Dutch Speed and Skill on the Wing

Dutch Speed and Skill on the Wing

Ibrahim Afellay, 24, is a skilful and fast winger who has been thrilling the PSV crowds for quite a few years now and has won everything in Holland thanks to his straight forward attacking approach and his good shooting.

Born on 2 April 1986 in Utrecht. Afellay, who is of Moroccan origin, learnt his trade at USV Elinwijk and is generally recognised as one of Holland’s top young talents. He has been one of PSV’S biggest stars in recent years and as a winger can boast many virtues, including pace and skill. His crossing is very accurate from either wing and his skill allows him to easily move inside.

He has a great long distance shot with either foot and has scored a number of spectacular long range efforts in the Dutch league.

Honours in Holland

Although he is only 24, Afellay has plenty of experience and has played more than 23 games in each of his last five seasons at PSV. He made his debut seven seasons ago when he was just 17 and since then has won winners medals in the Dutch Cup and Super Cup, as well as four League titles and well as figuring in the Champions League and Europa Cup.

International experience

Afellay, whose contract with PSV finishes in June 2011, has also played for the full Dutch international team, being part of the squads for the 2008 European Championships and 2010 World Cup, although he has still to really make his mark for Holland.

Springbok duo shocked by drug woe

Springbok duo shocked by drug woe

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers says Bjorn Basson and Chiliboy Ralepelle were "shocked and disappointed" after testing positive for a banned substance.

Basson, a 23-year-old winger and Ralepelle, a 24-year-old hooker, were randomly tested after the 23-21 win over Ireland on November 6, with the results delivered on Sunday night showing traces of methylhexaneamine. The two players have been provisionally suspended from all rugby with immediate effect but are entitled to request that their 'B' samples are tested.

De Villiers told www.supersport.com: "We have done quite a bit already, we are busy sending stuff for testing. Obviously we have to look at what might have caused this and we don't want to put the players at risk. If there is something that we are taking as a squad that might have caused this then we must find that out now."

He added: "When I informed the two players that they had been tested positive they were both extremely shocked and disappointed. The rest of the team were also gutted when they heard. I was informed of this at 2am this morning, and now we must follow the correct processes as laid down by the International Rugby Board."

A statement from South Africa Rugby Union came on Monday afternoon and read: "Six Nations Rugby Ltd - who administer the November internationals - informed the South African Rugby Union of the positive Tests on Sunday evening.

"As a result the pair are provisionally suspended from all rugby and will return to South Africa on Monday. Basson injured an ankle in Saturday's win over Wales and was due to return anyway.

"The players were randomly drawn for testing by anti-doping officials following the Test at the Aviva Stadium. The players have the right to request that their 'B' sample be tested.

"The pair returned an adverse analytical finding for methylhexaneamine, a "non-specified stimulant" on the prohibited substances list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is scheduled to be re-classified as a "specified stimulant" from 1 January 2011."

Team doctor Craig Roberts, who confirmed to Supersport that the two players were on medication for flu symptoms, shared De Villiers' desire to get to the root of the problem.

He said: "The substance could come from many different sources, like the caffeine substances. What we are doing now is going through the process of looking at all the possibilities and exhausting them one by one. Obviously we need to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible."



Unstoppable! 3-1

Unstoppable! (3-1)

Barça overcame Villarreal in a thrilling game at the Nou Camp. Villa rounded off a furious Barça start with a goal on 21 minutes, but the visitors hit back 5 minutes later, following a controversial off side decision which had denied Barça a second.

Barça’s courage and good football saw them through against the in-form Villarreal in a game with three clear phases: first a marvellous 25 minute period at the start of the game crowned by Villa’s goal, next Villarreal fought back and got the draw and then for the rest of the match, a monologue of football from the champions with two Messi strikes.

Whirlwind start
It was a whirlwind start from Guardiola’s team whose pace and passing were superb as they pinned Villarreal back in their box and it needed a great save from Diego Alves on 13 minutes from a point blank Messi shot to keep the visitors in the game. On 21 minutes though, Villa gave Barça the lead as he brilliantly rounded off a lethal counter attack to fire past the keeper.

From 2-0 to 1-1
Barça should have been two up soon after when Messi and Pedro sprung the offside trap only for the linesman to inexplicably flag them off and deny them the goal. In the very next phase of play and with a number of Barça players clearly still amazed at the ref’s previous decision, Nilmar waltzed through the Barça defence and brought Villarreal back into the match. The goal seemed to have shaken Barça and their followed a few minutes of danger from the visitors.

Xavi and Pedro set up Messi
The players soon put their grumbles about the ref behind them though and the half time saw them again dominating before the teams went off to a display of disapproving hanky waving for the match officials from the crowd. Barça came out after the break in the same way they had the first and they got a deserved second when a quick free kick from Xavi was sent to Messi who played a lovely one-two with Pedro before chipping past Diego Lopez.

Crowd get plenty to celebrate
The crowd were celebrating their team’s great football now as Busquets, Iniesta and Xavi dictated play from midfield. Keita came on for Villa to give a bit more muscle in the last 15 minutes and the defence snuffed out any hint of a Villarreal comeback. With six minutes left on the clock, Messi again met a Pedro cross and made it 3-1 to do justice to an all round performance of the highest calibre from Guardiola’s team who go top with the win with Madrid not playing till tomorrow.

Barça-Madrid game fixed for 29th November

Barça-Madrid game fixed for 29th November

The Lliga de Futbol Professional (LFP) has confirmed that the game between Barça and Real Madrid at the Nou Camp this month will be played on Monday 29th November at 21.00.

Following considerable speculation as to the exact date of the game, the LFP announced this morning that the game will be played on Monday 29th November and will kick off at 21.00.

This means that the game will not coincide with the elections for the Catalan Parliament which are to be held on Sunday 28th .

Four days to prepare
Barça will go into the game after facing Panathinaikos in the Champions League on Wednesday November 24th and will therefore give Guardiola and his men four days to prepare for the big game.

One year on
Curiously enough, the game will be played exactly one year after the two last met in Barcelona. On that occasion, Sunday November 29th 2009, Barça won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ibrahimovic. 

Five star Barça progress (5-1)

Five star Barça progress (5-1)

FC Barcelona eased into the next round of the Copa del Rey with a 5-1 triumph over Ceuta in their second leg encounter on Wednesday evening thanks to goals from Nolito, Gaby Milito, Pedro, Bojan Krkic and Lionel Messi.

 

After winning the opening encounter by two goals the Blaugrana progressed 7-1 won aggregate and they rewarded the 38,971 who braved a chilly midweek evening to cheer them on with a goalfest and a game of great intensity. Having won the first meeting between the teams coach Pep Guardiola chose to name B team starlets Marc Bartra, Thiago Alcantára and Nolito in the starting line-up and the choice paid dividends as they showed that they could cope comfortably with the step up once again.

Spectacular start
Barça began the game clearly proving that they were keen to put the outcome of the tie beyond doubt and it was Nolito that broke the deadlock after just two minutes as he showed great skill to score. The same player then went close four minutes later as he shone and showed just why Guardiola is keen to give him a chance at the highest level. It was Nolito then turned provider as his corner was met by Milito and he beat the keeper before wheeling away to celebrate.

Red and penalty
The level of play did not drop despite the four-goal cushion across the two legs and Gilson looked to restore some pride for the visitors as he sent a shot goalwards only for it to cannon back off the crossbar. Moments later and the drama was at the other end as Bojan drew Vítor Moreno and he was shown a red card after giving away a penalty. The Blaugrana forward chose to take the spot-kick himself, but he then saw his effort hit the woodwork and bounce away. Ceuta did indeed step up their game and actually managed to find a way through the Barça rearguard when Guzmán found the net.

Milito was then reduced to tears as he suffered an injury that meant he to make an early withdrawal and Éric Abidal was sent on to replace him.

Pedro and Bojan
After the break Barça stepped up another gear and Pedro made it 3-1 with a fine effort from the right just five minutes into the second period. Bojan made up for his penalty miss in the 65 minute as he was set up by Messi, who had entered the fray in place of Pedro. The Argentinian then added to his incredible goal tally for Barça with the home team's fifth of the night in the 67th minute.

Sergi Roberto
Sergi Roberto was given a chance to show what he can do as he replaced Maxwell and the youngster made his mark on his first-team debut in midfield. With Guardiola keen to promote from within and all the homegrown talent did well and will have gained great experience from their appearance alongside the first-team regulars. 

FC Barcelona 5 - Ceuta 1

FC Barcelona eased into the next round of the Copa del Rey with a 5-1 triumph over Ceuta in their second leg encounter on Wednesday evening thanks to goals from Nolito, Milito, Pedro, Bojan Krkic and Lionel Messi. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 10/11/10

FC Barcelona eased into the next round of the Copa del Rey with a 5-1 triumph over Ceuta in their second leg encounter on Wednesday evening thanks to goals from Nolito, Gaby Milito, Pedro, Bojan Krkic and Lionel Messi.

After winning the opening encounter by two goals the Blaugrana progressed 7-1 won aggregate and they rewarded the 38,971 who braved a chilly midweek evening to cheer them on with a goalfest and a game of great intensity. Having won the first meeting between the teams coach Pep Guardiola chose to name B team starlets Marc Bartra, Thiago Alcantára and Nolito in the starting line-up and the choice paid dividends as they showed that they could cope comfortably with the step up once again.

Chelsea v Fulham preview

Champions Chelsea host King's Road rivals Fulham on Wednesday looking to bounce back from their loss at Liverpool.

The Blues are now just two points clear at the top of the Premier League table and could, in theory, be deposed from the summit for the first time this season.

Chelsea suffered only their second defeat of the season at Anfield at the weekend, but they still have a perfect 100 per cent record at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham go into the game having won just twice all season, but they have also only lost twice this term - but the record books are against them as they have one only ever won once at Stamford Bridge in the top-flight - some 46 years ago.

Team news

Chelsea go into the derby clash ready to make changes to their side with Carlo Ancelotti confirming Didier Drogba would be recalled to his starting line-up.

It was revealed earlier this week that Drogba was suffering with malaria, but he is now recovered and after coming off the bench at Liverpool will start against Fulham with Salomon Kalou likely to make way for his compatriot.

However, Kalou could get a reprieve if Nicolas Anelka fails to overcome a back problem.

Alex is also a doubt for the match with a knee injury, but Ancelotti will decide on him just before kick-off.

Michael Essien should return to the midfield following a toe injury which kept him out of the Liverpool clash.

Frank Lampard is close to returning for the first time since August, but he will not be risked on Wednesday.

For Fulham, they are without Mexican defender Carlos Salcido after he suffered ankle ligament damage.

Chris Baird is also missing after he suffered a thigh problem.

Possible starting XIs:

Chelsea: Cech, Terry, Alex, Cole, Bosingwa, Malouda, Mikel, Essien, Ramires, Drogba, Anelka.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Hangeland, Kelly, Hughes, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Greening, Dempsey, Davies, Dembele.



France head coach Laurent Blanc has confirmed he would be interested in succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

The 44-year-old former France international spent two years playing at Old Trafford until 2003 before hanging up his playing boots following an illustrious career.

Blanc is now in charge of France after leaving Bordeaux over the summer to replace Raymond Domenech  following the nation's dismal showing at the World Cup finals in South Africa.

The ex-Barcelona, Marseille and Inter Milan defender has been tipped as a potential successor to Ferguson once he eventually retires and the Frenchman is not ruling himself out of the running.

However, for now, Blanc is focusing all of his efforts on helping France to qualify for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine in two years' time and is not being sidetracked by club football.

Attraction

"I could be attracted," Blanc told Reuters.

"It would be a very exciting challenge, very difficult, but conceivable if he presides at the process of his own succession.

"I would like it very much, but it would be difficult to find him a successor. He is at the helm for 24 years.

"Anyway, I am not concerned by that project so far. I have another challenge!"

Liverpool's owners appoint Damien Comolli to oversee transfer policy

Liverpool's owners appoint Damien Comolli to oversee transfer policy



Tottenham Hotspur's former director of football Damien Comolli – the man who signed Gareth Bale from Southampton in 2007 – has joined Liverpool's staff to oversee player recruitment.

Comolli, whose job title for the club will be Director of Football Strategy, has left St Etienne to work alongside manager Roy Hodgson to "identify exciting young footballing talent", according to the club's new owner John Henry.

Henry told the club's website: "Today's announcement is just the first step in creating a leadership group and structure designed to develop, enhance and implement our long-term philosophy of scouting, recruitment, player development and all of the other aspects necessary to build and sustain a club able to consistently compete at the highest level in European football."

Hodgson welcomed Comolli's appointment, saying: "I am looking forward to working with Damien whom I have known for many years. We are engaged in an exciting project here and he will bring a lot to the table.

"We all want to see moves to strengthen the squad and support player development over the next few years. John Henry and I are totally united in delivering on that ambition."

Comolli, who scouted Bale as a 17-year-old before Spurs signed him for £5m, also spoke today about Bale's performances against Internazionale, suggesting Tottenham face a battle to hold on to him.

Comolli said: "When I watched him for the first time I was gobsmacked. He was already showing the strength, the technical ability, the confidence to take people on, the pace, the quality left foot, the work-rate. He had it all.

"I remember coming back from scouting him and thinking 'I've seen the new Paolo Maldini'.

"Spurs are desperate to hold on to Gareth but I know last summer there were big, big clubs sniffing around. If they are ambitious and want to do well in the future they have to keep hold of him and Champions League football should help them do that."

Manchester United will not be buying anyone in January - Sir Alex Ferguson

 Manchester United will not be buying anyone in January - Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester United will not be buying players in january, despite having the funds to do so.

 UK had previously revealed that the Scot would have £50 million made available to him in addition to any money he makes by selling players. And this had been pivotal to Wayne Rooney committing to a new five-year contract at Old Trafford.

But the 68-year-old has no intention of making a move on any player during the winter transfer window, insisting that the return of Owen Hargreaves and Antonio Valencia should be enough.

"We won't be buying in January, definitely not," Ferguson said, according to the Daily Mail.

"You are limited because there are hundreds of players cup-tied for European football.

"There will be five months of the season left and we will be getting a new player back in February with Antonio Valencia returning from injury, and maybe another in Owen Hargreaves. With the squad I've got, I don't see any reason for us to buy anyone.

"There has always been money to spend but it doesn't necessarily mean there will be more transfer activity than normal in the summer. We will buy what we need to buy. We know what we need.

"There is always this issue if [Edwin] van der Sar, [Paul] Scholes, [Ryan] Giggs or [Gary] Neville were to retire but we've been aware of that for two or three years and we are well ahead of that. We know exactly what we have to do."

Ferguson also insisted that Rooney will take over a month to make a return from his ankle injury, after previously admitting that the 25-year-old's return could be delayed.

This effectively rules the forward out of the Manchester derby on November 10.

"It may be five weeks before Rooney's comeback because he will have to pick up his fitness again," Ferguson said. "I would think five weeks would be about right.

"There is no chance of the Manchester City game on November 10 coming into the equation. You want any player who has been out a few weeks to be 100 per cent and not breaking down. That is what happened to Ryan Giggs a couple of weeks ago."