Though stories have been presented in the past, it seems recently there are names that have emerged as problems, cancer’s to the team, racists, and simply babies. We know the players I am talking about, and unfortunately they are players that are superstars for their respective teams; rather than just another face on the team that can be replaced by anybody else. I am talking about the likes of guys such as Carlos Tevez, Luis Suarez, Mario Balotelli, and John Terry. These lads often seem to shine for their teams as well as for the media.

Carlos Tevez caused a frenzy in Manchester due to his refusal to be subbed in late in a game. Last year Tevez was the biggest threat to all the premier league where he co-lead the EPL in goals. His furious attack and determination led him to be a nightmare for anyone in the back, and his skill proved to be second to none. Now, with the likes of Eden Dzeko and Sergio Aguero, Manchester City were going to be an unstoppable force when those two complimented Tevez. But Tevez wouldn’t let things be that easy. Turns out, everything is about him. His desire to go back with his family in Argentina can be understood, but too good to get subbed in late in a game? Are you kidding me? How arrogant can one be to believe their too good to go into a game? To me, it is disgraceful and poor taste by someone who gets paid millions to play a sport, to act like a child on the sideline because they shouldn’t be a late sub. Unfortunately for Manchester, their problems with Carlos Tevez are only followed by potential super-star Mario Balotelli. I have talked about the guy before and there is no doubt that he could be outstanding, but his temper tantrums on the field, and off field discrepancies can only lead people to think that he will be one those players that was “the greatest player that never was”. As a manager, it’s hard to trust him. Sometimes you’re going to get an amazing performance, but sometimes you’re going to get moping, whining, and childish outbursts because he can’t control himself. The two of them need to grow up and understand that the life they have received is one the millions of people around the world could only dream to have, but instead of embracing it, somehow these two are managing to destroy their image day after day.

Luis Suarez and John Terry are equally tarnishing their reputations as well, but only in a slightly different manner. On the field, both Terry and Suarez are reliable, dependable, and big pieces to both their teams. How do they manage to ruin this? Well, Former England captain John Terry has been accused more than once of racial abuse on the field. As if you can’t stoop low enough, he also was convicted of having an affair with English Teammate Wayne Bridges wife! Cheating is already publicly frowned upon, and he goes and sleeps with a teammates wife? It is despicable. Luiz Suarez is very similar. Accused of racism on the field, unnecessary gestures to fans, fighting, basically anything to get him suspended or fined.  The one big question I have for them is, how do the players on their own team feel about them? Does Suarez and Glen Johnson hang out off the field? Is Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba okay with what John Terry says? It seems these two would have trouble facing certain players on their team in the face after some of their actions. These four only some of the names that have the media in a frenzy. They can all be brilliant, but they are letting themselves slip away from legend to the faces in sports young players are urged not to be like.

After this past weeks midweek league games, the race for the league title, Champion’s League spots, and Europa League have blown wide open. U.S.A’s Landon Donovan was a huge part in the shock 1-0 victory over Manchester City, as he provided the assist to newly transferred Darron Gibson. The other surprise’s this week was The Gunners tie to bottom of the table Bolton Wanderers, and Chelsea’s tie to giant killers Swansea. The rest of the clubs currently fighting within all came out victorious in their recent fixtures including a 2-0 victory for Manchester United over Stoke City, Tottenham 3-1 over Wigan, Newcastle 2-0 against a struggling Blackburn side, and surging Liverpool 3-1 over Wolverhampton.

With both Manchester clubs at 54 points and 5 points ahead of third place Tottenham, one can only assume that the race for the premiership has almost dwindled down to the rival teams. There is no doubt that Tottenham can make a run, but with the United and City are playing I cannot see both teams dropping 5 points while Hotspurs make a flawless run to jump both clubs. With that being said I believe that those three clubs have definitely locked their place for a Champions League spot. Chelsea are clinging on to the fourth spot currently, but despite not dropping full points as of late, their performances have struggled. Their defense is aging and often are not consistent, Juan Mata started off hot but has recently cooled off, there is the Fernando Torres situation (which I feel differently about), and where have the likes of Malouda, Drogba (yes, I am aware of the ANC), Meireles, and Kalou, who were all vital to the club last season (not Meireles) have been relatively useless. I don’t see them being in the top 4 at the end of the season, 5th is probable, but I see them getting beat out.

Arsenal and Newcastle are also two clubs that I see not being a part of the top 4. Newcastle started off hot, but plagued by injury and the loss of a few players to the African Nations Cup, they have dropped off. With that being said, I think Newcastle are just a few players short of being part of the elite group of clubs. Give them a season or two, and if they can make the right moves, hang on to Demba Ba and Tim Krul, I can see the Toon’s being fierce in the EPL. Arsenal are in a similar situation. They have been hot in the mid-season with RVP being arguably the best player in the league. But a few injuries here and there and another big blow to future hopeful Jack Wilshere, the Gunners are currently sitting in 7th and I don’t see them moving out of that spot. Which would bet their first time since the 95-96 campaign that Arsenal did not find their name in the Champion’s league qualification.

Finally this brings me to the current sixth place team, Liverpool. Liverpool have ridden an emotional roller coaster so far. Showing signs of brilliance and horrid 90 minute displays. However, I believe this is going to be the season that Liverpool get themselves back into the Champions League since the 08-09′ season. Why? well for one Steven Gerrard has certainly boosted the squad and trouble maker Luiz Suarez is also finally set to return this upcoming week. Andy Carroll is starting to find his feet, and players such as Charlie Adam, Craig Bellamy, and Dirk Kuyt have all been playing exceptionally well this season. On paper the Reds have all the right players to be extremely successful, and I believe they are starting to put themselves in the right form to reclaim their fame.

Final season prediction’s:

1. Manchester United

2. Manchester City

3. Tottenham

4. Liverpool

5 Chelsea

6. Newcastle

7. Arsenal

Jurgen Klinsmann’s recent arrival here in the states has revamped viewers and fans to believe that the U.S national team is just on the brink of glory. Despite his record, I myself have been generally pleased with the style he has tried to establish on the team. The idea of trying to generate a lot shots and becoming a more attacking team by bringing more creative players to the pitch. Though this may take time, I am afraid that with the players that are currently playing on the team that the U.S could potentially reach a plateau in their playing. There are a few players that need to go, and a few players that the gaffer needs to consider giving another shot.

We’ll start from the back. Of course Tim Howard is hands down our best keeper, that’s the obvious. However, the idea that coaches are trying to bring back Onyewu is a very poor decision. That man should be playing middle linebacker in the NFL, he is no center back. He often gets beat, and despite his enormous size he still manages to get beat in the air. Instead, the guy Coach Klinsmann should be looking at is L.A Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez. He is a regular starter for them and has proven to not only be a rock in the back, but also a threat in the air on set pieces. Put him next to our captain Carlos Bocanegra. Steve Cherundolo is a fantastic outside back full of experience and ability. On the left side, I hope to never see Jonathan Bornstein, or Timothy Chandler ever again. Bornstein blew his opportunity in the Mexico game, and showed the world that he cannot keep up with the pace of the game once again. I would put Eric Lichaj on the left. Lichaj has blazing speed, and does a great job of getting up the flanks. Guys like Tim Ream, Edgar Castillo, and Jonathan Spector are decent back-ups.

In the midfield, the biggest problem is finding that playmaker who wants the ball at his feet. Edu, Jones, and even Bradley are good holding midfielders, but all are severely inconsistent and sometimes make poor decisions on the ball. If you play a 4-2-3-1, put Bradley, and Jose Fransisco Torres next to each other. Torres is one of the better distributors and works very hard getting back. If Stuart Holden can get healthy he needs to take Bradley’s spot. Holden proved himself all last season in the EPL as a ball winner and another great distributor out of the middle.

In front of him is the diamond in the rough. A guy who is rarely talking about, but is truly a playmaker and very confident on the ball. Benny Feilhaber. He is a true playmaker for any team he plays for, and he has proven that. I don’t understand why he keeps getting looked over when players continue to get called up. Donovan and Dempsey have to be in the starting lineup, but the question is where. Donovan is strong on the outsides and does well to put balls in. Dempsey on the other hand is a little tricky because sometimes on the outside he becomes invisible because he doesn’t see the ball enough. I personally like him up top. Fast, good skill, and solid in the air. If you play with one forward he is the guy that has the ability to hold the ball and allow the rest of the players to get up the field. That sets things up perfectly for Brek Shea on the left. His deceiving speed and willingness to run with the ball is something that many US players lack. When I watched the MLS all-stars play Manchester United, besides Beckerman and Feilhaber, it seems that everyone else is generally scared to have the ball at their feet for more than two touches before they kick the ball 40 yards down the field to nobody. A few other players that seem to impress with out any recognition are Kyle Beckerman, (even though as of late Klinsmann has taken a liking to him) Houston Dynamo Brad Davis, (leading MLS in assist) Bobby Boswell, Freddy Adu, Alejandro Bedoya and Sacha Kljestan.

Before this ends, a few guys that should never be seen in a U.S.A jersey again…Hercules Gomez, DeMarcus Beasley, Robbie Rogers, Clarence Goodson, Robbie Findley, Edson Buddle, Ricardo Clark, and Jermaine Jones can go back to Germany for all I care.

Cheers.

This weekend appeared to be a weekend for classic rivalries and a hoard of goals from young players. In the EPL, there were 31 goals scored this week and out of those 31, 12 of those goals were scored by someone 23 or under. Players such as Tottenham defender Kyle Walker, 22, scored a goal for the ages as he handed Wenger and company a crushing rivalry loss. Daniel Sturridge, 22, struck twice but was held out of the spotlight thanks to a brilliant weekend by veteran Frank Lampard. Mario Balotelli, 21, and Stefan Savic, 20, helped City and crew cruise past Blackburn Rovers in their 4-0 win. Also, Danny Welbeck and Brazilian Anderson scooped up a goal each in the two nil win over Norwich. Other goal scorers included Denmark International Nicklas Bendtner, 23, tallied his for goal in a Sunderland jersey, Andy Carroll, 22, Aaron Ramsey, 20, and Scott Sinclair, 22.

For some of these young players is this is not the first time they have made impacts for their respective clubs. Daniel Sturridge was fantastic for Bolton on his loan last season, and though slightly quiet at the start of this season, a Fernando Torres suspension has proved crucial for Sturridge as he proved his worth for Chelsea. Danny Welbeck has been brilliant all season so far with Manchester United. He struck twice in the midweekd Champions League game, and added another this weekend. Despite having Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov, and even Owen, Danny Welbeck has emerged as a potentially new star in the premier league. Brazilian youngster Anderson, though not known for his goal scoring has really cemented a spot in the Red Devils midfield for his ability to distribute and expose defenses. Lastly, Mario Balotelli showed that despite his unpopular antics, and glowing confidence Balotelli played quite well and showed that he can maintain a level head even when other superstars (Carlos Tevez) seem to be causing quite a bit of commotion throughout the club.

I enjoy seeing young players make a name for themselves so early on in the season. It gives people a great opportunity to potentially see the new wave of players that will always be make a name for themselves for the rest of the year, and hopefully years to come. Do not be surprised to see several of these players continue showing up on the stat sheet at the end of each weekend.