Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is making good progress in his rehabilitation from an ankle injury, and has stated that he hopes to be back playing soon.
The England international midfielder picked up the knock in pre-season, and has missed The Gunners’ terrible start to the 2011-12 campaign, as he tries to get back to full fitness.
Wilshere was initially believed to be sidelined until November, but his latest post on Twitter may give Emirates fans hope that their star man may make an early return to the Premier League fold.
“Good day at football today! In the gym again! Ankle feeling a lot better hope to be back playing soon,” he stated on the social networking site.
With the summer loss of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal midfield has looked bereft of it’s usual quality, and the return of Wilshere will be sure to be a big boost for the side.
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Wilshere is set to miss a number of further games as Arsene Wenger will not want to bring him back before he is ready, but Arsenal need the playmaker as they are languishing in 17th in the table after being beaten 4-3 by Blackburn on Saturday.
Since 2008 there has been a consensus that two players in world football stand alone from the rest of the bunch, battling it out on an annual basis to be crowned the unofficial ‘Best Player in the World’. Those two, are of course Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Officially too, the footballing world has recognised this. From 2008 to present, both players have won the FIFA World Player of the Year, Ballon d’Or, or the FIFA Ballon d’Or as both awards have now become known. A rivalry of sorts developed, and became even more intriguing since both players are now in direct opposition of each other, lining up for bitter club enemies Barcelona and Real Madrid, in Spain’s La Liga. But if you were the manager of a Premier League club and had the opportunity to sign just one of those players, who would you, choose?
Having either of these world greats in your Premier League team is the stuff of fantasy football – or Football Manager! Although they are the attacking fulcrum for their teams, both are distinctly different from one another, each having their own unique characteristics. The difference is even more apparent when you consider the personality traits of the two.
Many now consider Messi to stand alone as the world’s current best. He has won the FIFA and Ballon d’Or award, two years running. But does that mean he would automatically succeed in the infinitely more physical Premier League? Would he really be a better fit than Cristiano Ronaldo? We’ve all heard the (arrogant) jibes from the British media; ‘he may be great, but could the little Argentine do it on a cold Wednesday night at Stoke City?’ A figure of speech, inferring that many believe Messi couldn’t hack the physical nature of the Premier League, coupled with the bitter cold and boisterous atmosphere the stadiums produce. Up to now, it’s hypothetical. But this is one area to make a case for Cristiano Ronaldo – he has done it.
As a manager of a football team, gambling on player selection at one time or another is inevitable. So if presented with a ‘sure thing’ over the ‘unproven’, which would you choose? It sounds ridiculous to refer to Messi as ‘unproven’ but the point is valid – Ronaldo is proven in the Premier League and the Argentine isn’t.
After a slow start to his career with Manchester United many quickly dismissed him as just a ‘show pony’ – full of pointless tricks with no end product. Yet he grew into his massive potential, terrorising defences up and down the country, culminating in an amazing 2007-2008 season which saw him score 42-goals on-route to winning the League title and Champions League, before being crowned both World Player and Ballon d’Or winner.
Thunderous shooting, fantastic skill and lightening-footed, Ronaldo’s speed is a major attribute both with and without the ball. As a specimen he looks more of a fit to the Premier League. Taller, he is better in the air than the little Argentine, and physically appears stronger. Yet appearances can be deceiving. As many Premier League fans remember, the Portuguese was (and still is) keen to go down with the slightest of contact – then display a full act of histrionics and scowling. Messi on the other hand receives just as much contact, if not more rough treatment from the opposition, but diving isn’t a part of his game. If felled, more often than not he bounces up, keen to get on with play. No fuss, no drama, no petulance. Out of those two characteristics, which is the most Premier League-like?
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The major difference between the two however, is their egos. Ronaldo’ unquenchable thirst to be the worlds greatest has led to him to become an individual in a team game, where the matches are ‘his’ show. Shooting from all angles and distances when team-mates are better positioned, consistently demanding the ball then preferring to charge-off in favour of a more considered team-approach, and his overly-dramatic free-kick routine – that’s without mentioning his constant on (and off) field preening and petulance. It’s no wonder he’s been rumoured to hire an ‘image’ coach this season, in hope of changing his perceived public persona.
Messi, by vast contrast, is very much a team-player. However, with such unique and immense talent he stands out as the individual. Whilst he can seemingly dribble round an opponent at will, if a team-mate is in a better position, he will pass. His outrageous technique makes the ball appear glued to his foot, whilst his outstanding vision, calmness and finishing are almost second-to-none. A Maradona-like clone, at the age of just 24 he is already considered one of the greatest players ever.
So, who would you choose for your Premier League team? The man who’s already been there, seen it and done it? Or the man who is currently considered the best, and could quite possibly be regarded as, the greatest player of all-time?
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On Saturday, Germany Manager Joachim Loew visited London to watch Per Mertesacker, one of Low’s choices at centre back for the national team. He won’t have been impressed at the quality of the defending on show between Chelsea and Arsenal in their eight goal thriller. Perhaps ‘Jogi’ would have benefitted from staying to watch Saturday’s action in Germany.
No doubt Loew will hear good reports of Marco Reus’ performance against Hannover. His decision to call up Gladbach’s finest to the national team last month is looking increasingly vindicated. There has been little streaky about the form of the man whose hair resembles that of a skunk. He continues to flourish under Lucien Favre with free reign behind the lone striker. This caught out Mirko Slomka’s side (who are?) as Reus notched a double in a tight 2-1 success reigniting Monchengladbach’s Champions League bid after three outings without a victory.
Elsewhere, the national team coach could have probably predicted the outcome in Munich as Bayern bounced back imperiously from last week’s defeat in Hannover. Nuremberg were the latest team to be dominated, something which almost every visitor has to endure at the moment when coming to the Allianz Arena. It only took Mario Gomez 85 seconds to Bayern to open their account in this game and from then on, it was the usual procession.
Bayern’s nearest challengers prior to the weekend were Borussia Dortmund. Their manager, Jurgen Klopp was born in Stuttgart but there was no happy return for the Dortmund boss. Borussia could not overcome Stuttgart at the Mercedes-Benz Arena as they drew 1-1 in a well contested game. This meant they dropped to third with Schalke overcoming Hoffenheim 3-1 with Werder Bremen staying in touch with an away victory at Mainz.
If Loew was searching for entertainment then he would have been well advised to visit Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon. Hertha Berlin came to town and produced a clinical performance winning 3-2 in an exciting match. Markus Babbel’s team’s determination ultimately shone through and Felix Magath must be wondering what he has to do in order to ignite his second managerial reign at Wolfsburg.
Loew still managed to get his fill of Bundesliga before he left for London as he ventured to South West Germany on Friday night. Last year’s runners up Bayer Leverkusen travelled to bottom club Freiburg where he saw his former captain Michael Ballack inflict further pain.
Nevertheless, how impressed Joachim Loew will have been with Mertesacker in a match where his side conceded three is questionable. Judging what he saw on Saturday and the action he missed, the 51-year-old coach would have been better off staying put in the Bundesliga last weekend.
Matchday 11 Results:
Freiburg 0-1 Leverkusen
Bayern Munich 4-0 Nuremberg
Schalke 3-1 Hoffenheim
Stuttgart 1-1 Dortmund
Wolfsburg 2-3 Hertha Berlin
Gladbach 2-1 Hannover
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Manchester City defender Micah Richards has admitted that he is devastated at exclusion from the latest England squad, but has pledged to continue to do well at club level to show Fabio Capello his worth.
The Italian coach has largely ignored Richards during his tenure, and seemingly prefers Glen Johnson, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling at right back over the Etihad Stadium man.
Despite the snub, Richards intends to train hard and try to force himself into Capello’s Euro 2012 plans.
“Jones and Smalling have been doing well for Manchester United; if the manager wants to give them a chance it is up to him, there is no point in me moaning about it,” he told Mirror Football.
“I know what I’ve got to do – keep working hard – and that’s what I’ll do.”
Richards’ omission seems odd given his personal form and that of his club, but the defender has pledged to answer Capello’s call should it come.
“I must be doing something right. In seasons gone by I have not been playing my best. Now I’ve started off well and we are top of the league.
“As I’ve said before, it’s up to Capello. If he wants to give me a shout I am always there.
“I have improved, twice, three times since the first time I played for England. I’ve still not been given a start under this England manager, so I’ve not been able to show what I can do.
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“I know my form has to be right for City before he can pick me, but if he gives me my chance I am sure I can take it with both hands, just like I did before,” he concluded.
Steve Kean has stated that he will meet with disgruntled Blackburn Rovers fans in the near future, and has also admitted he has a list of players that he would like to bring to Ewood Park in January.
A 3-1 defeat to Stoke at the weekend saw the Lancashire club slip to the bottom of the Premier League, and the team’s fans are frustrated and worried about the side’s form.
A section of the club’s faithful have petitioned to have the Scottish coach removed from his post, and were further incensed when the manager was handed a new contract last week.
Kean understands the supporters’ concerns, and is willing to meet them to discuss the best way forward for the struggling club.
“I will always take direction from other people at the club more qualified than me to organise something like that,” the 44-year-old told Sky Sports.
“But if it is going to happen, then I would be available to do that. Possibly they might want access and want to know a little bit more about what is going on at Ewood.
“I think there has been a lot of suggestion that they would like to know a little bit more about the organisation and the running of the club.
“That is not my department, but I’m happy to talk on the football side,” he stated.
Rovers are in need of January reinforcements, and Kean has admitted that he has a wish-list of players that he will show to owners Venkys ahead of the transfer window.
“We’ve got a list and I will get a meeting with the owners in the next three or four days.
“Hopefully we will be bringing in fresh faces and some quality in the window to complement what we have already got,” he concluded.
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Blackburn take on Cardiff in the Carling Cup quarter finals on Tuesday night.
Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has stated that Thierry Henry’s decision to return to the North London club is a brave decision, as he puts his reputation in England on the line.
The New York Red Bulls’ attacker has re-joined Arsene Wenger’s men on a two-month loan whilst the MLS season is on a break, to the delight of Gunners’ fans.
The Netherlands international feels Henry’s decision to return to the Emirates Stadium is a brave one, which may put the 34-year-old’s legendary status on the line.
“He got a statue here last month and he has proved everything to us. For him to come back is so brave. I really like that,” he told Mirror Football.
“He loves the game which is why he wants to come back. That tells you everything, how he is in terms of what type of human he is and what type of player.
“He wants to help us out. He wants to help the club he loves. Only positives.
“He has nothing to prove. He has a statue here – only a couple of players have that. He broke every single record at Arsenal – he won everything at Arsenal.
“Some people might question: ‘why do you do it? You have proved everything already?’
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“But there is only one answer. That is because he loves the game so much, that he just wants to play,” Van Persie stated.
Relax, the crisis is over, for now. Manchester City won a football game, and everything’s now ok, until they next fail to win a game, and then the vultures will circle once more. There will be talk of the manager moaning, of him cracking up on the touchline, manically waving imaginary yellow cards around, greying by the day, inching closer and closer to his own Kevin Keegan moment when he will stare wild-eyed into the camera as a terrified Geoff Shreeves looks on in the background, ranting “Is football, we played well, but is difficult, is long season, is red card, is need for players, and I tell you what, I would amore eet, amore eet, to get more players.”
Leading up to the Wigan game, the press told us City were in a slump, going through a rocky spell, the season was threatening to unwind. One goal later, and the form table for the last six league games shows the top team, with 13 points, to be – Manchester City. They are three points clear at the top of the table (the gap has never been greater than five), are still in the Carling Cup (though with a tough task ahead), so the crisis basically amounted to exiting the FA Cup having played 80 minutes with 10 men. Is football.
As Joleon Lescott commented only yesterday:”It has been funny, None of the boys thought we were cracking or something was going wrong. Then suddenly a big thing is made of it in the media. It was crazy. We sat there and thought: ‘Wow, we must have arrived’. People were saying we weren’t going to win the league and we are thinking: ‘Hold on a minute, we have lost two cup games’. I don’t think we are doing too badly.”
Now the press can concentrate on Arsenal instead. Perhaps Darlington fans should stop moaning – after all, Arsenal’s situation is far worse if some of what I have read recently is to be believed.
But there always has to be a “big” club in crisis – it’s pathetic, and unnecessary, but it seems an integral part of the footballing world. Arsenal are already in their second crisis of the season, Liverpool have had a few, City stagger from one crisis to another, and Manchester United and Chelsea have had a fair few too. And it only seems to be big teams too – a crisis seems to equate to not winning all your games and being in dange rof missing out on the cash-cow that is the Champions League.
City could still win a treble this season. They probably won’t, but the fact is it’s possible. But lose on Sunday to Spurs and they will be back in the mire despite being assured of top spot as their two closest challengers head into a tough spell of fixtures. As for Alex Ferguson, he’s been reported as coming to the end of his reign for a decade now, the United team written off more times than you could mention. Crisis after crisis, but they struggle on. Such troopers.
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It’s been said by me before, but it’s all a result of the exhaustive coverage the sport now gets, the need not only to report news but create news too. To exaggerate, to speculate, to sensationalise. And there’s clearly a market for it. Coverage is everywhere, 24 hours a day, on the television, online, even lonely men in their bedrooms can write endlessly on the topic (oh, hang on…). There’s not enough to talk about, so let’s make mountains out of molehills, and create a storm.
And then there’s the pressure on teams and managers, the lack of time to get results, to build a club up slowly. Instant results are demanded by fans, the media, and by impatient fans. No wonder a bad result is painted as a low ebb in the club’s history, the manager was a disgrace, the left-back isn’t good enough, change is needed, the club’s a laughing stock.
A crisis is the real possibility of the club you support and your father and grandfather supported going out of business, out of existence. Crisis is your team’s players not being paid, the administrators being called in, relegation, point deductions, a future with no hope. A big team having a bad month is not a crisis. They can change the manager, spend some more of the Premiership millions and try again. Or they can have a disappointing season and try again the following year. But as Darlington head towards oblivion, Talksport is dedicating a phone-in to Roberto Mancini’s actions on the touchline, and the world of football has officially got its priorities all wrong.
It’s part of how those who cover our beautiful game see everything along two distinctive lines. Everything is black and white, either brilliant or terrible. Players are world class or rubbish. There’s no such thing as an average run of results, you’re either doing well or in crisis. No one cares about the real crises though – the really big problems that are affecting clubs, players or managers. The Premiership is king, and two defeats on the bounce in the “EPL” is akin to anything Wimbledon fans had to endure.
So just remember, the next time your team has a defensive crisis, or a striker crisis, or a mascot crisis, a catering crisis, or the board are having crisis talks, or your club as a whole is in crisis – just keep calm and trust your manager. Give it a week and they’ll be challenging for the title.
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Six days ago Liverpool supporters were celebrating after watching their side triumph over Cardiff City in an enthralling Carling Cup final and pick up their first piece of silverware in six-years.
Kenny Dalglish’s Anfield project fully kicked into gear after penalties victory last week but that all came crashing down to earth on Saturday as their hopes of Champions League football took a huge hit. A home defeat at the hands of fourth placed Arsenal left them 10 points behind adrift of the Gunners. Despite their cup win ensuring Europa League football next season Dalglish was keen to lead the Reds into battle with Europe’s elite teams but that dream is all but dashed.
This week on FFC discussion has surrounded whether Liverpool’s Carling Cup win can propel them onto better things and Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita admits he’d be open to moving to Merseyside.
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Best of FFC
Liverpool’s transfer priority this summer?
Reasons for optimism at Liverpool?
Mixed bag of results has become a recurring theme at Anfield
Barca ace talks up Liverpool move
Transfers would provide a real statement of intent for Liverpool
Simply the catalyst Liverpool needed?
Let me not go to Anfield in peace! – ‘The Football Coffee Break Episode 5′
Caption Competition: Family love on show at Wembley
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Best of WEB
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1 win in 7 games, 4th place gone…but it’s okay we won the Carling Cup – Liverpool Kop
Captain fantastic or selfish scouser? – Live4Liverpool
Dirk Kuyt – Working Class Hero – This is Anfield
Cup Success: Cheers and Caveats – The Tomkins Times
Is Carragher finished? Try telling him that – Live4Liverpool
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Quote of the week
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“Every member of the squad has contributed to this and worked really hard to get here. Now we need to see if we can kick on from here. I think this will inspire the players. I don’t think anyone has ever won a trophy at Wembley, the Millennium [Stadium] or Europe and not come away without enjoying it. It must give you a taste for more. That doesn’t mean to say it’s going to happen but it can have an impact.” Kenny Dalglish following Liverpool’s Carling Cup triumph
The world of football has perhaps the shortest of memories. New players seem to come and go every season, having either struggled to live up to expectations, found themselves unable to settle or simply moved on to bigger and better things.
Quite often these ‘stars’ fail to live up to the glories of their early careers, slumping down the league system or moving to far-flung areas of the globe in search of that final football fix. Hype, injuries and unfair expectations have claimed a fair few victims down the years, damaging the potential of a lot of players.
This list looks through some of the men who have graced the Premier League, before quietly slipping out of the back door and onto the footballing scrapheap. There will almost certainly be a few names that spring to mind, but here’s a list of ten, who have become forgotten men.
Click on Michael Bridges to unveil the top 10 forgotten Premier League players
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A goal in injury time rescued a point for Tottenham, as they drew with Stoke 1-1 at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night.
Cameron Jerome had put the Potters into the lead after 75 minutes, and with the clock ticking down it looked like it would be four defeats in a row for Harry Redknapp’s men.
However a last-gasp Rafael van der Vaart strike ensured that spoils were shared.
Redknapp was pleased to get a draw considering the circumstances, and admitted that it is difficult to pinpoint just why his side have lost their way slightly.
“Stoke are never an easy team to beat,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“They were solid and you know I said before the game, we had to be careful from set-plays and we got punished from a set-play.
“I really couldn’t see us scoring because we huffed and puffed and hit the bar with Gareth (Bale), but I was thankful in the end with that goal.
“I mean, we all want three points at home but maybe a point will be important at the end of the day but we just seemed to have lost our way a bit.
“We’re not playing with quite the same fluency that we were a few weeks ago. It’s difficult to put your finger on it really but we just don’t seem to be shifting the ball around like we did.
“One or two of us look a little bit off the pace, a little bit jaded but you know we go to Chelsea on Saturday for a big game, so we have to pick ourselves up again and we have to go there and try and get a result.
“They’ve got to be more patient. They get carried away with the crowd at times and started playing from back to front to quick. We’re a footballing team that plays and people have got to be patient. They can’t worry about the crowd being inpatient because we had lots of passes.
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“You can’t lump the ball forward against Stoke because they have two centre-halves who are good in the air. We had to just be patient. With 30 minutes to go, we just panicked a bit and started playing too quick,” he concluded.
Spurs drop to fourth place due to Arsenal’s win, and with the gap between them and Chelsea five points, the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday becomes all the more important.