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Footballers: A Deep Look into their Lifestyle

2012-05-18T22:05:00.000+03:00

Taken from TVSA

Many would say that footballers are over-paid, under-educated baboons that simply kick a ball around a pitch and try to get it between two metal posts. However, most people understand the amount of hard work and dedication a footballer goes through in order to get to that high level of prestige, which is top-flight football, but are these players being pushed past their limit?

It is fair to say that footballers are paid far too much and that the game for a lot of players is less about the football and more about the money, however that case isn’t the same for all players. Their wages range from £5000 to £300,000 a week, yes, a week, which exceeds the average income in Britain, which is £22,800 annually, roughly £500 a week.

Some say that money is an incentive for success and I’d have to say that I agree. Tottenham Hotspur’s left-back Benoît Assou-Ekotto said in a conference:

‘I play for the money. Football’s not my passion.’

Opposite to this is the group of footballers who do in fact play football for the love of the sport, and not just the money. West Bromwich Albion Scottish signing Scott Allan, fresh from Dundee stated:

‘I’m no money-grabber – I just want to play football.’

Taken from FeFaFo

If it isn’t the money nor for the love of the game which is the main inspiration to succeed in the sport, then what is? Well, for overachieving national team Montenegro, they were inspired by the fact that they were representing their country and were also inspired by their proud footballing past.

In England, there are thousands of young footballers who would give their left-arm to represent their nation, however, as the fans can’t represent their country, they constantly criticise the players, hurling abuse and threats whenever the player under-performs but act like they’re their number one fans when they play a match winning performance.

For Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey has become the recent victim of abuse and death threats as fans of the North London club have become irritated by his recent poor performances. For poor Aaron, a player who’s only just come back this season after suffering a leg break, he was over-played at the beginning of the 2011/2012 season, but playing well.

Suddenly after the amount of appearances he made for the club shortened, the lower his performances slumped. One of the worst things a footballer can lose is his confidence, and a lot of the fans aren’t helping with messages styled like: “Aaron, can you please f**k off and die, you’re s**t” and “Aaron you’re a piece of s**t”.

Sending abuse is one thing, but death threats are completely unacceptable, and are something the police do look into…

The health and safety of footballers health has also been a big issue recently with the ever-increasing number of cardiac arrests.

First of all, there was Fabrice Muamba from Bolton, the 24-year old Englishman who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch and was immediately rushed to hospital. Fortunately, Fabrice was able to be evacuated quickly and safely to the hospital but was pronounced dead for 78 minutes.

Thankfully, the doctors were able to help bring the Bolton player back to a safe, stable condition and has now been released from the hospital after just under a month. Since the incident, Fabrice is now on his feet and in a good condition. Players and football fans sent in their prayers during the ex-Arsenal’s toughest times through social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

The next case of cardiac arrest on a pitch is Serie B player, Piermario Morosini, the Livorno player who was on-loan from Udinese who had a bright future. The Italian had featured for every part of the youth national sides.

Unfortunately, after the incident on the pitch, paramedics at the stadium weren’t able to evacuate the player to a nearby hospital in time. The world of football has been continually mourning the death of the 25-year old again through Twitter and Facebook and sports stars alike are showing their consolidations.

Taken from The Sun

Udinese star, Antonio Di Natale who is possibly the most heart-hurt from the death has shown his gratitude for his former teammate by stating that the club will make sure his sister is looked after.

Are these two players victim of being over-worked, over-tired and stretched further than their ability? It seems that players will push their bodies beyond their limit in order to be ‘the best they can be’. Since these two incidents, FIFA have introduced heart checks amongst clubs to make sure that this occurrence isn’t repeated any time soon.

It’s never nice to see players being over-worked and as the team pool is getting bigger and bigger, players are starting to feel the sense of competition and the stress that they’re never going make it as a professional.

Thank you for reading.

Written by Felix Foreman
Follow me on Twitter @FelixAFC
Check out his excellent blog, FeFaFo

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CITIZENS borrow a leaf from Fergie’s book to end 44 years of misery- Is this the beginning of a power shift in Manchester?

2012-05-18T18:51:00.001+03:00

Taken from Time Colonist

When Manchester City fell to a very well deserved defeat at the Emirates (v. the Arsenal). The title race was all but over (or so we thought). Who would have thought that with 5 games remaining, Manchester United would blow an 8-point lead? Something Fergie AND his winners very rarely do. But as they say, 'NEVER SAY NEVER'.

After a dismal run that saw the 12-time EPL CHAMPIONS drop 8 points in 4 games, Manchester City capitalised and drew level on points and then the die became cast. It all boiled down to the last day.

With both teams on 86 points (But MCFC HAD A SUPERIOR GD of +8), Man Utd had to destroy Martin O'Neil's Sunderland by at least 9 unreplied goals and hope City's strikers fail to sparkle. It was a slim hope. 44 years is a long time for anyone not to have something and when the opportunity comes on a platter, the good who want to become great take it with aplomb.

MUFC 'S task was all made the more difficult as they had to go to the Stadium of Light to score a bagful of goals against a reinvigorated Sunderland, while MCFC had to just dismiss QPR to be crowned CHAMPIONS.

On paper, Mancini had the easier path to GLORY. MUFC struck first through the indispensable Wayne Rooney whose 20th minute header gave his side the lead, his 27th league goal (a personal best).

But City responded with a goal of their own. The injured Gnegneri Yaya Toure threaded a great ball onto the path of Pablo Zabaleta, who coolly slotted past Paddy Kenny to put his team well on their way. Half time was upon us with fans of both clubs biting their fingers.

The second half was more interesting as QPR, fighting for survival, struck through Djibril Cisse (his 6th in 8 games) to level matters. Then a moment of pure, unmatched idiocy from supposed captain of QPR, Joey Barton, gave City a man advantage.

The Englishman, who never ceases to amaze the football world, took to kicking and punching the diminutive Argies (TEVEZ AND AGUERO) on the pitch. United fans feared the worst and admittedly, the expected from here on.

But much to utter astonishment, QPR struck again to lead City. This time Jamie Mackie was the scorer. MUFC fans went berserk in an almost delirium state. The title was going to remain at the Theatre of Dreams was the song on everyone's lips, but there was yet another twist in the tale.

As a result of Barton's stupidity, the ref added 5 minutes of injury time and like typical Manchester United, City came back with 2 goals from Dzeko and Aguero in two minutes to seal the league title their sometimes 'out-of-this-planet' displays deserved.

IT WAS OFFICIAL: MANCHESTER CITY BROKE THEIR 44 YEAR JINX AND HELD ALOFT THE 20THE EPL TITLE.

Taken from Goal

Officials, players , fans and indeed everyone associated with Manchester City went partying into the night after a wonderful season which saw them crowned EPL CHAMPIONS. Excited and joyous, they took to the streets the very next day (Monday, 14th May 2012) to parade their newest trophy addition.

It was going well as planned until the prodigal Carlos Tevez thought it was a clever idea to hold up a placard which had 'R.I.P FERGIE' written boldly on it.

Taken from The West

It was a slap on Ferguson and Manchester United's face, not just as a result of the inscription, but because it was held up by a former Red Devil who was showing ingratitude and more painfully, the unforgettable way the league title was relinquished.

Manchester City immediately offered its apology on the development which MUFC duly accepted. But SAF will be well aware that the only way to shut Tevez and City up, is on the field of play come next season and beyond.

Written by Ohiskaka Eboreime
Follow me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

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Jan's the man for Spurs

2012-05-18T16:20:00.000+03:00

Taken from The Lion's Pitch

As the season came to it's exciting pinnacle on Sunday the new season got into full swing: silly season. Stories, rubbish, paper talk, rumours, player talk, speculation, agent talk, and Twitter rumours are the specialty of the day, here: "Tottenham plan swoop for Cavani, Goetze and Lavezzi".."Venky's put in an audacious bid for Brazilian Ronaldo not knowing he's retired..". Some stories are far fetched while others are closer to the mark; they're all fun to read, though, and get us through the long summer till the Premier League starts again.

Chelsea and Arsenal, so far, have already started recruiting for next summer in Marko Marin and Lukas Poldolski respectively. With the rest of the Premiership playing catch up, Tottenham, have looked to conclude their first signing of the summer.

Belgian defender, Jan Vertonghen was quite highly sought after with Arsenal and Newcastle expressing their interest. But it looks as though Spurs have won the race for his signature, however, after Vertonghen said, "Tottenham are my absolute favourites".

Guest of chairman, Daniel Levy's against Fulham on the last day of the season he was given a tour of the new training complex and was rumoured to be impressed with the support and ambition of the club.

Vertonghen, a graduate of Ajax's famed youth academy, is a full time Belgium International and at just 25 has already won 36 caps. With two international goals to his name, he already has more goals for Belgium than the much coveted Eden Hazard!

A centre back by trade, he plays for Belgium on the left due to the ever-blossoming partnership of ex-Ajax colleague and Arsenal defender, Thomas Vermaelen and Manchester City stalwart, Vincent Kompany.

Taken from IB Times

Ever-present at the heart of defence for Ajax, the club captain and this year's Eredivisie Player of the Year, helped his club keep hold of the title conceding 36 goals in the process. Known for his technique and ability to bring the ball out of defence he is often the man who starts attacks as well as chipping in with goals - eight goals in 36 appearances.

His size, meanwhile, means he is a potent set-piece force - both attacking and defending - and his able to dominate aerially. His performance in both legs of the Europa Leg tie against Manchester United probably gave English viewers their first chance at seeing him. His composure on the ball and defensive dominance singled him out for praise.

His versatility will be an asset to Tottenham, often lacking this season at certain times, he could play left back instead of Benoit Assou-Ekotto, or central defence alongside the ever-impressive Younes Kaboul.

If the latter, he could develop a real understanding with his fellow central defender for years to come, and with on-loan defender Steven Caulker also coming back to White Hart Lane, Tottenham will have a very youthful and impressive back line

He seems to want to play at the heart of defence, however, and choosing Tottenham over other teams, seems as though he has received some sort of guarantee of playing there. With the ageing William Gallas and Ryan Nelsen, and the injury-prone Ledley King, this could be exactly where his Tottenham career will progress.

Tottenham fans, rest assured, you are signing a very capable and classy defender that will be the backbone of your defence for years to come.

Written by William Hold
Follow me on Twitter @liam17oi

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England's Euro 2012 Squad. Should they go, or should they not?

2012-05-17T19:56:00.000+03:00

Taken from In The Stands

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart

Instrumental in Manchester City’s title winning campaign. Joe Hart shows passion for the shirt and is one of the world’s best keepers.

His points winning saves against Aston Villa and Liverpool epitomised how important he is to Manchester City’s season, in which every point was vital as they won on Goal Difference to Man United.

Verdict: Definitely Should Go

John Ruddy

The Norwich goalkeeper this time last year was an unknown entity in the Premier League, but has been on top form throughout Norwich’s first season back in the Premier League.

A few years ago, Everton released him from his contract and now for him to come back and show he is one of the best English keepers around shows how wrong they were.

Verdict: Impressive understudy to Joe Hart. Should Go.

Robert Green

Overshadowed by his infamous gaffe in the first game of the South African World Cup, Green has found it hard in the last two years.

Yet consistently Green shows how good a goalkeeper he is. Unfortunately, his one blip against USA will be remembered forever.

Verdict: Shouldn’t go, the pressure of the USA gaffe will undermine him should he ever wear the English gloves again. Feel sorry for him, but David Stockdale was a better choice.

Defenders

Glen Johnson

Surprised in all honesty the Liverpool full back was included. Quite good attacking wise, Johnson lacks defensively and I will be surprised if he is England’s first choice Right Back at the Euros ahead of the impressive Phil Jones. Johnson did have a good first half to the season but tailed off in the second half.

Verdict: Should not go. Nowhere near as good as Micah Richards attacking wise or even defensively, with Richards playing more often than not in a Championship winning side with the best defensive record in the league.

Baffled to as why Johnson was chosen ahead of Richards.

Phil Jones

Phil Jones has been extremely good for Man United this season. Despite his form tailing off at the end of the season, you have to remember he is only 20, the power and strength of the young lad is incredible for his age. Jones is also extremely versatile, able to play in Midfield, Centre Back or Right Back.

Verdict: Should go, can play in a number of positions and due to Glen Johnson’s inclusion and no Micah Richards or Kyle Walker, should be England’s first choice right back at the Euros.

Gary Cahill

Personally, I believe Cahill is overrated because he is a goal scoring centre back. He lacks awareness defensively and doesn’t even get in the Starting XI at Chelsea.

Cahill has had an up and down season this year, while being quite good at Bolton, he’s been average at Chelsea. Injuries don’t help either.

Verdict: Should not go. Phil Jagielka of Everton has had a much more impressive season as the unsung hero at the heart of Everton’s defence.

Jagielka should have gone to Poland/Ukraine not Cahill.

John Terry

In arguably his worst year in a Chelsea shirt, John Terry maintains his place in the England Squad. He has lost a lot of pace off his overall game, and has had shockers for Chelsea in multiple games this season.

Most notably at Anfield in the 4-1 defeat to Liverpool and against Arsenal on his home ground. His off the pitch reputation is tarnished forever due to sleeping with best mate’s girlfriend and shouting racist comments at Anton Ferdinand of QPR and therefore should not be seen in an England shirt again. The court case lingers over Terry also.

Verdict: Should not go. Bad idol for children. Will undermine Captain Gerrard and cause disruption within the squad. Rio Ferdinand should have gone ahead of him.

Taken from Nairaland

Joleon Lescott

His best season as a Professional Footballer, Lescott has improved in all areas of his game since the arrival of Roberto Mancini at Manchester City.

Excelled at the heart of the Man City defence, Lescott carried City through Kompany’s suspension and has the best tackling rate of any player in the Premier League.

Verdict: Should go. England’s best central defender at the moment.

Ashley Cole

Ever since Roberto Di Matteo became Chelsea’s manager, Ashley Cole has looked like getting back to his best.

His attacking movements and defensive awareness is impressive for a left back. The world’s best left back until recently, Cole is still England’s best full back.

Verdict: Should go. Great left back, has one more tournament left in him

Leighton Baines

Baines is the most consistent full back in the league. While possessing wicked crosses and ferocious free kicks, Baines is completely underrated as an English full back. Unfortunately, Ashley Cole is around.

Verdict: Should go. Extremely good and offers crossing to Andy Carroll when England are in dire need of a goal.

Midfielders

Gareth Barry

Barry is the unsung hero at Manchester City to the extent the players voted him second in the club’s Player’s Player of The Season Award.

Largely underrated by the media and fans, Barry performs his job efficiently and goes about his business quietly, more of these characters are needed in the English dressing room.

Verdict: Should go. Immense at Manchester City this season.

Scott Parker

Scott Parker, throughout the last two seasons has turned into a completely different player. He is composed and commanding on the ball and at Spurs he makes the attacking flair of Bale, Van Der Vaart and Lennon tick.

Parker is without doubt one of the best players at Tottenham, and could be very important for England too. He’s just abit overrated.

Verdict: Should go. Composing and efficient, with him and Barry in midfield, goals will be hard to come by for the opposition

Frank Lampard

Lampard is still Chelsea’s man of the moment and is still as important to them as he was 6 or 7 years ago. That is why Chelsea are in 6th place and need to move on from Lampard. England need to do so too.

At 33 years of age, England – like Germany did with Ballack – needs to move away from players of his age and look towards the younger players.

Verdict: Should not go. Too old for England and will lack the same impact. Joe Cole, while out of the media spotlight at Lille, has been incredible and should go instead.

Lampard has always has struggled in the England side alongside Gerrard, who is now captain.

Steven Gerrard

Gerrard has found his best form more recently at the back end of Liverpool’s season. However, Gerrard has been injury prone recently but that shouldn’t stop him going to one more tournament for England.

Gerrard always gives his all and is the best man to be the leader on the pitch.

Verdict: Should go. England’s best midfielder.

James Milner

Despite having games hard to come by in the second half of the season, Milner should be included due to his sheer tenacity and work rate. Milner is extremely versatile and that is useful in any tournament squad.

He is also an extremely capable in most positions and his performance at Old Trafford earlier in the season was amazing, shows well what the 26 year old can do.

Verdict: Should go. Versatility useful.

Wingers

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been one of the breakthrough stars of the second half of the season. However, “the Ox” is unproven on the international stage and is still a teenager. This however could still work for him as fewer teams will be able to predict him as a player.

Will almost certainly be an understudy to Walcott and Young and this will give him valuable experience. The Ox is an exciting talent and his inclusion shows us the future of England.

Verdict: Should go. Future of England, valuable experience. Exciting prospect.

Taken from the Telegraph

Theo Walcott

Walcott went to the World Cup in 2006 and didn’t play a game. Then missed out on the World Cup in 2010, so this in all fairness is Walcott’s first real tournament, and a stage to show what he’s really made of.

The game against Croatia a few years ago showed us that Walcott can certainly perform on the international stage, and hopefully he’ll be one of the bright lights of England’s Euro campaign. One of Arsenal’s best players at the end of last season.

Verdict: Should go, quick feet and extremely fast. Walcott is a more mature Ox, and should start the games too.

Ashley Young

Young is still an extremely good player despite his inconsistent performances at Man United this season. Games against Arsenal and Tottenham showed what Young is capable of and hopefully he can use those performances in the European Championships.

Young, however, is still hated by most of the English faithful because of those despicable dives against Aston Villa and QPR that even Sir Alex Ferguson himself condemned.

Young could be one of the stars of the tournament, if he maintains the form he showed in the 8-2 win over Arsenal and the 3-1 win over Tottenham.

Verdict: Should go. One of England’s best wingers.

Stewart Downing

Oh dear. Downing, even before this season was an average player and not worth the £20 million Liverpool paid for him. This season, Downing’s been even worse. He’s scored none, and assisted none, even missing three penalties in the process.

Against even the worst full backs in the PL, Downing looks afraid and lost. Downing should certainly not be going to these European Championships.

Verdict: Should not go. Adam Johnson, while not the hardest of workers, is a much better player than Downing while playing the same type of way.

Alternatively, Aaron Lennon is also a much better player.

Strikers

Andy Carroll

Carroll, like Downing, has also been shocking this season. Carroll has been dealt with well by even the worst Premier League defences. He also seems lost in many scenarios and often lacks touch and direction to his game.

Until the FA Cup Final, where Carroll as a substitute showed us how good he actually is. Tricky with both feet and a powerful header, Carroll is extremely capable. But the question is whether he will perform at the Euros.

Verdict: Should go. Just. Even though Grant Holt has had an amazing season, he isn’t an international striker and is 31 years old. Carroll is 23.

Wayne Rooney

Despite being banned for the first two games of the Euros. Wayne Rooney is badly needed by an England side severely lacking in World Class players, of which Rooney is one.

Rooney plays his best football off a striker, and in Danny Welbeck, the two Man United strikers can forge a special partnership for club and country. After scoring another 27 goals in the Premier League this season, there is absolutely no question that Rooney should be there.

Verdict: Should go. England’s best player.

Jermain Defoe

Defoe is the Premier League’s most prolific substitute with 20 goals, but while Defoe fails to start for Spurs, he constantly gets in the England set up. Defoe can often be seen as lazy and lacking with direction and strength up front.

Jermain Defoe is lucky to be in Poland/Ukraine, his selection is based upon previous seasons, certainly not this one, where he has been constantly overshadowed by Emmanuel Adebayor.

Darren Bent, who is also a quick striker like Defoe is unlucky to not have been selected, despite injury.

Verdict: Should not go. Darren Bent offers more up front, and if not Bent then Sturridge would have been the better option.

Danny Welbeck

Despite being a revelation at Old Trafford this season, the quick and dynamic Welbeck can often be criticised for being lazy. This criticism is just.

He can be seen as lazy, but the moments of brilliance from Welbeck (such as his goal v Everton) justifies his position in the England set up. His link up play with Rooney is great and at 21 another young star looking to impress on the world stage.

Verdict: Should go, Gary Hooper is unlucky not to be a shoe in though, but Welbeck’s link up play with Rooney launches him in.

Pictures of selected England players (Taken from Tumblr)

Who should go instead?

Robert Green OUT, David Stockdale IN
Glen Johnson OUT, Micah Richards IN
Gary Cahill OUT, Phil Jagielka IN
John Terry OUT, Rio Ferdinand IN
Frank Lampard OUT, Joe Cole IN
Stewart Downing OUT, Adam Johnson IN
Jermain Defoe OUT, Darren Bent IN

Unlucky to miss out:

Gary Hooper
Grant Holt
Danny Sturridge
Aaron Lennon
Tom Cleverley
Leon Britton
Michael Carrick
Kieran Gibbs
Jack Rodwell (if he wasn’t injured)
Leon Osman
Peter Crouch

If not injured should be going:

Jack Wilshere
Kyle Walker
Chris Smalling

My England Squad (all injuries aside)

Hart, Ruddy, Stockdale, Richards, Walker, Jones, Smalling, Lescott, Jagielka, Cole, Baines, Barry, Parker, Wilshere, Gerrard, Milner, Ox, Walcott, Young, Carroll, Rooney, Welbeck, Bent.

Written by Henry Francis
Follow me on Twitter @TheHenryFrancis

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Turkish Super Lig: My Team of the Season

2012-05-17T14:49:00.000+03:00

Fernando Muslera

Taken from Futbolingo

Muslera won't be forgetting his debut season at Galatasaray in a hurry. Nando managed to concede the fewest goals in the league [30 in 37 games] and keep 19 clean sheets, a new club record. He played an integral role in helping the Lions lift the league title and even managed to score a goal.

The 6ft 2 keeper has been in outstanding form for Galatasaray, he commands the defense, deals well with aerial balls, is a brilliant close range shot stopper and has wonderful reflexes.

Ranked as the 6th best keeper in the world by the IFFHS, we wouldn't be surprised to see him break into the top 5.

Semih Kaya

Taken from National Turk

Semih the 'Rock' Kaya, it may sound cheesy but it’s not a pun, his surname does actually mean Kaya. Semih has had a brilliant breakthrough season at Galatasaray, relatively unknown last year he's now a house hold name and deservedly so.

The Rock has shown the composure of a defender 10 years his senior, under his mentor Ujfalusi he has developed into one of the brightest prospects in Turkish football.

Tomas Ujfalusi

Taken from Sulekha

Ujfalusi has been instrumental at transforming what was one of last season’s worst defences into the strongest back found in all the land. Ufo is adored by the Galatasaray faithful, the famous, ‘injury’ incident pretty much sums up why.

In what will go down in Galatasaray folklore, during a training session in Germany, Ujfalusi picked up a slight knock and was given permission to take the day off.

Training resumed the following day, however, to the manager's amazement Ufo also turned up, Fatih Terim asked him, “Why did you turn up for training, I thought you would rest?"

Ujfalusi responded by saying, “I have to be an example to the others. If I miss training every time I pick up an injury I would have disrespected my friends and my profession, so I ask for your permission to let me train.”

Terim reportedly replied with, “This is the type of player I want in my team”.

Emmanuel Eboue

Taken from Since 1905

Eboue has also played a vital role in establishing Galatasaray as the league’s strongest defense. The right back position had been a place of pain and misery for years, however, that all changed with the Ivory Coast international.

The ex-Arsenal player brought all his on and off the field talents with him. Eboue has been fantastic for the Lions this season carrying out his defensive and attacking duties to a T. He uses his power, strength and pace to his advantage and really lifts the team during training as well as in the dressing room. Eboue always gives it his all and has established himself as a crowd favourite.

Reto Ziegler

Taken from Goal

When Fenerbahçe brought in Ziegler on loan to replace Arsenal bound Andre Santos, it raised a few eyebrows, however, suffice to say the transfer has worked out swimmingly.

The Swiss left back has been in fine form, created six assists and even scored a vital goal away against Galatasaray in the Intercontinental derby.

Selçuk Inan

Taken from Milliyet

The brains of this Galatasaray team, Selçuk has been pulling the strings in midfield. They say the best things in life are free, well there couldn't a more fitting term to describe Selçuk.

He was signed on a free contract from Trabzonspor and has since gone onto become known as Xelçuk, the Turkish Xavi. Selçuk has contributed to the Istanbul giant’s dominance this season with 16 assists and 13 goals in 40 matches.

He's unrivalled in his position and is finished as the league’s Assist King and the team's Goal King.

Keeping with the theme of 'names', İnan actually translates to 'Believe' and with the way Selçuk has performed this season Galatasaray have dared to start believing again.

Felipe Melo

Taken from Goal

The Gladiator, the Pitbull, whatever you want to call Felipe Melo has been Galatasaray's X-factor this season. The Brazilian international has been outstanding; the fans refer to him as, 'Sahadaki biz’, ('us [the crowd] on the pitch').

The way he electrifies the crowd, rallies them and feeds off their energy has to be seen to be believed. Melo has worked his socks off in midfield, undoubtedly a great 'destroyer', he's not limited to the stereotypical defensive midfield duties.

Melo is actually one of the most accurate passers in the league; it's nothing new he also had a 90% pass accuracy rate in World Cup 2010. What is new to Melo's game is being given the No.10 shirt and actually living up to it, the passionate Brazilian has scored 12 goals this season, a career high.

Galatasaray must make it a priority to complete the signing of Melo from Juventus ahead of next seasons Champions League campaign; he is in a class of his own right now.

Miroslav Stoch

Taken from K8G

Miroslav Stoch has gone onto win the affection of the fanatical Yellow Canary supporters and is known as 'Kadıköy'ün golcüsü' (The striker of Kadıköy) due to having scored 9 of his 12 goals at home. Not just any ordinary goals either, he has scored enough crackers to win the 1st, 2nd and 3rd spots for Goal of the Season.

Stoch is undoubtedly a very talented player; he uses the left wing as his personal motorway and will exploit any given space. He glides past opposition players with ease and has wonderful vision in picking out forward runs with lethal through balls.

Manuel Fernandes

Taken from UEFA

Beşiktaş have had a turbulent season to say the least. However, there has been one beam of light shining through the darkness, Manuel Fernandes. The Portuguese magician has gone from strength to strength, it’s no wonder his value has increased 5 fold.

The Black Eagles talisman has without a doubt been the team’s player of the season. With 7 goals and 16 assists Manny has been the lead man in midfield and we were genuinely surprised that he didn't make the Portuguese Euro 2016 squad.

Fernandes has been in wonderful form, it’s a real shock to see Almeida and Quaresma make the squad ahead of him.

Alex De Souza

Taken from Spor.Haberler

Despite being 34, performance wise, Alex is showing no signs of slowing down. In his 8th season with the Istanbul giants he scored 16 goals including a goal of the season candidate against rivals Galatasray, in the mother of all Turkish footballing matches, the Intercontinental derby.

It’s been a tough season for Fenerbahçe, club legend Lefter Küçükandonyadis passed away earlier this year and it looks like Alex de Souza, their living legend, could be on his way out.

Whether he decides to stay or leave you can be sure of this, the king of the Şükrü Saracoğlu will never be forgotten.

Burak Yilmaz

Taken from Turk Spor

The Trabzonspor goal machine has been in sensational form this season. Yilmaz broke the club's all-time scoring record with an incredible 33 goals and 9 assists.

The prolific striker scored 51% of Trabzonspor's 65 goals and was directly involved in 68% of them. The Turkish Goal King possesses an impressive mix of pace, shoulder strength and off the ball ability.

Weighing 88kg and 188cm tall he uses his strength well in one on one situations, makes intelligent forward runs and is an uncanny ability of creating space.

He holds the ball up well, takes an impressive free kick and has been carrying an otherwise poor attacking team on his back this season. With his modest €5 million minimum fee release clause expect a transfer war to ensue over him.

Substitutes

Sebastian Pinto

Taken from Turkish-Football

Bursaspor's season can be summed up as B.P, Before Pinto and A.P, After Pinto. Relatively unheard of in Turkey before the winter break, he's now one of the league's most feared strikers.

The Chilean international's impact has been immense, since his arrival the Green Crocodiles rose from just outside the relegation zone to finishing the league in fifth place and making the Turkish Cup Final.

Pinto is the real deal, he has height, strength, power as well as impressive movement, lethal finishing and is a real team player. Pinto racked up 14 goals and four assists in just 19 games and has subsequently been called up for the Chilean national team.

Pablo Batalla

Taken from MS-Scouting

Sebastian Pinto's partner in crime, Pablo Batalla has been in fabulous form for Bursaspor. The midfield trickster has exhibited his mastery of skills, passing range and shooting technique all season.

The Argentinian playmaker immediately gelled with Pinto and the duo were directly involved in 50 goals! Batalla alone scored 15 and contributed with 17 assists.

Volkan Demirel

Taken from Blogcu

Sporting the biggest mustache in the league, the experienced Fenerbahçe goalkeeper had been in good form all season however, he really came to life during the Championship playoffs.

The Yellow Canaries talisman played a key role in getting his side within touching distance of lifting the title. Volkan kept 15 clean sheets over the course of the league campaign and showed just why he's the Turkish National Team's first choice goalkeeper.

Johan Elmander

Taken from Turkish-Football

The hitman of the Golden Horn has made himself at home on and off the field; he's been partnered with a manager who fully appreciates his role and what he brings to the table.

The 30 year old affectionately known as 'Golmander' is in fantastic physical form; he never misses a training session and really looks after himself well. Elmander has found a home from home with the Lions; he has scored 12 goals but offers much more than just scoring.

His work rate allows for others to get into space and he constantly drags his markers out of position. Elmander played a major role in Galatasaray's league success and deserves a place in the squad.

Kamil Grosicki

Taken from WP Sport

Grosicki has been the surprise package this season, the 23 year old Polish international joined Sivasspor for €900,000 and hasn't looked back.

13 assists and seven goals later, Grosicki has established himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in league.

Written by Emre Sarigul
Follow me on Twitter @Turkish_Futbol
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Video: Compassion of a Child (Rogier Meijer's daughter)

2012-05-16T22:31:00.000+03:00

We had seen time and time again how footballers display their joy when scoring a goal or celebrating winning titles. As we often revel in a winning atmosphere, we tend to forget the dejection that footballers go through as they find themselves at the other end of any league table.

An occasion of such sprung up this past weekend as Dutch Eredivisie side De Graafschap was relegated after losing its relegation playoff against FC Den Bosch.

As the match ended, a young girl of 7 – 8 year old named Saar walks towards her father – midfielder Rogier Meijer as he rests on the pitch dejected. The little girls then put her hand on his shoulder, seemingly asking him if he was OK.

The above written segment does not justify the feeling that would come across; hence here is the video for you guys to watch.

Her action that day could lift the faintest of hearts.

Written by Shuaib Ahmed
Follow me on Twitter @footynions
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My Greatest Team of the Decade XI

2012-05-16T21:03:00.000+03:00

Buffon

Cafu Cannavaro Vidic Carlos

Xavi Vieira

Messi Zidane Ronaldinho

Ronaldo

Gianluigi Buffon

Taken from Goal

Gianluigi Buffon was a world class 'keeper showing safe handling alongside extraordinary saves. He shined in the World Cup of 2008 providing a stable wall behind the Italian back four.

Cafu

Taken from the Bleacher Report

Cafu captained the Brazilian side and the engine-like right back was a legend in his country. As well as being the most capped Brazilian and changing the idea of right-backs, Cafu was the only Brazilian player to have appeared in three World Cup finals.

Fabio Cannavaro

Taken from the Telegraph

Fabio Cannavaro was a warrior in the heart of every defence he played in. In my opinion his peak was captaining the famous Azzurri to winning the 2008 World Cup, where he showed what a world class player he was.

Nemanja Vidic

Taken from Blog United

Unlike most others, I chose Nemanja Vidic for his form at club level, and although he is an inspirational captain for Serbia, not many would've heard of him if Fergie hadn't secured one of his trademark signings in 2006.

Roberto Carlos

Taken from Soccer Play List

In my opinion, Roberto Carlos was by far the best left back to ever play. Not only did he score the world's best goal from a scientifically impossible set-play, the national star controlled the left hand side of the pitch every game, bombing up and down.

Xavi

Taken from FC Barcelona Today

Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona sums up the perfect passer. He rarely misplaces a pass, he is a quality player all round, consequently, my idol!

A neat player sums him up, hardly done anything exquisitely amazing, but does what he intends to perfectly.

Patrick Vieira

Taken from Arsenal Arsenal

Patrick Vieira was an absolute dream of a player. He combined strength and hustle in the midfield with intricate passing and assists. He was extremely disciplined, which gave the other midfielders license to go forward. As captain, he was a huge part of the best ever English team; 'The Invincibles'.

Lionel Messi

Taken from Sporty Magazine

A still young Lionel Messi is the best footballer to ever touch the ball (Arguably). The ball sticks to his feet, and his low centre of gravity makes him a formidable spearhead striker for the opposing defence to deal with. However, his career hasn't all gone to plan.

He's never seemed to be able to produce at national level, which took me to the conclusion that he needs the best midfield in the world behind him like he has at Barca to produce at his unbelievable best.

Zinedine Zidane

Taken from the Daily Mail

Zinedine Zidane was world class. In my opinion to make a world XI the hardest position to choose is behind the striker, as there have been so many talented players there. This shows just how Zidane is.

This man was talented, aggressive, a winner, and a leader; and could shoot, pass, head, defend, and of course head-butt.

Ronaldinho

Taken from All Sports Information and News

This Brazilian magician summed up how football was supposed to be played. 5 stepovers, cut inside, hit the top corner. Ronnie was arguably the most skillful player I've ever seen, and in history. He was such a threat in every aspect of the game.

Ronaldo

Taken from Famous People Info

Ronaldo (no, not that one) was one of the first to play 'The Brazilian Way'. With his quick feet, Ronaldo was oozing quality.

His stockiness earned him the nickname 'Fat Ronaldo', but in a way, this helped him. With skill you need strength, and Ronaldo's stockiness gave him an advantage as he could shield the ball away from defenders as well as run at them and take them on.

All round, this man was class.

Written by Deano Spyrou
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103 years is not FOREVER- The Borussians are Germany’s BEST!

2012-05-16T18:07:00.001+03:00

Taken from the Daily Mail

Jurgen Klopp, tipped to be a future manager of DIE MANNSCAFT (The German National Team) has done it again. After earning plaudits in the 2010-11 season for steering the black yellows to its 7th BUNDESLIGA Title, he has gone one better to secure the side's first DOUBLE in its 103 year history.

The season didn't start brightly for the ambitious Borussia. The first 6 games yielded just 3 wins. Afterwards, they kicked on a remarkable run that saw them go unbeaten in 30+ League and Cup games, including vital wins against Bayern and arch-enemies, Schalke.

Buoyed by the superb displays of Shinji Kagawa, Lukasz Piszczek, Robert Lewandowski, Matt Hummels, Neven Subotic, and Talisman, Mario Gotze, DIE SCHWARZGELBEN tore past their opponents with ruthlessness like never before seen.

The drive, desire and determination that ultimately leads to success was there for all to marvel. Despite an injury midway through the season to Subotic and Gotze, they still went on to win the league with 2 games to spare, capping the phenomenal achievement with a good home win over Bayern and a Ruhr derby victory away at Gelsenkirchen v Schalke.

May 12, 2012 represented the one and only chance of the season to add to their trophy haul-------> THE DFB POKAL (GERMAN CUP). It was a clash between the two best teams in Germany at the moment. Bayern Munchen (Munich) who are UCL finalists and them (Dortmund) who just won the league.

At the end of proceedings, it was a surprise demolition Dortmund annihilated the Bavarians 5-2 with Polish assassin, Robert Lewandowski, scoring a hat-trick to take his tally for the season to 30.

The same man whose 22 league goals (Including the only goal v Bayern at the Iduna) helped his team to the summit of the Bundesliga. The crushing defeat was the 5th successive Bayern had suffered against Klopp, and it came at a very bad time for the Reds. Uli, Karl, Franz, and Jupp congratulated Watzke's Dortmund and thus shifted their focus to the CL FINAL V Chelsea.

Taken from DW

The victory over Bayern was even more significant for Ballspiel-Verein Borussia (BVB) because it cemented their position as the best team in Germany and secured the first ever LEAGUE AND CUP SUCCESS in more than a century of existence. However, they must regroup next season because some important players will ALMOST CERTAINLY jump ship and must be replaced.

Also, for Klopp and his boys to be mentioned in the same breath as the great European teams, their fortunes in Europe must change. Their foray into the European scene this term was a COMPLETE FAILURE.

Furthermore, for the aforementioned to be described in the same sentence as Hitzfeld, he must perform admirably well in Europe.

Written by Ohiskaka Eboreime
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Navteq Study Finds that 50% of Brazilians Get Stuck in Traffic and Expect the World Cup to Make it Worse

2012-05-16T16:11:00.000+03:00

Taken from Public and Cultural Diplomacy 6

Traffic jams are the scourge of drivers everywhere, and the Navteq company that supplies digital maps to the top GPS manufacturers has recently conducted a study to better investigate the traffic trends across the World.

Their latest study was conducted in Brazil in the city of Sao Paulo with the results showing that Brazilians are now spending more time stuck in traffic jams than they ever have done before – and it looks like the problem will become worse over the next few years.

The top-line reasons for this appear to be the fact that more and more large international events are now being hosted in the country – including the next World Cup Soccer Tournament.

Traffic in Brazil Survey Shows an Increase in Congestion

The survey was conducted online and was titled “Traffic in Brazil”. The idea behind it was to help manufacturers of GPS devices try to better understand what the road conditions and problems were in the South American company so they could provide better solutions to help them reduce the impact of daily driving issues.

The survey sampled two hundred drivers and also looked to find out how they were using GPS navigation devices in their car – results showed that only thirty percent of drivers actually used a GPS in the country – which will go some way to understanding why so many people get stuck in traffic – because most modern GPS devices come with real-time traffic alert warning functionality.

50% of Brazilian Drivers Get Stuck in Jams Daily

Half of the drivers who were surveyed in Brazil said that they tend to get stuck in traffic at least once a day, and are concerned that the 2014 World Cup is only going to make the situation a lot worse with congestion due to rise hugely over the Summer period in that year.

Millions of tourists will be visiting Brazil in 2014, and many will be hiring cars or using the extensive taxi service to get from A to B. Native drivers in Brazil really do believe that this situation is going to cause them a negative driving experience.

The 2014 World Cup Will Make the Situation Worse

Almost half of the correspondents believe that when Brazil host the Soccer World Cup in 2014, they will see even worse jams on the nation’s road networks. 69% said the situation will be a lot more serious as you can see from the graphs presented in this article.

The traffic survey also went on to reveal that over the previous five years the average Brazilian driver has spent forty minutes more per day in their car than they had done previously – and all due to traffic congestion and jams.

Solution Could Be GPS Devices with Traffic Alerts

Taken from HSN

One solution to the issue could be to make GPS devices in the country more affordable and widely adopted. Manufacturers such as Garmin and TomTom now range products that come with Real-Time Traffic Alerts.

This technology lets the driver get forewarnings of traffic jams and then shows them an alternative route which might be quicker, even if it is longer by nature.

More Information on Ford GPS Maps for Your Device

If you want to update your Ford Navigation System maps today then you can do that at the official Navteq Online Store. Before you do that though, please make sure you check to see if you can redeem any Navteq Promotional Codes for Ford models.

Some of the most recent ones tend to be published on the GPS Navigation DVD website on the following link: www.gpsnavigationdvd.net/ford-navigation-system-updates.

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The Top Five Greatest Sporting Achievements - Part 2

2012-05-15T19:59:00.000+03:00

#2) 1995 Rugby World Cup Final – South Africa v New Zealand – June 24th 1995

Taken from TIME

While Johnny Wilkinson’s victory sealing drop goal in extra time of the 2003 World Cup Final is undoubtedly a memorable moment, the 1995 World Cup Final is more deserved of a place on our list.

This was a match of historical significance; a symbol – and symbols can speak louder than both words and actions – to the world that South Africa was ready to move on from the dark apartheid system that scarred its name.

That South Africa – allowed to host a major sporting event for the first time since apartheid –went on to win it, turned a rather drab contest into a classic. On that day, the true resonance of how sport can change the world was witnessed.

The iconic celebrations after the game, which saw Francois Pienaar handed the Webb Ellis Trophy from then South African President Nelson Mandela, will forever be remembered.

#1) Istanbul – Liverpool v AC Milan – 25th May 2005

Taken from Master Mouse Patrol

Some sporting achievements are historical not due to their historical significance and bear no resounding relation to external factors.

Sometimes the beauty of sporting achievements are based not on skill, or overwhelming quality like that of Muhammad Ali or Arkle.

These triumphs are drawn from pure passion, determination, courage, belief, persistence and fight.

The very term ‘hero’ is in itself an adulation of these qualities as heroic successes give men a warrior like status, prompting the utmost respect from those watching.

Indeed, heroes can only be made out of inferiority and there is something within human beings that cause our hearts to resonate with the small fry.

As beforehand mentioned, the best sporting spectacles are when two styles contrast and this was the night that dogged underdogs Liverpool faced the gracious, classy, world supreme AC Milan.

This was the night that surely had the power to make even Richard Dawkins, a believer in God. The result was termed a miracle, and the match: the best football game ever.

While AC Milan were the best team on the planet, Liverpool were to those who claim the league never lies, not even the best team in their city – they had finished three points behind Everton that season and sat at fifth in the Premier League.

Very few thought they stood a chance of winning at kick off, and even less after they went 1-0 down in the first minute. 2-0 to AC Milan was game over, while Crespo’s delightful second of the night to make it 3, merely served as confirmation to the ludicrousness of those who were dreamful enough to believe Liverpool ever stood a chance.

Then came: the five minutes that defied logic and shook the world. A Steven Gerrard header gave believers belief that it was possible to believe.

A Vladimir Smicer long range effort made this belief, believable, and yet, nobody could believe their own eyes when the referee pointed to the spot after Gennaro Gattuso brought down Gerrard in the box. In true spirit of this night of twists, Alonso missed his penalty, yet scored the rebound. Humanity watched, stunned.

Add the pure skill of AC Milan in the first half and the miraculous five minutes early on in the second; to the spirited battle Liverpool underwent to simply prevent AC Milan from scoring; to Gerrard’s plucky performance that saw him converted to right back as a counter to Serginho’s pacey threat; to Jamie Carragher defending for his life despite having cramp; to Djimi Traore’s super save off the line from Andrey Shevchenko, and it’s easy to see why this was the most compelling sporting achievement ever.

Then consider Jersey Dudek’s wonder save from Shevchenko’s header, which even under slow motion replay contradicts the laws of science.

That an enthralling penalty shootout, which saw Dudek draw inspiration from Bruce Groballar’s wobbly leg dance, followed all of this puts the night of Instanbul above all others in sport.

This night ranks alongside the greatest ever, to the extent that children should be required to take an exam on it, as part of a history course, in the name of never forgetting humankind’s past triumphs.

I have read that Chelsea’s recent win against Barcelona was a greater achievement than Istanbul. This is so preposterous, utterly unthinkable and ignorant; an infographic submission is needed to illustrate its ridiculousness.

Yes, Chelsea beat Barcelona with ten men, the missing man being their captain and inspiration. Yes, it was at the Nou Camp.

However, what Chelsea had to do was score once and not concede – not score three from half time to draw level in the Champions League Final.

Furthermore, Liverpool then were a far worse team than Chelsea are now, and up against the best team in the world at the time. Talk that Chelsea beat the greatest team ever is somewhat off the mark and disrespectful to Real Madrid, the actual best team in the world at the moment, resting some seven points ahead of Barcelona in the league with two games to go!

Perhaps Barcelona may have been the greatest team ever, but definitely not this season.

Tahar Rajab is a British freelance writer with a passion for sports.

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Why Arsenal should sign Yann M’Vila

2012-05-15T15:49:00.000+03:00

Taken from Lady Arse Gossip

Over the last few weeks, speculation has been building around the possibility of Arsenal signing France and Rennes star Yann M’Vila who plays as a defensive midfielder.

M’Vila missed out on France's squad for the 2010 World Cup despite being heavily tipped to make the team after being selected in their final 23 man squad, less than a year after making a professional debut in football.

However, shortly after his misfortunes M’Vila won his first senior international cap on the 5th of August 2010 against Romania. Despite losing the game 2-1, he was praised by current France coach Laurent Blanc and the French media by being named man of the match. He has since gone on to win 18 international caps, scoring just once.

As well as shining at international level M’Vila has dazzled at club level this season, playing 36 games and grabbing 2 assists in the French Ligue 1. The most recent game was Stade Rennes 0 - 2 Montpellier which I watched just to see how he plays and although M’Vila struggles when taking on players of good pace and though it is not part of the role he plays, I have heard his eye for goal is pretty poor.

But M’Vila possesses that game winning challenge, that Arsenal need and M'Vila is a no nonsense defensive midfielder and fears not when it comes to making a vital challenge. He has superb vision and pulls off exceptional passes as well as having an incredible work rate, so in France he is dubbed the new ‘Claude Makelele’ who is known for his work rate and last ditch tackles.

M’Vila wins 3.1 tackles per game, gets 2.5 interceptions per game and only concedes 0.8 fouls per game compared to Alex Song (2.2) and Mikel Arteta (1.4). Unlike Song, providing cover for the likes of Vermaelen and Santos to venture forward is not a problem for M’Vila.

Taken from the Daily Mail

Song and M’Vila both have immaculate passing ability, but M'Vila covers vacant space left by Vermaelen and Koscielny when going forward in order to prevent the opposition exposing the defence. Whereas, Song plays a more passing style than defensive as a defensive midfielder.

To conclude, if Arsenal do sign Yann M’Vila he will cost around the fee reported £17 million, which will break Arsenal’s transfer record, currently of course is the 2009 purchase of £15m Andrey Arshavin who has just finished his loan at Zenit St Petersburg.

Arsenal need to sign M’Vila to bolster their defence and with the signing of Lukas Podolski from Cologne for £11 million, the new season could see Arsenal as big title contenders and M’Vila will surely help that cause.

Written by Ali Iromlou
Follow me on Twitter @AliTheGunner

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Manchester City: Remember the Citizens

2012-05-14T23:38:00.000+03:00

Taken from Sportige

Congratulations, Manchester City!! You have managed to prove the world and the multitude of critics wrong by winning the Barclays English Premier League title in a year that you weren’t, well you were expected to win at least some sort of a title.

However, we did not expect the to see the below.

You had brought superstar Mario Balotelli to a verge of burning down his own house, you have made him donate £200 to his local church and then go to a bar and splash £1,000 worth on rounds to celebrate his earlier donation.

You had paid for the services of a few superstars that could not even speak in the language of the country you were born in. One of them eventually saving you from eternal embarrassment and you had also accepted Carlos Tevez’s three month leave to figure out what he wants to do and many more.

And most importantly of all, you have managed to shut out all the critics who had been hating on the millions of pounds you had spent to restructure the team. They said money couldn’t buy happiness (titles in this case); you replied are you sure? Because you just did and not just of a title, but for the millions of City fans that were longing for one. Longing for one for a period of 44 years.

Consider your mission accomplished!

Taken from Two Liverpool Fans

While you and half of the city of Manchester drench yourselves with the win, what about the rest of us followers who are left out with nothing to fill the void that the end of the season leaves behind?

What are we theoretically supposed to be excited about now?

Euro 2012? Yes, it is a matter of only a few months but those months are crucial. Our wives would expect us to do the chores that otherwise was not possible during game day weekends. Girl friends would find this opportunity to force their guys to “pop” the question.

Dr. Phil, the guy from TV, labeled this “period” as Post Football Depression Syndrome while referring to the same agony the supporters go through when the Football (American) season ends. To be truthful, I was more miserable that I had lost four valuable minutes of my life analyzing the article than I was about the end of the season.

Though it’s just been less than 24 hours since it was over, it’s feeling like I have gone into a withdrawal. The emotions involved in terms of looking forward to the next round of games on the weekend will be missed.

The goal here is to distract myself with topics of “less relevant matters” such as the 2012 US Elections, Iran and N. Korea trying to annihilate most of the neighboring countries and the importance of stem cell research. All this should keep me occupied for a while.

Nonetheless, a hearty congratulation goes out to the latest EPL champions – Manchester City. Looking forward to the excitement to begin all over again come August 2012.

Written by Shuaib Ahmed
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Samir Nasri..... Vindicated

2012-05-14T19:08:00.000+03:00

Taken from Menmedia

After Manchester City won the title today in the dying seconds at the Ethiad, Samir Nasri further emphasised that he made the right choice by leaving Arsenal and joining the blue side of Manchester.

When Nasri left last year, Arsenal fans were incensed and to a great extent it was understandable. They had just lost their captain and best player in Cesc Fabregas, severely weakening their squad and class players like Nasri needed to stay if they were to truly challenge for top honours.

However, Nasri decided to leave in the end. It was the world's worst kept secret that he would be making his exit as many Arsenal fans had already turned their backs on him while he was still wearing red.

One of the biggest problems for the Arsenal faithful was the fact that Nasri had not shown his world class ability long enough. He joined Arsenal in 2008 (I actually saw him play live at the Emirates tournament that year) and only offered glimpses of his true talent until 2010.

Last season, Nasri really came to life and played excellent for around 5 months and showed the kind of mesmeric ability that caught the eye of Manchester United and City. Sadly, for Arsenal, those 5 months is all they received of Nasri's consistent best in his 3 years at North London. You almost felt that he owed Arsenal a longer, sustained period of great form before making his move.

A reason why Arsenal fans gracefully accepted Henry's decision to leave for Barcelona in 2008 was the fact that he gave them many years of pure excellence, helping them win many many things. This is why he would always be a legend in the hearts of all gooners and why he has a statue outside the Emirates stadium.

Even many Manchester United fans still love Cristiano Ronaldo despite him leaving for Real Madrid at the peak of his powers. This is because they still realise how he stayed for 6 seasons and in 3 of those he helped United dominate world football. Nasri didn't do any of these things in his Arsenal days.

Nasri's situation reminds me of the frosty relationship Arsenal fans have with Emmanuel Adebayor. In the 2007-08 season, Adebayor performed like a truly world class striker, notching 30 goals in 48 appearances. However, that was only one season, and suddenly the Togolese footballer was acting like he deserved the kind of wages the legendary Thierry Henry was on.

The following season, Arsenal fans noted that Adebayor had become lazier and would stray offside more than ever. It was clear his one great season could not make up for his two previous average ones Arsenal fans had to deal with. He, just like Nasri, left for City and Arsenal fans still give him a cold reception to this day.

One of the main issues with Nasri's move to City was him saying that he left to "win trophies." From the outside looking in, such a statement would seem like a facade with the obvious increase in wages City offer their superstars.

It's like when Yaya Toure joined the club and could not stop talking about City's "project" influencing his decision to leave Barcelona despite the fact that he would be on unprecedented wages of over £200,000.

There's also the obvious kick in teeth that Arsenal have not won silverware in seven seasons and if Nasri was to win some at his new club (with Arsenal failing to), his decision to leave North London, would ultimately be vindicated, no matter how much the money influenced his decision.

With this in mind, all year Arsenal fans have been rooting for their former close rivals Manchester United to pip City to the title in desperation to see Nasri fail. Piers Morgan even bet with the Frenchman that he wouldn't achieve such a feat as winning the Premiership publicly on twitter.

Nasri has been bombarded with abuse by disgruntled Arsenal fans all year and when City went 8 points behind United at the Emirates stadium a few weeks ago, many gooners could not hide their joy.

Taken from the Daily Mail

However, as of today, Samir Nasri is a Premier League Champion. A fact that will hurt many Arsenal fans. There's no denying that it would have been harder for him to win silverware at Arsenal as their trophy drought continues.

Arsenal this season have been aiming to finish third while City only had the Premier League title on their mind. There's a very potent difference in ambition. It's hard to deny that money played a significant part in Nasri's decision to leave the North London club but with the most prestigious prize in English football to his name, who can deny that Nasri's decision to leave was the correct one?

Van Persie, Arsenal's key man this season is currently "hot property" as he's yet to sew up a new contract even though he said talks will begin next week.

Would he look to Nasri's success as a reason to try his luck somewhere else, potentially City? Just like Nasri and Adebayor however, I believe Van Persie would owe Arsenal more than this one season on top of his game but the 28 year old Dutch man is not getting any younger.

Written by Chim
Follow me on Twitter @footballgroundup
Check out his wonderful blog, Football Ground Up

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Aston Villa.... The end of a torrid campaign

2012-05-14T14:55:00.000+03:00

Taken from Aston Villa's official site

Somewhere in the madness of the Premier League final day in which the clubs fighting at the top and bottom of the table were tossed up and down through a kaleidoscope of emotion, Aston Villa’s season trickled out in the mundane nature that has been befitted to a disastrous campaign.

They would have had to experience a 17 goal swing in order to fall into the Championship and that they avoided, but as Villa fans have become sadly used to this season, they suffered a tenth successive game without a win and yet another defeat, their fourteenth of the season. Relegation has been avoided by just 2 points and Aston Villa have finished in the ignominy of 16th.

It has been a sharp decline since the two successive sixth placed finishes Villa experienced under Martin O’Neil and even the 9th place they achieved under Gerard Houllier’s temporary hand in the aftermath of O’Neil’s premature departure on the eve of last season.

With a bid to avoid any similar disruption this time round, Randy Lerner was quick to make an appointment in June of last year in order to give his new man enough time to implement his ideas throughout the pre-season programme.

A long, extensive interviewing process was carried out, Roberto Martinez and Rafael Benitez turned the post down, Steve McLaren was frozen out after a gauging of negative public reaction in light of his shambolic reign as England boss.

In a move that seemed short of logic from the very start, Lerner went across the second city and persuaded Alex McLeish to spearhead a new era.

It was a new era indeed, one of financial austerity and vast reduction to the budget at Villa Park. A long away since Martin O’Neill was afforded over £100 million over the span of his four years in charge as he drafted in the likes of Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and James Milner, all of whom have since left for double figure fees in order to balance the books, or even Darren Bent who was signed for £18 million in the short-lived Houllier spell.

In McLeish’s first reaches of business in the claret half of the Midlands, he had to contend with Downing and Young leaving for a combined £35 million total. Coming the other way were the less inspired captures of Charles N’Zogbia, Shay Given and Alan Hutton for a rather paltry tally of £14 million. With the impending threat of Financial Fair Play, Lerner had to put the brakes on the lavish spending that was a feature of O’Neill’s years and this coincided with McLeish’s appointment.

To bring in the former manager of the club’s fiercest rivals and one who had just taken them to the second tier at that, the Scotsman’s second Premier League relegation at St Andrews incidentally, and factor in the forced utilisation of untested youth players (Gary Gardner and Nathan Baker) and desperate loans (Robbie Keane), it was clear McLeish’s inaugural year wasn’t going to be an easy ride.

Some apologists made a case for his Carling Cup triumph in his final year with the Blues, but there was no deviating away from his wretched Premier League record of two relegations in three years for those deeply entrenched in the anti-McLeish camp from day one.

As of now, after presiding over 42 matches at Villa Park, the former Scotland boss has won just 9 to boast a win percentage of 21.43% after what has been a season blighted by a long list of setbacks.

It had all started so positively, McLeish oversaw the first seven games unbeaten, admittedly a run which included 5 draws and disappointing goalless home draws with Wolves and Fulham. It was only matter of time before their first defeat, coming to a thrashing by Manchester City to open the floodgates on an odious run of form that has seen Villa win just 5 times in 31 matches.

McLeish hasn’t been able to loosen the “negative” tag he has been marred with either, as those 17 draws, by far the most in the league, is enough to suggest the Scotsman is too willing to settle for a point.

Dismal statistics of only 1.03 goals per game and failing to score in just under 40% of Premier League matches have been illustrative enough of the dull experience of what has been following Aston Villa this season.

Heartless defeats from the now perished Bolton and most latterly Norwich City have pushed McLeish right to the brink and his stewardship reached a nadir with an unsavoury incident involving three players and a drunken brawl outside a night-club. Supporters have been forced to place an advert in the local paper, at a cost of £600, to call for McLeish’s head such is the animosity towards the former Rangers boss.

Taken from The Guardian

It remains to be seen if Lerner will buckle to the fans’ demands and rid McLeish of his duties at such an early stage, or even more conveniently for the club, the manager installs some truth to the ever-burgeoning rumours that he will stand down from his position.

There is no doubt that serious issues need to be addressed at Villa Park; a gaping hole in the centre of midfield needs to be plugged after Stiliyan Petrov’s fight with Leukaemia induced his absence, so tragically, away from the game. Darren Bent is to return from a long injury, Stephen Ireland has been anonymous, and the form of Marc Albrighton and Gabriel Agbonlahor has declined whilst the likes of Barry Bannan, Chris Herd and Ciaran Clark have all been found lacking in experience when called upon.

The 20 year old Austrian Andreas Weimann has stepped up with a vital winner over Fulham and a goal to secure a draw with Stoke, but he remains relatively inexperienced, far too young to carry the goal-scoring responsibility of a Premier League side in the absence of Bent.

Lerner faces a massive decision to see if he can entrust a summer of such transition to his under-fire manager or even the transfer fans to help him do it.

There have been Villa fans in the supporter’s group MOMS who have been against McLeish from the first moment and it is unlikely that they will spectate over a summer marshalled by a man who has just produced 8 months of footballing ineptitude both on and off the field.

The final day of the league season was a strange one for Villa; they lost, they are staying up, but with tonnes of hard work still to be done.

Written by Adam Gray
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Check out his wonderful blog, The Football Brain

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A-League: My Team of the Season

2012-05-13T23:31:00.000+03:00

A couple of weeks ago the Hyundai A-League Grand Final was taking stage, where Brisbane Roar ended up defeating Perth Glory with a 90+4 penalty on the last play of the regular time with Besart Berisha slotting home the winner in front of 50,000 in Suncorp Stadium.

A couple of weeks ago I named the All-Time A-League XI and now it’s time for the best A-League players of the 2011/12 season.

Here is my team in a 3-4-3 formation.

*Assists only up to round 17

GK: Matt Ryan (Central Coast Mariners)- 24 Games (Including Young Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and a call up to the Socceroos)

Taken from the FFA

You can’t go past the 20 year old Central Coast Goalkeeper, he is a star of the future and has impressed in the past two seasons by winning the A-League Young player of the year for 2 seasons straight and the John Marston Medal for Player of the Game in the 2011 Grand Final.

This season he continued his fine form with some brilliant saves which came most notably against Melbourne Heart, where the hashtag #thingsmattryancouldstop started to trend on Twitter.

He earned his first Socceroos call up after his impressive and consistent performances throughout the season.

CB: Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix)- 28 Games, 1 Goal

Taken from Arntrnassets

Durante had yet another fantastic season at Wellington with more consistent performances where he held the defence strong throughout the season and played 28 games.

He is a strong, fast defender who is always willing to go in for a challenge to hold up the opposition and win the ball. He had some great performances against Newcastle in the 5-2 demolition in Wellington and also the 2-0 win against Brisbane.

Andrew has been unlucky to not be called up to the Socceroos squad.

CB: Patrick Zwaanswijk (Central Coast Mariners)- 29 Games, 6 Goals