WHO THE CAPS FIT……..MURRAY AND SERENA EMERGE KING AND QUEEN OF NEW YORK IN FLUSHING MEADOWS…

It was written in the stars. History was made at the recently concluded US OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT. However gratifying as the competition was from start to finish, British fans wouldn’t have survived another day had Andy blown the opportunity to hoist his first Grand Slam trophy in his 5^th final. But they might have been consoled of course by the gold medal he won a couple of weeks ago in front of the entire Britain so to speak.

The 2012 US OPEN commenced without the 2010 champion, Rafael Nadal who was(and is still) nursing a knee injury that has kept him out of 4 major competitions since lost to a certain Lukas Rosol at SW19 (Wimbledon). But that didn’t take away the spectacle and excitement that the United States Open brings year in, year out. The tourney still boasted of stellar names like King Roger Federer- Tenniss’ GOAT, defending champion-Novak Djokovic, Jo-Willy Tsonga, 09 Champ, Juan Martin Del Potro (otherwise known as the Tower of Tandil), 07 Semi-finalist, David Ferrer, Mardy Fish, the retiring 03 CHAMP, Andy Roddick, Czech power player and Giant Killer, Tomas Berdych, etc.

The Anticipated semi-final contest between Murray and King Roger was not to be because Mr Berdych stopped the Swiss Living Legend in the Quarter-Final…ousting him in 4 sets. Murray dispatched Berdman (Berdych) subsequently in the Semis and thus set up a tantalising, mouth watering, marquee Final v the Serbian warrior, Novak Djokovic who is arguably the most difficult tennis player to put away in any era ever. The 2011 ATP Player of the year by a country mile was contesting his 3^rd major final of 2012…same as the previous year…but was on the losing end the last time he played (lost to Nadal in Paris). In contrast to 2011, Djokovic was suddenly beatable again, but he still posed the stiffest test on the ATP tour. Murray was buoyed by the fact that he was in his 2^nd US OPEN Final (lost in 08 to King Roger) and come Tuesday (3 days ago) he would climb above his friend Rafa into the no 3 position on the ATP/S.A AIRWAYS RANKINGS.  Murray was confident that finally, he could play a game that would rattle the Djoker. In Ivan Lendl, Murray possessed a man who knew everything about heart break and success. Like the Scot, Ivan also lost his 1^st four Grand Slam finals and 9 of the 17 he played.. This was Murray’s 5^th and he intended to win his 1^st.

The Scot took the 1^st 2 sets…even though he let a 4-0 lead slip in the 2^nd… But Vintage Nole came storming back from the snare of collapse to even the match at 2 sets apiece in breathtaking fashion. It was a final worth mentioning in the books of great tennis writers such as Steve Fink and Bud Collins. The Djoker of the last year or two will make you fight for every point you intend to win against him. He is the definition of RESILIENCE. H e is no longer the annoying guy who would retire when he senses he is way behind in a match. But Murray wouldn’t let this slip. Not when Greats like Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Sean Connery were among those who cheered him on. Both men were Scots too and would have been disappointed if he lost a match he led quite convincingly at least until Djokovic upped the stakes. Murray came out smoking in the deciding set and af5ter breaking Djokovic, he never faltered from there on, taking the set 6-2 and the match in 5 phenomenal sets. The likes of Mat CRONIN, John MCENROE,  his brother-Par, Craig Gabriel were quick to tag the match one of the all time greats in the modern era. They weren’t far from the truth.

At last, Murray has ended the British Grand Slam drought which has lasted for 76 years (since 1936)… Fred Perry’s ghost would no longer haunt the young man and other Brits who kept wailing and biting their nails until the last point was played on Monday. A huge Burden which weighed down the likes of Tim Henman, has been binned by the new World Number 3 who would hope to kick on from here. Who knows? Melbourne might be just the perfect atmosphere for Slam no 2….After all, he’s lost 2 finals there already in his career. (10-Federer, 11-Djokovic). He can join his friends,  Rafa, King Roger-and Nole as the only men to reach all four grand slam finals in this era if he goes one better than his 2011 semi-final showing in Paris. Nadal is returning to Grand Slam play in Australia,  Federer hasn’t triumphed there for 2 years and  Novak is the 2-time defending champion so it might be a tall order. He is capable of beating all of them on his day. Only Rafa Nadal has beaten him (Murray) more than 10 times.

Serena Williams has won a staggering 14 grand slams.. Any other mortal would have since stopped especially when dogged by injury and fitness problems, but not Serena and her older sister, Venus who between them have won just about everything Tennis has to offer. Standing between her and a possible 15^th was World Number one, Viktoria Azarenka. The Belarusian has been the woman of 2012…Since winning her maiden slam in Australia, she’s gone on to play some awesome tennis all through the year, winning tournaments for fun and taking friends and colleagues to the cleaners along the way.  But even with such terrific run, she was aware that she had her hands full v the 3-time US OPEN Champion who she had only beaten once in 10 outings on tour-the 09 Key Biscayne Final in Miami…and in that match, Serena was barely fit.  The American superstar also just whipped her silly at Wimbledon and the Olympic games. The odds were against Vika as Aazarenka is fondly called, but she was willing to fight her way out.

Serena began as predicted…smashing and blasting in serves and aces like they were going extinct. She deservedly took the 1^st set 6-2, but in a rather bizarre manner, she mentally collapsed and allowed Viktoria into the match. The Belarusian took her chance and even the scores at  1set all with a 6-2 2^nd set win of hers. She carried on the momentum into the 3^rd set and served for her 2^nd slam at 5-4. It was then the multiple Slam Winner remembered that she was about to lose her 2^nd straight Grand Slam final at Arthur Ashe…(lost to Stosur in straight sets last year). In the first 3 set women’s final in 17 odd years,  Serena capitalised on Aza’s hesitancy and delivered a crushing blow just when it mattered. She swept through the next three games to win the set 7-5 and take the match in dramatic fashion. How she won, she would never be able to explain as she admitted to have already prepared for her 2^nd consecutive runner-up speech…. He was a worthy winner…This time, clearly without controversies like the one v Clijsters in 09 and Stosur last year when she couldn’t control her emotions and acted stupidly in the heat of the moment. All that was history now as she once again wore the Queen’s crown in New York. Something she last achieved in 08-(trounced Jankovic).

HEARTY  CONGRATULATIONS TO  BOTH CHAMPIONS….LEGENDARY STATUS CONFIRMED!

Ohireime P. Eboreime

Ff me @ohiskaka1990

Murray finally buries his demons?

Andy Murray is one of the elites of men's tennis...22 titles and 4 GRAND SLAM finals put him up there among the greatest players in the History of the game... But take it or leave it, he'll forever be remembered as an also-ran if he doesn't win the big titles...if he doesn't win something very ENORMOUS. He must score a BIG WIN. This he finally managed to achieve 2 days ago in his home nation, on his ground..the very same ground where he lost his 1st Wimbledon final to Roger Federer a month prior.

The Olympic tennis tournament lost its defending champion, Rafael Nadal to injury days before its commencement, but that did little to take the shine off the showpiece event which by all standards, lived up to its billing. British hope, Andy Murray cleared all obstacles before him, including recently dethroned World Number one, Novak Djokovc and the current numero uno, Roger Federer to win Gold not only for himself, but also his nation-Great Britain. Any other man would have wallowed in self pity after losing a Slam final in front of his home fans, but not the Scot. After bruising Nole in straight sets, he went on to convincingly destroy the GREAT Roger Federer in 3 sets-6-2, 6-1, 6-4..it was the 1st time in a long long while that the Swiss master had crumbled in a major final (the last I remember is the 08 French Open final he lost to Rafa 6-1, 6-3,6-0).

The Dumblane native gave his fans something to shout and dance about with a brilliant display that left legends and experts alike in utter dismay. All the pre-match talk of a tight match and possibly yet another \nearly there\ was put to eternal slumber by Muzza. He etched his name in British Tennis History in stunning style. He played out of his mind to dismiss Djokovic in the SF, and did even better in the FINAL...

With this win, the Scot has firmly put himself in the reckoning for another shot at GRAND SLAM glory...Who knows??It might happen at Flushing Meadows-New York. NEVER SAY NEVER!

Ohireime Eboreime
ff me @ohiskaka1990

King Roger at 31...he's the GOAT....Many Happy Returns

August 8, 1981, a certain Tennis Master was born in Binningen. near Basel-Switzerland to Robert and Lynnette Federer. Since turning pro in 1998, Roger the great has broken almost all the records he met and created many that will take centuries to match. Not only is he a champion's champion, he is also one of the most humble and lovable human beings Sport has produced. Modesty is one enviable attribute that the Swiss master has in abundance. Despite his 75 titles, Federer is still as down to earth as ever.

Just fresh from winning a silver medal at the Olympics (l. to MURRAY), the GREATEST TENNIS PLAYER OF ALL TIME celebrates his 31st birthday today amid cheers, adulations, eulogies, praises and deserved felicitations from everyone associated with Sports. He was written off not long ago as an old man who wasn't capable of competing with Rafa and Nole.Some renamed him OLDERER, others called him a Finished Champion. But like Greats before him, he has responded in such unbelievable fashion, winning 8 titles and compiling a 76-10 w/l record since he turned 30....including his 17th Grand slam title and record 7th SW19 (Wimbledon)CROWN. His achievements are beyond astonishing. He has answered his critics finally by reclaiming the World number one spot, when he stretched his own Slam wins to 17 in July, beating home favourite, Andy Murray in 4 sets at the All England Club. The climb to WORLD NUMBER ONE was even more glamorous because of the manner he demolished then World number one, Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semis.

I GREET the GREATEST MAN TO HOLD THE TENNIS RACKET EVER...HAPPY BIRTHDAY KING ROGER.......HOPP SUISSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ff me on twitter @ohiskaka1990

Battle of Tactical SUPREMACY......who prevails in the COPA DEL REY FINAL?

Today is the day when two of the most illustrious football clubs in Spain do battle for the right to be bestowed upon the title of Domestic cup Champions. Outgoing Barcelona manager-Pep Guardiola would want nothing more than victory before handing over the reins of leadership to protege, Tito Vilanova.

Fresh from respective European disappointments, both clubs are aiming to end the season on a high. Athletic BILBAO can dream once again. Coach Marcelo BIELSA aka El Loco has brought back smiles to the supporters of the Basque county. Despite the Europa League set back, it has still been a memorable campaign for Athletic Club. Playing some scintillating and eye catching football along the way, they swept past the likes of Manchester United, Sporting and Schalke to set up an all-Spanish final v Atletico Madrid who later crushed them by 3 goals to nothing to claim their 2nd Europa League crown in 3 seasons.

Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are the 2 most successful clubs in King's (Copa Del Rey)cup History. Between them, 48 trophies have been won with both appearing in exactly the same number of finals (35)...The Catalans have won the most trophies 25, compared to Atheltic's 23. They last faced off 3 years ago, on Barca's way to a historic season, where they became the 1st club to win 6 trophies in one calendar year (2009). That day, Puyol and company won comfortably--4-1.

This year's final will be held at Atletico's Vincente Calderon, after Real Madrid refused the showpiece event to be held at their stadium (Santiago Bernabeu) for reasons best known to them. Barcelona will most likely be without David Villa, Captain and defensive rock-Carles Puyol and certainly Eric Abidal who recently announced that he will never play football again after undergoing liver transplant procedure..

The talking points in this marquee game will be Barca's vulnerability in defence and Bilbao's attacking potential. Although the talismanic LLORENTE has scored loads of goals this season, he misfired in the Europa League final and Barca will not give away too many chances. In players like Iker Muniain touted as the next Iniesta or even more talented, Athletic Club possess the necessary weapon(s) to stretch Barca beyond limits. Of course the world is well aware of the threat the Blaugrana (Barcelona) pose. The blessed trio of Xavi, Messi and Andres Iniesta are joined by Cesc Fabregas who has had a dream campaign, and Alexis Sanchez. The prodigiously gifted Ibra Afellay can be the unsung hero when called upon.

Apart from the small matter of the Copa Del Rey final later today, Barcelona will bid farewell to their most successful manager come the end of proceedings. Pep GUARDIOLA who is in line to claim a 14th major honour as Barca coach, is officially drawing the curtain on a stellar 4 year stint as leader and supreme commander of perhaps the greatest football army ever assembled. In his almost half a decade as manager, he has won all the trophies on offer--- 2 UCLs, 3 successive ligas and 2 CWCs among others. His unique footballing mindset and passing philosophy has paid dividends of magnificent proportions. The former Blaugrana midfielder has written his name in the top echelon of great managers in history and his records will take some beating, if indeed they will ever be surpassed. Today he faces his mentor and great friend, Marcelo Bielsa...the same man he sought his expert opinion when the call came for him to become a coach some six years ago. Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera is one of the greatest managers in World football. The man nicknamed El loco, has won an Olympic gold and managed the likes of Chile and Argentina. His innovativeness and comprehensive knowledge of the beautiful game is second to none. In the 2 matches against Barcelona this season, Pep lauded the impressive approach of Bielsa's players to the games and the likes of Thiago and Mascherano spoke highly of the energy levels/retrieval pattern of the Basque players. This game is theoretically a battle of tactical adeptness.

So whatever respect and affection Pep and El Loco have for each other, sentiments will be discarded for at least 90 minutes when the game kicks off in Madrid.

AU REVOIR JOSEP GUARDIOLA.....THE FOOTBALL WORLD will forever be indebted to you and above all GRATEFUL!!!!! Wish you the best in your future endeavour.

Ohireime P. Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

SATURDAY CLASSIC....who laughs best in Munich???

Tomorrow's Champion's League final is to be contested by Bundesliga Runners-up and 4 time European Champions, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, fresh from winning their 4th F.A cup in 6 attempts. Italian manager, Roberto Di Matteo---otherwise known as RDM, has turned around the fortunes of the West London club which was in tatters when Andre Villas-Boas was shown the door. Bayern on the other hand, are still hurting from the disgraceful show they put up six days ago in Berlin v DORTMUND. The Bavarians will remember what happened to Bayer Leverkusen 10 years ago when they lost all three trophies they were poised to win. Typical nearly men.

Both teams will rue the fact that they are going to be without the services of very important players. For Chelsea, Captain Terry, Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul MEIRELES are suspended. While the Reds of Germany have Luis Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber suffering the same fate. Coach Jupp Heynckes will be hoping that Belgian trojan, Daniel Van BUYTEN can be the man to stop the Chelsea onslaught which is going to be led (barring any unforessen circumstances) by Didier Drogba.

Both teams are chasing a bit of history at the Allianz ArenA tomorrow. Chelsea can lift their first Champions League crown and also secure Champions League football tomorrow. Bayern can add to their 4 European Cups and also become the first team to win the Champions League in their own stadium. If DIE ROTEN lift the cup, they would match fellow EUROPEAN GIANTS, Liverpool in title won in Europe's most glamorous and prestigious cup competition (5 titles).

Chelsea must do everything possible to curtail the attacking finesse of robben and ribery who will pose causes for concern all day long. The biggest enemy of the blues on the night will without any iota of doubt be 41 goal pointman, Mario GOMEZ who will be aiming to equal or surpass the League's highest goal scorer---Barca's Lionel Messi who is on 14 goals (The highest ever in 1 single campaign).

English powerhouse, Chelsea might be depleted on paper, but they still possess some of the greatest footballers on the planet in Lampard, Drogba and of course Torres. Bayern Captain, Philipp Lahm has still not forgotten the way and manner El Nino destroyed him in the Euro 08 final at the Legendary ERNST HAPPEL Stadium in Vienna. The Spanish kid might not be anything like the player he once was, but he has the ability (loads of it) to decide any match on his day. Days don't come any bigger than tomorrow, do they?

Chelsea caretaker boss, RDM will etch his name in Chelsea folklore if he wins the Champions League and that will all but seal his place as coach of the Pensioners on a permanent basis (at least until Abramovic wields the axe yet again). For players like Frank Lampard, Ddier Drogba and especially John Terry who missed what would have been the winning PK in 2008, it will be the crowning achievement of their trophy laden careers.

 Probable line-ups for both teams are:

BAYERN-------> neuer, van buyten/tymoschuk, boateng, lahm, contento, schweinsteiger, kroos, robben, ribery, muller, gomez.

CHELSEA-------> cech, cahill, luiz, a.cole, bosingwa, mikel, lampard, malouda, mata, torres, drogba

Ohireime P.Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

CITIZENS BORROW A LEAF FROM FERGIE'S BOOK TO END 44 YEARS OF MISERY.....Does this portend a power shift in MANCHESTER???

When Manchester City fell to a very well deserved defeat at the Emirates (v. the Arsenal). The title race was all but over (or so we thought) Who would have thought that with 5 games remaining, Manchester United would blow an 8-point lead? Something Fergie AND his winners very rarely do. But as they say,'NEVER SAY NEVER'. After a dismal run that saw the 12-time EPL CHAMPIONS drop 8 points in 4 games, Manchester City capitalised and drew level on points and then the die became cast. It all boiled down to the last day.With both teams on 86 points (but MCFC HAD A SUPERIOR GD of +8), Man Utd had to destroy Martin O'Neil's Sunderland by at least 9 unreplied goals and hope City's strikers fail to sparkle. It was a slim hope....44 years is a long time for anyone not to have something and when the opportunity comes on a platter, the good who want to become great take it with aplomb.

MUFC 'S task was all made the more difficult as they had to go to the stadium of light to score a bagfull of goals against a reinvigorated Sunderland..while MCFC had to just dismiss QPR to be crowned CHAMPIONS....On paper, Mancini had the easier path to GLORY.MUFC struck first through the indispensable Wayne Rooney whose 20th minute header gave his side the lead-----------> his 27th league goal (a personal best). But City responded with a goal of their own.....Injured Gnegneri Yaya Toure threaded a great ball onto the path of Pablo Zabaleta who coolly slotted past Paddy Kenny to put his team well on their way. Half time was upon us with fans of both clubs biting their fingers.

The 2nd half was more interesting as QPR, fighting for survival, struck through Djibril Cisse (his 6th in 8 games) to level matters. Then a moment of pure, unmatched idiocy from supposed Captain of QPR, Joey Barton gave City a man advantage. The Englishman, who never ceases to amaze the football world took to kicking and punching the diminutive Argies (TEVEZ AND AGUERO) on the pitch. United fans feared the worst and admittedly, the expected from here on. But much to utter astonishment, QPR struck again to lead City. This time Jamie Mackie was the scorer. MUFC fans went berserk in an almost delirium state...the title was going to remain at the Theatre of Dreams was the song on everyone's lips....but there was yet another twist in the tale.

As a result of Barton's stupidity, the Ref added 5 minutes of injury time and like typical Manchester United, City came back with 2 goals from Dzeko and Aguero in two minutes to seal the league title their sometimes 'out-of-this-planet' displays deserved.

    IT WAS OFFICIAL: MANCHESTER CITY BROKE THEIR 44 YEAR JINX AND HELD ALOFT THE 20THE EPL TITLE.....



................TITLE CELEBRATIONS GOING A BIT OVER THE TOP

Officials, players , fans and indeed everyone associated with Manchester City went partying into the night after a wonderful season which saw them crowned EPL CHAMPIONS. Excited and joyous, they took to the streets the very next day (Monday, 14th May 2012) to parade their newest trophy addition.

It was going well as planned until the prodigal Carlos Tevez thought it was a clever idea to hold up a placard which had 'R.I.P FERGIE' written boldly on it. It was a slap on Ferguson and Manchester United's face, not just as a result of the inscription, but because it was held up by a former red devil who was showing ingratitude and more painfully, the unforgettable way the league title was relinquished. Manchester United immediately offered its apology on the development which MUFC duly accepted. But SAF will be well aware that the only way o shut Tevez and City up, is on the field of play cum next season and beyond/

OHIREIME P EBOREIME
ff me on Twitter--->@ohiskaka1990

103 years is not FOREVER-----------The BORUSSIANS are GERMANY'S BEST!

Jurgen Klopp, tipped to be a future manager of DIE MANNSCAFT (The German National Team) has done it again.After earning plaudits in the 2010-11 season for steering the black yellows to its 7th BUNDESLIGA Title, he has gone one better to secure the side's 1sr DOUBLE in its 103 year history.

The season didn't start brightly for the ambitious borussen. The first 6 games yielded just 3 wins. Afterwards, they kicked on a remarkable run that saw them go unbeaten in 30+ League and Cup games, including vital wins against Bayern and arch-enemies, Schalke.
Buoyed by the superb displays of Shinji Kagawa, Lukasz Piszczek, Robert Lewandowski, Matt Hummels, Neven Subotic, and Talisman, Mario Gotze, DIE SCHWARZGELBEN tore past their opponents with ruthlessness like never before seen. The drive, desire and determination that ultimately leads to success was there for all to marvel. Despite an injury midway through the season to Subotic and Gotze, they still went on to win the league with 2 games to spare...capping the phenomenal achievement with a good home win over Bayern and a Ruhr derby victory away at Gelsenkirchen v Schalke

May 12, 2012 represented the one and only chance of the season to add to their trophy haul-------> THE DFB POKAL (GERMAN CUP). It was a clash between the two best teams in Germany at the moment. Bayern Munchen (Munich) who are UCL finalists and them (Dortmund) who just won the league.
At the end of proceedings, it was a surprise demolition  Dortmund annihilated the Bavarians 5-2 with Polish assassin, Robert Lewandowski scoring a hat-trick to take his tally for the season to 30. The same man whose 22 League goals (Including the only goal v Bayern at the Iduna) helped his team to the summit of the Bundesliga. The crushing defeat was the 5th successive Bayern had suffered against klopp and it came at a very bad time for the Reds. Uli, Karl, Franz, and Jupp congratulated Watzke's Dortmund and thus shifted their focus to the CL FINAL V Chelsea.

The victory over Bayern was even more significant for Ballspiel-Verein Borussia (BVB) because it cemented their position as the best team in Germany and secured the 1st  eve LEAGUE AND CUP SUCCESS in more than a Century of existence. However, they must regroup next season because some important players will ALMOST CERTAINLY jump ship and must be replaced. Also, for Klopp and his boys to be mentioned in the same breath as the great European teams, their fortunes in Europe must change. Their foray into the European scene this term was a COMPLETE FAILURE. Furthermore, for the aforementioned to be described in the same sentence as Hitzfeld, he must perform admirably well in Europe.

OHIREIME P EBOREIME
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

THE PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES.....SOMEBODY IS UNFORGIVABLY MISSING

When the nominees (Rooney, Aguero, RVP, Parker, Silva, Hart) for 'BEST FOOTBALLER IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE' were announced yesterday, I was not too pleased with the list because one player was inexplicably omitted from it. There is no law that says the shortlist should consist of only 6 players. If FIFA could break their rule in 09, how much less the Professional Footballers' Association of England! 3 years ago, the World football governing body, FIFA went against their usual routine of trimming down their final shortlist to three when they announced a strong 5 man list as final contenders for arguably the biggest individual prize in football---THE FIFA WORLD FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR.The list comprised of Xavi, Kaka, CR7, Messi, and El Nino.

This year's PFA 'FINAL SIX' without doubt merit their nominations, but the obvious omission was NORWICH's GRANT HOLT. Don't crucify me peeps, it's my HONEST OPINION. The Canaries skipper has done no wrong this season. His 13 EPL goals including strikes against MUFC, LIVERPOOL and CHELSEA have proved invaluable and helped Lambert's wards to an impressive showing in the LEAGUE so far. Against all odds, the Landlords of Carrow Road are already safe from relegation and could even climb into the top half when the final EPL table is drawn. Among Englishmen, Only Wazza (Wayne Rooney)-(24) has scored more league goals.

It is undoubted that HOLT will not win the award even if nominated....Nevertheless, it would have been satisfying and a thing of pride knowing that his heroics haven't gone unnoticed.

OHIREIME P EBOREIME
Follow me on Twitter---->@ohiskaka1990

The Young shall grow.....players who will take over soon.

Please do not crucify me if some of your favourite youngsters are not included in this list. One man's meat they say, is another man's poison. Please find below the 20 selected players who barring any unfortunate situation, will take the world by storm in the next couple of years....

1 Neymar Da Silva Santos aka NEYMAR

Now one of the most popular footballers on the planet..the tricky footballing genius is the new pride of BRAZIL..Touted to be the next PELE (many have also been seen in that light), he is already showing the reasons why he will be a force to reckon with in the near future. Neymar Jnr has already won the Copa Libertadores (SOUTH AMERICA's version of the UCL) amongst other titles and he just turned 20 a few weeks ago. Notably, he shares the same birthday with Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo -two of the best footballers of this generation.
Neymar is having the best time of his career having already reached the final of the 2011 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP (l to Barca) and also claimed the BRONZE BALL-an award for the 3rd best player of the tournament. He has also excelled in SELECAO colours, scoring 8 goals in 15 appearances. He has also received plaudits from various footballers across the globe for his stellar performances to date. His burgeoning talent has led to various degrees of recognition both nationally and internationally. The biggest of all was his inclusion in the FINAL 23 list of footballers who were all in with a chance of winning the 2011 Balon D'Or. An award which was taken home by MESSI for the 3rd year running. He also beat Rooney and Messi to the PUSKAS award for the best goal of 2011---That unbelievable masterclass goal in the thrilling 5-4 loss v Ronaldinho's Flamengo in the Campeonato Brasileiro SERIE A (The Brazilian League).
The above and many other outstanding displays have sent tongues wagging. Some now refer to him as the 3rd best player on the planet behind CR7 and Messi..although that it an outrageous submission. The important thing is that if he goes on like this, it won't be long before he rubs shoulders with the very best footballers of all time.


2  MARCO REUS

The promising German who just put pen to paper on a summer transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach to Borussia Dortmund for a bargain fee of 17.5 million Euros is the second most popular youngster in all of Germany. His compatriot and soon to be teammate, Mario Gotze is rated more highly.
The 22 year old (23 in May) has improved tremendously over the last 3 seasons, earning rave reviews from the German Press and Media people all over the world. Under the tutelage of Swiss motivator, Lucien Favre, Reus has transformed into one of the best footballers in the German Bundesliga--racking up goals and assists week in, week out. His fearless and daring displays have propelled the previously relegation threatened club to Title Contenders. With 13 goals and 4 assists in just 18 League games for Die Fohlen, he has repaid the faith Favre has in him and that's the major reason why Gladbach lie 2 points shy of 1st position in the GERMAN TOP FLIGHT. Marco's brilliant performances have not gone unnoticed by National Team boss, Joachim Low. The Tactician has called him up 3 times already and is almost certain to make the cut for the upcoming EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.
I rate him as the best talent in all of Germany and if injuries don't play their part, even Rudi Voller would be proud.


3  MARIO BARWUAH BALOTELLI

The Italian born-Ghanaian star who now plies his trade at the Etihad with Manchester City is one of the best footballers of his age grade. With 22 goals in 50 apps for the Citizens, he has played his part in their recent successes. Disciplinary problems on and off the filed have plagued his career in no small measure. If he can cut down on his childish attitude and focus more on reaching his full potential, there is every possibility that he will go on to become one of the best footballers the World has ever witnessed.
Trained by Italian Managers at both club and country, they should be able to influence him positively to reach great heights.

4  AHMED MUSA

The man who is famously called 'Air Nigeria', has just signed for 2005 UEFA CUP winners, CSKA Moscow, after a stint in Holland with VVV Venlo. The Nigerian speed demon announced himself to the World stage in last year's FIFA U-20 Championships...destroying all the full backs he came face to face with and scored 3 goals..The eaglets came up short against France in the Quarter Final stage, but that didn't prevent the eulogies from coming his way. The 19 year old wing wizard 'holds laugh'...(won't turn 20 until October) has already amassed 13 caps for the Super Eagles and is rated as the next best thing to come out of the West African Nation.

5 DANIEL STURRIDGE

Roberto Mancini of Manchester City said recently that he regrets not having the left footed pearl in his star studded team. That says a lot about the incredible talent Daniel possesses. Born in Birmingham, England, the 22 year old striker who can also play as a winger was sold to Chelsea in 2009. Due to the array of talented strikers at the Bridge, he found chances few and far between and decided to go out on loan to Bolton. He shone brightly for the Trotters...scoring 8 goals in just 12 matches for the club. That brought the attention of newly appointed Chelsea boss, Andre Villas-Boas who immediately made him one of the 1st names on his team sheet throughout this season. He has fit in perfectly in West London. Despite playing on the right side of a three pronged attack, he has still managed 11 goals and 5 assists in just 29 games this season. He was also handed his maiden England cap by former NT boss, Fabio Capello and is one of the front runners for a forward role in the Squad for the Euros.
Blessed with a ferocious left foot, the Manchester City trained forward will go on to become one of the best things that ever happened to Chelsea and England in years to come. He is that good.

6.  MARIO GOTZE

Chosen by many as the best German teenager in a long time, The prodigiously talented Signal Iduna owned attacking midfield magician has proved his worth beyond doubt in recent years. What brought him to limelight was his partnership with Nuri Sahin, Shinji Kagawa, Lucas Barrios, etc which led Borussia Dortmund to the German Bundesliga crown ahead of the more illustrious Bayern Munich with him racking up 6 goals and an incredible 15 assists in the 33 games he featured in.
The teenage sensation who has already been capped 12 times by DIE MANNSCAFT (German NT)-scoring 2 goals in the process, is one of the most sought after footballers in the Universe.

7  JACK WILSHERE

Not many players are often compared to Ireland and Arsenal Legend, Liam Brady. 20 year old  Jack Wilshere is among the privileged few to be honoured with such dignifying comparison. He burst onto the scene in the 10-11 season after eye catching performances in the youth and reserve set-up. Arsene gave him a chance to show what he could do last season and he responded with some awesome performances-especially the 1st leg of the UCL Round of 16 match v Barcelona which Arsenal won 2-1. Jacky was unarguably Arsenal's best player that day and bravely stood up to the likes of Xavi and Iniesta. He completed more than 90% of his passes that day...a statistic that even the revered Pirlo would marvel at. His all round displays throughout the season earned him adulation from his manager, his team mates, colleagues, the then England manager, and the Professional  Footballers Association (PFA) who deservedly named him young player of the year and also included him in the team of the year.
His loan move to Bolton was one of the main reasons for his improved form. The early 2010 loan move to the Reebok was a very important step in his career. He has also made 5 appearances for the senior team of England and was named 10-11 Arsenal player of the season.
One of the youngest ever UCL debutants, his strengths are his passing ability, technical adeptness and fearlessness on the pitch. He also has the confidence of a 30 year old and will take the World by storm as time goes on. He is currently sidelined with a niggling ankle injury, but should be back in a couple of months.

8 SHINJI KAGAWA

2011 Asian Cup winners-Japan has produced great players like Junichi Inamoto and perhaps the gretaest of them all, Hidetoshi Nakata. Another new gem has been unearthed in the calibre of Borussia Dortmund attacking playmaker, Shinji Kagawa. The diminutive Japanese wonderkid has set the German 1st division alight since his arrival from Cerezo Otaka in 2010. He came with a very encouraging statistic-55 goals in 125 league games. A very satisfactory return for a midfielder. It didn't take long for him to endear himself to the Dortmund fans as his debut season was one of great achievement both individually and collectively. The killer squad of KAGAWA-SAHIN-GOTZE-BARRIOS-LEWANDOSKI ripped other teams apart, including Die Roten (Bayern Munich) on their way to winning the Bundesliga. Kagawa weighed in with an admirable 8 goals in 18 League games, as his season was blighted by injuries.
Despite a very disappointing UCL campaign, Die Schwarzgelben have had a breathtaking Domestic season once again under the excellent Leadership of Jurgen Klopp. They are currently 2 points ahead of nearest challengers, Borussia Monchengladbach with a game in hand. Kagawa again has been one of the catalysts of the team's successful run, contributing 7 goals in just 19 appearances. The Japanese star has the World at his feet and Dortmund might have to do the extraordinary to keep him beyond this season. They have started on a good note though--recruiting Die Fohlen's best player, Marco Reus to support the Asian jewel next season and beyond.

9  PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG

Gabon's hottest property in recent time, Pierre Aubameyang is one player who deserves recognition. The 22 year old striker has grown from relative obscurity to become one to reckon with in the beautiful game of football. Despite having an unsuccessful spell at AC Milan, he has revived his young career at St Etienne after having brief spells at Dijon, Monaco and Lille. He has scored 12 goals in 35 league games for his current club and was a pivotal player for the Gabon National side (co-hosts) that was unlucky to exit the tournament at the QF final stage (albeit of his own doing). Despite scoring a tournament leading 3 goals (with Manucho, Drogba, Mayuka, Diabate, & C.Katongo), it was his penalty miss v Mali that unfortunately ended their tournament.
Armed with mesmerising skills and blistering pace, Aubameyang is destined for the top in a few years.

10  JAVIER PASTORE

One of the most expensive players of all time when he moved from Palermo to mega-rich PSG for a reported 40 million Euros in the Summer of 2011, El Flaco as he is fondly called, is no stranger to the big occasion. Called up for the last World Cup in South Africa, he has been on the fringes of the Argentine National Team since he was 20. He showed glimpses of his exceptional talent during his breakthrough season as a Rosanero and built on it in his 2nd season. It was his rising profile which led to speculations that big European clubs like MUFC, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus, etc were all fighting for his signature. After all the media frenzy, he signed for Paris Saint Germain. It was a huge shock to all football fans, especially as they wanted to see him in  more famous clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid. However, the so-called celebrated clubs were not willing to part with the crazy sum the Sicilian club wanted.
Injuries have restricted Pastore's career in France, although his first 10 matches yielded no less than 6 goals. He can be said to have settled in well into the style of play at the Parc de Princes. He has been criticised for being too lazy and flat sometimes. This comes with his young age and inexperience. New coach, Carlo Ancelotti who is anything but an amateur has raised great players like KAKA, PIRLO, and Gattuso...if anyone can turn El Flaco into a WORLD CLASS property, the Italian is a sure bet.

11  EMMANUEL MAYUKA

Zambia's own super sub, he came into prominence in the 07 FIFA WORLD U-20 WC. He was the youngest   player at the tournament and despite not hitting the back of the net, soccer pundits had seen something in him that they felt would blossom into a great star in time to come. The 21 year old who plies his trade in the Swiss top flight with Young Boys finally sprang into life in the just concluded African Nations Cup Tournament co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea scoring 3 precious goals to inspire his team to their 1st ever Nations Cup triumph on the very same soil where their entire team lost their lives 19 years prior (1993). Hi most important goal was the lone strike against Ghana that sent them to their 2nd final in 18 years.
Mayuka's stock has risen since then and rightly so. He has scored 16 goals in 43 League games for Young boys currently. The Swiss team will entertain a lot of callers for his signature come Summer.

12  DANNY WELBECK

Born to Ghanaian parents in England, the Manchester United striker has worked his way into the United Starting line-up this season in some style. After a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light last season under the watchful eye of MUFC Legend and then Black Cats manager (Steve Bruce), Welbeck came back home to fight for a place in a team which had the irreplaceable Wayne Rooney, EPL joint-highest goal scorer-Berbatov, new Baby Face Assassin-Chicharito Hernandez, 2001 Ballon d'Or-Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf (now at Hannover96) and Kiko Macheda (on loan to QPR at the moment). It was an arduous task he had to accomplish to avoid being overlooked or sent out on loan again. He wanted to make a name at one of the biggest clubs in World and he has so far not done his CHANCE any harm.
Asides being a deadly finisher, Danny Nii Tackie Welbeck is a hardworking and very industrious player who gives his all for the team. His return of 9 goals in 26 matches this season is an evidence of a very good season he;s currently having. The kid who was sent on loan to Preston North End at the beginning of 2010 has also appeared for England 3 times..although he is yet to register his name on the score sheet for his country. He has a great chance of representing England at the Euros or Britain in London 2012 depending on what the FA and their team of coaches decide.
His greatest attributes are pace, strength, dribbling skills, hard work, and an eye for goal. He has a great career ahead of him if he continues in this fashion.

13   ERIK LAMELA

Now a Giallorossi, the ex-River Plate midfield orchestrator has been a regular this season under Luis Enrique. He became highly regarded during one of the Super Clasico meetings against Boca Juniors for his former club, River Plate when he dominated a midfield that had the great Juan Roman Riquelme as a formidable opponent. It was then the Argentine press took special interest in him. He never disappointed and regardless of the fact that River were relegated for the 1st time in their illustrious history, his rise to fame was undeterred and ROMA came calling.
He has a solitary cap for the Albiceleste (Argentine NT) but that is obviously the first of many. He also featured in the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year and played like a man under the influence of drugs. His technical proficiency and midfield craft are a sight to behold. He has been one of the best players for the Capital club this season and will rewrite the history books in years to come.

14  Paulo Henrique Ganso

This exceptionally gifted footballing genius is a Selecao with a difference. Under contract at Santos in Brazil, Ganso has risen from nowhere to become one of the best footballers of his generation in just a short space of time. Injury prone, he has shown no signs of waning since his debut for the Brazilian National Team in a friendly v the USA. Long term absences have been a regular part of his young career, but in the periods he has been on the pitch, some brilliant displays have been witnessed from the man viewed as the next KAKA.
He was part of the Santos side that was taught a bitter lesson in Japan (FIFA WORLD CLUB CUP FINAL) by Barcelona 2 months ago and also played a huge part in Santoss' capture of the 2011 Copa Libertadores.
Blessed with finesse beyond belief, he can control any midfield if he chooses to and is one of the finest Central Midfielders in all of South America. If Life is kind to him, he might eclipse whatever Kaka has achieved for clubs and country.I see him as the next ZICO (minus free kick percipience).

15  Wojciech Szczesny

Never have I seen such a young man exhume such confidence, such zest and bravery. Only 2 years ago, the Polish shot-stopper was 3rd or 4th choice in the list of goalkeepers at Arsenal. But as providence would have it, he jumped over all his fellow competitors and established himself as the number 1 goaltender at the Emirates.
In the 09-10 season, he sent warning signals to the Arsenal coaching staff that if he wasn't given a chance to prove himself, he would dump the club for pastures new. It wasn't to be as he firmly took over the number 1 spot from Almunia-Aluminium, Mamone and Fabianski or flappy-hands-ki whichever you deem fit. He has since played well over 50 games in all Competitions for the gunners and has kept more than 20 clean sheets.
His characteristics are a good command of his area, mental toughness, smartness, and suppleness. He is a very outspoken goalkeeper and is never put down by anything or anyone. In his early 20s, he has already earned praise from the Legendary Oliver Khan for his excellent performance in a friendly v the Germans 5 months ago. He has the capacity to become one of the greatest goalies of the next 20 years.

16  IKER MUNIAIN

Athletic Bilbao's answer for Barcelona's Andres Iniesta isn't exactly lightweight in spite of his frame which is extremely deceptive. The tricky and very intelligent winger has played more than 100 games for the Basque side at only 19 years of age (only turned 19 in December '11). For club and country, he is blessed with 2 of the greatest managers of all time in Marcelo 'Loco' Bielsa and Vicente Del Bosque. He couldn't be luckier.
He is an amazing footballer who thinks outside the box at all times. Blessed with a unique footballing brain, the ball sticks to his feet like magnet and he finds space where there is none. Iker can play as a winger. an Enganche (link between midfield and attack), or a 2nd striker. He possesses fantastic quality and has already made history as Athleti's youngest ever debutant and goal scorer (16 years).
He played a significant part in  the Spain's U-21 team's Victory at the European Championship held in Denmark last year.
He rarely gets injured and on the basis of what I have seen so far, he will run the World of football like  Schumacher did to Formula One.

17  STEVAN JOVETIC

One of my favourite youngsters, his career has been set aback by injuries, but nonetheless, he is still one of the best footballers of his generation. The Montenegrin International who also adorns the colours of Fiorentina is one of the most technically gifted footballers in the World. Ask Liverpool what he put them through a few years ago at the Artenio Franchi in a Champions League game.
He was such a supremely talented player that at the very young age of 18, he was made Captain of Partizan Belgrade-an upgrade that cemented his name in the history books as the youngest ever skipper of the club. After a beautiful time in Serbia, it was time to move on to better things and the team from Florence came calling. Four years ago, Jovetic's playing rights were purchased for 8 Million Euros. Since then he has managed 23 goals in 91 games for the Gigliati and this has been because of the various injury lay-offs he has had to deal with.
His idols are National Team Captain, Mirko Vucinic and the EASTERN WIND, Andriy Shevchenko.....He is however likened to Viola Legend-Roberto Baggio..This is due to the similarities in hairstyle and admittedly in playing pattern. Jo-jo (His nickname) has scored 7 goals in 19 games for Montenegro.
The Football fraternity sincerely hope that injuries will not prevent him from making his mark in the annals of history.

18 Xherdan Shaqiri

The nimble footballer who has agreed a deal to join Bayern Munich for a miserable 10 million Euros in the Summer was one of the shinning lights of the Swiss U-21 team which were outclassed in the final by Spain. Since then, he has gone on to achieve even greater things including his wave making displays in the UCL which unfortunately sent Manchester United out of Europe's Premier Competition for the first time in 6 years.
The left footed, speedster has already scored 18 goals and provided 19 assists in 100 odd games for Swiss giants-Basel. He has also scored 4 goals in 17 appearances for the Swiss National team and will be grateful to the Great Otmar Hitzfield for giving him a chance to prove himself on the international stage.
Clever, fast, and very daring, Xherdan is set to storm the Bundesliga later in the year. He has every chance of making it big as a footballer (not financially, but historically)

19  David De Gea

Already seen as the heir to the goalkeeping throne in La Furia Roja set-up where San iker currently holds sway, DDG as he is affectionately called in Britain needs no introduction. He has won trophies aplenty for club and country and he is still only 21. His career with Manchester United has not been plain sailing. Mistakes here and there arising from his inability to command his area and deal with crosses have been the bane thus far. His major problem is the British Press who scrutinize every single thing he does. They have contributed to the rough times he has experienced thus far in his tough start to life as a Manchester United Number one. He has nevertheless proved his critics wrong in recent weeks with stellar performances between the sticks..most notably in the 3-3 draw at Stanford Bridge where he made stunning saves off the feet of Mata, Essien and Gary Cahill. Rarely does a keeper concede 3 goals and is still praised for a job well done.

Captain of the U-21 side, it won't be long before he stakes a claim for the Number one jersey at Senior Level...Although CASILLAS is not thinking of relinquishing ownership just yet.

20  THIAGO ALCANTARA DO NASCIMENTO

Another 20 year old (turns 21 in May) who is prepared to replace the aging Midfield maestros of today. Seen as the next Xavi, the ambidextrous midfield controller has been promoted to the 1st team by Pep Guardiola and he has since not looked back..His combination with the likes of Xavi, Fabregas, Iniesta, Busquets, Jo Dos Santos, Keita,etc have been awe-inspiring. He reveled and shone in the absence of XAVI in pre-season and that was it. Pep had seen enough to convince him that the Brazilian-Spaniard was ready for the big leap.
Thiago has incredible abilities capable of making even more experienced midfielders shudder in disbelief. He has made 3 appearances for the senior National side and was part of the Spanish U-21s that raised aloft the European Cup in Denmark...His stunning goal in the Final led the little Spanish armada to GLORY.


Other players worth mentioning are Tom Cleverley, Josip ilicic, Eduardo Vargas, Matias Suarez, Grant Xhaka, Junior Hoilett, Josh Mceachran, IIkay Gundogan, Phil Jones, Adem Ljajic, Rafinha Alcantara, Juan Iturbe, Chris Smalling, Isaac Cuenca, Sergio Canales Modrazo, Youssef Msakni, etc.

Ohis Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

ARSENAL's ASTRONOMICAL decline....WENGER's fault????

How art the mighty fallen.. That may be the best phrase to describe the unbelievable slump of Arsene Wenger's managerial career at Arsenal.. This is a man who has garnered a remarkable 11 trophies for the London club in 15+ years at the helm. But what has led to fans calling for his head? The fact that Arsenal haven't won the EPL for 8 years and any trophy since 2005. Even the ordinary curtain raiser trophy (COMMUNITY SHIELD) has eluded him since 2004....It is no surprise since that match is meant for champions or runners-up at best (if the same club wins the FA cup and the EPL in the same season).

As they say, every good thing comes to an end.. It seems to be getting to that time for the Frenchman who is affectionately called Le Professeur (The Professor) by players and the media. Despite the plethora of achievements he has managed since 1996, ardent, loyal and passionate fans of the Gazidis run club are calling for a CHANGE.

Life is cruel. That is the bitter truth. It seems a distant past now that Arsene led the gunners to a staggering 49 match unbeaten run which brought about their 3rd EPL and 13th English top flight winners' medal. That season they were captioned as the 'INVISIBLES' . Now the same man who brought them so much joy, success, fame, and glory is now WANTED OUT. Some might say the fans are Ungrateful, but in truth, they have been really supportive of their manager through thick and thin. It hasn't been easy watching other teams claim trophies year in, year out, and Arsenal keeps on struggling to even qualify for the UCL. Perhaps, what angered them most was the way in which the London giants fell to Birmingham City in the 2011 Carling Cup final. A game that represented the chance to end a 6 year trophyless drought. This aside, they have also watched Spurs (Totteham Hotspur) become the team to reckon with in London. That hurts, considering the fact that the lilywhites have until now been in Arsenal's shadow. This season has been a different story entirely as Harry Redknapp has turned his boys into title challengers and along the way, have played some of the best football in Europe.

Patience they say is a virtue...But even the most virtuous Arsenal supporter has lost it because of another dismal season that can only get worse. In the space of 3 days, their only 2 remaining chances of claiming some form of silverware went up in flames at the Guiseppe Meazza and the Stadium of Light. Maxi Allegri's AC Milan left no stone unturned in their annihilation of Wenger's wards. The 4-0 demolition was followed by another disappointing ouster from the FA Cup in the hands of Martin O'Neil's Sunderland. The fans have seen and witnessed just about enough. The only thing they look forward to now is 4TH PLACE which has become  a major priority in the last 5 or 6 years. Prior to 2006, Arsene Wenger had never finished outside the TOP 2 since he assumed managerial duties at the Club.

It is in adversity that you can easily point out a good, capable and efficient manager. It is when the going gets tough, that a great man steps up and attempts to turn things around in his favour. Despite the near misses and numerous setbacks, Wenger has still managed to qualify for the GROUP STAGES of the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE in all of his 16 seasons at the club. That is a phenomenal achievement. But the fans are tired of feeding from crumbs. They want the whole meal and they have every right to demand for it. The MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION now is should WENGER THROW IN THE TOWEL????? is this actually his fault????  We could lay the blame at his feet because he is the team leader. It is quite normal because when a ship capsizes, the Captain is held solely responsible and rightly so. But this goes well beyond the Frenchman.

Name a manger today who has been successful without being backed by adequate funds to purchase quality players to complement the ones at his disposal. It could be argued that between 2005 and 2012, Arsene has had fantastic players and also bought decent ones. But it can also be pointed out that he hasn't been given enough money to secure the services of world beaters who can propel the team to domestic and continental dominance. His most expensive buy (I stand corrected) is Andrei Arshavin who came for about £15 Million. You can't work miracles when you don't have the capacity to. For a GREAT club like Arsenal, much more is expected. That is not saying purchasing the playing rights of a quality player automatically makes a club successful (Like the case of Fernando Torres), but it does promote your ambition to compete with the very best in the business.

Arsene might not be blameless afterall. But if he was the problem, the Board would have done away with him a long time ago. They are well aware that the bulk of the botheration is as a result of their inability or refusal to provide funds necessary to bring in some very good players.  This season, he brought in experienced hands like Yossi Benayoun, Mikel Arteta, & Per Mertesacker. Seasoned professionals who have paid their dues in every respect. He also lured the prodigiously talented Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain from Southampton to join forces with the North Londoners. He also lost his Captain, Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and his best player last season-Samir Nasri to Manchester City. Losing a captain a few days before the commencement of a new season will unsettle anyone. Despite the setbacks and a very disgraceful start to the current season, he is still 4th in the EPL standings ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool who spent at least 150 million pounds between them in the off-season.

I am not exonerating ARSENE of any of the fans' accusations..All am saying is that he should be given a chance to turn things around. It is common knowledge that he is the most successful manager in Arsenal's history. That alone should buy him some time and earn him the RESPECT he deserves.

The OX as Alex Chamberlain is fondly called, has come to the fore in recent games...playing probably the best football of his career to date. That is a good sign. RVP has also been the best EPL player this season with 22 goals and a handful of assists, the result of a WORLD CLASS showing in the last year or so. His contributions have been astonishingly brilliant. All these and more will be required on Sunday when the gunners host fierce rivals and high flying Spurs at the Emirates in an attempt to get their season back on track


Ohsi Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

RAFA V ROGER...A TALE OF TWO OF THE G.O.A.T

Does any tennis match these days come any bigger than ROGER V RAFA? Absolutely NONE...at least for now.

The 2012 Australian Open with the sobriquet OZ  has provided tennis fans worldwide with a great opportunity to marvel at yet another feisty duel between TWO of the best players in the history of tennis. With 26 grand slams (GS) and more than a 100 titles between them, Nadal and Federer have paid their dues in no small measure and will see this as a chance to add to their burgeoning resumes.

They are normally used to meeting in title matches. However, the devastating form of Novak Djokovic last year has ensured that this time they meet in the final before the final (SF) for the 1st time since 2005 when an unknown, unheralded 19 year old Nadal stunned the Swiss master in the semis of Roland Garros. The Spanish Matador went on to win his 1st GS title (d.Puerta) and since then has not looked back.

Federer for all his achievements hasn't fared well against Nadal. His record of 17 losses in 26 meetings v the Spanish power house represents his worst among any player on the ATP tour. Even Sampras and Agassi weren't half as dominant v the great Swiss. He has also lost 7 times in 9 GS meetings V Rafa, including 6 finals (1 Wimbledon, 4 French, 1 Aussie Open). He will aim to change all that when they meet at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.

The last time they met here was 3 years ago when King Roger was aiming to become only the 2nd man to win 14 slams after Pistol Pete. That was not to be as Nadal put paid to his ambitions in 5 gruelling and nerve wracking sets, thus winning his 6th slam at Fed-xpresss' expense. It was HARD TO TAKE for the then World no 2 who burst into uncontrollable tears right in front of greats like Laver himself. He would go on to equal Samp at Roland Garros and eclipse him at Wimbledon in that same year, but the next chance to further increase his title haul at Flushing Meadows (US OPEN) was thwarted by Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro (JMDP) who he beat soundly to set up this 2012 SF clash with old foe, NADAL. Roger went on to cement his place as possibly the greatest player of all time with a 16th GS title on the same court he fell short of the 14th. This time he made no mistake, destroying Andy Murray in straight sets. Although we could argue that the match was closer than what the scoreline read.

Federer has had an almost perfect ride at this year's OZ and he is riding on a 25 match winning streak which will give him all the confidence he requires to tame the BEAST in RAFAEL NADAL. Rafa on his part, hasn't been too far behind, only losing one set to Berdych in the QF on the way to this eagerly awaited clash.

It promises to me another SPELL-BINDING AND GRIPPING BATTLE between the most familiar FOES in Tennis these days.

Ohis Eboreime

follow me on twitter @ohiskaka1990

EL CLASICO NOW EL PEP-ICO????

El Grande Clasico, one of the most watched and anticipated match ups in World football has become shamefully one sided. Jose Mourinho, the Real Madrid tactical mind has done his best to make it a balanced affair, but all to no avail. The duel now shifts base to the Nou Camp for the 2ND time and the 5th meeting overall this season (3 at the Bernabeu)

Pep Guardiola has totally dominated meetings between both clubs (Barcelona and Real Madrid) and it is a situation that has not gone down well with the Madridistas (supporters of the capital club). The famous Santiago Bernabeu which was once a fortress has become more or less a playground for the 41 year old former Catalan midfield pearl. Last week AGAIN saw another victory for Barca and there is no looking beyond them later today.

Just like last week which was Guardiola's 41st birthday, today Xavi Hernandez, the architect of the Barca masterpiece turns 32. Though a late developer, he has risen to become the most feared and revered central midfielder in World football and he is the major reason why the Blaugrana have become so INVISIBLE in the last 3 or 4 years.

Never has Jose been so incensed by happenings such as this one. This daunting task is one he hasn't YET asserted his magical tactical ingenuity. It is widely believed that his Meregues are the best squad of players in World football, but the giants of Catalunya easily possess the BEST STARTING 11 on the PLANET. This is the biggest challenge. Even with the long term absences of Villa and Afellay, and also the non-participation of Pedro, the team has waxed stronger and stronger especially with the inclusions of Fabregas and Chile's Alexis Sanchez.

Last week's encounter was emmeshed in controversy as matches between them usually turn out these days. Kepler Lima aka Pepe was adjudged to have deliberately stood on the hand of Lionel Messi. This was condemned in its entirely by notable names in football such as former Barcelona chief, Joan Gaspart, former player and manager Carles Rexach, (who has advised the Portuguese not to feature in today's affair to avoid receiving the treatment meted out to former Barca and Portugal captain-Luis Figo 9 years ago), Man Utd's Wayne Rooney, etc. Pepe has become public enemy number 1 in Catalunya  and therefore will be massively jeered and scorned if he shows face.

It was an embarrassing enough situation for RM to take, not until we heard the worst that there was unrest in the squad prior to the league clash v Bilbao on Sunday, coupled with training ground bust ups involving the outspoken Mourinho, Captain Iker Casillas and his vice, Sergio Ramos. Rumours have it that it was San Iker who leaked the whole debacle to the popular Madrid based newspaper-Marca. All that has seemingly been put to bed by the coach and the players who dismissed suggestions that there were factions containing Spanish and Portuguese players in the squad and all other unprintable bruhaha. Some sections of the home crowd were also heard booing 'the special one' during the Sunday league game. People like Arbeloa and Ramos vowed to stand by the coach till death and underlined their ambitions to see the season to a successful climax. Mou also added that he was unperturbed by the jeers of the crowd as greater men had experienced such cacophony. Nothing less was expected.

Attention now shifts to the all important 2nd leg between both clubs and RM have it all to do if they are to overturn a 1-2 deficit. Mourinho has tried several defensive formations, all have proved abortive. He is not known for dwelling on one result and must go all out to attempt to wrest some dominance from Barcelona. In order to achieve the desired result, He must start with either OZIL OR KAKA, or the both of them. With the absence of the skillful and very intelligent Di Maria, Ozil can make the difference, while everyone knows what to expect from Ricky Kaka on his day.

I cannot possibly decide for Mourinho (who turns 49 tomorrow) on who to start and who not to, but considering the circumstances and importance of this encounter, I do not think PEPE or Benzema should be in the Starting 11. Benz is a better player than Pipita Higuain, but the Argentine is a smarter predator and his instinctiveness is going to be a vital contribution if RM harbour any intentions of qualifying for the next stage of the CDR (Copa Del Rey).

Unusually, the build up to today's fixture has been rather low key. Perhaps, everyone is fed up of accepting the same result over and over again. For the CLASICO to gain more respect, Jose and RM have to make a GAME of it and not just always submit to the SUPERPOWERS of Barcelona. Nevertheless, a duel of this significance always attracts millions of viewers and tonight will be no exception.

GOODLUCK REAL MADRID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Written by:
Ohireime P.Eboreime e.mail-ohebors@yahoo.com
follow me on twitter @ohiskaka1990

EL CLASICO: CHAPTER 4 ALREADY?????

There are not many FOOTBALL duels bigger than the ones involving REAL MADRID (RM) & BARCELONA (Barca) and isn't it FANTASTIC that we have another barely one month after the last one?? I disagree totally with San Iker (Iker Casillas) that the EL CLASICO is fast losing its shine because of the frequency of meetings. Perhaps, he is afraid of being destroyed again by Pep Guardiola's men. Who wouldn't?

It is not that it is pre-planned or fixed. Oh! far from it. Even the most pessimistic football fan cannot agree less that when Jose 'the special one' Mourinho arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, he would most certainly challenge Barcelona on all fronts and he hasn't done badly in that regard. Although most will argue that since he became coach of the Merengues (Real Madrid), he has only won 1 out of a possible 8 games v Barcelona, drawing 3 and losing the rest. That is not something to write home about for a manager of his calibre and very impressive coaching stats.He has another chance to put things right when he faces the Catalans later today in the 1st leg of the CDR-Copa Del Rey at the Bernabeu.

The sanctuary of Real Madrid has become a playground for Guardiola and Barcelona in recent years, something that hasn't gone down well with followers of the Capital club. Since 2008, Guardiola has won every match (including the 6-2 bashing in 09-10) at the Bernabeu (except 2-this season's 1st leg SPANISH SUPER CUP tie, and the league game last season which ended in 2-2, and 1-1 draws respectively) and he will be very confident of coming away with YET another victory tonight especially on the occasion of his 41st birthday which coincidentally is on this day. The former Blaugrana midfielder has carved a niche for himself as the best manager in the World unarguably, but even by his lofty standards, he would be well aware that Mourinho is not far off and therefore wouldn't rest on his laurels. In Messi (13 goals in CLASICO meetings), Barcelona have in their armoury, a 3 time FIFA-BALON D'OR winner and certainly the best footballer in the WORLD today. He has managed a staggering 33 goals this season and we are only in January. He trails another goal machine and persistent rival, Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the PICHICHI (Highest goal scorer award in LA LIGA), but this is a different scenario entirely. But you ask yourself, what situation does Messi find difficult to control???none that I can remember in a Barcelona apparel since Pep took over. Ably supported by Messrs'  Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Fabregas, Busquets, Pique, Puyol, Mascherano, Dani Alves, Alexis Sanchez,etc... there is no looking past them to qualify to the semi-finals on the basis of the team sheet and previous results.

It is not often anyways that Jose Mourinho's teams go into games as UNDERDOGS...But this is one of the few or maybe the only sort of game that it occurs. Mou has tried a few formations in the past to stop Barca. Both Positive and Negative, all have proved exercises in FUTILITY. Kepler Laveran Lima Ferreira aka Pepe has been deployed to man mark Messi..(something that only Esteban Cambiasso has done effectively), yet it has failed, not because Pepe didn't put in his best performance, but simply as a result of the little Argie's  immense capabilities on the ball. Jose will be aiming to use a different strategy this time, after the one he employed in December yielded no fruitful outcome. He will take some positives from the League game last month nevertheless. His boys played a very good match for 45 minutes or thereabout until they collapsed immediately after Marcelo's freak own goal. Players like Xabi Alonso, Kaka, Ozil, Di Maria, Higuain, Benzema and Lassana Diarra must put in their best shifts today. Alonso most especially must hold the game by the scruff of the neck and do well to dictate proceedings from the middle of the pack. Easier said than done, but there is no harm trying. Ronaldo has to also put on his scoring boots and contribute more all round as he mostly suffers from stage fright when he faces Barca. With only 1 outfield goal (the extra time winner in last year's CDR final) against the men from Catalunya, it hasn't been one of his favourite games obviously. Mourinho can try all he can to defend the Portuguese Magician and the World's most COMPLETE footballer...however, the only way he can bury his demons is to stand up and be counted tomorrow and that he MUST do for RM to have any chance whatsoever of taking a good lead into the 2ND LEG a week from today at the NOU CAMP.

Ohis Eboreime
follow me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

LONDON V MANCHESTER:Episode 2. SUPER SUNDAY CLASSIC

Who would have thought that the 11-12 EPL season will be packed with so much enthralling and exciting events? A friend of mine calls it the 'STUFF OF DREAMS'. 2 or 3 years ago, no one would have called a match involving Tottenham and Manchester City a big game, but all that has changed.

The on-going battle between London (ARSENAL & SPURS) and Manchester (UNITED AND CITY) is a fierce one. I am not by any means taking Chelsea out of the equation, but sadly they do not play on SUPER SUNDAY, hence the unintentional omission. Earlier on in the season, MANCHESTER dominated the meetings against London clubs, with United annihilating Arsenal 8-2 at the Theatre of Dreams (OLD TRAFFORD) and City destroying Spurs 5-1 at White Hart Lane. Despite the fact that both London clubs have remarkably come to the fore after the embarrassing defeats, revenge will not be far from the minds of the players when they trader tackles on Sunday, the 22ND of January.

Since the disappointments suffered by WENGER AND REDKNAPP, they have completely transformed their respective teams from strugglers to serious contenders for the Premier League trophy, the latter being the more astonishing. Spurs have experienced a renaissance since their early season capitulations (refer to my article on the 'lilywhites' on OPOSTS) and sit just 5 points behind leaders Manchester City whom they face at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Arsenal on the other hand, are a little bit far off in 5th, but deserve eulogies for  their amazing turnaround in fortunes which saw them defeat Chelsea at the Bridge and pull off some magnificent results along the way. Although they are an almost unassailable 15 points behind leaders City, they would fancy a shot at the title they haven't won for 8 years now (since 2004) and what better way to do it, than to see off arch-rivals Manchester United  and consequently inflict more harm on the red army's title aspirations. This is more of a 6 pointer for ARSENAL AND SPURS  than for their Manchester counterparts, because anything other than an outright victory against the big two spells danger for any title ambitions they are nurturing.

Spurs go into their crunch tie v City in good form. Bar the recent draw v Wolves, they have done really well in previous games against West Brom and Everton (although the former was a below-par performance, but they still came out victorious) and will fancy their chances of stealing at least a point from the surprise pace setters. City on the other hand, have suffered a dip in form in recent weeks, no thanks to the absence of Midfield fulcrum, driver and director----YAYA TOURE (who is off to the African Cup of Nations), his elder brother, Kolo, and Vincent and Captain, Leader and defensive rock, Vincent Kompany (who was deservedly sent off in the FA CUP defeat v neighbours, MAN UTD). Mancini's wards have been dumped out of the FA CUP by Biggest headache-MUFC, lost the 1st leg of the Carling Cup at home to Liverpool, amongst others. Although they got back to winning ways on Monday at the DW stadium v Wigan, it wasn't a vintage City performance....certainly not one they would be proud of , but that's what makes the difference when awards are handed out and Titles are hoisted at the end of the season. Kompany and the Toure brothers will sit this one out too, but the Etihad landlords will be buoyed by the fact that the effulgent David Silva, arguably the best EPL player this season, is available for selection. The nimble and quick-witted Spanish PARAGON has the rare ability to decide a match on his own and his contributions will be telling on Sunday. Spurs also bring some terrific footballers to the Etihad on Sunday. Luka Modric (tired of paying tributes to his immense talents), Scott Parker, Rafa Van Der Vaart, Aaaron Lennon, Gareth Bale, Emma Adebayor all have the quality the swing any match in their favour. The return of Michael Dawson also provides the much needed boost in defense, although the last time he played against City, it was a whitewash.

Arsenal's Robin Van Persie is head and shoulders above any other striker in EUROPE at the MOMENT (Mario Gomez, Di Natale, Ibrahimovic, El Matador Cavani & KJ Huntelaar inclusive + Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not strikers in my opinion) and he has the records to show for his invaluable contributions to the Arsenal cause in the last 365 days or thereabouts. He has been almost IMPECCABLE. 22 goals this season (18 in the EPL) and a handful of assists goes a long way to buttress his exceptional and meteoric rise to the EXCLUSIVE LEAGUE of the World's most gifted footballers. He is certainly the danger man on Sunday when they come face to face with a Manchester United team that haven't hit top gear yet, despite victories in their last 2 games. The Gunners will look to put behind back to back successive away defeats to Fulham and Swansea when the Red Devils come calling.

Prior to the FA cup tie involving both Manchester Clubs, Fergie again pulled one of the surprises of the Century, unleashing PAUL 'THE GINGER MAESTRO' Scholes. The 2nd coming of a man Zizou described as one of the best footballers of his generation, came as a huge shock to everyone that follows the beautiful game. Noel Gallagher, former MCFC player exclaimed that it was 'LAUGHABLE' seeing Scholsy return to active soccer. However, greatness is in-born, and everlasting....as if he needed to prove the likes of Noel wrong, he opened the floodgates at OLD TRAFFORDMUFC goal and 1st on his 2nd coming. That has kept a lot of doubters and cynics quiet at least for the time being. Arsenal had earlier on , completed the loan signing of a certain Thierry Henry, who in my view is the best footballer ever to star in the English top flight. The french god came back to a surrounding in which he had etched his great name in the sands of time. 226 phenomenal goals don't come everyday for a footballer. He is so revered in North London that after only 8 meritorious years of service, he has a statue erected in his honour...WELL DESERVED. He followed the laid down script by coming on 2 Mondays ago, and scoring his 227th goal and 1st on his 2nd coming to take the gooners to the 4th round of the FA CUP at the expense of a Leeds team who gave their all, until the KING OF HIGHBURY came along to render their efforts irrelevant. He was in a wee bit of trouble after the Swansea game....He allegedly had an altercation with a fan...but that has since been swept under the carpet. Why not????It is the LEGENDARY TITI and am  in full support of it. Rio Ferdinand has been all over the news ranting and shouting to whoever has ears, that he is chuffed at the return of both Scholsy and Henry who he described as 2 of the 5 players he rates as his all time best campaigners in EPL HISTORY. He will have to be at the very top of his game to stop not only RVP, but the MASTER GOALSCORER HIMSELF (HENRY).

Manchester United of course always possess the best footballers money can buy. In Wayne Rooney, they have in their ranks, the best striker of 2011 (according to FIFA) and on his day, he is UNPLAYABLE. An inconsistent goalscorer, YES....BUT he remains United's arrowhead, leader and most important player. If SAF and his soldiers harbour any hopes of taking anything away from the Emirates after 90 minutes, then WAZZA (Rooney's nickname) must bring his A game.United have other players who can decide the game. Players like Antonio Valencia, Old war horse Giggs, Nani (when he is well), and Michael Carrick all have it in them to ensure victory for the red devils.

Whatever happens at the end of the day, the games (if not marred by annoying decisions of the officials) promise to be really INTENSE AND CAPTIVATING.

Ohireime Eboreime
follow me on twitter @ohiskaka1990

THE LILYWHITES ARE MARCHING ON....can they CONQUER?

Forget the recent poll taken by Sky Sports which made them the favourites to win the 11-12 EPL, Tottenham Hotspur is a club on a mission. After 3 years, Harry Redknapp has taken the club from under achievers to UCL debutants, League cup runners-up and most recently EPL title contenders.  No one would have predicted that Spurs (as they are affectionately called) would be challenging for the title, especially because of their position in the Barclay's PL table when Harry took over. Then Sevilla boss, Juande Ramos came with an impressive track record as a manager, after leading the Andalusians to 2 consecutive UEFA CUP triumphs, the UEFA SUPER CUP, amongst others. But he unfortunately couldn't replicate his coaching ingenuity at North London and was consequently shown the door. Redknapp came in with a good reputation also, after ending Portsmouth long awaited wait for a trophy with the 08 FA Cup. He took Spurs from relegation battlers to 8th position at the end of the season. A run which earned him glowing praises from football pundits, managers and players alike. The following season, the lilywhites defied the odds and qualified for the UEFA Champions League in style. They defeated fellow contenders, Manchester City in a make or mar game all thanks to a Peter Crouch finish. They went on to qualify for the group phase proper after dismissing young boys of Switzerland in a two legged tie. Spurs continued to break barriers in the football world, reaching the quarter-finals, after defeating 7 time winners and perennial UCL contenders, AC MILAN in the round of 16. However, Jose Mourinho's REAL MADRID weren't in the mood to dole out any favours, and thus consequently sent the North London club packing in the QF. Harry's boys couldn't repeat their 09-10 season achievements and could only finish 5th in the 10-11 campaign.

This season (11-12) was set to be a promising one. Harry and Daniel Levy (Spurs Chairman) successfully fended off persistent interest from Chelsea for Luka Modric despite the unending press talk and several alleged bids ranging from 25 million to 40 million pounds.  The LEVY-REDKNAPP  combo was paying dividends and Spurs fans were appreciative of their resolve to keep the Croatian midfield gem at White Hart Lane (WHL) for at least this season. They believed they could mount a serious challenge for a CL spot once again. Who could blame them? They had seen their team fall short of expectations many a time. Not for want of trying.....The Lane has produced and seen great players from Argentine magician, OSSIE ARDILES to David Ginola to Jurgen Klinsmann, Also great players like Gary Lineker, Les Ferdinand, Teddy Sheringham, Gus Poyet and Sol Campbell...but the landlords haven't really hit that imperious form that was necessary to put them among the elite of English football............................................................UNTIL NOW.

Who would have guessed at the beginning of the season that the lilywhites would be mentioned in the same breath as MAN UTD AND MAN CITY, talk more of being SERIOUS TITLE CONTENDERS. It has been a dream run after the 1st two games which saw them ship in 8 goals (3 at Old Trafford and 5 at WHL vs Leaders, Manchester City). 18 games after the 5-1 mauling, Spurs have only lost 1 game----that very annoying and displeasing match at the Britania v Stoke which is famously described as the 'FAILINGS OF FOY'. In truth, the referee had a big part to play in that defeat, but so have match officials also contributed to the results of other matches. That by the way, the North London giants have won 14 out of the remaining 17 (only Swansea, Newcastle and Chelsea have stopped them from winning this season) to sit comfortably in third----albeit on goals difference behind MUFC (2ND) & MCFC(worthy leaders). The former being the most painful. Perhaps they have been propelled by Arsenal's JACK WILSHERE who boldly stuck out his neck on twitter that Spurs wouldn't finish above Arsenal, even going further to place a bet which prompted a response and counter bet from SPURSS' JERMAINE DEFOE.

After losing their first two games to both Manchester Clubs, Harry and Levy secured the services of EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR (on loan from MCFC) and SCOTT PARKER (from West Ham) and could afford to ship out Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios to Stoke. It has been a jolly good ride from then on as the midfield partnership of PARKER AND MODRIC is arguably the most efficient in  EUROPEAN FOOTBALL. Aided by the exceptional brilliance of Dutch Technician, RAFA VAN DER VAART, the breathtaking pace of Aaron Lennon and the fantastic ability of Gareth Bale, the team has gone on to prove the critics wrong and stake a claim for the much coveted EPL crown cum May 2012. What amazes everyone is their strength in depth...DEP CAPT and defense stalwart, Michael Dawson has only just returned from Injury. Captain and MR 'ONE GAME A WEEK', LEDLEY KING cannot play every game due to his dodgy knee. Jermaine Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Steven Pienaar, Niko Kranjcar, and Sandro (who has only been in the team recently because of Lennon's absence through injury) are only good enough for the sub(s) bench these days. Harry has set up his team so enviably well. 40 year old Brad Friedel defied the years to displace error prone Heurelho Gomes as the NO 1 goaltender, Kyle Walker has deposed Vedran Corluka as the club's regular right back, and Younes Kaboul has been a rock at the back for Redknapp this term. Even without Tom Huddlestoneliywhites have performed admirably well in their quest to rewrite the history books and maintain their current position as the top team of not only North London, but London as a whole.

It is scary when you watch them play. The way they move the ball, change positions, attack opponents and defend solidly. 8 clean sheets in 20 games is a testament to the fact that the defence is water tight and with the diminutive Scott PARKER dictating things in the middle of the pack, sitting just in front of the back four impressively, there are more clean sheets in the offing. Many sports writers and football watchers were of the opinion that they wouldn't function just as well without PARKER,that has been put to bed with their recent performances v WEST BROM AND EVERTON. As indispensable as the English midfield trojan is, there are times where he would be unavailable and others have to step up to replace him. Jake Livermore has done that considerably well this season.  Although it is yet to be seen how they can fare against the big boys when the time comes. With Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea to play away, there is a lot of work to be done before they can LEGITIMATELY CLAIM TO BE REAL TITLE CONTENDERS

I my opinion,. the most important player for TOTTENHAM is LUKA MODRIC. The 26 year old football wizard is unfairly criticised in some quarters as overrated because of his assists to game ratio. I don't agree at all. In times past, Levy would have sold him to any club who could pay as much as Chelsea were offering in the summer. We saw that with Berbatov and Carrick. But he stuck to his guns that the Croatian midfield god is going nowhere and he was RIGHT to do so. I don not think SIR ALEX FERGUSON will let Rooney go for even 70 million pounds right now, neither do I think XAVI HERNANDEZ will be allowed to leave Barca for any amount. That is the extent to which Modric is highly rated in my eyes. He is everything you want in a professional player. Harry can't say enough when he is pouring encomiums on the Croat because you just don;t know where to start. Another like him is Germany and Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger. These kind of players only come once every CENTURY and if you are FORTUNATE AND PRIVILEGED to have them, NEVER EVER  let them go until they are 45 or without legs. MODRIC epitomizes the DREAM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER. He typifies every good thing you want a sportsman to POSSESS. He is just IRREPLACEABLE. Simply the best footballer in the EPL in my humble and honest opinion. He can do everything in that midfield-play as a trequartista (what the south Amercians call ENGANCHE)---just like Juan Roman Riquelme, he can also fit in well as a deep lying playmaker, can be a defensive midfielder when he wants to or is told to do so and can play as a winger. WHAT A PLAYER, WHAT A MAN, WHAT A GENIUS. If Spurs want to ACHIEVE GREATNESS, then LUKA MODRIC is the most important piece of the JIGSAW which MUST not fall apart.

OHIS EBOREIME
Follow me on twitter @ohiskaka1990