Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Sniff....our boy has grown up
-Johnson Peoples, August 21, 2011

There comes a point in which we must let someone go - but no, I said never because this kid would be big. Well look at him now, America (and World!), he played a full 45-minutes and scored two goals - granted, the other team had 9 players on the field, but that don't mean squat, he still had to run around the defenders and he still had to jump in the air to get his head on the damn ball.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it - this is the new look, it's simple - and I make plenty of money for it because of my affiliation with Lam Matteo's agent, Art Van Der Lay. So look out, 'cause I ain't holding back - 'cause we are going to the top.

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

Striker Lam Matteo will start in this afternoon's clash versus 13th place, Sunderland. The American striker has been declared the starter as a result of his fine two-goal display in last weekend's Premiership Cup victory against Stoke City. Matteo, who has yet to be called up to the USA national team, was a summer signing from RSC Anderlecht.

Keeper Danu Coman remains the starter in front of Boaz Myhill, while midfielder, Boateng, gets the nod in place of Brazilian, Geovanni.

 

[Matt10]

Forgot his shooting boots
-Johnson Peoples, August 29, 2011

I'd say Matteo choked today, he didn't play terrible - but he didn't play good enough to start next week against Wigan. This was his problem at Anderlecht when he started one game - received a poor rating and was dropped.

I feel for the guy, but his 'choke-ability' comes down to the fact that he hasn't bee passing the ball well and he hasn't been shooting on target. I know he thinks he has the power - but if he would work on some placement, he could really start getting up in the scoring charts.

Oh well, Wigan next week then the second leg of the prem cup should give him plenty of time to recover. I doubt he will be starting against Wigan, but Phill Brown hasn't released any notice that he isn't.

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

Not enough time
-Johnson Peoples, September 8, 2011

He didn't have enough time to show what he's got today. He had one shot on target - granted it was a soft floater - but it was better than his teammates were doing at the time.

Still given a 5.5 rating - that's just not right.

I hope Lam doesn't get affected by the way he is being treated by the manager - he needs to reconsider something. If he played Matteo last weekend to start - then why not give the man more time to play as a sub. Feather-twirp didn't seem to do any good - my man here deserves the recognition.

Maybe we should head elsewhere if these kind of shenanigans keep up.

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

Plenty of Love, but no Cigar
-Johnson Peoples, September 15, 2011

Couple shots on goal here and there, 3 to be exact, and Lam Matteo showed why he is here in England to play real ball. The question was whether or not he would find the back of the net after a couple of games of not really threatening - and moving off the starting lineup - the answer...no.

However, all is not in darkness, the head coach of Hull City has placed Matteo in the starting lineup for next week's premiership match up against Middlesbrough.

Maybe we can see him light it up now.

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

Matteo and Tigers get walloped 4-0
-Johnson Peoples, September 21, 2011

Absolutely killed today, not dominated, but killed. Did anyone else realize that David Beckham plays for Middlesbrough in 2011? Wonder how that slipped through.

Beckham was the orchestrator of the first goal by Stewart Downing - a beautiful header in the top corner. After that it was O'Neil in the 36th minute - then the second half comprised of subsitute Alves notching two goals of his own.

Notching...Scoring. See that, Matteo? That's what you need to be doing.

Our boy had an impressive game though, don't get me wrong, however it didn't matter because the thing he couldn't do was get the ball into the back of the net. He had 8 shots - 6 of them on target, but the keeper for Boro...Turnbull, was saving everything.

"It was just not going to happen today," stated Matteo, "You think you score as the ball travels from a great angle - then this beast just grabs it out of the air, saying 'Uhhhh-uh.WTF."

Matteo is slowly getting back into form, time will tell this week on whether or not his coach believes he is of form enough to start against Liverpool next week.

By the way, Matteo was selected as Most Impressive Player versus Middlesbrough...yipee...

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

They kicked our ass
-Johnson Peoples, September 28, 2011

This was an easy bout wasn't it? Fernando (oh Fernando) Torres piled on a hatty, while Kuyt, Leto and a beautiful own goal by Dudka - resulted in a smashing 6-1 win for the reds.

I didn't think we had a chance - so the game itself did not interest me. I, as expected, was just interested in seeing how Matteo did. He did fine - had a really nice shot on Reina's goal from outside the box, but the ball just lifted over the crossbar into the booing Anfield crowd.

This was a match that we just had to suck up and take it up the you know what. Poor Matteo didn't come on as a sub until the 70th minute or so, Featherstone was a waste of space as always.

Something tells me though...I don't think he will be starting next week against West Ham either.

Shucks - is there another move in the near future? Certainly he can't continue playing with a team that exhibits no drive or passion.

*Btw for those wondering when I will post standings, it will be just before the transfer window opens in Week 19. Currently we are in week 8.

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

The battle (really?) continues
-Johnson Peoples, October 5, 2011

The constant losing battle with this team is starting to get on my nerves. I interviewed Matteo after the game:

JP: Tough break, man.

LM: No kidding, this team is struggling.

JP: So are you it seems.

LM: PT, man - PT.

JP: Have you talked to coach to ask for more PT - these 5.5 ratings aren't helping any.

LM: Not yet, will definitely have to soon though.

JP: Any words of encouragement from fellow USA players playing in the EPL?

LM: Yeah, Clint Dempsey myspaced me, said 'If you don't grind, you don't shine.'

JP: Sounds like he was high.

*click

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

FINALLY!!! Matteo scores not once, but twice!
-Johnson Peoples, October 5, 2011

"If you don't grind, you don't shine". Those are the motivational words that Clint Dempsey said to Lam Matteo this past week. Well, Matteo not only grinded, he shined...scoring two goals and an assist in the 4-4 draw against none other than Arsenal.

"Damn took forever, but I'll take it," said Matteo over the phone, "You just have to have a little faith I suppose. Those were the hardest goals I think I have ever had to work for - thank God it's done with and now I can continue my scoring streak."

So with this, will we start to see Matteo in the starting lineup more regularly? Can he continue the trend? Find out later because I have to go beat up some punks! (Chaos FC reference).

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

MATTEO'S FIRST PREMIERSHIP GOAL(S)

[media]http://vimeo.com/3637771[/media]

 

[chazmaniandevil]

im following, this is looking real good, youre a gfx god

 

[Matt10]

It's like they don't need him
-Johnson Peoples, October 22, 2011

Wishy-washy is a term most Brits don't hear, so that's what I'm going to call this Hull City FC team - "wishy washy". I would say all things considered, Matteo scored two goals and one assist against a team like Arsenal - and is still not getting the nod?

What the eff,man.

The role of super-sub is great and all, but I honestly do not think Matteo is that kind of player. He might have been early on with Willem II, but now that he is somewhat seasoned (yet an EPL virgin still) professionally, you would think someone would have enough faith in him to get the job done.

Two games, a loss to Bolton and a not so easy win against Fulham. Matteo played both games as a second half sub - not really doing much at all.

"It's hard to get into the flow of the game," he told me the other day, "I hate being a sub because you have to get right into the action and ruin the flow. Messing with my groove, y'know?"

Beware of the grooooooooove.

Next week, we have Matteo and the Tigers set to face Aston Villa - the reporting template should eventually get back to normal. The reason I have veered away from the EPL one is mainly because I lack the time and want to watch as many games as possible. Is that so bad?

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

Some respect, but now injured
-Johnson Peoples, October 29, 2011

It was Lam Matteo who set up the game winning free kick that led to the goal. He was on a breakaway when some Villan (like that?) tripped him as he sped by him. Now, prognosis isn't to bad, out for two weeks with a sprained ankle.

Lam Matteo was right behind Atkinson when that blonde hippie stepped up in front of him and stole the glory.

With that said, much props to Atkinson for actually being more determined. My snippet about the respect factor is because Matteo finally received a decent rating, but obviously not good enough to start against Everton next weekend for the Premiership Cup quarter-final 1st leg.

That's okay though, I think if he keeps showing that he can play with these guys, he might receive an extension in the transfer window in a couple weeks - or better, receive some transfer requests from some bigger clubs.

As for his match against Villa - nothing to write home about. He was part of some of the goals as I mentioned. He came on as a sub and really put his mark on the Aston Villa defenders. He played smart football, passing to feet. He showed he still has some speed on the flanks as well. Didn't have many chances to shoot, no les score, but showed he can get in some good spots.

Now take a gander at his player card:

 

[Matt10]

Last two results (without Lam Matteo):

Premiership Cup - 1st Leg - vs Everton ( Loss 3-0 )
Barclay's Premiere League - vs Newcastle United ( Loss 6-3 )

Matteo has returned to the squad after rehabilitating his ankle. Six games remain before the next transfer window opens.

Next Match: Blackburn Rovers (H)

 

[kyhadley]

This is pretty sweet Matt, this punk is following.

 

[Matt10]

**********************************
OWN GOAL BLOGGING
The Blog in Which I Couldn't Figure Out a Catchy Name For
**********************************
Blog
NOTICE: Status/Results

​

User Matt10 has decided to fast forward to January transfer window, stating, "I don't like Hull City anymore. I think Matteo needs to get out of this team pronto. Plus I really want to see who is interested in him now."

So...

Last Games as Hull City Results:

Barclay's Premiere League - vs Blackburn (L 2-1)
Barclay's Premiere League - vs Stoke City (W 4-2)
Barclay's Premiere League - vs Man City (L 4-3)
Barclay's Premiere League - vs West Brom (W 4-1)
Premiership Cup - 2nd Leg - vs Everton (Draw 3-3, lose agg 3-6)
Barclay's Premiere League - vs Chelsea (W 2-0)
Barclay's Premiere League - vs Man Utd (L 3-2)

 

[Matt10]

Hull City hurt Matteo physically, but was a perfect resume builder.
Happy New Year: Transfer time!
-Johnson Peoples, January 3, 2012

I spoke to Art Van Der Lay these past couple of weeks, and he sent over his notes that he took of the transfer requests for Lam Matteo. He stated that Matteo might be hesitant to play in the EPL, said he might be interested in playing in the Serie A or even La Liga - maybe the Eredevisie again.

First Week:

- Wigan Athletic (EPL) offer 890P - no thanks.

Second Week

- Newcastle United (EPL) offer 830P - tempting, but no.
- Wigan Athletic (EPL) offer 870P - no thanks.
- Stoke City (EPL) offer 810P - no thanks.

Third Week

- Wigan Athletic (EPL) offer 840P - stop.
- Fulham FC (EPL) offer 900P - eeek.
- Stoke City (EPL) offer 930P - no.

Fourth Week

- An offer has been accepted.

 

[kyhadley]

the suspense is killing me, I swear

 

[Matt10]

My new JOB! Oh...and Matteo's
Johnson Peoples (Fulham FC Editor), 01.10.2011

I have officially begun my new job as Fulham FC's blog editor. Isn't that just fitting considering Lam Matteo is now a Fulham FC team member? I knew my connection with him would eventually pay off! Wahooo!

Okay, on his signing day, Lam Matteo was interviewed by the local Reuters - here is what I jotted down:

Fulham FC proudly welcome their newest member to the team, striker, Lam Matteo.
Reuters: Lam, how do you intend on going about this journey with Fulham? Any plans to stay longer than previous clubs?

Matteo: Of course I want to be here for a long time. Fulham football club has been my dream for a while now. I want to make an immediate impact and learn from some of the best in the league.

Reuters: Are you concerned that the competition to start is at an all-time high here?

Matteo: I've never done things the easy way - why start now?

Reuters: What are your thoughts about joining up with fellow Americans, Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson? Do you feel this is a good venue to get more exposure to Bob Bradley - the USA Men's coach?

Matteo: I'm on a first name basis with CD (Dempsey), and Eddie and I have spoken a time or two. I am just excited to meet a new team and see what they are made of - and how I can help. As for being recognized by the national team - that will take time. I have a lot to prove before I even start to think about that.

Reuters: One last question, are you still being sponsored by PUMA?

Matteo: No. I've chosen to go solo for superstitious purposes - I've selected the F50 TUNIT's by Adidas. Black with yellow trim to represent my Mizzou Tigers - National Champs for da win, what-what!!!

Reuters: ...

Matteo: ...

So, he didn't go out in style - but still, wooot!

Oh, next game is against Sunderland - currently 15th and we are 14th. Time to step it up Matteo! Enjoy the bench first though....:wink:

 

[Mit]

This looks real nice.