Schweinsteigers brother begs him to Join Man United

Bastian Schweinsteiger has praised the Premier League and its fans, and said that the atmosphere at Manchester United in particular was "fantastic". His comments come after rumours persistently linked the German international to the English League, with either Manchester United or Chelsea.

He even said that his brother, a big Manchester United fan, has been begging him to join the Old Trafford team. Schweinsteiger told the Sunday Times:

"I love the kind of speed of the English game but I don't know what will happen with me,"

"What I love is the atmosphere in English stadiums. When we played last year in Manchester it was fantastic.

"My brother is a big fan of Man U and he always says, 'Go to Man U, go to Man U.' I say, 'I can't, I can't."

He praised the strength of Chelsea too, saying that he likes the "Chelsea style". But what do these comments mean? His contract at Bayern Munich expires in 2012, however, it is unlikely he will stay in Germany for that long. If he doesn't renew his contract, then he could leave for a free transfer in 2012 - something that Bayern certainly would not want.

Schweinsteiger is known for his deadly accurate long range shots, as well as a brilliant delivery from set pieces. His energy is brilliant, and his creativity and reliability were vital in Germany's 2010 World Cup run, which saw them stand out as a very strong, young team. These attributes would certainly be welcomed in England, and he is more than capable for playing for a top team.

However, if the 26 year old was thinking of moving to Manchester United in the January transfer market, his hopes were dashed, as Sir Alex Ferguson ruled out any signings in January. The Scot said:

"We won't be buying in January, definitely not,"

"If you want someone to play in Europe, you are limited right away. There are hundreds of players cup-tied.

You have five months left of the season, I will have Antonio Valencia back hopefully towards the end of February, which is a new player coming back."

He also said that Michael Owen's return would be like a new player returning. But are these just more excuses to avoid putting the club into more debt by spending money that United have not got? Whatever the reasons, if Sir Alex wants Schweinsteiger, he is not the only one, and if a bid is placed for the German play maker, Ferguson must be ready.

Why Spurs Lost Against Manchester United

Okay after seeing Tottenham's performance against Manchester United I felt that Harry Redknapp was shown up as a poor tactician for the umpteenth time. The are three big games in which he was shown up, against Werder Bremen, Inter Milan and yesterday against Manchester United. I'll be concentrating the the game again Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

Cudicini, Bassong, Palacios (Jenas 66), Kranjcar, Cordeiro Sandro, Pavlyuchenko (Keane 63),  

Crouch (Van Der Vaart 77)

The first thing I noticed was that Redknapp decided to start without a recognised holding midfield. He did this in the past against Werder and Inter and paid for it, this time it was at Old Trafford against United. Jermaine Jenas is an energetic box to box midfielder not a holding midfielder with both Sandro and Palacios sitting on the bench I feel this was tactical error by the Spurs manager.

Another issue I saw in the Spurs midfield was the presence of Lennon, Modric and Van Der Vaart. Three midfielders who aren't known for their defensive capabilities. Add Bale in who is now an attacking winger, there is very little protection for the back four in game where most teams would expect long periods of pressure.

With Chelsea and Arsenal who all play with one up front have holding midfielder which stops them from being over-run in midfield. All the teams who've taken points from United started with combative ball winning midfielders Fulham (Etuhu), Everton (Fellaini), Sunderland (Cattermole) and West Brom (Mulumbu). With no holding midfielder tracking him Nani had one of his more positive games for United as he exploited the spaces between the Spurs lines. 

The decision to play Robbie Keane also baffled me. Just like during his short unsuccessful spell at Liverpool he was asked to play up front on his own. Keane is a good forward but he doesn't have pace, aerial ability or physical presence, therefore Vidic and Ferdinand had an easy afternoon. Both Lennon and Bale failed to provide him any support during the game and were fairly anonymous.

Kuszczak, Brown (Rafael Da Silva 64), Smalling, O'Shea, Scholes (Berbatov 64), Obertan (Hernandez 87), Tiago Bebe

If you look at Manchester United's midfield Carrick sat deep spreading possession to different areas of the pitch with Nani switching flanks trying to stretch play. In the middle Fletcher and Park (tucking in from the right) are more energetic and mobile defensively than Van Der Vaart and Modric and they can get forward maybe not as well as the Spurs pair but I feel their role was to negate them. I feel that this was were the game was lost for Spurs.

Redknapps substitutions showed that he was trying to rectify the errors made with the starting line up, he brought on Palacios for Jenas but was unfortunate enough to have Van Der Vaart injured and had to bring on Crouch emptying midfield further, especially as United had brought on Scholes for Berbatov 10 minutes earlier.

All in all i feel that Redknapp was on the back foot from the start due to his selection of no holding midfielder and Robbie Keane as the sole striker. I can see that Redknapp is starting to veer away from the 4-4-2 he was so used to but the striker he has dropped is for an attacking midfielder rather than a holding one.  

Perfectly Good Nani Goal

Good Goal: Nani

Once again, a "controversial" goal was scored in the fixture between Manchester United and Tottenham at Old Trafford.

In the 85th minute, Nani went on a run in the box. he was brought down, but nothing was given. There were small complaints from Nani on the floor, as his hand touched the ball, which was behind him - but no free-kick was given. Therefore, the game continued, with the ball in open play. The referee and the linesman gave nothing, and Gomes also continued. The goalkeeper, who isn't the sharpest tool in the box, it has to be said, picked up the ball, ran forward six or seven yards forward, and dropped the ball, as if to prepare to kick it. He did not kick it, and Nani, who had picked himself up, took the opportunity to score.

Firstly, it was a penalty. Secondly, if the referee didn't see the handball - which he clearly didn't (or rather, he has now come out to say that he played the advantage to Tottenham and Gomes), then it can't be a free-kick. Thirdly, if Gomes thought it was a free-kick, then why did he run forward with the ball, six or seven yards to take it?

Error: Gomes

The Tottenham goalkeeper never struck me as very clever at all, and this obvious error confirms it. If Tottenham fans want to blame anyone, then it should surely be Gomes. A free-kick was not given, and the referee was clearly signalling to him to get on with the game. He ran forwards, backwards, and again, trying to decide whether to kick the ball. It was a Gomes mistake, and he was punished.

Despite this controversy, United were greatly improved from previous performances. They passed the ball very well around the Tottenham players, and after Vidic's early goal, were able to keep their cool, as well as the ball.

Tottenham too were very good in the first half. They were a threat going forward, and used their pace in Lennon and Bale to get round defenders. Linking with Van der Vaart made the pace of the game so much faster, and this made for a very entertaining first half.

The second half produced fewer chances for both sides, and after Van der Vaart went off with a hamstring injury, Tottenham lost a lot of their midfield threat.

It was unfortunate that the goal had to be so controversial, as the game was so good, but it did happen, and there will now be replays shown again and again, as well as endless discussions, but from what I saw, it was a good goal.

This Seasons Dream Team... So Far...

Well when there's nothing of note to write about why not create a dream team? This seasons been an interesting one if it was a normal one Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard would've scored a million goals between them and people would still think that Glen Johnson is a good player. Well have a look below and give me your thoughts and suggestion if you can do better?

Dream Team So Far...

Bench: GK - Joe Hart,CB - Alex, LB - Gareth Bale,
DM - Nigel De Jong, CM - Paul Scholes, AM - Rafael Van Der Vaart, CF - Darren Bent

1.GK - Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers)

Has been very impressive this season in a relatively unimpressive Blackburn side. Lost his confidence after a poor end to his time at Spurs and with England a few years ago. Sam Allardice has brought the best out of the Yorkshireman even to the degree that Fabio Capello recalled him to the England Squad only for Robinson to announce his international retirement. 

2.RB - Branislav Ivanovic - (Chelsea)

Not the most creative and attacking full back but solid and dependable also a threat at set-pieces. May lose his place to the returning Jose Bosingwa but is a very good centre half so expect to see him back in the Chelsea side. Scored the winner against Blackburn in a game with had draw written all over it.

3.LB - Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Has just been proclaimed the worlds best left back by his manager Carlo Ancelloti... where has been the last 3 years? Cole is as dependable in the opponents half as much as in his own. Is one half of a deadly left sided double act with Florent Malouda who we'll discuss later.

5.CB - Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

He's been the only reliable player in a strangely shaky Manchester United defence. The Serb has the habit of winning any aerial duels and uses his imposing physique to its maximum. Is also a very good leader from the back as shown when United have been missing Rio Ferdinand their usual captain.

6.CB - Titus Bramble (Sunderland)

Yes... This isn't a typo and it isn't April fools. Bramble has played some of his best football under Steve Bruce at Wigan and now Sunderland. He is currently at the heart of the best defence in the league outside the top four and hasn't shown any of his trademark concentration lapses.

4.DM - Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

Imposing central midfielder with the strength of a brutal centre half and the touch and passing of a number 10. He is here after he took on Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Ramires and... Won. He is a instrumental part of Mancini's side and looking like he's played in the Premier League for years.

6.CM - Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

The only Arsenal midfield who can pass forward with intent. Unable to get into Spain's national side but has been at his imperial best this season. Arsenal fans are probably counting their blessing after Barcelona failed in their traditional summer smash and grab.

7. RM - Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

9 games 5 goals and 3 assists in all competitions... Need I say more? Continuing his good form from the end of last season and has become a major player and also back up play-maker when Fabregas is injured.

8. LM - Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

Has had a very good season supporting Didier Drogba, scoring 7 goals combined in league and cup matches. Who would've thought 2 seasons ago he was labeled a big money flop. Chelsea's patience has been rewarded.

10. SS - Carlitos Tevez (Manchester City)

I feel he is a world class centre forward with the attitude of a limited centre half. He will run all day for the team but the also score the goals needed to be a top class forward. Has recovered well from a unsuccessful world cup. Manchester City's captain and top scorer is definitely worthy of a place in this team.

9. CF - Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney and Drogba make up what i feel is the big three in Premiership strikers. This season its been a "big 1" with Drogba being absolutely unplayable in some games. With 6 goals and 5 assists in his 8 games so far I think he could already be a possible footballer of the year.

Any doubts? 

'titled Derby d'Indonesia'

Superliga Indonesia fans will certainly wait for the big party is going to happen, Saturday (30/10) tomorrow between Persija Jakarta and Bandung Persib due to be held at the Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta.

Ahead of the game, titled Derby d'Indonesia, the condition of both teams was injured. Liverpool in the last party when come to the headquarters of Semen Padang must comply with the score 1-0 through a single goal Hengki Ardilles. Meanwhile, at the end of last week memaluhakan Persib must suffer defeat in front of his own supporters after their deaths PSM Makassar 2-1.
The second game will certainly run exciting team. Historical factors between the former union team is making the fight both of them so valuable. Not to mention the feud supporters of both teams increasingly thicken the rivalry Macan Kemayoran and Maung Bandung.

Quietly but surely from the five parties who had acted team, Inter's a pretty good record store with a pocket score of 10 thanks to record three victories, one draw and one defeat. The team pride even this capital city was sitting comfortably in fourth place in the standings while sharing the place with Semen Padang, Deltras Siduarjo and PSPS Pekanbaru. Meanwhile Persib Bandung, which ranked fourth last season final standings now must accept the bitter truth occupies occupies the 14th position because of new collecting four values from four games.

The figure Bambang Pamungkas (Bepe) must be special attention to the back line Persib. Attackers are known to have a header of death was already packed four goals from five games, a record that certainly can not be taken lightly by any team back line. Bepe let loose or separated from the convoy could mean disaster for any team.

A duet with Greg Nwokolo, front-line Persija often spoiled by a competent quarterback like M. Ilham, Syamsul Bachri Haeruddin pillar of their foreign and of course Oliver Makor. One thing that should be a note is a seasoned coach Rahmat Darmawan comment after his team suffered defeat at the Padang. Coach who last season led Indonesia Sriwijaya FC Cup rule that says even though Liverpool lost the game began to approach the best performance. Game against Persib course will be a tough test at the same time proving the strength Persija arena.

In the opposite camp, Persib hit unpleasant news. The main pillar midfield Maung Bandung, Eka Ramdani, an injury to ensure the smooth running of the grass will not taste the Main Stadium. The same fate experienced by former courtier Kemayoran Tigers of Singapore Baihakki Khaizan be absent exposed yellow card accumulation.

Jovo Cuckovic Serbian coach reportedly will move into the middle of Isaac Shahril to fill the hole left by Eka and give full confidence in young players who have high speed Jejen, to try to master the right sector duel with veteran defender Ismed Sofyan. On the right line of the defense team, Anga Gilang name will go down for the first time this season to replace the role of Baihakki.

Although not yet shown the expected harmony, Liverpool can not forget the twin spearheads Maung Bandung Cristian Gonzalez and Pablo Frances. So far the foreign courtier new duet contributed three goals, a record is less encouraging for bobotoh. Luckily Persib row left midfielder who has an instinct to attack high as Eka Ramdani, Atep and Jejen.

Speed, stamina, concentration and solidity team will be key in this fight. Persija and Persib known to have a row of tall players who like to accelerate. Dead-ball ball near the penalty box and passes the striker's cross pampering will often be seen. Live who is more accurate and can take advantage of opportunities to be a goal then he would come out as winners. (Gk-15)

Rare English Talent to be Rewarded

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger are well known for nurturing young footballers, and giving them a chance to perform on a bigger stage in which they can showcase their talents. The 18 year old English talent Jack Wilshere has benefited from Arsenal's system, and after a successful loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, has returned to Arsenal and has exceeded expectations.

His current salary at Arsenal is £15,000 a week. However, in an attempt to keep him at the club, Arsene Wenger will offer the youngster almost double that amount in a new deal.

Wenger said:

“We are confident we will sign Jack very quickly, he has 18 months to go. I will try to get him on a longer contract and we hope we can announce that soon.

“Jack has had a great start to the season. He has the same confidence Wayne Rooney had at the same age, it is just natural for him.

“It looks like Jack can handle the pressure well and even though he is a quiet guy, you see that in the big games he wants the ball all of the time.”

The Frenchman is not silly. Comparing Wilshere to Wayne Rooney is understandable. Wilshere obviously has the talents, and loves football. You can see it when watching him - he always does his best for the team, his team mates and himself. He is known for his passing, dribbling, vision, movement and combination play, and his commitment is something that is hard to come by.

It is the enjoyment of football that runs him, and it is great to see. However, it is something that is rare to see. With players being paid so much money, some seem to lose sight of the reasons that they play football, other than receiving the hefty pay packet.

Barca keeper whistling rewarded Suspension

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto was finally rewarded two-game suspension because isengnya whistles during the game against FC Copenhagen. This decision was handed down by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary, Friday, October 29, 2010.Pinto found guilty of acts of 'do not support (sportsmanship) is disgusting'. This means that Pinto would be absent in two Champions League matches in November.Namely against Copenhagen in Denmark on 2 November and Panathinaikos FC in Greece on 24 November. Pinto was given three days to appeal the verdict.Pinto idly whistling occurs when Barca host Copenhagen at the Nou Camp in the Champions League continued on October 20, 2010. Whistling makes the player Cesar Santin Copenhagen thinks he is in the off-side position to stop an attack towards Pinto.Santin realized later that it was a trick the goalkeeper. But leaders of the match referee, Stephane Lannoy, who saw action Pinto also did not say anything stupid and do not give yellow cards. Copenhagen himself eventually lost 0-2 in the game.

Rahmat Darmawan appeal to Jakmania

Persija will serve as host of advanced Persib Bandung in Indonesia Super League (ISL), Saturday, October 30, 2010. Matches will be held at the Bung Karno Stadium, Senayan.
Given the high tension of this match, Rahmad requested that no adult attitude shown by the Liverpool supporters who called Jakmania familiar. "We must learn to adults for not doing harm anarchist who led the team," Rahmat said when contacted VIVAnews, Friday, October 20, 2010.
In addition to supporters about both teams, Rahmad also focus on preparation for foster children. For now three persija players who certainly absent, two of them namely Mohammad Nasuha and Ismed Sofyan. Both of them can not appear due to accumulated cards.
While the camp itself Persib there are two players who certainly absent. Namely Eka Ramdani the injury and Baihaki bin Khaizan also due to accumulated cards.
"I think they (Persib) have an equivalent coating. Same with us with a coating equivalent to three players who missed us," said Rahmat again.
"The key focus. We will be targeting three points no matter what the score later."
• VIVAnews

Simak

Baca secara fonetik

 

Kamus -

there is always more motivation

BANDUNG - There's always more motivated when Persib Bandung face nemesis, Persija Jakarta. Laga second heat of this great team will take place in SUGBK, Senayan, Saturday (10/30/2010) afternoon.
 The second heat potential supporters also become its own pressure for the players on the field. So, do not be surprised if the players of both teams always perform better than usual. Motivation to beat each other to make the power that makes the game take place heat.
 It is also recognized winger Maung Bandung, Atep. He admitted, there is always extra motivation when his team play against Tiger Kemayoran. Moreover, Atep had costumed Persija for one season.
 "Because I never in Persija added this mortal enemies, the motivation is always high. We indeed have to win, "said Atep, Friday (10/29/2010).
 Owners back number 7 is to say, the presence of a figure trainer Rahmat 'RD' Darmawan has become its own power for Bambang Pamungkas et al. Moreover, former architect of Sriwijaya FC is also good at motivating his foster child. Thus, the host certainly did not want to lose face in front of hundreds of thousands of The Jakmania.
 Players from Cianjur This ensures that the movement will dijegal by RD. Even so, Atep not worry. Because, he just wanted to show the maximum and bring back points before they travel to PSPS Pekanbaru (02/11/2010). "Our target is to win. No one should think about other than win, "he said.

Manchester United Won't get Liverpool's Reina

Apart from the obvious reluctance from the Liverpool manager to let arguably his most consistent player, Pepe Reina leave - especially for one of Liverpool's biggest rivals in Manchester United, the "Red Devils" simply wouldn't be willing to involve themselves in a big transfer tussle involving a large sum of money that they just don't have.

Hodgson said

 “If [Sir Alex] Ferguson is looking around at the end of the season and he has got lots of money to replace van der Sar, he might very well want Pepe Reina because he is the best around.

“But we do not want to sell him. I would like to think that we are going to become a successful club once again and Pepe is crucial to that.

“We have heard nothing from Manchester United and, more to the point, we don’t want to hear anything from Manchester United."

Hodgson obviously doesn't want to let his star player go - and with good reason. He is "crucial" for Liverpool's success and it was only six months ago he signed a six year contract to stay at the club. Reina knows how much Hodgson and Liverpool value him, and how much they want him to stay. Unless there is a "secret get out clause" in his contract, (which I very much doubt that there is - or if there is I very much doubt that Reina would take advantage of it) only then would Liverpool have to let the player go.

I believe that Manchester United would be very unwilling to create a big story involving the chase for Reina, nor do I believe that Reina wants to leave Liverpool. I know that Liverpool don't want to let him go, and I know that Manchester United have limited funds to buy big players and pay big wages to them, especially considering the mass increase in their current players wages.
All points considered, Reina doesn't seem likely to join Manchester United. The Dutchman Maarten Steklenburg seems a far more likely choice for United - as I have reported on before, Here http://bit.ly/chVKBD.

Why Real Madrid Will Be European Champions This Season...

Yes I know its a bit early to hand out the trophies this season but I couldn't help myself. This season the Real Madrid hierarchy have done what most successful football clubs do... hire a top manager and let him to the job. In the past Madrid have been accused of hiring "yes men" people who are so pleased to be there they wouldn't dare speak out against the people who've put them there (please see Roy Hodgson at Liverpool). For references please see Carlos Queiroz, Juan Ramon Lopez Caro and Juande Ramos.

Mourinho is nothing like the jellyfish mentioned above, a perfect example of this is when he stormed out of a press conference. When the press questioned his decision to drop Pedro Leon from his Champions League squad he explained "Pedro Leon isn't Maradona, he isn't Zidane or Di Stefano, he was just playing for Getafe last season" before storming out and refusing to answer any further questions. This is a man who isn't someone the board can control.

Sergio Ramos can also play at right back and Fernando Gago and Lassana Diarra are also options in the holding midfield position. With Kaka and Benzema waiting in the wings there is also adequate cover in the attacking positions. But most importantly with Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay on the bench there isn't a shortage of defensive cover.

With the new manager came new signings Ricardo Carvalho, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil. The first two I feel gave Madrid a backbone and some steel, too many times in Europe they were caught against less talented but more organized rivals last year it was against Lyon and the year before Liverpool. The solid and sometimes cynical Carvalho forms a tidy partnership with the more technically gift and attacking Pepe and the industrious Khedira is the perfect fold for classy deep lying play-maker Xabi Alonso. Ozil on the other hand is a selfless creator to replace the inconsistent and injury-prone Kaka, to support Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain.

So far this season after a slow start they are looking impressive in the league and in Europe. They have scored 18 goals in four games including a comfortable 2-0 win against AC Milan and a 6-1 win against Deportivo La Coruna. Mourinho I feel is starting to get the best from Ronaldo who is definitely key to any success they may have so far this season he has scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in only 8 games this season. That is an amazing return rate even for Ronaldo and even if your compare it to Leo Messi who's scored 5 and provided 1 in six games.

Real Madrid are no longer a collection of Galacticos but a well organised side which is very efficient in defence as well as attack which is the reason I think that Real Madrid C.F will be European Champions in May.

Ballon d'Or? Forlan Most Worth?"

Image via Wikipedia

Not the case difficult for Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo said the most worthy candidates for the FIFA awarded the Ballon d'Or. Of course, Cerezo will appoint bomber pride Los Colchoneros, Diego Forlan.


Yes, Forlan in 23 nominations including winning the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2010, thanks to its performance in the 2010 World Cup apiknya ago. Previously, the bomber 31 years was selected as Player of the World Cup, having led Uruguay to the semifinals.

Above reason, and shiny achievements in the arena La Liga, Cerezo confident, Forlan is most worthy nominees that won the prestigious trophy.

"For reasons that are clear, I think the Ballon d'Or should fall into the hands of Forlan. He played very well with Atletico, and he does not have a problem with the coach or anyone else," said Cerezo told EFE, Thursday (28/10 / 2010).

"Over the last three years, Forlan has won two Golden Boot. He also received the Golden Ball as best player in the World Cup. Who else players who could match that achievement? It was not there," he continued.

So, who will be championed Cerezo if it turns out Forlan failed to bring home the Ballon d'Or?

"If Forlan did not win, I want (the trophy was won), one Spanish player. I also wanted Vicente del Bosque won the award, because he is the best coach in the world. At least, until four years into the future," said Cerezo.

(Van)

Theo Walcott shows Improvement in Carling Cup Win

A 4 - 0 win for Arsenal in the Carling Cup against Newcastle saw Theo Walcott score two good goals which required calmness and composure in front of the opposition goalkeeper. The goals also required his blistering pace, as well as the ability to hold his run to stay onside. His goals helped to create a confidence for Arsenal to go on and win the game very comfortably with a young team, as well as giving him the confidence he needs to score similar goals in the future.

A footballing brain is something that Theo Walcott has been criticized for not having. He has been heavily scrutinized by critics who say that he doesn't know what to do with the ball in the final third of the field - an area in which he should be oozing with quality considering the very attacking position he plays. However, against Newcastle, he showed great improvement. They may not have had their first choice defenders in the team, but Walcott waltzed through the Newcastle back line, chasing through balls from his team-mates who know that the England International is willing to run.


The two goals he scored were very clinical. He needed to keep calm and out-wit the out-rushing goalkeeper. He did that, and after picking his spot, made sure the ball rippled the back of the net with a nice dink over the goalkeeper in the first instance, and then powerfully side-footing in the second. His role against Newcastle was a much more central role than what he normally plays, which is probably why he got those one-on-one chances against the goalkeeper. But he showed that he is capable of scoring goals under pressure in that position, and now all he has to do in master crossing the ball.

He has the pace, and now he has the composure, but out on the right wing, when strikers are hungry for a delicious cross into the box, the winger has to deliver. Walcott finds it hard to find the right man with his crosses, which can frustrate the fans as well as the waiting strikers. He must improve. More hours practising on the training ground, persistence and hard work - whatever it takes, because it is this feature of his game (as well as other small factors) that makes him a good player with potential rather than a great player with quality.

Bojan Krkic Wanted by Chelsea, Inter and West Ham

If Bojan Krkic decides to move on from Barcelona at some point in the future, he won't have any shortage of options as to where to move. Chelsea, Inter Milan, and West Ham have reportedly shown an interest in the 20 year old striker, and with his obvious talents, many other clubs will also take a keen interest in the transfer proceedings.

The question may be asked as to why a player would want to leave such a great club in Barcelona - a club that is currently challenging very realistically to win every competition that they are in, as well as having the best players in the world playing for them including Lionel Messi.
The answer to that question may be the fact of the amount of quality. Bojan is apparently becoming frustrated by the lack of first team opportunities and feels he has been on the bench far too much. With players like David Villa and Lionel Messi ahead of him in the pecking order, it is understandably hard to break into the first team.

Chelsea are said to want to add to their ageing team with some quality and potential. Bojan ticks all of the boxes, with Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba coming towards the end of their careers.

Inter Milan and Rafael Benitez are looking to add to their squad, as rumours persist that Wesley Sneijder may move to Manchester United in the summer. Adding that spark to the team would help a very physical side that Inter Milan have, especially if Sneijder jumps ship.

West Ham are a much less likely possibility for Bojan, however, if Bojan wants first team football, the Hammers seems a good choice. West Ham acknowledge that the competition is high, which is why they would offer a loan deal to begin with, with a view to making the deal permanent.

Whoever Bojan does decide to move to, if indeed he does decide to move, the team will have to offer Barcelona a sum of at least £15 million as he has a contract with the Catalan team until the end of the 2012/13 season. A small, player, but a big fee for big potential.

Chicharito is United's Saviour Again

Hernandez: Next Big thing?

It was a nervous performance from the Manchester United youngsters. After twice gaining the lead, they threw it away - true to the current form of the side, and put the United fans on the edge of their red seats - something that the United fans are beginning to get used to.

A frustrating first half saw very few chances for either side, and that was evident thanks to the bore of a goal-less half. Uniteds new, and controversial signing Bebe looked lively in the first half, but couldn't create anything on the right wing, despite seeing most of the ball. He showed good pace, and a fairly good ability to get around his man, but his crossing needs a big improvement after constantly failing to get the intended cross right.

The second half was a complete contrast to the first. It was goals galore as goals from Bebe, Elokobi, Park, Foley and Hernandez crossed the lines, but in the case of Bebe, not rippling the net.

Bebe began the goalscoring. After going past a couple of players on the right wing, he got into a position to cross the ball, and as he did, the ball took a few deflections before looping over Wayne Hennessy in the Wolves goal and just crossed the line as a Wolves defender headed it away. It was a good decision from the linesman who flagged for the goal, and it was this goal that changed the game.

Only about five minutes later, the Wolves left back Elokobi rose above the United keeper, Ben Amos to head the ball viciously from a corner, almost tearing the United net open. It was the big left backs first goal for Wolves, and the equalising goal against a United side that lacked any of their big name stars.

Ji Sung Park made the best of a bad job from Macheda, and scored with a great finish. Park fed in Macheda, but his poor first touch enabled the defender to deflect the ball away, but only to the feet of Park, and he curled it into the side of the net with a beautiful finish.

Only five minutes later however, Wolves were equal, as Kevin Foley scored after a nice flick from Steven Taylor-Fletcher. All Foley had to do was keep it low and on target - which he did. Was it going to be another one of those days for Manchester United?

Javier Hernandez answered that question. He came on for Bebe, and the United fans sporting Chicharito scarves and... big hats, went wild for the Mexican youngster. He immediately brought life to the United team, as he ran around, fighting for the ball, and when he got his chance, he was brilliant.

A cool through ball from Darron Gibson was met by Hernandez, and after a fake shot which saw him skip passed the committed defender, he showed immense composure to finish with his left foot. He seems like a breath of fresh air for Manchester United this season - a 22 year old with a healthy ego and an obvious love for football - and Manchester United - as he kissed the badge in front of the United fans after his goal.

Two goals against Stoke City at the week-end, and another match winner today - it brings Hernandez's total to six in the season. He has so much potential, and is not letting anyone down with his excellent performances. Is he the new Michael Owen? Or is he something new? Something better?

My Ballon D'or Winner - Wesley Sneijder

Lionel Messi? Christiano Ronaldo? Wayne Rooney? Kaka? All top quality players and even better shirt sellers. But who's going to win this years prestigious Ballon Do'r? Well the latter two wont because they haven't been nominated  for the award and the former two? Well they're probably the favorites to win it. My opinion? I think it should belong to Wesley Benjamin Sneijder.

From his days at Ajax up until now at Inter he has always been recognized as an exceptionally talented playmaker. Put aside his spat with international team mate Robin Van Persie he has always been an excellent team player. But he until last season hadn't displayed his talent on the big stage.

Last season Jose Mourinho's Inter signed Sneijder as a last minute deal for which now looks like a bargain of 8 million pounds. His first major game was against rivals AC Milan in which he helped take them apart in a 4-0 demolition. This was definitely a sign of things to come...

In short Sneijder played 18 games in the World Cup and Champions League combined, the two toughest tournaments in the world, I'm sure you'll agree. Sneijder got to the final of one and won the other, scoring an amazing 8 goals from midfield and providing 7 assists.

Sneijder also won Serie A, playing 24 games scoring 4 and providing 6 assists and the Coppa Italia playing 4 games and scoring 1 goal.

In view of these facts it is clear Sneijder played a major part in helping his club win every competition they took part in and helped his country get to the final of the World Cup. And before you question the World Cup ending, neither Van Basten or Cryuff, both undoubtedly in the top 10 list of any pundits greatest players to kick a ball, could help Holland win international footballs premier trophy.

Any doubts?

Any New Surprises This Season?

Every season regardless of how tough the Premiership is looking there seems to a surprise package rising from the depths of the Championship. But which club is doing the best in its mission to upset their well established neighbors? More recently it was Phil Browns Hull City who beat Arsenal at the Emirates during their amazing start to the 2008-2009 season, there was also Ipswich Town under George Burley remember them? All the way back in 2000-2001, when the club finished 5th in the league.

So whats going on this season I hear you ask? Well in England there's Blackpool, Newcastle and West Brom who have all made encouraging starts to life in the top flight. None of them are in the relegation zone and all look like they could stay up.

Blackpool

Under maverick manager Ian Holloway are looking like a decent side, so far they've beaten Wigan 4-0 away and more surprisingly took all three points in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Three of their players have really stood out for me, Luke Varney with 2 goals and an assist, goalkeeper Matt Gilks who put in an amazing performance in a 2-0 win against Newcastle and Charlie Adam "the Scottish Pirlo" with his two goals and two assists this season.


The squad has been put together on a shoe string budget by Holloway who has a collection of rejects was all around the football world. Although its nice to see I do think they'll get relegated, a bit like Burnley last season they have enthusiasm, energy and bravery but I feel they will burn out by Christmas. There isn't enough quality in the team even the players I've mentioned earlier are decent enough but I don't think they can consistently perform at the highest level.


Newcastle

Well here's an interesting one, I don't think we'd be talking about them as promoted teams if Mike Ashley hadn't been so trigger happy by getting rid of Sam Allardyce. Big Sam isn't the best in the business but is a specialist at making sure teams survive which is exactly what Newcastle needed the season they went down.

Currently on paper they have the strongest line up, with two Argentina internationals in the form of Jonas Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini, the sometimes controversial Joey Barton and the inconsistent but troublesome Andy Carrol. Carrol has now scored 5 goals in 8 Premier League games and Barton has scored 1 and set up 2 from the heart of the Newcastle midfield this season.

Like Blackpool they haven't spent too much with their most high profile signing being Sol Campbell on a free transfer who's experience I feel they will need to use to ensure they stay up this season.
 
A weakness if feel with the club is Chris Hughton who I'm not too sure about as a manager, I feel that if results go against Newcastle he may struggle controlling the dressing room which is full of strong characters like Kevin Nolan, Andy Carrol and Joey Barton. The board at Newcastle also isn't renowned for its patience and if anything will cost Newcastle their place in the top flight it could be dressing room and boardroom instability.

West Brom

Now I feel that Roberto Di Matteo's side are an interesting prospect. They are the biggest spenders out of the new boys with a total of 9.5 million pounds on various players to strengthen their squad. They have already spent some time in the top four (although it was only one night) I feel that they may have what it takes to stay up.

At the start of the season I saw them sell two of their "best" players in the shapes of Robert Koren and Jonathon Greening. This didn't look very promising, but what Di Matteo has done is sign Paul Scharner, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Peter Odemwingie. Both Scharner and Fortune are hard working players who have both been involved in relegation scraps for various clubs and Odemwingie off the back of the World Cup adds a bit of class up front.

Simon Tchoyi who made his debut against Manchester United I feel could be West Brom's surprise weapon. The former Redbull Salzburg winger put in a man of the match performance in a 2-1 victory against Manchester City and then went on to score the equalizer against Manchester United in an impressive 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. They are currently on an impressive 6 match unbeaten run including wins over Fulham and Birmingham City, I really do think they have a real chance of avoiding relegation.

Is it easier this season?

With all three promoted sides looking like they have a real possibility of staying up, the question is why? I personally feel that there are far too many predictable teams in the Premiership at the moment. Sides like Blackburn, Wolves, Stoke and Birmingham while decent at home are liable to drop important points on their travels. There are also teams like Wigan, West Ham and Fulham who have a soft centre (lack the power and industry of the teams mentioned earlier) and are very inconsistent both home and away.

In what Sky Sports for sales purposes labels "the best league in the world" I don't feel there is the quality in the bottom half of the table to make life difficult for the new boys this season. A counter argument to this is that the Championship is such a tough league that the promoted teams are better prepared for life in the top flight this. I can only discredit this argument with this article written by the rather articulate former England goalkeeper David James.

Conclusion

For this season I hope that sides like Stoke and Wolves are punished and sides with endeavor and creativity  like Blackpool and West Brom stay up, this is the only way the league will improve. But my prediction this season is from the promoted sides, Blackpool will go down but West Brom and Newcastle will stay up at the expense of West Ham and Wolves.

Manchester City Striker wants to leave in January

Frustrated Figure: Santa Cruz

Competition for first team places are tough to come by nowadays at Manchester City, as Roberto Mancini, backed by the billionaire owners, has always got his sights on new, top quality players to add to the already talented team.

This competition however, is proving too tough for Roque Santa Cruz, as he told a radio station that his intention is to leave Manchester City in January because of the lack of first team opportunities.
The South American striker said:

"Unfortunately I'm not playing as I'd like. The club has invested heavily, competition for places is great and I'm working every day to try and convince the coach ... but I'm still not getting picked. The situation is very complicated, I wanted to think well of it, but I'm not getting the playing time to convince anybody and my priority is to leave in the January transfer market.

"The coach has opted for certain players and on top of that his system plays with just the one striker, so I have even fewer options.

"I'm 29 years old and still hope to fulfill my dream of playing in Spain. It is the dream of most South American players, so let's see, hopefully it will happen. I wanted to play again because I'm not getting playing time here. My intention is to leave City in the January transfer window and I hope that it could be for the Spanish League."

Since joining the club in 2009 for a fee of around £17.5 million from Blackburn, the former Bayern Munich star hasn't really been able to hold on to a first team place, and his form has suffered, thanks in no small part to injuries.

At 29 years of age he won't fetch much money in the transfer window. His lack of form has reduced the asking price considerably, and it doesn't seem likely that City will make a profit from him.
With billions of pounds to spend on a new replacement, and with strikers like Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli and Jo still at the club, it also doesn't seem likely that the Eastlands club will miss him.

Defeat of Naples, Allegri Pleased

Napoli - AC Milan's success bend Napoli at home to make their coach Massimiliano Allegri smile. He admitted that he was very satisfied with the work of Zlatan Ibrahimovic cs.

Milan won with a thin score 1-2. Rossoneri goal each scored by Robinho and Ibrahimovic, while Pertenopei record numbers through Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Allegri himself saw his foster children are already struggling hard and showing a very good game.

"Tonight, all played well. New Napoli reacts after conceding two goals, "Allegri said as quoted by Goal, Tuesday (10/26/2010).
"They also have done the best for an equalizer. While we are continually looking at the gap, "he continued.

Allegri then expects that all players are able to maintain performance. "Overall I am quite satisfied. We lost a few players in the area of defense. Milan is a team willing to make sacrifices and I hope it looks like this could continue. "(MSY)

Liverpool to start Re-building with two new wingers

So far, Liverpool have had an odd season. Their poor performances have seen them drop into the relegation zone, and their top players have been out of sorts - finding it tough to have a good game in a red shirt. Compare this misery with the relief of having new owners, ones that promise not to plunge the club in debt but willing to invest, and Liverpool fans may be unable to decide whether the season so far has been good or bad.

They have plenty of time to decide however, and one person whom will be a catalyst in the answer to that question, is Roy Hodgson. The Liverpool manager has been promised a substantial amount of money to spend in the January, and summer transfer windows. He will have £30 million to spend in each period, and those keen mathematicians will have already worked out that this totals £60 million - a sum that the previous Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez could only have dreamed of under the previous owners.

Hodgson is already reported to have identified a couple of player that could dig Liverpool out of the mess that they currently find themselves in.

Chris Brunt of West Brom is a rather surprising rumour that is circulating. The Irish winger is very versatile and has been a big player for his current club, inspiring his team to a shock win against Arsenal this season, and generally being a source of many goals in the newly promoted team. He is able to play on both wings as well as playing just behind the striker, and it may be this versatility that has caught Hodgsons eye.

Being Albion's best player this season, they will be looking for around £9 million for him, a sum that Liverpool can now easily afford.

The other player that Hodgson is monitoring is the Portugese left wing-back, Fabio Coentrao. He impressed in the World Cup for his native Portugal - delivering excellent crosses for Cristiano Ronaldo, and being a big threat throughout the tournament. He caught the eye of Carlo Ancelotti too, and that summer, Chelsea were reportedly interested, but no deal materialised. The Benfica man will probably cost more than Brunt, but a player of his quality, of which he displayed in the World Cup would be welcomed with open arms at Andield, as the team are in dire need of some pace and creativity.

Hodgson does not have great support from the Liverpool fans, as some are calling for him to be sacked already, so his activity in the transfer market will be heavily scrutinised. Without the excuse of greedy, unwilling owners to hide behind anymore, the Liverpool manager will have to deliver the goods, or risk the wrath of the fans.

Lukasz Fabianski... Better than the world thought?

Well, well, two good performances from the man fans have named "Flappyhandski" in a row. I know some people may feel its premature to be saying this, but he's starting to look like decent keeper.

Fabianski comes from a long line of Polish shot-stoppers going all the way back to the days of the Polish goalkeeping legend Jan Tomaszewski up to now with Jerzy Dudek, Tomasz Kuszczak and Artur Boruc who have all played for major European clubs recently, two of which are holders of Champions League Winners medals.

So where did he come from and what went so horribly wrong? Well Fabianski was signed by Arsenal from Legia Warsaw who had just won the Polish league with him as their first choice between the sticks. By this time he had also been capped by Poland making his debut against Saudi Arabia in a friendly.

Once Fabianski joined Arsenal he made his debut in the Carling Cup against Sheffield United a fairly routine 3-0 win in which he captained the side. But the problems started when Fabianski was part of the Arsenal side which suffered a 5-1 reverse against Tottenham Hotspur of all teams, not the best way to endear yourself to any Arsenal fan, but worse was to come...

Arsenal qualified for the knock out rounds of the Champions League for the umpteenth time and were matched against Porto which seemed like a favourable draw. After first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was injured Fabianski had the chance to prove himself on the big stage. This didn't happen arsenal lost the game 2-1,both goals were attributed to mistakes made by Fabianski. The first was an own goal and the second goal was a result of him picking up a back pass from Sol Campbell. Fabianski had truly hit rock bottom.

But this season Fabianski has played 5 games 2 in the Champions League and 3 in the Premier League of which 2 were against Chelsea and Manchester City with no mistakes. Fabianski is starting to look like Arsenals number 1. He was very assured during the game against Chelsea, saved a penalty against Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League and kept a clean sheet with a very impressive performance against Manchester City at Eastlands in which was given a 8 out of 10 rating by Skysports.

Following this seasons performances so far I feel that Fabianski can make himself first choice and prove that Arsene Wenger's faith in him is justified. The future right now is looking fabulous for the 25 year old.

Why Rafa Should Still Be At Liverpool...

Now I know that I'm going against the British media, pundits like Andy Gray and the former Texan owners of the club when I say that Rafa Benitez should still be managing Liverpool FC.

When Benitez first came to Liverpool it was off the back of deposing the two great powers of Spanish football, Barcelona and Real Madrid and making Valencia the champions of Spain. He came to an ailing giant of football. His predecessor Gerard Houllier had moderate success winning the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and the League Cup but failed to make Liverpool champions of England.

In his first season Rafa had immediate success winning the Champions League with a Liverpool side made up of Houllier signings and a few acquisitions made by Benitez from La Liga. Following this success I feel that Liverpool fans expected more of the same not realizing that the club was punching way above their weight.

Liverpool as a club are far behind the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and even Manchester City with regards to finances and facilities. If you start by looking at the size and quality of the stadiums. Both Manchester clubs have far larger stadiums in terms of capacity and Chelsea have invested millions in improving Stamford Bridge. Liverpool are still in Anfield which has a maximum capacity of 45,400 and was built in 1884. With the resources Benitez had available to him in comparison to Manchester United and Chelsea I feel that a European Cup, FA Cup and consistently qualifying for the Champions League is a good return.

I know that critics of Rafa point out signings such as Andrea Dossena, Alberto Aquilani, Robbie Keane and Ryan Babel as major flops. But in response to this I can say Rafa raised the profile of the club, signings such as Xabi Alonso (who Real Madrid were interested in at the time), Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger, Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina showed Liverpool had the ambition and manager to attract the top talent from around Europe.

Benitez also improved the performances of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Gerrard wasn't a 15+ goal midfielder before his arrival. Carragher under Houllier was a utility man usually shoved out to left back and not the cornerstone of a European Cup winning defence.

I also feel that the British media have been treating Benitez unfairly. Questions over the tactical shape and quality of his teams has been a major stick to beat Benitez with. On the left is the team Benitez had assembled the season before Christian Purslow became managing director at the club when they finished 2nd. Following his appointment I feel Benitez became an isolated figure at the club.

Many say that Rafa needed to leave the club due to the clubs poor finish and the club needed to progress. If this was the case it doesn't seem to be working. Under Roy Hodgson the club have lost Javier Mascherano, Albert Riera and Emiliano Insua who have been replaced by Christian Poulsen, Joe Cole and Paul Konchesky.

This time last season (25/10/2009) Liverpool were in 5th place in the Premiership after a 2-0 win over Manchester United. At the moment they are 19th with only one win this season recorded this season. Further to this at the peak of his powers Rafa led Liverpool to a 4-1 victory against Manchester United and 4-0 against Real Madrid.

The team which finished seventh under Benitez last season (on the left). Fernando Torres only played 15 league games which is less than half, imagine if Wayne Rooney only played 15 games for Manchester United? Without their talismanic striker Liverpool lacked the goal threat, Torres scored 12 goals in the games he played. This cannot be blamed on Benitez Torres due to the international calender hadn't had a break in two years (Euro 2008 was followed by the Confederations Cup).

I do understand that Xabi Alonso would've been a big miss for the team but it didn't seem to affect the form of Torres. And if you look at the bigger picture Liverpool were just 7 points off 4th place. Although finishing outside the top 4 is a failure but I don't feel there was as much of a gap between Liverpool and the teams challenging for that spot as there is now.

Liverpool's starting line up against Manchester United (bottom left) their biggest match of the season is a far weakened line up with an axis of Poulsen and Meireles, neither of whom have played in the Premier League before. Meireles has come from the weaker less physical Portuguese League and Poulsen was discarded after a disappointing time in Italy with Juventus. Konchesky is another player who I feel isn't a player qualified to play for a major club partnered with Joe Cole on the left. Yes this is the same Joe Cole who Chelsea felt was fit to let go for free and then spend 6 million to buy his replacement from Liverpool in the form of Yossi Benayoun. This clearly shows Roy Hodgson isn't qualified for the job and Liverpool have regressed as a club since Benitez left.

In view of this there are two main reasons why Rafa Benitez should still be Liverpool manager. Firstly, one bad season doesn't make him a bad manager, his previous successes should have bought him more time and secondly the club have been unable to find a better replacement.