Player Watch - Alexander Büttner

With all the talk about his proposed move to Manchester United this week, we thought it was time to find out; Who exactly is Alexander Büttner?
Currently a member of the Vitesse Arnhem squad in the Eredivisie (Dutch League), the 23 year old has made 107 appearances at Left-back for the Dutch club, scoring 10 goals along the way. During these appearances, it was noted that he was a consistent performer, turning out good defensive displays, while still being an attacking threat. He can also operate at Right-back and so is useful to any manager.
It was this potential that saw him selected as part of the 36-man provisional Dutch squad for the European Championships this year, although, he did not make the final squad.
His talent was clearly noticed and lead to him being the subject of a bid from promoted side, Southampton. A deal looked likely to go through however, fell through due to an unknown factor believed to be a demand for a cut of the fee.
Weeks passed and there was no news until this week, when it emerged Manchester United had agreed a fee for the Dutchman. Sir Alex Ferguson, who had reportedly been widening a net over Europe searching for a Left-back, possibly to replace the waining Patrice Evra, had noticed the young man's talent.
When asked about the move, he remarked; 'If you had told me one week ago that I would be training with and playing for the same team as Robin van Persie, I would have sent you to a mental home!'
What seems certain now is that he will indeed be at the same club as RVP this season, and that his 'dreams' have become reality.

Player Watch - Alphonse Areola

So much has been made of the extortionate pockets of cash that Paris Saint Germain have been shelling out for numerous 'World class' players. But maybe we nee to look to someone already with the club to find a potential future star.
Coming up through the ranks of the PSG system and finding himself in the first team squad, Alphonse Areola is a name that brings with it, little information. Infact, he doesn't even have his own Wikipedia page!
Born in Paris, he is eligible to play for both France and the Phileppines due to his family origins, and has, in the past, expressed an interest in representing the Azkals.
This came as a surprise, as the 19 year old has a fantastic future. Standing at 6 ft 4 and already an accomplished shot stopper, Areola has represented France from U16 to U19 level, recently being the starting Goalkeeper for France's U19 European Championship campaign in Estonia. With time, he will grow into a potentially World class Goalkeeper. He currently serves as the backup at PSG to the Italian international No.1 Salvatore Sirigu, however, could see more oportunities for game time this season due to the team's involvement in European Competition and therefore, the possible need for resting of players.
It is this potential that has seen him linked with some of Europe's top clubs. Last Summer, some news sites reported that Manchester United and Tottenham were considering offering him a contract.
We think, if he is managed and coached correctly, he could develop in to a real player to watch and could make his name around the World. Look out for him making some appearances for PSG this season as he attempts to establish himself as a 1st team member.

Player Watch - Iker Muniain

Messi- a player of grace, intelligence, ball-control and a lethal left foot. Surely no one can even come close to being compared to the 25 year-old best player in the world from Argentina?...and yet, there is one man who has already begun to show that maybe Spain can have Messi...or perhaps even better?
Age 19 and this young man already has the accolade 'the Spanish Messi'. What an accolade, and this young winger from Bilbao is proving it every game. Iker Muniain the name, remember it. Everyone will know it in a few years.

He made his debut in 2009 for Athletic Bilbao aged 16 years old. Clearly this boy was going to be class? After 2 seasons playing on Bilbao's left wing creating and scoring goals Muniain is now a solid starter or Bilbao and has already attained a cap for the senior Spanish National side. A very consistent player, Muniain sprints up and down the left wing, cutting in and curling crosses in for the likes of Llorente to finish. Bilbao could always rely on Muniain to be available, his record with regard to injuries is impeccable.

This talent was shown off when potential suitors Manchester United came to town- it'd be fair to say that the left wing was firm Bilbao territory, a constant threat to the United defence most attacks came from the left flank. Sir Alex Ferguson could only watch and unwittingly admire his team be ripped apart by this young man.
Bilbao endured a successful season due to a large contribution from Muniain taking the attention of any opposition and thanks to this Bilbao acheived the Europa league final.
Thanks to this success Muniain has attracted interest from all over Europe, mainly Barcelona, Manchester United/City, Liverpool and Chelsea all in the mix.


Muniain, a young player with bags of potential but is this man Spain's answer to Messi?

Player Watch - Thiago Alcantara

When people think of the Barcelona midfield, their thoughts drift automatically toward the Iniesta and Xavi partnership. But what will the Catalan giants do when either of this legendary pair's career comes to an end? The answer, lies right under their noses. At age 21, Thiago Alcantara, known simply as Thiago, appears to be a young, up and coming player, however this couldn't be further from the truth. He is already established as 'one for the future' at the Nou Camp and is now finding himself regularly used in the highly esteemed midfield spot for the first team.
He has always been around Football, after all, his father is the former Brazil World Cup winner, Mazinho. Born in Italy, he started his Football at Flamengo, Brazil, he then moved to Spain at the age of 5 and played for a small provincial team for a preiod of time during his younger years. Five years later, at 10, he moved back to Brazil and back to Flamengo. After impressing European clubs with his play, this was followed by a move to Barcelona in 2005.
After a few years, his time in Spain meant that he was now eligible for Spanish Citizenship, which he went on to take once his Football career took off in Spain. This coincided almost immediately with his selection for the Spanish U16 team in 2007.
After a number of years in the famous Barcelona Academy and then their second team, he was promoted to the first team partially for the 2010/11 season, in which he played in 12 games, scoring 2 goals.
After this success, he was then given a permanent slot in the first team squad, this meant he featured heavily during the 2011/12 season, playing regularly during rest periods for Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas. He made 27 appearances, scoring 2 more goals and impressing his manager Pep Guardiola greatly.
As a result of these impressive performances, he made his debut for the Spanish National team in 2011 and has since made 2 more appearances.
Throughout his career, he has developed an excellent passing game and a fantastic eye for a pass that rivals many top midfielders, his upbringing makes him a strong, well liked character and added to this, he has physical strength, good agility and a decent  Therefore, we think he has all the skills to find great success in the future.
The success has recently gained reported interest from Manchester United, with several sources saying they were eyeing up the young star. However, it is highly unlikely the Catalan outfit will let him leave after putting so much faith in him over the years, he is a quality player, and could potentially be the spark for a Nou start at the Nou Camp.

Player Watch - Thibaut Courtois, 20

The Belgians are fast becoming a fearsome force in world football, with a solid defence, creative midfield and devastating attack. The National team has a lower average age than Germany. But behind every strong team there has to be a strong competent goalkeeper to provide confidence at the back. England have Mr Hart, Germany have Mr Neuer and the Belgians now have Thibaut Courtois.
Standing at a massive 6 feet 6 inches high this young goalkeeper is a behemoth in net. Boasting a good dive combined with his height makes him a very hard force to beat. Starting his career at Genk’s youth system he made his debut for the first team aged 17! What makes this more impressive is the integral part he played in Genks title winning campaign, earning the Goalkeeper of the year award and keeping 14 clean sheets. This impressive form did not go unnoticed however and Chelsea were quick to agree a fee with Genk for the Belgians services. They immediately loaned him out to Atletico Madrid where the following season he got 15 clean sheets for the Spanish team. Courtois is also the youngest goalkeeper ever to play for the Belgian National team.
With such an impressive CV already Courtois is shaping up to become one of the worlds best keepers and has already stated his desire to succeed Petr Cech at the Chelsea posts. But with such achievements already to his name, Mr Courtois is likely to be courting a lot of attention.

Player Watch - Marco Reus, Germany

For the past few years Germany has become a factory producing amazingly talented youngsters, culminating in the ‘golden generation’ that has begun. However, with the old talisman in Miroslav Klose edging closer to retirement the German frontline has become ever more reliant on Mario Gomez and talented as he is, he cannot hold the Nations striking ability on his shoulders.
Marco Reus has sprung on to the scene in the Bundesliga in this last season scoring 18 goals and providing 8 assists in 32 matches for Borussia Munchengladbach- This is a formidable record for any hitman but being at only 23 this is incredibly impressive. Mr Reus began as a natural right-winger but has found his feet in the Striker position as shown by his fearsome strike record.
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches his prowess in the air is debatable but his strengths lie in his speed and incredible abilty to use both feet to score goals. Many European teams were keen on the young German but Borussia Dortmund were the first to sign him in a pre-transfer window deal that will see him join Dortmund at the start of the 2012-2013 season for €17.5m. Already he has shown he has the ability to compete at the highest stage, scoring a world-class volley in Germany’s Euro 2012 quarter-final with Greece.

In this young talent, Germany’s golden generation...is only just revving up.

Player Watch - Jordi Alba, Spain

The Spanish team is often lauded with praise regarding their Midfield 4, 5 or even on occasion, 6. However, their defence is often overlooked, Jordi Alba has, as of late, been a key part of this defence. The Valencia Left-Back made his full International debut in 2011 after representing his country from U19 through to U21 level, and has since become a respected member of the national team. In addition to this, his performances at club level, playing 73 games for Valencia, scoring 5 goals.
Known for his attacking flair but solid defence Alba is hot property around Europe with Barcelona thought to be nearly complete on a deal to sign the player.
Suitors have also been heard from in England, with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson thought to be looking to hijack the Barca move to try and tempt the player to Old Trafford., possibly as a future replacement for the ailing Patrice Evra.
Whatever happens, it looks set that Jordi Alba will become a major name in European Football very soon.