tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41930917485898504232024-03-13T08:58:47.057-07:00The Free RoleJohn Verrallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16548062933219188619noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193091748589850423.post-39745324997511617282011-01-02T12:08:00.000-08:002011-01-02T15:04:59.788-08:00Mario Balotelli - The Golden Boy<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Winning the Golden Boy is obviously a good omen for obtaining the main prize, which I have wanted from the very beginning. </span></span></i><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Who else would have won it other than me? There is only one who is a bit stronger than me – Messi. All of the others are way behind me.” </span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVZBY5S1s5hZjNVyqqT6Gt6sLh0In-i89wrS_h_TH21q8N4kVMEgKyoJJ6phxezcsoyO2ty80uSIbl6NQcXIpJSAaBHrGpRzJxT7vANK3nsBPZmflcVRb9bwo2FDgeVgb6NaX-Xl5Gkw/s1600/Balotelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVZBY5S1s5hZjNVyqqT6Gt6sLh0In-i89wrS_h_TH21q8N4kVMEgKyoJJ6phxezcsoyO2ty80uSIbl6NQcXIpJSAaBHrGpRzJxT7vANK3nsBPZmflcVRb9bwo2FDgeVgb6NaX-Xl5Gkw/s400/Balotelli.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a strike of confidence. A quick shuffle, a look one way, and a calm finish put his side in-front. It was a strike of class, even if it was only a penalty. There was no celebration. He knew he could do it again. In-fact he did. Another jinking run up, making the goalkeeper stumble over like a drunken man, left him room to slot the ball into an empty net. A wry smile crept across his face. He had completed his hat-trick. It was nothing to be excited about. It was easy for him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mario Balotelli has never been short of confidence. Ever since bursting onto the scene as a 17 year old the striker has been unquestionably arrogant. Yet, at still only 20 years of age, Balotelli has the ability to back his egotistical statements up. In his brief time at Manchester City he has already scored 8 goals in 11 starts, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But still he hasn’t been far away from criticism. It follows him around. Guardian journalist, Paul Doyle, recently named Balotelli in his <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/dec/22/worst-premier-league-team-mario-balotelli">“worst Premier League team of the season”</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Considering his goalscoring record it seems a harsh ‘accolade’, Balotelli’s start to his Manchester City career, on paper, has been a very good one. Most would be proud of such a goal-scoring record, especially in their first season in the Premier League, a division notoriously difficult to adapt to. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sportsgrindent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/mario-balotelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" n4="true" src="http://www.sportsgrindent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/mario-balotelli.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After commanding a £22 million fee for his services Balotelli has something to live up to, of course he will be confident that he can justify the large price tag. Outstandingly talented when the mood takes him, at times, he looks the finished article already. However, when the mood strikes he can simply be an irritant that doesn’t listen. Jose Mourinho, his former manager, even stated that he “came close to a zero rating” on one of these ‘off days’. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mercurial talent certainly has a lot of growing up to do until he is widely considered amongst the world’s best. This petulance has come to the forefront at Manchester City too - he stormed off down the tunnel when substituted by Roberto Mancini against West Ham United, his worst game for the club to date. His inconsistencies are perfectly highlighted below on the chalkboards. Against Aston Villa Balotelli was interested and was making passes all across the attacking third, attempting 22 passes. In the game against West Ham he only made 12.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ9dkdaMWSVpF3kN5L5Ytcio7EvTIaIKyzG7wMLc4Or2UxZEeCcpG1fky56Jqr4FCQdLg2r2Ay49OCNiNxtGh7D-s6jvYnC0aP1BVMBAHR8YsZu9GP7Nq9906OjhBMIpo2DG3Hl-VDek/s1600/Balotelli+v+Villa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ9dkdaMWSVpF3kN5L5Ytcio7EvTIaIKyzG7wMLc4Or2UxZEeCcpG1fky56Jqr4FCQdLg2r2Ay49OCNiNxtGh7D-s6jvYnC0aP1BVMBAHR8YsZu9GP7Nq9906OjhBMIpo2DG3Hl-VDek/s400/Balotelli+v+Villa.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw_sdeoXue4q4_CewzxFfydRYsW_urlvaHCTb8NPGChSNRf0n2O5-GiHPXSn_ScvAoRjtzAyqWXG6pFZIp6CrWsSCiV0mJ_00y6EpGzt445u2HIl-xF4zCAnLeidXEDfVzuhKYoJctHQ/s1600/Balotelli+v+West+Ham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw_sdeoXue4q4_CewzxFfydRYsW_urlvaHCTb8NPGChSNRf0n2O5-GiHPXSn_ScvAoRjtzAyqWXG6pFZIp6CrWsSCiV0mJ_00y6EpGzt445u2HIl-xF4zCAnLeidXEDfVzuhKYoJctHQ/s400/Balotelli+v+West+Ham.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Balotelli, it also must be noted, appears a divisive figure in the dressing room. Already he has created conflict within Manchester City, a team that has a number of players whose attitudes seem questionable, after fighting with Jerome Boateng. He has turned a number of players against him at former clubs too. Javier Zanetti, at Inter Milan, was quick to brandish him a “child” and Mourinho also heavily criticised the player’s attitude after he was caught wearing a AC Milan shirt whilst playing for their arch-rivals. And when he did make his return to the first team, after being excluded due to his attitude, he threw the famous black and white shirt to the floor in protest to being substituted.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/187.$plit/C_71_article_1388095_image_list_image_list_item_1_image.jpg?03%2F12%2F2010%2015%3A06%3A55%3A416" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" n4="true" src="http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/187.$plit/C_71_article_1388095_image_list_image_list_item_1_image.jpg?03%2F12%2F2010%2015%3A06%3A55%3A416" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Super Mario” is a player with undeniable talent. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has an ability that is almost unrivalled and if he fulfills his potential he will surely become one of the best players in the world. However, whether he will realise his full potential is still questionable. Already, it seems, he is heading for an exit from Manchester, apparently homesick, it seems the club are also on the verge of signing Edin Dzeko to bolster their forward line. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is suddenly becoming a question of where next for the 20 year old. A 20 year old who, on footballing ability, could play in any squad in the world still appears a gamble. The “Golden Boy’s” – an award for the best U21 player in the world which Balotelli recently won – future is seemingly hanging in the balance and it may not be long before Balotelli has used all of his chances up. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01793/Mario_Balotelli_1793556c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" n4="true" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01793/Mario_Balotelli_1793556c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To view more on Balotelli please view:</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1343323/EXCLUSIVE-Mario-Balotelli-interview-Tell-Manchester-City-fans-Im-smiling-inside.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1343323/EXCLUSIVE-Mario-Balotelli-interview-Tell-Manchester-City-fans-Im-smiling-inside.html</a> - An interview about his move to Manchester City</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Balotelli">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Balotelli</a> - Balotelli’s Wikipedia page</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/7912006/Super-Mario-Balotelli-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-the-Manchester-City-bound-striker.html">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/7912006/Super-Mario-Balotelli-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-the-Manchester-City-bound-striker.html</a> - The Strengths and weaknesses of Balotelli.</span></span></div>John Verrallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16548062933219188619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193091748589850423.post-70407574940718920192010-12-28T17:52:00.000-08:002010-12-28T18:08:05.644-08:00Nelson Valdez - The Heart of a Lion.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It is a statement that has been made by thousands of children. When Nelson Valdez promised that he would score at a World Cup tournament for Paraguay to his mother, who was crying after Paraguay had been eliminated in 1998, it was a promise that had been heard by many other parents. Nelson Valdez was different though, he would strive to fulfil this pledge. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://le12ejoueur.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/nelson-valdez-hercules-barcelona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://le12ejoueur.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/nelson-valdez-hercules-barcelona.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a name='more'></a></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Valdez was always a talented footballer but he lived in poverty. He confesses that </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">he</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had an excellent childhood. It was in poverty, but it was nice. I had the joy of being a child from a loving family.”</i> He didn’t own a football. His skills were developed by playing with an orange or a pair of socks; anything that could be made into a spherical object Valdez would kick. It was his only way of playing the sport he loved. Owning a football was a dream. His family, which included six other siblings, could not afford to buy one.</span></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His desire to play football could never have been questioned and it was because of this that he left his home. He left his family. He left everything for one chance of fulfilling his dream. Valdez was 16 when he moved to Ypané, a relatively small Paraguayan city, where he would play for the local club, Atlético Tembetary. <i>Los Rojiverdes</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> were a small club based in the second division but one that were famed for producing talented young players. Still, for Valdez it was hardly ideal. The club were not able to pay him a salary large enough to earn a living and his family were not able to provide funding for him. As a result Valdez was forced to sleep rough. The club’s stadium became his home, Valdez slept on a stairway inside the small ground. He never told his parents. He was a 16 year old exposed to the Paraguayan climate, boiling hot summers and freezing cold winters. Valdez described it as <i>“hell” </i>but he wasn’t scared – <i>“</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But if you have nothing, what can they steal? I had nothing to give”. </i></span></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.skysports.com/10/05/640/Paraguay-Nelson-Haedo-Valdez_2456266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://img.skysports.com/10/05/640/Paraguay-Nelson-Haedo-Valdez_2456266.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">At the age of 18 Valdez was offered an escape. The penniless striker was given a chance in the form of a move to Europe after being spotted by Klaus Allofs, a scout for Werder Bremen. Valdez flew to Germany hoping to leave his old life behind, hoping to forge a new one in Germany. Yet, even now, he still considers the others who lived like him <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I have a big place in my heart for these people because they had nothing and yet they still helped me through the bad times.” </i>Unfortunately for Valdez, initially, he was rejected after not impressing on his trial. It seemed his chance was over but he was given a second chance. If anyone deserved one it was Valdez. The President of Werder Bremen, Jurgen Born, was married to a Paraguayan woman who had heard Valdez’ story and he was given another game. Born described him as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“a madman who never stopped running”.</i> The madman was not about to fail for a second time. On his second trial he scored four times and was offered the chance to join Werder Bremen’s youth team.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In the 2003/2004 season Valdez got his break. After scoring 15 times for Bremen’s U18 side in 30 games Thomas Schaaf, then manager, called him up to the first team and Valdez had made it. The boy who had been brought up in poverty, slept under a tiny stadium’s roof and barely been able to afford a football had made it. At Werder his first team opportunities were limited. Competing for a place up-front with Miroslav Klose and Ivan Klasnić</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">it was always going to be hard for Valdez to gain first team starts. Not that he wasn’t used to having to fight for things, he had done it all his life and, in four seasons, he managed to make 78 appearances for the club. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sportschau.de/sp/fussball/news200605/12/img/valdez_400h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://www.sportschau.de/sp/fussball/news200605/12/img/valdez_400h.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Due to this Valdez decided to leave Werder Bremen, the club who had given him a chance, not just in football but, ultimately, to build a life. Borussia Dortmund were impressed enough by Valdez to offer him a 4 year contract. He went on to play 113 times for the German club but he was never clinical - he only scored once in his first season at the club and 16 times in total. His lack of prolificacy was always compensated for by energy and creativity. Born’s description is still fitting of the man; Valdez doesn’t stop running. He only knows how to work hard. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In 2006 Valdez was given his chance to achieve the promise that he had made to his mother. Selected by Paraguay he made three appearances in Germany but didn’t score. Disappointing though it was Valdez was granted a second chance in 2010. He hadn’t failed last time he was given two chances. This time he did. Valdez did put the ball in the back of the net though, against Spain, but it was disallowed. Valdez, even after the tribulations of his child-hood, had his dream snatched away from him. Yet, he says he wouldn’t have changed anything, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if I needed to be born again, I’d do exactly the same. I’m proud of what I’ve been through and where I am now. </i>Even though he didn’t score at the 2010 World Cup Valdez has still netted 10 times for his country, something that he is very proud of. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.wn.com/pd/12/be/8b4444cd3d19a30e7e38f62529f7_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="235" n4="true" src="http://cdn.wn.com/pd/12/be/8b4444cd3d19a30e7e38f62529f7_grande.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Over the summer Valdez’ performances earned him a move to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">La Liga </i>with Herculés. The new-boys. The underdogs.</span></span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Valdez was used to being an underdog; he had spent his entire life being one and had proved everyone wrong. Herculés appear to be doing same. Currently sitting 12<sup>th</sup> in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">La Liga</i> table </span><i><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Herculanos </span></i><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">have started well and are, currently, comfortably clear of the relegation zone. Valdez is also thriving. He has played 11 games and scored 6 goals, the most clinical record of his entire career, but two of these strikes will never be forgotten. Valdez made his debut at the Nou Camp against Barcelona and scored both goals in Hercul</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">é</span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">s’ remarkable 2-0 win.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valdez could easily forget his past life, he has come a long way from his deprived district of San Joaquin, one of the poorest parts of Paraguay, but he hasn’t. Nowadays he provides his birthplace with £8,285 per month and buys 1,500 children presents every Christmas. San Joaquin depends on Valdez, he provides the people with a better chance than he ever had. Despite this Valdez still has one more promise to fulfil. One more task to succeed in. In 2014 he will be 31, it is likely to be his last World Cup, if indeed he's selected. If given a third chance Valdez isn’t the sort of player to let it slip. Whatever happens, in the unlikeliest of circumstances, Nelson Haedo Valdez has still come closer than almost every other child who made the same promise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05I728v9DW26K/439x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="278" n4="true" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05I728v9DW26K/439x.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For more on Nelson Valdez please view:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span></span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Haedo_Valdez">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Haedo_Valdez</a> - A basic outline of Valdez’ career.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span></span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/sep/13/hercules-stun-barcelona-sid-lowe">http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/sep/13/hercules-stun-barcelona-sid-lowe</a> - A fantastic article on Valdez’ “impossible” goals against Barcelona.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span></span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://fourfourtwo.com/interviews/qanda/290/article.aspx">http://fourfourtwo.com/interviews/qanda/290/article.aspx</a> - One of the most best interviews you are likely to read. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span></span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqceWN3JcVU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqceWN3JcVU</a> – A compilation of Valdez’ best moments.</span></span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>John Verrallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16548062933219188619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193091748589850423.post-43145626179808750812010-12-22T17:54:00.000-08:002010-12-28T18:08:53.237-08:00The 2010 Team of the Year.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2010 is likely to be a year remembered, in footballing terms, by Spanish fans most fondly after their side lifted the famous Jules Rimet trophy for the first time. It has also been a year in which a Barcelona side, possibly the greatest team of all time, have continued to revolutionise football with their style of play. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Tika-Taka”</i> style they play makes football look like an art form. When watching Barcelona play you realise why football is known as “the beautiful game”. It has also been a year where, in the top leagues and at international level, the 4-2-3-1 has emerged as the modern formation of choice and it becomes a new trend in the changing world of tactical footballing strategies which have moved from the “W-M” formation all the way to the “4-4-2”. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ruturaj.net/files/spain-world-cup-winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://www.ruturaj.net/files/spain-world-cup-winners.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a year were Barcelona have flourished, Spain have triumphed and 4-2-3-1 has surfaced, here is my 2010 team of the year:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goalkeeper </i></b>– Iker Casillas</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://live4liverpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/casillas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="219" n4="true" src="http://live4liverpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/casillas.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since he burst onto the scene at the tender age of 17 Casillas has been one of the top goalkeepers in the world and this year he furthered showcased his talents. Captaining Spain to their first ever World Cup win and continuing to impress in goal for his club side, Real Madrid, Casillas has only confirmed what followers of European football already knew. That he is one of the best, if not the best, goalkeeper in the world at the moment. It is testament to his ability that he has played over 400 times for Real Madrid and over 100 times for Spain before even reaching his 30’s, keeping out the likes of Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina from the national side, meaning that this tally is likely to rise even higher. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If this hasn’t convinced you that he is worthy of his place take a look at this save, even if it is from 2009 rather than this year: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI9S_jV9F3M"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI9S_jV9F3M</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Right Back – </i></b>Dani Alves</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www1.gsp.ro/zoom/213200/1325-300750-danialves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" n4="true" src="http://www1.gsp.ro/zoom/213200/1325-300750-danialves.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such is the talent in Barcelona’s side Alves’ importance is rarely recognised, yet he plays a pivotal role for Pep Guardiola’s side. Rarely playing in a recognised “right back” role he regularly plays high up the pitch, in the position of a modern wing-back, providing width for the team on the right hand side that Lionel Messi regularly vacates. Last season Alves managed to make 10 goals for Barcelona, their second highest tally behind Xavi, and either scored or created a goal every 192 minutes – the fifth best ratio in the squad. This season has been no different with Alves already creating 4 goals for the team and scoring one himself. Not bad for a supposed right back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still don’t agree with us? Then read this piece from Sid Lowe: </span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/jan/26/dani-alves-barcelona-leo-messi"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/jan/26/dani-alves-barcelona-leo-messi</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Centre Back – </i></b>Gerard Pique</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcrmDhpGeEE4WXw2NHBRe14jL2g7AE1rKbNDTvDfLbwDUrW_dl_L-LXLqdD2qwPT8tZmj6eSXauFvMihspWunhHEDOn1QzqlNPb56aQNl4rhCF-GfYQ-VpdT9woND_dJTNVccVtihntk/s1600/Pique.marca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="242" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcrmDhpGeEE4WXw2NHBRe14jL2g7AE1rKbNDTvDfLbwDUrW_dl_L-LXLqdD2qwPT8tZmj6eSXauFvMihspWunhHEDOn1QzqlNPb56aQNl4rhCF-GfYQ-VpdT9woND_dJTNVccVtihntk/s320/Pique.marca.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quite simply he is the best centre back in the world. Brave, strong, quick and positional sound Pique possesses the attributes needed to be a top centre back in abundance. He has more though. His touch and passing is exquisite and he can also be a very stylish defender. A main-stay in Barcelona’s side and the Spanish World Cup winning team he has developed hugely since his departure from Manchester United. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His stunning goal against Inter Milan last season highlighted his talents perfectly: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVUKROh6y-o"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVUKROh6y-o</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Centre Back – </i></b>Bruno Alves</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/xmltg/Stars/01/49/83/64/1498364_w3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" n4="true" src="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/xmltg/Stars/01/49/83/64/1498364_w3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps a surprise inclusion in the squad but Bruno Alves has had a phenomenal year. Rumoured with a big money move to England throughout he eventually chose to leave Porto for Zenit St. Petersburg where he has continued to show how good a centre back he is. A tough tackler and commanding in the air the teams he has played for have been strong defensively and both have been particularly hard to beat – Zenit have lost only twice this season, remarkably. A regular for his national side of Portugal, Bruno Alves is likely to become a household name if he continues to perform to this standard. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This video further showcases his talents: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odz_FonzVKQ"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odz_FonzVKQ</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Left Back – </i></b>Fabio Coentrao</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/03/article-1335506-0C39D065000005DC-18_634x396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="199" n4="true" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/03/article-1335506-0C39D065000005DC-18_634x396.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there is a position in world football lacking a world class talent it is probably at left back. Ashley Cole has kept the title of the world’s best in this position for a number of years but Coentrao looks set to take this accolade. He has been a revelation this season and impressed hugely at the World Cup for Portugal. He is quick and superbly talented in possession but he is also gifted in defence which means he can play in both halves of the pitch comfortably. It may not be long before Coentrao, who is still only 22, leaves Benfica to join one of European football’s bigger name clubs. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a look at this video to see just how good Coentrao is: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCcxX4IqwQc"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCcxX4IqwQc</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Central Midfield – </i></b>Sergio Busquets</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theshedender.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Sergio-Busquets-goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://theshedender.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Sergio-Busquets-goal.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Busquets, this year, has revolutionised the deep-lying midfielder’s role. Playing in a prominent position in Barcelona’s midfield trio, just behind Iniesta and Xavi, he hasn’t been outshone, which is a testament to his ability. A competent passer of the ball, he is also strong in the tackle and is now a regular at International level in a Spanish side that are so dominant. La Liga is the perfect environment to flourish in too. He perhaps wouldn’t be fully appreciated in the Premier League, where defensive midfielder’s abilities are often measured on how many stud marks they have left on opponents rather than their technical ability in possession. Busquets is unlikely to be a stand out, flair player but he is still a match winner and the fact that only his team-mate, Xavi, had a better pass completion ratio at the World Cup shows this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This video highlights his talents well: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdUASXf_hbY"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdUASXf_hbY</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Central Midfield – </i></b>Xavi Hernandez</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Xavi_spain_england.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Xavi_spain_england.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Xavi is arguably the best central midfielder in the world. He is a graceful midfielder and his passing ability is second to none. He is not only a protagonist in Barcelona’s style of football but Spain’s as well. When Xavi gives the ball away it is a shock. He recently completed 120 passes in just 70 minutes of football when playing against Real Sociedad, a record, meaning the diminutive midfielder has become a standard setter in world football.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a look at this compilation of Xavi’s best moments and marvel: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJhpEL221Hs"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJhpEL221Hs</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Right Wing – </i></b>Lionel Messi</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01384/lionel-messi_1384974c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="199" n4="true" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01384/lionel-messi_1384974c.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Could this position belong to anybody else? Messi is the greatest player in the world currently, possibly even of all time. There have been so many superlatives used to describe the winger’s ability but it is impossible to do him justice without seeing him in action. Messi has an elusive ability that means he can avoid tackles like no other player. Given a free role for Barcelona and Argentina, so not to limit his abilities, he has been a phenomenon on the world stage. Already on course to break Barcelona’s all time scoring record – he currently has 105 goals – this season Messi has created, or scored, a goal every 46 minutes for his club, a quite remarkable statistic. It is easy to forget that Messi is only 23 as he is such a complete player. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To truly gauge Messi’s ability it takes more than a five minute clip but here are some highlights: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwjolFi3dXE"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwjolFi3dXE</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Attacking Midfield – </i></b>Mesut Ozil</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationalturk.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mesut-ozil-real-madrid-nationalturk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="177" n4="true" src="http://www.nationalturk.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mesut-ozil-real-madrid-nationalturk.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The attacking midfielder burst onto the international stage at the World Cup but he had been widely recognised as an outstanding talent before his marvellous spell in South Africa. Tipped to shine by many Ozil lived up to his reputation and became a key figure in Germany’s attacking quartet, providing intelligent passes and creative movement which opened a number of defences apart in the competition, including England’s. Ozil has an unrivalled ability to create space for himself and his off the ball movement is, at times, scintillating yet it often goes un-noticed. His move to Real Madrid in the summer has meant he has continued to show-case his talents on the grand stage, with all due respect to Bremen, and he has gone on to shine in Mourinho’s side which is packed with talented individuals.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a superb compilation of Ozil’s finest moments: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM8qJdF3qhY"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM8qJdF3qhY</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Left Wing – </i></b>Angel di Maria<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXB5ena_5kx7wJXtd6jYJGEkRNHHgMoM0QreUvMLER4_Eelhw4hhZTsDBh_FtWv2YEFCG59-Fynuw-tY-0XEY9gD3v0gEJDT8EwwbH-KE6M4jNH53la0TvLHjSR0pRRie5OKHjwwSaVg/s400/dm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXB5ena_5kx7wJXtd6jYJGEkRNHHgMoM0QreUvMLER4_Eelhw4hhZTsDBh_FtWv2YEFCG59-Fynuw-tY-0XEY9gD3v0gEJDT8EwwbH-KE6M4jNH53la0TvLHjSR0pRRie5OKHjwwSaVg/s320/dm4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tricky left winger had been described as “the next big thing” by many football commentators but this year he has thrived under the spotlight. In South Africa he played well enough to earn himself a big money move to Real Madrid and he has lived up his reported 25 million euro price tag with ease. At times the former Benfica winger has been the star of the show and he has a huge future ahead of him considering he is just 22. The great Diego Maradona was quoted saying “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one on one, he's devastating</i>” and di Maria has certainly proved his former national team coach right.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a look at this article by Sid Lowe on di Maria: </span><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/sid_lowe/11/01/angel.di.maria/index.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/sid_lowe/11/01/angel.di.maria/index.html</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Striker </i></b>– David Villa</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/17300000/D-Villa-Barcelona-Real-Madrid-david-villa-17349766-594-391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="210" n4="true" src="http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/17300000/D-Villa-Barcelona-Real-Madrid-david-villa-17349766-594-391.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Villa’s goalscoring record is unbelievable; he is the most clinical striker in world football with an unrivalled ability to score goals. 108 goals in 166 games for Valencia, 11 in 15 for Barcelona and 44 in 70 appearances for Spain. His predatory instincts are frightening and it was no surprise that he finished joint top scorer at the World Cup. Villa offers more than just clinical finishing though. He is a fantastic dribbler of the ball, which was highlighted in the World Cup where he often played on the left wing for Spain, and his first touch is also excellent. It is hard to think of a more deadly striker than David Villa in world football.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a compilation of some of his best moments: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmQa6mgClgg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmQa6mgClgg</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is one notable exception from this side which is Cristiano Ronaldo but I’m not sure that he fits in. Likely to play in a similar role to Messi there is only one winner in my eyes as to who would start. Of course, Ronaldo is a fantastic player with exquisite ability and his record at Real Madrid is incredible but Messi outshines him in terms of ability. It is also worth noting that 9 of the 11 included currently play in La Liga and there is a strong Barcelona bias to the squad. But 2010 has been Spain’s year. It has been Barcelona’s year, despite Inter Milan’s success in the Champions League, and ultimately it is because of this that this team is dominated by this nation. </span></div>John Verrallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16548062933219188619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193091748589850423.post-34087556653238365242010-12-22T11:20:00.001-08:002010-12-28T16:02:03.402-08:00Doncaster Rovers - Quietly Dangerous6 years. That’s all it took. From the Conference to the Championship. It’s not normally that easy. They’d gone from playing against full-time postman to finishing above former European Cup champions. Doncaster Rovers’ rapid rise up the English football pyramid is one of the greatest recent achievements any team has experienced.<br />
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Yet, it is very rarely focused on by media sources. However, this is a testament to the Yorkshire based club. They are now considered a Championship club, not the over-achievers that the league history would suggest, they belong there. They belong amongst the likes of Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Leicester City rather than Forest Green, Southport and Kettering whom they were playing regularly less than a decade ago.<br />
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In charge of Doncaster’s recent climb has been Sean O’Driscoll. The former Bournemouth manager was appointed after Dave Penney left, thinking he has taken the club as far as it could go. How wrong he was – Doncaster Rovers were in League One at the time. O’Driscoll, in his first full season, earnt the club its first major honour; The Johnston’s Paint Trophy, but things would soon get even better.<br />
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With a new stadium built Doncaster now seemed to be building for the future. They were finally away from The Belle Vue stadium. The Keepmoat, where they moved into, could hardly have been any more different. A fully enclosed, modern, 15,000 all seater stadium meant the tatty terracing of Belle Vue was a now a distant memory. It symbolised the club’s new found ambition and the turgid non-league days were a long way off for Doncaster Rovers.<br />
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The stadium wasn’t the only thing to get excited in the 2007-2008 season though. A promotion campaign was even more thrilling. Wembley was the scene, Leeds were the opposition. Two Yorkshire rivals in a battle for promotion. Doncaster were to come out on top. It announced the arrival of another club in the footballing county to rival Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United and Huddersfield.<br />
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Into the Championship, expected to struggle, Doncaster achieved a solid mid-table finish first time round. A finish that was beyond most fans expectations, after-all they hadn’t spent vast amounts. Yet, Sean O’Driscoll has something special at Doncaster and this has been the basis to their success. O’Driscoll epitomises Doncaster. Quiet and steady he doesn’t attract media attention but just runs a football club; he does the job of a football manager. He does the job brilliantly too.<br />
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Credit must also go the chairman, John Ryan. Without spending millions, risking the financial status of the club, he has developed the foundations of a flourishing club. A breath of fresh-air in a footballing nation where money seems to be the over-riding factor in being successful, Doncaster are one of the exceptions.<br />
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With minimal attention, in superbly quick time, Doncaster Rovers have gone from an un-attractive Yorkshire side to one that stands out above the rest. Heralded as “The Arsenal of the Championship” by some, such is the attractiveness of the passing football that Doncaster encourage, they are achieving results, progressively improving and are now at home in England’s second division. They have transformed from a football team in a position that very few football clubs would have been happy to be in to one that very few football clubs would reject. Doncaster may be comfortable in the Championship for now, but how long will it be before they are building a new home? A new home amongst giants in the Premier League. Doncaster Rovers fans have certainly experienced a roller-coaster ride of late but it may not have reached the summit just yet.John Verrallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16548062933219188619noreply@blogger.com0