I am on a break!

Well so thats it! Credit Suisse front office analyst role. Done for now! I am no longer employed

A lot of people support the idea of taking a break. Trust me its worth it is what Ive heard. It helps you get refreshed, makes you all geared up for the next phase, all in all gives you freetime!

Honestly, the break so far has been the best time Ive ever had and I hope will continue to make it memorable. Lot many things were looked forward to when I took the decision fo quitting:

1. I get to stay in my room! Its been 2 years since dad had constructed this room and I've only stayed here for the 2-3 days of mini vacations at home sweet home. I realise I've never had a room for myself till date. I want to have that part of my life where I really stay, live and belong to a room in your home!

2. I get to realise what staying at Trivandrum for a while is. I mean this is my home city and I have not spent good enough time here in my youth to have a sense of belonging. My education was at IIT Madras post which I spent 2.5 years in the hustle and bustle of Aamchi Mumbai. This is a city where I see myself settling down in the long run!

3. My leg which I have been missing for a while now is back on track to recovery. I needed this break to set it back so that I get back the life I have been missing

4. I have been yearning to spend quality time with my family mom, dad, grandparents, cousins, relatives. Guess this break will help me be a part of my family and my home

5. I plan to travel after the first 2 months. To places where I am lost in the surroundings. I need to travel to decide what I need to do post my studies next year.

6. I intend to read and improve my understanding about a bunch of topics in business and finance. I intend to read about online commerce ventures and better my understanding about e-startups in India and globally.

7. Photography! Something I've always wanted to venture and try out since passing out of college. Now that I am crippled and denied the ability to play, run or travel, I have gifted myself a Canon EOS 1200D (18-55mm + 55-250mm lens). Im now thinking about good ideas to utilise the same. Surely the break will help me pick up this to a decent level.

8. Work a bit more on my sense of music. Improvise on my cajon and pick up my guitar lessons from where I had left. Listen to good songs and explore trivandrum jam scenes hopefully similar to the ones in Mumbai!

9. 2014 was a disastrous year by all means and I really want the next year to be kind to me! Went through a lot of personal issues which definitely hit my confidence levels. I need to refine myself and mould myself better and this will only be possible through introspection and spending good time with urself. Hopefully I get to do this too

10. Overall, my tenure towards the end of the analyst role made me realise that I really had to structure my life. I was wasting my time doing corporate slavery. I sort of want to face the "Enthino vendi thilakunna sambhar" conundrum. It is one of the toughest questions to confront and I aim to face it and hopefully find an answer to this!

To take this break after quitting my job in Mumbai is really not easy. Saying no to Mumbai, the money and the people was never easy. But I guess you often park your ride for a while to rev up and move on, maybe a totally different path!!

Karmayogi

What we need in our world!

The finish line

As the finish line approaches.. The racer is in 2 states... Happy for having won it.. Melancholic for the pointlessness and all that he has fought against ...  'For what' is what he asked eventually... All that he could hear was the uproar of his audience..... His inner voice muted by the intensity of externalities

You have always been a beauty!

This was during one of those lonely bike rides after 2am in the night after a days work at office. Exhausted I was and lets also add a flavor of dejection to the scene. Singing out my favourite songs aloud while riding is something which I do quite often. Melodies that strike a chord with your thoughts and emotions are mostly chosen :P

Nilavinte neelabahsama kurai aninjavale came up and though I don’t do it quite often, I spared a moment to look up at the sky for a glimpse of the “Nilavu”. I stopped my bike on the side, the sight was amazing!

I could see a beauty ignored, dejected and subjugated in the darkness. The Moon!

I stopped at this breath taking view of the glamorously illuminated Bandra worli sea link, next to our flat, by the side of the mahim bay to catch a better view of her.

She was still and standing lonely, in the dark. The clouds would smother her, she would be blinded for a while, but with nothing but hope, she would still come back, seeking for attention, that she never really got in her whole life!

People associate her with eeriness, ignorance, deprivation and servility (low caste / nagas). Not her fault right! I mean look at it her friend, the Sun was the attention seeker, symbolizing radiance, character, supremacy and auspiciouness and the moon, who really cared? We all rush to catch a glimpse of the sunrise or sunset, we love the sun and we admire it. But the moon, she was never cared for, leave alone revered! How would that feeling be? I wondered, would she have accepted it, would she be sad. Day in Day out, fate had it that she would be visible only when people slept. She would relentlessly serve her Karma in dejection! Silence at her best!

It was spontaneous. The much acclaimed "Karmayogi" tag ripped off the sun and placed on her cute forehead! I could now see her smile, a tear dropping down her eyes and all I could say was: “You little thing, you have always been a beauty”

Peace and death

To think that I won't be able to see you ever again is grievance that will only end with me
To realize that all you have done to make me what I am.... was always unconditional is a feeling I cannot stop crying forTo feel the pain of not being to able to spend my time with you, listening to your interesting yet trivial problems, roaming around with you in the auto shopping and buying flowers, buying those horror books, colourful calendars and wallpapers, each and everytime giving me the feeling that doing so was the most awesome thing I could do, is unbearably difficuly 

To realise that you are no more and that my childhood days are now semi-void, my life sucked out of half life is horryfing

Yet with all the happiness in the world, to a wonderful human being, my ammumma, I tell you although even your ashes are no more with us you will live through your love and the fond memories.

You shall be missed but happy I am for the peaceful way you bid farewell once and for all, symbolizing the way you lived independently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjqkTb7aZzk

Bye bye forever! I shall only continue to love you!

Look around!

A human mind needs attention! Its his fuel. He tries to cling onto things that make him feel comfortable. He yearns for love, care and emotional consoling. He prejudices his mind to befriend somebody which might not be remotely possible. But little does he know if there is someone else seeking for the same love and attention from himself. Its a vicious circle and all one needs to do is look around. U will find it! But unlike last time being selfish, this time reciprocate.

That greatest feeling in life!

Is it that smile on a mother’s face when she sees her new born baby in her shivering arms for the first time ever!

Would it be those happy tears of a home-bound soldier as he sees his soulmate’s pensive face through the glimmer of his lantern, reminded of a time when he wished to see her for only one last time at the warfield to tell her that she was the most beautiful thing to have happened in his life.

Is it the excitement on a dad’s face when he sees his child coming back someday with his bike, only to take him for his first ever ride, reminded of the days when he used to teach him his cycle; his mind clinging onto those hazy memories of that last time when he left the kid on his own feet with a gentle push from behind, promising him....come what way that he would always be next to him!

Is it that smile with a scent of achievement of a village girl who has fought her way out from the underprivileged, poor, uneducated and male chauvinistic society that she was destined to be born, finally returning to her village with her first pay cheque only to place it on the feet of her parents and thanking them for all the empty stomach nights they have spent and lot many other things sacrificed in their life.

Would it be that moment when the person whom you love the most, holds you by your hand and tells you eye-to-eye, heart-to-heart that you are the most gorgeous creature in the whole world and bending on the knees gives you that first kiss of your life on your cold hands.

Touchy, emotional and feel good moments these and many others that each and every one can type down, are!!

But for me, if you can be that reason for the little smile amidst the tears of a struggling individual, irrespective of sex, caste, relations, religion what not, that is what I would describe to be the greatest feeling! There is unconditionality, care, love and above all godliness!

Anbe Sivam!

If there is one movie that has inspired me with a way of living, it has been Anbe Sivam (“Love is God”), an epic tamil movie that revolves around a series of events that follow the tryst of two individuals with varying ideologies. The movie is one that dwells deep into philosophies like communism, atheism and altruism and brings one goosebumps multiple times taking him into deep introspective thought zones.

The key message the movie teaches the viewer can be compared to another of the ancient vedic schools of thought: Tat-Tvam-Asi. It is one of the philosophies I preach and believe in. To be content and yet be available for others around one, without caring if the favour is reciprocated is precisely what godliness, divinity, enlightenment and the likes of it mean, is the message it carries. Unconditional love and care, the gist of which is never understood or rather refused to be is what we seek in the supreme one and what if he can be in you. That search or quest might be what life is about. This movie has inspired me in many ways. The things that I have done till date and my philosophy for an approach towards life was derived from this one movie, played by the legendary Kamal.

Live the moment. Go back to your past, cry, laugh, jump around, fist yourself. The future is bleak and random anwyays. Rather than fighting for the future, if one could become content with what he has and reach out to others who are struggling and expect nothing in return except that sweet smile amidst the tears of a struggling individual, and if you can unhesitatingly do it time and again, then my friend u are that supreme being.

In the end you and I are loners, relentlessly striving for our identity. Quenching our ego and seeking incentives for every effin thing we do. There is nothing as God. If it comforts you and satisifies you everytime u go to a temple, I want to throw it on everyone’s face, we are the biggest losers and evaders in life. What do you think happens to the Rs.50 you donate to a temple? Don’t you think giving it to somebody outside, starving off food would be a better deed? Its simple aint it. But do we care to think different, such is the depth at which religion and faith have interlaced into our social life. Such is MEDIOCRITY. 

Mother Teresa, Mahathma Gandhi are all examples for human-gods had science and documenting not developed so fast. They are all individuals who believed in a way of life like Mahavir Jain or Gautam Buddha. Altrusim is indeed a romantic philosophy but I believe it must be inculcated in oneself especially given the pace at which our lives are progressing. Food for thought I say and for all reasons including Kamal’s extraordinary brilliant acting, Madhavans subtely powerful supporting role, the BGMs, the plot and most importantly the message it tells one, the movie is a must watch for anyone who needs a bit of inspiration and guidance in life, I think! Here is one video clip that might as well tempt one to watch the movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg3spKxKQ1c

 “Yaar yaar Sivam… Nee than Sivam”.. “Who is the supreme one… Its none but you”. Deep, profound, esoteric but I think it is an enlightenment, an indispensable catharsis for mediocrity and the uninitiated.

E minor… Coffee….. and the rains

This is one of those days when the loner takes a deep gasp and bows down.

Tired he is, of this meaningless run.

For when he looks up he sees nothing but hollowness.

And the farther he goes there is nothing but darkness.

He is with his love, the only one that struck a chord with him.

Playing it slow in the E minor, closing his eyes to himself.

The mood is set and apt to that of gloom and grief.

With the drizzling rains in the backdrop and the hot coffee luring him for a sip.

He is with himself in his world, hoping for the light at the end of the tunnel.

Only if it was there!        

The new force that is Napoli

Napoli had an undoubtedly dominant transfer market presence this year. Sealing 7 new deals and selling 4 players, the newly appointed coach, Benitez made sure that he is on the move to create a strong and capable team. With a last year runners-up finish, Napoli should now be aiming to challenge for the Scudetto competing with the likes of Juventus and AC Milan under the guidance of Rafa Benitez.

Transfer Summary

Coach (IN): Rafa Benitez

OUTs

Edinson Cavani – Striker

Mario Santana – Winger

Hugo Campagnaro – Defender

Morgan De Sancti – Goalkeeper

INs

Gonzalo Higuaín – Striker

José Callejón – Winger

Dries Mertens – Winger

Pablo Armero – Defender

Raúl Albiol – Defender

Pepe Reina – Goalkeeper

Rafael – Goalkeeper

The El Matador and Napoli’s talismanic player, Cavani was sold to the French giants, PSG for a fee of €64m. One of the most sought after player in the market, Cavani had played a pivotal role in Napoli’s last year performance and his transfer justifies its cause and the fee. The funds from his sale were thoughtfully channelized to capture other world class signings in the likes of Higuaín (€37m) and Callejón (€10m). The Real Madrid duo have proved their caliber at a top class level and is bound to prove successful at this new project. Especially, the classy Argentinian striker, is expected to continue his goal-scoring form with Real Madrid and Rafa definitely deserves a pat on his back for luring in Higuain competing against the likes of Arsenal. Cavani was Napoli’s attacking face and it would only be normal if we see Higuain carry the responsibility from this season. The team now has a boastful attacking lineup with the growing talents of Lorenzo Insigne and Marek Hamsik, and the newly signed Mertens, a talented Belgian winger who seem to figure out in his first team plans.

In the defensive framework , the departure of Campagnaro, one of the reliable of Napoli’s defenders apart from Paolo Cannavaro, has been quite surprising but the arrival of the ex-Valencia defender makes up for it in a way. Benitez has also sold out De Sancti so as to make space for Rafa’s ex-Liverpool shot stopper Pepe Reina for a loan.

It has been a good amount of restructuring done by the Partenopei this season and Benitez must be eyeing to claim the stature he held at Liverpool with this new and rejuvenated team. Lets have a look at a first team starting lineup for the new Napoli side.

The squad is well balanced with the likes of Insigne, Pandev and Maggio available on the bench. There is both youth in the likes of Hamsik, Callejon and Mertens and experience in the likes of Higuain, Albiol and Cannavaro. 

Will the man who guided Liverpool to the UEFA Champions League cup be able to emulate Napoli’s golden days of the late 80’s. For sure, they had Maradona back then, but given Napoli’s current squad with a tactician like Benitez on board, we could be looking at a project that might start to flourish in times to come.

Mesut Ozil and Arsene Wenger’s bolstered attacking force

"People don't look at the quality we have and just want to buy because they feel fear but I maintain what I said before we will only add super quality to our squad if we can do it or nothing”. Arsene Wenger

There was a time when these words from one of the most experienced coaches in the Premier League did not prove satisfactory to the millions of gunner fans, who were frustrated by Arsenal’s lack of ambition in this summer transfer window. With arch rivals Tottenham, big money spenders Chelsea and City sealing deals one after another, it was understandable when a bunch of arsenal fans went to the extent of writing a plea to the management to look into matters.

But one man, adamant as ever, not willing to compromise on a players’ quality came up with the best of retorts with a bonanza signing for the summer- the Real Madrid number 10 and the German international first choice playmaker, Mesut Ozil. Since the days of Fabregas had ended at Arsenal, Wenger would be proud to have the prodigal playmaker in his squad who can provide those killer passes that would fetch him important goals.

“I have said throughout the summer that we have been working hard to bring in top quality players to this football club. This has involved many, many people across the club and I have always had the full support of the club in making decisions on the football side.”

Eventhough Wenger’s priority would have been an addition in the striking  department alongside Giroud, bringing in Ozil would definitely bolster the Arsenal squad. Much acclaimed for the midfield quality with the likes of Cazorla, Wilshere, Arteta, Rosicky and the rejuvenated Ramsey, Arsenal could already have been argued to have one of the best midfield forces in England. Now with Ozil moving in, no-doubt the midfield is going to get even more dangerous, probably one which Wenger would leverage to implement his romantic concept of beautiful football.

Let us look into how Arsenal’s attacking lineup is going to look like with the playmaker added to the equation.

1. Ozil on the Left wing as a Left Attacking Midfielder (4-1-4-1)

Ozil’s strengths can be clearly attributed to his creativity and dribbling. Alongside the Spanish maestro Cazorla Ozil could find himself in the left center attacking midfield, play the role of an orchestrator and feed the likes of Giroud and Cazorla. This is quite similar to the days with Bergkamp having Pires on his left and Henry upfront. The trio of Wilshere, Cazorla and Ozil will be a threat any defensive setup would fear to handle. One could easily visualize a lot of link up plays on the field with Wenger having more options in the diligent Ramsey and creative Rosicky on the bench. Podolski also would be a safe bet on the wings and could replace either of Cazorla or Ozil when required. This formation setup would eventually help Wenger emulate a neat and clean passing gameplay with 5 midfielders maneuvering the ball across the park. Could be a new version of Tiki-Taka in the making!

2. Ozil in the right flank (4-4-2)

This formation would have to force Walcott upfront as a striker with Giroud. Wenger has always lauded Walcott’s striker instincts. "I always said that he will be a striker so we are on the same wavelength there. You feel it or you don't. He has the qualities to play there."

With no major additions in the striking department, this formation looks likely against teams that maintain a high-defense line and with so much of creativity in the midfield it would become easy for Walcott to sprint for those Bolt-runs and tap the ball into the goal. Ramsey could start in this framework as the defensive work rate would be higher as the midfielders are spread to the flanks resulting in lots of box-to-box spaces. Ozil has often played in the right attacking midfield at Real Madrid and this formation would give him space, which has proved to be the key fuel to his engine. Ozil prefers space and this formation would free him from the presence of defenders near the hole. In this role, Ozil would be a sole attacker with the game being dictated in the centre of the pitch and moves made majorly through the flanks.

3. Ozil in the hole (4-2-3-1)

This has been Ozil’s usual position in the Real Madrid squad and he is probably the best-suited here. This formation can also utilize the shooting skills of Podolski on the left wing and the presence of Walcott on the right flank. Cazorla can be brought in instead of Ozil if need be and so can Arteta and Rosicky replace the other midfielders. In this position, Ozil would be asked to play upfront performing minimal defensive work, but feeding the incisive passes which he is best at.

Independent of where he plays, Mesut Ozil pumps in creativity and footballing sense in the already powerful midfield that Arsenal can be proud of. With his addition, Wenger will have more options in the midfield in terms of strategic flexibility and bench strength and he is more that excited to have a world class star like Ozil in the squad.

“Mesut is a top quality footballer who will be a fantastic addition to our talented squad. We are all looking forward to him joining up with us after his international matches with Germany and working with us as an Arsenal player."

The feeling is definitely mutual when Ozil had to say:

"I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League. It will be great for my own personal development as a player and I am particularly looking forward to working with Arsene Wenger.”

In the coming years, the €50m man should definitely ameliorate the chances of much-awaited silverware for Arsenal and should relieve the gunner fans from any more frustration. But how and when, only time will tell! 

Bale and the new force that is Real Madrid

After a plentitude of discussions, speculations and heated arguments, the Bale-sale finally seems to be sealed and the ex-Spurs man is all-set to wear the much coveted Madrid jersey as he lines up for the new Ancelotti chapter at Santiago Bernabeu.

The winger would now move from the North London side to Madrid for a whopping record-fee of €100m, breaking the previous €94m transfer record of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to the Spanish capital. Constantly compared to CR7 for his tremendous speed, long-range shooting and aggressive runs down the flanks, Bale will be the new firing arm for Madrid’s warship. Similar to the way Neymar has lined up with Messi at their rival club, Bale would also pair alongside his footballing idol, CR7 and then, they are a certainly a force to reckon with.

But tactically how would adding Bale to the equation, affect the other players and their positions at Real Madrid. Lets have a look into this.

1. Bale on the right wing (4-2-3-1)

 This is the most likely of formations Ancelotti might opt for so as to utilize both Cristiano and Bale in the wings. With Isco’s creativity in the hole, and with Benzema up front, this attacking setup offers a solid threat even to the best of defensive lineups. Bale might have to adapt a bit here while playing at the right because he has been a genuine left winger majorly cutting outwards and feeding long crosses or moving inwards and pumping in the power strokes. Here at Real Madrid, he would have to rover into the box more often and would have to interchange with CR7 and Isco positionally. He would also have to prove his defensive work rate on the right midfield more than what he did with Spurs. Angel Di Maria, who is subject to transfer rumours following Bale’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu would most probably be benched if he doesn’t opt to leave the club. Given Di Maria’s excellent form on the right wing till date, if he decided to stay put, Bale would have to consistently perform. Further, with critics’ remarks looming over his head on his price tag, Bale would be subject to something new in his life. extreme pressure and intensity. It would be interesting to see how he shapes up as a right winger and time will tell us how it turns out to be!

2. Bale on the left wing (4-1-3-2)

Alternatively, Ancelotti might also try out this option, with CR7 playing a more advanced role alongside Benzema in the attack. Bale would continue to play in the left wing with his ex-Spurs comrade Modric playing above Alonso in the midfield. Isco would find himself shifted slightly to the right midfield and defensively Ancelotti could prefer Pepe over Varane to aid Alonso with the defensive midfield tasks. This setup offers a physically adept two-striker option for Ancelotti and could also leverage the long-range crosses from Alonso and Isco. This framework would be something he might try against the likes of Barcelona which are relatively unreliable in the air. Traditionally, CR7 has been on the left wing and this formation might just lessen the impact he has over the game, but if Bale can make up for this in his position, then things remain good.

Undoubtedly, Bale’s arrival will be an epic boost to this current Real Madrid squad and how much ever we argue about his price tag, which might be a result of the inflated transfer market scenario; combined with CR7, this squad should be legitimately prepared to become the best club in Europe. 

The Ultimate Star of Europe

UEFA had released a 26 member shortlist of Europe’s top footballers for the prestigious ‘UEFA Best Player in Europe Award’ on July 9. Bundesliga players undoubtedly dominated the list along expected lines following their dominance in the UEFA Champions league 2012/13, culminating in the final at Wembley. Not surprisingly, the list is flooded with strikers and attackers, undermining the efforts of reliable defensive talents.

Here is an overview of the league-wise split of the shortlisted players. Many unspoken talents from Germany are now in the spotlight and football is continuing to prove the fact that talent will never be left unrewarded. This year’s list of best players in Europe pays a tribute to the quality and spirit of German football.

Gareth Bale	Tottenham	Franck Ribery	FC Bayern München
Robin Van Persie	Manchester United FC	ArjenRobben	FC Bayern München
BransilavInvanovic	Chelsea	Bastian Schweinsteiger	FC Bayern München
EdinDzeko	Manchester City	Thomas Muller	FC Bayern München
RadamelFalcao	Atlético de Madrid	Manuel Neuer	FC Bayern München
Xavi Hernandez	FC Barcelona	Dante	FC Bayern München
Lionel Messi	FC Barcelona	Mario Mandzukic	FC Bayern München
Andres Iniesta	FC Barcelona	Philip Lahm	FC Bayern München
Cristiano Ronaldo	Real Madrid CF	Javi Martinez	FC Bayern München
Andrea Pirlo	Juventus	Robert Lewandowski	Borussia Dortmund
Arturo Vidal	Juventus	IIkayGundogan	Borussia Dortmund
EdinsonCavani	SSC Napoli	Mario Gotze	Borussia Dortmund
ZlatanIbrahimovic	Paris Saint-Germain FC	Oscar Cardozo	SL Benfica

On July 9, a second round of shortlisting was done and a new 10 member list was released. The list is one with world-class impactful players including 6 wingers, 3 strikers and 1 central midifielder. No major surprises, except that unlike the past years, there are no Spanish internationals included in the shortlist of 10 stars who could pocket the much coveted award. Last year, the award went to Andres Iniesta. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo took the runners-up positions, with the same number of votes. This year, owing to the emergence of Germany as a footballing superpower, we can clearly see an upsurge in the number of german league players in the European best player shortlist.

Andres Iniesta – 2012 UEFA Best player of Europe

1.     Gareth Bale (WAL) – Tottenham Hotspur FC

The undisputed champion of the English Premier League, Tottenham’s yester season performance drove on this insatiable goal engine. For the former LB turned attacker, his vigor on the flanks, along with his ability to pick up critical passes and his clinical finishing makes him one of the most valued youngsters in the world. This season was Bale’s one of the best EPL campaigns with a goal tally of 26. At the age of 23, being touted as the next CR7 by the likes of Real Madrid, his talents are appreciated by all clubs across the world and his £100m price tag stands testimony to this.
Achievements: EPL-5^th

Personal highs:

a.     Bale grabbed 3 goals in the 4-0 away win against Aston Villa , marking his first PL hat-trick

http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2012/12/26/aston-villa-vs-tottenham-0-4-goals-defoe-gareth-bale-hat-trick-highlights-2012-video/

b.    He shined brilliantly in the 3-1 EPL home win against Manchester City, pitching in a goal and an important assist to Dempsey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGfFmxmPfHc

c.     He won the PFA Players' Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and the FWA (Football Writer's Association) Player of the Year Award, making him one of only two players who have won all three in the same season, the other being Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007. 

2.     Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) – Real Madrid CF

 One among the best players in the world right now, it is no surprise finding him on the list. Sceptics had argued that Ronaldo would not be able to match the performance bar set in  the 2011/12 season, but he very easily proved them all wrong. His contribution to Real Madrid's cause has been indispensably tremendous, scoring critical goals and spearheading them to a UCL semi final spot. For the same award, he came second last year along with his arch nemesis Messi and this year also we find him in the final 3 shortlist. With 57 goals this season, he is surely a strong contender for the award.
Achievements: La Liga-2^nd, Runners up Copa del Rey and UCL semifinalist

Personal highs:

a.     Ronaldo scored his 200th goal for Real Madrid in a 6–2 win against Malaga. This feat made him sixth in the list of the club's all-time top scorers and the player that took the least number of matches (197) to reach 200 goals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqWL7_MZGNc

b.    He scored his first career hat-trick in Champions League as he led Real Madrid to a 4–1 victory over Ajax.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ5Yh02pj8Y

c.     He scored a perfect hat-trick against Getafe in a 4–0 win, including his 300th club goal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJtxIzpx1c4

d.    He scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory against his former home, Manchester United. CR7 showed his respect to his former club, by refusing to celebrate the goal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se3LtZf7X-Y

e.     He scored the next week against Sevilla, his 21st hat-trick of his career and his 17th in La Liga

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNocCJyQ7E8

f.     He was named by Marca as a member of the "Best foreign eleven in Real Madrid's history". He closely missed out on earning the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or and came runners up for the fourth time behind Lionel Messi

       3. Zlatan Ibrahimović (SWE) – Paris Saint-Germain FC

Succoring PSG to their much awaited French title since 1994, Zlatan was extraordinary last season . The 31 year old controversial Swedish striker piled 35 goals, last season and proved value for money for his transfer from the Italian giants to the new land of football in Paris . The languid and agile striker that he is, he has crafted the reputation as one of world’s best target man or one-man striker of the current generation and clearly deserves to be in top 10 in the list.

Accolades: Ligue1 Champion, Trophée des Champions trophy

Personal highs

a.     Zlatan was awarded with the Ligue 1 player of the year title.

b.    He was the assists leader with a total of 7 assists in the 2012-13 UCL tournament

c.     He scored twice in the second half for PSG to help them rebound from 2–0 down at half-time to salve a 2–2 home draw with Lorient in the opening 2012–13 Ligue 1 match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X33nY4a2d-w

d.    He scored a fantastic hat-trick in a 4–0 away win against Valenciennes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjm18abIxhI

e.     He scored both of PSG's goals in the Ligue 1 Le Classique derby at the Stade Vélodrome, with the match finishing 2–2.This included the famous Taekwondo kick goal and a curling freekick that went in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dve1xE6tWpI

      4.   Robert Lewandowski (POL) – Borussia Dortmund

The pole is undoubtedly one of the best strikers around and it was a roller coaster ride last year, his tournament high reaching with 4 goals against Real Madrid in a UCL semifinals. He belongs to the age-old class of strikers, the likes of Bergkamp, Owen and Raul. The soft first touches, smart positioning, timely sprints and spot-on finishing are characteristics of all these players. This is quite in contrast to the typical lone striker we find in Europe, the likes of Falcao, Benzema, Mandzukic, Zlatan and Torres. Lewandowksi, has time and again proven that he is a match winner and last season, he was a vital part of the second best European team in the world, the Schwarzgelbens, scoring a personal goal tally of 36.

Achievements: Bundesliga-2^nd , UCL finalist, 2013 DFL-Supercup winner

Personal high:

a.     Lewandowski became the first player to score all the four goals in a Champions League semifinal as Dortmund beat Spanish champions Real Madrid 4–1 in the first leg.     

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYoVTJr2MlY

b.    He scored at the dying minutes of the CL group stages defeating Ajax by 1-0.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxSYdiYST9k

       5. Lionel Messi (ARG) – FC Barcelona

Well no explanation needed here we guess! We would rather just say that Messi is arguably the best player in this planet currently, with only CR7 proving to giving him stiff competition. If we were to let this award go to the best player on a technical and personal-impact based analysis, Messi would have to just open his gate at the next doorbell and the award would be waiting there! But we need to realize that there is a little more to football than achieving personal feats. Bayern’s emergence as the new powerhouse of European football might offer challenges to his claim over the award. Having said this, it still becomes logic-bound to quote him as the favourite to grab the award with a mammoth personal goal tally of 60 and leading the Catalans to yet another La Liga title and a UCL semifinal finish.

Achievements: La Liga-1^st , UCL semifinalist,

Personal highs:

a.     Messi scored two goals, and aided the fourth, to help Barcelona defeat A.C. Milan (4–0) in the 2nd leg of their Champions League game and reach the quarter-finals. He became the 2nd all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, (excluding qualifying rounds). Messi's opening goal against Milan compared by critics to Maradona's famous goal against Greece in the 1994 World Cup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg7lQlf72JQ

b.    He won the FIFA Ballon d’Or for a 4^th time.

c.     He scored 4 goals in a 5–1 win against Osasuna, including his 200th goal in La Liga, becoming the 8th player and the youngest player to do so

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozs9cNKsLy0

d.    He scored twice against Real Betis, his 85th and 86th goals in 2012, surpassing Müller's milestone of 85 goals scored in a calendar year in 1972 with Bayern Munich and the German national team, as well as surpassing Rodríguez's record for most league goals for Barcelona

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RJNAwFcBmk

e.     He scored for the 19th consecutive La Liga game, netting Barcelona's second goal at Celta de Vigo and thus becoming the first footballer in La Liga's history to score in consecutive matches against every team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd06hXr5g7c

      6. Thomas Müller (GER) – FC Bayern München

As the commentators often quote: “There are two Mullers who have marked their names in the history of German football, the first, the legendary Gerd and the next, the young Thomas”.One of the key Bayern players this season, Muller offers flexibility in terms of attacking roles for the club. Traditionally a winger, we could often spot him in the centre of the midfield in a wide role, in the hole and even as the target striker. There are only a few players who can offer such versatility in terms of attacking outlook. This coupled with his penchant for goals (22 last season) keeps him in the league of best players this year.

Achievements: Bundesliga-1^st , UCL winners, DFB Pokal Cup-Historic Treble

Personal highs:

a.     Muller netted a brace against the recently promoted Fortuna Düsseldorf in their 5-0 victory, registering their 8^th consecutive win in the league

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIINFFNJl2o

b.    He scored a vital goal against arch rivals, Borussia Dortmund helping the Die Rotens seize the DFL Supercup

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqWW3zQdfBc

c.     He scored 2 goals and assisted a goal against the promising FC Barcelona at Allianz Arena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWHnWuCsZuA

d.    He scored yet another goal against the mighty Catalans in the return leg, sealing the dreams of another UCL finals for Barcelona

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AL8JIDvxAk

e.     He scored a penalty in the final of the 2012-13 DFB Pokal final against Stuttgart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kod-FkGb7vI

      7.       Franck Ribéry (FRA) – FC Bayern München

“I think I’ve done everything to be the world’s best player. I’ve played a very, very good season. It’s either now or never for winning this prize. I can’t play any better than this”. This was his message to the Bundesliga official website and it only becomes logically justified to nod in acceptance to this claim of his. Franck Ribery has been the face of the attacking threat of the historic treble winning Bayern Munich team this year. It would have been a daunting task for Bayern to do without him. His experience coupled with his immaculate attacking sense was leveraged perfectly by the Die Rotens this season. His season ended with a tally of 10 goals and 14 assists thus part of c.25% of FCBs goals. He was the highest assist contributor for Bayern Munich and key indicators like successful dribbles per game (4.5) and key passes per game (3.2), site him in a league of his own. He was remarkable with his runs in the flank and efficient defensively, also clocking the highest playing time for an attacker in the Bundesliga. His creativity and close control is world class, comparable to the likes of Iniesta with a wider range of crossing, tackling and aggressive abilities. He was in the peak of his form and eventually becoming pivotal in helping Bayern claim the historic treble. Ribery might have grown older, but his magic can still be seen on the field and for the contributions last season, he truly deserves a top-spot finish in this race for personal glory.

Achievements: Bundesliga-1^st , UCL winners, DFB Pokal Cup-Historic Treble

Personal highs:

a.     Ribery played a vital role in the UCL finals, creating both the goals for Bayern Munich.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6a45aHFf2Q

b.    He was voted Bundesliga Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.

c.     He scored a late contender for ‘Goal of the season’ as Bayern Munich came from behind to end their triumphant Bundesliga campaign with a 4-3 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. He also provided 2 assists and scored another goal in the same clash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ro0kEW5W1A

d.    He displayed a top-class performance in the 4-0 bashing of Barcelona. Ribery had a beautiful assist and a cross which was tapped in by Pique to his credit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHbkoUrE4W0

      9.  ArjenRobben (NED) – FC Bayern München

There would not be many in the lot who would not have thought that this man was already done. In the last two years, Robben had the plight of facing 4 major cup losses, 2 CL finals, 1 WC final and a DFB Pokal final. Rewind last year, and this man had the opportunity to ship the champions league trophy to the land of Munich and alas it was a penalty that went amiss, shattering the hopes of millions of Munich fans around. Come what may, it was as if he had decided that this year, he was making up for it. “Everyone told me I'd score the winning goal” is what Robben had to say after the finals. In a dramatic way, he ended up scoring in both the legs of the CL semi final clash against Barcelona and in the final, where he set up Mandzukic for a goal and later scored one for himself, receiving the Man of the Match by UEFA in the UCL finals at Wembley. Eventhough injury kept him out of a lot of matches in the season, justifying his lower goal tally of 13 goals, when the team demanded of his quality, he did not shun away from that. The attacking talisman of Bayern Munich justifies his position in the top 10 players of Europe in all possible ways.
Achievements: Bundesliga-1^st , UCL winners, DFB Pokal Cup-Historic Treble

Personal highs:

a.     Robben put forth a man of the match performance at the UCL finals against Dortmund. He scored a goal and also set Mandzukic up for another goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6a45aHFf2Q

b.    He scored in both the legs of the UCL semi finals against Barcelona. His movement in the flanks and the centre of the pitch, constantly disturbed the Barcelona defense, proving critical to the victory in both the legs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qriKhvPdA7k

c.     He scored a beauty, a curling kick at the corner, against Borussia in the quarter finals against Borussia Dortmund, eliminating them from the DFB Pokal tournament.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2nUl8PPJak

            9. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER) – FC Bayern München

 If Bayern were to identify their diving force or its engine, they would all look for the No.31 jersey, in the midfield. A true gem in the current era of midfielders, it has been a long wait for him to grab the ultimate silverware. It wasn’t a year ago when Schweinsteiger missed the crucial penalty that gifted Chelsea a UCL trophy. But little did people know that he would come back as one of the most threatening midfield forces in Europe. Eventhough, he was struck with an ankle problem that left him injured till about winter, he quickly adapted to the crucial orchestrator role for Bayern Munich. He perfectly combined with Javi Martinez, to develop into a formidable threat in the midfield and eventually the duo successfully cracked the toughest Xavi-Iniesta-TikiTaka midfield code. This was crucial in fueling the 7-0 bashing of Barcelona, helping steer the Die Rotens to the UCL finals. One of the most prolific midfielders of the generation, he personifies versatility. From deep in the defense, he is the one who can orchestrate a whole move and can feed those critical crosses and through balls. One can see him play CB, RWB, CDM, CAM and even on the right flank popping his head out to spot Mandzukic, Muller or Ribery. A true fighter by nature, he is the one they would look upto for any kind of inspiration and coach Heynckes has labeled him as the “Best midfielder in the world currently”. Combined with Martinez, they were the key pillars on which the Bayern team was built upon. Last season, Schweinsteiger gathered 9 goals and 7 assists with an amazing pass accuracy of 87.3% in the UCL tournament. The official Bundesliga site label him as the ‘Leader of the year’ and undoubtedly deserves a spot in the top 10 European players for this season.
Achievements: Bundesliga-1^st , UCL winners, DFB Pokal Cup-Historic Treble

Personal highs:

a.     Scored the backheel flick goal against Eintracht Frankfurt which sealed the Bundesliga title for Bayern

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUBsua_Jy3s

b.    Scored a header in the 6-1 lashing against Stuttgart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KLqFQP_G5g

      

            10. Robin van Persie (NED) – Manchester United
 

One of the most tempestuous of transfer sagas, Arsenal’s ex-talismanic striker who made a switch to Manchester United, continued his goal scoring form and proved critical in lifting united above their derby rivals, city. The latter quarter of the season was a goal-draught season for RVP also inflicted by a hip injury. He ended these bad days in style with an impressive hat-trick agains Aston Villa, sealing the EPL title for Fergie’s Manchester United. With a goal tally of 26 and scoring critical and seemingly impossible goals against all major rival clubs in the premier league, he was the difference United had over City to clinch their 20^th domestic PL title.
Achievements: EPL-1^st

a. RVP scored his first hat-trick for United in their 3–2 victory over Southampton, helping pull United back from an initial 2–1 deficit. The match also witnessed the 100^th PL goal for Robin Van Persie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFBZlfj2enI

b. He scored a dramatic stoppage time winner from a free kick in a 3–2 victory over Manchester City, his Manchester Derby debut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaVUmRUv4WQ

c. He netted an impressive first-half hat-trick against Aston Villa, confirming Manchester United's 20th league title with four games in hand. His second goal in the match was one of his career best, a diagonal volley from a long range cross by Rooney.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr2fWhQkw_4

Ultimate shortlist

Well the next round of shortlist for the final 3 has already been announced on Aug 6^th 2013, and we at Sheer Football are eagerly waiting for the final result to update you with more information on this. This is the list in the ascending order of the rankings.

•       Lionel Messi

•       Frank Ribery

•       Cristiano Ronaldo

•       Arjen Robben

•       Robert Lewandowski

•       Thomas Muller

•       Bastian Schweinsteiger

•       Gareth Bale

•       Zlatan Ibrahimovic

•       Robin Van Persie

Top 3

This year like any year has been record breaking and goal scoring for Lionel Messi. Messi magic was seen at many vital instances, reinstating the statement that he is the world’s best player. Eventhough his performace was not sufficient to lead the Catalans to any other trophy except La Liga, his personal statistics keep him right at the top of the European players of the season.

Franck Ribery has been the hero of the season and undoubtedly he deserves a final 3 finish for his performance that helped Bayern claim the historic treble. We think this was one of his best seasons and he was the most important link in the whole Bayern Munich framework. Eventhough Bayern is not a one-man team, rather a collective effort of a lot of star players, we think Ribery has been outstanding this season. Given the fact that he has achieved the historic treble with Bayern, he stands a very high chance to land the award.

CR7, again like Messi had many moments of personal glory, but couldn’t register any major silverware last season. Scoring the highest number of goals in the UCL competition and the expectedly high league goal tally, he naturally figures in the top 3 stars of Europe this season.

The attacking talisman of Bayern, the big game player that he is finds Robben slightly missing out on a podium finish. Eventhough he pitched in at critical times, an analysis based on an entire season dilutes his year end performances. He was often struck with injury and missed out on many matches in the beginning of 2013 season.

The Pole’s influential performance was not sufficient enough to outplay the Bayern Munich in the CL and the DFB Pokal quarter finals. His striking ability and his laudable performance against  Real Madrid places him below his Bayern stars in the 5^th position. 

Thomas Muller, another star in the treble winning team has a glorious personal tally with him and places him 6^th in the list.
We also think it is fair to give Bastian Schweinsteiger a 7^th place, for being Bayern’s motor in their run for the treble. The Bayern orchestrator played a pivotal role in the successful Die Roten season last year and proves time and again that he is one of the top midfielders of his era.

The young Bale, touted as the next big thing has been the best player of EPL and his rather commendable single-handed performance for Spurs, places him 8^th in list.

Zlatan, the French hero of the season failed to steer PSG across the Barcelona quarter final barrier in the UCL tournament. His success, last season was limited to France winning the Ligue1 alone, failing to win Coupe de France as well.

Robin Van Persie, although shined as a striker for Manchester United failed to achieve anything beyond the PL title. Manchester United was eliminated by Real Madrid in the pre-quarter finals and also failed to win the FA Cup last season. 

Final Verdict

We will have to wait till August 29^th to know who grabs home this much desired accolade. We think, this year the award will go to the French icon- Franck Ribery. For all what he has done for the Die Roten while winning the historic treble and for his brilliant attacking and defensive gameplays, we feel he might win it over Messi. Obviously Messi remains the favourite owing to his mammoth goals tally and personal feats, but his impact in his team has not transformed into silverware and this might very much against him n the final voting rounds. Messi, despite his first-class season, failed to deliver at key moments in various tournaments and this justly overshadows the personal glory of the world’s best player.CR7 would be ranked 3^rd only following Ribery and Messi. This is primarily attributed to the lack of any major silverware this season. Well this is what we think! Let us have a vote on who you think would finally grab this much coveted award!

Sheer vote is running live! Vote for your Ultimate European star for the 2012-13 season!