Football News

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 2/4/2013 at 10:53 AM 1 @Kenneth, If you are going to swap in Pipita, it would have to be for Kun.. (or god forbid Messi). Otherwise it would be an all out attack formation (3 forwards and an enganche). Thats too hot to handle in my book. Guiterezz (or Biblia, Yacob, Min~o, Sosa, Cambiasso, Lucho, Simeone, etc, etc) is there because they offer balance and transition to both defence and offence. That is the glue of a team. Argentina lately is VERY thin in midfield, we need to strengthen it, not thin it. Having Messi + (Kun, Higuain, Tevez, DiMaria, Pastore, Lavezzi, etc, etc) is already the BEST attacking line in the world. Evidence of this was the Arg v Brasil friendly in the USA where we scored a shitton of goals with just Messi and Pipita upfront and 4 work horses behind. Having 3 forwards (sensible 3) is already pushing it in my book.. and at this point I consider both DiMaria and Banega (because of stamina) as forwards. The 4-4-2 has been the most successful and time proven formation.. I dont think we need to reinvent the wheel. 4 defenders, one who has some attacking flair.. 4 midfielders, all workhorses and 1 or two with attacking intelligence.. two forwards, one tall/strong one sneaky. The more we deviate from that formation, the more we enter into 'experimental' futbol. Since our midfield is our weakest link.. I think 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2 are our safe formations. I dont think we will ever win a cup with a 4-2-4

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 2/4/2013 at 10:44 AM 0 @elpipita, I agree.. I was only pontificating on the IF we use Banega this is how to best use him. I would NOT count on him as my starter. I would much rather have Lamela in that enganche role, I feel Lamela offers a lot more offensively and if well coached (I am sure he would do anything to get to start next to Messi) then I think with an honest defensive effort he would get as much done as Banega.. what he lacks in strength and tackling skill he more than makes up for in youth, stamina and speed. So in a high pressure system he would do better, and in a fast counter system as well. Not to mention he is more consistent.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 2/4/2013 at 12:14 AM 1 @ Leandro i like your formation but i would put Higuian in place of Jonas...we need a number 9 in there somebody with height who stays in the middle so that when Messi drops back he has somebody to give it to. People try to argue that Aguero can do that, yes he can do that but not as much as we need it to be done you give Banega his classic valencia role so he can pair up with Messi in what almost feels like a 4-2-2-2 with higuian and Aguero spear heading it, it'll be deadly for sure and safer, if you ask me.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 11:38 PM 0 I'm sure Sabella had thought of many options, but with banega's ongoing consistency and disciplinary issues, leandro's formation might be more akin to wishful thinking than a viable option.

Abs (United States)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 9:21 PM 0 @Leandro: I like your formation, and I think it is a suitable plan B which Sabella will never think of.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 8:18 PM 0 I watched the full game of Barca vs Valencia. It was a good battle. Of the Argentine players there: Messi, was marked hard. Dribbled too much at times, but even when he is shut off from that asset his finishing of the PK was deadly and he threaded atleast 3 passes through 5 players unto the runs of his teammates, sublime, unfortunate for Barca that the targets could not capitalize. Mascherano did his usual bulldog role, nothing horrible nothing great. Subbed early due to a yellow. Tino Costa had a great great job defensibly. He was tenacious and won back a lot of balls. All of Valencia did. Offensibly he rushed almost everything he touched.. not National team material in my opinion unless we use him as a Mascherano back up in defensive midfield.. bench warmer. He needs more class on the ball. Piatti, played only a few min.. no comment. Banega, oh what a tease you are. His first 35 minutes where world class. He defended well, excellent distribution and he scores!.. from then forward he banished from the game. He is slow to begin with.. which is ok as a creative midfielder.. but his lack of fitness is a major issue. If he gets in top shape I see hope, but until then I am happy watching him in Valencia only. Also, every time I have seen Banega do well is when he is relieved of defensive responsibility and is backed up by two solid destroyers. He played like an enganche this game, and did so well, its especially nice having him there since he is a capable defender when he catches up to a play.. lol. If he played with Mascherano, Gago and Biglia/Guiterrez as the dirty men behind him and he was used as Valencia did as a very high up the field midfielder he could do well for us.. that would mean no fav-4. - - - Romero - - - Zaba - Fern - Gara - X - gago - Masch - Guiterz - - - - Banega - - -- - Messi - - - - Aguero I dont see him helping us with the fab 3 or 4 on the field as he is too slow and unfit to compensate the thin midfield.

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 7:59 PM 0 The problem with being labeled a "drunk" is that every time someone accuses you of being a drunk it's automatically true and if you deny it that means it's even worse since you won't even admit you have a problem. The way Banega played against Barcelona, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, what Argentines and Italians consider alcoholism is considered a regular trip to the bar where I grew up.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 7:42 PM 0 Ever's dicipline is a huge ongoing issue and I suspect its the reason behind his inconsistency with the NT. Like Leandro I prefer a player who is good and reliable to one who is brilliant one second and invisible the next (as is the case with Banega when he plays for the NT). I would love to see the 2007 youth WC banega in the team but I really doubt that its gonna happen and frankly with players like Gago, Biglia and Yacob the albicelestes are not without option

haman (Bahrain)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 5:59 PM 0 I don't mind him being drunk if he plays well. we need him on the pitch, off it he's free to do whatever he wants. An as I can see, he's starting to get back in form recently and tonight he played well and scored against Barca. Salute Ever xx

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 1:55 PM 0 Man even drunk Banega scores....Against Barcelona the kid has talent, just needs some discipline.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 1:14 PM 0 Great post Leandro, and oh so true. It does seem that Banega is in for a major battle.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 9:09 AM 1 Either case, alcoholism is a very hard thing to kick. Society minimizes the strength of that drug because for one reason or the other its the one we said was ok to do in public, but alcohol is a noose you cant get out of if it gets you the right way. Sadly, Banega.. like Ortega.. got bit. I hope all the best for him, that being said to all the Mundofans who are exited about his return to the pitch and the national team.. curbe your enthuthiasm. Changes of him getting worse, or being the same old unfit, inconsistent talent are greater than him coming clean and becoming the next world revelation. Id rather stick to players that have their act together and nurture them, its a safer investment. Kids like Biglia should get called before Banega IMHO.

Fred (Hong Kong)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 4:50 AM 0 @Abs If the Valencia manager said no, then it may be true or false. But if he refuses to comment, then it is true.

Abs (United States)

Posted on 2/3/2013 at 1:58 AM 0 @Jack!: Why do you always beat me :@ .. Delete it, coz I want to post that !! ----------- News are saying that Banega showed up to the training under influence .. In other words, just as Jack! said, he was drunk !! Anyone can confirm that ?! Coz apparently, the manager of Valencia refused to comment on that !

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 2/2/2013 at 8:23 PM 0 What is this I am hearing about Banega going to training drunk for Valencia. He had to apologize.

el principe (United States)

Posted on 2/2/2013 at 8:13 PM 0 Gago is one of the few Argentines who actually performs better with the national team than with the club. The other that I can think of is Federico Fernandez.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 2/2/2013 at 4:01 PM 0 Sad to see him leave valencia but like most of you have already stated, Gago is a fine player and as long as he keeps up his form with the national team then I could careless where he plays.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 2/2/2013 at 3:56 PM 0 @ Abs well hopefully this move back to Argentina will stop all of the drama that he has been having, really the ONLY downside to gago has been his injuries when he's been healthy he's always played well, he's a talented individual who will only perform better where he's comfortable so hopefully Argentina gives him that

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 2/2/2013 at 3:09 PM 2 Gago is good enough to play anywhere, I do not like the notion people say that "he is not good enough for Europe", that is just does not fly with me. Gago can play in any league in the world. I was listening to Tim Vickery today, and he said one of the main reasons that Messi has played so well for Argentina in the last year or so was because of Gago(Who himself stated he rate him very highly).

some supporter (Argentina)

Posted on 2/2/2013 at 10:38 AM 0 Gago just signed for a team that has all the chances to win the next Libertadores and therefore the former Intercontinental. Discussing his choice is nonsense.

argentine (Ghana)

Posted on 2/2/2013 at 7:33 AM 0 not bad switches for those players in order to get playing times.

Abs (United States)

Posted on 2/2/2013 at 4:02 AM 0 @Kenneth @Jack!: I don't have a problem with Gago being back to Argentina, but my concern is why is he always on the move ?! It just bring back the drama which started one Pellegrino got axed !!

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 11:12 PM 0 Well said Kenny G. I concur with you. People act like it's a downgrade going to Argentina or Brazil. So playing for a bottom side Spanish side, or RPL Ukrainian Super League is so much better.

Fred (Hong Kong)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 10:43 PM 0 Gago suits Fiorentina in terms of style. But his wage may be a problem.

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 10:29 PM 0 Gago will play well and in six months he'll be back in Europe.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 5:23 PM 2 Im confused how so many people here get upset when a player moves back to Argentina, its getting ridiculous, look at the fifa club world cup stats please..South American teams dominate that more specifically Argentina and Brazil, when people play in Argentina they play their heart out, they play with passion and for the fans. This is the best move that Gago could've done, he needs to be comfortable again and have some sort of confidence, if he would've gone to England who knows what would've happened? At least back in Argentina we know he'll still be there for the N/T

Brigie (Trinidad And Tobago)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 3:49 PM 0 Hey it's Gabriel's birthday today :) can somebody start a thread Happy Birthday Gabriel Omar Batistuta

Mafioso (Bangladesh)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 2:15 PM 0 STATS : Best performing goalkeepers across Europe's top 5 leagues thisseason : These stats show which keeper's this season have the save success rate : Top 10 - 1. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) : 18 apps - 85.1% 2. Salvatore Sirigu (PSG) : 19 caps - 83.3% 3. Gerhard Tremmel (Swansea) : 10 apps - 81.5% 4. David De Gea (Manchester United) : 15 apps - 78.7% 5. Wilfredo Caballero (Malaga) : 20 apps - 78.7% 6. Ali Ahamada (Toulouse) :20 apps - 77.2% 7. Petr Cech (Chelsea) : 22 apps - 77.2% 8. Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux) : 21 apps - 76.5% 9. Tono (Granada) : 15 apps - 76.4% 10. Fabian Giefer (Dusseldorf) : 18 apps - 76%

Pino (United States)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 2:10 PM 0 The Gago team carousel continues.I guess Gago answered everyone question on who is better bewteen him and TINO COSTA!, now that Banega is back.The up side of going back home is: 1)Velez is one of the better Argentinian teams at the moment. 2)Gago can practice on becoming a better holding midfielder (Xavi) and a better attacking midfielder (Iniesta), and not just a defensive midfielder (Macherano and Busquets). Finally 3)Gago might just be there initially for the 6 months until he gets a better permanent deal back in Europe.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 11:59 AM 0 Gago in Velez is a VERY good carreer move. He already has tons of money, he already has a spot at the national team, he is mid carreer, he has a girlfriend in Argentina he cares for, its ARGENTINA!!.. and what he DESPERATELY NEEDS is security. A team that will start him every time and ask of him to be a key component to the winning strategy. If Gago is asked to be more than a destroyer (used and discarded like toilet paper in most teams) then he will shine.

haman (Bahrain)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 5:46 AM 0 It Reminds of Camoranesi.. As much I liked Juve as much I hated him! Gogo move to Velez isn't bad at all, he needs a team where he could lead the midfield. There you got it Gago, and aren't returning to Boca though.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 4:34 AM 0 @ Jack Iturbe played in a non fifa official game for paraguay Schelloto has, and has pledged loyalty to Italy, he is an average player i don't want him anyways, but it still sickens me to see how many "Argentines" go to play for Italy, and how Italy can accept so many....no shame and no pride

Abs (United States)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 3:29 AM 0 @pablo.d: No, I don't want Gago at Liverpool :p .. Just kidding ! But seriously, what went wrong there ? I mean Gago been moving across teams every 6 months now, and that's not a good sign. @Jack!: I believe Schelloto is already locked up by Italy, and it really pisses me off. Maybe he doesn't fit in Sabella's formation, but he is the type of players you will need at some stage, just like Jonas. As for Iturbe, then my guess would be that he either played with the U21 or he played in a none FIFA day. ----------- Palermo will be excited to watch from now on, I really like Faurlin, Formica, Boselli and Munoz (@Johnny: No, I don't want any of them near the NT) Lazio sold two Argentina players, and is pretty much kicking Zarate out. I don't get it, but I hope it isn't personal :p Buonanotte, made a big mistake by joining Gernada, wish he made the move to Palermo as well. By the way, F. Fernandez also switch clubs for a 6 months loan, leaving Napoli to Getafe. Another weird move by Napoli, who loaned Rolando (defender from Porto). Anyway, I mentioned earlier that Fernandez will find his place in Getafe, and soon the big teams will go after him.

Alam (India)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 2:53 AM 0 Not a good move by gago.he should go for tougher league in europe.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 2:47 AM 0 schelloto, I believe could still play for Argentina. The game he played was a friendly. Look at Iturbe, had played a senior match with Paraguay and is still could play for us. But who cares.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 2:43 AM 0 Wow, a shocker with Gago at Velez (and not Boca). Well, IMHO Velez is the most stable and best coached club in Argentina (and I say that as a Boca fan). So, things could be worse. I guess Gago was serious about returning to Argentina to be near his girlfriend, Dulko.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 2/1/2013 at 12:45 AM 0 i cant believe gago did not go to a bigger league and id have been delighted to see him at my Tottenham and i kno abs wanted him at liverpool

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 1/31/2013 at 11:25 PM 0 good for all - hope they all be in the right place and perform better.

Dinucci (Argentina)

Posted on 1/31/2013 at 11:01 PM 0 im happy about gago velez has a great shot at the libertadores

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 1/31/2013 at 8:43 PM 0 Why is schelloto up there? He was born in BA but already played a cap for italy