeni, Julius Aghahowa and more recently, John Mikel Obi and Taiye Taiwo.
But curiously - and this is really interesting -we’ve also produced loads of players who never went through the age grade process. In fact, one could argue that the Super Eagles most successful years, between 1991 and 2000, was at a time when the core of the team was formed by players who had never been involved at age-grade international level. Goalkeeper Peter Rufai, defenders Uche Okechukwu, Chidi Nwanu, Ben Iroha, midfielders Sunday Oliseh and Finidi George and strikers Daniel Amokachi and Rashidi Yekini. Even today, a look at the current crop of Super Eagles regulars hardly shows a large number of age-grade graduates. Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu, Chidi Odiah, Seyi Olofinjana, Yusuf Ayila, John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie, Christian Obodo, and Obafemi Martins, all never played for Nigeria at U-17 or U-20 level. On the flip side, not one of the U-17 team that finished 2nd at the 2001 World Cup – six years ago – is even on the fringes of the senior team today. Makes you wonder how much value these teams really offer in terms of senior international success.
A friend actually got me thinking about this earlier in the week when he asked how come the Eaglets successes had not translated to better fortunes at senior level. Big question, that, and one I’ve pondered often over the years. I’ve heard many arguments too, the most common of which is that the alleged use of over-age players means that the boys are spent – too old – by the time they should be performing for the senior team.
Others blame the inevitable exodus to European clubs that makes it subsequently impossible to camp a team for several months, as we are wont to do with our U-17 teams. In fact, my friend wondered why, if we could raise a wholly home-based U-17 team to win the world cup, we couldn’t do the same at senior level. Now, that’s a thought.
Here’s what I think. There’s plenty to suggest that over-age players have often been used and there’s no question that moving abroad robs us of the easy camping logistics. But I don’t think that’s why our U-17 and U-20 successes have not translated to senior success. Frankly, I don’t think age-grade success is ever an indication of success at senior level. Just look at the evidence: Of all the past winners of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, only Argentina, Brazil and Germany have gone on to win at senior level, and only very rarely has any players been involved at both levels. Maradona (Argentina), Taffarel, Dunga, Bebeto (Brazil) – that’s the list of players who’ve won world cups at youth and senior level. Of course, when you consider that these major powers – all past World Cup winners before the advent of age-grade world cups – would probably have won the World Cup anyway, the value of their youth successes pales even further.
More starkly, consider what became of the other U-20 winners: USSR won in 1977 and the peak of their senior achievement was a European Championship final appearance in 1988; Yugoslavia, champions at Chile 87, did show promise at the World Cup in 1990 – reaching the last eight – but the subsequent Balkan split robbed us of a true evaluation of that team, even if Croatia did reach the World Cup semis in 1994 featuring some of the stars of that youth team. Portugal are perhaps the best example of the potential of a sound U-20 foundation, with the emergence of their “golden generation”, following consecutive World U-20 cup wins in ’89 and 91. But, despite giving us the likes of Luis Figo and Rui Costa, that side too ultimately under-achieved at senior level. Remember too, that Qatar were runners-up in 1981!
More recently, Argentina have won five of the last seven U-20 finals, playing great soccer and producing some of the best young talent in world soccer. Yet, the South Americans have not won a senior trophy in 14 years, and their last World Cup triumph was in 1986 when Maradona ruled the roost.
The evidence at U-17 level isn’t any more encouraging. Taking Brazil out of the picture, not one U-17 champion has repeated at U-20 level. Both Nigeria and Ghana have been beaten finalists at U-20 level years after being crowned at U-17 level; Argentina and Spain finished 3rd in 95 and 97 respectively, and then followed that with U-20 championship wins two years later. On the flip side, Saudi Arabia beat Scotland in the 1991 final, Guinea, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman have all finished third and Australia were runners-up in 1999.
Even with the players, standing out at youth level doesn’t ever guarantee a successful senior career. The truth is that nobody really knows how a sixteen year old is going to turn out. It all depends on attitude, character, clubs, coaches, luck, health etc. Remember the top scorer from the 1987 U-17 World Cup? I do. His name is Yuri Nikoforov, and he was a superb striker for the USSR team that beat Nigeria in that year’s final. He was good enough to play at U-20 level two years later and eventually made it to the senior Russia squad in the mid-90s. By then, of course, he had become a capable centre-back for Moscow club, Dynamo. From top-rated striker to central defender - who could have predicted that - yet he’s one of the lucky ones who made it all the way. Many others fall by the way side: James Will won the Golden Boot at Scotland 89, and then what?
Having said all that, age-grade soccer certainly has its merits, no more so than as a shop-window for clubs to view tomorrow’s potential stars. These championships also provide a valuable learning experience for young players on their way to the professional grade, and hopefully, to senior international prominence.
In this regard at least, Nigeria has not fared badly. Our Nations Cup winning squad of 1994 involved several players who had come through the age-grade ranks: Nduka Ugbade (U-17 85, U-20 87,89), Samson Siasia (U-20 83), Stephen Keshi (U-20 79), Willy Agbonavbare (U-20 83), Thompson Oliha (U-20 87), Mutiu Adepoju (U-20 89), Austin Okocha (U-20 93), Emmanuel Amuneke (U-23 91), Victor Ikpeba (U-17 89), Alloy Agu (U-20 85). And many more have been involved since then – think Nwankwo Kanu, Celestine Babayaro, Taribo West, Jonathan Akpoborie, Garba Lawal, Mobi Oparaku, Victor Agali, Yakub Ayegbeni, Julius Aghahowa and more recently, John Mikel Obi and Taiye Taiwo.
But curiously - and this is really interesting -we’ve also produced loads of players who never went through the age grade process. In fact, one could argue that the Super Eagles most successful years, between 1991 and 2000, was at a time when the core of the team was formed by players who had never been involved at age-grade international level. Goalkeeper Peter Rufai, defenders Uche Okechukwu, Chidi Nwanu, Ben Iroha, midfielders Sunday Oliseh and Finidi George and strikers Daniel Amokachi and Rashidi Yekini. Even today, a look at the current crop of Super Eagles regulars hardly shows a large number of age-grade graduates. Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu, Chidi Odiah, Seyi Olofinjana, Yusuf Ayila, John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie, Christian Obodo, and Obafemi Martins, all never played for Nigeria at U-17 or U-20 level. On the flip side, not one of the U-17 team that finished 2nd at the 2001 World Cup – six years ago – is even on the fringes of the senior team today. Makes you wonder how much value these teams really offer in terms of senior international success.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Much ado about Beckham
The decision of Los Angeles MLS club, Galaxy, to bring David Beckham to the States – for all those millions – appears more and more ridiculous now, but not quite as ridiculous as England manager Steve McLaren’s about-turn on Beckham’s international career. Okay, maybe one can understand Galaxy’s decision. Afterall, the MLS has never enjoyed this much media buzz in its 11 year existence, and with crowds rushing in to catch a glimpse of Mr. Golden Balls, attendances at Galaxy games have increased and the club has already made a pretty buck on the deal. Whether that will translate to success on the field is another matter. So far, it has not - even if Beckham has weighed in with his fair share of assists and free-kicks – and the Messiah is now injured and out for the rest of the season. Cue another poor season for Galaxy. Now we’ll have to wait and see if the hype survives a long close season.
As for McLaren, the less said the better. An average club manager at Middlesbrough, he’s looked out of his depth at international level so far. Bringing back 31-year old Becks – after making such a huge show of dropping him after the world cup – only betrays the kind of lack of courage that is the hallmark of failure at this level. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Beckham had to make that unnecessary jaunt across the Atlantic for a mere friendly match against a far-from-full-strength Germany, and then dash back for another Galaxy match 2 days later. That would take its toll on a fully fit 20-year old player, let alone a veteran barely recovered from a long term ankle problem. But rather than try someone else – Liverpool’s Jermaine Pennant, perhaps or the resurgent Shaun Wright-Phillips – on that right flank, McLaren shipped in the old man and then gave him a full 90 minutes to boot. In a meaningless match! Now with Beckham crocked – along with Steve Gerrard and Frank Lampard – McLaren will have to try that new face on the flank in the crucial Euro qualifiers against Israel and Russia. Very wise!
Frankly, I fail to understand this fuss about Beckham. Yes, he is a master at free-kicks and crosses. But what about the rest of the game? Never blessed with pace or dribbling trickery – like the likes of Pennant, SWP or Aaron Lennon - he more than compensated with hard work and that determination to succeed. I’ll admit that, at his best, Beckham gave everything on the field and I grew to admire his industry. But that was six years ago. Beckham has done precious little at international level since that free-kick that won a world cup berth against Greece back in 2001.
Now, if soccer were like American football, Beckham would be perfect as a kicker – just wheel him in for the corner kicks and free-kicks and put him back on the bench afterwards. If the Galaxy can convince FIFA to amend the rules - another Beckham rule, perhaps? - they might actually have a trophy to show for all their millions.
As for McLaren, the less said the better. An average club manager at Middlesbrough, he’s looked out of his depth at international level so far. Bringing back 31-year old Becks – after making such a huge show of dropping him after the world cup – only betrays the kind of lack of courage that is the hallmark of failure at this level. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Beckham had to make that unnecessary jaunt across the Atlantic for a mere friendly match against a far-from-full-strength Germany, and then dash back for another Galaxy match 2 days later. That would take its toll on a fully fit 20-year old player, let alone a veteran barely recovered from a long term ankle problem. But rather than try someone else – Liverpool’s Jermaine Pennant, perhaps or the resurgent Shaun Wright-Phillips – on that right flank, McLaren shipped in the old man and then gave him a full 90 minutes to boot. In a meaningless match! Now with Beckham crocked – along with Steve Gerrard and Frank Lampard – McLaren will have to try that new face on the flank in the crucial Euro qualifiers against Israel and Russia. Very wise!
Frankly, I fail to understand this fuss about Beckham. Yes, he is a master at free-kicks and crosses. But what about the rest of the game? Never blessed with pace or dribbling trickery – like the likes of Pennant, SWP or Aaron Lennon - he more than compensated with hard work and that determination to succeed. I’ll admit that, at his best, Beckham gave everything on the field and I grew to admire his industry. But that was six years ago. Beckham has done precious little at international level since that free-kick that won a world cup berth against Greece back in 2001.
Now, if soccer were like American football, Beckham would be perfect as a kicker – just wheel him in for the corner kicks and free-kicks and put him back on the bench afterwards. If the Galaxy can convince FIFA to amend the rules - another Beckham rule, perhaps? - they might actually have a trophy to show for all their millions.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Serie A: The Old Lady is back
The Old Lady is back, so we can rightly say Serie A is back in full swing this season. No disrespect to Inter and their championship sweep last term, but Italy’s top division isn’t quite the same without Turin giants Juventus, and their absence last season certainly took some of the excitement out of Serie A. Of course, Inter’s title also owed much to the form of Juventus old boys Patrick Vieira and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who opted out of the drop to Serie B – and when you consider that the likes of Lazio and Milan had huge points deficits to overcome, it’s no surprise that the Nerrazurri took the scudetto at a canter.
Things are sure going to be different this term, with Juve joining the usual pretenders – Inter, Milan and Roma – for what should be a closer race.
Inter are my favourites to repeat, after adding the prolific goalscoring of David Suazo to an already strong squad. They’ll have to do without Marco Materazzi early in the season, but they have the squad to cope with that, especially with the highly-rated Christian Chivu arriving from Roma. The stability of keeping virtually the same team will serve the Nerazurri well, but I think Roberto Mancini has his eyes firmly set on the Champions League this year. That could prove a distraction from Scudetto ambitions.
Milan look a little too old again – Paolo Maldini, Dida, Alessandro Nesta, Pippo Inzaghi, Ronaldo, Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrosini are all over 30 – but we’ve been saying that for the past 4 years and they conquered Europe last season. The arrival of Brazilian Emerson from Real Madrid does nothing to reduce that average age – nor does it raise the team’s entertainment value – but they got a potential gem in the shape of 17-year old Alexandre Pato, one of Brazil’s few successes at the recent World Youth Championships. I think he’s one for the future though and much would depend on the form of Pirlo, Kaka and Seedorf his season.
Roma still have Francesco Totti – will he ever move? – and boast an impressive midfield with newcomers Mauro Esposito and Ludovic Guily complementing Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Aquilani. Brazilian centre-back Juan, arrives to replace the departing Chivu in defence but they just don’t look as solid a team as they did three to four years ago under Fabio Capello.
Juventus got off to flying start, scoring five goals last weekend, and that would boost confidence no end. Again, it’s a different team from the one that “won” back-to-back titles under Capello. David Trezeguet is back with old hands, Pavel Nedved, Gigi Buffon and Alex Del Piero, but there are several new faces as well. Vincezo Iaquinta has loads of serie A experience and should fit in well, and the likes of Tiago (ex-Porto, ex-Chelsea, ex-Lyon) and Jorge Andrade (ex-Deportivo la Coruna) have decent track records. But it’s all down to the “Tinkerman”, Claudio Ranieri, to mould these different parts into an effective whole.
I’ll bet you want me to stick my neck out and pick a winner – just so you can call me on it in May. Okay, fair enough. I don’t think Juve will win in their first season back, and I don’t think Roma have a deep enough squad to last the distance. It’ll be one of the Milan teams – my heart says Milan but my head disagrees: Internazionale to win again.
Things are sure going to be different this term, with Juve joining the usual pretenders – Inter, Milan and Roma – for what should be a closer race.
Inter are my favourites to repeat, after adding the prolific goalscoring of David Suazo to an already strong squad. They’ll have to do without Marco Materazzi early in the season, but they have the squad to cope with that, especially with the highly-rated Christian Chivu arriving from Roma. The stability of keeping virtually the same team will serve the Nerazurri well, but I think Roberto Mancini has his eyes firmly set on the Champions League this year. That could prove a distraction from Scudetto ambitions.
Milan look a little too old again – Paolo Maldini, Dida, Alessandro Nesta, Pippo Inzaghi, Ronaldo, Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrosini are all over 30 – but we’ve been saying that for the past 4 years and they conquered Europe last season. The arrival of Brazilian Emerson from Real Madrid does nothing to reduce that average age – nor does it raise the team’s entertainment value – but they got a potential gem in the shape of 17-year old Alexandre Pato, one of Brazil’s few successes at the recent World Youth Championships. I think he’s one for the future though and much would depend on the form of Pirlo, Kaka and Seedorf his season.
Roma still have Francesco Totti – will he ever move? – and boast an impressive midfield with newcomers Mauro Esposito and Ludovic Guily complementing Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Aquilani. Brazilian centre-back Juan, arrives to replace the departing Chivu in defence but they just don’t look as solid a team as they did three to four years ago under Fabio Capello.
Juventus got off to flying start, scoring five goals last weekend, and that would boost confidence no end. Again, it’s a different team from the one that “won” back-to-back titles under Capello. David Trezeguet is back with old hands, Pavel Nedved, Gigi Buffon and Alex Del Piero, but there are several new faces as well. Vincezo Iaquinta has loads of serie A experience and should fit in well, and the likes of Tiago (ex-Porto, ex-Chelsea, ex-Lyon) and Jorge Andrade (ex-Deportivo la Coruna) have decent track records. But it’s all down to the “Tinkerman”, Claudio Ranieri, to mould these different parts into an effective whole.
I’ll bet you want me to stick my neck out and pick a winner – just so you can call me on it in May. Okay, fair enough. I don’t think Juve will win in their first season back, and I don’t think Roma have a deep enough squad to last the distance. It’ll be one of the Milan teams – my heart says Milan but my head disagrees: Internazionale to win again.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
merry xmas, chelsea
I have to dig into the Prem again this week, just because it would be criminal not to comment on the catastrophe that was referee Rob Styles performance at Anfield last Sunday. For those who didn’t see the Liverpool-Chelsea game, please bear with me. Those who saw it – and the generous gifting of a penalty equalizer to Chelsea – would certainly understand my fury. Unless they are Chelsea fans, of course. Then again, I would expect much more from those fans than we got from Jose Mourinho after his team had been handed a “Get out of jail” pass by Mr Styles.
Most media reports have described the penalty decision - given after Florent Malouda crashed into Steve Finnan in the Liverpool box - as questionable. That’s not right. It wasn’t questionable, it was outright wrong. The only thing questionable about that call was Mr. Styles’ eyesight. It wasn’t even close! Finnan was just standing there when Malouda, attempting a dummy, skipped over the ball and crashed into him. Not one Chelsea player appealed for a penalty and they must have thought Christmas had arrived early when the ref pointed to the spot.
Okay, the fact that Rob Styles has since admitted the error of his ways and apologized to the Liverpool club means I don’t need to convince anyone about the demerits of that decision. Except for Mourinho, that is. His comments after the game were, as usual, erm…what’s the word…baloney. The gall of that man! First, it was the Liverpool players “from another culture” who hadn’t helped the referee – suggesting that Liverpool’s foreign players were “simulating” (fancy word for diving). And then, of course his team was “naïve…. pure and clean” and not given to diving and violence. Indeed. Well, we all know which team won the dodgy penalty even if, to be fair, Malouda didn’t seem to be playing for it. Of course, not one member of the “pure and clean” team – like their manager - had the decency to admit that they had just escaped a crucial defeat on account of the referee’s charity. Pure and clean would have been one Chelsea player admitting the ref had got it wrong – as Robbie Fowler did at Highbury all those years ago when, having just won a penalty for his team, he told the ref he hadn’t been fouled. Not that he changed the ref’s decision, but at least he showed his honesty. Pure and clean would have been one Chelsea player – just one - admitting that Liverpool had been robbed by Rob (well!!) Styles. Instead what did we get? Well, whatever the opposite of pure and clean is I suppose. Next, Mourinho will be telling us – as he did last season - how penalty decisions never favor poor Chelsea. More “special” baloney from the “Special One”.
Most media reports have described the penalty decision - given after Florent Malouda crashed into Steve Finnan in the Liverpool box - as questionable. That’s not right. It wasn’t questionable, it was outright wrong. The only thing questionable about that call was Mr. Styles’ eyesight. It wasn’t even close! Finnan was just standing there when Malouda, attempting a dummy, skipped over the ball and crashed into him. Not one Chelsea player appealed for a penalty and they must have thought Christmas had arrived early when the ref pointed to the spot.
Okay, the fact that Rob Styles has since admitted the error of his ways and apologized to the Liverpool club means I don’t need to convince anyone about the demerits of that decision. Except for Mourinho, that is. His comments after the game were, as usual, erm…what’s the word…baloney. The gall of that man! First, it was the Liverpool players “from another culture” who hadn’t helped the referee – suggesting that Liverpool’s foreign players were “simulating” (fancy word for diving). And then, of course his team was “naïve…. pure and clean” and not given to diving and violence. Indeed. Well, we all know which team won the dodgy penalty even if, to be fair, Malouda didn’t seem to be playing for it. Of course, not one member of the “pure and clean” team – like their manager - had the decency to admit that they had just escaped a crucial defeat on account of the referee’s charity. Pure and clean would have been one Chelsea player admitting the ref had got it wrong – as Robbie Fowler did at Highbury all those years ago when, having just won a penalty for his team, he told the ref he hadn’t been fouled. Not that he changed the ref’s decision, but at least he showed his honesty. Pure and clean would have been one Chelsea player – just one - admitting that Liverpool had been robbed by Rob (well!!) Styles. Instead what did we get? Well, whatever the opposite of pure and clean is I suppose. Next, Mourinho will be telling us – as he did last season - how penalty decisions never favor poor Chelsea. More “special” baloney from the “Special One”.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
excuses and apologies
Okay, let’s get through the excuses and apologies first. Truth is I used to be a fairly prolific writer – five to six pieces every week in a well-circulated Sunday paper. But – excuse number 1 – I’ve been out of that gig for the better part of six years now and this blog is my way of getting back in the game. The game of writing that is. As for the beautiful game itself, I never left. So, I hope you’ll forgive me – if there’s anyone out there – for the lack of activity of the first two weeks of soccereccos’ existence. And while you’re at it, you might as well forgive me if my posts do not come in as regularly as scheduled and for any hint of rust as I get my groove back.
I intend to post something here every week and you can bet it’ll be well worth your while. If you hadn’t guessed yet, it’s going to be soccer, soccer and more soccer and it’ll be as wide in scope as you like.
I‘ll be starting this week with a look at the four contenders for this season’s Premiership title. Or does anyone seriously think there are any other title contenders? Don’t be fooled though; this isn’t a Prem only blog – even if Liverpool is my number one club. But the season’s fresh and there’s loads going on so……here goes.
Sluggish start for Man U – no complaints here – and Chelsea are squeezing out wins as usual. I expect both teams to be there or thereabouts come season end in May. Talk of stating the obvious, right? Despite the slow start, I think Man U have made the stronger additions to their squad, especially in Hargreaves and Tevez. BTW, I’m pretty irritated that the Argentina striker ended up at Old Trafford. What Liverpool fan wouldn’t be?? Like they weren’t strong enough, already. But getting Tevez could well secure a successful title defence for Man U this season. He’s obviously one of the best young strikers in the world, and anyone who can make the Argentina team has got to be special. I don’t think he’s Leo Messi-special, but then again, who is? How West Ham, a team in a relegation battle, could have left Tevez and Javier Mascherano on the bench early last season still bugles my mind! But that’s a matter for another day. Everyone will be looking to stop Ronaldo this season so we may not get quite the same impact from the winger this term. But, of course, they have Wayne Rooney as well..
Last season appears to have taught Jose Mourinho the value of squad players, hence the arrival of the likes of Steve Sidwell, Claudio Pizzaro and Tal Ben-Haim. No silly talk of playing with a small squad from “The Special One” this season and hopefully, we won’t have to put up with all the whining about losing players to injury this season. Chelsea isn’t ever likely to ever win the entertainment award, but who needs that if you can keep winning. Mourinho’s a brilliant coach with quality players at his disposal and Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard keep scoring they’ll be fighting till the very end. For me though, the key to Chelsea’s success is a guy I call The Bionic Man – Ghana’s Michael Essien.
Expectations are high at Anfield where Rafa Benitez as assembled the most attack-minded Liverpool side in eons. I’ve been particularly thrilled with Ryan Babel, the young Dutch winger. He plays with pace, purpose and great skill – if 15 minutes against Aston Villa is enough to go on. He’s gonna bump Pennant to the bench pretty soon – if Rafa decides to play him on the right. Fernando Torres has looked sharp too, but there’ll be loads of competition from Andrii Voronin, Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt for places upfront. At the back, things should be as tight as ever – or even tighter, with Mascherano fully integrated in the team. Whether that’ll be enough to win a fist league title in 17 years remains to be seen, but Liverpool should be more fun to watch this season.
Then there’s Arsenal – sans Thierry Henry. Arsene Wenger’s latest creation sure looks lightweight without their record goal scorer, and even more so when you consider the established stars that have left in the just three seasons – Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires, Wiltord, Campbell, Cole, Lauren. But they’ll be as exciting to watch as ever and if Cesc Fabregas keeps performing, I think they’ll be even better this term. Sure they’ll miss Henry, but he was out for the better part of last season anyway, and in Robin van Persie – if he can stay healthy – they have a capable source of goals. Maybe not Henry-esque 30 goals per season, but if Nicholas Bendtner and Eduardo da Silva settle quickly and Emmanel Adebayor continues to develop the Gunners could be back on the way up. Okay, I guess there are too many ifs in there to suggest that the title will end up at the Emirates, so which of the other three will win it?
I kind of gave up soccer predictions several years ago and I’m going to chicken out of this one too. I hope it’s close and exciting and I very sincerely hope that Liverpool can edge out the other three and bring the title to back to Anfield. That’s my heart talking. My head is kinda quiet right now.
I’d love to read your thoughts though, so don’t be shy now!
Catch you later.
I intend to post something here every week and you can bet it’ll be well worth your while. If you hadn’t guessed yet, it’s going to be soccer, soccer and more soccer and it’ll be as wide in scope as you like.
I‘ll be starting this week with a look at the four contenders for this season’s Premiership title. Or does anyone seriously think there are any other title contenders? Don’t be fooled though; this isn’t a Prem only blog – even if Liverpool is my number one club. But the season’s fresh and there’s loads going on so……here goes.
Sluggish start for Man U – no complaints here – and Chelsea are squeezing out wins as usual. I expect both teams to be there or thereabouts come season end in May. Talk of stating the obvious, right? Despite the slow start, I think Man U have made the stronger additions to their squad, especially in Hargreaves and Tevez. BTW, I’m pretty irritated that the Argentina striker ended up at Old Trafford. What Liverpool fan wouldn’t be?? Like they weren’t strong enough, already. But getting Tevez could well secure a successful title defence for Man U this season. He’s obviously one of the best young strikers in the world, and anyone who can make the Argentina team has got to be special. I don’t think he’s Leo Messi-special, but then again, who is? How West Ham, a team in a relegation battle, could have left Tevez and Javier Mascherano on the bench early last season still bugles my mind! But that’s a matter for another day. Everyone will be looking to stop Ronaldo this season so we may not get quite the same impact from the winger this term. But, of course, they have Wayne Rooney as well..
Last season appears to have taught Jose Mourinho the value of squad players, hence the arrival of the likes of Steve Sidwell, Claudio Pizzaro and Tal Ben-Haim. No silly talk of playing with a small squad from “The Special One” this season and hopefully, we won’t have to put up with all the whining about losing players to injury this season. Chelsea isn’t ever likely to ever win the entertainment award, but who needs that if you can keep winning. Mourinho’s a brilliant coach with quality players at his disposal and Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard keep scoring they’ll be fighting till the very end. For me though, the key to Chelsea’s success is a guy I call The Bionic Man – Ghana’s Michael Essien.
Expectations are high at Anfield where Rafa Benitez as assembled the most attack-minded Liverpool side in eons. I’ve been particularly thrilled with Ryan Babel, the young Dutch winger. He plays with pace, purpose and great skill – if 15 minutes against Aston Villa is enough to go on. He’s gonna bump Pennant to the bench pretty soon – if Rafa decides to play him on the right. Fernando Torres has looked sharp too, but there’ll be loads of competition from Andrii Voronin, Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt for places upfront. At the back, things should be as tight as ever – or even tighter, with Mascherano fully integrated in the team. Whether that’ll be enough to win a fist league title in 17 years remains to be seen, but Liverpool should be more fun to watch this season.
Then there’s Arsenal – sans Thierry Henry. Arsene Wenger’s latest creation sure looks lightweight without their record goal scorer, and even more so when you consider the established stars that have left in the just three seasons – Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires, Wiltord, Campbell, Cole, Lauren. But they’ll be as exciting to watch as ever and if Cesc Fabregas keeps performing, I think they’ll be even better this term. Sure they’ll miss Henry, but he was out for the better part of last season anyway, and in Robin van Persie – if he can stay healthy – they have a capable source of goals. Maybe not Henry-esque 30 goals per season, but if Nicholas Bendtner and Eduardo da Silva settle quickly and Emmanel Adebayor continues to develop the Gunners could be back on the way up. Okay, I guess there are too many ifs in there to suggest that the title will end up at the Emirates, so which of the other three will win it?
I kind of gave up soccer predictions several years ago and I’m going to chicken out of this one too. I hope it’s close and exciting and I very sincerely hope that Liverpool can edge out the other three and bring the title to back to Anfield. That’s my heart talking. My head is kinda quiet right now.
I’d love to read your thoughts though, so don’t be shy now!
Catch you later.
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