5-to-Watch-in-Champ-League

The 2015/16 Champions League – the 61st edition of Europe’s foremost continental club competition – gets under way next midweek, with 32 sides all dreaming of a successful campaign on the biggest stage of all.

Many believe that the Champions League now represents the pinnacle of the modern game, with the concentration of quality and talent having surpassed the more glamorous World Cup.

Here are five players worth keeping an eye on from outside the major leagues of England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France.

Hector Herrera, Porto

Porto have a habit of signing talented youngsters from the Americas before selling them on for a hefty profit, and Herrera could be the next in line. The Mexican midfielder has gone from strength to strength since moving to Portugal from Pachuca in his homeland, and is expected to be one of the key members of Julen Lopetegui’s side this term.

An all-round, box-to-box midfielder, Herrera is just as likely to put in a crunching tackle as play an incisive through-ball. His energy and drive in the engine room will be vital to Porto in the Champions League, starting with Wednesday’s trip to Dynamo Kiev.

Bernard, Shakhtar Donetsk

Even 14 months on, Brazil’s 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany on home soil in the semi-final of the World Cup remains as astonishing as it was at the time.

Bernard made his first start of the tournament in that fateful encounter, replacing the injured Neymar in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s XI. The 23-year-old winger has not represented his country since.

Nevertheless, Bernard remains a fantastic prospect who will be desperate to show what he can do for Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015/16. A right-footer who tends to play on the left and cut inside, the Brazilian is out to prove his doubters wrong.

Seydou Doumbia, CSKA Moscow

Sometimes – and the reasons are often unclear – a player only really fulfils his potential at a particular club. Doumbia could be one such example: signed by Roma for £10 million in January, he is now back at CSKA Moscow on loan, the team he represented for five years between 2010 and 2015. The Ivory Coast international recently claimed to have rejected Premier League offers in order to return to the Russian capital when Roma agreed to let him go on a temporary basis this summer.

A glance at his goal scoring record for CSKA makes it easy to see why Doumbia feels so at home there: he has hit the back of the net 87 times in  134 appearances in all competitions, including three strikes against Sporting Lisbon in the qualifying play-off for this year’s Champions League. More goals in the tournament proper would confirm that Doumbia and CSKA Moscow is a match made in heaven.

Jeffrey Bruma, PSV Eindhoven

The former Chelsea centre-back is now in his third season in Eindhoven after joining the Dutch outfit in 2013. He was virtually an ever-present as PSV won the Eredivisie last term, and will now be looking to take his domestic form onto the continental stage.

Strong in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet, Bruma will know that a move to one of Europe’s giants could be in reach if he performs well in the Champions League over the next few months.

Nicolas Gaitan, Benfica

Gaitan was far from alone in being linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, but rumored interest from one of the biggest clubs in the world shows that the 27-year-old is a very good footballer.

Capable of playing out wide or in a central role, the former Boca Juniors forward is quick and tricky dribbler who also possesses excellent vision. Were it not for his country’s incredible depth of attacking options, Gaitan would surely have significantly more than 10 Argentina caps to his name.

About the Author – Greg Lea

Freelance football writer. Work published by FourFourTwo, The Guardian, World Soccer, Goal, The National, Squawka, Eurosport, The Blizzard + others.

Twitter @GregLeaFootball

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PSG-Champions-League

Dropping two points at home to a side in 10th position is usually a bad result for a title contender. However, while Paris Saint-Germain fans will certainly not have been too enamoured by their side’s 2-2 draw with Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes on Friday night, the scoreline will almost certainly make no difference to their domestic aspirations this term.

Bordeaux, a side who won the league in 2009 and finished sixth last year, are certainly no pushovers, yet PSG were widely expected to secure their fifth victory in five games so far this season. Had they done so, they would have equalled the Ligue 1 record of 14 consecutive wins that Bordeaux themselves set in the 2008-09 campaign, when they were managed by current PSG boss Laurent Blanc.

Despite Friday’s setback, the situation in France’s top flight means that PSG need not be unduly worried. Marcelo Bielsa’s Marseille came flying out of the traps this time 12 months ago, establishing a seven-point lead over the capital club by mid-October. Hubert Fournier’s Lyon, too, punched above their weight, Les Gones going into the final few weeks of the season still with a chance of being crowned champions.

The early signs this time around, however, suggest that a three-way battle lasting for much of the campaign was an aberration that is unlikely to be repeated. PSG spent £77 million on four new additions in the summer, Angel di Maria, Kevin Trapp, Benjamin Stambouli and Layvin Kurzawa joining a team that has won the last three league championships. Since Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011, PSG have spent a total of almost £400 million on new players.

Blanc’s side started the game brightly on Friday evening under the floodlights, moving the ball quickly and penning Bordeaux back inside their own half. They were good value for the lead that was given to them through Edinson Cavani after an error from Cedric Carrasso, although the visitors rallied well and equalised almost immediately when PSG keeper Kevin Trapp inadvertently palmed Henri Saivet’s flicked header into the net.

It did not take long for Cavani to fire his side 2-1 in front, however, the Uruguayan expertly dispatching a free-kick to restore PSG’s lead. Di Maria should have given the hosts a two-goal cushion just before the interval, but he shot straight at Carrasso when put through one-on-one.

PSG continued to dominate at the start of the second half, but Bordeaux rallied and enjoyed a good spell where they could easily have grabbed an equaliser. The chance to level the scores seemed to have been denied to them when Saivet was sent off, but another dreadful mistake from Trapp late on allowed Wahbi Khazri to steal in and ensure Bordeaux left the Parc des Princes with a point.

While Blanc and the club’s fans would evidently have been disappointed with the outcome, everyone associated with PSG knows that the Champions League is their biggest challenge this season. Indeed, the question is not really who will lift the 2015/16 Ligue 1 title, but how early PSG will wrap it up.

Having reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier continental club competition in each of the last three campaigns, PSG will be looking to go one better by reaching the last four this time around. It remains to be seen whether the relative lack of competition domestically will help or hinder that ambition.

About the Author – Greg Lea

Freelance football writer. Work published by FourFourTwo, The Guardian, World Soccer, Goal, The National, Squawka, Eurosport, The Blizzard + others.

Twitter @GregLeaFootball

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Illarra-La-Real

As Asier Illarramendi left the field following his splendid return to his beloved Real Sociedad, in a match against Sporting Gijon, he knew he was home. Trudging off the pitch, the man they simply refer to as “Illarra” received a very generous ovation from La Real’s loyal supporters. They know what a special part of Sociedad’s fabric he is.

The club’s new €16 million record signing, who endured an unsatisfactory stint at Real Madrid, was only too happy to return the favour – giving the fans a gratuitous clap to all corners of the Anoeta. David Moyes, his manager, embraced him too, greeting him with a firm handshake and a pat on the back for his solid outpouring of effort.

Illarramendi would’ve certainly been thinking how nice it is to be home.

His Scottish manager was especially delighted to have him back in the Basque country. When Moyes recently spoke of how vital a signing the 25-year-old is for his side, it’s obvious to see what a key component Moyes intends on him becoming for La Real this season.

“He can help everybody in the team, solve problems from central midfield,” said Moyes.

“He’ll also give me alternatives to play two or three in central midfield. Illarramendi and his return is very good for the club. Big signings like these make the difference.”

Illarramendi himself is very pleased to have made the move to the club where he spent his formative years as a footballer, but upon listening to him speak, it’s hard not to notice a part of him that wished he could’ve succeeded in Madrid.

“Things did not go as well as I would have liked,” he recalled.

“You learn from everything, the good and the bad. It was not so bad, though. In two years I won four trophies [the Copa del Rey, Champions League, European Supercup and Spanish Supercopa, although he played only eight minutes across those finals].”

With competition in the midfield spots relentlessly fierce in the Spanish capital, as well as the fact that he never seemed to fully gain the trust of Carlo Ancelotti, it’s nice to see him back at a club where he’ll be an undisputed starter and where he’ll well and truly have the faith of the manager.

Sociedad will be hoping the aforementioned conditions will be the perfect breeding ground for the player, who cost Los Merengues a staggering €38.8 million, to regain his shorn confidence.

Judging from his exhibits against Gijon, while he wasn’t at his absolute best, he appeared well on his way to getting back to playing like the Illarramendi we all know and love watching.

Right from the outset Illarramendi was the pivotal instigator in so many of Sociedad’s attacking phases. From his deep-lying midfield role, he’d drop in between the two centre backs (Diego Reyes and Inigo Martinez) and look to orchestrate his team’s forward forays. From these positions he showcased that superb range of passing of his. He’d unleash 50-yard aerial balls, play precise vertical passes into the feet of his attackers (often disguising them by looking away when he made them) and add some additional slickness to Sociedad’s work by playing some delightful one-touch passes.

His role could be compared suitably to the one Andrea Pirlo made famous. He facilitated from deep with intelligent passing, never needing to venture too far forward to impact. Plus by staying deep, he could actively cover Inigo Martinez, who enjoyed motoring forward (much like Giorgio Chiellini does for Juventus) from his central defensive post.

Key to Illarramendi being able to execute his role so effectively was unquestionably his masterful decision making. He never attempted any unnecessarily risky passes, but that wasn’t to say he played things entirely safely, though. He just got the balance spot on, only playing expansive passes if he knew he could complete them.

Obtaining such a thoughtful midfielder, who astutely processes every situation he’s confronted with and who adds so much finesse, guile and experience in central areas, will surely be a huge weapon in La Real’s quest to enjoy a better campaign than the last.

It’s all about being disciplined and never doing anything rash for Illarra, and that’s what makes him such a magnificent player for Moyes to have at his disposal in this position.

With Moyes’ boys having not scored in their opening two fixtures, once he completely readjusts to life back in San Sebastian, he should really begin to get this talented side ticking offensively. The likes of Bruma, Jonathas and Carlos Vela will be licking their lips at the prospect of receiving such brilliant service from Illarramendi throughout the season.

Back at a club who trusts him wholly should do wonders for his form this season. After all, if history is anything to go by, it would appear having a manager and a club that supports him is crucial for him to suceed. When he first broke through under Philippe Montanier’s expert guidance at Sociedad, he noted how grateful he was to the Frenchman for giving him a chance, saying: “I have to give very much thanks to Philippe Montanier, who has put a lot of trust in me.”

A similar belief was shown in him by his former Spain under-21 boss, Julen Lopetegui, who now coaches FC Porto.

“He [Illarramendi] is a guy who tactically understands everything you pose him and that, apart from the technical quality that is, the component of understanding the game that way, it helps you to be better still,” Lopetegui explained following the U-21 Euros of 2013, which Spain emphatically won.

He also went on to say that his charge was “fantastically furnished” for further progression in the profession.

There was no great surprise when Lopetegui tried to bring the man who he believes is the heir to Xabi Alonso in on loan, albeit unsuccessfully, to Porto last term, such is his adulation for the player.

Whereas Illarramendi ultimately failed to gain the trust of Ancelotti, which definitely played a major role in his underwhelming time at Madrid, he’ll have no issues with Moyes. The Scot knows what incredible gifts he possesses, and clearly intends to utilise those gifts by making him the focal point of his side.

Now back at Sociedad, all the components are there for him to suceed and get back to his best. Over the coming campaign there’s no reason to suggest why we won’t see him achieve just that.

What a difference simply being trusted and feeling wanted can make.

About the author – Edward Stratmann

Edward Stratmann writes regularly about the on-field aspects of the game, with a particular focus on tactics and analysis. In addition to featuring on These Football Times, Inside Spanish Football, Anfield Index, Just Football, The Eagles Beak, Think Football Ideas and JuveFC, you can also find Edward’s work at Licence to Roam, a football blog he started with his brother in 2013.

@licencetoroam

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Chievo-Verona

Hellas Verona fans were fairly confident. “Donkeys will fly before Chievo play in Serie A,” went the famous chant directed towards their city rivals throughout the 1990s.

Their postulation was entirely understandable. Chievo, a tiny suburb to the west of Verona with just 4500 inhabitants, had never even come close to reaching the Italian top-flight. When Hellas’ playful taunting began at the first ever derby between the clubs in December 1994, Chievo had just reached Serie B for the first time and were widely expected to drift back down the leagues and into the wilderness once more.

Miracle is perhaps an overused word in football, but what has happened in the 21 years since that meeting has certainly been scarcely believable: while Hellas have yo-yoed between the leagues, even spending four seasons in the third tier, Chievo have established themselves in Serie A and represented Italy in Europe. In the city famous for its links with Romeo and Juliet, this is a story that even William Shakespeare’s imagination would have struggled to come up with.

On Saturday, Chievo went close to what would have been a famous win over the Italian champions at Juventus Stadium, the Bianconeri requiring a late penalty to salvage a point against the side who currently sit second in the Serie A standings.

Chievo were founded as an amateur team by factory workers living in the area in 1929. It took until 1957 for the club to given their first proper home by local priest Silvio Ventura, who offered them use of his parish’s field.

Seven years later, Chievo were purchased by Luigi Campedelli, the owner of the confectioners Palauni. At the time, the boardroom switch was considered insignificant and, despite some steady progress, Chievo remained in the lower echelons of the country’s footballing pyramid for another couple of decades.

Today, though, Chievo and the Campedellis are synonymous with one another, and the change of proprietorship in 1964 is now seen as the event that set the club on the path to the shining lights of Serie A.

The first major sign of progress came when the Gialloblu reached Serie C2 in 1986, the lowest level of professional football on the peninsula. Carlantiono Bottagisio, the church pitch, was traded for the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi in a groundshare arrangement with Hellas, who had just won the first – and, to date, only – scudetto in their history. Although Chievo’s fanbase was still far too small to fill even half of the 38,500-capacity arena, the relocation was indicative of the growth of the club both on and off the field.

Luigi Campedelli tragically died of a heart attack in 1992 and was replaced by his 23 year-old son Luca, who became the youngest chairman in the country. Undeterred, Chievo reached Serie B in 1994, cheered on throughout their promotion campaign by intrigued Hellas fans astounded by the incredible rise of a team on their doorstep that they had previously never heard of.

In 2001, the unthinkable happened: Chievo were promoted to the highest tier of Italian football. Even more unbelievably, the Gialloblu went on to lead Serie A for six consecutive weeks at the beginning of their debut top-flight campaign.

Managed by Luigi Delneri, Chievo played fearless football, taking the game to richer, more well-known opponents. Two clean sheets were recorded in wins over Fiorentina and Bologna at the start of the season and, despite throwing away a two goal lead to lose 3-2 to Juventus in their third game, Chievo were looking down at Serie A’s other nineteen teams from the summit after impressive wins over Piacenza, Parma and Torino.

Although Chievo were still top in mid-December, a late-season slump saw the most unlikely of title challenges fade as Juventus, Roma and Inter’s superior quality and strength in depth pulled them away from the chasing pack. Nevertheless, Chievo’s fifth-place finish qualified the club for the UEFA Cup, Delneri’s side only denied a place in the Champions League by Milan’s 3-0 final-day victory over Lecce.

The heights of 2001-02 may not have been reached since, but Chievo are now considered part of the top-flight furniture having competed in thirteen of the previous fourteen Serie A seasons, a record that only Milan, Inter, Roma, Lazio and Udinese can better.

The most remarkable aspect of the story is also what makes it such a fairytale: it is extremely difficult to rationalise exactly how Chievo have consistently punched so far above their weight. After all, there has been no billionaire oligarch or major swell in attendances, and the continued nature of the club’s success precludes it from being simply attributable to a single manager or group of players.

Luca Campedelli’s first move as owner in 1992 was to appoint Giovanni Sartori as sporting director; 22 years later, it remains perhaps his shrewdest decision. Sartori has proved excellent at keeping Chievo competitive on a tight budget, implementing a recruitment strategy explicitly detailed on Palauni’s official website as a “passion for discovering new talent and giving a boost to talent that has lost its way”. The current front three of Valter Birsa, Alberto Paloschi and Riccardo Meggiorini, for example, are all rather unfashionable but have been excellent at the start of this season.

Over the years the adventurous, attacking style of 2001 has been replaced with a more reactive approach, yet Chievo remain a very difficult side to play against, the ferocious team spirit and togetherness that has characterised the Gialloblu throughout their top-flight adventure retained.

Chievo may have lost some of the neutrals’ love because of their staying power and more negative setup, but that simply underlines how much the club are now considered to be just another Serie A outfit, which in itself remains an extraordinary achievement.

This, after all, is a team from a tiny suburb of Verona whose entire population could fill San Siro almost eighteen times; logically, Chievo should be favourites for relegation every term, but recent history has made the Italian public wary of making such predictions, and their start to the current campaign suggests they will comfortably survive again this year.

The donkeys, now with fully-grown wings, show no signs of stopping their improbable flight any time soon.

About the Author – Greg Lea

Freelance football writer. Work published by FourFourTwo, The Guardian, World Soccer, Goal, The National, Squawka, Eurosport, The Blizzard + others.

Twitter @GregLeaFootball

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