Someone who walks with an uneven spine is sure to have an awkward gait.
Without recently ruled-out central midfielder Lassana Diarra, France will similarly be unable to engage their core correctly. It is the final damning factor proving their march through the 2010 World Cup will likely be an uncomfortable one.
Any side’s most important player
At times, Diarra is the best player on his club team. This is no small feat considering he plays at Real Madrid with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain —the second and third best attackers in the world during the 2009/2010 season.
Lass’ approach to midfield generalship relies on balance. Not necessarily his own physical balance but the averaging of both his offensive and defensive acumen, and his equal timing and measurement of each one’s application.
“Defensive midfielder” describes his position but does not define his effect on matches.
He goes forward and backwards, rarely over-committing in either direction. His blunt and oblong forehead leads his taut, but small frame, eagerly into tackles. But it’s his important distribution, his ability to use either foot to dribble or pass, and penchant for a nice-looking through-ball that really makes his mold unique.
The guy makes Michael Carrick look like Nancy Reagan.
There are very few players even like him among Europe’s elite: Roma’s Daniele De Rossi, Man United’s Darren Fletcher, Barcelona’s Keita, or even Liverpool’s Stephen Gerrard.
Like Diarra, their presence almost solely enables their respective clubs’ attack to flourish.
Yet in Europe, year after year star forwards garner more glory and transfer fees, while the true foundation of each side remains largely unheralded.
His private sickness
And so the Real Madrid midfielder was the perfect foil for France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff in South Africa, but now he’s out of the tournament with an interesting stomach ailment.
Apparently, the sickness is severe enough to know that a stomach ache won’t heal in 17 days. The French federation was alarmingly coy in their reaction Sunday.
“Further to his intestinal pain contracted on the glacier in Tignes, check-ups have detected evidence of an unpredictable illness which justifies rest for an indeterminate period. Consequently Lassana Diarra will miss the World Cup 2010 in South Africa,” a statement from the FFF read.
After Diarra, of the just six midfielders left, only Alou Diaby has the combination of grit and skill to weigh down his team’s core. However, his lower center of gravity and slightly over-buccaneering approach to attacking make the replacement hardly like-for-like.
Although Diaby’s style isn’t wholly dissimilar to Diarra’s, and he gamely fulfills his crucial role for Arsenal, the general disparity in class between the two Frenchmen is a marked one.
It’s very improbable that Diaby will slot in and do better than Diarra would have on the basis that the latter is better at everything.
Domenech proposes poorly
But hell, Diaby might not even play, nor might not anyone else with maniacal manager Domenech at the helm.
If a cold and confident Jose Mourinho didn’t recently remind everyone to the value of a coach in form, let the dithering, hopelessly romantic French manager remind you to the effect of the opposite.
He’s been so appallingly nervous and dim-witted over his three-year tenure, the FFF, on May 16, hired former Bordeaux coach, venerable Man United legend, and famed former France defender Laurent Blanc to replace him after the World Cup. Not exactly a show of confidence.
And that was before the maligned coach Domenech unforgivably omitted Samir Nasri from the final 23-man squad.
After also snubbing the inconsistent but prodigal Benzema from the team, bust-ups with almost every player, and generally mediocre results throughout prior tournaments and qualifying groups, the conclusion throughout France appears to be that Domenech never quite grasped the plot throughout his surprisingly long six-year tenure.
Now, Same old Post-Zidane France
Should be more letdown for France this year. If the FFF really had balls, they’d have just replaced Domenech with the younger, fresher, and more cerebral Blanc outright before the tournament.
If they had even bigger balls, they’d have just signed him to play for ‘em. They could use Blanc’s saggys, because sadly the French defense is too small, and none are real center-backs. Gallas is likely to start. Full stop.
The wing-backs are awesome, and the wings as well, but without Diarra to act strongly both in front of and behind them, playing off Sagna and Evra, releasing players like Gourcuff, Malouda, and Ribery to feed into Henry or Anelka, the French side have no base. Besides, their goalkeepers are usually a bit squirrely too.
In the classy but only semi-fit Ribery, a steadying Anelka, an impressive Malouda, and even an off-form Gourcuff, France have plenty of options going forward.
Despite that, with such a poor tactician at the helm as Domenech, without their underrated handyman Diarra plugging holes centrally, France will fall awkwardly against so many other more balanced sides striding past them throughout the tournament.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
free verse post-Europe
Man United's departure from Europe was always inevitable, but it somehow remains suprising.
With a squad comparatively thin to Europe's better sides, few picked United to triumph over Inter, Chelsea, or Barcelona abroad, much less past the London side domestically.
But as the both campaigns progressed, United stayed in contention without always playing their best, and seemed likely to progress past Bayern after a swashbuckling first half.
But if the Reds' slight Brazilian right-back wasn't sent off, visions of the Manchester side prevailing against Barcelona or an even more complete Inter side were never founded.
Because ultimately, a perhaps forced disinclination to purchase resulted in a predictably incomplete United side. This imbalance forced, and was worsened by tactical misinterpretations and player form, two of many factors fulfilling United's destiny this season as European bystanders.
Filling the void
One obvious theme became popular before, and throughout, this season: How will Man United fill the gap left by their most effective player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, a more subtle vacuum of creativity existed through the side's core, not on the wings, which were supplanted principally by Antonio Valencia's growth, as well as some good luck towards Nani's still unpredictable displays.
Through the core of the side, back from defense where their first choice starters were often injured, into midfield, United clung to Darren Fletcher's brilliant form throughout the season to often--but not always--mask an underlying deficiency.
With Wesley Sneijder on the market, manger Alex Ferguson couldn't--or wouldn't--be tempted to buy, despite lacking an attacking, central midfielder who could redeem some of the spontaneity of Ronaldo's appreciable offensive arsenal.
Scholes was never expected to feature everyday, Carrick was. But the younger Englishman's continued dismal form from last season continued consistently throughout this year, causing his gaffer to pull out the shoe-horn on a number of occasions.
An ever-changing starting line-up featured anyone from Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, or even Park, as attacking support for a striking line-up that increasingly consisted of only Wayne Rooney.
However, neither of the former three have enough defensive knack to allow the 4-4-2, United's best formation, and Park sucks too much at playing with the ball to fit into that role at all.
With a squad comparatively thin to Europe's better sides, few picked United to triumph over Inter, Chelsea, or Barcelona abroad, much less past the London side domestically.
But as the both campaigns progressed, United stayed in contention without always playing their best, and seemed likely to progress past Bayern after a swashbuckling first half.
But if the Reds' slight Brazilian right-back wasn't sent off, visions of the Manchester side prevailing against Barcelona or an even more complete Inter side were never founded.
Because ultimately, a perhaps forced disinclination to purchase resulted in a predictably incomplete United side. This imbalance forced, and was worsened by tactical misinterpretations and player form, two of many factors fulfilling United's destiny this season as European bystanders.
Filling the void
One obvious theme became popular before, and throughout, this season: How will Man United fill the gap left by their most effective player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, a more subtle vacuum of creativity existed through the side's core, not on the wings, which were supplanted principally by Antonio Valencia's growth, as well as some good luck towards Nani's still unpredictable displays.
Through the core of the side, back from defense where their first choice starters were often injured, into midfield, United clung to Darren Fletcher's brilliant form throughout the season to often--but not always--mask an underlying deficiency.
With Wesley Sneijder on the market, manger Alex Ferguson couldn't--or wouldn't--be tempted to buy, despite lacking an attacking, central midfielder who could redeem some of the spontaneity of Ronaldo's appreciable offensive arsenal.
Scholes was never expected to feature everyday, Carrick was. But the younger Englishman's continued dismal form from last season continued consistently throughout this year, causing his gaffer to pull out the shoe-horn on a number of occasions.
An ever-changing starting line-up featured anyone from Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, or even Park, as attacking support for a striking line-up that increasingly consisted of only Wayne Rooney.
However, neither of the former three have enough defensive knack to allow the 4-4-2, United's best formation, and Park sucks too much at playing with the ball to fit into that role at all.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Manchester United-Bayern Munich: Player Ratings
United hosted Bayern Munich in an epic Champions League quarter-final return leg Wednesday evening.
The home side dominated possession from the start and opened up the scoring early when Gibson was afforded great space and nimbly curled from range past a gaping Butt.
United struck again when Valencia patiently proffered Nani up in the six-yard box; the Portuguese trickster back-flicked past the despairing goalkeeper for a 2-0 advantage inside ten minutes.
The dream continued when Nani, for once, used precision over power from range after Valencia crossed low through Bayern's box at the 41st minute.
Olic, though, pegged a massive away-goal back for Bayern just before the break to setup a tense second frame as United led 3-1 (4-3 on aggregate).
Rafael's mind went astray in the 55th minute, forcing his body off the pitch for good after earning his second yellow for no cosmic reason. Bayern therefore dominated the second half.
In the 75th minute, Arjen Robben volleyed brilliantly direct from a corner, after Carrick had released Bayern carelessly. Robben's connection was perfect, arrowing into the far, bottom corner.
Bayern held on late against slight pressure from United's ten men, and, after one of the best games of the season, the Germans agonizingly leave Manchester United behind, winning on away goals 4-4 and advancing to the semi-finals to face Lyon.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar (7): Perhaps could have done better for Bayern's first goal when he was off-balance, allowing Oljic to score from an unforgivable angle. Otherwise he was mature and made some legitimate saves from Robben and Ribery to keep United in it until the death.
Rafael (4): His rambunctious tendency brought life into his side's winning first half display. Should have scored or assisted United's third but his ball control was pitiful breaking through clean on goal. Otherwise he tackled with alacrity and ran around the pitch like a madman. However, his naivete caught up to him early in the second half when he made a deplorable transgression, sent off after a needless second booking. His knack for immaturity is sometimes cute, but in a game of this historic importance, such behavior is unforgivable for any professional.
Ferdinand (6.5): Looked better and more assured today than in recent shaky performances. Bayern's forwards aren't the best in the world, but Rio left the most glaring mistakes to other players today. Out of position, perhaps, for Bayern's first.
Vidic (8.5): Inspired his side before and during the match. Faultless and dominant today in a losing effort. There is no reason to believe United will sell him in the summer.
Evra (7.5): Forward and back excellently. His cardio and athleticism are second to none.
Nani (8): Arguably the best game of his United career, eclipsing his match against Arsenal in January. Nani looked more like Ronaldo and less like himself throughout, scoring two fine goals in a huge match for the club.
Fletcher (8): Each match the Scotsman leaves everything on the pitch and can assume no blame for United's tragic departure from Europe.
Carrick (3): Out-muscled for Bayern's first and throughout, Carrick was shit again. Sure, he can pass the ball sideways under no pressure. Under little tonite, he turned the ball over for no reason, allowing Bayern to earn the corner that led to Robben's masterclass strike. He was outmuscled comically for Bayern's opener. Advantage: Team without Carrick. He has no base. He prances like a doe. If United buy in the summer, it's an attacking central midfielder they need before a forward or goalkeeper. Sneidjer would have been ideal last year; perhaps Gourcuff is available this summer, along with Blanc?
Gibson (7): Scored smartly from range, curling with finesse for United's first goal. Contributed to dominate possession in the first frame. Ineffectual in the second.
Valencia (8): The most improved player in England this season, the Ecuadorian assisted United's second and third strikes and used his speed and strength in attack and defense all game. Prefers his right foot, though, so obviously, it's a wonder he's able to get in as many crosses as he does.
Rooney (5): Miraculously recovered from a sprained ankle. Rooney didn't do much throughout, especially after taking a deliberate knock in the first half. United scored today from the outside-in without the only half-fit Englishman ever being greatly involved. Notable long-ball to setup United's second.
BAYERN MUNICH
Butt (4): Looked less like cheeks and more like a hole in the first half. Made saves in the second.
Demichelis (6): Poor in the first half during some wonkish transactions between the Bayern backline. Didn't have much to do when United went down to ten, fortunately.
van Buyten (7): Bigger in stature and strength to his partner, the Belgian got forward to contribute and shoot and was the most effective Munich defender tonight.
Badstuber (3.5): Null.
Lahm (6.5): Enjoyed more space forward after Rafael walked slowly off. No Bayern defender had a good first half, but none either were troubled in the second.
Schweinsteiger (7): Surprisingly effective in the tackle, the German attacked with range and looked lively, particularly in the second half.
van Bommel (6.5): Got booked early which changed his approach. Still got stuck in though and passed his club sideways out of defense.
Ribery (7.5): Especially dangerous in the second half. Cracked a few shots on target from range. Good footwork and balance. Rarely turned-over.
Robben (9): It wasn't as legendary as Zidane's 2002 strike against Leverkusen, but it was of the same ilk. Masterclass stuff from a world-class player. Robben was the best player in the world for the first half of last season before losing form for Madrid. Often injured, he is outstanding when on form. Somehow defenders allow him to cut inside from the right. As long as they do, he'll score goals similar to this, but rarely as nice.
Muller (5): Enjoyed no joy as center forward today.
Olic (6.5): Bullied Carrick for Bayern's first, importantly changing the mood of the match just before the break. This seems like normal service for him. Doesn't do anything spectacular with the ball, but can end up in good spots through strength and knack.
The home side dominated possession from the start and opened up the scoring early when Gibson was afforded great space and nimbly curled from range past a gaping Butt.
United struck again when Valencia patiently proffered Nani up in the six-yard box; the Portuguese trickster back-flicked past the despairing goalkeeper for a 2-0 advantage inside ten minutes.
The dream continued when Nani, for once, used precision over power from range after Valencia crossed low through Bayern's box at the 41st minute.
Olic, though, pegged a massive away-goal back for Bayern just before the break to setup a tense second frame as United led 3-1 (4-3 on aggregate).
Rafael's mind went astray in the 55th minute, forcing his body off the pitch for good after earning his second yellow for no cosmic reason. Bayern therefore dominated the second half.
In the 75th minute, Arjen Robben volleyed brilliantly direct from a corner, after Carrick had released Bayern carelessly. Robben's connection was perfect, arrowing into the far, bottom corner.
Bayern held on late against slight pressure from United's ten men, and, after one of the best games of the season, the Germans agonizingly leave Manchester United behind, winning on away goals 4-4 and advancing to the semi-finals to face Lyon.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar (7): Perhaps could have done better for Bayern's first goal when he was off-balance, allowing Oljic to score from an unforgivable angle. Otherwise he was mature and made some legitimate saves from Robben and Ribery to keep United in it until the death.
Rafael (4): His rambunctious tendency brought life into his side's winning first half display. Should have scored or assisted United's third but his ball control was pitiful breaking through clean on goal. Otherwise he tackled with alacrity and ran around the pitch like a madman. However, his naivete caught up to him early in the second half when he made a deplorable transgression, sent off after a needless second booking. His knack for immaturity is sometimes cute, but in a game of this historic importance, such behavior is unforgivable for any professional.
Ferdinand (6.5): Looked better and more assured today than in recent shaky performances. Bayern's forwards aren't the best in the world, but Rio left the most glaring mistakes to other players today. Out of position, perhaps, for Bayern's first.
Vidic (8.5): Inspired his side before and during the match. Faultless and dominant today in a losing effort. There is no reason to believe United will sell him in the summer.
Evra (7.5): Forward and back excellently. His cardio and athleticism are second to none.
Nani (8): Arguably the best game of his United career, eclipsing his match against Arsenal in January. Nani looked more like Ronaldo and less like himself throughout, scoring two fine goals in a huge match for the club.
Fletcher (8): Each match the Scotsman leaves everything on the pitch and can assume no blame for United's tragic departure from Europe.
Carrick (3): Out-muscled for Bayern's first and throughout, Carrick was shit again. Sure, he can pass the ball sideways under no pressure. Under little tonite, he turned the ball over for no reason, allowing Bayern to earn the corner that led to Robben's masterclass strike. He was outmuscled comically for Bayern's opener. Advantage: Team without Carrick. He has no base. He prances like a doe. If United buy in the summer, it's an attacking central midfielder they need before a forward or goalkeeper. Sneidjer would have been ideal last year; perhaps Gourcuff is available this summer, along with Blanc?
Gibson (7): Scored smartly from range, curling with finesse for United's first goal. Contributed to dominate possession in the first frame. Ineffectual in the second.
Valencia (8): The most improved player in England this season, the Ecuadorian assisted United's second and third strikes and used his speed and strength in attack and defense all game. Prefers his right foot, though, so obviously, it's a wonder he's able to get in as many crosses as he does.
Rooney (5): Miraculously recovered from a sprained ankle. Rooney didn't do much throughout, especially after taking a deliberate knock in the first half. United scored today from the outside-in without the only half-fit Englishman ever being greatly involved. Notable long-ball to setup United's second.
BAYERN MUNICH
Butt (4): Looked less like cheeks and more like a hole in the first half. Made saves in the second.
Demichelis (6): Poor in the first half during some wonkish transactions between the Bayern backline. Didn't have much to do when United went down to ten, fortunately.
van Buyten (7): Bigger in stature and strength to his partner, the Belgian got forward to contribute and shoot and was the most effective Munich defender tonight.
Badstuber (3.5): Null.
Lahm (6.5): Enjoyed more space forward after Rafael walked slowly off. No Bayern defender had a good first half, but none either were troubled in the second.
Schweinsteiger (7): Surprisingly effective in the tackle, the German attacked with range and looked lively, particularly in the second half.
van Bommel (6.5): Got booked early which changed his approach. Still got stuck in though and passed his club sideways out of defense.
Ribery (7.5): Especially dangerous in the second half. Cracked a few shots on target from range. Good footwork and balance. Rarely turned-over.
Robben (9): It wasn't as legendary as Zidane's 2002 strike against Leverkusen, but it was of the same ilk. Masterclass stuff from a world-class player. Robben was the best player in the world for the first half of last season before losing form for Madrid. Often injured, he is outstanding when on form. Somehow defenders allow him to cut inside from the right. As long as they do, he'll score goals similar to this, but rarely as nice.
Muller (5): Enjoyed no joy as center forward today.
Olic (6.5): Bullied Carrick for Bayern's first, importantly changing the mood of the match just before the break. This seems like normal service for him. Doesn't do anything spectacular with the ball, but can end up in good spots through strength and knack.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Bayern Munic-Manchester United: Player Ratings
United had a dream start when Demichelis fouled Nani needlessly in the first minute. Bayern's defender slipped on the following free-kick to allow Rooney a simple tap-in. Rooney did nothing further —and often, nor did United —throughout the first half as Bayern dominated possession and fired in crosses and shots.
This theme continued in the second frame, in part to thoughtless substitutions made by Ferguson, who lacked the audacity to take Rooney out and keep the 4-5-1, instead going to 4-4-2, despite already conceding so much possession.
Ribery equalized in the 76th minute with a Rooney-deflected free-kick. Bayern continued to control the waning moments of the match and snatched victory from Draw's jaws at the death when United's backline, sans Neville, got in a total muddle, allowing Olic to skip through and finish.
BAYERN MUNICH
Butt (7): "Didn't have much to do today."
Demichelis (6.5): Started in bad shape, needlessly conceding a free-kick, and slipping as it ensued to allow Rooney's early goal. Made roads to make up for it as United failed to tally again.
Van Buyten (7.5): Enjoyed getting forward, even, on occasion, and shut down Rooney easily with help from his friends.
Badstuber (6.5): Should be thankful he was up against Nani today instead of Valencia. Poor decision from United's manager is this left-back's personal gain today.
Lahm (8): Bayern's best player in the first half. United didn't press enough and Lahm was able to ping in dangerous crosses. The trend continued in the second frame. Didn't have to defend much against Park, or Giggs.
Pranjic (7): Got a couple shots off on goal and, despite being run ragged by Fletcher, enjoyed possession during the Scotsman's absence.
Van Bommel (8): Laid the foundation for Bayern's control. Assured and dominant in the air against a clucking Carrick.
Ribery (8.5): Bayern's most creative player. Outstanding balance similar to Arshavin. Created several dangerous opportunities for forwards who didn't otherwise deserve them. Scored when Rooney deflected his 22-yard free-kick.
Altintop (5): Extremely slow. Failed to release his side on the counter despite several chances to do so easily. Plodding and useless.
Olic (6.5): Laughable for 90 minutes. Deadly for one second. Made a huge difference pouncing late to give Bayern an advantage heading back to Old Trafford.
Muller (5.5): Didn't show much of his game, whatever it may be.
MANCHESTER UNITED
van der Sar (8): Had a lot of work to do today. Zero culpability for the first goal, his chances weren't fair for the second, either. Strong in his box and using both feet to clear the ball. Bayern had 20 shots overall, 10 on target.
Neville (6): Guileful display from United's right-back until he reactively handled outside his penalty box. Ribery's ensuing free-kick crucially levelled. Neville wasn't outclassed today from open field, despite being often against the Frenchman. Nani didn't help track back enough, and considering, Neville put in a good shift.
Ferdinand (5.5): Rio is not fit. Looked at sea at times. Bayern were able to get behind United's backline on several occasions. Somewhat culpable for Bayern's late go-ahead goal when he totally took himself out of the equation, being ridiculously off-balance.
Vidic (7): Also discombobulated for Bayern's second, Vida won headers and tackled well otherwise throughout the match.
Evra (6.5): The French left-back didn't enjoy as much running forward as he is accustomed, but jumped highest throughout to win headers, and handled the ball sufficiently on United's left side, despite Lahm having a good game opposite him.
Park (5.5): Ahead of Evra, Park was assigned to harry Lahm, who beat him on different occasions. As expected, Ji Sung was mediocre on offense, controlling poorly, and generally being aimless going forward.
Fletcher (8) : Pin-balled across the pitch with vigor. Made United's best forward runs and tackled throughout. Never runs out of energy. Put everyone else in white to shame. Not helped by Ferguson's employment of him most forward of the central triangle. But it's to United's detriment, not Fletcher's, because he is outstanding wherever he plays this season.
Carrick (4): Pranced across the pitch unknowingly. Tentative in the tackle and the pass. Weak across every attribute. Carrick will be glad to one day to be completely anonymous.
Scholes (6): Some genuinely brilliant long-balls, but Scholesy was a little careless with his close control at times. It's reckless of Ferguson to employ him at the tip of a backwards triangle. Scholes should be the forward tip of such a shape with Fletcher and ideally Hagreaves anchoring. United conceded 60/40 possession today.
Nani (5.5): Started well for 15 minutes. Nani then decided to dive at every opportunity. His attacking play took on the same sentiment, as he elaborated at nearly every turn. Faded fast. Naive footballer.
Rooney (4.5): Apparently Rooney left his world-class touch on past headlines today. His holding play was poor, full stop. He created virtually nothing and turned the ball over many times. He was unmarked for his five-yard tap-in when Demachalis slipped after two minutes. He missed a sitter when United needed anything to relieve the pressure. One of his worst footballing displays this season which have otherwise been very positive. He limped off at the death and will likely miss several forthcoming matches during United's title run-in.
Ferguson's tactics today were pedestrian and United paid for it. Valencia should have started instead of Nani to further suppress Ribery. Carrick and Fletcher need to play behind Scholes. Ideally Gibson can feature instead of the lanky Englishman next week for the return leg at Old Trafford, but if Robben is fit, on today's evidence, the English champions will be very challenged to advance.
This theme continued in the second frame, in part to thoughtless substitutions made by Ferguson, who lacked the audacity to take Rooney out and keep the 4-5-1, instead going to 4-4-2, despite already conceding so much possession.
Ribery equalized in the 76th minute with a Rooney-deflected free-kick. Bayern continued to control the waning moments of the match and snatched victory from Draw's jaws at the death when United's backline, sans Neville, got in a total muddle, allowing Olic to skip through and finish.
BAYERN MUNICH
Butt (7): "Didn't have much to do today."
Demichelis (6.5): Started in bad shape, needlessly conceding a free-kick, and slipping as it ensued to allow Rooney's early goal. Made roads to make up for it as United failed to tally again.
Van Buyten (7.5): Enjoyed getting forward, even, on occasion, and shut down Rooney easily with help from his friends.
Badstuber (6.5): Should be thankful he was up against Nani today instead of Valencia. Poor decision from United's manager is this left-back's personal gain today.
Lahm (8): Bayern's best player in the first half. United didn't press enough and Lahm was able to ping in dangerous crosses. The trend continued in the second frame. Didn't have to defend much against Park, or Giggs.
Pranjic (7): Got a couple shots off on goal and, despite being run ragged by Fletcher, enjoyed possession during the Scotsman's absence.
Van Bommel (8): Laid the foundation for Bayern's control. Assured and dominant in the air against a clucking Carrick.
Ribery (8.5): Bayern's most creative player. Outstanding balance similar to Arshavin. Created several dangerous opportunities for forwards who didn't otherwise deserve them. Scored when Rooney deflected his 22-yard free-kick.
Altintop (5): Extremely slow. Failed to release his side on the counter despite several chances to do so easily. Plodding and useless.
Olic (6.5): Laughable for 90 minutes. Deadly for one second. Made a huge difference pouncing late to give Bayern an advantage heading back to Old Trafford.
Muller (5.5): Didn't show much of his game, whatever it may be.
MANCHESTER UNITED
van der Sar (8): Had a lot of work to do today. Zero culpability for the first goal, his chances weren't fair for the second, either. Strong in his box and using both feet to clear the ball. Bayern had 20 shots overall, 10 on target.
Neville (6): Guileful display from United's right-back until he reactively handled outside his penalty box. Ribery's ensuing free-kick crucially levelled. Neville wasn't outclassed today from open field, despite being often against the Frenchman. Nani didn't help track back enough, and considering, Neville put in a good shift.
Ferdinand (5.5): Rio is not fit. Looked at sea at times. Bayern were able to get behind United's backline on several occasions. Somewhat culpable for Bayern's late go-ahead goal when he totally took himself out of the equation, being ridiculously off-balance.
Vidic (7): Also discombobulated for Bayern's second, Vida won headers and tackled well otherwise throughout the match.
Evra (6.5): The French left-back didn't enjoy as much running forward as he is accustomed, but jumped highest throughout to win headers, and handled the ball sufficiently on United's left side, despite Lahm having a good game opposite him.
Park (5.5): Ahead of Evra, Park was assigned to harry Lahm, who beat him on different occasions. As expected, Ji Sung was mediocre on offense, controlling poorly, and generally being aimless going forward.
Fletcher (8) : Pin-balled across the pitch with vigor. Made United's best forward runs and tackled throughout. Never runs out of energy. Put everyone else in white to shame. Not helped by Ferguson's employment of him most forward of the central triangle. But it's to United's detriment, not Fletcher's, because he is outstanding wherever he plays this season.
Carrick (4): Pranced across the pitch unknowingly. Tentative in the tackle and the pass. Weak across every attribute. Carrick will be glad to one day to be completely anonymous.
Scholes (6): Some genuinely brilliant long-balls, but Scholesy was a little careless with his close control at times. It's reckless of Ferguson to employ him at the tip of a backwards triangle. Scholes should be the forward tip of such a shape with Fletcher and ideally Hagreaves anchoring. United conceded 60/40 possession today.
Nani (5.5): Started well for 15 minutes. Nani then decided to dive at every opportunity. His attacking play took on the same sentiment, as he elaborated at nearly every turn. Faded fast. Naive footballer.
Rooney (4.5): Apparently Rooney left his world-class touch on past headlines today. His holding play was poor, full stop. He created virtually nothing and turned the ball over many times. He was unmarked for his five-yard tap-in when Demachalis slipped after two minutes. He missed a sitter when United needed anything to relieve the pressure. One of his worst footballing displays this season which have otherwise been very positive. He limped off at the death and will likely miss several forthcoming matches during United's title run-in.
Ferguson's tactics today were pedestrian and United paid for it. Valencia should have started instead of Nani to further suppress Ribery. Carrick and Fletcher need to play behind Scholes. Ideally Gibson can feature instead of the lanky Englishman next week for the return leg at Old Trafford, but if Robben is fit, on today's evidence, the English champions will be very challenged to advance.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Bolton-Manchester United: Player Ratings and Reca
Wanderers hosted Man United at the Reebok Saturday evening. The first half was argy-bargy as both teams wrestled for control. Each side had chances during the often end-to-end passages of play. The breakthrough was fortunate for United and abysmal for Bolton when Samual carelessly own-goaled right before the interval.
Bolton continued playing well in the second half; United continued to play better. Berbatov tapped home after 60 total following an audacious left-footed strike by Fletcher. Nani reamed his opposite full-back after 78 played with skill to setup another tap-in for Berbatov 3-0. Nani did the same thing five minutes later for Gibson to finish, 4-0.
MANCHESTER UNITED
van der Sar (8) It’s not a goalie’s fault when he doesn’t have that much to do. He is, though, accountable for what is tasked of him. The Dutchman made a world-class save today, his second of the season for those counting. His distribution was fine, and he had several important decisions to make as Bolton piled their meatshields forward, despite Wanderers only shooting on target five times. Clean sheet.
Neville (7) Some United fans think Neville has little left, but against sides like Bolton he’s very serviceable. Sure, he’s ploddingly slow; but he’s wily: That’s why everyone hates him. Still a quality footballer, if not defender.
Evans (6.5) Unable to redeem his form from last season, the Northern Irishman at least put a decent game under his belt today. Bolton are a challenging team for opposing backlines. They’re huge, and a few of them can even play. Therefore, Evans had to be big today, and he was big enough.
Vidic (9) Is there a better style matchup for Vidic than Kevin Davies? The Serbian monster was at home in the trenches today. He’ll be gutted he didn’t finish the match with a bloody nose. The happiest player on the pitch not to smile, Vida enjoyed himself thoroughly today, as all observing neutrals should have. Dominant. Brilliant.
Evra (7) Extremely consistent season continues. Over-hyped as a defender, possibly, Patty Evra has been owned by Bolton’s Davies before, but not today. He patrolled up and down the left wing willy-nillily, as usual. Solid.
Fletcher (8.5) It’s so easy giving Fletcher gaudy ratings. United’s best player this season continued his world-class form today. The war wagon rumbled all across the pitch today. A brilliantly driven, long-range, left-footed strike optioned Berbatov to easily tap-in their crucial second goal. He’d be player of the year in England and elsewhere; if he was English and uglier.
Giggs (6) Looked nifty, just didn’t get stuck-in. His left-footedness was a virtue apart from Scholes in the middle. He provides another creative avenue for United through the pitch’s core, but other players asserted themselves more ostensibly today.
Scholes (7) Easy job today: Lay back, ping the ball around, and let Fletcher do all the dirty work. That’s a winning formula, and a practical one for the aging maestro. Dangerous when forward.
Valencia (6) Anomalously quiet game from the most consistently improving player for United this season.
Nani (8) Although I always look forward to lambasting Nani, his shameless lampooning of Bolton’s right-back on several occasions in the second half begrudges me. Even in the first half Nani played within his means, which is refreshing, but he must continue to use pace over trickery in the middle of the pitch to be consistently effective. Good game today; if only a poor one wouldn’t almost surely follow.
Berbatov (8) Berba on form drops deep, wave-rides defenders, and creates chances for overlap and interplay. Though, he still throws little tantrums here are there, and they’re cute. His frustration is natural, though; imagine if you were the classiest player on every team you played. None of your teammates are likely to do the cool shit you think of. His positioning is still poor, at times, probably due to never-ending wine hangovers. Two deserved goals today for United’s most creative player. He’s yet to score as a substitute this season. United are 20-3-1 in games Berbatov starts.
BOLTON
Jaaskelainen (6) Should have done better on Fletcher’s driven shot. Otherwise didn’t have a lot to do besides pick the ball up out of his net. Good keeper on an average team.
Knight (6) Didn’t get worked or anything drastic as United fielded their lone striker. But his team lost 4-0 and Berbatov scored twice, so, you wouldn’t expect him holding his high too high tonight. Allowed Berba to nod goal-kicks onto his teammates. Made plenty of clearances, though.
Cahill (5) Cleared headers inevitably as United poured in crosses. Unfortunately three of those crossed ultimately ended up in his own net. Not good enough.
Samuel (4) Passed the ball into his own net under little pressure for the opener after a very even first-half. Not much else matters after that.
Ricketts (3) Got lolwtfowned by Nani several times which must really suck for someone’s self-esteem. Perhaps an intervention or vacation is in order; or a complete re-evaluation of his life’s meaning.
Cohen (6) The aptly-named Israeli had a few bright moments, but was playing against Darren Fletcher and a balanced United midfield, thereby sealing a darker fate for Cohen than he might otherwise deserve.
Muamba (6) Invoked a world-class save from van der Sar. Looks like a former Arsenal signing, plays like it too. Athletic but crafty, he could be named Song or Diaby, but without class around him, he’ll be hard-pressed to emulate their form, especially against United.
Wilshere (6.5) A bit slow, but his creativity punctuated an otherwise straightforward Bolton approach.
Lee (7) Korean was nifty on the right-side against Evra. Held on to the ball very well, turning sprightly on several occasions.
Elmander (6) Bolton played well, in part to his performance. He’s hulking, inevitably, but can work with the ball in addition to taking up space. Vidic owned his face aerially.
Davies (5) Vidic may as well have collared his neck and drug him around by chain tonite; in fact, he did.
Davies could not and can not compete with the Serbian aerially, and without that ability, was virtually useless.
‘Lo and behold, Rooney doesn’t play and United still win. Ferguson should have begun resting his talisman sooner because Berba’s form is not a surprise nor a recent development. Darren Fletcher and Vidic share man-of-the-match plaudits as the former sustains the best form of his career while the latter made strides to return to his.
United compensate Chelsea’s goal difference, beating Bolton by a 4-0 scoreline that deceives how well Bolton played for 70 minutes but rightly renders United’s dominance across all 90.
Bolton continued playing well in the second half; United continued to play better. Berbatov tapped home after 60 total following an audacious left-footed strike by Fletcher. Nani reamed his opposite full-back after 78 played with skill to setup another tap-in for Berbatov 3-0. Nani did the same thing five minutes later for Gibson to finish, 4-0.
MANCHESTER UNITED
van der Sar (8) It’s not a goalie’s fault when he doesn’t have that much to do. He is, though, accountable for what is tasked of him. The Dutchman made a world-class save today, his second of the season for those counting. His distribution was fine, and he had several important decisions to make as Bolton piled their meatshields forward, despite Wanderers only shooting on target five times. Clean sheet.
Neville (7) Some United fans think Neville has little left, but against sides like Bolton he’s very serviceable. Sure, he’s ploddingly slow; but he’s wily: That’s why everyone hates him. Still a quality footballer, if not defender.
Evans (6.5) Unable to redeem his form from last season, the Northern Irishman at least put a decent game under his belt today. Bolton are a challenging team for opposing backlines. They’re huge, and a few of them can even play. Therefore, Evans had to be big today, and he was big enough.
Vidic (9) Is there a better style matchup for Vidic than Kevin Davies? The Serbian monster was at home in the trenches today. He’ll be gutted he didn’t finish the match with a bloody nose. The happiest player on the pitch not to smile, Vida enjoyed himself thoroughly today, as all observing neutrals should have. Dominant. Brilliant.
Evra (7) Extremely consistent season continues. Over-hyped as a defender, possibly, Patty Evra has been owned by Bolton’s Davies before, but not today. He patrolled up and down the left wing willy-nillily, as usual. Solid.
Fletcher (8.5) It’s so easy giving Fletcher gaudy ratings. United’s best player this season continued his world-class form today. The war wagon rumbled all across the pitch today. A brilliantly driven, long-range, left-footed strike optioned Berbatov to easily tap-in their crucial second goal. He’d be player of the year in England and elsewhere; if he was English and uglier.
Giggs (6) Looked nifty, just didn’t get stuck-in. His left-footedness was a virtue apart from Scholes in the middle. He provides another creative avenue for United through the pitch’s core, but other players asserted themselves more ostensibly today.
Scholes (7) Easy job today: Lay back, ping the ball around, and let Fletcher do all the dirty work. That’s a winning formula, and a practical one for the aging maestro. Dangerous when forward.
Valencia (6) Anomalously quiet game from the most consistently improving player for United this season.
Nani (8) Although I always look forward to lambasting Nani, his shameless lampooning of Bolton’s right-back on several occasions in the second half begrudges me. Even in the first half Nani played within his means, which is refreshing, but he must continue to use pace over trickery in the middle of the pitch to be consistently effective. Good game today; if only a poor one wouldn’t almost surely follow.
Berbatov (8) Berba on form drops deep, wave-rides defenders, and creates chances for overlap and interplay. Though, he still throws little tantrums here are there, and they’re cute. His frustration is natural, though; imagine if you were the classiest player on every team you played. None of your teammates are likely to do the cool shit you think of. His positioning is still poor, at times, probably due to never-ending wine hangovers. Two deserved goals today for United’s most creative player. He’s yet to score as a substitute this season. United are 20-3-1 in games Berbatov starts.
BOLTON
Jaaskelainen (6) Should have done better on Fletcher’s driven shot. Otherwise didn’t have a lot to do besides pick the ball up out of his net. Good keeper on an average team.
Knight (6) Didn’t get worked or anything drastic as United fielded their lone striker. But his team lost 4-0 and Berbatov scored twice, so, you wouldn’t expect him holding his high too high tonight. Allowed Berba to nod goal-kicks onto his teammates. Made plenty of clearances, though.
Cahill (5) Cleared headers inevitably as United poured in crosses. Unfortunately three of those crossed ultimately ended up in his own net. Not good enough.
Samuel (4) Passed the ball into his own net under little pressure for the opener after a very even first-half. Not much else matters after that.
Ricketts (3) Got lolwtfowned by Nani several times which must really suck for someone’s self-esteem. Perhaps an intervention or vacation is in order; or a complete re-evaluation of his life’s meaning.
Cohen (6) The aptly-named Israeli had a few bright moments, but was playing against Darren Fletcher and a balanced United midfield, thereby sealing a darker fate for Cohen than he might otherwise deserve.
Muamba (6) Invoked a world-class save from van der Sar. Looks like a former Arsenal signing, plays like it too. Athletic but crafty, he could be named Song or Diaby, but without class around him, he’ll be hard-pressed to emulate their form, especially against United.
Wilshere (6.5) A bit slow, but his creativity punctuated an otherwise straightforward Bolton approach.
Lee (7) Korean was nifty on the right-side against Evra. Held on to the ball very well, turning sprightly on several occasions.
Elmander (6) Bolton played well, in part to his performance. He’s hulking, inevitably, but can work with the ball in addition to taking up space. Vidic owned his face aerially.
Davies (5) Vidic may as well have collared his neck and drug him around by chain tonite; in fact, he did.
Davies could not and can not compete with the Serbian aerially, and without that ability, was virtually useless.
‘Lo and behold, Rooney doesn’t play and United still win. Ferguson should have begun resting his talisman sooner because Berba’s form is not a surprise nor a recent development. Darren Fletcher and Vidic share man-of-the-match plaudits as the former sustains the best form of his career while the latter made strides to return to his.
United compensate Chelsea’s goal difference, beating Bolton by a 4-0 scoreline that deceives how well Bolton played for 70 minutes but rightly renders United’s dominance across all 90.
Monday, March 15, 2010
beckam's dream ends; let his nightmare end too
Shame on all who derided David Beckham after his naive—but genuine—iconoclastic display at Old Trafford last week.
Then he donned a green-and-gold scarf, the symbol for the populist movement against the club's overleveraged, self-indulgent American owners.
Where's the malice?
Not within his intentions or action. But he was decried as being a "shameless self-promoter", always looking for the cameras. In truth, he's just a simple footballer, thrust into stardom for others' profit. He supports Man United when he plays on other teams. He loves Old Trafford. He always missed it. He's really not that complicated.
He was also accused of insincerity, as he distanced himself from the act afterwards, in mumbling, dulcet slang. But he shouldn't have have to inject himself politically into their movement to justify his support of it. Nor should you have to run for office to agree in some principle.
Given no evidence, sometimes editorial writers must adopt arbitrary stances to create a dramatic narrative. Some English opinion-makers elected to continue an onslaught of guilt-strking lampooning that's continued ceaselessly since Beckham's sending off against Argentina at World Cup 1998.
One cynic even questioned Beckham's ostensible, pining love for his father figure Alex Ferguson and Man United, suggesting—for nothing—Beckham, in fact, betrayed every club he left, fueled by greed and selfishness—the same motivators behind his green-and-gold tribute.
Hindsight bias is crippling when it is founded upon a general, arbitrary cynicism that manifests itself through, basically, practice and muscle memory—to continually offer nothing but negativity.
Such an approach might be more right than wrong, half the time, but journalists—especially editorialists—should strive for better than 50 percent accuracy. In fact, they shouldn't have to, because writing opinion for any media outlet—even a fading newspaper—should imply thoughtful precision, articulation, and depth.
It's simply lazy to join upon an anti-Beckham bandwagon, but lazier still when other arcs are equally—if not more—compelling, practical, and certainly more evident.
Regardless of whether you think he was a dullard, Beckham wasn't greedy or superficial. These presumably obvious traits were borne from lingering, mass-effect bitterness after his 1998 dismissal.
Through clearer windows than those of foggy pubs, the career of this simple footballer became far too complex for him to control. His good looks and ability cursed him to a life he would never be able to master.
When Beckham was sent off against Argentina at the World Cup, there were—literally—burning effigies in his likeness outside pubs in England. He became a national villain. He never lived it down.
Becks' error then was not slight, but it was wholly overexageratted, and any amount of bias cannot mask that, now 12 years past.
As an aside: Wayne Rooney was pivotally sent off in the 2006 World Cup knockout stages, but the anti-Rooney meme never caught on, there were no effigies.
But following Becks' leveling mistake, what—if not aghast humility—did he ever exude? What, if not nostalgia, contrite, and patriotism? Yes; he's that cheesy. But he's sincere, not superficial. And he's not greedy.
When he left United, he did so at Ferguson's behest, not for love of money. The departure was mutually beneficial: Becks continued good form—though not injury-free—in Madrid, and played with Zidane; United gave his jersey to Cristiano Ronaldo who arrived the same summer and ultimately became more marketable.
Beckham's venture into America, surely, was neither founded in his greed—perhaps that of others. If you want to find money-mongering, depraved characters, look past Beckham at AEG, who own his rights, the Galaxy's stadium, and entities in Manchester.
And sure, marrying Posh probably didn't help him: Who do you think wears the pants?
Yes, Beckham has been an unwitting observer to his star cruise across the skies. He just wanted people to like him. He's been made rich by it, sure; but he was already rich.
Who wasn't then? The people around him who are now. And—in spirit, at least—the writers who salaciously fueled the demographic for cynicism in English tabloids throughout his career.
And now, just days removed from that historical image of Beckham once again asking England and Old Trafford for forgiveness and endorphins, there is another image:
Achilles tendon torn, a forlorn Beckham was carried off the pitch in Italy on Sunday. He will now miss the World Cup; the dream to assuage his 12-year-long guilttrip is shattered, his England career cruelly ended before its natural death.
The acquiescent figure, who carried not only Man United, but the English Premier League into the forefront of global footballing consciousness, loses his final chance to win the hearts of even those bottom-dwelling sensationalists that've enjoyed slagging off his elite career.
Completely crestfallen, the mule everyone loved to kick is on his knees. But who will snivel? Where are the snarky articles about his greed and self-indulgence? "Where's Tom Cruise at?"
Beckham's career is over. There are no more editorials in the well. It deserves accurate accounting and perspective as it is written into history.
The Man United hero was very much a simpleton, and he had a big, dumb heart.
It's time for those lacking to find another good-looking Englishman (or Rooney) upon which to pen their feast.
Then he donned a green-and-gold scarf, the symbol for the populist movement against the club's overleveraged, self-indulgent American owners.
Where's the malice?
Not within his intentions or action. But he was decried as being a "shameless self-promoter", always looking for the cameras. In truth, he's just a simple footballer, thrust into stardom for others' profit. He supports Man United when he plays on other teams. He loves Old Trafford. He always missed it. He's really not that complicated.
He was also accused of insincerity, as he distanced himself from the act afterwards, in mumbling, dulcet slang. But he shouldn't have have to inject himself politically into their movement to justify his support of it. Nor should you have to run for office to agree in some principle.
Given no evidence, sometimes editorial writers must adopt arbitrary stances to create a dramatic narrative. Some English opinion-makers elected to continue an onslaught of guilt-strking lampooning that's continued ceaselessly since Beckham's sending off against Argentina at World Cup 1998.
One cynic even questioned Beckham's ostensible, pining love for his father figure Alex Ferguson and Man United, suggesting—for nothing—Beckham, in fact, betrayed every club he left, fueled by greed and selfishness—the same motivators behind his green-and-gold tribute.
Hindsight bias is crippling when it is founded upon a general, arbitrary cynicism that manifests itself through, basically, practice and muscle memory—to continually offer nothing but negativity.
Such an approach might be more right than wrong, half the time, but journalists—especially editorialists—should strive for better than 50 percent accuracy. In fact, they shouldn't have to, because writing opinion for any media outlet—even a fading newspaper—should imply thoughtful precision, articulation, and depth.
It's simply lazy to join upon an anti-Beckham bandwagon, but lazier still when other arcs are equally—if not more—compelling, practical, and certainly more evident.
Regardless of whether you think he was a dullard, Beckham wasn't greedy or superficial. These presumably obvious traits were borne from lingering, mass-effect bitterness after his 1998 dismissal.
Through clearer windows than those of foggy pubs, the career of this simple footballer became far too complex for him to control. His good looks and ability cursed him to a life he would never be able to master.
When Beckham was sent off against Argentina at the World Cup, there were—literally—burning effigies in his likeness outside pubs in England. He became a national villain. He never lived it down.
Becks' error then was not slight, but it was wholly overexageratted, and any amount of bias cannot mask that, now 12 years past.
As an aside: Wayne Rooney was pivotally sent off in the 2006 World Cup knockout stages, but the anti-Rooney meme never caught on, there were no effigies.
But following Becks' leveling mistake, what—if not aghast humility—did he ever exude? What, if not nostalgia, contrite, and patriotism? Yes; he's that cheesy. But he's sincere, not superficial. And he's not greedy.
When he left United, he did so at Ferguson's behest, not for love of money. The departure was mutually beneficial: Becks continued good form—though not injury-free—in Madrid, and played with Zidane; United gave his jersey to Cristiano Ronaldo who arrived the same summer and ultimately became more marketable.
Beckham's venture into America, surely, was neither founded in his greed—perhaps that of others. If you want to find money-mongering, depraved characters, look past Beckham at AEG, who own his rights, the Galaxy's stadium, and entities in Manchester.
And sure, marrying Posh probably didn't help him: Who do you think wears the pants?
Yes, Beckham has been an unwitting observer to his star cruise across the skies. He just wanted people to like him. He's been made rich by it, sure; but he was already rich.
Who wasn't then? The people around him who are now. And—in spirit, at least—the writers who salaciously fueled the demographic for cynicism in English tabloids throughout his career.
And now, just days removed from that historical image of Beckham once again asking England and Old Trafford for forgiveness and endorphins, there is another image:
Achilles tendon torn, a forlorn Beckham was carried off the pitch in Italy on Sunday. He will now miss the World Cup; the dream to assuage his 12-year-long guilttrip is shattered, his England career cruelly ended before its natural death.
The acquiescent figure, who carried not only Man United, but the English Premier League into the forefront of global footballing consciousness, loses his final chance to win the hearts of even those bottom-dwelling sensationalists that've enjoyed slagging off his elite career.
Completely crestfallen, the mule everyone loved to kick is on his knees. But who will snivel? Where are the snarky articles about his greed and self-indulgence? "Where's Tom Cruise at?"
Beckham's career is over. There are no more editorials in the well. It deserves accurate accounting and perspective as it is written into history.
The Man United hero was very much a simpleton, and he had a big, dumb heart.
It's time for those lacking to find another good-looking Englishman (or Rooney) upon which to pen their feast.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
