[m1ke]

Change is inevitable. This is a phrase which has been spoken since nearly the beginning of time, but still holds as much meaning as it ever has.

You settle in an area where you feel comfortable. Time passes, then you move on, hoping to make your way to better surroundings, and, should you be so fortunate, to build upon the well-earned success you achieved from your previous post and dwelling. For most people this is but a dream. For the man profiled in this piece, it is becoming reality. Why, you may ask, does this move carry such significance? Well, to fully understand it, we must not only look at the past, but also at what is to come of the future.

After unspectacular but solid play with two clubs very powerful in their respective settings, he has signed a three year contract with Italian giants AC Milan. His professional debut came with Grasshopper-Club at the age of sixteen in the 1992/93 season. He thrice won the league title during his time with the Zurich-based club in seven seasons. Vogel made a total of 133 appearances with Grasshoppers, totalling 13 goals. He then moved to Dutch heavyweights PSV Eindhoven, with further success to follow. In six campaigns, he amassed four league titles, with 7 goals from 169 runs on to the pitch. Always relied on to make a crucial tackle or a probing pass, Vogel has gained a reputation as a true team player: ready, willing, and definitely able.

These accolades have not carried over to the international stage, however. He made his international debut aged eighteen in 1995, and appeared at the European Championships the next year in England. Switzerland missed out on the 1998 and 2002 World Cup finals, but did reappear at last summer’s Euro’s in Portugal. This tournament was a failure for the national team, and for Vogel in particular. In their three group matches, versus Croatia, England and France, the Swiss finished last in the group after a scoreless draw and 3-0 and 3-1 losses in sequential order. The most inauspicious match for Vogel was the opener against Croatia. He received his second yellow card in just the 50th minute, and was forced to sit out the next match in addition to being sent off.

Despite the international setbacks, things are starting to look up on both fronts. The Swiss lead their World Cup qualifying group, and one could reasonable say they will be at the next installment of the competition in Germany next summer. With the Rossoneri, competent cover for Andrea Pirlo in the center of midfield is necessary (as was evidenced on several occasions this past term), and he can also be fielded on the right side in place of Gennaro Gattuso. A player with his versatility can expect to see a fair amount of playing time, as several players will be leaving the San Siro this summer, which will make a squad place more readily available.

This meeting of club and player seemed to be written in the stars. As a boy, his footballing-idol was none other than legendary Milan midfielder Demetrio Albertini. Even though he cannot be expected to be as terrific as Albertini was, the Rossoneri supporters should see obvious similarities between the two. Albertini played for the good of Milan, and no one can doubt that Vogel is anything but a workhorse for his teammates. They also have in common a composed nature on the pitch, which is a signature of AC Milan.

When all is said and done, and Johann Vogel’s time with Milan comes to an end, we may all wonder at just how well he made the metamorphosis from mere insect to a terror for all those who oppose Milan.

Joel Whitehead

Thought this was an interesting read (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[amancik]

I'm not sure whether he's good or not ... but i hope he will at least do something for milan ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[m1ke]

Did anyone manage to watch the game last night?

I thought Vogel disappointed. It was his first real match, and he played the entire second half. He just seemed to give the ball away on numerous occasions, and never had the presence that Pirlo did in the first half.

Hopefully he will improve in time for the new season.

[m1ke]

I thought Vogel had a much better game against Chicago Fire.

He gave the ball away a lot less, and looked more confortable in possession.

Keep it up Johann (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

[amancik]

yeah ... what do you expect he just played two games with Milan ... so he's not used to the formation yet ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) hope he will be better soon ...

[m1ke]

what do you expect he just played two games with Milan ...

I know, but I like to see instant results (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

I'd probably make a poor manager, although Football Manger 2005 disagrees (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)