All posts by h79snht.top

According to reports in the Sunday Mirror on June 3, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants to make £100m-rated Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti his marquee signing this summer.

It was clear during the 2017/18 campaign that the Portuguese boss was often not happy with his midfield options – especially after dropping Paul Pogba on occasions – and the retirement of Michael Carrick and potential exit of Marouane Fellaini mean that he may not be finished in the market yet despite an agreement being reached for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred on Tuesday.

Verratti would certainly be an impressive addition for United, who are also reportedly targeting a move for a £31m defender, given he is a key player for the Ligue 1 giants and is equally as good defensively – he loves a tackle and an interception – as he is going forward, and in many ways he is like Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, although he perhaps is slightly better in the final third than the Frenchman given his ability to unlock defences.

We asked Man United fans to vote on our poll to see whether they thought the 25-year-old could make more of an impact and be better than Kante in the Premier League, and a whopping 85% believe that he would be.

Mourinho certainly looks as though he means business this summer and will know that he needs a stronger squad if he is to compete with Manchester City for the title next term, and signing Verratti would certainly be a huge statement of intent that the Red Devils can do exactly that.

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As reported by The Daily Mail, Southampton have made a move to sign Norwich City midfielder James Maddison this summer, with Everton also credited with an interest in his signature.

What’s the story?

The paper say that Saints lead Leicester City in the chase for the 21-year-old, with Everton one of a number of clubs who also hold an interest in bringing him to the English Premier League in 2018/19.

He is valued at around £20m according to the report.

Can Everton ensure they don’t miss out on one of the stand-out homegrown talents in the country?

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Should Everton move for him?

Few players in the English Championship had a better 2017/18 season and, alongside the likes of recently promoted Ryan Sessegnon, Maddison has emerged as one of the stand-out young prospects  in the second-tier.

He scored 14 goals and created 8 assists from attacking midfield in league action, demonstrating that despite being just 21 years of age, he can perform to a high standard on a consistent basis.

A potential future England international, currently part of the nation’s U21 set-up, he’s a talent that could prove to be a bargain in years to come at the reported £20m fee.

Working under a coach like Marco Silva could help him develop even further, and elite English talents are becoming harder to find and more expensive in the transfer market.

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Now is the time to move for him and the Toffees should ensure that Southampton, or any other Premier League sides beat them to the player’s signature this summer.

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Mohamed Elneny received plenty of praise from Arsenal fans for his performances in the middle of the park last season, but during the World Cup, the 25-year-old failed to impress.

Overall, it was a disappointing campaign for Elneny’s national side Egypt as they bowed out at the group phase.

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The team’s star man Mohamed Salah was not fully fit for the tournament after he suffered a dislocated shoulder during Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat in May.

In the end, Egypt failed to win a single game as they were beaten 1-0 by Uruguay, 3-1 by Russia and on Monday night suffered a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.

Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

The nation finished at the bottom of Group A, and to make matters worse for Elneny, Arsenal fans have been criticising the midfielder, who is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt.

The defence-minded player, who made 31 appearances in all competitions last season, started every one of Egypt’s matches in the tournament.

Newcastle fans are praying their club finally breaks their transfer record to land a new number nine this summer, after reports claimed they are one of several clubs eyeing up Alassane Plea.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham have tabled a bid for Nice striker Plea, but Newcastle, Fulham and Tottenham are all in the hunt as well.

Nice are understood to want €30m (£26.6m) for the 25 year-old, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, including four in European competition.

Plea had an absolutely electric end to the season, scoring ten and adding two assists in his final nine games, and is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League.

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Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, the Frenchman plays mostly as a centre forward, but can operate on either wing if required.

Rafael Benitez is of course desperate for a big money striker signing this summer, and the Magpies are still yet to break their transfer record from the Michael Owen deal in 2005.

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Fans aren’t exactly optimistic about the chances of Mike Ashley backing a big move for Plea, but they’d love it to happen, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

The sudden realisation that England have been handed their easiest route to a World Cup final in a lifetime has drastically escalated the level of expectation around Gareth Southgate’s young and promising side.

But before we all get carried away with drunken renditions of It’s Coming Home, there’s the not-so-small matter of England taking on Colombia in the first knockout round of Russia 2018.

The South Americans proved at the last World Cup that they have the attacking quality to defy the odds, so England certainly can’t take them lightly. But what are the Three Lions’ chances of progressing to the next round and how should they go about it?

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday’s 7pm kickoff…

Head-to-Head

There’s little debating who history’s backing for this fixture. Colombia have never beaten England compared to the Three Lions’ three victories – including one in the incredibly short-lived Rous Cup – and they’ve reached the knockout phase of the competition on nine less occasions. Not that continuously reaching this stage has got England very far down the years.

Colombia’s FIFA ranking is lower than England’s as well, although there is some crucial experience amongst this squad. Juan Cuadrado, Juan Quintero, James Rodriguez, Carlos Sanchez and David Ospina were all key parts of the Colombia side that impressed so much at the 2014 World Cup, and Radamel Falcao is now involved too after missing the last tournament through injury.

The Key Battle

While there will be plenty of potential match winners on the pitch for both sides on Tuesday night, the battle between England’s centre-forward and Colombia’s centre-half is difficult to ignore. Harry Kane is no doubt one of the best strikers in the world, if not the very best, but Davinson Sanchez is an incredibly promising young defender who also has the advantage of familiarity for Tuesday’s game – at club level, he’s been marking Kane every day on the training pitch for the last year.

Throw immense speed and power into the equation and Kane certainly won’t get past his Tottenham team-mate easily. Kane though, has shown at this World Cup how far predatory instincts alone can take him. Sanchez may be a great physical specimen, but few defenders in the world can keep up with Kane’s mental sharpness.

Referee Influence – Mark Geiger

This is Mark Geiger’s second World Cup after becoming the first American to referee a knockout clash at Brazil 2014 and the former Maths teacher hailing out of New Jersey has already landed himself in some controversy, having allegedly asked for Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt midway through Portugal’s Group Stage draw with Morocco.

On the pitch, Geiger’s remained largely cautious in terms of the big decisions, awarding only three yellow cards per game – despite Portugal and Morocco partaking in a particularly fiery contest – and still awaiting his first red card or penalty call. That certainly doesn’t mean the 43-year-old is a lenient referee though. A ranking of fourth for fouls per game from the 28 referees to work at the tournament this summer, suggests Geiger is due a big moment.

Team News – England’s Expected XI

After almost completely changing his side for the 1-0 defeat to Belgium, Southgate looks set to revert back to the starting XI that he began the World Cup with in the 2-1 win over Tunisia. The real headline from that is the return of Dele Alli in midfield. The Tottenham star’s missed England’s last two games after suffering an injury in the opener, but will form a key creative hub with Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.

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The rest of this England side pretty much picks itself; the defenders are selected on technical ability as much as defensive quality, which should see Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Manchester United’s Phil Jones come out of the team, Jordan Henderson has made the central midfield berth his own and Kane is inevitably the first name on the team sheet.

Perhaps the only point of contention is at left wing-back; Danny Rose made a strong case for himself against Belgium until allowing Adnan Januzaj to cut inside and score the only goal, so for that reason Ashley Young looks like to return to the flank at the Spurs man’s expense.

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Many feared for Manchester United’s firepower after parting with Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao earlier in the summer and those concerns have been validated by the Red Devils’ poorÂstart to theÂseason in front of goal, netting just twice in their opening four Premier LeagueÂfixtures.They fared considerably better against FC Brugge in the Champions League – winning the double legger 7-1 on aggregate – but without further additions between now and the transfer deadline tomorrow, United’s chances of claiming the English crown for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement will plummet further towards zero.That being said, anything seems possible during the final days of the summer window, so there’s still time for the Old Trafford outfit to get a deal or two over the line.And just in case Louis van Gaal isn’t too clued up on realistically available striking options as the 6pm deadline looms in, we’ve outlinedÂFIVE centre-forwards who could still be open toÂa last-minute Old Trafford switch.

ANTHONY MARTIAL

According to reports from The Daily Mail yesterday evening, Manchester United have lodged a £36million bid for Monaco’s prodigious centre-forward Anthony Martial – who some have dubbed ‘the new Thierry Henry’.

The 19 year-old’s goal record for the Ligue 1 outfit isn’t exactly outstanding, thus far netting just 13 times in 57 appearances across all competitions. But he developed at a phenomenal rate over the course of last season, whilst his strike-rate for France across the junior levels is an impressive one-in-two.

Blessed with an abundance of power and pace and particularly direct in style, a move to the Premier League seems to be the next logical step in Martial’s career. Likewise, his ability to penetrate opposition defences will be of huge benefit to a United side who desperately lack threat in behind.

But whether highly-rated youngster is ready to join a title-contending Man United outfit remains open to interpretation. Likewise, Ligue 1 journalist Matt Spiro believes the Red Devils will have to offer significantly more to convince Monaco to sell:

SAIDO BERAHINO

Saido Berhaino has made his ambitions to leave West Brom for a bigger club abundantly clear this summer, handing in a transfer request at the Hawthorns following a £19million bid from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.

The Lilywhites appear to have now dropped out of the race to sign the 21 year-old, however, instead focusing their time and finance on a £22million deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Son Heung-Min, which gives the Red Devils a fantastic chance to not only improve their strike-force but also add to their ever-important home-grown contingent.

Indeed, with the exception of Harry Kane, Berahino is the most exciting striking prospect within the Three Lions’ sphere of influence at this moment in time, netting 14 times in 38 Premier League appearances last term and boasting the third-most goals for England throughout the U21s’ historyÂ- his haul of ten only bettered by Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers.

The 21 year-old’sÂability to play out wide will particularly excite ‘multifunctional footballer’ enthusiast Louis van Gaal, whilst – much like Anthony Martial – Berahino’s blend of blistering pace and poacher instincts represents precisely what United’s forward line currently lacks.

Despite publicly insisting otherwise, it’s believed Tony Pulis’ side are willing to sell after securing the services of ex-Zenit front-man Salomon Rondon – but only if their £30million valuation is met.

GONZALO HIGUAIN

Speculation linking Gonzalo Higuain with a move away from Napoli has decreased in recent weeks. But with a release clause inserted into his contract, albeit one of £67million, Manchester United could still sign the Argentina international if they’re willing to cough up the cash.

The 27 year-old is best famed for his netting prowess, having produced a career return of 223 goals in 497 appearances throughout his spells with River Plate, Real Madrid, Napoli and the Argentine national team.

But he’s a more complete attacker than many would assume, racking up eleven assists in 52 outings for Albiceleste and 15 over the last two campaigns in Serie A. In fact, he spent much of last season playing on the wing under Rafa Benitez.

Following their failure to qualify at the end of last season, Higuain will be European football’s most talented and proven striker not plying his trade in the Champions League this term.

That, in addition to the former Bernabeu star recently rejecting a one-year contract extension, suggests he would be interested in a last-minute switch to Old Trafford.

Whether United can justify activating Higuain’s release clause, however, which would make him the most expensive player in Premier League history, is certainly open to debate.

ALEKSANDR KOKORIN

By no means an out-and-out centre-forward but nonetheless an attacking option that would add firepower to United’s frontline – and according to the tabloids, one that the Red Devils have already approached regarding a last-minute move.

Cyril Loginov, agent of Dynamo Moscow forward Aleksandr Kokorin, declared last week; “Right now I’m working on Kokorin’s transfer. United and Tottenham are interested in his services. There are many reasons to think that it will [happen] in one of two teams before August 31.”

The 24 year-old isn’t exactly notorious outside of the Russian top flight but he comes highly-rated and has been in strong form over the last three seasons, amassing 29 goals in his last 74 league outings – including a return of two in three this term.

He was also one of the rare positives to come out of Russia’s World Cup campaign last summer, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Algeria and consistently providing spark in attack throughout the Group Stages.

Due to his contract expiring at the end of the season, it’s believed Kokorin could leave the Russian capital outfit for as little as £8million. Over the last few days, however, Arsenal have emerged as the 5 foot 11 forward’s likelier suitors.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC

It’s a transfer story the tabloids have continuously speculated on throughout the summer with various degrees of conviction. This late in the transfer window, a Manchester United bid for Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems somewhat unlikely yet the magic of deadline day refuses it to be ruled out completely.

Needless to say, the Sweden international is one of the greatest strikers of his generation, combining the elegance of Dimitar Berbatov with the power and 6 foot 5 frame of a towering target man to produce a career return of 396 goals in 723 appearances.

He’s also a natural born winner, claiming league titles throughout his spells with Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and current club PSG, and in fact hasn’t lost a title race since the 2002/03 campaign. Quite a phenomenal record.

The 33 year-old has admitted working with Louis van Gaal – especially after dissing the United boss in his latest autobiography – might prove difficult, due to both possessing rather sizeable egos.

But Peter Schmeichel believes Ibrahimovic was born to play for Manchester United and I firmly agree. Likewise, we know PSG don’t intend to extend his contract beyond next summer – so one assumes they’d be willing to sell if the price is right.

How you actually value a 33 year-old who bagged 30 goals in all competitions last season, however, is a lengthy debate in itself.

Regulars at the bar here at the Transfer Tavern continue to be in awe over how well West Ham United have started this season.

The Hammers really have come flying out the blocks, currently sitting sixth in the Barclays Premier League, having also recorded great wins against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.

There have been some real stand out names for the Irons so far this season, most notably summer signing Dimitri Payet has taken the Premier League by storm, putting in several match-winning displays, while the likes of Diafra Sakho also shining.

However, with any great team, there are always the unsung heroes, those who do the dirty work and slip under the radar. Those who may start the move that leads to a goal, but get no credit with out a goal or assist next to their name.

Below, here are FIVE players for West Ham who have been just as outstanding as Payet and Sakho this year, but perhaps don’t get as much recognition from fans in the Premier League….

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 WEST HAM PLAYERS!

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Cheikhou Kouyate

Though a player who is undoubtedly coveted by the West Ham faithful, Kouyate really doesn’t get the praise from pundits and opposition fans that he perhaps deserves.

Not only has Kouyate established himself as one of the meanest imposing defensive midfielders in England this season, but he has also chipped in with three goals.

Kouyate has been a vital cog in the well-oiled West Ham machine, and, if he continues to perform the way he is, the top four clubs may even come calling.

Manuel Lanzini

With wing-wizard Dimitri Payet getting much of the plaudits for his fine attacking displays, loan signing Lanzini has subsequently fallen a little under the radar.

Despite this, Lanzini has produced several fines displays so far this season, being a focal point of the West Ham attack.

He also provided the opener in West Ham’s amazing away victory over Liverpool, and will soon become a fan favourite.

James Tomkins

Tomkins has had a similar situation to Lanzini in many ways, with centre back partner Winston Reid often getting a lot more of the plaudits this season.

However, after a slow start to his West Ham career, Tomkins is fast establishing himself as a top top centre back.

At the age of 26, he has a bright future ahead of him, with many wondering whether he might even force his way into Roy Hodgson’s England squad.

Victor Moses

Another player who has gone under the radar, and has certainly had a bit of a topsy-turvy Premier League career.

The ex-Crystal Palace ace did well at Wigan, but has lost his way a bit at Chelsea.

However, several Premier League fans forget that Moses is only 24, and has a lot to offer to any Premier League side.

Moses scored a fine opener against Manchester City, and if he adds consistency to his game, could find himself finishing above parent club Chelsea this year!

Mark Noble

Again, a player who is absolutely adored by the West Ham faithful, but really doesn’t get the plaudits that he deserves.

The captain really is the heartbeat of the side in the centre of midfield, expertly breaking up attacks, showing excellent leadership, and even chipping in with goals.

Many are still calling for Hodgson to give Noble a chance for England, and at the age of 28, it is hard to disagree.

A call up to the Euros really would cap off what is looking to be a great year for Noble.

Another weekend is looming, and another set of Premier League football is about to get underway. And with that, another chance for you to get ahead of your opponents in the Fantasy Premier League world.

If you haven’t changed your team by now, well you’re in luck because sometimes the most obvious player to bring in isn’t always the most profitable, as your opponents are likely to make the same ‘mainstream’ move.

So (like we do every week), we’re here to offer you some alternative options that many and most Fantasy managers may be overlooking.

As you know, these players are called differentials… and they could really propel you up your respective mini-leagues if your ‘gamble’ pays off and they perform.

So without further ado, here are THREE FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE DIFFERENTIALS ahead of gameweek 15! (Wow… we are almost half-way into the season)

Daniel Sturridge

He’s back! Well for the time being at least.

Given his first start against Southampton in the Capital One Cup, Daniel Sturridge (10.1 and owned by just 1.5%), repaid Jurgen Klopp’s faith and scored a brilliant brace en route to a 6-1 win right before an enticing run of fixtures that include Newcastle (Away), West Brom (Home), Watford (Away), Leicester (Home), and Sunderland (Away).

And an interesting stat, Sturridge has scored six goals against Newcastle United, more than any other side, with four in his last three against the Magpies in the English top flight.

Now, he just needs to stay injury-free.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (5.5 and owned by just 1.8%) hasn’t had the best of seasons so far with niggling injuries and poor form, but he will be vital to the Gunners now amid their injury problems.

The England international is expected to start down the right flank for Arsene Wenger and when given the opportunity he usually steps up to the plate.

So when Sunderland travel to the Emirates this weekend, Chamberlain will be looking to once again impress his boss ahead of an enticing run of games starting with the Black Cats then Aston Villa (Away), Southampton (Away), Bournemouth (Home) in the next five… with only a tricky game against Manchester City (Home) in Gameweek 17.

A replacement for the injured Alexis Sanchez?

Kurt Zouma

It is set to be an important month for Chelsea, and Kurt Zouma (5.4 and owned by 3.2%) will play a big part if they turn their form around.

The Blues have kept two clean sheets in succession for the first time this season in their last two gamed ahead of some you would call ‘easier’ match-ups, with three home games against relegation battling sides in the next four.

So it seems Zouma could be involved in a few more shut-outs in December, and the Frenchman is also a threat in attack given his one goal and one assist already this term.

It may seem like only yesterday we were celebrating New Year’s for 2015, but believe it not, we’re now just three sleeps away from merry old St. Nick’s annual visit on December 25th.

Indeed, the small space of time in which parents up and down the country let an old, chubby, bearded man break into their private property and leave gifts for their naive, impressionable and vulnerable young children – which my lawyers assure me is by no means as dodgy as it sounds – is just around the corner.

As you can probably tell, we at Football FanCast are all very excited, barring a few token humbug merchants, having spent the day writing our wish lists to Santa Claus.

But it’s a little-known fact Premier League managers partake in the annual tradition as well. And hoping we can give his a quick proof-read, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has given us a sneak peek of his.

Ranging from a new winger to the latest trends in technology, here are the FIVE things that topped his list.

GOAL POSTS REMOVED FROM OLD TRAFFORD

To many, the beautiful game is already beautiful enough. But not to Louis van Gaal.

Indeed, in his possession-obsessed mind, scoring goals only besmirches a sport that could truly take the world by storm one day – perhaps even having its own international tournament every four years – if fans finally got over their bizarre lust for seeing an onion bag being rippled by an inflated big skin

“How primitive!” the Dutchman must scream to himself whilst watching Ryan Giggs conduct unscheduled and unsanctioned shooting practice in training. “If only there were no goals at all… then Manchester United would be the best team in the world!”

Santa Claus is a very understanding man, but he’s probably not going to cheese off the FA, the Premier League, Manchester United fans and well, supporters pretty much everywhere, by removing Old Trafford’s goal posts.

A “Speedy, creative” winger

I have heard and read Louis van Gaal profess his desire for a “speedy, creative” winger so many times over the last few months that the words are scarred on both my retinas and my eardrums.

When I close my eyes at night, all I can see are the words SPEEDY AND CREATIVE, and all I can hear is the sound of LVG moaning about his current wide options. It has been a restless 2015/16 campaign for me, to say the least.

Indeed, the Dutchman sees a creative speedster as the missing element in Manchester United’s attack, so I’m sure there’s nothing he’d enjoy more this Christmas than finding one under his tree on December 25th.

There are countless to choose from, not least including Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez, Southampton’s Sadio Mane, Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus and Lazio’s Felipe Anderson.

But something tells me LVG will spend his Christmas money on someone else, before moaning about how they don’t fit his philosophy and eventually selling them to PSG at a £15million loss before next Christmas comes around.

SHOCKWAVES HAIR GEL

Ever wondered how Louis van Gaal keeps his hair so immaculately groomed in the style of a 1950s Teddy Boy who went on a drug-fuelled bender in Amsterdam and never came back?

Well, there is no great secret to it. Alongside bi-monthly appointments with Nicky Clarke, the Manchester United gaffer applies a healthy spate of Shockwaves hair gel every morning and again at lunchtime.

He’s not actually bought any since the summer and has been pinching some from Wayne Rooney’s locker on a daily basis.

It’s essentially a victimless crime considering the England skipper is going bald for the second time in five years. But with Wazza Roo starting to ask questions, the Red Devils boss would love his own supply for Christmas.

Anyone under the age of 40 who has played for Bayern Munich or the Netherlands

If you believe the tabloids, then Manchester United’s scouting system contains two main practices.

Louis van Gaal calling up everybody who played under him at Bayern Munich and asking if they want to move to Old Trafford, or alternatively, Louis van Gaal calling up every Dutch footballer under the age of 40 and asking them the exact same thing.

Indeed, Thomas Muller, Philipp Lahm, Franck Ribery, Wesley Sneijder, Bruno Martins Indi, Tim Krul, Jasper Cillessen, Gregory Van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong – to name but a few – have all been mooted as United targets during LVG’s Old Trafford reign.

But the pièce de résistance in that regard is undoubtedly veteran winger Arjen Robben, who is not only Louis van Gaal’s favourite Dutchman (after himself of course) and favourite Bayern Munich player, but also the answer to United’s apparent need for a ‘speedy, creative’ winger. Seriously, I can’t get away from those words at the moment.

Will Santa deliver the 30-year-old, who possesses a world-class knack for plummeting to the floor like a sack of Christmas elves thrown from the tallest building in all of the north pole? With just 18 months remaining on Robben’s Allianz Arena contract, perhaps.

HOVERBOARD

Why the hell not? All of the players are getting a set from their mums this Christmas and although Louis van Gaal is 64 years of age, he’s still as cool as ever daddio. Just check out his aforementioned, uber-rad hair-do.

And the media will surely give LVG the respect he deserves if he enters every press conference gliding across the ground like some sort of footballing dalek screaming ‘LOUIS VAN GAAL’S RED ARMY’ at the top of his voice. Surely.

Watching the Premier League games and results come in over the past week, it would be easy to think that defenders and defending in the nation’s top division had been forgotten.

In the 20 games played during the course of the last week there were a total of 62 goals scored, and you don’t have to be a genius to know that’s an average of over three a game! So that got me thinking, what has happened to the art of defending and eeking out a 1-0 win with organisation and teamwork?

And whilst there are obviously low-scoring affairs in amongst all the goals – Man City/Everton and Stoke/Arsenal over the last week, for example – even these feature a large amount of shots on goal, the lack of a net-bulge often attributed to good goalkeeping or bad finishing.

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Teams increasingly seem to favour over-loading on attacking, creative players often to the detriment of their defensive capabilities. In the transfer market too, attacking-midfielders and forwards are bought by the bucket-load, defender’s not so much.

Now obviously, goals win games so it’s no surprise that those who can get or create them are in greater demand. They are also likely to be higher profile, flair players who excite the fans and therefore get more exposure.

But whether its a lack of quality defenders, poor coaching methods or just a general mind-set, clubs in the Premier League are increasingly becoming volatile at the back, many making basic mistakes and lacking the leadership and organisation to prevent the opposition scoring, or at least put up a good fight.

Take Everton this season. They are fantastic to watch going forward, full of pace, energy and significant goal threat. But at the back they are shocking, in fact conceding three or more goals three times in the last six games alone.

Or maybe Arsenal who, until Petr Cech arrived this summer, had barely delved into the market for quality, established defensive players, instead concentrating on those further forward. You often wonder whether they actually do any defensive training at all sometimes, such is the quality of their attacking play and habit of last ditch defending.

Then there’s Chelsea, a once great defensive unit now reduced to looking like a bunch of cobbled-together Sunday league players at times this season.

It is great news for the spectator, the excitement of attacking play or a beautiful goal far more likely to get you off your seat than a good defensive line or properly defending a corner. It is after all a product, one designed to encourage investment and entertain the millions of viewers around the world.

It should come as no surprise that some of the lowest goal totals in the Premier League come from the three (full) seasons Mourinho spent in England during his first spell at Chelsea. More so than any other manager in recent league history, the Portuguese manager was incredibly focused on the defensive aspect of the game, highly organised in every aspect of match preparation.

This might also explain why Chelsea have, in general, been the most consistent English side in the Champions League in the last 10 years or so – the attacking abandon displayed by the likes of Arsenal or Man City exploited by the more savvy European sides.

Whatever the reason, as an avid viewer of the Premier League, I hope it doesn’t change. Watching games like the Liverpool/Arsenal clash last week will never get tiring. With the premium put on quality defensive talent like John Stones, or even the not so quality, like Eliaquim Mangala, it’s probably no surprise that the Premier League continues to be one of the most attacking, open leagues in Europe, and long may it continue.

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