Visitors take a point as United fail to call the Shots

Oxford United were left frustrated as 10-man Aldershot Town fought back from a goal down to take a share of the spoils at Grenoble Road. James Constable's looping volley had put the home side ahead, but The Shots hit back through Luke Guttridge to send United's fans home disappointed.

Chris Wilder's side were given a rousing reception as they took to home soil for the first time since victory at Swindon and responded with a bright start. Peter Leven's outswinging corner was headed wide by Constable, before Lewis Guy raced in behind Aldershot's back-line. Anthony Straker was always the wrong side of the on-loan MK Dons striker and only succeeded in bundling Guy over narrowly outside the area. Referee Andrew Madley showed no hesitation in showing the full-back the red card, Aldershot's second in two visits to United. Peter Leven lifted the resultant free-kick narrowly wide of the upright.

Ten minutes later, Constable made United's man advantage count. Leven's floated cross was punched clear by Aldershot goalkeeper Jamie Young, only for the County Ground hero to hook a volley straight back over Young's head to the joy of the fans in the Oxford Mail stand (Aldershot had won the toss and opted to switch ends). One up after 20 minutes and a man to the good, everything seemed to be in place for a comfortable afternoon's work.

United almost doubled their lead shortly before the interval after confusion in the Aldershot penalty area. Liam Davis was unable to take the ball in his stride, before Guy's right-footed effort whistled past the angle of post and bar. Despite dominating possession throughout the half, Oxford's half-time lead was a slender one.

Alfie Potter replaced Simon Heslop at the interval, with Lewis Guy being handed a free-role behind the front three. However, it was Aldershot who began the half on the front foot. In a first warning for Oxford, Peter Vincenti was inches away from diverting the ball home as a header flashed past the post. As the pressure built, the home side struggled to get the ball clear and were eventually punished. Guttridge's initial effort was blocked by August player of the month Michael Duberry. However, the midfielder drilled his second effort low past Clarke into the Oxford net to level the scores.

Rather than sit back on their equaliser, the visitors continued to push forward at every opportunity. United were surrendering possession far too easily for the liking of anyone in yellow and were struggling to to build any meaningful pressure. A frustrating final period of the game culminated with Andy Whing firing over the bar after Jake Wright had failed to connect properly with a Duberry knock-down. The home support knew that this was the final opportunity to steal the points and as referee Madley blew the final whistle, there were plenty of unoccupied blue seats.

This was a thoroughly frustrating afternoon for all concerned with Oxford United. Much like at Swindon, the team were far from their fluent best, with only one shot on target all afternoon. However, this time they were made to pay for not putting the game to bed. This was worryingly similar to the Bradford fixture a fortnight earlier, with two points very much dropped, having been ahead at the interval.

Chris Wilder made only one change from the Swindon game, with Deane Smalley replacing Alfie Potter in the starting eleven. As mentioned, Potter's absence was limited to 45 minutes, as the winger came into the action at the break. Damien Batt replaced Paul McLaren on hour mark, with Andy Whing moving into central midfield. Jon-Paul Pittman entered the fray on 74 minutes, with Wilder desperately hunting for a winner.

Referee Andrew Madley found himself in the thick of the action early on, correctly dismissing Straker for preventing a goalscoring opportunity. Substitutes Batt and Potter both found their way into Mr Madley's notebook for late challenges in the second half. The game was watched by 6,673, with 435 making the journey from Hampshire

The point takes United to 9^th in the table, five points off the top and a single point outside the play-off positions. Aldershot Town's battling performance lifts them to 20^th position, one place above Swindon Town, who were beaten 2-1 at Shrewsbury. Rotherham lead the pack, beating Gillingham 3-0, despite the departure of Adam Le Fondre. Surprise package Morecambe were victorious at Northampton and lie in 2^nd place. Crawley remain third despite Cheltenham's 3-1 victory over the Football League new boys. Plymouth find themselves at the foot of the table, having been beaten 1-0 by Oxford's next opponents, Crewe Alexandra. Hereford remain in the relegation places despite picking up a solid draw at Bristol Rovers.

Lewis grabs three points for The Millers

Rotherham United 1 Oxford United 0

Oxford United kicked off the new season with a disappointing defeat at the Don Valley Stadium to a Rotherham side who will be a tough proposition to any sides visiting Sheffield.

Those who have been to the Don Valley will understand that it is an unusual footballing experience. In what is primarily an athletics venue, football supporters are seated along the length of the 100m straight, with the remaining 300m of the track eerily unoccupied. In what is presumably an attempt to keep some of the clubs links with the town of Rotherham, rumour has it that away supporters are seated equidistantly between the centre circle and the club's former Millmoor home. Whatever the reasoning, the 729 Oxford fans found themselves a long way from the action.

Rotherham began the game on the front foot against an Oxford side that lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, designed to become a 4-3-3 when the opportunity arouse. The visitors, wearing their yellow home shirts, stemmed the early flow of Millers pressure and then went about making their own impact upon the game. The diagonal ball towards débutante Liam Davis was testing Rotherham's full-backs, but no clear opportunities were created by either side in a frantic opening period.

The first clear opportunity fell to James Constable, but the former captain was unable to make firm contact on Damian Batt's whipped cross, glancing the ball comfortably wide of the left-hand upright. The same post was to come under far greater danger moments later as Oxford had a great opportunity to take the lead. Josh Payne curled a free-kick in from the right-hand side, meeting the stooping figure of Asa Hall. The midfielders header diverted the ball onto the woodwork, with Michael Duberry unable to hook the rebound goalwards as it came to him quickly.

This was as good as it got for Chris Willder's men in the first half as the home side began to dominate the possession. United's deep defensive line allowed little room for the mobile Adam Le Fondre and Chris Holroyd to manoeuvre and clear-cut opportunities from open play were at a premium. However, Rotherham's Ryan Cresswell is always a threat at set-pieces and his powerful header needed to be tipped over the bar by Ryan Clarke to keep the scores level at the break.

The traditional opening day away trip blueprint was being followed well by a disciplined Oxford side, but this was torn to shreds in the 48th minute by a moment of real quality from Lewis Grabban. Rotherham's front men exchanged quick passes on the edge of the visitors' area, before Grabban looped an unstoppable strike beyond Clarke into the top corner.

Now forced to chase the game, Oxford had a sustained spell of pressure on the hour mark. After a series of throw-ins and corners in the final third, a Davis cross was volleyed across the goalmouth by Constable. New signing Deane Smalley flung his body towards the ball, but was unable to make firm contact with the goal gaping.

The game remained a scrappy affair, with Oxford continuing the first half trend of squandering possession with frustrating frequency. Summer signing Peter Leven joined Alfie Potter and Jon-Paul Pittman on the field as Wilder attempted to increase his side's quality in the attacking third.

Gareth Evans fizzed a long range drive over Clarke's crossbar from 25 yards, before Oxford's fans were well-positioned (as much as this is possible at the Don Valley) to see a long Batt throw bounced agonisingly across the goalmouth without a yellow shirt being able to apply the finishing touches.

With Oxford struggling to create anything from open play, throw-ins and set-pieces were proving unusually threatening. Quick thinking from the touchline by Smalley released Leven, but the Scottish playmaker was unable to get any meaningful purchase on his shot as goalkeeper Conrad Logan advanced.

Rotherham had been efficiently running the clock down whenever possible (and that is quite often when you have a running track to fetch footballs from...), but almost doubled their advantage in stoppage time as Grabban raced clear, only to be denied by a magnificent one-handed save by Clarke low to his right.

There was still time for a penalty appeal as Duberry appeared to be barged in the back as a throw came into the area, but referee Dean Mohareb was unmoved.

Despite the late Oxford pressure, Rotherham held on to send the travelling faithful home ruing a below-par performance. Wilder's men will be looking to strike back at the first opportunity, as they welcome Cardiff City in the Carling Cup in midweek.

OUFC Season Preview 2011/12

Written for The Guardian's League Two blog. Disappointingly, not used due to an editorial double-booking error.

After an encouraging first season back in the Football League, this is the year that Oxford United will be looking to make a move.

The U's finished five points adrift of the play-offs in May, with manager Chris Wilder suggesting that his side were fifteen goals short of the necessary standards at each end of the pitch.

There is a real belief that these issues have been addressed over the summer months. The experienced trio of Tony Capaldi, Andrew Whing and Michael Duberry have arrived to reinforce the back-line, with Jon-Paul Pittman and Deane Smalley expected to provide further fire-power having signed from two of last season's promoted teams.

Wilder's transfer coup, however, is likely to be midfielder Peter Leven. The midfielder shocked MK Dons fans by dropping a level this summer, but should thrive at the heart of Oxford's passing game.

An undefeated US tour has been backed up by home victories against MK Dons, Everton and Birmingham City, giving Oxford fans cause for optimism ahead of the new campaign.

If the new faces can help the raw potential within last season's squad to fulfil its promise, there is no reason why Oxford United can not be challenging the promotion places at the end of the season.

Why The Continually Evolving Oxford United Have Reason To Be Optimistic

Pre-season is a difficult time of year for the average football fan. Having negotiated the barren weeks that form the close-season break with great difficulty, fans reconvene to witness the early stages of preparation for the new season. Deprived of a pleasing Saturday afternoon activity for longer than is considered safe, these warm-up games are not particularly exciting but they do a job.

Inevitably, the summer is spent convincing yourself that you won't get carried away this year, before lumping your weekly wage upon promotion the following May as your club announce the signing of a young striker, whom the internet informs you is 'the next big thing'. This is not a sign of weakness, but an entirely natural process to which we are all victims.

Oxford United fans are, admittedly, an odd bunch. Combining unfeasible optimism with constant assertions towards impending doom, you can find a little bit of everything on Grenoble Road. However, this year's confident approach could well be justified.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas has deservedly received plaudits for his work at the club since taking over the every day running of the club in October 2008, whilst his partnership with manager Chris Wilder (hired in December of the same year) has brought the club to a point of strength scarcely believed possible during Oxford's spell in the Conference. It is the desire of the pair to maintain the club's upward movement that has inspired such confidence amongst the supporters ahead of the 2011/12 campaign.

If we rewind to August 2010, Oxford United returned to the Football League with a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Burton Albion. Considering where the club had come from, the pre-season predictions were perhaps more cautiously optimistic than boastful. Fans had faith in the side that had seen Oxford promoted in the play-off final at Wembley, but were wary of the gap in quality between League Two and the top tier of the the non-league pyramid. Only when looking back now is it possible to see the vast improvements made to Wilder's squad in the past year.

The following players formed the 18-man squad at the Pirelli Stadium:

Clarke, Batt, Tonkin, Wright, Worley, Bulman, Heslop, Hall, Constable, Midson (Philliskirk 66), Green (Deering 61).

Subs: Eastwood, Creighton, Franks, Clist, Baker, Deering, Philliskirk.

Whilst eight of those players remain a part of Wilder's plans, two are transfer-listed and eight have left the club. This is symptomatic of Oxford United under this manager. Wilder constantly refers to his desire to push the club forward and explains that the club's management are always looking to see how the squad can be improved.

This approach to the squad development should be applauded, but has frequently resulted in criticism from certain sections of the supporters. The exits of fan favourites such as Luke Foster, Dannie Bulman, Jack Midson and Mark Creighton were never expected to be welcomed, but Wilder's judgements have consistently been justified by his ability to bring in better players. For every Foster, Bulman, Midson or Creighton leaving the club in the past 24 months, a Jake Wright, Paul McLaren or Steve MacLean was signed. This process will continue in the long-term but possibly at a lesser frequency as the club exhibit the ability to attract players who could perform at a higher level and as such, command a place in the manager's thoughts for the considerable future.

The turnover of players at Oxford has been substantial since the Burton Albion fixture, with a number of players coming in throughout last season, only to be moved on and replaced with stronger players in the more flexible summer market. When analysing Wilder's dealings by comparing the new players with those that they have replaced, the strategy is clear for all to understand. Ben Purkiss, a solid but unspectacular right back, has been replaced by Andy Whing, a consistent League One performer who was offered a new deal at Leyton Orient. Djoumin Sangare has been replaced by the experienced Michael Duberry, Steven Kinniburgh by one-time FA Cup finalist Tony Capaldi, Mitchell Hanson by the raw potential of Ryan James and the likes of Matt Green, Sam Deering and Jack Midson could all be considered to have been replaced by the livewire Jon-Paul Pittman. In each case, there has been improvement in Wilder's squad.

Oxford's two most exciting summer captures are undeniably Peter Leven and Deane Smalley (potentially replacing Steve MacLean and Ryan Burge). These signings are evidence of the club's highly effective work in the window, but also show the flexible nature of Oxford's business. Smalley was one of several players captured early in the window, having been identified as a primary target during the previous season.

Wilder's proactive transfer-market strategy, coupled with the ability of both manager and chairman to sell the club to prospective signings, has been a significant factor in Oxford's success in the past two seasons. Previously, Dannie Bulman, Jack Midson, Mark Creighton, Ryan Clarke and Asa Hall were all signed in the month of May, allowing a near complete squad to attend the first day of pre-season training.

The signing of MK Dons midfielder Peter Leven shows the other side to Oxford's effective work in the transfer market. Due to the Scot's injury and potential moves not coming to fruition, Leven became available. Oxford acted quickly and captured the signing of a player who has the quality to play at a far higher level.

Football is a world in which you can never be happy to stand still and must never switch off. In Wilder, Oxford have a manager who is always thinking. In this transfer window, perhaps more than any other, Wilder has been rewarded.

Despite all the positivity regarding new signings, what can we expect from Oxford United this season?

Oxford have genuine competition in almost every position on the pitch (with a goalkeeper still needed to support Ryan Clarke). Rather than players simply providing support for the first team, there will be a number of very difficult decisions for Wilder to make. League Two Team of the Year right-back Damian Batt will be up against former Brighton 'Player of the Year' Whing for his place in the side, with Anthony Tonkin and Capaldi equally competitive on the other side. There are five strong players competing for the three midfield places, with a further five strikers trying to force their way into the starting eleven for the opener against Rotherham. Wilder will be quick to state that every one of these players will have a part to play over the course of the season with periods of frequent fixtures and inevitable injuries.

There is a marked difference between the quality of the squad that was named at Burton Albion and the one that can be named for the fixture at the Don Valley Stadium in August. There will be plenty of twists and turns throughout the season, and it is likely that further adjustments will be made when necessary. However, Thomas and Wilder have reaped the rewards for their proactive style, passion for the club and desire to continue to push forwards. So long as the remainder of the pre-season campaign can be negotiated without significant injury, everything is in place to push forwards in the coming nine months.

It might be written off as the natural process taking its toll and there are dangers associated with overconfidence, but Oxford United fans have every reason to dream of a successful League Two campaign.

Why Jordan Henderson's Transfer Makes Sense

Following his move to Liverpool, the photo of a young Wearsider sitting on the shoulders of Ryan Giggs during a family holiday may need to be hidden from view in the Henderson household. In light of recent media headlines, Jordan Henderson’s suggestion that he has styled his off-field persona on the Manchester United winger may also need to be reconsidered.

However, the manner in which Henderson conducts himself appears far more impressive than his choice of role model.

In the interviews after the 20-year -old had put pen to paper on a long-term deal, both Damien Comolli and Kenny Dalglish emphasised the personal attributes that stand Henderson in good stead for the future. Although the transfer demands of some fans would have you believe that moves are simple process based purely on money, research into a target’s personality is important. Whoever Dalglish and Comolli spoke to when analysing Henderson, they would have received a glowing account.

In his own words, Henderson is “a bit boring”. He does not smoke, embrace the footballer’s love of expensive luxuries and on the rare occasions that he goes out with friends, he has a fruit juice. The England Under 21 international is something of a manager’s dream.

Although Henderson’s price tag has been questioned by some, Liverpool have acquired a player who will do everything in his capability to repay Dalglish’s faith. Darren Bent has provided evidence of his former team-mate’s attitude towards improvement. The England striker said of Henderson, “When someone tells him he can't do something or that he's not good enough, it's straight on to the training ground to prove them wrong”.

It is this behaviour that partly justifies Liverpool’s financial outlay. Henderson already has a reasonable level of Premier League experience under his belt, but arrives at Anfield at an age where he is still developing as a player. When combining a desire to learn with the opportunity to learn from one of the finest central midfielders of the Premier League era, Liverpool will be a good home for Henderson. He will be the first to admit that he suffered a loss of form midway through last season, but Liverpool have spent heavily on a great deal of potential. As Dalglish said in regard to Andy Carroll, this is a signing for the long-term.

If critics are keen to burden Henderson with the weight of a price-tag, he will not be the last young British player to move clubs for an inflated fee. British players have been transferred for larger fees than the European equivalent for several years and the homegrown regulations will do nothing but exacerbate the issue. The best young players are becoming increasingly vital targets for top Premier League clubs as they have the ability to satisfy a part of the quota for a long period of time. Henderson has the ability to thrive in Liverpool’s midfield for more than a decade. Anybody who believes that this sort of signing can be cheap will be proved wrong over the coming years.

Although I have focussed heavily on Jordan Henderson the person, I believe that Liverpool have also signed a potentially excellent footballer.

Henderson first came to my attention in Sunderland’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in October 2009. The youngster came off the bench with ‘The Mackems’ a goal to the good. Although his side were very unfortunate to only leave Manchester with one point, there was something about Henderson that caught the eye. He was comfortable on the ball, showed an ability to beat his man and his positional awareness was impressive. This was far from a headline-stealing contribution, but it was enough to convince me to that he was one to watch.

Henderson’s reputation flourished and his performance in the 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in November 2010 was worthy of the plaudits it received. A tough England debut followed against France, but his potential was recognised as he was listed by FIFA as a player to watch out for in 2011.

A dip in the second half of last season has been well documented since Henderson’s move, but it must be remembered that this coincided with a severe injury crisis in Steve Bruce’s squad. He was forced to play a large number of games for a youngster and played in a team that lacked a natural striker for parts of the year.

However, there were still enough moments to remind us of Henderson’s talent. Although there was a return to goalscoring form at the end of the season, my strongest memory from last season was Henderson’s role in Asamoah Gyan’s goal at Wigan. The move highlighted several elements in the Henderson skillset. He started the move, showed intelligent movement to find space, perplexed his marker with a trick on the touchline and displayed the end product missing from so many young prospects by floating a perfect cross into the Ghanaian striker’s path. If Henderson can reproduce this consistently, Liverpool have a good player on their hands.

It is difficult to know how the versatile Henderson will fit into the Liverpool team during his first season at the club. The strong suggestion is that Daglish is likely to move for Charlie Adam once more and Raul Meireles, Steven Gerrard, Lucas, Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey will join Henderson in preferring a central role. It would not be surprising to see Shelvey move on loan to another Premier League side, such as the moves that have benefitted Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Daniel Sturridge in recent seasons.

Dalglish looks set to have strength in depth in the midfield and it is feasible that either Steven Gerrard or Henderson could play from the right. Raul Meireles has thrived in the free role ahead of the midfield and both England internationals can provide high quality delivery from wide, benefitting Andy Carroll. Former Sunderland player Michael Gray is one of a number of pundits to suggest that Henderson’s best position could well be on the flank.

Whatever system Dalglish chooses next season, Henderson will benefit from the quality of player that he will play with. Specifically, the movement of Luis Suarez should suit Henderson perfectly. One of his greatest strength is his passing ability, especially into the channels. With Suarez always keen to pull out to the left wing and others finding space around the box, the quick passing game that Dalglish is keen to implement could bring the best out of Henderson.

It is ridiculous to judge a player on his price tag before he has played a game and Henderson must be judged in the long-term. However, I firmly believe that Liverpool have signed a very good player. Henderson is very good technically, energetic, focussed and dedicated. He possesses all the qualities that Dalglish and Comolli are looking for in their young signings.

By the end of the summer, Henderson will probably not be the name that every Liverpool fan is talking about. However, it is one that they could be talking about for a very long time.

Liverpool FC Player of the Season - The Contenders

This has been a season like no other at Liverpool Football Club. From despair both on and off the field, a revival under the guidance of FSG and Kenny Dalglish has brought about a sense of optimism scarcely believed possible in November.

Since taking over as manager, Kenny Dalglish has been consistently quick to divert all the credit bestowed upon the club from himself to the players. Whilst the manager's humility will fail to convince many that it is merely the enthusiasm amongst the squad that has turned the season around, we are approaching the time of year where one player is acknowledged for their significant contribution over the past nine months. Although Dalglish would undoubtedly emphasise a group effort, certain names are candidates for the Player of the Season award.


Pepe Reina

From a season in which Reina's defence was conspicuous by its absence before the turn of the year, the Spaniard once more emerges with great credit.

Despite an error against Arsenal denying Roy Hodgson's ten men a win on the opening day of the season, the overwhelming feeling during the ex-Fulham manager's tenure was that it could have been much worse had a lesser man been protecting the Liverpool goal.



The away fixture against Birmingham stands out as a candidate for individual performance of the season. A negative performance on the road saw a point salvaged thanks to the magnificence of Liverpool's goalkeeper as those in front of him failed to retain possession or provide any protection at set-pieces.

Although Reina became increasingly disillusioned during Hodgson's reign, notably at the coaching methods implemented, his performances remained impressive.

Reina's quick distribution has been an asset in the Liverpool armoury throughout the Barcelona youth product's time at the club. Although briefly eradicated under Hodgson, the willingness of Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt to provide an outlet whenever Reina gathers the ball has seen the swiftest of counter-attacks return under Dalglish, providing goals against Birmingham and Newcastle in recent weeks at Anfield.

For long parts of this season, the belief that this would be Reina's last on Merseyside continued to grow. News that the stopper has had a change of heart as the team have returned to form under Dalglish will be welcomed by all. The most important signing for next season has already been made.

Dirk Kuyt

Liverpool's Dutch international has been symbolic of the club's fortunes this season. A disappointing first half of the season has been forgotten following an impressive conclusion, embodying the drive and determination that has served Dalglish's Liverpool so well.

Under Hodgson, Kuyt was a peripheral figure at most. The outstanding effort that we know him for was never missing, but his touch deserted him woefully as he was shifted around the team. Whether playing on the right or centrally, Kuyt struggled to form any cohesive partnership with the misfiring Fernando Torres or the erratic Davod N'Gog. When combined with an injury sustained on international duty, Hodgson would be entitled to believe that he never had the real Dirk Kuyt at his disposal.

As dissenting mutterings about Kuyt's suitability for a successful Liverpool grew amongst supporters, the Dutchman returned to his best.



He has thrived in Dalglish's version of the 4-2-3-1 formation, in which he has the freedom to push forward to support the frontman. This was exhibited to devastating effect in the 3-0 home victory over Manchester City. Working either side of Andy Carroll, Suarez and Kuyt were difficult to pick up and caused mayhem in the City defence. If this is to be the way forward for Liverpool next season, it is a system that can certainly work.

However, Kuyt's stand out performance came on a day in which he was deployed centrally. Kuyt's appetite for a goal in the big games has been a trademark of his Liverpool career, but his hattrick against Manchester United was a masterclass in being in the right place at the right time.

Kuyt remains a versatile player with an infectious attitude towards hard graft, but he has been a key component in Dalglish's revival. He is undeniably a candidate for the Player of the Season award but a weak end to 2010 may count against him. However, if he continue his 2011 form next season, he will be a vital asset to the club.

Luis Suarez




I am not a fan of awarding a player who has only taken part in half of the season this award, but considering this could cynically be said about many Liverpool players, Luiz Suarez is deserving of recognition for his stunning impact since arriving at the club.

Liverpool have been desperate for a number seven with a feverish attitude towards the game, matched by a significant amount of skill. In the Uruguayan international, the fans may have found what they have been craving for so long.

I remember the reaction on the Kop in Suarez's début against Stoke. Having come off the bench, his first involvement was to be booted into the air by Andy Wilkinson. “Welcome to England, lad” was the chortle from those around me. Moments later Suarez received the ball in a similar situation, but rather than experiencing another aerial view of the city, the new signing backed into his man, before spinning to show him a clean pair of heels. The fan to my right looked at me and said simply, “he's going to be alright”. He has been.

Suarez combines scintillating individual skill with the pace that has been horribly absent from much of Liverpool's play this season. Although he sometimes has a rush of blood to the head in the box when others are in better positions, Suarez's impact has been huge.

Audacious, aggressive, unpredictable but thus far, brilliant. I am not advocating Suarez winning the award. I am merely suggesting that his name will grace the trophy at some point in the years to come.

Lucas Leiva

I have never made a secret of the fact that I am a massive fan of Lucas. It started in slightly derogatory terms. Put simply, I liked him because he wasn't very good and I felt sorry for him. Like the runt in the litter, there was an endearing quality about the young Brazilian. At the time I never thought in my wildest dreams that his name would feature in this list. Lucas, I'm sorry I ever doubted you.

Lucas was one of the few players to enhance his reputation under Hodgson, topping the passing percentage, tackling and interception statistics almost every week. Through sheer endeavour and tenacity, Lucas has played his way into the affections of Liverpool fans.

Lucas is another name to gain a reputation as a big game player, having seen them pass him by in previous years. In both victories against Chelsea and the wins against Manchester United and Manchester City at Anfield, the Brazilian was a key destructive influence. Key characteristics of Lucas' game have improved immeasurably and for the first time in his Liverpool career, he is receiving the credit he deserves from the majority of the fanbase.

The former scapegoat is currently winning the poll on the official website and a victory would be somewhat symbolic. If the majority of fans had their way, Lucas would have left Liverpool a long time ago. If certain individuals at the helm of the club had their way, this would have been a very real possibility. However, this is a transfer that Rafa Benitez got right. If the midfielder receives the award at the final home game of the season humble pie will be the main course in many Merseyside households.

Lucas has come on strongly in the face of adversity and the winning of this award would draw a line under what is now merely the myth that he is not good enough.



There is no denying that this award means more at the end of a successful season. However, the momentum gained should serve Liverpool well at the start of next season, whoever may come into the club over the summer.

I am only one voice out of the many who will vote for this award. However, my vote went to Lucas Leiva. If one man symbolises the attitude a player at Liverpool should have, he could well be it. In accordance with the anthem that lifts Anfield each week, Lucas stayed positive during the hard times and with no lack of hard work, has emerged a better player. If Lucas picks up the trophy at the end of the story, he will have come out of the storm to find a golden sky.

Messi Emerges From The Mayhem To Remind Us That Football Can Be Beautiful

It was supposed to be the greatest show on earth. The two finest clubs in world football meeting to compete for a place in the final of Europe's premier club competition. The world looked on, anticipating a spectacle befitting of the stage upon which it was to be performed.

Unfortunately, those who were to tread the boards hadn't received the message. Rather than marvelling at the finest protagonists our game has to offer, we were subject to ninety minutes of Spanish farce.

From the opening exchanges to the post-match press conference, this was pure melodrama, writhing, collapsing and squealing its way into the game at regular intervals. Where we were expecting gladiators, we saw pantomime dames.

The names in the cast who will receive critical reviews are plentiful. Busquets, Pedro, Di Maria and Alves all have a black mark next to their name for over-acting their part. Marcelo, Pinto, Adebayor and Arbeloa each discredited by their pitiful, stamping and slapping attempts at violent conduct. Ronaldo, guilty of missing his cue and only making an appearance after the main event had been concluded. Puyol, Valdes, Ramos and Mascherano, amongst others, guilty of regular blocking whilst trying to influence the referee's handling of the sordid affair.

We should not try to convince ourselves that the British game is perfect. The Premier League witnesses the same diving, whining and petty handbags that we saw in Madrid. However, if one positive has come from the shenanigans, it is the comfort that our game remains intact. When we see events in the Premier League that we don't like, we declare ourselves ashamed to be a part of it and wish we could go back to the mud, thunderous tackling and limited shorts of a bygone era. The reaction to the prima-donna antics in Spain was one of disgust. If our own players needed a reminder to get back to basics in order to halt the decline of football, this was it.

For every failed production, we have a director deserving of criticism. Josè Mourinho's 'Scandal of the Bernebau' speech has stolen many of the headlines after the semi-final, but it has not been the successful diversionary tactic that we have seen in the past. Josè has been the darling of the world's media for years. His arrogance, charisma and love of the extraordinary have made him a journalist's dream. Wherever Mourinho goes, there is a story waiting to be written. It is premature to claim that this love affair is over, but there are signs that the 'Special One' is being deciphered.

Against Barcelona, Mourinho got his tactics wrong. Whilst he claims that there were plans to increase Madrid's attacking intent at certain intervals throughout the game, the Inter Milan masterplan is not compatible in Madrid. Mourinho has an expensive squad at his disposal and one that conquers opponents each week by playing the attacking football that it was built for. Real Madrid is a club that prides itself upon attacking football. It values successful football, but the manner in which it plays the game is of vital importance.

The dramatic flailing of arms by Cristiano Ronaldo as he witnessed his teammates sitting deep in their own half, weakly surrendering possession to Barcelona, told a story. Ronaldo may be the ultimate diva. He may not be the individual to buy into a team strategy. However, he is also the prize asset in Madrid, the £80 million jewel in the crown. When Ronaldo questions the manager's strategy, the Real Madrid hierarchy listen.

Although success in the Copa del Rey acted as some justification for Mourinho's style, the Bernabeu faithful must surely be uneasy at the sight of their team allowing the old enemy to dictate the play on Madrid's patch. While they understand that caution is needed against this fine Barcelona side, they will also know that this was an opportunity. This was a Barcelona side without their maestro, Iniesta, and nursing a blow to their confidence in midweek. If ever there was a day to go on the offensive, this was it.

Returning to the theme of grand theatre, Mourinho had a world class cast at his disposal, and yet limited them to mime. Whilst some may buy the theory that Pepe's harsh sending off was the spanner in the works of the Mourinho masterplan, many will remember this as the day that Josè was broken.

Despite all of the tantrums, the tumbles and the torture, the audience was rewarded with one hero. As the Bernabeu was silenced, the world rejoiced. Amidst the mayhem, one man was not compromised. When he was knocked over, he got up. When he disagreed with the referee, he smiled. When others were swinging their handbags, he was nowhere to be seen. As people hacked at his ankles, while he could, he remained upright. If there was any justice in this match, it was that a genius was able to exhibit his incredible talents.

It is this memory that we must take from the match. Rather than remembering the events that embarrassed our game, we must cherish the moment that a little wizard from Argentina provided a moment of beauty to which we can cling. Without Messi, the world would have been cheated by a spectacle dominated by con-artists. As it is, we can look back on this as a night where Lionel Messi cemented his place as the world's finest footballer.