Flamini the tackler

Football, Flamini and other tacklers.

A friend recently commented on, my labelling of Mathieu Flamini as a tackler, by pointing out that Flamini's not really a good tackler but just a hard working bits and pieces type of player who likes to tackle. And because he's not really good at anything else, Arsenal fans, myself included, like to place him in the tackler category when there are, in fact, better tacklers in the side such as Francesc Fabregas.

That got me thinking. He had a point, Flamini is not that good a tackler. But wait, there's more to it than that. When Flamini executes a tackle, whether it's successful or not, whether it's clean or not, it causes the opposing player to shift, to preempt his movement and react accordingly. Flamini likes to get stuck in. In fact, he looks rather clumsy tackling, more often than not. Whether his clumsiness is due to his lack of proficieny at tackling, or his style, is not the point. It's his mentality that builds the reputation. Flamini's tackling comes across as someone who is deliberately on the ground to obstruct and disturb someone's flow with the ball at his feet. And therein lies the rub. That is why it's effective and that is why he's branded a tackler.

In the Premiership, it's players like Flamini, who like to get stuck in, that are feared by opposing flair players. It's not necessarily the ones who may tackle you cleanly and take the ball away - example Fabregas or Gilberto. It's the ones who will cause you to remember the tackle, knock you over and clatter you while possibly dislodging the ball from your feet. These players disrupt the flow, these players knock skilled players off their stride - these are the ones who are remembered more often than not. Of course, this is not 100% true - there are some excellent tacklers who are remembered and avoided when possible - Patrick Vieira for example. But in Vieira's case, the man was a a bit of a giant - tall and gangly, with immense strength in his legs and lower body. Whether he clattered you or not, you'd remember the tackle. When Fabregas tackles - it's usually so smooth and uninterrupted that the person who loses the ball rarely remembers the tackle. If Fabregas was more clumsy - he'd be feared as a tackler a little bit more. Half of tackling is all about reputation and pre-emptive fear.

Thomas Gravesen is not a good tackler and never was - but he's a chronic tackler - ever ready to hit the deck and cause all sorts of problems to people and their shin and ankle guards and he's strong and tough - boy is he ever strong. It's how he has staked his reputation and for a while became a rather sought after defensive midfielder. Phil Neville is another such player - generally rubbish but more than happy to get stuck in and fell the man. The disgraceful, unpunished kicking that him and his brother dished out to Jose Antonio Reyes in the semifinal of the FA Cup in 2004 is one of the reasons Reyes never got over his fear of the tackle while in England.

Blackburn is one of the lousiest set of tacklers I have ever seen but it is their inherent clumsiness and lack of technique that causes them to knock more skilled teams out of their stride. To that list add Bolton (Ivan Campo aside) and the Sheffield United defence. It's no mystery why Chelsea may be looking at Bolton's Tel Ben Haim as a possible option to reinforce his team, the Israeli is one of the worst tacklers I have ever seen but he makes sure people remember him as a physical player. He gets stuck in. He creates fear. Paul Scholes is a very clumsy tackler and quite often gets booked 2 or 3 tackles in - however opposing midfielders fear his incoming studs and preemptively dodge out of the way. Their flow gets disrupted. Job done for Scholesy. Dan Smith's ridiculous lunge on Abou Diaby on the last day of last season was not even carded - thereby showing that the grey area between a foul and a clean tackle is vast. For the rest of his playing career Abou Diaby will subconsciously fear the incoming tackle no matter where he plays. In a perverse way Dan Smith's job is done.

So to wrap up, if you're going to go in for a tackle, go in hard. Make sure the opponent feels your thunder. As entertaining as modern football is, there is no better way to get at an opposing football team than to get stuck in and around their ankles and knees. As for my beloved Arsenal - that is the only way you can beat them.

Group Runners-up II - Real, Celtic, Porto, Lille.

Group Runners-up II - Real, Celtic, Porto, Lille.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Champions' League clubs in the round of 16.

REAL MADRID
Weaknesses
Inconsistent:
Their defeat before Christmas, at home to Recreativo Huelva, ensured that the whispers of a crisis would not be absent over the festive season. For all the talk about their rejuvenation under Fabio Capello (beating Barcelona earlier in the season), they still remain a work in progress, devoid of the imperious consistency that sends shivers down the spines of opponents. Definitely beatable, they seem to fluctuate between dropping easy points without playing well and winning... without playing any better. Fair game for their opponents on any given day.
Aging stars:
Raul is beginning to show the ravages of a decade in the top flight playing for one of the biggest teams in the World. Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro and Roberto Carlos are all on the wrong side of 30, with the Brazilians especially on their last legs, while Ruud van Nistelrooy is approaching his 4th decade as well. Emerson might be their lynchpin in midfield but he turned 30 this year and David Beckham is 31 and fading fast. Elsewhere, erstwhile first team regulars Ivan Helguera, Guti and Michel Salgado are all past 30.
Slow and ponderous:
Rather than rebuilding around the youthful vigour and pace of Jose Antonio Reyes, Sergio Ramos, Robinho and Cicinho, Capello opted for the safety first policy of playing two hachetmen in midfield, the destructive Emerson and the equally morbid Mahamadou Diarra. The result is a style that is cynical and unadventurous.
Strengths
One of best defensive midfields in the game:
Emerson and Diarra may not be easy on the eyes and do no favours to romantics who scorn at tackling in all its forms, but they are very, very effective. By deploying them together, often in tandem, Capello has ensured that the spine of his side remains intact. Real, more than any other team this season, can lock opponents down and break down attacks.
One of the best finishing corps in the game:
While Raul still produces the odd goal that retains the touch of class and pedigree that his legacy will maintain, Van Nistelrooy is still the poaching, goal king he always was. Standing just onside, the Dutchman will, more often than not, stick the ball in... and then there's Ronaldo, never shy to poke the odd goal in. While not being terribly entertaining, their finishing puts Real on a level their gameplan would otherwise not be able to sustain. If only this practicality in front of net were to lend itself to Arsene Wenger and Frank Rijkaard, the 2 prettiest teams in Europe may well be favourites to rendevouz once more in the final.
Experienced coach:
Capello has won it all with Milan, and turned Roma around while scooping up the Scudetto in Serie A. The latter, more than anything, suggests he may be the man to lead Real back to the summit of European club football. Behind the glasses is a man keenly in tune with the modern game and not welded to stubborn notions that may seem impractical.


CELTIC
Weaknesses
Inexperience and thin squad:
Despite their progress (including their win over perennial heavyweights Man United), Celtic do not have an entire first team who possess Champions' League calibre. Outside the first XI, the options are limited further. If injuries and and suspension take their toll - they could very well be consoling themselves with the notion of the SPL title and that title alone - very soon.
Lacking continental style of play:
The Champions' League is played at a slower, almost regal pace, notwithstanding the 110 mph starts of many of its entrants over the year. The ability to break down teams with weighted passes and patience while holding firm at the back without over-extending oneself is an art that is learned over time. Celtic's (in)ability to slow down the pace of games will be crucial - the irony being that by doing so, much of their sting will be nullified.
Strengths
Enthusiasm and pace:
Conversely, if Celtic can use their barnstorming style (see their 4-1 demolition of Benfica) to score crucial goals without exposing themselves at the back, they could hold on and secure passage into the later rounds. Additionally while trailing, they could use this asset to their advantage - but beware the counterattack in the knockout rounds of the Champions League - Gordon Strachan will rely on the veterans of Neil Lennon, Bobo Balde and Paul Telfer to keep their heads amid the mayhem. Celtic must tread a very fine line between composed and reckless.
Fitness and physicality:
Lively and fit, their physical squad will pose many problems with their 'up and at em' style. Thomas Gravesen is a bruising backfielder and Shaun Maloney, Gary Caldwell, Lee Naylor and Shunsuke Nakamura are young pups whose up-tempo style could unsettle many of Europe's big guns.


PORTO
Weaknesses
Thin attacking corps:
Helder Postiga is their only experienced out and out attacker - their sole fox in the box if you will. While Bruno Moraes, Adriano and Jorginho performed competently when called on (the former even scoring a goal), Porto will need more experienced goalscorers in the knockout rounds where chances are few and far in between.
Tendency to go wide:
Width may be Porto's greatest strength but also their biggest weakness. While Raul Meireles has done an admirable job holding down the defensive centre he can only do so much. The tendency of the full backs to bomb upfield combined with the disdain of the 2 deployed defensive midfielders to track back into the centre often leaves a worrying hole in the middle of the park and in front of the centre halves. Porto usually start upto four wide men with only one a natural defensive midfielder - Paulo Assuncao. Much will depend on the integration of new Argentinian left back Lucas Mareque.
Strengths
Wingers and attacking midfielders:
First of all they have Ricardo Quaresma, the best young left winger in the world. He tormented and terrorized everyone in the group stage, creating several goals and constantly moving defenders out of position. If you add Lisandro Lopez and Lucho Gonzalez to the mix, both capable of drifting in from the wing and/or playing in the middle, one wonders which other team has such talent hugging the touchline. While Lucho has been a revelation, with his Argentinian call-up more than deserved, Lopez has made a knack of being in the right place at the right time to pick up on loose balls and well placed crosses. Full backs have their work cut out for them.
Settled first XI:
They don't lead the Portugese Campeonato without good reason and gave Arsenal a real run for their money in Group G - their first XI is settled with 10 players picking themselves when fit. This familiarity lends itself to their confident approach and excellent teamwork - qualities tantamount in their hard fought, 2-0 win over CSKA in Moscow in November. Their away win over Benfica proved to all the doubters that this team plays as well away as it does at home.


LILLE
Weaknesses
Lack of experience and depth:
Simply put - too green. They may have built on last season's success of beating Manchester United but they may find the knockout round against the same opposition a bit too much this time around. Enthusiasm and a bruising physical approach can only take you so far (See Celtic), established veteran teams may well withstand the pressure to deliver a potent recoil. Outside their first 8 names on the team sheet the quality drops off significantly.
Lack of proven finisher:
They've been lucky, in that their midfield have chipped in with crucial goals, but their lack of a cultured striker could prove to be their undoing. Kader Keita, Jean Makoun and Daniel Bodmer are hardworking industrious midfielders but the space afforded them by Milan, Anderlecht and AEK Athens may not be similarly available against the likes of Manchester United. Peter Odemwingie may still be a few years off from becoming the next great Camerounian striker despite his competent displays as a lone striker.
Strengths
Physical, hardy and enthusiastic:
Stathis Tavlaridis, Gregory Tafforeau and Nikolas Plestan take no prisoners at the back - getting well up for any high balls and crosses. Keita and Bodmer are tireless, often chasing balls right to the touchline while the rest of the midfield embody what Lille is all about, limited ability, unlimited heart. Ever since their opening game draw with Anderlecht they have been talking up their chances of progressing and after a hard fought away win over Milan - and here they are.
Balanced midfield up for a scrap:
Keita can play in the middle, as a defensive scrapper or on the wing; Bodmer as both an attacking midfielder or a defensive anchor; Nicolas Fauverge as an attacker in the hole or on the wing and Makoun as an all action tackler and passer who can play anywhere in the midfield. This flexibility allows coach Claude Puel to rotate and balance out the fringe players while giving his defence more cover when the going gets tough.

Group Runners-up I - Barcelona, Inter, PSV, Roma.

Group Runners-up I - Barcelona, Inter, PSV, Roma.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Champions' League clubs in the round of 16.

BARCELONA
Weaknesses
Attacking corps is mercurial this year:
Ronaldinho is still lethal and capable of sheer brilliance on occasion but he is still mostly start stop. Deco can follow a brilliant game with 2 lacklustre ones, while Giuly is not the same as he was at this stage last year. Larsson ? Oh yeah - he's at Man Utd via Helsingborgs.
No finisher:
Which leads me to the main point about Barcelona's attack - Eto'o is injured. They have no one to put the ball in the back off the net.
Not cynical enough:
There's a lot to be said about the cynical foul in midfield 45 yards from goal - Bayern, Inter, Manchester United and Real have all made it into an art form. Barcelona seem to have lost it. Potential attacks often become probable goals as a result.
Strengths
Depth:
Another one of the deepest squads in Europe - helped inevitably by Juventus' firesale. One of the most skilled and talented teams in the competition. Mourinho must be secretly envious.
Experience:
They won last year... and then added Zambrotta and Thuram. Many of the senior players have been around for ages both at Barcelona or in the latter stages of European competition. Rijkaard is an old hand at all this.
Explosive attack when on fire:
If Barcelona are in the mood - expect fireworks. They will light up any defence for some scorching scores in an exhilarating display of attacking intent. The question is - does this attitude help as much in the latter stages of a 2 legged tie ?


INTER
Weaknesses
Belief:
Perenially bridesmaids when it comes to the bigger competitions, their lack of killer instinct stems as much from a lack of belief as from a lack of ability. If they are to triumph they must go about exorcising demons as much as make tackles in the opposing half.
Concentration:
Inextricably, they can all fall asleep - letting a team they have dominated for most of the match back into it. Mancini must work on keeping this group motivated, focussed and on the ball - in more ways than one.
Strengths
Stankovic:
You read it here first - Europe's most underrated midfielder this season. No one else has played as well for as long as he has this season. A bit of an underdog, you'll never hear him being mentioned in the 'Best midfielder in Europe' discussions - but this season he has really come to life. The former Yugoslavia has featured many players who have played crucial parts in winning the Champions' League - Milan's Savicevic in '94, Juventus' Jugovic in '96, Real's Mijatovic in '99, the whole flippin Red Star Belgrade side in '91. A good bet for Inter's Stankovic in '07 to join that list.
Balance:
Inter are equally blessed with finishers, playmakers, stoppers, wide men, wingbacks, centre halfs, tacklers, set piece specialists as well as cynical goaders who can annoy the bejesus out of opposing stars - Materazzi.
Depth:
If required, Inter's second string can handily beat most sides. Alvaro Recoba and Solari don't even make it to the bench most days - remember them?


PSV
Weaknesses
Shaky backfield:
As solid as Alex is at anchoring the backline, PSV are a little weak in other places. Addo and Da Costa are not quite the imposing centre half, Reiziger is a spent force and Kromkamp, though adept, is not quite continental material. In front of them, PSV lack a true, shielding defensive midefielder like Makalele and Vieira.
Attack is still thin:
True, both Kone and Farfan score often but are both a bit like ex-player Kezman - good against rubbish teams but rubbish against good teams. Kluivert is on lifesupport and Tardelli not in the same class. Their attack is competent but not proficient.
Strengths
Balance:
In a perverse thumb in the face of the big chequebook cowboys of Europe, PSV has quietly assembled a squad with decent balance. No one is a true world beater - not anymore, anyway - but everyone is within a level or two of each other. Whereas some of the bigger teams drop noticeably when several first teamers are out, PSV seem to have a whole raft of made-to-order middling talents ready to plug the gaps without a depreciable change.
Equally deadly off setpieces and open play:
PSV has had to develop it's gameplan to suit every eventuality. They can hurt you off deadballs as well as prove quite proficient at sticking the ball in from open play. Very well organised, their movement and teamwork is fundamental to their gameplan.


ROMA
Weaknesses
Inconsistent:
Maddeningly mercurial at times, they can beat table toppers on one day and then promptly drop points to basement dwellers the next. Coach Luciano Spaletti has to work on keeping this team from switching off.
Inexperience:
Panucci has won it all a couple of times before while Totti, De Rossi and Perotta won the World Cup with Italy this summer. The knockout stages of the Champions' League however is a different ball game. Their team has never been required to play 7 ties against the best in Europe over 3 months before. Other than Totti and Panucci, few even know how to.
Strengths
Discipline:
No red cards so far, one of the fewest yellow card tallies, this Roma team keeps things clean for the most part. For a team that features De Rossi and several young midfielders who like to get stuck in, this is very impressive indeed.
Totti:
Seemingly better with every passing season - he's lead scorer in the Italian league. Absolutely deadly from attacking positions, he seems to find new ways to score every week. If inspiration is required - Roma look to him.
Deep midfield:
Lots of up and coming stars mixed with some established internationals - Roma's midfield features loads of players who can tackle, pass well and score - some like Taddei and Mancini, spectacularly so. Leeds United once made it to the semifinals with an army of enthusiastic midfielders - perhaps Roma can bond around the old heads of Totti, Tonetto and Panucci and do the same.

Group Winners II - Lyon, Manchester United, Arsenal, Milan

Group Winners II - Lyon, Manchester United, Arsenal, Milan
Strengths and weaknesses of the Champions' League clubs in the round of 16.

LYON
Weaknesses
Lack solid defensive midfielders who can lock a game down:
With Essien and Mahamadou Diarra gone in successive seasons, and Alou Diarra and Toulalan a bit green in that regard, the Lyonnais seem a little threadbare in the defensive-hachetman category.
Lack of depth up front:
Outside Wiltord, Fred is injured, Carew is injured, Govou is a converted right winger and Benzema is a young whipper snapper.
Strengths
Balance:
Like Valencia, they have quality all over the pitch, and haven't spent a fortune acquiring them.
Wingers:
Malouda, Govou, heck even Eric Abidal can all tear down the sideline and cross the ball or turn on the burners and cut into the box. Ominous and deadly.
Juninho:
Best dead ball specialist in Europe. One of the best passers, can dribble and shoot from distance. Give him the ball and expect magic.
Experience of Houllier:
Monsieur Gerard took Liverpool to the UEFA Cup and dreamt of the Champions' League. He may very well realize that dream with Lyon. Very experienced when it comes to knockout ties.


MANCHESTER UNITED
Weaknesses
Lack of depth:
Performance wise, one of the best starting XIs this year. But outside the first XI the likes of Kieran Richardson are poor substitutes - pun totally intended.
Weakness in midfield:
A bit like Liverpool - their midfield is weak; when Scholes is injured or out of form, it's decidedly wretched - a gaping hole.
Strengths
Saha's balanced attack play:
More than just the gunslinger he was initially purchased to be, Saha's muscular, selfless approach brings other players into the game and spreads the ball like Ruud never did. United's attack is reborn this year with the Frenchman playing as a forward playmaker.
Speedy wingers:
Ronaldo is on fire this year, replacing his profligacy with some deadly shooting while still being one of the fastest players on the right side of the park. On the other flank, Giggs is still around, mesmerising defenders with his pace and dribbling skills.
Vidic:
Quiet, unspoken and unperturbed, Vidic, more than Rio, Neville, Brown or Heinze is the reason for United's defensive solidity this year. The young Serb is immense at the back while knowing in some corners as well. Arguably, Man U's shrewdest buy in the last 18 months.


ARSENAL
Weaknesses
Cannot defend setpieces, rarely score off them:
No one is worse off defending setpieces than Arsenal. The marking is abysmal, the movement chaotic. Ironically, setpieces are often the only time opposing teams can get a shot at them. It doesn't get a lot better at the other end as Arsenal waste more set pieces than others.
Not direct enough when attacking:
Passing pretty patterns is fine while in the middle of the park to get around the logjam of bodies, but in the final third a more clinical, direct method of getting the ball into the box and to the foremost attacker is required.
Lack of tacklers:
Lots of artists, passing wizards and plenty of pace. Flamini and Toure aside, not enough players who can slide across the deck to dislodge the ball from an opponents grasp. In tight matches away from home, this is often crucial.
Strengths
Speed on the counterattack:
Less then 5 touches and the ball is often in the opposing net. As seemingly uncommited Arsenal's defending can be on occasion, it is a setup for the speed with which they will sting you on the return. Opposing defences who venture upfield, you have been warned.
Excellent passing game:
No one passes the ball as well as they do. Balletic in movement yet deadly in it's delivery, Arsenal's passing will convert a harmless situation into a goalscoring chance in a heartbeat - while involving half their team.
Fabregas:
The best emerging midfielder in the game. Arguably, the best passer of his generation. Look to him to unlock any team.


MILAN
Weaknesses
Defence is slow, old and prone to mistakes:
Nesta, while healthy, is a shadow of his imperious past, Maldini too feeble and prone to mistakes, Cafu is slow and sloppy, Janukolovski repeatedly flatters to deceive and Costacurta is - wait for it - 40 years old.
Attack is inconsistent:
Inzaghi has died a natural death as a goalscorer, his ugly tap-ins notoriously absent, Gilardino is too mercurial and unlucky when on song, Sheva is missed while Ricardo Oliveira is yet to settle.
Over reliance on Kaka and Pirlo:
Give them the ball and hope for the best. If they are closed off - so is Milan. Gattuso can win only so many balls - he needs someone to create with it.
Strengths
2 of the best attacking midfielders and dead ball specialists in the game:
Ironically, one of their greatest weaknesses is also their main strength. If you had Pirlo and Kaka in your side, you would also be totally reliant on them.
Deep Squad:
Lots of players, lots of experience, plenty of bodies to throw at fixtures.
Experience:
They won in 2003 with virtually the same core while other players have gotten close to the summit with other clubs. Gattuso and Ambrosini have notched up over 50 games in Europe. Old timers like Maldini and Costacurta have been around since the glory days in the late 80s and early 90s. That's a mother'load' of experience.

Group Winners I - Chelsea, Bayern, Liverpool, Valencia.

Group Winners I - Chelsea, Bayern, Liverpool, Valencia.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Champions' League clubs in the round of 16.

CHELSEA
Weaknesses
Over reliance on Drogba in open play:
If the big Ivorian, who is enjoying an outstanding season, does not conjure up anything while the ball is in play, Chelsea seem unable to fashion a goal. Passing the ball off to Robben and letting him run at defences seems to have lost its effectiveness as well.
Over reliance on set pieces:
No one scores more frequently in big matches from set pieces - but these are typically hit or miss. If there is a paucity of corners or free kicks from decent areas - the Londoners are in a spot of bother.
Favour from referees:
Maybe it's the influence of the Russian rouble, maybe the pre-eminent stylings of a club trying to crash the G14 party or simply fear of upsetting them, but there's no denying that Chelsea, like many big clubs, routinely gets favourable decisions from referees and linesmen - perhaps more than others. It takes one strong referee and suddenly the decisions will seem to be going the other way.
Strengths
Consistency:
No one grinds out victories like they do. Despite the bland fare on offer on the pitch, rarely do more than 1 or 2 of Chelsea's players have an off night. And the rest (Lampard aside) routinely produce solid, efficient performances that do little wrong despite failing to inspire.
Set Pieces:
See weakness number 2 above. If you concede too many corners, free-kicks or throw-ins to the Blues, be prepared to concede too many goals as well.
Squad Depth:
Mourinho may be a few players off from having '2 established World class stars for every position on the pitch' - but he still has the most impressive armoury of depth charges to bring to bear on the opposition. Only Inter and Barcelona have comparable strength in depth.


BAYERN
Weaknesses
Over Reliance on Schweinsteiger:
A bit like France at recent International tournaments with Zidane, Bayern seem to rely too heavily on the interestingly surnamed German midfielder (it means pig climber in German apparently). They have impressive players all over the pitch but no one else seems to have the creative nous like Bastian. Give him the ball and unleash.
Attack is hit or miss:
Pizzaro, Santa Cruz and Makaay are deadly strikers on their day, capable of notching up a hat trick in 10 minutes - or of going 90 minutes with aimless or tepid shots on goal. Incapable of working themselves into games, Bayern's mercurial strikeforce may be their undoing.
Cannot break teams down:
Line up, form waves of defence and harry the ball carriers - Bayern will resemble orcs against the battlements in a children's movie. They'll keep coming but will be unable to unlock the gates.
Strengths
Good start:
Typically German, they start well, going straight at their opponents from the word go. No one seems to focus his troops pre-game like Magath, if their starts are anything to go by. In a 2 legged play-off tie, a good start in the opening leg is crucial.
Concentration:
They're boring on occasion, a bit toothless at times and generally tame - but they never make mistakes and have few, if any, defensive lapses. Efficient to the core, they stick to the task with classic determination and drive.
Never play badly as a whole:
A bit like Chelsea, they rarely have a bad game collectively. They may not have many good games either but Bayern will never lose the game to you - you have to beat them.


LIVERPOOL
Weaknesses
If Gerrard is off so are they:
Their captain is also their talisman, their performances inextricably linked to his onfield fortunes for the day. As peerless as he is at galvanising a team, there is no better example in modern club football of a sink and swim team than Liverpool. When he flops, the whole team follows ensuite.
Weak in the centre of midfield:
Once again, Gerrard cannot be everywhere, so, due to Momo Sissoko's injury, when Rafa Benitez deploys the captain on the right wing, there is a veritable hole in the centre of the park. For all their attacking nous, Xabi Alonso, Zenden et al cannot dictate the centre of the park while the rest of the midfield corps are an army of wingers.
Strengths
Strong defence:
Surprisingly, Carragher, Hyppia, Riise comprise as solid a defence as any in the continent. Made up of unremarkable internationals, it is consistently greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps Benitez brought over his defensive shtick that made Valencia one of the stingiest teams in Europe, perhaps Liverpool attacks with its defence, whatever it may be, this team is tricky to score against when in the mood.
Very good in knockout games:
On its day Liverpool is as good as anyone in the world, and while motivation and consistency are works in progress, no one gets up for a knockout game as the Reds do. Over the last 5 years few teams have been as impregnable over a 2 legged knockout tie. Barcelona beware.


VALENCIA
Weaknesses
Mercurial:
Some days they can destroy the best in Europe, Villa, Morientes, David Silva and Edu seemingly linking effortlessly to score at will. Other days they can lose at home to well.. Racing Santander. Entirely dependent on which team struts out on matchday, few teams remain an enigma like Valencia.
In fighting:
Flores may well be on his way out with the management and players converting the dressing room into the battle of the bulge. Mercurial they may be, there's no denying that team morale is an issue this term.
Joaquin:
I expected great things from the former Betis winger after his move to one of the bigger guns in Spain. He's been a sad disappointment - out of touch, out of place, inept.
Strengths
David Villa:
One of the best strikers in Europe. Equal parts finisher and creator.
Defence:
Albiol is an everpresent, Ayala is an evergreen. Valencia can keep attackers at bay like no one else. In crunch games, they have both the knowledge and the knack of taking the sting out of opponents' attacks.
Balance:
Deep, with equally qualified personnel all over the pitch and team bus - few teams are as balanced as Valencia. You don't just need multi-million dollar superstars to have an even team - just some competent footballers will do.

The best of the Champions' League so far

Playing around with the teams and players.

At this, the 'symbolic' halfway point of the Champions League 2006-2007, I'd like to review the season so far. The group stage has ended with the this year (2006) and the knockout round will begin next year (2007). So every thing lines up nice and tidy.

In the past I have compiled the best team of each round of matchdays. A sort of team of the week. Building on that theme - here are my teams of the Champions' League season so far.

3 teams made up of standout players comprised only from the set of teams who finished as group winners, group runners-up and UEFA Cup dropouts(3rd place in each group) respectively. No more than 2 players from any club in these XIs and atleast 1 from each club. Keep in mind though that since they're the best XI of players - the teams may not necessarily be balanced everywhere.

Group Winners XI (4-4-2):
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Coupet - Lyon

Sagnol - Bayern
Ricardo Carvalho - Chelsea
Albiol - Valencia
Heinze - Manchester United

Kaka - Milan
Juninho - Lyon
Fabregas - Arsenal
Garcia - Liverpool

Villa - Valencia
Drogba - Chelsea

Balancing option - Liverpool's Gerrard for Garcia.
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Group Runners-up XI (4-4-2):
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Casillas - Real

Zanetti - Inter
Tavlaridis - Lille
Alex - PSV
Panucci - Roma

Stankovic - Inter
Gonzalez- Porto
Totti - Roma
Deco - Barcelona

Miller - Celtic
Van Nistelrooy - Real

Balancing Option - Porto's Quaresma for Gonzalez.
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UEFA CUP bound XI(3-5-2):
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Akinfeev - CSKA

Naldo - Bremen
Nelson - Benfica
Cirillo - AEK

Frings - Bremen
Faubert - Bordeaux
Dica - Steaua
Kalynychenko - Shakhtar
Boyarintsev - Spartak

Miccoli - Benfica
Daniel Carvalho - CSKA

Balancing Option - Bremen's Borowski for Frings.


For the realists who prioritise balance over performance, I have also included a balancing option to even things out in each team.
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In keeping with the fun, here are 3 more teams made up of players from the 3 main continents represented in the Champions' League teams - Europe, South America and Africa. No restrictions - just the best performers from each continent in as balanced a team as possible.

European XI(3-5-2):
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Casillas - Real (Spain)

Ricardo Carvalho - Chelsea (Portugal)
Vidic - Manchester United (Serbia)
Puyol - Barcelona (Spain)

Schweinsteiger - Bayern (Germany)
Stankovic - Inter (Serbia)
Totti - Roma (Italy)
Deco - Barcelona (Portugal)
Vieira - Inter (France)

Villa - Valencia (Spain)
Saha - Manchester United (France)

Supersub - Morientes - Valencia (Spain)
Honourable mention - Nicolae Dica - Steaua (Romania)

South American XI (4-1-3-2):
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Dida - Milan (Brazil)

Zanetti - Inter (Argentina)
Cordoba - Inter (Colombia)
Alex - PSV (Brazil)
Naldo - Bremen (Brazil)

Emerson - Real (Brazil)

Kaka - Milan (Brazil)
Gonzalez - Porto (Argentina)
Juninho - Lyon (Brazil)

Cruz - Inter (Argentina)
Pizarro - Bayern (Peru)

Supersub - Ronaldinho - Barcelona (Brazil).

No surprises then - mostly Brazilians with a smattering of Argentinians.

African XI(4-3-3):
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Sylva - Lille (Senegal)

Wome - Bremen (Cameroun)
Addo - PSV (Ghana)
Toure - Arsenal (Ivory Coast)
Eboue - Arsenal (Ivory Coast)

Essien - Chelsea (Ghana)
Makoun - Lille (Cameroun)
Mahmadou Diarra - Real (Mali)

Odemwingie - Lille (Nigeria)
Drogba - Chelsea (Ivory Coast)
Aruna Kone - PSV (Ivory Coast)

Supersub - Ayila Yussuf - Dynamo Kiev (Nigeria). Yes, I like Ivory Coast. A lot. I didn't consider Eto'o because he's injured and has been for a while.

Now, who wouldn't fancy a tournament between those 3 sides. Truly, a global game.

Cheers.

Opening up Pandora's box - Best League in Europe Anyone ?

English teams very strong, Spanish teams very entertaining.

Now that the knockout rounds of both European club competitions have been set, casual glances up and down the draws will invariably lead to discussions over which is the 'best' league in Europe.

This debate is never any closer to getting decided. Yet I shall dabble in this discussion for a bit. For a start, the merits and strengths of each league change from season to season. So each year, a different league could be considered the 'best'. Additionally, the term 'best' is very subjective to begin with. Does it mean the level of competition in the league, the attractiveness of the style of play or the effectiveness of the game played in each league. Since the latter 2 are much harder to judge and subject to relative tastes, let's concentrate on the first attribute - the depth of the league.

Clearly, in every league there are the few top teams - the select few who have the biggest resources, largest payroll and sometimes the biggest fanbases, who are capable of winning the league each year. Let's be honest, in England(4), Scotland(2), Holland(2-3), Spain(3-4), Italy(3), Portugal(3) there are only 2 to 4 teams who can win the league for the foreseeable future. In France and Germany, there is now one team(Lyon and Bayern) which is head and shoulders above everyone else, resource and roster wise, but they each have about 2-3 challengers. So, these are the best teams in each league. Against each other, across Europe, these teams are roughly on an equal footing.

We cannot compare the leagues based on them. But what of the middle placed teams in each league measuring up against each other ? This is where depth comes in. The teams who are outside the big 3 or 4 are the ones who contribute largely to the depth of each league. Some leagues have better middle placed teams (largely due to better financial resources) and as a result, week in, week out, the competition is fiercer, as the playing field is a little bit more even. In other leagues, outside the big clubs(and perennial contenders), the level of competition drops off significantly and the middle placed teams seem to make up the numbers more than anything else. As a consequence of this higher level of competition, usually, teams from these deeper leagues do well in Europe against clubs from other leagues since they are used to a tougher level of competition domestically. So, in essence, the depth of each league is a strong indicator of how good it is. And this can, more or less, be measured by how well a league's entrants in the continental club competitions do.

Looking at the participants in the Champions' League, it's easy to conclude that perhaps the Premiership is the strongest league this time round. The Premiership had 4 participants in the group stage, all 4 topped their respective groups, enroute to the knockout stage, with a combined record of 15-4-5. 2 of those 5 losses, I should add, came in dead rubbers after qualification had already been secured. No other league may have had as many participants in the group stage but no other league had such consistent success either. Getting 2 out of 2 teams to top their groups is commendable, getting 3 out of 3 is distinctive, but 4 group winners out of 4 is truly exceptional. This was the first time this had ever been done.

Looking further, in the UEFA cup, all 3 of the Premiership's teams topped their groups. Between them, they were unbeaten, drawing only 2 games and winning all the rest. Spain (Espanyol, Celta, Sevilla, Osasuna) had 4 teams but only 1 group winner in Espanyol; France(Lens, PSG, Nancy, Auxerre) had 4 teams, but no group winners, although everyone except Auxerre progressed; Italy (Parma, Livorno, Palermo) had one group winner Parma, while another progressed. On a side note, Israel had 2 entrants and both progressed (Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel-Aviv).

So, it would seem that English clubs have been spectacularly dominant in Europe this year, generally beating most other opponents from other leagues. The Premiership seems very deep, outside the top 4, this year. Case in point, Newcastle, when mired in midtable - beat Palermo in Sicily, while the latter was leading Serie A. Blackburn, still not completely safe from relegation, beat both Nancy (top 4 in Ligue 1 at the time) and Feyenoord (top 5 in Eredivisie).

So, the middle placed teams in England seem to be better than the middle placed teams elsewhere in Europe. So, the Premiership seems to be stronger by virtue of its depth. Hence, one can assume that it is currently the best league in Europe.

Last year, using the same argument, one could venture, that La Liga was the best league in Europe and the Premiership a little bit behind in second place. With Barcelona beating Arsenal in the Champions' League final and Sevilla thrashing Middlesborough in the UEFA Cup showpiece, that theory was lent credence. In general, by looking at results by teams from the various leagues in matches against each other, one could argue that since Real's triumph in 1998, the pendulum haas shifted slowly from Serie A towards La Liga, where it has remained for the last several seasons. But now, the title for best league in Europe seems to shifting again - perhaps inexorably towards the Premiership.

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I should let the matter rest with that. But I won't. Most conclusions have a caveat. This one especially so, since it is so vague a discussion. So much for number crunching. Aesthetically, I would consider La Liga to still be the best league in Europe. In my opinion the talent and style of play is unrivalled in Spain. As successful as Blackburn, (Middlesborough) and Newcastle are in Europe, they are boring and dull to watch. Real Zaragoza and Celta Vigo have been more entertaining than most of England's top flight this year. And although Deportivo are themselves terribly boring at times - they are not challenging for honours any time soon. At the end of the day, if I want to watch entertaining football - La Liga is what I turn to. Charlton versus Fulham may feature bigger payrolls than Bilbao versus Espanyol - but the latter creates more fans of the game by virtue of the level of skill on display. So, on a purely subjective level, which everyone is welcome to condemn and contest, I would say La Liga in Spain is the best league in Europe.

First thoughts on the Champions' League Draw for the knockout round

The cream has risen in Europe.

At the end of the group stages, demotions, pre-qualifying and ancillary qualifying, the knockout rounds have been set. 16 teams in the Champions' League and 32 in the UEFA cup will go head to head for the final chalice in their respective competitions. I for one, am glad the tedium is now finally over. While the knockout rounds are still over 2 months away and there is a transfer window in between, I'll try and sketch out my initial thoughts of the draw. This is always dodgy. I make no claims of being clairvoyant - not at this stage anyway.

At the end of Matchday 6 in the Champions' League, the only surprises for me was Inter failing to beat Bayern and Celtic losing to Kobenhavn. As a result both Inter and Celtic missed out on topping their groups. While Inter may well fancy their chances against Valencia, Celtic surely do not relish their tie against Milan.

The Rossoneri may have dropped their last game against Lille but it was a dead rubber. When it comes to navigating through knockout rounds, few do it better than Milan. Celtic have the speed to trouble Milan's aging backline but they have no hope of coping with the twin threats of Pirlo and Kaka, when on song. Form will have a large part to play in this game but Celtic may find that they are up against wily veterans who have campaigned for many springs in Europe. Milan are good for atleast another round in Europe this season - they've been lucky that their opponents are Celtic rather than someone more wily and experienced.

Inter are my dark horses and outside bets for the whole damn thing this year. They are balanced, poised and have lost their initial jitters. Valencia are excellent in Europe but seem to be slowly imploding with every passing week. However they have the personnel to be quietly confident going into this tie and if they can hold onto David Villa past January, they may well be fit to cause an upset. Their organization and experience are their chief threats but it will be Inter who will be looking forward to this tie more than Valencia. Expect a grinding contest decided by a Stankovic header or a Villa penalty.

Arsene Wenger's remarks at the end of the draw may have been taken out of context. When he said the draw was "not an easy one" he did not necessarily mean that they had drawn a tough opponent - step forward Liverpool, who have done just that - he meant that PSV cannot be considered easy pushovers and that there are no easy games at this stage at this level. This time round there were few bunnies, if any, sitting in the pot waiting to be drawn for the group winners - even LOSC Lille may well give United a run for their money - and as such, although PSV can be considered a non heavyweight; they are by no means an easy opponent. Still, Wenger can be safe in the knowledge that PSV are not as muscular in their approach as some of the other group runners-up could be and spend time playing the ball on the ground. I doubt he would have enjoyed going head to head with Inter or Porto, definitely not with Arsenal's unease at set pieces and aerial balls.

Liverpool, 2005 winners, drew the short straw and have the plum tie of Barcelona, themselves winners last year. No one would envy them the task of dethroning the current champions of Europe - however the two glimmers of hope that Kopites can cling to, is that Benitez is a shrewd operator in Europe (2 finals with Valencia, the title with them, a 4-1 upset win over Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season) and that even though Liverpool are inconsistent at times - so are Barca. But, If Iniesta and Deco can continue their heady form while sharing the workload with the ever brilliant Ronaldinho, Liverpool are in big trouble, Gerrard's long range missiles notwithstanding.

Chelsea will meet Porto, winners in 2004. Even though Mourinho coached Porto to the summit 2 years ago, he will have his work cut out as Porot have moved on from then. Tricky winger Quaresma will terrorise Chelsea down the flanks - especially if they insist on playing a solid but narrow defensive midfield. Lucho will tease from distance, Postiga may well turn in a few close range tallies. Having said that, however, I cannot see Porto upsetting Chelski over 2 legs. There may well be some nervous moments on set pieces but Chelsea have too many tricks up their sleeves. They are far too established and settled a machine to come unstuck against Porto. If in the mood Drogba can singlehandedly bludgeon in a few goals against the Portugese leaders.

Man U seem to be on some sort of trail of redemption this season. They have mounted a furious pacesetting challenge domestically, belying their usual slow starts, they've conquered their nemesis from last season in the group stage, Benfica. Now, in Lille, they find themselves up against another one of the teams that ended their European campaign at the group stage last year. Revenge must surely be on their minds. Yes, I'll be honest, Man U are the favorites, but don't count out the plucky French outfit, Odemwingie will be a handful for the United backline, Tavlardis more than a match for Saha, their midfield capable of controlling United's gaping absence in the middle of the park. I guess we'll have to wait and see. If Man U do win, keeping with my theme of redemption, they might well be drawn against Milan next.

Real renew rivalries with Bayern. From 1998 to 2002, 4 of the 5 European Cups were won by these two clubs. So, recent pedigree and history should not be lacking when it comes to motivation. Both have fallen off the summit in recent years. More attacking, fresher upstarts in the German Bundesliga seem to be giving Bayern a run for the title while the heavyweight duopoly in La Liga has shifted back to Barcelona. Real were dressed by Arsenal last year and have stuttered this year. Bayern started very well but have slowed up a little in recent weeks. So expect this to be a stop start game depending on form and finishing. Bastian Schweinsteiger can turn the tie for Bayern along with Roy Makaay. At the same time watch for Ruud or Raul to bundle home some loose balls in the 6 yard box.

The best tie though, of the whole competition and perhaps in all of Europe this season, has to be Roma versus Lyon. Whereas Inter versus Valencia will be more tactical and at times more brutal in the sheer physicality of the tie, the aesthetic brilliance of Lyon versus Roma is hard to match. This will be a game of 2 teams commited to attacking - two teams who believe the only way to win is to score more goals than your opponent. They will go forward at every stage and send balls crossfield searching for ever more attacking options. Lyon should shade this though, if only in that they are more assured, settled and consistent than Roma. The Italians, however are more mercurial and can upset the applecart if De Rossi and Totti are in the mood. Watch for plenty of goals and some audacious shots from distance.

So, off the top of my head at first glance, these are my initial picks:

Chelsea over Porto
Milan over Celtic
Arsenal over PSV
Man U over Lille
Lyon over Roma
Barcelona over Liverpool
Bayern over Real
Inter over Valencia

Cheers.