In FIFA 10, EA Sports’ widely popular football game, the weekly salary of Wayne Rooney is set at £110,000 in Manager Mode. That is how rich a virtual edition of Wayne Rooney is.

Clubs like Burnley, Blackpool, Hoffenheim, Hercules have recently entered their respective country’s premier championship and impressed all neutrals.

It is widely known now that Blackpool manager Ian Holloway had been given a strict salary cap of £10,000 per week per player by ex-chairman Karl Oyston. How does he motivate Marlon Harewood to score more goals than Carlos Tevez when he knows that the Apache earns more in a month than Harewood earns in two years.

Karl Oyston resigned with immediate effect’ after the Tangerines opening day thrashing of Wigan Athletic. He said he was disillusioned by the lack of ethics in the Premier League. And rightly so. It is amazing that the most average player in a Liverpool Jersey (let’s say Raul Meireles) probably earns the same as the best player at Hoffenheim – and the German League is financially very healthy as compared to the mess Liverpool find themselves in.

The team sitting pretty atop the La Liga table has a similar story to the Reds. The mountain of debt Valencia are said to be under has forced the club to (among other things) delay payments of salaries of their players in the past by a few weeks. Few weeks! I’m sorry mister Mata, but will it be okay if you survive on just a measly 5-figure sum this month?

Footballers earn more than they deserve. Their salaries and transfer fees are resulting in fans having to shell out up to 50 quid at some stadias to see their favorite team assemble a bunch of their favorite players in their starting XI.

How different would life be if footballers were poor? We don’t have to look far to find some. In countries ranked below the top 100 in the FIFA world rankings, many football players don’t know of any other green than the pitch they play on. Their lives are fueled by their passion for the game.

Alfredo Esteves – I know his name does have the makings of a star – is the captain of the Timor-Leste National Football team. His greatest moments as a footballer are:

• Scoring a goal for his country against Cambodia in 2008.
• Playing alongside the likes of Luis Figo, Ronaldo (the one that can use hair gel) and his Brazilian namesake in a charity game for the Figo All Stars.

I know most of us will give an arm and a leg – well maybe not our legs, we’ll need them – to share the same “greatest moments” as Alfredo. But Esteves wasn’t even paid the £10,000 the highest earning Seasider makes, for his appearance in that friendly. He wasn’t paid to say anything. He simply loves the game.

For Ashley Cole, the “best decision of his career” was joining Chelsea from Arsenal in 2006. In fact he went on to say that Gunners fans don’t know what they are missing out on if they aren’t supporting Chelsea. Shows how much class money can buy you.

Manchester United’s latest recruit Bébé was playing purely for the love of the game not more than a month back. But the media circus surrounding his arrival has made him realize the worth of the £7.5 million that has been reportedly spent on him. There were a lot of reports about how United lost out on signing him for free in May. For a man who would be happy to get €7.5 to feed himself just a year ago, reading a million reports on what his transfer fees is worth – Roughly 150,000 Bébé replica shirts – can be quite overwhelming! But that sum comes after the talent.

His raw footballing skills will be honed by Manchester United’s coaching staff. Behind all the headlines his story has attracted, Bébé remains a poor footballer at the core of things. And it was his inspiring performances at the Homeless World Cup, where he played not for money, but for his country that got him a United jersey.

Maybe most footballers that come from poor nations don’t understand what the power of a 40-yard-90th-minute-winner is. At that moment they surge all the power in their body to the tip of the foot and unleash an unstoppable drive. They definitely aren’t thinking of their swiss bank accounts. If we were to see that footballer everywhere, we wouldn’t have to spend $1.99 to watch the highlights of our favorite teams’ Champions League Match.

Will we ever see a time when a footballer with the talent of Messi play his entire club life for a club like Swansea because that’s his club? So what if it isn’t in the Premier League. I dream so.

Until then, bring in the beers.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Greetings folks! My country is dressed with the colours of the rainbow this festive season as there seem to be fireworks in the sky, and on the field. Pun unintended.

This is my first article in close to a month courtesy a deadly mosquito bite that almost cost me my life. But glory be, here I am to
lay down my views and such on the world’s most popular sport (off the bed).

The season is 2 months old now — Half way from the next transfer window opening – and the time seems ripe to judge who made the right buys, who spent a lot on another failure, and who is ruing the departure of a former player.

Chelsea

Transfer talks don’t sound right if we don’t start with Chelsea. The Londoners as expected, splashed out millions and millions — enough money probably to buy a country or two.

Their imports were extravagant in both Shevchenko and Ballack. I always felt Sheva wouldn’t do exceptionally in the premiership given how physical it is. Not at his age at least. So far he has lived up to my expectations. Nothing exceptional, except some heart stopping runs here and there. He will improve, but doesn’t seem likely to meet the standards he set in Italy.

Ballack on the other hand seems to be thriving in all the pounds he has earned and what I thought was going to be the Londoners most difficult challenge this season — keeping Lampard and Ballack together in the same line-up – didn’t look that difficult a job for Jose.

Salomon Kalou has been a wicked buy. Obi Mikel, hasn’t really delivered given all the hype. But he hasn’t really even had any time
to prove himself. I shall reserve my judgment for a later date.

And how can talks of Chelsea be complete without delving into the Cashley — Gallas saga. Both the players are doing as well in the
Premiership as they always were, only wearing different colours. Ashley Cole got some amount of attention after the transfer while
Gallas got more than enough before the 31st of August. This story can truly be reviewed and revered come the 5th of May 2007 when these two sides go head to head at the Emirates Stadium in part 2 of this London Derby.

Eidur Gudjohnsen left for the bench of Spanish Giants Barcelona after being linked with Manchester United.

Robert Huth’s and Hernan Crespo’s departure doesn’t seem to hurt Chelsea too much and neither does Damien Duff’s. Lastly Khaled
Boulharouz is at best worthy of a ‘Decent Player’ tag.

All in all: A (just because they got Sheva to the Premiership)

Arsenal

Enough said about William Gallas, Arsenal’s other big buys this season have been Julio ‘The Beast’ Baptista and Tomas Rosicky. The
Czech youngster has been beyond impressive in the middle. His petite size might be a disadvantage now, but given a couple of seasons in the Premiership he will get tougher and only better as an attacking midfielder.

Baptista on the other hand has no problem with his physique. He is doing well at the London club and Arsenal finally seem to be gelling well as a team (about friggin’ time one might add).

Jose Antonio Reyes was never exceptional with the Gunners and isn’t missed much either. Robert Pires though would definitely have been missed at the start of the season but with Rosicky’s impressive performances, he might just be a long lost memory by January (hey, it rhymes!)

All in All: A (Gallas + Rosicky = Excellent buys)

West Ham United

The transfer swoop of the season. No one could believe what they read/saw/heard when they found out that Argentine duo Carlitos Tevez and Javier Mascherano were on their way to Upton Park.

However, West Ham are struggling in the League, out of the Carling and Uefa Cups and have a manager who might be polishing his resume. In my opinion, these buys were wrongly timed by West Ham. They had an excellent team going. Looking to improve, which every club must do, they bought two over-hyped players in the hope to make an impact in Europe but have failed to deliver. I haven’t seen much of Mascherano so I won’t comment, but Tevez has done everything right for the Hammers except find the back of the net. He will thrive at a bigger club, and will be out of West Ham in a few seasons.

All in All: B- (I’m being gracious here!)

Newcastle United

The Toons have bought and sold a host of players. One of the most impressive performers so far had been Damien Duff. I’m a big fan of the winger and he is as dedicated as ever for Newcastle. Obafemi Martins is a great buy from Internazionale and will be a difference maker as far as Europe is concerned. Other worthy mentions are A. Sibierski who has done well in the Uefa Cup and Giuseppe Rossi who has already banged in a goal in his first start. Things are looking up for the Tyneside giants

All in All: B (Newcastle looks like it’ll end its cup drought courtesy their new recruits. Much the same as far as their yearly transfers are concerned)

Liverpool

The Merseyside Big Guns have made more advances to becoming a Spanish team with winger Mark Gonzalez (born in South Africa, he is Chilean, I know… but seriously, Liverpool will soon be a part of La Liga). After some worries in the strike force, reinforcements were bought in the form of Irishman Craig Bellamy and Dutch superstar Dirk Kuyt whose pace is troubling most defenses in the Premiership. Jermaine Pennant was a wicked snatch from Birmingham City and the winger is thriving at Anfield.

As far as the departed are concerned, the only thing missed about Djibril Cisse is his hairstyle. Djimi Traore served the club as best
as he could but won’t be missed a lot as is the case with Dietmar Hamman. Cinema — Pong goal is an already forgotten Red.

Liverpool have other worries within the club. The club needs a midfield makeover. Not in terms of buying players, in terms of
positioning players. The fans seem content with Rafa Benitez’s side.

Given, he has delivered two trophies in two years (one which is the biggest of them all), but this is a massive club. One huge victory among a few draws and defeats is unacceptable.

All in All: B+ (Just on the basis of the performance of their new recruits)

Tottenham Hotspurs

Sounds of cha-ching could be heard till the Seven Sister’s tube station when news came that Michael Carrick has made his way to Old Trafford. Martin Jol wasn’t much too happy to lose the youngster who held his team together last year but bought a few players who combined made up for the loss of Manchester United’s new number 16.

Didier Zokora was bought as the replacement for Carrick; the strike force was strengthened by adding Dimitar Berbatov who still is to make his impact on the Premiership. Assou-Ekotto seems like another Sissoko, I mean headless chicken. Mido is hardly a new buy after having been a regular already with the Spurs.

The best buys for the Spurs however this season have been Frenchmen Steed Malbranque and Left-Back Pascal Chimbonda. Both of them have experience in the Premiership and this team looks set to challenge for a place in Europe on a regular basis.

After a very shaky start to the season, the Londoners haven’t lost a game since their 3-0 hammering at Anfield last month.

All in All: A (Despite losing their brightest midfield prospect)

Manchester United

The summer was agonizing for most United fans. One year later, we still seem to be searching for a replacement for Roy Keane. Though Carrick has donned the number 16 jersey, he is far from the Roy Keane that got us to the 1999 European Champions Cup! However, the table doesn’t lie.

United is right on top, has won each game in Europe and Carrick has been a regular in the squad so he is contributing for sure. I’m sorry Michael, we expect a lot from our players.

The only other man to find a new locker at Old Trafford this year has been Polish stopper Tomasz Kuszczak. He is yet to keep a clean sheet for the first team but has looked more than promising so far. His first game was against Arsenal and he lived up to the pressure with a fantastic save against Gilberto.

But the biggest transfer saga of the season was that of Ruud van Nistelrooy. After all the controversy and hype, he finally went to Real Madrid and has been doing quite well for Los Galacticos. So far, the decision to sell him seems justified with Saha banging in the goals on a regular basis.

All in All: B (This was a tough one. Fans wanted to see a lot of players being bought — Owen Hargreaves, Fernando Torres, Riquelme, etc… to name a few. However, the new recruits are performing so far and the departed aren’t missed too much)

Other worthy mentions are Silian Petrov (Celtic to Aston Villa), Nwanko Kanu (WBA to Portsmouth), Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid to Boro) and Andy Johnson (Welcome back to where you really belong, brother! Crystal Palace to Everton) – Martin O’Neill looks like he is here to stay after having a brilliant start with Aston Villa. I know he’s not a transfer but a new face nonetheless.

The January window is much awaited now. Chelsea will be looking for a good keeper on loan, United still searching to fill the Roy Voyd. Arsenal will be looking to invest in any 17 year old who can dance with the ball at his feet, Liverpool for some more people from Spain and the Spurs will take more steps in becoming an all — England club (p.s Becks is already being linked)

Viva la Futbol!

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

All the big names are in action this weekend as the English Premiership resumes in what promises to be one of the highest scoring weekends.

Liverpool vs. Tottenham

Fresh off a 2-0 victory against Newcastle, the Merseyside Giants will remain hosts, this time to London outfit Tottenham Hotspurs.

With just the 7 points in 5 matches, and a negative goal difference Liverpool has a lot of catching up to do. A month from today, they face United at Old Trafford and they need to start producing results now if they are to start putting pressure on the Red Devils. Tottenham on the other hand find themselves in 16^th place.

A win here would mean Martin Jol’s men will be tied with Liverpool on points. A loss could even throw them right at the bottom in 20^th, provided the sides in relegation zone win their matches. Berbatov’s injury relapse is going to cost them. Expect fireworks as two of the better sides in the Premiership face off in this noon fixture, with everything to lose, and everything to win.

Prediction

Liverpool 1 — 0 Tottenham

Men of the Match

Pool — Stevie G and Alonso who must be on a high with that brilliant strike against Newcastle. Expect Kuyt to score.

Tottenham — Assou-Ekotto and Jermaine Defoe! If Jol starts Defoe, expect the score line to be a little different.

Fulham vs. Chelsea

In what is known as the SW6 Derby, the Blues walk across the Fulham area to taken on Chris Coleman’s XI at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have earned a reputation of being a tough team to beat at their home ground and Chelsea felt the effects of that last year when Luis Boa Morte scored the only goal in the derby as Fulham surprised the champions and won 1-0. The match heated up toward the as a Didier Drogba strike was denied for handball and former Chelsea defender William Gallas was sent off following a brawl.

But the story doesn’t look likely to repeat itself as Fulham have a number of injury woes with almost all their big names sidelined including last time’s scorer Luis Boa Morte. Chelsea on the other hand will look to add to Fulham’s problems and go on top of the Premiership for the first time this season (at least till United face Reading later on the same evening). A walk-over for the champions you say? Expect it to be!

Prediction

Fulham 0 — 3 Chelsea

Men of the Match

Fulham — If they pay, Brian Mcbride and Bocanegra. Don’t expect a solid defensive performance here either, unless Niemi has something to say about it.

Chelsea — Let’s make it easier. Who should we not expect to perform? Why, Chelsea’s defense of course. Expect a lazy day for them and Petr Cech. A tan session in the sun I say!

Arsenal vs. Sheffield United.

The Gunners got a shock result at Old Trafford last weekend. Well, it would have been considered a shock to anyone who didn’t see a dismal performance from Manchester Untied. The Gunners will look to extend their winning streak to 3 games as they take on last place Sheffield United.

This should be a simple route for the gunners and they should get their first win at the Emirates stadium. This could be their 7-0 game of the season, though I doubt that will come so early in the season. A game which shouldn’t have many talking points except — are we seeing the first club to get relegated playing tomorrow? And how will Henry perform in his return from a minor injury?

Prediction

Arsenal 2 — 0 Sheffield United

Men of the Match

Sheffield United — Could really use one of those! Watch out for Hulse!

Arsenal — Thierry Henry and new boy William Gallas among a few to be on the look out for.

Reading vs. Manchester United.

The Royals will be ruing the Gunners victory over United last Weekend as the Red Devils will be looking for a punching bag, and newly promoted Reading will provide them just that.

But don’t take Reading to be pushovers. They are more than capable of scoring goals which they have showed since the season began and find themselves only 3 points behind Man U.

However, United need to make an example of Reading to prove their start to this season was not a fluke and the loss against Arsenal was just a minor setback. They also need to send out a warning to Benfica, who they play in their mid-week Champions League clash. Long Story Short, Sunday’s headlines should read something like this —

United Smash Reading — Be Afraid… be very AFRAID!

Prediction

Manchester United 4 — 1 Reading

Men of the Match

Reading — Striker Kevin Doyle is back!

United — Wayne Rooney needs to silence his critics and score some goals. Carrick needs to get going. Ferdinand needs to stop making idiotic mistakes at the back. Expect Ronaldo to be among the scorers! And lastly, I’d like to see a better defensive performance from Evra who has impressed (at least on the run) this season.

Newcastle vs. Everton

The only match on Sunday is at St. James’ Park where Glen Roeder needs to inject some amount of confidence into the Toons who face an Everton side that is on a high ever since Andy Johnson returned to the Premiership. I am a big fan of the English Striker and we can expect him to be the man who makes a difference in this evening encounter between two of England’s mid-table sides. On-loan striker Rossi should finally get a nod with Shola Ameobi being a doubt.

This has all the potential of being the match of the weekend as Everton could find themselves at the top of the League, although it’s a long shot.

Predictions

Everton 2 — 0 Newcastle United.

Men of the Match

Newcastle – New arrival Damien Duff scored a beauty in last week’s victory against the Hammers. Expect him to perform along with Charles N’Zgobia.

Everton – Andy Johnson will extend his scoring streak to 4 games in a row. Phil Neville will relish this outing.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News