Who is he? Where does he play?
Another product of Porto's comprehensive scouting network is the Ghanaian born Atsu, signed as a 17 year old and allowed to progress in the club's youth ranks, he won the Best Young Player award for the 2010/2011 season.
He's still in the youth side?
After winning that honour, he was farmed out to Rio Ave where he made 31 appearances for the big river club, scoring 6 times and assisting four goals. Atsu was then considered in a bit-part role for Porto, making 17 appearances, mostly as a sub, as cover for Sylvesre Valera on the left hand side of Porto's three-pronged attack.
Left-winger then is he?
Mostly yes, although he can play anywhere across Paulo Fonseca's front 3. A left-winged touchline hugger is his role though, often relied upon to come onto the field late and punish the weary legs of tiring defences with his lighting pace, particularly in the Champions League. It is his speed that gives his markers nightmares, the type of ones that bite into the conscious and keeps you scared for days, such is his devastation in turning to sprint away from his man. It's not just his pace, but his terrific skill that beats defenders in 1vs1 situations; one blink and BOOM! he's past you, turning on the afterburners on his way to goal.
He'll have a bright future for Porto then?
Atsu's contract expires next summer and he has so far been less co-operative than an undisciplined child on a shopping expedition with his mother, refusing to sign a new deal. So, he finds himself on the naughty step, that being the exile of the transfer market as Porto have little choice but to cash in on their contract rebel. Or they can roll the dice and risk losing him for zilch next summer, or even on a pre-contract agreement to a foreign club in January. It's their choice.
We suppose he'll be little short of suitors?
Oh no, with the prospect of a deal done on the cheap, Atsu is very much in demand so there is little worry about that. Liverpool want him, Everton want him, as do Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, but it is Spurs who seem to be the most genuinely interested, having been linked with him earlier in the summer before recently rekindling their fondness as the sale of Gareth Bale looms large. It is believed the north London club can lure him away from the Dragao for just £5 million. BARGAIN! Or even for as little as £1 million..... DOUBLE BARGAIN!!!!!
To White Hart Lane it is then?
Maybe, but probably not in direct replacement for the potentially Madrid-bound Bale. Atsu is more directly comparable to Aaron Lennon, the quicker, wider, more conventional of Spurs' wingers. What Astu will bring is a clever use of the ball in the final third which very rarely sees him misplace a pass and gives him an intelligent ability to thread a delightful through-ball. It'll all be coming to a league nearer to you, either this summer, or the next.
Showing posts with label Tottenham Hotspur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tottenham Hotspur. Show all posts
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
TIN JEDJAV
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....
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....
ALEN HALILOVIC
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is the youngest ever player to appear in the Croatian First Division, as known as the PRVA HNL, he is the youngest ever scorer in that league and he is the youngest ever debutant for the Croatian national team. While he has been breaking records, he has been playing as a central-attacking midfielder for Dinamo Zagreb.
Very talented then?
Yes, and he's only 17 years of age. But that hasn't stopped him being rated as one of the highest-rated players in Europe and neither has it stopped him being linked to the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid or Tottenham. Standing at just 5ft 7 inches, able to make use of great balance to turn away from markers to dictate play and blessed with a fine touch and close control, there is no surprise to see the young Croatian labelled as the "new Luka Modric", he even looks like the Real Madrid schemer.
"The new..." labels are rather tedious though?
Yeah they certainly are, but when you look the same, have the same stature and even play the same, it is very hard to avoid the comparisons. The differences come in the fact that Haliliovic is more likely to move forward to join the attack and, unlike Modric, possesses a deadly left foot that can spread long passes or even find the net from range. His eye for a pass is notable, but his main asset is his quick feet which allows him to leave defenders for dead as he glides past them.
Is he just a central-midfielder?
He is growing into one and his preferred position is out on the left-wing where he can use his skills to beat players and send crosses over, but it has been suggested that he is being coached on the periphery of the play where there is more time to think, instead of being set free in the hustle and bustle of the middle. His ability, burgeoning into a complete midfielder, indicates he is set for a Modric-like attacking midfield future, however.
Is he heading to Spurs?
Put simply, he could be, after the club were reported to be in talks with the young midfielder, though it has all gone a little cold since those reports broke. He definitely hasn't agreed a deal with the club as some websites have jumped the gun to say and some have even said the deal is off because of the player's family's diva-like personal demands, so it's all up in the air. Keep an eye on him anyways, he's the next Luka Modric, you see........
You can watch him in this video or even this one.... while you wait for a deal to be done
He is the youngest ever player to appear in the Croatian First Division, as known as the PRVA HNL, he is the youngest ever scorer in that league and he is the youngest ever debutant for the Croatian national team. While he has been breaking records, he has been playing as a central-attacking midfielder for Dinamo Zagreb.
Very talented then?
Yes, and he's only 17 years of age. But that hasn't stopped him being rated as one of the highest-rated players in Europe and neither has it stopped him being linked to the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid or Tottenham. Standing at just 5ft 7 inches, able to make use of great balance to turn away from markers to dictate play and blessed with a fine touch and close control, there is no surprise to see the young Croatian labelled as the "new Luka Modric", he even looks like the Real Madrid schemer.
"The new..." labels are rather tedious though?
Yeah they certainly are, but when you look the same, have the same stature and even play the same, it is very hard to avoid the comparisons. The differences come in the fact that Haliliovic is more likely to move forward to join the attack and, unlike Modric, possesses a deadly left foot that can spread long passes or even find the net from range. His eye for a pass is notable, but his main asset is his quick feet which allows him to leave defenders for dead as he glides past them.
Is he just a central-midfielder?
He is growing into one and his preferred position is out on the left-wing where he can use his skills to beat players and send crosses over, but it has been suggested that he is being coached on the periphery of the play where there is more time to think, instead of being set free in the hustle and bustle of the middle. His ability, burgeoning into a complete midfielder, indicates he is set for a Modric-like attacking midfield future, however.
Is he heading to Spurs?
Put simply, he could be, after the club were reported to be in talks with the young midfielder, though it has all gone a little cold since those reports broke. He definitely hasn't agreed a deal with the club as some websites have jumped the gun to say and some have even said the deal is off because of the player's family's diva-like personal demands, so it's all up in the air. Keep an eye on him anyways, he's the next Luka Modric, you see........
You can watch him in this video or even this one.... while you wait for a deal to be done
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
BERNARD
Who is he? Where does he play?
Bernard Anicio Caldeira Duarte- known lazily as Bernard, is a 20 year old attacking midfielder who plays in Brazil with Atletico Mineiro. He is a tiny 5ft 4 inches, but there has been no trouble in noticing his talents, as he becomes coveted by many clubs around Europe.
Aww... he sounds so tiny!
And you sound so patronising! He has experienced problems over his height before, being rejected twice by Mineiro as a teenager and called-back once the directors realised the errors of their ways. He had to receive Lionel Messi-style growth hormone to treat his small size as a child, but similarly to the Argentine, it has not held him back as he has helped Mineiro to a 2nd place finish in the Brasilierao as well as 2 State Championships.
He's been playing well then?
So well that he won the "Revelation of the 2012 Brasilierao" award for best newcomer as well as the Superclasico De Las Americas with Brazil, with whom he already has 3 caps. Combining an quick burst of pace with sublime dribbling skills, Bernard offers his own brand of technical flair to Mineiro's front-line together with Ronaldinho, Jo and Diego Tardelli. It is no surprise to see Mineiro going so well in the Copa Libertadores, having reached the semi-finals.
And Bernard is playing a huge role?
He is, starting mostly on the left-side of the attack, he is often seen drifting across the fluent front 3 like a troublesome rogue, using a deft touch and close control to link play up in the final third, creating chances with a fine pass, or showing an eye for goal with 20 goals coming from 94 appearances with Mineiro. What he lacks in physical presence, he makes up for with tenacious pressing, refusing to shy away from imposing defenders who he glides past with guile and gifted quick-feet. Bernard's reading of the game and intelligence is surprisingly impressive for a youngster, showing an ability to find space to receive the ball in threatening positions and to also track his man when doing his defensive work, coaches will be highly fond of his diligence off the ball.
You mentioned he was being tracked by a few clubs?
Spartak Moscow saw a £9.8 million bid rejected back in December whilst Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested in the Brazilian youngster as they seek to replace Mario Gotze. However, it is Spurs who are said to be leading the race for the left-sided attacker as they have been long-term admirers. Mineiro are said to be after £15 million for Bernard, who has realistic ambitions of making Brazil's World Cup squad for next summer.
Not sold: we have a couple of videos for you.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F63qQ0nsHk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb05QPFhqp4
Bernard Anicio Caldeira Duarte- known lazily as Bernard, is a 20 year old attacking midfielder who plays in Brazil with Atletico Mineiro. He is a tiny 5ft 4 inches, but there has been no trouble in noticing his talents, as he becomes coveted by many clubs around Europe.
Aww... he sounds so tiny!
And you sound so patronising! He has experienced problems over his height before, being rejected twice by Mineiro as a teenager and called-back once the directors realised the errors of their ways. He had to receive Lionel Messi-style growth hormone to treat his small size as a child, but similarly to the Argentine, it has not held him back as he has helped Mineiro to a 2nd place finish in the Brasilierao as well as 2 State Championships.
He's been playing well then?
So well that he won the "Revelation of the 2012 Brasilierao" award for best newcomer as well as the Superclasico De Las Americas with Brazil, with whom he already has 3 caps. Combining an quick burst of pace with sublime dribbling skills, Bernard offers his own brand of technical flair to Mineiro's front-line together with Ronaldinho, Jo and Diego Tardelli. It is no surprise to see Mineiro going so well in the Copa Libertadores, having reached the semi-finals.
And Bernard is playing a huge role?
He is, starting mostly on the left-side of the attack, he is often seen drifting across the fluent front 3 like a troublesome rogue, using a deft touch and close control to link play up in the final third, creating chances with a fine pass, or showing an eye for goal with 20 goals coming from 94 appearances with Mineiro. What he lacks in physical presence, he makes up for with tenacious pressing, refusing to shy away from imposing defenders who he glides past with guile and gifted quick-feet. Bernard's reading of the game and intelligence is surprisingly impressive for a youngster, showing an ability to find space to receive the ball in threatening positions and to also track his man when doing his defensive work, coaches will be highly fond of his diligence off the ball.
You mentioned he was being tracked by a few clubs?
Spartak Moscow saw a £9.8 million bid rejected back in December whilst Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested in the Brazilian youngster as they seek to replace Mario Gotze. However, it is Spurs who are said to be leading the race for the left-sided attacker as they have been long-term admirers. Mineiro are said to be after £15 million for Bernard, who has realistic ambitions of making Brazil's World Cup squad for next summer.
Not sold: we have a couple of videos for you.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F63qQ0nsHk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb05QPFhqp4
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.
Thursday, 7 March 2013
BRUNO MARTINS INDI
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is Feyenoord's 21 year old central defender who can also play left-back. This lad is a talent. Despite his age, he has already made 7 appearances for the full Dutch national side. Ronald Koeman, his club manager, has said he will be the Netherlands' first-choice left back for the next ten years.
So what has he got?
Strength, an ability in the air that rarely sees him lose an aerial challenge despite his sub-6ft frame and discipline in the tackle. Should he get beaten by an opponent, the defender also has impressive pace at his disposal in order to bail him out. Furthermore, like all good Dutch footballers, drilled in the verse of Johann Cruyff-taught "Total Football", he is perfectly adept at building the ball out from the back.
Does he have any weaknesses?
Of course he has, he's only 21, he's not going to be a world-beater at that youthful age. He can often be reckless in charging forward to leave his position vacant, but that will improve as he matures further. Despite all the media hype over his precocious talent however, he remains perfectly calm under pressure and it is a trait that has not gone unnoticed by Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal who has installed him as a permanent choice.
Valuation? And who's interested?
Currently, he is valued at around £5.5 million but that figure can easily rise if clubs are queuing up for his signature in the summer. Spurs are the English club who have been linked with the Portuguese-born defender who will be a huge asset with his versatility.
You can also read this about Spurs' interest in the Feyenoord man who once said he wanted to become one of the best defenders in the world I once said that I want to become one of the best defenders in the world. I'm not there yet, but I'm on the right path," he said.
He is Feyenoord's 21 year old central defender who can also play left-back. This lad is a talent. Despite his age, he has already made 7 appearances for the full Dutch national side. Ronald Koeman, his club manager, has said he will be the Netherlands' first-choice left back for the next ten years.
So what has he got?
Strength, an ability in the air that rarely sees him lose an aerial challenge despite his sub-6ft frame and discipline in the tackle. Should he get beaten by an opponent, the defender also has impressive pace at his disposal in order to bail him out. Furthermore, like all good Dutch footballers, drilled in the verse of Johann Cruyff-taught "Total Football", he is perfectly adept at building the ball out from the back.
Does he have any weaknesses?
Of course he has, he's only 21, he's not going to be a world-beater at that youthful age. He can often be reckless in charging forward to leave his position vacant, but that will improve as he matures further. Despite all the media hype over his precocious talent however, he remains perfectly calm under pressure and it is a trait that has not gone unnoticed by Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal who has installed him as a permanent choice.
Valuation? And who's interested?
Currently, he is valued at around £5.5 million but that figure can easily rise if clubs are queuing up for his signature in the summer. Spurs are the English club who have been linked with the Portuguese-born defender who will be a huge asset with his versatility.
You can also read this about Spurs' interest in the Feyenoord man who once said he wanted to become one of the best defenders in the world I once said that I want to become one of the best defenders in the world. I'm not there yet, but I'm on the right path," he said.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Who is he? Where does he play?
After heading to Spain yesterday for one young Frenchman, we are off there again for another one, more specifically 21 year old Antoine Griezmann who plays on the wing for Real Sociedad and has a rather luscious head of combed-over blond hair.
It's good that we've established his hair colour.. so.. plays on the wing?
He does yes, or that's where he's spent the majority of this season playing for Sociedad, on the left side of the attacking midfield 3 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He's appeared 12 times in that position this season, but he can also be deployed to the right, centrally, or even as a centre-forward.
Sounds versatile? So what does he offer?
A great deal of technical skill, pace, a good ability at crossing and a penchant for cutting inside to get shots away. It's his ability in the attacking areas around the box that has seen him register 5 goals and 2 assists this season, together with a passing accuracy of 81.6% that is in keeping with Phillipe Montanier's fluid attacking 4 with one-touch lay-offs and neat interchanges.
His ability isn't restricted to just attacking ability either, Griezmann is well disciplined in a defensive sense, offering an impressive shield to Alberto Di La Bella at left-back.
I like the sound of him... any chance of him leaving Sociedad?
The Basque club have done superbly this year and sit 6th in La Liga very much on the up. However, there is word that scouts have picked up on Griezmann's impressive performances over the course of the season, having made 22 in total, and Spurs are apparently targeting the 21 year old, who was a graduate of small-town club EC Macon over in France, as a possible replacement for flavour of the month Gareth Bale.
Would they sell?
Having only been back in La Liga for 2 years (he won the Segunda division with them in 2010) , Sociedad are still a modest club and could be tempted with a sizeable offer of, say £7-10 million. Yet, it may not be as simple as that, as faced with questions about reported interest from Barcelona, a greater indication that most of his burgeoning talent, he said “I want to stay and progress where I am. I don’t want to leave here to sit on the bench. I need to play regularly and that would be impossible at Barca.”
After being rejected from numerous Ligue 1 academies for being "too small", there is a feeling that the attacking midfielder does genuinely feel he owes the club a great deal of loyalty, having likened the club to "his family". It is a testament to his worth that he has already played 120 times for Sociedad despite only being 21.
Level headed lad then?
Yeah, as long as Sociedad keep hold of the nimble attacker who stands at a diminutive 5ft 9 inches, they will have no limit to their ambitions. Plus, he now appears regularly for France's under-20 side, having won the under-19 European Championship on home soil back in 2010.
He is athletic, well-balance and incredibly talented, but you just can't overlook that blond hair.
After heading to Spain yesterday for one young Frenchman, we are off there again for another one, more specifically 21 year old Antoine Griezmann who plays on the wing for Real Sociedad and has a rather luscious head of combed-over blond hair.
It's good that we've established his hair colour.. so.. plays on the wing?
He does yes, or that's where he's spent the majority of this season playing for Sociedad, on the left side of the attacking midfield 3 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He's appeared 12 times in that position this season, but he can also be deployed to the right, centrally, or even as a centre-forward.
Sounds versatile? So what does he offer?
A great deal of technical skill, pace, a good ability at crossing and a penchant for cutting inside to get shots away. It's his ability in the attacking areas around the box that has seen him register 5 goals and 2 assists this season, together with a passing accuracy of 81.6% that is in keeping with Phillipe Montanier's fluid attacking 4 with one-touch lay-offs and neat interchanges.
His ability isn't restricted to just attacking ability either, Griezmann is well disciplined in a defensive sense, offering an impressive shield to Alberto Di La Bella at left-back.
I like the sound of him... any chance of him leaving Sociedad?
The Basque club have done superbly this year and sit 6th in La Liga very much on the up. However, there is word that scouts have picked up on Griezmann's impressive performances over the course of the season, having made 22 in total, and Spurs are apparently targeting the 21 year old, who was a graduate of small-town club EC Macon over in France, as a possible replacement for flavour of the month Gareth Bale.
Would they sell?
Having only been back in La Liga for 2 years (he won the Segunda division with them in 2010) , Sociedad are still a modest club and could be tempted with a sizeable offer of, say £7-10 million. Yet, it may not be as simple as that, as faced with questions about reported interest from Barcelona, a greater indication that most of his burgeoning talent, he said “I want to stay and progress where I am. I don’t want to leave here to sit on the bench. I need to play regularly and that would be impossible at Barca.”
After being rejected from numerous Ligue 1 academies for being "too small", there is a feeling that the attacking midfielder does genuinely feel he owes the club a great deal of loyalty, having likened the club to "his family". It is a testament to his worth that he has already played 120 times for Sociedad despite only being 21.
Level headed lad then?
Yeah, as long as Sociedad keep hold of the nimble attacker who stands at a diminutive 5ft 9 inches, they will have no limit to their ambitions. Plus, he now appears regularly for France's under-20 side, having won the under-19 European Championship on home soil back in 2010.
He is athletic, well-balance and incredibly talented, but you just can't overlook that blond hair.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is the 21 year old quick-footed attacking midfielder who, after emerging at Odense in Denmark, went to Ajax to receive the latter years of his football education and it shows. Two footed and skillful, it looks emphatically like the Ajax print of footballing genius is marked on him somewhere, perhaps on his lower back or his shoulder.
I think we've heard of him before
You may have done, he's been in the Ajax first team since breaking through as an 18 year old back in 2010 and has already represented Denmark at the World Cup of 2010 (where he was the youngest player at the tournament) and Euro 2012. In a friendly match with England in 2011, Eriksen proved his quality with a man of the match performance in which he hit the crossbar and left Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand salivating over his talent.
High praise indeed... so what can he do?
He is in the same mould of Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere in the way he can sit comfortably in central-midfield and burst forward to create in attack. The Dane is brilliant at turning away from his markers with his slight 5ft 9 inch frame offering an impressive level of balance, and he can easily thread a pass through the eye of a needle to make chances for others. In this year's Champions League he tallied 4 assists in 6 games.
Can score too?
He can. 10 goals this season has bought his total tally up to 27 but with a grand total of 48 assists so far in his short career, it is clear where his prowess lies. He has the tricks, the poise, the direction to beat defenders in order to offer a big threat in the final third. His recent goal against Waalwijk, in which he cut in from the left across two men before shooting with his right foot, is indicative of what he can do. He can also play centre-forward too, in that new-fangled "false-nine" position tactics-enthusiasts all seem to love.
Ajax have financial problems don't they, will he have to leave?
You are correct again, well done! Yes they do, and Eriksen has already sent the transfer rumour mill crazy by stalling on a new contract. It does look like a move beckons for the young Dane in the summer as clubs including Spurs, who reportedly made a move for him last August, queue up over themselves to pluck the player who has drawn comparisons to previous Danish genius Michael Laudrup.
Liverpool?
Yep, well he's technically gifted, young, able to play in a variety of positions and can attack with devastating force, so Brendan Rodgers is inevitably being linked. Eriksen is contracted to 2014 at Ajax so he won't be available for free, but a club may be able to lure him away for a reduced price given the uncertainty over his contract.
He is the 21 year old quick-footed attacking midfielder who, after emerging at Odense in Denmark, went to Ajax to receive the latter years of his football education and it shows. Two footed and skillful, it looks emphatically like the Ajax print of footballing genius is marked on him somewhere, perhaps on his lower back or his shoulder.
I think we've heard of him before
You may have done, he's been in the Ajax first team since breaking through as an 18 year old back in 2010 and has already represented Denmark at the World Cup of 2010 (where he was the youngest player at the tournament) and Euro 2012. In a friendly match with England in 2011, Eriksen proved his quality with a man of the match performance in which he hit the crossbar and left Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand salivating over his talent.
High praise indeed... so what can he do?
He is in the same mould of Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere in the way he can sit comfortably in central-midfield and burst forward to create in attack. The Dane is brilliant at turning away from his markers with his slight 5ft 9 inch frame offering an impressive level of balance, and he can easily thread a pass through the eye of a needle to make chances for others. In this year's Champions League he tallied 4 assists in 6 games.
Can score too?
He can. 10 goals this season has bought his total tally up to 27 but with a grand total of 48 assists so far in his short career, it is clear where his prowess lies. He has the tricks, the poise, the direction to beat defenders in order to offer a big threat in the final third. His recent goal against Waalwijk, in which he cut in from the left across two men before shooting with his right foot, is indicative of what he can do. He can also play centre-forward too, in that new-fangled "false-nine" position tactics-enthusiasts all seem to love.
Ajax have financial problems don't they, will he have to leave?
You are correct again, well done! Yes they do, and Eriksen has already sent the transfer rumour mill crazy by stalling on a new contract. It does look like a move beckons for the young Dane in the summer as clubs including Spurs, who reportedly made a move for him last August, queue up over themselves to pluck the player who has drawn comparisons to previous Danish genius Michael Laudrup.
Liverpool?
Yep, well he's technically gifted, young, able to play in a variety of positions and can attack with devastating force, so Brendan Rodgers is inevitably being linked. Eriksen is contracted to 2014 at Ajax so he won't be available for free, but a club may be able to lure him away for a reduced price given the uncertainty over his contract.
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.
Thursday, 15 November 2012
ILKAY GUNDOGAN
Who is he? Where does he play?
Gundogan's story is pretty cliched. As with all German youngsters rising through the ranks, the 22 year old was not born in Deutschland (he originated from Turkey), he's technically brilliant and perhaps most predictably of all, he plays for perennial talent spotters, Borussia Dortmund.
Ah... so he's another Dortmund lad?
Not really, he was at VFL Bochum until signing a four year deal last summer. Though, he has joined Mario Gotze, Shinji Kagawa, Nuri Sahin, Marco Reus, Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, Nevan Subotic, Sven Bender and co. as the list of talents who have either made their name or are making their name in the yellow of the North Rhine outfit. It is a talented production line and Gundogan, elegant in possession at the base of a very fluid, technical midfield and attack, is the glue that sticks all the headline-hoggers together when they reach the first team.
Unsung hero?
Whilst Reus, Gotze and the like set about interweaving between opposition defences with smart passing, Gundogan does the "tidy", "no-fuss" in front of his own back-line where he remains disciplined patrolling between the lines, strong in the tackle, smart in the interception, quick in the pass, he's vital to Dortmund's reserved style that is centred around a quick counter-attacking philosophy. He also runs like a Duracell bunny too, allowing him to cover a wide range of turf in the Dortmund midfield. From his role of "quarter-back" in the team, he can carry the ball out, pass it long, or short and is integral to the quick turnover of possession that works so well for Jurgen Klopp's young side, especially on the continent.
One of those non-Germans who is German?
He is yes (to find out more, read this), his talent has not evaded Joachim Loew in charge of the Die Maanschaft who has handed him 4 caps over the past year, as well as a place in the Germany 23-man squad for the European Championships in the summer and as long as he produces performances of the same quality he showed vs Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League, it won't be long before he is a regular choice for Loew who seeks to cure a porous defence.
Will he leave Dortmund?
The defensive midfielder has been successful at that big stadium that is named after some mobile telecom company, winning successive Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp. But after departures of Kagawa and Sahin, there is always a feeling Dortmund will be a selling club as they struggle to compete with the financial muscle of the bigger clubs. Tottenham and Manchester United have been linked, but he is currently bound to 3 more years at Dortmund.
Gundogan's story is pretty cliched. As with all German youngsters rising through the ranks, the 22 year old was not born in Deutschland (he originated from Turkey), he's technically brilliant and perhaps most predictably of all, he plays for perennial talent spotters, Borussia Dortmund.
Ah... so he's another Dortmund lad?
Not really, he was at VFL Bochum until signing a four year deal last summer. Though, he has joined Mario Gotze, Shinji Kagawa, Nuri Sahin, Marco Reus, Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, Nevan Subotic, Sven Bender and co. as the list of talents who have either made their name or are making their name in the yellow of the North Rhine outfit. It is a talented production line and Gundogan, elegant in possession at the base of a very fluid, technical midfield and attack, is the glue that sticks all the headline-hoggers together when they reach the first team.
Unsung hero?
Whilst Reus, Gotze and the like set about interweaving between opposition defences with smart passing, Gundogan does the "tidy", "no-fuss" in front of his own back-line where he remains disciplined patrolling between the lines, strong in the tackle, smart in the interception, quick in the pass, he's vital to Dortmund's reserved style that is centred around a quick counter-attacking philosophy. He also runs like a Duracell bunny too, allowing him to cover a wide range of turf in the Dortmund midfield. From his role of "quarter-back" in the team, he can carry the ball out, pass it long, or short and is integral to the quick turnover of possession that works so well for Jurgen Klopp's young side, especially on the continent.
One of those non-Germans who is German?
He is yes (to find out more, read this), his talent has not evaded Joachim Loew in charge of the Die Maanschaft who has handed him 4 caps over the past year, as well as a place in the Germany 23-man squad for the European Championships in the summer and as long as he produces performances of the same quality he showed vs Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League, it won't be long before he is a regular choice for Loew who seeks to cure a porous defence.
Will he leave Dortmund?
The defensive midfielder has been successful at that big stadium that is named after some mobile telecom company, winning successive Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp. But after departures of Kagawa and Sahin, there is always a feeling Dortmund will be a selling club as they struggle to compete with the financial muscle of the bigger clubs. Tottenham and Manchester United have been linked, but he is currently bound to 3 more years at Dortmund.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)