Luka Modrić - The New Hero From White Hart Lane.

Luka Modrić (pronounced [ˈluːka ˈmɔːdritɕ], born 9 September 1985 in Zadar) is a Croatian footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and for the Croatia national football team.

Modrić's childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence. After showing promise in hometown club Zadar's youth team, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager in 2002. His professional career began with loan spells at Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić. While he was playing for GNK Dinamo Zagreb, they won three consecutive league titles and several domestic cups, with Modrić named Prva HNL "Player of the Year" in 2007.

Dinamo Zagreb

  In 2005, Modrić signed his first long-term contract with Dinamo through to 2015. After a goalless first season, he managed to secure a place in Dinamo's first team, contributing 7 goals in 31 matches to help win the league. During this time, Modrić rapidly established his role as playmaker or designated left winger in the team's 4–2–3–1 formation.

  In the 2006–07 season, Dinamo again won the league with Modrić making a similar contribution,acknowledged by the Prva HNL Player of the Year award. The following season, he led Dinamo's attempt to qualify for the UEFA cup. In the final play-off stage, Modrić converted a penalty in the away fixture against AFC Ajax in a game that ended 1–1 after normal time. Dinamo then went on to win the game 3–2 in extra time after a brace from teammate Mario Mandžukić secured their win on away goals.However, Dinamo Zagreb still failed to advance beyond the group stage.
  At his last home game with Dinamo at Maksimir Stadium, Modrić was given a standing ovation and fans held up supportive banners. He finished his impressive six year tenure at Dinamo with a tally of 31 goals and 29 assists in four seasons, contributing most notably in the 2007–08 season when Dinamo became champions by a 28 point margin and won the Croatian cup in the same year.

Tottenham Hotspur

  Modrić agreed transfer terms with Tottenham Hotspur on 26 April 2008. He was the first of many summer signings for coach Juande Ramos, and also the Premier League's first summer transfer. After signing a 6 year contract from summer 2008, Tottenham confirmed that the total fee paid was £16.5 million, equalling the club's record fee set by Darren Bent's move in 2007.
Modrić made his debut for Tottenham on 28 July 2008 in a pre-season friendly against Norwich City. He played 45 minutes at Carrow Road during the 5–1 victory. His competitive debut was on 16 August in the 2–1 defeat by Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in Spurs' first match of the 2008–09 Premier League season.
  Initially, Spurs used him as a deep-lying playmaker in central midfield, usually alongside Jermaine Jenas, to utilise his passing range, vision and creativity to optimum effect. However, then-manager Juande Ramos deployed him in an extremely deep defensive midfield role, which his slight frame was not physically suited to. Before joining Tottenham, his greatest success had come in a more advanced, attacking left-sided role. Playing him out of position limited his influence. Modrić also suffered from a niggling knee injury early in his Spurs career and he had to endure being labelled as a "light-weight" by sections of the media. This coincided with his poor form, knocking his confidence and making him even less effective, leading to concerns both for himself and Croatia manager Slaven Bilić.
  With the appointment of current Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, Modrić was given a more familiar advanced attacking role as a central or left-sided midfielder, which had been a problem position for Tottenham in the past. In the first few months of the 2008–2009 season until the 2009 January transfer window, Modrić assumed a far more advanced role as a second striker behind one of Tottenham's two recognised first-team strikers, Roman Pavlyuchenko or Darren Bent. This allowed Modrić to have a far more attacking influence on the team and also utilise his footballing brain more productively, as in the thrilling 4–4 draw with arch rivals Arsenal on 26 October 2008. Modrić's impact in this position was well demonstrated with Tottenham's 4th and equalising goal when he collected the ball on his chest from Tom Huddlestone, and after a few controlled touches, unleashed a long-range half-volley which, courtesy of a deflection, hit the post and set up Aaron Lennon for a tap-in. Since this performance, his form improved considerably for Spurs, coinciding with his club's vastly improved form in the league. Redknapp recognised Modrić's value to his side, setting out plans to shape his new team around the Croatian playmaker.
During the January 2009 transfer window, Tottenham re-signed strikers Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane, allowing Modrić to return to midfield while retaining his advanced attacking role as a roaming left-sided midfielder. Spurs' other major signing, tough-tackling Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios, bolstered Spurs' central midfield and gave Modrić more freedom in attack, while Palacios operated as a more defensive midfielder. Using him in his former position from Dinamo Zagreb days made him even more effective with inspirational performances against Hull City, Stoke City and most notably, a match-winning performance against Chelsea.
   Modrić scored his first Tottenham goal in a 2–2 draw against Spartak Moscow during the UEFA Cup group stages on the 18 December 2008. He scored his first Premier League goal against Newcastle United in Spurs' next match, three days later.Ahead of the 2009–10 season, ex-Spurs captain Jamie Redknapp said of Modrić "[He's] a hell of a player and a manager’s dream, so I am told. He trains like a demon and never complains, will work with and without the ball on the field and can beat a defender with a trick or with a pass. He could get into any team in the top four and he’ll be even better this season."   On 29 August 2009, during Tottenham's 2–1 win over Birmingham City, Modrić was taken off injured with a suspected calf injury. The following day it was confirmed that Modrić had broken his leg, sustaining a fracture to his right fibula and was expected to be out for six weeks. However, on 31 October 2009 Spurs' manager Harry Redknapp announced a delay to Modrić's return. Modrić finally returned to training after numerous delays on 8 December in a match against Grays Athletic. He made his first start in the Premiership for four months in the London derby against West Ham United which Spurs won 2–0, with Modrić making a telling contribution by scoring with the leg he broke in the 11th minute.
   On 30 May 2010, Modrić was awarded with a new six-year contract, that runs until 2016. Modrić said after the deal; "Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them. Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere. Last season's Top 4 finish was an indication of where we are as a Club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs". On 11 September 2010, Modrić scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season with a 27th minute strike which put Tottenham 1–0 up away at West Bromwich Albion. The match finished in a 1–1 draw after Chris Brunt equalised. During the match, Modrić sustained an injury which was feared to be a repeat of the broken leg injury he sustained in the 2009–10 season. However scans later revealed there to be no damage. On 28 November, in a home match against Liverpool, Modrić scored a solitary goal, but it was later credited as an own goal by Liverpool defender Martin Škrtel. He also scored in Tottenham's 3-2 victory over Stoke on 9 April 2011, as well as converting a penalty at Anfield on 15 May 2011 to complete a 2-0 victory over Liverpool. Modric played 32 Premier League games in the 2010/11 season, scoring 3 goals and making two assists, as well as making the highest average number of passes per game for Spurs, with 62.5, at a an accuracy rate of 87%. At the end of the season, Modrić was voted the Tottenham Hotspur Fan's Player of the Year.In the summer of 2011, Modrić was heavily pursued by cross-town rivals, Chelsea. Chelsea initially made a bid of £22 million followed by a bid of £27 million, both of which were rejected. Tottenham president, Daniel Levy, stated that Tottenham would not sell Modrić at any price. After the failed bids, Modrić announced that he would welcome a move across London and that he had a "gentleman's agreement" with Daniel Levy that the club would entertain offers from a "big club." Speculation continued throughout the summer transfer window, eventually culminating in Modrić refusing to play in Tottenham's opening match against Manchester United (a 3-0 loss), stating that his "head was not in the right place" as he continued to force a move to Chelsea. On the final day of the transfer deadline Chelsea made an offer of £40 million, which was rejected by Daniel Levy. After failing to secure a transfer, Harry Redknapp told Luka Modric to focus on his playing and he has been named as a starter. He scored his first goal of the season for Tottenham in a 4-0 home win against Liverpool.

International Career

   Modrić's first international experience came at youth level, playing for the Croatian U-17, U-19 and under-21 teams. He made his full international debut on 1 March 2006 in a friendly match against Argentina in Basel, Switzerland, which Croatia won 3–2. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, he made two appearances as a substitute in the group fixtures against Japan and Australia. With the appointment of new manager Slaven Bilić, Modrić earned greater recognition at international level, scoring his first goal in Croatia's 2–0 friendly win over Italy on 16 August 2006 in Livorno. His performances ensured a regular place in the international side, and he gave an impressive showing in Croatia's successful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, which recorded home and away victories against England. Much was expected of the young midfielder often dubbed "the Croatian Cruyff". Modrić scored Croatia's first goal of Euro 2008, converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their 1–0 victory against Austria on 8 June 2008. It was the fastest penalty ever awarded and scored in European Championship history. He continued to impress at the tournament and was named UEFA Man of the Match in their next game when Croatia defeated one of the pre-tournament favorites and eventual finalists Germany.

     In the quarter-final against Turkey, Modrić took advantage of a mistake by veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber, and crossed to teammate Ivan Klasnić for the first goal of the game with only a minute remaining of extra time. However, Semih Şentürk equalised for Turkey almost immediately. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Modrić failed to score the first penalty with his off-target kick. Turkey went on to win the shootout 3–1. At the end of the competition, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament, becoming only the second Croatian to ever achieve this honour, the first being Davor Šuker.

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Charlie Adam - The Clever Man !

Charles Graham "Charlie" Adam (born 10 December 1985) is a Scottish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Liverpool and the Scotland national football team.

Before having a youth career at Rangers, Adam was part of the Dundee youth set up between 1999 and 2000. He signed for Alex McLeish's Rangers in December 2000, and became a product of their youth system. He spent much of his early senior career on loan to other clubs. While on loan to St. Mirren during season 2005–06, Adam was part of the team that won both the Scottish Challenge Cup and First Division, playing in over thirty matches for the Saints. Upon returning to Rangers at the end of the 2006 season, he became a regular under managers Paul Le Guen and Walter Smith. Adam was also part of the Rangers team that reached the 2008 UEFA Cup Final.

After falling out of favour at Rangers during season 2008–09, Adam was loaned out to English Championship side Blackpool. The loan was made permanent at the start of the 2009–10 season, and Adam became an integral part of the Blackpool side, captaining the team to a play off victory over Cardiff City which resulted in their promotion to the Premier League. Adam shone in his first season in the English Premier League, his performances being recognised with a nomination for the PFA Players' Player of the Year in April 2011. As a result, he transferred to Liverpool in July 2011.

Rangers

Dundee-born Adam joined Rangers on his fifteenth birthday, 15 December 2000. He made his debut appearance on 14 April 2004 against Livingston and played sporadically thereafter but did not become a first-team regular until the management of Paul Le Guen.

He made an appearance at the start of the 2004–05 season, and then joined First Division club Ross County on loan for the rest of that campaign. While in Dingwall, Adam made fifteen appearances, scoring twice, against Raith Rovers and St. Mirren. He also played in the 2004 Scottish Challenge Cup Final against Falkirk. County were ahead courtesy of David Winters 56th minute goal. Adam was substituted in the 60th minute as was team mate Sean Higgins six minutes later. Neil Scally and Darryl Duffy then scored in 70 and 75 minutes respectfully for Falkirk to come back to lift the trophy.

Blackpool

In August 2009 Adam signed a two-year contract with Blackpool with the option of a further year, in a club-record transfer fee of £500,000. His competitive debut as a permanent Blackpool player was in a 1–1 draw with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road later that month. His first goal came on 26 August in a 4–1 home win over Wigan Athletic in the League Cup.In January 2010 he was named in the Press Association's Championship "Team of the Week", along with team-mate Neal Eardley following his performance two days before in the 3–2 home victory over Watford. That same month Adam won the Championship Player of the Month award and was voted the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Month for January 2010. In March, Adam scored in his 50th league appearance for Blackpool, a 2–0 win at Plymouth Argyle. Just under a month later, Adam was named in the PFA "Championship Team of the Year".

Blackpool qualified for that season's play-offs. Adam scored a match-winning penalty against Nottingham Forest in the semi-final first leg,and Blackpool won the tie on aggregate. In the play-off final Adam scored a free-kick as Blackpool beat Cardiff City 3–2 at Wembley Stadium and gained promotion to the Premier League. the fourth week of the 2010–11 Premier League season, Adam was named in the official Team of the Week. He was named again in week seven, alongside teammate Luke Varney. In early December, a tribunal ruled in favour of Adam in a dispute over unpaid bonuses from the previous season. They found that Blackpool were required to pay the player £25,000 for successfully avoiding relegation to League 1. The club had argued that the promotion bonus (which had been stipulated in Adam's contract) superseded the 'survival bonus.' The panel upheld Adam's complaint, but did not agree with his second argument that the failure to pay the amount constituted a breach of contract on the club's part. As a result, both parties were responsible for their own legal fees - leaving Adam with a very small net gain from the venture. In January 2011 Blackpool rejected a £4.5 million bid to buy Adam from Liverpool, an amount described by manager Ian Holloway as "disgraceful". Blackpool then rejected a transfer request that Adam had made to the club. He was one of seven nominees for the 2010–11 PFA Players' Player of the Year. However, Adam and his Blackpool team mates were relegated at the season's end.
In May 2011, Blackpool activated an option to increase Adam's contract by a further twelve months.

Liverpool

In July 2011 Liverpool signed Adam from Blackpool for a fee of £7 million. He played the second half of Liverpool's friendly against Guangdong Sunray Cave in a 4–3 win on 13 July. He scored his first goal for the club via the penalty spot in the 6–3 win vs Malaysia XI. On 13 August 2011, Adam made his debut in Liverpool's first game of the 2011–12 Premier League, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield. There, he assisted the opening goal from Luis Suárez from a free kick outside the area. On Saturday 20 August 2011, he started and played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in a 2-0 away victory. On 24 August 2011, Adam started Liverpool's Carling Cup 2nd round tie with Exeter which finished 3-1 to the Reds. On 27 August 2011, Adam scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in a match against Bolton Wanderers which Liverpool went on to win 3-1.. Adam was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Scott Parker at a 4-0 away loss against Tottenham Hotspur.

 

International Career

Adam was called up by national manager Alex McLeish to the Scotland squad for the first time on 11 May 2007 for a friendly against Austria and a Euro 2008 qualifying Group B match against the Faroe Islands.He made his debut at the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium in Vienna on 30 May as a 67th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 victory. He then made his competitive debut as a 77th-minute substitute in a 2–0 win over the Faroe Islands at the Svangaskarð stadium in Toftir on 6 June.
Adam was recalled to the Scotland squad by manager George Burley for a friendly against Japan on 10 October 2009 at the Nissan Stadium, Yokohama, Japan. Scotland lost the game 0–2, with Adam earning his third cap, and in doing so became the first Blackpool player to represent Scotland since Tony Green in 1971.
On 10 November 2009, Adam was drafted into the Scotland squad for the friendly against Wales four days later. He replaced his former Rangers teammate Kevin Thomson, who pulled out due to illness. George Burley said of Adam: "He scored a cracking goal for Blackpool last weekend. He is a very good replacement. He has been playing consistently, is a quality player, and is getting a real benefit from playing regularly."

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Andy Carroll - The Tall Man !

Andrew Thomas "Andy" Carroll (born 6 January 1989) is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Liverpool and the England national team.

The fee of £35 million paid by Liverpool for Caroll's transfer from Newcastle United on 31 January 2011 is the highest ever amount for a British footballer. Carroll is the eighth-most expensive footballer in history and also the second-most expensive player playing for a British club, behind Fernando Torres, who moved from Liverpool to Chelsea for £50 million on the same day Carroll signed for Liverpool.

Newcastle United

Carroll, an occasional scorer in Newcastle United's reserve team, made his first-team debut on 2 November 2006 at the age of 17 years and 300 days in a 1-0 UEFA Cup win over Palermo, coming on as a late substitute for Nolberto Solano. In doing so, he became the youngest ever player to represent Newcastle in Europe.

He made his FA Cup debut on 17 January 2007, appearing as substitute for the last ten minutes in the 5–1 home defeat by Birmingham City. On 25 February 2007, Carroll made his Premier League debut for Newcastle, coming on as a substitute in the 87th minute in the 1–0 defeat by Wigan Athletic, almost scoring in the process; only a good save from Wigan goalkeeper John Filan prevented him from scoring his first Newcastle goal.

In 2007, he was the recipient of the "Wor Jackie Milburn Trophy", which is awarded every year to the rising star of North-East football, chosen from among Newcastle players.

On 29 July 2007, Carroll scored his first senior goal with a left foot shot in a 2–0 win over Juventus in a friendly match. After the game, Carroll received praise from Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who tipped Carroll to have a big future.

On 14 August 2007, Carroll began a six-month loan with Preston North End, and made his debut for them in the League Cup against Morecambe on the same day. Carroll was sent off playing for Preston against Scunthorpe United on 18 September. He scored his first Championship goal, and his first English league goal, against Leicester City on 6 November. Carroll made his first appearance for Newcastle in the 2008–09 season on 20 October, coming on as a substitute for Shola Ameobi at home to Manchester City. Carroll scored his first competitive goal for Newcastle on his first ever home start with a header against West Ham United in a 2–2 draw on 10 January 2009. He signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract on 12 March 2009, in theory keeping him at Newcastle until 2012.

Following Newcastle's relegation, and the departures of first team strikers, Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins, Carroll was paired with Shola Ameobi in attack for Newcastle at the start of the new season. His first league goal in the Championship came on 16 September 2009 against Blackpool with a header. By 2010 Carroll was playing almost every game, in a new strike partnership with Peter Løvenkrands. This partnership accounted for more than half of the club's goals in 2010. Carroll finished the season as Newcastle's top scorer, with 19 goals in all competitions, 17 in the league.

Carroll was given squad number 9 for the 2010–11 season, a number with great significance for Newcastle United supporters, as it has been worn in the past for Newcastle by the likes of Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and Alan Shearer. Carroll scored his first career hat-trick against Aston Villa in the their 6–0 win in the Premier League on 22 August 2010. Carroll captained Newcastle for the first time on 3 October 2010 when he came on as a substitute for Kevin Nolan against Manchester City. In October 2010, Carroll signed a new five-year contract, on paper keeping him at the club until 2015. Carroll scored Newcastle's third in a 3–1 victory over Liverpool at St. James' Park on 11 December 2010, with a low 25-yard drive.

Liverpool

On 31 January 2011, Liverpool put in a bid of £30 million for Carroll, which was rejected. Newcastle then accepted a bid in excess of £35 million and, following a medical examination, the transfer was completed shortly before the deadline. Liverpool confirmed that Carroll would wear the number 9 jersey previously worn by Fernando Torres, who left Anfield for Chelsea on the same evening. The transfer made Carroll the eighth overall most expensive footballer and the most expensive British footballer of all time. However, due to an injury that was sustained while with Newcastle United, Carroll had to wait some time before his Liverpool debut. He finally made his debut, appearing as a substitute in the 3–1 win against Manchester United on 6 March 2011. On 10 March, he played his first European game for Liverpool away to Braga in the Europa League, appearing as a substitute after half-time. In the return leg a week later, he made his first Liverpool start as they went out of the competition losing 1–0 on aggregate. On 20 March, he made his first Premier League start for Liverpool at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland.

On 11 April, Carroll scored his first goals for Liverpool in a 3–0 victory against Manchester City at Anfield, scoring his first with a long-range strike and his second with a header.
On 24 August 2011, he scored his first goal of the season with a 20-yard drive against Exeter City to make the score 3–0 in the League Cup. On 1 October 2011, he scored his first league goal of the 2011-12 season during a 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park.

International Career

On 11 September 2007, Carroll made his England under-19 debut against Belarus, scoring in the 4–0 victory. On 12 March 2009, Carroll, fresh from signing a new contract at Newcastle, was called up to the England U-20s for a match against Italy U-20s, but was withdrawn from the squad and replaced by Hal Robson-Kanu of Swindon Town.

Carroll received his first call up to the England U-21s on 5 August 2009. He made his debut on 11 August 2009 against Holland, coming on as a second half substitute. On his second cap with the under-21 team, on 9 October 2009 against Macedonia U-21s, he scored two goals and assisted another as England romped to a 6–3 win.

Carroll's performances for Newcastle United earned him a call up to the England squad for the friendly against France on 17 November 2010. Carroll passed a late fitness test to start the match. Carroll scored his first senior goal, a low left foot drive into the bottom corner, for England on 29 March 2011 in a friendly against Ghana which ended 1–1.

Style Of Play

 

Carroll has been compared to Newcastle legend Alan Shearer,Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, and also to former Newcastle and Everton striker Duncan Ferguson due to his skill in the air. He is referred to as a classic No. 9 centre forward, owing to his strength, powerful shot and excellent heading ability. Former Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan stated "he is probably in the top three headers of a ball I have ever seen in football".
After Newcastle's game at home to Blackpool, Blackpool manager Ian Holloway described Carroll as the best striker in the Premier League.

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Jordan Henderson - The New Icon For Liverpool.

Jordan Brian Henderson (born 17 June 1990) is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Liverpool and the England national team as a midfielder. He had a loan spell at Coventry City in 2009. He earned his first international cap for England, having previously played for the under-19, under-20 and under-21 teams. Henderson was schooled at Farringdon Community Sports College before joining Sunderland as a youngster.

Henderson played his first league game for Sunderland as a half-time substitute on 1 November 2008, in a 5–0 away defeat to Chelsea. He then made his first Sunderland start and home début against Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup.

Sunderland

In the 2009–10 season, Henderson broke into the Sunderland first team and made several Premier League appearances. He scored his first senior goal for the club against Birmingham City in the Carling Cup third round. He then went on to score his first Premier League goal against Manchester City on 19 December 2009.

Henderson spent the majority of the season on the right side of midfield but played centrally in the absence of Lee Cattermole; his versatility and consistency earning him a new five year contract on 23 April 2010, keeping him with the club till 2015. He also went on to win the Young Player of the Year award for the 2009–10 season.
Henderson's first full season with Sunderland was a major success. He won one personal accolade, scored two goals in all competitions and managed six assists.

Henderson made a solid start in pre-season, scoring two goals, both away from home against Leicester City and Hoffenheim respectively. Days later, on 13 August his squad number was changed from 16 to 10. Henderson's early season form caught the eye of many observers, most notably Fabio Capello who made Henderson a part of his senior squad to face France on 17 November 2010. Henderson helped Sunderland to an unbeaten run of games against big clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all of whom have since reportedly registered an interest in the player. Henderson went on to score his first goal of the season in the 1–0 win over West Ham United.
On 13 January 2011, Henderson was listed on the official FIFA website as one of thirteen young players to watch in 2011, he ranked alongside Manchester United's David de Gea and Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku.FIFA also added Henderson is "Composed, athletic and powerful". Henderson has also been hailed as "the best young British footballer there is" by his Sunderland manager, Steve Bruce.
Henderson scored twice against Wigan Athletic on 23 April 2011, as Sunderland ended a run of 8 games without a win. Henderson was again named Sunderland's Young Player of the Year for the second season running.

 

Liverpool

On 8 June 2011, Sunderland and Liverpool confirmed they had agreed an undisclosed fee (reported to be between £16 million and £20 million) for Henderson, who would travel to Liverpool's training facility Melwood to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms regarding a move to Liverpool. Sunderland's chairman Niall Quinn commented on the deal, stating on the official Sunderland website that "Jordan is a credit to himself, his family and Sunderland's Academy and everyone here wishes him the very best for the future". Later that day, Liverpool released video footage of Henderson in club gear at Melwood. He completed the move a day later on 9 June 2011, signing "a long-term deal" with the club. On 8 July 2011, it was confirmed that Henderson would be wearing the number 14 shirt for Liverpool worn previously by Xabi Alonso and Milan Jovanović. On 13 August 2011, Henderson made his debut in Liverpool's first game of the 2011–12 Premier League, a 1–1 draw against his former club Sunderland. Henderson's second game was a 2–0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, the first away win for Liverpool over Arsenal in 11 years since Titi Camara scored the winning goal at Highbury 2001. This was also the club's first win at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal's home since the closing of Highbury Stadium. On 27 August 2011, Henderson scored his first goal for Liverpool in a Premier League fixture at Anfield against Bolton Wanderers. Henderson came on as a second half substitute against Manchester United and almost scored a goal from a volley which was saved by David de Gea. In the League Cup match against Stoke City he assisted Luis Suárez second goal by crossing it in and Suárez finished it with a header. After coming under some criticism in his first couple games for liverpool Henderson's performances appear to be getting better game by game in his first few months Henderson has found himself playing as a right midfielder but has occasionaly played in the center of midfield.

International Career

Henderson has represented England at four different levels. He made his debut for the under-19's in 2009 against Czech Republic before breaking into Stuart Pearce's under-21 squad. He then scored his first goal in an England shirt in the European Championship play-offs against Romania, hitting a volley from outside the box to get the first goal in the game.

On 11 November 2010, Henderson was omitted from England's U21 squad for their friendly with Germany, instead receiving his first call up to the senior England squad on 17 November 2010, for their friendly against France. He made the starting line up, starting in midfield alongside Steven Gerrard.
Henderson was selected in the England U21 squad for the 2011 European Championships, despite having played 40 games already that season. However England Under 21's were knocked out in the group stage.He captained the England U21 team in a 6–0 win over Azerbaijan U21 on 1 September 2011, scoring one goal in the Euro 2013 qualifier.
 

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Samir Nasri - The New Icon For The Citizens !

 

Samir Nasri (born 26 June 1987) is a French international footballer who plays for English club Manchester City in the Premier League and the France national team. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder and a winger, although he has also been deployed in central midfield. Nasri is known for his technical ability, creativity, pace, and ability to read the game. Of Algerian heritage, he is described as a player whose "vision and imagination make him an unpredictable opponent". His playing style, ability, and cultural background have drawn comparisons to French legend Zinedine Zidane.

Nasri began his football career playing for local youth clubs in his hometown of Marseille. At the age of nine, he joined professional club Olympique de Marseille and spent the next seven years developing in the club's youth academy at La Commanderie, the club's training center. In the 2004–05 season, Nasri made his professional debut in September 2004 at the age of 17 against Sochaux. In the following season, he became a regular starter in the team and also participated in European competition for the first time after playing in the 2005–06 edition of the UEFA Cup. In the 2006–07 campaign, Nasri won the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Young Player of the Year award and was also named to the Team of the Year. He finished his career with Marseille amassing over 160 appearances. He played in the teams that reached back-to-back Coupe de France finals in 2006 and 2007. In June 2008, Nasri joined Premier League club Arsenal agreeing to a four-year contract. He reached prominence with the team in his third season winning the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Fans' Player of the Month award on three occasions and being named to the association's Team of the Year. In December 2010, he was named the French Player of the Year for his performances during the calendar year. In August 2011, after three seasons with Arsenal, Nasri joined Manchester City on a four-year contract.

Samir Nasri is a former French youth international and has represented his nation at every level for which he was eligible. Prior to playing for the senior team, he played in the under-17 team that won the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship. Nasri made his senior international debut in March 2007 in a friendly match against Austria. Two months later, he netted his first senior international goal in a 1–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying win over Georgia. Nasri has represented France at one major international tournament: UEFA Euro 2008.

Arsenal

On 21 July 2009, while participating in a training match during pre-season with Arsenal in Bad Waltersdorf, Nasri suffered a broken leg. The injury required two to three months of rest and, as a result, Nasri missed the opening of the 2009–10 Premier League season. He made his debut late in the campaign on 25 October 2009 in a Football League Cup tie against Liverpool. Nasri played the entire match in a 2–1 win. On 4 November, he scored his first goal of the season in the team's Champions League group stage match against Dutch outfit AZ. Three weeks later, Nasri converted another Champions League goal, this time against Belgium club Standard Liège in a 2–0 win. He featured heavily with the team during the winter months and he ended the 2009 calendar year by scoring a goal and providing an assist 4–1 win over Portsmouth away at Fratton Park. After going nearly two months without scoring a goal, Nasri marked his goal-scoring return in emphatic fashion in the team's 5–0 second leg victory over Portuguese club Porto in the Round of 16 of the Champions League knockout stage. The goal, described by English newspaper The Guardian columnist David Lacey as "reminiscent of a lost art in British football", showcased Nasri's dribbling, as well as his individuality. Upon receiving the ball on the right wing from midfielder Abou Diaby, Nasri dribbled through and past three Porto players in a small area of space before bringing the ball past wingback Álvaro Pereira and driving it across the goalkeeper, sending the ball in off the far post. Nasri goal was subsequently compared by the English media to similar goals that occurred in the country. Three weeks later, after appearing as a substitute in the second half, Nasri scored the opening goal against Birmingham City. Birmingham later equalized through a late goal from Kevin Phillips. The draw ended a string of seven consecutive league victories for Arsenal and Wenger admitted that the draw "was a big blow for our chances (of winning the league)". In the team's final seven league matches, Nasri failed to contribute goals to the team, but did assisted on goals in a 3–2 loss to Wigan and a 4–0 home win over Fulham. Arsenal ultimately finished the campaign in 3rd place. Nasri concluded his second season at Arsenal appearing 34 games scoring five goals and issuing the same amount of assists. Nasri scored his 13th goal of the season in the 3–0 win against Birmingham City on New Year's Day 2011. In the FA Cup, Nasri scored his first-ever goal in the competition in a 3–1 win over Leeds United in the third round. On 30 January 2011, Nasri was forced to leave the team's fourth round FA Cup tie against Huddersfield Town due to a hamstring injury. He, subsequently, missed two weeks and returned to the team ahead of its Champions League knockout round tie with Spanish champions Barcelona. In the first leg, Nasri assisted on the game-winning goal scored by Andrei Arshavin. Arsenal won the match 2–1, but loss the tie 4–3 on aggregate after suffering a 3–1 defeat at the Nou Camp in the second leg. On 8 April, Nasri was nominated for both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards. He lost out on both awards to Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale and teammate Jack Wilshere, respectively, but was given consolation with an appearance on the association's Team of the Year. On 20 April 2011, Nasri scored his 15th goal of the season with a powerful shot outside the penalty area against Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City

On 24 August 2011, it was confirmed that Nasri had joined Premier League club Manchester City. The transfer fee was priced in the region of £25 million and the player signed a four-year contract. Nasri was assigned the number 19 shirt and made his club debut on 28 August in a league fixture away to Tottenham Hotspur. In the match, he assisted on three goals as Manchester City cruised to a 5–1 win. In the team's next match following the September international break, Nasri assisted on one of Sergio Agüero's three goals in a 3–0 win over Wigan Athletic. On 1 October, he scored his first goal for the club netting the third goal in a 4–0 victory. Nasri also assisted on two goals in the match.

International Career

On 15 March 2007, Nasri was called up to the senior team for the first time by coach Raymond Domenech for UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying match against Lithuania and a friendly against Austria. Nasri admitted that he was "very happy and very proud" to be called into the national team and revealed that the fact that he was called up for an important European championship qualifier made the selection more rewarding He appeared on the bench in the match against Lithuania, but failed to make an appearance. Nasri made his international debut on 28 March against Austria at the age of 19. He started the match and assisted on the only goal after delivering a free kick low into the box that youth international teammate Benzema converted. Nasri returned to the team in June for matches and, on 6 June, scored his first international goal in a 1–0 Euro qualifying win over Georgia. On 16 November, Nasri scored his second international goal in a friendly match against Morocco As a result of his performances domestically and with the national team, he was named to the 23-man squad to participate in UEFA Euro 2008. Nasri made his debut in the tournament on 9 June 2008 in the team's opening group stage match against Romania appearing as a substitute. He did not appear in the team's 4–1 loss to the Netherlands, but did appear in the team's final group stage match against Italy. Nasri appeared as a substitute for the injured Franck Ribéry in the tenth minute. Following defender's Éric Abidal's red card in the 24th minute, Nasri was taken out of the match in order for defender Jean-Alain Boumsong to take Abidal's spot in the lineup.

"When I started out in the French national side, Henry had been out with a back injury and I had been sitting in a place on the coach which, on his return, turned out to be where he sat. As soon as I discovered that I got up and let him sit down. Many people were looking for excuses because we had done badly in the Euros but I certainly don't think you can blame that on the fact that I sat in Thierry Henry's seat."

Nasri on the issue brought up by Gallas.

In November 2008, Nasri, among several other young players in the team, was accused of being insolent during the team's campaign at the European Championship. The accusation came from domestic teammate William Gallas who inserted the charge in his autobiography. Though the accused was unnamed in the book, following its release, the player became widely identified as Nasri. Gallas used an example of Nasri's insolence for when the young player sat in Thierry Henry's seat on the team bus and refused to move, which, according to Gallas, was undermining the striker's seniority. The incident ultimately led to a verbal exchange between Nasri and Gallas during a training session. In response, Nasri played down the incident stating that Gallas was overreacting to a problem that did not exist. In 2010, after failing to make the World Cup squad, he opened up about the situation stating that during Gallas' final year at Arsenal, he is one of "four or five" Arsenal players who did not speak to the defender. The feud culminated on 20 November 2010 when Nasri lived up to a pledge that he would not shake the hand of Gallas, who was now playing for Tottenham, during the pre-match festivities.

In the 2008–09 season, Nasri appeared in only three matches with the national team. After playing against Lithuania on 28 March 2009, the midfielder failed to represent France for the almost a year and a half. During the 2009–10 season, after constant failed selections, Nasri grew weary of his chances of appearing with the team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In the end, he didn't appear with the team failing to make the 23-man squad or even the preliminary squad. Nasri admitted that he took the non-call up hard recalling "Not being one of those 23 names, it was difficult." The player also viewed the non-invite from a positive perspective stating "But maybe it was for the best in the end, and not just because France had a horrible World Cup. It helped me as a person. I told myself I need to work harder, to make sure I don’t miss the next one."

Nasri returned to the national team under the reign of new coach Laurent Blanc for the team's friendly against Norway on 11 August 2010. He missed the September call ups due to injury before returning to the team in October for UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches against Romania and Luxembourg. On 25 March 2011, Nasri captained the national team for the first time in its 2–0 Euro qualification win over Luxembourg. He provided the assist on the opening goal scored by Philippe Mexès. In the team's final Euro qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nasri scored the equalizing goal converting a penalty shot in a 1–1 draw. The stalemate qualified France for UEFA Euro 2012.

Style of Play

In his early years at Marseille, Nasri was deployed in several positions, most notably as a deep-lying midfielder and a wide midfielder primarily on the right side as he was deemed too small to play in the middle of the park. After two years of developing his physical traits, in the 2006–07 season, manager Albert Emon inserted Nasri into the playmaker role, where his vision, technical skill, and ability to read and understand the game suited him. Since that season, Nasri has been primarily deployed in the position or as a central attacking midfielder at both club and international level. The player has personally admitted that playing centrally is his preference. However, as a result of his versatility, Nasri can also function on the wing and has spent the majority of his career at Arsenal occupying the role in the team's 4–3–3 formation. His close control with the ball, speed, dribbling, crossing, and ability to use both feet suits the position well, which has resulted in manager Arsène Wenger utilizing Nasri in the role since his arrival to the club in 2008. Nasri often featured centrally for Arsenal in the absence of former club captain Cesc Fàbregas.

In 2009, in order to accommodate the arrival of Russian attacker Andrei Arshavin, it was recommended by both Wenger and former national team coach Raymond Domenech that Nasri revert back to his role as a deep-lying midfielder so the player could showcase his underrated defensive abilities. Nasri is also an underrated direct free kick and penalty kick taker. The player had previously developed a superstition with regards to taking spot kicks, but conquered the issue after successfully converting two penalties in the team's Carling Cup victory over Tottenham in 2010. Wenger describes Nasri as a "young, quick and technically outstanding player". He is described in a similar fashion by club scout Gilles Grimandi who states that Nasri is "a fantastic athlete, he's quick, flexible and good with his feet". Nasri's playing style, ability, and cultural background have drawn comparisons to French legend Zinedine Zidane. After joining Arsenal and excelling on the wing, the English media began comparing him to former club player Robert Pirès. Nasri has often attempted to disassociate himself from the two players, particularly the former player stating "There's only one Zidane, just as there was only one Platini".

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Edinson Cavani - The Hero For Napoli !

Edinson Roberto Cavani Gómez (born 14 February 1987 in Salto, Uruguay) is a Uruguayan footballer with Italian origins. He currently plays as a striker for Serie A club S.S.C. Napoli. Cavani is nicknamed "El Matador" for his commanding presence.

Danubio

Cavani moved to Montevideo when he was 12 years old, and came through the youth system at Danubio F.C. to make his debut for the first team in 2006. He was part of the Apertura 2006 championship winning squad, scoring nine goals in his debut season.

Palermo

After his breakthrough at the 2007 South American Youth Championship, several big teams were reportedly interested in signing Cavani, including Juventus and AC Milan. However, on 29 January 2007, Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini announced the signing of the promising Uruguayan. The bid was officially confirmed on January 31.

Cavani made his debut on 11 March 2007 in a home league match against Fiorentina, coming on in the 55th minute with his team 0–1 down and scoring an impressive equaliser only fifteen minutes later, a goal reminiscent of Marco van Basten's strike in the 1988 UEFA European Football Championship final. In his second season with the Rosanero, Cavani found himself fighting for a first team place with Fabrizio Miccoli and Amauri.

After Amauri's departure to Juventus in June 2008, Cavani cemented his place in the starting lineup, forming a striking partnership with Fabrizio Miccoli and scoring a total 14 goals in the 2008–09 season. He retained his place for the 2009–10 season under new boss Walter Zenga, and also under successor Delio Rossi, being instrumental in the team's successful run in Serie A which took Palermo to European qualification, and potential qualification to the UEFA Champions League with two games remaining. In April 2010, he penned a new contract with Palermo valid to June 2014.

Napoli

In June 2010, Cavani signed a 5 year contract with Palermo's Serie A rivals Napoli. Cavani scored twice in his first start, as Napoli beat Elfsborg in the Europa League 2-0 and qualified for the main tournament. He then started his Napoli Serie A in spectacular fashion, scoring a controversial goal on Fiorentina after just seven minutes, with replays showing the ball hardly crossing the line. Cavani also scored on his home debut against Bari, before adding a late winner against Sampdoria, meaning he had scored in his first four competitive matches with Napoli. On 26 September 2010, Cavani came on as a late replacement with 30 minutes left in a game against Cesena which Napoli were losing 1-0. After assisting the equalizing goal, he went on to score two more, with the final score 4-1. That meant Cavani shared the lead as top scorer for the entire series with Samuel Eto'o. On 15 December 2010, Cavani netted a 90+2 minute goal against FC Steaua Bucureşti to help his team to a 1-0 win and progress beyond the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. In the first match, which was held on Romanian soil, he had scored an equalizing goal in the 90+7 minute. On 09 January 2011, Cavani scored a hat-trick during a 3-0 win over Juventus, the third goal coming by way of a scorpion kick. On January 30, Cavani scored another hat-trick, this time in a 4-0 win over Sampdoria.Cavani continued his fine form scoring a brace against Roma, Napoli winning 2-0. On 20 March 2011, Cavani scored another brace against Cagliari, in a 2-1 win. This win kept them within three points of leaders Milan with eight games left. On 03 April 2011, Cavani scored yet another hat-trick in a 4-3 comeback win over Lazio having been 2-0 and 3-2 down during the game. He also became the highest league goalscorer in a single season in Napoli's history, netting 25 goals in Serie A. On May 26, in an away 1-2 loss against Lecce he received a red card for having two booked offenses. He sarcastically applauded the referee after the decision and was handed a 2-match ban for the action. As Napoli only had 2 more games of the season, it meant that his season was over and that he wouldn't be able to regain his top position in the Serie A scoring charts, as Antonio Di Natale had surpassed him, and he ended the season with 26 goals. On May 21 he was signed by Napoli on a longterm contract to stay until 2016 which has seemingly quashed all transfer rumours regarding him since.

On 14 September, Cavani scored the opener in Napoli's first game of their Champions League campaign, a 1–1 away draw at Manchester City. Four days later, on 18 September, he scored a hat-trick against Milan in Napoli's 3–1 home win. On 22 November, Cavani scored both goals in the match winning brace 2-1 at home against Manchester City in the Champions League, leaving Napoli in pole position to follow Bayern Munich into the knockout stage.

International Career

In January 2007, Cavani was selected to join the Uruguay national football team Under-20 squad to play in the 2007 South American Youth Championship in Paraguay. Cavani finished the tournament as top scorer with seven goals in nine games, helping Uruguay to finish in 3rd place, earning them a place in the World Youth Championship

On February 6, 2008, Cavani made his first senior appearance for the Uruguay national team, and immediately scored a goal in his debut with the Celeste, a 2–2 tie with Colombia. On 10 July 2010, he scored against Germany in the 3rd place match in the 2010 FIFA World Cup making the game 1-1, Germany went on to win 2-3. On July 27, 2010 he played in a friendly match against Angola in Lisboa. He scored a late goal in the match in a 2-0 win for Uruguay. On October 8, 2010 he scored his first career hat-trick in a friendly match against Indonesia.

 

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Aaron Ramsey - The Next Francesc Fabregas !

 

Aaron James Ramsey (born 26 December 1990) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays for the premier league club Arsenal and is the captain of the Wales national football team. A creative box-to-box midfielder with a tireless workrate and wide range of passing, he established himself as the playmaker for Arsenal following the departure of Cesc Fàbregas.

Ramsey played for Cardiff City as a schoolboy where he spent eight years in youth football before making 16 appearances for the senior team. Ramsey moved to Arsenal in 2008 in a £5 million deal, where he quickly gained first team experience. However, his progress was put on hold after suffering a broken leg in a match in the 2009–10 season, in a bad challenge from Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross. He marked his competitive return for Arsenal in 2011 after completing loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.

Early Life

As a child Ramsey attended Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni in the Caerphilly County Borough. Before turning to football, he was a keen rugby player and as a schoolboy he played as a winger for Caerphilly R.F.C.s youth development programme, where he was approached by scouts from Rugby League side St Helens RLFC after playing in a youth match against them but had already been signed by Cardiff City's youth academy. He lived with his parents, Marlene and Kevin, and his brother, Josh until moving to London where he was housemate with former Cardiff City teammate, Chris Gunter, who was then playing for Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Nottingham Forest. Ramsey is bilingual, speaking both Welsh and English.

Arsenal

On 10 June 2008 it was confirmed that after meeting officials from Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton, Ramsey had decided to join Arsenal, who paid Cardiff City a total of £4.8 million for the player. The move was completed on 13 June 2008 on what is said to be a long-term contract. The main reason he chose Arsenal ahead of the other clubs that pursued his signature was the approach of Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who flew him and his family to Switzerland to talk about the plans Wenger had for him and his potential future with Arsenal. Wenger described Ramsey as "a player with a fantastic engine, good build, good technique and good vision".

Ramsey made his competitive debut for Arsenal in the Champions League Third Qualifying Round against FC Twente on 13 August 2008 and his league debut a month later against Blackburn Rovers on 13 September 2008, marking it with an assist to Emmanuel Adebayor for Arsenal's fourth and Adebayor's third. On 23 September 2008 he completed 90 minutes in Arsenal's third round Carling Cup game against Sheffield United where he added two more assists to his season's tally, setting up Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela, which Arsenal won 6–0. He scored his first goal for the club in their 5–2 victory away against Fenerbahçe in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League by shooting a long range shot which hit the left post and went in, becoming the fifth youngest scorer in Champions League history, and only the second player born in the 1990s to score a Champions League goal. Ramsey was named amongst host of young players poised to shine in 2009 by Fifa.com. On 1 July 2009, he signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal.

On 22 August, Ramsey scored his first league goal in a one-on-one against goalkeeper David James as Arsenal beat Portsmouth 4–1at Emirates Stadium and then set up Andrei Arshavin in a 3–1 home win over Celtic in the Champions League play-offs. In the 28 October Carling Cup fourth round win against Liverpool, he produced an impressive performance and set up Nicklas Bendtner that earned him the Man of the Match award.

Ramsey made his first Premier League start of the season on November 7, 2009 as Arsenal beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4–1 at Molineux with Ramsey completing 90-minutes for the first time in the top-flight. Four days after the game, he was awarded the Welsh Young Player of the Year award. On 6 December 2009, Ramsey scored his second league goal of the season in a comfortable 2–0 victory over Stoke City. On 30 December, Ramsey went on to score his third goal of the season, along with an assist in the 4–1 victory against Portsmouth. On 3 January 2010, Ramsey scored a 78th minute equaliser in the F.A. Cup third round tie against West Ham United at Upton Park. Arsenal went on to win the tie 2–1, with Eduardo scoring a 83rd minute header. Ramsey went on to be named E.ON Man of the Match. Ramsey has been described by manager Arsène Wenger as: "An offence-minded Roy Keane" and "an all-round player, with a fantastic ability to cover distances."

On 27 February 2010, Arsenal played Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, where a tackle by Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross caused a double fracture in Ramsey's lower right leg. Ramsey was hospitalised, and it was later confirmed that he had broken his tibia and fibula. No return date was initially given,but it was announced on March 20 that he started walking without his crutches. Ramsey signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal on 1 June 2010. He returned to training in October 2010. On 23 November 2010, Ramsey made his return to competitive football for the Arsenal reserve team against the Wolverhampton Wanderers reserve team at Arsenal's London Colney training ground. On 16 August 2011, Ramsey made his first Champions League appearance of the season at home against Udinese. In the fourth minute of the match he assisted on Theo Walcott's goal that gave Arsenal the 1–0 advantage in the first leg of the match. Four days later he played a league game at the Emirates against Liverpool where on the 78th minute of play, Ignasi Miquel's attempted clearance hit Ramsey and looped into the back of the net past Wojciech Szczęsny for an own goal. The game finished 2–0 to Liverpool.
On 17 September 2011, Ramsey assisted on Mikel Arteta for Arsenal's second goal as the team lost 4–3 away to Blackburn Rovers in a Premier League game. He was widely criticised for his performance lately for slowing down the tempo of the game and being indecisive in passing. However, he had a solid game during a convincing 3–0 Premier League win against Bolton Wanderers on 24 September 2011. He provided an assist for the Arsenal captain Robin van Persie by a through ball in less than one minute after the half-time break. He made another important through pass to Theo Walcott on the 54th minute that saw David Wheater sent off for pulling Walcott from the back.
On 19 October 2011, he scored a dramatic last minute winner against Olympique Marseille in an important group stage match of the UEFA Champions League. On 23 October 2011, he produced a chipped ball over the Stoke City defense to assist Gervinho for the first goal in a 3–1 win for the Gunners.
On 5 November 2011, he aided Arsenal to open the score against West Bromwich Albion in a Premier League in the Emirates Stadium with an exquisite pass that allowed Theo Walcott to shoot. The ball was then parried by the West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster and tapped in the back of the net by Robin van Persie.

International

Ramsey had his first taste of international action when he was called up for the Wales U17s in 2005. A part of the new wave of young talents to emerge from the Wales youth teams, he debuted for the U21 side on 21 August 2007 in a 4–3 away win over Sweden U21s several months shy of his seventeenth birthday, breaking former club mate Chris Gunter's record. Youth coach Brian Flynn revealed that Ramsey had been purposely held back in the U21s to help qualify for the 2009 U21 European Championships but they lost a close contest to England U21s in the play-offs, where Ramsey himself scored a wonderful volley with his weaker foot in the second leg at Villa Park. Ramsey made his debut for the Wales national football team on 19 November 2008 versus Denmark in a friendly, aged 17, breaking the record set by Chris Gunter as the youngest Welsh international On 14 October 2009, he scored his first senior goal in the 2010 World Cup qualifier away at Liechtenstein from a free kick awarded for a trip on Gareth Bale. As the World Cup qualification campaign came to an end, he and 11 other senior internationals were recalled to Flynn's preliminary U21 squad on 30 October for a qualifier but later withdrew. On 6 November, Toshack also called him up for the 14 November friendly against Scotland. Wales won 3–0 and Ramsey was involved in all of them – assisting David Edwards' opener, setting up Joe Ledley to assist the second and then scoring a solo effort. Ramsey was awarded the FAW's Young Player of the Year award that same month.
Ramsey was named permanent captain of Wales, beginning with the match versus England on 26 March 2011. This made him the youngest ever Wales captain at the age of 20 years 90 days, beating the record set by Mike England in 1964. He scored his first goal as captain in Wales' final Carling Nations Cup match against Northern Ireland on 27 May 2011.

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Thiago Alcântara - The Real New Xavi Hernandez !

 










Thiago Alcântara do Nascimento (born 11 April 1991) is a Spanish football player. He currently plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.

Early Years

Thiago was born in San Pietro Vernotico, Italy and grew up in Spain. His father is former Brazilian World Cup winner Mazinho. He started at the lower levels of Flamengo and at the age of five, he moved to Spain with his father and his cousin Patrick Gude, and started playing with Galician team Ureca in Nigrán. He returned to Flamengo aged 10 and, in 2005, once again moved back to Spain, signing with FC Barcelona, where his cousin Patrick was also playing for Barça.

FC Barcelona

On 17 May 2009, aged 18 years old, Thiago made his debut with the first team when he came on as a substitute for Eiður Guðjohnsen in the 63rd minute against RCD Mallorca. On 20 February 2010, after coming on as a subtitute for Yaya Touré in the 76th minute, Thiago scored his first goal for Barcelona's first team in a 4–0 win against Racing de Santander at the Camp Nou. His second goal came in a game against UD Almería on 9 April 2011, to make the score 2–1. He scored his third goal against Real Sociedad in a start. He ended the 2010–11 season with 17 games, three goals, and three assists under his belt. On 29 June 2011, Thiago signed a contract renewal keeping him at Barcelona until 30 June 2015, with a buyout clause of €90 million.

International Career

He participated in the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship with Spain, helping his country to eventual victory in the tournament. He was also called up for the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship in France by Spain and played a major role in Spain reaching the final. Thiago was ever-present during Spain's victorious 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship campaign, scoring the second goal of a 2–0 victory with a 40-yard free kick in the final against Switzerland. He was awarded the man of the match of the final as well as player of the tournament due to his dazzling performances throughout the competition. He made his first appearance for Spain's senior squad in a friendly against Italy on 10 August 2011, while his first competitive match was on 6 September 2011, in a Euro 2012 qualifying match 6-0 win against Liechtenstein.

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