Fitting pieces of the puzzle...Jose Bosingwa

In the modern era of football the wing back position has become integral to top teams across the globe. Gone are the days when defenders were told to keep within their half of the field. The high pace of the modern game has coerced teams to utilize defenders on their wings that can push forward from the flanks to service the attack line. Chelsea despites its achievements over the past few years fell short in the RB position. They utilized LB Ferriera and multi dimensional Ghanan Essien at times to fill this void but felt that they needed to add a player that specialized in this area. Their solution was purchase a Portuguese international from the Portuguese club Porto. His name is Jose Bosingwa and he is now one of the most entertaining defenders to watch in Europe.

Boswinga is an awesome talent that has contributed largely to Chelsea's successive start to this season. His style of play has been utilized greatly by Chelsea manager Felipe Scolari. Scolari who was the Portuguese national teams former head coach knew exactly how to take full advantage of Chelsea's summer signing. He used to make use of his talents on the international scene. Scolari being a Brazilian has decided to turn Chelsea into an attacking powerhouse pushing his wing backs forward into opponent's half applying offensive pressure. Boswinga has merged into the team almost immediately and has ran down the wing and executing precision crosses that have made the likes of Anelka and company find the back of the net. When Boswinga is not passing the ball he takes the time to venture just outside or in the box to take shots on goal. This has paid off with him scoring two goals this season already. The Portuguese international also ensures to play his part in defending when oppenents move forward. Jose is defintely a promising star in the Premiership to watch this season.

The Future Before Us...Man Utd's Rafael Da Silva

Yesterday I witnessed one of the most entertaining match ups in the Premiership this season. My beloved Arsenal against their bitter rivals Manchester Utd. During the second half of the match a young player I have been noticing since the preseason, Rafael Da Silva was introduced into the match to rest the aging Man Utd captain Neville. The young man who plays in the right back position immediately impacted the match upon his entry. His great performance was capped with a magnificent goal that created nervous times during a match that for the most part was Arsenal's taking apart of a fighting Manchester Utd squad. This was a big match with world stars on either side of the pitch. A bitter rivalry that made even the most veteran of players clench their teeth, yet this young lad entered the game and took it by the scruff of the neck and urged his team on with his performance and shouts urging his team on. I knew at that moment Sir Alex Ferguson had found a gem, that will probably see captain Gary Neville and veteran player Wes Brown finding themselves in stiff competition for first team position.

Rafael is one of Manchester Utd budding teenage signings who hails from Brazil. The 18 Righback is one half of promising twin Brazilian signings made by Sir Alex Ferguson this year. His twin brother Fabio is also a defender who plys his trade on the opposite wing, but has been able to enter into the first team line up. Rafael and his brother were born and grew up in Rio De Janiero and began to play football at the Brazilian club Fluminese where he eventually signed a professional contract. A scout employed to Manchester Utd witnessed the twins performances during a youth tournament in Hong Kong. He then brought the twins abilities to the attention of the Manchester Utd manager. Sir Alex then signed them during the January transfer window in the 08/07 season. Rafael's performances in the reserve team impressed the manager enough to assign him to duties in the pre-season match ups where he continued to shine.

Rafael made his official debut coming on as a substitute in this season's opener game against NewCastle. Not long after he was offered his first start during the Sept 23 matchup against Middlesborough pushing his way into first place choice against the likes of Gary Neville and Wes Brown. The young RB continued to impress giving his manager no choice but to place him in Champion League group stage matches. The young player showed no signs of adjustment problems to his new league or European environments and his name began to be mentioned as a promising prospect in the football world. His impressive displays came to a paramount with his first senior team goal against Arsenal lastnight that gained his team a goal in a powerful defeat against his rivals.

After last nights performance, even the strongest of critics must have been impressed with the young Brazilian. He is a defender that can also play in midfield. Infact in my opinion I believe if he was placed in the defensive midfield position he would probably give fellow Brazilian Anderson a run for his place. Rafael is a quick player who pushes forward during attacks while being able to return in defense and hit opponents with precision tackles. He is not afraid to commit himself to ending the runs of dangerous attacking players such as the Arsenal squad. Despite being a defender he also plays with the Brazilian flair and at times rivals his Portuguese team mates with his awesome ball control and dribbling skills. When he moves forward he shows an impressive attacking mind, setting up sweet crosses, low passes or taking the iniative and kicking the ball towards goal. His goal against Arsenal showed a player who is gifted with great technique in shooting the ball. The long range effort from the right side was precisely guided in the leftside of the goal box, eluding the Arsenal keeper. Rafael has proven that he belongs in the Man Utd team and should be a player to keep on the radar for years to come.