Monday, May 7, 2007

Carlos Tevez

There's only one Carlos Tevez. This was the phrase echoing through out Upton Park last Saturday 05/05/2007. Carlitos Tevez was recently awarded the Hammer of Year award with a whopping 84.5% of the votes. Tevez in his short span at West Ham has become a folk hero. He has single handedly propelled West Ham's resurgence.

To anyone who has watched Tevez play - it becomes clear from minute one that he is an absolute pitbull. His tenacity and never say die attitude along with his mesmeric ball control have made him a hero in under 3 months at Upton Park in London.

His trickery earned him a free kick, by the Bolton D. He stood over the ball and curled the free kick above the wall into the top corner of the net. He celebrated wildly by running to the substitutes bench. His second goal was simple tap in, courtesy of Lois Boa Morte, simple - but deadly and accurate. He then created a chance, by crossing the ball for Noble to volley it into the back of the net. One thing about Carlitos is his gigantic heart. He gives it all. He was voted South American player of the year 3 times in a row - and now England knows exactly why. His speed, vision and finishing combined with his free-kicks is potent. During his time @ Boca, he won it all. He then transferred to Corinthians - in Brazil. The first time an Argentine had ever played in Brazil. That year Corinthians won their first Championship with Tevez spearheading the attack. He carved a story like never before. For the first-time ever, the best player in Brazil was an Argentine. Joga Bonito indeed but by an Argentine.

He now has the same effect at his third club. But now he's leading the way for survival. It took Tevez a little over 5 months to adjust to the pace and style of the English Premiership, not to forget language and cultural differences. But now under Alan Curbishley, he has been played in his right role. He has the freedom to roam - and even when he doesn't score, its hard not to notice him as he's creating the chances. A player that has an influence on a team across 2 different continents is something special. A player absolutely adored by his fans when in Brazil and now in London. Messi might be the next Maradona, but as Maradona once said "Tevez is Argentinian prophet for the 21st century".

This kid has the world at his feet. He has great finishing ability. His pace is fantastic only second to that of Messi. He dead ball skills are dangerous as he showcased with a sublime free kick. Copa America 2007 - Carlitos Tevez will be a revelation once again.

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