Daily Archives: August 8, 2021

Premier League Quiz: Who have been the players to be shown the most red cards?

  By O-Posts Team | August 8, 2021 - 23:21 | , , , , , , , , , ,
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Serie A: The Top Five Best Signings So Far this Summer

  By O-Posts Team | August 8, 2021 - 22:15 | , , , , , , , , , ,
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Serie A has been one of the busiest of the major European leagues in the transfer market this summer. So let’s take a look at what I think are the 5 best moves so far.

 

Joao Miranda (Inter Milan)

Inter Milan signed Brazilian defender Joao Miranda from Atletico Madrid in June for an undisclosed fee.

The centre back spent four seasons at Atletico, helping them win the Spanish league, Europa League and Copa del Rey, as well as finishing runners up in the 2014 Champions League final.

The 30-year-old had been tipped with a move to England with Chelsea and Manchester United understood to be interested in him, but opted for a move to Italy instead. Very good news for the Nerazzuri.

Inter conceded 48 league goals last campaign, the defensive department needed reinforcement and I believe the capture of Miranda could be a brilliant acquisition.

Miranda is very quick with the tackle and always looks to be in the right place at the right time. He also offers considerable aerial prowess, having scored 11 goals for Atletico during his 142 games at the club.

Nemanja Vidic’s move to Inter has been simply disastrous and I’m still not sure how Andrea Ranocchia still manages to get into this Inter team. With question marks over Juan Jesus and Marco Andreolli - Miranda should be a valuable player for manager Roberto Mancini.

 

Geoffrey Kondogbia (Inter Milan)

Inter Milan announced the signing of France’s defensive midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco early in this market. The fee is believed to be in the region of £25m (€35m).

I think this is a brilliant signing from Inter, he’s young, quality and was sought after by many leading European clubs - certainly hot property.

Kondogbia provides great protection in front of his defenders, looking to hunt down any attackers threatening to get beyond them. A little further up the pitch, he has a good eye for stepping in and dispossessing any opponents looking to break from midfield.

As well as being strong, Kondogbia is skillful and has fine ball control. He is able to maneuver himself out of danger, and while capable of taking players on, he knows the merit of a simple pass in keeping his team ticking.

A player of his type was much needed at Inter.

 

Allan (Napoli) 

Brazilian midfielder Allan has completed his move to Napoli from Udinese for an undisclosed fee, but it’s rumoured to be around the 10m euro mark.

This has the potential to be a good transfer for both club and player.

I’ve been impressed with the 24 year-old since his move from Brazilian side Vasca da Gama to Italy.

He’s a solid midfielder, breaking up play is his speciality. Just check out the stat below, the most successful tackles in the league since 2012/13.

Napoli lacked balance last season, the central position was an area that new manager Maurizio Sarri had to strengthen, which nicely leads me onto the next transfer.

 

Mirko Valdifiori (Napoli)

New Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri immediately turned to former club Empoli to make his first signing, bringing in Italy midfielder Mirko Valdifiori. The fee is believed to be worth 5.5m euros on a four-year contract.

He joined Empoli in 2008, but had to wait until last summer for them to gain the promotion. In their first campaign back in the top flight, Mirko helped the side to survival, finishing in the respectful 15th position.

Empoli were applauded for their style of football last campaign and Valdifiori was instrumental, pulling the strings from midfield- providing 7 assists.

His form encouraged Antonio Conte to call him up to represent Italy – making his debut against England back in March.

This is a good move to Napoli, alongside Allan, their midfield looks solid and stable heading into the season.

It certainly helps that the player and manager already obtain a solid relationship.

 

Giampaolo Pazzini (Hellas Verona)

The 30-year-old former Italian international became a free agent in June after leaving AC Milan and Hellas Verona snapped him up on a five-year contract.

This is perhaps a move that’s gone under the radar this summer, but I think this has the potential to be one of the best of the season.

Pazzini was poor for both Milan clubs, but he never really got given the opportunity with managers changing on a regular basis. One thing is for sure, Giampaolo certainly knows how to find the back of the net.

He’s scored over 100 Serie A goals and has represented Atalanta, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Inter, Milan and winning 25 international caps for Italy.

Hellas Verona already have a seasoned Italian forward in their ranks, none other than last season’s joint top scorer – Luca Toni. It will be interesting to see if the two can forge a good partnership, both similar forwards.

If they get it right, expect plenty of goals in Verona.

 

Worthy Mentions 

  • Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar Donetsk -> AC Milan)
  • Carlos Bacca (Sevilla -> AC Milan)
  • Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid -> Fiorentina)
  • Martin Montoya (Barcelona -> Inter Milan)
  • Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid -> Juventus)

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Asier Illarramendi: Why Liverpool should sign the Real Madrid outcast

  By O-Posts Team | August 8, 2021 - 18:03 | , , , , ,
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A Product of La Real’s Academy

After rising through the ranks at Real Sociedad’s highly-regarded youth academy in Zubieta, Asier Illarramendi soon became recognised as one of Spanish football’s hottest prospects. Therefore, it came as no surprise that on the 12 July 2013, the talented youngster became the most expensive Spanish player in Real Madrid’s history.

 

From Star Player to Benchwarmer

With a six-year contract and a €32m price tag, it was expected that the Mutriku-born defensive midfielder would play an integral role at the club. However, even after the departure of Xabi Alonso, former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelloti never fully trusted him in that position and he soon became a familiar face on the bench.

The Italian coach was extremely vocal in his praise of the player before he signed for the club, so it was something of a mystery to the Los Blancos fans when Illara became a bit-part player.

 

Is It Time To Move On?

Now aged 25, the Basque player is reaching a crucial stage in his career and will be keen to secure first-team football. With new coach Rafa Benitez at the helm, he may get more opportunities but his chances may be increased even further by leaving the Bernabeu altogether.

With plenty of interest from clubs in Spain and abroad, the 2013 UEFA European Championship winner should not have a problem finding another club if he does decide to end his disappointing spell in the Spanish capital.

 

Most Likely Destination

The most recent rumours have linked the player with a move to Liverpool and although nothing has yet been confirmed, a move to Anfield could suit both the player and the Merseyside club. With Lucas Lieva still providing the only genuine defensive midfield option for the Reds, Illarramendi would have a great chance of establishing himself in the first team. There has even been talk of the Brazilian leaving the club during this transfer window, and if that is the case; then Brendan Rodgers will need to find a ready-made replacement.

The Spaniard’s defensive abilities are exceptional and his all round game is much more accomplished than that of Lucas. He would provide a solid option in an area where Liverpool have been notoriously vulnerable in recent times.

His ability to move the ball forward quickly and accurately would also suit the cavalier attacking style that has become the Anfield club’s trademark over the last two seasons.

 

Would Real Madrid Be Willing To Sell?

The Spanish giants have no qualms about keeping high quality players on the bench, but if the player is not happy; they may willing to sell. Coach Rafa Benitez still has a frosty relationship with the Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre but he also has a massive soft spot for his old club. If he feels that the player is surplus to requirements then he may be happy for club president Florentino Pérez to negotiate a deal for his departure.

One thing is for sure, if the rumours of an Anfield switch are true; this could be the icing on the cake of what has been a decent transfer window for the Premier League side.

 

Written by Neil Morris

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Sunderland: 2015/16 Season Preview - Advocaat’s experience key for the Black Cats

  By O-Posts Team | August 8, 2021 - 13:10 | , , ,
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Manager

A shrewd, experienced and highly decorated manager, Dick Advocaat etched his name into Sunderland folklore last season as he steered the club to English Premier League safety in the season’s penultimate game.

The Dutchman was appointed on a temporary basis, replacing the sacked Guys Poyet and coaxing a series of determined, disciplined team performances from a squad that previously seemed destined for the drop.

Sunderland then managed to convince Advocaat to stay on for another season, despite the former Zenit Saint Petersburg boss announcing his retirement from coaching at the end of the campaign.

The 67 year-old – moved to tears when a scoreless draw away at Arsenal secured safety for his team last season – will now look to consolidate and bring much-needed stability to the club.

 

Key Player

A divisive figure with a poor disciplinary record, Lee Cattermole nonetheless is the beating heart of this Sunderland squad. The midfield lynchpin is a ferocious competitor and his displays have endeared him to fans, even if he usually assumes the role of pantomime villain.

Having been at the club for over five years now, Cattermole will again be a central figure this season. Despite his aggression, the 27 year-old can be an intelligent distributor of the ball and at his best dictates tempo from deep in midfield.

Sunderland will need him to stay fit and avoid suspension if they are to avoid another relegation dogfight.

 

Expectations

After three consecutive and miraculous escapes from relegation, Sunderland fans will be hoping their side make a bright start to the season, rather than leave things late again.

Advocaat’s biggest task will be motivating a team of journeyman footballers who are a dogged, organized unit at their best and a ragged, fragile collection of individuals at their worst.

 

Transfers

The arrival of Netherlands international Jermain Lens from Dynamo Kiev is the biggest piece of business Sunderland have completed this summer. The 27 year-old is an exciting, quick winger with an excellent goal-scoring record at club level.

France midfielder Yann M’Vila also moves to the Stadium of Light, looking to resurrect a career that has stagnated in Russia. His power and physique should prove useful, while exciting Welsh full-back Adam Matthews has been signed from Celtic, where he enjoyed an impressive four-year spell.

At centre-back, reinforcements come in the form of Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul – a player blessed with potential, if he is able to stay fit – and Sebastian Coates, who makes his loan move from Liverpool permanent.

 

Strengths

When they are at their best, Sunderland are an extremely difficult team to break down, particularly effective at playing on the break.

This quality is reflected by the five straight derby victories they have enjoyed over bitter rivals Newcastle United, as well as a handful of stunning away victories in recent Premier League seasons.

There also exist some interesting talents within the current squad, including Dutch defender Patrick van Aanholt – a revelation following his move from Chelsea last year – and England internationals Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson.

 

Weaknesses

A conspicuous lack of pace in defence, particularly at centre-back, has consistently been exploited by other Premier League teams and the arrivals of Kaboul and Coates doesn’t necessarily address the issue (particularly given the former’s fitness issues).

In midfield there is also a dearth of creativity, with Cattermole’s attacking instincts curtailed by his defensive duties. Last season Sunderland scored just 31 goals, with only relegated Burnley hitting the back of the net on fewer occasions. They also created the least amount of chances of any Premier League team (squawka.com).

Advocaat will also be weary of this team’s nasty habit of capitulating against beatable opposition: Sunderland can be excellent against some of the Premier League’s biggest teams, but far too often fail to deliver against fellow relegation stragglers and sides in mid-table.

 

Conclusion

If not for the presence of Advocaat, this season would be looking very dire indeed for Sunderland. Their lack of goal-scoring threat and pace at the back are severe handicaps in world football’s most fast-paced and physical domestic competition.

A slow start to the 2014/15 campaign could spell disaster for a club that has lived a charmed life in the top flight over the last three seasons.

Advocaat will need to call upon all of his experience as a manager to ward off complacency amongst his senior players.

 

Written by Chris Paraskevas

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