Bleacher Report - Articles by Vincent Muambi

Futbol Factor: Platini Should Scrap Europa League Group-Stage

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:26:29 -0500

The Europa League is nothing more than an attempt by Michel Platini to add some gusto to a competition that has lacked in financial stature and prestige.

One decision with the re-branding I disagree with is the competition's newly inserted group stage.

The stage simply takes away from the excitement and pedigree of the Europa League.

The UEFA Cup was originally designed as a simple knockout competition between clubs of smaller stature, something that would inspire such clubs into qualifying for a worthy trophy to play for.

But the decision to expand the competition into a 48-team group stage is not the way to go forward in order to shore up the cup tie.

The reason for my take on the group stage is simple: the Europa League may sound like a great competition, but it doesn't have big-name players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Andre Pirlo or Karim Benzema to boast.

It likely will never have the same kind of prestige and history of the Champions League. It never has.

It doesn't provide television viewers with the kind of awesome match-ups that are possible in a Champions League. (For example, Manchester United vs. Real Madrid or Liverpool's famous come-from-behind victory against AC Milan in 2005.)

The biggest clubs to have won the competition were Italy's Juventus of Turin and Internazionale of Milan, both of whom long since play their football in the Champions League.

Most football pundits would tell you that the Europa League expansion doesn't change the fact that the Champions League is what all the game's top players and coaches want to be a part of.

The only good thing about this new Europa League may be it's re-naming. Europa League has a nice ring to it, but it doesn't spell the same kind of panache as that of the term "Champions League."

There is a chance that I could be wrong about this re-branded competition, that perhaps Platini may be right in reformatting the competition to this model. But it remains to be seen if that is the case.

Until then, it's simply the Champions League. No other competition (besides the World Cup) comes close.

Futbol Factor: A European Super League Is Harmful to Club Football

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:23:59 -0500

Just this past summer, Real Madrid supremo Florentino Perez talked about his idea for a European Super League, one of which the best and richest clubs in Europe compete against each other on a yearly basis.

The proposed "superleague" would therefore replace almost all of the major leagues of Europe including the English Premiership, Italian Serie A, and Spanish Primera.

Such an idea can be considered harmful to the integrity of the sport and destructive to the very survival of all clubs, including the richest ones.

Leagues would then suffer massive cutbacks because of loss of television and marketing revenue, players would opt to ply their trade for the various clubs who only play in this proposed super league, therefore creating a talent vacuum.

Both the Champions League and quite possibly the Europa League would face extinction or irrelevancy, leagues would be forced to lower the standings and financial clouts that their small league teams depend on.

The talent pool would significantly shrink if the bigger clubs had their way, with younger players suddenly deciding to sign only for the respective clubs, who would only compete in this new super league.

Smaller clubs would be the biggest losers of the pot, with many of them suddenly facing administration and fringe players finding themselves with little opportunity and nowhere to go.

Ad and marketing revenues would be entirely concentrated, with sponsors deciding that sponsoring a league that doesn't include the likes of Liverpool or Real Madrid would not make much revenue sense.

Football as we know it would never be the same: With star players only plying their trade within the super league format, and national teams forced to consider if picking talent from clubs who do not participate in the super league would be harmful to their international play.

Or perhaps none of this would happen, that the newly proposed super league would not happen, that the bigger clubs would finally inject some common sense with the realization that their absence would only hurt their domestic sport.

I can't imagine a league without Manchester United or Liverpool, without AC Milan or Juventus, without Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Neither can you. Which is why Perez should really think twice about his ideas before he takes them out for the public to see and hear.

He's already drawn the ire of many football officials, including Platini and Laporta, for his extravagant spending.

Perhaps he should learn to keep his nose in between his legs and just quietly carry on with the business of running the club.

Futbol Factor: France's Raymond Domenech Is Most Undervalued Manager

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:18:33 -0500

Raymond Domenech is neither my nor most French supporters' favorite choice for a national team coach. But he's the type of coach who, when it is needed, gets the job done.

That is simply what he has accomplished with France. Well, sort of. France has at least put one foot in the door of South Africa's 2010 World Cup.

All they need is a victory in the playoff stages, which shouldn't be too hard for a strong team to accomplish. But coach Domenech has to prove his worth yet again to his adversaries.

Maybe a spot in the final of next year's World Cup would do the trick. Anything less and Domenech would face the music from the ever-hostile French press and supporter alike.

Domenech did face questions about his coaching performance after France's dismal campaign at last year's European Championship. It led many players, including Thierry Henry, to call for his resignation.

But the French Football Federation held on to Domenech their decision may have been a stroke of luck. Not a stroke of genius, as one might say.

Despite France's recent positive result against Austria, Domenench still does not get much love or fanfare.

Much of that would have to do with the fact that the fans still owe him resentment due to the French team's teetering on the brink of non-qualification.

Futbol Factor: The FA Cup Should Scrap The Replay Match

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:15:46 -0500

The FA Cup is better off adapting the golden goal rule as opposed to forcing teams to play one-too-many matches.

It would make the matches more exciting and, at the same time, convince the clubs that there is something worth sacrificing a player for.

Often, managers complain that their clubs are forced to replay games at an inconvenient time.

The football season is a long and demanding campaign. Forcing clubs into replay matches at discomforting times takes away from the pedigree of this historic competition.

It would be wise on the part of the Football Association of England to adopt this proposed golden goal rule and at least acknowledge the fact that players and clubs have a toll.

Futbol Factor: Toronto FC Needs a Shakeup, Starting With Mo Johnston

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:12:35 -0500

Toronto FC played what one would call one of the most embarrassing performances in the club's shorty history.

A demoralizing 5-0 loss against the worst team in the league, New York Red Bull, and to make things worse, missing out the playoffs as a result.

This club was primed for failure right from the get-go despite the additions of Dwayne De Resario and Ron De-Guzman.

This club simply underperformed when it needed to perform the most.

The players themselves are to blame; and it's the lack of heart, hustle, grind, and determination in Sunday's loss that has tormented the club, and more importantly, the club's loyal supporters.

Granted, this club has only been in existence for three seasons, but this fact alone cannot be atoned for as an excuse for the club's pathetic display against the bottom dwellers of the league.

The loss only illustrates the fact that Toronto FC have become a joke in the face of their opponents, much to the alarming fact that most of Toronto's loss came from goals scored in the last minutes of a match.

Toronto have allowed an alarming 16 goals in the quarter-hour of a game, a statistic that would only hamper any team's chances of postseason play. That in itself is more than just an embarrassment, it's a disgrace.

This team needs a shakeup, and it needs one badly. One area that the owners might be wise in considering a change is with the management of the club headed by the infamous Mo Johnston.

Mo Johnston, as you may recall, was the club's first head coach, but was later elevated to the general manager position, something of which he has yet to prove his worth so far.

Mo has done a good job of building a core of young talent for the club with the likes of Maurice Adu—oh wait, he's no longer in Toronto, and players such as Natakora, Cronin, and Edwards.

However, overall the teams that Johnston has built have not performed up to par, let alone give fans a reason for excitement. The only serviceable thing that Mo has accomplished for the club was the installation of natural grass at the BMO stadium, like as if that would any difference.

Mo Johnston has to go, the club needs a new voice of direction, and the coaching situation of the club needs to change as well. Chris Cummins was brought in to replace the departed who-ever-that-coach-was, but it hasn't changed much.

The new coach would have to be someone who commands authority, can provide a stern voice if he has to, and also has to form Toronto in a formidable defensive unit.

Defense would be the main focus for the club to improve on, and perhaps signing in two qualify strikers would also do the trick as well. Dwayne De Resario was the leading scorer for Toronto this season with 11 goals, but he's an attacking midfielder.

And Dwayne De Resario is not Cristiano Ronaldo, nor is he getting any younger as well as he plays in his early thirties. Toronto would also need to look a youthful midfield option as well, one specifically in the attack.

All these propose changes, along with the ownership is something Toronto supporters are hoping for coming into the new season—or else, the fans would surely have say, therefore leaving the club of having a lot of hell to pay.

Futbol Factor: Can Gordan Strachan Lead Boro to Success?

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:09:34 -0500

Gordan Strachan can lead Middlesbrough to success...if he plays his marbles right, and if the club can suddenly form themselves into competitors once they play in the Premiership.

The club will need all the luck it can muster, and though questions were raised about Garret Southgates' sudden firing, Gordan Strachan is the kind of managerial talent that the club should go after in the first place.

Gordan has experience with Celtic, where he coached the club in both the Scottish Premier League and European Champions League.

So, it's not like he hasn't accustomed himself with that pedigree. He has, and Boro supporters should at least be hopeful of their club's chances.

It's a long season in the Championship, but if things go well with Gordan, and if the club can make a successful return to the Premiership this spring, than Boro supporters would have reason for optimism.

Daily Spin: The Maple Leafs Are An Embarassment Of Themselves

Vincent Muambi — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:49:52 -0400

The Maple Leafs in general suck big time. The team only has one point so far this season, good for last place overall in the league.

This team simply doesn't deserve the credits that it has been getting throughout the pre-season. Again, were talking about pre-season here, like as if that was to mean anything.

The team lacks a true center up the middle, they don't have any strength along the first two lines, their defensemen are simply dumb and penalty driven.

The forwards can't even score, and what good use was if for Brian Burke to even declare that this team would compete for the the playoffs.

It's early in the season, but already the warning signs are there, and for the Maple Leafs, a club that has not won anything close to a Stanley Cup in approximately 42 years, it's simply embarrassing.

So what's next?

Do Leafs fans simply sit there, watch and ponder to themselves the very same questions that they have been pondering ever since Burke inherited this team last December?

Does coach Ron Wilson have to change to keep hold of the job, or is he simply devoid of ideas on how to turn around this team? Why aren't the players responding to his calls?

Why is it the average Maple Leafs fan continue to pay the largest price for a ticket to a game? (Just to let you know, the average price of a Leafs' ticket is $556.00).

Is is the fact that Mats Sundin, the Leafs' most storied captain, is no longer playing on the team? Is it because this town is used to believing in false hopes whenever it comes to the Maple Leafs?

The kinds of questions would continue to be asked by Leafs' supporters and hockey pundits throughout the season if things continue as they started with this hockey.

It would not surprise anyone if Ron Wilson were to lose his job, and it certainly wouldn't surprise anyone else if Brian Burke were to call up his rookies and sophomores from the farm league while replacing the veterans with those called up players.

This Maple Leafs team needs a shake-up badly, but let's just wait and see. Or we can simply bypass the entire season and look forward to another meaningless summer.

Futbol Factor: Which Englishman Can Achieve Fabio Capello's Stature?

Vincent Muambi — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:47:46 -0400

Within a year and a half from now, if not sooner, there will be a debate raging over which English or British manager has the best chance to lead the Three Lions after the Fabio Capello era ends.

This may sound too soon to speculate, but at least this article intends to give the average reader and football fan alike the chance to ponder England's managerial prospects.

So far, only a handful of managers are making a case (if any) for a chance to lead the Three Lions.

Tottenham stalwart Harry Redknapp is making a strong case for a shot at the top job, along with Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill, who's managerial performance with Aston Villa has transformed the club into an English feel-good story.

If the English FA were to go in the direction of hiring a new manager who's next-generation, perhaps none other than England Under-21's Stuart Pearce may claim the mantle as England's next manager.

Stuart Pearce would be argued as the best alternative since he coach the current crop of young stars of the English game, plus, he works under Fabio Capello in the national setup, and advantage that a Martin O'Neill or Harry Redknapp lacks.

If the Football Association were to decide the stay the foreign, than none other than Jose Mourinho could wind up as the best choice. The bullish and proud Portuguese is a known admirer of the English game, and has repeatedly stated his desire to coach in England again sometime in the future.

Perhaps a stint as the English manager would be a worthy challenge in Jose's eyes, and perhaps the FA would be wise in choosing him as Capello's foreign successor.

Much is to be debated about these names and other ones as well, but that the choice to determine England's managerial plot would have to wait at least three years, giving the Football Association enough time cultivate and choose a manager who it feels can best lead England to glory.

Futbol Factor: Craig Bellamy is the Most Underrated Striker

Vincent Muambi — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:26:14 -0400

Craig Bellamy doesn't get the credit he deserves as a player, despite his so-called reputation off the pitch.

He is by far the biggest surprise of the season for Manchester City, much to the delight of Mark Hughes and Citizens supporters.

His play has been an important factor in the Citrizen's stellar start to the season, and if things keep up, Bellamy might find himself at home with a club that actually wants him.

That's a testament to a player who was known for being at times volatile, and who had the unpleasant experience of bouncing around from to club to club throughout his career.

He is probably the sort of player than an Alex Ferguson or Martin O'Neill would cherish, a sort of player that only Mark Hughes as a manager (not to mention former Welsh international and coach) can appreciate entirely.

So far, Bellamy leads all City attackers in goals, and his superb performance against Manchester United more than proved his worth and skill as a player that Manchester City want to build itself with.

Mark Hughes brought Craig Bellamy over from West Ham last season, a move that some suggested was only done as a favour to Bellamy himself, but Hughes ended up as the one to have made the shrewd and intelligent move in acquiring the player.

Bellamy is quickly becoming a fan favorite at Manchester City, and the player himself feels that his stature as a Citizen would only be enhanced should the club commit to the player for the long term.

Despite the fact that he's playing along the likes of Adebayor, Tevez, and Santa Cruz, Bellamy feels right at home.

Much can be expected from the other forwards this season, but Bellamy believe he will fit in with the pack just fine.

Futbol Factor: Milan Are Nothing More Than a Failure of Their Themselves

Vincent Muambi — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:18:10 -0400

By all means, this version of the famous Milanese club should have been dismantled ages ag—even before Kaka departed for the grand stage of Real Madrid.

This club clearly did not see the warning signs that observers and fans alike saw. The club were getting tired. The players were getting too old and lax. Now, club supporters are fed up with the acrimony and dysfunction of the club, not to mention the daily politics associated with the club's owner, Silvio Berlusconi.

Suddenly, the stadium that houses the famed club gets emptier each time Milan play there. Brazilian play-maker Ronaldinho is a complete shadow of the player he was, as the press continues to have a field day with stories of his endless partying at European clubs and hot-spots.

Newly installed manager Leonardo is proving to be the worst coach Milan may have ever hired. This may sound like a harsh assessment to the casual observer, but Milan have sucked to the core since preseason.

None of players seem to have anything to offer or to give out on the field. Milanese fans can only suffer and watch in despair as cross-town rivals Internatzionale rack up wins and mount a serious challenge for the Champions League.

Juventus, as usual, are at the best, and it's fitting that some of the players Juventus possess are the kind of talent Milan should be courting.

That is not the case with this club and there are rumblings now that the club's only bright hope, Alexander Pato, might consider a switch to Chelsea—something which would cause further implosion at Milan.

It could cause Milan to finish in bottom half of Serie A, something that would surely be looked upon as an astonishing feet in itself. it would also be an embarrassment for Italian football which has suffered its fair share of blunders over the last few years.

It would be characterized as an amazing downfall for a club that just a couple of years ago were playing with the title of best club in Europe.

Not that Milan will suffer a collapse similar to that of England's Nottingham Forest, but there is a point be made.

It's simple. Milan would have to consider a drastic overhaul of the club with the infusion of new and fresh talent from the top-down. A new manager with more experience and credibility would be a good move as well.

This would give the club new direction that it needs, and fast. If things continue to go downhill and throughout the season, Milanese supporters can kiss the season goodbye and look forward to another summer of upheaval and endless saga.

Let the good times begin. Or not.

Futbol Factor: Capello Is The Best Thing to Have Happend To England

Vincent Muambi — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:55:56 -0400

Fabio Capello burst onto the scene with the promise to remake English football, while returning the Three Lions to respectability.

At the time, Capello was looked upon as a fool's choice, a way for the English FA to admit the current crop of senior English coaches weren't up to the task.

Capello has since then turned things around for the English team, to the point where odd-makers make England an almost instant favorite to win the World Cup—something of which a little over twelve months ago was considered impossible.

Capello has installed a culture of discipline, honor, and most important of all, team-oriented values that the Three Lions were lacking. Gone are the days of WAGS, media fanatics, and endless marital or social scandals that were the mainstay of the English national squad.

In came Capello with his magical Italian wand and suddenly those English fat cats look like a team that is capable of fighting for greater honors. It has helped that England became one of the best performing countries during the qualification stages.

Capello even went as far as to boldy declare England would try to win her remaining two qualification matches, something which English fans would have to admit is refreshing.

Capello is a winner in every sense of the word. He has won them all: the Champions League, the Schudetto, and La Liga with the likes of Roma, AC Milan, and Real Madrid, so it's not like as if he doesn't have the pedigree.

He has the experience and the honors to prove it, and most important of all, he's amassed the respect of numerous players and coaches over the years. He has even brought a culture of respect and dialogue to the English dressing room.

It would be hard for most football fans and observers not to see England at least make it to the semi-final. To to Capello however not reaching the final would be the ultimate failure for England.

Capello has high expectations and standards. His regime so far is making England into a respectable and feared force, with players such as Frank Lampard and John Terry flourishing under Capello's watch.

Now, if you want to have any chance of playing for England, have your name on the back of the shirt players now have to earn their place in the national squad. In the long run, it will help England's cause.

It is time England has produced the type of endeavour and performance that takes them to the cusp of football greatness that has eluded the squad since 1966.

Only time will tell if Capello can successfully accomplish what no other England manager since Matt Busby has accomplished.

Futbol Factor: Why Frank Ribery Should Not Play For Real Madrid

Vincent Muambi — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:58:57 -0400

Frank Ribery is an awesome talent to behold for Bayern Munich. Which is why the club must do all that it can to keep hold of the Frenchman.

Frank Ribery may look at Real Madrid as the ideal club to play for, but observers would note that Ribery would have to consider the implications, where he might not have the starting role at the club that he enjoys in Munich.

Real Madrid already have a midfield that is packed with the likes of Lassandra Diarra, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonzo, Kaka, Gago, and Guti.

Ribery would be wise enough to even consider the situation of former Galacticos Wesley Sneidjer and Arjen Robben, both Dutch players who are starters in the own right, but were forced to play their trade from the bench with the arrivals of both Kaka, Ronaldo, and Alonzo.

Ribery would possibly face that kind of fate as well, considering the fact that fact he would have to compete against the likes of the newly-transformed Madrid midfield, and also contend with his French counterpart Karim Benzema.

Ribery is better off playing in Munich, where he enjoys a starting role for the club, and is also emerging as one of the top players in the German Bundesliga.

His starting play would also benefit his chances of excelling further in the French uniform, for France needs all her best players to be playing consistently throughout the entire season, something of which Ribery would also have to keep in mind too.

Real Madrid are good enough without the services of the talented Frenchman, Ribery himself knows this, and so it's only fitting that Munich would go as far as to slap a riculous amount money of which they determine Ribery's market value, a tactic used by clubs to scare off any potential admirers of their star players.

Daily Spin: The Knicks Should Build Their Team Around David Lee

Vincent Muambi — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:44:42 -0400

David Lee resigned with the New York Knicks with a one year contract, but the question that should be asked of the Knicks is whether the team should build around Lee as opposed to waiting for 2010?

David Lee has quickly become one of the surprising up-and-comers in the league, thanks in part to the coaching efforts of Mike D'Antoni, and Knicks General Manager Mike Walsh would be wise to keep Lee for the long, but also build around him.

Yes, the free agent class of 2010 has propelled New York (among other teams) to consider saving up in salary cap space for now in hopes of landing a player of star caliber, such as Chris Bosh, LeBron James, or Dwayne Wade.

Knicks fans would be excited at the possibility of having one or two of these mentioned star players in a Knicks uniform, but for the Knicks to achieve that, the team would have to demonstrate that it can quickly turn into a competitor on the court as offside the court.

So far, in the last few seasons, the Knicks have yet to have proved they're doing both, despite maintaining their young core of Nate Robinson, David Lee, Chandler, and Duhon.

Mike D'Antoni is a popular coach to play for, and it only helps the Knicks that he employs a playing style that is known to be fun while allowing athletic and skilled players to flourish.

Rather than spend all that cap money on just or two superstar quality players, the Knicks would be better off in building a team comprised of players who can gel successfully into a competitive and constructive unit.

David Lee would be a good start for the Knicks, he may not have the athleticism of LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, but he's the sort of player any coach would want to have on his team, and the sort of player that the Knicks should be looking out for.

Mike Walsh might want to even consider using the Phoenix model, where D'Antoni was charged with the task of coaching a team comprised a top quality selfless point guard and a solid core of players who could easily compliment each other.

Perhaps that model, along with the one used by San Antonio, is something Mike Walsh might come to realize is a better alternative as opposed to investing most of the team's financial resources into one star player.

Only time will tell if in the next 10 months Mike Walsh plays his cards right and if the Knicks would finally land themselves as a destination for players to ply their trade in.

Futbol Chronicles: Real Madrid Will Falther if Defense Does Not Improve

Vincent Muambi — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:12:07 -0400

Real Madrid has started the season great so far, but their performance at the back end has gained much concern already, and this early in the season.

Manuel Pelligrini stated that he wasn't concerned with his club's defensive performances so far, but observers have noted Real's difficulty in containing players down the middle and defending set pieces.

Last night's performance against FC Zurich in the Champions League highlighted the notion that for all the millions spent on Ronaldo, Kaka, and Xabi Alonzo, Florentino Perez may want to consider investing heavily in improving Real's defensive options.

At times during that match, Madrid often found themselves frustrated as they were unable to counter-attack nor control the flow of the ball, leading players like Kaka for putting themselves in danger of being sent off after committing silly fouls.

Teams are beginning to notice that Madrid has a tendacy to lose posession, while getting caught down the middle of the field easily if Madrid doesn't have the ball.

So far, the new additions to the back haven't performed at their very best, but it's early in the season for Madrid, and only time will tell if the club manages to overcome their defensive frailties and muster a more subtle challenge.

Upcoming European matches against AC Milan and Olympique de Marseilles would provide a good test for Real's defense.

Milan are known for their stringent defense and organization, but they too have been going through a bit of struggle as of late. Most of their struggles can be attributed to the age of the players and the inexperience of their new manager Leonardo.

Olympique de Marseilles on the other hand, is an interesting mix.

Lead by the legendary former French international and Champions League finalist Didier Deshamps, Marseilles looks to improve upon their domestic form in hopes of winning their first league title in over a decade, and quite possibly make a run in the Champions League.

Both clubs would provide a good challenge for Marid, who have come to the realization that they're not in an easy group as some would of thought earlier on.

Real Madrid know that if they want to compete with likes of Barcelona, Valencia, Manchester, Juventus, and Milan, they'll have to shore up their situations at the back sooner rather than later, or the club could face some embarrassing losses and performances along the way.

Madrid may have some of the best offensive talent, but they are not a team made of steel, so much so that Florentino Perez would have to wonder if investing more sums into defensive players would be the key for Madrid reaching that level.

Only time will tell.

Futbol Chronicles: Manchester City Are Proving Themselves a Real Threat

Vincent Muambi — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:50:27 -0400

They've won four games in a row. Adebayor is their leading scorer, and they're already establishing themselves a potent threat to both Chelsea and Manchester United's title ambitions.

No, this is not Arsenal that we are talking about here. This is Manchester City—the team that everyone, every skeptic, supporter, pundit, and average Joe has talked about throughout the entire summer.

This is the same club who along with Real Madrid were accused of inflating the transfer market, and this is the same club whom Alex Ferguson labeled a "small club".

They're not a small club by any standards, but the Citizens are a club on a cusp of great things to come in the future, and proof of that was made in Saturday's convincing victory over Arsenal of London.

They're tied with their fiercest rivals Manchester United for second in the league, and also have a chance to make history as the first clubs from a city other than London to have won a league title or finish in the top two...or three that is.

Mark Hughes now has a club he envisions winning honors for years to come. He may not possess the kinds of success that his counterpart and mentor Alex Ferguson achieved, but he sure has himself a club loaded with the money and resources to compete in the long term.

Ironically, both clubs are now among the top five richest football clubs in the world, so it is only fitting to say that both clubs could launch themselves a new era of dominance of the English game.

Both clubs quite possibly would compete against each other for honors on the same level—something which previously the Citizens were only dreaming of and United supporters often laughed about.

Inside The Paint: Toronto Raptors Are a Changed Team

Vincent Muambi — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:37:32 -0400

The Toronto Raptors 2009-2010 season will rest on Jay Triano, not the ten new players acquired by Bryan Colangelo during this offseason.

Colangelo may receive the accolades for dramatically reshaping the look of this young team, but even Colangelo himself knows for his team to be competitive, his new full time coach would have to gel the parts together in quick succession.

New arrivals such as Jarret Jack, Amir Johnson, Reggie Evans, Marco Belinelli, Demar DeRozan, Antoine Wright, and newly hired assistant coach Alvin Williams come into the fold of a Raptors squad badly in need of new hope and a fresh direction.

Chris Bosh enters the season a new man, with a fresh new look and positive view on his team's chances, even going as far as to say that the new bench of the Raptors would probably give Bosh and his starting unit a hard time to score.

It would also symbolize the first time that the Raptors are a team built with depth at every position on the squad; a rarity at best for this team.

Triano himself intends to have his team play the fast-break style of basketball, something which should excite fans, and should have players such as Bosh, Bargnani, and Jose Calderon flourish.

Only time will tell if the Raptors can run the show along with the likes of the Cavaliers, Celtics, and the Magic, or if Bryan Colangelo's second major experiment becomes a laughable embarrassment.

Futbol Chronicles: Real Madrid Could Eclipse Manchester United This Year

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:04:01 -0400

Based on the recent run of matches that Real Madrid have played in, it's safe to say that this new-look team could beat out Manchester United as the best club in Europe.

Manchester have recently started their season, and already there are growing concerns about the makeup of the team after their disappointing loss to Premiership newcomers Burnley on Monday.

On the other end, Real Madrid have been tearing up the field with consecutive victories, but it was the manner of their victories that has supporters and football pundits alike buzzing.

It's very early in the football season, but Madrid are already looking like a team that could do major damage in the upcoming campaign, thanks in part to new signings Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Benzema.

So far, all three players have managed to gel perfectly in attack, and under Pelligrini's watch, the club have gone on to dust their opponents away with a goals galore and a rabid style of play.

Arjen Robben, thought to have been on the outs earlier this summer, has so far turned himself into the role of a super sub, so much so that his recent play has led Pelligrini to even consider Robben into his plans for the upcoming season.

Raul, the veteran and mainstay of the club, continues to draw in impressive performances for the club night in and night out, with a goal scored against Dortmund further increasing his exhibition tally.

Karim Benzema is looking more at home as the club's newest forward, and many would expect Higuain and Benzema to form a solid partnership in the attack. So far, based on the early prognosis, such a partnership appears likely so.

The situation at Manchester however is not as valiant as that of Madrid's. Their recent loss to a newly promoted club has some already questioning Alex Ferguson's decision to not spend the 80 million pounds taken in from the Ronaldo sale.

Antonio Valencia has so far been the club's biggest signing, and Michael Owen, who came to Old Tradford on a free transfer, is yet to have established himself as a scoring threat. It's only very early in the season, but if Owen and Berbatov continue onwards with average efforts, than Sir Alex would have reason to worry.

Wayne Rooney looks like the only legitimate scoring threat for the Red Devils, with Berbatov's struggles (since his wretched transfer from White Hart Lane) already drawing calls of him as a bust, something which Rooney recently stated that Berbatov is determined to prove otherwise to his critics.

Ferguson would be wise in signing at least two more quality midfielders (especially considering the age of both Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs), and another top class striker, but Ferguson's stubbornness could also be the club's own downfall.

Ronaldo's and Tevez's departure from the club would surely hurt United's chances this season, much to a certain amount of supporters who doubt Sir Alex's assertion that the club are good enough with the latter.

Meanwhile, United's crosstown rival Manchester City are on an upswing of sorts with the signings of Adebayor, Tevez, and Santa Cruz, which has led many to claim the Citizens as having one of the better attacking set-ups in the Premiership, much so to the chagrin of Alex Ferguson and United supporters.

Of course, as said before it's only early in the season, so there's lots to happen before we can all declare that Madrid are true compianatos and United are simply, well, ordinary.

Inside the Paint: Toronto Raptors Are The Most Improved Team So Far

Vincent Muambi — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:14:39 -0400

When the dust finally settles, the Toronto Raptors would come across as perhaps the most improved team in the entire Eastern Conference.

Newly hired coach Jay Triano finds himself in a situation where he'll inherit a team comprised of twelve new players, most of them acquired through trades.

The Raptors were able to address a number of issues that had affected the them last season; with Colangelo going out of his way by dramatically remaking the face of the team from the fourth man to the fifteen on the bench.

Colangelo was able to address the rebounding issue by acquiring both Amir Johnson, a young and athletic big man who can run down the floor and play under the hoop, and Reggie Evans who provides his defensive intensity and hard-nosed approach.

Antoine Wright is another player who also brings in his defensive specialties to floor; and he, along with newly signed backup point guard Jarret Jack can provide an excellent defensive cover on the perimeter.

The biggest catch of all for the Raptors this season was the addition of Hedo Turkoglu, known for being a big-time type player who creates his own situations plus is known for making the last shot.

All other additions would also fit in nicely into the fold, but the most exciting aspect of the Raptors is that of their coach, Jay Triano.

Jay Triano is entering his season as a full time coach, and Colangelo is thrilled about his new coach who received high praise from USA Basketball for his work in their summer program, and is known to be an admirer of the up-tempo style of play.

Fans alike can expect a Raptors team that runs on the fast-break, creating open space and utilized it's offensive potential.

They can expect a Raptors team that would surely be one of the most exciting to watch, and one that could potentially cement Colangelo's reputation as an executive who plays his cards right when assembling newer talent.

Futbol Chronicles: Wayne Rooney Is Relishing His ReNewed Scoring Role

Vincent Muambi — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:25:00 -0400

Wayne Rooney now sees himself with an opportunity to reclaim his mantle as the best center-forward for both Manchester United and the English national squad.

Alex Ferguson officially moved Rooney to his natural center position for this season, therefore allowing Rooney to flourish in his role as a goal-scoring target man. It's early in the season, but Rooney already is looking his natural self in his new role.

He also relishes the challenge of being the top goal scorer for Manchester, going as far as to challenge himself to a 25-goal margin for this season. It's a good bet that Rooney can accomplish that number, but much would also have to be said about Berbatov.

Michael Owen is another top forward who suddenly finds himself wanting much to prove, and if he can sustain himself through possible injury and score a respectable 15 goals, it would be considered in Ferguson's mind an accomplishment.

Rooney is also being looked upon by England coach Fabio Capello to lead the charges of the English attack as well, which is another challenge that Rooney suddenly finds himself relishing even more than he might have in previous situations.

It's a nice return for Rooney—a return to the days when he was the focus of the attack, and not looked upon as being the supplemental player.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Manchester for Real Madrid this summer, proved to be the catalyst for Manchester's European and league successes in the last three seasons, but Rooney, in a sense, suffered under that limelight.

Even worse, while Ronaldo was busy scoring his way through the field, Rooney was often placed by Ferguson as a wide man, simply because the two players for some reason could not co-exist as a scoring tandem.

This often limited Rooney to the point that his goal-scoring ratio for both Manchester and England began to dip, but not too substantively.

Ronaldo's exit now opens the door for Rooney to reclaim his scoring mantle, which is exactly what Ferguson is giving Rooney. Also, with his newfound scoring confidence, Rooney knows his scoring touch would make a vital contributor for the Three Lions.

Only time will tell if Rooney can truly live up to his new billing. Only time would tell.

Futbol Chronicles: Europa League Could Provide a European Spectacle

Vincent Muambi — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:32:50 -0400

The quality of the clubs currently involved in the Europe League playoff may provide observers an indication of where the tournament is truly evolving.

Last year, the Europa League had officially ended its season under its former name, the UEFA Cup, with Ukrainian upstarts Shakhtkar Donetsk winning the cup at the expense of German outfit Werder Bremen.

Under the new format, the Europa League will comprise of 48 teams in a group stage, where a home and away format is played, and where the top two clubs of each group advances to the knockout round.

It is entirely part of a revamping of club football by UEFA, who are hoping to give the newly formatted UEFA Cup a greater emphasis and importance in terms of club football.

The UEFA Champions League is widely known to have been the more superior club competition, but UEFA are hoping that the newly-formatted Europa League also provides a greater jolt of prestige under its new moniker.

One positive aspect of the Europa League so far is the amount of quality clubs currently competing in the playoff format, not to mention the potential of quality clubs such as Atletic Madrid, Celtic, or Fiorentina or Sporting Lisboa to drop down to the group stages.

Among the current club participants in the Europa League playoff are: AS Roma, Valencia CF, Fulham and Everton FC, SS Lazio, Genoa, Aston Villa, Werder Breman, Hertha Berlin, Ajax Amsterdam, defending champions Shakhtkar Donetsk, and so on.

So perhaps, with these clubs currently in contention, it is worth noting that the Europa League would have as much to offer to the table for fans of European club football alas the Champions League.

Only time will tell if UEFA's new club experiment can live up to it's new billing, or else.

Inside the Paint: Colangelo Shows He's the Zen Master of Basketball Execs

Vincent Muambi — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:38:15 -0400

Bryan Colangelo, in the words of one Raptors supporter, is "the man". He's truly the best thing to have happened to the Toronto Raptors ... since their entry into the league.

He just completed another trade, being able to ship off two expendable players in Carlos Deflino and Roko Ukic for athletic big man Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems. Both players are expected to be included in their new team's starting lineups this Fall.

What is even more impressive about Colangelo is the amount of change that has transpired with the Raptors in the past two months. At least 10 new players will come into training camp, therefore giving the Raptors a completely remodeled look.

It is shaping up to be another exciting season for the Raptors faithful, and many of them would have good reason to be thrilled at the changes that team's management have undertaken.

Of course, there's still the issue of whether the new coaching staff, led by Jay Triano, can mold this new core of players into a cohesive squad, that can compete night in and night out.

The Raptors now look more like a team capable of at least competing for fifth or even fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Chris Bosh, Jose Calderon, and Andrea Bargnani will suddenly find themselves abound with an impressive group of talented players who can offer support, something that hasn't been seen in Toronto for quite sometime.

Whatever transpires with Toronto from here onto training camp, observers would surely agree that Colangelo has stuck to his word and made the moves necessary to change the culture and makeup of the team.

Futbol Chronicles: Manchester City Could Overtake Arsenal for Fourth Spot

Vincent Muambi — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:55:47 -0400

If things continue on for Manchester City the way their season started, there's a good reason to believe the Citizens would overtake Arsenal for the fourth spot in the Premiership.

Manchester City have started their new campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over the Blackburn Rovers with goals from new debutant Emmanuel Adebayor and academy graduate Stephen Ireland.

Both players are among the many talents at Manchester City, who could reap success in England and even in all of Europe if Mark Hughes successfully molds them together.

It only helps that like Arsenal, Manchester also have an academy renowned for developing younger talent as well, with players like Shawn Wright-Phillips and Stephen Ireland as prime examples.

Mark Hughes would be under enormous pressure to deliver for the Citizens, with both Robinho and Wright-Phillips claiming the club would compete for a place in Europe next season, most likely the Champions League.

It's a feat that Mark Hughes knows would be possible to achieve, considering the makeup of the squad comprises of players who have won the Champions League, La Liga, Confederations Cup, Premier League, FA Cup, Copa Libertadores and so on.

The players at Manchester City have the will and pedigree to win it all, and there's no reason to suggest that City won't achieve the goal of finishing in the top four. Much of that has to do with Arsenal's current state.

Arsenal are a young team on a transition, but the overemphasis on youth and inexperience is proving to be a tall order for Arsene Wenger, who's team has not won a title since 2004.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are suddenly looking like the club everyone has watch for, while the Gunners continue to drag on.

Wenger knows this, but he is steadfast and determined to see that Arsenal continues its new development while staying competitive in the Premiership.

There is no reason to suggest Arsenal would eventually struggle in the league. Such is not the case when you consider the impressive array of talent Wenger has assembled.

However, Wenger himself admitted City could possibly win the Premiership sooner rather than later. But the people who have to feel the most threatened by Manchester City's sudden rise are the club's cross-town neighbors, Manchester United.

Alex Ferguson recently admitted that it would be foolish to write off Manchester City as a contender.

This coming from the same Alex Ferguson who just over a week ago labeled City a "small club," and even went as far as to say the club weren't good enough compared to United. Talk about a change of perspective from the wily Scotsman.

So far, it is early in the season, but all indications so far make it seem Manchester City will enjoy the benefits of winning new successes under their new ownership, but also change the outlook of the Premiership for seasons to come.

Inside the Paint: Raptors Will Flourish with Amir Johnson in the Fold

Vincent Muambi — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:57:23 -0400

Talk about an offseason of dramatic change for the Toronto Raptors. In just a span of about two months, Bryan Colangelo has remade the Raptors in a way that wasn't expected.

Coming into latest fold from Milwaukee is power forward Amir Johnson, a young and athletic big man with a ton of upside and potential and little known guard Sonny Weems.

In return, Colangelo ships out Roko Ukic and Carlos Delfino in a sign and trade with the Bucks, but with the talk of the trade mostly centered around Colangelo makeover of his team.

When the dust finally settles after the offseason, one of the first things you'll notice about this new-look Raptors team is something that has eluded them: vast potential and athleticism.

DeRozan, Johnson, Jack, Wright, Bosh, Douby, and Bargnani are prime examples of a team loaded with youth, potential, offensive upside, and athleticism. As a Raptors fan, you'll have to excuse yourself if you can't help but feel overly excited at the changes.

In regards to Amir Johnson, it's quite possible that the Raptors may have a steal in this player. Amir's career so far only spanned in Detroit, where he was used sparingly by the Pistons despite his potential.

It should be noted that Colangelo is known for having craved young athletic players, and in Triano's new offensive system, Johnson would flourish with his athleticism.

Sonny Weems is a virtual unknown, and one would have to speculate that Colangelo would eventually waive his contract while trying to rid the services of Marcus Banks.

This trade, along with the transactions made earlier, are shaping the Raptors to become a team to watch out for in the future.

Inside the Paint: Raptors Will Challenge Boston For The Atlantic

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:36:01 -0400

The Toronto Raptors are putting themselves in position to be direct challengers for the Atlantic Division.

Of course, the squad would have to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Philadelphia and New Jersey.

The Raptors now look like a 45-win team, a nice improvement from that of a team that languished in the gallows last season.

Bryan Colangelo recognized his mistakes, and in the process, remade the entire coaching staff with the hire of Jay Triano, the first full-time Canadian head coach in the Association, and one who’s work was given rave reviews by USA Basketball officials.

Triano has already shown he can coach at the professional level, and his extensive international experience and seven years as an NBA assistant make him a more than qualified candidate for the head-coaching position.

The additions of Reggie Evans and Jarret Jack, along with Belinelli, Turkoglu, athletic wing DemarDeRozan, Nesterovic, and the core of Bosh, Calderon, and Bargnani would give the Raptors the chance to be a contender in the East.

Like Colangelo, Triano is a big proponent of the fast-break basketball; something of which the Raptors hope will carry the team to greater heights, but also develop a basketball brand of Colangelo’s vision.

Boston have still maintained their core, and added Rasheed Wallace to the equation, the 76ers are returning to their old roots with the uniform change, but much would have to be expected of Elton Brand, who hopes to return to form after going another injury-plague season.

Boston is expected to challenge for the Atlantic Division once again with the core of Allen, Pierce, and Garnett.

However, with Philadelphia, Toronto, and New Jersey all sporting younger and faster lineups, Boston knows that its window of opportunity may be closing sooner rather than later.

The Raptors are hoping that their summer overhaul at least gives Chris Bosh the re-assurance that the team is serious about contending.

Toronto would be looking to make a fast start to the season, but would have to do so with the likes of Cleveland and San Antonio within their early part of the schedule.

There is hope among the Raptors faithful that the Raptors could eventually repeat the success of the 2006-2007 season, where the team posted its best record of 47 wins, and helped itself to winning its first division title in franchise history.

However, that will depend on the success that Toronto gains on the court, and more importantly, if the new eight additions to the team can find a way to gel quickly while develop a winning formula successfully.

It will also depend on Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon continuing to put up the kinds of numbers, and Andrea Bargnani further improving his play from the last half of the previous season.

As a full time coach, Jay Triano would have an opportunity to finally stamp his mark on the team come training day, and all signs point to Triano possibly picking up from where he started when he inherited the team early last season.

Inside the Paint: the Raptors Could Be the Most Entertaining Team In the East

Vincent Muambi — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:09:10 -0400

Bryan Colangelo has remade this team for the long haul. By the time the season starts in October, the Raptors could have as many as eight new faces in the locker room.

Not to mention an entirely new coaching structure and a new style of play that will emphasize tough defense with a more fast break style of play.

What excites Raptors fans most is the amount of positive change that has transpired over the last few weeks during the summer.

It is welcome news for Raptors fans that Jarret Jack, Antoine Wright, Reggie Evans, and Rasho Nesterovic, all character guys with good locker room qualities, are happy to be in Toronto, but more importantly, that the core of the Raptors is still intact.

Chris Bosh would be wise to re-sign for Toronto next season, but if not, then the Raptors know that they can either sign and trade Bosh in the offseason, or hope to swing a deal or make a push for another coveted high quality player.

The Raptors now look like a team capable of winning anywhere between 45 to 50 games in a season, but more importantly, have a ton of depth at the 2, 3, and 4 positions that they lacked last season.

Players such as Marcus Banks, Patrick O’Bryant, and Roko Ukic would possibly be third stringers on the team, but at least compared to most third stringers around the league, the Raptors may boast depth at the strings as well.

Colangelo is known for wanting his teams to play the fast break, and players like DeRozan, Belinelli, Wright, and Turkoglu can spread the floor and shoot the ball, not to mention Bosh, Calderon, and Bargnani all capable of scoring at least 60+ points a night as a trio.

It’s a wonderful ploy for first-time full time head coach Jay Triano, who hopes to continue on the success his team gained towards the end of last season.

Triano knows he would have to utilize the offensive output in his newly assembled squad, but also find a way to accommodate everybody who wants his share of the ball.

He would have to emphasise the importance of teamwork and unity, defense surely would be the focus coming into training camp, and Jose Calderon may finally have a worthy point guard challenger in Jarret Jack, who comes across as the team-first type of player, and locker room personality.

The Raptors could finally reach the mark of being a 100 point scoring team in the league, but all of that would depend on the shoulders of Bosh, Calderon, Belinelli, Turkoglu, DeRozan, Bargnani, and Jack.

In other words, the Raptors could give teams such as Phoenix, Lakers, Golden State, Knicks, and the Mavericks a run for their entertainment value money.

Futbol Chronicles: Sir Alex Ferguson Shouldn't Fear Manchester City

Vincent Muambi — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:03:05 -0400

Sir Alex Ferguson has the been the most successful manager in England for the last 16 years. Manchester City have often found themselves in the shadows of their cross-town neighbors, laboring in the dwellers of the English Premiership.

Ferguson believes that the Citizens, despite their recent whirlwind spending and sea of changes, are no bigger than the small insolent club that he sees them as.

Now, in fairness to both sides, this column is not being written in favor of Alex Ferguson, but rather as a way of looking at the renewed rivalry that has defined Manchester football for quite the while.

You’ll have to go back to two seasons ago, when Sven Goring Eriksson was in charge of the Citizens, and when United were beaten by their cross-town neighbors by a score of 1-0 in an August match-up.

After City’s surprising victory, it was suggested perhaps United were beginning to feel their swan song, and that City, under the guidance of the experienced Eriksson and a wily Thai billionaire, were going on the upswing.

City fans were beginning to sense a season of hope, and were having a season in which it appeared a turn-around was coming to the City of Manchester stadium.

The Citizens won an impressive run of nine consecutive home victories, therefore leading them to finish in the top three of the Premier League by Christmas.

It was an impressive feat by City, and even United supporters themselves at one point were beginning to wonder whether City would actually compete against United for league honors that season.

There was no reason to believe that a club, led under the tutelage of Sven Goring Eriksson, would suffer a collapse in the second half of the season, but they did—and City would go from the top three to finishing a disappointing ninth.

There was no reason to believe that Eriksson would wind up getting the axe after watching his club suffer a humiliating 8-0 loss at the hands of (GASPS) Middlesborough.

There was no reason to believe that the club would wind up going through a summer of upheaval after its Thai billionaire’s assets were frozen, leading many to believe that City would suffer a dramatic collapse of sorts.

However, even though the latter eventually happened, Manchester City survived the whole summer ordeal.

The football world was about the get a big surprise: a new billion dollar ownership group, and the surprise summer acquisition of the year: Robinho joining Man City from Real Madrid for a staggering 35 million pounds.

Of course, all of this, and the now recent revamp of the Citizens, has done nothing to sway Alex Ferguson’s belief that City is a small club.

Ferguson still believes that City would have to do more than win in order to convince the rest of the football world that they are serious contenders. He also believes that City will always be a “small club”, and will never live up to his team’s standards.

As for Ferguson, he has nothing to worry about, since he’s been in the game long enough to know that clubs have often came and went.

City may look like the team to beat in some people’s eyes, but to Ferguson, it’s just another club—another club trying to make its mark at the expense of other traditional powers.

Money doesn’t always buy you success; often you have to build your success from the bottom up. Ferguson has done that, and quite often rival clubs have plunged into the financial coffers hoping to reverse United’s dominance of the English game.

Futbol Chronicles: Manchester United Can Cope Without Cristiano Ronaldo

Vincent Muambi — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 09:11:28 -0400

Manchester United should have no trouble playing without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming season. Nor should any other club have to think that playing against Manchester would be an easier ride.

Alex Ferguson still has himself a squad capable of doing some damage this season, so it would come as no surprise that United are among the favorites to win the Premiership.

Barring any subtleties or injury breakdowns, United looks strong enough to position themselves for a possible repeat of last season, where the club finished atop the league standings while advancing to the European final.

The Champions League will once again provide the ultimate test for United, much so because Ronaldo is not there, and because Manchester may not come down as the immediate favorites to win the Champions League compared to last season. Although, they still contain the strong nucleus minus Tevez and Ronaldo that have carried the club all last season.

Berbatov and Rooney once again would be looked upon as the players to provide the goals, but Ferguson is also demanding that his midfielders and defenders provide the bits of scoring to compliment the forwards as well.

If things can go according to plan, than Manchester United could still finish among the top three, or perhaps win, in the Premiership title for the fourth successive season.

Of course, the major difference would be a United squad that has Michael Owen, perhaps the biggest summer pick-up, and Antonio Valencia, who already was drawing comparisons to Ronaldo.

Alex Ferguson acknowledged recently that the club would change its formation to accommodate the new-look starting eleven.

That means Wayne Rooney is finally slotting back into his natural center-forward role, and midfielders such as Darren Fletcher and Korean star Ji Sung Park playing a more prominent role in the center field.

Manchester would have its fair share of youth to go along, with Darren Gibson, Danny Welback, and Federico Macheda all vying to be top starters one day for United.

What many pundits and supporters can agree is that Manchester United may finally resemble a fairly more balanced attack, one which Ferguson hopes can replicate the 100 goals mark of last season, but also that his troopers maintain the high-level competitiveness that carried the club last season.

Despite the recent changes at Manchester City, Chelsea, and Aston Vllla, Alex Ferguson is hopeful that his team can maintain themselves against the likes of these clubs, but also believes that Arsenal and Liverpool are no longer serious threats to United, while rebuffing the Citizens.

Ferguson is known for being a shrewd and proud man, so it should come as no surprise that he still believes his team can it all again in the upcoming season. Time will only tell if that prognosis can come to its fruition.

Futbol Chronicles: Manchester City A Force to Be Reckoned With

Vincent Muambi — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:32:18 -0400

Manchester City are entering into this August as the team to watch for during the new Premiership season.

Many now agree that Manchester have the best forward line in Santa Cruz, Robinho, Tevez, and Adebayor. Three South Americans and a top class African forward who are all capable of scoring at least twenty goals a season is more than enough for opposing defenders to worry about.

At the midfield position players such as Ireland, Wright Phillips, Barry, De Jong, Kompany, and young academy grad Weiss all possess the qualities of good midfield players as well.

Ireland, Barry, and Wright Phillips can form a dangerous midfield attacking line, all three are capable of putting the ball in the back of the net and penetrating defenders with their skills and footwork.

The one area of concern may be the defense, but Mark Hughes insists that his defense is as contacted, and that the club would likely sign only one defensive player, possibly a top class central defender.

John Terry, himself a top class central defender, fits the bill, and Manchester are making repeated attempts to sign him.

Whether City can be successful in signing John Terry, Manchester City are likely to be looked upon as the best team to mount a challenge to Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

Arsenal are becoming more of an afterthought, despite their vast wealth of young, up-and-coming talent.

Arsene Wenger is building Arsenal of course for the future, but time will tell if players like Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie would have the patience to wait for Arsenal to finally crack the pot.

Manchester are known to have a core of young players already making major progress in the academy, a fact that even Mark Hughes admits more than helps the club remain competitive for the foreseeable future.

Inside the Paint: Can The Toronto Raptors Become The Phoenix Suns of the East?

Vincent Muambi — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:31:29 -0400

Bryan Colangelo may have accomplished something in Toronto: He may have duplicated his version of the Suns, according to the talents he has managed to assemble.

The new-look Raptors have added Devean George, Antoine Wright, Hedo Turkoglu, Demar DeRozen, Reggie Evans, and possibly Jarret Jack to a Raptor team suddenly looking like playoff contenders.

However, this team should not only be looked at as simply a playoff contender, but possibly a championship contender. The Raptors can play a much more uptempo style now that they suddenly have the athletic talent.

Gone are the players such as Kris Humphries or even long-gone Raptor favorite Matt Bonner, who were one-dimensional and static at best.

In comes the athletic Antoine Wright at the wing spot with rookie Demar DeRozen, Reggie Evans, and Devean George with their tough and defensive intensity (wasn't that a role Joey Graham was coveted for?), and the rest can easily fall into place.

You have a Raptors team that for the first time under Colangelo's tenure has the capability to play the offensive style of play reminiscent of the Colangelo/Steve Nash era Phoenix Suns.

Yes, Raptors fans can finally say the Raps are a team with the means and offensive talent to not only challenge for Eastern honors, but possibly become one of the most entertaining teams in the NBA.

Possibly toss in a Don Nelson as a coach and a few more talented wing players, and you have a team that now can excite fans for a long time to come.

Raptors supporters would have good reason to support this newly improved team. With the additions of Evans and George, and possibly Jack, the Raptors find themselves with three quality locker room guys with good defensive techniques and ability to bring in leadership and intensity.

You add in a play-making sharpshooter in Turkoglu along with Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani, and Jose Calderon (with all three capable of combing for over 75 points a game), and you suddenly have a Raptors offense that could be one of the most lethal scoring combos in the league.

Let's not forget DeRozen, who is already being compared to former Raptor Vince Carter in terms of his athleticism. Wow.

DeRozen sure has the athleticism and the talent to do it all for the Raptors, but it will take time. However, scouts, pundits, and managers across the league believe that DeRozen could potentially be the biggest steal for the Raptors.

Only time will tell if this Raptors team can actually do what Colangelo has hoped his moves allows the team to do: Win, outrun, and outscore their opponents.

Futbol Chronicles: Manchester United's Macheda & Welback Can Make an Impact

Vincent Muambi — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:44:57 -0400

Sir Alex Ferguson expects 18-year-old Federico Macheda and 17-year-old Danny Welback to both make an impact for Manchester United this upcoming season.

Both players are prime examples of Ferguson's belief in ushering in youth though the senior ranks of the squad, and both players are at some point expected to fill in the positions of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Michael Owen has also joined the club, and expects to link up with Rooney and Berbatov, plus the young and inexperienced Welback and Macheda.

Hopefully the three senior forwards can be able to replicate their past performances to a higher level, but Ferguson also hopes that Macheda and Welback quickly find their scoring touch, or Manchester could find themselves in a heap of trouble.

Daniel Gibbson, the 21-year-old Irish international who was signed to an extension this week, expects to battle for a starting role in the midfield as well.

Players such as Darren Fletcher, Park, Nani, and Anderson would have to step up their pace if they hope to right last season's missed opportunities.

This new season could prove to be an interesting campaign for Manchester as the club begins it's post Tevez/Ronaldo era.

Supporters are hoping, with the current crop of players, United can still mount a serious challenge for honors—even if the odds in favor of that shrink proportionately.