I have replaced this with a proper web site. I hope you enjoy this.
www.loscheuk.com
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Player of the season - my award goes to .....
Well my aim of going for a points related (average score) player of the season pretty much went tits up as after the Barca game as I lost all of my data (computer crash). It didn't seem worth trawling through my posts and redoing it all as this site has been so badly promoted it has very few readers.
However, at the time of crashing their were 4 clear leaders:-
Tino Costa leading quite easily from a very close together pack of Soldado, Mata and Guaita.
So what I can do is look at what happened to their form after this game.
Guaita drops out of contention with nightmare games against Real Madrid and Zaragoza, conceding 10 goals in those 2 games alone. The tragic early death of his father and also injury saw him lose form and his place to Cesar Sanchez.
Fabulous form by Juan Mata and Roberto Soldado leap frog them both over Tino Costa, who struggled with injury and Emery's rotation system.
Roberto Soldado ended the season with an impressive 18 goals and 3 assists in 34 la liga games
Mata ended the la liga season on 8 goals and 13 assists in 33 games.
On that basis we kind of have a tie IE 21 goals due to each of the above in some way.But my PLAYER OF THE SEASON, first ever award goes to Roberto Soldado.
The reason is that you were left with the impression this season that he has grown into Spain's number one striker. Better than Torres and Villa and Llorente etc. Soldado has near perfect technique (his goals should be shown to children as a how to finish lesson - he never hits and hopes), he also has enough speed to stay ahead of a defender.
A special mention should also be made to Soldado the man. He did not celebrate a 4 goal haul versus his former club Getafe nor did he celebrate scoring the goal that put Deportivo down. In fact he looked sad. He also met 2 fans who had abused him during a game and made peace with them. This is a man that cares about people and their feelings.
Soldado to me is a proper hero on all levels. Amunt Soldado ! You have done us all proud.
However, at the time of crashing their were 4 clear leaders:-
Tino Costa leading quite easily from a very close together pack of Soldado, Mata and Guaita.
So what I can do is look at what happened to their form after this game.
Guaita drops out of contention with nightmare games against Real Madrid and Zaragoza, conceding 10 goals in those 2 games alone. The tragic early death of his father and also injury saw him lose form and his place to Cesar Sanchez.
Fabulous form by Juan Mata and Roberto Soldado leap frog them both over Tino Costa, who struggled with injury and Emery's rotation system.
Roberto Soldado ended the season with an impressive 18 goals and 3 assists in 34 la liga games
Mata ended the la liga season on 8 goals and 13 assists in 33 games.
On that basis we kind of have a tie IE 21 goals due to each of the above in some way.But my PLAYER OF THE SEASON, first ever award goes to Roberto Soldado.
The reason is that you were left with the impression this season that he has grown into Spain's number one striker. Better than Torres and Villa and Llorente etc. Soldado has near perfect technique (his goals should be shown to children as a how to finish lesson - he never hits and hopes), he also has enough speed to stay ahead of a defender.
A special mention should also be made to Soldado the man. He did not celebrate a 4 goal haul versus his former club Getafe nor did he celebrate scoring the goal that put Deportivo down. In fact he looked sad. He also met 2 fans who had abused him during a game and made peace with them. This is a man that cares about people and their feelings.
Soldado to me is a proper hero on all levels. Amunt Soldado ! You have done us all proud.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Valencia 0 Barcelona 1
It is not often that you are still smiling after a defeat but Valencia gave everything in this game and with a perfectly good goal disallowed in the first half (Alba for a level offside)they were unlucky to not get at least a point.
For a change I must single out Unai Emery for praise. His tactics through out were spot on. It started with the no striker approach adopted successfully in a 0-0 last season, a kind of 4-3-3 but the last wave all by trade wingers and then in the second half, with Barcelona a little more tired, Emery switched to to 4-4-1-1. Valencia probably shaded the second half despite the Messi goal that clinched Barcelona victory.
Pablo (twice)and Soldado came closest to scoring. Both having shots only jut wide with the keeper beaten.
But I'll leave a blow by blow review to other sites. So onto the ratings.
Guaita 7 - Great positioning and very commanding, unlucky with the goal but it was savable.
Stankevičius 6 - A much better right back than center back and better than Bruno any day !
Dealbert 4 - I expected worse, so pleasantly surprised infact he did little wrong but what he did do was nearly costly
R Costa 6 - Messi and Villa did command the center of defence but they are the best I can't be harsh, no unforced errors and you can't ask for any more than that.
Alba 9- His best game in a Valencia shirt, well any shirt probably, excellent in defence and in attack. Exceptional pace and ball control.
T Costa 8- Tackled well, passed well, player of the season elect.
Banega 10 - The first time I've ever given a ten but Ever dominated the midfield against the best midfield in the world. Did everything bar score and that isn't his job.
Mathieu 7 - Did well largely in front of Alba, got more crosses in than either Pablo or Joaquin managed, battled too.
Joaquin 5 - Nothing bad but a little lost with no target man to aim at.
Pablo 6 - Nearest to scoring, defended hard, got forward as much as he could.
Mata 6 - Very creative at times , defended well but lost at times.
Subs:-
Soldado 6 - An instant impact,allowed Valencia to build play by being strong on the ball.
Jonas 5.5 - Good control but lost in the action easily too.
Isco 3 - Gave the ball away constantly.
For a change I must single out Unai Emery for praise. His tactics through out were spot on. It started with the no striker approach adopted successfully in a 0-0 last season, a kind of 4-3-3 but the last wave all by trade wingers and then in the second half, with Barcelona a little more tired, Emery switched to to 4-4-1-1. Valencia probably shaded the second half despite the Messi goal that clinched Barcelona victory.
Pablo (twice)and Soldado came closest to scoring. Both having shots only jut wide with the keeper beaten.
But I'll leave a blow by blow review to other sites. So onto the ratings.
Guaita 7 - Great positioning and very commanding, unlucky with the goal but it was savable.
Stankevičius 6 - A much better right back than center back and better than Bruno any day !
Dealbert 4 - I expected worse, so pleasantly surprised infact he did little wrong but what he did do was nearly costly
R Costa 6 - Messi and Villa did command the center of defence but they are the best I can't be harsh, no unforced errors and you can't ask for any more than that.
Alba 9- His best game in a Valencia shirt, well any shirt probably, excellent in defence and in attack. Exceptional pace and ball control.
T Costa 8- Tackled well, passed well, player of the season elect.
Banega 10 - The first time I've ever given a ten but Ever dominated the midfield against the best midfield in the world. Did everything bar score and that isn't his job.
Mathieu 7 - Did well largely in front of Alba, got more crosses in than either Pablo or Joaquin managed, battled too.
Joaquin 5 - Nothing bad but a little lost with no target man to aim at.
Pablo 6 - Nearest to scoring, defended hard, got forward as much as he could.
Mata 6 - Very creative at times , defended well but lost at times.
Subs:-
Soldado 6 - An instant impact,allowed Valencia to build play by being strong on the ball.
Jonas 5.5 - Good control but lost in the action easily too.
Isco 3 - Gave the ball away constantly.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Athletic Bilbao 1 Valencia 2
Athletic will look back this and wonder how the hell they lost this game, especially after being a goal up.
They will also be angry that Valencia should have been reduced to 10 men as David Navarro got away with 2 deliberate elbows on Fernando Llorente, the second time in the 47Th minute he then acted as if he had also been struck and lay there acting dead for a couple of minutes. It was bad sportsmanship of the highest order and an embarrassment to Valencia.
In all honestly after the 47Th minute Llorente seemed to concentrate on evening the score up rather than searching for a second and he too was then lucky to stay on the pitch. A forehand on Navarro got him a yellow and then already on that Stankevicius was elbowed in the head, the ref gave the free kick but issued no card, not sure how you can say it was deliberate and give the free kick but then ignore the fact that it was an elbow to the head !
Anyway I digress, the game itself saw Valencia's defence ripped to pieces especially by the very impressive Torquero, who murdered Bruno. You could say his substitution in the 75Th minute was decisive, for Valencia. Whilst it was 1-0, a 14th minute goal by Llorente,Valencia were always in this but good work in particular by Pablo came to nothing.
Late changes, Jonas for Pablo and Tino for Benega swung the game for Valencia with a lot of help from an inspired Joaquin and also Mata who ended the game well.
Late goals, this time from Mata and Jonas, are becoming a trade mark. All credit to our fitness coach.
Ratings as followed:-
Guaita 6 - played well for most of the game, though beaten a couple of times with ones that only just missed, could have easily let in 3 and may have got the blame for his positioning
Bruno 2 - Raped at times by Toquero who switched flanks at will to also perform sex acts on Matthieu
Navarro 0 - Shit defender, awful actor, bad sportsman
Stankevicius 5 - Not a great game but did his best
Matthieu 2 - lost battle on the wing
Joaquin 7.5 - Match winning second half showing, great dribble and cross for Mata equaliser
Topal 7 - Helped keep a shit defence from conceding bucket loads
Banega 5 - Not him at his best , neither great or poor
Pablo 6 - Unlucky to go off as most lively Valencia forward in the first half
Mata 6.5 - Ended the game well wide, looked unhappy playing behind Soldado
Soldado 4 - Had penalty claims but his anticipation is at times poor, missed a good rebound opportunity by being slow to react
Subs
Jonas 6 - Not that involved but reacted well to score when Tino fired one in and the keeper could only parry it
Tino 7 - Nearly scored twice, one ending in the net via Jonas. Valencia's star player this season.
Alba 5 - Quicker than Matthieu but really just a cameo appearance from Alba
Guaita
They will also be angry that Valencia should have been reduced to 10 men as David Navarro got away with 2 deliberate elbows on Fernando Llorente, the second time in the 47Th minute he then acted as if he had also been struck and lay there acting dead for a couple of minutes. It was bad sportsmanship of the highest order and an embarrassment to Valencia.
In all honestly after the 47Th minute Llorente seemed to concentrate on evening the score up rather than searching for a second and he too was then lucky to stay on the pitch. A forehand on Navarro got him a yellow and then already on that Stankevicius was elbowed in the head, the ref gave the free kick but issued no card, not sure how you can say it was deliberate and give the free kick but then ignore the fact that it was an elbow to the head !
Anyway I digress, the game itself saw Valencia's defence ripped to pieces especially by the very impressive Torquero, who murdered Bruno. You could say his substitution in the 75Th minute was decisive, for Valencia. Whilst it was 1-0, a 14th minute goal by Llorente,Valencia were always in this but good work in particular by Pablo came to nothing.
Late changes, Jonas for Pablo and Tino for Benega swung the game for Valencia with a lot of help from an inspired Joaquin and also Mata who ended the game well.
Late goals, this time from Mata and Jonas, are becoming a trade mark. All credit to our fitness coach.
Ratings as followed:-
Guaita 6 - played well for most of the game, though beaten a couple of times with ones that only just missed, could have easily let in 3 and may have got the blame for his positioning
Bruno 2 - Raped at times by Toquero who switched flanks at will to also perform sex acts on Matthieu
Navarro 0 - Shit defender, awful actor, bad sportsman
Stankevicius 5 - Not a great game but did his best
Matthieu 2 - lost battle on the wing
Joaquin 7.5 - Match winning second half showing, great dribble and cross for Mata equaliser
Topal 7 - Helped keep a shit defence from conceding bucket loads
Banega 5 - Not him at his best , neither great or poor
Pablo 6 - Unlucky to go off as most lively Valencia forward in the first half
Mata 6.5 - Ended the game well wide, looked unhappy playing behind Soldado
Soldado 4 - Had penalty claims but his anticipation is at times poor, missed a good rebound opportunity by being slow to react
Subs
Jonas 6 - Not that involved but reacted well to score when Tino fired one in and the keeper could only parry it
Tino 7 - Nearly scored twice, one ending in the net via Jonas. Valencia's star player this season.
Alba 5 - Quicker than Matthieu but really just a cameo appearance from Alba
Guaita
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Valencia 0 Sporting Gijon 0
Emery messed the side up again. No idea what the formation was meant to be as it just didn't work at any point. I know at one point we had one striker on the pitch then later 2 but what the rest of the side were doing was any ones guess and probably they don't know either. Well done Emery !
And nothing really happened, maybe the least incidents of any match I've seen for around 20 years.
Ratings:-
Guaita 5 - not a lot to do but Gijon were a few feet from scoring, unless I dreamt that, in the first half
Miguel 3 - totally shocking going forward, defensively sound
Stankevicius 4.5 - passing awful, not a lot of defending needed by either side though
R Costa 4.5 - ditto
Matthieu 5 - just average
Joaquin 4 - please give Harry Potter his invisibility cloak back !! Had to in part rely on Miguel's service so onto a loser anyway.
Topal 5.5 - Probably just 'Man Of The Match' but no one rely deserves that title, and let's be honest Emery should not be such a prick at home picking a defensive midfielder and leaving Ever out.
Tino Costa 5 - again just average
Mata 5 - ditto, probably not match fit
Chori 3 - not sure why he played or what he was meant to do, replaced by Soldado eventually.
Aduriz 2 - poor service but out of form
Subs
Soldado 4 - more in form but awful service
Pablo 5 - slightly dangerous at times
Jonas 5 - a few great touches, slightly improved service in last 10 minutes as Valencia again tried to nick it
And nothing really happened, maybe the least incidents of any match I've seen for around 20 years.
Ratings:-
Guaita 5 - not a lot to do but Gijon were a few feet from scoring, unless I dreamt that, in the first half
Miguel 3 - totally shocking going forward, defensively sound
Stankevicius 4.5 - passing awful, not a lot of defending needed by either side though
R Costa 4.5 - ditto
Matthieu 5 - just average
Joaquin 4 - please give Harry Potter his invisibility cloak back !! Had to in part rely on Miguel's service so onto a loser anyway.
Topal 5.5 - Probably just 'Man Of The Match' but no one rely deserves that title, and let's be honest Emery should not be such a prick at home picking a defensive midfielder and leaving Ever out.
Tino Costa 5 - again just average
Mata 5 - ditto, probably not match fit
Chori 3 - not sure why he played or what he was meant to do, replaced by Soldado eventually.
Aduriz 2 - poor service but out of form
Subs
Soldado 4 - more in form but awful service
Pablo 5 - slightly dangerous at times
Jonas 5 - a few great touches, slightly improved service in last 10 minutes as Valencia again tried to nick it
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Atletico Madrid 1 Valencia 2
One question that has reoccurred recently for Los Che fans is why does everyone else seem to be able to beat Atletico (and for that matter Sevilla too) but not us ! We have almost nudged them into the Real Madrid / Barcelona category of quality maybe showing too much respect on the pitch, and they don't deserve that.
This time and with a bit of luck, a Forlan penalty miss and very close to the end a dodgy red for Godin that looked accidental use of arm rather than deliberate elbow, Valencia triumphed and at times showed some class.
Pablo set up 4 good goal scoring chances as he seemed to take on Atletico and then concentrate on laying off the ball for others to strike. Alba missed 2 good chances, Joaquin didn't miss his ( one with help from Alba).
So Valencia go 3rd and have started to play well and win. At the moment anything looks possible but we'll see. We've been here before when the season started.
So to the ratings:-
Vicente Guaita - 7 - I think Guaita has a presence about him that only top keepers have. His defence can relax knowing he will help rather than let them down. At this rate he has maybe 15 more years in goal for Los Che.
Bruno Saltor - 4 - At fault for their goal.I just think he is out of his depth in La Liga. Though he tries very hard.
Marius Stankevičius - 5.5 - A good game for him. Also largely out of his depth though.
Hedwiges Maduro - 4 - Gave away a very needless silly pen. Let down those who thought he would improve the defence.
Ricardo Costa - 5.5 - He can do better, not noticeably appreciated his rest.
Jordi Alba - 6.5 - Missed 2 good chances, one assist - though Pablo did the hard work. Looked more like the winger we hope he is rather than the not good enough to be a left back or left winger player some worry that he really could be.
Mehmet Topal - 6.5 - Did well and exceptional stuff ( won ball outside own penalty area ended up as winger for pass 4) in a 'goal of the season' style, 3 man 6 pass move for Joaquin's 2nd.
Tino Costa - 7 - Passed well. Looking like Valencia's 'Player Of The Season 2010/2011' in waiting.
Joaquín Sánchez - 8 - 2 good goals, the 2ND a classic. Maybe not as dangerous as Pablo but his 2 goals nudge him to 'Man Of The Match' for me. With the strikers not doing well, his ability to get into these positions was the difference between defeat and victory.
Pablo Hernández - 7.5 - As already said, made 4 goal scoring chances. Besides that was Valencia's most likely.
Roberto Soldado - 4.5 - Marked out of the game
Substitutes
Aritz Aduriz - 5 - Ran to channels better than Soldado but still of little threat.
Miguel Brito - 5 - Better than Bruno, surprise not.
David Navarro - 6 - Improved defence.
This time and with a bit of luck, a Forlan penalty miss and very close to the end a dodgy red for Godin that looked accidental use of arm rather than deliberate elbow, Valencia triumphed and at times showed some class.
Pablo set up 4 good goal scoring chances as he seemed to take on Atletico and then concentrate on laying off the ball for others to strike. Alba missed 2 good chances, Joaquin didn't miss his ( one with help from Alba).
So Valencia go 3rd and have started to play well and win. At the moment anything looks possible but we'll see. We've been here before when the season started.
So to the ratings:-
Vicente Guaita - 7 - I think Guaita has a presence about him that only top keepers have. His defence can relax knowing he will help rather than let them down. At this rate he has maybe 15 more years in goal for Los Che.
Bruno Saltor - 4 - At fault for their goal.I just think he is out of his depth in La Liga. Though he tries very hard.
Marius Stankevičius - 5.5 - A good game for him. Also largely out of his depth though.
Hedwiges Maduro - 4 - Gave away a very needless silly pen. Let down those who thought he would improve the defence.
Ricardo Costa - 5.5 - He can do better, not noticeably appreciated his rest.
Jordi Alba - 6.5 - Missed 2 good chances, one assist - though Pablo did the hard work. Looked more like the winger we hope he is rather than the not good enough to be a left back or left winger player some worry that he really could be.
Mehmet Topal - 6.5 - Did well and exceptional stuff ( won ball outside own penalty area ended up as winger for pass 4) in a 'goal of the season' style, 3 man 6 pass move for Joaquin's 2nd.
Tino Costa - 7 - Passed well. Looking like Valencia's 'Player Of The Season 2010/2011' in waiting.
Joaquín Sánchez - 8 - 2 good goals, the 2ND a classic. Maybe not as dangerous as Pablo but his 2 goals nudge him to 'Man Of The Match' for me. With the strikers not doing well, his ability to get into these positions was the difference between defeat and victory.
Pablo Hernández - 7.5 - As already said, made 4 goal scoring chances. Besides that was Valencia's most likely.
Roberto Soldado - 4.5 - Marked out of the game
Substitutes
Aritz Aduriz - 5 - Ran to channels better than Soldado but still of little threat.
Miguel Brito - 5 - Better than Bruno, surprise not.
David Navarro - 6 - Improved defence.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Valencia 2 Hercules 0
A much improved show from Valencia, who at last dominated the game and they did this without ever having to go into top gear.
Emery went with a 4-3-1-2 formation with Chori having a very free role. This is how they finished the Racing game. Without Chori being the star this time, this system again worked.
One little moan though. Emery again used all his subs when the game was still in the balance, IE 2-0 to me can soon become 2-2, and it did indeed give Hercules a last bit of hope. The subbing of Ever with Joaquin ranks right up there with the stupidest substitutions of all time. Aduriz for Alba is close to that as well.
The key moments were Aduriz's hooked in goal just before half time, assist Soldado. Tino Costa curling a 25 yard free kick in after 53 minutes( my opinion is that if Tino is on the pitch and any other player attempts a free kick and misses they should be fined 2 weeks wages publicly spanked and the entire Tomato throwing festival should be aimed purely at them !).
Lastly Guaita produced a save of the season contender when he had no right to get to a well hit curling shot by Matias Fritzler. Basically to even touch the ball looked an achievement ! To hook it out at that speed on the stretch of every inch of Guaita's large frame was miraculous. He will gain many admirers with this headline grabber.
So ratings time:-
Guaita - 7 - Little to do, no chance with Fritzler shot (82mins), still saved it !
Bruno - 6 - Did job well, this was a team performance for once.
Navarro - 6 - Ditto
Stankevicius - 5 - 81st minute slip up should have resulted in a goal Drenthe though failed to make the most of it. Would have been a better mark otherwise.
Mathieu - 6 - Ditto Bruno - Navarro - all sound.
Ever - 7 - Class performance by Ever, playing simple passing well.
Topal - 6.5 - Probably helped the defence perform. Much underused player.
Tino Costa - 7.5 - Best player on the pitch again.
Aduriz - 7 - Very hardworking performance inc goal and should have had clear penalty too.
Soldado - 6.5 - The in your face threat that makes Valencia so dangerous, an assist but sadly not the goal he deserved.
Subs -
Alba - 5 - Not a lot he could do in this time.
Joaquin - 3 - Maybe harsh rating him at all with so few minutes left but he was awful, his main contribution being stopping Soldado from heading in after Soldado charged down he keeper and the ball hung in the air for a while.
Isco - 5 - nice control but no end product
Emery went with a 4-3-1-2 formation with Chori having a very free role. This is how they finished the Racing game. Without Chori being the star this time, this system again worked.
One little moan though. Emery again used all his subs when the game was still in the balance, IE 2-0 to me can soon become 2-2, and it did indeed give Hercules a last bit of hope. The subbing of Ever with Joaquin ranks right up there with the stupidest substitutions of all time. Aduriz for Alba is close to that as well.
The key moments were Aduriz's hooked in goal just before half time, assist Soldado. Tino Costa curling a 25 yard free kick in after 53 minutes( my opinion is that if Tino is on the pitch and any other player attempts a free kick and misses they should be fined 2 weeks wages publicly spanked and the entire Tomato throwing festival should be aimed purely at them !).
Lastly Guaita produced a save of the season contender when he had no right to get to a well hit curling shot by Matias Fritzler. Basically to even touch the ball looked an achievement ! To hook it out at that speed on the stretch of every inch of Guaita's large frame was miraculous. He will gain many admirers with this headline grabber.
So ratings time:-
Guaita - 7 - Little to do, no chance with Fritzler shot (82mins), still saved it !
Bruno - 6 - Did job well, this was a team performance for once.
Navarro - 6 - Ditto
Stankevicius - 5 - 81st minute slip up should have resulted in a goal Drenthe though failed to make the most of it. Would have been a better mark otherwise.
Mathieu - 6 - Ditto Bruno - Navarro - all sound.
Ever - 7 - Class performance by Ever, playing simple passing well.
Topal - 6.5 - Probably helped the defence perform. Much underused player.
Tino Costa - 7.5 - Best player on the pitch again.
Aduriz - 7 - Very hardworking performance inc goal and should have had clear penalty too.
Soldado - 6.5 - The in your face threat that makes Valencia so dangerous, an assist but sadly not the goal he deserved.
Subs -
Alba - 5 - Not a lot he could do in this time.
Joaquin - 3 - Maybe harsh rating him at all with so few minutes left but he was awful, his main contribution being stopping Soldado from heading in after Soldado charged down he keeper and the ball hung in the air for a while.
Isco - 5 - nice control but no end product
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