One to Watch – Carlos Tevez

Name: Carlos Tevez

Date of Birth: 5/2/1984

Nationality: Argentina

Former Clubs: Boca Juniors, Corinthians, West Ham, Man Utd

League Appearances (Goals): 283 (126)

International Appearances (Goals): 59 (13)

Stat of the Day: Carlos Tevez has scored seven goals in eight domestic games against Chelsea with all Premier League clubs he has played for

Player Profile: Carlos Tevez`s infamous story would surely be better suited to the laughable events that regularly occur at Loftus Road, yet Manchester City proudly take ownership of this remarkable footballing anecdote. The attractive Premier League striker has gone from City villain to leading frontman and with usual world-class striker Sergio Aguero out injured, Tevez will now fill the vacancy of the City defence destroyer. Now lean, fitter and a stone lighter having presumably left his golf clubs back in Argentina, the explosive striker will play a key part in City`s defence of their Premier League title. The scar-faced football mercenary has cooked up plenty of controversy throughout his world travels and doesn`t look like ending his frivolous actions any time soon.

When he`s not refusing to play, holding up ‘RIP Fergie` banners or caddying at The Open, Tevez is a damn fine footballer. Possessing the flair and panache of a world-class player, his added and enviable work rate has endeared him to fans wherever he has played. Towards the end of his Manchester United career, it was his lack of goals as opposed to his selflessness and willingness to vacate central positions to create space for others that was, for him, unfortunately highlighted. His movement and readiness to interchange positions makes him an excellent leader and one of the most revered footballers in the world.

Player History:

Carlos Tevez was always going to be a star, having made his professional debut at the tender age of 16 for Boca Juniors. He exploded onto the scene, finishing up with a scoring ratio of better than one in three games at Los Xeneizes and finished garlanded with medals having won the Copa Scudamerocana, the Intercontinental Cup, the Primera Division and the Copa Libertadores. Having scored 26 goals in 75 appearances at Boca, he joined Brazilian side Corinthians in January 2005 for £13.7 million. He won the Serie A with his new side and finished off his time in South America a history maker as he was named the continent`s Player of the Season three years in succession.

In August 2006 it was reported Tevez had refused to play for Corinthians and a week later it was confirmed he had signed for West Ham in a shocking double swoop for the club along with Javier Mascherano. Tevez was instrumental in keeping West Ham up, scoring in a 1-0 victory over Man Utd on the last day of the season. His time at Upton Park was littered with tantrums and controversies, and he was at the centre of an on-going dispute over the ownership of both himself and Mascherano.

After his lengthy transfer saga, Tevez eventually signed for Manchester United in 2007. Despite his apparent lack of goals, it was his work ethic and willingness to play for the team that endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful. Despite his 19 goals in 63 appearances, 2 Premier League titles, League Cup, Community Shield, Champions League and Club World Cup winners medals, the Argentinian committed the cardinal sin of moving across town and he joined Manchester City in 2009 on a free.

His time at City has been both fruitful and controversial, as his 50 league goals have been overshadowed by clashes with ex-manager Alex Ferguson, his infamous refusal to come off the bench in a Champions League tie against Bayern Munich in 2011 and his insistence he would eventually leave The Etihad. He now in somewhat surprising circumstances finds himself a key member of Mancini`s squad and is looking to continue a simply sensational career.

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