EPL Flops: Eric Djemba-Djemba (Manchester United , Aston Villa And Cameroon).

When Manchester United legend was getting to the end of his career at 36 years , then United manager Sir Alex Ferguson splashed £3.5m in 2005 on an unknown Cameroonian and Nantes defensive midfielder Eric Djemba -Djemba as a successor to the Irishman.

Born in Doula on May 4th 1981, Djemba-Djemba was imperious in midfield at Nantes partnering impressively with Mathieu Berson before his move to Old Trafford. Having played from 2001 to 2003 for Nantes and racking up 42 league appearances for the French club the tough tackler was destined for greatness in the EPL considering how Ferguson had changed the fortunes of the likes of Keane, David Beckham, Paul Scholes to name but a few .

At United , the Cameroonian flopped big time lasting only 18 months making only 20 league appearances for United before he was shipped to Aston Villa for £1.5m where he fared worse moving to Burnley on loan in 2007 playing 15 league games and moving to  Qatar in the summer of 2007. In Villa he again failed to convince then coach Martin O'Neil with Gavin McCain and Steven Davis retaining their starting berth in the team although he fared better in the national team playing the 2002 World Cup and winning the Africa Cup of Nations the same year.

As if that wasn't enough, the midfielder was declared bankrupt before his move to Scottish side St.Mirren with reports that he lived an extravagant lifestyle spending so much to the extent he had 10 4×4 cars as well as having more than 30 different bank accounts while he earned around £15,000 a week wages in Old Trafford.

EPL Cult Hero; Nolberto Solano - Newcastle United, Aston Villa And Peru.

Norberto Albino Solano Todco is a former Newcastle United and Aston Villa cult hero who was born on 12 December 1974 in Lalloa , Peru.

Solano was one of the finest wingers of his generation in the EPL having played with distinction for  nine years in the league. Having played for the likes of Deportivo Municipal and Boca Juniors, the Peruvian moved to Newcastle as an unknown attacker in 1998 for £2.5m. He immediately made an impact securing the right wing of attack going on to play 172 league games across two spells scoring 29 goals most of them screamers  for the Toon Army . Blessed with a clever touch , an accurate shooting /passing and ball control coupled with his dribbling ability , the Peruvian was a delight to watch as he dazzled fans with  his skills  and mesmerized runs as well as his dead ball precision.

With him in the side, Newcastle played in 2002-2003 UEFA Champions League  as well as reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup the following season. This was not all as he also played in the 1999 FA Cup loss against treble winning Manchester United. Despite been a handful for most defenders, Solano was traded to Aston Villa where he again became a fan favourite for £1.5m in 2004 with James Milner going the opposite direction . The attacker did not take time to settle scoring eight goals for Villa that season; winning the Club's Player of the Year award as well as being the club's top scorer in his debut season before rejoining Newcastle for £1.5m having passed on the opportunity of moving to Merseyside Liverpool.

Solano played only two seasons in the North East before pushing a move to West Ham citing a desire to be closer to his family who had moved to London at the time in 2007. Although he went downhill from then on, he still managed to play 23 league games for the Hammers scoring four goals before moving to Greek side AE Larissa the next season going on to play for the likes of Leicester City, Hull City (English Tier 2 league ) and finally Hartlepool United bringing an end to am illustrious career.

In total he won 95 caps for the Peruvian national team scoring 20 goals spanning from 1994-2009.

At present the Peruvian has coached the likes of Northern Irish side Newcastle Benfield as well as Universitat in his homeland Peru although he was linked with League One side Gillingham not long ago.

Tactical Dissection: Real Madrid Vs Borussia Dortmund (UEFA Champions League 2017/2018).

When Borussia Dortmund appointed Dutchman Peter Bosz as Thomas Tuchel's successor it felt like the right move considering his achievements in Ajax and his early season form in Dortmund (won first seven games ) but fast forward to Wednesday night against Real Madrid and it is clear Bosz appears to lack the tactical knowledge required to upset the European heavyweights.

In a group that had the likes of Tottenham, Real Madrid and Apoel Nicossa  one would had thought that BVB would have performed better than their two points from six games finishing on the same point with the Cypriot side and unable to beat them in two games.

Against Real In the final game, BVB must be commended from coming from two goals down to level up but all that counts for nothing after Bosz was awfully exposed after his bizzar substitutions. Starting with a 3-4-3 on paper which was 5-4-1 when without the ball, BVB had the tools to hurt Madrid with quick and direct players in Emerick Aubameyang, Purisic and Shinji Kagawa. With Madrid pushing forward on the flanks most often , center-backs Sergio Ramos and Rafeal Varane were often exposed. Although starting Marc Bartra as a right wing back was shocking , the former Barcelona defender was not disappointing, often staying back to force Christiano Ronaldo to the middle and acting as a fifth defender for his side .

While one cannot compare the attacking twlrhrs of both sides , Bosz showed too much respect to Madrid considering he tried to play for a draw rather than going for the win despite the wave of attacks after their equaliser. With Schuller and Yamelenko on the bench, the Dutchman opted to substitute Nuri Sahin with a similar Julien Weigl who failed to stamp his authority on the game as Madrid played a high line defence often using the wings evidenced by their superior crosses. Having watched Purisic tear apart Madrid's defence with his quick feet and runs (10 attempted take one, five successful), it would have seemed logical that Bartra was withdrawn for Yamelenko on the wings to push Madrid deep , Kagawa shifted to central midfield to pair Dahoud with Schurlle coming in to play on the other flank as his runs and ability to cut and shoot or loft the ball for Aubameyang to finish would have been more logical .

So what did Bosz really do when Madrid continued to press for the winner? The Dutchman brought in Weigl to shore up central midfield which Madrid bypassed most of the time as well as bringing on another centre-back in Toprak which really made no sense. Understandably, the events of the 4-4 Rhine derby might still be haunting the Dutchman after Dortmund lost a 4 goal lead to draw with Schalke yet he has to realise that he didn't need to defend in this particular game as he had nothing to lose (already out of the completion) and had the talents to hurt Madrid.

For now BVD have to concentrate on a lesser Europa League as Bosz hopes to steady they ship considering how poor their form has been this season .

Tactical Dissection: Liverpool Vs Spartak Moscow (UEFA Champions League 2017/2018).

Having the best three frontline in the EPL last season, it was a little bit of surprise when Jurgen Klopp splashed more than £42m on Egyptian Mohammed Salah. Initially speculated as a replacement for Barcelona linked Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool refused to sanction the sale of the Brazilian which was commendable at the time.

This season unlike the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte who would normally prefer to play two or three attacking players in their starting line-ups (Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for United; Alvaro Morata, Eden Hazard for Chelsea ) , Klopp has often played all four of his attackers with Coutinho moving to midfield and Moh Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in attack . With top spot at stake in their Champions League group, Klopp started all four in a 4-3-3 formation on paper while in practical terms it was a masterclass of 4-4-1-1 when attacking (Wjinaldum and Emre Can in central midfield flanked  by Mane and Coutinho  , leaving  Firmino  behind Salah which  allowed Coutinho the  freedom to run riot on the flanks ). Although Firmino is good in attack , the Brazilian is better as a supporting striker considering  his tendency to drop deep and get involved in play , freeing Salah to stay high up the pitch making the mesmerising runs to distract defenders. Klopp's game plan was to attack the Russians on the flanks using Mane and Coutinho who can also play central but better when on the wings as it allows him to cut and shoot, curl or lay it for their team mates to finish up. In such system , Salah and Firmino rarely ran back to defend even when without the ball as Liverpool's high line pushed Spartak to sit deep and defend . At the end , the four attackers had a field day as three of them completed 10 successful take-ons (Salah-5, Coutinho -3 and Mane 2) and the game ending 7-0 in their favour as well as their goals on the night (Coutinho-3, Mane -2, Firmino- 1 and Salah -1).

In midfield , Wjinaldum was paired with a more defensive Emre Can to offer defensive stability to the attacking side. Though he is not as attacking as club captain Jordan Henderson, Can's hard tackling and physicality in the middle of the park can't be matched by any Liverpool player . Klopp was not looking for a counter attacking style of game which would have suited Henderson perfectly due to his near perfect long range passing and build up play , rather the German wanted a player who won't stray forward no matter the temptation. Also with Can in the side Alberto Moreno was likely to get a better defensive cover when he pushes forward although that wasn't necessary on the night as Liverpool's game plan wasn't about crossing (just two crosses all night which was  from James  Milner "Moreno's "replacement) but on running behind the Spartak defence,engaging them on one on one situations and shooting on sight evidenced by their 10 shots on target to Spartak's 5.

Finally although he is known as an inverted winger, Moh Salah plays as a false 9 for Liverpool as this allows him the freedom to create space for his team mates and finish off chances due to his finishing prowess. This has made it difficult for opponents to contain the Reds as they rely mainly on their quick and skillful inverted wingers (Mane and Coutinho)
to stretch defenders at the same time running at them and interchanging at will . With a goal difference of +17 ( second placed Sevilla having 0), it will take something special to outwit Klopp's side judging by their form for any team who they are paired against in the knockout.

Liverpool might be leaking goals at the back yet that should not be a problem if the front four continue with their impeccable form .

Is Diego Simeone Falling Short At Atletico Madrid?

Diego Simeone is not only an Atletico Madrid legend, but also the only manager who has managed to break the Barcelona and Real Madrid duopoly after he turned Atletico from a "La Liga Also Ran Side" to European football heavyweights.

El Cholo took over in 2011 after Atletico finished 7th in the previous season but he quickly transformed the side to a high intensity spirited side winning multiple trophies despite having a limited budget, yet all that seems like history considering how his side have plummeted since the highs of the 2015/2016 season where they narrowly lost on penalty to Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. In less than six years in the Spanish capital , El Cholo has reached two UEFA Champions League finals (Atletico last reached the Champions League knockout in 1997 before his arrival), won the UEFA Cup not forgetting their 2013/2014 La Liga title (first time in a decade a team outside Barcelona or Real Madrid won the league and 2002 the last season Atletico finished in top three in La Liga) all these despite losing his best players year in year out (Diego Costa, Radamel Falcao, Arda Turan and Miranda to mention but a few).

Under the Argentine, Atletico have become one of the most difficult sides to play in Europe boasting one of the best defences, unrivalled team spirit and drive as well as a perfect and compact closely knitted unit that is bonded by the push of achieving the impossible. Unlike his rivals who boast the best talents, Simeone have achieved the impossible with certain players who would normally not made the grade at other rival clubs with the likes of Juanfran, Gabi, Felipe Luis and SA who having thrived perfectly under his tutelage.

This season things appear to be falling apart for the Great tactician as Atletico have struggled to score goals unable to beat little known Qarabag in two legs in UEFA Champions League leading to their exit in the first round for the first time under his with his worst result before this season in the competition been their quarter-final exit in 2014/2015 season. Over the years the Argentine have succeeded to drag the last bit of quality from his players who appear ready to take a bullet for him judging from their performance on the pitch.

In the league , the story is not so different as the Capital side have failed to win many of their games even against less talented side despite not losing any league game at present but recording a woeful six draws from 14 games (3rd in the league) five points behind leaders Barcelona. Although been in 3rd place in La Liga cannot be said to be a failure yet watching Someone's side it is clear that his drive and energy might be at the point of diminishing returns as results since last season have shown they have been gradually slipping as title contenders each season since their win in 2014 with Europe been their theatre of dreams which is not the case having seen them eliminated on Tuesday after drawing Chelsea.

It might be a little bit harsh to start speculating that Simeone appears unable to push Atletico any further than he has already done all these years judging from his spectacular achievements yet it might be the case of been a victim of his own success after raising the bar so high with success since his appointment six years ago.

Tactical Dissection: Bayern Munich Vs PSG (UEFA Champions League 2017/2018).

Unai Emery's 100% UEFA Champions League record might had suffered a damage on Tuesday after Juup Heynckes expertedly set-up his Bayern side to frustrate and inflict a 3-1 defeat of the French side in Munich.

Tactically the German (4-2-3-1 formation) got the better of the Spaniard (4-3-3 formation) right immediately the line-ups were announced. In central-back position , Heynkes dropped Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez preferring to pair Matt Hummels with youngster Nicklas Sule mainly to notify the aerial threat of Edison Cavani judging from Sule's superior height and aerial ability . In midfield the German again dropped Arturo Vidal despite needing his bursting energy and drive instead pairing Tolisso (got a double ) and Sebastian Rudy mainly due to Vidal's tendency  to play on the edge as an early caution for him might curtail his involvement in the game . There was no much surprise in attack  although Thomas Muller was dropped with Frank Ribery  given licence to roam in any position, James Rodriguez ( recorded as assist) solely focused on creating chances in attack for Robert Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman pushing Kurzawa deep to his penalty box unable to help PSG in attack the same way Ribery did to Dani Alves.

Firstly , PSG were forced to play narrow barely using the wings as their three midfielders (Verratti, Draxler and Rabiot) and attackers struggle when asked to provide width ( Neymar and Mbappe inverted wingers often preferring to cut and shoot)  with the only player who provides Perfect crossing nullified  and pinned  back all  night (Alves) by the duo of  Ribery and Coman who often interchanged at random. This isolated Cavani who thrives on aerial duels as he was forced to drop deep to get involved in the game with little service from the wings. It is surprising that Emery did not deem it fit to play Angel Di Maria as the game really needed him to stretch the Bayern backline so as to create space for either Cavani or Neymar. In total PSG managed only 17 crosses compared to Bayern's 28.

Secondly, Bayern charged at PSG every moment they French side had possession (as many as three players tackling one PSG player in possession) coupled with their high defensive line which  forced PSG deep and Hummels often going forward to become an extra man in midfield and the likes of Rudy, Tolisso and Coman charging the Parisians; often committing fouls to slow down the pace of the game to their advantage as PSG clearly missed the energy and drive of now departed Blaise Matuidi. In total Bayern commited 18 fouls while PSG only had 12.

Thirdly and lastly Emery's side did not have a plan B as they failed to use the wings with Di Maria  or Lucas Moura as well as shoot more often from distance. On the contrary the French side preferred to pass their way into the net and this worked against them although Mbappe's goal showed passing the ball around wasn't entirely bad but when observed clearly it shows that boasting the likes of Cavani, Draxler and Neymar (players who have accurate shooting ability), trying long distance shots with the Bayern number two (Ulreich) in goal could have been a little more fruitful.

In the end, Heynckes showed he was an old fox as Emery failed to react as well as making wrong substitutions outlining struggles with a Plan B when the front three fail to fire his side to victory.

EPL Club Legends ; Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur and Republic Of Ireland).

Born Robbie David Keane in Tallaght, Dublin Republic Of Ireland on July 8 1980; Keane is a quick , skillful and versatile forward who  could play in any forward position as well as a leader on and  off the field. Keane joined local club Crumlin United before moving rejecting  Liverpool to move to Wolvehampton Wanderers in Division One progressing through their youth ranks scoring a brace on his debut aged 17 against Norwich. The next season at 18 (1998/1999), the youngster became the club's leading scorer with 16 goals leading to a move to Coventry City for £6 million then British record for a youngster. Just like in Wolves, the youngster did not disappoint as he quickly formed a deadly partnership with the likes of Youssouf Hadji in Coventry recording 12 goals in 31 Premier League games which earned him a £13 million move to Inter Milan.

Things fell apart for the Irishman at Inter with then coach Marcelo Lippi sacked months into his signing and new coach Marco Tardelli stating he was surplus to requirements as he moved back to the EPL with Leeds where revived his career scoring 13 goals in 36 league games. This new form saw him earn a big move to Spurs. At White Hart Lane, he was often used as a substitute with then manager Martin Jol preferring the likes of Jermain Defoe and Mido to him , although things will change later on after he convinced the Dutchman with eye catching displays when given the chance .

In total , Keane scored 122 goals in 306 games in two speels for Tottenham winning the League Cup in his most productive season 2008 (scored 23 goals as well as 15 goals in his last 15 games ) and reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in 2012 with the same side . Keane is the first player to win three Player of the Year from Spurs (2003, 2006 and ,2008) having also played for the likes of Liverpool, Celtic, West Ham and Aston Villa in the Premier League as well as the LA Galaxy in the Major League Soccer.

In total Keane scored 126 goals for six EPL sides in the league becoming the 13th most successful goalscorer in the league history. Just like his club football records, the Striker is Ireland's all-time highest goalscorer an highest appearance maker (146 international games for the Boys in Green and 68 goals ) in a career that spanned for 18 years. He is also the only player in the history of world football to have scored at least one international goal in 19 consecutive years as well as All-time top scorer in European  Championship Qualification games having played in Two European Championships and a World Cup (2002).

The New Toast Of Vicarage Road; Marco Silva.

Marco Silva was an unknown manager when he was first appointed the manager of then struggling Hull City last season despite him having coaches the likes of Estoril , Sporting CP and Olympiakos winning Taca de Portugal and the Greek League. Although he was unable to save Hull from relegation it was so evident how he had transformed the Humber side with the meagre resources at his disposal.

Upon a new appointment as Walter Mazzarri's successor in Watford, Silva has again transformed the side as they are currently flying high at the moment having amassed six wins after 14 league games sitting 8th in the table, seven points adrift of 4th placed Liverpool which is a major feat considering how Watford were nearly relegated last season as they finished 17th, six points above 18th placed Hull City.

Under the Portuguese who won 17 consecutive league games at Olympiakos as well as leading Estoril from the Tier 2 of Portuguese football division to European Football having finished 4th; Watford are set-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with emphasis on an energetic and physical style of game as the likes of Etienne Capoune and Doucoure patrol the midfield protecting the back four as well as playing as box-to- box midfielders given the licence to join in attack to distract opposition defenders. Watford are a hard tackling side under the Portuguese as well as playing with width as the right and left backs (Holebas and Fermina) quickly join in attack leaving behind the centre-backs and playing behind Richardlison and Hughes. In this set-up, Watford drags their opponents to the wings so as to create chances for main striker Gray and attaching midfielder Tom Cleverly.

In his role as the No.10, Cleverly is tasked with switching play quickly from either wings such that defenders are caught napping . Playing a patient style of game favouring the retention of the ball in their own half and quickly bursting on counter when opportunity presents itself with Richardlison's creativity , work rate and tackling (averages 2.9 tackles a game which is impressive for a striker ), Watford are a delight to watch when in their best although the quickly become ineffective when playing superior teams who can counter them quickly when their wing backs are out of position as defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea show .

Although it is still too early to predict how the season might end , one memorable thing for football fans is how an "Unknown " Portuguese who was scrutinized and unfairly criticised after his foray into the League last season have become a toast of many established clubs as evidenced by the £8.5 million offer rejection by Watford after Everton made their offer some weeks ago since sacking Ronald Koeman. For now Marco Silva is enjoying his time at the Vicarage .