Viewing Thread:
"My A-Z of European Footballers"

My A-Z OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALLERS

Andriy Shevchenko
Club: AC Milan (Italy)
Country: Ukraine
Position: Striker
Age: 27

Andriy Shevchenko has long since settled into the fabric of European football. Years ago Shevchenko was hailed as the best striker Europe had seen for years. He has failed to quite live up to the hype surrounding his career following his highly anticipated £16.23m move from Dynamo Kiev in native Ukraine to European front runners and Italian kings AC Milan in the summer of 1999. His unusual verve for the game has impressed many and Shevchenko will continue to interest many managers just as long as his natural ability and ease for the game continues as Shevchenko has shown in his time at AC Milan, culminating in last year’s European Cup Final victory over Juventus.

Bixente Lizarazu
Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Country: France
Position: Defender
Age: 34

World Cups aside, there is more to the life and career of Bixente Lizarazu, approaching his seventh full year at Bayern Munich, the French defender has secured a role model type place amongst football’s elite. Consecutively winning three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, along with the Champions League amongst others. 34, now Lizarazu will be looking to wrap up his career and his achievements so far have been very impressive, with his consistency and strength in defence, Lizarazu would no doubt make the perfect manager and with French football in a comparatively poor state at present, it could soon be just the right time for Lizarazu to move into coaching.

Christian Chivu
Club: AS Roma (Italy)
Country: Romania
Position: Defender
Age: 23

Christian Chivu impressed many during the last Champions League campaign last year with Ajax. Helping Ajax to such credible European endeavours. How ironic was it then that Chivu, playing for Ajax should help the Dutch side to a 1-1 draw, despite the likes of Montella and Delvecchio opposing him. Maybe this performance, which helped knock out AS Roma from the Champions League, led to the purchase of Christian Chivu six months later for AS Roma. He has proved himself as one of the most sound and skilful players to grace the useful left-back role. Just 23 years old, Christian Chivu can expect a bright future and with AS Roma going places, Chivu can look forward to more trophies in the future.

Damien Duff
Club: Chelsea (England)
Country: Republic of Ireland
Position: Midfielder
Age: 25

Damien Duff, the jewel in many Irish eyes has caught the attention through his expert crossing and initiative for the game. He looks the part too and his appearance and personality have made sewn him into the hearts of many adoring fans, his work rate is nothing short of phenomenal and his composure on the field will leave him in good stead to be the long term Republic of Ireland captain following Roy Keane’s departure from the squad during the World Cup. Duff claimed leaving Ewood Park for Stamford Bridge was the hardest decision of his career, but if Duff is going to secure world-wide status like fellow left winger Ryan Giggs, Duff will need to continue making strides like that of the £17m move he made last summer.

Edgar Davids
Club: Barcelona (Spain)
Country: Netherlands
Position: Midfielder
Age: 31

Probably the most remembered face in world football belongs to Dutchman Edgar Davids. You can’t even see some of his face, because it is hidden under the dark glasses he wears on field, after an operation in 1999 to help with his long suffering glaucoma. His mentality is aggressive and inpatient, which can lead to bookings and trouble. Davids has made a name for himself, after being found positive for drug taking at the then newly re-opened Acqua Acetosa laboratory, along with five other players stationed in Italy at the time. The physical midfielder joined Barcelona from Juventus on loan at the beginning of the year and has settled in well. He would have been disappointed to have soon Holland fail to reach the World Cup, but will want to atone for that starting at Euro 2004.

Francesco Totti
Club: AS Roma
Country: Italy
Position: Midfielder
Age: 27

Strong, stylish and very energetic are just some words to sum up the eagerness and man who is Francesco Totti. Among the most skilful players in the world, along side the likes of Zidane and Figo, Totti comfortably fits into the much acclaimed status, which he has enjoyed for a few years now. Regular Champions League action with AS Roma has paved the way to don his skills in front of European managers. Born in Rome, Totti has never had to leave his native Rome, during his time at AS Roma. No longer a prospect for the future, Totti will be expected to deliver the goods now. Recently Totti has been under the media spotlight, following the bizarre incidents surrounding the recent match between AS Roma and Lazio being cancelled, following a false claim that a boy had died outside the match. If Totti is found guilty of something, it could be a difficult few months for the Italian.

Gianluigi Buffon
Club: Juventus
Country: Italy
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 26

£32m is a rare price to see cropping up in sport, even in football; an amount that high is few and far between. Not only was this one of the most expensive football transfers of all time, the price was for a goalkeeper. Currently the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, Buffon can expect to keep that record for many years to come. Excellent reflexes, ball handling and rare speed for a goalkeeper have paved the way for his first team place in both the Juventus and Italian national team sides. Confident too, means Buffon is one of the most respected goalkeepers in the game; Oliver Kahn is a player Buffon can be compared to. His penalty shoot out expertise have aided club and country many times before. Naturally tall and able, Buffon will be remembered as one of the all time great goalkeepers in history.

Henrik Larsson
Club: Celtic (Scotland)
Country: Sweden
Position: Striker
Age: 32

Over 230 goals, in just seven years at Celtic Park has led to Henrik Larsson being considered possibly the most reliable striker in Europe. Despite his critics and the Scottish League’s criticisms, Larsson has never failed to deliver the goods. His reliability, be it through the speed, strength or mentality shown throughout the years, or even the sheer amount of goals scored, Larsson is a respected figure. Bought for just £650,000 from Feyenoord in 1997, a bargain price considering his impact at Celtic since, Larsson has attracted many top European clubs as his time at Celtic wraps up in the summer. Undecided about which club to sign for next, one problem Henrik Larsson will not be facing will be unemployment, as the wealth of European clubs attempt to purchase the Swede, including English side Newcastle United.

Iker Casillas
Club: Real Madrid
Country: Spain
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 22

Four years ago, aged just 18 years of age, Iker Casillas broke into the Real Madrid first team squad, just a teenager he had the full weight of the defence of the best team in the world; Real Madrid resting on his young shoulders. In form and consistent have been the key to such a long and successful career at Madrid. Many consider Casillas better than Buffon, due to Iker Casillas’ excellent reflex actions and unique double save ability. Well built, but lacking slightly in height, Iker’s sole criticism can be his poor ability to claim crosses. Spanish first team status as well has led to a healthy basis for the Spaniard’s career. He may have years left in the game being so young, but Iker Casillas will want to compete for honours now, as he plays for two of the best teams in the world, club and country respectively. He has won trophies galore at Real Madrid; surely it is only a matter of time before his collection is joined by Spanish national cups.

Jon Dahl Tomasson
Club: Inter Milan (Italy)
Country: Denmark
Position: Striker
Age: 27

Jon Dahl Tomasson, from Denmark, has made a positive impact in his time at AC Milan, since his arrival from Feyenoord. Possibly the best bargain of recent times Jon Dahl Tomasson was snapped up on a free transfer, in which time he has scored plenty of goals in the Madrid frontline. Life hasn’t always been easy for Tomasson, with many highs and lows throughout his long and varied career. It is not much easier at AC Milan, with the likes of Andriy Shevchenko, Flippo Inzaghi and Rui Costa up front to challenge for first team football. Tomasson naturally fits into the Danish side and is a first team regular. His composure on field and mentality is a useful aspect for both his managers when the team is in a spot of bother. His attractive style of play makes for a good spectacle of a game, while his skills can often by admired. Once available for nothing will Newcastle be kicking themselves they failed to sign Tomasson?

Kakha Kaladze
Club: AC Milan (Italy)
Country: Georgia
Position: Defender
Age: 26

Georgian left-back Kakha Kaladze, has settled into his place amongst the stars of AC Milan. He has often gone un-noticed in Milan, with other stars like Cafu and Paolo Maldini better known fellow defenders. Kaladze made a full 46 appearances last year, securing the Champions League and Coppa Italia in the process. Kaladze, a regular with Milan for a couple of seasons now, is a popular figure in his original Georgia. So much so that a stamp was issued in Georgia bearing the face of Kakha Kaladze. Bought from Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev for a hefty price in 2001, Kaladze soon settled down and looked the part. The future looks stable for Kaladze, stability being the basis for his career so far, a first teamer for Georgia and now for AC Milan, Kakha Kaladze should really not be expecting too many changes for a while yet.

Luis Figo
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Country: Portugal
Position: Midfielder
Age: 31

The biggest, most expensive move ever to grace football, was that of Luis Figo in the summer of 2000, when Figo left Barcelona to link up with their biggest domestic rivals Real Madrid, in the super sized move worth around £37m. His grace on the field, has led to many admires, his style has been described as ‘beautiful’ by Arsenal forward Thierry Henry and many others would agree with that description. Figo’s ability be it his pace, creativity, skill, team-work or even just his goals, Luis Figo is without a doubt one of the most useful players, due to his influence through his work rate, which alongside midfielders such as David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane is always useful at Real Madrid. Figo had a hard time when he first moved to Madrid, but has proved he was worth every one of the £37m forked out for him and has pleased the tough Real Madrid fans and will continue to do so.

Michael Ballack
Club: Bayern Munich
Country: Germany
Position: Midfielder
Age: 27

The flamboyant German; Michael Ballack, is one of the most rugged yet skilful players Germany has produced since the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann. A loud style on the field and a quiet personality has suited Ballack well and has made him a popular player amongst both club and country. Two seasons ago, in the historic year for Bayer Leverkusen, when they came so close to the double, including the Champions League, Bayern Munich announced they would be signing the two star players of Leverkusen’s at the end of the season, Michael Ballack and Ze Roberto. Michael Ballack lost out with Leverkusen in the Champions League as well as domestically. At the end of the season there was more for Michael Ballack, after completing his transfer to Bayern Munich; Ballack went off to South Korea and Japan for the 2002 World Cup. An easy campaign led to the semi-finals, where Germany defeated Turkey, but there was a sting in the tail, as Ballack picked up another yellow card, suspending him from the final. Scoring wonderful goals aside the last couple of seasons has proved how well Ballack has adapted, which will surely be a pattern for Ballack as he struggles through his career.

Nihat Kahveci
Club: Real Sociedad (Spain)
Country: Turkey
Position: Striker
Age: 24

Signed from Turkish club Besiktas and has been a new player ever since, Nihat Kahveci is a typically boisterous, Turkish talent. Nihat is quick and exciting, it’s not a wonder really Real Sociedad snapped him up from Besiktas; Nihat is a talented youngster approaching his peak. The ambitious forward, with lighting pace can only be described as a shade of Thierry Henry. Goals aren’t a problem by Nihat; he’s cracked them in from 40 yards for Real Soceidad before. Nihat fits in with the current Turkish national squad, the speed and ambitious nature of the team has helped nurture Nihat into the kind of player he is today. Already attracting attention across Europe, Manchester United have been linked with the striker, but ultimately Real Soceidad clinched Kahveci, but if Nihat continues to play like he has recently, the Red Devils and the chasing pack will not give up the fight to sign Nihat.

Oliver Kahn
Club: Bayern Munich
Country: Germany
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 34

Eight years a German first teamer, Oliver Kahn will go down as one of the finest goalkeepers, football has ever had the privilege to boast of. A somewhat arrogant talent, Kahn has a strong personality and an even stronger set of footballing attributes. Kahn’s reflexes and awareness have convinced many he is the best goalkeeper in the world. Playing for Bayern Munich as he has done for years now, Oliver Kahn has rarely missed a club or international fixture, such is his reliability. His strength to deal with shots and pressure has made him the ultimate football figure in Germany. A great World Cup defensive display on 2002, led to Oliver Kahn playing in the World Cup Final, Kahn had had a great campaign throughout, but lost his nerve in the final and Brazil capitalized winning the World Cup. Kahn usually a very sound and fearless player but the World Cup Final was the biggest moment of his career and unfortunately for Kahn he still is looking for a World Cup, aged 34.

Pavel Nedved
Club: Juventus (Italy)
Country: Czech Republic
Position: Midfielder
Age: 31

Few may remember the summer of 2001, in the days when cash was splashed around in football and money really did seem to grow on trees. Just two days before the most expensive transfer in the world to date, Zinedine Zidane’s £45.62m move from Juventus to Real Madrid, Juventus spent half the money they were owed on the purchase of Pavel Nedved from Lazio. The Czech Republic international, who has been compared to Zinedine Zidane, has literally had to fulfil his role in the last two years, following Zidane’s departure. The hard-working, skilful and technical player, as described by Sven Goran Eriksson, is the ultimate midfielder, with passing, crossing, shooting and even cropping in with some goals are all in Nedved’s arsenal. Some have claimed he is better than Zinedine Zidane, but none can doubt Zidane’s superior present, nether the less, Nedved has done exactly what he was supposed to, fill the void left from Zinedine Zidane. Still only 31, Pavel Nedved feels like he has been in the game for years now, he should have a few more seasons left in him.

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
Club: Arsenal (England)
Country: Netherlands
Position: Striker
Age: 17

Little may be known about Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, but the 17 year old has been singled out by Liam Brady, the Arsenal head of youth development who was quoted as saying, “He has been no problem at all. It was made clear to Quincy what standards are expected at Arsenal and his response has been great. He has played very well, scored lots of goals for the youth sides and, this season, twice for the reserves.
Quincy can be offered a professional contract on his 18th birthday in April and that is what he working towards”
Owusu-Abeyie will sign professionally for Arsenal in just a couple of weeks and his tricks and skills will surely suit Arsenal well, especially with the tricks master Dennis Bergkamp soon to leave Highbury.

Ruud van Nistelrooy
Club: Manchester United (England)
Country: Netherlands
Position: Striker
Age: 27

Players like Ruud van Nistelrooy, are a rare breed, a manager’s dream. Clinical finishers no doubt make the best strikers and Ruud van Nistelrooy is just that. £19m may sound expensive, but when you compare that to the combined £60m United splashed out on Rio Ferdinand and Juan Sebastian Veron, of which Ferdinand is banned for eight months and Veron was sold for half his buying price, you can see just what a purchase Sir Alex made when he bought and brought the Dutchman to Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy has already completed his century in goals for United and has broken records monthly in the Premiership. Bought from PSV cautiously by Sir Alex, Ruud was expected to be no more than a flagging European forward after a horrendous injury keeping him out of football. His goals rate alone has helped United secure the Premiership crown last season and has helped the Netherlands to a place in EURO 2004. Louis Saha may not agree with the talent of Ruud van Nistelrooy, but his goals ratio does the talking.

Sol Campbell
Club: Arsenal
Country: England
Position: Defender
Age: 29

There are not many centre-backs, except the great likes of Paolo Maldini, who have really made a name for themselves. Sol has though and in doing so has striked up a central defensive partnership with Rio Ferdinand for England, with both defenders securing first team action internationally. Purchased by Arsenal from arch rivals Tottenham Hotspurs, in the most humiliating way for Spurs, a Bos-Man, costing Arsenal nothing to secure the signature of Sol Campbell. Campbell has helped Arsenal to many clean sheets through his career, with David Seaman and now Jens Lehmann in between the sticks. It hasn’t always been easy for Sol, tormented by the Tottenham fans, his sexuality was questioned and recently his father died, but in typical fighting style, Campbell has beat off his critics and problems to become a stronger person.

Thierry Henry
Club: Arsenal (England)
Country: France
Position: Striker
Age: 26

From the tough streets of Paris, Thierry Henry practised little more than with a football, but has turned into possibly the best striker in the world. His goals are always skilful, even with a tap-in, Henry will dance on the ball before sliding it in, because that is the player he has become. Always willing to do things the skilful, sleek way, Henry has never failed to continue his amazing goal scoring, which will surely secure some silverware this season as Arsenal wrap up their campaign. The man Thierry Henry owes most to though is Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who showed faith in Henry to purchase the fellow Frenchman for a mere £10.5m from Juventus, a full five seasons ago. When Henry was a winger, Wenger saw him as a striker and has played him there ever since. His finishing and electric pace has made him the perfect figure to lead the Arsenal frontline.

Umit Davala
Club: SV Werder Bremen (Germany)
Country: Turkey
Position: Midfielder
Age: 30

Umit Davala was one of the stars of Turkey’s 2002 World Cup campaign when they came third in the competition. Davala has had a couple of high profile moves through his career, swapping Milan outfits from AC Milan to Inter Milan as part of a swap deal. Umit Davala moved to SV Werder Bremen in January this year and has looked good, Werder Bremen paid nothing but Davala has definitely been a positive influence on the team this year. Davala is useful team player and is good at linking up especially at Turkey. He has helped Turkey to the attractive, attacking, solid united the Turks are today. Davala is without a doubt a dangerous player, but has failed to live up to the hype surrounding him and the other Turkish players following the World Cup.

Vincenzo Montella
Club: AS Roma
Country: Italy
Position: Striker
Age: 29

The much acclaimed Italian striker Vincenzo Montella rose to the fore front of Serie A football following his expensive and high profile £15m move from the former Sampdoria to AS Roma in 1999. Montella is one of the best finishers in the game and one of Europe’s top goal poachers, which is why he has become so important to Roma over the last few years. Teaming up with Francesco Totti, Vincenzo Montella has managed well over the last few years to win over the hearts of the Roma faithful and has delivered an abundance of goods upfront. Now 29, Vincenzo Montella looks to have settled down in the Roma team but will continue to fight for the place up front for Italy, alongside Christian Vieri. Montella naturally wouldn’t be the first choice, but if he continues to knock in 20 goals a season, he might just be lining up in the Italian team.

Wayne Rooney
Club: Everton
Country: England
Position: Striker
Age: 19

Fresh faced youth Wayne Rooney, burst onto the scene a couple of seasons ago with a 30-yard spectacular against Arsenal. The late, late goal secured Everton an unusual victory against Champions Arsenal that season and soon secured his place as the wonderkid echoed about in the terraces at Goodison Park. Extremely strong and bustly Rooney, can be described as a player with the strength of Alan Shearer and the skill of Michael Owen. Within months of bursting onto the club scene, Wayne Rooney had England manager Sven Goran Eriksson knocking on his door within months of the goal and made his debut in the 3-1 defeat at Upton Park against Australia. From then, still only a teenager he has managed to almost gain a permanent first team spot in both Everton and England’s team sheets. Club manager David Moyes is keen to keep Rooney’s feet on the ground and away from the media. Rooney could have fifteen years left in the game, so only time will tell what this bright spark can achieve at such a tender age.

Xavi
Club: Barcelona
Country: Spain
Position: Defender
Age: 24

At just 24 years of age Xavi has secured a first team place in Catalan giants Barcelona’s first team squad and has earned full international honours with Spain. The small Spaniard has helped Barcelona pick up the pieces from a dreadful last season, but will be disappointed following the departure from the UEFA Cup by Scottish underdogs Celtic. The dogmatic midfielder frequently gets into scuffles but is generally a good natured player and fans favourite. Xavi is a skilfull competitor and his accurate passing and movement is always sure to impress the crowd and whichever manager he is playing for. Barça may not be playing like they use to, but one man you can’t blame is Xavi, who continues to deliver 100% as he has throughout his Barcelona career.

Yildiray Basturk
Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Country: Turkey
Position: Midfielder
Age: 25

Yildiray Basturk has really proved a name for himself now after progressing so well with Bayer Leverkusen and Turkey in the Champions League and World Cup in 2002. Basturk, famous for his talented movement on the ball, is a pacy and dangerous midfielder. His preferred role as playmaker proved extremely useful for Turkey in the World Cup and has undoubtedly helped club side Bayer Leverkusen as well as they rebuild their squad without Michael Ballack. Just 25, Basturk has been encouraged greatly by the media, labelling him one of the greatest playmakers to date and that he certainly is. Bought cheaply from VfL Bochum, many clubs have been linked to Basturk and will continue to do so, if he creates as many chances as he has been and excites so many fans.

Zinedine Zidane
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Country: France
Position: Midfielder
Age: 31

The most expensive footballer in the world, probably the best footballer in the world, last certainly isn’t least. A veteran of the game, Zidane has won the World Cup, European Championships, Champions League and Spanish League amongst others. On the 9th June 2001, Zidane went down in the history books as the most expensive footballer to be bought; £45.62m was the fee. Real Madrid had unearthed a gem of a player in Zidane. Madrid has the highest standards in football and if anything Zizou exceeds those standards. Zidane’s exceptional skills and world class passing and movement make him the most complete footballer. Zidane appears to create time on the ball and creates skill, he may be 31 now and retirement may be near but with him making around £72,000 Zidane will be satisfied at the Santiago Bernabeu for some time yet.



Statistics correct at 3rd April 2004

Where did you copy that one from?

Relevance please...

Why?

While he (Jesus) is being made sweet love to by Satan.

By Jesus

Forest Fan, I hope you get shot in the head.

I see, they weren't talking to me. I get it.

Forest Fan wrote:
> Azul wrote:
> Forest Fan wrote:
> When did I mention Jeremie Aliadiere?
>
> *Repeatedly bangs head off desk*
>
> You're not the sharpest knife in the drawer, are you.
> Is this God's fault?
>
> Not the brightest crayon in the box, is the phrase I prefer.

It is not your choice.

Forest Fan wrote:
> When did I mention Jeremie Aliadiere?

I WAS USING IT AS AN EXAMPLE!!!!!!

Azul wrote:
> Forest Fan wrote:
> When did I mention Jeremie Aliadiere?
>
> *Repeatedly bangs head off desk*
>
> You're not the sharpest knife in the drawer, are you.
> Is this God's fault?

Not the brightest crayon in the box, is the phrase I prefer.