Premier League XI- The Best of The Rest This Season

I've picked eleven players who I believe have been the pick of the bunch in the lower echelons of the Premier League this season.

 

Asmir Begovic- Stoke should begin preparing themselves for offers next summer, because Begovic is fast becoming the new Petr Cech. Stoke have kept nine clean sheets this term, the highest of any side, and Begovic's shot stopping and commanding nature are part of the reason why.

Sebastian Bassong- Norwich’s surprising good form is a result of building upon last season’s excellent team spirit and adding to the depth of the squad. Bassong is a talented defender and was unfortunate to be part of a Tottenham team in which he was perhaps overshadowed by the likes of Kaboul and Dawson. But in a Norwich side that lost 5-0 to Fulham on the opening day, he’s now looking like money well spend. Talented in the air with a good yard of pace, he’s taken on the league’s best strikers at Carrow Road comfortably, helping Norwich gain some memorable clean sheets, both against Arsenal and Man United.

 

 

Ryan Shawcross- Shawcross has earned his reputation as one of the brightest English centre backs in the league this season. With Alex Ferguson singing his praises and questioning the decision to allow Shawcross to leave United so early on in his career, Shawcross continues to command the Stoke back four with captain qualities similar to John Terry. He gets goals and alongside Robert Huth makes it difficult for teams to pose a threat aerially.

Nathaniel Clyne- After a shaky start Clyne is showing his class roaming forward for Southampton. With Jason Puncheon in front of him, Clyne has formed a pacy understanding which has begun many of Southampton's goalscoring chances. His stamina and speed are attributes which Southampton have been thankful for on a number of occasions and he'll continue to develop as the season goes on.

Gareth McAuley- The West Brom defender has been impressive during the Baggies storming start to the season. At 32 he's no spring chicken and has played the majority of his career in the lower leagues. His partnership with Jonas Olsson is proving consistently resilient and their nack for big goals has helped ease the pressure upfront. An experienced pro, he's enjoying a late peak which will save Steve Clarke some cash he'd have otherwise needed to spend this January.

Robert Snodgrass- Probably my signing of the season so far, Snodgrass has been vital for Norwich. It should not come as such a surprise, considering Snodgrass carried an average Leeds side last season. Reminiscent of Charlie Adam at Blackpool two years ago, Snodgrass is making the step up with ease. What he lacks in pace he makes up in technical ability. For Norwich, having a lethal set-piece specialist to call upon is a major boost. Along with Jonny Howson and Bradley Johnson he makes up a midfield who aren’t afraid to stick in a tackle either.

Steve Sidwell- Sidwell looks to have rediscovered the form which made him Reading’s most valuable asset a few years back, it is just a shame it has taken this long. A move to Chelsea was as futile as Scott Sinclair’s transfer to Man City this summer. A lack of games clearly hit Sidwell’s confidence and a subsequent move to Villa failed to halt his slump. Martin Jol must be given credit for sticking with Sidwell, and a run of games has shown his talent once more.

Yacob- Relatively unknown before the beginning of this season, Yacob is running the Baggies midfield with ease: not bad for a player picked up on free transfer last July. Yet the ex Racing midfielder has three Argentine caps to his name already and is technically sound. He hasn't looked back since his man of the match performance on the opening day against Liverpool and according to a Guardian article, only Mikel Arteta and Leon Osman have a better pass completion rate in the final third this season.

Mark Noble- Noble has been central to West Ham’s impressive form. A nuisance to the opposition, he’s been using his energy and skill to unlock back lines and help cover for his own. His partnership with Kevin Nolan is a perfect match and between them they will continue to provide the goals needed to keep the Hammers safe. Noble’s penalty ability is superb, the sort of confidence England could do with. If his steady performances continue after Christmas he deserves a call up.

Michu- No surprise here, Michu has been a revelation. If Swansea lacked anything last season it was a prolific striker. With Michael Laudrap’s appointment came a wealth of knowledge about unearthed Spanish gems and the Dane didn’t waste time in picking up Michu for just £2 million. He’s shown he is capable of scoring from all sorts of angles and has been on his game against the top sides consistently.   

 

Christian Benteke- Although I’m a big fan of Darren Bent the big Belgian is warranting his starting place. Paul Lambert loves a dominant striker and Benteke is his new Grant Holt, with greater pace and vision. If Villa are to stay up its looking increasingly likely that Benteke will need to provide the lion’s share of the goals. What he could benefit from is a consistent striking partner, one who can produce more goal scoring chances for Benteke, who has not been wasteful on many occasions this season.

Subs-

Ali Al-Habsi- Wigan are struggling again this season and it looks like another battle for survival. They can take comfort in the knowing that the Oman keeper is capable of some world class displays.

Ron Vlarr- Villa have been on the end of some thrashings this season. But they’ve also had a number of astute displays in defence. Vlaar suits the English game and is a solid replacement for Richard Dunne.

Wayne Routledge- At last Routledge seems settled. Sinclair’s departure is being amply filled by the tricky winger and he’s added more goals to his game too.

Kevin Nolan- Denied a place in my starting eleven only due to Noble’s brilliant development. A development which has been helped by playing alongside Nolan, whose poaching skills and dogged attitude are working wonders again.

Shane Long- A difficult striker to play against, Long’s movement is amongst the best in the division. A fox in the box, he’s holding his own alongside Odenwingie and Lukaku.

 

Fifteen Footballing Christmas Presents You Are Unlikely to Receive

Fifteen Footballing Christmas Presents Your Unlikely to Receive

1.      Gray and Keys: The Lost Tapes- The presenter’s cash in on their dwindling careers, with a Christmas day release of unseen footage rich in sexist performances. The pick of the punch being when Gray mistakes pundit Ruud Gullit for Graeme Souness’s wife.

 

2.      Xabi Alonso: How to Grow a Great Beard Guidebook- Football fans worldwide have marvelled with jealously at Alonso’s macho beard, which wouldn’t look out of place on a Lord of the Rings set. The book gives you all the tips you need to succeed, with an introduction from Andrea Pirlo, another worthy beard merchant.

 

3.      Colin Murray being replaced on MOTD 2- It might not be something you can unwrap. But it would be more than enough to make the post Christmas blues a more enjoyable experience.

 

4.      The alleged bird of ill fortune, which was perched on the crossbar when England met Algeria in South Africa. Rumour has it he’s already partying in Rio, ready for an appearance in the searing heat come 2014. So it’s unlikely he’ll be stuffed on your mantelpiece this Christmas as sweet revenge.

 

5.      John Terry dressed as Santa- He’s got no time for such trivial matters; Ramires’s Brazilian wife is coming down in time for the Christmas party.

 

6.      Wenger, the audiobook: Le Excuser (The Excuse) - Arsene Wenger’s interviews assembled together to make one really long, incredibly repetitive excuse as to why Arsenal haven’t won a trophy for seven years.

 

7.      A Groupon voucher, ‘One Night Only, Cocktail Making with Tony Adams- It’s been a while since his last managerial post, so Tony is moving into the cocktail business...

 

8.      Jermain Defoe’s phone book- We are all pretty curious to see how many WAGS and page 3 model’s Defoe has crammed in there.

 

9.      A Delia Smith ‘let’s be avin you’ action figure- It was an outburst nobody expected, but a brilliant one at that. Why not create an action figure which fans could bring to home games, to rouse the players if things go a bit stale.

 

10.  Paolo Di Canio: The Swindon Mafia- Paolo shows his versatility by writing a masterpiece of fiction, a gritty realist portrayal of Swindon’s most notorious gang warlords.

 

11.  David Bentley: The Russian Revolution- The title would be classic Bentley, dramatising his strange decision to move to Russia and prove he is the next Beckham. A hastily gathered biography of his time there, with self gloating and a whole chapter on waxing his hair. At least it can go straight on the fire.

 

12.  Carlisle Away- You wouldn’t expect it, and probably wouldn’t appreciate an away ticket to see your side play Carlisle. It’s an absolute trek, especially in December, and you’re likely to get more entertainment out of Paul Merson on Gillette Soccer Saturday.

 

13.  A Nicklas Bendtner shirt- Unless your other half wanted to spite you, it’s one of the most offensive presents one could open. Even if he’s signed the shirt, you’ll struggle to flog it for more than £2 on eBay.

 

14.  Paul Scholes on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories- The ginger genius barely speaks to the sporting media, so to see him opening up about Giggs’s affairs and why he can’t tackle for love or money would be entertaining, but highly unlikely.

 

15.  Ibrahimovic, cast as a servant in the Downton Abbey Christmas special- The Swede arrives on set, under the illusion he is playing the handsome, sadistic love rat. When he finds out he’s actually playing a mere servant who dies of tuberculosis, Ibra is on the next flight to Paris, not before insulting the entire cast.

 

QPR and Southampton- Who's Coming In?

As we edge ever nearer to the inevitable first sacking of the season QPR and Southampton might want to take a look at these managerial candidates should the time come.

QPR

 Harry Redknapp- Redknapp would be the bookies favourite but whether he would want the job is another question. Redknapp seems to be biding his time for the right deal and given the work he did at Tottenham taking the QPR job would be a considerable step down the ladder. He deserves a shot at a mid table side minimum. Still, with QPR's squad he could have exactly that with a good run of results. Redknapp is the ideal candidate to sort out Taarabt's ego and get the team playing around Zamora. He would gel the foreign imports quickly and would look to play Granero in a similar role to Modric. Tony Fernandes would give him a kitty for January too, which will sway him if he knows their is potential to bring in his own targets.

 

Rafa Benitez- The Spaniard's name has been thrown about somewhat unexpectedly. While a few fans would kick up an initial fuss he is potentially the kind of manager QPR need. A cool calm head who can certainly use his contacts in Spain to find some defenders comfortable on the ball. Granero would benefit from his arrival as would the strike force. QPR are seriously misfiring and a change in approach and tactics from Benitez could bring the best out in temperamental players like Cisse. As far as a foreign appointment goes, Benitez has good knowledge of the Premier League.

 

 Stuart Pearce- Having overseen the Olympic side one has to wonder how long Pearce will stay in the England set up. He's never going to get the England job in his current position, he needs to go and prove himself at club level. Keeping QPR up would go some way to doing this. The no nonsense approach would get the team fired up and his energy could really ignite a side lacking in invention and belief. He has excellent knowledge of the England Under 21's  and could make some bold signings to help QPR surge up the table.  A certain Shaun Wright Phillips enjoyed his best football under Peace at Man City too.

 

Gus Poyet- Poyet had excelled at Brighton and some might say overachieved. Brighton have looked good so far this season but could fall short of the play-offs once more. Poyet might want to jump ship if he believes he can keep QPR up and help them progress. It would be a bold move and Brighton would certainly put up a fight for his services but is the sort of decision which could work. Poyet is young, hungry and passionate. He wont rest on his laurels and would play with an attacking style which has been absent from Loftus Road this season.

 

Southampton

 

 

Alan Curbishley- Curbishley has been out of the game for long enough and its about time he returned. Although not the most exciting choice he succeeded in keeping Charlton up on a limited budget and then secured their status as a top flight club. When he left Charlton their fortunes faded rapidly. Curbishley knows how to get results, he worked wonders at West Ham, and will be aware of the situation should he come in. Expect some serious reshuffling in January if he does. English players like Jack Cork and Adam Lallana would benefit from his experience as Scott Parker and Darren Bent did at The Valley.

 

Owen Coyle- An obvious choice considering he is at home twiddling his thumbs waiting for the right call. Forget that he was sacked by Bolton, Coyle is a very good manager. Injuries really hampered Bolton last season and Coyle worked with what he could on a small budget.  He has the kind of determination Southampton need and will use their quality youth set up to shake things up. Ricky Lambert is Keven Davies but better. Coyle, if chosen, should built the team around Lambert and make some intelligent signings come January.

 

Glen Hoddle- Hoddle did a solid job last time he was manager at St. Mary's. He looks pretty content on the Sky Sports punditry team but might be tempted by the right offer and the desire to improve his managerial image. A manager with a very particular style and philosophy, the appointment would either work magnificently or fall by the wayside. It would be a gamble to go for Hoddle but he is an idol to so many young British players. The respect the likes of Lallana and Ward-Prowse will have for Hoddle could see them raise their game significantly.

Gorden Strachen- One of the favourites for the Scotland job, Strachen could return to St Mary's if the national side look elsewhere. A cult figure in his time at Southampton, the Scot would immediately lift the place and has the charisma and determination to make survival possible. At Coventry Strachen repeatedly kept an average side in the top division. Like Curbishley at Charlton, when he left the Saints the team went into free fall. Strachen would be a shrewd appointment and has many contacts including Alex Ferguson who he could use to bring in some much needed signings at the back.

What Makes a Goalkeeper World Class?

Being between the sticks for the League champions? Representing your country? Or playing a blinder amidst a shambolic defence?

 

QPR fans must have been excited when they saw Julio Caesar was on his way to Loftus Road. 'World Class' will most certainly have been banded around. Except Caesar isn't. At least not anymore. He played in a Brazil side with enough attacking flair to distract from a nation rather susceptible when it comes to defending. And at Inter Milan he had a solid back four to rely on. At QPR he has neither. He's hardly excelled so far and don't be surprised if he returns to Brazil in January, citing a desire to force his way back into the national side in time for 2012 as his reason.

In light of recent results and some superb displays from keepers in the lower half of the Premier League here is a list of attributes which add to every keepers value.

 

 

1. “Every goal is like a knife in the ribs”

Gordon Banks

 

Desire- Old or young every keeper needs it. The moment Brad Friedel shows a lack of desire Hugo Lloris will be replacing him. At the age of 41 Friedel is playing with a determination that puts David De Gea to shame. When De Gea lost his place to Lindegaard he showed little interest in getting the jersey back. His body language is too passive and doesn't exactly fill a defence with confidence. Buffon or Neuar would be having none of the sluggish defending plaguing Old Trafford this season.

 

De Gea looks like a lost lamb and though his shot stopping is first class his desire holds him back. Talking of desire Ali Al-Habsi should get a mention. Deemed surplus to requirements at Bolton, perhaps the club's wisest move, he was shipped off to Wigan. He could have sulked or drifted onto another bench but his desire has turned him into arguably one of the most reliable keepers in the league.

 

 

2. "Dealing with the high cross is the yardstick by which top goal keepers are measured".

Alex Welsh

 

Susceptibility to errors- Goals conceded and saves made in a season don't fairly reflect class. Michel Vorm will always make more saves then Cech in a season. But he'll concede more too. A look at statistics from last season, which weigh more heavily on individual judgement, paint an interesting picture. De Gea and Schnezy missed four crosses last season. Vorm missed only one and Al-Habsi two. Ben Forster did not make any individual errors which led to goals. Schnezy made four. Tim Howard and Vorm's penalty save ratio's were 50% and 66%, De Gea and Joe Hart's only 33%.

 

 

 

3. “For a goalkeeper, there is no hiding place”

Brad Friedel

 

Mental strength- When a manager is searching for a new keeper he's always going to take an interest in their mental strength. It's all well and good keeping ten consecutive clean sheets in League 1. But when a big team comes knocking, how is that player going to cope when he drops a shot at Ronaldo's feet in the Champions League Quarter Finals. One look at the face can often tell you a lot about a keepers mental strength. Joe Hart, Gigi Buffon and Iker Casillas ooze confidence. And they've all made a crucial mistake in their careers.

 

To be able to block that mistake out and save a penalty ten minutes later is what really distinguishes one keeper from the next. The likes of Pepe Reina, Tim Howard and Robert Green have had disastrous games, where one mistake has been the catalyst for another. With their belief in tatters, a drop in form will then follow. The best keepers accept the mistake, remind themselves of the numerous incidents where they have saved vital points for their team, and move on.

 

 

 

4. "I always try to pressure the player for as long as he begins to think. As soon as the attacking player must think, I have got him"

Peter Schmeichel

 

Physical presence- You don't have to be a giant to succeed as a keeper, but the bigger usually amount to the better. Peter Schmeichel evolved into a crazed savage beast when any player beat the United offside trap. Off his line quicker then Michael Owen to his next pay check, Schmeichel left the striker with little time to make up his mind. The majority of the time the 'Great Dane' won his one on one battles through intimidation and presence.

 

Making yourself big at the crucial moment is important. Buffon seems to stretch his body out across the entire goal before an opposing free-kick, making the already minute gap for glory even smaller. And any keeper with the confidence to come and punch the ball from a corner is useful. Done right, although often done horrifically wrong, it takes enormous pressure of your defence and ensures the ball is properly cleared. Too many keepers fail to make up their minds at set piece situations.

 

 

 

5. “You don’t feel sorry for yourself, you get on with life”

Jens Lehmann

 

Adaptability- It's all well and good if your Michael Vorm, performing heroics each week for Swansea. But if Arsenal came knocking would his performance stay the same? Many keepers play at a certain level, but cant adapt to a significant step up. Tim Howard wasn't Man United quality but for a team like Everton he excels. This point can be tied in with the mental strength observation. Some players don't have the mental grit to be trusted with keeping for Man United. I'm not fully sure De Gea actually does.

 

Adaptability can differ on a teams playing style also. Teams that want to play from the back will expect a keeper who is confident on the ball and who can distribute on the counter at speed. In Spain and Holland this style is often expected, one wonders how Shay Given would cope abroad. Could John Ruddy move up a gear and play for a top four team, still marshaling and commanding his back four with the same dominance? Or would he be intimidated and humbled with Terry and Luiz in front of him?

The Fall of English Football

The Premier League currently represents nothing short of a complete farce.  

 

The principles and high standard of football which made the league the best in the world have been left at the wayside. Clubs are being run as irrationally as a Paul Gascoigne fishing trip and racist stories left right and centre are rather depressing and shameful.

 

A worrying sight for Arsenal fans

Every neutral likes a high scoring game, but 7-5 'thriller' at the Madejski was a bit concerning. Arsenal fans were told to expect great things from their defence this season, with assistant Steve Bould cracking the whip. The only thing Bould was cracking open at the training ground last week was evidently a Bordeaux red with Arsene. Kosceilny and Djourou bought into the Halloween spirit with a horrific display of 'how not to defend' against Reading. Though their not the only culprits. Premier League defences can't keep a clean sheet for love or money. The likes of Ferdinand and Kompany don't look as assured as they were last season.

 

A team like Southampton will not stay up, guaranteed, with their current defence. It astounds me that Atkins made no effort to sign a capable experienced defender. The Saints are shipping goals so early in matches that they leave themselves with little hope come the second half. While I'm thoroughly enjoying watching the goals fly in, unlike Adebayor whose face betrays him on the Tottenham bench, some respectability needs to be restored in defending.

 

"I didn't dive!"

When Phil Neville is diving, you know the game has got out of hand. An honest pro, he apologised. But what does it say about the game is even he is attempting to fool the ref. It doesn't matter that it was in a derby. In fact it is worse. The game means even more to fans then the average one and if a player dives and benefits from it, fans are disgracefully cheated. And when an Arsenal fan is paying ridiculous amounts to see their team play they have every right to be aggrieved. It's then that you get offensive Twitter comments.

 

Diving is a vicious cycle which brings out the worst in fans and is ingraining itself into the English game quicker then snoods. Still, Torres didn't dive. Referees have a habit of picking up needlessly on the hot topic of the moment. Clattenburg was afraid of missing a dive, after endless comments by Tony Pulis and David Moyes. So he sent Torres off to make a statement, I think he had an inkling that Evans caught Torres. Nevertheless with Mike Riley in referees ears to clamp down on diving he went with his instinct. Look what happened in the aftermath.

Reading Oliver Holt's brilliant piece in The Mirror today about referees, it is true that referees are overly communicative with players. They don't need to be. We've now had a former England captain, foreign player and respected referee accused of racial slurs. Varied, the accusations seemingly show racism reaches further then we thought. And while it is admiral English football does not hide like Spain and Russia from racism, the saga has totally undermined the season so far.

 

Clark Carlisle, the kind of character the F.A lack

 

The F.A are a dysfunctional group of men who cannot relate to serious footballing matters. Something needs to be done, not by the F.A but by a fresh face. Because the Premier League is slowly getting polluted. I think Jason Roberts and Clark Carlisle are leaders who can really make a difference. The F.A should give them the proper backing and capabilities to do so. Not tiptoe around waiting for their pension.

A weekend of Gerrard pile drivers, Van Persie rockets and QPR catastrophes will distract us. But for how long. And how long before another accusation rises to front page news on the Daily Star.

Memorable Footballing Quotes

A quick collection of some of my favourite footballing quotes and reactions

"This is the second time I've beaten the Germans here... the first time was in 1944. I drove into Rome on a tank when the city was liberated".- Bob Paisley after Liverpool won the European Cup, against Borussia Moenchengladbach, in Rome in 1977.

Gordan Strachan in a post match interview. Reporter: Gordon, can we have a quick word please? Strachan: Velocity [walks off]

Andy Gray commentating on Champions League Final in Istanbul. AC Milan have just gone 3-0 up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exBWcsxuy3Y. The goal itself was sublime too.

Neil Warnock on El Hadji Diouf, "I was going to call him a sewer rat, but that might insult the sewer rats. I think he’s the lowest of the low".

Kevin Keegan's infamous meltdown, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXpUdBlRZe8

 
John Motson, "I never make predictions, and I never will."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLM7Vids8ng Redknapp, after an FA Cup stalemate with Leeds.

Roy Keane on Man United fans, "Away from home our fans are fantastic, I'd call them the hardcore fans. But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don't realise what's going on out on the pitch".

Mick McCarthy, unable to make his mind up, "No regrets. None at all. My only regret is that we went out on penalties. That's my only regret. But no, no regrets."

Graham Taylor, as his England career caves in around him, "I was just saying to your colleague, the referee has got me the sack, thank him ever so much for that, won't you?"

"Manchester United in Brazil? I hope they all get bloody diarrhoea." Brian Clough on Man Utd opting-out of the FA Cup to play in the World Club Championship.

Bob Paisley on tough times at Liverpool, "Mind you, I've been here during the bad times too - one year we came second."

“I've got to get Dan Shittu ready for the Stoke game. I've told him to go to Iceland and ask if he can sit in one of their freezers.” Ian Holloway, with his unique pre match preparations.

"If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?” Gianni Paladini, the eccentric former Chairmen of QPR ,who didn't exactly stick to this philosophy. Dowie, Sousa, Magilton...

Ian Wright chooses his words carefully after Tony Adams admits his addiction. "It took a lot of bottle for Tony to own up"

Keane vs Viera, don't you just miss it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM0E9rfceRg

Who's The Best Centre Back In The World?

Messi or Ronaldo? Robben or Ribery? Xavi or Iniesta? Once the pundits have decided, they'll recycle those questions all over again.

The Ballon d'or. A 'forward' thinking award?

So often debate revolves around the best attacking players in the world. They get the majority of the limelight, whilst defenders are somewhat ignored. There's a red herring occasionally, an acknowledgement of just how important the beginning of the spine really is (take Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, awarded the coveted Ballon d'or).

But on the whole awards go to those who score goals. Trophies go to teams with solid foundations that start at the back. To be considered a world class centre back you really have to earn it. The scathing criticism one receives, after a poor showing, knocks their reputation more so then a forward who goes missing all game.

Contenders need to be consistent, blessed with a football brain, have an element of pace necessary in today's game and show that on ability alone, they can cope against the very best attacking players around. Liverpool and to a degree Arsenal, wonder why they can't compete at the top anymore. The answer is simple, go and buy a world class centre back. Tottenham have potentially found the next one in Vertonghen.

Here are four of the best.

Vincent Kompany- If you want to talk bargains, Kompany is up there. I can't think of a defender who, for what is believed to be around £6 million, has given value for money and so much more. A team like Madrid would have to cough up £35 million plus for his services now. Take Kompany out of that City defence and what are you left with. A decent back four. Ask a City fan how confident they are about going into a Champions League tie with Lescott and Kolo Toure though and the answer would be not very. Kompany is a rock who matches Vidic in every aspect. Vidic benefits from playing alongside composed players like Ferdinand. Kompany has made Lescott look far more talented then he is.

Kompany scores vital goals, he sticks his head where others wont and from what I have seen in interviews he is very grounded. A perfect quality of a captain off the field. Respective towards opponents and a skipper others can go to in confidence. Belgium will qualify for a long overdue World Cup this time around and Kompany's captaincy will go someway to achieving this.

Gerard Pique- Pique is still developing as a player and part of his game need addressing. People may wonder why Pique and not Puyol has been included. But in time, Pique will be a better player then Puyol. In part because he has played the willing apprentice to such a commanding figure so well. He has the flair and confidence Puyol has never had at his feet and the discipline that abandons Sergio Ramos too frequently. Chelsea went on to score twice in the semi final against Barcelona after Pique went off injured at the Nou Camp. Without Pique's intelligent sweeping Puyol's lack of pace can be exposed. For now they need each other, but given a few years Pique will be the model centre back, with he and Javi Martinez the most gifted centre back pairing the world has seen. He scores some sublime goals and will venture up field, even playing as a target man, when Barcelona need a plan b.

Spain conceded one goal the whole of Euro 2012 without Puyol. Pique is part of the reason why. He is ideal man marking material. He can cope with a speedy striker or a big centre forward. When Puyol retires the armband at Barcelona, this man has got to be a favourite to make it his.

Mats Hummels- Bayern Munich must regret letting this man slip from under their fingers. A product of Bayern's academy, he was allowed to join Dortmund for just £4 million. Cue Dortmund storming to the top of the Bundesliga and winning the title for the last two years. Hummels has fitted in with ease at a national level also. There's not a lot missing from Hummels's game. Composed, strong, full of German efficiency and confident roaming forward to join attacks. Qualities similar to a certain German great. And Hummels has been labelled as a potential modern day Beckenbauer.

It's no wonder Man United have been sniffing around. His statistics are impressive. He collected just one yellow card last year in the Bundesliga and already this season  has an 84.6% pass completion rate (against Portugal, at Euro 2012, he had the highest of any player). Both excellent and encouraging statistics for a centre back. He will get the headed goal here and there and rarely switches off throughout the 90 minutes. Germany benefited from his presence at Euro 2012 and he has the ability to be amongst the German greats.

Thiago Silva- Never underestimate the value of a centre back. PSG certainly didn't, splashing out £42 million for Silva's services. AC Milan however, did. They're now suffering without a world class centre back, as are Inter without Lucio. Silva reads the game in a similar vein to Terry, enabling him to make the right decision, rather then rectify a mistake with a last ditch tackle. Last season only six times did a player in possession get by Silva. His interception levels are excellent. Add this to the fact no one could boast a better pass completion last term in Italy and you can see why PSG wanted him so badly for their assault on Europe.

He is the hybrid of all things desired in a centre back. He's no nonsense, displaying these qualities as AC Milan captain. Meanwhile he's calm and composed on the ball and, as with any Brazilian defender, technically gifted, accompanied with a goal threat. At the age of 28 he is coming into his prime and the timing is perfect for Brazil, with the World Cup two years off. Many may have not seen Silva in action but expect him to be a star in 2014. Like Pique he's had the advantage of learning under Nesta's stewardship at AC Milan. Silva is progressing yearly into an all rounded centre back, who knows how to keep a clean sheet (AC Milan had 33 clean sheets in their last two seasons). In their eight league games this season they have one.

Please add your thoughts and any possible players you feel justify inclusion.

10 ways to improve the Premier League

The Premier League is the best league in the world, at least in terms of competitiveness. The suggestions below, are more in order to help it regain some respectability, keep it fair and provide stability for years to come. Issues such as goal line technology need not be mentioned, for they are a overdue necessity.

Let me know what you opinions are, and if you have suggestions.

1. British players are not getting enough game time. It's as simple as that. A rule to ensure that a team includes at least 3 British players in it's 16 man squad each week should be implemented. Of course, we do not want to scare off foreign players who light the Premier League up. It's pleasing to see the likes of Oscar still hungry to play in England. But he and many others, are leaving Britain's bright young hopes with no choice but to pack their bags for a loan spell in the lower Leagues. It is concerning to see how many of the major clubs front lines are dominated by foreign imports. If British countries want to reverse their fortunes, the Premier League needs to let British youngsters blossom.

2. It would be encouraging to see the 'Rooney Rule' established in some kind of form. The statistics are depressing when you look at how little black managers there are in the England. And Chris Hughton is the only black manager in the Premier League, at Norwich. There are an abundance of black players in the Premier League and so many brilliant characters, who not been given the opportunity to manage at the top level. It needs to change. Les Ferdinand is a respected coach at Spurs and should be given a chance to step up.  And I have seen the likes of Sol Campbell and Patrick Viera in interviews and they know what their talking about. The failings of Paul Ince at Blackburn should not influence Premier League Chairman, but in honesty probably does.

3. Lose the computerised format that decides the fixture list. Southampton had to play Arsenal, Man United and Manchester City in their first four games. It is not exactly fair, considering they were promoted as Champions. There should be a review, and fixtures determined by a set of factors. The world will also be a happier place, without Arsene Wenger's constant moaning about Arsenal's unjust winter travels.

4. Allow a maximum of two managers at one club within the season. It is ridiculous to replace a manager, installed after sacking the previous one. It is one of the reasons Chairman are so trigger happy nowadays. By ensuring there is a limit on firings, clubs in the Premier League will become more stable. And Chairman will have to think very carefully about who they choose, to replace the man they have had enough of.

5. A general verification over red cards and unseen incidents would be useful. There are too many loopholes or unneeded rules which could to with being erased.

6. Introducing the Financial Fair Play Regulation would improve the Premier League from top to bottom. Manchester City should be the last club able to buy their way to success, in such a way as they did. Salary cap's and general spending limits need to be implemented. Considering the gulf in wealth between the Top 6 or so and the rest of the Premier League, it is incredible how competitive it still managed to be last season. But to keep the division interesting, the financial world must become a fairer one.

7. Ivan Gazidis, the Arsenal chief executive, said before the start of the season, "We understand the pressures fans are under in the current economic climate". Unlikely. Still, Arsenal, who are notorious for their ticket prices, froze season ticket's for this coming season. So good of them. Premier League clubs, some more so then others, have lost total respect for their fans. Ticket prices need to fall drastically, it's sad to see some grounds with huge, empty patches of seats. The most you will pay for a season ticket at Wigan is £350. At Tottenham it is £1, 845. Even for London side this is expensive. 

8. Scrap the Community Shield. It is rarely entertaining and has a subdued feel. What could potentially be far more exciting, is by using statistics from Opta and the like, two all star teams could be pitted against each other. It would be unique and interesting, to see just how well the in form players from the previous season could play together. Just don't put Terry and any of the QPR lads on the same side. 

9. More interaction from outside of the game. There are sure to be a number of players playing in the Premier League, who could benefit from better financial advice or psychological help. The tragedy of Gary Speed is one football wants to avoid in the future. A player such as Michael Johnson, plagued by injury at Man City, after what looked like such a promising future, is struggling. He was recently found drink driving and it appears he is unhappy with where his career is going. The Premier League needs professionals to look out for those who could be susceptible to depression. Or in Ravel Morrison and Nile Ranger's case, susceptible to anti social behaviour.

 

10. Observe. Learn from the other leagues, like they learn from ours. The Bundesliga is hailed the best division in Europe and for good reason. It's financial security not only ensures stability in the league, but also helps create an even playing field. The Bundesliga has been won by a range of sides in the last decade. In Spain and France, young national players are included, far more so then in the Premier League.

A Crisis in Milan?

Are AC Milan's glory days coming to an end?

Imagine the scenario, if you will. Silvio Berlusconi has worked hard, all week long, to organise a tantalising Bunga Bunga party come Sunday afternoon. Likely to last into the next morning. Except the party was cut short. You see, AC Milan lost 2-1 to Udinese yesterday, and it's put Silvio off his 'dinner'. It's hard to imagine that Massimo Moratti was enjoying his supper that evening either, after Inter slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Siena at the San Siro. This, after Moratti had to see his club compete in the Europa League, a 2-2 draw with Rubin Kazan, having missed out on Champions League qualification.

Is there a crisis in Milan? It appears so. And both clubs have a history of being rather trigger happy when things are going badly. AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri knows his head could well be on a spike, if AC Milan lose their next game (he has been backed by the owners, but what does that really mean?). But is it really a surprise that AC Milan have started so poorly? (They could only muster a stalemate against Anderlecht in the Champions League, and lost to Atlanta the week before). The moment AC Milan decided to become a selling club signalled worrying signs at the club. And has surely seen them surrender the Serie A to the classy Juventus. In the past it was AC Milan that made some of the biggest transfer signings in history (Van Basten, Shevchenko, Rui Costa). 

Now Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have been moved on, to PSG, with little resistance. What's more is that they have not been properly replaced. Nobody is quite willing to admit that AC Milan and probably Inter, are feeling the economic strain. But it seems odd to let Ibrahimovic leave, considering the impressive season he just had, 28 goals in 32 appearances. If AC Milan are indeed cash strapped, then they should surely be looking to their youth, many of the greats have come up the ranks and it is perhaps time for a clear out at AC Milan, to make way for promising future players. Because when the going gets tough, the tough wont get going with AC Milan's current side. Too many mavericks go into their egotistic shells. Robinho, Pato and Boateng are petulant and frustrating at the best of times and certainly wont be enjoying the stick they are receiving, for a dreadful start to the season. 

Allegri has been accused of petulance too. Ex Milan defender Allesandro Nesta has criticised him in the wake of a supposed argument with Fillipo Inzaghi, now coaching the youth team. Perhaps Allegri is not impressed with what he sees coming from the youth set up. If this is the case, then it is concerning times for AC Milan. If there is no cash to spend, then players will move elsewhere, unhappy at being second best to Juventus. With no Maldini's on the horizon, AC Milan could struggle massively this season. Along with Anderlecht, AC Milan have Malaga and Zenit St Petersburg for company, in their Champions League group. Normally, such a draw would be easy pickings for them, however on current form they could seriously struggle to make the knock out rounds. And so far, the annual player swap between the Milan sides has hardly worked either. Cassano swapped stripes, moving to Inter, meanwhile Pazzini went the other way. Both teams desperately need goals from their respective new signings. Robinho and El Shaarawy are too inconsistent, while at Inter, Milito is a shadow of his former self and there is little else offering upfront. 

Mourinho's shadow looms large at Inter.

There is certainly a sense that as far as Inter are concerned, Jose Mourinho has been sorely missed. They wont like to admit it but its true. And the talented and reliable squad he put together, and ruled Europe with, has since disintegrated. Brazilian defender Lucio evidently saw what was coming and jumped ship to Juventus this summer. Meanwhile, Inter have appeared all too happy to allow Julio Caesar and Maicon leave the club. Add the fact that Wesley Sneijder is potentially past it and it looks desperate for Inter. In a managerial sense Inter lack stability. Benitez and Ranieri were given little time and without the chance to built a team, Inter's slump down the table has been set in motion ever since Mourinho left. 

Massimo Moratti is in many's eyes, one of the the guilty culprits. A man who likes to hold the power, he has sliced and diced through numerous coaches, coaches he obviously believed to be the right choices, before complaining at their inefficiency. He has to understand that a manager, coming into the Inter set up, needs a season to repair the damage left by the last man. For too long, at both the Milan sides, the men at the top have been ruining their clubs, becoming too involved in the football side of things. They create problems and let the team rot from inside out. It is long overdue for Moratti and the likes Berlusconi to step aside. They wont though, they are greedy men who have created greedy clubs, in place of great ones,. And now they are suffering. Juventus's resurrection has shown that a reality check is sometimes needed, for the good times to come rolling back.

Expect flares, lots of them.

On the 7th of October, AC Milan host Inter at the San Siro. The atmosphere is never short of hostile but expect this one to be explosive. So much could occur in the two weeks beforehand. It is not out of the question that both Allegri and Andrea Stramaccioni, Inter's manager, could be cast adrift. One things if for sure, this match will kick start one of the Milan's seasons and leave the other with more questions then answers. Someone get the message out to Berlusconi, cancel all future parties, until your house is in order, otherwise some of the most passionate fans in the world might want your head, alongside the managers.

When Is Mr Mourinho Coming Back?

Into the Lion's Den.

Having read an article in The Times this weekend it was bought to my attention how much the Premier League has missed Jose Mourinho. There he was flanked by images of Brendan Rodgers and Andre Villas Boas, his prodigies, with one finger wagging, the other clutching the match ball. Looking immaculate in his grey suit, black round neck combo, though clearly irate over some injustice. When isn't he? For those whose most painful memories might be of a man sprinting down the touch line at Old Trafford, or making a small gesture with rather large implications in the Carling Cup Final, there must still be that burning desire to see their team lock horns with the ‘Special One’ again. As for the neutrals Mourinho is simply fascinating to watch and his passion has in no way faltered since leaving Chelsea - if anything it’s moved up a gear. 

The article noted an inherent trait in Rodgers, and Villas Boas, revolving around the power of imagery. There is no doubt Mourinho has fed of this power, wherever he has gone, but as for his prodigies, you just don’t see it. Obviously they need to be given time, at their respective clubs, with jobs that could define them. But there is arrogance to Rodgers (he has a painting of himself in his house) and a sureness to Villas Boas, which doesn’t rub up the same way on the English fans and media, the way that Mourinho's all round conviction did. His ability to cause controversy, and produce heated moments, has been lacking. As far as managerial interaction is concerned, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have mellowed their hatred, to the point that a suspect secret affair could be ongoing behind the scenes. Both seem only too happy to commend each other’s achievements, before battle commences. While Mourinho and Ferguson are friends, it won’t stop Mourinho doing all he can to put United off the task in hand. Friends after, but foes for each and every minute of the game, Mourinho's philosophy will make it just as interesting to watch the touchline, as it is to watch the pitch.

“I think the best place to work in football is England.” Mourinho’s own words, once upon a time. His experiences since, suggest that he himself, still fully believes in that statement. The Mourinho in Spain has had his flashes of brilliance, but has also taken on an uglier persona, which at one stage really threatened his reputation. Eye gorging incidents, and press conferences filled with bad taste, and a sore loser's attitude, marred the most intense rivalry between Spain's two biggest clubs in decades. But Mourinho came out the other side, and he came out a winner. Credit should be given, where credit is due. His first season in charge, he had to taste what it was like, to be well and truly second best. For Mourinho that hurts a lot. And most managers would have packed it in, or had their bags packed for them, with the sort of form Barcelona have been in, for the last five years. Mourinho was not to be outdone though, he even got in Guardiola’s head, eventually, and their title success was an incredible feat, considering Madrid's company. 

A family man.

So, why the lacklustre start this season? Four games played, and only four points in total. Something isn’t quite right. There is a sense, that though Mourinho is willing to stay at Madrid, and compete, he is not desperate to stay. He is not in the precarious position of his predecessors, looking over their backs constantly. Mourinho does things his way. Madrid do things their way. Hence the bittersweet love affair. And now, if anything, you get the feeling he is not adverse to a change.  His sense of humour is lost on the Spanish media. They view him as rude and obnoxious, which at times he is. In England we know what to expect of him, and love him, and loath him for it. But that is where the buck would stop, looking back at his time with Chelsea. Mourinho is family man, and is the sort who wants to escape football, once he gets home. He values parenthood very highly and is often in the company of his children. In Spain, the media refuse to leave him alone, he has made it known on frequent occasions, that he is not at ease with the invasion of privacy into his personal life. He was in London earlier this year house hunting, cue excited Chelsea fans and much gossip. Currently, London only serves as a welcome distraction, from his hectic schedule in Spain, however it is a clear sign that Mourinho intends to reside in England again. Mourinho must long for the greater privacy that he can enjoy in England.  Furthermore, Mourinho loves a new challenge, and if he delivers Madrid the Champions League, he can rest easy, satisfied, and ready to start a new project, elsewhere. He achieved all he could with Inter Milan and then moved on; the same scenario is most likely with Madrid.

In the meantime Madrid need to find form fast, and start catching Barcelona, in La Liga. Not only has his team started the campaign poorly, but Mourinho now has Madrid President Roman Calderon on his back, after criticising his team. Calderon has made it abundantly clear, that such opinions should not be aired in public again. Mourinho does not like getting a slap on the wrist, he wants freedom of speech. But if any club can put black tape over that mouth, it is Madrid. He needs to be careful, not to believe he is irreplaceable. It could be possible that he is holding out for the Manchester United job. Signing a new four year contract implies he is waiting for the right moment. Sir Alex Ferguson could quite easily be gone four years from now, or less. Until then, Mourinho can pursue the Champions League and sit tight. The only club he would surely jump ship for are United.

Having now beaten Barcelona to the La Liga title, many want to see him win the Champions League at Madrid, sooner rather than later, so that he can return to our shores. Playing Manchester City this evening, Mourinho said in the press conference, that a club that are developing as City are, will in the Champions League ‘sooner or later’. Masterful mind games by Mourinho, heaping expectation and pressure on City, he also said it could be won by Mancini, or someone else. Him, perhaps? This, he did not say, but he was surely thinking it. Expect a refuelled and hungry Madrid tonight, against Manchester City. Mourinho wants to make sure he is in that shop window, centre stage, with Guardiola collecting dust in the corner. What would be fantastic is to see both men at Premier League clubs in the near future, and it is certainly possible. 

The self proclaimed 'Special One'.

Mourinho still knows exactly what to say when it comes to the press. Asked about playing City he replied, “To play against City motivates me as much as playing against Getafe. To win the Champions League motivates me like any other match." He is fully aware, that this is what the hierarchy at Madrid want to hear. In addition, although laying fire on his players, after defeat against Sevilla at the weekend, he has been quick to shoulder the blame. Something which he did so well at Chelsea, was to protect his players, as Ferguson does at United, and Mourinho can weather any storm the media and fans throw at him. For a man at arguably, the most demanding club in the world, Mourinho has handled things, on the whole, very well. Mourinho does not want to be at Madrid forever, maybe not even for more than another season. He is hard to predict, but English teams nationwide, better get ready to turn on their sprinklers. Because Mourinho will be back, nobody is sure when, all they know is that he will be. 

Wonderful Wigan

A little ode to Wigan.

Wigan Athletic, a side who for eight seasons, have been an established Premier League team, are viewed  unfavourably by many. This appears to be rather unjust. For it is Wigan, who have moulded themselves into one of the soundest, and most respectably set up sides in the Premier League. Tipped for a relegation at the start of each new season (a prediction which has never come to fruition), they quietly go about proving the doubters wrong. Three things that are notably impressive are their Chairmen, Manager and transfer policy.

The deadly donkey, Franco Di Santo

In Dave Whelan, they have a Chairmen who runs a club the way Liverpool fans could only dream their own would. He is quite unique, approaching situations in a way that the majority of other Chairmen never do. The correct way, the way that somehow, some way, most manage to deviate from. When clubs have come knocking, big clubs who realise Wigan have done all the dirty work, developing the player ( Valencia, Moses, N'Zogbia), Whelan does not fight the inevitable avalanche of offers. He doesn't do a Daniel Levy and let a saga like Berbatov's drag on, and totally destabilise the rest of the squad before the season even begins. The most recent high profile departure, and there is a link in the fact that there is always one every season, saw Victor Moses leave for Chelsea. Whelan, and Martinez, had accepted the fact almost as soon as Chelsea showed interest. Although the transfer took a while to actually happen, there is no doubt Whelan will have let Martinez know, well in advance, to plan for life without him.

What is so impressive is the relationship between Whelan and Martinez. You can immediately tell that this is not a facade, a fake relationship. They genuinely like each other. It is this father and son relationship, which has been crucial in holding the team together, in it's darkest hour. There is hiding the fact that certain Chairmen would have pulled the trigger on Martinez, at one point or other, since he took over at Wigan. Perhaps after the 9-1 mauling against Tottenham in 2009. Whelan however, accepts such results happen. Having been a player too (always a huge bonus in a Chairmen), he understands that a team like Wigan will get hammered, at least twice a season. Especially with the way Martinez wants Wigan to play. Whelan is simply realistic where others aren't. A positive trait to have.

The well liked Wigan manager, Roberto Martinez

It is a mystery as to how Martinez is not yet managing a Top 10 club. His record at Wigan is exceptional. He has mastered the art of winning a relegation battle, and has shown on numerous occasions that he can, at times, outsmart the very best. If Martinez leaves, which is likely, he will leave a philosophy which can keep Wigan secure in the Premier League for a long time yet. Although his team is weak in some departments, Martinez makes the most of what he has, and his desire to play a pass and move style of football is slowly paying off. New players arriving, are quickly integrated into the system Martinez adopts. Some players have come to Wigan, and flourished where they could not elsewhere. Shaun Maloney is playing out of his skin, and though a laughing stock to many, Franco Di Santo has started this season strongly, with a confidence that must have attracted Chelsea to him as a youngster.

Most of this is due to Martinez. There is no player that cannot be changed in his eyes. Anyone he brings in, he brings in with the belief that they can adapt their game to suit Wigan's. The faith that he kept in Wigan's tactics last season paid off too. They went on a fantastic run at the tail end of the campaign, beating Arsenal, with well prepared counter attacking intent, and Manchester United, with a rearguard stubbornness that had deserted them in the past. It will always be a work in progress for Martinez, because his best players get poached, and the style he demands, takes longer to gel in certain areas of the pitch, and with certain players. Just as Wigan take one step forward, they are forced to take two back. Losing Moses is a huge blow. And still Martinez is so coolly calm, he does not panic, and it is admiral that he never kicks up a fuss over the yearly star player loss. Having a calm, clear thinking man at the top is vital. Even more important, for a team that know they will be fighting near the bottom of the table for points. Martinez is just that.

They come, and they go, at Wigan

Wigan's transfer policy should be bought to attention also. Minus the 2010/2011 campaign, the last five seasons have seen Wigan's total selling figure fees higher then that of their buying. With this in mind, it is even more impressive that they have survived the length they have. What Whelan and Martinez agree, and understand, is that they cannot and will not compete, with other teams in the Premier League, when it comes to spending. Whelan is not happy with the way Man City and the like are using their money, and does things the right way. Hopefully this right way will get its reward, if the Financial Fair Play regulations ever come into play. Instead of mass spending, Wigan have made an excellent habit of buying future stars on the cheap, and then making them into top team material, before selling them on for a massive profit. With this money, they rebuilt their team each season.

This reputation has benefited Wigan. The Chelsea's and United's know where to look, within the Premier League, for their next star, and have a great deal of respect for Whelan, who they know is a fair man, one who conducts business in the correct manner. Sir Alex Ferguson obviously saw Wigan as the ideal place to send Tom Cleverly for experience, and now Cleverly is reaping the rewards of his time there. Though Wigan have seen Rodallega, Moses, Valencia, N'Zogbia, Palacios and co all leave, there will always be another star around the corner. If Wigan can just hold on to, or have in the same side, two or three rising stars, it could really give them the chance, and ability, to look up the League, rather then down. In James McCarthy, they have a player of excellent technical ability, and he has orchestrated a solid start to this new season. The chances that him and Martinez could be gone, by this time next year, are quite high. Nevertheless, in Whelan they have a man who has been in such a position before, and he will make a shrewd appointment, whoever he chooses.

Wigan host Manchester United at home this weekend, and so they should. They have earned their stripes in the Premier League, and should be valued more often then they are for doing so. It is rare to find at a club, firstly, a Chairmen who puts total trust and belief in his manager. Secondly, a manager at a relegation threatened club, trying and now succeeding, in playing passing football, and thirdly, a team run the proper way, spending wisely, and making sure that they make a profit on players each season, to warrant whatever spending they do.