Juan Roman Riquelme is back at Villarreal after no one seemed interested in taking the magic midfielder off their hands. This after he's won the Copa Libertadores for Boca Juniors almost singlehandedly and then starred for Argentina in the Copa America this summer.
His relationship with Villarreal turned sour after he missed a last minute penalty in that Champions League semi against Arsenal two seasons ago, but before that he was treated like the Yellow Submarine messiah.
Word from the Spanish club is that Riquelme will train with them but is still very much for sale. Unless no-one comes in for him before August 31st, in which case they're stuck with him. Doesn't look like Villarreal will be willing to make him the focus of the team again then. But the guy's got incredible talents, and is more than capable of being the playmaker someone else builds an entire team aorund. Look at the highlihgt video above. The man's got skills.
If Real Madrid are serious about playing some more enterprisining football in 2007/8 then they could do a lot worse than snap up Riquelme and make him the fulcrum of their attack. Alternatively, a smaller club willing to put their faith in his talent could do well, but it all depends what Villarreal's asking price is. For the sake of football fans everywhere, let's hope we get to see Riquelme in action this season.
2 Responses
Wes on 15-08-2007 at 7:01 pm
Riquelme is a very good player and I think sometimes may not have room a for a playmaker like him. I think his failure not to get a team is not to do with his ability.
matt on 15-08-2007 at 8:37 pm
is there any chance of a move to england for him? maybe united will panic and make a move…maybe everton can snag him and have the best passers this side of arsenal with him and arteta…maybe pipe dreams do come true.