One of the great aspects of any World Cup is seeing players excel and put £10 million on their price tag. I am thinking Michael Owens impact in France 1998 as well as Zidane dismantling Brazil in the final and not to mention Diego Maradonna's brilliance against England in 1986. I have been doing a bit of research on players I feel will step up a level this Summer for this respected countries.
Paul Pogba ( France ) - the young French man helped Juventus to the Serie A title with a impressive 33 wins chipping in with 7 goals and 7 assists. A lot of hype around his famous switch from Manchester United to the Italian giants Juventus. A very strong midfield player but does have a tendency of giving away fouls (87 last year). He is technically good with the ball and has a 30 yard screamer in his locker too.
Eden Hazard ( Belgium ) - Belgium really are in their golden generation and this World Cup has come at the perfect time. Hazard has gone up a gear this season at Chelsea with 14 goals ( 5 more than the highest scoring striker) and 7 assists. He did suffer a few niggly injuries, which makes you wonder how well Chelsea could have done had he stayed fit. With a inhuman like ability to drift between players as well as a eye for goal he is surely going right to the top.
Adam Lallana ( England ) - Lallana has impressed this season being part of the english core down at Southampton. Last season he was the 6th highest english goal scorer and gained many admirers up and down the country ( Tottenham reported already bidding for his services). A good old fashioned play maker he really is a natural with the ball at his feet. Along with Sterling he really is one player to run at players and make things happen in the final third.
Neymar ( Brazil ) - the young Brazilian is already a household name with various adidas adverts appearances. He got he dream move to Barcelona, even though the circumstances around the transfer have been dragged through the media in recent months. He has seemed to have struggled to impress the Spanish city, in 19 league games he has scored 9 times and laid on 8 assists for his teammates. In a team with the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi these stats are seen as average. His record for Brazil is impeccable with already a whooping 30 goals in the famous yellow shirt. Looking at the Brazil squad it does look like it may attacking flair. This indicating Neymar will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders to come up with the goods.
Alexis Sanchez ( Chile ) - the Chilean has really been relishing playing in this high tempo Barcelona team. He has scored 19 goals in 34 games and 10 assists so certainly fits the bill. Chile find themselves in a very tough group so Sanchez may find he only has 3 games to impress this Summer. After seeing him in action against England in February it was clear he was a cut above the rest and he really is the main man in the Chilean team.
Angel Di Maria ( Argentina ) - Di Maria finds himself going into this tournament with a champions league medal which can only help boost confidence. An impressive 17 assists last season, it seems to have softened the blow for a lot of Real Madrid fans who were less than impressed with Ozil leaving. Playing. In a star studded team isn't anything new to Angel so playing wing Messi, Aguero and Higuain should be the norm for him. After losing heavily to Germany in the last World Cup, this year you sense the South Americans have something to prove.
Mario Ballotelli ( Italy ) - Last but certainly not least Mario Ballotelli has to be included here. A solid season personal for Mario with 14 goals, 6 assists in 30 games he has been a rare good point for a disaster season at AC Milan. He seems to be more popular for his reported off field antics ( not sure if any if these have any truth ) but let's not forget he is a very good young player. Aside from Pirlo, Ballotelli was arguably the best player for Italy at Euro 2012. I think the World Cup will bring the best out of him like the last tournament and I look forward to seeing what he can do this Summer.
Wednesday 28 May 2014
Sunday 25 May 2014
Atletico Madrid - a hurdle too far
Last night saw for the first time 2 local teams battle it out for the biggest prize in club football. Prior to the game I was convinced Atletico were going to see it through. After winning the la liga title for the first time since 1996 and also most importantly loosening the headlock that Real Madrid and Barcelona have had on the Spanish league. No real major stars and like I imagine a lot of people I had never heard of Diego Costa until this season. Diego Simeone has created a well drilled outlet who are incredibly difficult to break down. I really didn't think they would get past Chelsea at the bridge but I was left speechless by that flawless performance. Real Madrid have a obsession with the Champions league. A lot of good managers have lost their jobs purely because they could deliver this to the ever expectant Real Madrid board.
This had all the makings for a classic. Atletico were on cloud 9 after doing what they needed to do at the Camp Nou and had the momentum. Real have had their best campaign in the champions league in a number of years. This highlighted with the manner they dismantled the "unbeatable" Bayern Munich.
Much was publicised with the inclusion of Diego Costa after pulling his hamstring just 7 days ago. Costa has been a major player this season and they rely heavily on his goals and exceptional hold up play that gets the others involved. It doesn't take a sports doctor to know that's hamstring injury is at least a 3 week lead time so 7 days is madness. Now we should probably presume that Simeone was hoping to get 30 minutes out of him and the form he has been in he probably had a goal in him. Seeing him limp off after 7 minutes really summed up the disaster.
Atletico going one nil up meant Real had to use all of their superb attacking talents and get at them. Things just weren't happening for Real in the first half and early in the second half. Ronaldo didn't look at his normal impeccable best so they had to find someone else to take the mantle. Di Maria was going up a gear and I have been impressed with him this year. He has had a lot of pressure since Ozil left as he has had to take the play making mantle. The pressure they were putting Athletico was relentless with 4 or 5 massive chances passing Real by. Gareth Bale must have been one of the most relieved men in Lisbon after Sergio Ramos rose and headed the equaliser with barely 2 minutes left. How would any manager be able to pick Athletico up after that? It was really tough up on them as they defended so well throughout the match.
Gareth Bale then put himself into the Real record books by being the first Welshman to score in a Champions league final. After missing the 2 big chances he showed great character to get into the position to score that chance. You sensed that the intense defending from Athletico had taken its toll as Real added 2 more to the score line. Very harsh on them and quite frankly not a real reflection of the game.
Real finally got that 10th Champions league title and was a fantastic show. Carlo Anchelotti has done a fantastic job with this group of players. One of the biggest task was making a group of superstars into a team which many have struggled to do. Diego Simone will struggle to keep hold of Diego Costa and maybe a couple of others. The fact is they may have missed out last night but they are deserved champions of Spain. It has been refreshing to see a team break into the mix and they way they have done it too has been incredible. A win last night would have been a perfect finish but regardless what a show they have put on!
This had all the makings for a classic. Atletico were on cloud 9 after doing what they needed to do at the Camp Nou and had the momentum. Real have had their best campaign in the champions league in a number of years. This highlighted with the manner they dismantled the "unbeatable" Bayern Munich.
Much was publicised with the inclusion of Diego Costa after pulling his hamstring just 7 days ago. Costa has been a major player this season and they rely heavily on his goals and exceptional hold up play that gets the others involved. It doesn't take a sports doctor to know that's hamstring injury is at least a 3 week lead time so 7 days is madness. Now we should probably presume that Simeone was hoping to get 30 minutes out of him and the form he has been in he probably had a goal in him. Seeing him limp off after 7 minutes really summed up the disaster.
Atletico going one nil up meant Real had to use all of their superb attacking talents and get at them. Things just weren't happening for Real in the first half and early in the second half. Ronaldo didn't look at his normal impeccable best so they had to find someone else to take the mantle. Di Maria was going up a gear and I have been impressed with him this year. He has had a lot of pressure since Ozil left as he has had to take the play making mantle. The pressure they were putting Athletico was relentless with 4 or 5 massive chances passing Real by. Gareth Bale must have been one of the most relieved men in Lisbon after Sergio Ramos rose and headed the equaliser with barely 2 minutes left. How would any manager be able to pick Athletico up after that? It was really tough up on them as they defended so well throughout the match.
Gareth Bale then put himself into the Real record books by being the first Welshman to score in a Champions league final. After missing the 2 big chances he showed great character to get into the position to score that chance. You sensed that the intense defending from Athletico had taken its toll as Real added 2 more to the score line. Very harsh on them and quite frankly not a real reflection of the game.
Real finally got that 10th Champions league title and was a fantastic show. Carlo Anchelotti has done a fantastic job with this group of players. One of the biggest task was making a group of superstars into a team which many have struggled to do. Diego Simone will struggle to keep hold of Diego Costa and maybe a couple of others. The fact is they may have missed out last night but they are deserved champions of Spain. It has been refreshing to see a team break into the mix and they way they have done it too has been incredible. A win last night would have been a perfect finish but regardless what a show they have put on!
Monday 19 May 2014
Arsene Wenger - the most relieved man in London
Sundays narrow FA cup final win against a well drilled Hull City side was the end of a very much publicised 9 year trophy drought for Arsenal Football Club. After Hull took a 2 nil lead in the opening 8 minutes, Wenger must have started to believe the "Emirates curse" himself.
It has been a up and down season at the Emirates with high hopes until late November when they were leading the pack. With City struggling away from home, Chelsea lacking a striker and Liverpool's early surge for the title petering out, Wenger must have thought this could be the year. Injuries are part and parcel of sport and all clubs have them but you have to wonder what goes on in that Arsenal medical room.
For me the biggest loss was Aaron Ramsey and him missing a chunk of the season. Ramsey had a belter of a start to the season, scoring as well as creating bag full of goals. He was scoring well timed tap ins and 25 yard screamers, he was turning into the player Wenger had put so much time and patience into. He was turning heads around Europe and must go done as the most improved player in the league probably with Raheem Sterling coming a close second. After he got that injury as well as Wilshere having his own injury battles, the season started to go down hill. Olivier Giroud was playing his part with goals and even with the harsh "not world class" tag continued to perform and for that deserves a lot of credit. It was no secret, similar to Chelsea Arsenals lack of strikers was stopping them going up a level.
It really makes you wonder if Higuain had signed, would he have been the final piece in the puzzle. I don't think anyone really knows what happened in the transfer talks but all pointers are at the wage factor. Napoli are a big club but for me I thought the lure of the Premier league would have been enough to bring him here.
Need less to say this Summer is set to be yet another huge one for Wenger. He will at least be happy with the cruel " 9 years without a trophy" jibes being over and looking to focus on piecing together a title contending squad. I think that's the next one for him to focus on. Chelsea will no doubt get their man in Diego Costa and probably a eye watering figure so they will step it up next season. Many City will no doubt already have bids all over the place for top players which will increase their chances of defending the title. Arsene will need to keep faith in the current players and not change the dynamic of the team too much.
Come August we will be all waiting for the big one and who knows who will be pulling on a Arsenal shirt.
It has been a up and down season at the Emirates with high hopes until late November when they were leading the pack. With City struggling away from home, Chelsea lacking a striker and Liverpool's early surge for the title petering out, Wenger must have thought this could be the year. Injuries are part and parcel of sport and all clubs have them but you have to wonder what goes on in that Arsenal medical room.
For me the biggest loss was Aaron Ramsey and him missing a chunk of the season. Ramsey had a belter of a start to the season, scoring as well as creating bag full of goals. He was scoring well timed tap ins and 25 yard screamers, he was turning into the player Wenger had put so much time and patience into. He was turning heads around Europe and must go done as the most improved player in the league probably with Raheem Sterling coming a close second. After he got that injury as well as Wilshere having his own injury battles, the season started to go down hill. Olivier Giroud was playing his part with goals and even with the harsh "not world class" tag continued to perform and for that deserves a lot of credit. It was no secret, similar to Chelsea Arsenals lack of strikers was stopping them going up a level.
It really makes you wonder if Higuain had signed, would he have been the final piece in the puzzle. I don't think anyone really knows what happened in the transfer talks but all pointers are at the wage factor. Napoli are a big club but for me I thought the lure of the Premier league would have been enough to bring him here.
Need less to say this Summer is set to be yet another huge one for Wenger. He will at least be happy with the cruel " 9 years without a trophy" jibes being over and looking to focus on piecing together a title contending squad. I think that's the next one for him to focus on. Chelsea will no doubt get their man in Diego Costa and probably a eye watering figure so they will step it up next season. Many City will no doubt already have bids all over the place for top players which will increase their chances of defending the title. Arsene will need to keep faith in the current players and not change the dynamic of the team too much.
Come August we will be all waiting for the big one and who knows who will be pulling on a Arsenal shirt.
Wednesday 14 May 2014
England team - Young Lions
Finally the squad is official for this Summers World Cup. After months of trips up and down the country Roy has his team. As previously blogged as predicted no major shocks in there.
Ashley Cole being left out is the biggest one. After finding his way back into the Chelsea team, I thought this would have got him in there. I think it's hard to argue that Cole at this point is a better choice than Baines. Baines seems to be getting better and better every season and after dismissing the lure of Old Trafford, it seems he is even more of the complete full back. Luke Shaw must be on cloud 9 as well as the other 2 Southampton players. Only a few days after being named in the team of the year Luke finds himself on the plane to Brazil. Scary to think this is all happening to him at just 18, wow this kid is 7 years younger than me!
I think Roy deserves credit for his selection. He has picked young and hungry players who will be relishing getting out there in June. I like a lot of people love the fact Ricky Lambert is being selected. From working his way up from lower league Football to the top of his game is pure inspiration. These days we tend to struggle to connect with modern players due to crazy wages and reported antics this has distanced the players from the supporters. You do get a feeling that Lambert is a humble guy who loves his Football.
To finish up you do get the feeling Roy has written this tournament off to a degree. By picking the likes of Barkley, Shaw and Lallana they are gaining valuable experience and hopefully building something for the next big one.
Either way I for one cannot wait to get stuck into this Summers World Cup!
Follow me @asportsfansview and get involved in the debates!
Ashley Cole being left out is the biggest one. After finding his way back into the Chelsea team, I thought this would have got him in there. I think it's hard to argue that Cole at this point is a better choice than Baines. Baines seems to be getting better and better every season and after dismissing the lure of Old Trafford, it seems he is even more of the complete full back. Luke Shaw must be on cloud 9 as well as the other 2 Southampton players. Only a few days after being named in the team of the year Luke finds himself on the plane to Brazil. Scary to think this is all happening to him at just 18, wow this kid is 7 years younger than me!
I think Roy deserves credit for his selection. He has picked young and hungry players who will be relishing getting out there in June. I like a lot of people love the fact Ricky Lambert is being selected. From working his way up from lower league Football to the top of his game is pure inspiration. These days we tend to struggle to connect with modern players due to crazy wages and reported antics this has distanced the players from the supporters. You do get a feeling that Lambert is a humble guy who loves his Football.
To finish up you do get the feeling Roy has written this tournament off to a degree. By picking the likes of Barkley, Shaw and Lallana they are gaining valuable experience and hopefully building something for the next big one.
Either way I for one cannot wait to get stuck into this Summers World Cup!
Follow me @asportsfansview and get involved in the debates!
Friday 9 May 2014
England squad for the World Cup predictions
Monday 12th May we finally find out who Roy Hodgson has picked to go to the World Cup. In previous years I have found this fairly predictable obviously, not including Theo Walcott being brought along with only 2 other senior strikers in the squad.
I can't see too many surprises this time round either. Injury naturally has affected the selection with both Townsend and Walcott out as well as the lad at Southampton. I am wondering if this paves the way for Lennon to slot into the squad as a alternative wide man. One of the biggest question marks is the final striker slot. Rooney is a given with most probably Jermain Defoe, Danny Sturridge and possibly Lambert? Andy Carroll is popular with the England manager I believe, injuries however have affected him being selected. Personally I think he is going to bring Carroll over Lambert which a lot of people will see as a great injustice.
Adam Lallana has really impressed this year and will rightly be brought along. I don't think Roy has any choice but to start the lad too on current form. I went to the Germany friendly a few months back. It was interesting to see the team up close. It wasn't a vintage performance to say the least but I think we showed spells of a decent team. Gerrard and Rooney were stand out for me mainly the way they spread the ball and looking to make things happen. Cleverly looked a bit shaky as well as Smalling but I think this stems from the United issue. Going back to Lallana and how he has come on I saw first hand what he can do. Lallana is what they call in "street football" a baller. He likes the ball at his feet and can take on players and get into those holes and create and finish with 9 goals and 6 assists this season for the saints.
Come Monday hopefully Roy has thought long and hard about the group of players that will fly to Brazil. We need a few "risks" ( Lallana and Shaw) as well as stability ( Gerrard, Cole and Rooney) and you never know we may win the thing!
I can't see too many surprises this time round either. Injury naturally has affected the selection with both Townsend and Walcott out as well as the lad at Southampton. I am wondering if this paves the way for Lennon to slot into the squad as a alternative wide man. One of the biggest question marks is the final striker slot. Rooney is a given with most probably Jermain Defoe, Danny Sturridge and possibly Lambert? Andy Carroll is popular with the England manager I believe, injuries however have affected him being selected. Personally I think he is going to bring Carroll over Lambert which a lot of people will see as a great injustice.
Adam Lallana has really impressed this year and will rightly be brought along. I don't think Roy has any choice but to start the lad too on current form. I went to the Germany friendly a few months back. It was interesting to see the team up close. It wasn't a vintage performance to say the least but I think we showed spells of a decent team. Gerrard and Rooney were stand out for me mainly the way they spread the ball and looking to make things happen. Cleverly looked a bit shaky as well as Smalling but I think this stems from the United issue. Going back to Lallana and how he has come on I saw first hand what he can do. Lallana is what they call in "street football" a baller. He likes the ball at his feet and can take on players and get into those holes and create and finish with 9 goals and 6 assists this season for the saints.
Come Monday hopefully Roy has thought long and hard about the group of players that will fly to Brazil. We need a few "risks" ( Lallana and Shaw) as well as stability ( Gerrard, Cole and Rooney) and you never know we may win the thing!
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