Great Players Part 1

In a week where a lot has happened in soccer, racism, goals, Liverpool getting their first league win, Arsenal going back to losing ways, etc, it is hard to come up with something that interests people. Anyway, here I go....
Do you have that one player who you believe that no matter how hard the game is, no matter how pressured they are, no matter how shitty the team plays, they always come out on top? Hmm? There's that one player who you would clear your whole day's schedule for... Or just to watch the team, at least. These are the players who influence games so much, you would not miss the game. They make the game so beautiful you would tell your girlfriend you're staying at work late, just so you can hang out with the boys watching it, or lie to your boss the following day that you're feeling ill, just 'cause you stayed up late enjoying the game and catching pints. I can't pull that stunt though. That's just.... not right. I have a few players I enjoy watching play though. I will mention them.

We start with the usual suspects. CR7 and Leo. They are La Liga. ONE DOES NOT SIMPLY mention Spanish football and not mention how great (or whatever superlative you wish to insert) they are. They set the record... in the last two seasons, in the number of goals scored in a single La Liga season. For more stats about these two, see http://messivsronaldo.net/

It is the fans that are 'enemies' not the players

Messi: Incredible player, living legend. 188 goals, 70 assists for Barcelona in his last 180 games . 71 goals and 22 assists in 54 games in 2012 so far with3 months left. 268 goals for Barcelona in total including 21 hat tricks. Legend, eh? This guy creates goals out of nothing. Forget the fact that he is in an already great team... he always comes up shining brighter when things look gloomy for Barca. Case in point... his third goal in the 5-4 win against Deportivo.

CR7: Also made from the same stuff that creates legends. Not really the team player but you cannot blame him as he always delivers the goals. He wins matches, brightens up the atmosphere with his flair, and basically makes opposing players look very lazy. Ronaldo scored 46 last season. 12 appearances this season, 15 goals, no assists. Messi has bettered him by 5. Goal.com say at worst, he is the second best player in the world. His selfishness and ambition are what make him who he is. He recently has developed a certain understanding with Marcelo and most of his teams attacks come from the two. His stats and Messi's speak for themselves though so we cannot expound anymore

Zalatan Ibrahimovic. He was nicknamed Ibracadabra by his Inter Milan team mates. He rose into the limelight from playing in Italy. Won the Eredivisie twice(Dutch PL), Serie A 6 times(3 with Inter, 2 with Juve and 1 with AC Milan) and 1 La liga. Not to mention the Cup victories and personal awards. This is a player who has managed to shine, consistently at that, in some of the world's toughest leagues. He played for Ajax and starred, his performances leading him to be sold to Juventus, where he also starred. And when the team was relegated in 2006, he left for Inter Milan. He was, as expected, the star there too. He played the hitman, him and Adriano(remember him?). He was nicknamed Cereal Killer. Ninja grew too fat and unfit and eventually left Inter. But he's not Zlatan. So, after Inter, Zlatan was traded for Eto'o and went to Barca. he didn't have his usual season but he scored some good goals while there and then went back to Italy and played for AC Milan. he was again, their star man, overtaking the Brazilian duo of Robinho and Pato in the pecking order.

I read a blog somewhere that he is always that arrogant in real life. And that he is funny. I think Zlatan is a great player, no doubt. he is just at the wrong club, at the wrong time. You simply cannot overshadow Messi and Ronaldo. No way. He scores sublime goals, as demonstrated in the Euros, has some nice skills on the ball, and his power is just amazing. No matter how poor his team plays, national or club team, he always plays his game a notch higher and better than his team mates. You can read some of the Zlatan's quotes here http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/160084. He's a funny guy

For the sake of not lengthening this post too much, and also because today is a Champion's league night, I will stop there. I will mention the others in future posts on the same topic. I look forward to watching Wanyama go against Song/Busquets or whoever plays at the centre of midfield.

WE REMIND OURSELVES

First of all I salute you all in the name of the beautiful game and all that makes it so. Ronaldo, Messi, Scholes, Xavi.... OK, let me stop. I might mention all of the Barca players. I am no Barca fan. Neither am I a hater, don't get me wrong. Today... WE REMIND OURSELVES.

Remember the days when AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia were relegation battle material? NO? Me neither. Kenyan football was only for the players then. Even Kenyan media didn't cover it. They still dont. But look at the attention they have gotten since they changed managements. Now every mashemeji derby is like a publlic holiday. Cops are extra, fans even more. Lets now wait and see if either of them will win the title and then we shall have something to reminisce. In the meantime, Tusker FC are giving them a run for their money. I remember when they were fifth, and AFC looked to have a solid grip on the lead. I thought they'd never make it. Turns out Coach Matano is really just what they needed.

EL CLASSICO: Remember the post about Ronaldo that I wrote? Here it is: great players win, good players affect games I cannot go into the details again you can read it for yourself. I can only say a few words about the Classico. Heated affair. Barca and their flair play were all over the pitch running things, AS USUAL. And boy were they passing the thing all around. Let me tell you, if Real Madrid can change their formation when they play Barcelona(and mind you they are only one of the few teams who can beat the latter), then that just places Barca at the top of the food chain. 
One thing is a fact though; Real Madrid have one of, if not the best defenses, and attack force(ask City), in the world. Not many teams can keep Barca at bay like that, and still reserve the attacking threat that they had. They rode their luck although you could see they tried at least. 
That said, the fluidity of Barca last night night.... You cannot be a hater, honestly. Although Cristiano, aka CR7, and Messi(insert your favorite nickname here)stole the show from the others, as usual. Whomever you pledge your loyalties to, CR7 or Messi, you are in a lucky generation. One that got to watch two great players do battle. Remind yourself of that fact. You will tell your kids

THE MILAN DERBY: This used to be a great contest. The days of Ronaldo(Brazilian), then later Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Dejan Stankovic, Ronaldinho, Gatusso, Inzaghi, Zanetti, Maldini(remember him?) and the likes. I personally focused on it more during the days of Maldini(AC Milan) and Adriano(Inter). I made Inter my team henceforth on Play Station(am a PES guy btw) and yes, I was also a force to reckon with, on 'loser-pays'. People feared me. Until Manchester City rose to glory. Thats beside the point. The Milan derby was played on the same day as the Classico(7th October 2012) just in case you've forgotten yesterday's date). That went unspoken of. Anyway, Walter Samuel scored the only goal, as Inter were red carded but held on for the three points. These guys in Italy just love to play it rough. Remember those days? When football was football? And no referees 'protected' the players? Yes, we all do.

Moving on to the the juicier stuff. Giroud broke his Prem duck. yaaay! Hooray for Arsenal guys. Remember when Tottenham had gone winless against Manchester United at OT? Well, gone are those days. My friend told me to make sure I blogged it. Damn, that was a... different game. Tottenham really wifed us in the first half. 62% possession, 2 goals up. That was a tough reality. 
And Chelsea are having a great season. They are now not dependent on wingers, they have play-makers all over their mid(Mata, Oscar, Hazard) and engines in the names of Mikel and Ramires. But they have always been strong in midfield. And QPR... Remember the days they had a team, now they have a new full team and subs... and they're still rooted at the bottom of the EPL table. I think what they need now is a new manager. All in favour of having Mark Hughes sacked say AYE!!... sorry i forgot this is not Parliament and am not the Speaker. 

Do you remember the days when the Prem was graced by players like Dirk Kuyt, Fabrice Muamba, Ole Gunaar Solskaer and the likes? Kuyt, leave alone Gerrard, carried Liverpool on his back. Look where they are now without the man. Mwamba... he helped his team a lot. Sad he wasnt around to help them survive. Neither will he be there to help them back up into the Prem. Manchester United still remains the team to beat on the other hand. They've had no shortage of attackers. Though they will need a powerful man to take up the role of Scholes. Just like Barca will struggle to  replace Xavi, another great player.


DID YOU KNOW:
Sir Alex Ferguson took up the management of Manchester United at a time when they were in the relegation zone? 
Well, now you know. 



Our 'Know KPL Teams' blog just took a step closer. My friend @MikeOkinyi, yes, THE one and only Mike Okinyi, Citizen TV sports anchor, has agreed to do a guest post for us. Thanks in advance Mike, that'll be awesome. 

Also, our new website will be online hopefully.... next week. Its about time, eh?  We would want that 'Know KPL teams and their managers'
Lets talk football another time, good people.

WORLD PEACE... SOCCER AT LAST

World peace at last... or not. Soccer is back, been back for the last close to 3 weeks. Everyone is happy... except the hating ass soap opera loving gay homies, and the larger percentage of ladies. That's beside the point. Soccer is here and that's what matters. EPL, La Liga... the rest. And also promising, is this season's Champion's League.

Am really looking forward to see who the Manchester pair will draw. I hope City draw Barca or Real. Am still bitter that they pipped us to the title last season, and that Mancini did that 'yap yap' sign language at Fergie. Somebody needs to put them back in their old place. They seem comfy in their new place though, I acknowledge ... almost at the top of the league having won 2 out of 2 games, and 3 out of 3 if you choose to include the Shield. They have conceded 6 goals in the process though, which is a good thing. It shows they're not invincible(I like to console myself on behalf of Man United)

Arsenal still haven't found their rhythm back with their new signings,  after selling two of their greatest assets. Now, if Walcott and Vermaelen left, that team would be no different from Swansea, full of unknown talent. Liverpool, they continued where they left off last season. Playing well in their big games, and playing SHIT in the other games.

Chelsea. One word... Champions. Them boys are playing like they are being coached by Brendan Rodgers. Whats more... the drought is over for Torres. We are all happy for him, eh? Even those of us on a dry spell, eh? NO? I didnt think so.

Real Madrid and Barca renewed their rivalry. Real got lucky, that game could have ended with a higher score in favour of the Catalans. In the league... they only have one point, Barca 6. I dont think I need to tell you what happens when Barca establishes a gap between your team and them. And Messi is again continuing with his characteristic brilliant from. They definitely haven't started well. Neither have PSG, with all their signings(Ibra, T Silva and Lavezzi). They haven't won a game in three that they've played till now.

Signing of the summer.... Hazard, Van Persie, Kagawa or Song? I will let you chose. I know we all weren't happy about Hazard joining Chelsea(that's water under the bridge now) and neither we the Arsenal fans when RVP joined United. Here are some comments from twitter that day:

@njiiru

Rvp,1 good season & he's gone,it's like kibaki vying for U.S Presidency coz of thika superhighway 

@Brunye: RVP ni kama ule dame unamtoa ocha alafu akisha janjaruka,anaanza kukuambia "Your not my type!"  

@mainneli: My Girlfriend pulled an RvP on me,on her good season,she agreed personal Terms with my Enemy. 

@masaku_: Sasa instagram ya RVP itajaa picha zake next to trophy za manure kama ameeka gang signs like a G.  

KPL.... John Baraza continues to lead the scorers with 17 goals. I thought Allan Wanga could make it to top scorer this season. I was actually betting on it but it seems he never fully recovered from that injury when he came back. He has 6 goals. AFC Leopards top the league with 44 points. At the bottom, Oserian and Rangers FC with 19 and 20 points respectively.

Last but not least in other news, Harambee Stars have a new manager. Frenchman Henri Michel is the man charged with running the affairs of the national team. I hope he gets full co-operation from the people who run the football around here though. It is also good news that Manchester United, partnering with Airtel are sponsoring sports clinic in .KE right now. It shows at least they believe that Kenya has talent elsewhere, apart from only what we are forced to see. 

That said, I wish to remind you all about the Soccer Tweet Up on Saturday 8th September. It is a free event, so all are welcome to attend

GREAT CAPTAINS: HOME AND AWAY

The upcoming premier league season will be bigger, better and much more interesting than last season, at least I think so. Yes, I know, we witnessed a new winner after a very long time, and yes, the premier league was won on the last day having gone all the way down to the wire, but I still think the battle-lines are already being defined. From the imminent departure of captain Robin Van Perfect(for Man United), to the signings of Kagawa & Hazard, to the awarding of a six-year contract to Vincent Kompany. Lets not forget the other potentially big deals coming up... Modric, Baines et al.

Influential Captain Kompany

Lets talk about captains though. They're important. They're influential. They lead by example. Everybody knows that right? Remember when Vidic got injured? See what happened to United... they conceded and kept conceding and lost the title to City eventually. Think Barca... Puyol got injured, Barca lost the title to Real Madrid. Look at Manchester City... Kompany got appointed captain, and the boy has led that team to their first title since 1968. I think we are now on the same page.

Lets narrow it down and talk about Kompany. The boy just signed a new six-year contract to keep him at City till he is 32. For a club(Manchester City) to show that much faith in a player(the captain, the leader, the Kompany), is reward enough for him being so influential. And deliver he has. Remember how he got the captaincy? Let me run that by you... Toure was made captain on signing for City from Arsenal, and then he was involved in that doping saga, so he was dropped as captain, upon which Tevez the prodigal son was appoined. We all know his story, don't we? Yeah... so in his absence, guess who was appointed? The Kompany. He's the only one player, who was not signed by Mancini, who has been shown favour, and still remains in the team. Think of Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Micah Richards, Mwaruwari(remember him?), Wayne Bridge. Even De Jong saw the better part of the bench for most of the second half of last season. The City captain is confident that he and Kompany(get it?) can build on last season's win. And I wouldn't doubt him. I just don't think United, Chelsea and Arsenal will let them

Closer Home... The Mashemeji Derby(GOR MAHIA vs AFC LEOPARDS) is around the corner. This is a rivalry that goes all the way back to when our grandfathers were still young men. It was a duel between Luo and Luhya. It has since become the biggest match in Kenyan football, since the tribal factor is gradually fading away, and the clubs are signing players from various parts of East Africa. Every time these two great rivals meet, it becomes a heated affair, as in every derby worldwide, with each one wanting to come out with the upper hand. It gets ugly at times. It has been suggested that extra security be provided during duels between these two rivals as some fans take it as the perfect time to wreak havoc.

The Mashemeji Derby

And as such, sometimes, it comes down to the captains of these teams. Remember the last time these two great rivals met? I'll refresh your memory. Most people in Kenya wanted Gor fans to be banned. Remember the clash at the stadium when the Gor fans started hurling stones into the pitch? It was the Gor captain who spoke to them amicably and they eventually stopped the chaos. And for that... we should respect and honour all responsible captains. Am sure our friend Carol Radull knows the guy and will pass our regards, right Carol?

So, to all who will be attending the Mashemeji derby, all the best. Enjoy the game. Most of all, be safe. That said, I cannot wait for the EPL to resume. The Supersport analysis is one of my favourite segments of soccer. 

Also, do not forget about the August 4th soccer Tweet up at Saint George Primary, Hurlingham. Its a free event, just show up, play soccer, meet and socialize with other peeps. Thats all. 

Enjoy yourselves. Lets talk more football another time, eh?

OLYMPICS FOOTBALL: Spain favourites again?

After claiming three relevant titles in succession, the out-of-this-world Spain team will be looking to extend their world reign even further when the Olympics games begin. I have to remind myself that am not a fan of theirs every time I find myself attracted to the poetry-in-motion kind of football that they play.

Forget the fact that a good number of them are from Barcelona, think about how much they have matured as a team.
Torres... rose through the ranks at Atletico Madrid, then joined Liverpool, and then became the most expensive commodity in English football when he joined Chelsea. Lets face it, you do not move to clubs of that calibre if you're not good. And he did repay his manager's faith well. Scored 3 goals when it was apparent that Spain would suffer without Villa
Fabregas... I can only say one word for this lad.... MATURITY. Leaves Barca, joins Arsenal, becomes very integral there, gets loved by the fans, then rejoins his boyhood team. He doesn't really pose that athletic figure of CR7, Torres, Balotelli etc. He's just a humble kid who plays some real good football. Plays a number of positions, CMF, DMF, Striker, Number 10 and he has delivered in all of them.
Silva... He was just another guy in the Spain squad, mostly starting on the bench. Now look what his move to Manchester City has turned him into... a star.
Alba... His left-back spot used to Capdevila's, if you remember, and now he has taken that spot from him. Plus he has just signed for Barcelona. Could life be any better for him??

The only person I don't see making it back into the squad is Puyol. As I mentioned earlier, it looked like Spain would struggle without Villa and Puyol, and well... they scored the most goals in the tournament, and conceded the least. In fact if I'm not wrong, the only goal they conceded was against Italy in the group stage. See how much better they get? Villa could still make it back... he is a goal scoring machine, everyone knows that.

In other news, a few days after Van Persie announced that he wouldn't be renewing his Arsenal contract, Marouane Chamakh is also looking for a move away from the Gunners. He wont hurt them much, that I know. Another player that is hot property right now is Modric. real Madrid want the kid so much... but if you ask me, that's the wrong career move. who is he going to bench at Madrid? Khedira? Alonso? The onlt way he can fit in is if Mourinho changes his formation and have him play as a Number 10. Inter Milan have released Lucio and Forlan, and the former immediately joined Juventus while the latter went to Brazil.

Back to Kenyan football, it looks like Gor Mahia are starting to get their form back and are going up the table again. They beat KCB 3-1 at city stadium. Midweek fixtures this week:

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Mathare United

v

Sofapaka

Nyayo

19:00

Friday 13 July 2012

AFC Leopards

v

City Stars

Nyayo

19:30

EURO 2012: Group by Group review

Before I start ranting about the Euro, I would like to mention the fact that Oliech is back in the Harambee Stars fold after threatening to quit. I personally think Kenya should not entertain this kind of nonsense. Sure I dont support how those who run the team run it, and keep players' money , but that is no way to behave really, especially from a man who didn't help his team survive relegation and is now looking to leave them. Shame on him really. I think his attitude, along with Jamaal's needs to be put in check. Jamaal is another one, getting involved in pleasures of life and not playing for his club. Ask around you will hear this stuff. Moving on to what really matters.


Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech
Group B: Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Denmark
Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia
Group D: Ukraine, England, France, Sweden

That's how the groups look like. I personally have always been a fan of England ever since I can remember but of course they have their shortcomings. This time around a lot could happen. Lets have a look.

GROUP A: I think Poland being co-hosts of the event could try and at least come out second in the group. We've all seen how hosts are at times. Thus leaving Russia, Greece and Czech to fight for that other position. Russia and Czech have not been in any major competition lately so I doubt they'll be putting up that much of a fight so I see Greece just barely making it. Hence, Poland and Greece.

GROUP B: Its tough trying to guess the result for the 'group of death', because a giant has to be sacrificed, but I'll try anyway. Denmark out definitely. I'll go with the German topping the group because all their players, with the exception of Ozil & Khedira, are based in their league, hence they have that chemistry factor with them. Plus they had a perfect record, winning 10 out of 10 heading into the Euros, and judging by the fact that Portugal had to play a play-off decider to get to the Euros in the first place, I see Netherlands making it into that second place. They only lost one match out the 10 qualifiers they had to play to get into this year's event.
Therefore Germany and Netherlands.

GROUP C: Spain being the reigning champs could just take it again. They are strong favourites. For that and this reason: most of their players are part of the two greatest teams in football right now, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The second position I think will be a battle between Italy and Croatia. Croatia have a promising forward line; Ivica Olic, Nikica Jelavic(all have haunted Man United at one point) and Eduardo, former Arsenal man, plus they have Modric in midfield. But Italy have Motta, Pirlo & De Rossi in midfield and I think they could be the difference here. Their forwards aren't really that popular for me but I think they could make it. My opinion: Spain and Italy

GROUP D: This could well be the group of death if you ask me. All these teams are somewhat evenly matched, though England and France might come behind their usual 'big history and tradition' arguments but Sweden and Ukraine aren't just gonna take that... I think. Ukraine have Shevchenko, 35, Voronin, 32, and a young and upcoming Iamorlenko upfront. Their midfield could be the problem though. Sweden... Ibrahimovic, Kallstrom(Lyon man, powerful shot and swerves freekicks as well) and Rasmus Elm(Liverpool want him for a reason).
I think England and France have qualified-enough squads with France's midfield lookin very competent in particular. Cabaye, Nasri, Ben Arfa, M'Vila, Valbuena just to name a few, with Giroud and Benzema upfront. I dont know much about Jeremy Menez but his manager obviously has faith in him, former AS Roma man.
England have Scott Parker, Lampard, Gerrard, and competent wingers to aid them in midfield.
I see England and France making it out of the group.

I am a staunch believer in strong midfields, as you may have already noticed. Midfielders control games... and that is why you see Barca, Man City dominating football. Look at Everton this season, Newcastle United. Teams with strong midfields usually 'suffocate' other teams so much. I should just become a manager already.

Champs League Thus Far

Wouldn't know how to welcome you people to the blog as this isn't a house... at least I know how to entertain guests at my mother's house. That's barely the point here though. We're here to talk about football, and your reactions (those especially), but this is our first blog. You must be wondering who WE is, Kevin and Arthur. 

Right... lets talk football then.

So here we are. Waiting for the Champions League final... In Munich. Chelsea and Bayern of course making it there at the expense of Barcelona(didn't we all enjoy that) and Real Madrid(sadly).

The lead-up to the Chelsea game, I'd say, was more intense, if you asked me. It was supposed to be a duel between the greatest football team of our time against... well, Chelsea. I will not go into details about the huge difference in quality, class, skill or otherwise that separate these two teams. It is key to note though that Chelsea felt hard-done by their last encounter with Barca where Iniesta scored the ghost goal of that fixture in injury time, and am pretty sure Chelsea wanted revenge for that. 

The denied penalties in that game were behind them and they were facing a different Barca, albeit still as good, if not better. And so came the encounter, that am sure many would have labelled a night of negative football. Chelsea played 10 men behind the ball with the eleventh, Drogba, playing as a lone striker. 

Eventually Chelsea came out victorious after beating Barca 1-0 at Stamford bridge and eventually drawing 2-2 at Camp Nou, having played one man less for over an hour. I had stopped watching that game to be frank.. right after JT's red card. I expected Barca to be favored but didn't see Chelsea players pulling any stunts as John Terry's on the night. They got through though. Thanks to a good chipped goal by Ramires right at the stroke of halftime. Then Torres, an unused sub in the first leg coming on in the 80th minute to round the keeper beautifully before tucking home the equalizing goal of the night. I can imagine the headlines the following day.

Real Madrid versus Bayern Munich: 
This was always going to be a boring encounter. two teams that play the same brand of football and equally matched. Ended up in penalties. Shitty game really and a waste of time if you ask me. I feel for all of you(and myself) who stayed up to watch 'stars'(Kaka and Ronaldo) waste penalties while another(Ramos) sent one into orbit. At least we have another planet from that encounter. Hehe

Worth noting though was the fall of Barca. I, (Arthur) loved that. I wish David Villa a quick recovery though. Barca though... they should just stay second.. for a few years. Arsenal fans didn't want them to win anything of course, so that Fabregas stays as trophy-less as their lousy selves. Haha!

Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid fans(if there are any), just wanted Barca to lose. Well, because of their unjust self. Always depending on the refs.... and UEFA. And whats with that Messi kid winning the Ballon D'oR everytime?

Am done hating for now. Lets talk more football another time