So, we've reached another international break, I can hear the multiple sighs already. Fans don't want to sacrifice watching their team, in order for their country to take centre stage. They've become detached from the national team, they don't care anymore and if the players don't, then why should the fans?
We've also got to the stage of the international break where players are picking up 'strains' and 'knocks' left, right and centre. These random injuries mean that we are seeing players withdraw from their national team at an alarming rate.
The latest spell of withdrawals have seen Harry Winks, Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph. In fairness to Henderson, he missed his teams game at the weekend and has struggled with injuries this season, so he may be genuinely injured. Kane has also struggled over the last couple of weeks and missed Spurs' crunch game away at Man United with the complaint.
However, it seems very handy that Winks, Sterling and Delph have all picked up these minor problems to rule them out of international duty.
Getting selected for England should be a privilege, not a chore. If players, such as Fabian Delph, are happy to waive their chance to play for their country, for the first time since November 2015, then frankly, they shouldn't be selected in the future.
Why should these players that quite clearly don't hold representing their nation in any sort of regard, be considered to go to the World Cup and play at a major tournament?
Gareth Southgate has selected some new faces this time around and will probably be forced into calling up some more, to strengthen his decimated squad. The new players should seize their opportunity over the next fortnight to stake their claim for a place on the plane to Russia, instead of the players that are all to happy to choose club over country throughout the year.
These upcoming friendlies against none other than the world champions Germany and a truly world class Brazil team, ought to be our sternest test yet, as well as a chance for our fans to watch us against the best. Instead, they'll be left with watching our third choice midfielders getting the runaround and be left with no clue about how we might fare against tough opposition next summer.
Now i'm not suggesting we leave behind every player that withdraws, however a bit more needs to be done to ensure that players can't repeatedly withdraw and still be selected. The players need to show more pride and maybe when that happens then the fans will too.
Tuesday, 7 November 2017
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Transfer targets
Premier League Scout
After a thrilling 2011/2012 season, teams will be turning
their attentions to the dawn of 2012/2013. As ever all the teams will be aiming
to add to their current squad, in order to achieve a higher league position
than last season. However, some teams will be looking to grab a bargain buy to
save some money, whereas some will have a bigger cash fund to splash out. This
list suggests two players that could benefit each team in the forthcoming
season.
Arsenal
M’Vila has already been heavily linked with a move to the
North London outfit this summer. Arsenal have struggled in midfield, with
players such as Gervinho and Aaron Ramsey not making the grade. If Jack
Wilshire regains fitness a sharp player such as M’Vila could compliment him
well.
Everyone who has watched Arsenal play this season has seen
their defensive frailties exposed. Lauren Koscielny has improved as the season
has gone on but Per Mertesacker has struggled with his positioning and pace, as
well as injuries. Vertonghen has title-winning experience, having won Eredivisie
titles with Ajax. He is a strong centre-back who likes to roam forward and at
25 he is striding into his prime.
Aston Villa
Steven Fletcher
After a disastrous season some Villa fans will probably be
hoping for 11 new players. However, with a new manager in charge some of their
players may finally step up. There is no doubting that Aston Villa have
struggled to find goals this season. With Darren bent fit again they will start
to score again but a new forward with a goal scoring reputation would fit in
well. Fletcher has proven himself at Wolves and may be looking to stay in the
Midlands.
Aston Villa have had trouble in midfield and a pacey winger
with an eye for goal is exactly what they could do with. With limited
appearances at Manchester City, Adam Johnson may look elsewhere for first team
football. He may be encouraged to join by ex City team mates Shay Given,
Stephen Ireland and Richard Dunne.
Chelsea
With Fernando Torres struggling for goals and Didier Drogba
possibly moving abroad Chelsea have a huge gap to fill. Although Falcao will
carry a hefty price tag, there has been talk of a possible swap deal which
would include Torres moving back to his old club. Falcao’s goals to game ratio
is superb but he will want to move to a club with Champions League football.
A long time target of Chelsea’s and one of the best
playmakers in the world. However, Neymar will want to join a club fighting for
the title. If Chelsea can convince him they are going to mount a title
challenge again then he may be persuaded. Neymar has always expressed a desire
to join Barcelona but after Chelsea’s European glory he may opt for a move to
West London if Abramovich is willing to pay out.
Simpson has vastly improved since he left Old Trafford for
the North East. After a strong season with Newcastle it seems both parties
cannot agree on a new contract. With Phil Neville not getting any younger and
acquiring the England U-21 manager position, Everton may be looking for a new
right-back. Simpson provides pace and strength, something that shines
throughout the rest of the Toffees defence.
Everton struggled for goals this season before the arrival
of Nikica Jelavic from Rangers. Jelavic can’t take the burden for all the goals
though and could do with a prolific striking partner. Luuk De Jong has
flourished at FC Twente, which has been rewarded by a place in the Holland
national squad. Although Everton aren’t known for big summer buys this could be
a very influential one.
Fulham
Kelly has nailed down the right-back position foe England
U-21’s. However, if he wants to cement a place at Liverpool and get into the
full national squad he may need to go out on loan to gain some more first team
experience. Fulham have a few ageing defenders who they may want to replace.
Romelu
Lukaku (loan)
Fulham haven’t struggled for goals this year but they are
likely to lose Clint Dempsey over the summer. Lukaku hasn’t managed to get a
first team spot at Chelsea but he has shown his talents at Anderlecht. His
strength and eye for goal could work well off players such as Moussa Dembele
and Mahamadou Diarra.
Liverpool
Liverpool have been in semi turmoil this season. Despite
winning the League Cup they have had a poor league finish and with the
departure of Kenny Dalglish they will need some big name signings this summer.
Huntelaar has proved himself at national level and across the leagues, depite
not cutting the mustard at Real Madrid. Andy Carroll hasn’t fulfilled his
potential and if they are targeting a return to the top four another top class
hit man is vital.
It seems Eriksen has been linked with a move to England for
the last few seasons, but he is still only 20 years old. The Danish playmaker
has an Eredivisie title and will be sure to shine at this summer’s Euros.
Liverpool have spent big on their midfield recently, with the acquisitions of
Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam. Despite the large outlay, the midfielders
haven’t produced and they need to be replaced to achieve a higher league
position.
Manchester City
After months of debate about where Hazard will end up plying
his trade in 2012/2013, it seems the Premier League Champions are the front
runners for his signature. The Belgium playmaker has impressed throughout
Europe in the passing months and with the departures of Nigel De Jong and James
Milner looking ever more possible, Hazard would be a classy replacement.
One third of Napoli’s deadly strike force. Cavani has shone
in Serie A and attracted plenty of interest from overseas clubs. With
speculation of Tevez and Balotelli wanting out of Manchester, Cavani could be
an easy replacement. However, with UEFA’s new financial fair play rules, City
will be forced to sell before they move for the Uruguayan.
Manchester United
Although Paul Scholes has anchored the midfield well since
January, it is obvious United are in need of another centre-mid. De Rossi has
the strength and vision to take Scholes’ place and should be available for a
reasonable price. The temptation of Champions League football could be enough
to lure the Italian from Roma.
After winning the Bundesliga for the second year running
with Borussia Dortmund, it seems Kagawa has had enough and has refused the clubs
offer of a new contract. Sir Alex and Mike Phelan were spotted watching the
playmaker in the German cup final agains Bayern Munich last week. Kagawa will
also be available at a cut price as his contract will be expiring soon. At 23
years old he is the perfect replacement for when Ryan Giggs hangs up his boots.
Newcastle United
With speculation growing of Danny Simpson leaving Newcastle,
they will be in search of a new wing-back. Pereira has won nearly everything he
could, including the Europa League which Newcastle will be in next season. The
pacey defender loves bombing down the flanks and will have the necessary
experience to help Newcastle retain a top five position.
A bright spark in Blackburn’s dreadful season, it is clear
Hoilett will not be playing his football in the Championship next season.
Newcastle have the money available to buy him and he would add some strength in
depth, should one of their midfielders pick up a long-term injury. Newcastle
will also need extra players for their European adventures as additional
fixtures will begin to toil.
With news that Grant Holt has handed in a transfer request,
Norwich may be looking for a replacement pretty soon. Even if the canaries
convince Holt to stay they will need someone else who can grab goals to line-up
wit him. Steve Morison hasn’t lived up to expectations in the Premier League
and the Republic of Ireland international has been causing Premier League
defences problems for years with his pace and eye for goal.
Paul Lambert has a knack for developing lower league players
into Premier League talent. Snodgrass has been linked with a Premier League move
over the last year and will be looking to move up to add to his Scotland caps.
Norwich have benefitted from having the pace of Anthony Pilkington on the wing
and the addition of another winger could fit in well. With Bradley Johnson and
Johnny Howson already joining from Elland Road, it could be easy to tempt the
Scotsman.
Q.P.R.
After managing to retain their Premier League status, Queens
Park Rangers will be looking to add to their squad and move up the table. With
the suspension of Captain Joey Barton, Mark Hughes will be looking for some
extra midfield options. Gardner has shown his talent in the last couple of
seasons but has been forced to sit out on the Sunderland bench, largely down to
Seb Larsson taking his place. There was rumours earlier on in the season that
Gardner wasn’t happy with life on Wearside, so the temptation of moving back
down south and regular appearances may be enough to convince him.QPR struggled to break down defences away from home this
season and their investment in Shaun Wright-Phillips has not paid off. They
could do with a pacey winger to provide an extra threat. Johnson has found his
chances limited in recent months and he may fancy a move to bolster his chances
of a return to the England fold.
Another standout playe r for Blackburn this season, N’Zonzi
has been linked with a move long before Blackburn suffered relegation. He has
been linked with moves to bigger clubs but if Reading could secure his
signature it could make a major difference to their midfield. Although Reading’s
midfielders have Premier League experience, N’Zonzi has the extra bit of skill
and pace to turn his last man.
The young centre-back has shown he has the ability but a
lack of experience has seen him make some costly mistakes at City this season.
He has Champions League experience behind him from Partizan Belgrade and a run
of games could bring the best out in him. If Reading are going to survive they’ll
need to keep as many goals out as they can. Savic has strength in the air and
is threat from set pieces too. If Reading can get him on a loan it would be a
small risk, which could just pay off.
With news that Sir Alex will not be renewing Owen’s contract
this summer, he will soon be looking for a new club. Although he has struggled
with injuries in the past, he has proved he still has an eye for goal. He has
had his chances limited at United but his goal scoring record has led to him
being linked with a surprise England call up. Southampton aren’t exactly
desperate for goals, with Rickie Lambert and Billy Sharp scoring for fun.
However, if they can keep Owen fit he could be lethal as an impact sub.
Johnson has endured a torrid time at Wolves since his move
from Birmingham and he is not exactly popular with the Wolves faithful either.
Johnson has shown he is up to the Premier League standard and he is a born
leader. Southampton will want to solidify their defence for the coming campaign
and Johnson will probably be available at a cut price. If Nigel Adkins can get
him back to the form he was in at Birmingham, the saints could end up with a
rock at the heart of their defence.
Stoke have had their fair share of goalkeeping howlers this
season and they haven’t found a first choice number one yet. Tomas Sorensen and
Asmir Begovic seem to be taking it in turns when it comes to decent form
between the sticks. Robinson has all the necessary experience after playing for
England and Tottenham. Blackburn will have a fight on their hands to keep him
and if Stoke can stump up the cash he could just be the right man for the job.
Matt Jarvis
Having received an England call up last year it is very
unlikely that Matt Jarvis will be playing in the Championship next season.
There will be a host of clubs after his signature but he could fit in perfectly
at stoke. He is used to the rough and tumble style of play but he would also
add a touch of flair and finesse to their team. Stoke are famous for their
threat from set pieces and with Jarvis able to deliver a killer ball it could
be Peter crouch’s dream.
Sunderland are in desperate need of a striker this season,
with the permanent departure of Asamoah Gyan and Nicklas Bendtner returning to
Arsenal they need players who can score their goals. Grant Holt has had an
outstanding season for Norwich and after recently handing in a transfer
request, he may be looking for a return to the North-East. Holt has the aerial
threat Sunderland need to feed off James McClean and Seb Larsson. Sunderland
will have to pay a hefty amount to secure the Norwich Captain though.
Another aerial threat but with
more pace than Holt and with the eye to always be in the right place. Fletcher
has been linked with a move to bigger clubs but Martin O’Neil is the master of
persuasion and if he could secure this strike force it would be sure to provide
plenty of goals for the Black Cats.
Swansea have had a superb defence this year but they will be
looking for more options once Steven Caulker returns to Tottenham. Ryan Taylor
has had bad luck with injuries this season and David santon looks to have
secured his favoured position at left-back. Taylor will struggle to force his
way back into the Newcastle midfield and he is exactly the sort of player
Swansea could do with. Wayne Routledge hasn’t performed on the big stage and
Taylor has a reputation for outstanding set-pieces. Newcastle will want a
reasonable sum for the versatile player.
If Swansea could secure Taylor to plug the defence then Jarvis
could be the ideal man to come in and add extra power to the midfield. Swansea
have a fight to hold onto Gylfi Sigurdsson after an outstanding few months for
the club, however, Jarvis has a great eye for a pass and could easily fill
Sigurdsson’s boots.After a devastating end to the season, Tottenham will be
looking to mount a challenge for a Champions League berth this time round.
Spurs have struggled to find a striker who can score twenty goals a season and
that could be the key to achieving a top three finish. Huntelaar has bags of
experience all over Europe and has played in the Europa League too. Tottenham
will have to splash the cash to secure the Dutchman’s signature but it could be
well worth it.Vertonghen has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham
and they could do with a solid defensive partner for Younes Kaboul. Michael
Dawson and Ledley King are more than capable but both struggle to stay fit for
a prolonged period. Spurs will need strength in depth if they are to compete on
all fronts and Vertonghen could add the extra stability they need at the back.
Although there will be a number of clubs in the market for
Steven Fletcher, West brom could be the perfect match. Fletcher wouldn’t have
to move location and he would be guaranteed a regular start. Fletcher would be
ideal for holding up the ball or feeding off Peter Odemwingie’s assists. For
west brom it would be a statement of intent, proving that they are ready to
shake loose the label of being the “boing boing Baggies.” West Brom spent big
on Shane Long but he has struggled to adapt. Fletcher already has years of
Premier league experience and a great scoring record.
Following Bolton’s relegation from the Premier League,
Steinsson quickly departed the Lancashire outfit. Steinsson has shown his strength
and pace and has been a regular for Bolton in the last few seasons. West Brom
have some old heads in their defence and could do with someone with a bit more
pace to join the back four. Available on a free transfer and with Premier
League experience, Steinsson is a great signing.
It seems Wright-Phillips has lost a fair bit of the spark he
used to be famous for. However, despite a forgetful season at QPR
Wright-Phillips can still do a good job on the wing and West Ham will need all
the attacking flair they can get. Supporters at Upton Park are keen to see fast
flowing football again and Wright-Phillips definitely knows how to play that.
Danny Rose has started to
establish himself at Tottenham, however he needs the experience of playing week
in, week out to become the top level player Spurs need. West Ham will be
looking for top class defenders and Rose has shown his defensive and attacking
ability. A season long loan would benefit him and West Ham.
Having triggered a release clause in his contract at Bolton,
Reo-Coker is available on a free transfer. He has proven himself as a strong
leader for many years in the Premier League and is a strong defensive
midfielder, ideal for plugging the gap and stopping passes opening up the
defence. Wigan will need to add to their team to avoid another relegation scrap
and Reo-Coker would provide the stability they desire.
The Republic of Ireland international has had a great season
at Wolves and will want to continue playing Premier League football to cement
his place in the national team. Ward is probably a class above Wigan but if
they want to move further up the table they will need to secure a couple of
bigger names.
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