Daily Archives: January 17, 2013

Bundesliga: Best team of the season so far

  By O-Posts Team | January 17, 2013 - 21:04 | , , , ,
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The Bundesliga season re-starts on Friday 18th January after just over a month off for the Winter Break. The first 17 games have seen all the ups and downs that we’ve come to expect from the German domestic league, with a number of teams and players catching the eye. www.PowerTableSports.com therefore takes a look at the stats and facts behind the players to create a Bundesliga XI team of the season so far.

In truth, after Bayern Munich’s incredible start to the season the Bundesliga XI could consist of all Munich players, but we wanted to spice things up a little bit! What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know who you would choose!

 

Formation

The PowerTable Bundesliga XI shapes up in a 4-2-3-1 formation which has been the most used formation in the Bundesliga this season. Teams like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Wolfsburg have all favoured this set up, which allows them to utilise 2 holding midfielders to break up attacks then counter via 3 attacking midfielders to support a lone striker.

 

Starting XI

 

Goalkeeper

· Adler (Hamburg)

 

Adler joined Hamburg in the summer on a free transfer after spending all of his career at Bayer Leverkusen. He has been very impressive in goal this season, conceding just 21 goals (joint 4th lowest in the league) and keeping 7 clean sheets in the process.

His fine form was awarded with a recent recall to the German National Team in November after a 2 year absence. If it wasn’t for his heroics in goal, Hamburg would find themselves lower down the table.

 

Defenders

· Carvajal (Leverkusen)

 

The Spanish under-21 right back has made a good start to life in the Bundesliga and has become an integral part of the Leverkusen team. He is solid defensively (averaging 3.5 tackles and 3.8 interceptions per game), but also equally talented at getting forward and supporting the attack down the right wing as he has contributed 4 assists to the team.

 

· Westermann (Hamburg)

 

The Hamburg ‘Skipper’ also takes the Captain’s armband in our team. He has been impressive this season and appears near the top of all defensive stats when compared to other Bundesliga players, averaging 3.2 tackles, 3.8 interceptions, 7.8 clearances and 3.4 aerial duels won per game. His versatility means that if required, he could also play at fullback or as a defensive midfielder in our side.

 

· Papadopoulos (Schalke)

 

Greek International Papadopoulos is only 20 years old, but has shown maturity beyond his years since joining Schalke. Despite making just 9 starts this season, he gets the nod in our team due to impressive stats such as winning an average 3 aerial duels and 3.7 tackles per game, as well as making 2.9 interceptions and 6.1 clearances per game.

 

· Oczipka (Eintracht Frankfurt)

 

Left back Oczipka has had a great start to life at his new club in Frankfurt. He has started all 17 League games and helped his club reach an impressive 4th place in the table. In addition to his strong defensive performances, one of the key reasons for his inclusion in this team is the fact that he has provided 7 assists for his teammates – the joint most in the Bundesliga and the most of any defender.

 

Defensive Midfielders

· Badelj (Hamburg)

 

Croatian midfielder Badelj has been impressive in his first season in the Bundesliga. Regarded as a deep-lying playmaker, one of his main qualities is his range of passing (averaging 59 passes and 7 accurate long balls per game). Badelj is able to do a very good job defensively too though, averaging 4.2 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game in the Hamburg midfield.

 

· Bender (Leverkusen)

 

Lars Bender (not his twin brother Sven at Dortmund!) is our other defensive midfielder after a great season so far at 2nd place Leverkusen. He has done an exceptional job at protecting the defence, making an average 4.3 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game.

 

Attacking Midfielders

· Müller (Bayern Munich)

 

Müller brings pace, creativity and the ability to consistently score goals no matter what position he plays to our team. Despite still only being 23 years old, Müller has been a key figure for Bayern and Germany over the past few years.

He has been in exceptional form once again this season, scoring 9 goals (the joint top scorer for Bayern) and providing 7 assists (the joint most in the league).

 

· Meier (Eintracht Frankfurt)

 

One of the standout players this season (and for Frankfurt over the past 8 seasons) has been tall, attacking midfielder Meier. He has scored 11 goals this season, an impressive record for any striker let alone an attacking midfielder, and has also chipped in with 2 assists.

At 29 years old, a first German cap looks unlikely with the young German talent on offer for Joachim Low, however Meier should be regarded as one of the most under-rated players in the Bundesliga.

 

· Ribéry (Bayern Munich)

 

French International Ribéry is arguably the best player in the Bundesliga, showing this with 6 man of the match awards in 12 appearances. His pace, skill and dribbling often cause havoc for the opposing defenders.

This season has been no different, with the tricky winger averaging 3.6 key passes and 5.8 dribbles per game. He has provided 7 assists for his teammates this season and also chipped in with 4 goals.

 

Striker

· Kießling (Leverkusen)

 

A number of strikers have impressed in the Bundesliga this season, but Kießling gets the nod in our team because of his lethal form in front of goal. He leads the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with 12 League goals, 36% of the total goals Leverkusen have scored.

The German International also averages 3.6 shots on goal and 5.6 aerial duels won per game, the most of any player in the Bundesliga. Despite normally playing in a 4-3-3 formation, we are sure that Kießling would still find the back of the net in our team!

 

Substitutes

With the wealth of talent on show in the Bundesliga, it is no surprise that our Subs Bench is full of quality players, many of which could easily walk into any team in Europe. Unfortunately though, only 11 players can start the game so these stars will need to get used to beginning the game on the bench.

Neuer has conceded just 7 goals this season for Bayern, however he is tested less often by the opposition than Adler, so Neuer is our 2nd choice goalkeeper. Our substitute defenders are Dortmund duo Piszczek and Hummels who are having good seasons despite their teams inconsistency.

Our midfielders form a very talented bench, with Diego and Götze providing flair, creativity and goals, whilst Caligiuri (Daniel, not Marco) would support a move to a change in formation (these 3 got picked just ahead of Hannover’s Huszti and Dortmund’s Reus!). The 10 goals Ibisevic has scored in 15 games for Stuttgart secures his place as a very capable backup for Kießling.

 

What do you think to our Bundesliga XI? Let us know if you agree, and if not, what players you would choose instead!

Follow us on Twitter @PowerTableSport and check out www.PowerTableSports.com for all your football stats, facts, predictions, betting tips and latest news for Europe’s Top Leagues.

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Jose Mourinho: Why the Special One is the Greatest Manager in the World

  By O-Posts Team | January 17, 2013 - 16:58 | , , , , ,
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No other manager would have wrestled the title away from the Nou Camp with such excellence. No other manager would have risen from a 5-0 defeat in the hands of your greatest adversaries to win the Copa Del Rey against the same rival team.

Jose Mourinho is a man of many parts, but one that cannot be given – if not – earned, are DISCIPLINE and an INSATIABLE HUNGER FOR UNPARALLELED SUCCESS. The ‘only one’ as he is affectionately/annoyingly called now is blessed with the aforementioned.

From Portugal to England to Italy to Spain, Jose Mourinho has won just about everything. He accepts any challenge whatsoever and takes pleasure and pride in shattering any record that has for long seemed unattainable/unblemished. It is not as if he does it effortlessly, but he achieves honours gracefully and ruthlessly.

My assertion that he is the best coach in the universe might be dismissed by many, but a few would agree with me nonetheless. The Portuguese tactician is no respecter of anyone no matter what status you hold or position you occupy. All he is driven by is the will and ability to succeed at all times. That makes a great manager.

Who would have the temerity to push out a club’s greatest ever player (possibly) and highest ever goalscorer (RAUL BLANCO) on arrival? Who would engage in a power tussle with a club legend and former manager (Jorge Valdano) and come out victorious? What manner of man would manage a club strictly on his own terms in this present day and age?

The answer to all these question is the man we are currently discussing about, JOSE MOURINHO. The treble winning former Inter Milan boss embodies absolute success and willpower. His decisions are without sentiments and he bares his mind whenever he can and most times, he is on point.

A couple of weeks ago, Mourinho sprang an early Christmas surprise by starting Real Madrid’s NO 2 Goalkeeper, Antonio Adan in place of SPAIN AND REAL MADRID CAPTAIN, NUMBER ONE GOALIE and Legend, Iker Casillas in the match against Malaga at the Rosaleda which the ‘whites’ lost. It sparked a furore all over the world as it was the first time in well over 10 years that Iker the SAINT had failed to be in the Blancos starting line-up.

However, Jose was unfazed by the high level of criticism(s) levelled at him. He had made his decision and whatever the public felt meant absolutely nothing to him. After all, they weren’t in the know concerning events at the Valdebebas (Madrid’s training facility). What happened after that was expected as former players, pundits, teammates of Iker, etc aired their views regarding the situation.

The general consensus was that there was a great deal of friction between Mourinho and his players, especially Iker and Sergio Ramos who he had earlier benched this season in a crucial CL tie v Manchester City (Raphael Varane took his place in the starting 11). Some were also of the opinion that Jose was infuriated by Iker’s constant backing of fellow Spaniards (Barcelona players) instead of the Merengues for whom he owes his exceptional career to date.

In that light, Iker feels as skipper of the National Team, his duty is to promote unity and togetherness and I agree with him. But the decision to start Adan rather than THE GREAT Iker had very little to do with the animosity that exists between Coach and Captain. It is Casillas’ form that has dwindled in recent weeks and the Portuguese manager felt he needed a break. No one is a believer of that school of thought.

Only a handful of managers would have had the boldness to take such an important step and Mourinho is the esteemed Leader of the lot. Not afraid to strike when it matters, the tactically astute managerial genius has proved countless number of times why he remains one of the greatest managers to grace the world of football with his spot-on decisions and marvelous decisiveness.

He may be a massive 18 points behind Barcelona, but his impact at the Bernabeu is something that might never be replicated. That discipline and exemplary show of mental strength he consistently shows are unique attributes of GREAT MANAGERS and his greatness is assured.

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

Follow him on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

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Kompany Red Card Recision: FA finally give a sensible ruling

  By O-Posts Team | January 17, 2013 - 15:11 | , , ,
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I was delighted to see Vincent Kompany’s red card rescinded this week. Not in any sort of ‘the game’s gone to pot’, reactionary, Alan Hansen sort of way. In fact, I found the whole debate surrounding the incident pretty tiresome.

A single slide tackle suddenly pits namby-pamby modern football against the good old days when violence was apparently sociable. No, I was happy because it demonstrated a clear intent from the FA, at long last, to treat officials like men and not machines.

The verdict says to Mike Dean ‘sorry mate you got that one wrong, no big deal’ which I find refreshing. The FA establishes an acceptable grey area in between the black and white realm of rejecting appeals and demoting officials.

Standing by their man has always drawn negative press for the FA, whilst the decision to remove an official from duty after a high-profile blunder only heightens already excessive pressure.

Now it seems the anonymous lawmakers of English football have begun to acknowledge genuine human error.

Kompany’s challenge, though on balance a superb one, was open to interpretation. My instant response, which has been subsequently smothered in the blurring swirl of endless replays, was that it was a bad foul, one that stretched the limits of a yellow card, about 75% of a red but not severe enough for a dismissal.

It also seemed, in the event of a 75% of a red card challenge occurring, Dean could not help but round that percentage up due to the power of inevitable subconscious bias.

The undeniable whisper of guilt which followed (correctly) sending Laurent Koscielny off, as is the case with all early dismissals, clearly weighed on Dean’s mind, rendering any decision that led to a level playing field a desirable outcome. To reference a good tweet I saw, Kompany’s late red “unruined the game” following Koscielny’s early on.

 

Expecting the impossible

Understandable as Dean’s mistake was, he has been blamed in the aftermath for ‘leading football down the wrong track’ with his seemingly pedantic anti-tackle stance. Following Alan ‘Bond villain’ Hansen’s lead, I think everyone’s taking it far too seriously. Call it for what is was, an easy mistake made under the pressure of an 80-minute howl from home fans.

I bet the majority of people who saw that challenge initially called a foul. As much as we may hope for it, referees will never be able to surmount unanimous, intimidating vehemence in the crowd any better than the rest of us could, they will never be the PE kit wearing, Hawkeye incarnate ubermen the game demands. So let’s stop expecting the impossible.

I was always told two wrongs do not make a right, and bar the odd admittedly distorted example, that has generally held true over time. That phrase however is essentially the opposite of a referee’s mentality. The likelihood of winning a penalty goes up drastically if you concede one.

Whenever a corner is very dubiously awarded, an imaginary foul is duly spotted and a free-kick given. That’s just a referee’s logic, a specific strand of human nature. Whilst those mistakes cannot be eradicated during the game, upholding them after the fact ignores the clear psychological impositions of the job.

Some say that Kompany’s successful appeal – the fourth in a month after Carlton Cole, Darron Gibson and Steven N’Zonzi – undermined the referee. For me, that explanation is all too mired in football’s wretched blame culture. I prefer to look at the recent spate of rescinding as the rehumanisation of men we have forged into robots through a relentless insistence on standardisation.

Determining that Dean simply called the Kompany decision wrong accepts that referees, like footballers, and all other people for that matter, get things wrong, and it’s no big deal when they do.

Acknowledging the fallibility of officials will hopefully begin to lessen the immense burden on them. This is just about the most sensible FA ruling I can remember.

 

Written by Chris Smith

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National Women’s Soccer League: Is third time a charm?

  By O-Posts Team | January 17, 2013 - 14:22 | , ,
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As we have all heard by now (well, most of us), Women’s Professional Soccer will be making a comeback in America for a 2013 season. Chicago, Boston, Kansas, Portland, Seattle, Washington, New Jersey and New York will host the 8 teams which will compete and battle to obtain the first ever NWSL title.

Not only will the League contain the stars of the US, but also the big named national leaders from both Canada and Mexico. The Canadian Soccer Association and the FMF, along with the United States Soccer Federation, have come together to sponsor and promote their national team squads in a rejuvenated competitive league of their own.

Many eyes would have rolled once they heard that there would be yet another stint at a Professional Women’s Soccer League in the USA. The US may have the number one women’s national team in the world, but their records with success at maintaining their own Women’s League has been somewhat woeful.

After the suspensions of both WUSA (Women’s United Soccer Association) and the WPS (Women’s Professional League), people are left feeling a little bit anxious about how well the NWSL can hold up. Mutually, WUSA and WPS had some of the best female soccer athletes playing from all over the globe in the league, mixed in with some of America’s finest and upcoming soccer players – and yet they both still crashed due to crowd numbers, financial struggles, geographical limitations and people like Dan Borislow.

So what makes the NWSL any different? And how can Americans new league keep its head above water?

Unlike its male counterparts in the MLS, the Women’s League has always struggled with financial issues. Sunil Gulati, president of US Soccer, has announced that all 8 teams will move into the league with smaller budgets and smaller venues. So unlike the WUSA and WPS, the NWSL will enter 2013 with stability as operating expenses will not be as high.

Also, as there will be up to 24 US national teamers, 16 Canadian regulars and a minimum of 12 Mexican players eligible to kick start the league. This will minimise the signings of marquee players from overseas, hopefully keeping most clubs within budget. To make things easier for the team’s budget, players’ individual federations and associations will have a part in paying their players’ salaries. This ensures they are in the best environment to grow and prepare for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Gulati is expecting some players to join semi-pro while they either attend grad school or work part time, saving even more money on salaries.

Michael Stoller, managing director for Boston Breakers, has confessed that these small tugs will not affect the quality of football which will make this league one of the top competitions in the world.

“The one thing that has absolutely not changed is the teams’ commitment to professional training and a professional environment for the players,” Stoller said.

“This is a true professional league and standard of play.”

Similarly, due to these national team players such as Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Christine Sinclair and Veronica Perez being superstars on their own, it creates the perfect marketing tool for the league and their respective teams and countries heading into preparations for the 2015 tournament.

“The model is quite different, both in terms of the sorts of players you might go out and get internationally, in terms of marketing and promotional efforts and maybe in terms of some of the stadiums,” US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said on a conference call to announce the new league.

“What we need is a sustainable model: less hype, better performance. The hype will come if we have the performance.”

Morgan and Wambach.... superstars at their own right.

Morgan and Wambach…. superstars at their own right.

“The better performance” is guaranteed to be produced by the quality of players being presented and allocated in the league. Players from the USA, Canada and Mexico have already been assigned into the 8 teams available and below you will find where these 52 exceptionally talented players have been placed.

 

Team Allocations

 

Boston Breakers:

· Sydney Leroux (USA)
· Heather Mitts (USA)
· Heather O’Reilly (USA)
· Adriana Leon (CAN)
· Rhian Wilkinson (CAN)
· Anisa Guajardo (MEX)
· Cecilia Santiago (MEX)

 

Chicago Red Stars:

· Shannon Box (USA)
· Amy LePeilbet (USA)
· Keelin Winters (USA)
· Erin McLeod (CAN)
· Carmelina Moscato (CAN)
· Maribel Dominguez (MEX)
· Dinor Garza (MEX)

 

FC Kansas City:

· Nicole Barnhart (USA)
· Lauren Cheney (USA)
· Becky Sauberbrunn (USA)
· Desiree Scott (CAN)
· Lauren Sesselmann (CAN)
· Renae Cuellar (MEX)
· Marylin Diaz (MEX)

 

Portland Thorns FC:

· Tobin Heath (USA)
· Alex Morgan (USA)
· Rachel Buehler (USA)
· Christine Sinclair (CAN)
· Karina LeBlanc (CAN)
· Luz Saucedo (MEX)
· Marlene Sandoval (MEX

 

Seattle Reign FC:

· Megan Rapinoe (USA)
· Amy Rodriguez (USA)
· Hope Solo (USA)
· Kaylyn Kyle (CAN)
· Emily Zurrer (CAN)
· Jenny Ruiz (MEX)
· Teresa Noyola (MEX)

 

Sky Blue FC:

· Jill Loyden (USA)
· Kelley O’Hara (USA)
· Christie Rampone (USA)
· Sophie Schmidt (CAN)
· Melanie Booth (CAN)
· Monica Ocampo (MEX)
· Lydia Rangel (MEX)

 

Washington Spirit:

· Ashlyn Harris (USA)
· Ali Krieger (USA)
· Lori Lindsey (USA)
· Robin Gayle (CAN)
· Diana Matheson (CAN)
· Alina Garciamendez (MEX)
· Teresa Worbis (MEX)

 

Western New York Flash:

· Carli Lloyd (USA)
· Abby Wambach (USA)
· Bryanna McCarthy (CAN)
· Jodi – Ann Robinson (CAN)
· Veronica Perez (MEX)
· Pamela Taionar (MEX)

The NWSL face a number of challenges up ahead e.g building a new league and a new reputation in a matter of months; and none of these obstacles are new either to the numerous board members, sponsors, players and audience but they are all eager and prepared to make what could be the third and final attempt of a Professional Women’s League work.

 

Written by Siobhan Pedroza

Follow her on Twitter @briefcase_wanka

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