Hulk Has Hopes High

Next season we may see one of Europe’s hottest young talents take the Barclays Premier League by storm. It’s no surprise Givanildo Vieira de Souza, also known as Hulk, has been linked with almost every top football side the world has to offer as he rather quickly grabs attention and stimulates interest of onlookers. Once this Brazilian international exploded onto the football map, initially in Japan before moving to Portuguese side FC Porto in 2008, his name may have raised a few eyebrows but his attributes have had jaws dropping ever since. As the nickname suggests not only does Hulk have immense strength supported by his stocky build but incredible speed and dazzling skill along with an absolute bullet of a left foot shot striking fear in the eyes of goalkeepers. As demonstrated by his statistics, in the last two seasons alone he has been in impeccable form, scoring 57 goals, providing 36 assists in 91 appearances, simply a goal machine. In addition he is packed with creativity, capable of tactically pulling defenders out of their positions as he persistently flies across the field in order to create space for his team mates to take advantage. This new found deadly consistency has officially made Hulk one of the world’s most wanted attackers, an instrumental figure with some truly magnificent performances for Porto in their success of the Portuguese Primeira League title, the Portuguese Cup and the UEFA Europa League. With his agent stating he will definitely be moving this summer it’s about time this class act made a step up to one of Europe’s biggest clubs...

A player of Hulk’s ability would surely become a huge hit in the EPL. So perhaps the news that the UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea have agreed a £38m deal to sign the striker comes less of a surprise. Although subject to confirmation there is little doubt Stamford Bridge will be home to the exciting prospect sometime soon, a player who has long been in their sights. Although having a hefty price tag, this man-mountain of striker is worth every penny as when he receives the ball great things can happen like his agent Theodoro Fonseca states:

“For any club, Hulk provides goals, pleasure and titles and those are priceless.”

So it would be a wise decision from the Blues if they were to capture a player of this quality, as he can certainly provide that missing spark, ready to make an impact in a more prestigious league. The Porto sensation would prove to be a great asset to the club by potentially driving them forward into the top four again, as he excels on either wing and as the main striker, a nightmare for defenders. He would ultimately be part of a dangerous Chelsea attack, adding serious firepower this marquee signing will partner fellow winger Juan Mata to deliver more pace and attacking prowess to the field of play. The powerhouse of Hulk has the capability of scoring from anywhere, he tends to cut inside and find space to unleash a rocket before burning defenders down the sideline, a true playmaker. The West London side look set to have a strong team heading into the 2012/13 season, the offensive midfield trio of Hulk, Eden Hazard and Mata will shape a formidable threat and may give frustrated Spanish star Fernando Torres better supply in the hope he will rediscover his goal scoring form.

Summer signings like these often prove a club means business in which Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich has made it perfectly clear with a serious statement of intent. In total this mega signature has Chelsea’s summer spending spree at the 80m mark as they have already snapped up Belgian star Eden Hazard for £32m and German international Marko Marin for £8m with many more great names expected to join the club. Despite their Champions League triumph there is a plan to rejuvenate the ageing squad, after finishing sixth in the League last season they are in need of a vital boost on and off the field. The Blues are yet to appoint a manager on a permanent basis, though former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola remains the ideal candidate the future of interim manager Roberto Di Matteo, who led Chelsea to two titles, is still unclear.

Hero or Villain?

What do you do with a player that has bags of potential but also pockets full of attitude? One week he scores an emphatic winner the next his maverick actions see him sent off. With more entertaining tabloid stories than performances on the pitch. But locked and loaded with a talent to be admired. Do you let them play or call it a day?


Well I present to you... Mario Balotelli. 

Currently playing with the Premier League’s big money spenders, Manchester City, this Italian forward is blessed with pace, strength and ... oh attitude. It’s no argument that ‘Super Mario’ provides a great source of entertainment both on and off the pitch. Acquired with a skill to both delight but also infuriate fans and football managers. He’s a rare breed that can have you changing your opinion from one game to the next. However apart from all this lies a unique talent packed with creativity, determination and promise to be a complete forward.

This talented yet controversial striker gets enough criticism but little praise (even though he doesn’t help it). A look at why he’s a highly regarded footballer should be highlighted...

Within his early career, immense technical ability earned Mario Balotelli first team football quite frankly everywhere. It didn’t take long before Italian giants Inter Milan, gained interest and put pen to paper with the prodigy. He made his first team debut for Inter Milan at only 17 in a championship final. Though it was the season of 2008 which saw him capture people’s attention, scoring two great goals against Juventus in the Italian Cup, the media went crazy praising his “phenomenal” skills. Within the Coppa Italia, he bagged 4 goals resulting in the top scorer (well joint with Cruz and Iaquinta). His first Champions League goal against, bare with me, Anorthosis Famagusta of Cyprus made Mario Balotelli the youngest player to ever score in the competition. At 18 years and 85 days he beat the previous record set by Obafemi Martins (remember him?). The quick success gained huge praise while at Inter, his unique characteristic of scoring as well as making goals, had many comparing him to the likes of Diego Maradona, Pele and Zinedine Zidane!

Fast forward a few scraps, stories and actual years we see ‘Super Mario’ rightfully leaving Inter to be reunited with former boss Roberto Mancini. Settling together again at multi-millionaire football club Manchester City. It’s fair to say his time so far at the Etihad has been a rollercoaster, from scoring incredible goals, named man of the match and City’s new threat to countless suspensions, attitude strops and tabloid stories. His trait seems to be score then get sent off, perform sublime skill then commit violent conduct, most of the time leaving his team in a right pickle. Even though the fiery striker has had a mixed time so far with English Football, Roberto Mancini has continued to back Balotelli to deliver the goods. I mean he did win the Golden Boy Award (best young player in Europe). Last season he notably helped City lift the FA Cup after 35 years, he led the attack and played an instrumental part rewarded with man of the match several times. Skip a few more months, we see the Italian scoring left, right and centre, proving to be on fire right now (still having time to taunt fans).

In conclusion, Mario Balotelli is a footballer that can divide opinions across the game, either one of the hottest young strikers around or he has us waiting for self destruct mode. You may disagree but he has the capability to become the worlds very best and Italy’s future sensation. We don’t need another pantomime villain, that role’s nailed by El Hadji Diouf. If he realises the gifts he posses, the strengths that make him stick out (agility, speed and power) then there is no doubting a top class striker will rise and shine. (As long as he stay’s clear of the mafia, bibs, stops flaunting his wealth, taunting fans, using the line ‘Because I can’ and never does a back heel shot again that is).

A phenomenal talent but overshadowed with a varied temperament. I leave you with the wise words of one Marcello Lippi to base you final view though.

“Balotelli is too immature, cocky, and inexperienced, and although he has all these defects, he still seems to be Italy’s brightest young star for the future”.