EURO WATCH: SWOT Analysis of Spain

              On the verge of immortality, the Spaniards don’t need any more motivation than the knowledge that if they win this tournament they will become the first team from Europe to win three major international tournaments in a row and script their name in the annals of World football. Here’s a SWOT analysis of the team tipped by many to be the hands-down favorites to win the Euro this year.

Strength:

                Spain defines “Total Football”. A Dutch concept it may have been but no one else than Spain can execute it better. Their passing game is a treat to the eyes and with the amount of possession they have, they bore the other teams to death. In Vicente Del Bosque they have one of the best managers in the world. A shrewd tactician, Del Bosque is known for his fine handling of superstars and boy, do Spain have them by dozens! The one area which is their strength in particular is the midfield. With Alonso, Busquets and Xavi in the centre and Silva and Iniesta on the wide positions this midfield is one unstoppable force. In Fabregas, Mata, Cazorla and Navas they do have ample back-up as well. In Iker Casillas Spain arguably has the best modern day goalkeeper and an inform Fernando Llorente and high on confidence Fernando Torres means the attack also looks pretty pretty good. Spain play a brand of football that’s quiet soothing to the eyes and that’s their biggest strength as well.

Weakness:

                An initial glance at the team sheet and it’s difficult to point out Spain’s weakness because it’s not that apparent. But the absence of leader and star defender Carles Puyol in a substantial void to fill and it may mean that Sergio Ramos may have to leave his favorite position of right back for Arbeloa and tuck in alongside Gerard Piquet in the center of defense. Is it a weakness that other teams can exploit? Well that is to be seen in the coming three weeks. The other area of weakness, as odd as it may sound is up-front. For all the beautiful possession and passing game they play Spain at time do find it quiet difficult to penetrate the defensive third of their opponents and the absence of David Villa means that both Torres and Llorente have to play to the best of their potential.

Opportunity:

                As said earlier Spain has the golden opportunity to achieve something that no other European side has ever managed to achieve, three international titles in a row. They are on the cusp of making history and that’s more than enough motivation for the players to bring their ‘A’ game out. On an individual note, this tournament is the perfect opportunity for players like Javi Martinez, Fernando Llorente and Jordi Alba to show the world what they are capable of and also make a point that there is more to Spanish football than just Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Threat:

                There are some highly talented side in this year’s Euro and none more so than the teams of Netherlands and Germany and if Spain gets through to the semis which given their current form is highly likely, they may end up meeting one of these two sides. And both these sides are well capable of ending the dreams of La Roja to be successive European champions. In-fact Spain’s group is also an unpredictable one as well. The Spaniards may be thinking that the first match against Italy might just be the toughest one in the group but they can discount the Croats and the Irish at their own peril. Slavan Bilic is known to be a very shrewd operator and with an in-form Luka Modric, the Croats may well give the Spaniards a good run for their money. On the other hand you have the Irish who are still sore because of the way they were denied a ticket to South Africa and would be looking forward to this tournament to make a statement.

#Spain are the favorites and it’s hard to dispute that fact but if anything, their position is a bit weaker than what it was during the World cup. The master tactician Del Bosque must plan his every move carefully.

#Wildcards: Javi Martinez, Fernando Llorente and Jordi Alba {the new recruits}

EURO WATCH: '5' Kids To Watch Out For

{alphabetically :P}

Dzagoev, Alan:

                Alan Dzagoev has been touted as “Future of Russian Football” for quite some time now. The 21-years old CSKA Moscow man made his debut in 2008 at a tender age of 18 and his talent was recognized instantaneously. For a young man of 21, Dzagoev has shown talent and temperament way beyond his years. He is one of the most established players in the Russian League and his record of 37 goals from 153 appearances for CSKA as a midfielder is laudatory. Currently he is on the watch-list of many big clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea and an eye-popping performance in the Euro may drive his price up. As a player, Dzagoev isn’t much different to Andrei Arshavin but he does likes to move forward onto striking positions much more frequently than his senior partner. If Russia are looking to match their performance of 4 yrs ago at Portugal then an in-form Dzagoev is a necessity.

Eriksen, Christian:

                Christian Eriksen aka “The Danish Wonderkid” is currently on the shopping of almost all the major European powerhouses including Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid. It’s hard to believe but this 20-year old kid from the small town of Middelfart, Denmark is one of the most technically sound player in Europe at this point of time. He is already being compared to Danish legend Michael Laudrup who also played for Ajax. In May 2011, he was named the “Dutch Football Talent of the Year” which earned him a lot of praise from the legendary Johan Cruyff. And this season his performances have been even more staggering. In 44 matches he played for Ajax this season, he scored 8 goals and had an incredible assist tally of 21 goals. That’s just an amazing stat considering his age. Infact Eriksen’s real talent lies in his versatility. He is almost as comfortable playing in the wings as he is behind the striker. And this year’s Euro may just be the stage he was looking for to show the whole world what he is capable of. Denmark are in this edition’s ‘Group of Death’ with Germany, Holland and Portugal but if they want to repeat what they did 20 years ago, they know where to look for help.

Hummels, Mats:

                Another wonder-kid and another one on the shopping list of many elite European clubs. But Mats Hummels may have just provided Borussia Dortmund a big opportunity to establish themselves as one of Europe’s elite by signing a new long-term deal. At 23, Mats Hummels is yet to reach his peak as a defender but this 6’3” product of Bayern Munich’s youth system is already being tipped as Germany’s best defender and perhaps the best in Europe. His huge frame combined with his skill and strength means that he can play in any system and adapt to any style of play. Hummels along with defensive partner Neven Subotic have been the backbone of Borussia Dortmund’s success over the past few years. The only thing that Hummels lacks and which can prove to be a deterrent for him in Euro is his lack of international experience and playing under real pressure for ones country. But the talent this lad possesses, there is no reason why he can’t overcome that hurdle. With Germany covering almost all the bases, an in-form Hummels may just be the one with whose help they can seal the deal this time around.

  

M’vila, Yann:

                At just 21, Yann M’vila is already a regular in Rennes squad. This player from Congo origin has represented France in all age-group football and has already represented the senior team on 19 occasions since making his debut in 2010. M’vila plays in the holding midfield position and one of his strengths is his reading of the game. M’vila literally dictates the play and his positional sense combined with his passing ability makes him an asset for the side. M’vila has been heavily linked to a move to Arsenal but a good performance in the Euros may attract a lot more top clubs. M’vila will be shouldered with a lot of responsibility in this year’s Euro considering the formation Blanc employs. But this guy sure knows how to take on responsibility. France have a good side this time around but if they want to win the tournament M’vila will have to play a major role in it.

Welbeck, Danny:

                Danny Welbeck hasn’t attracted much attention till now but suddenly he finds himself in the position of leading England’s attack at this year’s Euro. With Rooney suspended for the first two games, Defoe returning to England due to the demise of his father and Carroll’s indifferent form, the onus is now on the young shoulders of Danny Welbeck to lead the Three Lion’s attack. And if his goal in the recently concluded friendly against Belgium is anything to go by, he is up for the challenge. Welbeck’s strength has always been his strong positional sense and the off the ball runs that he makes but the real challenge in front of him is the fact that he has to lead the attack. Welbeck has always proved to be a good second striker but to actually lead an attack on his own is something that is novel for him. A lot of good players have come out through the Manchester United youth system but Welbeck is the first quality striker to come through the ranks after Mark Hughes. And as such expectations are pretty high for him. But the one thing you can be sure about Welbeck is that it doesn’t matter if he wears the red of United or White of England this kid gives his 100% on the field. And if England wants to reach the business end of the tournament Welbeck has to strike multiple blows.

EURO WATCH: France

Team: France

Group: D

Other teams in the group: Ukraine, Sweden, England

Best Finish: Champions (1984, 2000)

Fixtures: June 11- Vs England; June 15- Vs Ukraine; June 19- Vs Sweden

Key Players: Hugo Lloris, Frank Ribery, Samir Nasri, Karim Benzema

Ace in the Pack: Hatem Ben Arfa, Oliver Giroud

Realistic Evaluation: Semi-Finals

Optimistic Evaluation: Finals

A gut feeling says France could spring a few surprises this time around, thanks largely to Raymond Domenech not being in-charge of the team :P :P(O, I hate this guy :P :P). I know that my personal views don’t count but it’s a fact that everything that was wrong with the French side that went to South Africa a couple of years ago was Domenech. But then this is a new side, a new side with an astute manager, a dependable Captain and a highly talented core group of player. This French team truly represents the multicultural nation that France is with players from Algeria, Tunisia, Spain and a few other countries as well :P. But this squad is one with immense potential as well and is well led by an able commander. Laurent Blanc is someone for whom personally, I have immense respect. Blanc record as a manger is highly impressive with 4 titles in 3 seasons for Bordeaux and a Manager of the Year award and a 15-6-2 record with France. In Hugo Lloris they have one of World’s best goal-keepers (someone who I rate as highly as Iker Casillas and Gigi Buffon) and in Mandanda an able deputy. The back line looks pretty strong as well with Adil Rami in the form of his life and the fact that almost all the top clubs in Europe are trying to sign him may give him an extra kick to perform well. Philippe Mexes can be a bit of a hot-head at times but is an extremely talented defender and his partnership with Rami may prove to be the backbone of France’s success. Patrice Evra’s defensive skill may have taken a bit of a hit off late but he is still dangerous as a left back. Mathieu Debuchy most probably will man the right back position. A midfielder turned right back Debuchy has put forth some really fine performances for Lille over the past few seasons. And France have able back-up in the form of Koscienly, Clichy and Reveillere. One look at the squad and you can see that creativity is something that they won’t miss. The French midfield consist of a really talented bunch of guys. Ribery, Nasri, BenArfa, Martin, Cabaye, Velbuena, well they are a highly talented group. Diarra might start as the holding midfielder alongside Cabaye but I won’t be surprised if M’Vila starts ahead of him. Hatem Ben Arfa has had an incredible season with Newcastle and I would certainly put him in my playing XI but that mean one out of Nasri or Malouda have to sit out, Malouda for me :P. With an in-form Benzema, the French attack looks pretty strong. But they do have another ace in the pack, Olivier Giroud. Giroud has really shown for Montpellier ever since signing for them in 2010. Last season was particularly successful for the man from Chambery with 25 goals and 9 assist for La Paillade. The Arsenal target may well prove to be Blanc’s trump card.

My XI: Lloris, Rami, Mexes, Debuchy, Evra, Cabaye, Diarra, Nasri, Ribery, Ben Arfa, Benzema

At the End: Best of Luck but lose to England :P

EURO WATCH: England

With only a day left I guess I am a bit late in my preview of Euros but I believe in the saying “better late than never” :P :P. Anyways, I was a bit confused on whom to assess first and it only seems fair that I start with my favourite team England who in all fairness don’t look like mounting a serious challenge for the cup this time around again. Seems, like a harsh assessment to start with but it’s also a fair one or at-least according to me.

Team: England

Group: D

Other teams in the group: Ukraine, Sweden, France

Best Finish: 3^rd Place (1968, 1996)

Fixtures: June 11- Vs France; June 15- Vs Sweden; June 19- Vs Ukraine

Key Players: Joe Hart, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney

Ace in the Pack: Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck

Realistic Evaluation: Group Stage

Optimistic Evaluation: Quarter-Finals

The English Premier League is the most-viewed football league in the world and it won’t be wrong to say that it’s one of the most competitive and fiercely fought football leagues, if not the most competitive one. And as such one should expect that it gives their national team an advantage considering the pressure under which their players play and perform. But that hasn’t been the case. The English national team has been nothing more than a pale shadow of the league it represents. Its performances in international tournaments have been nothing short of shoddy in the past couple of decades. The best they have managed in the Euros have been a semi-final berth at Euro’96 under Terry Venables. So, what are their chances in this year’s Euro. Well, as a fan I would hope they win it but even the ardent English fan knows that such a hope would be like trying to stretch the reality even beyond the realms of imagination. The FA delayed the decision to appoint a manager and when it did, I guess it pressed the wrong button. But that’s just a personal opinion. Coming to the team, it seems like its bad run with luck continues. Some of its key players are injured and its talisman cannot play the first two games due to a suspension. And add to it the fact that the replacements that have been brought it for the injured players seem to inspire little to no confidence at all. The team selection has been preposterous to say the least. The fact that Gary Cahill who was a rock in the Chelsea line-up in the second half of last season was replaced by someone like Martin Kelly and a seasoned campaigner like Rio Ferdinand was ignored is a fact too hard to digest. Hodgson’s team consist of six players from Liverpool, a team that finished lowly 8^th in the recently concluded PL season and the performances of some of the players was so woeful that even the legendary Kenny Dalglish couldn’t save his seat. An ardent Liverpool fan would also agree that the performances of Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing wouldn’t merit them a place in any international side leave alone England. A half-fit Jack Wilshire is anyday better than Jordan Henderson. Alan Shearer also believes that England's prospects are bleak and that’s what most pundits think. But all is not lost for the English. They do have some good youngsters in their team and if they can perform to their best of abilities who knows maybe this team can surprise many. In Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck, England do have two exciting prospects and if they perform to their potential we might see the birth of two new stars in world football. But the onus would lie on the shoulders of senior pros like Gerrard, Parker, Hart and Rooney. They may not play the most exciting football but they still can be mighty effective if the right team is picked and their players perform to their fullest potential. Group D is a strange group in the sense that although its not the best group in terms of talent and gameplay but it’s a ultra-competitive group with two former world champions trying to gain back their lost reputation, a proud host and a joker in the pack. England’s toughest match might just be the first one against a new France under Laurent Blanc. But any complacency against Ukraine or Sweden may prove costly for the English. The English strategy should be to put together a water-tight defence and try to attack using wings with Ashley Young who seems to be in the form of his life and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain who undoubtedly is one of the fastest runners in World football. Parker should be used as a box-to-box midfielder rather than a holding one and Gerrard should be given a free rein. Joe Hart’s ability between the poles cannot be questioned but it is to be seen who are paired in front of him, my choice would be Terry and Lescott with Baines and Johnson as wingbacks. England’s chances in this tournament might look slim compared to teams like Germany and Spain but tactical shrewdness can go a long way in saving their day.

My English XI: Hart, Terry, Lescott, Johnson, Baines, Parker, Gerrard, Young, Chamberlain, Welbeck, Rooney

At the End: Best of luck Three Lions ;)

The Legend Of Munich

Yesterday, I sat in-front of my laptop and was feeling a bit bored. So, I decided to watch a movie.  But I have this strange habit to, you know, watch the same movies again and again. I have like this collection of a dozen of movies that are very close to my heart and I always prefer to revisit them in moments of solitude. So yesterday, I again turned on the laptop and started the 2011 movie “United” directed by James Strong. It was perhaps the umpteenth time I was watching the movie since I had downloaded it. But still, after an hour and a half, I again had tears in my eyes. This movie is actually based on the true story of 1958 Munich Air Crash that claimed the life of 23 people including 8 of Manchester United’s first team players or “Busby Babes” as they were fondly known. This team was the youngest side ever to win the football league in England but after that day in Munich, 8 of them would never again put on the shirt that they so revered.

Today, Manchester United is the highest valued sports team at $1.86 billion in the entire world and perhaps the most widely supported football team as well. But today it isn’t  just a mere football club, it has transcended all the boundaries to become a religion, a religion with millions and millions of followers who believe in what this club stands for. And for people like me it is perhaps the only thing that we worship. But how did this small club founded by the members of Carriage and Wagon Department of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railways depot at Newton Heath became so big, so popular and such a craze. Well, if there is one moment that perhaps defines Manchester United, the club that it is now and the club that everyone around the world loves so much is perhaps that tragic accident on that unfortunate afternoon of 6^th Feb, 1958.

               On 6^th Feb, 1958 the British European Airways Flight 608, took-off from Belgrade carrying the victorious Manchester United side along with a few supporters and journalists. The Busby Babes had booked a seat in the semi-finals of the European Cup against AC Milan after beating the Red Star Belgrade team, 5-4 on aggregate. The plane made a routine stop at Munich to refuel, landing at 13:15 GMT. After refuelling, the pilots tried to take-off but twice they had to abandon their attempts due to engine problems. But it was the third attempt that proved fatal. The plane couldn’t take-off and ploughed through the fence at the end of the runway before the left wing smashed into a farm-house. The wing, the tail unit and the undercarriage were ripped off and the house burst into flames. The right side of the fuselage behind the remaining wing had struck a wooden hut that contained fuel and truck tyres. The disaster had stuck. Manchester United lost 8 of its most beloved son, Roger Byrne, the captain, Geoff Bent, Mark Jones, Eddie Colman, David Pegg, Liam Whelan, Tommy Taylor and the mercurial Duncan Edwards who fought with death for 15 days to eventually die on 21^st Feb, 1958. Johnny Berry and Jackie Blanchflower survived but were never able to play again. But more than those who died, it was about those who survived. Harry Gregg, the Goalie who had just signed for United three months before the crash, was undoubtedly ‘The Hero of Munich’. He had sustained some minor injuries but despite that he remained behind to pull survivors including Bobby Charlton, Dennis Viollet, Jackie Blanchflower and Matt Busby from the wreckage. Gregg even played in the FA cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday, merely a week after the crash. He went on to represent United till 1966 playing nearly 250 games in the process. Dennis Viollet went on to play for United till 1962 scoring 178 goals in 291 matches. He still remains one of Manchester United’s finest forwards. Then there were Bill and Bobby. Bill Foulkes went on to captain United after the crash and played till 1970 representing United in 688 games. Bobby Charlton, perhaps one of the most easily recognized footballer of all-time wore the red-shirt of Manchester United for 15 more years playing in758 games as a United player, a record which lasted for 35 years before Ryan Giggs finally broke it in 2008. The other players who survived were goalie Ray Wood and wingers Albert Scanlon and Kenny Morgans.

                But it was not that people from across the planet support Manchester United because they feel sorry for them. Because people hardly choose their football team out of sympathy.  It was not the loss at Munich but the comeback that Manchester United made won the heart of millions and millions around the globe. A few United players died in the crash but the club didn’t. Munich resurrected United. Manchester United, after 6^th Feb, 1958 wasn’t just a football club they became an institution.

                On 4^th May 1949, a plane carrying the then Seria A champion Torino crashed in a church in a Turin suburb and everyone was killed including 18 players, 10 of whom were Italian internationals. With just 4 matches remaining that year, Torino did won the scudetto as their opponents were instructed to field their youth teams because Torino had no choice but to field their youth team. But Torino never recovered from that tragedy. After five years, they were bankrupt, had to even sell their ground and more often than not play in Seria B thesedays. Many felt Manchester United might follow the same path but I can proudly say that they didn’t and that is what has defined the club. Manchester United chairman Hardman said that United should fulfil all the fixtures in all the competitions they were involved in, even if it meant heavy losses. The League game against Wolves on the 8^th of Feb was delayed and the FA cup game against Sheffield Wednesday was rescheduled four days later, which United won and the whole nation rejoiced perhaps with the exception of the blue half of Sheffield. Red Star Belgrade wanted United to be declared that season’s honorary European Champions but the club didn’t want that. They wanted to survive on their own strengths and they did. Perhaps nothing more than the spirit of Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy defines what this club stands for. When Murphy went to meet Busby in the hospital after the crash, Busby through a morphine haze instructed him: “Keep the flag flying, Jim, till I get back.” And Murphy did keep the flag flying high. Manchester United went on to the finals of the FA Cup with mostly youth team player and the Munich survivors. Though they lost the final to Bolton 2-0, a team they had thrashed 7-2 in the league in January. They could just win one of their remaining league fixtures to finish 9^th that season but ya, they did beat AC Milan 2-1 in the first leg of the semi-finals just to lose the tie 5-3 on aggregate with Milan winning their home leg 4-0. But what that season proved more than anything else was that Manchester United will go on and on and on.

 On the afternoon of 6^th Feb, 1958, Manchester United stopped being just another football club. The tragedy spread the club’s name around the globe in hours following the accident. “Before Munich, it was just Manchester’s club,” said Bobby Charlton. “Afterwards everyone owned a little bit of it.”

Today, when I look at Manchester United with all the trophies and all these successes and fan followings, I just can’t seem to disagree with Rio Ferdinand.

Rio Ferdinand on the 50^th anniversary match, “Munich was the starting point, really, for the tradition, the start of settling down the standard for Manchester United Football Club.”

 A tribute to all those who died on that dreadful Munich afternoon.

The Flowers Of Manchester by Spinners

One cold and bitter Thursday in Munich, Germany,
Eight great football stalwarts conceded victory,
Eight men will never play again who met destruction there,
The flowers of English football, the flowers of Manchester

Matt Busby’s boys were flying, returning from Belgrade,
This great United family, all masters of their trade,
The pilot of the aircraft, the skipper Captain Thain,
Three times they tried to take off and twice turned back again.

The third time down the runaway disaster followed close,
There was slush upon that runaway and the aircraft never rose,
It ploughed into the marshy ground, it broke, it overturned.
And eight of the team were killed as the blazing wreckage burned.

Roger Byrne and Tommy Taylor who were capped for England’s side.
And Ireland’s Billy Whelan and England’s Geoff Bent died,
Mark Jones and Eddie Colman, and David Pegg also,
They all lost their lives as it ploughed on through the snow.

Big Duncan he went too, with an injury to his brain,
And Ireland’s brave Jack Blanchflower will never play again,
The great Matt Busby lay there, the father of his team
Three long months passed by before he saw his team again.

The trainer, coach and secretary, and a member of the crew,
Also eight sporting journalists who with United flew,
And one of them Big Swifty, who we will ne’er forget,
The finest English ‘keeper that ever graced the net.

Oh, England’s finest football team its record truly great,
Its proud successes mocked by a cruel turn of fate.
Eight men will never play again, who met destruction there,
The flowers of English football, the flowers of Manchester.

The 'De Gea' Conundrum

          At just 21, David De Gea surely looks like a tenderfoot, but believe you me, he is one of the most expensive Goal-Keepers in the history of football. On 29th June, 2011, when Manchester United signed this young Spanish Shot-Stopper from Atletico Madrid for a whooping £18 million, it raised a lot of eyebrows and a couple of those were mine too.

          Personally, I would have liked to see Lloris or Neuer as Van Der Sar's replacement and frankly, when you are paying such an ostentatious amount, you expect to get someone with some visible experience. But here we were, with a 20 yr old kid who wasn't even the 3rd choice Goal-Keeper of the Spanish National Side and just had a couple of seasons with Atletico (BTW, they finished a lowly 7th in La Liga in 2010-11 season). Honestly speaking, I feared the worst. Sir Alex did make a few blunders while replacing "The Great Dane" and I was petrified with the thought that he was repeating them this time as well. But then there was a ray of hope as well, as many experts believed that he had the talent but that it needed grooming. I sincerely wished Sir Alex's punt pays off otherwise we might be in big trouble this season. And now after 9 months, it seems that the punt has paid off and he again proved that he is the best judge of footballing talent. De Gea's last few performances has vindicated gaffer's decision and may I now say, it has also helped us to bury our fears. Over the last few weeks, this kid has surely turned the corner and proved that he belongs to this great club.

          But it wasn't like that a few months ago. De Gea certainly had a baptism by fire at the Theatre  of dreams. He made a horrendous start to life at Manchester and people had started writing him off before the league season even started. His performance in the Community Shield game inspired none. His first few months at Old Trafford were, let's just say, far from a pleasant stay. People questioned his decision-making capacity, his shot-stopping ability and even his attitude and looks. They said, he looks like a complete moron with that beard and the Shirt tucked out. He is far from a disciplined goal-keeper. Some even said that he is the polar opposite of Edwin in every aspect, talent included. And I can understand, if at that point he felt a bit let down by himself. But all these reactions to him were understandable. He had done hardly anything on the field to inspire confidence in him. And add to it the fact that he was coming to a big club and was trying to replace a big star, a national hero & a double- champions-league winner. Surely, he himself didn't expect anything but a lot of scrutiny.

David De Gea has revealed the criticism he endured in his early days at Manchester United has inspired him to prove his critics wrong. He said, "The criticism I received only served to make me a stronger person. The time I spent on the bench helped me to reflect and think. It encouraged me to keep fighting and work."

          But, I guess, at the end of the day, this kid deserves accolades. He has moved on, tried to look more comfortable between the poles, is making far less mistakes and has had a, if I could say, pretty successful past few weeks. His performances against Norwich and Bilbao are certainly testament to his temperament & endorsement of the great talent he possesses and in someway, a vindication of Sir Alex's and Eric Steele's decision to get him despite his over-the-top valuation by Atletico. Despite all the mistakes that De Gea committed in the past, there is no denying to the fact that this kid has oodles of talent and I can even go a bit further and say that he looks like one of the best "Shot-Stopper" if not the best "Shot-Stopper" in the world at this point of time. He has got stunning reflexes and that 6'4" frame of his allows him to have a good command of the penalty area. Maybe, he just needs to gain a few pounds without really compromising on his reflexes.

          At just 21, a Europa League, a European Super-Cup and an U-21 European Championship medal doesn't look bad in his trophy cabinet but with the talent he possesses & the temperament he has exhibited in the past few weeks and couple to it the fact that he now plays for Manchester United, it certainly looks like he should consider installing a bigger cabinet in his house. A English Premier League medal would be good for a start. :)

          He is by no means a finished product but the process of turning critics like me around has already started. I hope he continues his startling performances & helps United in their quest for trophies. On 29th June, 2011, a young Spaniard came to the Theatre of Dreams with the dream of becoming the best goal-keeper in the world and I can now see the dream, slowly but surely turning into reality. Best of Luck, David.

P.S.: I see the world through red lenses. And bias is a word that exist in my dictionary but with a prefix of "red" :P :P