Now, let’s get our serious hats on for a minute… European finance is on the verge of disaster. Issues in Greece have thrown the Euro’s strength in doubt, with debt-laden nation no longer seeing the value in money… Okay then! So, how does this link with the world of football? Well, should the continental currency collapse, or take a knock, then some of the biggest stars from the likes of Spain, Germany, France and Italy could find their bank accounts take a hit as their clubs will be smashed by the issues, which may lead to an exodus.
And with the Premier League operating with the pound and having just agreed a staggering new TV deal, the financial lure of the English game could be too much for the big boys to resist… & here are FIVE mega stars that could come on over!
Lionel Messi
Although ‘Ronny’ has taken the Ballon d’Or twice in a row, Messi is still considered, by football purists, to be the very best player on the planet. The Argentine is simply a magician on the ball and has been a part of the furniture at Barcelona for some time, but amid suggestions he has some tax worries, he may be swayed by a big pay cheque… Man City and Chelsea have been linked with him.
Cristiano Ronaldo
CR7 is, possibly, the best known player on the planet and is a true superstar. His scoring record at Real Madrid defies any form of logic, and despite edging towards the back end of his career, he’s still sure to be one of the players the biggest clubs chase should there be any signs of unrest. Manchester United are the English side most likely to move for him after being linked with a swoop for their former idol last year.
Marco Reus
A new contract at Dortmund earlier this week shocked European football, yet there have already been links with a shock move away from the Bundesliga side. Champions League qualification appears to be way beyond BVB now, with relegation more of a fear, and a financial hit could be catastrophic for a side with many big names. Most top Premier League clubs have been linked with him, so interest could be high.
Paul Pogba
From a free transfer out of Manchester United to Juventus two and a half years ago, Pogba is now valued among the best stars on the planet in terms of price-tag. The French midfielder is widely seen as one of the very top players in his position right now, with his displays in Turin having been excellent. Money is already tight in Serie A, so United and Chelsea could swoop…
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic
With league medals from almost all of Europe’s top leagues on his mantle, ‘Ibra’ could well complete the set in the Premier League. The Sweden international is not rated by some, but his track-record is undeniable, while his arrogant persona would make for headlines on an hourly basis in England. Chelsea have been linked with him…
Latching onto a fantastic pass by Lionel Messi to then bury past Malaga’s Willy Caballero was Cesc Fabregas, creator turned receiver. How often would Arsenal fans roll back the years and relive those wonderful displays they were gifted by one of the best midfielders in the world?
It was difficult for Arsenal supporters to part with Cesc Fabregas, not solely because he was their captain, talisman and a representation of just another big name to leave the club, but predominantly because he was one of the finest in world football and the best midfielder in England for years.
I wouldn’t blame anyone for begrudging Barcelona; they had Andres Iniesta and Xavi already, why did they need another one? Of course, it doesn’t just come down to something as simplistic as that.
Thierry Henry’s departure from Arsenal may have been the most heartbreaking when he finally did leave for the Camp Nou, but Cesc Fabregas was something else, a talent that you don’t come across very often and one who is yet to reach his prime as one of the world’s elite.
It’s always important to lift spirits, and at this time Arsene Wenger has an unenviable task of doing just that at the Emirates. But his words on Fabregas returning to Arsenal in the future do not sit comfortably.
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The past few seasons have taught us a lot about Barcelona, their values and the togetherness of those who grew up and dominate the various age groups in the youth system. Fabregas fought for at least a year to get his move back to Catalonia, to rejoin his best friend — who may become Barcelona captain one day. He wanted to continue his education and have the opportunity to play for one of his idols. It was a matter of trophies, but very much it was just about going home.
And why not? Barcelona have become the most successful, most attractive football team any of us has ever seen. Fabregas got his move and is now playing alongside a full cast of players who can match him in quality and help to guide the ship rather than just become passengers. Why, then, would he think about moving back to Arsenal in the future?
The truth is, no one really knows his intentions in five or six years time, not even Fabregas. What should be made clear is that this isn’t a group of players who will ever grow tired of winning. He may very well return to Arsenal for the final playing days of his career, but I don’t think it was the best comment to make from Wenger’s point of view at this time.
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Fabregas may arrive at a point in his career where he believes business in north London hasn’t been finished. He’s a sure bet to win La Liga this season, and it wouldn’t be the most surprising thing if he lifted the Champions League in May, too. Fitting, then, that the final is in London. It would probably be the greatest return any Arsenal fan could experience; there was Thierry Henry’s goal last season against Leeds, but it’s a huge difference to envisage Fabregas back, even at the age of 30, to play a significant role at Arsenal for a good handful of seasons.
Had circumstances been different, then maybe it would have been a little more acceptable to take in. Had Arsenal not relinquished their hold on some of the best players in England and Europe over the past few seasons then it might have been a different story. But when Arsenal supporters are desperate for signs of life inside the club, with the January window open and available for Wenger to strengthen a desperately weak squad, the comment about Fabregas just seems to deflect the need from more pressing matters. It’s a chance at nostalgia, but one which hasn’t been perfectly placed.
According to reports in The Mirror, Everton have already made an offer for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who fears he may have to his boyhood club this summer as they don’t share the same commitment that he does.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Mirror says that while Wilshere is desperate to stay at the Emirates Stadium beyond when his contract expires at the end of the season, the fact that the north London outfit have asked him to take a pay cut from his current £110,000-a-week to a £90,000-a-week deal with incentive bonuses has not gone down well with the 26-year-old.
The Mirror says that Arsenal are refusing to budge and it means that the England international will already be considering other options, with the Toffees already making an offer to bring him to Goodison Park this summer.
The report adds that Juventus and AC Milan have also stepped up their interest in bringing the midfielder to Serie A, while Liverpool and Manchester City are closely watching developments, too.
How has Wilshere done this season?
Following a loan spell with Bournemouth last term and after finding Premier League starts hard to come by for Arsenal earlier in the current campaign, it seemed as though he would be on his way out.
However, he has become more of a key player in recent months both in the top flight and the Europa League, with the north London outfit now ready to keep him at the Emirates – albeit on reduced terms.
Would he be a good signing for Everton?
He certainly would be, yes.
While Wilshere has struggled with injury previously, he has shown the qualities that he has for Arsenal in recent months and there is no doubt about the natural ability that he has.
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The only question mark would be where he would fit in at Goodison Park, given the Merseyside outfit already have the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Wayne Rooney, Morgan Schneiderlin, James McCarthy and Tom Davies in the middle of the park.
It would seem as though the Toffees need a stronger and more physical type – the fans want Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi to replace Schneiderlin – in midfield rather than a player like Wilshere, although perhaps the club may be looking at adding two players in that area.
Twelve games into the Premier League season and there has not been a single sacking among the managers of any of the 20 top-flight clubs.
Given that Sunderland’s Paolo Di Canio was booted out as early as September last year and the duo of Roberto Di Matteo and Mark Hughes had already been handed their P45s by Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers respectively by November the season before that, it certainly seems as if we’re overdue a managerial casualty this campaign.
Whilst sack race speculation has been rife, with talk of some high-profile departures at the league’s biggest clubs, getting rid of an underperforming manager is ultimately pointless if a replacement hasn’t been identified. Bearing this in mind, here are five gaffers that the Premier League’s strugglers may wish to target should they decide to give their current crop the chop…
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CLICK ON KLOPP TO REVEAL THE FIVE
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Got any questions? Follow me on Twitter @GruffuddOwen
1. Jurgen Klopp (Arsenal)
After the euphoric relief of clinching their first major trophy in nine years last season with their FA Cup triumph, the mood at Arsenal has taken a turn for the worse this campaign. The Gunners have stuttered in the league and have not looked too impressive in Europe either, which has led many Arsenal fans to believe that long-serving manager Arsene Wenger should have gone out on a high by leaving the club at the end of last season.
The North London club have been accused of stagnating under the Frenchman, who may have taken his beloved side as far as he possibly can. A new method and a fresh lease of life is clearly needed, and Jurgen Klopp – currently of Borussia Dortmund – would be the ideal manager to instigate this.
Not only has the German tasted success with Dortmund – having led them to two Bundesliga titles, not to mention a Champions League final in 2013 – but his lively, enthusiastic approach to the game, his preference for slick, attacking football and his reputation for nurturing young, homegrown players make him an ideal fit for the Gunners.
2. Diego Simeone (Liverpool)
Brendan Rodgers is on the brink at Liverpool. His side has been woeful this season, with the defence producing calamitous display after calamitous display and the attack proving to be useless at adapting to life without Luis Suarez. Unless the Reds boss can turn things around very quickly, his time at Anfield will soon be over.
Should the Merseyside club part ways with the Irishman, they could do much worse than to elect Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone as their new man. The Argentinian led Los Indios to La Liga glory last season – a phenomenal achievement given the financial dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona – and they also came agonisingly close to lifting the Champions League for the first time in their history, losing to city rivals Real in the final. Simeone has gained much praise for how disciplined and organised his Atletico side is, especially in defence.
They conceded just 26 league goals last season – the fewest in La Liga – compared to Liverpool’s 50 in the Premier League. The Reds are crying out for a manager who can bring back a degree of solidity to their backline; they need look no further than Simeone.
3. Marcelo Bielsa (Manchester City)
Sergio Aguero may be single-handedly keeping Manuel Pellegrini in his job at Manchester City for the time being, but if last year’s league champions continue to struggle as they have done so far, City’s notoriously impatient owners will not hesitate to sack the Chilean.
Marcelo Bielsa would be a fascinating choice for the Citizens – known as El Loco for his meticulous attention to detail, his sides are famed for being ultra attacking and highly exciting to watch. Bielsa likes to utilise wing-backs in advanced positions, which would suit City’s forward-thinking duo of Aleksandar Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta, and the fact that the 59 year-old is Argentinian suggests that he will be able to get the best out of his compatriot Aguero in attack.
Currently managing Marseille in Ligue 1, Bielsa would relish the opportunity to manage a club of City’s size, although his lack of silverware in Europe could count against him. More can be found on the method in Bielsa’s madness here.
4. Frank de Boer (Aston Villa)
Despite a hugely promising start in which they won three and drew one of their opening four games – including an excellent away victory at Liverpool – Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa have since picked up just two points in the league, conforming to their pre-season tag as possible relegation candidates.
Villa fans have not had much to cheer about since Lambert was appointed manager in 2012, and patience is wearing thin; they have scored just six league goals all season – the fewest in the league – and have not recorded a victory since their win at Anfield in early September.
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Ajax’s Frank de Boer may be an ambitious option, but let us not forget that Villa are historically one of England’s biggest football clubs; Villa Park is the sixth-largest stadium in the Premier League, and the Birmingham side also won the European Cup in 1982.
Indeed, there are many similarities to be drawn between Ajax and Villa: both tasted great success in the past but have faded in recent times, both place great emphasis on developing homegrown players, and both have been forced to cope with selling their brightest talents. De Boer has made no secret of his desire to manage in England one day; at Aston Villa, a club that shares much in common with Ajax, the 44 year-old could make the transition from Dutch football a seamless one.
5. Glen Hoddle (QPR)
A slightly controversial option, this; Hoddle is currently first-team coach at QPR under Harry Redknapp, and has found it difficult to get back into management after his dismissal for making some pretty tastless comments during his time as England manager in the late 1990s.
Nevertheless, Hoddle continues to be regarded as one of England’s most tactically astute and progressive coaches, and if the Rs continue to flounder under Redknapp, he would surely jump at the opportunity to return as the main man in the dugout.
One gets the feeling that Hoddle has something of a point to prove; his hunger to succeed after so many years in the wilderness could be what the Loftus Road outfit need to survive relegation from the Premier League.
It has taken seven years since arriving at Arsenal, but Theo Walcott’s career has finally started. Maybe that’s giving this whole contract situation an unnecessary Hollywood touch, but considering the time it took to get the deal signed and delivered – and Arsenal are certainly not without fault – there is rightly plenty expected from the England international.
Walcott has become the best paid player at Arsenal following this round of negotiations, but he’s far from their best on the pitch. What the contract represents is something more than just extending the stay of one of the club’s most important names; there’s no escaping how devastating Walcott’s departure could have been to the club’s image and the supporters’ mind-set, an impact which stretches far beyond the loss of his realistic value on the pitch.
But I have no reservations about saying that this protracted saga was all about the money, while talk of positions on the field was a cleverly placed, yet not totally convincing smokescreen. Walcott got exactly what he wanted; he was under no pressure to sign a contract at Arsenal and certainly could have been given stronger promises of silverware at other clubs. But becoming the highest paid player at Arsenal signals his arrival at the big time. He can no longer hide behind Cesc Fabregas or Robin van Persie; he can no longer use the excuse that he’s young and still learning his trade. Playing out of position is one thing, but there is a lot of criticism that can justifiably be levelled at his technique and propensity to be wasteful. Walcott is a man, one who is now on a senior squad member’s wages.
I’m not saying a chorus of boos should rain down on the player if he fails to live up to expectation for a prolonged spell in the coming months. However, I do believe that sport fans have a right to be critical. If that comes in the form of blogs or on Twitter then fine, but it’s also acceptable for fans to voice their opinions in a stadium. Footballers live in a completely different world to everyone else, but there are times when they need to be made aware of their responsibilities to their club. Rewards come in the form of big contracts, and especially Walcott’s with only a few years in length. Yet, there should be no immunity from those who are failing to earn it.
Walcott has delivered a number of performances this season that would suggest he deserves the contract he’s on. And once again, contracts such as these go beyond just what a player can do on the pitch. The spirit around the Emirates following the 7-3 win over Newcastle was incredibly high – arguably the highest it has been for a long time. Yes it’s nice for fans to experience big wins over teams who should be considered a good side in English football, but there was an added sense of hope, one which saw so many look to Walcott as the new star in a team desperately in need of one. After so many frustrating seasons, was he finally delivering on promises?
There might have been similar feelings against Reading in the League Cup, hope and belief in the player that he would do what was needed every time he was put through on goal and racing away from opposition defenders. Arsenal fans are currently more than deserving of something to be a little excited about; it’s not always a dangerous thing to get a little carried away by the potential of what’s to come.
Most will continue to look at Jack Wilshere as the face of this Arsenal team, and that is right. But Walcott has been in the team longer, is older, has experienced more, and thus has higher expectations. He’s far more than just a sprinter, but people want to see regularly that he is capable of so much more.
Walcott wanted a contract that gives an accurate representation of his status at Arsenal and in the England national team. However, that contract certainly doesn’t come without a great deal of expectation.
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Finding a striker to ease the workload on Harry Kane has been an underlying issue during Mauricio Pochettino’s time at Tottenham Hotspur, with signings Vincent Janssen and Fernando Llorente struggling to fulfil expectations, and could now become an even more prevalent one after the England forward hobbled off during the 4-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday.
At the time of writing, it’s yet to be confirmed how long Kane will be out for – if at all – but a solution to a problem that has often dogged the north London club in recent seasons and cost them a considerable sum in the transfer market presented itself at the Vitality Stadium in the form of versatile attacker Heung-min Son.
The South Korean has adopted a variety of roles during his Tottenham career, but chances as a central striker have been few and far between. That’s the position he took up on Sunday after Kane was forced off through injury though, and the one he quickly relished in to grab an impressive brace that combined technical quality with incredible speed and energy.
Indeed, after Dele Alli had cancelled out Junior Stanislas’ opener with a close range finish, Son peeled away at the back post to latch onto the England international’s cross and scuff the ball beyond a flailing Asmir Begovic.
And when it was Bournemouth’s turn to search for an equaliser, the 61-cap international shrewdly prevented a quick Cherries free kick before eventually latching onto a dispossession in midfield, running the entire half unopposed and eloquently taking the ball around Begovic for Tottenham’s third.
While Son may be a different kind of presence to Kane and Llorente, who both have the natural power and height to hold up the ball, his pace and his relentless work-rate – something two tackles and two interceptions on Sunday directly alluded to – can create just as many problems for defenders, especially if Tottenham adapt their game to provide the right service for him to latch onto.
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So, Tottenham fans, for the occasions in which Kane isn’t available going forward, which attacker would you like to see Pochettino turn to? Let us know by voting below…
Liverpool found themselves in a rather unique situation this summer, keen to utilise their enhanced financial firepower to build upon the momentum of their runner-up finish last season whilst simultaneously compensating for the £75million departure of PFA and FWA Player of the Year Luis Suarez.
Yet, the Anfield outfit’s £117million spend is yet to prove fruitful – in fact, the Reds appear to have taken a step back, as they currently lay eleventh in the Premier League with just 14 points from eleven games and a goal difference of -1.
Perhaps it’s time for some assessment then, and with that in mind, here’s FIVE fatal flaws of Liverpool’s summer transfer policy.
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REPLACING A STAR PLAYER WITH SQUAD DEPTH
Tottenham Hotspur proved as much in summer 2013 upon Gareth Bale’s record-breaking £87million departure to Real Madrid – replacing a world-class entity with squad depth simply doesn’t work.
You can understand Brendan Rodgers’ desire to improve his options throughout the first team, with the Reds re-entering the Champions League for the first time since 2009 this season.
Only having to concentrate on the Premier League was an integral factor in Liverpool’s runner-up finish last term, and even amid their stunning 2013/14 campaign, the Anfield side were forced to depend on inexperienced youngsters in certain fixtures, such as Jon Flanagan, Brad Smith, Luis Alberto and Jordan Ibe.
But in the absence of a similarly talismanic replacement for now-Barcelona star Luis Suarez, the Liverpool starting Xi has lacked clear focal points this season and their form has duly suffered.
Furthermore, Liverpool could well be eliminated from the Champions League in the group stages, as they currently sit three points behind FC Basel in Group B:
…which makes all of that extra squad depth, at the cost of £117million, rather pointless.
NO MARQUEE SIGNINGS
Which brings us nicely on to the hotly-debated issue of marquee signings.
There’s clearly a bit of a problem here; throughout Brendan Rodgers’ four transfer windows at the Anfield helm, he’s never spent more than £25million on a single player – Adam Lallana – and continually failed to attract major names to the club.
Not that the Ulsterman hasn’t attempted to. Since taking over in 2012, the Reds have come close to signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Willian, Diego Costa, Alexis Sanchez, Isco and Yevhen Konoplyanka to name a few. But as you can see below, hardly any of Rodgers’ Reds acquisitions can be considered top-class buys:
Rodgers recently raised a valid point that many players would prefer to move to London or Manchester over Liverpool for social or family reasons, but even so, if the Reds plan to ever compete with the likes of Arsenal Chelsea, Manchester City or Manchester United in the transfer market, they have to make an Anfield switch as tempting as possible – even if that includes bending the club’s financial structure.
The Anfield boss appears to agree, having demanded Liverpool work ‘harder and smarter’ in the transfer market, and a similar view is held by former Charlton and West Ham boss-come-pundit, Alan Curbishley.
The predominant concern is that, in the long-term, it will reflect badly on Rodgers, suggesting a lack of pulling power, and also eliminate Liverpool from the top end of the transfer market.
MARIO BALOTELLI
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Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but from the off, buying Mario Balotelli for £16million was always a huge gamble.
After all, Roberto Mancini, Cesare Prandelli and Jose Mourinho have all failed to tame the enigmatic Italian, with the Chelsea boss dubbing him ‘unmanageable’ during their time together at Inter Milan, and nothing suggested Brendan Rodgers would fare any better.
Likewise, from a tactical point of view, the 24 year-old is completely wrong for the Reds. Last season, an industrious-yet-progressive attacking style, based upon relentlessly quick counter-attacking, became their identity, but Balotelli is work-shy and illusive, and rather than testing space behind defenders prefers to pick up the ball in front of them.
There’s nothing wrong with that style of play – consider Dimitar Berbatov’s Premier League exploits – but in comparison to Liverpool’s it’s chalk and cheese, and has also made Balotelli stick out like a sore thumb.
Resultantly, the Italy international’s netted just twice in 12 appearances for the Reds and is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.
Once again, there’s harrowing similarities to Tottenham’s recruitment in summer 2013, where they splashed out a club-record £27million on flopped striker Roberto Soldado.
To think as well, the Reds could have signed the far more dependable Loic Remy, before pulling the plug over an apparent failed medical.
CHANGING THREE OF THE BACK FOUR
Liverpool’s defensive frailties under Brendan Rodgers are a long-term problem – since taking the dugout in 2012, the Reds have conceded on average 1.2 goals per match in the Premier League, which is obviously too high for a Champions League club.
But in the absence of a prolific goal threat, Liverpool’s poor performances at the other end of the pitch have become even more evident, and Brendan Rodgers’ addition of three new defenders to the starting Xi during the summer, Javier Manquillo, Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno, has further exacerbated the situation.
Not to suggest any are bad players or poor acquisitions; left-back Moreno for example, is already looking like a solid find, netting this incredible solo effort against Spurs:
//www.youtube.com/embed/ZjKDj0joiGM?rel=0
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…and producing a top display against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
But clearly, they’re inevitably struggling to gel as a backline, particularly £20million signing Dejan Lovren alongside Martin Skrtel, and resultantly, Liverpool’s 15 goals conceded this term is matched or bettered by eleven fellow Premier League sides.
Perhaps this isn’t a failure of transfer policy exclusively – Liverpool’s back four has needed a shake up for some time – but Rodgers should have anticipated the dangers of forging an entirely new defence overnight.
SPENDING IT ALL
Liverpool spent a whopping £117million this summer, marking the most lucrative transfer window in the club’s history, as a result of the added revenues of Champions League football and the £75million sale of Luis Suarez.
But did Brendan Rodgers really need to spend it all in such a ferocious fashion? Take Arsene Wenger for example – he may often draw criticism from fans, but the Frenchman is one of the Premier League’s shrewdest when it comes to picking his moments in the transfer market.
The Liverpool boss, on the other hand, appeared hell-bent on spending the entirety of his transfer bounty during the summer. That’s probably the largest budget he’ll ever be given access to however and currently the Reds don’t have too much to show for it.
It’s understandable that Rodgers went all-out during the summer, but some deals, such as Adam Lallana for £25million, don’t strike good value-for-money and although he may have entered the current season with a weaker squad than desired, patience from the Anfield gaffer – perhaps waiting for some better, contract-rebel-based deals in January – would have proved wiser in the long-run.
Newcastle have agreed a £5m fee with Lille for full-back Mathieu Debuchy, according to reports from Sky Sports.
The French international is a long-term target of the Premier League club, who were rumoured to be interested in his signature during the summer.
After previously stating his willingness to move to the North East of England, it is thought that a deal for the 27-year-old could be concluded within the opening week of the transfer window
Real Madrid and Inter Milan were thought to be interested in the full-back, but neither have made an official bid, leaving the door open for the Magpies.
Current St James’ Park midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who was Debuchy’s team-mate at Lille, is thought to have had a major influence on the deal, persuading his countryman to move to the Tyne club.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is thought to be keen on strengthening his back line during the New Year and sees Debuchy as the ideal candidate to add some solidity.
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It is believed that he may be keen to add further reinforcements, with a centre-back rumoured to be on his mind due to the shaky performances of Fabricio Coloccini and James Perch.
Debuchy was key part of the French side at EURO 2012, helping his nation reach the quarter-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Spain.
The goalkeeping situation was one of the biggest questions surrounding the England squad ahead of their World Cup campaign and three games into Russia 2018, it’s arguably not been fully solved.
While Gareth Southgate has never shown any signs of retracting his faith in Jordan Pickford – in fact, the Three Lions gaffer provided a staunch defence of the 24-year-old during his last press conference – the Everton glovesman is yet to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup and his attempt to save Adnan Januzaj’s curler last time out certainly raised some eyebrows.
It would of course represent a huge gamble for Southgate to drop Pickford and start either Stoke City’s incredibly promising Jack Butland or Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope for England’s first knockout clash of the tournament on Tuesday. But where do you stand in this debate, Three Lions fans?
What do you think of the World Cup so far? Let us know and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.
Would you axe Pickford – who Transfermarkt value at £27million – in favour of Butland or Pope, or stick with the Toffees star? Let us know by voting below…
Aside from an uncharacteristic shared smirk midway though Sunday’s 2-1 affair at Old Trafford, there isn’t much Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have agreed on since the former arrived in England to succeed the latter at Chelsea.
Whether their apparent feud is sourced from some form of enviousness, a genuine dislike of each other or simply the kind of hot air fighting talk you’d sooner expect from Connor McGregor remains a matter of opinion.
But as Conte prepares for what will be the toughest test Chelsea face in the Premier League this season, an away trip to the Etihad Stadium where champions-in-waiting Manchester City have dropped just two points and scored 50 goals in 14 games, the Manchester United gaffer has inadvertently presented his Italian adversary with a crucial gift – a game-plan for how to beat the Citizens on their own patch.
That was devised four years ago, when Chelsea produced an away masterclass in arguably the greatest 1-0 the Premier League has ever seen.
In a game of preciously fine margins, two opposing schools of thought collided to create an end-to-end affair where every inch of space became of instrumental importance. For all the chances City made through their domination of possession and one-touch attacking play, Chelsea mustered up just as many by staging audacious counter-attacks and exploding into the gaps City left behind as they camped around the Blues’ box. In fact, it was arguably the visitors who made the better opportunities; in addition to scoring the only goal of the game, Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto’o and Nemanja Matic all hit the woodwork.
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Branislav Ivanovic’s goal highlighted how important space and discipline was in that game. As Chelsea’s rugged right-back, he was perhaps the only player on the pitch afforded time and space on the ball in compromising areas – at least in relative terms. So when City failed to clear after one of Chelsea’s many rip-roaring counter-attacks, it was the Serbian who found himself unmarked and unchallenged on the edge of the box for just long enough to drill a placed shot into Joe Hart’s left inside netting.
Nobody else on the pitch, in any other moment of the game, was privy to that kind of luxury; City always found themselves a few inches away from a challenging Chelsea boot, and everything Chelsea did going forward had to be at full speed.
Of course, Chelsea and Manchester City are much-changed animals these days – after all, we’re talking about a match that took place four years ago with two different managers at the helm. But there are some glaring similarities; City still look to dominate the ball under Pep Guardiola, albeit with far more intensity than under Manuel Pellegrini, and Chelsea still set up to hit teams on the break in big games. In fact, they almost pulled off a counter-attacking masterclass of their own against Barcelona last week, with one erroneous pass from Andreas Christensen standing in their way.
What’s more, this fixture once again falls in February, City are once again amid a title bid and Chelsea are once again short of that challenge because of a misshapen squad. The dynamics are perfect for a performance that mimics what Chelsea produced in February 2014; a counter-attacking display as thrilling and effective as what City managed with 65% possession.
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No doubt, Chelsea rode their luck that night – Yaya Toure and David Silva both missed glaring chances to score from close range as the ball bobbled around a Blues penalty box filled with practically all 20 outfield players – and they probably aren’t as dynamic offensively as they were when Ramires, Willian, Hazard and Eto’o combined to create an incredibly mobile front four.
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But Chelsea will need fortune on Sunday too, that much is obvious, and Willian and Hazard particularly are far more consistent in what they produce on the ball these days. Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso too, can be vital outlets out wide and if Ivanovic’s goal tells us anything, it’s that they could well be the ones who find themselves in just enough space to wriggle a shot beyond Ederson.
Regardless of whether it pays off or not though, it’s clear the 2014 performance is the template Chelsea must follow this weekend; prepared to defend their own box for large spells, knowing they have the explosiveness and talent to create chances as good as City’s on the break – and for all the due praise City have received this season, we know they still make mistakes at the back when teams hit them on the counter. In another game of crucially fine margins, just one could decide the result.