Reng-dom Ramblings

After some foruming-surfing, the general consensus is that Nani, unlike the 03/04 Cristiano Ronaldo, doesn't really require any beefing up....

I don't think I've seen a shutout in quite some time, and thanks to Van der Sar, I was marvelling at the beauty of it. I just hope the Charity Shield jinx doesnt strike Utd. As Charity Shields go, I thought it was a pretty exciting match (though I half suspect its the seasonal relative-lack-of-football-so-any-football-looks-good football). Utd had dozens of decent chances to score, but dogged defending + Cech' saves kept Chelsea in the game.

I've said it once and I'll say it again; Cech is a superhuman. He has everything it takes to be the best keeper in the world, assuming he isn't recognised as that already. He reminds me of a young Peter Schmeichel, albeit less wide, and less vocal. Less vocal not necessarily being a bad thing, because Schmeichel used to piss off the likes of Jaap Stam, Roy Keane and other defenders/centre-backs off with his own version of the Fergie Hairdryer. Both possessed incredible reflexes and world-class agility, despite having lanky frames(or in Schmeichel's case, gigantic). In fact, you could add Van der Sar to the list, then isolate Cech, because I think VDS and Schmeichel both had/have excellent distribution, whereas I've never seen Cech make an assist or anything. But one thing Cech has over them, is his concentration. Seriously, just think of the last time u saw Cech make a gaff. Can't remember? That's probably because you haven't seen him make one. The man is like a robot. I'm sure you can remember Schmeichel making howlers; last season VDS had a couple of clangers as well. But despite searching my memory I can't seem to recall Cech making one. In an interview Cech once said that he used to do pretty well at school because he had good concentration, and well, I seriously don't think he has any reason to lie.

Back to the match; considering Rooney played upfront, it was an excellent attacking performance, although Chelsea came out to attack as well and didn't adopt any suffocating defending. It's too early for me to rate any of their purchases, but Malouda, having gotten himself on the scoresheet with an excellent one-on-one finish, stands out. He actually outmuscled Rio Ferdinand while chasing a long ball(though Gum will laugh and say anyone in the Premier League, no make that Division 1, could do it as well) to get himself into a scoring position.

*Man Utd supporters, look out for Darron Gibson, another promising young talent from the youth ranks. He's a left footed central midfielder who can supposedly both defend and attack. Supporters who have watched him live claim that his attributes are his physique and passing. Having once captained the Republic of Ireland U-21 side, he's also been picked before by Steve Staunton for 1 or 2 of the first team's Euro qualifiers. Though with the current depth in midfield, it might be some time before we get to see him. Here's his goal against Doncaster Rovers.


Inter's new main jersey is out and looks retro! I love it, the classic collar is back. I'll post a pic up soon. Inter are back to their old ways, signing yet another left footed free kick taker to fill one of their position - Chivu. I would be interested to see him fight it out with Maxwell, Burdisso or Zanetti for left-back though, I recall that he was a very mobile player while at Roma. Though I would expect Mancio to partner him with Materazzi who's had an outstanding season.