FOOTBALL

Is It A Good Idea To Spend €100m On A Player?

Published

3 years ago

January 26, 2022

admin

‘’I am not worth €100 million. We are just playing football. These amounts of money make me laugh. No one is worth that much. And I think it is bad for the players for whom such fees are paid as well because people expect impossible things.’’ – Said Marco Veratti, November 10, 2016.

The transfer market has been inflated considerably over the last decade.

Clubs are not hesitating to sanction mega-money deals to bring in the players they want, and sometimes the money involved touches the €100 million mark or even more.

The question, however, is that is it wise for the clubs to go so big on one particular player?

It almost never is worth it

History tells us that it rarely works out for the recruiting club.

Teams barely got the return they had hoped for when they splashed such a colossal amount of money on one player.

As Veratti rightfully points out, it heaps an unrealistic pile of expectations on the player, so the odds are already stacked against the player when he signs.

Mbappe the exception

Kylian Mbappe is perhaps the most successful €100m plus transfer that has ever gone through.

Since 2017, the former Monaco star has played 199 matches for PSG, and he returned 151 goals and 77 assists for the Parisians.

Mbappe did perform on the level PSG had hoped for when they spent €180m to bring him to the French capital, and he was mostly available for selection.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp highlighted the increased risk you are taking when spending big on a player.

If the player gets injured for a long time, the club will find themselves in a very difficult situation.

They have put all their eggs in one basket, spending most of their transfer budget on one player.

So, once that player fails to deliver or becomes unfit to play, it dangerously limits the capability of a club.

It worked out for Klopp

Luckily for Jurgen, his expensive signings Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker turned out to be the missing pieces of the puzzle he needed to solve to end Liverpool’s silverware drought.

However, he has Barcelona’s impulsive signing of Philippe Coutinho to thank for financing his acquisitions of Alisson and Van Dijk.

Barca got it wrong

Barcelona paid an outrageous €160 million to bring the Brazilian to Camp Nou.

But, didn’t have a proper plan to integrate him into the squad.

Four years fast forward, Coutinho is playing on loan for Aston Villa as the Catalonians are desperate to get his expensive wages off their books.

Barcelona repeated the same mistake with Antoine Griezmann.

The Frenchman was asked to replace Neymar at right-wing, but he never had the qualities to become a prolific winger.

Griezmann’s success at Atletico Madrid and France came playing as a secondary striker.

But, Barca continued to try and morph him into a winger. In the end, it turned out to be a €120 million failed experiment.

Back to the fitness issue Jurgen Klopp was talking about.

Neymar, Hazard have disappointed

Neymar Jr. has failed to make more than 20 league appearances for PSG in a single season ever since his €222 million arrival from Barcelona.

Eden Hazard, the most fouled footballer of the last decade, has been struggling to stay fit at Real Madrid following his €100 million move to Real Madrid.

It makes much more sense to invest a vast amount of money for a squad overhaul rather than spending lavishly on a marquee signing.

In doing so, you are diversifying your risk and addressing multiple squad issues at once. So, €100 million signings aren’t really worth the risk.

FOOTBALL

Bukayo Saka Injury: Arsenal Star Out for Several Weeks

Published

5 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Maadhav

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka faces weeks of recovery due to a hamstring injury. Manager Arteta confirms plans for his return.

Bukayo Saka had hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for several weeks, confirmed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This announcement comes as a significant blow to Arsenal’s campaign, as Saka plays a pivotal role in the team’s attack.

Arteta revealed that Bukayo Saka injury occurred during a recent match and requires adequate recovery time. Medical evaluations confirmed the severity of the issue, necessitating a break from competitive football.

Saka’s absence creates challenges for Arsenal, particularly in crucial upcoming matches. The team must now explore alternative strategies to maintain their performance without one of their key players.

Arteta emphasized the importance of player health and stressed that Saka’s recovery would not be rushed. The manager expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and adaptability to manage this period effectively.

Arsenal’s medical staff will closely monitor Saka’s rehabilitation to ensure a safe and complete recovery. The club remains optimistic about his return later in the season.

Fans expressed their support for Saka, wishing him a speedy recovery. His contributions this season have been vital, making his absence a significant setback. Arsenal supporters eagerly await updates on his progress.

This development highlights the physical demands on players in competitive football. Teams must balance performance and player welfare to prevent such injuries. Arsenal’s handling of Saka’s situation reflects their commitment to safeguarding their players’ health.

Saka’s injury adds pressure on Arsenal to perform without their star winger. The team’s response during this period will test their resilience and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

3 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

4 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.