The Usual Suspects

As the new Premier League season draws near, it bears considering what sides will be battling relegation this year. Generally speaking, the favourites to go down are always the newly promoted sides and those who flirted with relegation the previous season. In recent seasons however, Swansea, Southampton and Norwich have all proven competitive upon promotion and West Brom have progressed beyond perennial yo-yo club status, whilst traditionally much larger teams such as Newcastle and West Ham have suffered the pain of relegation. However, this season, expect a return to normality, with the newly promoted usual suspects bound to struggle.

Nothing in the offseason has done anything to dispel the likelihood of Hull, Crystal Palace and Cardiff going down. Palace have brought in Spanish youngster José Campaña, veteran Phillips and lower league strikers Gayle and Dobbie, all competent, but hardly the squad overhaul that Palace need if they are to dispel preseason predictions, with Zaha certain to be a big miss. Cardiff have thrown money around all summer with little success, whilst Andreas Cornelius represents something of a coup, bids for Thomas Ince and Victor Wanyama have all come to nought. Their recent bid for Toulouse battler Étienne Capoue is another move that smacks of over ambition and if Cardiff are to have any chance of staying up, they will need to start completing moves for solid and sensible additions to their squad. Hull have been the busiest of this year’s crop of promoted sides, bringing in no less than eight new signings. However, whilst Figueroa, Steve Harper and Danny Graham are all solid additions, one would expect that Hull will require a higher standard of player if they are to survive their return to the top flight.

To make things worse for the promoted sides, their survival competitors have all significantly strengthened; Aston Villa’s young side will no doubt be a sterner opposition with greater experience and excellent additions in Jores Okore and Nicklas Helenius. Cardiff’s local rivals Swansea look far from relegation candidates, with goal scoring sensation Wilfried Bony, Spain under-21 star Jordi Amat and former Liverpool starlet Jonjo Shelvy adding to a fearsome squad that could be dark horses for Europa League spots. West Ham and Norwich have both strengthened their attacks with the purchases of Andy Carroll and Ricky Ricky van Wolfswinkel respectively, with Norwich also swooping for Gary Hooper and Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer. Southampton have been linked with some huge names this summer and although the rumours of a move for Brazil forward Leandro Damião have cooled, Victor Wanyama and Dejan Lovren will both help prevent Southampton’s penchant for conceding goals. Other recent strugglers include Newcastle United, but if the Toon are able to stay relatively injury free, they shouldn’t ever be in any danger of relegation.

Therefore, barring serious strengthening by Hull, Crystal Palace and Cardiff City, it will be the newly promoted usual suspects that are most likely to face the drop. Expect Stoke to also struggle, the Potters have been pushing their look in recent seasons and if Mark Hughes is to truly change Stoke’s  fortunes and style of play it will take more than a Dutch left back and a La Masia product that didn’t make the grade. The verdict is also out on De Canio’s Black Cats; very poor last season, Sunderland have strengthened significantly and although football is of course a most unpredictable of games, don’t be surprised if two if not all of the promoted sides head straight back down. 

Just what are Arsenal playing at?

Arsène Wenger; Arsenal’s most successful ever manager, amassing 11 trophies in 17 years with the Gunners, a revolutionary, the undisputed King of the Emirates. Arsène has consistently bought sensibly and nurtured youth, keeping the North London club at the top of the English game on a budget whilst all around him have lost their heads, splurging millions for every inch of successful progress, surely he is now the Premier League’s resident Godfather since Sir Alex’s retirement, regardless of whatever Mourinho might claim. Right?

Well maybe not, Kroenke and Gazidas have both suffered criticism for Arsenal’s barren spell since their 2005 FA Cup win and in certain circles, blame is now being placed at Wenger’s door. There has been little outward discontent, but if one spends a little time outside the Emirates Stadium after a midweek Arsenal defeat to Stoke, on a wet and cold February evening, with the title already out of the Gunner’s grasp, and one listens very carefully and very quietly, hushed whispers can be heard questioning whether Le Professeur has lost his Midas touch. Indeed, in the past few seasons Wenger has seemed to lose some of the calm, studious demeanour that earned him his Le Professeur nickname, replaced by claims of ‘I did not see it’, water bottle kicking and wearing an ever longer coat. All of this has coincided with a decline on the pitch, with Arsenal seeing a steady stream of star players head out the door whilst failing to mount any serious title challenge in far too long.

This season was meant to be different. This was to be the year when Arsenal finally ended their frugal ways and really stretched their considerable financial muscles. Arsenal were consistently linked with Gonzalo Higuaín for £25million, Marouane Fellaini for £23million and Étienne Capoue for £9million, sensible yet ambitious targets. Gunners fans were expectant as the Transfer Window opened, determined that this would be their year. Yet the hoped for fireworks never came, bids for Fellaini and Capoue never materialised, when Real Madrid upped their asking price for Higuaín, Arsenal balked, and perennial Football manager buy and French ‘wonderkid’ Yaya Sanogo was brought in on a free, attracting frowns and discontented mutterings. It seemed it would be business as usual for Arsenal, with youth team players being deployed in preseason friendly’s with the likes of Serge Gnabry and in particular Gedion ‘the new Fabregas’ Zelalem touted to be fast tracked to the first team and no significant signings. However, this week Arsenal shocked the footballing world by following up a previous £30million bid, with an improved bid of £40million, well over double the previous record amount spent on José Antonio Reyes.

So, has Arsène finally lost it or is this a calculated move to once again compete with Europe’s big boys? Well Arsenal do need at least one marquee signing to challenge for domestic and European honours, and Suarez is world class, so on the face of it, this move is good business. However, what is odd is that Suarez is the player that the Arsenal have chosen to break the bank for. Notoriously difficult to manage, the Anfield faithful have remained loyal to Suarez throughout his racist, diving and most recently biting controversies and the Uruguayan has rewarded this by angling for a move all summer. It is difficult to understand, given this, why Arsenal let Higuaín slip through their grasp, signing for Napoli in a £34.5million deal. Whilst certainly Suarez’s link up play is superior to the Argentine’s, it is not as if Arsenal are lacking in creativity, with Wilshere and particularly Cazorla both capable of linking midfield and attack. With Liverpool reportedly demanding £55million for their mercurial Uruguayan, Wenger may come to regret not opting for the more reliable and more affordable Higuaín, especially since his sale means that Madrid now have the funds to challenge Arsenal in their pursuit of Suarez. Wenger’s ambition is commendable, and a rejuvenated, big spending Arsenal will certainly be great for the Premier League, however, one can’t help but think that £55million could certainly be better spent than on the notorious and unpredictable Suarez.

Ten young English players who deserve a chance in the Premier League this season

England seem to be out of form at almost every level of football at the moment and many have been quick to lay the blame the lack of young English talent plying their trade in the Premier League. With this in mind, here are ten English starlets who we could see making an impression in the country’s top league this season:

John Stones: With Phil Neville having retired, Tony Hibbert consistent but average and Seamus Coleman neither a true right back nor midfielder, there is one obvious weakness in the Everton squad. However, Everton do have on their roster their January signing from Barnsley, 19 year old John Stones. At six foot two, Stones is tall and strong and will provide good balance to Leighton Baines’ frequent surging attacking runs. Also able to play at centre back and with Everton lacking depth in that area also; with only Jagielka, Distin and new signing Alcaraz on the books, Stones certainly deserves a chance to prove himself at the top level. He already has a solid season in the Championship under his belt with Barnsley and Stones’ versatility and great potential mean that we should certainly be seeing his debut for Everton sooner rather than later.

Ross Barkley: Another Everton starlet, this player’s potential has already been well reported, unfortunately as have his injury problems. For a couple of seasons now, Barkley has been touted as one to watch, but has struggled with injuries and fitness, having to overcome a horrific leg break and finding it hard to break into a settled Everton line up. Last season however, Barkley, aided by loan moves to Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United, made 27 appearances in total and showed an ability to score, hitting four goals for Sheffield. If Barkley is able to keep this momentum heading in to next season and has better luck with injuries, he definitely deserves his chance in the Premier League this season and has already impressed in the first two games, scoring an excellent goal at Norwich. Able to play in midfield and attack, Barkley should suit new Toffies manager Martinez’s attacking style of play, with an excellent eye for a pass and an electrifying dribbling ability.

Wilfried Zaha: Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever signing as Manchester United manager, Wilfried Zaha has a huge amount of Championship experience for a 20 years old, having already racked up 143 appearances with Crystal Palace. Possessing incredible pace, Zaha’s direct attacking style has earned a move to the Premier League champions and there is no doubt that he deserves a chance to show his ability at the highest level. A return of 18 goals in all those appearances may not seem overly impressive, but apart from a few cameos as a striker, Zaha scored all these goals from the right wing. Furthermore, all bar one of Zaha’s goals have come in the past two seasons, when this is combined with his 28 assists, it is obvious that Zaha has plenty to offer at Premier League level, whether that is with Manchester United, or out on loan at another side, with Palace along with a host of other teams eager for him to return. However, after impressing in preseason and in the Community Shield victory over Wigan, it does seem that Zaha will feature in Moyes’ plans this year.

Will Hughes: Young, talented and full of flair, Will Hughes is one of the most talented English players of his generation. With an excellent range of passing and an extraordinary ability to never give the ball away, Hughes has already drawn comparisons to Xavi and Iniesta, with Barcelona having famously compiled a dossier of the Derby starlet. The comparisons to Iniesta in particular are not exaggerated; Hughes’ eye for a pass, combined with his dribbling and on the ball ability certainly is evocative of the Spanish playmaker. Hughes’ talent certainly deserves testing at the highest level and a move to a Premier League club had looked on the cards. However, interest seems to have cooled recently, with Derby’s asking price seeming to have put suitors off. Although he definitely deserves a chance, having carried last term’s form into the new Championship season, it now seems unlikely that we will see Hughes in the Premier League next season; the last interested club Newcastle now looked to have cooled their intent.

Nathaniel Chalobah: At only eighteen, Chalobah has only limited experience. However, a stellar season in the Championship on loan at Watford means that he certainly deserves a chance to show his ability in the Premier League this season. Aggressive and powerful, although also able to play in defence, Chalobah excels in a deep lying midfield role; his tackling and passing ability enable Chalobah to dominate possession at times. The young Chelsea combines all this with a great eye for goal; hitting five goals for Watford last term, including a couple of absolute screamers. The deep lying midfield role at Chelsea has been identified as a possible weakness by many, but new (old) manager Mourinho has strengthened this area; bringing in Dutch player Marko van Ginkel and retaining the previously outcast Michael Essien. Whether he is given his chance in the Chelsea first team or given more loan experience, fully expect to see Chalobah’s all action performances in the Premier League this season.

Tommie Hoban: Perhaps a slightly unusual choice given that he has only twenty senior appearances to his name. However, despite a season cut short by injury, Hoban’s unbeatable performances at centre back for Watford was enough to earn him the acclaim of Watford’s Young Player of the Season award for the 2012/13 season. Hoban undoubtedly needs to bulk up, as well as prove his fitness across a whole season, with Premier League teams unlikely to come a knocking until he does so. However, on raw talent alone, Hoban is definitely a player that deserves his shot in England’s top league sooner rather than later.

Sam Byram: In last year’s preseason, then Leeds manager Neil Warnock brought in Lee Peltier as his new first choice right back. Come the first game of the season however, it was Sam Byram that occupied that position, with Peltier pushed over to the left of the defence and later on the centre, in order to accommodate Byram. Warnock was impressed enough by Byram’s showing in preseason to award him a starting berth and the talented young defender didn’t look back, racking up 53 appearances and scooping up won the Player of the Year Award, Young Player of the Year Award, Players Player of the Year Award and also the Supporters Club Player of the Year Award at the club’s annual awards evening. Byram has been likened to Gareth Bale, however, although of course he operates on the right, Byram’s attacking intincts, direct, strong running and ability to create from deeper positions, is more evocative of Leighton Baines. Byram has announced his intention to stay with Leeds and battle for promotion next season; however, if a Premier League team do come in with an irresistible offer for Leeds, it will certainly be a chance that Byram fully deserves.

Raheem Sterling: An odd year all round for Sterling. He erupted onto the scene for Liverpool; his startling pace and slaloming runs, combining with a seemingly natural football brain, Sterling went from relatively unknown outside of LFC fans, to being hyped as the greatest young talent in the country. Openly courted by the country of his birth Jamaica, Sterling’s season culminated in his first England appearance in November. However, Sterling’s form dramatically dipped, and despite making 36 appearances in all competitions, his goal and assist return remained poor and it was generally reported he was suffering from burn out as he fell down the Liverpool pecking order. Despite this dip last season, Sterling is obviously a supremely talented player, reminiscent of Walcott and more recently Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sterling will certainly get more chances this term and at just 18, he has plenty of time to realise his potential.

Nick Powell: One of the products of Crewe Alexandria’s apparently inexhaustible youth academy, Powell signed for Manchester United last season, but failed to make as many appearances as he would have liked. In the 2011-2012 season was at times unplayable for Crewe, winning games singlehandedly at times, embarking on mazing dribbles and scoring some truly fantastic goals. Powell showed glimpses of this ability, particularly with his goal against Wigan Athletic in September, however, for Crewe, despite his brilliance Powell also regularly showed signs of petulance and selfishness, going missing in games at times. It is perhaps this immaturity that led to Powell’s limited number of appearances for Manchester United last term. What is certain is that Powell is a great talent and United are certainly lacking a creative central midfield player; expect to see much more of Powell in the Premier League this year.

James Ward-Prowse: Luke Shaw shined in the Premier League last term, establishing himself as a key player at the tender age of 17. However, as one Southampton academy product was gaining plaudits on the pitch, another was getting frustrated on the bench. Ward-Prowse has represented England at under-17, under-19 and under-20 level and made his first senior appearances for Southampton in the 2011-12 season. However, despite being promoted to the first team, Ward-Prowse featured only sporadically last term and has made it clear that he expects more game time this season; “Sitting on the bench is not what I’m about. I think I’ve got so much more to offer the team and the club and it’s a horrible feeling having to sit on the bench and watch the likes of Luke (Shaw) doing well because you want to be out there contributing as well.” (BBC, June 2013) Ward-Prowse is an excellent deep-lying playmaker and has drawn comparisons to former England star Paul Gascoigne, high praise indeed for an 18 year old. It remains to see if he can fulfil that potential, and Ward-Prowse faces stiff competition from Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama and Jack Cork for a starting birth. However, Ward-Prowse has started and impressed in both of Southampton’s games this season and even managed an assist to help his side earn a late point against Sunderland, so if he continues to perform like he has, it will only be a matter of time before Ward-Prowse is an established starter.

Why Manchester United and Chelsea should both say out with the old and in with the new.

For nearly two seasons now, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Everton’s influential left wing-back Leighton Baines. Since Moyes’ appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor in Manchester, speculation has only increased; with many reporting that it is near certain that United’s new gaffer will make a swoop for his former key player.

One of the main reasons for the speculation surrounding Baines has been the long-term dip in form of the previously ever reliable Patrice Evra. Whilst Evra at 32 years old still has plenty of seasons left in him, now may well be the perfect time for Manchester United to sell their French left back. Much has been reported of newly promoted French club Monaco’s huge off season spending, having reportedly splurged over £100million in players already and have recently been linked with one of their old alumni, Evra. With Evra ageing and struggling for form, and Financial Fair Play around the corner, this may well be United’s last chance to command a decent fee for the player. With Monaco forking out huge, inflated prices, if the Manchester club play their cards right, they could wrangle a fee big enough to fund their pursuit of Baines. With out of favour winger Nani another United player who is now being linked with a move to the French principality, Manchester United should really look to cash in on the big spending club.

United are not the only Premier League team to have one of their players linked with a move to Monaco, Chelsea Captain John Terry is another whom has been surrounded by transfer speculation. Although many may see Terry as an irreplaceable, one team man and he is certainly a fan favourite, Terry has always been a better leader than defender. Surrounded by controversy in recent years, including a race row and an illicit affair, Terry’s reputation, along with Chelsea’s has taken a big hit. Combine this with the fact that at 32 years old Terry isn’t getting younger and struggled for games under Benitez last season, it may finally be time for player and club to part ways. Chelsea have been focused on revitalising their ageing squad in recent seasons, and this trend has seen the London team with St Étienne’s eighteen year old sensation Kurt Zouma. Zouma has already made 46 appearances for the Ligue 1 club last season, he was part of the team that won the French League Cup last season and has also notched up 26 appearances for France at various youth levels. If Chelsea could negotiate a significant transfer fee for Terry, they could fund a move for Zouma and perhaps recoup money in preparation for Financial Fair Play.

Confederations Cup 2013 Round Up:

The Confederations Cup; World Cup warm up and off-season filler, usually it garners little attention, often being televised at awkward times. However, this time round it felt a little different. The spotlight was already on Brazil ahead of doubts over the country’s ability to competently host the World Cup. Further scrutiny followed as the country’s populace took action against the extravagant public spending going into funding the World Cup whilst public transport remains poor. The world was watching, could the tournament deliver?

The answer would absolutely be yes it did. As the populace took to the streets, the teams delivered on the pitch. With the long hoped for and expected final of Brazil-Spain finally happening, a true underdog to route for in Tahiti, and goals; great goals and lots of them, with an average of 4.25 goals a game and the Spain-Italy semi-final being the only goalless game of the tournament. After a steady and gradual start, the tournament reached it’s climax as Brazil hit top gear, pulling off a stellar performance to dispatch World and European champions Spain with ease, a 3-0 score line flattering the Spanish. So how did all of the teams fare?

 

Brazil: Brazil made a slow if steady start to the tournament, in which Neymar set about proving doubters wrong with a series of excellent performances, but some of the Seleção’s other stars didn’t quite live up to expectations. Oscar and Dani Alves struggled to impose themselves on games in they way we all know that they can, most concerning however, were the performances of Thiago Silva. Touted by many as the best defender of his generation, the usually reliable centre back looked uncharacteristically error prone, despite putting in a solid performance come the final against Spain.

Best Player: Several players have a right to lay stake to claim to be Brazil’s player of the cup; Fred for his prolific goal plundering, David Luiz for a series of outstanding performances that culminated in his quite simply stunning goal line clearance in the final and Paulinho for his excellent pressing, box-to-box runs and late goal against Uruguay that put Brazil into the final. However, it has to be Neymar that takes top spot. Notching up four goals and several assists, Neymar’s outstanding performances against some of the world’s best teams and players defied opinions that he was overrated and made the huge fee paid for him recently look that little bit more reasonable.

 

Italy: It was an unusual tournament for Italy, very much a case of nearly but not quite for the Azzurri. A stoic defeat against the in-form Brazil was followed by an agonising defeat on penalties against Spain, despite an excellent performance, draws attention away from the way Italy struggled to overcome both Japan and Mexico. Similarly whilst Maggio and Giaccherini impressed and Balotelli seems finally to have come of age, others seemed to be on the wane, with Andrea Barzagli having lost more than just a yard of pace and Buffon in particular looked error prone.

Best Player: Chiellini and Balotelli both come close, but Italy’s player of the tournament has to be Danielle de Rossi. Regardless of his club form, when called up for his national side, de Rossi always seems to be imperious and the Confederations Cup proved no different. Putting in several man of the match performances, the natural leader was excellent in midfield, but was also able to seamlessly drop back and marshal the defence when required. His all action displays were exemplified by the group match against Japan, in which de Rossi’s all round excellence, was topped with a goal.

Japan: It was a poor tournament for Japan. Faced with a tough group they were never favourites to challenge for the Confederations Cup, but even so the Japanese will no doubt be disappointed that they couldn’t perform better and at least put a point on the board. Against eventual winners Brazil, Japan never threatened and whilst they improved against Italy, Japan were again disappointing against Mexico.

Best Player: It’s hard to pick a best player from amongst Japan’s under-performers, with Keisuki Honda a particularly disappointing culprit. However, Kagawa was solid if not outstanding, good with possession and improving against Italy to put in a fine display.

Mexico: Unable to repeat the heroics of their Gold Cup victory, Mexico did very much as expected, losing to Brazil and Italy, albeit whilst also putting in respectable performances and admirably defeating Japan.

Best Player: Andrés Guardado was excellent for Mexico all tournament. Getting up and down the left hand side excellently, Guardado was at the heart of everything good Mexico did and provided great creative foil for Giovanni dos Santos and Javier Hernandez.

 

Nigeria: Nigeria have recently emerged from what has been a difficult period for the team in recent years with their 2013 African Cup of Nations victory. Stephen Keshi reshaped the squad, refusing to pick what he viewed as egotistical big name players whose reputations were undeserved and instead assembled a young squad with a core of eight home-based players. Repeated success was never on the cards for Nigeria at the Confederations Cup and Keshi and his team should just take the tournament as great competitive experience and an opportunity for development.

Best Player: Ahmed Musa was excellent on the right side all cup for Nigeria, his incisive and direct style of play and impressive dribbling causing difficulty for every side he faced. His great tournament caps an outstanding year for Musa in which he established himself as a CSKA Moscow regular, notching 15 goals in 35 appearances. Musa made two assists in the Confederations Cup.

Spain: In the group stage of the tournament, Spain looked excellent. Deploying either Fernando Torres or Robert Soldado upfront, rather than Cesc Fàbregas as a false number nine, there seemed to be a verve and incision to Spain’s passing style as Spain humiliated Tahiti and breezed past Nigeria and Uruguay. However, signs that Spain may not walk to another cup victory became apparent in the semi-final against Italy and although Spain were eventually victorious on penalties, they were truly matched, with Italy spurning several opportunities to score through Maggio.

Best Player: Whilst Fernando Torres and David Villa notched up 5 and 3 goals respectively, these figures are inflated by the Tahiti drubbing and in actuality both players are not of the class they once were and this showed once Spain faced off against sterner opposition.  Jesús Navas impressed in his cameo appearance and will be disappointed that he didn’t get more player time, but it was only  Andrés Iniesta that ever was consistantly excellent.

 

Tahiti: Tournament underdogs Tahiti captured the hearts of neutrals across the world and were passionately cheered on in every game they played, but ultimately and unfortunately were unable to overcome their billing as group whipping boys, failing to earn a point. Two saved penalties against Uruguay and Spain and a goal against Nigeria gave fans something to cheer about, in the end Tahiti’s amateur’s did exactly as expected.

Best Player: Whilst Steevy Chong Hue and Jonathan Tehau both earned plaudits for their direct attacking runs, in reality no Tahiti player particularly impressed, their amateur status showing. If one had to pick a best player for Tahiti, it has to be Marama Vahirua. The only professional player in the Tahiti squad, the Panthrakikos forward’s extra quality was evident.

 

Uruguay: Uruguay have been a team on the wane ever since their 2011 Copa America success. Having struggled in the qualification stage for the 2014 World Cup, Uruguay have looked a shadow of the team that made the semi-final of the 2010 World Cup, but this year’s Confederations Cup marks somewhat of a revival. Uruguay put in a series of impressive displays and were only narrowly beaten by Brazil in the semi-final. The older players in the squad proved that they still have much to offer, with Diego Forlán in particular impressing and the squad’s younger players showing that there is hope for the future of the Urugay side, with Abel Hernandez, Gastón Ramírez and Nicolás Lodeiro all impressing at some point to defy their recent disappointing Olympic failure.

Best Player: El Matatdor, Edinson Cavani and the infamous Louis Suarez both did what they do best and bagged three goals each and either could lay claim to the accolade of Uruguay’s best player of the Confederations Cup, but it is Walter Gargano that must take the title. The Inter Milan midfielder put in several dominant performances and lay on three assists for his team. On the other hand, Diego Lugano further showed signs that he is declining as a player.