The Rise and Rise of Charlie Adam

We'll kick off this blog with a little quiz question. From the following list, which consists of some of the greatest men to have graced our country's national game and who have deservedly received Knighthood's, I would like you to point out who's name shouldn't actually be there; Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Matt Busby, Sir Stanley Matthews, and Sir Charlie Adam.

The Legitimate 'Sirs' of British Football

Now you might think this is the easiest football question you've ever answered, but in 60 years time, according to Ian Holloway (Blackpool FC Manager) there will be no odd-one-out, and all of these men will be deserving of each other's prestigious company.

The player I suspect you all plumped for (correct answer is at the bottom of the post) is Charlie Adam. There won't of been too much deliberation; you will probably have taken into account the fact that the other listees have achieved some of the greatest accolades football has to offer, and Mr Adam, well he hasn't achieved too much at all. OK, he captained a poor club to promotion into the English Premiership, scoring a few important goals on the way (including the equalising goal in the Play-Offs against Cardiff City), but does that amount to a potential Knighthood? I don't think so, and realistically, Ian Holloway doesn't either.

This blog stems from Holloway's comments last year, on the back of Blackpool's promotion to the Premiership (and a few too many shandies I suspect). He stated, "Blackpool fans idolise good people, like Sir Jimmy Armfield and Sir Stanley Matthews. I'm sure Charlie will be a Sir one day and follow in the footsteps of these legendary club figures."

Charlie Adam: Knighthood Beckoning?

It is clear that Holloway (who is not adverse to a bit of banter with the media) had his tongue planted firmly in cheek when this was said, but as the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. Charlie Adam has performed admirably for Blackpool FC throughout both his loan deal at the club, and his subsequent permanent transfer. Previously though, he had been little more than a bit-part player at Rangers FC. Sent out on loan to St Mirren having progressed through the Glasgow Rangers academy, he won the First Division and Challenge Cup at Love Street, prompting his parent club to give him a chance. He fared reasonably well; it was clear he had a special left foot, but he never stood out. However, another temporary move, this time to lowly Championship club Blackpool, had an unbelievable impact on Charlie Adam. He has since become a fans favourite and established Premiership footballer (the fact that he is sitting alongside Nasri, Bale, and Van der Vaart in in my Fantasy League Team truly shows how far he's come).

But why has this happened? How can a player who was so average in the SPL, a league lagging far behind that of it's English counterpart, now be held in such high regard down south? I would suggest there are a number of possible reasons. For example, he may be more suited to the English game. You get more time on the ball, and it is assumed that the players in the EPL are better than those North of the border; both of which would suit Adam's style of play. He is often seen to gather the ball in the middle of the pitch, slowly move a yard or two, before unleashing an immaculate pass into the path of one of his players.

Another explanation could be his age. He was only a youngster at Rangers FC, now aged 25, he may be more comfortable mentally. It is also generally understood that a player peaks roughly between the ages of 26 and 29, which means Adam is on the verge of playing his best years in the game.

Ian Holloway has worked wonders at Blackpool FC

The man who's comments prompted this blog also deserves some credit. Ian Holloway showed enormous faith in Charlie Adam from the moment he signed him. Little more than a year after his move to Blackpool, Holloway made him his captain, which for a 23 year old at a new club, must be an enormous confidence boost.

It's always hard to determine the reasoning behind a players sudden flurry of form (Diego Forlan before > after). It may be a combination of the above three suggestions, it may be something else completely, but what's for sure is that Charlie Adam has truly blossomed into an important player in the Premiership, and hopefully, for the Scottish National Team in the future.

Eb....

Answer: Sir Charlie Adam - He is not a 'Sir' and probably never will be.

The Ballon d'Or Furore

Admittedly, I have neglected my blog over the Winter months. However, as we venture into a new year, I will attempt to regularly share with you, my army of followers *raised eyebrow*, my thoughts on the beautiful game.

My first attempt focused on Wayne Rooney's 'Transfer Request Saga' (he eventually signed a long term contract with Manchester United). This time I will be discussing the FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards, and more specifically, why I think Xavi deserved Lionel Messi's crown as the best footballer in the world, during 2010.

This year's ceremony marked a new beginning for the footballing world, as the FIFA World Footballer of the Year and Ballon d'Or amalgamated, to ensure one, universal decision on who the World's best player is. In the past, the two awards have largely gone to the same winner, however, on some occasions, this has not been the case.

Lionel Messi - Winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011

The Ballon d'Or, or European Footballer of the Year, as it was otherwise known, was an award voted for by the game's top journalists from around the globe. The first winner was Stanley Matthews (Blackpool F.C.) in 1956. Originally, it could only be given to a European-born player, who played in Europe, however, it was decided in 1996 that a player of any nationality could win, providing they played in a European league.

The FIFA World Player of the Year could be won by any player, not taking into account their nationality or the country in which they played, and was voted for by the captains and coaches of every FIFA-recognised international team.

Enough of the history lesson. Last night, Lionel Messi was voted 2010's best footballer. Before I argue why the award should have been given to someone else, I would just like to say that I am a massive fan of Messi. I will even go as far as to say that, if the Ballon d'Or's voting panel take into account only the technical ability of a player, he fully deserves it. But the problem is, they're not supposed to.

The criteria which the voters are supposed to follow are:

• Performances in major competitions (Champions League, World Cup, etc.)
• Individual and team honours
• Individual talent, skill and fair play
• Overall career
• Personality and charisma

Looking at these, my argument would have to be that Xavi Hernandez should have won. Firstly, like Messi, he won the domestic double with FC Barcelona (La Liga & Spanish Super Cup). But Xavi then went onto win the game's ultimate prize, the World Cup. He was also selected in the tournament's 'Best XI', something Messi missed out on.

Xavi and his Spanish team mates after winning the 2010 World Cup

I'm willing to accept that Messi might just shade the third criterion; Individual talent, skill and fair play. His skill, precise finishing and unparalleled control of the ball whilst moving helps him to stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, people that know about football, should be able to see what Xavi brings to the game. His awareness, passing range and accuracy, and general dictation of play make him every bit as important to Barcelona as Lionel Messi.

Taking into account the fourth criterion, makes me even more surprised Xavi missed out. Over the course of his career Xavi has won 5 league titles, a Spanish Cup, 4 Spanish Super Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, a European Super Cup and a World Club Championship; all with Barcelona of course. And with Spain, he has now won a European Championship and World Cup. As he approaches his 31st birthday, in two weeks time, it might also have been his last chance to win the Ballon d'Or. Whilst this shouldn't make too much of a difference, to be beaten by a man who has the best part of a decade to dominate these ceremonies, a little common sense should have been shown by the voters I think.

As I said last time, these things could take up a whole day if I let them so I'm going to finish up by acknowledging the fact that whilst Xavi, in my opinion, should have won the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or, I'm sure he's sleeping soundly with his World Cup winners medal round his neck and a ridiculous amount of money in the bank. Hey, you can't show too much compassion for these footballers.