Friday, July 20, 2007

Ivan Helguera joins Valencia


Its been a pre-season at Madrid of more names leaving than joining the squad. As a part of their squad revamp new coach Schuster has brought in Pepe and Metzelder in defense and out goes one of the stalwarts of Real, Ivan Helguera.

Helguera played for 8 years at Madrid and made over 250 appearances in the White shirt. The 32 year old was deemed surplus last year when Capello brought in Cannavaro, but as a part of the Spanish contingent ended up playing close to 30 games. There was a claim from a host of clubs in the premiership that they wanted Helguera last year.

Though he is not a composed centre back, he is aggressive in the air especially in set pieces. I remember him well in the early part of his career with Madrid Vincente Del Bosque the then coach always used to rely on him to play in multiple positions including the dreaded defensive midfielder slot.

He has put pen to paper at Valencia for 3 years and will be replacing another big name Roberto Ayala who left for Zaragosa.

Meanwhile Real presented their next signing Jersey Dudek from Liverpool. He will be the second keeper to Casillas as Real earlier sold Diego Lopez to Villareal.

The Spanish media claim that Robben has agreed personal terms with Real and it is just the negotiations between the two clubs on his price that is delaying the most talked about signing. Real coach claimed that the Robben deal will be done in a couple of days.

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