Not a Ronaldo kind of start

Cristiano Ronaldo's staggering summer move to Italian giants, Juventus for a reported $110 million may have been the talk of the town, but his performances speaks otherwise. It has been a tough start for the Portugese star at his new club and it was clearly reflected when he failed to hit the back of the net for several games - a very unusual sight and a painful one too, well at least for his fans. It definitely is a celebration for all Messi fans.

It took the former Real Madrid star nearly 320 minutes to score his first league goal for Juventus and he did it with the simplest of tap-ins. Ronaldo doubled his tally shortly after as the Bianconeri beat Sassuolo 2-1 in Seria A several weeks ago.

The relief on his face was so obvious as he tore away in celebration after breaking his duck in the 50th minute. At the age of 34, I can't see any player coming close to matching Ronaldo's enthusiasm, determination, passion and commitment towards goal. So much eagerness to be on the score sheet and the type of energy that Ronaldo brings is just way beyond words could ever describe.

Ronaldo conceded several goal-bound misses, which is very unusual as well for his standards, but coming off the mark against Sassuolo was quite enough to a put smile on his face.

It's a second homecoming for the Portuguese star after Juventus was drawn in the same group as Manchester United in this year's Champions League group stages. Just as much as every fans would be expecting a grand homecoming for the former Manchester United star, a huge upset was in store when Ronaldo's debut in the competition ended after just 28 minutes as he was sent off for pulling an opponent's hair in controversial circumstances - but his teammates forged on to register a 2-0 win over Valencia.

The 33-year old star left the field crying after being shown the harsh red card but it was back to business for Ronaldo as he scored a scuffed effort to break Frosinone hearts in the 81st minute during the mid-week Seria A clash.

The marching orders that Ronaldo received against Valencia at the Champions League was his 11th time in his career.

Dream start for Liverpool

The Liverpool back-four that was once branded as the most vulnerable among the top four teams in the Premier League, is now the most threatening and strongest in the league. The entry of the bulky Virgil Van Djik from Southampton during last season's transfer has given the Reds a huge boost, especially a much more convincing defensive wall that's now capable of holding up against any teams. 

Defensive issues has been Liverpool's major loophole over the years, but now it is merely looking a topic not to be talked about. The departure of Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher left a huge worry factor in the Anfield outfit and it was time Liverpool invested on players that would guard the goal at its best. 

Klopp, often regarded as one of the most technical managers in football history, once again proved his tactics when he absolutely brought a huge rotation system to the line-up. The current Liverpool back-four looks deadly as how Manchester United would line-up those days, with the likes of Van Djik pairing up against a much more confident looking young lad, Joe Gomez and the two sprint kings on the flanks, Trent Alexander - Arnold and Andrew Robertson. 

At just 19 and 24 respectively, Trent and Robertson have tremendously matured in terms of reading the game so well like a veteran, providing opportunities that you would expect strikers to bury it easily. These two lads have certainly played major roles in Liverpool's key transformation and last season's triumph over major teams have proved likewise. 

Liverpool have bagged three wins in three in the new season, and the other talking point is definitely the clean sheets they have kept. Huge credits to Allison, the new recruit from Roma who has so far stepped up so well at the back and for making some amazing saves in the latest match they played, against a stubborn Brighton. 

Goalkeeping issue solved at the expense of Allison's arrival, giving Klopp a sense of relief that he can now expect no more careless mistakes. Allison is a world class goalkeeper, the type of clinical and physical movements he brings to the game would make a whole lot of difference to Liverpool's counter-attacking style. 

Just as good as the back-four is for Liverpool, they are no less effective in the front as well. We have seen Mane and Salah on the score sheets so far, soon Firmino will as well. The depth that this Liverpool squad have is insanely amazing. Finally, Klopp has the freedom to rotate his players knowing that even if he rests his first team, he can rely on a power-packed second team. 

We are yet to see Fabinho hit the ground and when that happens, imagine the intensity of the midfield. Naby Keita is already showing potential of living up to the expectations, and you know you have to when you're wearing the famous number 8 jersey. 

Klopp will definitely not be ready to rest the tireless James Milner because at 32, he is just everywhere and the type of energy and leadership qualities that he has is simply incredible. Milner is one of those versatile player that's been widely used to play in many different roles such as on the wing, midfield and full back. 

We hope to see more Shaqiri as the season progresses. We know how crucial Shaqiri's contribution can be to the current Liverpool playing style. Liverpool's quickness in counter-attacking has proven that finally they have players who are capable of making nothing into something. 

Liverpool's new-look midfield, a major threat this season

So, is it finally happening for Liverpool? Is it finally finally coming home? After relatively waiting for over 30 years now, can Liverpool's key signings finally step up to the gear and bring home the silverware? As much as I wish for that to happen, it still remains a doubt because they were not able to win major trophies even when they had the likes of Suarez, Sterling, Gerrard, Torres, Mascherano and a list of major game-changers. 

Liverpool have done well under Jurgen Klopp but the signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho could take them to the next level. Both the lads arrived precisely at Anfield during the transfer window to bolster Liverpool's midfield options. 

Over the years, Liverpool have suffered major problems at the back and midfield, but the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk helped boosts the confidence of the back four and it is starting to look even more threatening with the arrival of Keita and Fabinho. 

Klopp is a hero, a fighter, a coach that's never willing to settle for small achievements. His ambitious attitude was well implemented on Liverpool last season when he took them to the brink of Champions League glory with a midfield trio of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. Milner, in particular, was a revelation in Europe, although all three deserved credit. It was an impressive effort, a one that should go down memory lane because what are your chances when you have teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG competing in a single tournament. 

Klopp has upgraded his midfield. The arrival of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig has long been anticipated but that does not make it any less exciting. The signing of Fabinho from Monaco underlines the commitment to quality in the centre of the pitch. These two players, 23 and 24 respectively, will definitely be able to bring more depth and excitement to Liverpool's midfield play. 

Keita is a goal threat and a creative player too, one who will support the front three in the final third. He covers the ground quickly and wins the ball back high up the field. Fabinho is no lesser than that, he can provide the physical presence and possesses good vision on field, and certainly a much-needed holding midfielder for Liverpool. 

Klopp is clearly encouraged by the options now at his disposal and expects both men to fit in well. Keita is very sharp in challenges, good presence of mind in counter-pressing and one who always wants to win the ball ahead of his opposition teammates. 

Another close-season signing, Xherdan Shaqiri, from Stoke City, will certainly provide more attacking options for Klopp. Shaqiri's ability to squeeze in tight defensive walls makes him a huge threat, and his powerful shots and early visions are factors to look out.

Who will make way for Fabinho and Keita seems less obvious. Wijnaldum is vulnerable. At 32, Milner may be expecting to resume utility man duties after his Indian summer. Adam Lallana is back to help out but he is just as comfortable in the front three and his flexibility hints at another solution that the new signings could provide for Klopp. 

It is clear that Klopp's team can beat just about anyone in a one-off game. They showed their credentials in the Champions League and when they beat Manchester City three times in a single season. At their best, they can certainly beat the BEST! 

Liverpool also have something that they never for years now, depth. They have the ability to change things up if necessary. They can rest key players and still remain strong, allowing them to compete on multiple fronts as the fixtures will pile up - something that has been an issue in previous Premier League tilts. I just can't wait to see Fabinho and Keita hit the grounds! 

Clash of the football GODS - Ronaldo - Messi rivalry

Nothing remains at the end of the day, just like our lives and the people around us, the mobile phones we use, the memories we share with people so dear to us, our cars, jewelries and many more that. 

But, just but, if there is one thing that can never be easily erased is, the best thing that's ever happened in football history, the era of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. My god, these two football icons have clearly escalated the popularity of this amazing sport and more so, they've done the unthinkable that I can actually name you several amazing players from the past were not even able to tail even an inch to what these two football gods have done. 

We've seen some amazing rivalries in the past, Maradona - Pele, Ronaldo - Zidane, Roy Keane - Patrick Vieira, Johan Cryuff - Franz Beckenbauer, but question is, how are these rivalries anywhere near to C.Ronaldo and Messi? Who is actually better, Ronaldo or Messi? Are they both that good that they are incomparable to one another? 

Having won a combined ten Ballon d'Or/FIFA Ballon d'Or awards (5 each), to me, both of them are widely regarded as the two best players of their generation and among the best of all time. They are often regarded as the record-breakers, for a simple fact of breaking regular 50 goal barrier in a single season and have already scored 600 goals each for their country and club. 

Ronaldo, 33 began his professional career with Sporting CP, making his debut on 7 October 2002, and in 2003, the lad caught the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson, former legendary Manchester United manager. Believe it or not, he was only signed for $12.2 million. Ronaldo was becoming a fan favorite, popular among football fans across the globe, gaining global attention, and was even being compared to the likes of Eric Cantona and George Best, two of the best players United ever had! 

From a little boy who was not convincing enough to persuade his dad about his love, passion and desire for football, is now regarded as the best player in the world of football! If there is one thing that haunts Ronaldo till now, is the fact that his dad is no longer around physically to share his success. 

During his remarkable six years at Manchester United, Ronaldo has won all major titles, such as the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and the prestigious Premier League trophies. He, then departed to Real Madrid in 2009, where success grew even bigger for the Portuguese! He currently holds the highest goal-scoring record for the club and is regarded as a "goal scoring machine".

Ronaldo has won almost anything there is to be won in professional football, except the World Cup! All former greats have won the World Cup in several occasions in the past, and if Ronaldo wins it this time, I don't think there can be anyone even after this generation can match what this genius has achieved in his entire professional career. 

On the other hand, we have Messi the Messiah. Messi, unlike Ronaldo, has spent his entire professional career at Spanish club, FC Barcelona. Messi was spotted at the age of 13 by Barcelona scout, Josep Maria Minguella, and promptly moved to Spain to join the academy. Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency at the age of 10, and upon joining Barcelona, the club paid for his treatments. 

Throughout the early years of his career, Messi had to endure the pressure of the tag, "The New Maradona". The Argentinian is very known for his dribbling skills, vision and clinical finishing. Statistics have proven that, Messi, being regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, is also one of the players that records least distance covered on field for a single match. 

Asked why, stats show that the lad is aware and visualizes the movement ball ahead of the next step which makes him to move freely on field. Now, not everyone could possess those kind of visualizing skills, well, that probably makes him a special player. 

Now, when it comes to national level performance, Messi seemed very average compared to Ronaldo. Messi comes from a team that has the likes of, Aguero, Dybala, Di Maria, Rojo and many more, but who does Ronaldo have? Alright, he has Quaresma. Who else? 

To me, Ronaldo's versatility gives him the edge over Messi and the goal-scoring records of course. Ronaldo can play with anyone, Messi needs certain, specific group of players to perform. 

Additionally, a leader is what describes Ronaldo's stand point in Portugal. He leads the team, and sometimes, all a leader needs is some pinch of ego and firmness. I believe Portugal's track record of recent years have greatly reflected the way Ronaldo has led the team as a captain. One good example would be the Euro 2016 triumph over France. 

Ultimately, Ronaldo who has the edge over Messi when it comes to goal-scoring records, leaderships qualities and major titles, I still believe there is no player bigger than the game itself! 

Ronaldo and Messi, embrace this magical football gods, enjoy the game and learn to appreciate the both of them. 

Gone too high to have lost it in the end

Just when you need the most in-form player in your team to step and finally secure a silverware after many years, everything goes flushing down the same old lane for Liverpool. It has been a memorable Champions League tournament for Liverpool since day 1 until the Final against reigning champions, Real Madrid. It was a final that no Liverpool player, the coach, the officials neither the fans would want to remember. It is surely one of those finals that all Liverpool fans would wish it never existed. 

The Final at Kiev, that one day that would sum up Liverpool and Real's journey in the tournament seemed too easy in the end for the Spanish giants to snatch it. Losing Mo Salah in the early stages was already a big blow that could potentially cost us the silverware, well it never just ended there because Karius had other plans of outsmarting Salah's headline injury status by causing two blunders that he will never forget his entire life. 

The 24 year-old German was excellent throughout the group stages and the knockout stages that followed but just one night, brought a title of "blunder" upon him. It is funny how the complex of the game just drifted in a dark road for Karius but he only has himself to blame, because regardless being inexperienced, his breathtaking performances throughout the tournament created a hope among the Liverpool. 

Jurgen Klopp was rather reluctant to have a go at Karius for those costly mistakes but what he did just proves how much of a great coach and a friend he is to his players. Although failing to win a single silverware since taking up the role at Liverpool, Klopp deserves nothing but great amount appreciation because he did something that no former managers at Liverpool were able to pull through, which is taking the Reds to three major cup finals. 

Well, one man that silenced all critics, Gareth Bale stole the limelight and how ironically, it just had to be in the Champions League Final. I tell you, Zidane is a genius. Resting your most expensive player and bringing him on when there is no Mo Salah, well what more can you expect but a super, crazy, unbelievable overhead kick goal that stunned football fans worldwide. I tell you, my friend was like, "holy shit, what just happened! Tell me I am dreaming." Well, mate you're not unfortunately. 

Million dollar goal that's worth of winning any type of match and definitely an even bigger bonus since it is the grandest stage of all. 

Ronaldo was well-guarded by Van Djik and Lovren. I thought the centrebacks did a great job of handling the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and kept him on his toes, but Bale was left unguarded when he scored that outrageous goal. 

Liverpool never played bad except for those mistakes, and even after losing Salah, I thought they did put up a good fight against a highly formidable team that's filled with players that could potentially snatch any form of championship tournaments. They made a world class team look merely average and that is some achievement by their current standards. 

Sergio's act of wrestling Salah down to the ground which cost a dislocated shoulder for the Egyptian was not something new for the Spaniard. He has been doing that for ages and I am sure it was all part of the plan to bring down the most dangerous Liverpool player on the field. 

Let's hope they come back stronger and may they finally win something. 

Little Magician departs

Phileppe Coutinho in action 

I knew this day was somehow coming like a storm ready to strike at any cost at all. For god's sake, we're talking about a BID from FC BARCELONA here! It is truly a setback to witness a player of his capability, credibility and capacity to leave Liverpool FC. But hey, it is never a one way traffic in today's football world like how it used to be back then, where we had players who would truly and sincerely give their heart and soul towards a single club. I am boldly talking about players like Steven Gerrard, Franceso Totti, Andre Pirlo, Ryan Giggs and the list can actually go on, trust me. Let's not get too carried away and sway the focus towards Coutinho aka LITTLE MAGICIAN.

He may not have been the physical player that any fan would dream of having in their team, he may not necessarily be the fastest player on the field, he may not be the best samba player Brazil could ever have in their history books, he may not be the Peter Crouch or a Zlatan that a club would want, but trust me, he had it all to be named one of Liverpool's greatest player ever. January 26 2013, the day that has brought us to the news that has been so viral today, the day that Coutinho was legally signed for Liverpool, and that too only for 8.5 MILLION EURO! Oh my goodness, and here he is, today being the 2nd most expensive transfer after Neymar's move to PSG. Liverpool have serious problems sustaining self-created star-studded players. First, Michael Owen, then Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and now Coutinho! Who next? Hope not Salah. Probably not yet I assume to the least. Haha. Coutinho was something else. He is probably one of the evidences that samba football still exist, alongside Neymar, Firmino and Dani Alves. He made defenders look so vulnerable on pitch whenever he's on the ball, and all he ever did was causing threats that always led to heart attacks amongst the opponents. 

I would say, when Coutinho arrived here at Liverpool, he was already making headlines and became a fan favourite in no time! This, I would say it is totally rare and you don't often see a player coming from a totally different continent, and creating an impact in an instant manner. He did that. That type of energy, smartness, creativeness that he brings to the game, it was almost incomparable to any other players on the field, well of course not comparing with the likes of Luis Suarez or Steven Gerrard. He matured as a player, his flaws decreased, he started becoming more of like a leader, and he set an example of what you can expect from A SAMBA boy! At times, he even resembles the likes of Ronaldinho (the touches, the way he dances through the defensive wall), lethal finishing like Roberto Carlos, well that guy was in his own league as well, redefining the law of physics scoring that ever explosive, stunner against France in 1997. 

Players come and go, the modern football era as it is. Coutinho's dream move to Barcelone is now a reality, and he needs to expect a whole different ball game there, but a warm welcome is assured. Time will tell how he fits into the star-studded team with the likes of Messi, Dembele, Suarez, Iniesta, Busquets and so on. Oh and yes, I smell a Liverpool reunion there! Luis Suarez and Phileppe Coutinho. Suarez was a beast at Liverpool, and no lesser at Barcelona. He was lethal last season alongside Messi and Neymar until his record - breaking move to PSG. Suarez must be delighted with Coutinho's move to Barca, and that too for a simple fact that they both assisted pretty well on field and scored some blistering goals together! 

Coutinho, probably the only deserving player to have worn the No.10 jersey at Liverpool after Michael Owen. It is never an easy task to carry such highly expected numbers on your shoulder, but he didn't disappoint. He was a bomb! His lethal finishing, especially the free-kicks! Oh god, nightmares for the goalkeeper and the wall of defence when he takes them. He got consistent, more bold and he stood up whenever it mattered the most. He has scored some individual brilliant goals that can never be forgotten, and one of them that will stay very close to my heart is when he cracked the winner against Man City in 2014 in what happened to be a game that Liverpool had to win. 

His absence will affect Liverpool not only on the field, but among the hearts of the many players that he shared tremendous bonds with. Klopp, the sort of manager that creates that type of relationship with players that you hardly see it between other managers or players. Lose or win, he never fails to attend to all of them and cheers them up! Coutinho was a close favourite of Klopp, but as the saying goes "No Player is bigger than The Club itself" 

All the best in Barcelona, brace yourselves mate, and hope you don't hit the bench often! 

#YNWA 

New season, new talents, new challenges

What can be more exciting for football fans all around the world than to have the EPL back! 2017/2018 season is here and it looks promising as ever with so many young talents to look out to and what a remarkable start it has been thus far. Situations in the table at this point of time looks slightly different than to how it ended last season. As of now, Manchester United are steadily sitting at the top with 10 points from a possible 12, sharing the plight with Manchester City who are just tailing the Red Devils at 2nd place. Liverpool and Chelsea had a positive start to the season as well but suffered defeats which created the points difference with the top 2. Manchester United had 3 straight consecutive wins and it was proven that the likes of Lukaku, Matic and the return of Baily has hugely made a difference. Lukaku is looking sharp as ever and to be honest, the lad's finishing has been extremely clinical thus far. Matic is definitely one of the best buys this season simply because of the aerial abilities the lad possesses and the type of results he is capable of producing. He is definitely one of the underrated players in the league but surely result -oriented in many ways. Manchester City are currently very much reliable on their young samba genius, Gabriel Jesus who has been shining since day 1. He is one of those young talents that needs a close watch this season and a type of players that's full of surprises and always wanting to prove his capabilities to the people around him. Overall, City are looking deadlier upfront but they do have their issues at the back just like how Liverpool are suffering every season. Liverpool, on the other hand invested on quality players like Sadio Mane, Salah, Robertson, Solanke and the latest transfer of Oxlade - Chamberlain from Arsenal. The only ongoing concern that the Reds has been facing since day 1 would be defence. It has been a total disaster at times seeing how careless and silly the mistakes that are being committed at the back and honestly speaking, it comes with a hefty price to pay. Klopp simply needs to look into that and invest on some real quality left, right and centreback for the betterment of the team so that the team would be capable on genuinely putting up a firm fight for the title.

Some of the young talents that needs a close watch this season would be Marcos Rashford, Anthony Martial, Robertson, Solanke, Gabriel Jesus and the list goes on. These players are already proving to be a massive threat whenever against any of their opponents. It is the energy they bring to the team that keeps the spirit going and surely a force to be reckoned.

Tottenham Hotspur had a shaky start to the season and it is probably due to the shifting of stadium from White Hart Lane to Wembley which is causing some discomfort among the players and will definitely require time to adapt to Wembley. Harry Kane, surprisingly had a slow start and failing to score in the first few games before finding the net twice in the last week's clash with Everton.