Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm has celebrated the impact of summer signing Michu.
The Spaniard arrived at the Liberty Stadium during the last transfer window and has made a stunning start to life in the Premier League, netting ten goals in 15 games.
His double last weekend handed the Swans a 2-0 victory over Arsenal and Vorm was impressed by his team-mate’s composure and ability:
“I don’t think many people knew much about Michu before he joined Swansea,” he told SkySports.
“I think his great strength is that he is calm in front of goal. He is always there at the right time.
“His left foot is amazing and he is good for the club.”
With their successful capture of Michu, there are rumours that the club may delve into the January transfer window to reinforce their squad further.
Vorm, who feels the South Wales outfit could build on a solid start to the season with a few top quality players, would welcome such actions:
“I think to stay where we are, we need to be steady and get better and compete with the rest of the teams,
“So we need better players to reach a higher level.”
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.
The 29-year-old, who is currently recovering from a groin injury, went on to confirm that he has been happy with the squad’s performances during his absence:
“I missed a couple of games and I have been pleased with what I have seen (of the team during this period),
“I have enjoyed the boys’ performance and am happy to see what they have done.”
We’re getting closer and closer to the January transfer window reopening and for Liverpool, it represents a pivotal point in their season which they must look to get right, for Brendan Rodgers is light on bodies in several key areas, most importantly up front, but would Barcelona forward David Villa come into contention? He could be just the player that the side are crying out for.
Liverpool sit comfortably in 10th place at the moment in mid-table after 16 games so far this season, but crucially they remain within touching distance of the top four, after their form has picked up despite a slow start which saw them go without a win in their first five games. The 3-2 victory away at West Ham, while far from a classic, displayed a growing sense of maturity and grit about the squad and it’s the first time in several years that they’ve won a game in such a fashion. With Everton just four points off in fourth, the tightly-congested table could prove to their benefit, with none of the teams challenging for the Champions League qualification places showing the sort of consistency required right now.
Nevertheless, scoring goals has proved a problem again this season like it did last, and while they scored three away at Upton Park to secure an impressive result, with Jonjo Shelvey doing well in a ‘false nine’ position in the wake of Luis Suarez’s one-game suspension, this should be seen as the exception rather than the rule. In eight home games this term, they’ve scored just nine goals, and they’ve hit just 22 altogether in 16 games, fewer than 10 other teams in the top flight, failing to score in four separate fixtures. The need for a new striker is obvious.
The names mentioned so far have been realistic ones, ranging from the soon-to-be out-of-contract Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal, to Celtic’s Gary Hooper and Vitesse’s in-form Wilfried Bony. They’d all be available for a fee in the region of £10m, which is reported to be roughly the sort of budget Rodgers will be handed in January, while a deal for Chelsea’s forward Daniel Sturridge could also come to fruition.
The burden has, particularly in light of Fabio Borini’s struggles with form and fitness and Andy Carroll’s departure on loan, fallen on to Suarez, almost entirely to provide the goal threat required to make the team a top four force. There are no delusions of grandeur this term from the supporters, a top eight finish will suffice in terms of matching expectations, and it appears as if progress is finally being made in terms of the style and substance of their play, but they still lack a clinical finisher, even if the Uruguayan has stepped up to the plate at pivotal junctures this term.
This is where the 31-year-old Spaniard comes in, and after suffering from a broken leg last December at the Club World Cup, he’s struggled to win his place back under Tito Vilanova since returning at the start of the season. The signs were already there last campaign under Pep Guardiola that he was being marginalised and prepped for a summer exit, amid speculation about his fractious relationship with Lionel Messi.
He has played 431 minutes so far in La Liga, across 10 matches and has not completed a full 90 in any of them, yet he sounds as if he is beginning to grow frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities, stating back in October: “The fact that I haven’t been used to playing regularly means I am less patient. But I’m ready to play and I know my leg will respond to 90 minutes [of action].” This prompted Vilanova, a more reserved figure in the media than his predecessor ever was, preferring to lead from the back, to respond with this somewhat challenging statement: “Villa is recovering the role he had before … but it also depends on him.”
The fact of the matter is that Villa does not walk in to Barcelona’s starting eleven anymore, and while he’s seen as a key squad player, more often than not, in games of importance, the sort he wants to be utilised in, he’ll start on the bench and at best will be used as an impact substitute. He’s fallen foul to the form of both Pedro and Christian Tello this season, while Andres Iniesta and Messi have both been exceptional and remain undroppable and he’s little more than a Copa Del Rey regular; he’s far better than that.
It all depends on whether he wants to bide his time at the best club side in the world, which at his age coupled with the realisation that Messi will always occupy his favoured central position, or move elsewhere for a few years. Liverpool have been linked repeatedly with a switch in the past, namely down to the Spanish influence at the club under Rafa Benitez, but they still represent a viable alternative, even if they would be setting their sights high in their pursuit of a player who just a few years ago was the undeniable best striker in the world game.
In 552 games at club level during his career, Villa has scored 274 goals, just a fraction below the much-vaunted 1 in 2 ratio. He fits in with the team’s style of play superbly and his versatility and ability to drift in and off the flanks could see him dovetail with Suarez to excellent effect. He has a point to prove and while his wages of roughly £5.7 million a year at Barcelona, which equates to roughly £110,000-a-week, while obviously steep, are not out of the realms of possibility given that the club agreed to pay a similar amount to secure Nuri Sahin’s loan deal from Real Madrid in the summer.
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.
With rumours of a move for Neymar refusing to die down, plus the emergence of Gerard Deulofeu and return of Alexis Sanchez, the number of rivals for a first-team spot at the Camp Nou will not be getting easier anytime soon. The player reportedly agreed to join Liverpool on loan before his broken leg back in January of 2012, and for the reasons listed above, if a financial package could be agreed, whether it be a loan fee or taking on the full amount, at the very least a high proportion of his wages, Liverpool could do no better in terms of recruiting a new striker in January.
It may be hopeful, but it’s not out of the realms of possibility and for all of the reasons listed above, this one should be given the green light be the club’s owners, who have been mindful of late about running up costs; there’s no denying that Villa is worth both the juice and the squeeze.
Arsenal travel to the DW stadium in high spirits following a second visit of the season to the Madjeski on Monday night, and they have scored at least five goals on both occasions against Reading. Wigan know exactly how it feels to have a morale boosting win against the Royals and this is where their last 3 points came from four Premier League games ago.
The latest league win for Arsenal takes some pressure away from their Capital One Cup exit to Bradford City in the Quarter Finals. If they fail to win here though that misery will be all come back and be aimed at the door of Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners travel to the North West having only won two of their last seven league outings, but their win at the Madjeski has added a renewed vigour to the side. Santi Cazorla managed to bag a hatrick with Lukas Podolski also wreaking havoc and he will be looking to be getting in amongst the goals this time round as well.
Arsenal should have Olivier Giroud back to full fitness with French International making a Cameo appearance midweek. It is expected that the Gunners will prefer Theo Walcott up front again though after his latest striking performance. They are still missing Andre Santos (stomach) and Diaby (thigh).
Wigan are still suffering a significant shortage in the defensive area with their main centre back pairing out Caldwell, Ramis (both hamstring. Antonio Alcaraz still hasn’t recovered from a groin injury. James McCarthy recent picked up an ankle knock and looks highly unlikely to shake that off for this fixture. These injuries just add to the long term absentees Ben Watson, Albert Crusat and Ryo Miyaichi out of contention.
The away side won both fixtures last season – Arsenal 4-0 at the DW Stadium and Wigan 2-1 at the Emirates. Arsenal would definitely very much favour that trend to continue this weekend.
Prediction: Wigan 1-2 Arsenal
Check the odds ahead of the game at the DW Stadium and with William Hill here
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.
You can also Get a Free £25 Bet on the game by clicking here
Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has confessed that he would be open to a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The Frenchman has enjoyed a successful period in the Premier League following his 2010 arrival at St James’ Park.
His impressive form has seen him linked with big money moves on a number of occasions, but he has elected to stay in the North East.
However, he has admitted that his loyalty would be tested should PSG attempt to sign him, but that he would only consider moving on at the end of the season as the Magpies battle against relegation:
“After I have saved my club, you never know. Signing for PSG would be a childhood dream.” He is quoted by talkSPORT.
“If there is a proposal, I will study it with interest. If there is a proposal. The ‘if’ is important. PSG is a club that lives in my heart. To play would be a nice gift.”
The 25-year-old started his senior career with Lyon, making over 50 first-team appearances.
But, after a bust-up with a team-mate he left the club in 2008 to join Marseille, after rejecting rumoured interest from Manchester United.
He again impressed in southern France before agreeing a loan switch to Newcastle during 2010.
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.
Despite a serious injury, the Tyne club turned the deal into a permanent one a year later.
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale’s claim that his side are now the superior force on the pitch when it comes to the matter of supremacy in north London wasn’t greeted with widespread dismay earlier in the week, rather a knowing nod of the head by most, which if anything signals a sign of the times, but does the evidence back up his point?
After delivering one of the outstanding performances of the season during the club’s 3-2 win against West Ham away at Upton Park on Monday night, Bale confirmed his status as one of the deadliest players in the world at the moment with another match-winning strike late on of stunning proportions to go on top of his earlier goal and assist which helped haul Tottenham back into the game. The debate about whether he is or isn’t world-class is a moot one for the most part, but what is clear is that he is now finally delivering the sort of devastating displays needed to become one of the world’s best players for the first time in his career.
With that in mind, who better to comment ahead of the eagerly anticipated north London derby on Sunday, with Bale telling The Sun: “I think five or 10 years ago Arsenal were always miles ahead of Tottenham. But that has changed in recent years. Over the past few seasons we have closed that gap and I think now we have overtaken them on the pitch. I think we have the stronger squad.
“Hopefully we can continue to do that as a club off the pitch as well, with the new stadium that is being built. But on the pitch and as a team now we are a lot more consistent and as a club we’re moving in the right direction. Arsenal may say they are still ahead of us. But whatever people’s opinions I don’t think anyone can deny we are up there fighting with them on merit now.”
Arsenal haven’t finished below Tottenham in the league table since the 1994/5 season when the Gunners finished 12th to the rivals 7th in the league. For those fans mollycoddled on the recent successes of the Arsene Wenger era, the early 90s were a dark period for the club in terms of competitiveness to an extent that they were considered little more than a cup side, and the Frenchman turned the rivalry on its head.
Under Harry Redknapp, the 5-2 defeat last season threatened to be little more than a blip on their way to finally finishing above them, but he somehow contrived to oversee a side that threw away a 12-point advantage to finish third, eventually missing out of Champions League football in the process which ultimately cost him his job. Of course, Redknapp’s version of events, as it always is, is spun a little differently to that, but in all honesty, nobody is really buying it, just as QPR are further adrift from 17th spot now than they were when he took over from the sacked Mark Hughes back in November and he’s a master at altering perception to forgive his flaws in the face of statistical information to the contrary.
Nevertheless, he had helped assemble a decent and at times thrilling Tottenham side to watch and while they may have at times been absolutely rotten during that run that saw them throw away third place, they were brilliant for a two-three-month period that saw them briefly talked about as outside title challengers. The pace of change that has taken place at the club since then, though – new manager, coaching staff, training ground, the loss of both Modric and Vand der Vaart, new playing style – makes their achievements this term seem all the more impressive.
They are far from the finished article now under Andre Villas-Boas, perhaps even lacking more in several key areas now than they did under Redknapp and many of last season’s best performers – Assou-Ekotto, Kaboul, Parker, Friedel, Walker, Adebayor – have barely contributed at all this term, yet the side are unbeaten in the league since December 9th and their last-minute capitulation against Everton, a run that stretches over 11 games and they still retain an outside chance of finishing second ahead of Manchester City.
What has become clear is that while they may have been a touch more enjoyable to watch under Redknapp at their best and less reliant on Bale to, for want of a better word, continue to bail them out every other game, they are a much more difficult side to beat this season under the Portuguese boss and that they’ve won nine league outings by a solitary goal speaks volumes for their mental strength and the sort of spirit that has become ingrained throughout the squad.
When looking at the raw data, the issue of belief becomes even more important considering that Tottenham have kept just seven clean sheets to Arsenal’s nine, they’ve conceded 32 goals to their 30 and scored 47 goals to their rivals tally of 52, while both teams have lost six teams in the league this campaign. However, it is Tottenham that find themselves with a crucial four-point lead ahead of Sunday’s big game at White Hart Lane having lost their last two derby games 5-2. It simply doesn’t add up.
Cast your eye around their squads and the depths of both are relatively comparable, with perhaps an edge to Arsenal’s, but it’s the quality of the starting elevens and the partnerships within the teams that matter most, while the approaches of the two managers could not be more opposed, with confidence fragile in one camp and high in the other. Wenger not only completely lacks a plan B, he plays it in games willingly knowing it won’t work, just as they did in the 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich at home in the Champions League, while Villas-Boas takes on an altogether more pragmatic style, picking his teams dependent on the opposition, not regardless of them.
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.
In the end, the real difference between the two, rather fittingly, is that Tottenham have a game-changer such as Bale in the final third and Arsenal don’t possess someone with quite the same ability. Sure, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere are the envy of most clubs, but Bale could walk into any side in Europe on current form and he may just about be enough to drag the club back into Europe’s elite competition for next season while the Gunners continue to find it more and more of a struggle to continue their outstanding run of 17 consecutive years of participation.
It’s long been suggested that balance of power has shifted in north London, often rather prematurely, and while we may gauge more clearly by Sunday the real difference in quality, which looks paper thin at the moment, the momentum looks to be with Tottenham for the future not only because of their talismanic Welshman, but because of the respective visions put forward by the men in each dugout.
If there was one player within this Tottenham Hotspur side that has perhaps personified the Lilywhites’ rollercoaster season so far, although he might seem the most apparent choice, Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson might prove a somewhat fitting selection.
Indeed, the 23-year-old has – very much in sync with the greater feeling of the team he plays for – struck something of an enigmatic figure at White Hart Lane. Having arrived at the club last summer generally heralded as an attacking component that would fit seamlessly within Andre Villas-Boas’ new-look side, if Sigurdsson was a model puzzle piece, then it’s certainly been hard work making him fit properly.
Like the performances of Villas-Boas’ side for much of the season, we’ve often seen flashes of brilliance from the former-Hoffenheim man, but only when the often-overbearing mist of inconsistency has subsided.
When watching him scurry about the pitch for Spurs this season, it’s not felt particularly difficult to recognize his talent and potential, but figuring out quite how to maximize the most out of it has resembled a much harder task. Again, not exactly something that cannot be applied on a much larger plain in N17.
But as now enter the final straight of the Premier League campaign, far from finding himself on the periphery as he has done at several points this season for Spurs, Sigurdsson is now sitting at the heart of an increasing bitter battle for Champions League qualification. And although some at White Hart Lane remain slightly skeptical about his true worth to this Tottenham side, he looks set to play an important role in determining his team’s fate this season.
Sunday’s ground out 2-2 draw with Everton saw Sigurdsson underline his recent rise to prominence within Villas-Boas’ side by scoring a crucial 87th minute equalizer in a game which saw the Icelandic international turn in another astute performance on the left-hand side.
Sigurdsson is now enjoying what’s comfortably his best spell of form at the club since his £8million summer move, having now started seven of the Lilywhites’ last eight games and scoring four goals in his last nine showings. Not a bad turnaround for a man whose placing at the club was deemed insecure enough to lure Reading in for a deadline day bid at the end of the January transfer window.
The key to his turnaround? Belief, perhaps more than anything else.
After a difficult start to his Tottenham career, in which a crushing sense of expectation paired with a seeming lack of time and patience to adapt to a new role within a new formation, saw Sigurdsson struggle to make an impact at his new club.
With Clint Dempsey managing to find his feet quicker at the club, the former-Reading man had to make do with bit-part cameos coming off the bench in an attempt to force his way back into proceedings; cameos of which came much harder to come by following Gareth Bale’s central deployment and the arrival of Lewis Holtby from Schalke.
Yet despite often struggling to find a solid role within this side, Sigurdsson has kept his head down, worked hard and continued to furrow away whenever he’s been given the chance.
But it was when he really seized his opportunity against West Ham United after coming off the bench to score in the 3-2 win, that he reached something of a crossroad in his Spurs career. There was little more that Sigurdsson could have done to earn to a start, but for as easy as it would have been for Villas-Boas to leave him on the bench against Arsenal, the Portuguese rewarded his effort with a start. A superb assist to Bale in the North London derby followed and since then, he hasn’t looked back.
Playing on the left hand side of whatever variation of a midfield three or four that Villas-Boas has asked of him, Sigurdsson has managed to finally carve a niche out for himself in this Tottenham side. It’s not perfect – Sigurdsson has recently admitted that playing out on the wing isn’t his ‘favourite’ position – but most importantly, it’s a role that he’s making the most out of. And should he move forward with his Spurs career, it’s this period now that could be the making of him.
While Spurs were left far too bereft of pace and penetration during the weekend, Sigurdsson once again demonstrated why his guile and industry has a place within Villas-Boas’ side. Technically astute and consistently inventive, what sets the 23-year-old apart from the seemingly infinite pallet of similarly neat and tidy players at the club, is his goal threat.
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.
His current return of six goals is hardly setting the world on fire, but with a run of games has come a surge of confidence and Sigurdsson is beginning to show the vision and touch in front of goal that saw Tottenham fight it out with Liverpool to acquire his signature in the first place. Should he wish to eventually play more centrally within this Spurs side, he’ll have to start contributing more during matches and wield a far greater influence in building up play.
But as we enter the final straight of the season, Sigurdsson is finally looking like an effective part of the puzzle at Spurs, as opposed to a faltering and awkward component.
With Champions League qualification now hanging in the balance and a squad looking worryingly destabilized by injury, Tottenham need the likes of Sigurdsson to now step up and shoulder responsibility.
In terms of solidifying his Spurs future, the Icelandic international now has a guilt edged opportunity to finally convince the remaining doubters – as well as his manager – that he deserves a permanent place in this side. Where the club finish will go a long way to determining how well he will have taken that chance.
Norwich manager Chris Hughton has set his sights on Birmingham’s teenage sensation Nathan Redmond, according to reports from The Mirror.
The Canaries boss sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old in action against Wolves, and was impressed by the feedback received.
He is now ready to make a summer offer for the winger, who is widely tipped as one of the Championship’s finest emerging stars.
Hughton is keen to add some creativity and flair to his attacking set-up this summer, and sees Redmond as the ideal man to follow his capture of Ricky van Wolfswinkel from Sporting.
Only Stoke have netted fewer goals than the East Anglians this term, which is a real source of concern for the club.
Hughton, who joined Norwich from Birmingham last year, has made multiple attempts to sign some his former players, with Curtis Davies one of his top targets.
Multiple bids for the defender were knocked back in January, but he is confident of being able to reach an agreement with the Midlanders to take Redmond this summer.
He may also return for Davies, a player he is known to be a fan of.
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.
Meanwhile, Blackburn’s Martin Olsson is also being lined up for a move, with the Carrow Road outfit keen to bring in a new left-back.
West Ham plan to splash out on as many as five new players over the summer according to co-owner David Sullivan.
West Ham are on track to finish in the top half of the Premier League table this season and are looking to increase the quality of the pool of players they have at their disposal.
The co-owner says that boss Sam Allardyce will be handed a significant amount of money to spend on his summer transfer targets.
Sullivan, speaking in the matchday programme, said: “Our planning has already started to make sure next season is even better than this one.
“A crucial factor of that will be recruiting the right players in the right positions.
“Our aim for the coming season is to bring in four or five players that will strengthen the squad and provide Sam Allardyce with greater options and variety next season.
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.
“We will be aiming to bring in at least one proven goalscorer to further bolster our attacking threat.”
Liverpool’s Uruguayan frontman Luis Suarez, has been a footballing sensation since joining the Premier League club back in 2011. But after a series of high profile incidents, is he too much of a liability for the Merseyside club?
The forward was prolific for the Reds in the league last season netting 23 goals. His talents are undeniable and he has been inundated with much footballing praise as a result of it. If you were to compile a list of footballing greats to grace the Premier League it would be difficult to omit someone of Suarez’s calibre.
[cat_link cat=”liverpool” type=”tower”]
Unfortunately for the hordes of people that praise him, there is a matching number that rightly condemn him for his behaviour both on and off the pitch. Exhibitions of diving and cheating are now seemingly tolerated in modern football; racism and biting are fortunately not. The Uruguayan was rightly found guilty and punished on both charges.
Liverpool may currently reside in the shadow of their previous footballing achievements, but their world appeal is largely unrivalled. You only have to travel to recognise the attraction and status that a club like Liverpool has. Famed for its history, playing style and overall club ethos, Liverpool are recognised the world over. A player like Suarez does more damage in tainting this reputation than he does add to it with his football.
Can Liverpool cope without a talent like Suarez? Many would argue that he alone has carried the team of late to the league position they find themselves in. Aside from Suarez and an ailing Gerrard there really isn’t much world-class talent to be found in the squad. This does not mean Liverpool should keep hold of the troublesome Uruguayan however. A club with a strong view to youth development cannot function when the role models in the dressing room include a man of his character. If he is to be the key man at the club he has to behave with that in mind. I think most Liverpool fans would rather a harmonious squad of prodigious talent than a squad that bows to the beck and call of one particularly distasteful individual.
Aside from racism and biting, the very character of the man was highlighted by his recent media outbursts. He recently stated that he wanted to leave Liverpool because he was: “not prepared to continue suffering at the hands of the English journalists.”
While this suffering is to a degree self-inflicted, let’s assume this was his reason for a transfer request. This led to speculation that a move to Madrid was in the offing, with a £30-£40million fee being touted.
Unfortunately, now Arsenal have been linked with a move for the forward. Few have moved to downplay the interest, and clearly Arsenal feel Suarez is open to a stay in England. Does Suarez really think the club and fans that invested so much in him both financially and emotionally are stupid enough to not see through the hypocrisy here?
Again I reiterate my view that Suarez is one of the best players to ever play in our country. However, there comes a point when a player’s worth is exceeded by the cost he forces the club to bare. I think Liverpool would be wise to sell their man quickly before he destroys the credibility of the club as a whole.
Liverpool are no longer the great footballing power that they once were. Which means they cannot attract the talents of big name stars that say a Champions League outfit perhaps could. However, playing for Liverpool still means something to most footballers in our game. If the £30-£40m cold be made directly available to Brendan Rodgers I believe that the squad can be reshaped and actually made better for the future. Feasibly that figure would present the club with opportunity of bringing in three quality footballers.
Luis Suarez is a one-off genius who would be irreplaceable for any club, but this does not mean that Liverpool cannot rebuild if they lose him. Daniel Sturridge is not the direct replacement for Suarez. In Sturridge you have a footballer to complement an incoming attacking midfielder/deep lying frontman but not to be one. A couple of names being bandied around of late could easily be captured with the money from a potential sale of Suarez. Christian Eriksen looks to be on the move this summer and would add attacking flair and goals from an advanced midfield role. Similarly, the club have been crying out for a Jamie Carragher replacement in the heart of defence. Investment in someone like Kyriakos Papadopoulos may be a shrewd move for a club with a focus on youth.
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.
My main point is that Liverpool fans should look to embrace the departure of Luis Suarez and try to see it as a great opportunity for the club. It should, if FSG allow it, give Rodgers the necessary tools to overhaul the squad in certain areas and push them back towards the pinnacle of Europe.
The interesting thing about Nicklas Bendtner’s return to the Arsenal line up is that it wasn’t too long ago that fans were speaking of their preference for the Dane over Marouane Chamakh, who had remained at the Emirates while Bendtner went out on loan.
It’s not to say that one is a considerably better option than the other: if Arsenal fans had their way neither would be at the club, so Chamakh’s permanent departure this summer is a step in the right direction.
Bendtner’s return to the pitch for Arsenal against West Brom will best highlight Arsene Wenger’s dithering nature in the transfer market. The Arsenal manager isn’t incompetent; incompetence doesn’t take you into the Champions League in back-to-back seasons when everyone outside the club tells you it’s impossible. Rather, it showcases how damaging Wenger’s refusal to make a firm decision on a transfer can be.
The fact that Bendtner was almost off to Eintracht Frankfurt and then Crystal Palace suggests the Arsenal manager had no time for him, that his journey with the club was truly at an end. But circumstances worked against the betterment of the attacking options at Arsenal. Had the Dane moved on in the middle of the window, you’d place a great deal of faith in Wenger to recruit a replacement – and I use replacement very loosely.
But the manager had a fallback option, the cheap, easy alternative that he likes to keep close to hand just in case things don’t work out. You know what else is rather interesting about all this? Bendtner is exactly the type of player Wenger used to buy. He’s the troubled talent who has yet to find a home, the player who has put together high-class performances at international level but is seeking more of the same on a weekly, domestic basis. Had Bendtner been at another club, and one who were keen to offload, you’d almost bet your house that Wenger would have come along with a bid. After all, the Frenchman loves a project.
It will take a lot for Bendtner to get back into the good books of the Arsenal support, even if it is only until the next transfer window; though don’t expect Wenger to act in January if things are going fairly well with the striking options at his disposal.
The Dane has the talent, let’s not get too drawn away from that fact. He’s a long, long way off the high pedestal he’s placed himself on, but he does have the qualities to play for a club of Arsenal’s stature. The problem and the question is whether he wants to. He can play Champions League football, he could involve himself with a group of players who are determined to win silverware and have the talent, if not the depth to do so. Or he can continue to dress unusually, act with even less dignity in public and adopt the profile of a nomadic striker.
Fans weren’t too convinced by Mathieu Flamini when Wenger said he was impressing in training and could go on to be of use to the Arsenal team. Much of the same is being said of Bendtner, with Wenger insisting that he’s working hard behind the scenes to get back on track. There’s no hiding the fact that he is troubled and has made a number of poor decisions career-wise, despite being a celebrity in Denmark. But for all the dithering that has caused this return, fans have little choice but to accept what is on the table.
Is Wenger right to place faith in Bendtner?
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.