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Claudio Yacob: The Baggies’ Bargain Buy

  By O-Posts Team | May 13, 2013 - 20:00 | , , , , , , , , ,
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Asked to think of an English football club signing an Argentine and names like Sergio Aguero & Carlos Tevez will, in all likelihood, come to you fairly quickly. Ask a West Bromwich Albion supporter that same question and chances are, he’ll instantly respond with 2 words, 1 name - “Claudio Yacob”.

A central midfielder in the classic Argentine “Number 5″ mould, Claudio Yacob has caught the eye in English Football and has been 1 of the bargain signings of this current 2012/13 season.

 

Background:

Claudio Yacob, born in Carcarañá in the Santa Fe province of Argentina, began his football career with at Boca Juniors’ famed youth academy at the age of 12, but had to return to his family due to homesickness.

After a short break from Football, he proceeded to join the academy of Racing Club de Avellaneda. Dubbed “La Flaca” upon joining Racing due to his shoulder-length hair and thin body, Yacob’s talent was evident, and he was part of a crop of Racing youngsters – including the likes of Atalanta livewire Maximiliano Moralez and current Argentina international goalkeeper Sergio Romero – dubbed “La Sexta Especial”. Progressing through Racing’s youth ranks, Yacob made his 1st-team debut in an away defeat to Club Atletico Banfield in November 2006.

After impressing at 1st-team level, Yacob was called up to represent Argentina at the South American U20 Youth Championship and FIFA U20 World Cup, both held in 2007. Yacob asserted his credentials as another promising “Number 5″ at the U20 World Cup, playing 6 matches and scoring once in Argentina’s triumphant campaign. After a period of steady development in Racing’s 1st-team, Yacob was made captain at the ripe old age of 21, before the start 2008/09 Primera Division season in Argentina.

While Racing ended that season’s Apertura in 14th place, they did much better in the Clausura – finshing 5th. The same inconsistency followed in the following seasons, high or above average placing in 1 half and a below average finish in the other.

The high point in Yacob’s time at Racing came in the 2011 Apertura, with La Flaca leading Racing to 2nd place. Another good moment in 2011 was Yacob’s first goal for La Albiceleste in a 2-2 draw with Ecuador. Sadly, it was to be downhill after the Apertura.

Into the 2012 Clausura, Yacob’s involvement in a controversial incident – swapping shorts with his friend (an Independiente player) – in the Clasico de Avellaneda meant that he never featured for Racing again. While that will sound ridiculous to most fans, we have to note the intensity that exists in South American derby matches.

“I swapped shorts with a friend who played for the other team. But it wasn’t a big deal. It’s just that in Argentina [a derby match] means that it’s your biggest enemy and you shouldn’t exchange, a bit like with Aston Villa and Albion here. The press made it into a problem.” - Claudio Yacob on the “incident”

Despite a sour end to his time at Racing, the ex-captain of Racing probably couldn’t have predicted how well he’d do after joining English Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion. After 7 goals and more than a century of appearances at 1st-team level and 3 international caps, Yacob left Racing Club with no hard feelings against them. He was ready to test himself on the big stage.

“The reason I didn’t play again was because I didn’t want to renew the contract because I was not happy with what they were offering. But Racing will always be in my heart because it was my first professional club.” – Claudio Yacob on his Racing departure

Claudio Yacob’s maturity and leadership qualities stood him in good stead for a move to Europe.

 

Step up – West Bromwich Albion:

After impressing on trial, during the Baggies’ pre-season training camp in Malmo, Claudio Yacob was signed on a Bosman free on 24th July 2012. He was a virtual unknown to the his new team-mates and manager. WBA goalkeeper Ben Foster had never heard of him, while Steve Clarke had never watched him play before. However, giving Yacob his favoured number 5 shirt says it all about the important role he had in manager Steve Clarke’s plans for the coming season.

“I saw Albion playing when I was living in Argentina, even before I knew I was going to sign. And then, when I knew about the interest, I found out more. What I really like is that it is an old club with a lot of history.” – Claudio Yacob’s interest in WBA

“He is an Argentina international with a real desire to prove himself in the Premier League” - WBA Manager Steve Clarke upon signing Claudio Yacob

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to recruit a player of Claudio’s calibre. He’s been a one-club man in Argentina up to now, having broken into Racing’s first team at 17 and being appointed as their captain while still in his teens. To achieve that at Argentina’s third or fourth biggest club, and then break into the national team with the wealth of talent his country have to choose from, is no mean feat.” – WBA Sporting Director Dan Ashworth on his new signing

After a man-of-the-match performance in a shock 3-0 home win over Liverpool on the 2012/13 campaign’s opening weekend, Yacob hasn’t looked back. After consistently impressive displays in the Premier League, with the exception of an inconsistent 3-game spell when Mulumbu was out, Yacob won the award for West Brom’s Player Of The Month for March 2013.

Again, he spoke like the team-player he is – “I’m really happy with this award – it is my first here and very important to me. But most of all I want us to finish as high as possible and get used to being one of the top teams in the league.”

Having gone on to form a strong midfield partnership with Youssouf Mulumbu, the tenacious Argentine has been 1 of the key players in the Baggies’ brilliant season and a top half finish looks likely, with 2 league matchdays remaining.

 

Overview:

(Statistics from WhoScored.com – “minimum appearances”. Accurate at the time of writing)

181cm tall and weighing 77kg, Claudio Yacob is of a decent size for a holding/defensive midfielder. What first stands out about his game is his game-reading ability and tenacity.
Though he’s not one for the “flashy” long-range “Hollywood pass”, Yacob is technically proficient on the ball. The Argentine’s 87.5% passing accuracy, placed 34th in the league, is only 0.6% lower than Michael Carrick’s 88.1% and is better than the likes of Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, Yacob’s midfield partner Youssouf Mulumbu, Manchester City’s Gareth Barry and Newcastle’s Cheick Tiote.

Strong in the tackle, Yacob can sometimes be too aggressive, which is evident in his joint-4th highest yellow card count thus far – 7. That said, Yacob has good tackling ability and, at 3.6 tackles per game, is placed 6th in WhoScored’s list. That’s a higher figure than the likes of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Tottenham duo Sandro & Ramires, Newcastle dynamo Yohan Cabaye and Chelsea’s “Blue Kenyan” Ramires.

Other than being good in the tackle, players in Yacob’s preferred defensive midfield position need to have good game-reading ability – ie the ability to make timely interceptions. While the tenacious Baggie has shown flashes of being a good interceptor, that is something he does need to work on.

At 1.5 per game, he’s currently placed 96th on WhoScored’s “interceptions” list. That value is on par with the likes of Nigerian international John Obi Mikel and the aforementioned Barry and Dembele, as well as being slightly better than Spain international Javi Garcia, Liverpool stalwart & captain Steven Gerrard and West Ham star Mohamed Diame.

However, Yacob should improve on his interceptions over the course of next season, as he’ll have 1 season in English football under his belt.

On the bright side, Yacob isn’t easily beaten in 1-on-1 situations, with that occurring on an average of only once per match.

“Claudio’s a typical Argentinian No 5. In his homeland, that is someone who breaks up play and keeps the ball.” - WBA Manager Steve Clarke on Yacob

Yacob’s game-reading ability and selflessness allows West Brom’s fullbacks to get forward and join the attack. Yacob shifts slightly over to either flank when a fullback pushes forward, so as to provide cover against a potential counter-attack from the opposition. The added security at the back has given his team-mates more confidence in attack.

On the whole, Yacob plays a key role at the Hawthorns, being both a key screen in front of the defence and also a link in the transition from defence to attack after WBA have regained possession.

With his adeptness at short passing, Yacob is able to hold the ball and start attacks by effectively releasing the ball to his athletic central midfield partner Mulumbu or his more attack-minded team-mates – James Morrison, Chris Brunt & Graham Dorrans, to name a few.

 

International objectives:

Yacob’s next target will be to get himself in Argentina Head Coach Alejandro Sabella’s plans for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Playing in England has certainly boosted Yacob’s visibility.

Conversely, the competition for the holding midfield spots in Sabella’s 4-2-3-1 system is stellar – such as Valencia playmaker Ever Banega, Argentina’s ex-captain Javier Mascherano, the enigmatic Fernando Gago and veteran Pablo Guiñazú. Sabella might look at a formation change as the Albiceleste defence has had problems.

Long story short – Claudio Yacob needs to focus on his club Football and at least replicate his performances of this season. Do that and he’ll have no regrets. Do that, and he might get a seat on the flight to Brazil next year.

“It’s a difficult job to get into the Argentina side but he can do it if he produces performances consistently.” - WBA Manager Steve Clarke on Yacob’s international prospects

 

Look to the future at West Brom:

Where his future at the Hawthorns is concerned, La Flaca has been talked about as a possible future captain at the Midlands outfit. He has shown that he has leadership qualities, as seen in his time at Racing, and he’ll gradually assert himself(in a good way) in the squad as each week passes.

“I can see sometimes in training that he’s really wanting to say some things and he can’t quite communicate that at the moment, but he is working really hard at his English and I think within six months he will be able to get his ideas over a lot better. I do think there is a possibility of a future captain there. Having been captain of Racing Club, I think he’s got ideas and leadership qualities about him that will progress even more when his English becomes even better.” - WBA Assistant Manager Kevin Keen on Yacob’s prospects

 

Transfer front:

With his Spanish roots, he wouldn’t count as a non-EU player. That makes him an attractive target for European clubs who are looking for a holding midfielder, as the Argentine wouldn’t take up a non-EU spot on the squad list. Valued at €4.5m on Transfermarkt, at the time of writing, that would be a probable transfer fee interested clubs would have to pay.

That said, the precarious financial situation in most major European leagues, coupled with the bumper new Premier League TV deal (which takes effect in 2013/14), makes it unlikely that most interested parties will meet the Baggies’ demands. Financially, WBA do not need to sell.

“I just think I’m doing my job. It’s easy to play for the Albion because I’m happy and I’m at home here.” - Claudio Yacob’s opinion on WBA

Quite clearly, Claudio Yacob is happy to play for West Brom. However, the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League Football is sure to entice Yacob to leave The Hawthorns. The Argentine has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, who will be in the Champions League next season(2013/14).

Furthermore, Atleti’s Head Coach Diego Simeone has built up such strong foundations at the Vicente Calderon that Atleti are likely to be a fixture in La Liga’s UCL spots for at least the foreseeable future. There’s another angle to this link. Diego Simeone has managed Yacob before, when the former had managerial spells at Racing Club in 2006 & 2011.

With Yacob’s aforementioned hopes of wearing the Albiceleste colours in next year’s World Cup, a move to Atletico Madrid and the prestigious stage of the Champions League will definitely increase his chances.

If Los Colchoneros do indeed formalise their interest in La Flaca, no one can begrudge him making a step up.

Regardless of whether he stays, Claudio Yacob has been a bargain buy for the Baggies.

“Claudio joins us with a great CV and is a terrific passer of the ball. He’s a holding central midfielder who sits in front of the back four and controls the play. Claudio’s also good at breaking things up. I believe he will be a great asset for us.” - Steve Clarke couldn’t have been more right.

 

Written by Mark Ooi

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2015 Women’s World Cup: Should artificial turf be used at the tournament?

  By O-Posts Team | May 5, 2013 - 19:01 | , , , ,
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Following the events from the 2011 Women’s World Cup which was held in Germany, the 2015 event has been shaped up as a must see experience. But the tournament and its organisers have been plagued with criticism after the announcement that five out of the six stadiums being used to hold the 52 matches have artificial turf.

If some of you reading don’t see the big deal in this decision, I will break it down for you.
Artificial turf first made an appearance at the Houston Astrodome where it was first installed in the 1960s. Ever since that day, artificial turf has caused many controversies. Many athletes have seen either a pause or the end of their careers due to injuries which have occurred on artificial turf.

Not only is the risk of injury high on artificial turf, but the turf also affects the state of play due to the synthetic texture. A U.S. study has concluded that artificial turf causes more than 40% of knee injuries rather than on natural grass, most of these including injuries to the ACL.

USWNT defender Ali Krieger suffered both an ACL and MCL tear during the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers. Funnily enough, this injury occurred in one of the six stadiums chosen to play the 52 matches of the 2015 World Cup and yep, you guessed correct – it was also on artificial turf. The #11 was victim of a reckless tackle and due to the harshness of the fall and the way she landed, the artificial turf caused a larger impact on Krieger than if she were on natural grass.

This is a very relevant example as it shows the harsh effects of artificial turf upon football athletes. Also, the artificial turf affects the way the game is being played. Such as the ball bounces higher and irregular, some studs often gets caught in the synthetic turfs and, depending on resources, if the ground is too hot, it can cause severe carpet burns to players.

US football star, Abby Wambach, has voiced her opinions in various interviews and states her displeasure and frustration about the decision.

“For me, the first thought is disappointment” stated the US star. “I’m feeling like this is the women’s game taking a step back”.

The Women’s World Cup, due to be held in Canada in 2015, is a little over 2 years away and US Football star Abby Wambach has declared that it is enough time to hopefully change the minds of the event’s organisers.

“There’s enough time from now until then to sort this out, to talk with FIFA, to get the right people in charge so that this doesn’t happen,” Wambach said. “We’ve worked so hard as female athletes – not only here in the United States, but internationally – to grow the game and in my opinion I think this is taking a step back. All of the men’s international players around the world would argue the same point. A lot of these guys will not play on an artificial surface because it is an injury-prone surface and I don’t blame them.”’

“All we ask is to be heard. We believe this is a shame not only for the players but for the fans. The game plays differently on artificial surface, not only because of fear of injury but because it’s a different surface. You can also talk about it being a gender discrimination issue. Would they ever let the men’s World Cup be played on an artificial surface?

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes. There are standards that FIFA governs and promises to uphold. I think (a World Cup with artificial turf) would be a travesty and a nightmare for all of us”.

Wambach.... voiced her opposition over FIFA's controversial decision.

Wambach…. voiced her opposition over FIFA’s controversial decision.

FIFA had once banned the use of artificial turf but, as of late, as “resurrected” their interest in the turf. Proving that the turf is within FIFA recommendations, they have allowed clubs to lay down the synthetic grass.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has even states that artificial turf is “the way of the future”.

Various petitions have been made and one made by coworker.org has already exceeded 1000 signatures. These petitions are also publicly backed by football stars such as Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd and Sweden’s Lotta Schelin and Caroline Seger.
If Thierry Henry can refuse to play on artificial surfaces, especially the one in Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, then why can’t the women also succeed?

We all know artificial turf is also a cheaper option to natural grass but surely an association such as FIFA can scrap around for money so that some of the greatest female players around the globe can compete at a tournament friendly environment. The final is also going to be held on artificial turf and this is the FIRST EVER World Cup Final to be help on artificial turf. The question being raised by many female superstars, if men can make the decision and have a say against artificial turf, then why can’t they?

“At the end of the day it comes down to money,” Abby Wambach has stated after the FIFA announcement.  “If FIFA really wanted to have games on grass, they would; it would just cost more. They would lay the sod down for the tournament, get it to stick and if the stadiums had artificial surface prior, then you replace it with artificial surface after the tournament is done.”

“As a soccer player we would all rather play on grass fields. My biggest concern is the injuries. It takes several weeks to recover from playing on [artificial] turf. It’s bad on your joints, not to mention all those rubber pellets. Those pellets are there to help you slide, sometimes in the grass there’s no rubber pellets and your foot can get stuck and that’s when injuries can happen. I just don’t want soccer getting to that point where everybody’s playing on artificial turf.”

Carli Lloyd has quickly backed her American counterpart as she quotes on Twitter:

“Had a nightmare that the 2015 World Cup was going to be played on turf! … Wonder if the men’s World Cup would ever be played on turf? … Always more injuries on artificial turf. Bad enough we played our 2012 Olympic qualifying games on artificial turf. Never thought about WC.”

Fans have also expressed their opinions about the weird decision for what is the biggest stage for women’s football, especially after the success the women’s game had at both the 2011 WWC and the 2012 London Olympics. But some don’t see the problem.

“I don’t see a problem with it as long as they’re in good condition”. – @YL_CFC

US Soccer have also set the USWNT’s next home friendly against South Korea at Gilette Stadium, which has relatively bad artificial turf, during the teams stretch to have the decision changed. Ironic?

 

Written by Siobhan Pedroza

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Vitesse Arnhem: Bony the inspiration behind the Vitas’ meteoric rise

  By O-Posts Team | April 30, 2013 - 20:44 | , , , , , , , , , , ,
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The Eredivisie season 12/13 is drawing to its end, with only three games remaining, Ajax’s four point lead seem sufficient to win their third consecutive title. The most exciting Eredivisie title race in years is over, however the season 12/13 did bring some surprises. The most noteworthy one is Vitesse’s stable performances and indomitable form. To the surprise of most fans, Vitesse sat on a top-flight position throughout most of the season. Let us look back on their marvelous campaign.

Jordania’s wishes to turn Vitesse into the league champions were underlined by a positive transfer period. After last year’s successful campaign wherein the club finished 7th , consequently winning the right to play in the Europa League, supporters were ambitious and hopeful for an even better year. Success comes with sacrifices, due to his good performances, Alexander Buttner moved to English giants Manchester United for an amount estimated at around €5million. Vitesse needed to bolster their squad if they wanted to seriously challenge the traditional top three in the Netherlands.

Jordania is a smart director and thinks long term, instead of splashing cash, the Georgian business owner decided to put his signifant network to work. His close ties with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich allowed him to loan three players from the Blues. Tomas Kalas and Patrick van Aanholt stayed for another season, and Gael Kakuta came to strengthen the wings. The squad seemed competitive on paper, but with an average age of around 22, the team was in dire need of a leader. Former club icon and captain Theo Janssen was signed from Ajax for €500k, along with experienced midfielder Simon Cziommer.

The season started quite negatively for Vitesse, after advancing to the final play-off round in the Europa League after beating Lokomotiv Plovdiv on a 7-5 aggregate score, the team faced Guus Hiddink’s FC Anzhi. Vitesse were unable to cope with the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Yuri Zhirkov, Lassana Diarra and Boussoufa – and the club from Arnhem were sent losing 4-0 on aggregate.

The start of the national campaign gave a better perspective; the first five games were converted into four wins and one draw against ADO Den Haag, resulting in a temporary first place in the Eredivisie. The away victory against Feyenoord [0-1] was utmost surprising, and an awakening call of the traditional top three that Vitesse might prove to be a potential treat in the near future. The team looked sharp and defensively very stable, only conceding two goals in the first five games. With Piet Velthuizen known as a very reliable goalkeeper and the centre back duo: Kashia and Kalas, the defensive line gave an impressive performance of four consecutive clean sheets.

Vitesse’s form would drop after their notable season start. The following six games resulted in two draws against Heracles Almelo and sc Heerenveen, three wins against FC Groningen,FC Utrecht, NAC Breda, and their first loss against AZ Alkmaar, ending their 11 match unbeaten run.

The precarious results could have been far worse, the team struggled in most matches, but it was the rise of Wilfried Bony securing most points for Vitesse. After his dramatic, yet brilliant game winner against Feyenoord, his confidence skyrocketed and the striker netted 8 goals in 5 matches, including a hat-trick against SC Heerenveen.

In the remainder of the first half of the Eredivisie season, Vitesse would earn the nickname: Giant killers. After their last minute victory against Feyenoord, on the third of November, Ajax was brushed aside in their own Amsterdam Arena! Wilfried Bony single-handedly brought down Ajax with a brace.

FC Twente were held off with a draw and a heroic 4-1 victory over neighboring rivals N.E.C made up for their 1-2 loss against PSV. The winter break came by, and Vitesse finished fourth, trailing 6 points behind leaders PSV. Furthermore, the club qualified for the quarterfinals in the KNVB Cup [Dutch National Cup] by demolishing amateur team ADO’10 with 10-1. Vitesse will face Ajax.

Based on last season’s performances, the team progressed quite nicely, but was not considered as one of the title contenders amongst the general Eredivisie public.

Moreover Vitesse was forced to let Wilfried Bony participate in the African Cup, after Sabri Lamouchi called up the strong striker to the Ivorian national team. Wilfried Bony scored 16 Eredivisie goals in the first half. All critics agreed, Vitesse would drop form without Bony.

In the month of January without Bony, Vitesse would silence all of the critics. First off AZ was swept aside with a convincing 4-1 score-line, and afterwards honouring its nickname, Ajax came to Arnhem and were sent home without any points 3-2. And the month’s highlight: rivals N.E.C were defeated in their own stadium in Nijmegen 2-1.

After losing twice against Vitesse, Ajax would finally get their revenge. The two teams locked horns in the KNVB Cup, and the Dutch giant demolished Vitesse 0-4.

Vitesse, survived the month without Bony, and had proven the critics wrong. Nonetheless, the notion of Bony’s skill and goal scoring drift were unquestioned. After Cote D’Ivoire got eliminated in the quarterfinals against Nigeria, Bony returned to Vitesse.

Upon return, his first following match he scored a brace and secured one point against PSV, his team again honouring their nickname of the “giant killers”. Under guidance of Wilfried Bony, Vitesse went on a 7 match winning streak, wherein the bulky striker scored 14 goals in 9 matches. Rutten’s men established theirselves as title contenders, however after a 3-3 draw against relegation candidates Roda JC, Vitesse dropped out of the race.

Bony….. imperious form and the team’s main man.

However, just last week, league leaders Ajax drew against SC Heerenveen, giving Vitesse, PSV and Feyenoord a glimmer of hope. Vitesse could shrink the gap to three points, but had a tough match up ahead. The surprising side had to travel to Rotterdam, to face Feyenoord in the Kuip. Beforehand, winning would seem impossible, as Feyenoord maintains an impressive 24-match unbeaten run in de Kuip, furthermore troublesome news arose in the Vitesse camp.

Wilfried Bony injured himself during training, and will be unavailable during the match, alongside teenage star Marco van Ginkel. The overwhelming Feyenoord crowd and the loss of Wilfried Bony proved too much to handle for Vitesse. Feyenoord defeated Vitesse 2-0.

Vitesse is now sitting comfortably in fourth position, still fighting strong for the second place [gives right to enter the Champions League play-offs], and although the title is unrealistic, finishing on that second spot would be an extraordinary achievement, and one to be proud of.

This season, Jordania’s wish will not come true, but major steps have been taken. The general public’s laughter has ended, Vitesse managed to upset the traditional three, and most certainly in the near future, Jordania will get what he wants.

 

Written by Siew Joe Lee

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Marquinhos: Defensive prodigy – a rare breed in Calcio

  By O-Posts Team | April 28, 2013 - 18:20 | , , , , , , , , , ,
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Every year, upon the start of the European football calendar after each Summer, names are touted around of suggestions and hot tips for the new campaign’s “breakout stars”. 8 months ago, few people would’ve paid any attention to the name – Marcos Aoás Corrêa – on Italian outfit AS Roma’s “Transfer Ins” list.

Signed on a loan deal with a permanent option, the young Brazilian with his moniker – Marquinhos – is now an in-demand starlet and highly tipped to be a future Seleção star.

 

Background:

Marquinhos joined Cornthians in 2002, at the age of 8, and proceeded to move up the youth ranks of the Timão over the next 10 years. Marquinhos impressed so much during his time in Corinthians’ youth ranks that he was called-up by and made captain of Brazil’s U17s in the 2011 South American Under-17 championship. With Brazil winning the South American U17 title, they qualified for the U17 FIFA World Cup that year, with Marquinhos again being handed the captaincy.

In Mexico, Brazil finished 4th, with Marquinhos playing 6 of their 7 matches and earning only 1 yellow card. After a stellar 2011, Marquinhos continued to shine in 2012. In the 2012 edition of the prestigious Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (São Paulo Youth Football Cup), the young Brazilian added more impressive displays to his CV, culminating in a 2-1 win over Fluminense in the Final. Marquinhos was clearly banging on Corinthians’ 1st-team door.

With his maturity and leadership qualities, and not forgetting his on-pitch quality, it was of no surprise that Marquinhos eventually broke into Corinthians’ 1st-team.

 

Breakthrough at Corinthians:

With his impressive performances at youth level, Marquinhos’ form in the aforementioned prestigious Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior proved to be the final piece in the jigsaw of proving to Corinthians 1st-team Head Coach Tite that he was ready for a shot in the 1st-team. A 1st-team debutant at the age of 18, Marquinhos went on to make 6 1st-team appearances in the 2012 Brasileirão, playing the full 90 minutes on 5 occasions, and providing 1 assist.

While impressive when given the chance, the youngster also showed some versatility – playing in central defence in 2 full matches and as a defensive midfielder in 3 full matches. Coach Tite was so impressed with Marquinhos that the young Brazilian, then aged 17, was on the 1st-team bench for each and every one of the knockout stage matches of Corinthians’ victorious 2012 Copa Libertadores triumph.

Just look at that, within the span of 6 months, Marquinhos had become a Copa Libertadores champion and also turned 18 along the way.

 

Into the big time – AS Roma:

After catching the eye of Roma’s South American scouts, they took the gamble of signing the then 18-year-old in the summer of 2012, despite him having just 6 months of 1st-team experience in Brazil. The deal was a loan (€1.5m fee) with a €3m permanent option – with the trigger being Marquinhos making 8 1st-team appearances of 45 minutes a piece.

Barely a few weeks after his signing was formalised, Marquinhos made his 1st-team debut on 16 September 2012, playing the last 16 minutes of a 3-2 loss to Bologna. A fortnight later, the young centreback came off the bench to play an hour of a catastrophic 4-1 thrashing at the hands of defending Italian champions Juventus.

Slowly but surely cementing his spot in the Giallorossi Starting XI, Marquinhos has gone on to make 23 Serie A appearances(all but 3 as a starter) and 3 in the Coppa Italia. The only thing that broke his string of 12 consecutive 1st-team appearances is a suspension from being sent off, following a late handball, in a 3-1 win over Milan just before the winter break.

Roma’s summer signing became such as crucial 1st-teamer that the club withdrew him from international duty at the South American Under-20 championship, held in January 2013.

 

Overview – Majestic debut season in Calcio:

An 18-year-old holding a starting spot Serie A is most rare, let alone at a team as big as La Maggica. Marquinhos is a rare breed, such is the unforgiving nature of Calcio, what with the intense scrutiny of TV pundits on the various well-followed match review shows.

Leandro Castan, Marquinhos’ former Corinthians team-mate, has been left to fight for the other starting spot in central defence with Nicolas Burdisso. Ironically, 2012 summer signing Leandro Castan had insisted upon Roma signing Marquinhos.

In light of Roma’s much-talked-about defensive problems – a negative of Zdenek Zeman’s gung-ho offensive tactics – this season, Marquinhos has more-or-less escaped criticism, a result of the 18-year-old consistently delivering impressive performances every week. Despite still being only 18, Marquinhos has been Roma’s most important defender since cementing his starting spot in the middle of the Giallorossi defence.

(All stats are from WhoScored.com)

At first glance, standing at 1.83 metres, the lean Marquinhos is not the most intimidating of central defenders. That said, he does win his share of aerial duels, at 2.3 per game. That figure is the best at Roma and, league-wise, is better than that of bigger names like Philippe Mexes.

Being still only 18, the Brazilian still has room for more physical growth, which can only be a good thing. However, his natural athleticism does more-or-less cover for that, as they enhance his key attributes – his maturity and game-reading ability. Marquinhos evidently has, as the saying goes, “an old head on young shoulders”.

He is currently 18th in the Serie A interceptions chart, on par with veteran Andrea Barzagli, and better than the highly-rated Facundo Roncaglia and Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro. With only 19 fouls (0.8 per game) at the time of writing, Marquinhos is currently 352nd on the “Most Fouls” chart. As with all modern day central defenders, Marquinhos is good on the ball and playing it out of defence, with an impressive 88.8% passing accuracy.

Almost every Serie A centreback would like to have Marquinhos’ statistics, which makes the fact he’s still a teenager all the more staggering.

“No Serie A player has made more last man tackles this season than the teenager (10), who leads his side for both interceptions (2.9) and aerial duels won (2.2) per game, proving that his reading of the game is at the level of a far more seasoned pro.” – Martin Laurence of WhoScored.

 

A look to the future:

Marquinhos has thus far shone, not just adapted, whenever he’s been pushed to the next level – youth team to 1st-team, Corinthians to Roma. This bodes well for the young Brazilian’s career prospects, as football has seen all too many a promising youngster fail to make that “next step”, rendering him unable to realise his full potential.

I’m confident that Marquinhos will not fall under the “what could’ve been” category. With his leadership qualities, maturity and talent, and not forgetting his current high performance level in such a prestigious league, long story short – the sky’s the limit for Marquinhos.

Roma are currently looking to upgrade the youngster’s current €0.8m (per year) wage to fend off interest from elsewhere. With his impressive and mature displays in his debut season in Italy, some of the Football’s biggest clubs are looking to sign him. Among others, FC Barcelona and Manchester City have been linked as potential new employers.

However, the Roma stopper is unlikely to leave the Stadio Olimpico anytime soon. There is still much room for improvement and staying at Roma for at least the next few years will provide the stable environment that promising youngsters like Marquinhos need to develop and, eventually, realise their potential.

Considering the ambitions of this AS Roma “project”, Marquinhos could possibly play out his peak years in the capital club.

Marquinhos told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am not thinking about a transfer. I owe Roma a lot for the chance they gave me.”

Whether Marquinhos eventually leaves Roma or stays for the long haul, one thing’s are for sure – Marquinhos will become a Seleção star sooner rather than later. Furthermore, with his past as Brazil U17 captain, Marquinhos could eventually captain Brazil at senior level.
Over the course of this 2012/13 season, Marquinhos has proved his worth enough to be justly rated as the best young central defender in the world at the moment, alongside Real Madrid’s Raphaël Varane.

Of all the possible “breakout stars” that had been tipped to emerge in the 2012/13 Serie A season, few would’ve bet on an 18-year-old Brazilian centreback being on that list.

Marcos Aoás Corrêa is indeed a rare breed in Calcio.

 

Written by Mark Ooi

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The Upcoming Football Video Game That Plunges you Into the Seedy World of Match Fixing

  By O-Posts Team | April 26, 2013 - 19:33 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Video games and football have gone hand in hand for decades, with games like FIFA 13, Pro Evolution Soccer and Football Manager hitting the bestseller lists year on year, giving players the chance to play at managing or playing as their favourite teams.

A new game that is currently under development aims to turn the football management game on its head, taking players deep into the sinister underworld of football corruption and allowing them to play as a shady match fixer.

Game Changer – The Football Match Fixing Game is being made for iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices, and will be made available in early 2014 if the developers successfully gain funding with their upcoming campaign on popular crowdfunding site Kickstarter.

In Game Changer, you can bribe players, pay off police and officials, blackmail referees and do all kinds of other interesting and immoral things to try and ensure the results you want, and then make a fortune by betting on your fixed outcomes.

As you grow in influence in the criminal underworld, you can fix games in bigger and more prestigious leagues around the world to gain higher profits, as well as being able to team up with crime boss characters and even your real life friends (thanks to social media integration) to get better results.

The game promises to blend elements of conventional football games and sims with the kind of stories and gameplay you normally see in crime games and RPGs, as well as featuring a sophisticated gambling system that allows you to implement all kinds of interesting strategies to make your fortune.

The developers, Game Changer Games, are also keen to make sure the game contains plenty of dark humour, because match fixing is, after all, a pretty horrible thing.

If you are interested in finding out more about the plans for Game Changer and the Kickstarter campaign that will hopefully make the game possible, you can check out the official website at www.gamechangergame.com or follow the developers’ official Twitter account @gamechangergame.

 

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Dede: Towering Brazilian Attracting Some Of Europe’s Biggest Names

  By O-Posts Team | April 25, 2013 - 15:58 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Brazil have created some of the most talented and gifted footballers over the years. The likes of Pele, Falcao, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo have all dazzled the world with their samba brilliance, yet their footballing history has possibly been too top heavy. Too many attackers, not enough defenders to be held in such wondrous regard.

Even full-backs, Roberto Carlos, Carlos Alberto and Cafu have been marvelled at, but not centre-backs. Anybody but the centre-back, the unheralded job that provided the base to a side seemingly not cool enough for Brazilian recognition.

But now, with Bayern Munich’s Dante, Chelsea’s David Luiz and PSG’s Thiago Silva, that is all due to change. The Brazilian centre-back is entering a new age; big, physical, strong and extremely comfortable on the ball, they are all attributes that makes up the aforementioned trio as well as Dede, Cruzerio’s much-coveted 24 year old. Who is he?

Let’s take a look at Anderson Vital De Silva.

 

Background

After impressing with his hometown club Volta Rotunda in the Brazilian State Championship, the big defender earned himself a move to Vasco De Gama in 2009, only to find first team opportunities hard to come by upon his initial arrival. With his one year deal running out a year later, it looked like he may be returning to Volta, or even moving to South Korea.

Dede, however, had other ideas, “there was something I was determined upon” he told World Soccer Magazine back in 2011, “I wasn’t going to leave Vasco by the back door”. And so he didn’t, with injuries hitting the club in a Brazilian Cup game against Vitoria, he was given a chance, repaying the opportunity with a performance of such authority and assurance that it instantly certified him as first choice and earned himself a new contract, stretching to 2014.

He went on to produce some imperious form for Vasco, being recognised as the best right centre-back in the Brasileirao of 2010 and generating comparisons to the Fluminese-made Silva, then at Milan, who was widely-regarded as the most outstanding centre-half to recently hail from Brazil.

His commanding performances helped Vasco to win the 2011 Brazilian Cup and his partnership with Anderson Martins saw them both elected as the best central-defenders of the 2011 Campeonato Carioca. His impressive form also alerted former national-team coach Mano Menezes who included him in the squad for friendlies against Germany and Ghana in the autumn of 2011.

His transformation with Vasco from potential discarded talent was meteoric. By the end of 2012, he was considered as one of the best centre-backs in Brazilian football, seeing high acclaim from Vasco fans who endeared to him by giving him several nicknames; “O-Mito” (The Myth) and “Dedelicia” (or “Dedelicious” as female fans chose).

He was included in numerous advertising campaigns for the club and was elected by SBT, a Brazilian television network, as one of the 100 greatest Brazilian’s of all-time. His popularity in Vasco was clear and he honoured his potential departure by kissing the badge in one of his final games for the club. In total, he made 154 appearances for Vasco.

To date, Dede has received 7 caps for the Brazil national team, appearing often in friendlies and tournaments that are only eligible for native-based players, allowing him to win the Superclasico De Las Americas in September 2011.

Dede is currently the fourth-choice centre-half in the Brazil squad and he will be hoping that his exemplary performances, partnered with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s insistence that he will look more to the Brazilian league set-up for options, will help his cause for regular call-ups as the team head into a World Cup year.

 

Strengths, style and weaknesses

Dede is strong, powerful and athletic, making full-use of his 6ft 3 inch frame in order to be adept at winning challenges in the air or on the ground. His height means that not many strikers are able to beat him in the air whilst a fine reading of the game, impressive at the relatively young age of 24, sees him able to cut out danger on the ground. His imposing height also makes him a threat at set pieces, suggested by his 18 goals during his time at Vasco.

His extremely impressive pace also means that he is rarely out-foxed by the through ball, cutting out the threat that strikers pose lying on the shoulder of the back four. As well as boasting fine intelligence and strength to block and intercept many shots and dangerous passes, he also possesses superb technical ability that allows him to be comfortable in bringing the ball out of the defence and moving it on.

As well as the two nicknames Vasco fans creatively derived for Dede, they also named him “Dedekenbauer”, suggesting his likeliness to the famous German defender who revolutionised the role of the central-defender, operating on a fine reading of the game, imperious positioning and superb ability on the ball.

Dede really is a complete defender who has attracted the interest of Manchester United, Milan, Benfica and Liverpool during his time with Vasco, all top European clubs basing their interest in the knowledge that Dede, with his physicality and ability on the ball, would not look out of place on the continent should he ever head east from Brazil.

 

His move to Cruzeiro

With the Selecao heading into their home World Cup of 2014, Dede has seen best to stay in his native league and head to Cruzeiro in a deal that is worth £4.7 million. The two clubs are believed to have arranged a 55% and 45% share in player ownership which helps to ease cash-strapped Vasco’s financial troubles. Three players, Diego Rennan, striker Allison and Wellington Paulista will also head to Rio in exchange for the defender.

After moving, he voiced his reluctance to leave Vasco De Gama but understood such a move would help to aid the financial crisis at his former club. He said that even though he was moving to a new setting, his heart would remain with the Rio-based club.

There has been a financial dispute with the transfer, with the move being blocked by the FERJ, a main football institution from Rio, who claim Vasco owe a debt to the Brazilian Federal Justice. They have ruled that until the dispute is sorted, Dede is unable to play for any club, disrupting his immediate start with Cruzeiro. However, that will only be a small snag in a career that threatens to go very far.

Look out for Dede at next year’s World Cup.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Bayern Munich: Gotze deal shifts the landscape in Munich and further still

  By O-Posts Team | April 23, 2013 - 16:23 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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There was only one thing for Bayern Munich to do after storming to the Bundesliga title by a margin of 20 points with 6 games left, and that was to exercise their financial muscle in order to get even stronger in anticipation for the arrival of Pep Guardiola in the summer. A campaign in which they have lost just once, scored 89 goals and conceded just 14 is seemingly not enough for the Bayern hierarchy as Karl Heinz-Rummenigge, Mathias Sammer and Uli Hoeness have green-lighted a €35 million euro move for Mario Gotze.

20 year old Gotze has been integral to Borussia Dortmund’s recent success after emerging from the club’s impressive youth system back in 2009. Two consecutive Bundesliga titles and this season’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League are already on the honour role for the youngster who Sammer once described as “one of the best we’ve ever produced” whilst in his role as technical director for the German FA. Blessed with fine balance, skill and the nimbleness that allows him to dictate play so majestically in the final third, he fits the mould of a Guardiola footballer quite perfectly.

The attacking midfielder has already scored 31 goals for Dortmund, 10 of which have come in this campaign alongside 9 assists as he remains pivotal to Jurgen Klopp’s wonderfully-gifted young side.

It was Klopp who sparked Bayern’s regeneration after he guided Dortmund to the championship in 2011 and 2012, also managing to land the DFB Pokal with a 5-2 demolition of Munich in Berlin. To compound the frustration, Hoeness and co. had to watch Chelsea steal the Champions League title in their own backyard of the Allianz Arena as Bayern could not turn their dominance into goals. That was the watershed, the club president could take no more and he used last summer as a launch-pad for a relentless pursuit of dominance that has intensified with the acquisition of the mesmerically talented Gotze.

Domestic dominance has been achieved as the club have marched to the title with the utmost arrogance and hubris, also booking another spot in the final of the DFB Pokal with a 6-1 thrashing of Wolfsburg in the semi-final. Now the target is the continent as the Champions League has proved elusive for eleven years despite two recent finals and the recruitment of Guardiola, who won the coveted trophy twice with Barcelona in four years, instigated immediate big-spending to suggest the Bavarians are obstinate on ending their barren-run.

It is Barcelona who stand between Munich and another Champions League final this season, but there is a over-hanging feeling of doubt that Jupp Heynckes, despite transforming Bayern into a Bundesliga behemoth, he does not have the charisma or guile to finally end their long-wait for European success. Hence his ruthless ousting in favour of Guardiola who directed the Barcelona juggernaut to a zenith of footballing brilliance during his four years as coach in Catalonia.

The announcement of Gotze as his first signing suggests he will go about turning Bayern into a nouveau Barcelona, with the German’s technical brilliance joining Toni Kroos and Franck Ribery in an interchangeable attacking-midfield trio.

Gotze’s versatility will allow him to play anywhere behind the potent striking force of Mario Mandzukic, scorer of 19 goals in his debut season at Bayern, or Mario Gomez, who has built on his 83 goal-total of the last two years with 11 this time round. Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller can also stake a claim for inclusion as Guardiola will have to wrestle with the most outrageously talented of squads.

Guardiola.... takes advantage of the Bavarians' financial muscle to sign the outrageously talented Gotze.

Guardiola…. takes advantage of the Bavarians’ financial muscle to sign the outrageously talented Gotze.

Klopp meanwhile will be left with the unenviable task of repairing the damage left behind by Gotze’s exit. He will have the money for reinvestment, but many will argue the understanding he had with Marco Reus that devastated many sides is irreplaceable. With Dortmund also rumoured to be likely to lose Robert Lewandowski as he heads into the final year of his contract, the 44 year old coach faces potential dissolution of the side he has moulded into one of the finest attacking sides in Europe. It will be the toughest examinations of Klopp’s burgeoning reputation as Guardiola sets the accelerator off into the distance, fuelled by imperious financial power.

It is a fascinating deal, one that is likely extend the gap between Dortmund and Bayern further than the 20 point chasm that separates them now, and one that comes in the sensitive week both clubs compete in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Despite their comparable achievements on the pitch, this deal highlights the financial disparity that promises to be a huge threat to the competitiveness of one of Europe’s best leagues.

Javi Martinez arrived last year for €35 million and now Gotze comes for €37 million, it is the work of a club intent on competing in an atmosphere of its own.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Chelsea: Schürrle closing in on move to the Blues

  By O-Posts Team | April 20, 2013 - 16:30 | , , , , , ,
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After months of speculation, it appears Chelsea are really making some significant headway in completing the signing of German striker Andre Schürrle from Bayer Leverkusen.

If the German does join, he will be the fourth striker at Chelsea next season, with Romelu Lukaku set to return after his successful loan spell at West Brom, in addition to Demba Ba and Fernando Torres who are already at the West London club.

To me, Chelsea’ team lacks a really consistent striker. The trio of Mata, Hazard and Oscar, have looked supreme, not always, but they seem to create chances almost effortlessly. The problem has been neither Fernando Torres or Demba Ba have been positionally aware enough to stick the ball into the back of the net more often, this has been especially true in the premier league.

So what does Schürrle offer that can change things in the striker department at Stamford Bridge? Well, for one thing, he is rather unique in the sense that he’s a centre forward, yet he possesses the ability to effortlessly drop back into a supporting striker role or even as a winger. In this sense, he’s quite similar to another former Chelsea striker, Nicolas Anelka who was dynamite at times, either when in a front three with Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba, or on his own.

The only slight doubt I have about Schürrle is whether he really is good enough or more specifically prolific enough to be Chelsea’s first choice striker. After all, Fernando Torres is a player who despite having generally been a disappointment while at Chelsea, has retained his place over and over again. Schürrle has scored a respectable, yet not incredible 12 goals in 38 games.

Many strikers have failed to replicate their previous goal scoring form whilst at Stamford Bridge, with Demba Ba, who has been decent so far at Chelsea, but he lacks the consistency that earned him so many plaudits during his time at Newcastle. For me, Schürrle will need to impress, and impress a lot, if he wants to become the first choice striker at Chelsea next season, a feat which will be even harder if Romelu Lukaku shows the same quality that he has at West Bromwich Albion this season.

Back to what was mentioned earlier and Chelsea’s attacking midfield trio. When Chelsea are at their strongest, it’s Hazard, Mata and Oscar, as that trio, with Moses, Benayoun and Marin all getting the occasional start. Hazard and Mata do tend to perform a class above what the others do, and many Chelsea fans question Oscar’s consistency, despite the Brazilian’s excellent performances for his country. Schürrle could well replace Oscar as a regular starter, and could double up with the striker, whoever that may be.

For me, Chelsea have almost endless possibilities with Schürrle. He’s versatile, able to score from all areas of the pitch, and has excellent movement, perhaps better than any other of Chelsea’s strikers.

I personally would much rather Chelsea buy Schürrle for the full price rather than swap him for the tricky Kevin De Bruyne, but for me, signing the big German would be a great move for the west London club, as it will give the new manager – whoever that may be – a unique and exciting option.

 

Written by Joshua Sodergren

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Andreas Weimann: Villa’s Sprightly Little Austrian Gem

  By O-Posts Team | April 13, 2013 - 13:59 | , , , , , ,
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As a result of a drastically slashed budget and wage bill at Villa Park this season, Paul Lambert, in his first year in charge, has had to resort to young, unproven talent in order to form his squad that remains in transition.

Ashley Westwood, Joe Bennett and Matthew Lowton arrived from the Football League whilst Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar were signed for cheap fees from Belgium and the Netherlands respectively.

A relegation battle has ensued, but as they pull clear with a good run of results there has raised an optimism that they may well survive to take to the Premier League once more with an exciting young squad.

One of those promising talents was already at the club before Lambert but one the Scot has not been averse in showing faith in, the Austrian striker Andreas Weimann.

 

Profile

As a seven year old, Weimann joined his hometown club of FC Stadlau for whom he progressed through the youth set-up to be involved more in the senior reaches of the squad. His progress was monitored by Rapid Vienna, who invited the striker for a trial in 2005.

In a practice match, Weimann duly impressed and he was signed up by Vienna, with whom he spent two years in the academy before being noticed by scouts of Aston Villa.

Weimann signed for Villa on youth terms in 2007 together with fellow Austrian Dominik Hofbauer, and was allowed to train and develop with the club before he was due to turn professional in 2010.

In his final year of his youth contract, Weimann travelled with the club on the pre-season Peace Cup tournament of Asia, then went on to top score for the reserves with nine goals. His impressive performances for the reserves earned him a new deal, which he signed to tie him to the club until 2012.

Weimann featured heavily in Aston Villa’s pre-season of the 2010/11 campaign and he made his full league debut as a substitute against West Ham. Caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald gave him a substitute appearance against his old club Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Cup, but he suffered a long-term injury, not returning to training until January.

After returning, he moved on loan to Watford for the rest of the season, playing 19 times for the Hornets in the Championship, scoring 4 goals.

Weimann.... in action with Watford.

Weimann…. in action with Watford.

The striker featured in the early rounds of the League Cup in the following season and he signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2014. He immediately returned to Watford for a second loan spell, this time playing just 3 times as he returned to the Midlands amidst growing injury concerns.

However, he went on to feature 14 times as Villa narrowly avoided relegation under Alex McLeish, bundling in a late winner against Fulham for his first ever Villa goal, and also earning them a vital 1-1 draw against Stoke.

This season under the guidance of Paul Lambert, Weimann has shown his talent, scoring eleven times so far in his breakthrough year. 2 strikes against Manchester United hinted at his strong finishing and predatory instinct, whilst a superb team goal away at Liverpool indicated a blossoming partnership with Benteke in attack.

The combination also linked up for Weimann to score against Swansea. Lambert has played his Austrian striker 32 times this season in a tremendous show of faith in the promise and talent he possesses, the 21 year old has repaid his boss with eleven goals in all competitions.

Weimann celebrating his brace against the mighty Red Devils.

Weimann celebrating his brace against the mighty Red Devils.

On the international scene, Weimann has represented Austria at all levels from under-17s to under-21s, scoring 14 goals along the way, but in October 2012, the striker earned his first senior cap for Austria, appearing against Kazakhstan.

The youngster has gone on to earn 5 caps for his country.

 

Strengths, style and weaknesses

The most striking factor about Weimann is his versatility that allows him to play as the centre-forward, or right across the attacking three in Paul Lambert’s 4-2-3-1 which is usually led by Christian Benteke. Playing to the right of the Belgian, Weimann has appeared 7 times, scoring 3 goals and registering 1 assist.

As a centre forward, the Austrian has appeared 6 times, scoring twice. He was also used as a left midfielder against QPR recently, proving a success as he scored and assisted another in a 3-2 win.

His low number of assists, just 2, and only 20 chances created from his 26 appearances so far in the league, suggests Weimann is a direct striker, preferring to head straight towards goal rather than link the play. He averages just 20 passes per game and for a player who spends most of his time in the final third, his lack of key passes, under 1 per game, indicates his single-minded attacking play.

Weimann, with only one goal in his mind..... scoring.

Weimann, with only one goal in his mind….. scoring.

He has taken 43 shots in his 26 appearances at an accuracy of 55%, again hinting at his willingness to go direct. This is a consequence of his pace fitting into Lambert’s system where Villa soak up pressure and pounce on the counter attack with quick, energetic players running off the hub of the physical target-man Benteke.

Weimann’s low passing accuracy of 79% suggests how little of the ball the Austrian sees of the ball in the final third, instead he makes a nuisance of his pace, operating off knock-downs from his Belgian partner.

His ability to turn and run at defenders, using his pace to full effect, makes Weimann a vital part of Lambert’s team, another youngster the Scottish manager has seemingly got the best out of as he seeks to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The biggest testament to Weimann’s burgeoning talent is that he appears to be ahead of senior strikers Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor in the Villa Park pecking order.

Weimann... forming a devastating partnership with Benteke.

Weimann… forming a devastating partnership with Benteke.

It has been a great achievement for the 21 year old who has made over 20 appearances in one season for the first time in his career. The suspicion is that there will be many more to come yet.

 

Transfer situation

Weimann has just 12 months left to run on his current deal and Villa have grown a concern that he may walk away for nothing next summer. The club have offered the Austrian striker 2 previous deals while reports claim that he has even turned a third offer, but the Austrian press say that negotiations are still going on between the player and the club.

Liverpool are reportedly being kept unofficially informed over Weimann’s situation and believe he could move for as little as £5 million this summer. The Anfield club see him as a potential replacement for Dirk Kuyt as an industrious striker who can play out wide.

Norwich and Inter Milan are also rumoured to be chasing the young Austrian, as well as Borussia Dortmund who are looking to add to the fine attacking line of Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus and Mario Gotze.

Villa and Lambert will be desperate to keep the young Austrian however after he played such a vital role in last year’s escape from relegation and is continuing to contribute significantly to this season’s late charge.

Whatever happens to the striker, there is little doubt that Villa have unearthed another young gem who will go far in the game.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Champions League: A Brief Look At This Year’s Semi-finalists

  By O-Posts Team | April 12, 2013 - 17:20 | , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona are the final four out of the 32 teams that qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Borussia Dortmund replace Chelsea if you take last season’s semi-finalists into context. Real, Barca and Bayern have been consistent over the last two seasons and their qualification to the semis is testament to the fact that the pendulum has swung.

English teams were left to lick their wounds as none got past the last 16, even though Arsenal left with pride and Manchester United denied amid Nani’s controversial sending off.

It is important to note here that the last teams standing fully merit their places. Dortmund staggered into the semi-finals with a last gasp revival v Malaga- a game marred by controversy. Bayern annihilated Juventus home and away, Real Madrid sorted Galatasaray out, 5-3 on aggregate….While, Barcelona sent PSG packing on away goals rule.

Let’s find out what all the teams possess in their arsenal.

The ‘FAB 4′ of European Football by all standards this season will slug it out for the chance to line up in Wembley for this year’s UCL final. All four teams have equal chances of hoisting the most coveted trophy in European club football.

 

REAL MADRID

‘La Decima’ is the aim and once again, Jose Mourinho has qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League for the 3rd straight year. A fantastic achievement worthy of praise. This time however, failure to at least reach the final will be seen as a major letdown by all those associated with the Capital club. Cristiano Ronaldo has once again carried the team on his shoulders. His 11 Champions league goals is the highest he has ever scored in this competition since his debut for Manchester United.

He became the 3rd player ever to score 10+ goals in consecutive seasons after Messi and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos sat out the 3-2 defeat at the Turk Telekom Arena through suspension, but are expected to return for the double header v Barcelona, Bayern or Dortmund. Real Madrid know all about these three teams. In the last two seasons, they have encountered all of them and most recently defeated Barcelona twice in four days.

It seems Mou has found the strategy to beat Barcelona. Bayern Munich and Dortmund have been successful against the Merengues and the Borussens won one, drew one in the Group Stages of this season’s campaign.

 

Borussia Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp is trying to make up for what has been an appalling season for the Schwarzgelben. They relinquished the Bundesliga crown to Bayern Munich last weekend in what has become the earliest time the German League trophy has been won. Being 20 points behind Bayern and eliminated by the team in the DFB POKAL is a terrible pill to swallow.

They have switched attention to the European cup and were within 3 minutes of bidding farewell to the tournament until a stroke of luck and some astonishing decisions sent Pellegrini’s Malaga packing. Mario Gotze and Marco ‘Rolls’ Reus are elated to say the least.

A shot at ultimate glory is two steps away and they are determined to give it their all. Robert Lewandowski scored his 6th UCL goal in the Malaga game. The man who has scored in ten consecutive League games is the main attacking threat for the 2nd placed team in the German top flight.

 

BAYERN MUNICH

No one will doubt Die Roten’s title credentials. The 23-time German Champions have been almost impeccable this season. In the year 2013, only Arsenal have won against them. The dismissal of Juventus sent a clear statement to other aspiring winners that the Munich based club want their 5th European trophy at all costs.

The bitter taste of last year’s defeat in their own home is still in the mouths of all those connected to the Bavarian outfit. Anything but a win will be seen as a step backwards. Jupp Heynckes lost all three trophies last season and wants to make amends. One is in the wraps, the other two are withing sight.

Bastian Schweinsteiger proved yet again that he can mix it up with the best deep lying playmakers in the world last night when he kept Andrea Pirlo quiet for much of the game. He himself was phenomenal throughout. Another excellent performance by the German machine. Mario Mandzukic will not be available for the 1st leg of the semi-final after he picked up a needless booking in yesterday’s game. Gomez or Pizarro will take his place. The latter has scored 5 goals in his last three games in all competitions.

They’re a definite threat.

 

BARCELONA

The best team in the world were saved from elimination by a Pedro pile driver after the introduction of 4-time Ballon D’or winner, Lionel Messi. El Pulga’s entry into the field of play galavanized the Blaugrana and it was no surprise when Barca scored barely minutes after his arrival. He is on eight goals (3 behind CR7). It will take the bravest of men to bet against him winning the Ballon d’Or for the 5th straight year anyways. He is the highest goal scorer in League play anywhere in the World with 43 La Liga goals.

Andres Iniesta is the most brilliant footballer in the world in my opinion. His football is more enjoyable than sex. One skill yesterday sent me shivering for minutes. If Barca are to go all the way, Iniesta yet again must come good in both legs. Tito Vilanova will not want to play Real Madrid yet after recent disappointments. Any of the German teams will be welcomed with open arms.

Barcelona are 2nd favourites after Bayern to win the competition. The Catalans defence is very shaky and that could be their greatest downfall.

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

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