3 Wrong Moves

Like in chess one wrong move and your king dies which marks the end of your game and all your strategies that is the case when it comes to clubs making their moves in transfer market. So here I am trying to point out some of the wrong moves made by the clubs in the past:

Xabi Alonso

Considered to be one of the most technically sound and class apart kind of midfielder that the footballing world has ever witnessed. Joined the Benitez brigade of Liverpool along with fellow Spaniard Luis Garcia in the summer of 2004-05 and as soon as he arrived at Anfield Benitez started building the team around him and Gerrard. Coincidently that was the very season in which the world witnessed the biggest comeback in sports history. I call it the biggest comeback cause in the Finals of UEFA Champions League that very season at the end of first half Liverpool were trailing AC Milan 3-0 but the Kops managed to make a comeback which included a penalty from Xabi to make the score 3-3 and at the end of that day Liverpool were declared champions with them winning the penalty shootout 3-2. Since that day Xabi has always been praised for his pivotal role in the Merseyside and Benitez had always put strong praising words when it came to Xabi’s role in the side. Since then Alonso managed to win one UEFA Champions league, one FA cup, one European Super Cup and one community shield.

In the summer transfer window of 2008-09 season rumours surrounded Anfield with Alonso thinking of moving out as Liverpool were thought to be in pursue of England international Gareth Barry. But as the season started neither Barry nor Alonso changed their jersey color but that left the Spaniard unsettled and unimpressed with the transfer strategies that Liverpool management were trying to imply behind his back. Some of his wounds were surely healed with the support he was getting from his supporters on and off the field as undoubtedly he was a crowd favorite. Even though he went through all the rumors that surrounded him during the transfer window Xabi managed to have a very impressive 2008-09 season.

But with the end of season much to the shock of the faithful Anfield supporters the management of Liverpool had made it clear to him that he was surplus to their requirement.  The man who had given so much to the club and its history finally decided to leave the Merseyside which would save him from furthermore embarrassment from the club which he till date loves. In the summer of 2009 Xabi joined Spanish giant Real Madrid and there also it didn’t take the pass master much of a time to settle at Santiago Bernabeu  who once completed 1000 passes in EPL in one season. 

And what happened after that to Liverpool everyone has seen that and till now the players the followers and the media criticize the wrong move that has left the club in disarray. Still whenever Alonso gets a chance he never holds himself back from saying he still misses Liverpool.

Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas is going back to Barcelona oh! He is not … no no he is going to Barcelona oh again!! Arsenal not happy with deal this is what I have been hearing for past 2 seasons. This part of my blog is not much of a wrong move but this passage would surely signify what has been a pain in arse for both Arsenal and Barcelona supporters. Fabregas signed for the world renowned respected star factory La Masia in 1997 at the age of 10. Barcelona has so much belief in this youngster that they actually wanted him to be hidden from scouts from around the world he was like their precious treasure. He belonged to the same batch of budding young footballers which also has Messi and Pique.

Seeing that players like Xavi and Iniesta who had huge potential were already playing in the first team squad Fabregas supposedly soon sensed that he would only be getting limited number of chances to play for Barcelona. This reason got him unsettled and the rule in Spanish football that a player under the age of 18 couldn’t be held under any contract got many clubs interested in this youngster. Hence Arsenal which is said to be having the second best youth system in the world after Barcelona took advantage of the restless and unsettled mindset of 16 year old Fabregas and brought him to North London in 2003. So Fabregas left La Masia and Barcelona looking for first team opportunity which he actually did get in the same year making him the youngest player to play in first team for Arsenal.

And now after 8 years and after becoming the youngest captain at Emirates stadium and now being one of the best player in his position and finally after the drying of silverware at Arsenal rumors are haunting the Gunners faithful that Fabregas might return to where he was born. But I fail to understand why leave a club which has given him so much, why break the trust of may be his biggest fan and his coach Arsene Wenger all because he doesn’t get to win Premier League or FA Cup or Carling cup or Champions League. If given a chance I would resonate with Emirates faithful and call upon Cesc and say  Mr. Captain if you really want it go snatch it from the hand of Manchester United, Manchester City, Birmingham City or even Barcelona cause fact remains same neither you nor your clubs are loosers. I say that cause Arsene Wenger is still there may be off path now and at the age of 16 no child in the world has the guts to leave his country leave his club leave his family all to make his future.

But all said and done this tussle between Barcelona to bring him back and Arsenal to either keep him at Emirates  or get a lot of money for him has surely left the supporters the media in a dizzy situation.

Samuel Eto’o

In 1997 a 16 year old African kid known as Eto’o came to Spain’s capital Madrid with big dreams in his small little eyes, he signed for Spanish giant Real Madrid. For a small kid coming so far from his I am sure he must have dreamt to give everything to this club as this is the club is not only his first step on international but for most Real is a big step. As a Madrid supporter I am disheartened and sad they didn’t care a penny about Eto’o. In his first season being a minor he could only play for Real Madrid B which in the season got relegated so Eto’o was loaned out to Leganes the next season where he gained a lot of experience by playing 30 matches that season and scoring four goal. The very next season now 18 after returning to Madrid Eto’o was again loaned out to Espanyol when he could have easily been retained given some experience playing in Santiago Bernabeu.

After getting no chance to play at Espanyol he was now loaned out to Mallorca in the winter window. That is where Eto’o actually showed what he is worth, notching up 54 goals in 133 appearances for Mallorca. And at the end of 1999-2000 season I am sure Eto’o must have felt unwanted at Bernabeu and was signed by Mallorca for £4.4 million with Madrid still holding some portion of his contract.

After proving to himself and the world the he can score goal at his own will and what a hard worker he has proven to be while playing for Los Bermellones at the end of 2003-04 season Barcelona came knocking on his door. And after a three way tussle he was finally sold to Catalan giants for a mammoth amount of €24 million. And that is when actually not the ghost of Eto’o but Eto’o himelf actually returned to haunt Bernabeu, where he went on to score 108 goals in total of only 145 appearances and out of the five seasons he spent at Nou Camp he won three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Champions League crown and on an individual note one Pichichi trophy. Where during the same duration all Real could manage was two La Liga titles.

I am sure if today also a Madrid supporter sees these fact all he would say what were they thinking when they made such a bad move to let such talented striker leave. And if a list of bad moves made by Madrid is made today letting go of Eto’o would give a very strong competition to sacking of charismatic Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque.

Some bad moves I feel that can actually be made this transfer market are:

1.     On selling note:

a.     Meireles (Liverpool) – déjà vu Xabi situation

b.     Kaka (Real Madrid) – don’t know why

c.      Torres (Chelsea) – Abramovich is crazy

d.     Fabregas (Arsenal) – Never ending

2.     On buying note:

a.     Coentrao (Real Madrid) – why when Marcelo is playing at the peak

b.     Fabregas (Barcelona) – he goes back to bench from being a captain 

The Unsung Heroes of EPL 2010-11 Season

Gary Cahill

Nationality: England

Position: Defender

Club: Bolton Wanderers

Previous Clubs: Burnley (Loan), Sheffield United (Loan) & Aston Villa

Right now one of the sought after defender in English football, Cahill has had an amazing 2010-11 season at the Reebok stadium proving to be the heart and soul of Bolton’s defense. Even though Bolton ended the season in the bottom half of the table this rock solid centre back struck the perfect note with his fellow defenders Zat Knight and David Wheater. After his loan spells at Burnley and Sheffield United from Aston Villa this Yorkshire born defender has grown incredible in his lone season at Bolton earning his full cap for England against Bulgaria in 2010. Coming through the youth system at Villa I am sure today they are ruing the day when they let Cahill leave and would have felt the pinch .

Wojciech Tomasz Szczęsny

Nationality: Poland

Position: Goalkeeper

Club: Arsenal

Previous Clubs: Brentford (Loan)

Popularly known as Szczęsny, this lanky polish defender has a history in football with his dad Maciej Szczęsny also a former goalkeeper who played in top division Polis league. But the worth of this young 21 year old gunner was known this season under critical situation at Emirates Stadium with all the three goalkeepers Almunia, Fabianski and Mannone out injured. Wenger had no choice but to go to his fourth choice keeper who was still in Arsenal’s youth system and as it proved this decision of the Magician turned out to be the perfect solution to the goalkeeping problem at Emirates. The Pole had the perfect Champions League debut against Barcelona with 2-1 victory for Arsenal and Szczęsny came out as the star of the match along with another youngster Wilshere.

Leighton Baines

Nationality: England

Position: Left Back

Club: Everton

Previous Clubs: Wigan Athletic

Baines is an attacking and tenacious Left back who is good on both side of the field. Ample of energy and high speed makes him the most versatile defender in English Premier League. And that’s what he proved in the past season playing 44 matches for Toffees and scoring 7 goals that’s actually a good track record. Many of us thought that after the sale of Lescott to Manchester City the Everton defense would fall apart which actually did happen at the start of the season when the Toffees were hovering in the relegation zone, but then Baines got his act together and formed a good partnership with Distin, Jagielka and Heitinga to bring Everton to a respectable 7^th position.

Matthew Jarvis

Nationality: England

Position: Midfielder

Club: Wolverhampton

Previous Clubs: Gillingham

Matt is another English player who achieved his first cap for the national side all because of his hard work at Wolves. Jarvis has been a revelation for his club and has shown the world what he is actually capable of. He has the ability to rush up the field with great ease on the left flank then may be beat the defenders with his bag of tricks or just provide an inch perfect pass into the box all this has proved to be a great asset for the Wolves and helped them get out of the relegation zone. Another weapon in Jarvis armory seems to be his ability to take control of the dead ball situation be it FK or corners, he surely is a talent that Capello has his eye on.

Cheick Tioté

Nationality: Ivory Coast

Position: Midfielder

Club: Newcastle United

Previous Clubs: Roda JC (Loan), Anderlecht, Twente

This Ivorian midfielder is known for his no nonsense attitude which does get him on to referees book quite often but the speed and technicality he possesses its an attribute that any defensive midfielder would love to possess. Tiote last season would mostly be remembered for his left footer thunderous volley against Arsenal which completed the return of Newcastle to end the match 4-4. He is young and still has lot of room to develop and I think the Toons should do everything to keep him at the club especially with the eye of Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid already on him.

Peter Odemwingie

Nationality: Nigeria

Position: Striker

Club: West Bromwich Albion

Previous Clubs: Lille, Lokomotiv Moscow

Supposedly bought in 2010 at very small sum from Moscow by former Manager Di Matteo, Odemwingie today is the prized possession of the Baggies. No one had thought the Nigerian striker to be a big thing in England but he surely proved all his critics wrong when he ended the season with 15 goals in 32 appearances that is almost one goal in every two matches. These many goals were not only important for Albion to achieve 11^th position in the table but these goals came when they were most needed by the club. Known for his versatility to play as a winger and also a lone striker the Nigerian has bag of tricks matched with ultimate presence of mind and great speed. It would be interesting to see how Fulham fame and Liverpool shame manager Hodgson uses him next season.

From Wenger to a Gunner

I read this on www.dailymail.co.uk and thought should share it with everyone. Its a letter from Arsene Wenger to one of the Gunners fan. Hope you like it

1 June 2011

Dear...

Thank you for your letter and your observations which have been noted and I certainly take your comments on board. I prefer not to discuss individual players in private correspondence and, although I cannot reply to each point you made, I have given my thoughts below on the season.

In contrast to some of our competitors at home and abroad it is true Arsenal has, in the interests of its financial stability and independence, operated under the discipline of a self-sustaining model. I believe this is the best route to sustainable long-term on-field success.

Within the constraints of that discipline, which ensures affordable debt and non-reliance on ownership, we have also invested in keeping key players here by extending their contracts. For me we have done well but now, of course, people become impatient. I can understand that completely because I am impatient as well.

That is why you see me agitated. Our target was to build a new stadium without dropping from the top. We knew it would be a difficult period for four or five years so we had to make a decision on how we can stay at the top level with less money available.

We have shown that we have the technical quality to win the league but certainly not the defensive solidity to do it. We have learned that we have the quality, despite what everybody is saying, but of course we need to gain some strength in some areas of the team.

We are frustrated and disappointed but we should not go overboard. We just have to rectify things in the areas that we need to improve. Mentally, of course, I hope that the team has learned a lot this season because we could not cope with the number of games, nor the pressure in the important moments of the season.

I felt they lost confidence and you can see that there has not been the same sharpness on the mental front. You never want to forget anything because it is also the season that we produced our best games ever – but in the end it was difficult to get over the line.

You could see that the disappointment of the team came out in the recent games and the belief has gone down. Unfortunately the last disappointment against Aston Villa has cost us the third place. In the end, we felt fourth place was disappointing because we were in a position to win the league.

I think I am responsible for the results and I am very disappointed. The players have had an outstanding attitude. We have accumulated disappointments that have had a big impact on the morale of the team. We have played 58 games. Fabregas has played 22 games, Van Persie 18 or 19 games and Vermaelen has played four or five games.

In decisive moments we have never had the whole team together. We have to rectify some things in our squad and we will try to do it. But it is not easy, even with money. We will try to do the right thing. I don’t know how much we have spent in recent years. We will try to buy the right players. The amount of money is not always linked with the quality of the player.

We will spend the needed money but you first have to find the right players and then turn up with the money. If we find the right players we will spend the money. I think it is the responsibility of a football manager to behave in a responsible way. It is a situation for the fans which I completely understand.

But we are in a job where other clubs do not respect the basic rules of any other company and we have to live with that. You cannot think that if there is not enough money to run the company then someone else will come in and give his money.

That is not how we want to run the company. In England it is a bit more difficult because player inflation is higher than everywhere else. When you have only a few players at many clubs, the price is too high.

Of course, the economic situation is difficult for people and for us as well. But we demand some understanding because we have to fight against clubs which have unlimited resources. They put pressure on our wages. How can we deal with it? We need to add, of course, and we will do, but we have a strong base.

We have enough quality to beat anyone in the world, even with the current squad. You had a Champions League final and only one team has beaten both of them and that is Arsenal.

Our fans have been outstanding all season and we would like to thank them. They are not happy, I am not happy, and we have to accept that. But we are not to go overboard. Maybe one year people will realise it is not easy to finish in the top four every time.

Even if people say we have to spend money, we have to be realistic. We cannot buy players for £50million and, even if we try to strengthen our team and spend money if needed, that is fact.

I wish you a pleasant summer and thank you again for taking the time to write and for your comments.

Kind Regards,

Arsene Wenger

Future Stars Of Football

Thiago Alcantara 

                                                                   

20 years

Spain

Midfielder

Barcelona

His display in the just concluded U-21 Euro Cup says everything about the youngster from the famed academy La Masia of Barcelona. Playing a pivotal role in the midfield he proved his worth with his slick movement with the ball and an eye for the smallest little space available in the opposition defense. And his 40 yards chip from dead ball situation over the Swiss goalkeepers head was a masterpiece in itself. The 18-year-old central midfielder is the son of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho. He has Spanish and Brazilian citizenship, despite being born in Italy. Made his Barca debut at the end of 2009 season and has said to be having playing style similar to that of Xavi. Thiago is known for his immense technical ability, which when combined with his excellent vision, passing and dribbling abilities and his keen eye for the goal, can become a real world-beater in the near future.

Neymar

19 years

Brazil

Striker

Santos

His idol is the Legend Diego Maradona, he has clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan running behind him and if you thought only Robinho can be do numerous crossovers in a minute I am sorry to say but you haven’t seen 19 year old hair raising Neymar. Known for his dribbling skills and his ability to penetrate the box from the left wing makes him priceless.  The kind of talent this young Brazilian possesses it had to attract attention from club from all over Europe.  The writing has been on the wall for over a year now, and it seems only a matter of time before he is gracing one of the top European leagues. Neymar came into lime light after his super performance against Scotland in March this year since then he has been hogging the limelight.

Connor Wickham

18 years

England

Striker

Ipswich Town

He is six foot four inch tall and known to score goals at his own will and has control of the ball which most players of his physical frame don’t even think about. He is a complete package which any club would want at their disposal with that height you ought to be good in the air but his ability to beat defenders make him world class. Only drawback that critics point towards this future English star is his disciplinary problem with nine yellow cards in twenty-seven appearances but this didn’t stop Wayne Rooney to be a superstar. Liverpool or Sunderland are thought to be his future suitors.

Takashi Usami

18 years

Japan

Midfielder/ Striker

Gamba Osaka

It was the golden age of Asian football when players like Hidoteshi Nakata, Nakamura and Park Ji-Sung plying their trades all over Europe. Now is the time for young brigade from Japan, China and other Asian countries to take their place. Usami is another talent which is emerging from this pool. Registered as a midfielder he is considered to be a perfect prototype of modern day strikers other than having all the Japanese traits which include speed, tactically sound this youngster also possesses the imagination and fitness that you rarely see in someone of his age group. Ability to score a lot of goals and from different areas on the field has made him the centre of attention for German giants Bayern Munich.

Ryo Miyaichi

18 years

Japan

Striker

Arsenal

Another of the products of Japan youth school system, signed at the age when most children in Japan don’t know their caliber. He really is still a kid after returning from his very impressive loan spell at Feyenrood in the Dutch league all he could say was “I still cant believe the welcome and support I got there” which shows his humbleness and his ability to gather so much of attention. Born with huge ability which first caught the eyes of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger Ryo can glide on the green turf with such ease that defenders are left with no choice but to bring him down, he is a dead ball specialist which shows how technically sound he is. Hope he grows up to the caliber of another Gunner youngster Jack Wilshere.

Ganso

21 years

Brazil

Midfielder

Santos

He has the making of perfect No. 10 no doubt he is scouted to be the perfect replacement for midfield maestro Kaka. Like all Brazilian Ganso is technically brilliant and his ball control is beyond reproach. He is one of those few players who looks for a pass first rather than a new trick, standing just over 6ft, he is a very graceful attacking midfielder, and some have labeled him the Brazilian Zidane. A goal scoring midfielder, with great vision - and that is what Ganso is. He has an eye for goal and is an accomplished finisher, but creating the chance is the main weapon in his armoury. AC Milan are said to be on the verge of signing the talented midfielder.

Romelu Lukaku

18 years

Belgium

Striker

Anderlecht

His looks, his playing style, his physical presence and his goal scoring ability makes him the 360 degree clone of Chelsea and Ivory coast hitman Drogba. Standing 1.92 meter tall and weighing almost 94 kg this Antwerp-born striker makes sure to make his presence felt on the green turf, he can shrug off a defender with great ease and turn a defender into his puppet with his strong physical presence. He is a genuine all round striker with pace, two good feet, aerial prowess and a killer instinct inside the penalty box. Lukaku is closely being followed by Chelsea and Lyon.

La Masia Part II

Messi, Xavi, Pedro, Iniesta, Pique, Puyol and Valdes are now the past of La Masia lets look at some of the future prospects of La Masia who are going to light up the footballing world :

Thiago Alcantara: Midfielder:

The 18-year-old central midfielder is the son of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho. He has Spanish and Brazilian citizenship, despite being born in Italy. Made his Barca debut at the end of 2009 season and has said to be having playing style similar to that of Xavi. Thiago is known for his immense technical ability, which when combined with his excellent vision, passing and dribbling abilities and his keen eye for the goal, can become a real world-beater in the near future.

Gai Assulin: Midfielder:

Dubbed the next Messi, 18-year-old midfielder Assulin also turned down Chelsea. The Israeli, who arrived at La Masia aged 12, is eligible to play for Spain, made his debut against Tottenham at the Wembley Cup in the preseason of 2009-10  and is October 2010 he was transferred from Nou Camp to the Blue Camp of City of Manchester.

Marc Muniesa: Defender:

Centre back who made his youth-team debut aged 15 two years ago in a team of 17-year-olds. Has already played in La Liga and was in the Champions League final squad for 2009 victory over Manchester United.

Mark Bartra: Defender:

Struggling to establish himself in Barca side because of Pique and Puyol but is a massive talent. The 19-year-old can play centre-back or full back and has been linked with a move to Barcelona’s bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Jeffren Suarez: Midfielder

The promising naturalized Spanish winger who is comfortable enough to play as a forward is known for his crossing ability and can unsettle any defense with his combination of speed and the bag of trick he possesses. This season he was able to gain a lot of first team experience.

Andreu Fontas: Defender

He surely can prove to be the next Pique for Barcelona he has an important role to play specially after the permanent transfer of Caceras and regular absence of Milito. He started his career as defensive midfielder hence capable enough to play in midfield as well as central defense. Has great physical presence and positioning skills.

Oriol Romeu Vidal: Midfielder

Oriol Romeu Vidal, who joined Barcelona at the young age of 11, is a player who combines great physical ability with equally adept technical qualities and tactical awareness. Following the departure of Ivorian Yaya Toure to Manchester City, Oriol, a player with a very similar profile to the Ivorian. Romeu can also play as a centre-back as he has done on various occasions in the past with both Spain and the Barcelona youth ranks.

Jonathan dos Santos: Midfielder

In Mexican international Jonathan dos Santos, the coach has a midfielder who can not only play in the central midfield role, but can also play as a defensive midfielder due to his excellent work rate and tackling ability, which when combined with his excellent passing range can be a safe replacement when called upon. He can 

also bring a new dimension to the team with his thunderous right foot.

Other promising youth teamer include Ruben Mino, Martin Montoya, Albert Dalmau, Sergi Gomez, Carles Planas, Sergi Roberto, Marti Riverola, Nolito, Ruben Rochina, Cristian Tello, Isaac Cuenca who would sooner or later add a feather to La Masia.

Reference:  www.totalbarca.com