Liverpool were back to their vintage best last season and we all thought that they were finally back to challenging for titles.
However, this season has started very poorly for Liverpool. After their opening six Premier League matches they have picked up just seven points. They’ve also had the Champions League to balance but after scraping past Ludogorets and losing to Basel, they’re not doing a very good job of it.
Last season The Reds finished just two points (+ goal difference) off the eventual winners Man City. They took second place and things were looking up. Lets face it, they more-or-less threw away the title.
We all knew how much of a loss Luis Suarez was going to be but are they particularly missing him enough to warrant this poor start? Well it’s not particularly down to losing him. Last season after the first six Premier League games (without the suspended Suarez) Liverpool were sitting comfortably in second place with 13 points. However, they largely had Daniel Sturridge to thank for that as he took the goalscoring upon himself.
Liverpool’s defence was pretty shambolic last season but because they managed to score over 100 league goals, they counter-balanced that problem. Brendan Rodgers has set out to strengthen his defence and I’m sure he was happy with his defensive signings. However when you compare the start that the Liverpool backline of last season made, compared to this season you realise where the problem still lies. Last year Liverpool conceded four goals in their opening six Premier League matches – compared to nine at the start of the current campaign. Interestingly they’ve scored the same amount (8) in that amount of time, as last year.
So The Reds are finding the same amount of goals from different areas but the defensive problem is still very much alive for Rodgers’ men.
Brendan Rodgers has already pushed the blame onto the pressure that the Champions League puts on his side. Of course playing more games is a big factor, but it’s not an excuse for the poor start, after all they’ve only been required to make one away trip thus far.
His signing of Mario Balotelli, seemed to be a bargain but certainly without Sturridge, the Italian bad-boy is not performing to the level that Liverpool require at the moment. Still, that’s not enough to warrant a start for Rickie Lambert, who has somehow made it into the latest England team.
I still feel that once Sturridge returns that Liverpool will progress up the table, but by no means will they finish top four – not this year.
I believe firmly that the Merseyside club had a one-off season last year, and the power of Suarez has not been replaced. More importantly their defence has started worse than last year – though of course – given time to gel, they may sort it out before it’s too late.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
I really enjoyed watching Liverpool last year with their exciting brand of attacking football – each game guaranteed goals at both ends and the same appears to be happening this season but with more goals going to the opposition. As things stand, Liverpool will be out of the Champions League just in time to rescue their Premier League campaign but Reds’ supporters shouldn’t expect a miracle this time around.
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
Fill out our survey and win a pair of PUMA EvoPOWER boots as worn by Mario Balotelli, Cesc Fabregas and Marco Reus!
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon was an important result for the Red Devils. Unquestionably the biggest test of Louis van Gaal’s tenure thus far, United are only the second side to claim points off the Premier League leaders this season, after Manchester City.
Indeed, it will breed even further faith in the Dutchman’s qualities as Old TraffordÂboss, but his United side are still very much a work in progress, with a number of intrinsic flaws remaining evident even amid their score-draw with the West Londoners.
So with the January window slowly approaching, here’s FOUR key issues LVG must address via the transfer market in the new year.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON VAN GAAL TO REVEAL
[/ffc-gallery]
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
The fate of JUAN MATA
What does the future hold for Juan Mata?
No one can doubt the Spain international’s talent, whilst five goals and eight assists in 23 appearances for Manchester United is hardly what you’d describe as a substandard return. Here’s a look at some of his highlights thus far for the Red Devils:
//www.youtube.com/embed/h6OjNTMuh88?rel=0
But two managers and several different formations on from his then-record-breaking £37million move last January, the 26 year-old is still to forge a key role for himself in United’s starting XI.
His natural position remains at No.10, but that slot looks set to be dominated by club captain Wayne Rooney under Louis van Gaal, with the Red Devils boss casting doubts over the England international as an out-and-out strike-partner to Robin van Persie back in September.
And Mata has hardly excelled in Rooney’s absence through suspension over the last few weeks, finding no goals and just one assist in his last 229 minutes of Premier League action. Likewise, as Jose Mourinho had prophesised, the Spaniard’s lack of contribution defensively is a real burden on the rest of the team.
Mata certainly fits into van Gaal’s technically-demanding philosophy and one should bear in mind that he’s only been at Old Trafford for ten months.
But with United already planning major recruitment in January and next summer, amid the new era of Financial Fair Play, Mata’s potential departure fee would give the Carrington Club huge manoeuvre in the transfer market.
He’s already been linked to Juventus for the coming transfer window:
And Louis van Gaal must decide whether January is the right time to cash-in.
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
FINDING AN ALTERNATIVE TO MATS HUMMELS
Mats Hummels has been linked with an Old Trafford switch for much of his career, and even more so under Louis van Gaal after winning the World Cup with Germany during the summer.
But clearly, United’s eternal interest isn’t reciprocated by the Bundesliga star, who accepted the captain’s armband at Borussia Dortmund in August as a show of loyalty and recently declared himself ‘not interested’ in joining the Carrington ranks:
Plausible alternatives need to be considered.The fact Louis van Gaal has already issued three academy centre-backs Premier League debuts this season tells its own story, and without a commanding, experienced centre-half arriving in the new year, United’s chances of claiming fourth spot will take a serious hit.
Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen remains an option; the Belgium international is unquestionably one of the Premier League’s flagship defenders when enjoying top form and his White Hart Lane future is in serious doubt after recently rejecting a new contract:
Then there’s the more simple-yet effective Ron Vlaar, whose performances under van Gaal’s leadership verged upon world-class at Brazil 2014. Here’s the Netherlands international’s World Cup highlights:
//www.youtube.com/embed/KElFlYKBcUY?rel=0
The 29 year-old’s contract is up at the end of the season and it’s believed United could sign him for as little as £4million:
£24million-rated Atletico defender Miranda remains on United’s radar but the Carrington club have most recently been linked to Zenit defender Ezequiel Garay:
Here’s the Argentina international in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/yc97AEevMos?rel=0
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
More pace going forward
The likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Radamel Falcao, Adnan Januzaj and Angel Di Maria forge a stellar attacking line-up, but with the exception of the Argentine international, it lacks mobility, pace and natural penetration.
Indeed, the limited speed throughout United’s starting Xi has become disturbingly noticeable compared to former title-winning Red Devils outfits – perhaps something Louis van Gaal failed to envisage after recently admitting he’s been surprised by the intensity of the Premier League – and an issue the Manchester United gaffer must address in January.
One potential solution comes in the form of Serie A star Juan Cuadrado, who has just weaved a new £27.5million release clause into his contract at Fiorentina:
The hard-working winger absolutely destroyed the Italian top flight last year and brought his form to the World Cup:
Famed for his endless stamina, work-rate and incredible top speed, the Colombian international is exactly what United need on the right-hand side. Combining pace, athleticism, trickery and netting prowess, this goal typifies the 26 year-old’s game:
//www.youtube.com/embed/DUlRxcSaxZo
Borussia Dortmund attacker Marco Reus remains an alternative – his form last season, detailed below, earned him a second Bundesliga Player of the Year award in the space of three campaigns:
The rest of the European elite appear to be waiting until next summer to lure the 25 year-old away, when his ridiculously cheap £20million release clause comes into effect. But United would be wise to beat the pack and test Dortmund’s resolve with a more lucrative offer in January.
A significantly cheaper option is Marseille’s Andre Ayew. The Ghana international netted twice at the World Cup, is famed for his versatility and, as shown in the below video, is outrageously good at heading for a 5 foot 9 winger:
//www.youtube.com/embed/0gIZogfsorU?rel=0
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
More mettle in midfield
Marouane Fellaini’s impressive performances against West Brom and Chelsea, netting this stunner against the Baggies:
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
…has unearthed an intrinsic flaw in Manchester United’s midfield – specifically, a lack of physicality compared to other Premier League sides. He not only levelled the scoring at the Hawthorns, but also made the Red Devils far more combative off the ball.
The Belgium international clearly isn’t a natural suitor to Louis van Gaal’s philosophy however, so another midfielder who can offer paralleled physical dominance needs to be brought in.
Kevin Strootman remains on United’s radar, but Roma are in no mood to sell and the Dutch international is still recovering from an ACL injury. Likewise, long-term knee issues appear to have put the Red Devils off Juventus star Arturo Vidal.
That could see van Gaal turn to Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira. A World Cup and Champions League winner, the 6 foot 2 enforcer is considered to be one of the top central midfielders in world football and looks set to leave the Bernabeu in January after refusing to extend his contract past 2015. Here’s a look at the German international in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/RetIjHKY6pA?rel=0
But Khedira will be one of the January window’s hottest properties and there’s already a plethora of Premier League clubs queuing up for his signature:
Resultantly, the Red Devils may have to settle for Nigel de Jong. The 5 foot 8 ‘Lawnmower’ wants to finish his career with current club AC Milan, but the Netherlands international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, suggesting the San Siro side could be forced to sell.
His bone-crushing style may not be pretty…
…but it’s effectiveness is proven in the Premier League, having previously claimed the English title with Manchester City. Here’s another look at the kind of ball-winning service the 29 year-old provides:
Arsenal fans were just getting excited at the thought of seeing Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil linking up together before this afternoon brought the news every Gooner was dreading.
Mesut Ozil has damaged knee ligaments whilst on international duty with Germany and is set to be sidelined for up to three months. THREE MONTHS!?
The German hasn’t exactly been the world class addition to the squad Arsene Wenger and the Emirates were hoping he would be, but a lot of that is down to Wenger playing him out of position.
But now he can’t play him at all and Arsenal fans just cannot believe it. Seriously, they’re devastated…
Fill out our survey and win a pair of PUMA EvoPOWER boots as worn by Mario Balotelli, Cesc Fabregas and Marco Reus!
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Since first bursting onto the scene as the scorer of all three of Ecuador’s goals at last summer’s World Cup, Enner Valencia is fast becoming a solid fan favourite down at Upton Park, even if his performances still bare the hallmarks of someone adjusting to a new life in the Premier League.
The Ecuadorian is an unpredictable talent who has the ability to challenge even the very best defenders on his day. His goal-scoring exploits are what have got him noticed so far in his brief career, and seeing as the 25-year-old has notched a steady four goals already this season, things really do seem to be going well for Enner Valencia.
While the World Cup star may well be finding his feet with West Ham this season, a somewhat surprising rumour linking the South American striker to Stamford Bridge has recently reared its ugly head. Chelsea are thought to be keen on landing the player, even if they are forced to meet his reported £20million buy-out-clause.
In light of such news, could Enner Valencia become this winter’s shock mover, or will he remain at Upton Park at least for the foreseeable future?
[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]
The Ecuadorian forward, in his so far brief spell in the Premier League, has managed to win many fans over for his direct nature and ability to score goals. While the same can’t really be said when he has been playing alongside Andy Carroll, when the tricky striker is paired up-top with fellow new boy Diafra Sakho, the attacking chemistry West Ham have going really is something to admire.
Valencia is capable 0f running at defenders, sending in dangerous balls from wide positions, and creating havoc in the box. His aerial ability to meet headers is also impressive considering that Valencia isn’t the tallest of strikers. Both Stoke City and Burnley have been on the wrong end of the South American’s heading ability so far this season, with plenty more victims likely to come if the World Cup hero is played in the correct way.
While Valencia has been in good form overall this campaign, playing him in the right way has not always been an easy task for Sam Allardyce. In recent outings, Big Sam has left the Ecuadorian to play out wide, leaving him isolated from the rest of the team, and away from the danger areas he has already proved he can be so deadly in. Unpredictability has so far been Enner Valencia’s best trait, but because of Allardyce’s questionable tactics of late, the Ecuadorian’s performances have simply not been at the level the Hammers faithful know he is capable of.
The initial reaction to these reports would therefore be to unceremoniously dismiss them straight away. Valencia has hardly proved himself in the Premier League, as only last season the 25-year-old was plying his trade with Mexican outfit, Pachuca. It remains unbelievable that Jose Mourinho could seriously want the Ecuadorian, and even if the interest is serious, paying £20m for a player likely to be behind Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Oscar, and the potentially incoming Juan Cuadrado, would seem OTT even for Chelsea.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
No – such rumours simply seem no more than loose talk designed to get football fans excited as the transfer deadline approaches. While suggestions of former West Ham target, Loic Remy, going the other way as part of any deal linking Valencia with a move to Chelsea will certainly excite some Hammers fans, the overall opinion of the Upton Park faithful will likely see fans forget they ever heard about this story.
Enner Valencia remains a West Ham player, and if he can one day match his lofty valuation to a consistent level of performances in the league, perhaps he can become just as much of an East End legend as he is back home in Ecuador.
Norwich manager Alex Neil has admitted that he would be disappointed if the Canaries failed to gain automatic promotion from the Championship this season.
The Canaries have won seven of their last eight League matches and now sit fifth yet just a point behind all four teams above them in an incredibly tight.
A 4-1 win at Milwall gave an instant response to a surprise midweek defeat to strugglers Wigan, allowing Norwich to capitalise on other promotion chasers failing to win.
Neil has brought about an exceptional upturn in results since his arrival, leaving him to admit that he would not be happy to settle for a play-off spot.
He told Football FanCast: “I wouldn’t put the word failure next to it, I think its task done in terms of the beginning (improving on 7th) but I’ll be disappointed if we don’t finish in the top two.
“We’ve got ten games to try and push on and make sure that come the end of the season when the dust settles we are in one of the top two spots. With the squad we’ve got and the run we’re on there’s no reason why we can’t continue to put performances in as we have been doing.
“If you look at our form we’ve won seven games in eight and I think every game we’ve won we have deserved it. If there’s any problems I fix it right away, they (the players) know exactly what their tasks are so there is no excuses for anyone.”
Neil says the Canaries’ potential to soar back into the Premier League at the first opportunity, after a three-year stint ended last season, was a huge attraction in joining the club.
“I think the first time you look at taking over any club you look at the scope that you’ve got with the team, the club and the infrastructure and at Norwich is it set up really well,” he added.
“The scope is there to go back into the Premier League no question, the squad is probably there, it’s just a case of making sure the team is functioning properly and you are getting the maximum out of the players.
“Thankfully for me the players have adapted really quickly to the style of play I ‘ve been trying to adopt, I think their work-rate is hugely increased which makes it much easier.”
[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]
The Norwich manager also outlined the positive and negative consequences of their recent Premier League experience compared to rival promotion-chasers.
“I think it can work in two ways, the fact that we’ve got the experience of having seen it and done it does give you that advantage. However the expectation level on Norwich is completely different to Bournemouth or Brentford.
“If we come up short, I’ve not done my job, the players haven’t done their job and we have had a terrible season. That’s what it will be, I’m fully aware of the situation, the players are.”
The view of Neil that if Bournemouth fall short they will consider their season a success was supported by recent comments from Eddie Howe.
After the Cherries manager saw his side claimed a second successive win by thrashing Fulham 5-1, he explained that it would be far from a failure if his side missed out an automatic promotion.
Howe said: “No I don’t think it would be – our highest ever finish in the Championship is 10th (last season), so whatever happens this has been a remarkable season for the club.
“The players and everyone have done magnificently to get us to where we are, this season has been a great success and there is no limits to what we can achieve.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Bournemouth sit just a point above the Canaries, who host fellow promotion-chasers Derby County next week, with the importance of the game not lost on Neil.
“It’s a huge game, but there’s ten huge games between now and the end of the season but for every team in the top six it will be the same,” Neil admitted.
“We are on a really good run at the moment, we are playing some really good stuff, you can see the boys are confident so we’ve just got try and continue it.
“I think the Championship has shown that on their day anyone can beat anyone, it really is that tight. We know we’re getting to the business end now and that we cannot afford to slip up anymore.”
Win a pair of Puma football boots as worn by Cesc Fabregas and Super Mario by filling in this quick survey!
Arsenal have to sign a new centre-back, central midfielder and goalkeeper this summer, with Chelsea’s Petr Cech an ideal addition.
This is the view of Gunners hero Ray Parlour, who feels that this summer is a massive one for his old club as they plot to cement themselves as title contenders in 2016.
Arsenal are 2015’s form team in the Premier League, but even the miraculous run they’ve been on is unlikely to be enough to dislodge Chelsea – who hold a 10-point buffer over them – at the top of the table.
WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Latest transfer news
Per Mertesacker has struggled for form, while Laurent Koscielnly has endured injury issues, and Mikel Arteta may well be released when his contract expires in a few months’ time, which has made both positions issues of concern.
Wojciech Szczesny has been bombed out of the starting line-up in league action, too, meaning that a new stopper is another worry.
And Parlour feels that all three positions have to be addressed, with Cech the perfect solution between the sticks:
“Straight down the spine of the team [needs strengthing].” He is quoted by the Express.
“Arsenal need to look at signing a new centre-half and definitely a central midfielder because people like Mikel Arteta may leave in the summer.
“They’ve got to look at their goalkeeping situation, whether Wojciech Szczesny is moved on and replaced with Petr Cech, who has always been mentioned.
“He would be a great signing for Arsenal if Chelsea will let him go there.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“If he [Arsene Wenger] can add a bit of quality, I think they will have a really good run next year, progress, and maybe get a bit closer to Chelsea, or whoever it is next season, to win the Premier League.”
Liverpool fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are preparing for a trip to Wembley this weekend, as their side prepare to take on Aston Villa for a place in the FA Cup final.
Brendan Rodgers is hoping a first trophy of his Liverpool career can save a season that otherwise looks set to end in disappointment, after the Reds fell out of the race for the top four with back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal.
Prior to that, Liverpool had been the form team in the country, going a run of 13 games unbeaten and getting themselves back into the mix for a top four finish after a dismal start to the season.
It looks as if they are going to fall short however, and the supporters will demand an improvement next term – and some better summer signings.
Here we have identified five of the most pointless Liverpool transfers of all time.
[ffc-gallery]
Click on Brendan Rodgers to reveal 5 most pointless Liverpool transfers ever
Football – Liverpool v Everton – Barclays Premier League – Anfield – 27/9/14Liverpool manager Brendan RodgersMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
[/ffc-gallery]
El Hadji Diouf
Football – Stock 03/04 – 17/3/04El Hadji Diouf – LiverpoolMandatory Credit : Action Images / Darren Walsh
It looked as though Liverpool were going to make Nicolas Anelka’s loan spell permanent back in 2002 but for some inexplicable reason, Gerard Houllier decided against the move.
In what many consider to be the beginning of the end for the French coach, Houllier opted to bring in El-Hadji-Diouf for £10 million instead, having watched him perform well for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup.
Diouf turned out to be perhaps the worst number 9 in the club’s history, managing just three Premier League goals in two seasons, and no shortage of disgraceful controversies – one of which included spitting at a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup tie in 2003.
Salif Diao
Football – Chelsea v Liverpool FA Barclays Premiership – Stamford Bridge – 3/10/04Chelsea’s Eidur Gudjohnsen is chased by Liverpool’s Salif DiaoMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’Brien04/05NO ONLINE/INTERNET USE WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE FOOTBALL DATA CO LTD. FOR LICENCE ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE +44 207 298 1656.
Like his fellow countryman El Hadji Diouf – who arrived at the same time – Diao struggled to settle in England, and never produced the same form he did on the international stage.
In three season’s at Anfield, he managed 37 Premier League appearances, and just one goal.
He was not helped either by Gerard Houllier’s comments, with the former Anfield boss claiming he was signing a midfielder similar in style to Patrick Vieira.
Sadly for all connected with LFC, Diao was hardly good enough to clean the boots of the Arsenal legend.
Bruno Cheyrou
Football – FA Barclaycard Premiership – Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool – 21/1/04Bruno Cheyrou celebrates his goal for LiverpoolMandatory Credit : Action Images / Richard Heathcote
Bruno Cheyrou completed Gerard Houllier’s holy trinity of disastrous signings when he joined Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf as the new summer signings in 2002, with the Frenchman arriving for £4.5million.
Houllier famously labelled Cheyrou ‘the new Zidane’, a comment that seemed to prove a huge burden.
Cheyrou enjoyed a decent patch of goalscoring during the 2003-04 season, but left Anfield following the arrival of Rafael Benitez with a record of 31 Premier League appearances and two goals, having made no real impact at a time when the Reds were hoping to build on their second placed finish of 2001/02.
Milan Jovanovic
Football – Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion – Barclays Premier League – Anfield – 10/11 – 29/8/10Liverpool’s Milan JovanovicMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineNO ONLINE/INTERNET USE WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE FOOTBALL DATA CO LTD. FOR LICENCE ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE +44 (0) 207 864 9000.
A parting ‘gift’ from former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, the Reds had apparently beaten Real Madrid of all clubs to the free transfer of the Serbian forward – seriously, Real Madrid.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Jovanovic joined Liverpool in the summer of 2010, managed only one season, two goals, and just a handful of average performances, before being sold the following summer.
Benitez had built him up in what proved to be his final season on Merseyside, although his successors Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish never rated him – and neither did any of the Liverpool fans.
Christian Poulsen
Who in their right mind tries to replace Javier Mascherano with Christian Poulsen? Only current England boss Roy Hodgson.
The Danish midfielder was a good six or seven years past his best when he arrived at Anfield, and completed a dreadful summer of business which saw the previously mentioned Jovanovic, Joe Cole, Paul Konchesky and Danny Wilson arrive.
Any of those players could have made this list in truth, but it’s Poulsen who makes the cut simply because of the drop in class he brought compared to the player he was replacing.
The time period in which he was brought into the club is looked back on as perhaps the darkest in Liverpool’s Premier League history.
Manchester United and Arsenal fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating a decision from their target after the Daily Mail revealed that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to decide on his future at the end of the month.
The man tipped to replace Michael Carrick or the man to become the anchor of Arsenal’s midfield is set to put an end to all of the speculation surrounding his future.
The 24-year-old has one year remaining on his contract at the Westfalenstadion and it is expected he is going to follow Jurgen Klopp out of the club.
Which means Dortmund could opt to cash out on the German international this summer as they risk losing him on free in 2016.
The midfielder is currently on international duty, but took to Facebook on Friday to discuss his future.
In a statement he wrote: ‘In recent weeks, I, like you, have read again and again that it is already agreed I will sign somewhere. Today [Friday] I am in contract negotiations here, tomorrow [Saturday] I’m having a medical check there. At first I could still laugh about it, but when there was talk of “contract poker” and “a rip-off” it made me look bad.
‘Yesterday [Thursday] an ominous number [as regards to his wage demands] appeared in the press and so I have now decided to say something about it’
‘The 2014-15 season strictly speaking only ends on June 30. So far there have been barely any transfers done in Europe, yet as the rumours have spiralled I am supposed to have demanded more and more [cash], putting off making a final decision’
‘What has been forgotten is this: I have one more year on my contract with BVB [Dortmund].
‘What is important to me is that I’m not seen to be wagering financially or using delaying tactics’.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Gundogan then added: ‘What’s next for me personally, I will reveal as soon as possible’.
‘Still, I’ll only make a decision after this season and our important game for the European Championship qualifier with the national team.’
This can only give the Blues and the Gunners hope of landing him although it could end up in bad news as he may opt to move elsewhere.
Manchester United and Arsenal fans. How important would Ilkay Gundogan be if joined your squad? Let us know your thoughts below.
A year into the ‘Gaal-acticos’ project, Manchester United have been linked with a whole host of glamorous, exciting names to usher them into a new era. After securing Champions League entry (albeit with a potentially tricky qualifier to navigate), the Red Devils are back in the big time and raring to go. Sergio Ramos is the latest name to be linked with a blockbuster move to Old Trafford, and it’s easy to see why.
Ramos is a fiery Spanish defender with unquestionable star quality. Having won everything there is to win in the game, any deal bringing the Real Madrid defender to Manchester is likely to be eye-wateringly expensive. The World Cup winner would no doubt represent a major upgrade on United’s current centre-backs, but at 29-years-of-age there are better options available to Louis van Gaal this summer.
Ramos’ age is only half the story. Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Valencia’s Argentine beast Nicolas Otamendi are not much younger than Madrid’s centre half, but represent cheaper alternatives. Ramos is believed to earn four and a million euros a year at Real, and that figure will only rise if a move to the Premier League comes to fruition. Taking into account a transfer that is likely to be well in excess of £30m, the numbers simply do not add up. United’s recruitment policy last term was flawed, and this potential deal would suggest Ed Woodward has not learnt a thing since then.
Sure, a United line up with Ramos marshalling the defence looks a lot sounder than last term, but are looks deceiving? Ramos does not ply his trade against top class opposition week in and week out. Real Madrid often battered teams four, five, six nil last season – hardly taxing work for a centre half. Though it was his iconic header that helped secured ‘La Decima’ for the Galacticos, Ramos is simply not the solid centre-back he would have you believe. His ill-discipline is really exacerbated in games against Barcelona and the latter stages of the Champions League.
Ramos’ impetuous desire to defend on the front foot may fly in La Liga, where Real Madrid have the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and James Rodriguez to control the play against lesser sides. So, the meticulously planned designs of Louis van Gaal may not suit Ramos’ cavalier approach.
The contract extensions given to Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling last season should also be taken into account. United are clearly looking to the future for their back line, and is hard to imagine such an expensive deal having a positive effect on the current crop. If these lot aren’t given time to develop, United could be letting themselves in for another bumpy transition in a few years. You can’t spend £30m and pay hundreds of thousands a week on a centre back every few years, while ignoring your youth players – not at Man Utd.
Clearly, Ramos is a better defender that Paddy McNair or Tyler Blackett. Clearly, Ramos is a better defender than Phil Jones or Chris Smalling. But United must plan for the future with these centre halves following their contract extensions. Ramos’ disciplinary record does not suggest he is the type to nurture nervous young centre halves. 19 red cards, a huge ego and a fiery temper and you expect him to hold Blackett’s hand in training? Or comfort Paddy McNair should he make a mistake during the season? Doubtful at best.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
At 29 years of age and a swelling trophy cabinet, does Ramos truly have the desire to reinvent himself as a Manchester United legend? Or is he simply using this saga to secure one last big contract before he turns 30.
Manchester United do require defensive additions this summer as they prepare for an immensely important football season. It is up to Louis van Gaal and Ed Woodward to identify targets who fit the ethos of the club and can help them improve in all areas, not big signings for the sake of sending a message. Radamel Falcao should have taught them that.