Australia stunned the Dutch with their energetic start putting in the clichéd “heroic” performance. With expectation so low any semblance of direction would be seen as a positive. However, in the end the Netherlands prevailed by a 3-2 scoreline.

The high press and gung-ho approach by Ange Postecoglou left a lot of admirers of his new look side. “Everyone’s second team” as some may say. A dynamism and pace filtered through the side with like of Matt McKay and Mark Bresciano adding the necessary guile.

The precursor to such a performance was the second half against Chile. The performance was spirited and placed hope into the formerly discontented fan.  After the debacle of World Cup’s past in Durban losing 4-0 to Germany and recent 6-0 thrashings in friendlies against France and Brazil, negativity was ripe.

Pim Verbeek, former Socceroos’ boss, said prior to the game: “I don’t see any possibility that Australia will score a goal against the Netherlands.”

The same lack of faith he showed throughout his tenure with young players and the domestic league. A similar lack of faith Holger Osieck had for the younger generation with a reluctance to regenerate an ageing side.

When appointed Postecoglou spoke at length about resorting pride and exciting football to the Australian national team. Years of Verbeek and Osieck convinced Australian fans that defending deep and sitting back was the only way to play against top-level opposition.

But Postecoglou’s thrown that out of the window, he’s shown a belief in the playing staff despite a litany of injuries during his short tenure. Most recently to duo Ivan Franjic and Mark Milligan, the former not playing any further part in the tournament.

It would mean a starting berth at right-back for Ryan McGowan, a position he had not played with regularity since his time with Scottish club Hearts. And Postecoglou’s former charge during his time at Brisbane Roar Matt McKay received a call-up into the midfield.

Australia despite the changes in personnel setup in similar fashion to the last game against Chile, while The Netherlands stuck to a winning formula with Louis van Gaal’s 5-3-2.

The 5-3-2 didn’t work as well against Australia. The Dutch afforded the defense time to play out and for McKay to drop into pick up the ball from defense. The wide play from the fullbacks and wingers pushed back the likes of Daryl Janmaat and Daley Blind, not enjoying as much space in wide areas as against Spain.

The Australian dominance in the first half, however, saw Holland capitalize on the counter after threatening a few times from interceptions in midfield. Arjen Robben’s first goal was an example of that.

But nobody could legislate for what happened less than minutes later. Tim Cahill, scoring his fifth World Cup goal, in dramatic fashion, found an equalizer. McGowan put through Cahill with a ball over his shoulder which he volleyed into the net arguably one of the goals of the tournament thus far.

But after an unfortunate injury to young centre-back Bruno Martins Indi Van Gaal made a tactical switch. PSV’s young winger Memphis Depay came on as the Dutch changed their formation to a more orthodox 4-3-3.

The second half change saw Holland gain majority of possession and dominant, but Socceroos’ utilized the counter-attack and transitions with Mathew Leckie’s pace and power a major asset, especially with Tommy Oar’s lackluster performance.

Substitute Oliver Bozanic added dynamism into the midfield when he was called onto the pitch, playing huge role in the awarding of the penalty to Australia.

And the moment Jedinak’s penalty was dispatched the disbelief and excitement of Socceroos’ fans Porte Alegre erupted.

The lead was short lived when mis-communication with Jason Davidson and his backline to play the offside trap put Robin van Persie through to score the equalizer.

Search for the winner began and if not for Oar’s poor delivery to Leckie the Socceroos’ may have found that all important goal. And in the cruel game that is football moments later, Depay unleashed his shot from distance putting the Dutch in front.

The remainder of the game the Socceroos’ threw everything at the Dutch, although nothing ended up sticking Australia’s reputation markedly increased.

The predicted whipping boys of Group B stunned the world. Yes victory was lost, and the result was 3-2 to Holland. But the seeds have been sewed, as this young group begin to learn to play with each other.

No doubt positive momentum is being built under Postecoglou, and its invaluable going forward to the Asian Cup on home soil.

If someone asked me about A-League team Melbourne Heart a few weeks ago, my reply would have been one of two things — (1) their 19 game winless streak (since broken after last Friday’s win against Newcastle Jets), or (2) that ever growing winless away streak that stretches to late December 2011.

But my opinion changed overnight after it was announced that Manchester City had bought 80% of the Melbourne-based side in partnership with Melbourne Storm owner Bart Campbell who owns the remaining 20%.

The side, formerly having questionable spending power, a disconcerted fanbase and a recently sacked Coach in John Aloisi who was under-qualified to do the job he was tasked for, is now transformed to potentially having resources no other A-League club has ever possessed. It’s a win-win for both team and league.

When change occurs, so does elements of trepidation as ventures with British clubs in the past weren’t particularly successful as the now defunct Northern Spirit, who had a relationship with Glasgow Rangers that turned sour.

Meanwhile in the States, Crystal Palace Baltimore suffered a similar fate from British ownership with Crystal Palace and their financial woes in that period.

But as most things in life, there’s a risk involved and a risk that’s probably worth taking. The current regime at Melbourne Heart couldn’t continue on the path they were on. Needless to say, the absence of its initial youth policy, recruitment strategy that offered big contracts, Heart’s financial position, reliance on journeymen footballers plus the coaching decision being based on public image as opposed to coaching qualifications all infuriated club supporters.

The change offered by Manchester City’s CEO Ferran Soriano and Director of Football Tixi Begiristain could potentially alter the landscape of soccer in Australia.

In an interview with Fox Sports Australia, Tixi Begiristain hinted at a possible academy:

“The key with the first team is to make improvements fast, but we also need a strong academy.

“This for me is the most important. We have to play with 14, 15, 16 Australian players, and we need to develop them at home. First to scout and find them, then develop them.

“I think we need to start, and from that base you improve. The only way to improve is through training, and we will come with our methodology.”

The potential marquee signings, coaching appointments and other senior team investments will be needed, but the investment in younger players is possibly the best news for fans of Australian soccer. This new resource could mark a quick turn in future for the A-League side, who has only made the finals series once in its four year history.

As Soriano mentioned in an interview with The Herald Sun newspaper, “As an example we have a network of 36 scouts around the world, many of them in Latin America. So this organization provides services to Manchester City, New York City [FC] and will provide services to our Melbourne club.”

Also, a change in name and colors of the club has been mooted to accommodate the City brand, and as I look at the short history of the Heart, change might be a positive. A clean break from the past that didn’t hold much longevity and history is much easier and better solution instead of a club like Cardiff City where outrage struck when they switched from blue to red.

And even so, there have been examples of English clubs changing their kits during different chapters in their history — Liverpool changing kits to all red under Shankly, Arsenal’s red and white colors thanks to Herbert Chapman, and the more recent Leeds United switching to white in the hopes of becoming the Real Madrid of England.

Aside from player recruitment, academy structures and a potential rebrand, the coaching appointment will be the most interesting. Especially with John van ‘t Schip only on a short term deal after the sacking of Aloisi.

If we’re to go by the precedent set by New York City FC, then we can imagine Heart’s new ownership possibly looking to the league’s best young coach. Currently the league’s most promising coaches are Mike Mulvey and Tony Popovic. However, the likelihood of either signing on with Heart is unlucky at present day.

Other potential young coaches unattached include the recently sacked Alistair Edwards who sits in the wilderness after an indifferent spell at Perth Glory. He started brightly at Perth, but calls of nepotism after the signings of his two sons and rumors of infighting with senior players called for the end of his reign at Glory.

However, as the likelihood of poaching arguably the two best coaches in the league seems out of reach, might an overseas coach be the way to go? And if so, why not stick with current interim boss John van ‘t Schip?

There are more questions than answers at this stage but what is clear is that Melbourne Heart may have ceased to exist without the ownership of Manchester City.

You can read more of Ahmed’s work on Football Central to get a better understanding of the A-League and Australian football. You can also follow me on Twitter: @ahmedyussuf10

Last weekend kicked off the start to the new A-League season. The league has been praised in the past for its competitive nature, and this season ahead doesn’t look too dissimilar.

One of the big differences in the league this season is the fact that FOX Sports has signed an agreement to televise live A-League matches on FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Soccer 2Go. Check your TV guide for matches being played in the early morning hours each weekend.

What can you expect to see in the A-League? In the last three seasons, the A-League’s gone through a change of overall philosophy in terms of coaches, style and players. There are now more homegrown Australian coaches than ever before with up to eight teams fielding Aussie managers. It’s a departure from years gone by when foreign coaches tended to be given the green light to manage in the league.

This season also marks a second for last season’s fairy tale club Western Sydney Wanderers. A club formed only months before the beginning of the A-League season last term went on to reach the exorbitant heights of winning the Premiers Plate trophy and losing in last season’s grand final. However, with the arrivals of Tomi Juric and Matthew Spiranovic, the Wanderers have strengthened what was already a strong side with the likes of Shinji Ono and Youssef Hersi.

Not only will the Wanderers season be an interest to many A-League followers, but the new coaching acquisition for Adelaide United is former Barcelona youth coach Josep Gombau. He’s come into the job with a plan to recreate Adelaide’s style into something resembling his former employers. Eyebrows were raised when the signing of two former Barcelona youth players who had since moved to the lower reaches of Spanish football were signed, but the pre-season form of Adelaide and the signing of ex-Brisbane Roar and Gold Coast United man Steven Lustica from Hadjuk Split show that optimism has grown. Gombau’s credentials have been questioned, although a certain Pep Guardiola’s recommendation hasn’t hurt him find a level of legitimacy.

Another side that has been making shockwaves in the A-League off-season is Ange Postecogolou’s Melbourne Victory who’s been able to go from strength to strength. With the signing of Socceroo and former Newcastle United player James Troisi on loan from Atalanta and the likes of Kosta Barbarouses, Connor Pain, Mitch Nichols and more has created a depth at the Melbourne side that is the envy of many in the competition.

The season ahead might provide a few surprises for many onlookers. A player that looks set to make sure he helps with those surprises is Daniel de Silva, as he impressed in the u-20 World Cup for Australia when he became the youngest goal scorer against a strong Colombia side. Making his debut for Perth Glory at the tender age of 15, he’s already been touted around amongst European heavyweights but remains level headed despite playing under the spotlight.

Another player who may look to make a name this season must be de Silva’s young Socceroo teammate Connor Pain. He’s been plucked from the obscurities of Victorian Premier League side Bentleigh Greens, and has since gone on to play in the final series game with Melbourne Victory, East Asian Cup and against English Premier League side Liverpool during the off season.

Central Coast Mariners duo Anthony Caceres and Mitchell Duke will look to cement places into the Grand Final winners eleven after a mass exodus in the off season. Caceres has been talked about being the next Mariners youth prodigy to make it at Gosford as the likes of Amini and Rogic before him. However, he’s been unable to make a mark in the side as of yet, but with the departures he looks more likely to make a difference this season.

As for Duke, he’s been in good form for club and country in the last six months. He was able to break into the Mariners coach Graham Arnold’s plans, and the exit of Bernie Ibini only strengthens his position in the Central Coast side. And his role in East Asian Cup with a poor Socceroo side has only raised his stock as he was able to trial with London side West Ham United during the off-season.

With that said, here are my predictions for this season:

Grand Final winners: Melbourne Victory

Premier Plate winners: Western Sydney Wanderers

Johnny Warren medallist: Michael McGlinchey

Final table:

Western Sydney Wanderers
Melbourne Victory
Brisbane Roar
Central Coast Mariners
Adelaide United
Perth Glory
Newcastle Jets
Sydney FC
Melbourne Heart
Wellington Phoenix

You can listen to Football Central’s season preview to get a better understanding of the A-League season ahead. You can also follow  me on Twitter: @ahmedyussuf10

Australian midfielder Mark Milligan is close to securing a deal to move from Melbourne Victory to Crystal Palace, according to reports in Australia.

Twenty four months ago, Milligan was nowhere near the Australian national team setup. He began to get a reputation as a journeyman among Australian soccer fans, but a loan and then permanent move to Melbourne Victory from J1 side JEF United Chiba seemed to change his fortune.

The Sydneysider was lauded when he was a youngster. He was one of the few A-League players to be called up for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. In the past, Milligan has been linked to European sides such as Porto and Werder Bremen. However work permit issues proved to be the last stumbling block on both occasions.

But in the last A-League season, the talented defender/midfielder was one of the shining lights in a very entertaining Melbourne Victory team. Milligan’s role in central midfield was vital as his transition play helped many attacks for the Melbourne side. With injuries to creative midfielder Gui Finkler and the indifferent form of marquee man Marcos Flores, his responsibility only grew. He quickly became a talismanic figure in Ange Postecogolou’s team.

After an outstanding season in the A-League, Milligan has been rewarded with call ups to the Australia national team, as well as interest from Queens Park Rangers in addition to Palace.

However, Milligan is cautious about moving so close to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. “To move would be quite a risk I think, especially when I’m so settled and happy where I am.” Milligan recently rejected moves to Middle Eastern side Baniyas in favor of a stay with the Melbourne side.

Coach Ange Postecoglou also keen for the Socceroo to stay. He said recently, “We’ve been pretty consistent. He’s a contracted player and a very valuable player. We value him very very highly.”

However recently Australian radio program Soccer Stoppage Time reported that Milligan had agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace and a fee only needed to be agreed between clubs.

If the rumors from Soccer Stoppage Time are true. Mile Jedinak’s position with the Australia national team may be in doubt. Milligan is already the preferred defensive midfield option for the Socceroos, with his passing range being far greater than Jedinak’s. Also, Milligan’s importance to the Socceroos was demonstrated most notably in his performance against Japan recently, which reaffirmed his status in the national team.

Not only does Milligan have a greater passing range but he has the ability to be box-to-box. His dynamism has helped Victory and more recently the Socceroos on a number of occasions. Milligan has shown to be able to adapt to a number of roles, where he can play in a very interchangeable midfield.

Despite all of his progress, he hasn’t featured in any games for Australia in previous World Cup tournaments. But a move to Crystal Palace would be a huge step for Milligan and would give him a great opportunity to prosper on the international stage to oust fellow countryman Mile Jedinak from the Australia team.

You can follow Ahmed on Twitter: @ahmedyussuf10

After signing with Chelsea this week on a free transfer, Mark Schwarzer said “I didn’t take much convincing to come here,” which is a very normal response for a player that’s just signed for a new club. However, Schwarzer’s move to Chelsea may hurt both Australia and himself in next summer’s World Cup tournament in Brazil.

The former Fulham man has held the number one shirt for the Socceroos for the best part of a decade. In doing so, he has been one of Australia’s best and most consistent performers over that time. But looking at the move, I wouldn’t be pleased if I was Socceroo boss Holger Osieck. Not only will Schwarzer most likely play second fiddle to Petr Cech, the momentum he’s found in his game since that blessed penalty shootout in Sydney all those years ago will be lost.

The significance of Schwarzer’s move for the Socceroos cannot be understated. It’s opened up competition that most Australians thought didn’t exist. Now the likes of Mat Ryan at Club Brugge, Mitch Langerak at Borussia Dortmund and even consistent A-League performers Ante Covic and Eugene Galekovic are in an unfamiliar territory – a realistic chance to trump Schwarzer ahead of the World Cup.

Currently, Mitch Langerak at Borussia Dortmund finds himself limited to a substitute role behind Dortmund number one Roman Weidenfeller. This has been a talking point for many in the Australian soccer media who’ve said that a move away from the Westfalenstadion would be beneficial for the former Melbourne Victory stopper. And now with Schwarzer’s move, the push will be even greater for Langerak.

Looking away from Europe, the A-League based goalkeepers shouldn’t be overlooked. In recent World Cup qualifiers, Melbourne Victory midfielder Mark Milligan showed that an A-League player can step up when he displaced Crystal Palace’s Mile Jedinak in the starting line-up.

Although Schwarzer’s move hasn’t helped his chances for a swansong tournament in Brazil, it has potentially opened the door for a new number one down under.

You can follow Ahmed on Twitter: @ahmedyussuf10

On a cold winter’s day in the city of Düsseldorf, as patrons of the city sat in the Esprit Arena watching their side go up against former Bundesliga champions VFB Stuttgart, the Fortuna faithful looked on worried, as their side may be staring at a fifth successive game without a win.

The Flingeraner were flirting dangerously close to the relegation places, as the game was drawing to its end. A stalemate looked to be the result. However, a quick brace from their Australian dynamo Robbie Kruse grabbed them all three points late on.

It would be a sign of things to come, and greener pastures that awaited Kruse. But he’s not alone in being a former A-League footballer who has made strides in the German game.

Since the inaugural Hyundai A-League season, there have been more than eight A-League players that have moved to either the Bundesliga or Bundesliga second division. It’s a sign of the A-League talent being recognized in Germany, as the A-League’s only been in existence for eight years. On average, one player has moved from the A-League to pastures new in Germany each year.

Is this a trend or is just a coincidence? Has Germany become a hotbed for A-League talent, akin to what the UK was for players from National Soccer League (NSL, Australia’s initially national league) in the mid-90s to early 00s?

While links to German sides have been apparent since the lofty days of Ned Zelic, Paul Agostino, Frank Juric and others, the mid-90s and early 00s saw many Australian based players venture to British shores such as Mark Viduka, Craig Moore, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill. And with the success of the A-League, moving abroad has been highlighted evermore by the Australian football media. Germany in particular has seemed to be a ‘smart move’.

Speaking of smart moves, Robbie Kruse’s transfer to Fortuna Dusseldorf when the club were in the Bundesliga second division is one glowing example. In the beginning he was on the outer fringes of the team, but he has seen his development improve during the last Bundesliga campaign, where he moved to Champions League bound Bayer Leverkusen.

German sides have shown patience and belief in Australian based talent in modern times. A key difference in the structures in most German clubs is a Sporting Director. Therefore, unlike a British all-conquering manager approach, transfers and player recruitment is largely dealt with by directors of football.

In that case, it’s similar to Eli Babalj’s move to Red Star Belgrade where he is realizing he wasn’t wanted after the sacking of the coach who initially signed him. Luckily the Serbian club didn’t finish off the payments to previous club Melbourne Heart, and soon enough he returned to the A-League.  Babalj is not alone in this respect. Former teammate and Melbourne Heart defender Michael Marrone had a similar hand dealt to him. When former Italy Coach Roberto Donadoni was sacked, any move to the Serie A was given a crushing blow after an agreement with Cagliari was rejected — a practice Mustapha Amini knows nothing of, after being scouted and signed by Borussia Dortmund. He was loaned back to A-league side Central Coast Mariners to further his development.

Eighteen months on, he’s assimilated slowly into the club and its culture, even making the bench for Dortmund’s Champions League clash against Manchester City earlier in the season where he showed his experience.

Situations like Amini’s don’t happen often, thus making moves for young A-League players vital. Even though the trip to Germany has proven well for some A-League players, it has stunted the growth of others — to an extent leaving them stuck at a glass ceiling they cannot break through — for example, instances like Dario Vidosic’s return to the A-League where he was instrumental in Adelaide’s season, but because of past failings abroad he may not possess the same gravitas, as Marcos Rojas, who recently signed for VFB Stuttgart.

However, players like Michael Beauchamp whose move to the Bundesliga opened doors for future Champions League appearances and a good European career. Beauchamp exemplifies how an A-League footballer can reach the highest levels of professional football, and has not necessarily been the second coming.

The latest A-League talents to venture to German shores are Marcos Rojas and Ben Halloran. The former, as mentioned earlier, agreed a move to VFB Stuttgart, whereas the latter is said to have agreed a move with a 2.Bundesliga side. Fortuna Düsseldorf’s been confirmed as the side who’s taken on the erratic Queenslander. A club that’s already served one former A-League player well, and he’s a Queenslander too. Rojas was named the Johnny Warren Medallist and had a breakthrough season, unlike Halloran who struggled for form and was largely a substitute in Brisbane’s late season surge up the table.

These two are the latest graduates from the A-League school of soccer. Will they enjoy the same joy as others? Only time will tell.

Ahmed is the editor of Australian Football blog Oz Football Weekly. You can follow him on Twitter: @ahmedyussuf10.

Almost a decade ago, the world witnessed one of the rising stars in the English game move to Liverpool. His name was Harry Kewell. Fast forward 10 years later, the once sought after and most gifted Australian footballer of his generation recently signed with A-league minnows Melbourne Heart on a reported AU$48,000 a season deal.

‘H,’ as he’s fondly known Down Under, left Australia some 12 months ago for “family reasons”, having left his now city rival Melbourne Victory. He was in search of soccer closer to England so his partner could care for her mother who was suffering from an illness.

After months of dead ends and brinkmanship, he moved to Middle Eastern club Al Gharafa. The country celebrated his resurgence after a goal in the Qatar Stars League. According to international teammate Marco Bresciano, “He seems like the Harry of old.”

A debate ensued. Should Harry be called up to the Australian national team by coach Holger Osieck? Sentimentality was ripe. But should a player who has played less than a handful of games in 12 months be in contention for the Socceroos? Some would tell you, “It’s Harry, our golden boy”. And with that memories of Kewell’s goal against Croatia in Berlin start to cloud the mind. Simon Hill’s famous piece of commentary, “Australia’s golden boy has come up with a golden goal”.

Jumping back to reality, it’s not 2006 anymore. Kewell’s no longer the fleet-footed pacey attacker he once was, but that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute to Melbourne Heart’s cause going forward. He’ll be on minimum wage and on a one year deal. The positives for this move outweigh the negatives. Although Kewell’s last venture back home didn’t go as planned, the time is now for redemption.

With the pre-season for the next A-league season already underway, there will be no excuses for lack of fitness or conditioning. Kewell will join up with the rest of the squad on July 1. There’s also anticipation for the match that’ll kick off the Hyundai A-league season: the Melbourne Derby. He’ll be going up against his former club Melbourne Victory.

As we await the opening day, talk about Socceroo call ups will continue. Australia look to fight for their place to win a place in Rio, but the question on all Australians lips is: Should Harry be a part of the journey or not?

The two biggest clubs in British soccer history are on their way to Australia this summer. Make no mistake about it; this is a huge scalp for Australian football.

Manchester United announced the pre-season tour mid-December with great effect. Tickets went on sale and where sold out in less than an hour. The anticipation is growing. Fans in Australia have never been this enthused for a pre-season soccer tour before.

Manchester United will face an A-League All-Star side selected by fans. The coach has also been selected by fans and has been confirmed as Melbourne Victory’s Ange Postecoglou, who will manage the A-League All Star game against Manchester United (scheduled for July 20), as well as Melbourne’s match against Liverpool (scheduled for July 24).

Ange has changed the way soccer’s been played in Australia. His philosophy of play is similar to what Brendan Rodgers’ tries to implement at Liverpool. He played the last A-League season predominately with a false nine, with inside forwards and swashbuckling fullbacks. He also featured a very interchangeable midfield that, at their best, was extremely fluid.

In the lead-up to the Manchester United and Liverpool friendlies down under, here are 15 A-League players who have caught my eye:

Ange’s Melbourne Victory will be without this season’s Johnny Warren Medallist (equivalent to an MVP) Marcos Rojas. He’s been one of Victory’s greatest threats after having a wonderful season, where he earned the moniker “Kiwi Messi” by many A-League fans. However, the Melbourne side will still have their ever-talismanic Archie Thompson and Mark Milligan, their cog in midfield.

Postecoglou varies his tactics from time to time. He’s played with a back three, false nine and with a more traditional number nine. But this season has seen him rely more on the counterattack. Therefore, against Liverpool, expect Melbourne to resort to a heavy emphasis on their counterattack game.

This is my pick for the Melbourne Victory side to face Liverpool, if everyone is fit:

The games will be played at two landmark stadiums. The stage for United’s game will be the ANZ Stadium in Sydney. With a capacity of 83,500 and the possibility of it being expanded, it can only lead to a greater atmosphere. As mentioned earlier, the game will be a sell-out with estimates of 80,000 at the Sydney venue.

Liverpool will be treated to one of Australian sports most iconic venues: the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Hosting Boxing Day Cricket games, AFL Grand Finals and many a Socceroos game, this venue is renowned for big occasions. With a capacity of 100,018, expect the decibel levels to reach deafening levels.

The two games have the potential to build on arguably the greatest A-League season yet. The quality of soccer has improved, while TV ratings, attendances, memberships and media coverage have increased. So, the impact the two games can have on Australian soccer going forward could be massive, opening new doors for the sport in Australia. Plus, the media coverage will amass anything seen before.

Following Arsenal’s 2-1 loss in the north London derby, questions have to be asked about Arsene Wenger’s grip on the club he has managed since 1996.

Wenger has been regarded as one of the greatest managers in Europe. His revolution of English football and transformation of Arsenal has been recognized throughout. He modernized the game in England with sports science, scouting and youth development. But something happened. Things changed and trophy droughts became a reality.

That being said, how great was Wenger’s scouting of “so called” unknowns? Philippe Auclair has played down his unravelling of French talent on countless occasions. He gives the examples of Patrick Vieira, who was at the time the captain of multiple French youth international teams and his local side Cannes. A move to Milan – one of the elite sides in European football at the time – didn’t work out. Meaning Wenger could swoop and get a good deal on a player that was bound for greatness.

Another star, Thierry Henry, who many believe Wenger transformed into a striker, are very much wrong. He was a striker throughout his youth levels and with Monaco, boasting impressive stats at both youth level and with Monaco. Only when he moved to Juventus was he moved to the left. Another disparaging remark is that Wenger nurtured Henry when he was at Monaco. Henry credits his youth development as a footballer to Jean Tigana, the manager of Monaco after Wenger left.

Robert Pires is another French star who wasn’t exactly an unknown. He was widely tipped in France and apparently had the choice between Real Madrid and Arsenal, but chose the latter.

In retrospect, Arsene Wenger’s French revolution in modern times can be likened to Newcastle United. It’s not down to great scouting, but great negotiating. Of course, the role as a negotiator is a tough task, but the talk of Wenger’s ability to pick up virtual unknowns has been a bit overstated.

On the other side of the spectrum, youth development schemes run by Wenger have been questioned. This is because down the years Arsenal have been the youth level equivalent of a Manchester City or Chelsea. Alex Flynn (author of Arsenal – the making of modern superclub) recently gave the example of Denilson, who Rafa Benitez apparently wanted at Liverpool but didn’t get because of the amount Arsenal had spent.

The money spent at Arsenal has been a huge topic. Does Arsenal have money or not? The stadium issue has hamstrung Arsenal’s spending, and Alex Flynn said on the most recent LeGrove podcast that Wenger had assured the board at the time that he had a batch of youngsters coming and not to worry about the team. Wenger, even admitted this in a recent interview with John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

In the podcast, Flynn talks about the strength of the Arsenal brand and how it continues to be undervalued. This is in the wake of the new sponsorship deal with the Emirates. He says that the naming rights are the sticking point and that it devalues the Arsenal brand. Flynn specializes in rights deals.

Despite the financial issues and the failures of the club commercially, one development that wasn’t foreseen by Arsene Wenger was the injection of petrodollars in football. The storyline dramatically changed when Arsenal couldn’t match the likes of Chelsea and then later Manchester City. However, David Dein saw this change coming and brought the likes of Alisher Usmanov and Stan Kroenke to the club. For better or worse, Dein felt the way forward for Arsenal was through mega billionaires. But the impact of that decision was a disaster. It created a fractured board. Two of the largest shareholders don’t talk to each other, as well as creating a certain amount of inertia at board level.

The inertia continues in the dugout. Many feel the managerial style of Arsene Wenger has become stale and power driven. He’s been criticized from far and wide for his inability to delegate power and his dictatorship-like coaching style. Is Wenger scrutinized at club level enough? Is he pushed hard enough? Many fans feel he isn’t. The questions been put in almost every media outlet — are you for or against Wenger?

What do you think? Vote below and share your opinions in the comments section.

[polldaddy poll=6934418]

You can follow Ahmed on Twitter at @ahmedyussuf10

Arsenal is under the microscope yet again. At the beginning of the season, it was “No RVP, no goals, and no Song.” Now it’s cries of “Wenger OUT,” even more-so after the loss at Old Trafford. But, wasn’t this the same Arsenal squad that was apparently the deepest in years? A side that had battle hardened veterans like Metersacker, Arteta and Podolski?

The stats don’t back up this argument. Arsenal is statistically having their worst start to a Premier League season, with only 15 points out of a possible 30. Is this the start of a battle for the last Champions League place again, or merely a drop in form?

Something Arsenal fans can take in the aftermath is the massive amounts of Arsenal hyperbole in the media — “Arsenal are so bad it was frightening,” and they “continue to sell [their] best players and expect to compete.” But, there was a voice of reason among all the kerfuffle and that was Gary Neville. He spoke candidly about Arsenal. He said, “I was disappointed with Arsenal— and I was disappointed for them. I spent my whole career competing with them for trophies; When you said their name, you automatically thought Championship…contenders. Not now, judging by the manner of their performance at Old Trafford. When I think of the great Arsenal teams under Arsene Wenger, I can’t think of one player who started at Old Trafford who would get into them.” I found myself agreeing. On performance do any of Arsenal’s starting eleven warrant a place among the invincibles?

Man for man, Arsenal on the day was stronger than Manchester United. If one was to compare the two line-ups, bias aside, I’d pick more Arsenal players than United. Therefore, the result on Saturday wasn’t based on having a “thin squad” or lacking the players to compete, but mentality. Arsenal for years have surrendered leads and lost games due to their ability to capitulate. So Arsenal shouldn’t go buying a new midfielder or the like just after one result, but they need to regroup and find the spirit that Wenger harps on about. To take defeat and learn, not to give up, Wenger said after the freak result against Reading, “You cannot play for Arsenal and just give up, no matter what the score is.” If these words hold true than the team mustn’t give up but needs to prove the doubters wrong yet again.

Now Arsenal sits sixth, nine points adrift from league leaders Manchester United. Despite the result and recent form, Arsenal still possess the best defensive record in the Premier League. Whether that can be correctly determined after ten games remain to be seen, but with a team that concedes less than previous Arsenal sides, positivity beckons. And with the likes of Diaby, Rosicky and Gibbs on their way back to recovery, the side has some potential first team player options returning.

Arsenal’s problems can’t be solved with a few players, but equally won’t with the media’s overzealous headlines and views on the Arsenal team. Bear in mind this is still a new team, many of the players played their very first game at Old Trafford for Arsenal. With that said, there will be difficulties and in the Premier League the road to success isn’t one without its fair share of crashes and bumps along the way.

Arsenal was earmarked as potential dark horses in the title race before the loss of Robin van Persie. Now without Van Persie, the hope for a title challenge has suddenly disappeared and has been replaced with doubts of Champions League qualification for next year.

Is this valid or a premature assessment of Arsenal? The weekend demonstrated a glimpse into Arsenal’s future, or just a new team still yet to gel. Newspaper headlines say that Van Persie would’ve put away the chances that were on offer on the opening day of the season. The Sun headline reads “No RVP, no goals, and no Song,” — an overzealous headline to say the very least. But Arsenal failed to take advantage for all their possession and failed to take control of the game. Typical Arsenal isn’t it — failing to make the most of their opportunities, not seeing out games and dropping points as a result.

But there’s hope. Don’t despair Arsenal fans. Just be patient. I don’t believe Rome was built in a day, so Arsenal’s newly assembled team can’t be expected to perform miracles either. Last season proved that. With time and patience Arsene Wenger’s side can improve.

The transfer market has seen three relatively experienced international footballers arrive at the Emirates; Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. What can they do for the team?

Santi Cazorla has been in the Spanish setup for a number of years, allowing him to have the winning mentality that Spain has adopted in recent times. He helped Malaga finish fourth in his first season with the club. Widely talked about as the best player outside of Barcelona and Real Madrid last season, and named the signing of the summer by Sid Lowe last season, Cazorla is an archetypical Arsenal player: diminutive, fast and technically sound with both feet.

Lukas Podolski, an experienced German international already with over 100 caps, and goals a plenty for both club and country, scored 18 goals for relegation bound Köln last term and his directness can aid Arsenal’s at times methodical playing style. Podolski’s versatility brings more options for Arsenal, as he’s able to play through the middle, on the wing and behind the strikers.

Olivier Giroud is a late bloomer, as some has called him in footballing terms, as not too long ago was he plying his trade in France’s second division for a team named Tours. However, his meteoric rise has been just that — meteoric, as call ups to the French team and an incredibly season with Montpellier has seen his stock rise. He is very versatile in his abilities as a centre-forward. He can hold up the ball and be a big target man and also create interplay with teammates.

Three big signings, but with mixed opening day performances. Fans shouldn’t be alarmed or concerned by them. It’s their first real competitive fixture of the season. Therefore with time and possibly more signings, Arsenal may have their stock increased from top four outsiders to potential title challengers once again.

Although Giroud’s miss against Sunderland has been a huge talking point on social media, can a newly signed striker who’s been said to be “tired” when Wenger commentated in France’s recent friendly against Uruguay, be expected to be the finished article in his first English Premier League game?

Positivity still is aplenty in north London. With an opportunity to sign Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan from Real Madrid an option, and with the transfer window still very much open plus an interest in Yann M’Vila, the next few weeks should Arsenal supporters some optimism.

With just hours to go until the Euro 2012 final begins, flashbacks to past encounters between the Azzurri and La Furia Roja are coming to mind. Classic football matches, those that have shaped both national times significantly.

Do you remember earlier in the tournament, the opening fixture for both sides? We saw the 3-5-2 of Italy take shape against the 4-6-0 of Spain — playing with a ‘false nine’. A 1-1 draw was the outcome and the solitary goal the Spanish defence has let in, a goal by Antonio Di Natale assisted by Andrea Pirlo. This game has been talked about being potentially the game of the tournament, or at least one of the few that stick out in Euro 2012. The differing tactics between the two managers created a stage for it to be one of the classics.

Before this fixture, Italy had beaten Spain, in Bari, not only on the scoreboard, but on the possession stats. The fixture tested Spain, as Italy demonstrated their football ideology was unshakeable. Prandelli has stuck to his beliefs and as he said prior to the tournament “They are a very strong side, but not unbeatable” — something he hopes to achieve in the final.

However, Spain feel the Italian hoodoo they previously felt is no longer there, after Cesc Fabregas dispatched that final penalty in Euro 2008 to knock Italy out of the quarter-finals. Spain has since won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and now seek to be the first side to win three major tournaments on the bounce.

Vicente Del Bosque says before the final, “All I want is for us to show the style of football we are so passionate about and try to make history by winning.” He adds, “Already we’ve achieved something for everyone to be proud of and should we make history in the final then that would be even more the case.”

But, Spain is yet to defeat Italy in a competitive match in 90 minutes since 1920. Incredibly, 92 years without victory against the Azzurri in major tournaments. Despite, the words of Fabregas, how much of the history of the clash is dominating the minds of the Spanish players?As some would say, that had a similar effect on the Germans.

Fatigue may be factor, as the majority of the Italian sides didn’t play deep in European cup competitions last season. Starkly, most Spaniards have either represented Barcelona or Real Madrid in the surge to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, or Athetico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League final, and Valencia in the semi-finals of the Europa League, adding further fatigue in the Spanish camp.

Cesare Prandelli prior to the final has said, “I really hope we can be positive and take the game to them. Spain’s strength is not only possession, but also the way they win it back.” He believes Italy must “Pick our moments and work a numerical superiority in certain areas. We don’t expect to be in charge from the first minute to the last, but we know we can play our own football when the opportunity arises.”

The Azzurri demonstrated this against Spain in their opening fixture. “[They] will attack, albeit with a great sense of balance between the various departments,” Prandelli said. In this sense he aims to incorporate the defensive solidity synonymous with Italian sides and add his attacking flair. He’s displayed this against Spain and Germany, two pre-tournament favourites, defeating one and drawing with the other.

A tactical similarity with the two, as Prandelli feels “We must do well to win back the ball quickly and immediately move into our attack,” a tactic that embodies Italy’s new footballing style now, similar to the Dutch ‘total football.’

Furthermore, the tactical systems deployed by either manager will be interesting. Both have chopped and changed their tactical approach- Italy using a 3-5-2 and Spain’s use of a ‘false nine’ — in past fixtures.

With the return of Ignazio Abate, how will Prandelli line up his defence? As Federico Balzaretti’s inspired performance against Germany in an unnatural right back position may leave Prandelli with food for thought?

Also, Spain’s striking dilemma which has plagued them all tournament continues, after Alvaro Negredo’s poor showing against Portugal. And Fabregas’s continued heroic performances for Spain that date back from Euro 2008, leaving Del Bosque with a choice to make. Unless he opts to give Fernando Llorente his first start of the tournament, but his fitness is in question after his long season with Bilbao.

Both managers have to make tough choices for what they will plan to do in the final, as Spain look to be the second team to win two European Championships in a row, and Italy look to win their second European Championship, since winning their inaugural on home soil in 1968.

It was the 1970 World Cup semi-final. Now Italian manager Cesare Prandelli recalls where he was that day. “I watched it at home on TV with my father and it was the greatest emotion I’d got from football.” They’d defeated the Germans to face Brazil in the final. And it didn’t end there.

Fast forward twelve years to 1982 World Cup final in the Santiago Bernabeu. The famous commentary exclaimed “Marco Tardelli, two nil to Italy,” and thus Italy won its third World Cup. Germany left blushing, after a 3-1 loss.

More recently, the 2006 World Cup semi-final held in Germany saw yet again the Italian hoodoo rear its head. And with a Del Piero extra-time winner, led Italy to their fourth World Cup triumph and continued their unbeaten streak against Germany.

A hoodoo that has since lasted for more than 30 years; an achievement not many international sides can share. Germany’s stereotypical efficiency in international tournaments doesn’t precede them once against Italian opposition.

But even more convincing is Italy’s record in semi-finals, winning eight out of a possible ten. Italy’s squad may not match those of the past, but Italy are still the most tactically adept side in the tournament. Proven with Prandelli’s alteration of tactics, from using a 4-3-1-2 in qualifying, which saw them lead the possession stats just behind Spain — then days before the tournament trying out a 3-5-2. a formation that exploited Spain’s lack of width. However, it wasn’t as successful against Croatia after 45 minutes, leaving Prandelli reverting to the tried and trusted 4-3-1-2 that was most successful against England. It demonstrated England’s lack of dynamism in midfield. The rotating midfield square of Pirlo, De Rossi, Marchisio and Montolivo used the space between England’s infamous two banks of four, and dictated the game with a passing percentage of 68%, compared to England’s 32%.

German internationals are aware of the threat Italy poses against them. Philip Lahm said before the quarter-final against England-Italy that “[He] would prefer England.” Lahm added “Italy are better than England. They’re more cunning, better prepared tactically, more difficult to beat.” How much of this is the fear Germany feels toward Italy?

But German international Lukas Podolski believes “It’s the time to break that series. One thing is clear – we want to be in the final, so we have to beat the Italians. Therefore, this will hopefully be the end for Italy in this European Championship.”

Germany looked impressive after a slick performance against the Greeks, resting the front three that have played all of the group stage fixtures. Showing Joachim Low’s belief in the depth of his team, as international captain Philip Lahm said, “We have 23 very good players and everybody can play in this team.”

Similarly to Italy, Germany has demonstrated their adaptability in differing situations, whether it is with personnel or tactics.

Germany may be seen as heavy favourites, through their attacking verve and seemingly efficient self — efficiency never more professed by Low’s training technique of passing under 2 seconds, keeping the ball moving and the game fast.

Starkly, after Pirlo’s influential display against England, Low has made outlandish comments such as “If you stop Pirlo, you stop Italy.” An overly simplistic view of Italy, as demonstrated against Spain. Italy’s distribution may come from other sources, such as De Rossi in a sweeper role, where his performance has been compared to Beckenbauer.

But in this tournament, rules have been broken.

With the clash highly anticipated by neutrals and fans of opposing sides, it’s poised to be an enthralling match. May a new Tardelli be born, or will Germany take the monkey that is Italy off their back, and prove “[They] are the team to beat,” as Marco Reus said.

The Azzurri are marching with their heads held high after defying the pre-tournament critics and escaping group C. Coach Cesare Prandelli’s tactical masterstroke against Spain demonstrated his vision. The Catenaccio styled Italy has been absent this tournament, and a new more adventurous side has emerged.

The 3-5-2 played by Juventus adopted by Prandelli out of necessity allowed Daniele De Rossi’s distribution to be a tactical strength, as shown in the draw against Spain. Once the Spanish doubled up on Pirlo to prevent his ability to dictate, De Rossi sprayed the ball to the wings, to effectively use the wing-backs, placing further pressure on Spain’s weakened defense.

More of the same against Croatia. Until the second half got underway, the team didn’t exploit their distributing skills. Pirlo began to give the ball away — and that’s never a good sign. Some argue that the congested fixture list for Euro 2012 may hamper Italy’s midfield maestro, whose season with Juve had averaged a game a week.

Prandelli boldly changed his tactical approach yet again, reverting to a more familiar 4-3-1-2 — used frequently during qualification. With Andrea Barzagli returning, it seemed a logical choice.

But Ireland put up a fight- unexpectedly. After two resounding defeats against Croatia and Spain, the Irish seemed left for dead, and the Italians seemed poised to pick the bones.

Pre-match journalists, pundits and football fans were muttering about the Il biscotto– a mutual beneficial agreement- between Croatia and Spain. Gigi Buffon hit out on this notion as he believes if it happened “It would be a joke all around Europe,” but previously he contradictorily said “It’s better to have two injured than one dead,” in relation to the Il biscotto.

Il biscotto is infamous in Italy and previously dumped Italy out of Euro 2004, after Sweden and Denmark’s convenient result. Fears were casted if the Italians would be dealt a similar hand.

Game day; Italy v Ireland and Spain v Croatia, it was poised to be an enthralling match day.

Italy played as expected with a four man defence after the return of Barzagli. Ironically the new formation was intended to aid in Italy’s possession game. However, the two games previous demonstrated a more dominate Italy.

And without a 90^th minute goal from the ever enigmatic Balotelli, injury-time would’ve been a shaky few minutes.

The reaction of Balotelli was highlighted, but sure enough Bonucci came to the rescue and stopped another regretful Balotelli moment. “He said something in English – I’ve no idea what it was,” said Bonucci. “Unfortunately, Mario is very instinctive. That is also his strength. Without that personality, he wouldn’t have scored such a great goal.”

But, in the eyes of manager Cesare Prandelli the bond between the Italy squad is strong, “Bonucci’s gesture you can see the team spirit in the group,” Prandelli said.

With England fast approaching, Italy is poised to hold up a fight. Mummers around that England have got the easier of the top two in group C. An opinion I don’t subscribe to.

Italy thrives under being earmarked dark horses, being castigated throughout Europe. Having their domestic league painted as not prestigious by Arsene Wenger. “Why [would] a top player, a big champion would want a move to Serie A – in terms of the prestige of the league,” Wenger said.

It’s the perfect storm. Lippi in the 2006 world cup triumph used a victimisation complex to strengthen the team. Italy’s national team become a club, in small short period of time.

Now looking back at Bonucci and Italy’s collective reaction to Balotelli is one of embrace. Unlike the British media or some teammates at Manchester City, Balotelli is accepted. Prandelli said “He is like that, he has always been like that but that doesn’t mean he is detached from the group.”

Sunday’s game against England will test Italy’s championship credentials, but similar to the game against Spain, Italy will be ready.

And Balotelli’s contribution will be vital, as he showed against Ireland he has the ability to take a match on its head. But, equally as he did against Spain he has the ability to freeze as easily.

Furthermore, Italy will prove an obstacle for England, one in which they will struggle to overcome. Italy’s tactical flexibility is a strength England doesn’t possess, and Hodgson’s two banks of four will be tested if a 3-5-2 is played.

England’s shape will have his sturdiest test so far, with the likes of Maggio and Giaccherini bombing down both wings, and possibly fed by De Rossi.

However, England’s counter-attacking ability will test a slow De Rossi in defence, and with Rooney and Welbeck possibly running through the channels. England will pose a huge threat in the heart of the Italian defence.

Equally, both sides will test each other in different ways. But, this tie will either legitimise Italy’s championship credentials or send them packing with their tails well and truly between their legs.

Italian football has been criticised for its overtly physical approach. The classic Catenaccio style played in the past has been altered. A fresh faced Italian with the name of Cesare Prandelli is the culprit.

Prandelli’s appointment has allowed Italy to change. The ‘old guard’ under Lippi were being transitioned out of the international set up and in the process washing away the scars of South Africa, welcoming the new Italy, and with it new success.

Italy has opted to play a more attractive style, to find this new success. A possession oriented game that has been a hallmark of Prandelli’s managerial style. Unlike his predecessor he’s strived for change and difference.

Prandelli’s professed his football philosophy originated from “an attacking style inspired by the 1970s [Dutch] Total Football.” Prandelli’s alteration of Italy has led to victories against World and European champions Spain. The Italian manager further states “We will attack, albeit with a great sense of balance between the various departments.” Prandelli in this sense aims to incorporate the defensive solidity synonymous with Italian sides and add his attacking flair.

Italy is said to play a 4-3-1-2 system and incorporate a ‘rotating midfield square’. However, in the opinion of Italian specialist James Horncastle, a 3-5-2 is very possible. In Serie A, the most notable clubs to play this system are Napoli, Udinese, and Juventus. And between the three clubs, there are ten players in the Italian side. Therefore, a large portion of the squad has played and knows this system.

In the European Championships, there will be seven Juve players, and three of them central defenders — defenders who’ve played with three in the back in their championship winning season. Precedent has been set as a successful Juventus leads to a successful Italy. In the 1934 World Cup, seven Juve players were there to win Italy’s inaugural World Cup. In the 1982 World Cup, six Juve players played. And in Italy’s last World Cup triumph, there had been five Juve players.

Prandelli’s response after being asked about a 3-5-2 was, “We’ll try it, even if I’d like to keep an extra midfielder.” Leaving the possibility of a change in formation with the minimal success with the 4-3-1-2, as defeats to USA and Uruguay demonstrated, the question remains whether a majority of the possession and good build up play is enough for Italy, because they lacked a ruthless streak up front.

In relation to possession, Italy is only second to Spain in out possessing their opponents in qualifying. Spain is a side that Prandelli isn’t afraid of. “They are a very strong side, but not unbeatable” — something he proved in a friendly against La Furia Roja. Prandelli adds, “We must do well to win back the ball quickly and immediately move into our attack,” a tactic that embodies Italy’s new footballing style now.

Now with Italy’s change in identity and a new manager, this has culminated in a more flexible football style. With the Catenaccio style still ingrained in Italy and their astute defensive skills united at the back, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

They may be seen as a ‘dark horse’ due to the match-fixing scandal implicating the Azzurri yet again before a major tournament. But, if my memory serves me correct they won that tournament. Could it happen again?

Editor’s note: Is Chelsea’s victory against Barcelona a sign that English football is in a revival, or is it a false dawn? EPL Talk blogger Ahmed Yussuf takes one side of the argument, while I (The Gaffer) take another. Read both articles, and then you decide whose argument is more valid, in the comments section below. We look forward to reading your opinions.

Why Chelsea’s Win Against Barcelona Doesn’t Mean English Football is Revived

By Ahmed Yussuf

In the recent UEFA Champions League semi-final, Chelsea defeated Barcelona. This is a huge scalp for the west London side. However, it doesn’t pave over the cracks which are facing this team and equally English football.

English football has been in a decline of late, and the fact that they’ve managed seven English finalists in the last eight Champions League finals isn’t representative of this decline. This decline is evident in the style in which Chelsea won. It reeked of thuggery, much like the last team to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League — Inter Milan.

This may have won the west London side a place in the final, but by no means is this a step in the right direction for Chelsea football club or English football.

English football has built their European success on energetic, dynamic and high intensity based football, as opposed to the thuggish and Catenaccio style Chelsea has chosen to adopt.

This doesn’t mean Chelsea is expected to play an expansive style of football. The side has an ageing squad which was built to be physical, counterattacking and most importantly resilient. But, to see the veterans of this side stoop to tomfoolery to win a game is disheartening for lovers of English football and is a wrong perception for football played in England.

English football’s problems result from the lowest levels of the game. England technical director Gareth Southgate said, “We still look for the physical and athletic player.” This has been something said about English football for decades, as they produce technically inept footballers which are usually one dimensional.

Furthermore, the production of English footballers hasn’t been up to scratch, and “One of the things we’re trying to end is the stop-start style of coaching for your kids,” said Southgate. As they try to rectify it with “more games and less talk,” Southgate added.

The English FA have chosen to transcend with the times and help English football progress further. Gareth Southgate said, “We have…to study, have that research, and culturing that through into the game.”

That suggests The FA understands that English football needs a more scientific approach, more studying of the game and a more profound tactical approach. Southgate wants the new training facilities to be called “Club England.”

It’s refreshing news to see that English football may escalate to levels we knew were possible. Football played in England already has so many components. With more study and scrutiny, football in England will only progress. The upper echelons of club football elites might have an Englishman at the helm, opposed to a Frenchman, Scotsman or Italian.

Even though there are a few football manager who are English and doing credible jobs, it needs to be a recurrence if English football has aspirations of development. The likes of Alan Pardew should be educating and sharing their methods and football philosophies. That’s what Club England plans to implement — to join all of English football under one roof.

Maybe if English football continues on this new project, we’ll be talking in 10 years about how England and English clubs alike play an expansive, technical and total football — that everyone associates with Spain and Barcelona.

Why Chelsea’s Win Is A Victory For English Football

by The Gaffer 

Chelsea’s victory against Barcelona on Tuesday night is a triumph for English football.

For so long, especially this past season, critics — and especially the English media — have placed Barcelona on a holier-than-thou pedestal, glorifying everything that the club has done on the pitch and romanticizing about how wonderful the sport of soccer is thanks to the Spanish club. At the same time, many soccer fans have fed off the Barcelona and La Liga lovefest by criticizing and lampooning the Premier League and English football, laughing that clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal were knocked out in earlier rounds of the Champions League, and talking about the decline of English football.

Now that Chelsea has defeated the mighty Barcelona, what does that say about English football? To me, soccer is not about how you play. Barcelona plays lovely football, but the object of the game is to win. No bonus points are awarded for playing pretty passes.

Chelsea’s performance in both legs against Barcelona was route one football from the 1970’s or 1980’s. English football at its worst, according to the critics. But there’s no rule in soccer that dictates how the game should be played. As long as the English clubs are playing within the rules, anything goes. And in order to beat a team such as Barcelona, the only way to do it is to play a system that prevents them from playing their fluid brand of soccer. That’s not anti-soccer. That’s out-smarting your opposition.

Chelsea can, if and when they want, play a lovely brand of exciting, attacking soccer. Barcelona, on the other hand, can only play one style. So when it doesn’t work for Barcelona, like it didn’t in both legs against Chelsea, Barcelona has no other option. That, to me, is a massive weakness and a lack of adaptability. Criticize Chelsea and English football all you want, but at least the Blues and most English clubs can adapt their tactics to beat their opposition.

While Chelsea’s squad is filled with foreign players, Chelsea is still an English club and still represents England and the Premier League. In the globalized world that we live in, few club teams that are on the international stage are filled with players from their own country. So, even though a Brazilian and a Spaniard scored for Chelsea on Tuesday night, it’s still a victory for English football.

While the foreign players at Chelsea stole the limelight against Barcelona, let us not forget the incredible impact that the English players had on this team. Despite his sending off, John Terry was on top of his game in both legs, giving a heroic defensive display, throwing his body into shots and knowing where to position himself to block Barcelona’s attacks and through-balls. Left back Ashley Cole was equally impressive. So too was Gary Cahill in defense before his unfortunate injury. And what about Frank Lampard? The man, who was discarded by Andre Villas-Boas just a few months ago, never gave up against Barcelona and rallied his team against all odds. His performance was spectacular, especially the beautiful weighted pass to Ramires that led to Chelsea’s first goal on Tuesday night.

These Englishmen will all benefit from the experience and thrill of playing the highest level of soccer against the best team in the world. That they won is such a massive confidence boost for them as individuals, as well as their Chelsea and England teammates.

Tuesday night’s performance by Chelsea encapsulated everything that is wonderful about English football — a never say die attitude, guts before glory, incredible defensive performances, brilliant counter-attacks and, in just 90 minutes, all of the highs and lows of the most exciting league in world soccer — the Premier League.

Barcelona in recent seasons has been lauded as potentially the greatest side in modern football. However, does this fluid and total football playing side have any flaws? One may argue the club showered with praise should act accordingly to their stature. But, it’s been disputed frequently that the club is so vehemently branded “the best in the world” that it requires them, at times, to stoop to new lows.

Has this great team fallen victim to jealousy, or other factors leading to this negative outlook on the club? Jose Mourinho continually bombards media outlets with phrases along the lines of “Barcelona is already in the final.” Maybe this is his mind games in action, or a deeper rooted issue of conspiracy? Despite, the negativity from Mourinho, Barcelona still plays a fluid and exciting brand of soccer.

In recent seasons Barcelona has been favored with refereeing decisions going their way. Cases such as the 2009 UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Chelsea, Robin van Persie’s dubious second yellow at the Nou Camp, and most recently this week’s Champions League game against Milan where they were fortunate to win two penalty decisions. Some may argue it’s not Barcelona’s fault they’re gifted with refereeing decisions going their way. But others question how frequently this happens in favor of the Catalan side. Barcelona continues to be the club you love to hate — the team that infatuates many by the way they play, a team with so many positives, but one that has a thorn of negativity thanks to refereeing decisions going their way.

The one gaping reason many believe this fable of Barcelona is the perpetual antics of Sergei Busquets, a player who embodies the good and the bad of Barcelona. Many remember his infamous antics against Inter Milan, but also, his passing and footballing ability. Some may say every soccer club needs a Busquets. A player who can bait players, gain free kicks and show a different dimension to the club. However, his acts, at times, border on idiocy — the simulation and distasteful falls damper the football of Barcelona. Despite the glaring flaws in the otherwise faultless Barcelona side, the team possesses so many positives such as their progressive youth team, their scouting system and their famed La Masia academy — an academy which continues to produce world class players of the ilk of Leo Messi and Xavi. This suggests this club is truly cementing its legacy in soccer history.

But how will they be remembered? Will the controversy associated with Barcelona affect how they’re remembered? How will this Barcelona team be seen in the future? Will it be seen in the same light as those sides before it? Will it be alongside Sacchi’s Milan, Shankly and Paisley’s Liverpool or Cryuff’s Ajax? Time will tell to the extent in which this Barcelona team may achieve. Already with the greatest player in world soccer, will Barcelona be the greatest team too in the archive of cheaters?

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Yesterday’s Newcastle United against Liverpool match demonstrated the flaws in modern soccer. The simulation by James Perch after a clash of heads between him and Pepe Reina was a prime example of this. The blatant deception of officials seems to be the latest fad in soccer, and more specifically English football. The universal opinion in the English media is that diving has been a foreign influence. However, in this case it was an Englishman deceiving the match official to gain the upper hand.

The league continues to be subject to simulation, which in recent times has mostly been directed toward Luis Suarez. At times, the influx of foreign players in the league may be seen as scapegoats. However, the nature of the modern footballer personifies deceit, greed and disrespect. The egotistical and overpaid nature of these footballers demonstrates the complacency which has grown.

The annals of soccer history display the contrast of the current soccer etiquette. The old principles which typified what soccer stood for may be put in jeopardy as a result of the current breed of footballers. Not only has diving and deception created a sour taste in the mouth of soccer fans everywhere, but it has changed the perception of soccer to outsiders looking in. The advert of soccer has been severely dented and will continue to be unless simulation is outlawed.

The dehumanizing aspects of acts of simulation are immense. This can be conveyed through the inept ability of footballers to distinguish wrongful acts they’ve displayed. Followed by that blatant girlish fall, which demonstrates the stupidity of the moment putting the game into disrepute. However, simulation is ever growing, match officials are continuously deceived, and the decisive decisions of a soccer match aren’t made by the play of soccer, but the distasteful acts of a player.

Soccer’s transformation has been rapid. However, in this field it might not have been a wanted change. The publicized acts of footballers through social media allows for soccer fans to accept and create excuses for these atrocities. But these individuals must be accountable for their acts. The Joey Barton’s, the Andy Carroll’s and the Mario Balotelli’s of this world must not be given a free pass.

Also, the acts in recent seasons of footballers to swear, bemuse and hound officials are unacceptable. The perpetual intimidation allowed in soccer, in all shapes and sizes, takes away the pureness of the game. Not only has the perception of soccer been altered as a result, but it has slowly created a resentment and an overtly hatred toward footballers in the public eye. Examples such as Joey Barton tweeting about the internal affairs of Queens Park Rangers, and likes of Andy Carroll storming off the pitch, swearing to both managers on the touchline.

Soccer has been through severe alterations in the past half century, resonating through the acts of players, managers and all affiliated with soccer. May this change continue or previous soccer etiquette return? Questions of this matter may be posed and answers may vary. However, the acts of the modern footballer must be addressed and changes made. If not where will soccer see itself, as a unappealing and distasteful sport? I for one do not know.

The word “football” in Australia may be interpreted in recent years as an oval shaped ball played on a oval pitch with four large poles. This game called AFL has been an infatuation of Australians everywhere. However, football — known as soccer in these parts — has gone from strength to strength. The Australian World Cup bid, the strengthening of the local leagues, and the production of youthful exuberant footballers has coincided with this change. Not only is the code of soccer creating a legacy in Australian soccer, it’s moving on to new frontiers. Frontiers such as Asia, the Asian Cup, Asian Champions League and Asian World Cup qualifying, which have created an avenue where soccer can grow.

Australian soccer has demonstrated its mediocric rise to prominence. This can only be attributed to the growing contingent of Australians in the Barclays Premier League in the late ’90s and early to mid ’00s. Arguably the most watched league in the world, this allowed for wonderful exposure to these Australian starlets, and it was a vital ingredient for the growth in popularity of the EPL in Australia. The birth of interactive red buttons allowing one to watch numerous matches at one time, and the coverage of almost every EPL fixture all season long, allowed Australians to take notice how soccer is played at the highest level, transcending the perception of soccer in Australia and recreating a league of “our” own through this.

Also, the education of soccer in the country is ever-growing. Young people are learning and creating platforms for success through production lines of coaches, referee and soccer players. Punditry in Australia has significantly improved. This was done through the introduction of overseas pundits. The likes of Martin Tyler, Stewart Robson and Gary O’Reilly contributing to soccer opinions. Talk shows such as “The World Game” and “FOX Sports FC” have immensely improved our analysis of soccer. For examples, FOX Sports FC’s fox field feature provides viewers of the tactical plans of the managers.

Live coverage of European soccer is played at late night in the wee hours of the morning. The coverage of soccer leagues is largely one sided as the leading sports channel in Australia (FOX) largely covers English soccer. This has created an English ethos represented in Australian soccer. The colonial rulers of yesteryear have once again led and Australia has followed. However, the more technical aspect of soccer is being adopted in lower levels of Australian soccer as the obsession of the ‘total football’ displayed by Barcelona seems to be the flavor of the month. This can be seen through the brand of soccer deployed by the reigning A-league champions who play the intricate and possession based football.

Loss of real soccer identity

The soccer identity seems to be vague, obscure and unknown for Australia. The multicultural society may have contributed to this, as the contrasting soccer methods in the country allow for an ambiguous perception on the soccer identity of Australia.

Despite the questions about what is Australia’s identity on soccer, the country is a nation still young on the international scene. Attempting to qualify for their third successive World Cup and fourth in total, Australian soccer is by no means the finished article. The scope of growth is still very wide. However, what factors may spark changes? Will the current league expand? Will the likes of Mustafa Amini going to Borussia Dortmund help him grow into the soccer genius he’s lauded to be?

The future of Australian soccer is both bright and exciting, and I for one cannot wait to be apart of the ride it will provide.

Editor’s note: Ahmed made his first appearance earlier this week on the EPL Talk Podcast, where he discussed what it’s like to be an Arsenal supporter, as well as his thoughts regarding Arsene Wenger and future transfer buys. Listen to the interview today.

Photo by Magnus D

Legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced his retirement from football. The 36 year old midfielder retires after winning 10 Premier League titles, 3 FA cups and 2 Champions League trophies in a 17 year career spent entirely at Manchester United. Scholes will remain at the club in a coaching capacity and has been rewarded for his loyal service to the Red Devils, making 676 appearances in a Manchester United shirt, the fourth highest in the club’s history.

Scholes’ debut came in 1994 against Port Vale in a League Cup tie, where he scored both goals in a 2-1 win for United. This introduced Scholes to the world and showed his striking ability, which has been accustomed to the Salford born midfielder since he broke into the Manchester United first team. The amount of extraordinary goals that Scholes has scored is astounding. Scholes’ volleys at Valley Parade against Bradford and at Villa Park against Aston Villa are prime examples of the power, accuracy and precision that the midfielder held during his illustrious career. He would also score decisive goals too, especially a equalising goal in the San Siro against Inter Milan in the quarter finals of the 1998/99 Champions League to put United into the next phase and go on to win the whole competition.

Speaking about the retirement, Scholes said: ‘I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honor. This was not a decision I have taken lightly, but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing.’

During his career, Scholes was well-respected around the globe and seen as the perfect professional, shunning the celebrity limelight and rarely giving interviews with the media as he preferred to be modest and let other people take the credit for his own individual genius. Legendary figures in football, including French icon Zinedine Zidane and Spanish master Xavi, have given words of praise about Scholes, branding him ‘almost untouchable‘ and ‘the best central midfielder I have ever seen‘.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke about Scholes in glowing terms. The Scotsman said about the retirement: ‘We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player. Ferguson was the man who showed faith in the youth team back in 1994 and brought Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers into the first team side, building a dynasty at Old Trafford cemented around the youth policy and resurrecting the beliefs of former manager Sir Matt Busby.

Scholes’ only downfall was his tackling, which was famously known to be particularly poor. He was often late and clumsy and a loose tackle in the semi-final against Juventus in 1998/99 saw Scholes booked and missed out on the legendary Champions League final against Bayern Munich. Scholes still was awarded a winners’ medal, but made up for his absence in that game by playing in the 2008 final against Chelsea in Moscow and picking up his second Champions League trophy with Manchester United.

There have been so many classic Paul Scholes moments over the years as a Manchester United player. His passing ability earned him the nickname of ’Sat Nav‘ by his United teammates and since his beginning in 1994, Scholes was always somebody who could find any player in open space. His shooting was extremely powerful and precise and could score in a numerous amount of ways, whether with his right foot, left foot or with his head. Scholes was appreciated immensely not only at Manchester United, but in all of English football and after his retirement from international football at the tender age of 29, he was still respected by the England set-up with Fabio Capello approaching Scholes to join the 2010 World Cup team for South Africa, which Scholes declined.

Scholes was played in a sparse role last season, making limited appearances, and his retirement was always on the cards. Manchester United will now look to sign a central midfield player to replace Scholes with rumours of Borussia Dortmund’s Nuri Sahin, Everton’s Jack Rodwell and Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder expected to fill the role. Scholes’ only manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, said: ‘What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven’t said before?’ Any superlatives about the Salford supreme have already been echoed and sentiments have been shared. Now, all that is left to do is sit back and remember the brilliance that Scholes showed through the whole of his career and look to see the new crop of young players that Scholes, in his new coaching role, will encourage to make great strides at Old Trafford and follow the perfect path laid down in Manchester.

At 3pm on Saturday, Ian Holloway will settle into his place at pitch side and soak in the atmosphere of a half empty DW Stadium. He will look out onto the messy Wigan turf and see a string of Championship players plugging away on a pitch suited for rugby league. Holloway will look around and take a deep breath in and produce a broad, bubbly smile. For Holloway, this is home. He’s spent 28 years in football (13 as a manager) dreaming of being able to stand on the touchline as a Premier League manager and on August 14th, Holloway’s dream will become reality.

What he did last year begs belief. Holloway took a team of sub-average players and produced some mind-blowing attacking football, only failing to score in six games out of forty six. Holloway hired a squad made up of free transfers, loans and one marquee signing of £500,000 in Charlie Adam and unified them beautifully. He made the English press stand up and think that Holloway can actually manage teams successfully and is not just some Gloucestershire goofball who gives out iconic, yet idiotic quotes and is only good for maintaining survival.

The 47 year old has already said he will not change his ethos to attack and he will still set up his team to play free-flowing football against any opposition. Holloway said: “You won’t ever in my life in the Premier League, however long that may be, catch me standing toe to toe with someone as a boxer and just covering my face”.

‘Ollie’ also added: “I want to go to these big clubs and give them a good game but, whatever the score line, I’ll still be buzzing when we leave because I’m proud of my lads’ efforts”. The Kingswood-born gaffer has no fear. He’ll happily stand up against anybody and give out as much as he receives. Critics, including this writer, believe that Blackpool will not get into double figures and will perform worse than Derby County did in their ill-fated eleven point embarrassment in the 2007/08 season. However, Holloway has, jokingly, succumbed to the daunting challenge his team faces and said: “I was fuming at first when people said we wouldn’t get 10 points. But when I got the fixture list I said, ‘My God, where are we going to get 10 points from?’. The truth is, I can’t wait for the challenge. I’ve nothing to lose and that suits me better than having everything to lose.”

Frustration is starting to overcome Holloway, as he attempts to assemble a squad capable of challenging in the Premier League this season. He has a transfer list of around 40 players, he admits, but is having difficulty with the sudden trajectory of prices since Blackpool became a Premier League team. He exclaimed: “I feel like I’m a fella who was selling the Big Issue last week with my dog sat by me looking pretty hungry and I just picked up a winning Lottery ticket.” Producing another quote like that makes people laugh, but underneath the jovial exterior, you can see the annoyance from Holloway.

He has been used to scrimping and saving for players and carefully and astutely picking his targets, but with the Premier League status and money that is closely associated with Premier League teams, Holloway can’t bargain anymore. Holloway expects to have a few signings wrapped up in time for the first game with Mlada Boleslav midfielder Ludovic Sylvestre’s agent claiming his client is having a medical at Blackpool today. Other players rumoured with Blackpool are powerful striker Marlon Harewood and free agent Robert Koren.

Holloway has problems though. He has one scout, Billy Dearden, on his books and works with a backroom staff of four or five full time workers. Holloway recently sent Dearden to Hungary and it was the first time Dearden had ever been abroad, which shows the lack of experience within the Seasiders. Also, Holloway only has 17 players in his first team and will need to either draft in 8 new faces or bring up players from the youth team.

So, when Saturday comes, Holloway will be animated and lively as always from start to finish against Wigan, urging his boys on, feeling everything and through all the pain, heartache or triumph, he will still be in love with football and in love that he has a place at English football’s top table. However good or bad Ian Holloway’s season is going; he will always be buoyant and play his team with no fear. The rest of the Premier League can’t wait to see what comes at Bloomfield Road and neither can we.

Perennial Premier League powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester United meet at Wembley in the annual curtain raiser to the new season. Chelsea will be looking to repeat their success of last season’s Shield, when they defeated United on penalties. Chelsea’s domestic double of Premier League and F.A Cup meant that United’s place in the Community Shield is due to their second place finish last season.

Both teams have had a quiet summer. Chelsea have brought in new faces such as Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool and have just got the formalities to tie up in their pursuit of Brazilian international midfielder Ramires. The loss of Michael Ballack, Deco and Juliano Belletti somewhat lessens the squad age at Chelsea and should allow for some young blood to creep through this season for Carlo Ancelotti.

Man United have brought in two players in defender Chris Smalling from Fulham and Mexican international Javier Hernandez from Guadalajara. The only outgoings at Old Trafford are releasing of players and loans to various clubs for their young starlets such as Mame Biram Diouf to Blackburn.

Pre-season has been more productive for the 11 time Premier League champions than it has for the 3 time champions. Man United toured America, picking up two wins and two defeats with their young stars getting plenty of pitch time. They then ended the pre-season at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, thrashing a League of Ireland XI 7-1. Chelsea have won twice against domestic sides, but on their pre-season travels to Holland and Germany, they have been beaten three times and the defence has been blasted by the press and the fans for being frail and making too many mistakes.

For today’s Community Shield game, the Chelsea team has already been confirmed by Carlo Ancelotti and does not feature star goalkeeper Petr Cech, who is sidelined with a calf injury, or reigning Premier League golden boot striker Didier Drogba, who is on the bench. The confirmed starting XI is Hilario; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Kalou, Anelka, Malouda. Chelsea will line up in a four-three-three formation as usual.

Man United have yet to release their team, but Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are definite non-starters. It was rumoured that the Da Silva brothers and Michael Carrick would be out as well, but all three trained at Man United’s open training session at Old Trafford yesterday. My possible XI would have to be van der Sar; Neville, Vidic, Evans, Fabio; Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Nani; Berbatov, Hernandez. Man United should line up in a four-four-two formation.

My prediction for the game will be a 1-1 draw and the game heading to penalties for the third successive year. I think Man United will just edge it and win 5-4 on penalties. Whatever happens, it should be an explosive start to the season.

Fabregas has confirmed that Barcelona had tabled two bids for him, but both were rejected by Arsenal, who kept a firm not for sale stance on Fabregas throughout the summer. The midfielder issued a statement to the fans of Arsenal, after admitting he was seriously tempted to move to Spain and play for the La Liga champions.

Fabregas said: “Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment.” He also added that he had had many conversations with Arsene Wenger and understands that “it is Arsenal’s prerogative not to sell me.”

“I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal. I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about.”, Fabregas also said in his statement.

This news will be a massive relief for Arsenal fans, as they would definitely have struggled without their talismanic captain. However, Arsenal fans will be worried at where Fabregas’ head lies and whether or not this season will be his last in Arsenal team colours. Barcelona want their former player badly and I don’t think they will just stop now. I am fully expecting a bid next summer and if Arsenal do not win anything this year, expect Fabregas’ head to be turned again and he may jet off to Spain, leaving Arsenal in serious limbo.

Two seasons ago, Nani was hauled off at halftime in a lacklustre display against Tottenham. The Portuguese winger then watched his club come from 2 goals down to win 5-2 and keep their title charge alive. Fast forward to this summer and Nani has cemented his place as an exciting winger looking to emulate the large shoes of countryman Cristiano Ronaldo as the next United wideman. His performance against Arsenal in United’s 3-1 Premier League win last season really turned the screw for Nani and the Red Devils faithful saw the potential that Nani provides.

Nani himself is now finally convinced that the Red Devils fans have finally seen his true value. “I feel more confident in this club,” he said. “I realise where I am and I know I am doing well.” The wideman had a disappointing World Cup with Portugal as they were eliminated in the second round by eventual winners Spain. He is looking to put that disappointment behind him and improve on his performances last season. The winger said: “People saw a different player last season because I worked hard every day. I improved a lot but there is a lot to learn yet and I hope to start this season better than the last.”

Nani will look to play regularly in tandem with other electric winger Antonio Valencia and capture Nani’s third Premier League medal this season. If he produces the form he showed from Christmas onwards, he will be on the team sheet more often and could become a key player in United’s push to regain the title this season.

The executive chairman of Seymour Pierce, Keith Harris, believes that a bid from the Red Knights to buy Manchester United would be totally pointless, as the Glazer Family have no intention of selling.

The Red Knights are a consortium of wealthy businessmen, who were interested in buying Manchester United, but have had stalling points due to the club’s uneconomical, financial situation. The consortium are still commited to buying the club, but Harris, who is part of the Knights, does not believe any bid would make an impression.

“The message I thought came loud and clear from the current owners that they are not interested in selling it“, Harris said. “I’ve been around long enough in the trading business to know that for a trade to happen it requires a seller and a buyer who will meet. If the owner is not a seller and owns all of it and isn’t under pressure to sell it then there isn’t going to be a deal. Bids were tabled in the past and were declined. They obviously don’t feel under pressure or under desire to do it today.”

Harris is a die hard United fan, he openly admits, and would love to see his club become stable and financially powerful again. Although United attract millions of fans worlwide and their commercial revenue is still as powerful as ever, a portion of the money registered has to go to reducing the debt.

Recently, Harris came under public criticism by United chief executive, David Gill, over leaked news of the Red Knights’ bid for the club. Gill labelled Harris a publicity hound and Harris had the chance to respond to those allegations, but refused. “I wasn’t involved in the Red Knights going public. There was a reporter that got a wind of it. I don’t believe in these things going public until the right moment.“, Harris said. He also added that “personal assaults don’t have a place in business“, taking a subtle swipe at the United chief executive.

Whatever happens, it is going to take a long time to get Man United’s financial situation back to normal. With reported debts in excess of £800 million, the Glazers or potential new owners will have to pump money back into the club. This could take a huge number of years and English football will hope that the Old Trafford side do not follow the lines of Portsmouth and lower league clubs in plunging in finances and resulting in docked points and potential liquidation. Even if you hate United, it is a competitive league with them in it and they are, alongside Liverpool, one of the forerunners for European success and domestic dominance.

On his first official press conference as new Fulham boss, Mark Hughes lambasted his former employers, Manchester City, and aired out his frustrations about his short tenure at Eastlands.

Hughes was sacked last December and replaced by Roberto Mancini, who still failed to get City into the Champions League and had to settle for Europa League football. Hughes was asked whether he would have got City into the Champions League and he said, “Yes I would. I agreed to the targets at the beginning of the season, which was to get to sixth position. I agreed to that because I thought we could over-achieve. I thought fifth, possibly fourth was very, very achievable.“.

Hughes also ripped into the higher authority at Eastlands, saying he was keen to get back into direct management after some of his managerial powers were stripped off him at Man City. “On some occasions at City players were presented to me which I didn’t really have a direct input on. But if you get a call and someone says ‘Would you like Robinho?’ then, as a manager, I have to say ‘Yes I would’. Whether a situation like that was correct in terms of timing, that’s open to debate“.

Hughes has definitely lit the fire with his former employers and it will be interesting to hear what City officials have to say on the matter. For now, Hughes is keen to concentrate on his new side and his priorities must be to bring in a new striker, he openly admits. Bobby Zamora only scored 8 goals last season and was the top scorer. Hughes will also look to fend off the interest of Arsenal and maintain star ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer.

Premier League transfer target moves to La Liga

Germany’s World Cup star Sami Khedira has moved from Stuttgart to Spanish Giants Real Madrid on a five year deal. Madrid sealed an undisclosed fee with Stuttgart for the 23 year old on Friday. Khedira is the third summer signing for new boss Jose Mourinho, following the captures of wingers Angel di Maria from Benfica and Pedro Leon from Getafe.

Khedira impressed the footballing world with his play alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mezut Ozil in the three man German central midfield and a host of clubs were looking for the midfielder. Mourinho got his man and expect him to protect a Madrid defence that looked unbelievably shaky last season. Khedira will add the bite and determination that Los Merengues have missed for a long time, back to when Ivan Helguera regularly played in the side.

I still feel Mourinho needs to dip into the pockets of president Florentino Perez and come up with some defenders to partner the world class exploits of Sergio Ramos. Mourinho will also look to buy a striker for Gonzalo Higuain to play off and if he can capture these assets, he should have a lethal squad to barge into the new season with and recapture the glories of past times.

Ex-Arsenal hitman Thierry Henry has switched to the MLS to play with the New York Red Bulls from Barcelona on a multi year contract. The 32 year old has become out of favour at the Nou Camp and makes the switch to America after three years at Barcelona.

A statement from the Red Bulls said Henry was expected to make his debut on 22nd July against Tottenham at Red Bull Arena for the Barclays New York Challenge.

Henry said, “This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life. It is an honour to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team’s history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship. Knowing Red Bull’s significant commitment to soccer locally and internationally, I am confident that my team-mates and I will succeed.”

Erik Soler, Red Bull New York general manager and sporting director, said: “Thierry is not only a world-class player who will undoubtedly improve our squad, but he has shown most importantly throughout his career that he is a winner. He has made it clear to us that he is committed in the short and long term to help in our vision of making our organisation the premium franchise in Major League Soccer.”

Henry’s move to New York is understandable, given the rise in football over in America. Beckham plays in America, the performances of the American national team and the constant media swirl about Ronaldinho’s potential move to LA Galaxy to play alongside Beckham gives more advantages to moving to America. Henry, at 32, is falling out of favour at Barcelona and with the French squad, so he will probably spend his twilight years at Red Bulls, much like Best, Pele and now Beckham before him spent theirs in the MLS.

Inter Milan bad boy Mario Balotelli is happy to be rumoured with a move to Manchester, after interest from both Man United and Man City. The 19 year old is one of Italy’s hottest prospects, but after disciplinary troubles at the Serie A champions, Balotelli is being shown the exit door.

Balotelli’s agent has said that both City and United have expressed an interest in his client and he was happy that Sir Alex Ferguson has considered him as a potential signing.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini coached Balotelli, when Mancini was manager of Inter. “He’s a really great coach. I debuted in Serie A with him, because he is a great friend”, Balotelli said. Mancini may have a chance at capturing the Italian, because Balotelli knows the City boss’ coaching methods and the way Mancini works. Balotelli would also have the chance to play upfront with Edin Dzeko, if the Bosnian’s rumoured deal with Man City is confirmed. Dzeko is keen to move to Eastlands and Balotelli would love to play alongside the Wolfsburg star.

Sir Alex Ferguson is also in the race and you cannot rule out Ferguson in the transfer market. He plucked Roy Keane out of the hands of Blackburn Rovers in 1992 and might just do the same to his Manchester rivals with the Palermo-born striker. Balotelli has tons of praise for the Manchester United manager, saying “If Ferguson wants me, it means I’m not as bad as I thought”. Balotelli also said that he thought United were “a great club and they have not seen the real Balotelli. I need to learn and acheive more goals”.

Whoever gets Balotelli will have to put up with his troublesome habits and his ego. Balotelli has been quoted as saying he wants to win the Ballon D’Or in 2011, so he has no lack of confidence. There’s no doubt that he has the talent, but it is whether he can produce the goods in English football or whether he will flounder, like so many before him. Whichever club he goes to, they are getting a potential star, there’s no question about that.

When Iker Casillas raised the World Cup high in the Johannesburg sky and the streamers and cheers rocketed around the Soccer City Stadium, the English public set down their suppers and dug out the replica shirts and scarfs they had hidden away for a month and anticipated pre-season.

The trips to League 2 clubs on cold nights to see the fitness of a few reserve team players is a daunting trip for followers of most Premiership sides. Pre-season games either produce shock 1-0 wins for the minnows or produce a thumping from the Premier League outfit. The only thing that makes games like these easy to get through is the prospect that once they are all over, you can settle in to the excitement of the Premier League.

There was a time when there were only two teams who had a chance of winning the league. It used to be a straight shootout between Man United and Arsenal with the outside bet being a team who had a particularly good year, usually Newcastle or Chelsea or Liverpool. This year, there are still four teams who can make a definite push for the title this season, or so I believe.

The first main contenders are the reigning champions from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will be looking to follow up his first English title with an immediate second. He has the arsenal to do it with strike partnership Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka and if Frank Lampard can find his club form back, Chelsea will be in good stead. The defence is always there with the bravery of John Terry, the adventure of Ashley Cole and the ever-improving Branislav Ivanovic. The only concern is the apparent departure of Ricardo Carvalho to Inter Milan and who will partner John Terry in the centre of the Chelsea defence. Alex may be the man, but he looks shaky at times and Ancelotti may have to recruit. Also, Chelsea have an ageing squad and the creaky bones may start to give way through the season, unless some new depth and talent is brought in to freshen up the squad.

The next shout is Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson hates to lose and he will make sure that the hunger and desire is in the squad for this season. The Red Devils narrowly missed out on the title last season and the cessation of rumours about a Nemanja Vidic departure from Old Trafford will settle the fans. Ferdinand and Vidic together is a defensive partnership that will strike fear into any forward’s mind. A downpoint for United is Wayne Rooney’s poor World Cup performances. If he maintains that form and plays like that for his club, Man United will again fall short. They have to rely on their Croxteth creator and pray he finds his goal touch.

Arsenal will be there as always. With the creative inspiration that Cesc Fabregas holds, if he stays at Arsenal and doesn’t jump ship to Barcelona, and the star qualities of Robin van Persie, Arsene Wenger’s side will thrill fans with their passing and their electrifying brand of ‘Total Football’. New signing Laurent Koscielny will add some much needed bite alongside Belgian Thomas Vermaelen and an ever improving Alex Song will hope to anchor the defence and allow the excitement of Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri to do the work. The disadvantages Arsenal face are Wenger’s lack of depth and his side’s lack of experience. Arsenal always seem to crumble towards the end of the season and if Wenger can address these problems, I don’t see why his side can’t heavily challenge.

No-one’s going to rule out the noisy neighbours. Man City are making their financial pulling power felt across the world with the acquisitions of David Silva, Jerome Boateng and Yaya Toure with more rumoured to be on the way e.g. Torres, Balotelli, Milner. They improved a lot last season, pushing all the way to fifth place, missing out on fourth by a Peter Crouch tap in on the penultimate game of the season. At home, they are a danger, losing only twice all season at Eastlands. It is the away form of City that’s worrying and something boss Roberto Mancini needs to address. He also needs to address the constant media storm that whirls around his players. If he can get them to focus entirely on the football and not the transfer mill that’s set up at the City of Manchester Stadium, their brand of attacking football will frighten the Premiership and make everyone sit up and take notice.

Other teams that could have a chance would be Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa. Realistically, Liverpool’s club instability will ruin them, Tottenham will have too much to deal with, due to the Champions League preparation, and Aston Villa always fall away, after promising starts. All I know is that this season looks to be exciting and I, for one, can’t wait for August 14th. Settle into your seats, football fans, it’s going to be a topsy-turvy 9 months.

My Top 8 prediction:
1- Chelsea
2- Man United
3- Man City
4- Arsenal
5- Tottenham
6- Liverpool
7- Aston Villa
8- Everton

UEFA president Michel Platini has been released from hospital and is expected to attend tomorrow’s World Cup final between Spain and Holland in Johannesburg. Platini was taken to hospital on Friday night, after collapsing in a restaurant. Early reports indicated a heart attack was the cause for Platini’s collapse, but he had actually been suffering from the flu for a few days.

He underwent tests, which revealed no problems, and the French footballing legend is out of hospital. A joint statement from FIFA and UEFA said, “Michel Platini, UEFA president, was released at 9am this morning from the hospital in Johannesburg, where he was admitted after feeling unwell”.

UEFA advisor William Gallard said that the 55 year old’s condition was not a worrying concern. “I am here in London, but I talked to the assistant who was with him and it seems it is just fainting. I have been told not to worry, there is nothing serious”, quoted Gallard.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that Owen Hargreaves will miss the start of the upcoming season, due to another setback in his long running battle with his knee problems. The midfielder has to fly out to America to see knee specialist Dr. Richard Steadman. The 29 year old was due to fly to Chicago to be with his Man United team mates on their summer tour of America, but he will stay in the hands of Dr. Steadman to see if he can overcome another injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV, “He will not be ready for the start of the season. I do not know when he will be back”. On other injury news from the Old Trafford team, Ferguson is unsure whether Rio Ferdinand will be ready for the season opener against Newcastle and the Man United boss thinks that Nani, Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen will be back for the start of the season.

Man United’s patience must be heavily tested with the constant injury worries of Hargreaves though. Hargreaves joined United from Bayern Munich for around £17 million pounds in the summer of 2007 and had a successful first season. Knee injuries have hampered his progress and he has been out with injuries for a total of 20 months, before his appearance in the last minute against Sunderland on the penultimate game of last season. When Hargreaves plays, he is combative, rugged and has a sweet right foot which he can pass and shoot effectively with. He also has flexibility in the positions he can play and played magnificently in Manchester United’s Champions League final success over Chelsea in 2008.

However, these injuries must have annoyed the board and I can see why. It isn’t Hargreaves fault that he has the injuries, but the board wouldn’t be happy on splashing out £17 million on a player who, regardless of the talent he has, is constantly injured and is eating up wages at Old Trafford without performances to show. Again, this isn’t Hargreaves fault and it must be frustrating preparing for a comeback that is always out of reach. If the injuries persist, Hargreaves would be better suited to working for his coaching badges and retiring from football, just like fellow 29 year old Harry Ellis has done from rugby union. The injuries have affected a player, who had remarkable talent and could have been a star.

In the current headlines, crazed madman Raoul Moat has been the cause of a major police hunt in Northumbria. A different RM is copying the Metropolitan Police by hunting for something, only this time, Roberto Mancini is on the hunt to bring success to the City of Manchester Stadium for the first time in 34 years.

Mancini has indicated that the Eastlands side have not finished with their summer spending and are in the pursuit of trophies. City’s fifth placed finish in the Premier League meant that they missed out on a Champions League place for this coming season. Mancini has his first pre-season and summer transfer window at the club and looks like he means business with Sheikh Mansour’s money, purchasing Yaya Toure from Barcelona, David Silva from Valencia and Jerome Boateng from Hamburg. However, the former Inter Milan manager hasn’t finished and is preparing to go back to his former side and take troublemaker Mario Balotelli off chairman Massimo Moratti’s hands.

Mancini told Manchester City’s official website that he was excited for the coming season and believes “we have a squad for success, and our supporters deserve this”. The Italian is pleased with his additions and has exclaimed that, “Silva and Boateng are very young, a great investment for the club. And Yaya has fantastic experience with Barcelona, where he won a lot of trophies”.

Confidence is the key word, when talking about Man City. They have young players, who have charisma and the ability to woo the City faithful. They are looking to progress one further than their 5th placed finish and their semi-final appearance in the Carling Cup. If they continue to strengthen and prise their key targets they have been rumoured to be buying, they could pose a real threat to the top three and have a real chance of being title contenders. This would only happen, if they fused all their players together and made them work well as a team. If, like last season, there is too much conflict and competition for places, they could only just miss out, again, on trophy chances.

It will be interesting to see what can be acheived at Eastlands and picking up opening fixture victories against Spurs and Liverpool in the first two games will set the tone for the rest of the season. As most people on the red half of Manchester have feared since the Sheikh’s takeover, the blue moon is rising and Manchester United will be anticipating the fixture on November 10th to see if they can contribute to the fall. If City beat United in that nighttime kick off, United will definitely sit up and take notice of their “noisy neighbours”.

20 year old midfielder Dan Gosling has left Everton on a free transfer, after rejecting a new deal offered by the club. Everton are not entitled to a fee for the midfielder, so any club interested in the England under 21 star will just have to agree a contract with him.

Everton had thought that Gosling was ready to accept their improved deal, which the club said was a generous one, but Gosling wanted improved chances of first team football and felt that Everton could not offer him that in his preferred role of central midfield. The midfielder made 22 appearances for the Toffees, since joining the club from Plymouth Argyle in January 2008.

Everton are, supposedly, deeply disappointed with Gosling leaving, especially since they have spent four months rehabilitating him from his knee ligament injury suffered against Wolves in the Premier League last season. Newly promoted Newcastle United and West Ham are said to be interested, even though Gosling has four months to go, before he is fit to play football again.

Everton have every right to be frustrated. For one, they lose out on a top class player who, given time and experience, will become a quality midfielder and a potential England international. Also, they receive no money from the move, because Everton chairman Bill Kenwright failed to give an offer in writing in time for the Toffees to go to a tribunal. Dan Gosling was not under contract when he left, so they can’t get the reported £4 million compensation they were expected to receive.

Gosling has been shallow and a spoilt baby in this deal, with his high demands for first team football, despite his age, inexperience in the Premier League and the fact that he has three or four international midfielders vying with him for his midfield place at Everton. Gosling should respect his employers and continue to grow under one of the most impressive managers in the Premier League in David Moyes. Unless Gosling can find a club that can challenge as well as Everton challenge and allow a 20 year old to play regularly in the first team, he will look back on his departure from Goodison Park as a horrible mistake.

24 year old French defender Laurent Koscielny has sealed a switch from Lorient to Arsenal on an undisclosed fee. The centre back has agreed a ‘long term deal’, but there has been no news on how long his contract is.

Koscielny has been brought in to try and shore up Arsenal’s defence and is seen as an ideal replacement for William Gallas and Sol Campbell, after the defenders were not offered new deals by the North London club. Wenger told the Arsenal club website, “We identified him as a strong centre half, who has made big progress very quickly. He has shown he is mentally strong, he is a fighter and a very strong competitor”.

Although French born, uncapped Koscielny qualifies to play for Poland or France, depending on which way he chooses. Koscielny will wear the number 6 shirt and is expected to make his first appearance in the Emirates Cup on the weekend beginning 31st July, where the Gunners compete with Celtic, AC Milan and Lyon for the trophy.

Koscielny is relatively unknown, but looks like a good player. He helped guide Lorient to a seven placed finish in Ligue 1 last season and looked defensively solid in a team that recorded their highest ever finish in the top league in France. Koscielny is strong and has already boldly claimed that he will help solve Arsenal’s defensive problems. If he settles in quickly, I think there’s no reason why him and Thomas Vermaelen should be a good partnership and would shore up Arsenal to help them push for league glory. If captain Cesc Fabregas stays and new striker Marouane Chamakh settles in well and scores regularly, I don’t see no reason why Arsenal can’t push for the title.

Wesley Sneijder has been one of the most impressive players at the World Cup in South Africa, with his performances putting Holland into the World Cup final for the first time since 1978. Now, Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has announced that Manchester United have been in touch with a serious interest in the 26 year old playmaker.

The Holland international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, after a successful World Cup and a domestic season which saw him lift the treble with Inter Milan. New Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez will not want to lose his prize asset, but Moratti insists that even if Inter don’t want to sell, it does not mean Manchester United are not hot on the trail.

Moratti said, “The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real.” However, Moratti maintained that he wanted to keep Sneijder and the Dutchman’s agent, Soren Lerby, confirmed that Wesley is ready to stay with Inter until 2015. Lerby said, “After the World Cup, we will go to Milan, we will sit around a table with the officials”.

Time will tell whether Sneijder fancies a move to the Premier League or not. He is adored by the Nerazzuri and they will not want him to leave, as he is the linchpin to Inter’s success. Without Sneijder, they do not have the dynamic he possesses and the ability he has to change games in an instant e.g. his defence-splitting ball to Samuel Eto’o to put Chelsea out of the Champions League last season. Without Sneijder, they don’t have the link-up to star striker Diego Milito and no Milito means no goals. No goals means no title and that is something the Inter Milan players, fans and everyone connected with the club crave.

If Sneijder came to the Premiership, he would have the chance to link up with Wayne Rooney and that partnership is one that should strike fear into opposing defender’s hearts, if Rooney can regain the form that saw him score 34 goals in total last season. I believe Sneijder would fancy a move to the Premiership, as he plays with the 23 man Holland squad containing 5 current Premiership players and 4 past Premiership players. Names and sums are being banded about, but when the smoke clears, expect Sneijder to stand prominent… at Inter Milan. He won’t leave and he will settle nicely into iconic status at the San Siro.

Barcelona splashed out on David Villa already this summer, tempting the hotshot Spaniard into the Camp Nou for £34.2 million. However, new president Sandro Rosell hasn’t finished there and he now plans a raid on Arsenal’s captain Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas was on the Barca books until the age of 16, when he left to join the Gunners. Barcelona now want him back and are very keen to recruit Cesc, despite having a £30 million bid turned down for the Arsenal man. Rosell will not be submitted to Arsenal demands and has said that even though “the whole world knows he wants to come”, he will not be held to a £50 million ransom.

Rosell is content to splash out between £35-40 million for Fabregas and believes that because of the heavy public glare these rumours have produced, the price tag is going to raise. The new Barca president said, “It’s a topic that has become so public and that’s the worst thing you can do… it makes the selling club raise the expectations and you end up paying over the odds”.

It has been reported that Barcelona chief Pep Guardiola recently took a trip to the Spain squad’s base in South Africa to see his Barcelona players and how they were shaping up. It seems very suspicious that a club manager would take a trip to an international base to check up on his players, especially in the era of e-mail and the mobile phone. There’s no doubt that if Guardiola did make the trip, talks between him and Fabregas would have definitely taken place.

The question is, where does Fabregas’ heart lie? Does he long to go back to Catalunya and play for his boyhood club, or does he want to stay in North London and spearhead Arsenal’s charge for a first league title since the 2003-04 team, which went through the entire campaign undefeated? If Fabregas went to Barcelona, he would not be in the starting line up. Fact. He doesn’t start for Spain behind a triple midfield contingent of Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta. Where do they all play? The Camp Nou. He won’t start and I don’t think Fabregas is the type of player, who is happy to come off the bench, pick up appearances to contribute towards a medal, yet not play a role in the season. That’s not who Fabregas is. If Barcelona can promise Fabregas a first team slot week in and week out, he’ll be on the plane quicker than Sandro Rosell can write out the cheque for his services.

Fabregas could stay at Arsenal, but it doesn’t look like they’re going to win anything until Arsene Wenger changes his transfer policy of holding out for the cheap bargains, the veterans and bringing, from the youth system, very young players and attempting to mould them into stars. You can see Fabregas is getting frustrated and that frustration might tip him to move back to Barca and challenge on a domestic and world front with relative ease. I think he’ll stay at Arsenal, but if he does, will his mind be right for them to rely on him? One thing’s for sure, I can’t wait to see the outcome.

The former police officer from Rotherham, Howard Webb, has been one of 10 referees detained in South Africa by FIFA, so they can decide which officiating team will be part of the World Cup final. Webb and his two officials, Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey, have been kept in South Africa and are awaiting FIFA’s decision. Two of Webb’s main rivals for the final, Uzbekistan’s Ravshan Irmatov and Hungary’s Viktor Kassai, will officiate the semi-finals between Uruguay vs Holland and Spain vs Germany. This gives Webb a distinct advantage, as refereeing a semi-final genuinely means that the referees in question would miss out on final consideration.

Webb and his colleagues haven’t put a foot wrong in the tournament so far. His assistant Darren Cann correctly ruled out a Fabio Quagliarella goal vs Slovakia in the group stages and his other assistant Michael Mullarkey was praised for allowing Luis Fabiano’s goal against Chile in the second round to stand. Webb, himself, has been authoritative and dominant in the ties he has officiated and has proven why he is England’s number one referee and why he is given the big fixtures in the Premier League.

Ominous signs for Webb are the fact that three European teams are in the final four and FIFA may tip for a South American referee, should Uruguay miss out on the final. If Uruguay get to the final, Webb is automatically ruled out, because of the Frank Lampard goal against Germany being disallowed by a Uruguayan line official. Webb, and the whole of his hometown of Rotherham, will be praying for a Holland triumph, so that Howard Webb’s chance is still alive.

Personally, I think that Webb would make a great final referee. He is strong and well-built to pose an intimidating figure to the players. He allows the game to flow freely, but spots fouls quickly and deals with them professionally and concisely. Webb refereed the Champions League final 2010 between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich and dealt with that perfectly well, so why shouldn’t he deal with the World Cup final? Only FIFA will know if Webb will represent England in the final and be the first Englishman since Jack Taylor in 1974 to officiate a World Cup final. Good luck Howard, I’m sure you’ll do a stellar job and let’s put English officiating back on the world map.

At the start of the World Cup, if anybody had pitted these two together at the semi-final stage, you would have been severely down in most people’s estimations. The Uruguayans were tipped to finish third behind perennial powerhouses France and the hosts South Africa, so they wouldn’t have had the chance to take on Holland. Nobody’s laughing at the Uruguayans now.

Oscar Tabarez’s side have roared through the group stages with impressive victories in the group stages against South Africa and fellow qualifiers Mexico. They also passed South Korea with flying colours and overcame a tough battle against the only remaining African side at the time, Ghana, in the quarter finals. They are evoking memories of the 1930’s and 1950’s to their followers and the whole of South America is pleading for their progress, since their two main hopes in Brazil and Argentina wilted pitifully against Germany and Uruguay’s next opponents, The Netherlands.

The form of Luis Suarez has been a hot topic in this World Cup and he has been at the head of rumours of a transfer to Manchester United. He will miss the semi-final, however, thanks to his highly controversial handball in the quarter final. If Uruguay beat Holland, Suarez will be back for the final, having received a one game ban from Fifa, which I believe is slightly unfair. Other injuries in the squad include the injury doubt of the skipper, Diego Lugano, and the broken foot of midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro. Key defender Jorge Fucile is also out, which puts a high amount of pressure on Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlan.

Uruguay’s opponents, Holland, have had a pretty seamless pass to the quarter finals. They waltzed through the group stages with under-par performances and a second round performance, which didn’t show as much from Holland as they showed in the qualifying for this tournament. Brazil posed a further test, but Holland battled through, thanks largely to one of the men of the tournament, Wesley Sneijder. The 26 year old Inter Milan midfielder had a fantastic year, leading into the World Cup and has continued his rich vein of form, scoring the decisive winner against Brazil.

The Dutch boss, Bert van Maarwijk, has been criticised for not playing the “Total Oranje” style of football, but you cannot argue with the results he is producing. Holland have been boosted by star striker, Robin van Persie, declaring himself fit to face the Uruguayans after a scan revealed his left elbow wasn’t as badly hurt as first seemed. Defender Joris Mathijsen is available after his knee problem, so there are no injury worries for Holland to face, but fullback Gregory van der Wiel and defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong are both suspended.

van Maarwijk has concocted a side that hasn’t lost since September 2008 in a friendly against Australia and don’t expect that record to subside on Tuesday night. I think that the Netherlands will be too strong for the Uruguayans, because of their vast record in international competitions and Luis Suarez is going to be a big miss for Uruguay, because of his physical presence and goals. Holland will run the show and I’m predicting a 3-1 Holland win in normal time. I’d love to see an underdog provide an upset, but the suspensions and injuries have destroyed La Celeste’s chances of their first final since 1950. Holland for the win and South America to break down in tears.

Controversial World Cup star Luis Suarez has hinted that he will have to leave Ajax if Premier League giants Manchester United come calling. The 23 year old, who misses his country’s vital semifinal with the Netherlands, thanks to his handball against Ghana in the quarter final, has scored an extremely impressive 49 goals in 48 games for the Dutch giants.

Suarez said that despite being happy at Ajax, he believed that an offer from Manchester United would be too good to refuse. Speaking about the elite clubs of Barcelona and Manchester United, the Uruguayan said, “If they call, you listen. I would only leave Ajax for a team in that category.”

Sir Alex Ferguson’s plate is loaded with options in attack at the moment, with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, Federico Macheda and new boy Javier Hernandez all vying for places at the Theatre of Dreams. Not only Suarez, but fellow South American striker Luis Fabiano has staked a claim to play for United.

I think the only way Sir Alex will sign Suarez is if he is prepared to sell Dimitar Berbatov. At recent times of adversity, the Manchester United manager has stuck by his misfiring forward. However, he has given Berbatov enough chances to prove himself and the Bulgarian hasn’t cut the grade at Old Trafford. If Berbatov is sold this summer, expect Suarez to be swiftly drafted in. All Manchester United fans will hope that he doesn’t follow his Uruguayan friend Diego Forlan in arriving and producing a dismal 10 goals in 63 first team appearances, like “Diego Forlorn” did.

If Suarez doesn’t go to Old Trafford, then Ferguson will not purchase Fabiano. Fabiano is closing in on 30 and as illustrated in the past, Sir Alex likes to buy youthful players and mould them into greatness e.g. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Ferguson looks like he isn’t interested in Suarez, but you never know, he might be hiding all the negotiations under that chewing face of his and we might see something happen once the World Cup is over. Watch this space.

Hearing the surname “Muller” in association with German football automatically creates imagery of the legendary German striker Gerd. German football followers expect him to play with the same prowess and quality that “Der Bomber” oozed in the ’60s and ’70s. How Thomas has delivered.

With only 7 full international caps to his name, this Bavarian native has exploded into the World Cup and has scored four goals in this World Cup, including two clinical finishes to kill England’s hopes of a comeback in the second round, 4-1 mauling by Germany.

Louis van Gaal had faith in Muller at Bayern Munich this season, playing him on the right side of a 4-5-1 formation which saw them win a tremendous double and reach the Champions league final with a contribution of 13 goals from the German number 13.

However, Muller offers more than just goals. Apart from his knack for scoring, he contains pace, vision and exceptional versatility with the ability to play on both flanks for club and country. His progress has been exceptional, as he only signed his first professional contract in February 2009 and now, is playing a vital role in the World Cup as Germany look to progress pass Spain to the final. Muller will be suspended for that game and his presence will be missed by the Germans, who will have to compensate his absence with Piotr Trochowski on the right side, who is smaller than Muller and has a yard or so less pace. Expect Muller to be back for the final (if Germany get there) and expect him to be in the team of the tournament. If he isn’t, it’s a travesty, because as the title shows, he is truly terrific.

As the World Cup draws to its conclusion and the sun sets on South Africa, the Premier League owners will be opening their chequebooks, pulling out their pens and scribbling down fees to prize some of world football’s hottest talents to the glitz and glamour of England. There have been many stars of this World Cup in 2010 and the question is, how many of them are ready for the big time?

The first target comes from Germany. Mesut Oezil’s pace, precision and all-round attacking prowess makes him a top target for any team. In Germany’s first group game against Australia, he completely destroyed them with his link up play and his movement. His bullet volley against Ghana and the fact that he made Gareth Barry look like a League One slugger further enhanced his glowing reputation. Expect him on a flight to England as soon as the World Cup concludes and signing on the dotted line at either Chelsea or Manchester City.

Next up is Milos Krasic. The CSKA Moscow and Serbian star wideman has impressed with his skill and crossing ability in the tournament, as Serbia were eliminated. He contributed the cross for the Serbian winner against Germany in the group stages and tormented and teased the left backs from Ghana and Australia. The 25 year old has been linked with Manchester United, since his performances against the club in the Champions League. Krasic himself has said he would love a move to Juventus, but that deal is not finalised so he is still a wanted man by United and also, Manchester City.

The other main talking point was the form of Danish central defender Simon Kjaer. The Palermo defender has been the talk of so much speculation recently after some highly impressive performances in the tournament. Kjaer is only 21 and has a huge future ahead of him, which would be further enhanced if he made the rumoured switch to Old Trafford, where Sir Alex Ferguson also holds the keys to one of the World Cup’s hottest strikers, Javier Hernandez.

Other honorable mentions should go to Holland right back Gregory van der Wiel for his attacking prowess in the Holland side’s run, Slovenian midfielder Valter Birsa for his ingenuity and guile in a poor Slovenian side and hardman Mexican left back Carlos Salcido, who after four years of graft in the PSV side, finally gets the recognition he deserves. I would expect a lot of World Cup talent to sign on the dotted line of an English team and they would be worthy additions to any club looking to maintain their European status or push up into the European places. Look out for these players at a club near you!

(Angeleri is in the red and white strip)

Sunderland expect to complete the purchase of Estudiantes right-back Marcos Angeleri for a cool £1.5 million. The finer details of the deal are going to be fulfilled over the weekend and the Argentinian is relishing the prospect of the Premiership. This is manager Steve Bruce’s fourth signing of the summer, following the deals for Cristian Riveros, Simon Mignolet and the recent year long loan signing of Eygptian international Ahmed Al-Muhammadi.

The 27-year old Angeleri said to Argentinian media, “I am leaving to search for new horizons and progress in England. It was Sunderland’s proposal that convinced me the most. The club interested me, along with the chance of playing in the Premier League.”

Angeleri was only just overlooked for the Argentinian World Cup squad by head coach Diego Maradona and is noted for his aggression as a defender and his solid play as a wingback. He will be a vital addition to Steve Bruce’s squad, as they attempt to push themselves into European positions in the forthcoming season. Once again, Bruce isn’t scared to spend American owner Ellis Short’s money and expect more moves, as Bruce assembles his squad for the clash with Birmingham City on the opening day of the season.

Angeleri has promised the fans of Estudiantes that he will return, quoting that “Estudiantes is my second home. Perhaps I will return to Estudiantes as a player, as a worker of the club, or as a visitor, but I am always going to return”. This shouldn’t be worrying for the Mackem fans, as I expect Angeleri to stay for a while and settle himself into that right back spot.

Premier League champions Chelsea have recruited Israeli international midfielder Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool on a three year deal rumoured to be in the region of £5 million pounds.

Benayoun spent three years at the Merseyside club, having previously been with West Ham and Spanish club Racing Santander. On his move, Benayoun said, “I am very excited to come to a club like Chelsea, it is a big club and I think it is a dream for every player. Hopefully, we will be successful”.

Carlo Ancelotti is thrilled with the signing of Benayoun, as it bolsters his attacking options for the new season, following the release of Joe Cole and Michael Ballack. Ancelotti said, “Yossi has a lot of quality in midfield and can play in lots of positions. I like his behaviour on the pitch and he will do a great job for us next season.”

Benayoun made 172 appearances for the Reds and scored 37 goals. His time was heavily influenced by substitute appearances and he didn’t get a consistent run in the team under former manager Rafael Benitez. A spokesman for Liverpool F.C. quoted, “Everybody at Liverpool F.C. wishes him well for the future”.

In my opinion, this is an extremely good bit of business by Carlo Ancelotti, as he looks to retain the Premier League title. Benayoun is, in many ways, similar to Joe Cole in the way he can unlock defences and create play to supply Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. I think new manager Roy Hodgson will be extremely disappointed at the sale, because he would have loved to play Benayoun as a link-man alongside Steven Gerrard to Fernando Torres. Chelsea will now be dining at the top two table of English football, whilst Liverpool will have to live with the wide threat of Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and Maxi Rodriguez as they try to regain their Champions League status.

Six foot three inch Ivorian central midfielder Yaya Toure has joined big Premier League spenders Manchester City on a five year deal from European club giants Barcelona. Toure joins older brother Kolo in the Eastlands setup and his signing pushes City’s spending to over £60 million pounds following the earlier captures of Hamburg and Germany international left back Jerome Boateng and ex-Valencia starlet David Silva.

The Ivory Coast international has joined City for a fee of around £27.5million, after three highly successful years with the Catalan giants, where Yaya won the La Liga twice and the Copa Del Rey. He also played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s Champions League Final success in 2009.

City chief Roberto Mancini told the club’s official website that Yaya Toure is “a another fantastic signing for Manchester City, and I am very pleased Yaya has joined us, he is a very good player.” He also added that he believes Toure’s “experience and ability will be very important for us.”

Toure will have competition for places at the City of Manchester Stadium, with Nigel De Jong, Gareth Barry, Stephen Ireland and Patrick Vieira all fighting to occupy the central midfield roles at the Abu Dhabi owned club. Expect more deals to pass through the chequebooks at the City of Manchester Stadium, as Roberto Mancini looks to strengthen his squad ahead of their forthcoming Europa League campaign, in which Toure will look to play a prominent and key role.

The question now on everybody’s lips is can the introduction of Toure help them win the Premier League, like so many City fans have been dreaming of since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi billionaires? In my opinion, no it can’t. The introduction of Nigel De Jong in the previous summer transfer window was supposed to have the same impact that Toure is stirring and City still finished outside the Champions League positions. They have done a shrewd piece of business by recruiting David Silva, as he will give the attacking flair and ingenuity that Manchester City have missed since the days of Georgi Kinkladze at Maine Road, but the signing of Toure shows their transfer market inexperience.

Yet again, Manchester City have wielded their financial muscles, without thinking of the club consequences. This move guarantees the exit door for Stephen Ireland and losing him is a massive blow to the club, as he is adored by the fans and I enjoy the way he plays and the variety he brings to City’s way of play. This signing also leaves either De Jong or Gareth Barry sitting on the bench, and with both of them progressing through the group stages of the World Cup with Holland and England respectively, they will feel they deserve a better chance than a midfielder who spent most of his time playing as a makeshift, although readily able, central defender. City will not want to lose the bite and feistiness that Barry and De Jong supplied in spades last season.

I understand the move on Toure’s behalf, as he wants first-team football at a rapidly growing football club both on the pitch and off. However, the conflict in midfield will again derail City and the fact that Mancini will have to juggle three top quality defensive midfielders into a team full of attacking flair from Tevez, Silva and Wright-Phillips will contribute to a low team morale and ultimately end up in another trophyless season and another Thursday night, Channel 5 job for the Manchester side. Whatever happens, City will make for interesting viewing when August comes.

With another FA Cup final, three games remaining on the Premier League fixture list and one point between Chelsea and second placed Manchester United, it may be a little premature for the Blue’s management and players to think about summer transfers.  Mercifully, as pundits and fans, we do not have to play Liverpool with the additional worry of the reigning champions snapping behind us, and can afford ourselves this idle speculation.

With an ageing but still potent team, Chelsea should only look to replace one member of the starting eleven – Michael Ballack.  The German captain has played plenty this season, but has routinely looked average and tired when on the pitch.  While he is still a fine midfielder, he should no longer claim a starting berth over Lampard, Essien or Mikel.  The reasons for this are simple.  He doesn’t bring the athletic dynamism of the Ghanian, the assists and goal return of the Englishman, or the youth and adequate defensive shielding of the Nigerian.

Essentially he is an old utility midfielder, a player who can be trusted to make the right pass but who can no longer run for ninety minutes, a player with an ego that demands stroking but increasingly, doesn’t deserve it.
But Chelsea have an excellent replacement ready should Bayern Munich prove to be willing bartering partners.

In Bastian Schweinsteiger, the Blues have a flexible player able to take on almost any role in the midfield position, much like his international Captain Ballack used to be able to provide.

“Schweini” could star as a direct replacement for Die Mannschaft captain in the central role, especially given his excellence in this position for his Bavarian club this campaign.  He has displayed both the ability to spread the ball around and to work very hard to win the ball back for his side.  But his abilities and uses are far greater than just being a hard working trooper, a man willing to run down opponents and lay off passes to the creative attacking types.

He can also function as a wide midfielder, and though lacking the pace and intricate dribbling associated with natural wingers like his teammate Arjen Robben, Schweinsteiger can put in enough accurate crosses to force any defense to adjust to this menace.

With Flourent Malouda, Ashley Cole and Yuri Zhirkov wreaking havoc on the left, Chelsea’s right has appeared tame.  Branislav Ivanovic can be counted on for a couple of good crosses per game on top of his usual solid defending, but the right just does not have the same threat for the Blues that the opposite side carries.  The right wingers in the Blues’ 4-3-3 – Anelka or Joe Cole or Solomon Kalou – are not as naturally suited to this role like Malouda is on the left and thus, the wide right attacks suffer.

Adding the German international to the right would improve Chelsea’s options in attack and force any opposition to consider how to contain both flanks equally.  A tactical change to a 4-4-2 to include both Anelka as a pure striker and Schweinsteiger’s wide play would certainly give pause to anyone in Europe.

But, as mentioned earlier, Schweinsteiger has become one of Europe’s top central midfielders this season, and could therefore also fill in that role in Chelsea’s 4-3-3 or Ancelotti’s old favorite, the 4-4-2 diamond.  With now constant injuries to Essien, Schweinsteiger could very well claim his place in the starting XI.

Additionally, he has shown for Germany that he can be a very good attacking player, although the presence of certain French and Dutch footballers on his club team seem to have prevented the repetition of his fairly impressive German goal return for Munich.  Given more room to attack and fewer defensive responsibilities however, he should be able to knock in a goal every few games or so for the Blues.

Further, his relative youth means his performance would not dip so dramatically as both games and the seasons wear on.  While not an explosive player, he certainly won’t visibly deteriorate during every ninety minute match.  In the generally epic, tri-pronged (at least) campaigns Chelsea have involved themselves in over the past handful of seasons, the importance of players with sufficient energy come April and May should not be underestimated.

Lastly, his ego does not seem to reflect his quality on the pitch.  While this might not seem to be so important, it could be argued that one of Chelsea’s biggest flaws of the past few seasons has come from the generally unpleasant attitude conveyed by some of their megalomaniacal stars.  While this is by no means true for the entire squad, having another player who won’t add to this image can’t hurt.

While some might yearn for Sergio Aguero or Luis Suarez or some other player who can help add a cutting edge (although why another forward is needed is still a mystery to me), “Basti” is probably the player Chelsea need to become younger and more competitive in an area that needs instant repair.

The club should make the bid before the World Cup, as his price tag will shoot up come July if he repeats his excellent performances for Germany as he has done for most of his career.  The chance to do so is now; come August, half of Europe may be splashing out on the midfield star.

Can Terry rediscover his form in time to rescue Chelsea?

For the entirety of the season, Chelsea have seemed poised to put insurmountable distance between  themselves and the nearest opposition.  Yet this moment never arrived.  Draws and losses, often at those crucial games, have seen them lose ground in the Premier League, till now the gap between first place glory and second ignominy is one point.

The question is, can Chelsea fulfill its promise of this season and reclaim the domestic throne, or will they once again see the trophy lifted elsewhere?

In this article, I’ll discuss the reasons that they’ll lose; in another, I’ll discuss why they’ll win.

1.  Defensive Injuries

Ashley Cole had been the world’s superlative left back until a recent injury.  An excellent defender and a constant option going into attack, Cole’s injury sees Chelsea lose a unique weapon.  His pace allows him both to neutralize opposition counter attacks and beat their defenders at the other end of the pitch.

In fact, Chelsea did have a more than adequate (and for £18 million, he should be) replacement in Yuri Zhirkov.  He too, is sidelined with injury, though not for as long as Cole.  Florent Malouda, an attacking winger, is now the starting left back.  Remarkably, he seemed totally capable against both Inter and Manchester City.

Even if he works in the makeshift back four, Malouda’s repositioning robs Chelsea of an attacking threat that, for parts of the season, had gelled very well with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.  None of his attacking replacements — Daniel Sturridge, Salomon Kalou, Joe Cole — have been able to reproduce the same cohesive, potent football that made Chelsea favorites among many spectators for much of the season.

Petr Cech’s injury is another large blow.  As witnesses to Chelsea’s recent home loss to Man City can attest, Hilario is not the same as the Czech in goal.  He’s not even the same as former backup Carlo Cudicini.  The first two goals he allowed against the Citizens were questionable, and many will be wondering how many points will be dropped if he continues to concede softly in Cech’s absence.

Even when players do return from injury, there’s no guarantee they’ll find their form immediately.  In fact, quite the opposite should be expected, although a match unfit Cole/Zhirkov and Cech are surely better for Chelsea than an out of position Malouda and Hilario.

2.  Fixture List and Form

Put simply, Chelsea have hard games with which they must finish out the season.  Though they have the quality to collect maximum points in March, a visit from Aston Villa could prove to be challenging, and after that, it gets only worse.  The Blues must play away to Man United, Tottenham, and Liverpool in the final month and a half of the season.

Manchester United also have challenging fixtures during the final stretch, but at least they have the luxury of facing Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham at Old Trafford.  They do have a tricky away match to their rivals Man City, but other than that, the challenging away fixtures have been navigated.

Arsenal have by far the easiest finale to the season.  They have two legitimately difficult matches in a home Man City game and visit to White Hart Lane.  Just three points off Chelsea, Gunners fans surely fancy hounding their rivals all the way to the end, especially with their respective fixtures in mind.

In any case, the fixture list favors Chelsea’s on form competitors.

Obviously, Chelsea’s form is also worrying, and not only in their dropped points.  The amount of goals they’ve let in over the past handful of games suggests a former strength turned weakness.  Admittedly, conceding 4 against Man City while fielding a wildly attacking force and playing two men down isn’t a fair estimation of Chelsea’s defense, but one must admit  the overall slackness in defending (now down to third in goals conceded, behind Villa and United) is not a good sign.

3. John Terry

Finally, the collapse of John Terry must be mentioned.  His form has been more than just suspect of late.  He allowed himself to be absolutely hosed down by Milito for the opening goal in the UCL Inter game, and put in another decidedly mediocre performance at the Bridge against City.  Normally poor form merits benching, but as the captain and emblem of Chelsea, no one is willing to do this.  Everyone throws their faith behind him and hopes his form improves.  Meanwhile, on the pitch, it depreciates.  This does not bode well for Chelsea, especially as the team relies on Terry for more than just defensive heroics.

Is all lost for Chelsea?  Obviously not.  It’s a top club with enough class to win the league and then some.  Coming soon, I’ll show how the Blues might do just that.

Who are the very best young players in the world?  For the purposes of this article, “young players” are those no older than 22.

First there are the obvious: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Alexandre Pato, Francesc Fabregas, Karim Benzema, etc.  Their class has been established before this mysterious “young” label vanished, and subsequently they command enormous transfer fees, if their clubs are even willing to part with them.  They often aren’t and for good reason.  These are players who will win Ballon d’Ors, change Champions League finals in a single play, and will also sell shirts.

Then there is a second tier of young players who might becomes world class, but aren’t quite there yet: Chelsea’s Mikel, Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi, Werder Bremen’s Mesut Ozil, Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain, etc.  Another way of saying this is, although they wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting position on a Champions League final team, they’d at least be on the bench.

Then there’s a third tier of players who are still unpolished and generally unproven, though many people believe they have the quality to go on a to great things.  These are players like Inter’s Santon, Everton’s Rodwell, AZ’s Dembele, Palermo’s Pastore, Bayern Munich’s Kroos, or Athletic Bilbao’s Muniain (the new youngest La Liga goalscorer, or “the Spanish Wayne Rooney”).

What strikes me from these lists, which are meant to be totally cursory and by no means inclusive, is the lack of EPL representation.  Considering the league has come under fire for “luring youngsters away from the academies that developed them”, why do football’s future luminaries seem to ply their trade on the continent?

Some might say they don’t, and that the best youth in the EPL could easily match Serie A and La Liga’s best young players.  Aaron Lennon, Fellaini, Agbonglahor et al, the argument goes, have just as much class.

Teams like Arsenal, Everton, West Ham, and Manchester United have fine traditions of developing youth players into great players.  These traditions, especially at Everton currently, look like they’ll continue.

Yet despite Arsenal’s policy of youth, I see few players who will go on to be world class.  Fabregas already is, Nasri has a great chance of becoming, and for Jack Wilshire and Aaron Ramsey, it’s too early to tell.  But can anyone see Bendtner as Ibrahimovic’s heir, or Denilson as a second Fabregas (or a defensive midfielder, or whatever they want to make him these days)?

In La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, the Eredivisie, and the Bundesliga, these young players have a greater chance of getting lots of playing time and actually being stars.

Would Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic (in my opinion the second best teenager in the world, behind only Pato), have started for Liverpool in the match in which he scored against them?

Probably not, likely because he isn’t good enough to do so.  As exciting a prospect as Jovetic, he still could not have replaced Gerrard, Torres, Benayoun, Riera, or Kuyt because he isn’t a better player than any of them.  He does, however, have the potential to be better than the last three especially.  Yet in Liverpool he would ride the bench this season, just as he would at Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, or Manchester City.  He would get chances at smaller clubs, but he wouldn’t taste Champions League football like he does now at Fiorentina.

At the best clubs in the EPL, the competition is too great for young stars to truly break through, it seems.  I don’t mean seeing the least four minutes ten games per season, but rather the chance to play 90 minutes regularly.

With the exception of the “predestined” youngsters – the Fabregases and Messis and  Rooneys and Ronaldos – the Serie A, La Liga, Eredivisie, and the Bundesliga provide better opportunities.

It seems the youngsters and their agents realize this too.  Javier Pastore, Palermo’s 20 year old midfielder, was hesitant to join Manchester United when the rumors were flying because of the lack of minutes.  Instead, he opted to join Serie A’s 8th place Palermo.  He might have joined a team in the Champions League, but now he gets to play about 30+ games per season, ninety minutes each.  His contract lasts until he’s 25, when by then, he could be one of the premier playmakers in the world.

When the “Big Four” come knocking, the theory goes, you don’t turn down the golden opportunity in your career.  It’s supposed to be your big chance to break into the national team, to win trophies, and become an elite player.  This doesn’t seem to be the case in the EPL, with the exception of the truly greatest.

For simply the good players, let Chelsea’s Saloman Kalou be a warning.  When the Blues signed him in 2006, it seemed like the 21-year old could be Chelsea’s Cristiano Ronaldo – a winger who could score lots of goals and dribble past opponents.  Instead, he’s gone from promising star to inconsistent substitute, age 24.  One can’t help but wonder what might have happened if the Ivorian had opted to join a German, Italian, or Spanish club instead of one of the EPL’s elite and hyper competitive giants.  Would the consistent minutes have made him a better player?  It’s very possible.

After 10 games, one might think that Frank Lampard, the engine and inspiration behind most of Chelsea’s offensive production over the past 5 seasons, has run into a torrid patch of form.  This is mostly due to his low goal return – one in the Premiership and one in the Community Shield.  Most fans expect 3 or 4 goals by now, especially against the relatively weak opposition that Chelsea have faced thus far in the Champions League and EPL.

But before we condemn Frank Lampard, let’s wind back our memories to the summer of Real Madrid spending.  Carlo Ancelotti arrived and sought Andrea Pirlo to be the visionary passer in his midfield diamond.  The Italian didn’t arrive, and nobody filled his role.  According to some.

According to me, Lampard is now positioned as an advanced Pirlo (who doesn’t score a tremendous amount of goals, but is the offensive heartbeat  of AC Milan).  The goal drought is more due to formation and position rather than a failure of Lampard’s or bad form.

In Mourinho’s 4-3-3, the wingers knew they couldn’t only rely on crosses to Drogba and cutting inside to take the occasional shot to win games.  Enter Lampard.  He excelled at arriving and providing a lethal 3rd option.  Thus the 20-goal seasons.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea plays a midfield diamond, with Lampard supposedly at the top.  But he lacks the right qualities to fill this role and has dropped a little deeper than players who naturally can fill this role like Kaka.  Nonetheless Chelsea play the diamond.

The change in formation requires less goal return from the midfield because two strikers lurking in the box will both score more goals and require service.  Both of these will drain the midfield of its goals, but not its productivity.

Frank Lampard already has four EPL assists in 7 games.  Last season he recorded 10 in 37 games.  One could argue that Lampard has adopted a Pirlo mindset, but not quite his position.  As he fans out dangerous passes to the in-form Malouda, Anelka, and Drogba while staying a little deeper, Lampard is actively contributing to Chelsea’s good start to the season.  For this, he is labeled as out of form.

Granted, his finishing has suffered under Ancelotti.  He seems to be missing chances that three or four years ago, he would bury ten times a season.  Perhaps he is uncomfortable in his new semi-trequartista, semi-Pirlo position.  In any case, I’m not sure Chelsea fans have a great cause to be worried.  The system seems to be working for the rest of the team, and even if Lampard won’t get his 20 goals, he’ll rack up many more assists.  If the sort-of-diamond can bring back the silverware of the EPL title or the Champions League, even Lampard won’t complain.

The inexplicable is often the standard in football.  The £14 million pounds Man City paid for Wayne Bridge is inexplicable.  Florent Malouda’s protean hairstyles are inexplicable.  Arsene Wenger’s ability to see zero penalties against Arsenal is inexplicable.  Yet even bearing this in mind, I could not help but rubbing my eyes to make sure I had read the headline correctly:

Abramovich keen to stop big-spending City

The gist of the article is that Abramovich feels that Manchester City have spent too much and need to be reigned in.  Michel Platini agrees and suggests that clubs only should spend what they earn in revenue and failure to break even would result in a banning from European competition.

Yes, the hypocrisy is obvious.  Yes, the irony is wonderful.  Beyond this, the proposal has some positives, namely that the astronomical fees of this summer might return to earth.  Real Madrid has a revenue of about 350 million euro, but even they would not splash out 250 million of it per season like they have most recently, given that operating costs would surely put them in the red.

It’s also not as if this would be disastrous for the Real Madrids of the world, given that large clubs already have large revenues, world-class players, and the ability to attract top talent.  It would just promote smart business, in theory.  It might even allow a well managed smaller club to break into European football more easily.

Despite these boons, Platini’s idea should not be taken seriously.

Whether one likes it or not, it usually takes money to assemble a side capable of playing attractive football, and almost always takes considerable money to create a side capable of competing for trophies.  Even in competitions taken much less seriously than others, such as the Carling Cup, cash seems to be the key to success.  In the past 5 years, only large spending teams (Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United) have won the trophy.

While single-elimination tournaments like the FA Cup can always produce the shock of a Portsmouth, Millwall, or Cardiff in the final, the long term trend is once again teams that spend money win.

Results aside, big money also tends to lead to better football visually.  Let us look to the example of Liverpool.  Two seasons ago, Torres arrived for £20 million.  Gerrard and the Spaniard linked up wonderfully, often with eye-pleasing results.  Glen Johnson arrives this season for  £18 millon and the added quality on the right is even more entertaining.

While I don’t believe that money always buys attractive football, or that attractive football requires money, there does appear to be some connection between the two.  Even if Chelsea are criticized for playing “negative” football, it would be difficult to watch an entire Blues match without some excellent play.  The same cannot be said of some lesser spending teams, particularly the recently promoted ones.  This is not a criticism, however.  I accept they do not have the money to spend on players of that calibre.

When it comes down to it however, I would rather watch FC Barcelona (with the 40 million euro right back Dani Alves and 65 million euro Ibrahimovic) and their fantasy football over a more “fair” version of the sport any day.

So if money is the food of football, spend on.