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Emerging Star?
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While waiting for the start of the World Cup, I can't help but wonder, who will emerge as the overwhelming star. There are household names already in abundance, Kaka, Messi, Maicon, Snejider etc.. But, at each and every major tournament, there emerges a player who, up until that particular moment in time, was barely, or, not even on the radar.
Now I am not propositioning that we should go out and sign him but Michael Bradley, the son of the USA coach, Bob, will emerge as a very attractive midfield proposition to an EPL club. I have watched him from the time he started at Heerenveen in Holland, through his subsequent transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach. He is an athletic 6' 1" central midfield player who, depending on whom you talk to, is either an aggressive attacking midfielder, who has averaged 12 goals a season over the last three seasons in both the Dutch and German leagues, or is an aggressive defensive midfielder who is prone to lapses in discipline.
He is not our answer to an attacking, flair like right sided midfielder, but he is most definitely, an EPL calibre player. He will, I believe, come August, start his season with an English club in the Prem. I would further venture that it will be the likes of Birmingham, Sunderland or maybe Newcastle who buy him but, because of obvious connections, would not rule out a move to Villa or even Liverpool.
His defining moment will be this coming Saturday, when — and you can take this to the bank — he will be the one that the US will assign to man-mark Rooney. Not only will he prevent Rooney from being of any influence in the game, he will either set up or score the winner, therefore, setting himself as the early contender as the emerging star of the 2010 World Cup!
Jimmy Daly, Posted 10/06/2010 at 11:42:26
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That's just not true. He scored 16 goals for Heerenveen three years ago, 5 goals for Mönchengladbach the year after and last season he managed to make two goals. That's an average of 7.66667 goals a season in the last three seasons and you can see immediately that in Germany he isn't the prolific goalscorer he was in Holland.
In my opinion: good player but not good enough to become a world star.
He does play a high energy, tough tackling style, but chips in with a lot of goals too. I think what's been the difference for him is that he has gone to clubs where he knows he'll get playing time. I don't know if he wants a move to England yet, or if he'd be ready.
The discipline issue would be a concern as he gets carded here and there. I'm not sure what his record was in Germany, but I think he needs to harness that emotion a bit. Michael Bradley has always done his own thing so it wouldn't surprise me if he stayed in Deutschland.
Luis Suárez is another one.
No one can.
I think a young star is likely to shine from one of the top 8 ranked teams.
I really think Joe Cole will be amazing in this World Cup and will outshine all England's players (like he did last tourny). He's already signed for someone... just imagine!!!
Ok I've imagined... it's not happening!
By the way, found a brilliant World Cup calendar here:
http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html
In terms of an emerging star — someone who the average British football fan might not be hugely aware of — I think they are most likely to come from one of the "smaller" South American nations. I will be keeping a particular eye on Alexis Sanchez and Matthias Fernandez (both Chile). Of the less fashionable European nations; Vladimir Weiss (Slovakia) has the sort of attacking flair and pace that might make a big impact late in the game, and the Serbian side has huge potential running through it — Krasic and Tosic in particular.
There are always a few players that break through off the bench and into the starting line up as the tournament progresses; Afellay and Elia (Holland), Danny (Portugal), Nilmar (Brazil), Marin (Germany), Marchisio (Italy) and James Milner all have a good chance of returning from South Africa with reputations significantly enhanced.
I do not think the African sides will have a strong showing; in fact I suspect the last 16 might not have an African side in its number.
That's my tuppence-worth; enjoy the next month everyone.
So quick, maybe quicker than Lennon, that's saying something!
Regarding Rooney, I can see Michael up for the challenge. But sitting here 48 hours away from my boys having to deal with Rooney, I'm thinking team-marking is preferable. Better yet, gang-marking.
Denmark also have a young player, who's name I cannot recall, tipped to be a future world beater. I think he's actually the youngest player in the tournament and the usual suspects (Madrid, Barca, Inter, Man fucking City) are all reported to be sniffing around.
I couldn't really give a monkey's what happens in the World Cup, as long as the Everton lads don't get cropped, and there are plenty of entertaining matches.
I think USA will probably play a very defensive game against England, and it'll end a draw.
Of course Timmy Cahill to show the world again why he's the dog's balls!!!
Mexico's Giovani looks like a candidate for the emerging star. Excellent crossing and corners. Needs a bit of a better finish.
Have to say that I'm impressed with Mexico. A very attacking style.
Just the same, Sign him up Moyes.
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1 Posted 10/06/2010 at 15:35:45
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