Opposition Opinion:Do not underestimate Steve Clarke’s influence at Liverpool

Many of the opposition fans will be gloating at Liverpool losing Fernando Torres, their string of poor results and spending 35 mil on Andy Carroll.

But for me, the most significant signing is actually Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke was on the coaching staff at Chelsea since their reign under Mourinho. He is very popular among Chelsea fans and not underrated because a lot of people saw how important he is.

When he left Chelsea for West Ham, it seems that Chelsea’s record also got worse.

Steve Clarke’s last seventeen league games at Chelsea
Wins: 11
Draws: 6
Losses: 0
Points per game: 2.29

The seventeen league games since Steve Clarke left
Wins: 9
Draws: 5
Losses: 3
Points per game: 1.88

This might or might not be attributed to him. Under West Ham he has a mixed record. But one of the first few people Dalglish got on board was Clarke.

In their recent game where they won 2-0 vs Stoke (Zonal Marking tactical coverage here), there is a major change in formation to accommodate the opposition.

To me, this is very radical especially for a team trying to find form and settle down.

I think for Manchester United to beat them again, they have to be wary about this coach.

Gary Neville:Industrious, Determined Passionate and Cross Master!

Gary Neville will retire from Football this week at the age of 35. What do I remember best about this fullback:

Heart:

Who can forget that celebration in a classic match against an intense opponent.

Gary Neville for me is one of the most effective defenders. He is never a flair player. Can’t beat his man for shitz, but he just hones his fundamentals

1. Reading of the game
2. Timing the tackles
3. Choosing to attack and defend at the right time
4. Optimizing his fitness
5. Changing his game
6. Working on his devastating range of crosses

On the last point, take a look at how much width Manchester United gets from his range of crosses. Knowing the man that he is, some of his crosses were switch to his weaker left foot!

People say that David Beckham is a great crosser but I think that Gary Neville have learnt the art of crossing from his good friend as well.

Nani is morphing into Ronaldo’s Free Role

Nani is turning out to be one of Manchester United’s player of the season and this match against Aston Villa show that what Alex Ferguson sees him as more of a free player rather than an orthodox winger.

The Stretty Rant has a nice take no this:

One feature of Nani’s game that can infuriate is his inconsistency when shooting. Recently he’s been having efforts on goal but getting few on target. His poor shooting was at it’s worst against Birmingham recently when 6 out of 8 efforts were off target. Last night however Nani was much less wasteful in front of goal. Despite not scoring he made Brad Freidel pull off a few very good saves. Here’s Nani’s improvement in front of goal in his last four league appearances (NB Spurs isn’t included as he didn’t have a single shot in the game):

The area of Nani’s game that was impressive last night was his movement. Nani likes to cut inside but he’s also disciplined at sticking wide when he needs to. He combined an all-area performance with accurate passing – only 5 of his 48 passes were unsuccessful (see diagram below).

What’s intriguing is that 43% of Nani’s play last night was in the centre of the pitch. Ronaldo was famously released by Ferguson with a free role to roam the centre of the pitch as well as the wings and this brought out the best in him. Is it possible that this could bring out the best in Nani? We’ve certainly seen signs of it this season.

Transfer Bargain:Lassana Diarra would be a great pickup for Manchester United for 11 Mil Pounds

So here is the thing. I see that we are again we were linked with Lassana Diarra and some people don’t think this is what we should be focusing on.

I have stated in the past that Fergie sees Anderson and Fletcher more as box to box players NOT defensive midfielders.

In fact, he prefers his midfielders to all be box to box instead of specialized.

So why is Lassana Diarra great?

Value buy

At 11 Million Pounds, you get a 25 year old midfielder with premiership experience with Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth. He will be in his prime really.

A defensive midfielder with good ball control

The key to the game is to keep possession and I see Lass able to do this. take a look at some of his play and you will see that he retains possession well in tight areas, moves forward for shots.

Ability to drift out wide

Similar to fletcher, he has the capability to play at the right side to shore up that area. For modern tactical football you need fluid players that can be discipline and flexible. Lass might be able to do that.

There are reasons not to buy him as well

Better options

I am talking about midfielders aged 18-22 with greater upsides. Some of the good potential ones I seen are

1. Fernando in Portugal
2. Yann M’Vila in France
3. Tiote of Newcastle

Likely we may be able to get them for the same price

Fergie does not want specialize defensive midfielders.

As mentioned, I have a feeling the preferred formation is 4-4-2. As such the 2 midfielders cannot be specialized and that will drive the purchase direction.

Journeyman who doesn’t stay long

His reputation isn’t really astounding when it comes to the loyalty department. The moment he is not in the first team he becomes unstable.

Would you build a team around someone who is questionable in this department?

Van Der Sar Retiring: A Tribute Video Fitting for the Dutch Legend

 

Here is a great video and great soundtrack from Mayday Parade for our favorite goalkeeper

Manchester United Reserves vs Newcastle 2010: 5-1

Here are the clips for the victory against Newcastle.

Goals from: W. Keane (2), Ravel Morrison (2) and Ryan Tunncliffe

Guardian: Nani all but out of Ronaldo’s shadow

Here is a great piece this morning on our boy Nani, how far he came to becoming an important player for the club.

The United manager has often seemed disappointed with the development of a player he bought for £17m as a 20-year-old, either damning him with faint praise or highlighting his reservations through his selections. It is perhaps revealing, though, that Nani is still around after voicing his frustrations last year, the sort of speaking out of turn that led to the rapid departure of Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy. If Ferguson has adopted a patient approach over a player who has only just turned 24, there have been distinct signs this season that the wait may not have been in vain. Nani not only seems to realise his responsibilities now, he has started to look capable of discharging them.

In the 7-1 rout of Blackburn last month Nani was probably United's best player, his contribution only overshadowed by the headlines commanded by Dimitar Berbatov's five goals. Nani scored a fine goal that day and made a couple more, the story of his season in miniature. His assists alone have earned him new respect at Old Trafford because he not only appears to have acquired unselfishness but decisiveness, the ability to select the right option then deliver.

Ferguson has noticed. "He's got better, that's the great thing," the United manager said. "He's always had pace, courage and great feet, but he's added a goal ratio to his game, which is important."

Arsène Wenger has noticed, too. A couple of Nani's best displays in this country have been against his team – not that everybody in north London has been impressed. After a fractious FA Cup tie two years ago William Gallas accused him of showboating and Gilberto Silva said he was a big-head. No shocks there, though it should also be recorded that Nani was man of the match with a goal and two assists.

[Read the full article @ Guardian >>]