Wow, what a great final to end a brilliant World Cup Couple of controversial decisions, but you can’t doubt that France were worthy winners.
Still trying to work out why so many ‘fans’ I speak to here say that Paul Pogba was one of the weak links in the French side?
It’s like people who question N’Golo Kante being one of the best players in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard and the likes will always have the light shone on them.
But for me, it doesn’t take goals, nor fancy dribbling to determine who’s who. It should be about the effectiveness in a game.
I mean, some of the greatest teams have been based around phenomenal goalkeepers or defenders.
I think Pogba was instructed to keep things tidy - nothing flash, nothing based on ego or individuality and he did just that.
His presence alone, (as with Kante) always in the right position to break up or slow down the opposition, was key to winning the trophy.
AN ABSOLUTE STEAL: Liverpool man Xherdan Shaqiri. Photo: DARKO BANDIC/AP
You just have to look at the way Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic struggled to stamp any authority in the middle of the park, like they had in the run up to the final, to see where the game was won.
Of course, having players like Antoine Griezmann and the explosive Kylian Mbappe up front made this side unstoppable.
I also hold a glass up to Olivier Giroud. He didn’t hit the net, but was a constant handful drawing defenders, battling in the air and giving a solid physical presence in the last third.
So yeah, well done to the French on to the desert in 2022!
Guess it’s time to get back into the greatest league on the planet.
Barring a few in the bag, the transfer season was always going to be slow until after the final and I’m sure with such a short time to prepare for next term, we’ll see movement over the next week or so.
That is of course not forgetting some of the top-level transfers that have officially been confirmed already. Most notably Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City, Jorginho to Chelsea and for me, what may well turn out to be the bargain of the year Xherdan Shaqiri to Liverpool for £13m
Only £13m? How the hell did that happen?
In today’s market, surely he’s worth at least three times that?
I love him, what a brilliant footballer and plays with real heart.
I’ve always admired the midget.
I guess because he doesn’t have major club pedigree, barring limited game time at Bayern Munich and Inter, he was shipped at such a stupid fee?
Adding him in the mix or as an impact bench player alongside the formidable trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah was, as coach Jurgen Klopp said: “A no brainer”.
It’s a smart fix by the German, who would have been concerned that whenever one of his three frontmen was injured the combination became ineffective.
The boy is only 26, just reaching his prime and an absolute steal.
Of course the biggest stories are emanating from Stamford Bridge.
Just when you all thought it was over, the board are starting to reveal the months of negotiations behind the scenes.
A plan that could potentially see a brand new Chelsea rise from the ashes. A team capable of competing for the title, a team under the guidance of one of the world’s most exciting, attacking, coaches.
I told you not to believe the bollox on social media and English press, didn’t I?
And all that negativity from Chelsea fans themselves. How the f*** does anyone really know what’s going on behind closed doors during huge-money, top-end negotiations?
I’ll say it again, Chelsea are a major global sporting brand, there’s no way the club would just fall over and die.
With the addition of Gianfranco Zola, I haven’t felt more enthusiastic since John Terry lifted the Champions League trophy!
My only worry is the possible sale of Eden Hazard. Hopefully, with an obvious revolution happening players of his calibre will want to be part of it.
If he goes, there’ll be around £150m in the bank to spend! Here we go!