Category Archives: Real Madrid

FIFA 16: The Top 10 Best Under-25 Players in the latest FIFA edition

  By O-Posts Team | July 19, 2024 - 07:31 | , , , , , , ,
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HEADS UP: The list is in ascending order.

Are you looking for a young but powerful player to add to your team? If so, then we have a list of the ten highest rated young players (under the age of 25) for you to choose from.

 

David Alaba – Bayern Munich

Overall Rating: 84

Best attribute: 87 rating in Pace

Alaba is just 23, but has managed to become one of the best in his position in the world. The left back has won almost everything with Bayern Munich. He progressed a lot last year, which is reflected in FIFA 16 as he is rated 84.

 

Christian Eriksen - Tottenham

Overall Rating: 84

Best attribute: 88 rating in Passing

Eriksen is one of the best ball passers in FIFA 16. With 9 assists, he was one of the most influential player in Spurs’ squad last year. The Dane, also aged 23, has a potential of 87, which makes him the best Tottenham player in FIFA 16.

 

Antoine Griezmann - Atlético Madrid

Overall Rating: 84

Best attribute: 87 rating in Pace and Dribbling

Griezmann was one of the finest midfielders in La Liga last season. He scored more than 20 goals and assisted a ton. He has awesome stats in Dribbling and Pace making him suitable for a fast game play.

 

Isco – Real Madrid

Overall Rating: 85

Best attribute: 89 rating in Dribbling

The Real Madrid midfielder was brilliant for the Los Blancos when their top midfielders were out injured. He played an outstanding role to cover up their void that he could possible grab a starting role next season. His performance has also increased his FIFA stats from 83 to 85.

 

Paul Pogba - Juventus

Overall Rating: 86

Best attribute: 89 rating in Physical

Pogba is probably one of few bright midfielders who of which we are sure that they will grow into a great player. His constant improvement each season has seen him become close to among the best in the game. In his FIFA career however, he has almost doubled his stats having started at 47 in FIFA 11.

 

Mario Gotze – Bayern Munich

Overall Rating: 86

Best attribute: 91 rating in Dribbling

Gotze has always been lucky. He scored the last minute World Cup final goal, he moved to Bayern Munich in just the right time to win the treble, and he has an almost constant rating in FIFA series for three years. With 91 rating in Dribbling, the German midfielder is among one of the most expensive in FUT 16.

 

James Rodriguez – Real Madrid

Overall Rating: 87

Best attribute: 86 rating in Passing and Dribbling

After his brilliant World Cup performance, EA sports increased his 85 rating to 88 in FIFA 15. In the latest version he has an 87 rating because he was out injured most of the season. He however has a lot more potential than he had in FIFA 15.

 

Thibaut Courtois – Chelsea

Overall Rating: 87

Best attribute: 90 rating in Reflexes

The Chelsea goal stopper has managed to kick Cech out of the club because of his game changing goalkeeping. He helped his side win the Premier League this season making him one of the best players in the Premier League last season. His FIFA stats has boosted from 84 to 87 with a potential rating of 89.

 

Neymar - Barcelona

Overall Rating: 89

Best attribute: 93 rating in Dribbling

The former Santos’ attacker won the treble with Barcelona this year. He was very influential as he managed to score more than 20 goals. He will be one of the best attackers in FIFA 16 who is going to be sold probably hundreds of thousands of times.

 

Eden Hazard - Chelsea

Overall Rating: 89

Best attribute: 94 rating in Dribbling

Finally, the best young player in FIFA 16 is Eden Hazard. The Chelsea winger was at his absolute best last year for the Blues winning the Premier League and Capital One Cup. His FIFA stats has boosted from 86 to 89 making him one of the best in the game. Because he is young and dynamic, he will likely be the most sold player in FUT 16.

 

Written by Charchit Dahal

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Augusto Batalla: The Argentine stopper that might provide a long-term solution for Real Madrid

  By O-Posts Team | July 17, 2024 - 17:51 | , , , , , ,
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He might not be much of a household name given he is yet to make his senior debut at club level yet, but if River Plate and Argentina’s young goalkeeper Augusto Batalla makes the strongly rumoured switch to Real Madrid then expect to hear a lot more about the 19-year-old.

 

Who is Augusto Batalla?

Born in the neighbourhood of Hurlingham, just west of Buenos Aires, Batalla has been part of River Plate’s youth sides since childhood and despite not appearing for the first team yet is considered by coaches in Argentina to be a player of enormous potential after starring for the Albiceleste under-17s and under-20s.

In 2011, having already caught the attention of coaches whilst playing for River, Batalla travelled to Uruguay for the under-15 South American Championship under the guidance of Miguel Angel Lemme. This was the beginning of a long running connection with the Argentine youth sides and although La Albiceleste could only finish third, Batalla had cemented his position as the number one.

It was in 2013 when Batalla really made scouts take notice when he and has teammates from the under-15s stepped up to under-17 level and lifted the South American Championship on home soil. A month later, River travelled to Spain for the under-17 World Club Championships and it is reported that it was in this tournament that Madrid first began chasing the youngster’s signature.

Real Madrid actually defeated River in the group stage but both sides qualified for the knockout stages where River then defeated Barcelona and Atletico Madrid en route to being crowned champions. Batalla kept clean sheets in both matches and was the penalty hero in the semi-final against Barcalona before being named the goalkeeper of the tournament.

Later in the year Argentina under-17s travelled to the United Arab Emirates for the World Cup but lost in the semi-final to a strong Mexican side. However, that was not to be the end of Batalla’s success in national colours as this January, the under-20s captured the South American Championship.

With three clean sheets from the five matches in the final round, Batalla was of huge importance to the side and although World Cup disappointment followed, the 19-year-old has been earmarked for future success having come through all the youth sides.

 

Are Madrid really looking to tie up a deal?

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Real Madrid have been tracking Batalla since witnessing his display in the Club World Championship for River in 2013 and a deal has been strongly rumoured ever since.

River president Rodolfo D’onofrio confirmed this link earlier this year and was quoted as saying: “The contract hasn’t been signed yet but in June, Batalla will to to Madrid on a one-year loan, with an option to buy for a large sun.”

This deal hasn’t yet been finalized but the interest is very real. River, like all Argentine clubs, are in desperate need of money as the monthly costs of running the club sees them run at a loss, only to be balanced by player sales.

As much potential as Batalla may have he is yet to have any impact at first team level. The number one spot is filled by the hugely reliable Marcelo Barovero and with the reported figure being touted as high as €10 million it is little wonder that D’onofrio is willing to let Batalla go.

There are few clubs in world football who are able to spend that type of money on a promising young player, who will not be considered for the first team for a number of years but Real are one of them.

 

What will Batalla bring to Madrid?

Well, at this point Batalla will bring nothing more than potential as he will make no impression on the Real Madrid first team for a little while. The idea is that he would go straight into Zinedine Zidane’s Castilla squad alongside the talented Norwegian talent Martin Odegaard but the hope would be that with the correct development, Madrid would have a top goalkeeper for many years.

At six feet two inches, Batalla is not the tallest goalkeeper but is an agile shot stopper and a decent enough penalty box presence at youth level.

With the reported interest of Real Madrid such common knowledge, Batalla’s under-20 coach Humberto Grondona said in January: “Real Madrid are guaranteed a goalkeeper with a brilliant future. Augusto has everything he could need to go continue making progress. It is not just that he has the footballing qualities that make him stand out from the rest, but also that as a person he is very mature for his age.”

Of course, signing any young player comes with no guarantee but Grondona is correct in saying that Batalla has all the tools to be a top goalkeeper.

A move to Real would be a testing one, but would be a wonderful place to develop to the level of world class that Madrid and Argentina would be hoping.

 

Written by Peter Coates

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Iker Casillas: A Tribute to a Real Madrid Legend - Why Did It End Like This?

  By O-Posts Team | July 15, 2024 - 17:19 | , , ,
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After 25 years, the Real Madrid chapter of the Iker Casillas story has finally come to an end. Unfortunately, this particular football tale did not finish with the ending that it deserved. And what should have been a glorious departure after a trophy-laden career, ended with a quiet exit through the back doors of the Bernabeu.

The last days of Iker Casillas could not have been more different to those of Xavi Hernandez, who recently left arch rivals Barcelona amid a fanfare of unbridled appreciation. So why did it end in such a bittersweet way for the man they called ‘The Saint”?

In truth, the Casillas story was allowed to go on far too long. There is normally a right time to leave; an optimum moment when you call it day and everyone involved agrees that the time is right, and for the former Real Madrid goalkeeper, that time had long since past.

From the moment that the club legend became the central figure in a dressing room soap opera that began following the arrival of Jose Mourinho in 2010, the writing was on the wall. After being dropped to the bench and with most of the fanbase still on his side, Casillas could have left in the summer of 2013 with his head held high and with Mourinho painted as the pantomime villain.

As it happened, Mourinho was the one to leave that summer and Saint Iker remained, bound by his loyalty and affection for a club that had been his home since 1990. With the Portuguese coach gone, Casillas probably thought that it would be business as usual in the Spanish capital but he soon discovered that he had another adversary to contend with - his form.

Despite his vast experience, the keeper did not always react well to pressure and criticism from the fans. The events that occurred under Mourinho led to a few dissenting voices amongst the fans and the Madrid man was desperate to get the crowd back on his side. However, a string of mistakes in front of goal the following year had exactly the opposite effect and the questioning voices grew louder. Of course, every mistake made at Madrid is a high profile one and with each fumble or failed attempt to punch the ball, the more intensely his performances became scrutinised.

Once the Madrid fans, the Spanish press and certain members of the clubs hierarchy started to doubt the captain of the world’s biggest club, there was only going to be one outcome.

And so it became that Real Madrid said goodbye to a servant of 25 years via a message on their website and the humble player left the stadium quietly and tearfully in the dead of night. Since the completion of his transfer to Porto, Real Madrid have made efforts to arrange a tribute match between the two clubs. This has been seen as a token gesture by some cynics, who have criticised the way that the club handled the whole episode. However, club president Florentino Perez has insisted that they always wanted to arrange a proper send-off but that the player himself wanted a low-key exit.

While the story did not have the happy ending it deserved, and with many fans seemingly glad to see the back of a man who was once seen as a hero, his achievements should never be forgotten. During the Galactico era at Real Madrid, the lad from Mostoles provided that vital local connection to the fans. And as an ever-present in the golden generation of Spain’s national team, Casillas was a major force in uniting a dressing room made up of the countries fiercest rivals.

During all this, he accumulated a haul of trophies that would be the envy of most footballers that have ever played the game.

Here are just a few examples of his major achievements as a professional:

Real Madrid:

  • La Liga: 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2011–12
  • Copa del Rey: 2010–11, 2013–14
  • Supercopa de Espana: 2001, 2003, 2008, 2012
  • UEFA Champions League: 1999–2000, 2001–02, 2013–14
  • UEFA Super Cup: 2002, 2014
  • FIFA Club World Cup: 2014
  • Intercontinental Cup: 1998, 2002

Spain:

  • FIFA World Cup: 2010
  • UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012

Individual:

  • FIFA World Cup Golden Glove: 2010
  • FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2010
  • UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012
  • UEFA Team of the Year: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
  • FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
  • La Liga Best Goalkeeper: 2009, 2012
  • Zamora Trophy: 2007–08
  • Best European Goalkeeper: 2010

 

Written by Neil Morris

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FIFA 16: The Top 10 Defenders in the latest FIFA edition

  By O-Posts Team | July 14, 2024 - 16:54 | , , , , , , , ,
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FYI: 1 is Lowest, 10 is the highest

Defenders in FIFA 16 or any other video game simulation are very vital to your team’s overall performance in the game.

We have listed a bunch of top defenders in FIFA 16 so that you can improve your team and therefore your performance.

 

1. John Terry

Overall Rating: 83

Best attribute: 84 in Defending

The veteran captain has had very consistent overall ratings in FIFA games. For three years in a row, his rating has been 83.

He is one of the best defenders in England and is very famous among English gamers.

 

2. Nicolás Otamendi

Overall Rating: 83

Best attribute: 87 in Defending

Otamendi was one of the most consistent defenders in La Liga this season. Because of his form, Manchester United and a few other English sides are keeping a close eye on him.

A move to the Premier League would make this brilliant defender very popular in FUT 16.

 

3. Mehdi Benatia

Overall Rating: 85

Best attribute: 89 in Defending

The Morocco international was brilliant for Bayern Munich this season making some crucial defending in the back.

The boost in his FIFA stats is going to make him popular this year.

 

4. Vincent Komapny

Overall Rating: 85

Best attribute: 87 in Defending and Physical

Kompany has insane defending and physical stats in FIFA 16 making him one of the powerful player to have in your team.

He is also good with headers, which is why most FUT players would want him in their team as he can prove to be a threat in set-piece situations.

 

5. Jerome Boateng

Overall Rating: 85

Best attribute: 86 rating in Defending

Boateng was one of the most successful defenders in the 2014-15 season. He made some game changing tackles and stops to make a name for himself.

He is going to be famous in the latest version of FIFA as his stats have significantly improved.

 

6. Diego Godin

Overall Rating: 85

Best attribute: 88 in Defending

Degio Godin had a really successful season with Atlético Madrid which has resulted in a boost in his ratings in FIFA 16. He previously had a rating of 83.

 

7. Gerard Pique

Overall Rating: 86

Best attribute: 88 rating in Defending

Pique’s rating in FIFA 16 has declined from FIFA 15, despite an excellent season for Barcelona this year.

With a potential of 88, he is going to be popular among Spanish players.

 

8. Mat Hummels

Overall Rating: 86

Best attribute: 87 rating in Defending

World Cup winner for Germany, Hummels did not quite have a great season with his club. He conceded a lot of goals and made some silly mistakes.

But despite that, he has an 86 rating in FIFA 16.

 

9. Sergio Ramos

Overall Rating: 87

Best attribute: 88 rating in Defending

The Spanish centre back is one of the best defender in La Liga. He had such a good record last year that Manchester United want to sign him.

Ramos is already famous among FIFA gamers, but a move to Manchester United could make him even more popular.

 

10. Thiago Silva

Overall Rating: 88

Best attribute: 90 rating in Defending

Thiago Silva is the best defender in FIFA 16. The PSG defender did not have the best season last term, but he still has all the required attributes to make him the best.

He was the most traded player in FIFA 15 FUT and it would not be a surprise if he is once again.

 

Written by Charchit Dahal

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Lee Seung-Woo: Will the Barca prodigy be the next Messi or the next Freddy Adu?

  By O-Posts Team | July 14, 2024 - 15:21 | , , , , , , ,
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In early July, Lee Seung-Woo was promoted to Barcelona’s B-side, along with his compatriot Paik Seung-Ho.

Dubbed ‘The Korean Messi’, Lee has the footballing hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders, as they hope that he can grow up to be the world-class creative talent that Korea has so far struggled to produce.

Lee’s transfer to Barcelona in 2011 broke FIFA rules, and was one of the reasons behind Barcelona’s recent transfer embargo. Unfortunately for Lee, it has also meant that he is banned from playing competitively for Barcelona until his eighteenth birthday in January 2016.

He would however be able to play competitively if he were sold to a different club, leading to speculation in the past that he might join Liverpool, Chelsea, or even Barca’s biggest rivals Real Madrid, although a transfer now looks unlikely.

Despite not being able to play competitively for his club, he has been able to play for his country, representing them at various youth levels.

His most impressive performance was at the AFC Under-16 championships in Thailand where he scored five goals, including one where he dribbled the ball half the length of the pitch before scoring against Japan, and won player-of-the-tournament as South Korea reached the final where they lost to North Korea.

He made his debut for the Under-18’s in the Suwon JS Cup in May this year. However, he was unable to have as much of an impact at this level than he has at previous levels, and it was his Barcelona team-mate Paik Seung-Ho who impressed the critics with his passing ability instead.

Lee’s quiet performance suggests that he still has a long way to go before he is ready for the Barcelona first team, and his ban on playing competitively may slow down his progress.

But while some footballing prodigies such as Freddy Adu never quite make it at the highest level, footballing experts generally agree that Lee Seung-Woo has the potential to become a world-class player in the future.

 

Written by Steven Price

Check out more of his work on everything South Korean football at the excellent K-League Footy

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FIFA Ballon D’Or: Can you name the top 10 nominees for the award since 2000?

  By O-Posts Team | July 12, 2024 - 21:27 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Created by Sporcle

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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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FIFA 16: The Top 10 Potential New Legends in the latest FIFA edition

  By O-Posts Team | July 11, 2024 - 12:00 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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HEADS UP: 1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest

FIFA 16 has already created a huge buzz in the gaming world and is probably the best sports game of the year. Inclusion of Legends in both Xbox and Play Station has played a great deal in bringing this success.

Let’s find out who are the Top 10 Potential New Legends added to FIFA 16.

 

1. David Beckham – Right Midfielder

Overall Rating: 89

Best attribute: 92 rating in Passing

Beckham played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan among other top clubs. He won six Premier League titles, one Champions League title and 12 other club honours in his career which solidifies his status as a legend of the game.

 

2. Oliver Khan – Goalkeeper

Overall Rating: 90

Best attribute: 91 rating in Reflexes and Positioning

Khan has won eight Bundesliga titles, one Champions League title and was Europe’s best goal keeper for four consecutive years. He was also voted the World Cup’s best player in 2002 — the first and so far only keeper to ever claim that accolade.

 

3. Raul – Striker

Overall Rating: 90

Best attribute: 92 rating in Shooting

Real Madrid legend has records for most appearances and goals for the Los Blancos. He has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League titles making him his career a greatly rewarding one.

 

4. Thierry Henry - Striker

Overall Rating: 91

Best attribute: 92 rating in Shooting and Pace

The French superstar had a successful career in France, England and Spain. He scored a total of 360 goals in his career and has won the World Cup and league titles from each country he’s played in. He is a definite legend to look forward to in FIFA 16.

 

5. George Best – Left Winger

Overall Rating: 92

Best attribute: 92 rating in Pace and Dribbling

The Manchester United legend is one of the best players to have ever played in England. He won the Player of the Year and was voted the greatest Northern Irish player ever. Having scored more than 200 goals for Manchester United, he is going to be popular among Man United’s FIFA 16 fans.

 

6. Zinedine Zidane – Central Attacking Midfielder

Overall Rating: 93

Best attribute: 99 rating in Heading

Zidane is the most influential playmaker the world has ever seen. He won three Player of the Year awards and one Ballon d’Or among other honors as a player. He is going to create a buzz among FIFA 16’s Real Madrid fans as well as any average fan of the beautiful game.

 

7. Eusebio – Striker

Overall Rating: 93

Best attribute: 94 rating in Dribbling

A record of eleven Primeira Liga and a memorable World Cup showing in 1966 makes Eusebio Portugal’s second best player after Ronaldo. It was a shame he was not included in the previous versions of FIFA.

 

8. Ronaldo – Striker

Overall Rating: 93

Best attribute: 94 rating in Shooting

The Brazilian Legend has won many individual awards for his contribution to world football. With an overall of 93, he will be one of the most traded players in FUT 16.

 

9. Johan Cruyff

Overall Rating: 93

Best attribute: 94 rating in Dribbling

The Ajax and Barcelona legend has won three consecutive European Player of the Year awards, which definitely seals his mark as one of the greatest ever. Dutch gamers will be looking forward to seeing him in FIFA 16.

 

10. Diego Maradona

Overall Rating: 95

Best attribute: 97 rating in Dribbling

A 95 overall rating is the best rating (Pele also has 95) there is for a player in FIFA 16 Legend. The Argentine has had a hugely successful professional career and now he will be joining rival Pele in FIFA 16 as a Legend.

 

Written by Charchit Dahal

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Lucas Biglia: Could the Lazio star add some steel to Man United or Real Madrid’s midfield?

  By O-Posts Team | July 10, 2024 - 12:50 | , , , , , , ,
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It is easy to notice some players whether it be as a result of a spectacular goal, a dazzling display of skill, a defence-splitting pass or a goal-saving challenge but Argentina and Lazio’s midfield engine Lucas Biglia is known for none of these things.

Unassuming and quiet, Biglia may never steal the headlines, but he has proven his qualities time and time again and after playing an integral role in Lazio’s return to the Champions League and cementing a place in the Argentina national side.

A gradual development since his early playing days with Argentinos Juniors now has Biglia linked with two of the biggest clubs in world football but why are both reportedly ready to open their cheque books?

 

Who is Lucas Biglia?

Hailing from the town of Mercedes, 100 Km west of Buenos Aires capital, Lucas Biglia was quickly spotted playing for his local side and incorporated into the renowned academy of Argentinos Juniors. Before making his debut in La Paternal, Biglia had already tasted success with Argentina’s under-17s when he was part of the squad that won the South American Championships in 2003 and he later captained the side to a third place finish in the under-17 World Championship, scoring in the 3-2 semi-final defeat to Spain.

Biglia’s professional debut for Argentinos followed shortly as they gained promotion back to the Primera but at the end of the following campaign, Biglia made the switch to one of the so-called ‘Big Five’ in Independiente. In the same year, Biglia avenged the 2003 under-17 semi-final defeat by helping Argentina under-20s to world glory alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay in the Netherlands.

Eventually after continuing to impress with Independiente, Biglia made the step up to European football with Belgian side Anderlecht paying around €3 million for the 20-year-old ahead of Spanish clubs, Valencia and Villarreal.

It did not take long for Biglia to establish himself at the heart of the Anderlecht midfield and after helping the club to the title in his debut season, the number five was also named Young Professional Footballer of the Year. The club was unable to defend the title the following season but it did not prevent Biglia from being linked with a host of big clubs across Europe.

In spite of the continued speculation, Biglia remained in Belgium for seven seasons, notching close to 300 appearances and lifting four league titles. That is not to say that the continued rumours didn’t affect Biglia with his relation with supporters at times strained over his desire to leave and test himself in another league.

That opportunity finally arose in July 2013 fresh off winning another Belgian title, when Lazio provided a route out and a step up to Serie A. The switch to one of Europe’s top leagues did not faze the defensive midfielder and the Rome based club have steadily improved, culminating in them finishing third last season and returning to the Champions League.

Making the most of the opportunity to replace Fernando Gago in Argentina’s midfield has only enhanced Biglia’s reputation but whether it is for La Albiceleste or for Lazio, his understated work often goes unnoticed surrounded by more highlight-reel-friendly attacking players.

Every side, however, needs someone to do the less glamorous jobs and so this summer might just see Biglia take another step in his career progression.

 

Could Madrid or Man Utd turn to Biglia in midfield?

Biglia is no stranger to transfer rumours, but at 29 years of age he is now perhaps running out of time if he is to represent one of Europe’s biggest clubs and as such it is unsurprising to find him at the centre of such speculation again this summer.

Unlike the dazzling displays of Brazilian Felipe Anderson or Italian international Antonio Candreva, Biglia went somewhat under the radar during Lazio’s very positive 2014/15 season but it has not prevented Manchester United and Real Madrid being strongly linked with the Argentine defensive midfielder. It is little wonder with a Champions League campaign to prepare for that Lazio are keen to retain the services of their number five.

Italian newspaper Il Messaggero claims that a lucrative new deal has already been tabled but Biglia’s agent, Enzo Montepaone has so far kept his cards close to his chest: “Soon I will be in Italy to speak to (Lazio president Claudio) Lotito. I am not giving too much space to the rumours (of a new contract). I will shortly speak with the club’s leadership and then we will see.”

Lazio may well need a bumper new deal to keep hold of Biglia if the rumoured offers from Manchester and Madrid are anything to go by. The values vary but United have been credited with an £18.6 million bid and Rafa Benitez almost immediately made Biglia a Real Madrid target after taking over this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Lazio are holding out for in excess of £21 million (€30 million) but Real are confident of striking a deal for less than this amount. Biglia may not be the most obvious Real Madrid signing given his lack of flair but just as he would in Manchester, he could provide an excellent ball-playing shield in front of the defence.

 

What would Biglia bring to either side?

Solidity and efficiency would be two words that Lucas Biglia would bring to any side and perhaps these are not the most eye-catching of terms and somewhat downplay his role but nonetheless they are crucial.

Since partnering Javier Mascherano for Argentina, the national side has looked far more compact and Gerardo Martino admitted during the Copa America that with Biglia, as opposed to Ever Banega or a more forward thinking midfielder, Argentina are a more solid outfit. At club level, it is very much the same with Biglia allowing those more attacking midfielders to enjoy the freedom while he sits deeper.

The statistics back this up too, with only Udinese’s Brazilian midfielder Allan averaging more tackles per match in Serie A last season. However, Biglia is not the destroyer type of defensive midfielder and although his timely interceptions and tackles are a feature of his game so too is his passing. Only three players averaged more passes per match than Biglia and yet he still maintained a pass completion rate of 88%.

Despite having a good range of passing, Biglia focuses more on efficiency and protecting possession of the ball. Knowing when and who to give the ball to but also when to hold is a vital part of the central midfield and Biglia not only excels in this department but is also comfortable when asked to push further forward.

Madrid have a wealth of attacking options available and perhaps could benefit from a player willing to sit and do the ‘simpler’ tasks while Manchester United are continuing to build a side that could mount a serious title challenge. With Michael Carrick’s career slowing down and injuries taking a toll, Biglia could provide an important role in front of Louis van Gaal’s defence.

Will either actually come back to Lazio with a firm offer? Who knows, but both could do a lot worse than signing Lucas Biglia.

 

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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FIFA 16: The Top 10 Highest Rated Players in the latest FIFA edition

  By O-Posts Team | July 9, 2024 - 19:16 | , , , , , ,
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The 2014-15 season was great for many players as they achieved new levels of greatness at individual and club level. Barcelona won the treble, Germany won the World Cup and Ronaldo scored more than 60 goals yet again.

Let’s see how our top player’s performances in the 2014/15 season has influenced their ratings in FIFA 16.

 

1. Lionel Messi

Overall rating: 94

Best attribute: 97 rating in Dribbling

Lionel Messi is the best player in FIFA 16 as he was brilliant with his club Barcelona in the 2014-15 season. He played a vital role in Barcelona’s treble which is reflected in his ratings in FIFA 16.

 

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Overall rating: 93

Best attribute: 93 rating in Pace, Shooting and Dribbling

Ronaldo who won two consecutive FIFA Player of the Year award is the second highest rated player in FIFA 16. His second best personal record of 62 goals this season helped him close the difference between his and Messi ratings.

 

3. Arjen Robben

Overall rating: 90

Best attribute: 94 rating in Pace

The Dutch winger is again the third highest rated player in yet another FIFA game. His overall of 90 proves that the 31-year old is still brilliant for his club and country.

 

4. Luis Suarez

Overall rating: 90

Best attribute: 89 rating in Shooting and Dribbling

Luis Suarez was brilliant for his new club Barcelona despite missing out the first 15 games. He scored more than 30 goals in less than 25 games making him one of the most dangerous strikers in FIFA as well as in real life.

 

5. Eden Hazard

Overall rating: 89

Best attribute: 92 rating in Dribbling

Hazard helped Chelsea win the English Premier League this season. There was hardly any game where the Belgian play-maker did not influence the game. This has resulted in his stats to boost up in FIFA 16.

 

6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Overall rating: 89

Best attribute: 90 rating in Shooting

Despite being out of form in his opening matches for PSG, Ibrahimovic was still a useful outlet for the Ligue 1 champions with 19 league goals in just 23 matches last season. This has helped benefit his shooting stat in FIFA 16.

 

7. Manuel Neuer

Overall rating: 89

Best attribute: 92 rating in Kicking

The World Cup winning goalkeeper has the most clean sheets in Europe making him the best goalkeeper in the world. He has an overall of 89 in FIFA 16 because of that record.

 

8. Neymar Jr

Overall rating: 88

Best attribute: 93 rating in Dribbling

Another FC Barcelona player to make it as one of the best players in FIFA 16. The 22-year old helped his side win the treble scoring 38 goals this season. He is going to be one of the most transferred players in FIFA 16 as he is young and dynamic.

 

9. Phillip Lahm

Overall rating: 88

Best attribute: 88 rating in Defending

The German veteran is an all-rounder who can play in various part of the pitch. This special trait has made him one of the most versatile player in the world. With his 88 overall ranking, Lahm is definitely going to be one of the most popular players in the game.

 

10. Gareth Bale

Overall rating: 88

Best attribute: 93 rating in Pace

Last but not least, the world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale is the tenth best player in FIFA 16. His overall ranking of 88 makes him one of the most dangerous sprinters in the game.

 

 

Written by Charchit Dahal

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