Friday, July 22, 2011

INFTH Top 100: Numbers 13 and 14

http://thisisfutbol.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Alexis-Sanchez.jpg14. Alexis Sanchez- How appropriate, that Sanchez's name should come up right after completing his move to Barcelona. Yes, following a two month long saga that involved Napoli, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona, Alexis Sanchez has finally officially transferred to the European Champions.

In the wake of a season like the one he enjoyed last year, it's no surprise that Sanchez is one of the most wanted player in Europe- alongside Antonio Di Natale, the Chilean formed perhaps the most potent strike force in all of Serie A.

Sanchez's speed, strength and trickery are all reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo, though of course, he still has someway to go in terms of goalscoring. Twelve goals last season isn't a bad total, but Pep Guardiola and the rest of Barcelona will expect him to find the net more often next year.

Sanchez has the potential to be a brilliant signing for Barcelona, he will offer them a plan B- another option in attack, when tiki-taka fails them.

13. Edwin Van Der Sar- What more can you say about this guy? An absolute legend of the game, Van Der Sar was by far the best goalkeeper in the World last season, and that at the ripe old age of forty.

http://www.themanchesterunited.com/userfiles/2011/1/28/images/Edwin%20Van%20der%20Sar%27s%20retirement%20puts%20Manchester%20United%27s%20spotlight%20on%20Manuel%20Neuer%20and%20Maarten%20Stekelenburg.jpgAfter a magnificent career however, Van Der Sar has chosen to call time on his playing days, looking to spend more time with his family. There is no doubt that the big Dutchman could have played on for at least another year, he was as agile as ever last season, showing all the athleticism of youth, to go with the experience of old age.

A horrible mistake early in the season  raised questions about his capabilities as United's number one, but Van Der Sar soon proved all his doubters wrong, putting in consistently good performances from then on.

The game will be worse for the retirement of Edwin Van Der Sar, he was always a model professional, a terrific player, and a fine ambassador of the game. Next season, he will watch as youngster David De Gea steps into his boots, and will take note of, perhaps with satisfaction, at how large those boots turn out to be.

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