Good day Soccer, Futbol, and Football Fans:
So my favorite team, Manchester United, are currently on preseason in the US and one of the great things about preseason after a World Cup is that you get to see the younger players on the squad get a chance to play (unless you are like me and watch the Reserve Games). The lineup has been filled with youth against Celtic and the Philadelphia Union; both games have been victories for the Old Trafford club. Here is a list of the young players making a splash so far on preseason:
- Fabio and Rafel da Silva (twins): age 20
- Ritchie de Laet: age 21
- Cory and Jonny Evans (brothers): age 19 and age 22
- Chris Smalling: age 20
- Tom Cleverly: age 20
- Darron Gibson: age 22
- Gabriel Obertan: age 21
- Biram Diouf: age 22
- Federico Macheda: age 18
- Danny Welbeck: age 19
With great talents like this boys who are coming into form and are challenging for first team action. This seems very familiar to many people in the football world that know Sir Alex and Manchester United's history, but for the fun of it lets take a look.
1980s: Part I of "Fergie's Fledgling" saw the introduction of young players: Russell Beardsome, Tony Gill, Deiniol Graham, Giuliano Maiorana, Lee Martin, Mark Robins, Lee Sharpe, and David Wilson. This was not a great success for Alex Ferguson because only Sharpe and Martin made any great impact and only did they help win Ferguson's first trophy, FA Cup, in 1990.
1990s: Part II of "Fergie's Fledgling" gave the world the golden generation of Manchester United and the players we all know very well today: David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Chris Casper, Terry Cooke, Simon Davies, Ryan Giggs, Keith Gillespie, Gary and Phil Neville, Pat McGibbon, John O'Kane, Kevin Pilkington, Robbie Savagem Paul Scholes, Ben Thornley, and Graeme Tomlinson. These young players had greater success than the 80s Fledglings but it was not with some hardship. Once many of them broke into the first team in the 95/96 campaign they lost the openign game to Aston Villa 3-1 and one of the greatest commentary quotes in Manchester United history was by pundit, Alan Hansen who said "You'll never win anything with kids." But the kids went on to win the League and the FA Cup allowing them to do the Double. Many of these players stayed with Man United and other went on to other clubs, but these Fledglings brought many trophies to Old Trafford during the late 90s and early 2000s.
2010s: [2010] Part III of "Fergie's Fledgling" is about to come. These young players have been in the shadows of the first time for the past three season, but with many of Manchester United legends likes Scholes, Giggs, Neville, Brown (more injuries), and O'Shea (more injuries) are reaching the twilight of there careers its time for the new young guns to move in like the 80s, and 90s. These young players are very talented and if given the chance they will shine for Sir Alex and Manchester United, and with Sir Alex not making a splash in the transfer market keep a look out for these players to get more action this season.
Manchester United's future looks promising with these young players learning from their heroes, and maybe one day they will be United legends.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
MLS - The League of Retirement
Hola Football, Futbol, Soccer Fans:
Today's major transfer headlines deals with Thierry Henry transfer to the MLS' New York Red Bulls.
This comes to no surprise to me since Henry is reaching the twilight of his wonderful career. However, this is quit sad because it reinforces my notion that MLS is the retirement home for the old and wealthy footballers of Europe and other power house leagues of the beautiful game.
Lets look at the list of once greats that now play their trade in the MLS:
- Juan Pablo Angel, age 34
- Guillermo Barros Schelotto, age 37
- David Beckham, age 35
- Freddie Ljungberg, age 33
- Blaise Nkufo, age 34
- Thierry Henry, age 32
These players have had glittering careers in Europe and South America, but when it came time to call it quites on that career they turned to America and the MLS. These are only 6 players out of many who grace the MLS pitch now; there are many more from all over the globe to name a few more: Daio Sala (ARG), Ryan Smith (ENG), Jamie Smith (SCO), Gino Padula (FRA), and Juan Pera (ESPN).
All these forgein players could not make it in their own home country, because the game there is so much more competitive than the MLS.
Many big wigs in the MLS offices find signing a international star as a big success and the notion that it will help launch the MLS to a competitive league. Here is a quote from Dietmar Beiersdorfer from ESPNSoccerNet about Henry.
"It is without question that Thierry Henry is one of the most successful and recognisable soccer players over the past 15 years.We are thrilled that Thierry has decided to come to New York to help the Red Bulls compete for championships this year and for years to come. His international pedigree is second to none and he is a proven winner."
YES, he was great the past 13 years because he was in his prime. Henry has been sitting on the Barcelona bench for the past two seasons. The whole idea that past superstars can come to MLS and make it great is bollocks; this idea hinders the MLS.
If American soccer fans want to see the game grow and the MLS become a competitive league then we have to stop shining the Hollywood spot light on these so called "Designated Player" nicknamed after Beckham. [This rule allows teams to provide a "international" star player a huge salary cap compared to the rest of the time.] Basically this sounds like a huge social security check for the already rich and famous.
Another point that helps my case is many young and talented MLS players are leaving to play overseas in Europe, especially young Americans like Altidore, Holden, and Kljestan. This goes to show that if these players want to grow as players they need to take their trade to Europe where they can get that competitive experience they crave and need to succeed in this game.
So with many young and talented players leaving the MLS and more older international players coming in one cannot help but look at the MLS like Florida for the elderly.
Today's major transfer headlines deals with Thierry Henry transfer to the MLS' New York Red Bulls.
This comes to no surprise to me since Henry is reaching the twilight of his wonderful career. However, this is quit sad because it reinforces my notion that MLS is the retirement home for the old and wealthy footballers of Europe and other power house leagues of the beautiful game.
Lets look at the list of once greats that now play their trade in the MLS:
- Juan Pablo Angel, age 34
- Guillermo Barros Schelotto, age 37
- David Beckham, age 35
- Freddie Ljungberg, age 33
- Blaise Nkufo, age 34
- Thierry Henry, age 32
These players have had glittering careers in Europe and South America, but when it came time to call it quites on that career they turned to America and the MLS. These are only 6 players out of many who grace the MLS pitch now; there are many more from all over the globe to name a few more: Daio Sala (ARG), Ryan Smith (ENG), Jamie Smith (SCO), Gino Padula (FRA), and Juan Pera (ESPN).
All these forgein players could not make it in their own home country, because the game there is so much more competitive than the MLS.
Many big wigs in the MLS offices find signing a international star as a big success and the notion that it will help launch the MLS to a competitive league. Here is a quote from Dietmar Beiersdorfer from ESPNSoccerNet about Henry.
"It is without question that Thierry Henry is one of the most successful and recognisable soccer players over the past 15 years.We are thrilled that Thierry has decided to come to New York to help the Red Bulls compete for championships this year and for years to come. His international pedigree is second to none and he is a proven winner."
YES, he was great the past 13 years because he was in his prime. Henry has been sitting on the Barcelona bench for the past two seasons. The whole idea that past superstars can come to MLS and make it great is bollocks; this idea hinders the MLS.
If American soccer fans want to see the game grow and the MLS become a competitive league then we have to stop shining the Hollywood spot light on these so called "Designated Player" nicknamed after Beckham. [This rule allows teams to provide a "international" star player a huge salary cap compared to the rest of the time.] Basically this sounds like a huge social security check for the already rich and famous.
Another point that helps my case is many young and talented MLS players are leaving to play overseas in Europe, especially young Americans like Altidore, Holden, and Kljestan. This goes to show that if these players want to grow as players they need to take their trade to Europe where they can get that competitive experience they crave and need to succeed in this game.
So with many young and talented players leaving the MLS and more older international players coming in one cannot help but look at the MLS like Florida for the elderly.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Youth Revolution
Hi Football, Futbol, Soccer Fans:
So, many who have watched the beautiful game for a long time know that Germany is a tournament team. Germany always seems to be in the quarterfinals or the semis, but this current World Cup in South Africa many people, including myself, did not believe this German team was going to make a big splash, because the lost of Michael Ballack (captain), the unfortunate passing of Rene Adler (first-choice goalkeeper), and their youth.
Germany had an average age of 25 going into the World Cup, the second youngest team behind Ghana average age of 24.1. So many experts thought this young German team without their leader would faultier, how wrong we were.
This German team in my opinion has been the surprise team of the tournament, close second is Uruguay, and it's because of their youth. The likes of Ozil, Muller, Boateng, Schweinsteiger, and Neuer have really lite up the world with their skills. This young team has played with confidence, flair, tenacity, and composure.
The team as a whole did not have any pressure put on them before this competition, unlike England or Brazil. No, this team was just told to play Fußball, and have they played Fußball! I believe this youth revolution from the German camp has given us a new team and new players to watch for the future. Ozil and Muller have really been the backbone for this German team and they are only 21 and 20 respectively. These two players have played with more flair than any other player in the tournament; Ozil with great crossing and three assists, and Muller with four goals and three assists.
The way Germany has gone about its business during the past five games has showed us that youth has trumped experience, and the important factor that makes this statement so is the fact these young players are playing for the LOVE of the game and playing like a team. This team has six different goal scorers, and five players with assists. Like I stated earlier their was no pressure on this team to perform, and there is still no pressure to perform from their fans or country. This is extremely important, because it shows that when it comes to young players when you put so much pressure on their young minds it will only produce losing outcomes on the field, but if one instructs young players to go onto the pitch and play Fußball like they did in the backyard when they were kids then what we great is a dominate performance for the ages.
So win or loss against Spain this German team has given the World something to look forward too, especially Brazil 2014.
So, many who have watched the beautiful game for a long time know that Germany is a tournament team. Germany always seems to be in the quarterfinals or the semis, but this current World Cup in South Africa many people, including myself, did not believe this German team was going to make a big splash, because the lost of Michael Ballack (captain), the unfortunate passing of Rene Adler (first-choice goalkeeper), and their youth.
Germany had an average age of 25 going into the World Cup, the second youngest team behind Ghana average age of 24.1. So many experts thought this young German team without their leader would faultier, how wrong we were.
This German team in my opinion has been the surprise team of the tournament, close second is Uruguay, and it's because of their youth. The likes of Ozil, Muller, Boateng, Schweinsteiger, and Neuer have really lite up the world with their skills. This young team has played with confidence, flair, tenacity, and composure.
The team as a whole did not have any pressure put on them before this competition, unlike England or Brazil. No, this team was just told to play Fußball, and have they played Fußball! I believe this youth revolution from the German camp has given us a new team and new players to watch for the future. Ozil and Muller have really been the backbone for this German team and they are only 21 and 20 respectively. These two players have played with more flair than any other player in the tournament; Ozil with great crossing and three assists, and Muller with four goals and three assists.
The way Germany has gone about its business during the past five games has showed us that youth has trumped experience, and the important factor that makes this statement so is the fact these young players are playing for the LOVE of the game and playing like a team. This team has six different goal scorers, and five players with assists. Like I stated earlier their was no pressure on this team to perform, and there is still no pressure to perform from their fans or country. This is extremely important, because it shows that when it comes to young players when you put so much pressure on their young minds it will only produce losing outcomes on the field, but if one instructs young players to go onto the pitch and play Fußball like they did in the backyard when they were kids then what we great is a dominate performance for the ages.
So win or loss against Spain this German team has given the World something to look forward too, especially Brazil 2014.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Placement vs. Power
Hi Football, Soccer, Futbol fans:
After watching the Japan and Paraguay match that ended in heartbreak for Japan, I thought of how the "easiest" strike in the whole game turns into a nightmare, and why young players should not mimic their idols on the PK spot.
The problem with most players including professionals (unfortunately like Komano of Japan) their technique fails them because they want to produce something cheeky. So how should a young players take the nerve racking PK?
Three Simple Words: Confidence, Placement, Power
The Penalty Shot is a mind game between the goalie and the shooter. Young players need to be able to step up to the spot and believe in their ability to score. The next decision (which needs to be made prior to walking to the spot) is the placement of the strike, Low and Hard, in my opinion is the best option. Yes, the goalie can guess correctly and go the same way as your strike, but it is better to make the goalie work than have the ball soar through the air like the Jabulani ball.
Then comes the power behind the kick, if the player knows where to place the ball then a good hard strike is all the ball needs. There is no reason for a young player to strike the ball and have the intention to bust a hole through the net, because all that will be accomplished is the goalie celebrating a miss.
So when it comes down to a nearly perfect PK the golden rule is "precision over power."
So young players and even veterans of the game remember those three words then you won't have to face the heart-break like Japan felt today.
After watching the Japan and Paraguay match that ended in heartbreak for Japan, I thought of how the "easiest" strike in the whole game turns into a nightmare, and why young players should not mimic their idols on the PK spot.
The problem with most players including professionals (unfortunately like Komano of Japan) their technique fails them because they want to produce something cheeky. So how should a young players take the nerve racking PK?
Three Simple Words: Confidence, Placement, Power
The Penalty Shot is a mind game between the goalie and the shooter. Young players need to be able to step up to the spot and believe in their ability to score. The next decision (which needs to be made prior to walking to the spot) is the placement of the strike, Low and Hard, in my opinion is the best option. Yes, the goalie can guess correctly and go the same way as your strike, but it is better to make the goalie work than have the ball soar through the air like the Jabulani ball.
Then comes the power behind the kick, if the player knows where to place the ball then a good hard strike is all the ball needs. There is no reason for a young player to strike the ball and have the intention to bust a hole through the net, because all that will be accomplished is the goalie celebrating a miss.
So when it comes down to a nearly perfect PK the golden rule is "precision over power."
So young players and even veterans of the game remember those three words then you won't have to face the heart-break like Japan felt today.
Monday, June 28, 2010
To Keep Faith or Progress for the Future
Hello football, soccer, futbol fans:
This is my attempt to write about my thoughts on the greatest sport in the world, football.
After digesting the defeat this past weekend for the U.S. my thoughts just like many U.S. Soccer Federation Officials turned to the coach, Bob Bradley. Should Bradley stay or should he go?
I say go.
Every since Bob Bradley took the helm in December 2006 many U.S. fans including myself thought this appointment would be temporary, but Bob Bradley did the job "well" until the very end, June 26th 2010.
First, let me give Bob Bradley his justice and lets look at his background in the game. Bob played for Princeton University, and at the age of 22 became the manager for Ohio University's soccer program before he became the assistant for the man he replaced as U.S. coach, Bruce Arena, at UVA.
After the college game Bob Bradley went on to again assist Bruce at D.C. but then broke away to coach the Chicago Fire where he won the MLS Cup and US Open Cup in 98'. That was the only true success Bradley had in the MLS even with seasons as the MetroStars and Chivas USA coach. With the U.S. squad that he has rebuilt he won the 2007 Gold Cup and took U.S. to the final of the Confederations Cup, the first FIFA tournament final for a U.S. squad.
So, why did it all go wrong and where. To me it all started with the team selection of the U.S. squad in all four games, but lets take a look at the one that mattered the most The Round of 16 versus Ghana.
Team-Lineup (4-4-2): Howard, Bocanegra, DeMerit, Bornstein, Cherundolo, Clark, Bradley, Dempsey, Donovan, Findley, and Altidore
Lets start where I feel Bradley made the biggest mistake that cost the U.S. the win, the formation which lead to the selection of Clark. Yes, Clark is a defensive midfielder but during the tournament Edu was the better of the two. Tactically, Bradley got it wrong with that selection. Clark in the 5th minute got caught in two minds and lost the ball in the midfield which lead to the goal (he was not the only one to blame, but I will get back to that). So the U.S. again had to come back from behind. Then in the 7th minute Clark picked up a Yellow Card because he lets his emotions get the best of him like he did in 07' against FC Dallas.
So Bradley had to sub Clark in the 31st minute (down to 2 now which could of been used at a later time in ET when we needed someone fast, Buddle) because Bradley (the son) and Clark could not hold the ball and where getting into each others way, so along comes Edu, who should of started the game. Once Edu got on the field the play between the back four and the front two linked better because of Bradley and Edu; which also progressed into the better Second Half performance.
But Clark is not the only one to blame the defense was just awful. DeMerit was pushed up field way to far the whole entire game, and when the ball was taken away from Clark, that should of been DeMerit's man but he was to late to react, same with the second goal in ET (I will not even start about the half-hearted defending the captain Bocanegra but into defending off Gyan in the 3rd minute of ET).
This was the same old same old U.S. going behind to fight back but it was up to the midfielders again to produce the fire power not the forwards.... The selection of Findley and Altidore really baffles me because during the first games they looked slow and could only strike the ball right at the keeper. Bradley should of gone with Buddle, even if he does not have that much international experience that man was on a hot streak and he was the only forward on the squad scoring goals. Then in the midfield I would of put Torres, yes he did not produce in the game against Slovenia, but this would of allowed Buddle to play up top with Dempsey and Landon on the wings with Torres behind Buddle and Bradley and Edu cleaning up the middle of the park.
So Bradley tactical selection and formation really did him in during these four games, and none was more apparent than this one against Ghana. Bradley's 4-4-2 really did backfire where a 4-5-1 really could of offered a more compacted midfield and would allowed the U.S. to counter-attack or let Landon move into that forward role and have Torres push wide to the right hand side of midfield.
I feel Bradley gave the U.S. squad a new mentality of a never say die attitude, just like Manchester United's gaffer Sir Ferguson gives his teams, but tactical Bradley fails and he did so on the World's greatest stage.
I say thank you to Bradley for what he has done for U.S. soccer, but I feel if we as a nation want to progress further in this sport we need a coach with international experience as a player and as a coach, so someone from across the pond. Maybe we can get Klinsmann this time around.
This was my first post ever so thanks for staying with me, hope you enjoyed it.
This is my attempt to write about my thoughts on the greatest sport in the world, football.
After digesting the defeat this past weekend for the U.S. my thoughts just like many U.S. Soccer Federation Officials turned to the coach, Bob Bradley. Should Bradley stay or should he go?
I say go.
Every since Bob Bradley took the helm in December 2006 many U.S. fans including myself thought this appointment would be temporary, but Bob Bradley did the job "well" until the very end, June 26th 2010.
First, let me give Bob Bradley his justice and lets look at his background in the game. Bob played for Princeton University, and at the age of 22 became the manager for Ohio University's soccer program before he became the assistant for the man he replaced as U.S. coach, Bruce Arena, at UVA.
After the college game Bob Bradley went on to again assist Bruce at D.C. but then broke away to coach the Chicago Fire where he won the MLS Cup and US Open Cup in 98'. That was the only true success Bradley had in the MLS even with seasons as the MetroStars and Chivas USA coach. With the U.S. squad that he has rebuilt he won the 2007 Gold Cup and took U.S. to the final of the Confederations Cup, the first FIFA tournament final for a U.S. squad.
So, why did it all go wrong and where. To me it all started with the team selection of the U.S. squad in all four games, but lets take a look at the one that mattered the most The Round of 16 versus Ghana.
Team-Lineup (4-4-2): Howard, Bocanegra, DeMerit, Bornstein, Cherundolo, Clark, Bradley, Dempsey, Donovan, Findley, and Altidore
Lets start where I feel Bradley made the biggest mistake that cost the U.S. the win, the formation which lead to the selection of Clark. Yes, Clark is a defensive midfielder but during the tournament Edu was the better of the two. Tactically, Bradley got it wrong with that selection. Clark in the 5th minute got caught in two minds and lost the ball in the midfield which lead to the goal (he was not the only one to blame, but I will get back to that). So the U.S. again had to come back from behind. Then in the 7th minute Clark picked up a Yellow Card because he lets his emotions get the best of him like he did in 07' against FC Dallas.
So Bradley had to sub Clark in the 31st minute (down to 2 now which could of been used at a later time in ET when we needed someone fast, Buddle) because Bradley (the son) and Clark could not hold the ball and where getting into each others way, so along comes Edu, who should of started the game. Once Edu got on the field the play between the back four and the front two linked better because of Bradley and Edu; which also progressed into the better Second Half performance.
But Clark is not the only one to blame the defense was just awful. DeMerit was pushed up field way to far the whole entire game, and when the ball was taken away from Clark, that should of been DeMerit's man but he was to late to react, same with the second goal in ET (I will not even start about the half-hearted defending the captain Bocanegra but into defending off Gyan in the 3rd minute of ET).
This was the same old same old U.S. going behind to fight back but it was up to the midfielders again to produce the fire power not the forwards.... The selection of Findley and Altidore really baffles me because during the first games they looked slow and could only strike the ball right at the keeper. Bradley should of gone with Buddle, even if he does not have that much international experience that man was on a hot streak and he was the only forward on the squad scoring goals. Then in the midfield I would of put Torres, yes he did not produce in the game against Slovenia, but this would of allowed Buddle to play up top with Dempsey and Landon on the wings with Torres behind Buddle and Bradley and Edu cleaning up the middle of the park.
So Bradley tactical selection and formation really did him in during these four games, and none was more apparent than this one against Ghana. Bradley's 4-4-2 really did backfire where a 4-5-1 really could of offered a more compacted midfield and would allowed the U.S. to counter-attack or let Landon move into that forward role and have Torres push wide to the right hand side of midfield.
I feel Bradley gave the U.S. squad a new mentality of a never say die attitude, just like Manchester United's gaffer Sir Ferguson gives his teams, but tactical Bradley fails and he did so on the World's greatest stage.
I say thank you to Bradley for what he has done for U.S. soccer, but I feel if we as a nation want to progress further in this sport we need a coach with international experience as a player and as a coach, so someone from across the pond. Maybe we can get Klinsmann this time around.
This was my first post ever so thanks for staying with me, hope you enjoyed it.
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