Wasteful Madrid fails to punish an off-colour Barça

The first 'Clasico' of the season is behind us. Here are my thoughts on the game

1. As the title suggests, Real Madrid missed a golden opportunity to beat an off-colour and off-pace Barcelona playing with a lot of players with either little are no preseason action.
2. Real Madrid started brightly with a very high tempo and pressing Barça asphyxiating them.
3. Barça started without Xavi, Pique, Busquets and Puyol. And surprised everyone with Alexis in the starting lineup. My theory on this is that, Pep started the eleven that he thought had the best chance to last 90 minutes.
   
4. It was only a matter of time before Real Madrid went ahead with the beautiful inter play between Özil and Benzema with the former scoring from assist from the former
5. After taking the lead around the 20th min, Madrid took the foot off the pedal, inexplicably.
6. Barça didnt have a shot on goal until David Villa curled an absolutely unstoppable right footer from the edge of the box on the left side.
7. While the game started without incident, it has gotten nastier as the time passed by with the tackles getting more rough and at times reckless after the equalizer.
8. The ref had a decent game in the first half, although he should have given a yellow or two for both sides.
9. Barça continued having problems in controlling the game and Madrid had various opportunities to go ahead.
10. Until the 45th minute when Messi in his first meaningful contribution to the game left Pepe and a few others in their wake and slotted in the 2nd.
    
11. 1-2 half-time, surprise scoreline because Madrid completely dominated the half with ample chances. Valdes was sharp and Benzema, not as much.
12. Barça started the 2nd half much better than the 1st half but Madrid equalized very soon through a well placed shot by Xabi Alonso
13. From here on the game got worse in terms of discipline. More cheap fouls, exaggerated reactions..the usual nastiness that accompanied the Clasicos of last season.
    
14. Both teams had a good penalty shout denied in the process.
15. Every foul is protested by everyone, even the throw-in decisions were not accepted without a protest.
    
16. The referee Texeira Vitienes lost control of the game at this point. Had he shown the early yellow cards in the first half, it would have been a different story.
    
17. Madrid created numerous chances again but failed to finish them off against a superhero-esque Victor Valdes.
18. Barça looked slightly better with Xavi, Pique and Pedro coming on in the 2nd half but Messi looked rusty.
    
19. Alexis had a great debut considering that he is playing just after two practice sessions with Barcelona.
20. Coentrão looked lively in the 15-20 minutes he played but by then both teams were in chaos as far as formations are concerned, a typical phenomenon in the dying moments of the early season games.
    
21. In the end, Barça will be more happy with the result than Real Madrid.
    
22. Madrid needs to try and win in Camp Nou and Barça can lift the cup with a 0-0 or even 1-1.
23. Mourinho excused himself from the presser and consequently the media is talking about this more than the great game overall from Real Madrid. Unfortunate but somethings dont change.
24. It will be interesting if Madrid can play another full press at Camp Nou where the pitch is wider and Barça will start with more regulars and with more minutes of practice.
    

Man of the Match Real Madrid : Özil
Man of the Match Barcelona : Victor Valdes

2nd leg in Camp Nou on Aug-17 at 2300 CET 1700 Eastern/1400 Pacific

USA v SPAIN - a fan's perspective!

A few months ago, I heard the news that the Spain National team would come to the US to play the national team in Foxboro Massachusetts and well, I just had to be there. The last time that I had seen La Roja live was during the group stages of the Germany World Cup 2006 when they played Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. So it had been too long and I really wanted to see los Campeones del Mundo, especially those players that I had never seen play LIVE like David Silva, Victor Valdes, the Villarreal crew, etc, etc, etc.

Of course there were deadlines at my day job, so I really couldn't take off Friday nor Monday, so we took a red eye Friday night from LA to Boston, and would head back on another red eye back home Sunday night. The Spain-USA whirlwind extravaganza was on.

It had been ages since I flew on a red eye, so when we arrived Saturday morning, we were knackered. I was supposed to meet my fellow LA Madridista, Peggy (@Peggles12) and NYC Madridista Leora (@SR4CR9), at the Westin Providence to go look for (stalk) La Roja. But once my husband and I checked into our hotel early, we crashed. Peggy, Leora, and co. had the time of their lives bumping into the team at the elevators.

My husband and I woke up late and decided to head straight to Gillette Stadium. The arena was a bit of a nightmare to enter and exit, much like the Rose Bowl. Parking was steep, but the atmosphere was great in the parking lots and it was nice to see everyone tailgaiting before the game. Both USA and Spain fans were mingling well and showing their colors. La Roja was well represented inside and outside the stadium. I would say 60% Spanish fans and 40% USA fans.

A couple of notables: Alexis Lalas and Tony Meola (ex USA Internationals) were on hand signing autographs. The World Cup was on display. I love the fact that La Roja travels with La Copa del Mundo! I was able to meet Allen (@groguet01) from Villarreal USA and talk footy etc before we got into the stadium. Allen was able to attend the training sessions on Friday and was impressed with the contrasting styles. He also mentioned that someone in Spain saw him on Spanish TV. I guess they were surprised to see a head to toe Villarreal fan, in attendance. We soon got separated from Allen due to our seating.

My husband is crazy about taking pictures of fans and football stadia atmosphere, so as soon as we entered Gillette, we ventured over to the American Outlaws/Sam's Army area. The USA supporters were seated behind the goal. My husband went down to the front, but I waited and tried to meet up with the conlaroja group to take a photo together. Needless to say, I couldn't find anyone at the appointed time. Then all of a sudden La Roja came out to train, right in front of the American Outlaws/Sam's Army goal, so I dashed down to the front and started taking tons of warmup and training pictures. (Yours truly took all of the Spain National team photos.) The stadium security were not thrilled with me being in the aisles upfront, so I made my way into the second row and proceeded with my photo shoot. Little did I know that I was sitting right next to another tweep or twimigo and LA Madridista Leslie (@lesliej_) who was sitting in the US Supporters section. We didn't figure this out until AFTER I posted my pictures on facebook. Small world, no? Where would we be as soccer/football fans without the twitter and facebook communities?

Once La Roja finished their training, I caught up with my husband back in our seats. I also finally connected with RMLA Peggy, who was sitting nearby. The game started and I decided not to take photos so I could fully experience the game. Peggy was surrounded by some pissed off US fans. My husband and I were sitting among some very happy La Roja fans. (Including me) My husband however was extremely grumpy and upset at the US display.

At halftime, I went upstairs to buy my husband a coke with Peggy and missed Forza Futbol friend and guest ~ Señor Segunda from La Liga Weekly and Futbol En Vivo co-host, Arch Bell (@archbell). Nevertheless, I was able to meet him and his wife and catch up at the end of the game. Arch is a 100% red, white and blue fan, so he wasn't too thrilled with the goleada nor the way the team played. I was estatic that La Roja won and that I got to see 4 goals. That said, I felt bad for the US fans who spent all that money and travelled all the way to Foxboro, only for the US team to not even try. Bottom line it was merely a commercial outing for Bradley and the boys. Very sad.

What can I say but La Roja were at their best and put on quite a show. I loved watching El Guaje play upfront with el Tiburon de Vallecas (Negredo). I thought Santi Cazorla was brilliant in attack and clinical in front of goal. He was definitely my MotM. David Silva was simply amazing advancing the play forward. Xabi Alonso and Sergi Busquets controlled the midfield and tempo brilliantly. Pique was a wall at back, while Pepe Reina was solid in goal. With all the changes in the second half and the fact that La Roja led 3-0, the boys decided to take it easy. It was nice to see the Villarreal trio: Borja Valero, Santi Cazorla, and Bruno link up, combine and not miss a step. Andres Iniesta was also playing some stunning fantasy football. All in all a brilliant match for the spectator, with so much juego bonito.

I finally got to meet Leora at the end of the match and hear her stories at the hotel and sitting upfront behind the Spain National team bench. I can't wait to meet up with Leora and Peggy in LA, when Real Madrid arrive for their preseason training! Penyas Unite!

It took a long time to exit Gillette Stadium and the parking lot, but all in all I went to sleep exhausted but with a big smile. On Sunday, we met up with a friend of my husband's living in Boston and got to do the touristy things around Quincy Market, the Boston Commons, etc. We even got to eat some tasty Italian panini and yummy cannoli, before we took off again. Would I do it again? You bet!

You can find my fotos on facebook or here on flickr. Enjoy!

VIDEO: Hips don't lie Barça style!

Check out the Barça boys celebrating on stage with Shakira. Love the moves of Pique, Xavi, Villa, Pedro, Bojan and Busquets! These boys know how to boogie. Campeones! Fun stuff! Enjoy!

Week25: what a difference a Xavi makes

Barca will be without Xavi at Mallorca this weekend, but how much will they really miss him?A forensic look at the impact of Barca's midfield master.

A new column by Laurence "Johnson" Alexander, looking at La Liga through the fantasy football lens.

Xavi: missing this weekend

This weekend, Barcelona face the rare prospect of lining up without their talismanic central midfield general, Xavi. The Balon d'Or nominee has only missed three games this season: Barca seldom line up without their record breaking appearance maker. What changes when Xavi doesn't play, and more importantly, what effect does this man have in the realm of the Fantasy Football and more specifically, the Yahoo Fantasy Football game? We may assume, he's an assisting, point scoring dynamo that most would consider a must-pick but reputations and appearances can be deceptive.

In most Fantasy Football games going, your selections will be rewarded in general with points for wins, goals, clean sheets, appearances, assists; thus those players appearing for the best sides will be the most valuable and pick up the most points. In Yahoo Fantasy Football, a player is rewarded in a large range of scoring areas directly sourced from Opta stats, so while, naturally, goals and assists glean the most points, a player can also collect rewards for tackles, crosses, shots on target, winning corners and various other areas. Thus, a player does not necessarily have to be winning a lot to become a valuable source of points.

Players' values oscilate weekly correlating to their matchday performances. So we find that many who would be of low value in regular fantasy football games, can often supersede players of a more illustrious reputation. For example, someone who is hardly a household name such as Almeria's Pablo Piatti can become one of the most expensive strikers, due to the fact that he does so much. To put this in context, he is currently almost double the value of Adebayor.

But what of Xavi? Much like Paul Scholes in the sister EPL version of the game, the selection of Xavi can be something of a liability. He currently holds a value of 12.12 and his value tends to hold between 12 and 15 on any given week: Iniesta is currently 13.8, Reyes and Jesus Navas are 15, Mezut Ozil and Xavi Prieto are 11. Xavi averages a weekly score of just over 5, while the players with the best averages are Malaga's Duda (8.5), Bilbao's Diego Lopez (8.34) and Getafe's Jaime Gavilan (8.23). In any given week of Fantasy Football, you are in the least looking for a player to return their value or score 10+. Xavi has scored 10+ just four times this season - three of those were goal scoring weeks. The following gives us a summary of Xavi's scoring this season:

Xavi's digits, week 25

In essence, Xavi is a solid, but very average fantasy player.

But what difference will the absence of Xavi make this week for Barcelona against Mallorca? Many are already seeing this as stern test for Barca, who are without Valdes and Puyol, and who have dipped in form, and need to find it again in time to overturn the deficit in the Champions League return leg against Arsenal in the coming midweek.

Xavi missed games in week 6, week 8 and week 18. The first game Xavi missed this season was, coincidently, against Mallorca in the reverse fixture in week 6. Seydou Keita started in Xavi's place and scored 2.5 fantasy football points (2 corners won, 2 fouls won, 1 foul commited): Mallorca earnt a 1-1 draw. In week 8, Keita again came in for Xavi as Barca beat Zaragoza 2-0 away. Keita was more involved (1 SOT, 2 fouls won, 2 tackles won, 2 passes intercepted, 4 fouls committed) and scored 3pts. In both games, Messi got all the goals.

Finallly - after breaking the record for the most appearnaces for the Catalans with 550 during the week - Xavi was on the bench in week 18 as Barca crushed Deportivo 4-0 at the Riazor in week 18 (here's a clip of him riding the pine in that game). Keita again came in, but was even more anonymous, scoring 1.5 (3 tackles won, 1 pass intercepted, 1 corner won, 2 fouls won, 2 fouls committed).

So, to conclude? Barca can play without skipping a beat even without Xavi, and they can do with ease away from home. However, Mallorca know how to stop a Barca team without Xavi. Seidou Keita will almost definitely play in Xavi's place - it's possible Pep could go for new signing Ibrahim Affellay, but he seems to prefer the dutchman in a more advanced role.

As we've seen, the only thing that is remarkable about Xavi's fantasy points, is how unremarkable they are. But the stats do reflect his style. He is not often the man to have the last ball for the assist - this normally comes from one of Barca's front three, Messi, Villa or Pedro - and he is certainly not one for having a speculative crack at goal all the time (see Ronaldo). Also, Barca don't score a lot of goals from corners, despite the accuracy with which Xavi can deliver them. He dicates play, he plays a lot of balls, frequently more passes than anyone, but at the end of the day, while the Yahoo Fantasy Football system is marvellously detailed, it still cannot quite reflect accurately the immense influence that Xavi has.

Read more about La Liga Fantasy Football at Fantasy Football Super

The Most Expensive Spanish Player Transfers of All Time

In honor of the 2011 Winter Transfer Market, I thought that I would do some anoraking and find out who are the most expensive Spanish Player transfers ever. Some of them are the well know Spanish Internationals, others hit the highest heights, but fell tragically short over the span of their careers.


So who are they?


1) El Niño Fernando Torres from Liverpool to Chelsea - 58M - 2011

The new obssession of Roman Abramovich was purchased this January for a cool 58 million. The star of Euro 2008 left in search of trophies, Champions League football, and a new life. Let's hope Torres can find his health and form in London. This sale broke the bank and the record for Spanish player transfers. A brilliant bit of business for Liverpool, who purchased the striker from Atlético Madrid in 2007 for 36 million. That's a profit of 22 million!


2) Gaizka Mendieta from Valencia to Lazio - 48M - 2001

Back in the day, when Italy was the king of football and Lazio was a big spender, Valencia did a good bit of business by selling their star player, Gaizka Mendieta to Lazio. Real Madrid was also interested in the Basque player, but their 24 million offer was no comparison to the Roman team's. Unfortunately, Mendieta never quite hit his stride in Serie A and returned back to Spain on loan in the 2002-3 season and never quite settled thereafter.


3) El Guaje David Villa to from Valencia to Barcelona - 40M - 2010

The tug of war between Real Madrid and Barçelona over Villa lasted way too long and even affected the striker's Confederation Cup performance back in 2009. He did not end up moving that year, due to low ball offers from both clubs. Real Madrid ended up with Benzema and Barçelona with Zlatan. Well, Los Culés learned their lesson and offloaded the big Swede and bought Spain's number one. He has fit into the team like a glove.


4) El Niño Torres from Atlético Madrid to Liverpool - 36M - 2007
See no 1) above. Double Ca-Ching!


5) Xabi Alonso from Liverpool to Real Madrid - 34M - 2009

The apple of Florentino Perez' eye, ever since the first Galactico era, Real Madrid's jefe finally got his man. Alonso is the engine of the Real Madrid midfield and team. He is probably the most important and intelligent player on the pitch.


6) David Silva from Valencia to Manchester City - 30M - 2010

Valencia is a selling team and desperately needed the money from the sale of the midfield magician. Mourinho passed on the Gran Canarian, so City swooped in. He is combining brilliantly with Carlitos Tevez.


7) Sergio Ramos from Sevilla to Real Madrid - 27M - 2005

A shock to the system back then, as Florentino Perez dared to open the coffers for a Spanish defender! The versatile player now looks like money well spent as he can play at right back, central defense and even as an attacking winger.


8) Joaquin from Real Betis to Valencia - 25M - 2006

A record sale for Real Betis and the beginning of the end of free spending Valencia. A bit overrated and overpriced, the speedy winger is now captain for Los Che.


9) Gerard Lopez from Valencia to Barçelona - 21.6M - 2000

Part of the Valencia team that reached the Champions League final, he was one of the best at his position in midfield. Barça won the auction over the player the summer after. Though a regular during his five years at Barçelona, he was never in the starting 11 consistently. The player never really reached those same early heights and was plagued with injuries and personal tragedy. Lopez is still only 31 and is currently playing for Girona FC in the second division.


10) Jose Marí from Atlético Madrid to AC Milan - 19.2M - 2000

Prolific with Los Colchoneros, he was part of the team in 1999 that beat Real Madrid twice (in two separate seasons), AC Milan came a calling for the Andaluz striker. Marí failed to settle in Italy. He soon found himself loaned back to Atlético, then Villarreal, then Real Betis and so on. The 32 year old is currently playing for Xerez in the second division.


11) Francisco Javier Farinós from Valencia to Inter Milan - 18M - 2000

A contemporary of Gerard Lopez and part of the same Valencia team who were sub champions in the 2000 Champions League final, the midfielder caught the eye of Inter Milan and signed a contract for 5 years. He too was injury plagued and did not have much success in Serie A. He became a journeyman, moving from team to team. The 32 year old currently plays for Hercules in La Primera.


12) Dani Guiza from Mallorca to Fenerbache - 17.4M - 2008

Desparate for money, the Islanders sold the Andaluz pichichi to Fenerbache, where he has been inconsistent and plagued by injuries. I expect him to return to Spain soon.

13) The 15M club: Jose Antonio Reyes (Sevilla to Arsenal - 2004), Albert Luque (Deportivo La Coruña to Newcastle - 2005), Raul Albiol (Valencia to Real Madrid - 2010), Alvaro Negredo (Real Madrid to Sevilla - 2010), and Alfonso Perez (Real Betis to Barça -2000)

LA LIGA Team of Round 20

GOAL KEEPER:

PISCU CUELLAR (SPORTING GIJON)

His goal mouth took a pounding from Diego Forlan and company. But the unheralded GK from the original rojiblancos stood firm against Los Colchoneros. A well earned clean sheet to boot.


DEFENDERS:

SERGIO SANCHEZ (SEVILLA)

The feel good story of the season. Sanchez returns to the backline of Sevilla, his first game in the starting 11, after diagnosed with a heart condition. He had a solid game against Levante. Perfect timing for the Nervioneses, who have been lacking in the back.


CARLOS GARCIA (ALMERIA)

Another amazing game for the 26 year old stopper. The team just squeaked by with their first win at home against Osasuna. Garcia came through upfront, as well, with a goal.


JOSE NUNES (MALLORCA)

What can you say, but the veteran had another amazing game as the Barralets were able to hold off Real Madrid for a good 60 minutes. He and Ivan Ramis are a solid team. Nunes is both a leader and a fighter.

MIDFIELD

SERGIO GARCIA (ESPANYOL)

The new kid on the block is on a bit of a roll. He finally gets a start and he delivers with an assist and a goal. An instrumental player in the come back and trouncing of Getafe. It's good to see the Euro Cup winning player, rekindle his career.

PONZIO (REAL ZARAGOZA)

The Argentine hard man is starting to believe in the new regime under Javier Aguirre. Los Blanquillos are on a bit of a one nil run and this time the victim was Deportivo in La Romareda. Ponzio stole balls, made key tackles and help control the pace of the game. No crazy red cards either.

JULIO BAPTISTA (MALAGA)

The Beast is back in Spain and this time he is at Málaga. He had a fabulous debut, as he was very dangerous on the counter against Valencia. His physical presence was an ever present threat, even when the team was down to 9 men. Plus his goal was a piece of individual brilliance.

IKER MUNIAIN (ATHLETIC BILBAO)

Prodigy, genius, playmaker, winger extraordinaire. This kid is the real deal and he was an amazing force for Athletic against Hercules. His pace and agility on the wings were critical, as he brought the attack forward. His goal was just the icing on the cake.


STRIKERS:

LUIS FABIANO (SEVILLA)

Luisfa is back with a hat trick. Sure he started off the season with a lackluster attitude, but O Fabuloso is starting to get his groove back, just in time for the business end of the year. Look to Sevilla to make a run up the table.

DAVID VILLA (BARCELONA)

When you think Barça you think Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, the list goes on. But look how easily el Guaje has acclimated into the La Masia system! Give the Asturiano some credit. The football ace is used to being the center of all the action in his former clubs, but now he is willing to play at left, right, middle, or as a supplier. He was terrific against Racing Santander as he was a part of every goal scoring play.

GUISEPPE ROSSI (VILLARREAL)

The Jersey boy is having his best season ever. Nilmar his strike partner is hurt, but he and Marco Ruben are making it work. With the return of Santi Cazorla from a little break, Rossi was on fire against a very difficult opponent, Real Sociedad. A brace for Beppe, who has now racked up 11 goals!

REAL ZARAGOZA Team of the Decade: 2000 - 2010

Continuing our series, guest blogger, Spanish virtual pub fellow podcaster, and friend of Forza Futbol, Steven Abrams of livinlaliga.com give us his best Maños of the Noughties:


GK: CESAR LAINEZ

During the last decade there have only been two noteworthy goalkeepers at La Romareda. While Cesar Sanchez is undoubtedly a solid enough goalkeeper, the guy is far too error prone, and so the position goes to a local hero in Cesar Lainez. Commanding and with stunning reflexes, Lainez made his way through the ranks to debut in the first team during the 2001/2002 season. Although that year Zaragoza were relegated, Lainez played a pivotal role in helping the club win immediate promotion back to La Primera, before leading them to a comfortable mid-table position and a historic Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid in 2003/2004.

LB: JAVIER PAREDES

Perhaps my difficult choice. There havn't been a great number of left-backs at the club during the decade, so the position goes to the dependable Javier Paredes. Known as 'El Jabalí', Spanish for wild boar, Paredes brings pace and power to the table. Always gives 100% to the cause and has been a loyal servant to the club, helping Zaragoza back to the top flight after relegation in 2008.

RB: CARLOS DIOGO

What a character. As hard as nails and as crazy a footballer as you'll find, Diogo is also an extremely useful right-back. While he scores extra points for a bizarre punch up with Luis Fabiano in 2007, Diogo is a monster of a man who offers just as much in attack as he does in defence. Defensive positioning was never his strong point, but he more than made up for it with his last-ditch tackling and whole-hearted approach to defending. He's also capable of racing down the wing to send over wicked crosses for his frontmen. Full of energy and full of fight, there's no such thing as a lost cause for Carlos Diogo.

CB: GERARD PIQUE

Unfortunately for Real Zaragoza, Gerard Pique only ever enjoyed one season in Aragon, but what a season it was for the young defender. Having only played for the reserves at Manchester United, he was sent to Zaragoza on loan during the whole 2006/2007 season to gain first team experience. Displaying the class that has made him one of the worlds best now at Barca, 'Piquenbauer' formed a formidable pairing with Gabby Milito which lead Real Zaragoza to 6th place in the league. He was also used a defensive midfielder in his time at La Romereda, which also shows the versatility of the man. He returned to Manchester in 2007 and the Zaragoza defence has never been the same since.

CB: GABRIEL MILITO

A rock of a defender that spent four incredible seasons at Real Zargoza from 2003 to 2007. Milito was nothing short of an icon during his time at the club, winning the Copa del Rey in his first season and generally offering much the same as Carlos Puyol does at Barcelona. A clever defender and dominating in the air, Gabriel Milito reads the game perfectly, while also wearing his heart on his sleeve with a full-on, committed approach to defending. The fans still chant his name which shows just how they rate the man they call 'The Marshal'.

CM: ALBERTO ZAPATER

Another local boy, Alberto Zapater was the architype combative midfielder, who shielded his back four as if his life depended on it. With a strong range of passes and an eye for a goal or two, Zapater spent five successful years at Zaragoza, helping the club to UEFA Cup qualification in 2006/2007 and was instrumental as they made an immediate return to La Liga after relegation in 2008. Once famously labelled 'The Bull' by Diego Maradona, Zaragoza still miss his huge presence in the middle of the park.

CM: PABLO AIMAR

What Zapater offers in defensive stability, Pablo Aimar offers in creativity. Signed for a then club record 12 million euros in 2006, Aimar was sensational during his first season at the club. Scoring four and with 6 assists, the little Argentine lit up La Romereda with his brand of attacking flair that provided the perfect platform for Zaragozas strikers to feed off. A crowd pleaser who was unfortunate to miss most of Zaragozas relegation season through injury. How they missed him.

CM: CANI

With his first touch in a Zaragoza shirt, Cani nutmegged Michael Reiziger of Barcelona and so started a career that was characterised by attacking verve and stunning technical ability. Able to play behind the front two, or on either wing, Cani enjoyed his best season in 2005/2006 when he provided the highest number of assists in La Liga. An exciting talent, capable of troubling the best of defences.

RM: SERGIO GARCIA

Having just failed to make his name at the Camp Nou, after scoring close to a 1000 goals in the junior teams, Sergio Garcia rocked up at Real Zaragoza in 2005 eager to prove he had what it took to succeed in the top flight. Three years later he was part of the Spain Euro 2008 Championship winning squad. Sergio Garcia was electric during his time at the club, reeking havoc down the right and through the centre with his searing pace, trickery and neat finishing. The perfect foil for Diego Milito and by far the most exciting player I witnessed during my time at Zaragoza.

CF: DIEGO MILITO

They didn't call him the 'Prince of Zaragoza' for nothing. As clinical as they come, Milito joined Real Zaragoza in 2005, and scored a total of 61 goals in 125 matches over the course of his three seasons at the club. Capable of scoring with either foot and strong in the air, Milito was considered one of the most lethal marksmen in the country during his time in Spain and narrowly missed out on the 'Pichichi' trophy in 2006/2007. The only thing the Argentine lacked was raw pace, but he more than made up for it with his exquisitely timed runs. Fantastic striker.

CF. DAVID VILLA

Raised at Sporting Gijon, and having scored bagfuls of goals in 'La Segunda', it was at Real Zaragoza where David Villa really made a name for himself in the top flight. Full of promise, the young striker arrived at the club in 2003 and went on to score 38 goals in 96 appearances, earning his first cap for Spain in the process. Part of Zaragozas Spanish Supercup winning team of 2004, Villa exhibited the sort of form that would eventually lead him to be considered one of the top strikers in world football.

World Best Goal Getter

According to the IFFHS, the International Football Federation of History and Statistics, based in Germany, the World's Top Goal Scorer for 2010 is:

1. Bader Ahmed Al-Mutawa (Al-Qadisia SC Kuwait-City / Kuwait)
2. Samuel Eto'o Fils (FC Internazionale Milano / Cameroun)
3. David Villa (Valencia CF / FC Barcelona / España)
4. Klaas Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04 / Nederland)
5. Yousef Naser Al-Sulaiman (Kazma Kuwait-City / Kuwait)
6. Edison Cavani (SSC Napoli / Uruguay)
6. Diego Forlán (Club Atletico de Madrid / Uruguay)
8. Lionel Andrés Messi (FC Barcelona / Argentina)
9. Javier Hernández (Manchester United FC / México)
10. Ali Mohamed Al-Nono (Al-Ahli Sana'a / Yemen)
11. Miroslav Klose (FC Bayern München / Deutschland)
12. Ismaeel Hassan Abdullatif (Bahrain Al-Riffa Club / Bahrain)
13. Javier Antonio Orozco (CD Cruz Azul Ciudad de México / México)
14. Kurlson Benjamin (Bath Estate / Dominica)
14. Katlego Abel Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns Pretoria / South Africa)
16. Wesley Sneijder (FC Internazionale Milano / Nederland)
16. Luis Alberto Suárez (AFC Ajax Amsterdam / Uruguay)
18. Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspurs FC / England)
18. Luis Carlos Tejada (C Juan Aurich de Chiclayo / Panamá)
20. Zlatan Ibrahimović (FC Barcelona / Milan AC / Sweden)

Now the ranking is based on statistics, goals, game winning goals, first goals, etc. There is no weighting based on league in this case or level of competition. As you can see Kuwait, Yemen, and Bahrain rank extremely high. But what of La Liga, well three of the most deadly and prolific strikers David Villa, Diego Forlan and Lionel Messi are represented for both club and country. All three had stellar years and are world class finishers. Ex La Liga strikers Wesley Sneijder. Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are also represented. Samu and El Guaje have continuously been neck and neck in the goals competition throughout their careers.

It is not easy to score goals in La Liga, but it is good to see the league well represented.

BEST XI of ROUND 19 in LA LIGA

The hallway point in La Liga and there were a lot of thrills, spills, and surprises. Let's take a look at who were the best of the bunch of this past weekend's matches.


GOALKEEPER

DAVID DE GEA (ATLETICO MADRID) had an incredible game against Mallorca. The score line is quite deceiving as this was a game of end to end attack. But De Gea kept out all of the Barallets dangerous shots including saving Pierre Webo's penalty.


DEFENSE

JAVIER CHICA (ESPANYOL), IVAN HERNANDEZ (SPORTING GIJON), CARLOS DIOGO (REAL ZARAGOZA) and JEREMY MATHIEU (VALENCIA)

Chica had a stellar game vs Sevilla. The Perico full back was immense, keeping out Sevilla's attacks especially on the wings. Young Hernandez had a howler last week, but solid this week in the rojiblanco defense, intervening at critical times against Trezeguet & Co at Hercules. Diogo is normally not mentioned in the best lists of late, but he played extremely well in the fog, hanging on to the 1 nil scoreline in a six pointer against Levante. Lastly, Valencia's Mathieu was brilliant in defense and attack and managed to slip in a goal from a very narrow angle.


MIDFIELD

PABLO PIATTI (ALMERIA), SERGIO BUSQUETS (BARCELONA), BORJA VALERO (VILLARREAL) and XABI PRIETO (REAL SOCIEDAD)

Little Piatti was amazing against the Madrid giants. He was the energizer bunny, causing mischief and 100% responsible for Almeria's goal. Busquets controlled and manhandled the Malaga midfield. He was a big part of the reason that the malagueños got very little time on the ball. Valero is just on fire this season. He was involved in every single goal in Villarreal's 4-2 thriller against Osasuna. When you think leader and Real Sociedad, only one name comes to mind, Xabi Prieto. He started the away goal fest against Getafe with a penalty and then executed the final pass on each subsequent goal.


STRIKE FORCE

JOSE MARIA CALLEJON (ESPANYOL) and DAVID VILLA (BARCELONA)

31 goals this week and both Callejon and Villa bagged two a piece. With Osvaldo missing, Callejon, normally a winger, stepped into some big boots, but was able to show his finishing skills in a critical game for the European dreaming, Espanyol. El Guaje is starting to warm up and fine tune is mind reading skills with Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, and Pedro. His goals looked so easy. You gotta love the nutmeg to Asenjo in the 2nd goal. Pure class.

Valencia CF's Top XI of the Decade.

Continuing our series of best players of the decade, we bring you Cesar Benoit from First Touch.

The 2000’s were an exceptional decade for Valencia CF. From Spanish league titles to Champions League finals, Valencia supporters were spoiled rotten.

Things deviated somewhat towards the end of the decade, with a financial meltdown and a relegation battle. But overall, Valencia experienced a renaissance.

Who were the players that spurred that resurgence?

Using a 4-4-2 system, here are Valencia’s top 11 players of the decade.

Goalkeeper – Santiago Cañizares

Can there be another? The platinum blond, former Real Madrid ‘keeper was a rock in the net, playing in over 300 matches for Los Che. He won 4 Zamora trophies as best goalie in the country, played in 46 internationals with Spain and had it not been for an unfortunate aftershave bottle incident in 2002, started the World Cup for La Furia Roja.

While many of his acrobatic saves could be listed as his best moment in the Valencia shirt, the one that stands out is the tears he shed after losing the Champions League final to Bayern Munich on penalties in 2001.

The emotion he showed captivated many fan’s hearts. He displayed his devotion for the club and the fans who suffered with the team. He’s truly a VCF legend.

Defenders – Roberto Ayala, Mauricio Pellegrino, Amedeo Carboni, Carlos Marchena.

Defense carried Valencia to two league championships and two successive Champions League finals early in the decade.

The rock in the middle of the defense was Ayala, who recently retired. He captained Argentina more times than anyone else (63 times) and his solid play in the middle meant opposing offenses had to be creative to score against Valencia. He was a true defensive pest. They don’t make defenders like Ayala anymore.

Joining Ayala in the middle is Mauricio Pellegrino. He amassed nearly 200 appearances with Los Che and along with Ayala, anchored the best defense in Europe.

Italian international Amedeo Carboni played nine years for Los Che, eventually becoming sporting director. His fiery play and aggressive marking were a major reason clubs couldn’t count on wide play against Valencia’s defense. In 2005, Carboni became the oldest player in La Liga history at age 40.

Carlos Marchena rounds out the defense. While Marchena splits opinion with Valencia fans, the man’s impressive defensive abilities can’t be argued. He’s hard nosed and aggressive. He’s appeared with Los Che over 220 times and won the Euros and World Cup with country. Simply one of the best Valencia defenders ever.

Midfield – David Albelda, Ruben Baraja, Pablo Aimar, David Silva.

While the defense anchored Valencia’s impressive record in the ‘00’s, the midfield provided service to the forwards and goals galore.

First up is David Albelda, another player who splits fan opinion. Some love him, some hate him. What can’t be argued is his devotion to the club, where he’s spent his entire career, over 300 games. Albelda isn’t flashy or creative. But he’s solid and an above average stopper. He’s in his twilight these days, but his contribution will not be forgotten.

Ruben Baraja is a true Valencia icon, one of the most underrated midfielders of the decade. He could shoot, he could create, he could out hustle, pass and defend with the best. He played a full decade with the squad and when he retired after last season, the club lost an influential presence they’ve yet to replace.

Pablo Aimar is a strange case. An attacking midfielder with a range of skills, Aimar entertained the Valencia faithful for years with his silky passes, his genial midfield play and his gorgeous goals. Problem was, he couldn’t stay healthy and never truly fulfilled his promise. Still, many of his signature plays will forever live in the minds of Valencia fans.

David Silva rounds out the midfield. He’s a product of the Valencia youth system and debuted with the club in 2006 as the natural successor to Aimar. From his debut on, Silva’s fine passing and goal scoring ability wowed. A goal against Chelsea in the Champions League sounded beacon calls around Europe, as clubs clamored for his signature. He’s won accolades with the national team and now plies his trade with Manchester City, where’s he’s impressing the English as much as he impressed us. A true Valencia star.

Forwards – David Villa, Mista.

Any list of Valencia’s best has to include El Guaje, David Villa. Arguably the world’s best striker, Villa played for Los Che from 2005 to 2010, scoring an impressive 108 goals in 166 appearances. He was top scorer of Euro 2008, scored 5 goals in helping Spain win the 2010 World Cup and has scored 44 for country, tied with the legendary Raul.

Villa won the hearts of Valencia’s fans and although we would have loved to keep him, the financial debt forced our hand. Villa now plays for Barcelona and he’s continuing his impressive form, leading the offensive arsenal of arguably the world’s best club.

The last choice might seem odd, but while Mista isn’t as impressive as others on this list, his accolades at the club speak for themselves.

When Mista came to Valencia from Tenerfie in 2002, the club had a solid midfield and a superb defense but a shoddy offensive line.

In comes an unremarkable Mista, who straps on his work clothes and out hustles defenses, scoring 24 goals in all competitions en route to the UEFA Cup and league championship in 2004.

Maybe he peaked that season, as his offensive prowess fell back to Earth soon after. But for those years, Mista was a blessing, doing nothing remarkable but scoring goals when we needed them.

That’s it, Valencia’s top XII of the decade. What do you think?

Just the Stats if you please: La Liga Statistics 2010-11

At the midway point of the season, I do enjoy to take a look at a bit of the statistics. I know that stats are not a precise indicator of success, especially in football. But I was pretty impressed and surprised with a few particular Spanish League stats that I found. I wanted to share these with you.


Most dribbles in the Liga 2010-11 so far: Messi 54 - Ronaldo 42 - Aguero 39 - Reyes 38 - Joaquin, Iniesta & Perotti 37

Okay how do they count dribbles, is it the first touch, the second touch or never mind? My understanding is that dribbling adds to the run of play, the distribution of the ball on the pitch, as well as the transition from defense to attack. Dribbling is quite an art form in La Liga. No surprise then on the leaders. But take a look at the number of pure wingers on the list: Reyes, Joaquin, & Perotti bringing the ball down the field. Very impressive.


Teams with the most dribbles: Barça (176) R. Madrid (171) Villarreal (149) Valencia (136) At. Madrid (127)

Messi does 30% of the dribbling for Barça, crazy! Combined with Iniesta the percentage increases to 52%. Ronaldo dribbles 24% of the total for Real Madrid. Reyes and Aguero cover 61% for Atléti, wow! Joaquin ranks at 27% for Valencia. Very interesting stat on the dribblers aka water carriers of La Liga.


Most passes in the Liga 2010-2011 so far: Alves 1230 - Xavi 1165 - Bruno 1075 - Iniesta 976 - Xabi Alonso 948

I love this stat, as it is integral to the possession based, tiqui taka football style renowned in Spain. No surprise that Barçelona players rule the roost here. But I was shocked to see Villarreal's Bruno, a defensive midfielder, break the 1,000 pass mark halfway into the season! Bruno is even beating out veterans like Xabi Alonso and Iniesta? Whodathunk?


Teams with the most passes: Barça (10177) R. Madrid (7184) Villarreal (7059) Sevilla (6102) Racing (6021)

Barça is just on a level of their own. Toca, Toca, Toca. But Racing Santander ranks higher than Valencia & Atlético??? Just look at how poorly they have been performing in the league. I guess passing the ball is not everything, especially with poor finishing and a porous defense.


Most shots on goal 2010-11: Ronaldo (43) Villa (41) Messi (38) Rossi, Rosenberg (27)

No real surprise here. Messi is super effective with his goals per shot attempts ratio. Villarreal's Rossi and Racing's Rosenberg are tied at 27, but once again Rossi's goals per shots ratio is so much better and effective.


Teams with the most shots 2010-11: Barça (148) R. Madrid (120) Villarreal, Sevilla (101) At. Madrid (94)

Not much to add except that Sevilla and Atléti need to improve their consistency, finishing and defense, to make this stat work for them.


Most assists 2010-11: Messi (9) Xabi Prieto, Pedro, Mata, Özil (6) Juanlu, Eliseu (5)

Notables include Xabi Prieto from Real Sociedad, Levante's Juanlu and Málaga's Eliseu because the former two are from newly promoted teams, while the latter's team is down in the relegation zone.


Teams with the most assists 2010-11: Barça (30) Villarreal (22) R. Madrid (21) Málaga, Levante (17)

Messi and Pedro managed 50% of their team's assists. Ozil managed 28% of Real Madrid's total. While Juanlu and Eliseu gauged 29% of their respective club's total assists. This is a testament to the style of play and their individual performances. Interesting that Villarreal tops the stats charts from a team perspective, but no individual, other than Bruno in passing, is leading in any statistical category. Yet their ranking on the league table, tells it all - total team effort.


Best Goals for and against: Barça (51/9) R. Madrid (39/12) Villarreal (30/14) At. Madrid (27/19) Getafe (26/22)

No surprise here, except plucky little Geta ranking with the big boys. Dear oh dear Atléti has all the stats going their way, yet their inconsistency has hurt them.


Title Count for the year 2010: Barça (LigaBBVA, Spanish Super Cup) - 2, Atlético Madrid (Europa League, UEFA Super Cup) -2, Sevilla (Copa del Rey) -1

2010 was a great year for Spanish football. The silverware was well distributed in Spain and Europe. Add the World Cup to the trophy case, this year has got to rank up there as one of the best in Spanish football history.


So what do you think of the stats? Are their any trends that I might have missed? Am I reading to close into the numbers? What do you say?

(source: LIGABBVA)

Silva finding his feet at City

It is often hard to make conclusions from the festive football period in England. With players understandably physically and mentally tired from playing four games in 10 days results often come down to a survival of the fittest or, as results over the past week have shown, to those with the biggest squad.

However, Manchester City's three wins over the past six days have demonstrated the increasing influence of one La Liga old boy. After a disjointed beginning to his City career, David Silva is starting to show his full range of abilities.

For Saturday's 1-0 win over Blackpool, City manager Roberto Mancini started all three of Silva, Carlos Tevez and Adam Johnson, who scored the game’s solitary goal, for only the second time in the league this season. For onlookers who have waited for the Italian to give this, his most creative, triumvirate a start it made for an interesting spectacle.

Silva undoubtedly adds another dimension to City’s play. He is the sole player amongst a near billion pound squad with the ability to play as an old-fashioned number 10, behind the main striker. For the past three years I have maintained that his old teammate David Villa is the world’s best striker (assuming you don’t class Leo Messi as an out and out striker). However, Villa would not nearly have hit the same heights at Valencia without his namesake playing just behind him. Given more time to gel Tevez could similarly take advantage of this supply line, although there is the question of whether the Argentine and Silva are truly compatible given the former’s tendency to drop deep and into the same positions that the Spaniard likes to occupy.

Some critics have also argued that Silva is too lightweight to play this central position in the Premier League. Thankfully in recent weeks these fears have been dispelled, particularly after a stellar performance in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa. The man from the Canaries again demonstrated why even some in the English press have fallen in love with the Spanish tiki-taka style. BBC Radio 5live’s John Murray describing Silva’s performance as “the essence of the Spanish World Cup winning side”.

Indeed Silva arguably made the greatest sacrifice of his football career so far when signing for City. By concluding his transfer from Valencia during the World Cup, specifically against coach Vicente Del Bosque’s orders for no deals to be concluded during that period, Silva was dropped from the starting XI after the loss to Switzerland and only made a brief cameo during the semi-final against Germany in La Roja’s run to World Cup glory.

Ideally for those who want to see Silva thrive in the Premier League he will be permanently deployed in the central attacking-midfield role in a 4-2-3-1, with Johnson on one side and either James Milner or Mario Balotelli (after all he is the second best player in the world – at least in his own head) on the other.

However, Mancini has been reticent to deploy Silva and Johnson together for any length of time this season, indeed many see them as playing in the same ‘inverted winger’ on the right-side position. But that is to miss Silva’s greatest quality as a central player slightly off the main striker. Johnson is quite the opposite, a winger who likes to start wide, pull the full-back out and away from the centre-backs and then run in behind to expose that space. Silva is the most capable of finding these runs with defence splitting passes, as Jonhson’s goal against West Ham recently demonstrated (at 1.30).

Mancini has often been labeled as a negative coach. His decision to continue with Nigel De Jong, Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure behind Silva, Johnson and Tevez against Blackpool is testament to that accusation. Indeed playing these six together tends to unbalance the side with Silva nominally chosen as the wide-left player in a 4-3-3 but moving inside so regularly that Barry has to move from a central position to cover the left-side when City lose the ball. This inbalance can leave City vulnerable to attacks by opposition full-backs.

In any case any chance of seeing Silva playing in his natural position more often may be scuppered completely with the imminent arrival of Edin Dzeko to Eastlands. Presumably Dzeko will play as the furthest forward in a front two with Tevez, the Argentine then dropping deeper to play in the role Silva has been playing. This would in all likelihood force Silva to play more from a wider position and further limit Johnson’s opportunities in the first-team.

Dzeko may provide a more physical presence, but his and Tevez’s opportunities will be curtailed if Silva and Jonson’s ammunition is ultimately sacrificed.

David Villa and Dwight Howard exchange jerseys

Check out some cross marketing between the NBA and La Liga. Gotta love El Guaje Villa's moves, but Dave? Villa looks like he is really enjoying himself.

On Miracles and Resiliency

As a descendent of Spain and Real Madrid supporter, I take no pleasure in seeing Iker Casillas being beaten. As an American, I was filled with unbridled joy to see my country upset the best in the world. My shame during the first two games of the tournament turned into immense pride at seeing the impossible scenario come to fruition at the conclusion of the group stage. The U.S. had qualified for the semifinals in a tournament where the only sorrier team looked to be New Zealand. The U.S. finally found its form against Egypt and beat a team that had looked terribly unlucky not to tie (or beat) Brazil. The dream run continued against unbeaten Spain, who brought down from lofty heights by Altidore, Dempsey, and Howard. Halfway into the final against Brazil the United States were two ahead and likely winners, but a playing-not-to-lose mentality derailed the fairytale.

This defeat stings considerably less than our elimination at Ghanian hands in Germany. The shambolic match against Italy earlier in the tournament was also considerably more frustrating. It is tempting to demand more of this side, especially after having beaten Spain, but much has been learned about the limits of this team. Luis Fabiano's rapid response at the beginning of the second half came too early, knocking the United States into a defensive shell from which it could not emerge. Bob Bradley had little choice in attempting to make some changes to buy breathing room for the heroic back four, but the squad's bench has proven to be shallow. The coach's son, midfielder Michael Bradely, was sorely missed in the second half after suffering the third of a sring of shocking expulsions during the tournament.

There is some comfort to take in the genuine talent that shone against three continental champions: Egpyt, Spain, and Brazil. After years of being critical of Landon Donovan for his supposed softness, penalty-inflated scoring record, and inability to truly shine in Europe, I have come to realize he is something the United States can ill-afford to lose. Donovan is the most conistent threat this country possesses, and one of our hardest working players. By all rights Clint Dempsey should be leading the national team forward after consistently impressing at Fulham in the EPL. Dempsey was unfortunately nowhere to be seen against Italy, Brazil, and Egpyt until he scored in the final minutes. Charlie Davies showed exciting pace and confidence while Jozy Altidore showed his colleagues in La Liga why there is much to respect in the 19-year old striker. Onyewu has shown he deserves another crack at the Premiership, after having failed to impress at now-relegated Newcastle.

I watched the final in a bar in St. Louis, amongst a handful of fans but mostly surrounded by curious onlookers simultaneously watching their baseball team, the Cardinals. My right to listen to the game and commentary was denied by the damnable noise of vuvuzuelas, as the other patrons complained about the noise and made us turn the volume off. Surprisingly, when the U.S. scored the entire bar exploded. I can assure you under ten percent of those watching would be explain to explain the significance of a yellow or red card. ESPN has recently acquired the rights to over forty Premiership matches, assuring the continued growth of the sport in this country. For now, the sport will continue to thrive in its niche, but continued succes from this team in 2010 can only help.

- Alex Galarza - galarza.alex@gmail.com