For as long as Daniel Levy keeps Tottenham’s wage budget under strict control and Mauricio Pochettino maintains his principled stance when key players step out of line (see Kyle Walker, Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld), the club will always be on the lookout for ‘the next…’ because there will always be the danger that the current star will leave North London.
The situations surrounding Toby Alderweireld, who started his career at Ajax and Matthijs de Ligt, who currently turns out for the Dutch giants, brings this into sharp focus.
Alderweireld looks set to leave the club this summer after a stand-off over his new contract and Pochettino plans to deal with the blow of losing arguably the Premier League’s most talented centre-half by securing the signature of 18-year-old Dutch international de Ligt, who is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt.
It’s a risky policy but when we asked you whether Spurs should make the switch, the answer was pretty unequivocal. 93 per cent of Tottenham fans want Pochettino to make it happen and you can check out the full results of the poll below…
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has admitted that he is keen to switch from a wide role to the centre of midfield next season.
The Wales international has traditionally been deployed by the Gunners in the centre of the park, but has played most of his football wide on the right this season.
This has been due to the blossoming partnership of Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla in the heart of the North London club’s midfield, with no room for the Wales international centrally.
Ramsey has admitted that he has spoken to Arsene Wenger about his preferred role at the Emirates Stadium, but would continue to play wherever the French boss selected him.
“I’m not hiding away from it, I want to be playing in the middle,” The Mirror report the former Cardiff midfielder as saying.
“I’ve had chats with the manager about it. I showed at Manchester United what I’m capable of doing when I go into the middle of the park.
“But the manager said he wants me do a job out there for the moment and obviously I’ll do that for him. But I prefer to play in the middle.
“We have wingers on the bench, but he’s still picking me out wide.
“Santi Cazorla is the one in my position. He’s the one who plays alongside Francis Coquelin and tries to get forward. I am trying to get that back.
“I like to get the ball and drive the team forward. I’m not a No10, playing with my back to goal. I’ll try to play between the lines now and again if the game demands that and we’re pressing quite high. That can be a dangerous position to take up.
“But I like to start from a defensive position and drive the team forward with little one-twos around players. That’s where I prefer to play.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ramsey has overcome serious injuries to play a prominent part in the Arsenal team in 2015.
The Welshman also has the likes of Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere for competition if he is to play in his preferred role in the centre of midfield.
“What a brilliant West Ham United goal”, shouted the commentator as Carlton Cole’s curling effort found the net. It was the perfect finish after a sublime team-effort and a goal that earned the Hammers’ a lot of plaudits that season, some even saying that it was their goal of the season. Then manager Zola certainly got his Claret and Blue men playing some liquid football under his tenure, and ‘that Wigan goal’ proved the Italians plans were working.
Carlton, who was playing the best football of his career under Zola, curled a right footed effort past the outstretched Wigan keeper after a neat exhange of passes that included most of the team. It was the kind of goal that would have had Barcelona fans raving, let alone the West Ham fans.
The strikers finish ended up being the difference that day as the Hammers’ left Wigan with all three points, despite being then sent off. It helped earn the club 9th in the Premier League that season, a good season for Zola and his men.
Carlton Cole V’s Manchester United
When Manchester United visited Upton Park in the cup a few Decembers ago, there wasn’t many Hammers’ expecting to get a result. But little did they know, they were in attendance for one of West Ham’s most memorable nights under the floodlights in the clubs history. The Hammers’ were bottom of the Premier League when Sir Alex Ferguson and his men arrived at the stadium, where as Manchester United were riding high, and were looking to keep their great league form continuing into the cup. Unfortunately for Alex Ferguson, this just wasn’t to be.
The snow was hitting the area hard, both before and during the game. But it wasn’t the snowy chill factor that left the Manchester United gaffer red-faced, it was the manner of defeat that the Scotsman was dished out.
Two goals from the former Manchester United midfielder Jonathon Spector, had the Hammers’ pinching themselves, a third from Carlton Cole had them running their eyes, but the fourth goal confirmed what the fans were thinking. They were well and truly in a dream land.
The big forward took a pass into the box from Victor Obinna and decided to turn defender Jonny Evans inside-out before sliding a fourth pass the goalkeeper. Although Cole scored twice on the night, the fans will feel that the fourth was the Cole goal most worth remembering. Hammers’ fans are the first to admit that a game is never over until the whistle blows, but even they couldn’t see their side throwing a four-goal lead and it gave the fans the chance to enjoy their moment.
It saw West Ham United progress to the semi-finals, the only thing more surprising is the fact that this was all done under the reign of Avram Grant…
Carlton Cole V’s Blackpool
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
For me, the last time we really got to see what Carlton Cole was all about, was towards the end of last season. By the time we’d reached the Play-Off final, Cole had scored five goals in seven games, and he wasn’t about to stop there. From the start of the game you could tell he was hungry, and only a slightly over hit pass from Nolan stopped the big man from being one-on-one with the Blackpool keeper.
However the big man deservedly found the net with just over thirty minutes on the clock. Neat play from Taylor, followed by a sublime diagonal ball saw Carlton act with pure striker instinct. As the former Chelsea man controlled the ball well before subtly knocking the ball past the sprawling Blackpool keeper, sending both Carlton and the fans into raptures.
Despite Blackpool finding an equaliser early in the second half, the script was already written, it was going to be West Ham’s day. With less than five minutes on the clock West Ham were on attack, Carlton Cole an influential part as always. Despite the keeper charging at the number 9 at a rate of knots, Cole still managed to slip the ball across the face of goal for Vaz Te to slot home.
Cole’s opening goal and bravery during the winner, not only gained the Hammers’ the win, but also a place back in the Premier League. Ensuring that Cole’s name would go down in West Ham history.
After the capture of Robin van Persie, Manchester United are still on the lookout for more talent and will sign Angelo Henriquez this week according to his club.
The 18-year-old Chilean forward will apparently cost the Red Devils just £3.5million and is undergoing a medical right now. Henriquez rumours will no doubt fuel more transfer speculation regarding both Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov, despite Sir Alex Ferguson claiming the pair still have future at Old Trafford.
Henriquez’ club Universidad de Chile, released a statement yesterday which read: “Angelo Henriquez will join Manchester United
this month.
“The player is physically and mentally prepared to take this determining step in his career.”
Universidad president Jose Yuraszcek said: “Manchester United’s representatives told us that it was fundamental for them to take him now.”
The rivalry between Southampton and Bournemouth has never been an ‘official’ one, so to speak, but due to the proximity of both coastal areas, one has formed since the Cherries earned promotion to the Premier League.
This weekend will witness a crucial match between the two clubs as Southampton fight to remain in the top division.
As it stands, Mark Hughes’s side are four points from safety with as many games left to play, so a result against Bournemouth at St Mary’s is vital.
Since the new manager replaced Mauricio Pellegrino in March, the club have not picked up a league win having lost three and drawn one.
[ad_pod ]
Things looked brighter in the FA Cup until Sunday when the Saints suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Bournemouth, Hughes has issued a rallying cry, which some fans have echoed, while others still feel miserable.
Just as Raheem Sterling remains embroiled in a ‘will he – won’t he’ transfer saga, another key man at Liverpool, Jordan Henderson, has been reported by The Telegraph to be having his own deliberations regarding signing a new deal at Anfield.
The Star have suggested that the stand-in skipper at Liverpool is most likely to end up at Premier League rivals Chelsea. If we consider for a moment that Chelsea could acquire the England midfielder; would he be good enough to have any impact at Stamford Bridge?
His improvement under Rodgers at Liverpool has been meteoric. From national laughing stock, to the driving force behind the new ‘Gerrard free’ Liverpool. He now seems to be the heir apparent to Gerrard and central to the future of the club.
But for all of his improvements at Anfield, does it mean he can make the step up from a team on the edge of the top four to the Champions elect?
His competition at Stamford Bridge would be fierce to say the least. In his preferred role of defensive midfield, he would have to contend with Nemanja Matic; a player that has arguably become the best in the world in his position. It would take the most staunch fan of Henderson (maybe even a close relative or spouse) to argue he could displace the Serbian.
Another contender for his Blue shirt in West London would be Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal man has had a mixed first season at Chelsea. Almost unquestionably the best player in the country up to Christmas, his form in 2015 has been patchy at best, poor at worst. He has become a passing monument in Chelsea’s listless march towards the title.
Now of course, Fabregas is a great deal more technically proficient footballer. He is one of the great midfielders of his generation. But Mourinho takes no passengers.
[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]
The way in which the manager treated Juan Mata is still at the forefront of every Chelsea fan’s mind. He was the wizard at the Bridge for two years and player of the season in both of those campaigns. However, Jose became dismayed at his supposed lack of work rate and he was quickly moved on.
The fact that Fabregas, has recently been likened to a statue is a worrying development for the Spaniard.
‘The Special One’ is open in his admiration for players who will work for the team; sacrifice their own game for the greater good. Look at the transformation Oscar and Willian have undertook under the stewardship of the man from Portugal.
The Liverpool midfielder seems to be the perfect fit for Jose Mourinho.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
If the rumours of Henderson’s reluctance to sign a new deal are to be believed, his list of potential suitors will be a long one. He has managed to build a reputation as one of the most energetic midfielders in the game.
Whether he could genuinely overtake Fabregas and Matic to earn himself a Chelsea starting berth is yet to be seen. But what cannot be argued is how important he has become at Anfield.
If Chelsea aren’t interested, someone else will be. Liverpool have more than one important bit of paperwork to be carrying on with.
There would have been some quarters of the Arsenal support who would have greeted news of Arsene Wenger to PSG not with trepidation, but with the hope of a new dawn for the club. And that doesn’t take anything away from what he’s done in the past or what he may do in the little time he has left with Arsenal. It’s a nod to the idea that maybe the time is right for something different.
You have to ask the question from the other side of the table, too. What if Wenger himself feels that he’s taken this club as far as he can; with the limitations in the transfer market and the consistency at losing his top players each summer, it becomes a frustrating cycle which can be hard to break. Should Arsenal fans begrudge Wenger if he decides PSG is the last realistic chance for glory before he moves away from the dugout for good? If anything, Wenger has earned the right to walk away when he pleases.
[cat_link cat=”arsenal” type=”list”]
What would a move to PSG mean for Wenger and his stance on big-spending clubs in Europe? I don’t think it will matter too much. This is a coach who has long had to hide the complications that exist behind closed doors at Arsenal, and much of that came through the belief that spending recklessly was wrong and Arsenal’s approach was right. It also played into Wenger’s hand nicely, that being his preference for developing talents, while also avoiding the bidding wars that were likely to spring up for the world’s most sought-after players. Going to PSG, however, will allow Wenger the freedom to move in the transfer market, still taking on his well-thought-out approach to new signings, but with far less restrictions.
What’s on the table now is the prospect of a big summer of spending, for both Arsenal and PSG, with Wenger unlikely to be in the Premier League beyond next summer. How does this work out for Arsenal? Maybe it’s best to cut ties now while the opportunity is there. Wenger talks about his commitment to contracts, and yet who could really hold that small detail against him should all parties agree that a change in direction is needed?
It’s not a campaign to push the manager out the door of the Emirates. It is, however, an acknowledgement that there is a world beyond what many Arsenal fans know. This is a topic for discussion that is absolutely certain to arise again next year should Wenger remain at Arsenal beyond this summer, and yet many may be more willing to accept the matter then rather than now. It’s about holding onto the safe and secure option. It’s the uncertainty that arises should Wenger look to accept PSG’s proposal for one last go at a league title. Who knows how far this Arsenal team are from challenging? Who really knows outside of the club whether this truly is a summer of increased and ambitious spending?
But it’s a question of blame and grudges being held. Many fans still believe Wenger to be the right man for Arsenal, one who most trust with overseeing the reshaping of the playing squad before he leaves. It doesn’t keep with Wenger’s principles to move on with the club so precariously placed. To elaborate, and to reiterate: who can really tell what this summer holds for the club?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
There will be very little blame attached should Wenger depart this summer. Most of it will come in the form of disappointment and the realisation that not everything was done to give Wenger a proper sending off. For whatever criticisms may be had over Wenger’s management – of which there are many – the real blame lies with the board and their decision to hide behind a man who most believe to be exempt from criticism.
Should Wenger leave, it may just be an admission that he’s had enough with the faults of this club that don’t necessarily lie at his door.
Arsenal are one of a handful of clubs interested in potentially signing Chelsea’s Kenedy, according to ESPN.
What’s the story?
Like so many of Chelsea’s academy products, Kenedy has struggled to break into the Blues’ first team and hold down a regular spot.
In January, the 22-year-old moved to Newcastle United on loan for the second half of the season, and that is where he has been impressing.
In eight Premier League appearances, Kenedy has scored two goals and created as many assists while playing as a left wing-back.
ESPN report that Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are keeping an eye on the young player, while Arsenal are also in the race.
[ad_pod ]
Kenedy is expected to make a decision on his future when the season comes to an end.
Would he thrive at Arsenal?
Given the left-sided player’s age, it is difficult to know whether he would be a success at Arsenal, but the North London outfit are known for shaping young talent.
Kenedy certainly has plenty to offer the Gunners given that he has the ability to defend, while also the skill to push forward and cut inside to throw opponents off course.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Arsenal, who currently sit 13 points adrift of the top four in the Premier League, need to freshen up their back line this summer.
Kenedy, who is wanted by Newcastle fans on a permanent basis, could eventually replace Nacho Monreal, but a lot will depend on whether Chelsea are willing to offload to a direct rival.
In addition, there is still uncertainty over whether Arsene Wenger will still be in charge of Arsenal when the 2018-19 season rolls around.
Liverpool suffered yet more disappointment as they were dumped out the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Despite taking the lead, it was Villa who deservedly booked their place in the final as the pressure continues to mount on Brendan Rodgers after another abject display.
Having failed to build upon last season’s success, the Reds are in serious danger of missing out on qualification for the Champions League with a seven-point deficit to make overturn with just six games remaining.
Much of Liverpool’s problems this season can be put down to their issues upfront and it’s clear they have struggled since the departure of Luis Suarez. Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have all failed to fill the void even slightly and the trio could well be on their way out of Anfield this summer.
And with their main striker Daniel Sturridge spending much of the season out through injury it’s clear Liverpool are in desperate need of some quality reinforcements to bolster their attack.
Reports this week have linked the Merseyside outfit with a move for out of favour Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao, and despite his struggles at Old Trafford he certainly could be a good option for Liverpool and is a player they should be going all out to sign this summer.
[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]
Having struggled for form and first-team opportunities since arriving in Manchester, it looks unlikely that United will sign the Columbian on a permanent basis following his loan deal from Monaco.
And with just four goals to his name this season, his agent Jorge Mendes is already believed to be looking for a new club for next season and has approached Liverpool to enquire about the possibility of a summer switch.
Given the fact they look unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, attracting big names could be a problem for Liverpool this summer, and so if a player of Falcao’s calibre is considering joining the club, it really is an opportunity they should make the most of.
Prior to his arrival at United, the South American was considered as one of the world’s best strikers and this alone should be enough to persuade Liverpool to take a chance. At times he has looked like he is yet to fully recover from the knee injury that saw him miss the World Cup, but the lack of match time at United has to have played a part in this.
With a full pre-season under his belt, Liverpool could offer him a regular starting place in the side, and it would be no surprise to see the 29-year-old return to the form that saw him held in such high regard not long ago. The Reds clearly require a goalscorer and Falcao is in desperate need of a club that can give him the basis to perform on a weekly basis, and so it would appear a perfect match.
Despite a lack of goals at United, it’s not as if Falcao has been littered with opportunities in front of goal when he has been given a chance in the side and this hasn’t helped the perception of the fans.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He almost found the net at Stamford Bridge with his only real opportunity of the game against Chelsea, and was unfortunate to see his effort rebound off the post. The United players have failed to create sufficient chances for Falcao when he has been in the side, but his luck could change were he to make the switch to Liverpool.
With plenty of creative players in the side, they look like a team who could help bring the best out of Falcao as he spearheads their attack. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson should provide plenty of opportunities for a striker of his ability to thrive on in and around the penalty area, and their style of play would arguably suit him better than United’s that at times hasn’t been as direct as their counterparts.
It would certainly be a risk signing Falcao, but given how little their summer signings have provided this season it has to be one worth taking. It could just take a run of consecutive starts to rejuvenate the forward and Liverpool can offer him the platform to showcase just what a world class player he can be as well as show their rivals just what they are missing.
In a week that has been dominated by their move to the Olympic Stadium and the future of their manager its imperative that West Ham stay focused on the present. With manager Sam Allardyce confirming he will sign a new contract when Premier League survival is assured the message is clear. Despite four defeats in their last six Allardyce believes two wins from their remaining nine games will be enough to ensure the Hammers remain a top-flight club. Five home matches make up the bulk of their run-in starting with West Brom on Saturday and a win would put them well on the road to safety with Wigan, Newcastle and Reading all visiting Upton Park before the campaign is out.
The Baggies aren’t to be underestimated though as many clubs have found out already this season. Steve Clarke, formerly a number two at West Ham under Gianfranco Zola, has thrived in his debut season as a manager guiding the Midlands club to eighth. Qualifying for Europe is the objective now for Albion and can close in on the top-six with victory in east London. It would also see them reach their highest Premier League points total of 47 with seven games left to play.
Team News
Kevin Nolan (toe) and Joe Cole (hamstring) are fit to return for West Ham but fellow midfielder Mark Noble (shoulder) is out.
James Morrison (hamstring) is a major doubt for West Brom after he was forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad in midweek.
What the managers said…
“I don’t think we have to wait until we’re quite mathematically safe, with 38 points both parties would say that is enough this season. Hopefully we can get to 38 as quick as possible and hopefully get to 40 points if we can. It’s disappointing that we haven’t secured safety already with our concentration and sometimes lack of goals. It’s made us linger on this subject and we want to get it out of the way and look at next season” Sam Allardyce says he will sign a new deal at West Ham when safety is guaranteed (Daily Mail)
“We are professional, we want to finish as high as we can with as many points as we can. The next target for us is to get more points than we did in the last two seasons which is 47. If we win at the weekend we will equal that, and it will give us seven games to better it. For anyone to question our commitment or our desire to do well for the last eight games is wrong.” Steve Clarke is adamant West Brom have plenty to play for in the last two months of the season (Independent)
Pre-Match Statistic: West Brom will match their best-ever Premier League points total of 47 (set in 2010/11 and 2011/12) should they beat West Ham.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Prediction: West Ham United 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
Make your bets ahead of today’s showdown at Upton Park by clicking on the banner below