Payet has Arrived!!

From the totally unorthodox beginnings of working in a clothing store to playing professional football on the highest stage, Dimitri Payet seems to have conquered all. In Payet, France seems to have found the right foil in the midfield within which they can build their attacks consistently. Taking nothing away from the star studded midfield that he finds himself surrounded by in this European tournament, à la Pogba and Matuidi, he seems to have that creative knack that teams so desperately need when faced with stubborn defenses the likes of what Romania put out today. 

At the end of his 80 something minutes on the pitch, it was only fitting that he received a standing ovation with everyone within the rafters of the Stade de France singing Payet! Payet! One would expect that a player that just completed an outstanding season within the Premier League, being voted Premier League’s Player of the Year and West Ham’s Player of the Year, would be accustomed to such praise, but this one, this moment brought him to tears. It was the culmination of years of struggle, doubt in his abilities, and now total validation. Dimitri Payet has indeed arrived.

Euro 2016 Opening Match
France   2              -       Romania 1
Olivier Giroud 58'
Bogdan Stancu 65' pen
Dimitri Payet 89'

Top Goals Premier League 2015/16

Post Season Wrap Up

Oh what a season! With most of the European leagues winding down, we have seen some great title fights, some expected and unexpected winners and some incredible flops.

Leicester City have won the premier League for the first time in their history and have done so in some style. With 11 points separating them from their nearest challenger Ranieri’s charges have set the league on fire this term. With their non-stop running, tenacious style and clinical finishing they defied all odds. With breakthrough stars like  Mahrez ( PFA Fans' Premier League Player of the Season  2016), Vardy, Kante and Schmeichel coupled with stalwarts like Huth and Fuchs, they had a steel and guile that many a fan and team was envious of.

La Liga went to the last day to decide the title. In the end it was FC Barcelona with their pachichi winner Suarez that came out the victors. As a consolation for the league, Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid will both be in the Champions’ League Final. There is only 1 none Spanish team vying for European silverware this term and that speaks volumes for a league that people too often write off as a 2 team league.

Juventus made Hi5tory by winning Serie A for a record 5^th consecutive time. Not a bad return for a club that was relegated and stripped of titles not so long ago. Granted some of the usual contenders are not as strong they once were, new rivals have stepped up to the plate. Inter, Roma and Napoli have all cemented themselves as Juventus’ closest rivals this term.

In France PSG was ever dominant in a league that maybe needs a fresh injection of funds to bring in the quality needed to rival the capital club. With the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović leaving the club after their final game, maybe the other teams might be given a chance.

And then there was Bayern, ever present, ever dominant, in a league that should only really be gauged from 2^nd place to 18^th.

Madness In France

Possible explosion outside of the France vs Germany football match played at the Stade de France

Explosion during France-Germany soccer match at the Stade de France. https://t.co/sVh52BgdJs

— Complex (@ComplexMag) November 13, 2015

FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking

FIFA have just released the November issue of the International Men's Rankings, and the top 10 seems to hold some surprises. So have a look, let me know your thoughts. You can see the full ranking listing here.

PS. Trinidad &Tobago have jumped to 54th on the back of some great performances against Mexico, Panama and Nicaragua.

Martial "A Waste Of Money"

Anthony Martial has been named the Premier League's Player of the Month for Septemeber.

In 3 starts, he has scored 3 goals and added 1 assist. Not bad for a player labelled as a "waste of money" by The Mirror.

View image | gettyimages.com

Pochettino Named Manager Of The Month For September

Mauricio Pochettino has been named the Premier League's Manager of the Month for September. He was voted for by the Barclays Panel- a group of former players, journalists and key football stakeholders.

Pochettino has overseen a run of three straight wins in the league last month, beating Sunderland away, and both Crystal Palace and Manchester City at home.