The Frankly Football All Good-Pickup Team for 2009-2010.

We all went through the Summer of 2009, with all the crazy transfer activity, and gushed over how great this move was for Team A or how this team will be sorry for buying Player X. Now that the club season is over (save for a really important game on May 22nd), it's time to take a look at the team of players who panned out the best.

I was going to make this a team of players that were purchased, but decided to qualify players who were either playing on loan or arrived on a free as well. As the season was winding down to a close, I was able to narrow things down to about 25 players for the 11 places. Some positions were certainly harder to fill that others.

Real Madrid had an awfully heavy influence in the 2009 Summer transfer market. Six out of eleven players that were part of Real Madrid's transactions make this list, pretty staggering when you consider that many other players had good seasons in their new homes.

This season's Good Pickup team also suggests if you want to win the UEFA Champions League, you better be ready to buy. 5 players on this team play for the two finalists, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

After really looking closer at things, I left all Manchester City arrivals off the list as well. While you'd think Carlos Tevez would be a shoo-in, a couple other strikers stepped in and scored more meaningful goals in the campaign. If I had a bench, Tevez would be on it. Kolo Toure was another consideration, as was Gareth Barry. If they cracked the top 4, at least one of them would have been included. In fact, the lowest ranked team from any league represented is Napoli, who finished 6th in Serie A.

Alright, I am done blabbing about who didn't make it, here is your 2009-2010 all good pickup team. As decided by me, in a 4-4-2 setup:

GOALKEEPER: Morgan de Sanctis
Napoli from Sevilla
This was a pretty difficult position to find. Most of the teams who were successful this season to one degree or another didn't rely on a new custodian. If you go back to Summer 2009, one would not have been unreasonable in projecting up-and-coming Spaniard Sergio Asenjo to win this position. However he flopped and lost out to his backup, who went on to win the Europa League. De Sanctis came cheap, under 2 million Euros, and he delivered 15 clean sheets, as well as a 6th place finish to qualify Napoli for the Europa League next season. His performances merited him a callup to the Italian National provisional squad for the World Cup.


DEFENDER: Gabriel Heinze
Marseille from Real Madrid
Didier Deschamps brought in 11 new players in the Summer of 2009 to strengthen his squad, and Heinze was a rock in defense for them (don't laugh United and Real supporters. Marseille's GAA in Ligue 1 was 0.95 per game). A regular in the team that won French Ligue 1. In addition, he has six goals to his credit this campaign.

DEFENDER: Lucio
Inter Milan from Bayern Munich
It probably helps his cause that arguably the World's best goalkeeper plays behind him for club and country, but Lucio is easily a better option in the center of the Nerazzurri defense than an aging and erratic Marco Materazzi. Helped to marshall an Inter defense that was best in Italy this season and has been key in the Champions League run-up.

DEFENDER: Raul Albiol
Real Madrid from Valencia
While the attention was on superstars like Ronaldo, Kaka, and Benzema, Raul Albiol was a safe purchase for Florentino Perez and proved a source of stability in the Real Madrid defense, making 41 total appearances. Part of a defense who recorded the 2nd fewest goals against in La Liga this season and had to do much of it without Pepe from Portugal, who missed a huge portion of the season through injury.

DEFENDER: Aly Cissokho
Lyon from FC Porto
Much is made about the performances that Lisandro Lopez and Michel Bastos had for Les Gones in their first season, but I was quite impressed with Cissokho's first run through Stade Gerland. Funny how he ended up in Lyon, as AC Milan actually had a deal in place to sign him first. However, he failed his physical, as there was something in his teeth that indicate potential for spinal trouble (a spinal cord specialist needs to explain this to me). Milan's loss was Lyon's gain, as Cissokho appeared in 48 matches in all competitions. Included in that were all 14 matches of Lyon's memorable run through the Champions League semifinals.

WINGER: Arjen Robben
Bayern Munich from Real Madrid
Arrivals of the new cast of Los Galacticos in Madrid meant that Dutch winger Arjen Robben would be surplus to requirements. A nice surplus indeed, as Robben has played his way into 2010 World Player of the Year discussions (Messi still has an edge, but Robben should be invited as of now). His arrival in Bavaria meant the introduction of Robbery, the combination of Robben and Franck Ribery occupying the flanks.The Dutchman ended up having one of his best seasons, scoring 23 times in all competitions, including some breathtaking finishes to see off Fiorentina and Manchester United in the Champions League. His individual performances have the German outfit on the doorstep of the Treble.

MIDFIELDER: Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid from Liverpool
I'm probably going to get some arguments about this one, most coming from those who think Gareth Barry should make this list. However, I'll go with Alonso for the simple fact that he and Lassanna Diarra were essential in gluing the Madrid midfield together. Aside from their struggles with Barcelona, Milan, and Lyon, Los Merengues were as dominant as you can be without winning anything. Alonso's tackling and ball-winning abilities were useful for The White House, and sorely missed by Liverpool.

MIDFIELDER: Wesley Sneijder
Inter Milan from Real Madrid
I'll continue with another player who was surplus at Real Madrid, and is playing his way into the World Player of the Year discussion. Sneijder seemed to be a perfect fit for the Nerazzurri from the start. A link between the hardline midfield stoppers and the flashy stikers that Jose Mourinho had on offer. Sneijder was dangerous from a variety of positions on the pitch, creating and scoring goals alike this season. 8 goals in all competitions for the Dutchman who, like Robben, has Inter at the doorstep of a Treble.

WINGER: Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid from Manchester United
If you wanted any indication of how valuable Ronaldo was to Los Merengues this season, just have a look at the first Sevilla game and the two Milan games where he was out through injury. No wins, two defeats, and a draw. Add the first of the two Clasicos where he tried to come back and was ineffective after attempting to play for 60 minutes. Nothing changed with the former World Player of the Year. 33 goals in all competitions and in a variety of ways.

FORWARD: Ivica Olic
Bayern Munich from Hamburg
Meet the only player on this list who was not purchased. Olic arrived on a free, and the Croatian International scored 20 goals in all competitions. You tell me a goal that Carlos Tevez scored this season that was more valuable than either of the goals Olic netted against Manchester United, or the hat trick against Lyon............... don't worry I'll wait...........................

FORWARD: Diego Milito
Inter Milan from Genoa
Diego Milito caught everyone's attention with his performances for Genoa last season, most importantly the attention of Jose Mourinho. 28 goals in all competitions this season, and many thought that Samuel Eto'o would be the new Inter striker to make this list. Perhaps none more important than the cool finish in Siena to win Inter a 5th consecutive Serie A title. Milito also netter the winner in the Coppa Italia final over Roma.

So there you have it, the team of good pickups for 2009-2010. Someone get snubbed? You have a different list than mine? You're more than welcome to drop a comment.

Shot From Distance 5.14.2010: Leo out at Milan.

Doing my usual checking of sites that I trust, I arrive to find out that first year manager Leonardo will mutually part ways with AC Milan after their final regular season match with Juventus.

This is an expected outcome, and one that was seen by yours truly, just last summer.

Carlo Ancelotti knew that the writing was on the wall, that Kaka needed to be sold to balance the books, and there would not be a lot of funds for summer transfers in 2009. Ancelotti had to decide whether he had done everything he could at Milanello and take on a new challenge, or stick around for a massive rebuilding project that likely wouldn't really get underway until 2010-11. Chelsea was far more attractive, because the squad is setup for a run at multiple titles, and was backed by an owner that could spend immediately on reinforcements to replace aging stars like Michael Ballack and Deco. A far more attractive proposition than to manage a side that would have to absorb at least one year of transition before being able to rebuild their squad.

Stands to reason why an manager with no experience, like Leonardo, was appointed to the San Siro hot seat. No manager in the upper echelon would have been willing to walk into this situation. My guess is the phone conversation with a world-class coach went something like this:

"Hello, this is Adriano Galliani. We would like you to manage AC Milan this season. You interested? Great! Now, I must warn you that our long-time captain is retired and there is no talking him out of that. In addition, we have to sell our best player to Spain in order to balance the books. Having said that, there aren't going to be a lot of funds available to reinforce the squad, just a Dutch striker that struggled to get into the Spanish team we sold our best player to. Oh, and we'll be bringing in that over 30-something Brit in January. You know, the one that's playing in America right now. Still interested? Hello? Hello? Damn. Mr. Berlusconi, cross another one off the list."

By Galliani's own admission, he had to convince Leonardo to come in and manage this scrap heap. And he had to be thinking in the back of his mind all along that this would be a one-and-done situation. It became the perfect solution. Bring in a man with no experience. If he succeeds, it's a masterstroke by the upper management at Milanello. If he fails, well, he's inexperienced and that's where the problems started. Leo was brought in to keep it glued together, and keep their place in the UEFA Champions League.

What ended up happening with the 2009-2010 edition of AC Milan was simple. Leonardo, in his first year managing at any level, became a symbol of stability in a wildly inconsistent season for the Rossoneri. The preseason and first Milan derby, all told, were a disaster. It really hit rock bottom in a home loss to FC Zurich in the UEFA Champions League. Everyone was calling for Leo's head, blaming his inexperience as a manager as you would expect. Then, something happened in Spain. They went to play Kaka and Real Madrid, and against all expectations, stormed out 3-2 winners. It ignited a string of positive results, with brilliant attacking displays along the way. Suddenly, Milan had the look of a team that could contend for the Serie A title, though the Champions League was still going to be a bit out of reach. And despite being thrashed by Manchester United in the knockouts of the Champions League, they were within touching distance of Inter for top spot in Serie A. Injuries to key players like Alexandre Pato and Alessandro Nesta would suddenly curb their title challenge, but Leo kept the team together, and guided them to that 3rd place and automatic Champions League spot for next season.

To sum it up, Leonardo proved his worth as manager this season. He walked into a thankless situation and can walk out with his head held high. Leonardo simply exceeded expectations that the world footballing audience had for this Milan team. He got the best out of Ronaldinho (though it remains to be seen if Dinho was simply motivated to get a World Cup place with Brazil, and how he'll play now that he didn't). Thiago Silva played his way into being one of the best central defenders in the world. Ignazio Abate became a servicable right back, despite his natural winger position. And Marco Borriello flourished in his 4-3-3 system to the point where he earned a callup to Italy's World Cup provisional roster. There are many things that the Brazilian can be proud of in his one season in charge, it's just a pity he won't be staying around for Milan's rebuilding.

So, Mr. Galliani, Leo kept it together. Now make that call to a manager who can push Milan forward.

Shot From Distance 5.13.2010: 5 Who should be on World Cup Rosters, and 5 who shouldn't.

Now we know the provisional rosters for most of the power teams that are going to the World Cup. Managers have selected anywhere from 23 (the number they are allowed to take) to 30. The headache now for the likes of Fabio Capello, Vicente Del Bosque, Marcello Lippi, Dunga, and Diego Maradona is who to leave behind. After reading up on each of the rosters, there are suprising omissions, as well as surprise selections. Here is a rundown of who got screwed, and who should be lucky to be in a World Cup camp.

5 Players who should be on a Provisional World Cup Roster.

1. Esteban Cambiasso, Argentina: Diego Maradona seriously must not want Argentina to win the World Cup. Cambiasso is an engine room midfielder that would be a far more perfect fit for the Argentine setup than Javier Mascherano. Cambiasso organizes a midfield, connects with his defenders for compactness, and is not a ticking time bomb like Mascherano. Maradona could have had a Cambiasso-Mascherano holding midfield to do the dirty work, to free up the likes of Messi, Tevez, and Aguero to attack. Need more evidence? See the brilliant performance he turned in for his club, Inter, over Barcelona in the Champions League.
2. Joao Moutinho, Portugal: Club teammate Pedro Mendes gets in over him, as does an aging Deco. While the latter makes sense from an experience and leadership standpoint, I would have thought Moutinho would have been a good selection here. He's a versatile midfield player mostly known for his playmaking with Sporting Lisbon, and gave a decent account at Euro 2008 (had an assist in a group win over Turkey).
3. Antonio Nocerino, Italy: While many will be stewing over the omission of Francesco Totti, I thought Nocerino deserved a call-up. Lippi seems to be going straight 4-3-3 all the way which will not require the need of a link between the midfield and forwards. Nocerino would have been a nice fit in the engine room of the midfield. He has done well as captain of the many Azzurrini teams through the years, and was part of a Palermo side that made considerable improvement throughout the season. He's viewed as Gattuso's heir apparent, and probably should have gotten a chance over the veteran, considering the lack of games Gattuso got with Milan this season.
4. Thomas Hitzlsperger, Germany: To me this is a surprising omission from Joachim Low, perhaps this is because Hitzlsperger only made 3 appearnces for Lazio since transferring over in January from Stuttgart. Still, he appeared in every qualifier except one and started in each of the knockout rounds in Euro 2008.
5. Phillipe Mexes, France: The French are complaining mainly about the omissions of players like Karim Benzema, Patrick Vieira, and Samir Nasri. While all three of these are deserving to be in any France setup (under a manager who isn't crazy), I was surprised to see Mexes get snubbed. Rod Fanni from Rennes made the provisional squad, as did a William Gallas who can't seem to stay fit.

*Honorable mention to Uruguay's Christian Rodriguez, who was left out because he has to serve a 2-match International ban. I probably would have taken him if I'm Oscar Washington Tabarez because he could be influential in that third match (against Mexico), to set up Forlan and Suarez, and help Uruguay to the knockout rounds.*

5 Who Hopefully will not get on the plane to South Africa:

1. Gennaro Gattuso, Italy: And it really pains me to say it, because he is one of my all time favorite Milan players. The Snarling Dog has hardly gotten a sniff for Milan this season, and who knows if he will be able to discover his form in time for the World Cup. I mentioned that Nocerino would have been a better call, Luca Cigarini would have made sense too.
2. Jamie Carragher, England: Far be it for me to criticize Fabio Capello and his thought process, but why bring a player out of retirement at a position that you are already deep at? Rio and Terry will start, and you have cover with Ledley King, Michael Dawson, and Matthew Upson. Carragher might be going to South Africa at the expense of King, Dawson, or Upson. But if this was just to bring Carra into camp, Phil Jones of Blackburn might have been a better option for the experience.
3. Grafite, Brazil: Dunga goes with a striker who has only made 2 senior appearances, instead of any one of Ronaldinho, Pato, or Adriano. The expectation is that this is going to be a more tactically rigid Brazil team, and Dunga didn't want to overload on playmakers. Still, Ronaldinho would have been a more sensible choice here to give some playmaking and width late in a match.
4. Martin Palermo, Argentina: He's 36! And there are already far better options in attack with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, and Gonzalo Higuain to name a few. Maradona's affinity for Boca Juniors is the only explanation that Palermo is on the provisional list over Lisandro Lopez, who was brilliant for Lyon this season.
5. Lukas Podolski, Germany: Low better have it right in terms of his confidence in Podolski, because Kevin Kuranyi's 18 goals for Schalke were left out.

So who do you think got snubbed, and who do you think don't belong? Hit me up with your thoughts.