As I picked up a newspaper on Sunday, I was faced with the spotty adolescent face of Manchester United’s latest teenage ‘sensation’, Federico Macheda. After making a cameo appearance from the Old Trafford bench (cushioned armchairs in actuality), the 17-year-old Italian showed a neat touch and a curling shot to clinch the game for his team against Aston Villa. Six days later, on he came again, to send United supporters into raptures with another screamer — albeit deflected — goal within a minute of stepping on the pitch.

The youngster had arrived.

So there it was, the latest Old Trafford prodigy, the latest homegrown talent (kind of). Cue the press exaggeration and the comparisons with the greats of the game. In this case, he was dubbed the ‘new Cristiano Ronaldo’, a comparison inspired by comments from former Lazio youth coach, Volfango Patarca. A rather far fetched link in many respects, the youth coach pointing out that the players are both “tall and languid, speedy too”.

The young star doesn’t seem to possess any visible lack of confidence either, a cocksure swagger that undeniably draws resemblance to the World Player of the Year. Two goals and less than 45 minutes on the pitch, this 17-year-old is being compared to the best player in the world over the past few seasons. Pressure indeed. Hyperbole indeed.

It is a mark of the current euphoric footballing climate. As every new gem appears on to the footballing screens, they are so often dubbed as having the patent characteristics of a past legend. Be it Maradona, Pele, Cruyff, or a more recent star, Ronaldo, Cantona, Inzaghi. There have been some contemptible, some disturbing, and some valid claims on up and coming players, made by both media and by supporters. It is a nostalgic yearning to see the legends reappear — a brief glimpse of a newbie that invokes visions of a past or current favourite — the same angle of flair, the same drop of the shoulder, an aura or temperament.

The comparisons carry great burdens, and here are some the chains that have been slung round the necks of some of the up and coming world stars. Likened to greats old and current, hailed as the equivalent of legends gone by (and even those still going by).

Lionel Messi – “The New Diego Maradona”

This one had to come first. More or less every small, swift, talented Argentinean forward that arrives onto the footballing scene is likened to the national legend. Saviola, Tevez, Pablo Aimar, Sergio Aguero, all proposed to be the new ‘Maradona’. But none has come as close to Diego’s perfection in technique, vision, flair and style than Lionel Messi.

The mazy run against Getafe where he left six players in ignominy before slotting to the ball into the empty net, really set the comparisons in full swing, being almost identical to that stunning goal scored by Maradona against England in the 1986 World Cup (the second one, settle down). The press in Spain labeled him “Messidona”, his celebration, his rounding of the keeper and defenders, his chic movement, all almost indistinguishable from one of the best players ever to grace the world game.

When Messi collects the ball and sets off on one of his balletic dribbles, it is as though the ball is glued to his boot, and it is merely a game of playground ‘tig’. Defender just trying to get a touch to him as he weaves around them. A game of ‘tig’ with a remarkably rapid little youngster sporting a boyish grin. One where even if you do catch him, it is pretty unlikely that you will be able to dispossess him, or even knock him over with his incredibly low centre of gravity. Add to that the accuracy of his shooting and then his passing, as well his weighted through balls that drift perfectly into the path of his teammates and you end up with one of the most complete players in the world today.

Still only 21 years of age, the little magician still has many enchanting years of ahead of him to add to his Ballon D’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year tally. He certainly has the trademark skills once exuded by his national coach. The up and coming World Cup in South Africa may be where he really stakes a position as the unprecedented best in the world.

Abou Diaby – The new Patrick Viera

Having seen both of these players on a number of occasions, the resemblance is scarliy similar. Those marauding runs from midfield, the incredible presence in the centre of the park. They share comparable appearance, size and brio. One was an Arsenal great; the other sure has the potential. Abou Diaby has played all over the park for Arsene Wenger, however it is in that role once governed by Viera, that has seen his best form. After storming forward powerfully against Newcastle this year, smashing the ball into the roof of the net, even his manager was quick to point out the similarities, with “the same stature, the same size”.

Diaby does not yet have the positional command that his predecessor displayed in such abundance, something Wenger again pointed out, stating that “Abou is only 22 and there is still a lot of room for him to get where Patrick was as a player”. However, under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, many believe he has the potential to be reach the levels of this member of ‘invincibles’, and play a dominate role in the team like the former club captain.

Lassana Diarra – The new Claude Makelele

This contrast has been around for a while, first made when Diarra first hit the scene as a Chelsea youngster, Makelele was still safeguarding the club’s defense with experience and assurance, but with growing age. The fact that they looked remarkably similar, played in the same position, and were both French, meant the link was inevitable. Diarra often discarded the association, insisting that despite being flattered by the class of his mentor, he had his own unique playing style and talent.

He was sure to his word, and his start to world football has been an eventful, but so far fruitful one. With a spell at Arsenal which had little involvement in the first team, there were doubts over his potential instigated by Wenger’s decision to let him go. It is not often the judicious Frenchman releases a young star of the future. The likes of Aliadiere and Pennant left the club and have done little to nothing since.

After impressing heavily in the South Coast at Portsmouth, January saw a multi million Euro switch to Real Madrid for the French midfielder. A club where, ironically, Makelele enjoyed some of the best of his footballing years. His position provides cover to the back line, just like Makeleles, but he appears to be more creative with the ball, willing to play himself out of trouble and attempt more ventures into attack. He is also a more versatile player, having played at fullback for club and country in the past.

For the moment at least, he looks well on course to have a career as rewarding as that enjoyed by his former teammate.

Wayne Rooney – The new Paul Gascoigne

If the chants that rain down from the Old Trafford terraces are to be believed (well, ok, drizzle down; it is Old Trafford after all), then someone has seen the white Pele plying his trade in Manchester red. A much less poetic, but far more common comparison is marking the Scouse hothead as today’s Paul Gascoigne.

Wazza is the new Gazza, at least that is the view of many of the nations’ tabloids. Partly due to a rather bulky physique, and their roles as lovable rogues, the player’s parallel in class and power is incontestable. Wayne torments opposing defenders and midfielders in the same way that Gascoigne did as his best, almost impossible to derail at full flow, and with technique superior to his peers.

One key difference however, one that has undoubtedly shaped the careers of both superstars, is that Wayne Rooney decided to sign for Sir Alex. In a move that Gascoigne marks as his greatest regret, the Geordie famously went back on his word to the Manchester United gaffer to sign for rivals, Spurs. Under Alex’s tenure, Rooney has thrived.

Despite still possessing his bullish rage, the England International Player of the Year has grown and grown since signing for the club. From pinpoint long range passes that split Premiership and Champions League back lines, to remarkable composure and speed, Rooney is starting to make the most of his rich potential. Something Gascoigne never quite managed with his off the field troubles and some questionable career decisions.

As Rooney frequently appears in the defenders’ nightmares, Gascoigne makes his appearances in the North East clinics. The likenesses are there, but Gascoigne may simply be a constant reminder to the young Manchester United forward, in keeping his career on the right track.

Rafael Da Silva – The new Cafu

A predictable comparison, one many made before they even saw him pull on a Manchester United shirt.

Right back, Brazilian, he was always going to be compared with Cafu. So were Maicon, Dani Alves and Kleber, so why not him? Having played a handful of games for the first team this campaign, it does look as though this particular twin has what it takes to be a top player. His position seemed unknown at first, yet Sir Alex described him as a “natural fullback” after some impressive displays at the back. He looks an excellent prospect. His effervescent performances and roadrunner sprints down the touchline really do spark memories of the veteran Milan star’s early days. He has pace and energy to burn, and an eye for goal, shown by his stunning strike against Arsenal earlier in the campaign.

Questions have been posed in terms of his defensive awareness, very similar to Cafu in his early days at Roma. Cafu grew into the mindset of the Italian game, becoming a solid yet marauding fullback and a crux in many a league, Champions League and World Cup campaign. In Sir Alex’s words, the veteran has the “engine to get up and down the pitch”. He also feels that Da Silva has what it takes to be a world class player, pinpointing his “great enthusiasm and stamina” as key ingredients. He will stand a great chance of developing under the watchful gaze of Sir Alex, and growing into a top wingback.

The comparisons look promising for now, but there is a long way to go for the diminutive Brazilian before he can amount the accolades to contest his compatriot.

An Expectant Arena

These are just a pick of the most widespread comparisons amidst the current crop of talent. There are many developing and gifted wonderkids in the world of football, all watched scrupulously by the millions of supporters around the globe. Many won’t make it. Giovanni Dos Santos was tipped as the new Ronaldinho, yet is now struggling to break into the Ipswich Town team. Michael Johnson of Manchester City was also citing recollections of the great Colin Bell earlier last season, before enjoying not a single appearance in the current campaign.

It is a tough road and a competitive one for the footballers out there. The media and fans are desperate to see a new legend from the current generation. Is there a new Pele just learning the joys of shaving in Brasilia, or a new Raul scrapping in the streets of Malaga? Who knows for sure. One thing is certain, the media, the supporters, and a brand new string of comparisons will be waiting eagerly around the corner.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Adriano Leite Ribeiro, known to his friends (ok, to basically everyone) as simply Adriano, has decided to take a break from football. The Brazilian powerhouse, who netted 29 goals in 47 games for his national side, has “lost the joy of playing” football. He has “lost the happiness” that is so widely associated with beautiful game. For a Brazilian in particular, it was an incredible outcome.

Adriano made his decision not to return to European giants Inter Milan a few weeks ago, after traveling on international duty for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Peru. The 27-year-old does not know how long he will be away from the game, saying that he could be out for “one, two, or three months”.

He has dismissed money as irrelevant in the decision he has made or in any decision he will make, unperturbed that his break will surrender a monthly salary at Inter in the region of 400,000 Euros. It is essential that he “be happy in his job”, lamenting the “big pressure” that has always been a trademark of the Italian game. He insisted that he is “not sick, an alcoholic, or a drug user”. He simply needs a break, time with his family and friends back in Rio de Janeiro where he grew to love the game.

The whole saga is just another chapter in what has been a hectic career for Adriano. A career of proud highs; winning the Serie A title on more than one occasion; and overwhelming lows, with chaos off the pitch and on it. It all started in 1999, when Adriano’s skill and power was on display back in his homeland for Flamengo.

Brazilian Brilliance

In typical fashion, the big club’s watched on like vultures, keen to sniff out any blossoming talent in the hotbed of past football greats. Inter Milan took the striker to Italy, giving him a brief spell at Fiorentina on loan, where his Serie A education would begin. After an impressive season, a co-ownership deal was drawn up between Inter and Parma in 2002, a transfer policy rather unique to Italian football. From 2002 to 2004, Adriano bulldozed through his time at Parma, smashing in 22 goals in 26 games in his days at the Stadio Ennio Tardini

Keen to commit the long term future of the robust forward to Inter Milan, a four-year deal was signed upon his return in anticipation of the 2004/2005 season. The campaign ended with a more than impressive 15 goals in 16 games. Then came the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Brazil triumphed with an attack lead by the clinical Adriano. The striker helped overcome the likes of Germany and Argentina to collect the trophy as well as his share of personal accolades, winning Player of the Tournament and the Golden Boot (top scorer) award.

The world was now well aware of this latest Brazilian sensation. His form continued, encouraging another new contract in September 2005. It was almost as if it was at that moment, as he dipped his pen into the pot of ink and scrawled his signature onto the new five-year deal (ok, clicked his pen…I was going for drama), the demons in Adriano’s career began to emerge.

Fall from Grace

Our modern Brazilians are often built up beyond all realms of incredibility. The media and the fans all over the globe cast all kinds of superlative praise at the nation’s illustrious best. Ronaldinho and Ronaldo are prime examples. They all reached the very pinnacle of the world game, all described by some as potentially the best there ever was. And then comes the fall. Like Pederson under a gust of wind, their careers can collapse so quickly and without clear reason. Often some kind of nightclub is involved, often some kind of weight gain too. Adriano followed the trend.

After all the hype, after playing an almost unstoppable role as an Inter Milan front man with terrific strength and clinical shooting, the decline came. And it was on the biggest stage of all that the criticism first began to surface. World Cup 2006. He managed to score two goals in the tournament, but it proved to be a disappointing competition for both the player and the team. His languorous playing style and fruitless work ethic was heavily condemned across the globe.

The following season was littered with more appearances in the national newspapers than in the Inter lineup. Criticism over his work rate and his recreational activities flew at him with as much venom as one of his trademark shots. Then came the international snub. His lethargic displays, intermittent with late night festivities and training ground no-shows, contributed to Dunga’s decision to overlook him for the national squad. The coach justified the exclusion to the press and to the player, demanding that he “focus on football” if he was to regain his place in the national side.

His club form continued to ebb significantly, and with 2007 providing no improvement, he was shipped off to Brazil, given a leave of absence where he spent time training in Sao Paulo, with hopes of regaining his faded fitness and recovering from his alcoholic issues. The came a loan move in 2008, extending his stay in his native homeland and in Sao Paulo. Many tipped it as the final rusty nail in his career. That he was simply drifting to early retirement of top class European football. Many Brazilians choose to spend the twilight of their career in their native land, playing for a domestic club. This was simply seen as early resignation. However, Adriano showed that despite his difficulties, he was still more than capable of playing in the Brazilian first division. 6 goals in 10 games showed this, and he made a successful return to Inter, helping them in continental and domestic competitions this season.

Under Jose Mourinho, rumours of a move away have persisted, but he put in a series of top displays to earn his place in the team and regain his national squad place. Since then, he has been in and out the first team, and in March he was called up for international duty for the World Cup qualifying campaign. After subsiding on the bench for both games without being called upon by his coach, despite a disappointing display in Ecuador, Adriano did not return to Italy.

Point of No Return

Adriano made it clear that he does not want to return to Inter Milan, and specifically Italian football. There is no rumour of a fallout in the capital, even in the most far-fetched newspaper reports. He has simply grown bored of the game and wants time away. Mourinho has wished the striker well, and his encouraging words don’t seem to carry the same tune of his usual platitudes. There appears rather a genuine concern for a troubled individual. There is sympathy for the man who has lost a joy that means so much to billions worldwide. He has lost that love of the game.

In Italy, it is not entirely surprising that his joy has been dampened. A league where the sole foundations of the game revolve around the sundering and smothering of attacking flair, skill and goals, rather than its encouragement. A league where a mazy run toward goal is met with as much condemnation of the defender’s inability to disarm the attacker than admiration towards the winger streaming forward with the ball. A league in which there is colossal focus and attention on tactical efficiency. Not a feature of the game that will have ceased his attention and love as he dribbled through the streets of Rio as a kid. It is a league where the pressure is paramount, where the fans either hate you, or adore you. Lose a game, you may return from training to find your car tyres sliced and your windows smashed. Win, the fans will personally carry you (and your car) on their shoulders through the town with pride. It is a fickle and demanding game in Italy, more so than anywhere else — and Adriano was not enjoying it.

As the striker spends time away from the game over the next few months, his love the game may return. Many fans all over the world will hope that in his case, absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder. That he will return hungry for success, desperate to strike a ball, starved of action. Adriano will be faced with his future ahead of him, and at 27 his best form can still be reached, and he can pursue a successful career once more. What he will do next is unknown, but a return to Italy looks improbable. It is suggested that he could stay in Brazil, with Flamengo as was discussed in his interview. Is this the right move? Will it simply mean his top class career abroad will come to an end, or will it be a way of showing the world that he can regain his class once again? Time spent with his family in “happy” surroundings, regaining his form, his goal scoring power, his passion, and his fitness.

Do this and there will be no shortage of demand on the European front if he was to crave success once again. Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid have all declared interest in the past, though this may have curbed somewhat with recent events (bar Man City who were after all interested in a crippled and overweight Ronaldo not long ago). Some are saying that Adriano is at a crossroads in his frantic career. At the age of 27, it is maybe his last chance to take the correct turn. However, as the 2008/09 season comes to an end, as far as the crossroads that is his footballing career is concerned, he isn’t even on the road.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

As January slowly reached its final days, the real surprise of the transfer window took place. Not the move of Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma from Inter to Chelsea or even the reverse switch of Robbie Keane back to Spurs. The biggest shock was in fact the season-long loan move of Blackburn and England U21 international Matt Derbyshire to Greek giants, Olympiacos.

The move was surprising in that I struggle to recall a transfer quite like it. What you had was an English football player making the bold leap into the cultural diversity and the linguistic anonymity of the foreign leagues. Having turned out for the Blackburn side a credible 63 times in his career so far, the U21 international had seen chances in the first team disappear in the first part of the season.

Not satisfied with letting his career drift by in the reserves, Derbyshire jumped at the most obscure of opportunities as the Greek champions came calling. It was a prospect most English players wouldn’t even contemplate. Most would never consider moving abroad despite ever increasing competition on the domestic front, with the daunting task of breaking into a team in one of the hardest and most competitive leagues in the world.

The Past and the Future

Many of us have now grown accustomed to the stream of foreign talent flowing into the Premier League. With players drafted in from almost every conceivable world nation, the competition to make the cut at any Premiership club is colossal. Whereas the likes of Michael Owen and Gary Neville were thrust straight into first team action whilst still in their teens, a player now faces a rigorous test before they are put into a Premier League side. Rivals from all over the world contest for their respective position on the park.

The likes of Adam Eckersley and Danny Simpson at Manchester United face overwhelming opposition from Rafael Da Silva for the future right back spot. Even Rafael himself is unlikely to get an extended run in the first team with Gary Neville and Wes Brown in the fold. 10 or 15 years ago, Danny Simpson would arguably be playing first team football at Manchester United, and would have progressed under the pressure with the direction and guidance of one of the best managers around. In the current climate, he is forced to go out on loan to other club, counting his blessings that his destination turned out to be a rival Premier League side, with many of his peers forced to settle in the lower leagues.

Many young British players see themselves plummeting down the leagues to ambiguity — their progression stifled amidst the lower divisions. Chris Eagles from Manchester United, Lewis Montrose from Wigan Athletic are two examples. Once so promising, many young players find themselves as leftovers or playing too little a role to develop amongst the nation’s elite. The challenge facing our nation’s up and coming talent is greater than ever. A conception arises that our rising footballers are not as good as they once were. A more accurate summation would be that they are no longer given the chance to play first team football in the top league at the top clubs.

Players of similar initial talent, similar promise and potential, are now brought up into the best league in the world with the best players. Where they once would have been given a long run of games to help aid their development in the early Premiership years, they must now compete against the best youngsters from all over the world, not just their British academy equivalent. Competition is there to ensure that the cream rises to the top, but stifles the rest, who are stopped from reaching their own unknown potentials.

The likes of Stephen Ireland could so easily have left City a few seasons ago for a Championship club. He publicly rejected a move to Stoke City at one time, whilst rumours of a move to Reading were never too far away. Imagine if the Manchester City monsoon takeover had taken place a season or two earlier and he had been forced out, deemed as not of the sufficient quality for their ambitions. Or if a foreign coach had taken the reigns at Eastlands rather than Mark Hughes, and selected the more illustrious name of Elano or made another flair signing before the Irish midfielder put in this year’s effervescent displays. It is unlikely he would have developed and shone in the way he has this season if he had been playing his football in an inferior and largely direct playing style.

Blossoming in the Lower Ranks

It is no coincidence that the best talent often blossoms amidst the less reputable leagues of the top global nations. Holland, for example, have always been traditional heavyweights when it comes to international football. Conversely, their league does not have the same global standing. This has meant that much of the rich and gifted Dutch talent over the years has risen through the ranks in their domestic league, showing their potential and ability before being snatched up for millions by La Liga and the Premier League clubs.

Ruud van Nistelrooy starred in Holland for FC Den Bosch, Heerenveen and PSV Eindhoven. He even changed his position on the field at FC Den Bosch, from central defender to striker. Only after this, and after completing the rudiments of his footballing education, did he make his move to Manchester United. Klaus-Jan Huntelaar was given a key role in the Herenveen team at 20 years of age, and allowed to develop with ample first team action. A move to top Dutch side Ajax at 21 followed, where he developed even further in the starting lineup before Real Madrid signed him in January, aged 25. His 8 goals in 11 games so far for his new club suggest he could go on to be another Dutch success.

France too has also seen an abundance of world class players develop in their national league, moving through their domestic hierarchy before making their names abroad. It is an essential part of the development of top stars. The likes of Makelele progressing with a Nantes side from his youth to the age of 24, before completing his up bringing as a midfielder at Marseille, experiencing the pressure as a top team in the league before his move to Spain. One of this seasons revelations, Frank Ribery, made over 20 appearances in a season for French club, Boulogne, at just 17. He went on to play a key role in the first team of a larger French club, playing for Metz for a year at just 20 years of age. He gained essential top-tier experience and development before he eventually ended up at Bayern Munich, where he is now one of the key men in one of the best teams in Europe.

Then there are Brazil and Argentina, hotbeds of football talent. Many of their top clubs have stringent academies, but the key to the vast pool of national talent is the initial progression through their top domestic clubs. Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez at River Plate and Boca Juniors respectively, both thrust into the deep end with huge fan and media expectancy. Plenty of first team action saw a move to Brazil, and then to the riches of the Premiership. Compare his introduction through their early football careers with that of the talented Michael Mancienne. The Chelsea defender is lucky to get the odd glimpse of the first team, and will not progress as he would were his appearances to be with weekly regularity. Will he reach his full potential if he continues on his current path? Or even if he goes on loan again to the likes of QPR and Wolverhampton in the lower leagues?

Admittedly the Argentinean league where Mascherano learnt his trade as a youngster is a league with far less quality than the English Premiership, but he still enjoyed a key role in a team who were a major force in their domestic competition. Progressed with a side who were constantly under pressure from the media and supporters to win games. Can playing first team football for Blackburn or Middlesbrough really give this kind of education to an aspiring player?

England’s Rough and Tumble

In England, with the most challenging league in the world, there is so much less opportunity for the promising to develop at our top clubs. They are rivaled by raising gems from all over the world, as well as the high quality of fully developed stars already decorating the first team.

Look at many of the U21 players, Tom Huddlestone, Jamies O’Hara, Michael Johnson. None of these are picking up the weekly experience they need that will help them to develop and thrive. It would be a different case if they had been born in Holland or Portugal. The chances of seeing them playing regularly for a top club within this country is very slight. It will be sure to hamper the development as players, restrict their progress and inevitably prevent them from reaching their full potential.

It all leaves our promising compatriots with key career decisions. Do they wait for their chance at their club, continue to work tirelessly and possibly depart on loan to lower league. Do they risk the chance of getting a brief chance in the team in their twenties or leave permanently for a lower division club where they could get the time but no glory? Or do they move abroad, perhaps to a less reputable foreign league that would enable them to build their own footballing education in a different style and a different culture of the game?

The latter is all too rare, practically absent amongst English players. Whereas many foreign players move overseas or cross borders to progress their careers when opportunities die out amongst the Premier League elite, it is almost unheard of for British and English talent to take this course of action. There is only the odd exception. Kazim-Richards for example, was born in England. His move however, will undoubtedly have been influenced by his Turkish descent.

What about Derbyshire?

It brings us back to 22-year-old Matt Derbyshire — a player who made the unusual decision to test his ability in the Greek Super League with the reigning champions. He has helped them to see out the current campaign, which only has two games remaining, and has been tipped to extend his stay until the end of the 2009/2010 campaign.

The keen young striker moved to Blackburn from Great Harwood Town in 2003 for a nominal fee, with interest expressed by the likes of Manchester United at the time. Since then, he has had brief loan spells at Plymouth and Wrexham under Mark Hughes, and at one stage looked as though he was forcing his way into the first team over previous seasons. He helped his team to 7th place in the league last season, netting 6 goals in the year. This season he has seen his chances of first team action ebb considerably, especially under the new regime.

Sam Allardyce is well known for his preference of the more robust front man — commonly clichéd as the ‘traditional British centre forward’. Kevin Davies and Kevin Nolan were past favourites, major cogs in his successful Bolton Wanderers side. Matt fails to fall into this category. His light physique was never likely to appeal to the new gaffer. A style focused around movement, short bursts of intelligent speed and clinical finishing. A style comparable to Arsenal striker, Eduardo or even Michael Owen. The strapping figure of Jason Roberts, the tall powerful Santa Cruz and the tenacious Benni McCarthy proved much more attractive options to Big Sam. The dynamic young star drifted to the fringes of his beloved club.

It all meant that another young English footballer was faced with the weight of another heavy career decision. The two way path stretched ahead of him. Seemingly there were two choices. Either depart to a Championship club or move abroad. Whereas many foreign stars usually opt for the latter, the British almost always take the former. Liverpool’s Andriy Voronin moved to German side Hertha Berlin when he found himself surplus to this campaign’s needs, whilst Collins John went from Fulham back to his home nation to play on loan for Dutch side NEC Nijmegen until the end of the season. At the other end of the scale, Tottenham youngster, Chris Gunter switched to Nottingham Forest.

But not Matt Derbyshire. When Olympiacos came in for their man, rather than turning his nose to it as many British strikers would, he decided to take a chance. The Greek side may be the dominant force in Greek football, having won the last 4 national championships at a canter, but with a pair of newly born twins and his entire life thus far spent living in the North West of England, it was one almighty and gallant leap for the Blackburn Rovers man.

A brand new culture, a brand new language, the Olympiacos team features what appears to be a hybrid of Greeks and South Americans. Initially, Derbyshire was to spend the rest of the current season at the Karaiskakis Stadium, stretching to the end of the 2008/2009 campaign. It is now rumoured however, that he will be extending his stay for another season. It has already been a steep learning curve, one that can only have enhanced his credentials as a player, and as an individual. If he stays for another season, the foreign experience and education will continue for the young forward.

The Transition

Derbyshire was blended into Greek football, waiting eagerly on the sidelines until mid-February before he was given his chance, a first leg cup debut from the bench. The second leg of the cup tie saw the centre forward net his first goal for his new club, coming on with minutes remaining to top off a well crafted Olympiacos move with a clinical strike. His league debut came in mid-March where it took him just 9 minutes to make his mark. He managed it with his first touch, finishing a cross within seconds of coming on against Iraklis. His second came minutes later, completing what was an impressive 5-0 romp.

It may be beginning to feel like home for the Rovers man. Goals do that after all. After 3 goals from a string of cameo appearances, Spanish coach Ernesto Valverdi decided he would start the Rovers loanee in the title clinching game of the 2008 season against Panionios FC. After bending an effort from a tight angle past the post, Derbyshire capped his start with a goal, pouncing onto a deep cross to head home midway through the first half. His side went on to win 3-2 and the club celebrated an impressive 5th league win in a row.

The young striker then made his first journey back to England since his move, called up to continue his England U21 career last weekend. He travelled with the squad to Finland, adapting well to another unusual environment to score two goals and perform fantastically amidst the inclement weather conditions.

Derbyshire will now help the Greek Champions see out the final stages of the league. The weekend saw him start again, and once again he managed to add to his tally, as his side won away 2-1 at Lavadiakas. However, the Greek giant’s are focusing on the domestic double with the national cup still to win. Derbyshire will be hoping to continue his first team role, and may be hoping that rumours of extending his loan turn out true. It looks a promising time ahead for the new Piraeus recruit, and he has already shown the coach that he has what it takes to make his spell a success.

Risk and Reward

The risk he took appears to be paying off right now. A career choice almost never taken by our English players, could get his career off the mark. If Matt Derbyshire continues to progress in his new environment, working hard to secure a first team place by the end of the current campaign, who knows would could lie ahead ambitious youngster. And what if he secures another season at the club, firmly establishing himself in the lineup? He has taken a bold route, a difficult route for an English player. He is gaining experience that no other English player will have picked up, winning a championship medal (or two) in a foreign league, playing in the Champions League or Europa League for a foreign club. As next May comes to an end and Matt Derbyshire potentially completes another season in the Greek Championship, is it possible that Capello too will be keen to see the new sites of Athens?

The 2010 World Cup looks set to feature the England national side after a rampant start to their qualifying campaign. If he can continue to adapt so successfully in his new surroundings and help his side clinch another league title and continental progression, can we expect to see Matt Derbyshire featuring in South Africa? Can he be overlooked as a senior member of the squad if he is scoring goals for a club who top their national league and take part in European competitions?

With many of the current squad options struggling to hold down a starting place in the Premiership, it could be of great benefit to introduce a player who has a completely different perspective on world football. One with experience of playing in some of the most intimidating atmospheres in world football, derby days at Panathinaikos and AEK Athens at the forefront of these, as well as the various locations that continental competition would take him. He would carry experience unheard of amongst 23-year-old English footballers, and it would be experience that could prove more than helpful to an England team with a very restricted cultural range.

Were his spell to be a continued success, and national inclusion to ensue, it would be a landmark for the future of English players’ careers. Pundits often lament the restriction of our national talent to the domestic leagues; is it possible that a successful trip to Greece by one of our current young players, could encourage further such moves? Surely Jamie O’Hara playing week in week out for Dutch league leaders AZ Alkmaar, or Michael Mancienne shouldering the responsibility of guarding Werder Bremen’s domestic and European ambitions, is better for their progression as players. Surely it is better, and more enjoyable for the player, than repeatedly residing on the sidelines at White Hart Lane or Stamford Bridge, or shifting down to the Championship.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Cristiano Ronaldo is without doubt the man that everyone in football loves to hate. Whether it’s an element of jealousy, his arrogance, his transfer conduct, the infamous ‘getting Rooney sent off’ saga, his manner and expression, or simply a combination of the lot, there are very few outside Old Trafford who give the man the respect and admiration he will feel his talent invariably deserves.

Ronaldo’s class is beyond doubt. That his surname now prompts recognition over his plump Brazilian namesake, speaks volumes of his road to brilliance. Like many foreign imports, he took time to adapt to the league, to ebb the flair and fine tune his delivery. But his goal tally and all-around displays over past seasons have taken him, and his club, to the summit of the global game.

It has been an eventful road for Cristiano. A trip to the World Cup in 2006 saw the notorious incident with Rooney. His gesticulations to the official, that wink to the bench after his United team-mate was shown a red card. This incident bred hate amongst opposing fans. Many felt that he would not return to his club, or to the country. Ferguson though, recognising the vast influence of the player on his side’s future fortunes, made sure a new contract was signed by the winger until 2012.

Ronaldo thrived on the crowd abuse and his status as the league’s pantomime villain. Scoring 23 goals the following season from his position on the right wing, he helped the club to clinch the league title. Then he strode with ease into the 2007/08 season, netting an incredible sum of 42 goals to help add another Premier League and an elusive Champions League medal to his budding collection. He had reached the zenith of world football; the accolades were literally thrown at his feet. Manchester United fans loved him. Everyone else despised him, but increasingly with a grudging awe.

The Slight Demise

In search of their new Galactico, Real Madrid announced their interest in the Portuguese star as the 2007/08 campaign closed in. Many expected the player to rebuff their approaches, but Ronaldo flirted time and time again with the illustrious giants. Media speculation peaked, the main headlines slapped across his forehead with England’s absence from Euro 2008. Then, as the Bernabeu began to appear an inevitable destination, Euro 2008 ended, he returned to Manchester, and his flirtations were cut short.

Once reunited with Sir Alex and his team-mates, little comment was made from the Ronaldo camp. Then, as the season loomed ahead, the speculation settled as it appeared he would be staying put. Some of his own fans condoned his Spanish rendezvous as some started to turn against him. Then came the usual platitudes; Ronaldo claiming that he wanted to stay at the club, that he was fully committed to the cause and would continue to wear the shirt with pride. Real Madrid was out of his mind for now. Some forgot, some forgave.

Injuries postponed his start to the campaign. United trotted along, never drifting into concerning form but failing to reflect last year’s radiance. Everyone anticipated the world’s best returning, and with that, the best of Manchester United would be back. When the return came, team form enhanced briefly, Ronaldo smashing home a few penalties, showing flinches of his dancing skill. There seemed though, to be a subtle decline to his game.

His touchline sprints were not as frequent, nor were his razor-sharp cuts into the middle from the wings before smashing home a trademark match winning shot. It also appeared that he was rekindling his customary crumbling to the ground. The diving accusations reached fever pitch once again. A feature of his game that has rested on the periphery in the last two fantastic seasons, scarcely resorting to such measures as he thumped goal after goal.

Now it seems he is plunging to ground with every challenge. Clutching his legs to his chest, performing those traditional rolls, or simply shooting his hands to his face in a vice-like grasp of agony. All commonplace on the continent, accepted somewhat within some foreign cultures. But here, it is loathed by fans and pundits alike and is greeted with infuriation and resentment.

On the surface, Cristiano Ronaldo is hailed plain and simply as a diving cheat and a sulk. These accusations have always been there, but with his performances having diluted this season, they are stronger than ever. A simplistic theory has developed that his decline in goals and form is because he is persistently seeking a foul, continually whining when things don’t go his way. That if he stayed on his feet like he had started to do in the last couple of seasons, his perfection and clinical touch would return. If he tried to play football instead of sulking and falling over, he would be back to his best. A widespread belief it seems, even one drifting into his own supporters.

However, beneath the surface, behind what has grown into a trademark pout, there is a depth and a twist to this common conception.

The Hacked

Let me take you through an incident from this season. Ronaldo collects the ball neatly with an expert cushioning with his instep, traps the ball. He feigns left with an impulse thrust of his wand-like feet, then rolls the ball onto his right side and taps the ball forward in preparation for a dash at goal. A boot appears into the scene, whips out at the side of his right leg with deceiving force. The ball spins further to the right with a proficient flick of his boot, the foot trailing in its wake. Another strapping leg thrusts forward, desperately lunging.

The heel hits Ronaldo’s left leg, inches to the side of his shinpad; his knee buckles slightly. Then from behind, another leg reaches out and knocks the ball away from his control. Ronaldo tumbles, rolls to the side, clutching his leg as he spirals on the grass. He looks up. The referee offers a dismissive shake of the head and waves play on. He is aghast, throws his arms out in frustration, smacks the ground angrily. The crowd jeers and abuse rains down on him. Play continues around him.

Does the incident come to mind? It should, as it takes place week in week out since the winger returned from injury. It is as commonplace as his name in the newspapers. His legs are hacked as he carries the ball forward. Players deliberately aim for his ankles, his heels, provoke him as they slide studs to where his shinpads fail to relieve his leg from the onslaught. The kicks often don’t force him naturally to ground, malicious swipes mostly blind to the referee or to a watching TV audience.

The TV struggles to reflect the venom and deliberation behind them, especially when the odd one is played out to the viewers in super slow motion. Ronaldo experiences the blitz, but then drops to the ground to win the free kick he deserves. Often it seems he has fallen softly at a trivial touch to the foot or leg. A touch not enough to take him down. He is accused of diving. The referee, well drilled with his reputation, shakes his head.

Some are less disguised than others in their approach to the winger, a la Steven Taylor. Though many wrote Ronaldo’s reaction off as bordering on the utterly outrageous, it was his way of highlighting to the referee what has been done to him. What the defender has resorted to in order to prevent him streaming forward towards the goal. Can he really be chastised for going down in this instance, or indeed in the way he did? Should he really be expected to wait to be properly pummeled before taking such measures? After all, had he continued to gallop on, then proceeded to quietly point the incident out to the referee once play had stopped, would the yellow card, or the justified red, been given to the defender? Not likely.

A week later, Steven Taylor opted for a similar approach to Arsenal’s creative crux, delivering a comparable forearm blow to Andrey Arshavin. The Russian’s reaction was similar to Ronaldo’s. Unsurprisingly, he was not to receive the public condemnation that the Portugal winger did.

Admittedly, Ronaldo does sometimes crash to the ground without any contact, a lot rarer though than what is the common notion amongst fans. Whilst some of these are plain and simply to deceive the referee and win an undeserved free kick, a lot are purely in anticipation of another flogging, expecting another chop to his legs as he strides past a red-faced opponent. It hurts a lot less when you prepare for the fall, ride the foul, than if you are simply toppled over. Once again, can he really be blamed in this instance?

Messi was targeted with such underhanded tactics by opposing players in a clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid earlier this season. The commentators picked up on it after a few minutes. After a while, so did the referee. This was largely when Messi stopped trying to skip over the melee of thrusting boots and simply went to ground. It alerted the official to the treatment he was receiving and yellow cards were duly distributed. The fouls then rescinded.

Yet with Cristiano Ronaldo, when he chooses to resort to the same measures to encourage a referee’s protection, is too often overlooked. His character and his persona promote contempt. His sulk endorses scorn. Messi is adored, admired, respected. Reaction to his unsavoury treatment at the hands of Heinze et al, saw the referee issue a series of yellow cards which discouraged further swipes.

When referees see Ronaldo flail and fall, see him spiraling in agony on the turf, they disregard it as simulation, as attempting to con a free kick or dismissal. Many mark this as his own doing because he dives so much, or at least did in his earlier Manchester United career. True, but to a far lesser extent than is so frequently voiced.

The End of an Era?

A cloud of frustration has enveloped Cristiano Ronaldo in spite of his club’s position in the table and having breezed through to the quarter finals of the Champions League. Rumours have surfaced that conclusive discussions over a switch to Real Madrid at the end of the current campaign have already taken place. The ‘experts’ even claim that his ‘downturn in form’ is partly because his head is in the Spanish capital. Doubts are cast towards his dedication for the task at hand.

Perhaps Ronaldo, frustrated with the perceived injustice of his recent handling by Premier League opposition, feels even more inclined to make the move to Madrid. However, it must surely take the vast majority of even Ronaldo’s esteemed self confidence to believe he can take them to glory after Madrid’s drab display at Anfield. Add to that the La Liga domination of Barcelona and the sparkling talent glistening the Nou Camp right now, his silverware collection won’t be receiving the same boost as his bank balance.

It is also vital to note, that were he to make the illustrious move to Spain, his weekly opponents will not be treating him much differently. He will still be targeted, as long as he remains the same colossal threat, as long as he remains one of the best players in world football. As Ian Wright put it when discussing the 23 year-old on TalkSport, La Liga players won’t simply stand off and say, “wow, do another one of those step over thingys.” The sly digs, the ankle hacks, will all occur just as frequently. On the other hand, the reaction and outlook of the officials when it comes to him going to ground and feigning injury may alter from his Premiership experiences.

It is hard to see when Cristiano Ronaldo will regain his blistering form. He hasn’t been poor this season by any stretch of the mind. Key goals against Inter Milan are evidence of this, as is his dipping free kick stunner that won the game against Blackburn earlier this year. But will he grace the Premiership again with his best form before he makes that inexorable move to Real Madrid? The form that scorched the league in the past few campaigns.

The only thing for sure is that he will not be receiving any slack. Not on the pitch and certainly not off it. He will continue to thrash his arms in frustration as the referee jogs silently past, feeling hard done to and whining irately. He is prone to kick out himself in frustration, flick his foot at an opponent after being repeatedly harassed. Blackburn’s David Dunne hacked him repeatedly before Ronaldo lashed out in anger. So far this has gone unnoticed by officials. Though it does breed more contempt amongst fans and players.

Though still impossible to justify, the scything approach that rivals are taking with the winger is a long distance from what happened to Pele in his astounding career. The Brazilian was hacked mercilessly through the 1966 World Cup by Portugal and he certainly received very little protection from the officials at the time. It is fortunately (or unfortunately in the eyes of many loathing supporters) a different era now, and such ferocity does not take place. That level of crunching behaviour by defenders would be severely punished now. They must resort to much more opaque measures. Harder to spot measures. Often more frustrating and still quite painful for the individuals concerned.

Even in the current era, Ronaldo does not stand alone in being targeted and literally kicked out of a game. Thierry Henry, marked by many as the Premiership’s best ever, was targeted every week amidst his individual supremacy. Defenders would go out with the intention of delivering a few ‘knocks’ to the French wizard, but would often leave with a mix of embarrassment and bitter disappointment. He was simply too good, would skip over challenges, stride past them, ride each niggling shot taken at him, and let his class shine through. He would give chasing defenders a look of derision, belittling them with simply a unique stare. His charisma made him too hot to handle and he continued to score goals and control games with the same remarkable elegance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet learnt to handle the ‘niggles’ in the same way as Thierry. But then Henry arguably had a much easier task. He was loved by most fans, even the majority of Manchester United fans admired and respected his alluring talent. Ronaldo sits at the other end of the spectrum. He is a lot younger than Thierry Henry was when he began to wreak havoc on Premiership defences. He has approached a drop in form, it hasn’t even been a full season, yet there has been a barrage of doubt.

There have been questions, even astonishing uncertainties over his ability. But in reality, his talent cannot be disputed. His ridiculous goal ratio from out on the right wing was bound to dip at some point in such a tough league. He was bound to find a hurdle that he didn’t simply hop over without a second thought.

The Best of the Best

Now comes the real test for Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a world class player. Anyone disputing that may as well dispute his shirt is red (at the moment at least). His aspirations, his desire to be the best ever, have been fervently announced by the winger. Now these ambitions will truly be put to the test.

Can he be the BEST in the world – can he be the best EVER? He believes so. His confidence won’t falter. The self belief that gives him that abhorrent air of arrogance is there for all to see. His opponents treat him as the best of their generation have always been treated by defenders. George Best; Pele; Hugo Sanchez; De Stephano; Maradona; Thierry Henry; Messi. All of these footballing legends have gone out onto the pitch, inflicted such levels of fear, demonstrated such superlative flair and flamboyance, that their rivals could think of no other remedy to their brilliance than to simply try and kick them into submission. The treatment used to much more severe, and they could not be blamed for reacting on rare occasions. Pele for example, famously retaliated to some horrific fouling and sent an Argentinean defender sprawling bloody nosed in a 1964 clash.

It is the true geniuses of the beautiful game however, that have always persevered. They all passed the true test of class and delivered the same level of mesmerising performances for years to come. When the truly best in the world are kicked — they kick back. But not in the way Ronaldo has done so far this season.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

With every round of  fixtures, the league is set into its desultory motion once again. Everything shifts, the bottom half of the league hails its customary shuffle and then the cards are dealt out again. Every week it seems that they are dealt out differently. The cards are flipped over and a different combination is on display with a different set of names occupying the bottom three spaces in the English Premier League.

This week the rotten hand has been dealt to the illustrious Newcastle United. Middlesbrough sit right beneath them, trailed only by West Brom who seem to be sidling into the abyss. Those clubs, as well as other, hovering above can’t help but look down.

Bookies’ rates are slashed, teams are chopped and changed. This season has seen the most closely contested relegation scrap since the Premier League began. Only now, with just 8 games to go, is the odd team finally clambering over that 40 point landmark.

When the clock finally stops, which club will make that heart (and wallet) wrenching descent into the depths of the Championship? As its occupants are well aware, once you are plunged into the second tier of English football, getting out of there is like trying to punch underwater.

West Brom

They had to come first, and it is likely they will be going first as well. Sitting right at the bottom of the pack, even the most ardent of West Brom supporters hold little hope. Only that ‘great escape’ a few seasons ago gives the odd fan a glint of optimism. Goals have been hard to come by this campaign, a common problem throughout a league of strong, physical, and dominant defenders.

Many have condoned Tony Mowbary for a naivety in his playing style. The rest have praised him for being ‘firm’ in his belief in how football should be played. Both have small elements of truth, though the simple fact of the matter is that his side that won the Championship did so in a certain way, with a certain kind of player.

The likes of Morrison and Koren are going to fall into the backdrop of a long ball approach and physical intimidation. Failure to sign players that suit the league’s demands has not helped. Ryan Donk looks nervous at the best of times, while Greening seems ineffective amongst an advanced level of opponent. Luke Moore could have made a difference and has showed glimpses of his ability, but it doesn’t look like enough. Jay Simpson has added some late flair and speed but not enough goals and not an ounce of league experience.

A one way road to the Championship for the Midlands side, but they look a good bet to bounce back next year.

Middlesbrough

Many neutrals will hope that the owner Steve Gibson’s faith and patience with Gareth Southgate will pay off with survival. It looks a tricky task to put it mildly. Some very bad luck has been a major factor in Boro’s plight, though a lack of that cutting edge from the front men has been the major issue. Downing has failed to contribute with the goals that came so last last season and the £12m signing Alfonso Alves has stuttered at best. Tuncay looks a shade of his former self, no mazy dashes, none of that effervescence, or fighting spirit, while Aliadiere continues to confirm beliefs that he was a rare Wenger gaffe.

Southgate started the campaign with the signing of Didier Degard and the sale of Lee Cattermole. Neither has paid off, Degard lacking the former England U21′s passion and fight, and Cattermole has been one of the players of the season for a Wigan side currently residing in a European position. Southgate also failed to capture Ben Watson from Palace, who is also plying his trade in Wigan. He has impressed in his opening games, netting goals which have been so absent from the Riverside. George Boateng was released to Hull, leaving three midfielders who are enjoying integral roles in teams higher in the league.

As with most sides, strong home form will be vital as the season looms. Boro will also need to inject some life into their striking options to fire the club up the league.

Newcastle United

The hot topic this week after slipping into the bottom three. Proof that there is no truth to the cliché, “too good to go down.” The club is in a crisis even by Newcastle United standards. A main contributor to their failures is a library of sick notes. Owen, Martins, Viduka, Duff, Smith, Barton. Just a few of the names that often find themselves cramming into a packed physio room. The manager is in hospital after a heart attack. His replacement who through no fault of his own is facing an impossible task that is well beyond him. Did I mention, Mike Ashley has been moonlighting as a swift salesman and an inveterate fan? Even crisis appears somewhat of a euphemism.

50,000 screaming fans should help the side to progress up the league, but the expectation is proving a heavy a burden to many at the club. Every misplaced pass is greeted with a new tumult, and now so are the substitutions. Shola Ameobi, one of the only players who has often managed to steer clear of the injury list, was booed recently by the Geordie faithful who clearly feel his avoidance should stretch to the pitch. With Owen and Martins coming back into action, maybe it will begin to pick up for the Toon Army. The irascible, though talented, Joey Barton, is also tipped to return after a combination of suspension and injury restricting his impact to date. Winger, Damien Duff, is also is building on his fitness, providing hope that some much needed creativity can be instilled in a midfield that rarely threatens.

So much depends on the injuries within the club. If the top earners can regain fitness and pick up some form, there may be time yet to make a real impact and save the club — and the league — from a colossal shock.

Blackburn Rovers

The team that ended the 2007/08 season in 7th place and with one of the top managers in the game, now finds itself stranded well in the midst of the relegation scrap. Mark Hughes left the club for money happy Man City after last season, and the club opted for another legend of the game, Paul Ince, to take over. Ince struggled however, and took the team on a road where a victory seemed a long lost possibility. Right at the foot of the table, and after being mauled in a derby match at Wigan Athletic, Ince was sent on his way.

In came Big Sam, and things there has been an equally big improvement. In his trademark back to basics manner, the team transformed into a much more solid outfit. They have plugged the holes in the roof that leaked so many goals, and this has set the foundations for a revival.

Jason Roberts has characteristically muscled his way into the first team, and has responded with some key goals. Roque Santa Cruz has failed to reach last year’s high standards, and may be preoccupied with transfer speculation. McCarthy too has not yet reached his Porto standards, but he has improved from when he played under Ince. Diouf came in after a slow spell at Sunderland, rejoining his former manager from Bolton. He has impressed so far, wasting no time in getting amongst the goals and letting the likes of Almunia know he is back to his best.

Despite sitting right above the drop zone, safety looks possible providing they can maintain their recovery. A relapse however seems unlikely under the experienced watch of their new manager.

Stoke City

Tipped before the season began as relegation certainties, Stoke City have definitely won more games than they have admirers. Their style has been described as ‘ugly’ and the purists will hope to see them go down. ‘Total Football’ aspirations aside, Tony Pullis has done a fantastic job at giving his club more than a slim survival hope with 8 games left. The team play direct, and have a physical team with hardly anyone standing below six foot. The side are also aided with powerful weapons in their arsenal such as that notorious long throw, and some excellent home form.

One of the signings of the January window was that of James Beattie. The former Southampton hitman is tailor-made for the way they play. He is strong and will finish the few chances they create. He has netted 5 so far in 8 games since his arrival, adding the rare fire power that could clinch survival for another year.

However, if the Potters do survive, don’t expect a boost in their flair and style next season. Expect a few more giants rather than Brazilians to walk onto the Britannia pitch.

Portsmouth

Another side tipped to avoid the drop down to having so many quality players. But many underestimate the damage that has been inflicted on the side since the club’s zenith when they won FA Cup. Jermaine Defoe, the key man, is gone; his attacking influence was more than just his handsome goal scoring record. It is no coincidence that Peter Crouch was more of a threat when alongside him. Now, his threat comes mainly from the air, rather than in his link up play and movement in the box.

Diarra was another major player for the side; his move to Real and his early performances prove his class. His midfield partner, Mendes, left earlier in the summer. He completed a rather surprising move to the blue side of Glasgow. Niko Kranjcar is still there to assist in midfield, though his abilities are largely going forward, and his form appears abstract and he has captured the imagination too rarely. At the back, Johnson remains a solid fullback and a menace coming forward.

The South coast side beat Everton at the weekend and have pushed themselves away from the bottom three for the time being. Crouch must use his brace as the foundations of a goal scoring run, and the famous home crowd should give them the support needed to avoid the drop.

Sunderland

One of the teams who seemed to be pulling away from the melee, before a series of dire displays hooked them firmly back in. Form peaked briefly when new manager, Ricky Sbragia, took charge, but the brief honeymoon is now over, leaving the Mackems as the third of the North East clubs in the relegation mire.

Like many of their rivals, Sunderland have some top quality forward men. Also like their rivals, these front men are not hitting the target anywhere near as much as expected. Kenwyn Jones seems to come out of his shell every now and then, offering a flash of class before disappearing once more. Cisse also showed clinical attributes and blistering speed on occasion, but he’s now slowed down considerably. These two will need to start hitting the back of the net if the Mackems are to avoid joining their neighbours at the foot of the table. Kieran Richardson and Andy Reid have the creative talent to test defenders, but have done this too little over past months.

A few wins should push Sunderland clear of the drop for good, but it does look an onerous task considering current form.

Hull City

Hull’s decline from their early season high is unremitting. Flair mixed with fantastic spirit got the side off to a stunning start, picking up most of the points needed for safety within the opening months. Then it all went wrong. Many point to the infamous on-pitch team talk at Eastlands but there is a more rational reason for the decline. Teams no longer underestimate Hull, or their key players like Geovanni and Fagan. They no longer go out to win games and exude the enthused confidence of their prior displays. The team has now fully absorbed the harsh realities of the world’s toughest league, and Hull’s Premier League future is still well and truly in the balance.

It will be difficult to put the breaks on their decline without a quality to striker to chip in with the crucial goals. Their rivals, bar West Brom, all have a centre forward who is capable of hitting a rich vein of form and firing their team up the league. Stoke have Craig Beattie, the North East clubs all have potentially top class forward lines, and Bolton have a £10m signing and the third highest scorer in the league. Hull however has loanee Manucho and Fagan, neither of whom has ever displayed the necessary class at this level. Geovanni has regained his first team place, but despite having plenty of time on the ball, has failed to revive his early vivacity and inspiration.

Hull’s head start is dwindling fast, and they will be hoping they can crawl over the finishing line despite an early sprint to their Premier League debut.

Bolton Wanderers

The North West club have flirted with relegation ever since Big Sam departed, but always manage to steer clear of a real crisis. Gary Megson continues to fight an unachievable battle to win over the Trotter fans. Whilst he will be under no illusions that avoiding relegation will win the fans over, failure to do so will no doubt pile on huge pressure to bring in a new head.

The side has fallen victim to the goal scoring problems that ravage the bottom teams. The big money £10m signing of Johan Elmander from Toulouse has done little to contribute to the goal sheet. Kevin Davies has been a success story, as has Matthew Taylor and Cahill, all somewhat harshly excluded from the England setup despite good form. Davies is the top English goal scorer, and Taylor has also contributed his fair share.

Bolton look as though they should be safe for another year. As long as their haphazard form doesn’t disintegrate into bad form as the latter stages of the campaign arrive.

The Great Abyss

The tussle at the foot of the league will continue well into the last few seconds of the final Premier League game. With so many teams fighting it out, even that 40 point milestone may be insufficient for safety. Many will find themselves climbing out of the doomed relegation zone before being sent sprawling back in again with an evening or Sunday fixture. There will be plenty of twists, plenty of turns, plenty of melodrama. Then, as the whistles are blown right across the country, there will be widespread relief, widespread grief, and three teams will be sent kicking and screaming into the Championship.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

“Man Utd had a golden generation with Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, the Nevilles and Butt and they won together because they stayed together. This team can have similar success. Normally big clubs do not educate young players any more.”
– Arsene Wenger

As shocking as it may seem, earlier this season, fans and the media were questioning as to whether Arsene Wenger should continue his reign at the Emirates. The man lives, breathes and spits Arsenal FC.

Most of the fans still have faith in his abilities, but he has not won a trophy since that penalty shootout win against Man United in the FA Cup in 2005 — and that just won’t do.

He promises fans that their time will come again. His unbeatables are long gone now, replaced by another team of stars that are different in so many ways from his teams of yesteryear. His new squad was built in a way that he claims is like no other approach in Europe. He moved to explain his philosophy, his “golden generation” that will become a dominant force in Europe like the Manchester generation has done.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

His long terms plans for the club involve a firm wage structure and the desire to “educate” the young stars they have. He highlighted the many gems at the club, the nucleus to a golden era ; Cesc Fabregas, Denilson, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby. He has assured the fans that if the core of the team can stay together and if the desire is there, then Arsenal will be a dominating force in 3 years time.

Three years is a long time to fans. Especially when they have already waited nearly four years, and when some of the talent at the club has already been tipped to move on. Adebayor rumoured to be cashing in on a fantastic goal scoring campaign last year with a move to AC Milan or Barcelona; Cesc Fabregas linked with a move back to the club from where he was poached, Barcelona; Denilson was linked with Real Madrid in January. Will the kids wait for three long years for the trophy cabinet to begin to fill up? Will they be able to resist the pound signs that other clubs dangle in front of them? Who really knows for sure.

THE BEST OF THE REST

What of the league rivals? Chelsea have curbed their spending considerably, Abromovich tightening his purse strings in recent seasons. They have an aging squad, as Ferguson pointed out in pre-season. Drogba, Lampard, Ballack, Deco, Terry, Carvalho; just a few hovering around that landmark 30 years of age. In three years’ time — 2012, to be exact — many of these will no longer be able to cope with the speed and stamina that the Premiership demands.

And what of European Champions, Manchester United? Do they have what it takes to dominate Europe in the long term? Rooney should still be there, but is his world class presence enough? Wenger scoffed as the names of Nani and Anderson were put to him in a press conference. He dismissed the Brazilian twins of Rafael and Fabio, pointing out the inferior Champions League “education” in comparison to his own batch of talent. Scholes, Giggs, Neville will be gone. Ronaldo is constantly linked with a move to Spain. How long can Manchester United resist his inevitable Real desires?

Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, the key at the moment to Manchester United at the back, will be nearing the end of their careers. Both will be into their thirties. Can they maintain their form into the latter stages of their career? Indeed. the big question is what will be of Sir Alex? His eternal tutelage must eventually come to an end. A lot of it depends on who replaces him. Jose Mourinho is tipped as his successor but will this prove true? And does he have what it takes to take Manchester United to further success?

Then there is Liverpool. Gerrard is close to his 30′s. Retirement or at least a fall in his excellent form is going to come to an end. It looks like Benitez will still be there, but Liverpool’s form going forward seems to depended on his latest batch of signings. Fernando Torres is obviously world class, but he needs the stars around him. Can the likes of N’Gog and Lucas really compare with Arsenal’s future talent?

Then there is the latest team to enter the fray: Manchester City. The billions. How will they use them? Will they buy the success that Chelsea have done or will they simply skim through an endless list of illustrious global managers and players without ever finding the winning formula? Will the men behind the billions grow bored? Will they stick with the club or leave them in the lurch as 2012 arrives?

So many questions surround Wenger’s rivals. He can only guess what challenges and even what managers will face his squad in 2012. All he can do is look to his own squad. His promise to “educate” the stars and the potential that he boasts must be delivered. They all feature on a continental and domestic front week in week out. At such tender ages they are in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League.

How good can and will the current mix of talent really be with another 3 years of top class football and experience under their belt? As Wenger’s golden era comes in 2012, how far will the squad have come?

WENGER’S MAIN MEN

Cesc FABREGAS: NOW 21 / GOLDEN ERA 24 — Captain of the club and already a world class midfielder and will just get better and better. If he adds the goals to his game that Gerrard and Lampard offer their clubs, it is a scarey thought for opposition players. If the golden era comes, this Spaniard will be at the very heart of it.

Emmanuel ADEBAYOR: NOW 25 / GOLDEN ERA 28 — This season has not see the riches that last did. His injuries preventing him from building his goals tally. He has been tipped for a move away, but if Arsenal can keep him his goals will be instrumental.

Robin VAN PERSIE: NOW 26 / GOLDEN ERA 29 — When fit, he is already one of the best strikers in world football. He has a fantastic strike, an air of ease in his style and control, and an ability to transform a game with sublime skill. He has deputised as a makeshift target man to try and fill a void left by Adebayor’s injury. Usually playing behind a front man, he has expanded and developed his game and will continue to do so as he moves into his prime.

Samir NASRI: NOW 21 / GOLDEN ERA 24 – He has shown glimpses this season of true class. One of the creative flair attacking midfielders than Arsene likes so much. He can strike with both feet, has a great bust of speed and control and will chip in with a few goals. He plays on the left right now, but will experience other positions and develop into a world class star. His style compares to the old Pires and Wenger has tipped him to reach the talented heights of his compatriot.

Theo WALCOTT: NOW 19 / GOLDEN ERA 22 – Fan favourite. He has already struck a hatrick at international level and played a number of games in the Champions League against the likes of Chelsea, Inter and AC Milan. At just 19, he has so much time ahead of him and will wreak havoc on many more defenders in his career. If he can fine tune his final delivery and chip in with a few more goals, he too can be one of the best players in the country. Theo remains the only major English player in Arsenal’s “golden generation.”

THE GOLDEN OLDIES

Manuel ALMUNIA: NOW 31 / GOLDEN ERA 34 — It is doubtful he will still be part of the squad during the potential ‘Golden Era’ but his role is vital until then. He has the experience that can help the squad “educate” and develop. He may be vital in securing the trophies that will keep the young stars at the Emirates.

William GALLAS: NOW 32 / GOLDEN ERA 35 — His Arsenal career took a hit earlier in the season and he is coming to the end of his career in the game. He will almost certainly be leaving the club over the next couple of years. His experience will be vital however until he departs. Goals like the one in the FA Cup tie against Hull could help clinch some silverware to feed the hunger and keep the “golden generation” at the club.

Kolo TOURE: NOW 28 / GOLDEN ERA 31 – He has the pace to be at his best into his thirties and could feature highly if the golden era is to come. His role at the back will be vital to any success and he is a model professional. He will hope to enjoy a better relationship with his next partner in defence than he does with William Gallas.

Andrey ARSHAVIN: NOW 28 / GOLDEN ERA 31 — An unusual signing for Arsene in cost and in age. He is already a class player, a creative genius and a scorer of great goals. He took Russia to the late stages in Euro 2008 and has settled early on at the Emirates. He will be in his thirties when and if the golden era arrives, but can still play a major role with a cool head and an understanding of the world game. He could adapt his game, drifting into a similar kind of influence and player to Ryan Giggs. Relying less on his pace off the mark and using his vision and experience to break open stubborn back lines.

Tomas ROSICKY: NOW 29 / GOLDEN ERA 32 – As this playmaker moves into his thirties, his injury record would not look like getting any better. It is difficult to know what role he will play in Arsenal’s fortunes over the next few years, but as the golden era approaches, he may be forced to move abroad to continue his career.

THE REST OF THE BEST

Carlos VELA: NOW 20 / GOLDEN ERA 23 — Could be a huge player for Gooners for years to come. He has already shown the crowd some great goals, already establishing a trademark move where he chips the ball over the keeper, leaving him red faced. His left foot is magical and the Mexican has ardently been compared with the great Hugo Sanchez. Darting runs and a bubbly charisma could take the striker into the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

Nicklas BENDTNER: NOW 21 / GOLDEN ERA 24 — A big question mark continues to hover over Nicklas Bendtner and his future at the club. But Arsene has faith, and so should the fans. He is having a season that reminds me so much of when Adebayor first came to the club. Gets into goal scoring positions, shows many great touches around goal, but mising the final finish. He could be a big big player for Arsenal in years to come, or leave before the era arrives. He certainly has potential and confidence could easily bring over 25 goals in a season as he learns his trade and continues to develop.

EDUARDO: NOW 26 / GOLDEN ERA 29 – Amazingly, yet another world class striker will be at Arsene’s disposal in a few years time. No wonder Arsene fancies his chances. He has one of the best finishes in world football, and his Brazilian routes are displayed in his exquisite technique and comprehension of the game. Unlike some of the club’s other centre forwards, there is no conspicuous style to his play. Many won’t notice the Croatian international is even on the pitch until the ball is nestled in the net.

Bacary SAGNA: NOW 26 / GOLDEN ERA 29 — The Frenchman already looks like a quality right back. He goes forward well and defends with assurance. A top player already and will get better, covering for Walcott as the winger ventrues on his trademark runs and assisting him in delivering into the box.

Gael CLICHY: NOW 23 GOLDEN ERA: 26 — A fantastic left back with gallons of energy and pace to burn. He is partial to the odd error due to his youthful exuberance but should eradicate these with another few years of Premier League and Champions League experience. He will stand amongst the best left backs in the world in a few years. Without a doubt.

Emmanuel EBOUE: NOW 25 / GOLDEN ERA 28 — Once booed by his own fans but things seem to have picked up for the Ivorian in recent games. He can play right back and right midfield and is not afraid to get in the box to add his name to the goalsheet. If he remains at the club, he will be a great player to have in the squad and will have had over five years playing in the Premier League and Champions League. A fantastic squad player at the very least.

Alex SONG: NOW 21 / GOLDEN ERA 24 — A big favourite at the Emirates and often underestimated member of the young Gooners. He has power, pace, can pass the ball well in all directions and can fill in a number of roles around the park. He his best role is in defensive midfield where he can provide a stronger presence than many of the ‘lightweights’ in the squad.

Johan DJOUROU: NOW 21 / GOLDEN ERA 24 — May be the man who steps in for Gallas when he departs. He has been given great experience and has the usual pace and strength of Wenger’s young defenders. He has the odd lack of concentration and mad moment but once again, game at the top level will help this no end.

Abou DIABY: NOW 22 / GOLDEN ERA 25 — Central defender/striker/central midfielder/ticket office attendant. This guy can do just about any position. He has played in attack in the Chamions League and scored, and has held off the likes of Drogba for 90 minutes in the league. Powerful, aerially superior, and moves forward like a steamengine. Players appear to move out of his way to avoid being flattened. One hell of a talent and the only question will be where and not if he makes his name as a top class player. Position that is, not just club.

DENILSON: NOW 21 / GOLDEN ERA 24 — A Brazilian who seems to be filling in a role he has not yet adapted to. Since Flamini departed, he has come in as the main tool to sunder opposition attacks and breakaways. He has skill and flair in abundance and his ability to pass a ball is not in question. Wenger may look to him as the long term partner for Cesc in midfield, and has directly tipped him as a key component of his “golden generation.” Perhaps a fancy “Nicky Butt” in his mind. He still has plenty to show the fans at the Emirates but already has plenty of European and Domestic games under his belt.

SQUAD DEPTH

Lucasz FABIANSKI: NOW 23 / GOLDEN ERA 26 - Wenger is fan of the young Pole. Very young for a keeper he will likely have another 15-20 years left in his career. His few displays have been promising but he will not get the experience that some of the youngsters will get. He will probably be a backup keeper for whoever is the ‘Golden Era’ goalkeeper.

Jack WILSHIRE: NOW 17 / GOLDEN ERA: 20 — Maybe an even more long term member of the Arsenal crèche. He has displayed evidence of his touch and ability in the league cup, against the likes of Wigan and Sheffield United. Wenger has not yet began the real “education” of the English kid, and his appearances may be more plentiful as the potential golden era closes in.

Aaron RAMSEY: NOW 18 / GOLDEN ERA: 21 — As above, he is still on the periphery of Wenger’s plans and is being eased into action. Tipped as a big talent, he came from Wales with big hopes and we will learn more about the player over the next couple of years. He would not appear to be a first team player in the golden era but could be essential cover in the squad of depth required in the Premier League.

VERDICT

There it is. A brief glimpse at how the Arsenal’s current crop will look in 2012. Whilst we can only guess what the quality of their rivals will be, there is still an abundance of talent and plenty of potential for silverware just like Sir Alex achieved with his own generation. The squad will have developed, gelled together, and completed their apprenticeships in European and Premier League football. They will have sponged plenty of experience and be fully adapted Premier League and Champions League stars. But, can Arsene convince the kids to stay? Will they complete their “education” under his charge?

There is no doubt that there will be a “golden generation” of world class footballers in three years’ time. There is little doubt that these golden stars will include Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, Denilson, Carlos Vela, Theo Walcott to name but a few. The big question, however, is whether this “golden generation” of world class stars will be bringing success to Arsenal Football Club, or to another club.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Michael Owen really does owe something to Newcastle United. The striker who has scored 40 goals in his international career has not yet signed a new deal, fueling speculation that he will be parting ways with the club when his contract ends in the summer. He has refused to assure fans that his long term future will be in the North East, saying that no decision will be made until the season is over, “I have informed them I do not want to make a decision about my future until that time.”

Manchester City has been tipped as a possible destination, as has the Emirates as Arsenal seek that finishing touch to their trademark build-up play. The romantics even suggest a return to home club Liverpool, admittedly an implausible outcome. The club has spent millions of pounds on securing the services of the ex-Liverpool poacher, yet the majority of his spell has seen him on the sidelines with long term injuries.

It has been widely reported that Michael Owen earns a whopping £120,000 a week salary. He signed a four-year deal on August 24, 2005, and since then he has made a mere 59 starts for the club in all competitions. Add the £17m that Newcastle dished out to Real Madrid, the figure comes to £39,320,000. A ridiculous figure. Since bringing Michael Owen to St James’s Park, it works out that the club have paid just over £666,440 per each start. Once again, it would appear that he owes the club something, no?

Often in his absence, and not enough in his company, Newcastle United have struggled miserably in the past four years. Without doubt, they have underperformed drastically as a club. Fans have expressed dismay at an inability to climb up the league, or even make any real progress in the cups. Neighbours and rivals Middlesbrough have played in a European final and won the League Cup in recent years; Newcastle haven’t even come close.

In the time he has spent at the club, Owen has been under a total of 5 managers: Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce, Kevin Keegan, and Joe Kinnear. During that stretch the club that has flattered to deceive the whole time Owen has been there, a club constantly in crisis with relegation worries, ownership chaos, and now the latest gaffer off sick after suffering a heart attack.

There is no doubt that conspiring events have not made the four years at Newcastle enjoyable for Michael Owen. At 29, Owen is at a club like no other he has experienced. He has spent his career at two of the most illustrious names in world football in Liverpool and Real Madrid. His time at Anfield was a real golden era for the striker. He was a pure goal scoring machine, banging in 118 in 216 games. A move to Spain saw 13 goals in a season where he was forced to play a peripheral role. Not a bad return when his time at Real Madrid often involved coming off the bench to net a goal.

His current club are in a completely different league. With most of his career enjoying the gloss of the Champions League and chasing trophies, it is now simply a case of league survival. Even as he approaches the twilight of his playing days, there can be little argument surrounding his ability.

Michael Owen will have doubts about the direction of his current club, most likely the reason for his refusal to commit to a new deal. Regardless, there’s always great optimism within the North East. The club is more than big enough to achieve great things, but Owen has been underwhelmed by the lack of progress within the club in the past four years.

It is important to note though, that the club are in no worse of a situation than when he first agreed to make the move. Owen was supposed to be the main man, the star player that could help make Newcastle’s dream happen; however Owen may bemoan the lack of this development, but equally his involvement, that catalyst, has also been missing.

He will have to show a great deal of patience if he stays, and he will be rightfully conscious that he is closing in on thirty years of age. However, hasn’t his club shown similar patience with him already over the duration of his current deal? Then there are the fans, who have had to endure the frustration of both. A lack of progress within their beloved club, and a lack of Michael Owen. The club has an admirable fan base, crowds of over 50,000 watching the team week in week out.

They, like the club, have been more than enduring of Owen’s long list of injuries. They’ve allowed him a platform from which to try and get his career on track and given him the support he’s needed. Is he right to reward such support and adoration by simply allowing his contract to filter out and depart for nothing? Surely they do not deserve that. The club that has stuck with him and continue to do so with his frustrating ligament problems, knee worries and frequent niggling strains. A club like Newcastle and its fans deserve some loyalty.

Michael Owen appears on the surface to be a nice guy. A professional who would have a great deal of gratitude for how the club has helped him in a tough period. He should respect the huge financial outlay that has been spent on making him a fans’ favourite and the goal scoring replacement for club legend, Alan Shearer. He should be grateful that they are offering him a new contract when he has featured so little since his arrival.

Having spent so long on the sidelines, having been paid such extortionate levels of money, it is time to really give something back to a great club. Michael Owen owes it to Newcastle and the tremendous support they’ve given him to secure Premiership safety for the club this season and bring them back to respectability.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Titus Bramble should be given a place in the next England squad. Those were the bold words of Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland following his team’s weekend victory against Sunderland.

An audacious view in many minds, but what about the keeper himself? Surely he should feel hard done to if he is not standing in the Wembley goal mouth come the end of March. Or, at the very least, sat in comfort beside Cappello on the padded Wembley bench. After all, what more must the ex-Liverpool man do to make the England squad?

Since making his debut for Wigan in July 2006, Kirkland has turned his career around completely. A move from one of the best clubs in Europe could have meant a sorry road to mediocrity for the injury ravaged stopper, but his determination and character would not allow this. Lesser players may even have let their careers, let their contract, pass by, spending their days in the physio’s room, collecting their thousands every week without so much as a second thought.

It has been the opposite for Kirkland. The keeper has since knuckled down and worked extremely hard, often playing through pain to put himself in the England spotlight once again. Without a doubt, the former Anfield shot-stopper has the quality to be England number one.

There is no hesitation as he rises to claim the ball time and time again for his Wigan side, no histrionics that Robert Green is prone to, no theatrical punches that Scott Carson is so fond of, and no eccentric flapping in the wind, à la David James.

In a style similar to that of the great Peter Shilton, and a command comparable to his manager’s former teammate, Peter Schmeichel, Kirkland moves swiftly through the air towards to the ball, grasping it firmly and without fuss on a consistent basis — a seemingly simple though rare commodity amongst goalkeepers that currently carry a British passport.

Ability

Then we look at his ability to make match winning saves for his team, time and time again. Kirkland performs miracles in the Wigan goal every week. This is something he has improved on since moving to the JJB; he was never a top class reflex stopper like Shay Given when he resided in Merseyside. This part of his craft has been worked on, fine tuned, with Wigan Athletic reaping the benefits on a weekly basis.

There was a slight concern when Kirkland signed for Wigan that he had always struggled to be as proficient in his kicking as he had been with his hands. Perhaps that had something to do with the back strains and knee ligament concerns; he had problems picking out a target man or getting sufficient distance on his goal kicks. No Robinson-like airswipes, but it could be improved and must be if he was to be England regular. Sure enough, Kirkland hurdled this roadblock as he has so many others, and now has no qualms as he sends the ball arching towards the head of a target man up field. No sweat as he beats the away the ball with both feet under pressure from an attacker.

When an initial loan move was turned into a bargain transfer fee of £2m, Wigan fans knew they were getting one of the best prospects in the country, and Liverpool were aware they were letting one go. However, as unquestionable as the keeper’s ability at the time, was one hell of an injury record. With a longer list of injuries than appearances for the club, Benitez decided it was time to let his man go.

Improving by leaps and bounds

At the time of the move, I had the pleasure of discussing the new Wigan Athletic acquisition with the club’s goalkeeping coach. Along with the rest of the country, we were united in our belief that if Kirkland could get over his injury worries and the infamous back problem that had so blighted and eventually paved the end of his Anfield adventure, this guy could be a resounding answer to England’s goalkeeping conundrum.

With improvements in his game, no doubt helped with his regular run in the Wigan side, we are left now with a goalkeeper who has everything. A goalkeeper that sits in an all too different and superior class of peers. He now sits amongst world class goalkeepers like Shay Given, Edwin Van Der Sar. It’s a bold comparison, but anyone who’s laid eyes on this man in the last two seasons would probably agree that he’s worth his weight in gold.

Living with the pain

Then, there is the albatross that refuses to leave his neck. Though he has learnt to live with it, learnt to excel with it, it is still there. Watch him wince with every goal kick. See him grimace as he climbs to his feet after a trademark match winning save. It will always be there, and has frightened away bids from some of the best clubs, Arsenal are key example. Despite the ever-present feathery companion, Kirkland has missed only the odd league game for the Latics, none since the turn of the calendar year. A far cry from his Liverpool days, where an appearance itself was a rarity. It now appears that only the back problem remains an internal concern. The other injuries seem to be a thing of the past.

It tells you plenty about the man, the way he has learnt to cope and develop his career. He has become one of the top keepers around in spite of his injury, rather than simply alleviating himself with assurances that he’s being held back from being one of the best by his aches. A model professional, he works hard in the gym day after day, often away from training ground.

Like Ledley King, it is well known that he spends more time in the tedious surroundings of the gym and swimming pool, trying to build the strength or relive the pain in that back. He is someone who has taken one of the most onerous and topsy-turvy routes through his short career to date. Yet he has still risen like the milkiest of creams to the be one of the Premiership`s best goalkeepers.

The best around

In my view, Kirkland is the best English keeper around right now, both in quality and certainly in character. Take West Ham and Robert Green out of the equation who has shown recent aerial deficiencies and James-esque eccentricity – Wigan are the highest positioned club in the Premier League with an English keeper; FACT, as Rafa would put it.

The admirable determination and resolve demonstrated by Kirkland despite the injuries; the long list of regular appearances for his current club; and the world class performances are reason enough to make Chris Kirkland the England number one. His injury label should no longer remain a feeble reasoning behind his repeated exclusion.

Such a quality professional and top class goalkeeper does not deserve to stand alongside Gavin McCann and Francis Jeffers as a one-cap wonder. As the England team walks out onto the Wembley pitch against Slovakia on March 28th, John Terry will be proudly leading the way. Without a doubt, the man that walks onto the pitch immediately behind him should be Chris Kirkland.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Amidst what was an intriguing encounter between two of Britain’s most illustrious clubs, another battle was unfolding, that equally intriguing, and equally integral to the outcome. Many believed that the die, which is this year’s title, had already been cast. The trophy would be spending another season with its current residence (Manchester United), and that seemed like a foregone conclusion.

Regardless of the title’s destination however, last weekend’s game provided the backdrop for an amazing sub-plot battle between Nemanja Vidic and Fernando Torres. The former of who is tipped highly to win the PFA player of the year after his role as the crux of a miser-tight Manchester United backline this season, faced the the latter of who, when fit, is the quite possibly the most dangerous and clinical striker in the world.

Vidic made it his duty to follow his nemesis wherever he went. He had the unenviable chore of preventing the Spanish hotshot from delivering his trademark blows that have been so restricted this season due to a myriad of frustrating injuries. The day’s mission began well for the Serbian centre-back as he stabbed the ball away from the striker’s clutches on numerous occasions in the opening 25 minutes, clashing repeatedly; on one occasion they both collapsed to the ground in the area, embraced in an onerous tussle. The real battle of the day was truly on.

Then came the big moment of the afternoon’s showcase. Vidic, who was once again playing the role of the rock in the middle of the United defense, engaged in a brief yet fatal moment of complacency, passing by the chance to head a long ball back up the field with the intent of delivering the ball to his goalkeeper for a more assured clearance.

Torres, ever aware, seized on this scintilla of opportunities, using his blistering pace to disarm his rival, leaving himself with the simple and inexorable task of placing the ball into the corner of the net. First blood to Fernando Torres, and unfortunately for Vidic, things would only get worse.

The most deadly weapon in any striker’s arsenal is confidence. Fernando Torres often finds his best form once the first blow has been struck, and further evidence of this was to follow. Unsatisfied with leaving his adversary red faced for the equalising goal, Torres let loose further siege on the United back line, and once again Vidic received the brunt of the Spaniard’s skill and finesse. Torres delivered the classic nutmeg to the Serbian, knocking the ball through the legs of the defender in an insult outweighing any verbal barrage he could possibly offer.

To do this to the best in the world seemed to be an almost unthinkable occurrence. Vidic was certainly not enjoying himself, and the goal had clearly rocked his confidence. His frailty, like his authority in so many of this season’s shutouts, spread through the back line. In a moment of clumsiness so far-fetched from the usual composure and assurance of the Manchester United defence, Evra derailed Gerrard and the referee pointed straight to the spot.

The second half saw the majority of play in Liverpool’s half, contrary to what the final scoreline would suggest. Despite this, Vidic was far from comfortable in his duties, Torres continuing to prove an ever present threat. Still, the Serbian defender was not fretting for much longer, but this was not due to a sudden command of his foe’s movement, nor did he find himself getting to grips with the mesmerising footwork of the Spaniard.

In a desperate lunge, Vidic cast his own special farewell on the day’s proceedings, and after being wrong footed by Torres’s accomplice in attack, the defender hauled down Gerrard as he closed in on goal. The referee had no hesitation in holding aloft the red card. The battle, at least as far as Torres and Vidic were concerned, was over. The winner of the battle was as clear cut as the decision to give the defender his marching orders. Torres one, Vidic zero.

Millions all over the world watched this match with great fascination, and it is these sub-plot battles that take part in such heated encounters that make the game so intriguing to such a large audience. This particular confrontation was one I had waited a long time to see.

Strength versus speed. Skill versus Power. The best defender in world football, of that I am still certain, despite his exit on Saturday afternoon, coming up against the best striker in the world, of that I am even more convinced. It was a contest for which I was not alone in my eager apprehension, not alone in watching so ardently, and without a doubt, I, along with millions all over the globe, was not disappointed with what I saw.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News