Just a quick preview on the late Saturday game, featuring Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
United's have one bad and one good concern for this game for their attacking options. With Valencia injuring his foot against Liverpool, a replacement must be found for him while a way to fit Rooney into the team after his return from injury has to considered. The combination of Kagawa playing behind Robin Van Persie has so far produced the results that Sir Alex Ferguson bought them to produce and it is hard to envision him breaking up this partnership to accommodate Rooney. Rooney might be placed in the left flank, while Nani is shifted to the right flank to try and test Tottenham's defenders. Given the possibility of Tottenham playing Vertonghen(normally a centre-back who might tend to drift towards the center) in the left-back position, it will be wise to play a true wide player on the right to test Vertonghen's willingness to follow out to the flank.
Tottenham's limited defensive options might lead them to resort to playing the inexperienced Caulker tonight. That being said, he seems to be a great young talent and will be able to cope as well as any other defenders. Bale will be Spurs's dangerman and if Nani is slow to get back to defend, will be a big headache for Rafael. For me, playing Clint Dempsey will be a better option over Sigurdsson as Dempsey will be able to provide the penetrating runs that Scholes and Carrick in the middle of the park might be unable to keep track of.
Predictions:
This match will be full of goals and the attacking intents of both teams should be really displayed to the limit tonight. United's overwhelming attacking talent should provide them the edge in this match though Tottenham's second half resurgences will definitely run them close. Look out for both Bale and Van Persie to score in this game and the wise money will be on them to each get at least a goal.
Saturday 29 September 2012
Arsenal v Chelsea Preview
The big game of the week pits two potential title challengers who have started the season better than many had perhaps expected them to. Both come off wins from their previous round of fixtures in the Capital One cup, scoring 6 goals each in the process and I was especially impressed with Chelsea who beat Wolves 6-0 as I actually rate Wolves quite highly(personal opinion, might get to their team someday if I have the time).
Arsenal will rely heavily on their right flank's Gervinho, who will look to exploit the space behind Ashley Cole. Gervinho's pace and trickery should put him in good stead to get in behind Cole but it remains to be seen whether he can convert the chances he is able to create for himself. His tendency to pass instead of shoot when in dangerous positions might be useful this time round for Arsenal though, if Terry plays for Chelsea.
Terry tends to prefer to move out of position to stand closer to the goal line to block goal bound shots once opponents get close to the goal and Gervinho might have a lot of space to lay the ball into for Oliver Giroud to score. Problem is Giroud is not a prolific scorer himself and his confidence might not be very high despite scoring his first Arsenal goal as he also missed a penalty in that game. Arsene Wenger might be tempted to play Walcott in that role given his performance against Chelsea last time out. I would opt for the forgotten man Arshavin though. Walcott with his pace only played so well because of Chelsea's high defensive line with Villa-Boas, but under Roberto Di Matteo they have played more conservatively. Arshavin can be the man to provide the bit of spark that Arsenal needs instead of relying on Carzola for all the creativity and he showed against Coventry that he still has a lot to offer.
This time round, Chelsea will be the team that will be looking to break fast and counterattack with their array of players with both quick feet and quick thinking. With Arsenal being the home team, the onus might be on them to attack and Chelsea will look to hit them on the break. Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby do not provide the squad with the defensive stability in the face of such quick play and Arsene Wenger would do well to throw some caution to the wind and not leave so many holes behind when attacking. The Koscielny and Vermaelen partnership is expected to be continued tonight and this might be the key point in the match that will stem Chelsea's attacks, with Vermaelen pressing the attackers while Koscielny allows them to run at him before dispossesing them. Victor Moses should press for a start in the game after his impressive performances as subsitutes in the previous league games and if he start, will be the main focal point of attack for Chelsea if he continues his form. Given Mertesacker's performances this season, he might be a good bet for the central defender role instead and allow Vermaelen to play in the left-back position, one where he is definitely not unfamiliar with and will excel in in this game. Fernando Torres will be another key point in the game. If he continues playing the way he did against Stoke, Chelsea is in for a tough time since their chances will not be converted.
Predictions:
This is a truly hard game to predict, with both teams having a variety of options for their positions. Arsenal should come out winners in this game, with their front three just having the edge, especially with Podolski in form. Do not expect many goals in this game though. Both teams have played well defensively and their attacks are at times suspect at converting chances. Betters might want to have some money on the under 2.5 goals market and also for Arsenal to win to nil.
Who should have bought who? Part 3
Wigan: Arne Friedrich
Wigan's back three of Ivan Ramis, Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa star performer is Figueroa and that says a lot about the other two. Figueroa's performances are okay(okay is not good) but the other two players are clumsy and often commit unnecessary fouls and are unable to regain possession when it seemed easy to dispossess the opposing players. Despite Caldwell's captaincy, he is often unable to provide the leadership necessary and Wigan's back-line often looked in shambles when he played. Arne Friedrich would have been a good acquisition for the team. An ex-international and at 33 years old, he has the required experience for Wigan's high back-line and would have been able to help them organize them offside trap which often fails. Despite his seemingly old age, pace does not seem to be a problem for him even as he continues playing in the MLS. His tackling will be his main asset though and he might be the star player that keeps Wigan up this season if he is bought in January.
Southampton: Stuart Holden
If I had been writing this last week, a move for free agent Craig Gordon would surely have been my top choice for the player they should have moved for. Their goalkeeper, Kelvin Davies has put in truly atrocious performances, showing ability that will surely keep Southampton in the relegation zone for most of the season. They have since secured the services of former Fiorentina goalie Artur Boruc, a good and season saving choice in my opinion. That might not be enough though. Southampton looks to be lacking the edge in midfield battles in all their matches and neither Schneiderlin nor Davis seems to be able to effectively control the game. Stuart Holden would have been the buy to ensure that Southampton needs to boss the midfield. Before he got injured, he put in superb after superb performance in the center of the park for Bolton and his injury a main reason why they got relegated. His passing is good and he puts in a great tackle too. His contact is expiring soon too and he might not come too expensive. Many might argue that his injury makes him a risky buy in the last transfer window but Southampton should have secured his services as there might be many more potential buyers in the January window when he comes back and continues his good performances for Bolton in the near future.
Norwich City: Lewis Holtby
Scoring 2 goals in 5 games is definitely not good for Norwich's hopes of finishing above the top 3, especially since they lack a solid defense. Grant Holt's inability to find the net this season is the main reason as Norwich relied heavily on him throughout last season. The big target man needs someone to shoulder the responsibility and also supply the ammunition for him. The rising German starlet would have been able to fulfill both those duties. While Norwich's current players do the regular and simple, Holtby would have been able to provide the unexpected and execute the outrageous. He is also a hardworking player and can be expected to help out in the defensive duties for Norwich. Holtby has expressed his openness to a move to the Premier League, even though Norwich might be considered step-down from Schalke 04. Norwich would have to dig deep into their transfer funds and sell a few players to be able to afford this new one, but it would have been worth it considering how important he would have been to Norwich's ability to stay up.
Liverpool: Fernando Llorente
Liverpool has showed throughout this and last season their inability to find the net, and contrary to Brendan Rodgers's beliefs, is not due to a lack of trying as Liverpool has been shooting more than any other team in the league. Altetico's disgruntled hitman, Llorente will definitely be able to convert the chances into goals. A scorer of 24 goals in 48 games last season, his selection into the Spain squads has definitely been merited. His purchase would have allowed Suarez to move to the left flank, giving Suarez the opportunity to cut in and shoot or even allow them to convert to a 4-4-2, combining the power and finishing ability of Llorente and Suarez's pace and trickery. Liverpool should have moved for the striker as soon as rumours of him refusing to sign a new contract surfaced and the January window might come a bit too late to save Liverpool's wretched season.
Queens Park Rangers: Dmitri Kombarov
Park Ji-Sung definitely was a great player in his prime but at 31, he is not capable of doing the role of a left winger well. His main asset has been that of his energy and stamina but with his duty of a winger at QPR, those abilities are not really utilised. He often receives the ball in front of the defense instead of behind them and over their heads and is expected to use trickery and pace to get past them, not exactly his strong suits. In that aspect, Kombarov would have been a great addition. I first noticed him playing for Russia, where he terrorized the opposition playing as a left wing-back, showing off his exceptional pace. For his club, he normally plays in a more advanced role and that would probably be where QPR would have deployed him if they had bought him. Moreover, he would have made a good break from Hughes's policy of purchasing established players who are past their prime and aid in driving the general age of the squad down.
Reading: Diego Alves
Of course, it is easy to say all these after the season has started. Managers have it much worse, having to evaluate their options before such competitive matches. Well, here are my views and comments are greatly welcome.
| taken from:
msn.foxsports.com
|
Wigan's back three of Ivan Ramis, Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa star performer is Figueroa and that says a lot about the other two. Figueroa's performances are okay(okay is not good) but the other two players are clumsy and often commit unnecessary fouls and are unable to regain possession when it seemed easy to dispossess the opposing players. Despite Caldwell's captaincy, he is often unable to provide the leadership necessary and Wigan's back-line often looked in shambles when he played. Arne Friedrich would have been a good acquisition for the team. An ex-international and at 33 years old, he has the required experience for Wigan's high back-line and would have been able to help them organize them offside trap which often fails. Despite his seemingly old age, pace does not seem to be a problem for him even as he continues playing in the MLS. His tackling will be his main asset though and he might be the star player that keeps Wigan up this season if he is bought in January.
Southampton: Stuart Holden
| taken from:
live4liverpool.com
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If I had been writing this last week, a move for free agent Craig Gordon would surely have been my top choice for the player they should have moved for. Their goalkeeper, Kelvin Davies has put in truly atrocious performances, showing ability that will surely keep Southampton in the relegation zone for most of the season. They have since secured the services of former Fiorentina goalie Artur Boruc, a good and season saving choice in my opinion. That might not be enough though. Southampton looks to be lacking the edge in midfield battles in all their matches and neither Schneiderlin nor Davis seems to be able to effectively control the game. Stuart Holden would have been the buy to ensure that Southampton needs to boss the midfield. Before he got injured, he put in superb after superb performance in the center of the park for Bolton and his injury a main reason why they got relegated. His passing is good and he puts in a great tackle too. His contact is expiring soon too and he might not come too expensive. Many might argue that his injury makes him a risky buy in the last transfer window but Southampton should have secured his services as there might be many more potential buyers in the January window when he comes back and continues his good performances for Bolton in the near future.
Norwich City: Lewis Holtby
| taken from:
spox.com
|
Scoring 2 goals in 5 games is definitely not good for Norwich's hopes of finishing above the top 3, especially since they lack a solid defense. Grant Holt's inability to find the net this season is the main reason as Norwich relied heavily on him throughout last season. The big target man needs someone to shoulder the responsibility and also supply the ammunition for him. The rising German starlet would have been able to fulfill both those duties. While Norwich's current players do the regular and simple, Holtby would have been able to provide the unexpected and execute the outrageous. He is also a hardworking player and can be expected to help out in the defensive duties for Norwich. Holtby has expressed his openness to a move to the Premier League, even though Norwich might be considered step-down from Schalke 04. Norwich would have to dig deep into their transfer funds and sell a few players to be able to afford this new one, but it would have been worth it considering how important he would have been to Norwich's ability to stay up.
Liverpool: Fernando Llorente
taken from: www1.skysports.com
|
Liverpool has showed throughout this and last season their inability to find the net, and contrary to Brendan Rodgers's beliefs, is not due to a lack of trying as Liverpool has been shooting more than any other team in the league. Altetico's disgruntled hitman, Llorente will definitely be able to convert the chances into goals. A scorer of 24 goals in 48 games last season, his selection into the Spain squads has definitely been merited. His purchase would have allowed Suarez to move to the left flank, giving Suarez the opportunity to cut in and shoot or even allow them to convert to a 4-4-2, combining the power and finishing ability of Llorente and Suarez's pace and trickery. Liverpool should have moved for the striker as soon as rumours of him refusing to sign a new contract surfaced and the January window might come a bit too late to save Liverpool's wretched season.
Queens Park Rangers: Dmitri Kombarov
| taken from: en.rsport.ru |
Reading: Diego Alves
| taken from:
zimbio.com
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Brian McDermott's purchase of Stuart Taylor from Manchester City suggested that he understood that the team badly needed to bolster their goalkeeping standards as neither Adam Federici nor Alex McCarthy have the quality to cut it in the Premier League, especially Federici who has already made two high profile errors. Taylor though, has not played regularly for many seasons and will also be an unreliable replacement. A better replacement would have been Diego Alves from Valencia, who might be available due to the the back-up Guaita finally showing his talent. Diego Alves is a reliable option and is capable of proving the occasional exceptional save, which will be useful for any team. What is more important for Reading though is his ability to organize the defense and consistently make routine stops, which would have helped Reading to stave off relegation. Financially paramount is also that Diego Alves is only 27 and will have a sell-on value if he continues his performances as goalkeepers have a longer career life span.
Of course, it is easy to say all these after the season has started. Managers have it much worse, having to evaluate their options before such competitive matches. Well, here are my views and comments are greatly welcome.
Monday 24 September 2012
Liverpool 1 United 2
Thoughts on the Sunday big games. I only watched till the red card of the first and completely missed the second. Up to the point when I had to leave my house, Liverpool had clearly been the better team with the performances of Sterling and Glen Johnson on the opposite flanks providing many sparks of excitement.
One interesting tactical point I noted in that time: while on one flank, Martin Kelly adopted the usual method of passing to the front and dashing up to receive the return pass, Johnson on the other hand adopted a more unconventional method. When on the ball, he either passed it sideways or backwards before he advanced. Two things occured at the same time. Daniel Agger, the left centreback, moved into the leftback slot to receive the ball and play a direct pass to Johnson. Further upfield, Fabio Borini will move towards the center to join Suarez, creating space for Johnson. For the short time that I watched, this happened two or three times, signifying it might be more purpose than coincidental. This tactic has two uses, one to allow an easy pass to Johnson, another is for Borini to drag Rafael away to give Johnson time and space to shoot or cross. Secondly, it is that Bendan Rodgers recognized the speed of United's attacks, especially down the right flank with Valencia. Valencia is a typical wide winger and it made sense to station a player at that flank to make sure that he is unable to push the ball forward and dash with it into the final third, which is exactly what he did for the goal.
On to the red card. I have to first say I agree. Dangerous tackle. It always seemed to be inevitable in a game of such high stakes of pride and glory. Of course, it did not come from the tactical angle I had envisioned it to be from but more from the over exuberance of the young Selvey and in slight due to Liverpool's high pressing game. I left the house thinking that United would surely dominate the match but kudos to Liverpool, they continued playing their football and was the better team. Didn't watch so I actually cannot comment too much.
As I wrote in my preview, it will be a folly to play Giggs in such a match and Sir Alex Ferguson committed just this mistake.For all of Giggs's vast experience and talent, he was unable to make any impact for the time I watched. He just seemed unable t okeep up with the pace of such a high tempo game. Guess age really does catch up to every player.
For all of Liverpool's dominance, they have once again failed to win. The relegation fears must really be kicking in for their fans now.
One interesting tactical point I noted in that time: while on one flank, Martin Kelly adopted the usual method of passing to the front and dashing up to receive the return pass, Johnson on the other hand adopted a more unconventional method. When on the ball, he either passed it sideways or backwards before he advanced. Two things occured at the same time. Daniel Agger, the left centreback, moved into the leftback slot to receive the ball and play a direct pass to Johnson. Further upfield, Fabio Borini will move towards the center to join Suarez, creating space for Johnson. For the short time that I watched, this happened two or three times, signifying it might be more purpose than coincidental. This tactic has two uses, one to allow an easy pass to Johnson, another is for Borini to drag Rafael away to give Johnson time and space to shoot or cross. Secondly, it is that Bendan Rodgers recognized the speed of United's attacks, especially down the right flank with Valencia. Valencia is a typical wide winger and it made sense to station a player at that flank to make sure that he is unable to push the ball forward and dash with it into the final third, which is exactly what he did for the goal.
On to the red card. I have to first say I agree. Dangerous tackle. It always seemed to be inevitable in a game of such high stakes of pride and glory. Of course, it did not come from the tactical angle I had envisioned it to be from but more from the over exuberance of the young Selvey and in slight due to Liverpool's high pressing game. I left the house thinking that United would surely dominate the match but kudos to Liverpool, they continued playing their football and was the better team. Didn't watch so I actually cannot comment too much.
As I wrote in my preview, it will be a folly to play Giggs in such a match and Sir Alex Ferguson committed just this mistake.For all of Giggs's vast experience and talent, he was unable to make any impact for the time I watched. He just seemed unable t okeep up with the pace of such a high tempo game. Guess age really does catch up to every player.
For all of Liverpool's dominance, they have once again failed to win. The relegation fears must really be kicking in for their fans now.
Sunday 23 September 2012
Who should have bought Who? Part 1
Now that the season is already in its 5th week, it is time to review how each team could have been improved and what buys they should and could have made in the transfer window just past.
Chelsea: Jovetic
The 23 year old striker is now lighting up the Serie A with his performances in the purple shirt for Fiorentina(though he did miss a penalty last night). Seeing the troubles of Fernando Torres to replicate his highest level of performances consistently and Roberto Di Matteo's seemingly lack of faith in Daniel Sturridge, one would have expected Chelsea to dip into their transfer funds for a new striker. This talented striker is good with both feet and can finish the array of chances sure to come his way given the strong support he will expect to have from Chelsea's other expensive attackers. His 4 goals in 3 matches this season suggests that if he had been on the pitch against QPR last week, the result might very well have been different for Chelsea.
Everton: Michel Bastos
The once Brazilian international was rumoured to be in talks with Fulham, which broke down due to an unknown reason but signalled his transfer availability. Quite why Lyon would sell him remains a question as his talent is obvious from the three goals he has already scored this season. Everton need him as a back up to Baines, whom opponents seem eager to injure everything he embarks on another of his dangerous mazy runs as his current alternative is Distin which does not bode well for the attack of Everton. The versatile Bastos can also be pushed up to the left wing and provide an option for Moyes who can do with a bit more depth in the squad and the availability of a true left footed touchline hugging winger other than the developing Magaye Gueye.
West Bromwich Albion: Tranquillo Barnetta
The Baggies's performance this season has been wonderful and they are not third in the standings, just behind Everton on goal difference, who they beat convincingly. Despite being a solid and compact side, at times this season, they have looked short on creativity and of individual brilliance, especially in the previous match against Reading where they struggled to create many clear cut chances as they could not get past the defence. This problem was not rectified in the previous transfer window and could have been if they had looked at a certain Barnetta who was a free agent after his contract with Bayer Leverkusen ended. A sleek fleet-footed winger, he is sometimes labelled as selfish but it can also be interpreted as having the confidence to take on defenders and he does have the ability to carry it out. However, he has since moved on to Schalke 04 and this might be a player other Premier League clubs as a missed opportunity.
Fulham: Gennaro Gattuso
Personally, I am a big big fan of Gattuso. Looking at Fulham's pretty style of play, it might be hard to phantom just how Gattuso would have fit into their team. This is just the reason why. As Martin Jol aims to develop Fulham into a pleasing to the way team, a look at the team squad suggests a lack of a true ball winner. Sidwell in particular seems not to be good enough for the improving Fulham squad. Putting Gattuso in will not compromise the team passing ability as his skills on the ball are probably even better than that of Sidwell's. The big difference is in that of winning the ball and breaking up play. The methods might not be pretty but it is certain that Gattuso will finish off the job for the team. And seeing that he was a free agent before his transfer to Sion, the lack of a transfer fee means that he would not have been that big of a gamble despite his eye problems.
This talented footballer from Barcelona's famed academy showed composure as well as aggression when playing as a defensive midfielder for Chelsea last season and his passing accuracy and vision is extremely high. That said, he should come at a decent price as the more expensive additions this season at Chelsea has left him surplus to requirements and in the reserves, which he frankly does not deserve to be at. United should have considered a move for him during the transfer season, judging from last season where they had to recall Paul Scholes. Romeu would have been a great long term replacement for Scholes and this season can be relied upon to play in games when Scholes need a rest. What remains to be seen is whether Chelsea would sell to a main title challenger rival and what Sir Alex Ferguson thinks of the Catalan's buy-back clause, which is reportedly to have put him off a bid for Thiago.
Arsenal: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
The Holland marksman has been constantly banging in the goals for Schalke 04 and is regularly in the top scorers chart of the Bundesliga. Giroud for now is an inadequate target man for Arsenal and with Chamakh still terribly off form, Arsenal fans will be thinking what if they had bought Huntelaar. Effective as a focal point for attack, with the ball coming to him before he spreads to the runners on the wings and also incisive in the penalty box as a predator, he will be perfect for Arsenal's operations. he is also wonderful as a Plan B with his heading abilities another reason for his bagful of goals. His contract talks were also said to have stalled, meaning he will be available for a bargain price before he leaves for free, which otherwise might make him unsuitable for the financially prudent Arsene Wenger. Arsenal fans don't worry. There's still a chance to make a bid for him in January if Giroud still proves to be ineffective.
Manchester City: Gokhan Inler
It is both hard and easy to say who City should have bought. For one, they have such a strong squad with a variety of playing styles that it seems impossible to figure out who they will need. On the other hand, they have the resources to buy almost anybody and any name I put up there can be seen as a reasonable target. For this time, I will go with Gokhan Inler as the player City should have bought in the summer. This dynamic box to box midfielder can provide the dynamism and energy that will be required throughout the season if City is to compete on all fronts, even as a substitute. Of course, it seems impossible that Yaya Toure will be able to dash his way up and down the pitch every game twice a week and Inler can be relied on to do that job in his stead, especially as Toure leaves for the African Cup of Nations in January next year. In comparison to Barry, Inler will definitely be able to provide the delicate balance between defence and attack better though it seems Mancini will be unlikely to follow this trail as he looks set to resume his still futile chase for Daniele De Rossi.
West Ham United: Tony Hibbert
For all of West Ham's activities in the transfer market, their defence seems a bit weak. Guy Demel and Joey O'brien do not seem to be at the level of the premier league at the moment and their central defence can also be shored up further. Sam Allardyce might have considered taking a look at Everton's Tony Hibbert, who can operate both as a fullback and centreback. Hibbert is a solid solid defender whom i rate very highly and I feel that he can do a job for West Ham for a few seasons while they establish themselves in the Premier League. Hibbert also brings the experience and know-how of many Premier League seasons with him and will be a good leader for the Hammers. Considering that Everton has Phil Neville and Seamus Coleman available for the right back role and their financial status, West Ham would have been able to get this target for not too high a price. And after all, Tony Hibbert finally scored his first goal in Everton colours in a freekick in a friendly(go google it, it caused a riot), West Ham might be able to utilise his freekick 'prowess'.
Swansea City: Diego Lugano
As Paris Saint German continues to splash the cash, their defensive signing of last season, Lugano is becoming more and more marginalised as injuries derailed his previous campaign. However, his talent should not be underestimated. Having captained the Uruguay team to 4th place in the previous World Cup, his defensive abilities were a major reason for the minimal amount of goals the team conceded throughout the campaign. Even as his age catches up to him, his pace was never his strongest point and his awareness and positional sense should more than help cover up for it. As Swansea's defensive frailties were brutally exposed at Goodison Park yesterday, the magnifying glass was placed on the inability of Swansea's central defenders, especially Ashley Williams, to cope with their attacking play which often leaves the defence exposed. Lugano would have helped this situation, especially with marshaling the defence to play the opponents offside, which can be one of the best methods when playing a high line.
Tottenham Hotspur: Joao Moutinho
This is obvious, ain't it? They want him, him wants to go to them, everything seems all settled. Well not really. Daniel Levy refuses to pay the fee for him. Looking at this transfer at all angles, it makes perfect sense to have completed it. Joao Moutinho's passing is immaculate and Spurs need someone to take over Modric. With Andre Villa Boas looking to play through the flanks, Joao Moutinho has the ability and vision to execute the required long passes to flanks for Bale and Lennon to cause havoc. Moutinho might even be a step-up from Modric, with more constant runs into the box to overload opponents. If only this transfer had been completed in the summer, Spurs might have seen their many draws at the start of the season turn into wins with Moutinho's bursts into the box giving the chance to convert a few of their many many many opportunities from the start of the season.
Of course, vision is always perfect when looking back. Just a fun feature, the transfer window is now closed anyway. Part 2 will be up next week. I won't be able to post on weekdays.
Chelsea: Jovetic
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| taken from: thelionspitch.com |
Everton: Michel Bastos
| taken from:
football-champs.blogspot.com
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West Bromwich Albion: Tranquillo Barnetta
| taken from: spox.com |
Fulham: Gennaro Gattuso
| taken from: www.tumblr.com |
Personally, I am a big big fan of Gattuso. Looking at Fulham's pretty style of play, it might be hard to phantom just how Gattuso would have fit into their team. This is just the reason why. As Martin Jol aims to develop Fulham into a pleasing to the way team, a look at the team squad suggests a lack of a true ball winner. Sidwell in particular seems not to be good enough for the improving Fulham squad. Putting Gattuso in will not compromise the team passing ability as his skills on the ball are probably even better than that of Sidwell's. The big difference is in that of winning the ball and breaking up play. The methods might not be pretty but it is certain that Gattuso will finish off the job for the team. And seeing that he was a free agent before his transfer to Sion, the lack of a transfer fee means that he would not have been that big of a gamble despite his eye problems.
Manchester United: Oriol Romeu
| taken from: mtnfootball.com |
This talented footballer from Barcelona's famed academy showed composure as well as aggression when playing as a defensive midfielder for Chelsea last season and his passing accuracy and vision is extremely high. That said, he should come at a decent price as the more expensive additions this season at Chelsea has left him surplus to requirements and in the reserves, which he frankly does not deserve to be at. United should have considered a move for him during the transfer season, judging from last season where they had to recall Paul Scholes. Romeu would have been a great long term replacement for Scholes and this season can be relied upon to play in games when Scholes need a rest. What remains to be seen is whether Chelsea would sell to a main title challenger rival and what Sir Alex Ferguson thinks of the Catalan's buy-back clause, which is reportedly to have put him off a bid for Thiago.
Arsenal: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
| taken from:
football.ya1.ru
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Manchester City: Gokhan Inler
| taken from: goal.com |
It is both hard and easy to say who City should have bought. For one, they have such a strong squad with a variety of playing styles that it seems impossible to figure out who they will need. On the other hand, they have the resources to buy almost anybody and any name I put up there can be seen as a reasonable target. For this time, I will go with Gokhan Inler as the player City should have bought in the summer. This dynamic box to box midfielder can provide the dynamism and energy that will be required throughout the season if City is to compete on all fronts, even as a substitute. Of course, it seems impossible that Yaya Toure will be able to dash his way up and down the pitch every game twice a week and Inler can be relied on to do that job in his stead, especially as Toure leaves for the African Cup of Nations in January next year. In comparison to Barry, Inler will definitely be able to provide the delicate balance between defence and attack better though it seems Mancini will be unlikely to follow this trail as he looks set to resume his still futile chase for Daniele De Rossi.
West Ham United: Tony Hibbert
| taken from: en.wikipedia.org |
For all of West Ham's activities in the transfer market, their defence seems a bit weak. Guy Demel and Joey O'brien do not seem to be at the level of the premier league at the moment and their central defence can also be shored up further. Sam Allardyce might have considered taking a look at Everton's Tony Hibbert, who can operate both as a fullback and centreback. Hibbert is a solid solid defender whom i rate very highly and I feel that he can do a job for West Ham for a few seasons while they establish themselves in the Premier League. Hibbert also brings the experience and know-how of many Premier League seasons with him and will be a good leader for the Hammers. Considering that Everton has Phil Neville and Seamus Coleman available for the right back role and their financial status, West Ham would have been able to get this target for not too high a price. And after all, Tony Hibbert finally scored his first goal in Everton colours in a freekick in a friendly(go google it, it caused a riot), West Ham might be able to utilise his freekick 'prowess'.
Swansea City: Diego Lugano
| taken from:
newshopper.sulekha.com
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Tottenham Hotspur: Joao Moutinho
| taken from: sportinglife.com |
Of course, vision is always perfect when looking back. Just a fun feature, the transfer window is now closed anyway. Part 2 will be up next week. I won't be able to post on weekdays.
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