How Will History Tell One of Football's Greatest Fairytales?

There is a sign often held at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground that reads: Alex Ferguson, the impossible dream. And in many ways it is. 13 league titles, 2 Champions League's 5 FA cups 4 League cups and sheer global dominance, certainly not entirely created by one man, but definitely impossible without him. It's simply unthinkable we'll see another manager in charge of one club for 28 years again, then alone one as significant as United. The stakes are too high now, too much money involved, too many non "Football people" in positions of power within the game. But what will time make of Ferguson? No dought Brian Clough's two European cups at Nottingham Forrest are fondly remembered, but as each year passes, "Cloughy" becomes more and more one of football great characters  and less and less one of its great managers. So what of Ferguson? What of his tale from humble beginnings in Glasgow and an decent playing career  to the ascension as quite possibly, and in a lot of opinions undoubtedly  the greatest manager in the history of the sport?

In the summer of 2011 I stepped off a plane and Toronto's Pearson airport. Their i was to be greeted by my cousin Jonathon who hails from a few hours down the road in London, Ontario. I'd only met Jon on one previous occasion, when i was young, but i didnt need to worry about recognising him. He's visited the UK before, and is a pretty big football fan, so maybe it shouldnt have surprised me when i walked down those stairs at the arrivals area and saw him, in a United shirt. My initial reaction was "And he's wearing a United shirt, for god sakes you cant get away from them". That's what United are, thats what Ferguson has helped make them. When people in North America decide to watch football almost all they know is Manchester United. It could be argued its not their fault, the big US tv stations dont want to show average games involving mid-table teams, so they go and get the teams that are winning the most, and clearly in the Premier League era, that's United. But why was my reaction one of such disgust? Is it because im a Man City fan? Yes. But looking away from that i could easily imagine a Sunderland, or Fulham fan being equally upset at the sight of it, United are Marmite you either love or hate them, and do so with a passion. Is it all jealousy? A great deal of it will be, but there are genuine reasons to dislike Fergusons club. The term "Fergie time", the apparent unfair amount of stoppage time United get at the end of game they are either losing or drawing, is a stick people will always use to hit them. Eric Cantona flying into the crowd to "Kung-Fu kick" a Wimbledon fan, the referee surrounding, the hypocritical complaints about other teams, that Roy Keane tackle on Alfie Haaland, David Beckham and in so many more ways Cristiano Ronaldo are all things people despise about Manchester United. People loath Alex Ferguson and his team, and it is that im worried about. The man already has a statue outside Old Trafford and a stand named after him, an all time great in many ways we're lucky to have been around to appreciate  but will the hatred blind us? I fear if i have Children and they ask me who Alex Ferguson was, there will be a great deal of swear words said before i can bring myself to talk of his greatness. We are a generation that will carry the Ferguson story forward so what will it be? Greatest Manager to ever draw breath, unrepeatably good, envied and respected by all, or arrogant, hypocritical, cheating scum? Such extreme's seem unnecessary  but they are there. Manchester City will never forget being told they'd not win the league during Alex's "Lifetime" but can they accept it and show him the respect his legacy deserves, should they have too?

The timing of this decision is in so many ways perfect, having just wrestled the title back from City, Ferguson can safely say he has beaten everyone that has ever beaten him. Wenger, Mourinho, Mancini, Guardio- oh, well ok everyone in the Premier League anyway. United are the champions, theyve got probably they're best squad since Ronaldo left, a fantastic young player in Wilfred Zaha to come next season, and the division's best goalscorer Robin Van Persie signed most likely until the end of his usefulness. Replacements?  It's a tough one. Mourinho would walk in the door without a care in the world in regard's to filling the void, you must feel Ferguson's decision to retire now was somewhat influenced by the fact both the special one and Everton's David Moyes may well be available this summer, and after some thought, i think the scot is the best choice. Mourinho's track record is incredible, but he seemingly always finds a way to leave people unhappy despite success, and equally big clubs in Inter and Madrid, and seems to always leave around the three four year mark. I dont think United are looking to play the field with the manager's position after a 28 year marriage to Ferguson, and Moyes Sir Alex esque abillity to get more out of squads most people dont be leave capable, aswell as his long tenure at Goodison may tip him for the job. In any event, its a huge job to take on, i just wonder if 30 years from now people can still remember the staggering sporting achievement that the Feguson era was, or will it be in some ways lost, to countless tales of woe and envy? We will see.

Premier League of the Year Awards- NHL Style

I've not blogged in a long time,so it took a slightly unusual idea to make me do so again. Here im going to apply the standard NHL of the year awards to Premier League players, the cross over of categories made for some interesting decision making. Here goes...

Jack Adams Award- Coach of the Year

David Moyes- Everton.

Coach of the Year: David Moyes

A quick scan of the current premier league table provides few major shocks. The ones that are there, Newcastle 14th and QPR 19th are dissapointments, and even West Brom at 8th isnt a huge shock with the majority of the division's middle order pritty interchangeable year to year. Everton though remain very much in the hunt for a Champions League place and considering their minimal wage and transfer budgets, Moyes' abillity to build what he himself has called his "best ever" Everton side is a little remarkable. The teams currentely above the Toffee's would all view missing Europes top club competition as failure but Everton, ahead of arch rivals Liverpool and looking set to break a club record for fewest defeats in a premier league season (9, currentely on course for 5) may well be viewed as success for them.

Honorable mentions: Micheal Laudraup- Swansea. Alex Ferguson- Manchester United

Bill Masterson Memorial Award

Steven Gerrard- Liverpool.

Perseverance and dedication: Gerrard

This is an interesting one at the best of times, especially considering the cross over in sports. Officially the Masterson is awarded to "the player who best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship  perseverance and dedication to hockey". It's unofficially a "best comeback" award often given to players who have returned from long term to career altering injuries, as well as occasionally family tragedies. With that said the fact that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has played every minute of every game the reds have played this season, less than a year removed from the longest injure absence of his career,  at 33 an age where most Premier League midfielders slow down. Factor in his 9 goals with games remaining the probability of yet another double figure haul from midfield and Stevie G takes this one.

Honorable Mentions: Shane Long- West Brom. Dimitar Berbatov- Fulham

Frank J. Selke Award- Best Defensive Forward.

James Milner- Manchester City

Ever reliable: Milner

Synics who know anything about this award would  complain that its badly given out in the NHL. It dosent really matter how good you are defensively, if you cant also chip in offensively, no one will care. It's often thought of as a nice little award to pat "superstar" players on the back because they also do the everyday things lesser players are expected to do, like win face-offs and block shots. Anyway, that aside we'll use it to hand out some much needed praise to under celebrated holding midfield players. The best of the bunch has been the champions English number 7, Milner. Incredibly versatile Milner has played right and left wing back,  right and left midfield, aswell as central midfield in an ever changing City starting 11. His abillity to cover for his full back as well as get back up the park to provide crosses has earned a player of the month award for City and, so it appears, a regular starting place for his national side.

Honorable Mentions: Ramieres- Chelsea. Michael Carrick- Manchester United.

James Norris Memorial Award- Best Defender.
Patrice Evra- Manchester United

Norris Winner Patrice Evra

Another fairly uncelebrated part of the premier league is being a defender. Until some pundit wants to take offensive at the notion that a non premiership player other than Lionel Messi may be the best player in the world in his position, no one wants to talk about how many defenders have actually had very good seasons. Man United have been happy to see the combination of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand back in their defense far more often than last season, but theyve still been far from regulars. Earlier in the season especially the goalkeeper position was a revolving door at Old Trafford but one almost ever present has been their vice captain, Evra. United are second in the most clean sheets chart and have seen a career high four goals knocked in by the Frenchman, he's been due to "win this award" but i beleave he has done this season.

Honorable Mentions: Leighton Baines- Everton. Pablo Zabaleta- Manchester City

Vezina Trophy- Best Goalkeeper
Joe Hart- Manchester City

Number one: Hart

It could easily be argued this has been Hart's weakest season since being handing the gloves as City's number one, but the 25 year old has been ever present in a team that has conceded less goals than any one else, kept more clean sheets than any one else and has been beaten on the joint least occasions. Not bad. Vincent Kompany has been injured, Kolo Toure, Matija Nastasic and Jolean Lescott have all been rotated perhaps far too often, and ill fated adventures with a 3-5-2 formation has seen the likes of Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabelta look out of position as centre halves so its not difficult to say Hart is the most responsible for City's surprisingly strong defensive effort this season.

Honorable Mentions: Petr Cech- Chelsea. Simon Mignolet- Sunderland.

Calder Memorial Trophy- Best Rookie
Miguel Michu- Swansea
Technically Michu wouldnt be eligible for this award in the NHL. The criteria is for first year players, usually 18 to 22 year old's. To keep it fair theirs an upper age limit of 26 to prevent already established players coming to the NHL and running away with it, however since it is far more common practice for

More than you payed for: Michu

established players to come to the premier league, we'll give him a pass. Little was known of him before he joined the Swans at the start of the 2012/13 season but 17 premier league goals later he is in many ways the envy of the league after being signed for a incredible 2 million pounds. There's not been a better value for money signing in the league, and you could safely say his goals alone have prevented Swansea suffering "second season syndrome" 

Honorable Mentions: Jan Vertonghan- Tottenham. Romelu Lukaku- West Brom.

Hart Memorial Trophy- MVP
Robin Van Persie- Manchester United.

RVP- MVP

Another award thats criteria will be often debated, Van Persie takes the ever prestigious most valuable player award in this mock awards show. Obviously the most valuable player to his team wont always necessarily win this, just because your valuable to your team dosent mean your brilliant, what if your team are rubbish? Thats what probably tips Van Persie for this award ahead of the other contenders, Spurs are yet to guarantee a Champions League (If they get one at all) and Liverpool are also rans. So as great as the individual contributions of the likes of Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale have been, they haven't also single handily been the difference in the title race, Van Persie has. Admittedly he's had a stronger supporting cast, but keeping in mind United only missed out on last years title on goal difference, and this year lead it by 12 points and are 9 goals better off than City you can see why he is considered the difference between the two sides.

Statistical Awards
Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award- Best Save Percentage: Gerhard Tremmel- Swansea
Rocket Richard Trophy- Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie- Manchester United
Art Ross Trophy- Most Points (Goals and Assists): Robin Van Persie- Manchester United
William M. Jennings Trophy- Goalkeeper with Fewest Goals Against: Joe Hart- Manchester City

My Sympathy For The England Football Team

For me, it was the best moment of these European championships so far. As a Manchester City fan, the site of Mario Balotelli and Joe Hart, 30 yards out from goal, playing every mind game they knew. Niether wanted to gaze the other directly in the eye, to give anything away, or be seen to be looking away, losing face. Hart shouted and snarled, Balotelli tried to hide a smirk and a smile, as the two backed into the penalty area a site that is useually reserved for the 20 or so invited guests at City's Carrignton training ground, was about to be played out infront of the world. Camera bulbs flashed as Mario began that familiar run up, he opened his body up, Hart's eyes grew wide as he thought he'd anticipated the strike, but it wasnt enough. The ball nesseld in the corner, Balotelli threw his arms into the air, a rare show of joy possibly as much down to getting one over a club-mate as giving the Italians the lead. It was, in its purist form, why footballers play the game. They were two kids on a playground, loving every second. There was no way during that period of time, that either was thinking of their model girlfriends, their Bentley's or their big houses. It was about representing their countries, and giving their teams an edge on route to chasing an ultimate goal, a major international tournament.

Its at moments like that you remember their human beings, genuine people just making a living and living a dream. They didnt ask for the fame, and they didnt write the infuriating headlines that often lead to peoples hatred of the England team. Wayne Rooney for example, its easy to think that he's a full time 24/7 cunt, but then a guy who named his son after a mortal combat character, is admittedly addicted to Fifa and has a Stereophonics tattoo has got to have a half decent bone somewhere in his body. So then why are they hate figures? We watch that league every week, i personally cheer on three members of Englands Euro 2012 squad every week at club level, so why am i so incapable of wishing them even moderate success at major tournaments? The media. I fucking hate the English sporting media. Their why i blog, their why i have a passing interest in being a sports writer. Their so full of fucking shit it boils my skin, and the idea that they would take any kind of joy out of English success, that makes me hope and pray there never is any.

The build up to this tournament was ofcourse dominated by the exit of Fabio Cappello, the "snubbing" of Harry Redknapp and the following appointment of Roy Hodgson. Now obviously Redknapp was never sunbed for the England job, he never officially applied, he was never named the number one target, and never asked for an interview. Should i complain when a top London bank dosent inform me that im not in the running for a posisiton of CEO? No. But the media had anointed Harry as the man for the job, and in their own self importance had to start a shit storm after they didnt get their way. After that yawn-fest came the squad, which thanks to injuries and "other" circumstances became abit of a joke. Liverpools Martin Kelly found his way into the number 5 shirt, possibly to reflect how far down the pecking order he was, and that was the next major story. Hodgson fired back at suggestions Rio Ferdinand's international carear was over, and thus was born a "united" England, and contradiction number one. We've heard for years that representing your country is the highest honour any footballer can have, and that giving your all and "putting your body on the line for the cause" is the least thats expected, so why am i supposed to be impressed by Scott Parker doing so, under the illusion he's doing it because this England squad is more "together" than previous one's, shouldnt they all always be doing that? After a Joleon Lescott header from a free kick gave England a point in their opening group fixture, the talk quickly turned form their previous inability to keep the ball, to praise for the newly installed "shape" and "discipline" installed by Hodgson. (forgetting early complaints about 4-4-2 being obsolete.)  In here lies the true problem with English football, and the reason they wont win anything, scribes with columns in newspapers talking shit is one thing, but when former internationals who've played at this level are in so much denial that they cant see England just got passed off the park AGAIN just because they scraped a 1-1 off a team no one expects to win anything, you truely have to wonder! Sweden once again provided an alarming threat to Englands progression from a group stage when they took over the ball in the second half of there game, Danny Welbecks late goal was enough to salvage all three points and spark mass hysteria. Theo Walcott was a world beater once more, and England, full of stars from the "best league in the world" were the plucky little engine that could, and that this tournament could be one theyd win from "under the radar", rite. After bouncing past the Ukraine in once again less than convincing fashion, genuine belief sprang across the nation, England would play another poor side, Italy in the quater final stage.

It was at this stage that again, the cancerous infection in the England team would become apparent, Italy, especially in the second half, would enjoy an almost embarrassing amount of possession against a team clearly playing to not be beaten, in the hope of nicking a win through either the sublime or the stupid. Both teams slogged away for 120 tedious minutes before our story came full circle, and the meeting of Mario and Joe. After Italy earned there place in the last four, England were left to sit and cry in yet another center circle, at yet another major tournament. Our friends the media though? They had one last trick up there sleave. Andrea Pirlo was quickly anointed the player of the tournement, after all, a free kick and a good performance in a game that finishes 0-0 will do that for you. England couldnt have possibly been beaten by an average team, unless they had a truly world class player pulling thr strings, it couldn't have been that England made the same mistakes as before, it was Pirlo's performance that made it look that way, all of course, bollox. The England football team will never step out of their own tabloids shadow, which appears to be the way the later likes it. Crushing expectations and overwhelming ignorance will always put this team down, and put many off it, in the end, i think the only thing worth doing is to think of the individuals out on the pitch as what they are, boys come men, looking to live a dream of playing at the highest level in there sport, will they let you down? Yes. Undoubtedly. Are they there own hype machine? No. They dont come to these tournaments telling anyone that will listen that this could be the year, they just hope it is, and they may be hoping a while longer.

Random Blog #2

Cheating, why isnt it legal?

As I type this, Croatia and Spain are playing a game they both know can guarantee them a place in the quarter finals of Euro 2012. I wont pretend to fully understand the mathematics of the situation, but put simply, if they draw 2-2, then Italy would finish third in this group and be eliminated. Whats apparent 30 minutes in, is that they dont appear to be playing for a 2-2. Spain are dominating the ball, 81% of it at present, which isnt exactly the best way to allow a team two goals against you, there trying to win, and in the process, risking defeat.

 We already have a football culture where it is perfectly exceptable for teams to not even try and win a game. A culture where 10 men behind the ball, battling for every kick, blocking shots with bodies on the line is just as revered as fine one and two touch football showing genuine skill in trying to break the other team down. Managers are allowed to pick their battles, except that the best there likely to get is 0-0, and play for it. Its a tactical decision, made for the benefit of the team, and only the team. It certinley inst in the spirit of competition, whats about other teams that might like to see you get all three points to help there cause? Teams don't care, its excepted, playing for a draw is ok. So why cant Spain and Croatia? They both know 2-2 is the best result for them, they know they can guarantee their place in the last 8 with that scoreline. Since i started this Italy now lead Ireland while the Spanish and the Croats sit at 0-0, this means Croatia are out, and Spain only come 2nd in the group, not first, so 2-2 benefits both sides. Whats so morally  wrong about playing for that scoreline, that isnt wrong with not even trying to win a normal league game? The only difference is BOTH teams arent trying to win, is it ok for one team to bring the integrity of a tournament into question, but not both? I understand that for example, on the first day of next seasons Premier League, newly promoted Southampton will travel to champions Manchester City, traditionally this would be one of these games where people except, agree and understand that the saints may play for a 0-0, not even try to win because a draw is the best there likely to get, but of course, they still have to earn it. Yes their only trying for a draw, but that doesn't mean theyll get it. In that sense there is a competative spirit, one team is trying for one thing, and the other for something else, its competition. But is that fair?

 Manchester City play 38 games a season, if Southampton play for a draw, City have only played 37 in which a team is trying to beat them, where as Southampton's fellow newly promoted side, West Ham, who, lets face it, every team in the league will like there chances of beating, will most likely face 38 games where the opposition are genuinely trying to win the game is that not an unfair advantage? Does that not ruin the integrity of the league in the same fashion Spain and Croatia playing for a 2-2 that benefits them both does? I don't pretend this is a perfect point, im well aware it has holes and pitfalls, but so does this belief that teams not even trying to win games is ok. Its a professional sport, a business, and business is cut throat, with people doing whats best for them, in spite of others, weather that be a "weak" team, trying to secure a goalless draw against a "strong" one, in spite of another "strong" team hoping they could do them a favor, or two sides agreeing on whats best for them, and playing for it in spite of a third team that needs them to do otherwise. You cant have things both ways, either everyone should always try and beat everyone, or should just except, that team have a rite in such situations to just take the result that helps them most. Its a debate worth having, because its not clear cut. Its a murky area, especially when you factor in the match fixing scandal in Italy at present, all i know is, if things stay the same, Spain will finish second in group C, sending them most likely to a quarter final with France, and Croatia home. Both teams could save themselves, easily, very easily in fact, weather or not they have a rite too though, is a different matter entirely. 

Ok, random sports Blog number 1;.....

Top 20 most influential players at Euro 2012

20. Mario Gotze

Nation: Germany

Age: 20

Club: Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

Position: Attacking Midfield

Having missed large parts of this season through injury, much of the hype around the man Franz Beckanbaur once called "the exact same player" as Lionel Messi has died down. However, still regarded as a rising star of european football, Gotze, who has won the German league twice as a teenager will view this competition as a real chance to shine. Wayne Rooney announced himself at 18 during Euro 2004, and 8 years later, theres no reason Gotze cant do the same. Theres no need for him to be Germany's best player, and with Ireland hailing James Mclean as an unknown comedity, to young to know the nerves and pressures of a manjor tournament, you have to be leave Gotze could be the same. Mario Gotze heads into this tournament a hotly tipped wonder kid, he could leave it a World Star, capital W, capital S.

19. Andrey Arshavin

Nation: Russia

Age: 31

Club: Arsenal (England)

Position: Attacking Midfield

Did you know that Russia made the semi finals of Euro 2008? I'd forgotten already that rainy night in Basel, when an Arshavin inspired Russia, dumped out the Dutch in extra time. We shouldn't forget though, the talent in this Russian side. They have one of the better keepers at the tournament in Igor Akinveev, former Chelsea man Yuri Zhirkov, rock solid centre back Sergei Ignashievich, former Spurs striker Roman Pavlychenko not to mention in form Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak or the younger players, who didnt go to Austria and Switzerland four years ago. All those parts though, are nice to have, but not real game breaking talent at the top end of world football, Arshavin has proven he can be just that. The Uefa cup final when he took little known Zenit past Rangers at the City of Manchester Stadium? That legendary 4 goal haul during a 4-4 draw with Liverpool at Anfield aswell as the earlier mentioned quater-final against Holland. If this Arshavin shows up, combined with the fact the Russians find themselves in arguably the weakest of all the groups, theres enough in support to suggest the final four isnt beyond them again.

18. Robert Lewandowski

Nation: Poland

Age: 23

Club: Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

Position: forward

Borussia Dortmund probably dont quite get the love in the wider media they deserve, but non of that year, our second German league champion out of the first three players is the hosts nations great hope, Robert Lewandowski. Last season he scored 30 times in 44 games, and having already clocked up 43 Polish caps, with 15 goals to go with them, he could be another set to shine on the biggest stage. Realistically the Poles are least favorite to advance from group A, but its not a hugely tough group, if they get goals from their top man, the host could hand around at the own party for alittle longer than expected.

17. Robbie Keane

Nation: Rep. Of. Ireland
Age: 31
Club: Los Angeles Galaxy (United States)
Position: Forward

It would be unfair not to mention the Republic after Giovarni Trappotoni's men put behind the farcical way there world cup 2010 qualifying campaign ended and bounced rite back to make Euro 2012. And why'll he may now reside in a Galaxy far far away, Dublin born Keane will lead his country into action against some of the very best teams this competition has to offer, rite from the start. Irelands group includes champions Spain, aswell as Italy and Croatia, and they will need Keane to be nothing short of special to get them through, its a good thing he is then. Staggeringly Keane is one of only 36 players to have scored 50 goals in international football, anywhere, ever. If he can grace a major tournament with the kind of quality he has shown throughout countless qualifying campaigns, he may be able to be Ireland hero one more time.

16. Manuel Neuer

Nation: Germany

Age: 26

Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)

Position: Goalkeeper

Injuries and tragic circumstance handed Neuer the number one shirt for the Germans at the 2010 world cup in South Africa, since then he hasnt looked back. A superb 2010/11 season saw him tipped as Edwin Van Der Saar's replacement at Old Trafford before almost inevitably ending up at Munich. A shakier first year with them saw Neuer end the season empty handed, beaten by his former neighbors Dortmund to both the League and cup in Germany, before being unable to prevent Chelsea storming the Alianz Arena for the Champions League trophy. However while probably over taken by Joe Hart in the the argument for best goalkeeper around, Neuer is still the undoughted number 1 in Germany. He backed up a young German team in South Africa on route to third place, but will face far more pressure to be a leader of a still young team that enters this tournament with far more expectation than it did two years ago. It can be argued that if Manuel Neuer is named the goalkeepr of the tournament, ahead of the likes of Hart, Spains Iker Casillas, Holland's Maarten Stekelenburg and France's Hugo Lloris, then Germany will be European Champions.

15. Lukas Podolski

Nation: Germany

Age: 27

Club: Arsenal (England)

Position: Forward

Soon to be Arsenal man Podolski now holds 98 caps for Germany, at just 27. And why not? His record for them is fantastic, with a return of 43 goals during that time. Podolski captained former club FC Koln for large parts of last season, and its that kind of responsibillity that will be needed from him through out this tournament. Likely to be deployed in a wider role, Podolski will benefit from playing infront of the ever reliable Phillip Lahm, aswell as central midfielder Sami Khedira who will provide him cover, his main task will be to chip in and help the aging major tournament specialist Miroslav Klose aswell as Mario Gomez. Germany have other good players, but his experience and proven record during these types of competitions mean Podolski his front and center on this team, if he fades into the background, then the Germans may once again find themselves in the "fake final" that is the third place play off.

14. Samir Nasri

Nation: France

Age: 24

Club: Manchester City (England)

Position: Attacking Midfield

Crowned a champion of England for the first time in his career Nasri, still only 24, could be forgiven for thinking he'd had a decent season. The general consensus however, possibly influenced by the way he left Arsenal for the Etihad, seems to be that the Frenchman was underwhelming while only scoring 5 goals in 31 games for City this year (Compared to 10 in 30 for Arsenal last season). At his best though, Nasri is a difference maker, a factor, a poses er of that "it" factor that breaks big games in an instant. The French may well need this, their other notable game breakers, Karim Benzema and Frank Ribery combine for equally modest international experience and far from stellar club form this year. There is enough in this French squad with players in good "enough" form that if they come together, they can claim to be the front runner, in a second group of contenders, Nasri however may have eyes on that first game V England, criticized by the English media all year, the chance to force them to talk of his putting Engalnd to the sword may be a prize well worth fighting for.

13. Thomas Muller

Nation: Germany
Age: 22
Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Position: Attacking Midfield

Didnt see that coming did you? Niether did anyone at the 2010 world cup in South Africa where Muller, aged just 20, earned a share of the Golden Boot award. Since then however, its not gone as well. Muller has only once matched his total for goals that he had in the season prior to the 2010 Cup (19), since then totals of 19 (10/11) and 11 (11/12) have far from stunned, considering he played more games this season than he did in 2009/10. You must remember though that i named this list the most influential players, and Muller will be. 5 goals at a world cup from a 20 year old is a story (remember how crazy the world went when an 18 year old Wayne Rooney got 4 at Euro 2004?) That kind of added bonus to a team is invaluable, that sort of progress from a player you weren't expecting it from can be the difference for a team, its what helped a much to young German side come third in South Africa, if he can provide it again, with the growth this team has shown, maybe it will be enough to go all the way. Germany have a long list of players who play better at major tournaments than they do for there clubs, if Muller is to be one, then his two years off is over, and its time to deliver.

12. Xavi

Nation: Spain

Age: 32

Club: FC Barcelona (Spain)

Position: Central Midfield

Again, this list is the most influential players. If it were the best players, id have no problem with Xavi sitting at 6th or 7th, and dont get me wrong, at his best Xavi dominates games, controlling it for his team from the middle of the park. But he has a double playing alongside him, who scores more goals in Iniesta. He has arguably the best goal keeper in the world as his captain, David Silva, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas all to help shoulder the load. Xavi's a WORLD class player, and one of my favorites, but i cant justify putting him ahead of other players on this list, who will have to do alot more heavy lifting if there team are to be successful.

11. Andres Iniesta

Nation: Spain

Age: 28

Club: FC Barcelona (Spain)

Position: Central Midfield

See above. Iniesta scores more goals than Xavi, and may well be shoved into a wider position to accommodate Real Madrid man Xabi Alonso, and to make up for the loss of Barca team mate David Villa. It's not a role he's at his best in, but is a natural striker of a ball, passing and shooting, and a willing runner, which has often got him into positions to score big goals, most notably his World Cup winner two years ago.

10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Nation: Sweden

Age: 30

Club: AC Milan (Italy)

Position: Forward

Zlatan Ibrhimovic is a top quality striker, with a good goalscoring record. He's 6 ft 5, fairly pacey, and incredibly skilled, but i dought many of the worlds top managers would want him on there team. Theres just something about him, is it arrogance? im not sure, Ibrahimovic once won a league title with three different clubs in three different seasons, but if he was winning, why were Inter, and Barcelona willing to move him on? In total he scored 35 goals in 44 games this season, a fantastic return. While he may not be the iconic leader and talisman predecessor Henrik Laarson was, he is Sweden's best player, and on his day, one of the best on this list. If he plays like it, Sweden have a genuine chance of progression from there group, which ultimately, may be viewed as success.

9. Mesut Ozil

Nation: Germany

Age: 23

Club: Real Madrid (Spain)

Position: Attacking Midfield

One of the stars and big winners of the 2010 World Cup, Ozil secured himself a move to Real Madrid following his summers work in South Africa. He was dazzling, quick, incisive, with an eye for a ball, he was everything "old school, traditional" German football wasnt. Having already drawn comparisons to former Madrid great Zinidene Zidane, Ozil has flourished at the Bernabau, averaging just under and assist every other game, he lead all European based players with 25 last season. He's a key component to what Germany do in the Joachim Low era, and another that may well find out there a difference between going to a tournament a talented youngster with not too much pressure, and being one of your teams best players. If he passes the test, his stock will take off, and Germany may well win the whole thing this time.

8. Karim Benzema

Nation: France

Age: 24

Club: Real Madrid (Spain)

Position: Forward

Benzema is playing no excuse football at the international level now. No Henry, no Anelka, no Trezeguet. He's the man who has to fire them to success if someone is going to. Ben Arfa, Ribery, Nasri are all creators, flair players who can infuriate and delight at any moment, Benzema has all too often found himself showing the later since leaving Lyon, but after his best season for Madrid to date, he needs to be the definitive finisher this team needs. There are alot of good strikers at this tournament, and some not of Benzema's class are getting more press than the former Lyon man, maybe this speaks volumes of the French footballing reputation after the farce of 2010, maybe it speaks of his in and out form since leaving for Spain. If he gets it together at this tournament, he's big, strong, direct and maybe the difference between a humbling group stage exit, and a surprising return to prominence.

7. Mario Balotelli

Nation: Italy

Age: 21

Club: Manchester City (England)

Position: Forward

Gerrard Pique has already described Balotelli as Italys best forward. There danger man. There one big threat. And he is, problem is its to Italy themselves, aswell as there opponents. City manager Roberto Mancini has already stated he cant trust Balotelli, when talking about an upcoming trip to Arsenal he said Mario was "just as likely to score 2 and win the game, as to get sent off". We all know what happened there. And its true, the enigmatic Balotelli will almost certainly, scratch that, will certainly be a talking point at the end of Euro 2012, but what for is anyone's guess. At 21 he should be listed with such players as Mario Gotze, Denmarks Christian Eriksen, and England's Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, but he isnt, because he's Mario. The last thing Balotelli does at this tournament will probably be the last thing Italy do here, It could be a brilliant nutmeg, followed by a sublime curling shot into the top corner, but it could also be a "mad Mario" moment, we shall see.

6. Joe Hart

Nation: England

Age: 25

Club: Manchester City (England)

Position: Goalkeeper

They say a good goalkeeper is worth 5 to 10 points over a normal league season. So considering Manchester City, with what was considered one the deepest and strongest squads ever in the premier league, only won the championship on goal difference, its safe to say Joe Hart was rather important to the eventual champions last season. Hart is atleast in the debate for both the accolades of Engalnds best player, and best goalkeeper in the world, and England will need him to play that way if there to "quietly" get into the final four of this competition. Hart's a game stealer, he wins points single handily, if he can produce, lets say two of those performances', the type he put on at White Heart Lane for City, at Anfield, at Wembley in that semi-final. If he makes, lets say 5 of those saves, the final second game saver against Villa, the star fish block against Stoke in the FA Cup Final, or the leg save that stoped Wigan grabbing a point at the DW Stadium this season, then who knows. The other teams goalkeeper is the one thing you cant practice for, you cant base your tactics around, its not out of the question that one or two teams will find that out about Hart, England havent won a shoot-out in how long, would you put it past Joe Hart repeating his U-21 heroics from a few years ago, if one came around in Poland or Ukraine?

5. Fernando Torres

Nation: Spain

Age: 28

Club: Chelsea (England)

Position: Forward

"Hang on, you put Xavi and Iniesta way down, because they had so many good players to help them, so how is Torres so high up?" Its simple. Someones got to score the goals. Spain have recently played a fluid 4-5-1/4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation based around the principal; when the ball goes in the net, only one man put it there, but the whole team got him the ball. You dont need to play two strikers, cause only one of them can score at once, fair enough i suppose. That one man at this tournament is likely to be Torres ahead of the likes of  Negredo and Fernando Llorente. This is important because as well documented, Torres' form has been, up and down shall we say. He did look better towards the end of the season, but Spain are looking to retain there trophy, and will need someone firing to make that happen. I hate to pile more misery on Torres after the abuse he's taking since leaving Liverpool, but is it possible his personal lack of form, may cost Spain's golden generation a tournament their otherwise good enough to win?

4.Wesley Sneijder

Nation: Holland

Age: 28

Club: Inter Milan (Italy)

Position: Attacking Midfield

Sneijders' 2011/12 paled in comparison to his previous season thanks in part to injuries and his club side Inter having one of there worst years in recent memory. Certainly he was not the dynamic midfielder that broke into the elite category of world football with a combination of spectacular 40/50 yard passes, precision defense splitting through balls and stand back in awe long range goals, however, he has looked good back in the orange of his home nation, and with the team likely to be set up to allow him and red hot Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie to combine more, you can see why many be leave there will be light at the end of a somewhat dark tunnel that has been Sneijder's season.

3. Wayne Rooney

Nation: England

Age: 26

Club: Manchester United (England)

Position: Forward

Perhaps one of the quieter seasons of Rooney's career ended with a far from modest total of 35 goals in 44 games this season. His 27 league goals ranked him second, behind only Van Perise, he however may focus more on the fact that Manchester United were eliminated from the group stage of the Champions League, and finished without a trophy. Will that make him more hungry to win with England? We'll have to wait two games to find out, and assuming England are still playing meaningful games by the time he returns, Rooney will improve there chances. He's a top 5 player in the world, at his best, the quickness of thought, the vision and the natural ability to do almost anything with a ball make him difficult to deal with even for the best defenders. Ive never seen Rooney as a role model, a standard of professionalism for youngsters to aspire to, but with "the golden generation" that included the likes of Beckham, Scholes, Ferdinand and Owen seeming to be fading away, and will be gone all together if  Terry, Lampard and Gerrard fail to earn many more caps after this summer, a new generation for England is coming, Rooney will be the face, Wilshere's injured, Oxlaide-Chamberlain is surely to young to be relied on yet, this is Rooney's moment if he can grab it.

2. Robin Van Persie

Nation: Holland

Age: 28

Club: Arsenal (England)

Position: Forward

Van Persie has always been talented, but before this season was never really considered a elite player, a world class player who could rival any player on the planet, he is now. His value to Arsenal last season bordered on the embarrassing at times, he scored 53% of there goals last season. He calls himself "a 9 and a half" meaning he's not really a number 9, or a number 10. He dosent play up against the center halves, and goal poach, and he dosent drop into the whole, and look to create things from deep, maybe this is why he wears number 10 for Arsenal, and will wear number 9 for the Dutch this summer, to show he's both? Either way Van Persie's goal scoring last season cant be ignored, and a team as good as them, with a striker in that kind of form are a factor to win this championship, there hardest task may be getting out of the group, but this is a strong squad, with two elite talents.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Nation: Portugal

Age: 27

Club: Real Madrid (Spain)

Position: Forward

From the outside looking in, Ronaldo has very little to be jealous of anyone about. But if you really got to know him, and really found out his true feelings, id imagine there's part of him that wishes Lionel Messi had never been born. Ronaldo would probably have won La Liga every season he's been there so far, he'd be the greatest player on the planet rite now, the face of this generation of world footballers. But he's not, he's second. His stats the past two seasons are ridiculous, but there not as good as Messi's. This Tournament can be a release for him, because Messi cant compete in it. He has the chance to be the most important player at this tournament, because Portugal cant win it without him, but with him in that side, they'll cause anyone trouble. Ronaldo can emerge from Messi's shadow even he can carry this team to a major international championship, something Messi's never done, and considering the talent Messi has around him in the Argentine side, probably will never do, if thats not incentive enough, i dont know what is.