FIFPro World XI 2014: A Flawed Selection

With the naming of the FIFA Balon D'Or winners and the FIFPro XI, a major flaw in FIFA's criteria for nomination and voting was exposed. The FIFPro XI was more contentious than the Balon D'Or (which was won by a more than deserving Cristiano Ronaldo) with the inclusion of some undeserving players while excluding some more deserving candidates. The inability of FIFPro to provide criteria for player nominations as well as act as a guide for voting makes the selection process flawed which leads to voting based on personal preferences rather than voting for deserving players.

When the FIFPro XI was announced, public reaction was one of general shock, disbelief, anger, disappointment among many other reactions. The presence and absence of some players from the final list was just too hard to swallow for some football fans. One shock was the inclusion of Brazilian defender David Luiz. It was very shocking as David Luiz had a relatively poor year than last year. A trophyless campaign with Chelsea in which he wasn't a consistent performer. A horror showing at the World Cup didn't do him any favours though he was able to secure a move to PSG where he hasn't been able to replicate the form that he's usually known for. A more suitable replacement would have been Bayern Munich and Germany defender Jerome Boateng. His performances over the past year helped him break records with Bayern and also win the domestic double. Also more assured performances in Brazil helped Germany return to Berlin. Achievements which are surely worthy of a FIFPro XI selection.

Another shocking exclusion was Uruguayan and Atletico Madrid captain and defender, Diego Godin. His imposing presence was evident in defensive and attacking contributions in Atletico's fairytale year . His goal on the final day Of the season against Barcelona helped Atletico to a first La Liga trophy since 1995 and his leadership qualities over the season was testament that he deserved a place in the FIFPro World XI over Brazil captain Thiago Silva. Thiago Silva by his usually high standards was poor over the year . His poor form can be attributed to injuries and inconsistent form. A poor World Cup didn't do him any favors as his form in Europe didn't deserve any honours in Zurich in all honesty.

Finally an inclusion that will shock obviously shock the player himself is that of Barcelona and Spanish midfield maestro Andres Iniesta. His inclusion into the final team was not justified as Iniesta didn't perform as we've come to expect over the year. A disappointing season by his and Barcelona's lofty standards which ended trophyless and a poor World Cup which ended at the group stages makes his inclusion all the more contentious. A more acceptable and suitable replacement would be another midfield maestro in the person of Luka Modric. Modric was highly instrumental in Real Madrid's La Decima and Copa Del Rey triumphs by maintaining balance in an attack minded side while chipping in with some important goals and assists in the course of the season helped his team and his cause. Some might say he had a poor World Cup in Brazil which is why he was omitted. A closer look at the World Cup performances and you'd see that he was influential in Croatia's play. The only reason his team was absent in the knockout stages was as a result of some questionable refereeing decisions and the inspired form of Guillermo Ochoa at the global showpiece but his general performances warranted a place in the final team.

A more suitable and befitting selection of the world's best eleven footballers should be as follows
GK: Neuer
DEF: Lahm- Godin- Boateng- Ramos
MID: Di Maria- Kroos- Modric
FOR: Robben- Messi- Ronaldo

FIFA, FIFPro and all other affiliated institutions and organisations should sufficiently outline the criteria and processes used in player nomination and also act as a guide for voters in making objective selections which will ensure that deserving players are duly acknowledged.

Long Live Football

WHAT ARSENAL MUST DO IN 2015

When the New Year hit, various resolutions and plans were made to change and move us all into the realms of positivity and general well being. Football teams havent been left out with the exception of Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. The French coach may or may not change anything but he's more likely not to change anything. In the event of change, here are a few things some Gooners would like Arsene and the team to consider changing to make 2015 a happier and memorable one.

Modify Training Methods To Improve Fitness Of Players
It appears the training methods employed by Arsene Wenger and his  technical team is taking a negative toll on the players. The persistent injuries to first team players and their replacements is reducing the performance levels of the individual players and the team too in general.

Adopt An Effective Squad Rotation Regime
Arsene Wenger should make use of the fringe players in his squad regularly. Players such as Podolski, Rosicky, Joel Campbell, Zelalem and others should be allowed to play more . In doing so, he will be able to maintain a level of freshness in his squad , take pressure of some first team players while maintaining a level of match fitness of these players. After all Mr Wenger, What's the use of a Plan B if you won't utilise it ?

Reduce The Burden On Alexis Sanchez
At the beginning of this season, Alexis Sanchez was signed to take the team to another level. A job the Chilean is doing with aplomb. So well the team looks lost when he has an off day. His efforts this so far has yielded 10 goals in the league which represents 29.4% of the team's goals in the league and 6 assists; 25% of the total assists made by any Arsenal player. With this contribution, it seems Alexis in doing so well but his teammates are not. Their overdependance and over reliance on him is not healthy as no one seems to step up when he has a bad day. Arsene Wenger must instill confidence and self belief throughout the team to complement the efforts of the brilliant Chilean. After all, the it is Arsenal FC not Alexis FC.

Make Signings To Solve Correct The Team's Deficiencies.
Arsene Wenger has shown in recent years that he's not afraid to break the bank to land his transfer targets which is good news for Gooners all over but there lies one problem. Are the signings appropriate ? The team needs specific players to solve the deficiencies in the team. Positions such as defensive midfield need bolstering as in their most recent game, had to play two defenders in that position. Also, a prolific forward must be signed to convert the chances made by a highly creative midfield.

Players Must Be Played In Their Suited Positions
Arsene Wenger and his technical team must allow the players to play in their natural positions as this allows them to display their maximum potential and ability. In doing so, the team benefits as everyone is playing at maximum ability. Players like Wilshere have come out to publicly to express their preference of position on the field of play. In the game against Southampton, Calum Chambers and Francis Coquelin, who are orthodox defenders were deployed as holding midfielders. Wenger must sign and deploy the players in suitable positions to enable the team go forward in a positive direction.

If Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal management take these factors into consideration as well as other factors, this year will prove to one of resurgence and probably, the famed 4th place  trophy might become a 3rd place finish their highest in a long time.