Not a Fabulous Idea for Barca

Over the last couple days, I find a new facisnating artical on Barcelona's pursuit for Arsenal skipper, Cesc Fabregas. He was developed in La Masia and was snatched up by Arsene Wenger when he was still just a boy. It's extremely difficult to doubt the Cesc is an outstanding player, but why do Barcelona need him or want him?

Barcelona prides themselves on being a home grown club like I mentioned in the youth academy article. A lot of their line up today has been groomed right outside the walls of the Nou Camp. You can look at the names for proof, Valdes, Puyol, Pique, Sergi Busquets, Xavi, Bojan, Iniesta, Messi and even players like Liverpool's Pepe Reina and as we know Mr. Fabregas. Any club in the world would love to sign Cesc in my opinion except Barcelona. It would be great to bring in another home town hero but it is evident that Cesc is a creating and attacking midfielder. Now you tell me. Where would you put him in your starting Barcelona 4-3-3 that ran like clockwork last season? Well he is obviously a midfielder so the midfield seems like a more than logical place to start. Most of the attention focused on Barca's treble last year was directed toward the goal scoring trio up top. Henry, Eto'o, and Messi. However the glue that held that team together are the unsung heroes that are Iniesta, Xavi, and Yaya Toure, the magic triangle. The three were clearly the back bone of Barcelona and their key to success. So of these players, who do you replace with Cesc Fabregas? Well it obviously can't be Yaya. He's the most holding of the three and is just a monster winning arial challenges and halting the attacks of the opposition. That isn't a Cesc job at all. So that leaves Iniesta and Xavi. There isn't a better center midfield team in the entire world. They both are first team regulars for Spain (over Cesc) and can find each other on the pitch wearing blindfolds with the stadium lights off. I bet they could possibly alter their formation to fit Cesc, Xavi, and Iniesta all in to the same line-up but that just puts to many of the same kind of players on the field. There simply isn't any room for the gunners' star except for a tiny piece of pine located to the right of Pep Guardiola. Okay, so maybe he could be surplus and increase team depth. That's just a bad career choice though. Going from a captain of a Big Four club in what people say is the best league in the world to the bench back home in Catalonia. It's a World Cup year. If Fabregas wants to break into the Spanish National Team's XI, its by playing games as a captain at Arsenal and not sitting in the shadow of the two guys currently playing over him. The most outrageous part of the entire idea of the transfer is that Arsenal want €45 million for their captain. First of all even with the deal going through, Wenger is so afraid of the transfer window, he has drawn the drapes. The cash would sit idle. Secondly, that's an absurd amount of money for a player that would not play €45 mil worth of minutes.

The whole idea seems great if you are any other club but Barcelona. Imagine if Arsenal lost their last leader and one of their last top notch players? They would be in for a real scare. The transfer just doesn't seem to make sense on any level. I wouldn't doubt that the two clubs have some sort of scheme cooked up that I don't know about, but I'm confused on why this is becoming such a dragged out transfer saga over the past couple days.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Best Footballing Academies.

The game of football is filled with young whippersnappers. Every now and then we hear of the next protegy player coming up through the ranks somewhere or another. I mean that usually isn't the case when they grow older, for instance Freddy Adu. Jack Wilshire at Arsenal, though young is proving he can compete at a high level and is bursting with confidence. New exciting players are being bread everyday in all different parts of the world. The lucky ones, however, are developed in the finest footballing academies available. All the big stars had to start somewhere. Where is the player development capital of the world? Is it North London? What about Catalonia or Turin? Manchester United is a great club, how about them? Let's find out.

FC Barcelona are said to have the greatest academy in the world by many people who take time to study the game of football. How can these people be sure? What evidence do they have? All you have to do is look at some of the players that have come out of the infamous La Masia. The names such as Victor Valdez, Puyol, Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Sergi Busquets, Pique, and FCB's burrent boss and former player, Pep Guardiola. They've also developed big names that are at other clubs. Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, Everton favorite, Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal playmaker, Cesc Fabregas. La Masia is not hard to find. It's simply right next to the the Nou Camp. The historic building was built in 1702. The academy was started in 1979 It is made up of 90% Spanish players, and 50% are Catalonians. The 10% are foreign such as Messi. So it's not to far off to say that the Barcelona area could produce some of the best talent in the world. Barcelona are active in the transfer market as much as anyone but it is a priority for them to breed players into their first team. The more number of La Masia players in the squad the more Catalonia is represented, which allows the club motto to stay true. Mes que un club. More than a club. Perhaps that is the reason the academy is so successful. We are beginning to see the next generation of La Masia products poke their head above the surface in Barcelona's preseason campaign while former academy players such as Puyol, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Valdez already have taken the reigns to lead the club, where they did so successfully last year being the first Spanish club to win the treble. Bojan Krkic has been the hype of the last few years as the future of Barcelona but new names are beginning to appear. Pedrito and Jeffran netted against Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy just a couple days ago. Dos Santos, former Barcelona youth product, helped Mexico steamrole the United States 5-0 in the gold cup final.

So if Barcelona has a great youth academy, than you would surely think their arch rivals Real Madrid would have one pretty close to being just as good. Sadly that is not the case recently. Real Madrid have developed plays and then are quick to ship them off because they have trouble breaking into a well established first team. For example, Javi Garcia to Benfica and Dani Parejo to Getafe just this summer. Perhaps it is because the academy isn't as strong, but the la madridista nation expects quality performances on every outing. That's a lot of pressure for youngster to handle. It's hard for the first teamers to handle at times. There are some faces on the Real Madrid side that are home bread though. Raul, Madrid's golden boy has been at the club since he was a boy. Iker Casillas the goalkeeper who has played in the youth ranks since age 9. Guti has also been brought up through Castilla. Madrid have been fortunate to reobtain some of their losses bringing back Granero from Getafe and Arbeloa from Liverpool, both of which were part of Madrid's system. It remains pretty obvious that Castilla does not campare well to La Masia in Barcelona. However in this summers U-18 World Club Championships it was Real Madrid who triumphed over Barcelona 2-1 in the final. That will leave a bitter taste in the mouthes of La Masia and continue to fuel the rivalry when these players reach first team action in years to come.

Let's get out of Spain for right now and travel north to the UK. One of the best academies in England you can go to is not, Man. Utd., Chelsea no, Liverpool nope, then surely Aresnal, wrong again. West Ham's The Academy of Football. Some of the greatest English players in the game today and off the past have trained there! Where do I even begin? Okay so West Ham isn't exactly a top notch club in the Prem but it certainly is a top notch place to develop players. In 1998-1999 the FA Youth Cup was won by a scoreline of 9-0 by this lot and featured players such as Chelsea's Joe Cole and Manchester United's Micheal Carrick. The likes of Harry Redknapp, England's 1966 World Cup winning captain, Bobby Moore (I rather like that name), Paul Ince, Glen Johnson who just arrived at Liverpool after a spell with Pompey, Chelsea's Frank Lampard, Rio and Anton Ferdinand, and Jermaine Defoe have all come out of the Hammer's system. Oh wait I forgot to mention John Terry, Sol Campbell, Alan Curbishley, Kieran Richardson, Mark Noble and Jimmy Bullard also spent time there. And I know I must be forgetting some. That's an unbeleivable amount of talent coming out of one place. The Academy of Football takes the prize for developing the most prestigous players.

As of lately, Arsenal, mainly because the ideals of coach Arsene Wenger have heavily relied on their youth system, even more than Barca does. Some say it's an attribute to the club and what kind of players they develop. I'm going to poke my nose in on this business because not a lot of people will. Does Arsenal develop great youngsters? Absolutely. However, I think the opportunities at which they are sometimes exposed to the harsh world of top class footballing is are mistimed. Throwing young Gibbs into the mix against Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final? That just isn't a smart move. What does Arsene Wenger think he will do? I mean if he has a great match, its a boost of confidence that will carry a player for miles but Gibbs experience level is not ready to take on that challenge. I do think playing some young players in the Carling Cup is a good idea because you are putting aside a competitive torunament to expose them little by little. And in the Carling Cup the young players look great. They play the quick moving interplay combination football we know from Arsenal, but often times it's against a League 1 or 2 side. With Adebayor and Toure out the door this summer, Arsenal hasn't looked to sign anyone of any signifigance. Wenger once again believes that his young boys can do the job. It doesn't seem to be the season to be toying around with Manchester City buying players like they've come from a vending machine. I think the Arsenal youngers are way above par footballers but they need leaders to help them grow. Arsenal have an unstable Gallas, and a young Febregas leading the team. If they fail to impress this year or even drop out of the big four, I think we will see the end of Wenger and the youth will sink back into the woodwork with a new coach except for a very select few like Jack Wilshire.

Where does one create a player like Cristiano Ronaldo? Well you simply can't. You just develop the potential he has been given by the good Lord. Well where did they do that? The Sporting/Puma Academy in Lisbon, Portugal. That is where Sir Alex picked him up from after he had made a couple appearences for their first team. Many people believe that United develop the greatest home grown players. This is a common misconception. The United youth is very good, however they aren't from Manchester. Sir Alex and his scouts often pick up players like Ronaldo and mold them into high class footballing machines. Prime examples are Ronaldo himself, Fabio and Rafael da Silva, and a soon to be breakout star Marcheda, who was controversially moved from Lazio's Academy to United's.

I hope I have enlightend some on where the best academies are incase anyone out there has amamzing tallent and might be accepted, or you were just curious. There are other programs I failed to mention such as Inter Milan, Bayern Munchen, Juventus and PSG as well as others. However, I also didn't want to leave you material-less for today.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

The Fall of Dinho

There is a footballer who revolutionized the game for a short time in our sport's history. He was unlike any other. I cannot accurately describe in words what his play meant to me. Foot skills were inspiring, blistering pace and agility, the mind of a genius. Always had a smile on his face, but passion for the game in his veins. He was a hero to all, a master with the ball, a demon on the pitch. Loved by all and hated by few, Ronaldinho Mania swept the globe. Nothing lit up a pitch like his horse-toothed smile. It's saying a lot for me when I consider a Barcelona player one of my personal heroes. Where did he go? He went from unbelievable, to untraceable. What happen to the favorite? I mean he is only 28 years old. He has plenty of career left. Did he run out of magic? Or does he just need to find it again? Four summers ago, Ronny was the Brazilian captain that lifted the Confederations Cup. This year he did not even make the squad list. Let's take a closer look of how he went from "the next Pele" to failing to even represent his country.

We all remember when the name Ronaldinho ruled the footballing world. Every little kid wanted his jersey, every celebration in a kick about was two hang-loose hand gestures, or a poorly imitated samba dance. Everyone wanted to be a dinho, but why? Simply because Ronaldinho was the coolest footballer around. He was an icon. He appealed to so many because of his freestyle, intricate, and tricky way he played the game. His flare caught the eye of billions around the globe. Ronny did things with the ball you wouldn't dare dream about doing in an actual game. Did he really juggle over handfuls of defenders? Yes. Nutmeg at least 5 or 6 players a match? Sure did. Catch the ball on his chest and walk out of a pack of opponents? Yeah, he did that too. What couldn't he do? He was a freak of nature; he had it all, speed, moves, and a smile that touched everyone. The world could not get enough. Ronaldinho arrived at FC Barcelona, the club that made him famous, in the summer of 2003 from Paris St. Germain. It is there where he began to shine, started to turn heads. He scored in his debut that summer in a friendly against AC Milan and from there on out he was golden. People quickly began to notice his quick feet and athletic abilities. He began to make real noise at the club the fallowing season. In 2004-2005, Ronaldinho and the Blaugrana won La Liga and he himself picked up the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year (WPOY) award in December of 2004. One WPOY wasn't good enough for the Brazilian, seeing as he won it the next year as well. He was a circus act like performance. He continually bamboozled defenders and played in a way that dropped jaws in amazement. His selection of tricks included stepovers, back heals, flicks, rainbows, the famous elastico, and simply things you had just never seen before. Not only was he tricky, but affective scoring 32 goals in his first two years in Catalonia. It wasn't until 2005-2006, where Ronaldinho mania came into full swing. That year Ronaldinho lead Barcelona to win La Liga and the Champions League. Ronaldinho was simply incredible. He was a one man force wearing blue and red. He single handedly had 24 goals and 18 assists for Barca in that single season. Ronny received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd that season when Barcelona thumped Real Madrid at home 3-0. How many players can say the fans of their arch rivals stood up to applaud their performance? He scored 2 of the 3 goals, both times slicing through the Madrid defense, virtually untouched. The season represented the pinnacle on Ronaldinho's career. What happened to him?

It’s now the beginning summer of 2006, where the world sits anxiously awaiting World Cup Germany. The media has a frenzy with Ronaldinho. They overhyped him again and again, claiming time after time, he was going to bring Brazil their 6th World Cup triumph. The expectations were so high for the Brazilian to try an live up to. Especially since all of his opponents new all about him at this pint, and were sure to double, even triple team him, and on the national team he wasn't as free to roam where ever he liked on the pitch and had more of a midfielders role to play than a goal scorer. Opposition's mentality was shut down Ronaldinho, then Brazil. He was walking around with a big red target on his chest. Brazil made an early tournament exit, falling in the second knock out round to France where Zidane stole the talent show in the midfield from the Brazilian. After Thierry Henry put France up 1-0, Ronaldinho had a handful of chances to put Brazil level, from trademark "number 10" free kick positions. None were converted and Brazil left Germany empty handed. Ronaldinho's stats for the tournament read: 5 games started, no goals scored, and 1 assist. He was to many the disappointment of the World Cup, and he seemed to know it too. The season fallowing the World Cup seem to be going all right for Barcelona, they were winning La Liga and were 12 points clear of Real Madrid who were second. However, they gifted their rivals the trophy with a series of bad results and lost out to los blancos on the head-to-head rule, losing to Madrid at the Bernabeu and, drawing with them at home 3-3. The next season looked even worse for Barcelona as they finished in 3rd, 18 points astray of Real Madrid who won the title for the second year in a row. Ronaldinho's performances had been noticeably deteriorating for some time now. His magic was found only on occasion, and the majority of his goals came only from free kicks. His morale obviously down, over the last two seasons. Naturally Barcelona fans grew increasingly impatient and upset. If Ronaldinho brought them trophies, he's the reason they are not coming in now. At the time, Barcelona coach, Rijkaard, said there was a lack of motivation at the Nou Camp after so many successes in the years previous. There also seemed to be team chemistry problems involving Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Rijkaard himself. The Cameroon striker finally came out and said publically "If I was called Eto'odinho, I would have won the Balon d'Or." Ronaldinho missed training sessions often, supposedly in the gym. He began to put on the pounds. Ronny was no longer his former, slender, muscular self. His waistline grew larger and many began to question his off pitch activities. Barcelona and Brazil teammate at the time, Edmilson spoke of Barcelona's "black sheep" claiming the character in question would only make about a third of the training sessions and spent his late nights out partying and enjoying Barcelona's night life. Partying seemed to always be an issue as Luis Fernandez, Ronaldinho's boss at PSG, complained that the Brazilian was too focused on partying in Paris and his Brazilian holidays never ended on time. He had been pulled out of a pair of matches under mysterious circumstances late in his Barca career. All this angered the club who refused to protect him from the public. It was Ronaldinho's own fault he was in these situations, and his teammates and club were the ones suffering for it. Finally Ronaldinho could escape from all of this Eastern Spanish chaos, with a bid from Milan. The Brazilian jumped on the deal right away hoping to regain a sense of self and football in a new destination. He completed the €21 million deal to the Italian giants. He was met by thousands of adoring fans. This look to be a new start for the Brazilian. The number 10 was already in use by Clarence Seedorf so he chose the number 80 because he was born in 1980. It was a new look Ronny. He seemed to be a hit with Milan, not quite his former self but making an impact in the Serie A, until he there too started to fall out of favor. Milan had so many attacking options, it was difficult to break in and stay in amongst Kaka, Pato, Inzaghi, Seedorf, Pirlo, and Ambrosini especially when Ronaldinho hadn't captured the form he once knew. When Milan finalized the Beckham loan, Becks was a hit, immediately grabbing a first team spot and pushing the Brazilian Ronaldinho further down the bench into despair once more.

This season things could be looking up for Ronaldinho. I sure hope that's true. What a miracle it would be to see those performances of several years ago back on football's main stage. Ronaldinho admitted this is a chance for him to regain what he has lost. Beckham is back at the LA Galaxy and Kaka has transferred to Real Madrid, leaving spots for him to jump into and impress the Milan new coach, Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo, another Brazilian. Ronaldinho and AC Milan took on the LA Galaxy in a preseason match last week where Dinho's performance earned him the Man of the Match award. I for one will be pulling for the return of the great Ronaldinho. It seems unlikely but this is football and I won't rule anything out. His performances will forever live on.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Derby Day

When there is more on the line than three points, when the opposition's supporters sing insults at your team in unisen, when the whole world stops for 90 minutes to watch two teams duke it out for battle scars and bragging righst, we have a derby on our hands. Not just any derby, I'm talking about the best of them. I'm talking about the matches that turn all heads torward the same pitch. The matches grandparents tell children about. A match for the ages, instant classics, changes in power, and legendary goals. Only a couple derbies in the world possess these kinds of powers. I'm here with 3 of my favorites to break them down, throw out a little history, and guess who is coming out on top this year.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Did this feud start because the two sides are in the same city or is their something more to this derby? Well for a matter of fact, there is. AC Milan was originally founded by British imigrants just before the turn of the century in 1899. At the time, only English players could be part of the club (maybe this is why Beckham was such a hit). Obviously, being an Italian based club, that infuriated many people. Protesters had enough of the all English nonsense and formed Internazionale, which is more commonly known as Inter Milan. The two clubs have been at it ever since. They have met 270 times when including all competions. The results are as fallowed. AC Milan have 106 wins, Internationale has 92 wins, and the side has drawn 72 times. For now, the Rossoneri, which translates to red and black, have the slight edge over their cross town rivals in derbies but who is more successful? Last season was a staple for the Nerazurri (black and blue) as they clinched their 17th league title, one more than rivals AC Milan has in their history. They are even on Coppa Italia's at 5 but AC Milan has really out-done Inter in Europe. The Rossoneri has totaled 7 European Cups, second only to Real Madrid, compared to Inter's 2. So yes over the course of history, letting the European Cups be the deciding factor, AC Milan has been better overall. Of course Inter could make the protest that they were established 9 years after Milan, but their was no European Cup between 1899 and 1908 and if their was it would be a bold statement to make saying they would have won it 5 times in 9 years. I didn't say it was impossible cause we've seen crazier things, but unlikely nontheless. Both sides play in Milan's famous San Siro. It is an awefully tense atmosphere at the derby I wouldn't dare say both teams are playing at home. It's more of both teams are playing away. Milan's most hardcore supporters, Fossa dei Leoni, are found at at the infamous "Gate 17", or more commonly known as "The Lions Den." Inter fans are known as the Boys SAN. One way to look at it is, Milan is the Red, Inter is the Blue, and they are fighting over the Black. Let me tell you the tale of Mazzola vs Rivera. Sandro Mazzola was an Internazionale playmaker in the 1960s. Gianni Rivera was the same sort of player but for Milan at the same time. Milan had tremendous success during this time. However, there still seemed to be a kind of rivarly between the clubs over which player was better. They hardly ever played side by side for the Italian National team, often being substituted for one another. National team coach Ferruccio Valcareggi started Mazzola over Milan's Rivera, depite his nickname "Golden Boy," in the 1970 World Cup Final against Brazil. Italy lost the match 4-1 to Pele and company and Rivera did not appear until the 88th minute. It is said by many if Rivera would have been in the place of Mazzola, Italy would have another star next to the national team badge. In recent years the Milan Derby, also known as the Derby della Madonnina, has been pretty even. The last 5 meetings between the clubs have issued out one draw and two wins a piece. What should we expect from the next derby? There have been dramatic changed at Milan this summer, losing a coach of 8 years in Ancelotti, Beckham, reuturning to the L.A. Galaxy and Brazilian Kaka to Real Madrid. Inter have strengthened their team with Bayern Munchen's Lucio. However, as of the last week, Ibrahimovic has been linked with Barcelona. Over the last four years Inter has been the stronger team overall. If I had to predict a winner I'd go with the Nerazzurri.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Where do I even begin when it comes this bloody affair? Catalonia vs the mainland Spain. As a Madridista, I'm going to do my best to state the facts and stay away from biasness. You can trace this rivalry back to when Spain was run by dictator Francisco Franco from 1939 to 1975. Franco frowned up Eastern Spain's region of Catalonia. He was stubborn and wanted Spain to be a united country. Because the Catalonians had their own language and a seperate culture than the rest of Spain, they were a target for Franco's criticism. The Catalan's often liked to support their way of life through football at Barcelona. Barcelona adopted the motto "Mes que un Club" which translates to "more than a club." Franco supported Real Madrid. Of course, being in Madrid, there is a pretty good chance you are a Real Madrid fan. They are one of the most supported clubs in the world. Nowadays, just under half of the entire Spanish population supports Real Madrid. In the early 1930s Catalonia along with a few other regions wish to exercise their right to autonomy, to stand as individuals, which started the conflict that enventually lead to the Spanish Civil War. They formed the C.E.D.A. (Confederacion Espanol de Derechas Autonomas). The dictator's goal was to fight for the country of Spain and bring all of its people back together under one language, one rule, on identity. The Republicanos headed by Franco, were supported by Mexico and the Soviet Union. The Nacionales, supporters of the rebellion, and C.E.D.A were teamed with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. In the end, in the year 1939, Franco's Army over took Catalonia. The Catalans have never forgiven the capital for this. Catalonia had the right to autonomize by law, but the government wanted to unite it's people under one powerful regime. Despite having a dictator in the Spanish Capital, the influence of anarchism and communism that appears in Spains history started primarily in Catalonia. Presidents of both Real Madrid and Barcelona suffered losses at the hands of the nacionales. Both sides, in a way, were fighting for what was right, just not what the other wanted. This feud started one of the greatest football derbies of all time, El Clasico. The two sides have met a total of 158 times. Stats stand with 68 wins for Real Madrid, 60 wins for Barcelona, and 30 draws between the two. Los Blancos or the Merengue have performed ever so slightly better in El Clasico but the rivary does not stop there. The Copa del Rey has been dominated by the Blaugrana. They have 25 compared to Madrid's 17. However, Real Madrid has been more succesful in the league, claiming 31 to Barca's 19. Barcelona took down what was said to be one of the greatest sides ever, last season's Manchester United in the Champions League Final, when they went on to be the first ever Spanish side to win the treble. Barcelona have tallied up 3 European Cups in their history, 2 in the last 4 years. Real Madrid have the most European Cups of any team at 9. The most recent arriving in Madrid in 2002. Remeber earlier in the artical when I mentioned "crazier things have happened" when I noted the possibility of Inter Milan winning 5 European cups in 9 years? Well this is one of those crazier things. Real Madrid won the very first 5 European Cups back to back. Helping them triumph was Real Madrid great, Alfredo Di Stefano. The Argentine born player is often disputed because he originally signed for both clubs, finally choosing Real Madrid. Bad blood remains between these two sides to this very day. One of the most controversial transfers ever in football occured in 2000 when Portugese winger, Luis Figo, transfered directly from Barcelona to the capital. In a recent FourFourTwo interview, Figo said that Barcelona and him had no problems except for the fact that they did not want to pay him a fair ammount of money. He said Barcelona thought he was joking about transfering to Real Madrid. Obviously not as the winger made the move and enjoyed many successes at the Bernabeu. He was greeted at the Nou Camp by having a pigs head thrown at him from the stands when Barca hosted Real Madrid the next season. If you are looking for a prediction out of me here you won't get one. The match is almost impossible to predict at this given time, but as a Real Madrid supporter, I'll be behind los blancos at all times.

Paris St. Germain vs Olympique Marseille

This rivalry doesn't date back decades in history. It's not really that old at all. I mean Paris St. Germain or better known as PSG were only established in 1970. There is no massive, violent, political conflict or an exclusive club only kind of deal either. So what causes such a stir up between these two sides? This hatred is simply football related. In the 1988-1989 season, the two teams were tied at 70 going into the last match day. Their opponents? Eachother. The match was even at 0-0 up until the last five minutes of play when Marseille's Franck Suazee slammed one home with a blast from outside the area giving Marseille the title. That title was the first of five in a row for OM (although the 5th of which was stripped for a scandle). The Paris based club was crushed. I could never live down a loss like that and they haven't either. The rivalry is often times violent when supporters get to into it. I remember several years back, one of of the teams bus was attacked and a player said he had feared for his life. I watched the derby a couple years ago on TV and Marseille sent their reserves and youth players to play the derby to ensure the safety of their first team footballers. The game ended in a draw and the PSG fans were not best pleased. Violent crowd stories plague this football match, and it looks like they always will unfortunately. The two rivals have met 71 times and have been fairly evenly matched. OM has 28 wins, PSG has 25 wins and there are 18 draws between them. However, Marseille's history topples the Paris based club. OM has 8 leagues to PSG's 2, 10 French Cups to PSG's 6, and 1 European cup to PSG's 0. In all fairness to the Parisian club, Olympique Marseille was established 73 years before PSG. Paris St. Germain enjoyed some fun against Marseille with Brazilian Ronaldinho, before the PSG coach Luis Fernandez claimed Ronaldinho was too into the party life and his Brazilian holidays never ended when he thought they would. After two years with the club, Ronaldinho left for Barcelona. Marseille have traditionally just been all around better than PSG, and even though I fancy the Paris based club over the South of France's OM. The light blues have a stronger side and should handle PSG this year in the Classique.

Those are some of my favorite derbies. I hope you enjoyed them as much as me. Lots of history comes along when football is in a conversation. Never forget where we came from but let us strive for a brilliant future.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Exclusive: La Liga Summer Peek

Next Season's La Liga looks to be heating up and it doesn't kick off for another month and a half. Unlike most summers, the transfer focus has been on two Spanish arch rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona apposed to Premier League sides.

The Champion Barcelona have been slow to react this summer when it comes to the transfer window. However, why should the be so eager to change up a side that won the trebble last year? The team has made a couple contract extensions for players including goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Samuel Eto'o has been seriously linked with Manchester City this summer until lately when the Manchester United rival has said to have pulled the plug on deal. Back in Spain, the Catalan club offered the Cameroon International a two year extension on his contract but without increasing his salary. That is a bit odd considering he has scored 126 goals for the club in 5 years, approximately 25 goals a season average. Reports say that he is ignoring phone calls from the club who have now targeted Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan and placed £ 40million bid for sought after Valencia striker, David Villa despite what Eto'o's decision is. The club has its own onslaught of attacking footballers already with some of the best goal scorers in the world, Eto'o, Henry, fan favorite Messi, along with substitutes Gudjohnsen, young gun Bojan Krkic, and Hleb. Barcelona was hopeful in recruiting a defender to bolster their backline. Oddly enough, Barcelona transfer target, Chygrynsky, a Ukrainian defender, has declined signing for the club in order to remain with UEFA Cup Winners Shakhtar Donetsk. The "magic" triangle in midfield including Yaya, Iniesta, and the man the never sprints, Xavi seems to be set for another season. If Barcelona play the brand of football we know from last season, they will be tough to beat. They look to build on their trebble at home against Sporting Gijon August 31st.

Real Madrid have went on a spending spree like never before bringing former World Players of the Year, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu this summer. Also signing for Los Blancos is French 21 year-old prodigy striker Karim Benzema, Ligue 1's top scorer last year, and Valencia centerback Raul Albiol. Of course quality players in means other players out. All ready out of favor striker, Javier Saviola, made an early exit to Benfica, leaving el numero 9 for Cristiano Ronaldo. Last winter's promising signing, Klass Jan Huntelaar, already has half a foot out the door with a bid from AC Milan. New boss Pellegrini arriving from Villareal is intent on bringing Xabi Alonso back to the homeland despite Rafa's hands off approach to the situation. If the Liverpool star lands in the capital, there will no doubt be more exits with three holding midfielders already at the club, Lass, Diarra, and Gago who has already given up his number for Kaka and snatched up el numero 5 due to the Cannavaro exit back to Juve this summer. The back up plan for missing out on Alonso looks to be Udinese's D'Agostino. Kaka, being an attacking style midfielder may leave some hopefull Dutch hearts in the midfield depending on the formation the squad goes with next season. Sneijder and Van der Vaart will be fighting eachother for a place along with Madrid vetran Guti. It would not be surprising if Los Blancos brought in another striker before the transfer window slams shut despite already having Higuain, Huntelaar, Raul, Ronaldo if he doesn't find himself on the wing as the same goes for Robben, Benzema, coming back from injury Van Nistelrooy, and Negredo who has returned from a two year loan at Almeria netting 34 goals in 2 seasons. The Club's general director, Jorge Valdano, stated today, July 13th, the team must sell 5 players in order to buy a new addition to the squad. "We need to trim at least five players from the squad. The priority over the next few weeks is the sale of players and not the signing of new ones." Las Madridistas kick off the new campaign against Deportivo La Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu August 30th.

Everything must go! Valencia is in financial term oil and looked to be one big clearance sale with transfer links including the majority of their squad such as David Silva, Zigic, Marchena, Albelda, Albiol who landed in Madrid, Manuel Fernandes, and the ever popular David Villa. Villa has been a marked man all summer linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Premier League giants Manchester Utd and Chelsea. Villa had apparently made up his mind to leave the club and the club had made up their mind to harvest the funds in return. A move to Madrid looked to be in order until the club's stance on their player took a U-turn. Los Che President is quoted saying "We have taken the decision to not sell David Villa. We've taken this decision after some days of thought in which we studied the advantages and disadvantages..." Barcelona have made their bid for the player but it seems unlikely that Valencia shall change their minds. They start at home with Sevilla, August 30th.

The Yellow Submarine look for a more promising season depite reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last term. Villareal's New Jersey born, Italian International Rossi, showed his best stuff this summer in the Confederations Cup, especially against the country he was born in, the United States thumping two past Everton keeper, Tim Howard. Another American, Jozey Altidore looks to be returning to the club after a loan spell at newly premoted Xerez and runner's up medal in the Confederations Cup where he outmuscled Villareal teammate Joan Capdevila in the semi-final to score the first of two US goals. Last year's boss Pellegrini has left for the Capital with Real Madrid and Villareal have apointed Ernesto Valverde, who managed Greek power Olympiakos to a double last season. They begin the season away at Osasuna on August 30th.

Frederic Kanoute may have to have to play next season without strike partner Luis Fabiano at Sevilla. With the money AC Milan recieved for at the time was a world short-lived World Record transfer fee for Kaka, they have made a bid for the Brazilian, Fabiano, who looked to be the best striker at the Confederations Cup this summer. Sevilla will get to work early trying to qualify for the Champions League. They start their league play away against Valencia on August 30th.

Atletico Madrid have made the signing of highly looked upon goalkeeper, Asenjo, from Valladolid. Other than that they have been anxious to hold onto the tallent the team possesses. With starlet Aguero being linked with Manchester United and a confirmed interest in Forlan from Barcelona, they may want to build a back up plan for an attack next season. Defender Mariano Pernia was involved in a car accident last week in Argentina where he sustained multiple injuries including broken bones in his shoulder and back. Also Pernia suffered from a puntured lung. The Real Madrid cross town rivals begin the season away on August 30th against Malaga.

There is plenty of activity bustling about in Spain this summer. These six teams look to be the front runners in the pack of 20 that is called La Liga. Perhaps there is a sleeper that will surprise but only time will tell.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

World's Best RB

Who presently is the best right back in football? So many names come to mind. Pesky little Dani Alves, Inter Milan's Maicon, every Spanish girl's dream date Sergio Ramos, and talented others. The position isn't what it used to be. The days of a big clumpy monster thumping center forwards into the stands all match are beginning to vanish and a new age on the right flank is on the horizon. The right back of the future is a tidy player both at the back and in the offensive third. The breed is much more attacking orientated, a second right winger perhaps. Who can do it all? Who has the fitness to be up and down that flank so often their boots are stained white from the line? Who has the correct balance of attack and defence? How are they useful? How are they defending one on one? Atacking one on one? Marking or losing their marks themselves? All of a sudden right back doesn't look as easy at sounds. The first two that come to mind, especially after this summers entertaining Confederations Cup are Brazilian pair, Dani Alves and Maicon.

Inter Milan's Maicon is quickly becoming a fan favorite. He is a power house and a work horse. At 6' tall and 170lbs of nothing but meat, his athleticism is almost impossible to match. He is fit and raring to go. Despite being so athletic, it appears at times he might take it for granted, occasionally lackadaisical. As all right backs he struggles to make up ground when the opposition counters but is a tough defender to go by one on one. He can get his body in the way and simply use speed and force to make wingers feel uncomfortable going at him. He may sound like a bruiser but naturally, being one of the Samba Boys, he is technically gifted and engages well in combinations while penetrating the attacking half. He is often found on the offensive side of the midfield line leaving his defensive responsibilities too much for the center back closest to the right. Serie A doesn't look the greatest league of the big league at this point, but since arriving at Inter from AS Monaco 3 years ago, he has won the league title on every occasion. In his 3 year spell at the Italian giants he has scored a total of 8 goals and assisted 22 in all competitions. However, he has threatened to quit Inter Milan several times this summer and may be a bit of a behavior problem to the club. He is Dunga's first choice for the Brazilian national team, competing with Dani Alves.

Alves, part of the Barca squad that managed the tripple last season, is versatile, sneaky, quick, and crafty. Don't let his size fool you. He can create. A real tallent with the ball at his feet. A bit of a show boat but still affective. He is a spark in a team that needs a boost as seen when coming off the pine for Brazil in their Confederations Cup triumph this summer in South Africa. Last season he tallied 11 assists and five goals of his own. He takes freekicks, but not well. He did manage to score a cracker from a set piece at the edge of the area close to full time against South Africa in the semi final this summer but rarely connects with the net otherwise. He takes the approach of straight lacing the ball as hard as he can. It usually ends up as a meteorite speeding toward the planet Mars if it doesn't knock down stadium light on the way out of the park. I mentioned Alves was featured as a substitute this summer but that wasn't always the case. He began the Confederations Cup as a starter over Maicon in the tournament opener against Egypt. After Brazil built a comfortable lead, out of position Dani Alves had a part to play in two of the three Egyptian goals which triggered a nail-biting ending to the match. He was a substitute ever since. That's not the only occurrence that points a wary finger at his defending. During the second leg of the semifinals in the Champions League last year against Chelsea in West London, he looked puzzled when trying to handle the pace of French trickster Malouda, often fouling him or being beaten. The Brazilian's temper flared. A wonder strike from Iniesta and a dreadful performance from the match official saw Barca to the final where they went on to beat Manchester United 2-0. Alves was suspended and missed the match.

Being a Madridista, you may have guessed my favorite candidate, Sergio Ramos. The young Spaniard has tasted glory with both Real Madrid and the national team as the first choice right back in the monumental Euro 2008. Built much like Maicon, but a bit lighter, he is acrobatic and athletic, creative, and spontaneous. Last season Ramos scored 7 goals for los bloncos. He is capable or delivering a top notch curling ball into the area. He can lose his defenders on corners and set plays and his a powerful header of the ball. Being 3 years younger than Alves and 5 younger than Maicon, signing with Real Madrid at age 19 from Sevilla, he is a ball of energy. It isn't surprising to see him throw down an acrobatic kick from just about anywhere on the pitch or a gymnastics display after he scores. At times he appears not to be playing right back at all, and therefore leaving his side open for counters. His adventurous side can get him in trouble at times, but if cornered by defenders, he always has a clever trick up his sleeve to get himself out of a tight situation. Defending on his part is not the best one on one but I'd be sure to move if I caught him thundering toward me because the boy is a viscous slide tackler. The rambunctious youth was named in 2008's Euro XI and FIFA XI.

It is almost impossible to decide. I can't do it on my own. There are other right backs out there with quality such as Bosingwa or Manchester United's young Rafael who looks to be extremely promising, but the three names really at hand are listed above. All are rare talents and none need to be jealous of the others ability. Perhaps the next season will set them apart.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Anglo Spanish Rule

European football has been dominated by Premier League clubs over the past couple seasons. The Champions League has seen 3 English teams in the semi finals for the past 2 years and at least one 1 English team in the finals for the last 5 years. Despite only winning 2 of the 5 finals mentioned, the EPL has bee named by many the strongest league in the world by many experts. It is not necessarily English Players that make these teams so lethal but that's not the discussion at hand. I'm going to be brave and go out on a limb and say the next couple years belong to Spain's La Liga and here is why...

Manchester United have just completed their third league title in as many years for these reasons. 1. Cristiano Ronaldo. Hated or loved, the man can change the outlook of the game by himself. 2. Sir Alex Ferguson. Without a doubt the greatest coach of our time. Unbelievable the way he can scout players and develop them from such a young age and still manage senior players all mixed together and come up with the results he has. 3. Team chemistry. United Have all the spark of young fresh talent and the experience of seasoned veterans, the perfect mixture. However, this year, golden boy Ronaldo, and out of favor but useful Tevez are on the way out the door leaving extremely big boots to fill. I'm not one to doubt Sir Alex but so far he has signed Valencia, Ecuadorian winger from Wigan, 21 year-old French winger Obertan from Bordeaux, and oddly enough, now labeled a traitor, former Liverpool favorite, Micheal Owen from shock relagated Newcastle. Rooney and Owen made and interesting partnership in the 2006 World Cup Qualifying, but will it be enough to see the Red Devils lift trophies next season? Is this a squad they are building to be stronger than last years Barcelona, who triumphed over them in the Champions League final? Arsenal seem to be making pebble sized ripples in the transfer window but will they be good enough to compete with Europe's best next season? Or say the Premier League's best? Van Persie has signed a brand new contract that will keep him at the Emirates for 5 more years and Cesc seems to be staying put as well. Adebayor has been linked with Milan who need players to fill the void left by Madrid bound Kaka. The last few years have seen a dissapointing Gunners. They are in need of great change and are not getting it. Liverpool have hardly made any changes in their squad. Rafa has put not for sale sign on Madrid Transfer target, Xabi Alonso. Gerrard and Torres, if both fit, can really carry the team but the Merseyside based club, at times looks lost without them. If Torres goes down injured, it is difficult for Liverpool to play their fabled system with Gerrard off of the big striker because they don't possess another striker than can do that same job. N'gog, is no Torres and we all know Kuyt looks a much better player on the wing. However, I believe the Reds to be a much tidier side than the Gunners and Red Devils next term. Last leaves the Blues from West London. With a new coach in order, Ancelotti, looking at a totally different style than Italian league football, it may take him a few tries to get things right. Can owner, Roman Abramovich be patient enough to let a new system at Chelsea take its place without sacking the manager half way through each season? Not everyone is a Murinho. Not everyone is special. The Have signed Russian International Zhirkov, no doubt a favorite of Roman's, but where will the newcomer break into the midfield with the likes of Lampard, Ballack, Deco, Essien, Mikel, and Malouda. English youngster Sturridge looks a good player but has to break a barrier of French speaking favorites, Drogba and Anelka, to break into the starting XI. Chelsea skipper, Terry, has told the club he would like to hold talks with Man City, which would not only heart break many fans but leave a whole in the back line that would be arduous to fill. Chelsea are always solid, but always have their fallouts. Even though I'm a firm believer they should have been in last seasons Champions League final.

Now your probably wondering what this has to do with Spanish futbol. With the likes of Barcelona completing the triple last year and beating what was said to be an unstoppable Manchester United last season in the Champions League final, notorious Spanish giants Real Madrid whose hope for a 3rd league title in a row was cut short by their arch rivals despite a remarkable second half of the season run with a mangled and displaced team, are looking for sweet revenge. It was decided that Florentino Perez, famous club president of the Galacticos Era, was returning for a sequel. Under his rule the Club claimed two Champions League trophies in 3 years. This time not Ronaldo, but Ronaldo, Another Algerian blooded Frenchman, Benzema (the first being Zidane), and Brazilian playmaker Kaka. With more starlets expected to arrive, Los Blancos look to be creating a team that can conquer the football known in Catalonia. Barcelona will most likely put out a similar outfit as last season, seeing is why fix it if it isn't broke? With all of these stars playing for the two sides, it should make one hell of an "El Clasico." In the year 2000 there were three Spanish teams in Champions League semi finals which saw two El Clasico's in 2 weeks. The Capital triumphed over the Catalonians and defeated Valencia in the final 3-0. However, there only seems to be the pair of rivals that will be challenging to be dominate in Europe as once powerful Valencia seem to be financially unfit and Sevilla, though a tidy team are simply not talented enough at this point to uphold European glory at the highest club stage. It's simple enough. The change of dominate leagues in Europe has happened many times. I may be calling this one a bit premature, but it seems that Madrid and Barcelona are on the way up as English teams look to be the same or diminishing in power. Which leaves an open space for a new power, a Spanish Power.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid
Bobby