Sparky’s Column

The French Invasion

 

The Maradona bandwagon rumbles into the distance and the new arrival at Al Wasl is Bruno Metsu. The man is no stranger to the region having coached seven club and international sides in the last ten years. The coach is the most successful in UAE history having won the Gulf Cup in 2007 with the national team. He showed the same magic touch with Al Ain who he led to back to back league titles and the AFC Champions League. If Al Wasl were looking for experienced coach to take over from Maradona then the Frenchman is a safe pair of hands.

 

We have waved goodbye to an Argentinian legend but at the same time we are saying hello to players arriving on these shores. The club that seems to be investing in heavily in players is Dubai. The signing of Magrao from Al Wahda will add strength to the spine of the team. The defensive midfielder showed that he was a true competitor during his time in the capital. Richard Porta has signed from Nacional in Uraguay having scored 17 goals in 16 games. He had a previous spell in the UAE under Maradona but only managed 1 goal in 8 games. He will have a point to prove during his second spell in the Pro League The coach Rene Marsiglia is the only addition without experience in the region. The former Nice coach will have to adjust quickly if he is find his feet in the UAE. It is important that he hits the ground running especially as the club have invested in some high profile players to ensure they are not battling relegation again.

 

I have got halfway through a column talking about transfers without mentioning any Brazilians, the Pro League is synonymous with signing Samba stars and this off season is no different. Al Jazira have added to the Brazilian contingent with the acquisition of Luiz Fernando Pereira da Silva, obviously that won't fit on the back of his shirt so Fernandinho is the players slightly shorter title.  He was named Brazilian Serie A Newcomer of the Year in 2009 and he has the pace to trouble defenses in the Pro League.