-
UEFA Best Player in Europe Award – Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery or Cristiano Ronaldo
While the usual two suspects of pretty much every individual award are up for this one as well, Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich provides the change from the La Liga sweep, representing European champions Bayern Munich. He’ll be running against Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.
-
FC Barcelona – Lionel Messi Waiting for Cesc Fabregas & Alexis Sanchez to Help Him
One of the two big problems Barcelona need to take care of this offseason is their over-dependence on Lionel Messi. Neymar, even if it will take some time, should be good enough to become a suitable solution, but not on his own. For Barcelona to be completely free and deadly up front against all opponents, Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez need to do better than they have so far.
-
On Robin van Persie Keeping Manchester United on Top
Is Robin van Persie the best striker in the Premier League? The last two seasons, with a total of 56 goals and probably being the best player on a title-winning Manchester United side, probably prove that he is. Is it enough for another league title and finishing with a better taste than last year in the Champions League?
-
Liverpool FC – Joe Allen & Jordan Henderson Fighting For the Final Midfield Spot
There’s no guarantee Liverpool will be playing with three in the midfield next season every match, but it’s one of the more popular formations for Brendan Rodgers, which has Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva chalked up as irreplaceable players in his lineup. The third spot? Either Jordan Henderson or Joe Allen.
-
Chelsea FC – John Terry Not the Centre Back Jose Mourinho Should be Backing
After so many years and so many incidents, it’s hard to separate John Terry the player from John Terry the man, the private individual, especially when one of his most famous scandals occurred on the pitch. Jose Mourinho seems like he’s going to stick with the Chelsea captain early on, but besides being quite the influential figure for the team, he’s simply isn’t good enough anymore.
-
Arsenal FC – Mikel Arteta as Another Symbol of Mediocrity
How many OK midfielders do Arsenal need? A lot, apparently. Mikel Arteta is another one in a long list of not-too-special central midfielders Arsenal have on their roster. The biggest problem? He’s also their most important player at times.
-
On Wayne Rooney & Luis Suarez Becoming Tiresome and Boring
While Gareth Bale seems to be inching closer towards Real Madrid (removal from twitter photo is a sign, right?), the transfer sagas involving Luis Suarez, trying to leave Liverpool for Arsenal, and Wayne Rooney, hoping to leave Manchester United for the greener pastures at Chelsea, are becoming the last thing we want to hear about each morning when we wake up.
-
Chelsea vs Real Madrid Overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo & Jose Mourinho
These preseason tours in America with so many big clubs are bound to conjure an interesting plot line right before they end, as Real Madrid meet their former manager, Jose Mourinho, back with Chelsea, in the final of the International Champions Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo and his up & down relationship with the Portuguese manager at the center of it all.
-
Mohamed Salah of FC Basel is a Disgrace to Football
Mixing sports and politics always leads to bad results, and Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah is no exception. After refusing to shake hands with Maccabi Tel-Aviv players during the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers between the Israeli club and FC Basel, he has been forced by his team to play in the second leg, leading to more unintelligent remarks from the player.
-
Lionel Messi – Impossible to Put a Price on His Head
For every player in the world there seems to be a price. For teams being purchased there’s always a price, much easier to calculate and put on paper. But for Lionel Messi? His value to Barcelona is immeasurable, and even when someone from the club has to put on a number on his value, it seems impossible to comprehend.