10 Football Opinions You Would Never Say 3 Years Ago

In 2011, Robin Van Persie was on the verge of being an Arsenal hero, Andrea Pirlo getting booted from AC Milan in what seemed to be the end of his career, Sir Alex Ferguson looked like he was going to manage Manchester United for another 20 years, and Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber were just another of those 'innocent child stars'.

Three years later, how wrong were all of those were? I would have looked like an idiot if I stood by with my opinions I made 3 years ago. Then there are these 10 opinions in the present that would have sound ludicrous in 2011. Imagine back then you heard this come out from someone:

1. Iker Casillas spot for Spain in 2014 World Cup is under threat.

Fig 1. Iker Casillas in his seat

Captain of La Roja's successful Euro and World Cup campaigns, the legend only 32 years of age, is sweating over his place at the next World Cup in Brazil.

He's not even playing for his club besides Copa del Rey and Champions League ties, and that could harm his confidence. No disrespect to Diego Lopez, he's done brilliantly as well in the net. With Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes on the verge of breaking the understudy status, Santo Iker will have to make way.

2. Jordan Henderson over Jack Wilshere and Tom Cleverley any day.

Fig 2. Jordan Henderson with Liverpool 

3 years ago, we would have thought Jack and Tom would be the future of England, while Jordan Henderson would be another overpriced young English midfielder back in 2011 when he moved to Liverpool for 20M. 3 years later, he's a mainstay in the Reds XI with Captain Steven Gerrard having the best season of his career so far.

Jack Wilshere hasn't developed as well as expected, while Cleverley has probably 'declined' to an extent even his own clubs fans are amazed how he's still getting picked with the form he is in. If these 2 players are picked ahead of Jordan for England's World Cup squad, plenty of critics will be heard for Hodgson.

3. Manchester United is going to finish outside the top 6.

Fig 3. Moyes Haters get creative

United are having a wreck of a season. Even if Sir Alex handed David Moyes a squad that was failing, certainly no one expected a campaign as bad as this. The team are filled with seasoned champions, yet they just can't seem to win more than 3 games on the bounce.

As a United fan myself, I must admit that Moyes' handling of the club has been atrocious this season, and it is fine to admit flaws in things you care about so much. But how most of his decision makings always seems to obviously disappoint. He needs to change his mindset, otherwise he goes.

4. Daniel Sturridge is a gifted goalscorer.

Fig 4. One of Daniel's signature choreography

Well, I always thought Sturridge is a #BEAST of a striker, I'm just surprised why Chelsea never gave him a fair chance and always played him wide and out of position. They rather spend 50M on a morale-ridden Fernando Torres than give him a start up front. To be fair, he always seemed selfish on the pitch, deciding to shoot rather than pass, and looked low on confidence.

However 3 years and a 13.5M Liverpool move later, things have changed. As of writing this post, he's second in the goalscoring charts only behind teammate Luis Suarez - who is having the best football he's ever shown. Would be a definite surprise if he was not to be included in the World Cup squad for England.

5. Pep Guardiola is nothing without his Barcelona team.

Fig 5. Pep predicting the number of goals Bayern will score in a game - 11?

The media and those peoples who consider themselves "experts" did not acknowledge Guardiola's influence on Barcelona too much during his tenure at Nou Camp where the Catalans basically destroyed every single team in sight and were the team everyone was afraid of. Most said he was lucky because he already had the best players in the world anyway so it would be easy for him and of course, Lionel Messi.

And then he moved on to Bayern Munich. Sure, he's taking over a team who won the Treble the proceeding year, so it was a big challenge to emulate - or even surpass - the previous team Jupp Heynckes built. And he has with some style. He's wrapped up the Bundesliga in March, unbeaten, and are front runners to defend their Champions League trophy. Barcelona? Well, they aren't as dominant post-Pep era. Next challenge - take a neigh-average club and turning them into world beaters in a season.

6. Massimo Moratti will be looking to sell his club.

Fig 6. Erick Thohir (left) and Massimo Moratti.

Ex-Internazionale owner, Moratti was always connected to the name of the club. He loved this club. Everything he did since he took over in 1995 was in the best interest of the Milan-based team. Under his presidency, Inter has won numerous titles, including 5 Scudettos and 1 Champions League medal.

18 years later, he has sold most of the club to an Indonesian businessman, Erick Thohir, and stepped down from his presidency. 3 years ago, you would have never thought of Inter Milan without the eccentric Moratti. Yet again, if Jordan Henderson could change, so can Inter Milan.

7. AC Milan is a club in crisis.

Fig 7. Silvio Berlusconi

Back in 2011, you would never see AC Milan being in mid-table 3 seasons ahead. A team with so much history, so much glory in past players, now suffering underachieving status. AC Milan, as we know it, is having an even worse season than what Manchester United is suffering.

Most of the blame must be down to owner and President, Silvio Berlusconi, has his focus divided with personal political ventures, and his love for young women. Rossoneri will hopefully improve next season, though. With a core players of Kaka, Balotelli, Montolivo, and El Sharaawy should be enough for the club to bounce back in campaigns to come.

8. Arsene Wenger is spending his money.

Fig 8. Arsene getting a bit angry

Le Monsieur was tight with his budget. Not because the club was in need of money, he just didn't feel entitled to spend it. He was on a project to develop players from scratch in the space of 5 years to become world beaters. But things have changed when that didn't work out. 

In the past 3 years, Wenger has spend big on players such as Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud, Gervinho, and the biggest of them all, German playmaker Mesut Ozil. Sure, they haven't won anything yet, but for the last 9 years, they haven't gone without trying, and this year might be different. If they still don't win a trophy, the Arsenal manager would not hesitate in buying again.

9. Seamus Coleman is the best right back in the league.

Fig 9. Seamus Coleman giving away kisses

This is highly debatable now, but you can't say that this season he has been one of the better performing right-backs this season, challenging Glen Johnson and Pablo Zabaleta in a best right-back category. This Irish wing-back 2 years ago couldn't even get into his national team Euro squad, and now he's giving Leighton Baines a run for his money in who's the better fullback in the team.

If I said that Coleman was the best right back in 2011, I would probably get a lot of "who's Coleman?" responses. But look at him now. He's getting forward, defending well, providing, and chipping in a few goals as well to his repertoire. Seamus has come a long way since his Sligo Rovers days.

10. It is gonna be their year.

Fig 10. PFA Player of the Year-bound Luis Suarez

It has been a running gag for about a decade, but it seems to me that this year may well be Liverpool's year. The scene is set perfectly for them to be a fairytale season. A World Cup year, captain Stevie G has won all but one trophy that he has craved for so long. Main striker Luis Suarez missed 8 opening fixtures but he's now the league's top scorer, and partner Daniel Sturridge is helping out well. Not to mention boy wonder Raheem Sterling showing why he's old enough to be a father of three and be a regular for a Premier League team. Not to mention rivals Man United having a stinker of a campaign.

Its April and with 7 games to go, they are on top of the table as of this post. Sure, Chelsea and Manchester City are not going to give up, but the only thing that can hurt a United fan the most this season is to see Liverpool lifting that trophy in May. That enough would be enough motivation for Reds to go on and win it.

2013 January Transfer round-up: Conversation Style

I made a similar version of it 2 years ago. I had fun writing it last time, I just wanted to do it again. I didnt do one last year because there weren't many transfers going on last January.

I'm not really good at intros, but here is a round up of the biggest transfers this January in a conversation style.

Demba Ba (from Newcastle) £7M to Chelsea

Newcastle fan: "How could you?? I mean, how could Newcastle let their star striker go... AGAIN?"

Chelsea fan: "Finally!! A striker that can actually score goals..."

Neutral: "Aren't you forgetting Sturridge is pretty decent?"

Chelsea fan: "If he passed the ball more often now and again, then yeah. But I'd rather see him leave."

Daniel Sturridge (from Chelsea) £13.5M to Liverpool

Chelsea fan: "HAH. A young English player signs for Liverpool with an overpriced fee. How new."

Neutral: "I actually think he might be one of the few ones in the last few years that may succeed at Anfield."

Liverpool fan: "Of course he will! With Suarez, Sturridge, and Borini up front, and Sterling being more experienced... Next year will definitely be ours!"

Neutral: "Here we go again..."

Bebe (from Manchester United) loan to Rio Ave

United fan: "Wait... he still plays for us?"

Neutral: " Well not anymore... he just scored on his debut for Rio Ave. Ain't that something you don't see everyday?"

United fan: "Hey, flop or not, at least he has more Premier League medals than Gerrard does lol."

Maroune Chamakh (from Arsenal) loan to West Ham

West Ham fan: "Oh God, why us?? We have Carroll and Chamakh in the same team. Can't get any worse than that..."

Neutral: "Oh you just wait and see who's coming in now."

Joe Cole (from Liverpool) free to West Ham

West Ham fan: "Really? He surely has already past his best. What is Big Sam doing?"

Neutral: "Cheer up, lad. I actually think him coming back to Hammers could spark better form. At least you didn't get Downing."

West Ham fan: "Let's hope so. He's better than Downing I guess."

Ezekiel Fryers (from Standard Liege) £6M to Spurs

United fan: "Wait, I thought he moved there last summer?"

Spurs fan: "No he didn't he moved to Liege instead. He's homesick now so we offered him a trip back. Besides, we're lacking at left-back anyways."

Lewis Holtby (from Schalke) free to Spurs. Set to join in July.

Neutral: "I certainly did not see this one coming. Getting someone like him on a free?? His name had Everton or Arsenal written all over him. What a bargain."

Spurs fan: "I can't believe it myself. But aren't we crowded in midfield now anyway?"

Neutral: "I'm sure he's better than Livermore, Parker, Huddlestone, Sandro anyway. If you got him like immediately, St. Totteringhams Day won't happen this year."

Spurs fan: "Haha, I do hope it won't happen this year. We are doing great, but i reckon Holtby would definitely improve this squad. Can't wait to July."

Giuseppe Rossi (from Villarreal) €10M to Fiorentina

Neutral: "Isn't he still injured?"

Fiorentina fan: "Yeah, he is. A big gamble for someone who hasn't played any football for over a year."

Neutral: "When was his last game?"

Fiorentina fan: "More than a year I suppose? Italy could really used his help in the last Euros you know. I'm not sure he'll be as good as before his injury woes. But here's me crossing my fingers for good luck."

Alexandre Pato (from AC Milan) €15M to Corinthians

Milan fan: "It was probably best for everyone. Hate to see a great talent go to waste because of injuries galore. And when he was fit, he always look like a shadow of his past self."

Neutral: "I know, but aren't they going to find a new striker to replace him?"

Milan fan: "I'm not sure, we'll see at the end of the transfer window."

Mathieu Debuchy (from Lille), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (from Montpellier), Yoann Gouffran (from Bordeaux), Massadio Haidara (from Nancy), and Moussa Sissoko (from Toulouse) combined fee of £18M to Newcastle.

Neutral: "Holy shhht those are a lot of players from France. Has Alan Pardew taken advice from Arsene Wenger or some sort?"

Newcastle fan: "They are actually good players. Debuchy played for France in the Euros, Yanga-Mbiwa won Ligue 1 last year, and Gouffran & Sissoko are monsters on FM so I'm quite familiar. Not really sure of Haidara though, never seen him play."

Neutral: "Yeah but why French players??"

Newcastle fan: "Because we can? We still got some of that Carroll money. And buy the way, turns out selling Carroll was the best thing Mike Ashley has done financially. I've eaten my words from 2 years back."

Neutral: "But aren't you disappointed you didn't sign Loic Remy?"

Loic Remy (from Marseille) £8M to QPR

Newcastle fan: "Yeah, I'm generally let down by it. But Gouffran isn't that bad either. Jonas & Ben Arfa coming back in, Sissoko, Cabaye and Tiote in the middle... I just hope our fortunes become better."

Yann M'Vila (from Rennes) £9.6M to Rubin Kazan

Neutral: "Just 6 months ago, he was chased by Arsenal and Spurs to name a few. Now he left Rennes as an outcast for his behavior outside the club."

Arsenal fan: "Yeah, turns out he isn't much of a professional and actually I'm glad he didn't sign for us last summer. Monsieur Arsene certainly knows best."

Nuri Sahin (from Real Madrid) back from Liverpool, loan to Dortmund

Liverpool fan: "Thank God he's out. Barely even looked like any of the hype around him 2 years ago."
Madrid fan: "I know, how could a player like him be behind a team with Shelvey and Henderson is beyond me."
Neutral: "Well at least now Dortmund has their star player back for free after selling for a ton load of money. That's business right there."

Wesley Sneijder (from Inter) €7.5M to Galatarasay

Liverpool fan: "Really?? Rather than playing in the BPL, he picks Turkey over us? Must be the money."

Neutral: "Why are you so delusional? Gala is still in the Champions League, top of the Turkish league, and if you're talking about fans of the club, they have a better local fanbase than they have at Anfield. It's not always about the money."

United fan: "Really? Tell him that 2 years ago..."

Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba (both Shanghai Shenhua) loan to Juventus and free to Galatasary, respectively

Chelsea fan: "What? They got bored in China?"

Neutral: "I guess. Despite having Drogba and Anelka up front, they only managed a mid-table finish in an obscure Chinese League."

Chelsea fan: "Really? I can see why they left now."

Juventus fan: "Besides, we at least have a better striker up front now."

Neutral: "Thats what you said last time with Bendtner... and Matri... and Amauri."

Juventus fan: "You'll see! We're going to win it again!"

Lewis Holtby (from Schalke) £1.5M to Spurs, immediate permanent.

Neutral: "Getting for free for next season is already amazing... but getting him now? With 5% of what Andy Carroll cost is amazing business!"

Spurs fan: "Well, we had to do it with Sandro out for the season. But I can't stress out how important for Spurs to get a striker now than another midfielder. We're more packed than the Gooners in midfield..."

Neutral: "Don't worry. You'll secure 4th place now this time above Arsenal lol."

Emmanuel Frimpong (from Arsenal) loan to Fulham

Neutral: "I seriously have no opinion on this loan deal. So let's LEAVE IT YEAAAAH."

Arsenal fan: "Dude, that was not Dench at all..."

Neutral: "... I'll get my coat. Where's the cab?"

Diego Lopez (from Sevilla) €3.5M to Real Madrid

Madrid fan: "Phew... so relieved at least when Casillas is injured, we have someone more than capable to step in his gloves."

Neutral: "Agreed. And Lopez being a Castilla trainee and Casillas' understudy for years puts a little more incentive to it, don't you think?"

Madrid fan: "Of course it does. It's a shame Adan won't get a look in to the team anymore with this signing."

Cristian Zaccardo (from Parma) and Djamel Mesbah (from AC Milan) swap deal

Milan fan: "Zaccardo being a World Cup winner and all is pretty good. But we need a striker for Christ sake."

Mario Balotelli (from Man City) €20M to AC Milan

Milan fan: "Much better. Now we have someone to play El Shaarawy with, we will be back in the top 3 in no time."
Neutral: "Aren't you even a little bit worried with Balotelli's attitude though? He does have quite a reputation."
City fan: "Yeah, even I'm happy he's gone. Only 1 goal this season for a player who shone at the Euro's is really disappointing."
Milan fan: "#YOLO"

Vegard Forren (from Molde) £4M to Southampton

Liverpool fan: "What? he was having a trial at Liverpool! And he left us just like that?"

United fan: "Hah! You know he was advised to move to Southampton rather than Liverpool by his manager back at Molde?"

Neutral: "Oh yeah? Whose the manager?"

United fan: "Just the one and only Ole Gunnar Solksjaer! Forren made the wise choice hahaha"

Liverpool fan: "I hate him so much right now..."

Federico Macheda (from Manchester United) loan to Stuttgart

Neutral: "Gosh, what happened to him?"

United fan: "He went on loan to a few clubs but they always sacked their manager afterwards and he was always out of favor with his newer managers. When he came back to United, he always managed to put in a great pre-season but with an attack line-up United has, it's impossible to get a look in."

Neutral: "Well, are you happy with this loan deal?"

United fan: "I'm not sure. I mean it's good he has a better chance of first team football, but it's sad to see another talent wasted."

Phillipe Coutinho (from Inter) £8M to Liverpool

Liverpool fan: "See! With Gerrard, Suarez, Sterling, Sturridge, and now him... I know it's too late for a push this year, but next year will definitely be our year!!"
Neutral: "Enough! We know he's good. But the thing here is that they sold 2 of their most creative players this window and in no sign of replacing them. And didn't Stramaccioni he wanted to focus on youngsters?"
Inter fan: "He did. And Coutinho is like the one of our best young players. I think it's not a good move from Inter's POV. But yeah, he didn't get enough game time, so I can see why he left."

Yun Suk-Young (from Chunma Dragons) undisclosed fee to QPR

Neutral: "... I'm sorry, who?"

Chris Samba (from Anzhi) £12.5M to QPR

Neutral: "Well I know him! With Ryan Nelsen leaving to coach in the MLS, having a way better defender is definitely going to help Harry's side. He is definitely what Harry would say, 'a top, top, t'riffic player' in Samba."

Jack Butland (from Birmingham) £3.75M to Stoke, loaned back until the end of the season.

Neutral: "Did you know that Birmingham's goalkeeping coach said he was the best goalkeeper he has ever worked with?"
Chelsea fan: "What does that imply?"
Neutral: "He has worked with Joe Hart AND Ben Foster in the past. And by saying Butland's better than both of them is quite a compliment. He will challenge Joe Hart for the England spot for years to come."

Chelsea fan: "He could've moved to us when he had the chance. We offered him earlier!"
Neutral: "Dude, you got Cech. You also got that Belgian kid on loan at Atletico. Butland is smarter than that..."

Heurelho Gomes (from Spurs) loan to Hoffenheim

Neutral: "Wait... he's still with Spurs?"
Spurs fan: "Well now he isn't."
Neutral: "What was he like... fourth choice in goal all season? That's just sad for him. He isn't THAT bad..."
Spurs fan: "He isn't! He's just unlucky. But we won't miss him THAT much."

Ezequiel Schelotto (from Atalanta) €3M to Inter

Inter fan: "Well, not someone you would expect to replace Sneijder and Coutinho though. I mean he did last year, but not so good this season."
Neutral: "At least you got him on the cheap, yes?"
Inter fan: "I guess. We're only 6 points off of Juve, I just hope this Schelotto dude to be a bargain. and help us catch them."

Nacho Monreal (from Malaga) £9M to Arsenal

Neutral: "Why do I have a sudden craving of Doritos?"
Arsenal fan: "I'm happy at least Wenger DIPPED in the transfer window."
Neutral: "That is horrible. At least you couldve made a Nacho Libre reference instead?"
Arsenal fan: "Sorry... just stoked that we don't need to see Andre Santos at left back again!"
Neutral: "I forgot to ask you, what actually IS Andre Santos' best position?"
Arsenal fan: "He is best LBH?"
Neutral: "LBH?"
Arsenal fan: "Yep. Left-Back-Home"
Neutral: "That's a better joke lol"

David Beckham (from Los Angeles Galaxy) free to PSG

(saved the biggest transfer for the last :D)

United fan: "Man, we wanted him to go back to England. And it didn't have to be Manchester United though."
Neutral: "Tbf, he was more interested in the city he'll be moving to. He's lived in Madrid, LA, Milan, and trained every winter in London. Of course Paris was going to be his new club."
United fan: "Yeah, I just hope he kicks Barton's ass back in France and all the money he gets will be worth it."
Neutral: "But all of his wages are going to charity. Did you not know that?"
United fan: "Really? What a gentleman. Rarely we see these days a good looking man with a good heart as well."

End. Finally, those were the transfers that mattered to me the most. Imagine what would happen if Odemwingie and Diame actually moved. Which of these conversations were the most interesting?

My Barclays Premier League Awards

Its the end of the 2010/2011 season where Manchester United won their record 19th trophy to beat Liverpool's record of 18. We also witnessed a relegation battle that went down until the last minute to determine who would go down. A great season overall where nothing could be predicted.

This post is to give out mentions to people who deserved the recognition because face it, the awards given by the PFA and the FWA were a bit lousy to give "Player of the Year" awards to sicknote Gareth Bale and relegated Scott Parker. Good thing Barclays themselves gave the award to someone who deserved it, Nemanja Vidic. Here are "MY" notable mentions:

Player of the Year: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

Manager of the Year: Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)

Young Player of the Year: Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Best Transfer Signings:

5. Asamoah Gyan (Rennes to Sunderland) £13M

4. David Silva (Valencia to Manchester City) £25M

3. Luis Suarez (Ajax to Liverpool) £27M

2. Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid to Tottenham) £8M

1. Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara to Manchester United) £7M

Worst Transfer Signings:

5. Paul Konchesky (Fulham to Liverpool) £3.5M

4. Christian Poulsen (Juventus to Liverpool) £4.5M

3. Sebastian Squillaci (Sevilla to Arsenal) £5M

2. Fernando Torres (Liverpool to Chelsea) £50M

1. Bebe (Vitoria Guimaraes to Manchester United) £8M

 Best Loan Signings:

5. Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland from Manchester City)

4. Tom Cleverley (Wigan from Manchester United)

3. Danny Welbeck (Sunderland from Manchester United)

2. Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan from Bolton)

1. Daniel Sturridge (Bolton from Chelsea)

Worst Loan Signings:

5. Michael Bradley (Aston Villa from Moenchengladbach)

4. Aliaksander Hleb (Birmingham from Barcelona)

3. Wayne Bridge (West Ham from Manchester City)

2. Robbie Keane (West Ham from Tottenham)

1. Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn from Manchester City)

PFA Team of the Year:

Goalkeeper: Edwin Van der Sar (Manchester United)

Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Nani (Manchester United), Jack Wilshere, Samir Nasri (both Arsenal), Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

Strikers: Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United)

My Non-PFA Team of the Year:

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Bolton), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Leighton Baines (Everton)

Midfielders: Rafael Van der Vaart (Tottenham), David Silva (Manchester City), Luka Modric (Tottenham), Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

Strikers: Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Darren Bent (Aston Villa)

Top Goalscorer: Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United) & Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) - 21

Most Assists: Nani (Manchester United) - 18

Champions: Manchester United

Relegated: Birmingham City, Blackpool, West Ham United

Champions League Qualifiers: Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal (Playoff)

Europa League Qualifiers: Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City (FA Cup Runners-up), Birmingham City (Carling Cup Winners)