Kould Koz Be on His Way?/Mad for Madjid/Cesc Saga Continues/ and US Player Breakdown III

For those of you who were trying to give central defender Laurent Koscielny from the French League team Lorient a proper nickname- as his given is hard to memorize - I have it. He's Koz - not as in Bill- mind you. Not terribly original but catchy I think. I thought of Laurie but already figured that it would be too girlie - even for a French player (I didn't mean that). Anyway, it sounds like a done deal as Wenger and the Lorient coach and only the final price needs to be agreed on. I'm thinking Koz is the player Wenger stated was going to be signed before the Cup was over...



If not,


perhaps it could be the Algerian/Rangers Defender Madjid Bougherra who received accolades from Wenger for his performance against England. "Madman" (another great nickname people) was one of the reasons Rooney and Terry both had difficulties. Look at the pic...Rooney looks like a scared Muppet. Madman stands his ground. Pretty reasonable to expect as he's 6'3" and near 200 pounds. Hard to push him off the ball. I don't think Arsenal are actually going to pursue him, I'm just saying...nice idea. Let's give Koz a chance - he's 6'1" and a wiry 167. He may read the game well just like Vermie. Dimensions aren't everything remember?

Elsewhere - sigh - Barcelona continue to pour gas on the Cesc fire this time by stating that Arsenal will "give in" on the selling of our Captain. FIFA and UEFA are ignoring the Spanish giants as usual. I'm hoping that the cosmos allows justice to ensue even without the ruling authorities' involvement. Spain failing spectacularly at the Cup would help. It would be just the start. Having Barcelona have all their loans called in leading them to financial ruin would help too. What about Xavi, Joan and Sandi all coming down with huge herpie warts all over their mouths...the representation of their insidious oral malfeasance. Okay, okay...I'll stop. Just saying. To make matters worse, arseblogger reported today of ITV commentator Peter Drury introduced Cesc as he came on as a sub against Honduras as a Barfelona player. How many non-idiots are out there? Raise your hands please. Harumph. Just as I thought. Three.

To end things today is Part III of the US Player Breakdown. Just two players today in preparation for our HUGE game tomorrow. What remains are two forwards. Before we start, just a word that Landon Donovan was listed by me as a midfielder. He can be an attacking midfielder or a forward depending on the formation. Okay clarification over...let's get going.



Jozy Altidore - Jozy, I was surprised to learn, is only 20 years old. He seems older when he plays which is encouraging. He played well in the second half last week against Slovenia. He's currently on loan to Hull City of the English Premier..oops no, they just got relegated (hee-hee - sorry but I have no love for that team) to the Championship level. He as on loan there from Villareal and came to them from the New York Red Bulls. I think if Jozy has a good Cup, he could stay in Europe, get some playing time and develop into quite a player. Youth is on his side.


The other forward to keep an eye on is Robbie Findley. Robbie plays for the MLS in Utah for Real Salt Lake. He was, I gather, a bit of s surprise pick but coach Bradley stands by his decision based on Robbie's superior performances in the training camp and qualification rounds. He's new to international play and is 24, so if he does not do well this Cup, youth will not be a fall back excuse for him.

Okay, that's it for today. The French are on their way to losing to South Africa...no one is shocked at that I don't think. But it has given me an idea about how money doesn't inspire...loyalty does. More on that tomorrow but of course, the main even is at 9:00 AM CST as the USA look to WIN BIG against Algeria. Until then...