Brisbane Roar moved one step closer to securing the A-League Premier’s Plate after a 2-1 win over Melbourne Heart on Saturday.
The Roar could have wrapped up the minor premiership if it were not for Adelaide’s 2-1 home loss against the Central Coast Mariners, also on Saturday, but Ange Postecoglou’s side will finish the season on top if the Mariners fail to beat the Melbourne Heart on Friday.
Even if the Mariners do win in Melbourne, all the Roar will need is a point from their clash with North Queensland on February 5 to finish the season atop the table, while Saturday’s win has already secured their spot in the 2012/2013 Asian Champions League.
The records keep coming for Postecoglou’s all-conquering side, as the Roar extended their unbeaten record to 23 matches, breaking a domestic football record in Australia set in 1987 by APIA Leichhardt.
Brisbane’s attempt to break the record started brilliantly when Costa Rican under-20 international Jean Carlos Solorzano notched his 11th strike of the season after just five minutes.
Solorzano’s pace took him away from Heart captain Simon Colosimo before he delivered a quality finish which takes him to second on the league’s scoring charts, equal with Central Coast’s Matt Simon on 11.
In-form James Meyer gave the Roar a two-goal advantage after 63 minutes with his fourth goal in three games in his first A-League start for the club and despite Gerald Sibon’s 75th minute consolation, Brisbane hung on for all three points.
In the day’s other matches, the Central Coast Mariners all but secured second spot on the table with a 2-1 away win at Adelaide United.
A sensational first-half set up the victory, with Patricio Perez and Joshua Rose getting on the scoresheet as the Mariners put on a clinic.
Travis Dodd gave Adelaide a late chance of an unlikely draw with his injury time equaliser, but the Mariners claimed a well-deserved three points.
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Sydney FC kept their fledgling finals hopes alive with a 2-0 away win against the Perth Glory, set up by goals to Nick Carle and Bruno Cazarine.
The win gives Sydney FC, the reigning champion, a chance of making the finals with the Sky Blues ninth on the A-League table, just four points behind the sixth-placed Melbourne Heart.
With the top six featuring in the finals, Sydney will be hoping to make use of their game in hand on the Heart and continue their unbeaten run in 2011.
Bologna playmaker Gaston Ramirez is on the radar of Liverpool, but the Reds may have fallen behind in the race for his signature to Italian giants Juventus reports Talk Sport.
The 21 year old Uruguayan lit up Serie A last season, with a fantastic campaign for Bologna, guiding them to a 9th place finish.
Ramirez also finds himself linked to Premier League champions Manchester City, as well as moves elsewhere in Italy in the form of AC Milan and Napoli.
Liverpool are set to be looking for a playmaker as their move for Brendan Rodger’s Hoffenheim favourite Gylfi Sigurdsson has been hijacked by Spurs.
Bologna have slapped a £16 million price tag on their Uruguayan number 10, and are all but resigned to losing him to a bigger club.
Despite the probable move to a bigger club, Ramirez had stated he wouldn’t mind staying another year with the 9th place finishers; ‘The people love me, I love the club, so I’m very happy being in Bologna.’ – however Bologna are willing to sell Ramirez in order to earn some big money.
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Should Liverpool overtake Juventus in the race for Ramirez, it would be Rodgers’ first signing since taking over at Anfield.
With a surge of young talent being both produced in, and brought over to the Premier League, there seems to be a fixation among the media and press to draw comparisons between these players and those of the previous generation. As stars of the game grow older and eventually retire from football altogether, there is almost an obsession with discovering the ‘new’ so and so, or the ‘next’ whoever, rather than focusing on the ability of the player themselves. It seems unfair to draw comparisons between players of such a young age and those with a wealth of experience in the game, and will inevitably add to the unwanted pressure that is already on these players.
Most recently, the 18-year-old Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku has been branded the ‘new Didier Drogba’. Lukaku is currently in West London finalising his move to Chelsea where, should everything go smoothly, we can expect to see him paired up with Drogba in the near future. Perhaps only then will we see just how similar the two are in their playing styles, but physically Lukaku does appear to have the strength and power that we have become accustomed to from Chelsea’s number 11. Another comparison that may be drawn between the two is that they are both proven goal scorers. In just 73 appearances for Anderlecht, Lukaku scored 33 goals and helped his side to the Belgian League title last season. At 33, Drogba’s time at Chelsea is believed to be coming to an end sooner rather than later, and with Lukaku coming in as his ‘replacement’, there will be high expectations on the youngster to impress as well as the Ivorian has done over the past 7 years.
The retirement of Paul Scholes has left a void in the Manchester United midfield that will be difficult for Sir Alex Ferguson to fill. While speculation surrounding the possible transfer or Wesley Sneijder remains rife, it is the 21-year-old Tom Cleverley that has been tipped to ‘filll the boots’ of Scholes. Ferguson himself claimed that Scholes could not be replaced, however after a fine performance in the Community Shield on the weekend, newspaper reporters were quick to draw comparisons between Cleverley and the veteran. Cleverley has been a United player since the age of 15, however similarities between himself and Scholes have only really been made since Scholes announced he would be retiring, and a ‘new Scholes’ was deemed a necessity at the club. Highly rated for his passing, vision, and composure on the ball, Cleverley, like Scholes, is also known for scoring the odd wonder strike. Whilst the youngster appears to be adamant that he can fill the void in the centre of the United midifeld, being branded the ‘next Paul Scholes’ is likely to raise expectations even more around Old Trafford, when really, Cleverley’s talent should be appreciated regardless of who played that position before.
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Earlier this week Real Madrid signed a seven-year-old boy from Argentina who has already been tipped to become ‘the new Messi’. Messi himself was once referred to as ‘the next Maradona’, and these kind of comparisons have been evident for years now. While a lot of players might relish the opportunity to become ‘the next’ so and so, those players that fail to live up to the expectations placed on their shoulders are likely to suffer. While it seems perfectly reasonable to hold some level of expectation of players, and to assume these players can fulfill the roles that they are given at their clubs, it is surely unfair to draw comparisons between them and some of the footballing greats, especially those that were popular among the same set of fans.
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To label Lukaku ‘the new Drogba’ will only encourage Chelsea fans to compare the two, and should the youngster take a while to settle, or perhaps not prove to be as prolific as Drogba has been, then questions may start to be raised, unfairly in my view, over Lukaku’s abilities as a player. The same goes for Cleverley. If fans and the media start to expect ‘Scholes-like’ performances week-in week-out from the youngster, then a failure to do so could have its repercussions. While expectations for players are going to arise at any club, the added pressure of being compared to one of the best around is not necessarily warranted. Players should instead be encouraged to make a name for themselves without the burden of living up to the standards of another footballer hanging over their heads.
2010 has been a mixed year for Manchester United. At the turn of the year, Manchester United looked favorites for the Premier League title, but Chelsea’s win at Old Trafford in April effectively sealed the title for the West London club. By the end of 2010 Manchester United remain unbeaten in the league since that game and are top of the table. However, there are still question marks being raised against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and who would bet against Ferguson proving everybody wrong again. Here at Football Fan Cast, we have put together 10 things that 2010 has taught us about Manchester United. Read, enjoy and join in the debate below.
Strength of character
This Manchester United squad may not have the same quality of a few years ago, but the spirit and character of the players can’t be called into question. Time after time in 2010, Manchester United have taken knocks but have managed to stand up to them. A classic example was the comeback at Villa Park in November. It took a lot for United to come back that day, seasons hinge on moments like that. By May, that could be the most important point of the season for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.
Nemanja Vidic has been captain marvel
It was a very brave decision from Sir Alex Ferguson to drop both Gary Neville and Rio Ferdiand in place of Nemanja Vidic as Manchester United captain, but what an extremely wise decision it has been. Vidic has been superb all season; playing with a new responsibility that has improved his game – if that was possible. The United captain has been a rock at the heart of the defence so far this season, and Manchester United fans are starting to witness the passion the Serb has for Manchester United.
Rafael looks set to be a Manchester right back for years to come
The development of young Rafael Da Silva has been a testament to the Manchester United coaching system and Sir Alex Ferguson’s man management skills. The young defender could easily have blamed himself for Manchester United’s quarter final exit of the 2009/2010 Champions League, but he got back up and has played himself back into the squad. However, he has done more than that. He has been an ever present this season, he has developed going forward and is a much better defender now. The Brazilian has allowed Manchester United to have a solid back five for most of the season – a key reason why Manchester United have remained undefeated this season.
Nani is ready to be a world beater
Finally the penny has dropped with Nani. The Portuguese winger is a fantastic talent and is now starting to show his worth to the Manchester United team. He is without doubt their best chance of winning the Premier League this season, if his form continues, Manchester United may have also have European success. Nani has added both goals and assists to his game this season, no longer is he the frustrating winger who can’t cross the ball. It is good to see Nani pulling out of the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo.
What is the point of Dimitar Berbatov?
The man for the…. small occasion. Why pay a club £30m for a player that is not trusted to play in the big games of a season. Dimitar Berbatov’s form this season has been excellent, but who has he scored his goals against? The vast majority have been netted against teams in the bottom half of the table. His performance’s against Manchester City and Aston Villa were diabolical, and if he hasn’t the drive to play well in these games, what is the point in having him? Coming off the back of goalscoring form, Sir Alex Ferguson picked Wayne Rooney ahead of Berbatov for the clash with Arsenal. No doubt he will do this when Chelsea and Manchester City come to Old Trafford.
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Continued on Page TWO
Manchester United have lost the fear factor
Having thrown away points against Fulham, Everton, Bolton and West Brom in the Premier League and Rangers in the Champions League are clubs now finding it easier to play against Manchester United. In all of these games, the defensive unit has looked fragile (not the back four but the whole team) and Manchester United could have had the title sown up by now. The reality is the Manchester United squad isn’t as good as it once was, and Wayne Rooney was not in any form during these games. Maybe with Rooney on form, teams will be less inclined to attack Manchester United?
Manchester United MUST replace Edwin van der Sar with a top quality goalkeeper
Over the past year, Thomas Kuszczak has proven himself incapable of holding down the Manchester United’s number one jersey. The Pole is a decwent under study but no way should Sir Alex Ferguson install him as van der Sar’s replacement. He looks nervous playing in front of huge crowds, and very suspect when dealing with crosses. Manchester United need to invest in a top quality goalkeeper if they are to have a smooth transition after van der Sar.
Champions League success is not beyond this squad
If Manchester United had held on against Bayern Munich who knows what could have happened. They would have had a relatively easy semi final against Lyon and would have been expected to challenge in a third Champions League final in a row. However, it didn’t happen, but this squad is not a million miles away from another final. The squad knows how to win away European matches, something that is vital. Old Trafford is still on the the hardest places to come and get a victory so added together there is no reason why Manchester United will not challenge in 2011.
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Manchester United need Wayne Rooney to fire
Manchester United have got away with Wayne Rooney’s form being off during the first part of the 2010 season but it can’t happen again if Manchester United are to challenge for success in 2011. All through 2010, we were waiting for the goals to dry up for Rooney, and until that Champions League clash with Bayern Munich it didn’t look like they would dry up. Manchester United need Rooney to fire if they are to be successful on all fronts. They do not have a striker that can score in the biggest of games and Rooney’s all round play scares the life out of defenders. 2010 was a mixed year for Rooney and Manchester United – if Rooney hadn’t got injured in Munich who knows how successful 2010 could have been.
Antonio Valencia is the most underrated player in the Premier League
Look what happens when Wayne Rooney finds a team mate who can consistently put a ball on his head – he scores ten headed goals. Valencia is by no means a one trick pony. He has blistering pace, trickery as well as all the skills of a combative central midfielder. Valencia came to Manchester United as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo and it took time for Manchester United fans to see what Valencia was about. However, he has is growing into a real star for Manchester United, and his return in 2011 will no doubt please Manchester United fans, Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney.
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Carlos Tevez has claimed that he is very happy in England and has no plans to switch clubs this summer.
The temperamental forward had a rollercoaster 2011-12 season, going AWOL for a large period and then returning to help the Etihad Stadium team win the Premier League.
Tevez has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the English champions, but he has stated that he is happy where he is for the time being.
“My biggest wish is to finish my career in the Boca Juniors shirt,” he told Sky Sports.
“I am still thinking the same as when I left, I want to retire here. I am here for whatever Boca need.
“But the truth is that I finished the season very happy in England.
“I am feeling good, I have no desire to be thinking that I want to leave, my family are happy,” he confessed.
Tevez’s absence from club duty has seen him lose a place in the Argentina national set-up, but this is not a huge concern for the forward currently.
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“I did not miss the Seleccion. I was happier watching from outside.
“I liked the team but for now I do not want to be there. When I am called I will be there, of course,” he confirmed.
The battle for the title next season looks like it will once again come down to London versus Manchester, but where does the future of the Premier League power lie and which city will be home of the champions 2011/12?
The top four who are most likely to be challenging for the title next season either come from the capital or Manchester, Arsenal and Chelsea down south and Manchester United and Manchester City up north. Whilst there are still outside bets including fellow Londoners Tottenham or Merseysiders Liverpool, the most likely scenario would be one of the top four being victorious come the end of next season.
The power in the Premier League has been shifting back and forth from Manchester to London over the last ten years. Since 2001 the title has changed hands seven times between Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. Last season’s winners Manchester United claimed back their prized possession from the grips of Chelsea and London but will the trophy stay in Manchester next season? My gut feeling is that it will but United are not the only Manchester based team now firmly in the hunt.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have been joined by Manchester City at the top and I believe one of these two fierce rivals will be champions come next May. The history, experience and investment at United means the reigning champions will again start as favourites. Ferguson has focused on young signings this summer in a bid to freshen up the squad and whilst still possibly needing one or two more players, Fergie has the team capable of challenging for honours over the next few years.
Rivals City have taken player investment to a whole new level in a bid to be competitive year-on-year. So far Roberto Mancini has brought in Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy to sure up the defence and transfer speculation is rife that the City boss wants to add even more attacking flair to the team, most probably in the shape of Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero and Arsenal’s Samir Nasri. The possible loss of captain Carlos Tevez would be a blow but the City players that stay at the club have a taste of silverware after last season’s FA Cup triumph. They managed an impressive third in the league last season and I think City are well placed to do even better next year.
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Despite my belief that the power in the Premier League is now based up north, you can’t right off the capital’s main contenders. New boss Andre Villas-Boas should give Chelsea a new lease of life and whilst they have been quiet in this summer’s transfer market so far, I would expect a few quality players to arrive. Their title push may also depend on whether Villas-Boas can have the Mourinho effect at Chelsea in his first season. Expectation will be high for the Blues and if Villas-Boas can add to the squad and get the likes of Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda back in top form then Chelsea will always have a good chance.
Arsenal’s title hopes are a more complex point to consider. Much will depend on who leaves over the next month, with their two best players Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri rumoured to be close to an exit. Losing both would effectively halt Arsenal’s chances of getting close to the title but if Wenger can keep at least one (and reinvest in new players) then they could be an outside bet. But both London clubs seem to be going through periods of transition, whether it be under new management or with potential changes to the squad.
Based on their title winning experience and significant investment, I think it is both Manchester clubs that are best placed to win the title next season and go on to possibly dominate the Premier League over the next few years. Though for the neutral fan a title challenge involving all four clubs from both London and Manchester will keep the league a lot more interesting next season.
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Yesterday I wrote an article on three players Arsene Wenger should consider signing this winter, this one is simply the opposite – which three should be on their way out?
Arsenal do have a number of players within their squad, who are injury-prone, inconsistent, or just plain garbage. I posted a weekly poll on my site to see who the visitors think should leave this winter. There were 10 possible candidates (not implying that we need to sell all of them) on the list in which voters could select between one or all ten players, and surprisingly the results matched the three players that I think should be walking out of the Emirates this January. The players listed in this article were in my mind prior to the poll going up (I swear). Anyway, I await the barrage of horrible messages and abuse from the readers, here is my list:
Manuel Almunia
Do I really need to explain why he has to go? I think the nickname ‘Manure’ (given to him by the Arsenal fans) says it all really. The 33-year-old is not Arsenal material (never has been) and has not featured for the club since late September, and appears to be out of the Arsenal picture for Wenger and the fans. He has made countless mistakes last season and a few this one (when he’s played of course) and quite clearly Wenger has run out of patience with him. As a result, Lukasz Fabianski and even youngster Wojciech Szczesny have leapt ahead of Almunia in the pecking order. Simply put, Almunia is not what you would call a reliable set of hands between the posts and has dropped to third choice goalkeeper very rapidly. We have two better goalkeepers in our ranks and because of this the Spaniard should be sold this winter…even if it’s for a small fee.
Denilson
The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder has shown that he is not capable of performing at the highest level and here are my reasons for saying this. When in possession of the ball, he seems to have a liking of looking back instead of forward. I will admit his distribution of the ball is exceptional and the Brazilian has been known to belt in a few goals for the Gunners. However, he is a very inconsistent performer, and has a very poor reading of the game in general. His defensive attributes are abysmal and has shown he is unable to keep up with the pace of the game at times. On several occasions this season Denilson has looked very flat-footed and has lost possession of the ball very cheaply (have a look at the games he has played in so far, and you will get what I’m saying). We have better options available, and with the introduction of Jack Wilshere, who has impressed, Denilson’s chances have been damaged even further. Many fans may believe that he is capable of cementing a place in the Arsenal line-up. However, after witnessing recent events it’s about time the player looked for another club…of course this is just my opinion.
Nicklas Bendtner
It was either him or Carlos Vela, but I believe the Mexican has more to offer than the Dane. Nicklas Bendtner claims to be the next best thing since sliced bread, when quite frankly he isn’t. The 22-year-old has demanded more regular starts as he feels he deserves a place in the Arsenal starting XI, but with poor and inconsistent performances the Danish international deserves to be shown the exit doors at the Emirates. I’m not saying the guy is useless, because he does have some good attributes, but the truth is he is not lethal enough. As well as that, Bendtner has to somehow try and get ahead of Marouane Chamakh who is on form and Robin Van Persie, who is looking sharp on his return from injury…its not going to happen is it? Wenger, sell him to one of the clubs who are interested in him, make a profit and then spend it on a much more valuable asset in the near future.
Voters were allowed to tick all ten players if they wanted to, hence the confusing percentages you are about to see. At the time of writing this there were a total of 45 voters (yeah, I know it’s not a lot) who took part in the poll. Results showed that there were 38 ticks for Manuel Almunia who topped the list with 84%, Nicklas Bendtner was second with 29 ticks (64%) and Denilson came in third place with 25 ticks (56%). If you would like to see the full table of results, check out the site Gunnersphere.com.
Read more Arsenal blogs at the excellent Gunnersphere website
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According to Portuguese reports, Leeds United are chasing 21 year-old Benfica winger Diogo Goncalves.
What’s the story?
Leeds are reportedly lining up a summer swoop for Goncalves as they look to add more creativity and goals to their attack for next season.
Goncalves has scored eight and provided eight assists for Benfica B in the Portuguese second tier this season, and is highly regarded in Portugal.
The report claims that the impressive young winger, who is a client of super agent Jorge Mendes, is a “priority” for Leeds this summer. This comes shortly after owner Andrea Radrizzani’s absurd Twitter rant over Wolves’ use of agents in the transfer window.
Goncalves was linked with a season-long loan deal to Wolves last summer.
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Should Leeds pursue the youngster?
Leeds fans have often been frustrated by the amount of signings they make from lower tier European leagues, but this one would be too good to pass up. Goncalves is a major talent, and to contribute to 16 goals from the wing at such a young age is impressive in any league.
There has been a real lack of pace, excitement and creative spark at Elland Road this season, and with Pablo Hernandez looking likely to leave when his contract runs out, Goncalves would bring everything Hernandez did and more.
The speedy youngster is skilful, surprisingly strong, and an excellent crosser and set piece taker. He even grabbed an assist in one of his three Primeira Liga starts for the senior Benfica side and was trusted to make four Champions League starts. The 21 year-old is still waiting for his first senior international cap, but has represented Portugal at U15, U16, U17, U18 and U19 level.
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Goncalves may be a rough diamond, but he is a diamond nonetheless. If Radrizzani does indeed plan to follow Wolves’ transfer model as he indicated on TalkSport last week, then the Portuguese youngster would be an excellent starting point.
Leeds fans, would you like to see a move for Goncalves this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
It may feel like it’s winter counter-part only slammed shut yesterday, but the January transfer window is already upon us, in what often constitutes a rather chaotic time of year for Premier League clubs.
And it looks set to be a busy one for Tottenham; they’re reportedly planning a winter clear-out to make way for new signings, so we should see some movement on both the inward and outward front at White Hart Lane this month.
There’s certainly some lingering transfer issues that require Maurico Pochettino’s attention and, being the helpful bunch we are at Football Fancast, we’ve outlined the FIVE we view as the most important. So without further ado…
SHIFTING THE DEADWOOD
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Tottenham’s squad is far too large and before the Lilywhites can consider bringing more bodies in, having already added summer signing DeAnre Yedlin to their roster (officially) this month, they need to get rid of the ever-mounting deadwood.
Spurs now have five players capable of playing at left-back for example, Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose, Ben Davies, Kyle Naughton and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, which is far too many, and in my opinion the latter two should be cut loose this month to make way for new recruits. There isn’t too much interest in the Cameroonian, but Swansea have been linked with a £4million bid for Naughton this week – not a huge sum, but certainly a decent contribution to the kitty.
Likewise, Aaron Lennon appears to be edging closer towards the White Hart Lane exit door with Stoke City mooted as likely suitors. The occasional England international has perhaps been unfortunate to slump down the pecking order over the last 18 months with many positive attributes to his game – particularly, work-rate, pace and experience – but he’s clearly not to Mauricio Pochettino’s specific taste and for that reason alone, may as well be moved on.
Moussa Dembele, linked with Everton earlier this term, is another candidate for the scrapheap, having made just four Premier League starts this season, as are defenders Vlad Chiriches and Younes Kaboul, whilst few tears would be shed if the Lilywhites said goodbye to goal-shy striker Emmanuel Adebayor this month.
CUTTING LOSSES
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Paulinho, Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado constitute the three largest signings in Tottenham history, but none have hit the heights expected since moving to White Hart Lane in summer 2013 and it might be time for the north Londoners to consider cutting losses – before their market values depreciate even further.
Indeed, the former Spain international has gone on to record just three goals from open play in the Premier League, the Argentine has only ever shown glimpses of his true ability and the Brazilian, in addition to enduring a terrible World Cup campaign, tends to be a rather anonymous figure compared to the dynamic nature of your average Premier League midfielder.
Lamela’s future seems safe for now; he’s struggled to adapt to the Premier League but the 22 year-old was always viewed as a long-term investment.
Soldado and Paulinho, however, may not be so lucky. Combined, they cost Spurs a whopping £43million and the Lane outfit need some of that money back.
The former has been linked with a move to Sevilla this month, as part of a swap deal for Los Che’s star centre-forward Carlos Bacca, which would at least save Tottenham some face even if it doesn’t improve their bank balance.
Meanwhile, there’s quite a bit of demand for the latter this month, with The Independent claiming Inter Milan, Schalke and former club Corinthians could all be interested in the £12million-rated midfielder.
Admittedly however, the Lilywhites may be better off waiting until the summer.
Signing players that fit Pochettino’s philosophy
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Tottenham can be considered more guilty than most of making signings that don’t fit any particular philosophy, in-part due to them having three different managers in the last year.
The current complexion of the starting XI says it all, with Harry Kane, Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason regularly included over players the Lilywhites spent untold fortunes on in transfer fees and wages, such as Mousa Dembele, Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor, predominantly due to them lacking the energy and mentality to perform well under Mauricio Pochettino’s high-pressing ethos.
The Argentine wasn’t given the support he needed during the summer window, operating on a budget of just £30million and many signings seemingly made beyond his control. But after a string of impressive results in his first six months at White Hart Lane, he deserves full licence to land targets of his own discretion this January.
So who could Tottenham sign, better fitting of the Pochettino ethos? In my opinon, Aston Villa star Fabian Delph, who shares the gritty, lung-bursting styles of Mason and Kane, would be a perfect addition.
He’s developed hugely over the year or so, earning the Villain of the Year award last term and more recently a spot in the England squad, and could be snapped up on the cheap this window, with just six months remaining on his current contract.
According to Mirror Football, Liverpool are plotting a £7.5million bid for the tenacious contract rebel – a figure the Lilywhites can easily match.
Sign another striker or rely on Harry Kane?
The story of the season so far at White Hart Lane has, of course, been the sensational rise of Harry Kane, emerging from the peripheries of the squad to become the club’s top scorer with 18 goals across all competitions, including eight in the Premier League.
Yet, Kane’s superfluous form can’t last forever; right now he’s high on confidence, seemingly fuelled by his undying support from the White Hart Lane faithful, but eventually he’ll hit a dry patch.
At which point, the Lilywhites will be forced to depend upon Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado (assuming they aren’t sold this January), who have scored just three Premier League goals combined this term.
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Thus, Mauricio Pochettino must decide whether he’s prepared to rely upon Kane’s form for the remainder of the campaign or needs to bolster his striking options this January.
One target already mooted is Fenerbahce forward Emmanuel Emenike, who boasts a strong return of 14 goals in 40 league outings for the Turkish club.
The Express alleged an £8million bid last week, whilst, adding further weight to continuing speculation, the Nigerian international has been spotted in London this month with his agent.
Goodbye to another Spurs skipper?
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Tottenham said goodbye to long-term captain Matt Dawson in the summer as the former England international made his way to Hull City, and they could do so again this month in the form of Younes Kaboul – just five months after his official appointment.
Indeed, Maurico Pochettino gave the Frenchman the nod at the start of the campaign but he’s not started a Premier League fixture since the beginning of November, with the Spurs gaffer preferring centre-back partnership Federico Fazio and Jan Vertonghen – the defensive bedrock behind Tottenham’s improved results in recent weeks.
I’ve never been too fond of Kaboul, a centre-half prepared to rely on his pace and strength to make up for mistakes, rather than preventing them with the subtler powers of positioning and anticipation, so I wouldn’t mind seeing the Lilywhites skipper leave this month.
He’s already been linked with a move to Besiktas by the Daily Mail as part of Tottenham’s alleged winter clearout, but the report claims Spurs will have to reduce their asking price somewhat to complete the deal.
It’s hardly as if Benoit Assou-Ekotto is particularly easy to miss at the best of times at Tottenham Hotspur. But if there was ever any danger of the 28-year-old’s recent return to the team going unnoticed, then his typically blunt comments upon regaining full-fitness suggested that he’s certainly not lost any of his bite.
Ever the master of subtlety, the former Lens man certainly wasn’t mucking around when it was put to him whether fellow full-back Kyle Naughton offered much in the way of competition for the left-back berth.
“He’s not a real left-back,” mused Assou-Ekotto following the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last month.
“I don’t think he has the same left foot as me, so I’m not worried about that [being kept out the team].”
“I’m not worried because obviously I can do stuff with my left foot that he can’t do.”
To the neutral, such observations may well seem like the comments of a potentially volatile dressing-room ego, but for those who have followed his journey in North London, it’s simply par for the course.
Similarly to his now infamous comments about football not being his passion, Assou-Ekotto’s recent quips are more brutal honesty than callous disregard. After all, as a right-footed fullback playing on the left side out of necessity as much as anything else, of course Naughton can’t produce the sort of magic on his left as the cultured Assou-Ekotto can.
He’s certainly not pulling any punches, but following his near on four-month absence with a knee injury, it appears Assou-Ekotto means business upon his return to Andre Villas-Boas’ side. Although while statements of intent and no-nonsense attitudes are all very well, he needs to back it up with the performances, to boot.
And although supporters can’t realistically expect instant results after such a long spell of time on the sidelines, the former-Lens man is going to have to hit the ground running sooner, rather than later.
Spurs’ 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Leeds United last Sunday didn’t represent a realistic barometer for the side’s collective defensive efforts this term, but it certainly gave Villas-Boas some real food for thought.
Given Steven Caulker’s age and Jan Vertonghen’s status as a debutant in this league, it’s perhaps understandable that the pair aren’t looking like quite the defenders they were earlier on within the term. Yet while supporters can perhaps afford their central defensive unit a spot of patience, the same might not be able to be said for the club’s fullbacks.
The lack of depth at both right-back and left-back berths has been something of an Achilles heel for the club so far this season and although their lack of depth has been affected by circumstance as much as self-infliction, it’s something which must be addressed soon. Assou-Ekotto’s return could well be the remedy that helps them shuffle the pack for the better.
Alongside Younes Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto’s injury after three league games this season was the loss that sent the house of cards tumbling down. With no real, out-and-out left-back available to the club following the ex-Lens man’s injury, Villas-Boas was forced to push his central defensive rock in Jan Vertonghen out to left-back. As well as weakening the side through the middle, it also weakened the side out wide.
Yet the long-heralded solution of wheeling out Kyle Naughton at left-back has perhaps left the side with more questions than answers. Vertonghen may be no natural left-back, but it’s been difficult to see at times whether Naughton has really been anything nearing a step-up. Considering the ex-Sheffield United product is a right-back by nature, supporters have been keen to give him the benefit of the doubt.
But in returning to the side, Assou-Ekotto could potentially offer a short-term solution to the right side of defensive affairs, too. Kyle Walker’s troubles this season have been well documented, but for all his struggles to replicate his stunning form of last-season, there’s been little in the way of a ‘Plan B’ for Villas-Boas to utilize.
With Naughton now free to move back over into his natural position, now could be the time to take Walker out of the side. Whether Naughton has what it takes to pose a realistic threat to Walker in the long-term, only time will tell.
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Although if Spurs are going to continue their push for Champions League qualification, they’ve got to start shoring things up at full-back and that has to start with a return to form for Benoit Assou-Ekotto. From what we’ve seen so far since his return, the Cameroon international is understandably a little rusty and after four months out, supporters would be naïve to expect an instantaneous return to form.
Yet while craving more than simply a return to full fitness might seem like it’s asking a lot from the man known as ‘Disco Benny,’ now’s the time for Spurs’ eccentric left-back to really stand up and be counted. Before he picked up his injury, Assou-Ekotto’s performances hardly set the world on fire and despite enjoying a generally good term last season, his form gradually seemed to erode away as the weeks went on.
Supporters need to see a fully fit Assou-Ekotto, but also a focused, mature and error-free left-back return to the side. He can’t shed the flair and the ball-playing nous, but with the club crying out for stability and experience in their back four, they can’t be treated to much more of the bizarre decision making, the cheap loss of possession and the other self-indulgent elements that adorn his game.
Tottenham Hotspur need Benoit Assou-Ekotto firing on all cylinders during the second half of the season. And perhaps to a lesser extent, for the sake of his White Hart Lane career, the player requires the same thing, too.