The Daily Discussion - 'Dear Santa. For Xmas My Team Would Like...."

By The Stock

The biggest January transfer failure ever?

As November draws to a close, manager's thoughts will be turning to one of the most difficult periods of the season: Christmas and New Year.

Not only are clubs faced with a fixture list more congested than Rick Waller's major arteries, but will also be looking toward the impending January transfer window with a mixture of anticipation and dread.

For some clubs, the January transfer window cannot come soon enough. In the Premier League, the emergence of Man City as serious title challengers and Spurs as genuine top 4 contenders, means that like the poor passengers on the Titanic, clubs are quickly realising that six teams battling for four places on the 'Good Rescue Ship Champions League' is going to end in tears for some.

At the wrong end of the table, Wigan, Bolton and Blackburn have endured torrid starts to the season and surely must be looking to strengthen. The promoted trio of QPR, Norwich and Swansea have all shown tangible evidence that they are capable of staying in the promised land. Blackpool fans, however, can attest to how quickly that can change.

So, in an ideal world, what would you ask Santa for and most like to see flashing on the Sky Sports Breaking News banner relating to your club?

Who Am I?

I was born in Llanera, Spain in 1984 and played my early football in the Real Oviedo youth setup and excelled despite my diminutive stature.

Villareal CF saw my early promise and I signed professional terms a few months before my 18th birthday, working my way up through the reserves to take an intermittent place in the first team including impressive displays in the then UEFA Cup.

First team opportunities became limited, and I made the switch to Andalucia with Recreativo and helped the team finish 8th in their return to the Primara Liga.

A clause in my contract allowed my return to Villareal where I excelled in helping the club finish second in my first season back.

I have 12 caps for Spain scoring 2 goals.

The Tongue in Cheek - Tunnel Tear-up? Time for the 'Gameday Pacifier'

By The Stock

The football stadium tunnel -  a bastion of peace and tranquility

The same tunnel on matchday.

Football is a highly physically and emotionally charged game. Reason suggests therefore that sending 22 oafs, their managers, kit men, physios, substitutes, handlers and twitter assistants down a tunnel immediately before, or shortly after a game is nothing short of bonkers.

A controversial late equaliser from West Brom’s Carlos Vela denied Stoke City all 3 points at the Britannia Stadium last night. Because it was controversial and came so late in the game, after the final whistle was blown instead of hand shakes, shirt swapping, and ‘well done chaps you thoroughly deserved the point’ all round, a few players decided a bit of finger-pointing and hand-bags-at-five-paces was more appropriate.

And why not? It is this highly pressured, emotionally charged atmosphere that gives professional footballers their competitive edge: The Eye of the Tiger. Rob them of the consent to have a vitriolic word in each other’s shell and give the ref a ‘slightly too hard but nevertheless pally’ pat on the back for that borderline offside decision at the end of the game and you deny them their sporting raison d’etre.

But that is on the field and where the battle should take place. Asking footballers to then walk a mere hand-holding distance between each other into a claustrophobic and cluttered tunnel with exactly the same grievances AFTER the match defies even the fuzziest of logic. It is akin to the Police being called to a late night fracas at a Croydon kebab establishment only to discover that the warring parties both live in Mitcham and instead of taking any formal action, decide to put them in the same taxi home: you predictably end up having an additional, and far messier skirmish.

The solution then (in lieu of stadiums with home and away tunnels) could be simple. How many of us have been to an away game where the atmosphere has been a little edgier than normal? The response is for the stadium announcer to inform the visiting contingent that they are required to remain behind for 20 minutes after the game. The reason is never given, but all and sundry know that it is because tempers can be cooled and two diametrically opposed sets of fans won’t be spilling out onto the same streets to make their way home and be tempted to kill each other.

Why can’t this be applied to the teams themselves? Maybe the touchline referee can double as a ‘Gameday Pacifier’ whose duties, in addition to receiving the hairdryer from Sir Alex Ferguson every time opposing players headbutt the elbow of Wayne Rooney or a Gallic moan from Arsene Wenger when the linesman dares to give Van Persie offside, would include deciding on which team has been best behaved and can therefore have first dibs on the post-match ice bath. I can just imagine Mark Clattenburg holding aloft the time added on board at Stamford Bridge tonight shortly before the stadium announcer crackles over the tannoy to inform the crowd and players that Man Utd are to remain on the pitch for 10 minutes after the final whistle to 'think about how they've behaved tonight'.

It is the only way that we can save professional footballers from themselves and each other. If FIFA, UEFA, The FA and The Premier League ignore my advice then we can only expect more instances of grown men throwing pizza, soup and even punches at each other when they don’t get their own way. Stoke City would certainly be a soft focus stadium photo better off by now.

You have been warned.
　
N.B: Cannot be applied to Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira.

The Daily Discussion - Carlo Ancelotti: Closing Time in Copenhagen?

By Simon Warner

Saturday 6^th November

Having sailed through to the knock-out stages of the Champions League and sitting comfortably on top of the Premier League, Chelsea are preparing to regain their 5 point lead with a trip to Anfield where they will face a Liverpool side currently languishing in the relegation zone.

After securing a domestic league and cup double in his first season, Champions League glory, painfully elusive thus far, looked a realistic target for Carlo Ancelotti this season. If I had also given you the foresight of an easy Champion League draw and a further £75m cash injection in January that would deliver Torres and Luiz, bookies will have been seriously slashing odds on Chelsea achieving this feat.

Saturday 19^th February

A run of just 5 wins in 16 Premier league games and a draining FA cup exit at the Bridge means that Ancelotti takes his battered squad to Copenhagen tonight in a bid to save their season, and possibly his seemingly precarious position at the club.

Chelsea have not finished outside of the top three since 2003, yet they now find themselves 5^th in the league and embroiled in a battle for a Champions League qualifying place. Carlo Ancelotti admitted only yesterday that just two of his “superstars” are showing any semblance of form so FC Copenhagen will fancy their chances in the Parken Stadium tonight, a match that only a few months ago many Chelsea fans will have merely considered a “bye” to the last eight.

So would a Champions League trophy preserve Ancelotti’s role at the club? Should he even be given the opportunity to be the first Chelsea manager to win the prestigious trophy? Is there any value in sacking him now? Is there any value in keeping him now? Roman may have previously turned to his golden Guus at this stage but Hiddink’s contract with the Turkish Football Federation as national manager removes this option. More importantly, are there any suitable replacements?

One thing is for certain, lose tonight in the Danish capital and Carlo will become even more jittery when “Roman” lights up as an incoming call on his blackberry.

The Daily Discussion - The Best Individual Performance Ever?

By Simon Warner

 

The sad news of Ronaldo’s retirement this week has seen football fans and journalists alike lamenting the loss of one of the talents of his generation. It certainly made me reflect on his remarkable career and one of my favourite footballing memories: Manchester United vs. Real Madrid at Old Trafford in April 2003 and one of the most spectacular hat-tricks ever witnessed on the grand stage. It was certainly one of the best individual performances in my lifetime.

Ronaldo’s triple destroyed United’s faint hopes of a Champions League final appearance on home soil that year. The 6-5 aggregate score etched into history books may portray this as an epic battle between two footballing juggernauts, but in truth the tie was always out of United’s reach.

Raúl, the architect of the 3-1 first leg victory at the Bernabéu, missed out on the reverse leg through injury but Real Madrid were more than covered. Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Makelele (and McManaman) all lined up in black that night but it was Ronaldo who had everyone purring. Breathtaking interplay allowed the Brazilian to despatch the first two goals with ruthless precision before completing his hat-trick with a sublime 25 yard strike beyond Fabien Barthez, effectively putting the game beyond United.

Despite the Brazilian's dazzling display I want to mention one of the best individual performances I have ever witnessed first hand: the night Fernando Morientes single handedly destroyed a Chelsea team seemingly destined for their first Champions League final.

Monaco were 2-0 down and heading out on away goals when Morientes decided to light up Stamford Bridge in spectacular fashion. The Spaniard had already begun to sparkle in the opening 45 minutes, but it was in the second half that Messrs Melchiot, Terry, Gallas and Bridge were literally puppets on the Spaniard’s string. After Hugo Ibarra pulled one back for the principality, the dominance and incision of Morientes indicated that a goal was inevitable and the Real Madrid loanee duly delivered mid-way through the 2^nd half. Following a smart 1-2 with Bernadi he simply waltzed though the defence before coolly slotting home with supreme confidence. He was never going to miss.

Morientes wheels away with delight at the Bridge. He was never going to miss.

Maybe there was an element of surprise combined with the importance of the occasion that elevated this display above so many football showcases but the Spanish number 9 was simply unplayable that night. 

Other contenders? Well there is a handful that will invoke special memories. The Stock’s excellent coverage on Rivaldo’s overhead kick that was part of a superb hat-trick at Camp Nou deserves a mention. The fact that I remember the precise pub seat from which I watched this incredible feat suggests it was indeed special.

But my thoughts always return to that night in Manchester and that masterful display by Ronaldo. Maybe it is because his display on the field was matched with an equally memorable reaction when Vicente Del Bosque decided to replaced the Brazilian with 20 minutes remaining. The standing ovation from everyone within Old Trafford was a truly wonderful footballing moment and indicative of the momentous performance just witnessed.

It was the best individual performance I have ever seen from a player that will be sorely missed. Ronaldo, I salute you sir – thanks for the memory.

The Daily Discussion - Underachiever Athletic?

By Attila

Rooney has disappointed this season

C- Must Do Better!

Ah the perennial red scrawl at the top of my Maths homework. This glowering judgement may also be cast upon some of the luminaries of the Premier League.

This is an undoubtedly controversial topic by its very nature, picking out eleven players who I believe have underachieved this season. Now before high-horses are mounted let me make it clear that I do not believe that any of the players below are awful, to be classed as an underachiever you need to have the capacity to achieve. All of these players have either failed to live up to their own high standards, their International call-ups or their high transfer fees. I have tried as far as possible to disregard players who have missed much of the season, whether through injury or non-selection:

Goal-keeper -  Petr Cech:

Cech was once a Schmeichel-esque colossus in goal, however since he was seriously injured in a match at Reading in 2006, he has lost some of his air of invulnerability. Despite this, Cech was solid last season and claimed the coveted Golden Gloves award for his performances. This season however has been a different matter. Although he has only conceded 22 goals in 26 games, he has looked vulnerable at times. Normally a reliable, solid keeper he made a glaring mistake recently which allowed Raul Meireles to fire Liverpool to a 1-0 victory, and despite his claim that this “is the first mistake I have made this season” he has at times looked shaky and error prone.

Right Back – Glen Johnson

Johnson has never really lived up to his £18m price tag or his regular berth as England’s first choice right back. This season he has been poor, both for club and country. However Kenny Dalglish’s inspiration to move him into the left back position appears to be bearing fruit, as Johnson is finally beginning to find some form.

Left Back – Patrice Evra

This is a somewhat controversial choice. I include Evra as he has failed to live up to his usual high standards. From regularly challenging Ashley Cole to be included in everyone’s pub talk team of the year, he has fallen behind his rival as well as new challengers Jose Enrique of Newcastle and Tottenham’s  Assou-Ekotto.

Centre-back – Richard Dunne

A victim of an early falling out with new manager Gerard Houllier, Dunne has been far from the defensive titan he was last season. However he appears to have regained favour somewhat and is now beginning to play both regularly and well for Aston Villa.

Centre-back – Phil Jagielka

Jagielka increased expectations with dominant displays for The Toffees last season

Jagielka is one of two Everton players included in Underachiever Athletic. This reflects clearly that Everton as a side are underachieving. Like Dunne Jagielka was a solid and capable defender last season, but this season appears to be low in form and confidence. This has led to Jagielka being kept out of a porous Everton defence by Heitinga.

Midfielder – Michael Essien

Essien usually embodies the very best qualities of a centre midfielder. In my opinion, on his day he is possibly one of the best in the world.  This season however, like many of the Chelsea squad, he has not been anywhere near his usual standard. If Chelsea are to claim Champions League qualification they need the midfield general back to his best.

Midfielder – Steven Gerrard

As with Evra, Gerrard has failed to live up to his own high standards. In 19 appearances so far this season he has scored 4 goals and has 4 assists. Many of the appearances (particularly under former manager Roy Hodgson) were, by his own standards, extremely lacklustre. However under new manager Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool and Gerrard are returning to form.

Midfielder – Mikel Arteta

During his stay at Everton, Arteta has usually been the creative force of their side. The Spanish playmaker has been both a set-piece master and a pass maestro; however you would not believe it had you seen him this season. He has by his own standards, been extremely average. He looks jaded, sluggish and uninterested at times. Everton’s fortunes to a large degree rely upon Arteta’s quick brain. No doubt the Toffee’s will be hoping to see more of the 2009/10 Arteta and a little less of the 2010/11 vintage.

Forward – Fernando Torres

A record-breaking move to Chelsea has heaped further pressure on Torres to perform

Torres appeared lethargic and rusty in the red of Liverpool this season and despite his hefty £50m price tag, he has not yet fired at Chelsea. He is a phenomenally gifted striker however, and it is only a matter of time before he settles at Chelsea and forms a potentially terrifying partnership with Didier Drogba

Forward – Didier Drogba

No doubt by now Chelsea fans reading this post are feeling a little victimised. However as I stated at the beginning, the players I have selected are there as they have fallen from such lofty pedestals. Drogba is a case in point, one of the best strikers to grace the Premier League, Drogba has suffered from Malaria this season which appears to have massively affected his performances. At times he appears to be a shadow of his usual imperious self.

Forward – Wayne Rooney

“Did you see that goal? What a goal! Best goal of all time! He’s back now isn’t he? Oh I’d say he’s definitely back!”  If you happen to be even slightly acquainted with a Manchester United fan, you may have heard some murmurings about some kind of goal Rooney scored against Manchester City at the weekend. Perhaps part of the hysteria about what, in truth, was a good goal, could be the feeling of absolute relief to see the old Wayne Rooney appear, if only for a second. Wayne Rooney has been a brilliant player, however the World Cup was, erm, disappointing, and this season hasn’t been any kinder. A paltry 5 goals in 17 appearances is not good enough for a player of his calibre. United fans will be hoping that his spectacular bicycle kick may be the catalyst that exorcises the daemons and returns Rooney to his usual place in the footballing pantheon.

The Daily Discussion - Want To Beat Barca? Just Keep The Ball....

By The Stock

Busquets up against Fabregas in last year's Champion's League tie

With his team already 4-0 down, Cristiano Ronaldo cushioned the ball with his instep in the centre circle: the loud whistles from the Culés ringing in his ears; the Camp Nou floodlights illuminating El Clásico with 90,000 Socis all baying for his blood. They wouldn’t get a taste. Alerted to his threat and presence the Blaugrana hunting pack of Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández quickly scrambled as they had so many times that evening. Their mission: retrieve the ball. At all costs.

Countless column inches have been filled heaping praise on what is a genuinely special Barcelona team. I could continue in a similar vein by regurgitating the vision and footballing philosophy of Pep Guardiola or the ‘piggy in the middle’ sessions at the La Masia academy that Xavi believes makes him the player he is today. But I won’t because we’ve heard and seen it all before.

So has Arsene Wenger and his latest batch of bright young things who welcome Barça to the Emirates tonight in a mouth-watering Champions League tie. The Frenchman knows that his team is technically inferior to its lauded opposition and he will be the first to admit that if the Blaugrana get into their infamous tika-taka stride then his players will be in for a tough night.

But what sets this Barcelona team apart from its predecessors and pretenders, and what will similarly concern Wenger, is what they do without the football. They press and bustle teams high up the pitch, tackling ferociously and harrying opposition into misplacing passes and surrendering possession from which defence is turned immediately into attack.

“Without the ball you can’t win” once remarked Johann Cruff. And he is dead right. By stifling Barça of possession you immediately negate their ability to harm you offensively. Correspondingly, if the Gunners retain their share of the ball then a team of their technical ability will fancy themselves to expose some of those defensive frailties that historically the Catalans have always failed to iron out.

Therefore, Arsenal must keep hold of the ball tonight and not squander possession unnecessarily. This will be no mean feat with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets et al snapping at their heels. However, if any team has players capable of playing keep-ball then it is the Gunners. If they don’t the pack will smell blood and for those unsure as to how that ends, just ask Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Daily Discussion - Forza Milan?

By Simon Warner

Can we expect to see this pose in the fashion capital later?

When Silvio Berlusconi controversially courted a young, inexperienced Italian at his Milanese home last summer, more than a few eyebrows were raised. The name of his recent conquest may still not reassure everyone that this is a football discussion as the candidate arrived at San Siro without the stamp of big club on his portfolio and, even more surprisingly, no ties with the Milan family. 

After Leonardo’s brief spell in charge, Massimilano Allegri arrived at Milan with only two Serie A campaigns at Cagliari, having previously plied his trade at Sassuolo in the Italian lower tiers. Consistent mid-table finishes in the top flight on a limited budget earned Allegri the prestigious ‘manager of the year’ award but it was also the Sardinians enterprising play that saw Berlusconi calling south in the summer.

Having navigated a tricky Champion League group stage (that comprised of Real Madrid, Ajax and Auxerre), Milan are now also top of Serie A and averaging 2 goals a game so you would allow Berlusconi a smug grin inbetween entertaining clientele at his domestic Italian home. Spurs provide their next obstacle this evening in Milan and what can Harry’s men expect?

The Livornian’s recent formations certainly justify his reputation as the conductor of free flowing football. Where most versions of 4-3-3 often become 4-5-1 when defending, Allegri’s attacking trio of Ibrahimovic, Pato and Robinho certainly won’t be offering much protection to the midfield. Having scored his first goal since his arrival, in the 4-0 demolition of Parma last weekend, Antonio Cassano may have got the nod ahead of the inconsistent and often criticsied Pato but his earlier appearance in the tournament with Sampdoria makes him ineligible.

A main concern for the Rossoneri faithful has been the method of supply to the strikers where the industrious midfield has often been negated with arrowing long balls from deep. Injuries to their captain Ambrosini, KP Boateng and, more recently, Pirlo will do little to discourage this approach and Allegri must now decide whether to gamble on the creativity of Germany U19 international Alexander Merkel. With recent acquisitions Urby Emanuelson and Mark Van Bommel also ineligible, it is widely expected that Allegri will keep faith in the old heads and play Gattuso (34), Seedorf (34) and Flamini (29) in the engine room. Harry Redknapp is a big admirer of ex-gunner Mathieu Flamini and he will relish the opportunity to face his old North London rivals but he has had a poor season and his ball retention ability is being exposed in this league.

Another worry for Allegri is the lack of width and goals his midfield provides (2 goals all season) so there is a heavy reliance on the forwards to deliver in Milan tonight. Fortunately for the home side they are likely to do just that. They have scored 31 goals in 60 appearances between them and I expect them to add to that tally tonight against a porous Spurs defence. Will they be able to close the door at the other end though?

Zambrotta’s recent knee surgery has given Massimo Oddo the chance to reignite his Milan career at the age of 34 where he is expected to line up alongside Alessandro Nesta, also 34, Luca Antonini and the supremely gifted Brazilian centre back Thiago Silva. Gareth Bale is a huge loss but Aaron Lennon will target Oddo’s ageing legs which may see him switch wings at some point to ensure Spurs expose this weakness. Milan are still a formidable defensive unit, however, especially with the experienced midfield offering such solid protection ahead of them and the reliable Christian Abbiati behind them.

Expect goals though. And expect Milan to score most of them. I predict 3-1 which would set up a mouth watering reverse leg in North London next month.

The Daily Discussion - The Ultimate Overhead Kick?

By The Stock

Rivaldo in full flight

Approximately 2 minutes and 35 multi-angled replays after Wayne Rooney decided the Manchester derby with the most exquisite of overhead kicks; I started to compile a mental list of where it ranked alongside other bona-fide classics of the genre. And surely I wasn’t alone.

Would it trump Trevor Sinclair’s gravity defying bicycle kick for QPR against Barnsley in the FA Cup? Or Mauro Bressan’s awe inspiring scissors kick from all of 25 yards for Fiorentina against Barcelona in the Champions League in 1999? Maybe. However in my opinion it doesn’t come close to the overhead kick of our times: Rivaldo’s 89^th minute coupe de grace against Valencia on the final day of the 2000-01 La Liga season.

Great goals have both context and meaning.

In the summer of 2000 a billionaire construction magnate by the name of Florentino Peréz ran for the presidency of Real Madrid on the ticket of delivering Luís Figo from arch rivals Barcelona as his marquee signing. He was duly elected and shocked Barcelona and the footballing world by paying the requisite amount to release Figo, Barça’s most iconic player, from his contract with the Blaugrana.

Under the new presidency of Joan Gaspart, a wounded and shell-shocked Barcelona spent the £37.2m Figo money recruiting Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit from Arsenal and Gerard Lopéz from Valencia. The Catalans embarked on a topsy turvy La Liga campaign under new coach Lorenç Serra Ferrer. Results ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous. Barça faltered and Serra Ferrer was given his marching orders.

The final day of the season was a winner takes all scenario. Barça hosted Valencia at Camp Nou under new coach Charley Rexach with anything but a victory handing Champions League qualification, and its corresponding riches, to Los Che.

After Rivaldo’s 21^st and 22^nd goals of the season were cancelled out by a fine Rubén Baraja double, the clock ticked towards the 89th minute when Frank De Boer advanced beyond the half way line with the ball. His ‘hit and hope’ clip towards the Valencia box came within the range of the Brazilian, who controlled the ball on his chest before his collapsing scissors kick swept beyond a diving Santiago Canizares into the left hand corner of the net.

Camp Nou erupted. The Directors box celebrated. Barcelona were victorious. Champions League qualification was secured. Figo’s treachery was a distant memory.

Not only was it a spectacular example of the most technically demanding footballing skill, but Rivaldo did it when it mattered: an occasion of drama and high tension that will go down in history for the way it was decided.

For me it simply was the best. The ultimate overhead kick.

The Daily Discussion - Carlos Tevez: Across the Manchester Divide

By Si Warner

I must confess that I did not quite appreciate the talent of the little Argentinian until he took the most expensive taxi ride across the city of Manchester, swiftly changing his red hairband for a blue version en route. And I believe this is where the problem lay: Carlos was rarely given a decent run in the side and was clearly stifled at Old Trafford having to play third fiddle to Roon & Ron. So, what should have been the deadliest strike force in world football never quite materialised. Or ever felt like it would.

　

Tevez scored 34 goals in just 76 starts while plying his trade at the Theatre of Dreams but had to settle with 26 substitute appearances. In fact, he started more European games on the bench than he did on the pitch. Maybe he was just too similar to Rooney with their movement and bullish style of play. By effectively replacing Tevez with Berbatov, United have installed a completely contrasting skill-set to Rooney that is now really beginning to blossom.

　

Although you never feel quite convinced Carlos will ever refer to Eastlands as "mi casa", he certainly is their talisman, their top marksman, their inspirational leader. El Capitan. Through desperation to impress at a congested Old Trafford, he often appeared slightly "headless" and it is only now at the City of Manchester that we are able to enjoy the real Carlos Tevez. Incredible ball retention, intelligent movement, sublime control, composed finishing, powerful running, relentless defending. In fact, only his inability to head a ball strips him of being the complete striker.

　

As much as they will never publicly confess this, I wonder how many Red Devils would actually rather Dimitar Berbatov was lining up alongside Carlos Tevez in a red shirt today?

Tevez & Berbatov both in the Red of United

AC Milan 1989-90: The Greatest Club Side of All Time?

 By Attila

The Iconic 1989 AC Milan Lineup

We non-glory hunting fans occasionally have to take a mistress: a side that can lure you in with all its glamour, glory and skill. Instead of watching the likes of Shefki Kuqi flail around in the penalty area like an upright walrus, you can marvel at some of the world’s greatest players all lining up on the same side. Yes you feel guilty about the dowdy old wife who is struggling away to Fulham, but the glamour of the exotic entices you away for a forbidden tryst.

My mistress, crafted by a managerial genius, was surely the most awesome football team ever.

In the late 1980’s interest in continental football was keener than today. This was largely as a result of the Heysel Stadium disaster leading English clubs to be banned from competitive European tournaments. The continental teams were, to a young chap, infinitely more glamorous and glitzy than their roast beef English cousins.

My attention was piqued by AC Milan in the mid 1980’s. Silvio Berlusconi (a chap who might know a thing or two about mistresses), had just taken over the ailing club and began to pump money into it. He appointed young up-and-coming Arrigo Sacchi as manager and the glory days began.

The side that won the European Cup in 1989 is for me the best side I have ever seen play football. Every single position was filled by a player that was arguably one of the best in the world, and in some cases - undeniably the best in the world. Never before, or since, in my eyes had such a collection of masters been put together:

GK – Galli

RB – Tassotti

LB – Maldini

CB – Costacurta

CB – Baresi

RM – Colombo

LM – Donadoni

CM – Rijkaard

CM – Ancelotti

CF – Gullit

CF – Van Basten

Just look at those names, players like Maldini and Costacurta should be familiar even to younger readers as seasoned veterans who were still competing at the highest level until recently. Some of the others may be more recognisable as managers or pundits. Simply put though each one of those players was outstanding.

Amidst such exceptional talent, one player deserves special mention. In Marco Van Basten the Rossoneri had a player widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers ever to grace the game. In his 280 appearances for Ajax and Milan he scored an amazing 218 goals. It says a lot that I hold him in greater esteem as a footballer than I do Alan Shearer, which is close to blasphemy for a Newcastle United fan.

Unfortunately due to a prohibitive word count I have to curtail it there, which is grossly unfair to General Franco Baresi and his loyal Legion of Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Donadoni amongst others. But I do recommend you take a moment to look these players up, for the game will never see finer exponents.

The pinnacle of the season for these titans was the European Cup, they dispatched the more illustrious Real Madrid (a team including Hugo Sanchez and Emilio Butragueño) by 5-0 (6-1 agg) in the semi-finals, in a performance that sent shockwaves throughout football:

Then they hammered Steaua Bucharest in the final 4-0. Bucharest were by no means a poor team, and had world class players such as Hagi in their ranks:

Put simply, they were for me possibly the greatest club side ever seen. Yes there could be arguments for the great Real Madrid sides of the 1950’s but I never saw them play. I did see Milan, and I’ll probably never set eyes on another side to match them, unless of course Kuqi is suddenly possessed by the spirit of Van Basten

In La Liga Loop - Messi and Ronaldo: Return to the Pichichi Race

By The Stock

It was seconds out round two last night as Argentina and Portugal took to the field in Geneva to facilitate the ongoing battle between the world’s two dominant footballing icons: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Earlier this season, a Messi inspired Barcelona bloodied the nose of Ronaldo and Mad
 rid by inflicting a humiliating 5-0 defeat on Los Blancos, putting daylight firmly between the two teams in pursuit of the La Liga title. After weekend fixtures that saw Messi dispatch Atletico Madrid with a masterful hat-trick and Ronaldo grab a brace against Real Sociedad, the pair stand neck-a-neck on 24 league goals apiece.

The Daily Discussion - England Friendlies: Waste of Time?

By Si Warner

Well, no actually. Not entirely true. Every now and then we get thrown a corker. In fact, one of my earliest footballing memories was catching re-runs of Brazil versus England, in which John Barnes first catapulted himself to international fame with a slalom run through Rio de Janeiro that contained more twists and turns than an episode of Strictly Come Dancing.

The Daily Discussion – Cesc to Chelsea: The Rumour Mill Gone Mad?

By The Stock

Most discerning fans of the beautiful game willingly own up to having a daily routine designed for maximising input on all things football. From The Guardian’s mischievously tongue in cheek Rumour Mill to BBC Sport’s Gossip Column via Red Top speculations, the daily transfer conjecture is a popular first stop for those seeking their morning fix.

The Daily Discussion - The Most Abhorrent Player In The Premier League

By Si Warner

Ever since his turbulent arrival at Anfield in the summer of 2002, El-Hadji Ousseynou Diouf’s persistant on-field antics have established him as, arguably, the most unpopular Premier League player of all time. His sudden departure to Glasgow last week has re-ignited the debate surrounding the most vilified players currently gracing our stadiums each week.

The Daily Discussion - Who Do West Brom Turn To?

By Alex Henshaw


West Bromwich Albion have today announced that manager Roberto Di Matteo has been relieved of his duties and placed on ‘gardening leave’ with immediate effect.

The Baggies, who lost 3-0 to a Carols Tevez inspired Manchester City yesterday, have cited a run of 13 defeats in their last 18 games as reason behind the decision. Chairman Jeremy Peace has offered the following rationale:

"This has been a tough decision. But we, as a board, believe it is the right one to give the club the best possible chance of remaining in the Premier League."

"Roberto embraced the structure in which we wanted him to work and he has been a good colleague. However, we are in a results-driven industry and felt we had no choice but to act now."

Di Matteo leaves West Brom lingering precariously above the relegation zone in 16^th position with 26 points from 25 games. However, their recent form comes in stark contrast to the newly promoted side that took the early part of the Premier League season by storm.

After being crushed 6-0 on the opening day of the season by a rampant Chelsea, The Baggies confounded their doubters by beating the likes of Birmingham and Manchester City before recording a breathtaking victory over Arsenal at The Emirates. Di Matteo also received plaudits for instilling the team’s fearless and attacking brand of football.

The timing of the decision will be questioned by the West Brom faithful. Despite languishing in 16^th, Albion welcome fellow relegation rivals West Ham and Wolves to The Hawthorns in consecutive weeks. Di Matteo would have considered both excellent opportunities to advance up the league.

Peace and his board clearly have a different view, and who they turn to next will have a basic remit: preserve the club‘s Premier League status.

The shorltilst will undoubtedly have two exceptional candidates somewhere near the top. Sam Allardyce, recently sacked by the new owners of Blackburn Rovers, would be keen to return to the right job. Martin O’Neill also made clear his willingness to return to top flight management with his ill feted flirtation with West Ham over the vacant managerial position at the Boleyn Ground that nearly but never was.

The question is whether either, or any other potential candidate, can rejuvenate a team low on confidence and tumbling down the table with worrying inevitability?
　

The Formation Forum - Chelsea Plus Torres: Diamonds Are...For...Now?

By Si Warner

When Nicolas Anelka signed for Chelsea, the phrase ‘square peg in round hole‘ sprung to mind. "How will he play with Drogba?" gasped the faithful.

Chelsea had stubbornly won 2 titles with a rigid 4-3-3 formation under Mourinho. Avram Grant inherited a team that, in his Santa guise, Roman Abramovich had delivered Anelka as a late Christmas present. Le Sulk often played second fiddle to Le Drog during Grant’s brief reign.

Enter Guus Hiddink under whom Anelka was introduced on the wing where he remained until Carlo Ancelotti arrived. He immediately acknowledged that these "front 2" needed to play as a "front 2".

The diamond formation was perceived to be the solution and it seemed just perfect: Lampard would devour the free role behind the "front 2". Ballack, Essien and Mikel would excel in the midfield triangle (remember Malouda was not very good then). Bosingwa and Cole would revel in the freedom to roam forward and provide width.

It never quite worked to plan though.

Lampard, in particular, was stifled without making his runs from deep and not able to dictate play. A mere 20 games in, Carlo reverted back to 4-3-3.

Anelka moved wide again with formidable yet contrasting returns: the domestic double compensating for a harsh Champions League exit. The formation has existed ever since with Carlo pretty much refusing to alter his plans even when chasing a game.

Now comes the big conundrum: Where does El Nino fit in?

Ideally all three form the deadliest strike-force the Premier league has ever witnessed. However, neither Didier or Fernando have ever drifted from a central striking role (as far as I am aware). Does the tobacco stained Italian tactician revert to a "front 2" and drop Anelka - The same Anelka that was so exquisite at Sunderland this week? How on earth does Malouda fit in to all of this?

Ordinarily, I feel I am pretty nifty at predicting line-ups but, hand on heart, I can honestly say I am simply stumped on this one. Torres will likely be on the bench this weekend and he will accept that. But not for long.

 So how do Chelsea accommodate their new £50m man?

The Daily Discussion - Who would be in your Premier League team of the season so far?

By Alex Henshaw

Now that we are firmly into the second half of the Premier League season, those of us at Mas Que Un Blog have been discussing our team of the season so far, with varying results.

The fixtures thus far have thrown up some consistent performers and brilliant matchwinners. So who would you have in your team and why?

The Daily Discussion - Is Carroll Worth The Fuss?

By Alex Henshaw

Depending on which is your preferred source of transfer deadline day hyperbole, today's wires are hot with the news that Liverpool have made a substantial bid for Newcastle striker Andy Carroll of between £25m - £30m. The Magpies are believed to have immediately rejected the bid.

The 20 year old's stock is high after netting 11 times in just 19 starts for The Toon this season. However, it is the Gateshead born forward's eye catching displays of old fashioned physicality touched with real technical ability that have set pulses racing in the boardrooms of the league's bigger teams.

Harry Redknapp's Spurs are known admirers, and where there is available quality Manchester City have always hovered. However, with Fernando Torres's seemingly imminent departure from Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish has not delayed in attempting to replace El Nino with Carroll, and pair him with the newly arrived Luis Suarez.

The issue is whether Carroll, after just half a season of top-tier football, is worth the money.

His inexperience is also coupled with a questionable temprament which has seen allegations of booze-fuelled nightclub fracas and an assualt on his ex-girlfriend. The latter saw Carroll released on bail under the condition that he lived under ersatz house arrest at Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan's residence.

Charges were eventually dropped and any concerns seem to have been disregarded by Kenny Dalglish if today's bid is to be believed.

Ultimately, we have to ask: Is he worth the fuss?

The Daily Discussion - Robbie Keane the Man to Save West Ham?

By Alex Henshaw

Wolves, Coventry City, Internazionale, Leeds Utd., Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic, West Ham. The name Robbie Keane is now synonymous with ‘Journeyman’.

News has just broken that the Dubliner, who has scored a prolific 45 goals in 104 games for the Republic of Ireland, has joined West Ham on loan for the rest of the season. The Hammers are hoping that Keane, alongside new signings Wayne Bridge, Gary O’Neil and Demba Ba, will help stave off a potentially ruinous relegation from the Premier League.

From a prodigiously talented 17 year old debutant for Wolves to a potential Boleyn Ground saviour, the 30 year old has been subject to a cumulative total circa £75m in transfer fees.

So can Avram Grant and theWest Ham faithful expect the kind of form form Rafa Benitez placed £24m worth of faith in and will Keane be the talisman that he has for so long promised but not quite delivered?

The Daily Discussion - Torres Mas Que £50m?

By Simon Warner

 Ok. Now let’s imagine you are Kenny Dalglish for one moment. You are sat in your office dithering over Maxi Rodrigueuz’s latest failed contribution when in pops big John W Henry. He closes the door so you know he means business. £50m is on the table for El Nino and you can sense your new owner is considering it. You immediately reject the idea out of sight but as JWH departs the room you become pensive. You really could improve the rest of your side with such vast funds now available. And just how valuable is Fernando these days?

Torres is still injury prone.

Torres is still not the same player he was despite having started almost every Premier league game this season.

Torres has really only turned up for a handful of games this season.

Torres has spent the remainder of the season embroiled in running arguments with referees and run of the mill defenders.

You are also conscious of the backlash from the Anfield faithful that awaits if the transaction was completed. Although you are also aware that your stock is still high around these parts and the owners will absorb the majority, if not all, of the heat on this one.

So King Kenny, over to you….

Let’s assume you already have targets lined up that are achievable within the remaining few days of the transfer window (a big ask I know). Who would you bring in and can they strenghten the team?

Let’s also assume the bid is from Chelsea.....

Who is responsible for Hodgson's exit? Ask Goldie Lookin' Chain...

By Alex Henshaw

You won’t be surprised to learn that novelty music (Flight of the Conchords, Tenacious D etc.) is not my first love in life. Which is why I was equally surprised when the first thing to pop into my head when reflecting on today’s sacking of Roy Hodgson by Liverpool FC was the Goldie Lookin’ Chain hit ‘Drugs don’t kill people, Rappers do’. The sound premise behind this crude yet cannily observed number is that a weapon firing and killing isn’t a cause in itself: someone needs to pull the trigger. For GLC’s parody, the answer is warring hip hop artists. In Hodgson's case, the answer as to who is ultimately responsible for his P45 is less clear. I will assess the immediate potential culprits: Hodgson himself and the Liverpool players he managed.

Kaka - The Return

By Sam Lee

Most of us will have made a new year's resolution. Whether it be personal, like getting in shape or finding love, or professional, like re-energising your career or earning a promotion, most of us will make a promising start the year but our efforts will soon tail off as we fall back into old, bad habits.

It is difficult for most of us to achieve one of those goals, let alone all of them, but that is exactly the task that faces one man as he strives to make 2011 a year to remember. But even if he manages all of the above, he will only be delivering what is expected: the base rate.

Carroll - "I'm Ready for Sunderland".

Andy Carroll could be in line for a return to the Newcastle United lineup as early as the Tyne-Wear derby on January 16th. According to the player.

Talking after his side's 1-0 away win at Wigan this afternoon, Alan Pardew revealed that Carroll has played up his chances of being fit for the tie despite Newcastle medical staff being unable to assess the seriousness of the thigh injury currently keeping him sidelined. Initial reports suggested that Carroll's rehabilitation would lead to a 4 week absence from the team.

“He will definitely miss West Ham and I think he’ll definitely miss Stevenage (next Saturday), but talking to the boy, he thinks he is ready for Sunderland already.”

Discerning Fantasy managers will no doubt be approaching such claims with caution. However, with the wildcard enabling Gameweek 22 approaching, Carroll would have either been an automatic retainer or high on shopping lists of those wanting a shake-up.

Carroll has been a revelation so far this season bagging 113 points and soaring to £6.5m in value going into Gameweek 21. For the 52% of managers who have selected him, Carroll has also proved reliable in yielding points consistently for a player still firmly in in the 'bargain' bracket.

Managers in search of a differential take note: 23,000 managers purged the rangy hitman from their teams leading into Gameweek 21; a number which is only set to increase until the prognosis is revealed. However, if Carroll were to return for Gameweek 23, the rewards for those brave enough to back the player could be substantial.

Fantasy Team Of The Week

http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/dreamteam.mc?event=21