A long hiatus enjoying summer eventually rolled into an autumn full of FIFA '13, which has kept my finger tips and imagination away from my baby, Sensible Soccer, for far too long. But all that's about to end, friends. I'm back. And I've got ideas.
Your guide to the topsy-turvy summer transfer window is back!! Brought to you by the Daily Mirror, Football Spy is a comprehensive transfer source you can trust. Summertime is Spy's bread and butter, so follow along with my friend Darren on a daily basis and do not hesitate to email in questions to spy@mirror.co.uk or comment on their videos at Footytube or You Tube.
Check out today's edition of Spy and keep following along:
Now that the European season has come to a close, I will be putting out a weekly topical post reviewing the year of a player of my choosing. I will try draw from each top league around Europe, perhaps even a few players from a lone league. Some initial ideas:
The Numerous Exploits of Mario Balotelli
Francesco Totti: The King of Rome is Not Dead
Raul:Same Sh*t, Different League
Inside the Mind of What Looks Like a Child: Andrey Arshavin
Anyone have player suggestions from any other top leagues around Europe? You name it and (if it's interesting) I'll post it. Stay tuned for more from Sensible Soccer
This transfer window has been exceptional thus far, as many big names have completed transfers to top teams. However, it has also been unnerving. Teams have stalled deals by disagreeing on transfer fees and players have held up moves by asking for higher wages. The inability to make deals has caused a myriad of transfer window headlines, which detail every flinch made during deadlocked talks, on a daily basis. Being there are only a few days left in this window, I thought it would be prudent to present a few deadlocked transfer sagas:
David Luiz Benfica to Chelsea
Chelsea's need for a quality centre back is clear, given the departure of Ricardo Carvalho in the Summer, the chronic injuries to Alex and John Terry's increasing age. Accordingly, the Blues have taken a run at Benfica's top defender, David Luiz. The champions showed their urgency for the player by making first contact early in the transfer window. The Portugese side have responded by continually upping the price tag and dragging out the move. Could you blame them, given Chelsea's piggy bank? Benfica are looking for £25 million. Reports today state Chelsea are willing to pay £21.5 million, plus one of the club's young players. Will this move finally go through? I'd like to see it happen. See the Soccernet and Goal.com reports for more information.
Luis Suarez Ajax to Liverpool
There isn't a team out there who could use the services of the Uruguayan hitman, Luis Suarez, more than Liverpool. The struggling club have taken a big shot at the Ajax striker, in what would be a spectacular move. Initially, the Reds wanted to offer money and Ryan Babel in exchange for Suarez, but the deal was squashed earlier in the week (with Babel ultimately completing a move to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim). Suarez seems to want this move, and the Amsterdam club seems intent on selling him, yet negotiations have been unsuccessful thus far. Earlier this week, Ajax decided to give Liverpool until Saturday to make a final bid. Liverpool's initial bid was £15 million. Ajax values the player at a very inflated £35 million, and have stated they would accept no less than £25 million for the player. I, along with my friends at Football Spy, believe Liverpool needs to hold strong and wait Ajax out on this price. A probable bid could be somewhere around £20 million, plus one of the club's younger players. I would love to see Liverpool get this player, but it may be yet another failure for the hard-luck Reds.
Charlie Adam Blackpool to Liverpool
Another tense, ongoing negotiation involving Liverpool is for Blackpool's midfielder Charlie Adam. The two teams are at a stand-off, as Blackpool are asking for a ridiculous £12 million for the player, who I would value at £5 million, tops. Liverpool need to keep their offer on the table and let it stand as a 'take it or leave it', since they really have nothing to lose in this transfer.
Robbie Keane Tottenham to West Ham
Out of favor, aging striker Robbie Keane has been the subject of many rumors throughout this window. Tottenham reportedly struck a deal with Birmingham for the striker, but Keane's wage negotiation with the side failed epically, as he refused to take a pay cut. So, here we are Robbie. Keane had a deal, fumbled it, and is now being forced to either perish in reserves or join West Ham on loan. I think we'll see Keano at Upton Park next week.
Sean Wright-Phillips Manchester City to Fulham, Bolton, Newcastle
That little bundle of energy, Sean Wright-Phillips, is again on the move as another club have frozen him out of a star-studded lineup. Manchester City are said to be asking £4 million for the player, but interested parties would rather have him on loan. Football Spy reports that Man City is even willing to let Wright-Phillips go on a free transfer, in an effort to lure Fulham, Bolton or Newcastle into picking up his £65K/week price tag. Wherever the talented England international ends up, he will make an immediate impact.
These seem to be the largest deadlocks in the window at the moment. Check out today's Football Spy for a more comprehensive look:
It should be interesting to see who moves where in the next few days. It is almost assured we will see a dramatic last hour transfer, given the activity in the market over the past month.
Enjoy the rest of the window and stay tuned for Sensible Soccer's review of this January's moves.
Sensible Soccer is PUMPED about the upcoming USMNT friendlies! USA will be playing Chile, Egypt, Argentina, and Paraguay in the near future. The games are:
USA vs. Chile
The Home Depot Center; Carson, California
Jan. 22, 2011 @ 7 p.m. PT
USA vs. Egypt
Cairo International Stadium; Cairo, Egypt
Feb. 9. 2011 @ TBD
USA vs. Argentina
New Meadowlands Stadium; East Rutherford, New Jersey
March 26, 2011 @ 7 p.m. ET
USA vs. Paraguay
LP Field; Nashville, Tennessee
March 29, 2011 @ 7 p.m. CT
This is a wonderful set of friendlies, if I do say so myself. The Chile match will be a good chance for younger players to prove themselves in the national team setup. Egypt will be a delightful rematch after the USA shellacked them 3-0 at the Gold Cup in 2009. The Argentina match is of much interest and one that I will be attending. Given the prestige of the Argentineans and last match between the two at the Meadowlands (which I was lucky enough to attend), this game should be a cracker. Last but not least, Paraguay should be a good test for the USA, given their liveliness at the last World Cup and increasing pool of talent.
It seems this weekend was ripe with blockbuster goals! I thought it would be prudent to share with you a few which I found particularly fantastic:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - AC Milan vs. Lecce
Another unbelievable strike by Ibra. Make no mistake, this man was not hitting and hoping. The talented Swede took a quick glance over his shoulder while taking the ball down in stride (amazing) to see Lecce's goalkeeper Antonio Rosati off his line. The result - a ridiculously casual finish. Incredible!
Alberto Aquilani - Juventus vs. Bari
The former Roma dangerman and Liverpool loanee can still hammer them in dramtically! Aquilani saved the Bianconeri further Serie A embarrassment by hitting a 'Gerrardesque' goal late on to give the Old Lady (what a horrible nickname) the win. Bravo Alberto!
Cani - Villarreal vs. Osasuna
Cani's wonderful midfield strike is surely a candidate for European goal of the season. Goals from the halfway line are always special, but Cani's effort that sealed a 2-1 victory for the Yellow Submarine (what an awesome nickname) was truly spectacular. This was hardly a floater - it was drilled in from deep! Cani's supreme awareness spotted the keeper out and his ability made a hero of him.
Carlos Tevez - Manchester City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Carlos Tevez's wonderful solo effort versus four Wolves defenders and the keeper (55 seconds into the video) shows his wonderful control with the ball at his feet. A nice brace for the Argentinian in his first game with new strike-partner Edin Dzeko.
Andres Iniesta - Barcelona vs. Malaga
Last week's Ballon d'Or failure didn't stop Andres Iniesta from scoring a splendid goal! This man certainly has a flair for delicately placed shots, and this goal is evidence of it. Iniesta's supreme one-time control of Dani Alves' pass from outside the 18 was brilliant, as the Spaniard kissed the post with his well-placed shot. Very nice.
Roberto Carlos - Corinthians vs. Portuguesa
And last but certainly not least, a throwback from the past: a breathtaking Roberto Carlos set-piece! Watch as the wiley old Brazilian tricks the goalkeeper on a corner kick with yet another special 'other-ways bend' goal. Carlos still has the beautiful swerve that made him a star for club and country.
Any goals of note that I missed from this weekend? As always, let me know your favorite out of the bunch.
Ahh my leg...Ahhh my stomach...Ahhhh my life! The utterance of a football baby.
What's worse than seeing a player sulking up and down the pitch, wailing their arms at a no-call, tantrum style, or flopping to the ground at the slightest contact? These embarrassing gestures have forced Sensible Soccer to take action and identify 10 Big Babies in World Football. I present to you:
Didier Drogba Chelsea
No man at 6'2, 190lbs should look as though they've been shot out of a cannon upon any sort of contact (see above photograph). Unfortunately, Drogba ignites the gunpowder of his embellishment cannon quite often. Shame on such an excellent player who can have an impact without such antics.
Rivaldo Mogi Mirim EC
Rivaldo has provided us with two incredible sights in our lifetime: 1) an extraordinary bicycle kick that sailed into the back of the net with precision and pace; 2) a full-fledged flop at the World Cup in 2002 (see above aftermath photograph). In said incident, a Turkish player fired the ball at Rivaldo's legs while the Brazilian was awaiting a corner, to which Rivaldo responded by grabbing his face and hitting the deck. This despicable act got the Turkish player sent off in a precious group match. For this sole incident, Rivaldo deserves to be labeled a baby.
Robinho AC Milan
He cried his way out of Madrid. He cried his way out of Manchester. I'm sure he's already cried once or twice when he hasn't gotten his way in Milan. Robinho is such a baby and wants his snack! Watching the twinkle-toed Brazilian can be awe-inspiring at one moment and extremely frustrating the next. His constant complaining, sulking, and flailing make him a huge cry baby of the sport.
Samuel Eto'o Inter Milan
I was very surprised to learn that Eto'o is a big baby. I had not witnessed his unbelievable tantrums until he transferred to Inter. Given what I know now, I can hardly watch him playing without wanting to jump in the TV and make baby crying noises at him. This character who threatened quit Cameron days before the World Cup after receiving (*gasp) criticism, can be seen on a weekly basis disagreeing with everything a Serie A ref has to say by flailing, stamping, and complaining.
Luca Toni Juventus
"Ma noooooooo" is Luca Toni's term of choice that must be burned in the minds of every Serie A referee and center back, since he says it every single time he is touched by a human being and doesn't get a call. He is not the worst candidate on this list, but the Italian hitman is always playing the honest school boy who feels he should be getting his way.
El Hadji Diouf Blackburn
Not only is Diouf a ridiculous baby who wants his milk, he's also a huge jerk! He reportedly lashed out at QPR's Jamie Mackie, telling him "f**k you and f**k your leg" after the striker had just broken his leg. Nice guy. He also called Jamie Carragher "a brand of ketchup" and is known for spitting at fans and players. What is wrong with this man? When things fail to go Diouf's way, his motive is to wile out in a tantrum and antagonize others.
Fernando Torres Liverpool
Someone needs to give this lad a hug. Torres always looks unbelievably miserable when things are not going his way. He's like the pouty little girl I pointed out in a previous post. It seems that the permanaent look of disappointment will remain etched on Torres' face for the rest of the year, given Liverpool's dreadful form. Hang in there little buddy!
Cuauhtemoc Blanco Mexico
The plus sized Mexican always seems to be scowling and howling his way around the pitch. At times, I can't tell if he's chewing on a tough piece of meat or just hungirly arguing with the referee and/or opposition. Blanco storms around the field and tends to slam his big frame to the ground upon the smallest gale of wind. Strange, for such a big man. I dislike this enemy of the USA very much.
Nicolas Anelka Chelsea
Even after scoring a goal and doing his ridiculous 'peacock hands' celebration, Nicolas Anelka has a sour look on his face. The Frenchman, infamously nicknamed Le Sulk, is the sulkiest player in world football.It seems impossible to make this man happy. I can only imagine what his personal life is like. His friends must be all sad middle-aged men, sad mimes, and sad clowns. Cheer up Anelka, you're netting millions this year.
