Serbian international Aleksandar Mitrović arrived with a big reputation when Newcastle United splashed out £13 million to sign Anderlecht’s then 20-year-old forward in 2015. The powerful striker had scored 36 goals in 69 Pro League appearances over two seasons for the record champions of Belgium and was already a regular for his country. Newcastle United hadn’t been in good shape for the previous couple of seasons, finishing 16th, 10th and 15th before Mitrović signed at St James’ Park. The Magpies also changed manager that season with Steve McClaren being appointed shortly after being dismissed by Derby County.
Football Stars
2014 was another wonderful year in the football calendar, with many of the best players stepping up to plate to produce scintillating quality that had fans on the edge of their seats. It was almost inevitable that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would continue their long-standing rivalry for supremacy, as the two best players on the planet delivered the sort of performances that separates them from the rest. Fans and pundits alike have become divided on who they consider to be number one, with the Fifa Ballon d’Or award seemingly the only way to officially separate the pair. However, they…
How it could have gone differently. You could say 2012 was Arjen Robben heading towards the twilight of his career. Not only did he miss crucial penalties in the finals of the German Cup and the Champions League which Bayern Munich went on to lose but it only added to the disappointment of 2010 where Robben went missing in another Champions League final while he also missed a golden opportunity to help Holland win the World Cup in the final. The scene of him moodily leaving the pitch during Germany’s eventual 2-1 win over Holland in Euro 2012 was symbolic…
Born: 24/1/87 Nationality: Uruguayan Club: Liverpool Luis Suarez gained a lot of reputation at the 2010 World Cup for his fantastic performances which achieved Uruguay a semi final spot on the grandest stage. Suarez, playing for Ajax, was wanted by most clubs but chose Liverpool due to the tradition and history of the club. Since joining one of the biggest clubs in the world, he hasn’t failed to impress with his great ball control and deadly finishing. His goal scoring record at Ajax was fantastic, and if he continues that particular form of Liverpool (so far showing that he can)…
Born: 5/2/92 Nationality: Brazilian Club: Santos Neymar is one of the most talked about youngsters in world football today. His first few seasons of professional football has been a success, and people around the world are seeing his potential, and could be one of the Brazilian greats. Neymar has the Brazilian flair, combined with trickery, pace and the ability to perform on different stages, not being shy of what he can produce. Neymar has been linked with many huge European teams this summer, although it seems he is staying put at Santos, and the club president said once that want…
Born: 22/4/82 Nationality: Brazilian Club: Real Madrid Kaka is a player that maybe on the decline, but there is no doubt that this player has huge amounts of ability. Kaka was the best player in the World from 2006 to 2007, and was unstoppable whenever he played. Since then, injuries have caused his form to drop, and perhaps not as quick as he used to be, but if he was to recapture his form, then Real Madrid will be even more than force than they are now. Kaka is one of many Brazilian icons, as he has the ‘Brazilian flair’…
Born: 25/1/80 Nationality: Spanish Club: Barcelona Xavi is one of the most respected football players of all time. He is a top class professional who has dedicated his footballing career to the team that he loves. Xavi was always a good player, with his passing ability to match his fantastic vision and he influences games like no other play. But what stands out with Xavi is that even now, going into early 30’s, he is still improving as a player and is still regarded as one of the best footballers in the world. Xavi proves to the footballing world, that…
Born: 30/5/80 Nationality: English Club: Liverpool Steven Gerrard has been one of the best players to have ever played in the Premier League, it is still unfortunate that he has yet to win it, but time hasn’t run out yet. Gerrard is getting more experienced and is a player a team who build their team around. He was pivotal in Liverpool’s Champions League success back in 2005. Steven Gerrard has great drive, and his long and short range passing is admirable. He creates so many goals for his team mates and often pops up with a few screamers himself. Gerrard…
Born: 6/5/83 Nationality: Brazilian Club: Barcelona Daniel Alves is one of the most unique players in the football game of today. Playing for Barcelona he has the perfect opportunity to get involved in their attacking play and makes far more runs forward than any other right back in the world. Linking up with players like Messi and Xavi can bring the best out of players, and Daniel Alves proves this as his attacking runs are always spotted and often found. Daniel Alves plays more like a right attacker than right back, and always delivers a dangerous cross or final ball….
Born: 13/5/93 Nationality: Belgian Club: Chelsea Lukaku is one for the future, and has Chelsea have just signed him, could be the inevitable replacement on Didier Drogba. Romelu Lukaku only left secondary school 2 years ago, but has already achieved so much and now is on his way to Stamford Bridge to play for Chelsea. He possesses great power and ability and has the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world. The likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid (as well as others) have been scouting him, but he has chosen Chelsea has his destination….