Tag: Lewandowski

Ballon d’Or 2022 Power Rankings

Post author By Michael Smith
Post date June 6, 2022
No Comments on Ballon d’Or 2022 Power Rankings

For the first time in 15 years, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi is supposedly in contention for the award. This marks a shift of seismic proportions in the world of football, where two players constantly dominated the award ceremony. The 2022 edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October. As always, the winner of the prestigious award is decided by a combination of votes from football journalists, coaches, and team captains. However, France Football opted to change one of its key rules. That being, the votes will be based on performances for the 2021/22 season instead of the calendar year. This means the upcoming games of the 2022/23 season will not have any effect on the selection.

With the new changes in mind, we can probably speculate the top players in contention to win the biggest individual prize in world football. Let us look at the top players in contention for the prestigious award.

Also Read: Ballon d’Or Award 2022: Karim Benzema Is On the List

5. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

The 33-year-old striker from Poland is certainly in the news nowadays after announcing that his story with the Bayern Munich is over and is looking for new challenges, with the most predictable destination being Barcelona. However, he had an impressive 2021/22 season to back him up at the Ballon d’Or awards. Having scored an impressive 35 goals in 34 Bundesliga matches and 12 goals in 9 Champions League matches, Robert Lewandowski is certainly among the discussion to be a major player at the awards. Winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal Cup in the 2021-22 season gives him a bright chance to become one of the top players to look out at the awards ceremony. Maybe this will finally be the year when he wins the big one.

Ballon d'Or nominee — Robert Lewandowski

4. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Kylian Mbappe has been consistent throughout this season. Regularly scoring or assisting to help PSG in the league and in the group stages of the Champions League. Forming a dream team with Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr., Mbappe has recently signed a lucrative deal with PSG, which runs up to June 2025. With all the uncertainties wrapped up regarding his future, Mbappe has been crucial for the success of PSG dominating the league. Kylian Mbappe helped PSG win the Ligue 1 and also bagged the league-best player award for the 3rd consecutive time. He scored an impressive 36 goals across all competitions, Mbappe can be considered a dark horse to sneak into a top 3 finish.

3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah finished 7th in the last year’s edition of the Ballon d’Or awards. Not many were pleased with that decision, as many had hoped he would finish at least among the top 3. Well, this year, Salah has once again proven his doubters wrong and put in an excellent seasonal performance worthy of being included in the top 3. With 22 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League and winning the Premier League Playmaker of the Season, Goal of the Season, and shared the Golden Boot award with Heung Min Son. Having amounting numerous individual accomplishments, Salah has also helped his Liverpool side win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season. On the national side of things, Salah also helped Egypt to the finals of the AFCON 2021. However, they lost on penalties to Senegal in a competitive final. Overall, Mohamed Salah looks destined for a top 3 finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or’s ceremony.

2. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

With a shaky start to the season, Kevin De Bruyne soon found his footing towards the end of the season, ultimately winning the Premier League Player of the Season award. A series of inspirational performances saw Manchester City vanquish Liverpool in the league and retain the Premier League title. De Bruyne was instrumental in the Manchester City title defense, with a contribution of 15 goals and 8 assists in 30 matches. His first leg performance against Real Madrid in the semi-finals surely struck fear into the hearts of the Los Blancos faithful. Unfortunately, Manchester City missed out on their first Champions League title once again. Nonetheless, De Bruyne’s contributions warrant serious consideration for keeping him up and running in the race for the Ballon d’Or.

1. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Karim Benzema had a spectacular season, to say the least. The front runner for winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or award, Benzema, has done it all this season. Winner of the La Liga and now helping lift Real Madrid their 14th Champions League title was not a feat to be ignored. He scored back-to-back hat tricks in the Champions League against PSG and Chelsea. Bought back Real Madrid numerous times from the brink of losses and he is also soon expected to be named the La Liga Player of the Year. Moving on to the national team performance, Benzema stood out as one of the key men for the French national team. There remains minimal doubt as to who might be winning the award this year, with 27 goals in the La Liga and 12 goals in the Champions League, Karim Benzema sure is poised to finally get his hand on the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Expensive Football Trophies in the World

Tags Benzema, Lewandowski

Football (Premier League)

Teams That Have Qualified for the World Cup

Post author By Robert Jackson
Post date June 2, 2022
No Comments on Teams That Have Qualified for the World Cup

The World Cup is a tournament that comes around once every 4 years. The biggest prize in Football. As big a sporting event as you can get. The one coveted prize that every player wants to have. This time the special tournament is being held in Qatar in winters. Beginning in the middle of November and ending in December. This is going to be the final World Cup of many old stars and will be the first one of many young ones. The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event all over the world. And this year won’t be any exception to that rule as well. Most of the teams that will play have already qualified. Here is the list of teams from each continent that have qualified for the World Cup up to now

Europe:

1. England

The one time World Cup winners have a great squad this year. And have proven that they can do well in the international tournaments now. By proving their worth in 2018 World Cup, where they reached the semis and reaching the finals in Euro 2021. They are very strong on paper.

2. Germany

The Germans are always there in the World Cup. The record winners of the competition in Europe. They are a force to be reckoned with due to having a good talent pool and a world class manager in Hansi Flick, which makes all the difference. The Germans will be fighting for the title desperately.

3. France

Perhaps, the favorites of this year’s edition. The former winners have a very squad strong on paper. And, they would like to negate the terrible Euro’s they had. France are the strong favourite for World Cup, but that’s not how football works. It will be a great experience following them in this year’s edition.

4. Netherlands

The Dutch have qualified for the World Cup by winning their group. They didn’t qualify for the last World Cup, which was held in Russia. The team led by Virgil Van Dijk will be gunning for this year’s edition and will hope to bring their country their first-ever World Cup.

5. Serbia

The serbians surprisingly topped their qualification group, which consisted of Portugal. Even so, they have a good squad which gives them a fighting chance. Their supporters would be in an absolutely joyous mood and will enjoy the ride.

6. Croatia

The last time’s finalists. The country led by Luka Modric is perhaps not as strong as they were in the last edition. But they’ve still got good talent and a very strong midfield of Kovacic and Modric. They will fight with everything they have.

7. Belgium

This is maybe the last World Cup of Belgium’s golden generation. And, their final chance at glory. Belgium have a very strong squad. With Kevin De Bruyne, Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Thorgan Hazard. The last time’s semi finalists will be looking to go all the way this year.

8. Spain

The one time World Cup winners had a pretty bad World Cup last time around. The Spanish were facing a lot of struggles and failures in the recent past. But, the arrival of Luis Enrique has changed their fate. They now look like a very good squad with great system. And they will be looking for redemption this year.

9. Denmark

Euro’s semi finalists. The Dane’s are perhaps the dark horses of this year’s World Cup. They have a very able squad on paper. They will be looking to get something out of this year’s edition.

10. Switzerland

The Swiss have a very able team as well. Their midfield can dominate anyone on a given day. They have a fighting chance at this World Cup, and will be fun following them around for their supporters.

11. Portugal

Most probably the last World Cup of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career. The only prize that eludes him over his very, very illustrious career. The Portugal team is as good as it has ever been on paper. They will be gunning for this World Cup. And Ronaldo will want to lead them to glory this year. They are good contenders in this edition.

12. Poland

Team led by Robert Lewandowski. Poland aren’t a very strong squad. But they will be giving their all in this year’s edition. And put on a show that their fans will remember for ages.

One of Wales, Scotland, or Ukraine will complete the set of European qualifications by June.

South America:

1. Brazil

The number 1 ranked team in the world at the moment. Brazil has a very strong squad. And are probably the favorites alongside France for this year’s World Cup. The record winners have qualified for every single World Cup ever. And, it wouldn’t be a World Cup with Brazil. They will absolutely favor their chances and will hope to achieve the Coveted Prize.

2. Argentina

This is probably Lionel Messi’s last World Cup as well. He will be absolutely desperate for it. The only prize that has eluded the great man so far. He will look to rewrite the history in 2014 when he lost the final. This is probably the best Argentinian team there has been in his career, and he will look to lead them to glory.

3. Ecuador

Ecuador are not very strong on paper. But they will be fighting for their lives in this World Cup and look to salvage anything they can.

4. Uruguay

Uruguay has a very good squad. And this is probably the last World Cup of their lethal strike partnership in Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez. They will be hoping to have a strong return in this World Cup.

Peru have a chance of becoming the fifth team from South America to qualify in June.

North America/ Caribbean:

1. USA

This is the best team USA has ever produced. They have a plethora of talent coming through their ranks. And, will be one of watch out this season. Potential dark horses of the tournament. The big countries shouldn’t underestimate USA this year.

2. Canada

A big moment for the Canadians. They are a good squad on paper, with Alphonso Davies being their star. They will bring the fight to the other teams.

3. Mexico

Mexico has a fairly competitive team this time around. They will look to test the other teams and hopefully make it far in this tournament.

Costa Rica has a chance of becoming the 4th team from the continent later in the qualifiers.

Africa:

1. Senegal

The strongest team in Africa. The current AFCON champions. Senegal are not to be underestimated in this year’s edition. They have a very strong squad spearheaded by Sadio Mane. They will be a dangerous opponent for everyone.

2. Ghana

Ghana qualified for this World Cup by beating the favorites in Nigeria. They have a good squad. With a strong midfield. They will bring the fight to everyone they face in this World Cup.

3. Tunisia

Tunisia will strive to make this a World Cup their fans will remember for the rest of their lives. They are a good team who will hope to achieve great things this year.

4. Morocco

Morocco will be gunning for this year’s edition. They will be striving to achieve great things this year. They will bring the fight to everyone that faces them. Their fans will hope they have a good tournament.

5. Cameroon

Cameroon beat Algeria in the most dramatic fashion to qualify for the World Cup. It was an absolute roller coaster ride for everyone watching that game. Cameroon have shown that they can battle it out with the stronger teams. And they will strive to achieve great things in this World Cup.

Asia:

1. Qatar

The hosts which have automatically qualified for the World Cup. This will be their first-ever World Cup, and will be looking to salvage something out of it.

2. Iran

The Iran team looks good on paper. This is their 6th World Cup, and they will be bringing the fight to everyone.

3. Japan

The Japanese have a good squad. And are very well-rounded. They will be hoping to achieve great things in this year’s World Cup.

4. South Korea

This will be their 11th World Cup. Which is the highest amongst Asian teams. The South Korean team lead by Heung Min Son, is a strong outfit and can surprise anyone.

5. Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabians will look to give their supporters a World Cup to be cherished. They will be striving for a strong finish.

The two teams from Oceania, which are Australia and New Zealand, also have a chance at qualifying for the World Cup. Which will be decided in June.

Also Read: Barcelona vs Cadiz: Match Highlights, Scores And Much More.

Tags Benzema, Football, France, Germany, Lewandowski, Mane, Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo, Suarez, World Cup

Football (Premier League)

Top 10 Cheapest Football Transfers of All Time

Post author By Michael Smith
Post date May 17, 2022
No Comments on Top 10 Cheapest Football Transfers of All Time

The transfer market of football today is dominated by the notion of high-caliber players having astronomical. However, there are times when a superstar player rejects a renewed contract or the undervaluation of a young player by the club, leads to a transfer that would be considered a bargain. These players have proved their bang for their buck. Here, we take a look at the greatest top 10 cheapest football transfers of all time.

10. Andy Robertson – Hull City to Liverpool, 2017 – (£8m)

We start this list with Andy Robertson. The left-back joined the Liverpool side in 2017 on a transfer fee of £8m from Hull City. Initially meant as a back-up for Alberto Moreno, Robertson soon started proving his worth with a man-of-the-match performance against Crystal Palace in his debut match. As luck would have it, the injury of Alberto Moreno further allowed him an increased game time. Later, his partnership later with Trent-Alexander Arnold proved lethal and decisive in the wings for the Liverpool side which complimented their “gegenpressing” style of play. He went on to win the Premier League title, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the EFL Cup with Liverpool making it one of the cheapest yet influential signings in recent years. He places 10th on our list of the top 10 cheapest football transfers of all time.

Robertson as the 10th cheapest transfers of all time — Robertson’s arrival and partnership with Trent Alexander Arnold in the wing-back position proved crucial for Liverpool.

9. Sol Campbell – Tottenham to Arsenal, 2001 – (Free)

Sol Campbell’s transfer to eternal rivals Arsenal, shocked every Spurs fan to their core. The transfer news was so unusually unexpected since Campbell had on previous records mentioned he would never play for Arsenal. His relationship with the Tottenham fans was destroyed beyond repair. He is still considered a ‘Judas’ by some to this day. However, his wish of playing in the UEFA Champions League and along with that winning the Premier League title twice, in hindsight would not bother the defender too much about his betrayal. Sol Campbell’s shock-free transfer allowed the Arsenal team to have solidity in the back, which propelled them with league title wins. He places 9th on our list of top 10 cheapest transfers in football.

Sol campbell places 9th on the top cheapest transfers list — Sol Campbell’s shock transfer from Tottenham to Arsenal did not sit well with the fans, but helped him win trophies.

8. Edwin van der Sar – Fulham to Manchester United, 2005 – (£2m)

At the time, Edvin Van der Sar was 33 when he moved from Fulham to Manchester United. A direct replacement for Roy Carrol, Edwin van der Sar proved to be one of the best Manchester United keepers in history. His record of 1,311 minutes without conceding in the Premier League still stands today. A testament to the quality of the Sir Alex Fergusson era, van der Sar proved every penny for his worth helping the squad with his clean sheets and winning the Premier League 4 times and the UEFA Champions League once. Edwin van der Sar is 8th on our list of bargain buys.

van der sar is 8th — Edwin van der Sar arrived at Manchester United when he was 33 years old and soon cemented his legacy as one of the best keepers to ever play for Manchester United.

7. N’Golo Kante – Caen to Leicester City, 2015 – (£5.6m)

Nobody expected the impact the humble N’Golo Kante would have on the Premier League when he arrived from Caen. Today he is considered the ideal defensive midfield player by pundits and fans alike. His work ethic and box-to-box playstyle are often described as the benchmark for the position. Kante proved to be an invaluable asset for Leicester City in 2015 when they shocked the footballing world and lifted the Premier League title beating the “big 6” of the league. With Leicester, he managed to win the Premier League and was included in the PFA Team of the Year. His career would take off after that, with a transfer to Chelsea in the next season and going on to win the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and even winning the World Cup with France. N’Golo Kante is 7th on our list.

ngolo kante is 7th on our list — An integral part of every squad he has been a part of, N’Golo Kante’s arrival from Caen certainly proved to be a game changer for Leicester CIty.

6. Robin van Persie – Feyenoord to Arsenal, 2004 – (£2.75m)

“The Flying Dutchman” Robin Van Persie, moved to Arsenal in 2004 for just £2.75m. Arsenal were looking for somebody to replace the legendary Denis Bergkamp and they tried to transfer van Persie in 2003. However the clubs could not come to a proper resolution. Nonetheless, next season Arsenal did manage to nab him for almost half the original price of £5m. Robin van Persie had some big shoes to fill and he did deliver. He went on to become one of the prolific strikers in the Premier League. Even though he only managed to lift the FA Cup and FA Community Shield at Arsenal, his contribution to the club and the league in general cannot be overlooked. Robin van Persie set a bar for the other strikers who would later replace him. Considering his impact and the cheap price tag, Robin van Persie is 6th on our list.

The flying dutchman flies into 6th place — Robin van Persie’s arrival in the Premier League saw him become one of the most prolific strikers in the world.

5. Patrick Vieira – AC Milan to Arsenal, 1996 – (£3.5m)

Patrick Viera is regarded as one of the best midfield players to grace his generation. He was recently inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame and is considered as one of the greatest Arsenal players of the generation. Viera was unable to secure a starting spot in the AC Milan team, which led to his departure and Arsenal picking him up for a meagre value of £3.5m. Patrick Viera went on to cement his legacy in Arsenal, eventually being captain of the team, part of the 2003-04 “Invincibles” and winning the Premier League title 3 times. A bargain buy to say the least. With the accomplishments in tow, his transfer from Milan to Arsenal places him 5th on our list of top 10 cheapest football transfers of all time.

Viera is the 5th cheapest transfers list — Patrick Viera guided Arsenal to countless victories and is a bonafide club legend.

4. Alessandro Del Piero – Padova to Juventus, 1993 – (£421,000)

Alessandro Del Piero is certainly one of the greatest players of Juventus. Having joined Padova for only £421,000, he became one of the leaders behind the success of Juventus. Del Pierro spent 19 years at the club. Making a record 705 appearances and also holds the record for being all time leading goal scorer with 290 goals to his name. The impact of Del Pierro cannot be overstated. The fact that Juventus were able to win the Serie A league 6 times, Supercoppa Italiana 4 times, and were a UEFA Champions League winner in 1995-96 is a testament.

His loyalty to the club was another matter of importance. It was tested when the Juventus side was relegated to Serie B. Notable players like Patrick Vieira, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Fabio Cannavaro left the club. However, Del Pierro did not choose to abandon the “Old Lady” and bought the club back in Serie A in the next season. Considering his contributions to the success of the club, Alessandro Del Pierro has been one of the Juventus greats. He places 4th on our list as one of the top 10 cheapest transfers in football history.

Del pierro is 4th on our list — Alessandro Del Pierro spent 19 years with Juventus through thick and thin, winning numerous trophies and is a club legend to say the least.

3. Raul – Atletico Madrid to Real Madrid, 1992 – (Free)

Raul left the youth academy of Atletico Madrid on a free transfer in 1992. It was due to Atletico Madrid closing their youth academy to cut costs. The decision proved costly, as Raul went on to become one of the most prolific strikers in the world. He also joined Atletico’s derby rivals Real Madrid. He was promoted to the senior team in 1994 and the rest is history. With Real Madrid, Raul won the La Liga 6 times and the UEFA Champions League 3 times. With 323 goals he is also the club’s record second all-time goal scorer. Raul places 3rd on our list of top 10 cheapest transfers in football history.

Raul is one of the great galacticos — Raul will go down in history as one of the great Real Madrid players.

Also Read: List of Top Footballers Who Wore Number 10

2. Robert Lewandowski – Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich, 2014 – (Free)

Robert Lewandowski is another player on our list who joined the rival club for a record bargain. In 2014, after a career-defining and trophy-winning stint at Dortmund, Lewandowski joined the Bayern Munich side on a free transfer. The move came as a surprise and shock to many Dortmund fans. However, the move to Bayern Munich helped him solidify his place as one of the best pure strikers in the game today. Having won the Bundesliga 7 times and a UEFA Champions League winner, Robert Lewandowski’s transfer was certainly a good business for both parties involved. His success and contributions in the team land him the 2nd spot on our list of top 10 cheapest transfers.

Lewandowski's transfer was a good business — Robert Lewandowski proved to be a lethal addition to the Bayern Munich side and integral part of their Champions League winning run.

1. Eric Cantona – Leeds United to Manchester United, 1996 – (£1.2m)

Finally, Eric Cantona’s transfer from Leeds United was certainly met with hostile reactions from the Leeds fans. After a strenuous relationship with the team and coaching staff at Leeds, his transfer to Manchester United was seen as a good business for Leeds United. However, his arrival at Manchester United coupled with his volatile and aggressive behavior on the pitch propelled his infamy to greater heights. Fans soon took a liking to him due to his confrontational nature and domineering style of play. He went on to win the Premier League title with Manchester United for 4 times. Further, cemented his legacy as one of the greats to ever lace-up boots for Manchester United. Eric Cantona’s impact in the footballing world and the club after the transfer from Leeds places him at the top of the list of top bargain buys.

Also Read: Real Madrid is not ready to pay €150 Million for Declan Rice

Tags Arsenal, Football, Lewandowski, Manchester United, Real Madrid