INFTH Top 100: Numbers 86 and 85

86. Gokhan Inler- A terrific attacking midfielder, Swiss player Inler was a massive part of Udinese's rise up the standings, and eventual ascent into the Uefa Champions League. Despite not being a convincing goal threat, Inler's creativity in the final third was a crucial part of Udinese's play last season, the midfielder served as the perfect foil for the likes of Di Natale and Sanchez.

From an international stand point, Inler has enjoyed a fairly successful spell for the struggling Swiss national team. Inler scored once for his country during this year's qualifying process, and as all of you know, he was an integral part of the Swiss team which frustrated England on Saturday. Unfortunately though, a point probably won't be enough for Otmar Hitzfeld's team to secure a place in the 2012 showpiece.

The transfer mystery surrounding Gokhan Inler continues to thicken day by day, the Swiss midfielder appeared to be on the brink of signing for Juventus, before Napoli came in with a bid late in the day. Now, Champions League the Azzuri are favorites to secure his services in what would, in my opinion, be an excellent move for Inler.


85. Victor Valdes- Probably the only player in history to have just as many Champions League winners medals as caps for his country, Valdes enjoyed another successful season with FC Barcelona.

Far and away the starting goalkeeper at Barca, it is simply amazing that Valdes remains third string for the Spanish National Team. However, with players like Pepe Reina, David De Gea and Iker Casillas all available for selection, it appears unlikely that Valdes will ever nail down a starting spot for Del Bosque's side.

On the outside, it seems that Valdes has the easiest job in football, keeping goal for a team that never loses possession. However, only a fool would underestimate the concentration levels necessary to play in net for a team like Barca, a lesser goalie would lose alertness and allow rival teams to score on the break. In the Champions League final, Valdes displayed said alertness on a couple of occasions, coming right out to the edge of his box to clear balls which could have spelled trouble for Barca.

As far as next season, I expect little to change for Victor Valdes, he will no doubt start for Barca; but unless Iker Casillas suffers a dramatic loss of form, Valdes will continue to be consigned to the Spanish National Team's bench.


Read David Yaffe-Bellany's work @ EPL Talk and Red Flag Flying High