Options Despite Injuries

Injuries are a part of football. Every team experiences them. When they decide to happen is a variable, but the fact that they do happen is a constant. Madrid have suffered injuries to key players this season. This summers biggest signings have both spent spells out of action. Ronaldo was sidelined for nearly two months. Kaka is just getting over an injury that kept him out for several weeks. Pepe is done for the season with a crucial ACL tear. Guti, Ruud Van Nistlerooy and Metzelder have spent the majority of the season training in the gym, separate from their teammates. Now the cruel issue strikes again, this time in the form of Higuain and Van der Vaart. Can Madrid cope?

Pipita is Madrid's leading scorer at the moment and is on fire when it comes to talking about form. He played 90 minutes on Sunday where he curled a beauty into the top corner with his left foot and set up the young Granero who replaced the injured Van der Vaart in los blancos' 2-0 triumph over Mallorca. To much dispair, the 22 year old Argentine will be spectating his team's matches due to a hamstring injury that will keep him off the pitch for 3 weeks. Rafael Van der Vaart looks to be headed in the same direction with his calf tear which will see him sitting next to Pipita, apart form action, for around the same time. Van der Vaart had been filling in for Kaka who made his return to a snowy Bernabeu this past weekend. Perhaps just in time..

The injuries the team have suffered this season have given other players a chance to shine. In Pepe's absence, Garay has been outstanding. Van der Vaart also proved his worth in Kaka's absence. With Ronaldo out, we needed another attacking midfielder with winger like qualities. Marcelo was pulled out of left back, where he played mostly in the beginning of the campaign and did a tremendous job, especially for playing out of position. Two goals and five assists for the crafty Brazilian thus far. Arbeloa has much to benefit from Ronaldo's injury as well. With Marcelo moved up the flank, a left back spot was up for grabs. He seems to have made the position his own and really come out of his shell in the past couple games. What does this all prove? Real Madrid are a whole team with depth that few teams can match. Barcelona haven't had nearly the injury troubles Madrid have this season yet we've kept pace with them time and time again only two points astray of the Catalans.

Now for what to do now... The obvious replacement for Higuain is Karim Benzema. We payed 35 million for the kid and he hasn't found a regular starting position so far this season. He had mentioned to the press that he was happy at Real but disappointed with not starting lately. He commented that this was a learning curve for him. Well now is time for him to prove his worth. Pipita has big shoes for Benzema to fill but I'm confident he can do it. He is a world class striker and this is a task that he can handle.

Easy fix there but as to the VdV injury, it gets a little more complex. Those who are looking for a simple solution would say just stick Kaka in his place now that he has returned. BUT Pellegrini started the pair of them last match. The boss has favored a 4-2-3-1 as of late which means there is still a whole to be plugged. What we are really focused on here is the "3" area of the formation. We'll call it the attacking midfield. If Pellegrini wants to stick with this formation, there are quite a few options he has to choose from..

1. At the weekend, when the Number 23 went down, we brought in the Number 24, Granero. This could be my favorite option. I am so impressed with this guy. He is a rare talent, so composed on the ball, very instrumental. He is still young and still has so far to go. He managed scored against Mallorca (Maybe should have had another). Not to mention, it would be great to see another Madrid-made player out there. I'm getting sick of hearing about this Barca "home grown" business.
-------------Casillas-------------
Ramos--Albiol---Garay--Arbeloa
---------Lass----XA-------------
Ronaldo-----Granero-------Kaka
-----------Benzema--------------

2. Pellegrini usually uses Kaka on the left flank but he could easily be put into the center of the attacking midfield where he could poach behind the striker, like the role his plays for the Brazilian national team. That way either Marcelo or even Drenthe, two technically gifted and naturally left footed players could play on the wing because Arbeloa has seemed to have beaten them both out in Pelle's eyes for the left back spot.
-------------Casillas-------------
Ramos--Albiol---Garay--Arbeloa
---------Lass-----XA------------
Ronaldo----Kaka-Marcelo/Drenthe
------------Benzema-------------

3. Do I dare say his name? Guti still has a role to play on this team whether people like it or not. If you are a Madrid fan, you know he is extremely talented. Who remembers when Guti tore apart Valladolid 2 seasons ago? Something absurd like 2 goals and 4 assists in a 7-0 thrashing. The spare goal he also started the attack with an amazing ball into space. If we put him as the center attacking midfielder he might even be more happy; his defensive responsibilities would be limited (I just laughed at that). However, this veteran can slice and diced a defense into peaces. But for the sake of beautiful football, have a look.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWawC873aic (Music wouldnt have been my first choice lol)
-------------Casillas-------------
Ramos--Albiol---Garay--Arbeloa
---------Lass-----XA------------
Ronaldo-----Guti-----------Kaka
-----------Benzema--------------

Tell me what you think. Have some ideas of your own? Let's hear'm!

Bobby

Reaction to a Winter Wonder: Real Madrid 2-0 Mallorca

I was unable to see the match yesterday, sadly. I was traveling all day and was only able to get updates through various text messages. I wasn't the one driving so it's not like I could just check my phone every 10 minutes to see what was going on. I checked like every 10 seconds instead. However, my nerves settled a little bit when I got the text "Marca Pipita!" from a friend shortly after the match had started.

I wish I could analyze the match but having not seen it would make things rather difficult, wouldn't it? I did see the highlights and read the match reports. It appears that through the snow, Madrid dominated the match. There were a couple chances here and there from the islanders from what I understand but, correct me if I'm wrong, it could have easily been 3 or 4 to none.

I hate to see Benzema left out of the start XI so often but with the formation we are running and the form the Higuain has been in, there really isn't any other choice. Higuain has been just brilliant. In our two goal game, he had a thriller of his own and an assist which sat very kindly for the Pirate, Granero who smashed his volley in from close range. He was unfortunate not have another goal. The goal keeper made a tremendous save on a bullet he fired from around the edge of the area.

I was very much under stress when I got the text that told me Van der Vaart had gone off through injury, but my smile was salvaged when I heard that Granero would be the one to replace him. I've been an enormous Granero fan since his first few minutes back in a white shirt. This boy is so promising. I hope his playing time increases with the temporary absence of Van der Vaart. As to what VdV's injury actually is, I'm unclear. Goal.com reported that Madrid confirmed he would be out of action for 3 weeks with a hamstring tear but the Real Madrid official website contradicts those reports. Realmadrid.com says "the Dutchman has a strain on his left calf muscle."

I was a bit puzzled on that note though. I expected the young Granero to start the match which left me pondering my spare time in the car as to what the line up and formation was for the early kick off. I tinkered with it over and over in my brain until finally coming to the conclusion that it must be a 4-2-3-1. I believe i was correct. However, I must admit I was unsure who was sitting along side Xabi Alonso. It was an interesting choice in Gago. I've never hid my feelings about Gago. I never thought he had the quality to be a starter at this club. Because I missed the match, it is impossible for me to rate his performance but if anyone else would shed some light on the subject for me, I'm all ears. Goal.com gave Gago a 7/10 and mentioned that he distributed the ball simply. He doesn't look a bad player when does that. It's when he tries to over-do it, he gets himself into a bit of trouble.

Nice to see Kaka was back in action. I know he had the assist to Higuain's goal. Other than that, I can't tell you anything else about his performance (again input would be great here). There was a rare Guti spotting as well! He came on for Xabi Alonso late in the match. I was hoping we might get a glimpse of the veteran despite what people may think about his personality. Xabi Alonso's niggle is said to be nothing serious , just a bruise.

It is quite amazing that I'm this far into a reaction article and I haven't even mentioned Ronaldo's name yet. It's not that I thought he played poorly. I can't tell you how he played. He'll obviously be disappointed not to have scored. He always is. I saw that he had a few chances. Things just didn't go his way yesterday. Happens to everyone.

In the end it was a great win, a vital win, that keeps us at pace with Barcelona, who spoiled my day yesterday. I was just receiving a text that read "...barca is on espn and they look terrible, its still 0 0 though," when Messi, who ultimately scored a hat-trick, put the Catalans up at Tenerife. It eventually ended up in a slaughtering at 5-0 but from the highlights, Tenerife should have gone up at least a goal if they took their chances before Barca woke up.

Real Madrid have a difficult trip away to Bilbao next weekend. There is always a new test for los blancos but I'm convinced that we can rise to the challenge every time. Barca will have to try and do what they couldn't earlier in the week and that's beat Sevilla at the Nou Camp. Plenty of action to look forward to in coming times. That's all I have for now. If anyone would put some insight to crucial details I may have missed, you are more than welcome too.

Bobby

Crucial Absences and About Time Returns

Mallorca will be a vital test for Real Madrid on Sunday. The Islanders are currently enjoying a good run of form and an evenly great first half of the season as they sit pretty in La Liga's 4th place spot. Real Madrid will miss Sergio Ramos and Lassana Diarra through suspension while Kaka is expected to return along with veteran Guti who has been surrounded by fallout controversy with Manuel Pellegrini this season. He has always been a strong personality. However, it appears that Pellegrini is the one who holds the reigns and has a firm grip over the squad.

Perhaps the most crucial absence of weekend will be right back, Sergio Ramos because it will stir up more trouble than you might think. Here's why. Usually there are two possible replacements for the Spanish international. There first of which is Alvaro Arbeloa. However, for those who have been fallowing the club, Arbeloa has been playing left back since mid November. The second replacement Pellegrini uses for Sergio Ramos is Lassana Diarra. Although he is a midfielder by trade, Pelle has slipped the number 10 into the right back spot on several occasions. As I already mentioned, Lass is also suspended. So what to do...

1.) An obvious option would be to move Arbeloa, who was truly inspired against Osasuna, to right back and slide Marcelo or Drenthe into the vacant left back position. However many people are life-threateningly against putting either of them at left back because they both lack defensive qualities.

2.) Another option would be to give a go to a youth player. Many have tipped Marcos Alonso who was on the squad list to Valencia, to do a job, but the match against Mallorca may be a little too much pressure to throw him into. As mentioned above, Mallorca are in good form this season and with the title race being so close, this may not be a chance we want to take. Perhaps he could get minutes against a team that are not pushing for a place in European football next season.

The absence of Lass is not as vital considering there are plenty of midfielders that can do the job for Real. There are many options, Granero, Gago, or Guti, who hasn't played since the beginning portion on the season. There is much controversy between supporters on whether or not they would like Guti to return. There is a great article on http://www.real.theoffside.com/ (where you can also find a great Mallorca preview) regarding the Guti situation. I know Guti is tremendously talented. Butespite the spats between him and the coach, if we need him, we need him. I'm not going to hold a useful player out of the squad because we don't get along when the title is within two points. If I were Pellegrini, (if there is still a grudge or dispute still at hand, I'm not sure, its been a quiet topic), I would put relationship matters aside to earn 3 points. Then rebuild the relationship because in the end the two may need each other to achieve the same goals.

On another note Kaka will be returning. He was not selected by a coaching decision by Pellegrini last weekend because he had hardly trained and needed more time to get up to speed. Whether or not he will start tomorrow is unsure because Van der Vaart has done a sufficient job filling in for the Brazilian playmaker. On another note Garay, trained in the gym today. Hopefully he is available for the squad list. The team is already stretched at center back due to the season ending injury to Pepe. Maybe we will see the return of Metzelder if Garay is not fit. If not Metzelder and not Garay, we don't even have to option to push Sergio Ramos back into that spot. Castilla's Juanan has been in training this week with the first team. Seeing as he was born in Palma de Mallorca, I'm sure he is chomping at the bits to get on the field. This presents the same concern as did the Marcos Alonso, too crucial a game?

This is the line up I suspect Pellegrini to go with given that Garay is healthy.

------------Casillas------------
Arbeloa-Albiol-Garay-Marcelo
Ronaldo-Alonso-Granero-VDV

------Benzema--Higuain------

I don't expect Kaka to start. I could be wrong. I have been before, but I think he will be an early second half sub for Van der Vaart who has been playing regularly in his absence. Granero is in place of Lass. I think that Pellegrini will choose the "Pirate" because his ability to handle the ball at relative ease and his composure in possession.

Now here would be my starting XI.

------------Casillas------------
Arbeloa-Albiol--Garay-Marcelo

-------Alonso---Granero-------

VDV---------Kaka-----Ronaldo
------------Higuain------------

I continue to preach that Kaka's best position is the poaching spot behind the striker(s), the same role he plays for Brazil that he triumphs in. I have Ronaldo on the left, but as always he is free to roam, so Marcelo will be the one getting forward on the wing the majority of the time. The other side is just the opposite. Van der Vaart will play more of a fixed role on the right wing where Arbeloa won't be charging forward as much (unless he reconstructs his Osasuna performance). Higuain is the is the forward in whom Ronaldo will join on a regular basis. Benzema would replace Higauin early to mid second half.

Sunday will certainly test the depth of Real Madrid's depth in back line and somewhat in the midfield. Madridistas everywhere will be anxiously awaiting the return of Kaka. Can Marcelo defend at left back? The Mallorca team is full of former Madrid cantaneros and will be a vital match for our pursuit of the trophy.

Bobby

In the Wake of a Disappointing Weekend

I try not to bring it up but Real Madrid did fail to take the La Liga lead because of their away stalemate in Pamplona against Osasuna. I try to exile myself from the footballing world after disappointment but a rare occasion made me grin when I glanced at the headlines unintentionally. Okay fine you got me, I was curious of the Barcelona vs Sevilla Copa del Rey 1st leg result which happened to finish 2-1 to the Andalusians at the Nou Camp if you happen to miss it! I have two favorite teams, Real Madrid C.F. and who ever is playing Barcelona. So when I discovered they lost at home I was more than thrilled.

Then again a Copa del Rey anything just reminds me of our miserable exit but the joyful thought of frowning Barca players almost evens it out. Sadly, the first thing I thought of when I saw the result was "they probably didn't start their best XI." I was right. Valdes, Puyol, Pique, Xavi, Henry, and Ibrahimovic all started on the bench. On the contrary, Messi, Iniesta, Pedro, and Davi Alves did all start. So not their best starting line up but it included some quality Barcelona players including 2009's trophy boy, Messi. However, Ibra was introduced at half when the score was still tied at zero for Pedro. Busquets was brought into the match at 66 minutes for the rarely seen Gabi Milito after the young Diego Capel scored the opener on 60 minutes. Guardiola seemed to boost his offense by adding Xavi to the mix in the 70th minute. I didn't see the match but maybe Xavi was the boost Barcelona needed to draw level because a Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal brought the game to 1-1 on 74 minutes.

This is where it becomes interesting to me. Barcelona now had a fair experienced line-up on the field. Only a minute after drawing level. Diego Capel, who looks more and more promising everyday, drew a penalty which was converted by Alvaro Negredo. They say that you are most vulnerable after scoring but this is Barcelona we're talking about, with the momentum from a goal only a minute before hand. This Sevilla side only had 14 senior players on hand for the match and managed to get out in front of Barca, and climb above them after being equaled deep into the second half. That's an impressive result. Now the Blaugrana have to go to Sevilla (Us Madrid fans know that it's difficult to win there because of our loss to them 2-1 earlier this season in La Liga) and win by 2 goals. The scoreline 2-1 to Barca will send it to extra time and penalties if needed. A 1-0 result to the Catalans will still put Sevilla through on away goals.

I know this doesn't directly affect Real Madrid, but it affects their fans. As other Madrid fans, I don't want to see another trophy in Catalonia for a long... uhh wait.. well ever again. Because we blew our chance to stop them in the Copa del Rey so shamefully ourselves, whoever is going to step in and take the responsibility is a friend of mine. It really did a lot for morale on a Tuesday when Real Madrid was not even scheduled to play.

Bobby

Failure at the Brink of Opportunity: Osasuna 0-0 Real Madrid

As soon as everyone gets there hopes up to take top of the league into the hands of Real Madrid, los blancos crack under the pressure. The performance at Osasuna was very ugly when it comes to Madrid's standards. No one really even looked like scoring or even creating chances to score. Besides the break away miss from Higuain (which probably should have never happened in the first place; defender slipped), there was no real threat to the Osasuna goal mouth at all, a couple half chances here and there but nothing that stuck out. Van der Vaart managed to help to goal keeper with some catching practice and Benzema had an effort pushed away. For how high my hopes were, I'm very unsatisfied.

There were a couple "moans of the match" for Madrid. Number one, Marcelo was just shocking. Balls giving away time after time. He was even kind enough to the fans in Pamplona to shoot a souvenir ball in the stands (or was that a shot?). He started several counter attacks for Osasuna as well carelessly giving the ball away. I had said great things about the kid all week and this is how I'm repaid.

My second shocking performance goes out to Lass. What were you doing today man? You are a central midfield player. What is your number one priority? Keep it! We all know you are an exceptional talent on the ball but there is a time and a place. I feel like I'm coaching U10s saying that. There is nothing more disappointing than when it's close to full time, it's nil-nil still, we are pushing for a goal, we have a long string possession, building up an attack, and you come out second best somewhere in the central 3rd because you are trying to dribble.

I realize lately I've been extremely rough on Arbeloa, but he might have been our best player today...at left back. And you know you have problems when your left back is your standout. He was decent defending and useful and attack. He had a pretty set of tricks and maneuvers to spin a couple Osasuna players into their own turf in the first half. A lot better from him I thought (besides his attempt to dive in the corner, that was pathetic) . That's the best I've seen him play in a white shirt. May I say well done Alvaro.

However, enough with the individual performances for now. Let's turn our focus to the match. First half, we were dominated until the last 2 or 3 minutes. We were a step slower, looked sluggish. We fouled as if we weren't quick enough to defend properly. Osasuna carried the play and created chance through our lack of ability to deal with long balls. I can't explain how many times they would bomb a ball deep into our half. I would expect Albiol and Garay to send back missiles via headers. However, Pandiani and others were able to not only win those balls, but to trap them, turn, and find other Osasuna players. And when they did managed to clear the threat, it only went as far as an Osasuna player at midfield without a challenge from a forward. When observing this, frustration was an understatement. Casillas really bailed us out with the save from corner situation that he reacted to save off the line. Sergio Ramos was wearing his lucky boots as he nutmeggingly steered a dangerous cross through the oncoming attacker all in one touch (for those of you who didn't see the match, yes, that actually happened.)

Of course a major talking point is the Ronaldo penalty claim at the end of the first half. At first glance I wasn't convinced. However, I didn't see it very clearly considering I had to watch the match through a shaky, small, blurry, feed. But the replays were more than enough to tell you that he did get clipped. There is not a doubt about that. What may have contributed to the referee's decision to play on was the embellishment part. Ronaldo jumped. He added to what was already a penalty. I mean lots of players would but I think it took away from the authenticity of the foul. Seconds later as another one of a rare attacks was in motion Van der Vaart had a penalty claim of his own. He did get the pass off though which eventually lead to a deflected shot from Xabi Alonso. The referee perhaps played the advantage there.

As far as substitution decisions, I thought they were all pretty valid. I would have done the same except maybe have removed Marcelo earlier and made Raul my last sub. Benzema added a little something when he came on. I feel Granero didn't have enough time to get acclimated to that match, but looked useful in spurts after his late arrival to the game. Raul worked hard but benefited little from his efforts. Pellegrini had the right idea maybe timing was just a little off.

In the end it's a sad conclusion to a day Madrid fans planned to be celebrating. Hats off to Osasuna. They thwarted our plans to go top of the league and did it very effectively. Madrid will be kicking themselves for not picking up the points Barcelona dropped yesterday and will be begging for another slip up from the Catalans while at the same time trying to correct what went wrong in the performance today.

Bobby

The Importance of Capitalization

Hats off to Villarreal who drew 1-1 at the Nou Camp today. To be honest I think they deserved more. I know I' m a biased opinion but they had to monumental penalty claims. Dani Alves showed his lack in defensive quality yet again by tugging the arm of Marcano and ten tripped him as a set play situation was beginning to take place. The referee didn't give it a second glance, although it deserved on and maybe a third. The second penalty (or not penalty) was committed when Puyol used his imagination to pretend he was a bulldozer and blast right into the back of young Nilmar which sent both players to the turf and the ball trickling away. Villarreal had other chances though. The darting run which eventually resulted in a header that went straight down and popped over the bar had me thinking I could have put that on target myself. On a side note I thought Busquets had an exceptional match as much as I despise him for his acting. Messi is small, never complains or whines or roles around clutching himself unless he is legitimately injured. Busquets, a tower by the way, gets bit by a mosquito, and it looks as if we need to air lift him to the nearest hospital.

The opportunity has finally arisen. Barca dropped points. Although the Catalan based club has not lost a match this season, that is their fourth draw. It's not often that Barcelona let valuable points slide from underneath them, especially at home. I cannot express the importance that Madrid must win in a chilly Pamplona tomorrow. Not only will a win over Osasuna match us to their point total of 40, but it will boost us above them on goal differential. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have a goal differential of 27. So if Madrid triumphs by any margin tomorrow, Madrid will go top. Capitalization is vital. Just ask Barcelona during the 2006-2007 La Liga season. There was a time in the second chunk of the season where the lead by 12 points. It was all but over. However, they dropped and dropped and dropped point after point. A curious little boy named Blanco fallowed the striped jersey around picking up the points that were dropped. He then took them back home to Madrid and made the 30th La Liga Championship out of them on the last match day. The rest is history. There would be no better way to up the pressure. Let it amount on Barcelona. The more success they have, for example six trophy's, the more they are expected to finish above us. Expectations are high. Despite our summer signings, Barcelona is still expected to finish above us. Let's make some heads turn in our direction. Let's prove our worth in the second half of the season.

Pellegrini has decided to leave Kaka in Madrid. The Brazilian play maker has recovered from his injury but has hardly participated in training. I think this is a good decision. Van der Vaart is more than capable of doing a job for us. Kaka can find his feet again and be in the squad list for next week. I expect this line up from Pellegrini, fallowed by my own preferred XI.

------------Casillas--------------
Ramos--Garay--Albiol--Arbeloa

---------Lass----Alonso---------

Ronaldo-----VDV-------Marcelo

-----------Higuain-------------

-------------Casillas-------------

Ramos--Garay--Albiol--Marcelo

Ronaldo-Lass---Alonso-----VDV

--------Higuain---Benzema-----

Let tomorrow bring good fortune to Real Madrid. It's a massive one and everybody knows it. I want the Barcelona players to watch the match and think "Damn..." HALA MADRID!

Bobby

The Left Back Dilema

All Real Madrid supporters at this time know that we haven't ever exactly solved the whole that Roberto Carlos left when he moved on to Turkish football. I don't know about the rest of the lot but I am less than satisfied about what we have done to make sure that a player will secure that spot and make it his own. Lately, Pellegrini has decided on summer arrival of Arbeloa from Liverpool who is actually a right back by trade. Because of injuries to Ronaldo and Kaka in the first half of the season, Marcelo, whose position is left back, has been used in the midfield because of his pace and technical ability. And then there is Drenthe who looked oh so promising but has confidence issues (he's not been right since Di Stefano told him he needs to cut his hair, however I don't mind the locks; adds character)

I'm not going to hide my feelings throughout the article. I don't think Arbeloa has the quality. Others would argue that he is a solid defender, he just doesn't give anything going forward. This is my opinion, but the guy as very frightening, gives balls away. It scares me. I cringe when I see him in the line up. He stated that he wanted to leave Liverpool because they were bringing in Glen Johnson and he didn't want to play behind the England international. So logically he decided he would come to Real Madrid where he though beating out Ramos might be easier? Doesn't make sense. He has Ronaldo and Kaka to thank for being injured because that meant the left back position was easier to fight for with Marcelo up the field. I mean I could be a little hard on the fellow because he is playing out of position, but even at right back I feel the same way. He didn't even look good against Alcorcon in the first leg (then again who did?). I mean it's not like I think he is hopeless. On a lighter note, I think he is the perfect player to fill in for Ramos. We aren't really gonna find a more high profile player that would be willing to come to Madrid and sit on the bench as a right back. I mean we need someone to step in if Ramos is hurt or suspended but for me he's not a starting XI player at Real Madrid.

Drenthe, as I mentioned, has confidence issues. He has great technical ability and works his rear end off on both sides of the ball. He is a tremendous athlete. However, he doesn't get the time of day from Pellegrini. This further contributes to his demise because that's another hit to this player sensitive side. Last year the boy practically had a nervous break down when the home fans weren't happy with his performance. He shows his worth in spurts though. The goal against A.C. Milan, he drew a penalty against Atletico last year. He also has a very convincing step over. I wish he would figure out what he is worth because if he believes it, then he'll start playing with some intestinal fortitude. Then we'll start to believe in him too, as well as coaches and the club. I think he is promising but he is just in a rut. If he can dig himself out, I can see him doing well. One more thing about Drenthe. If your playing left back then you have defensive responsibility. I know your job is often times to get beyond the midfielders and serve balls into the box but don't get caught out and have us beat over top when your not in the clear to get yourself into the attack. Try not to get beat over top. Keep track of that winger my friend.

The young Brazilian. Now like Pellegrini, when everyone is healthy, Marcelo would be my first choice left back. Okay Okay, I know he lacks a little defensively. He's not a great tackler but he's a bomb going forward. He's crafty and quick. If he partners up with Kaka down the left (if Pelle chooses to put Kaka there), they can be very dangerous together. If you must know, Marcelo is my first choice right back on FIFA10. He has really burst onto the scene in the last year and I've been very impressed. If he is guided in the right direction, maybe he could be the heir to the Roberto Carlos thrown. Perhaps. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I mean how many other world class (I'm not talking pretty good, or solid) left backs are there in the world? Evra, Ashley Cole? Lahm fell off. Maybe Chichy. I mean it's not easy work but Marcelo is so young and has all the tools to be something special. That's my first choice.

Tell me what you think. I am interested to hear what you have to say. I know there are plenty of other points to argued and I'm sure many of you disagree. Let's hear it. I'm not here to educate you. I'm here to state my opinion and learn from yours.

Bobby