- Where did the Brazilian creative central midfielder go? Diego is the only recognized player of this mold right now and he can't see his way on the national team. Before him was Alex who also had a spotty international career at senior level. Juninho Pernambucano didn't get too many chances and retired from the national team in frustration. Juninho Paulista was a little more successful but Big Phil relegated him to the bench in WC 2002 when they got to the business end of the tournament. Remember Giovani WC 98? Rai WC 94? Is Socrates the last really world class attacking central midfielder from Brazil? All the class "#10s" now are from Rivaldo to Dinho to Kaka are hybrid forwards..In my gut, I feel Anderson of ManU is perfect for the position, but he is being convereted into more of defensive midfielder. Wait..actually, Brazil does have ine truly world clsss player in that position...but he plays or Portugal. Is it a question of available talent? Change in philosophy? Both?
- Argentina and the disappearance of the traditional #9. It's been gradual, but over the past decade, Argentina has been showing a much greater preference for mobile, versatile forwards with low centers of gravity like Saviola, Tevez, Messi, Kun, Lavezzi etc. The pipeline of payers like Kempes, Luque, Valdano, Batigol, Canniggia, Balbo, Crespo...hasn't disappeared, but it relatively dry compared to days gone by. Are the only truly recognizable traditional #9s Crespo, Milito and Cruz..none of which seem to be key to Argentina at the moment. Even Higuain at RM who isn't exactly small is not a RVN, Huntelaar type forward? Remember Maxi Lopez, ex-Barca, now at Moscow. He was supposed to be one for the future. Again..is it a question of available talent? Change in philosophy? Both?