He Belongs to Jesus

Gliding across the surface whilst orchestrating play as effortlessly as he once did so famously in Italy, Kaka’s skill and vision tore apart Espanyol’s defence whilst the Madrid faithful sang his name from the terraces in a 5-0 demolition at the Bernabeu in March this year. To see a player perform like this on television is something, yet having witnessed this specific performance in the stadium, along with 80,000+ fans was extraordinary. Those who believe his form and impact on the game had declined since leaving Italy for Spain were made to eat their words as Kaka proved he is still one of the finest players on the planet with this exceptional display.

Unlike many South American footballers who have been fortunate enough to make the leap to Europe, Kaka was not raised in poverty, nor did he suffer from a tough upbringing. Rather than taking this good fortune for granted, Kaka often states how lucky he is and thanks God for the cards he has been dealt in life.

After surviving a nasty diving accident which nearly left Kaka paralysed at the age of 18, the Brazilian went on to blossom for Sao Paulo and soon started attracting attention from major European scouts. AC Milan eventually won the race for his signature, signing the young prodigy for €8.5million. Forming a formidable partnership with Milan’s star striker Andrei Shevchenko in his first two seasons with the Rossoneri, Kaka proved his worth in the red and black of Milan, instantly becoming a fan favourite during his successful seasons at the club. Considered the best attacking midfielder in the world, Real Madrid broke the bank to sign the starlet for a world record £56million. Madrid would then break this record again four days later with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo for £80million.

Injuries hampered his initial success in Madrid, having been forced to spend four months of his first season on the side-lines watching his teammates due to surgery on his left knee. Kaka, now 30, has encountered other difficult injury persistence’s in his short career with Los Blanco’s, resulting in losing his starting place to Germany’s Mesut Ozil. However, when fit and playing it is still clear to see that he has lost none of his abilities and still remains a fan favourite as they try in vain in correcting the phrase ‘I belong to Jesus’ Kaka is renowned for displaying. In their eyes he belongs to Madrid and he is not for sharing.

Top Six Transfer Targets

With the European Championships and the Olympic Games dominating sports pages this summer, it is easy to forget that English club managers are still scanning the market to find the next star of the Premier League. If you are gullible enough to believe the rumours that the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading our way then this article probably isn't for you. Instead it focuses on more 'realistic' rumours, consisting of my top six players I'd like to see grace our pitches.

Yann M'Villa - My list starts with a young French prodigy hailed as the new Patrick Vieira. And if the rumours are true in that he is close to signing for Arsenal, the 21 year old could live up to the impressive comparison. Standing at 6ft and strong in the tackle, the defensive midfielder is made for English football. In addition to the ball winning ability he is renowned for, M'Villa also has great vision, being able to consistently provide assists for his teammates in France. However, if Arsene Wenger is serious about investing in the Rennes midfielder he will have to reach deep into his pockets to match the high asking price, reportedly around £17m.

Jan Vertonghen - Having been in the midst of a transfer saga involving Tottenham Hotspur for the last month, it now appears likely that the Belgian centre-half will be moving to London in the near future. Although his destination has not been confirmed, with Spurs' rivals Arsenal also interested in gaining his signature. The competition for the current Ajax captain does not come as a surprise considering his abilities. Young, brave and composed when in possession are what have attracted the eyes of so many scouts in the last few years. However, after interest from major European clubs in the past, the defender opted to stay in Amsterdam to achieve more. And his decision appears to be paying off as Vertonghen collected two consecutive Eredivisie winners medals as well as being named Eredivisie Player of the Year last season.

Mats Hummels - Another defender with a growing reputation is Germany's Mats Hummels. After being deemed surplus to requirements whilst at Bayern Munich, the now 25 year old opted to join Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund. The transfer revived his career as he has since gone on to become Germany's first choice centre back. Amid transfer rumours that he was being scouted by Liverpool and both Manchester clubs, Hummels has recently signed a new contract with Dortmund, committing himself to the German Champions until 2017, although do not expect this to derail clubs' interest.

Olivier Giroud - The French striker, believed by his club to be "too big for the teams interested in him", has become one of the hottest properties on the market after an impressive season in Ligue 1, finishing with 21 goals for Montpellier as his side were crowned champions. If the Frenchman has an impressive campaign in Poland and Ukraine this summer then his value is sure to rocket. Before striking gold with Papiss Cisse, Newcastle were rumoured to be interested in acquiring his talents, whilst Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have also shown a keen interest. A move to one of Europe's top clubs could be a step to early for Giroud, who would perhaps suit a 'top six' team in a more competitive league than Ligue 1.

Guillermo Ochoa - In recent years Mexico have produced exceptional young players from Giovanni Dos Santos to Javier Hernandez. Yet the talents of Ochoa could eclipse them all. Having spent the entire of his early career in Mexico with Club America, the young goalkeeper caught the attention of several leading clubs' scouts, eventually linking him to Manchester United and Liverpool. Although somewhat surprisingly, the 26 year old resisted these callings and later opted to sign for recently promoted French side Ajaccio. His incredible abilities were clear to see as he was voted Ajaccio's Player of the Year in his first season with the club. Bigger and better things are destined for this extraordinary talented keeper.

Mamadou Sakho - The final player making up my top six is PSG's young defender Sakho. After increasing his reputation in France with some impressive displays, Sakho has since gone on to become an integral part of the French national squad as Laurent Blanc looks to the future. Perhaps his biggest compliment is depriving the experienced Uruguayan defender Lugano to a place in PSG's starting 11. It is no wonder then his compatriot and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been linked to him in recent years, as he has all the top qualities needed to succeed in England. However, the young man from Paris was unfortunate not to be selected in the national squad for Euro 2012. But as he is still only 22 his best days are surely ahead of him.

How Much?

After the most dramatic of climaxes to a season since the days of Michael Thomas celebrating at Anfield, the pound sign appears to have had the last laugh, triumphing over hard work and honesty. As a result, 2012/13 seems to be set for an equally exciting and controversial campaign with the biggest winners surely to be the back pockets. The clubs who were victorious this season, most notably Manchester City and Chelsea, have devoted huge amounts of money provided by foreign investors to guarantee success. However, with this success comes greed which is damaging the beautiful game. Even Liverpool, who won the Carling Cup in February, spent a whopping £56million on transfers last summer to end a six year trophy drought. In an age where money really is everything, just how much passion from the game is being lost by the will to succeed financially? With minutes remaining at the Etihad, and with City needing two goals to claim their first top division title in 44 years, up steps £65million of footballing talent. After Edin Dzeko had equalised with a close range powerful header, Sergio Aguero showed composure and class to beat Paddy Kenny and therefore Manchester United to the title. Roberto Mancini will say that because of these contributions it is money well spent, yet just how deep will the City owners reach into their pockets to make this club, as Yaya Toure so blatantly put it, “the biggest club in the world”? It cannot be denied that in order to be consistently successful in today’s football, you must be financially supported. Just ask Ally McCoist. However, this factor is depriving inferior clubs and managers of achieving their potential. Had a wage and transfer cap been installed when the Barclays Premier League was launched, the careers of many could have been dramatically altered. For example, would our shores have ever graced ‘the special one’? Perhaps instead, managers like David Moyes and Martin O’neill would be receiving trophies as well as admiration and respect, whilst Ashley Cole would be left swapping provocative images with that larger-than-life hairdresser instead of donning the front pages of celebrity magazines. However, it is too late for any kind of structure to be put in place now to recapture the glory days of our sport. Instead, in addition to the money pouring in, passion must also be included into the cauldron. Looking back to that final whistle at the Etihad, as a neutral who were you most happy for? Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Vincent Kompany? Or Aleksandar Kolarov, Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic? The sheer joy seen on Hart’s face as he ran towards his team-mates in jubilation showed just how much winning a trophy with the club meant to him. I have huge admiration for Manchester City and Chelsea’s success because of these kind of players who still play for the love of the game. Passion for football is something that will never be what it used to, yet it must also not be forgotten. Otherwise, the ball deflates as the wallet gets bigger.

Arsenal Season Summary

Yes there is one game left of the season to play and yes that can dramatically change the outcome of our season but I've decided to do some evaluating early, on how my team have performed, and in some cases not, this season. Arsenal have for the seventh season finished with nothing to add to the trophy cabinet, yet it's not all doom and gloom. Having spent considerably less than our main rivals in the transfer window, I believe we have surpassed expectations being positioned third after 37 games. Also, add in the disastrous first couple of months and it seems a miracle that we are where we are. I remember on the 1st of September being jubilant that Arsene Wengers had ditched his normal transfer traditions of just signing young unproven talent and instead brought in some much needed experience to the dressing room. I truly believe that Mikel Arteta has been one of the signings of the season as he has consistently played with assurance when conducting Arsenal's play. Alongside Alex Song, the Arsenal number 8 has the freedom to push up but also the experience to cover his midfield partner. Furthermore, he has contributed with some breathtaking goals such as the beautiful strikes against West Brom and Manchester City respectively. However, Arsene couldn't resist purchasing younger talent and in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seems to have found a real rough diamond. Exciting and unpredictable, the former Southampton forward has brightened up the flanks at the Emirates as he continues to bamboozle his opponents with outrageous confidence. I wish I could praise all of Arsene's recruits with this much enthusiasm, yet unfortunately some haven't shone as brightly as others. Worst to make an impression is surely the South Korean striker Park, signed from AS Monaco in August. The only positive being, at least Chamakh has found someone to keep him company on the bench. Yet ones man loss is another mans gain, as playing like a new signing, our veteran midfield general Thomas Rosicky is having the season of his life. Out of nowhere the 31 year old seems to have rediscovered the form he showed at former club Brossia Dortmund, producing several match winning displays. No gunner has performed as remarkably though as captain Robin Van Persie who has quite simply carried the squad through matches on occasions. His amazing 30 league goals to date saw him rightly win the PFA Footballer Of the Year and Footballers Writers Player Of the Year awards. With one game remaining to guarantee that prestigious third spot, it is vital that we get all three points against West Brom next week. Not only for Champions League security but also to prove to our number 10 that we are a top European club capable of competing in the best competitions. In addition, the latest announcement of the signing of Lukas Podolski is particularly pleasing. Hopefully the German international has been signed to support Van Persie and not to replace our iconic talisman. Having bounced back from that early season blip, with impressive wins against the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester City it seems that my team from north London is finally beginning to grasp that winning mentality that can get trophies. Also if we keep Van Persie and add more signings like Podolski I think next season can be our year. But doesn't a gunner think that every summer? P.s M'Vila is a must buy

Highflying Swans

Courageous defending and a never-say-die attitude are usually the attributes necessary for a newly promoted Championship club to survive relegation from the Premier League. Yet Swansea City have continued to prove all season that they don't need to play 'ugly' to gain all three points. The Swans are currently nested in 12th position and are just four points behind eighth placed Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers has been tipped by many for manager of the year, after his Swansea side continue to dazzle opponents and spectators alike with their exciting brand of football. Emphatically beating Arsenal 3-2 at the Liberty Stadium is just one of many magic moments their faithful support has witnessed in their debut season in the top division.

To watch arguably the most attractive team in England, be outplayed is certainly a rarity, highlighting the phenomenal job Rodgers has done since taking charge in July 2010. Furthermore, the victory over Arsenal was not the first commendable display by City this season. They have beaten the likes of Stoke and Aston Villa and have drawn against bigger opponents in Liverpool and Tottenham respectively.

A notable factor contributing to Swansea's latest impressive displays is their British talent running through the squad. With Scott Sinclair, Joe Allen, Nathan Dyer and Danny Graham all excelling, don't be surprised to see one of these core players donning the 'interesting' strip of the British Olympic football team this summer.

In the majority of their 11 victories this season, they have been worthy winners, gaining their deserved three points through stylish play. Rodgers has spoken of his admiration for Barcelona's attacking football on more than one occasion, and has used the Spanish champions as a blueprint for his own sides success.

And if the 39 year old is able to persuade his brightest talents to stay this summer, then the sky is the limit for these highflying Swans.

The Fall of The Emperor

Having managed to resist the temptation of riches from Chelsea and Real Madrid, the then 23 year old terrorised the Treviso defence with an emphatic hat-trick on the first day of the 2005/06 season in Serie A for Inter Milan. The following day he dominated the sports pages and was being dubbed to move on to greater heights. The Brazilians fortunes have some what changed of late and many sporting fans have disregarded him entirely. The man I speak about is of course Adriano, the forgotten 'emperor' of Brazilian football.

Now 30 and a free agent, it is hard to think of a player who has fallen as dramatically from such great heights. In his prime, many considered Adriano to be one of the finest centre forwards in the game, whose power and determination could be matched by few defenders. Yet, troubles off the field revolving around the death of his father and alcoholism led to his fall from grace.

After failing to impress in his first season in Milan, the Brazilian was provided with a life line when Parma decided to form an agreement to co-own the striker. Forming a formidable partnership with Adrian Mutu, Adriano went on to score 22 goals in 36 games for the Crusaders. This devastating form eventually led to Inter again paying for full ownership of the forward in 2004 in a deal reported to be as much as £21million. In his first season back at the Nerazzurri, he continued his impressive strike rate, finding the back of the net on 15 occasions in just 16 outings.

Boasting a lethal left foot capable of striking a ball with lethal power, the Brazilian became one of the most feared players of his generation. It was during this period where Adriano was most impressive and eventually led to being linked to transfers to Chelsea and Real Madrid. Yet, he decided to stay put in Italy and over the course of 12 months from July 2004, managed to score 40 goals in all competitions both domestically and internationally.

However, soon his fortunes were to change for the worse when in 2006 his father died prematurely. Adriano was unable to cope with the grief and turned to alcohol and was often spotted out at late night parties. In addition to this, his performances and interest of the game waned and so did his love affair with Inter.

After stints firstly in Brazil with Flamengo, then in Italy with Roma and back to his native with Corinthians, the once called 'emperor' has never managed to recapture his form and has suffered continuous problems regarding his weight. Now, after being released by Corinthians this month due to missing training on several occasions, the Brazilian isn't just searching for a new club, but also for a new lease of life.

Adriano's career is a reminder of how fickle fame can be and how it can destroy lives as well as making them. Had he been given the right support, who knows how far he could have gone. With the correct guidance maybe he could have been representing Brazil at the 2014 world cup in his homeland. Yet, unfortunately for the 30 year old it is unlikely a club will again show either trust or faith in him.

Too Much Too Soon For Villas-Boas

After months of talking about the 'new project' taking place at Chelsea, Roman Abramovich has finally returned to his old ways by unfairly dismissing the young Andre Villas-Boas. After just 8 months in charge of the London club, the Portuguese was shown the exit door after seeing his team fall to fifth in the table, outside the Champions League qualification spots. The total number of different managers in the dugout since Abramovich took charge in 2003 is now at an alarming nine, with Roberto Di Matteo appointed temporary manager this month.

Although results had not gone in favour of Villas-Boas, with disappointing defeats to Everton, Napoli and West Brom, there was an ounce of sympathy felt by many after the decision of his sacking was made public. In order for a new project to be successful, time must be given to the man making the decisive changes. Before the 34 year old was appointed in the summer, fans of the club and critics of its owner were calling for changes to be made on and off the pitch. With older players such as Florent Malouda, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba nearing the end of their contracts and failing to perform in key matches, drastic changes were needed. Yet, one major factor prevented Villas-Boas from making the necessary adjustments. The elder players omitted from the starting line-up began to demonstrate their power at their club, and also their egos.

Once a key player for the blues, Lampard was unable to come to terms with being overlooked and turned to the media to voice his concern about the managers decisions. This unprofessional and egotistical behaviour created enemies for the young manager amongst the public as well as inside the dressing room.

Similar to the England national squad, the players are given too much power and are dictating the fortunes of the manager. Although the decisions made by Villas-Boas did not provide instant success, there was a platform being made to build off. Whoever the new manager is should stick to the plans left in place by his predecessor, because change is what this club needs.

Furthermore, what is also needed, that Villas-Boas lacked, is a manager who can demand respect from his players. Without this squad of power-mad celebrities on side, the new man in charge can expect to suffer similar circumstances of previous fallen Blues managers.