Bleacher Report - Articles by Ashish Verma

Manchester United: Who's The Next Superstar?

Ashish Verma — Mon, 11 May 2009 06:27:02 -0400

Few stories in football can be more romantic than that of a young kid, stepping into the league of men and making an instant impact. This season the old Trafford faithful have seen two such stories unfold, one of the Brazilian starlet Rafael Da Silva and other of a certain 'Kiko' Macheda.

Its no surprise that all sporting tabloids are flooded with lyrical pieces about them.

No, this article wont be another one of those. This one will focus on other young players waiting for their moment under the sun for Manchester United. Next season might be the one in which they explode into the big scene.

1. David Petrucci

An Italian like Macheda, is just 16 years of age and already earning rave reviews for his performances in the under-18s for United and for the United reserves. Poached from the AS Roma youth setup in 2008, Petrucci is a attacking midfielder.

"Davide is an all-round midfield player," says Reds U18s boss Paul McGuinness. "He does a bit of everything; he can win the ball, distribute it well, a good range of creative passing and he has a hell of a shot on him.

"He likes to shoot as well and he has the potential to score plenty of goals from midfield, either with a long range shot or bursting into the box to score with his feet or from a header."

With Scholsey definitely in his last few footballing years, Ferguson might be tempted to draft in this Italian next season. Giving chances in the Carling Cup specially as Anderson has largely looked incapable of providing the ten odd goals per season which Scholsey could.

2. Adem Ljajic

Adem Ljajić is a Serbian attacking midfielder set to join Man Utd in January 2010, from his current club Partizan.

Last year a handful of European sides, including Inter Milan and Spartak Moscow, tried to sign Ljajic. The midfielder stayed in Serbia after signing a three-year contract with Partizan.

It’s expected that United have paid £7million for Adem Ljajic.

Again an exciting prospect and given his versatility to slot in to the right hand side of midlfield can prove to be a good player to have in the squad.

He is a very highly rated youngster by the United hierarchy. Might get a few chances next year but it will be the 2010-2011 season in which one could expect things from him.

3. Zoran Tosic

A 21-year-old does not really qualify as a youngster these days, yet I take the liberty of mentioning his name here. If the United reserves people are to be believed this new recruit is being tipped as a long term replacement to Giggs on the left flank.

They say he has the balance, pace and dead ball skills to be able to fit giggsy's boots. He has not been given a first team start since joining United but is sure to get a few next season.

There are other players like Wellbeck and Fabio who have had their little chances this season and have impressed. Next season might see them become megastars in the red shirt along with the likes of Macheda and Rafael.

Ryan Giggs: Who Can Fill His Boots?

Ashish Verma — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:03:09 -0500

It is a very good time to be a Mancunian faithful.

The Red Devils just wrapped up a successful World Club Cup campaign. Their bitter rivals Arsenal battled league leaders Liverpool to a score draw, meaning the two squads have cancelled each other out in an intriguing battle.

Also, we are fast approaching the post-Christmas part of the season, the time in which, historically, Manchester United have been very strong.

Amidst all this promise, there is the long list of fixtures, injuries to key players, and a certain jet lag problem that haunts the gaffer at Old Trafford.

United has the squad to revive from the aforementioned problems, but there is one position in the field where United might be having some problems as the season progresses—the left wing. Also known as left midfield, this position has been ably marshaled for years by one of the United greats: Ryan Giggs.

This season we have seen Sir Alex Ferguson using Park and Nani at that position, where they sometimes swap with Ronaldo.

Park is a very good player in his own right, but he is not a classical winger who can run at players, dribble past them, get to the by-line, and then deliver a teasing cross. He is more of a battler, and while this quality often helped United in very crucial games last year, there have been times when United have lacked the creativity or inspiration that someone like Giggs has offered over the years.

Nani, on the other hand, is more the classical winger mould. He has all the attributes needed in a winger: skill, speed, and stamina.

But he has been largely wasteful of the opportunities provided to him by Sir Alex. Rarely has he shown us glimpses of that talent, which might have prompted United to invest in him. While there is no doubting the talent this Portuguese lad has, for a player that was once touted as "the next Ronaldo," his progress has been less than encouraging.

Now, given Giggs' age, he can definitely not play week in and week out, and would surely be used sparingly. So, there is a huge vacancy for the position of left midfield in the United starting lineup. It remains to be seen if Nani can step up his game and live up to his hype.

If not, the potential new arrival, Serbian Tosic, will have huge expectations to fulfill. But, again, given the low profile of the Tosic transfer deal, one does not expect him to burst into the first team anytime soon. That is, unless he turns out to be another find like young Rafael.

One knows the Gaffers' policy of not spending huge in the January window, so we are not expecting any big arrivals soon.

But this is one problem which Sir Alex will have to solve soon. We know it's on his mind.

Remember the summer window approach for Valencia's Silva?

Until then, the search for Giggs' replacement continues. Any suggestions?

The English Premier League Debate: Is It Really The Best?

Ashish Verma — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:21:55 -0400

Time and again at the end of every season this question comes up: is the EPL really the best league in terms of entertainment and quality of football?

The answer to this question can never be absolute or certain but definitely the general consensus is that it is ONE of the best leagues. The one question that subsequently follows this observation is—if this league has completed the transition from the relative to the superlative—i.e. from "one of the best leagues" to "The best league."

Opinions are varied and each argument comes very logically derived and nicely articulated to sound convincing. Here I take my stand on this matter.

The first criteria that judges a league is the entertainment it provides (though I have always maintained it should be the quality of football). Anyways, there can never be a shadow of a doubt that the EPL is definitely a very entertaining league. With high tempo matches. Players ranging from the technically gifted flair players to ones who dig in and do the job for their team's week in and week out.

It must also be noted that Manchester United remains the club with the largest fan base in the world. With the traditions of clubs like Liverpool, United and Arsenal and the moolah that Chelsea inject into their football it is ensured that the players playing in it are the very best in the world.

All this makes the EPL the most watched league in the world. While the Spanish league is also a very popular league I doubt that it can match up to the excitement of the Premier League. With this year the title race going down to the last match, my point is further seconded.

Now coming to the most important aspect (which, I must admit, is very dear to football critics and pundits). The quality of football.

For me this league provides the best overall package of footballing skills. We have teams which play sublime touch football. The ones who play the direct balls. The ones who counter attack at deadly pace. The point I want to make is that here you get to see a good mix of footballing ideologies.

The first point that people come up in opposition to the idea of EPL being the best is the BIG Four and the gap between them and the rest. Well to the defense of my argument let me point out that though the difference in quality is there this season we have seen the teams like West Ham, Bolton etc giving a good competition to the big four.

Then again, let me ask which league does not have this difference of quality between the top teams?

In La Liga the difference between second and third is more than evident when you see teams play. Moreover because the Spanish team's defenses are so shaky (I guess I'll be backed up on this one) that all matches are very open so we can see the lower teams being able to put (almost every time) one or two past the bigger teams.

Somehow I can't seem to buy the opinion that the Spanish league is more competent.

The case with Seria A is even worse, the gap ("a huge rift" would be a better phrase to use here) between the top teams and the rest of the league is very evident and I don't think I need to talk you into buying this Idea.

Then we come to the title challenge. Some would say that the EPL is always a three horse race, But isn't the Spanish league a two horse chase (always after Deportivo and Valencia self destruct) and Seria A used to be a toss up between Juve and AC Milan and more recently the title seems to have found a home at the San Siro with both sides of Milan fighting it out.

Two years is row we have had three semi finalists. For I guess Four years in a row an English team is in the finals. This year we have both the teams featuring in the finals from England. It cannot be a fluke year in and year out.

Also I guess the English teams are playing the "complete football" (certainly United and Chelsea). Taking the best of skills from each of the league. Flair from Spain, defensive resilience from Italy and heart, passion and counter attacking skills from England.

We all know that United and Chelsea are a very good attacking line up. United having the best attacking record in the Champions League this year. Ronaldo being the top scorer, but when time comes they can defend as good as any legendary Italian defenses.

Balancing it out has been the secret to success for the English teams.

Some may say the original English style of football has been lost, I say a new and better style has been imbibed and incorporated.

Change is always an index of growth (though the National team seems to be stuck with the old English style, hope Capello changes it for the good because at the end it is the trophies that matter and with the talented players that the English national side boast of, both the players and the National team deserve more).

At the end of this article I would like to point to the fact that we are compelled to talk about this league and participate in this never ending debate which testifies that the League has grown too good to ignore.

Love it or hate it, you can't ignore it.

Champions League Semifinals (First Leg): Tactically Speaking

Ashish Verma — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:34:17 -0400

A manager's role in the success of any team can never be undermined. True that football is about eleven men against eleven but it usually takes a master mind to harness the skills and convert potential into results.

This week's Champions league matches bore testimony to this fact. Four Great managers had the onus thrown upon them to seize early advantage in the Semifinals of the most prestigious club competition. This article attempts to analyse their and their team's performance.

1. CHELSEA vs LIVERPOOL, Anfield:

RAFA BENITEZ: When it comes to champions league football it can hardly be argued who the "master tactician" is. In his span with Liverpool he has virtually mastered the tactical game that is European Club Football.

In this game he went with the familiar 4-4-1-1 formation where Kuyt and Babel take the flanks and Gerard goes forward to partner Torres as and when needed.

Tactically his plan worked out well. Mascherano and Alonso along with the back four almost kept Drogba and Lampard out of the game for the 90 minutes. Babel & Kuyt were brilliant, the latter coming up with the goal.

Questionable call: None. ( his one substitution which changed the game was forced upon him)

AVRAM GRANT: In his first Champions league semi finals Avram didn't do much wrong. Although he didn't have a tactical masterpiece rolled up his sleeve.

As is the norms these days, in an away match, he started with a lone striker in a more conventional 4-5-1 lineup-hoping Ballack and Lampard would provide the creative spark and support Drogba upfront. Which did not happen.

Questionable call: Many Chelsea fans would question Avram's hesitancy in bringing on Anelka ten minutes before than he actually did though it was clear upfront things are not working.

VERDICT: In Avram vs Rafa, Rafa won the tactical battle Though Avram walked home happier.

2. MANCHESTER UNITED vs BARCELONA:

FRANK RIJKAARD: Rijkaard was under lot of pressure for this match. He set Out an Interesting 4-1-4-1. With Toure sitting deep and Messi having the licence to roam about.

soon this changed to a more conventional 4-3-2-1, with Inesita and Messi pushed further upfront to partner Etoo. United were defending deep and with almost ten men behind the ball hence this formation was understandable.

Questionable call: With Barcelona not making the most of their chances it is little that Rijkaard could have done. Still one feels substitution of Messi when he actually didnt want to come off and a very late introduction of Henry can be decisions that can be questioned.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON: Manchester United have been one of those teams who are identified with playing a complete game. On Wednesday, however, their approach was very different.

Ferguson put out a team which on paper looked to be a 4-4-2 But turned into a 4-1-4-1, with Ronaldo upfront and Rooney and park on flanks and Tevez making up the numbers in the midfield.

At times it was 4-6-0 when Barcelona had the ball and that is something one never sees with united. They were content to sit behind and absorb every thing that Barcelona threw at them. They were not contesting the 50-50 balls and seemed reluctant to go forward in numbers.

Questionable call: Including park in the starting line up at the expense of Giggs and Nani.

If the plan was to defend and to hit them on the counter Anderson with his better defensive skills and pace would have been a better option that Scholes.

Playing Ronaldo upfront and Rooney on right wing.

VERDICT: whether Sir Alex's Tactics of sitting back was right or wrong only time will tell. As for Frank vs Alex Ferguson tactical battle one feels sir Alex won it because he achieved what he came for and that was not to concede.

Manchester United-Barcelona: Its Stale Mate at Camp Nou

Ashish Verma — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:14:15 -0400

The most anticipated game of the season so far started almost sensationally for the visitors. A second minute penalty that was ultimately sent soaring into the stands by the man of the moment Cristiano Ronaldo. And that was pretty much it for United on the attacking front for the rest of the match.

Many times a highly anticipated clash between two footballing giants has failed to live up to the expectations. Even this time the story was not different. What had all the makings of an explosive affair turned into a tactical game of chess with managers walking away with more plaudits than the players themselves.

Apart from the penalty incident and one more penalty appeal by Ronaldo it was all Barcelona, trying to open up a sealed Man United defense. Messi by far outshone Ronaldo in this match by putting in a man of the match performance for the cataluniya. Every thing that was thrown at the united defence went through him.

But on the other hand, every thing that was thrown at the united defense (which sometimes comprised of ten men behind the ball) was met with determination. This by far is one of the best defensive displays in Europe for some time.

Barcelona threw everything they had at United but the defense was too resolute to let in goals. Even the creative mastery of Messi was not enough on the day.

On the whole it looked as if it was United's defense versus Barca's attack. No points for guessing who won.

United put in a thorough professional European performance, away from home. Not conceding and that could be vital. United know that they can win at Old trafford. Hence, out of the two it is united who would go away from this match happier.

But it must be mentioned that United played a game very unlike them, with almost ten men behind the ball always. Ronaldo alone upfront struggled and had a bad day overall. Rooney was never in the match and Scholes looked out of sorts. Evra was certainly the man of the match for united.

Barcelona on the other hand must be absolutely livid with themselves for not converting 65% of ball possession into a goal.

Tactically one feels Sir Alex got one ahead of Rijkaard.

With a nil-nil draw played at nou camp, all eyes now turn to old trafford. Man United have a slight edge having not conceded at Camp Nou.

Its all to play for at old trafford.

Adriano Leite Ribeiro Looks to New Life with FC Barcelona

Ashish Verma — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:46:24 -0400

Few comeback stories would be a better to tell than that of Adriano regaining his form and glory at Barcelona.

Well for now it is only speculation, but come summer this transfer could be a topic of hot debate and discussion throughout La Liga and Europe in general.

This story comes after Adriano commented, "Clearly, it would be nice to play for a club like Barcelona, but it is not something that I can think about now."

If this was not a clear indication of things to come, this statement certainly puts any doubts to rest: "The interest of Barcelona came from what I'm doing here in Brazil. I'm enjoying things again and I want to return to play well for a great European club."

The Emperor was once one of the most feared strikers in the world, before the death of his father led to 18 months of devastating personal problems, such as depression and alcoholism.

Unsurprisingly this affected Adriano’s form on-the-pitch and he has been a shadow of his former self in recent times, noticeably heavier and out-of-shape.

Currently on loan to Sau Paulo, the 25-year-old has started to find his feet again. However it is expected that Inter will sell him in the summer, and there has been talk of a possible swap deal including Ronaldinho with Barcelona.

The first question that is bound to be raised, if the possible transfer does go through, is whether or not Adriano can really find a place in the starting eleven with the likes of Etoo, Messi, Bojan, Dos Santos, and Henry already featuring for the Catalans.

The other question, and perhaps an obvious one, is whether he can become what he was before with Inter Milan. Will his story be of another Ronaldo—although it must be mentioned that Ronaldo was an even bigger star.

One can also question the prudence of Frank Rijkaard and the cataluniya think tank in considering Adriano as an option. There are many positions on the field other than the forward line which needs reinforcements at Nou camp. A world class defender may be the most urgent.

Arsenal-Liverpool: Double Standards from the Referees?

Ashish Verma — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:49:48 -0400

Last night witnessed a football match of high drama between two English giants Liverpool and Arsenal which had its own share of controversies.

The denied penalty claim of Hleb being one of them. Time and again we come across matches where, perhaps, football takes a back seat and much of the talking is revolved around refereeing.

Though it is one aspect of the game football lovers would rather not discuss but is growing ever hard to ignore.

The one aspect of refereeing that comes in for lot of criticism is perhaps using different yardsticks for offences. Double standards as some put it.

Looking back at yesterday's match one cannot recall how many times the commentator said, "in the premiership that would have been a booking."

That the referee chose not to award a penalty to Hleb but stop the play for avoidable fouls is a logic hard to digest. Barring a few incidences though the match was generally well officiated.

But the debate continues, If there is just one book of laws for Football, why different interpretations? Can it be put down to pure footballing cultures?

In Italy a tackle would have to be really bad to merit a direct red card while in the Premier League referees are more generous with their cards.

In Spain, with their diving culture, it becomes difficult for the referees but time and again we see players treated differently for similar offences.

The problem is that either we choose to ignore them or acknowledge them and work towards a solution.

Use of technology needs to be slowly drafted into the game because a silly refereeing error is all that differentiates a successful season against a dismal season for a team.

Also probably UEFA and Sepp Blatter with all their talking can do well to establish an academy for referees.

The bottom line is that solutions can be found if one wants to find them.

Refereeing in football is waiting for reforms.