Deco – BRITISH SOCCER {DIVA}

Heaven, I’m in heaven…

gods-sunshine Finally, the agonizing wait is over. The greatest show on earth is back. The passion, the agony and the ecstasy of the Premier League is already in full swing. I loved every single second of opening weekend. How was it for you?

Manchester United put in a reliable performance, Chelsea were predictable, Liverpool looked unsavoury and Arsenal were sublime. Of the other teams challenging to break into the top 4…Tottenham looked impressive, Manchester City dazzled for about 10 minutes and Aston Villa were woeful. Now seeing as this is only week one, we won’t get too carried away with what we’ve seen thus far. Remember how we all thought Deco would be another Zola after Chelsea’s first game last season? Well I’m sure we don’t want to make mistakes like that again as we kick-off the 2009/10 campaign. But as fans, we can’t help ourselves in saying what we see, even if it is just week one!

So here’s what I saw and we’ll start with last season’s top 4…if Arsenal can sustain that type of play throughout the season then they have the ability to carve-up any team in the Premier League and I’m even going to say they looked as good as Barcelona when they are at their best. Vermaelen looks like a great signing and Gallas seemed to play exceptionally comfortably with him. Fabregas and Denilson were on fire and Bendtner shined playing on the right for the Gunners. We know Everton aren’t that crap. But are Arsenal really that good?

Hull were very unlucky. Chelsea got very lucky. 6 minutes of injury time. Really referee? Despite that, you can’t deny Drogba his free-kick winner in the dying minutes. Drogba was Chelsea’s best player. It’s as though he’s playing to redeem himself from the disgusting outburst he had during last year’s Champions League semi-final. If he’s going to play like this all season, he could be the key to the Blues success. Can Drogba deliver this year? For Hull, it could be another struggle. I can see why Michael Turner is attracting the likes of Liverpool. He was a rock for Hull and by far their best player. Does anyone else ever mistake him for Michael Dawson though? Can you say twins?

Manchester United already missed Ronaldo in their first game of the season. Who wouldn’t? He’s one of the world’s best players. Sir Alex Ferguson has said it’s going to be tough without him. And it might well be for United as they defend their title. New signing Antonio Valencia had a solid home debut and Berbatov’s touch at time was exquisite. However, the main man for United this year will be Rooney. They need him to stay fit. Without him, they will struggle. Rooney could have an award winning type of season. The shackles are off. Watch him fly. Can Rooney be a sensation? Do you see United winning 4 in a row?

Not to hit the panic button just yet, but Liverpool didn’t look good at all. There was no invention in their play and it felt as though Alonso was missing from that midfield. Torres and Gerrard were rusty and Benitez should have played Benayoun from the beginning. Babel just can’t cut it and he gave another poor performance. Glen Johnson had a great debut for the reds and was the reason they won that penalty. Benitez might need to buy a couple more players before the transfer window ends. And he needs Aquilano to get fit as soon as possible. Can Liverpool mount a challenge this season?

Now to the top 4 wannabees…Tottenham rolled over Liverpool and looked more like title contenders in this first game. From defense to attack, they dominated and made Liverpool look like a very average Premier League team. Modric, Huddlestone and King controlled the game. Defoe looks ready to rumble. Ekotto is establishing himself as an elite player and Lennon could still use some refnining. Is it me or does Huddlestone remind you of Hoddle? And if it wasn’t for his bum knees, could Ledley King oust Terry or Ferdinand from the England squad?

Manchester City, the new billionaire boys club of the Premier League got off to a great start. Don’t let the score fool you though. Blackburn put up a good fight and could have taken a point from the game. There’s no question Adebayor was flying from the word go, but for me it was the likes of Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips that were at the heart of everything good for City. Mark Hughes still has a lot of work to do. They still look suspicious in defense and once again, Robinho had another average game. You can’t help but wonder how this team will react in a moment of adversity. I can see them tearing each other apart. Can you?

Notable mention of course goes to Wigan for a superb start beating Villa. Note to all Wigan fans…just remember how good a start Hull City made last season! And this is just week one. See…I told you it was too hard to keep the ole’ gob shut. Heaven, we’re in heaven…

Where’s the love for Lampard..?

389016-50474lampard_large-797999 There’s no question Frank Lampard is a world-class footballer. So why doesn’t he get the love he deserves for his achievements? Sure he’s struggled for England over the last few years, but what English footballer hasn’t struggled playing for their country? If Lampard played for Manchester United or Liverpool or was an Italian, French or Brazilian national, would he not be in the running for player of the year every year?

Five Manchester United players (yes that’s five) and one Liverpool player have been nominated for PFA Player of the Year. Edwin van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic all deserve their nominations for the team’s defensive record. And Ryan Giggs has been an inspiration for the team showing composure and leadership. Has he played enough games though? Cristiano Ronaldo has come into form late in the season, but I’m not sure he deserves to be in the running for #1 again. Steven Gerrard is the only non-United player and he has certainly lifted Liverpool’s spirits this season has they pursue the Holy Grail…the Premier League title.

But what about Lampard? I think he’s beome a far more important player to Chelsea than John Terry. And after Deco was wheeled in during the summer, there was so much speculation about Lampard’s future. He always knew where he wanted to play and he signed a new contract, proving once again his love and passion to play for Chelsea (and the money was great)! He’s worth every penny because he is the man that makes the Blues tick. He scores around 20 goals every season and he works hard around the park for his team. Chelsea can afford to lose Ballack, Cole or Mikel, but when they lose Lampard, they lose a piece of their identify and drive.

Over the last year or so, Lampard has also shown that in adversity, he has the mental strength to fight on and prove he’s one of the best. As well as Chelsea’s woes this season, he’s had a very difficult time personally as he continues to deal with the death of his mother and the break-up of his relationship to long-term partner Elen Rives. But his will to win, coupled with his leadership and style of play has helped drag the millionaire maestros to an F.A. Cup final and a Champions League semi-final. And all that in a so-called poor season for Chelsea. I think it’s high-time someone showed him the love…

Chelsea sack Scolari…

dunn_516x596_22280a-750654 Chelsea have sacked Phil Scolari as their manager. After only seven months in the job, the big Brazlian is out and I for one am not surprised. This time, Roman Abramovich has got it right. Managing in the Premier League is very different to being an international manager. The job comes with such intense pressure and the daily grind is tough, tough, tough, even for a coach from Brazil. I laughed when Scolari said in a press conference, “you think this is pressure. No this is not pressure. This is such a small country, there is no pressure. Brazil is pressure.” Really Phil?

I was never enthused when Chelsea announced him as their new manager. They were much better off keeping Avram Grant who was at least building on what Jose Mourinho had done. But the owner chose to go with a big name and supposedly big personality. It failed miserably and towards the end, Scolari lost the owner, the fans and even the dressing room. When players start to complain about training methods and a lack of intensity, you know everything is about to implode. Scolari deserved the sack.

The first signs of trouble were when Liverpool ended their ridiculous run of games unbeaten at Stamford Bridge. Under Mourinho and even Avram Grant, you always had a feeling Chelsea could win a game even if they were a goal down. But that fire and drive was gone. The bravado was no more. He also lost at home to an under-achieving Arsenal team. And to be frank, Manchester United humiliated Chelsea at Old Trafford. He was unable to inspire his team to beat any of the elite four in the Premier League.

How much of Chelsea’s problems this season are related to Steve Clarke going to West Ham? He was a huge influence in the dressing room and on the training pitch. The players trusted him. You can never under estimate the value of an assistant coach built like Clarke. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Chelsea tried to prize Clarke and Zola from West Ham? Anything is possible in today’s game. Zola is unproven as a manager, but he is a Chelsea legend and together with Clarke, they could be the magic ingredient that leads the Blues back to their confident, arrogant ways.

For now, this might be a good thing for Chelsea. Anyone coming in as manager can only have a positive effect. Who’d have thought the morale would be so low under Scolar? The so-called “Mr.Motivator” didn’t turn out to be the Messiah they had all hoped for. And he never looked the part of being Chelsea manager did he? Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez always wear a suit when their team is playing. There is the odd occasion you’ll find them in a tracksuit, but that is rare. Jose Mourinho always looked the part as well. I was always taught that if you have been given the responsibility in an important role in your career, you should always look the part. And for a team that can boast to be located in one of London’s poshest areas, their manager didn’t present himself that way. He didn’t seem dressed for success from the beginning, and just like his tactics, Scolari always looked a mess. Down the King’s Road, that’s enough to give anyone the boot…

Premier League team searches for new hero…

arsenal-optimus-wallpaper-02-1024-776582 What is wrong with Arsenal? For the first time in a long time, the fans are asking questions about Wenger and how the club is moving towards the future. The board and management have been given the benefit of the doubt for three trophy less seasons. Now the fans want answers. Have Arsenal become a youth farm system? Why won’t they buy British? Why won’t they spend more money in the transfer market? Who is going to step-up and lead this team? Why do so many players want to leave? Where is Arsenal’s magician? Who will be their next hero?

Similar questions were asked of this team last season and this was mostly due to the loss of Thierry Henry. Many pundits and critics ate their words as we soaked-up and salivated over Arsenal’s brand of sexy football. For a while they dazzled fans, opponents and perhaps even themselves! Then the injury to Eduardo, a terrible defensive mistake, a hissy fit from their captain and the implosion was in full swing.

After their performance on Saturday, it seems Arsenal haven’t changed much in the off season. The fans must be praying every night for Fabregas to return. And oh how they need another world class midfielder to support him. He can’t do it alone and who knows when Rosicky will be back in the squad. Arsenal have to splash the cash in the transfer market to solve these issues. Someone please navigate them to the “Buy Now” button.

The money men must not be afraid to pay for a special player who can change a game on a whim. Somone who has the ability to visualize beyond the next move. An influential force that can intimidate teams from the north, south, east and west. A player that can force himself to be written about on blogs and discussion boards across the globe. Arsenal need their Ronald, their Deco or their Torres.

The Arsenal lyricists are on standby to create a song for their new hero. Where is he? Will he come by land or sea? What will his name be? Hopefully when he arrives he comes with a blood hungry predator who can tear his rivals apart and fire in the goals week after week. Perhaps Xabi Alonso can smuggle David Silva through the back…

The art of Deco…

art_deco_shop-775155 The King’s Road has long been known for it’s flare and fashion. During the 1960’s, it was certainly the swinging place to be seen. Over the years, the King’s Road has been toned down and turned into a local high street for the posh folk of South West London. It has certainly become more refined and sophisticated and could be compared to the transformation of Chelsea this season. Enter World Cup winning coach. Enter new footballing philosophy. Enter sublime Portuguese superstar. What is the result? The evolution of Chelsea and a classy team worth watching this season.

In their first game against Portsmouth, we witnessed something different. The team appeared inspired by the changes this summer. They played beautiful football and one player in particular made it all seem so easy. Watching Deco is like watching an artist create life on a canvas. His touch and feel for the game is special. I was underwhelmed when Chelsea signed him because they’ve long discussed the possibility of getting him. However, when I watched the artist himself on Sunday, I was amazed how one man who has never played in the Premier League could totally transform the pattern and play of a team.

I know, I know…I’m doing it again…it’s only the first game of the season, calm down Diva. Normally I would agree. As good as Chelsea have been over the last few years, they’ve lacked that flare, pizazz and showmanship. Robben was that type of player for them but he left the Bridge. And as much success as they’ve had, Mr.Abramovich wants to see beautiful football and I believe this could be the season he gets his wish. Could the King’s Road start swinging all over again?..

Finally. A deal is done…

340x-790417 The summer transfer market is officially open. With the signature of Robbie Keane, Liverpool have surely pulled off the surprise of the season so far. Yes the Deco deal was exciting, but he’s long been a target for Chelsea so there was no real surprise there. Jo, Nasri, Modric and Dos Santos could all well be good captures, but these are “wait and see” transfers. Peter Crouch, Steve Sidwell, Paul Robinson, Claude Makelele, Brad Friedel, Gilberto Silva, Sully Muntari and El-Hadji Diouf deserve honorable mentions as they move to pastures new. But…

Liverpool acquiring Keane is almost genius. Tottenham fans around the globe are feeling sick. Trust me. I know a few and they are not happy. They know Liverpool have bought quality. An exquisite striker, Keane has been one of the most overlooked players in the Premier League. His touch, his finishing and his ability to see beyond the next pass is impressive. His equalizer against Chelsea in last season’s 4-4 extravaganza is exactly the type of strike Spurs fans have enjoyed for 6 years. Oh how they will miss him.

Keane’s overall play and leadership will be very difficult to replace. In the absence of Ledley King and other key players, he stood-up and took the team on his shoulders. If Tottenham had Ramos sooner, would Keane still be leaving? Were they being held back by average coaches and bad signings? If they had qualified for the Champions League a couple of seasons ago, would things be different now? It doesn’t matter, it’s too late. Their Irish Prince has gone.

Now he teams up with another Prince. Perhaps the new Prince of Europe. Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane upfront. Imagine it. What a mouth-watering encounter. Plus alongside them will be Liverpool’s legend in the making and captain fantastic, Steven Gerrard. Ferry across the Mersey Batman! Could this be the year Liverpool win the Premier League? One thing is for sure, Keane is the type of signing that can elevate a team to another level. He will contribute immediately. He’s a seasoned player with big game experience. He’s hungry to win and he wants to play Champions League football. He was ready to go. Welcome to Anfield son.

There are players like Flamini and Hleb who leave for another club because they are chasing fortunes. Sure Keane was tempted by the money, but if he’d have asked, Tottenham would have given him what he wanted to stay. He is following a boyhood dream. He wants to play for Liverpool. For some reason, his transfer to Liverpool seems genuine on his behalf. Despite how it may have happened, he was motivated by his dream and not the money.

Liverpool and Keane have definitely wet the transfer whistle. After so much speculation, finally a huge deal happens. It’s what we’ve been waiting. And one thing’s for sure, Keane is not a “wait and see” transfer. He’s more of a “here and now” deal.