Transfer Roundup: Premiership Focus

By: Alan
Soccer City FC

Clubs in the Premiership are beginning to dive into the market with only four weeks before the first league matches kick-off.

Newcastle have made their second summer signing by clinching the transfer of midfielder Danny Guthrie from Liverpool after a fee was agreed. Manager Kevin Keegan believes he has signed a player with a big future ahead of him, saying “He proved himself in the Premier League last season so we know he can play at that level.” Guthrie, who spent last season on-loan at Bolton, has signed on a four-year deal and he follows Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez to St James Park. While one player has left Anfield, Xabi Alonso’s switch to Italian giants Juventus is in doubt following their announcement that “we can say that we have concluded our transfer activity." Liverpool’s own targets may be scuppered as those funds were expected to pay for Gareth Barry of Aston Villa and Tottenham’s Irish striker Robbie Keane. Arsenal are rumoured to have entered the race to secure the signature of Barry, who has already declared that he wants to move to Liverpool with the lure of Champions League football proving too hard to resist.

Samir Nasri has switched life in France for England as his long-awaited move to Arsenal from Marseille has been completed. The French playmaker has been described as a “young, quick and technically an outstanding player" by Arsene Wenger and the signing has enabled Alexander Hleb to leave for Barcelona for £12m. Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva is also expected to depart to Greek outfit Panathinaikos.

While captain Gareth Barry is almost certain to leave, Aston Villa have signed US goalkeeper Brad Guzan from Chivas USA and he is their second addition following Steve Sidwell’s £5m move from Chelsea. Portsmouth have signed England’s towering striker Peter Crouch from Liverpool in a move that will see him form a partnership with compatriot Jermain Defoe. "I've worked with the manager before and he gets the best out of me," Crouch said, who also said the ambitions of his new club matched his own.

One of the standout stories of the summer has been that of Ronaldinho’s proposed move to Manchester City, but the Eastlands side failed despite offering the former World Player of the Year wages that doubled AC Milan’s offered £100,000 per week. Barcelona will receive a fee which could rise to around £19m. Mark Hughes conceded that all was done to sign the Brazilian and he will now move onto securing other targets, with Chelsea’s Tal Ben Heim reportedly being one of them. On the departure list heading out of Manchester is Georgios Samaras, having made his move to Celtic permanent.

Steve Bruce has raided his former club Birmingham to be re-united with French midfielder Olivier Kapo for an initial £2.5m and released former Holland-21 international Daniel de Ridder. Kapo scored 5 times in 26 appearances last season and Bruce spoke of his desire to sign him. "He's the one I really wanted to get on board," said Bruce. "Olivier's a real fighter, but he has a touch of quality about him.” Fulham have signed West Ham duo Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil for a combined fee of £6.3 million. Both players found their first-team opportunities were limited, with Zamora only managing one goal in 14 appearances last term. Zamora has said “The prospect of working with a coach of Roy Hodgson’s caliber was a great opportunity”.

Newly-promoted Hull City have added several players in a matter of days, George Boateng being the stand-out of them. The Dutchman signed from Middlesbrough for £1m along with Hungarian winger Peter Halmosi for an undisclosed fee and Fulham goalkeeper Tony Warner on a free transfer, which rounded off three transfers in the same day. Stoke, meanwhile, have agreed a fee for England international goalkeeper Scott Carson in the region of £4 million but face competition from ‘one or two other clubs involved in the mix’. West Brom have also signed Slovakia left-back Marek Cech from Porto for £1.4m - the defender is seen as an impressive signing due to Cech’s role in helping the Portuguese side win their league title for the last three seasons.

Related items at Soccer City FC:

• Soccer City FC: The Top Ten

Manchester City: Reflecting on 2007/08 and Looking to the Future

By: Alan
Soccer City FC

In only 14 days time, the 2008/2009 season will already have began for Manchester City as they kick-off on their European travels away to Faroese minnows EB/Streymur in the UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round. Expectations are already high as talks of superstar Ronaldinho joining continue to grow and his Brazilian compatriot Jo has been signed for a record transfer fee in the region of £19 million from Russia’s CSKA Moscow. Mark Hughes has imminently added to the squad with the capture of the striker and his presence in the team will hopefully solve a position that has previously troubled Manchester City. Previous big-money signings of Rolando Bianchi and Georgios Samaras have failed in the Premiership for different reasons, although the former may still have a future at the club; it is clear that he initially failed to settle. Benjani has had a respectable impact having scored in the derby and then on two further occasions since joining in January but he too will be looking for improvement. Last season’s top goalscorer was Elano, having scored a creditable ten goals in all competitions and achieved as many assists but he is not a natural forward and Vassell and Petrov are also midfielders.

The lack of a proven goalscorer has been evident ever since Anelka departed to Fenerbahce, hence an additional attacking quality would certainly give the team a cutting edge and there is no reason why Jo cannot provide this. A prolific 44 goals in 77 outings for CSKA Moscow explains why he is one of the world’s hottest talents, and although a step-up to the Premiership is a massive one, his stature and instinctive goalscoring ability mean he should adapt to the league. He stole the show against Inter Milan last season in the Champions League group stage and it was then where he stamped his name on world football.

Last season had many highs but in hindsight the lows are equally as known. Life seemed perfect for both owner and manager after the double over rivals United had been surprisingly completed, but it signified a downfall in fortunes that would result in yet another manager at the helm. Two derby wins was obviously one of the main highlights of the season, along with a long-lasting stance in the top 4 until the end of November and many pleasing results were picked up along the way. Somehow, and inevitably, it was not going to last but it is astounding how far the team had dropped in effort, commitment and performances and the results suffered accordingly. The team that had beaten the Premiership and European winners lost to relegated Birmingham and Reading, and suffered further embarrassing defeats to Middlesbrough in the 8-1 drubbing and to Fulham despite leading 2-0.

It was arguably the efforts of the team in the last few games of the season which was of most concern, the on-going difficulties between Eriksson and Shinawatra clearly taking their toll on the team as a whole and the change in manager was probably for the best. Those not even following Manchester City would have agreed that the Swede deserved another year in charge but it was not meant to be and there were deeper problems at the end of the season. A finish of ninth was decent and a step forward but a higher position could easily have been achieved. In typical fashion, Manchester City did the difficult but could not manage the easy fixtures and many points were needlessly lost. One interesting fact sums up the season - Manchester City had the best record outside of the top four against the top four, but the worst against the bottom four. Impressive opening form has to be sustained throughout the campaign if they are to break into the top four stranglehold, and the away form has to reflect the home form slightly more. All in all with Mark Hughes now in charge and the UEFA Cup slot being achieved via the Fair Play League, last season has to be seen as one whereby lessons have been learnt and everyone concerned can move forward.

The squad needs improvements but the core of it is very talented and none of the players signed other than Benjani had previous Premiership experience. With one season under their belt, the new additions will surely perform more consistently and anything is possible after that. Joe Hart was the most positive outcome of last season and he stepped up from second choice to become City’s first-choice goalkeeper and has already made his England debut. Richard Dunne and Micah Richards formed one of the strongest and assured defences in the country, whilst Corluka shone at right-back with his calm and elegant art of defending and attacking. The Croatian displayed he is one of Europe’s best full-backs. Majestic Brazilian international Elano and Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov stole the attacking accolades, the former reaching double figures for both goals and assists and only few exceeded him last season. Petrov influenced games in a similar fashion whilst the contributions of converted forward Darius Vassell managed a solid job on the right of midfield. The former England striker, despite lacking top-class skill and consistency, showed once again his hard work ethic and came up with some important goals.

Michael Johnson and Stephen Ireland impressed at both ends of the pitch but will need to produce the goods more regularly in 2009. Defensive midfielders Hamann and Gelson Fernandes shone, with the veteran German showing how vital his experience can be and Fernandes demonstrated his ability as potentially one of the finest holding midfielders in the game - development of attacking skills will only improve him. Youngsters Ched Evans and Danny Sturridge along with Kelvin Etuhu and the FA Youth Cup academy winning team shows the future of the club is in healthy hands. Securing the futures of Hart and Dunne to new contracts is vital, and doing so will prove to supporters that the club's ambitions to achieve are more than real.

Statistics From Last Season:

Minutes Played:
Dunne - 3044, Petrov - 2976, Corluka - 2973, Ireland - 2568, Elano - 2455, Hart - 2399, Richards - 2249, Hamann - 2206, Fernandes - 1954, Johnson - 1934, Garrido - 1892, Ball - 1864, Vassell - 1779, Onouha - 1220, Benjani - 1069, Jihai - 803, Mpenza - 741

Premiership Goals (In All Competitions):
Elano - 8 (10), Vassell - 6 (6), Petrov - 5 (5), Bianchi - 4 (5), Ireland - 4 (4), Benjani - 3 (3), Geovanni - 3 (3), Mpenza - 2 (3), Fernandes - 2 (2), Johnson - 2 (2), Sturridge - 1 (2), Etuhu - 1 (1), Onouha 1 (1), Samaras 0 (1)

Minutes per Premiership goal:
Geovanni - 132, Sturridge - 152, Vassell - 296, Elano - 306, Benjani - 356, Mpenza - 370, Petrov - 595, Ireland - 642, Johnson - 967, Fernandez - 977, Onouha - 1220

Premiership Assists:
Elano - 9, Petrov - 8, Ireland - 4, Johnson - 3, Vassell - 3, Corluka - 2, Fernandez - 1, Geovanni - 1, Garrido - 1, Onouha - 1

Tackles (Top 5):
Dunne - 108, Hamann - 105, Ireland - 94, Fernandez - 82, Corluka - 66

Clearances - Top 5 Defenders:
Dunne - 516, Richards - 298, Corluka - 221, Ball - 192, Onouha - 131

Passes (Accuracy) - Top 5:
Dunne - 1396 (79%), Hamann - 1341 (83%), Corluka - 1302 (76%), Ireland - 1138 (74%), Elano - 1116 (76%)

Crosses - Top 5:
Petrov - 283, Elano - 90, Garrido - 63, Vassell - 45, Ball - 40

Shots On Target - Top 5:
Petrov - 33, Elano - 22, Benjani - 14, Ireland - 13, Vassell - 11

Shots Off Target - Top 5:
Petrov - 53, Elano - 45, Ireland - 25, Johnson - 23, Vassell - 20

Euro 2008: Sunday June 8th Schedule

Sunday 6/08

11:50 a.m.- Austria vs. Croatia (Group B) - (ESPN2)

Key Players

Austria - FW Roland Linz, DF Martin Stranzl, and MF René Aufhauser

Croatia - DF Vedran Ćorluka, MF Luka Modrić, and MF Niko Kranjčar

Prediction: Croatia's overall skill too much for the co-hosts. Croatia 3-1.

2:30 p.m.- Germany vs. Poland (Group B) - (ESPN2)

Key Players

Poland - FW Euzebiusz Smolarek, GK Artur Boruc, and MF Mariusz Lewandowski

Germany - GK Jens Lehmann, DF Philipp Lahm, FW Miroslav Klose

Prediction: This should turn out to be one of the best matches in the group stage. Poland 3-2 over Germany in a goal fest.

Two German Goalkeepers Returning to Bundesliga for 2008

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has signed with Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart for the 2008-2009 season. The 38-year-old German is expected to start for his nation in Euro 2008 which begins this weekend. Previously, he played for Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Lehmann signed a one-year contract with Stuttgart.

Also returning home is Germany goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt. The former international player played for S.L. Benfica in Portugal last season. He has signed a two-year contract with Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich.

Image details: Euro 2008 - German National Team Training & Press Conference Day 2 served by picapp.com

Euro 2008: Player Video Tour 2

Soccer City FC continues to showcase several players who will be looked upon to carry their national teams in Austria and Switzerland. Videos via various members at YouTube. Click on the player's name to view their video.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehman (Germany) - "38 year old keeper’s last outing for the national team. Jens has a lot to prove if he wants to continue his club career."

Striker: Miroslav Klose (Germany) - "The former Werder Bremen, now Bayern Munich man will have to show that World Cup form again."

Right Back: Sergio Ramos (Spain) - "As one of the most creative and energetic full backs, his contribution down the right flank will be very important in a team lacking any natural right winger."

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Spain) - "The current Spanish number one had another consistent season, topping La Liga in both saves made and fewest goals conceded, as well as making UEFA's Team of the Year. Spain's progress in the tournament could come down to how well Casillas does."

Euro 2008 Preview: Spain

By: Juan Iglesias
Special to Soccer City FC

Player Spotlights:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas - The current Spanish number one had another consistent season, topping La Liga in both saves made and fewest goals conceded, as well as making UEFA's Team of the Year. Spain's progress in the tournament could come down to how well Casillas does.

Centre Back: Carles Puyol - Coming off a disappointing season affected by injury, Puyol is nevertheless the only top class central defender in the squad. He will be crucial in organizing the weakest part of the team.

Right Back: Sergio Ramos - As one of the most creative and energetic full backs, his contribution down the right flank will be very important in a team lacking any natural right winger.

Forward: Fernando Torres - He will start either as the leading forward or the only one. Despite being the most talented Spanish striker, he has been overshadowed at times in the national team by David Villa. The time has come for Torres to fulfill his potential.

Group D Opponents

Russia - Four years ago Spain won this match 1-0, and a similar result can be expected against the the weakest team in group D.

Sweden - Solid team, with quality individuals. This should be a close game. In the qualifiers, Sweden won 2-0 at home, while Spain won 3-0 in the return.

Greece - With their defensive system, they are ideally suited to contain Spain and will be their toughest opponent in the group stage. A draw is likely here.

Tactical Questions

While Spain possess an abundance of quality midfielders such as Iniesta, Fàbregas, Xavi and Senna, finding the best way of utilising them has proved problematic for aging Spanish coach Luis Aragonés. This will be one of Spain's biggest problems, coping with his fondness of switching formations and line-ups. However, in recent games at least, something resembling a flat 4-4-2 has been used, which will be important in competing with physically stronger teams.

Prediction

Reaching the quarterfinal is achievable, the question is whether further progress can be made. Whichever team emerges this "Group of Death" will prove a formidable opponent.

Party Like It's 1999

Some quick bits of news and a video ad from 1999:

- Carlos Vela obtained his work permit and is certain to factor into Arsenal's plans for 2008-2009.

- Joe Germanese finalized his developmental contract with the New England Revolution and will join the team now that his semester is complete at Duke University.

- And congrats to Manchester United. Here is a look back at a 1999 advert geared towards supporters of the club and Pepsi aficionados via YouTube.

Carlos Vela: Premiership Bound

Mexican international Carlos Vela appears to be moving back to Arsenal after his year-long loan spell at La Liga side Osasuna. He has 3 goals in 32 league appearances this season. The 19 year-old forward/winger scored his first goal against Real Betis this past October.

Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger stated his intention to bring Vela back via the club's official website. "We have applied for a work permit for him now," he continued, "And he will be involved with the first team next season."

Vela signed with Arsenal in 2005 and has been loaned out three times in Spain: Celta de Vigo in 2006, UD Salamanca in 2006-2007, and last season with Osasuna.

With Osasuna, Vela played on the left wing. He will be used in more of a forward role with Arsenal according to Wenger.

Prior to his arrival in London, Carlos Vela helped lead Mexico to the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championships. He was the Golden Boot winner at the tournament scoring 5 goals.

La Liga/Premiership - An Odd League Title Connection

A very odd yet interesting bit of statistical data here. Just the type of stuff we love at Soccer City FC. Thank you kindly to Avon who pointed me towards this information.

Champions in La Liga and the Premiership over the last several years...

• 2000-2001 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2001-2002 Valencia & Arsenal
• 2002-2003 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2003-2004 Valencia & Arsenal
• 2004-2005 Barcelona & Chelsea
• 20005-2006 Barcelona & Chelsea
• 2006-2007 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2007-2008 Real Madrid & Manchester United

Another Double for Arsenal Women

Arsenal's women won the FA Cup with a 4-1 victory over Leeds United. Kelly Smith scored twice; Jayne Ludlow and Lianne Sanderson rounded out the scoring for Arsenal.

Three goals in six minutes from Smith 54', Ludlow 59', and Sanderson 60' all but ended the match.

The FA Cup victory completes yet another double in league and cup for the women.

The women's club now have won 29 cups since its formation in 1987.

Euro 2008 Preview: Do You Have Your Nation's Gear?

With the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship set to begin on June 7th, it is not too late to stock up on your nation's favorite gear. Check out all the latest from Soccer City FC's affiliates.

Austria: Co-hosts and debut appearance in the UEFA European Football Championship
Key Players: Forward Roland Linz (S.C. Braga), Forward Erwin "Jimmy" Hoffer (Rapid Vienna), and Defender Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough FC)



Switzerland: Co-hosts appeared in the 1996 and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder Gelson Fernandes (Manchester City FC), Forward Alexander Frei (Borussia Dortmund), and Defender Philippe Senderos (Arsenal FC)



Poland: Group A Qualifying Winner and debut appearance in the torunament
Key Players: Goalkeeper Artur Boruc (Celtic FC), Forward Euzebiusz Smolarek (Racing de Santander), and Midfielder Jacek Krzynówek (VfL Wolfsburg)



Portugal: Group A Runner-up appeared in the 1984, 1996, 2000, and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder/Forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Forward Nuno Gomes (S.L. Benfica), and Midfielder Deco (Barcelona)



Italy: Group B Winner appeared in the 1968, 1980, 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Forward Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Midfielder Gennaro Gattuso (A.C. Milan) and Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)



France: Group B Runner-up appeared in 1960, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Defender William Gallas (Arsenal FC), Midfielder Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), and Forward Thierry Henry (Barcelona)



Greece: Group C Winner appeared in 1980 and 2004 (Euro 2004 Champions)
Key Players: Midfielder Kostas Katsouranis (S.L. Benfica), Forward Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg), and Giourkas Seitaridis (Atlético Madrid)



Turkey: Group C Runner-up appeared in 1996 and 2000 tournaments
Key Players: Forward Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal CF), Midfielder Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough FC), and Defender Servet Çetin (Galatasaray S.K.)



Czech Republic: Group D Winner appeared in 1960, 1976, 1980, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Milan Baroš (Portsmouth FC), Midfielder Jan Polák (R.S.C. Anderlecht), and Defender Marek Jankulovski (A.C. Milan)



Germany: Group D Runner-up appeared in 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Defender Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Forward Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), and Forward Kevin Kurányi (FC Schalke 04)



Croatia: Group E Winners appeared 1996 and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Forward Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), and Defender Dario Šimić (A.C. Milan)



Russia: Group E Runner-up appeared in 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2004
Key Players: Midfielder Marat Izmaylov (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Forward Dmitri Sychev (FC Lokomotiv Moscow), and Defender Aleksei Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow)



Spain: Group F Winner appeared in 1964, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC), Midfielder Xavi (Barcelona), and Defender Carles Puyol (Barcelona)



Sweden: Group F Runnder-up appeared in 1992, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forwad Zlatan Ibrahimović (Inter Milan), Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson (Manchester City FC), and Defender Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa FC)



Romania: Group G Winner appeared in 1984, 1996, and 2000
Key Players: Forward Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina), Defender Cristian Chivu (Inter Milan), and Forward Ciprian Marica (VfB Stuttgart)



Nehterlands: Group G Runner-up appeared in 1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Midfielder Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid), and Midfielder Clarence Seedorf (A.C. Milan)

UEFA Champions League Quaterfinal Schedule

UEFA Champions League quarterfinal schedule found below.

4-1-2008 - Quarterfinals (First Leg)
AS Roma vs. Manchester United
FC Schalke 04 vs. FC Barcelona

4-2-2008 - Quarterfinals (First Leg)
Arsenal vs. Liverpool FC
Fenerbahce vs. Chelsea

4-8-2008 - Quarterfinals (Second Leg)
Chelsea vs. Fenerbahce
Liverpool FC vs. Arsenal

4-9-2008 - Quarterfinals (Second Leg)
FC Barcelona vs. FC Schalke 04
Manchester United vs. AS Roma

***
Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will host the final on May 21, 2008.

Brian Grazier Signs Development Contract With Rapids

Midfielder Brian Grazier has signed a developmental contract with the Colorado Rapids. He was drafted with the 47th pick in round four of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft.

Earlier this year, Brian chatted with Soccer City FC. You can find his Q & A interviews below.

• Brian Grazier Q & A Interview
• Brian Grazier Interview Before Combine