#2 The Defender Who Loves to get Forward

Dani Alves has wowed fans for a number of years. Whether it be a tantalizing, rocket of a free kick or a stupid neck warmer, Alves continues to be quite the wing back (or whatever they call that position these days). The Brazilian has spent the better part of his career plying his trade in the Spanish Primera. Following a successful stint at in his homeland, Dani ventured across the Atlantic to Sevilla and eventually found a home at his current club, Barcelona. Dani Alves is a phenomenal player, one that is truly a joy to watch. Look for him to stop the opposing attack, while marauding forward as Barcelona try to capture the league title and progress through the Champion's League.

#1 The Best Current Goalkeeper

I have a soft spot for a guy that I grew up watching between the sticks. Iker Casillas is a very polarizing figure in the football world. Some feel that he is underserving of his lofty status, however many believe he is currently the best goalkeeper in the world. Playing for the reigning World Cup champions, Iker deservedly earned the right to don the title of the world's number 1 goalkeeper.That being said, at the time of this article, his Real Madrid squad are sitting second in the league, nipping at the heals of bitter rivals Barcelona. In addition to amazing us with his ability on the field, Casillas continues to impress us off the field by consistently being linked with some of the most attractive women in the world! Iker Casillas is currently the best on the globe and at the tender age of 29, he will surely continue to be an elite shot stopper well into the future.

Players by the Number

In the coming weeks, I will highlight a player that I feel best represents a specific number for their European club team. In doing so, I hope to create a list that is both entertaining and insightful! This list will be in numerical order and will seemingly end somewhere after the number 1 and before 99. With that, enjoy and feel free to comment. Cheers.

North London Derby

Today features the North London Derby. Should be a fun one. Arsenal will surely look to secure 3 points hosting Spurs. With the Gunners entering the fixture having won 5 of their last 6 games and Tottenham lacking to keep clean sheets against their bitter rival, look for a highly entertaining match. Though I am a huge Arsenal fan, I am excited to see two fascinating opposing players in Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermaine Jenas (no the latter is not a joke, just check out the first goal). Arsenal hope to get a number of players back in action for the game. It will be intriguing to see who exactly gets the start at a variety of positions. With a bevy of counter attacking options, Arsenal should expect to put a few in the back of the net. I know I'll be up and at 'em early in the morning to watch this enticing fixture.

World Cup Thus Far

Well what can we say... It's been a rather intriguing tournament these past 4 days. With plenty of goalkeeping errors, lack of creativity, and terribly annoying horns; we've certainly indulged in one of the more memorable first rounds in recent memory. I have a few thoughts from kickoff last Friday to today's games.

I was glad to see that South Africa got a point from their opening match. It was pretty evident in Mexico's preparation games that they lacked something. Both teams were undoubtedly consumed by the electric atmosphere. With that, I am sticking to my original prediction that South Africa will indeed go through to the next round by some act of the heavens.

England was really, really, really disappointing. I'm not one to question Don Fabio, but leaving Theo Walcott off the squad made me a little angry (being an Arsenal fan of course). I feel England is going to suffer the same fate that seemingly hampers them in every tournament, a lack of creativity. Using the ESPN analysts new favorite word, the Three Lions lack "guile." I can't even begin to explain the problems I had with the American squad. I love my country to death, but I hate our national team and the current system in place (which will continue to hold back the advancement and evolution of American soccer).

Germany was the most impressive team in the first few days. I have them losing in the Finals against the Dutch, but yesterday, they showed that they are one of the favorites to hoist the trophy in mid July. Schweinsteiger is one to watch. He may not be as flashy as he used to be, but he was pulling the strings in his relatively new position in the center of the park. Germany are dangerous to say the least.


Lastly, the Netherlands and Italy today. The Dutch need to pick up their game, but don't worry me too much. I think they will hope to catch fire in the latter rounds as opposed to repeating their Euro 2008 performance which saw the Oranje run out of gas. Italy is old. Contrary to ESPN analysts, I thought that Montolivo had a decent game. He was the most dangerous man on the pitch. The Fiorentina man had a great shot in the second half that he nearly put in the back of the net. He also had numerous passes into the flanks that the Italian strikers managed to mess up in one way or another. The Azzurri need to figure it out soon, or else Paraguay and Slovakia could find themselves in the next round.

That's it for now, surely more to come tomorrow...

The Next Gunner: Marouane Chamakh

Clearly Arsenal needs some experience in their young squad if they are to challenge for trophies next year. Whether or not the lads accomplish the seemingly impossible and yank the title away from cross town rivals Chelsea, the Gunners need to make some improvements to counter those that their main challengers will inevitably carry out. WIth that, today we look at one of the strikers that is linked with the London squad.

Marouane Chamakh

This 26 year old Moroccan has confirmed he will be leaving Bordeaux at the end of the season. All signs point to this kid moving North to London. I don't know how I feel about Chamakh though. As of now he has 14 goals from 39 appearances in all competitions. That is not the most prolific tally, but certainly not too shabby. There has, however, been an emergence of talent on the Bordeaux team as of late, which could explain the sharing of goals around the French team. I am weary, though It wouldn't surprise me one bit to see Chamakh playing a role coming off the bench at Arsenal next year. I just don't think this is a go to guy especially considering the possibilities a lethal partnership between Bendtner and Van Persie, which Mr. Wegner will certainly employ in the next few weeks...

Here's a link to a nice little video.
MAROUANE CHAMAKH GOALS AND ASSISTS

Arsenal at Barcelona

Well, well, well karma seems to be heading in Arsenal's direction after all... With the Gunners going down 2-nil to Barcelona early in the second half, a deflated Arsenal squad appeared to be all but done for. Then Theo Walcott provided a glimmer of hope by pulling one back. Soon thereafter, Fabregas earned a penalty for the home team. However, in doing so, the talismanic skipper unfortunately suffered a broken leg. He heroically scored thanks to a great deal of adrenaline pumping through his veins. Arsenal left the Emirate with their heads held high. An even scoreline at 2 left the lads with the slightest bit of optimism heading into the weekend. As time was ticking down against an inspired Hull City team, Arsenal looked to have been set for a disappointing draw. Deep into stoppage time a miracle header from the Great Dane, Nicklas Bendtner, put the Gunners on top and kept them in the Premier League title race. This late winner coupled with the news that Ibrahimovic is out of the Tuesday fixture, surely gives Arsenal a sense of momentum and hope heading into the Nou Camp in a few day's time. Karma and Lady Luck might just be going to Spain with them.

Sunday's EPL Matches

We have a few great games to watch on Sunday... Not the most enticing line up, but there is certainly potential for some fun, entertaining encounters. Birmingham hosting Liverpool at St. Andrews. Fulham playing hosts to Wigan at Craven Cottage. And lastly, Everton taking on West Ham at Goodison.

Birmingham v. Liverpool:
This is an intriguing matchup at St. Andrews. Birmingham is coming off a last gasp equalizer at Arsenal which surely gave the lads some confidence heading into the Liverpool fixture. They are currently 9th in the league. Liverpool on the other hand are coming off an intresting encounter with Europa league foes, Benefica. Recently Merseysiders impressived with a victory over a relatively in-form Sunderland squad. Liverpool are currently 6th, 4 points behind Tottenham. Three points are absolutely imperative for the Reds as they hope to keep their dreams of a 4th place finish alive.

Fulham v. Wigan:
This game is particularly important to those residing in Wigan, sweating out relegation fears, and a few Fulham fans in London. Not the most enticing game of the weekend, but certainly one of importance. Wigan hope to keep their Premier League chances afloat. Meanwhile, Fulham is resting a bunch of their key players in anticipation for the Europa league fixture against Wolfsburg. This will surely anger a lot of the relegation zone clubs considering Wigan is playing against a weak-end squad. There have been a few complaints to the FA but I assume they are falling on deaf ears.

Everton v. West Ham:
The uncertainty surrounding the future of a struggling West Ham club playing against an Everton team that hasn't lost at home in quite some time makes this a salivating encounter. The Hammers are walking a might fine, expensive, line above the relegation zone. They are currently 17th in the Premier League, ahead of Hull City on Goal Differential. Everton on the other hand, is aspiring to gain a few spots in their push for a Europa league birth. This game will have fans on the edges of their seat in what is surely to be a feisty and desperate match.