Javier Saviola's career has been somewhat of a disappointment to date, after joining Barcelona at the age of 19 from River Plate he immediately settled into the team, scoring goals in number and quality. However, a mixture of poor form and managerial changes meant he lost his place at the club and since then he's been something of a journeyman footballer.
Now he finally looks settled at Benfica, playing just behind Oscar Cardozo, running at defenders with pace, threading in passes for teammates and of course scoring great individual goals. He ended the season with 19 goals and 10 assists from 44 games, but he will probably be disappointed that he let his form drop in the 2nd half of the season.
At only 28 he still has a lot to offer, and his retirement from international football last year should allow him to save his best football for Benfica.
Song: Star Guitar (Shinichi Osawa Remix) by Chemical Brothers
Showing posts with label Benfica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benfica. Show all posts
Friday, 9 July 2010
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Angel di Maria Goals, Passes + Assists 2009/2010
One of my personal favourite players. I first saw him play for Argentina during the Olympic games in 2008 and he looked like he had the potential to become a world star. He scored the winning goal in the final against Nigeria with a superb chip and impressed throughout.
His form for Benfica this past season (10 goals, 18 assists) has been excellent and it's no surprise he's been a transfer target for many clubs, with Real Madrid confirming his signing a few days ago.
He loves to dribble at defenders and has a quick change of direction, lightning pace and an excellent variety of crossing. His technique is exquisite and this video shows several examples of well-executed rabonas, chips and outside-of-the-boot passes.
It'll be interesting to see where he fits in at Real next season, they've largely played a diamond 4-4-2 this season and di Maria could play as the left-central midfielder (where Marcelo has mostly played), providing attacking width and tucking in when the opposition has possession.
Again, apologies for the low quality of some of the clips.
Song: Watch the Sunrise by Axwell
His form for Benfica this past season (10 goals, 18 assists) has been excellent and it's no surprise he's been a transfer target for many clubs, with Real Madrid confirming his signing a few days ago.
He loves to dribble at defenders and has a quick change of direction, lightning pace and an excellent variety of crossing. His technique is exquisite and this video shows several examples of well-executed rabonas, chips and outside-of-the-boot passes.
It'll be interesting to see where he fits in at Real next season, they've largely played a diamond 4-4-2 this season and di Maria could play as the left-central midfielder (where Marcelo has mostly played), providing attacking width and tucking in when the opposition has possession.
Again, apologies for the low quality of some of the clips.
Song: Watch the Sunrise by Axwell
Friday, 2 July 2010
Fabio Coentrao Goals + Assists 2009/2010
Fabio Coentrao has emerged as one of the brightest young left backs in Europe this season. Formerly a winger, he likes to get forward whenever possible, dribbling past opposition players, reaching the byline and swinging in pinpoint crosses. He has 3 goals and 9 assists to his name this season, an excellent output from a full back, and he was one of the stars of this summer's World Cup.
Sorry for the poor quality of the video, and the missing 3rd goal, but it was hard work finding footage of all of Benfica's goals this season.
Song: First Snow by Issi Noho
Sorry for the poor quality of the video, and the missing 3rd goal, but it was hard work finding footage of all of Benfica's goals this season.
Song: First Snow by Issi Noho
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)