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    Thursday
    Apr182013

    Con: Play acting

    A lot has been said about Nani's tendencies to make the most of things. Despite his muscular frame he is often brushed off the ball and has been accused of going down when he could have perhaps stayed on his feet.

    This clip, taken from a game against Liverpool, was slightly different. The challenge from Jamie Carragher was no doubt a reckless one, and Nani was indeed clattered.

    However, after rolling around the floor in 'agony' for a bit, the winger suddenly jumps to his feet to berate the referee. Not the smartest move, and Nani realises this so he falls straight back down to the deck.

    Nice acting.

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    Thursday
    Apr182013

    Pro: Quality in attack

    Right, a good point now. Nani has unbelievable amounts of power and accuracy in both feet, so when he strikes a ball from distance is often keeps the goalkeeper off-guard. He has displayed on numerous occasions how easy it is for him cut inside and wallop the ball into the roof of the net, but his fleet-footedness allows his to weave in and out of opposition defenders at will.

    Here, in this clip, we see just how talented the boy is with the ball at his feet. He is up against two defenders on the touchline, but he soon dazzles them with a single piece of skill, leaving them for dead.

    He then drops a shoulder and beats a third man and proceeds to dink the ball over the keeper and into the net at the far post from an impossible angle.

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    Thursday
    Apr182013

    Con: Selfishness

    A con for Nani's Old Trafford career is his selfishness. The Portuguese midfielder demands to be centre of attention, whether that is shooting from the half way line or having a screaming match with the officials, Nani wants the cameras on him.

    Have a look here, and decide if it is an act of greed or just a misunderstanding. He, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, is away on Portugal duty. The latter picks the ball up in the opposition half and beats the defender for pace, before cutting back with a neat piece of skill. He rolls his foot over the ball and lobs the ball over the keepers head. However, as the ball drops over the line, a lurking Nani pounces and nods the ball into the net - only for the linesman to raise his flag and disallow it.

    Check out Ronaldo's reaction.

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    Thursday
    Apr182013

    Pro: Nani's skills

    Nani is remarkable with the ball at his feet. His flamboyant style of play is moulded around his treasure box of flicks and tricks, and combined with his raw power and pace it makes him distressingly hard to defend against.

    Although this clip only just touches on what he is capable of, you get a sense of how easy it is for him to change the game with a piece of genius.

    Unpredictability is one of Nani's major strengths as he is just as comfortable with either foot, leaving defenders guessing what way he is going to go.

    Rather them than me.

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    Tuesday
    Apr162013

    Top5 - Number 1: Manuel Pellegrini

    The Malaga coach is strongly being backed as the next Chelsea boss after his team's magnificent form on the European stage. The La Liga club had their dreams of a Champions League semi-final snatched away from them with two last gasp goals from Borussia Dortmund, despite it being the club's first ever time in the competition. Pellegrini has done wonders in Malaga's financial downfall, and the loss of his star players have not deterred him from his aims. Malaga finished fourth in last year's La Liga with a record of 58 points.

    Experience:

    Having spent 12 years playing for Universidad Chile, he went on to manage the club for a year, before going on to manage Palestino, Chile U20, O'Higgins, Universidad Catolica, LDU Quito, San Lorenzo, River Plate, Villarreal, and Real Madrid.

    He has won numerous trophies in his managerial tenure, and is said to be looking for one big challenge to end his career with. Could Chelsea be that challenge?

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    Tuesday
    Apr162013

    Top5 - Number 2: David Moyes

    The general outlook in this country is that David Moyes is a huge contender to replace Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot finally gives up the management hot-seat at Old Trafford. However, there have been whispers that Moyes is ready to leave the Toffees and the Chelsea board consider him a front runner.

    Experience:

    Moyes was always destined for management, and when he finally took the plunge he kept Preston North End up in unlikely circumstances, took them to the Division Two play-offs, and promotion to Division One in his four year stint at the club.

    His success allowed him to take control of Premier League Everton in 2002 and the rest is history. The Glasgow born manager has transformed Everton into a side who strive on hard work and teamwork and he has guided them into Europe on numerous occasions.

    Moyes is looked upon as a hero at Goodison Park, but his limited resources has led to frustration and lack of silverware. The closest Moyes has come to a trophy in Merseyside is the FA Cup in 2009 where they fell to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Chelsea.

    Everton currently sit sixth in the table going in to tonight's (16/04/13) games with Arsenal.

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    Tuesday
    Apr162013

    Top5 - Number 3: Michael Laudrup

    The Swansea boss was recently voted as the man who Real Madrid fans wish to see succeed Jose Mourinho at the end of the season, so a switch to Chelsea may be unlikely. The former Barcelona and Madrid player has magnified his reputation since arriving in the Premier League in the summer, leading the Swans to another respectable position in the table (currently ninth with six games remaining).

    Experience:

    Well, as well as playing football for the likes of Lazio, Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Ajax during his 17 year playing career, on top of his 100 caps for Denmark, Laudrup has managed Brondby, Getafe, Spartak Moscow, Mallorca and the club he is in charge of at present, Swansea.

    To say he is a well-travelled, cultured coach would be an understatement.

    The 48-year-old has the Swans playing some incredible football, and his emphasis on attacking is a breath of fresh air to watch. Whether or not he would be tempted to take the reins of the capital club is yet to be seen.

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    Tuesday
    Apr162013

    Top5 - Number 4: Gus Poyet

    The Brighton manager may not be the most popular choice with the Stamford Bridge supporters after he left them for London rivals Spurs when he was still in his playing days. His fiery passion for the game has seen him touted as the next Blues boss for some time now, and he has made it clear that he would jump at the chance if it came along.

    The former Uruguay international joined former teammate Dennis Wise at Swindon as his assistant, before following  him to Leeds and taking up the same role. He was then presented the opportunity to jump to Tottenham as assistant manager under Juande Ramos and helped the club to League Cup victory in his debut season. However, a poor string of games led Ramos to be sacked and Poyet followed him out of the door.

    He took charge of Brighton and Hove Albion in his first managerial job and was an instant hit with the fans. He, along with assistant Mauricio Taricco, led the club to safety in their first season in charge after the club's awful start, and steered the Seagulls to the League One title in their first full season in charge.

    In the 2011/12 season he guided Albion to a finish of tenth, and they currently sit fifth in the Championship season with a huge chance of a play-off place.

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    Tuesday
    Apr162013

    Top5 - Number 5: Guus Hiddink

    The Dutchman is one of the most established managers in world football and Chelsea fans will still have fond memories of him after he steered them to the Champions League semi-finals, a FA Cup final victory and all in all lost just once whilst in temporary charge back in 2009. Hiddink was so popular with the Stamford Bridge dressing room that they bought him an engraved watch and signed numerous merchandise for his departure.

    Experience:

    Hiddink is currently in charge of Russian moneybags Anzhi Makhachkala but has announced his plans to retire from football management at the end of the season after his 30 year career in coaching. However, we all know how the lure of management can change people's minds and he is being rumoured to be willing to take charge on a short term deal.

    Over the years, Hiddink has been in charge of PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce, Valencia, Netherlands, Real Madrid, Real Betis, South Korea, PSV Eindhoven, Australia, Russia, Chelsea, Turkey and his current side.

    Some record, eh?

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    Monday
    Apr152013

    Top5 - Number 1: Steven Gerrard

    Games played: 32

    Goals: 9

    Average Shot Accuracy: 54%

    Chances Created: 82

    Pass Accuracy: 86%

    Average Duels Won: 59%

    Steven Gerrard - Mr Liverpool, Mr consistent, the greatest English midfielder in his generation. The 32-year-old has played over 700 games for Liverpool and England combined, an astonishing feat for any player.

    His incredible technique has allowed him to ply his trade at the very top of European football, and although he is yet to win the Premier League, he has 3 League Cups, 2 FA Cups, and a Champions League to look back at when he hangs up his boots.

    The Anfield faithful will always love Stevie G, because ultimately he is one of them. Born and bred in the city, Gerrard has a real connection with the club and is the reason he will put his body on the line for the cause.

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