FA Community Shield
Wembley Stadium
8th August 15:00
Despite all the summer activity, these two clubs are still considered the favourites to win the League and the Community Shield game will give one of them an important psychological edge.
Unusually, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has already names his starting lineup. Didier Drogba only makes the bench for the tie at his happiest hunting ground and Cech, Alex and Bosingwa miss out entirely - all nursing minor injuries or simply short of fitness after the World Cup. Chelsea have had a mediocre pre-season winning at Crystal Palace before suffering consecutive defeats to Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburg and Ancelotti knows the importance of carrying momentum into the new season saying, "we need to win because we have lost too many games - we are not happy."
Manchester United have their own injury concerns ahead of Sunday's game. Michael Carrick is out for two weeks with an ankle injury, Gabriel Obertan also has an injured ankle, Rio Ferdinand has not recovered from the knee injury which kept him out of the World Cup, Anderson too has a long-term knee inury, Patrice Evra has been given time to recover after France's horror of a World Cup and the Da Silva's have food poisoning. Sir Alex Ferguson has also stated that Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen will both only play 45 minutes - the former needing time off after the World Cup and the latter short of match fitness. Ferguson also suggested that the other World Cup participant Nemanja Vidic will have a limited game on Sunday saying, "there is no point pushing players too early, so I don't think we will get the benefit of these players until the third week of the season". The belief being Rooney and Vidic will be starters coming off at half time for Owen and possibly Smalling. All signs point to a Manchester United 4-5-1 with Rooney on his own up top although United may switch to a 4-4-2 to test the resolve of Hernandez, Macheda or Berbatov.
Clearly Manchester United are staring down the barrel at the prospect of being outpaced by the Chelsea front line and outpassed in the midfield. The deeper midfielders Mikel and Essien should have no problem dealing with the sluggish and predictable Fletcher and Scholes and though Ryan Giggs can provide the occasional monet of brilliance, the midfield tussle should mainly result in Frank Lampard getting too much space in his box-to-box role. United's defense also looks vulnerable with the mistake-prone Wes Brown and Jonny Evans likely to start with the task of nullifying the rapidly improving Florent Malouda who will be looking to take out his frustrations after an embarassing World Cup. United's greatest threat comes through their own wingers. Antonio Valencia and Nani will need to be on top of their game as they are responsible for that all important service to the front man Wayne Rooney - who could have a field day against the out-of-position Paulo Ferreira (though he will have John Terry lending a helping hand if United do indeed only play one striker).
Prediction - Chelsea 3 : 1 Manchester United
Line-ups:
Chelsea (4-3-3) : Hilario, Ivanovic, Terry, Ferreira, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Kalou, Anelka, Malouda
Manchester United (4-5-1) : van der Sar, Brown, Evans, Vidic, O'Shea, Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Nani, Rooney
Saturday 7 August 2010
Thursday 5 August 2010
Real Madrid : Squad Analysis
I'll go on record saying Real Madrid's best signing will be Jose Mourinho. The Special One brings the perfect stability to a Real Madrid side that has had it's lack of unity and direction exposed whenever faced with World class opposition. Despite this, Madrid have arguably the strongest squad in football and Mourinho could be the ideal candidate to bring the egos together.
Goalkeeper
This is perhaps the one position of the pitch for which there is only one cadidate. Captain Iker Casillas has had the gloves for almost ten years at the Bernebau and despite insisting he is "not a galactico", the 29-year-old is widely considered the best in the business. Jerzy Dudek will likely remain the back-up with few other alternatives on the books.
Defenders
Much in the same way Casillas is the undisputed Real Madrid goalkeeper, Sergio Ramos is the right-back. Competition comes from Alvaro Arbeloa meaning Ramos has nothing to worry about. Raul Albiol is another sure starter after his £11m move last summer. There are a few candidates for the other central spot with the aforementioned Arbeloa as well as Ezequiel Garay in the running. My vote however would go to Pepe. The Portugese missed the bulk of last season with a ruptured cruciate ligament but did play a part in the recent World Cup. The left-back spot seems to belong to Marcelo - again there is not much in the way of competition. This is a problem Mourinho wants to address however, telling Portuguese newspaper Record, "I think the club can still give me a defender but it's difficult to find quality players and youngsters with a lot of potential."
Midfielders
This is the point where we need to figure out what formation Mourinho will employ at Madrid. According to reports, the base formation will be a 4-3-3 with a 4-2-3-1 employed in European fixtures. If this is true, Madrid will be going man-for-man with Barcelona in a bid to regain the La Liga title. A 3-man-midfield would likely contain Mourinho's own signing Sami Khedira. Another name you cannot really leave out if you are trying to win a title is Xabi Alonso. So with one defensive man and one ball player, the midfield is just lacking one creative spark. Madrid have a decent one in Kaka. He would likely be in the middle of the 3 with Khedira and Alonso either side of him. The Brazilian is however facing the first two months of the season out with a knee injury leaving a temporary spot open. Any one of Higuain, Benzema, van der Vaart or even Ronaldo could play useful hands in this role but the most likely pick is 19-year-old Sergio Canales. Real Madrid were keen on the youngster, securing his signature in February through fear of rival bidders. He was key to Racing Santander's survival last season and his touch, creativity and vision is sure to make him a hit next season. Madrid's midfield looks very well balanced though there may be a few guys fearing for their futures and looking for the exits. In Granero and Canales, Real have two seriously gifted footballers for the future and will almost certainly look to hold onto the two - possibly even involving them in first team duties. The Kaka injury may persuade van der Vaart to stay and fight for a place. Fernando Gago is apparently unfazed by the competition for places saying, "I do not care if there is talk of signing players in the same position as me. That is not my problem - I am here to work and play and I will not change the way I go about things." Lassana Diarra has been linked with debt-collector-dodging Manchester United while Mahamadou Diarra apparently also wants to stay and fight, depite links reporting him with a move to Milan, saying, “The decision is with the club but I would like to play more matches than last season.”
Strikers
Royston Drenthe and Pedro Leon will have their eyes on the left wing spot but it is almost certain to go to the emperor's new clother Angel di Maria. Mourinho was very clean to bring the Argentine to Spain and the fans will be waiting anxiously to see what he can do. The right wing spot. Any guesses? It will, of course, go to Real Madrid's number 7. Not Raul. Cristiano Ronaldo. The winker has shown himself to be more than capable of playing up-front but Mourinho has expressed his preference to sign a new man to lead the line allowing Ronaldo to do his damage between the boxes. "I prefer for him to have more freedom, to feel comfortable. He has too much talent to be limited to that position(up-front). That's why I would like to have someone else, let's see if it's possible." The new man (if there is one) would have to compete with Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema for a place - and I'm expecting the former to get the nod. Higuain has taken himself to the next level in the last couple of years, scoring 22 times in 34 La Liga games in the 2008/2009 season and 27 times in 32 La Liga games last season.
I worry for Madrid that there is simply too much that can go wrong in every game. Marcelo may be exposed defensively, the 3-man-midfield could fall flat if "the third man" has a quiet game, di Maria may not make the transition to the highest level of football or Barcelona may simply never drop any points. If anyone can make it work it's surely Jose Mourinho though I expect him to add a centre-back and an out and out target man striker as well as offloading a central midfielder or two.
Real Madrid (4-3-3) : Casillas, Ramos, Albiol, Pepe, Marcelo, Khedira, Kaka, Alonso, Ronaldo, di Maria, Higuain
What do you think is Real Madrid's strongest eleven?
Goalkeeper
This is perhaps the one position of the pitch for which there is only one cadidate. Captain Iker Casillas has had the gloves for almost ten years at the Bernebau and despite insisting he is "not a galactico", the 29-year-old is widely considered the best in the business. Jerzy Dudek will likely remain the back-up with few other alternatives on the books.
Defenders
Much in the same way Casillas is the undisputed Real Madrid goalkeeper, Sergio Ramos is the right-back. Competition comes from Alvaro Arbeloa meaning Ramos has nothing to worry about. Raul Albiol is another sure starter after his £11m move last summer. There are a few candidates for the other central spot with the aforementioned Arbeloa as well as Ezequiel Garay in the running. My vote however would go to Pepe. The Portugese missed the bulk of last season with a ruptured cruciate ligament but did play a part in the recent World Cup. The left-back spot seems to belong to Marcelo - again there is not much in the way of competition. This is a problem Mourinho wants to address however, telling Portuguese newspaper Record, "I think the club can still give me a defender but it's difficult to find quality players and youngsters with a lot of potential."
Midfielders
This is the point where we need to figure out what formation Mourinho will employ at Madrid. According to reports, the base formation will be a 4-3-3 with a 4-2-3-1 employed in European fixtures. If this is true, Madrid will be going man-for-man with Barcelona in a bid to regain the La Liga title. A 3-man-midfield would likely contain Mourinho's own signing Sami Khedira. Another name you cannot really leave out if you are trying to win a title is Xabi Alonso. So with one defensive man and one ball player, the midfield is just lacking one creative spark. Madrid have a decent one in Kaka. He would likely be in the middle of the 3 with Khedira and Alonso either side of him. The Brazilian is however facing the first two months of the season out with a knee injury leaving a temporary spot open. Any one of Higuain, Benzema, van der Vaart or even Ronaldo could play useful hands in this role but the most likely pick is 19-year-old Sergio Canales. Real Madrid were keen on the youngster, securing his signature in February through fear of rival bidders. He was key to Racing Santander's survival last season and his touch, creativity and vision is sure to make him a hit next season. Madrid's midfield looks very well balanced though there may be a few guys fearing for their futures and looking for the exits. In Granero and Canales, Real have two seriously gifted footballers for the future and will almost certainly look to hold onto the two - possibly even involving them in first team duties. The Kaka injury may persuade van der Vaart to stay and fight for a place. Fernando Gago is apparently unfazed by the competition for places saying, "I do not care if there is talk of signing players in the same position as me. That is not my problem - I am here to work and play and I will not change the way I go about things." Lassana Diarra has been linked with debt-collector-dodging Manchester United while Mahamadou Diarra apparently also wants to stay and fight, depite links reporting him with a move to Milan, saying, “The decision is with the club but I would like to play more matches than last season.”
Strikers
Royston Drenthe and Pedro Leon will have their eyes on the left wing spot but it is almost certain to go to the emperor's new clother Angel di Maria. Mourinho was very clean to bring the Argentine to Spain and the fans will be waiting anxiously to see what he can do. The right wing spot. Any guesses? It will, of course, go to Real Madrid's number 7. Not Raul. Cristiano Ronaldo. The winker has shown himself to be more than capable of playing up-front but Mourinho has expressed his preference to sign a new man to lead the line allowing Ronaldo to do his damage between the boxes. "I prefer for him to have more freedom, to feel comfortable. He has too much talent to be limited to that position(up-front). That's why I would like to have someone else, let's see if it's possible." The new man (if there is one) would have to compete with Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema for a place - and I'm expecting the former to get the nod. Higuain has taken himself to the next level in the last couple of years, scoring 22 times in 34 La Liga games in the 2008/2009 season and 27 times in 32 La Liga games last season.
I worry for Madrid that there is simply too much that can go wrong in every game. Marcelo may be exposed defensively, the 3-man-midfield could fall flat if "the third man" has a quiet game, di Maria may not make the transition to the highest level of football or Barcelona may simply never drop any points. If anyone can make it work it's surely Jose Mourinho though I expect him to add a centre-back and an out and out target man striker as well as offloading a central midfielder or two.
Real Madrid (4-3-3) : Casillas, Ramos, Albiol, Pepe, Marcelo, Khedira, Kaka, Alonso, Ronaldo, di Maria, Higuain
What do you think is Real Madrid's strongest eleven?
La Liga Transfer Update : Part 2 (di Maria, Leon, Khedira, Marchena)
Angel di Maria (From Benfica to Real Madrid, £20.8m)
Madrid's summer marquee signing, di Maria will go into next season with high hopes pinned to him. Madrid are looking for that extra push to topple the seemingly infallable Barcelona and Mourinho will be hoping di Maria provides it. It remains to be seen how the Portugese will juggle all his Galacticos into place and di Maria is uncertain to be a starter given the likelihood of Ronaldo, Higuain and Kaka starting coupled with the competition from all corners of the Bernebau.
Pedro Leon (From Getafe to Real Madrid, £8.3m)
An under the radar signing - Leon was integral in Getafe's sensational run last season finishing with 9 goals and 9 assists. He is yet more competition for a wing place and is proven to be devestating when standing over a set piece. Madrid paid good money for him indicating Mourinho is serious about his potential.
Sami Khedira (From Stuttgart to Real Madrid, £10m)
We all know Mr. Mourinho likes a good holding midfielder so no-one was surprised when they found out Madrid were in for Khedira. The german was one of the most talked about players of the South African World Cup and he joins a Madrid squad already boasting many players of a similar mould (namely; Fernando Gago, Lassana Diarra, Mahamadou Diarra and Xabi Alonso). Competition for places is sure to be fierce at Real next year and I for one am intrigued to see how it all unfolds.
Carlos Marchena (From Valencia to Villareal, £2m)
A clevel little signing by Villareal. Marchena still has a couple of good years left in him and has proven he knows how to mix it with the big boys fitting in seamlessly with the Spanish national side. Marchena will join the likes of Joan Capdevilla, Santi Cazorla, Nilmar, Marcos Senna and Giuseppe Rossi in a squad which boasts experience and flair in equal measure. The Yellow Submarine will start next season with ambitions of climbing back into the Champions League and they certainly have the devices to do just that.
Madrid's summer marquee signing, di Maria will go into next season with high hopes pinned to him. Madrid are looking for that extra push to topple the seemingly infallable Barcelona and Mourinho will be hoping di Maria provides it. It remains to be seen how the Portugese will juggle all his Galacticos into place and di Maria is uncertain to be a starter given the likelihood of Ronaldo, Higuain and Kaka starting coupled with the competition from all corners of the Bernebau.
Pedro Leon (From Getafe to Real Madrid, £8.3m)
An under the radar signing - Leon was integral in Getafe's sensational run last season finishing with 9 goals and 9 assists. He is yet more competition for a wing place and is proven to be devestating when standing over a set piece. Madrid paid good money for him indicating Mourinho is serious about his potential.
Sami Khedira (From Stuttgart to Real Madrid, £10m)
We all know Mr. Mourinho likes a good holding midfielder so no-one was surprised when they found out Madrid were in for Khedira. The german was one of the most talked about players of the South African World Cup and he joins a Madrid squad already boasting many players of a similar mould (namely; Fernando Gago, Lassana Diarra, Mahamadou Diarra and Xabi Alonso). Competition for places is sure to be fierce at Real next year and I for one am intrigued to see how it all unfolds.
Carlos Marchena (From Valencia to Villareal, £2m)
A clevel little signing by Villareal. Marchena still has a couple of good years left in him and has proven he knows how to mix it with the big boys fitting in seamlessly with the Spanish national side. Marchena will join the likes of Joan Capdevilla, Santi Cazorla, Nilmar, Marcos Senna and Giuseppe Rossi in a squad which boasts experience and flair in equal measure. The Yellow Submarine will start next season with ambitions of climbing back into the Champions League and they certainly have the devices to do just that.
La Liga Transfer Update : Part 1 (Merida, Villa, Adriano, de Guzman)
Fran Merida (From Arsenal to Atletico Madrid, Free)
From the Barca youth system to North London, the youngster proved to have all the technical ability you would expect from a Spanish central midfielder. Remind you of anyone? Arsenal are now staring at the prospect of losing both Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida in the same season after the latter refused a contract extension last year. The ex-Barca man has now finds himself in Madrid (the red half) in a bid to fast-track his progress to the pinnacle of both domestic and international football. There are few better places for a young midfielder to hone his skills then Arsenal or indeed Barcelona but Merida joins the likes of Jose Jurado, Ignacio Camacho, David de Gea, Sergio Asenjo, Raul Garcia, Eduardo Salvio, Leandro Cabrera and German Pacheco in a side full of gifted young talents with a point to prove. It's an excited time to be an Atletico fan.
Adriano (From Sevilla to Barcelona, £7.9m)
Adriano has become the 5th Brazilian in a prodominantley Spanish squad (Henrique, Keirrison, Maxwell and Alves are the other 4 Brazilians). He is the opitome of a utility player able to play on either flank in defense or midfield. "The truth is that I began my career at Curitiba as a left-back and that is where I can best show off my virtues. I feel most comfortable on the left, but I am accustomed to playing in other positions without too much problem." Clearly Barcelona have no midfield problems and Guardiola has suggested that Adriano was bought primarily as cover for the left side of defense; "Abidal can play as centre-back, that's why we preferred to sign Adriano. Besides, we also have some stars coming."
David Villa (From Valencia to Barcelona, £33.2m)
Here is one of those stars. Valencia's financial troubles were well documented and this signing was always on the cards. Barcelona look to have capitalised by signing one of the worlds best players at a more than reasonable fee (just £5m more than they received for Yaya Toure!). The biggest question marks are now over the future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic - recent reports linking the sharp-elbowed Swede with AC Milan of all clubs. Barca fans are now staring at the prospect of a Pedro-Villa-Messi front 3 - an attack that can literally shred any defence to pieces, especially when supposted by the likes of Iniesta and Xavi.
Jonathan de Guzman (From Feyenoord to Mallorca, Free)
After running out of contract, de Guzman entertained the idea of coming to the Premier League before settling on cash-strapped Mallorca. The 22-year-old has had his fair share of injuries and was once one of Europe's highest rated playmakers. He will once again have a chance to build his reputation at a club where his services are desperately needed in a midfield lacking creativity.
From the Barca youth system to North London, the youngster proved to have all the technical ability you would expect from a Spanish central midfielder. Remind you of anyone? Arsenal are now staring at the prospect of losing both Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida in the same season after the latter refused a contract extension last year. The ex-Barca man has now finds himself in Madrid (the red half) in a bid to fast-track his progress to the pinnacle of both domestic and international football. There are few better places for a young midfielder to hone his skills then Arsenal or indeed Barcelona but Merida joins the likes of Jose Jurado, Ignacio Camacho, David de Gea, Sergio Asenjo, Raul Garcia, Eduardo Salvio, Leandro Cabrera and German Pacheco in a side full of gifted young talents with a point to prove. It's an excited time to be an Atletico fan.
Adriano (From Sevilla to Barcelona, £7.9m)
Adriano has become the 5th Brazilian in a prodominantley Spanish squad (Henrique, Keirrison, Maxwell and Alves are the other 4 Brazilians). He is the opitome of a utility player able to play on either flank in defense or midfield. "The truth is that I began my career at Curitiba as a left-back and that is where I can best show off my virtues. I feel most comfortable on the left, but I am accustomed to playing in other positions without too much problem." Clearly Barcelona have no midfield problems and Guardiola has suggested that Adriano was bought primarily as cover for the left side of defense; "Abidal can play as centre-back, that's why we preferred to sign Adriano. Besides, we also have some stars coming."
David Villa (From Valencia to Barcelona, £33.2m)
Here is one of those stars. Valencia's financial troubles were well documented and this signing was always on the cards. Barcelona look to have capitalised by signing one of the worlds best players at a more than reasonable fee (just £5m more than they received for Yaya Toure!). The biggest question marks are now over the future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic - recent reports linking the sharp-elbowed Swede with AC Milan of all clubs. Barca fans are now staring at the prospect of a Pedro-Villa-Messi front 3 - an attack that can literally shred any defence to pieces, especially when supposted by the likes of Iniesta and Xavi.
Jonathan de Guzman (From Feyenoord to Mallorca, Free)
After running out of contract, de Guzman entertained the idea of coming to the Premier League before settling on cash-strapped Mallorca. The 22-year-old has had his fair share of injuries and was once one of Europe's highest rated playmakers. He will once again have a chance to build his reputation at a club where his services are desperately needed in a midfield lacking creativity.
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Serie A Transfer Update : Part 2 (Bonucci, Martinez, Veloso, Eduardo, Cavani)
Leonardo Bonucci (From Bari to Juventus, £12.8m)
Bonucci made his name as recently as 9 months ago when he and Andrea Ranocchia formed a rock solid central-defensive pairing that ultimately secured a mid-table finish for Bari. Ranocchia picked up a mid-season injury but Bonucci went from strength to strength. The 6ft 3in 23-year-old has already been capped twice by Italy and is seen as a long term successor to Nicola Legrottaglie and partner to Giorgio Chiellini.
Jorge Martinez (From Catania to Juventus, £10m)
9 goals in 25 league games least season prompted Juventus to take notice of Martinez who is capable of playing on either wing. He was instrumental in Catania recording their greatest ever Serie A points total though the the 27-year-old is likely to be a bench-warmer behind the likes of Del Piero, Camoranesi and Pepe.
Miguel Veloso (From Sporting to Genoa, £5.4m*)
Alberto Zapater was sent to Sporting as part of this deal which significantly bolsters the strength of Genoa's midfield. Despite his deep-rooted love for Lisbon, Veloso is eager not to become one of football's nearly men and knows he needs to prove himself in a more competitive league. “I feel a little sadness. I am leaving the club that made me, both as a player and as a man, so I feel some sadness,” Veloso said. “Sporting is the club that gave me everything, so had I stayed I would have done so with heart and soul, but as this was not the case, I will try and assert myself in another championship." Veloso is rarely capped (just 14 times) for Portugal despite consistent performances in the Portugese Liga. Asked about the influence fellow Portugese International Eduardo had on his decision to sign for Genoa, Veloso replied "Eduardo? I spoke with him by telephone, but not yet in person. On the day I did my medical I was a little rushed, but on Tuesday I will have the chance to get together with him.”
Eduardo (From Braga to Genoa, £3.7m)
The Portugese no. 1 was bought in as a replacement for Marco Amelia who has gone on loan to Milan for a season after turning down moves to bigger clubs for a guarantee of first team football. Eduardo's signature has been highly sought after since his impressive showing at the recent World Cup as well as his part in Portugal's incredible defensive run.
Edinson Cavani (From Palermo to Naploi, £14.4m)
Another bright light of the World Cup, Cavani has signed a 4-year-deal with Napoli - the first year being a loan with the move being made permanent in the summer of 2011. The Uruguayan bolsters and already fearsome attack which boasts talents like Ezequiel Lavezzi and Fabio Quagliarella. This move is indicative of the genuine Champions League ambitions of Napoli though I fear they are strengthening at the wrong end of the pitch.
Bonucci made his name as recently as 9 months ago when he and Andrea Ranocchia formed a rock solid central-defensive pairing that ultimately secured a mid-table finish for Bari. Ranocchia picked up a mid-season injury but Bonucci went from strength to strength. The 6ft 3in 23-year-old has already been capped twice by Italy and is seen as a long term successor to Nicola Legrottaglie and partner to Giorgio Chiellini.
Jorge Martinez (From Catania to Juventus, £10m)
9 goals in 25 league games least season prompted Juventus to take notice of Martinez who is capable of playing on either wing. He was instrumental in Catania recording their greatest ever Serie A points total though the the 27-year-old is likely to be a bench-warmer behind the likes of Del Piero, Camoranesi and Pepe.
Miguel Veloso (From Sporting to Genoa, £5.4m*)
Alberto Zapater was sent to Sporting as part of this deal which significantly bolsters the strength of Genoa's midfield. Despite his deep-rooted love for Lisbon, Veloso is eager not to become one of football's nearly men and knows he needs to prove himself in a more competitive league. “I feel a little sadness. I am leaving the club that made me, both as a player and as a man, so I feel some sadness,” Veloso said. “Sporting is the club that gave me everything, so had I stayed I would have done so with heart and soul, but as this was not the case, I will try and assert myself in another championship." Veloso is rarely capped (just 14 times) for Portugal despite consistent performances in the Portugese Liga. Asked about the influence fellow Portugese International Eduardo had on his decision to sign for Genoa, Veloso replied "Eduardo? I spoke with him by telephone, but not yet in person. On the day I did my medical I was a little rushed, but on Tuesday I will have the chance to get together with him.”
Eduardo (From Braga to Genoa, £3.7m)
The Portugese no. 1 was bought in as a replacement for Marco Amelia who has gone on loan to Milan for a season after turning down moves to bigger clubs for a guarantee of first team football. Eduardo's signature has been highly sought after since his impressive showing at the recent World Cup as well as his part in Portugal's incredible defensive run.
Edinson Cavani (From Palermo to Naploi, £14.4m)
Another bright light of the World Cup, Cavani has signed a 4-year-deal with Napoli - the first year being a loan with the move being made permanent in the summer of 2011. The Uruguayan bolsters and already fearsome attack which boasts talents like Ezequiel Lavezzi and Fabio Quagliarella. This move is indicative of the genuine Champions League ambitions of Napoli though I fear they are strengthening at the wrong end of the pitch.
Serie A Transfer Update : Part 1 (Papastathopoulos, Adriano, D'Agostino, Toni)
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (from Genoa to Milan, £4.2m)
Papastathopoulos is a genuinely top quality central defender and Milan will be delighted at the fee for which he was signed. The Greek defender has won many fans of late with his no-nonsense defending. Recent reports have suggested however, that Papastathopoulos may be employed in his secondary role as a right-back at Milan with Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva expected to retain their places in the centre. Sokratis' ox-like strength combined with gritty determination and impressive pace mean the 22-year-old is sure to be a real hit at the San Siro.
Adriano (Flamengo to Roma, free)
Here's one for the 'Signings of the Summer' folder. The powerhouse striker has had well documented problems with weight, alcohol and authority. At one time, Adriano was considered the next incarnation or Ronaldo. Inter Milan signed Adriano in 2001 and l'imperatore was one of the players who really took Inter back to the pinnacle of Italian football. He had spells at Fiorentina and Parma before returning to Inter in 2004. After signing a new 5 year contract with Inter in 2005, Adriano's focus seemed to waver from football and there were many reports of him spending more time in the bars and clubs of Milan than the training ground. Adriano's weight noticeably ballooned and he was sent to Sao Paulo in 2007 to re-focus on football. He returned to inter for the 2008/2009 season and was back to his old best. Adriano and Inter parted terms mutually after Adriano didn't return from Brazil after going on International duty. Despite 19 goals in 31 games for Flamengo last season, Adriano was not included in Brazil's World Cup squad - seen as too much of a risk by Dunga. Roma picked up Adriano on a free this summer after his 1 year contract with Flamengo expired. He was presented with the number 8 shirt and could partner Vucinic or compatriot Baptista up-front. Adriano will be keen to produce his best football for Roma - who finished just 2 points behind his former club Inter last season.
Gaetano D’Agostino (From Udinese to Fiorentina, £8m)
D'Agostino is basically one of those Italian central midfield passing machines. The poor mans Andrea Pirlo, perhaps. He was a staple in the Udinese team for the last few seasons but the 28-year-old has never been able to make an impact Internationally - earning just 5 caps. It will be interesting to see how Fiorentina use D'Agostino - especially considering the current captain is Riccardo Montolivo. It's possible that Montolivo will sit deep and D'Agostino will be given more of a creative license but are the two too similar to co-exist?
Luca Toni (From Bayern Munich to Genoa, Free)
After a falling out with Louis van Gaal, Luca Toni was given a free transfer from Bayern Munich with Genoa acting quickly to secure his services. At 33 years old, it's unsurprising that Toni would want one last spell in his homeland before possibly hanging up the boots. Genoa will be hoping the big target man can form a classic little-and-large partnership with Rodrigo Palacio as the push for a return to the Europa League.
Papastathopoulos is a genuinely top quality central defender and Milan will be delighted at the fee for which he was signed. The Greek defender has won many fans of late with his no-nonsense defending. Recent reports have suggested however, that Papastathopoulos may be employed in his secondary role as a right-back at Milan with Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva expected to retain their places in the centre. Sokratis' ox-like strength combined with gritty determination and impressive pace mean the 22-year-old is sure to be a real hit at the San Siro.
Adriano (Flamengo to Roma, free)
Here's one for the 'Signings of the Summer' folder. The powerhouse striker has had well documented problems with weight, alcohol and authority. At one time, Adriano was considered the next incarnation or Ronaldo. Inter Milan signed Adriano in 2001 and l'imperatore was one of the players who really took Inter back to the pinnacle of Italian football. He had spells at Fiorentina and Parma before returning to Inter in 2004. After signing a new 5 year contract with Inter in 2005, Adriano's focus seemed to waver from football and there were many reports of him spending more time in the bars and clubs of Milan than the training ground. Adriano's weight noticeably ballooned and he was sent to Sao Paulo in 2007 to re-focus on football. He returned to inter for the 2008/2009 season and was back to his old best. Adriano and Inter parted terms mutually after Adriano didn't return from Brazil after going on International duty. Despite 19 goals in 31 games for Flamengo last season, Adriano was not included in Brazil's World Cup squad - seen as too much of a risk by Dunga. Roma picked up Adriano on a free this summer after his 1 year contract with Flamengo expired. He was presented with the number 8 shirt and could partner Vucinic or compatriot Baptista up-front. Adriano will be keen to produce his best football for Roma - who finished just 2 points behind his former club Inter last season.
Gaetano D’Agostino (From Udinese to Fiorentina, £8m)
D'Agostino is basically one of those Italian central midfield passing machines. The poor mans Andrea Pirlo, perhaps. He was a staple in the Udinese team for the last few seasons but the 28-year-old has never been able to make an impact Internationally - earning just 5 caps. It will be interesting to see how Fiorentina use D'Agostino - especially considering the current captain is Riccardo Montolivo. It's possible that Montolivo will sit deep and D'Agostino will be given more of a creative license but are the two too similar to co-exist?
Luca Toni (From Bayern Munich to Genoa, Free)
After a falling out with Louis van Gaal, Luca Toni was given a free transfer from Bayern Munich with Genoa acting quickly to secure his services. At 33 years old, it's unsurprising that Toni would want one last spell in his homeland before possibly hanging up the boots. Genoa will be hoping the big target man can form a classic little-and-large partnership with Rodrigo Palacio as the push for a return to the Europa League.
Premier League Transfer Update : Part 2 (Campbell, Bramble, Fletcher, Koscielny)
Sol Campbell (To Newcastle)
Good signing (I suppose). Sol Campbell was worryingly impressive for the most part during his return to Arsenal last season and his Premier League experience can only be a good thing for newly promoted Newcastle. The big centre-back is obviously only a short term measure and Newcastle will look to the likes of Steven Taylor or new signing James Perch to capably fill the position next to Fabricio Coloccini in the long term.
Titus Bramble (From Wigan to Sunderland, £1m)
Our views on Titus Shamble have been well documented but Steve Bruce is no mug and will know that Bramble is, at least, a good dressing room character. Bramble is highly unlikely to be a starter for Sunderland and for the price he isn't an awful back-up to the likes of Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand.
Steven Fletcher (Burnley to Wolves, £6.5m)
£6.5m is a lot of money - especially for a club like Wolves - but Steven Fletcher has shown himself to be a capable striker with good pace, presence and an eye for goal. Fletcher bagged 12 goals in 38 games with little quality service in an unsuccessful relegation fight for Burnley last season prompting many clubs to come in for his signature. Wolves paid their joint highest ever fee (they previously paid £6.5m for Kevin Doyle) for the Scottish International who said recently of his new season's targets, "I don't want to put pressure on myself. If I beat last year's (goals) total it will be a good achievement." Wolves boss Mick McCarthy came under heavy criticism during last season for his persistence in playing one up top and despite vindicating himself by guiding the club to promotion, McCarthy has accepted the squad needs strengthening and will now hope for his potentially explosive strike pairing of Doyle and Fletcher to click in a bid to avoid the dreaded Second Season Syndrome.
Laurent Koscielny (Lorient to Arsenal, £10m)
What do William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre have in common? They are all central defenders who were either released or out of contract at Arsenal this summer. The result? Arsene Wenger has taken a rare dip into that Arsenal wallet and splashed the cash on French centre back Laurent Koscielny. Wenger obviously has high hopes for the 24-year-old as Johan Djourou is the only other central defender in the squad. Arsene Wenger knows his French footballers and if Koscielny makes anywhere near the impact made by Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal fans will be rejoicing for years to come. It is still very possible however that Wenger will venture into the transfer market again this season.
Good signing (I suppose). Sol Campbell was worryingly impressive for the most part during his return to Arsenal last season and his Premier League experience can only be a good thing for newly promoted Newcastle. The big centre-back is obviously only a short term measure and Newcastle will look to the likes of Steven Taylor or new signing James Perch to capably fill the position next to Fabricio Coloccini in the long term.
Titus Bramble (From Wigan to Sunderland, £1m)
Our views on Titus Shamble have been well documented but Steve Bruce is no mug and will know that Bramble is, at least, a good dressing room character. Bramble is highly unlikely to be a starter for Sunderland and for the price he isn't an awful back-up to the likes of Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand.
Steven Fletcher (Burnley to Wolves, £6.5m)
£6.5m is a lot of money - especially for a club like Wolves - but Steven Fletcher has shown himself to be a capable striker with good pace, presence and an eye for goal. Fletcher bagged 12 goals in 38 games with little quality service in an unsuccessful relegation fight for Burnley last season prompting many clubs to come in for his signature. Wolves paid their joint highest ever fee (they previously paid £6.5m for Kevin Doyle) for the Scottish International who said recently of his new season's targets, "I don't want to put pressure on myself. If I beat last year's (goals) total it will be a good achievement." Wolves boss Mick McCarthy came under heavy criticism during last season for his persistence in playing one up top and despite vindicating himself by guiding the club to promotion, McCarthy has accepted the squad needs strengthening and will now hope for his potentially explosive strike pairing of Doyle and Fletcher to click in a bid to avoid the dreaded Second Season Syndrome.
Laurent Koscielny (Lorient to Arsenal, £10m)
What do William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre have in common? They are all central defenders who were either released or out of contract at Arsenal this summer. The result? Arsene Wenger has taken a rare dip into that Arsenal wallet and splashed the cash on French centre back Laurent Koscielny. Wenger obviously has high hopes for the 24-year-old as Johan Djourou is the only other central defender in the squad. Arsene Wenger knows his French footballers and if Koscielny makes anywhere near the impact made by Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal fans will be rejoicing for years to come. It is still very possible however that Wenger will venture into the transfer market again this season.
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