Benitez has finally arrived at Inter Milan, the Spanish manager has signed a two-year contract to bind himself with the European champions. It seems that while Benitez is a great manager, he certainly is perceived as defensive. And while Benitez has said that he likes Jose Mourinho’s old 4-2-3-1 system, it seems like he’ll certainly be changing up the players…

While it seems like the deal for Mascherano is done, there are plenty of other players that Inter Milan will look to splash some cash on, especially if Maicon and Milito leave for Real Madrid. Replacement for the right-back would probably be Lichtsteiner, but Dani Alves would be the dream replacement. As for Milito, the names being mentioned are Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres, Kun Aguero, and maybe Higuain from Real Madrid.

Plenty of star names are being mentioned, but Inter Milan will also try and go for a couple of youngsters, the first being Lyon’s left-back/wing-back/winger Michel Bastos. A very promising Brazilian who is currently playing with Brazil in the 2010 World Cup who has already attracted envoys from Inter to see him in live action. Another young talent could be Mesut Ozil, who is currently a free agent having just finished playing this season for Bundesliga side, Werder Bremen. The young German lit up the World Cup playing with Germany as he helped demolish Australia 4-0, and he will probably be one of the emerging stars from this World Cup.

With Benitez’s arrival, we have also seen Quaresma’s departure and Castellazzi’s arrival. The Portuguese winger was sold to Besiktas for 7.5 million euros and has been a major disappointment for Inter Milan fans, only scoring one goal for Inter thanks to a lucky deflection. Castellazzi on the other hand has arrived to replace the aging Toldo and Orlandoni, and while Castellazzi isn’t very young at 34, he’s certainly a more solid replacement. If Inter were able to get rid of Orlandoni and Toldo, we could also see Vid Belec begin to make some appearances in the goal-keeper role.

Inter Milan have also bought McDonald Mariga and Jonathan Biabiany, both very promising young player who could begin to revolutionize the team with a younger group of players. Along with them two, we could see Rene Khrin and Joel Obi begin to step up to the plate as the Rafa revolution takes over…

One only need look to the winner’s table for the last decade and lack of dominance by English clubs at the highest level of European club competition is sobering.   Since 1999 there have been 3 titles won by English Premier League teams, Liverpool in 2005 and Manchester United in 1999 and 2008.  The remaining title winners are as follows, AC Milan 2003, 2007; Real Madrid 2000, 2002; Barcelona 2006; Bayern Munich 2001; Porto 2004.  With the spoils evenly spread across Italy, Spain and England, throwing in a surprise or two from Germany and Portugal, why is it the English media continue to ride a hype campaign for HMS Britainnia?

Ownership and managerial woes are beginning to appear infectious for the EPL and proposed European dominance comes at a time of economic downturn across the continent but especially at home. Major clubs who regularly vie for glory are facing huge bugetary constraints, part and parcel to their borrowing on future earning.  Liverpool in particular have been put on notice by ownership new transfers-in are contingent on transfers-out.

Although all four English sides in the tournament are leading or tied for leadership of their respective groups, last match day for the first time this season saw Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool unable to beat their opponents.

Perhaps the winds of change are not as favorable for HMS Britainnia as first perceived still we’ll have to wait and see if English media get it all wrong but at least they’ve got manager Fabio Capello onboard to right the ship for the national side.