Division 1 Report
Juventus
Juventus has made a steady progression to grab the top spot from Milan right at the mid-point of the season. Runners up to Monaco in Division 2 last year, they have passed their old nemisis and have proven to be a force in top flight ball this year. Roberto Salman the 19 yr old Brazilian is leading Juventus in scoring with 6 goals netted. Juve gets consistent scoring from their ST's. The addition of CM phenom Cruise to proven all-world Gurerro flanked by Mucin and Warner give them one of the toughest MF in Division 1. Their def is solid led by Santi and Cremoli (7.53 ave). The nets are being kept clean by vet Peruzzi who is having a wonderful season (8.07 ave). They will definitely make it tough for anyone to knock them out of contention for the title.
Milan
Milan has played superbly this season. They sport the best GD differential, and are the tied for the highest scoring team in the Division. ST Kiko Navaerez leads all Milan scorers with 6 strikes, while Marciano Vink CM and Zlatko Zahovic CM contributing 4 goals each. Milan has no shortage of scoring threats. Alexander Shovkovskyi has been unreal in the net, with an 8.51 ave. The defense is 2nd best in Division 1 shutting down opposition. Milan will surely be able to make a serious run for the hardware.
Barcelona
Barcelona has been impressive in this years campaign. They have added Argentine Carlos Cremoli to an already formidable back line. The Barcelona back line reads like a list of who's who, Valckx, Chivu, N'Gotty, and Jambay. The nets have been held down by Portugal International Baia. Their MF is world class led by Ivan de la Pena (7.25) and Aguinaga 5 gls in 11 matches. Their ST rival Arsenal as far as pure talent. Barcelona will make it difficult for anyone to overtake them in their quest to knock off Juventus.
Arsenal
Arsenal is in an unfamiliar position this year. They are currently 4th on 27 pts, 7 behind Juventus. Arsenal's reign on top is being assaulted on all fronts. Arsenal are still the best team player by player as far as ratings go. Most of the Arsenal squad are of the highest level, which makes them a constant target from rival, smaller, and or jealous clubs. Italian International Buffon has held down the nets while Van Der Sar has been injured, depth is luxury. The defence has been led by Massimo Paganin who has blossomed in the twilight of his career since his arrival at Arsenal. The MF is on paper the best in the world. Sending out Conte was a loss, that will pay off in the future. The ST are Arsenal are downright deadly, led by Ronaldo in his comeback year. I feel Arsenal can still make a run, although that would require some help in slowing down Juventus.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are playing right about where they are every year. Their strength and glory seem to come in the Cryuff cup, and Beckenbauer Tourney. Munich has a young squad, and clearly are putting themselves in position for future dominance in Division 1. They are currently sitting 5th on 26 pts. GK Ian Walker has 4 MOM, and has dominated the nets in Bayern Cup play. The defence is solid and led by French International Oswaldo Condi. The MF has chipped in 12 goals, and continues to improve. The young ST force has netted 15 goals, with Markus Feldhoff striking 7 in 12 league matches. Munich will definitely make a push for a top 3 spot, I am just not sure if they can overtake Juventus.
Kosice
Kosice has made a run to the top half of the table upon the return of manager Kevin O'Conner from holiday. They are tied for most goals with 24. Kevin O'Conner (7.42) has hit 12 goals in 14 matches. His strike rate is provides the offensive power for Kosice to build their attack around. The MF is solid led by Ariel Ortega and his 4 goals. The solid defense just got better, when O'Conner signed the best playing RD in the game, Kovacevic (8.18). With Kovacevic, Noblin, Colonnese, and Sevela all over 7.15, there lies the foundation for a dominating defense. Ladislav Molnar(8.0) keeps eating up opposing ST and shutting them down. Look out Division 1, I can see Kosice being the hottest 2nd half side.
Atletico Bilboa
Atletico Bilboa is another side that has been playing its better football as of lately 4/4/2 in last 10 matches. German International Fredi Bobic has provided the scoring up front with 7 league goals, and his fellow German International Marco Haber has slotted in 4. The new manager has rectified this team, that was once being left to fall apart. Adam Crowther-Bleese is doing one hell of a job. Bilboa should provide a challenge for any team they face. The addition of Nick Barmby paid instant dividends with his opening strike vs Monaco.
Monaco
Monaco has done a decent job in their first Division 1 campaign. They have been frustrating for the manager. Jean Arnaud back from injury has been solid in the nets. The defence has not performed at the level it did last season. The MF is solid with Mihalovic on the left and the CM spot solid. Monaco are just looking for a RM. The ST are talented, just need to up their strike rates. I can see Monaco with a top 8 finish.
Parma
Parma is currently sitting at 9th in the table. They are a highly talented side, just have had no luck this season. Parma has the players to be highly competitive, just no one is performing. The addition of Antonio Conte and Martins Adialton should help them. They just need to address their ageing defence. Parma should remain above relegation.
Atletico Bilboa
Atletico Bilboa is another side that has been playing its better football as of lately 4/4/2 in last 10 matches. German International Fredi Bobic has provided the scoring up front with 7 league goals, and his fellow German International Marco Haber has slotted in 4. The new manager has rectified this team, that was once being left to fall apart. Adam Crowther-Bleese is doing one hell of a job. Bilboa should provide a challenge for any team they face. The addition of Nick Barmby paid instant dividends with his opening strike vs Monaco.
More to follow tommorow08 JAN 2002 Manager's Comments
Hello everyone, it is my favorite time of the week. A chance for me to fill