Bleacher Report - Articles by Warren Halley

Tevez, Rooney and Berbatov Together, Who Sits Out for Man Utd?

Warren Halley — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:05:40 -0400

Manchester United, as we all know, finally completed the signing of Dimitar Berbatov on deadline day.

United battled throughout the summer to land the Bulgarian striker, and let go of Louis Saha in the process.

The Red Devils have now got three men upfront, all three of them have the quality to start upfront.

Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, and Dimitar Berbatov are all top class forwards, so do you think Sir Alex Ferguson should play them together in 4-3-3 formation by trimming the midfield—or should he keep one on the bench? If so, who?

Manucho has finally got his work permit so he will be making some appearances this season, mostly of the bench.

However, my question as it stands is if United play two forwards, who do you think should get the nod?

Personally, I'll go with Tevez and Berbatov upfront and Rooney on the bench—with the Englishman also starting every now and then.

What do you think?

Who Will Be The New Kings of Europe?

Warren Halley — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:11:25 -0400

From FC Porto to Liverpool to Barcelona to AC Milan to Manchester United, the UEFA Champions League has seen some interesting competition.

AC Milan won't be there this time round, Who do you reckon for European Glory?

Can Manchester United retain the title, given their injury problems?

Is Chelsea good enough to lift the title in Scolari's first season?

Can Rafa's rotation policy take Liverpool to another final?

Real Madrid, are they going to be Kings of Europe again?

Can Jose Mourinho lead Inter Milan to continental glory?

Lyon, the French giants, can they prove their supremacy at a higher level?

So, who do you PREDICT will lift the Champions League in 2009?

I'm putting my weight behind an English outfit, it's going to be either Liverpool or Manchester United.

World Football: Do Liverpool Need Gareth Barry?

Warren Halley — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:19:39 -0400

The Gareth Barry to Liverpool saga has been one of the most gruelling transfer controversies of the summer but it sparks the question, "Do Liverpool really need him?"

I've been thinking about it for a while now. A midfield that includes Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso (who's apparently not going to Juventus or Arsenal), Javier Mascherano, and Lucas besides Damien Plessis, who will be hoping for a few more opportunities this season.

On the left wing, they've got Ryan Babel while Fabio Aurelio and Yossi Benayoun are fully capable of playing there, so why do you need Gareth Barry?

It appears to two owners are clashing amongst themselves and Benitez is trying to get funds to get Barry, but why all the fuss, Mr. Benitez?

What do you think do Liverpool NEED Barry?

World Football: Do Defenders Get Their Piece of The Cake?

Warren Halley — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:01:14 -0400

An interesting topic recently hit me, "Do defenders get all they deserve?"

If you go through the newspapers or through the news channels on Television, you mostly get stories related to strikers like Fernando Torres or goal machines like Cristiano Ronaldo but how often do Defenders get their pictures published in the newspapers?

Maybe, John Terry does but that's probably because he's Chelsea's captain or he is making a comeback from an injury.

Why isn't Arsenal's Kolo Toure as popular as Emmanuel Adebayor?

What I'm saying is the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Didier Drogba and even Roque Santa Cruz can cash in on big money deals, they live the life of fame.

What they possess is money and power.

This is because they score the goals, they become popular, they are then known as "matchwinners" but would Joseph Yobo, Ricardo Carvalho or Nemanja Vidic get all that for a solid performance at the back, helping the keeper keep a clean sheet with a couple of "super" tackles.

I wouldn't think so but it begs the question, "Do you think Defenders Get Their Piece of The Cake?"

Arsenal : Loyal Gunners Get In on the Act!

Warren Halley — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:56:17 -0400

"In Arsene we Trust" read a banner outside the office of a local Arsenal supporters group.

A group of Arsenal supporters, who have been touched by Arsenal's financial problems, is getting together to contribute towards Arsenal's growth.

The "Loyal Gunners" have set out on a mission to help Arsene Wenger land a 'big' signing. The Gunners have had to let go of the likes of Hleb, Flamini, and Gilberto, which has affected the stability of the team.

Although, they have added Nasri, Ramsey, and Bischoff to the cavalry, the group aren't satisfied and want to pay Wenger's bill.

"We've received donations from 311 people so far which means we've got around £4 million and we're only getting started," reveals Pat Willshine, the group's President.

It appears they've set a target of up to £30 million for themselves to help Arsenal in landing a prized asset.

"If we can get Diego or Van der Vaart, it will be worth it," claims Daniel (one of the volunteers).

The group hopes to continue its venture in helping the club even after the Transfer Market.

"I think this can be a big benefit for the club, we could help them pay off the stadium debt, we're getting donations from as far as Canada," claims an excited Neil Willshine, the secretary.

This goes a long way in showing how much passion supporters have and what they can do with it.

World Football : Which League Do You Prefer?

Warren Halley — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:16:08 -0400

I'm still relatively young on Bleacher Report but I've noticed the Premier League is mostly the center of attention in the FIFA Community.

I'm reasonably sure most readers are lads who support Premier League clubs because Bleacher Report is quite English Premier League oriented but it begs the question "Which League do you prefer?"

Is it the La Liga (Spanish Primera) or the Serie A (Italian League) or the Bundesliga (German League) or is it the Barclays Premier League?

I'm just asking because I'm curious to find out which league has largest viewing or fan following.

If it's the Premier League, then why? Because you live where the Premier League is common? Or because you supported Manchester United or Arsenal since you were a kid? or is it because of the quality? because you won't get to see a Fabregas, a Ronaldo or a Gerrard anywhere else.

Tell me which league you prefer and why in these little comment boxes below.

World Football: What Makes a True Leader?

Warren Halley — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:29:08 -0400

I'd like to start off by saying, I'm new on this site so forgive me for any errors.

I wasn't sure about what to write on so I've settled for something that I've been thinking about for quite a while.

"What makes a true leader?"

What is the requirement in a sportsman that makes him a good leader? I mean, if you look at Football or Soccer.

John Terry (Chelsea's captain), is he a good leader?

If yes, then what makes him such a good leader? Is it something that comes through experience.

I mean, if a player has been playing for a team for ten to twelve years and has plenty of experience, does it automatically qualify him to become the captain or the leader?

I don't agree with this, I believe there has to be a quality in the player of "leadership." He needs to be able to justify his ability. He needs to help the youngsters (the new kids on the block).

A good captain needs to motivate, encourage and inspire his players, he needs to earn their respect.

He should be able to lead them out of a pressure situation confidently.

This is why I think William Gallas is the wrong choice for Arsenal's captain, yes, he is experienced but I think Cesc Fabregas or Robin van Persie, who are more passionate about their game could make better captains.

That's my opinion, anyway, tell me what you think makes a good captain in these little comment boxes below.