10 Players to watch at Euro 2012

It is just a mere five days until Poland kick off the long awaited, non-vuvuzela Euro 2012 and quite frankly, I am so bloody excited; even more excited than I was when news spread that Robbie Williams' eye-boggling comeback to Take That was imminent. 


Much controversy has surrounded this Euro 2012 due to the racism rows and Neo-Nazi salutes which were displayed by Panorama's Chris Rodgers last week. However, we have to be optimistic and hope that these clueless racist pigs do not overshadow the grand spectacle of this historic competition. 

I have recently finished University for the Summer and, as you would expect, this time will be extremely busy (for a student). This time could involve mindlessly gazing out of a window for hours on end thinking of inventions that will make millions, practising for the release of FIFA 13 and scrolling the Twitter news feed. Alternatively, I could spend my time telling you which players to look out for in Euro 2012. So, without further ado, here we go (brace yourselves)....

1. Robert Lewandowski

The Polish talisman Robert Lewandowski enjoyed a successful season for club side - Borussia Dortmund. Lewandowski scored 22 Bundesliga goals and 7 DFB-Pokal goals which included an effortless hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Final. The Pol has been a huge contributor for Dortmund and there is no doubt he will continue his strong run of form at home in Euro 2012. Poland face Greece, Russia and Czech Republic in Group A (easy?), so watch out for the talent of Lewandowski.

2. Mario Götze

"It is not possible to stop Mario Gotze, he has the same assets as Messi." This quote comes from the German legend, Franz Beckenbauer. The 20 year old German has been at Borussia Dortmund since the age of 9 and has attracted worldwide attention in the last couple of seasons. His magnetic feet and unerring through balls played a huge part in Dortmund's domination and increased the attacking midfielder's reputation even further. He now plays a key role in the strong German side and is to take part in his first major international tournament. Watch out world.

3. Andrea Pirlo

The Italian veteran Andrea Pirlo joined Juventus last summer and, presumably, revived their Champions League status and led them to an undefeated season in Serie A. The man is no stranger to success as he played a pivotal role in Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph and the play-maker consistently performs to his maximum ability in major tournaments. Andrea Pirlo can control a game with his right boot and is key to the Italian hopes of winning Euro 2012. His mentality, experience and passing makes Pirlo one of the top players to watch.

4. Fernando Llorente

With David Villa ruled out of Euro 2012 and Fernando Torres playing like an orange placed on a football pitch (useless), the Spanish goal scoring hopes will most probably lie on Fernando Llorente's shoulders. The blue-eyed heart throb (I'm straight) scored 29 goals in all competitions for the exciting Athletico Bilbao last season, but can he repeat this feat in a major tournament? Having only scored 8 goals for Spain so far in his career, it will be very interesting to see how he can respond to the huge pressure on him. This makes him one to watch in Euro 2012.

5. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 

The inexperienced 18 year old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first England start, yesterday. Having watched him closely throughout the season, he really does look like the real deal and just what England have been waiting for. He's got charisma, he's lively, confident on the ball and is never afraid to try the spectacular. He adds flair to a lackluster, ageing England midfield and the bright youngster will be given the opportunity to shine for England in the Euro's and prove himself on the world stage. 

6. Wesley Sneijder

Although Wesley Sneijder may have had an indifferent season for Inter, I can almost assure you that he will be one of the star players for Netherlands in Euro 2012. After seeing him warm up by carving apart Northern Ireland and instigating a 6-0 thrashing, the little midfield assassin will fail to disappoint the major clubs around Europe that choose to watch him. With Inter missing out on a place in the Champions League, Sneijder is sure to go in the Summer and his performances will reflect his price tag.

7. Mesut Özil

Fresh from a record breaking season with Real Madrid, the googly eyed, alien-like sensation is ready to show his talents off in another major tournament. Cast your minds back to 2010 - Mesut Özil burst onto the world football scene and gained himself a multi-million move to domestic giants, Real Madrid. He was fantastic for Germany and they can expect bigger and better things in this tournament. Along with Mario Götze and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Özil is definitely one to keep your eyes on at this competition.

8. Andrés Iniesta

One of the greats of the modern game - Andrés Iniesta and Xavi have revolutionised football with their passing abilities. The little master was the difference between Spain and Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup Final and he never fails to perform well in big games. The tricky Spaniard is a must watch at Euro 2012.

9. Mario Balotelli

For those of you who followed the Premier League last season will know that there is never a dull moment with Mario Balotelli. The 21 year old made many headlines and there is no doubt he will make some sort of headline at Euro 2012. Recently, Balotelli vented his anger at the Polish and Ukrainian "Ultra's" announcing that he will "kill them" if racist taunts were made towards him, establishing that the confident Italian is never afraid to display his feelings. However, his footballing talent is well worth a watch, too. He's strong, technical, quick and can use both feet - watch out for him.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo

Last, but by no means least, Cristiano Ronaldo is one to watch in this Summer's Euro 2012. The second best player in the world completed yet another staggering season, scoring 60 goals in just 55 games for Real Madrid. His technique, fitness and finesse is inhumane and something the world has never seen (until Lionel Messi came along). He will play Netherlands and Germany and therefore has the chance to flourish and prove his worth against major teams in the competition. Ronaldo has failed to fulfill his expectations in major tournaments so far - could this be the one he sets alight? A huge amount of focus will be 27 year old, make sure you don't miss out.

Thanks for reading and....

COME ON ENGLAND!

The Top 10 Summer Transfer Rumours

1. Luka Modric

Chelsea hypothetically threw Spurs into a bottomless pit after their dramatic Champions League triumph. They shattered the players' and fans' dreams of being in the top club competition in the world. No sympathy is to be shown after Spurs' terrible form in the vital part of the season capitulated their exit out of the top 3. Luka Modric is no stranger to a transfer saga after it seemed inevitable that he was on his way to Chelsea this time last year for a huge fee of £40million. The stubbornness of Daniel Levy however, saved the club losing Luka. Another season without Champions League football would be a tragedy for such an elegant player and this has therefore attracted ginormous clubs around the world to the style and finesse of Luka Modric. Real Madrid seem sure to partner the little Croation in central midfield with Xabi Alonso; a fee of £25million + Lassana Diarra (who is eagerly anticipating first team football next season) has reportedly been offered. Another admirer of Luka Modric is Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson. It takes no genius to see that Manchester United are missing a world-class, creative central midfielder and SAF could attempt to break the banks to entice Spurs and Luka Modric.

Verdict: Luka Modric to leave Spurs in the Summer. 

2. Shinji Kagawa

  
In contrast to a Luka Modric deal, Shinji Kagawa seems set to join Manchester United for £12million in the near future. The electrifying Japanese attacking midfielder has set the Bundesliga alight since his move in 2010. The 23 year old has played 71 games for Borussia Dortmund, scoring 29 goals and assisting a further 15. Since the arrival of Shinji Kagawa, Dortmund have won the Bundesliga in consecutive seasons and the little superstar has attracted worldwide interest. Juventus, Arsenal and PSG have all been reportedly interested in Kagawa as well as Manchester United. However, both Sir Alex Ferguson and Mike Phelan were spotted at the DFB-Pokal Final where Kagawa impressed. He scored the opening goal and terrorised the Bayern defence throughout. Consequently, it will be no surprise to see Shinji Kagawa in a Manchester United shirt next season.


Verdict: Shinji Kagawa to join Manchester United.

3. Robin Van Persie

Well, well, well - Robin Van Persie. The captain fantastic, the saviour, the hero, The Flying Dutchman is surrounded by transfer rumours after his fabulous season. It is no surprise the likes of Man City, Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid are all interested in him. A lot of attention will be focused on his Euro 2012 performance with Netherlands, if successful, clubs will be looking to break records to sign the man. Arsene Wenger has taken the profit over big players before, so could he really turn down a £60/70million offer for RVP? Time will tell, but for the footballing sake, RVP should stay and enjoy his health at Arsenal rather than "scadoodle" to join Na$ri & co.

Verdict: RVP to stay.

4. Neymar

Pele said: 'There's always this Maradona comparison, saying that he's better than Pele. Now some are saying that Messi is better than Pele. Well, he has to be better than Neymar first, which he isn't yet.' Well Pele, as much as we respect you, Lionel Messi is better than Neymar - Sorry. However, there is no dismissal of Neymar's undoubted, natural and rare talent. Rumours have circulated about Neymar for a few years now, with a huge row involving Santos and Real Madrid as Real Madrid falsely claimed to have settled a deal with  the young Brazilian. Offers from Real Madrid, Chelsea and West Ham (.....!?) caused Santos to double his wages and keep him there till 2014 - the year Brazil host the World Cup. This does not mean a deal can not be made for the 20 year-old before 2014. Barcelona are heavily, heavily rumoured with Neymar and the deal would be beneficial for both candidates as Neymar is on a quest to become the world's best. Unfortunately, he will struggle to do this at Santos.

Verdict: Neymar to join Barcelona in 2014.

5. EMILE HESKEY

The declaration given by Aston Villa of Emile Heskey's release stopped the press all over the world. Some people say Emile Heskey does not have a designated position due to his versatility and commitment for the team. The warrior has represented his national country 62 times and scored a mind-blowing... 7 goals. It will be no surprise to see Heskey at a top-rated... League 2 side next year.

Verdict: Emile Heskey to join.... erm.... Accrington Stanley?

6. Didier Drogba

The Chelsea hero Didier Drogba announced his plans to exit the Champions League winners camp soon after their triumph. A sensible and mature choice to let the youngsters develop and to leave the club as a legend and on a high, but just where will Didier Drogba go? Shanghai Shenhua, Anzhi Makhachkala and PSG are all interested in the theatrical monster. However, having spent all his £4million worth of endorsements from his Pepsi advertisement on a new hospital for his nation, one could say that Didier Drogba does not play for the money, and therefore ruling out a move Anzhi. A move to PSG would reimburse the love Carlo Ancelotti and Drogba have for each other, whereas a switch to Shanghai could be the promotion Chinese football needs. Wherever Didier Drogba goes, the fans will be in for a treat and the Premier League will sorely miss this theatrics, entertainment, but most of all, talent.

Verdict: Didier Drogba to move to China and play for Shanghai Shenhua.

7. Yann M'Vila

It can be confirmed that Yann M'Vila will be going NOWHERE before the start of Euro 2012. However, he is young, french and a midfielder so who do you think is interested him? Yep, you guessed it - Arsene Wenger. Arsenal have been heavily linked with this defensive midfielder and if successful, Arsenal will open many attacking options. A price has been set at £25million for M'Vila, a number Arsene Wenger will fail to recognise. However, the stubborn Frenchman must break all kinds of Arsenal records if he wants to recruit M'Vila. This price tag could be more suited to Inter Milan, who have also been linked with the beast. 

Verdict: M'Vila to stay at Rennes after having a woeful Euro 2012 and scoring a hat-trick of own goals against England....... 

8. Gonzalo Higuain

Despite being second choice to Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain netted 22 La Liga goals last season and still remains one of the most lethal strikers in world football. In Real Madrid's last La Liga game at Santiago Bernabeu Gonzalo Higuain received a standing ovation when he was subbed off against Malaga. He seemed very humble when he strolled off the field and the whole occasion looked seemingly like "Thank you, Farewell and Good Luck." Higuain has attracted various different clubs - Chelsea, Liverpool and PSG to name a few. However, the Serie A Champions, Juventus, seem to be winning the race to sign Higuain and if the rumours are true, he has already agreed personal terms.


Verdict: Higuain to sign for Juventus in the near future.

9. Gareth Bale

"Chelsea hypothetically threw Spurs into a bottomless pit after their dramatic Champions League triumph" was mentioned earlier when discussing the potential departure of Luka Modric. Imagine if Gareth Bale went in the same season? Gareth Bale told BBC that he wanted Champions League football next season and would hand in a transfer request if Spurs failed to progress. Gareth Bale made his mark in the Champions League with a sublime hat-trick away to Inter Milan and has been on the shortlist of some gigantic clubs since. Another season without Champions League football could prove unbearable for such a fine player and if Barcelona were to offer for the flying winger, Bale would be sure to accept. 

Verdict: The departure dependent on the future of Luka Modric, if Luka goes, Bale will folow.

10.  Hulk

The decision to nickname "Hulk", "Hulk" could be an entire blog in itself. It is like printing "Lanky Streak of Piss" on the back of Peter Crouch's shirt, just because Peter Crouch looks like a Lanky Streak of Piss - Pathetic! Anyway, "Hulk" is a fine player and seemingly a superhero in Portugal, how ironic. His nimble feet and sledge-hammer left foot has attracted worldwide attention and it is about time he follows his ex-partner Falcao and joins a major European league. Chelsea have been linked with Hulk for some time, but with the arrival of Marin and Hazard, the arrival of "Hulk" looks more and more unlikely. Perhaps Manchester City will pay £50million to sway "Hulk" from Porto FC and improve their incredible squad. Maybe even Real Madrid will approach "Hulk" as they have the money required. Who knows, all we know is, "Hulk" needs to join a major competitor in the Champions League.

Verdict: Hulk to leave in the Summer for BIG money.

Football Babble

@FootballBabbble

Well, firstly, hello and welcome to the Football Babble blog. 

Bare with me while I get to grips with this thing..... 

Right okay.

Football Babble originated on Twitter and was created by a tall, dark & handsome individual. The description of "fat" will soon be added to this list, I am sure. For anyone who already follows the Twitter account, @FootballBabbble, thank you. It is hard to comply my undying love for you over the internet, but a BIG, sloppy virtual kiss is in order for each and every one of you (even you Liverpool fans).

As you may have figured by now, I like to babble, so I am the first person on list of the petition - "Get the unlimited characters perk on Twitter". However, like most petitions, this is almost inevitable to fail and will completely contradict the name, "Twitter". So, WELCOME TO THE FOOTBALL BABBLE BLOG.

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Thank you, and the blogs will be flowing shortly.