De Gea v Lindegaard

For the past few weeks there's been a lot of questions being raised by fans (and non-fans) of Man Utd regarding the goalkeeping situation. Two promising goalkeepers were given a fair share of action between the sticks by Sir Alex Ferguson. Even the 3rd choice, Ben Amos, had his opportunities during the Carling Cup matches. Here's my opinion on who should be the number one choice for Sir Alex. Let's breakdown the differences between De Gea and Lindegaard.

Let's start with De Gea. He's seen only a handful of matches during his time at Atletico Madrid. He was entrusted into action when the supposedly number one choice, Sergio Arsenjo was ruled out for the season with a knee ligament damage and 2nd choice Roberto Jimenez got himself injured during the winter period. I still remember he was wearing the number 43 in his first senior season with Atletico Madrid. This was back in the 2009/2010 season. A tall and skinny lad but he maintains his composure and his back four until Atletico surprisingly became the Europa League champions.

Fast forward to 2011/2012 where he signed with Man Utd. A relatively bold and brave move for a 21 year old to join such a historic club. Yeah, he made a few errors in the first few games for United, but he made ammends for it later on. He's command his goal area well lately until another howler from him against Blackburn cost United the match 3-2. His notable howlers were against Dzeko (Community Shield), Long (WBA) and FC Basel (Champions League) . Having said that, to replace Van der Sar, a legend for United, is no easy task. De Gea's only 21 years old and personally, he's become more mature, his judgment and his reflexes are getting better now. The only problems are his physic and language, his communication with his back four are limited. You better buck up on your English and gain some muscle son!!!

Let's move on to Lindegaard. He's 27 years old and look more built for the Premier League. A Dannish international and his reflexes is proving to be good too. He joined United back in 2010 January transfer window as an understudy of Van der Sar. He's been getting his chances lately and has performed when in goal for United. The advantage he has ahead of De Gea is that he can speak English. Communication is very important on the field especially when it's between your back four. Lindegaard has kept a number of clean sheets previously but when he's called upon after De Gea's howler, he simply dropped the ball. Two free kicks (Cabaye - Newcastle; Kolarov - Citeh) flew past him. I'd like to point out that the 2 free kick goals he conceded, was down to his fault. He's suppose to stand in the middle of the goal. If he was at the middle, I bet he could've make an easy save.

Having said that, I personally think that De Gea should return to the sticks for Man Utd and Lindegaard should be given games too. What United have now, are 2 great keepers and  with Sir Alex rotating those 2, can only benefit both of them. It keeps the 2 on their toes all the time. Well, theres another 18 matches to go til the end of the Premier League. It's gonna get bumpy now. Til next time, see ya lads!!!

FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011

As most of you have known, Lionel Messi was crowned as football's Best Player of 2011. Me personally, thought the award should've gone to his FC Barcelona teammate, Xavi Hernandez. Yes Messi scores goals, yes Messi can turn around a game with a single moment of magic, but I personally think Xavi is a midfield genius, the backbone/engine room of FC Barcelona, the visionary, the pass master and has an eagle eye when attacking the opponent. What amazes me more is that he has some sort of telepathic understanding with another midfield genius, Andres Iniesta. I really hope that one day, Xavi Hernandez will win the FIFA Ballon d'Or award as the best player in the world.

The star-studded FIFA Ballon d'Or awards hit Zurich once more in a celebration of the world's finest football players. As expected, Lionel Messi stole the show, taking home his third Ballon d'Or Award in as many years. Teenage sensation Neymar pipped Messi and Wayne Rooney to the FIFA Puskas Award, while Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola landed the FIFA Coach of the Year Award.

The record-breaker landed the prestigious treble after another spectacular year. Lionel Messi propelled Barcelona to another five titles in 2011, including the La Liga title, the Champions League, the Spanish Supercopa, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. Not forgetting to mention the incredible 55 goals in 57 games that Leo netted in a Barca shirt. At just 24 years old Messi is already judged as one of football's all-time greats.

In an attempt to show that the night wasn't all about Barcelona and Real Madrid players, Old Trafford representatives Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic found themselves in the FIFPro World XI line-up. The final eleven, chosen by the FifPro group of players' unions, comprised entirely of Barca, Real Madrid and Manchester United players.

Finally the FIFA Puskas Award was awarded to a man (boy) who will be attending many more FIFA Ballon d'Or Award ceremonies in the future. Brazilian teenager Neymar was presented with the award for his stunning solo goal in Santos's 5-4 defeat to Flamengo in July, beating both Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney in the votes.