Every self-respecting football fan is well aware of Fernando Torres' sad decline over the last four years. He went from being a Euro 2008 winning player. And match-winner in that final, to a misfiring shell of his former self. While, I believe we saw a slight resurgence of Torres under Rafa's brief stewardship, it was nothing to get too excited about. More importantly, he'd show signs of class but that'd quickly disappear. However since returning 'home' to the Vincente Calderon, a new wave of optimism has been borne. His two goals against Real Madrid have largely contributed to this. In his … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2015
Sevilla’s fine form
Top of the La Liga form table during the last six games, picking up 16 points out of the possible 18, the oldest club in Seville are on fantastic form. Upon facing Valencia at the weekend, Sevilla sit 4th in the table behind Atletico and Barcelona and just six points from leaders Real Madrid. Their top scorer, Carlos Bacca, is also 4th in the standings for the La Liga golden boot. … [Read more...]
La Liga Title Race: Mid-Season Check-in
With half of the La Liga season completed, the table is shaping up to look exactly what everyone thought it would. Currently Real Madrid (with a game in hand) sits atop of the table, one point ahead of their rivals Barcelona and 4 points ahead of last year’s winners, Atletico Madrid. All three teams are still alive in the Champions League and after next week’s Copa Del Rey matchup between Barca and Atletico, only one team will remain in that competition. Therefore, with 19 more games to be played (20 for Real Madrid) all three teams are more or less on even ground and can control their own … [Read more...]
Neymar leads this week’s La Liga team of the week
Legendary penalty stopper Diego Alves made yet again a crucial save from 12 yards out, to keep Valencia on top in the biggest game of Match Round 20. Valencia – who were leading 2-0 at some point – were at risk of being pegged-back after Sevilla got a second penalty in less than five minutes, but the Brazilian stepped-up big a second time to keep Los Che in the lead and ahead of their Andalusian rivals. Valencia went on to win 3-1 to leapfrog Sevilla on La Liga table. … [Read more...]
Liverpool Transfers: Reds want £17m Barca keeper
Liverpool are monitoring the situation of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen ahead of a reported £17 million transfer this January. According to the Daily Star, the Reds want to bring in the German either on loan or permanently to solve their current goalkeeping nightmare. Current number one Simon Mignolet has been heavily criticised this season for a series of errors, leading to him being benched at the end of 2014. Liverpool want ter Stegen to become their new number one for the forseeable future. It is thought that Barcelona have similar intentions for 22-year-old ter Stegen, who … [Read more...]
Newcastle closing in on 18-year-old Spaniard
Newcastle United are hoping to complete a deal for Racing Santander forward David Concha soon, after the youngster made the trip to Tyneside last month. The club are in advanced talks with Concha, who was shown around the training ground by Ayoze Perez and watched the Tyne-Wear derby with his parents during the visit, and could loan the youngster back to Racing for the remainder of the season. Concha can also play on the wing and has been impressive in the Segunda Division for Racing this season. Summer recruit Perez, who has made a decent impact since joining the club, also came from … [Read more...]
Arsenal Transfers: Illarramendi a target
Asier Illarramendi is reportedly a target for Arsenal, but the midfielder may have to wait until the summer to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium. Illarramendi has been linked with a number of clubs after struggling to break into the team this season, with Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Inter Milan leading the chase to sign him. However, Marca has today reported that Arsenal are monitoring the 24-year-old's situation, but won't be signing him until the summer. This is because Arsene Wenger is focussed on bringing in a defender rather than any other player, making steady progress in … [Read more...]
Man Utd Transfer News: De Gea agent sparks Madrid rumours
David De Gea's agent Jorge Mendes has been quoted in a Spanish newspapers saying that the goalkeeper's situation could change with Real Madrid keen on him. There has been plenty of speculation that Madrid want to negotiate a swap deal involving Gareth Bale, and Mendes has not denied the prospect of this happening. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Mendes said, "I do not know the future, things change every five minutes. We all know that in football nothing is impossible. "David is a Manchester United player and has a contract. You have to respect that." De Gea has one year left to run on his … [Read more...]
Moyes plotting transfer moves for Everton & Spurs stars
David Moyes is looking to the Premier League for potential transfers to strengthen his Real Sociedad side. Steven Pienaar and Etienne Capoue are reported targets for the Scot, whilst Joel Campbell is also on his radar. Any deal for those players is only likely to be on a temporary basis with cash tight at the Anoeta. Both Pienaar and Capoue have seen their playing action limited this season and Moyes is hoping they would prefer swapping the bench for a stint in Northern Spain. Campbell, who previously played in La Liga with Real Betis, is another target but could choose to link up with a … [Read more...]
Messi stars in our La Liga team of the week
The 2014/2015 season finally hit the halfway mark, with Real Madrid getting the unofficial title of winter champions after they completed a hard-fought but comprehensive win away at Getafe. There were also wins for title contenders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, while European football hopefuls Valencia, Sevilla and Villareal enjoyed a great weekend too. No surprises that this round’s best XI is largely influenced by players from these clubs. … [Read more...]