Chelsea have agreed a £4.5 million fee for 19 year old Barcelona B midfielder Oriol Romeu, and is expected to complete his move to London next week.
The Spanish Under-19 international is currently representing Spain at the Under 20 World Cup, and is another product of the famed La Masia Barcelona youth system, and has been on the books at the Catalan club since 2004, after signing from fellow Barcelona based club; Espanyol.
Oriol is a defensive midfielder, who is also capable of playing at centre back, similar to that of current Barcelona and Spanish international Sergio Busquets. He was apparently previously scouted by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, while Everton, Blackburn and Newcastle were previously linked.
He is 6ft tall, right footed, with excellent stamina and responsiveness, and acts as the defensive wall in front of the two central defenders. He is not just a ball winning midfielder, nor is he just an in your face Darren Fletcher style of player, he has great vision and passing ability, something drummed into him as part of the Barcelona philosophy. Imscouting.com reports that Romeu has “a rare blend of pace, strength, tactical sense, technique and anticipation”.
Joining Chelsea, he is expected to compete with Jon Obi Mikel for the defensive midfield role in Andres Villas-Boas’ team, as it became vacant due to Michael Essien’s unfortunate, yet serious knee injury.
Here’s all you need to know
Age: 19
Date of birth: 24/09/1991
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Previous club: Barcelona/Barcelona B
Club: Chelsea
Club Apps: 49 Club Goals: 1 (Stats for Barca B)
Spain U-19 Level
International Caps: 11 International Goals: 1
Transfer fee: £4.5 million
Here is a video of him in action, he is wearing the number 6 shirt
Highlighted by Eurosport.com, it's believed that this may be one of the best penalties ever.
You watch for yourself and decide.
His name is Ezequiel Calvente, and he is a 19 year old left midfielder playing for Real Betis in Spain, and he scored the penalty in the 3-0 win over Italy.
He is currently representing the Spanish U19's at the UEFA European Under 19 Football Championships.
*The Italian team were fuming at the audacity of the penalty, that's the reason for the referee blowing his whistle many times during the replays.
Winner: Andres Iniesta Runner Up: Bastian Schweinsteiger Honourable Mention: Carlos Puyol
The winning goal in the World Cup final is every players dream, and Iniesta’s dream came true in extra time at the Soccer City Stadium. No doubt the added break Iniesta took during the season with Barcelona through injury, helped his performances at this year’s tournament, strolling through all the games since that defeat to Switzerland. Iniesta stats didn’t lie in this tournament, although he only scored 2 goals, both were vital in wins over Chile (2:1) and of course Holland (1:0). The 26 year old had a 73% pass completion rate, and covered over 41 miles during the tournament.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, an admiral runner-up, had an excellent tournament and has now established himself as a world class central midfielder, taking up the new role as “The Metronome” as the way the Bayern Munich midfielder dominated and dictated the play is a joy to behold. Just 25 years of age, two more World Cup’s are possible, and more medals are a serious possibility.
Carlos Puyol, he is vital for Spain, and has continued his brilliant Barcelona form onto the world stage and help his country only concede two goals at this year’s tournament. He scored the winner in the semi-final
Thomas Mueller, the 20 year old Bayern Munich attacker, has had a brilliant World Cup and has burst onto the World Stage. He took Europe by storm last season, helping Bayern reach the Champions League final. He played 6 games at this year’s tournament, scoring 5 goals, laying on 3 assists and being voted man of the match for his performances in the wins against England and Uruguay. Collect both the Golden Ball and Best Young Player award.
Mesut Ozil, another German youngster, had a brilliant tournament and again caused real interest in his and Germany’s performances. The 22 year old helped himself to 1 goal, 3 assists, with a 71% pass completion rate. Another youngster with a very bright future.
25 year old Asamoah Gyan held up the hopes of Arica, helping Ghana reach the quarter-finals in just their second tournament. He scored 3 goals in 5 games, and helped gain the respect of many pundits as a very good lone striker. The only blight on his performances was that penalty miss against Uruguay, but expect the lively Ghanaian to bounce back and be even stronger for the next tournament.
Biggest Shock
Winner: Switzerland 1-0 Spain Runner Up: Italy 2 – 3 Slovenia Honourable Mention: New Zealand finishing 3rd in their group
Goal of the Tournament
Winner: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst vs Uruguay Runner Up: Fabio Quagliarella vs Slovenia Honourable Mention: Mesut Ozil vs Ghana
Ghana, who beat Serbia and USA in this campaign, were deemed the moral victors of the World Cup after the controversial quarter final defeat to Uruguay. A team packed full of youngsters, mixed with older and more experienced individuals, who flew the flag for Africa after a poor showing from the other nations at the tournament.
Spain, the winners of their first ever trophy, playing the best football at the tournament, and deservedly collecting the World Cup title. The likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol and Casillas are talented natural born winners and deservedly leave South Africa with a winner’s medal.
Germany would have surely been on route to the final if they hadn’t met Spain in the semi final. Destroying pre tournament favourites England 4-1, in tournament favourites Argentina 4-0, were some of the highlights of the Germans campaign.
Real Madrid’s number one, had an average season this year, but is a completely different individual for Spain. The way the Spanish keep the ball means the opposition rarely get attempts on goal, however in the final, Arjen Robben broke through the defence twice and was one on one with the goalkeeper, with Casillas stopped the Dutchman twice. Winner of the FIFA golden gloves, and a well deserved accolade.
To be honest the goalkeepers at the tournament were quite average, and the Slovenian goalkeeper impressed with his displays in the group stages, and is one of the brightest prospects in Europe with Udinese, and could definitely play for a Champions League club.
Eduardo, formerly of Sporting Braga, impressed at this tournament, although no more than any other goalkeeper to be honest, and has since earned himself a move to Genoa in Serie A.
Defender of the Tournament
Winner: Philip Lahm Runner Up: Carlos Puyol Honourable Mention: John Mensah
Philip Lahm, who had a very good previous tournament, has had another excellent tournament this time round, and is undoubtedly the most complete full back in the World, excellent going forward but even better defensively. Germany’s undisputed national team captain.
Again the Barcelona defender has performed excellent at this World Cup, and is undoubtedly the best centre back in the World.
Ghana’s John Mensah receives an honourable mention, despite his awful penalty kick against Uruguay, the 27 year old defender, currently on loan at Sunderland, experience was vital to his countries performance in South Africa, and had some excellent performances against Germany, USA and Serbia.
Midfielder of the Tournament
Winner: Andres Iniesta Runner Up: Bastian Schweinsteiger Honourable Mention: Xavi
The reasoning for these awards were highlighted earlier, Spain’s sensational midfield duo of Iniesta and Xavi, tied with Barcelona team mate Sergio Basquets helped Spain dominate teams ultimately culminating in winning the trophy.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was the driving force behing the Germany teams ascendance back onto the World stage.
Striker of the Tournament
Winner: Miroslav Klose Runner Up: David Villa Honourable Mention: Diego Forlan
For me, Miroslav Klose was the best striker at this tournament, and is one of the best to play in the World Cup tournament itself. The 32 year old has had a terrible season for Bayern Munich only scoring 3 goals in all competitions, but he has a knack for performing on the world stage. He is the second highest goal scorer in World Cup finals history with 14 goals in 3 tournaments, one behind Ronaldo, and his caused was helped with 4 goals scored in 5 games at this tournament, including Australia, England and a brace against Argentina.
David Villa was vital to helping Spain win the World Cup, scoring 5 goals in 7 games. Slyly anonymous in the semi final and final, that’s why he missed out on the top spot, but he was brilliant nonetheless, causing people to accuse Fernando Torres of being a rubbish striker, rather than a player who has just come back from injury. Diego Forlan, FIFA’s recipient of the golden ball for the best player at the tournament, but is an admirable third place from Real Talk Football. Excellent goals, and an iron nerve, Forlan guided his country to fourth place at the World Cup.
Star of the Tournament
Winner: Wesley Sneijder Runner Up: Andres Iniesta Honourable Mention: Luis Suarez
Underperformers of the Tournament
Winner: England Runner Up: Italy Honourable Mention: France
England had another overhyped tournament, and once again underperformed in South Africa. No real excuses can be made for the poor showing, they had a good coach and a sufficient amount of depth within the squad but clearly some of the strange decisions made by Fabio Cappello undoubtedly aided in the second round defeat. Struggling to qualify from the group, as soon as they faced a really good opposition, they crumbled and left the tournament without a whimper and got an extra two week holiday on the luxury island of their choice.
Italy and France’s problems were well documented. Italy were defending World Champions but finished bottom of a group that included Slovakia, New Zealand and Paraguay, while the French, runners-up four years ago, had another awful tournament, also finishing bottom of their group while the big ego’s of players such as William Gallas, Patrice Evra, Thierry Henry and Nicholas Anelka led to in fighting and denial to train. The most unprofessional and shambolic performance I’ve ever seen.
Of course no disrespect to Ghana, overachievement is undoubtedly a good thing in the World Cup, and teams will now no longer ignore the African side as they should have made it to the semi finals but were undone by some controversial Uruguayan methods. Second round four years ago, quarter finals this time round, how will they do in 2014?
Uruguay lost 3-2 to Holland in the semi-final so that shows you how close they were to the World Cup final. Some great attacking football, along with some great goals meant Uruguay can be very pleased with the account they gave of themselves in South Africa.
Paraguay qualified top of their group, winning the first penalty shoot out of the World Cup, losing to eventual winners Spain in the quarter finals.
Do you agree with the awards? Comment below or on the Facebook page and let me know you opinion.
The European champions are the World Cup favourites as they aim to collect their first ever title. The Spanish, along with the Dutch, were the only side to go unbeaten throughout the qualifying campaign with 10 wins from 10 games; finishing 11 points clear of nearest rivals Bosnia-Herzegovina. With the likes of Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, Real Madrid stars Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol and Xabi Alonso, as well as Barcelona’s current stars; Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Pedro, Spain have some of the best players in the World, let alone Europe. Not only do they have great players, they play great football. Expect them to cause a real stir.
Manager: Vicente del Bosque
The 59 year old has been in charge ever since Luis Aragones left after winning the Euro 2008 Championship. He guided Spain to the semi final of the Confederations Cup, where they suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to the USA. However del Bosque made up for the disappointment by subsequently achieving an unblemished qualifying campaign.
Key Player: David Villa
With languishing doubts over the fitness of Fernando Torres, Barcelona’s new £34 million signing is one of the most unappreciated yet deadliest strikers in the World. The Spanish number 7, has scored 20 or more goals for any club, in all competitions, he has played for in the last nine years. These include clubs such as Sporting Gijon, Real Zaragoza and Valencia. In the qualifying campaign, he was Spain’s top goal scorer with 7 goals.
Best Finish: Fourth Place 1950
Prediction: Winners
Yep, the Spanish are my picks. With a starting line up including Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Carles Puyol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Silva with Torres and Villa up front, can you name a better starting eleven in the world? More so the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Jaun Mata, Fernando Llorente are excellent back up options, while the likes of Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina as reserve Goalkeepers alone, Spain have the best squad and are in the best form heading into the tournament. An experienced manager such as del Bosque in charge, along with the experience of playing in South Africa already in the Confederations Cup, means Spain will undoubtedly be more than equipped to win the title for the first time.
Switzerland
The Swiss side are a team with a good array of players, however gave a poor account of themselves at the Euro 2008 championships, being labelled “boring”. This time round they finished top of their qualifying campaign ahead of fellow qualifiers Greece, with the evergreen Alexander Frei and Blaise Nkufo particularly impressing, with 5 goals each.
Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld
The well travelled 61 year old has won numerous titles all over Europe, but is most renowned for his spell at Bayern Munich, with the German side being one of the best in the World at that period. Hitzfeld now however, is all about the international stage and has been in charge of the Swiss since 2008. After an shocking 2-1 defeat to minnows Luxembourg, the German boss shook up the whole squad, and led them to going the remainder of the qualifying campaign undefeated subsequently sealing their qualification.
Key Player: Philippe Senderos
I could of picked the star player and all time top goal scorer; Alex Frei, but instead I selected a man who is only 25 years of age, has bags of experience, and most importantly; a point to prove. He is out of contract at Arsenal and is expected to leave the club, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to show his qualities and find a new club.
Best Finish: Quarter Finals 1934, 1938, 1954
Prediction: Group Stage
An ageing squad will see them compete for second spot, but just fall short. Could prove me wrong however, should the likes of Hakan Yakin, Gokhan Inler and Tranquillo Barnetta perform to the standard they’re capable of.
Honduras
Somewhat of a surprise entrant to the World Cup finals considering the distractions and continuous political unrest back in their home nation. However they managed to qualify third, behind USA and Mexico. The select few members of the squad ply their trade in Europe including Maynor Figueroa and Hendry Thomas of Wigan Athletic, Wilson Palacios of Tottenham and David Suazo of Genoa. Look out for 36 year old veteran and rejuvenated striker Carlos Pavon who has 98 caps and has scored 57 times.
Manager: Reinaldo Rueda
The 53 year old has been in charge of the Honduran national side since 2006, and is the former manager of the Columbia national team. According to FIFA’s official website, the Honduran side offers “sparkling attacking football and a solid backline.”
Key Player: Wilson Palacios
The 25 year old Tottenham player is a defensive midfield bulldog and is vital to the national side. He made his debut in 2003 and since played 68 times, scoring 5 goals.
Best Finish: N/A 1st appearance
Prediction: Group Stage
In a group were second spot is up for grabs; the Honduran team have shown in their qualifying campaign that they can score goals. This will be key to the Central Americans chances to make it through the group.
Chile
The South Americans have been absent from the World Cup tournament for the last 12 years, and finally make their return in 2010. Chile finished runners up in the CONMEBOL South American qualifying group, behind Brazil and ahead of Paraguay and Argentina. The Chilean’s attacking and technically gifted prowess are their undoubted strengths while their lack of physical strength and height could be their undoing. It seems the Chile side, who gave a great account of themselves in 1998 group stage, and somewhat have unfinished business. Look out for creative Mathias Fernandez, the skilful Jorge Valdivia, former Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez and the young attacking star Alexis Sanchez of Udinese.
Manager: Marcelo Biesla
The Argentinean is somewhat of a strange and unique character, but is one of the best maangers on the South American continent. He has been in charge Chile for 3 years, and is known for his unorthodox training methods and his attention to detail. Can he formulate a plan to see the Chileans through? Only time will tell, but I believe he can.
I did a post on this individual a couple of months ago, which you can read here. I remember seeing this striker playing on TV a year ago and was impressed by his unbelievable attacking ability, so much so he finally made the trip to Europe and is playing for Real Zaragoza (where he scored 6 times in 17 appearances). The 29 year old was the top scorer in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 10 goals. Expect him to cause all sorts of problems on the Worlds grandest stage.
Best Finish: Third Place 1962
Prediction: Second Round
I feel it’s between Chile, Switzerland and Honduras for second place, but under Marcelo Biesla the Chileans could definitely be the favourites to sneak through, thanks to their excellent qualifying campaign.
Now you have an in depth analysis of all the teams in this years World Cup, so remember to cast your vote for who you think will win.
We continue our look at the best young players in the world, and at number 4 is Racing Santander's Galactico bound attacking midfielder Sergio Canales.
Here's all you need to know:
Name: Sergio Canales DOB: 16/02/1991 Age: 19 Height: 5ft 9in Nationality: Spanish Position: Attacking Midfield Previous Clubs: Racing Santander Current Club: Real Madrid (on loan to Racing) Shirt Number: 27
Racing Santander's number 27 has produced some magical displays so far this season and has caught the eye of all the big clubs in Europe. Whereby the video below clearly displays this:
On February 12th, Real Madrid confirmed the signing of the youngster for a fee believed to be around €4.5million. He has played 21 times for Racing and scored 6 goals, which isn't bad considering the quality of La Liga (and the quality of his goals). A player with a great left foot, blessed with excellent vision and creativity, he has already been touted as the new Guti, but without the "supreme daftness!". Having represented Spain at all the junior levels, expect big things from the youngster, at both club and international level.
