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!!!!!!!
Showing posts with label La Liga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La Liga. Show all posts
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
IKER MUNIAIN
Who is he? Where does he play?
A year ago, he was the buzz of the European footballing scene as Athletic Bilbao reached the Europa League final and also went to the Copa Del Rey final. They lost both, but they went out with a fine reputation for some superb high octane football under Marcelo Bielsa with Muniain, the 19 year old winger-cum-forward, being one of the brightest lights at the San Mames and an extremely promising young Basque talent.
Is he still not a buzz?
Well, some of the hype has admittedly faded away. Bilbao sort of imploded in the summer, Bielsa went nuts, Fernando Llorente was marginalised after a training ground dispute and the club's midfield force Javi Martinez left for Bayern Munich in bizarre circumstances. Now, after a dull year, they sit 14th and Muniain's form has suffered along with Bilbao's, playing 19 games and registering just 1 goal and 1 assist.
Any reason why?
It maybe because he, at the tender age of just 20, played 59 times for Bilbao last season, fitting in with Bielsa's high intensity pressure football, before heading to the Olympics with Spain where he played in all 3 games. The youngster is knackered, in a 2-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano he was ineffective, being substituted after he cut a frustrated figure. Plus, he has been moved from his familiar position of left-sided wing-wizard to an alien central-playmaker, possibly becoming a victim to unfamiliarity. He has created just 24 chances so far this season, a great indication of how far his attacking influence has declined.
Form is temporary, class is permanent though?
It may be a cliche that crawls under my skin and causes a nasty rash on my arm that I constantly itch and itch until it gets worse and I have to get it checked out by a doctor, but yes, that is true. Muniain still boasts a passing percentage of 81.4% and he wouldn't have lost the close control and skill that allows him to take on defenders and coast away from them with break-neck speed. His technical ability still remains and he is only 20, he just needs something, perhaps a move away from madness de la Bielsa, to arrest his slump.
Is anybody interested in him?
The usual popular lines of Manchester United (£32 million, "new Ronaldo", a ridiculous story) and Liverpool have been used, whilst Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked via the Spanish press. Though, the word on the street is that Pep Guardiola, a huge fan of the Spanish under-21 winger during his time at Barcelona, could attempt to bring him to Bayern Munich when he takes over the Germans in the summer.
Whatever happens, you have to hope Muniain rediscovers the form that made him such a special player last season. Until he does, we will remind you of what he can do. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY1kXhWv3pQ
A year ago, he was the buzz of the European footballing scene as Athletic Bilbao reached the Europa League final and also went to the Copa Del Rey final. They lost both, but they went out with a fine reputation for some superb high octane football under Marcelo Bielsa with Muniain, the 19 year old winger-cum-forward, being one of the brightest lights at the San Mames and an extremely promising young Basque talent.
Is he still not a buzz?
Well, some of the hype has admittedly faded away. Bilbao sort of imploded in the summer, Bielsa went nuts, Fernando Llorente was marginalised after a training ground dispute and the club's midfield force Javi Martinez left for Bayern Munich in bizarre circumstances. Now, after a dull year, they sit 14th and Muniain's form has suffered along with Bilbao's, playing 19 games and registering just 1 goal and 1 assist.
Any reason why?
It maybe because he, at the tender age of just 20, played 59 times for Bilbao last season, fitting in with Bielsa's high intensity pressure football, before heading to the Olympics with Spain where he played in all 3 games. The youngster is knackered, in a 2-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano he was ineffective, being substituted after he cut a frustrated figure. Plus, he has been moved from his familiar position of left-sided wing-wizard to an alien central-playmaker, possibly becoming a victim to unfamiliarity. He has created just 24 chances so far this season, a great indication of how far his attacking influence has declined.
Form is temporary, class is permanent though?
It may be a cliche that crawls under my skin and causes a nasty rash on my arm that I constantly itch and itch until it gets worse and I have to get it checked out by a doctor, but yes, that is true. Muniain still boasts a passing percentage of 81.4% and he wouldn't have lost the close control and skill that allows him to take on defenders and coast away from them with break-neck speed. His technical ability still remains and he is only 20, he just needs something, perhaps a move away from madness de la Bielsa, to arrest his slump.
Is anybody interested in him?
The usual popular lines of Manchester United (£32 million, "new Ronaldo", a ridiculous story) and Liverpool have been used, whilst Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked via the Spanish press. Though, the word on the street is that Pep Guardiola, a huge fan of the Spanish under-21 winger during his time at Barcelona, could attempt to bring him to Bayern Munich when he takes over the Germans in the summer.
Whatever happens, you have to hope Muniain rediscovers the form that made him such a special player last season. Until he does, we will remind you of what he can do. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY1kXhWv3pQ
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
INIGO MARTINEZ
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is a 21 year old centre-half playing for La Liga's surprise package Real Sociedad, playing 24 times this season as Philippe Montanier's side have risen to fourth in the league.
That was short and sweet, what is he good at?
He is a composed defender, able to bring the ball out of the back with his cultured left foot. Despite his modest sub-6ft frame, he is also deceivingly good in the air, winning most of his aerial duels (38 from 69 this season) thanks to his salmon-like leap and hang in the air, which almost defies gravity. His tackle success rate, standing at 79%, has given him a reputation of being an uncompromising defender with a superb reading of the game that has drawn comparisons with Barcelona's Carles Puyol.
Carles Puyol eh? Does he have long hair?
We don't mean aesthetically, his locks are well and truly short, but we do mean he is intelligent with clever positioning which means he can get by without being particularly quick. He can also rise to the physical battle when a striker gets by him, something he has had to improve on after getting sent-off in his first appearance for the Spanish under-23s at last year's London Olympics, when he was drawn out of position and dismissed for a last-man challenge on Kensuke Nagai. A la Puyol, he can also play-left back.
He's got a fondness for a card then?
You can say that. When he was first given a go in Sociedad's "B" team in 2010, he picked up 10 yellows and 4 reds before being given 9 yellows and 2 reds in the following year. After being promoted to the first team, his discipline has cleaned up, registering 6 yellow cards and staying clean on the red front.
He's mellowed down with age?
Well.. yeah... he's more of a "champagne" centre-half now, preferring to be comfortable and clever on the ball rather than charging around looking for a tackle. With a passing percentage of 80% from over 700 passes this year, he fits in with the Spanish vogue of being good with your feet at the back. It's no wonder Barcelona have been looking at him to solve their underlying defensive "crisis".
By the way, if any greater indication was needed about his ability on the ball, why not watch a video of him scoring 2, yes 2, goals from the half-way line. Eat your heart out Beckham.
He is a 21 year old centre-half playing for La Liga's surprise package Real Sociedad, playing 24 times this season as Philippe Montanier's side have risen to fourth in the league.
That was short and sweet, what is he good at?
He is a composed defender, able to bring the ball out of the back with his cultured left foot. Despite his modest sub-6ft frame, he is also deceivingly good in the air, winning most of his aerial duels (38 from 69 this season) thanks to his salmon-like leap and hang in the air, which almost defies gravity. His tackle success rate, standing at 79%, has given him a reputation of being an uncompromising defender with a superb reading of the game that has drawn comparisons with Barcelona's Carles Puyol.
Carles Puyol eh? Does he have long hair?
We don't mean aesthetically, his locks are well and truly short, but we do mean he is intelligent with clever positioning which means he can get by without being particularly quick. He can also rise to the physical battle when a striker gets by him, something he has had to improve on after getting sent-off in his first appearance for the Spanish under-23s at last year's London Olympics, when he was drawn out of position and dismissed for a last-man challenge on Kensuke Nagai. A la Puyol, he can also play-left back.
He's got a fondness for a card then?
You can say that. When he was first given a go in Sociedad's "B" team in 2010, he picked up 10 yellows and 4 reds before being given 9 yellows and 2 reds in the following year. After being promoted to the first team, his discipline has cleaned up, registering 6 yellow cards and staying clean on the red front.
He's mellowed down with age?
Well.. yeah... he's more of a "champagne" centre-half now, preferring to be comfortable and clever on the ball rather than charging around looking for a tackle. With a passing percentage of 80% from over 700 passes this year, he fits in with the Spanish vogue of being good with your feet at the back. It's no wonder Barcelona have been looking at him to solve their underlying defensive "crisis".
By the way, if any greater indication was needed about his ability on the ball, why not watch a video of him scoring 2, yes 2, goals from the half-way line. Eat your heart out Beckham.
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
GEOFFREY KONDOGBIA
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is Sevilla's versatile, physically-imposing central-midfielder who came from the same Lens youth academy that produced Noulan Roux, Mohamed Diame, Raphael Varane and Adel Taarabt to varying degrees of success. Like the rest, Kondogbia left northern France and tried another country, going to Spain for a small fee of 3.5 million euros.
How did they get him so cheap?
Juventus and Napoli were both rumoured to be interested in the Frenchman before he left for Sevilla with doubts circling around his attitude. A bizarre story in which he produced a dyslexic driving license when driving without a permit only served to compound complaints of egotism on the pitch and suddenly he was leaving for a new future in Seville at the age of 19.
Has he grown up?
You can argue he has. After making a pre-season debut at left-back, he has played mostly in defensive midfield, offering a tough-tackling influence at the heart of manager Michel's side. He has progressed into the long-term replacement for Seydou Keita whom Sevilla have searched the past couple of years for. He has made a total of 17 appearances so far, impressive for a debut season in a new country, picking up just two yellow cards, suggesting his lack of discipline has died out.
So he's impressing then?
He is, strong at winning the ball back, releasing it quickly with sharp passing, he is the steel alongside the passing influence of Gary Medel alongside him. His reading of the game is very impressive, leading to effective positioning when protecting the back four with an athleticism that allows him to patrol the deeper positions. One weakness is that sometimes he can be over-committed in the tackle, leading to persistent fouls and cheap free-kicks. That will surely improve as he matures further.
I take it his frame helps?
As with all solid defensive midfielders, his strong physique of 75kg to compliment his rangy 6ft 2 inch frame means he can compete with drive and energy in the "engine-room" of midfield against the smaller, nimble technicians that litter La Liga. With his height, he can also be a threat at set-pieces with 9 goals in his short career so far. Most of them have been in youth levels for France however, where he has represented his country right through to under-20 level. Surely a cap in the full-senior squad won't be too far away if he keeps impressing in the Spanish Primera.
I would mention how Kondogbia is an African-born French product, coincidentally fitting in with the strong, athletic and robust characteristics that have been a staple of French football in recent years, Laurent Blanc got into trouble for that y'aknow.......
But I will show his man of the match performance vs Grenada
He is Sevilla's versatile, physically-imposing central-midfielder who came from the same Lens youth academy that produced Noulan Roux, Mohamed Diame, Raphael Varane and Adel Taarabt to varying degrees of success. Like the rest, Kondogbia left northern France and tried another country, going to Spain for a small fee of 3.5 million euros.
How did they get him so cheap?
Juventus and Napoli were both rumoured to be interested in the Frenchman before he left for Sevilla with doubts circling around his attitude. A bizarre story in which he produced a dyslexic driving license when driving without a permit only served to compound complaints of egotism on the pitch and suddenly he was leaving for a new future in Seville at the age of 19.
Has he grown up?
You can argue he has. After making a pre-season debut at left-back, he has played mostly in defensive midfield, offering a tough-tackling influence at the heart of manager Michel's side. He has progressed into the long-term replacement for Seydou Keita whom Sevilla have searched the past couple of years for. He has made a total of 17 appearances so far, impressive for a debut season in a new country, picking up just two yellow cards, suggesting his lack of discipline has died out.
So he's impressing then?
He is, strong at winning the ball back, releasing it quickly with sharp passing, he is the steel alongside the passing influence of Gary Medel alongside him. His reading of the game is very impressive, leading to effective positioning when protecting the back four with an athleticism that allows him to patrol the deeper positions. One weakness is that sometimes he can be over-committed in the tackle, leading to persistent fouls and cheap free-kicks. That will surely improve as he matures further.
I take it his frame helps?
As with all solid defensive midfielders, his strong physique of 75kg to compliment his rangy 6ft 2 inch frame means he can compete with drive and energy in the "engine-room" of midfield against the smaller, nimble technicians that litter La Liga. With his height, he can also be a threat at set-pieces with 9 goals in his short career so far. Most of them have been in youth levels for France however, where he has represented his country right through to under-20 level. Surely a cap in the full-senior squad won't be too far away if he keeps impressing in the Spanish Primera.
I would mention how Kondogbia is an African-born French product, coincidentally fitting in with the strong, athletic and robust characteristics that have been a staple of French football in recent years, Laurent Blanc got into trouble for that y'aknow.......
But I will show his man of the match performance vs Grenada
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