NEYMAR NEEDS A STUD BUT SAKO HAS THE CRYSTALS

Neymar, the Brazilian, Barca forward will face Manchester City, in England soon, as his team has drawn City, in the Champions League, at the Etihad, on February 16^th . He nearly signed for City two years ago but was demanding, in his contract, special boots to cope with the English mud and pitches, bloody cheek. The City executive were amazed when he made his demand and withdrew from the queue of clubs chasing Neymar's signature.The last time he played against City for Barca was last season, when he came on with 16 minutes to go replacing Sanchez. The playing surface in Manchester was pristine and unlikely to have spoiled his footwear. But if he wants attention to detail, then he has certainly made his mark.

On the other hand, Bakary Sako, the 26 year old Mali international, was so excited about his 100^th appearance that he had made Swarovski Crystal embedded boots, in Wolves colours with his name and 100 inscribed on the side. How's that for class? He played at Griffin Park at Brentford, on a pretty good surface, lost 0-4 and didn't trouble the score board and by all accounts, has not exactly been regarded as a regular in the side since. The jewel in the Wolves' crown? I think not.

Apparently the Brentford groundstaff were seen attending the pitch late into the evening after the game, heads down, sifting through the grass cuttings.