I’d kill to have Baptista back and Reyes too.

Isn’t it intersting that Julio Bapitsta was loaned to Arsenal for Jose Reyes to come back to Spain. Two former Sevillistas in that deal.

I’ve got a question for you… Is Seville the BEST place in the entire world?

Let me explain.

Jose Reyes. Now you’re going to laugh when I say this, but I believe that he could have been the best player in the world. Do you remember the amazing form he was in, in the first few months of the 2004-2005 season, until he got kicked all over the place by Gary Neville? He looked unstopable! He would actually dribble past players as if they weren’t there. Also he’d finish any chance put in front of him. Then the curse of Sevilla kicked in. He became despondant with life in England, and with life at Arsenal. He cried out for a return to Spain. He was granted his wish by Real Madrid, when he went there on loan. However, he was hardly amazing there was he? The fact that he scored them vital goals in the last game of the season overshadowed the fact that overall he played crap that season (when he actually played). Now he’s gone to Atletico. Not a bad start there, but you wait… he’ll fade. I am 100% sure that within a few years he’ll be back at Sevilla, and he’ll be back on top of his game.

Julio Baptista. An absolute ‘Beast’ (hence the nickname) whilst at Sevilla. He scored something like 50 goals in 2 seasons. Then he goes to Madrid. He has a terrible season. Barely plays, rarely scores. The year after, he tries his luck at Arsenal. Again; very poor overall. Okay, so he scored 4 goals at Anfield, but that masked the poorness of his season. The curse of Sevilla struck once more. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him back at Sevilla in a few years.

Fredi Kanoute. He was little more than Ok in England with West Ham and Tottenham. He always seemed to me that he couldn’t be bothered to play. He goes to Sevilla, and in his first year he plays brilliantly, scores lots of goals and wins a Uefa Cup etc. I call this the Reverse Sevilla Curse.

Jesus Navas. A fantastic talent. I’d have him for Pompey any day of the week. And I’m sure he’d get into any major club across Europe (Arsenal, Man U, Barca, Real, Inter, AC etc). But he just doesn’t want to leave Seville! I heard he got homesick just going away for a week or so! Another case of the Sevilla Curse.

So there’s one question on my lips… What do they put into the water?

Well whatever it is, I’d like to try a bit!

And remember… you heard about the Sevilla Curse here first (and the Reverse Sevilla Curse).

So when this psychological ‘disease’ becomes as common as ADHD and Alcoholism etc. you’ll know to look in the B-Man’s direction and thank me for the discovery.

I do however have a cure for the Sevilla Curse. A Spell with Pompey down on the South Coast!!!!!!!!!