Andy Goldstein
03 July 2008 - 18:06
by Andy Goldstein
It’s always really gut-wrenching when you see a golden generation fulfill their potential. Simply because it is similar to our golden generation going into 2002 World Cup. The only difference is Spain won something.
Overall though I really enjoyed Euro 2008. There was a big debate down my local on whether it is better to watch the championships without England being in it and i can see both sides to that coin. I could enjoy watching games with Italy or France for example, because i wasn’t worried about us meeting them in the next round. I could watch a game for the pure enjoyment of it.
“They worked very well as a unit.”
I am really glad that Spain won the whole tournament. Not just because they beat Germany but because for years they have been massive underachievers. They have a very exciting generation of players at the moment, Silva, Iniesta, Fabregas and Ramos - all great to watch and they will have a great chance of winning the World Cup come 2010.
Torres always impresses me, I think he must have put another £20 million on his price tag. It was a shame his strike partner David Villa missed the final because he looked very sharp. The thing that impressed me most about Spain is that they played well as a unit. I know we talk about it a lot but they didn’t have the best eleven men in the tournament but the blend of youth and experience coupled with their system worked perfectly.
“It is the end of an era for France and Germany”
Spain have a great young generation of players. I think you have to look at France and Italy as squads that are reaching the end of an era. Thierry Henry and company for France have had their day and France need to develop their youngsters. The sides that France and Germany put out at the World Cup will be new generation of players, and they are some big boots to fill in those teams.
“Ronaldo will definitely stay”
Call me biased or thinking with my heart over my head but i definitely think Cristiano Ronaldo will be at Old Trafford next season. I think it might be one of those maneuvers by his agent to get Ronaldo a bigger pay packet. I am positive he will be playing in the Premier League next year.
“Berbatov reminds me of King Eric”
There is also a lot of paper talk linking Dimitar Berbatov with a move to Manchester United. I think this would be great signing. He reminds of Teddy Sheringham and Eric Cantona. He isn’t very quick as Eric or Teddy weren’t but he has a great football brain. He could be that player that replaces Paul Scholes when he hangs up his boots. He can add that little bit of quality and inspiration to a side. And I think Wayne Rooney would learn a lot from Berba.
Looking at some other transfers and possible transfers i think Deco is a strange acquisition. There is no doubt Deco is a creative force but at thirty years old and for £8 million i am not sure that is great business. I know i would rather have the money. To be honest I would be very cautious buying Deco, Ronaldinho or Samuel Eto’o because Barcelona obviously feel they are past their best. It will be interesting to see where they end up.
“I can see Keane and Barry at Liverpool”
Gareth Barry is a cracking player and i think Robbie Keane will join him at Liverpool. It is a lot of money for Barry but i think he is worth it. These two signings would make Liverpool a real force next season. Sorry United fans, trust me, it pains me to say it.
When Robbie was leaving Inter Milan i was desperate for United to sign him. Who am i to criticise Sir Alex but he famously said if he signed Keane he wouldn’t be a regular in the United side. But i think he would have been fantastic at Old Trafford.
Liverpool is a big draw for Keane. He is a boyhood Liverpool fan and he is what i would call a natural or old school number seven. And for him to follow in the footsteps of Kenny Dalglish will be very difficult to turn down. What i can definitely say is it will be a very exciting build up to the season, only time will tell...