Football Team Soccer: Lionel Messi

Showing posts with label Lionel Messi. Show all posts

Nani Can't Have it All

Luis Nani has been vital for Manchester United, creating 16 and scoring 9 goals this season. He has all of the qualities of a winger; explosive pace, good passing and crossing, can dribble around his man and can shoot capably with both feet. He has demonstrated that time and again this year with United, and despite what the Portuguese said only yesterday, we will be seeing his excellent qualities for a while in the future. Nani said:

"I try to enjoy playing now, but it is not always possible because I have a responsibility to the team."

"But something of the street remains in me. It is not easy to show at United because Sir Alex does not allow very much freedom and I cannot do the tricks and things I did with my friends."

"But when the game is under control I take a risk and it makes me very happy if things work out."

Nani may be a little unhappy at the restriction he feels Sir Alex has put on him in terms of tricks and show boating, but whether he realises it or not, he is benefiting from it. Ferguson commented on his players progress earlier in the season too, saying that Nani is better at this stage of his career than Cristiano Ronaldo was. Like his Portuguese compatriot, Nani did start off his United career over elaborating in attacking moves and attempting the impossible when the simple pass was on.

Ronaldo certainly improved in this area, and turned the 30 step overs in one run down the right wing into winning goals and valuable assists for his team mates. Nani started last season doing just that, and has come into his own this season, and moved away from the label of 'Ronaldo wannabe'.

Of course, there is still room for improvement. Perhaps the 24 year-old's biggest criticism is his tenancy to go down too easily from a challenge, and his theatrics have not made him many fans from opposition teams. But that is just what he does - frustrate the opposition - he wouldn't be doing his job if he was pleasing the opposition fans.

His top form also has him considered for the prestigious Ballon D'or. Asked about winning the Ballon d'Or, Nani told Don Balon:

“I don’t know about that. I recognise that things have gone well but that’s for other people to decide.

"If my name ends up on the list, I will be happy. I want to be the best player in the world, but I am not living obsessed by it. My only real concern is to help my club and my national team and keep playing well.”

Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney: Current Barcelona Team Is One Of The Greatest Ever

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has spoken of his admiration for Barcelona, claiming that the current crop of players at the Camp Nou will go down as one of the greatest teams of all time.

United have met Barcelona twice recently, coming out on top in the 2008 Champions League semi-final before going on to win the tournament, and most recentlty, losing out in the following year’s final to the same side.

As this season’s tournament nears the knockout stage, Rooney has stated that Barcelona are the team to beat if his side are to lift Europe’s elite club competition for a fourth time.

"They are a fantastic team and people will remember what this Barcelona side have done for a long time to come, like the great Real Madrid and Manchester United teams.

"Their football is brilliant to watch and they win games playing that way, which is the main thing.

"Barcelona stand out for me. You can safely say if you beat Barcelona you have a good chance of winning the competition."

This season’s final is to be held at Wembley, which just proves to be an even bigger temptation for the striker and a great way to end a season of underachievement, and uncertainty over his future, on a personal level.

"It is a relief to have the contract situation sorted and feel settled," he said.

"I know I made the right decision to stay. It has been a tough time but I am looking forward to helping the team win trophies."

Before the possible challenge of Barcelona, United face Marseille in the first knock-out round and Ferguson will no doubt look to his younger ranks to get the job done, a crop of players that have impressed Rooney this season.

"Rafael has done really well this season and played a lot of games," said Rooney.

"Nani is a match winner. We always knew he had the ability but he is doing it more consistently this year.

"Anderson had a bad injury but has done really well and is playing some great football since coming back.

"If those three can keep progressing as they are then they are going to be big players for us and an important part of the team in future.

"That's the thing about Manchester United. Great players are always coming in."