Yakubu, he didn't/doesn't play for Nigeria because of a falling out with the manager or something. 'Boro were denied the work permit at first (which is ridiculous as he was already at Pompey) but then appealed and obviously accepted. You Brits need to sort this rule out as it's ridiculous. Why can't a footballer play in England for the country's best team? Because he's African? Makes no sense to me, leave the Islamic fundementalists in but there will be no football stars entering this country!
Tevez could really add some creativity to the offensive front line that Chelsea hasn't seen since Zola. Either starting or off the bench. One of my criticisms of the game plan of Mourinho is that when the offensive plan utilizing the single forward Drogba wasn't working (sometimes for several games in a row) he rarely changed by adding what some would call an X-factor - a speedy usually unpredictable (hot and cold) player that will change the rhythm of the game significantly (perhaps for the worse). Germany uses a speedy midfielder Esomoah (sp?) for that role in this WC. Only Joe Cole and occasionally Robben gives the offense that one v three dribbling skill that can create something out of nearly nothing. Tevez could do the same thing but closer to goal. I don't see Ballack or Scheva taking several defenders on with the ball at their feet. It is true, Tevez is young (he also might lack some discipline and only thrive in a "free" role) He will probably either sizzle or fizzle in the prem. But I would bet that when he is playing there will be more chances for everyone in offense.
lobomojo had the best idea yet. Buy Zambrotta, despite the cost. That way William will almost certainly be a happy man playing in the center and not have to worry about covering at left back (hopefully). Sure he turns 33 in a few weeks, but it fits with the win in the next two to three years plan that has emerged with the signings of Ballack and Sheva.
Occasionally Robben? LOL! And what about Duff and Wright-Phillips? You can't have all flair and little substance.
I don't understand your...counterpoint? IMO, Cole was more productive on the dribble than Robben last season for Chelsea. The WC is a different story, Robben seemed to have regained some form for "las tierras abajo". Robben seemed to kick the ball ahead and draw contact spending most of the EPL season picking himself off the ground cursing at the referee. And Duff has never been the wing player for us that he was at Blackburn (since his injury). He also seems to play better for country. And SWP, what can I say... Mourinho doesn't seem to think he's ready for 'primetime' so I can't really comment on his - what do you call it? flair? But, the fact remains that all of those players are wide players in a 5 man midfield and even if Chelsea goes 4-3-3 they are wide with some significant defensive responsibility. My point about Tevez is he would add a different rhythm to the striker position out wide or straight up the middle. Might come in handy especially in a must-win match (like a semifinal of the FA Cup or 2nd leg in Champions League). No surprise to Liverpool that the penetrating dribblers were going to only come from out wide and the midfield. btw sign me up for Zambrotta, although I really wish the Lahm rumors were true I could see Bridge deputising for that speedy little German with a rocket shot. Although that sentiment probably won't be too popular with some of the England fans 'round here.
I'm sure it's been in one of the 49 transfer threads of the past three years. As for his age, I checked soccernet's profile and it said October 19,`1973. Of course it's wrong. Should have checked Juve's site instead since soccernet was only off by 4 years and got the date and month wrong as well. And since he's almost 4 years younger than I thought he was, even more reason to pay whatever the asking price is.
If Juve get relegated, the price will almost certainly be cut rate - many players, as far as I know, have a clause that lets them leave if their club gets relegated.
Actually he might do a bit better there than here. After all, you're not allowed to touch players in the Spanish league and diving is almost de rig.. deri... eh, compulsory
As a lawyer, since it was your idea first, thought you would have known to copyright But then again we know the stapler is the brains of the operation.
I concur and I feel much the same about Portugal and since it is impossible for me to ever give my support to France or Germany the World Cup is over as far as I am concerned. Give the cup to the Germans and lets enjoy the summer and the cricket
Don't let the barmy army hear you saying that You know, looking at England - there aren't too many players on that team I would want either Bottlers, the lot of them
Real Madrid's new dingbat, errr..president, says he's bringing Kaka, Cesc Fabrigas & Arjen Robben to the Bernabeu. http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=400427&CPID=23&clid=8&lid=&title=Calderon+still+wants+trio
You ought to give it at least one shot, never thought much about it till I saw a test match at the oval against South Africa when Graham Thorpe gave one of the gutsiest best performence I've seen in any sport, a bit hooked on the game now. At worst you drink beer and eat in the sun all day.
Cricket is an acquired taste. I started watching it a while back on Fox and once you can figure out the scoring, which is not instinctive and god knows none of the announcers ever explain anything, its actually kind of riveting. Of course, I like baseball and there are definitely some similarities there.
Apparently the Robben deal is doneIf this means Robben out and someone like Simao in I will be pissed. Sorry, but you don't sell a 22 year old with the ability of Robben. Especially when money is the last thing we need.
Heard it through the grapevine, I really hope it's not true. I've just gotten my Robben kit a month ago and he's one of my favorites and our best attacker.