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Transfer Madness: The Top 10 Most Interesting Moves in Europe this Summer

  By O-Posts Team | August 3, 2024 - 17:20 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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This window has been a mad one in terms of major and surprising transfers, particularly from clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan. Which have been the most interesting moves made so far? Here’s a Top 10 list from our very own Chris Paraskevas.

 

Arturo Vidal (Juventus to Bayern Munich)

One of the world’s finest footballers and purest box-to-box midfielders, Arturo Vidal’s signature has cost Bayern Munich around €40 million.

Bayern manager Pep Guardiola is into his third season at the club and is desperate to win the Champions League, having failed in his last two attempts. The acquisition of Vidal is a statement of intent.

Whilst Vidal will suit the former Barcelona boss’ high pressing, high energy style, the player’s unique brand of aggression and unpredictability should give Bayern a more flexibility.

However, he also joins a team boasting an embarrassment of riches in central midfield and there are questions about how the Chile international will be deployed.

There is also the matter of Vidal’s form, with suggestions that his last season in Turin – where he helped Juventus into the Champions League final – was not his best.

Are Bayern signing a player slightly on the decline, or at the peak of his football powers?

 

Geoffrey Kondogbia (Monaco to Inter Milan)

In the wake of his match-winning performance against Arsenal in the Champions League last season, Kondogbia was hot property and many expected the Monaco midfielder to join the Gunners during the transfer window.

The 22 year-old then seemed set for AC Milan, before performing a stunning about-turn and signing for their fierce rivals Inter.

“Yes, the truth is that I spoke to Milan, but never in my life have I said yes to [AC] Milan CEO Adriano Galliani,” Kondogbia said of the move.

Kondogbia has also explained that Roberto Mancini was key in convincing him to move to Inter, who have snatched one of Europe’s most exciting talents from under the nose of some big clubs as they look to return to the summit of Italian football.

 

Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim to Liverpool)

The Brazil international is arguably Brendan Rodgers’ biggest signing of the close season, moving from Hoffenheim for £29 million.

Given the wealth of midfield and attacking options now available at Liverpool, a place need to be found that best suits Firmino’s unique talents.

The Brazilian isn’t an out-and-out striker, preferring instead to play in-behind the forwards and assume the role of creator rather than finisher. Firmino isn’t a prolific goal-scorer but at his best is a handful for defenders with his movement and running: a stylistic trait he shares with former Liverpool star Luis Suarez.

It would be unfair to expect the former Figueirense player to have the same immediate impact that Suarez did, but Rodgers is under pressure at Anfield this season and will be desperate for his new signings to fire.

 

Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid to Juventus)

Croatia international Mandzukic is joining a third club in three years, having spent two years at Bayern Munich and last season at Atletico Madrid.

His goal-scoring record is exemplary at club level and the 29 year-old moves to Turin on a three-year deal, replacing the departed Carlos Tevez.

Can Mandzukic replicate the form that brought him two league and cup doubles and a Champions League winners’ medal at Bayern Munich? He was certainly less effective at Atletico Madrid and expectations will be high at Juventus, who will want to mount another European challenge.

What makes this a curious move is Juventus’ markedly different playing style: Mandzukic was a success at Bayern with mobile forwards running off him, a luxury he might not be afforded so readily in Italy.

 

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid to Porto)

Iker Casillas’ acrimonious departure from Real Madrid gives this move a particularly interesting edge.

Despite winning three Champions League titles in his 25 years in Madrid, his relationship with the club deteriorated in recent seasons as the goalkeeper’s form dipped and he fell out with former manager Jose Mourinho and Real president Florentino Perez.

His new employers, Porto, could well be drawn alongside Real in the UEFA Champions League this season. If so, it would set the stage for an emotional and highly charged meeting.

Can Casillas get the last laugh and enjoy a revival in Portugal following a disastrous World Cup with Spain?

 

Adel Taraabt (QPR to Benfica)

The 26 year-old Taraabt has ended his seven-year sojourn in English football, moving to Portuguese giants Benfica on a free transfer.

At Queens Park Rangers, he produced some irrepressible performances but also had his attitude and fitness questioned by former managers Neil Warnock and Harry Redknapp.

It will be fascinating to see whether Taraabt’s talents are better developed at Benfica: the Lisbon club will be playing in the UEFA Champions League, and compete in a domestic competition that should the fleet-footed winger’s physique and style.

“It is a huge opportunity for me,” Taraabt said after making the move. “When my agent told me Benfica were interested, I immediately said: ‘Yes, I’m ready to go.”

 

Steven N’Zonzi (Stoke City to Sevilla)

Steve N’Zonzi might not be one of the most recognisable names in European football, but anyone who watched his performances for Stoke in the Premier League last season will be familiar his unique talents.

A midfielder capable of turning matches with individual moments of quality, it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to life in La Liga. Having also played for Blackburn Rovers, his physicality allowed him to thrive in England but Spain offers a completely different challenge.

“I need to test myself in the Champions League and unfortunately I can’t do that with Stoke,” N’Zonzi said of the move. “For me it was the right decision.”

The Europa League winners have signed Stoke’s Player of the Year for a mere £7 million.

 

Nani (Manchester United to Fenerbahce)

Another winger who enjoyed a long stay in England, Nani’s hugely successful Manchester United career brought him four English Premier League titles, a League Cup and a Champions League winners’ medal.

Scoring a number of wonderful goals and dazzling fans with his creativity and footwork, his importance had nonetheless diminished by the end of his time at Old Trafford: Nani was loaned to former club Sporting Lisbon last season and has now been moved on.

Turkey provides an exotic location for the continuation of his career and he is joined at his new club by former United teammate Robin van Persie.

 

Abou Diaby (Arsenal to Marseille)

Spending almost a decade under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, France international Abou Diaby never fulfilled his full potential in London.

His Arsenal career was marred by regular injury setbacks that stunted his development and saw the midfielder make just two appearances in two years before he was released by the club.

Rejecting approaches from both West Brom and Liverpool, the talented but fragile 29 year-old opted instead for a move to Marseille.

“What motivated my choice was knowing which club would help me best medically,” Diaby said. “That was really my priority. I did have other offers. I had very, very good contacts with West Brom.”

With ambitions to return to the France set-up, Diaby will receive plenty of support under progressive Chilean manager Marcelo Bielsa.

 

Radamel Falcao (Monaco to Chelsea)

At his peak, Radamel Falcao was arguably the best striker in the world, terrorizing defenders on all continents and winning the Europa League with both Porto and Atletico Madrid.

In Spain the forward was a revelation, before a move to cashed-up French club Monaco saw his career stutter considerably: an injury in early 2014 saw him miss the World Cup in Brazil that year and the player has been a shadow of himself since.

Even a loan move to Manchester United last season couldn’t bring the best out of the Colombian, who struggled with the pace of the game in England. Nonetheless, he has been thrown a lifeline by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who will be hoping to wring a few goals out of the 29 year-old this season.

If Falcao manages to boost his fitness and confidence, it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business by the Portuguese manager.

 

Written by Chris Paraskevas

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Jordan Veretout: Why the Nantes star is another fine Ligue 1 signing for Aston Villa

  By O-Posts Team | July 30, 2024 - 15:41 | , , , , , , , , ,
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Aston Villa seem to be on the Newcastle path as they close in on the fourth arrival from Ligue 1 and arguably the most exciting or as exciting as Amavi - Jordan Veretout.

Veretout was a standout performer in the first half of the 2014/15 season. In the first 18 games he scored six times and grabbed three assists, a praise-worthy feet for any footballer. He was instrumental in helping Nantes stay in the top half of the table. His form dipped towards the second half of the season as he only scored once more along with giving three assists in the next 18 games for Nantes.

But for a player who is still not a finished article – and it would be wrong to say that he is – Veretout did remarkably well last season and just at 22, was a leader for the French side.

He has been linked with Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Newcastle and most recently Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. However, it is Aston Villa who seem to be landing him.

He has made 130 appearances for Nantes in his career which shows how much experience he already has and it is no surprise that a call from Premier League has come his way after a promising second season in top flight.

The Frenchman can play anywhere in the midfield and has been used both ahead and behind the centre midfielder role. Arguably, he is best in a box-to-box role, but he can perform well even when he plays slightly behind in a holding position. He averaged 2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions every 90 minutes last season which shows that he does more than decently in the defensive facet. 1.5 shots, 2 key passes and 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes indicate he is equally good in his natural attacking side of things.

He has got excellent skills and techniques and importantly works very hard. He has great potential, but it is still not yet realized.

Tim Sherwood and Aston Villa need to make Veretout play one role and it should be his preferred playmaker and box-to-box role. With Gueye already there, someone who is developed and perhaps in the peak of his career, it makes no sense to place Veretout in the holding role.

He should play in the heart of the midfield, or slightly ahead, as his style of play can ensure Villa dominate the crucial second third of the pitch. Basically, Veretout can no longer afford to be a jack of all trades. He has to decide or it must be decided for him, where he wants to establish himself in the midfield.

The youngster quietly goes about his game and life and isn’t one who particularly wants the limelight. He wants to focus on his football and break into the senior France side.

Competition is immense at the moment but there is no reason why he won’t get under former Nantes graduate Deschamps, if he can become a regular at Villa.

 

Written by Aakriti Mehrotra

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Inter Milan: Mancini prepares for a pivotal year in delivering Thohir’s ambitious plans

  By O-Posts Team | July 29, 2024 - 19:59 | , , , ,
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It was November 2013 when Massimo Moratti sold a controlling stake in Inter Milan to Erick Thohir, yet the Indonesian magnate believes it is only now, 20 months later, that his presidency is finally ready to begin.

“I believe this is the first true season for my team and also for some of the new management” he told Inter’s in-house TV channel. “Over the last couple of days we got to know each other, but it is most important that the team believe in the project”.

The project, according to Thohir, is to restore Inter to the company of Europe’s elite clubs like they were as recently as the latter part of last decade when they won five straight Serie A titles in a period of dominance that culminated with the Champions League of 2010. Jose Mourinho delivered that triumph and his subsequent exit, sensing the end of an era, was the prelude to years of decline as a result of an ageing squad and Moratti’s under-investment.

To kick-start the renaissance, Thohir has turned to the coach that helped to mould the squad that Mourinho led to the brilliant treble of 2010. Roberto Mancini won three Scudettos and two Coppa Italia titles between 2005 and 2008 and now, after winning silverware in England and Turkey, he is back with Inter and tasked with driving Thohir’s rebuilding plans.

Since Thohir dispensed with Walter Mazzarri last November, Mancini has been backed handsomely, being allowed to bring in Xherdan Shaqiri, Davide Santon and Lukas Podolski in January to arrest an underwhelming season in which they sat in 11th place after their first game back from the winter break.

Despite the mid-season renovation, Mancini oversaw some stuttering form in his half-season in charge and Inter finished eighth, meaning no European football for the second time in three years.

Determined to avoid a repeat, Thohir has granted Mancini a transfer kitty in excess of £50 million which has been used to land Joao Miranda from Atletico Madrid, AS Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, Jeison Murillo from Granada, Barcelona’s right-back Martin Montoya and Stevan Jovetic from Manchester City.

In exchange for his backing, the president has asked for Mancini to deliver a return to Champions League football. “We must qualify for the Champions League next season because this is the reason why we brought in Mancini in November and some top players in our squad extended their contracts this summer“ said Thohir who has also made Nemanja Vidic, Yuto Nagatomo, Marco Andreolli, Francesco Bardi and Shaqiri, who signed for Inter for €15 million just 6 months ago, available for sale.

In Miranda, who joins initially on loan, Inter will get the assuring presence at the back that Vidic was supposed to provide but failed to do so, while Murillo, the promising 23 year old Colombian centre-half who won the best young player award at this summer’s Copa America, will give competition to Juan Jesus and Andrea Ranocchia.

Meanwhile Montoya, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy and winner of three La Liga titles, two Copa Del Reys and a Champions League at the age of 23, will bring his obvious but vastly underused potential to the San Siro, as well as a winning mentality to the problematic position of full-back.

Both Montoya and Miranda join on temporary deals with a view to a permanent move in a clever way to negotiate past restrictions on financial fair play. Both sets of payments will be spread across two years in instalments, and that system of astute accounting, now taking on the moniker of “the Inter Formula”, has freed up funds to be spent on a single marquee signing in the form of Kondogbia who joined for €35 million.

The physical French midfielder, who impressed in his two seasons at Monaco, proving instrumental as they reached the quarter finals of the Champions League in his second season, has been billed by Thohir to have the same influence as Yaya Toure, on whom Mancini built the foundations of his 2012 Premier League title win at Manchester City, who the Nerazzurri tried to sign this summer.

“I believe that Kondogbia can be our Toure and I’m not saying that because Yaya decided against signing for us” said the president.

With the excellent Samir Handanovic retained in goal and a newly bolstered defence given the protection of Kondogbia, the combative Gary Medel and the emerging star Assane Gnoukouri, Inter should manage to reduce the amount of goals they shipped last term-48- the second highest tally in the top 8.

In attack, the arrivals of Jovetic, who struggled for fitness in England but is back in Italy where he thrived for Fiorentina, and Jonathan Biabiany who heads back for a third spell at Inter after his time with the now liquidated Parma, will add incisiveness to a front-line that, without the goals of Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio last term, lacked a cutting-edge.

Fredy Guarin, who will be looking to build on his six goals from the last campaign, will be given creative duties alongside Hernanes and the talented young Croatian Marcelo Brozovic.

Currently on a pre-season tour of China which is designed to help with Thohir’s vision of getting Inter back into the top 10 of football clubs in terms of revenue in time for 2019, it is telling that the Indonesian’s much vaunted project is not just hot air.

Thohir has rung the changes to his commercial department as the club target fresher revenue streams, he has lobbied the league for changes in kick-off time to suit global audiences and is keen to undertake significant renovation work on their San Siro home when AC Milan move out in 2018.

It is an impressive change to the stasis that Inter were under in the final days of Moratti, but Thohir and Mancini will be aware that success on the pitch is the only way to unlock their off-field ambitions.

“I’m confident of our future and the season ahead. We have players capable of challenging for the title” said Mancini after the pre-season defeat to Real Madrid in Guangzhou, but while they may not yet be ready to end the dominance of Juventus, they could certainly be in a position to deliver the Champions League football Thohir craves for the next stage of his project.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Serie A: The League’s Top 9 Best Young Talents to Watch this Season

  By O-Posts Team | July 22, 2024 - 21:15 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Juventus signed the Argentine forward for 32 million euros (£23.4 million) from Sicilian outfit Palermo this summer.

Last season, the 21-year-old scored 13 times for Palermo and provided ten assists - very impressive considering it was his first season in Serie A and was with a relegation-battling side.

Dybala is versatile, athletic and agile, with good technique and an ability to fit into different tactical systems in attack.

I don’t like to make player comparisons but I can understand why many have likened him to his international compatriot, Sergio Aguero.

It will be intriguing to see if Paulo can make that step up with the reigning champions.

With Carlos Tevez departing last season’s Champions League runners-up, he will need to be able to provide spark up front as well as goals.

 

Daniele Rugani (Juventus)

Having initially brought him to Turin on loan in 2012, Juventus took full ownership of the 20-year-old in February for 3.5 million euros to terminate the co-ownership deal that had previously been in effect with Empoli.

Rugani spent 12 years with Empoli, joining them at the age of six and progressing through the youth ranks.

He enjoyed similar success with the Italy age group teams along the way and is regarded as the future of Italy’s defence.

Rugani is more Fabio Cannavaro than Giorgio Chiellini in the fact that he’s not very physical. He’s a classy and elegant defender.

He was the only Empoli outfield player to play every minute of the last campaign and he did so without receiving a single yellow card!

It’s difficult to see him breaking into Juve’s defence next season with Leonardo Bonucci, Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres ahead of him in the pecking order.

Rugani was brought in to replace Angelo Ogbonna, who moved to West Ham United, as back-up.

I just hope that Juve coach Max Allegri gives him an opportunity to shine.

 

Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan)

One of the more known players on this list, mainly due to his transfer links away from Inter - with the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona showing an interest in the Croatian.

The likelihood is that the 21-year-old will remain at Inter after his comments to the Italian media.

“I’ll stay here [Inter], I won’t move,” he said. “That’s what I wanted, that’s what my renewal until 2019 shows. There will be a long relationship between Inter and myself.

“I want to show that I deserve Inter. I want to win with this shirt. Inter is like Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

Kovacic is a modern, attacking midfielder. He doesn’t just stand in a ten-yard zone of space and wait for the ball, he often drops deep to collect it.

He moves wide to create overloads and is willing to get back behind the line of the ball in the defensive phase.

He is a wonderfully creative hub and is very calm and confident on the ball.

His distribution and defence-splitting through balls are what make him one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

 

Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)

Berardi is a forward who is co-owned by Juventus and Sassuolo. He’s been a Sassuolo player since 2012.

He’s now spent two full seasons in Serie A. He netted 14 goals and provided nine assists last season; in 2013-14, he scored 16, with six assists.

Quite an achievement, at 20, to have 30 Serie A goals under your belt in just two seasons.

Berardi is a pacy and versatile forward. It’s been a joy to watch him in the past couple of seasons in Italy and he could prove to be a gem for the Italy national team for many years to come.

A drawback? Probably his disciplinary record. He’s received 23 yellow cards and two red in 60 Serie A appearances.

This is something he must work on and I’m sure he’ll improve with experience.

 

Mattia Perin (Genoa)

Any upcoming young Italian goalkeeper who shows glimpses of promise will probably be hailed as the next “Gigi Buffon”.

Many young keepers find this a huge label and many collapse under this sort of pressure. Thankfully for Italy, this 22-year-old Genoa stopper is not one of them.

I’m not suggesting he is the answer to Italy’s prayers once Buffon eventually retires but there is no doubt Mattia is talented.

He was the third-choice keeper behind Buffon and Salvatore Sirigu in Italy’s disastrous World Cup finals campaign in Brazil last year. He has one senior cap.

Light on his feet and blessed with exceptional reflexes, Perin is a brilliant shot-stopper with a bright future ahead of him.

 

M’Baye Niang (AC Milan)

Niang is a versatile 20-year-old French forward.

He made his debut with Milan in 2012, making 33 league appearances but failing to register any goals.

The following season he was sent out on loan to French side Montpellier and he spent the back end of last term on loan at Genoa, where he impressed with five league goals in 12 games.

Now back at Milan for next season, he’s got a great opportunity to shine under new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Should he get the chance, he must take it because the Rossoneri have signed experienced forwards Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano.

 

Andrea Bertolacci (AC Milan)

Milan signed the 24-year-old midfielder from AS Roma this summer for a hefty 20 million euros.

Bertolacci impressed during his loan stint at Genoa last season, scoring seven goals and registering eight assists.

Signing Bertolacci should inject much-needed creativity into Milan’s midfield. He can play from a central or advanced position, a deeper playmaker or No.10.

He is versatile. He can be more withdrawn, more of a veiled threat, and is not afraid to shoot from afar.

 

Geoffrey Kondogbia (Inter Milan)

Kondogbia is up there with the biggest transfers in Europe this summer. The Frenchman signed for Inter from AS Monaco for around 35 million euros.

Arsenal fans may remember his solid performances for Monaco in the Champions league last season, when the French club knocked out the North London team on away goals in the Round of 16.

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 skilful and has fine ball control. He is able to manoeuvre himself out of danger.

And while capable of taking on players, he understands the merit of a simple pass to keep his team ticking over.

A player of his type was much needed at Inter. The side conceded 48 league goals last campaign … dreadful.

 

Alessio Romagnoli (AS Roma)

Twenty-year-old Romagnoli had a tremendous campaign last season on loan at Sampdoria.

It’s uncertain where the central defender will play this upcoming season, with Milan submitting a bid of 25 million euros, which was rejected.

Arsenal are reported to be interested. Or he may well stay with Roma. Wherever he plays, watch out for him next season.

 

Worthy mentions:-

Juventus: Alvaro Morata, Paul Pogba, Kingsley Coman

Inter Milan: Mauro Icardi

AC Milan: Jose Mauri

Lazio: Ravel Morrison

Udinese: Simone Scuffet

Torino: Daniele Baselli

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Tobias Svendsen: Molde’s wonderkid is a Star in the Making

  By O-Posts Team | July 12, 2024 - 17:11 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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At 14, Tobias Svendsen had to get permission by the Norwegian FA to appear in a third tier game for Molde’s reserve team. Just a year later, he got his debut for the reigning champions in the cup.

The now 15-year-old midfielder is living in the shadow of his 17-year-old brother Sander Svendsen who has established himself in the first team, but Tobias is following not far behind.

 

QUICK FACTS:


Name: Tobias Svendsen
Date of birth: 31.08.2024 – Age: 15
Position: Midfielder
Club: Molde FK

 

Key strengths

His low centre of gravity, exquisite first touch, great understanding of the game and quick feet perfectly fits the bill for a modern central midfielder. He is very capable in small spaces, extremely difficult to get the ball off and is considered to be an aggressive midfielder with decent tackling abilities in defensive positions.

Molde manager Tor Ole Skullerud has on multiple occasions praised Tobias but he is keen to point out that they will not rush his development, especially as he is so young and has more physical growth to do.

“He has all the attributes to become a first team regular here at Molde. He is far ahead of his age in every way. It is still impossible to predict how far he will reach. Tobias has great potential but first he must get peace and quiet to develop,” Skullerud said to Norwegian press.

 

Stats

After Svendsen appeared in the 4-2 win against Rosenborg 2 at the third tier of Norwegian football over a year ago, he got a few appearances during the first team’s pre-season last winter. Then back in April 2015 he was handed his debut for the first team in the first round of the cup, a match Molde in the end won 2-0.

Considered an exceptional talent Svendsen was scouted at the age of 11 by Ajax. In fact, it was the younger of the Svendsen brothers that got the pair on the Dutch club’s radar when he was just 11, which two years later lead to his first of many trips to Amsterdam to train with the club.

For the time being Tobias is only thinking about becoming a better footballer, despite interest from Ajax. Claiming he is ‘too young’ to go professional abroad, Tobias told Norwegian press that it would be difficult to turn down an offer from Ajax ‘in a couple of years’.

“I have been abroad and seen how professional everything is, so yes, it is really tempting. I am too young to do that now, but of course it is a dream. If I receive an offer when I am 17 I would probably accept,” he said.

 

Written by Lars H. Thomesen

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Aymen Abdennour: Why are major European sides eyeing AS Monaco’s quality center-back

  By O-Posts Team | July 8, 2024 - 20:57 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Silly season always brings to the fore some players that are very vigorously in the news throughout. It’s almost traditional. There are of course, the high profile cases of David de Gea, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Ramos but another player has been linked with a move away from his club pretty vehemently, and that is AS Monaco’s Aymen Abdennour. Barcelona, AC Milan, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Juventus, Tottenham and most seriously West Ham have been linked with the player.

The 25 year old was born in Tunisia and started his career at Etoile Sportive du Sahel in 2008. He quickly became a fan favourite despite being pretty young and inexperienced. In Jan 2010, the Tunisian signed a six month loan deal with SV Werder Bremen. The German club did have the option to sign the player permanently but they did not exercise it and the defender returned to his native country.

But a European call wasn’t too far away and just the next year (July 2011), Abdennour signed a long term contract with Ligue 1 side Toulouse. In January 2014, he was snapped up on loan by AS Monaco and his impressive performances for the side meant this club didn’t waste the opportunity and made his signature permanent the following summer.

Last season, he made 24 appearances for Monaco in all competitions and caught the eye of most in an especially impressive performance against Arsenal in the Champions League.

The Tunisian used to play on the wings and in an attacking role in his younger days but has established himself as a central defender now. Because he played on the flanks, he can also be operated in the full-back position if required.

The 25 year-old has been noted for his passing ability. He likes to play short passes and ensures the ball stays with his team, which can be seen by the fact that he has a pass success rate 82.8% in all competitions last season. He can also hold on to the ball with composure, a beneficial trade for any player. He is a strong reader of the game and can help build the game from the back.

The fact that he can maintain his concentration for the entirety of the game also helps matters. He boasts an impressive stature standing over 6 feet 2 inches tall and can bring his physicality into play both in defence and occasionally in offence. His leadership skills along with the fact that he can effectively organize the back-line add to his game.

Combining pace and power, the Tunisian is an impressive defender and it isn’t a surprise so many teams are interested in him although it will be slightly surprising if West Ham land him, given the interest of more elite teams.

Monaco are in no rush to sell and rightly so. West Ham have reportedly been the only team to formalise their offer with a €20m bid. The French side should wait to see if other teams come in and raise the offer for the defender.

If they are willing to sell a solid player, they should at least get good amount for him.

 

Written by Aakriti Mehrotra

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FIFA 16: Three Major Changes in the latest FIFA Installment

  By O-Posts Team | July 7, 2024 - 17:18 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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We expect big changes from the new FIFA 16 as EA has promised a better game after the failure of FIFA 15.

We do not know all the changes that EA has done to improve the game, but we know some of the major changes that we will see in the upcoming new sensation (according to EA at the E3 conference).

 

Women’s Football

Women’s Football is the one big change we are going to see in FIFA 16. EA has announced that they have added twelve women’s national teams in the game and has focused on the female gameplay to make it more accurate as possible.

This is a milestone for FIFA as well as Women’s Football. There are only a very few people who completely follow Women’s Football, but after this everyone buying the game will have a chance to explore it.

Also, it has been reported that EA are planning on making a separate FIFA game for females only from next year. It will only be a great success for the future if the initial Women’s Football in FIFA 16 is as good as the EA claims.

 

New Tactical Defense with Improved Goalkeeping

When EA initially released the first gameplay trailer we were worried that again they were only focusing on adding new features, not fixing previous errors. But then they released the second trailer suggesting they have made some serious changes in the interference engine of the game. These improvements includes a new tactical defending and a more realistic goalkeeping.

The Tactical Defending includes more animatic moves like diving clearance and triangle traps giving the video game simulation a more real life like feel. There are not much changes in goalkeeping, however they have fixed previous bugs like air ball glitch.

 

More Animations and Graphics

We have already talked about more animatic moves in previous section but that is not all there is. The developers have added new stadiums, celebrations, skill moves, interactive crowds, and many other new graphics and animations to make the game compatible with the new interactive engine.

Other graphics includes new menus and modes, which have not been revealed yet.

 

Written by Charchit Dahal

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Geoffrey Kondogbia: Is the Frenchman the right signing for Inter Milan?

  By O-Posts Team | June 22, 2024 - 17:34 | , , , , , , ,
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This week, Internazionale announced the signing of France’s defensive midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco. The fee is believed to be in the region of £25m (€35m).

Inter won the race to sign the highly rated Frenchman. It was Roberto Mancini’s side that managed to beat the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and city rivals, AC Milan.

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani was adamant he’d won his signature:

“Monaco had given us the all-clear for the sale at €40m with payment spread over two years, €20m and €20m. The agreement with Geoffrey had already been sorted and was confirmed by him and his father.

After we exchanged the documentation, everyone disappeared. Evidently they changed their minds or the others offered more.”

This signing makes it even more bittersweet for the Interisti.

So, let’s take a look at the man bought in to boost this Inter side following a poor campaign last season – finishing 8th.

 

Background

At the age of 20, Kondogbia made a move from French outfit Lens to Sevilla for approximately €3m.

It was in Spain where the Frenchman began to make a name for himself. He quickly settled into the side, demonstrating incredible defensive abilities.

His understanding of the game makes him seem much older than he really is. But it is his fearlessness that makes him such a strong defensive-minded performer.

Many pundits were comparing him to Sergio Busquets when he first broke out in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side. I see him as a cross between Patrick Vieira and Claudio Makelele.

At this stage, a host of top European clubs were eyeing him up, including, Barcelona and PSG. But it was Monaco who put in a concrete offer of approximately €25m.

 

What can he offer Inter Milan?

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.

He isn’t known for setting up or scoring goals, the young Frenchman scored just the two league goals for Monaco since 2013.

A player of his type was much needed at Inter. The side conceded 48 league goals last campaign, dreadful.

The club is laying down a marker by signing Kondogbia, it’s a real statement of intent - showing they aren’t afraid to open up the check book.

Regardless of this signing, Inter need to make some more major splashes in the transfer market this summer if they’re to get back into the Champions League.

They need to strengthen the defensive department, because the likes of Andrea Ranocchia and Juan Jesus just aren’t good enough.

Between Kondogbia’s potential, a few more signings and having a full season of head coach Roberto Mancini, the club should be much better positioned to compete for the top three in Serie A.

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Emanuel Mammana: The Future of La Albiceleste’s Defence

  By O-Posts Team | June 13, 2024 - 17:32 | , , , , , ,
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Name: Emanuel Mammana
Club: River Plate
Date of Birth: 10th February 1996
Position: Central defender

Who is he?

Without even kicking a ball for the River Plate first team much was written about young defender Emanuel Mammana after he followed in the esteemed footsteps of another River graduate, Javier Mascherano. Still only nineteen, the persistent rumours of a switch to Europe remain and with many eyes focused on the youngster it would be no surprise to see that happen this summer.

Born in Merlo, just to the west of Buenos Aires, but within the same province, Mammana was quickly snapped up by River Plate’s academy and from a young age was hailed by both club and country as being a defender with enormous potential. After finishing third with the Argentina under-15s at the South American championships in 2011, Mammana stepped up into the under-17s division and two years later helped Argentina to the title on home soil.

The subsequent under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates ended in disappointment after a semi-final defeat to Mexico but Mammana’s defensive quality and composure had caught the eye and he was already being groomed for greater things. At this point the 18-year-old Mammana had not played a single minute for River Plate’s first team, but in 2014 he replicated the achievements of Javier Mascherano by making his first full international appearance before doing so at club level.

Having impressed Alejandro Sabella during the pre-World Cup training camp as part of the sparring team for the squad travelling to Brazil, Mammana was awarded a 15 minute cameo at the end of the friendly against Slovenia. Poetically, Mammana replaced Mascherano to make his Argentina debut and the fleeting appearance only added fuel to the belief that the youngster was the future of La Albiceleste’s defence.

After the World Cup, in October 2014, Mammana made his full River debut when he played against Rosario Central in the Copa Argentina and although he is still not a guaranteed starter under Marcelo Gallardo, his involvement and responsibility has increased. At the beginning of the year, Mammana was the cornerstone of the Argentina under-20 defence that was crowned South American Champions and has since grown in stature at River.

Gallardo opted to play the 19-year-old in favour of the established Gabriel Mercado at right-back in vital Copa Libertadores matches and although there are still moments of recklessness, Mammana has nearly always impressed.

What type of player?

Hailing from a region of the world better known for its attacking flair than its defensive capabilities, Mammana is a typically stylish central defender. The type of player more likely to intercept a pass before carrying the ball fifty yards into the midfield to start an attack rather than sticking his head where it hurts and hacking the ball into the stands.

Immensely comfortable in possession, Mammana strides out of defence with aplomb, rarely looking flustered and providing the initial passes for an attack. Without being the most physical and commanding of defenders his talent lies in his reading of the game and his timely interventions and he has also shown off a decent burst of speed whilst Marcelo Gallardo has tested him at right-back for River.

That being said there is certainly room for improvement, as you would expect from a 19-year-old, as Mammana can still be found guilty of hastiness. En route to winning theunder-20 South American championships there were examples of this that were understandably glossed over by Argentina lifting the trophy but he was also at fault for Cruzeiro’s away goal in the Monumental during this year’s Quarter Final first leg.

Provided this element to his play is gradually phased out and he continues to develop both physically and positionally, Mammana’s potential has no limit.

What next?

Given his list of achievements, his reputation and his young age it is little wonder that Mammana is attracting such attention across Europe. Although more of a natural central defender than Mascherano, all these clubs will be hoping that they can steal a march on their rivals and snap up a player who could develop into someone of El Jefecito’s stature.

Scouts have been intently watching the youngster both with Argentina and with River and the North London rivals of Tottenham and Arsenal have both been linked with moves, as have Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. With the amount of time Mammana has played in the same team as Simeone’s son, Giovani the link of Atleti is an obvious one but perhaps the most likely to come to fruition.

With so few first team matches under his belt a wisely chosen next career step is important. Gradually growing into the River side will undoubtedly aid his development far more than heading to Europe to sit in the reserves somewhere and so maybe a transfer will not come to anything this summer.

However, that move will almost certainly come and Argentina will be hoping Mammana realizes the potential that most believe he has.

 

Written by Peter Coates

Follow Peter on Twitter @golazoargentino

You can check out more of his excellent work on Argentinian football through his website, Golazo Argentino

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Guido Carrillo: Estudiantes’ powerful number nine ready for big Europe step-up

  By O-Posts Team | June 11, 2024 - 00:02 | , , , , , , ,
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Name: Guido Carrillo
Club: Estudiantes
Date of birth: 25th May 1991
Position: Centre Forward

Who is he?

After a match winning brace in the Copa Argentina last week, an emotional Guido Carrillo told reporters: “I cried because this was probably my last match in this shirt that I love so much.” The Estudiantes striker has come through the youth ranks and developed into not only a club icon but one of the best centre-forwards in the Primera. After staying in Argentina considerably longer than most in the modern game, the time has now come for Carrillo to make the step-up to European football.

Born in the town of Magdalena, south along the banks of the Rio de La Plata from the city of La Plata, Guido Carrillo found himself growing up in the catchment area of the Platense giants, Estudiantes and Gimnasia. Thankfully for El Pincha, Carrillo ended up in the red and white and rapidly gained a name for himself in the youth ranks as a striker of considerable potential.

After coming through the various youth divisions of Estudiantes, Carrillo made his first team debut as a second half substitute against Huracan at the tail-end of the 2011 Clausura under interim boss Luis Ceferino Suarez. As a 19-year-old chances were hard to come by but in the following season Carillo notched his first senior goal in a 4-3 win over Argentinos Juniors and gradually over the next year he began to see more and more Primera action.

Up until August 2013 Carrillo had netted 10 times in 60 appearances for the club having largely to settle for a place as back-up to the talented Colombian Duvan Zapata, but when the player signed for Napoli that summer it left Carrillo as Estudiantes’ obvious number nine.

With the new responsibility, Carrillo appeared to develop at a far greater rate and in the 2014 Final, Carrillo netted a career best nine league goals in the 19 matches, only beaten by Mauro Zarate to the title of leading scorer. Rumours already began to surface of interest from abroad given the nature of his performances and this season they have intensified further.

Injuries have hindered his number of appearances domestically but Carrillo led the side to the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores and despite being eliminated in the last 16, he is still among the leading scorers with seven goals from five matches.

What type of player?

Without wanting to wheel out the old cliché ‘he has good feet for a big man’ – Guido Carrillo does in fact have an underrated technical ability to go with his obvious physical advantages as a centre-forward.

At 6 foot 3 inches (1.91 metres) Carrillo is a powerful number nine, capable of playing with his back to goal and bringing others into play but posing a real threat in the penalty area from crosses and set-pieces.

His presence in the attack makes him ideal to play as a lone striker, as has often been the case for Estudiantes in the past year, but he could just as easily play in a 4-4-2 alongside another striker with wingers providing width and delivering crosses into the box.

In the past two weeks, Carrillo has given perfect examples of what he does best with two late headed goals to give Estudiantes a Copa Argentina victory over Santamarina and another towering header to pick up three points against Defensa y Justicia this week. However, to label him simply as a lumbering target man would be to do him a disservice.

His build-up play is good and his movement and positional sense around the penalty area is excellent. Smart runs and being alert around the six-yard box have made Carrillo equally dangerous with the ball into his feet in the penalty box.

Additionally, Carrillo has emerged as a real leader on the pitch for Estudiantes and has captained the side on a number of occasions. He has thrived under the responsibility but importantly for perspective clubs he has shown a mental fortitude that will stand him in good stead for a potentially testing move to Europe.

What next?

As Carrillo himself said, he has most likely now played his last match for Estudiantes so the transfer appears almost certain but the question remains , where to? There is no shortage of interested clubs in the 24-year-old from across Europe.

Porto at this point appear to lead the chase as the Portuguese giants perhaps prepare for life after Jackson Martinez but they are joined by Inter Milan, Monaco, Olympiakos, Anderlecht and Borussia Dortmund.

Few could argue that it is not time for Carrillo to make the move. At 24 years of age, over four years since making his first team debut and over 100 appearances to his name, the striker has earned his move.

In an era where most are snatched up in the teens with only a handful of first-team appearances, Carrillo has developed the right way at his boyhood club to the point where he requires the step-up to continue in his progression.

 

Written by Peter Coates

Follow Peter on Twitter @golazoargentino

You can check out more of his excellent work on Argentinian football through his website, Golazo Argentino

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