Bleacher Report - Articles by Muazzin Mehrban

Ashes Media Making a Meal of Mitchell Johnson Form

Muazzin Mehrban — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:50:10 -0400

Tall, athletic, menacing, and a left arm pacer. How England, along with almost every other cricketing nation, would love to have Mitchell Johnson in their bowling arsenal.

His dip in form this Ashes from the lofty standards he set against South Africa, both home and away, is hard to ignore. Yet the fact that he has better figures than compatriot Peter Siddle in the series so far begs the question of why it is he, Johnson, who is being vilified.

It has appeared to escape the media, in England in particular, that Australia's failure has been the result of average bowling displays across the board, while their new great hope Phil Hughes and Michael "Mr Cricket" Hussey have both failed to make telling contributions with the bat.

Furthermore, Johnson has batted well, a fact that should hold him in better sted when compared to the remainder of the Australian tail. A strike bowler who can regularly smash vital runs late on, is that asking too much?

Even Wasim Akram and talisman Flintoff have failed to live up to those criteria. Furthermore, Johnson is being expected to perform the same feat in his first Ashes having just achieved it not once, but twice against the Saffers.

But the British media know a target when they see one, and in Johnson, they have already sounded out their prey. However, with three tests to go, Johnson has plenty of time to ensure he has the last laugh.

After all, it took Ricky Ponting two years to have his last laugh after the 2005 defeat. And captaining a 5-0 series whitewash, meant it must have been a very hearty laugh at the least.

The grinning Johnson who dismantled Kallis and Co will hit back at some point, with new ball as well as bat.

A Fit Owen Hargreaves Will See United Last The Distance Next Season

Muazzin Mehrban — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:34:18 -0400

Although Carlos Tevez convinced himself but no one else of his fatal absence from the starting lineup in United's defeat to Barcelona in Rome, even he might admit that the Red Devils would have stood up to the Spanish Armada far better had their hunter, Owen Hargreaves been fully fit. But how injury appears to ravage the savage.

Though savage is an unfair word to describe a player whose capabilities go way beyond the usual rough and tumble of a defensive midfielder.

When deployed in front of the centerbacks, most players will struggle to cover most of the ground the Englishman does, and while there are those that are capabale, they don't possess the same passing, shooting, and crossing ability.

Indeed Hargreaves sits among good company, filling a niche position that the only the likes of Essien, Gattusso and Mascherano also currently master. Yes there are better passing, better shooting, better dribbling midfielders in the game but non of which are as combative or as dedicated to the cause as these foot soldiers.

If these four were part of the animal kingdom, then there would be little hope of domesticating them, why would you?

Hargreaves will also give Ferguson excellent cover at right midfield and fullback. Though, Sir Alex will want his hunter playing through the centre as much as possible, where their will be plenty of Iniestas, Kakas, and Fabregases, among other artistic prey, for him to snare.

If Hargreaves returns—a big "if indeed—the extra horsepower he provides is likely to push United to a fourth straight league title. Though Essien and Mascherano, two of the leagues finest engines, will also be revved up to win. Expect all three to go full throttle.

Pato Centerstage As Milan Put All Their Duck Eggs In One Basket

Muazzin Mehrban — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:46:38 -0400

Although Pirlo and Ronaldinho remain the biggest names within Milan's ageing crop, the Rossoneri will be turning to the younger of their two Brazilian forwards in the gloomy void left by Kaka's departure.

Alexander Pato might be considered just another one of Brazil's assembly line of promising youngsters, But ask those in the know, and witness for yourself the gilt edge touch and eye for goal this lad has, and you might understand why some, albeit a very small some, label him a hybrid of Messi and Ronaldo.

The quick feet, laser accuracy and pace were enough to convince the Milan hierarchy that the unthinkable sale of Kaka might not consign the club to watching Inter disappear into the distance next season.

It might take some time for the city's red side, still grieving from the loss of their prodigal son, to realise once more just how good Pato is. Make no bones about it, he still has plenty to do and only time will tell us whether he will be able to spearhead Milan's front line.

His playing position is also further forward than that of Kaka's meaning that he will rely more on those playing deeper than him. But if the supply is there, then Pato will be there or there abouts.

Given his age and his potential, he can only get better and the Milanese might just have another Brazilian legend to make banners for.

Alexander the Great anyone?

Tevez, Robinho, Adebayor. Man City Slickers or Unwanted Goods?

Muazzin Mehrban — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:20:21 -0400

With the exception of Roque Santa Cruz, Manchester City’s other big name signings may not be the world beaters that they might self proclaim to be. Robinho remains the archetype transfer for what I am trying to express. On his day, yes he can provide slices of magic, but in truth he is no world beater despite the odd dazzling run or cute finish. If he was not deemed good enough to be a Real Madrid player last season, when Madrid were looking over their shoulder, guarding second spot rather than hounding Barcelona, then what makes people think he will take city to new heights?

This season Robinho has been joined by Carlos Tevez. Productive though he can be, Tevez rather dug a hole for himself when suggesting that Manchester United would still be European champions had he started in Rome. Tevez or no Tevez, if Ronaldo and Rooney couldn’t pick what was on that night a sublime Barcelona lock, then Carlito certainly wouldn’t have been able to. Make no mistake, the lad has the hunger and spirit in abundance, but even abundance was not enough for United, the team City aim to overhaul next season.

The arrival of nomads is not set to end there. Possibly the most deceiving and treacherous of them all, Emmanuelle Adebayor, is set to arrive in the coming days, provided of course, that he does not receive an offer from a better club, or at least one more sympathetic. Adebayor has the size, skill, and speed to succeed but upon closer examination, one is more likely to find ice rather than fire in his belly. Although he waltzes well with the corner flag and his Arsenal teammates when scoring, he may want to leave his dancing shoes in London. His new teammates may not be as welcoming, and might prefer a better chances-to-goal ratio rather than a few nifty moves. Arsenal have gotten bored of it, and neither Manchester United nor AC Milan, both on the Adebayor wish list, appear taken by it.

A little harsh of me maybe, but all three of the aforementioned had City low down on their list of destinations and all three have probably drawn up a list of which footballing cities they would like to visit next. Only time will tell though but I have the feeling that if City are to challenge the big boys in the premier league playground, it will be their British legion, Messes Barry, Ireland and Given that will show the most fight.

Two Worlds Will Collide...

Muazzin Mehrban — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:52:12 -0400

It is still difficult to fathom isn’t it? Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Kaka will share the same changing room next season.

Although neither man is particularly huge, trying to fit Kaka’s heart and Ronaldo’s ego into the same confined space will not be easy.

Both men are regarded as the best in the world, both will be paid incredible wages, both will wear the same kit and draw admiration of almost equal measures, but both are also worlds apart.

The possessions both hold in their match day kitbags would probably underline many of these differences. Concealer and Swarovski earrings in one, holy water and crucifixes in the other.

Ronaldo’s phone would be awash with texts from any number of women that he has been partying with, while Kaka’s will probably show repeated dialled numbers and received calls to and from his wife.

The Portuguese wing wizard will be asking his teammates the location of Madrid’s best clubs and bars, while the Brazilian playmaker will probably inquire as to how far the nearest church is from the stadium, and if anyone can recommend a good babysitter.

Maybe I have been a little unfair, painting Cristiano as some carefree playboy and Kaka as a white knight, but there is no doubting that a divergence in attitude occurs between the two players once you finish considering their individual technical brilliance, which is probably best described as even.

Ronaldo will bring to the Madrid party an air of invincibility, a bullish confidence and cheeky smirk, all of which will be part of his mission to show the world what he can do, at the biggest club, on the biggest stage. While Kaka will also be all smiles and confidence, his goal will be to show the world what Madrid can do.

Do you see the difference?

So the battle begins, Ronaldo will capture headlines, while Kaka, hearts. They will both score goals. Ronaldo will push out his chest when he does, Kaka raise his arms skywards. Both will be successful. One will probably earn envy while the other affection.

I think you know who will be who.

If the 300 or so words you have just read sound like a despondent Manchester United fan, disappointed to have lost their best player and even more so because of the non-arrival of a certain Brazilian, then you would be right.

Surely I cannot be the only one feeling this way....can I?

Brazil's Success Leaves Dunga With Plenty to Think About

Muazzin Mehrban — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:44:26 -0400

With typical mambo sway Brazil recovered from two down to lift the Confederations Cup, a trophy of mixed significance—though judging by Lucio’s reaction, it meant a great deal, at least to some.

Their marauding brilliance was just enough of a makeweight for their sometimes sketchy defending and though a successful campaign, Carlos Dunga will still have just as many questions as he does answers.

Focusing on the good, it is clear that Brazil are at their best when their golden boy Ricardo Kaka is at his. When allowed to roam and be at the heart of the Brazilian offensive, he remained throughout the tournament a potent threat, individually and as part of the collective team effort.

On the other hand, although many may not agree, Robinho, despite his multitude of touches, remains unnecessary icing on an already sweet cake. If the pitch is a canvas, then it can only accommodate so many artists, and certainly not those that produce costly pieces, of little end value.

If I was Alexandre Pato, I would certainly be wondering why I wasn’t being asked to limber up just after half-time more often.

Back to the good, Maicon and Lucio underlined why they remain among the best players in the world at what they do. Lucio, among Europe’s most bruising centre-backs (alongside Vidic, Terry, and Puyol) is probably more skillful than the other three put together, and showed plenty of drive and forward play from the heart of the back line.

Meanwhile Maicon, lovers of Alves and Ramos aside, has to now be considered the best right-back, maybe even full-back in the game, and the closest Brazil have come to replacing the legendary Cafu.

Overall Brazil look dangerous. Combined with the expected emergence of Anderson and Pato, and maybe even a return for renegades Ronaldinho and Adriano, Dunga's men will certainly be in the running to lift yet another World Cup come South Africa.

As always, regardless of nationality, they remain many people’s first team and just about everyone else’s second.

European Football Warms to The 'Quarterback'...

Muazzin Mehrban — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:15:49 -0400

Go back five years and talk in the school yard was dominated by football discussions. And today, it still is. Strikers, wingers, and players that ran forward with skill and panache, were the ones whose names were used by boys across Europe to imitate their heroes. Zidane, Giggs, Henry and the now big boned Ronaldo were just a few of the all conquering, free scoring players that were the centre of heated debate, while their surnames graced the back of many a shirt.

In five years a lot has changed. Still, the wing wizards, now; Ronaldo, Ribery, Messi, and lavish strikers, Torres, Rooney, Villa, remain on the tip of most teenagers tongues, Yet their appreciation, along with that of many armchair pundits, has broadened. No longer do we just admire the step over kings and speedsters, but we now take more time to look at the men behind the scenes, the directors and producers of the blockbuster goals.

The position now most discussed, and coveted as one for those with a cavernous understanding of the game, is the ‘quarterback role,’ or more traditionally, the deep lying play-maker. Make no mistake, these are not your box to box men, ala Hargreaves or Essien. Nor the protectors of your back four, like Gattusso or Mascherano. These are the men who pull the strings, earn the silent plaudits, and make man of the match contributions without the headlines, for those with a cultured appreciation.

Step forward Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Carrick, and of course their modern day founding father, Andrea Pirlo. While others run, these gentlemen, for gentlemen they are, walk. They do not argue, nor do they get their hands dirty. No position is more played in the brain, such is the quantity of variables that need considering. Pass weight, offside traps, swerve, player runs, and opposition movements. Meteorologists have an easier time predicting the weather.

Then there is the fact that deep play-makers do things with the minimum of fuss while still presenting everything with a glossy finish. The best among them manage to play velvet touch passes on the most minefield-like of pitches, while maintaining the accuracy of modern day missiles.

Just by writing this article, I may have offended a couple of them; such is their humility and indifference towards the limelight. Defenders be warned, no matter how secure your penalty areas are, the popularity of the locksmith is increasing....

Arsenal, Maturity is Now or Never for Wenger and Co

Muazzin Mehrban — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:24:26 -0400

Under the meticulous tutelage of Arsene Wenger, the Gunners have twice completed the double and embarked on a remarkable run that saw them go unbeaten for 49 games in the league.

Though since Manchester United ended that monopoly back in 2004, Arsenal have never really recovered, failing to reach anywhere near the dizzy heights of what was an almost flawless domestic campaign.

Some would blame the rise of Chelsea, others even Ronaldo, but in truth, Arsenal’s distance from the summit of English football is more their own doing. Nobody would expect them to have won back-to-back titles every season, but most would have expected them to be there or there abouts.

It is no coincidence, that for all Arsenal’s new age talent, they have so far failed to replace the basic brilliance of certain players in all three outfield departments. The clinical lightening Thierry Henry, the engine general Patrick Vieira, and their powerhouse centre-back Sol Campbell.

No doubt, the youth invested to fill their boots have shown bags of promise, and supremely cost effective considering their age, and Wenger’s reluctance to "splash the cash".

But one touch play, silky runs, and telling passes alone, do not win you titles.

Bottom corner finishes, last ditch tackles, and near post blocks are required.

Until Arsenal manage to push the top three harder and closer, Highbury will remain their theatre of football, leaving its big little brother, the Emirates, forever jealous.

In Fabregas, Arshavin, and Van Persie among others, the Gunners have the ammunition, but will they fire?

With talent like the above, Wenger at least has his weapon loaded.

Nadal, Perfect Nature Becomes Weak at The Knees

Muazzin Mehrban — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:48:56 -0400

Spaniard will not have it all his own way....just yet

As if he was made from the very clay used to coat the surface at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal almost waltzed his way to four straight French Open titles, defeating the equally inhuman Roger Federer in three straight finals.

Paris may have belonged to the Spaniard, but the rest of the tennis domain was Federer's, until early last summer. Not only did the matador storm to his first Wimbledon title, beating the Fed in five classic stroke infested sets, but he also made his mark on the hard stuff, claiming the Australian Open crown from the Swiss maestro too.

Times were becoming hard for King Roger. Despite claiming the US open in between those two grand slam defeats, Nadal had now brought him to tears on more than one occasion. It appeared men's tennis was on the brink of a seismic shift.

Federer lovers the world over knew, that one day, Nadal would overtake their beloved, but certainly not yesterday or today. Many feared his famous journey to becoming the most successful player of all time in slams, had been slowed down. Some even felt it might have ended.

But the passing of the torch appears to have been postponed. Federer finally cracked the French code and became champion on the sands, while Nadal was sent crashing out in four sets by Swede Robin Soderling.

It also appears the Spaniard's all-action style is beginning to catch up with him. At just the tender age of 23, the knees that are regularly strapped, appear to have given way, leaving Nadal unable to defend his Wimbledon crown.

Just as Federer's demise at the hands of Nadal would have hurt his hoards of fans, so too will Rafa's injury hurt the Spaniard's army of followers.

But fear not. Nadal's setback proves he might just be part human. While Federer's return to his lavishly high standards will ensure that tennis lovers, and most of the human race for that matter, will have an abundance of enthralling finals between these two legends to come.

Of course, many in Britain will hope it soon becomes an enthralling three-way, courtesy of Andy Murray. But for now, the gold club of tennis will only have two active members; two lifetime members for that matter.

Shahid Afridi, the Maddest of all Hatters

Muazzin Mehrban — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:44:01 -0400

Described by one commentator as the "maddest of all mad maxes", Shahid Afridi is certainly a sultan of swing, but rather with bat, than with ball.

Everything he has achieved in the current Twenty20 World Cup has been acquired with the utmost intensity. Whether he is slogging over mid-wicket, floating a googly, or verbally jousting with opponents, Afridi will never leave a cricket field wandering what might have been.

A quick glance to the dugout while his team mates open the batting, and you will see him padded, helmet on, almost fretting...waiting for his chance to get in on the action. And if anything, the Pathaan prince, as he is affectionately known, when his number is called, will at the very least, keep a crowd entertained.

Though, for a batsman of his talent, his averages read poorly, and a slight retraction in his strike rate could well multiply the number of runs Afridi scores. But Afridi is no stats guru, nor a protector of his wicket. He is more a bandit, looking to plunder opposition, stealing their wickets, murdering their short balls.

The adventures of Shahid do not always end happily, and do not always leave the reader satisified. But Mr Afridi does keep fans turning pages and mystified as to what will happen next.

Few can doubt his ability, many will question his statistics, though none can argue with his place among Flintoff, Cairns, Yuvraj, and co. as a constructive all-rounder—and on his day, the most destructive of them all.

Michael Ballack, European Football's Serial Bridesmaid

Muazzin Mehrban — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:25:28 -0400

As a jack of no trades and master of all, Michael Ballack, Germany’s midfield general and longstanding captain, has been revered as one of Europe’s top midfielders of the past decade. Strength, stamina and intelligence, have all contributed to his precision passing, shooting and heading. Currently, he resides alongside Michael Essien and Frank Lampard, at the heart of a Chelsea midfield that would have any one of Gattusso, Keane or Vieira, thinking twice. On grass he is also still the leader of his nation, and continues to orchestrate his fellow countrymen, with chest out and fists clenched.

Though, for all Ballack’s almost arrogant, self assured approach to his duties, his career has so far been one of enduring, taking a club, and country to the brink of history, only to fall short. In 2002, dubbed the ‘treble horror’, his then club Bayer Leverkusen, came runners-up in the Bundesliga, surrendering a five-point advantage, while losing the cup final to Schalke on penalties. Further pain was inflicted, when Zinedine Zidane’s wonder volley gave Madrid victory in the champion’s league final, after Lucio had drawn the underdog’s level. Almost as if the year was destined to be one of heartbreak for Ballack, Germany lost the World Cup final to Brazil. Ballack himself was suspended for the game after carrying his side to within inches of the trophy.

The torturous year was followed by a series of successful ones at new club Bayern Munich, though, as any idiot would tell you, rarely does a season go by in which Bayern are not successful. After leagues and cups aplenty Ballack announced his move to England, to Chelsea, who under Mourinho had fended off Manchester United and Arsenal and secured back-to-back titles. Ballack signed off from Germany in typically sadistic fashion, being knocked out of the 2006 World Cup held in his homeland, by Italy, at the last four stage. Still England was expected by many to ensure Ballack with the success he craved, although Manchester United, the club he turned down on his way to Stamford Bridge, had other ideas.

Over the past three seasons Ballack, like in and for Germany, continues to endure. Surrounded by fish of equal size, he and the surrounding pool of stars have been unable to tear the premier league from Sir Alex Ferguson’s steel clutches, taking the title race to the final day of the season on one occasion. Even on penalties, where Germany have forever been kings, Ballack was unable to prevent his teammates from England and France, failing to convert in Moscow, as Manchester United once more triumphed over Chelsea in the ‘Russian roulette’ European cup final of 2008.

His seemingly failed marriage with Frank Lampard, at the centre of Chelsea’s formation has left many questioning his position at the club, and at the age of 32, many might advise Ballack to head home, return to Bavaria, and win a few more medals in his back yard. Surely nobody would begrudge him that, hasn’t he suffered enough?

Yoann Gourcuff to Inspire French Revolution

Muazzin Mehrban — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:27:09 -0400

In truth, this is probably Zizou's fourth reincarnation in recent years. His name tag has rather carelessly been placed on several other rising Frenchmen who, regardless of talent and performance, just haven't the same attributes as the Algerian born wizard.

Nasri, Ribery, and Benzema have all been heralded as his heir yet despite showing ability, none has the silk laden grace and intuition of the former European and World Champion.

Yet in the modest surroundings of Bordeaux, a young man, hastily let go by AC MIlan is making the headlines. Yoann Gourcuff, a lean, athletic forward, has set the Aquitaine region alight and brought with it the almost inevitable Zidane comparison.

This time though, the physique is there and more importantly so are the qualities. Adept with both feet, able to slalom through opponents and find the net with regular consistency, Gourcuff has all the makings of a formidable number 10.

But as both the 98' World Cup and subsequent European Championship proved, one man does not take a team to glory. Messrs Nasri, Benzema and Ribery will all be part of this French Renaissance, spearheaded though by Zidane nouveau...