let's rank soccer prospects!!

He could possibly be even better in the middle, although not in the Barca system.Exactly, and having to choose between left and right i would put him on the left (not saying a player of his talent can't play on the right, as we are currently seeing..). The reason is mainly that even when tightly checked he always seems to be able to cross going on his left side..and once he crosses, are usually wonderful crosses coming..

but keep in mind these are just impressions left from only two games i saw.. hence the need to discuss on his position.:D

He just seems to seek inward and clearly favours his better leg both in possession and passing/shooting.But you prefer him on the left? (since he couldn't find place in the middle under current Barca system ) :confused:

Do some of you guys work as scouts for the Football Manager game? Because I think some of you do a better job then the current scouts for the game.Actually some of us do a better job than some scouts on teams' balance-sheet. :D

:banghead:

Never said so. He could possibly be even better in the middle, although not in the Barca system.
He just seems to seek inward and clearly favours his better leg both in possession and passing/shooting.

Well that's sort of why I was asking. Rijkaard sometimes inverts the wings (tactic from Cruyff) so that they're better at making cutting runs inward.

My only concern for Gio as he gets ready to join the big club soon is that there really isn't a place for him. We could change the formation (as we would have with Henry's arrival), but I don't know that I see it working for him. Either way he'll get playing time via rotation and injury (Messi seems fragile to me).

Well I've caught a few of the youngsters from Barça that I mentioned earlier. Only Gio has thus far looked ready to make the jump. I'm sure Bojan would be as well though, or at least very close. Crosas probably could simply down to his playing style, but there's a bit of a logjam for him. He's still quite young though. I sorta liked Jordi Gomez last night. He looks like a taller Deco out there. Similar run, walk, movement. Anyway, he looked alright.

Verdu and Fragoso didn't impress me in Denmark (finally watched most of that match). Didn't impress Rijkaard either as they're not part of the tour. In fact I'm pretty sure Verdu is gone only a week later (Depor I think).

Well that's sort of why I was asking. Rijkaard sometimes inverts the wings (tactic from Cruyff) so that they're better at making cutting runs inward.

My only concern for Gio as he gets ready to join the big club soon is that there really isn't a place for him. We could change the formation (as we would have with Henry's arrival), but I don't know that I see it working for him. Either way he'll get playing time via rotation and injury (Messi seems fragile to me).

I'm just curious, what would your formation have been if Henry came? I always had a little trouble imagining what Barca would do if Henry went there just because both he and Ronaldinho both love to come in from the left.

I'm just curious, what would your formation have been if Henry came? I always had a little trouble imagining what Barca would do if Henry went there just because both he and Ronaldinho both love to come in from the left.Wrong thread. :)

BTW, I was thinking about making a new list.
What would you guys prefer? Top 50, Top 25? Top 5 per team? Top 10 per birth date?

BTW, I was thinking about making a new list.
What would you guys prefer? Top 50, Top 25? Top 5 per team? Top 10 per birth date?My preference is for an overall top 50, of course.

Wrong thread. :)

Hehehe, you've been practically my policeman lately.

Hehehe, you've been practically my policeman lately.:eek:
Really? Didn't realize it at all.. what i'm forgetting?
and me as a policeman is as credible as leh Habs as a mod..:biglaugh: (sorry les, but i couldn't resist after your new avatar)
(#2 too many 'as' maybe? i guess i have to say sorry one more time to LH here..:joker: maybe this is too stupid to get )

:eek:
Really? Didn't realize it at all.. what i'm forgotting?
and me as a policeman is as credible as leh Habs as a mod..:biglaugh: (sorry les, but i couldn't resist after your new avatar)
(#2 too many 'as' maybe? i guess i have to say sorry one more time to LH here..:joker: maybe this is too stupid to get it)

I'm just kidding around with you helice, no worries.

LH as mod...:eek: One step closer to anarchy. :D

So what's the new cutt off age so I can update my lists and do a top 50 as well?

So what's the new cutt off age so I can update my lists and do a top 50 as well?1/1/84! :)

Wow, nice and quick release Ott! :amazed:

A couple of things though:

-Robben should not be elegible anymore for the Dutch list since he has played way more than 20 games in the EPL.

-Some comparisons seem odd to me.
Robben-Crujff?
Snejider-Aimar?
but the most surprising for me it's Aissati-Emerson!
do you see him so good defensively?

Wow, nice and quick release Ott! :amazed:

A couple of things though:

-Robben should not be elegible anymore for the Dutch list since he has played way more than 20 games in the EPL.Yeah I don't see him as a prospect either but I strictly went by age. Forgot the games played minimum. I'll let him stand for now though.


-Some comparisons seem odd to me.

Robben-Crujff?Definitely. Both have the quickness and easyness to shake off defenders, dodge tackles easily and are shoot first pass later type of guys. He's been compared with the style of Cruijff for a while now. Naturally he can't hold a candle to Cruijff in general, but their styles are quite simular. Never thought this was so surprising.


Snejider-Aimar?Both are quick and relatively small attacking midfielders. Sneijder relies more on his dribble and shot than Aimar does, but I think they're quite simular.


but the most surprising for me it's Aissati-Emerson!
do you see him so good defensively?Not yet, but I think that that will be his eventual role someday. Emerson doesn't loses many balls, either and has underrated offensive skills. I couldn't think of a simular, but slightly more neutral player, did think of Dunga as well. Hard comparing Aissati.

Robben is definately much more like Rensenbrink, including the not showing up in some games part. Both masters of the long dribble on the left side and both can/could take over games.

As for Sneijder and Aimar that a strange one too, Aimar's much more of a dribbler and runner (much more pace) while Sneijder is more of a playmaker due to his passing and set pieces.

Kalou isn't like Eto'o either as he's not a centre forward IMO and not nearly as strong.

As for Aisati I 've only seen him in a few games and he seems like a passer more then a controlling player like Emerson. I see him as a Xavi type of player.



Anyway, nice list and good to read up on all that O=S.

Robben is definately much more like Rensenbrink, including the not showing up in some games part. Both masters of the long dribble on the left side and both can/could take over games.Good one, too. I could live with either as they both make sense to me.


As for Sneijder and Aimar that a strange one too, Aimar's much more of a dribbler and runner (much more pace) while Sneijder is more of a playmaker due to his passing and set pieces.I don't think Sneijder is the playmaker you're making him out to be though. He prefers to create his own chance first before looking to pass it. Logical with a shot like that. I also accused Sneijder of dribbling too much in the past, I don't think the comparison is off. Just that Sneijder shoots more, a lot more and is lethal from the free kick.


Kalou isn't like Eto'o either as he's not a centre forward IMO and not nearly as strong.The strong part is where I agree with. But he'll round out nicely I think and be more firm on the ball and survive more one on one battles. He's also a natural centre forward but played wing because of Kuijt. Considering his speed, technique and eye for the goal, he might be a lot like Eto'o someday. Both also have those over enthousiastic, inaccurate dribbles at times.


As for Aisati I 've only seen him in a few games and he seems like a passer more then a controlling player like Emerson. I see him as a Xavi type of player.Aissati isn't the offensive player Xavi is though. He's a passing, neutral midfielder who controls the pace of the game. Not sure who compares to that.


Comparing players is hard though, but be reminded that it's all based on style, not career wise or impact wise.

O=S, should Robben be on your list since he doesn't play in the Netherlands anymore? Just curious, I did enjoy your write-up though.

I could probably do a short one for England although since I don't live in Europe, it's difficult to see some of these guys on a consistent basis.

Aissati isn't the offensive player Xavi is though.Xavi is not so much of an offensive player, and he was even less as a youngster..

He's a passing, neutral midfielder who controls the pace of the game. Not sure who compares to that.That really sounds like..Xavi! :)

Comparing players is hard though, but be reminded that it's all based on style, not career wise or impact wise.Of course ;)

And here comes the policeman!!..
O=S, should Robben be on your list since he doesn't play in the Netherlands anymore? Just curious..
Slightly above:
-Robben should not be elegible anymore for the Dutch list since he has played way more than 20 games in the EPL.

and from the first post of the lists' thread:

-if the prospect played less than 20 games (since joining it) in the last league where he has been playing, then he will be elegible ALSO for the league's list where he used to play before.
There is one exception to this rule:
if the player left for a foreign country before turning 18 and spent abroad at least three full seasons, he won't be elegible for his native land's lists no matter how many games he has played in the foreign leagues since joining (even if less than 20):dunce:

And here comes the policeman!!..

Slightly above:



Looks like I should be paying more attention to the policeman's posts. My deepest apologies, officer.

List updated till 20..

Seems like Anderlecht might get Boussoufa after all.. Moustafa Boussoufa that is, brother of Mbarek Moustaffa, current Belgian League MVP.

Moustafa Boussoufa is coming from an amateure club from Amsterdam.

Yep the newspapers here have reported it as well, he's on a week long trial right now. Apparently he's a striker and is similar to his brother in the way that he's technically very gifted. We'll see what happens with him in the future.

Funny thing, if we sign Moustafa we might end up with two brother pairs, because not only would we have two Boussoufa's but a few weeks ago Anderlecht also signed Serkan Akin, Serhat Akin's younger brother.

Barazite is starting to get some serious attention at Arsenal with lots more now keeping an eye on him. Realistically though, it's probably at least 3 years until he sees first team action.

Barazite is starting to get some serious attention at Arsenal with lots more now keeping an eye on him. Realistically though, it's probably at least 3 years until he sees first team action.

Well, we just have to see if Wenger really is that good developing talent. Barazite is coming in at a raw age and controls all the fundamentals. It's on Wenger to get the best out of him.

He is somewhat of a project but can be a worldclass striker if he furfilles his potential (see the grade 9.0D)..

:eek:
Really? Didn't realize it at all.. what i'm forgetting?
and me as a policeman is as credible as leh Habs as a mod..:biglaugh: (sorry les, but i couldn't resist after your new avatar)
(#2 too many 'as' maybe? i guess i have to say sorry one more time to LH here.. maybe this is too stupid to get )

Well FYI that is my avatar on the other side, where I'm a mod, as well. :D I actually changed it because the other forum got political (Israel/Lebanon). I had a Laporta for President avatar with an old campaign slogan that included calling for Catalan independence. So I dumped it for being political.

I'll also have you know that they approached me to be a mod again, not the other way around. :teach:

Not too much 'as'. I've got a word for you though, take as and just add an s. :naughty:

LH as mod...:eek: One step closer to anarchy. :D

I've also been a Community Manager and an Admin in the past. :teach:

I'm just curious, what would your formation have been if Henry came? I always had a little trouble imagining what Barca would do if Henry went there just because both he and Ronaldinho both love to come in from the left.

I think it was something like this, but I forget:

----------------Henry---------------Eto'o-----------------


Ronaldinho-------------------------------------------Messi

------------------Deco--------------Xavi-----------------

Gio-------------Puyol---------------Marquez-------Olegue

--------------------------Valdes-------------------------


I think that was it, but I'm not sure. It might have also been a 4-3-1-2 It was in an article I guess. Of course now there have been some new reinforcements.

Robben is definately much more like Rensenbrink, including the not showing up in some games part. Both masters of the long dribble on the left side and both can/could take over games.

As for Sneijder and Aimar that a strange one too, Aimar's much more of a dribbler and runner (much more pace) while Sneijder is more of a playmaker due to his passing and set pieces.

Kalou isn't like Eto'o either as he's not a centre forward IMO and not nearly as strong.

As for Aisati I 've only seen him in a few games and he seems like a passer more then a controlling player like Emerson. I see him as a Xavi type of player.



Anyway, nice list and good to read up on all that O=S.

I agree here, except with Aisati. I don't know enough about him to comment. :blush:

Either way, great work Ott. I noticed you didn't compare Farfan with anybody. Anybody wanna take a stab at a comparison. I've only seen some clips, but I have a name in mind. Not sure enough to mention him though.

I agree here, except with Aisati. I don't know enough about him to comment. :blush:

Either way, great work Ott. I noticed you didn't compare Farfan with anybody. Anybody wanna take a stab at a comparison. I've only seen some clips, but I have a name in mind. Not sure enough to mention him though.

Just shoot.. I'm lost on that one as well..

Farfan reminds me of Bebeto.

Just shoot.. I'm lost on that one as well..

Well I guess it's less a comparison as maybe I felt Farfan would be a good backup for him based on the few clips I saw. Eto'o? Definitely not the same build (Farfan's a bit thicker I think), but both are physically good.

Actually I heard a Saviola comparison in the past. Though I know a lot of Cules that feel that Saviola is too similar to Eto'o, though I think they're different enough.

Farfan reminds me of Bebeto.

Bebeto was more a finesse player, Farfan has both strength and pace and not nearly the technical gifts Bebeto had.

I'm thinking more along the lines of a Sidney Govou type of player when he was younger and playing striker from time to time: not big but quick and strong.
Farfan with vastly superior goalscoring potential and inferior workrate and teamwork.

That's my best shot :)

The thing with Bebeto is the way they start plays on the wing to suddenly go to center behind the defenseman's back. That was something Bebeto did a lot and Farfan does it well too (Saviola as well BTW).
As for pure physical strengh, he's obviously more thick than Bebeto.
Govou is an interesting comparison.

So is Eto'o way off or what?

So is Eto'o way off or what?

A bit. Eto'o relies more on his speed and is more techniqually gifted. I'm having trouble agreeing with any I've seen here, but at the same time I can't come up with any, either. Saviola is the best one I've heard though, Saviola with more physical strenght.

There, finished the first 25. Hoping to complete the next within the next two days.

So is Eto'o way off or what?Yes, completely off.

The thing with Bebeto is the way they start plays on the wing to suddenly go to center behind the defenseman's back. That was something Bebeto did a lot and Farfan does it well too (Saviola as well BTW).That's true, but aside from movement on the pitch i can't see how Bebeto and Saviola are similar to Farfan.

Govou so far is the best mentioned imo. I think there was someone more fitting, but it's not crossing my mind at the moment.. :rolleyes:

A bit. Eto'o relies more on his speedDefinitely.
and is more techniqually gifted. Disagree.

Govou so far is the best mentioned imo. I think there was someone more fitting, but it's not crossing my mind at the moment.. :rolleyes:mmmh..i had the sensation it had to be a former Brazilian.. not sure if it is the best one, but i feel like this is one step closer. And know what, i think it will be completely useless cause LH and probably most of others as well don't remember him.
I'm thinking of Luis Antonio Corrrea da Costa, better known as Luis Muller, a former international with Brazil (was there at the WC in '86, '90, '94) and a huge waste of talent.
Farfan reminds me a bit of Luis Muller as a youngster (let's say until '90 WC), even if with less genius, but more physical strenght and better ball protection.

Up to 45, final 5 will come somewhere tomorrow..

Done

http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6243529&postcount=92

Be free to ask questions..

I posted the first half of my top 50 (or rather top 40 L1 and top 10 L2).
The rest comes tomorrow.
Feel free to ask any question and any comment will be appreciated (yes, even negative!).

http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6264926&postcount=93

Exactly 50% (25 players) of my prospect list are from Ajax' system.. :biglaugh:

Somehow that made me laugh, and then I even left out some big names (Daley Blind, Nigel Hasselbaink, van Duin, etc.).

My top 40+10 is posted.
You'll find it here :
http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6264926&postcount=55

Italians start to like Gourcuff apparently. You can see the Kaka similarities :
http://video.google.fr/videoplay?docid=-4729618200092908153&q=gourcuff

Finally started on my list, as promised.. well, months ago.

Foppe de Haan (Coach Oranje U21) will invite Quincy-Owusu Abeyie one more time after all. He said that he's got too much potential to just leave him off, but he needs to improve his behaviour and mentality for him to actually make the squad.

Luka Modric, main problem is his fitness and his size but he is probably right now Croatia's biggest talent.

Corluka who also made his debut yesterday against Italy is probably the best defensive prospect (Dinamo Zagreb), tall defender, good in the air and he is actually pretty good on the ball

Luka Modric, main problem is his fitness and his size but he is probably right now Croatia's biggest talent.Yeah, promising, but more than Kranjcar?

Kranjcar has somewhat dropped, maybe too much was expected from him and the pressure from the media got to him because he is still playing in Croatia when many were expecting him to play abroad already, he had an OK World Cup in my opinion.

Kranjcar has better vision I think, good on the ball while Modric is more on a hard worker, can't stop running.

So far in the Croatian season, Kranjcar has two goals and three assists (three matches) while Modric has a goal and one assist and he had a decent game against Arsenal.

Bilic likes them both but he wants Kranjcar to earn a place in the starting 11, not before where Kranjcar could of been in the poorest form of his life and still make the NT because his father was the manager

Kranjcar has better vision I think, good on the ball while Modric is more on a hard worker, can't stop running.Yeah, that matches what i've seen of them.

Kranjcar ... had an OK World Cup in my opinion.Agree. I really liked his skills at the WC.

Takharov, I REALLY need some info on Higuain.
I've read a couple of articles about this guy (has the double nationality french-argentinian), when he was still a promising prospect. But from what I've heard, he's been fantastic last season and has taken another dimension.
He's from 87, so I'm not sure how he would fit with french selections (87 being a loaded year).

Anyway, I need some comments and insight on him.

Video here :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrUOKsA0JRc&mode=related&search=

Takharov, I REALLY need some info on Higuain.
I've read a couple of articles about this guy (has the double nationality french-argentinian), when he was still a promising prospect. But from what I've heard, he's been fantastic last season and has taken another dimension.
He's from 87, so I'm not sure how he would fit with french selections (87 being a loaded year).

Anyway, I need some comments and insight on him.

Video here :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrUOKsA0JRc&mode=related&search=

I believe he lLives in Argentina and plays for Argentinian youthteams. I wouldn't hold my breath on him ever comitting his future to France.

I believe he lLives in Argentina and plays for Argentinian youthteams. I wouldn't hold my breath on him ever comitting his future to France.
He's already chosen the french nationality and isn't playing for youth argentinian selections.

He's already chosen the french nationality

As in comitting his football career to France?

just had a bit of a read of O=S and Evilo's lists, fantastic work guys

I'm hoping to turn my list of English based players (done by position) into a top 50 soon, can't promise when as work commitments will keep on coming until late September, but I sure hope to get it done.

As in comitting his football career to France?
Yep.
That kind of helps with a UE passport.

BTW Juni, I heard N'Zogbia (I also saw a few highlights) played really well in his first game.
Is he a definite starter now? I'll love any update on this guy.

Yep.
That kind of helps with a UE passport.

BTW Juni, I heard N'Zogbia (I also saw a few highlights) played really well in his first game.
Is he a definite starter now? I'll love any update on this guy.

I don't think he's a definite starter yet just because Newcastle's midfield is so stacked right now. But I'd look for him to start plenty of games and get plenty of time. He's definitely one of the Premiership's brighter young talents.

Main points: awareness of his strikers,very mobile,superb right foot with very powerful shot & accurate distribution,good body balance.Not so good heading the ball,can be easy to force off the ball( he still has to grow )MODERATE pace & often unaware of whats going on behind him as he goes forward.


Just broke into the River team last term in the Clausura (I think he bagged 5 goals last term ) & of course he really came to light v Corinthians with his brace of goals.

He couldnt get regular spots as Oberman & Farias favoured upfront but was penned in with Belluschi on the left Montenegro in the middle as the future River midfield for next 2 seasons(but of course there is the mad chairman).

Still a lot of upside.As his physical side matures should be a good squad /1st team player in Europe Spain Italy France wise over the next 2-3 years & if he continues like this reasonable contributor goals wise & assist wise from the right central midfield.

However I'm mystified by this choice.France has plenty of depth as you say evilO. He already qualifies as an EU qualified player dual national so a transfer wouldnt be affected. He hasnt played for any age level for Argentina either surprisingly enough hes a late bloomer.

However JP went to quite a few River games & praised the youngster as did Tocalli so he was due a call up & seeing his current form it would have come for next u20 cup.

He outplayed Sebby Leto another touted young midfielder in the game River v Lanus showing the more incisive passing & dominance(albeit Leto has a poorer team to work with talent wise)& self confidence.

I dont know if he'd make the grade with Argentina.He hasnt been tested in a really tough league & there are other candidates age wise for the RM berth.

He does have a brother Federico a striker with more pace & raw power currently at newly promoted Nueva Chicago & pencilled in to join River(Passarella is an admirer) of this style for 2007.He Federico certainly wouldnt be in any way a find for France.

If Govou is going to Valencia then OL are said to be considering a bid for Gonzalo Chelsea inevitably are also linked.With Kuyt at Liverpool dont think Rafa would shell out again for another striker.

Thanks!

takharov, one person you may be familiar with is Jay DeMerit, Watford centre half. How old is he? He's looked damn impressive whenever i've seen him...

takharov, one person you may be familiar with is Jay DeMerit, Watford centre half. How old is he? He's looked damn impressive whenever i've seen him...

Newham he will turn 27 at the end of this year. Hes a superb athlete & was a collegiate footballer & basketballer.

He then decided on his own volition to trial for MLS Chicago Fire.He didnt make it there so came over here. Our ex boss Ray Lewington saw him play for Northwood Town against us in a pre season friendly in July 2004 & signed him on.

He was initially very shaky in terms of positioning but his attributes of determination mental toughness & superb aerial dominance were there. He was & is never going to be the quickest but his positioning & reading of game situations has been constantly improving.

Initially AB left him out (as hes not one of Aidys men) but his conduct & play in the reserves impressed him so he was brought back in much to our delight.Hes a cult figure alongside King. And hes not looked back since. I think he can only get better.He shut Johnson out in the second half v Everton (he would have started but there were concerns over an ankle strain) & coped well with Harewood last night.

If the new US coach needs a solid leader at the back its Jay.Hes a born leader. I've spoken to him and hes a down to earth laid back character who is extremely modest.A

I think the highlight has to be his performances against Liverpool in the League Cup semi finals where he kept the Liverpool strikers in his pocket in both legs.

27? Christ, thought he was younger than that. Excellent defender though. Other youngsters to look out for:

Izale McLeod
Billy Sharp
That Southampton kid who scored that excellent free-kick against the sheep.
Nicolas Bendtner

I can't be bothered going on :)

Southampton kid is Gareth Bale, who is a fine emerging left back who has a hell of a free kick on him. 17 years old, scored 2 already this season and hit the post/bar with 2 others.

On ChelseaTV online they carry footage of all Chelsea's youth/reserve games last season, Bale scored a free kick vs Chelsea reserves, so he's been doing it at some level for a while. One to watch for sure.

Southampton kid is Gareth Bale, who is a fine emerging left back who has a hell of a free kick on him. 17 years old, scored 2 already this season and hit the post/bar with 2 others.

On ChelseaTV online they carry footage of all Chelsea's youth/reserve games last season, Bale scored a free kick vs Chelsea reserves, so he's been doing it at some level for a while. One to watch for sure.

A defender with a speciality in free kicks? Sounds interesting.. Keep us updated!

A defender with a speciality in free kicks? Sounds interesting.. Keep us updated!


I wonder when Chelsea will be tapping him up. ;)

Ott, as for the red names on your list.. the professional games limit is related only to games played in the foreign league where the prospect is playing (to determine if he is by now only elegible for that country's list or still for the original one as well. Hence Robben and John are the only ones deserving the specification ;) ).

Ott, as for the red names on your list.. the professional games limit is related only to games played in the foreign league where the prospect is playing (to determine if he is by now only elegible for that country's list or still for the original one as well. Hence Robben and John are the only ones deserving the specification ;) ).

Ah, gotcha! That makes Anita my number 1 prospect I think..

-According to reports from Portugal, Txiki Bergistain was in Portugal to have a look at Porto's young Brazilian Anderson. Any thoughts on the player?Trying to add something to the fact he is a great talent:

He has a terrific left foot, can deliver great crosses and looks even better when shooting. Can already protect well the ball, has more power than 'dinho at the same age (probably less pure technique), good running and acceleration.

What is making him an even more seducing package is that at the moment it seems possible for him to develop into a real midfielder (not purely offensive midfielder); think about Deco with Barca as for a position (not style-wise) i would not rule out for his future.

I can't wait to watch Porto's group in the CL with Arsenal, CSKA (the 3 Brazilians) and Amburg (Kompany and the others..)

Trying to add something to the fact he is a great talent:

He has a terrific left foot, can deliver great crosses and looks even better when shooting. Can already protect well the ball, has more power than 'dinho at the same age (probably less pure technique), good running and acceleration.

What is making him an even more seducing package is that at the moment it seems possible for him to develop into a real midfielder (not purely offensive midfielder); think about Deco with Barca as for a position (not style-wise) i would not rule out for his future.

I can't wait to watch Porto's group in the CL with Arsenal, CSKA (the 3 Brazilians) and Amburg (Kompany and the others..)

Wasn't he the reason that Portugal sold Diego? I'm looking forward to seeing the new Porto team as well.

Wasn't he the reason that Portugal sold Diego? I don't have any info about that, but i guess it could be the case.

I don't have any info about that, but i guess it could be the case.

Yeah, so I'm guessing that he must be really good because I've seen Diego play for Bremen twice so far and I've been really impressed both times, it seems like he's been involved in all their goals.

Two former Eredivisie players praised Mbark Boussoufa (~25th on my prospect list) after the game between them and Real:

"I already know Boussoufa a little bit, he was really good" - Ruud van Nistelrooij.

"Especially that little one can play great football. Anderlecht as a whole has gotten better as well" - Mahamadou Diarra

Biglia was the big standout though, Mbark was 'just' very good.

Arturo Lupoli scored two goals in his first start for Derby in the Championship yesterday.

I haven't seen them, but the first one, he apparently beat two defenders and scored and the second one, he got onto a throughball from Ryan Smith (a former Arsenal product) and scored. The second-goal was actually described as "Henry-like."

I really hope we can hang onto him, but we have so many strikers right now. I'd rather have Lupoli than Adebayor though.

Arturo Lupoli scored two goals in his first start for Derby in the Championship yesterday.

I haven't seen them, but the first one, he apparently beat two defenders and scored and the second one, he got onto a throughball from Ryan Smith (a former Arsenal product) and scored. The second-goal was actually described as "Henry-like.":yo: Thanks for the update FlyHigh!

Valon Behrami suffered a serious muscular injury in the past days and is once again sidelined indefinitely. :banghead:

Denilson from Sao Paulo scouting report wanted

France leads 2-0 vs Scotland in U-23 qualifying.

Line-up
GK Mandanda
D Berthod-Zubar-Bourillon (cap)-Ebondo
DM L. Diarra-J.Clément
W Sinama-Pongolle and Gouffran
F Briand, Benzema.

Goals by Briand, breakaway (Diarra steals, passed to Gouffran for a huge assist, 3rd minute)
2nd goal by Sinama-Pongolle, on a corner kick and again nice work by Gouffran.

Gouffran, the new Wiltord! :yo:

Gouffran, the new Wiltord! :yo:

He's rising...;)
Lloris replaced Mandanda for the 2nd half (injured it seems). Lloris plays his 1st NT game... Another rising GK.

Oranje U21 (with 7 players on the IR) beat Bayern Leverkussen 3-1 today. Haris Medunjanin scored two pretty sweet goals.

Niko Kranjcar signs for Portsmouth, lets see how he does in the best league in the world :)

Haris Medunjanin should play for BiH

Final score is 3-1 for France, 3rd goal late by Gourcuff (assisted by Briand) before a penalty kick for Scotland.
France cleanly dominated this game, despite 2 posts for host Scotland.

Done

http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6243529&postcount=92

Be free to ask questions..

Has de Guzman said 100% that he will play for Netherlands rather than Canada?

Medunjanin: Don't expect him to chose Bosnia over Holland. He's been with most youth teams and can become an integral part of big Oranje someday, I don't think he'll comitt his future to Bosnia. I think the odds are 70/30

De Guzman: Nothing is official, but it's looking more and more he's chosing Holland. I expect him to get a call up during the Euro 2008 qualification series, and that's when he has to make up his mind. Odds here are 80/20 I think..

De Guzman: Nothing is official, but it's looking more and more he's chosing Holland. I expect him to get a call up during the Euro 2008 qualification series, and that's when he has to make up his mind. Odds here are 80/20 I think..

That sucks. :(

That sucks. :(

Yeah I understand. He's never going to be a starter for Holland, but he still has great odds experiencing a WC or EC with them..

Just noticed I left out two relatively big talents in my top 50 list (Cissé and Donk). I might work them in and give you an update..

Agree on Benzema having overtaken Hatem at the moment.
Nice to see you are still that high on Nasri (agree on the comment his main forte is his ability to make good choices when dribbling at full speed, being the primary reason that makes me like him)
A bit surprised to see Menez ahead of Rodriguez, but i stil have seen the first only through highlights..also, i guess Cristian's current situation is hurting.. still in the coach's doghouse? And not playing?
Surprising to see Taiwo 10 spots ahead of Thicot on your list: judging by your past comments i was not expecting that. Thicot dropped? (was second on your defensemen list 18 months ago, but i've now noticed he was not even on the second last list :huh:..forgotten or out of the top 50 in January 2006?)

About Taiwo, i don't think the comparison with West is fitting (aside from nationality and skin) since Taribo was basically a central defenseman.

Agree on Benzema having overtaken Hatem at the moment.
Nice to see you are still that high on Nasri (agree on the comment his main forte is his ability to make good choices when dribbling at full speed, being the primary reason that makes me like him)
A bit surprised to see Menez ahead of Rodriguez, but i stil have seen the first only through highlights..also, i guess Cristian's current situation is hurting.. still in the coach's doghouse? And not playing?
Surprising to see Taiwo 10 spots ahead of Thicot on your list: judging by your past comments i was not expecting that. Thicot dropped? (was second on your defensemen list 18 months ago, but i've now noticed he was not even on the second last list :huh:..forgotten or out of the top 50 in January 2006?)

About Taiwo, i don't think the comparison with West is fitting (aside from nationality and skin) since Taribo was basically a central defenseman.

On Benzema : he's the brightest youngster so far in L1, and he's 18 still.

On Nasri : how can you not be high on him (except he plays for Marseille ;) )? He's the total package in midfield.

Menez vs Rodriguez : Obviously, Rodriguez is in a hard situation. But he's also much younger than Menez, and I'm among those who think Menez is BOUND to be a star. Rodriguez is much more of a risk as of now, especially since one plays in Monaco regularly, one rarely plays for PSG.

Thicot : It's possible I forgot him last time (don't remember), but he had never played an L1 (or L2) minute until this season, so it's always hard to evaluate through a few youth selection games and articles and hearsay. I've always liked what I saw of him, but he should see some time this season, and I'll see if he can go up the rankings.

Taiwo : West blossomed as LB in Auxerre, and he was strikingly similar to how Taiwo is playing now in Marseille.

Taiwo/Thicot : no doubt I'd take Thicot on my team, but one is a starter for Marseille, one hasn't played in L1 yet, so it's really hard to compare. I try to be honest with Taiwo, he has a huge physical impact, but I generally dislike the way he plays and the bonehead mistakes he's made.

I have to agree with these statements...
I'm not sold on Rodriguez, I found him too high on that list.
And I'll put Lloris higher as well.

Overall, good list.
My opinion :
should be lower :
Rodriguez, Mvuemba, Mangani, Riou

should be higher
Fae, Lloris, Debuchy, Gakpe, Perrin

Rising with the start of the season
Benzema, Nasri, Mavuba, Zubar, Lloris, Gakpe

Falling with the start of the season
Rodriguez, Keseru, Mangani, Thicot and Paillot (no L1 game)
In ligue 2 I'll say now Gouffran is making a statement for #1. Gameiro could be higher as well.

Don't forget Gignac, who could do some damage in the rankings.

Helice, I'd be curious to know where Gourcuff will rank in the italian list.
Have you had the chance of seeing him play with Milan yet?

I saw o=s list and watched Quincy Owusu-Abeyie video,
man does that guy has skills!!!!
was he playing against poor opposition or is he just the next henry ?

He definately looked like a faster c.ronaldo!

Menez vs Rodriguez : Obviously, Rodriguez is in a hard situation. But he's also much younger than Menez, :confused: There must be something wrong here.

Thanks for the rest.
Do you know if any team (French or foreign) tried to acquire Rodriguez during this off season and how much PSG was asking for?

Helice, I'd be curious to know where Gourcuff will rank in the italian list.
Have you had the chance of seeing him play with Milan yet?Eh, i would need to elaborate a new ranking to know that.. i guess he would crack the top 10 though. Fact is, in the Italian list at the moment there wouldn't be any certainties on top and many interesting candidates for the top 15..i would need to think about it..

I've seen him only once so far with Milan (is not getting much playing time), he came in as a sub against Red Star in the CL qualifier..
i liked the personality he showed, was not shy and was willing to run and help like a sub coming in late should do, especially in a very important game. He wasted a decent opportunity for a good shooter with a poor shot, could have done better on that one considering his skills, but overall those ones were some encouraging minutes.

I was hoping the rumours saying Torino could get him on loan were true..it would have been good for him and my club..but i guess we were too busy pursuing some expiring horses like Fiore..:dunno:

:confused: There must be something wrong here.

Thanks for the rest.
Do you know if any team (French or foreign) tried to acquire Rodriguez during this off season and how much PSG was asking for?
Oops...:innocent:
Obviously it was the other way around. Menez is much younger.

As for Rodriguez, no news filtered. I'm not really sure he was on the market. PSG's coach had words that could be interpreted that way, but there was never a single rumor about him.

I saw o=s list and watched Quincy Owusu-Abeyie video,
man does that guy has skills!!!!
was he playing against poor opposition or is he just the next henry ?

He definately looked like a faster c.ronaldo!


In terms of pure skill, Owusu might be the best prospect in the entire world. He even has strenght, some great wheels and isn't even that selfish. It's just that he doesn't has the best mentallity. He's known as a troublemaker, often being arrested for fighting and doesn't seem to have the dicipline to follow the guidelines teams have these days. Coaches are sick of this, he was sent away from Ajax because of it and seems to have ruined his young (U21) Oranje career as well, though lately the coach has been inviting him again as he just can't deny the talent. He was good for Arsenal though, even earning some minutes in the league and CL. He just dominated their youth..

If he matures, gets his act together and starts to play with more efficiency (consistency) I just wouldn't know if there's a prospect walking around right now which has more potential. Huge if though, in fact, I don't have high hopes at all.

In terms of pure skill, Owusu might be the best prospect in the entire world. He even has strenght, some great wheels and isn't even that selfish. It's just that he doesn't has the best mentallity. He's known as a troublemaker, often being arrested for fighting and doesn't seem to have the dicipline to follow the guidelines teams have these days. Coaches are sick of this, he was sent away from Ajax because of it and seems to have ruined his young (U21) Oranje career as well, though lately the coach has been inviting him again as he just can't deny the talent. He was good for Arsenal though, even earning some minutes in the league and CL. He just dominated their youth..

If he matures, gets his act together and starts to play with more efficiency (consistency) I just wouldn't know if there's a prospect walking around right now which has more potential. Huge if though, in fact, I don't have high hopes at all.

He needs to work on his passing as well IMO. Quincy and RvP both had the opportunity to study under Bergkamp, RvP took the opportunity, but Quincy did not.

He needs to work on his passing as well IMO. Quincy and RvP both had the opportunity to study under Bergkamp, RvP took the opportunity, but Quincy did not.

I don't think there's anything wrong with his passing. I remember he delivered two clear scoring chances while he was running at full speed (and that's pretty darn fast) during the U20's last summer. I do think he's often too enthousiatic when it comes to shooting, often resulting in some 'way-off-target' ones..

Both van Persie and Owusu are known as problemchilds, only Robin matured, Quincy did not. Quincy has superior skill though..

I don't think there's anything wrong with his passing. I remember he delivered two clear scoring chances while he was running at full speed (and that's pretty darn fast) during the U20's last summer. I do think he's often too enthousiatic when it comes to shooting, often resulting in some 'way-off-target' ones..

Both van Persie and Owusu are known as problemchilds, only Robin matured, Quincy did not. Quincy has superior skill though..

He's a decent passer, but compared to the rest of his game, it's below par. RvP has actually developed into a very clever passer when he wants to be, something that Quincy has not done.

Of course I agree that Quincy is a better talent though.

Considering the fact that Quincy isn't a playmaker, I don't think he needs to improve it. It's quite average..


Anyway; Mounier El Hamdoui (21 - Willem II, formerly Tottenham) said he's no worse than Robin van Persie and likes to get a call up rom van Basten one of these days.

Personally I think he easily has as much talent and he even plays a lot like him as well, but he needs to prove a fair bit more. Would love to see him in Oranje someday though..

Also, Moussa Dembele, 18 year old striker for AZ will start for Belgium in their qualification match tonight. Great talent..

Russia v. Croatia ends 0:0, the field was absolutely horrible, you could barely see the center cirle.

anyway Croatia dominated the first half and hit the post twice while Russia played much better in the second half and forced Pletikosa to make 3-4 good saves, Russia didn't have one shot in the first half though

Overall good game by Croatia who were fielded almost a B team

19-year-old Roman Eremenko is now the third youngest Finn ever (behind Mikael Forssell and Teemu Tainio) to play in a top 5 league in the world as he recently debuted for Udinese in their Serie A opening match. Full 90 minutes of playing time, too. Not bad! :thumbu:

Eremenko is probably Finland's top prospect at the moment...I just hope he won't turn into Russia's top prospect within the next two years. Quick, Roy - act while you still have time! ;)

another potential Croatian talent, his name is Nikola Kalinic, in 2005 he was the top scorer at the U17 level in Europe and he is owned by Hajduk Split but he is currently on loan at another first division club Pula Staro Cesko

One knock on him is that he is lazy but you can see the talent and if he plays hard he can be a great player, he also isn't the smartest boy around, still in his first year of gimnazija (9th grade I am guessing) and he is 18 :help:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wtguAoJXWs

19-year-old Roman Eremenko is now the third youngest Finn ever (behind Mikael Forssell and Teemu Tainio) to play in a top 5 league in the world as he recently debuted for Udinese in their Serie A opening match. Full 90 minutes of playing time, too. Not bad! :thumbu:

Eremenko is probably Finland's top prospect at the moment...I just hope he won't turn into Russia's top prospect within the next two years. Quick, Roy - act while you still have time! ;)

I remember that a few years ago there was a young romanian player (I don't remember his name but it was a romanian name) playing for Finland and he was really talented. If you know who I'm talking about what do you know about him? What happened to him?

Interview with Yoann Gouffran, Caen's fantastic forward :
En L2 plutôt qu'en Premier League. L'attaquant caennais Yoan Gouffran a révélé, mercredi à la chaîne britannique Skysports, qu'il avait refusé cet été une offre de Chelsea. «En France, Auxerre, Saint-Etienne et Monaco voulaient me recruter. Chelsea m'a aussi fait une offre concrète mais je n'étais pas intéressé, a déclaré le joueur âgé de 20 ans. Regardez leur politique. Avec toutes les stars qu'ils achètent, il n'y aurait pas eu de place pour moi. Ils m'auraient prêté pendant un an et je ne veux pas de ça.»

Formé au club, l'international espoir français évolue en équipe première depuis 2003. Et voit pour l'instant son avenir à Caen : «Je voulais rester au moins une saison de plus parce que le projet de Caen est intéressant. (...) Les dirigeants du club veulent remonter en L1 la saison prochaine. Mais si nous échouons, je partirai.» Un départ qui ne devrait toutefois pas lui faire franchir les frontières : «Si je pars, ce sera pour m'investir dans un vrai projet. J'ai un plan de carrière. D'abord je veux progresser avec Caen. Ensuite, rejoindre une équipe de L1 qui m'aidera à progresser», a poursuivi Gouffran, avant de préciser : «Pas une trop grosse équipe.»
Basically, Auxerre, St Etienne, Monaco and Chelsea made offers for him this summer, and he turned them all down to stay in L2.
He added that Chelsea's policy meant he had no place playing there and that loans were useless.
He added that he'll stay in Caen except if they fail to promote to L1 (I doubt they fail), and that if they do fail, he'll leave for a french team, but only a mid-table team.

Pretty good head this guy has.

He's a decent passer, but compared to the rest of his game, it's below par. RvP has actually developed into a very clever passer when he wants to be, something that Quincy has not done.

Of course I agree that Quincy is a better talent though.

Just watched the Spartak vs. Sporting game, and Quincy came on for the last 15 minutes or so, when Spartak had struggled for a while after Sporting's equalizer. He showed his speed and good PASSING(!), from which at least one chance should have been converted by Pavlichenko.

Anybody know, what kind of playing time he gets in the Russian league, is there consistency in his play?

Just watched the Spartak vs. Sporting game, and Quincy came on for the last 15 minutes or so, when Spartak had struggled for a while after Sporting's equalizer. He showed his speed and good PASSING(!), from which at least one chance should have been converted by Pavlichenko.

Anybody know, what kind of playing time he gets in the Russian league, is there consistency in his play?

Not much from what I know. He's probably the first substitute though. Spartac doesn't really play with wingers nor is his game very Russian like. I still wonder why he ever went so far out east.

He needs to play for a mid-to-low team in England or even head back to Holland if he ever wants to become the superstar he can become. He's 22 already I believe, which are crucial years. I don't even remember how many talents Holland lost because of poor career choices, well that and injuries and such (Hesp anyone?).

I remember that a few years ago there was a young romanian player (I don't remember his name but it was a romanian name) playing for Finland and he was really talented. If you know who I'm talking about what do you know about him? What happened to him?

There seems to be a 21-year old player named Petrescu (ex-Leicester) playing in the Finnish league. Other than that, I don't anything about him.

http://www.fcinter.com/default.asp?id=32ji2ypjnd1

BTW I thought Owusu was the best man on Spartac's side tonight, even if it were for only 20 minutes. He creates so much danger and is a constant threat with his speed and technique. I was also impressed with Nani, which appears to be another talented Portuguese which plays a Brazillian style.

There seems to be a 21-year old player named Petrescu (ex-Leicester) playing in the Finnish league. Other than that, I don't anything about him.

http://www.fcinter.com/default.asp?id=32ji2ypjnd1

Yes thanks, he's the one I was talking about. But it seems he didn't manage to live up to his potential. He was leicester's player at 17 and had a great future ahead, now i see him back in finland :(

Yes thanks, he's the one I was talking about. But it seems he didn't manage to live up to his potential. He was leicester's player at 17 and had a great future ahead, now i see him back in finland :(

Yeah, Petrescu struggled in England and came back to earn more playing time. He had a fine season last year, but according to Inter fans has been quite "phlegmatic" on the field within the past few months. Sounds like he has too much talent and not enough discipline and determination for his own good. Dominating weak junior leagues in Finland like he used to is a far cry from top level football I'm afraid.

Although I did see him in the FIFA U17 World Championships back in 2003 and even then he seemed a bit overhyped to me (and to many other Finnish fans as well) and was actually outplayed by a few of his fellow Finns in that tournament.

Guys, can someone remind me of the criteria for qualification for a prospect list and when a player graduates? I may have some time this week to do a top 50 English players, but I want to get the list correct in these areas, obviously.

I will update the list in a few weeks after my exams are done. Players added will be Janssen, Cissé, Donk, Slory and Bruijns while Robben (#1) and John will be graduated.

Guys, can someone remind me of the criteria for qualification for a prospect list and when a player graduates? I may have some time this week to do a top 50 English players, but I want to get the list correct in these areas, obviously.
I think they have to be from 84 and after now.
Try to rank only the players that are playing in the english league (I think we OKed the cut off games at 20 - meaning that if a player has less than 20 games in his current league, he is to be ranked in his previous league).
But that's much looser than first thought.
As long as your list makes sense and is not redundant with others (like 2 lists listing the same player 1st because he played in two leagues).
Myself, I deleted every player that left L1. I find it much more unbiased, since I don't judge a Sinama on what I saw in Le Havre and with the U21 for instance, and I leave that to the spanish lists.
Some guys might fly under the radar with this system, but I find it objective : you rank the players you actually see currently in your league.

http://www.24sata.hr/repository/images/_variations/4/8/483279dd495d3632fbd05d4bb4712a59_large_slideshow.j pg

Vedran Corluka
Name: Vedran Ćorluka
Birthplace: Doboj, BiH (he was forced to leave during the war as Doboj had a Croatian minority, he and his family moved to Zagreb)
Birthdate: February 5, 1986
Height 191 cm
Position: Sweeper, center back
Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb youth system, Inter Zapresic (loan) Dinamo Zagreb
Internationals: All Croatian youth categories, 2 caps for Croatia (debut against Italy, 2:0 win)

He has risen his stock this season with the good play against Russia and he kept Van Persie and Henry quiet during Dinamo's matches against Arsenal. Unfortunately the "experienced" defenders of Dinamo looked more foolish. Good in the air, solid at the back, Slaven Bilic said he can be the next Stam

Only problem with his is, he sometimes gets too cute with the ball, which is not good for a sweeper :biglaugh: I mean he handles the ball well with his dribbling but at times you see him dribbling to center field, it may work in the Croatian league and at the U21 level but not at the highest level

Not saying he will play for one of the big clubs, but he can become a successful defender in the Bundesliga or Serie A maybe even the EPL but our players tend to struggle there

He also kind of looks like Goran Visnjic :D

He has risen his stock this season with the good play against Russia and he kept Van Persie and Henry quiet during Dinamo's matches against Arsenal.

I hope for your sake this wasn't him:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sX8TrTcIJl4

He has risen his stock this season with the good play against Russia and he kept Van Persie and Henry quiet during Dinamo's matches against Arsenal.

Henry didn't play the first game and came in after 65 minutes in the 2nd game for his first game of the year. And just a note, Arsenal scored 2 goals in 25 minutes after Henry's introduction.

RvP played both games and I believe that he scored in the one in Zagreb.

about the video, no that was Mario Cvitanovic who is supposed to be one of the experienced defender Dinamo brought in, all of the Arsenal goals were his fault

as for Corluka, the one mistake he made in that Arsenal game was the second goal (the long ball) but how can you expect Dinamo to beat Arsenal :dunno:

I think they have to be from 84 and after now.
Try to rank only the players that are playing in the english league (I think we OKed the cut off games at 20 - meaning that if a player has less than 20 games in his current league, he is to be ranked in his previous league).
But that's much looser than first thought.
As long as your list makes sense and is not redundant with others (like 2 lists listing the same player 1st because he played in two leagues).
Myself, I deleted every player that left L1. I find it much more unbiased, since I don't judge a Sinama on what I saw in Le Havre and with the U21 for instance, and I leave that to the spanish lists.
Some guys might fly under the radar with this system, but I find it objective : you rank the players you actually see currently in your league.

Alright, that's cool. How many games before a player 'graduates' then?

Guys, can someone remind me of the criteria for qualification for a prospect list and when a player graduates? I may have some time this week to do a top 50 English players, but I want to get the list correct in these areas, obviously.

Juni, I know you follow Chelsea, so I was just wondering if you had any information about the young Israeli who was signed this summer, Ben Sahar. I read that he's been playing well for Chelsea's reserve side, but nothing specific.

He's started off really well, has scored for the youth team and the reserves already, and will join up for Israeli u21 duty this week. I've seen him play once in person at Chelsea Youth vs Cardiff Youth, he's got good height, he's quick and tenacious, and is very well built - and uses his strength well. He seems very quick off the mark and instinctive and definitely knows where the goal is. I'll keep watching him because it's really early in his Chelsea career to give a full view but early showings are very promising.

Alright, that's cool. How many games before a player 'graduates' then?
I don't think any player graduates by any other meaning than age if that's what you mean (for instance, Rooney has to be on your list, regardless of his already long resume).
Or if you mean that a player has to play a minimum number of games before making the list, I don't think we have. I know I ranked (high) a guy that hasn't got a L1 minute in his legs.

Or if you mean that a player has to play a minimum number of games before making the list, I don't think we have. I know I ranked (high) a guy that hasn't got a L1 minute in his legs.

Yeah I hope not. My number one prospect has played a whooping 16 minutes.

Guys, can someone remind me of the criteria for qualification for a prospect list and when a player graduates? I may have some time this week to do a top 50 English players, but I want to get the list correct in these areas, obviously.Juni, you can find rules and suggestions in the first post of the lists' thread: http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=89635
As far as elegibility goes, it's very simple; as Evilo rightly said above, it's basically only an age thing: every player playing in your country and born after the cut-off is elegible to appear on your list.
The minimum number of games played (in their current league) only matters as for players that left your country to establish if they are still elegible for your country's list as well (one criteria had to be found, it's explaine as well as i could in that first post :)
to give you an example, i think G.Rossi is now in his third season in England and has yet to play 20 league games with senior teams, hence he would be still elegible for the Italian list until this season is completed. Would he come back in Italy next Summer, he would remain elegible for the English list until he would reach the 20 games mark in serie A, or B)

On a personal note..
I find the list more interesting if it's an overall list (with some insight on the players), and not subdivided by positions like your last deep one. ;)

Has anybody here seen Czech Rep. U17 captain Miroslav Stepanek and can give an early scouting report?

Apparently Hamburg signed him a few days ago.

A defender with a speciality in free kicks? Sounds interesting.. Keep us updated!

Just remembered this post as Gareth Bale has just scored his first goal for Wales with a free kick vs Slovakia, a very nice one too. :handclap:

http://www.24sata.hr/repository/images/_variations/4/8/483279dd495d3632fbd05d4bb4712a59_large_slideshow.j pg

Vedran Corluka
Name: Vedran Ćorluka
Birthplace: Doboj, BiH (he was forced to leave during the war as Doboj had a Croatian minority, he and his family moved to Zagreb)
Birthdate: February 5, 1986
Height 191 cm
Position: Sweeper, center back
Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb youth system, Inter Zapresic (loan) Dinamo Zagreb
Internationals: All Croatian youth categories, 2 caps for Croatia (debut against Italy, 2:0 win)

He has risen his stock this season with the good play against Russia and he kept Van Persie and Henry quiet during Dinamo's matches against Arsenal. Unfortunately the "experienced" defenders of Dinamo looked more foolish. Good in the air, solid at the back, Slaven Bilic said he can be the next Stam

Only problem with his is, he sometimes gets too cute with the ball, which is not good for a sweeper :biglaugh: I mean he handles the ball well with his dribbling but at times you see him dribbling to center field, it may work in the Croatian league and at the U21 level but not at the highest level

Not saying he will play for one of the big clubs, but he can become a successful defender in the Bundesliga or Serie A maybe even the EPL but our players tend to struggle there

He also kind of looks like Goran Visnjic :D

kept Rooney quiet, also made Ashley Cole look like a fool, I said that was one of his negatives, he gets too cute with the ball but it was ok today :D

hope for any of you guys who watched the game today noticed him, Bilic said it the best, if he was English he would be a superstar already

OK, My English Premiership List (http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6737837&postcount=50)

questions, points etc, fire away

OK, My English Premiership List (http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6737837&postcount=50)

questions, points etc, fire away

No Reo-Coker? :amazed:

I understand his play hasn't been quite up to par this season, but he should easily be top-25 on that list. He's captain of West Ham, and last year he was nothing short of spectacular in West Half being top half of the table the year of their promotion.

Crap, I read his birthdate as 83, list now amended

OK, My English Premiership List (http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6737837&postcount=50)

questions, points etc, fire awayWOW! It looks amazing dude! :amazed: (and i think it was badly needed too :yo: )

many surprises for me from a first quick glance!..
i should be able to be back on it to discuss as it deserves next week. :)

OK, My English Premiership List (http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6737837&postcount=50)

questions, points etc, fire away
Great job!

A few comments :

- Rooney a 10A? Meaning he's already at Maradona, Pele's level? Not quite IMO. :D

- Adebayor didn't exactly score a lot of goals in L1 BTW. :)

- Diarra is much more technical than Makelele. Both he and Diaby have much more technical abilities than Makelele and Vieira (of course, they're nto as good defensively). I personally believe he'll be a much better player than half the players above him (including Adebayor, Sissoko, N'Zogbia and Diaby)

- Sissoko is an Auxerre product.

Rooney 10A? Oh my, no offense Juni but that made me chuckle. That would not only mean he would be the best player today (far, far, far from it) but that would also give him the right to be mentioned alongside Cruijff, Pele and Maradona.

He's a 9B, tops. He would be if I would rate him that is. I don't see how he is 1.5 of a grade above Arjen Robben for example.

I like your list though. Nicely written. Love your mention of Samaras. He was pretty impressive for Heereveen and just had something special.

Watching the rankings, I'm not sure Juni has the same criteria as ours for the mark and letter, which would explain the 10A.
Remember Juni, we use HF's system, which means that 10 is the potential of the player (10 being a Pele or Maradona), and the letter (in this case A) means the chance the player has of making it (A being there already, B having a good chance, C having an average chance, etc...).

I'd rate Rooney a 9A myself. I don't think he'll progress much (hence the A), but he's a star (9 being a star, 9.5 being a superstar). He's not a Pele though :)

Great list, just a couple things. Obviously the Rooney point, I'd agree with 9A or 9.5B, it's still a bit hard to tell if he'll progress, but remember that's he's still young.

I'd also rate Fabregas 9.5B. Wenger says that we still haven't seen the player that he will become and he does have a couple weaknesses although his offensive game is getting better and better, he could still work on his tackling.

I think Adebayor should be a lot lower and Bendtner should be a lot higher. I'd also call Lupoli an 8D, he has major talent, he just gets lost in the shuffle a lot of the time.

Tim Krul (17 or 18 year old goalkeeper) will make his debute for Newcastle tonight, vs Fenerbaçhe no less, facing Tuncay, Alex and Kezman. Hope he does well..

Has anyone seen the Roma CL game yesterday?
Ricardo Faty enjoyed his first start with Roma (in CL no less) and I was wondering how he had played.

Tim Krul (17 or 18 year old goalkeeper) will make his debute for Newcastle tonight, vs Fenerbaçhe no less, facing Tuncay, Alex and Kezman. Hope he does well..

1-0 Newcastle win. A shutout in his debute, not bad at all..

He didn't play, Steve Harper was fit, Krul was a sub.

is Sam Woods from Glasgow Rangers any good? was watching some old crossbar challenges and he was the only guy on Rangers do it, from the youth team

Highly touted goalie Quentin Westberg (who has the US and french nationality, but who has played for the US in youth selections) has finally seen his first L1 minutes with Le Crom injured in the middle of the VA-Troyes game.
Unfortunately for him, VA scored two goals (he couldn't do anything on both goals) after he came in and his team lost 3-1.

Highly touted goalie Quentin Westberg (who has the US and french nationality, but who has played for the US in youth selections) has finally seen his first L1 minutes with Le Crom injured in the middle of the VA-Troyes game.
Unfortunately for him, VA scored two goals (he couldn't do anything on both goals) after he came in and his team lost 3-1.
He didn't cover his right post very well on the 1st one, anticipating a centering pass... still, Valenciennes was clearly better. Troyes is awful this season.

Has anyone seen the Roma CL game yesterday?
Ricardo Faty enjoyed his first start with Roma (in CL no less) and I was wondering how he had played.Missed.
(Well, this season i should just announce when i watch a game more than when i miss it, since it's the rule it seems. :rolleyes: )

PSG after franco-argentinian sensation Gonzalo Higuain (who's repeated lately that he wants to play for France).
Domenech has declared he's following him very closely and he should be selected with the U21 soon.

Can anyone covering the Portuguese Superliga, give a top 10 list or at least just some info on how Moutinho and Djalo are looking.

17 Year old Ibrahim Maroufi, who left PSV for Internazionale during the summer made his debute yesterday, substituting for Stankovic in the 81st minute.. Not sure how he did though but he used to be part of PSV's golden Maroccon trio (Afellay-Aissati-Maroufi) and they were something else.

19 year old Sami Khedira had a brilliant game yesterday in Stuttgart's 3-0 over Schalke 04. He scored two technically nice goals yesterday and has been a starter in Stuttgart's team for the 3rd time in a row now. Schalke were already rumoured to be watching him, but now I guess there will be a few more teams on his track. Has yet to sign his first pro contract.

19 year old super goalie prospect Remy Riou, who's on loan from Lyon to Lorient this season, will get his first start this weekend against Marseille (no less!) in the Stade Velodrome.
Audard (Lorient's starter) is injured, and the backup was sent off the last game.
Riou will face quite a pressure situation for his first game, we'll see how he handles it.

Bari's primavera team has lost one of his best players.
18yrs old Giovanni Montani has been murdered in his hometown. He was guilty of having a mafia boss as uncle..
he lost his father to illness a few months ago. Now think about his grandfather.. it's a wonderful life for some people out there :speechles


In other news, it seems Meghni is giving his ultimate tries to emulate Zidane.. a header on an opponent provided him a deserved red card. :shakehead

19 year old Sami Khedira had a brilliant game yesterday in Stuttgart's 3-0 over Schalke 04.

Is he German?

OK, My English Premiership List (http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=6737837&postcount=50)

questions, points etc, fire away

Wayne Routledge should be on there.. maybe around 25th. Until Lennon came along, he was England's fastest and trickiest wing prospect. In his first season as a teenager in the Premiership with Crystal Palace, I believe he had more assists than any other English-born player (at the same time Andy Johnson was the top English goalscorer). He's on loan at Fulham, caught a game the other day.. he was played out of position on the LW but looked Fulham's most dangerous player.

I wouldnt agree with a comment you made that Tottenham show commitment to 'developing' top English talent. :) They show commitment to buying it by hook or crook yes, but not developing it. Moving to Tottenham has been bad for Routledge's career.

Reo-Coker's a little high.. he's not that talented. Probably will get an England cap one day but I dont see international or European stardom beckoning for him. Senderos, Agger, Huddlestone, Bendtner should be above him.

I'm surprised to even see Luke Moore on the list. Sissoko and Lupoli are two below that cant seriously be lesser prospects. On Aston Villa alone I'd rate Agbonlahor as a better prospect.

JMO. Great work and breadth of knowledge.

Edit - Kieron Richardson should be on there? DOB - Oct 84. Maybe in Moore's spot next to Downing.

Yeah I still believe Cesc is a better prospect than Iniesta.
Pique is clearly a step beyond, but he'll take longer to mature I think.
We'll see in 5+ years.That's saying something.. clearly a step beyond Iniesta? I don't know Pique enough to really argue.. how is he doing since leaving ManU? (still their property i guess though)

Seriously, I find it way too hard to make an unbiased overall list.As i already told you back then..
No one can be truly objective as no one lives contemporary in all those country. Doing a world (partial European actually) list doesn’t imply to state certainties, it should just reflect your (not objective) current feelings.

You have to rely on other posters' opinion, and you can't know if they're unbiased or not.
Clearly, in Essien's case, you thought I was. :Deh eh, good point! Doing that overall list i remember i had to guess how much biased some of your comments were :innocent:
However, the main problem with Essien's ranking is that in the last two games i watched of him (making a total of 4 or something like that) he struggled pretty badly with his passing. Guess what, i've seen him play many more times since releasing that old list and his passing has always been better than in those two games.. :banghead:
i still think he is not flawless as for decisions making, a big thing for a midfielder, but neither that or his passing are poor and a good enough reason to put him at #27.
In a last effort to fend about Essien's ranking, look at the 26 names ahead of him, not exactly weak prospects i would say...

EDIT : And I'd take Cesc over Ramos as well BTW.I don't know personally. One thing for sure though:
I was positively surprised since releasing the overall ranking by Cesc offensive abilities (joining the attack) and especially by his running; that's where he is better than i expected back then. I didn' think he would become a dynamic player, to go along with his obvious skills..

That's saying something.. clearly a step beyond Iniesta? I don't know Pique enough to really argue.. how is he doing since leaving ManU? (still their property i guess though)

Beyond as lower, right?
Because to make it clearer, Iniesta is much better than Pique right now, but I meant that Pique (as a defenseman) will probably take longer to mature.

Anyway, Pique is on loan in Zaragoza. Hasn't played much I think (2 games, 1 goal last time I checked).
Since ManU forced Zaragoza to play him a certain number of minimum games, I would guess he's injured.

EDIT : And Pique once again proved his worth during the U19 Euro.

Beyond as lower, right?
Because to make it clearer, Iniesta is much better than Pique right now, but I meant that Pique (as a defenseman) will probably take longer to mature.You said Pique is a step beyond.. i thought you meant higher.. misunderstanding.

Yes, the right word is below.
Sorry, that's was a bad choice of word.

Tim Krul starts for Newcastle in Palermo tonight.

Tim Krul starts for Newcastle in Palermo tonight.

Meh I didn't see the game, but from all report it was a sensational performance.

Here's what Italian and English media had to say about his perfomance:

La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Rookie Krul takes Palermo by the horns"..

Palermo stormed Newcastle, creating a lot of chances. But the goalkeeper of Newcastle - only 18 years old - stopped everything. Newcastle was dying for the final whistle but it was on those moment when they could trust and build on Krul, the young Dutchman destined for greatness.


The Guardian:

The saves on Andrea Caracciolo and David Di Michele in the 67th minute were unbelievable. An 'outstanding' performance.

After the game, Krul got a standing ovation from his teammates when he entered the dressingroom.

Now that Krul seems ready for the professional game, coach Glenn Roeder is now considering a possible loan to gain experience.

Yep, that seems to be the concensus, everyone I've heard talking about it says he was sensational.

New top 10 goalie right there! :D ;)

Is he German?

Sami Kehdira's father is from Tunisia, his mother is from Germany, he has been playing for German youth teams already. Fernando Meira said about him: "He is one of the brightest prospects I have ever seen."
In my opinion he is better than Nuri Sahin, who is just completely overhyped.

19 year old super goalie prospect Remy Riou, who's on loan from Lyon to Lorient this season, will get his first start this weekend against Marseille (no less!) in the Stade Velodrome.
Audard (Lorient's starter) is injured, and the backup was sent off the last game.
Riou will face quite a pressure situation for his first game, we'll see how he handles it.
And Riou impressed very much for his debut, as Lorient beat OM 1-0 with a goal from Gignac.
Riou was very very good (better than the two guys above him on the depth chart that's for sure), but the player of the game was once again young bulldozer Gignac.
What a gem this guy is. At this rate, he's going to explode my rankings.

19 year old super goalie prospect Remy Riou, who's on loan from Lyon to Lorient this season, will get his first start this weekend against Marseille (no less!) in the Stade Velodrome.
Audard (Lorient's starter) is injured, and the backup was sent off the last game.
Riou will face quite a pressure situation for his first game, we'll see how he handles it.
And Riou impressed very much for his debut, as Lorient beat OM 1-0 with a goal from Gignac.
Riou was very very good (better than the two guys above him on the depth chart that's for sure), but the player of the game was once again young bulldozer Gignac.
What a gem this guy is. At this rate, he's going to explode my rankings.

I just read Domenech sent a pre-invite to Higuain... young French-Argentina forward... He doesn't know if he'll accept France or Argentina cap...
We'll see on November 15th if he's on the list vs Greece.

I just read Domenech sent a pre-invite to Higuain... young French-Argentina forward... He doesn't know if he'll accept France or Argentina cap...
We'll see on November 15th if he's on the list vs Greece.

The guy's repeated many times he wanted to play for France (where he's born).

He's a beast, and reminds me of Kaka.

Higuain clip :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q_nq7F9cpQ

Higuain clip :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q_nq7F9cpQ

My French sucks big time, but according to the comments on YouTube, the guy has an Argentinian father and has lived in Argentina for virtually his entire life. How come he prefers France then? Or does he?

My French sucks big time, but according to the comments on YouTube, the guy has an Argentinian father and has lived in Argentina for virtually his entire life. How come he prefers France then? Or does he?
I have no idea and many people are questionning the reasons.
He's born in France, but spent most of his life in Argentina.
Contrary to Trezeguet (who was born in France, raised in Argentina, but who was developped in France from age 15), Higuain has very few attachments to France.
Yet he's said he felt french, but that he would also have a hard time saying no to the argentinian NT.
Basically, he's torn.

No idea why... :dunno:
But I'll take it.... :D

Maybe he thinks he has better chances in Europe with a French passport than Argentinian...?

Maybe he thinks he has better chances in Europe with a French passport than Argentinian...?

He'll have his french passport no matter what. He doesn't need to play for the french NT.
He has dual citizenship.

20 year old matias fernandez got transfer from colo colo to villareal .. worth 7 million.. http://www.theworldgame.com.au/transfer/index.php?pid=st&cid=76492
this guy is going to be good.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lmzB_bpXEM

Tim Krul injured his knee at Watford before the game Tuesday night, he's had surgery and is out 6 weeks.

Domenech's list for France-Greece has 24 players...
Including newcomers Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema, both 18... will be their 1st cap if they play... and if Higuain doesn't decline the invite...

There you go, Benzema with his first cap....

The guy's amazing! :eek:

Domenech's list for France-Greece has 24 players...
Including newcomers Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema, both 18... will be their 1st cap if they play... and if Higuain doesn't decline the invite...C'mon Gonzalo, refuse and play for your real country!! :yo:

:innocent:

Hehe, would help you guys.
Just like the way Camoranesi helped us... :D

Honestly, I'm not sure why he feels french, except for the fact he's born in France.
But that's good news for us, that's for sure (usually, it's the other way around).

According to Domenech, Higuain will still be able to choose Argentina over France, since it's a friendly game.

However, Higuain's father said his son would decline, saying the choice hadn't been made already.

NAC Breda's Leonardo, formerly of Feyenoord, has signed for Spurs and will join them in January on an 18 month contract.

NAC Breda's Leonardo, formerly of Feyenoord, has signed for Spurs and will join them in January on an 18 month contract.

Only clip I could find about him:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXl5fkMj7ls

He used to be a top 5 prospect in the world, I'm not kidding. He was deemed the best of the prospect pool coming out of Holland those seasons (Sneijder, van der Vaart, Robben, etc)..