FOOTBALLER'S LIFE - Pablo Zabaleta, Manchester City and Argentina defender

Pablo Zabaleta signed for Manchester City back in August 2008 from Spanish side Espanyol for GBP6.45million and has become a cult hero at the club.

His status across the blue side of Manchester stems from his versatility and work rate.

Winning plaudits from the terraces and critics alike for his tough tackling and committed performances in sky blue, Zabaleta was in the PFA team of the year in 2012-13 and awarded Manchester City's Etihad player of the season 2013.

The latter of which he won after receiving 68% of the vote polled by the supporters club and fans online.

After winning the award, Zabaleta said. “I would like to say thank you to all the City fans who voted for me. This is a great personal honour and sits alongside winning the Premier League title, captaining City and playing for my country.”

This capped off a great season for 'Zaba' which saw him accumulate 42 appearances and 3 goals for City. He also captained the team in Vincent Kompany's absence, in addition to winning the clubs Etihad player of the month awards in January and February.

The 29 year old began his career in Argentina at San Lorenzo in 2002, and was capped at national youth level from 14, captaining the under 20s to World Cup glory in 2005, before being transferred to Spanish outfit Espanyol for GBP2.7million.

Zabaleta helped his new team capture the Copa del Rey in 2006, and achieved a UEFA cup final appearance against fellow Spanish side Sevilla a year later, however Espanyol lost on penalties on the day.

The defender, who has been utilised at right back and in midfield made 84 appearances for Espanyol over three years before transferring to Manchester City.

In 2008, he won an Olympic gold medal, representing his country in Beijing. The team beat Nigeria in the final, thanks to a goal from Angel Di Maria.

The Argentine made his EPL debut for City in the home defeat to Chelsea on September 13th 2008, and appeared 39 times for City in his maiden season, quickly becoming a vital member of the first team.

He scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win over Wigan in January 2009, the wait for his second took 22 months, against Fulham in bittersweet circumstances condemning Mark Hughes, the man who brought him to England to defeat with an uncharacteristic yet nonetheless spectacular long range effort.

He quickly reached another landmark at City, making his 100th appearance for the club against Blackpool on new years day 2011.

He has since made 168 appearances for the Citizens.
Despite cementing his name as one of the first on the team sheet at City, this was in stark contrast to the international scene, as Zabaleta was overlooked for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by then manager Diego Maradona.

Zabaleta did however represent his country at the 2011 Copa America and is now a regular starter in the international set up.

He made 39 appearances this season, scoring one goal with a pass completion rate of 85% on the way to winning the Premier league title and League cup.

The talismanic Argentine will be looking to continue his successful season at club level with international honours at this years World Cup in Brazil.

FOOTBALLER'S STRIFE: So adored by the Man City faithful, a facebook group emerged prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa begging Diego Maradona to 'stop ignoring him', however those pleas fell on deaf ears, the Argentina boss did not select the defender for the tournament.

ONE TO REMEMBER: He scored the opening goal on the dramatic final day win against QPR in 2011/12 that helped pave the way for the club's, and Zabaleta's first Premier League winners medal.

ONE TO FORGET: Sent off in the Champions League against Barcelona in the 2nd leg of their knock out phrase fixture, City went on to lose the game 2-1 and the tie 4-1 on aggregate. Zabaleta said: “I am disappointed but also very proud of the team because I think we played a fantastic game.”

FOOTBALLER STATS:

POSITION: Defender
CLUB: Manchester City
DOB: 16/01/1985
INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 36
INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 0

Neymar stars against Panama

Brazil star Neymar scored a beautifully weighted freekick that paved the way to a dominant 4-0 win by Selecao against Panama in a pre-World Cup friendly.

The 22 year old was at his majestic and skilful best on home soil, placing the ball into the top corner, out of the reach of Panama goalkeeper Oscar McFarlane.

Five minutes before half time, Neymar’s Barcelona teammate Dani Alves put clear daylight between the two sides and effectively ended the contest.

After storming in from the right, Alves hit an instinctive drive from outside the area, sending the ball whistling past two Panama defenders and the wrong footing the opposition goalkeeper before rippling the net.

Almost instantly after resuming for the second half, it was 3-0 to Brazil.

A long pass up field by David Luiz found Brazil’s darling Neymar, who immediately brought the ball under his spell then back heeled for the on running Hulk to hit powerfully with the outside of his left foot, to leave the ball nestled sweetly in the bottom right corner of the Panama goal.

Hulks ninth international goal for the Samba Boys, all have come in friendlies, something the Zenit St. Petersberg striker will look to remedy when the World Cup finals begin.

Brazil and Panama have met only twice before, in 1952 the green and yellow won 5-0, 50 years later, Brazil won by the same scoreline. Wouldn’t bet against the current crop mirroring the history books as things stood.

Neymar looked at his mercurial best through the middle, Oscar on the right, Hulk on the left and Fred furthest forward in a four pillared interchanging attack of fluidity and guil.

Substitute Willian made it 4-0 after good work from Maxwell down the left, the Chelsea midfielder latched onto a Neymar pass, to convert from close range on 73 minutes.

With the tie dead Brazil continued to carve out numerous chances after long spells in possession, despite looking to be winding down after a proficient nights work.

Although against far lesser opposition, Neymar was the stand out performer, playing a pivotal role as 2nd striker.

Brazil will face sterner tests at the World Cup, but on home soil, Neymar will have a lot to do with the good things the Samba Boys produce throughout the tournament.

As he did 12 months removed, which lead to a Confederations Cup triumph.

From the outset head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s decision to play Panama in the World Cup hosts penultimate prepatory game was down to the similar playing style shared with group A opponents Mexico. Panama also played Mexico in the qualifying stages for the finals.

Scolari fielded a close to full strength side that may line up next Thursday for the inaugural curtain raiser, when they take on Croatia in Sao Paolo.

The only absentees that are expected to come back into the side were Paulinho, Thiago Silva and Fernandinho, who were all rested.

New PSG signing and captain for the evening David Luiz was assured in defence, Panama never really looked a threat in the final third however.

Brazil now face Serbia on Friday evening in there final warm up for the World Cup finals.

England's U17 Emerging Stars

Stop the presses, England have won a penalty shoot-out.

The Three Lions' Under-17 team were triumphant in the final of the European
Championship on Wednesday night, romping home on penalty kicks 4-1 against
Holland after the match ended 1-1.

The victory for John Peacock's talented group of youngsters emulates the
achievements of England Under-17s in the same tournament four years ago. 

On that occasion the likes of World Cup-bound Everton midfielder Ross Barkley,
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland and West Brom striker Saido Berahino were among
England's heroes.

So, what potential England stars of tomorrow have been on show in Malta?

 

Dominic Solanke - 16 - Forward

The Chelsea youngster has become a key member of Peacock's team in recent
months. The 16-year-old scored England's goal in the final and boasts an
impressive record for the Three Lions, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances.
Powerful, athletic and quick, Solanke is a regular for the Chelsea Under-18s.
His late brace helped the Blues to a thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Fulham
in the FA Youth Cup final earlier this month.

 

Jonjoe Kenny - 17 - Defender

Scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out. Kenny spent seven years in the
Everton academy before signing scholarship forms with the Toffees in June 2013.
The defender is equally adept at full-back and centre-back, and made his debut
for the Under-17s in the Euro qualifier against Armenia in October.

 

Patrick Roberts - 17 - Forward

The 17-year-old possesses a blend of great skill and technique which makes him
a valuable attacking outlet. Played a part in England's goal against Holland and
topped the assist charts with four, as well as weighing in with three goals
during the tournament. Made his first-team debut for Fulham against Manchester
City in March having signed professional contract that will keep him at Cottage
Road until June 2016. Is rumoured to have caught the eye of Arsenal, Barcelona
and Real Madrid. 

 
Ryan Ledson - 16 - Midfielder

Captained the Under-17s to the title. Has spent 11 years at Everton's academy,
signing as a scholar in 2013 at the same time as Jonjoe Kenny. The
tough-tackling midfielder has excelled in the middle of the park for England and
his smooth passing is often at the heart of England's approach play.

 

Freddie Woodman - 17 - Goalkeeper

The son of Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman is one of the most
highly-rated young goalkeepers in the country. Conceded just one goal during
qualification and has been a regular starter for Newcastle's Under-18s. Has yet
to make a competitive appearance for the Magpies' Under-21s but did play for
Newcastle's reserves in a friendly against York aged just 14. Signed a long-term
contract with Newcastle earlier this year.

 

Taylor Moore - 16 - Midfielder

Born in London, Moore has lived in France since the age of seven. On arriving
in France, Moore played for Etaples before signing for Lens, where he has spent
the last five years. The midfielder joins an exclusive club of English players
who have donned the national jersey while playing abroad, following the likes of
David Beckham, Owen Hargeaves and Michael Owen. A relatively new addition to the
Under-17 set-up, having joined up with England for the first time in February.