Yet Another Gem From Ajax

Ajax are renowned for having a traditional playing style running deep through their club, instilled from the youth system to the first team, helping to produce some of the finest young players in Europe. Mentored by an array of former Ajax legends, some promising players are beginning to emerge in the Dutch capital. Nicolai Boilesen, Miralem Sulejmani and Eyong Enoh are just a handful of hopeful prodigies that are being groomed at the Amsterdam Arena. Yet, perhaps the player with the largest potential is new club captain Siem De Jong.

The 23 year old has gone from strength to strength in each of his seasons in the Eredivisie. Partnered by Danish wonderkid, Christian Eriksen in midfield, the two young playmakers have shown impeccable understanding to form a formidable partnership.

Frank De Boer has brought success instantly to Ajax since taking charge in 2010. Furthermore, his appointment of Dennis Bergkamp as assistant manager has highlighted his belief to stick to the attacking principles created by Johan Cruyff. Two consecutive Eredivisie league titles in two years have brought Ajax back to where they belong in Dutch football. This historic club is once again enjoying success being achieved through an attacking style.

This style clearly suits De Jong who loves to play with flair and instinct, directing play from centre midfield with his fine range of passing. The number 10 has also been given the freedom to make his typical lung busting runs to support the attack, therefore, often finishing a move that he had originally started.

Following Jan Vertonghen’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer, the club, somewhat surprisingly because of his age, handed the captains armband to De Jong as a sign of trust in the gifted midfielder. Showing a constant example of his leadership qualities the blonde maestro often expressed his views vocally without the armband. “Even then, when there were things going on, I enjoyed getting involved,” Siem said following the news of his new duty.

Losing their star player’s to some of Europe’s wealthier clubs has been a factor that has limited Ajax to reaching its full potential. However, if they are able to hang on to De Jong then he, alongside Eriksen, could lead Ajax back to glory days that they are so famous for.

The Importance of Cesc

Whilst the red half of north London wept, Catalonia cheered with delight as Barcelona’s long lost son returned home. After eight years away, in 2011 the then champions of European club football, signed Cesc Fabregas for an alleged fee of £34m to end one of the longest transfer sagas in recent history.

Unlike other recent departures from the Emirates Stadium, Fabregas showed extreme loyalty and respect to the London club. His move was not driven by financial gain, instead being for pure footballing reasons. Believing honesty was the best policy; Fabregas had long publicly declared that his wish was to return to Barcelona.

Having been prised from the La Liga team’s youth system, by Arsene Wenger, as a sixteen year old, few predicted just how far the young Spaniard would come. Playing over 200 times for Arsenal, eventually being named captain as well as assisting goals in both the World Cup and European Championship finals with Spain are among Fabregas’ career highlights.

Spain’s dominance at international level has largely been based on the technical brilliance of its midfield. Marshalled by Xavi, assisted by his sidekick Andres Iniesta, the Barcelona men control the ‘tica-taca’ style of play that has become so famous across the world. In fact, so dominant is the Catalonian team within the international side, that out of the eleven who started the Euro 2012 Final, six were Barcelona players.

When Cesc returned to his beloved side a year ago, he had not lost any of the technical ability learnt in Spain or Barcelona’s playing philosophy. Instead, he had added to these qualities by toughening up in the more rigorous Barclays Premier League. Tackling was also an addition to his already vast collection of attributes.

With club and country team-mate Xavi now in the twilight of his career, Fabregas is being moulded by Barcelona to fill the void that the legend will leave behind. With obvious natural passing ability added to the drive and determination gained in England, Barcelona’s number four could go on to eclipse their great number eight.

Hard Work Paying Off For El Nino

Question marks remain over which is the most entertaining league in Europe. Do the recent acquisitions of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka combined with the brilliance of Lionel Messi make La Liga the best, based on competitiveness, or does the sheer unpredictability of the Barclay’s Premier League sway the argument in favour of England?

One man to experience the highs and lows of both leagues is Fernando Torres, the returning number nine.

El Nino first caught our attention when he was handed the captains armband at just 19 whilst at Atletico Madrid. This slim frontman with obvious potential went from strength to strength in each of his seasons in Spain. Leading the line of attack, Torres went on to score 75 goals for Atletico.

To this day, Torres remains a fan of his first club, continuously following their progression. How fitting is it then that just as the forward is beginning to find his form, he will face Atletico in the UEFA Super Cup final at the end of this month. Due to his erratic spell at Chelsea, it is impossible to predict how he will respond in Monaco. Will he celebrate if he scores against his beloved home team? Will he score at all?

Before arriving in London, Torres spent four successful years in Merseyside with Liverpool. Some say that it was whilst wearing red, that Torres produced his best form. With his first English club the number nine scored almost a goal every three games. The first being against who else but Chelsea.

Refusing to feel the wrath of Torres again, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic reached deep into his Armani shuit pockets to land the striker for £50m. Finally the Russian had landed his long term target, having previously attempted to prise the Spaniard whilst at Atletico.

However, the large price tag has weighed heavily on the shoulders of Torres and he has struggled to recapture the form which made him the most feared forward in England. His impact at international level was also affected. In 2008 Torres scored the winning goal in the European Championship final, yet two years later he found himself watching Spain from the substitute’s bench during the World Cup final.

Admirably, as difficult as it has been finding the back of the net, Torres refused to let his effort wane. Continuously driven by his determination, he is beginning to prove his doubters wrong. A goal in this summers European Championship final, where Spain were again victorious, and two goals in the first three club games of the season has seen his confidence return, assisted with that hugely popular boyish grin. El Nino is back and hungry for goals.

A Name in His Own Right

Over the years, Italy has produced some of the finest midfielders in football from Giuseppe Meazza to Francesco Totti. Another man hoping to write his name into the history books is Claudio Marchisio. Enjoying what was his most successful season to date, by winning the Serie A title unbeaten with Juventus and finishing runner-up with Italy at Euro 2012, the 26 year old has become an integral part of Italian football.

Forming a formidable partnership with Andrea Pirlo for club and country, Marchisio has added consistency and guile to his combative style of play. Acting as a mentor for his compatriot, Pirlo’s strict positioning allows Marchisio to embark on attacks.

Throughout his homeland, Marchisio is compared to former Italian midfielder Marco Tardelli. Although their styles of play do share resemblances, the current Juve number eight is adamant he wants to be remembered for what he achieves. Whilst carefully paying respect to the former legend of Turin describing the comparison as “an honour”, Marchisio did state however that he wants to “write his own story”.

In 2011/12, his ‘story’ well and truly reached a dramatic chapter as Juventus won the Serie A title undefeated. The Old Lady could not have achieved this fete without the contributions of Marchisio. Establishing himself as a typical box-to-box midfielder, his defensive performances were equally impressive as when galloping forward to assist Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic in attack.

Although, Marchisio has experienced domestic enjoyment, success at international level has narrowly eluded him. After missing out on his country’s 2006 World Cup winner’s squad because of his age, and collecting a runners-up medal in this summer’s European Championship’s, the midfielder has been left a figure of frustration.

A product of the Juventus youth system, Marchisio is ready to repeat the actions of former Serie A legends Paulo Maldini and Francesco Totti and prove his loyalty by writing his story in one jersey.  

Jack the Lad

 Since Patrick Vieira’s decisive penalty kick sealed FA Cup victory in 2005, there have been comers and goers, pretenders and fakers, record breakers and history makers, yet Arsenal football club still hold a passion within the squad who play for the name on the front of the shirt, not the one on the back.

Now seven years without a trophy, and having sold his fourth consecutive captain, Arsene Wenger is reforming a team capable of ending the drought.

What this team needs are players who care for the club, those who are willing to sweat blood and devote all their efforts in striving for success. This quality is something that has eluded Arsenal in recent years. Players such as Kolo Toure, Samir Nasri and now Robin Van Persie have all proved the size of their bank account outweigh the size of their heart.

Handed the no.10 shirt following Van Persie’s departure, Jack Wilshere has the love for Arsenal that previous squad members were lacking. Having been part of the club since he was 9 years old, Wilshere has seen the growth and demise of his beloved team. In the 2010/11 campaign, the Englishman showed exactly why Wenger had put so much faith in his talents with a series of fine performances. Equally capable of fulfilling his defensive contributions as well as providing an attacking threat, the London boy has spoken of how he wants to achieve success with Arsenal, and only Arsenal.

It is not just Gunner’s fans that hope for so much from Wilshere, with many expecting him to dominate England’s midfield for years to come.

In his style of play and the manner he conducts himself during interview’s it is blatant to see that Wilshere truly is a fan of Arsenal, and would contentedly spend the rest of his playing days at the Emirates.

Most football enthusiasts think long gone are the days when a player would dedicate his entire career solely to one club. Ryan Giggs, Francesco Totti and Paulo Maldini have all achieved something that a modern player seems incapable of. However, former England manager Fabio Capello suggested Wilshere will be of the same calibre as Maldini. Perhaps they will have more than their technical ability in common.

Their Own Worst Villain

Last season Aston Villa finished an embarrassing 16^th in the Barclays Premier League, narrowly avoiding relegation. Although there have been recent turmoil’s within the club, namely the change in coaches and Styllian Petrov’s succumb to illness, the fans still expected more. The days of Martin O’Neill, Ashley Young and Martin Laursen now seem a distant memory.  Yet, the appointment of Paul Lambert as manager could prove to be the decision that saves this historic club.

During his hugely successful spell with Norwich, Lambert demonstrated impeccable leadership qualities as well as gaining respect from his players. These attributes are exactly what this current crop of players are in need of.

When O’Neill controversially left four days before the beginning of the season, it started a chain of unfortunate events within the club. Both Gerard Houllier and Alex McLeish tried and failed to surpass the impressive record set by their predecessor. More importantly, neither managers were as popular with the fans as O’Neill was. The Northern Irishman was adored in the midlands for the work and effort he had contributed to their beloved team.

Now with the right man in the dugout, Villa must revamp their squad and lose some deadwood. The sale of James Coillins, Styllian Petrov’s battle with leukaemia and Gabriel Abonlahor’s inconsistent form has disrupted the spine of the squad.

 In defence the young Ghanaian Jonathan Mensah, Swansea’s Ashley Williams or West Ham’s James Tomkins would all provide fresh legs and consistency in front of Shay Given.

Whereas, another West Ham player, Jack Collison, or Lyons Kim Kallstrom would give the centre of midfield attacking guile.

While Gabriel Abonlahor shows glimpse of talent, a consistent striker is needed to support Darren Bent upfront.

If the right players are signed the correct tactics installed then greater things are predicted for Aston Villa. Lambert could well be the man to lead the club away from danger and return them to the successes of their past.

A Favourable Dilemma for Wenger

As I strolled down Gillespie Road in a sea of Red and White, the usual feeling of excitement and expectation filled the London air, knowing that in a few minutes I would be arriving at Highbury to cheer on my beloved team play, and probably win.

As well as watching the team I have supported my entire life, I would also have the privilege of watching some of the finest players in Europe. Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires would all be gracing the impeccable Highbury turf that afternoon. This squad provided hope, because as well as the talent in the starting line-up, there was real strength in depth. As predicted, Arsenal brushed Norwich City aside that afternoon with a 4-1 win, courtesy of a brilliant Thierry Henry hat-trick.

Six years on, and seven without a trophy, Arsene Wenger possesses a squad reminiscent of that great side I witnessed at our grand old arena. This week it has been confirmed that Spain’s versatile midfielder Santi Cazorla will be an Arsenal player next season after a deal worth £15m was finalised. The Spaniard joins fellow new recruits Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud as Wenger looks to make a clear mark of intent upon his rivals.

In addition to these new faces, several players will be making returns from injury this season who were have been sorely missed. Jack Wilshere, who did not feature at all in the 2011/12 campaign has been handed an expected return date of October, whilst Abou Diaby finally looks to have overcome his persistent knee problems, experiencing a positively reassuring pre-season campaign.

Much was expected of Diaby when he signed from Auxerre, partly because of his resemblance to former skipper Patrick Vieira. In response to the rumours that Arsenal were close to signing another French prodigy Yann M’Vila, Wenger responded saying “No. We wait for Diaby. When he is fit, Diaby is the first name on the French team sheet”.

If Diaby can repay the faith shown in him, then he will have to compete with Alex Song, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Frimpong for a place in Arsenals midfield.

Although this array of talent Wenger has to choose from is a perplexing dilemma, it is the best type of problem a manager can have. Yet, this list of candidates could grow with the probability of Nuri Sahin arriving on loan from Real Madrid.

The drought looks set to end.