This is what I want to start with. John Arne Riise got transfered to AS Roma today. How many of you knew that those were three separate names? He did fetch four million pounds. He was 27, average one goal in ten with 234 appearances for Liverpool. He had a rocket of a left foot and was a good crosser. His pk in the 2005 Champions League Final against AC Milan was saved, he converted his pk in the 2006 FA Cup Final and scored the own goal at Anfield against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final. He's surplus to requirements at Anfield. Rafa wants a spanish side, if not in name than in style. And he's built that team. They have Fabio Aurelio, who went off injured to be replaced by Riise in that Champions League game. Alvaro Arbeloa, Martin Skrtel, or even Steve Finnan could play the position. They would have had Heinze last year but for Man U's protestations. They have Torres, Mascherano and Xabi Alonso. They also have Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt. And Steven Gerrard.
I shouldn't say Spanish side. I'm still suffering from Euro fever. Steven Gerrard is as English as they come, though he was also nearly a Chelsea player. He can cross the ball and has been used on the right wing by Rafa. However he is know for coming forward and firing. This is a team that can counter attack, pass the ball around and does not allow goals at home. They are built for cup play. His rotation system keeps players fresh at the end of the year. It's almost like he's building his resume to coach Spain. I still don't think they're built to win the Prem, but we'll see what other changes they make during the transfer window. Sissoko has gone. Xabi Alonso will probably go. Crouch will probably go. Kewell will not be coming back. I think that Riise money will go to buy Barry, if O'Neill gets all the money he wants.On the other end Roma gets even better. They came in second by only three points, and grabbed the Coppa Italia. This adds to a team with Totti, De Rossi, Vucinic and Aquilani. Man U have run them out of the Champions League two years running. However they'll have to cope with an Inter Milan side coached by the "Ordinary One." He should have some new recruits. They say Lampard won't be leaving until next year, but I would be surprised if he goes in the next couple of months. Carvalho and Drogba have also been mentioned as moving on, and Hleb can't seem to make up his mind. There will be new players coming in and they'll be a team to watch in Italy as well as the Champions League. This should be a better year for the Italians in Europe
.Chelsea have already had a busy summer. It seems they now have half the Portuguese national team. Deco, Bosingwa and Scolari are all great additions to a team that was pipped by Man U in two competitions. Now the talk is that Robinho might be on his way, though 24 million pounds seems a high price. Ronaldinho has also expressed interest, but you think they might have to do some selling first. They currently have Ballack, Deco, Lampard, Essien, Makelele and John Obi Mikel in the center of the pitch. Even Mr. Abramovich has limits. Carvalho would be a big loss, but Alex is a great defender. A healthy Terry along with Bosingwa should lead for a tighter defense that allows Essien to play in the midfield. Deco is a great playmaker and a healthy Ballack will be looking for revenge. I wouldn't be surprised if Chelsea and Inter meet at some point, and wouldn't that be a hell of a game.
That's it for today. I'm sure they'll be new transfer news tomorrow and I'd love to talk about Tottenham who seem to have already signed a couple of incredible youngsters.
