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Graham Hunter exclusive: Find out who is Real Madrid’s most important player (Hint: It ain’t Ronaldo!)

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European football expert Graham Hunter thinks Real Madrid will struggle without their most influential player, but they should still make the Champions League semi-finals.

Galatasaray v Real Madrid

Although there are some who, incorrectly and unfairly, judge him harshly because of his naked desire to win everything all the time and because his match-face shows every emotion in its starkest form (joy, frustration, anger, self recrimination and, yes, even arrogance) I’m a serious Cristiano Ronaldo fan.

He’s phenomenally gifted, he’s an utterly outstanding professional and off the pitch he’s both bright and articulate. There’s not a great deal more to ask for.

His goal-to-game ratio is redefining, exploding really, what we think the very best striker should be producing and were it not for Leo Messi we’d already be arguing where Ronaldo fits in the all-time pantheon.

As such, the Portuguese is Real Madrid’s most important player – at least when it comes to winning matches.

However he’s not the most important of José Mourinho’s squad when it comes to ensuring that Madrid don’t lose. That’s Xabi Alonso.

XABI ALONSO: The most important member

XABI ALONSO: Without him Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid are disjointed

Particularly when Mourinho uses his preferred formation (preferred as Madrid coach at least) of 4-2-3-1 the importance of the two organising, distributing, defending midfielders who pair in front of the back four is enormous.

Moreover, Alonso is very good there. Without him Madrid consistently look like a puppet with one of its six strings cut – in motion, possibly entertaining, but disjointed.

Order diminishes, confidence drops, decision making becomes less clinical and the tempo often decreases.

He, Sergio Ramos and, quite possibly, Pepe are all going to miss out tonight at the Türk Telecom Arena and I think it’ll cost Madrid. I doubt it will cost them progression to the semi final but it might just cost them a win on the night.

Madrid’s stats against Turkish teams aren’t ample but it’s a fact that they’ve still to win against a Turkish side, Galatasaray or Besiktas, apart from in Spain.

Diego Lopez and Rafa Varane have been standouts in recent months but with a denuded back four (likely no Arbeloa, Ramos or Pepe) and with Alonso absent I think it’s reasonable to take Galatasaray to score – and why not Didier Drogba? So, Madrid to suffer, Madrid to go through, Ronaldo to score, Drogba to score and, I have a sneaking feeling, one of Diego Lopez’s more testing nights.

  • Betting: Galatasaray v Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund v Malaga

What of Málaga in Dortmund? Well, if you take mood to be as important an initial guide to their chances as the suspensions they suffered in the first leg then it’s decent news.

Most of the key players were rested in the 4-2 defeat at Real Sociedad at the weekend, man after man told me in the Mixed Zone last week after the 0-0 draw against the recently deposed German champions that they were 100% confident of getting a score draw at the Signal Iduna Park.

And one more little note about mood. It was very sad to hear of the death of Manuel Pellegrini’s father on Saturday. The Chilean hid the news from his players, coached the match, flew to Chile for the funeral and should be on the bench tonight. His players, and I mean this word, adore him. Their respect for him as a man and a coach is infinite. With what looks like a 30/70 chance of qualification in front of them their effort for Pellegrini will give them an extra jag.

But they’ll need it. Málaga, like Madrid, have an organising central midfielder, Manuel Iturra, and a centre-back, Weligton, suspended. Dortmund score heavily at home, should have won the first leg and have a superior squad. But  Málaga have only conceded 13 times in 27 Uefa matches and have seven clean sheets in their 12 Champions League outings this season.

IF, and I do mean IF there’s a major shock coming then I’d look to Roque Santa Cruz (a great record of wins and draws against Dortmund for Bayern Munich plus the winner at Signal Iduna back in September 2001) to nick a goal for Málaga. Referee Craig Thomson averages precisely four bookings per Champions League match and wouldn’t have a single red card in the competition had Alonso and Ramos not famously forced  orderings-off against Ajax to ‘clean’ their booking count two seasons ago.

Enjoy your football.

  • Betting: Borussia Dortmund v Malaga


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Ferguson drops Rooney hint

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney could be fit to face Montenegro in England’s Euro 2012 qualifier on October 12 (England 9/1 Euro 2012 outright).

The 24-year-old striker has been struggling with an ankle problem and aggravated the injury during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Bolton.

He was substituted just after the hour mark and Ferguson revealed that he would be out of action for at least three weeks, ruling him out of England’s third Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

However, speaking on United’s in-house TV station, MUTV, and on local radio the veteran tactician revealed that the former Everton man is progressing well and could be ready to return for Fabio Capello’s side in under two weeks’ time.

Rooney has struggled so far this term, with Ferguson admitting that tabloid reports about his private life have affected the talented hit-man, and he was left out of the United side that drew 3-3 with Rooney’s former club Everton back on September 11.

He also cut a peripheral figure at last summer’s World Cup in South Africa and failed to make the expected impact during England’s woeful campaign.

England, and Rooney in particular, are still trying to win back the England fans who have become less forgiving after seeing their heroes put in such abject displays last summer.

Two victories from their opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers have gone some way to building a bridge back to the supporters but they will need to put in another improved display against Montenegro, who have also garnered six points from their opening two games in Group G.

The United manager revealed that Rooney was keen to play against Sunderland in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light but he will not be in the squad as the boss is keen to make sure the injury is 100 per cent before a return to action (United 4/6 to beat Sunderland).

“Wayne trained yesterday and he wants to play tomorrow,” he told local radio station Key103. “But I have to take the view that this injury has been niggling away for a while and he kept on playing.

“I have to be dead sure that I am doing the right thing because Wayne has not been doing himself justice. I think in a week he will be fine. Obviously we don’t play in a week, so it is up to Fabio Capello whether he wants him to.”

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Hodgson drops transfer hint

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Roy Hodgson leads Liverpool into battle at Manchester City on Monday night admitting he might well be finished in the transfer market this summer (City 11/8, draw 9/4, Reds 2/1 – 90 minutes).

The Reds have so far drafted in the likes of Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Brad Jones, Danny Wilson, Milan Jovanovic and Jonjo Shelvey, although keeping the likes of captain Steven Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres has arguably been their best piece of business.

Doubt still exists over the future of Argentina captain Javier Mascherano – the Reds will keep him unless Liverpool’s valuation is met despite the signing of Poulsen as cover – but Hodgson insists is still working out exactly where money needs to be spent as a priority.

In the build-up to the trip to Eastlands for what could be a Premier League cracker, the former Fulham chief confirmed: “I’d like some money to spend if I could research where that money could be spent wisely.

“Giving me a lot now and telling me to go out and buy some players with one week of the transfer window left would not be particularly advantageous.

“I’ve only been here for five weeks or so and I’d want to make sure I had assessed absolutely everyone, including those at the academy, just in case we have an outstanding 17-year-old.

“We might have a Javier Hernandez there so I don’t want to go out and spend £50million on buying another one.”

Liverpool’s financial position and the fact co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are looking to sell up means unearthing another Kop youngster would be manna from heaven for the Merseyside outfit.

The Reds started the Premier League season with a draw at home against Arsenal so they will be looking for their first win when they make the short trip to Manchester (Liverpool 11/5 – To Keep A Clean Sheet).

Cole’s red card against the Gunners means he will sit the game out while defender Daniel Agger is a doubt because of the after-effects of concussion.

City will almost certainly hand a debut to new midfielder James Milner who has been prised away from Aston Villa.

The England international is eyeing a new role at his latest club although his versatility means the former Leeds United starlet is likely to be asked to do a variety of jobs during his City career.

“Wherever the manager wants me to play, I’ll do it to the best of my ability,” the 24-year-old told City’s website.

“But I enjoy playing in the middle – that’s probably my best position and where I’ve shown by best form over the past 18 months. I’ve been most creative and scored goals from there and I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

“I think that’s where the boss has signed me to play, but if he asks me to play anywhere else I’ll do what is best for the team.

“As long as we’re winning football matches, that’s all that counts.”

City could hand a Premier League debut to new striker Mario Balotelli (7/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer) although Aleksandar Kolarov and Jerome Boateng remain sidelined with ankle and leg problems respectively.

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FA drop Fabio hint

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The FA have confirmed that England’s next manager will be an Englishman, amid speculation current boss Fabio Capello’s time in charge of the Three Lions could be coming to an end (England 9/1 to win the Euro 2012 tournament).

Capello’s current deal runs until 2012, including the European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine, and the FA insist that he will remain as the manager, despite the speculation.

“We are working on the basis that Fabio will be with us until 2012,” said the FA’s Adrian Bevington in an interview with BBC 5 live.

“The view beyond that, based on the discussions I’ve been involved in, is that we should have an English manager after that.”

The Italian tactician has found himself the target of the press yet again following his treatment of former captain David Beckham.  Capello announced after England’s 2-1 victory over Hungary at Wembley that he would not pick the veteran midfielder for any more competitive matches and, while many pundits agree with his decision, the general feeling is that he handled the situation badly.

Beckham is England’s most capped outfield player, having represented his country 115 times, and has always made himself available for the national side.  The FA and a number of England fans are unhappy with the fact that Capello revealed Beckham would not play again in a television interview, rather than explain the situation to the player himself.

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid boss oversaw England’s worst ever World Cup campaign during the summer and there were calls for him to be axed following the dismal display in South Africa.  However, the FA chose to stick with Capello for the Euro 2012 qualification campaign despite the humiliating 4-1 loss at the hands of bitter rivals Germany in the last 16.

A well known Sunday tabloid newspaper has reported that Manchester City will try and tempt Capello away from England if Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini struggles in the early stages of the season (City 6/1 to win the Premier League).  While press reports of this nature should probably be taken with a very big pinch of salt the media have started to speculate that the Italian is facing the axe from the FA, with other sources claiming he has just three games to turn England’s fortunes around.

England are next in action on November 17 in a friendly against France at Wembley.  Capello has stated he will pick Beckham for the tie against the French as a farewell game but the former captain has insisted he has no plans to retire and will continue to battle for a place in the England side, despite Capello’s comments.

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Raul drops England hint

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Legendary Spanish striker Raul has admitted that he could join a Premier League club this summer after ending his 18-year career-long association with Real Madrid (Evs La Liga Primera Outright).

The 33-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at the Bernabeu before making his debut for Real – where scored 323 goals in 741 games since 1994 – is available on a Bosman free transfer and was linked with a move to German side Schalke (7/1 Bundesliga Outright).

However Raul, who helped Real seal three Champions League triumphs and six Spanish league titles, confirmed that his future is not yet decided and he could still end up at a Premier League club.

Tottenham were linked with a swoop for Raul to spearhead their first foray into the Champions League next term (Spurs 40/1 Outright). However boss Harry Redknapp has dismissed that prospect, claiming his wages would be too high for the north Londoners.

Liverpool and Manchester United have also been mentioned as possible destinations and Raul insists he will make a decision “in a few days”.

“I have had very deep discussions with Schalke but there are other teams that are also interested. My future lies in Germany or England,” he said.

Raul added: “In a few days I will know whether I’ll be going to the Bundesliga [or to England].”

Raul was speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon to confirm his departure from Real Madrid and he described it as a “difficult day”.

He said: “Football has been my life and Real Madrid my home. Together we have lived unique moments.

“I feel like a footballer still and I will keep on playing but I will always be loyal to Real Madrid. I have tried to give everything in my time here.

“A new period starts today. I have been happy at Real Madrid and I will always be willing to help the club in whatever it needs.”

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Barca hint at Fabregas defeat

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Arsenal have been given a huge boost following Barcelona president Sandro Rosell’s admission that the club might have to give up on signing Gunners (13/2 Premier League winners) captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Spanish star has been strongly linked with a move back to the Nou Camp having left the Catalan capital as a teenager to join Arsenal.

Since moving to north London as a 16-year-old Fabregas has gone on to make a huge name for himself, staring for the Gunners season after season.

However, in that time the 23-year-old has just one winners medal to show for his efforts, helping Arsenal claim the 2005 FA Cup on penalties.

Having helped Spain win the European Championships, and recently the World Cup, Fabregas’ stock has shot through the roof, leading to Barcelona making a £30million bid for the playmaker.

However, Arsenal were quick to turn down the offer, claiming the midfielder wasn?t for sale no matter the price.

Despite the player’s pleas to be allowed to re-join Barcelona (4/5 Primera Liga winners)  Arsenal have stood firm and now look as though they may have succeeded in warning off the Spanish giants.

Barca president Rosell has admitted they may be unable to sign Fabregas this season and has hinted they may give up on their pursuit.

“Arsenal feels very hurt by Barca,” said Rosell to Catalan TV3.

“They don’t want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting the player (Fabregas) on the market.

“There was a strong dispute a few months ago and they have not forgotten it.”

Barcelona’s admission could also stem from their current financial plight, the club having to take out a 155m euro loan to help ease their recent money troubles.

However, Rosell went on to say that he was confident that one day Fabregas would come back to the Nou Camp.

“He (Fabregas) will arrive, even if it is not now, it will be next year,” added Rosell. “We will see.”

Arsenal fans will now hope Fabregas (50/1 Premier League topscorer) will focus his attention on the Gunners domestic and European campaigns rather than pine for a move back to Barcelona.

The Gunners begin their pre-season fixtures on Saturday against Barnet (11/1 to beat Arsenal) before they head to Austria for their usual training camp.

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Benitez drops Spain hint

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Rafael Benitez has admitted that he would like the chance to coach the Spanish national team but pledged his immediate future to helping Liverpool secure some silverware (Liverpool 10/1 Premier League 2010/11 Outright) next season.

The 50-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer following a trophyless campaign in which the Reds missed out on a top-four Champions League place and lost out in the Europa League semi-finals to eventual winners Atletico Madrid.

However following reports linking him with Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, Benitez revealed that he has no plans to quit Merseyside at least until the end of his current contract in 2014.

And, as far as his long-term future is concerned Benitez stressed that he would like an opportunity to coach Spain, who go into this summer’s World Cup fancied to take the title (Spain 4/1 Outright Winner) after their Euro 2008 success.

“Right now I have four years left in my contract with Liverpool and I am very happy there,” Benitez told www.as.com.

“But, of course, in a few years, once [Spain coach Vicente] Del Bosque ends his work, I would like to be Spain coach.

“All of the Spanish coaches would like in the future to become national team manager.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has hit back at his critics and suggested that he has become a victim of his own success having guided the Reds to Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup and Community Shield glory in his first two years.

He added: “We made a huge mistake, as we won four titles at the start. Then people ask you for more, when in reality in the Premier League it’s assumed that at the start a coach needs time to adapt.

“(Manchester United manager Sir Alex) Ferguson took seven years to win the Premier League.”

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