Fantasista10 has moved!!!

Fantasista10 blog has moved! Please visit my new home, still full of the same exciting features, plus additional news, information and articles at:

www.fantasista10.co.uk

the friday fantasista five...

Five Premiership Playmakers the league must keep...
 
This summer has already been ‘summer of the playmaker’ across Europe with these exquisite breeds of footballer becoming much in demand again. Once upon a time, the English Premier League was not natural habitat for this kind of player, before the likes of Zola, Cantona, Bergkamp, Ginola and Di Canio lit up the stage and garnered cult-like status with their respective clubs.

In more recent years many big-name players have chosen to leave English shores and much speculation surrounds the current crop of playmakers, so it has been somewhat surprising to see so many linked with moves in and out of the country. With Charlie Adam already sealing a move, and players like Sneijder and Aguero rumoured to be incoming, Tevez and Taarabt leaving, here are five other current hot-property playmakers that the Premiership must keep - to ensure Sky TV’s self-promoting ‘Best League in the World’ doesn’t lose anymore gloss...

5. Rafael van der Vaart – Tottenham Hotspur

competition winner!

A few weeks back, in conjunction with Shorefields Technology College ICT department in Liverpool, fantasista10 ran a competition for Year 9 (13-14 year-old) students to come up with a relevant article to place on the blog. The winning student would have their work uploaded and displayed for the world to see!
Head of ICT Mr. David Muirhead said the competition would demonstrate the power of the Internet by reaching a world-wide audience whilst also allowing students to realise they can enhance their knowledge and subsequent impact on a global scale from the comfort of their classroom desk.

I must say, on visiting and delivering my presentation for the competition, I was met by a lot of enthusiastic, excited and bright-minded students and it was a pleasure to be involved.

So without further ado, let me present to you the winning article...

Congratulations Ahmed Adan on your excellent piece!

My all-time favourite fantasista football legend by Ahmed Adan.

Claudio Reyna...

When deciding who I would write about, as a fan I wanted to consider the ex-Liverpool defender Alan Kennedy, who scored the only goal against Real Madrid in the 1981 European Cup final. However, in fitting with the blog I wanted to choose a player who wore the number 10 shirt for most of his career. I also wanted to choose an unsung hero, someone who is good but didn’t get a lot of credit, so after searching through the sports section in the library, I found the book More Than Goals based on Claudio Reyna’s career.

‘X’ marks the spot in Liverpool’s midfield...

Not a day seems to go by without yet another central-midfielder being linked with a move to the Anfield club. Having lost the one man who seemed such a perfect fit for them in 2009, Liverpool have tried, and thus-far failed, to find a suitable replacement in the middle of the park for Xabi Alonso. Is Charlie Adam that man?

Deadly. Charlie Adam strikes another dead-ball goalwards

Adam has been identified as the man who could finally fill the void left vacant by the Spaniard’s departure two seasons ago. The Scottish midfielder is probably one of only a handful of British players to resemble a fantasista.

fantasista news...from the Copa America!

Aguero strikes to save Argentina...

The the Copa America kicked off in the early hours of this morning (British time) with a fantasista taking centre-stage.

Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero spared the hosts blushes, coming off the bench to equalise with only 13 minutes to go as Argentina could only draw 1-1 with Bolivia in La Plata.

Although they dominated possession, Argentina found it difficult to create many clear cut chances and fell behind to a cheeky goal, a backheel from a corner, by Edivaldo Rojas.

It was left to Diego Maradona’s son-in-law to save the day. The Atletico number 10, who has been strongly linked with a move to Juventus this summer, hitting this sweet volley to secure a point for the Argentines...

the friday fantasista five...

Five fantasista who starred for River Plate...

Staying with the major news from Argentina earlier this week which saw the country’s most successful domestic club side River Plate relegated, Fantasista10 thought it would be the perfect opportunity to remember some of the more famous number 10’s to have represented Los Millonarios.

The club seemed to have built a fantasista factory at one stage - complete with conveyor belt, producing some of the most exciting, creative players Argentina has seen. Many gained the tag (and whisper it in these parts) ‘the new Maradona’. Still, these number 10’s were simply adored by the River faithful and were a pleasure to watch during their time at the Monumental.

Fantasista10 brings you...five fantasista who starred for River Plate...

5. Andres D’ Alessandro: 1998 – 2003: 70 apps 19 gls

El Cabezón
the big head

'big head' celebrates scoring in the superclasico

fantasista news...

Pastore to replace Milan-bound Hamsik, and Aguero to the Old Lady?
Marek Hamsik is the latest fantasista to be linked with a summer move away from his current club, with Serie A champions AC Milan the frontrunners for his signature.

'Are you listening Milan?' Hamsik wants Rossoneri move

The Slovakian number 10 has been quoted in the press back in his home country, stating that he feels his time at current club Napoli is coming to an end: ‘I'm young, but I still haven't won anything. Not a league championship not a cup competition.’

Red stripes sunk as River are relegated...

River Plate, Argentina’s most successful domestic club side, have been relegated from top the country’s top division for the first time in their illustrious history.

A distrought River fan can't hold back his tears

River lost in a relegation-promotion play-off versus Belgrano of the Nacional B division, the tie ending 3-1 on aggregate, on Sunday thus ending their 110-year status as a top flight club.

The demotion sparked ugly scenes both inside and all around River’s Monumental Stadium, with angry fans rioting before the final whistle had been blown – the referee halting the match just prior to any added time there may have been. The police moved in using water cannons and tear gas to try and disperse the mobs, as reports filtered through of a death inside the stadium and between 43-55 injuries outside the ground.

Los Millonarios (the Millionaires), as River Plate are known, have won the Argentine Primera division a record 33 times, and have also won the Libertadores Cup twice in their illustrious history. Their youth system has been one of the most famous and productive throughout the world, churning out a number of world class players down the years. However, their poor form over the last three seasons forced them into this ill-fated play-off and they will now spend the 2011-2012 season in the second tier of Argentine league football.

the friday fantasista five...

Five fantasista who broke the World transfer record...

It's transfer silly season, and in today’s football world ridiculous sums of money are being exchanged for players with limited first team experience, without being tested at the highest levels. However when it comes to actually breaking the world transfer record, fantasista’s have featured prominently and positively, by either going on to become World Player of the Year, or having already won the award, justifying their hefty price tags.

We show you the last five fantasista who smashed the world transfer record...

5. Diego Maradona: 1982 Boca Juniors – Barcelona: £3m

A young Diego holds his new Barcelona shirt

fantasista legends #2...

Zinedine Zidane

Zizou

Zinedine Zidane, the monk-like fantasista – heir to Platini’s throne as France’s greatest ever player, is also widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Maybe slightly overrated in some quarters when labelled with the ‘Greatest Ever’ tag, his achievements and trophy haul are certainly second to very few. For a time he was also the most expensive player in the world, costing Real Madrid a huge £46m. During his playing days Zidane became one of world football’s true superstars, and much loved players – his global fan base was (and still is) exceptional. From Europe, to North Africa (the origin of his roots) and the Middle East, to Japan – Zidane, was the man.

iconic ads...

...kicking off a new feature on global iconic ads from the beautiful game is a farewell to one of the greatest strikers ever to lace up a pair of boots - Ronaldo. Star of some of the best known and much loved adverts from the past, Ronaldo was more that a striker, an icon of the sport and will truly be missed. But as this ad shows, his huge impact on the game, its players and its culture, will never be forgotten.

the friday fantasista five...

Top 5 Italian fantasista from the 90’s...

During the 90’s Italy was blessed with producing a number of fantastic number 10’s. The country that gave us the term ‘fantasista’ now had an abundance to choose from. We take a quick look at the best five...

5. Francesco Totti...

Just who is Ganso?...

Future fantasista star...

With the Copa America just under a month away and many rumours gathering about an imminent move to a European giant for yet another Brazilian fantasista, we answer the question on a lot of lips...just who is Ganso?

The Goose. The latest Brazilian no.10 sensation.

Yes, he is yet another Brazilian tipped to be a world star. Yes he wears the infamous number 10 shirt of Santos and now Brazil. And yes, the name he is now commonly known by has no relevance to his actual real name. Meet Paulo Henrique Chagas de Lima, sorry the Goose, or Ganso to me and you...

fantasista news...

Pastore, Sneijder, Cassano & Ganso on the move?

This week has seen the future of four fantasista’s being linked with moves away from their clubs this summer, and as you would expect with Italian-born phrase, it is clubs from the peninsula who are at the centre of the speculation.

Pastore & Sneijder moving on?

First up, Palermo’s Argentine starlet Javier Pastore has apparently been subject of a massive €34m bid from newly rich Spanish club Malaga CF. The club was linked with the player a few months back but this new rumoured ‘bid’ has come about when El Flaco was quoted by Fox Sports Argentina stating that: “the time to leave Palermo has now arrived”.

european champions 2011...

Eric Abidal lifts the cup as Barca win their 4th European Cup

Sorry for the delay in posting but I’ve been away on some very important business in Las Vegas, which required partying into the wee small hours with a gang of ‘doggs’ and a certain Cesc Fabregas at XS nightclub! What a place...

the miracle of Istanbul...

Six years ago to the day was the scene of probably the most amazing European Cup final in the competitions proud history, when Liverpool defeated AC Milan on penalties to win their 5^th European Cup.

Championship play-off final preview...

Our resident columnist, Dan Thomas returns to give his view on the exciting Championship play-off final between Reading and Swansea...

The *insert obscene amount of money* match

It's approaching the end of May, so that can mean only one thing.

No, not Platini's braindead scheme of playing the Champions League final on a Saturday, it's the playoff bank holiday weekend extravaganza!

that boy's gonna be a star!...

As a youth talent scout, hours upon hours are spent watching youngsters play football on cold, rainy pitches all over the globe, in the hope of unearthing the next world star. Well, we've made it a whole lot easier for you (as well as being warmer and dryer), by travelling back in time to bring you this lot. Each one of these youngsters made it to the big-time and became a global star. But can you name all 22 of them?

Leave your answers below....first prize gets a virtual pat on the back and a 'Bravo Sir!'...

1, 2, 3, 4

art of a fantasista...

A clever advertising campaign from DirecTV saw the promotion of the World Cup being shown for the first time in full HD. These beautiful pieces of 'art' featured three of the most famous fantasista in World Cup history - linking off-field art with the artistry of the number 10. We're sure you'll agree, the concept along with the intrecate detail is outstanding. Well we think they're great anyway - bravo!

‘New money’ = success?

Tevez lifts City's first major trophy in decades

With Manchester City finally qualifying for the Champions League alongside winning a trophy for the first time in 35 years, and so much always being made about clubs needing vast amounts of money to break the traditional big clubs monopoly of prizes, I look to see if money is the answer. Does ‘new money’ guarantee success? Has any sustained success yet been achieved by clubs coming into ‘new money’? I argue it doesn’t & it hasn’t.
No ‘new money’ club has yet established domination, be it at league or European level.  The power still remains with the historically successful big clubs.

Pep’s 3-in-a-row…

Barcelona clinched their 3^rd league title in a row last night - their 21^st overall, with a 1-1 draw at Levante’s Ciutat de Valencia stadium, a place where they also won the 2005 league title.

This league win ensures that coach, Josep Guardiola, has amazingly won La Liga in every single season he’s managed the Catalan giants (3), whilst also playing some of the most attractive, attacking football the world has ever seen.

Double is on...

The two side that will meet in European club football’s showcase event require just  1 point to secure their respective league titles, thus ensuring that an historic double will be won.

Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over derby rivals Espanyol during the weekend sees them just needing to avoid defeat when they face Levante on Wednesday to clinch their 21^st Spanish La Liga crown.

Manchester United saw off their nearest challengers for the crown, Chelsea with a 2-1 win during the latest round of Premier League fixtures. The single point now needed for United who face Blackburn during next weekend, will see them break Liverpool’s record league title haul of 18, which was set back in 1990.

If both teams win the necessary point needed, it ensures that the European Cup final will be contested by newly crowned champions, aiming for a memorable double winning season.

fantasista legends #1...

Zico

the white Pele

We kick off our series with a player who was at his prime during what was probably the golden age for the fantasista, the 1980’s.

Perhaps the only reason Arthur Antunes Coimbra isn’t held in higher esteem by pundits and fans around the world is the fact that he never played for a European club giant, starring only for modest Udinese in Serie A. However this makes the legend that was Zico, even more remarkable. In a time when there was no internet and very little global TV coverage, everybody knew who Zico was; for a period, the best player on the planet.

Number 10 showdown...

Messi v Rooney.pt 2

No sooner had one battle been won v Cristiano Ronaldo, in being crowned as the best player in the world, Lionel Messi had another to face thanks, in no small part, to the Italian & British media who have now championed Wayne Rooney’s case against the mercurial little Argentine.

Coming to a Premier League near you?

Kun-Kaka!

Kaka & Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero – two number 10’s currently plying their trade in the city of Madrid, are believed to be on the move this summer. But will they both be leaving Spanish shores?

Silly season is nearly upon us and with the rumour mill starting to work up some steam, strong reports are suggesting that Kaka will be offloaded, after failing to set the Bernabeu alight since his record £50 million transfer fee from Milan two seasons ago. Manchester City and Chelsea are known admirers and have the cash, with City supposedly close to signing the Brazilian number 10 a few seasons back. The smart money could be on Chelsea however, where he would be reunited with coach Carlo Ancelotti, the man who has arguably gotten the most out of Kaka at club level during their succesful period at AC Milan.

Meanwhile Kun Aguero is yet again on the radar of the Premier League rich boys. More worryingly for Atletico Madrid fans however, is news that his preferred destination is cross city bitter rivals Real Madrid. Reports of a clause in his contract denying him from making such a move are apparently false.

football prevails…

Pedro is mobbed by celebrating team mates.

So the final Clásico came and went last night, and many are thankful that, not only has the intense & bitter series finished, but that also footballing justice was served. Barcelona preserving their 2-goal cushion with the game finishing 1-1 and the tie 3-1 overall.

When the referee finally blew to signal the end of this unprecedented 18 day, 4 part poisonous epic, the main protagonist was nowhere to be seen. Rumoured to be taking refuge away from the Camp Nou and in the comfort of a hotel room, Jose Mourinho must have been left to think ‘if only…’.

fantasista news...

Baggio & Totti: last of the true fantasista?

Francesco Totti became the 5^th highest scorer in Serie A history this weekend when he scored a double in a 3-2 win versus Bari. His second strike was his 206^th goal in the league (all for Roma), taking him past legendary fantasista Roberto Baggio who scored 205 goals in Serie A over his 19 year top flight career.

Messi magic vs Madrid

I make no excuses about showing the little mans skills, over & over again. Certainly the greatest number 10 in today's game, is he also on his way to becoming the greatest player ever? It seems so...

just what is a fantasista?...

Was Roberto Baggio the last of the true fantasista?

Our main, ongoing feature will be to intermittently bring you the greatest playmakers the football world has ever seen. Fantasista legends. Here, 10 is the magic number.

Never in the sport has a number gained such a cult following - a symbol of creativity and invention, of imagination and entertainment, of artistry and magic. All, standing against the pragmatism of hard line tactics and overbearing athleticism which has increased over the years in the modern game.

Over the last 15 years, tactics, along with the growing distrust by managers who saw this type of player as a mere luxury, have forced today’s ‘fantasista’ to adapt and take on new positions and responsibilities. Indeed the true number 10’s of old have all but vanished from today’s game. As Jonathan Wilson described in a piece for 4-4-2 magazine, it’s become “…increasingly harder for a classical playmaker to find a role” and “The players who would have been playmakers had to find new roles”.

Welcome...

last of the true fantasista?

...to the world of the fantasista. Here, we aim to publish original articles, prompt healthy debate & cover news on all things to do with the beauty & creativity of football. With more of a focus on the players - past & present - who provide the real artistic spectacle, glamour, magic & controversy in the jogo bonito.

Thanks for dropping by...