WASTED TEAM OF THE SEASON

           The transfer window is one of the most anticipated times of the season, the razzmatazz, the rumors (true or false), the tension, all these helps to kick-start the league proper. The transfer fee a player commands, his ability, his form chart and good sportsmanship doesn’t guarantee him a successful spell at his new club. The fans expectation might never be met, this can contribute to the premature end to a blistering career that might have just started or put the club into the red figures. A player might arrive on a free; the whole world feels it should be the bargain of the season. Injury and inconsistency at the top level can also drag a player’s career away from lime light. Today, ADESINA OLUWATOSIN looks at eleven players that are as good as forgotten in different positions in the Barclays premier league.

GOMES (SPURS) GOALKEPPER: Few goalkeepers in the world can make DAVID JAMES still look world class, Gomes is one of them. The Brazilian had a blinder at PSV and was in the Brazilian squad, very athletic an a good shot stopper, all these attribute tempted Spurs to shell out 10m for the Brazilian. Sometimes I wonder why he chose goalkeeping as a profession; his errors are just unimaginable, a catalogue full of blunders. Harry couldn’t defend the Brazilian anymore, instep 40year-old BRAD FREIDEL, the Brazilian is now down the pecking order behind CUDUCCINI. Another great contender for this spot is Arsenal’s MANUEL ALMUNIA, from assistant captain, first choice between the sticks to fourth choice behind MANNONE? Then you must be doing something wrong.

CORLUKA (SPURS) RIGHT BACK: So many contenders for this spot, HABIB BEYE of ASTON VILLA, PAOLO FERRIERA of CHELSEA, The Croatian takes the crown. Once a regular at Manchester city, Vedran moved to Spurs, he instantly became the first choice right back, bursting down the right wing. Well, that is history now, Hutton came in sent him to the bench. The emergence of Kyle Walker finally condemns Corluka. He can dwell on the fact he had a serious injury, but we have seen players recover from horrific injury n continue where they left.I can’t recall the last time I saw HABIB BEYE on the field. The only reason he didn’t win this spot is the age difference. The Senegalese moved to Aston Villa following Newcastle’s relegation.

JONATHAN WOODGATE (STOKES CITY) CENTER BACK: Yes he is injury prone, yes he is talented. I believe the English premier league standard is more than Jonathan can cope with. The pace, the level of endurance, zeal and commitment has gone up by 100 %. However, he boasts a very good C.V, having played for Real Madrid, Tottenham and Newcastle. The former England international is only a squad player at stokes, mainly due to the impressive partnership of Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth.  Runner up to this position has to be Sebastian Squlacchi, the former Sevilla defender always takes a step back every day. The move to Arsenal automatically killed his career, regular for France and Sevilla, now he is behind every defender at Arsenal and not even close to the national team. He lacks pace, concentration and positioning, talk about aerial prowess don’t even get me started

ALEX (CHELSEA) CENTER BACK:Just like Gomez, the Brazilian was superb for PSV.. He wrecked Arsenal champions league aspiration at the Emirates forcing a 1-1 draw. He moved to Chelsea, ready to solidify the back four. Injury reduced his playing time; the Brazilian has found life hard in London, ultimately leading to him handing in a transfer request. One time brazil-international, Alex cannot boast of 10 games a season. Runner up to this position has to be Bassong. The Frenchman left Newcastle after the Toons relegated and joined spurs. Many thought it would eventually lead to him establish himself as a regular in the National team, how wrong! He has dropped down the pecking order.

FABIO AURELIO (LIVERPOOL) LEFT BACK:Another Brazilian that has over stayed his stay in the premiership. Liverpool released him only for the kops to hand him another contract. He is technically balanced, deadly from set-piece n thunderous shot power, despite oozing genius all over his ability to stay fit is a different ball game. Wayne Bridge should have won this post easily but I think Aurelio is a better player. Wayne’s career keeps going down, what Manchester City saw in him still baffles me. He was sent on loan to West ham couldn’t spark his career to life. Now surplus to requirement at Manchester City, wherever he moves to next, and one thing is for sure, he won’t in prove their squad. 

 @gingerstiff

To be continued…..