In For The Hat Trick

In a season which was remembered partly for the woes of an under performing striker, one other struggling forward was barely mentioned. The trials and tribulations of Fernando Torres’ first season at Chelsea are well documented, his was a year to forget, one marked by a record transfer fee, but only one goal.

However, further North of London, there resided another man equally in need of a break; former Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko. Twelve months ago, when players like Sanchez and Young were hardly talked about in the context of a move, Dzeko was the main man, a supposed transfer target of every big time club, from Manchester United to AC Milan and back over to Barcelona. During that window, a transfer did not materialize, but Dzeko needed not worry, within six months he would have his move; to moneybags Manchester City. Already boasting strikers like Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli, playing time at City was anything but guaranteed, yet, we all thought that the brilliant Edin Dzeko could handle it, that he would be the next big thing to rock the Premier League.

Edin Dzeko’s nose dive from so hot to so not was a quick one. After impressing in a home game against Wolves, he flopped away at Aston Villa, in a match which was marked by the debut of another big money signing; Villa’s Darren Bent. From then on, Dzeko found that first team football was a difficult thing to find, and while the big Bosnian racked up a handful of goals against opposition like Notts County, Premier League strikes were a precious commodity which he just couldn’t attain. It took Dzeko until the twenty-fifth of April to find his first League goal, a winning one, against Blackburn Rovers.

With the season winding down, Dzeko only played one other consequential part, scoring in a virtually meaningless match at the Reebok on final day, a confidence booster but one which is unlikely to be remembered.

And so the season ended for Dzeko and City, the latter much happier than the former, but hopes still abides within Dzeko, next year he will have the chance to make an impact in the Champions League; a stage which he excelled on when playing for Wolfsburg.

“Form is temporary, class is permanent” goes the saying, and I think that Dzeko has class, the perdurable kind. The Bosnian has a wonderful touch for a big man, but is also dangerous in the air, once he fully catches up to the speed of play in the Premier League, he’ll start to bang in the goals.

Next season, Dzeko may end up playing a much greater role than he did in 10/11, Balotelli is ever inconsistent; and Tevez has still refused to commit either way as to whether he will stay or go. Yes, at the moment, Dzeko is really the only City striker with a clear cut future, even after suffering from such a lack of form last season.

When City kick off against Swansea in August, you can be sure that the likes Dzeko will be complemented by further attacking gems, after all, City have never been particularly shy in their transfer dealings.

Sanchez perhaps, could be the man to set up Dzeko’s first goal of the new season, and who knows, it might be Modric who he goes to celebrate with! Whatever the supporting cast, mark my words Dzeko will be a star, class is permanent and the man from Bosnia has plenty of it.

Read more by David Yaffe-Bellany at EPL Talk

A terrific tournament, capped off by a fabulous final, the 2011 Concacaf Gold Cup produced some stunning performances; here are the best of the lot.

Goalkeeper: Tim Howard- As ever, Tim Howard was right on form in the Gold Cup, saving the United States on numerous occasions during their early tournament woes. One stunning reflex save in the opening minutes against Jamaica was indicative of Howard’s effort all tournament long, he is the latest in a long line of brilliant American goalkeepers, and hopefully, he will keep goal for the States for many years to come.

Left Back: Carlos Salcido- A starter at Fulham, Salcido reaffirmed his classy reputation with another stellar series of performances. He has been a stalwart member of the Mexican defense for years now, starting all six games at the Gold Cup, he shone on attack and in defense. Though he was forced to come off with an injury early on in the final, Salcido will still take home a winners medal, something that he should be very proud of indeed.

Center Back: Felipe Baloy- The highlight of Panama’s Gold Cup was their 2-1 victory over the United States, and the Panamanians have Baloy to thank for that, as well as most of their other successes. A tough central defender, Baloy takes no prisoners, and was able to shut down the US forward line on one, and almost two, occasions. At age thirty, Baloy is a journeyman defender, but he will be remembered for the rest of his career, for that fabulous performance against the United States.

Right Back: Steve Cherundolo- The only consistent performer in defense for the United States, Cherundolo was by far the United States’ best performer at the tournament. The captain of Hannover in Germany, Cherundolo has plenty of high level European experience, and he kept a steady shift every time he played for the US. Bombing forward when he could, Cherundolo was also a threat on the attacking side of things, throwing in accurate crosses for the likes of Altidore and Dempsey to feed off of.

Left Midfield: Andres Guardado- The Mexican attack was filled with guile and creativity, qualities perfectly embodied by Andres Guardado. Capable of sprinting down the line or taking the ball inside, Guardado was a threat every time he had possession. Three goals from a wing position is an impressive return, and his strike against the USA was arguably a game turner, though admittedly, had he missed a goal probably would have come from elsewhere. Next season, you can be sure to see Guardado changing clubs, he is just way too good to play in the Segunda Division for Deportivo.

Center Midfield: Jermain Jones- Without having played in a major international tournament before, Jermain Jones acquitted himself quite well for the United States of America. Sitting alongside Michael Bradley in defensive midfield, Jones was at the heart of every midfield battle, intercepting passes, and breaking up play with his wonderful tackles. Despite not being known for his goalscoring, Jones did come up with a crucial strike for the United States; his deflected effort in the quarter final against Jamaica crucially opened the scoring.


Center Midfield: Gerardo Torrado- Another player accustomed to sitting deep in midfield, Torrado started virtually every attack for the Mexicans, picking the ball up off one of the central defenders, and spraying passes out hither and thither. With players of the quality of Dos Santos, Barrera and Guardado on the wings, Torrado’s accurate passes out wide were very effective weapons; ones that caused problems to every team that came in Mexico’s way. On the defensive side, Torrado also excelled, knicking the ball of attacking midfielders, and sliding in with tackles that instantly destroyed promising looking attacks.


Center Attacking Midfield: Clint Dempsey- Dempsey is the best American player of his generation, experienced at the top level of the game and a consistent performer for the National Team. With three goals, Dempsey was the United States’ top goal scorer, chipping in with strikes against Canada, Jamaica and Panama. However, Dempsey’s usefulness in attack extends outside his ability to find the back of the net, the American is capable of dictating an attack, as well as finding a crucial pass, an aspect of his game demonstrated by his assist on Landon Donovan’s goal against Mexico.

Right Midfield: Giovanni Dos Santos- The man of the match in the final, Dos Santos ran rings around the US defense, causing Jonathan Bornstein all kinds of problems down the right. His solo goal which capped off tournament victory for Mexico, was simply stunning, a combination of skill, poise, speed and sumptuous vision. The United States just couldn’t deal with his pace in the final, pace that had ripped apart lesser foes all tournament long.

Forward: Luis Tejada- Luis Tejada contributed to all of Panama’s Gold Cup highlights, scoring against the US, equalizing in the Quarter Final and then scoring the winning penalty in the subsequent shootout. Tejada’s consistently impressive performances for Panama will insure that he goes down as one of the most legendary footballers to come out of that country, he should be proud of his and his nation’s effort at the finals.

Forward: Chicharito- What more can I say about this guy that hasn’t been said already? Pace, movement, quick thinking he has got it all, and a winners medal for his troubles too. The tournament’s top scorer with seven goals, Chicharito didn’t actually find the net in the final, but his superb through ball for Barrera was absolutely crucial. Officially named as the player of the tournament, it’s difficult to argue against him, he is one of the best strikers in the World, and is set to enjoy success at club and national level for the next decade at least.

Over the course of a fantastic couple of weeks in Denmark, we have had the pleasure of watching some of Europe’s finest young stars grace the international stage; here is the best eleven.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea-  It’s no secret that David De Gea will be signing for Manchester United in the next couple of weeks, and it is also no secret that he is a fitting successor to Edwin Van Der Sar. The goalkeeper put in a very solid shift for the Spanish U21s, despite spending large periods of the game under no pressure, he was able to come up big when it mattered most. A penalty save against Ukraine was probably the highlight of his tournament, there is no doubt that he played a massive role in Spain’s success.

Left Back: Didac Vila- For a long time, the weakest position at both of Spain’s top two clubs has been left back, but the play of Didac Vila has offered hope that the national team will avoid a similar fate. Fantastic going forward, Vila has a brilliant cross in his locker, as demonstrated when his whipped delivery was met by Herrera for the opening goal against Switzerland. In defense, Vila was not overly taxed by Spain’s opponents, but when called upon he stood up to the task, and shone out especially in comparison with the shoddy center back pairing that proved to be Spain’s Achilles heel.

Center Back: Phil Jones- Another man who will be plying his trade at Old Trafford next season, Phil Jones was one of the few players to impress as part of what was a woeful England side. Alongside fellow United man Chris Smalling, Jones looked solid in defense, and composed when bringing the ball forward, both attributes of the typical modern center back. Jones has been compared to John Terry by certain members of the British media, and there is no doubt that he shares Terry’s remarkable leadership skills, Jones led by example in every game, even when he wasn’t wearing the captain’s armband.

Center Back: Timm Klose- For me, this position was a tossup between Swiss defenders Klose and Rossini. Both were absolutely terrific throughout the tournament, keeping four straight clean sheets before a Herrerra header finally breached their fortress. The pair looked impressive in the air and calm on the ball, players capable of starting attacks, but also of breaking them up. The Klose-Rossini axis is one that we will hear plenty from in the future, Switzerland are famous for their watertight defenses, and players like Klose will help to maintain that reputation in years to come.

Right Back: Martin Montoya- Much like left back Vila, Montoya is a typically attack minded full back, capable of delivering a dangerous cross, but also of shutting down an opposition winger. Posed with the considerable threat of Innocent Emeghara, Montoya kept his focus against the Swiss, and turned in an impressive defensive shift. The next Sergio Ramos perhaps…

Left Midfield: Innocent Emeghara- Emeghara was a player I mentioned a couple times throughout my analysis of the tournament, and he is a player who may well have earned himself a lucrative summer move. A very tricky dribbler, Emeghara scored a solitary goal at the finals, but nevertheless caused enough of an impact to warrant inclusion on this list.


Defensive Midfield: Javi Martinez- Already a World Cup winner, Javi Martinez was one of the most experienced players in the Spanish squad, and his big game savvy showed on countless occasions throughout the tournament. Martinez has the ability to dictate the tempo of matches through his decisive passing and dribbling, and the Athletic Bilbao player can also mix it in the tackle too. His superb defensive job on Xherdan Shaqiri helped to prevent Switzerland from gaining any kind of attacking momentum, I could see Martinez doing similarly effective man marking jobs for the senior team in the future.

Attacking Midfield: Ander Herrera- Without a doubt my player of the tournament, Herrera looks every bit a player of the caliber of Iniesta and Xavi. His controversial goal set the ball rolling for Spain, and fittingly, his headed effort proved to be the winner in the final. Herrera boasts a delightful range of passing, to go with a real eye for goal, and ability to spot space and then move into it. Next season, Herrera will join up with the aforementioned Javi Martinez at Athletic Bilbao, I expect nothing but excellence from that duo in the 2012 edition of La Liga.

Right Midfield: Juan Mata- A left footed creative player, Juan Mata is versatile enough to play on either wing or through the middle. At times during the tournament, it felt simply unfair that a player his ability was allowed to participate in a youth competition, against Ukraine he was particularly deadly. The outright top assist maker, Mata’s inclusion on this list is a given, he is a player of exceptional talent who did not disappoint when on show in Denmark. Rumors are circling around that he could be headed for Liverpool, and personally, I think the Reds would struggle to find a better signing than Juan Mata.

Withdrawn Forward: Xherdan Shaqiri- Quite simply, this lad is irresistible, a joy to watch, but a menace to defend against. His quick turns and bursts of pace are reminiscent of Messi, as is his shooting, which is just deadly from almost any range. Though he scored just the one goal, Shaqiri’s overall contribution to the Swiss attack cannot be lauded enough, he was the man that everything went through, their star player and most influential playmaker. Reportedly available for only seven million pounds, Shaqiri would be an ideal acquisition for a whole host of European clubs, expect to see him playing at a high level team next season.


Center Forward: Luis Adrian- The golden boot winner, Adrian just had to be added to this list, he was clinical in front of goal, a pestilence to every defense he played against. After scoring twice in Spain’s second group game, Adrian exploded all over this tournament, netting again against Ukraine, before scoring two vital goals against Belaruse in the semis. In the final, Adrian was kept largely quiet by an impressive Swiss center back paring, but he should be forgiven for that, after all, without his late equalize in the semi there wouldn’t have been a final for him to under perform in.

Just Missing Out…


Chris Smalling
Thiago Alcantara
Borek Dockal
Iker Muniain
Kyle Walker
Fabian Lustenburger

Could ever beautiful football be this grim? What was no doubt another masterclass in the Spanish art of tiki-taka, is for many an ominous sign of the future; the senior European champions are now U21 European champions too.

Undaunted by the terrific exploits of their elder counterparts, the Spanish U21s were up for the challenge of taking Europe’s most prestigious youth title right from the get go, when they were unlucky not to beat a woeful England side. That match gave us just a little sample of what was to come, more of that brilliant Spanish possession football, more of that dire England long ball play.

It seemed that for every star in the senior Spanish squad, there was a counterpart in the U21s, Adrian for Villa, Mata for Iniesta, Martinez for Xavi… the list goes on. Those familiar with the Spanish youth game will tell you that at all levels, Spanish teams try to replicate the Barcelona style, playing elegant possession football, as wearing on the opponent as it is delightful on the eye.

Too many victorious U21 sides have gone on to flop on the true international platform, but the similarities between this team and the current World champions indicates that for the side’s best performers, moving into the senior team will be a seamless transition. Already, players like Mata and Martinez have World Cup winners medals, and others like Herrera seem destined to play a part in successful Spanish national sides of the future. Up front, top scorer Adrian looks capable of filling in for the unconvincing Fernando Torres, while in goal David De Gea has a bright future too.

Spain will doubtless enter Euro 2012 with much of their current senior squad still intact, so we may have to wait for World Cup 2014, before we see some of the class of 2011 make their mark on a major international competition. As I mentioned before, players like Javi Martinez could end up filling in for the aging Xavi, while others like Thiago and Jeffren will likely have gained first team football by 2014, a platform that would set them up nicely for a place in the squad.

If more evidence was needed that Spain’s future could very well be silver lined, then it was provided by the performance of other traditional power house nations. Big players like Germany, Holland, Italy and France all failed to make it to the finals, while the only other major participant, England, flopped terribly. The English could learn quite a lot about how to structure a footballing system by observing the Spanish, from the basics of tiki-taka, to the more ingrained qualities of Spain’s footballing structure. The English long ball approach is an embodiment of what is wrong with development of players in that country, there is no plan, no preferred style of play, and no coaches able or willing to develop young talent to the level that it is done in Spain. Hit and hope, that is all football in England is, hit and hope.

There is no question that the people of Spain are enjoying a golden era of football, it is unlikely that a team with the cohesiveness of Spain 2010 will grace the World stage again in our lifetimes. However, coming up are a new class of youngsters, and only time will tell whether they can prove the above premonition to be horribly wrong.

The issue of diving is one that has dominated football discussion for as long as I can remember. There was Eduardo’s flop against Celtic, Krasic’s ban and Ronaldo’s antics against Bolton, all events that added fuel to the fire of football’s growing anti-diving sect.

In Major League Soccer last weekend, diving once again raced to the forefront of fans’ minds, as Charlie Davies’ late flop earned DC United a game changing penalty away at Real Salt Lake. Remarkably, that was the second occasion this season that Davies had dived to win a penalty, with the American striker also guilty of simulation in a match against LA.

With Davies replying to RSL defender Chris Wingert’s finger pointing and accusations with the words, “that’s football,” talk turned to a potential punishment, a way to scare off “cheaters like Davies who ruin the game.” However, those who criticize Davies fail to realize that what the striker did was no different than what defenders like Chris Wingert do on a weekly basis, foul. Every time a defender races away from the scene of a crime with his hands held in the air, cheating is occurring, the same cheating that has made Charlie Davies the target of this ridiculous witch hunt.

Yesterday, Charlie Davies was issued a fine as punishment for his actions, with the league claiming that Davies “intentionally deceived the officials.” There is no doubt that the accusation is correct, but until the league begins to fine all those players who seem almost permanently prone in that ridiculous posture of innocence, the punishment is unfair. There is nothing wrong with fining a player for cheating, but if such a punishment is instituted, then all cheating must be sanctioned, not just that which had a direct influence on the result of a game.

For all those RSL fans who are still prattling along about their disgust for Davies’ actions, perhaps a reflection on your own team should be had. Real Salt Lake are not a team anymore guilty of cheating then the next one, but there still does lurk a deceptive quality within their ranks. Players like Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave frequently have their hands, wrapped all over opposition strikers, only to let go and leave their arms hanging, high in the air when the referee turns around. Such forms of petty cheating are conceived with the full intent of tricking the referee, yet they are not frowned upon as much as others.

Yes, diving is a type of cheating which more commonly effects the outcome of a game, but if cheating is what the public are angry about, then the outcome of the deceptive action should not be a concern. Referees are tricked just as much when a holding midfielder feigns innocence after aiming crass intimidation tactics at the opposition’s playmaker, as they are when that very playmaker dives to win a penalty.

All cheating, no matter the end result, is in essence the same and deserves the same treatment. I was angry when I saw what Davies did to earn his team a result away at Real Salt Lake, but I was still angrier when I heard of his punishment. A 1000$ fine is by no means enormous, but the fact that punishment is being handed out for an act of trickery, sets a precedent that will be impossible to maintain. Every defender, caught on camera committing a brazenly obvious foul, yet failing to inform the referee of his wrong doing would have to be punished, a ridiculously time consuming venture, but one that would have to be made for Charlie Davies’ treatment to be considered fair.

Diving is not something to be encouraged, but it simply cannot be punished if other forms of cheating are not equally dealt with. So, for now, we’ll just have to put up with players like Charlie Davies, and hope that someday a player’s conscious dictates their actions, overriding their desire for victory.

It is the perennial summer saga, the transfer rumor that just won’t go away until Fabregas officially resigns for Barcelona. Earlier today, Barcelona reportedly had a thirty million euro bid for the Arsenal captain turned down by the Gunners, and that is expected to only be the start of the continuation of one of football’s most famous tug of wars.

Throughout the last few seasons, Arsene Wenger has maintained a resolute stance on Fabregas, claiming that the Spaniard is not for sale at any price, and that the Gunners have no plans to let him go. For Arsenal fans hoping for Fabregas to stay, this particular aspect of Wenger’s stubborn persona has been met with far more satisfaction than those which have dictated his frugal spending, but perhaps it doesn’t deserve such a positive response; perhaps if Wenger were to relent, and sell Fabregas, then the stubbornness governing his transfer dealings would finally begin to fade, and with it Arsenal’s years of hurt.

If Arsenal are to move on from the disappointing results which saw them crash out at the Nou Camp, surrender again in the fight to wrest the league from Chelsea and Manchester United, or even dispel the memories of a painful day at Wembley, then offloading Fabregas is a clear and easy decision.

The Arsenal of Fabregas has been taken as far as it can go, to the brink of success, close enough to feel the hurt of failure, yet still far enough for their annual collapses not to be considered surprising. Arsenal need a dramatic overhaul, and that process of change should start with the captain.

Already, the seeds of a new era have been sown, Stan Kroenke has taken ownership of the club, and the North Londoners are set to sign two useful looking players in Christopher Samba and Gervinho. However, Arsenal are still in need of an aggressive, holding midfielder, someone in the mold of a Michael Essien or the Owen Hargreaves of three years ago. If Fabregas were to leave for something in the region of thirty million pounds, then ample funds would be available to purchase such a player, one who would help Arsenal to take a grip on tight games, and close out inferior teams.

As far as a replacement for Fabregas goes, Arsenal have the very men already at the club, Jack Wilshere is a player that many would like to see playing further up the pitch and the newly fit Aaron Ramsey could also fill that void.

With the signings of Samba, Gervinho and perhaps a Diarra or Muntari, Arsenal would then be able to turn to the pressing concern which exists in goal, one which contributed to their failure in last year’s League Cup final. Sczeney, although promising, is not yet good enough to take over the number one jersey, an experienced, consistent presence is needed in that area, someone not prone to high profile mistakes.

Arsenal’s needs are obvious, and players of the required class available, but Arsene Wenger’s unrelenting stubbornness could prevent the Gunners from making any change. Would the Frenchman be willing to admit defeat, sell Fabregas and start a new? I don’t think so, Arsenal fans might have to wait until that day that the Professor decides to pack in, for real progress to be made.

Should Arsenal sell Cesc Fabregas?
Will Arsenal sell  Cesc Fabregas?

Twelve months ago, Inter embarked on a managerial search, however, it was one done in the glow of European triumph, one conducted with a horde of trophies safely stored away back home. Now, more than a year on from their Champions League triumph in Madrid, Inter and Moratti are at it again, searching for an adequate replacement for the irreplaceable; the Special One.

With manager Leonardo set to take on a front office role at French club Paris St. Germain, Inter’s search, while only a week or so old, has already met with disappointment and rejection. Former Chile manager Marcelo Bielsa, known for his expansive style of play, was the first to snub Moratti and co., before Porto hotshot Villas-Boas elected to join Chelsea ahead of the Nerazzuri. While moves for Laurent Blanc and Fabio Capello were played down, a much more serious venture was also ended, as Sinisa Mihajlovic added his name to the growing list of managers to have turned their noses up at Moratti and Inter Milan.

For a club of Inter’s size, this consistent rejection is as bemusing as it is frustrating. While you can be sure that their are a whole host of managers willing to take on the role, the ones that Inter have in mind haven’t shown the remotest interest, whether it be because of Moratti’s nasty habit of interfering in coaching affairs, or the consistently pressured state of a hot seat at any of Italy’s major clubs.

While at the moment the coaching situation is the number one concern for the blue and black side of the San Siro, frustration must also exist in the club’s failure to make any ground in this year’s transfer market. Alexis Sanchez, a confirmed target of Inter’s, seems to have chosen Barcelona ahead of all his Italian suitors, while players already at Inter have been heavily linked with moves elsewhere. Samuel Eto’o has stated his desire to finish his career with a Premier League swansong, while Wesley Sneijder is the subject of interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.

In between secret meetings with every manager under the sun, Moratti has done his best to quash all the rumors of departing players, but has met with little success; both Eto’o and Sneijder have been just has heavily linked away this week as they were the last.

If Inter don’t sort out their future soon, then dire premonitions will soon begin to circulate; with Italy limited to only three Champions League spots next season, there is no room for error amongst Serie A’s top sides. Already, Milan have started to build towards next season, bringing in Mexes, Taiwo and a couple young Italian strikers, while Juventus have also been very active in the transfer market. In Naples, the Azzuri look set to retain the services of their “big three” attackers, so competition is sure to be stiff next season; and I haven’t even mentioned the rejuvenated AS Roma yet!

So the longer Inter toil away in that managerial hunt, the more fans of the Coppa Italia winners will begin to look over their shoulders. There are more than a few teams creeping up, determined to throw a spanner in Inter’s works, and mix it up with the established elite in Italy.

If you were Moratti, who would you bring in as Inter coach?

This aricle was also published by The Chairman on Footy Utopia.

1. Adrian Lopez- After an unconvincing first match, Adrian has become one of Spain’s most impressive players. His first three goals were all taken well, but numbers four and five added importance into the equation.

Too often, major tournament’s hand out their golden boots to players who racked up goals in easy wins during the group stage, fortunately, Denmark’s U21 Euros will dish out their scoring honor to a big game goalscorer. Adrian’s first came with only a minute of the ninety left, as the number seven showed real desire in getting to the near post before the defender, to prod home a vital equalizer.

Just minutes later, he was at it again, heading home Diego Capel’s brilliant cross to put the Spaniards 2-1 to the good with fifteen minutes of extra time remaining. At the beginning of the tournament, it had seemed as though for all their pretty little patterns, Spain would always have problems putting the ball in the back of the net, Adrian Lopez has prevented Spain from becoming know for their lack of a cutting edge, since opening his account he has been in breathtaking goal scoring form.

2. Jeffren- Since the substitution was introduced into football, every great team has had that one man, the “super sub” who could come on and provide impetus to the attack, and help secure a result that at first had looked a tough ask. In Jeffren, Spain have found their man, a player capable of making an impact off the bench, and in the case of today’s game a vital, vital impact.

It takes real composure to produce a moment of brilliance at the end of a tight game, to provide your team with the edge when a match had looked beyond reach. However, Jeffren was able to do all that, his cross to the near post was tapped in by star scorer Adrian, as Spain found a crucial equalizer in the last minute of normal time.

If a last gasp assist wasn’t enough to secure a place on this list for Jeffren, then his howitzer of a goal in the final minute of extra time fully secured it. With the Belarussians running out of time for which to grab an equalizer, Jeffren put a little gloss on Spain’s semi final win, firing home a stunning strike from range which completed a 3-1 win. Certainly, Barcelona’s Jeffren has made a strong case to be included in the starting line-up for Spain’s upcoming final.

3. Muniain- Muniain rose to prominence this season after some truly impressive performances for Spanish club Athletic Bilbao, and he has continued to enhance his reputation with a series of strong showings in the Euro U21 Championships. However, it was only today that he stamped his name all over a game, Muniain was one of the best players on the pitch as Spain narrowly beat the Czech Republic.

An attacking player who can play on the wing or through the middle, Munian was a danger every time he got on the ball, dribbing past players with consummate ease, and finding intelligent, insicive passes. Though he didn’t score, Muniain was a constant threat to the Czech goal, buzzing around with intent, it was surprise to me that he didn’t eventually find his way onto the score sheet.

With a final approaching for the Spanish squad, players like Muniain will be crucial, if the Athletic Bilbao man complement his performances with goal, then Spain could be in business. Mind you, they could be in business anyway!

4. Admir Mehmedi- Goals from midfield are a valuable asset to any team, and this Swiss side has enjoyed a very fair serving of them. Crucial to that has been their number eleven, who once again stepped up to play a massive role on Wednesday night.

Deep into extra time and with the match seemingly destined for penalties, Mehmedi picked up the ball several yards outside the Czech penalty area, advanced, and slashed a shot across goal into the bottom corner of the net. A sumptuous goal on any occasion, but one made just that much more special by the circumstances it was scored in.

Against Spain, players like Mehmedi are going to be absolutely crucial to combating the Spanish possession game, Mehmedi will have to complement his goalscoring feats with a performance of steel and discipline.

5. Xherdan Shaqiri- It is impossible to leave this little man out. Despite not having any statistical impact on the game, it was his performances which eventually wore down the Czech rear guard. Shaqiri’s exquisite touch and turn, coupled with real pace, endurance and a laser like shot, forced the Czechs to double up on him, creating space for the likes of Mehmedi to produce some magic of their own.

By quite a long way, Shaqiri was the best player on the pitch, a danger every time the ball arrived at his feet. With the game drifting towards extra time, he almost won the match with a fabulous low shot from range, which agonizingly rebounded off the outside of the post.

Had that shot gone in, Shaqiri would have gained all the plaudits he deserved following a brilliant performance, however, for now at least, he has to step back and share some of the limelight with teammate Admir Mehmedi.

On Wednesday, Goal.com’s Paul Macdonald will unveil a World XI most equipped to take on Barcelona. Today, In For The Hat Trick will introduce their XI, on Wednesday we’ll see how it compares with Paul’s!


The Rules: The team must be made up of current players, that do not currently play for Barcelona.


Formation: My World XI would play in a 4-3-3 formation, one that when supplied with the appropriate personnel is dangerous in attack and compact in defense.


The Team: 


GK: Pepe Reina- Many would say that this is the least important of the eleven positions to be filled, but I disagree, while there are a whole plethora of adequately equipped shot stoppers in the game, there are very few who would fit my requirements for inclusion in this team. What Pepe Reina brings to the table that is perhaps lacking in the game of other goalkeepers is real intelligence with the ball. When Reina picks up the ball either with his feet or his hands, he is immediately looking for an option, a way to start an attack. Boasting remarkably good technique in both his throwing and his kicking, Reina is capable of picking out the players he sees, and would be an ideal man to kick start a surge forward.

RB: Branislav Ivanovic- Right back was one of the most difficult decisions to make my mind up on; there are a myriad of potential candidates, from youngsters like Rafael to the more experienced Maicon. However, Ivanovic’s sheer strength, speed and concentration sets him apart from the rest. Sure, Maicon was a part of the Inter Milan team which beat Barcelona in a two legged Champions League tie, but since then, his reputation has been tarnished by Welsh Wizard Gareth Bale. Ivanovic however, has been a model of consistency, the only Chelsea player last season to perform strongly throughout the duration of the league campaign. Ivanovic would be more than capable of stopping players like Pedro, and his prowess in the air would aid the World XI on set pieces.

CB: Lucio- Despite not playing his best over the past twelve months, Lucio still is an obvious candidate for the center back position. His stellar partnership with Samuel factored hugely into Inter’s success at the Camp Nou, and I feel that Lucio is still good enough to pull that feat off again. His strength, size and power are simply breathtaking, and I feel that he could easily shut down striker David Villa. Lucio has the pedigree, and he is most certainly a default starter in this World XI.

CB: Thiago Silva- This young man is fast becoming the best center back in European football and his play last season with AC Milan more than warranted a spot on the World XI team sheet. Silva is a disciplined defender who can also play in midfield, showing that he has the skill and passing ability necessary to cut it against Barcelona. Silva is capable of carrying the ball out of defense and distributing, something that would be crucial in keeping and maintaining possession, too many long balls forward would play right into Barca’s hands.

LB: Ashley Cole- At this point in time, there really aren’t a lot of high quality left backs to choose from; the only two really eligible are Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra. While personally I think that Evra is a better player, he has failed in matches against Barcelona too often in the past, so I would be hesitant in putting him in a crucial position, one which if adequately filled could go some way to stifling the threat of Messi. Cole, like most top class full backs, boasts immense attacking ability with strong defensive discipline, attributes that would both come in handy against Barcelona.

CM: Wesley Sneijder- Sneijder is an absolute must in this team, he is by quite a long way the best creative midfielder outside Barcelona, and he has experience at playing against the famed Catalan midfield. Sneijder is someone who can not only start attacks with terrifically accurate cross field balls, but can keep the midfield’s possession game ticking over with smart interchanges of passes. Sneijder is also a brilliant taker of free kicks and corners, and as we know, if there is one weakness in the Barcelona team it is their ability to defend from set pieces.

CM: Michael Essien- Essien, in my opinion, is still the finest holding midfielder in World football. His pace, tenacity and eye for goal have helped him on the way to that title, and I think he is a much more mobile alternative to Pepe in the center of midfield. In 2009, Essien’s Chelsea team were within a couple minutes of knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League, and the Ghanaian destroyer’s play in midfield was a huge part of that. Essien is a man who could disrupt Xavi and Iniesta’s passing rhythm, and if that was achieved then the whole Barcelona machine would be thrown off sync.

CM: Bastian Schweinsteiger- One of my favorite players, Schweinsteiger is a more experienced than fellow candidate Jack Wilshere, and much more disciplined than the aforementioned Pepe. Schweinsteiger is another who could hustle and harry the Barca midfield, and his strength and creativity in attack would also be a boon to the World XI. Schweinsteiger does not play in a team good enough to pose Barcelona a real challenge, so until he moves away from Germany we are unlikely to see him pitted against the Catalans in any really meaningful way. Sure Bayern might be drawn against them in next year’s Champions League, but surrounded by players incapable of keeping up with the Catalans, his talents in midfield would make little difference.


RF: Cristiano Ronaldo- Ronaldo’s goal threat from midfield makes him impossible to leave out of the team. In the past he has performed poorly against Barca, but the threat is still there, and at any moment he could finally explode all over Pep Guardiola’s team. Ronaldo’s pace would come in handy on the counter attack, and his ability in the air (as demonstrated in the Copa Del Rey final) would also be a useful weapon. The one weakness to Ronaldo’s game is his refusal to track back, which is why I would deploy him on the right, Barcelona don’t have a really top class attacking left back on their books, so his defensive weaknesses would be less easy to exploit on that side of the pitch.

CF: Carlos Tevez- As demonstrated by Chicharito’s performance in the Champions League final, as a striker you can’t play against Barcelona unless you are capable of keeping the ball and moving it around. Time and time again Javier Hernandez gave the ball straight back to the Barcelona midfield, and time and time again United’s attacks fell apart when the ball reached his boots. Tevez however, is equally as good at finishing as Chicharito, yet he is able to link up play as well. Perhaps most important though is Tevez’ work rate, he routinely covers more ground than anyone else, and is another player capable of disrupting Barcelona’s passing game at its very route, the feet of Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique.


LF: Samuel Eto’o- Eto’o was arguably the most important piece of Jose Mourinho’s 2010 Barcelona blueprint. Known for the vastness of his ego, Mourinho managed to convince Eto’o to shelve his pride and play out a crucial defensive roll. In 2010, Eto’o shut down the attacking threat of Dani Alves, and also did an excellent job on both Messi and Pedro when either one got anywhere near his side of the field. On the attacking end, Eto’o is equally as effective, though in 2010 he really had very little impact up there, history shows us that he is capable of making something out of nothing. The Cameroonian clocked up thirty-eight goals last season, there is no reason why he would be unable to notch up a couple more against his former employers.

Please comment with your preferred eleven, or any questions or comments regarding mine.

Read more by David Yaffe-Bellany/The Chairman  @ EPL Talk and Red Flag Flying High

1. Danny Welbeck- Last season was one of real advancement in the career of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck. After performing well in only a handful of appearances for United, Welbeck was sent on loan to Sunderland, where for the first part of the season he formed part of a dangerous attacking triumvirate, made up of himself as well as Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan.

At the U21 Euros, Welbeck was England’s only goalscorer, finishing well against Spain, and then having his potentially crucial goal against the Czech Republic wiped out by a late blitz. Forming a solid partnership with Danny Sturridge, Welbeck caused defenses problems with his mazy dribbles and fine interplay. Many seem to think that the Englishman will get more of a chance at United next season, and if he continues from where he left off against the Czechs, then he may well earn further first team opportunities.

2. Phil Jones- There is definitely a case to be made that Phil Jones’ reputation has been a little inflated since news of him move to Manchester United came through, however, he was one of England’s strongest performers against the Czechs. Forging a very effective partnership with Chris Smalling, Jones looked strong in the air, composed in the dribble and aggressive in the tackle. If the Smalling-Jones axis continues to succeed, then it is one that we could see feature very prominently for both United and England.

Captain on the night against the Czechs, Jones led by example, communicating well with the other members of his defense, and clearly committing totally to the England cause. Unfortunately, Jones and England were beaten by a pair of late goals, leaving a heart broken ex Blackburn defender to return home and prepare for what is likely to be a crucial season in the young man’s career.

3. Chris Smalling- It might seem strange that this list is made up of three players from a team that yesterday exited the tournament but, in all honesty, England’s 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic was their best performance of the finals by quite some way. As mentioned above, the Jones-Smalling axis in defense was crucial to the Lions success for the first eighty-eight minutes of the game, the pair were both very effective at shutting down star Czech Republic striker Kozak.

Smalling’s control of the ball at the back was particularly stunning, he looked every bit like a new Rio Ferdinand, calmly dribbling the ball forward, and spraying accurate passes to all parts of the pitch. Smalling’s performance at the Championships proved that his opening season at United was no fluke, Chris Smalling is definitely the real deal.

4. Juan Mata- For those of you bored of hearing me wax lyrical about Valencia midfielder Mata, look away now. After appearing in the Days 3,4 and 5 List, Mata has returned for more, he was simply brilliant against Ukraine. After playing the part of “mister assist” for the first two games, Mata finally got a couple goals of his own, slotting home from close range before netting a penalty later on. Neither goal was particularly difficult to take, but both were converted with consummate ease, earning Mata a place on the list and Spain a place in the semi finals.

With players like Mata, Herrera, Adrian and Thiago in tow, there is no doubt that Spain are now run away favorites to win the U21 European Championships, like the senior team they keep the ball for minutes at a time, and finally they seem to have discovered a goalscoring touch.

5. Lukas Marecek- After defeating England, the Czech Republic will advance to the semi finals, and their future from then on will depend a lot on the form of players like captain Borek Dockal and inspirational midfielder Lukas Marecek. For a period in the first half, Marecek was everywhere, dictating play when the Czechs were in possession and closing down England when they were not. Marecek seems to have an astute understanding of the geometry of central midfield, his short passing was clever and his movement excellent.

Since signing in 2010, Marecek has only made a handful of appearances for Belgian club Anderlecht, but after his fine performance against England, that could be about to change next season.