Friday, July 28, 2006

Saviour Mascherano

It has been all busy, busy, busy these days, but in the midst of all the excitement, a colleague sent me an SMS yesterday, which simply said: “Dude, you got your wish. REUTERS just reported United’s bid for Mascherano.”

Oh boy! That was news indeed. Even the recent newsbreak on United's Michael Carrick signing doesn't top it, and all indications are that SAF believes Carrick alone may not suffice.

Make no mistake about it: midfield names do not get any bigger than Javier Mascherano these days, the pivot on which the entire Argentine team swiveled at this year’s World Cup, and whose named was making the rounds all over Europe even before he signed with Corinthians from River Plate barely a couple of seasons ago.

Maradona calls him a "monster of a player, destined for great things."

I rate JM very, very highly. Here is a defensive midfielder who seems to know his job very well, and sticks to it. He probably sleeps with a copy of The Midfielder’s Manual under his arm.

You hardly see JM away from the middle third of the field when his team is in possession. He has the solid discipline to orchestrate play from within the centre circle while his more adventurous colleagues foray upfront, but capably buckles down to defensive duties when possession is conceded. Efficiency with a capital E.

Word has it that the company that backed his signing to Corinthians for 10 million pounds simply have an agenda of maximising their return on investment. That is good news for United indeed.

Now that Ruud is out, and monies seem to be available from the potential sale of C. Ronaldo (plus the acquisition of Simao from Valencia), it is not just possible, but very probable.

With Alan Smith healing well (and I know this fler can really be fired up when he wants to be), with Scholes and Giggs back in some scintillating form, without distractions of national duties (ditto Smith), and with the potential signing of Michael Carrick on the cards, the midfield looks pretty decent and sorted.

But the point of this post – and my premature awakening from a self-induced stupor – is to celebrate the possibility of Javier Mascherano. Perhaps the emperor has nice clothes after all.

I so want this guy in the red shirt. Get me his signature, Alex!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Welcome back, brudder...

After Carrick's 18m, got money for Mascherano meh???

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Kerops...
Good times ahead for Man Utd eh...

spiller said...

don't get too excited bro.

remember Veron?

Visithra said...

yay ure back

heard it too - but hopefully it happens

Anonymous said...

Put it this way, my friend. ANY team which lands a player of Javier Mascherano's calibre will be a very much stronger unit.

He is one of the most efficient midfielders I have ever seen. What is better is that he executes his tasks minimal fuss. He is effective without being extravagant. No need for razzmatazz - just need to get things done and get things done well.

I do not think MU will eventually get him. MU have declared interest, but Mascherano and Corinthians have been silent. Argentine players prefer playing in Spain or Italy. I think that is where he will go.

Greetings from Lisbon,
Miguel

Gallivanter said...

I don't think Mascherano will sign for Man U, and if they do, South American players are generally flops in the EPL anyway.

podgykat said...

Keropsy, you're back from your slumber! Stopped by to say Hi. Hi. Nice Days.

Lily G said...

Hey, you are back :)

Is alan smith still on MC then?

Keropok said...

Mong, even SAF concedes that Carrik alone will not be enough to sort out MUs midfield. We need Mascherano, simple as that.

Being as young (22) and as good as he is (bloody good!), he is the perfect example of a good investment, which will sure as hell bring great returns in years to come.

Mamabola, Visithra... let's just hope the good times roll back slowly.

Spiller, remember Heinze?

Keropok said...

Miguel, thanks for stopping by... all the way from Lisbon eh.

Yeah, I agree with you and Daniel, S. American players tend to head to Italy or Spain, but as this point I think MU needs Mascherano more than he needs MU, which all points to the fact that the wallet is gonna be wide open.

Agreed with kickciggys, not all S. Americans are Klebersons. Some turn our to be Solanos, Gilbertos, and even Heinzes :)

Keropok said...

Good to be back podgykay, lilyliverbird...

as far as I know, Alan Smith is well on the road to recovery. Things don't seem so bleak anymore...

Desparil said...

*cross fingers*

Gallivanter said...

18.6 million pounds for Carrick? What a ridiculous figure! English players are so overpriced.

Anonymous said...

I hate the off season.
When good blogs have nothing to report, things are REALLY slow...

Ang Gu Gu said...

nice blog keropoK!! =) mU mU!!

Unknown said...

Really well written blog. Hope to see Mascherano and Tevez in Red shirts next season

Anonymous said...

heinzi is a rare case bro. dun think moscherano will join man u. the game is too fast for him dun u think? ntahla..maybe bcos i'm The Reds, so dun really agree with ur idea abt mr. mascherano in Old Trafford heheh!
and i heard carrick got the number 16 jersey eh?

Keropok said...

Desparil, I'm crossing fingers, toes, eyes as well... but it looks more and more unlikely.

Instead, of being smart in the wheelin' and dealin' transfer market, we pay a king's ransom for Carrick (if you're the king of any other country but England).

But If it works out well, and he becomes a monster of a player, then don't stop me from rubbing it in, Daniel. No mercy from me, bro... :)

Keropok said...

Welcome, and thanks Ang GuGu and Man Utd. Here's to a good season.

Jolie, I really do think Mascherano is a player who could settle anywhere. I have not seen a player as smart as him for a long time. Often, players rely on skill, speed, strength, etc... but this guy has a first class football brain, and uses it!

Kucing Gatal said...

Why no update for so long? Ran out of steam? I think you need a special KG pick-me-up ...