Who is he? Where does he play?
Coming from the same Dinamo Zagreb youth academy that has produced Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Niko Krancjar and the midfielder he seems to be twinned in every news report with, fellow 17 year old graduate Alen Halilovic, Jedjav is a big central-defender who is son of former Yugoslavian footballer Zdenko Jedjav. Heard of him? No we haven't either.
We have.... he was a solid defender.....
I know you're making that up, but if he was, the old adage "like father, like son" would ring true as that is exactly what his son Tin is like. Jedjav junior is quick, boasting a fine turn of pace when defending a high-line and he is especially impressive in the air, armed with a great leap. Furthermore, like the players we have mentioned who Jedjav follows out of the Zagreb youth academy, the defender is also cultured on the ball, comfortable in carrying the ball out with his feet and building from the back, he is also assured and versatile enough to play at right-back or even in central-midfield.
He's been learning well then?
He's been at the club since he was a wee nipper in 2002, when the club was known as NK Zagreb, and has risen through the ranks to make his debut for Dinamo over the past year, making 13 appearances in which he has already won the PRVA HNL, the Croatian first division. Not only that, but he is also growing through the national team set-up, earning one cap for the under-19s after appearing 8 times for the under-17s.
Could he be going to Tottenham?
So you've been reading our report on Halilovic then have you? But yeah, about that, the media lot have said he was on his way to Spurs, or even Arsenal, leading you all down the garden path as the Croatian youngster has decided to join Roma in Italy, even though Dinamo are reluctant to do business. With Rudi Garcia looking to overhaul his squad at the Giallorossi, he can do a lot worse than invest in the future with the very talented Jedjav.
Here's a short introductory video....
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
SON HEUNG MIN
Who is he? Where does he play?
Young and plying his trade in Germany, you'd be delighted to know he's not one of their nimble, highly-technical youth products who have been bred to lead the land of Vorsprung Durch Technik into an era of World domination like the second coming of the Aryan philosophy. Oh no, this lad is a well-built South Korean striker playing for Hamburg.
What does he offer Hamburg then?
Creativity and goals mainly, from his usual position on the right side of attacking midfield or as a centre-forward. He has 12 goals this season as Hamburg have struggled in the Bundesliga, showing his poaching quality when used as a central-forward. Coach Thorsten Fink, who gave the Korean a chance when Mladen Petric and Paolo Guerrero left last summer, prefers to field him on the right side of his attacking 4-3-3. He cannot be described as a "natural winger" however, as the opportunity to beat the full-back conventionally is often sacrificed for the chance to cut inside to get shots away, he has hit 2.4 shots per game this season as opposed to 1.4 dribbles. Fink has realised that this means the left-footed Son is more at home on the right side.
His direct quality is an asset to Hamburg, though Son does need to work on his vision and productive talent in the final third, as just 1 assist and 0.5 chances created per game suggests a scarcity of creativeness in his game.
"He knows the route to goal" then, to borrow the cliche?
He certainly does, but he has also developed an ability to drop deeper to run at defenders with his impressive pace and energy. Blessed with deceivingly brilliant technique, he can glide past players and act as the catalyst for Hamburg attacks, in much the same way as fellow Asian Kagawa did for Dortmund. Possessing immense close control and a robust physical frame, he can take the ball whilst holding off defenders, offering a clear outlet for Hamburg to launch attacks. His relentless work-rate and strong work-ethic also causes him to be a nightmare for defenders off the ball, chasing and harrying them as Hamburg press high up the field.
Might he be moving on in the summer?
With doubts about his new contract in Germany, Hamburg general manager Frank Arnesen has revealed that may be a possibility with Arsenal and Tottenham both in the frame for the striker. Hamburg are struggling financially and goal.com believe that he may be enticed away for as little as £3 million after the club failed to secure European football for next season. Borussia Dortmund are believed to be keen on keeping Son in Germany, though Spurs are also intently linked on the Asian star who could follow in the footsteps of Kagawa and Park-Ji-Sung in making a success of himself in England. He certainly has the talent to do so.
Young and plying his trade in Germany, you'd be delighted to know he's not one of their nimble, highly-technical youth products who have been bred to lead the land of Vorsprung Durch Technik into an era of World domination like the second coming of the Aryan philosophy. Oh no, this lad is a well-built South Korean striker playing for Hamburg.
What does he offer Hamburg then?
Creativity and goals mainly, from his usual position on the right side of attacking midfield or as a centre-forward. He has 12 goals this season as Hamburg have struggled in the Bundesliga, showing his poaching quality when used as a central-forward. Coach Thorsten Fink, who gave the Korean a chance when Mladen Petric and Paolo Guerrero left last summer, prefers to field him on the right side of his attacking 4-3-3. He cannot be described as a "natural winger" however, as the opportunity to beat the full-back conventionally is often sacrificed for the chance to cut inside to get shots away, he has hit 2.4 shots per game this season as opposed to 1.4 dribbles. Fink has realised that this means the left-footed Son is more at home on the right side.
His direct quality is an asset to Hamburg, though Son does need to work on his vision and productive talent in the final third, as just 1 assist and 0.5 chances created per game suggests a scarcity of creativeness in his game.
"He knows the route to goal" then, to borrow the cliche?
He certainly does, but he has also developed an ability to drop deeper to run at defenders with his impressive pace and energy. Blessed with deceivingly brilliant technique, he can glide past players and act as the catalyst for Hamburg attacks, in much the same way as fellow Asian Kagawa did for Dortmund. Possessing immense close control and a robust physical frame, he can take the ball whilst holding off defenders, offering a clear outlet for Hamburg to launch attacks. His relentless work-rate and strong work-ethic also causes him to be a nightmare for defenders off the ball, chasing and harrying them as Hamburg press high up the field.
Might he be moving on in the summer?
With doubts about his new contract in Germany, Hamburg general manager Frank Arnesen has revealed that may be a possibility with Arsenal and Tottenham both in the frame for the striker. Hamburg are struggling financially and goal.com believe that he may be enticed away for as little as £3 million after the club failed to secure European football for next season. Borussia Dortmund are believed to be keen on keeping Son in Germany, though Spurs are also intently linked on the Asian star who could follow in the footsteps of Kagawa and Park-Ji-Sung in making a success of himself in England. He certainly has the talent to do so.
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
VIKTOR FISCHER
Who is he? Where does he play?
He's Ajax's talented Danish youngster who is not Christian Eriksen. At 18, is 3 years younger than his fellow countryman but the similarities are clear. He can play as a centre-forward, or in his more natural role on the left side of a three-pronged attack. Like all good graduates from the famed academy in Amsterdam, Fischer is blessed with the basics of close control and astounding balance.
Ajax definitely like their Danes don't they?
They certainly do. After Frank Arnesen, Soren Lerby, Michael Laudrup and Jesper Gronkjaer have passed through history, Fischer has joined Eriksen and Nicolai Boilesen at the Amsterdam ArenA has Ajax's future looks eternally bright. The ex-Midtjylland teenager is tipped to be one of the most promising talents however, with his pace, technical ability and vision making him an awesome attacking force at such a tender age. He can play as a number 10, but the Dutch club view him as better feeding off the work of a play-maker, hence his impressive tally of 10 goals from 21 games so far this season.
So he plays out on the left?
He does, playing alongside the wonderfully gifted Eriksen, he has helped Ajax go four points clear at the top of the EreDivisie with performances which showcase his superb ability. He has earned comparisons to Dennis Bergkamp after scoring this lovely chip. He can finish chances off well and create them with skill and poise, starting out on the left but popping up in various positions as manager Frank De Boer urges fluency and cohesion in his 4-3-3. He is a nightmare to mark given his fantastic balance and wizardry on the ball.
All this at 18?
Yep, it's frightening right? After coming from Midtjylland for a fee of 1.3 million euros in 2011, he helped Ajax reach the final of the Next-Gen series in 2011 before De Boer saw fit to promote him into the senior side, saying he reminded him of Barcelona's midfield magician Andres Iniesta. He has been slowly immersed into the side since then as Ajax remain cautious with his progression, though he has won the prestigious Ajax Talent of the Year award for this campaign. He can drift into space, dribble from deep and finish chances off with unerring composure, but remember, he's only 18! Just take a minute to marvel at that if you will.
We'll see the name much more often then?
We almost definitely will. Ajax's business model will probably dictate his sale but given his burgeoning career in Amsterdam, he will be in no rush to move on. It is indicative of his growing reputation on the continent that Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and AC Milan have all been linked with the 18 year old.
With 2 caps for the Denmark national team and at a club that will afford him first team chances to aid his progression, it is hard to see why Fischer would leave in a World Cup year. But he surely will be a huge talent to keep an eye out for.
Thursday, 4 April 2013
ISCO
Who is he? Where does he play?
Francisco Roman Alarcon Suarez, or Isco to me and you, is Malaga's very highly rated attacking midfielder, who, at the age of just 20, has broken into Spain's full team and played over 60 times the club down on the Costa Del Sol after starting life with Valencia.
Why did Valencia get rid of him?
Despite Mestalla chiefs initially seeing him as the heir to David Silva in midfield, he failed to make the breakthrough to the first team, playing just 7 times. He showcased his talents in the B team, with Malaga seeing enough to spark his 6 million Euro release clause to purchase him in the summer of 2011, together with Joaquin, Van Nistelrooy and Santi Cazorla as the Anchovies, as they're cutely known, went a bit spend-crazy under their new Qatari owner.
How's he doing at Malaga then?
Very well, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history in tandem with Cazorla in a magically technical midfield. The teenager played 35 times scoring 5 goals. Now, with the pesky Cazorla out of the way at Arsenal, it has yielded new opportunities for Isco, with Manuel Pellegrini seeing him the natural replacement in attacking midfield. This season, he has hit 8 goals, passed at a rate of 84% accuracy and has created 32 chances from 29 appearances, helping Malaga into the quarter finals of the Champions League and 5th place in La Liga.
He won an award didn't he?
He did. Italian newspaper Tuttosport handed him the 2012 Golden Boy award, the prestigious gong which is given to Europe's most talented player under the age of 21.
So what makes him so good then?
An ability to do pretty much anything in the final third. His 5 ft 9 inch frame allows him to burst away from the big burly defensive midfielder into the hole behind the attacker, mainly Roque Santa Cruz at Malaga, to feed him with a large array of passing. However, this year, he has amassed a rather disappointing total of just 1 assist with 3 more coming in the Champions League. This is not to undermine his work in the final third however, where he has averaged 1 created chance per game.
This year, he has added a goal-threat to his armory. He has the 8 in the league, with another 3 in Europe, mostly coming from his willingness to get shots away on the edge of the box. He has a shooting accuracy of an impressive 65% from a total of 57 shots on goal so far this season. His slight frame can also allow him to sneak into the box to support Santa Cruz to get on the end of the supply from Joaquin, Julio Baptista and co. in Malaga's midfield.
Will he leave in the summer?
He jolly well could do given Malaga are floating down the proverbial brown-coloured creek minus a paddle as they fight tough UEFA sanctions on financial mismanagement. The prospect of a European ban awaits the club, so Chelsea, Arsenal and the like await with bated breath waiting to take him to England. Whether he is ready, at such a young age, remains to be seen.
Manchester City have been repeatedly interested, but their approaches were dealt a blow as the player signed a new deal to extend his stay in Spain to 2016, also increasing his buy-out clause from 15 million euros to 30 million. But with Malaga struggling for money and the hugely talented 20 year old possibly going on a diet of no-European football, it could be worth a bid. COME ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!!!!
Francisco Roman Alarcon Suarez, or Isco to me and you, is Malaga's very highly rated attacking midfielder, who, at the age of just 20, has broken into Spain's full team and played over 60 times the club down on the Costa Del Sol after starting life with Valencia.
Why did Valencia get rid of him?
Despite Mestalla chiefs initially seeing him as the heir to David Silva in midfield, he failed to make the breakthrough to the first team, playing just 7 times. He showcased his talents in the B team, with Malaga seeing enough to spark his 6 million Euro release clause to purchase him in the summer of 2011, together with Joaquin, Van Nistelrooy and Santi Cazorla as the Anchovies, as they're cutely known, went a bit spend-crazy under their new Qatari owner.
How's he doing at Malaga then?
Very well, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history in tandem with Cazorla in a magically technical midfield. The teenager played 35 times scoring 5 goals. Now, with the pesky Cazorla out of the way at Arsenal, it has yielded new opportunities for Isco, with Manuel Pellegrini seeing him the natural replacement in attacking midfield. This season, he has hit 8 goals, passed at a rate of 84% accuracy and has created 32 chances from 29 appearances, helping Malaga into the quarter finals of the Champions League and 5th place in La Liga.
He won an award didn't he?
He did. Italian newspaper Tuttosport handed him the 2012 Golden Boy award, the prestigious gong which is given to Europe's most talented player under the age of 21.
So what makes him so good then?
An ability to do pretty much anything in the final third. His 5 ft 9 inch frame allows him to burst away from the big burly defensive midfielder into the hole behind the attacker, mainly Roque Santa Cruz at Malaga, to feed him with a large array of passing. However, this year, he has amassed a rather disappointing total of just 1 assist with 3 more coming in the Champions League. This is not to undermine his work in the final third however, where he has averaged 1 created chance per game.
This year, he has added a goal-threat to his armory. He has the 8 in the league, with another 3 in Europe, mostly coming from his willingness to get shots away on the edge of the box. He has a shooting accuracy of an impressive 65% from a total of 57 shots on goal so far this season. His slight frame can also allow him to sneak into the box to support Santa Cruz to get on the end of the supply from Joaquin, Julio Baptista and co. in Malaga's midfield.
Will he leave in the summer?
He jolly well could do given Malaga are floating down the proverbial brown-coloured creek minus a paddle as they fight tough UEFA sanctions on financial mismanagement. The prospect of a European ban awaits the club, so Chelsea, Arsenal and the like await with bated breath waiting to take him to England. Whether he is ready, at such a young age, remains to be seen.
Manchester City have been repeatedly interested, but their approaches were dealt a blow as the player signed a new deal to extend his stay in Spain to 2016, also increasing his buy-out clause from 15 million euros to 30 million. But with Malaga struggling for money and the hugely talented 20 year old possibly going on a diet of no-European football, it could be worth a bid. COME ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!!!!
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
STEVAN JOVETIC
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is the Montenegrin centre-forward who is leading Fiorentina back to the upper echelons of Serie A. He is 23 year old and after joining La Viola back in 2008 for 8 million euros from Partizan Belgrade, he has developed into one of Europe's most coveted talents after injury curtailed his initial impact in northern Italy.
Oh aye, what's he been doing so well then?
Scoring. Very well in fact. After hitting 15 goals last season, his 12 goal campaign this time round has helped fire Fiorentina to fourth place in Serie A, 3 points off a Champions League place. That was at the time of the international break, where he joined up with Montenegro in the aim of firing down England in the World Cup qualifier; coach Branko Brnovic has likened the partnership of Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic as having "two Ferraris".
What makes him so good then?
Vincenzo Montella has installed a bright footballing philosophy at Fiorentina, with an emphasis on possession and attacking football. Jovetic has taken advantage of the service provided to him by the technical brilliance of Borja Valero, David Pizzaro and Romulo behind him in the 3-5-2 system as he has averaged 3.9 shots per game with a shooting accuracy of 50%. In partnership with Adem Ljajic, he is also a good link-man, creating a total of 51 chances this season and registering 4 assists.
Impressive reading... he's an all action striker?
He is, better at dropping off between the lines to turn and run at defenders, he is more at home drifting out to the left in order to cut inside and get shots away in the space vacated by the movement of other players. His ability to probe between the lines also indicates why his chance creation is so high, averaging a key pass over 2 times per game in this year's Serie A. When not dropping off the front-line, his physical presence of 6ft 1 inch height makes him a force for defenders to deal with, allowing him to play as a target man or as a second striker.
Could he be off to Arsenal?
I know you've been reading the tabloids so I won't try to point out how much folly that can be, but that is the word on the street, yes. The Gunners have been linked with making a £25 million move for the forward, but why would he want to sacrifice possible Champions League football for possibly nothing with Arsenal, ask yourself that my friend, whilst also checking out just how good the Montenegrin striker is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sVuNuUYKEQ
He is the Montenegrin centre-forward who is leading Fiorentina back to the upper echelons of Serie A. He is 23 year old and after joining La Viola back in 2008 for 8 million euros from Partizan Belgrade, he has developed into one of Europe's most coveted talents after injury curtailed his initial impact in northern Italy.
Oh aye, what's he been doing so well then?
Scoring. Very well in fact. After hitting 15 goals last season, his 12 goal campaign this time round has helped fire Fiorentina to fourth place in Serie A, 3 points off a Champions League place. That was at the time of the international break, where he joined up with Montenegro in the aim of firing down England in the World Cup qualifier; coach Branko Brnovic has likened the partnership of Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic as having "two Ferraris".
What makes him so good then?
Vincenzo Montella has installed a bright footballing philosophy at Fiorentina, with an emphasis on possession and attacking football. Jovetic has taken advantage of the service provided to him by the technical brilliance of Borja Valero, David Pizzaro and Romulo behind him in the 3-5-2 system as he has averaged 3.9 shots per game with a shooting accuracy of 50%. In partnership with Adem Ljajic, he is also a good link-man, creating a total of 51 chances this season and registering 4 assists.
Impressive reading... he's an all action striker?
He is, better at dropping off between the lines to turn and run at defenders, he is more at home drifting out to the left in order to cut inside and get shots away in the space vacated by the movement of other players. His ability to probe between the lines also indicates why his chance creation is so high, averaging a key pass over 2 times per game in this year's Serie A. When not dropping off the front-line, his physical presence of 6ft 1 inch height makes him a force for defenders to deal with, allowing him to play as a target man or as a second striker.
Could he be off to Arsenal?
I know you've been reading the tabloids so I won't try to point out how much folly that can be, but that is the word on the street, yes. The Gunners have been linked with making a £25 million move for the forward, but why would he want to sacrifice possible Champions League football for possibly nothing with Arsenal, ask yourself that my friend, whilst also checking out just how good the Montenegrin striker is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sVuNuUYKEQ
Thursday, 7 March 2013
YAYA SANOGO
Who is he? Where does he play?
With Arsene Wenger's Arsenal empire crumbling down around him whilst he faces constant criticism about a transfer policy that relies on unproven youngsters from mainland Europe while all the other clubs go around snaffling up all the proven, experienced quality, he is planning on fixing things by going in for another unproven youngster.
His name is Yaya Sanogo, he is 20 and he plays in Ligue 2 for Auxerre as a striker.
Sounds like a Wenger-type of player then?
He certainly does. As they face their eighth consecutive year without a trophy, what better way than to get the fans, disillusioned by the sales of Robin Van Persie, Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and co. back onside than to go in for an infant striker who has not played at any higher level than the France under-21s? Well, lambast Wenger all you want, the fact is he's a fan of the youthful striker.
Any reason why? Or is he just becoming a parody of himself?
He's a constant goal-scorer. 18 goals in 18 games for the French under-16s, 9 goals in 16 games for the under 17s and, after battling with a tibia injury in 2011, he has bagged 8 goals in fourteen games this season for Auxerre as they look to get back to Ligue 1. That included a goal-crazy February in which he scored 7 goals in a week, putting four past Laval then smashing a hat-trick, seven days later, against Tours.
Just a goal-scoring machine then?
He has an impressive physique, standing at an imposing 6ft 3, and he can either beat a man with his electrifying pace, or latch onto the end of a pass with his agility and physical strength. He is solid in the air and possesses a fine technical ability that allows him to finish strongly and find a variety of ways to unlock defences.
In the fine words of the Bleacher Report they say:
As Sanogo matures and continues to learn how to make runs, and use his strengths inside a system, he can take himself to that next level. The team who secures his services from Auxerre will be getting themselves a diamond who is ready to shine.
In their report, they compare him to Theirry Henry, and have a neat little video of Sanogo scoring and doing a lot of impressive stuff. It can be read here;
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1522860-auxerre-striking-sensation-yaya-sanogo-is-turning-heads-around-europe
Anything else to add?
Well, Sanogo is still a work in progress standing at just 20 and you can see why Wenger, who has previously plucked Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna from Auxerre, rates him as a future prospect. However, he will be rivaled for his signature by the likes of Lyon and Lille who have also registered an interest in the Ivorian-born forward
With Arsene Wenger's Arsenal empire crumbling down around him whilst he faces constant criticism about a transfer policy that relies on unproven youngsters from mainland Europe while all the other clubs go around snaffling up all the proven, experienced quality, he is planning on fixing things by going in for another unproven youngster.
His name is Yaya Sanogo, he is 20 and he plays in Ligue 2 for Auxerre as a striker.
Sounds like a Wenger-type of player then?
He certainly does. As they face their eighth consecutive year without a trophy, what better way than to get the fans, disillusioned by the sales of Robin Van Persie, Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and co. back onside than to go in for an infant striker who has not played at any higher level than the France under-21s? Well, lambast Wenger all you want, the fact is he's a fan of the youthful striker.
Any reason why? Or is he just becoming a parody of himself?
He's a constant goal-scorer. 18 goals in 18 games for the French under-16s, 9 goals in 16 games for the under 17s and, after battling with a tibia injury in 2011, he has bagged 8 goals in fourteen games this season for Auxerre as they look to get back to Ligue 1. That included a goal-crazy February in which he scored 7 goals in a week, putting four past Laval then smashing a hat-trick, seven days later, against Tours.
Just a goal-scoring machine then?
He has an impressive physique, standing at an imposing 6ft 3, and he can either beat a man with his electrifying pace, or latch onto the end of a pass with his agility and physical strength. He is solid in the air and possesses a fine technical ability that allows him to finish strongly and find a variety of ways to unlock defences.
In the fine words of the Bleacher Report they say:
As Sanogo matures and continues to learn how to make runs, and use his strengths inside a system, he can take himself to that next level. The team who secures his services from Auxerre will be getting themselves a diamond who is ready to shine.
In their report, they compare him to Theirry Henry, and have a neat little video of Sanogo scoring and doing a lot of impressive stuff. It can be read here;
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1522860-auxerre-striking-sensation-yaya-sanogo-is-turning-heads-around-europe
Anything else to add?
Well, Sanogo is still a work in progress standing at just 20 and you can see why Wenger, who has previously plucked Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna from Auxerre, rates him as a future prospect. However, he will be rivaled for his signature by the likes of Lyon and Lille who have also registered an interest in the Ivorian-born forward
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
SEBASTIAN RODE
Who is he? Where does he play?
Ich bien ein das YoungStarrSpotter! We're starting this one off with a douse of amateur German as we head off to Eintracht Frankfurt, with nowhere more-German sounding than that place, to find 22 year old defensive midfielder Rode.
Quit with the language lesson, get on with it...
I will do, since moving from Kickers Offenbach in 2010, Rode has made 55 appearances for the Eagles, emerging as yet another fantastic young German talent *sigh* making his way in the Bundesliga. Like Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus et al. he has recently broken into the German under-21 squad and could be joining those players on the club scene as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have both been reportedly interested in his services.
German product stays in Germany... boring...
Ah well, there could be a twist in the story as the Sun have claimed Arsene Wenger is looking to spend some of his gigantic profits on the well-rounded midfielder who can maraud forward just as comfortably as he can patrol the deep areas of midfield. To bring the midfielder to Arsenal, Wenger is believed to be willing to spend £7.5 million and with Rode's contract due to expire next summer, Frankfurt are resigned to selling their prodigy. Rode has also previously rolled out the seemingly popular quote of "jumping at the chance to play in the Premier League" which may also run in Arsenal's favor.
So what can he offer Arsenal?
Intelligent passing and clever runs forward, which may sound like another Mikel Arteta or Santi Cazorla with whom Wenger has already swelled his technique-heavy midfield, but he has an impressive positional sense and his 22 appearances in the Bundesliga this term have yielded an average of 3 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game. As well as protecting the back four alongside club captain Permin Schwegler, he can also launch attacks with an admirable passing completion rate of 84%. His energy and dynamism in bursting forward can link the midfield and attack too, which is increasingly important in the modern game.
£7 million is beginning to feel a little cheap...
It is actually, he has been an ever-present in Frankfurt's league campaign so far and has consistently produced impressive performances as a ball-winner who, with a small frame of 5ft 10, can spring away from the attentions of opposing midfielders to burst into advanced positions and supply attackers. His job is primarily based on keeping the midfield in shape, as can be seen in the video below.
Ich bien ein das YoungStarrSpotter! We're starting this one off with a douse of amateur German as we head off to Eintracht Frankfurt, with nowhere more-German sounding than that place, to find 22 year old defensive midfielder Rode.
Quit with the language lesson, get on with it...
I will do, since moving from Kickers Offenbach in 2010, Rode has made 55 appearances for the Eagles, emerging as yet another fantastic young German talent *sigh* making his way in the Bundesliga. Like Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus et al. he has recently broken into the German under-21 squad and could be joining those players on the club scene as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have both been reportedly interested in his services.
German product stays in Germany... boring...
Ah well, there could be a twist in the story as the Sun have claimed Arsene Wenger is looking to spend some of his gigantic profits on the well-rounded midfielder who can maraud forward just as comfortably as he can patrol the deep areas of midfield. To bring the midfielder to Arsenal, Wenger is believed to be willing to spend £7.5 million and with Rode's contract due to expire next summer, Frankfurt are resigned to selling their prodigy. Rode has also previously rolled out the seemingly popular quote of "jumping at the chance to play in the Premier League" which may also run in Arsenal's favor.
So what can he offer Arsenal?
Intelligent passing and clever runs forward, which may sound like another Mikel Arteta or Santi Cazorla with whom Wenger has already swelled his technique-heavy midfield, but he has an impressive positional sense and his 22 appearances in the Bundesliga this term have yielded an average of 3 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game. As well as protecting the back four alongside club captain Permin Schwegler, he can also launch attacks with an admirable passing completion rate of 84%. His energy and dynamism in bursting forward can link the midfield and attack too, which is increasingly important in the modern game.
£7 million is beginning to feel a little cheap...
It is actually, he has been an ever-present in Frankfurt's league campaign so far and has consistently produced impressive performances as a ball-winner who, with a small frame of 5ft 10, can spring away from the attentions of opposing midfielders to burst into advanced positions and supply attackers. His job is primarily based on keeping the midfield in shape, as can be seen in the video below.
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
LEON GORETZKA
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is a 17 year old German midfielder playing in the Bundesliga. 2 for VFL Bochum.
Is that it?
I'm sorry, but the obscurity of it all means we are struggling for information on the Bochum youth graduate who has blossomed during his first season since his transition from WSV to VFL in his hometown club. He has impressed so much during his first year that Hanover 96 are toying with the idea of signing him for the summer.
How is he doing then?
The second tier of the German league isn't the best gauge of quality, but nobody can argue with the impact he has made during his first year as a professional. From midfield he has scored 2 goals and has garnered 6 assists from 21 appearances. The versatile teenager, able to play anywhere in the midfield although mainly operating as a central creative force, captained the German under-17's to victory in last year's European Championship success.
Not another German talent, they'll win things for years!?
It's looking that way, although there's nothing wrong with that considering all the money they have invested into producing fine technical players, Mario Gotze, Lars Bender and Emre Can who have all won the gold medal in the Fritz Walter award under-17 category in recent years. Goretzka won that accolade last year.
Will Hannover get him then?
He is contracted to Bochum until 2016 but a stay beyond the summer is unlikely and he is valued at an estimated 3.5 million euros. Clubs in the past linked with the midfielder have generically been Bayern Munich, Manchesters City and United etc. but genuine interest has been mentioned from Arsenal, who have sent scouts to watch him several times, and Barcelona, who had an approach rejected for the talented youngster rejected last summer according to German media outlet Kicker.
News that Hanover are nearing the signature of Goretzka with peripheral negotiations underway between the two clubs being reported here at Goal.Com
http://www.goal.com/de/news/968/transfernews/2013/01/30/3711716/hannover-96-will-leon-goretzka?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_15#
"Goretzka is a subject with which we are concerned," Hanover manager Jörg Schmadtke confirmed to image. Even in Bochum is known of the plans of Lower Saxony. "Yes, I've heard that Hanover has put out feelers," said manager Jens Todt. Mirko Slomka, the coach of the Hanoverian, admitted that he was on the phone with the player's agent.
He is a 17 year old German midfielder playing in the Bundesliga. 2 for VFL Bochum.
Is that it?
I'm sorry, but the obscurity of it all means we are struggling for information on the Bochum youth graduate who has blossomed during his first season since his transition from WSV to VFL in his hometown club. He has impressed so much during his first year that Hanover 96 are toying with the idea of signing him for the summer.
How is he doing then?
The second tier of the German league isn't the best gauge of quality, but nobody can argue with the impact he has made during his first year as a professional. From midfield he has scored 2 goals and has garnered 6 assists from 21 appearances. The versatile teenager, able to play anywhere in the midfield although mainly operating as a central creative force, captained the German under-17's to victory in last year's European Championship success.
Not another German talent, they'll win things for years!?
It's looking that way, although there's nothing wrong with that considering all the money they have invested into producing fine technical players, Mario Gotze, Lars Bender and Emre Can who have all won the gold medal in the Fritz Walter award under-17 category in recent years. Goretzka won that accolade last year.
Will Hannover get him then?
He is contracted to Bochum until 2016 but a stay beyond the summer is unlikely and he is valued at an estimated 3.5 million euros. Clubs in the past linked with the midfielder have generically been Bayern Munich, Manchesters City and United etc. but genuine interest has been mentioned from Arsenal, who have sent scouts to watch him several times, and Barcelona, who had an approach rejected for the talented youngster rejected last summer according to German media outlet Kicker.
News that Hanover are nearing the signature of Goretzka with peripheral negotiations underway between the two clubs being reported here at Goal.Com
http://www.goal.com/de/news/968/transfernews/2013/01/30/3711716/hannover-96-will-leon-goretzka?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_15#
"Goretzka is a subject with which we are concerned," Hanover manager Jörg Schmadtke confirmed to image. Even in Bochum is known of the plans of Lower Saxony. "Yes, I've heard that Hanover has put out feelers," said manager Jens Todt. Mirko Slomka, the coach of the Hanoverian, admitted that he was on the phone with the player's agent.
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
YOUNES BELHANDA
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is one of the last remaining survivors of Montpellier's Ligue 1 title winning squad of last year and is currently at the centre of a game of tug-o'-war between scattergun spenders QPR and Turkish club Fenerbache. There have also been rumour of Arsenal and Tottenham chasing the French-born Moroccan attacking midfielder they call "The Magician".
Does he do magic tricks then?
I don't know what he's like with a deck of cards but he's capable of doing great things with the football having led Montpellier to the title last season alongside Olivier Giroud, now of Arsenal and Yang Mbwia, now of Newcastle. I was a season where he got 13 goals and 5 assists from his creative haven of either the wing, or in the middle between the lines. He won the Player of the Year too, as well as the goal of the season award, young player of the season award, a place in the Ligue 1 team of the year AND the best African in Ligue 1 award. I feel sorry for his mantelpiece.
So where's he going?
Inter Milan have been interested in the Moroccan but now it seems likely the 22 year old will follow the migration of talent to Istanbul with Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder having gone to Galatasary. The eccentric Montpellier chairman Laurent Nicollan has given the green light to Fenerbache to sign Belhanda, if they come good with a more attractive payment plan of course, while the English media claim the player is available for £10 million. Most English "journalists" have gone a step further and done what all good media men do towards the end of a transfer window and linked an available player to a desperate, free spending manager;
"REDKNAPP WANTS BELHANDA AT QPR"
Fenerbache? A bit obscure ain't it?
The big clubs are understandably showing a reluctance at signing a player who does remain something of an enigma, possibly due to his young age. He can go from the sublime of a wonderful performance vs PSG last year to the utterly stupidity of the fight against Evian which saw him suspended for the first few campaigns of this campaign. He has spoke of his pent-up aggression, his feeling that he has to take matters into his own hands at all times and sometimes his self-control suffers as a result. He picked himself up two red cards last season, two already this season and despite the technical brilliance, his volatile side is always ready to come out.
That's a shame....
For a creative talent who is so good at holding bigger players off and can dribble so well against defenders, as well as being able to deliver a deadly set-piece, it is an almighty shame he can let himself down so easily with the most trivial of temper-losses. Hopefully that side of his game will improve as he matures and that the motive behind a move to Turkey appears to be the chance to do that.
He is one of the last remaining survivors of Montpellier's Ligue 1 title winning squad of last year and is currently at the centre of a game of tug-o'-war between scattergun spenders QPR and Turkish club Fenerbache. There have also been rumour of Arsenal and Tottenham chasing the French-born Moroccan attacking midfielder they call "The Magician".
Does he do magic tricks then?
I don't know what he's like with a deck of cards but he's capable of doing great things with the football having led Montpellier to the title last season alongside Olivier Giroud, now of Arsenal and Yang Mbwia, now of Newcastle. I was a season where he got 13 goals and 5 assists from his creative haven of either the wing, or in the middle between the lines. He won the Player of the Year too, as well as the goal of the season award, young player of the season award, a place in the Ligue 1 team of the year AND the best African in Ligue 1 award. I feel sorry for his mantelpiece.
So where's he going?
Inter Milan have been interested in the Moroccan but now it seems likely the 22 year old will follow the migration of talent to Istanbul with Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder having gone to Galatasary. The eccentric Montpellier chairman Laurent Nicollan has given the green light to Fenerbache to sign Belhanda, if they come good with a more attractive payment plan of course, while the English media claim the player is available for £10 million. Most English "journalists" have gone a step further and done what all good media men do towards the end of a transfer window and linked an available player to a desperate, free spending manager;
"REDKNAPP WANTS BELHANDA AT QPR"
Fenerbache? A bit obscure ain't it?
The big clubs are understandably showing a reluctance at signing a player who does remain something of an enigma, possibly due to his young age. He can go from the sublime of a wonderful performance vs PSG last year to the utterly stupidity of the fight against Evian which saw him suspended for the first few campaigns of this campaign. He has spoke of his pent-up aggression, his feeling that he has to take matters into his own hands at all times and sometimes his self-control suffers as a result. He picked himself up two red cards last season, two already this season and despite the technical brilliance, his volatile side is always ready to come out.
That's a shame....
For a creative talent who is so good at holding bigger players off and can dribble so well against defenders, as well as being able to deliver a deadly set-piece, it is an almighty shame he can let himself down so easily with the most trivial of temper-losses. Hopefully that side of his game will improve as he matures and that the motive behind a move to Turkey appears to be the chance to do that.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
RIECHEDLY BAZOER
Who is he? Where does he play?
A bit young, Bazoer is a 16 year old central defender currently at PSV Eindhoven, sparking an FBI-style manhunt across Europe for the prodigy's signature after voicing his desire to leave the Dutch club in the summer.
Oooh.. interesting... do go on...
He was offered a 3 year deal at the Phillips Stadion back in October, just as the defender turned 16, as the Dutch giants try desperately to hold on to one of the brightest prospects in Dutch football, but it looks like that is all in vain as Ajax have won the race to cast the net and land the prize catch of Bazoer, according to reports.
Ajax? Hmm...
It is Dutch legislation that 3 years is the most you can offer to a player under the age of 18, so it looks like the Eredivisie champions may have landed him on a similar deal. The Amsterdam ArenA is a kind of nurturing nursery for talented crop, so it will suit his exciting development, plus he will work with defensive guru Frank De Boer, a bonus for any defender learning the trade.
So what's the big fuss?
Bazoer has already played 8 times for the Dutch under 17 team as he steps foot on the ladder of international recognition, he is quick and strong, displaying an intelligent reading of the game for his youthful age. Perhaps the biggest compliment to his potential is that Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal were involved in the chase for the kid, with Bazoer keen on a move to England. Eindhoven were desperate for him to remain in Holland where he would be ensured first team football.
Why did he want to leave Eindhoven?
Eindhoven have their own impressive honour roll of youth graduates and are thriving at the top of the Dutch league under Dick Advocaat, but with the club struggling to compete on a financial level with some of Europe's elite, Sporting Director Marcel Brands had to admit defeat in his attempt to hold onto the youngster. Brands gave him the choice between money and development and in the end, Bazoer chose Ajax. Keep an eye out for this promising 16 year old.
A bit young, Bazoer is a 16 year old central defender currently at PSV Eindhoven, sparking an FBI-style manhunt across Europe for the prodigy's signature after voicing his desire to leave the Dutch club in the summer.
Oooh.. interesting... do go on...
He was offered a 3 year deal at the Phillips Stadion back in October, just as the defender turned 16, as the Dutch giants try desperately to hold on to one of the brightest prospects in Dutch football, but it looks like that is all in vain as Ajax have won the race to cast the net and land the prize catch of Bazoer, according to reports.
Ajax? Hmm...
It is Dutch legislation that 3 years is the most you can offer to a player under the age of 18, so it looks like the Eredivisie champions may have landed him on a similar deal. The Amsterdam ArenA is a kind of nurturing nursery for talented crop, so it will suit his exciting development, plus he will work with defensive guru Frank De Boer, a bonus for any defender learning the trade.
So what's the big fuss?
Bazoer has already played 8 times for the Dutch under 17 team as he steps foot on the ladder of international recognition, he is quick and strong, displaying an intelligent reading of the game for his youthful age. Perhaps the biggest compliment to his potential is that Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal were involved in the chase for the kid, with Bazoer keen on a move to England. Eindhoven were desperate for him to remain in Holland where he would be ensured first team football.
Why did he want to leave Eindhoven?
Eindhoven have their own impressive honour roll of youth graduates and are thriving at the top of the Dutch league under Dick Advocaat, but with the club struggling to compete on a financial level with some of Europe's elite, Sporting Director Marcel Brands had to admit defeat in his attempt to hold onto the youngster. Brands gave him the choice between money and development and in the end, Bazoer chose Ajax. Keep an eye out for this promising 16 year old.
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
ALVARO MORATA
Who is he? Where does he play?
Morata is a 20 year old striker currently playing for Real Madrid, or as the uniquely fangled way goes in Spain, the "B" team, home of the big team youngsters trying desperately to catch the eye of the club's manager by playing well in the lower leagues. It looks as though Morata may have done just that though by scoring the vital late winner in Madrid's 1-2 victory at Levante.
Go on.... use that cliche....
"The stuff dreams are made of"? Well, it definitely was for Morata, who was turned to by Mourinho like a weary poker player using his hand in one final act of desperation. With the league title slipping away, "the Special One", shorn of such luminaries as Higuain, Benzema and co. saw Levante's 1-1 and raised them a Morata, sitting quietly on the bench, who duly came on to head the winner with his first touch.
Great stuff! Everybody was happy?
Not really, the political circus of Madrid was never going to embrace the vital contribution of their youthful saviour though was it? Pepe decided to get himself into a fight which kind of marred proceedings, whilst Mourinho was forced to face volatile interrogation as to why he never trusted youth-teamers when one of them had just done such a wonderful thing for him.
We'll just focus on Morata?
We shall, it seems a shame his golden moment was overshadowed, but we'll point out that Morata was always a prolific scorer for the Madrid "Cantera", as they call their bunch of young lads, hitting 34 goals in one season for Madrid C, before his rise to the B team. Mourinho gave him a dabble in professional matches with a few substitute cameos. An injury to Higuain sparked rumours that Morata may be the first Cantera since Iker Casillas to make a breakthrough, but Mourinho shot that down, "he needs to grow up", he said. He hit 14 goals last year for the B team as they won the Segunda Division B title.
He's pretty prolific then?
He knows where the goal is, that's for sure, he was leading scorer in last year's Under-19 European Championships for Spain with 6. He has been compared with ex-Madrid goal-getter Fernando Morientes due to his ruthlessness in front of the onion-bag. His superb movement and ability in the air (as showcased in Levante) make him a nifty front-man with a potential to suggest he will go far, that is if Mourinho disavows his antipathy with the Cantera.
Will he leave Madrid if not?
So soon is unlikely, especially if he can carry the same impact he did on Sunday that has put him in such high regard with Madridistas already. Mourinho is short on attackers too, so Morata may stick it out, he has a chance to finally break the Cantera hoodoo. However, he's a striker, he's unproven in a senior realm, he's not English, he's young, so it has drawn imperative links with.... yes, you've guessed it.... ARSENAL!!!
Morata is a 20 year old striker currently playing for Real Madrid, or as the uniquely fangled way goes in Spain, the "B" team, home of the big team youngsters trying desperately to catch the eye of the club's manager by playing well in the lower leagues. It looks as though Morata may have done just that though by scoring the vital late winner in Madrid's 1-2 victory at Levante.
Go on.... use that cliche....
"The stuff dreams are made of"? Well, it definitely was for Morata, who was turned to by Mourinho like a weary poker player using his hand in one final act of desperation. With the league title slipping away, "the Special One", shorn of such luminaries as Higuain, Benzema and co. saw Levante's 1-1 and raised them a Morata, sitting quietly on the bench, who duly came on to head the winner with his first touch.
Great stuff! Everybody was happy?
Not really, the political circus of Madrid was never going to embrace the vital contribution of their youthful saviour though was it? Pepe decided to get himself into a fight which kind of marred proceedings, whilst Mourinho was forced to face volatile interrogation as to why he never trusted youth-teamers when one of them had just done such a wonderful thing for him.
We'll just focus on Morata?
We shall, it seems a shame his golden moment was overshadowed, but we'll point out that Morata was always a prolific scorer for the Madrid "Cantera", as they call their bunch of young lads, hitting 34 goals in one season for Madrid C, before his rise to the B team. Mourinho gave him a dabble in professional matches with a few substitute cameos. An injury to Higuain sparked rumours that Morata may be the first Cantera since Iker Casillas to make a breakthrough, but Mourinho shot that down, "he needs to grow up", he said. He hit 14 goals last year for the B team as they won the Segunda Division B title.
He's pretty prolific then?
He knows where the goal is, that's for sure, he was leading scorer in last year's Under-19 European Championships for Spain with 6. He has been compared with ex-Madrid goal-getter Fernando Morientes due to his ruthlessness in front of the onion-bag. His superb movement and ability in the air (as showcased in Levante) make him a nifty front-man with a potential to suggest he will go far, that is if Mourinho disavows his antipathy with the Cantera.
Will he leave Madrid if not?
So soon is unlikely, especially if he can carry the same impact he did on Sunday that has put him in such high regard with Madridistas already. Mourinho is short on attackers too, so Morata may stick it out, he has a chance to finally break the Cantera hoodoo. However, he's a striker, he's unproven in a senior realm, he's not English, he's young, so it has drawn imperative links with.... yes, you've guessed it.... ARSENAL!!!
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