Too Many Pairs of Gloves?

Goalkeepers- an interesting breed goalkeepers are. Some days they either make or brake a team. Other times you only catch a glimpse of your keeper when the camera man quickly passes by the starting line up at the beginning of the match. And that's just the starting goal keepers, who usually is your best goalie and then you have the backup who came from the youth system. If it wasn't hard enough for the kid on the bench to get some attention it's even harder as teams are fascinated with the idea of switching keepers for competitions. As you know this involves having multiple quality goal keepers and allotting one to play the league and the other to play the cup matches. It seems to be a good idea right? Look how many teams are being successful with it; especially treble winners Barcelona who won La Liga with Claudio Bravo and Champions League and Copa del Rey with Marc-André ter Stegen. It seems to be the key formula to winning more than one trophy.
        So then where is the downfall you ask? It comes in numbers. Take for example Real Madrid, who never intended to have a goal keeping duo but when Diego Lopez continued to prove himself at the club it seemed the only solution was to keep a rotating schedule between the gloves in front of the net. After failing to win La Liga it seemed Iker Casillas would be handed back the reigns until Real Madrid went on to purchase Costa Rican keeper Keylor Navas after his spectacular performance in the World Cup. So back at two quality keepers Real Madrid push the limits even further by eyeing goal keeping extraordinaire David De Gea. Its said that De Gea is sought to be the long term replacement club captain Iker Casillas, who has been with the club his whole life, but Casillas has recently said that he is not yet ready to leave the club and doesn't wish to play elsewhere. Anyone who has seen De Gea in net for Manchester United over the years would probably admit he is the dream keeper for any club to have, but Casillas' loyalty to the club over the years keeps him at fan favorite and they are not yet ready to see him leave. Though his spot doesn't necessarily seem to be questioned at the moment, Navas has also stated that he is not ready to leave Real Madrid and is willing to fight for his place. Compared to other big name goal keepers it may seem as if Iker is slowly descending down the ladder, having not too long ago being considered the world's best goal keeper. He may have lost that title but he still finished off the season with 84 saves and 12 cleansheets. De Gea had a total of 93 saves and 11 cleansheets in the EPL. Navas in his most recent active season, being the 2013-14 season with Levante, had 160 saves. Clearly all three goalies have remarkable stats to their names. So here is the problem-Who stays and who goes? 
       Goal keepers naturally have the longest last careers in football. Notably being able to stay in top form and playing as starting keeper into their mid to late thirties, but it seems now quality goal keeping is limiting that and are cutting their own career life span down. Having multiple star goalies is seeing not only the youth keepers out of a spot, but also forcing others into early retirement. Having rotation doesn't seem to be a problem when its only two goal keepers being looked at, especially when it gives both players a chance to play, but soon enough other clubs will find themselves in the same situation as clubs look to secure more titles. Iker Casillas not being the only one to have to hand his spot over without his time necessarily being up. Long time Chelsea goal keeper Petr Čech also seems to be taking off the gloves early as Thibaut Courtois stepped in and having Jamal Blackman starting to prove his worth. So is winning the treble one year really worth it in the long run, or is it acceptable to be replacing keepers once every few years? Even if it means seeing their careers be over with as early as thirty?

-Til next time, this is the Final Whistle.

Does Money Make the Club?

        With the Champions League final done and dusted the 2014-15 season begins to become an after thought. Those fans lucky enough to have celebrated a title start to wind down their celebrations as they realize the team that won them that trophy probably won't be the same as the sun burns brightly through the summer transfer window. As we all know this time of year is particularly dreadful as rumors break faster than Gareth 'Ferrari' Bale down the wing and none of our favorite players are safe from the rumor mill. 

        Some of us have it easier than others though. Even with Financial Fair Play big name clubs have the advantage of being able to open up their pocket books and wave around money like it like it has no value. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG, Manchester City all never shy of opening up their checkbooks to have the best players, but does having the most expensive players really make the squad a winning team?

       The top of the European tables surely makes it seem that way as the richest clubs continue to be the top dogs year after year. Which is why year after year Gooners around the world are demanding Arsenal starts dishing out the big bids to strengthen their side, but Spanish football does a good job to prove otherwise. Two Spanish teams are a leading example of good leadership making a good team and not necessarily the bigger wallet. Andalusian side Sevilla finished 5th in the league which most people wouldn't consider as a successful run, as it wouldn't normally get them even in a qualifying position to the Champions League, but their back to back Europa League titles say otherwise. In the summer of 2013 Sevilla traded nine players to English clubs, including their two biggest stars Jesús Navas and Álvaro Negredo, which left fans thinking the club was sure to be battling in the bottom half of the table. Instead they finished 5th and won their first Europa league title and their third over all. The following summer they lost their captain Ivan Rakitić , who played a large role in securing that Europa League trophy, to FC Barcelona and other key players elsewhere such as Alberto Moreno (current Liverpool). Despite losing out on key players once again, the 2014-15 season was no different for them and they once again secured the 5th place spot in the league while defending the Europa League title; Becoming the first ever team to win two back to back European titles and became the first team to earn the right to a Champions League promotion from winning the Europa League. Despite constant changes in the squad Sevilla have found a consistency that keeps them winning when it counts the most.

      Another Spanish side that deserves recognition for their success despite their constant changing of squad members and even managers is Valencia. Though their Cinderella tale hasn't left them with a title to prove their success their statistics rightfully do so. In his first season as manager Nuno Santo and Valencia were also faced with the challenge of having to replace star players with equally, if not more, talented players that came with a smaller price tag. To do so Valencia looked to their neighboring country and brought in a few young Portuguese stars from Benfica, including a player who had a big impact André Gomes (who I have previously mentioned as a player every club would love to have), and further abroad bringing in five Argentinian players including key defender Nicolás Otamendi. Valencia finished their season in 4th place with 77 points, one point shy of previous league winners Atlético Madrid, securing the final Champions League spot. Having only lost five games in the season Valencia were able to steal points away from every Spanish side except current league winners Barcelona. This includes the crucial draw with Real Madrid, which seemingly sealed the title for Barcelona. And being a young squad it means Valencia will only be able to build on their success and continue to put pressure on the top clubs in Spain.


      So having big money signings must be nice and probably helps to bring kit sales to new heights, it seems squads are proving you don't need to toss out hundreds of millions of euros to play like you're worth that much. While there is no promise that the smaller teams will be able to keep their successful squads with the top dogs looking to steal their talent away, their fans should be able to rest soundly knowing their club will find away around it. As for fans of the top money clubs you should also sleep soundly this summer because while some say money can't buy happiness it sure can buy your new favorite player. Most off all best of luck to all fans out there trying to survive the dreadful transfer period.

-Til next time, this is the Final Whistle.

The players every team wants, They just don't know it yet.

         This weekend the Premier League paused once again for FA Cup show down, and while I could spend a lifetime talking about how exciting Cup upsets are I would like to take the time to instead divert my attention to the transfer window. He's leaving. He's staying.The manager wants him out. The president wants the manager gone.While rumors can be fun, when they spark hope for your squad, but mostly they are just classless ways to draw up some attention. So as the title suggest this is an inverted version of transfer rumors. I would like to talk about some of my favorite young talent or as I like to consider them; The players every team wants, they just don't know it yet. All these youngsters, all 23 or under, would be a fantastic long term investment for any team.

• José Gayà- This 19 year old left back has deservingly earned himself a spot on Spanish side Valencia's XI having come up from the youth system. The young defender has had 20 appearances this season and always has an instant impact on the game. Defensively, he is spot on. Whenever he commits a tackle he always makes sure he gets a piece of the ball and makes sure not to commit the foul. He has only been shown 5 yellows. The left back is also an attacking threat; having the pace to fend off opposing defenders. Gayà also has an eye for goal, already netting two this season. 
• Álvaro Vadillo- Vadillo has been one of my favorite youngsters for a few years now and it baffles me how he has yet to be snatched away from Real Betis. Google him and Im sure the only thing you will get is the 2011 incident in which involved Sergio Ramos and having to be stretchered off (did you miss the part where I said it involved Sergio Ramos?), which really is a shame because the kid is a fantastic winger. Operable on both wings, treat in aerial duels and when he dribbles the ball I swear you see the Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo. He has the strength and quality  any team would admire. His only weakness is that he likes to keep the ball at his feet but I recall Cristiano having that similar mentality.  
• Ricardo Horta- Plays on the right flank. Horta is good on the ball and likes to cut inside and take on defenders one on one. He also has one of the most admirable quality in an attacking player for he doesn't dive into tackles. Horta has a quality long ball and is very accurate on his crosses. Horta netted 7 goals alone in the 2013/14 season for his previous team Vitória Setúbal.
• André Gomes- Gomes is one of my favorite and in my opinion most complete midfielders. He can play central, defending, attacking, or either side of the wing. He is spot on in passing. If you were to take accuracy of Xabi Alonso the skill of Pilro the creativity of João Moutinho and mix them all together you would have the basis of Gomes. Sticking with Portuguese  nature he is very strong off the ball and will fight to win it back in the middle of the pitch. Andre has an eye for goal whether it's creating the opportunity  for someone else or taking the chance himself. The promising youngster has already made it to being a regular call up for his national team.
• Antoine Griezmann- This player you should have heard of by now. If you haven't what is wrong with you? Griezmann had an extraordinary run with France during the 2014 World Cup but before that he was Real Sociedad's key play maker. Griezmann had 179 apps for Sociedad from 2009–2014 scoring 46 goals before making the move to Atlético Madrid where he has already made 1/4th of that amount of goals in less than half a season. As much as I want to say "the best thing about Griezmann is" I simply cant because there is no "best" thing. Every fact about the player just makes him better and better. He is the current leader of headed goals in La Liga though only being 1.76 m . He provides as many goals as he scores. He falls back to the midfield to both defend and win the ball.  If he cant beat his defender with his pace he will beat them with his skill. And he's only 23! There is so much more to see from him.

Now for everything not mentioned on the blog, TFW has a home on twitter. TFW would love it if you could follow and show you support. @FinalWhistleUS

-Til next time, This is The Final Whistle.

A mid week interjection- The Black Swans

      We football fans are the luckiest in the world. There is a reason why Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are some the biggest brands in the world. There is a reason why you cant go a week without seeing a kid in either a Messi or Ronaldo kit. There is a reason we bleed "red" or "blue", and when someone questions it is quite easy to defend beloved sport. But neither of those reasons are the answer  to why we are the luckiest fans in the world. We are the luckiest fans in the world because we get to watch our giants battle it out in some of the biggest games ever played and unlike most sports when the black swans play, when our underdogs take the pitch, bloody hell we are in for a good game of football. This couldn't have been proved more accurate than with yesterday's rounds of the Spanish Copa Del Rey and the FA Cup that took place. 

     As the home side Levante looked to turn around a 0-2 aggregate at the kickoff of the second leg against Malaga it appeared things were going to be even harder despite home field advantage, for the only thing you could see on screen was a sea of empty seats. Young Portuguese striker Ricardo Horta also had no problem reminding Levante who last scored against them when the two side met just a few days ago as he slipped one into the back of Jesus Fernandez's net, adding to their aggregate lead in the 22nd minute. Almost 15 minutes later they doubled their lead once more as Jose Recio added his name to the score sheet  in the 38th minute. As the half came to a close it seemed Malaga had done their part in securing their spot in the next round of the Copa. I myself was ready to congratulate Malaga on their strong performance and their advancement in the tournament as the second half came to a start. It seemed impossible that the home side could turn around a two goal deficit let alone turn the aggregate but the joke was on me and Malaga both. Levante manager Lucas Alcaraz made a tactical switch almost right away as he brought in striker David Barral in the 61st minute of play, After that things happened so quickly, if you were to blink you surely would have missed something. Shortly after being subbed in Barral found the back off the net as caught Malaga's defense off guard, having took advantage of a sleeping Malaga while subbing in a player of their own. It seemed a simple mistake, one that wouldn't happen again, but it apparently Barral cut Malaga's defense deeper than it appeared on screen for five minutes later he struck again, netting his second against the sensational Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa. The wound seemed to spread as Ochoa continued to be tested and the clock couldn't end fast enough for Malaga. Levante once more undid their opponents defense in the 85th minute, this time Juanfran Garcia was the one to celebrate. Just like that Levante had took the lead 3-2. Sadly for the home side it wouldn't prove to be enough as they didn't have enough time and Malaga had the away goal advantage. Levante proved to be relentless and put up an admirable fight, leaving everyone watching on the edge of their seats. Had they had an extra ten minutes who knows, it could have been Levante sneaking through.

      It seemed only fair to start with the Spanish affair first since everyone, though I don't necessarily agree, seems to have the opinion that there is more competition in England than there is elsewhere in Europe. Still England has its underdogs and there is no better competition for them to shine than the FA Cup and while Everton and West Ham are not exactly bottom of the table in league competition, they're also not everyone's first choice in winning the FA Cup. That's why this is the competition for them and after the performance yesterday its hard to decide which one of these two teams actually shined brighter. Though both sides started off strong it took awhile before either team saw a break through, the first half ending level at nil-nil. While goals from both sides seemed promising I don't think anyone could have predicted what was to come in the second half. West Ham broke first with Enner Valencia in the 51st minute. Soon after Everton looked to be in trouble as Aiden McGready was shown red for his second yellow of the game, leaving his side to fend off a promising West Ham who seemed eager to score more. This wasnt going to be allowed as Everton subbed in the ever promising Kevin Mirallas who found them the equalizer late on and as the teams remained level at the end of regulation time it seemed it would have to be settled in extra-time. Everton might have been a man down but that didnt damage their determination as Mirallas continued to be a contributing factor as he sent a low pass into the box for Lukaku to stun the home side and take the lead. Having been a goal down and a man down and coming back to take the lead in extra time seemed reason enough to hope to see Everton through but we all know that's not how the beautiful game works, and proved to be true as West Ham took their turn to even out the scoreline. Even with players exhausted chances continued to come for both teams but not before time could run out and with the score 2-2 it meant penalties. As if the game couldn't get interesting enough the shootout ended 9-8 with West Ham goalkeeper Adrian scoring the winning penalty kick for his team.

We are the luckiest fans in the world. For every person who doubts it, for every person who misses out on games like these, I truly am sorry.

-Til next time, this is The Final Whistle.

Two is the Magic Number

As week 21 comes to an end it proved that is weeks magic number was two. Chelsea, Palace and Burnley all found wins by only knocking in two goals. Everton, City, West Ham and Swans fans all only saw two goals scored in their matches as each team was only able to get one goal in the back of the net.

The only team who was able to get past the second goal this week was the home side in North London at the Emirates stadium, netting 3 goals past Stoke City's keeper David Ospina. Everything seemed to going right for Arsenal this week as they put up a strong front. 6 shots on target, 7 shorts off target, 53 percent ball possession and didn't concede a yellow card they were clearly the better side. They will need the confidence as they face Manchester City in the next week and hopefully Wenger could use this run of good luck to help him with his jackets.

Roberto Martínez may not be having the best run this season having only won 1 point in the last 5 matches but still he happens to have something that most managers in the Premier League don't have, and that's the ability to slow down Manchester City. Whether he is winning the FA cup with Wigan or as this weekend stealing points away from them in the league with Everton, holding City to a 1-1 draw. Everton fans could only hope that this draw will be enough to encourage their side to find the whole 3 points in their upcoming match match against West Brom.

No one can be more thankful for Roberto's talent than the blues around the world, but no doubt the blues had their own say in re-securing their first place spot. Jose's side continued to show their dominance in the league taking out Newcastle with a 2-0 win letting the rest of England know they are still in it to win it despite having recently suffered a disappointing loss to cross town rivals Spurs. I think the big difference between Jose's current squad and last years side who gave a decent run, is that Jose has finally settled in and has produced a well rounded team. For when one star doesn't show up there is still another star just as talented that will takeover willingly. Shown in the win against Newcastle as Oscar stepped in and had not only a goal but also an assist to leading goalscorer Diego Costa. This season we are used to seeing Fabregas' name in that spot but Jose's side is proving that it's not possible have too many stars on team, for these players are only making each other better.


Goal of the Week- I'm not sure if this is a feature that's going to stick but with the abundance exceptional goals I have to take the time to talk about in my opinion the best of the bunch. With the top of the Serie A table so cluttered and each clubs reputation on the line, Juventus not wanting to drop to another loss to Napoli, Paul Pogba's strike in the 29th minute opened the scoreline and gave hope to the Turin faithful that their side could hold their place at the top of the table. Getting the first goal in such an important match is usually enough to be the talk of the game but Pogba's strike could speak for its self in any match. Standing unmarked alongside the 18 yard box Pogba shows off his world class talent and creates a goal out of nothing that you have to watch repeatedly to believe. watch it here *note I do not own this video. all rights to owner and Serie A*

Before I end this weeks post I would like to congratulate Cristiano Ronaldo on his Ballon D'or.

-Til next time, this is the Final Whistle.

the holiday hunt

 While everyone else is spending time with their families or traveling to beaches to celebrate the holidays we all know it's the EPL that continues to make the holidays a special time of year. Doubling up on matches this time of year defines a teams season, and while I honestly believe that you cant crown a champion half way through the season, this time of year definitely shows us the contenders, so let me break down the standings.
     
      So since it will eventually come out I might as well start with the truth, I am a red devil. With that out in the open I think its only fair I put my team up on the chopping block first. Having claimed the 3rd place spot a few weeks back I hoped these two weeks were going to give us the great opportunity to sneak up on our noisy neighbors and the special one but sadly I feel van Gaal's side has taken a few steps back instead of moving forward. We can blame what ever we want; injuries, tactics, refs...whatever, but the bloody truth is that we lack in the department that used to be our greatest strength; the final stretch.Maybe van Gaal needs to go ask Sir Alex how to get that special "Fergie time" going, but until we push past that motivational block that we face in the final 20 minutes of the game we will continue to drop unnecessary points.

      Chelsea, they do what Jose Mourinho does best, WIN. The whole season they have been seemingly untouchable, that is until they made the trip to White Hart Lane. Spurs opened up every weakness that no one knew Chelsea had in their remarkable 5-3 win over the blues.This is going to end up either one of two ways. 1.Chelsea is going to learn from this and come out even stronger in the upcoming weeks. or 2. Upcoming teams are going to finally be able to break apart that Chelsea back line. Lets face it stopping them from scoring isn't going to be an option, but out scoring them suddenly seems possible. I think everyone in the league needs that thank Spurs for that.

     Speaking of teams who's weaknesses have been exposed it seems only fair to mention Arsenal, who's defensive weakness was further more exposed against Southampton. Having only kept 3 clean sheets this season it can be said that Wenger's defense will be what decides whether or not he is able to stay in the top 4 once the season comes to an end. Southampton and Spurs will definitely be looking to take further advantage of this as they continue to get stronger as the season moves on.

     Im going to keep this post short and sweet and leave comments at this but before I end this I have to do two things. 1.) Hope that everyone; teams, players, and any readers I might have, have had a happy and safe holiday season. 2.) send my condolences to Liverpool fans.

-Til next time, this is the final whistle.

Its a Man's...World?

      Its a Man's World, why yes, yes it is. Despite the advancement of the female image by players like Hope Solo or Marta Vieira da Silva, football is definitely a man's world. But just because it's a man's world that doesn't mean that we females don't fit into it, and I'm here to prove that, because well, football is MY world.

      So here it is, The Final Whistle, a football blog with commentary, review, predictions and a bit of bias (which despite fallacy will have nothing to do with how a player looks) all from a female fan. Due to popularity I will mostly focus my content on the EPL but I wont able to contain myself from lavishing about La Liga, Serie A and even Liga Zon Sagres every once and a while.