Left-Back Crack-Up

If one thing that pre-season friendlies have reaffirmed  for newly resurgent Liverpool is that they are still frail in the the back. King Kenny has hinted at this himself, but so far has done nothing to change it.  In building the Dalglish  dynasty, the Merseyside club have procured many  new faces to plug the gaps that need filling. With an overloaded midfield,  some width, and a attacking force to reckoned with, one hole remains unfilled. The vacant spot of left- back has been a perilous void, ever since the departure of John Arne Riise. With out any talent brought in to address this issue directly, the left- back spot has been a bi-polar position for the reds in recent times, full of nutters, un-tested youth and player's playing out of position. From the Benitez era to date, we have seen a whole host of different faces try to scale the void and make the spot their own, but to no avail as of now. To look at Liverpool's books , you would find that they have a few players that can, and have occupied that position. Much speculation has been a drift with Liverpool reportedly chasing Newcastle's Jose Enrique, but just of a few day's ago Newcastle have stated no formal bid has been submitted. Can Liverpool work with the player's they have or does a marquee, international-quality left-back need to enter the fray. Let us take a look at Liverpool's options and assess:

Fabio Aurelio's return to prominence?

Take Brazilian Fabio Aurelio, once regarded  as one of the best left-backs in Spain playing for Benitez's Valencia, now finds himself very much a fringe player at Anfield. Troubled by Injury Aurelio didn't feature much the last couple seasons, but when fit showed flashes of brilliance. All you have to do is look at his prowess from a set piece, best represented  in Liverpool's Champions league semi final vs. Chelsea, catching Petr Cech out at his near post. When Roy Hodgson took over the helm, Aurelio look set to leave Liverpool but resigned, yet still played infrequently.  Besides his neat work with a dead ball, Aurelio runs rather hot and cold for me, not consistent enough for week in week out selection, spotty in defense and attack, as he often likes to bomb up the wings. He has been used as a left wing-back when Dalgleish uses 3 at the back with 2 wing-backs, allowing him to impose himself offensively. Is he  Liverpool's answer to their left back predicament?..no way jose…but a good back up to have.

Emiliano Insua is another left back currently on Liverpool's roster, yet isn't seen playing in red all that often. The former Boca Junior's man in neither an unproven youngster, or a regular first teamer, having made 44 appearances for Liverpool since his signing in 2007. Last season he was loaned out to Galatasaray, but since has joined Liverpool in their pre-season tour, looking impressive and even notching a goal in their 6-3 win over a Malaysian side. Dalgleish could have bigger plans for the somewhat forgotten Argentine this season, other than loaning him out. He is a promising talent no doubt  but I often get the sense that he doesn't really want to be playing his football at Anfield, and might possibly be eyeing a move this summer. In the 2009-10 season when Liverpool came close to claiming the title, Insua enjoyed a good run of games due to then left back Andrea Dossena's poor form, and Aurelio's injury woes. To insure he gets a central role this season he has to improve in some facets of his game. He is slight in the tackle, and slight in stature standing a mere 5'10, contributing  to his ineptness in the air. He is slow to react and has slow acceleration from a standing position, though looked quick when he could run into attacking positions. Under the guidance of King Kenny maybe Insua can turn into the player he looks he can, and some of his faults should be cured with regular playing time. Another loan I feel would be detrimental to his development and possibly turn him off Liverpool all together. Is he the answer?…possibly, but could give a few Liverpool fans near heart attacks with his decision making.

Glen Johnson needs no introduction as he is a strait up starter in the Liverpool set-up. Primarily a right back, was used on the left last season to supplement the lack of options at their disposal. His performances where passable in this foreign position, to which he didn't look so happy in, a part of the  English players mentality  when asked to play out of position… but I digress. What made this acceptable was that there was back up on the right- Glen's normal position- in the frame of Martin Kelly. Young, but a tremendous prospect! Liverpool's most exciting talent  to emerge from their youth system in a while plays pretty exclusively right back and has a knack for getting forward. Kelly's rise to significance and a stretched back line justified  moving  Johnson onto the left. Kelly is one for the future, and I could see a situation occurring where Johnson plays as the right wing-back in a 3-5-2, for he is almost better going forward than back, and Kelly playing as the left sided center-back. What I can deduce from last season is that Johnson playing on the left is not the answer, so a new signing seems necessary.  

Answer to Liverpool's left-back woes?

In summary Kenny will have to either trust in youth, or splash the cash and bring a top quality defender to AnfieldCarragher, and Johnson's lack of defensive clout, it is a back line that needs added steel. At one time rumored to be in for Udinese's Christian Zapata, but proceedings have since cooled and now looks like only a dying ember of hope, that the Colombian will sign with the Merseyside outfit.  Liverpool are most heavily linked with Newcastle's want away Argentinian, Jose Enrique, and if signed would do a job for the team, as a consistent performer for many years up in Tyne side. Enrique is the best and the easiest option at the moment, as I would really like to see Liverpool chasing somebody of Phillip Lahm's stature, but where the club stands at the moment renders that just unrealistic. Liverpool cannot afford to endure another season of conceding unnecessary goals due to a weak back line, it needs reinforcements, In the center and on the left. Buying a quality left -back should be Dalglish's next move in the transfer market. The old expression always rings true that successful teams build from the back, an expression that in viewing his signings this summer, is not in the Scot's vocabulary.  

This post will also be available at http://www.worldfootballdaily.com in their "Kick About" section.

Is Javier Pastore worth 50 million Euros?

With Chelsea's continual  frustration in securing Luka Modric from Tottenham, they have turned their efforts to Argentinean midfielder and Palermo maestro, Javier Pastore. A plight that looks not to be in vein, as Pastore looks to move to a bigger club, with west London looking the destination. With the recent injury to Michael Essien, rendering him out of commission till mid-season, the Blues are looking to add some steel to their midfield. In Pastore's case it's silk. Chelsea's new boss AVB (AndreVillas- Boas) insisting he wants to work with the players already at his disposal, though some new blood in their aging midfield might help in their challenge for the title. 50 Million Euros is a heavy sum for a player that is only 22, and a player that just in the Copa America struggled to get into Argentina's first team. To answer this question you just have to look at Liverpool's signing of Andy Carroll.


Carroll was bought primarily on potential, and was over-payed for immensely, for being a British home-grown player. Carroll went for 35 million pounds making him one of the most expensive English player's of all time. Given that he is somewhat unproven, and the price payed, Chelsea's bid for Pastore seems quite a sensible one. If Chelsea secure  his John Hancock, they will be receiving a young, yet vastly more proven player than Carroll. On the other hand I often feel that Pastore is better suited to the Italian game, with a slower build up and being generally less bullish that the EPL. This also applies to the Spanish game, as Real Madrid had been linked with the player this summer, but then again who hasn't? According to Palermo's vice president Guglielmo Micciche, their are only three teams that are contending for his signature, Chelsea being the front-runners.

With Chelsea's renewed midfield pursuit, they terminate the charade they have been put through trying to sign Luka Modric. Pastore is the better option of the two, who are similar in many ways, not in stature, but play. Both silky midfielders who can really ping a pass, who like to come deep and gather the ball from the back and distribute. Both make darting runs into the box, playing others in or scoring themselves. Modric's goal return last year was not close to Pastore's, yet he makes Tottenham's engine run. Harry Redknapp has stayed firm on not selling Modric, but maybe that's to Chelsea's benefit?

Balotelli Hotdog's, gets benched.

Mario Balotelli's attempt at a audacious back-heel represents what's wrong with these friendlies.

In The World Football Challenge match of Manchester City vs. LA Galaxy, misunderstood Italian International Mario Balotelli attempts a circus-like kick, in which he fails miserably, ending in him being subbed and scolded for his actions. Akin to the reaction's of his team mates I am astounded at his decision making??? Ever since he has emerged as an Internationally known player, Balotelli has evoked many emotions among fans, players and managers, most of all shock. Their is NO denying, he has incredible natural talent especially for his age, but the same couldn't be said about his behavior. No one seems to understand him. Is it a troubled life, I couldn't say? But what he has exposed today is that these friendlies aren't helping anyone. 


European teams flock to the US summer training, the pay-out and for global brand expansion.  For the MLS: teams get to lock horns with the best in the world, hopefully gaining invaluable experience, not to mention selling large amounts of tickets in the process. Good deal? in theory...but what Balotelli has exposed, in combination with Man United's 7 goals against the Sounders, serves the question: Are these friendlies helping or hindering the game in this this country.


Attracting these world powerhouses puts American butts in seats, but when fans see their team get annihilated  7-0, what is that doing to progress the game. Results like this makes me wonder (if I was a new fan), why should I waste my time watching a mediocre league, supporting a mediocre team, in that mediocre league, when the talent elsewhere operates on a totally different level. The talent gap is made apparent, and today it turned disrespectful with Balotelli besmirching the competition, then shrugging his shoulders. Do the math.

2011-12 Arsenal Home Jersey+Launch Video

I like how Alex Song says " I think Arsenal are the best club in the world."hmmmm...maybe you'll get a bonus out of that one. Maybe using elements from crest's of the past will help them re-kindle that winning mentality they had once??? Looks nice tho.

Why An Italian Team Won't Win The Champions League In A Decade.

Inter Milan's Champion's League Win 2010.

          It hasn't been that long since a team from the Italian Serie A won the Champion's League. Inter Milan won it in 2010 after defeating the mighty Barcelona in the semi's and  Bayern Munich in the final.  Inter had a fantastic team that year, and an even more fantastic coach Jose Mourinho. This was a great year for Italian soccer in that aspect, but I don't see this happening again for a while.  This isn't due to the fact that there's not a stand- out team in Italy capable of dominating other teams in Europe, but in truth their isn't. This decline is due more to the internal workings of their domestic game. For one: the domestic game is rank with corruption and scandal. John Tague from the Independent explained it best by saying," This is a nation where the largest selling daily newspaper is dedicated almost entirely to football; where its former ruling party is named after a football chant; and where its former Prime Minister owns one of the league's most famous clubs." In my life time my knowledge of this corruption dates back  to the forced-relegation of Juventus in 2006, but I have read that it dates back to the 1920's. This scandal involving Juve was know as Calciopoli. This word is a spin off on the saying "Tangentopoli" or "Bribesville," often used to describe Italy's corrupt government. The "Calcio " in Calciopoli means football in Italian, pertaining it to recorded telephone conversations linking managers from Juventus and other Italian clubs to referee organizations, suggesting the clubs where  rigging matches. The  punishments in result of this varied between the teams implicated, but Juventus, the league winners, ended up the worst with the stripping of their title. 

You may wonder why this would impact a one-off game when any team, Italian or not could win on the day. True, off the field matters may not effect players in a game but, can have serious effects on how a club is run and is set up. This could be do to a lack of tactical nonce, philosophy of play or cases when official's of a club,  who know nothing of playing football, only running a club force managers into making decisions that see them profit in someway. Anyone of these reasons can explain why Italian teams have been performing poorly in the Europe. Don't get me wrong there're strong Italian teams, capable of beating any world powerhouse, but the chances of this happening are slimming. This is because Italy lost their  fourth Champions League spot, due to German teams performing better in the latter stages of the Champion's League competition.  This goes into effect for the 2012-13 season insuring only the top 3 teams in Italy will qualify for the competition.

Beyond the scandal and shrinking European prowess what's killing Italian football the most is the stadiums. They're simply not good enough. They are outdated, in need of renovation since the last time they hosted a major tournament, the World Cup in 1990. Many have running tracks around the pitch, putting fans farther away from the action than stadiums without. Attendance's are among the worst in Europe, clearly seen on t.v. with numerous empty seats, creating a flat atmosphere. Imagine introducing someone to Serie A, who is new to the game, sitting them down and having them see a vacated stadium. They want to see passion and atmosphere, that's what gets fans into the game and increases growth and interest, but if fans in Italy don't show up to games why should you make the effort? Building of new/ renovating and expanding old ones would increase attendances and atmosphere.

Italy flounders at the World Cup South Africa 2010.

In such a corrupt country,where everyone is just looking for the payoff, it makes me wonder how they can focus on growing the game internally. The answer can be seen at youth levels and the National team. It hasn't been so long since Italy won a World Cup which was in 2006, same year as the Calciopoli scandal. This was a high for Italian soccer but since then the team has struggled to bring up young talent, relying too heavily on the old guard of Pirlo, Del Piero, Cannavaro and Iaquinta. All fantastic players, but their time has come and past.  These players have been in the International set-up for years and have done well, but new talent is needed. This was most apparent last summer at the World Cup in South Africa where they absolutely capitulated not even progressing form their group. Recently coach Cesare Prandelli  has brought new faces into the mix like  Domenico Criscito, Claudio Marchisio, Giampaolo Pazzini and American born forward Giuseppe Rossi. Players who will be  integral in the success of the  Italian National Team for years to come, but I still ask for more. The fact is the youth in Italy don't get a shot at the senior squad. According to report on theoffside.com, their are only 18 players playing in Serie A that are getting regular first team action, after going through all the youth levels with that team. That's astounding! The best example of how the system seems to function in Italy can be seen in the case of Sebastian Giovinco. Giovinco known as the "Atomic Ant, for his short stature (5'4) and his sublime dribbling skills,is considered by myself and other pundits to be the future of Italian football. As an attacking midfielder he has been billed as a replacement for Andrea Pirlo, occupying the same play-making role, pinging passes and controlling the tempo. Not given a shot a Juve he was loaned out to Empoli and then Parma, who he signed for permanently just last year. It is not abnormal for a young player, Giovinco now 24, to be loaned out to another club to gain first team experience, but when  Alberto Aquilani was called back to Liverpool it left Juve with one less attacking midfielder. In response they go out and sign another player, instead of having kept a promising, youthful player that they could slot right into the first team. The player they signed is oddly enough Andrea Pirlo. The youth doesn't get a chance to play the game at the highest level, therefore their development suffers.

If you combined all these reasons you have why I don't think we will have a Italian Club Champion for 10 or so years.1.) Game embroiled in scandal  2.) Have one less Champions League spot, so one less team competing in the competition. 3.) Being seemingly opposed  to giving youth a chance, poor transfer policies, outdated style of play and set up, suffering national team 4.)Partly-filled stadiums possibly due to an uninterested public, making for poor, growth debilitating spectacles. 5.) Mediocre teams preforming poorly in Europe. Growing the footballing philosophy takes a while, and Italy's is crying out for renovations. What the future will hold,,, I don't know, but I will bet you on my nana's life that an italian team will not be lifting the trophy with the big ears any time soon.

What you looking at... Whitbread?

Only if Norwich City was Sandwich City because they would have a defender with a fitting name supporting the meat of their team. This man is American defender Zak Whitbread, playing for newly promoted EPL side Norwich City. I must claim I am ignorant in my knowledge of him and his skill set, but the fact he plays abroad rings a bell and makes me wonder...is he National Team potential? He is a former Liverpool youth and US under 20 defender who has been trudging around the lower leagues of England for a while playing at Millwall and Norwich. On 16 March 2011, he was called to the USMNT camp prior to there friendly with Argentina but he was sustaining a niggeling an injury, preventing him from making the squad. So keep your eye on him for next year, which won't be to hard considering he will be gracing the Premier League. Everyone likes a little Whitbread...especially with some tunafish.

Here's a promotional video of Norwich City showcasing their new kit, and their Italian stile(style).

Sneijder for Scholes....Manchester United agree to 35.2 million pounds for Wesley Sneijder.

It looks like it wont take Sir Alex Ferguson very long to find a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes, as the transfer fee for Inter's Wesley Sneijder was agreed today. The Ajax academy graduate has spent time  playing for Ajax first team, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and now possibly for Manchester United....not a bad resume is it? There is no denying he is one of the best midfielders in the game and with a soft spot in Man U's center of midfield, he will slot in nicely. One thing I will be interested in seeing is how he works with Wayne Rooney. Man U's number 10 likes to drop deep from his forward position, to collect the ball and spray passes around. The one he played last night at Gillette Stadium to Fabio was sublime! Rooney often plays behind Chicharito in a 4-4-1-1, a position that Sneijder operates in well also. Sneijder is very much a similar player to Rooney, less so in an attacking sense where Rooney is considered a forward, but none the less possesses similar attributes, with dynamic passing abilities and skills from a dead ball situation. Sneijder and Rooney also posses the same mental toughness and work ethic. Sneijder has been the driving force for Inter Milan and his International team Holland for years, and if the transfer goes through he will undoubtedly show that same drive and work ethic at Old Trafford next year. With the introduction of the Dutch maestro and influence in midfield for United will bring the best out of the players around him, providing more excellent service and a attacking engine. With Sir Alex stating that he wants to back competing for the Champions League, the acquisition of Sneijder looks to increase those chances 10-fold. 

Ammunition for the head of Carroll: Liverpool agrees ₤20 million for Downing

            Liverpool have agreed to accept the ₤20 million price tag for Stewart Downing reports say. The Aston Villa winger is heading to Melwood, Liverpool's training facility to discuss personal terms and receive a medical. If everything is kosher, the signing of Downing will be Liverpool's third big money signing this summer after securing Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam. All I can say is Andy Carroll will have some fantastic service to his pony-tailed head next season. Look Out!

Nah Nah Nasri

          Samir Nasri seems set to join Manchester City for ₤ 19 million and all I can say is Nasri DON'T DO IT!  Nasri joins the list of Arsenal players that have become disillusioned with the going-ons at Arsenal. He has stated that he wants to win trophies, which at the north london club, seems far from happening any time soon. Nasri has linked with a move to both Manchester clubs, United looking for a replacement for Paul Scholes due to his recent retirement. This deal with United looks to be all but over, with United chasing Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan, City has taken up the reigns in securing the silky french midfielder. As a huge fan of Nasri I think that going to City would be a poor decision in the advancement of his career.  City beat Arsenal last season in securing 3rd place, forcing arsenal to go through a Champions League play-off. Nasri views Arsenal to be on a downward slide, with some of their talent leaving and their captain Fabregas being constantly linked with a move to Barcelona. A move to City would give him Champions league football, money, and a chance to play on a title contending team. City, with the talent they have will no doubt be strong contenders for the title, and Nasri has stated " he want's to win trophies." But with the midfield City has I ask,  will Nasri start? I think he works best playing in the center of midfield, distributing  passes and making sly runs into the box. Coach Mancini likes  to play a  4-2-31 formation with, Yaya Toure  looking really good playing in the middle of that 3; the position Nasri should occupy. If Mancini pushes Toure  back into that holding 2, Nasri would be in his natural habitat and could do well. He was used out on the wing sometimes for Arsenal, but City in that formation are way to narrow,  with Nasri wanting to come inside every chance he gets, they would be as straight as Sean Connery. If City unloads some chaff: James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Patrick Viera, Nasri could one of the first on the team sheet.  If Nasri could get his first choice position week-in week-out  at City It might be worth a shot, but the smartest decision would be to stay at Arsenal.

With the back- in- forth transfer saga of Fabregas to Barca, will end without a doubt in the Spanish international returning home. You cannot keep a player that doesn't want to play for your team. With Fabregas destined to  go, Nasri would be the focal point for Arsenal. Someone to build the team around. Arsenal may not be building to the extent that most Gunner's fans want, but with the signing of Gervinho, and the money they could get for Fabregas, they are certainly making some strides forward. Nasri is a fantastic footballer,he's young, pacey and is constantly compared to Zidane, which is whatever… but he can really lead a team with his play. With Nasri in the center, Wilshere behind him, Walcott on the right, Gervinho on the left, RVP and Chamakh up-top makes for a line-up thats hard to scoff at.  Nasri without a doubt would be captain by January if he stays at Arsenal, where at City he's another cog in the wheel, where at Arsenal, he is the Wheel.

Bit of Italian business: Gohkan Inler signs for Napoli

Napoli have added some steel to their midfield after last season securing a spot in  the Champions League. Gohkan Inler, the turkish born swiss international shone at Udinese last year  helping them secure fourth spot in Serie A.  As a bright star in their midfield transfer speculation was rife amongst Italy, but it was Napoli that secured his signature after a month long tug-of-war with Udinese.  This signing is a promising sign for Napoli fans after the vultures where looming to pick off their top talent after their success year last year.   Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Edison Cavani who arguably was the best player in Italy last year, where all linked with moves away from Naples. Mouths where watering...and let them salivate. After Napoli's great season last year it was inevitable that bigger clubs, with more money and more prestige would come in with deals for these marquee players. Lavezzi was and is being pursued by Manchester City, Cavani has said he is open to a move Real Madrid, and Hamsik has said that a move to AC Milan would take his game to the next level.

 Gokhan Inler will be a good signing for Napoli, and hopefully the trident of terror, (Cavani, Lavezzi, Hamsik) will stick around and try their hand in the Champions League next year, playing for the team that got them there.

Man City's stadium now Etihad stadium

Manchester City's stadium has been renamed Etihad stadium from " the City of Manchester Stadium" due to their ten-year partnership with Etihad Airways.

Malaga's Shopping Spree

I would argue that people are attracted to success. Whether this is a physical attraction or an admiration, for an individual, or an organization. If you are new to the game of soccer, and lets say you are looking to support a club. Naturally you will be drawn to where the game is played at the highest level, for it gets the most attention, and therefore it will be easier to follow it. If you grow up in Hull, you are most likely going to support Hull City, that's your hometown team, you most likely have an allegiance to that team, but for someone from America wants to support a team from Europe, with no ties to any team, they will go for the club that is best value for their time. For example If you where to wander into the game just this last year I would almost with 100% assurity say you would become a Barcelona supporter….Why? Because of the fore-mentioned reasons. They won the Champions League, won there domestic league, and has some of the best footballers in the world playing for them, most who play for the Spanish National Team, who are the reigning World Champions. You may call it hopping on the old band-wagon, but this is what people do. The best working example of  this would be Manchester City. Ever since their sugar-daddy oil sheik started pumping (pun intended) money into the squad they have been able to fund ridiculous transfer fees and wage bills, attracting top talent from around the world. After a few building years they seem to have somewhat of a cohesive unit that last season started to show what they are capable of. Next season they will be sure-fire contenders for the title. With all this excitement going on up at Eastlands, new soccer fans with no ties to Manchester are slapping down the cash to get those baby blue Silva kits, so they can parade around the pub and claim they liked City, before they where good. That is Band- wagoning. For the loyal City supporters…all I can say is, Lucky Sons of Bitches.

A similar situation is happening at Spanish club Malaga, recently bought by Qatari investor Abdullah ben Nasser Al Thani. The Andalucia  club that finished 11th last year has been busy this summer in signing experience and talent, signing  Ruud van Nistelrooy on a free transfer. A player high in miles but who score 95 goals in 150 appearances at Manchester United. Ruud will be joined at Malaga by his once international colleague and Hamburg teammate, Joris Mathijsen. Malaga have also signed Jaoquin from Valencia, an intelligent winger, who I always thought was overlooked in terms of the Spanish National team. Martin Demichelis, will join the side from Bayern Munich  as will Lyon defender Jeremy Toulalan. Out of Malagas new signings the grey haired defender (age 27) is the best pick-up, he's a level headed, intelligent tidy player, who can marshall a midfield or hold down a back-line. Left back Nacho Monreal signed for the club at a fee of € 6 million, as did Roma's Julio Baptista for €2 million, after falling down the pecking order at his last club. If you are new to the game and looking to support a team in Spain besides Barca or Real, Malaga would be a good option. It may take a few years for the squad to settle, but hold firm until Robinho shows up at the club, at which point you drop them like a bag of stones, for dark times surly lie ahead.