The Future Before Us...Bojan Krkic

Imagine being 17 and having greats of football such as Ronaldinho and Henry jump to their feet at your display on the pitch. Bojan Krkic does not have to imagine because he has witnessed the greats praise his contribution throughout the season. During the pre season Ronaldinho jumped to his feet in approval as the young man awesome ball control skills left defenders and the goal keeper praying for divine intervention. The teenage Spaniard forced himself into the Barcalona's first team squad after destroying goal scoring records in the youth and reserve teams. There is no doubt that he will continue to evolve into a key figure in the Catalan's attacking line up.

Bojan was born in Catalonia, Spain and is the son of a Serbian footballer. His father moved to Spain after meeting his mother and he soon became a scout for Barcalona. The youngman soon became a member of the Barcalona Academy and soon gained the reputation of a goal scoring phenomenon. In just seven years he scored over 500 goals. It was no real surprise that Barcalona decided to grant the young striker a professional contract on his 17th birthday. He then went on to score 10 goals in 15 appearances for the Barcalona reserves. This performance earned him a promotion into the first team in the 07/08.

Injuries to Etoo and Ronaldinho forced him into on to the pitch. He made debut against Osasuna in the La Liga league competition and even played in Champion League matches. His Champions League debut against Lyon made him the youngest player ever to play in the competition. He went on to break records during the season such as being the youngest player to score a goal in a Barcalona shirt and the second youngest player to score in the Champions League. Krkic went on to score 10 goals in 31 appearances during the season. The young prodigy also has already become a legend in for his country. In 2006 he scored the goal that won the under 17 Euro Championships. He then went on to earn a spot in the Under 17 Fifa World Cup where he scored 5 goals that aided his team reach the final. This year at the young age of 17 he was called up to the senior team for a friendly against France in Febraury. He however did not play because he asked to be excused due to sickness. He was also a candidate to be included in Spain's Euro 08 team but asked to be excused due to fatigue he experienced playing for Barcalona.

The future is extremely bright for this youngman. He comes from a football background and has already proven to one of the world's biggest club staff he is a natural goal scorer. His ball control and dribbling skills are uncanny. They remind me of a cross between Ronaldinho and Messi. Due to his long hair style I sometimes mistake him for Messi when he makes his dribbling runs at defenders. He is also fearless and is never afraid to try an outlandish move to embarass defenders and the goal keeper. He also has a great football mind despite his young age. His shot selection is very good and he knows when to pass the ball when defenders try to console his movement. He should recieve more time on the pitch if Ronaldinho and Etoo move on this summer. I expect to be entertained by Bojan for seasons to come.

Arsenal...Wenger has nothing to worry about Prt 3 Midfield Movements

So far we have looked at transfer signings and strikers we shall now look at the midfield options Wenger has for the upcoming season. It is important to note that Flamini left the club and Hleb may also be leaving so I will be leaving these two players out the article despite their great contributions this season. Based on the facts the players that will play a role next season will be Fabregas, Walcott, Rosicky, Denilson, Diaby, Gilberto and Eboue. These players along with summer transfer signings and youth talent will provide the attacking and defensive line with precision passing and attack ending tackles. Two main players come to mind when I look at this list and these are Fabregas and Walcott. I shall now focus on each midfielder indvidually.

Cesc Fabregas: This young man is touted to become the world's best midfielder years before he celebrates his 25 Birthday. Fabregas has become Arsenal's most important player after the departure of Henry to Barcalona. His precision passes help cut pathways for the strikers. He also has a knack to score goals and has scored over ten during the start of the season. He has ended up with an impressive tally of 13 at the end of the season and has over 16 assists making him a true attacking playmaker. Fabregas not only provides good attacking but he also earned a reputation to be a tough cookie in defense. Opponents learned quickly not to mess around with him after soon finding out he is more than capable to dish out his share of bone crunching tackles despite his stature. The verdict is great for the future. Fabregas is set to extend his deal with the club and is forecasted to improve next season. I am fully confident that the young Spaniard will continue to produce impressive displays of skill next season.

Theo Walcott: I dont think there is an English player quite as exciting as the young 19 yr old Walcott. He is really a striker but Wenger has been developing his talent by forcing him to play on the wing. This season he began to see regular first team action coming off the bench as an attacking right midfielder. His performances had critics pondering why Wenger would not grant him more starting roles. His outstanding pace allowed him to brush defenders aside and push forward into the box. He also managed to score goals of such great quality that comparisons to Thierry Henry were inevitable. This season he managed to hit the net 7 times, scoring twice against Birmingham to open up his premiereship goal tally. His attacking run's during the CL against both AC Milan and Liverpool are some of the most brilliant displays of football this season has encountered. The young Englishman seems to grow everytime he touches the pitch and is gradually becoming a force to reckon with in Europe. The verdict: Walcott's development is amazing, I beleive he will continue to grow into the perfect attacking machine. He now needs to learn how to control his pace and improve on his passing and shot selections. I expect him to earn a starting position next season.

Tomas Rosicky: From the time I saw this players magnificent opening goal in the 06 World Cup I felt that Wenger bought a great player to London. Rosicky is a higly skilled player that provides Arsenal with attacking options on the wing or in center field. The only major flaw with him is he is easily injured and this forced him to limited contributions during the season. Despite this fact Rosicky managed to score 7 goals before being forced to reside on the sidelines due to season ending injuries. Verdict: Rosicky can be relied on to score goals when he is healthy, however I beleive that Wenger should consider signing a player that would provide us with a replacement whenever Tomas is injured.

Neves Denilson: This young Brazilian is one of the next generation of Arsenal players being groomed to become senior players. He plays an attacking role and comes of the bench to provide passing and attacking runs. His contribution in the domestic cup matches earned him two goals. Verdict: Denilson is still in early stages of development, but over time I believe he will be a truly skillful midfielder. His height and body allow him to stay on the ball despite

Vassiriki Diaby: This young Frenchman has all the qualities to become a major force in the Arsenal midfield. He is slim, tall and masterful on the ball. He uses his pace to push forward into the opponents box and sometimes takes a shot on goal. With Flamini's exit many are touting the youngman to be his successor as partner to Fabregas in the midfield. Diaby has a wicked outside shot that has left more than one goal keeping clutching the air this season. This season he has scored 7 goals in all competitions. Verdict: If Diaby is able to remain healthy he has the capabilities to make left central midfield his own spot. Diaby's weakness tends to be overplaying the ball, he needs to learn to pass the ball whenever defenders try to overpower him.

Gilberto Silva: Gilberto remains one of the few veteran players from the Arsenal's winning era. Last season he returned home tired from International duties and lost his starting role as defensive midfielder to Flamini. Flamini's impressive display lead to the Brazilian staying on the bench for the majority of the season. It has been a rough season for Gilberto who felt disowned at the club but remained loyal to the cause. As the season came to a close he was granted more and more appearances by Wenger. Gilberto despite such a lacklustre season has expressed his desire to stay with the club. Verdict: I believe with the departure of Flamini we should keep Gilberto, he provides the team with experience and I believe that he can gain his magnificent form back once more if Wenger gives him the opportunity to play.

Emmanuel Eboue: Many critics believe that Eboue should be dropped from the team. I do not share this view. Wenger decided this season that Eboue was capable of the right midfield role instead of right back. Eboue fit into his role well during the early part of the season. His partnership with Sagna on the wing proved to be almost unstoppable and contributed to Arsenal's many goals. He also contributed to the goal tally with 2 of his own. Eboue however began to become erratic as the season went on drawing attention from the officials that resulted in cards and sending offs. I believe that during this time the player had a lack of focus and dont believe he should be judged by these actions. He is still fairly new in the midfield role and it will take time for him to become accustomed to it. I believe his partnership with Sagna is the main reason he is able retain the starting role over Walcott. Verdict: I expect Eboue to start off the bench next season with Walcott becoming more of an attacking force. Eboue needs to improve in the mental aspect, his pace is perfect to provide passes and crosses from the right, however he needs to calm down and improve on his shot selections.

Reign Supreme: Man U Kings of Europe

Rain and blood poured in Moscow as Manchester United and Chelsea once more faced each other in an epic battle to prove who were the true title owners. Both teams were evenly matched and it took penalty kicks to decide the winner. As much as it hurts me to utter the following words, I believe that overall Manchester United deserved to win the Champions League. They are the best team in the World this season and their focus, determination and team spirit represent what is good in football. They also have been bolstered by the stunning display of their defensive players Ferdinand and Vidic as well as the best player in the World this season Cristiano Ronaldo. There determination to win was evident throughout the season. The team refused to lose matches. It was a normal image to see players with blood running from their bodies as the fought on throughout the season. When they were down a goal instead of giving up the pushed on to at least earn a point. The coaching staff of Manchester United lead by Sir Alex Ferguson made a decision to create a team capable of challenging on the European shores and they have succeeded. The main problem in the past was depth and Ferguson decided to strengthen his team by retaining the core of his team while strengthening it with shrewd transfer signings.

Their summer transfers complimented the more seasoned players. Young players such as Nani and Anderson came into the team with zeal to gain acceptance. Anderson was forced into the starting line up due to injuries and soon made center defensive midfield role his own as dismantled opponents attacks with his tackles. Nani also made his contribution with awe inspiring dribbles and a number of impressive goals. His only weakness being his lack of mental maturity, that earned him a red card and constant attention from referees and opponents. The other two signings that were made in the summer turned out to be just as impressive. The loan deal for Carlos Tevez was a profound move by the team. The Argentine striker already had a winning spirit after winning in the Brazilian league with then top side Corinthians. Bringing him over from West Ham proved priceless as the striker managed to save Man U from losing full points on more than three occasions thanks to his late goals. He fit in seamlessly in the attack front complimenting the movements of his partners Rooney and Ronaldo. He became the teams second highest goal scorer for the season with 19 goals. Owen Hargreaves was the final piece to the transfer puzzle. Man U was determined to add this player to their roster. After failing to sign in him in the previous season they once again pursued the case and were successful. This defensive midfielder provided protection to the backline with precision tackles. He also proved himself to be multi dimensional as Ferguson utilized him as a right back and centre back due to injuries. Hargreaves also managed to find himself on the scoring sheet with a cunning free kick.

Beside the transfer targets Man U recieved much needed boost from their seasoned young starting duo Rooney and Ronaldo. This season both players began to play a new role. Ronaldo became more of a forward while Rooney spent more time in midfield to cater to the runs of Ronaldo. Anyone who has watched football this season cannot deny the growth of Cristiano Ronaldo this season. The young Portuguese received a red card during one of earlier matches of the season. He was forced to watch on the bench as his team struggled to score goals. This agitation seemed to fuel a desire in him to perform throughout the rest of the season and he achieved this by scoring 42 magnificent goals. This season he emerged into the perfect attacking machine, scoring with both feet and his head. He also seemed to have found the secret to taking free kicks. His only weakness seemed to be taking penalties. Rooney also had his trials and tribulations. He injured himself during the start of the season and had to spend time on the sidelines nursing a broken foot. When he returned he began to have short bursts of success in front of goal that would bring his final tally 18 goals for the season. He also showed his versatility and determination by fitting into the midfield and even playing defensive midfield during Ronaldo's drifting up front. Saha also when fit provided the team with attacking options and he scored 5 goals for the season despite being wrath with injuries.

Man U's success was also much to the depth of their midfield in particular. I already made mention of the three midfield summer transfers that have played their respective roles. There is Giggs and Scholes, veteran midfielders, that have provided the team with experience, leadership and goal scoring capabilities. Giggs was granted the captain role due to injuries to Neville and he accepted gracefully leading the team while scoring 8 goals. Scholes after fighting injuries saw himself starting less due to the over achievement of Anderson. He still contributed with 4 goals, including a screaming long range shot that propelled Man U into the Champions League Finals in Moscow. Carrick, Oshea, Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park stepped up and performed when they were called upon. Carrick and Fletcher controlled the midfield and contributed to 4 goals each. Oshea failed to hit the net, however bolstered the defense coming off the bench during the second half of matches. Park was injured for most of the season but regained health in the second half and put on some magnificent runs that aide the forwards in placing the ball in the goal. Ferguson also gave young midfielder Eagles a few chances to experience first team play throughout the season.

I think that defense proved to be the determining factor in Manchester United success this season. The partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic combined to only concede 22 goals in the Premiereship. They also proved integral in keeping out goals during the CL challenge. Both players put their bodies on the line to stop attacking players from scoring. Vidic recieved a head rattling injury after his face connected with Chelsea's striker Drogba's knee. Ferdinand could be seen bleeding from his foot as he shunned pain and battled on through the season while injured. Their relentless protection of the goal gave the attacking players confidence to go forward and score goals. Wes Brown fit into the right back position and held the fort effectively against some of the best attacking forces the premiereship had to offer. Evra became settled and gave assistance to the attack line up with swift runs down the wing. During the dying embers of the season veteran defender Silvestre managed to make a number of appearances giving evidence of the team's depth. Young defender Pique was also given the opportunity to fight for first team placement due to injuries. He replaced Vidic and played in both the centre back and right back roles with great ability and skill. The defensive line up would not be complete without the contribution of the most underated players on the the field, the goal keepers. First team goal keeper Edwin Van Der Sar provided protection in the box keeping out goals with long stretches across the face of goal. Second place and third place goal keeper's Kuszczak and Foster both played their role in the team's success. Kuszczak was able to shake a disappointing Carling Cup defeat to fit into the role of first team goal keeper during the second half of the season due to a Van Der Sar picking up a groin injury.

My two cents: All these elements combined with the leadership and ruthlessness of the coaching staff provided Sir Alex Ferguson with a perfect formula for success. He managed to keep his veteran player, while bringing in new players and introduces youth players into the game. His squad was then large enough to bolster through injuries to key players such as Scholes, Neville and Van De Sar. He also had a number of options to choose from during games. If he felt to apply an attacking minded team, he simply placed Nani, Anderson and Ronaldo in the midfield. If he felt that experience was needed in a game he could rely on veterans Scholes and Giggs. When he felt that the game needed to be slowed down he galvanized the midfield with Hargreaves. The mixture of young talent and expereinced veterans provided him with a team that was able to defend the premiereship in its most competitive season in years. He was also able to claim the most coveted prize the Champions League trophy and become the King of Europe. Another season has ended and I look forward for the transfer window and the new season to see how the sage continues. Congratulations Manchester United on your success in the 07/08 season.

End of an Era: FC Barcalona

In a recent press conference the World was informed that FC Barcalona has decided to part company with their manager Frank Rijkaard. I dont believe anyone who has watched Barcalona this season would be surprised by this news. The team has been shrouded in controversy and internal problems that seemed to have destroyed the seam that held the team together. Now gone are the smiles and beautiful play that the manager and his players executed flawlessly as they dominate their domestic league and won European competitions. Summer rumours have it that marquee players Etoo, Deco and Ronaldinho are on their way to other top flight European clubs. The team reached its Zenith in 2005 capturing both the La Liga title and Champion's League cup. It seemed that this victory quenched the thirst of its stars and they soon began a downward path that leaves them grasping for 3rd and 4th place in La Liga this year.

Next season Argentine wonder kid could find himself surrounded by new faces up front. I expect the new team to be built around the young machine. Messi has gradually become the number one player for the club since Ronaldinho began to lose interest. He had to increase his contribution due to wrathful injuries to both Etoo and Deco that had them sidelined for long periods during past seasons. The club's recent dip in form this season began when he too was sidelined by injury. This season the club also has been experiencing transition problems. During the summer transfer window they went all out and signed a number of players that were almost directly introduced into first team play due to injuries. These players with the exception of Toure are still adjusting to the game play at the Nou Camp. Rijkaard also introduced budding youth talent into the team. The likes of young Krikic and Dos Santos also needed time to adjust into the first team line up. I feel that if Rijkaard was given one more season to prove his worth the team would have reaped great benefits. Troubled party Ronaldinho would have been transfered to a new destination and the remaining members would now has some experience playing with each other. With so much talent in the team I could not project continual failure. We now have to wait to see if the new manager of the club will continue Rijkaard's tradition of entertaining football enthusiasts with beautiful, passing football.

The grass is always greener Prt 2: Flamini to Milan

AC Milan's website has just confirmed that French defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini has signed a 4 yr deal with the club. This is disappointing news, because it seems to me he has bitten the hand that fed him. Flamini has had an outstanding season in midfield, largely due to Wenger's living up to his word. Constant injuries in the Arsenal squad in the 06-07 season forced Wenger to utilize him as a left back defender. He was not happy with this role and gave Wenger the ultimatum of returning him to his original role. This season Wenger not only gave Flamini back his original position. He also gave him extended playing time, to the sacrifice of senior defensive midfielder Gilberto Da Silva. Wenger saw Flamini's partnership with Spanish central midfielder Cesc Fabregas as an integral factor in Arsenal's development. He played them continously in the season, as if to ensure that they would get used to each other's playing styles. This exposure has attracted big clubs with big money and Flamini obviously decided to go for the extra dinero's. Milan would not have signed him if Wenger didnt give him extended periods on the pitch.

Flamini's move to AC Milan may even decrease his liklihood of achieving silverware. Arsenal at the moment has just come out of a reconstruction stage while AC Milan is now starting this process. This summer Milan is expected to sign a number of players while a few maybe on their way out. These players will need some time to adjust to playing in the Seria A. Other teams in the Seria A, such as Juventus, Inter and Roma are more stable and are continuing to dominate the tables. There is even the possibility that Milan may fire their coach and Flamini will not know who he will be playing for next season. Arsenal on the other hand still have a chance to grab second place in the Premiereship despite struggling with injuries and other obstacles. The team have been playing with each other for a couple of seasons now. This year they showed evidence that they were close to maturity. I believe Wenger was setting his sights on next season to be truly challenge for the title. The loss of the French midfielder now means he has to enter the market for a replacement. Flamini now enters the growing list of players that have departed from Arsenal only to find out later it was not the best move. Good luck in your endevours Flamini and thank you for your contribution to the club.

The Battle Continues....Manchester United VS Chelsea: CL Finals Moscow

Last weekend the two top teams in England met face to face in a battle that could determine the Premiereship title. Manchester United walked into Stamford Bridge and were immediately shown the door with a 2-1 defeat to the Blues. The Red Devil's had to swallow their pride a walk awaly from London in anger. Low and behold both teams victories in the Champions League has made a chance for redemption a reality. In a couple of weeks these two will face each other in Russia to settle the score once and for all. The prize for this encounter will be possession of the Champions League Trophy the elusive jewel of Europe. Both teams will now toss in their beds with anticipation as the night approaches. The fans are also shaking with anticipation. The winning side can claim bragging rights for eternity over their rivals....or until this fixture is repeated. It will be the battle of the managers once more. A tactical battle between new kid Avram Grant against the seasoned soldier Sir Alex Ferguson. Who will reign supreme on the island of England. Grant wishes to gain the respect of his critics while Sir Alex dreams of adding a second Champions League final victory to his CV.

Chelsea pushed for glory for 4 yrs only to have the chance extinguish in the semi finals stage. Now Grants team has finally pierced through the red wall's of Liverpool. He has done what "The Special One" failed to do and now to his bosses pleasure embarks on a destination to Moscow. All eyes will now be on Drogba and company as the battle for victory. I have no idea what Grant's line up will be but I believe that Drogba, Essien, Makelele, Ballack, Terry and Carvalho will be needed to bring home the win. Drogba's strength and pace upfront can wear down even the most seasoned of defenders. Essien is able to play in right back or midfield. I would suggest him playing in the midfield since he likes to push forward and may leave a space for Manchester's wing attacks to counter in. Ballack has finally settled into his role at Chelsea and supplies his team mates with lovely passes, attacks on goal and precise spot kicks. His inclusion will increase chances in set plays and provide Champions League finals experience. Ballack also brings CL final experience to the table. Now that he has a second chance to win the cup he will work twice as hard to earn it. Makelele has been a rock in Chelsea's midfield and will stand in the way of Manchester Utd's attacks. The french midfielder also knows what it means to be victorious. In 2002 he won the cup with Real Madrid. Terry and Carvalho are two seasoned individuals that have one of the most impressive defensive partnerships in Europe for the past four seasons. They hardly let in goals and adapt their play as the clock ticks. Carvalho also has also won the cup with Porto and will look forward to win it once more.

Sir Alex has been working strenously for 9 yrs to enter the CL finals. Since his win in Munich he has been obssessed in constructing a team that could reproduce that result. This season be made major signings and retained most of his original squad to ensure that he would have the depth to pursue all cups. His determination has paid off and he is now fulfilled part of the dream by reaching the final. He will now stop at nothing to ensure that he walks away from Russia wit the cup clutched in his hands. He sat in the stands and watched Liverpool and Chelsea fight for their chance in Moscow. I am sure he took with him valuable information that he will use against Grant in the finals. The season has taken a massive toll on his squad and the ruddy nosed mastermind will hope that Rooney and Vidic will be able to make an appearance in Moscow. I believe for Ferguson to succeed he too will have to chose his team wisely. Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Hargreaves and Tevez are my first priority picks. Ronaldo is the greatest player in form at the moment and will need to have a colossal game for Man U. I dont expect him to score unless its from a set play. Chelsea will be doing their best to subdue him. I believe it would be better if used his skills to bring defenders towards him and then pass the ball to his team mates. Patrice Evra has had an outstanding season and Man U will need his runs on the wing and crosses to provide the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez chances to kick or head in a goal. His absence was largely missed in the premiereship battle. I dont know if Sir Alex will start Tevez but I believe that his inceptionat some point is important. Tevez has proven this season that when a goal is needed he is the man that will get it. He his goals have saved Man U three times this season from losing. He is a brilliant player that despite being vertically challenged can out jump and head in a ball at the last moment. He also shares Sir Alex mantra of losing is not accepted.

The next important player I chose is Owen Hargeaves. Like Essien he is multi dimensional and fit almost anywhere on the pitch. The position I think he should play is defensive midfield. If Vidic is unable to participate I expect to see him in right back. Hargreaves like Makelele is tenacious in midfield and provides that first barrier against attacks he will be able to cancel out Chelseas midfield runs before they reach the feet of Drogba. He also has Champions league experience after winning the cup in 2001. My final two are Ferdinand and Vidic, these two have the best defensive partnership in Europe. Ferdinand won the cup in Munich and should be able to stand firm in defense against attacks from Drogba and company. This match up should be a cracker, I feel that Chelsea will come out and attack, while Manchester will be more subdued role using counter attacks and set plays to gain the win. Let the best team of England win.