Posts Tagged ‘Man Utd’

It is almost the same old….. same old…..in the Premier League this season, but with one notable exception missing from the top four so far. That team is obviously Liverpool, but they are hanging in there in fifth spot and have Spurs and Arsenal in 4th and 3rd respectively well in their sights.
That said many are saying that the Premier League has already been won this season with no team seemingly capable of catching Chelsea at the top of the table and that the main interest will lieu in the battle immediately behind them.
It has to be said that Chelsea have been ultra consistent so this season where it is becoming unimportant whether they will win or not but more so by how many. They have already netted 36 times this season and conceded a paltry 8, with only 1 goal conceded at Stamford Bridge in 7 matches played.
Much of this improvement has to be down to new boss, Carlos Ancelotti who has picked up the baton handed to him by Guus Hiddinck and has improved the side even more, without it has to be said spending any money this season. Chelsea’s latest results speaks volumes about the form that they are in and why it would be difficult not to back them to regain the Premier League title. It is more than a daunting run and it is why Chelsea get 10/10 for their performances so far this season.
Man Utd winners of the Premier League for the last three seasons and with eleven wins overall are leading the chasing pack, but even they have slipped five points behind with just over a third of the season gone where they have already lost one of their two matches against Chelsea.
Yes it is true that United have lost the invaluable services of the world’s most expensive player, Cristiano Ronaldo and they miss, Carlos Tevez more than they would care to admit to. Nonetheless, they have Wayne Rooney proving himself as one of the great players of modern times but it is his partnership with Dimitar Berbatov that just has not struck gold as yet and they could struggle on all fronts if it completely fails.
United get a 7/10 so far for their efforts this season.
We all know that Arsenal play the prettiest football these days, they have long since moved off their unwelcome nickname ‘Boring Arsenal’ of the past and produce some of the most talked about football anywhere in Europe. However, it is when they come up against the big boys when they are left wanting and their most recent game against Chelsea, where they were crushed 3-0 at home sums up their chances of winning the Premier League for the first time since the 2003/4 season.
Arsenal are also guilty of dropping points against teams that they really should not. The defeat at Sunderland was the latest of these, should they continue then it could be them and not Spurs who will have Liverpool climbing all over them by the end of the season.
Arsenal get 10/10 for entertainment but only 6/10 for the overall improvement.
Perhaps the biggest surprise so far is the progress of Spurs under Harry Redknapp. They have held out in the top four all season so far and will be beginning to think that they can make Champions League qualification for the first time next season.
The ‘Glory Glory’ days are not quite back at White Hart Lane, but they are showing huge improvement since Redknapp took them on. They have an excellent squad of players where very importantly contains several proven goals scorers at this level. They have scored 33 times so far this season, with Jermaine Defoe currently the League’s equal leading scorer so far with a third of them.
Spurs are worth 8/10 for their efforts so far this season.
Liverpool, have had a miserable time of it so far this season. They have struggled for consistency in the League and have already been eliminated from the Champions League. Their two star players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have been in and out of the side due to niggling injuries which has cost the ‘Red’ the foundation for consistency.
Perhaps being knocked out of the Champions League will do them good, at least they can concentrate their efforts in one direction only. They only have two teams to catch to gain a coveted top four spot and we all know how good they can be when the whole team is firing.
They are only worthy of a mark of 5/10 for efforts so far this season.
If the second half of the 2009/10 Premier League season is anywhere near as exciting as the first half then football fans are in for an exciting five months.

Last year’s campaign was one of the most enthralling and competitive seasons for a few years. Man Utd eventually won the title by 6 points with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal making up the top quartet. Will this year be as interesting? My guess is without a doubt, yes. Teams have strengthened again this year but with some real quality signings, not just cheap foreign imports but players with pedigree and potential such as Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Chelsea’s Florent Malouda. This piece will run you through the major players for the coveted title (with a few surprise inclusions) and the teams who may have to fight tooth and nail to stay up.

Manchester United – 5/4

Where better to start than with last seasons Champions. Sir Alex has been relatively busy in the transfer window this year with England midfielder Owen Hargreaves being the major signing. He is a player who will do all the leg work in the team, tracking back and protecting his defenders. This will allow Scholes, Carrick and the more centrally located Giggs to maraud forward and to add to an already impressive attack. Two fairly unknown quantities are the youngsters from Sporting and Porto, Nani and Anderson. These have cost Utd a combined fee somewhere in the region of £25m-£35m, so they must have a lot of potential. Utd assistant Carlos Quiroz will have no doubt watched these players on many occasions to splash out the sorts of figures that have been banded around. They are both attacking midfielders and although they may not be an instant hit, they may warm up to the Premierships fast pace and then take the league by storm ala Cristiano Ronaldo. Overall Man Utd have a huge chance of retaining their title, providing the main two players Rooney and Ronaldo have another relatively injury free campaign. This for me is my main concern. They are by no means a one man band but lets face it, the two R’s made all the difference for Utd last season.

Liverpool – 6/1

It is probably best to start with saying that Liverpool are one of my strong fancies for a good title challenge this season, although 6/1 isn’t massive – it is still a bet that I will be placing. Liverpool have made plenty of signings so far and quality ones at that. We all know Torres’ pedigree and is potentially a special player. He literally carried Althletico Madrid for several seasons, taking the captains armband aged just 19. Ryan Babel is another quality signing. Anyone who saw this lad in the U21’s European Championship knows what he can do, we mustn’t forget that he also has 14 full international caps, netting 4 times. Benayoun and Ukrainian Vornin seem to have settled in well too, especially the latter, he has been named LFC man of the match twice out of his three pre season friendly appearances scoring twice. I think what is more important than the signings is the hunger shown by all of the players. They have been quoted as saying how important the opening weeks of the season are. This is where Liverpool have slipped up recently. The Premiership cannot be won in the first 10 fixtures but it can be lost. In summary – Liverpool are a good bet at better odds than Man Utd and Chelsea, with for me – similar potential.

Chelsea – 13/8

Jose Mourinho is never one to shy away from the media spotlight, even when the team is in L.A on their pre season tour he still manages to put his two penneth in. He recently said that all of the pressure is on Man Utd and Liverpool this season as they have been the “spending clubs”. While this may be true I do not whole heartedly agree. Chelsea have the reputation of being up there with the “world’s elite” and rightly so – after winning back to back League titles, but last season they lost their title and got knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage yet again. Make no mistake they are under pressure too. The addition of Frenchman Florent Malouda will certainly help their cause, especially if Robben does leave “the bridge”. Ex Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell has also been added to the squad, although I fail to see where he will fit in with Lampard, Ballack, Essien and Makele. Chelsea will be chomping at the bit to regain their title and this is what makes them so dangerous. Obviously they too have an excellent chance of regaining it and it will be up to the rest to stop them.

Arsenal – 9/1

Not many peoples fancy this season, but this can be such a huge advantage for the Gunners. After losing Henry and Ljungberg, many people have written of their chances of winning the league – this can be dangerous. Arsenal will be playing with little pressure this season, they have been quoted as being in a “transitional period” which will only push them on to be stronger and pressure free. Croatian International new boy Da Silva may or may not work out, but one man who will step up and be counted for is Van Persie. He was missing for a lot of the season last year and will be looking to make amends. He will be first choice up front in my opinion and is one for your Fantasy Football teams. The young players at Arsenal had a good shot in the first team last year with all of the injuries – this too is an advantage for the Gunners. Whilst they do have a chance at winning the league, I feel they MAY fall short. The squad is very thin with not too many new signings, an injury to Gilberto or Fabregas could be detrimental to their challenge.

Tottenham – 100/1

Spurs will not win the Premiership this season, BUT they are a cracking bet for “without the big 4” at 11/8. They have a very youthful and skilful squad, the addition of Darren Bent and Gareth Bale will be huge. Spurs’ weakest position for quite a while has been left back. Bale who has gone to Spurs with a big reputation will make this position his own and do very well. Dimitar Berbatov was awesome last year, his first season at Spurs and in the Premiership and he scored 25 goals in all competitions. That is truly outstanding, now he is in his second season you would expect him to be even better. For me, worth a good punt for 5th place betting and if they do make 4th or 3rd which is likely – you will still win.

The relegation battle is often more exciting than the actual title race, we’ve seen plenty of last day survival games recently. Wigan were very lucky not to be relegated to the Championship last season, instead the plucky Sheffield Utd took the drop. It may be different this year, Paul Jewell has now left the JJB and he will be missed more so than if Heskey, Baines and Scharner were all to leave. He has proven in the past he is an excellent manager and you have to wonder whether Chris Hutchings can keep them up. At 5/4 to be relegated you’d have to be mad not to back it. Derby have to be an obvious choice to go back down, I can not see them having the ability or the squad to stay up, however 1/2 is hardly a price to be jumped upon. The final relegation place isn’t so simple. It would have to be a toss up between Fulham (2/1) and Birmingham (5/6), only a minor preference for the former

Signed Photo: Liverpool 2 Man Utd 0
Personally signed by Fernando Torres
This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring Liverpool’s first goal against Manchester United on October 25, 2009. The Merseysiders beat Utd 2-0 as once again El Nino ran United’s defence ragged, leading to a red card for Nemanja Vidic for the second successive game between the two clubs.

Thissuperb shot is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Spanish striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.

The photograph is one of only 50 that were signed by Torres and comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Torres signing the photograph. It would make an incredible Christmas present for any Liverpool fan.
Buy the Fernando Torres Signed Liverpool Photograph Now.

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Goal Against Man Utd

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring the first goal in Liverpool's 4-1 demolition of Manchester United on March 14, 2009.The result, which briefly blew the title race wide open, was one of the highlights of the season for Liverpool fans. The fact that it took place at Old Trafford, where Man Utd had previously been so invulnerable, made the victory even sweeter.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia, which is bound to become a classic image, is 16... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Goal Against Real Madrid

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring the opening goal for Liverpool in their 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid on March 10, 2009.The result, which sent a message across Europe that Liverpool were a force to be reckoned with once again, was one of the highlights of the season for Liverpool fans and set them up for their drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford only days later.It was also particularly sweet for Fernando, thanks to his long-standing association with Real... More

Fernando Torres Signed Spain Shirt

£199.99


This Spain shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on August 7, 2009.The shirt has been embroidered with stitching commemorating Spain's 1-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final. It is one of a limited number of only 35 that were signed. With Torres scoring the winning goal in Euro 2008 this is a highly collectable shirt and one that is likely to increase in... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: First Goal For Liverpool

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres, Liverpool's number nine, celebrating after scoring his first ever goal for the club. This strike was the first of 33 goals that Torres scored during his debut season at Anfield and came against fierce rivals Chelsea in the Premiership clash on August 19, 2007.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia, which has quickly become a classic image, is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session... More

Fernando Torres Signed Liverpool Home Shirt

£199.99


This Liverpool home shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.After two seasons as Liverpool's number nine, El Nino has established himself as a world-class striker and has already become a firm Kop favourite. His understanding with Steven Gerrard is almost telepathic, and many believe that without his injuries last season the Merseysiders would have... More

Fernando Torres Signed Boot

£199.99


This Nike Total Laser Football Boot is the top of the range model as worn by goal machine and Kop idol, Fernando Torres.The boot is one of a limited number of just 60 that were personally signed by Liverpool's number nine at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.The boot comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Fernando signing the boot. The boot can be framed to order.(Please note: each boot is sold... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Liverpool 2 Man Utd 0

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring Liverpool's first goal against Manchester United  on October 25, 2009. The Merseysiders beat Utd 2-0 as once again El Nino ran United's defence ragged, leading to a red card for Nemanja Vidic for the second successive game between the two clubs.Thissuperb shot is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Spanish... More

Fernando Torres Signed Spain World Cup Shirt

£199.99


This Spain shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.It Spain's brand new shirt and the style that the European Champions will wear when they travel to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup finals. Spain are many observers favourites to win the trophy, and Torres is hotly tipped to be the tournament's top scorer.The shirt comes in presentation... More

Signed Manchester United home shirt: 2009-10
Personally signed by Ryan Giggs
This Manchester United home shirt was personally signed by Ryan Giggs in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Man Utd and Wales winger in Manchester on November 19, 2009.

This is Man United’s current jersey and the one in which Ryan continues to add to his record number of appearances for the club. Ryan is a legend at United having won a record 11 Premiership titles and two Champions League winners medals. He is the ultimate one-club man, and a real fans’ favourite.

 The signed United shirt would make a perfect gift for any Man U fan. But now the Ryan Giggs Signed Manchester United Shirt&lt

Ryan Giggs Signed Man Utd Photo: Record Eleventh Premiership

£49.99


This superb print shows Ryan Giggs lifting the Premiership trophy on May 16, 2009, for a record 11th time. Manchester United saw off strong challenges from Chelsea and Liverpool, finally securing the trophy at Old Trafford against Arsenal. In doing so, United won the league title for the 18th time, equalling Liverpool's long-held record.Giggs played a vital role throughout the season, and many observers felt he was the outstanding player in the Premiership over the course of the... More

Ryan Giggs Signed Manchester United Shirt

£179.99


This Manchester United home shirt was personally signed by Ryan Giggs in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Man Utd and Wales winger in Manchester on November 19, 2009.This is Man United's current jersey and the one in which Ryan continues to add to his record number of appearances for the club. Ryan is a legend at United having won a record 11 Premiership titles and two Champions League winners medals. He is the ultimate one-club man, and a real fans&... More

Once again there are three English Clubs in the semi finals of the Champions League and all three have arrived playing some of the best football of their respective seasons. Under normal circumstances, bookmakers would make an English Club winning the Trophy an ‘odds on’ bet, but such is the talent of the Barcelona team, that they are finding it difficult to take them on, therefore, it is the Spaniards who are currently favourites to win the most prestigious trophy in European football.
Barcelona under coach, Josep Guardiola, have been breaking record after record this season. They have become a goal machine, scoring five times or more in nine matches and have broken the La Liga scoring record in the process with stillseveral games remaining in the season. If Guardiola is the inspiration off the pitch, then it is surely the brilliant Argentinian, Lionel Messi, who is the inspiration on it.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United might well be officially the best player in the world, but Messi is for many the unofficial version and will undoubtedly claim the crown from Ronaldo later in the year. Messi controls the tempo of the team and it appears that everything he touches turns to gold, whether it be shooting, passing, dribbling or just space making. There has not been one team this season who has found the answer to controlling him and if one is not found soon, then Barcelona may as well be given the trophy now and none of the remaining English sides will fancy facing him or his team mates, particularly Chelsea who face barca in the Semi Finals.
Chelsea will be the first of the English teams to take on them in the forthcoming semi final. They play the first leg at Nou Camp and Barcelona have already been installed as odds on favourites to win the leg. Chelsea however, under coach Gus Hiddink are a rejuvenated outfit, with a defence that on its day is second to none. They have players of the calibre of Michael Essien, who they will place on Messi in the same way as he was placed to great affect against Steven Gerard of Liverpool in the quarter final first leg at Anfield where they won convincingly 3-1.
If Essien can negate the threat of Messi then Chelsea will be in with a great chance to shock the footballing world, particularly as their key striker, Didier Drogba and key midfielder, Frank Lampard are back to their scoring best.
In the other tie, Manchester United will take on old rivals Arsenal in a two leg all English tie that quite frankly could go either way. United, barring a little glitch last month have been the most consistent and efficient team in the Premier League this season, while Arsenal, who have been injury hit have now got back most of their key players and are on a long run of 19 unbeaten games.
Whatever the outcomes of both matches, it is fair to say that the best four teams in Europe have all justified their presence and all are extremely capable. However, it looks like Barcelona will justify the faith of the Bookmakers and win the trophy for the third time in their history. However, with five fascinating games to go, including the final in Rome on 27th May their are sure to be plenty or twists and turns and excitement for the fans.

After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo by signing winger Gabriel Obertan on a 4-year contract from French champion Bordeaux, Manchester United continued to revamp its attacking options.
Alex Ferguson, united manager had been watching the 20 year old french winger’s development. The words of Alex Ferguson with club’s website – betrepublic are foregrounded:
“We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years.”

The words of Gabriel Obertan:
“I am very happy to join Manchester United. This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do.”
Obertan, who has played for France’s under-21 team, spent the 2nd part of last season on loan to Lorient as he did not figure in Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc’s plans.
Obertan has scored 3 league goals in 55 games for Bordeaux, and 1 goal in 15 appearances for Lorient, although he is considered more of a provider than a scorer and can play on either flank.
For 80 million pounds ($141 million), Ferguson lately sold world player of the year Ronaldo to Real Madrid. Also, as part of his rebuilding, he has signed two wingers namely Obertan and Antonio Valencia from Wigan for 17 million pounds ($30 million).
The most surprising transfer so far this summer is: Alex Ferguson also signed former Liverpool striker Michael Owen from Newcastle United on a free transfer.

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Amid the financial insanity taking place on the east side of Manchester (have you seen the wages these people are getting?), a 29 year-old signed for Manchester United on July 3rd. A 29 year-old Englishman…

A 29 year-old Englishman called Michael Owen.

Did you see that one coming? I definitely didn’t. 8 years ago, as he single-handedly robbed Arsenal of FA Cup glory and helped Liverpool to a cup treble, the thought of him ever joining his Northwest rivals seemed as likely as Prince Harry serving you in McDonalds. Yet, here we are in pre-season and Owen has scored on his debut wearing the number 7 of Manchester United. I’m going to try and delve into the thinking of Sir Alex Ferguson and look at the potential for the ‘Boy Wonder’ in the current United set-up.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sale £80m sale to Real Madrid should have automatically put United onto the frontline in the summer transfer war – especially when you consider that the money was paid in one lump sum up front. However, United seem to be playing a different game this summer, possibly bitten by the poor form of Berbatov after his £30M move last august. Ferguson knows better than anyone that big money doesn’t guarantee success (Is it too cruel to mention Juan Sebastian Veron? Oh dear, too late….) and also knows the benefit of purchasing elder statesman (Cantona, Sheringham, and Larsson). But ‘injury prone’ Michael Owen? Surely a team of United’s stature should be looking above and beyond this type of capture. Surely Owen was destined to join Hull City or perhaps Everton. Surely United would swoop to capture Ribery or Benzema. Evidently not. Scratch at the surface though and it this bizarre piece of business has the potential to be a masterstroke…

It’s no secret that United have built their entire side around Ronaldo for the past three seasons and incredibly for a winger-cum-striker he was never injured. As a result, the rest of the team lived to serve him. His responsibility was huge; Penalties and free kicks were all under his control and he was the ‘go to’ man whenever United needed a winner. Its success was huge, Ronaldo scored 66 league goals as United were crowned Premier League champions 3 seasons running. Away from Ronaldo though, goals were not as plentiful as the Old Trafford faithful have come to expect and a lot of their success was down to their defensive strength and the emergence of Vidic as one of the best centre-backs in the world. However, it was always a case of when, not if, Ronaldo would up-sticks and make the move to Madrid.

Ferguson knows that it is now time for other players to shoulder the responsibility relinquished by Ronaldo and for Owen to benefit from the end product. The fluid formation used to get the best from Ronaldo (it can be argued that Man Utd have played without a striker for at least 2 years) would need to be discarded. Avid Spurs fans will tell you that Berbatov was in his element dropping deep and looking for runners ahead of him. The problem at United last season was that when he dropped deep, he often had the company of his team mates around or behind him – not ahead. The mere presence of Owen on the field suddenly makes Berbatov a more dangerous proposition and gives Owen the type of service he craved at Newcastle United.

Ronaldo’s departure also gives Wayne Rooney the opportunity to step up too. Ronaldo’s stellar form has undoubtedly pushed the great talent of English football to the periphery of the newspaper headlines in the past couple of years, yet seasoned viewers at Old Trafford will tell you of a player who has matured but yet still has that incredibly aggressive spark and a huge talent for the game. It seems Ferguson’s lack of transfer activity could be because he believes he already has the replacements bedded in at Old Trafford and that Michael Owen is there to apply the finishing touch.

So will Owen be a success? Only time will tell, but as a piece of business it looks risk-free and Ferguson knows that at the very least he has players around him desperate to prove themselves good enough. I’m predicting goals galore at Old Trafford this season and fully expect them to be the league’s top scorers in May 2010.

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This week Champions League semifinal matches ended with the outcome as what I have expected but the games were far from boring and predictable. Man Utd and Barcelona will meet in Rome later this month to decide who will be crown with the title of Champion of Europe this season. Both semifinal games were full of drama, suspense and magnificent goals.Here are some of the highlighted of both games.Arsenal lost at home to Man Utd 1-3, Man Utd qualify for final 4-1 on aggregate.After Park Ji Sung scored the first goal, Arsenal found themselves in a more difficult situation. They need to score twice and prevent United from scoring further goal for them to go through to the final. Man Utd have the game firmly in control, taking on Arsenal on the break. By the time Cristiano Ronaldo scored United second goal from a stunning 40-yard free-kick, it was not in any doubt that which team will qualify for the final.Cristiano Ronaldo scored his second goals in the 61st-minute to make it 3-0 for United. The only setback for Man Utd was the sending off of Daren Fletcher after a foul on Ces Frabregas in the penalty box. The referee awarded Arsenal a penalty and send off Fletcher in the process. Robin Van Persi restores some pride to the home team by scoring the penalty. But it proves too little to late for an Arsenal comeback.Chelsea draw with Barcelona 1-1, Barcelona qualify for final on away goals rule (1-1 on aggregate)The second semifinal was full of twist and drama. Chelse was on the brink to qualify for the final for the second successive season. But a strike from Andrea Inesta deep into the injury time knocked Chelsea out of the final in the cruellest of fashions.Chelsea was denied 4-penalty by Norwegian referee, Tom Henning Ovrebro. Chelsea player confronted Tom Ovrebro furiously after the game and look likely to be punished by UEFA for the manner of the confrontation.Michael Essien has given Chelsea the lead on the 9th-minute with a stunning volley. After the sending off of Eric Abidal in the 66 minutes, Chelsea look set to set up a repeat of last year Champions League Final with Man Utd. However, ten-men Barcelona managed to snatch a goal on the 93rd-minute to knock Chelsea out in the cruellest fashions.Barcelona should be given credit for their performance over the two-leg semifinal. In the second game, ten-men Bracelona actually maintained a 71% ball possession compare to Chelsea 29%. Even though Barcelona was fortunate from some of the referee’s decisions, we have to praised their never say die attitude. Chelsea failure to score the all important second goal cost them dearly. Barcelona and Manchester United will meet on May 27 in a much anticipated game of the season. Everyone is looking forward for the battle of supremacy for the best player in the world between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Premiership is the richest league in the world at the moment and for a few years it was where the top players in the world were being attracted to. However with the return or the Galacticos mentality at Real Madrid we appear to be witnessing a shift in power once again, with Spain being the attractive league for most of the top names in world football at the moment. The Premiership teams have dominated the Champions League in recent years with Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal all reaching the later stages of the competition on a regular basis, but it was Barcelona who triumphed over Man Utd this year to take the title and with both Real Madrid and Barcelona continuing to strengthen Spain could be set to restart their domination. The top teams in Europe are always big shirt sellers but as a result of the quality of players moving to the Premiership we had seen a rise in the number of Premiership shirts sold in comparison to other leagues, however his is expected to change due to the number of top names signing for Real Madrid in particular. The signing’s of Benzema, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo alone are huge shirt sellers with Cristiano Ronaldo selling 3000 shirts in the club store in the first two hours. La Liga shirts have already taken a good lead as the Premiership trail behind in the signing of top quality players. There are a number of top players linked with moves to England so there is still a possibility that the Premiership shirts will make a resurgence but at the moment La Liga shirt sales are way out in front. The loss of the Cristiano Ronaldo from the Premiership will in itself make the sales of shirts go down and because of his world record price tag he immediately becomes a fans favorite. His signing has completely overshadowed the signing of Kaka who in comparison to Ronaldo only sold 800 shirts in his first day whilst Ronaldo sold 3000 in the first two hours and the club shop sold out by the end of the day. With more big names expected to arrive in Spain from the Premiership and beyond the number of La Liga shirts that are expected to sell is considerable with supply likely to struggle with the considerable increase in demand. This will be intensified further can follow up their big spending with trophies this season. The most popular La Liga football shirts, other than Real Madrid and Barcelona, depends on which teams qualify for the either the Champions League or the Europa League. Teams that are regular big sellers are the likes Atletico Madrid, Villareal and Valencia . Another aspect of these teams is that they all have top players playing the club, so often the sale of their shirts is not because of their on pitch performance but their star player. As the start of the season fast approaches it is certain that lots of transfer activity has still to come, especially from the Premiership where everything has been quiet so far. At the moment the Spanish La Liga football shirts are far out selling their Premiership rivals but with top names such as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Franck Ribery, Luis Fabiano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all being linked with possible moves to the Premiership then there is a long way to go to see whish countries shirts will be the biggest sellers for this year, but with Real Madrid looking far from finished in their spending then La Liga shirts are certainly the ones leading the way at the moment.

The Premiership is the richest league in the world at the moment and for a few years it was where the top players in the world were being attracted to. However with the return or the Galacticos mentality at Real Madrid we appear to be witnessing a shift in power once again, with Spain being the attractive league for most of the top names in world football at the moment.  The Premiership teams have dominated the Champions League in recent years with Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal all reaching the later stages of the competition on a regular basis, but it was Barcelona who triumphed over Man utd this year to take the title and with both Real Madrid and Barcelona continuing to strengthen Spain could be set to restart their domination.  The top teams in Europe are always big shirt sellers but as a result of the quality of players moving to the Premiership we had seen a rise in the number of Premiership shirts sold in comparison to other leagues, however his is expected to change due to the number of top names signing for Real Madrid in particular. The signing’s of Benzema  Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo alone are huge shirt sellers with Cristiano Ronaldo selling 3000 shirts in the club store in the first two hours.  La Liga football shirts have already taken a good lead as the Premiership trail behind in the signing of top quality players. There are a number of top players linked with moves to England so there is still a possibility that the Premiership shirts will make a resurgence but at the moment La Liga shirt sales are way out in front.  The loss of the Cristiano Ronaldo from the Premiership will in itself make the sales of shirts go down and because of his world record price tag he immediately becomes a fans favorite. His signing has completely overshadowed the signing of Kaka who in comparison to Ronaldo only sold 800 shirts in his first day whilst Ronaldo sold 3000 in the first two hours and the club shop sold out by the end of the day.  With more big names expected to arrive in Spain from the Premiership and beyond the number of La Liga shirts that are expected to sell is considerable with supply likely to struggle with the considerable increase in demand. This will be intensified further can follow up their big spending with trophies this season.  The most popular La Liga football shirts, other than Real Madrid and Barcelona, depends on which teams qualify for the either the Champions League or the Europa League. Teams that are regular big sellers are the likes Atletico Madrid, Villareal and Valencia . Another aspect of these teams is that they all have top players playing the club, so often the sale of their shirts is not because of their on pitch performance but their star player.  As the start of the season fast approaches it is certain that lots of transfer activity has still to come, especially from the Premiership where everything has been quiet so far. At the moment the Spanish La Liga football shirts are far out selling their Premiership rivals but with top names such as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Franck Ribery, Luis Fabiano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all being linked with possible moves to the Premiership then there is a long way to go to see whish countries shirts will be the biggest sellers for this year, but with Real Madrid looking far from finished in their spending then La Liga shirts are certainly the ones leading the way at the moment.

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