Transfer flops: Bruno Cheyrou

With a good footballing history behind him, and interest from all over the Europe the future looked rosey for one of many French prodigies.Unfortunately for him, from the moment he arrived at Liverpool the burden imposed upon him was far too great.
Maybe one of the worst statements made by a manager about a new signing was heaped upon his shoulders. This was of course the moment Gerard Houllier described Cheyrou as 'the next Zinedine Zidane.' Huge mistake.

After what was a fruitful pre-season, it rapidly went downhill. Despite making a debut for the French national team shortly after signing in the summer of 2002 for £4.5m. In a four year Anfield career Cheyrou failed to reach even a half century of appearances. And when he did feature he often looked lost on the pitch, unsure of what to do and where his best position was. In short he could perhaps of been a talent wasted, but more than likely he just wasn't up to the demands of the Premier League.

There was however a brief patch when things looked like they could turn round in the 2003/04 season, and he could have an Anfield future after all. Cheyrou's most memorable game was at Stamford Bridge, where a first half strike earned his side a 1-0 victory over Chelsea. A short time later he also bagged a brace at Anfield, as Liverpool defeated Newcastle United 2-1. Could Cheyrou have a future after all?

No he couldn't. After two loan spells back to France, Marseille 2004/05 and Bordeaux 2005/06, came the inevitable sale with Rennes swooping. After a three year stay he had a short spell in Greece with Anorthosis Famagusta, before moving back to France with FC Nantes.

Future Stars - Erik Lamela

In just a few short months Erik Lamela has become an integral part of the River Plate side, and has become a target for top clubs all over Europe.

Erik who? You may ask, but this news certainly isn't a surprise to Barcelona. The Spanish giants tried to sign the midfielder at just 12 years of age, offering large sums of money and gifts to tempt the youngsters family. But when the then president of River, Jose Maria Aguilar, made similar promises the decision was made to stay in Argentina. Remember the Argentine giants aren't nicknamed Los Millionarios for nothing.

Equally adept in central midfield, on the wings or in the hole behind the striker his flexibility is a real asset. It is perhaps the latter where he excels most. Here Lamela's creativity can be brought to the fore in spectacular style, while his cleverly weighted passes can no doubt set up plenty of chances. In addition given space he can unleash some left footed thunderbolts. You won't be surprised to hear that Lamela is another on the long line to be labelled 'the next Lionel Messi.'

It is surely just a matter of time before one of latest young Argentine prodigies makes his way to Europe. With a whole host of clubs already clamouring for his signature. Whoever does clinch the signing will no doubt be on to a winner, but a move too soon could perhaps do more harm than good. Developing like he has been in Argentina could just be the best thing...for now at least.

Wimbledon looms

With the French Open coming to an end yesterday, we are seeing the build up to our own Grand Slam get underway. The time of year when England goes Tennis crazy, and everyone digs out the rackets to hit the courts.

The 'king of clay' debate will continue to rise, as Spaniard Rafael Nadal grew level with Bjorn Borg's record of six titles on the French clay. That put the 25-year-old on ten slam wins in total, six behind Roger Federer who he yesterday defeated. Now though attentions switched to our fair shores, where it will no doubt be one of these greats who triumphs.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that their is a lack of talent in the men's game, just that these two are the standard setters and rise above the rest. Novak Djokovic has been in fine form this season, leading up to his defeat by Federer in France. And these are of course plenty of capable players, and upsets are sure to happen as they usually do. But the Swiss and Spaniard have dominated grand slam successes and I see no reason why it won't continue.

Federer dominated this event between 2003 to 2007, until he traded wins with Nadal in the last three years. He still sits one behind Pete Sampras' record seven triumphs here and he will be as determined as ever to get on equal terms. However a certain Spaniard sits in his way, and with two wins here already he will be looking to close the gap further of slam titles.