Zlatan Ibrahimović - Great or Overrated?

This weekend, Serie A round 36 commenced in Italy, on a warm spring evening in Rome, AC Milan took on AS Roma knowing that thanks to their hefty eight point cushion between them and closest rivals Internazionale, just a solitary point was all they needed to take away from the Stadio Olympico in order to wrap up their first Serie A title in seven years.

Milan went on to draw 0-0 with Roma, completing their task in very Italian fashion, doing all that's necessary in order to ascertain the result. This point gave them a 9 point lead ahead of rivals Inter, and subsequently wrapped up their 18th Scudetto.

The match itself was an entertaining spectacle with standout performances from Roma defender Juan, and AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, who made very important saves during the 90 minutes.

However one of the most impressive stat to come out of Milan's triumph was that 29 year old striker Zlatan Ibrahimović becomes the first player to win eight league titles in a row and more impressively he has done it with five different clubs (four if you’re excluding the Juventus scandal). A phenomenal achievement.


Ibrahimović is quintessentially one of those players who if he is playing against your club, you hate him, or if he’s playing for your club, you love him!

Another interesting note is that Ibrahimović seemingly gets no admiration from Football pundits, legends or fans outside of Italy, Sweden or Holland. Some fans believe he's "a lazy individual", a "showboat" or "one trick pony" and fans fail to take a shine to the Swedish, mainly because of his arrogance. Alternatively, some fans believe him to be one of the best strikers in the world, and his ability, and medals tally supports this theory.

They say that in order for a striker to be considered great, they must have a degree of selfishness, arrogance and of course the ability. Zlatan has these three elements in abundance, as well as the titles to back this.

Ibrahimović is two inches shorter then Peter Crouch (6ft 5in), but isn't slow by any stretch of the imagination, as he has acceleration, pace and a fantastic balance. He has great shooting technique, power and can ping the ball with either feet. A man with his height, of course is great in the air, but has great flair and dribbling technique with the ball on the ground. Finally his control and first touch are second to none, and his technique is astounding. For me, he has all this ability and is almost the complete striker.



His talismanic influence on the clubs he has been at, is testament to how much of a quality player he is. Since turning professional aged 18, at the time playing for his local side Malmö in Sweden, he has gone on won 16 major honours with four/five different clubs (Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and Juventus; if you’re counting the Calciopoli incident). He has also won 16 individuals titles since turning professional.

Since Ibrahimović left AFC Ajax in 2004, in a spell that was littered with controversy (having a pair of scissors thrown at him by team mate Mido) and the brilliance. Subsequently the Dutch giants haven't won an Eredivisie title since then. Of course Ajax will win another league title, but the influence of Ibrahimović in that side, lead them to winning the title was undeniable.

At Juventus he won two Serie A titles, which were consequently revoked due to the Calciopoli match fixing scandal. Nothing of which, was to do with Ibrahimović surely? Absolutely not. He still went on to the field week in, week out, notching up 26 goals in 91 games over two seasons. His change of play changed, and was more of an attacker rather than an out and out striker.

At the start of 2006/07 season, he joined Inter Milan, and despite the lack of competition due the bans handed out by the Italian Football Federation due to the Calciopoli scandal, Inter Milan won three titles in a row with Ibrahimović leading the line.


His excellent performances for Inter Milan caught the attention of Barcelona, who was looking for that central striker to play as part of their three pronged attack. So he joined in a transfer worth around €66 million in exchange for Samuel Eto’o and Alexander Hleb, plus a transfer fee.

He was widely criticized during his time at FC Barcelona, despite scoring 16 goals in his first season and the winner in El Clasico. He won five trophies in one calendar year. Barcelona was a juggernaut and was unstoppable at the time, and Ibra was unlucky not to win the Champions League trophy.


After his 13 month stay in Spain, his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola declined, twined with criticism from the press and fans, he left him seeking a new home.

So he took his bag full of medals, and jetted back to Italy, some would say his second home. He joined AC Milan on a season long loan with an agreed transfer of €24million.

AC Milan hadn't won a title since the 2003/4 season, and boss Massimiliano Allegri brought in the big guns, Robinho on loan from Manchester City, Antonio Cassano from Sampdoria and of course Ibrahimović from Barcelona.

Milan lead from pretty much the start of the season, and Ibrahimović was inspired form, adding to his array of sensational goals and assists. He’s leading the clubs goal scoring chart this season with 20 goals in 40 appearances (with two games remaining). A stimulating signing, which gave the desired results and Milan’s first piece of silverware since 2007.



Over his career, his transfers have totalled at a sum of more than €138million. He has scored a believed 200 goals in 429 appearances. He has also won 66 caps for Sweden scoring 25 goals, and is the national team captain.

Here is his list of awards:

Ajax
- Eredivisie 2001/02, 2003/04
- KNVB Cup 2001/02
- Johan Cruijff Shield 2003

Inter Milan
- Serie A 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09
- SuperCoppa Italiana 2006, 2008

Barcelona
- La Liga 2009/10
- Supercopa de Espana 2009, 2010
- UEFA Super Cup 2009
- FIFA Club World Cup 2009

AC Milan
- Serie A 2010/11

Juventus
- Serie A 2004/05, 2005/06 (both revoked)

If you think I’m overrating the Swedish international, then I'd advise just taking 10 minutes to check out some of his unbelievable goals. I guarantee that if you’re sitting on the fence in your opinion over Ibrahimović, then your opinion will alter to either to joining the masses the either loving or hating Ibrahimović.

Either way, Ibrahimović’s track record, the facts, figures and footage of his goals prove that he is great player, and the matter of whether he is overrated, is surely a matter of opinion.


What are your thoughts on “The Magician”? Do you think his criticism is justified? Do you think he is a great player, or just one who was at the right club at the right time? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think

Real Talk Football

Ronaldo : Il Fenomeno

Il Fenomeno: The Greatest Striker of Them All

Today there was a collective sigh of disappointment amongst football fans across the globe, as one of the greatest strikers of all time announced his retirement from the professional game. 34 year old Brazilian Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima, simply known as “Ronaldo” announced his retirement from Football.

The legendary striker kept his announcement short, the disappointment evident on his face, while a wry grin popping up slightly now and again, he stated: "I wanted to continue, but I can't. I think of an action, but I can't do it the way I want to. It's time, my body aches. The head wants to continue, but the body can’t take much more."

In the aftermath of this disappointment announcement, there has been a significant degree of admiration and recognition for one of the greatest players to play the game. The Brazilian’s decision to leave the game has sparked debates that after playing for four of the biggest clubs in the world, competing at the top level for almost 15 years; spanning an 18 year career, and winning almost every individual and collective trophy possible, whether he truly is the greatest striker of all time.


Arguably he is the greatest striker of his generation, although modern greats such as Raul, Filippo Inzaghi, Alessandro Del Piero, Thierry Henry, Francesco Totti, Miroslav Klose, Gabriel Batistuta and Ruud van Nistlerooy would all challenge him for this title.

Some fans however, will argue that he is the greatest of all time, while past greats such as Ferenc Puskas, Gerd Müller, Eusebio, Alfredo di Stefano, Romario, Mario Kempes, Roberto Baggio, Hugo Sanchez, Marco van Basten and of course, fellow compatriot Pelé would have to compete for that title.

Its markedly clear that yes, we are talking about a footballer of the highest calibre, and one whose name is deservedly placed amongst that list of great names, and doesn’t stand out on inch.

When I was younger, I remember watching Ronaldo in the colours of Inter Milan during their successful UEFA Cup, he was at the height of his career, and he caught the imagination and hearts of aspiring football fans with his brilliant ability, skill and determination.

Growing up, everyone wanted to be Eric Cantona, flipping up there collars up and walking around the pitch with a strut. That was before Ronaldo became a regular on our TV screens, and the dimension distinctly changed. Everyone donned a pair of Blue and Silver Nike R9 boots, and everyone in the school playground wanted to be Ronaldo, the man with the skills, the goal scorer; Great.


Ronaldo was born on the 18th September 1976, and started his football career aged 14 years old. He played for youth teams: Social Ramos Youth Club, and Sao Cristovao up until the age of 18, where he was believed to have been spotted by Brazilian legend Jairzinho. During his time at Sao Cristovao, Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 54 appearances.

Jairzinho put in place that Ronaldo joined Brazilian top flight side Cruziero. This is where he would make his name as a teenage prodigy, scoring 12 goals in 14 appearances. This earn him a surprise call up to the 1994 Brazil World Cup winning squad, after only making his professional debut for Brazil three months before the World Cup, a 2-1 win against Argentina.


With a World Cup winners medal under his belt, and aged just 18, Dutch side PSV Eindhoven acquired Ronaldo for a fee believed to £4million. During his first season in Europe, the Brazilian scored 30 goals, and went on to add another 12 in his second season (which was hampered by injury, limiting him to just 13 appearances). This took his total 42 goals in 46 matches for PSV, and he also won the Dutch Cup during his time in Holland.

This exquisite form rightly earned him the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year award, while he finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or (European Footballer of the Year) award as well. These titles earned him the attention of some of the big clubs in Europe, however eventually it was Spanish giants Barcelona, who coughed up £10million for the 20 year old.


Ronaldo lit up La Liga, continuing his magnificent form and progress. During his time at the club, he scored some great individual goals, and amassed a total of 34 goals in 37 appearances, 47 goals in 49 total appearances for the Blaugrana.

During this solitary season with the club, he won the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa Del Rey and UEFA Cup Winners Cup, beating former side PSV in the final.


Ronaldo no longer had the desire to play in Spain once interest from Italian giants Inter Milan began to surface. Requiring a new challenge, Ronaldo joined Inter from Barcelona for a world record fee of £19million in 1997. Individually at the end of the year he regained the FIFA World Player of the Year award (1997), as well as the Ballon d’Or award.

His first season at Inter (97/98) was to be his most successful spell in Italy. He led the Nerazzurri to Serie A runners-up, UEFA Cup success, while he scored 34 goals in 47 appearances. During this season, it was clear that Ronaldo became a more complete and well rounded striker, and was widely regarded the best player in the world. He went on to represent Brazil in the 1998 World Cup finals, with his side established as pre-tournament favourites.

During the finals Brazil passed through the group stages with a minor glitch against Norway, and managed to steamroll their way to the Cup final, facing the home nation France. Going into the game, Ronaldo already had 4 goals in the competition and with the expecting world waiting to see the best footballer on the planet play in the grandest stage of them all, he was mysteriously struck down by an “illness” on the day of the final.

There were conflicting reports regarding what had happened, and whether Ronaldo would be even be fit to play. He did eventually start the game, and a sluggish Brazil side were beaten comprehensively by a France side led by another world great; Zinedine Zidane. More rumours came to the forefront stating that he had had an epileptic fit during the half time interval.

After the World Cup campaign and at the end of 1998, Ronaldo came second in the FIFA World Player of the Year award, and third in the Ballon d’Or awards.

During the next four years at Inter Milan, his career stalled, with serious knee injuries limiting him to a total of just 99 appearances and 59 goals in all competitions. A significant blight to the career of the Brazilian.


These four difficult years however, did not mean that he still didn’t have what it takes to complete at the highest level, and he showed this at the 2002 World Cup. He was selected for the Brazil team and was sensational during the tournament, which had been jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan, with him scoring 8 of Brazil’s 18 goals in the competition. He went on to collect the Golden Boot trophy, and collect his second World Cup medal, Brazil’s fifth.


Ronaldo announced himself back onto the world stage, and while equipped with a strange haircut earned him a £20million move back to Spain, this time with Real Madrid. His time in the Spanish capital was again marred by just as many goals as well as injuries. The year ending 2002, he won the FIFA World Player of the Year for a record third time, and the Ballon d’Or for the second time.

During his first season at the club, he scored 23 goals in 30 league appearances, helping Real Madrid win the La Liga title, and amassed 29 goals in 42 appearances in his first season. During his time at Real Madrid, aside from the injury issues, there were problems concerning his weight, and his attitude. During his five year spell at the club, he won the Spanish Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup and added another La Liga title in 2006/07.


Ronaldo was selected for 2006 World Cup, despite the aforementioned concerns regarding health and attitude issues. He scored 3 more goals in tournament, taking them to the quarter-finals stage, losing to eventual finalist France. More significantly for Ronaldo, was that this goal tally made him the highest goal scorer in World Cup history with 15 goals, surpassing Gerd Muller.


After the World Cup, he returned to Real Madrid, and only stayed at the club for 6 more months. He was named La Liga’s top goal scorer in the 2004/05 season, and scored 83 goals in 127 appearances in his Real Madrid career.

In January 2007, after falling out with Fabio Capello for the last time, aged 30, Ronaldo joined another one of Europe’s giants, AC Milan. The fee was around £7.5million. He would only spend one season and a half at AC, scoring 8 times in 20 appearances. The reason for this was he suffered another serious knee injury, combined with concerns regarding his weight, meant that his contract was allowed to run out with the Italian club, and he was free to leave.

This showed that his time with the big boys in Europe was over, and Ronaldo himself expressed a desire to return to Brazil.


After almost a year out, upon returning from his knee injury, Ronaldo returned to training with Brazilian side Corinthians, where in December 2009 he signed a one year deal at the club. He scored 12 times in 20 appearances in his first season, and added another 6 goals in 11 appearances during his second year. His second season was slowed by injuries.



With Ronaldo expressing his wishes to retire at the end of 2011 (when the Brazilian season finishes), his decision has been brought forward two months shy of a year. The reason for this is believed to be the behaviour of the clubs fans after this weekend’s Copa Libertadores elimination. Several fans attacked the Corinthians team bus, with a large proportion of the fans blaming Ronaldo. These fans smashed and damaged the striker’s car, which was seemingly all that the 34 year old could take, and subsequently the last straw, culminating in him announcing his retirement from the sport.

He won everything apart from the Serie A title and the Champions League trophy, however the two World Cup medals, two Copa America titles, and a FIFA Confederations Cup more than make up for these domestic trophies absentees from such an illustrious cabinet.

A disappointing end to a career which had been on a downward slope for the past few years, however I do not have it in me to speak so negatively of a player who was an idol, and a footballing hero to so many. A great man, whose career was defined by goals, was an enigma on the pitch who shook fear into opposition players and fans, but who was subsequently packed with excitement and flair and undeniably a joy to watch.

He will be talked about and remembered for years to come.

Il Fenomeno, the greatest striker of them all


Real Talk Football

What did you think of the article? How do you feel about the Ronaldo? Is he the greatest striker of all time? Leave your comment below and let me know what you think

Champions League Preview: Last 16

Tottenham

Position: Group Winners

They fended off competition from reigning champions Inter Milan to top the group, while escaping tricky away trips to Werder Bremen and FC Twente with draws, and winning all three home games saw them finish as group winners.



Key Player: Luka Modric

The 25 year old Croatian has come into his own in 2010 with some fantastic performances; helping Spurs reach the Champions League and 4th place in the Premiership last season, while this year he has helped Spurs surprisingly top their group in their first ever Champions League campaign. He is now regarded as one of Tottenham’s most important players and one of the best midfielders in Europe. He will need to keep fit if Spurs are to progress further in the competition.

Possible Opponents: AC Milan, Lyon, Valencia, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille

Starting XI:



Inter Milan

Position: Group Runners Up

A team faulting domestically, and a side struggling to defend their Champions League crown, getting through the group stage is the best thing Inter Milan could have achieved. Rafa Benitez has had a baptism of fire in Serie A, but he is lucky Massimo Moratti has shown understanding and support for the Spaniard as injuries to key players (who were vital in the Champions League success last year) has taken its toll on the Inter side.

Now however, they have done the hard part, getting out of the group as defending champions with a bit part squad and a new manager. Now it’s down for the club to strengthen in January if necessary but most importantly get the likes of Diego Milito, Wesley Sneijder and Walter Samuel back, then Inter have the proven quality that they could go all the way, yet it depends on if the manager can get the team there.



Key Player: Esteban Cambiasso

The 30 year old Argentine had been the remaining bit of cello tape holding together the troubled Inter Milan ship. He, of course, is a defensive midfielder, but he filled in at centre back a few weeks ago as Inter had ran out of defenders due to injuries and suspension.

Why is Cambiasso a key player? He holds the midfield together while Sneijder is allowed the freedom to pull the strings in midfield and dictate the play. A vital component to the Inter team.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Valenica, Lyon

Starting XI:



Schalke 04

Position: Group Winners

The Bundesliga runners-up faired very well in the Champions League, topping the group from last season’s semi-finalists Lyon. The most impressive stat regarding their performances in this year’s Champions League campaign; they only conceded 3 goals. An excellent defensive record, thanks to German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and powerful centre back Christoph Metzelder.



Key Player: Klass Jan Huntelaar

The Dutchman has becoming somewhat of a journeyman, wondering around Europe for the last few years, taking a chance in the big time, playing for eight different clubs in the last eight years. After unsuccessful at AC Milan and Real Madrid, he has now found his feet at Schalke and has created a dream partnership with Champions League legend Raul. He has hit 7 goals in 13 appearance this season for Schalke, and is one of the clubs best players.

Possible Opponents: Inter Milan, Valencia, Arsenal, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille, AC Milan

Starting XI:



Lyon

Position: Group Runners Up

One of the most dominant clubs in the French Ligue 1 in the last 10 years, made it to the Champions League semi-finals last season, losing to the eventual runners-up Bayern Munich. They have struggled domestically this season, but similarly to Inter Milan; the most important thing is that Les Gones have made it through the group. The clubs domestic form is its priority, but a strong Champions League run would be just what the club needs. A semi-final finish last season, who’s to say they can’t go further this time around.



Key Player: Lisandro Lopez

The focal point of the Lyon side, the former Porto attacker is a veteran of the Champions League now entering his 6th season in the competition. With Lyon faltering in the league, he has still managed 9 goals in 14 appearances, and with the 27 year old has the Champions League pedigree, given the right service, he could score against the toughest defences in the competition.
Possible Opponents: Tottenham, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man Utd, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Shaktar Donetsk

Starting XI:



Manchester United

Position: Group Winners

Manchester United continued their tradition of winning Champions League groups, but this one was more intriguing as they won all there away matches, most impressively a hard fought away win over Valencia.



Key Player: Nemanja Vidic

Untill last week, the key player for me was striker Dimitar Berbatov. However since he is now back to warming the bench at Old Trafford, the Club’s full time captain Nemanja Vidic is the key man. Manchester United never overpowered any team in their group, only scoring 7 goals in the whole group stage, but they were however resolute in defence, seeing them only concede 1 goal. This solid foundation is that which could lead their charge in this campaign.

Possible Opponents: Lyon, AC Milan, Marseille, Roma, Copenhagen, Inter Milan

Starting XI:



Valencia

Position: Group Runners Up

Valencia finished 2nd in the group ahead of Rangers, and Bursaspor, with a total of 11 points. The Spanish side have played some excellent football in this season’s competition, and caught the eyes of their European counterparts with a 6-1 drubbing of Turkish side Bursaspor.



Key Player: Roberto Soldado

The former Real Madrid striker made his name at Getafe before joining Valencia to replace the outgoing David Villa. The 25 year old has started his career at the Mestalla well, scoring 5 times in 13 appearances. The Spaniard is looking to get himself into the International set up, and a decent Champions League campaign will aide that objective.

Possible Opponents: Tottenham, Lyon, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Shaktar Donetsk, Schalke

Starting XI:



Barcelona

Position: Group Winners

We all know the calibre of the European giants, and the quality of players at Pep Guaridola’s disposal. The Catalan club didn’t have a perfect campaign, drawing with Rubin Kazan and Copenhagen away from home (showing some form of a weakness), but Barcelona are clearly the favourites and the team to beat.



Key Player: Lionel Messi

He has been feature on this blog many many times, and everyone knows the quality of the 23 year old. He has 17 goals in 13 La Liga appearances, 6 goals in 6 Champions League games this season. Altogether 25 goals in 28 games, a fantastic season already, combined with Xavi, Iniesta and David Villa, Barcelona for me; are clear favourites.

Possible Opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, Roma, Marseille, Arsenal, AC Milan

Starting XI:



FC Copenhagen

Position: Group Runners Up

The first Danish side to make to the Champions League knock-out phase, Copenhagen finished ahead of the ever improving Rubin Kazan and the disappointing Panathinaikos. Their home form was where they were most impressive, contributing them to 7 points out of a possible 9.



Key Player: Jesper Gronkjaer

The former Chelsea winger has been vital to Copenhagen’s Champions League campaign this year, and is an undoubted quality individual, who is a the side main attacking threat. Despite the Danish team being the relative “minnows” of the Champions League; with their strong home form, anything is possible.

Possible Opponents: Man Utd, Tottenham, Schalke, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Shaktar Donetsk

Starting XI:



Bayern Munich

Position: Group Winners

Last year semi-finalists are struggling domestically (as so many others are in this year’s competition) but you feel Bayern Munch could go the distance again, as long as Franck Ribery and talisman Arjen Robben stay fit. The Bavarians only lost one game in the group stages, and that was group rivals AS Roma.



Key Player: Mario Gomez

The German international has finally settled in with the German giants, and has scored 6 goals in the group stages, making him the second highest goal scorer in the tournament so far. He joined Bayern from rivals Stuttgart 18 months ago, with a price tag of around €35million, and has taken the mantle of star player at the club with Robben being injured and Ribery looking disinterested. Bayern were runners-up last year, and they have enough attacking options to take them all the way again.

Possible Opponents: Arsenal, Lyon, AC Milan, Marseille, Copenhagen, Valencia, Inter Milan

Staring XI:



AS Roma

Position: Group Runners Up

Last year’s Serie A runners-up, made hard work of qualifying from the group, but managed to collecting 10 points. The real issue they have to address for the Italian side; is its lack of solidarity in defence; conceding 11 goals and only scoring 10 goals. Roma at home, are a very strong team at home, but they seem to struggle when they get into the latter stages of the Champions League.

Key Player: Marco Borriello



The Italian hitman was ushered out the door at the San Siro, and has taken like a duck to water with the Roma side. He has 4 goals to his name in the group stages, and is the key focal point of the Roma attack.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Chelsea, Tottenham, Man Utd, Schalke, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Staring XI:



Chelsea

Position: Group Winners

Chelsea were one of the favourites to lift the Champions League crown, but with many experienced players leaving the club, domestic struggles and injuries to key players, the west London side have lost that favourites tag. However 5 wins from 6 matches means Chelsea are by no means incapable of performing, and will look forward to the knockout draw, believing they can beat anyone.



Key Player: Michael Essien

The Ghanaian midfielder has only just returned to the Chelsea first team, and I believe the club will no longer give away silly goals. Essien is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the World, paired with Frank Lampard in the Chelsea engine room, the Blues are more than capable of being the first London team to win the Champions League.

Possible Opponents: Lyon, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Copenhagen, Valencia, Roma,

Starting XI:



Marseille

Position: Group Runners Up

Marseille biggest scalp in the group stages was beating English double winners Chelsea 1-0 at the Stade Velodrome. With this self belief, and momentum they feel they could cause an upset in the knockout stages. Manager Didier Deschamps took Monaco to the final in 2004, so why can’t he do the same with Marseille? Only time will tell, but they could be outsiders.



Key Player: Steve Mandanda

One of the most well known goalkeepers in Europe, the 25 year old has played at Marseille for 3 years and is seen as the safe pair of hands. His side only conceded 3 goals in the 6 matches, the best of the group.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Tottenham, Man Utd, Schalke, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich

Starting XI:



Real Madrid

Position: Group Winners

The nine time winners of the biggest club trophy in the world; haven’t collected the biggest accolade since 2002. At the moment, after a huge spending spree this summer, they undoubtedly have one of the best managers in the World in Jose Mourinho, as well as one of the greatest players, that being Cristiano Ronaldo. Real possibly have the two best footballing assets needed in order to win the Champions League title.



Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese international has already won the Champions League title with Manchester United, where he was also a runner-up. He is in blistering form this season, scoring 24 goals in 32 appearances. A definite match winner, Ronaldo will be vital to Madrid’s campaign.

Possible Opponents: Arsenal, Marseille, Lyon, Roma, Copenhagen, Inter Milan

Starting XI:



AC Milan

Position: Group Runners Up

AC Milan finished second in what was seen as one of the trickiest groups, finishing just 1 point clear of Ajax. Two inspired signings in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho, going forward Milan to look a team who can unlock any defence. In the midfielder your concern is the age of the players, such as Seedorf, Ronaldinho, Ambrosini, Gattuso and Pirlo who are all over 30. The experience is there, but is the tempo and is the legs still there? Defensively again is an area where AC Milan may struggle, as they conceded 7 goals after only scoring 7, in the whole of the group stages.



Key Player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The magician returned to Italy after a spell deemed “unsuccessful” at Barcelona (he scored 16 goals in 29 games, and the winner in El Clasico). He has been sensational for AC Milan this season, scorng 13 goals in 20 appearances, with 9 assists.

Possible Opponents: Skahtar Donetsk, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Valenica, Schalke, Tottenham, Man Utd, Barcelona

Starting XI:



Shaktar Donetsk

Position: Group Winners

The Ukrainian moneybags somewhat surprised everyone by winning this group. How with 5 wins from 6 matches, the Miners showed that they are no slouches, especially with Arsenal shocking performances in the three away games they played, this was probably one of the most open groups in the Champions League. Shaktar conceded the least amount of goals in the group, and that is the reason why they ended up as winners.



Key Player: Eduardo

The former Arsenal striker scored 3 goals in 4 appearances, dismissing any beliefs that he wouldn’t be able to perform at the highest level ever again. He seems settled in Ukraine, putting his injury stained Arsenal spell behind him.

Possible Opponents: Marseille, Lyon, Roma, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Schalke, Valencia, Copenhagen

Starting XI:



Arsenal

Position: Group Runners Up

Arsene Wenger’s side beat Braga 6-0 and Shaktar Donetsk 5-1 in the group stages, but still managed to struggle and falter away from home, to mess up the much needed opportunity to take the top spot in the group. Now, the only English representative not to win their group, Arsenal have a very difficult second round match whoever they draw.



Key Player: Samir Nasri

The 2010 French Footballer of the Year has been excellent for Arsenal this season, and is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premiership. The 23 year old has scored 12 goals in 21 matches this season, and has scored some absolutely brilliant goals along the way.

Possible Opponents: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Schalke, Bayern Munich

Staring XI:

The draw for the knockout stage is later on today, and of course you will get all the latest breaking news, as well as coverage of the draw itself on Twitter @RealTalkFB and on Real Talk Football Blog.

Leave below, who your predictions are for the draw itself.

Real Talk Football