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CHELSEA FC: BALLACK PRAISED

/noticias.info/ Michael Ballack has been praised by Andy Roxburgh, UEFA's technical director, for his recent performances in Euro 2008.

Roxburgh has been impressed by the drama of the overall competition, with plenty of late goals creating a tense final 15 minutes to games, but feels that certain players like Ballack have stood out over others.

With plenty of counter-attacking and clever defensive ploys to deal with such breaks down the field, Roxburgh believes coaches have learnt from this year's Champions League competition which also saw plenty of games decided in the dying minutes.

'Michael Ballack is the only player left in the competition who also played in the Champions League Final,' said Roxburgh.

'Against Portugal he was moved into what I call the 'free spirit role' playing up front and suddenly - boom!'

Roxburgh remembers Ballack's free-kick, the only one scored in the competition so far, which sealed victory for Germany against Portugal last Thursday.

'He has been playing well in the championship but it seemed as though he came to life against Portugal. That was one of the best matches of the tournament too,' added Roxburgh. notas_de_prensa_archivo