Funny things happen when you travel. Sometimes you board the plane and sit on the tarmac for hours. Sometimes you see the plane you are supposed to be on taxiing away from the gate just as you land. Sometimes through sheer serendipity, you encounter Carli Lloyd in the Philadelphia International Airport.
On a sweltering Wednesday afternoon in the City of Brotherly Love, that's just what happened. Carli, on her way back to Atlanta to continue the WPS season with the Atlanta Beat, was kind enough to speak with me for several minutes and agreed to a follow-up interview. Check out what the star of the United State's Women's National Team had to say:
Stop me if you've heard this story before - The United States Women's National Team jumps to an early lead in a World Cup match, their opponent equalizes early in the second half, Abby Wambach saves the day. In a match that, through the 78th minute, eerily mirrored Sunday's instant classic (minus the referee miscues), the USWNT was able to alter the script and book their place in the Women's World Cup final (their first since 1999).
Highs and lows came at a gut-wrenching pace, but an emotional roller coaster doesn't even begin to capture the Women’s World Cup quarterfinal match between the Samba Queens of Brazil and United States Women's National Team was no exception. Fans of the USWNT were ecstatic when Daiane put the ball into her own net off a cross by Shannon Boxx, then livid when Rachel Buehler was sent off in the 65' for a foul in the box on Marta. Emotions swung more quickly than a pendulum in the opposite direction as Hope Solo saved the resulting penalty, only to have her save of Cristiane's penalty nullified by a questionable call by referee, Jacqui Melksham. Marta, the five-time defending player of the year, then slotted home the equalizer.
This is the final that everyone expected, and virtually everyone wanted to see. While the road to the Rose Bowl hasn't been simple for either team (see the US loss to Panama in the group stage, or Mexico's narrow extra-time victory over Honduras in the semifinal); was their really any doubt that the continent's two juggernauts would be vying for the regional title? Since the Gold Cup began in 1991, either the US (4 wins, 3 runner-up finishes) or Mexico (5 wins, 1 runner-up) has won all but one of the titles - Canada won in 2000.
With the region's two premier teams playing for the title, the game has gotten a lot of attention in the national media. This morning, ESPN had Alexi Lalas on SportsCenter discussing the match. The Worldwide Leader couldn't resist mentioning that the US has lost just once to Mexico on US soil since 2000, though that one loss was a 5-0 drilling in the 2009 Gold Cup final, though this blog post by Scott French of ESPN Los Angeles should make some USMNT fans feel better. According to French, the US has outscored El Tri 21-8 in matches outside of Estadio Azteca since 2000. Throw the 5-0 beating out, and the difference jumps to 21-3 in 12 matches!
Thanks to this absolute laser by Jozy Altidore, the US beat Guadeloupe to advance to the knockout round of the 2011 Gold Cup. Despite this victory, the US finished second in their group and drew Jamaica in the quarterfinals. On current form, this could be an extremely tough game for the Yanks. The Reggae Boyz have been one of the most impressive sides in the tournament, while the Yanks have underperformed.
Despite the uninspired performance of the USMNT, ESPN's Five Aside Blog had this to say about the upcoming match:
The United States failed to win its group for the first time in Gold Cup history. As Group C runner-up, the United States faces Group B winner Jamaica, the only team other than Mexico to win all of its group games. USA has reached the semis in nine of the 10 previous tournaments, while Jamaica hasn't reached the semifinals since 1998. Despite tournament form, SPI rates USA an 83.9 percent favorite to advance and extend its unbeaten (9-0-8) record against the Reggae Boyz. Jamaica has lost all four of its Gold Cup elimination games.1
Clearly, the SPI algorithm thinks the US will be able to overcome its malaise and put in the kind of performance American fans expect.
While willing to give Bob Bradley the benefit of the doubt,
the USMNT cannot continue to lose matches to inferior sides.
I could start this post, as I am sure many have started (and will start) with a call to have Bob Bradley removed from his position at the helm of the United States Men's National Team. I'm not going to do that. Every time the United States suffers a defeat, whether to a CONCACAF minnow or a European power, US soccer fans call for his dismissal. Do I think Bradley has shortcomings as a coach? Yes. Do I think the USSF should fire him immediately? No. Do I think the US needs to re-evaluate its coaching staff after the Gold Cup? Yes. As Brent Latham at The USA 10 Kit wrote:
Coach Bob Bradley, 3.5 – Did what he could with limited resources, but then again, it's a hole he got himself into. Who on that bench was going to really help him? At some point, you really do have to ask if he’s capable of getting the best out of the resources at his disposal. That moment is now sooner rather than later. While I am not calling for his ouster, it does seem curious that Bradley continually ignores the fact that his best forward is playing in the midfield. Clint Dempsey has shown time and again, both with the USMNT and at Fulham, that he is best when he's near the goal. He has the strength, vision and creativity to pull off some shots that most of the forwards in the US pool would never dream about. His record in front of goal the last several seasons and especially this season (12 goals, 3 assists) show that Deuce needs to play up top. If Dempsey playing at forward would allow Bradley to keep Juan Agudelo on the bench where he could be used as a sub late in the game - something that has worked well for the US since Agudelo's introduction to the senior team (obviously Chris Wondolowski is not the answer).
For a more in-depth review of how the boys played last night, check the post from The USA 10 Kit, Goal.com, or the NY Times' Goal blog.
Beyond raising questions about the direction of the USMNT, what does this loss mean for the Yanks' more immediate future in this tournament? With the loss, the US sits in 2nd place in group C behind Panama, who has collected 6 points from their two matches. The US plays Guadeloupe in their final group game. Guadeloupe has shown in past Gold Cup editions that they have some quality (finishing 4th in 2007 and 6th in 2009), and gave both Panama and Canada scares this year. Despite playing both Canada and Panama tough, this is a team the Yanks should beat. Winning assures the US of a spot in the quarterfinal. Where they will finish in the group gets more complicated.
Possible Outcomes:
If the US wins and Canada defeats Panama by fewer than 4 goals, the US would finish first
Quarterfinal opponent - One of the two third places teams to advance - Guatemala (as of this post)
A US win and any other outcome from the Canada-Panama game would see the US finish 2nd in the group.
Quarterfinal opponent - The winner of Group B (either Jamaica of Honduras).
A draw with Guadeloupe would see the Yanks finish 2nd if Canada loses to/draws with Panama
Quarterfinal opponent - The winner of Group B (either Jamaica of Honduras)
The US could also finish 2nd despite a loss, as long as they lose to Guadeloupe by only 1 goal and Panama defeats Canada
Quarterfinal opponent - The winner of Group B (either Jamaica of Honduras)
The US would finish 3rd in group if they lose to Guadeloupe by 2 or 3 goals and Panama defeats Canada. This isn't a death sentence, as they could still qualify for the quarters on points if either El Salvador - Cuba in Group A or Guatemala - Grenada in Group B end in a draw.
Quarterfinal opponent - As it stands now, Mexico. This is the WORST possible scenario; thankfully, it is also the most unlikely.
The US plays Guadeloupe at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City on Tuesday night at 9pm. Those interested in watching the match can catch the action on Fox Soccer Channel, or should check out their local chapter of The American Outlaws.
Yesterday, we previewed the Manchester United-Schalke match, if you missed it check it out. The second semifinal (April 27th at 2:45 Eastern) will be the 3rd edition of El Clásicoin 11 days (the first match was a 1-1 draw at the Bernabéu , the 2nd a 1-0 Real Madrid victory in the Copa Del Rey final).
Much has been written about this matchup, which is widely regarded as the best rivalry in world soccer, and maybe even in sports - apologies to Red Sox-Yankees, Dodgers-Giants, and Duke-North Carolina. Real Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals should be a treat.
The Champions League trophy has arrived in London ahead of the final. Hopefully, London mayor, Boris Johnson takes better care of this trophy than Sergio Ramos. (image from of UEFA.com)
Barcelona has been the best side in world soccer for the past several years and are looking for their 3rd title since 2006 (2006 and 2009). Sure Inter won the Champions League last year, but Barcelona has been dominant in La Liga the past three seasons and won an unprecedented 6 trophies in the 2008-2009. Currently, Barça sit 8 points clear of Real atop the La Liga table. Pep Guardiola's side, led by mighty-mite Lionel Messi, play some of the most attractive soccer in the world. Messi has been brilliant this season, scoring 50 goals in all competitions. It's not out of the question that the diminutive Argentine could hit 60 this season. While Messi gets all the praise, he isn't alone. Midfielders, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta have been superlative this season, and David Villa (21 goals in all competitions) has proved an excellent deputy to the reigning World Footballer of the Year.
It was originally thought that Iniesta might miss the first leg of the semifinals after deliberately provoking a yellow card in Barcelona's first leg defeat of Shakhtar Donetsk. UEFA decided to forgo any further punishment. This is a huge boost for Barça who would have certainly missed Iniesta's creativeness in midfield. While Iniesta will be available for the Catalan giants, Adriano will not. The defender/midfielder is out for four weeks with a torn thigh muscle.
Update: In addition to Adriano, Maxwell has now been ruled out for the match. Barcelona will be scrambling to patch together a back four. I wouldn't be surprised to see Carles Puyol play LB with either Javier Mascherano or Sergio Busquets play CB. Busquets has played CB multiple times this season, and Mascherano turned in a fine performance in central defense in Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Osasuna on Sunday. Barcelona will need to find a defensive alignment that works in order to stop Real's offense.
Real Madrid, who won their first Copa del Rey since 1993, against Barcelona earlier this week and looked excellent in their game against Valencia following their victory. Los Blancos are looking to make it to their first Champions League final since 2002 when they defeated Bayer Leverkusen. Real, who have played second fiddle to Barça for the past 3 or 4 seasons, attempted to address their short comings this summer with the signing of José Mourinho as manager. While it appears the league will slip through the grasp of the Special One, the ultimate prize - the Champions League trophy - is still a possibility.
While Barça have Messi leading the way, Real have Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo leads Real with 42 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. That output is bested only by Messi. Gonzalo Higuaín (10 goals), Karim Benzema (21 goals) and Ángel Di María (9 goals, 13 assists) have provided extra spark for Mourinho's side. One player who will be missing from the side when they take the pitch in Madrid is German international Sami Khedira. Khedira, like Adriano, suffered a torn thigh muscle that could keep him off the pitch for the rest of the season. At a minimum, he will miss the next several weeks. The defensive midfielder will be missed, as he has featured in 8 of Madrid's Champions League games.
Real Madrid and Barcelona face off for the 4th and 5th time this season for the right to play for the Champions League title.
Prediction: Despite Madrid having the momentum following their Copa del Rey victory, I expect Barcelona to advance to the final. The Special One will certainly have something up his sleeve when the two teams meet, keep in mind he led Inter to victory over the Catalans in last season's semifinal, but Barcelona are just too good. Expect home wins from both side, with Barça finding the extra goal needed to advance. Also, as an American sports fan whose teams have befallen curses for their transgressions, I expect Real to pay the price for running over the Copa del Rey.
While the Champions League trophy has already arrived in London, we don't know the teams that will walk out on the pitch at Wembley on May 28th. The games on Tuesday and Wednesday should go a long way to providing us the answers.
Schalke, the surprise team of the season, look to continue
their magical run against Manchester United.
For soccer fans, the end of April can be a melancholy time. Domestic leagues around Europe are winding down, and the transfer window doesn't open until July 1. But, one thing that makes the end of April exciting is the culmination of the season long UEFA Champions League.
This year's Champions League semifinals should offer some exciting soccer. Three of the most well-known soccer clubs in the world are in the final 4, and there is a Cinderella team for all those fans who like cheering for the underdog. What more could you ask for? As an Arsenal fan, I suppose I could have asked for the Gunners to make it to the semis, but I'm just excited at the prospect of some good soccer.
The first match (April 26th at 2:45pm Eastern), will see this season's surprise team, FC Schalke 04, take on one of the preeminent sides in Europe, Manchester United. While this match may not have the flash of the other semifinal, expect some good soccer. It pits a side that has hit its scoring stride (Schalke outscored Inter Milan 7-3 on aggregate in their quarterfinal meeting) against a side that has conceded just three goals in 10 Champions league games!
Schalke have been a classic example of a Jekyll and Hyde side this season. Prior to sacking Felix Magath in March, die Königsblauen (the Royal Blues) were struggling in the Bundesliga and still sit just 10th. While their domestic form left something to be desired, Schalke was simultaneously turning in strong performances in both the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) and the Champions League. Since Ralf Rangnick's appointment it seems the German side has found some joy on the pitch. Under Rangnick, who spent a spell as manager with Schalke in 2004-2005, Schalke have parlayed their form in cup competitions into better form in the Bundesliga (2 wins and a draw away to Werder Bremen).
While the team, as a whole, has underperformed, Raúl seems to have found the Fountain of Youth in Gelsenkirchen. The Spaniard, a legend for Real Madrid, has scored 18 goals and assisted on 6 more in all competitions for Schalke this season. Playing sidekick to Raúl, the Royal Blues boast Peruvian playmaker, Jefferson Farfán and Dutch forward, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Farfán has been a creative force throughout the Champions League and has tallied 4 goals in the competition (10 goals, 8 assists overall). Huntelaar, hampered by injuries of late, he hasn't played since the end of February, but could be back for the clash with the Red Devils. His presence on the field (10 goals in all competitions) would certainly boost the Germans' hopes.
On the other side of the pitch, Manchester United again find themselves the last English team standing. The Red Devils will be looking to make it to their 3rd final in the last four seasons (winning in 2008 against Chelsea, and losing in 2009 to Barcelona). The beginning of the season saw many pundits writing of Manchester United's demise - the team was too old, Wayne Rooney had lost his form, the big money teams of Chelsea and Manchester City had bought too much talent. It turns out rumors of their demise were greatly exaggerated. Man U has lost just 3 games in the Premier League this season, and hasn't lost in the Champions League.
Like Raúl, Ryan Giggs and Edwin van der Sar seem to have found the Fountain of Youth in Northwest England. Both evergreens are having excellent seasons. Giggs has 3 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances this season, while van der Sar has 13 clean sheets in league play and 7 in the Champions League. The Red Devils aren't just getting contributions from their veterans. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández has been a revelation this season, scoring 11 times in the EPL and another 4 in the Champions League. Nani has developed into one of the best wingers in the world (9 goals and 14 assists in the EPL this season), and Wayne Rooney has seem to have refound his form since his amazing bicycle kick goal.
This matchup would seem to favor Manchester United, but Man U does not have the best of luck with German teams in the Champions League. Check out this post on the Red Devils' history against Bundesliga teams. While past results are not indicative of future performance, you have to wonder if Schalke will find some magic. With the first game taking place at Veltins-Arena, the Royal Blues will have every chance to take a lead heading into the 2nd leg.
Prediction: Manchester United advance, but don't win as convincingly as most EPL fans might expect. I see a draw or even a loss for the Red Devils in Germany, followed by a victory at Old Trafford.
Agree? Disagree? Think I'm crazy? Leave a comment, and come back tomorrow for a preview of the second Champions League match - Barcelona vs. Real Madrid.
Since my slacker tendencies prevented me from getting this post up before the first leg of the quarterfinals, I've had to tweak what I was going to write. At this point, there is no reason to predict who is going to make it through to the semifinals, as three of the quarterfinals are well and truly over.
Here's a screen shot from the video of Dejan Stankovic's golazo against Schalke. Check out the video, it's worth watching.
In what has to be considered a shock, Schalke destroyed Inter in Milan 5-2. Inter certainly were not helped by defender Cristian Chivu drawing a red card in the 62nd minute, but by that point the Nerazzurri were already down 4-2 to the Germans. The one highlight for the Italians was Dejan Stankovic's wonder goal that started the scoring. Check it out.
Barcelona similarly dismantled Shakhtar, 5-1, at Camp Nou. Five different players scored goals for Barça - Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Seydou Keita and Xavi. Barça are truly an incredible team to watch. They play some amazing soccer. With a 5-1 lead heading to the Ukraine, Barça have booked their spot in the semis.
The other Spanish team, Real Madrid, similarly dismantled their competition, winning 4-0 over Spurs. Things looked bad from the outset when Emmanuel Adebayor scored off a corner just 4 minutes into the game. Things went from bad to worse when Peter Crouch was sent off for his 2nd yellow card inside of 15 minutes. Spurs could never gain or hold possession and Real just kept putting more balls in the back of the net. Based on the way they played, Spurs would have lost even if Crouch has stayed on the field.
Rooney's suspension will not affect his eligibility for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal. Good thing for Manchester United, as he scored the only goal in the first leg.
The only match that still has some drama going into the second leg is Manchester United vs. Chelsea. Man U secured a vital away goal at Stamford Bridge, beating the Blues 1-0. Chelsea enjoyed more of the possession and outshot the Red Devils - 21(7 on goal) - 8(2), but the were unable to find the leveler. Chelsea will be hard pressed to advance with the second leg being at Old Trafford, especially since Man U have that away goal in their pocket.
With the second leg of the quarterfinals being played on Tuesday and Wednesday, look for a semifinal preview in the next week or two. Hopefully, the matches will be more competitive this time around. Happy soccer watching!
I am a voracious reader. For several years, I commuted to Boston on the train every day. During that time I would go through a book a week (sometimes two depending on how quick a read the books were). I know that this might not seem to be linked to MLS starting its 16th season, just hear me out. Due to my love of reading and immense amounts of reading time, I've read countless books on one of my favorite topics - soccer.
The books ranged from the encyclopedic (The Ball is Round by David Goldblatt) to the quirky (Bloody Confused by Chuck Culpepper). The most recent book to catch my attention was Soccer in a Football World by David Wangerin. In the book, Wangerin charts the convoluted and often dispiriting path of fútbol in the United States. From the little documented early days under the auspices of the United States of America Foot Ball Association (now the United States Soccer Federation) and the American Soccer League to the 2006 World Cup, Wangerin provides a great background for anybody interested in soccer in the United States. In addition to filling in some historical blanks, Soccer in a Football World got me thinking about how MLS fits into the American sporting landscape.
As MLS enters its 16th season, which kicks off on March 15 in Seattle (Sounders v. Galaxy; should be a good one), there are reasons to believe that the league and the sport are finally gaining some true traction in America.
Philadelphia Union are one of MLS's recent expansion
successes, and my favorite club.
Positives Signs -
Successful Expansion - MLS has added 5 teams since 2007 and will add the Montreal Impact in 2012. Montreal's introduction will bring the count to 19, with MLS looking to expand to 20. Toronto, Seattle and Philadelphia were all extremely successful at the gate in their first seasons. Toronto has averaged more than 20,000 fans per game in each of its first 4 seasons. Seattle draws crowds that many European soccer teams would envy (36,000+ last season), and Philadelphia continued the trend of successful expansion by averaging over 19,000 fans in their inaugural season. Portland and Vancouver both look primed to continue the trend, with Portland selling more than 12,000 season tickets and Vancouver more than 15,500.
Could the revived Cosmos be the 20th MLS team in 2012 or beyond?
As mentioned before, MLS is looking to expand to twenty teams, and Don Garber has made it known that he would love a second team in the New York City area. To wit, perhaps the most famous name in US soccer, the New York Cosmos, has been revived in an attempt to become that 20th team. With Eric Cantona as the Director of Soccer, Pelé as Honorary President, and Giorgio Chinaglia as International Ambassador the club has some heavy hitters promoting its interests (both Pelé and Chinaglia played for the previous incarnation of the Cosmos).
Attendance -Thanks in large part to the success of the recent expansion teams, 2010 saw MLS attendance rise to 16,675 fans per game. Only two prior MLS seasons top that number (2007 and 1996). While the NFL and MLB both average far more fans than MLS, the NHL and NBA average only slightly more. While these numbers might be slightly outdated, MLS ranks 13th in average attendance among world soccer leagues. Not bad for a country that supposedly doesn't like soccer. Attendance has been on the rise and should continue that upward trend, on the strength of a new soccer specific stadium in Kansas City and the addition of the Timbers and Whitecaps. As Geoffrey Arnold of The Oregonianwrites (citing an article from the Wall Street Journal), there are several cities where MLS outdraws NBA teams. Of the cities listed, only The Galaxy outdrawing the Lakers doesn't present the full picture (the Lakers would certainly sell more tickets if the Staples Center could accommodate more fans). The general upward trend in attendance over the past several years is certainly a positive sign for MLS; however, the attendance situation isn't entirely rosy, there are some disconcerting signs for several clubs. More on the negatives to come.
Performance of the US Men's National Team(USMNT) - As important as domestic soccer is around the world most (if not all) domestic leagues are set up to help the national team perform on a higher level. While soccer fans enjoy watching the Champions League, the World Cup is what matters most. The creation and continued growth of MLS has given US soccer talent a place to develop and the performance of the USMNT has benefited from its existence.
MLS is the first domestic soccer league in the US to make developing American talent a priority. The ASL and the NASL both relied heavily on imports (MLS is starting to trend this way as well) while neglecting native talent. Since the creation of MLS, the US has qualified for all 4 World Cups, advanced from the Group Stage on two occasions, beaten the World #1 and been ranked as high as 4th in the FIFA World Rankings (I still can't believe this, but it's true).
While MLS hasn't turned the USMNT into a legitimate threat to win the World Cup (yet), the investment in soccer (the USSF's Project 2010, which didn't work quite according to plan) along with the growing competitiveness in domestic soccer has transformed the US from laughing-stock to CONCACAF power and occasional giant slayer.
Interesting side note: The US is one of only 7 teams to qualify for every World Cup since 1990. The others: Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain and South Korea.
Bad Signs -
Profitibility - MLS continues to expand and more fans (on average) are attending games; however, these positive signs haven't translated into profitability. According to most reports, which are difficult to find as financial transparency is not an MLS strong point, very few teams turn a profit. Thanks to some awesome work by Dave Clark at Sounder at Heart we can draw a few conclusions. Using data from a 2007 Forbes study in conjunction with a study conducted on behalf of the Portland Timbers, Clark came to the conclusion that 2 clubs (Seattle and Toronto) were profitable in 2009. The long-term stability of the game and the league will require teams to move toward profitability. Teams can only stay afloat while incurring losses for so long. See the NASL for proof of that.
TV Ratings/Contract - If MLS ever wants to make a collective turn toward profitability, the league needs to establish itself on television. No professional sport can survive in today's market without a TV deal. MLS just agreed to an extension of its previous TV contract with Fox Soccer Channel that will pay the league $6.25 million this season (MLS has a contract with ESPN that pays the league $8 million per year through 2014, and includes rights to USMNT games). For the sake of comparison, the NFL earns $3 billion per year, MLB earns nearly $500 million, the NBA earns $930 million, and the NHL earns at least $75 million. While comparing MLS to the NFL, NBA and MLB is certainly unfair, comparing the league to the NHL isn't entirely ridiculous. While TV ratings remain poor (an average of 249,000 viewers for games broadcast on ESPN2), those numbers actually are comparable to the numbers the NHL records on Versus (297,000 per broadcast in 2009-2010, scroll to the bottom to see a table of the ratings numbers). So the question that needs to be asked is: why the NHL can get $75 million per year from Versus and MLS can only bring in a fraction of that amount? If MLS wants to remain a viable league and grow its brand, it will need to secure a better television contract.
Attendance - As mentioned above, MLS attendance has been on the rise over the past several years, but that doesn't tell the entire story. While there are successes, several clubs have woeful attendance numbers. Sporting Kansas City, FC Dallas and the San Jose Earthquakes all hovered around the 10,000 mark. Several other teams saw drops in attendance from 2009. There is some hope for Kansas City, as they are set to open their new soccer-specific stadium this season. For a league that doesn't derive much revenue from a television deal, it is vitally important to put fans in the seats.
An extremely interesting story will be if MLS can capitalize on the labor strife in the NFL and a potential NBA work stoppage to grow its brand. While soccer will never replace football or baseball in the hearts and minds of American sports fans and likely will never challenge the NBA, why couldn't the beautiful game could supplant the NHL in the American sports pecking order.
The dust has settled on what was a crazy January transfer window. One of the biggest names in world football switched teams, and several up-and-coming players will be plying their trade in new locales. Obviously, much attention has been focused on the move of Fernando Torres to Chelsea, but there was a lot more action. What were the ten best signings in the English Premier League during the transfer window?
10. Curtis Davies - Davies moves across the city from Aston Villa to Birmingham City. He brings the Blues a strong replacement for the injured Scott Dann, who had become a rock in central defense. Davies, who missed time last season due to a shoulder injury, fell out of favor with Gérard Houllier and couldn't crack the 4-deep center back rotation at Villa. I don't really understand why Davies wasn't given the opportunity given Villa's poor performance early in the season. Villa's loss, both in terms of the player and the nearly £8 million difference between investment and sale, is City's gain.
9. Andy Carroll - Newcastle born and raised, the young forward left his hometown club to move to Liverpool. While it seems clear that Carroll didn't want to leave St. James Park, Newcastle United had no choice but to take the ludicrous £35 million offer the Reds threw their way. Carroll would be higher on this list if he had more Premier League experience and if he weren't out with a thigh injury. While Carroll has shown a lot of promise, he has only played in 33 EPL games, though he has scored 14 goals. It seems to me that Liverpool pair a premium for Carroll simply because he is English. How else do you explain the fact that Carrol cost £12 million more than Luis Suárez (who will make an appearance further up this list). If Carroll continues to develop he could be an even better signing, but I find the price Liverpool paid a bit tough to justify.
8. Jean Makoun/Michael Bradley - I know that this is a bit of a cop-out, combining two players as one signing, but Aston Villa did a lot to strengthen the center of their midfield with the £6 million capture of the Cameroonian midfielder from Olympique Lyonnais and the loan of the American midfielder from Borussia Monchengladbach. Makoun brings composure on the ball, good visions, and the knack for scoring timely goals.
Like Makoun, Bradley is an energetic box-to-box midfielder. Bradley was a goal scoring machine in his time with SC Heerenveen, and has shown a touch for scoring with 'Gladbach. He was one of the stars of the U.S. team at the 2010 World Cup and should provide Villa with an excellent partner to Makoun.
7. Sully Muntari/Stéphane Sessègnon - Another combination, but Sunderland strengthened their attack and midfield with these two signings. Muntari, moving on loan from Inter Milan, will bring steel to the midfield. He will provide both good vision (as shown by his ball over the top to fellow Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan against Stoke City) and energy in the center of the park.
Sessègnon, who had fallen out of favor at Paris Saint-Germain, with provide the Black Cats with some creativity out of the midfield or in a withdrawn forward position. The Benin international played well against Stoke and should help Gyan keep the attack going while Danny Wellbeck and Fraizer Campbell recover from injury.
6. David Bentley - The supremely talented, though somewhat enigmatic winger moves on loan from Tottenham to Birmingham in a bid to find regular playing time. Bentley, who started his career with Arsenal, but made his biggest impact with Blackburn, has loads of talent but can't seem to find the pitch on a regular basis. In his first match, he won man-of-the-match for his work against Aston Villa. He scored his first goal for the Blues against Coventry City in the FA Cup. If Bentley can keep up this form, he will certainly help the Blues keep their place in the EPL.
5. Edin Džeko - On talent alone, the Bosnian striker would be higher on this list, but questions remain on how he will fit into the squad on the pitch. He has been one of the most sought after players in world soccer over the last several years. He was the engine that drove the attack for VfL Wolfsburg in his time in Germany. The reason he lands at #5 is due to questions on how he will fit into the mercenary side at Manchester City. With Carlos Tévez an ever-present in the lineup, and Manchester City and Roberto Mancini preferring a 4-3-3 formation where does Džeko fit? Tévez prefers playing in the center of the park, and Džeko does as well. Neither seems a natural fit on the wing. Will City change their lineup? They could shift to a 4-4-1-1 with David Silva sliding back to a left-sided midfield spot, with Tévez in a withdrawn forward role and Džeko up top. If City find a way to truly incorporate Džeko he would have to move up this list. Plus, not to knock Andy Carroll, he was nearly £8 million cheaper.
4. Fernando Torres - El Niño lands at #4 due to similar concerns expressed in my critique of the Edin Džeko move. Torres is undoubtedly talented, and brings an amazing goal scoring record in the Premier League to Stamford Bridge (65 goals in 102 games). However, where does the Spaniard fit into a Chelsea side with so much (volatile) attacking talent? Nicolas Anelka will not stand for being dropped from the first XI, nor will Didier Drogba. While Ankelka has slotted in well on the wing, neither Drogba nor Torres are a natural fit on the wing. Perhaps a 4-3-1-2 formation with one of the forward occupying a withdrawn role would work the best, but it remains to be seen if Carlo Ancelotti will alter his system.
3. David Luiz - The Blues make a second appearance on the list, this time for signing the dynamic Brazilian defender for up to £26.5 million from Benfica. With Chelsea clearly in need of defensive help, Luiz was an excellent signing. He was a huge part of a rock-solid defense as Benfica conceded just 20 goals on their way to the Portuguese title last season. He is versatile (he can play left back or center back) and is strong in the air. At just 23, Luiz has time to grow into an even better player and will a rock in Chelsea's defense for years. Plus, how could you not like this guy, he has some of the best hair in English soccer!
2. Luis Suárez - Suárez is probably best known in America for his handball against Ghana during the 2010 World Cup. The handball, which looked stupid at the time, saved La Celeste from defeat at the hands of the Black Stars. However, people would be remiss if they aren't aware of the young strikers immense talent. The Uruguay international has a history of scoring goals (111 goals in 159 appearances for Ajax), something Liverpool will need after the departure of Torres. He made a positive debut for the Reds, getting credit for what was certainly an own goal for Andy Wilkinson of Stoke. Costing less than Andy Carroll and with a much stronger track record, Suárez is the best signing of the transfer window for Liverpool.
1. Darren Bent - Darren Bent is a goal scorer. Plain and simple. Aston Villa needed a player up top who could put the ball in the back of the net, and they got that when they signed Bent from Sunderland for £18 million. Bent, who scored 24 Premier League goals just two season ago, provides Villa with proven finisher. Many thought Villa paid too much for Bent, but Bent proved his worth scoring the game winner against Manchester City (his debut for Villa). When you consider the cost of the other forwards on this list, Bent certainly looks like he could be a bargain. Villa is fighting to move into the top half of the table, and stay away from the relegation zone, and Bent and their midfield signings will help Villa realize that goal.
Other signings that merit mention are Robbie Keane's move to West Ham, a team that sorely needs a goal scorer, and Blackpool's signings of Andy Reid and James Beattie - two players who should help the Seasiders keep their place in the Premier League.
Agree with my selections, disagree, leave a comment.
Funny things happen when you travel. Sometimes you board the plane and sit on the tarmac for hours. Sometimes you see the plane you are supposed to be on taxiing away from the gate just as you land. Sometimes through sheer serendipity, you encounter Carli Lloyd in the Philadelphia International Airport.
