Breaking the Mold: Wigan's Amr Zaki

The premiership is tough for lower table sides. Teams that are not in the top 4 usually have limited funds and have to depend on shrewd scouting tactics to bring in players under the radar. Recently Wigan, one such team has been slowly building their team with international talent. Manager Steve Bruce in the summer decided to make a bold step to sign a little known Eygtian striker Amr Zaki on a year long loan. He even went as far as making an outrageous statement claiming he now has the best striker in the World. Most persons laughed upon hearing this, but with the season in full swing the laughter has quiet down and the football world are now looking at this player with intrigue. The Eygtian is now the leading scorer in the Premiership managing to have an impressive goal tally of one per game. Pundits are now placing him as a candidate for the golden boot award and his manager now compares him to Englands greatest home grown striker Alan Shearer.

Zaki hails from Egypt and is owned by the Egyptian side Zamalek where he racked up an impressive goal tally of 22 goals in 56 appearances. His appearances in the African Nations Cup gained the attraction of clubs in Europe which eventually led to his loan deal with Wigan. The 25 yr old is 6ft 1 with broad shoulders and a well built physique that has proven to be a challenge to defenders. He seems to love using his physical power to overpower defenders, opening up space for shots. His eye for goal is second to none. During his six appearances he has made shots on target in and outside the box, making his opponents wary of his presence in their half. Zaki is definitely a player to watch in this season, as he provides entertainment with his amazing goals and moves on the ball.

Guardians of the Empire: Twin Towers Rio Ferdinand and Vidic

It takes a team to win the premiership and the Champions League. Many persons may think of Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliant exhibition of attacking skill for the success of Manchester United last season. However Ronaldo's goals would have come to nothing if Manchester Utd did not have a effective defense which was anchored by the partnerships of central backs Ferdinand and Vidic. The duo made their keepers job much easier allowing the least of amount of goals last season. Their professionalism on the pitch allowed the attacking line to move forward with confidence. Alex Ferguson has put his faith in a once fun loving, high life style Brit and a determined indestructable Serb.

Ferdinand 29 is the more senior of the duo and joined Manchester Utd in 2002. He is a product of West Ham's famous youth academy and attracted Manchester Utd after a spell at the once great Leeds United. Manchester Utd broke the record books signing the young Brit from Leeds. It then took some seasons before he began to mature to his full potential. He was known to have lapses in concentration and led a colourful life off the pitch. During this time there was tonnes of controversy about his life style and commitment to the club. It was not until the 06-07 season when Ferdinand was partnered with younger Serb Nemanja that he began to settle into becoming a true top class defender. Ferdinand began to use his experience and football intelligence to anticipate opposing attackers movements and take control of the ball. His height and built also allowed him to rise above strikers during aerial threats. He has mastered the art of defending and makes the task seem rudimentory. He also showed his attacking skills during set plays and counter attacks, occasionally heading a goal to help his team gain precious points.

Vidic 26 compliments Ferdinand in the defense line. He spent his early career in Eastern Europe and Russia. Manchester Utd bought him from the Russian team Spartak Moscow during the January transfer window of 066. While Ferdinand is graceful in taking the ball away from opponents, Vidic brings fear into the hearts by going all out in his tackles. He is not afraid to use all 6 ft 2 of his muscular frame to end attacks. He throws himself at ball and player with one intention only, stopping any attacking buildup. He even has scars and missing teeth to show for his battles. The Serb also likes to participate in set plays, ending up with the occasional goal from a well placed header or shot.

Last season the partnership was responsible for Manchester United impressive display of keeping out goals as well as bringing in both the English Premiership title and the Champions League trophy. They only conceded 22 goals in the Premiership and managed to silence the attacking powers of world class players like Lionel Messi during the knock out stages of the Champions League. This season Old Trafford faithful will be looking towards this partnership to defend their premiership and Champions League titles to ensure more silverware.

Its My Time To Shine: Theo Walcott ends all speculation with 3 goals

In one of my first entries I did a short article forecasting Walcott's future. I mentioned that England and Arsenal's future rested in this young man's hands, or should I say mind and feet. I mentioned that I expected young Theo to eventually take up the mantle and put his team on his back. In less than six months my predictions have come true. English manager Fabio Capello placed confidence in the 19 yr old forward during a time when the English public were uncertain of their chances of qualifying for World Cup 2010.

Walcott was first given a chance in the first qualifier against Andorra. His pace outmatched the inexperienced Andorran defenders, but he failed to apply the final touches and at times lost control of the ball during his runs. Once again the public cried foul and felt that the young man could not handle the responsibility granted to him. Many felt that Joe Cole, who came off the bench to score 2-0 in the match should have been granted a start over the lad. Capello in his usual manner ignored his critics and once more placed the young striker, turn midfielder on his right wing, for the anticipated rematch against Croatia.

The result was breathtaking for those who witnessed. English critics in a matter of 90 minutes suddenly lost their scepticism of Capello and Walcott, and began to praise the Arsenal forward in joy. Walcott rewarded his manager with controled runs on the wing as well as icing the cake with three brilliant goals, that led England to beat their bitter rivals 4-1. Walcott scored his first international goals, all three making him the youngest Englishman to score a hat trick internationally. His hat trick was the first in a qualifier since Michael Owen managed the feat some years ago.

Walcotts goals showed a man that was determined and in control throughout the game. The first came from a defenders deflection that landed the ball in his path, which he then angled a low diagonal shot that beat the Croatian goal keeper. He then hit a similar shot that gave him his second, and then closed his display with a beautiful individual performance after recieving the ball from his team mate Wayne Rooney. Walcott is gradually developing into the player Arsene Wenger has predicted he will come. This Saturday the World will be looking at Theo to see if he will bring his present international form to the club level in Arsenal's match up against Blackburn.

Diamond in the Rough: Angolan star, Man Utds takes Saha's place

It seems today in the light of the success of Adebayor and Torres, there is a fad for English teams to add a tall powerful striker to their squad. Tottenham has added a Russian, Man City a Brazilian and now the defending champions have added Manucho from Angola to their roster. Manucho may not be well recognized yet, but anyone who witnessed his goals during last yrs African Nations Cup will tell you this man has a great chance of blazing the premiereship with a tally of goals.

Manucho spent most his developing years in Luanda at a small club Flamenguinos under the tutelage of his father, who was also his coach. During this time he was opted for the wing midfield position. From there he moved on to professional football in Angola first joining Benfica De Luanda before moving on to Petro Athletico were he spent 6 yrs making 78 appearances scoring 34 goals. His performances soon earned him a trial at Old Trafford, where he impressed Sir Alex, who decided to sign him to the club. He officially became a Manchester Utd player at the end of 07 and was then loaned out to Greek side Panathinaikos for the rest of the season. He was not able to play in the premiereship due to difficulties acquiring a work permit. Manuche appeared 7 times for the Greek side and scored 4 goals. Manucho has now been granted a permit and has now rejoined his team mates at Old Trafford.

Manucho will give Ferguson pain when choosing his striking options. The 25yr old Angolan is tall (6 ft,2) with great muscle structure, with a great eye for the goal. He has been successful in scoring amazing goals with both his feet and head. I was amazed at his long range screamer against Eygpt and a rocket header he executed during his loan time period with Greek giants Panathinaikos. He will bring strength and physical presence that is lacking in Manchester's striker position. His aerial ability will be a plus, he will be able to out jump defenders to the ball to ensure the ball ends in the back of the net. Defenders will also be wary of his shooting abilities, since he is quite capable of shooting from a distance or in the box. I expect Manucho to have an impressive start to his English career.

Scolari for Vendetta: Chelsea's Revenge

Stamford Bridge was left with a bitter taste in their mouths three times last season. Chelsea FC managed to fall short in the Premiereship, Carling Cup and Champions League. For each competition they had to settle for runners up medals. To add injury to insult they were nice denied their glory by their arch rivals Manchester United. First in the Premiership and soon afterwards on a rainy night in Moscow during the Champions League Finals. That night the English season came to a close and so did Chelsea's manager Avram Grants helm. Captain John Terry had his destiny at his feet and threw it away with a slip at the penalty line that secured victory for the Red Devils. The Chelsea board decided then that drastic changes would have to be made to bring the club back to its success period during Mourinho's regime. Soon after the final Chelsea FC parted ways with Grant and began to look for a suitable successor to take over his position. During that period Euro 08 was being played and rumours spread that two integral members of the team were making preparations to leave the club. A Portuguese defensive winger Boswinga was also signed before joined his team mates in the Euro's. It would soon turn out the winger was not the only Portuguese link that would arrive at the club. In the middle of the Euro's Chelsea released news the the manager of Portugal Felipe Scolari would be their next manager.

Not long after this news Chelsea signed another Portuguese international, Brazilian born Deco. Rumours also spread that Deco would be joined by his former rival team Real Madrid's Robinho. There was a promise that Chelsea would becoming a more entertaining team that would play attacking football similar to the performances the team played at the end of Grants regime. It was exciting times at the Bridge. With Scolari came a calibre and respect that Grant failed to earn from his players. A manager who has a resume that is pages long, that also has World Cup winning Brazilian manager to go a long with it. The only cup that is more coveted than a Champions League trophy is the World Cup, few have the honour to claim that they have won it. The effect of the news immediately changed the atmosphere in the club. Lampard and Drogba, two players who were rumoured to leave quickly rubbished rumours. Lampard went one step further and held negotiations on his time with the club, which eventually lead to a long term extention that could see him ending his career at the club. In the pre-season Scolari exhibited the new Chelsea team during tours in Asia. The team put on impressive displays, including a 5-0 destruction of AC Milan. Chelsea fans bit their nails in anticipation for the official start to the new BPL season.

Chelsea's opening against Portsmouth was not a disappointment. Portsmouth was last season's FA Cup winners and a team known for their defensive capabilities. The Pompey team was not prepared for the attacking onslaught Scolari's team presented at the Stamford Bridge and conceded a goal before the 30 minute mark. New player Deco took on his play making role to the fullest and serviced the attack line with splendid passes and movement. Scolari also gave more freedom to his defensive wing backs which saw Boswinga and Cole to run forward and provide crosses. It was not long before Pompey saw themselves down 3-0. Deco then placed the nail on the coffin with a long range curling ball that left England's number one keeper David James flat footed. The alarms sounded all over the world that Chelsea meant business. Pompeys manager Harry Redknapp was flabbergasted by the performance and explained that the calibre present was to great for his team to respond effectively. The next game Deco continued to impress as he scored an impressive freekick away at Wigan. Chelsea then shared a point with Tottenham in a heated London Derby.It is still early, but so far Scolari has provided Chelsea with the right elements to be a leading contender domestically and in Europe. The he provides respect, Chelsea now has a manager that the players respect. Marquee players who make millions of dollars a season need to be lead by someone who has achieved and has a past of success. Scolari's predessor lacked this and it was evident that his players had little faith in his leadership. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea under Scolari can manage to once more become domestic champions and clutch the coveted Champions League trophy.

The Future Before Us...Francis Coquelin

This summer three Frenchmen became we added to the Arsenal squad. Most people only know about two, but one came in under the radar and looks set to take the premiership by storm in the upcoming seasons. Coquelin was taken on trial during the start of the summer and impressed Arsenal's coaching staff, which eventually brought him to the attention of Wenger who quickly signed him. He was signed even after his trial came to a premature end due to an injury. Arsenal was so impressed in the young man they decided to contribute to his academy (FC Laval, lower division in France) despite Coquelin being a free transfer.

17 yr old Francis Coquelin could be the answer to Arsenals defensive midfield void in the near future. He is a tenacious defensive midfielder that destroys attacks with his precise tackles. He is also comfortable going forward sending passes to forwards and taking shots on goal. During the preseason matches he showed confidence and determination. He was highly rated in the matches he participated in. It was not long before pundits and Arsenal fans began to know his name. Coquelin already looks the part. His phyisque reminds me of Flamini and he is already being referred to as a "young Makalele. A slight injury during the preseason may have been the only reason why he did not join his fellow reserves mate Wilshere in a first team jersey. He is currently a part of Arsenal's reserve team and could play a significant role in this years Carling Cup.