Pogba Falls Short of Expectations (part 2)

Paul Scholes, former Manchester United player, believes that Pogba " '[is] trying to do too much on the ball. He’s trying to beat three or four players, a lot of the time he’s running with the ball'" (Mirror).

Some speculate that Pogba's playing style is not compatible with the current formation. Pogba played in a three man center mid field in Juventes, where he was very successful. Now he plays within a two man system. They conclude that Pogba cannot take as many liberties in a two man system, and that within the three man system, he had another center mid to act as an anchor, while he would dribble the ball into the opponent's final third.

Others believe that for Manchester United to be successful, they have to organize their formations and strategize off of new players like Pogba, rather than try to force them to play according to the personalities of long time players. They affirm that Wayne Rooney has exhibited too much influence on the team, and has prevented players like Pogba and Ibrahimovic from shining.

Pogba Falls Short of Expectations (part 1)

Paul Pogba was recently signed to Manchester United for a world record 90 million Euros. This transfer brought Red Devil fans hope for the new season, but unfortunately, they have been met only with crushing disappointment.

Pogba has been subject to much scrutiny, as he has under performed in his recent matches. He has yet to score, and has made only two assists, which is a considerably small contribution from a center mid fielder. Many fans believe that he must prove himself soon, before he is dropped from the team. One fan stated that Pogba, " 'was missing' " during the first game of the season (Mirror). Another believes that he was not playing his natural game because he tried too hard to compensate for his expensive fee.

Manchester United's coach, Jose Mourinho, has been understanding towards Pogba's poor performances. He does not think that his recent shortcomings have defined his playing ability for the season, as it is still too soon to determine the impact that Pogba will have on his new team. He also has provided explanations for Pogba's seemingly invisible impact on the field: " 'He had no-pre season, played in the final of the Euros, had a holiday and then came back' " (Mirror).

Back to Being Blue

On August 31, 2016 David Luiz returns to Chelsea after signing a three year contract for approximately 34 million pounds. Luiz came from Paris Saint Germaine, where he had signed for 50 million pounds, which set the world record transfer price for a defender.

This transfer has been greatly criticized by many sports observers. French journalist Julien Laurens believes that Luiz, "is a worse player now than when he left Chelsea" (BBC Sports). He went on to say that he, "can hardly remember four games where he was actually good [on PSG]".

 On PSG, Luiz faced much humiliation when Luis Suarez megged him in the quarter finals of the Champions League. Despite this embarrassment, David Luiz managed to help his team win the Ligue 1 championship, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and the Trophée de Champions for the two seasons that he played for PSG. 

Some reporters believe that Luiz will add quality to Chelsea's defense. They recall the moments on Chelsea in 2012, where he played with a hamstring injury to help his team win the Champions League. Luiz also had a 90% passing accuracy and 83.33% tackle success during the 2015/2016 Champions League (Skysports). 

All of the criticism regarding his transfer has not fazed Luiz. In recent reports, he demonstrated excitement for his return, "It will be an amazing opportunity to show the fans again how I love this club and how I love to play for this club. I cannot wait to wear the shirt and play at Stamford Bridge [the Chelsea Stadium] again" (ESPN FC).
                               

Manchester United Moves Forward

The Swedish soccer star, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, left the French side Paris Saint Germain to join the English Premier League giants Manchester United this summer. He entered the "Theatre of Dreams" (their stadium) and has already surpassed his expectations at the club in just four games. He has averaged one goal a game and has the most shots on goal with an impressive seven.

For reasons unrelated to soccer, Ibrahimovic is a man of much controversy; his reputation has gained him significant attention throughout his career, and this season should be no different.

In an effort to disparage Ibrahimovic, Eric Cantona, known as the "King" of Manchester United, recently stated that Ibrahimovic could become, "the prince at Old Trafford (the stadium)". Ibrahimovic retorted with, "I admire Cantona and I heard what he said . . . . But I won't be King of Manchester. I will be God of Manchester"  (ESPN FC).

Ibrahimovic will add just as much excitement to the field this season. In the past couple of years, Manchester United fell in the very standings that they had once dominated, With Ibrahimovic's scoring ability, they will become a top competitor once again. He brings an intensity that the team has lacked the past few seasons. With his energy and clinical finishing skills, he will provide the keys to  the team's success.
                                            

Every year from June 1st to September 1st, there is a transfer window for the Spanish, French, Italian, American, and German soccer leagues.  During these times, soccer fans are eager to know which players their favorite clubs have signed or which players are leaving. It is a time frame where soccer fans should tune in to foresee the events of the upcoming seasons.

Unlike many other major sports, soccer allows for transfers to occur between leagues. For example, if a player is on a French team, he can transfer to a Spanish team. He is does not have to transfer to a team within the French league. Transferability can be international.

Earlier this season, soccer fans saw this concept put into practice. International star, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, left Paris Saint Germaine to play for Manchester United. This English Premier team also gained Paul Pogba, who had formerly played for Juventes of Italy.

With these new transfers, Manchester United will be better equipped to succeed in the upcoming season.

These types of transfers occur all throughout the world. They bring unparalleled excitement to professional soccer and add an element of unpredictability to each season.