Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal
Have you been enjoying the Champions League quarterfinals? Some amazing games the past two days with Bayern Munich (my first team, having been born in that fine city) coming back against Manchester United and Cesc Fabregas leading Arsenal to a tie in their game Wednesday against Barcelona. Oh, and did you hear Wayne Rooney is injured, maybe for the remainder of the EPL season? The Guardian is my new go-to site for the international game, thanks to more in-depth materials compared to what I was seeing on the BBC site. Here are three articles to get you caught up…
Time for Dimitar Berbatov to seize the moment for Manchester United
With Wayne Rooney missing, the expensive Bulgarian needs to step out of the shadows to keep the light shining at Old Trafford. From the hyperactive Wayne Rooney they turn to the languid Dimitar Berbatov to see off Chelsea and Bayern Munich inside five days. The good news is that Berbatov has already scored three times against Germany’s grandest club. Less encouraging is that Rooney’s replacement as Manchester United’s chief striker posted all three while at Bayer Leverkusen from 2001 to 2006.
Selfless to the end, Cesc Fábregas embodies the spirit of a leader
Two Arsenal captains left the pitch with applause in their ears at the conclusion of last night’s enthralling match. One, Thierry Henry, lingered to enjoy a sentimental ovation on his return to north London in Barcelona’s colours. The other, Cesc Fábregas, had preceded him down the tunnel, limping off with the deeper satisfaction of knowing that he had reshaped the outcome of a pulsating evening. He was also heading towards the distressing discovery that the injury could have consequences not just for the remainder of Arsenal’s season but for his participation in the World Cup.
To put in the proper framework, here’s an article that was published in advance of the game, breaking down what the analyst expected. Did he anticipate’s Fabregas’ individual brilliance?
Arsenal v Barcelona tactical analysis: David Pleat’s view
The saying within the game is that a player must treat the ball as he treats his wife: he must hold it, caress it, even take it to bed with him. If the analogy is a bit bizarre, the point is still clear. To be a successful footballer, you have to have complete mastery of the ball.
The logic is impeccable: if we have the ball, the opposition cannot affect the game. That theory was really challenged only with the development of more powerful, quicker and less technically proficient players in the late 1980s and the 1990s, with the emphasis then placed on the counterattack. Fortunately, in Arsenal and Barcelona, we will see two teams whose principles shine out: passing not kicking; moving cleverly not aimlessly; making space not congesting it.
UPDATE – Fabregas fears campaign is over
Cesc Fabregas fears his season could be over after suffering a suspected broken leg during Arsenal’s dramatic 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw against Barcelona at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners skipper had been a doubt for the game after suffering severe bruising to his knee and leg during the Premier League game at Birmingham. However, Fabregas returned to lead the side, and played a pivotal role in their comeback after falling 2-0 down to a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked to have all but killed off the tie.
And finally, an update to the Guardian’s analysis – Barcelona’s La Masia magicians leave Arsenal outclassed and surpassed
I get annoyed with all of the Fan Boys that Manchester United and Chelsea have attracted the past few years, so I’m rooting for a Spanish side to win the Champions League this season. Despite that, I am reminded by how the youngsters were attracted to one of these sides when a 20-something starts reminiscing about the ‘old days’ of the late 90′s. Matthew Mueller is a CBC grad and is establishing his career in soccer working as a Youth Coach and assisting with the US Development Academy programs at Scott Gallagher. Check out his story on ManU – Going Back to 1999
