Monday 27 October 2014

Those who did not make it - Part I - Arsenal XI | German Arsenal Blog

<<Visit scoutedfootball.com for profiles on the best young talents in world football>>

In this Part I of an up-coming series I want to focus on players that used to play for youth sides of Arsenal Football Club but didn’t make it. 

        The players had to meet two criteria to be considered for this Arsenal XI.
        1) Had to be part of the Arsenal youth set up for at least 2 years
            2) Must not have started more than 20 games for the first team (sorry Matthew Upson)

        It was quite a tough task to narrow it down to eleven players and on a lot of players you might not agree at all. I also have to admit that I only really looked at recent years; so nothing before 2000 because I couldn’t be a good judge of that at all. But let’s see who made it.


 
Graham Stack:  1998-2006, 5 starts, 0 goals

I couldn’t really decide between Stack and Stuart Taylor. Taylor certainly played for the more prestigious clubs over the years but only made a handful of appearances while Stack played regularly. Stack had good spells with Millwall and Leeds and currently plays for Hibernian in Scotland. 

Moritz Volz: 1999-2004, 1 start, 0 goals

The German signed from Schalke in 2001 and went through the ranks at Arsenal. Lots of competition however meant that he never stood a real chance at the club. Whilst still at the club he had loan spells with Wimbledon and Fulham, for which he eventually signed on a permanent basis. In five years, Volz made 108 starts for the Cottagers and is now playing in Hamburg, Germany for St.Pauli. 

Havard Nordtveit: 2007-2011, 0 starts, 0 goals

Another position that I struggled with. The names Senderos and Upson immediately sprung to mind but both didn’t qualify as they played way to many games for the club. Nordtveit signed with the tag of being one of the most promising defenders in Europe, but as a young central defender it is very hard to get game time. During pre-season in 2010 he impressed as a right-back but that didn’t stop his permanent move to Gladbach in January 2011. Under coach Favre, the young Norwegian excelled and was a key member of the Gladbach side who miraculously avoided relegation. 

Jermaine Pennant: 1999-2005, 12 starts, 3 goals
 
Pennant is clearly a more offensive player but as I’ve seen him play full-back I’ve chosen him in this position. I actually think Pennant could have made it at Arsenal. Maybe not as a starter but as a solid back-up. But it is very tough to get into a team that is called the Invincibles. In 2005, he opted to leave and after heaving good years with Birmingham City and Liverpool he arrived at Stoke City via Spain outfit Zaragoza. 

David Bentley:  1997-2006, 5 starts, 1 goal

Bentley went through the ranks at Arsenal and was always rated as a very good talent. During the 2003/2004 campaign he had a good run-out and scored a fabulous goal in a cup tie against Middlesbrough that created a lot of attention. But that wonder-goal did not help his progress at Arsenal and he left the club. He had a fantastic spell with Blackburn Rovers before making a multimillion pound move to Tottenham Hotspur.  Due to a clever high percentage sell-on-clause Arsenal pocketed nearly £7m when he moved to Spurs. 

Steve Sidwell: 1999-2003, 0 starts, 0 goals

Sidwell got his Arsenal career never really going, thus an early move to Reading seemed a reasonable choice. Steve did very well there; over 160 appearances and roughly 30 goals. He then ambitiously decided to sign for Chelsea. It didn’t really work out and after just a handful of appearances he moved to Aston Villa where he played for three years. Currently he is playing for Fulham. 

Fabrice Muamba: 2002-2007, 2 starts, 0 goals

Muamba, a strong central defender, signed for Arsenal as a 14-year old. Muamba who as of now featured an impressive 33 times for the England u21 side has been ever-present in the Premier League for the last years. After leaving Arsenal, he followed the path of many and signed for Birmingham City where he showed his talent; a talent that was spotted by his current club, Bolton.

Fran Merida: 2007-2010, 7 starts, 2 goals

Merida’s arrival was very special and controversial. He, like Cesc Fabregas, was snapped up from Barcelona’s youth system. Because both were Spanish, came from Barcelona and played in similar positions, early comparisons between the two were very likely. Under Wenger, Fran got from time to time a little game time. Playing mostly in Carling Cup ties he also featured in the Premier League. Merida could have had a future at Arsenal with Wenger disappointed to see him leave but the young Spaniard decided a move to Atletico Madrid was the best thing for his career. 

Sebastian Larsson: 2001-2007, 7 starts, 0 goals

I have always like Larsson and he is a good player but probably simply not good enough for Arsenal. He, like a lot of young players, got some Carling Cup games before calling it quits on his Arsenal career. The Swedish International too, took the road to Birmingham City. A path that has proved very fruitful for Arsenal talents. He had a fantastic spell at City, including a Carling Cup victory, but after the club's relegation he decided to stay in the Premier League and signed for Sunderland. 

Anthony Stokes: 2003-2007, 0 starts, 0 goals

Signed as a promising 15-year old, the Irish striker found it very hard to get into the Arsenal team. Early loans with Falkirk helped his development as player but not his career at Arsenal. Over the years he had spells with Sunderland and Hibernian before signing for Celtic Glasgow in 2010. 

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie: 2002-2006, 8 starts, 2 goals

Quincy spent his early years at the famous academy of Ajax Amsterdam before moving to Arsenal. His speed and skill raised attention early on and secure him a couple of starts in an Arsenal dress. Similarly to Merida, Quincy could have stayed at Arsenal but decided to leave very early. He signed for Spartak Moscow, a spell that included several loan spells before sealing a move Al-Sadd Club. Last season the Qatari club loaned him to Malaga and this season he will play for Panathinaikos. 


Get involved and let me know your personal Arsenal XI of players who didn’t quite cut it at Arsenal

Those who did not make it - Part II - Bayern Munich XI | German Arsenal Blog

<<Visit scoutedfootball.com for profiles on the best young talents in world football>>

In this Part II of the series ‘Those who did not make it’ I want to focus on players that used to play for youth sides/reserve side of Bayern Munich but didn’t make it. 

The players had to meet two criteria to be considered for this Bayern XI.
1)          Had to be part of the Bayern youth/reserve set up for at least 2 years
2)          Must not have started more than 20 games for the first team 




Stefan Wessels:    1998-2003, 6 starts, 0 goals
 
FC Cologne, Everton, VfL Osnabrück, Basel, Odense BK
Swiss Champion + Cup winner 2010


Patrick Ochs:    2002-2004, 0 starts, 0 goals

Eintracht Frankfurt, VfL Wolfsburg


Mats Hummels:    1995-2009, 1 start, 0 goals

Borussia Dortmund
German Champion 2011, Winner European u21 Championship 2009


Georg Niedermeier:    1995-2009, 0 starts, 0 goals

VfB Stuttgart 


Alou Diarra:    2000-2002, 0 starts, 0 goals

Liverpool FC, RC Lens, Olympique Lyonnais, Girondins de Bordeaux, Olympique de Marseille
Ligue 1 Champion 2006 (Lyonnais), 2008 (Bordeaux), Coupe de la Ligue 2009, Supercup 2008/2009


David Jarolim:    1994-2000, 1 start, 0 goals

1.FC Nuremberg, Hamburger SV


Piotr Trochowski:    1999-2005, 13 starts, 1 goal
  
Hamburger SV, Sevilla FC


Thomas Hitzlsperger:    1989-2000, 0 starts, 0 goals
 
Aston Villa, VfB Stuttgart, S.S. Lazio, West Ham United
German Champion 2007


Markus Feulner:    1997-2003, 13 start, 0 goals
 
FC Cologne, Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund, 1.FC Nuremberg
German Champion 2011


Zvjezdan Misimovic:    2000-2004, 3 starts, 0 goals

VfL Bochum, 1.FC Nuremberg, VfL Wolfsburg, Galatasaray, Dynamo Moscow
German Champion 2009


Sandro Wagner:    1995-2008, 1 start, 1 goal

MSV Duisburg, Werder Bremen
Winner European u21 Championship 2009



All in all a very good team that on his own would certainly do very well in the Bundesliga

Get involved and let me know your personal Bayern XI of players who didn’t quite cut it at Bayern.

Next up... Real Madrid

 

Podolski Press Conference - Transcript | German Arsenal Blog #aha

<<Visit scoutedfootball.com for profiles on the best young talents in world football>>
 
Podolski PC -  May 2nd 2012

Note* I left out questions purely on Köln or the German NT. 

Introduction

„The decision has been made, and I want to stress it again, not against FC Köln but in favour of Arsenal FC. I always knew that I’d either continue my career at Köln for a further couple of years or I’d go to another top club. I had a couple of different offers but they did not really matter to me. As soon as the offer of Arsenal arrived I started to think about my career in football and eventually came to the conclusion that this would be the right path for me.”

Q1 – Lukas: Why is Arsenal such a good fit?

“They wear the same colours as Köln (laughs). No, jokes aside. As I've said before, I had other interesting offers but for me, it had to be a top club and when you look at Arsenal, with a fantastic manager, good environment and there has never been bad press surrounding the club; they are playing attractive football and have a great stadium with great fans. Although I’ve never been there and haven’t looked at anything I think the club is a very good fit for me. Otherwise I would not have made the decision.”

Q2 – Meeting with Arsene Wenger.

“We just spoke on the telephone once and I have not met him yet, that will certainly happen after the Euros. Also, I haven’t seen the stadium or the training facilities yet as the focus has been completely on Köln so far.”

Q3 – Mertesacker's video message

“I am happy to play with someone whom I’ve know for a long time, who speaks German and with whom I get along very well. Therefore I believe he’ll make it easy for me to settle down.”

Q4 – Has he spoken to Mertesacker

“Yes, I asked him a couple of questions about the club, the environment etc.. But at the end of the day, you have to make the decision on your own. You might get some advice, for sure. But he hasn’t helped with the final decision.”

Q5 – About his time in Munich

“In Munich, I maybe was a tad too young. Now, I’m more experienced and have become even better and I’m confident about this move and certain that I will make it there.”

Q6 – Dealing with a new language

“Whenever you go to a new country, the language is a part of that – but I believe football is international. I think my English is good enough and will make it easier for me to fit in.”

Q7 – Contract / time after Arsenal

“I don’t want to discuss any details on my contract. Regarding my future after London, sure, I could imagine to come back and as I’ve said before, the FC (Köln) will always be my club no matter what. I believe it’s important that the club carries on and moves forward when I’m gone. It’s vital for me that they don’t say 'now that Podolski is gone everything is falling apart'. But it’s rather a chance to rebuild, with new chairmen, to move forward and be successful again, something that was promised to me when I arrived. That has to be the aim.”

Q8 – Hopes and dreams with Arsenal

“Undoubtedly, the Arsenal FC is a big name in football, you just have to look back and look at their success. Again, they have an awesome manager, and a great stadium – I’m looking forward to that. The goal has to be to win titles over the next years. That’s a given when you go to a big club. The English league is very good and competitive and every year six or seven clubs are challenging. Hence it’s a chance and a great motivation to make another step forward."





Özil Interview | German Arsenal Blog | There Will Be Haters

<<Visit scoutedfootball.com for profiles on the best young talents in world football>>


Why Arsenal
"First of all, I'm really looking forward to it because I have the complete faith of the manager. I talked to him at length over the phone and he told me his ideas and he trusts me - and I need that as a player. I'm also looking forward to meeting my team mates like Podolski or Mertesacker. I'm excited for the new task ahead. I already heard how great the fans are, the city is great and the team is super class."

Wenger speaking German
"Sure, but as I already said, a couple of team mates are there (Poldi/ Merte) that will help me."

What changed his mind
"At that moment [of the interview] I was sure I would stay at Madrid. Then I realised I would not get the full trust of the manager. I am a player who needs to feel that - and I felt that with Arsenal and that's the reason why I'm signing for them."

Future / WC
"Of course. Arsène Wenger gives me the chance to develop and be fully fit for the World Cup. I know my abilities and potential and I would have made it in every club at the world - because I'm convinced of my abilities. But if I don't feel that trust, then I have to leave the club.[...] I will continue to grown under the new manager and I'm also looking forward to the Premier League."


Full interview can be found here

http://tv.dfb.de/index.php?view=6355 



Those who did not make it - Part II - Real Madrid XI | German Arsenal Blog

<<Visit scoutedfootball.com for profiles on the best young talents in world football>>

In this Part II of the series ‘Those who did not make it’ I want to focus on players that used to play for youth sides/reserve side of Real Madrid but didn’t make it. 

The players had to meet two criteria to be considered for this Real Madrid XI.
1)          Had to be part of the Real youth/reserve set up for at least 2 years
2)          Must not have started more than 20 games for the first team 





Diego Lopez:    2000-2007, 3 starts, 0 goals
 
Villareal CF


Cesar Navas:    1999-2003, 0 starts, 0 goals

FC Malaga, Racing Santander, Rubin Kazan

Russian Champion 2009


Christopher Schorch:    2007-2009, 0 starts, 0 goals

FC Cologne


Ruben Gonzales Rocha:    2001-2006, 0 starts, 0 goals

Racing Santander, Celta de Vigo, RCD Mallorca, CA Osasuna


Jose Manuel Jurado:    2000-2006, 0 starts, 0 goals

Atletico Madrid, Schalke 04

German Cup 2011 (Schalke), UEFA Europa League 2010, UEFA SuperCup 2010 (Atletico)


Borja Valero    1997-2007, 0 starts, 0 goals

RCD Mallorca, West Bromwich Albion, Villareal CF


Daniel Parejo:    2003-2009, 0 starts, 0 goal
  
Getafe CF, Valenica FC

Winner European u21 Championship 2011


Juan Mata:    2003-2007, 0 starts, 0 goals
 
Valencia CF

Spanish Cup 2008, Fifa World Cup 2010, Winner European u21 Championship 2011


Roberto Soldado:    2000-2008, 4 starts, 3 goals
 
Getafe CF, Valenica FC


Alvaro Negredo    2005-2007, 3 starts, 0 goals

UD Almeria, Sevilla FC


Samuel Eto’o:    1996-2000, 0 starts, 0 goals

RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona, FC Internazionale Milano  

Spanish Cup 2003 (Mallorca); 

Spanish Champion 2005, 2006, 2009, Spanish Cup 2009, Spanish Supercup 2005, 2006, UEFA Champions League 2006, 2009 (Barcelona); 

Italian Champion 2010, Italian Cup 2010, 2011, Italian SuperCup 2010, UEFA Champions League 2010 (Internazionale Milano)

__________________________________________________________________________


What a fantastic team. Especially the offensive talent is mindblowing. 
In the event of Real Madrid producing a talented defender, they usually make sure that he has a great career at the club rather than letting him go. 
That is one reason why there is quite some gap between offensive and defensive talent here. But it is also quite possible that I forgot a great defender. 


Get involved and let me know your personal Real Madrid XI of players who didn’t quite cut it at Real.

Next up... ???