World Cup winners Germany kick-off their Euro 2016 campaign against less-threatening Ukraine tomorrow. Joachim Löw and his side look to go two further than last year after they were knocked out in the semifinal by two quick fire goals from Headline act Mario Balotelli. Playmaker Mesut Özil made it a nervy last few minutes with a coolly-converted penalty, but as it turned out: the Azzurri got through to the Euro 2012 final in Kiev that year which they lost 4-0 to then-world champions Spain. Can the Germans emulate the feats of Del Bosque's charges? The last time the Germans won the European Championship was in 1996 after present USA coach Jürgen Klinsmann helped his side to victory with some impressive bits of finishing. With three successes in this competition, number four looks oh so definite on the cards.
After having a relatively smooth qualifying round in which they won seven out of 10 games and lost twice, 'Die Mannschaft' have all it takes to go all the way. Bookmakers pip them the most likely to emerge victorious in France this summer.
They virtually have all areas of the pitch filled with immense talent. From arguably the world's best goalie in Manuel Neuer to Bayern Munich defensive powerhouses in Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, not to forget the midfield quartet of Sami Khedira, passing masters Toni Kroos and Mesut Özil, as well as German warrior and captain in Bastian Schweinsteiger. And oh, how can we forget World Cup heroes Mario Götze and Thomas Müller, as well as forward Supremo Mario Gomez and Köln legend Lukas Podolski? Joachim Löw, this is your chance: you virtually have no excuse whatsoever. Sadly though, Dortmund's own 'Robin' (Marco Reus) won't be available for this tournament, as he's pulled up again just like in 2014. It's a big blow, but they should be able to cope with it. A team whose game is hinged on quick passing and movement to tire the opposition out, and also having a knack of taking chances as we saw in that horrible night in the 2014 World Cup semifinal against the hosts. Nothing's left to be said about them taking chances. Surely not. They are vulnerable when you get at them though, as Africans Ghana and Algeria, and also losing finalists Argentina showed us. Tournament under-performers England produced an outstanding comeback in the Olympiastadion after going two goals down against the Germans. During periods in that game, the Brits at times waltzed through Löw's defense. A more clinical side in this competition whoever they are, might just prolong the thirst 'for Die Vier'. In their last warm-up game against minnows Hungary, Germany were pretty pretty comfortable. We haven't said often that after their triumph in the Maracana. Worrying signs if you ask me.
However, as we have seen in previous competitions: this team turn up when it matters. Since they lost to losing finalists Italy in the 2006 World Cup semifinal on home soil, the Germans have reached at least the semifinal stage in the last four tournaments (2008 & 2012 Euros, 2010 and 2014 World Cup). That's a statement to rising critics. No wonder they're nicknamed the German Machine.
The formation that suits them best is the 4-2-3-1 as we saw in their latest cup success in 2014: Benedikt Howedes is likely to fill in for Mats Hummels who is unfit at the moment and Emre Can in at right-back to try and fill the void left by retired captain Philipp Lahm. In midfield, Real Madrid's Toni Kroos would most likely drop back to partner with Sami Khedira as Bastian Schweinsteiger is still gaining match fitness. As recent lineups have shown, Julian Draxler might get the nod to start tomorrow on the left. If not, Wolfsburg teammate Andre Schürrle can also put in a shift there as both men have energy and are adept at creating chances. Özil is no stranger to creating chances given his astronomical records in the Barclays Premier League and also when he was at Real Madrid. Müller fits perfectly as Löw's trick up his sleeve as he can play upfront and also out wide on either the left or the right flank. He's also almost infinitely adept at finding the back of the net in tournaments. He's won the Golden boot twice in both World Cups that he's played in. Not so much in the Euros though, he's only played one. Mario Gomez, not so much a threat as his younger self, but he too could punish teams with his positioning and quick movement in front of goal. Whoever's picked tomorrow should be able to carry the weight of a European superpower's expectation and deliver.
''.... Schürrle, still full of running, and it's Götze!! It's Mario Götze!! It's Super Mario!!! He may just have won the World Cup for Germany!!!'' - Iain Darke (ESPN Commentator for the 2014 World Cup Final).
Will these words be repeated in the same vein come the 11th of July? We'll as we always can and do, eagerly anticipate the outcome. Whether you're on your sofa, in a pub or in the Stade Pierre-Mauroy tomorrow, get ready for a resounding introduction by 'La Mannschaft.'
2016 makes it exactly half a century since the Three
Lions of England First recorded success at a major international competition,
that afternoon when Sir Alf Ramsey’s men led by captain Sir Bobby Charlton beat
West Germany to lift the world cup, England’s only major success till date.
From that time, two words best describe England at
major international tournaments; Perennial Underachievers. From the Lineker and Paul Gascoigne days, to
the Beckham, Ferdinand and Owen era right down to the Gerrard and Rooney Era,
expectation and Disappointment have very well become complementary goods for
fans of the Three Lions. Rocked by as
much trouble off field as on it, be it Terry Venables financial racket or
allegations of Sven Goran-Eriksson’s Philandering to Rio Ferdinand missing a
doping test and John Terry’s alleged flirting with his teammate’s wife and the
race row that effectively ended his career with the national team, England’s
on-field woes coupled with the ‘Great’ press they get from their various in-house
scandals have gradually shifted them from the power corridors of European and
world football to something most people have come to associate with colossal
disappointment over the years.
With EURO 2016 set to kick off in a few with all
the fanfare and glamor that greets any major international tournament, the eyes
of the world will well be fixated on Current champions, Spain (who have
undergone some major shake-ups of theirs since 2012) and many will be keen to
see which of Europe’s elite teams, if any can stop La Roja’s protracted
dominance of Europe. While the likes of current World Champions Germany and the
youthful set-ups of Marc Wilmot’s Belgian side and Host nation France have been
heavily tipped to genuinely mount an assault on a title Spain have held for 8
years, mentions of England as potential up stagers is likely to cause chuckles
among football enthusiasts who overtime have come to associate England with
nothing other than simply making the decorative numbers at international
tourneys, A paper tiger that cowers at the presence of other big cats of the
footballing world.
However, for all the lashing and bashing they get,
if there’s one thing England do better than any other footballing nation in the
world, it’s raise expectations of Her Fans and faithful. Almost as consistent
as the inconsistency of the Three lions is the level of expectation and backing
they’re sure to get from the English supporters even after several short-falls
on the international stage, and would EURO 2016 be any Different? NO!
For hopefuls, this year’s continental showpiece
MIGHT just be the year when the three lions stun bookies (in a positive way)
and shift themselves genuinely closer to the powerhouses of European football.
For them, more than anything, England’s perceived underdog status could very
well be the tool with which they plough the fields of success for the first
time on continental stage. And from a vintage viewpoint, it’s not very
difficult to see why their optimism isn’t as farfetched as some will like to
believe.
One of England’s biggest problems in recent
tournaments have been their over reliance on the (mostly underperforming) Wayne
Rooney to deliver them the goods. From the young age of 20, The English golden
boy has been saddled with the hopes and dreams of a country that only grows
bigger tournament after tournament. So bad has it been that the current
Manchester United and English national team captain was made to play both
GERMANY 2006 and SA 2010 World Cups at questionable fitness levels. The effect
of england’s overdependence on Wayne Rooney’s genius is anything but a welcome
one for England. From a statistical viewpoint, England have scored 9 Goals in
Their past 3 International tournaments in a total of 11 games. The lack of real
bite in the English attack is a question that has seen different answers thrown
at it, mostly without result. From relatively household names of Peter Crouch
and Jermain Defoe, to the more unlikely and almost ridiculous pictures of
Likes of Bobby Zamora and Darren Bent featuring for England, it’s ultimately
been a futile exercise for England in their attempts to find a credible
goalscorer to lead the line alongside Wayne Rooney. However, for the first team in nearly 2
decades, England seem to be capable of assembling a potent frontline that can
deliver them the success that has so much eluded them on the continental stage.
Spurs forward, Harry Kane whose threat in the box, technique and awareness have
drawn comparisons in no small measure with all time great, Alan Shearer would
be starring for England at this year’s showpiece. And if that isn’t enough to
water the mouths of supporters of the three lions, Jamie Vardy who was arguably
the most prominent actor in Leicester’s unprecedented march to a first premier
league title would also be representing England. Both forwards notched a
combined total of 48 league goals last season, and while it’s still left to see
for all how Roy Hodgson will deploy the duo alongside spearhead Wayne Rooney,
the fact that England seem to finally have natural goalscorers in their ranks
and the mere possibility that they will for the first time in a decade not be
relying solely on the genius of \Wayne Rooney to lead them to the promise land
is more than anything a welcome development for England.
Also boosting England’s goalscoring potential is the
presence of Liverpool striker, Daniel Sturridge. The 26 year old forward
featured sparingly for the reds last season due to a long standing injury
battle that has almost become synonymous with his name, but in the handful of
games in which he did feature, it wasn’t hard to see why he’s so highly rated by
fans of the beautiful game. Away from the frontline, the vibrancy and industry
of youngster Dele Alli is in more ways than one a plus for the English National
team. The spurs midfielder who beat likes of teammate and countryman Harry
Kane, and Everton youngster Ross Barkley to claim last season’s PFA Young
Player of The Year Award was one of only two players (Riyad Mahrez being the
other) to register double figures in both goals and assists during the season.
Roy Hodgson will be hoping he at least produces something similar for England
when called upon. Not forgetting bright young thing Marcus Rashford who can be
a handful with his pace and sleek in-box movement.
On a less cheering note for England though, a sneak
peek at the squads of pre-tournament favorites is likely to put a check on any
optimism built from their strength in attack, especially how impaled their
midfield looks when compared to the likes of France, Germany, Spain Or Even
Outsiders Italy and Croatia. While some of those nations can boast of the
tireless industry of players like Andres Iniesta, Paul Pogba, SergioBusquet,
Blaise Matuidi, and Ivan Rakitic to go with the creative genius of likes of Mesut Ozil, Cesc Fabregas and Luka Modric, England are left to rely on the
youth and almost gross inexperience of the likes of Dele Alli, Ross Barkley and
the Less than consistent Jack Wilshere who has seen as much of the ball in one
year as Some now retired footballers. For critics who believe that the success of
a team lies in how much they can control proceedings in the middle of the park,
just like Spain, Germany, Barcelona and Bayern have shown us in the past years,
England are clearly not the team to stake your bottom dollar on for a surprise
triumph.
Perhaps, if the dearth of an A-Class midfield cast is
overlookable for England, their defence sharing a similar problem is anything
but that. Assistant captain, Gary Cahill endured what we’ll like to glorify by
calling a turbulent season with ousted premier league champions, Chelsea. So
bad were some of his performances that he momentarily lost his place in the
Blues first team to young charge Kurt Zouma. It took a lengthy layoff for the
Frenchman in January for 30 Year old Gary Cahill to win his place back in a
squad where he had once been considered untouchable. Without the watchful eyes
of Chelsea skipper, John Terry over him, Cahill has often looked a shaky figure
for both club and country and if that trend is to continue into EURO 2016,
England will have more than enough to worry about if they have to go the whole
yard and win the competition. Chris Smalling endured a more bearable season
with Manchester United but even in arguably his best season as a footballer,
the babyfaced centre-back was called into question not a few times for his
decision making. In this season’s F.A Cup Final, he earned himself a
potentially game costing red card against Crystal Palace, 3 days earlier, he
had scored an own goal in more or less academic last fixture of the season for
Manchester united which they won against Bournemouth. Youngster John Stones was
the subject of a heated transfer fiasco between Chelsea and Everton last
summer. Chelsea on their own were ready to cough up as much as 30 Million
pounds for the Everton defender, and while that episode is a bit distant in our
memory now, John stones hasn’t particularly done much to justify the ratings he
got by many last in the 2014/2015 season. The media themselves haven’t spared
the rod on the 21 year old for his perceived ‘Overdoing’ in his own box. While
some of the backlash Stones has received is a bit harsh and more properly
directed at former Everton manager, Roberto Martinez’s perceived hype of the
youngster, the lad has far from won the hearts of English football fans just
yet and he’ll be hoping to do that with a solid performance at this tournament.
Danny Rose is now where Ashley cole used to be and while the left back enjoyed
a stellar season with Tottenham Hotspurs, he would be hoping to replicate that
form at the EUROS and partner with team mates in providing the much needed
cover for Joe Hart.
Roy Hodgson is managing his Third international
tournament with England and while the first two were in simple terms,
underwhelming, he would be hoping it’s a case of ‘Third time's the charm’ this
time around. The former Fulham, Liverpool and West Brom honcho will be looking
to learn from the mistakes of the 2012 EUROS and 2014 World Cup to write his
name in good print with fans and an ever questioning media who may still have
their reservations about him at this point. England won all of their qualifying
games to make it to France and they will be expected to make easy work of a
group consisting of Slovakia, Russia and Neighbors Wales.
Although, upsets are
characteristic of competitions like these, It will therefore interest critics
and supporters to see how England fare against Russia on June 11th.
If it is indeed true that the end of a thing can be told from its beginning, we
should be able to see if England can (Finally) mount a serious challenge on the
football’s biggest continental showpiece or if it will follow the trend of
others and end in disappointment for a country that has almost rightly earned
herself a reputation for it.
Precisely on the 10th of June, hosts Les Bleus kick-off the 2016 European Championships. They will play against not-so fancied Romania. Didier Deschamps has his chance to recreate that ecstasy in 2000 courtesy of Argentine-born David Trezeguet golden goal beauty. That goal broke Italian hearts and brought back the celebratory champagne tasted in 1998 after a Zinedine Zidane masterclass brushed aside fellow finalists Brazil. Do you fancy them going all the way to the final, and even winning it?
One thing is for certain: Europe's buoyant crop of talent will be showcased this summer. Yes we got our wish: a certain Swede will be present as well as a certain Madeira-born superstar. We will be seeing hairstyle-specialist Paul Pogba as well as aging-Azzurri warrior Gianluigi Buffon. Sadly though, we won't be seeing The Netherlands in this edition. This is their first absence in an international competition since failing to participate in the 2002 World Cup held in Korea/Japan. Huge disappointment for the Oranje. A note of huge congratulations goes to Chris Coleman and his Welsh army, who are in their maiden quest for European dominance in this particular competition after almost half a century's absence. Who do we fancy to make a name for themselves and their country?
Undoubtedly, extraterrestrial Cristiano Ronaldo is always focused on in whatever tournament he finds himself. Having recently won the 11th European Cup for giants Real Madrid on Saturday against a better Atlèti side on the night, a first piece of international silverware will be the perfect way to round up what has been a really challenging year for CR7. Cristiano and Portugal came closest to an international trophy back in 2004 when they lost to a picture-book Angelos Charisteas header in the final on home soil. An inconsolable Ronaldo who had a good tournament then, will as you expect give all he can to partake of the celebratory champagne.
Never-aging giant Zlatan Ibrahimovic will join the party this summer, as parodies would comically say: 'The Euros qualified for Zlatan.' Sweden look to their talisman to carry them all the way to the final in the French Capital. After an astonishing season of racking up more than 40 goals in all competitions and grabbing two pieces of silverware, the king will be looking to gain dominance over Europe internationally for the first time ever. He too, has the 'international curse' as do extraterrestrials Leo Messi and CR7. The closest he's ever come to a trophy internationally is at the quarterfinal, when they lost to Holland 5-4 on penalties in 2004. Age definitely hasn't caught up with this man. Can he deliver this time?
Atlèti sharpshooter Antoine Griezmann will be aiming to wrap up a truly fantastic year in front of goal. The Frenchman has got his name on the scoresheet over 30 times both domestically and in Europe. However, those numbers won't hide the 'almost-unending' sadness that glooms over his face when he looks back on the past season. He wasn't there for his side when he was needed the most. First, he and his fellow Colchoneros fell at the penultimate hurdle in the La Liga title race against already-relegated Levante. He had little or no impact in that game. More bitterly, his Achilles' heel came up once again: failing to score from the penalty spot against Keylor Navas for the second time this past season as his shot thundered off the underside of the crossbar and petted out of danger. A triumph for Les Bleus will do a million in healing those conspicuous wounds of the 2015/2016 season.
Mercurial Spaniard Alvaro Morata who had another impressive year for the Turin Old Lady. After partaking of the celebratory champagne in the younger category (U-21) in the 2013 edition in Israel alongside Real playmaker Isco Alarcon. He'll (Morata) definitely want to grab another winners' medal after deciding the Coppa Italia final within minutes of his introduction against fallen giants AC Milan. A first piece of silverware in the senior side won't be so bad after all.
Turk-born pass master Mesut Özil will be looking to go one further than last time and add to the Maracana triumph in the World Cup final against Mars-born Leo Messi and his fellow Argentines. His penalty against then-finalists Italy was too little too late after headline act Mario Balotelli raced Cesare Prandelli's side into a two-goal lead. After a trophyless year for the Gunners, Özil alongside the other 'Mannschafts' will give all to emulate Del Bosque's charges' World and European Cup triumphs (2010-2012). Will Mesut Özil please stand up?
English marksman Harry Kane looks odds-on to finish with the most goals in this year's European tournament. After another impressive year in front of goal and securing qualification for Europe's elite club competition for the 2016/2017 year, claiming European immortality will be enthusiastically welcomed by the Queen. He almost certain will get that peck promised by her to Mario Balotelli in the World Cup in Brazil. England's deadliest frontman looks to thwack the back of the net as many times as required to be victorious. He's definitely a force to be reckoned with at this point in time.
Poland's captain Robert Lewandowski after grabbing a domestic double under Pep Guardiola this season, is a red-hot favorite for the Golden boot after another tremendous season in which he racked up over 30 goals in all competitions. With all due respect to the Poles, they don't carry any real threat apart from Lewy. But hey, we all said that about Angelos Charisteas and Otto Rehhagel in 2004: didn't we?
Euro debutant Gareth Bale is lighting up at the prospects of representing Wales in her maiden international tournament for ages. After most of the time dragging Chris Coleman's charges over the line during qualification, another continental triumph added to La Undecima: will be oh so superb. Take note: we have a really fantastic player here blessed with pace, power, and immense talent. The Welsh Samurai: stun us with all of your maneuvers this summer.
Lights, Camera, Action! Brace yourselves for a footballing box office special as some of the world's best artisans will be displaying their repertoires of genius and comically, the odd miscalculation. Some sporting summer this will turn out to be.
Teams are already strengthening for the start of next season, let's help you with the latest and breakdown the completed transfers from Europe and around the world.
- Juanmi Southampton to Real Sociedad Undisclosed The 23 year old had a torrid time at Southampton making only 2 starts and 17 substitute appearances scoring no goal. He can play any of the forward positions and his favoured foot is his right. Strengths: Playing in a series of positions will help Sociedad in selection. He can also dribble the ball and has an eye for a key pass. Weakness: He is average in strength, he needs to do some body work and build himself. Transfer Rating: 6/10. It is a good signing for both parties, Juanmi can revive himself and career, and Sociedad has got themselves a gem.
- Kevin Volland Hoffenheim to Bayer Leverkusen £14 million The 23 year old German International has joined Bayer Leverkusen on a 4 year contract, he can play any of the forward positions and his preferred foot is his left. Strengths: Volland has a low center of gravity with gives him the advantage of beating his markers, also his has quick feet so he's crafty with the ball. Weakness: With all the skill Volland has he lacks in his final ball, he rarely gives a killer pass or create a killer chance that can cause problems for other teams. He is also poor at aerial duels, he never wins in that area. Transfer Rating: 6/10. He is definitely a dangerous player that could help Leverkusen challenge Bayern next season, but he still needs work on certain parts of his game.
- Christoph Kramer Bayer Leverkusen to Borussia Moenchengladbach Undisclosed Fans from around the world remember him as the man who got knocked out (Literally) in the World Cup final. Kramer joining Gladbach won't be new as he was on loan there for 2 years before spending last season at former parent club Bayer. The 25 year old mainly operates at center midfield and at 191 cm in height he will be scary to face. Strengths: Blessed of being one of the players who can use both feet properly. He can help control your midfield and distribution of the ball is top notch, also loves a tackle. Weakness: He's a bit on the slow side to cover enough ground all over the pitch. Transfer Rating: 6/10. With Havard Nordtveit and Granit Xhaka out of the Gladbach dressing room, Kramer will be here to fill up the numbers and not just that his best football has been played here.
- Eric Bailly Villarreal to Manchester United £30 Million The young Ivory Coast center-halve is Jose Mourinho's first signing as he begins his reign at Manchester United. Most pundits have complained and said that one of Manchester United's problems is at center defence and Jose has adhered to the cause by re-enforcing that position. Bailly is right footed and 187 cm in height, just what you look for in a defender. Strengths: Bailly is a strong powering center-halve which makes him so good at ground duels. He won 62% of his duels in La Liga last term. Bailly is also decent with his control of the ball and his calmness in possession. Weakness: Still growing in the game he can have a hot head at times which could get him into trouble also he tends to lose concentration (like he has episodes) which could also cost his team. Transfer Rating: 7/10. He's under the right manager to develop him as a defender and Manchester United also needs fresh blood in that position.
- Sebastian Rode
Bayern Munich to Dortmund
Undisclosed
Seemed to be deadweight at Bayern Munich and was only making cameo appearances. He played 15 times for the German champions last season starting only 3 games averaging 26 minutes. The 25 year old center-midfielder will see this move as a way to revolutionize his career. Rode can play at CM and RM.
Strengths: Rode is a tough tackler and can also find a pass if necessary. His pace is decent as well so he will be able to cover enough distance around the pitch.
Weakness: With limited game time we cannot weigh his weakness but he will be filling the boots left by Ilkay Gundogan that will be added pressure on his move.
Transfer Rating: 6/10. Not the best player to replace Gundogan but Rode can do a decent job for you.
- Ousmane Dembele
Rennes to Dortmund
Undisclosed
Another young player who burst into the scene during the 2015/2016 season. Dembele is a 19 year old forward that can operate on the wing and also at attacking midfield. His technique on the ball is so mature you can hardly get the ball off him. He scored 12 goals in 26 ligue 1 appearances not bad for a teenager.
Strengths: He loves to test goalies from a far distance and his control on the ball oozes high quality technique. Can play at LW, RW and AM.
Weakness: Needs to work on his physical side, he is below average in terms of strength. Yes we boast of his technique but Ousmane could lack the final pass at times.
Transfer Rating: 7/10. He fits the bill in terms of how Dortmund throw young players unto the scene to explore, he will surely become a better player.
- Marc Bartra
Barcelona to Dortmund
£6 million
After spending 12 years at Barcelona and getting limited playing time, 25 year old center-halve Marc Bartra will play his football with Dortmund next season. With Mats Hummels leaving Dortmund to join rivals Bayern, Bartra will seize this opportunity to show himself properly in the world of football.
Strengths: He is a good passer of the ball and quick on interceptions.
Weakness: Its a funny fact that what most football fans will remember Bartra for is when Gareth Bale tore him to pieces with his pace in the 2013/2014 Copa Del Rey final, he needs to work on his pace.
Transfer Rating: 6/10. He could turn out to be a better player with this move, plus more game time as well.
- Viktor Fischer
Ajax to Middlesbrough
£4 Million
21 year old Danish International has been with Ajax since the 2012/2013 season and seems to have a bright future ahead of him. He can play in any of the forward positions but mainly operates on the left. Viktor scored 8 goals last season and he also recorded 3 assists.
Strengths: Being able to play anywhere in the forward line is a plus for Aitor Karanka and Middlesbrough, so it gives them the option to change shape at different times. Also he loves the long shot, shots from distance are his forte.
Weakness: Still growing in the game and might take him time to adapt to the Premier League, also he is not the most physical player so he would need to work on that as well.
Transfer Rating: 5/10. New league, new experience, Viktor will now be fighting for a different purpose in terms of helping Middlesbrough remain in the Premier League rather than challenging for titles like he was doing at Ajax. Mentality changes here, also the lack of experience might come into play.
- Ron-Robert Zieler
Hannover 96 to Leicester City
Undisclosed
Premier League champions Leicester City have added more gold to their ranks as World Cup winner Ron Zieler signs for the foxes. Zieler is a goalkeeper and will look to help Leicester City continue their fairytale ride as they play Champions League football next season. He will also be a good backup for Kasper Schmeichel or even challenge him for the number 1 position.
Strengths: The goalie is very good in the air and loves to claim corners and set-pieces early. He had a 70% save average in the Bundesliga last season.
Weakness: Decision making is quite wrong at times. He comes early for crosses which leads to mistakes, needs to read the game better.
Transfer Rating: 6/10. Will be a good back-up goalie in case Kasper Schmeichel gets an injury or loses form.
- Mats Hummels
Dortmund to Bayern Munich
£19 Million
Bayern Munich have shown their superiority as they sign another key player from their league rivals Borussia Dortmund. Fact is Hummels was a Bayern player before and they felt he was not good enough to play for them that's why he was allowed to join Dortmund. Hummels is one of the rare ball playing center-backs in the world and his attributes ascertains that.
Strengths: Mats Hummels is a very good tackler so he mostly wins ground duels, he is also good in the air and wins most of his aerial duels. Passing is a major attribute Mats has, he can find a forward from 70 yards easily. Guardiola would have loved him during his spell with the German Champions, Mats is his type of player.
Weakness: Mats could lose concentration at times and always struggles with a pacey forward.
Transfer Rating: 9/10. Now Bayern have the two starting center-halves for the German National team, the synergy between both will help Bayern get better defensively, not like they're not good enough defensively.
- Renato Sanches
Benfica to Bayern Munich
£28 Million
Renato Sanches burst into scene last season as he was a key player in Benfica's cup double. He is just 18 years old and big name clubs where fighting for his signature but the teenager opted for Bayern. Renato can play in series of positions but he is mainly a center-midfielder. His works this season got him a call up to the Portuguese Euro 2016 squad.
Strengths: The young man has legs to run for days and he shows strength so he looks like someone who can command the middle.
Weakness: Inexperience will come to play here, plus with the number of class players Bayern have he might not have enough game time which could affect his development.
Transfer Rating: 5/10. Renato Sanches is a hot prospect no doubt, and Xabi Alonso is moving closer to the end of his career but the problem is if Renato will get enough game time to build himself as a player
- Loris Karius
FSV Mainz to Liverpool
£4.7 Million
22 year old German goal-keeper came to limelight last season as he helped Mainz finish 6th in the Bundesliga, Liverpool fans have not been convinced by Simon Mignolet and now signing Karius should but the Belgian on his toes.
Strengths: We've known German goalies to be good with their feet, Karius is definitely one of those and we all know Mignolet is not too good with his feet plus Karius handling is good as well so Liverpool fans can be at rest when defending a set-piece.
Weakness: He is still a young player in the game so inexperience might come into play here so it's possible he will get some learning curves with his new club.
- Havard Nordtveit
Borussia Monchengladbach to West Ham
Free
The Norwegian International did not renew his contract with Gladbach and has now decided to take his football to east london. Nordtveit was in the Arsenal youth system and decided to move on when he could not break into the first team. Havard can play in series of positions ranging from center-midfield, center-back and right-back.
Strengths: He seems to be established in at least three positions which would give Slaven Bilic options on where to play him. Also he has good experience Internationally and in European competitions as well which could help West-Ham as they look to explore the Europa League. Nordtveit is a good passer of the ball, he averaged 82% in the Bundesliga last season and he can also boast of winning over 50% of his duels.
Weakness: Yes he can pass the ball but he lacks a bit of creativity and technique, he can do the gritty for you but that's not what defending is all about. He will need to work on that side of his game and he doesn't have that much pace which is required in the Premier League.
Transfer Rating: 6/10, he fits the West-Ham model, tough, hard tackler its just his pace that'll be a problem.
- Granit Xhaka
Borussia Monchengladbach to Arsenal
£35 Million
The Swiss International has been one of the hot properties in the market and Arsenal quickly swooped in to get his signature. The 23 year old operates in the center-midfield, deep-lying preferably and he is quite a stout figure as well. With the likes of Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini all calling it quits at Arsenal, Xhaka was a needed addition to the Arsenal squad list.
Strengths: With the way Arsenal love to keep the ball and pass their way out of difficult situations Granit will help with that as he is a good passer of the ball and could help Arsenal build from the back just like Santi Cazorla. Also he is a tough tackler and loves a card so Arsenal fans could be rest assured with steel in their midfield now that they've the likes of Mo Elneny, Francis Coquelin and now Xhaka. Xhaka is also consistent, has good positioning and loves the long pass.
Weakness: His pace might come in to question as the Premier League demands you to work and also he might lose his head a bit so expect his cards stats to be on a high.
Transfer Rating: 7/10, Arsenal need numbers at the center midfield due to the cult heroes that left the club, plus Xhaka fits the bill in terms of the way Arsenal play and since injuries is a recurring problem Xhaka could be a proper cover.
Another edition of Roland Garros has come and gone and we
have witnessed the very best Grand Slam tennis has to offer. The tournament came
to an end yesterday after the men’s singles final match between Novak Djokovic
and Andy Murray. About 128 competitors (not counting the qualifying rounds) from
the ATP and WTA sections participated to win the coveted French Open title.
Here are the big winners at this year’s Roland Garros:
MEN’S SINGLES TITLE – NOVAK DJOKOVIC
It was all about Novak Djokovic in the last week of the
tournament as he became the first player in tennis history to earn more than US$100
million in prize money as a result of reaching the quarter-finals on Wednesday,
and now he has erased the heartbreaks of losing in three previous French Open
finals with a victory over British rival Andy Murray to claim his maiden French
Open title and his 12th Grand Slam. Djokovic came from a set down to
win 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in a match that lasted 3 hours 5 minutes. With this
victory the 29 year old Serb joins an elite group by becoming the third man
after Don Budge and Rod Laver to hold the four majors at the same time, and the
eighth man to triumph at Wimbledon and the French, U.S. and Australian Opens.
It was a great tournament for the world No. 1, who is now on a 28-match winning
streak in grand slams, he had to overcome the likes of Yen-Hsun Lu, Steve
Darcis, Aljaz Bedene, Bautista Agut, Tomas Berdych and Dominic Thiem before
overcoming Andy Murray in the final dropping only two sets along the way.
WOMEN’S SINGLES TITLE – GARBINE MUGURUZA
Garbine Muguruza caused an upset by dethroning defending
champion and world No. 1 Serena Williams 7-5 6-4 on Saturday to win her first
grand slam of her career. The loss denies Serena Williams the opportunity to
equal Steffi Graf's Open Era record of 22 majors for the second time this year
after she lost in the final of this year’s Australian Open to German Angelique
Kerber in January. The victory for the 22 year old Spaniard means she will be
the new No. 2 ranked player in the world moving two places higher than her
previous ranking. Serena Williams will without a doubt still be considered the
best female tennis player in the world, but after losing two consecutive Grand
Slam finals and missing two golden opportunities to equal Steffi Graf’s Open
era record, the 34 year old could be a little concerned about her future.
Tennis fans might be upset over the absence of action
now that the French Open has been concluded, but in about three weeks time we
shall be bathed in the glory of some more Grand Slam tennis as Wimbledon resumes,
till then let’s wait patiently, see you soon.
