So after a disappointing draw against Aston Villa, nearly a week has passed without seeing Manchester United in action, but a tough test is upon us. AC Milan are next up for Sir Alex Ferguson and his Red Army in the Champions League Second Round 1st Leg. With United at the San Siro first, it is sure to be a difficult tie.
Minds will surely be cast back to the last time the two sides met in 2007, United took a 3-2 lead back to Old Trafford and were very confident of finishing off the job in Manchester, only for Kaka, Gattuso, Pirlo et al to completely dismantle an inform United, utterly deflating them and producing a display akin to the great Milan side of the early 1990’s.
Other than 2007 the Rossoneri have dumped United out of Europe's elite competition on three other occasions, - 1958, 1969 and 2005. So no matter what you have heard about Milan being a waning power and a team in decline, they will be dangerous, especially at home, there is no doubting that.
Monday, 15 February 2010
AC Milan vs Manchester United: Champions League Preview
So after a disappointing draw against Aston Villa, nearly a week has passed without seeing Manchester United in action, but a tough test is upon us. AC Milan are next up for Sir Alex Ferguson and his Red Army in the Champions League Second Round 1st Leg. With United at the San Siro first, it is sure to be a difficult tie.
Minds will surely be cast back to the last time the two sides met in 2007, United took a 3-2 lead back to Old Trafford and were very confident of finishing off the job in Manchester, only for Kaka, Gattuso, Pirlo et al to completely dismantle an inform United, utterly deflating them and producing a display akin to the great Milan side of the early 1990’s.
Other than 2007 the Rossoneri have dumped United out of Europe's elite competition on three other occasions, - 1958, 1969 and 2005. So no matter what you have heard about Milan being a waning power and a team in decline, they will be dangerous, especially at home, there is no doubting that.
Manchester United go into the tie off the back of a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa a draw in which Ryan Giggs broke his arm ruling the midfielder out of the Milan match.
In goal, Edwin van der Sar should provide a formidable barrier to Marco Borriello, Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato. Protected by Rafael, who should be preferred to Gary Neville given the recent performances the club captain has had. It will be a massive game for the youngster, coming up against his fellow countryman and former FIFA World Player of the Year could be the making of him. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic should recreate the fearsome central defensive partnership that lead United to glory in 2008. Of course Evra will be in place at left-back.
Expect Sir Alex Ferguson to line up with a five man midfield, Antonio Valencia is likely to be in that team and is rightly looking forward to the match, stating, "They will be the biggest games I've played in club football." Joining him will be Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and probably Paul Scholes. The Ginger Ninja has been in superlative form recently and the added time on the ball he will be afforded by Milan will surely mean he can do damage. Nani should also make the team, despite his red card on Wednesday his form over the last month has only been eclipsed by that of Wayne Rooney, who will be the lone frontman on Tuesday evening.
Underestimate AC Milan at your peril. There are deficiencies in the team; of that there is no doubt. But rookie manager has manages to shape some sort of team from the remnants of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign. Leonardo prefers a 4-3-3, which becomes more a 5-5.
Staring in goal will be Dida, by no stretch of the imagination back to the form of six years ago when he was one of the best stoppers in world football, he has at least achieved a reasonable level of performance so far this season, and can still pull of the odd wondersave.
The back four will be key for AC Milan, Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva are one of the most solid defensive partnerships in Europe right now. Nesta has managed to nurse himself back to a semblance of health, while Silva has proved his ability with masterful displays throughout the season. Against Udinese on Friday, Nesta made his comeback from injury only for Silva to go off injured in the same match. Much will depend on the fitness of these two.
Both full-back are the places where Milan are most vulnerable, Ignazio Abate, though young and full of running, is not a right-back, he is a best a decent right midfielder. His defensive positioning is poor and he can be a bit ‘over eager’ to say the least. Luca Antonini has made the left back position his own this season, but a journey man player, he spent 8 years away from the San Siro on various loan spells before he returned in the summer.
The Milan midfield will have a number of familiar faces, Massimo Ambrosini, the club captain and longest serving player is in a rich vein of form. He will more than likely be alongside Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso. Pirlo will be pushed further up, as if he is in the trequartista role with the two generals behind him.
The front three will consist of Borriello, Pato and Ronaldinho.
Pato is just back from injury and scored against Udinese, he may be lacking in match sharpness so David Beckham may be given a starting berth, on the right side of a front three. Ronaldinho is back on form, not quite at his Barcelona best but not far off, he still has all the skills and can easily beat his man, he may have lost that acceleration of old but he has a potent weapon in the Rossoneri attack. Both will be playing off targetman Marco Borriello, the former Genoa striker his banging in the goals, while not a star, he is effective and can give any defence a rough ride.
Milan did not win for three games after the derby defeat to Inter. If United can press the ball just as Inter did then Milan do become vulnerable, but given space and time, Milan will hurt you. Just as Real Madrid.
Minds will surely be cast back to the last time the two sides met in 2007, United took a 3-2 lead back to Old Trafford and were very confident of finishing off the job in Manchester, only for Kaka, Gattuso, Pirlo et al to completely dismantle an inform United, utterly deflating them and producing a display akin to the great Milan side of the early 1990’s.
Other than 2007 the Rossoneri have dumped United out of Europe's elite competition on three other occasions, - 1958, 1969 and 2005. So no matter what you have heard about Milan being a waning power and a team in decline, they will be dangerous, especially at home, there is no doubting that.
Manchester United go into the tie off the back of a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa a draw in which Ryan Giggs broke his arm ruling the midfielder out of the Milan match.
In goal, Edwin van der Sar should provide a formidable barrier to Marco Borriello, Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato. Protected by Rafael, who should be preferred to Gary Neville given the recent performances the club captain has had. It will be a massive game for the youngster, coming up against his fellow countryman and former FIFA World Player of the Year could be the making of him. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic should recreate the fearsome central defensive partnership that lead United to glory in 2008. Of course Evra will be in place at left-back.
Expect Sir Alex Ferguson to line up with a five man midfield, Antonio Valencia is likely to be in that team and is rightly looking forward to the match, stating, "They will be the biggest games I've played in club football." Joining him will be Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and probably Paul Scholes. The Ginger Ninja has been in superlative form recently and the added time on the ball he will be afforded by Milan will surely mean he can do damage. Nani should also make the team, despite his red card on Wednesday his form over the last month has only been eclipsed by that of Wayne Rooney, who will be the lone frontman on Tuesday evening.
Underestimate AC Milan at your peril. There are deficiencies in the team; of that there is no doubt. But rookie manager has manages to shape some sort of team from the remnants of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign. Leonardo prefers a 4-3-3, which becomes more a 5-5.
Staring in goal will be Dida, by no stretch of the imagination back to the form of six years ago when he was one of the best stoppers in world football, he has at least achieved a reasonable level of performance so far this season, and can still pull of the odd wondersave.
The back four will be key for AC Milan, Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva are one of the most solid defensive partnerships in Europe right now. Nesta has managed to nurse himself back to a semblance of health, while Silva has proved his ability with masterful displays throughout the season. Against Udinese on Friday, Nesta made his comeback from injury only for Silva to go off injured in the same match. Much will depend on the fitness of these two.
Both full-back are the places where Milan are most vulnerable, Ignazio Abate, though young and full of running, is not a right-back, he is a best a decent right midfielder. His defensive positioning is poor and he can be a bit ‘over eager’ to say the least. Luca Antonini has made the left back position his own this season, but a journey man player, he spent 8 years away from the San Siro on various loan spells before he returned in the summer.
The Milan midfield will have a number of familiar faces, Massimo Ambrosini, the club captain and longest serving player is in a rich vein of form. He will more than likely be alongside Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso. Pirlo will be pushed further up, as if he is in the trequartista role with the two generals behind him.
The front three will consist of Borriello, Pato and Ronaldinho.
Pato is just back from injury and scored against Udinese, he may be lacking in match sharpness so David Beckham may be given a starting berth, on the right side of a front three. Ronaldinho is back on form, not quite at his Barcelona best but not far off, he still has all the skills and can easily beat his man, he may have lost that acceleration of old but he has a potent weapon in the Rossoneri attack. Both will be playing off targetman Marco Borriello, the former Genoa striker his banging in the goals, while not a star, he is effective and can give any defence a rough ride.
Milan did not win for three games after the derby defeat to Inter. If United can press the ball just as Inter did then Milan do become vulnerable, but given space and time, Milan will hurt you. Just as Real Madrid.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Legend of Calcio - Gianluca Vialli
Juventus have had a plethora of phenomenal strikers over the years but there is one who stands out over his modern day rivals His name is Gianluca Vialli, a legendary centre forward and accomplished manager; as a it can be argued he started the Chelsea revolution we see today, laying the foundations for Claudio Ranieri, Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti to build on.
He started of his career at hometown club Cremonese after playing youth football with Pizzighettone. His first team debut came in Serie C1 for Cremonese and they were subsequently promoted to Serie B, he then played with them in Serie B, scoring 23 goals in 103 games. His performances attracted the interest of Serie A side Sampdoria, to whom he transferred in 1984.
Sampdoria were on the verge of the most successful period in the clubs history and Vialli was an integral part of it. He formed a deadly partnership with Roberto Mancini; they had an understanding that was second to none, telepathic even. This earned them the nickname ‘The Goal Twins’.
Vialli’s goals, coupled with Mancini’s led Sampdoria to amazing success, they won the Italian Cup 3 times and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup once, but their crowning glory was winning Serie A in 1990-91, a truly outstanding achievement considering the competition from the likes of Maradona’s Napoli and the great AC Milan side containing Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard. This victory meant qualification into the European Cup the flowing season. The fairytale was to end when Barcelona triumphed over the Sampdoria 1-0 after extra time in the 1992 Final. Still to this day that Samp side are revered in Genoa among the Blucerchiati faithful.
After 85 goals in 223 appearances for Samp, the peninsulas biggest club, Juventus swooped to sign the prolific forward and in 1992 paid a world record fee of 12.5 million to sign him. This was to prove a catalyst for the rejuvenation of Juventus; Vialli first formed an awe-inspiring attacking trident with Fabrizio Ravanelli and Roberto Baggio, then later with Alessandro Del Piero when he replaced Baggio in the Juve side. In 1996 he had the most important victory of his career, the European Cup, beating the final in Rome Ajax on penalties and managed to win the trophy he lost with Sampdoria in 1992. Adding another Coppa Italia, the UEFA Cup, Serie A title and Supercoppa Italiana he was key to the Juventus side in the 1990’s, scoring 32 goals in 102 appearances.
With such success in Turin, Vialli moved to the Premiership as one of Ruud Gullits big name Chelsea recruits. His time at with the Blues wasn’t always rosy; he had many disagreements with Gullit which limited his playing time. He was instrumental in an F.A Cup win over Liverpool in which he scored two goals to complete a marvellous Chelsea comeback. They won 4-2.
The following season he lifted the League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, along with the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 as player coach after Gullit was sacked in February 1998. This European victory cemented his place as one of the most decorated players in the game, and he is one of only nine to win all three major European trophies.
Following the sacking of Gullit he took over the reigns at Chelsea, first in a player/coach capacity but then becoming full time coach to the side. He lead a Chelsea team to F.A. Cup glory in 2000 after beating Aston Villa and then won the Charity Shield by defeating Manchester United. Vialli’s fifth official trophy with the club, in less than three years, made him the club’s most successful manager at the time.
As with everything, all good things must come to an end, and Vialli was sacked after a poor start to the 2000-01 season and a number of rows with star players, such as Gianfranco Zola and Didier Deschamps. He did take up one other managerial role, with Watford. It wasn’t a success; he spent a large amount of money making wholesale changes to the side and only managed a 14th place finish in the First Division. Leading to his departure after only a year in charge.
Since then he has been linked with numerous managerial roles, including QPR, West Ham United and Juventus but thus far has not taken charge of another club. He has though been working on his golf handicap and took part in the Dunhill links championship pro-am event. On 26 February 2006 was the bearer of the Olympic flag during the Closing Ceremony of the XX Olympic Winter Games Torino 2006
In 2006, he co-wrote a book with journalist Gabriele Marcotti, entitled The Italian Job. It is a discussion into the differences between English and Italian football and also his time at Chelsea.
Currently he is a pundit on Sky Italia covering Serie A matches.
He started of his career at hometown club Cremonese after playing youth football with Pizzighettone. His first team debut came in Serie C1 for Cremonese and they were subsequently promoted to Serie B, he then played with them in Serie B, scoring 23 goals in 103 games. His performances attracted the interest of Serie A side Sampdoria, to whom he transferred in 1984.
Sampdoria were on the verge of the most successful period in the clubs history and Vialli was an integral part of it. He formed a deadly partnership with Roberto Mancini; they had an understanding that was second to none, telepathic even. This earned them the nickname ‘The Goal Twins’.
Vialli’s goals, coupled with Mancini’s led Sampdoria to amazing success, they won the Italian Cup 3 times and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup once, but their crowning glory was winning Serie A in 1990-91, a truly outstanding achievement considering the competition from the likes of Maradona’s Napoli and the great AC Milan side containing Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard. This victory meant qualification into the European Cup the flowing season. The fairytale was to end when Barcelona triumphed over the Sampdoria 1-0 after extra time in the 1992 Final. Still to this day that Samp side are revered in Genoa among the Blucerchiati faithful.
After 85 goals in 223 appearances for Samp, the peninsulas biggest club, Juventus swooped to sign the prolific forward and in 1992 paid a world record fee of 12.5 million to sign him. This was to prove a catalyst for the rejuvenation of Juventus; Vialli first formed an awe-inspiring attacking trident with Fabrizio Ravanelli and Roberto Baggio, then later with Alessandro Del Piero when he replaced Baggio in the Juve side. In 1996 he had the most important victory of his career, the European Cup, beating the final in Rome Ajax on penalties and managed to win the trophy he lost with Sampdoria in 1992. Adding another Coppa Italia, the UEFA Cup, Serie A title and Supercoppa Italiana he was key to the Juventus side in the 1990’s, scoring 32 goals in 102 appearances.
With such success in Turin, Vialli moved to the Premiership as one of Ruud Gullits big name Chelsea recruits. His time at with the Blues wasn’t always rosy; he had many disagreements with Gullit which limited his playing time. He was instrumental in an F.A Cup win over Liverpool in which he scored two goals to complete a marvellous Chelsea comeback. They won 4-2.
The following season he lifted the League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, along with the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 as player coach after Gullit was sacked in February 1998. This European victory cemented his place as one of the most decorated players in the game, and he is one of only nine to win all three major European trophies.
Following the sacking of Gullit he took over the reigns at Chelsea, first in a player/coach capacity but then becoming full time coach to the side. He lead a Chelsea team to F.A. Cup glory in 2000 after beating Aston Villa and then won the Charity Shield by defeating Manchester United. Vialli’s fifth official trophy with the club, in less than three years, made him the club’s most successful manager at the time.
As with everything, all good things must come to an end, and Vialli was sacked after a poor start to the 2000-01 season and a number of rows with star players, such as Gianfranco Zola and Didier Deschamps. He did take up one other managerial role, with Watford. It wasn’t a success; he spent a large amount of money making wholesale changes to the side and only managed a 14th place finish in the First Division. Leading to his departure after only a year in charge.
Since then he has been linked with numerous managerial roles, including QPR, West Ham United and Juventus but thus far has not taken charge of another club. He has though been working on his golf handicap and took part in the Dunhill links championship pro-am event. On 26 February 2006 was the bearer of the Olympic flag during the Closing Ceremony of the XX Olympic Winter Games Torino 2006
In 2006, he co-wrote a book with journalist Gabriele Marcotti, entitled The Italian Job. It is a discussion into the differences between English and Italian football and also his time at Chelsea.
Currently he is a pundit on Sky Italia covering Serie A matches.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
AC Milan Woes Continue as Pressure Mounts on Leonardo
After a brief period of hope the lights have finally been extinguished on Sunday with the 0-0 draw with relegation threatened Bologna. The somewhat fortuitous draw had more to do with the excellent performance of Roberto Colombo in the Bologna goal; he foiled Marco Borriello, Andrea Pirlo, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and new signing Mancini. The wood work also had its part to play as Milan twice thumped the frame of the goal.
Starting the game with new signing Mancini on the right-wing and notability Daniele Bonera in centre of defence, preferred to Giuseppe Favalli. AC Milan set their stall out from the off with Andrea Pirlo dictating the play and creating the first openings. Bologna though did give the visitors a few scares as Marco Di Vaio who was thwarted by Bonera and Ignazio Abate in quick succession.
As the game wore on and Milan failed to make the breakthrough, Leonardo decided to throw on Huntelaar in an attempt to get a goal. The Dutchman did have a one-on-one chance but his shot was smothered by Colombo in the Bologna goal. Ronaldinho hit the bar after Colombo completely lost the flight of the ball from a Pirlo corner.
In the dying minutes though, Milan had a chance to snatch the points as Ambrosini rose to head a Mancini cross, only for his header to cannon back off the crossbar. Two points dropped and the Rossoneri are now a massive 10 points behind city rivals Inter who lead the way in Serie A.
The last four games have been a wake up call for Leonardo and his merry men, since the Milan Derby they have not won a match and look to be in a state of shock. Ronaldinho’s form has dipped, the goals have dried up and defensive errors are becoming more prevalent.
Alessandro Nesta’s continued absence leaves the Milan backline looking very frail. Luca Antonini has made the left back position his own, but offers no real threat going forward and even less defensive stability at the back, whereas on the other flank, Abate is clearly not a full-back, his defensive positioning leaves a lot to be desired and he seems intent on always diving in when challenging opponents. The return of Bonera is a welcome on considering the other candidates for Nesta’s spot. Kaladze and Favalli are nowhere near the desired level of ability Milan are looking for. Favalli is closer to getting and pension and a bus pass than making a decent contribution to this team, while Kaladze is more adept at conceding own goals than defending them.
Dumped out of the Coppa Italia by Udinese and all but out of the Scudetto race, the Champions League is Milan’s last remaining hope for silverware, but they would have to overcome last years beaten finalists Manchester United to navigate their way into the quarter finals. A task that seems all the more daunting given the English champions’ form and Wayne Rooney being in the form of his life.
As a consequence of the recent dip in form the future of Leonardo has once again been called into question. The Brazilian has been under constant scrutiny since taking the job at Milanello, even fighting back from the brink of losing his job. Latest reports in the peninsula are linking Rafa Benitez and Juande Ramos to the Milan hot seat, but only if Leonardo doesn’t make it into the top three in Serie A.
It seems likely Milan will finish at minimum third but that will most probably be the best they can hope for. President Silvio Berlusconi recently commented on the form his team are in, “On Sunday I go to the stadium and see people crying,” he joked. “Imagine how I feel, as not only should I cry, I also pay for this team.” Maybe an off the cuff remark but feeling in the Curva Sud is of discontent and unhappiness at lack of investment in the ever aging squad.
Old problems remain and need to be fixed… pronto.
Starting the game with new signing Mancini on the right-wing and notability Daniele Bonera in centre of defence, preferred to Giuseppe Favalli. AC Milan set their stall out from the off with Andrea Pirlo dictating the play and creating the first openings. Bologna though did give the visitors a few scares as Marco Di Vaio who was thwarted by Bonera and Ignazio Abate in quick succession.
As the game wore on and Milan failed to make the breakthrough, Leonardo decided to throw on Huntelaar in an attempt to get a goal. The Dutchman did have a one-on-one chance but his shot was smothered by Colombo in the Bologna goal. Ronaldinho hit the bar after Colombo completely lost the flight of the ball from a Pirlo corner.
In the dying minutes though, Milan had a chance to snatch the points as Ambrosini rose to head a Mancini cross, only for his header to cannon back off the crossbar. Two points dropped and the Rossoneri are now a massive 10 points behind city rivals Inter who lead the way in Serie A.
The last four games have been a wake up call for Leonardo and his merry men, since the Milan Derby they have not won a match and look to be in a state of shock. Ronaldinho’s form has dipped, the goals have dried up and defensive errors are becoming more prevalent.
Alessandro Nesta’s continued absence leaves the Milan backline looking very frail. Luca Antonini has made the left back position his own, but offers no real threat going forward and even less defensive stability at the back, whereas on the other flank, Abate is clearly not a full-back, his defensive positioning leaves a lot to be desired and he seems intent on always diving in when challenging opponents. The return of Bonera is a welcome on considering the other candidates for Nesta’s spot. Kaladze and Favalli are nowhere near the desired level of ability Milan are looking for. Favalli is closer to getting and pension and a bus pass than making a decent contribution to this team, while Kaladze is more adept at conceding own goals than defending them.
Dumped out of the Coppa Italia by Udinese and all but out of the Scudetto race, the Champions League is Milan’s last remaining hope for silverware, but they would have to overcome last years beaten finalists Manchester United to navigate their way into the quarter finals. A task that seems all the more daunting given the English champions’ form and Wayne Rooney being in the form of his life.
As a consequence of the recent dip in form the future of Leonardo has once again been called into question. The Brazilian has been under constant scrutiny since taking the job at Milanello, even fighting back from the brink of losing his job. Latest reports in the peninsula are linking Rafa Benitez and Juande Ramos to the Milan hot seat, but only if Leonardo doesn’t make it into the top three in Serie A.
It seems likely Milan will finish at minimum third but that will most probably be the best they can hope for. President Silvio Berlusconi recently commented on the form his team are in, “On Sunday I go to the stadium and see people crying,” he joked. “Imagine how I feel, as not only should I cry, I also pay for this team.” Maybe an off the cuff remark but feeling in the Curva Sud is of discontent and unhappiness at lack of investment in the ever aging squad.
Old problems remain and need to be fixed… pronto.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Preview
A five-star showing and brilliant performances from the likes of Michael Carrick, Nani and of course Wayne Rooney. Sir Alex Ferguson must be rubbing his hands with glee as his team face Aston Villa at Villa Park tonight, the side are in full flow and finally look like a team of Champions.
Aston Villa have the best defence in the Premier League and will look to extinguish the majestic Wayne Rooney who is in superlative form. In a dress rehearsal for the Carling Cup in two weeks Manchester United will look to flex their muscles and exact revenge after Villa won 2-0 at Old Trafford in December.
United will start the game with Edwin van der Sar, backed up by Tomasz Kuszczak as is the norm. In front of the Dutchman will likely be Rafael, Wes Brown, Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra. Rio Ferdinand is still suspended and Nemanja Vidic, though in the squad, is not fully recovered from his leg problem so may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Top 5 Aston Villa Players of the Last Decade
Aston Villa are riding high under the tutelage of Martin O’Neill, a good crop of young English player have established the club in the higher echelons of the Premier League, but the last ten years has seen a number of player come and go at Villa Park, but who are the top five from the previous decade. Let’s find out.
5. Paul Merson: 1998 – 2002, 117 apps
He may not have played for much of the decade, he also had his troubles off the park, but the impact Paul Merson had on Aston Villa cannot be understated. Signed in the summer of 1998 for £6.75 million, he quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite, helping them reach the F.A. Cup Final in 2000. The goal below does nothing but demonstrate his immense talent.
4. James Milner: 2005-2006 & 2008 – present, 88 apps
A more recent edition to the list, James Milner has had two spells at Villa. First joining in 2005 for a season long loan spell from Newcastle United, he was one of the few players to gain any credit during a disappointing season for Villa. Newcastle then refused to sell the winger come midfielder and it wasn’t until 2008that a permanent transfer was completed. His versatility and work rate have ensured Milner is a key component in this Aston Villa side.
3. Gareth Barry: 1997 – 2009, 365 apps
Forget the way he left the club; remember the years he was there. An excellent passer of the ball, Barry’s great strength was his versatility which allowed him to play as a holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, or defender. Former club captain and youth graduate, he spent more than a decade with Villa. He is also seventh in the all-time list of appearances for the club.
2. Olof Mellberg: 2001 – 2008, 232 apps
A giant of a man and an excellent defender with some stunning facial growth. The big Swede signed from Racing Santander in 2001 and instantly became the rock the heart of the Villa defence for many years. His parting gift on his last game for Aston Villa, away to West Ham, he gave every single Villa fan at Upton Park either a home or an away shirt with his name and number on the back emblazoned with the message ‘Thanks 4 Your Support’.
1. Martin Laursen: 2004 – 2009, 91 apps.
An injury plagued career ensued at Villa, the £3 million signing from AC Milan in 2004, would prove to be key in Aston Villa’s chase for success. Initially, a frustrated figure, Laursen would soon prove himself as the number one defender at the club, an excellent scorer of goals and taking over the club captaincy from Barry in 2008, he was a natural leader. He was also voted the Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2008. Retiring from the game in May 2009, he gave an emotional speech at Aston Villa’s final game of the season at home to Newcastle United.
5. Paul Merson: 1998 – 2002, 117 apps
He may not have played for much of the decade, he also had his troubles off the park, but the impact Paul Merson had on Aston Villa cannot be understated. Signed in the summer of 1998 for £6.75 million, he quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite, helping them reach the F.A. Cup Final in 2000. The goal below does nothing but demonstrate his immense talent.
4. James Milner: 2005-2006 & 2008 – present, 88 apps
A more recent edition to the list, James Milner has had two spells at Villa. First joining in 2005 for a season long loan spell from Newcastle United, he was one of the few players to gain any credit during a disappointing season for Villa. Newcastle then refused to sell the winger come midfielder and it wasn’t until 2008that a permanent transfer was completed. His versatility and work rate have ensured Milner is a key component in this Aston Villa side.
3. Gareth Barry: 1997 – 2009, 365 apps
Forget the way he left the club; remember the years he was there. An excellent passer of the ball, Barry’s great strength was his versatility which allowed him to play as a holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, or defender. Former club captain and youth graduate, he spent more than a decade with Villa. He is also seventh in the all-time list of appearances for the club.
2. Olof Mellberg: 2001 – 2008, 232 apps
A giant of a man and an excellent defender with some stunning facial growth. The big Swede signed from Racing Santander in 2001 and instantly became the rock the heart of the Villa defence for many years. His parting gift on his last game for Aston Villa, away to West Ham, he gave every single Villa fan at Upton Park either a home or an away shirt with his name and number on the back emblazoned with the message ‘Thanks 4 Your Support’.
1. Martin Laursen: 2004 – 2009, 91 apps.
An injury plagued career ensued at Villa, the £3 million signing from AC Milan in 2004, would prove to be key in Aston Villa’s chase for success. Initially, a frustrated figure, Laursen would soon prove himself as the number one defender at the club, an excellent scorer of goals and taking over the club captaincy from Barry in 2008, he was a natural leader. He was also voted the Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2008. Retiring from the game in May 2009, he gave an emotional speech at Aston Villa’s final game of the season at home to Newcastle United.
Manchester United vs Portsmouth: Preview
The first 3D football match and John Terry axed as England captain, football…bloody hell! Aside from drooling over the magnificent victory at the Emirates Manchester United must now refocus their thoughts as attention turns to the visit of the Premier League’s bottom side Portsmouth.
Avram Grant is probably on his way to another brothel to take his mind off the thought of the impending visit to Old Trafford. As United showed their superiority against Arsenal, a signal that the traditional New Year title push is underway, Portsmouth have on the other hand picked up one point in their last five games, are without a win since late October and have not beaten United in the League since 1957.
Avram Grant is probably on his way to another brothel to take his mind off the thought of the impending visit to Old Trafford. As United showed their superiority against Arsenal, a signal that the traditional New Year title push is underway, Portsmouth have on the other hand picked up one point in their last five games, are without a win since late October and have not beaten United in the League since 1957.
Legend of Calcio - Pierluigi Casiraghi
Pierluigi Casiraghi carved out a very respectable career in Italy with Monza, Juventus and Lazio, then moved to England to play for Chelsea. He now coaches the Italy U21 side. But what makes Pierluigi a Legend of Calcio? We will find out.
Casiraghi started of his career in 1985 playing for local side Monza in Serie B and Serie C1, he helped them achieve promotion to Serie B, with one season of consolidation and 9 goals to his name, he caught the eye of the biggest club in Italy.
Juventus signed the striker in 1989, his best season for Juve came in 1990/91 when he scored 8 goals in 24 appearances for the Old Lady, but he didn’t quite fit in Turin and was shipped off to Lazio in 1993. He did manage to win a couple of UEFA Cups and the Coppa Italia during his time there but ultimately 20 goals in 98 appearances wasn’t good enough for the Turin giants.
It was the move to Lazio which ignited his career; he did start slowly in the Italian capital, scoring only 4 goals in 26 games when paired with Giuseppe Signori in his first season. The following season Casiraghi was the number one striker for Lazio, he combined with the crafty Alen Boksic, and in 34 league games Casiraghi scored 12 goals, including four in an 8-2 victory over Fiorentina and a memorable goal in the Rome Derby that Lazio won 2-0. His most successful season came the following year; he scored 14 goals in 28 Serie A games. This ultimately proved to be the height of his career.
The Lazio manager Sven Goran Eriksson preferred Roberto Mancini and Boksic as a strike partnership, thus giving Casiraghi limited opportunities in the League. But it was in Europe where he continued his goal scoring exploits, leading the team with 4 goals in 10 matches in the UEFA Cup that took Lazio to play their first European final, losing 3-0 in Paris against Inter Milan. He did though win the Coppa Italia that season as a consolation.
Casiraghi made his debut for the national side on February 13, 1991 against Belgium the match ended 0-0. He was also part of the 23-man World Cup squad in 1994, playing three matches in Italy’s run to the final; he did not manage to score. Competing in Euro ’96, he scored a brace in a 2-1 win against Russia, though could not stop Italy crashing out of the tournament early. His contribution was also vast during the run up to the 1998 World Cup, sealing Italy’s qualification for France 98 with the only goal in a play-off against Russia in November 1997; he failed to make the squad as Coach Cesare Maldini preferred an emerging Christian Vieri in attack.
It was just before the World Cup in 1998 he moved to Chelsea, in a £5.4million deal from Lazio. He did manage 10 appearances for the Blues in his time there and his effort is to remain un questioned, his only goal came against Liverpool at Anfield, you may remember it, think Phil Babb and a goal post becoming more than friends.
It wasn’t long after that his Chelsea career came to an end, thanks to a cruciate ligament injury sustained during a collision with West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop in November 1998. Despite going through ten operations, he was unable to make a comeback and his contract with the club was terminated in March 2002 with Casiraghi receiving a £450,000 insurance payout.
After a career ending injury, Casiraghi dedicated himself to coaching the game and went back to his roots when he took up a position as a youth coordinator at Monza. His first coaching role was achieved in 2003 with Serie C2’s Legnano which lasted almost a year. He was then back Monza and their youth sector before landing the Italy U21 job in July 2006.
So far he has led the Azzurrini to fifth place in the 2007 European U21 Championships, the quarter final of the 2008 Olympics, victory in the 2008 Toulon tournament and third place in the 2009 European U21 Championships.
Currently, Italy are struggling in qualification for the 2011 U21 European Championships and lie third in their group behind Wales and Hungary. Casiraghi has come under increased pressure and it looks as if he will be out of a job after the current campaign is over.
Casiraghi started of his career in 1985 playing for local side Monza in Serie B and Serie C1, he helped them achieve promotion to Serie B, with one season of consolidation and 9 goals to his name, he caught the eye of the biggest club in Italy.
Juventus signed the striker in 1989, his best season for Juve came in 1990/91 when he scored 8 goals in 24 appearances for the Old Lady, but he didn’t quite fit in Turin and was shipped off to Lazio in 1993. He did manage to win a couple of UEFA Cups and the Coppa Italia during his time there but ultimately 20 goals in 98 appearances wasn’t good enough for the Turin giants.
It was the move to Lazio which ignited his career; he did start slowly in the Italian capital, scoring only 4 goals in 26 games when paired with Giuseppe Signori in his first season. The following season Casiraghi was the number one striker for Lazio, he combined with the crafty Alen Boksic, and in 34 league games Casiraghi scored 12 goals, including four in an 8-2 victory over Fiorentina and a memorable goal in the Rome Derby that Lazio won 2-0. His most successful season came the following year; he scored 14 goals in 28 Serie A games. This ultimately proved to be the height of his career.
The Lazio manager Sven Goran Eriksson preferred Roberto Mancini and Boksic as a strike partnership, thus giving Casiraghi limited opportunities in the League. But it was in Europe where he continued his goal scoring exploits, leading the team with 4 goals in 10 matches in the UEFA Cup that took Lazio to play their first European final, losing 3-0 in Paris against Inter Milan. He did though win the Coppa Italia that season as a consolation.
Casiraghi made his debut for the national side on February 13, 1991 against Belgium the match ended 0-0. He was also part of the 23-man World Cup squad in 1994, playing three matches in Italy’s run to the final; he did not manage to score. Competing in Euro ’96, he scored a brace in a 2-1 win against Russia, though could not stop Italy crashing out of the tournament early. His contribution was also vast during the run up to the 1998 World Cup, sealing Italy’s qualification for France 98 with the only goal in a play-off against Russia in November 1997; he failed to make the squad as Coach Cesare Maldini preferred an emerging Christian Vieri in attack.
It was just before the World Cup in 1998 he moved to Chelsea, in a £5.4million deal from Lazio. He did manage 10 appearances for the Blues in his time there and his effort is to remain un questioned, his only goal came against Liverpool at Anfield, you may remember it, think Phil Babb and a goal post becoming more than friends.
It wasn’t long after that his Chelsea career came to an end, thanks to a cruciate ligament injury sustained during a collision with West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop in November 1998. Despite going through ten operations, he was unable to make a comeback and his contract with the club was terminated in March 2002 with Casiraghi receiving a £450,000 insurance payout.
After a career ending injury, Casiraghi dedicated himself to coaching the game and went back to his roots when he took up a position as a youth coordinator at Monza. His first coaching role was achieved in 2003 with Serie C2’s Legnano which lasted almost a year. He was then back Monza and their youth sector before landing the Italy U21 job in July 2006.
So far he has led the Azzurrini to fifth place in the 2007 European U21 Championships, the quarter final of the 2008 Olympics, victory in the 2008 Toulon tournament and third place in the 2009 European U21 Championships.
Currently, Italy are struggling in qualification for the 2011 U21 European Championships and lie third in their group behind Wales and Hungary. Casiraghi has come under increased pressure and it looks as if he will be out of a job after the current campaign is over.
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