Here is Lionel receiving his deserved trophy:
This was an historic year for Messi: he won six team trophies with Barca and was named the best player in the world by FourFourTwo Magazine, France Football (Ballon d'Or), FIFA (World Player of the Year) and by you the fans at Bestplayerintheworld.com.
Maybe someday we will have a gala too.
Can't wait to get the fan voting starting for 2010.
Who will be next year's best player?
Could it be Messi again? Could Ronaldo regain his title? Will it be an exciting new player who takes over the football world?
It will be fun watching the players play and the votes add up.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
It's official - Messi wins FIFA World Player of the Year Award for 2009:
Messi's status has been obvious to us for a long time at bestplayerintheworld.com where fans around the world have had the Barcelona magician at the top of our poll:
Here is where Messi stood in our poll as of 2:00pm Pacific Time on Monday December 21, 2009:
1.Lionel Messi 44% (1,761 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (826 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (219 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (146 votes)
Kaka 3% (114 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (103 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (119 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (78 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (78 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (64 votes)
Ronaldinho 2% (65 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (46 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (39 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (34 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (25 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (34 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (27 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (24 votes)
David Villa 1% (21 votes)
Robinho <1% (19 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (17 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (14 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (15 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (11 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (10 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (11 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (11 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (8 votes)
Rio Ferdinand <1% (1 votes)
Mauro Matias Zarate <1% (1 votes)
Nani 0% (0 votes)
John Terry 0% (0 votes)
Juninho 0% (0 votes)
Arda Turan <1% (6 votes)
Carles Puyol 0% (0 votes)
Francesco Totti <1% (1 votes)
Antonio Valencia <1% (1 votes)
Marouane Chamakh 0% (0 votes)
Guiseppe Rossi 0% (0 votes)
Dimitar Berbatov 0% (0 votes)
Diego 0% (0 votes)
Juan Sebastian Veron 0% (0 votes)
Thierry Henry 0% (0 votes)
Other: 1% (31 votes)
Total Votes: 3,980
---
Here is how Soccernet.com reported Messi's trophy win at the FIFA Awards Gala:
"Lionel Messi was rewarded for a stunning year in which he helped Barcelona to an unprecedented six trophies by being named FIFA's World Player of the Year.
The Argentina forward, who headed the clinching goal against Manchester United in the Champions League final, also scored on Saturday to secure the Club World Cup for Barcelona against Estudiantes on Saturday.
The 22-year-old won the award for the first time, beating last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo, his two clubmates Andres Iniesta and Xavi and Brazil midfielder Kaka. He was presented with the trophy at a glittering awards gala in Zurich."
Here is where Messi stood in our poll as of 2:00pm Pacific Time on Monday December 21, 2009:
1.Lionel Messi 44% (1,761 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (826 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (219 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (146 votes)
Kaka 3% (114 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (103 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (119 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (78 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (78 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (64 votes)
Ronaldinho 2% (65 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (46 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (39 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (34 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (25 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (34 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (27 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (24 votes)
David Villa 1% (21 votes)
Robinho <1% (19 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (17 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (14 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (15 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (11 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (10 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (11 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (11 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (8 votes)
Rio Ferdinand <1% (1 votes)
Mauro Matias Zarate <1% (1 votes)
Nani 0% (0 votes)
John Terry 0% (0 votes)
Juninho 0% (0 votes)
Arda Turan <1% (6 votes)
Carles Puyol 0% (0 votes)
Francesco Totti <1% (1 votes)
Antonio Valencia <1% (1 votes)
Marouane Chamakh 0% (0 votes)
Guiseppe Rossi 0% (0 votes)
Dimitar Berbatov 0% (0 votes)
Diego 0% (0 votes)
Juan Sebastian Veron 0% (0 votes)
Thierry Henry 0% (0 votes)
Other: 1% (31 votes)
Total Votes: 3,980
---
Here is how Soccernet.com reported Messi's trophy win at the FIFA Awards Gala:
"Lionel Messi was rewarded for a stunning year in which he helped Barcelona to an unprecedented six trophies by being named FIFA's World Player of the Year.
The Argentina forward, who headed the clinching goal against Manchester United in the Champions League final, also scored on Saturday to secure the Club World Cup for Barcelona against Estudiantes on Saturday.
The 22-year-old won the award for the first time, beating last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo, his two clubmates Andres Iniesta and Xavi and Brazil midfielder Kaka. He was presented with the trophy at a glittering awards gala in Zurich."
Monday, December 7, 2009
9 year old wants to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo:
Here is the video evidence:
Sinisa comes up with a big goal for his team.
Could he become the next Cristiano Ronaldo?
You know our slogan - anything is possible.
Sinisa comes up with a big goal for his team.
Could he become the next Cristiano Ronaldo?
You know our slogan - anything is possible.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sometimes to become the best player in the world you need to play out of position
Players are always wondering how they can impress the coach / manager, wondering how they are going to cement a spot in the team.
Well - sometimes a player can find opportunity through injury in the team.
Usually this simply means waiting until the player playing in your position goes down.
But this morning at one of the best clubs in the world all sorts of players - in the team and in the reserves - are going to be given a chance to play due to eight (!) injuries to United defenders.
Here's the scoop from Soccernet.com:
"United ended yesterday's 4-0 Premier League win over West Ham with Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra at centre-back and Ryan Giggs at full-back after Gary Neville and Wes Brown added to an already-lengthy injury list.
Evra and young Belgian Ritchie De Laet are United's only two fit defenders, with reserve player Corry Evans -brother of centre-back Jonny - likely to be called into the squad for Tueday's Champions League clash with Wolfsburg.
Both Neville and Brazilian Fabio are suffering from groin problems, Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand have calf injuries, John O'Shea is out with thigh trouble, while Edwin van der Sar, Rafael and Brown are all missing too.
Young centre-back James Chester, winner of the club's Reserve Player of the Year Award last season, was included in United's Champions League squad, but is currently on-loan at Championship side Plymouth Argyle, while fellow defensive prospect Craig Cathcart is also on-loan, at Watford."
(Source > http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/story?storyId=709171&leagueTag=ENG.1&lang=EN&leagueTag=ENG.1&top)
One of my favourite stories is that of former Arsenal (currently at AC Milan) midfielder Mathieu Flamini having to play a large part of the season - including the Champions League final against Barcelona! - at left back. The next season he was starring the midfield and the following season he was given big money to play in Italy.
Flamini really took his chance to play with great determination - and no complaining.
There are no guarantees in football - but some United youngsters are about to get a unique opportunity to take their careers to a new level.
Beckham has right attitude about England World Cup roster spot:
"I do not fear being axed for the World Cup. If I don't make the squad it's not going to stop me supporting the team,'' he said.
"Nothing is guaranteed, I have discovered that is true in my career. But if I can be part of it then it will be amazing.
"Everybody knows how much I love playing for my country but the manager will pick a squad he thinks will win the competition. That has to be the way.
"If I am not part of that, of course I'd be upset but it is something I would still respect. It would be because the manager felt it was right in terms of his system and having the best players in the team."
(Source > http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/story?w=190ia&storyId=709132&i=TOP&topslot=1)
I love Beckham. I have always loved his professionalism.
The only problem I have ever had with him was when former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson guaranteed him a spot in the first eleven. I thought his game was too specialized for that. I thought he'd be great coming off the bench.
And I never minded his big, big fame - like so many others in the world.
The thing about him is that - despite his good looks - he has always worked extremely hard and been serious about his football.
That's why I think that the current England manager should sacrifice a roster spot for him: he has the mentality Capello wants.
On the surface Beckham may no longer look to be among the best players in the world but there is something about him that may bring out the best in his team in South Africa.
"Nothing is guaranteed, I have discovered that is true in my career. But if I can be part of it then it will be amazing.
"Everybody knows how much I love playing for my country but the manager will pick a squad he thinks will win the competition. That has to be the way.
"If I am not part of that, of course I'd be upset but it is something I would still respect. It would be because the manager felt it was right in terms of his system and having the best players in the team."
(Source > http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/story?w=190ia&storyId=709132&i=TOP&topslot=1)
I love Beckham. I have always loved his professionalism.
The only problem I have ever had with him was when former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson guaranteed him a spot in the first eleven. I thought his game was too specialized for that. I thought he'd be great coming off the bench.
And I never minded his big, big fame - like so many others in the world.
The thing about him is that - despite his good looks - he has always worked extremely hard and been serious about his football.
That's why I think that the current England manager should sacrifice a roster spot for him: he has the mentality Capello wants.
On the surface Beckham may no longer look to be among the best players in the world but there is something about him that may bring out the best in his team in South Africa.
Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan rates Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as ideal for the English league:
"I'm sure there are a number of teams looking at him. Are we one on them? We are looking at talent all of the time and we are in there with the rest of them,'' Phelan said.
"He showed his threat in the game at Old Trafford and he appeals because he is a tall, skillful boy and in some ways he is an ideal player for the English league.
"He has stature, his feet are good and he is producing some good performances. I am sure everybody has looked at him.''
(Source > http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/story?storyId=709139&leagueTag=ENG.1&lang=EN&leagueTag=ENG.1&top)
My take:
To be sure - Dzeko has the size, skill and instinct to succeed at the next level.
He may well be the next Ibrahimovic.
In terms of his destination - the player himself has said that his dream is to play for AC Milan.
Can't blame him for that can we? Milan is a great city and it has a soccer pedigree that few clubs in the world can match.
I wish I was Dzeko: A beautiful soccer life is ahead of him - whether it's in England or Italy.
"He showed his threat in the game at Old Trafford and he appeals because he is a tall, skillful boy and in some ways he is an ideal player for the English league.
"He has stature, his feet are good and he is producing some good performances. I am sure everybody has looked at him.''
(Source > http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/story?storyId=709139&leagueTag=ENG.1&lang=EN&leagueTag=ENG.1&top)
My take:
To be sure - Dzeko has the size, skill and instinct to succeed at the next level.
He may well be the next Ibrahimovic.
In terms of his destination - the player himself has said that his dream is to play for AC Milan.
Can't blame him for that can we? Milan is a great city and it has a soccer pedigree that few clubs in the world can match.
I wish I was Dzeko: A beautiful soccer life is ahead of him - whether it's in England or Italy.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It's all about talent for this Croatian Albanian Footballer:
A great promo vid. Check it out:
Looks like a good player to me. Good skills, good left foot.
I really like the soundtrack here:
"All about money
All about cars
All about clothes..."
Pretty moving words - but you know what gets you all of that stuff?
Talent.
That's right baby.
Talent.
No talent - no money, no car, no clothes.
But it's "about" more than just getting all of those things.
Maxing out on your talent - no matter how far you get - gets you guess what?
Happiness.
Satisfaction.
A feeling inside.
That's really what it's "about".
Click. Clack.
Looks like a good player to me. Good skills, good left foot.
I really like the soundtrack here:
"All about money
All about cars
All about clothes..."
Pretty moving words - but you know what gets you all of that stuff?
Talent.
That's right baby.
Talent.
No talent - no money, no car, no clothes.
But it's "about" more than just getting all of those things.
Maxing out on your talent - no matter how far you get - gets you guess what?
Happiness.
Satisfaction.
A feeling inside.
That's really what it's "about".
Click. Clack.
Zaidan - Holland's next great player?
Check out his promotional video:
Zaidan is only six but he looks like he has a future. I like the little nutmeg.
And btw - nice production quality on the video. These videos are becoming less and less "amateur".
Good thing - because the best players in the world want to go from amateur to pro.
Zaidan is only six but he looks like he has a future. I like the little nutmeg.
And btw - nice production quality on the video. These videos are becoming less and less "amateur".
Good thing - because the best players in the world want to go from amateur to pro.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Video: Messi takes the ball from Kaka:
Here's a quick video clip:
It's not much to look at you might think. And it's so brief. But in this little moment we have both reality and symbolism.
The reality is that Messi is not a one-dimensional skill player. He has desire. He wants the ball back. He will work hard, chase after it. Tackle! Yes tackle.
The symbolism is that Messi has taken the ball from a former Best Player - Kaka won the FIFA World Player award in 2007.
So Messi is both taking the ball and taking power in the pantheon of football greats.
It's not much to look at you might think. And it's so brief. But in this little moment we have both reality and symbolism.
The reality is that Messi is not a one-dimensional skill player. He has desire. He wants the ball back. He will work hard, chase after it. Tackle! Yes tackle.
The symbolism is that Messi has taken the ball from a former Best Player - Kaka won the FIFA World Player award in 2007.
So Messi is both taking the ball and taking power in the pantheon of football greats.
Ahead of World Cup draw Beckham says England are ready to face the best:
"It's always good to be seeded and be up there with the best teams in the world but in the World Cup it's not about staying away from certain teams.
"If you want to go all the way in the competition you have to come up against them at some point. You are going to have to beat the best teams and the best players so it doesn't really matter when you come up against them.'' (Source > Soccernet.com)
And you can face the best when you have the best. England currently have three of the 10 best players in the world according to our worldwide fan poll here at bestplayerintheworld.com:
Lionel Messi 45% (1,620 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (750 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (211 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (141 votes)
Kaka 3% (103 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (98 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (104 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (72 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (73 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (59 votes)
So England have more than enough ammunition to bring home the big trophy from South Africa.
"If you want to go all the way in the competition you have to come up against them at some point. You are going to have to beat the best teams and the best players so it doesn't really matter when you come up against them.'' (Source > Soccernet.com)
And you can face the best when you have the best. England currently have three of the 10 best players in the world according to our worldwide fan poll here at bestplayerintheworld.com:
Lionel Messi 45% (1,620 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (750 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (211 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (141 votes)
Kaka 3% (103 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (98 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (104 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (72 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (73 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (59 votes)
So England have more than enough ammunition to bring home the big trophy from South Africa.
Wenger happy that Xavi cracked the Ballon d'Or top three:
Here's a little clip to remind you all of the greatness of Xavi: of his control, vision, passing:
Here's what Wenger said of his choices for the Best Player in the World on Arsenal.com:
"I would say Messi, Xavi or Ronaldo," Wenger told arsenal.com. "Because Xavi for me was the best passer in Europe.
"He had the best final ball in Europe on the statistics and you want that to be rewarded as well." (BlogSource > Tribal Football)
Wenger would love that about Xavi - his passing. Wenger's Arsenal teams are built around precision passing.
And we love Xavi here too.
We don't begrudge Messi his Ballon d'Or win but we remind you that Wenger is the second big manager in as many weeks to come out in support of the Barca midfielder. Last week it was Inter manager Jose Mourinho calling Xavi the best player in the world.
Here is where Xavi stands today - Friday December 4, 2009, 620am Eastern Standard Time - in worldwide fan voting on bestplayerintheworld.com:
Lionel Messi 45% (1,620 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (749 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (211 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (141 votes)
Kaka 3% (103 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (97 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (104 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (72 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (73 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (59 votes)
Ronaldinho 2% (57 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (38 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (36 votes)
14. Xavi Hernandez 1% (29 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (24 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (34 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (24 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (22 votes)
David Villa 1% (19 votes)
Robinho 1% (19 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (16 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (13 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (14 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (10 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (10 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (9 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (11 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (8 votes)
Rio Ferdinand 0% (0 votes)
Mauro Matias Zarate <1% (1 votes)
Nani 0% (0 votes)
John Terry 0% (0 votes)
Juninho 0% (0 votes)
Arda Turan 0% (0 votes)
Carles Puyol 0% (0 votes)
Francesco Totti 0% (0 votes)
Total Votes: 3,634
Here's what Wenger said of his choices for the Best Player in the World on Arsenal.com:
"I would say Messi, Xavi or Ronaldo," Wenger told arsenal.com. "Because Xavi for me was the best passer in Europe.
"He had the best final ball in Europe on the statistics and you want that to be rewarded as well." (BlogSource > Tribal Football)
Wenger would love that about Xavi - his passing. Wenger's Arsenal teams are built around precision passing.
And we love Xavi here too.
We don't begrudge Messi his Ballon d'Or win but we remind you that Wenger is the second big manager in as many weeks to come out in support of the Barca midfielder. Last week it was Inter manager Jose Mourinho calling Xavi the best player in the world.
Here is where Xavi stands today - Friday December 4, 2009, 620am Eastern Standard Time - in worldwide fan voting on bestplayerintheworld.com:
Lionel Messi 45% (1,620 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (749 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (211 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (141 votes)
Kaka 3% (103 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (97 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (104 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (72 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (73 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (59 votes)
Ronaldinho 2% (57 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (38 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (36 votes)
14. Xavi Hernandez 1% (29 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (24 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (34 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (24 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (22 votes)
David Villa 1% (19 votes)
Robinho 1% (19 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (16 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (13 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (14 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (10 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (10 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (9 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (11 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (8 votes)
Rio Ferdinand 0% (0 votes)
Mauro Matias Zarate <1% (1 votes)
Nani 0% (0 votes)
John Terry 0% (0 votes)
Juninho 0% (0 votes)
Arda Turan 0% (0 votes)
Carles Puyol 0% (0 votes)
Francesco Totti 0% (0 votes)
Total Votes: 3,634
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Messi and Ronaldo discuss Ballon d'Or win:
In this Marcatoon video:
Can anyone contribute a Spanish translation?
Can anyone contribute a Spanish translation?
Totti praises Messi for enduring pain and making it to the top:
This is from Goal.com and FrancescoTotti.com - where Totti writes:
“Messi is a colleague I hold in high esteem. He is a unique player who is able to set a game alight in the blink of an eye.
“He has the tricks of a fantasista, he is lighting quick and scores like an out-and-out hitman.
“Messi is very strong and he is an example that must push us all into never giving up because of what he went through as a child.”
Totti of course refers to the fact that Messi was underdeveloped as a child and was forced to leave Argentina for Barcelona in order to receive growth hormone treatments which his parents and his club were unable to afford.
Did Barca know all along that they had a future Ballon d'Or winner on their hands?
“Messi is a colleague I hold in high esteem. He is a unique player who is able to set a game alight in the blink of an eye.
“He has the tricks of a fantasista, he is lighting quick and scores like an out-and-out hitman.
“Messi is very strong and he is an example that must push us all into never giving up because of what he went through as a child.”
Totti of course refers to the fact that Messi was underdeveloped as a child and was forced to leave Argentina for Barcelona in order to receive growth hormone treatments which his parents and his club were unable to afford.
Did Barca know all along that they had a future Ballon d'Or winner on their hands?
Video: Messi and Ibrahimovic combine to show why they are two of the best players in the world:
Here's the footage of Ibra's great goal against Xerz:
It almost looks like a training ground goal.
Interesting to see Messi as the provider - with the through ball, while Ibra does a Messi by chipping in for a goal.
Here is where Messi and Ibrahimovic stand today, Thursday December 3, 2009 at 7:30am, in worldwide fan voting at bestplayerintheworld.com:
1. Lionel Messi 45% (1,615 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (747 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (211 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (141 votes)
Kaka 3% (103 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (95 votes)
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (91 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (72 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (72 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (59 votes)
Ronaldinho 2% (57 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (38 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (36 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (29 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (24 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (34 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (24 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (22 votes)
David Villa 1% (19 votes)
Robinho 1% (19 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (16 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (13 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (14 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (10 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (10 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (9 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (11 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (8 votes)
Rio Ferdinand 0% (0 votes)
Mauro Matias Zarate 0% (0 votes)
Nani 0% (0 votes)
John Terry 0% (0 votes)
Juninho 0% (0 votes)
Total Votes: 3,606
It almost looks like a training ground goal.
Interesting to see Messi as the provider - with the through ball, while Ibra does a Messi by chipping in for a goal.
Here is where Messi and Ibrahimovic stand today, Thursday December 3, 2009 at 7:30am, in worldwide fan voting at bestplayerintheworld.com:
1. Lionel Messi 45% (1,615 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (747 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (211 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (141 votes)
Kaka 3% (103 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (95 votes)
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (91 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (72 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (72 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (59 votes)
Ronaldinho 2% (57 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (38 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (36 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (29 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (24 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (34 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (24 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (22 votes)
David Villa 1% (19 votes)
Robinho 1% (19 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (16 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (13 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (14 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (10 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (10 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (9 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (11 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (8 votes)
Rio Ferdinand 0% (0 votes)
Mauro Matias Zarate 0% (0 votes)
Nani 0% (0 votes)
John Terry 0% (0 votes)
Juninho 0% (0 votes)
Total Votes: 3,606
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Video: Messi wants every player to "aspire" to becoming the Best Player in the World - like him:
I like the footage of the boys dribbling through the streets. This is where the dream of becoming the best begins:
Video celebrates Messi's Ballon d'Or win:
It's in Spanish but it's a nice little video:
I like the segment of Messi as a boy.
I like the segment of Messi as a boy.
High School star wants to become the next Messi:
Here's the video evidence of the young player's greatness:
Nice player. Looks like he needs a little more competition though to take his game to the next level.
Nice player. Looks like he needs a little more competition though to take his game to the next level.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Arsene Wenger may not produce the most trophies but he does produce some of the best players in the world:
Sportsnet.com looks at how Arsene Wenger has used the Carling Cup to develop Arsenal's great young players:
"The number of players who have come here and progressed to become top-class Premier League players is considerable - and one of the reasons is we have played them in the Carling Cup," Wenger said.
"This policy has been extremely successful - not necessarily in terms of winning the tournament, although we have been in the latter stages, but just because it is good preparation for the players to play in the Premier League.
"Denilson and Alex Song are two very relevant examples now. They both played in midfield during our 6-3 win at Anfield three seasons ago, and are classic cases of how much this competition prepares players for the top-flight.
"Alex, at the time, was not really a favourite player in some eyes - and what has happened since gives you belief they can do it.
"Against Liverpool, I discovered some more players who were capable of performing in a team who play at the very top level," he said.
"It was a high-quality game, the pace was very high and the decision-making had to be very quick."I was very pleased that someone like Craig Eastmond could cope with that. You never know when you see a boy in the reserves. When you go to a higher level, it is a difficult game and I was pleased to see young players make that step.
"People expected Francis Coquelin or Emmanuel Frimpong to be ahead of Eastmond and I can understand because those two boys deserve a chance too, but Eastmond looked to be very intelligent in his positioning and passing.
"When he plays right-back, his intelligence strikes you, how well he reads the game, so when we decided to move him into midfield those qualities came out."
"A player who has now left the club once said to me, 'It is very different at Arsenal because there is always a young player on your back, ready to take your place and that creates great pressure'. I told him you use that pressure to make yourself a better player," he said.
"When you have only experienced players, there is a little bit of hierarchy installed and expected, but with young players they keep you under pressure - they want to eat you, want to get in front of you.
"I believe this has to be good for the players in the team and the club as a whole."
"The number of players who have come here and progressed to become top-class Premier League players is considerable - and one of the reasons is we have played them in the Carling Cup," Wenger said.
"This policy has been extremely successful - not necessarily in terms of winning the tournament, although we have been in the latter stages, but just because it is good preparation for the players to play in the Premier League.
"Denilson and Alex Song are two very relevant examples now. They both played in midfield during our 6-3 win at Anfield three seasons ago, and are classic cases of how much this competition prepares players for the top-flight.
"Alex, at the time, was not really a favourite player in some eyes - and what has happened since gives you belief they can do it.
"Against Liverpool, I discovered some more players who were capable of performing in a team who play at the very top level," he said.
"It was a high-quality game, the pace was very high and the decision-making had to be very quick."I was very pleased that someone like Craig Eastmond could cope with that. You never know when you see a boy in the reserves. When you go to a higher level, it is a difficult game and I was pleased to see young players make that step.
"People expected Francis Coquelin or Emmanuel Frimpong to be ahead of Eastmond and I can understand because those two boys deserve a chance too, but Eastmond looked to be very intelligent in his positioning and passing.
"When he plays right-back, his intelligence strikes you, how well he reads the game, so when we decided to move him into midfield those qualities came out."
"A player who has now left the club once said to me, 'It is very different at Arsenal because there is always a young player on your back, ready to take your place and that creates great pressure'. I told him you use that pressure to make yourself a better player," he said.
"When you have only experienced players, there is a little bit of hierarchy installed and expected, but with young players they keep you under pressure - they want to eat you, want to get in front of you.
"I believe this has to be good for the players in the team and the club as a whole."
It's official: Messi wins 2009 Ballon d'Or
It is Tuesday December 1st, 2009 and Lionel Messi has been named the Best Player in the World by France Football and all of the journalists in the world.
He beat last season's winner - Cristiano Ronaldo - by a comfortable margin.
Here are the final results from Francefootball.fr:
1. Lionel Messi (Argentine, FC Barcelone) : 473 points
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United puis Real Madrid) : 233 pts
3. Xavi (Espagne, FC Barcelone) : 170 pts
4. Andrès Iniesta (Espagnol, FC Barcelone) : 149 pts
5. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroun, FC Barcelone puis Inter Milan) : 75 pts
6. Kaka (Brésil, Milan AC puis Real Madrid) : 58 pts
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Suède, Inter Milan puis FC Barcelone) : 50 pts
8. Wayne Rooney (Angleterre, Manchester United): 35 pts
9. Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire, Chelsea): 33 pts
10. Steven Gerrard (Angleterre, Liverpool) : 32 pts
11. Fernando Torres (Espagne, Liverpool): 22 pts
12. Cesc Fabregas (Espagne, Arsenal) : 13 pts
13. Edin Dzeko (Bosnie, Wolfsburg) : 12 pts
14. Ryan Giggs (Pays de Galles, Manchester United) : 11 pts
15. Thierry Henry (France, FC Barcelone) : 9 pts
16. Luis Fabiano (Brésil, FC Séville), Nemanja Vidic (Serbie, Manchester United), Iker Casillas (Espagne, Real Madrid): 8 pts
19. Diego Forlan (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid) : 7 pts
20. Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux) : 6 pts
21. Andreï Archavine (Russie, Arsenal), Julio Cesar (Brésil, Inter Milan), Frank Lampard (Angleterre, Chelsea) : 5 pts
24. Maicon (Brésil, Inter Milan) : 4 pts
25. Diego (Brésil, Werder Brême puis Juventus Turin) : 3 pts
26. David Villa (Espagne, Valence), John Terry (Angleterre, Chelsea) : 2 pts
28. Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich), Yaya Touré (Côte d'Ivoire, FC Barcelone) : 1 pt
30. Karim Benzema (France, Lyon puis Real Madrid): 0 pt
Out of interest, let's compare journalists votes with those of the fans of the world who have been voting at Bestplayerintheworld.com all year. Here are our results as of today:
Lionel Messi 45% (1,575 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (737 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (211 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (141 votes)
Kaka 3% (100 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (95 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (90 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (71 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (71 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (59 votes)
Ronaldinho 2% (56 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (35 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (34 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (29 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (23 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (30 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (24 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (22 votes)
David Villa 1% (19 votes)
Robinho 1% (18 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (16 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (13 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (13 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (10 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (10 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (9 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (11 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (8 votes)
Rio Ferdinand 0% (0 votes)
Mauro Matias Zarate 0% (0 votes)
Total Votes: 3,533
The biggest discrepancy of course is Xavi Hernandez. We've been talking about this situation all year. The fans don't seem to appreciate how great a player Xavi really is. As recently as last week Inter coach Jose Mourinho called him the best player in the world and France Football has him at 3rd. But our poll has him at 14th.
We'll have to figure out why that is.
In the meantime, congratulations to Lionel Messi, who is now very close to calling himself the undisputed Best Player in the World.
The final step of course is winning the FIFA World Player of the Year.
In our opinion, he should win that one too.
He beat last season's winner - Cristiano Ronaldo - by a comfortable margin.
Here are the final results from Francefootball.fr:
1. Lionel Messi (Argentine, FC Barcelone) : 473 points
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United puis Real Madrid) : 233 pts
3. Xavi (Espagne, FC Barcelone) : 170 pts
4. Andrès Iniesta (Espagnol, FC Barcelone) : 149 pts
5. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroun, FC Barcelone puis Inter Milan) : 75 pts
6. Kaka (Brésil, Milan AC puis Real Madrid) : 58 pts
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Suède, Inter Milan puis FC Barcelone) : 50 pts
8. Wayne Rooney (Angleterre, Manchester United): 35 pts
9. Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire, Chelsea): 33 pts
10. Steven Gerrard (Angleterre, Liverpool) : 32 pts
11. Fernando Torres (Espagne, Liverpool): 22 pts
12. Cesc Fabregas (Espagne, Arsenal) : 13 pts
13. Edin Dzeko (Bosnie, Wolfsburg) : 12 pts
14. Ryan Giggs (Pays de Galles, Manchester United) : 11 pts
15. Thierry Henry (France, FC Barcelone) : 9 pts
16. Luis Fabiano (Brésil, FC Séville), Nemanja Vidic (Serbie, Manchester United), Iker Casillas (Espagne, Real Madrid): 8 pts
19. Diego Forlan (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid) : 7 pts
20. Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux) : 6 pts
21. Andreï Archavine (Russie, Arsenal), Julio Cesar (Brésil, Inter Milan), Frank Lampard (Angleterre, Chelsea) : 5 pts
24. Maicon (Brésil, Inter Milan) : 4 pts
25. Diego (Brésil, Werder Brême puis Juventus Turin) : 3 pts
26. David Villa (Espagne, Valence), John Terry (Angleterre, Chelsea) : 2 pts
28. Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich), Yaya Touré (Côte d'Ivoire, FC Barcelone) : 1 pt
30. Karim Benzema (France, Lyon puis Real Madrid): 0 pt
Out of interest, let's compare journalists votes with those of the fans of the world who have been voting at Bestplayerintheworld.com all year. Here are our results as of today:
Lionel Messi 45% (1,575 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (737 votes)
Steven Gerrard 6% (211 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (141 votes)
Kaka 3% (100 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (95 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (90 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (71 votes)
Wayne Rooney 2% (71 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 2% (59 votes)
Ronaldinho 2% (56 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (35 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (34 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (29 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (23 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (30 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (24 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (22 votes)
David Villa 1% (19 votes)
Robinho 1% (18 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (16 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (13 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (13 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (10 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (10 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (9 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (11 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (8 votes)
Rio Ferdinand 0% (0 votes)
Mauro Matias Zarate 0% (0 votes)
Total Votes: 3,533
The biggest discrepancy of course is Xavi Hernandez. We've been talking about this situation all year. The fans don't seem to appreciate how great a player Xavi really is. As recently as last week Inter coach Jose Mourinho called him the best player in the world and France Football has him at 3rd. But our poll has him at 14th.
We'll have to figure out why that is.
In the meantime, congratulations to Lionel Messi, who is now very close to calling himself the undisputed Best Player in the World.
The final step of course is winning the FIFA World Player of the Year.
In our opinion, he should win that one too.
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