It’s been too long since I posted. But the recent sorrows of my beloved squad has inspired me, and ignited within me a passion to state the truth. FC Barcelona needs Deco. The Portugal international has been a staple for the squads midfield, but a recent injury suffered against Villareal has sidelined the Barca star and even more so, hurt the Spanish giants in their attempt to get ahead of rival Real Madrid in La Liga.

In the 71st minute of their game against Villareal, Deco injured a tendon in his left leg forcing him to leave the game. He will not be available for the next 8 games including 3 Champions League matches. As much as Deco felt pain in his leg, I feel pain in my heart as I realize the future struggles Barcelona will soon face if they are to replace the remarkable Deco with the less than electrifying Gudjohnsen. Before we enter into why Gudjohnsen won’t be able to fill the hole, let’s first address why Deco is so vital to a successful Barcelona attack.

Ever since his arrival at the Nou Camp in the summer of 2004, his skillful and intelligent play has won over the hearts of fans as well as boss Frank Rijkaard. Frank soon made Deco one of the pillars of the midfield as he proved himself worthy of playing time and minutes on the pitch. Deco is a tactical player who gives the Catalan club a chance of controlling the middle of the pitch every time he steps out. He possesses good dribbling, passing, and crossing abilities, but his ability to make chances in the opponents territory is what makes him so special. His vision is remarkable, and his humility on the pitch and willingness to dish that extra pass to ensure a goal is what makes him such an irreplaceable part of the Barca striking force. He has a supporting role in the midst of a cast full of explosive offensive talent.

These very characteristics that make Deco so great, are the same weaknesses that make Gudjohnsen a poor substitute. Eidur Gudjohnsen was one of the leading assist providers in the EPL during his ‘glory’ days at Chelsea, however the style of football he has shown thus far has been anything but ‘glorious.’ Eidur is a great player, don’t get me wrong, but if Rijkaard is to rely on this Iceland international, the midfield and possession of this squad is in for a world of hurt. The answer to the loss of Deco lies in the improvement of players like Iniesta, and Ronaldhino. But as shown in their match yesterday against the Scottish champions, neither seem up to the task. At least for now.

Deco is just another notch on the belt of injuries suffered by Barcelona. Zambrotta, Yaya Toure, Marquez, and of course Samuel Eto’o, are all other key players that Barca are forced to continue without. If you are a Barca fan, pray to the football Gods that healing is on the horizon. Because if it is not, the Spanish giants could be in for a tumble.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

To first review the history of the Manchester United kits, one must look back. All the way back to 1892 where the Red Devils were known as Newton Heath. The first kit ever to be worn by the classic English squad was a yellow and green, but at the turn of the century when the name was changed to Manchester United, they began a period of experimentation for the next 30 years. Blue and white, red and white, and all assortments of stripes of these colors were possible options until 1928 when Manchester switched permanently to the red, white, and black colors that have made the Red Devil kits so popular.

Throughout the 50′s, the kits sported certain themes such as “Wembley” emblems, however this soon passed as the United players fell into a traditional red and white collared home jerseys.

In the 60′s, any fashion taken place on the pitch was erased. Mothers and fathers of United fans no longer had to worry abut little kiddies coming home wanting the latest kit. For almost the entire decade of the 60′s, the red devils wore nothing but red tops, white shorts, and white socks. In the mid 60′s they added red socks, but other than that, it was as plain as it could be. It was apparent; the only thing that mattered was how you performed on the pitch, and not how you looked on the pitch.

The 70′s were a cursed era with big floppy hair, long disgusting sideburns, and a tacky get-up, and the kits were no exception. Floppy collars with loose and ugly colors terrorized the United players, but it would all end soon bringing in a new era for the kits of Manchester.

The 80′s sparked a hint of the future, and started the revolution that was using kits as advertisement space. Man U stuck with their tradition red and white kits, while adding a third blue kit, however in the middle of all these was a large Adidas advertisement which changed the sponsorship of clubs forever. Later, the Man U crest was moved to the middle and top of the kit while the advertisement was lowered to the belly area and to the sleeves. This kit still remains one of the most popular of all the kits worn by the red devils.

Since then, not much has changed besides the lead sponsors. Red and white remained the home and away kits, while they alternated back and forth between blue and black for the 3rd kit. A new “post modern” style has been added to all kits, making them more desirable not just for the players, but for the fans sporting them as well. Soccer kits have come a long way, and it’s appropriate that Man U is at the forefront of kit style. Especially due to the fact that more often than not, they’re at the forefront of the football world.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

“Ronaldinho is no longer the future of Barcelona.” When hearing this, one would say, “DUH!” However, I would argue that Ronaldinho has a much larger hand in the future of the Catalan club than most people think.

Ronaldinho is still one of the top players in the world, but that isn’t the argument. His explosive play and ankle breaking moves are no longer the dominant trait in his play. Passing and free kicks seem to be his key contributions so far this season. But the best thing Ronni will bring to the squad this year is experience and leadership.

With the uprising in the Barca rankings that is currently taking place, led by Giovani Dos Santos, Bojan Krkic, and Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho’s investment in these three youngsters could lead to whether or not Barcelona can climb to the top of La Liga.

The arrival of Messi has revolutionized and uplifted the attack, especially after all the criticism thrown Ronni’s way as he recently lost his title as the best player in the world.

Despite the truth that Ronni is on the decline, Barcelona may be as poised as ever to be a shining example of the beautiful game. Dos Santos and Messi are committed to the Catalan club, and due to their devotion, Barcelona should be set for years to come regardless of Ronaldinho’s future.

Dos Santos, 18, has been receiving nothing but rave reviews since he cracked onto the first squad. His father Zizinho, a former Brazil international, said Gio is currently talking with Barca about extending his current contract, and his dream is to succeed at Barca.

Meanwhile, little Lionel is as committed as anyone to the Catalan giants. At age 11 he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, and his family was unable to pay for the treatment which cost £500 a month. FC Barcelona noticed his potential and picked up the bill for the medicine he needed as long as he agreed to move to Spain in order to train at the FCB facilities. A few years later, he was placed on the B squad where he scored 35 goals in 30 games.

Frank Rijkaard’s job security is in question for the time being, but if Dos Santos, Messi, and Bojan continue to blossom, it’s easy to see why Barca, and Rijkaard, will be alright if Ronni can’t seem to break out of his slump. It’s a definite fact that if Ronaldinho invests in building up Dos Santos, Bojan, and Messi, FC Barcelona will regain it’s status as a powerhouse and give Real Madrid a run for their money as the Champions of La Liga.

The future of Barcelona is in it’s youth, and with their young stars, it will continue to pursue its title as being ‘mes que un club’ (more than a club).

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

We’ve heard arguments about how the influx of foreign players is hurting English football (and have those arguments suitably refuted). Now we have Jonathan Moynihan, a Barcelona fan, talking about why foreign players give the Premier League its much-vaunted ‘elite’ status.

It’s not surprise to anyone who keeps up in today’s futbol world that EPL is one of the top, if not the top league in the world. The standard of play grows with each new transfer and year as foreign influences effect and dazzle these traditional and classic English clubs.

Without the pizzaz of foreign players, the nation of England would not be the center of the futbol world, as it is now. Take a look at the top foreign players in each of the top 4 clubs of England. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool all have key strikers from outside nations that lead their team in goals with the exception of Manchester United with Rooney leading the team in goals.

However, it’s no secret that Cristiano is the supplier of beauty in a Manchester attack. And not just goals, but excitement and scoring chances as well. Take a look at these comparative statistics between the English nationals and their foreign teammates:

Chelsea
-Drogba, 43 goals since 2004
-Lampard, 64 goals since 2001

Arsenal
-Henry, 174 goals since 1999
-Is there a lead English player?

Manchester United
-C. Ronaldo, 35 since 2003
-Rooney, 41 goals since 2004
-I will note the excitement that Ronaldo brings that can only be supplied by his playing style, creativity and assists.

Liverpool
With the arrival of Fernando Torres, it’s not doubt that Liverpool will no longer be the team of strategy and tactics, but a more free flowing spectacle and a club that can be described as ambassadors of the beautiful game.

Like Liverpool, Manchester United will reap the benefits of a new foreign transfer in Carlos Tevez. The big question is if he can be the supporting character to Wayne Rooney, but regardless of that answer, Tevez will be another footballer with the ability to bring excitement and beauty to another historic English club.

The top four clubs of England all have lower than 40% of it’s squad being actual Englishmen, and dropping all the way to 12% in Arsenal.

All I can say is, thank God for transfers, and thank God for the EPL.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News