As the final of the Confederations Cup approaches, the tournament for one team in particular has been an unmitigated disaster. Coming into the competition, as World Champions would surely mean an easy route to the semi-finals at least, however Italy capitulated in almighty fashion. A somewhat fortuitous victory over the USA followed by an embarrassing defeat to Egypt and a master class from Brazil, meant Italy were on the first plane back to Rome.
Going into the tournament Italy were expected to contest the trophy with Brazil and Spain, not necessarily the favourites but with more quality than the other sides, a semi-final berth was the minimum expectation.Marcelo Lippi named his 23 man squad, ‘old’, ‘past-it’, ‘over the hill’, ‘geriatric’ and claims they ‘don’t have the legs’, were all terms used to by the media to describe the Azzurri hopefuls. Lippi was defiant and had complete faith in his band of World Cup winners.
Personally, I was more concerned with the quality of some, for example Andrea Dossena is not international quality and how he is in an Italy squad remains a mystery to me. Luca Toni has not been performing to the standards set in 2006. While Gattuso has missed most of the season through injury and Cameronesi has also spent large chunks of the campaign on the treatment table. Add this to a 32-year-old Zambrotta, 35-Year-old Cannavaro, 32-year-old Legrottaglie, a recipe for disaster was unquestionably in the making.
In their opening fixture against the USA, Italy started the match well, but as the first half wore on the USA edged more and more into proceedings, creating the best chances of the half. Even after going down to 10 men, USA took the lead through a Landon Donavan penalty. But it wasn’t until the introduction of Giuseppe Rossi that Italy looked dangerous in the final third. He grabbed two goals and all the headlines.
But it was against Egypt that the wheels well and truly came off, a hapless performance both defensively and creatively. Italy lacked ideas going forward and solidity at the back. They fully deserved to be beaten.Then came Brazil in the final group game, a win was needed to guarantee qualification but 3 goals in eight minutes put an end to any hopes of winning the match. Although with the USA leading Egypt by thee goals all the Azzurri needed was one goal, but the impotent attack couldn’t even muster a decent opportunity. Italy were humiliated and on their way home.
After such a humbling tournament Lippi must realise that with the World Cup less than a year away, a serious and quick rebuilding program is needed. Young players need to be introduced; Rossi and Santon have to be given more responsibility. Some of the 2006 class need to be dropped for good, as it is quite clear they are not of the required quality any longer.
The tactics have to be rethought, the 4-3-3 does not work, it has been tried for a year and it has be a veritable disaster, the players don’t like it, aren’t suited to it and cannot make it work. It requires a lot of hard work from the midfielders and so called wingers, Pirlo, Montolivo, Rossi et al do not work as hard as the tifosi would like and age has caught up with Gattuso.
Each time Italy changed formation in the competition they were more competitive, relatively speaking of course. Why not use 4-4-1-1 or 4-3-1-2? These are two formations used on a more regular basis in the peninsula, the players are used to them and this would have a positive effect on the side as they would know what their job is on the park.
A couple of positives did come out of the tournament, one being Andrea Pirlo, his passing and vision seem to be back after a two year absence, coupled with his advanced position up the pitch, it is clear he is a vital player for the Azzurri. Second, Giuseppe Rossi, he has clearly demonstrated his quality and must now be one of the first names on the team sheet, young, hungry and with a predatory instinct, he can be the catalyst to a younger, brighter Azzurri, once that may have something to say in 2010 in South Africa.
Monday 29 June 2009
Saturday 27 June 2009
Giuseppe Rossi to Manchester United?
One positive to come out of Italy’s disastrous Confederations Cup adventure was the emergence of Giuseppe Rossi. Having been on the fringes of the Azzurri squad for some months, he finally made his breakthrough against the nation of his birth, putting himself firmly in the shop window this summer.
Having begun his career in the youth team at Parma, he quickly caught the attention of Manchester United, who took him to England as a 17 year old. After spending a successful spell in the reserves, he was loaned to Newcastle United, where he only made five starts. His old club Parma took an interest in the forward, deep in a relegation battle and in need of goals, Rossi joined the Tardini outfit in January 2007, and scoring 9 goals in 19 appearances, helping them avoid relegation.
On his return to Old Trafford it become clear he would not be guaranteed first team football and Sir Alex Ferguson, recognising this allowed Rossi to leave for Villarreal for around £7 million. But aware of his potential and ability a buy back clause was reportedly inserted into the deal.
During his first season in Spain, the potential that was bubbling under the surface at Old Trafford finally made its way to the surface. Twenty-three starts, five substitute appearances returned eleven goals and three assists. His performances were exceptional and a keen eye for goal demonstrated as he lead the front line during his first season with the Yellow Submarine, helping them qualify for the Champions League.
This season Rossi has progressed even more 12 goals and 7 assists in La Liga, plus 3 goals in the Champions League. His international career also blossomed, top scorer in the Olympics with four goals in four games, whilst also making his debut for the Azzurri against Bulgaria in October.
His rise has been rapid with his first goal for the Azzurri coming against Northern Ireland in June, another two were added against the USA, his country of birth in the 2009 Confederations Cup. One of the few positives to come out of Italy’s disastrous campaign.
I would advocate for the inclusion of the youngster in the Azzurri first team from now on, he brings a verve and tenacity the other forwards do not possess, he is not afraid to have a shot from long range, as his goals against Northern Ireland and USA are testament. One criticism of his game may be his lack of predatory instinct in the penalty area, though his finishing ability is fantastic.
It is these performances that have brought him to the attention of various clubs in and around the peninsula. Juventus have been mooted as a possible destination, but Rossi has expressed his desire to play for Milan. However, one team who could put a spanner in the works are former side Manchester United, after losing Tevez and Ronaldo, they may find the replacement is a player they know very well. Although he has expressed a desire to return to Italy, I feel SIr Alex Ferguson is a keen admirer and would love to have him back, but only time will tell.
Having begun his career in the youth team at Parma, he quickly caught the attention of Manchester United, who took him to England as a 17 year old. After spending a successful spell in the reserves, he was loaned to Newcastle United, where he only made five starts. His old club Parma took an interest in the forward, deep in a relegation battle and in need of goals, Rossi joined the Tardini outfit in January 2007, and scoring 9 goals in 19 appearances, helping them avoid relegation.
On his return to Old Trafford it become clear he would not be guaranteed first team football and Sir Alex Ferguson, recognising this allowed Rossi to leave for Villarreal for around £7 million. But aware of his potential and ability a buy back clause was reportedly inserted into the deal.
During his first season in Spain, the potential that was bubbling under the surface at Old Trafford finally made its way to the surface. Twenty-three starts, five substitute appearances returned eleven goals and three assists. His performances were exceptional and a keen eye for goal demonstrated as he lead the front line during his first season with the Yellow Submarine, helping them qualify for the Champions League.
This season Rossi has progressed even more 12 goals and 7 assists in La Liga, plus 3 goals in the Champions League. His international career also blossomed, top scorer in the Olympics with four goals in four games, whilst also making his debut for the Azzurri against Bulgaria in October.
His rise has been rapid with his first goal for the Azzurri coming against Northern Ireland in June, another two were added against the USA, his country of birth in the 2009 Confederations Cup. One of the few positives to come out of Italy’s disastrous campaign.
I would advocate for the inclusion of the youngster in the Azzurri first team from now on, he brings a verve and tenacity the other forwards do not possess, he is not afraid to have a shot from long range, as his goals against Northern Ireland and USA are testament. One criticism of his game may be his lack of predatory instinct in the penalty area, though his finishing ability is fantastic.
It is these performances that have brought him to the attention of various clubs in and around the peninsula. Juventus have been mooted as a possible destination, but Rossi has expressed his desire to play for Milan. However, one team who could put a spanner in the works are former side Manchester United, after losing Tevez and Ronaldo, they may find the replacement is a player they know very well. Although he has expressed a desire to return to Italy, I feel SIr Alex Ferguson is a keen admirer and would love to have him back, but only time will tell.
Monday 22 June 2009
Manchester United: Summer Transfer Targets
With the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo adding £80 million to Sir Alex Ferguson’s usual £25-30 million yearly budget. A summer spending spree is surely on the cards. Looking at the side, it would appear to me a winger and some quality in centre midfield are needed, with possibly, a striker as the icing on the cake.
Looking at the players linked to Old Trafford, it would seem we have some familiar names.
Luis Antonia Valencia - £15-18 Million
A flying right-winger has player over 80 games for Wigan and looks a very tidy player. His premier League experience will mean he can fit right into the side and wont need much time to settle. Nominated for the Best Young Player at the 2006 World Cup it appears the 23 year old who has 34 caps for Ecuador has a bright future. Some downsides may be the size of the fee, and doubts as to whether or not he is better than what United already have. In addition, his goal scoring record is quite woeful with only 7 goals during his time at Wigan and only 4 for Ecuador, he does have potential, but I only see him as a squad player at most. Wigan Chaiman Dave Whelan will not stand in his way and Sir Alex is a long time admirer, this transfer is pretty much nailed on.
Franck Ribery - £40-50 Million
A world-class player, a player, who would be the ideal replacement for the departing Cristiano Ronaldo. Apparently United put in a £60 million bid a few months ago and Sir Alex is keen to have him as part of the Old Trafford set up. His abilities are unquestioned, great dribbler, pace and immense skill, he also added goals to his repertoire scoring 14 in all competitions this season. Bayern have stated they would not keep him against his will and he has stated his desire to play in Spain. United would have a fight on their hands to persude him his future lies in Manchester, added to the hefty fee; Barcelona and Real Madrid are also circling thus increasing the price further.
Karim Benzema - £30-40 Million
The next great French striker in my opinion, and at 21 years old has plenty of time on his side. A seasoned Champions League performer, 24 caps for France and over 50 goals for Lyon in two seasons. He is tall, powerful and strong yet possesses pace coupled with a deadly eye for goal. Lyon have said he is not ‘untransferable’ and Ferguson has had an eye on him for years. The only issue would be his intention to stay in France during a World Cup year to maintain his place for Les Bleus.
David Silva - £30-35 Million
A player I like a lot, he has pace, skill, vision, great technical ability and a lethal shot on him. Part of Spain’s Euro 2008 winning team he can play on either flank and behind the strikers. With Valencia harbouring a mountain of debt and in dire need to sell, Silva’s days are numbered at the Mestalla. Ferguson bid for him last summer and another attempt appears to be on the horizon, but with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool all interested, competition will be fierce for el Chinito. For me he would be an excellent addition and should be pursued vigerously.
David Villa - £35-40 Million
If a well-known brewer made strikers they would probably make David Villa. As with his namesake Silva, his days at Valencia appear to be numbered due to the moeny he would bring in to help clear debts. A fantastic goal scorer and leader of the Spanish front line, a transfer to Real Madrid collapsed last season and it could be the same again this season. Although it looks far more likely he will remain in Spain, Chelsea and Liverpool have both announced interest but United have apparently put in a cheeky bid. Villa would add some much needed goals previously brought to the Stretford End by Ronaldo. A transfer to United however, seems just out of reach.
Mirko Vucinic £20-25 Million
The 25 year old Montenegrin currently ply’s his trade for AS Roma. This season having established himself as Roma’s number one striker, he has scored a number of important goals including two against Chelsea in the Champions League. With an impressive record of 48 goals in 83 games for the Giallorossi, he seems ready to step up another level and play for a top European club. Along with his excellent finishing ability he is also versatile, playing as a left-winger, and behind the striker during his time in Rome. Coupled with Roma’s lack of Champions League football and huge debts, it may be time to cash in on a very saleable asset.
Douglas Maicon - £30-35 Million
The Inter right back is arguably the best in the business. He controls the right side, from corner to corner, strong in the tackle and great positional sense; he bombs forward with consummate ease to deliver a phenomenal quantity of crosses. Athletic and agile, he could be the answer on the right side. Sir Alex tried to sign him in 2003 but was refused a work permit. Reportedly unhappy in Italy, a move appears ever closer for the Brazilian.
Honourable mentions must go to Victor Valdes of Barcelona and Douglas Costa of Gremio. Both have been on the radar but I don’t see any developments in the near future at least.
Every one of the above has been linked with Manchester United at some point over the last few weeks. For me a ball winning midfielder should be high on the list of priorities though the rumour mill seems obsessed with attacking players.
A very eventful summer could come into fruition very soon and you may well find a few new faces strutting their stuff in the Theatre of Dreams.
Looking at the players linked to Old Trafford, it would seem we have some familiar names.
Luis Antonia Valencia - £15-18 Million
A flying right-winger has player over 80 games for Wigan and looks a very tidy player. His premier League experience will mean he can fit right into the side and wont need much time to settle. Nominated for the Best Young Player at the 2006 World Cup it appears the 23 year old who has 34 caps for Ecuador has a bright future. Some downsides may be the size of the fee, and doubts as to whether or not he is better than what United already have. In addition, his goal scoring record is quite woeful with only 7 goals during his time at Wigan and only 4 for Ecuador, he does have potential, but I only see him as a squad player at most. Wigan Chaiman Dave Whelan will not stand in his way and Sir Alex is a long time admirer, this transfer is pretty much nailed on.
Franck Ribery - £40-50 Million
A world-class player, a player, who would be the ideal replacement for the departing Cristiano Ronaldo. Apparently United put in a £60 million bid a few months ago and Sir Alex is keen to have him as part of the Old Trafford set up. His abilities are unquestioned, great dribbler, pace and immense skill, he also added goals to his repertoire scoring 14 in all competitions this season. Bayern have stated they would not keep him against his will and he has stated his desire to play in Spain. United would have a fight on their hands to persude him his future lies in Manchester, added to the hefty fee; Barcelona and Real Madrid are also circling thus increasing the price further.
Karim Benzema - £30-40 Million
The next great French striker in my opinion, and at 21 years old has plenty of time on his side. A seasoned Champions League performer, 24 caps for France and over 50 goals for Lyon in two seasons. He is tall, powerful and strong yet possesses pace coupled with a deadly eye for goal. Lyon have said he is not ‘untransferable’ and Ferguson has had an eye on him for years. The only issue would be his intention to stay in France during a World Cup year to maintain his place for Les Bleus.
David Silva - £30-35 Million
A player I like a lot, he has pace, skill, vision, great technical ability and a lethal shot on him. Part of Spain’s Euro 2008 winning team he can play on either flank and behind the strikers. With Valencia harbouring a mountain of debt and in dire need to sell, Silva’s days are numbered at the Mestalla. Ferguson bid for him last summer and another attempt appears to be on the horizon, but with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool all interested, competition will be fierce for el Chinito. For me he would be an excellent addition and should be pursued vigerously.
David Villa - £35-40 Million
If a well-known brewer made strikers they would probably make David Villa. As with his namesake Silva, his days at Valencia appear to be numbered due to the moeny he would bring in to help clear debts. A fantastic goal scorer and leader of the Spanish front line, a transfer to Real Madrid collapsed last season and it could be the same again this season. Although it looks far more likely he will remain in Spain, Chelsea and Liverpool have both announced interest but United have apparently put in a cheeky bid. Villa would add some much needed goals previously brought to the Stretford End by Ronaldo. A transfer to United however, seems just out of reach.
Mirko Vucinic £20-25 Million
The 25 year old Montenegrin currently ply’s his trade for AS Roma. This season having established himself as Roma’s number one striker, he has scored a number of important goals including two against Chelsea in the Champions League. With an impressive record of 48 goals in 83 games for the Giallorossi, he seems ready to step up another level and play for a top European club. Along with his excellent finishing ability he is also versatile, playing as a left-winger, and behind the striker during his time in Rome. Coupled with Roma’s lack of Champions League football and huge debts, it may be time to cash in on a very saleable asset.
Douglas Maicon - £30-35 Million
The Inter right back is arguably the best in the business. He controls the right side, from corner to corner, strong in the tackle and great positional sense; he bombs forward with consummate ease to deliver a phenomenal quantity of crosses. Athletic and agile, he could be the answer on the right side. Sir Alex tried to sign him in 2003 but was refused a work permit. Reportedly unhappy in Italy, a move appears ever closer for the Brazilian.
Honourable mentions must go to Victor Valdes of Barcelona and Douglas Costa of Gremio. Both have been on the radar but I don’t see any developments in the near future at least.
Every one of the above has been linked with Manchester United at some point over the last few weeks. For me a ball winning midfielder should be high on the list of priorities though the rumour mill seems obsessed with attacking players.
A very eventful summer could come into fruition very soon and you may well find a few new faces strutting their stuff in the Theatre of Dreams.
Monday 15 June 2009
Leonardo Leading the Renaissance
With the loss of Kaka to the second Galactico era of Real Madrid, AC Milan have a lot of rebuilding to do and a pot of gold to do it with.
It has been a summer of loss of the Rossoneri, Paolo Maldini has retired, Carlo Ancelotti has moved to Chelsea and Kaka has taken on a new challenge in Madrid. Together with the losses of David Beckham, who was a veritable hit during his short spell at the San Siro, although is seems he will be back. The ever ineffective Shevchenko, will depart for Chelsea once more, this time it is only the end of his loan spell and Phillipe Senderos will join his in London as he is returned with joy to Arsenal. Other players expected to leave are calamity keeper, Dida and walking corpse, Guiseppe Favalli.
With new coach Leonardo being brought in, some say on the cheap others say as a puppet for President Berlusconi. I am more optimistic as think Leonardo is a smart man, an intelligent man and a man that has been around the club for a number of years, thus know its workings inside out. It must also be noted that he was instrumental in bringing Brazilian starlet Alexandre Pato to Milan.
It is believed he will play a Brazil 1982 inspired 4-3-1-2, with the much maligned and often said dead trequartista role being resurrected. This position is seems is destined for former World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho. It is hoped he can rediscover the form that was so instrumental in Barcelona’s success of a few years back. Kaka is gone and Ronnie will have the team build around his deflated genius. Most hope he can rediscover his past form, especially those in and around Via Turati.
The summer has only just begun but Milan have already lined up a couple of young defenders. First to arrive was Thiago Silva, actually signed in January for around €10 million, although he couldn’t join due since his Milan already signed two non-EU nationals during the season. He has already played in Europe for Porto and Dynamo Moscow, this spell was unsuccessful and he returned to his native Brazil to rebuild his career and reputuation. His good showing for Brazil in the Olympics and Fluminense earned him a return to Europe and to the fortress that is the San Siro.
He has more recently been joined by Frenchman, Aly Cissokho who has just joined from FC Porto for around €15 million. He has had a rapid rise from French division 3 side Gueugnon two years ago, to the bright lights of Milan. He cemented his reputation in the Champions League against Manchester United where he dominated the left side of the park. He is mostly compared to Dani Alves; he can also play on both sides of the pitch and on the wing. It seems he will be a useful signing for the Rossoneri.
With both players being 24 and 21 respectively it seems youth will finally be given a chance.
Along with this newly found youth, Alessandro Nesta and Gennaro Gattuso should have recovered from long-term injuries adding a touch of class to the side.
The pursuit of a striker seems to be on the cards very much so. Emmanuel Adebayor linked repeatedly throughout the season, but of late it appears Edin Dzeko, German Footballer of the Year, is going to be moving across Europe. Plus being only 23 himself, a new transfer strategy is most definitely in place. Others linked include Phillipe Mexes and 23 year old, attacking midfielder, Hernanes of Sao Paulo, who is rated by some as the most promising young player in the world.
Leonardo is presiding over a revolution in Milan, and could well be leading a renaissance just as his namesake did over 500 years ago.
It has been a summer of loss of the Rossoneri, Paolo Maldini has retired, Carlo Ancelotti has moved to Chelsea and Kaka has taken on a new challenge in Madrid. Together with the losses of David Beckham, who was a veritable hit during his short spell at the San Siro, although is seems he will be back. The ever ineffective Shevchenko, will depart for Chelsea once more, this time it is only the end of his loan spell and Phillipe Senderos will join his in London as he is returned with joy to Arsenal. Other players expected to leave are calamity keeper, Dida and walking corpse, Guiseppe Favalli.
With new coach Leonardo being brought in, some say on the cheap others say as a puppet for President Berlusconi. I am more optimistic as think Leonardo is a smart man, an intelligent man and a man that has been around the club for a number of years, thus know its workings inside out. It must also be noted that he was instrumental in bringing Brazilian starlet Alexandre Pato to Milan.
It is believed he will play a Brazil 1982 inspired 4-3-1-2, with the much maligned and often said dead trequartista role being resurrected. This position is seems is destined for former World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho. It is hoped he can rediscover the form that was so instrumental in Barcelona’s success of a few years back. Kaka is gone and Ronnie will have the team build around his deflated genius. Most hope he can rediscover his past form, especially those in and around Via Turati.
The summer has only just begun but Milan have already lined up a couple of young defenders. First to arrive was Thiago Silva, actually signed in January for around €10 million, although he couldn’t join due since his Milan already signed two non-EU nationals during the season. He has already played in Europe for Porto and Dynamo Moscow, this spell was unsuccessful and he returned to his native Brazil to rebuild his career and reputuation. His good showing for Brazil in the Olympics and Fluminense earned him a return to Europe and to the fortress that is the San Siro.
He has more recently been joined by Frenchman, Aly Cissokho who has just joined from FC Porto for around €15 million. He has had a rapid rise from French division 3 side Gueugnon two years ago, to the bright lights of Milan. He cemented his reputation in the Champions League against Manchester United where he dominated the left side of the park. He is mostly compared to Dani Alves; he can also play on both sides of the pitch and on the wing. It seems he will be a useful signing for the Rossoneri.
With both players being 24 and 21 respectively it seems youth will finally be given a chance.
Along with this newly found youth, Alessandro Nesta and Gennaro Gattuso should have recovered from long-term injuries adding a touch of class to the side.
The pursuit of a striker seems to be on the cards very much so. Emmanuel Adebayor linked repeatedly throughout the season, but of late it appears Edin Dzeko, German Footballer of the Year, is going to be moving across Europe. Plus being only 23 himself, a new transfer strategy is most definitely in place. Others linked include Phillipe Mexes and 23 year old, attacking midfielder, Hernanes of Sao Paulo, who is rated by some as the most promising young player in the world.
Leonardo is presiding over a revolution in Milan, and could well be leading a renaissance just as his namesake did over 500 years ago.
Thursday 11 June 2009
Ibrahimovic is the Best in the World: Yes or No?
Now regular listeners to the Italian Football FanCast and the Manchester United Football FanCast will be very aware of my liking for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, some of my colleagues would even call it a blind obsession. After weeks of mockery, I have decided to take it upon myself to explain why I think Zlatan is truly world class and up there with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. So be prepared for some statistics!
He is a player that has everything, his 6’3 and a half inch frame holds within it, a talent that many of us can only dream of. He possesses pace, movement, sublime finishing ability, the dexterity to try then ultimately pull off the unexpected and amaze his watching audience. All this is complemented by a footballing intelligence that can only be described as extraordinary.
This season in Serie A, Ibrahimovic has been at his most prolific, scoring 25 goals in 35 games adding 7 assists, that’s 0.7 goals per game. He is the reigning Capocanonniere. Comparing this to Nicolas Anelka, the Premierships top scorer with 19 goals in 33 games, 0.54 goals per game. Granted the likes of Samuel Eto’o, and Lionel Messi boast better records, but it must be noted, La Liga is much more open tactically compared to Serie A, thus leading to more goal scoring opportunities.
His record for Sweden is also impressive, 21 goals in 56 games, in addition to his 6 goals in 7 games for the U21’s. With all due respect, Sweden aren’t exactly setting the world alight with their scintillating brand of football and thus adds weight to a very good scoring rate at international level.
It is not only his scoring record that is worth looking at, on the most part his performances have been excellent and in some cases breathtaking. A mention has to go to the manner in which he scores his goals, most notably his near post back heel flick against Bologna, the free-kick he blasted in against Fiorentina and the sublime ‘edge of the box’ chip against Reggina. Plus the final day back heel, which showcased his strength, touch and ability to pull off the unexpected.
Ibra began his career at local team FBK Balkan, and on one occasion a 10 year old Ibrahimovic was a second half substitute, at which point FBK Balkan were losing 5-0, Zlatan went on to score 8 and his team won. Ibra-cadabra indeed. Transferred between Malmo, Ajax, Juventus and Inter for a combined total of €50 million, it was money well spent as far as I’m concerned.
On his Champions League debut in 2002 he scored 2 goals for Ajax against Lyon and in the same season scored what can only be described as a wondergoal against NAC Breda, later voted goal of the season by Eurosport. He dribbled past the whole defence took the ball round the keeper, put another 3 or 4 players on there backsides and slotted the ball home, beyond the shadow of a doubt the work of a marvel.
He then went on to play for Juventus and was an instant hit with the Bianconeri, with 16 goals in his first season. Although in his second and final season with Juve, his form dipped and eventually forced his way out of the club after the Calciopoli scandal, moving to the club he supported as a boy, FC Internazionale.
It is in Milan that Irbahimovic has blossomed and become and integral part to the Inter juggernaught. Last season he managed to bag 22 goals in 33 games including 5 goals in 7 starts in the Champions League. It must also be noted that Ibra had 24 shots of which 7 were on target in the Champions League, what that tells you is … if you give him a chance he will score.
He has often been criticised for his performances against the big clubs and especially those in the Champions League. Statements which bear fruit when you consider he has never scored in the knockout stage of Europe’s premier club competition. This aside, I will put forward a case for his defence. This player is one that is arguably his teams only attacking threat, nullify Ibrahimovic and Inter become somewhat impotent in attack.
Pressure on him to perform has resulted in a player that can it be said, ‘tries too hard’ in the so-called ‘big’ games. Instead of just playing his natural game, he seems intent creating and scoring all on his own in an attempt to prove to all his doubters that he is indeed the best player in the world. Although Jose Mourinho already deems this to be the case.
Zlatan however, does have his shortfailings, he is a supremely confident young man, when asked what could stop him becoming the best player in the world he replied with only one word “injury” then asked to describe himself in three words … his retort, “I am brilliant”. A statement I agree with wholeheartedly.
In more recent times he has voiced his desire to move from the peninsula, stating, “I don’t know what else I can still do in Italy, other than keep going and build a collection. We’ll see. Now there are two internationals with Sweden and then we’ll wait and see what happens. The future? I don’t know. If something is going to happen, it will be after this match. We will see, I don’t know yet”.
In my view Zlatan would only go to a top club, and with no disrespect to any other teams in Spain that means Barcelona or Real Madrid. At both teams he would score more goals get more assists and ultimately become a Ballon d’Or winner.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a magician, a talisman and an enigma but even so he is undeniably one of the finest players on this small blue planet and if he does leave it would be a massive loss to Inter and Calcio as a whole.
He is a player that has everything, his 6’3 and a half inch frame holds within it, a talent that many of us can only dream of. He possesses pace, movement, sublime finishing ability, the dexterity to try then ultimately pull off the unexpected and amaze his watching audience. All this is complemented by a footballing intelligence that can only be described as extraordinary.
This season in Serie A, Ibrahimovic has been at his most prolific, scoring 25 goals in 35 games adding 7 assists, that’s 0.7 goals per game. He is the reigning Capocanonniere. Comparing this to Nicolas Anelka, the Premierships top scorer with 19 goals in 33 games, 0.54 goals per game. Granted the likes of Samuel Eto’o, and Lionel Messi boast better records, but it must be noted, La Liga is much more open tactically compared to Serie A, thus leading to more goal scoring opportunities.
His record for Sweden is also impressive, 21 goals in 56 games, in addition to his 6 goals in 7 games for the U21’s. With all due respect, Sweden aren’t exactly setting the world alight with their scintillating brand of football and thus adds weight to a very good scoring rate at international level.
It is not only his scoring record that is worth looking at, on the most part his performances have been excellent and in some cases breathtaking. A mention has to go to the manner in which he scores his goals, most notably his near post back heel flick against Bologna, the free-kick he blasted in against Fiorentina and the sublime ‘edge of the box’ chip against Reggina. Plus the final day back heel, which showcased his strength, touch and ability to pull off the unexpected.
Ibra began his career at local team FBK Balkan, and on one occasion a 10 year old Ibrahimovic was a second half substitute, at which point FBK Balkan were losing 5-0, Zlatan went on to score 8 and his team won. Ibra-cadabra indeed. Transferred between Malmo, Ajax, Juventus and Inter for a combined total of €50 million, it was money well spent as far as I’m concerned.
On his Champions League debut in 2002 he scored 2 goals for Ajax against Lyon and in the same season scored what can only be described as a wondergoal against NAC Breda, later voted goal of the season by Eurosport. He dribbled past the whole defence took the ball round the keeper, put another 3 or 4 players on there backsides and slotted the ball home, beyond the shadow of a doubt the work of a marvel.
He then went on to play for Juventus and was an instant hit with the Bianconeri, with 16 goals in his first season. Although in his second and final season with Juve, his form dipped and eventually forced his way out of the club after the Calciopoli scandal, moving to the club he supported as a boy, FC Internazionale.
It is in Milan that Irbahimovic has blossomed and become and integral part to the Inter juggernaught. Last season he managed to bag 22 goals in 33 games including 5 goals in 7 starts in the Champions League. It must also be noted that Ibra had 24 shots of which 7 were on target in the Champions League, what that tells you is … if you give him a chance he will score.
He has often been criticised for his performances against the big clubs and especially those in the Champions League. Statements which bear fruit when you consider he has never scored in the knockout stage of Europe’s premier club competition. This aside, I will put forward a case for his defence. This player is one that is arguably his teams only attacking threat, nullify Ibrahimovic and Inter become somewhat impotent in attack.
Pressure on him to perform has resulted in a player that can it be said, ‘tries too hard’ in the so-called ‘big’ games. Instead of just playing his natural game, he seems intent creating and scoring all on his own in an attempt to prove to all his doubters that he is indeed the best player in the world. Although Jose Mourinho already deems this to be the case.
Zlatan however, does have his shortfailings, he is a supremely confident young man, when asked what could stop him becoming the best player in the world he replied with only one word “injury” then asked to describe himself in three words … his retort, “I am brilliant”. A statement I agree with wholeheartedly.
In more recent times he has voiced his desire to move from the peninsula, stating, “I don’t know what else I can still do in Italy, other than keep going and build a collection. We’ll see. Now there are two internationals with Sweden and then we’ll wait and see what happens. The future? I don’t know. If something is going to happen, it will be after this match. We will see, I don’t know yet”.
In my view Zlatan would only go to a top club, and with no disrespect to any other teams in Spain that means Barcelona or Real Madrid. At both teams he would score more goals get more assists and ultimately become a Ballon d’Or winner.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a magician, a talisman and an enigma but even so he is undeniably one of the finest players on this small blue planet and if he does leave it would be a massive loss to Inter and Calcio as a whole.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
