Who is he? Where does he play?
That, for once, isn't just the banal recurring question we use to get this gig on the road, it is a rather difficult poser. The thing is, nobody is really sure. We know he is a 19 year old Serbian striker but we don't exactly know what club he plays for.....
Huh? Of course you do! You know how to use the internet, right?
Yes, of course we know how to use the internet, but it's the web that has been spreading a web of Markovic-related confusion over the past week. The striker has been playing for Partizan Belgrade, where he has just come off a season in which he scored 7 goals and assisted 7 in 19 league games, but Chelsea have apparently signed him, only to loan him to Benfica for 2 years. However, this has been disputed by Benfica who claim they have signed him out-right on a 5 year deal.
Oh right... yeah... confusing... so what does he offer?
Pace and a hell of a lot of it. Being just 175cm tall, Markovic possesses fine balance and a turn of speed that is comparable to lightning and is effective on the counter attack. However, his main position is not on the shoulder of the defender, instead he has been deployed on the right, the left and behind the striker as a trequarsita. His pace is effective in moving between the lines, dragging defenders around as he searches for space, though his finishing needs work, as he utilises fine intelligence to drift into threatening positions but struggles to take the majority of his chances.
So we don't know who he plays for, or where he plays... great...
Benfica will be a great help for the next stage of his career, with Markovic claiming compatriot Nemanja Matic has recommended Lisbon to him;
“Even today I spoke with Matic and he was telling me that Benfica is a club with more fans, very organized and with plenty of history, and he wished me the best of luck in this important step,” Markovic told Benfica TV.
It is certain that Markovic will be playing his football at Benfica next season, but if the words of Partizan club president Dragan Djurcic are anything to go by, he will be on loan from Chelsea.
And how's he doing for Serbia?
Fine.. he has taken just 2 years to rise from the under-17s to the senior team, with whom he now has 7 caps. Playing usually as a second striker, he has 1 goal to his name, coming against Chile in a friendly.
As we have mentioned, Markovic's pace can be deadly on the counter attack, as seen here in Partizan's Europa League game vs Inter Milan, which can be seen here http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xy7cti_lazar-markovic-vs-inter-milan-in-the-uefa-europa-league-oct-26th-2012_sport
It was a performance that caused Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni to call him a "player with exceptional qualities and impressive acceleration" whilst Javier Zanetti said he was an "interesting player who impressed me"
And if that isn't praise enough......................
Showing posts with label Inter Milan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inter Milan. Show all posts
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Monday, 10 June 2013
MATTIA DESTRO
Who is he? Where does he play?
Destro is a 22 year old Italian striker who has already broken into the full Azzurri squad and has just moved to Roma on a permanent basis after spending last year on loan at the Stadio Olimpico. He will be hoping to build on his good form in a bid to make next year's World Cup.
His route to Roma was a bit confusing wasn't it?
Yes it was. After starting off with Inter Milan where he impressed with the youth teams, Destro joined Genoa as part of an exchange deal for Andrea Ranocchia. After spending a year with Genoa, he was off to Siena for a 1.5 million euro co-ownership deal. He scored 12 goals for them, attracting the interest of Roma, who forced Genoa to buy him back fully off Siena, before he was loaned to Roma for 11.5 million euros. He hit 6 goals in 21 games in the capital, sparking Roma to make the deal permanent for an extra 4.5 million euros.
Understand that? No, me neither.....
So Roma seem to rate him then?
He was signed originally as a replacement for Fabio Borini who left for Liverpool and it is possible to see the resemblance. He is technically gifted, able to glide into space to create chances for others, he provided 20 last season, and an 81% pass success rate is impressive for a player in the final third. Although his year in Rome has been slightly disappointing in terms of goals, Destro's main strengths lie with his pace and finishing, best shown by his prolific time at Siena.
That was noticed by the Italy side, right?
He has represented, and scored, at every national level from the under-16s upwards, even managing to hit 16 goals in 14 games for the under 19s. After this good form, he was included in Cesare Prandelli's 32-man provisional squad for the under-21 European Championships, but missed the final cut. He has since earned 4 caps for the full-squad, making his debut in the 1-2 defeat to England and scoring his first goal in a win over Malta in qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil. Destro is currently out in Israel with the under-21 squad, hoping to start a pivotal year in good form.
You can see him in action here; for Siena 2011/2012
and for Roma 2012/2013
Destro is a 22 year old Italian striker who has already broken into the full Azzurri squad and has just moved to Roma on a permanent basis after spending last year on loan at the Stadio Olimpico. He will be hoping to build on his good form in a bid to make next year's World Cup.
His route to Roma was a bit confusing wasn't it?
Yes it was. After starting off with Inter Milan where he impressed with the youth teams, Destro joined Genoa as part of an exchange deal for Andrea Ranocchia. After spending a year with Genoa, he was off to Siena for a 1.5 million euro co-ownership deal. He scored 12 goals for them, attracting the interest of Roma, who forced Genoa to buy him back fully off Siena, before he was loaned to Roma for 11.5 million euros. He hit 6 goals in 21 games in the capital, sparking Roma to make the deal permanent for an extra 4.5 million euros.
Understand that? No, me neither.....
So Roma seem to rate him then?
He was signed originally as a replacement for Fabio Borini who left for Liverpool and it is possible to see the resemblance. He is technically gifted, able to glide into space to create chances for others, he provided 20 last season, and an 81% pass success rate is impressive for a player in the final third. Although his year in Rome has been slightly disappointing in terms of goals, Destro's main strengths lie with his pace and finishing, best shown by his prolific time at Siena.
That was noticed by the Italy side, right?
He has represented, and scored, at every national level from the under-16s upwards, even managing to hit 16 goals in 14 games for the under 19s. After this good form, he was included in Cesare Prandelli's 32-man provisional squad for the under-21 European Championships, but missed the final cut. He has since earned 4 caps for the full-squad, making his debut in the 1-2 defeat to England and scoring his first goal in a win over Malta in qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil. Destro is currently out in Israel with the under-21 squad, hoping to start a pivotal year in good form.
You can see him in action here; for Siena 2011/2012
and for Roma 2012/2013
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
JUAN FERNANDO QUINTERO
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is Pescara's diminutive central-midfielder who stands at a teeny 5ft 6 inches (167 cm), aged just 20 and already with a cap for the very-talented Colombian national side, he is recognised as one of the most promising talents in world football.
Great stuff, but seriously small, does that phase him?
It doesn't seem to. Mainly popping up in the attacking midfield area, his immediate instinct is to get his head up and look for the through ball, refusing to be stopped by the physical specimens of the Italian Serie A as he has created 19 chances, assisting 2 goals, from 12 starts this season. He is stereotypical of the South American creative playmaker, dropping deep into pockets of space to move the ball forward and link the play fluidly in attacking areas. He has attempted 719 passes this campaign, a superb rate for just 12 appearances, completing 87% of them, suggestive of his ability to keep the ball moving.
So an attacking midfielder then? In the number 10 mould?
His primary role is to pop up in areas between the lines to create chances, though he usually drops deep to use his technical qualities in order to carry the ball forward. He also averages 3 shots per game, gaining a reputation for shooting from long range with a superbly gifted left-foot. Blessed with wonderful technique, vision and a dangerous set-piece delivery, he really is a threat with the providing ball.
Do you have any third person testimony?
Yes!
“He is a young man with great talent. We have high hopes for him. He has made his name at Pescara and we want to defend him from these [transfer] rumours. He needs to have some continuity and play regularly, enhancing his quality.” - Daniele Sebastiani, Pescara president, January 2013.
Will he stay with Pescara this summer?
Manchester United watched him in the South American under-20 Championship where he finished joint-top scorer with 5 goals, so they could have a move for the youngster in the pipeline. Links to Juventus and Lokomotiv Moscow have also been reported, whilst the player has personally suggested he would like to join the Andrea Stramaccioni revolution at Inter Milan.
Udinese have also been impressed with his form in Pescara
It is believed that Pescara would demand around 10 million Euros for his services, even though it looks unlikely they can hold on to the talented South American for much longer. However, with the under-20 World Cup looming in the summer, plus a potential call-up to the senior competition looking increasingly likely for Brazil next year, hey may stay in western Italy for a little longer.
He is Pescara's diminutive central-midfielder who stands at a teeny 5ft 6 inches (167 cm), aged just 20 and already with a cap for the very-talented Colombian national side, he is recognised as one of the most promising talents in world football.
Great stuff, but seriously small, does that phase him?
It doesn't seem to. Mainly popping up in the attacking midfield area, his immediate instinct is to get his head up and look for the through ball, refusing to be stopped by the physical specimens of the Italian Serie A as he has created 19 chances, assisting 2 goals, from 12 starts this season. He is stereotypical of the South American creative playmaker, dropping deep into pockets of space to move the ball forward and link the play fluidly in attacking areas. He has attempted 719 passes this campaign, a superb rate for just 12 appearances, completing 87% of them, suggestive of his ability to keep the ball moving.
So an attacking midfielder then? In the number 10 mould?
His primary role is to pop up in areas between the lines to create chances, though he usually drops deep to use his technical qualities in order to carry the ball forward. He also averages 3 shots per game, gaining a reputation for shooting from long range with a superbly gifted left-foot. Blessed with wonderful technique, vision and a dangerous set-piece delivery, he really is a threat with the providing ball.
Do you have any third person testimony?
Yes!
“He is a young man with great talent. We have high hopes for him. He has made his name at Pescara and we want to defend him from these [transfer] rumours. He needs to have some continuity and play regularly, enhancing his quality.” - Daniele Sebastiani, Pescara president, January 2013.
Will he stay with Pescara this summer?
Manchester United watched him in the South American under-20 Championship where he finished joint-top scorer with 5 goals, so they could have a move for the youngster in the pipeline. Links to Juventus and Lokomotiv Moscow have also been reported, whilst the player has personally suggested he would like to join the Andrea Stramaccioni revolution at Inter Milan.
Udinese have also been impressed with his form in Pescara
It is believed that Pescara would demand around 10 million Euros for his services, even though it looks unlikely they can hold on to the talented South American for much longer. However, with the under-20 World Cup looming in the summer, plus a potential call-up to the senior competition looking increasingly likely for Brazil next year, hey may stay in western Italy for a little longer.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
MAURO ICARDI
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is a 19 year old striker currently playing for Italian side Sampdoria. He was born in Argentina, was once on the books of Barcelona and is now banging goals in for fun on the banks of the Mediterranean sea.
He scores a few then?
Yep. He has 8 from 12 games in this year's Serie A, and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was in attendance for his latest strike, the third goal in a 3-1 win over Roma on Sunday. It is believed his contribution made a lasting impression on the City boss who could use one of his many pots of Qatar-originated cash to make a bid for the striker in the summer.
What's he like?
He's a striker in the mould of..... well.... let's say Dimitar Berbatov mixed with Carlos Tevez, armed with the fancy tricks and licks that allow him to link play, he also moves right across the front line with intelligence and pace, creating space for others. He also stands at 6ft 1 inch, making him an imposing frame which allows him to hold the ball up in forward positions. His finishing is very impressive, as is his threat on the counter attack.
He's only 19 though?
He is, but that hasn't stopped Napoli and Inter Milan chasing Icardi's signature, the latter seemed very close to a deal for the young striker but Sampdoria's director Rinaldo Sagramola told Gazzetta Giallorossa this week that those reports were "untrue". Napoli have also expressed an interest and are planning to meet with the Argentinean's representatives ahead of a possible summer move.
But Manchester City?
Manchester City... well... Roberto Mancini did speak typically openly and candidly about Icardi after he watched him on Sunday, "l must say I liked him" was the line that had many gossip columnists reaching for the Biro to create the link between Icardi and Manchester City as they chase a possible replacement for Mario Balotelli. Wherever and whenever moves, you can bet your house it will be for a far sight more than the 400,000 euros Barcelona flogged him, rather unbelievably, for back in 2011.
NOTE: FOR FURTHER READING, YOU CAN PERUSE THIS ARTICLE WHERE THIS GUY LIKENS HIM TO GABRIEL BATISTUTA
He is a 19 year old striker currently playing for Italian side Sampdoria. He was born in Argentina, was once on the books of Barcelona and is now banging goals in for fun on the banks of the Mediterranean sea.
He scores a few then?
Yep. He has 8 from 12 games in this year's Serie A, and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was in attendance for his latest strike, the third goal in a 3-1 win over Roma on Sunday. It is believed his contribution made a lasting impression on the City boss who could use one of his many pots of Qatar-originated cash to make a bid for the striker in the summer.
What's he like?
He's a striker in the mould of..... well.... let's say Dimitar Berbatov mixed with Carlos Tevez, armed with the fancy tricks and licks that allow him to link play, he also moves right across the front line with intelligence and pace, creating space for others. He also stands at 6ft 1 inch, making him an imposing frame which allows him to hold the ball up in forward positions. His finishing is very impressive, as is his threat on the counter attack.
He's only 19 though?
He is, but that hasn't stopped Napoli and Inter Milan chasing Icardi's signature, the latter seemed very close to a deal for the young striker but Sampdoria's director Rinaldo Sagramola told Gazzetta Giallorossa this week that those reports were "untrue". Napoli have also expressed an interest and are planning to meet with the Argentinean's representatives ahead of a possible summer move.
But Manchester City?
Manchester City... well... Roberto Mancini did speak typically openly and candidly about Icardi after he watched him on Sunday, "l must say I liked him" was the line that had many gossip columnists reaching for the Biro to create the link between Icardi and Manchester City as they chase a possible replacement for Mario Balotelli. Wherever and whenever moves, you can bet your house it will be for a far sight more than the 400,000 euros Barcelona flogged him, rather unbelievably, for back in 2011.
NOTE: FOR FURTHER READING, YOU CAN PERUSE THIS ARTICLE WHERE THIS GUY LIKENS HIM TO GABRIEL BATISTUTA
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
PHILIPPE COUTINHO
Who is he? Where does he play?
If you haven't been living under a rock for the past week or so and have managed to catch a glimpse at the back page of any tabloid, you wouldn't need to answer that question. He is of course, Inter Milan's attacking midfielder who Liverpool have taken an interest in, having made a bid, seen it rejected, then decided to go back in for another bid.
Interesting... you wanna tell us more?
Definitely. Coutinho is a 20 year old Brazilian who can operate in behind the striker and having flirted with a cheeky move for Turkey-bound Wesley Sneijder, the Rodgers revolution sees the youngster as the perfect fit for the mould of exciting technical talent that is now the Anfield idyll. Rodgers went in with an initial £6 million bid which was knocked back by Inter and, like a persistent squirrel jumping for an out of reach nut, has bought the big guns out of the accountant to the tune of £8 million.
£8 million? Rodgers is a bit of a big spender.
Shirley Bassey wasn't singing about the Anfield boss but he is certainly becoming flash with the cash having already snaffled Daniel Sturridge earlier this month for £12 million. There is no doubting Coutinho is worth it though, Inter president Massimo Moratti said he was the "future of Inter" after joining from Vasco De Gama aged 18. He has gone on to become one of the most highly rated youngsters in Serie A and a full Brazilian international.
Good player then?
You can say that yes, Coutinho is two-footed, dangerous in a variety of attacking positions, able to play left, right or through the middle and his adaptability and movement makes him as difficult to mark as one of the FBI's most wanted. His intelligent positioning and high-work rate allows for some good pressing on opposition defenders in order for his team to win the ball back high up the field.
Can he play in the Premier League?
His creative quality in the final third will suit Rodgers's attacking, ball-friendly philosophy at Liverpool, but a lot of injuries has interrupted his development somewhat as Inter have done a lot of fitness work in order to bolster the player's physical strength to cope with the rigours of Serie A. He has built into a strong, tricky midfielder however but work needs to still be done on unconvincing finishing and sometimes dribbles that have no end-product.
You can read more about Coutinho's development and current ability here
If you haven't been living under a rock for the past week or so and have managed to catch a glimpse at the back page of any tabloid, you wouldn't need to answer that question. He is of course, Inter Milan's attacking midfielder who Liverpool have taken an interest in, having made a bid, seen it rejected, then decided to go back in for another bid.
Interesting... you wanna tell us more?
Definitely. Coutinho is a 20 year old Brazilian who can operate in behind the striker and having flirted with a cheeky move for Turkey-bound Wesley Sneijder, the Rodgers revolution sees the youngster as the perfect fit for the mould of exciting technical talent that is now the Anfield idyll. Rodgers went in with an initial £6 million bid which was knocked back by Inter and, like a persistent squirrel jumping for an out of reach nut, has bought the big guns out of the accountant to the tune of £8 million.
£8 million? Rodgers is a bit of a big spender.
Shirley Bassey wasn't singing about the Anfield boss but he is certainly becoming flash with the cash having already snaffled Daniel Sturridge earlier this month for £12 million. There is no doubting Coutinho is worth it though, Inter president Massimo Moratti said he was the "future of Inter" after joining from Vasco De Gama aged 18. He has gone on to become one of the most highly rated youngsters in Serie A and a full Brazilian international.
Good player then?
You can say that yes, Coutinho is two-footed, dangerous in a variety of attacking positions, able to play left, right or through the middle and his adaptability and movement makes him as difficult to mark as one of the FBI's most wanted. His intelligent positioning and high-work rate allows for some good pressing on opposition defenders in order for his team to win the ball back high up the field.
Can he play in the Premier League?
His creative quality in the final third will suit Rodgers's attacking, ball-friendly philosophy at Liverpool, but a lot of injuries has interrupted his development somewhat as Inter have done a lot of fitness work in order to bolster the player's physical strength to cope with the rigours of Serie A. He has built into a strong, tricky midfielder however but work needs to still be done on unconvincing finishing and sometimes dribbles that have no end-product.
You can read more about Coutinho's development and current ability here
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
LORENZO CRISETIG
Who is he? Where does he play?
Crisetig is a 19 year old central midfielder currently with Inter Milan, or if you like your detail, learning his trade with North-West Liguria-based Serie B side Spezia on loan. With only one appearance for his mother club to his name, a single minute Champions League substitute cameo, the young Italian will have to display the patience of a mother queuing for a bus with a troublesome child his as he bides his time for integration into Andrea Strammacioni's regular thinking.
Not very experienced?
Not at senior level no.... despite being on the fringes of the Internazionale squad since the days of Jose Mourinho (the Portuguese included the teenager in various Champions League squads), his successors Rafa Benitiez, Leonardo, Gian Pierro Gasperini and now Stramaccioni have resisted his claims for a go in the first team. It was Claudio Ranieri who gave Crisetig his only minute of senior football, coming on for Christian Chivu against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.
What about youth level?
Oh yeah, Crisetig is a seasoned pro at youth level, how's that for a paradox eh? Representing Italy at under-16,17,18,19 and 21 level, the latter for whom he became the youngest ever player, and being a regular member of Inter Milan's Primavera team (the Italian term for reserve squad) with whom he won the new fangled Next-Gen series in 2011. He also won the much coveted Torneo di Viareggio with Inter's team of teenagers. What do you mean you haven't heard of it?
Will he make it at Inter?
If Stramaccioni shares the same views about him as the coaches of his Italian youth level teams, then yes, he would, especially with Inter still under a transitional period following the trophy-laden years of Jose Mourinho and earlier, Roberto Mancini. Perluigi Casiraghi said of him "Crisetig is a player of important attributes", whilst his successor Paulo Ferrara gushed "Lorenzo has a great personality and responded to the task at hand" after playing a vital role in the Azzuri under-21's 3-1 victory over Sweden.
What can he do then?
For a fair-haired Italian who conforms to the exotic stereotype, Crisetig is deceptively physical in the centre of midfield and is effective at recycling possession through his robust style. Forever looking for the ball, he helps play to tick over in the engine room (cliches galore!!) mainly owing to the enviable wizadry of his left foot and impressive vision, meaning the 19 year ol can both hold and create as a central-midfield force.
Crisetig is a 19 year old central midfielder currently with Inter Milan, or if you like your detail, learning his trade with North-West Liguria-based Serie B side Spezia on loan. With only one appearance for his mother club to his name, a single minute Champions League substitute cameo, the young Italian will have to display the patience of a mother queuing for a bus with a troublesome child his as he bides his time for integration into Andrea Strammacioni's regular thinking.
Not very experienced?
Not at senior level no.... despite being on the fringes of the Internazionale squad since the days of Jose Mourinho (the Portuguese included the teenager in various Champions League squads), his successors Rafa Benitiez, Leonardo, Gian Pierro Gasperini and now Stramaccioni have resisted his claims for a go in the first team. It was Claudio Ranieri who gave Crisetig his only minute of senior football, coming on for Christian Chivu against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.
What about youth level?
Oh yeah, Crisetig is a seasoned pro at youth level, how's that for a paradox eh? Representing Italy at under-16,17,18,19 and 21 level, the latter for whom he became the youngest ever player, and being a regular member of Inter Milan's Primavera team (the Italian term for reserve squad) with whom he won the new fangled Next-Gen series in 2011. He also won the much coveted Torneo di Viareggio with Inter's team of teenagers. What do you mean you haven't heard of it?
Will he make it at Inter?
If Stramaccioni shares the same views about him as the coaches of his Italian youth level teams, then yes, he would, especially with Inter still under a transitional period following the trophy-laden years of Jose Mourinho and earlier, Roberto Mancini. Perluigi Casiraghi said of him "Crisetig is a player of important attributes", whilst his successor Paulo Ferrara gushed "Lorenzo has a great personality and responded to the task at hand" after playing a vital role in the Azzuri under-21's 3-1 victory over Sweden.
What can he do then?
For a fair-haired Italian who conforms to the exotic stereotype, Crisetig is deceptively physical in the centre of midfield and is effective at recycling possession through his robust style. Forever looking for the ball, he helps play to tick over in the engine room (cliches galore!!) mainly owing to the enviable wizadry of his left foot and impressive vision, meaning the 19 year ol can both hold and create as a central-midfield force.
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