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Summer Transfer Window Gossip: Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain

Michael Cummings — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:22:21 -0400

We've heard the whispers, read the gossip and entertained the idle speculation for weeks, months and even years. Now, though, it might be time for some real developments in the Neymar transfer saga.

Neymar, the precocious 21-year-old Brazil international forward, has been linked heavily with a move to Europe this summer. The news on his reported destination leads this Wednesday edition of the B/R Summer Transfer Window Gossip roundup.

Inside, we also have updates on Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, Stevan Jovetic, David Luiz and more. Keep reading for all the details.

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Thiago Alcantara: Would Barcelona Midfielder Be a Good Transfer for Man United?

Sam Tighe — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:12:21 -0400

Manchester United have been credited with interest in Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

According to Spanish daily newspaper Marca, an €18 million bid is under consideration as the Red Devils look to revamp that area of their squad and bolster the quality it possesses.

Per the report:

Manchester United are looking to Thiago Alcantara for next season. [The club] will not even have to enter into negotiations with Barcelona if it stumps up a figure of €18 million.

That is the total for the player's current buy-out clause. Thiago renewed his contract two seasons ago when his release fee was set at €90 million. This amount was reduced, however, to €18 million if he did not play a fixed number of games.

Thiago will be the first to tell you that this season hasn't gone as planned.

Pep Guardiola fought his corner and truly valued him as a wonderful prospect, giving him the chance to shine in the Audi Cup in 2011 and the player never looked back.

He dazzled in Germany that preseason, laying down question marks as to why Cesc Fabregas was even needed at Camp Nou. Guardiola bought the Arsenal midfielder anyway, and Thiago was humble enough to give the new arrival his assigned, famous No. 4 shirt.

He made good progress that season, but he's only made 15 total starts under Tito Vilanova.

Cúles would have been hoping for him to contribute a little more than that, and it's selection—not injury—that's held the 22-year-old back.

You'd be hard-pressed to argue that the Spaniard has improved over the course of this season, such is the sporadic nature of his appearances. Even though Barca sealed the La Liga title weeks ago (and effectively sealed it at Christmas), Xavi is still starting every game.

Circumstances as they are, you can't blame Thiago for looking at other options. At 22, he is no longer that young, and he needs games under his belt to ensure his potential doesn't go unfulfilled.

And don't doubt it: This is a player who has the potential to become one of the best in the game.

He's silky smooth in motion, rarely gives the ball away and boasts decent physical attributes. Thiago can thread the eye of the needle with his passing, change the tempo or force matters himself by going on a mazy dribble.

He's used to slow tempo tiki-taka possession football in Catalonia, but one so raw can adapt quickly and prosper immediately.

Creative midfielder isn't top of Manchester United's shopping list—defensive midfielder is—but this is one of those transfers that comes along every so often and you can't afford to pass up the chance.

Thiago's elite career at Barcelona has been planned out on paper, but this isn't the first time a midfielder has grown disgruntled. Xavi struggled to oust Guardiola as a youngster, and the Camp Nou stands booed him as he was labeled an imposter to Pep's throne.

Xavi isn't showing any signs of slowing down as his game is not dependent on any physical attributes. Could Thiago do what Xavi didn't and jump ship?

Follow @stighefootball

Minnesota Vikings Running Back Breakdown: Full Evaluation & Depth Chart Analysis

Mike Nelson — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:11:16 -0400

When it comes to the Minnesota Vikings, one thing is certain: The top two spots in the running back depth chart are locked in and ready to go.

Adrian Peterson is coming off one of the best seasons ever posted from his position. He rushed for 2,097 yards—nine yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing title—with 12 touchdowns and an impressive 6.0 yards per carry.

Somehow, some way Peterson returned from a torn ACL to be better, stronger and faster than ever before. At 28 years old, he still has two or three years left of elite play before a slight decline is likely.

Peterson says 2,500 yards is his goal for the 2013 campaign. If that happens, it means one of two things.

It could be that Peterson is averaging an unprecedented number of yards per carry (he would have had to average roughly 7.2 yards per carry to rush for 2,500 yards on his 348 carries). The more likely scenario is that the Christian Ponder experiment has flopped, and it’s time for the franchise to recommence the search for a franchise quarterback.

Peterson’s a phenomenal talent, but he could improve on his pass blocking. Minnesota often removed him from the field on third downs because he was a liability.

When Peterson went off, Toby Gerhart came on.

The fourth-year pro from Stanford was supposed to take a large step forward last season after averaging 4.9 yards per carry in 2011. Instead, he fell backwards.

The 2010 second-round pick didn’t run with the same power and aggression that highlighted his 2011 season. He will never be a burner, but that season he showed Mike Alstott-like abilities en route to rushing for 531 yards while filling in for Peterson in four games.

Gerhart is a more reliable blocker than Peterson and will see more time on third-down situations, like last season. At 26 years old, he’s getting to that make-or-break point. It’s time for him to either step up and become a consistent impact player or fade into obscurity.

Gerhart is entrenched as the No. 2 back.

The roster contains four other running backs.

Matt Asiata (5’11” and 220 pounds) was the No. 3 back last season after surprising his way onto the roster. He will have the inside track to assume that position again.

He’s similar to Gerhart in that he’s not a speed back; rather, he relies on power and size to move the chains. He had three carries as a rookie and gained nine yards (3.0 yards per carry). He added a three-yard reception.

The other backs all have never played a regular-season down in the NFL: Joe Banyard (UTEP), Jerodis Williams (Furman) and Bradley Randle (UNLV).

Barring a spectacular display in training camp, these three players are merely using the Vikings as an opportunity to showcase their skills to a team with more of a need at the position.

The depth chart is all but set: 1. Peterson; 2. Gerhart; 3. Asiata.

Enjoy it, Vikings fans. You get another year to watch one of the best running backs in NFL history.

Tiger Woods Comments on Sergio Garcia's Insensitive Remark

Mike Chiari — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:02:27 -0400

Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia have been rivals on the golf course for years, but their feud has continued off the course in recent weeks. Garcia fanned the flames with an inflammatory comment on Tuesday and Woods responded sternly on Twitter.

According to Ewan Murray of The Guardian, Garcia cracked a joke about Tiger at a European Tour awards gala when asked if he and Woods would have dinner at some point during the U.S. Open.

We will have him round every night, Garcia said. We will serve fried chicken.

It's easy to see why some might consider that comment to be racially-charged, including Woods himself who offered his thoughts on Wednesday.

According to Murray, Garcia said that his comment was simply a "silly remark," however, Woods certainly isn't convinced.

Woods also seemingly attempted to put an end to their public spat once and for all as he placed emphasis on golf rather than personal differences.

Although Tiger has often been portrayed as the "bad guy" throughout this situation, he is the one who appears ready to take the high road.

While the rivalry between Tiger and Garcia seems to date back many years, it intensified during The Players Championship two weeks ago. According to Michael Bamberger of Sports Illustrated, Woods and Garcia were paired together during the third round of the tournament when things went awry on the second hole.

Garcia hit a poor shot and he later went on to blame the errant shot on Woods pulling a club out of his bag and eliciting a response from the crowd. This incident led to differing accounts of what happened from a number of course marshals and things have seemingly snowballed from there.

While most of the shots fired between Woods and Garcia prior to Tuesday night were related to golf, Garcia may have hit Woods below the belt with his latest comment, and Tiger let it be known that he won’t stand for it.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter

Rafael Nadal's 2013 Season Shaping Up to Be Most Impressive of Star's Career

Patrick Clarke — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:02 -0400

Rafael Nadal's return to tennis following a seven-month layoff has been met with not only match wins and tournament titles, but domination.

Since returning from a left knee injury last February, Rafa has been simply sensational, reaching eight straight tournament finals and winning six, including three ATP Masters 1000 series tournaments in Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome.

And Nadal will make his first Grand Slam appearance of the season in just days at a venue he has owned over the past decade: The French Open at Roland Garros.

Nadal has won seven of the past eight French Opens since 2005 and boasts an incredible 52-1 record on the red stuff in Paris.

A fourth consecutive championship in Paris this summer would have Nadal off to an unbelievably hot start and in the midst of the most impressive season of his career considering what the 11-time Grand Slam champion has had to overcome over the past year in terms of his health.

If Nadal can close out a brilliant clay-court season with seven more wins in Roland Garros and another shiny trophy, how could you argue with a 43-2 start to the year that includes seven championships—one being a Grand Slam?

While nothing can trump Rafa's 2010 season in terms of Grand Slam success (three major wins, 25-1 match record in those majors), this 2013 campaign can certainly top it in terms of overall dominance.

Nadal only won seven tournament titles in 2010, finishing the year with a 67-9 singles match record. Rafa also only reached three ATP Masters 1000 series finals three years ago, winning all three.

In 2008, Nadal won 82-of-93 singles matches en route to winning eight titles, including two Grand Slams. But remember, Rafa only won three Masters 1000 series tournaments that year.

With the Toronto, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris Masters still left to play this year, Nadal could potentially win four Masters 1000 tournaments for the first time since 2005 and five for the first time in his career.

Although Nadal is sure to fall back down to earth once he returns to the grass and hard courts, he proved at Indian Wells last March that he can still go the distance on the more demanding, faster-playing surfaces.

Rafa won all five of his matches at Indian Wells, advancing past the third round via a walkover but dropping just two sets on his way to winning the title. Therefore, there's no reason to doubt that Nadal can continue to play superb tennis and win matches and titles once the schedule shifts from clay to grass to hard courts.

While Rafael Nadal's 2013 season cannot be accurately assessed until it's over, there's simply no denying that at the moment it's shaping up to be the most impressive of his career given just how dominant he's been and what he's had to overcome.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.

NBA Draft 2013: Players Who Will Impress In Private Workouts

Brian Mazique — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:02 -0400

The NBA combine is a venue for prospects to display their athleticism and professionalism, but some players need direct competition to shine. These are the players who will really impress teams in private workouts.

In these workouts, teams will be looking to get a closer look at prospects. They may have a group of players compete against one another. In some ways, this setting best represents practice environments and the intensity players will face in the NBA.

A handful of prospects will thrive in this situation.

Shabazz Muhammad

There was a lot made about Muhammad's poor shooting at the NBA combine.

He has gone from one of the most coveted players in this year's draft class to one of the fastest fallers. NBADraft.net has Muhammad 16th in their latest mock draft.

It is easy to see Muhammad isn't a freak athletically like C.J Leslie, Victor Oladipo or Ben McLemore. However his speed and quickness totals from the combine weren't embarrassing.

As for the shooting, anyone can have a poor day shooting the basketball.

Beyond that, Muhammad is more of a scorer than a shooter. He'll probably never shoot a high percentage from the field, but what what he will do is get to the line consistently.

He shot 5.6 free throws per game at UCLA. As he improves, he should be in the same neighborhood in the NBA.

The private workouts will have some players competing against each other one-on-one. Because of his strength, will and scoring instinct, Muhammad can hold his own with anyone in this draft class.

He is the type of player who will make general managers and fans say, "I don't know how he does it, but this guy just get buckets."

Part of it is a good natural feel for the game; another aspect is his supreme confidence. Muhammad recently said he believes he is the best player in the draft. While many prospects may utter those words, few of them believe it.

Muhammad actually believes he is the best prospect in the class. While he may ultimately be wrong, it is good he thinks that way. This is how players should be wired.

Obviously, I'm not comparing Muhammad to Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, but do you think The Mamba or King James believe there is anyone in the league better than them—let alone in their respective draft classes?

Muhammad has the look of a kid obsessed with obtaining greatness. Does he have some character flaws? Absolutely, but he works hard and embraces challenges.

He proved that by even participating in the NBA combine.

In private workouts, Muhammad will outwork and outmuscle enough of his fellow prospects to improve his draft stock.

C.J. Leslie

The combine was just the beginning for Leslie. The private workouts may be the first time the 6'9" forward will get an opportunity to prove to NBA scouts that he can really play small forward in the NBA.

Honestly speaking, proving his ability as a wing will be the difference between Leslie becoming a Hakim Warrick clone or an uber-athletic and long small forward.

The latter is far more interesting and lucrative.

If he wants it, his length and athleticism should help him stand out in private workouts. He could compete in groups against both small and power forwards. If he is able to show the aspects of his game that enable him to shine in both spots, he may be able to climb into the first round.

Shooting the ball from distance is a big key for him. He has never shot the ball a ton from the perimeter, but that doesn't mean he can't develop the skill.

Free-agent big man Josh Harrellson was 9-for-29 from three-point range in his three-year college career with Kentucky. In two seasons with the Miami Heat and New York Knicks, Harrellson is 21-for-64 from deep in his career.

Harrellson is a 6'10", 275-pound center, so John Calipari had him playing his role as a traditional center.

Because of size deficiencies at North Carolina State, Leslie was made to play in the post and thus didn't get an opportunity to showcase and/or develop a perimeter game.

Harrellson told Tom Haberstroh of ESPN this in Oct. 2012, "I’ve always been able to shoot the ball, but I really didn’t showcase it at Kentucky because I always played with a lot of great shooters around me."

I've seen Leslie play since high school, he has more handle and perimeter ability than he's given credit for—much like Harrellson's case at Kentucky. This is just a high school mix tape, but the handle didn't just disappear.

In private workouts, I think he'll get a chance to show it off.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

As a second-generation player, Hardaway Jr. knows exactly what to expect, and he'll be ready to impress. You could see it in his demeanor at the NBA combine.

He's confident.

He knows his strengths and he's wise enough to play to them. Although Hardaway Jr's role will likely be as a spot-up shooter in the NBA, the son of former NBA-great Tim Hardaway knows he's a better athlete than many give him credit for.

The vertical leap numbers from the combine support that.

If he's ever invited to NBA All-Star Saturday it won't be for the Slam Dunk contest, but he can rise well enough to do his job.

What's most impressive about Hardaway Jr. is his competitiveness. This kid wants it badly.

When you see a prospect with desire, who hails from a background that presumably isn't one of poverty or financial hardships, it really speaks to their love for the game.

Qualities like that will shine through in private workouts.

Follow me, because I watch more basketball than anyone should admit.

Claudio Marchisio: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Nick Akerman — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:58:08 -0400

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is amongst the many names being tipped with a move in the summer transfer window. Here's a scouting guide and statistical breakdown of the Italian's 2012-13 campaign, along with a few hints as to where he could be playing next year.

Age: 27

Contract Situation: Marchisio's current five-year contract is set to expire in 2016.

Career Stops: Juventus (2006-current), Empoli (2006-07, loan)

Current Campaign: Serie A—29 games, 6 goals, 1 assist; Champions League—8 games, 2 goals, 3 assists

Video Showreel:

Scouting Guide: Marchisio's versatility in defensive and attacking situations makes him one of Europe's most complete midfielders. He plays a thoughtful game that prioritises the retention of possession and keeps his team moving forward. The Italian international can also pop up with important goals when his team are in need.

Where Next? According to Metro, long-term admirers Manchester United are once again looking to sign the £20 million man. Elsewhere, International Business Times also suggest Marchisio could be heading to Old Trafford as a direct replacement for the retiring Paul Scholes.

Follow @Nakerman

Kobe Bryant Trolls Charlotte Hornets on Twitter to Celebrate Name Change

Dan Favale — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:55:41 -0400

Michael Jordan intends to bring the Charlotte Hornets back and that makes Kobe Bryant feel mischievous.

After the Charlotte Bobcats announced their intention to change their name to the Hornets, the Black Mamba took to Twitter to do some serious trolling.

Kobe tweeted an Instagram photo of himself in a Hornets hat at the 1996 NBA draft.

"In honor of the name change #13thpick #nbadraft #96 #freshface," the caption read.

As if people of Charlotte didn't have enough problems. Their team is still the Bobcats, they still stink and they fell to fourth in the NBA's draft lottery. Now this.

The Hornets selected Kobe with the 13th overall pick in 1996, but then traded his draft rights to the Los Angeles Lakers. And the rest his history. Literally.

Kobe has gone on to earn 15 All-Star selections (14 appearances), win five championships and is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Meanwhile, Charlotte has watched the Hornets move to New Orleans, endured nearly a decade's worth of disappointment with the Bobcats and been forced to wonder what could have been had Bryant never been traded.

Which makes Kobe's social-media jabbing cruel. And hysterical.

The city of Charlotte has lamented what never was for nearly two decades now, and it's not going to become any easier to accept as it prepares to play host to the Hornets nickname once again.

To be fair, it's not like Charlotte was ever close to retaining Bryant.

Back in 2012, Kobe recounted the events of 1996 to the New York Post. Shortly after the draft, he spoke with then Hornets coach Dave Cowens.

"You know what the deal is, right?" Cowens asked him.

Kobe indicated that he did.

“Well, that’s good, because we don’t need you anyway," Cowens said.

Perhaps Charlotte didn't need him then—it won 54 games that season—but the Bobcats/Hornets could sure use him now.

Oh well. They'll always have the image of him in a Hornets cap, I suppose. They'll never forget about that.

Kobe won't let them.

Follow @danfavale

2013 Early Fantasy Football Team Defense Rankings

Ryan Lester — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:49:07 -0400

We continue on with our early fantasy football rankings. This time we take a look at the 2013 fantasy football team defense landscape.

1. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks allowed the fewest points last year, yielding just 15.3 points per game. They finished fourth in the league with 306.2 yards per game allowed.

Adding Antoine Winfield's veteran presence to an outstanding secondary anchored by Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas makes this an elite unit. Cliff Avril, who recorded 9.5 sacks last year for the Detroit Lions, gives them even more beef up front.

2. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers finished just behind the Seahawks with 17.1 points per game allowed. They ranked third in total defense with 294.4 yards per game allowed.

Patrick Willis anchors the defense, while Aldon Smith, who recorded 19.5 sacks last year, is a total menace.

3. Houston Texans

The Texans took a slight step back defensively last year but still finished in the top 10 in both scoring defense (20.7 ppg) and total defense (323.3 ypg).

Their struggles were primarily in pass defense, but the addition of future first ballot Hall of Famer Ed Reed should help. Having a healthy Brian Cushing will also be huge. Oh, and they still have J.J. Watt.

4. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens will miss the leadership of Reed and Ray Lewis, but they reloaded. A clerical error allowed Elvis Dumervil to slip out of the Denver Broncos' grasp.

Baltimore snatched him up to pair with Terrell Suggs, who should be healthy after missing half of the season with an Achilles injury. Michael Huff came over from the Oakland Raiders to soften the blow of Reed's departure.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers led the league in total defense with 275.8 yards allowed per game. They ranked sixth in scoring defense (19.6 ppg). Troy Polamalu's health will be the key to their success or lack thereof.

6. Denver Broncos

The Broncos will miss Dumervil, but they still have Von Miller terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. Denver finished second in total defense (290.8 ypg) and fourth in scoring defense (18.1 ppg).

7. Chicago Bears

Da Bears finished third in scoring defense (17.3 ppg) and fifth in total defense (315.6 ypg). A lot of their success last year was predicated on their ability to turn turnovers into touchdowns.

That isn't something you can bank on every year.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals finished sixth in total defense (319.7 ypg) and eighth in scoring defense (20.0 ppg). Geno Atkins (12.5 sacks) and Michael Johnson (11.5 sacks) form an underrated one-two punch.

9. New England Patriots

The Patriots bend (373.3 ypg) but don't break (20.7 ppg) on defense. Their offense tends to make opposing teams one-dimensional.

10. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons had similar numbers as the Patriots (365.6 ypg, 18.7 ypg), which isn't surprising since they have a potent offense of their own.

They added Osi Umenyiora and rookie Desmond Trufant to bolster their defense.

Also check out:

2013 NBA Playoffs: Grizzlies G Mike Conley Jr. Has Become an Elite PG

Eric Bost — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:37:39 -0400

Many thought that when Rudy Gay was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies, the playoff contenders just threw away their best chance of being a legitimate threat for the NBA title.

Gay was the face of the franchise. He was the only consistent outside scoring threat the Grizzlies had and he's the one who closed games and took last second shots.

That was all Rudy Gay.

But if a team does in fact trade away their best player, it means that the surrounding players have to pick up their game to make up for his loss. Nobody's done that more for Memphis than Mike Conley, Jr.

During the regular season, he hit his averages in points, assists and rebounds. But if you've watched the 2013 NBA Playoffs, then you've seen Conley improve both his scoring and assists to turnover ratio. But he's also been so much more to this rugged, extremely slow-paced, defensive-minded Memphis team.

Conley has emerged as the true leader of this team. Marc Gasol won Defensive Player of the Year and is the new face, Tony Allen is the defensive guru and Zach Randolph is...well...he's just Z-Bo (there's really no other way of describing him).

But this series against the San Antonio Spurs has shown us that without Conley on the floor, the Grizzlies look out of whack. Their floor general isn't out there tossing out dimes and making the right decisions.

Memphis struggles to score points in the first place. Without Conley on the floor, the offense looks downright abysmal.

Conley has picked up a lot of the slack for the Grizzlies in the postseason. Among all remaining guards in the playoffs, he is second in scoring (17.4 PPG) only behind his Western Conference Finals counterpart Tony Parker (21.6 PPG), all while taking four shots less per game, according to CBSSports.com.

Conley has also improved at dishing the ball to open scorers. Conley is fifth in the NBA this postseason in assists per game (7.4) which is right behind Parker for fourth (7.5 APG).

After playing to his averages in the regular season, Conley has improved his numbers tremendously while going up against some of the elite point guards in the NBA. After averaging 14.6 points, 5.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds, Conley's play has improved when his team has needed him most.

During the Grizzlies playoff run, he has produced 17.4 points, 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. He's also taken it upon himself to shoot the ball more, averaging about three shots more per game in the postseason than in the regular season.

Memphis is just a better team with Conley on the floor. Even though he doesn't get the credit he deserves because of the two giants down low and the game's best perimeter defender as his teammate in the backcourt, Conley is the only player that knows how to run this Memphis offense to perfection.

Conley is able to get it to Marc Gasol in the high post and to Z-Bo where he wants it in the low block. When he slashes to the basket, he has proven he makes the right decision to either score or dish it to an open shooter.

Just look at the end of Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs yesterday. Because of foul trouble, Conley was only able to play 35 minutes. He found that his team was down 13 points in the fourth quarter, then decided it was time to get his team back in the game.

Conley assisted on the team's next three baskets and suddenly Memphis was down just five points with five minutes to spare.

Yesterday's game also showed why he has emerged as the team's crunch-time performer as well. After hitting clutch shots in the Oklahoma City series, Conley found the ball in his hands with time winding down yet again, and with 18 seconds left he hit the game-tying jumper and sent the game into overtime.

His game isn't about being creative with the ball or making shots with style and flair. Conley plays on a small market team in a very small market town. His team is known for defense, making it harder for him to stand out among other point guards in the league that are part of a superior offense.

Make no mistake about it, these playoffs have shown that Mike Conley Jr. is an elite point guard in the NBA. The numbers aren't going to wow a fair weather fan, but if you watch him you will see him orchestrate an offense better than anyone in the league.

Daniele De Rossi: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Laura Greene — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:30:00 -0400

AS Roma’s Daniele De Rossi is among the many players being tipped for a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Italian midfielder, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 29

Contract Situation: De Rossi’s current contract runs until June 2017.

Career Stops: AS Roma (2002-current)

Current Campaign Stats: Serie A—25 games, 0 goals, 5 assists

Video Showreel:

Scouting Guide

Equally at home defending or attacking, De Rossi is a natural leader. His vision and clever passing of the ball, when added to his powerful, assured performances in the center of the park, dictate his side’s play for both the Giallorossi and the Italy national team.

Versatile, he is a tireless worker in the Gennaro Gattuso mold, and he has admitted in the past that he bases his game on Steven Gerrard’s performances for Liverpool.

Where Next?

In some respects, it's hard to imagine De Rossi leaving Roma. In 2012, he became Serie A’s highest paid Italian player on an estimated £5.4 million a year.

De Rossi’s father also played for Roma, and the 29-year-old has played at the Stadio Olimpico for his entire career. Nicknamed Capitan Futuro/Captain Future, he is thought to be the heir apparent to the Roma captain’s armband when Francesco Totti calls time on his playing days.

The midfielder's sour relationship with coach Zdenek Zeman was well publicised in 2012, which led to speculation linking him with a move away from Roma.

However, the Serie A side were quick to insist that their vice-captain would not be sold (FIFA.com).

In an interview with the New York Times, De Rossi appeared committed to Roma, saying, "I’m still young; I’m 29. I live for this club. My story is that I live for the club and, for me, leaving would be a drama, a big drama. I would like to stay here."

Zeman was fired as Roma coach in February, which may have some bearing on whether De Rossi chooses to stay.

This week, reports in Gazetta dello Sport (via The Express) hint that Roma may sanction a sale for De Rossi over the summer months, with Chelsea and Manchester City among his admirers.

Qatar 2022: 5 Stars Certain to Shine in World Cup Finals

Sam Tighe — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:26:09 -0400

Despite the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being nine years away, it's still one of the most talked about items on the footballing calendar.

Here, we look at five young stars who are certain to shine at the showpiece event in Asia, given their fantastic form at an early age.

Add your predictions for who will shine in the comments below!

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Lukas Podolski: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Nick Akerman — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:25:00 -0400

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski is among the many players linked with a move in the summer transfer window. Here's a scouting guide and stats breakdown from the German's first season with the Gunners, along with a few hints as to where he may be playing next season.

Age: 27

Contract Situation: Podolski's four-year contract with Arsenal is set to expire in 2016.

Career Stops: Cologne (2003-2006), Bayern Munich (2006-09), Cologne (2009-12), Arsenal (2012-current)

Current Campaign: Premier League—33 games, 11 goals, 9 assists; Champions League—6 games, 4 goals, 1 assist (Whoscored)

Video Showreel:

Scouting Guide: Podolski's class is proven across the international and club stage, but his debut season with Arsenal never fulfilled its full potential. The German forward has a deadly left foot, an eye for a key pass and terrific ability from set-pieces. Although versatile, Podolski favours playing as a striker and found frustration from being placed onto the wing across his first season in England.

Where Next? Despite playing the last handful of 2012-13 Premier League games in the striker role, Podolski's slight unrest and inconsistent form has alerted Juventus to his services, with Podolski telling German newspaper Bild that he is open-minded about a possible transfer, via Express. The Italian champions are publicly hunting new strikers and could invite Podolski to Turin.

Metro, meanwhile, suggest Galatasaray want to add Podolski to their list of star names that includes Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder.

Follow @Nakerman

Malaga Confident of Europa League Next Season After UEFA Decision

Ian Rodgers — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:18:14 -0400

Malaga believe the team will be able to compete in the Europa League next season after UEFA lifted their additional year of suspension from European competition, as Reuters reported.

In December, the La Liga side was banned from UEFA tournaments for one season by the governing body's Club Financial Control Body due to outstanding debts and faced a possible further season out of competition if the club did not settle its owed monies, as reported by CNN.

UEFA had claimed Malaga owed player wages and had debts with other football sides as well as the Spanish tax authorities, which saw the club fall foul of the Financial Fair Play rules.

The Costa del Sol side believed it was "being punished unfairly and used as an example to others" and vowed to fight the suspension, as The Guardian highlighted.

Malaga has taken its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and UEFA waived the additional second year on May 17 when the club proved it had no outstanding debts, according to this BBC Sport report.

The CAS will deliver its verdict on the suspension for next season's UEFA competitions on June 4, but Malaga director general Vicente Casadois is confident the ban will be overturned, as ESPN reported.

This decision ratifies what we had already said when our fulfilment of the regulations was put in doubt. We are working, and will keep working, on this, as we are very optimistic about the future.

Malaga are currently sixth in the La Liga table with two games of the season remaining.

Under manager Manuel Pellegrini, the team were the surprise package of the Champions League this season and were only denied a semifinal clash with Real Madrid by two late Borussia Dortmund goals at the Westfalenstadion.

Pellegrini has been strongly linked with Manchester City before and after the sacking of Roberto Mancini last week, according to The Guardian.

Malaga sold star players such as Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal to Arsenal this season in a bid to help ease the debts at the club and are owned by Qatari businessman and millionaire Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani, who took over the club in 2010.

There have been question marks over his commitment to the club in recent weeks, according to Spanish newspaper El Pais via ESPN.

If the suspension is fully lifted, it may be too late to prevent Pellegrini making his move, but it does allow the club more room to manoeuvre in its search for a replacement.

NBA Playoffs 2013: 5 Eye-Popping Stats of the Playoffs so Far

Jared Wade — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:15:55 -0400

Once the regular season ends, it's usually pretty easy to know how each NBA team wins basketball games. The team numbers pile up, and 82 games is great sample size to use to figure out a team's identity.

The Indiana Pacers win with defense, for example, while the Miami Heat spread you out and kill you with an uncanny three-point accuracy.

We know who these teams are.

That is why it is so strange when the playoffs arrive and those trends are thrown on their head.

The following numbers may not be the ones that have gotten the most discussion throughout the playoffs, but they help explain why some teams have already started their summer vacations and why one is still in contention to win an NBA title.

Begin Slideshow

Wilfried Zaha: Why Manchester United Fans Should Be Excited About Him

Max Towle — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:15:00 -0400

Many Manchester United fans were left scratching their heads when it was announced in January that Wilfried Zaha had been signed for upwards of £10 million.

Loaned back immediately to promotion-chasing Crystal Palace, there hasn't even been an opportunity to see the man in action at Old Trafford.

There were questions asked about the transfer, the main one being why had so much money been spent on someone who had never played a game of Premier League football before in his career?

Zaha remains a bit of an unknown quantity to many. To the fan who doesn't follow Championship action, that is.

He is a highly rated prospect—but possessing this tag doesn't automatically guarantee success.

This article will analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the Ivory Coast-born, England international and seek to rest minds at ease.

This boy is some player.

A Gradual Rise to Prominence

Wilfried Zaha moved to London from the Ivory Coast when he was four years old.

He has only ever been on the books of Crystal Palace. He made his debut for the first team in 2010 aged only 17.

The following season, he was a regular at Selhurst Park under manager Paul Hart and his replacement George Burley.

Zaha played predominantly on the wing, showing his precocious talent in bursts.

He was often criticized by fans of Palace who felt he was a bit of a show pony in his early days, trying too often to beat his man and go for the spectacular.

He was far less raw in his second full season, becoming a more all-round attacking threat.

In November last year, Zaha made his international debut, playing for Roy Hodgson's England side in a friendly against Sweden.

Though he has not featured for the team since, Zaha is undoubtedly a part of Hodgson's long-term thinking.

As well as helping Palace to the Championship promotion playoffs, he scored two crucial goals in the semi-final second leg against Brighton. He will now play one last game for the Eagles at Wembley, in the playoff final.

What Kind of Player is He?

As previously mentioned, Wilfried Zaha is by nature a flying winger.

He has been deployed on either flank by manager Ian Holloway, and periodically as a lone striker.

He may not look the bulkiest 5'11", but Zaha is a natural athlete. He is incredibly quick and has excellent upper-body strength.

Like a young Cristiano Ronaldo, he is never afraid to take on an opposing defender and show off a new trick or two at the same time.

At the moment, he is more Nani than Ronaldo—consistency will be the key if he is to succeed at Old Trafford.

But the point is that he is capable of beating his man one-on-one, something Ashley Young, the Red Devils' current first-choice on the left wing, isn't.

If there are slightly worrying traits about Zaha, it is that he sometimes has a tendency to disappear in games. When this happens, Holloway switches him all over the park to get him more of the ball, but this doesn't always work.

Make no mistake, Zaha always wants the ball. He plays the way the game should be—fun.

He has great stamina and can run and run up and down the flanks. His defensive ethic isn't great, but that can be taught by the Carrington training staff.

His ball control and crossing abilities still need to be worked on, but again, these are flaws that can be ironed out.

How Would He Fit at United?

It is not yet known how David Moyes will tactically deploy his United team next term.

But if his track record is anything to go by, the side will take the form of a 4-2-3-1, with more traditional wingers.

Which means that Wilfried Zaha will spend most of his time playing on the left wing, unless there is a drastic change in personnel over the summer, which is unlikely.

He is not yet a natural enough goalscorer to play as the lone striker. His brace against Brighton last week was impressive, but he had only scored one goal before that in the Championship since the new year.

Over time, it is certainly possible that he could play as a wide forward or striker, but we're talking about what immediate impact he can make here.

The Red Devils' wingers have been terrible this season—Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia—no exception.

If this worrying trend continues, Zaha should get his fair share of game time under Moyes.

The fact that, unlike Young and Valencia, he can play on both wings also aids his cause for regular football.

It would be unfair to label him "one for the future." He will play next term, and I am confident he will make an impact. He is definitely someone to get excited about.

It just depends on how Moyes manages a player that was signed before him.

What kind of impact do you think Zaha will have next season and beyond?

Bleacher Report's Premier League coverage has been nominated in the 2012-13 EPLTalk awards. Cast your vote here.

Follow @MaxBentleyTowle

Cristiano Ronaldo: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Laura Greene — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:15:00 -0400

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is among the many players being tipped for a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Portuguese star, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 28

Contract Situation: Ronaldo’s current six-year contract runs out in June 2015.

Career Stops: Sporting Lisbon (2002-2003) Manchester United (2003-2009) Real Madrid (2009-current)

Current Campaign Stats

La Liga—34 games, 34 goals, 11 assists

Champions League—12 games, 12 goals, 1 assist

Copa del Rey—7 games, 7 goals, 2 assists

Video Showreel:

Scouting Guide

Ronaldo became the most expensive football transfer in history when he moved to Real Madrid for £80 million back in 2009. It’s easy to see why he commands such a huge fee. Simply put—Ronaldo has got it all.

Whether playing as a winger or an out-and-out striker, his pure athleticism, dribbling skills, tricks and sublime finishing make him one of the deadliest goalscorers in world football.

Most effective playing wide right or left, Ronaldo is also a dead-ball specialist, with heading ability that appears to defy gravity. He is strong, can use either foot and switches with ease from the right flank to the left.

Sir Alex Ferguson sums it up nicely, as he calls Ronaldo: "The complete player."

Where Next?

Ronaldo has two years remaining on his current contract at Real Madrid, and he has stated in the past that he will honour this deal.

However this hasn't stopped a flurry of speculation in the lead-up to the summer transfer window—especially when the 28-year-old admitted last September that he was unhappy at the Bernabeu (BBC Football).

In an article in the Manchester Evening News, he appeared seemingly resistant to inking a new deal at the La Liga side.

Recently, CR7 has been linked with a move back to the Premier League with Manchester United.

However, a buy-out fee of €1 billion may price him out of a move to his former club.

Moneyed Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the Portuguese international in The Sun.

As have Chelsea, whose former manager Jose Mourinho has left Real Madrid and is widely tipped to be returning to the west London club.

Ronaldo’s price tag is likely to keep him out of reach for most suitors and Real Madrid’s next manager, who is yet to be unveiled, could play a huge role in whether he stays or goes.

NHL Playoffs 2013: Breaking Down Wednesday's Penguins vs. Senators Matchup

Donald Wood — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:15:00 -0400

The 2013 NHL playoffs have been action packed thus far, but with only one game on Wednesday, the focus of the hockey community will be solely on the Eastern Conference semifinals matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ottawa Senators.

After one the wildest finish of the postseason to Sunday's Game 3, both teams are desperate for a win and will do anything to walk away with a momentous Game 4 victory.

If you deem yourself a real hockey fan, you won’t be able to afford missing a second of Wednesday’s action.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Ottawa Senators: 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

Game 4, Penguins lead series 2-1

The Penguins hold the 2-1 series advantage over the Senators, but with Game 4 coming from Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, the building will be ready to explode in favor of the home team.

As well as Pittsburgh has played throughout this series—dominated the first and second games and had the third game locked up for 59 minutes—the Senators have kept the score close enough in each game to strike and did exactly that in Game 3.

The Penguins had a 1-0 lead in the waning stages of the third period when Ottawa took a penalty and put Pittsburgh on the man advantage. With the Senators shorthanded and just 30 seconds left in the game, veteran Daniel Alfredsson drove the net, found a seam big enough to exploit and put the puck behind goalie Tomas Vokoun for an amazing goal that sent the game into overtime.

The momentum shifted on that goal, and Ottawa went on to win the game in OT.

Wednesday’s matchup will determine which team responds best to the way Game 3 ended. The Penguins must realize they let a victory slip away and come out angry, using their skill advantage to spread the Senators thin in all facets of the game.

Talent only gets a team so far, though, and with the very real momentum Ottawa has created with their stunning victory Sunday coupled with the explosive fans in Scotiabank Place, the Senators must come out on fire and hit the Penguins right between the eyes.

If Ottawa pushes the tempo of the game from the opening faceoff, Pittsburgh will head home with the series tied 2-2. If the Senators rest on their laurels and don’t attack like the series is on the line, the Penguins won’t lose another game in this matchup.

Expect an absolute war Wednesday.

Predicted Winner: Penguins 4, Senators 3

Follow @Donald_Wood

WWE's Prime Time Players Forced to Do Their Best Work Backstage

Ryan Dilbert — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:14:03 -0400

The Prime Time Players haven't had a multitude of opportunities to impress WWE fans inside the ring, but have been cooking up entertainment backstage and behind the scenes.

WWE.com, YouTube, WWE Active and WWE Inbox has been the place to see Titus O'Neil and Darren Young's fun energy, vibrancy and charisma in action.

It's here that their personality is most showcased. If WWE is watching its own online programming, the company has to realize that not putting the Prime Time Players on TV more is a missed opportunity.

Both Young and O'Neil participated in this year's Royal Rumble match. Beyond that, the team has not been a part of any of 2013's pay-per-views. They aren't a consistent part of weekly TV shows either. When a win on WWE Raw against Tons of Funk is billed as an upset, it's a sign that a team isn't exactly in line for the tag team championships.

Prime Time Players' fans have had to turn to WWE's online shows to see O'Neil and Young do their thing.

The duo maximizes their moments on camera even if they aren't part of the flagship programs.

Watch the Prime Time Players get goofy during a visit to Ohio State University. The segment includes Young doing girl push-ups, the Players bullying Tony Dawson, a ferret reference and clear evidence that the team is having a great time together.

With as much as chemistry as those two guys have together, as funny as they can be, it's surprising that one has to head to the Internet to see them in action rather than just see it on WWE Raw every week.

The Prime Time Players are consistently one of the funnier parts of WWE Inbox. Whether they are asked about who is WWE's best dancer or their favorite boy band, Young and O'Neil usually draw a few chuckles out of the audience.

Watching them do something as simple as present a Prime Time Players cake is mighty entertaining.

Young and O'Neil have gelled and in these segments show off their cohesion, their charisma and likability. If they are managing to get this much fun out of pulling a cake out of a truck, it's easy to imagine them thriving if given more airtime.

If WWE were to give them a quarter of the focus that Team Hell No received during its most entertaining stretch, Prime Time Players would be sure to add to their fanbase. Their talents beg to be seen by a wider audience.

It's a waste for the Prime Time Players to be doing their best work on the Internet and away from the glow of the spotlight. Get Young, O'Neil and possibly Pancake Patterson out on the main stage and watch them flourish.

Designing the Ultimate NFL Quarterback

Ty Schalter — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:10:41 -0400

The game of professional football has changed.

Offenses are more complex, with more and more athletic weapons spread more widely across the field. Pass-rushers come around both corners and through every gap in the line. Tight ends and running backs are receivers, not blockers, and beating modern hybrid-front defenses with athleticism is a necessity, not a luxury.

More than ever, wins are built on the back of the quarterback; in one season Andrew Luck transformed the Indianapolis Colts from 2-14 league backmarkers to an 11-5 playoff squad.

Quarterbacks can't just look the part anymore. It's not enough just to have the "right stuff."

To have all the qualities required to succeed in the NFL, a quarterback has to be almost superhuman. Better than he's ever been before. Bigger, faster, stronger. The ultimate quarterback.

We can build him. We have the technology.

Drew Brees's Feet

We build, like a quarterback's throwing motion, from the ground up.

Drew Brees has outstanding footwork, which is the foundation of everything a quarterback does. Whether he's under center or in shotgun, Brees has a lightning-fast, silky-smooth dropback that always ends in a firm back-leg plant. He's then up on the balls of his feet, ready to move or throw.

Watch this bomb to Devery Henderson:

From the shotgun, Brees takes deep steps backward. He stays smooth, plants firmly, then shuffles forward with a wide base.

Here's the crucial part: From that wide base, Brees plants firmly with his front leg and transfers all his weight onto it. It's that weight transfer and resistance that lets his 6'0", 209-pound body generate enough torque to put NFL zip on deep throws like this.

Keep watching that highlight reel, and focus on just Brees's feet; you'll see over and over again how Brees is quick, light, nimble, smooth and strong—and how quickly transferring all of his weight from back leg to front keeps his passes fast and accurate from sideline to sideline, near or far downfield.

Russell Wilson's Legs

There are a lot of quarterbacks in the NFL who could provide us with dangerous wheels. Russell Wilson's legs can do it all though: Great pocket movement to avoid the rush, flushing and rolling to turn broken plays into big plays and flat-out burning a defense for yardage.

Having sprinter's speed can be a fantastic weapon against modern zone defenses; as they're spread out to handle wide-open offenses, quarterbacks can often slice through the spaces in the front seven—or back seven.

As Michael Vick learned, though, and Robert Griffin III is finding out, using a quarterback's legs as a featured offensive weapon comes with risks. Depending on how the quarterback runs are designed and how defenses game-plan for the quarterback, running may or may not be effective. Worse, the quarterback is exposed to harder hits.

Watch Wilson—in one play—use his athleticism in every way a quarterback can use it:

He sees the rush, steps up in the pocket, flushes away from pressure, looks downfield, pump-fakes the pass and runs for a touchdown. What defense can hope to stop that?

Cam Newton's Torso

Cam Newton has a nearly-ideal quarterback's body as it is. From him, though, we'll take his robust upper body. Newton's 6'5", 248-pound frame carries little extra weight; his combination of lean size and core strength make him incredibly difficult to bring down with one tackler, whether on the run or in the pocket.

Aaron Rodgers's Throwing Arm

When it comes to "arm strength," most fans think about how far a quarterback can throw the ball.

In reality, almost all NFL quarterbacks can throw the ball more than far enough. The question is how quickly the ball gets where it's going.

NFL receivers don't often get wide open, so quarterbacks have to quickly deliver the ball through a tiny window. If the ball takes too long to get there, a defender will slam that window shut.

Of course, the quarterback can rocket the ball downfield at 200 miles per hour, but if it's not placed within that window, the pass is just as incomplete.

Accuracy is vital to success in the NFL. Accuracy doesn't just mean keeping the ball off the ground, but placing the ball where a receiver can effortlessly catch it in full stride. If a receiver has to stop, twist, jump or dive for a pass, it might be complete—but yards or even touchdowns that would otherwise follow those catches could be lost.

Aaron Rodgers's arm has the strength to put more than enough zip on every throw, even if he's on the run or off-balance. Rodgers also has the accuracy to consistently put the ball in receivers' hands, regardless of distance or velocity.

Watch Rodgers on this rollout:

The throw is "only" thirty yards downfield, but it's on the move and from the hash to the sideline. Rodgers launches a tightly-spun bullet right from his hand to receiver Randall Cobb's; a few inches in any direction and the pass is likely incomplete.

Instead, it's a touchdown.

Matthew Stafford's Throwing Hand

Matthew Stafford weighed in at the 2009 NFL combine at 6'2" and 225 pounds, per NFL.com. That's three inches shorter and 23 pounds lighter than Newton, he of the prototypical size, whose torso we're borrowing for our ultimate quarterback.

Yet Stafford's 10" hands are one-eighth of an inch bigger than Newton's. To further improve his ease and confidence in handling the ball, Stafford does extensive weight training with his throwing hand and arm:

Stafford's disproportionate hand size and strength not only allow him to quickly and easily launch passes from any arm angle, but it greatly improves his ball security. Despite dropping back to pass more often than anyone else, per Pro Football Reference Stafford had only the 20th-most fumbles of any quarterback in 2012.

Colin Kaepernick's Non-Throwing Arm

It's the most awesome non-throwing arm in football.

Ben Roethlisberger's Ampullae of Lorenzini

Perhaps Ben Roethlisberger is not hiding Ampullae of Lorenzini under his beard. Like the sharks and other sea predators that possess these electric field-sensing pores, though, Roethlisberger can detect living things around him without seeing them.

Roethlisberger's ability to sense and escape the pass rush borders on the magical. Watch him elude and evade most of the Baltimore Ravens front seven, while keeping his eyes downfield. He could have just gotten away, but instead he throws a touchdown:

This is critical for modern quarterbacks.

In today's NFL, more pass-rushers are coming from more places on the field, and fewer backs and tight ends are being kept in to block them. Quarterbacks have to be able to keep themselves clean with their ability to get rid of the ball—and their ability to keep the defense from touching them.

For quarterbacks not only to keep the offense moving, but keep themselves up right, they need the ability to feel the rush and keep away from it.

Peyton Manning's Head

To top it all off, there's only one choice: Peyton Manning's head.

Not the Twitter parody account, but the eyes and brain of the greatest field general of his generation—maybe ever.

Manning has an uncanny ability to break down a defense before the snap. As Chris Brown of Grantland.com explained extensively, Manning's offense uses a small set of plays designed to key off a defense's alignment and attack accordingly. When Manning gets to the line, he not only knows how he wants to attack the defense, he knows how the defense is going to eventually adjust—and he knows how he'll attack them when they do.

Manning stays two steps ahead of defenses by being a student of the game and a film-room fanatic.

Howard Mudd, the legendary offensive line coach who worked with Manning in Indianapolis, talked to Michael Marot of the Associated Press (via the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel) about Manning's intense study habits.

"[Manning's] preparation has never wavered," said Mudd. "Every single year, his intensity, his preparation is exactly the same—or greater. To me, that is his brilliance.”

The Ultimate Quarterback

With Drew Brees's footwork, Russell Wilson's mobility, Cam Newton's core strength, Aaron Rodgers's throwing arm, Matthew Stafford's throwing hand, Colin Kapernick's non-throwing arm, Ben Roethlisberger's senses and Peyton Manning's head, we have built the ultimate quarterback.

Perfectly evolved to attack modern NFL defenses, our apex predator will be impossible to stop. Unfortunately for our salary cap, he's going to cost a lot more than six million dollars:

Manchester City Unveils New Official Nike Home Kit for 2013-14 Season

Tim Daniels — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:06:18 -0400

It's been a busy couple of days for Manchester City. While most of the attention was on the Premier League club's agreement with the New York Yankees to create an MLS franchise, City also released their home kits for next season.

City official Tom Glick made the following comments about the new Nike kit to the club's official site:

"We are delighted to join forces with Nike. Having them as our new Technical Kit Partner demonstrates City’s growing global appeal, and we look forward to working alongside Nike to build and engage our fan base around the world"

He also talked about City's belief in the growth of the sport in the United States:

"We are also pleased to unveil our new look during our matches in New York and St. Louis this week. This is our third visit to the USA in the last three years, and we enjoy a fantastic following here. It’s an exciting time for soccer in the States, and we are big believers in its future. Passion for the game from fans and participants is strong and growing, and we look forward to playing a part in its on-going development."

As for the kit itself, the new design follows a common theme for jerseys around the world. Teams are trying to keep an overall retro style, which harkens back to an earlier era of the club, while still instituting modern updates.

City went with a style that flashes back to the 1892 squad while incorporating a jersey that weighs just 150 grams, an example of the modern technology. As always, the sky blue color scheme remains unchanged in the new kit.

That's the most important thing. When people take a quick glance at the new kit, they should instantly think Manchester City. Keeping that tradition alive is always the key to a successful new design and City certainly remained loyal to their past (image via EPLTalk.com).

So in respect to keeping up with tradition, City receives a passing grade. As Glick mentioned, the club will show off the new look during exhibition matches in the coming week. It will give supporters their first in-game look at what to expect next season.

The bottom line remains the same, though. The more trophies City are able to win wearing the jersey, the better it will look to the fans. Winning overshadows a kit design.

Johnny Manziel's so Good, He Completes 93 Percent of His Passes Blindfolded

Barrett Sallee — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:14 -0400

"Johnny Manziel is out of control."

That's the cry coming from Manziel's critics after the reigning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies has gone on a world tour this offseason that has taken him courtside to NBA games, the Super Bowl, Mardis Gras, Cabo San Lucas, Pebble Beach and San Diego—all while taking online classes.

Not only is that alarmist hyperbole, it's also factually inaccurate.

We learned on Monday that Manziel is very much in control.

According to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram, Manziel completed 93 percent of his passes in a blindfolded passing section with quarterback coach George Whitfield, Jr. in San Diego last week.

The most impressive thing @jmanziel2 did in a week of work with @georgewhitfield was be on target for 27 of 29 throws while blindfolded.
— Charean Williams (@NFLCharean) May 21, 2013

You read that correctly—he was 27-of-29 while blindfolded. It's impressive to post that number against air with both eyes open, much less while blindfolded.

Manziel posted video of one of the passes on Vine.

“I have always said he has the best antenna in football,” Whitfield told Williams following the training session. “I think he just proved that.”

I'll say.

Manziel's feel for the game was apparent from the moment he stepped on the football field last season.

In his first season as the starting quarterback for the Aggies, he dazzled fans through the air and on the ground. Manziel threw for 3,706 yards and 26 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns, setting the SEC's single-season total offense record with 5,116 yards.

That was without a blindfold.

With a blindfold, it doesn't appear that his game would take a major it.

Out of control? Nope. Manziel has everything in control.

Follow @BarrettSallee

Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils Right to Give Rio Ferdinand New Deal

Dan Talintyre — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:04 -0400

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is reportedly close to signing a new one-year deal with the Premier League champions, according to Sky Sports.

Rio Ferdinand's advisors have confirmed contract talks with Manchester United are progressing nicely and that he could sign a new deal later this week. Ferdinand's representatives told Sky Sports: "Talks regarding Rio's new contract are moving along nicely and hopefully we will have some news soon."

Ferdinand's contract is set to expire this summer, and if signed, the new one-year deal would extent the veteran defender's stay at Old Trafford to 12 years.

Having watched the defender this season, there's little doubting that a new deal is the right move for the Red Devils to make.

Ferdinand—despite his age and supposed dip in form—has been a stalwart at the back and has been instrumental in their Premier League victory. In fact, according to BBC Sport, the England international made more appearances in central defense than any other United defender this season—such was his importance and consistency in 2013.

He was named into the PFA's Team of the Year as a result of that and drew incredible praise from manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the process, as reported by BBC Sport:

Rio Ferdinand has had his best season at the club. We have had continual problems with the centre-backs being fit. Nemanja Vidic has missed half a season, Chris Smalling has missed most of the season, Phil Jones missed a good bit and Jonny Evans missed parts but Rio has managed his situation very well.

Ferguson also added, "at the most important times, he has been there," and there could seemingly be no greater compliment for Ferdinand's this season.

The 34-year-old didn't chalked up incredible numbers in terms of tackles, interceptions or clearances, according to WhoScored, but he has been consistent.

He didn't allowed opposing players to get in behind the United back line, and despite a growing injury toll, he remained as strong and focused as ever.

His performances against some of the best attacking players in the world—Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard—showed just how dominant he can be and just how important he will be to the long-term success of the Red Devils. For while Ferdinand deserves a new deal courtesy of his on-field performances, it's also his wisdom and experience that United cannot afford to lose next year.

Especially with a new manager running the show in 2013.

Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are going to be pushing for a starting berth, and the wisdom of Ferdinand will be key in developing the future of those two players—as well as their relationship with new manager David Moyes.

Should he leave this summer (or not be given a new deal), the reality is that it is that experience and leadership that United would most miss about Ferdinand.

United have a strong future in central defense and will be able to survive if Ferdinand takes a backwards step or two next year. At worst, it just gave them another 12 months of his experience and knowledge.

But at best, it'll give them another 12 months with one of the best Premier League defenders ever and a huge step towards a successful title defense in 2013.

Hit me up on Twitter for more sports goodness: Follow @dantalintyre

Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Price Is Right for Potential Target Gonzalo Higuain

Tim Keeney — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:04 -0400

Arsene Wenger, it's time to open up your wallet and end the monotony.

For nearly the past decade, Arsenal has become predictable: Top-four finish, fail to win a trophy, refuse to overspend in the summer. Lather, rinse, repeat.

That's not exactly meant as criticism, though. Wenger's Gunners have now qualified for the Champions League in 17 straight seasons. The magnitude and consistency of that feat cannot be overstated.

But as Gooners frustratingly know all too well, while the build up has been fantastic, the finish has been lacking. Since winning the FA Cup in 2005, Arsenal has immersed itself in an eight-season trophy drought.

With oodles of cash to spend this summer, it's time for Wenger to bring Arsenal from great to elite.

That starts with Gonzalo Higuain, who, according to The Telegraph's Jeremy Wilson, is on the radar:

Wenger was interested in Higuaín before he even joined Real Madrid from River Plate in 2007 and there is a feeling that he could now be attainable for what would be a club-record transfer fee of £19 million.

Higuain represents the exact type of move Arsenal needs to make. A transfer fee of £19 million would shatter the club record of £15 million for Andrei Arshavin in 2009, and it would suggest the Gunners are ready to bid with the big boys.

But it's not just a hey-look-how-rich-we-are type of move. Higuain is actually worth it.

In 26 La Liga appearances (and just 17 starts) for Real Madrid this season, the Argentine netted 14 goals and five assists. He compiled an average match rating of 7.18, sixth best on the squad.

Moreover, his efficiency was absolutely jaw-dropping:

He's tough to move off the ball and has world-class finishing ability.

That's precisely what Arsenal needs up front. Three of its top-four goal scorers in 2012-13, Theo Walcott, Santiago Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, spent a majority of their time as attacking midfielders or on the outside.

The need for another weapon up front—a true striker who is strictly there to find the back of the net—is apparent. Olivier Giroud was solid in that role, but Higuain, who has dominated La Liga for the past five seasons, is of higher quality than the Frenchman.

Not only will £19 million buy the Gunners an elite striker who will instantly improve the club's attack, depth and versatility, but it will prove crucial in helping end the cycle of trophy-less seasons.

Wenger is known to be frugal, but that's money well spent.

David Villa: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Daniel Edwards — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:04 -0400

Barcelona forward David Villa is among many players being tipped for a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Spain international, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 31

Contract Situation: Villa's current deal expires in June 2014.

Career Stops: Sporting Gijon (2001-03), Real Zaragoza (2003-05), Valencia (2005-10), Barcelona (2010-present).

Current Campaign Stats

La Liga: 26 games, 9 goals.

Champions League: 7 games, 1 goal.

Copa del Rey: 5 games, 5 goals.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

David Villa's transformation from an out-and-out striker at Valencia to almost a winger in Camp Nou is reflected in a sharp drop in his goalscoring record. From 28 and 21 La Liga strikes in his last two Mestalla seasons, the 31-year-old has so far netted just nine times in the current campaign.

These numbers, however, do not reflect how this mobile, intelligent player has adapted to fit Barcelona's system, working fluidly with false nine Lionel Messi and creative geniuses Xavi and Iniesta. Out wide and in the middle, he remains a force to be reckoned with and one of the best strikers in the game.

On the wrong side of 30, though, question marks over his durability and longevity remain, not least because of a couple of debilitating injuries that have curtailed his playing time over the last two years.

Where to Next?

Only in Barcelona could a season that included a Champions League semi-final and a rampant race to the Liga title constitute a failure, but it feels that way around Catalunya and a clearout could well be planned in the close season.

According to AS, Villa could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium, claiming via Caught Offside that a €15 million pre-contract deal is in place for the Spaniard to move this summer. Goal, meanwhile, see El Guaje closer to the Gunners' bitter north London rivals, stating that Villa is likely to move as part of a double striker swoop also involving Brazil star Leandro Damiao.

Roger Federer's 2013 French Open Run Will Be Most Telling of His Career

Patrick Clarke — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:04 -0400

Roger Federer is no longer the top tennis player on the planet, we know that much.

But what will we learn in Paris this summer?

At age 31, the 17-time Grand Slam champion is struggling to keep pace with the elite players in the men's game. If you disagree, take a look at the numbers.

Nearly five months into the tennis season, Fed is just 18-6 in singles play and has yet to win a single tournament. Not since 2000 has Fed begun the year with such a lengthy drought.

That's why the 2013 French Open this summer in Roland Garros will be the most telling Slam appearance of Fed's career. A French Open champion in 2009 and a five-time finalist in Paris, the Swiss legend has experienced tremendous success at the year's second major tournament despite winning just once in 14 tries.

If Federer's brilliant performance at Wimbledon last summer reminded us that he was still among the game's top players, this year's French Open run could reveal whether Fed is primed to repeat at the All England Club in 2013 or set to stumble down the stretch before turning 32 in August.

It's no secret that tennis players begin to fade as they age, especially after they reach age 30.

Despite having played 1,100 singles matches over the course of his career, Fed has still been a model of consistency at Grand Slam tournaments. After all, he's played in and reached the quarterfinals at every major dating back to the 2004 Wimbledon Championships.

But what if Fed gets knocked out in the fourth round in Paris this summer?

Eventually we'll have to acknowledge that Fed is no longer on the same level as the other three members of the Big Four—because he's not.

In 2013, Fed is 0-3 against Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal. He's yet to play world No. 1 Novak Djokovic this season, but he's won just two of his past seven meetings with the top-ranked Serb, dating back to the 2011 U.S. Open.

If a short French Open run wouldn't convince you that Fed is fading from the elite, consider the following: Fed is just 2-5 against Djokovic in their last seven meetings, 1-4 against Murray in their last four meetings and 4-12 against Nadal in their last 16 matchups.

While those marks would be considered impressive for any other player in the ATP Top 10, they are telling for a legend like Federer, who was once untouchable and a lock to make the French Open final, even if Nadal was the man to beat.

Now, having failed to reach the final at Roland Garros in two of the past three years, Fed is set to embark on the most revealing Grand Slam journey of his career in 2013.

At this stage of Federer's season and at this point in his career, an early exit or run to the final would not only be significant, but telling in terms of what Fed's future holds.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.

Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Kolo Toure Is Terrific Stopgap Target for Reds

Tim Daniels — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:04 -0400

The retirement of Jamie Carragher leaves a void along the Liverpool back line. Filling the spot is one of the top summer tasks for manager Brendan Rodgers. Manchester City defender Kolo Toure is an ideal target to start the process.

Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph reports Liverpool are closing in on an agreement with Toure, who's available for a free transfer after a rocky run at City. He's one of three players linked to the Reds, along with Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Tiago Ilori.

Brendan Rodgers has identified numerous targets to reinforce his central-defensive options, and Toure - available on a free transfer - is poised to have a medical at Liverpool after Manchester City's tour of the United States after next weekend.

The 32-year-old Ivory Coast international has seen his contract run out at the Etihad Stadium having rarely featured since being suspended for six months after admitting accidentally taking a banned substance in 2011.

At 32, Toure is not the long-term answer to Liverpool's questions in the center of defense. That said, he's a veteran with big-match experience that would help cover up the absence of Carragher until a younger option emerges for the Reds.

The fact it would be a free transfer, which would preserve the club's funds for other potential summer moves, is a bonus. It also limits the amount of risk because all Liverpool would have to worry about is wages should Toure struggle.

He started his career at Arsenal, where he quickly emerged as one of the most reliable center backs in the Premier League. His move to City was supposed to bolster the club's defense, but he wasn't able to rediscover top form after that 2011 suspension.

A return to full-time football would give him a chance to show he can still play at an elite level. The good news for Liverpool is that they should only need a couple of solid seasons from him before Sebastian Coates and Martin Kelly are ready to take the next step.

By adding a player like Toure, it would also give Rodgers some flexibility for the rest of the summer. He could still pursue another defender, but the need wouldn't be as pressing. The Reds must try to secure more attacking options to keep pace with the Champions League sides.

So the Toure link makes a lot of sense for Liverpool. The veteran would step right into an important role without the club having to pay a hefty transfer fee. There's a good chance he would be able to regain most of his peak form.

It shows what the Reds need to do in order to keep pace. They can't go out and spend big to fill every hole on the squad. They have to take some chances, like Toure, and hope they work out. Daniel Sturridge is a good example.

Assuming a deal gets done, Liverpool hope Toure provides a similar spark next season.

Giro D'Italia 2013: Breaking Down Final Stages of Prestigious Race

Jesse Reed — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:04 -0400

After 16 grueling stages, the cyclists competing in the 2013 Giro d'Italia are closing in on the finish line. Five more stages remain, and there are a few competitors who have separated themselves as the men to beat.

Spain’s Benat Intxausti Elorriaga won Stage 16 with a strong performance in the medium mountain course. Tanel Kangert of Estonia and Przemyslaw Niemiec of Poland finished in second and third place, respectively.

Italy's Vincenzo Nibali held on to his overall lead, which after 16 stages is just one minute, 26 seconds.

Here's a quick look at the overall leaderboard:

Overall Leaderboard

1	Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana Pro Team	67:55:36
2	Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team	-0:01:26
3	Rigoberto Uran (Col) Sky Procycling	-0:02:46
4	Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre-Merida	-0:03:53
5	Przemyslaw Niemiec (Pol) Lampre-Merida	-0:04:13
6	Mauro Santambrogio (Ita) Vini Fantini-Selle Italia	-0:04:57
7	Carlos Alberto Betancur Gomez (Col) AG2R La Mondiale	-0:05:15
8	Rafal Majka (Pol) Team Saxo-Tinkoff	-0:05:20
9	Benat Intxausti Elorriaga (Spa) Movistar Team	-0:05:47
10	Domenico Pozzovivo (Ita) AG2R La Mondiale	-0:07:34

To see where every cyclist stands after 16 stages, visit the race's official site.

Remaining Stages

Stage 17: Caravaggio – Vicenza

Distance: 214km
Highest point: 402m
Category: Flat

After toiling in the mountains, the competitors will relish the opportunity to take on a flat track.

There is one big challenge toward the end of the stage, however. Near the end of Stage 17 there is a big ramp that will challenge the contestants to keep up their sprint.

This stage will be interesting to watch—especially the last half hour or so—as the pure sprinters will attempt to make up lost time on the flat, while the strong climbers will attempt to regain lost time in the short climb to Crosara.

Stage 18: Mori - Polsa (ITT)

Distance: 20.6km
Highest point: 1,205m
Category: Individual time trial

The second-shortest stage of the race, Stage 18 is a brutal test against nature and against the clock.

According to CyclingNews.com, Stage 18 features some tough grades: "The gradients, an average of five percent and the final 6km at 6.8 percent, look better suited to the specialists than to the thoroughbred climbers."

Time trials pit man against the road without any help from teammates, which really sets the top riders apart from the main group.

Though short, this stage will push the competitors to the limits of their endurance, and should one or a few of the top racers falter, it could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Stage 19: Ponte di Legno – Val Martello

Distance: 139km
Highest point: 2,758km
Category: High mountain

Of all the final stages, this one will likely determine the winner of this year's Giro.

Whereas Stage 18 was a short time trial up a steep grade, Stage 19 is a 139-kilometer test in the high mountains.

The distance itself isn't the big challenge in this stage, however. According to CyclingNews.com, the contestants will battle through "4,300 metres of accrued climbing."

Under any circumstances, this stage would be difficult, but it is even more of a monumental task considering all the hard riding the cyclists will have already done by this point. The contestants with the most energy, willpower and conditioning will separate themselves from their peers.

Stage 20: Silandro - Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Auronzo di Cadore)

Distance: 203km
Highest point: 2,304m
Category: High mountain

Don't let this stage's easy start fool you—it's a bear.

Climb, climb and climb some more—that's what the contestants can expect on the second-to-last stage of this race.

According to Stefano Zanatta of CyclingNews.com, "If the Giro isn't already won, Passo Giau might well determine its outcome. I've seen riders blow spectacularly on it because it's just very, very hard."

Winning this prestigious race won't come easy—especially here near the end.

Stage 21: Riese Pio X - Brescia

Distance: 197km
Highest point: 200m
Category: Flat

After three grueling mountain stages, the final stage of the Giro is almost perfectly flat.

Depending on what kind of lead the top rider has, this final stage could be quite boring. On the other hand, if there are a few competitors close behind the leader, this final stage could conclude with a sprint to the finish line for the ages.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78

Edinson Cavani: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Daniel Edwards — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:04 -0400

Napoli forward Edinson Cavani is among many players being tipped for a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Uruguay international, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 26

Contract Situation: Cavani is under contract in Southern Italy until 2017.

Career Stops: Danubio (2005-07), Palermo (2007-10), Napoli (2010-present).

Current Campaign Stats

Serie A: 34 games, 29 goals.

Europa League: 7 games, 7 goals.

Coppa Italia: 2 games, 2 goals.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

In contemporary world football, only Radamel Falcao can realistically challenge Cavani for the title of best centre forward currently in action. The Uruguayan possesses blistering pace and an admirable work ethic, and a brilliant return of 38 goals in 43 games during the 2012-13 season has been a key factor in Napoli claiming the second spot in Serie A.

Devastating down the middle, Cavani is just as happy playing on the right side of attack, or on the wing, where he harries defenders and gives a more physical option on the flank. The Serie A's most prolific man in front of the net is much more than just a goalscorer, and his direct, rapid play makes him a good option for sides in any of Europe's top leagues.

Where to Next?

The 26-year-old forward still has four years on his contract at San Paolo, but with some of Europe's most prestigious and wealthiest teams circling, the transfer window will see him under big pressure to make a move. One transfer that has been consistently rumoured over the last few months is a switch to London and Chelsea.

The Guardian believes that soon to be ex-Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho will make Cavani his top transfer target, should the Portuguese coach swap the Bernabeu for Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. He may face stiff competition, however, from none other than the Spanish giants.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport via Give Me Football, the Merengue have already agreed personal terms for the marksman, and are now negotiating with Napoli to agree a transfer fee. Madrid's current bid of €50 million plus a player currently falls short of pleasing the Italians, who wish to hold out for a bid approaching €63 million for their star.

Alberto Del Rio Is More Valuable as a Contender in WWE

Drake Oz — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:04 -0400

Alberto Del Rio is the No. 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, and that’s exactly the spot that he belongs in.

Del Rio, of course, is no stranger to feuding for world titles. He’s done so for the vast majority of his career and, in fact, has been a pretty consistent presence in the World Heavyweight title picture for roughly a year now.

After beating Jack Swagger at Sunday’s Extreme Rules PPV, ADR is once again the top contender for the world title—a spot that he is much more valuable in than he ever was as the actual world champion.

Looking back throughout Del Rio’s history, he’s spent almost his entire career on a quest to win either the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship. But when he’s actually done so, success hasn’t exactly followed.

Del Rio’s first WWE Championship reign lasted all of 35 days and featured exactly zero successful title defenses. His second WWE title reign wasn’t much better, either.

It lasted just 49 days, featured only one successful (and controversial) PPV title defense and saw Del Rio be portrayed as one of the weakest World champions in recent memory.

ADR’s third title reign—his first run as a babyface champion and his first run with the World Heavyweight Championship—would be a significant improvement on his first two, lasting 90 days and featuring two successful title defenses, including one on the grand stage of WrestleMania.

Still, what do ADR’s three title reigns add up to? 174 total days (an average of 58 days or less than two months per reign) and three total successful title defenses, two of which ended in controversial fashion.

As you can see, Del Rio the World champion—no matter which title he’s held—has had a really rough go-round every time he’s actually held the belt that he tried so desperately to win.

Simply put, the WWE just didn’t have enough confidence in Del Rio during his first two title reigns to give him lengthy runs with the belt. Meanwhile, his third reign was doomed because of Dolph Ziggler, the Money in the Bank contract and the intense desire of the fans to see Ziggler as World Heavyweight Champion.

Perhaps ADR could have had better world title reigns if the creative team was willing to let them happen. But it wasn’t, and now, we know: ADR is much more valuable as a contender.

As a heel champion, he was booked weakly because he was feuding with the WWE’s top two faces, John Cena and CM Punk, at the time. As a babyface world champion, it was hard to get behind ADR because he won the title so quickly after turning face (meaning we didn’t have time to build up our desire to see it happen) and because his manager Ricardo Rodriguez often outshined him.

As a contender, however, Del Rio has actually been much more entertaining—at least when he has creative on his side.

Although ADR’s five-month long world title feud with Sheamus was pretty terrible overall because he lost so damn much, his original quest to become champion was actually a pretty entertaining one.

Del Rio, of course, preached about how it was his “destiny” to become world champion, and he proved that it might actually be when he won the 2011 Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank matches. Those monumental victories built him up as a strong contender even though he was new to the main roster.

While he wasn’t booked perfectly as a heel contender, he came across like a big deal because of those major victories and the fact that the MITB briefcase essentially guaranteed that he’d become champion one day.

That was a stark contrast from his time when he actually was the champion.

During both of his runs as WWE Champion, the WWE basically refused to let him succeed. Cena and, more specifically, Punk were much bigger priorities at the time, and ADR was just a secondary character in the WWE title picture.

Del Rio, however, would prove his worth as a World title contender in late 2012 when he turned face, almost instantly became the WWE’s biggest Hispanic hero and would try to topple the seemingly unstoppable Big Show to become World Heavyweight champion.

That angle worked so well because Big Show had been portrayed as such a strong champion and because Del Rio’s face turn was so fresh at the time. The fans were beginning to react very positively to him, and they really wanted to see him end the Big Show’s reign of terror.

Naturally, the WWE jumped the gun a little bit by putting the title on ADR so quickly because having to wait to get that win would have made that moment even more monumental for ADR.

But still, there was something so pure about the moment that Del Rio became the World Heavyweight Champion. The fans loved it, and it obviously meant a lot to Del Rio, which generated a genuine reaction from everyone watching—something that doesn’t happen all that often in pro wrestling anymore.

Unfortunately, Del Rio as the World Heavyweight champion just didn’t mean as much as he did when he was the No. 1 contender. He had already reached his goal of toppling Big Show, so what else was there for him to do?

Perhaps that’s why babyface in general make better contenders than champions.

One of the biggest appeals of pro wrestling is the battle of good vs. evil, mainly the quest of a babyface challenger looking to dethrone the heel champion. It’s a simple story that can work so well when done right.

It did so for ADR, but once that moment of his world title win had passed, it was all downhill from there.

Del Rio quickly began to lose his momentum the longer that his world title reign dragged on, and the fans who were once elated over his epic title win began souring on him.

Sound familiar? It should because that’s what seems to happen to Del Rio almost every time he becomes World Heavyweight champion.

As a challenger, he succeeds in winning the attention and adulation of the fans. But as a champion, he just doesn’t.

Drake Oz is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter!