Though unconfirmed through Dinamo Moskva and other reliable sources, a variety of media sources are purporting that Yossi Benayoun will move to the White-Blues from Liverpool for a fee in the €8m. Whilst readers should cast a highly suspecting eyebrow at this rumour, as it appears questionable on a number fronts and appears to be more of the making of the press, it would be remarkable coup for Dinamo if it were truthful.
Moving past whether Liverpool would part with one of manager Rafa Benítez' most trusted players and whether Dinamo would invest so heavily in the market, the thirty year-old Israeli international would have a remarkable impact on Andrey Kobelev's line-up. After debuting professionally for Beersheba's THapoel Be'er Sheva in 1997, Mr. Benayoun quickly established himself as an attacking virtuoso with stops in Maccabi Haifa and La Liga's Racing Santander before making the move to the English Premier League. Joining Alan Pardew's West Ham in 2005, his vision towards the goal was proven out again and within two years joined Rafa Benítez' Liverpool.
Though some claim his slight of build is detrimental to boorish physical play, the Israeli captain is a technical gifted player in a classic sense of the game. His inclusion into the Dinamo line-up would immediately jettison the play of strikers Andriy Voronin, Fyodor Smolov and Aleksandr Kokorin.
Now, of-course, the true test to this is whether Dinamo is close to consummating this remarkable coup and unless rock-solid proof comes shortly, such rumours possess little fact and are merely a media creation.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Showing posts with label Liverpool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liverpool. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
arrival of Andriy Voronin signals departure of Aleksandr Kerzhakov from Dinamo Moskva
As previously reported, English Premier League side Liverpool have formally announced the sale of striker Andriy Voronin to Dinamo Moskva for €2 million. In a brief statement, Liverpool noted that, "paperwork for the deal (is) set to be completed over the weekend".
The journey to the Russian capital marks a fresh start for Andriy Voronin after an unsuccessful run at Anfield. Arriving in February 2007 from Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the thirty-year-old Ukrainian international rarely found his goal-scoring form and subsequently written out of manager Rafa Benítez's plans. However, with the "White-Blues" he will be immediately be ushered into Andrey Kobelev's starting eleven, who equally feature the rapidly emerging teenage stars Fyodor Smolov and Aleksandr Kokorin.
The arrival of the new Dinamo striker surely marks the departure of Russian international Aleksandr Kerzhakov, with most suspecting he will return to Zenit Saint Petersburg where is playing career started, though neither club or player have publicly commented. Presuming new Zenit manager Luciano Spalletti sticks to the tactical styling whilst leading Roma, the new man will feature as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Additionally the arrival of Aleksandr Kerzhakov in Saint Petersburg will cause Zenit to back off from a potential move on Roman Pavlyuchenko, presently looking for a route from Tottenham. Though Spartak Moskva is still actively pursuing his return to the Krasno-belye, the Tottenham asking price, said to be no less than £11 million is beyond their ceiling.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
The journey to the Russian capital marks a fresh start for Andriy Voronin after an unsuccessful run at Anfield. Arriving in February 2007 from Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the thirty-year-old Ukrainian international rarely found his goal-scoring form and subsequently written out of manager Rafa Benítez's plans. However, with the "White-Blues" he will be immediately be ushered into Andrey Kobelev's starting eleven, who equally feature the rapidly emerging teenage stars Fyodor Smolov and Aleksandr Kokorin.
The arrival of the new Dinamo striker surely marks the departure of Russian international Aleksandr Kerzhakov, with most suspecting he will return to Zenit Saint Petersburg where is playing career started, though neither club or player have publicly commented. Presuming new Zenit manager Luciano Spalletti sticks to the tactical styling whilst leading Roma, the new man will feature as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Additionally the arrival of Aleksandr Kerzhakov in Saint Petersburg will cause Zenit to back off from a potential move on Roman Pavlyuchenko, presently looking for a route from Tottenham. Though Spartak Moskva is still actively pursuing his return to the Krasno-belye, the Tottenham asking price, said to be no less than £11 million is beyond their ceiling.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Andriy Voronin set to replace Aleksandr Kerzhakov at Dinamo Moskva
After a disappointing second half of the recent campaign that resulted them shut out of European competition with an eighth place finish, Dinamo Moskva are rumoured to be hot on the trail of Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin.
The thirty-year-old Odessa native, who has made stops with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Mainz, Köln and Bayer 04 Leverkusen before joining English Premier League side Liverpool in the summer of 2007, is widely accepted on his way out of Anfield. After a fine start with Liverpool his production waned and quickly saw his appearances dwindle. Following a loan spell back in the Germany last year with Hertha Berlin, he has yet to be a factor in Rafa Benítez's line-up after return to the English side. As Liverpool looks to build up its coffers to finance the acquisition of Maxi Rodriguez from Atlético Madrid, Andriy Voronin is rumoured to be available for the £1.5m.
Dinamo manager Andrey Kobelev is also dealing with the delicate issue of striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who many suspect has played his final match for the “White Blues”. The twenty-seven year-old Russian international contract expires next year and considered to be the target of Liverpool, Hamburg, Lokomotiv Moskva as well as returning to Zenit Saint Petersburg, where his professional career commenced. As Dinamo opened its training camp on Monday, it was without the striker, further raising speculation he is not returning to Dinamo. Speaking to Russian media outlet Sports Express, he noted, "Dinamo gave me a paper that I can train individually till January 15. That was the decision of the club and that is why I did not attend the first training."
Furthering speculation that he is headed to Luciano Spalletti's Zenit line-up he added:
"Actually I was ready to arrive in Moscow by the start of the trainings and even bought a ticket. I am in St. Petersburg at the moment. The negotiations about my transfer are on their way. Of course I know what is going on but I will not give the details. I think everything will be decided very soon. And at the same time I am not expecting the verdict with a sinking heart. The process of talks is normal and I am ready to accept any result."
Prepared by J. Davies
The thirty-year-old Odessa native, who has made stops with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Mainz, Köln and Bayer 04 Leverkusen before joining English Premier League side Liverpool in the summer of 2007, is widely accepted on his way out of Anfield. After a fine start with Liverpool his production waned and quickly saw his appearances dwindle. Following a loan spell back in the Germany last year with Hertha Berlin, he has yet to be a factor in Rafa Benítez's line-up after return to the English side. As Liverpool looks to build up its coffers to finance the acquisition of Maxi Rodriguez from Atlético Madrid, Andriy Voronin is rumoured to be available for the £1.5m.
Dinamo manager Andrey Kobelev is also dealing with the delicate issue of striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who many suspect has played his final match for the “White Blues”. The twenty-seven year-old Russian international contract expires next year and considered to be the target of Liverpool, Hamburg, Lokomotiv Moskva as well as returning to Zenit Saint Petersburg, where his professional career commenced. As Dinamo opened its training camp on Monday, it was without the striker, further raising speculation he is not returning to Dinamo. Speaking to Russian media outlet Sports Express, he noted, "Dinamo gave me a paper that I can train individually till January 15. That was the decision of the club and that is why I did not attend the first training."
Furthering speculation that he is headed to Luciano Spalletti's Zenit line-up he added:
"Actually I was ready to arrive in Moscow by the start of the trainings and even bought a ticket. I am in St. Petersburg at the moment. The negotiations about my transfer are on their way. Of course I know what is going on but I will not give the details. I think everything will be decided very soon. And at the same time I am not expecting the verdict with a sinking heart. The process of talks is normal and I am ready to accept any result."
Prepared by J. Davies
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Everton's magical FA Cup victory over Liverpool
With only two minutes remaining in extra time, Dan Gosling chiseled his name into Everton's history, scoring to give the Toffees a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Tactically there was few surprises in the match with Everton refusing to provide any defensive openings and their were few chances prior to the break. Liverpools chances to a turn for the worse when Steven Gerrard was forced out with an injury only sixteen minutes into the match. After the restart, the Toffees slowly gained confidence and eventually went on the attack. With twenty minutes left, Timmy Cahill dispatched the ball to Leon Osman to the right of the goal but his drive slammed against the post and the match stayed even. However the match took a heavy turn as Liverpool was forced to play a man down with fifteen minutes remaining following
Lucas Leiva being booked for the second time. Everton continued to pressure and after a number of close calls in which the ball skidded wide it looked certain the match was going to penalties. However with two minutes left, Dan Gosling on the left, collected a ball with his left, out maneuvered the Liverpool defenders and bringing the ball to his right foot he curled the shot in off the far post.
Of special mention, while obvious Dan Gosling's confidence and overall play was impressive when he came on for Marouane Fellaini early into the half, seventeen year old Jack Rodwell continues to impress as an everyday player.
David Moyes said of the match on Everton TV:
"Credit the lads, we’ve probably played better games and been involved in better games, but for the supporters and everybody involved it was magic to score the goal so late on and win it.
"It was great because when they went down to ten men we had to make sure that we still did our jobs and didn’t give it away.
"It’s been hard; we’ve had three games against Liverpool so we have to remember what they’ve spent to get where they are today. So you take a little bit of pride in that.
"We were very anxious to play it out especially after the past couple of weeks and that’s what we did."
Tactically there was few surprises in the match with Everton refusing to provide any defensive openings and their were few chances prior to the break. Liverpools chances to a turn for the worse when Steven Gerrard was forced out with an injury only sixteen minutes into the match. After the restart, the Toffees slowly gained confidence and eventually went on the attack. With twenty minutes left, Timmy Cahill dispatched the ball to Leon Osman to the right of the goal but his drive slammed against the post and the match stayed even. However the match took a heavy turn as Liverpool was forced to play a man down with fifteen minutes remaining following
Lucas Leiva being booked for the second time. Everton continued to pressure and after a number of close calls in which the ball skidded wide it looked certain the match was going to penalties. However with two minutes left, Dan Gosling on the left, collected a ball with his left, out maneuvered the Liverpool defenders and bringing the ball to his right foot he curled the shot in off the far post.
Of special mention, while obvious Dan Gosling's confidence and overall play was impressive when he came on for Marouane Fellaini early into the half, seventeen year old Jack Rodwell continues to impress as an everyday player.
David Moyes said of the match on Everton TV:
"Credit the lads, we’ve probably played better games and been involved in better games, but for the supporters and everybody involved it was magic to score the goal so late on and win it.
"It was great because when they went down to ten men we had to make sure that we still did our jobs and didn’t give it away.
"It’s been hard; we’ve had three games against Liverpool so we have to remember what they’ve spent to get where they are today. So you take a little bit of pride in that.
"We were very anxious to play it out especially after the past couple of weeks and that’s what we did."
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Merseyside derby FA Cup tie preview
Liverpool makes it way to Goodison in the replay of the FA Cup with David Moyes anticipating the impact of home support. The fiery Scot said:
"I think Liverpool find it hard to break us down so we are aware of that. At Goodison it might give us the urge to feel as if we want to attack them more.
"We are looking forward to the game at Goodison and the supporters will be right behind us.
"As long as we get the rub of the green and the right decisions, which hasn't been the case in the past, then hopefully it will be okay.
"Everybody wants to win the FA Cup but you have to earn the right and beat the teams on the way through.
"We have been playing against the top sides recently and not letting ourselves down.
"I think you would say they (Liverpool) had the advantage in the two games at Anfield and we were able to come away with two draws.
"I feel we can play much better; I think we are playing well but I think we can play better. Hopefully if we can do that we can get into the next round of the Cup."
The club has Joseph Yobo available although new signing Jô is unavailable. The Brazilian goal scorer is cup tied as he was part of City's woefully bad performance when they lost to Nottingham Forest.
Everyone's favourite Aussie, Timmy Cahill said of the derby:
“It’s always massive playing Liverpool. It’s just the occasion that takes the lime-light, but the referee could also write the headlines.
“Hopefully that’s not the case and it’s an (Everton) player that get their name in the record books.
“Liverpool had a good result against Chelsea on Sunday after a fortunate decision from the referee. I got sent off by the same ref but games can hang on really harsh decisions.
“I think this is the best time to play Liverpool and we are really confident. Hopefully we’ll get a good result.
“I feel that there’s a lot of hype that goes on and now that we’re at home we should take the game to them and hopefully get a good result.
“I think we should just stick to our game plan. We will hit them on the break and defend well too.
"I think Liverpool find it hard to break us down so we are aware of that. At Goodison it might give us the urge to feel as if we want to attack them more.
"We are looking forward to the game at Goodison and the supporters will be right behind us.
"As long as we get the rub of the green and the right decisions, which hasn't been the case in the past, then hopefully it will be okay.
"Everybody wants to win the FA Cup but you have to earn the right and beat the teams on the way through.
"We have been playing against the top sides recently and not letting ourselves down.
"I think you would say they (Liverpool) had the advantage in the two games at Anfield and we were able to come away with two draws.
"I feel we can play much better; I think we are playing well but I think we can play better. Hopefully if we can do that we can get into the next round of the Cup."
The club has Joseph Yobo available although new signing Jô is unavailable. The Brazilian goal scorer is cup tied as he was part of City's woefully bad performance when they lost to Nottingham Forest.
Everyone's favourite Aussie, Timmy Cahill said of the derby:
“It’s always massive playing Liverpool. It’s just the occasion that takes the lime-light, but the referee could also write the headlines.
“Hopefully that’s not the case and it’s an (Everton) player that get their name in the record books.
“Liverpool had a good result against Chelsea on Sunday after a fortunate decision from the referee. I got sent off by the same ref but games can hang on really harsh decisions.
“I think this is the best time to play Liverpool and we are really confident. Hopefully we’ll get a good result.
“I feel that there’s a lot of hype that goes on and now that we’re at home we should take the game to them and hopefully get a good result.
“I think we should just stick to our game plan. We will hit them on the break and defend well too.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
PSV bows out of Champions League
PSV’s Champions League efforts ended with a 3-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield that sees them finish dead last in their group. With this loss they equally miss-out on a UEFA Cup spot and a chance to join fellow Eredivisie sides, Ajax and Twente and the earliest exit from European competition since 2002. PSV had a positive start taking the lead nine minutes before the break with Serbian international Danko Lazović scoring from close range after a corner had been dealt with poorly. However Liverpool leveled the match with the last second of added-time as Ryan Babel headed Lucas Leiva’s cross. That goal clearly took the wind from PSV’s sails as Liverpool was the much stronger side after the break. While the score was only a two goal advantage for the Reds, the work of Robbie Keane was superb and if Ryan Babel actually possessed the desire to pass to an open man, Liverpool would have certainly increased that difference. Liverpool doubled the margin with twenty-two minutes remaining as Albert Riera struck a brilliant drive from twenty-five plus meters and whatever fight PSV had wandered towards the exit. Robbie Keane continued a stellar evening as he fed PSG product David N’Gog with a perfect pass which the nineteen year-old converted. With nary an effort to draw back the match concluded with a 3-1 scoreline.PSV returns to action this Sunday as they travel to Arnhem to face Vitesse however before that time I expect significant discussion on the immediate future of the clubs discussion. Falling out of Europe and sitting fourth in the domestic table isn’t acceptable for the defending champion.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
PSV rues missed opportunities
Once again the story of PSV's season appears to be "missed opportunities" and the inability to finish scoring chances as they lost to Olympique Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome. For the first half-hour of the match, PSV supporters could take solace in their effective movement on a pitch that was questionably playable and in-fact, if this was a league match I would expect the match to have been abandoned. However that wasn't to be the case and at the half hour mark Hatem Ben Arfa played a through ball to Bakari Koné, who showed good pace moving past Eric Addo and putting the ball behind PSV 'keeper Andreas Isaksson. PSV had a number of opportunities to level the match before the half but at each turn, finishing was abysmally ineffective. Three minutes past the hour l'OM doubled the margin as a Bakari Koné set-up Mamadou Niang for a point-blank goal, which he did not falter. From that stage the Ligue 1 club anxious to fill the net, controlled the run of play and seven minutes later Hatem Ben Arfa provided Mamadou Niang a perfect pass for the second goal of his night.The loss dumps PSV to the bottom of Group D, tied with Marseille and five points behind Liverpool and Atlético Madrid. PSV returns to action against NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie this Saturday.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Man City - Liverpool match preview
Man City welcomes Liverpool to Eastlands tomorrow in a massive test of their development. Liverpool is riding high and Rafa Benítez has them looking very much like a club poised to raise a trophy.
Liverpool is fully fit with Javier Mascherano ready to return. City might need to deal with the loss of Richard Dunne who suffered a slight injury in the UEFA Cup match against AC Omonia
Consistency is the key for City and they will need to concentrate on quality marking our Liverpool will fill the goal. With conditions very slick and heavy rain expected this becomes an even greater concern.
Man City keeper Joe Hart commented on the clubs web-site
"Liverpool’s going to be a difficult game, as is each one in this league and obviously we’re going to try and win, but the main thing is to get a positive result.
"The game is a great chance for the lads to really show what we can do now."
In discussing the new additions to the club and buying power of the ownership he noted:
"It’s not a bad thing, but at the same time, money can’t buy results."
The structure and pacing of this match is critical for Man City's efforts. Given he is healthy Mr. Martin Petrov needs to be penciled-in to orchestrate the flow of City and give it control. Marking and disciplined play must be the focus or Steven Gerrard and company will turn this into a long afternoon. I dare say for City fans, the glaring obvious weaknesses will be shed as Liverpool stops the Samba beat dead in its tracks.
Enjoy the match and I will report on it once it concludes.
Liverpool is fully fit with Javier Mascherano ready to return. City might need to deal with the loss of Richard Dunne who suffered a slight injury in the UEFA Cup match against AC Omonia
Consistency is the key for City and they will need to concentrate on quality marking our Liverpool will fill the goal. With conditions very slick and heavy rain expected this becomes an even greater concern.
Man City keeper Joe Hart commented on the clubs web-site
"Liverpool’s going to be a difficult game, as is each one in this league and obviously we’re going to try and win, but the main thing is to get a positive result.
"The game is a great chance for the lads to really show what we can do now."
In discussing the new additions to the club and buying power of the ownership he noted:
"It’s not a bad thing, but at the same time, money can’t buy results."
The structure and pacing of this match is critical for Man City's efforts. Given he is healthy Mr. Martin Petrov needs to be penciled-in to orchestrate the flow of City and give it control. Marking and disciplined play must be the focus or Steven Gerrard and company will turn this into a long afternoon. I dare say for City fans, the glaring obvious weaknesses will be shed as Liverpool stops the Samba beat dead in its tracks.
Enjoy the match and I will report on it once it concludes.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Liverpool easily defeats PSV
Liverpool fans rejoiced at Anfield as they easily defeated PSV 3-1 in a Champions League match. The home squad controlled the match start to finish and PSV looked as if they were already playing for third place in group at times. With Danny Koevermans relegated to the bench and Nordin Amrabat set as the lone striker, Hubb Stevens attempted to employ a more defensive lineup. However it went for naught as Liverpool outplayed PSV in every aspect on the pitch, including out-working their visitors.
Continuing his Champions League scoring prowess, Dirk Kuyt pounced upon a loose ball and drilled it behind Andreas Isaksson only four minutes into the match. That description of the goal doesn't do it justice for the juvenile defending that created the opportunity. With Steven Gerrard taking a corner to the left of the goal, a completely unmarked Fernando Torres strode-in uninterrupted and side-footed it towards the net. Somehow Andreas Isaksson was able to block the approach but the rebound found its way to Dirk Kuyt who didn't hesitate to give the Reds the early lead.
With their heads hanging, PSV showed little after, poor touches on the ball, the inability to control passes and constantly gave up possession of the ball. Liverpool continued to pressure with barely a worthy counter effort by PSV and eleven minutes before the break Robbie Keane doubled the score, when he too was left unmarked in-close.
After the break, PSV performed marginally better and slightly more committed in attacking. However Steven Gerrard ended any hope with fourteen minutes left in the match as he nailed a laser into the net to give Liverpool a hearty 3-0 lead. PSV scored a consolation goal as Balázs Dzsudzsák, who had just entered for Edison Méndez, crossed to Danny Koevermans who confidently finished.
PSV
Andreas Isaksson,Jeremie Bréchet (Erik Pieters 45'),Dirk Marcellis,Jan Kromkamp,Carlos Salcido,Jason Culina,Stijn Wuytens (Danny Koevermans 60'),Edison Méndez (Balázs Dzsudzsák 76'),Timmy Simons,Otman Bakkal,Nordin Amrabat
Liverpool
Pepe Reina,Martin Skrtel,Fabio Aurelio,Álvaro Arbeloa,Jamie Carragher,Steven Gerrard (Ryan Babel 82'),Xabi Alonso,Alberto Riera (Yossi Benayoun 68'),Fernando Torres,Robbie Keane (Lucas 76'),Dirk Kuyt
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
PSV v Liverpool Champions League match preview
A struggling PSV visits Anfield to face Liverpool in Champions League action later today. PSV's defensive of their title has been anything but convincing as they are stumbling through the early Eredivisie season. This past weekend, they turned "a walk" against newly promoted FC Volendam into a tight affair and narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory with Stijn Wuytens goal with seventeen minutes left to play. This came after the ill-fated loss to Louis van Gaal's AZ Alkmaar and the obliteration at the hands of Atlético Madrid in their opening Champions League match. Liverpool on the other hand has yet to be defeated, coming off a comfortable victory in the Merseyside Derby as well as a victory over Man Utd two weeks prior. With a start of this magnitude it may be impossible for Reds fans to temper their enthusiasm as it appears that Rafa Benítez has his club ready and able to fill the trophy case.
PSV's chances will be hampered with the absence of Ibrahim Afellay to injury while Rafa welcomes Javier Mascherano and Javier Mascherano back. To be successful PSV will need to control the midfield with skipper Timmy Simons' and Jason Culina play crucial. Defensively the back-line must follow Carlos Salcido lead and play intelligent Championship Football. In the attack, the loss of Ibrahim Afellay will weigh large and the attacking tandem of Nordin Amrabat and Danny Koevermans will need to capitalize on opportunities.
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