Friday, August 31, 2012

Miku joins Celtic FC


Carlos Bocanegra joins Racing


Lassana Diarra joins Anzhi


Yossi Benayoun joins West Ham United


Goran Popov joins West Brom


Stephane M'Bia joins Queens Park Rangers


Clint Dempsey joins Totthenham Hotspur


Joey Barton joins Marseille


Javi Garcia joins Manchester City


Jay Bothroyd joins Sheffield Wednesday


Efe Ambrose joins Celtic FC


Bryan Oviedo joins Everton


Isaac Vorsah joins Red Bull Salzburg


Rafael Van Der Vaart joins Hamburger SV


Mathias Ranegie joins Udinese


Andy Carroll joins West Ham United


Nigel de Jong joins AC Milan


Scott Sinclair joins Manchester City


Kieran Richardson joins Fulham


Charlie Adam joins Stoke


Dimitar Berbatov joins Fulham


Javier Saviola joins Malaga


Nicklas Bendtner joins Juventus


Pablo Hernandez joins Swansea City


Maicon joins Manchester City


Maurice Edu joins Stoke


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

La Liga & Premier League Direct Free Kick Statistics


2011-2012 La Liga Direct Free Kick Statistics

Totals

Clubs:
Athletic 600 Direct Free Kicks, 26 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
Atletico Madrid 533 Direct Free Kicks, 16 Direct Shots, 0 Direct Goals 
Barcelona 624 Direct Free Kicks, 54 Direct Shots, 5 Direct Goals 
Espanyol 562 Direct Free Kicks, 39 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
Getafe 542 Direct Free Kicks, 25 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
Granada 546 Direct Free Kicks, 52 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
Levente 499 Direct Free Kicks, 39 Direct Shots, 3 Direct Goals 
Malaga 659 Direct Free Kicks, 46 Direct Shots, 4 Direct Goals 
Osasuna 504 Direct Free Kicks, 20 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
Racing 573 Direct Free Kicks, 20 Direct Shots, 0 Direct Goals 
Rayo Vallacao 549 Direct Free Kicks, 26 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
RCD Mallorca 429 Direct Free Kicks, 23 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
Real Betis 539 Direct Free Kicks, 41 Direct Shots, 4 Direct Goals 
Real Madrid 560 Direct Free Kicks, 65 Direct Shots, 2 Direct Goals 
Real Sociedad 570 Direct Free Kicks, 34 Direct Shots, 0 Direct Goals 
Real Zaragoza 529 Direct Free Kicks, 21 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
Sevilla 560 Direct Free Kicks, 30 Direct Shots, 0 Direct Goals 
Sporting 562 Direct Free Kicks, 36 Direct Shots, 2 Direct Goals 
Valencia 506 Direct Free Kicks, 21 Direct Shots, 1 Direct Goals 
Villarreal 580 Direct Free Kicks, 37 Direct Shots, 2 Direct Goals 

Players:
Ronaldo 53 Direct Shots, 2 Direct Goals
Messi 35 Direct Shots, 3 Direct Goals
Cazorla 27 Direct Shots, 4 Direct Goals
Benat 29 Direct Shots, 4 Direct goals

For 2010-2011 comparison data click here -  here

Game Information provided by Marca

2011-2012 English Premier League Direct Free Kick Statistics

Totals
Arsenal 38 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 2 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Aston Villa 20 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 0 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Blackburn Rovers 29 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 2 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Bolton Wanderers 25 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 0 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Chelsea 38 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 0 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Everton 33 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 1 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Fulham 34 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 2 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Liverpool 33 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 2 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Manchester City 26 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 1 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Manchester United 28 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 2 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Newcastle United 33 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 3 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Norwich City 26 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 1 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Queens Park Rangers 39 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 3 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Stoke City 15 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 0 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Sunderland 19 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 5 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Swansea City 25 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 1 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Tottenham Hotspur 38 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 1 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
West Bromwich Albion 17 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 2 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Wigan Athletic 21 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 1 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 
Wolverhampton Wanderers 16 Direct Shots from Free Kicks, 0 Direct Goals from Free Kicks 

*Total Direct Free Kicks was unavaliable.

Game Information provided by #MCFCAnalytics through OPTA

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Reviews of 2011-2012 European Football Leagues

These are all of the European Football League Reviews I posted over the last two weeks:

Austria Bundesliga - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-austria-bundesliga-season.html
Belgium Pro League - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-belgium-pro-league-season.html
Belgium Division 2 - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-belgium-division-2-season.html
Bulgaria Profesional A - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-bulgaria-profesional-season.html
Croatia Prva HNL - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-croatia-prva-hnl-season-review.html
Czech Gambrinus Liga - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-czech-gambrinus-liga-season.html
Danish Superligaen - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-danish-superligan-season.html
Dutch Eredivisie - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/final-2011-2012-dutch-eredivisie-season.html
Dutch Eerste Divisie - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-dutch-eerste-divisie-season.html
English Premier League - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-english-premier-league-season.html
English Championship - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-english-championship-season.html
English League One - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-english-league-one-season.html 
English League Two - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-english-league-two-season.html
English Conference - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-english-conference-season.html
French Ligue 1 - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-french-ligue-1-season-review.html
French Ligue 2 - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-france-ligue-2-season-review.html
German 1.Bundesliga - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-german-1bundesliga-season.html
German 2.Bundesliga - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-german-2bundesliga-season.html
German 3.liga - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-german-3liga-season-review.html
Greece Super League - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-greece-super-league-season.html
Hungarian NB1 - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-hungarian-nb1-season-review.html
Israel Ha'Al - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-israel-haal-season-review.html
Italian Serie A - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-italian-serie-season-review.html
Italian Serie B - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-italian-serie-b-season-review.html
Polish Ekstraklasa - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-polish-ekstraklasa-season.html
Portuguese Superliga - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-portuguese-superliga-season.html
Romania Liga I - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-romania-liga-1-season-review.html
Russian Premier League - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-russian-premier-league-season.html
Scottish Premier League - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-scottish-premier-league.html
Scottish 1st Division - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-scottish-1st-division-season.html 
Serbian Superliga   http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-serbian-superliga-season.html
Spanish La Liga   http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-spanish-la-liga-season-review.html
Spanish Segunda - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-spanish-segunda-season-review.html
Swiss Super League - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-swiss-super-league-season.html
Turkish Super Lig - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-turkish-super-lig-season.html
Ukraine Premier League - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/08/2011-2012-ukrainian-premier-league.html

Friday, August 17, 2012

2011-2012 Ukrainian Premier League Season Review

Under the old Soviet regime, Ukrainian football was very significant including Dynamo Kiev winning the most USSR Supreme League Titles. With the infustructure brought in from hosting Euro 2012 it looks as if Ukraine again can be a force in European Soccer. Shakhtar Donestsk won its seventh Ukraine Premier League title in 2011-2012 scoring 80 goals in the process led by the play making skills of Brazilian Willian. Foreign influence like Willian certainly plays a role with the top clubs in Ukraine, although Andriy Yarmolenko (Dynamo) and Yevhen Konoplyanka (Dnipro) shows good young local players are also being developed.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Seleznov (Shk) 14, Maicon (Vln) 14, 3 players with 12.
Headed Goals: Brown (Dyn) 6, Maicon (Vln) 5, Matos (Cho) 4, Shynder (Tar) 4.
Free Kick Goals: Morozyuk (Met) 3, 4 players with 2.
Goals Outside Box: Xavier (Met) 4, Nazarenko (Tav) 4, Aliev (Dyn) 4, 3 players with 3.
Assists: Willian (Shk) 14, Xavier (Met) 9, Nazarenko (Tav) 9, Fernandinho (Shk) 8.
Shots on Target: Shynder (Tav) 36, Maicon (Vln) 36, Yarmolenko (Dyn) 32, Xavier (Met) 27.
Game Winners: Maicon (Vln) 6, Yarmolenko (Dyn) 6, Brown (Dyn) 6, 2 players with 5.
Yellow Cards: Valyeyev (Kry) 12, Villagra (Met) 12, Edmar (Met) 11, Lysytsky (Kry) 11.
Red Cards: Strinic (Dnp) 3, 12 players 2.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Willian - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-1-willian.html
 2. Andriy Yarmolenko - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-2-andriy.html
 3. Yevhen Konoplyanka - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-4-yevhen.html
 4. Oliveira Maicon - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-4-oliveira.html
 5. Ideye Brown - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-5-ideye-brown.html
 6. Henrikh Mkhitaryan - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-6-henrikh.html
 7. Yaroslav Rakitsky - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-7-yaroslav.html
 8. Anton Shynder - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-8-anton-shynder.html
 9. Bohdan Butko - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-9-bohdan-butko.html
10. David Targamadze - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ukraine-premier-league-10-david.html

2011-2012 Turkish Super Lig Season Review

Turkish Super Lig has had its problems recently with attendance down, match fixing allegations, and crowd trouble although on the pitch the league has been exciting to follow. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce still dominate the league, Galatasaray tying their rivals with their 18th league title in 2011-2012 but clubs such as Bestiktas, Trabzonspor and Bursaspor also pose a title threat. There has also been great individual performances including the career of Fenerbahce's Alex, Bestikas Portuguese trio of Fernandes, Quaresma & Almeida, Galatasaray's Selcuk Inan and  Trabzonspor Burak Yilmaz who scored 32 regular season goals, 17 more than any other player in the league.

Final Regular Season Standings (Attendance is estimated)



Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Burak (Tra) 32, Tum (Gen) 15, Alex (Fen) 14, Kamara (Esk) 13, Webo (IBB) 13.
Headed Goals: Almeida (Bes) 7, Tum (Gen) 6, Sivok (Bes) 4, 9 players with 3.
Free Kick Goals: Selcuk (Gal) 3, 5 players with 2.
Goals Outside Box: Burak (Tra) 7, Stoch (Fen) 6, Selcuk (Gal) 5, Alex (Fen) 5.
Assists: Selcuk (Gal) 12, Batalla (Bur) 10, Grosicki (Siv) 9, Fernandes (Bre) 9.
Shots on Target: Burak (Tra) 65, Webo (IBB) 41, Tum (Gen) 38, Stancu (Ord) 36.
Game Winners: Burak (Tra) 10, Elmander (Gal) 7, Batalla (Bur) 6, 2 players with 5.
Yellow Cards: Yigit (Man) 16, Ibrahim (MIY) 13, Ugur (Siv) 11, Veysel (Esk) 11.
Red Cards: 11 players with 2.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Burak Yilmaz - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-1-burak-yilmaz.html
 2. Felipe Melo - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-2-felipe-melo.html
 3. Manuel Fernandes - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-3-manuel-fernandes.html
 4. Selcuk Inan - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-4-selcuk-inan.html
 5. Miroslav Stoch - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-5-miroslav-stoch.html
 6. Pablo Batalla - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-6-pablo-batalla.html
 7. Hugo Almeida - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-7-hugo-almeida.html
 8. Muhammet Demir - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-8-muhammet-demir.html
 9. Johan Elmander - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-9-johan-elmander.html
10. Herve Tum - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/turkish-super-lig-10-herve-tum.html

2011-2012 Swiss Super League Season Review

FC Basel easily won the Swiss Pro League by twenty points, they also scored 26 more goals than any other team in the league, 24 of them by veteran striker Alexander Frei. Although part of the reason for Basel success was off-field trouble for other clubs in the league including FC Sion being deducted 36 points for fielding ineligible players and both Servette and NE Xamax having financial issues which lead to Xamax being expelled from the league and their owner arrested for forging documents. With clubs selling players over the summer including Xherdan Shaqiri by Basel, it's hard to see the Swiss Pro League getting any better which is disappointing since they hosted the Euros in 2008.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: A Frei (Bas) 24, Streller (Bas) 13, 3 players with 9.
Headed Goals: Vanczak (Sio) 8, Arizmendi (NEX) 3, Nef (YB) 3, Zoua (Bas) 3.
Free Kick Goals: Shaqiri (Bas) 3, Bobadilla (YB) 2, Feindouno (Sio) 2, 7 players with 1.
Goals Outside Box: Shaqiri (Bas) 5, A Frei (Bas) 4, 3 players with 3.
Assists: Streller (Bas) 11, Shaqiri (Bas) 10, A Frei (Bas) 9. 3 players with 7.
Shots on Target: A Frei (Bas) 47, Streller (Bas) 44, Moussilou (LS) 25, Schneuwly (Thn) 25.
Game Winners: A Frei (Bas) 8, Vanczak (Sio) 5, Farnerud (YB) 4, Streller (Bas) 4.
Yellow Cards: Ruefli (Ser) 13, Lang (LS) 11, Adailton (Sio) 11, Toko (Gra) 11.
Red Cards: Puljic (Luz) 2, Moubandje (Ser) 2, 42 players with 1.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Xherdan Shaqiri - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-1-xherdan-shaqiri.html
 2. Emmanuel Mayuka - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-2-emmanuel-mayuka.html
 3. Aleksander Dragovic - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-3-aleksander.html
 4. Yann Sommer - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-4-yann-sommer.html
 5. Steven Zuber - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-5-steven-zuber.html
 6. Fabian Frei - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-6-fabian-frei.html
 7. Ismael Yartey - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-7-ismael-yartey.html
 8. Jorge Teixeira - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-8-jorge-teixeira.html
 9. Christian Schneuwly - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-9-christian.html
10. Nzuzi Toko - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/swiss-super-league-10-nzuzi-toko.html

Thursday, August 16, 2012

2011-2012 Spanish Segunda Season Review

The largest two clubs in the Spanish Segunda, Deportivo La Coruna and Celta de Vigo, both  with a history of success in La Liga fought for the Adelante title in 2011-2012 with La Coruna winning by six points and both clubs being automatically promoted. Another club with a La Liga history Real Valladolid also won promtion in the playoffs after finishing third during the season. Spain is one of the only leagues that allow "B" sides to compete at such a high level and the prospect list reflects that with Barcelona B having three players Deulofeu Gerrard, Sergi Roberto and Marc Muniesa in the list that also included Villarreal B, Joselu. Next season the league will include Real Madrid B side Castilla although Villarreal B were relegated despite finishing 12th because the senior club was relegated from La Liga to this league for next season.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Ulloa (Alm) 28, Aspas (CV) 23, Corominas (Gir) 18, 2 players with 17.
Headed Goals: Ulloa (Alm) 8, Soria (Gua) 5, Juanjo (Num) 5, Garcia (RM) 5.
Free Kick Goals: Alvarez (Num) 4, Ernesto (Gua) 3, Sanchez (RM) 3, De Lucas (CV) 2.
Goals Outside Box: Sanchez (RM) 6, Ernesto (Gua) 5, Alvarez (Num) 5, 3 players with 4.
Assists: Viera (LP) 13, Orellana (CV) 13, Guardado (DlC) 12, 4 players with 11.
Shots on Target: Borja (Cor) 53, Ulloa (Alm) 51, Aspas (CV) 50, Guerra (Val) 45
Game Winners: Guardado (DlC) 7, Viera (LP) 7, Borja (Cor) 7, 4 players with 6.
Yellow Cards: Sanchez (RM) 19, Dimas (Car) 17, 3 players with 16.
Red Cards: 5 players with 3.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Jonathan Viera - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-1-jonathan-viera.html
 2. Deulofeu Gerard - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-4-sergi-roberto.html
 3. Garcia Borja - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-3-borja-garcia.html
 4. Sergi Roberto - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-4-sergi-roberto.html
 5. Jose Ulloa - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-5-jose-ulloa.html
 6. Hugo Mallo - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-6-hugo-mallo.html
 7. Iago Aspas - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-7-iago-aspas.html
 8. Joselu - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-8-joselu.html
 9. Marc Muniesa - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-9-marc-muniesa.html
10. Vitolo - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-segunda-10-vitolo.html

2011-2012 Spanish La Liga Season Review

It could be argued that not only the Spanish La Liga was dominated by two players and two teams but World football itself, as Barcelona, Lionel Messi and Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo amazed us with their skills and the statistical totals they created. In the league alone Messi scored 50 goals and 16 assists although he lost out on the league title to Real Madrid who were led by Ronaldo 46 goals. Hidden in these shadows were other great performances by Valencia, Malaga and Atletico Madrid, who won the Europa League and led by maybe the third most dynamic player in World Football, Radamel Falcao. Next season this story should continue although with Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola leaving at seasons end it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can keep up with Real Madrid.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Messi (Bar) 50, Ronaldo (RM) 46, Falcao (AM) 24, Higuain (RM) 22.
Headed Goals: Llorente (AB) 10, Falcao (AM) 7, Ronaldo (RM) 7, 3 players with 5.
Free Kick Goals: Etxebarria (RB) 4, Santi (Mal) 4, Messi (Bar) 3, 4 playes with 2.
Goals Outside Box: Santi (Mal) 8, Ronaldo (RM) 7, Messi (Bar) 5, Etxebarria (RB) 5.
Assists: Ozil (RM) 18, Messi (Bar) 16, Di Maria (RM) 14, 2 players with 12.
Shots on Target: Messi (Bar) 114, Ronaldo (RM) 113, Falcao (AM) 67, Benzema (RM) 53.
Game Winners: Ronaldo (RM) 17, Messi (Bar) 13, Falcao (AM) 8, Castro (RB) 7.
Fouls Committed: Garcia (Osa) 88, Iriney (RB) 85, Gabi (AM) 84, Diop (Rac) 78.
Yellow Cards: Arribas (RyV) 17, Casado (RyV) 17, Medel (Sev) 16, Paredes (Zar) 16.
Red Cards: Martinez (AB) 3, Lanzaro (Zar) 3, Mario (RB) 3, 14 players with 2.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Lionel Messi - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-1-lionel-messi.html
 2. Cristiano Ronaldo - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-2-cristiano-ronaldo.html
 3. Radamel Falcao - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-3-radamel-falcao.html
 4. Karim Benzema - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-4-karim-benzema.html
 5. Francesc Fabregas - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-5-francesc-fabregas.html
 6. Mesut Ozil - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-6-mesut-ozil.html
 7. Jose Rondon - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-7-jose-rondon.html
 8. Alexis Sanchez - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-8-alexis-sanchez.html
 9. Gonzalo Higuain - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-9-gonzalo-higuain.html
10. Carlos Vela - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/spanish-la-liga-10-carlos-vela.html

2011-2012 Serbian Superliga Season Review

Despite dominating the league most of the season, it wasn't all easy sailing for Partizan especially after the sports director Mladen Krstajic was fired and coach Aleksandar Stanojevic resigned, Stanojevic was replaced by former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who helped the club coast to the league title by 12 points, but Grant was also fired at seasons end. Partizan only rival again was Red Star Belgrade led by a strong defense and Brazilian Midfielders Cadu and Evandro. Although the reality is the league needs other clubs to challenge, otherwise even domestic success is not enough which has been showing in Partizan poor attendance.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Spalevic (RK) 20, Vukic (Par) 13, Kovacevic (SPS) 12, 3 players with 11.
Headed Goals: Spalevic (RK) 5, Evandro (RSB) 4, Djenic (Jag) 4, 5 players with 3.
Free Kick Goals: Tomic (Par) 4, Simovic (Met) 2, 20 players with 1.
Goals Outside Box: Tomic (Par) 6, Cadu (RSB) 4, 7 players with 3.
Assists: Kostic (RK) 9, Oumaru (Voj) 7, 4 players with 6.
Shots on Target: Spalevic (RK) 41, Tomic (Par) 33, Evandro (RSB) 31, Kovacevic (SPS) 28.
Game Winners: Spalevic (RK) 7, Cadu (RSB) 5, Vukic (Par) 5, Mudrinski (Jag) 5.
Yellow Cards: Covilo (HK) 10, Trajkovic (Voj) 10, 3 players with 9.
Red Cards: Jakimovski (JI) 3, Bratic (SZV) 3, Lukovic (JI) 2, Lukovic (HK) 2.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Darko Lazovic - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-1-darko-lazovic.html
 2. Lazar Markovic - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-2-lazar-markovic.html
 3. Ivan Ivanov - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-3-ivan-ivanov.html
 4. Nemanja Tomic - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-4-nemanja-tomic.html
 5. Miroslav Stevanovic - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-5-miroslav-stevanovic.html
 6. Ognjen Mudrinski - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-6-ognjen-mudrinski.html
 7. Medo - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-7-medo.html
 8. Cadu - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-8-cadu.html
 9. Abubakar Oumaru - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-9-abubakar-oumaru.html
10. Filip Mladenovic - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/serbian-superliga-10-filip-mladenovic.html

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

2011-2012 Scottish 1st Division Season Review

Ross County will play in the Scottish Premier League for the first time since joining Scottish Football League in 1994-1995 the club will be the most northern football club in SPL history although they will create a natural derby with other highland based club Iverness CT. Dundee was also promoted to the Premier League after Rangers were removed from the Premier League for going into liquidation. A few young prosepcts will remain in the 1st Division including Marc McNulty, although older players who exceled, most noticably Paul Cairney (lead leader in assists) and Farid El-Alagui (2nd in goals) have chosen to leave the division on free transfers elsewhere.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played 

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: McMenamin (RC) 19, El-Alagui (Fal) 18, Doolan (PT) 13, Gardyne (RC) 13.
Headed Goals: El-Alagui (Fal) 8, McMenamin (RC) 7, Baird (RR) 4, McLaughlin (Ham) 4.
Free Kick Goals: Higginbotham (Fal) 2, 10 players with 1.
Goals Outside Box: Cairney (PT) 4, 4 players with 3. 
Assists: Cairney (PT) 11, McGowan (Ayr) 10, Brittain (RC) 10, Barr (Liv) 7.
Shots on Target: McMenamin (RC) 51, El-Alagui (Fal) 45, McNulty (Liv) 38, Doolan (PT) 38.
Game Winners: McMenamin (RC) 8, El-Alagui (Fal) 6, Doolan (PT) 5, Conroy (Dun) 5
Yellow Cards: El-Alagui (Fal) 12, Vigurs (RC) 11, Mensing (HA), 11, McKenna (QS) 10.
Red Cards: McLaughlin (HA) 3, O'Donnell (Dun) 2, Reid (QS) 2, Malone (Ayr) 2.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Marc McNulty - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-1-marc-mcnulty.html
 2. Richard Brittain - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-2-richard.html
 3. Paul Cairney - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-3-paul-cairney.html
 4. Kris Doolan - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-4-kris-doolan.html
 5. Ryan Conroy - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-5-ryan-conroy.html
 6. Farid El Alagui - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-6-farid-el-alagui.html
 7. Aaron Sinclair - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-7-aaron-sinclair.html
 8. Michael Tidser - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-8-michael-tidser.html
 9. Kieran Duffie - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-9-kieran-duffie.html
10. Iain Vigurs - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-1st-division-10-iain-vigurs.html

2011-2012 Scottish Premier League Season Review

As the 2011-2012 Scottish Premier League progressed it was your typical story with Celtic and Rangers fighting tooth and nail for the league title until Valentines Day when Rangers entered administration over a non-payment of £9 million in taxes. Despite being penalized 10 points Rangers still finished second although things got worse as the overall debts were greater than expected and the club was liquidated. A new version of Rangers will play 2012-2013 in the Scottish Third Division which should almost guarantee Celtic dominance in the league for the next few years. The question remains will the league itself be competitive and financially viable to draw local interest and compete in Europe or will the Rangers story lead to greater trouble league wide.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Hooper (Cel) 24, Daly (DU) 19, 3 players with 14.
Headed Goals: Daly (DU) 7, Thompson (SM) 5, Kirk (DA) 4, Vernon (Ab) 4
Free Kick Goals: Mulgrew (Cel) 2, Aluko (Ran) 2, Hateley (Mth) 2, O'Connor (Hib) 2.
Goals Outside Box: Skacel (Hrt) 5, Lesley (Mth) 3, Aluko (Ran) 3, Mulgrew (Cel) 3.
Assists: Davis (Ran) 13, Commons (Cel) 12, Stokes (Cel) 10, Hayes (ICT) 9.
Shots on Target: Hooper (Cel) 44, Higdon (Mth) 38, Jelavic (Ran) 36, 3 players with 33.
Game Winners: Hooper (Cel) 7, Stokes (Cel) 6, 5 players with 5.
Fouls Committed: Higdon (Mth) 98, Edu (Ran) 62, Foran (ICT) 60, 2 players with 56.
Yellow Cards: Goodwin (SM) 12, Foran (ICT) 11, 3 players with 10.
Red Cards: Jack (Abr) 2, Lasley (Mth) 2, Black (Hrt) 2, 39 players with 1.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Gary Hooper - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/scottish-premier-league-1-gary-hooper.html
 2. Leigh Griffiths - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/scottish-premier-league-2-leigh.html
 3. Anthony Stokes - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/scottish-premier-league-3-anthony.html
 4. Sone Aluko - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/scottish-premier-league-4-sone-aluko.html
 5. James Forrest - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/scottish-premier-league-5-james-forrest.html
 6. Jamie Murphy - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/scottish-premier-league-6-jamie-murphy.html
 7. Steve Davis - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-premier-league-7-steve-davis.html
 8. Johnny Russell - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-premier-league-8-johnny.html
 9. Jonathan Hayes - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-premier-league-9-jonathan.html
10. Adam Matthews - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/05/scottish-premier-league-10-adam.html

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

2011-2012 Russian Premier League Season Review

Russia Premier League played a 44 game schedule in 2011-2012 to allow themselves to change the league from a summer league to a winter league in preparation for the World Cup they will be hosting in 2018. In the end Zenit St-Petersburg won the championship for the second year in the row and third overall, they led CSKA Moscow by one point in the first phase, and went 9-6-1 in the championship round, winning the league by 13 points. The RPL continues to compete with the top leagues in the Worldwide transfer market, with Anzi Makhachkala probably bringing in the biggest name yet in Samuel Eto'o, who ended the season scoring 13 goals in 22 games, and have continue to spend during the summer by bringing in 6'8 Lacina Traore, who scored 18 goals with Kuban, to partner him.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Doumbia (CSKA) 28, Kerzhakov (ZSP) 23, Traore (Kub) 18, Movsisyan (FKK) 14.
Headed Goals: Doumbia (CSKA) 7, Adamov (Ras) 7, Traore (Kub) 4, Bocchetti (Rub) 4.
Free Kick Goals: Tosic (CSKA) 4, Loskov (Lok) 2, Honda (CSKA) 2, Kontsedalov (Nal) 2.
Goals Outside Box: Tosic (CSKA) 5, Kerzhakov (ZSP) 5, 5 players with 4.
Assists: Samedov (Din) 12, 5 players with 10.
Shots on Target: Doumbia (CSKA) 71, Kerzhakov (ZSP) 52, Kuranyi (Din) 44, Traore (Kub) 43.
Game Winners: Kerzhakov (ZSP) 8, Doumbia (CSK) 6, Semshov (Din) 6, 2 players with 5.
Yellow Cards: Wilkshire (Din) 15, Mijailovic (Amk) 15, Khagush (Ros) 15, Gatcan (Ros) 14.
Red Cards: Emenike (SpM) 3, Grigalava (Vol) 3, 7 players with 2.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Seydou Doumbia - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-1-seydou-doumbia.html
 2. Alan Dzagoev - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-2-alan-dzagoev.html
 3. Lacina Traore - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-3-lacina-traore.html
 4. Artem Dzyuba - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-4-artem-dzyuba.html
 5. Samuel Eto'o - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-5-samuel-etoo.html
 6. Aleksandr Kerzhakov - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-6-russian.html
 7. Emmanuel Emenike - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-7-emmanuel.html
 8. Salvatore Bocchetti - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-8-salvatore.html
 9. Aleksandr Kokorin - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/russian-premier-league-9-aleksandr.html
10. Evgeni Makeev - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/2011-2012-player-of-season-russian.html

For more information and statistics regarding the Russian Premier League please download my 2011-2012 Russian Premier League Yearbook - http://issuu.com/enb17/docs/2011rpl

2011-2012 Romania Liga 1 Season Review

FC Vaslui were dominating the Romanian Liga 1 in 2011-2012 led by Brazilian striker Wesley until the last two months of the season when CFR Cluj fired manager Jorge Costa and brought in former manger Ioan Andone. With Andone in charge, CFR gained 19 points in eight games and won the league with a game to spare. Wesley ended the season with 27 goals and was then sold in the summer to Saudi club Al-Hilal although Vaslui will try to replace him by bringing in the leagues second leading goal scorer Marius Niculae, who scored 19 goals with Dinamo Bucharest. Stuena Bucharest, Raul Rusescu finished tied for third in scoring, with 13 goals, and is regarded as the top prospect in Romania Liga 1 football.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Wesley (Vas) 27, Niculae (DB) 19, Danciulescu (DB) 13, Rusescu (SB) 13.
Headed Goals: Kapetanos (CFR) 5, Wesley (Vas) 5, 3 players with 4.
Free Kick Goals: 5 players with 2.
Goals Outside Box: Rusescu (SB) 5, Adailton (Vas) 4, Wesley (Vas) 4, 8 players with 3.
Assists: Sougou (CFR) 11, Petre (GMM) 10, Petre (Vas) 10, Popa (VS) 9.
Shots on Target: Wesley (Vas) 59, Niculae (DB) 38, Sougou (CFR) 36, Danciulescu (DB) 29.
Game Winners: Wesley (Vas) 11, Rusescu (SB) 8, Niculae (DB) 6, 2 players with 5.
Yellow Cards: Alexa (RB) 12, Markovic (GMM) 12, 5 players with 11.
Red Cards: Voicu (Mio) 4, Ciuca (GMM) 3, Muresan (CFR) 3, Muzac (Con) 3.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Raul Rusescu - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-1-raul-rusescu.html
 2. Modou Sougou - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-2-modou-sougou.html
 3. Wesley - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-3-wesley.html
 4. Cristian Tanase - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-4-cristian-tanase.html
 5. Marius Niculae - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-5-marius-niculae.html
 6. Kehinde Fatai - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-6-kehinde-fatai.html
 7. Catalin Petre - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-7-catalin-petre.html
 8. Vlad Chiriches - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-8-vlad-chiriches_18.html
 9. Liviu Antal - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-9-liviu-antal.html
10. Paul Papp - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/07/romania-liga-1-10-paul-papp.html

Monday, August 13, 2012

2011-2012 Portuguese Superliga Season Review

Despite loosing their manager Andre Villas-Boas and striker Radamel Falcao, FC Porto still dominated the the Portuguese Superliga in 2011-2012 and actually came one game short of a league record of 56 games, unbeaten when they lost at Gil Vicente in January. Porto was lead by the leagues top two prospects in 2011-2012 in Brazilian Hulk and Colombian James Rodriguez. SL Benfica finished second led by the league top goal scorer Oscar Cardozo and Nelson Oliveira, who made such a debut that he earned a spot on Portugal Euro 2012 squad, despite playing only 396 minutes during the season.

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Lima (SpB) 20, Cordozo (Ben) 20, Hulk (Por) 16, van Wolfswinkel (SpL) 14
Headed Goals: Buval (Fer) 5, Diawara (Mar) 5, 6 players 4.
Free Kick Goals: Cesar (Ben) 2, Claudemir (Nac) 2, 8 players with 1.
Goals Outside Box: Atsu (RA) 3, Claudemir (Nac) 3, Cesar (Ben) 3, Hulk (Por) 3.
Assists: Hulk (Por) 11, Rodriguez (Por) 9, Aimar (Ben) 9, Dias (Mar) 8.
Shots on Target: Cardoso (Ben) 49, Lima (SpB) 48, Hulk (Por) 48, Mateus (Nac) 38.
Game Winners: Lima (SpB) 8, van Wolswinkel (SpL) 8, Cardozo (Ben) 8, Hulk (Por) 6.
Fouls Committed: Silva (VG) 66, Caue (Olh) 61, 3 players with 59.
Yellow Cards: Mendes (SpL) 11, Pereira (Ben) 11, Cunha (Fei) 11, Ney Santos (VS) 11.
Red Cards: Ba (Aca) 4, Zhang (BM) 3, 12 players with 2.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Hulk - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-1-hulk.html
 2. James Rodriguez - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-2-james-rodriguez.html
 3. Ricky Van Wolfswinkel - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-3-ricky-van.html
 4. Nolito - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-4-nolito.html
 5. Joao Moutinho - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-5-joao-moutinho.html
 6. Rui Patricio - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-6-rui-patricio.html
 7. Axel Witsel - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-7-axel-witsel.html
 8. Rodrigo Moreno - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-8-rodrigo-moreno.html
 9. Ricardo Cedric - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-9-ricardo-cedric.html
10. Lorenzo Melgarejo - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/portuguese-superliga-10-lorenzo.html

2011-2012 Polish Ekstraklasa Season Review

Slask Wroclaw won its first Polish title in 35 years playing out of Wroclaw Stadium one of the newly built stadiums for Euro 2012. Slask won the title on the final weekend by one point over Ruch Chorzow who unlike many teams in the Polish Ekstraklasa have not benafited from the Euro 2012 and play in a stadium with a 10,000 capacity. It will be interesting to see how this new infrastructure will effect the league and will there be a bigger financial split between clubs. Although despite also been given a new stadium Lach Poznon still decided to sell the leagues best player over the summer Latvian Artjoms Rudnevs who joined German Bundesliga side Hamburger SV for €3.5M

Final Standings

Top Individual Player's Statistics for League based on Minutes Played

Other Statistical Leaders
Goals: Rudnevs (Lch) 22, Frankowski (Jag) 15, Piech (RC) 12, 3 players with 11.
Headed Goals: Rudnevs (Lch) 5, 7 players with 3.
Free Kick Goals: Boljevic (Cra) 2, Ljuboja (LW) 2, 10 players with 1. 
Goals Outside Box: Ljuboja (LW) 4, Pawlowski (ZL) 3, Zienczuk (RC) 3, Madej (SW) 3.
Assists: Mila (SW) 11, Kosowski (GKS) 9, Stilic (Lch) 9, 4 players with 7.
Shots on Target: Rudnevs (Lch) 47, Ljuboja (LW) 33, Piech (RC) 30, Biton (Jag) 29.
Game Winners: Rudnevs (Lch) 7, Cani (Pol) 5, Piech (RC) 5, Frankowski (WK) 5.
Yellow Cards: Wilk (WK) 11, Traore (LG) 11, Kuzera (Kor) 11, Klepczarek (LKS) 10.
Red Cards: 8 players with 2.

2011-2012 Top 10 Players based on Statistical Output & Long Term Player Value
 1. Artjoms Rudnevs - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-1-artjoms-rudnevs.html
 2. Edgar Cani - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-2-edgar-cani.html
 3. Semir Stilic - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-3-semir-stilic.html
 4. Tomasz Kupisz - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-4-tomasz-kupisz.html
 5. Dudu Biton - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-5-dudu-biton.html
 6. Sebastian Mila - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-6-sebastian-mila.html
 7. Michal Kucharczyk - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-7-michal-kucharczyk.html
 8. Piotr Celeban - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-8-piotr-celeban.html
 9. Maciej Sadlok - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-9-maciej-sadlok.html
10. Mateusz Mozdzen - http://enbsports.blogspot.ca/2012/06/polish-ekstraklasa-10-mateusz-mozdzen.html