1. Thiago Alacantara:
Born: 11 April 1991
Nationality : Spain
Club: FC Barcelona
Thiago Alacantara, Born in Italy, plays for Spain and is the son of a world cup winning Brazilian named Manzinho Olivera, well the above description says it all, being the son of a Brazilian, he has got everything from ball control to 2 very beautiful feet, I think Barcelona have found themselves a new midfield genius, which still puzzles me as to why they are still scripting the "Pursuit of Fabregas".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUwnCkA1zoc
2. Mario Gotze
Born: 3 June 1992
Nationality: Germany
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Breaking into the Dortmund youth set up at the tender age of 8, Gotze started to make his name right from the day his inception took place in the Dortmund U-10's. He then got himself promoted to the bigger stages of the academy by sheer hard work and luck and made his debut in a 0-0 draw against Mainz as a 16 year old. Lady Luck shone on him and then became a regular with the apparent injury to Japanese sensation Shinji Kagawa and played an authoritative roll in the Dortmund's successful championship winning campaign. He became the youngest player since Uwe seeler and Andre Schurrle to get the German National Call up, and now will play a major role in the National Squad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2LY8XGmKmM
3. Cristian Eriksen
Born: 14 February 1992
Club: Ajax
Nationality: Denmark
Born on Valentine's day, This lover boy here is more than just one, he is a talented footballer who signed a two and a half year contract with Ajax in the year 2008 from OB. His then manager Martin Jol describes him as the perfect number "10" player and slots in well with the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van Der Vaart. Considering 2011-2012 season as his breakthrough season, I'm waiting to see as to which big gun across Europe will snap him up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZm5JSaHqwI
4. Xherdan Shaqiri
Born: 10 October 1991
Club: FC Basel
Nationality: Switzerland.
Shaqiri is a natural winger and possesses a thunderbolt of a left foot and plays on the right flank. He looks a lot like Chilean Sanchez, but powerful winger and blistering pace, He is a typical Arjen Robben type player, who plays on the right, cuts into his favorite left foot and unleashes a missile and is a long range specialist. By the end of next season, I can see Shaqiri move to a more recognized club and even if he does not, he will continue to dominate the Axpo league
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUNVxS7ajDw.
5.Tom Cleverley
Born: 12 August 1989
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: England
Cleverley, as he is named synonymously, is a very clever footballer and personifies his name with aplomb. Tom Cleverley moved from Bradford to Man Utd as a promising 15 year old and made 9 appearances for the U-18 side and was loaned out to Leicester City whom he helped gain promotion into the Championship from League 1 and then to Wigan who he helped avoid relegation on the final day of the season and scored 4 goals in 25 games. He was then recalled into the Man Utd first team after glowing loan spells and made his first competitive appearance for the devils in the traditional curtain raiser in the Community Shield against cross town rivals City, and made immediate impact on the game and pivotal assist in the equalizing goal. He is young, energetic, seems to have the bite in Midfield, but i still feel that Utd still need a world class Midfielder cos Cleverley's inexperience in Europe is quite ambiguous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDtXiBxeccM
6. Aaron Ramsey
Born: 26th December 1990
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Wales
Burst onto the youth set up in Cardiff, this lad was termed, prodigious, promising and a general in the midfield. Man United and Arsenal strongly pursued his signature and Ramsey held a meeting with both the managers before penning down a deal with the north London club. A horrific injury against Stoke City stalled his progress at the Emirates stadium. He was loaned out to Nottingham Forest and his boyhood club Cardiff to regain match fitness. With the departure of Fabregas and Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, we could finally expect to see the emergence of Aaron Ramsey in the Arsenal colours.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rusdXcpuD_c
7. Oriol Romeu Vidal
Born: 24th September 1991
Club: Chelsea
Nationality: Spain
Oriol Romeu moved from Espanyol to Barcelona at the tender age of 14 and broke into the reserves at the age of 16. Pep Guardiola then handed him his senior debut against Kuwaiti side Kazma Sporting. He is a defensive minded midfielder, who is hard tackling and all action. He can operate at the heart of defense too, with the likes of Busquets, Mascherano competing for the same position, it looked unlikely that he would be able to compete for even a place on the bench given the plethora of talent that Barcelona have in their reserves. Chelsea came in for him and there was no holding him back, with Essien's fitness looking questionable and Obi Mikel's fluctuating performances, we could yet see the emergence of a new star in Chelsea's midfield.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wtGRSWEO7M
8. Jack Wilshire
Born: 1st January 1992
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: England.
Jack Wilshire came up through the Arsenal's youth academy and was impressing everyone around him right from the word go, Arsene saw his potential and loaned him out to Bolton on a season long loan that saw him flourish under the guidance of Owen Coyle. He put up stellar performances every week and made sure that he would be thrust into the first team when he returned to the capital. We can see him compete with the likes of Carrick, Lampard and Barry's places in the England's engine room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5NWOSgvlQE
9. Marko Marin
Born: 13th March 1989
Club: Werder Bremen
Nationality: German
Short Framework, Messi like stature drew all the comparisons of him to the German Messi. This lad from Serbian Dissent moved to Germany due to his mother's job at the age of 2 and started to play for local clubs before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt in 1996, at the tender age of 7. After 10 years with the Eintracht, he decided to join the the youth setup at Borussia Monchengladbach and made his professional debut against his former club Eintracht Frankfurt in 2007. Bigger and better things were to follow after his impressive displays for Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen came calling in the summer of 2009, and the chance for tasting champions league football did not stop him from making the move. Champions league is where I first spotted him and he caught my eye right from the word go. Marko has a fantastic future ahead of him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlMCNLUj0A4
11. Paul Pogba
Born: 15th March 1993
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: France.
Signed from Le Harve in France as a prodigious 15 year old and amidst the most controversial circumstances, Paul Pogba seems to have lived up to the controversy he stirred when he was snapped up by United. Captain of the French U-19 national team, and a midfield general in the Utd's reserves, he has one sweet right foot, the mental toughness to come into a team like United and perform. He hasn't scored many goals for the reserves team, but the ones he has scored are nothing short of spectacular. He has been likened to Patrick Viera because of his framework and appearance, but let me assure you, he plays like him too. He made his debut in the Paul Scholes testimonial against the Cosmos and with Sir Alex Already having promised him of first team football this season, I'm just as eager as any United fan would be, I'm looking forward to all the cup ties this term just to get a glimpse of this lad. Its going to be a mouth watering aspect to see him titillate the OT turf.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgyBOwbiTPY
11. Eden Hazard
Born: 7th January 1991
Club: Lille
Nationality: Belgium
A left sided attacking midfielder, and a left sided creative midfielder, he can cut into defenses, carve out crosses from the most impossible of angles and score some spectacular goals. The eldest of 4 brothers and whose parents are both footballers, I think greatness was already in his genes. This lanky causes "Hazard" to any defense he comes across he is also. He was scouted be the likes Of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manutd (As a natural replacement for Giggs), and AC Milan for over the last 2 seasons and he almot moved to the emirates stadium this summer, only for Arsene Wenger to lose the plot, yet again...!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DBtnxxGHhA
12. Phil Jones
Born: 21st February 1992,
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: England
Phil Jones had just made 35 appearances for the rovers before making the big money move to the "Theatre of Dreams", a dream come true for any teenager, Jones apparently impressed Sir Alex in United's thumping win over Rovers last term, and did not hesitate to fill in the cheque book and get this lad to the red half of Manchester. He made his debut in Utd's Pre- season tour of the United States. He then Came on as a half time sub against city and lifted his first silverware in the same game over City. His performances for the devils have been nothing short of Spectacular, and I just presume that United have found their next defensive pairing for the next decade in Smalling and Jones, and not to forget the twins Waltzing through the Flanks of the premier league grounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhwtFEoC0-Y
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Stupendous performances, and yet again a very predictable storyline - AVAN IVAN..!!
Ok... What Makes a Bala Movie Special...??? The performances of each and everyone in front of the Camera,!! What is it that makes it not so special??? The stereotypical locations, stereotypical backdrops and a stereotypical storyline with some kinda tragic end to the movie.He did come up with some colourful names to the characters in the script, but that just did not add colour or change to his script, cos its all the same and one could ask for it by name!!
Very disappointed that Bala has not been able to think something else other than what he has been thinking since His debut venture in Sethu.. tho Avan Ivan had a comic script to start with, it led to the same old same old Bala's tragic ending but for a change, both the lead actors were spared of their lives in the movie, but the one guy who had a godfather like image in a small tribal town being dead, and of course the leading actors taking vengeance for the bereaved soul.
5 reasons why Bala should renegade his ideologies and opt for something different!
1. He is getting too monotonous with his storylines and screenplay, because after a point, you obviously know the ending without having to get to the climax, cos u surely know what's coming after that point, Its Bala after all... how else is it gonna end??
2. No matter what different types of characters he imbibes in the movie, one pivotal character has to die, its the thumb rule of Bala, Well this is just his 5th movie an
d i could already predict the outcome of 2 movies after watching 60% of the movie, which is not an impressing thing as far as the audiences are concerned.
3. He did manage to give us the laugh in Avan Ivan with virtuoso performances from both Vishal and Arya who deserve critical acclaim for the performances, but this is not enough, cos it was momentary, a long momentary change till Bala gets back to square 1.
4. It may be only till the Last 15 mins that the story might have been different, but in the end, it was all back up again, what does this say?? Bala lacks in the art of taking the story line in the same track as it began, which again is not a good sign.
5. Yes, I did enjoy it till the time Highness spots the smugglers, and I knew what was coming thereafter, Death,Vengeance & Poignancy.
Honestly, I'm very disappointed with Bala Because of his stereotypical nature and he must change with his next movie. Yes, I admit, Naan Kadavul changed me, it taught me to respect a living being however they are Raja Sir's music moved me till i cried profusely and I was a moved in Avan Ivan as well for the Navarasam Scene that Vishal enacts to Suriya and the crowd, but that's just it. What else is there in the movie that we see different in the second half?? Nothing, A very Similar story line to that of Pithamagan's.. the difference here is cows in Avan Ivan and Opium in Pithamagan.
Nevertheless, I hope to see Both Vishal and Arya get honoured for their performances, and as far as director Bala is concerned,i hope he renegades his belief of tragic endings and seeks a more out of the box approach to his next ventures. If this does not happen, he may be forced into an exodus just like many other directors if this trait of his continues, and on a more personal note, I hope he realizes his flaws and changes soon cos I'm a Big fan of Bala!!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
One Club Wonders The Living Legends, My top 10
In today's modern footballing era, it has been very difficult to tie down players to one club. The influx of foreign owners and the amount of money pumped into the sport has to certain extent changed the players mentality from being passionate about their teams to being materialistic especially in the big European leagues and has even worsened the situation to certain extent by making the current crop of marquee players to hold their club at ransom to either increase their stakes, or let them leave to a club that is ready to pay into their demands.
This list here is a tribute to those players who epitomize loyalty, dedication and heart to one club where they have spent all of their lives playing.
My top 10 list of one club men who have cannoned on season after season defying their age and at times defying physics too, putting in shifts that left millions across the globe awestruck, and bewildered for over 12 seasons and more for their respective teams.
#10 Name : Gary Neville
Team : Manchester United(1992-2011)
Position: Right Back
United Debut: Vs Torpedo Moscow (Uefa Cup)
Gary Alexander Neville joined the Manchester united academy in the year 1991 and was one of the players brought into the fist team from the famous class of '92 that comprised of fellow youth stars Beckham, Scholes, Butt and Giggs.
Having appeared 602 times in a devils shirt,
making him the second longest serving player for Manchester United squad behind Ryan Giggs. Neville decided to hang his boots in feb 2011 when injury plagued him through out the last season. He was described by Sir Alex as the best British right backs of his generation. He was inducted as the club captain the the year 2005 after the unceremonious exit of Roy Keane in November of the same year.
In a 19 year career with united, Neville has notched up 7 goals in 602 appearances in his time at Old Trafford.
Moment to Remember: He played a crucial role in the treble winning season of 1999 when he helped united win the Fa cup, Champions league and the Premier league and subsequently was rewarded a place for his efforts in the Champions league final against Munich in Camp Nou, Barcelona and completed 90 mins.
Moment to Forget: He kicked out the football against a spectator at Goodison park,in a match against Everton and was sent off.
Honours:
9 time Premier League winner :1996,97,99,2000,01,03,06,07,08
3 FA cups : 96,99,04.
2 Uefa Champions league: 1999, 2008
6 FA Community Shield:1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010
1 Intercontinental Cup: 1999
1 Club World Cup: 2008
#9 Francesco Totti
Team: AS Roma(1992- )
Position: Striker/Attacking midfielder.
Debut: Vs Brescia (Siera A)
Often Referred to as the gladiator by the Italian media, the talismanic frontman from Rome has won several accolades including as one of the players in the "125 greatest living footballers" selected by the legendary
Brazilian Pele as oart of FIFA's centenary celebrations.
Totti is Roma's most capped player in the club's history and considered as Roma's greatest ever player and all time top goalscorer
Totti is still continuing to play with Roma and has currently amassed 610 appearances for the Giallorossi's scoring 262 goals in all competitions.
Totti Became a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF in 2003 and FIFA/SOS children's villages in 2006 and raised funds by publishing 2 self effacing books containing jokes about what people used to describe him as and in an interview, when he was asked what he would have become if he did not become a footballer, Totti promptly replied saying that he would have become a thug on the streets of Rome had it not been for football.
Totti is one of the finest italian players of his generation. His array of passing, eye for spectacular goals and the ability to inspire team-mates around him make him one of the most lethal players that the game has seen.
Moment to Remember: Totti lifted the FIFA World Cup in the Year 2006 in Germany by defeating France and was a very influential player for the Azzuri's throughout the campaign in Germany helping the azzuri lift their 4th world cup title.
Moment to Forget: Totti incidentally spat at Danish Defender Christian Poulsen after a goalless draw in Euro 2004 and was subsequently banned until the semifinals.
Honours
1 World Cup winners medal 2006
1 Seria A title 2001
2 Supercoppa Italiana 2001, 2007
2 Coppa Italia 2007, 2008
#8 Guti
Team: Real Madrid (1995-2010)
Position: Attacking Midfielder.
Debut : Vs Sevilla FC
We could say that Guti was a Madrid player right from the time of his birth till 2010. He joined the Real Madrid cantera in the year 1986 at the age of 10 and made his senior debut against Sevilla in the year 1995.
Guti's main attribute was his flamboyant left foot that was so accurate that he could slick passes through the thinnest of gaps. and convert defense into attacks earned him a regular starting berth in th
e Madrid line ups and earned him a call up to the national squad.
Guti has appeared 526 times in the Madrid Shirt and scored 75 times in all competitions
However was a very temperamental player and was shown marching orders 8 times in the league.
Guti's number has been taken over by another spaniard named Xabi Alonso who has filled the void that guti left in the year 2010.
Guti is currently playing for the Turkish side Besiktas JK
Moment to Remember: When Guti came on as a sub and created all the 3 goals for madrid who were 1-0 down at half time. This win helped them secure their liga title for the 30th time.
Moment to Forget: When He was sent off for kicking an opponent who had fallen down after sustaining an injury in the 1999-2000 season.
#7 Raul Gonzalez
Team: Real Madrid (1994-2010)
Position: Striker
Debut: Vs Real Zaragoza
Raul was snapped up from cross town rivals Atletico Madrid's youth system at the tender age of 17, when Atletico's then president Jesus Gil decided to close down their youth academy as a part of cost cutting measures. Raul soon started to find his foothold in Real and went on to make his senior debut against Real Zaragoza and became the youngest ever player to Debut for Madrid at 17 tears and 124 days which was later broken by Alberto Rivera late that season.
Raul in one of the greatest strikers the game has ever seen. He emulated the record previously held by Alfredo Di Stefano by becoming the top scorer for Real Madrid in La Liga scoring 228 goals.He managed
to notch up a staggering record 741 appearances for the Galacticos scoring 323 goals in all competitions. He remains the first player to score 50 Goals in the UEFA champions league and still remains to be the top scorer in all of Europe with 71 goals.
He holds the distinct record of never being sent off in a career that spans to 17 long years. Raul is one of the finest and the most disciplined players that the game has ever seen.
He is currently plying his trade for the German side Shalke 04.
Moment to Remember: He won 3 Champions league with the Castilian Club and scored 66 goals in the Europe's Elite competition for the Los Blancos and remains the leading scorer in the Champions league today.
Moment to Forget: When he was accused of creating a divide between the players in the Real Madrid and the national Dressing rooms and was criticized by Nicolas Anelka and Cicinho for his influence in the tea
Honours:
La Liga: 1995 ,97, 2001, 03, 07, 08.
Uefa Champions League:1998, 2000, 2002.
Uefa Super Cup : 2002
Intercontinental Cup :1998, 2002
Super Copa de Espana :1997, 2001, 2003, 2008
Honours:
La Liga: 1997, 2001, 03, 07, 08.
Uefa Champions League:1998, 2000, 2002.
Uefa Super Cup : 2002
Intercontinental Cup :1998, 2002
Super Copa de Espana :1997, 2001, 2003, 2008.
#6 Carles Puyol.
Team: FC Barcelona(1997- )
Position: Centre Back
Debut: Vs Real Valladolid
Carles Puyol, known for his Goldilocks hairstyle started playing football for his hometown club as a goalkeeper however after sustaining a shoulder injury forced him to switch positions to striker.
He then joined Barcelona in the year 1995 and slowly worked his way up to the first team in the year 1997 under the then barcelona coach Luis Van Gaal. He started out as a defensive midfielder and then swicthed his place to Right Back and then successfully now holds the Centre back position in the year 2000 and continues to be at the heart of the defense even today.
He took over the captaincy of Barcelona after the retirement of Luis Enrique at the end of the year 2003-04
He is known for his ruggedness in going for tackles and his positional sense. Barca fans refer to him as the wall and his colleague Miguel Angel Nadal famously lauded puyol saying that He was a "fantastic defender with a great positional sense and above all, he takes pride in
his shirt".
Carles has now appeared 516 times scoring 9 goals in all competitions for the Catalan club. He continues to impress us even today with his authoritative defending and brilliant leadership qualities. Carles still has a brilliant engine and is destined for further greatness being a part of probably the greatest club sides the world will ever see.
Moment to remember : When he became the match winner over Germany in the 2010 world cup Semi finals by scoring a powerful header past Manuel Neuer and eventually lifting the world cup in the finals by thwarting off the challenge of the Oranje.
Moment to Forget : His place in the Barcelona side came under fire and was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in England in the winter market in 2008.
Honours:
World Cup: 2010
La Liga: 2005, 06, 09, 10, 11
UEFA Champions League: 2006, 2009, 2011
UEFA Super Cup : 2009
FIFA Club World Cup: 2009
Spanish Cup: 2009
Spanish Super Cup: 2005,2006,2009,2010
#5 Javier Zanetti
Team: Internazionale Milan(1995- )
Position: Left Back / Defensive Midfielder
Debut: Vs Vicenza
Javier Zanetti is one of the finest left sided and left footed players I have ever seen after Ryan Giggs. He moved to Internazionale from Argentine first division club Banfield where his virtuoso performances was recognized by the scouts and saw him move to one of the biggest clubs in Europe and earned a place in the Argentine national squad. He the first ever signing of the new team owner Massimo Moratti's reign. He made his debut in August 1995 against Vicenza in Milan.
He is one of Inters most consistent, reliable and most trusted players for the Nerazzuri. As a reward for his performances and qualities, he was made the captain of Inter taking over from the legendary defender Guiseppe Bergomi in 1999 and honestly he is one of the greatest players that I have ever seen play for Inter.
In his 16 year stint with Inter, he has appeared 749 times for Inter just 9 behind Bergomi's record and is current
ly their longest serving player behind the Italian. He has scored 24 times in all competitions for Inter and became the First player to Captain an Italian side to a treble in 2010 when they defeated Bayern Munich.
Many of the Inter Fans Idolize him for his honesty and discipline and dedication he has shown towards inter over the years and I idolize him too.
Moment to Remember : When he became the first captain to successfully lead an Italian team to a treble.
Moment to Forget : When he was omitted by Diego Maradona for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Honours:
Serie A : 2006, 07, 08, 09, 10
UEFA Champions League: 2010
Coppa Italia: 2005, 06, 10, 11
UEFA Cup: 1998
FIFA Club World Cup: 2010
Super Coppa Italiana: 2005, 06, 08, 10
#4 Alessandro Del Piero
Club: Juventus (1993- )
Position: Striker.
Debut: Vs Foggia
Alessandro Del Piero is regarded as one of the greatest supporting s
trikers to have played the game. His trademark free kicks and penalties have seen him earn respect among footballers alike and still plays the game with aplomb today. He is a talismanic frontman who breathes Juventus. He switched to Juventus from his boyhood club Padova Calcio,
One of the greatest traits of Del Piero was his versatality to play anywhere across the midfield, to instigate attacks and break down attacks and at the same time the ability to score out of nothing.
In his time with with Juve, Del Piero has made a total of 677 appearances socring 285 times in all competitions. He is Juve's all time leading goalscorer and is continuing to score and create chances for his colleagues. He is one of Old lady's greatest servants.
Moment to Remember : When he helped Azzuri lift the World Cup in the summer of 2006.
Moment to Forget: In 2006 the entire Juventus team's management were held responsible for alleged match fixing and were relegated to Serie B for the first time in its history. They were stripped off their winners medal. It took them 2 seasons for them to get promoted to Serie A again.
Honours:
Serie A: 1995, 97, 98, 2001, 2003.
Serie B: 2007
Super Coppa Italiana: 1995, 97, 2002, 03
Coppa Italia: 1995
UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999
UEFA champions League : 1996,
UEFA Super Cup: 1996,
Intercontinental Cup: 1996
#3 Paul Scholes.
Team: Manchester United(1994-2011)
Position: Midfielder
Debut: Vs Port Vale
Paul Scholes is Undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of his generation and the best in England in his time. He was part of the famous FA youth cup that reached the final in the year 1993. He is also called the ginger top by team mates and is nicknamed the Ginger Demon for his his amazing ability to control Midfield Play.
Personally I have not seen anyone who make precise diagonal arrow head passes as Scholes does. His uncharacteristic ability to control and dictate a game made him one of the most gifted Midfielders ever to play the game. His short passes were also brilliant and he could create goals out of nowhere.
Scholes has played for the red devils 676 times and scoring 150 goals in all competitions, notably his best goal coming in the Semifinals against Barcelona in 2008 when he half-volleyed a shot in the top corner that sent them through to the finals and saw united lifting it.
He has one of the the most venomous right footed volley's I have ever seen and the goal against Aston Villa in the 2005-2006 season still sticks in my Head even today.
He has been described as the complete footballer that every team loves to have by Zinedine Zidane. Scholes notably embarked his 500th appearance for united by scoring against arch rivals Liverpool in a 2-0 win at home in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
Scholes had this uncanny ability to almost always go in for late challenges and make a hash of them nevertheless, the arrow head diagonal balls from scholes will be sorely missed by united as they go in search for his replacement.
Moment to Remember: His half volley against Barcelona in the Semi Finals of the Champions league in 2008.
Moment to Forget: He was suspended for the Champions league Final in Barcelona in 1999. The Year United did the historic treble.
Honours:
Premier League: 1996, 97, 99, 2000, 01, 03, 07, 08, 09, 11
UEFA Champions League: 1999,2008
Football League Cup:2009, 10
FA community Shield: 1196, 97, 2003, 2008, 2010
Intercontinental Cup: 1999
FIFA Club World Cup : 2008
FA cup:1996, 99, 2004.
#2 Ryan Giggs.
Team: Manchester United(1990- )
Position: Left Winger
Debut: Vs Everton
Ryan Giggs according to me is one of the finest footballers to have ever played the game and one of the greatest players to have never played the World cup or the Euros. He has the ability to tear apart defende
rs and cut through them. He became instant hero when he scored the famous solo goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi finals of the famous 1999 season.
Sir Alex's first heard of Giggs when a local Manchester scout named Harold Wood recommended the boy to him. Sir Alex then got a glimpse of him playing for salford boys against United U-15's and scored a hat trick. Impressed with Ryan, Sir Alex wasted no time in securing his services by personally visiting him in his house and securing his signature on his birthday when he was just 14 years old and since then there has been no turning back for the Welshman. Till then, Giggs had been a junior for cross town rivals Manchester city.
He had ruled the left wings for over a decade and is now being used more centrally as a playmaker at times.
Ryan Giggs has made 876 appearances for the Red devils and scoring 159 times and still counting.In a recent worldwide polling, Ryan Giggs has been voted the greatest ever Manchester United player in the club's history and is the most decorated British Footballer.He has won every single premier league trophy that Manchester united have won and the count still increases. Ryan Giggs also holds the distinctive record of being the only player to have scored in all the English Premier League seasons since its inception in the year 1992.
Moment to Remember: His solo goal against Arsenal that catapulted him to fame and glory.
Moment to forget: His super injunction scandal accusing him of having extra marital affairs with a reality TV star and his sister in law have created an indelible scar on his face that cannot be erased.
Honours:
Premier League: 1993, 94, 96, 97, 99, 2000, 01, 03, 07, 08, 09, 11
FA Cup: 1994, 96, 99,2004
Football League Cup: 1992, 2006, 09, 10
UEFA Champions League : 1999, 2008,
UEFA Super Cup: 1991
Intercontinental Cup: 1999
FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
FA Community Shield: 1993, 94,96,97,2003,07,08,10.
#1 Paolo Maldini.
Team: AC Milan (1985 - 2009)
Position : Centre Back / Left Back.
Debut: Vs Udinese
Paolo Maldini, son of Cesar Maldini is probably my greatest and the most fearsome defenders of all times and the greatest one club player in the history of
modern football. I have never seen him struggle to defend and all his challenges were so smooth to watch that he made his presence felt even though the accolades were most often given to the players scoring.
Maldini made his Milan debut at the age of 16 against Udinese who came in for the injured Sergio Battistini and that went onto become his only league appearance of the 1984 - 85 campaign. The following seasons, the coach made him a regular in the starting line up for the Rossoneri.
Maldini in his early days at Milan started out as a left back which enabled him to drive forward and had venomous attacking ability. He was also the part of the famous Milanese quartet that comprised of Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti. Later on, he went onto the position of a central defender.
Maldini appeared for the Milan outfit a record 902 times.. that's right, 902 times emulating the Serie A record held by the legendary Dino Zoff. He has scored 22 times for the rossoneri with some stunning strikes throughout his career. He is probably the finest fleet footed defender that the game has ever seen.
He captained Milan from the 1995 season onwards. Cesar and Paolo Maldini are the only father son duo to have Lifted the European Cup as Club captains, and as a tribute to his services, Milan have retired his #3 jersey but will be bequeathed to one of his sons if they were able to make it up to the senior team squad.
He finally bid adieu to the rossoneri faithful at the end of the 2009 season, and Paolo Maldini is truly the greatest one club wonders of the modern footballing era.
Moment to Remember: In 2003, he lifted the Champions league trophy as club captain, exactly 40 years after his father accomplished the same feat.
Moment to forget : Losing to Brazil in the 1994 World Cup Finals in the penalty shoot outs.
Honours:
Serie A: 1988, 92, 93, 94, 96, 99, 2004
Coppa Italia :2003
Supercoppa Italiana : 1988, 92, 93, 94, 2004
UEFA Champions League: 1989, 90, 94, 2003, 07.
UEFA Super Cup: 1989, 90, 94, 2003, 07.
Intercontinental Cup: 1989, 90
FIFA Club World Cup: 2007.
Honorary Mentions:
1.Steven Gerard, Liverpool (1998- )
2.Iker Casillas, Real Madrid (1999- )
3. John Terry, Chelsea ( 1998- )
These are my list of One club wonders, It really amazes me as to how loyal these players were to their respective clubs in modern times, but precious stones like these are a rarity and is hard to come by as of today and I hardly see it happening. Thats why these players will remain etched in the folklore of the respective clubs and in the memories of people watching the game world over. They truly are " The Living Legends".
This list here is a tribute to those players who epitomize loyalty, dedication and heart to one club where they have spent all of their lives playing.
My top 10 list of one club men who have cannoned on season after season defying their age and at times defying physics too, putting in shifts that left millions across the globe awestruck, and bewildered for over 12 seasons and more for their respective teams.
#10 Name : Gary Neville
Team : Manchester United(1992-2011)
Position: Right Back
United Debut: Vs Torpedo Moscow (Uefa Cup)
Gary Alexander Neville joined the Manchester united academy in the year 1991 and was one of the players brought into the fist team from the famous class of '92 that comprised of fellow youth stars Beckham, Scholes, Butt and Giggs.
Having appeared 602 times in a devils shirt,
making him the second longest serving player for Manchester United squad behind Ryan Giggs. Neville decided to hang his boots in feb 2011 when injury plagued him through out the last season. He was described by Sir Alex as the best British right backs of his generation. He was inducted as the club captain the the year 2005 after the unceremonious exit of Roy Keane in November of the same year.In a 19 year career with united, Neville has notched up 7 goals in 602 appearances in his time at Old Trafford.
Moment to Remember: He played a crucial role in the treble winning season of 1999 when he helped united win the Fa cup, Champions league and the Premier league and subsequently was rewarded a place for his efforts in the Champions league final against Munich in Camp Nou, Barcelona and completed 90 mins.
Moment to Forget: He kicked out the football against a spectator at Goodison park,in a match against Everton and was sent off.
Honours:
9 time Premier League winner :1996,97,99,2000,01,03,06,07,08
3 FA cups : 96,99,04.
2 Uefa Champions league: 1999, 2008
6 FA Community Shield:1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010
1 Intercontinental Cup: 1999
1 Club World Cup: 2008
#9 Francesco Totti
Team: AS Roma(1992- )
Position: Striker/Attacking midfielder.
Debut: Vs Brescia (Siera A)
Often Referred to as the gladiator by the Italian media, the talismanic frontman from Rome has won several accolades including as one of the players in the "125 greatest living footballers" selected by the legendary
Brazilian Pele as oart of FIFA's centenary celebrations.Totti is Roma's most capped player in the club's history and considered as Roma's greatest ever player and all time top goalscorer
Totti is still continuing to play with Roma and has currently amassed 610 appearances for the Giallorossi's scoring 262 goals in all competitions.
Totti Became a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF in 2003 and FIFA/SOS children's villages in 2006 and raised funds by publishing 2 self effacing books containing jokes about what people used to describe him as and in an interview, when he was asked what he would have become if he did not become a footballer, Totti promptly replied saying that he would have become a thug on the streets of Rome had it not been for football.
Totti is one of the finest italian players of his generation. His array of passing, eye for spectacular goals and the ability to inspire team-mates around him make him one of the most lethal players that the game has seen.
Moment to Remember: Totti lifted the FIFA World Cup in the Year 2006 in Germany by defeating France and was a very influential player for the Azzuri's throughout the campaign in Germany helping the azzuri lift their 4th world cup title.
Moment to Forget: Totti incidentally spat at Danish Defender Christian Poulsen after a goalless draw in Euro 2004 and was subsequently banned until the semifinals.
Honours
1 World Cup winners medal 2006
1 Seria A title 2001
2 Supercoppa Italiana 2001, 2007
2 Coppa Italia 2007, 2008
#8 Guti
Team: Real Madrid (1995-2010)
Position: Attacking Midfielder.
Debut : Vs Sevilla FC
We could say that Guti was a Madrid player right from the time of his birth till 2010. He joined the Real Madrid cantera in the year 1986 at the age of 10 and made his senior debut against Sevilla in the year 1995.
Guti's main attribute was his flamboyant left foot that was so accurate that he could slick passes through the thinnest of gaps. and convert defense into attacks earned him a regular starting berth in th
e Madrid line ups and earned him a call up to the national squad.Guti has appeared 526 times in the Madrid Shirt and scored 75 times in all competitions
However was a very temperamental player and was shown marching orders 8 times in the league.
Guti's number has been taken over by another spaniard named Xabi Alonso who has filled the void that guti left in the year 2010.
Guti is currently playing for the Turkish side Besiktas JK
Moment to Remember: When Guti came on as a sub and created all the 3 goals for madrid who were 1-0 down at half time. This win helped them secure their liga title for the 30th time.
Moment to Forget: When He was sent off for kicking an opponent who had fallen down after sustaining an injury in the 1999-2000 season.
#7 Raul Gonzalez
Team: Real Madrid (1994-2010)
Position: Striker
Debut: Vs Real Zaragoza
Raul was snapped up from cross town rivals Atletico Madrid's youth system at the tender age of 17, when Atletico's then president Jesus Gil decided to close down their youth academy as a part of cost cutting measures. Raul soon started to find his foothold in Real and went on to make his senior debut against Real Zaragoza and became the youngest ever player to Debut for Madrid at 17 tears and 124 days which was later broken by Alberto Rivera late that season.
Raul in one of the greatest strikers the game has ever seen. He emulated the record previously held by Alfredo Di Stefano by becoming the top scorer for Real Madrid in La Liga scoring 228 goals.He managed
to notch up a staggering record 741 appearances for the Galacticos scoring 323 goals in all competitions. He remains the first player to score 50 Goals in the UEFA champions league and still remains to be the top scorer in all of Europe with 71 goals.He holds the distinct record of never being sent off in a career that spans to 17 long years. Raul is one of the finest and the most disciplined players that the game has ever seen.
He is currently plying his trade for the German side Shalke 04.
Moment to Remember: He won 3 Champions league with the Castilian Club and scored 66 goals in the Europe's Elite competition for the Los Blancos and remains the leading scorer in the Champions league today.
Moment to Forget: When he was accused of creating a divide between the players in the Real Madrid and the national Dressing rooms and was criticized by Nicolas Anelka and Cicinho for his influence in the tea
Honours:
La Liga: 1995 ,97, 2001, 03, 07, 08.
Uefa Champions League:1998, 2000, 2002.
Uefa Super Cup : 2002
Intercontinental Cup :1998, 2002
Super Copa de Espana :1997, 2001, 2003, 2008
Honours:
La Liga: 1997, 2001, 03, 07, 08.
Uefa Champions League:1998, 2000, 2002.
Uefa Super Cup : 2002
Intercontinental Cup :1998, 2002
Super Copa de Espana :1997, 2001, 2003, 2008.
#6 Carles Puyol.
Team: FC Barcelona(1997- )
Position: Centre Back
Debut: Vs Real Valladolid
Carles Puyol, known for his Goldilocks hairstyle started playing football for his hometown club as a goalkeeper however after sustaining a shoulder injury forced him to switch positions to striker.
He then joined Barcelona in the year 1995 and slowly worked his way up to the first team in the year 1997 under the then barcelona coach Luis Van Gaal. He started out as a defensive midfielder and then swicthed his place to Right Back and then successfully now holds the Centre back position in the year 2000 and continues to be at the heart of the defense even today.
He took over the captaincy of Barcelona after the retirement of Luis Enrique at the end of the year 2003-04
He is known for his ruggedness in going for tackles and his positional sense. Barca fans refer to him as the wall and his colleague Miguel Angel Nadal famously lauded puyol saying that He was a "fantastic defender with a great positional sense and above all, he takes pride in
his shirt".Carles has now appeared 516 times scoring 9 goals in all competitions for the Catalan club. He continues to impress us even today with his authoritative defending and brilliant leadership qualities. Carles still has a brilliant engine and is destined for further greatness being a part of probably the greatest club sides the world will ever see.
Moment to remember : When he became the match winner over Germany in the 2010 world cup Semi finals by scoring a powerful header past Manuel Neuer and eventually lifting the world cup in the finals by thwarting off the challenge of the Oranje.
Moment to Forget : His place in the Barcelona side came under fire and was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in England in the winter market in 2008.
Honours:
World Cup: 2010
La Liga: 2005, 06, 09, 10, 11
UEFA Champions League: 2006, 2009, 2011
UEFA Super Cup : 2009
FIFA Club World Cup: 2009
Spanish Cup: 2009
Spanish Super Cup: 2005,2006,2009,2010
#5 Javier Zanetti
Team: Internazionale Milan(1995- )
Position: Left Back / Defensive Midfielder
Debut: Vs Vicenza
Javier Zanetti is one of the finest left sided and left footed players I have ever seen after Ryan Giggs. He moved to Internazionale from Argentine first division club Banfield where his virtuoso performances was recognized by the scouts and saw him move to one of the biggest clubs in Europe and earned a place in the Argentine national squad. He the first ever signing of the new team owner Massimo Moratti's reign. He made his debut in August 1995 against Vicenza in Milan.
He is one of Inters most consistent, reliable and most trusted players for the Nerazzuri. As a reward for his performances and qualities, he was made the captain of Inter taking over from the legendary defender Guiseppe Bergomi in 1999 and honestly he is one of the greatest players that I have ever seen play for Inter.
In his 16 year stint with Inter, he has appeared 749 times for Inter just 9 behind Bergomi's record and is current
ly their longest serving player behind the Italian. He has scored 24 times in all competitions for Inter and became the First player to Captain an Italian side to a treble in 2010 when they defeated Bayern Munich.Many of the Inter Fans Idolize him for his honesty and discipline and dedication he has shown towards inter over the years and I idolize him too.
Moment to Remember : When he became the first captain to successfully lead an Italian team to a treble.
Moment to Forget : When he was omitted by Diego Maradona for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Honours:
Serie A : 2006, 07, 08, 09, 10
UEFA Champions League: 2010
Coppa Italia: 2005, 06, 10, 11
UEFA Cup: 1998
FIFA Club World Cup: 2010
Super Coppa Italiana: 2005, 06, 08, 10
#4 Alessandro Del Piero
Club: Juventus (1993- )
Position: Striker.
Debut: Vs Foggia
Alessandro Del Piero is regarded as one of the greatest supporting s
trikers to have played the game. His trademark free kicks and penalties have seen him earn respect among footballers alike and still plays the game with aplomb today. He is a talismanic frontman who breathes Juventus. He switched to Juventus from his boyhood club Padova Calcio,One of the greatest traits of Del Piero was his versatality to play anywhere across the midfield, to instigate attacks and break down attacks and at the same time the ability to score out of nothing.
In his time with with Juve, Del Piero has made a total of 677 appearances socring 285 times in all competitions. He is Juve's all time leading goalscorer and is continuing to score and create chances for his colleagues. He is one of Old lady's greatest servants.
Moment to Remember : When he helped Azzuri lift the World Cup in the summer of 2006.
Moment to Forget: In 2006 the entire Juventus team's management were held responsible for alleged match fixing and were relegated to Serie B for the first time in its history. They were stripped off their winners medal. It took them 2 seasons for them to get promoted to Serie A again.
Honours:
Serie A: 1995, 97, 98, 2001, 2003.
Serie B: 2007
Super Coppa Italiana: 1995, 97, 2002, 03
Coppa Italia: 1995
UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999
UEFA champions League : 1996,
UEFA Super Cup: 1996,
Intercontinental Cup: 1996
#3 Paul Scholes.
Team: Manchester United(1994-2011)
Position: Midfielder
Debut: Vs Port Vale
Paul Scholes is Undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of his generation and the best in England in his time. He was part of the famous FA youth cup that reached the final in the year 1993. He is also called the ginger top by team mates and is nicknamed the Ginger Demon for his his amazing ability to control Midfield Play.
Personally I have not seen anyone who make precise diagonal arrow head passes as Scholes does. His uncharacteristic ability to control and dictate a game made him one of the most gifted Midfielders ever to play the game. His short passes were also brilliant and he could create goals out of nowhere.
Scholes has played for the red devils 676 times and scoring 150 goals in all competitions, notably his best goal coming in the Semifinals against Barcelona in 2008 when he half-volleyed a shot in the top corner that sent them through to the finals and saw united lifting it.
He has one of the the most venomous right footed volley's I have ever seen and the goal against Aston Villa in the 2005-2006 season still sticks in my Head even today.
He has been described as the complete footballer that every team loves to have by Zinedine Zidane. Scholes notably embarked his 500th appearance for united by scoring against arch rivals Liverpool in a 2-0 win at home in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
Scholes had this uncanny ability to almost always go in for late challenges and make a hash of them nevertheless, the arrow head diagonal balls from scholes will be sorely missed by united as they go in search for his replacement.
Moment to Remember: His half volley against Barcelona in the Semi Finals of the Champions league in 2008.
Moment to Forget: He was suspended for the Champions league Final in Barcelona in 1999. The Year United did the historic treble.
Honours:
Premier League: 1996, 97, 99, 2000, 01, 03, 07, 08, 09, 11
UEFA Champions League: 1999,2008
Football League Cup:2009, 10
FA community Shield: 1196, 97, 2003, 2008, 2010
Intercontinental Cup: 1999
FIFA Club World Cup : 2008
FA cup:1996, 99, 2004.
#2 Ryan Giggs.
Team: Manchester United(1990- )
Position: Left Winger
Debut: Vs Everton
Ryan Giggs according to me is one of the finest footballers to have ever played the game and one of the greatest players to have never played the World cup or the Euros. He has the ability to tear apart defende
rs and cut through them. He became instant hero when he scored the famous solo goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi finals of the famous 1999 season.Sir Alex's first heard of Giggs when a local Manchester scout named Harold Wood recommended the boy to him. Sir Alex then got a glimpse of him playing for salford boys against United U-15's and scored a hat trick. Impressed with Ryan, Sir Alex wasted no time in securing his services by personally visiting him in his house and securing his signature on his birthday when he was just 14 years old and since then there has been no turning back for the Welshman. Till then, Giggs had been a junior for cross town rivals Manchester city.
He had ruled the left wings for over a decade and is now being used more centrally as a playmaker at times.
Ryan Giggs has made 876 appearances for the Red devils and scoring 159 times and still counting.In a recent worldwide polling, Ryan Giggs has been voted the greatest ever Manchester United player in the club's history and is the most decorated British Footballer.He has won every single premier league trophy that Manchester united have won and the count still increases. Ryan Giggs also holds the distinctive record of being the only player to have scored in all the English Premier League seasons since its inception in the year 1992.
Moment to Remember: His solo goal against Arsenal that catapulted him to fame and glory.
Moment to forget: His super injunction scandal accusing him of having extra marital affairs with a reality TV star and his sister in law have created an indelible scar on his face that cannot be erased.
Honours:
Premier League: 1993, 94, 96, 97, 99, 2000, 01, 03, 07, 08, 09, 11
FA Cup: 1994, 96, 99,2004
Football League Cup: 1992, 2006, 09, 10
UEFA Champions League : 1999, 2008,
UEFA Super Cup: 1991
Intercontinental Cup: 1999
FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
FA Community Shield: 1993, 94,96,97,2003,07,08,10.
#1 Paolo Maldini.
Team: AC Milan (1985 - 2009)
Position : Centre Back / Left Back.
Debut: Vs Udinese
Paolo Maldini, son of Cesar Maldini is probably my greatest and the most fearsome defenders of all times and the greatest one club player in the history of
modern football. I have never seen him struggle to defend and all his challenges were so smooth to watch that he made his presence felt even though the accolades were most often given to the players scoring.Maldini made his Milan debut at the age of 16 against Udinese who came in for the injured Sergio Battistini and that went onto become his only league appearance of the 1984 - 85 campaign. The following seasons, the coach made him a regular in the starting line up for the Rossoneri.
Maldini in his early days at Milan started out as a left back which enabled him to drive forward and had venomous attacking ability. He was also the part of the famous Milanese quartet that comprised of Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti. Later on, he went onto the position of a central defender.
Maldini appeared for the Milan outfit a record 902 times.. that's right, 902 times emulating the Serie A record held by the legendary Dino Zoff. He has scored 22 times for the rossoneri with some stunning strikes throughout his career. He is probably the finest fleet footed defender that the game has ever seen.
He captained Milan from the 1995 season onwards. Cesar and Paolo Maldini are the only father son duo to have Lifted the European Cup as Club captains, and as a tribute to his services, Milan have retired his #3 jersey but will be bequeathed to one of his sons if they were able to make it up to the senior team squad.
He finally bid adieu to the rossoneri faithful at the end of the 2009 season, and Paolo Maldini is truly the greatest one club wonders of the modern footballing era.
Moment to Remember: In 2003, he lifted the Champions league trophy as club captain, exactly 40 years after his father accomplished the same feat.
Moment to forget : Losing to Brazil in the 1994 World Cup Finals in the penalty shoot outs.
Honours:
Serie A: 1988, 92, 93, 94, 96, 99, 2004
Coppa Italia :2003
Supercoppa Italiana : 1988, 92, 93, 94, 2004
UEFA Champions League: 1989, 90, 94, 2003, 07.
UEFA Super Cup: 1989, 90, 94, 2003, 07.
Intercontinental Cup: 1989, 90
FIFA Club World Cup: 2007.
Honorary Mentions:
1.Steven Gerard, Liverpool (1998- )
2.Iker Casillas, Real Madrid (1999- )
3. John Terry, Chelsea ( 1998- )
These are my list of One club wonders, It really amazes me as to how loyal these players were to their respective clubs in modern times, but precious stones like these are a rarity and is hard to come by as of today and I hardly see it happening. Thats why these players will remain etched in the folklore of the respective clubs and in the memories of people watching the game world over. They truly are " The Living Legends".
Sunday, April 3, 2011
DESERVINGLY TRIUMPHANT
Team India have reached the Promised Land.... what a performance.. the First team to win it on home soil.. only the third team in the history of the cup to chase successfully...a captain fitting enough to lift it... a CHAMPION who deservingly lifts it.. a team that has come on in leaps and bounds in the last 5 years...a team that had barricades in the form of the indomitable ozzies and the unpredictable yet mighty pakis... and the roaring neighbourhood lions...a dream come true...for all of us.. for the little champion... DHONI has proved his worth yet again...ganguly laid the platform and MSD has carried to form his legacy.. no test series lost, T20 champs, tho i hate so say it.. ipl and champions league champs and now.. conquering the World.. GO team INDIA GO...!!!.. kudos to the little master for having won almost everything in the books.. and most importantly..a billion followers behind him.. and how he deserves it and most importantly.. it will be it will be Dhoni's winning shot and his swagger of the bat after watchin the ball sail over the long on boundary will be aired and not Kapil's catch of richards from the 83 edition... fantastic performance. The indian fielding lead right from the first over... indians pumped up on the field for the first time.. they gave their life they gave their hearts for the biliion watching worldwide, for the nation.. Yuvraj's catapulting back to form undermines his prize of the best player of the tournament.. absolutely fantastic to see him talk less and do more...gambhir's ability to steer the ship to stability when things seemed to have wobbled kohli sticking with him for a while and MSD's INGENIOUS MOVE to promote himself up the order and justifying it in the end will surely shut the media up...and most importantly a sprinbox winning the cup for the first time even if not as a player..as a coach, another reason to india's transformation, a fitting end to his time as coach... THANK YOU GARY, THANK YOU TEAM INDIA..this victory will always remain immortally indelible in our memories... its a moment in life ill always cherish.. ill always savour and ill always narrate....KUDOS TO TEAM INDIA...... the end was FRENETIC, the end was FANTASTIC and we are all ECSTATIC...well done boys...!!!!TEAM FROM THE FRONT.. FINISHED FIRST...!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TEAM INDIA.. No other team deserved it more than you... and for the first time i admit it...SACHIN.. the greatest ever player to grace the game...!!!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A Tribute to the Flying Dutchman... EDWIN van DER SAR
Edwin Van Der Sar is surely the best Dutchman to have adorned the grounds in the premier league after Dennis Bergkamp. Being a Die hard Manutd Fan, I must admit that his absence will be felt across Carrington and amongst the Old Trafford faithfuls. His experience between the posts is second to none and as important as that of Ryan Giggs' & Paul Scholes' in the middle of the park. During his 6 year span in between the sticks at Old trafford he has demonstrated the best possible goal keeping that I have ever seen in my life.
Let's recall the the top 10 saves made by the Flying Dutchman for United. and let me know if you guys remember any.
10. VDS' save off Danny Murphy vs Fulham 07-08
Fulham at cottage sot of became a bogey ground for united since the inception of Roy Hodgson at its helm and since then Craven Cottage has become a fortress and a nightmare for any team to go to. When utd. travelled to cottage in 2008 Utd were pegged back for most of the game, but the save of the match eventually coming from the VDS. a cleared ball from ferdinand reaches a scurrying danny murphy who takes a touch and launches a dipping swerving volley only to be tipped away for a corner by VDS. what made it more interesting was that, he prevented a former scouser by scoring it, though United di end up losing it 2-0 on the night. The save is definitely in his top in a devils shirt.
09. VDS' Save off Dejan Stankovic Vs Inter Mi lan UCL Round of 16 08-09
United were gearing up for the welcome of Sir Alex's old foe in Jose Mourinho who was beginning to show his class with inter and who helped ' em rocket ahead of the chasing pack in the Serie A table in the 08-09 season. With the tie hanging in the balance at 0-0, United knew that nothing less than a win would see them through to the last 8 and with the score at 0-0 at old trafford, Stankovic, Catching VDS off his line, unleashes a dipping, swerving volley which i thought was heading into the net till i saw VDS parry it away for a corner. This save, proved to be the catalyst for the match and an inspiration for the ones outside the box as the devils eventually ran out 2-0 winners on the night.
08. VDS' save off James McCarthy 10-11
United Dismal Away record continues this season having won only 3 out of 12 away games having drawn 8 and losing 1 which is their first loss of the campaign and surprisingly, the defeat came in the hands of wolves who were the bottom side when they took on manutd. United travelled to Wigan coming from the back of an emphatic victory over arch rivals MANCITY at Old Trafford. Wigan came flying out of the blocks in the first 20 minute s and van der sar suddenly became the busiest man on the pitch, the first save coming off victor moises where VDS kept his head and foot together by not committing himself and standing tall only for moses to scuff his shot against the dutchman's framework, call it experienced vs the not, but the save of the match came when wigan silenced united with an unbelievable array of passing, (some what like arsenal's) and wen the ball was laid off for james' McCarthy, and no defender in the picture, VDS scurries towards james and blocks his shot to keep wigan from taking the lead. Wigan's stern resistance comes to an end when wayne rooney releases Hernandez with a clever through ball and once united took the l ead, there was no turning back.
07. VDS save Off William Gallas 07-08
With pride at stake, along with arsenal's still in the title hunt, the gunners took on the devils in front of a packed emirates stadium. with the scores locked 0-0 and guneers going all guns blazing, earn a free kick in a tricky position on the pitch, and fabregas leading the proceedings to take the free kick, curls one over the wall and onto the head of the onrushing and unmakred gallas who heads it down, it seemed like trotting in between the legs of VDS and into the goal, till VDS shuts his leg an d prevents the ball from rolling in. As it stood, the match turned out to be a topsy turvy affair and with utd leading 2-1, gallas eventually gets his goal wen UTD defence have a lapse in concentration. Both the gunners and devils share the spoils on the night, the game ended 2-2.
06. VDS save off FABRICE MUAMBA vs Bolton 09-10
United Leading 1-0 on the night wen bolton's loanee from Arsenal Jack Wilshire slicks one thro to muamba who seemed to have over run the ball but somehow manages to get it under control and get his shot away heading to the top right corner only to be saved by the finger tips of VDS, united eventually ran out 4-0 winners as the reebok.
05. VDS save off Lee Cattermole vs Middlesborough 07-08
United went expensive in the summer of 2007 with the acquisition of Nani from sporting Lisbon of Portugal, Anderson from Porto from the same province,Owen Hargreaves from the Bavarians and Carlos Tevez( bah..!!) from West ham on a 2 season loan as four marquee signings, and one of the 3, Nani, wasted little time in proving his abilities with a thunderbolt against spurswhich became their first win of the season which was the 4 round of matches in the league, and an even better effort against boro with a dipping shot over Mark Shwarzer's head unsettling his balance. But when VDS made this save, the score was niggling at 2-1 with boro putting numbers forward and playing confidently to knock off utd's lead when Tuncay Sanli lays off the ball to cattermole, he had only one thing in his mind, to hit it.. and he hit it with venom alright, unleashing a missile that was heading into the top left corner of VDS' post in front of the stretford end VDS launches himself at it, striking his fingertips and going away for a corner.Utd ran out 4-1 winners on the night with a brace from tevez and one each from nani and rooney, with jeremy aliadiere scoring for boro.
04. Ok Here's the Deal, I have 2 saves for the no. 4 spot, so ill let you d ecide.
I - VDS' save off IVANOVIC, vs chelsea 10-11
I'm sure all of you would have followed the Chelsea game that was postponed to 1st March. Chelsea knowing that only a win would do to get their title defence nack on track. With united leading 1-0 courtesy of a stunning strike from rooney, Van der sar amazingly pulls off triple a triple save just before the stroke of half time when VDS saves a lampard free kick that bounced just in fron of VDS who parries the ball onto the path of Vidic's Compatriot, Branislav Ivanovic, who somehow doesn't turn it in, thanks to VDS, who tips the ball of his thigh and away onto John O' shea who stabs it clear. Utd lose the game 2-1 at the bridge on the night filled with emotions, drama and animation everywhere, VDS was beaten by the new boy and blues, January acquisition, David Luiz who equalizes emphatically and the winner coming from a penalty from frank Lampard which throws the title race wide open again for the season.
II - VDS' save off Koscielny, Vs Arsenal FA cup qurater finals 10-11
With Utd coming from the back of a tough week with losses to current champs chelsea and bitter rivals Liverpool and at the same time, arsenal trying to get back on track by putting behind the heartbreak at wembley and the battering at camp nou to rejuvenate their season at old trafford with an FA cup win over United, United came out with a starting line up that no one, not even the almighty in his remotest of remote dreams would've expected, with 7 defenders onto the pitch with rooney slotting in MF and hernandez up front and the twins, hovering on the flanks,
and o'shea slotting in front of the back four. While arsenal started to play their free flowing passing football, utd snuck up in front of em and played on the counter, it worked wonders when fabio got on the end of parry by almunia off hernandez to give utd the lead, but we all know that it aint over until the fat lady sings, Arsenal started off with an urge and played some string of breath taking passes keeping the ball in possession, and one move pulled off when VDS parried off a Koscielny shot back onto his foot, and immediately got up again to keep the lead intact, rooney sealed the victory with a 2-0 win, courtesy brilliant play from rafael on the far to set up the second goal.
3. VDS save off Darius Vassel (penalty) , vs MANCITY 06-07
Coming to the business end of the season, the championship was still there for the taking with the utd having to fight it out with the current champs Chelsea, Utd faced a hostile atmosphere in the city of manchester stadium, and leading 1-0 in the game, VDS had the task of defending a penalty, which if saved, would keep utd's lead intact, and if won, utd would edge closer to wresting the title from chelsea if the blues failed to beat arsenal the next day, with 10 mins on the clock, vassel steps up to take the spot kick, and having seen VDS moving in the wrong direction, vassel fires down the centre, and VDS stretches out his leg to make the save after the ball crashes onto his knee, and back into the box, where he gets up and punches it away, a famous win for utd, having ensured the win over CITY and winning th e championship, just the icing on the cake any team would want, winning the league.. and doing it over your cross town rivals. A double delight indeed.
02. VDS save Off Liedson vs sporting Lisbon 07-08
This is prolly the best save of his that I have seen him pull off in a utd a shirt, but its not the first because of obvious reaso ns, It was the homecoming of one footballs greatest players, Cristiano Ronaldo, which seemed to be a very emotional night for the Portuguese it was a very cagey night for both the teams who having set out to play a possession game, and Sporting had the first crack on goal when another prodigious lad from sporting, Miguel Veloso, plays in liedson, who some how musters up some space and has a go at VDS far post, initially i thought the ball was heading to the back of the net, but from somewhere, VDS puts out a terrific reach with his left had to divert the shot to a corner, my.. what a save.. one to savour, for a life time... the night was settled courtesy a diving header from Cristiano Ronaldo, who settled his nerves quickly, the tie on the night, ended 1-0.
Numero Uno.
####1. No prizes for Guessing . VDS of ANELKA, UCL finals 07-08
It seemed as thought it was a game of 2 halves with Utd. Battering the blues in the first half, and blues paying in kind in the second. The game after extra time remained 1-1 even though the Blues caressed the cross bar on a couple of occasions in the second half. The score tied at 1-1 goes into penalties and utd trailing 4-3 on penalties with JT stepping upto the seal the conquest of europe in moscow by takin the last penalty, which incidentally was the decider, but it was not to be, VDS goes the wrong way but JT slips, and the upright once again comes to Utd's rescue. and the penalties extend into sudden death with anderson sealing the first, kalou does his best to keep chelsea in and giggs setting up to give restore Utd's advantage and anelka trods towards the spot, looking rather uneasy and almost saying, he didn't want to 
take the penalty, but he does so, VDS goes the right way puches the ball away from the post and stand Majestically raising his arms in valour, cos he had done it, after 9 years of elusion, Utd had conqured europe yet again. VDS the man.
Thanks to youtube for the above links.
ED"win" is his name.. and he justifies it.On 27 January 2009, Van der Sar helped Manchester United set a new club and Premier League record for consecutive clean sheets – the club's 5–0 win over West Bromwich Albion meant that they had gone 11 games and 1,032 minutes without conceding a goal, beating the previous record of 10 matches and 1,025 minutes set by Petr Čech in the 2004–05 season. He then broke the overall English league record in the club's following game four days later, beating the previous record of 1,103 minutes, set bySteve Death of Reading in 1979.[15] Another clean sheet, against West Ham on 8 February 2009, extended the record to 1,212 minutes, beating the British top-flight record of 1,155 minutes previously set by Aberdeen's Bobby Clark in 1971.[16] Finally, on 18 February 2009, Van der Sar further extended the record to 1,302 minutes, and in doing so, he broke José María Buljubasich's single-season world record of 1,289 minutes, set in the Chilean Clausura in 2005.[17][18] His clean sheet record ended on 4 March, when he made an error allowing Peter Løvenkrands of Newcastle United to score after 9 minutes.[19] In total, Van der Sar had gone 1,311 minutes without conceding in the league.[20]These clean sheets were a major factor in United clinching their 11th Premiership title as United won a lot of games 1–0 to clinch the title ahead of Liverpool. With a total of 21 clean sheets he also won the Barclays Golden Glove for 2008–09. However, he missed out on winning his third Champions League winners medal as United succumbed to a 2–0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona on 27 May 2009. Nevertheless, he won Best European Goalkeeper award from UEFA for the second time, 14 years after he first won it atAjax. He was one of the five United players shortlisted for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award but it went to United teammate Ryan Giggs instead, however he was included into the PFA Team of the Year.[21]
Thanks to wiki for the last bit.
Let me know if these were ur best, or if you have any, add em folks, would love to hear from you.
Hariharan
Frictioned Justice.
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