Bounce, transfer market, bounce!
June 9th 2007 00:37
Well, most of the European football leagues are into their end-of-season break. Actually, all. For them, a nice, relaxed, month-long break. Not devoid of excitement, though!
Why?
It's transfer time!
The English window opens in July and closes at the end of August, but the real excitement - for the managers - is now. We, the poor fans, are left biting our nails and hoping, just hoping, that good old Rafa manages to nail down... oh. Yes, yes, other clubs exist, but Liverpool is the most important, okay?
To be honest, I don't care much for the EPL. Sure, the best players, and all that... but La Liga is far, far better to watch. Take Atletico Madrid. Nobody's heard of people like Peter Luccin, Martin Petrov... but my goodness, Fernando Torres, as godlike as he is, isn't the only player make eyes bulge. Watch a Torres Youtube video. he doesn't dribble from the half-way line and score... oh no. The 25 yards between the halfway line and the point where Torres recieves the ball are a stage for some mazy one-touch passing, a sweet turn or two, then a little back-to-target overhead flick-pass. Only then does Torres get the ball, launch into a Ronaldinho-esque thingummyjiggy trick, then another, finally a feint before scooting between defenders A and B, then placing the ball in the far top corner as if shooting a moose with a cannon at a range of seven feet. Easy as frickin' pie.
The point here is that La Liga has better football, but the EPL transfer windows are like a blonde-of-the-week contest featuring Paris Hilton, Cristina Aguilera and Britney Spears, sponsored by Angelina Jolie's lips. It may be waaaay overdone, but all the money is -right there-.
And money makes for quality, right? Hmm... depends. In Chelski's case... that's an iffy question. Think about it... two big signings over last season, one for 46 million euros, the other a free transfer. Which player is younger (albeit not by much)/performed better in the EPL/is without doubt the world's best midfielder? The free transfer, Mister Michael Ballack.
*insert prayer to Stevie G for forgiveness at insinuating that there exists a midfielder on this planet better than he is. Sorry, mr Gerrard, but Ballack's a bit better. Just a bit!
Speaking of Chelsea, good old quilt-toes (long story) Mourinho has had just one big name signing thus far.. another free transfer from Bayern Munchen, Claudio Pizzaro. There are rumours about Valencia youngster and hot prospect David Silva, however, which ought to prove interesting. He's 21, if I'm not wrong, and a very good 'fancy' winger. A good buy, but not Roman-worthy, in my humble opinion. Fact of the matter is, Chelsea might see a big exit.. guess who? Sheva himself. A wasted year, methinks, unless he moves to another English club. Milan, though, are thought to be leading the hunt to get him back.
And the Rossoneri themselves seem to be having issues up front. A recent spat between Alberto Gilardino and Ancelotti might see Gilardino seek his fortunes elsewhere... and let me tell you, Gilardino moving is going to be a huge hole in Milan's front row, because despite claims otherwise, their strike force is as weak as anything. Okay, Inzaghi scored two in the UCL final, but... geez. One was off his arm, nee Pirlo, and the other was a through ball on the edge of the area. He didn't have to sprint even five yards... and pushing 34 now, he's no road runner. Ronaldo? Eff off, fatboy. I'm sorry... he may have been a good player and all, but he doesn't make the grade anymore. Unfit, toofat, and getting old. Don't expect him to even last in a top league until age 33, let alone 34 like Pippo. And Ricardo Oliveira? He can't settle, so they say. Uh-oh. Inzaghi and Ronaldo as your only forwards? Better start retraining Maldini as a striker, maybe he'll go out with a European Golden Boot and show those divers how its done.
So, having established the fact that Gilardino moving away will be detrimetal to Milan... where might he be going? Juventus are said to be leading that one, back in the Serie A as they are. But don't Juve already have stackloads of quality up front? Well, yes. Palladino, Del Piero... Bojinov looks likely to return to Fiorentina, for reasons we'll come to in a sec, and Trezeguet might hoof it someplace else. Iaquinta has signed on for the Old Lady, though, so it looks like a quality four-man strike force either way, whether David T stays or leaves.
Back to the Viola, however, who ought to be recalling Bojinov.. they sold star frontman Luca Toni to Bayern Munchen, who have been one of the top movers thus far in a bid to revitalize themselves after a disappointing season. Losing Pizarro on a Bosman free, they've managed to sign a far better man up front, deadly poacher as well as strong target-man Toni - the only detriment to this move is Toni's age, 30. Which leaves him three or four years at most. Toni is joined by 25m euro signing from Marseille, France's rising star on the right wing, Franck Ribery. Mouthwatering prospect, this new Bayern lineup, also featuring Germany's number two left back Marcell Jansen, to join - guess who - Germany's number 1 in that position, Philip Lahm. Soliid tactical move though, because Bayern will line up very nicely - Kahn/Rensing in goal, Lahm, Van Buyten, Lucio, Sagnol, Schweinsteiger, Ribery, Van Bommel, Salihamidzic, Podolski, Toni. That'd be my first 11, of course, but look at the covering. Jansen covers Lahm and Schweini, Lahm covers Sagnol, Scweini covers Salihamidzic who covers Ribery who covers Schweini in turn. The flanks look -good- in rotation. Oh, and Santa Cruz covering Poldi and Toni, which should be a solid front attack. To be honest, I'm surprised Bayern have held onto their Transferrable Three, the world cup stars for Germany - Lahm, Schweini and Poldi. I thought the big money clubs would come beggin' for 'em. I have a couple of months to be proved wrong yet, though! My own estimations for potential moves would be - Lahm to Spain, possibly Real, Schweini as a second choice for Liverpool, Podolski to Chelsea, Liverpool, Man U or Barca.
The Gunners... how now, brown cow. They look very quiet, and the only transfer rumour (as always) is Thierriiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeee Henriiiiiiiiiieeeee. Ahem.
If. And that's a huge if. What the hell happens for Arsenal if they lose him? The bright thing is that most transfer possibilities for him seem to be part-exchange deals, so Arsene won't worry too much. Still. He's an incredibly big part of the Arsenal line-up, and will be for the next couple of years, until their unbelievable youth team comes into the fore. I, for one, can't wait to see Vela and Bendtner start up front and bang them in. Possible transfer for Henry right now is a cash Samuel Eto'o deal with Barca.
Speaking of Barca... the only likely mover is Eto'o, who is reportedly unsettled. They're apparently in talks for a left back, however, prime target being Frenchman Eric Abidal. That move is reputed not to be going to well.. might we see some interest in Philip Lahm? Let's wait and see.
And the one we've been waiting for... Liverpool!! In what direction is the Rafalution heading?
Gerrard, Carra and Xabi have all signed new deals to stay at Anfield... phew. That one's out of the way, then. Masch looks set, and set solidly. Finnan and Agger are on their game, Hyypia's staying, so too is Riise. Crouch has been assured of a place, and it looks like Kuyt, their away-kit posterboy, is good for a prolonged spell at Anfield as well. So, who's moving?
Craig Bellamy looks like he's off, for one. Momo Sissoko might be a target for Juventus. Zenden's being allowed to leave, Fowler's off, and Mark Gonzalez is recieving Real Betis interest. Harry Kewell? We don't know yet.
The areas to be looked at, however, are the left flank up the pitch, and the spearhead. Two strikers gone out of four, two left wingers going out of three, possibly all of them. And, perhaps, a lack of quality on the right - Finnan, Arbeloa and Pennant are workmen, not foremen.
In view of these positions, Rafa is said to be looking at a whole heap of strikers, as well as Florent Malouda for the left wing. Dani Alves remains a possibility, though Chelsea will be sure to be after him. Rafa happens to be Spanish, and praise be to Gerrard, the most transfer-eligible, quality players in the world right now happen to ply their trades in La Liga. Dani Alves of Sevilla plus three of Rafa's striking shortlist, for instance - Fernando Torres, David Villa and Samuel Eto'o. There was speculation regarding Amauri, but... Rafa old boy, if you want to sign a big name, sign a -big name-. kthxbye.
Also in the mix is Juve's David Trezeguet, who might get a choice between Barca and the Reds, unless another club comes knocking.. would Chelsea spring for him? After all, they have only Drogba up front, and could very well shop for a star striker if Sheva leaves. Perhaps with Gilardino unsettled, there might be a chance of Rafa thinking about him? We'll have to see, although his temperament may not be good enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Star Buys! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sheva himself is also a reported target for the Reds.. a difficult one to confirm, though. Let me break down the possibilities below, and add a couple of my own suggestions...
Sheva (Chelsea) - ST - 31 - Fast, mobile striker... high priced, two or three more years at best. Worth the while, now that he should have adapted to EPL, but not a bargain in the long run. [6/10]
David Trezeguet (Juve) - ST - 29 - Clinical finisher, powerful aerial threat. Would provide excellent touch inside the box, and would suit the Reds' wing style play, providing a great target for crosses with Peter Crouch. Great buy, unsettled, should be reasonable. [9/10]
David Villa (Valencia) - ST - 26 - Another clinical finisher, but not an aerial threat. Pacy, uses channels, would provide good fodder for Peter Crouch. [8/10]
Fernando Torres (Atletico) - ST - 24 - Young, highly explosive, bags of skill and flair as well as huge temperament. Hunger for goals, great work rate, super team player. Used to pressure and limelight.. all round, the best buy. Rafa, get him, please!! [10/10]*****
Samuel Eto'o (Barca) - ST - 26? - World class striker, but perhaps lacking in determination and required influence. Last choice out of those provided, because he might not be able to cope in Liverpool system. Risky, but a gamble that could pay off. Unsettled, may be affordable. [5/10]
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, a couple of my own additions... Liverpool might need a fourth striker, to provide cover. A youngster would be best off in this role, potentially one who has the determination and quality to smash his way into the starting lineup and hold his place, thereby increasing yield of all four men.
Lukas Podolski (Bayern) - ST - 22 - Needs no introduction, rising star of German football, one of the hottest properties around. Temperament ought to be a good match, bags of skill. Rivals Riise for 'Best left boot' award? [9/10]
Sergio Aguero (Atletico) - ST - 18 - Tender years, but astonishing quality. Highly determined, hard working, exceptionally quick youngster who eats goalkeepers for hsi midday snack. With Torres, would be an ideal, if expensive, double capture. [9/10]
Rafael Sobis (Betis) - ST - 21 - Young Brazilian, excellent technical skills. Small but wiry and blessed with an eye for goal. Good backup striker for any top side. [7/10]
And, if the Malouda signing doesn't come off.. or, actually, in preference thanks to a far better finishing capability --
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern) - LWM/AMC - 22 - Please visit Amazon dot com to purchase DVD of world cup third place playoff game, and watch Schweini play the game of his life. Classy winger, and his shooting prowess will give Gerrard, Riise and Alonso a run for their cybernetic-enhanced feet.
And that's all for now, lest the writer's curse may travel to Rafa's shortlist. Adieu!
Why?
It's transfer time!
The English window opens in July and closes at the end of August, but the real excitement - for the managers - is now. We, the poor fans, are left biting our nails and hoping, just hoping, that good old Rafa manages to nail down... oh. Yes, yes, other clubs exist, but Liverpool is the most important, okay?
To be honest, I don't care much for the EPL. Sure, the best players, and all that... but La Liga is far, far better to watch. Take Atletico Madrid. Nobody's heard of people like Peter Luccin, Martin Petrov... but my goodness, Fernando Torres, as godlike as he is, isn't the only player make eyes bulge. Watch a Torres Youtube video. he doesn't dribble from the half-way line and score... oh no. The 25 yards between the halfway line and the point where Torres recieves the ball are a stage for some mazy one-touch passing, a sweet turn or two, then a little back-to-target overhead flick-pass. Only then does Torres get the ball, launch into a Ronaldinho-esque thingummyjiggy trick, then another, finally a feint before scooting between defenders A and B, then placing the ball in the far top corner as if shooting a moose with a cannon at a range of seven feet. Easy as frickin' pie.
The point here is that La Liga has better football, but the EPL transfer windows are like a blonde-of-the-week contest featuring Paris Hilton, Cristina Aguilera and Britney Spears, sponsored by Angelina Jolie's lips. It may be waaaay overdone, but all the money is -right there-.
And money makes for quality, right? Hmm... depends. In Chelski's case... that's an iffy question. Think about it... two big signings over last season, one for 46 million euros, the other a free transfer. Which player is younger (albeit not by much)/performed better in the EPL/is without doubt the world's best midfielder? The free transfer, Mister Michael Ballack.
*insert prayer to Stevie G for forgiveness at insinuating that there exists a midfielder on this planet better than he is. Sorry, mr Gerrard, but Ballack's a bit better. Just a bit!
Speaking of Chelsea, good old quilt-toes (long story) Mourinho has had just one big name signing thus far.. another free transfer from Bayern Munchen, Claudio Pizzaro. There are rumours about Valencia youngster and hot prospect David Silva, however, which ought to prove interesting. He's 21, if I'm not wrong, and a very good 'fancy' winger. A good buy, but not Roman-worthy, in my humble opinion. Fact of the matter is, Chelsea might see a big exit.. guess who? Sheva himself. A wasted year, methinks, unless he moves to another English club. Milan, though, are thought to be leading the hunt to get him back.
And the Rossoneri themselves seem to be having issues up front. A recent spat between Alberto Gilardino and Ancelotti might see Gilardino seek his fortunes elsewhere... and let me tell you, Gilardino moving is going to be a huge hole in Milan's front row, because despite claims otherwise, their strike force is as weak as anything. Okay, Inzaghi scored two in the UCL final, but... geez. One was off his arm, nee Pirlo, and the other was a through ball on the edge of the area. He didn't have to sprint even five yards... and pushing 34 now, he's no road runner. Ronaldo? Eff off, fatboy. I'm sorry... he may have been a good player and all, but he doesn't make the grade anymore. Unfit, toofat, and getting old. Don't expect him to even last in a top league until age 33, let alone 34 like Pippo. And Ricardo Oliveira? He can't settle, so they say. Uh-oh. Inzaghi and Ronaldo as your only forwards? Better start retraining Maldini as a striker, maybe he'll go out with a European Golden Boot and show those divers how its done.
So, having established the fact that Gilardino moving away will be detrimetal to Milan... where might he be going? Juventus are said to be leading that one, back in the Serie A as they are. But don't Juve already have stackloads of quality up front? Well, yes. Palladino, Del Piero... Bojinov looks likely to return to Fiorentina, for reasons we'll come to in a sec, and Trezeguet might hoof it someplace else. Iaquinta has signed on for the Old Lady, though, so it looks like a quality four-man strike force either way, whether David T stays or leaves.
Back to the Viola, however, who ought to be recalling Bojinov.. they sold star frontman Luca Toni to Bayern Munchen, who have been one of the top movers thus far in a bid to revitalize themselves after a disappointing season. Losing Pizarro on a Bosman free, they've managed to sign a far better man up front, deadly poacher as well as strong target-man Toni - the only detriment to this move is Toni's age, 30. Which leaves him three or four years at most. Toni is joined by 25m euro signing from Marseille, France's rising star on the right wing, Franck Ribery. Mouthwatering prospect, this new Bayern lineup, also featuring Germany's number two left back Marcell Jansen, to join - guess who - Germany's number 1 in that position, Philip Lahm. Soliid tactical move though, because Bayern will line up very nicely - Kahn/Rensing in goal, Lahm, Van Buyten, Lucio, Sagnol, Schweinsteiger, Ribery, Van Bommel, Salihamidzic, Podolski, Toni. That'd be my first 11, of course, but look at the covering. Jansen covers Lahm and Schweini, Lahm covers Sagnol, Scweini covers Salihamidzic who covers Ribery who covers Schweini in turn. The flanks look -good- in rotation. Oh, and Santa Cruz covering Poldi and Toni, which should be a solid front attack. To be honest, I'm surprised Bayern have held onto their Transferrable Three, the world cup stars for Germany - Lahm, Schweini and Poldi. I thought the big money clubs would come beggin' for 'em. I have a couple of months to be proved wrong yet, though! My own estimations for potential moves would be - Lahm to Spain, possibly Real, Schweini as a second choice for Liverpool, Podolski to Chelsea, Liverpool, Man U or Barca.
The Gunners... how now, brown cow. They look very quiet, and the only transfer rumour (as always) is Thierriiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeee Henriiiiiiiiiieeeee. Ahem.
If. And that's a huge if. What the hell happens for Arsenal if they lose him? The bright thing is that most transfer possibilities for him seem to be part-exchange deals, so Arsene won't worry too much. Still. He's an incredibly big part of the Arsenal line-up, and will be for the next couple of years, until their unbelievable youth team comes into the fore. I, for one, can't wait to see Vela and Bendtner start up front and bang them in. Possible transfer for Henry right now is a cash Samuel Eto'o deal with Barca.
Speaking of Barca... the only likely mover is Eto'o, who is reportedly unsettled. They're apparently in talks for a left back, however, prime target being Frenchman Eric Abidal. That move is reputed not to be going to well.. might we see some interest in Philip Lahm? Let's wait and see.
And the one we've been waiting for... Liverpool!! In what direction is the Rafalution heading?
Gerrard, Carra and Xabi have all signed new deals to stay at Anfield... phew. That one's out of the way, then. Masch looks set, and set solidly. Finnan and Agger are on their game, Hyypia's staying, so too is Riise. Crouch has been assured of a place, and it looks like Kuyt, their away-kit posterboy, is good for a prolonged spell at Anfield as well. So, who's moving?
Craig Bellamy looks like he's off, for one. Momo Sissoko might be a target for Juventus. Zenden's being allowed to leave, Fowler's off, and Mark Gonzalez is recieving Real Betis interest. Harry Kewell? We don't know yet.
The areas to be looked at, however, are the left flank up the pitch, and the spearhead. Two strikers gone out of four, two left wingers going out of three, possibly all of them. And, perhaps, a lack of quality on the right - Finnan, Arbeloa and Pennant are workmen, not foremen.
In view of these positions, Rafa is said to be looking at a whole heap of strikers, as well as Florent Malouda for the left wing. Dani Alves remains a possibility, though Chelsea will be sure to be after him. Rafa happens to be Spanish, and praise be to Gerrard, the most transfer-eligible, quality players in the world right now happen to ply their trades in La Liga. Dani Alves of Sevilla plus three of Rafa's striking shortlist, for instance - Fernando Torres, David Villa and Samuel Eto'o. There was speculation regarding Amauri, but... Rafa old boy, if you want to sign a big name, sign a -big name-. kthxbye.
Also in the mix is Juve's David Trezeguet, who might get a choice between Barca and the Reds, unless another club comes knocking.. would Chelsea spring for him? After all, they have only Drogba up front, and could very well shop for a star striker if Sheva leaves. Perhaps with Gilardino unsettled, there might be a chance of Rafa thinking about him? We'll have to see, although his temperament may not be good enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Star Buys! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sheva himself is also a reported target for the Reds.. a difficult one to confirm, though. Let me break down the possibilities below, and add a couple of my own suggestions...
Sheva (Chelsea) - ST - 31 - Fast, mobile striker... high priced, two or three more years at best. Worth the while, now that he should have adapted to EPL, but not a bargain in the long run. [6/10]
David Trezeguet (Juve) - ST - 29 - Clinical finisher, powerful aerial threat. Would provide excellent touch inside the box, and would suit the Reds' wing style play, providing a great target for crosses with Peter Crouch. Great buy, unsettled, should be reasonable. [9/10]
David Villa (Valencia) - ST - 26 - Another clinical finisher, but not an aerial threat. Pacy, uses channels, would provide good fodder for Peter Crouch. [8/10]
Fernando Torres (Atletico) - ST - 24 - Young, highly explosive, bags of skill and flair as well as huge temperament. Hunger for goals, great work rate, super team player. Used to pressure and limelight.. all round, the best buy. Rafa, get him, please!! [10/10]*****
Samuel Eto'o (Barca) - ST - 26? - World class striker, but perhaps lacking in determination and required influence. Last choice out of those provided, because he might not be able to cope in Liverpool system. Risky, but a gamble that could pay off. Unsettled, may be affordable. [5/10]
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, a couple of my own additions... Liverpool might need a fourth striker, to provide cover. A youngster would be best off in this role, potentially one who has the determination and quality to smash his way into the starting lineup and hold his place, thereby increasing yield of all four men.
Lukas Podolski (Bayern) - ST - 22 - Needs no introduction, rising star of German football, one of the hottest properties around. Temperament ought to be a good match, bags of skill. Rivals Riise for 'Best left boot' award? [9/10]
Sergio Aguero (Atletico) - ST - 18 - Tender years, but astonishing quality. Highly determined, hard working, exceptionally quick youngster who eats goalkeepers for hsi midday snack. With Torres, would be an ideal, if expensive, double capture. [9/10]
Rafael Sobis (Betis) - ST - 21 - Young Brazilian, excellent technical skills. Small but wiry and blessed with an eye for goal. Good backup striker for any top side. [7/10]
And, if the Malouda signing doesn't come off.. or, actually, in preference thanks to a far better finishing capability --
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern) - LWM/AMC - 22 - Please visit Amazon dot com to purchase DVD of world cup third place playoff game, and watch Schweini play the game of his life. Classy winger, and his shooting prowess will give Gerrard, Riise and Alonso a run for their cybernetic-enhanced feet.
And that's all for now, lest the writer's curse may travel to Rafa's shortlist. Adieu!
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