Wednesday, August 29, 2012

SHOCKER! Julio Cesar set to sign for QPR

Brazil No 1 set to join relegation threatened QPR.

This is one of the most surprising transfer news this summer. Out of a sudden, QPR set to land a world class stopper.

Robert Green was poor in the opening day 5-0 defeat to Swansea, and Mark Hughes was quick in finding a solution. He made a wise move in turning to Julio Cesar.

Julio Cesar helped Inter win the Champions League in 2010. But Inter seemed to be in the downfall after the departure of Jose Mourinho.

In the summer, Andrea Stramaccioni signed Slovenia first choice keeper Samir Handanovic from Udinese, hence relegating Julio Cesar to second choice.

So there is no surprise that rumours as to where his future lies were arised. But, no one would have guessed that his destination would be QPR, who finished 17th last season. A more reasonable move would be to Tottenham, but they are unlikely to match QPR's offer of £80,000 per-week.

The transfer is expected to be worth £2.5m.

Mark Hughes had already made statement of intent this season, signing high-profile players like Jose Bosingwa, Fabio, Park Ji-Sung and Andrew Johnson, most of which already have established reputation in Premier League. 

Now that the Brazilian stopper who has 64 caps under his name set to join them, I regard QPR as a serious contender for a place in UEFA Cup spot come May next year.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Rooney will bounce back

Sidelined for 2 months
The England no. 1 striker was left on the bench on Saturday against Fulham, and injured after being brought on. SAF picked Kagawa instead to start in the second striker role that Rooney usually played in.

There have been talks that Rooney's future has always been uncertain since he publicly doubted Man United's ambition nearly 2 years ago. His relationship with SAF has never recovered. Hence, with the arrival of another top class striker in Robin van Persie and the quick progress of Welbeck and Chicharito, Rooney's stature at the club came under scrutiny by the media.

Arrival of Robin van Persie gave another option for Ferguson, and another reason to drop Rooney. Rooney was understood to be unhappy about Fergie's decision to bench him against Fulham. Regarding this rumour, Fergie had a firm stance:“If I hear a player has fallen out of love with us, and is looking elsewhere I invariably help them out of the door.”

Despite his 34 goals last season, his in fact had a poor game against Everton in their Premier League curtain raiser clash. His fitness level is below par.

However, I believe Rooney will bounce back from this early season 'disaster'. He always wears his heart on  his sleeves and putting on 110% performance. The fearful tackle just outside the penalty area that lead to his thigh being gashed said it all.

The major problem that lead to the speculation of his future is his fitness level. Once he's got it back, he is unplayable.

During the expected two months' injury period, van Persie is expected to start regularly and take the lead role, bearing the responsibility to score. The injury of Rooney will avoid him from being rotated regularly. His playing time will increase. Let him adapt to the playing style of Man United faster during this period.

Old Trafford faithful would have hoped for a dream partnership of Rooney and van Persie for them after Rooney recovered. Once his fitness level recovered, there is nothing that can stop the 26-year-old. By then, his uncertain future would have been ignored by the media. Best case scenario for both the player and the club, and of course the fans.