PROFILE FOOTBALL STAR

Showing posts with label Soccer profile ( Midfielders ). Show all posts

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Xavi

Name: Xavier Hernandez Creus

Nickname: Xavi
Nationality: Spanish
Date and Place of Birth: Born January 25, 1980 in Terrassa, Spain
Playing Position: Midfielder
Current Club:

FC Barcelona (Spanish La Liga)
Club Career: 1997-present FC Barcelona
International Career: 2000-present Spain
About Xavi:

Xavier Hernandez Creus, more commonly known as simply “Xavi”, was born in Catalonia Spain on 25th January 1980. Xavi has risen through the footballing ranks at Barcelona at an impressive rate to become one of the most well respected and feared midfielders in Spanish football.

Xavi Hernandez was a capable and talented footballer even as a youth and his prevalent skills were soon noticed by Barcelona who signed him for their youth program when he was only 11 years old. Xavi impressed throughout his years at Barcelona rising through the youth ranks to become an important member of the Barcelona B team.

It wasn’t long before Xavi’s impressive technique and passing ability earned him a call up to the Senior Barcelona team in August 1998. Since making his debut Xavi has continued to impress with strong performances and has become an integral member of the first team tasting success lifting the La Liga title.

Xavi is one of Barcelona’s exciting attacking players and has the ability to control the pace of the game from his midfield stronghold. He has earned creditability as a player with great composure and strength leading him to be considered as one of the best Spanish players in the midfield role.

Xavi plays international football for the Spanish national team since first making his debut in 2000 against Holland. Xavi recently competed in the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Spain showing his great importance to the team by playing in all of their games and lifting the man of the match award against Ukraine.

Xabier Alonso Olano

Name: Xabier Alonso Olano
Nationality: Spanish
Date and Place of Birth: Born November 25, 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Country, Spain
Playing Position: Midfielder
Current Club:

Liverpool (English Premier League)
Club Career: 2000-2004 Real Sociedad
2004-present Liverpool
International Career: 2003 - present Spain
About Xabi Alonso:

Although born Xabier Alonso Olano in 1981, the Spanish and Liverpool player is more commonly known as simply “Xabi Alonso”. Alonso has established himself as an exciting central midfielder and creative playmaker and his strong imposing performances have helped Liverpool to progress both domestically and in Europe.

Alonso has the game of football in his blood from an early age as his father Periko Alonso was a famous footballer for both Barcelona and Real Sociedad. Alonso showed a natural love and talent for football and he was a part of the youth academy at Real Sociedad during his formative years. Alonso made his senior debut for Real Sociedad in the 1999-00 season and worked hard to gain a permanent starting place in the first team. Through his hard work and impressive performances Alonso secured his place as an integral member of the Real Sociedad team and helped the club to a second place finish in La Liga in the 2002-03 season.

Alonso moved from Sociedad to English Premiership side Liverpool in 2004. At Liverpool Alonso has extended his influence on the English game with an impressive passing ability coupled with exciting creative flair. Alonso has secured a solid place in the first team at Liverpool and has played a crucial role in Liverpool’s recent success in Europe. In the 2005 Champion’s League final Alonso was a key member of the team who led the now infamous comeback against AC Milan, scoring the third goal helping to force the final to penalties which Liverpool eventually won.

Alonso has recently pledged his future to the Anfield club signing a new five year contract keeping him at Liverpool until 2012. Alonso is one of the influential players in the current Liverpool set up hoping to force the club on to glory in the League becoming serious competitors domestically.

Alonso plays for the Spanish national football team and has become a regular fixture since first making his debut against Ecuador in 2003. Alonso was a member of the Spanish squad that participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and at the tournament he succeeded in scoring his first international goal in a match against the Ukraine.

Steven George Gerrard MBE

Name: Steven George Gerrard MBE
Nationality: English
Date and Place of Birth: Born May 30, 1980 in Whiston, England
Playing Position: Midfield
Current Club:

Liverpool (English Premiership)
Club Career: 1997–present Liverpool
International Career: 2000–present - England
About Steven Gerrard:

Born on Merseyside, Liverpool on 30th May 1980 no-one would ever have guessed that Steven Gerrard would become one of the greatest players ever to pull on a Liverpool jersey. Gerrard is the captain of Liverpool and has become an integral part of the first team since making his debut on 30th November 1998.

Eager to stake a place in the first team during the 1999-200 season under Gerard Houllier Gerrard proved himself worthy only to suffer a set-back when he was overcome with back problems. Despite these injuries and claims that Gerrard would never play a full season for Liverpool he fought back to recover and put his injuries behind him.

The 2000-2001 season saw Gerrard put all injury worries behind him lifting his first majors trophies for the club in the form of the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup. To cap a wonder season Gerrard was named as PFA Young Player of the Year.

Following the end of the 2001 season Gerrard’s confidence in his abilities grew and he became an increasingly influential player for Liverpool gaining valuable experience. Despite minor setbacks and a loss of confidence Gerrard rallied to become the on-field leader of Liverpool by the start of 2003. It came as no surprise when he was handed the captain’s armband, in the hope that he would inspire his teammates to improve their performances.

Despite Gerrard excelling in the role of captain Liverpool failed to lift any major trophies and there was a distinct lack of optimism about Liverpool’s future prospects under Houllier. It was suggested that Gerrard may have to move away from Anfield in order to achieve his potential but with the appointment of Rafael Benitez Gerrard decided to stay with the club and see what the new manager could do.

His trust was well placed as Gerrard became the second youngest captain ever to lift the European Cup as Liverpool defeated AC Milan in the 2005 Champion’s League Final. He was also named UEFA’s MVP for the 2004-2005 Champion’s League season. Things got even better for Gerrard when he was voted PFA player of the year in 2006. Under Gerrard's leadership, Liverpool have secured their place in the 2007 Champion’s League Final against AC Milan.

Steven Gerrard plays for England and played in the 2004 European Championship and 2006 World Cup. Despite lifting no major honours with England Gerrard has secured his place in the starting 11 with strong performances and was named Vice-Captain by Steve McClaren after David Beckham resigned the post.

Ryan Giggs

Name: Ryan Giggs
Nationality: Welsh
Date and Place of Birth: Born November 29, 1973 in Cardiff, Wales
Playing Position: Winger
Current Club:

Manchester United (English Premiership)
Club Career: 1990-present Manchester United
International Career: 1991 - 2007 Wales - 64 caps, 13 goals
About Ryan Giggs:

Born in Cardiff on 29th November 1973 Ryan Giggs has become a football player synonymous with success. One of the very rare players to have spent their whole career at the same club Ryan Giggs is Manchester United through and through clocking up over 700 appearances for the club and becoming the club’s longest serving current player.

Giggs made his first appearance for Manchester United in the 1990-1991 season and became a regular fixture in the first team during the 1991-1992 season. Since 1992 Giggs has lifted nine Premier League winner’s medals and numerous other accolades including a Champion’s League medal as part of the 1999 winning Manchester United team.

Giggs also holds the honour of winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice in 1992 and 1993 making him the first player to win the award in consecutive years. This feat has only ever been matched by Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney. In addition, Giggs has the record for being the top all-time scorer in the FA Premier League not to play in the position of striker.

Ryan Giggs although an Old Trafford faithful began his career at city-rivals Manchester City having been signed at the age of fourteen. Even at this early stage Giggs superior skill was evident for all to see leading to Sir Alex Ferguson going to his home to persuade him to sign for United instead of City. As history shows us Giggs decided to sign for Manchester United and since that date has spent his entire professional career at the club.

Giggs became a football icon not seen since the likes of George Best transforming many a young English teenager into lifelong Manchester United fans. In the late 1990’s his popularity and fame evened out as fellow team mates such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt began to take some of the limelight. Giggs became a senior member of the squad and was an integral part of the team that won the record breaking and unprecedented treble in 1999.

Giggs plays for the Welsh national side and made his debut in 1991 at seventeen years of age becoming the youngest player to represent his country at the highest level. However, his international career has been frustrating as Wales have failed to qualify for either a World Cup or European Championship.

Name: Paul Scholes

Name: Paul Scholes
Nationality: English
Date and Place of Birth: Born November 16, 1974 in Salford, England
Playing Position: Attacking midfielder/ Centre midfielder
Current Club:

Manchester United (English Premier League)
Club Career: 1993 - present Manchester United
International Career: 1997–2004 - England
About Paul Scholes:

Paul Scholes was born in 1974 and he has become one of the most successful and well respected English footballers of this generation after spending his entire career at Manchester United. Scholes was an avid football fan from an early age and his emerging talent was cultivated at Manchester United as he joined the club as a trainee at just fourteen years of age. Scholes impressed at the club and he soon made his debut for the senior team in September 1994 after turning professional in July 1993.

Scholes was now being promoted in footballing circles as an up and coming talent and one of the potential hot prospects of the future. He soon lived up to this reputation that had been created as he competed strongly in the 1994-95 season gaining experience playing for the first team. Scholes continued to impress and by the 1997-98 season he was an integral member of the Manchester United squad and a first team regular. Scholes was one of the players in the 1998-99 season that contributed greatly to Manchester United's Premier League title, FA Cup and Champion’s League treble success.

Since achieving this high level of success Scholes has continued to develop and impress becoming established as one of the best English midfielders in football history. Scholes has remained loyal to Manchester United throughout his career and has been well rewarded lifting seven Premiership titles, three FA Cups and a Champion’s League trophy at the club. Scholes is Manchester United though and through and has become known as a player that epitomises what the club represents.

Scholes played his international football for the England national team first making his debut against South Africa in 1997. Scholes was a key member of the England squads that participated in the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup. Scholes announced his retirement from international football in August 2004 and despite attempts to get him to come out of retirement he has thus far resisted these requests.

Patrick Vieira

Name: Patrick Vieira
Nationality: French
Date and Place of Birth: Born June 23, 1976 in Dakar, Senegal
Playing Position: Centre Midfielder, Defensive Midfielder
Current Club:

Inter Milan (Italian Serie A)
Club Career: 1993-1995 AS Cannes
1995-1996 AC Milan
1996-2005 Arsenal
2005-2006 Juventus
2006-present Inter Milan
International Career: 1997-present - France
About Patrick Vieira:

Patrick Vieira was born in Senegal in 1976 and has risen through the football ranks to become one of the most well respected and talented midfielders of his generation. Though born in Senegal Vieira and his family moved to Paris when he was only eight years old and it was in France that he began to develop his career in football.

Vieira began his professional football career at AS Cannes and his dominance and talent earned him his call up to the senior side at only 17 years of age. At AS Cannes Vieira impressed and soon larger clubs were interested in his emerging talent. Vieira joined AC Milan in 1995 but was unable to force his way onto the first team. However, fate intervened as Arsene Wenger brought Vieira to Arsenal in September 1996.

At Arsenal Vieira quickly excelled exerting his dominance on the English Premiership with his physical presence and outstanding skill in midfield. Vieira’s commanding presence in midfield formed the catalyst for success at Arsenal as he linked up with Emmanuel Petit to forge a dangerous attacking force securing the Premiership and FA Cup double in 1998. Vieira’s time at Arsenal brought him to the attention of football commentators as one of the strongest and most gifted midfielders in European football.

Despite being linked with a move to Real Madrid Vieira left Arsenal for Juventus in July 2005. At Juventus Vieira remained a dominant force in midfield and helped the club to retain the Serie A Championship. However, following a match fixing scandal Juventus were stripped of their 2005-06 title, were relegated to Serie B with a 17 point deduction. This spelled the end for Vieira at Juventus and he signed for Inter Milan in August 2006 immediately tasting success helping Milan to secure the 2006-07 title.

Vieira plays international football for the France national team since first making his debut against the Netherlands in 1997. Vieira was a member of the French squad that won the 1998 World Cup beating Brazil 3-0 in the final. Vieira has been awarded the captain’s armband due to his outstanding leadership qualities.

Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha "Nani"

Name: Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha
Nationality: Portuguese
Date and Place of Birth: Born November 17, 1986 in Praia, Cape Verde
Playing Position: Midfielder
Current Club:

Manchester United (English Premiership)
Club Career: 2005- 2007 Sporting Lisbon
2007 - present Manchester United
International Career: 2006 - present - Portugal
About Nani:

Nani, whose full name is actually Luis Carlos Almedia Da Cunha has recently been in the news for his high profile move to top-flight English side Manchester United. Born in Cape Verde on 17th November 1986 Nani has become widely regarded as one of the most exciting youth prospects in recent years.

Although born in Cape Verde Nani migrated to Portugal with his family and grew up in Lisbon. His natural ability for football was apparent and quickly recognised and he was signed by Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Nani has the distinction of holding the record at Sporting Clube de Lisbon for being the youngest player ever to appear for the club.

Even at his young age Nani has begun an exciting international career with Portugal making his first appearance for his country in September 2006. In his debut match against Denmark Nani imposed his mark on the game scoring a goal to cap off an impressive performance.

Despite the major media hype Nani is still a young player with an unproven record. It will be interesting to see if his flair and ability can earn him a place in the Manchester United first team. Many commentators believe if Nani can link up with Ronaldo in midfield successfully they will have the ability to destroy the defences of any of the Premier League teams.

This young player has the expectations of the world on his shoulders and it remains to be proven whether he will be able to establish himself as a major force in English football.

Michael Essien

Name: Michael Essien
Nationality: Ghanaian
Date and Place of Birth: Born December 3, 1982 in Accra, Ghana
Playing Position: Midfield (can also operate at full back or central defence)
Current Club:

Chelsea (English Premier League)
Club Career: 2000 - 2003 Sporting Club de Bastia 2003 - 2005 Olympique Lyonnais 2005 - present Chelsea
International Career: 2002 – Present Ghana
About Michael Essien:

Born in 1982 in Ghana Michael Essien was interested in football from an early age and his natural talents were developed at local club side Liberty Professionals. Essien quickly established himself as an imposing figure with some strong and impressive performances which earned him a place for Ghana in the U17 FIFA World Championship in 1999. At the tournament Essien impressed on an individual level and quickly came to the attention of European Clubs.

Essien signed for French side SC Bastia in 1999 and struggled to hold down a regular position in the side but when a team mate was injured Essien was provided with an opportunity to play in midfield. Essien quickly adapted to his new position impressing the management with solid, commanding and skilful performances helping SC Bastia to qualify for the UEFA Cup. Essien was soon drawing attention from some major European clubs and he decided to sign for Lyon settling into a defensive midfield position. Essien became an integral and influential member of the team at Lyon and helped the club to secure the Ligue 1 title.

However, his relationship with Lyon was severely damaged in 2005 as Lyon refused to accept a transfer bid for Essien from English side Chelsea . Despite Lyon's initial reluctance to let one of their star players go Essien signed for Chelsea for a reported £26 million. At Chelsea Essien has solidified his position as a first team regular under the management of Jose Mourinho despite the arrival of some major talent in the form of Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel. Due to his impressive performances and workmanlike ethic Essien was nominated for the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year, lifted the 2006 BBC African Footballer of the Year but maybe more importantly was voted the Chelsea Player of the Year for the 2006-07 season by the fans.

Essien plays his international football for the Ghana national team and was a key member of the Ghanian squad that participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Michael Ballack

Name: Michael Ballack

Nicknames: Kapitano, Balle, Michi
Nationality: German
Date and Place of Birth: 26 September 1976 in Görlitz, Saxony, (the former East) Germany
Playing Position: Midfield
Current Club:

Chelsea (English Premiership)
Club Career History: 1995-1997 Chemnitzer FC - 49 appearances, 10 goals

1997-1999 1. FC Kaiserslautern - 46 appearances, 4 goals

1999-2002 Bayer Leverkusen - 79 appearances, 27 goals

2002-2006 FC Bayern Munich - 107 appearances, 44 goals

2006-present Chelsea
International Career: 1999-present Germany
Ballack's Early Career:

Michael Ballack’s footballing career started early when his parents sent him to train with BSG Motor Karl-Marx-Stadt at the tender age of seven. Ballack quickly imposed himself in the team developing his skills and remarkable ability to use both feet with equal confidence which earned him a move onto FC Karl-Marx-Stadt, later to become Chemnitz in 1990.
Becoming A Professional Footballer:

Michael Ballack received his first professional contract with the club in 1995 and he was highly praised for his commanding performances in the central midfield role. Ballack made his debut on 4th August 1995 and in March 1996 his exceptional talent was recognised as he was called up to the Under 21 Germany National team. Ballack became a first team regular at Chimnitz before being snapped up by FC Kaiserslauten in 1997.
About Michael Ballack:

Ballack made his Bundesliga debut with Kaiserslauten in the 1997-1998 season by March 1998 he had negotiated himself into the starting line up making a total of 16 appearances for the team. Ballack’s efforts were duly rewarded Kaiserslauten became the first ever newly promoted club to win the Bundesliga title. At only 22 years of age Michael Ballack moved to Bayer Leverkusen in July 1999.

It was Bayern Leverkusen where Ballack made his sensational break through as a top flight player to be reckoned with. Ballack was given a free reign by the management of Leverkusen to control the game from the midfield and he quickly received recognition as one of Europe’s best midfielders.

Ballack left Leverkusen after the 2001-2002 season and signed for Bayern Munich for a fee of €12.9 where he settled into a more defensive midfield role. Ballack won the Bundesliga title in his first season with the club and became an institution at Bayern who was widely regarded as an automatic starter for the team. Ballack did come under heavy criticism at times for his failure to perform in important Champions League matches coupled by attacks that he was motivated by money. Before his high profile move to Chelsea was complete Ballack was jeered by the loyal Bayern supporters who believed that his move to Chelsea was being dictated by his greed.

Ballack signed for London based Chelsea in May 2006 and he made his Premiership debut against Blackburn Rovers FC on 27th August 2006. Many fans and football pundits have criticised Ballack on his weak performances for Chelsea thus far as he has failed to impress. It seems Ballack is finding it difficult to adjust to the style of the Premiership and he has yet to prove his worth to his new team with rumours surfacing that he is only interested in the money.

Ballack has received international success in his career and is the current Captain of the German National side who played in the recent Fifa World Cup. Ballack played a part in the World Cup despite suffering from injury problems and he ended the campaign with no goals, one assist and was named man of the match in Germany’s games against both Ecuador and Argentina. Ballack was included in the FIFA World Cup All Star team.

Luka Modric

Name: Luka Modric
Nationality: Croatian
Date and Place of Birth: Born September 9th, 1985 in Zadar, Croatia
Playing Position: Midfielder, Left Winger
Current Club:

Tottenham Hotspur (English Premier League)
Club Career:
2003 - 2004 Zrinjski Mostar - 22 appearances, 8 goals
2004 - 2005 Inter Zaprešić - 18 appearances, 3 goals
2005 - 2008 Dinamo Zagreb - 69 appearances, 20 goals
2008 - present Tottenham Hotspur
International Career:
2006 - present Croatia
About Luka Modric:

Luka Modric was born in Zadar, Croatia in September 1985 and played his early youth team football for local club NK Zadar before moving to Dinamo Zagreb in 2001. Modric played as a junior for Dinamo Zagreb for three years between 2001 and 2003 before moving to the full professional ranks at Bosnian Premier League side Zrinjski Mostar in 2003.

Despite his tender years, Modric was voted Mostar's player of the year in 2004 and earned himself a move back to his home country to Inter Zaprešić. While Inter Zaprešić are a relatively small club in Croatia, Modric's performances in the year he spent at the club helped propel them into second place in the Croatian league and once again brought the young playmaker to the attention of Dinamo Zagreb.

Luka Modric signed for Dinamo Zagreb in 2005 and his value as one of Europe's most promising midfield players has risen exponentially. Combining a skilful two footed attacking style with strength and determination gained from his time in the Bosnian Premier League, Modric won his first international cap for Croatia in 2006 and is now a mainstay in his national side, helping Slaven Bilic's men to qualify for Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.

He agreed a £16.5m move to Tottenham Hotspur in April 2008 and moved to the English Premier League club for their joint record transfer fee in the summer of 2008 following Euro 2008.

Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo

Name: Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo
Nationality: Portuguese
Date and Place of Birth: Born November 4, 1972 in Lisbon, Portugal
Playing Position: Right Winger / Midfielder
Current Club:

Inter Milan (Serie A)
Club Career: 1989-1995 Sporting Lisbon
1995-2000 FC Barcelona
2000-2005 Real Madrid
2005-present Inter Milan
International Career: 1991-2006 Portugal
About Luís Figo:

Luis Filipe Maderia Caeiro Figo, better known simply as "Figo", is one of the most famous footballers of recent times. The Portuguese maestro has succeeded in playing at the top level of European football for some of the best teams that Europe has to offer, namely, Real Madrid, Barcelonaand Inter Milan.

Figo has established himself as one of the most talented and skilful players of his generation widely recognised for his flamboyant football skills and daring trickery on the ball. His long and successful career began at Sporting Clube de Portugal and continued in earnest when he moved to Barcelona in 1995 under then coach Johan Cruff.

Figo quickly became a hit with the Nou Camp faithful and his skills and ability on the pitch meant he became a firm fixture in the first team eventually taking on the captain’s armband. Surprisingly, in 2000 he made the outlandish decision to transfer to Barcelona's main rivals Real Madrid and suddenly he was shunned by the Barcelona fans who viewed him as the ultimate traitor. Figo had been a hero at Barcelona and the fans felt betrayed and never forgave him for the move.

At Real Madrid Figo flourished and was arguably playing the best attacking football of his career, managing to hold down a first team place along with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Fernando Hierro, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo. Alongside the others in this star studded squad Figo led Real Madrid to the La Liga title and earned recognition for his spectacular displays of strength and ability when he was awarded the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year Award. However, despite his successful tenure at the club Figo found himself out of favour at Madrid in the 2004-05 season and unhappy at sitting on the bench he moved to Inter Milan in the summer. Figo is contracted to play for Inter Milan until 2008.

Figo played international football for the Portuguese national team and captained his team at the recent 2006 FIFA World Cup leading them to the semi-final stage. Figo has since retired from international football.

Juan Román Riquelme

Name: Juan Román Riquelme
Nationality: Argentinian
Date and Place of Birth: Born June 24, 1978 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Playing Position: Attacking midfielder
Current Club:

Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Club Career: 1996-2002 Boca Juniors
2002-2003 FC Barcelona
2003-2007Villarreal CF
2007 - present Boca Juniors
International Career: 1997-present Argentina
About Juan Roman Riquelme:

Juan Roman Riquelme is an Argentinian footballer who was born on 24th June 1978 into a background of abject poverty. From an early age Riquelme's natural ability drew interest from the major clubs in Argentina. After a short spell as a youth at Argentinos Juniors, Riquelme chose to move to his childhood team Boca Juniors.

After many successful years at Boca, Riquelme moved to FC Barcelona and immediately encountered difficulties as he attempted to adapt to life in Spain. At the time Barcelona were a struggling team and Riquelme had added pressure loaded on his shoulders to turn things around and lead the team back to it's former glory. However, he was out of favour with the coach and in the few matches he did play he was played out of his natural position. His confidence was at an all time low and he was loaned out to Villarreal.

At Villarreal Riquelme began to display the talents that had brought him to Spain in the first place and he quickly became one of the most influential and dependable players in the team. Due to his commanding presence on the pitch he was nominated for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Award and Villarreal purchased 75% of Riquelme's rights from Barcelona.

In February 2007 Riquelme was loaned back to Boca Juniors and immediately made an impact at the club helping them to victory in the Copa Libertadores 2007. He later completed a permanent move back to Boca Juniors after a falling out with Villareal's owners and coaching staff.

Riquelme is a regular in the Argentina national team and he participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup as an integral player. Despite hinting that he would be retiring from the international stage in 2006, Riquelme has recently been called up to the Argentina squad to compete in the 2007 Copa America.

Javier Alejandro Mascherano

Name: Javier Alejandro Mascherano
Nationality: Argentinian
Date and Place of Birth: Born June 8, 1984 in San Lorenzo, Argentina
Playing Position: Defensive midfielder
Current Club:

Liverpool (English Premier League)
Club Career: 2003-2005 River Plate
2005-2006 Corinthians
2006-2007 West Ham United
2007-present Liverpool
International Career: 2003-present Argentina
About Javier Mascherano:

Javier Alejandro Mascherano, more commonly referred to as simply “Mascherano”, has in recent times become known for his strong and imposing presence on the football pitch. Mascherano is a technically gifted defensive midfielder who is highly regarded for his exquisite passing ability and he has excelled himself playing international football for his home country of Argentina.

Mascherano started his footballing career at Argentinian club River Plate playing in their youth teams. Despite impressing the management at River Plate Mascherano made his debut for his country before he made his debut for his club. Mascherano made his debut for River Plate in 2003 and performed admirably with some outstanding displays of strength and skill.

Mascherano enjoyed success at River lifting the Clausura Championship with the club in the 2003-04 season and narrowly missing out to Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores. Mascherano’s sterling performances for club and country attracted interest from some of Europe’s major clubs such as Real Madrid and Deportivo la Coruna. However, Mascherano signed for Brazilian club Corinthians in 2005 but quickly suffered a fractured foot causing him to miss most of the season.

Surprisingly, Mascherano signed for West Ham United alongside Carlos Tevez despite Europe’s top clubs being interested in his signature. However, the arrival of Mascherano and Tevez led to a decline in West Ham’s form and Mascherano struggled to get first team football. Liverpool arrived to save his flagging career and when FIFA gave their clearance for the transfer to go ahead Mascherano became a Liverpool player. At Liverpool Mascherano was back to his best with outstanding defensive displays in midfield as the holding player. Mascherano was part of Liverpool’s Champion’s League squad and played in the final when Liverpool were defeated by AC Milan.

Mascherano plays for the Argentina national squad and has impressed since first making his debut competing in the 2004 Summer Olympics, Confederations Cup, 2006 FIFA World Cup and the Copa America 2007 where he was considered as one of Argentina’s best players.

Giovani Alex dos Santos Ramírez

Name: Giovani Alex dos Santos Ramírez
Nationality: Mexican
Date and Place of Birth: May 11th, 1989 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Playing Position: Attacking midfielder / Striker
Current Club:

Tottenham Hotspur (English Premier League)
Club Career:
2007 – 2008 FC Barcelona
2008 - present Tottenham Hotspur
International Career:
2007 - present Mexico
About Giovani dos Santos:

Giovani dos Santos is a Mexican footballing prodigy and the son of former Brazilian professional footballer Gerardo dos Santos, also known as Zizinho. Giovani can credit his father with his early footballing education as Zizinho ran soccer academies in his adopted homeland of Mexico and negotiated a trial for Giovani at Mexican side Club Monterey who knew a great talent when they saw it and took the youngster into their youth ranks.

Giovani dos Santos moved continents to Europe in 2002 when he joined the youth system at FC Barcelona in Spain and has steadily moved through the youth ranks at one of the world's most prestigious clubs, all the while earning himself a reputation as a supremely talented and skilful attacking midfield player.

Giovani's starring performances for Mexico's Under 17 side in the 2005 World U-17 Championship earned him the award of Silver Ball for second best player in the tournament and he was awarded the title of third best player at 2007's World Under 20 Championship after helping Mexico reach the quarter finals.

Giovani has since made great strides in establishing himself in the Barcelona first team and was awarded his first international caps for Mexico by coach Hugo Sanchez during 2007.

Finding his path to the Barcelona first team blocked by Lionel Messi and Bojan Krkic, Giovani concluded a transfer to English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in summer 2008 for an initial fee of £6m.

Gennaro Gattuso

Name: Gennaro Gattuso
Nationality: Italian
Date and Place of Birth: Born January 9, 1978 in Corigliano Calabro, Italy
Playing Position: Midfielder
Current Club:

AC Milan (Italian Serie A)
Club Career: 1994 – 1997 Perugia
1997 - 1998 Rangers
1998 - 1999 Salernitana
1999 - present AC Milan
International Career: 2000–present - Italy
About Gennaro Gattuso:

Gennaro Ivan Gattuso, more commonly referred to as simply “Gattuso”, was born in Italy in 1978 and has succeeded in establishing himself as one of the strongest midfielders in European football. Gattuso’s natural talents in the midfield position were evident from an early age as he began to build his reputation as an able footballer. Gattuso began his professional career at Italian club side Perugia but at only 19 years of age he transferred to Rangers FC to play football in the Scottish Premier League.

Gattuso’s time at Rangers was an unpleasant one as he struggled to play regular first team football in his favoured central midfield role. After only one year at Rangers Gattuso was transferred to Salernitana where he impressed with strong, defensive and commanding performances. Gattuso’s were recognised by Italian giants AC Milan and the young pocket dynamo signed for the club in 1999.

At AC Milan Gattuso has flourished making the defensive midfield role his own and becoming an integral member of the first team. Gattuso is well known for his high work ethic coupled with a natural instinct to challenge strongly for every ball thereby earning him the respect of his team mates and football commentators alike. At AC Milan Gattuso has received the chance to showcase his talents on the European stage in the Champions League, lifting the trophy on two occasions.

Gattuso plays for the Italian national side and was a member of the team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup playing an instrumental role in Italy’s overall performance in the tournament.Gattuso plays for the Italian national side and was a member of the team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup playing an instrumental role in Italy’s overall performance in the tournament.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Frank James Lampard, Jr

Name: Frank James Lampard, Jr.
Nationality: English
Date and Place of Birth: Born June 20, 1978 in Romford, England
Playing Position: Midfield
Current Club:

Chelsea (English Premiership)
Club Career:

1994-2001 West Ham United - 148 apps, 24 goals
1995-1996 Swansea City (loan) - 9 apps, 1 goal
2001–present Chelsea
International Career: 1999–present - England
About Frank Lampard:

Frank Lampard was born in England on 20th June 1978 into a family with an established footballing history. His father Frank Lampard was a former England fullback and two-time FA Cup winner with West Ham United and he is a nephew of Harry Redknapp, current manager of Portsmouth.

Frank Lampard currently plays in midfield for Chelsea and is well renowned for his skills as an attacking midfielder. His attacking prowess makes him a prolific goal scorer for both club and country and his powerful long-range shots strike fear into the hearts of goalkeepers.

Lampard began his career as a footballer with West Ham United as part of their youth system and signed as a professional in July 1995. Lampard got his debut with West Ham on 31st January 1996 however a broken leg effectively sidelined him for the season. The 1998-1999 season was a successful one for Lampard as he solidified his place as a regular in the West Ham team.

Lampard along with other players such as Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand were the impetus for a West Ham revival. However when his uncle Harry Redknapp quit the club Lampard joined Chelsea for the sum of £11 million.

Since his arrival at Chelsea Lampard has blossomed as a player and made the midfield role his own becoming widely recognised as one of the top players in Europe. His progress has continued to impress and in 2005 he was voted runner-up twice to Ronaldinho in both the European Footballer of the Year award and FIFA World Player of the Year award.

When John Terry was suffered a back injury in the 2006-2007 season Lampard spent much of the campaign as Captain proving he had solidified his position as an integral part of the team. Lampard also holds the honour of being the highest scoring midfielder in Chelsea’s history having decimated Dennis Wise’s record of 76 goals.

Lampard made his first appearance for the England on 10th October 1999 and when Paul Scholes retired he became a firm fixture in the national side scoring five goals in England’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Lampard was a part of the England squad that went to 2006 FIFA World Cup however he failed to impress at the tournament, a point that was widely discussed and debated in the English media.

Lampard is widely regarded as one of England’s best home grown players and has succeeded in establishing himself as a household name not to be forgotten by England and Chelsea fans.

Franck Bilal Ribéry

Name: Franck Bilal Ribéry
Nationality: French
Date and Place of Birth: Born April 1st, 1983 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
Playing Position: Attacking midfielder / winger
Current Club:

Bayern Munich (German Bundesliga)
Club Career:

2001 - 2002 US Boulogne
2002 - 2003 Olympique Alès
2003 - 2004 Stade Brestois 29
2004 - 2005 FC Metz
2005 Galatasaray S.K.
2005 - 2007 Olympique de Marseille
2007 - present FC Bayern Munich
International Career: 2006 - present - France
About Franck Ribery:

Franck Ribery was born in Boulogne-sur-Mer in France on 1st April 1983 and played his early football at a succession of lower league French clubs before joining FC Metz in 2004. Having seen enough promise in Ribery's twenty games and two goals for Metz, Turkish giants Galatasaray took the young Frenchman to Istanbul on a three year contract in 2005 and he went to win the Turkish Cup that year, scoring a goal in the final against rivals Fenerbahce.

Ribery won the hearts of the enthusiastic Turkish fans but after going four months without pay at Galatasaray he invoked a FIFA ruling to cancel his contract and moved without a transfer fee to Olympique Marseille in his native France. Galatasaray were infuriated and appealed to the Court of Arbitration of Sport but they defended Ribery's actions and vindicated his right to move without a fee being paid to the Turks.

It was in Southern France that Franck Ribery really began to shine on the European stage, playing over sixty games in two seasons for L'OM and helping them to second place in the French Ligue 1 championship. Ribery made his French international debut in May 2006 and represented his country with distinction in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, scoring his first international goal in the 3-1 second round victory over Spain. He also played in the World Cup final which heartbreakingly ended in defeat for France at the hands of Italy.

Ribery's Champion's League performances for Olympique Marseille and World Cup exploits with France drew envious glances from many top European clubs and in June 2007 he completed a €26m transfer to German giants Bayern Munich.

Francesco Totti

Name: Francesco Totti
Nationality: Italian
Date and Place of Birth: 27 September 1976 in Rome, Italy
Playing Position: Attacking midfielder, Forward
Current Club:

A.S. Roma (Serie A)
Club Career: 1993-present A.S. Roma
International Career: 1998-2006 - Italy
About Francesco Totti:

Francesco Totti is one of the most exciting and impressive attacking footballers to emerge in this generation and is widely recognised as Roma's talisman having never left the club to play elsewhere. From an early age Totti was an avid football fan and his natural ability for the game soon emerged drawing attention from major Italian clubs who wanted to secure his signature. Despite interest from AC Milan Totti decided to join his childhood team A.S. Roma.

Totti made his first appearance for Roma at the age of just sixteen and his talent coupled with an eagerness to impress was soon rewarded as he forced himself into a regular place in the first team. His development at the club continued in earnest and he was named Serie A Player of the Year in both 2000 and 2003. Totti's influence in the squad was one of the major factors that contributed to Roma securing their first ever league title at the end of the 2001 season with the young man contributing thirteen goals for his team.

Totti’s strong performances for Roma continued as Totti was moulded into the player and creative genius that we know and love today. Recently, in the 2006-07 season Totti scored an impressive tally of 26 goals securing the trophy for the top goal scorer in the League as well as the European Golden Boot. Totti has solidified his position as one of the most prominent, successful, influential and exciting players in Serie A.

In international football Totti has played as a regular for the Italian national squad since he first made his senior debut in 2000. Totti was a member of the successful Italian squad that lifted the 2006 FIFA World Cup and his influence was prevalent earning him selection to the 23 man Mastercard All Star team of the competition. Totti recently announced his retirement from the national team in July 2007 emphasising that he wishes to concentrate on his domestic football with Roma.

Florent Malouda

Name: Florent Malouda
Nationality: French
Date and Place of Birth: June 13, 1980 in Cayenne, French Guiana
Playing Position: Left Winger
Current Club:

Chelsea (English Premiership)
Club Career: 1996–2000 Châteauroux
2000–2003 Guingamp
2003–2007 Lyon
2007-present Chelsea
International Career: 2004-present France
About Florent Malouda:

Florent Malouda was born in French Guiana and first developed his skills and ability playing street football in his home country during his early teenage years. His natural flair for the game was evident from the beginning and his ability to open up defences attracted interest from scouts for French club Chateauroux and he was soon playing for the club. Malouda made his senior debut for Chateauroux at the age of 16.

Malouda moved to Guincamp in 2000 and his talent began to flourish at the club with his attacking ability obvious for all to see. He formed a lethal scoring partnership with team mate Didier Drogba and his performances earned him a move to larger club Lyon.

At Lyon alongside players such as Juninho, Michael Essien and Diarra, Malouda linked up to form a midfield of talented maestros who controlled the game from the middle of the park. His impresive performances for Lyon were finally recognised and rewarded when he was called up to the French national team.

At the end of the 2006-07 season Malouda made clear his intention to leave Lyon with both Chelsea and Liverpool vying for his signature. Malouda decided to join Chelsea and link up with former team mates Didier Drogba and Michael Essien at the London club.

At international level Malouda has been a regular fixture with the French national team was named as a member of the squad that participated in the recent 2006 World Cup. During the World Cup Malouda impressed with a run of strong performances and was credited with playing an integral part in France's success in the tournament.

Dejan Stankovic

Name: Dejan Stankovic
Nationality: Serbian
Date and Place of Birth: Born September 11, 1978 in Belgrade, SFR Yugoslavia
Playing Position: Midfielder
Current Club:

Inter Milan (Italian Serie A)
Club Career: 1994-1998 Red Star Belgrade
1998-2004 Lazio
2004–present Inter Milan
International Career: 1998-present Serbia
About Dejan Stankovic:

Dejan Stankovic was born in Belgrade on 11th September 1978 into a family with a strong affiliation to the game of football. Stankovic emerged as a talented and exciting footballer at an early age and his obvious potential earned him a chance to play for Red Star Belgrade.

At Red Star Belgrade Stankovic’s skill and determination saw him progress rapidly through the club’s ranks until he finally emerged onto the first team squad during the 1994-95 season. Stankovic soon became an integral member of the first team with strong impressive performances in midfield with an adept ability to control the pace of the game. During these years Stankovic missed out on European competition as Red Star Belgrade were banned from competing in Europe. However, when the ban was lifted during the 1996-97 season Stankovic finally received the chance to showcase his talents on the European stage impressing with insightful performances.

Stankovic’s abilities drew attention from major European clubs and he signed for Lazio in 1998. In a squad packed with players with outstanding capabilities, such as Pavel Nedved and Veron, Stankovic was able to maintain his place as an integral member of the first team. Stankovic achieved great success at Lazio spending five seasons at the club before a high profile move to Italian giants Inter Milan.

At Inter Milan Stankovic has put in some sterling performances as a decisive and extremely influential midfielder becoming a firm favourite with the Inter fans. Stankovic’s affection for the club and his determination on the pitch has propelled him into the limelight as one of the clubs most adored and influential players.

Stankovic plays international football for the Serbian national football team, formerly part of the FR Yugoslavia team, since first making his debut against South Korea in 1998. Interestingly, Stankovic was the first ever captain of the Serbian national team.