Football Special Report: UEFA Champions League- The contenders (Part 3)
5-Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich was the losing finalist in the final last year. Munich is under the guidance of Van Gaal, he is a very experienced European manger and a wonderful technician.
Munich has defenders with the qualities of midfielders. All of them are very comfortable with the ball and like to run forward with the ball. Philip Lahm is a sensational player who creates a lot of attacking threat for the opposition. Demicheles and Van
Buyten control the central defence. They have brilliant pace that enables them to cover in case of an error. Both of them are very calm and can turn defence into attack.
The Bayern Munich midfield is super talented. They have the best wingers in the world with Robben and Ribery guarding the wings. Both players were inspirational last season helping Munich reach the final. The 2 “Rs” love to run at defenders and have immaculate
ball control. Another key feature in the team is Van Bommel, he plays the role of a defensive midfielder and enables the playmaker Bastian Schwienstieger valuable space to slice open defences through his wonderful passing range. He also has a very good long
distance shot and has scored vital goals.
The strike force of Munich consists of Olic and Klose. Klose is one of the top scorers in Europe. He can finish efficiently and is good with both feet and in the air. On the other hand, Olic is a very clever player. He makes runs through channels and is
the ultimate opportunist as Manchester United find out to their dismay last season.
Bayern Munich is again expected to do well in this year’s competition. They have a very good squad and an inspirational manager.
6-Manchester United
The United manager, Sir Alex feels that the UEFA Champions League is bigger than the FIFA world cup. Therefore, this competition is top priority for the red devils. Many believe this is the weakest United side in recent history but no one can deny the passion
and commitment of the players.
Manchester United has an aging goal keeper in the form of Van Der Sar yet he is still amid the best in the world. The defence is almost impregnable with the likes of Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra. The right back area is a problem for Sir Alex. Rafael plays in
that area at times but he is still inexperienced and needs time to mature although no one doubts his ability. He is like all other Brazilian full backs who love to go join in the attack.
The midfield consists of legends such as Giggs and Scholes. Both are coming towards the end of their career therefore they will want to finish on a high note. Carrick, Nani and Park Ji Sung have plenty to prove so there will be no lack of motivation. The
United midfield has plenty of pace with the likes of Nani and Andersson.
United have boasted their strike force with the addition of Hernandez also known as Chicharito. He has had a great start to his career at Old Trafford. He is a complete striker who can score with his left foot, right foot and his head. The usual suspects
Rooney and Berbatov are there too. Rooney is extremely ambitious and would want to prove himself again to the United faithful. No one has ever doubted the ability of Berbatov, it is his attitude that is questionable. If Berbatov can get his act together then
United will be very hard to defend against.
Manchester United as usual are amongst the favourites to go all the way, they have added motivation as the final is being held in England this year.
[Continued in part 4]
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