The factors taken into acocunt are
(a) form over the last 12 months,
(b) potential and
(c) transfer fee involved.
10. Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff City to Arsenal)It was intriguing to see Arsenal and Manchester United to toe to toe for this promising 17-year-old. Arsene Wenger's youth policy won the day, and The Emirates faithful will get to enjoy the skills of the best young player to come out of Wales in recent years. He sneaks in at number ten.
9. Mirko Vucinic (Roma/Lecce to Roma)The Giallorossi have finally secured full ownership of the Montenegrin, purchasing the second half of his contract from Lecce for a meaty 12 million euros. Is he worth 24 million today? Probably not. However, he has improved massively over the last 12 months, and continues to get better by the day.
8. Martin Caceres (Villarreal to Barcelona)The 20-year-old Uruguayan is regarded as one of the best young defenders in La Liga, and Barcelona wasted little time snapping him up from Villarreal. A touch overpriced at around 16 million euros, but a great signing for the future nonetheless, particularly with Carles Puyol beginning to show his age.
7. Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina to Atletico Madrid)At long last, Atleti have made a good defensive signing. They were in denial last summer when they failed to take concrete steps, but have landed just the man to lead their defence upon their return to the Champions League after over a decade. That he comes for free makes it even better.
6. Alberto Gilardino (Milan to Fiorentina)On the face of it, it looks like the Viola have signed an unhappy, out of form striker. However, that was just what Adrian Mutu's move from Juventus looked like not so long ago. The fans will help him forget Milan in a hurry, and rediscover the striker that wowed Calcio when at Parma. The partnership with Mutu can be backed to produce some special moments in the Champions League.
5. Seydou Keita (Sevilla to Barcelona)The best signing Barcelona have made this season, particularly in light of the way their soft underbelly was exposed on the road last season. With him partnering Yaya Toure in the middle, it will ensure that the likes of Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi do not get bullied, and also get the full license to thrill. 15 million euros worth their value.
4. Ezequiel Garay (Racing Santander to Real Madrid)What a capture! Barcelona seemed to have him in the bag, but hesitated a little too much as they waited for Frank Rijkaard to leave and a new coach to take charge. Madrid managed to snatch Sergio Ramos a few years ago, and what a signing that has turned out to be. This one may be no different. Will spend another season with Racing.
3. Amauri (Palermo to Juventus)The Brazilian-Italian striker makes it to number three after earning himself a long overdue move to a top four club. He has already shown his potential with Palermo, and the prospect of him getting some top quality service from the Juve midfield is simply mouth-watering. Champions League, here he comes.
2. Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham)The hottest young Croatian was snapped up by Spurs despite the interest of clubs such as Barcelona and Chelsea, and what a signing it has already turned out to be. Looks set to become the jewel in Juande Ramos' midfield next season. He makes it to number two on our list.
1. Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal to Milan)The underrated Frenchman was one of Arsenal's best players last season, and Milan's signing of him is most definitely the biggest coup of the summer thus far. That it was a free transfer makes it even better.
Milan - Adebayor too dear
Villa Agent Meets With English Clubs - Report
Ramos Eyes Sensational Berba-Eto’o Swap - Report
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Simão Says No To Porto
Los Colchoneros have been linked with a keen interest in Quaresma for several months now, having been very close to signing the Porto ace back in 2006.
The Spanish capital club are reported to be keen on restarting negotiations for the 24-year-old, who has a release clause of €40 million attached to his contract, as they believe he would quickly become a quality asset to the squad.
A BOLA reports that Atletico Madrid reached an agreement with Porto about a €10 million offer plus the services of Simão Sabrosa for Ricardo Quaresma.
However, Simão is understood to have rejected a move to Porto out of respect for his old club, Benfica.
Atletico are now in a tough situation as the Portuguese paper says they are not willing to spend more than €25 million on Quaresma and FC Porto are reluctant to do business for their star for anything less than the figure set in his release clause.
Paulo Assunção Leaves Porto
Deco not drawn on future
Jose could return to England
Villarreal Aim For Porto Ace
The Spanish capital club are reported to be keen on restarting negotiations for the 24-year-old, who has a release clause of €40 million attached to his contract, as they believe he would quickly become a quality asset to the squad.
A BOLA reports that Atletico Madrid reached an agreement with Porto about a €10 million offer plus the services of Simão Sabrosa for Ricardo Quaresma.
However, Simão is understood to have rejected a move to Porto out of respect for his old club, Benfica.
Atletico are now in a tough situation as the Portuguese paper says they are not willing to spend more than €25 million on Quaresma and FC Porto are reluctant to do business for their star for anything less than the figure set in his release clause.
Paulo Assunção Leaves Porto
Deco not drawn on future
Jose could return to England
Villarreal Aim For Porto Ace
Euro 2008 Preview: Russia - Spain
Spain and Russia are one step away from an historic appearance in the European Championships final and for both teams it would see them cause a huge surprise in their homeland.
Luis Aragonés' are always tipped as dark horses as pundits try to make this the year that they spot something in la Furia Roja that they think nobody else has and for so many years they have been left shrugging their shoulders after another early exit.
But in Spain itself, the prospects of the national team are always looked upon with a large dose of scepticism despite the litany of talented and technical players available.
The coach may have some of the world's most famous names to choose from and some of the most creative stars in the game, but still those doubts are there to nag away at the reality of Spain falling short.
All that, and more, came out all too clearly in the build-up to the quarter final against Italy as all of the country's and national team's dark side came out.
A phrase dreamed up to attract tourists to the country in the 1960's has been turned into the side's catchphrase as 'Spain is different' summed everything about la Selección.
From the abundant talent to the stuttering confidence and mentality, the Spanish are different because they have underachieved to such an extent that reaching the final this time would constitute a huge step forward.
Surprise, Surprise
Given the players available it should not be a surprise, but it is and while they will be deemed as clear favourites to beat the Russians, realistically they should probably not be.
Neither team will be complaining, but given the new system in place for Euro 2008, it was always likely that there were going to be repeat games at the semi final stage from those witnessed in the group section.
Few would have suspected that the Spanish would playing Guus Hiddink's Russian side again after the demolition job that Aragonés' team carried out, but that has only added to the intrigue.
Andrei Arshavin may not be short of confidence, but the weight of expectation placed on his shoulders now outweighs anything that is being expected of any particular Spaniard.
The Zenit St. Petersburg forward did not play in the opening encounter against Spain and that, if you would believe all the critics, was the crucial difference.
His return did indeed signal a new and improved Russia and Holland were not prepared for what came at them in the quarter finals as Hiddink's system kicked in and everything worked.
Looking Back
But the Spanish will realise that while their defence will have to be tighter to cope with the highly-rated Arshavin, the defence that they scored four against will basically be the same.
Denis Kolodin was turned backwards and forwards by Fernando Torres run and while he has a good shot on him, the central defender's positional sense at the back could have been exposed but he is suspended and his replacement will have to improve.
In midfield, the Russians will no doubt tighten up because Aragonés is being tipped to name the same team that played the same opponents last time out, so there will be few surprises.
For Russia, they stand one game away from history as well because since the fall of the Berlin Wall, they have not made the same impression as they did when they were able to call upon the services of the rest of the Soviet Union.
After the USSR were the first winners of the tournament in 1960, they were beaten by the Spanish in Madrid four years later and were also defeated by Holland in 1988.
But as Russia, Euro 2008 is the first competition in which they have qualified past the group stages after falling short at the World Cup Finals in 1994 and 2002 and the European Championships in 1996 and 2004.
Spain have never lost a semi final, but then they have only played in two, and will hope to progress on Thursday wearing what the local media call yellow, and Adidas politely call gold, shirts.
RECENT FORM
Russia
21/06 N (EC) Netherlands 3-1
18/06 N (EC) Sweden 2-0
14/08 N (EC) Greece 1-0
10/06 N (EC) Spain 1-4
04/06 N (Fr) Lithuania 4-1
28/05 N (Fr) Serbia 2-1
Spain
22/06 N (EC) Italy 0-0 (won on penalties)
17/06 N (EC) Greece 2-1
14/06 N (EC) Sweden 2-1
10/06 N (EC) Russia 4-1
04/06 H (Fr) United States 1-0
31/05 H (Fr) Peru 2-1
TEAM NEWS
Pirés: Raúl-Aragonés Is Like Me And Domenech
Spanish PM: We Will Beat Italy
Alonso impressed by Juve
Spain B beat Greece
Luis Aragonés' are always tipped as dark horses as pundits try to make this the year that they spot something in la Furia Roja that they think nobody else has and for so many years they have been left shrugging their shoulders after another early exit.
But in Spain itself, the prospects of the national team are always looked upon with a large dose of scepticism despite the litany of talented and technical players available.
The coach may have some of the world's most famous names to choose from and some of the most creative stars in the game, but still those doubts are there to nag away at the reality of Spain falling short.
All that, and more, came out all too clearly in the build-up to the quarter final against Italy as all of the country's and national team's dark side came out.
A phrase dreamed up to attract tourists to the country in the 1960's has been turned into the side's catchphrase as 'Spain is different' summed everything about la Selección.
From the abundant talent to the stuttering confidence and mentality, the Spanish are different because they have underachieved to such an extent that reaching the final this time would constitute a huge step forward.
Surprise, Surprise
Given the players available it should not be a surprise, but it is and while they will be deemed as clear favourites to beat the Russians, realistically they should probably not be.
Neither team will be complaining, but given the new system in place for Euro 2008, it was always likely that there were going to be repeat games at the semi final stage from those witnessed in the group section.
Few would have suspected that the Spanish would playing Guus Hiddink's Russian side again after the demolition job that Aragonés' team carried out, but that has only added to the intrigue.
Andrei Arshavin may not be short of confidence, but the weight of expectation placed on his shoulders now outweighs anything that is being expected of any particular Spaniard.
The Zenit St. Petersburg forward did not play in the opening encounter against Spain and that, if you would believe all the critics, was the crucial difference.
His return did indeed signal a new and improved Russia and Holland were not prepared for what came at them in the quarter finals as Hiddink's system kicked in and everything worked.
Looking Back
But the Spanish will realise that while their defence will have to be tighter to cope with the highly-rated Arshavin, the defence that they scored four against will basically be the same.
Denis Kolodin was turned backwards and forwards by Fernando Torres run and while he has a good shot on him, the central defender's positional sense at the back could have been exposed but he is suspended and his replacement will have to improve.
In midfield, the Russians will no doubt tighten up because Aragonés is being tipped to name the same team that played the same opponents last time out, so there will be few surprises.
For Russia, they stand one game away from history as well because since the fall of the Berlin Wall, they have not made the same impression as they did when they were able to call upon the services of the rest of the Soviet Union.
After the USSR were the first winners of the tournament in 1960, they were beaten by the Spanish in Madrid four years later and were also defeated by Holland in 1988.
But as Russia, Euro 2008 is the first competition in which they have qualified past the group stages after falling short at the World Cup Finals in 1994 and 2002 and the European Championships in 1996 and 2004.
Spain have never lost a semi final, but then they have only played in two, and will hope to progress on Thursday wearing what the local media call yellow, and Adidas politely call gold, shirts.
RECENT FORM
Russia
21/06 N (EC) Netherlands 3-1
18/06 N (EC) Sweden 2-0
14/08 N (EC) Greece 1-0
10/06 N (EC) Spain 1-4
04/06 N (Fr) Lithuania 4-1
28/05 N (Fr) Serbia 2-1
Spain
22/06 N (EC) Italy 0-0 (won on penalties)
17/06 N (EC) Greece 2-1
14/06 N (EC) Sweden 2-1
10/06 N (EC) Russia 4-1
04/06 H (Fr) United States 1-0
31/05 H (Fr) Peru 2-1
TEAM NEWS
Pirés: Raúl-Aragonés Is Like Me And Domenech
Spanish PM: We Will Beat Italy
Alonso impressed by Juve
Spain B beat Greece
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Spain Unlikely To Change For Russia
Spain's last full training session at their Neustift base threw up few surprises, with Luis Aragonés continuing with his confirmed "strongest XI" in a bounce game.
Thus the main team, watched by a huge throng of fans, comprised Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Torres, and Villa.
Aragonés appeared anxious and determined as he put the squad through their paces, and he was indeed given much food for thought as the "reserve" team ran out 2-0 winners.
Goals from Sergio García and Daniel Güiza gave the second string victory, although whether or not Aragonés will be tempted to change things around, given that the main squad have won three out of the three games they've contested, remains to be seen.
Spain B beat Greece
Aragonés Tips Italy And Bemoans Fatigue
Thus the main team, watched by a huge throng of fans, comprised Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Torres, and Villa.
Aragonés appeared anxious and determined as he put the squad through their paces, and he was indeed given much food for thought as the "reserve" team ran out 2-0 winners.
Goals from Sergio García and Daniel Güiza gave the second string victory, although whether or not Aragonés will be tempted to change things around, given that the main squad have won three out of the three games they've contested, remains to be seen.
Spain B beat Greece
Aragonés Tips Italy And Bemoans Fatigue
Ranieri Admires Senna – Agent
Juventus are well known to have identified a centre midfielder as their primary summer transfer target, and this has led to them being linked with a whole host of players in and around Europe.
It had seemed that deals for both Xabi Alonso and Dejan Stankovic were edging closer to completion, but the former has hit a hitch, while the latter is on the verge of collapse.
One centre midfielder who has been earning rave reviews is Villarreal’s Marco Senna, who has impressed hugely for Spain at Euro 2008.
The player’s agent has revealed that his client is admired by Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri, opening up the possibility of a summer transfer.
“It’s no secret that Senna appeals to Juventus and in particular Claudio Ranieri,” Jose Manuel Butraguenos stated.
“The Juve Coach knows him well and spoke to him about a month ago. I haven’t had any news since then, but we are waiting.
“A lot depends on the club. Senna has proven himself to be one of the best players at the European Championship, but if the two teams found an agreement he would be very willing to join the Bianconeri.”
Senna will turn 32 this summer, but his experience and battle-hardness could prove crucial ahead of the two-pronged attack on Serie A and the Champions League.
Senna Wonder-Goal Sees Villarreal Clear In Second
Juve eye Asian starlet
Ranieri backs Lamps for success
It had seemed that deals for both Xabi Alonso and Dejan Stankovic were edging closer to completion, but the former has hit a hitch, while the latter is on the verge of collapse.
One centre midfielder who has been earning rave reviews is Villarreal’s Marco Senna, who has impressed hugely for Spain at Euro 2008.
The player’s agent has revealed that his client is admired by Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri, opening up the possibility of a summer transfer.
“It’s no secret that Senna appeals to Juventus and in particular Claudio Ranieri,” Jose Manuel Butraguenos stated.
“The Juve Coach knows him well and spoke to him about a month ago. I haven’t had any news since then, but we are waiting.
“A lot depends on the club. Senna has proven himself to be one of the best players at the European Championship, but if the two teams found an agreement he would be very willing to join the Bianconeri.”
Senna will turn 32 this summer, but his experience and battle-hardness could prove crucial ahead of the two-pronged attack on Serie A and the Champions League.
Senna Wonder-Goal Sees Villarreal Clear In Second
Juve eye Asian starlet
Ranieri backs Lamps for success
Valencia Track Striking Duo
Valencia are in the market for new solutions for the up front area of the team as they seek world-class material in case David Villa and Nikola Zigic take on new challenges.
Wile Valencia are reluctant to part with Villa, who has been in sensational form in Euro 2008, the Serbian international is believed to be very close to joining Panathinaikos for 12 million euros.
Mallorca striker Dani Güiza and Zaragoza's Diego Milito are understood to be Valencia's main targets to replace Villa and Zigic, respectively, but Los Che are looking for other alternatives, according to Superdeporte.
Recent reports have suggested Güiza to have almost everything set with Fenerbahçe and only a very tempting offer from Spain or England would make him say no to the Turkish contract.
As for Milito, the Argentine international has an offer from Tottenham and is expected to be confirmed by the Premier League outfit in the forthcoming days.
Valencia's summer signings are, therefore, no foregone conclusion and the names of López and Fred are being reported by the press.
Targets
Licha was the top-scorer in the Portuguese league with 24 goals and his performances for the Dragons have not gone unnoticed in the old continent.
López has a valid contract with Porto until 2011 and it is estimated that a fee in the region of €15 million will be enough to lure him away from Estádio do Dragão.
Fred has been an important piece in Lyon since his arrival in 2005 but would reportedly consider a new challenge after falling out of favour to French sensation Karim Benzema.
Morera Talks Transfers
Giza To Replace Adebayor?
Wile Valencia are reluctant to part with Villa, who has been in sensational form in Euro 2008, the Serbian international is believed to be very close to joining Panathinaikos for 12 million euros.
Mallorca striker Dani Güiza and Zaragoza's Diego Milito are understood to be Valencia's main targets to replace Villa and Zigic, respectively, but Los Che are looking for other alternatives, according to Superdeporte.
Recent reports have suggested Güiza to have almost everything set with Fenerbahçe and only a very tempting offer from Spain or England would make him say no to the Turkish contract.
As for Milito, the Argentine international has an offer from Tottenham and is expected to be confirmed by the Premier League outfit in the forthcoming days.
Valencia's summer signings are, therefore, no foregone conclusion and the names of López and Fred are being reported by the press.
Targets
Licha was the top-scorer in the Portuguese league with 24 goals and his performances for the Dragons have not gone unnoticed in the old continent.
López has a valid contract with Porto until 2011 and it is estimated that a fee in the region of €15 million will be enough to lure him away from Estádio do Dragão.
Fred has been an important piece in Lyon since his arrival in 2005 but would reportedly consider a new challenge after falling out of favour to French sensation Karim Benzema.
Morera Talks Transfers
Giza To Replace Adebayor?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Rijkaard Defends Barcelona Tenure, Ronaldinho
Despite enjoying tremendous success in his first three seasons at Camp Nou, Rijkaard's tenure with Barcelona ended on a sour note after two barren seasons.
Nonetheless, Rijkaard stated that, although his success waned over time, he was always committed to his job.
"I endeavoured to make things work," he told the official club magazine.
"These five years have been very intense. You could compare it with when you get on one of those really fast trains: one day you look back and you’re amazed at the way time has flown."
Nonetheless, he denied that he was overwhelmed by the pressure of the job.
"In Holland some things are the same as at Barça," he explained. "I’ve understood the pressure of the surroundings since I was a youth player at Ajax. In Amsterdam we used the same expression. Surroundings? It means what happens outside the club and can affect the team. The surroundings here were no surprise to me."
Still, Barcelona and Spain are a special case for any manager, as he outlined.
"English football and our football are not at all similar," continued the former Oranje ace.
"Here we have elections and chairmen bring their own staffs, while at a club like Manchester United there is just one owner and it works like a company. It might change, but everything stays the same. And that doesn’t happen at Barça. Here every so often the organization, the structure, and even the philosophy changes, which is almost like going back to square one. Ferguson can spend years in charge of the team: that isn’t very likely here."
With that in mind, then, stabilising influences may come in the form of players.
"Coaches can say as much as they want, but without the team nothing works. I’d take Puyol," enthused Rijkaard. "He’s the captain and stands for the spirit of the team and generosity.
"And I’d also like to mention Ronaldinho. He’s been crucial in getting people excited again and making them happy. He’s been really important. Barça’s won and lost with him. But without Ronaldinho we wouldn’t have won more than before."
Ronaldinho To Miss Barça Last Fixture
Barca set Ronaldinho price
Messi wants Ronaldinho stay
Nonetheless, Rijkaard stated that, although his success waned over time, he was always committed to his job.
"I endeavoured to make things work," he told the official club magazine.
"These five years have been very intense. You could compare it with when you get on one of those really fast trains: one day you look back and you’re amazed at the way time has flown."
Nonetheless, he denied that he was overwhelmed by the pressure of the job.
"In Holland some things are the same as at Barça," he explained. "I’ve understood the pressure of the surroundings since I was a youth player at Ajax. In Amsterdam we used the same expression. Surroundings? It means what happens outside the club and can affect the team. The surroundings here were no surprise to me."
Still, Barcelona and Spain are a special case for any manager, as he outlined.
"English football and our football are not at all similar," continued the former Oranje ace.
"Here we have elections and chairmen bring their own staffs, while at a club like Manchester United there is just one owner and it works like a company. It might change, but everything stays the same. And that doesn’t happen at Barça. Here every so often the organization, the structure, and even the philosophy changes, which is almost like going back to square one. Ferguson can spend years in charge of the team: that isn’t very likely here."
With that in mind, then, stabilising influences may come in the form of players.
"Coaches can say as much as they want, but without the team nothing works. I’d take Puyol," enthused Rijkaard. "He’s the captain and stands for the spirit of the team and generosity.
"And I’d also like to mention Ronaldinho. He’s been crucial in getting people excited again and making them happy. He’s been really important. Barça’s won and lost with him. But without Ronaldinho we wouldn’t have won more than before."
Ronaldinho To Miss Barça Last Fixture
Barca set Ronaldinho price
Messi wants Ronaldinho stay
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