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Showing posts with label Alexis Sanchez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alexis Sanchez. Show all posts

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Munir El-Haddadi: Profile of Barcelona's newest star



For many, there was only one star in Barcelona’s win over Elche in their first league outing of the season: Lionel Messi. With Enrique opting to play an inexperienced side, which saw six La Masia graduates start alongside each other, the Argentine led by example, scoring a brace as the Blaugrana ran away with a comfortable 3-0 win at home.

Following a disappointing 2013/14 season, it was hailed as the 27-year-old’s return to form, a pure master class which evoked the memories of the past. However, it would be foolish to neglect the exploits of a certain Munir El-Haddadi, whose performance has finally put him under the spotlight.

Luis Enrique’s return to Barcelona, following previous spells as a player then later coach for Barcelona “B” team, was met with jubilation; his arrival was always going to be beneficial for youth players. With their proud history of youth development, the promotion of promising talents into the first team is, essentially, what separates this club from the rest.

With Alexis sold to Arsenal, Luis Suarez banned until late October after biting yet again and Neymar recovering from both a back and ankle injury, it seemed the next chapter in Munir’s career could not have been written any better. And the young attacker has proved his worth.

Read the rest of this piece on The Independent

Thursday, 19 June 2014

La Roja ratings: Spain 0 - 2 Chile


La Roja's 2-0 loss to Chile means that, mathematically, they are unable to qualify from their group. Cronan Yu runs through the ratings.

Iker Casillas: 4

The captain was nervy throughout the whole match, perhaps the result of the previous Netherlands match. Although unable to prevent the first goal, he gifted the second with a punch right into the danger area after an Alexis Sanchez free kick.

Jordi Alba: 4

Tried to get forward as much as possible in attack to hit those first time crosses, but didn't display enough quality to do so. Aranguiz's goal could've been avoidable had he had done more to percent Vidal from passing.

Sergio Ramos: 5

Was poor in defence yet again as he failed to strike up a sustainable partnership with Javi Martinez. Also lacked discipline and at one stage, looked like losing his head.

Javi Martinez: 4

Enjoyed a decent start to the game whereby he exhibited his midfielder qualities by attempting to play out from the back and initiate attacks. After the first goal, however, he went into his shell, failed to communicate with his partner and was slow and sluggish.

Read the rest of La Roja player ratings on Football Espana