The new and improved Neymar

There is no doubt that Neymar has unquestionable quality but, like every star, he has his critics. Some say he needs to do more for Barcelona, to score more, to stop getting caught on the ball as much, to be more direct. Do these critics have a leg to stand on? Well, even the greats can improve on their game and Neymar is no different. The world cup star has shown he has corrected his earlier weaknesses so far this year and could be on course for a big personal campaign. So what is different this year?

Goals, goals, goals. The 22 year old scored 15 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions under the under whelming Gerard Martino. Although a respectable figure, fans were expecting more in the goal department with the expensive transfer fee and world wide hype that came with the Brazilian. If Neymar can get himself on the score sheet more, fans will soon forgive him for what was a okay debut season.

Neymar will look to build on his debut campaign

Neymar has already done this, having scored 8 goals already for Barcelona in just 8 La Liga appearances including hitting a hatrick the other weekend against Granada. Whether it has been the change in management or Neymar carrying on the blistering form he had at world cup before he was injured that has made him more clinical in front of goal is unclear but, it is certainly exciting to see.  

Any football fan will tell you that the football played in South America is certainly different to that played in Europe. The football in Spain is far more physical than Brazil and Neymar certainly found that out last season. He was often brushed off the ball far to easily and found himself on the end of some heavy challenges, something his frail stature couldn't always handle.

Neymar's weight at Barcelona is a hot topic. It was rumoured that when Neymar arrived at the Nou Camp he weighed just 8 stone. Sure, his lightweight frame makes him quick and is vital to his style of play but does need to be stronger if he is to compete in Europe. He has put on weight since the Barcelona medical staff raised concerns over his body frame and compared to the Neymar that represented Santos, he is physically stronger.

"We're getting better together" - Neymar on Messi

An opening season for any player is difficult at a new club, especially when you are arriving in a different continent let alone country. Players adapt to a new club at different rates but often enough it takes a season or so for a player to feel comfortable at a new club, become fully gelled into the footballing family and create a understanding with players. Neymar has already spoken of his developed understanding with Barcelona golden boy Lionel Messi this season and it shows on the pitch. Messi has assisted Neymar a number of times this season already and it is this duo that are the reason Barcelona have started so strong.

Neymar has come back to Barcelona this season stronger, clinical and fully in tune with his Barcelona team mates. Neymar and Messi have been two of the stand out stars of the early campaign and with Luis Suarez still yet to be added to the mix. It will be interesting to see if Suarez immediately adapts to the possession football that is played in Spain rather than the high tempo football in England and could need a year to give his best like Neymar seems to have done. It seems Neymar could have a huge season at the Nou Camp this year...

A nation's central midfield question

For as long as fans can remember, the central midfield role has been occupied by the duo of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, although a match made in heaven in theory with their playing styles complimenting one another, the two never truly clicked and delivered the quality fans expected.With England crashing out of the world cup disappointingly in the group stages, both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have decided to hang up their international boots. Their retirements have left Roy Hodgson with a huge gap to fill in the centre of midfield and despite the England manager's preference for youth, there seems to be few candidates that have the ability to step up.

One thing the world cup highlighted was that England, despite the expectation fans have, are miles behind the world's strongest nations such as recent winners Germany in terms of ability. There are a number of theories to why this maybe but, right now the nation faces a real challenge to promote players to the first team that will improve on the previous batch. 

Hodgson has a preference for the modern day 4-2-3-1 formation, with two central midfielders sitting in and supplying the creative three in front of them. No doubt that the retirements of Lampard and Gerrard will mean that Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere will be seriously considered as Hodgson's first choice central midfielders. Ross Barkley will also benefit and is likely to get more game time also but after those three, who else do England really have?  

A huge gap left by two of England's finest players

In the recent European qualifiers, Fabian Delph was handed his international debut and did the job Hodgson was looking for but, hardly wowed fans. "The ginger Pirlo" as Hodgson has labelled him but more commonly known as Jack Colback of Newcastle was also called up to the squad however, injury robbed him of making his international debut. England fans met this call up with hesitance and were left scratching their heads at such a generous comparison. Although, both Delph and Colback still have youth on their side as both are just 24 years of age and can both grow as players. Promoting them to the international first team as back up to begin with could see them both benefit. If Hodgson is handing players international debuts a player hugely under rated is Mark Noble of West Ham. 

Hodgson also has the option to tinker. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, although some will rightly argue that his talents make him far more potent as a attacking player, has shown he can impress in midfield as Arsene Wenger has previously experimented with him in a central role. True, playing Chamberlain in central midfield makes England vulnerable defensively but, Hodgson may have to consider playing him in a deeper role. Ross Barkley can also fill in as a player in central midfield but like Chamberlain, is far more suited to a more attacking role in the side.    

A seriously under rated player that could make his way into the squad

Promoting youth to the English first team and replacing the old guard that exists in the current England side is one of Hodgson's main objectives as England boss. Some may argue it is too soon but, Jay Ward-Prowse of Southampton is one of the brightest midfield talents England have at their disposal. Clever on the ball and gifted with technical ability, Ward-Prowse maybe promoted to the first team in the next round of fixtures and with the way he has developed in the last few years England could have a gem on their hands. Other talents that could one day feature include Nathaniel Chalobah, Nick Powell or even the forgotten talents of Josh Mceachran.  

The players that will feature in next European Championship is anyone's guess but, Hodgson has a real task on his hands to replace the experience that Lampard and Gerrard both brought to the side. Youth will get their chance to prove themselves too, meaning England fans do have reasons to get excited however, the side is some way off winning a international trophy. The Euro qualifiers and friendlies will be the best indicator to who will get the nod from Hodgson to fill in the middle of the park so pay close attention...

Kovacic's time to step up

In the blue half of Milan, it isn't Nemanja Vidic that is stealing the limelight but, another player from the Balkans. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been a star in the beginning days of the campaign and at the tender age of just 20, Kovacic may finally be coming good on the promise he showed in earlier years. This year could be Kovacic's year... 

Since arriving and being bestowed the illustrious number 10 shirt that was previously worn by former talisman Wesley Sneijder, the Croatian has found life tough at the San Siro. Arriving with the reputation of being a wonder kid, there was much expectation placed on his shoulders. Featuring heavily under ex-manager Andrea Stramaccioni, Kovacic found game time difficult to come by under current manager Walter Mazzari last year.  

However, Mazzari has placed new found faith in the 20 year old and giving him the game time he needs is seeing Inter Milan reap the rewards. The Inter Milan fans have been waiting for some time to see the potential that was perceived when he arrived from Dinamo Zagreb and many are hoping this is the season that he steps up and delivers.  

Kovacic has started the season in great form

Kovacic has started Inter Milan's first few games and has been a huge influence. Scoring two goals in his last two Serie A games as well as delivering one of his best performances in a Internazionale jersey against Sassuolo. In a recent Q&A with fans and manager, Mazzari was supportive of a comparison between Kovacic and a certain Andres Iniesta. Mazzari went on to say: "He handles himself differently on the pitch now: he misplaces fewer passes, his off the ball movement is better, he gets himself forward. His shooting has come on too and with the talent he's got there's still tremendous room for improvement."  

Kovacic is ever so comfortable with the ball at his feet and loves receiving the ball deep and driving at the opposition. His reading of the game and vision allows him to carve open defences when on the attack but, also aids him in his defensive labour as he makes important interceptions. His footwork is also impressive and his range of passing has become a real weapon in his arsenal. However, a criticism of Kovacic is his lack in strength and playing in such a physical league like Serie A, he can often be caught on the ball.  

Mazzari has placed faith in Kovacic early on in the season

Arguably a huge benefit to Kovacic's game is versatility in midfield, having been deployed in a number of roles in the middle of the park. However, such adaptability has cursed the youngster as he has yet to find a comfortable and regular position in the Inter Milan starting line up. Former AC Milan star and Croatian captain Zvonimir Boban said: “He’s not a born play maker and not yet a complete player. He can play either on the left or right of central midfield in a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2. He could also become a play maker in a few years’ time.”  

It's still the beginning of the Serie A season but, performances of late suggest Kovacic is finally ready to step up. He could become a gem in a league that is judged by many in decline and if he continues his recent form, could become a sought after talent too. The Inter Milan faithful may finally be witnessing the unearthing the gem that is Kovacic....

The Gaalacticos

A £150m total spend has well and truly marked Louis Van Gaal's reign at Manchester United as a era of the "Gaalacticos." Much criticism last year for a lack of spending, Van Gaal's vision twinned with vice chairman Ed Woodward's sanctioning of transfers has seen the club bring in some of the world's biggest stars to the Premier League. The problems the side had last year with David Moyes has seen the club take a turn in philosophy, choosing to spend money to fix troubles but, is this the right way to do things?

There's no questioning throwing money at a side will bring instant success, there has been a number of teams in recent history that are a testimony to this. When world class quality like Angel Di Maria or Radamel Falcao who can single handedly sway games Manchester United's way arrive, it is only natural to have a expectation that things must improve. United's summer spending is definitely a statement of intent as their aim is to break back into the top three and get into next years champion's league.  

However, the sale of Danny Welbeck, a player that was held in such high regard at Old Trafford having been at the club since he was 8 years old and was expected to follow the sort of mould that has been a trend at Manchester United since the legendary class of  '92, represents the change from faith in the academy to big spending on quality this year under Louis Van Gaal. The arrival of Falcao meant that Welbeck would have been pushed further down the pecking order and in order to recuperate some of the money spent was sacrificed.

A slow start for Van Gaal's era

In the short term, spending this sort of money may be the right thing to do as avoiding repeating last year's disappointing campaign is priority but in the long term means the potential in the academy may find it hard to break into the first team. Di Maria's arrival could mean Adnan Januzaj's game time is affected despite the Belgian's first team break through being one of the few positives taken from last season.

Even with the blockbuster signings, some argue Manchester United have not strengthened enough in the correct area, defence. The club lost a lot of experience in Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra at the back but opted to only bring in a teenage left back in Luke Shaw with little experience at top level and Marcos Rojo who is also a left sided defender. Rojo can act as a centre back and is likely to adopt that position over the course of the season but, the side needed another experienced centre back. Youth product Tyler Blackett has been given a run in the first team and looks promising however, the defence at Old Trafford is fragile and lacking in depth.

Manchester United's annual wages have also gone through the £200m mark, a 19% rise on last year. Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Radamel Falcao are three signings that have all penned deals that are past the £100k a week mark. The club's inner wage structure has certainly risen with their summer deals and if more signings are to arrive, could continue to sky rocket.

Rooney has been appointed captain by Van Gaal

The Gaalactico's have got off to a slow start, chalking up their first win on the fourth attempt of trying. Van Gaal is yet to settle on a preferred formation either, having started with 3 at the back and then altering it to 4 at the back. Van Gaal is yet to fully get to grips with his squad, having had little pre season working with them due to the world cup and will take time before he and his squad fully gel.

Van Gaal needs time and support to restore Manchester United to former glory. It won't be something done in a season but, Van Gaal has already said he is here for three years and looking to bring instant success. Spending the money he has done defiantly suits that outlook but, could sacrifice some of the impressive potential coming through at Old Trafford. The era of the Gaalactico's has begun...

 

Dunga's Brazilian revoultion

Following the world cup in Rio, it has been all change for the Brazilian national team. The side went out in the semi finals thanks to a hammering from eventual winners Germany and then lost the 3rd place play off to Holland. Dunga takes the reigns for his second spell as head coach from the sacked Felipe Scolari and has already implemented a number of changes as he looks to assert his philosophies onto the side.

Brazil were the favourites for the tournament following their Confederations cup win under returning manager Felipe Scolari and had the weight of a nation's expectations on their shoulders, anything short of a world cup win would have deemed the campaign a failure. Neymar was the golden boy of the tournament, with all eyes on him as he was looked for to create something but, injury soon scuppered his world cup and after losing their talisman, Brazil crashed out.  

The man tasked with a Brazilian reinvigoration 

Following Neymar's impressive world cup, Dunga has opted for a change in leadership and has appointed the Barcelona forward as the new captain of the national side, stripping Thiago Silva of the job.This has brought a mixed reaction, as although Neymar is the key man for Brazil, is giving him extra responsibility really going to aid his performance? Neymar has not really demonstrated leadership qualities either and he may not be the best candidate for the job.    

There have also been a number of familiar faces that have taken a step down from the national side, giving Dunga the task to introduce flesh blood into the side. An injection of youth and new faces may be exactly what the side needs as they go back to the drawing board. Fred and Julio Cesar have announced their retirement from Selecao whereas Maicon has been excluded from the side following "a serious breach in discipline" and is unlikely to return. Dunga has also left out Dani Alves and even chose under 21 starlet Fabinho ahead of Alves for their recent friendlies. Dunga has also called up players that Scolari never considered, including Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Atletico Madrid's Miranda.  

Dunga wants Coutinho to return to the national side

Dunga's style differs from Scolari and is seen as more of a disciplinarian in comparison. He has already demonstrated this with his handling of the now excluded Maicon and Dunga will be strict in his management. Dunga is seen as a economical manager, looking for the win rather than entertainment, something that doesn't really suit the stereotypical Brazilian samba image but, could be exactly what Brazil need. Dunga favours having a packed midfield that breaks up the play and will look to lock down and dominate in the middle of the park.

Dunga will look to improve on his underwhelming 2010 world cup spell, where he crashed out of the tournament in the quarter finals to Holland and faced heavy criticism for his squad selection. Dunga has started impressively, maintaining a 100% win record in his opening games against South American rivals Columbia and Ecuador. A good start but, Dunga will need to carry that on if he is to erase the painful memory of Brazil's world cup...

Change for Chicharito

Manchester United's Mexican striker Javier Hernandez has left the club for Real Madrid in a loan deal following the arrival of Radamal Falcao from Monaco. Hernandez was already struggling to get first team football having fell down the pecking order behind Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and the now departed Danny Welbeck. Could a switch to the Bernabeu reinvigorate Chicharito?

Hernandez of late has been a shadow of his previous self, lacking confidence and more importantly goals. Game time at Real Madrid could see the Hernandez of old reinstated but, will face a task in usurping Karim Benzema from his starting spot. However, Hernandez has shown over the years he can be devastating coming off of the bench, earning himself a reputation as a super sub. A few trademark late Hernandez game winners could see him quickly become a fan favourite as he was at Old Trafford.

Thumbs up from Hernandez

Real Madrid were in dire need of another out and out striker as Karim Benzema was currently the only fit one. Spaniard Jese has been out injured for some time now after having surgery on his cruciate ligament and is nearing full fitness but, after such a serious injury, it remains to be seen if Jese will be the same bright talent he was. Star man Ronaldo could also act as striker, but is much more potent playing out on the left flank where he can cut in and take defenders on.

Karim Benzema has the habit of being in razor sharp form or a complete polar opposite. The Frenchman once went on a international drought of 16 months for his native France and has been known to go several games without scoring for Madrid. If a drought does arise, the club now have Javier Hernandez as another option. From a tactical perspective, manager Carlo Ancelotti now can implement a poacher rather than Benzema's style of play, giving Madrid another attacking dimension upfront.

Hernandez will try to break back into the
Mexico first team under Herrera

If Hernandez can recapture his form and get game time, it could see him land a permanent deal at Real Madrid, as they have the option to buy. Not only that, but he could force himself back into the Mexico first team if he gets game time as in Brazil he did not get a regular starting berth under the animated Miguel Herrera.

While it seems game time is the main motive for Hernandez's departure, he may not have chosen the best club to get that with all the stars jam packed into the squad. However, should injury or lack of form plague current starter Karim Benzema, the "little pea" will need to grab his opportunity with both hands.