Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Atletico Madrid Could Lose David De Gea and Sergio "Kun" Aguero

David De Gea has apparently already joined Man Utd.

Atletico Madrid have had a fairly quiet season, especially compared to last season when they won the Europa League. While at the beginning of this season Atletico won the UEFA European Supercup over Inter Milan, after that they went on to place seventh in La Liga, not qualifying for any European competitions for next season.

In that European Super Cup victory two stars played exceptionally, helping Atleti win the trophy. Sergio Aguero scored one of the goals in the 2-0 victory, and David De Gea saved a crucial penalty taken by Diego Milito. Now, Atletico Madrid could see both of those key players leave the club over the summer. Throughout this season, Sergio Aguero and David De Gea have proved to be important, maybe even irreplaceable players.

Aguero has scored 27 goals in all competitions for Atletico Madrid while providing six assists as well. As the season's top goalscorer for Atleti, Aguero has dribbled around the best defenders in the Champions League and La Liga, attracting the attention of many clubs for years now. He's still a young player soon turning 23 years-old, and while about a month ago he said he wanted to stay at Atletico Madrid, he has now seemingly changed his mind.

Aguero might sign for city rivals Real Madrid!
He says it's the right time to go for him, and that it has nothing to do with money. While Atletico Madrid fans might be slightly confused and unhappy with the mixed messages the Argentine has been sending out, it's important to remember that Aguero has scored over 100 goals for Atletico since joining the club.

Atletico might be losing Kun, and it's almost certain that their 19 year-old David De Gea will be leaving Madrid. It has been revealed that he has practically already signed for Manchester United, and all that is missing are the official announcements. The fee is rumored to be around 16-19 million Pounds, with which potential added bonuses could turn out to be quite a hefty profit for Atletico Madrid. While De Gea has a few things to sort out with his agent, Sir Alex Ferguson seems happy to have signed what should be Edwin van der Saar's replacement.

Regarding who Atletico Madrid could buy to replace the pair, most of the news has been about replacing "Kun" Aguero. Espanyol's Italian-Argentine Osvaldo could join Atletico for around 10 million Euros, but there have also been murmurs regarding Diego from Wolfsburg and Porto's Falcao or maybe even Hulk.

It will be a big blow for Atletico losing Aguero, especially if he joins the city rivals Real Madrid. But there are other clubs keeping an eye on him, including Chelsea who want the player to take a pay cut to join. If "Kun" decides to sign for Real Madrid, we could be in for a few very interesting upcoming Madrid derbys. And if Aguero does join Real, and De Gea leaves for Manchester United, who will be between the sticks to stop Aguero from scoring against his former club?

If you're interested in following all things Atletico Madrid, check out Madrid Atleticos. Some great writers there who report anything regarding Atleti.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Udinese Reach Champions League Football for Next Season

While the Serie A has lost its next season fourth Champions League spot to the German Bundesliga, next season will be the last one in which we'll have the chance to see four Italian teams in Europe's top competition. Udinese have made it to the Serie A's fourth Champions League spot, just edging ahead of Lazio thanks to a superior goal difference.

Udinese's season has been a fantastic one thanks to their attacking style of play brought by their coach Francesco Guidolin. The tactician imprinted an expansive style of "pass and move" which earned Udinese the nickname piccolo-Barca, which translates to "little Barca". And just like how Barcelona have Leo Messi, Udinese have their own magical goalscorer, Antonio Di Natale. The 33 year-old captain of Udinese scored 28 goals in the Serie A for Udinese, earning the top goalscorer award in Italy for the second season running.

Udinese coach Guidolin embracing Di Natale
Every hero has a sidekick, and Di Natale's is the Chilean, Alexis Sanchez. With 12 goals in the Serie A this season, Sanchez has terrorized defences with his speed and dribbling. His creativity and versatility allowed Guidolin to pair him with Di Natale, forming an unparalleled attacking couple. Yet Sanchez will most likely be moving away from Udine in the summer, as his talent has caught the eye of Manchester City, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and many other top European clubs. 

What makes Sanchez special is the fact that he is a complete forward. He can be played on either wing of a 4-3-3, as a forward in a 4-4-2, or even as a trequartista or attacking midfielder in a formation like the 4-3-1-2. Not only can Sanchez dribble by just about any defender with his trickery and change of pace, but he also has great vision for picking out passes and creating assists. At just 22 years-old, Sanchez has plenty of time to develop, and can easily become a star of the modern game if used in the proper system.

While Udinese has been reliant on this duo for goals, what has helped Guidolin's fight to achieve Champions League football is the unity in the team. It's said that at the beginning of the season he invited every player, one by one, to his house for a hearty dinner, where he got to know each one and let them know of their importance in Udinese's Serie A campaign. This unity shines through in a team which really plays as an organism. The One-touch passing has cut through so many Serie A defences, and their tireless speed with which they attack has been a huge problem for many opponents. 

Alexis Sanchez will probably join a 'bigger' club next season
Of course, this unit has some very key parts which make it function properly. Armero has run players ragged on the flanks, and has attracted the interest of AC Milan which could make a move for him in the summer. Cristian Zapata has been a rock in Udinese's three-man defence, and could be a bargain for any sides looking for a strong and physical central defender. The mastermind in midfield for Udinese has been Gokhan Inler, his wide range of passing, and long range shooting has helped score and create goals. But maybe the true unsung hero for Udinese has been the goalkeeper, Samir Handanovic. The Slovenian keeper has been a wall, saving at least six penalties in the Serie A, and producing spectacular saves to keep Udinese's Champions League dream alive. 

Now Udinese will have to hold on to their many stars, including maybe even their coach. While Francesco Guidolin would surely love to take Udinese to the Champions League next season, if he is stripped of his best players and is left with little to work with, we could see him move to a different Serie A club next season. While this season has been a fantastic one full of great memories and brilliant playing by Udinese, an even better one is yet to come, where the loveable city of Udine can chase European glory.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Ajax Win 30th Dutch Eredivisie: Video

Ajax have claimed the club's 30th Dutch Eredivisie title wonderfully. The Dutch season was right down to the wire, with the final game between Ajax and Twente deciding who would win this season's Eredivisie. While Ajax were a point behind first-placed Twente in the table, a victory against last season's champions would seal the Ajax their 30th title.

Ajax won 3-1 in front of their fans, securing the Dutch Eredivisie title, and ending a seven year streak in which they hadn't been able to win the Eredivisie. Now, thanks to the coach, Frank de Boer, Ajax have ended that streak and can now add another star to their badge. Every star above their badge symbolizes ten titles, and now Ajax have three.

Below are the highlights of the title-deciding match between Ajax and FC Twente. A great compilation of Ajax's goals and celebrations, I hope you enjoy it.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Best Images From Manchester City's FA Cup Victory

Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the final

Manchester City won their first major trophy in 35 years this weekend when they defeated Stoke City 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. It was Yaya Toure who scored the only goal of the match, punishing a poor Stoke side which only created one notable chance. Manchester City on the other hand were more adventurous, creating chances while defending well. I wasn't able to watch much of the match, but seeing as many people liked the compilation of the "Best Images of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey win over Barcelona", I've decided to make another one for Manchester City.

I hope you enjoy these pictures, and I'll get back to writing proper posts soon.

The ball bounced around in Stoke's box after Balotelli and David Silva combined...

then it fell to Yaya, who blasted it with his left foot past Sorensen.

The Stoke keeper had no chance of saving the rocket shot.
The goal came in the 75th minute...

and the Ivorian ran off celebrating...

with speedy substitute Adam Johnson.

The rest of the team eventually caught up and dog-piled the goalscorer...
right in front of the happy Manchester City fans.
At the end of the match, Mario Balotelli was awarded the Man of the Match award.
Carlos Tevez lifted the FA Cup.
And Vincent Kompany celebrated with a giant banana (WTF?!) as the team showered in champagne.

Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry, and picture-snapping Joleon Lescott all smile with the historic cup.

Tevez then puts a piece of the famous trophy on his head as a hat. 

Roberto Mancini says that it was a victory for the fans, and it certainly was.

Joe Hart celebrated alone, not a surprise as he decided to cover himself in ribbons.

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