Who is Brad Smith?

Back in action for Liverpool’s Under 21s last October, Smith capped his return to action with an assist and a goal in a 5-0 thumping of Spurs where he was deployed on the right-wing. 

He has represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 level, but his Australian heritage means he may have a big decision to make in the not too distant future with Socceroo’s coach Ange Postecoglou keeping a close eye on his progress ahead of the World Cup. 

What’s his style?


A lightening quick full-back who can also play on either wing and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. His assist record at youth level is impressive while he also pitches in with the odd goal.

So, a bit like…
Well there have already been comparisons to Gareth Bale but it is, of course, very, very early days. Luke Shaw at Southampton is another that springs to mind, given Smith’s attacking mentality and ability to bomb down the flanks.

How much is he worth?


Impossible to say at this early stage. But considering figures north of £20m are being talked about for Shaw, despite him having less than two seasons of Premier League football with Southampton under his belt, Smith’s value is sure to rocket if he does indeed make the grade at Anfield. 

He is also on the books of giant management company SEM, so a bumper wage packet is sure to be in the pipeline if he his cameo on Sunday is just the start of things to come.

How will he fit in?
Smith's ability to operate on either flank makes him a potentially valuable asset for Rodgers given he could be deployed in either a back four or five. 

Furthermore, with neither Mamadou Sakho or Daniel Agger that comfortable at left-back - both performed the role at the weekend - and Jose Enrique still some weeks away from returning from a knee injury, Smith’s emergence on the scene provides a welcome option.

Opportunity? 

With Jose Enrique injured, Smith could get a few games at left-back in the next few weeks

Everyone has a weakness…
Inexperience is, of course, the main issue Smith faces while an ACL injury at such an early age is far from ideal. 

Thankfully it seems Smith has suffered no long-term effects, but can Rodgers afford to rely on a prospect in such a crucial campaign for Liverpool? That said, you only learn the game at the top level by playing it.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2531096/IN-THE-SPOTLIGHT-Brad-Smith-Liverpool.html#ixzz2ozjOAFes 

Fawole and Coker wins Nigerian Breweries Chess Championship.

Former National Junior Champion, John Oyeyemi Fawole and Labake Coker were the heroes of the night, after they emerged top from the pool of top players at the just concluded 36th edition of Nigerian Breweries Plc International chess championship. 

Former National Junior Champion, John Oyeyemi Fawole and Labake Coker were the heroes of the night, after they emerged top from the pool of top players at the just concluded 36th edition of Nigerian Breweries Plc International chess championship.
The seven round Swiss event pairing, was held at the Mobolade Okoya-Thomas Multi-purpose hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
The new national male champion secured six out of maximum seven to place top in the Masters category and won the star prize of N250, 000 and the trophy.
- See more at: http://www.sportsdayonline.com/news.aspx?lb_newsid=2614#sthash.EWOXAltU.dpuf

5 things Liverpool needs to do to Win the League.

Image from BBC.com

Top of the league at Christmas, Liverpool has shown great progress this year. In fact, Liverpool's results shows that it is one of the best performing teams in 2013. Armed with probably the most in form striker in world football, Luis Suarez's 19 goals have propelled the scousers to the top of the league. Brenden Rogers has got Liverpool playing very attractive football on their way to a top four finish but much is still needed if they are to meet their goal. Unlike most seasons, this one will be remembered as one of the most fiercely contested as just 5 points separating the first placed from 6th.

1. Set Pieces- Silver Bullet or Achilles Heel?

One paradox this season, is that set pieces have been a source of majority of the goals for and against Liverpool this season. Poor defending at set pieces cost Liverpool victories at the Everton and Mancity. The gaps must be plugged, less it will be 7th place all over again.

2. Skrtel- Beauty or the Beast?

Liverpool's player of the year two seasons, struggled last season  now he is back to top form or is he?

The tosy-tovy nature of Skrtel's performance is a great concern. One can't be sure which will show up. Will it be the masterful display against Fulham or the pseudo- wrestling match versus Cardiff? Either way, the Slovak needs to get a grip, no pun intended, and cut out the holding and shirt pulling when defending set pieces or he may well cost Liverpool their season. Bottom line, Agger should start again.

3. Time for Men.

It is refreshing to see a club succeeding with youth players in their team. Flanagan and Sterling are both youth players who have performed credible well this season.  There could some truth in Liverpool legend Alan Hansen infamous statement, "you can't win anything with kids". Somewhere lurking inside every kopites mind, there is that little glimmer of hope that Liverpool might do the improbable and go a step further and win the league. For that dream to come true, January signings should usher  in Men : Seville's Ivan Rakitic, Salomon Rondon, Ola Toivonen, Alonso, are a few players that could make an impact for later stages.

4. Jordan Ibe - Could be a secret weapon. Yep he is skillful, fast and seems to have better end product than Sterling. Just needs games to prove his worth. 

5. Rotate

Squad rotation helps the fringe players: Alpas, Alberto et al to gain confidence and simultaneously rest fatigued players in the first Eleven.  Right now the squad players are surely in need of confidence.  And if they can be brought to the level of the first eleven, then the all squad strength will be substantially increased for the rest of the season.

5 things We learnt from the Nigeria vs Italy Match

After securing qualification to the 2014 Mundial hosted by Brazil, the Super Eagles started their preparation with a friendly match with the Azzuris. Typically, teams en-route the soccer fiesta play series of friendlies with countries that are from the same football culture with those in their groups.

Nigeria played Italy in the Fulham Stadium and it ended 2-2.

These are some excerpts for the exciting encounter.

1. No Joy from the Right

Full-backs provides width and makes the pitch bigger for the opposing team. In a wing-back system, they are invaluable; providing crosses for the strikers to tap home. Nigeria's second goal by Shola Ameobi was an example of such wing-play by Francis Benjamin. Not taking anything from Ambrose, who is a very good defender, we get none of those runs from him. 

Ambrose could be a stabilizing influence in the centre of the Super Eagles' defense and as long as Ambrose continues as right-back, expect no joy from there.  

2. With a Strong Defence, you always have chance.

It was the former U.S president,Bill Clinton, who said those words , "With a Strong Defence, you always have chance". The manner by which Balotelli tore Nigeria's defense to shreds throughout the match exposed its vulnerabilities. Thankfully, both goalkeepers of Ejide and Enyeama were able to keep the Italian raids to a respectable scoreline. For the Super Eagles to do as well as the Ghanaians did in the 2010 edition, then they must fortify their defense. Nedum Onuoha of QPR could be good addition especially at right back.

3. A chance for One Last Hurrah?

The duo of Obafemi Martins, Odemwegie could still have a place in the team since Oduamadi's poor performances have not justified his continued inclusion in the team. Keshi should take the best players regardless of any personal differences. Both players are vastly experienced and play week in, week out for their clubs. Also, if injuries were to affect Moses or   Musa, there are no "credible" replacements.

4. Fear Only Fear Itself

One positive thing to take out of the match is the lack of fear and respect that the Nigerians showed the Italians which enabled the Super Eagles to control most of the first half and edge the Italians going into half-time.

5. Mixed Bag

Dike and Ameobi showed great finishing in their goals, giving  Keshi reasonable alternatives in attack. But the Super Eagles still lack a creative midfielder in the mould of Jay-Jay Okocha or someone that can unravel defences. Anyway, Keshi should continue with his great work and play the best countries.

9 Players that could Lift Liverpool's Season.

Liverpool is having a resurgence under Brendan Roger this season. Second place in the league and playing with a swagger and venomous attack of the likes never seen in a long while.  So great is the confidence at the Kop these days, that there are even  murmurs of a possible title challenge. Why not? The Reds have leading their attacker, possibly the most lethal striker in world football right now. Yes, that  man we love to "hate", Luis Suarez. Anyway, what artist will accomplish much without a great supporting cast. Henderson is looking the player, we all thought he wasn't. 

Gerrard is exemplary as always, Coutinho and Sturridge have been in phenomenal form when they have been fit.  Flanagan, Allen and especially Raheem have been putting up sterling performances.

In the summer, Rogers made an inspired decision in replacing Reina, who was the weak link at the back at last season, with Minolet in goal and fortifying the central defense with Sakho.

The first team is obviously awesome,but a long injury list could derail Liverpool's title charge.

Hence the case for reinforcements in key areas. One area sorely needing attention is midfield 

See below my recommendations for Rogers.

1. KOSTAS MITROGLOU:

Is a Greek footballer who plays as a striker for Olympiacos and the Greek national team. Mitroglou started his career at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he established himself as an excellent prospect now with his prolific form at Olympiacos, he has become one of the highly sought players in the world.

Relevance: 4/10

2.Mohammed Salah
It seems pretty certain that the “Egyptian Messi” who tormented both Chelsea and Tottenham in Europe, will be a Liverpool player in January.
Salah would fit nicely in the wings and give Raheem and Victor Moses some healthy competition.
Relevance: 7/10

3.Will Hughes - Derby's teenage midfielder has terrific ball control with an eye for goal and his playing style is similar to the Super Eagles’ Mikel not the Chelsea one. He is certainly one for the future.
Relevance:6/10

4.John Guidetti - Once a hot property of Feyenord, Guidetti made an error by join Manchester City a club known for buying stars for their first team. He is about to reverse himself by leaving in January and could flourish at Liverpool.
Relevance: 5/10

5.Onazi- the Nigerian defensive midfielder is highly mobile and renown for breaking up opponents’ attacks and one of the hottest young players in the world right now. Onazi would be useful in deputizing for Lucas, should the defensive midfielder get injured or lose form.
Relevance:8/10

6.Salomon Rondon - Reportedly a Liverpool target when Suarez's exit from the club seemed inevitable, Rondon could be on his way out at Rubin Kazan and Liverpool may well renew their interest in the forward.
Relevance:9/10

7.Ola Toivonen - Liverpool needs height and power and the powerful Swede could provide that. Also, he could be a “cheap” addition since he is available on a free in the summer.
Relevance:8/10

8.Lacina Traoré
The Ivorian striker, currently at Anzhi Makhachkala, who stands at 6 feet and 8 inches, could provide the Reds with an added option should Sturridge remain absent. Traore is likely to be offloaded by the side from Dagestan who are cost cutting. And the strong targetman could be a good 'Plan B' should Liverpool need one.
Relevance:7/10

9.Kelechi Iheanacho- He has already signed for Manchester City but Liverpool should be ready to pick him up when he inevitably leaves City in frustration of lack of first team football.
Relevance: 2/10

The FIFA 2014 World Cup Draw

The draw for the 2014 Fifa world cup just concluded and here are the tables above.
Group D and G seems to the groups of Death, while Nigeria gets a light group in group F.

More to follow...