Open Mic: My Ultimate Soccer Lineup

Jake Collins — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:10:45 -0400

My all-time best 11?

My young age might bear a few problems here, so I'm going to go for a best 11 comprised of present players.

Goalkeeper: Cassilias

No questions here—he is the most consistent keeper in the world.

Left back: Clich

He's not yet the finished product, but with plenty of years still to spare, I feel he can become an amazing talent.

Centre back: Nemanja Vidic

Outstanding in my eyes, Vidic is strong in a challenge and a great passer.

Centre back: Daniel Agger

Only 23 years old, he is on par with Jamie Carragher. He is one of the most underrated defenders around.

Right Back: Sergio Ramos

He is already one of the best right backs around. His age is pivotal in making him one of today's wonder kids.

Left wing: Wesley Sneijder

Need I make comment? As you may notice, I like the younger players—and he is without doubt already one of the top in the game.

Centre Mid: Javier Mashcerano

He is Liverpool's underachiever. In MY eyes, he is the best holding midfielder around.

Centre Mid: Steven Gerrard

Notice the Liverpool bias? No one can doubt this guy's ability going forward and defending. With Mashcerano holding, he can really do some damage.

Right wing: David Silva

Another young one. This guy is amazing and, unlike many of today's winger, can actually cross.

Striker: Leo Messi

As if I have to say anything here.

Striker: Fernando Torres

He is a real gem for me. He has pace to burn which will benefit working with the more deeper playing Messi.

Fernando Torres and His Countless Understudies: Transfer Activity Gone Mad

Jake Collins — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:53:08 -0400

I must confess the recent activity of Liverpool in the transfer market is concerning. Of course with the sale of Peter Crouch, the backup to Torres in the solo striker position can be concerning.

However, the sheer amount of strikers at the club (with the potential of Robbie Keane) is surplus to say the least. To be fair, most are young and not yet ready, but with that much competition they will remain so. Torres, Kuyt, Babel, Voronin, Nemeth, Ngog, Pacheco to name a few, all capable (in my eyes) of playing as a striker this season.

Realistically, none will get chosen over Torres. So, they will see the odd game here or there, providing he doesn't get injured. So, I see a potential cash flow here.

I feel the only strikers we need are Torres, Keane (if purchased), Babel (would be great as a lone striker), Nemeth (young prospect) and Pacheco (even younger prospect).

Bleacher Report - Articles by Jake Collins

Open Mic: My Ultimate Soccer Lineup

Fernando Torres and His Countless Understudies: Transfer Activity Gone Mad