The good, the bad, and the ugly

In this piece I shall be discussing the futures of three of the best players in the premiership, who all want out. Do these players have a right to leave? Or should they stay and help further their club’s ambitions?

First, I shall discuss ‘the good’, Gareth Bale. Last year he won the PFA player of the year award, and the PFA young player of the year award, however currently he finds himself at a club who are not in the Champions League. Last year he scored 26 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions; from midfield. This is clearly a tremendous achievement, matched only by the likes of Ronaldo a few years back. However, does he merit a £100 million pound value that Spurs are putting on him? I don’t think any player is worth that money, and the fact that he is being valued above Ronaldo is an insult to Ronaldo himself. His stats over the past few years have been impressive, and his influence on the Tottenham team, massive. Spurs were labelled a one man team for the majority of last season, and they narrowly missed out on the CL. Reason would indicate that their high finishing position was predominantly down to Bale. Does he have a right to want to leave? Yes he does. The first reason, primarily, is that a player of his quality and ability, deserves to be playing Champions League football. Outside the Messi and Ronaldo category, he falls into the class of player just below them, with the likes of RIbery, Van Persie and Suarez. Secondly, when Real Madrid come knocking, it is very hard for anyone to refuse, never mind a player that would become the most valued player ever. You can’t compare Tottenham to Real Madrid, and in my opinion it is a no brainer that Bale has a right to thank Spurs for all they have done for him, but announce that it is time to move on. Yes, the repercussions of Bale leaving Spurs will be massive, and it will without a doubt effect their ability to challenge for the top four. On the other hand, Levy could do an awful lot with an extra £100 million in the bank, like improving the stadium and Tottenham as a brand world wide; as well as bringing in some more quality players like the ones they have already brought in this season.

Now I shall move on to ‘the bad’. Luis Suarez is without a doubt the villain of the Premier League. In recent years he would have had competition from the likes of Joey Barton and El hadj Diouf, however since they are no longer in the division, Suarez’s actions have without a doubt merited the title of ‘The bad’. In October 2011, Suarez racially abused Patrice Evra and more recently in April of this year, bit Branislav Ivanovic during Liverpool’s game against Chelsea. But I am not writing this to victimise Suarez, however these incidents will contribute to my final verdict of whether he should stay or not. Suarez is a world class player, scoring 30 goals in a decent Liverpool side who for the majority of the season, only had one striker. With all that pressure, Luis Suarez thrived and was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire campaign. It is undoubtable that his performances and statistics over the last few years in the league prove him worthy of playing for one of the best teams in the world. However, does Suarez have a right to jump ship? Does he not owe the club a little more loyalty? Yes, I said that Bale has a right to leave, but Bale and Suarez’s situations differ immensely. When Suarez was accused of Racially abusing Evra, Kenny Dalglish not only put his job on the line, but also in a sense the club’s reputation, by defending Suarez wholly throughout the entire period of inquest. The height of this being the T-shirt incident, which was embarrassing for him and the club. The second major incident that occurred in April, when he blatantly bit Ivanovic, was not ‘defended’ as such, but blamed on a weakness in his mental state which is incapable of filtering such behaviour. Liverpool made it clear his actions were unacceptable, however, were not willing to condemn him entirely. For these reasons, Suarez should show a loyalty to the club that stuck by him during the times in which he acted in a way that embarrassed himself and Liverpool. Liverpool have invested this summer, and with rumours of an imminent arrival of Diego Costa from Athletico Madrid, if Suarez stayed, Liverpool would have a real chance of challenging for the Champions League. Another point which makes Suarez’s and Bale’s situations so different is that the calibre of club that wants Bale is in a different league to the club that wants Suarez. Arsenal, with all due respect, are not one of the biggest clubs in the world. Yes, they might have Champions League this season if they get through the qualifying rounds, but he is of a class suitable for Barcelona, Bayern and Madrid. Arsenal have made some average offers of around £40 million, but if Bale is worth £100 million, Arsenal are some way off Suarez’s true value. If Madrid would have put in a serious offer for Suarez, it would be more understandable for him to leave Liverpool for them, but Arsenal’s team isn’t so far ahead of Liverpool’s, and to leave Liverpool who have stuck by him, for a team like Arsenal would be a slap in the face to the supporters, the manager and the whole club in general. The hypocritical nature of the Arsenal fans has grinded on me horribly in the last few weeks. A few weeks ago they would never accept such a disgrace into their club, but now they are singing his praises like they never had anything against him. Will Liverpool be okay if he leaves? As proven in the end of last season when Suarez was suspended, they scored tonnes of goals winning the majority of the matches that he didn’t feature in. But, without a doubt he will leave a void, that cannot be filled by any player of his calibre.

The third player I shall be discussing is Wayne Rooney who has been unfairly given the title of ‘ugly’, by the footballing joking world. Rooney is undoubtably one of the best players ever to play in the Premier League, just behind the likes of Henry and Gerrard. He has been a loyal servant to Manchester United for years, being the focal point of Fergie’s title winning team season after season, bar a transfer request a couple of years ago, which was resolved. However, last season, with the arrival of Van Persie, Rooney was pushed down the pecking order, making way for the hero like figure who helped United regain the Premier League title. The icing on the cake, was Rooney not being picked for the starting 11 against Madrid at home in the Champions League. 2 years ago it would have been inconceivable for Rooney not to be the first name on the team sheet for any game, be it against Chelsea or Madrid. However, is the situation as bad as what people are making out though? He played in 27 of the 38 premier league games last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions. He scored 12 league goals last season which is almost a record of a goal every two games. Clearly 27/38 games is not enough for Wayne Rooney, and on this basis, there is a case for saying that he deserves better treatment and has a right to leave the club. Chelsea are the interested party, and with Mourinho coming back, Chelsea are considered the main title contenders along with Manchester City. Mourinho has made it clear that Rooney is his only transfer target and has pretty much guaranteed him first team football, with his world cup comments. Rooney should force a move to Chelsea, he deserves to be the main man at his club, at least a guaranteed starter. The problem at the moment is that Moyes has failed to sign anyone as yet, so if he lets Rooney leave, then his squad doesn’t look phenomenal as it isn’t shimmering with world class players. However, I would relish watching Rooney as the main striker in a Chelsea team with the quality of Mata, Hazard and Oscar behind him. Chelsea should offer a large some of money for him, and United should just bite the bullet and try and land a couple of world beaters themselves.

Transfer WIndow – Manchester CIty

Manchester City:

 

Last season was a season of immense disappointment for Manchester City fans. A disappointing European campaign, a loss in a cup final to a team that got relegated, and coming second by a distance to their Manchester rivals. However, did Mancini deserve to go? I personally thought it was inevitable; if you are given that much money at your disposal, anything short of a great season puts your job at risk. Pellegrini is a good appointment; plenty of experience, and has already made some good signings for big money. I think City were unlucky with injuries last season to their big players including Kompany and Aguero. It also didn’t help that Yaya Toure went to the African Cup of Nations. Next season could be a big season for City, however now I think competition for the title is stiffer than last season. Chelsea were way off challenging last season, but under Mourinho this season they are most people’s favourites for the title.

 

Manchester City so far have signed Jesus Navas and Negredo from Sevilla, Fernandinho from Shakhtar and are on the verge of signing Jovetic from Fiorentina. Last season City lacked in creativity and the end product. Silva had an average season and Aguero was injured for much of it. Negredo is a proven goalscorer, however I could see him as back up to Aguero rather than playing with him. Navas looked dangerous in the Confederations Cup this summer, with bags of pace he is made for the premier league. Fernandinho is very highly rated, and looks set to be Toure’s partner in central midfield. Jovetic will probably go straight into the first team, because of his creativity and goal scoring ability, and due to his versatility, he could fit in on the right, left or through the middle.

 

With Tevez and Balotelli sold, and perhaps even Dzeko on the way out, strengthening their attacking options was crucial. Jovetic and Negredo will attempt to fill the void left by the exit of these strikers. Nasri and Silva had average seasons meaning that bringing in more competition for them is important as well. Navas is the first signing to compete in the wide positions, and recent reports say that Pellegrini is trying to bring in Salvio from Benfica as well to add even more strength in depth.

 

City have an abundance of central midfielders including Toure, Fernandinho, Barry, Rodwell and Garcia. They don’t however have that depth at centre back. Losing Kolo Toure means that there are only three central defenders in the squad. Adding another centre back is important, especially after last season where Kompany was injured a lot. Pepe has been seriously linked with City and it is believed that a deal is close. Pepe would probably go straight into the starting line up, even though that could halt the progress of the promising Nastasic. Elsewhere in the squad City have plenty of Strength in reserve, maybe even more than the likes of United and Chelsea.

 

Although I believe City will have a really strong squad for next season, with all the new additions, it might take a little bit of time to gel, and I just feel that Chelsea under Mourinho will be better than ever. I think a second or third placed finish is more realistic for City and will be most likely. But a starting eleven that looks like this could definitely challenge:

 

Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Pepe, Clichy, Fernandinho, Toure, Navas, Jovetic, Silva, Aguero (4231)

Transfer WIndow – Manchester United

Manchester United:

 

So it comes, the end of the Fergie era, and with it a sense of pessimism around the football world. Moyes was the obvious appointment, but to live up to Sir Alex’s high standards straight away is an impossible task. Ferguson won the league last season with a good team, but not a great team, and I fear that if Moyes doesn’t strengthen this season, the current Man Utd team isn’t good enough to win the league without the Fergie power. There are lots of promising players coming through like Smalling and Jones, as well as Cleverley and Welbeck. However, with Wayne Rooney looking like he is going to leave, I can’t help but feel that there is a lack of world-class players in the squad. The goalkeeping position is set, with De Gea winning goalkeeper of the year last year. In defence, Moyes has a choice, he can either make it a proper breakthrough season for Jones and Smalling at centre back, or he can try and stick with experience with Ferdinand and the injury prone Vidic. United are in desperate need of a central midfielder, and are desperate for some wingers.

 

To begin however, I will talk about the United defence. Rafael has turned into a fine full back, and has new boy Varela to back him up. United have about 5 senior centre backs in the squad, with Ferdinand, Vidic, Smalling, Jones and Evans, so Moyes has plenty of choice there and has the option to mix up youth and experience at the back. But at left back, it looks like a position where Moyes is keen on strengthening. Baines is the obvious replacement for Evra, who looks like he could be on his way abroad. Buttner is nowhere near United standards so a left back seems essential to strengthen the defence.

 

Midfield is the area that Manchester United need to strengthen the most. Apart from Carrick in the middle, they lack class in the middle of the park. Cleverley is good, however not good enough yet in my opinion. Fletcher doesn’t look like he is going to play any time soon, Scholes has retired, and Giggs is now a player-coach, meaning he might not have much playing time this season. Missing out on Thiago is a massive blow for United, as he would have been perfect. It now looks like they aren’t going to be able to sign Fabregas, as he wants to prove himself at Barcelona, although the deal isn’t dead yet and recent reports state that Barcelona could do with the money. United should be looking at the likes of Gundogon and Hamsik, however they haven’t been linked to these players as of yet. Fellaini is the obvious signing due to his links to Moyes, and I’m fairly sure that if Fellaini had the choice of United or Arsenal, he would choose United. Manchester United need to improve the quality of their wide midfielders desperately. Valencia, Nani and Young were all disappointing last season, but recent reports have suggested they all have a future at United. It looks like Moyes is more concerned with bringing Fabregas and Fellaini in this window, rather than wingers. This could mean he intends to play a narrow diamond in midfield or he simply is satisfied with Valencia, Young and Nani’s ability. There is the possibility that Mata has been offered as part of the Rooney deal, although I highly doubt that.

 

Of course United have an abundance of talent up front with RVP, Hernandez, Welbeck and Rooney, who is there for the moment. But Welbeck has to have a decent goalscoring season or the fans will lose patience with him. 2 goals last season is not nearly enough, but if Rooney is leaving he should get more game time. Moyes is a fan of British players, which could indicate he might get the nod over Hernandez up front, to partner RVP.

 

If United make the necessary signings this summer, then I think they will finish 2^nd next season, however a potential line up next season that could easily challenge for the title would be:

 

De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Ferdinand, Baines, Carrick, Fabregas, Fellaini, Kagawa, Welbeck, RVP (41212 diamond)

 

Transfer Window – Chelsea

It feels almost like a film with Mourinho coming back to Chelsea, quite like ‘The return of the king’. Most people are thinking that Chelsea are the favourites to win the league next season, and I would have to agree. I think this predominantly for the reason that Mourinho has inherited a better squad and a squad with more potential than Moyes or Pellegrini have with United and CIty. The likes of Mata, Hazard, Oscar, Ramires, Luiz are all young players who have already taken the premier league by storm. However, if Chelsea are to surmount a serious title challenge, they need more players. 

Chelsea need a central midfielder. They have signed Van Ginkel, who at 20, has lots of potential, but with the immanent departure of John Obi Mikel, who I have never been a fan of, it seems that Ramires and Lampard, along with the returning Essien are really the only senior central midfielders in the squad. Of course an option would be to place Luiz in holding midfield, which is what most fans would like to happen, however it has been reported that Mourinho isn’t totally sold on Luiz to begin with. Lampard has still got a season in him, but it is definitely time to find a long term partner for Ramires in midfield. Fellaini is an obvious choice, although Arsenal seem to have more interest in him than Chelsea. Looking outside the premier league, Hamsik and Gundogon are favourites of mine, who I feel would fit into the premier league well. Mourinho has always loved Essien so I wouldn’t be totally surprised if we see Essien starting agains Hull in August. But even if that is the case, another central midfielder should be on Mourinho’s shopping list.

Chelsea’s defence looks pretty solid, with Cole and Bertrand at Left back, Azpilicueta and Ivanovic who play on the right, and then Terry, Cahill, Luiz and Ivanovic battling for the central spots. If I was manager I would be putting Luiz in midfield in pre season, and trying to form a partnership between Cahill and Ivanovic, both of whom I have in high regard. However, If Mourinho does cash in on Luiz, with Barcelona reportedly interested then Chelsea should be looking to Germany for their replacement centre back. One of Hummels, Subotic or Howedes would all fit the bill; strong powerful centre backs. Although I do think Chelsea should and will hold on to Luiz. 

Chelsea have an abundance of attacking midfielders, including the ‘3 amigos’ in Mata, Hazard and Oscar. As well as the recent signing Schurrle, the returning De Bruyne and Victor Moses. However what Chelsea don’t have at the moment, is a world beating striker. Torres is too inconsistent these days, and although he seems to put in a shift, it looks as if he has lost a yard of pace that he had at Liverpool. Demba Ba is too average for Chelsea, he is a good player but is someone who flourished in a direct Newcastle side. He isn’t in my opinion good enough to work with the likes of Mata and Hazard. It was obvious Mourinho wanted Cavani, but at £50 million he was probably right not to sign him. Other options at the moment are Rooney and Suarez, with Rooney looking much more likely than Suarez. If Mourinho could sign Rooney, he would be a 20/30 goal a season striker easily within that Chelsea team. Benteke is also an option, and I would be inclined to gamble on him if I were Mourinho. However, we must not forget that Lukaku is back at Chelsea, so signing Benteke who is similar to him might not be too wise. Lukaku in my opinion is good enough to start for Chelsea, but signing a high profile striker like Suarez or more likely Rooney is essential to keep the fans happy and to remain established  as a Club that can go out and buy the biggest stars in the world.

A Chelsea, title winning line up next season could look something like this:

Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole, Luiz, Ramires, Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Rooney

Transfer Window – Liverpool

Liverpool:

 

Brendan Rodgers had a decent first season with Liverpool last season. The league position doesn’t tell the full story, however. Due to the lack of communication between Rodgers and the owners, Liverpool loaned out Andy Carroll at the end of last summer’s transfer window, and failed to bring in a replacement, meaning that Suarez and Borini were the only senior strikers in the squad. With Borini getting an early, serious injury, it was left to Suarez and the youth to deliver in the first half of the season. Pretty much all of last summer’s signings were ineffectual: Allen was average at best, Borini was injured for the majority of the season, Sahin was very disappointing, and Assaidi was not played at all. The change came in January where Liverpool spent £20 million on Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho. They both had an immediate impact and Liverpool looked like a side that could potentially threaten for the top four with some more additions. If Liverpool want to challenge for the top four, however, signings must be made, and this report will give my opinion on where Liverpool need to strengthen further.

Rodgers has signed four players early on in the window. Kolo Toure seemed an odd signing at the time, however, Liverpool lack experience with the departure of Carragher, and the potential departure of Reina and therefore bringing in a centre back with as much experience as he has on a free, actually makes sense. Mignolet is a good signing for the reds, as it did seem Reina was getting a little too comfortable in the Liverpool goal, conceding some sloppy goals, particularly at the beginning of last season. He had a fine season last season, and for £9 million, looks a very good capture. Iago Aspas is more unknown however scored quite a few goals last season for Celta Vigo, even though they nearly went down. He is an attacker who can play from the right or through the middle, and adds depth to the squad for a fee of £7 million. Luis Alberto spent last season on loan for the Barcelona B team and impressed everyone, especially Guilleme Ballague, who says that Liverpool fans should be excited. However, although these signings add much needed depth to the squad, first team players are needed in certain positions in order to push for Champions League.

Another centre back is crucial, as it seems Rodgers has fallen out of love with Skrtel and Coates who were less than impressive last season. If Liverpool could sell them for around £15 million, then there are lots of possibilities in players that could be recruited. Fulham are said to be interested in Coates and the Russian clubs are always keeping tabs on Skrtel. Papadopolous was obviously Liverpool’s first choice, a young, commanding centre back who would have filled the void left by Carragher. However, a fee hasn’t been agreed and he is struggling with a knee injury meaning he is still in his native Greece. The deal isn’t dead yet though. Other options include Alderweild of Ajax, who although would be cheap, I’m not convinced would seem to be at the Liverpool standard. Llori is a player being tracked by Liverpool, but he had a disappointing under 20’s tournament this summer and is priced very highly. Micah Richards is another option; best friends with Sturridge and out of favour at Manchester City; you get the feeling that he would be a great centre back given a run of games.

Liverpool are desperate for someone to play from the right hand side, as frankly, Stewart Downing doesn’t cut it. Downing showed glimpses of form at the end of last season, but with the reported interest of West Ham in an £8 million pound deal, Liverpool fans will be rubbing their hands. Tom Ince seemed to be a long term target, however that interest seems to have evaporated. Ideally for Liverpool fans, Suarez will stay and would prove to be an option from the right hand side. Christian Tello could be an option for that right hand side, as well as Atsu who currently plays in Portugal. Losing out on Mkhitarian was massive as it seemed that ideally he would play behind Sturridge or Suarez, and one of Sturridge or Suarez would play from the right with Coutinho on the left. Fresh reports have emerged yesterday about the interest in Shaqiri of Bayern, who looks to have been moved down even further in the pecking order with the signing of Thiago. Whoever Liverpool sign for this position must have pace and flair, with a good end product, which is what Liverpool have lacked in recent years.

Another player who can play in the ‘number 10’ role or ‘the hole’ is also needed. Coutinho fits that bill very well, as proven yesterday in the friendly against Preston and towards the end of last season when Suarez was suspended. However, it looks as if he might be played from the left hand side, meaning that if Suarez does go, a replacement is needed. Eriksen is the obvious choice and Liverpool are constantly being linked to him. It also seems that he will go cheap which would be another advantage to signing him. Bernard is a player who is very highly rated in Brazil and who made some substitute appearences for the national team in the Confederations Cup this summer. With a price tag of £20 million, it seems Liverpool might need to offload Suarez in order to sign him.

If all goes well for Liverpool this summer, perhaps cashing in Reina, Skrtel, Coates, Spearing and Downing, as well as the £15 million from Carroll, the line up next season could look something like this, and could potentially challenge for Champions League football.

Mignolet, Johnson, Alderweild/Toure, Agger, Enrique, Gerrard, Lucas, Shaqiri, Coutinho, Suarez/replacement, Sturridge

Transfer Window – Arsenal

Transfer Window Lowdown

 

One of the best and most exciting times of the year is the summer transfer window. It is the chance for your team to improve or reshape your squad, creating excitement or even in some cases a sense of nervousness. Either way, it is better than the January window, due to the fact that there is more action and more spending. Even though the spending has somewhat decreased in recent years, there are plenty of deals that have already been done and plenty more that shall be done. In these upcoming reports I shall discuss which premier league clubs are signing which players, and the positions I believe the club needs to strengthen in.

Arsenal:

To begin at the beginning of the alphabet, sitting pretty at the top of the premier league table year after year before the season starts, the Gunners, the Arsenal. Arsenal did pretty well last year to finish 4^th given the fact that they lost their star man in Robin Van Persie, and an integral cog in their machine in Alex Song, who had become quite the fan favourite. Impressive first seasons from Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud were encouraging for Arsenal fans, as it signalled an end to Arsene’s lack of spending. However, it is fair to say that they looked somewhat a distance away from taking the Premier League title once more.

Arsenal need a goalkeeper, there is no doubt about that. Yes, Szcezsny is a promising goalkeeper at only 23 years of age, and has already put in some good performances for the Gunners but unfortunately his arrogant attitude means that he is not at the necessary level to be the number 1 for a Premier League winning team. The Brazilian national Keeper, Cesar looked to have been the ideal person to bring in for a couple of years  before Szcezsny is mature enough to start, but it looks as if they have missed out on his signature as he looks set to join Napoli on a season long loan. Another option was Simon Mignolet, however he has joined Liverpool for 9 million pounds. In my opinion, Arsenal should stick to experience in the Premier League and look to snatch up one of Krul, Vorm or Begovic. Begovic for me is the ideal target as it looks as if Butland has been bought by Stoke in anticipation of Begovic being stolen by a bigger club after a very impressive season.

Right back is another position Arsenal must look to strengthen given that Sagna had a disappointing season to say the least and Jenkinson (who has great potential) isn’t quite ready yet. Options for that position could be someone like Micah Richards who is not getting ahead of Zabaleta in the City team any time soon. Other options could be Gregory Van der Wiel, who is being allowed to speak to Inter Milan and looks available for transfer.

The Gunners could probably do with one more Centre Back after Squillaci’s departure. Mertesacker and Koscielny built up a good partnership in the second half of the season, so that need not change, however one more centre back as well as Vermaelen is necessary. Someone with potential, who would not be expecting to start every game would be useful, rather than signing Ashley Williams for an absurd fee of 10 million pounds. Martinez who played for the Spain under 21’s would be a good fit for Arsenal.

Arsenal need a strong holding midfield player; a new Viera if possible. Fellaini is ideal in that he is the complete midfielder, maybe even the complete player in terms of versatility, strength, and skill. But it doesn’t look like this deal is going to materialise, so other options must be looked at. Capoue’s name is constantly floating about and he would be ideal, to support the likes of Wilshere and Cazorla who want the freedom to express themselves with the ball.

Finally an attacker is needed. Giroud and Walcott had a good season last season, but you got the sense that Arsenal fans were frustrated with Giroud’s wastefulness. Higuain is clearly the ideal player for Arsenal to buy; he is a tremendous finisher who has experience at the highest level and who wants to play first team, Champion’s League football. Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, It seems by the day this deal looks more and more unlikely as it seems new Madrid boss Ancellotti sees him as a big player next season perhaps. Arsenal have optimistically bid for Suarez, however it appears that this is almost a ploy to make Madrid buy him quicker meaning Arsenal would be in a good position to sign Higuain.

If all goes well for Arsenal this transfer window, a line up like this would be closer to challenging for trophies.

Begovic, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Fellaini, WIlshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Higuain.