For Club or Country

by Clinton Ooi

ONE. TWO.. THREE...

ONE. Steven Gerrard below par performance for The Three Lions versus Croatia, 3 days later puts in a top performance against Newcastle topped with a cracker of a goal

TWO.. Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher retiring from International Duty while still at their prime



THREE... Thierry Henry never reproducing his form for Arsenal for Les Blues

The list could go on forever... Superstars in the world club game, but arguably never having fulfilled their full potential on the national scene as yet.

The reasons could vary depending on which side you sit on the pitch. Cries of superstar players no longer whole the esteem they once held for playing their country and priotise the longevity of their club careers has stood out highest.

Q: But have you considered this point of view?

ONE. Steven Gerrard has always had to shoulder the weight of Liverpool supporters as inspirational captain and midfield dynamo. While at England, he has many (potential) matchwinners beside him ala the Ronaldinho argument for Brazil. In summary, Gerrard still plays better with holding midfielders like Gareth Barry or Owen Hargreaves behind him and DEFINITELY not Frank Lampard in front of him (although Lampard is an excellent player in his own right). But we will see what the new England regime has in mind for the current Three Lions vice-captain.

TWO.. Paul Scholes retired due to the constant encouragement of club manager. You could always sense Sir Alex Ferguson never had a problem his players missing games for their countries generally anyway (Same in the case of Roy Keane and Ireland). Jamie Carragher called it quits because he was not rated as a starter by the past two English setups. Problem with versatility, you can be pushed around. (Just ask Stevie G)

THREE... Thierry Henry's stats are a case of being played out of regular club position by the French and up until the 2006 World Cup living under the shadow of a certain Zinedine Zidane. This is a similar pattern to Ronaldinho having a poor World Cup arguably because he was playing support to the old guard of Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.

Q: What's your say?

When Harry Met Crouchy

by Clinton Ooi

It might escape the radar at first sighting, but Liverpool's recent ascendency in form has not occured by pure coincidence with the return of a finally injury free Harry Kewell.

Though arguably it has only been two substitute appearances in the last week as well as a scoring comeback before that in the reserves, Kewell's entrance at Blackburn Rovers changed the attacking outlook for the Reds. In fact, his persistance in the final minutes led to a golden chance for Dirk Kuyt to almost steal a Liverpool win.

His natural inclination to take on players as well as scamper down the left touchline (or right where he actually prefers to play), brings width to a Liverpool team has been too centralised in recent months.

The reinstatement of Peter Crouch to the starting line up has also not come by chance with the return of Kewell. Harry's great crossing ability provides the service that players like Crouch thrive on. In fact, Ryan Babel almost completed his hattrick against Besiktas from a Kewell centre.

Crouch is underated by many of the footballing public, which unfortunately includes his manager this season. Rafa Benitez seems to use Crouch so one dimensionally ala Didier Drogba at Chelsea, when Peter's skills on the ground are actually his biggest asset.

So, fingers crossed, if Kewell stays fit, expect a higher goal scoring ratio for the Merseysiders as well as the more frequent inclusion of the dangly Crouch.

Scotland the Brave

by Clinton Ooi

Scottish football is on the rise. That is the theme that has dominated the European football scene for most part of this season so far. The national team is punching above its weight, defeating 2000 European Champions France home and away. Only a surprising 2-0 reverse in Georgia has put the Scottish express on hold.

Rangers are undefeated and equal top with Barcelona with 7 points in the UEFA Champions League, having just squeezed out a gritty draw with the Catalans in Ibrox while Celtic caused a major upset against the champions Milan at the death on Match Day II. That means Scottish Premier League Clubs have managed to hold the last two champions of Europe to a combined total of 1 point and 1 goal. That is nothing to be sneezed at.

The pragmatics would argue the Scots have rode their luck while the pessimists would say Scotland has not yet qualified and still face the impending showdown against the Italians. A win or draw with the Georgians could have afforded Scotland with a bit of breathing place, but where would the element of drama fit in?

Back in the Champions League and it would now be possible for both SPL representatives to qualify for the knockout stages. That would be history making stuff. However, let us not get ahead of ourselves. Just like ESPN host Derek Rae has been doing, getting excited but keeping it real. As we alluded to before Scotland has not yet booked their place in Euro 2008 while the Rangers and Celtic express are far from reaching Central Station.

So while many are waiting or predicting for the Scots to lose their way, the eternal optimist reckons this could be a potential Scottish hattrick on the cards. Watch this space…