Modern Football Mavericks: Mario Balotelli

Modern Football Mavericks: Mario Balotelli

What is a Maverick?

A Maverick is an unorthodox or independent-minded person. In regards to Football, these individuals has gone against the rules set by clubs, organisations (e.g. F.A) and even those that fans expect any other player to follow. Some are loved and some are hated, and in this mini-series of posts, I will be looking at how they have become a Maverick and what this means for them on and off the pitch.

Name: Mario Burwuah Balotelli

D.O.B: 12th August 1990

Club: AC Milan (on loan)

Career Information: Lumezzane (2006-2007), Inter Milan (2007-2010), Manchester City (2010- 2013), AC Milan (2013-2014), Liverpool (2014- Present), AC Milan (on loan, 2015- Present).

Honours:
Club
Inter Milan
Serie A 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10
Coppa Italia 2009-10
Supercoppa Italiana 2008
Champions League 2009-10

Manchester City
Premier League 2011-12
FA Cup 2010-11

FA Community Shield 2012

Country (Italy)
UEFA European Football Championship Runner-Up 2012
FIFA Confederations Cup Third Place 2013

Individual
Coppa Italia Top Goalscorer 2007-08
Golden Boy Award 2010
FA Cup Final Man of the Match 2011
UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament 2012
UEFA European Championship Joint Top- Goalscorer 2012
Serie A Team of the Year 2012-13

Why Always Him?
Mario Ballotelli. The Bad-boy of Mavericks. A Premier League fans favourite for the off-field antics that made headlines at both ends of the newspapers. Mario has had quite an up and down career so far and at the age of 25 hasn't got that many moves left. On loan from Liverpool at AC Milan, Mario looks like he may move away from Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp due to the selection order of strikers at Anfield. Anyway, here is the Mario Ballotelli story so far containing fireworks, bust-ups and some classic Mario attitude.

Ballotelli was born to Ghanaian parents but was fostered when he was three by an Italian couple. Mario received Italian citizenship on his 18th Birthday. He said after the ceremony "I am Italian, I feel Italian. I will forever play for the Italian national team." After a trail at Barcelona failed, Mario signed for Inter Milan. In November 2008, Mario became the youngest player to score in the Champions League (at 18 years and 85 days). Mourinho then butted heads with Mario over his effort with training. Along with racist chanting from opposition Serie A fans, Mario made a bone-headed decision to wear an AC Milan shirt. Ballotelli later said on Inter's website "I am sorry for the situation that has been created recently. I am the first person who has suffered because I adore football and I want to play, and now I am waiting in silence so I can return to being useful to my team. I want to put the past behind me, look to the future and concentrate on the upcoming commitments and make myself ready." Mario's behaviour on the pitch brought disapproval from his teammates, with Zanetti publicly saying "Mario needs to focus on doing what he can do on the pitch, he can't allow himself to behave like this."

On 12th August 2010, Mario signed for Manchester City for €21.8 million. In December 2010 Balotelli won the Golden Boy Award, saying that only one of the past winners was slightly better than he was – Lionel Messi. I know, its an easy comparison. He also claimed not to know of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, the player he narrowly beat to the award. To be fair, Wilshere is made of glass and probably won't retain his place in the Arsenal bench anytime soon. After the FA Cup final, Mario said shit in an interview and then causally said "Can I say that?." No Mario. You can't. Anyway, Mario was charged for violent conduct for the kick against Scott Parker and was suspended for four matches, three for violent conduct and one for his second sending off and was also banned for three games (one for the two yellow cards and two for the previous two red cards in the same season). Mario then providing the assist to the most historic goal in Premier League history as Manchester City won the Premier League for the first time. In December, Ballotelli tried to get out of being fined two weeks wages by going to a hearing but after one day dropped his claim and accepted the fine. Roberto Mancini, who managed Mario at Inter and Manchester City, has said "The problem is because of his age, he can make some mistakes. He's Mario. He's crazy but I love him because he's a good guy."

On 29th January 2013, AC Milan announced that they had signed Mario Ballotelli for €20 million on a four-and-a-half deal. Mancini said that Mario could restore his reputation and become one of the best forwards in the World by moving back to Serie A. Milan's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, said "Balotelli in Rossoneri is a dream that has been realized. It is a transfer that everyone wanted: club, president and fans." On 22nd September 2013, Mario missed a penalty in a competitive match for the first time in 22 matches. Pepe Reina saved the penalty as Milan lost 2-1 to Napoli. On 14th August 2014, Ballotelli moved to Liverpool for £16 million to fill the void of Luis Suarez. Mario was never going to fulfil that gap and had a very empty time at Anfield before being loaned to AC Milan for the rest of the season.

Now this where the real Maverick stuff happens that has created Mario's cult following online and across the stands. During his time at Inter Milan, Jose Mourinho said he was 'unmanageable' and it really seems like this is true and therefore it means that he is one of a kind due to his temper and child-like mentality. However, Mario can be serious when he wants to be and in 2010, he was photographed in the company of two noted Mafia mobsters (as you do). When Mario was at Manchester City, he drove around Manchester with £5,000 and said "Because I am rich" when asked why he was doing this by a police officer. He also threw darts at a youth player, as you do. He also had a hilarious incident in involving him needing assistance with a bib.

Perhaps the most famous Balotelli moment of all-time was when he pulled off his top after scoring in a 6-1 win over city rivals Manchester United and revealed the words 'Why Always Me?'. This was after Ballotelli set off fireworks in his bathroom, as you do. On 1 December 2014, Balotelli was accused of racism and antisemitism for posting an image on Instagram of the video game character Mario. Now to most people on social media, this image is very common to prove various things about yourself to people you don't really like and Mario was usually criticised for this. In response to criticisms, he wrote: "My Mom is Jewish so all of u shut up please". In 2012, Balotelli featured in GQ where he and British musician Tinie Tempah were named as the best and second-best dressed men in the world respectively, which is fair considering how rich they both are. Balotelli is a fan of mixed martial arts, as he has stated in the past that he would love to compete in the sport professionally if he were not a footballer. Balotelli owns several cars, including a Range Rover Evoque, Ferrari 458 Spider, Bentley Continental GT, Maserati GT, and Audi R8 V10.


Mario Balotelli is a good Footballer, not amazing, but he is simply the craziest Modern Football Maverick. From bust-ups to smoking on a train in Italy to fireworks, there is never a dull moment on and off the pitch with Mario and I hope he returns to the Premier League on a consistent basis, just not for Liverpool.




























 

Premier League review 2015/16: August - December

Premier League review 2015/16: August - December

 

The first half of the Premier League 2015/16 season threw up a lot surprises following Chelsea's unsurprising title win last season. The champions have absolutely plummeted in their performance, with a lot of key players such as Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard underperforming for the London club. However, the headlines of the season so far have been Leicester City who have developed one of the deadliest partnerships in recent memory. It is of course Riyhad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy. Vardy has been the man of the season so far, scoring fantastic goals and making Premier League history by scoring in 11 consecutive games. His rise from non-league Football has captured the headlines of the back pages and the Twitter timelines of Football fans. In this post, I will look at the League's most significant matches and moments from August, October, November and December.

 

 

August 

The opening weekend of the Premier League season Leicester get off to a flying start with a 4-2 win over Sunderland. Jamie Vardy scored his first goal of the season in 11 minutes and demonstrated Leicester's new-found purpose under Claudio Ranieri. Also, the first goal of the season was an own goal by Kyle Walker. Reece Oxford took Ozil for a BTEC as West Ham beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates. City beat Chelsea 3-0 on 16th, which Jose called a 'fake result'. Bournemouth then beat West Ham in a 4-3 thriller and Callum Wilson scored an impressive hat-trick. On 29th, Palace beat Chelsea 2-1 and West Ham won for the first time in 51 years at Anfield. Leicester had emerged as the dark horse of the Premier League.

 

September

Chelsea's problems continued when they lost at Goodison Park 3-0. On the same day, United beat Liverpool 3-1 that includes two of the goal of the season contenders from Antony Martial and Christian Benteke. Leicester came back from two goals down to Villa to win 3-2, with Vardy at the focus of the comeback. West Ham beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad, applying big pressure to the big summer signings. On 26th, there were some amazing games that was full of goals (Tottenham 4-1 against City, Leicester 2-5 against Arsenal and Liverpool beating Aston Villa 3-2. The final game in September saw Everton beating West Brom 3-2 and involved Lukaku demonstrating his fight and commitment to vastly improving his mental attitude towards the game, even at the age of 22.    

 

 

October

In the first set of games, Sergio Aguero made Fantasy Football Players go crazy with how many points they do/don't gain by scoring five goals against Newcastle as City won 6-1. Leicester continued their amazing start to the season by beating Norwich 2-1 away from home and Twitter favourite Jamie Vardy scored again. Brendan Rodgers was sacked after a lucky point away to rival Everton at Goodison Park. On the same day, 4th, Arsenal mastered a 3-0 win over Manchester United and Arsenal fans once again were remembered how lucky they are to have Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. On the 17th, Manchester United won 3-0 at Everton on the day that Howard Kendall passed. City also won 5-1 at home to Bournemouth, with Sterling scoring a hat-trick. Newcastle then won a class game against Norwich, winning 6-2. Georginio Wijnaldum scored four goals in this eight goal thriller.

West Ham continued their decent run to the season by beating the champions 2-1, with long-time NHS patient Andy Carroll scoring the winner. Vardy scored in his seventh successive game against Palace. Big Sam became yet another Sunderland manager to beat Newcastle in his second game, with Sunderland winning 3-0. Chelsea went into meltdown as they lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool. On the same day, Leicester beat West Brom in a five goal game that included Vardy scoring in his eight consecutive game (if you haven't noticed yet, Vardy is a beast!).

 

 

November

On the 1st, Everton beat Sunderland 6-2 as Arouna Kone scored a hat-trick that every Everton fan was so proud of. On the 7th, Stoke beat Jose's Chelsea 1-0 and all the Chelsea manager could was sit in the team's hotel as he was serving a one-match stadium ban. Vardy then scored in his ninth consecutive game against Watford in a 2-1 win (aren't Leicester making this season decent for mid to bottom teams). The weekend after the international break, 21st - 23rd, there were some fantastic games. Everton beat Aston Villa 4-0, Liverpool beat City 4-1 and Jamie Vardy equalled Rudd Van Nistelrooy's Premier League record of scoring in ten consecutive games. Tottenham also demolished West Ham 4-1 in a game in which Alli and Kane showed their raw talent and desire to win the ball (something that England internationals seem to lack).   

 

 

December

The first round of December saw Stoke City win 2-0 against Manchester City, Leicester continue their fantastic form as they beat Swansea City 3-0 (with Mahrez bagging a hat-trick) and Arsenal beating Sunderland 3-1 even with key players such as Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla out injured. Also, Swansea parted ways with Garry Monk on the 9th. Manchester United continued their frustrating run of form with a less than specular draw with West Ham United. Newcastle then started December positively by beating Liverpool 2-0 at St James' Park. Bournemouth pulled off a great win against Manchester United. On the 13th, Liverpool scraped a 2-2 draw against West Brom, which they celebrated by walking to the Kop and holding hands. On the same day, Newcastle pulled off a surprise win against Tottenham with the impact of Perez and Mitrovic. Leicester's fairy-tale run continued when they beat the Champions 2-1. The following Thursday, Jose Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea. Leicester then cemented their place at the top of the table for Christmas as they beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park, with Riyad Mahrez scoring two penalties. The following day, Watford smashed Liverpool 3-0, with Ighalo scoring a brace.

The final game before Christmas saw Arsenal beat City 2-1 at the Emirates. This game showed Arsenal's improved physical presence across the park and Mesut Ozil's fantastic vision as he racked up his 14th and 15th assists in setting up Theo Walcott and Oliver Giroud. On Boxing Day, title hopers Arsenal and Leicester both lost to Southampton and Liverpool respectively. Two days later, Stoke won 4-3 against Everton in an explosive game that saw a huge contender for goal of the season from summer signing Xherdan Shaqiri just on the stroke of half-time, as he perfectly looped Tim Howard from outside the box (sounds lame but it was fantastic!). The year ended with Sunderland losing to Liverpool as Christian Benteke scored for the second game in a row.

Leicester City duo Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have taken the league by storm in the first half of the season. 



Modern Football Mavericks: Jamie Vardy

Modern Football Mavericks: Jamie Vardy

 

 

 

What is a Maverick?

A Maverick is an unorthodox or independent-minded person. In regards to Football, these individuals has gone against the rules set by clubs, organisations (e.g. F.A) and even those that fans expect any other player to follow. Some are loved and some are hated, and in this mini-series of posts, I will be looking at how they have become a Maverick and what this means for them on and off the pitch.

Name: Jamie Richard Vardy

D.O.B: 11th January 1987

Club: Leicester City

Career Information: Stocksbridge Park Steels (2007 - 2010), FC Halifax Town (2010 - 2011), Fleetwood Town (2011 - 2012), Leicester (2012 - Present).  

Honours:

Club
FC Halifax Town

Northern Premier League Premier Division 2010-11

Fleetwood Town

Conference Premier 2011-12

Leicester City

Football League Championship 2012-13


Individual
Conference Premier Player of the Month: November 2011

Conference Premier Top Goalscorer: 2011–12
Leicester City Players' Player of the Season: 2013-14
Premier League Player of the Month: October 2015, November 2015
Most consecutive Leicester City league games scored in: 11 (9 August 2015 – 28 November 2015)
Most consecutive Premier League matches scored in: 11 (29 August 2015 – 28 November 2015)


If there ever was a more modern Football Maverick, its Jamie Vardy. For the duration of 2015, during Leicester City's Premier League matches, every Football fan thinks of Vardy's incredible journey to the top of the Football mountain. I mean ten years ago Jamie Vardy was a factory worker! Despite his right-wing and not entirely popular views, Vardy has stole the back-page headlines with his amazing work effort and goal-scoring ability. In this post, I will be looking back at Vardy's rise from factory worker to Premier League stardom.

In 2007, Vardy was earning £30 a week when he was playing for Stockbridge Park Steels. Two years later he had a trail at Crewe that didn't work out. He moved to Halifax in June 2010 for £15,000. After a decent time there, Vardy moved to Fleetwood Town after a year and a half. On 1st January 2012, Blackpool manager Ian Holloway offered £750k for Vardy but Fleetwood held out for £1 million which Blackpool never paid.

On 17th May 2012, Leicester bought Vardy for £1 million.

Yes. £1 million.

However, after a very disappointing personal season in which he only scored five goals, Vardy was considering leaving the club after supporters said he just wasn't good enough (well lets just say they said it is more extreme and explicit terms). Vardy only stayed due to Nigel Pearson being able to convince him. The next season, Vardy scored 16 league goals as Leicester won the Championship.

Last season, as Leicester escaped relegation by gaining 22 points since 4th April and finishing in 14th place, Vardy scored and assisted four times in Leicester's amazing 5-2 home win over Manchester United.

And then Vardy's story really started to come to life.

After being bottom at Christmas last season and almost being relegated, no-one saw Leicester being at the top of the table by Christmas (not even Gary Lineker). However, to the amazement of Football fans and Fantasy Football players, Vardy has paired up in a deadly duo with Algerian Riyad Mahrez to rack up an astonishing number of goals and assists that have taken the Premier League by storm and the traditional 'top four' club of the Premier League. On the 28th November, Vardy made Premier League history by scoring in eleven consecutive League games and completed it by scoring against Manchester United. Along the way to this amazing achievement, Twitter users started a trend called 'Chat Shit Get Banged', which bounced onto the social media site from a 2014 Facebook post from Jamie Vardy entitled with the new famous catchphrase.

However, what is forgotten about Vardy is that he is slightly aggressive and has caused some trouble off the pitch. In 2007, Vardy received a conviction for assault following an incident outside a pub, and had to play with an electronic tag fitted for six months. Many would say it unfortunately adds to his attitude and rough up-bringing and there is another incident that proves this. In August 2015, The Sun on Sunday published a video of Vardy at a casino the previous month, calling a man of East Asian origin a "Jap". The Leicester City striker apologised for a "regrettable error of judgement" and was fined by Leicester, who put him on an educational course. There is no place for racism in Sport and its a shame that players can think this behaviour is acceptable. Anyway, away from the dark side of Football, Vardy's rise to the top has proven to a lot of people that it is never to late to achieve your dream.
































Modern Football Mavericks: Xabi Alonso

Modern Football Mavericks: Xabi Alonso

What is a Maverick?

A Maverick is an unorthodox or independent-minded person. In regards to Football, these individuals has gone against the rules set by clubs, organisations (e.g. F.A) and even those that fans expect any other player to follow. Some are loved and some are hated, and in this mini-series of posts, I will be looking at how they have become a Maverick and what this means for them on and off the pitch.

Name: Xabier Alonso Olano

D.O.B: 25th November 1981

Club: Bayern Munich

Career Information: Real Sociedad B (1999-2000), Real Sociedad (2000-2004), Eibar (on loan, 2001), Liverpool (2004-2009), Real Madrid (2009-2014), Bayern Munich (2014- Present).

Honours:

Club
Liverpool
Champions League 2004-05
UEFA Super Cup 2005
FA Cup 2005-06
FA Community Shield 2006

Real Madrid
Champions League 2013-14
UEFA Super Cup 2014
La Liga 2011-12
Copa del Rey 2010-11, 2013-14
Supercopa de Espana 2012

Bayern Munich
Bundesliga 2014-15

Country (Spain)
FIFA World Cup 2010
European Championship 2008, 2012

Individual
Spanish Player of the Year 2003
Premier League Goal of the Month November 2004
FIFA FIFPro World XI 2011, 2012
La Liga Best Midfielder 2012
UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament 2012

Most underrated Maverick of all?
When people think of cool, they think of a few memorable places and people. Milan. Paris. New York. Dubai. James Bond. Andrea Pirlo.

But only a few thing of Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard has always been the everyday man's (depending who you ask) favourite type of midfielder, as well as Maverick, as he strolls around in training, doesn't run in games (no matter how important they are) and always seem to be pictured with a beer in his hand at team gatherings (which I'm sure his wife would deny!). All in all, Alonso seems like a carbon copy of Andrea Pirlo. However, Alonso seems even more cooler and focused than the legendary Italian midfielder and I look at the Spaniard's achievements and attitude to the Beautiful Game.

At the age of 15, Alonso was sent to the Irish town of Kells as part of a student exchange programme and learned a lot of his English there. Alonso was friends with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta but were scouted to different top Spanish clubs, with Alonso going to Real Sociedad's academy and Arteta going to Barcelona's academy. Alonso moved to the first-team at the age of 18 but moved to Eibar to gain massive first-team experience.

In his first professional season, Alonso made 30 appearances for Sociedad and ended up scoring three goals. The season after, 2003-04, Real Madrid failed to win Alonso's signature as they couldn't, or wouldn't match the £13 million price tag. Mikel Arteta then joined his childhood friend at Sociedad but the dream partnership in midfield was short-lived as Alonso moved to Liverpool for £10.7 million in August 2004. Alonso slotted in coolly to the Merseyside team but broke his ankle on New Day 2005 after a tackle with Frank Lampard that left the Spaniard injured for three months. When he returned against Juventus in Champions League quarter-finals second leg, he filled the hole left by the injured Steven Gerard and one Journalist from the Guardian said "This marvellously accomplished footballer testified in the Stadio delle Alpi that technique can overcome a serious physical disadvantage." Which is true. Alonso proves you don't need loads of physical presence in order to dominate a game. Alonso was part of the 2005 Champions League Final winning Liverpool team that infamously fought about against AC Milan to win 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out after a fantastic fight back from 3-0 down. Alonso then said about the win "This is the best moment in my professional career."

In January 2006, In a FA Cup win over Luton Town, Alonso scored two goals, the second from 65 yards and within his own half, subsequently winning a Liverpool supporter £25,000 from a £200 bet. Later that year in September, Alonso scored another cracker against Newcastle and commented saying "I think this was better. The Luton goal bounced a few times, this one went quite straight. The Luton one was left-footed – it was different – but I am quite happy to score the goal."

In the 2008 summer transfer window, there were reports that Alonso would leave the Merseyside outfit due to Liverpool chasing Gareth Barry (didn't you miss out there Rafa!). Alonso told the media "The fans couldn't have done more to show me how they felt... If I went out for lunch or a coffee, there was always someone who would come over and say, 'We'd love you to stay'. I'm just glad that, in the end, nothing came of it the transfer because it wasn't something I ever asked for." However Alonso did move to Real Madrid in August 2009 for £30 million due to 'differences' with Rafa Benitez. He then achieved a record number of points when he finished second with Real behind champions Barcelona, a total 96 points for Real. He had achieved this was Real Sociedad in 2002-03 and Liverpool in 2008-09. He won his second Champions League medal when Real beat Atletico 4-1, after extra-time.

Other information about Alonso is that he has stated that he is a Liverpool fan and has done during the later stages of his career. He is also the tenth most followed Sportsman on Twitter and the eight most followed Footballer on the site.

There has been a lot of comparison between Andrea Pirlo and Xabi Alonso due to their casual comments, laid-back approach to games and quality off-the-pitch antics. However, Alonso is one of the most technically gifted midfielders and calm Midfield players and is in my opinion the coolest Maverick ever.
























  

Modern Football Mavericks: Thomas Muller

Modern Football Mavericks: Thomas Muller

 

 

What is a Maverick?

A Maverick is an unorthodox or independent-minded person. In regards to Football, these individuals has gone against the rules set by clubs, organisations (e.g. F.A) and even those that fans expect any other player to follow. Some are loved and some are hated, and in this mini-series of posts, I will be looking at how they have become a Maverick and what this means for them on and off the pitch.

Name: Thomas Muller

D.O.B: 13th September 1989

Club: Bayern Munich

Career Information: Bayern Munich (2008 - Present).

Honours:
Club
Bayern Munich

Bundesliga 2009-10, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15
DFB-Pokal 2009-10, 2012-13, 2013-14
DFL-SuperCup 2010, 2012
UEFA Champions League 2012-13
UEFA Super Cup 2013
FIFA Club World Cup 2013


Country (Germany)

FIFA World Cup 2014
FIFA World Cup 2010 Third Place
UEFA European Football Championship Semi-Finalist 2012

Individual
FIFA World Cup 2010 Man of the Match vs England, vs Uruguay
FIFA World Cup 2014 Man of the Match vs Portugal, vs United States
FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: 2010
FIFA World Cup Best Young Player 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 Most Assists (3, shared with Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kaka & Dirk Kuyt)
Bayerischer Sportpreis 2010
Silbernes Lorbeerblatt 2010, 2014
World Soccer Younger Player of the Year 2010
Bravo Award 2010
FIFA Ballon d'Or: 15th Place 2010, 13th Place 2011, 17th Place 2013, 5th Place 2014
ESM Team of the Year 2012-13
UEFA Best Player in Europe Award 2013 (6th Place)
UEFA Best Player in Europe Award 2014 (4th Place)
FIFA World Cup Silver Ball 2014
FIFA World Cup Silver Boot 2014
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 2014
FIFA World Cup Dream Team 2014
Most FIFA World Cups with at least five goals (2010-2014); shared with Teofilo Cubillas (1970, 1978) and Miroslav Klose (2002, 2006)


The most unorthodox Maverick ever?
Thomas Muller definitely isn't a name that you'd associate with Mavericks in Football but this post isn't going to be full of off-the-pitch incidents and wild statements in the Media. No, this post will be focused on the footballing nature of one of the World's most clinical players. Sometimes being a Maverick isn't all about making unnecessary headlines.

Being a one-man club in his career, so far, Muller is an extremely committed player who has been at Bayern since they have emerged into a huge European Giant. In February 2009, Muller signed his first professional contract and was prepared to be loaned out to other clubs but put into the first team by current Manchester United manager, Louis Van Gaal. in the second part of the season, he was played as a regular in the starting XI and as a striker with Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, which isn't a bad attacking trio. He played all 34 Bundesliga games (starting 29) in the 2009/10, scoring 13 goals and having 11 assists. Unfortunately Bayern couldn't achieve the treble as they lost to a Diego Milto double and the 'Special Ones' Inter Milan side (sidenote: what a player he was). Muller was then awarded best newcomer and voted into the Bundesliga Team of the Year. Van Gaal and Muller developed a great relationship and Muller's transformation into the Bayern starting XI can be highlighted through LVG's quote when asked about Muller's importance to the team ("With me, Muller will always play").

During the winter break of the next season, Muller reflected on what he called an "unbelievable year as a pro", which is fair to say even though he single-handily demolished England at the World Cup in South Africa which really annoyed me. Muller had a good season, obviously, but Bayern didn't live up to their usual standards and therefore meant that Van Gaal was fired and replaced by Jupp Heynckes.

The following season, Bayern only managed to win the DFB Pokal against VFB Stuttgart. in the Champions League final, which was basically a home game for Bayern as it took place in the Allianz Arena, Muller scored the first goal for Bayern but they lost on penalties due to an amazing performance by Chelsea legend Drogba. Muller stated that he was disappointed in being benched so much but would stay at Bayern Munich. In December 2012, Muller dedicated himself to Bayern when saying "There is no club to step up to when you leave Bayern... there almost is no better club." He did finish the season poorly though, with only 11 goals in 53 games.

As Bayern won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal Cup the following season, Muller scored 27 goals in 53 games, including 13 league goals. The following season, Muller signed a new deal that keeps him at Bayern until 2019 and rejected a contract from Manchester United, after an accepted £60 million bid. on 11th March 2015, Muller scored two goals in Bayern's 7-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk, drawing himself level with ex-Bayern player Mario Gomez as the top-scoring German in UEFA ChAMPIONS League History and subsequently became the leader in Bayern's 6-1 win over Porto in April 2015.

Muller is regarded as one of the most clinical players in the modern game, with other top finishers like Lewandoski and Suarez. What makes him different from other finsihers is that he doesn't always play upfront due to Bayern's vast amount of flexible players across the pitch. Therefore, Muller could be playing centre-mid, centre-attacking midfield, centre-forward, right-wing, left-wing or striker. One thing is inevitable: he will continue to get goals wherever he plays.   



Modern Football Mavericks: Joey Barton

 

Modern Football Mavericks: Joey Barton

 

 

 

What is a Maverick?

A Maverick is an unorthodox or independent-minded person. In regards to Football, these individuals has gone against the rules set by clubs, organisations (e.g. F.A) and even those that fans expect any other player to follow. Some are loved and some are hated, and in this mini-series of posts, I will be looking at how they have become a Maverick and what this means for them on and off the pitch.

Name: Joseph Antony Barton

D.O.B: 2nd September 1982

Club: Burnley

Career Information: Manchester City (2002 - 2007), Newcastle United (2007 - 2011) Queens Park Rangers (2011 - 2015), Marseille (2012 - 2013), Burnley (2015 - Present).

Honours:
Club
Newcastle United

Football League Championship 2009-10


Queens Park Rangers

Football League Championship Play-Offs 2013-14


The Worst Football Maverick?
Joey Barton is a name that is usually associated with fights, red cards and below-par Football. Many have said that he's the Worst player that has ever been categorised in as 'Maverick'. As well as detailing his infamous Maverick moments, I will be overviewing one of the most Hated Footballers in Modern Football, Joey Barton.

Barton was in Everton's academy but did play for Liverpool at 14 (just going to ignore my personal opinion about that). He was rejected a lot from a lot of clubs, such as Nottingham Forest, for being too small (well isn't that ironic). Barton actually held himself back from debuting against Middlesbrough in November 2002 because he lost his shirt after leaving it on the bench at half-time. He got his first red card (the start of many in his career) against Spurs in an FA Cup game. He then left Manchester City's Stadium after not being named in the Starting XI against Southampton. A ten man brawl sparked against Doncaster in July 2004, definitely 'not' started by Barton. City considered sacking Barton later in the year for stubbing a youth player with a cigarette.

Side note: If you didn't know already, Barton is mad. Just so you know...

Anyway, he apologised and fined £60,000. In May 2005, Barton broke a 35 year-old pedestrian's leg after driving through Liverpool at 2am (classic Footballer). He was sent home in summer 2005 from City's pre-season tour in Thailand for assaulting a 15 year-old Everton fan. Barton later started a programme that helps troubled Sportsmen and women (didn't that work...). Barton then handed in a transfer request in January 2006, had it rejected and signed a new four deal (classic Footballer). On 30th September 2006, Barton showed his backside to the Everton home fans in response to abuse (again, going to ignore my personal opinion) and had to pay £2,000 for the incident to the FA.

Barton was arrested in March 2007 on suspicion of assaulting a taxi driver in Liverpool but later cleared in May 2008. This is the first time in this series that a serious incident has been noted and I will say that unfortunately these events that do actually further a Maverick's 'unique' character. Barton was fined in £100,000 and suspended after assaulting team-mate Dabo. He was later arrested and questioned by Greater Manchester Police and was later bailed.

After a huge breakdown with Stuart Pearce at City, Barton signed for Newcastle United in June 2007 for £5.8 million. In a game against Sunderland, Barton raised his foot into Dickson Etuhu, sparking huge media attention for him to be banned but no action was taken. In December 2007, Barton was AGAIN arrested for assaulting a man. CCTV footage emerged of Barton punching a man twenty figures and knocking him unconsciousness. He was then sent to prison for six months but served 77 days, being released in 28th July 2008. He then returned for Newcastle against Arsenal on 30th August 2008.

He was then banned for six games for his assault on Dabo. Barton then later commented saying "I want to transform into a role model."

Oh, wow.

There was also rumours of Barton racially abusing Agbonlahor, although nothing happened. He then got into a war of words with Alan Shearer about his suspension for the end of the season in which Newcastle were in trouble of getting relegated. After Newcastle got relegated, Barton played extremely average and the club wanted him gone (which I'd most certainly do).

In August 2011, Barton signed with QPR (Queens Park Rangers) on a one-year contract. Barton was then involved in the most dramatic day in Premier League History on the 13th May 2012, as he single handily threw away QPR's chance of denying old club Manchester City their first Premier League title after he elbowed Carlos Tevez, kneed Sergio Aguero in the back and attempted to hand-butt Vincent Kompany. When walking to the tunnel, he tried to get onto the City bench in order to square off with Mario Ballotelli (another loose cannon for this series). Barton was stripped of the captaincy and later fined £75,000 and given a twelve match-ban at an FA hearing. A month later, Barton was signed £500,000 by QPR (six months wages).

Barton was then loaned to Marseille and his twelve match-ban was upheld in French Football. Barton told ESPN that he would join QPR after his loan and that he had gone to France in order to provide money for the child that his partner and him were having. Barton was then banned for two games after he labelled PSG centre-back Thiago Silva a 'overweight ladyboy' and he only escaped a longer suspension only because he had appeared in the BBC's Homophobia in Football documentary. Barton then returned and was released in May 2015. He signed for Burnley on 27th August.

Looking back at this post, I can't help but notice that I've mostly wrote about the on-field incidents instead of the actual Football highlights of Barton's career. Well, there haven't been any. Barton seems to be more famous for his tweets, whether it be on Neymar or the philosophical nature of ISIS. Barton is definitely the worst (Football ability wise) Maverick I have written about and will ever write about.

  






 



Is WWE in decline?

 

Is WWE in decline?

 

In recent years, WWE has been in a state of debate as to weather or not it's popularity has dropped off dramatically since end of the last decade. I myself don't watch WWE no way near as much I used to, like must 17-year lads, but to hear nothing exciting coming from the 'Promised Land' of Professional Wrestling is surprising. In this article, I will discuss all the short and long-term reasons for and against people thinking WWE is or isn't in decline.  

 

 

 

 

In decline in the short-term?

 

NO

 

NXT is made up of all Young Wrestlers
Launched in 2012, NXT is the developmental system for the WWE, which shows how Vince and co have added insurance to the short-term future of the company. Replacing ECW, the extreme format formerly run by Brock Lesnar's manager, Paul Heyman, NXT was sparked into life when the Nexus group, headed by Wade Barrett, invaded the main roster and entered a storyline with John Cena until the end of 2010. The group disbanded after new leader, CM Punk, lost at Wrestlemania 27 to Randy Orton (in a pointless storyline that ended with the best RKO of Orton's career) and the most successful member of the group (Daniel Bryan) became the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 30. Another success from NXT are Kevin Owens, the current Intercontinental Champion, who was in the fatal four-way for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship number one contendership. It is clear that there are going to be more amazing talents to come onto the main roster soon (I don't count Tyler Breeze as one) and therefore shows how the WWE is planning for the immediate building of the main roster's card.

 

 

 

Autumn is a low-viewing period for WWE

It sounds like a lame exercise but it makes sense when you look at the format of the year in Pay-per-views. The 'Big Four', (Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, Summerslam and Survivor Series), have been established since the 80's and have been the only PPV's to never been shutdown by the company. The upcoming PPV's are Survivor Series and TLC (Tables, Ladders and Chairs) and although Survivor Series will feature one of my favourite formats in WWE, Survivor Series Elimination tag team, I am not a fan of the TLC PPV due to the sheer fact that the majority of Superstars aren't experienced in the use of these weapons. I know that you need to give the Superstars an opportunity to craft their styles to balance the use of these weapons and the rest of their moves to format a creditable match on PPV but I personally think that the PPV should be scrapped and replaced with a standard filler PPV, much like Armageddon was until 2008 (which actually saw Jeff Hardy win the WWE Championship in the main event vs Edge and Triple H). Hell in a Cell PPV was saved by a final match between Lesnar and the Undertaker and can be currently viewed as a filler PPV to end certain feuds and furthers the point that the WWE run a slow program until the first RAW after TLC, commencing the Royal Rumble. 

 

YES

 

The Authority storyline is boring

At Summerslam 2013, after Daniel Bryan won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against John Cena, Triple H pedigreed Bryan in order for Randy Orton to cash in on Bryan. The Authority was born and the phrase 'That's what good for business' would slowly die a horrible death due to the reference about the new champion, Randy Orton. Subsequently, this lead to a storyline with Bryan which ended in Bryan winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 30 (an amazing moment for the former NXT star. An Evolution reunion against the Shield was the next feud for Triple H, leading to a stupid and short return to WWE for Batista. The Authority went out of power due to Team Cena winning at Survivor Series 2014 against Triple H's team, definitely not due to Sting's never expected entrance in a WWE building. They returned after a month away and Triple H then entered a storyline with WCW legend Sting, for his interference in the Survivor Series main event, and it lead to a match at Wrestlemania 31. Unfortunately for fans, Triple H won due to DX shenanigans but did shake hands with Sting. Ever since Seth Rollins cashed in on Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns in the main event of Wrestlemania 31, The Authority have been sheltering the so-called 'next Shawn Michaels' and slowly but surely fans have started to great very bored with the below-standard style of heel management by Tripe H and Stephanie McMahon. I would hope that when John Cena returns on 19th December that he turns heel (I know, by some miracle WWE booking!) and the Authority disband, as there would be a new form of heel in Cena, and Triple H could decide whether to turn to the ring or hang up his boots for good.      

 

Not as many Big Name Stars

These days, it is very rare to hear a massive name in WWE and even if it quite a big PPV. There are rumours of The Rock and Triple H facing off at Wrestlemania 32 in a mixed gender tag team match with Stephanie McMahon and UFC fighter, Ronald Rousey. Its a great attempt at WWE to sell out its biggest event of the year. However, away from next year's wrestling showcase, big names are few and far between at the moment for the main roster. Randy Orton is out with a shoulder injury, Cena has taken a break until 19th December, Lesnar only wrestles every few PPV's and Kane and the Undertaker have been 'consumed' by the Wyatt family and will most likely return to face the Wyatts at Survivor Series in a handicap match (or potential traditional Survivor Series match). It is slightly worrying for WWE as it seems that the only real 'big-name' Superstars are Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. Due to Seth Rollins ACL injury, I think that WWE should have Lesnar (just pay him, Vince!) vs Reigns in the final of the tournament to decide the winner of the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship, with Lesnar winning due to interference from Ambrose and therefore creating a main event heel.

 

 

Lack of Hispanic talent

This is an issue that can directly explain the recent decline in WWE TV viewership. It was something that was highlighted by ex-WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio in a recent interview with WhatCulture WWE and I agree that unfortunately from a business perspective WWE have failed to address the problem of the slow but quite notable decrease in Hispanic wrestlers (or of Hispanic origin). Although there are some Hispanic wrestlers in WWE, the Lucha Dragons duo and the returning Alberto Del Rio, who surprisingly won the U.S. title cleanly from John Cena at Hell in a Cell, but there was more Hispanic wrestlers so long ago and they were also booked for the mid card to the main event standard (such as the much-loved Eddie Guerrero did in 2004). I think that WWE should include more wrestlers of Hispanic origin in NXT and one way to do this is to approach the best independent propsects from around the World.

 

 

In decline in the long-term?

 

 

 

NO

 

People consuming product in different forms of Media

It seems like a lame excuse, even if it doesn't come from a WWE spokesman, but new technology means that WWE viewership isn't just subject to USA Network and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. The WWE YouTube channel was the most viewed channel for August and another example for changing convergence and consuming of different forms of media is streaming all RAW, SMACKDOWN and NXT shows on the WWE Network or simply known as WWE.com. It seems that people are watching around the World but not in the same way they did in the Attitude Era of WWE in the late 90's.  

 

 

Some Big Names occasionally feature in the Main Event

It rings true, even if some fans don't want to agree with it. The list of names that only seem to wrestle on PPV, mostly due to their part-time, extremely flexible contracts, is crammed with Superstars. The Rock, Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker and the 'boss' Triple H. With main roster regulars Cena and Orton out injured but to come back soon (Cena back 19th December), the main event Superstar category is strengthened when talking about PPV's.

 

Established core roster and format that follows PG rating

There is a strange split among fans about PG TV. Some say that it is just corporate routine in order to generate even more money for the multi-million dollar company. Others say that it is better than having TV 14, which finished after the 2008 Great American Bash PPV in order to follow with the Linda McMahon U.S. Senate campaign (didn't that go well...). Both viewpoints make very good sense and I do think that WWE has become quite a childish programme as everyone, especially Michael Cole, loses their mind when they hear a swear word like 'Bitch'. However, if TV 14 returned it would become boring after a month and everyone would be concerned with the non-stop sight of blood at PPV. Sometimes it might be very exciting, like Lesnar vs Undertaker at Hell in a Cell, but like everything in Professional Wrestling it will become over-the-top and totally unrealistic. The format of the WWE at the moment is 'Sports Entertainment' instead of it being Professional Wrestling. What the WWE should be doing is focusing on better booking and exploring other storyline options.  

 

 

 

 

YES

 

 

No distinctive characters in division

It relates to the storyline errors, especially with the lame Divas Revolution in which all the 'Divas' are fighting for a god-damn Butterfly. During the Attitude Era, stars such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin and many others were closely documented into the main events of WWE with very distinctive characteristics. This lead to fans becoming closely associated with their favourite heel or babyface, especially in the epic Austin vs Rock build-ups. Fast forward to present day, stars may not have the history of their gimmick fully explored by the creative team but the gimmicks aren't at all interesting or appealing to wrestling fans. You could say that some stars like Dean Ambrose make their own character through technical wrestling and pranks on his nemesis Seth Rollins but others like Roman Reigns seems like another copy of 'The Animal' Batista. WWE need to look about on their character development and hire people who know what fans except from main event talent and their promos.

 

 

 

No split roster between RAW & SMACKDOWN & Only One World Title

Back in the day, and yes I just said that, RAW and SMACKDOWN were completely separate shows were Superstars were assigned to and drafted once a year. They completed in Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Matches and most notably had a World Title for each show (WWE title on RAW and World Heavyweight on SMACKDOWN, unless they crossed over in the WWE Draft). This made the Royal Rumble and Money In the Bank cash-ins very unpredictable as the Superstar could win either championship. Unfortunately today, the main roster is so small and lacking in depth that the Superstars have to be on both shows. This seems fine but in the past you got to see a completely different set of stars on Monday and Friday and also have them mixed in on PPV's. WWE should recruit more wrestlers, especially cruiserweights and high-flyers so that there is more of a mix on the roster than just the standard heavyweight wrestler like Lesnar. This would bring back some of the much needed viewership of fans who watch independent promotions in America or the rest of the World.  

 

 

 

Realistic storylines are rare and unexplored

In 2011, CM Punk's contract with WWE was running out and they made a storyline leading up to Money In the Bank PPV in which CM Punk won hours before his contract expired (although it was revealed later that Punk actually signed with WWE halfway through the PPV). This lead WWE on its best and most unorthodox storyline since the Attitude Era and it all started with one epic promo from CM Punk. On 27th July 2011, after costing John Cena a tables match on RAW, Punk then sat down on the ramp and did what the creative team told him to do, which was to go out and 'speak his mind'. Phil Brooks (Punk) ripped into WWE and announced himself as a main event talent. Some of the best quotes from the promo were "There's one thing that you're better at than I am and that's kissing Vince McMahon's ass", "I am the Best Wrestler in the World, I've been the best ever since day one when I walked into this company and Paul Heyman saw something in me that no-else saw" and my personal favourite "Do I have everybody's attention now?".

That is proper booking and storyline element. WWE took a frustrated wrestler who never headlined Wrestlemania (what a joke that this!) and gave him the chance to voice his opinions on the company. These days, they wouldn't even dream of it due to the family feelings and 'cool and professional' settings of professional Wrestling. Its a shame and a wrestler like Punk wouldn't come to the WWE in the current state because of the lack of change towards the main storyline.

In conclusion, I think that WWE is definitely in decline due to the fact that their creative team is lacking in creativity across the card and the depth in Superstars seems ridiculous especially in the culture of the supposed Promised Land of Wrestling. The only way to solve these problems is create good PG Wrestling, like on NXT, re-think all storylines and finally allow some of the main event Wrestlers to occasionally involve backstage rumours and jokes into promos.

 

Is WWE in decline?