Bleacher Report - Articles by Aaron Dunn

England Captain: Who's Your Pick? Beckham, Steven, Rio or Terry?

Aaron Dunn — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:43:09 -0400

So Fabio Capello is about to name England's permanent captain.

Here's the list of candidates, and the justification for them.

David Beckham: Well, the man has worn the armband enough, so experience on his part wins for sure. If you have a look at England's Euro 2008 qualifying failure, you will see that England got points in the games he started. He's just a good leader, but his longevity could be a slight issue as his international career is entering its twilight.

Steven Gerrard: He loses out on the experience vote, but everything else is there. The skill level is there, and he makes the players around him better. His leadership with Liverpool has been nothing less than spectacular, but anyone cheering for England would like to see some of that for the England team. He's my pick.

John Terry: He's the likely pick. I'd rather Gerrard, but I think Capello will go with Terry. He's been great leading Chelsea, and he's one of the best centre backs in the world.

Rio Ferdinand: Also one of the best centre backs in the world. Not overly experienced as a captain, but he's still got a chance.

This is completely open.

Open Mic: World Football's Best XI

Aaron Dunn — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:39:16 -0400

Well, I'm bored, so I figured I would come up with a nice little list of who I'd pick as my FIFA World XI.

Goal: Gianluigi Buffon

Defense: Fabio Cannavarro, John Terry, Pepe, Roberto Carlos

Midfield: Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard, Kaka, Xavi Hernandez

Forward: Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres

Yes, I realize that Xavi and Carlos are both are little fringe.

Five Reasons Liverpool Can Win the EPL

Aaron Dunn — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:10:06 -0400

Yes, it is true. Liverpool can win the English Premier League this season. Here are five reasons why.

5. Injury to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United is significantly weakened without him in the lineup, which is great news for Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool. We must not discount the abilities of Wayne Rooney, however. United still has a very solid team, and they did have a slow start last season as well. Of course they are favorites to take it all again this year.

4. The Emergence of Javier Mascherano.

Behind Owen Hargreaves, he's probably the best defensive midfielder in the EPL. He made many opposing attacking midfielders miserable last season. I expect him to do just as well this year.

3. Key Acquisitions Robbie Keane, Andrea Dossena, and Philip Degen.

While I do expect Degen and Dossena to have an effect in every game they play, the acquisition of Keane should make the most impact. Nothing against Dirk Kuyt, but Keane is much faster and bigger and the hope is he will partner with Torres well.

2. Fernando Torres.

Now that he is comfortable in the Liverpool side and Premier League game, look for him to produce even more this year. Having Robbie Keane to help him out will be a big plus, and fatigue will be a less likely issue for Torres, who just looked tired at certain times of the year.

1. Steven Gerrard.

This team will go nowhere without Stevie G, and everyone knows it. He has the goods to completely turn around games in all facets. I'm not just saying he'll score a momentum swinging goal or two. I'm talking complete dominance in one part of the game or another.

He makes great tackles and plays great defense. Guys like Ronaldo just score big goals and dominate offensively. Gerrard dominates the midfield and as we've seen over the years, midfield dominance wins many games. As long as he's healthy, Liverpool is going to be near the top of the table.

Players to look for as well: Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt, the ever underrated Yossi Benayoun, Xavi Alonso, and Martin Skyrtel.

Starting Lineup - I'm not going to predict formation, simply because Rafa Benitez is so ridiculously unpredictable at times.

Keeper: Pepe Reina

Defense [left to right]: Fabio Aurelio, Jamie Carrager, Sami Hyypia, Andrea Dossena

Midfield: Steven Gerrard, Jermaine Pennant, Xavi Alonso, Javier Mascherano

Forward: Robbie Keane, Fernando Torres

Bench: Steve Finnan, Alvaro Arbeloa, Daniel Agger, Martin Skyrtel, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Lucas Leiva, Sebastian Leto, Dirk Kuyt, Andriy Voronin, David N'gog, Diego Cavalieri

EPL Drama Part 2: Rafa Benitez Does Not Stop

Aaron Dunn — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:07:03 -0400

I'm enjoying checking headlines for Liverpool FC, since they are reported to be doing something every day.

So today: Peter Crouch is close to being transferred from Liverpool to Portsmouth. I myself am a big believer in this guy. He just didn't work out well during Rafa Benitez's tenure. I wish him all the best.

As of today, there have been no new developments with the ever dramatic Gareth Barry situation. Steven Gerrard wants him to come to Anfield, and Barry wants to come to Anfield. Rafa does too, but will he pay?

I still believe that Liverpool, with the addition of Barry and perhaps another speedy winger would make Liverpool a candidate to take some silverware this season.

For them to win the EPL, they need a faster start than last year. They also need to beat, not just draw, teams that are clearly less quality. The Reds can't expect to win when they play teams like Birmingham City to a draw twice in a season. I kid you not, they did it last season. I just looked it up.

Their first three games of the season will be crucial, and their fourth will be against Manchester United. There is still a possibility Ronaldo will not be playing, but if he does he may not be at one hundred percent.

Winning games one through four would be a great start and confidence builder. They need to get on top of the table in the first two months and stay there.

NHL: Bertuzzi Signs With Flames While Leafs Ink Stajan

Aaron Dunn — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:01:15 -0400

The Calgary Flames didn't waste any time filling Owen Nolan's roster spot. Moreover, they did it for less money and shorter term. The Flames signed veteran winger Todd Bertuzzi to a one year, $1.95 million contract. It's a nice pick up for the Flames. They just have to hope he stays healthy.

When Bert is healthy, he's a menace in front of the net on the power play and strong along the wall. Hopefully he'll make space for the smaller and faster guys on the roster, namely Matthew Lombardi and Michael Cammelleri. This move also adds more size to an already big team.

Look for Bert to put up 60-80 points this years depending on his health. Other signings of note: Toronto signed Matt Stajan to a two year, $3.5 million contract. As a Leafs fan, I am very happy with this signing and feel it is the best they've made so far.

I still don't understand getting Grabovski or signing Jeff Finger and Niklas Hagman to four-year deals for 3.5 and 3 million dollars per year respectively. In addition, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed UFA R.J. Umberger to a four-year deal. Perhaps the Jackets will compete for the eighth and final playoff spot in the west this year.

EPL DRAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chelsea makes huge offer for Kaka

Aaron Dunn — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:44:39 -0400

It is a repugnant offer.

6.5m pounds for Frank Lampard. That is insulting. To Big Phil, to Frank and to Roman. Inter Milan may want to repent for that offer.

Lampard is worth at least 20m.

Chelsea offered a very large transfer fee for Kaka of AC Milan and are also interested in Andrea Pirlo. Joe Cole and Lampard could find themselves on their way out or even asking to leave since the addition of Deco and if Chelsea do land Kaka and Pirlo that will add to an already cluttered central midfield situation.

Cole doesn't play in a central role however with all these stars potentially in the lineup it would likely push him to the bench.

If AC Milan do in fact sell these two, it would signal the beginning of a rebuilding phase, as they did not qualify for the Champions League this year.

As many have seen in the news, Manchester United and Real Madrid officials are meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation with Cristiano Ronaldo. Madrid bosses have said, however, that a transfer is highly unlikely to happen this year.

Canadian Teams Do Well? Not So Much...

Aaron Dunn — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:12:32 -0400

In general, it's safe to say that Canadian hockey teams are having a bit of a rough time with free agency this year.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not been able to lure any notable names at all. But many of us expected more of a buyout session than anything. Jeff Finger's 4-yr 14$ million is a bit of a burn for a guy who has played under 100 regular season games. Nicklas Hagman for 4yr 12$ million isn't all that bad.

At least both are relatively young. The trade for Grabovsky is a complete burn. Having Cujo back will certainly be interesting, but I think he will be a positive influence in their young dressing room.

Vancouver just lost Markus Naslund, so there is a major leadership void there now. So who's next? Mats Sundin perhaps? Just like Toronto, the next captain will be replacing a fan-favourite and great leader.

Calgary has maintained their status quo, but they likely would like to have Wade Redden right about now.

Edmonton has been the most intriguing Canadian team so far. Kevin Lowe has been brilliant so far, aquiring solid players in return for a few Oilers who under-achieved and just plain needed a change of scenery.

Erik Cole is what the Oilers need to accompany the likes of Hemsky and the rest of the gang - a big, fast and physical forward with good hands. He'll make some room for Cogliano and Gagner.

Ottawa hasn't done much. We all knew that Wade Redden was leaving so no huge surprises here.

Montreal made their big splash at the draft in aquiring Alex Tanguay. He didn't quite work out for the Flames, so it was a good trade for both teams, but the Habs will get the immediate payoff from that trade.