Given his rise to prominence and Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool’s need for quality full-backs, Diego Renan may well be on his way to Europe sooner than most pundits would have thought. What high praise indeed for the new star of Brazilian football. To be compared to a legend of Cruzerio like Raimundo Nonato da Silva shows just what the club and his fans think of him. He is part of the new generation of Brazilian full backs – technically gifted with a great sense of adventure but highly responsible defenders. Since Diego Renan’s début in 2009, his fledgling career has been much talked about; reportedly on the radar of some of Europe’s top clubs. Although Brazil have some very talented options at full back, there is nothing to suggest he wont break into the national team sooner rather than later.
Diego Rena brings a balance of technical ability, speed and attack intent to his Cruzerio side. He has an excellent delivery; a delivery that most wingers would be proud of. His ability to both overlap his winger as well as beat his man in the opposition third make him such a danger to the opposition. Top European teams are now starting to use more dynamic full backs and Diego Renan’s attributes make him an ideal target. Expect European clubs to be knocking on Cruzerio’s door as Diego Renan gains more experience. A definite green light, expect this full back to be lighting up La Liga or the Premier League before too long.
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Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has admitted that Carlos Tevez has the ability to have a real impact on the title race.
The Argentina international has been away from the game due to continued controversies, however after returning to action against Chelsea, where he set up the winning goal, Valencia has spoken of the South American’s threat.
“If Carlos plays against us, I’m sure he’ll be motivated. He’s an excellent player, able to change a match in an instant. What he did against Chelsea was no surprise,” the Ecuador international told The Sun.
“But for Tevez to score the winner? I hope it doesn’t happen. And for us to fail and lose the title will bring pain for months. But I’m confident in my team.
“There’s a lot of pride in Manchester that our two clubs are the best in England. Our challenge is to win all our matches and to arrive with an advantage over City on derby day.
“I’m not saying whether that game will decide the title but it’s clear the winners will deliver a morale blow to the other club. So I expect a big battle and for us to avenge our 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford,” he concluded.
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Arsenal have had some great players from The Netherlands over the years; Marc Overmars, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and the like, but they don’t get much better than Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie. Bergkamp was one of the greatest players to ever grace the Premier League, and although van Persie might not quite be of that ilk, he’s not too far off. RVP was in fantastic form in the second half of last season, and if he can stay injury free in the next campaign, he might just fire Arsene Wenger’s men to the title. Here are Bergkamp and van Persie having a chuckle, but what’s making them laugh?
Leave your suggestions below…
This week you can win a copy of Arsenal: The Double 70/71 on DVD!
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the 1970/71 Double winning Arsenal team and to celebrate a special DVD is being released so that you can relive that season in all its glory, or see it for the first time if you’re a young Gunner. Arsenal: The Double 70/71 allows you to take a trip back to the days before the Premier League and relive the season that has gone down in Arsenal’s history and will always be remembered.
Click here to read our review of Arsenal: The Double 70/71
For the FootballFanCast.com Caption Competition Terms and Conditions click here
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Check out our Caption Competition Gallery for some inspiration and to see the winners so far.
Last week’s winner: Gav – click here to see all entries
Carlos Tevez throws his toys out of the pram and the football world unites in sheer disdain at the actions of the Argentine forward. Am I the only one who saw this coming – given the fractious relationship between the player and the football club?
Tevez is something of an enigma in football, a complete one off and a player who in my opinion has no real love for the game. He wouldn’t be the first who plays the game simply as a living and the Argentine himself has suggested more than once that he is considering quitting the game for good. The very fact he initially joined West Ham and then had the sheer audacity to cross the Manchester divide tells you everything you need to know about a player who clearly has no emotional attachment to the game. He will kiss the badge and all that to appease his fans, but as he showed with United and now City, he will happily look after No.1 as and when it suits him.
The reason I wasn’t surprised at the events in Munich was that for the first time this summer, what Carlos Tevez wants he didn’t get. The Argentine was on a one man mission to get himself out of the Etihad Stadium and used every medium possible to let everyone know how unhappy he was in Manchester. I guess the sheer arrogance of the player thought that there would be a queue of teams as long as his arm willing to buy him, but everyone steadfast refused to pay the reported £40m asking price on his head and the player had to remain at City. Unfortunately the player and his advisors had no one to blame as the Citizens put him on the market and were prepared to take a £7m loss on the player to grant Tevez his move. The fact is no one wanted him and he had to return to City with his tail firmly between his legs.
What Tevez couldn’t have bargained for is that City have moved on without him and he returned being stripped on the captaincy and another Argentine had stolen the love and affection of the City faithful. Suddenly the player who thought he was untouchable in these parts was no longer needed, leaving the player well and truly up the creek without a paddle. It was only a matter of time before he cracked and that came out in Munich last night – I’m just surprised it hasn’t happened sooner.
So where does Tevez go from here? I am sure City will look through his contract and see if there are any loopholes within that allow them to further their punishment. I am sure Carlos is privately thinking ‘job done’ and he will force his move, however I hope for football that Manchester City hold firm and let him rot in the reserves. They are probably the only football club who can afford to do so and I hope they do and make a stand against these parasites within the game. It is about time the clubs took control once again and put these multi-millionaire prima donnas in their place once and for all.
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Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last week by beating fourth bottom Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The pressure on boss Andre Villas-Boas cranked up another notch after Glen Johnson’s well taken goal in the dying embers decided a game that the Blues never looked like winning. It’s been rumoured that the former Porto coaches job is on the line after he reportedly fell out with owner Roman Abramovic despite the Russian spending £13 million on him as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement. A decent, if uninspiring, start to the season hasn’t helped Villas-Boas’ cause although it would be unfair to criticise him just 12 games into his managerial career at Chelsea. The fact of the matter is that he hasn’t had nearly enough time to construct his own squad and implement his own ideas to full effect. Fans and pundit’s who likened him to former boss Jose Mourinho are now comparing their style’s and tactics to one another. One of the biggest criticisms of the Portuguese coach’s reign to date is his preference to play a high defensive line which is something that has come undone in the last couple of home games against Arsenal and Chelsea. John Terry’s lack of pace and David Luiz’s positional problems have been exploited time and time again this season and it’s no surprise to see they’ve conceded 19 goals league goals already with 11 coming at home. That is in stark contrast to Mourinho’s double winning debut season where the Blues conceded only 15 during the entire campaign. Under the ‘Special One’ Chelsea had a settled back four that was rarely altered and was the cornerstone of their success. Villas-Boas, on the other hand, can’t seem to make his mind up regarding a consistent for Terry with Luiz, Alex and Branislav Ivanovic all taking turns. Finding the right formula up front has also been a problem with the constant chopping and changing leaving players unable to build up any momentum. The form of Fernando Torres remains a worry whilst Daniel Sturridge staked his claim for the ‘number nine’ role coming off the bench to equalise last week. Villas-Boas will need to get his team selection and tactics spot this time around if he is to alleviate the pressure on his shoulders with a win against Wolves.
Mick McCarthy is another boss feeling the pinch of a poor start to the season with his Wanderer’s side now sitting fourth bottom after a run of one win in their last 10 games. That victory over Wigan before the international break was their first since beating Fulham at the end of August with the Midlanders taking two points from a possible 24 in between. Normal service was resumed last week as they were easily beaten by Everton at Goodison Park despite taking the lead through a Stephen Hunt penalty. McCarthy has been the subject of numerous moans and groans from sections of Molineux supporters with his team selection and substitutions all coming under fire in recent weeks. In fact the Wolves supremo has a similar sort of issue to his opposite number in the Chelsea dugout with his back four currently under pressure to stop leaking goals at such a rapid rate. Summer signing Roger Johnson was supposed to be the man to tighten up the back line and initially it looked like he had done just that. Unfortunately since the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on 27th August they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet conceding 19 goals in just nine games. As an ex-defender himself McCarthy will surely be doing all he can to get his rearguard securely bolted before they make the less than daunting trip to West London.
Chelsea – 5th
Last Five: Lost 2-1 v Liverpool (H), Won 1-0 v Blackburn (A), Lost 5-3 v Arsenal (H), Lost 1-0 v QPR (A), Won 3-1 v Everton (H)
Potential Starting X11: 1. P. Cech 2. B. Ivanovic 26. J. Terry [C] 4. D. Luiz 3. A. Cole 12. J. Obi Mikel 7. Ramires 8. F. Lampard 10. J. Mata 15. F. Malouda 23. D. Sturridge*
Injury News: Villas Boas has no new injury concerns with Michael Essien the only long-term absentee.
Key Player: Daniel Sturridge
You’d have to say that last week was rather special for the strike after he won his first England cap and came off the bench to score Chelsea’s equaliser against Liverpool. Whilst the Blues went on to lose the impact Sturridge had was evident with his energy, strength and desire up front giving his side an extra dimension in the final third. He’s already stated he want’s to be the number one striker at Stamford Bridge and it’s likely Villas-Boas will heed that request.
Match Fact: Chelsea’s record against Wolves at Stamford Bridge is an impressive one and they are currently unbeaten in the Premier League against the Midland side. The Blues have won all three top flight games scoring 11 goals and conceding only two.
Wolves – 13th
Last Five
Lost 2-1 v Everton (A)Won 3-1 v Wigan (H), Lost 3-1 v Manchester City (A), Drew 2-2 v Swansea (H), Lost 2-0 v West Brom (A)
Potential Starting X11
1. W. Hennessey 5. R. Stearman 14. R. Johnson [C] 16. C. Berra 3. G Elokobi 11. S. Ward 8. K. Henry 4. D. Edwards 20. N. Milijas 17. M. Jarvis 29. K. Doyle*
Injury News: Ronald Zubar is still out with a groin strain whilst Kevin Foley has been ruled out until Janaury with an ankle injury. Other than that McCarthy has no fresh injury concerns.
Key Player: Kevin Doyle
Goals haven’t flowed as regularly as usual for the Republic of Ireland striker despite his effort and commitment soaring to new levels this season. Playing up front on his own has seen Doyle take on extra responsibility and his constant running and closing down of defences will be a key part of Wolves’ game plan up against Chelsea’s weak defensive partnership of Terry and Luiz.
Match Fact
Wolves have failed to claim a league victory at Stamford Bridge for over 30-years with their last West London win coming in an Old Division One clash on 24 March 1979.
Last Time at Stamford Bridge
Premier League, 23 October 2010
Chelsea 2-0 Wolves
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Malouda, 23. Kalou, 81
Attendance: 41,752
Referee: Lee Probert
PREDICTION
Chelsea are continuing their transitional period under Villas-Boas and the constant comparisons with Mourinho and his title winning team aren’t doing them any favours. True, five of the starting line up against Liverpool were part of the 2004/05 title winning side but they are all seven years older and their new coach has identified the need for new blood. The likes of Sturridge and Juan Mata have performed admirably in amongst the experienced heads and those two should be the bright sparks against Wolves on Saturday. McCarthy’s side are desperately in need of a win to haul themselves away from danger with the dreaded festive period looming.
Manchester United are likely to be without key defender Rio Ferdinand for the rest of the season.
The England captain has been struggling with a calf injury since the beginning of February, and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the 32-year-old centre-back could be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
The English Premier League leaders will be also without defenders Rafael and John O’Shea for the visit of Bolton Wanderers to Old Trafford on Saturday.
“Rio has been out for a few weeks now and we are not looking at this as a short-term situation,” Ferguson said.
“He has not started training yet. We will be lucky to get him back for some part of the season.”
Ferguson himself will also be missing from domestic action, with a five-match ban for publicly criticising referee Martin Atkinson set to begin following the Bolton game.
The Scot has not yet decided if he will appeal against the suspension.
“It is disappointing, but it is in the past now,” he said. “It is the only industry where you can’t tell the truth.”
The fitness of club captain Nemanja Vidic is also a concern.
The Serbian international missed United’s Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday, also with a calf injury, and is not expected to play a part in the Bolton match.
“It has been a bad spell for us,” Ferguson said.
“Only a few weeks ago we had every defender fit and things were looking great but it has all just fallen apart in the last week or so.”
“Hopefully Jonny Evans may be fit for Saturday, even if it is a bit of a risk.”
“He has trained all week but he has been out for such a long time.”
Midfielders Anderson (knee), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and striker Michael Owen (groin) are also missing.
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But things are beginning to look more positive further up the pitch, with winger Antonio Valencia nearing full fitness and midfielder Park Ji-Sung also close to a return.
“Attacking-wise our options are good. Antonio Valencia is back and we gave him a spell on Tuesday night which was good,” Ferguson said.
“Ji-Sung Park has trained and could be available.”
“Bolton have done extremely well this season. It will be a big game for us this Saturday.”
Costa Rican club Saprissa booked their place in the last four of the CONCACAF Champions League with a 2-1 win over Olimpia.Saprissa led 1-0 from the first leg at home through Armando Alonso Rodriguez’s goal and it was the midfielder who broke the deadlock in Thursday’s return fixture at Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano.Defender Gabriel Badilla set up his Costa Rica international teammate Rodriguez, who beat Olimpia goalkeeper Noel Valladares to open the scoring in the 25th minute.The Honduran hosts levelled seven minutes into the second half when striker Roger Rojas met Wilfredo Barahona’s corner to power the ball home and make it 1-1 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate.But Olimpia’s hopes of mounting a comeback were dashed just after the hour mark.Substitute Luis Cordero – who had only been on the pitch for five minutes after replacing Josue Martenez – struck to make it 2-1 and restore the two-goal aggregate cushion for Saprissa.They will now meet Real Salt Lake in the last four after the American side defeated Columbus Crew in an all-Major League Soccer quarter-final.Elsewhere, Monterrey will take on Cruz Azul in all-Mexican semi-final.
Liverpool fans must be wondering what if Kenny had been appointed manager sooner as the Reds close in on a top five finish. Dalglish has performed absolute wonders at Anfield and you sense it is only a matter of time before he is given the job on a permanent basis.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Liverpool blogs that includes the ten positives to take out of the Reds season; Kenny plotting a £7m swoop, while a welcome headache for Damien Comolli.
We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.
*
Are local derbies losing their sense of occasion?
Transfer links with Tottenham and Liverpool the real reason for the demise?
Bad player or badly treated at Anfield?
Liverpool plotting £7m swoop for Frenchman
TEN positives Liverpool can take from this season
Will UEFA initiative ensure equality for all football clubs?
The ‘Unsung’ hero down Anfield Road?
FIVE Bosman deals for Comolli and Dalglish to peruse
A welcome headache for Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli
What actually makes a BIG club then?
Liverpool’s Player of the Year: the nominees are in…
*Best of WEB*
Valued at £9m, but is he the solution to our left back woes?- Live4Liverpool
Liverpool FC – The Times They Are A-Changin’ – This is Anfield
Why Dirk Kuyt is better than Gareth Bale – Our Kop
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Sir Alex Ferguson believes the FA Cup has lost its magic, largely down to the removal of replays and semi finals now being played at Wembley. The United boss was speaking ahead of the Manchester derby as the Scot hopes to get revenge for the 6-1 beating they received earlier in the season.
Elsewhere in the news Newcastle vow to hold onto Ba; Liverpool must take a stand over abuse, while West Ham’s move to the Olympic Stadium is in jeopardy.
David Silva benefits from second season syndrome – Guardian
Neil Warnock facing the axe at QPR – Daily Telegraph
Liverpool ‘must take a stand’ over abuse – Independent
A derby United cannot afford to lose – Guardian
West Ham move in jeopardy – Independent
Toon vow to hold onto Ba – Mirror
Man United want Modric to keep Rooney happy… but he’ll cost £50m – Daily Mail
United join chase for Bolton defender Gary Cahill – People
Liverpool target will not be sold, vows Aston Villa chief – Mirror
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Henry arrival delays Podolski bid with £8m offer on ice until the summer – Daily Mail
The mystery surrounding the £7.4million signing of Bebe by Manchester United last summer continues as the Portuguese has been loaned out to Besiktas for next season. He featured sparingly at best last season and appeared well below the standard required at Old Trafford and for a player commanding such a transfer fee. His team-mate, Gabriel Obertan, has been linked with a similar move back to his native France with recent Champions, Lille. He is another modern fledgling who has failed to make any significant impact for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and faces an important decision when the transfer window reopens next month in order to steer his young career back on track.
The United youngsters aren’t the only Premiership stars to be facing the choice of whether to remain at their club, as a host of familiar faces decide if their futures lies elsewhere.
Click on Gabriel Obertan to see the TOP TEN…
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