Bargain Buys 2010

Javier Hernandez

The transfer window is open, clubs have the chance to splash out and purchase players. I got me thinking…in the past year which buys have been the best buys. Which transfers have showed get value for money?

The first stand out transfer that pops immediately into my mind is Rafael van der Vaart. Signing from Real Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur for a figure round about £8 Million pounds. He scored 15 goals from all competitions, helping spurs cement 5^th place in the EPL. The game I remember him standing out the most is the Boxing Day game against Aston Villa at Villa Park. He and an excellent game, he bossed the midfield and really kicked the spurs on going forward. Although he was pretty injury prone during the season, the performances in showed merit the bargain buy tag. He played like he was worth £20 million.

Mesut Ozil is another stand out play that sticks out from this just gone season. The German playmaker set Real Madrid back about €15 million, just over £13million pounds (in contrast James Millner cost Man city £35 mill).  The great display at the world cup was carried on in Spain, replacing the injured Kaka in midfield. His maiden season in Spain brought some silver wear, the Copa Del Rey. Real Madrid really did so good business there. He really was a constant in their midfield all season long setting up some vital goals.

Rafael van der Vaart

This next one may be a bit unlikely but wait for it. Peter Odemwingie of West Bromwich Albion signed to the club last summer for a reported fee of  £500,000 from Locomotiv Moscow. He scored 15 goals in 32 appearances to help secure West Brom’s Premier League status. Coming into the Premier League he was somewhat of an unknown player, I wondered if West Brom took a huge risk but he proved me and most people wrong after netting 15 goals in all competitions. I think he warrants a spot on the Bargain buys list.

This next buy is probably the most shocking and outrageous buy of the summer; I mean I was in shock when I found this out. Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez (aka Chicharito) cost the red devils and apparent £8 million pounds. When the signing was first made the transfer fee was published as ‘undisclosed’. But Ferguson in an interview disclosed his true value. In Mexico Hernandez is touted as the next big thing. He has now taken the title of the best thing to come out of Mexico apart from corona (the beer). In his first season in England, he netted 20 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions. Vital goals against Stoke and Chelsea helped United to their 19^th league title. I compare this kid to Ole Gunnar Solskjae because he always scores; he comes on and guaranteed more or less a goal. In comparison, Chelsea Paid £50 million for Fernando Torres and he only scored 1 goal, United must be laughing.  So I think that warrants Chicharito to be in the bargain buys of 2010. 

The Big Review

As we know the football season has come to a close. Lets reflect on the past year and all the exciting things that have happened.

Manchester United win an unprecedented 19^th title beating Liverpool’s domestic league title count. A target that Alex Ferguson set out to achieve (maybe he might retired now? Some how I doubt he will). Congratulations to the Red devils. This year also sees the retirement of one of the true greats of the English game as Paul Scholes announced his retirement. Edwin Van der Sar has also hanged up his gloves. I sense there shall be a lot of movement in the transfer market in the Red side of Manchester to fill those voids.

Barcelona, arguably the best team ever put together finishes the season with 2 trophies, the La Liga title and the champion’s league. They could have made it 3 but fell short to a late Cristiano Ronaldo header in extra time to lose the Copa Del Rey. Nonetheless Barca have had an amazing season. The force of Messi doesn’t look like it is going to be stopped anytime soon. Next season should be interesting in Spain. Word has it that in the Capital, Jose Mouriniho (the special one, he is pretty special though) has more power in the transfer market than any Real Madrid manager has ever had. This development could really spice things up in the pot. I am looking forward to El Classico already.

In Italy’s Serie A (the detriment league for footballers) AC Milan reign high. The Rosineri lift the Scudetto after a barren 2 year. This season has seen a few new faces at the San Serio but seemed to have jelled well and brought back the title. I look forward to see how they will compete in Europe next season. Perhaps this could be team to stamp Italian supremacy back on the European stage.

The Under 21 European Championships are currently underway in Denmark. That’s going to be a great place for clubs to shop and bluster their squad for next season. You never know, ‘the new big thing’ could emerge from this tournament.

Thanks for reading                                       Calvin Apen

PS Email me if you want me to talk about something specific and I will.  

For passion or Money

In today's footballing world, there are alot of opotunities to make a some cash. However, are children looking at football and a way to make alot of money or a way to enjoy them selves and keep fit?

The average top flight player is paid up to £10,000 pounds per week. Should that money be going to people who do much more for out society, like nurses and teachers. Or should footballers continue to get paid rediculous sums of money for kicking a ball around on a pitch.

It may sound like i hate football but i dont. Apart from my family and friends i cant think of anything else on this world that gives me that much pleasure and makes me feel as alive as football does.
I have talked to may people who feel the same way about the wage situation. But the fact of the matter is that it is out fault (the fans). Season after season we spend huge sums of money to fuel or football addiction. Buying shirts, scarfs, mugs, anything that makes us feel loyal to the cause. Then i got thinking, maybe we are all just jealous that we cant get to grace the pitches of magnifect stadiums and scoring heart stopping goals. Maybe we just have to come to terms with the truth and be at peace.



Comment to let me know what you think. =)