All posts by h79snht.top

The internet’s all abuzz with hyperbole and hype concerning the performance of one of Arsenal ’s recent signings. Anybody who doubted the credentials of a certain Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will surely be forced to change their tune upon viewing his performance for the England U21’s against Israel.

England were trailing by a goal to nil at half-time, before Stuart Pearce introduced the 17-year-old into the proceedings. It’s fair to say that he changed the game, chalking up 3 assists and winning a penalty as the Three Lions went on to win the game 4-1. To have such a positive effect on a game at such a young age will no doubt have pundits sitting up and taking note.

We’ve heard tale of his wonderful performances in a Southampton shirt, but this could well go down as the game where he announced himself on a ‘grander’ stage.

What’s impressive about Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t just his absurd, matchless pace, but also his decision making process. Whilst Theo Walcott is still subjected to claims that he has no ‘footballing brain’ and that all too often he makes the wrong decision, Oxlade-Chamberlain has demonstrated on numerous occasions, that he’s an extremely effective player.

He seems to have a natural ability to cross the ball (see his first assist from the England-Israel game) and this in combination with his pace, will surely be an asset for the Gunners over the coming seasons. But is he ready to make the step-up into the first team just yet?

[ad_pod id=’vip-2′ align=’right’]

One thing’s clear: Arsenal have lacked a player who can deliver a decent cross for quite some time. Walcott’s crossing is much too sporadic, Arshavin doesn’t float too many balls into the area and the Arsenal full-backs aren’t much better (except, perhaps Bacary Sagna). The likes of Robin Van Persie and Marouane Chamakh could no doubt benefit from Oxlade-Chamberlain’s deliveries.

The reverse of this argument is that Arsenal don’t really cross, because the strikers at the club aren’t renowned for their aerial prowess. The Gunners aren’t a team that score too many headers outside of set-pieces. I’d argue that this is something that they should be looking to add to their game. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability in this regard is something that should be encourage and utilised, not neglected.

For the time being, I’m sure we’ll mostly be seeing Alex ply his trade for Arsenal in the Carling Cup and perhaps in the early rounds of the FA Cup. This could well be a good occasion for the Gunners to attempt a different style of game play. Would it be so bad to see players bust a gut to get into the box as Oxlade-Chamberlain whips in a cross? This could well be the ‘Plan B’ that every pundit and his dog claims the Gunners lack.

Read more of Harry Cloke’s articles at This is Futbol

[divider]

Fancy a Premier League Box Experience? Click on banner below to find out more

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[divider]

Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt has stated that he is not happy on the bench, as manager Kenny Dalglish has preferred other players in his starting XI in recent fixtures.

The Netherlands international has been an important man for the Anfield club since signing from Feyenoord in 2006, but has only started four out of the eight Liverpool games this season.

With the forward used to playing, he has aired his frustration at having to spend half his time on the sidelines.

“I’m disappointed to be out of the team,” he told The Daily Mail.

“From childhood, I’ve always been disappointed when I’m not in the team because I’m desperate to be involved and make a good contribution.

“But it also makes me very determined too. I need to continue to prove myself, train as hard as possible and, when I do play, make sure my performance is of a high standard,” he stated.

Despite wanting to play, Kuyt admits that a more competitive squad can only be good for the Merseyside team.

“Competition is tough now but it’s brilliant for the club that there are so many players to choose from now, top-class international players.

“The players realise at the end of the day you need more than 11 good players to be successful,” he concluded.

Liverpool travel to Goodison Park for the Merseyside derby on Saturday, with Kuyt hoping to play his part in an away win.

[divider]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Fancy VIP tickets to the Merseyside derby in style this Saturday – click on banner to find out more

[divider]

Rumours are spreading once again this week that Manchester United are reviving their interest in Juventus’ winger Miloš Krasić. Given that the Salford-based club have a habit of signing a replacement player a year or two before the incumbent in that position departs – think Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, Wayne Rooney replacing Ruud van Nistelrooy, and now Phil Jones taking over from Rio Ferdinand – should we be reading into these rumours that Krasić is the answer for the Ryan Giggs conundrum?

Allow us for a second to assume that the rumours are genuine. Allow us also to point out that Krasić would not be a direct replacement for the veteran Welshman – he is, after all, right-footed. But there are several comparisons between the two. Both are inventive playmakers who are equally comfortable operating in the middle of the park or hugging the touchline; while Giggs has moved inside primarily to make room for the likes of Nani and Ashley Young on the left, Krasić has grown up occupying both roles.

Both men are prodigiously talented in the fine art of delivering the killer pass. In his first season at the resurrected Juventus last year, Krasić was a near-constant in the first team and delivered numerous assists from the very start of his time with the club. At 38, Giggs is still one of the most revered passers in the Premier League and Manchester United will once again turn to him this season when they are in need of a moment of magic.

What might appeal to Sir Alex Ferguson the most, though, is Krasić’s record as a winner. The Serbian has proven throughout the course of his career that he can contribute to a successful side. In a six-year spell at Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow, Krasić was part of a team that won nine domestic titles (including back-to-back league crowns) and the 2005 UEFA Cup. In 2009, he succeeded one Nemanja Vidic as Serbian Footballer of the Year.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Ferguson will doubtless understand that, with Giggs surely reaching the latter part of the autumn of his career, and Paul Scholes having retired in the summer, the time is right to find a new midfield talisman. At 26, Krasic is somewhat older than most of the players Manchester United have signed in recent transfer dealings, but he comes with a proven track record, six years’ experience playing in one of the most physical leagues outside the UK, and as an established international.

Krasić’s ability to provide a replacement for Giggs would somewhat depend on where he slots into the side. Ferguson’s gradual but seemingly inevitable switch to a 4-5-1 presents three positions Krasić could fill, in central midfield, on the right wing or behind the striker (although United tend to favour fielding a second centre-forward in that position).

With the already enviable array of attacking talent on show at Old Trafford, a role in central midfield would allow Krasić to spray passes in all directions for the likes of Nani, Young and Antonio Valencia to chase after; playing him on the right would mean more headed opportunities for Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney. Either way, we all know Ferguson would relish the challenge of finding room for another creative mastermind in a midfield already bulging with ideas.

[divider]

Fancy watching United at Goodison Park in a box – click on the banner below

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has admitted that he is ready to fight for a place in Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting XI, amid increased competition for places in the Premier League champions’ forward line.

The Mexico international had an impressive maiden season in England last term, exceeding expectations to become a mainstay in the Old Trafford outfit’s frontline.

However with the emergence of Danny Welbeck, and Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen also in contention for a place alongside Wayne Rooney, Chicharito knows he will have to be at his best to play.

“It’s not a problem,” the 23-year-old told Inside Inside.

“I’ve come to learn that there will always be competition, at any club. You look around on the training pitch and there are almost 30 players, but only 11 can start a game. So it’s tough.

“You’ll always have disappointments. It helps you improve, though. On the training ground everybody wants to do their best, they want to prove what they can do and earn a spot in the team,” he stated.

Despite having a frustrating start to this campaign through injury, Hernandez is happy to be playing for United.

“It’s unbelievable,” he continued.

“In some ways I’m still getting used to wearing this shirt and being around these incredible players, seeing my name on a Manchester United teamsheet… it’s amazing.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Some days I wake up and I just can’t believe it. I’m living in this great country, playing for the best club in the world in the best league in the world. I’m so thankful for that,” the South American finished.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’writer-1′ align=’right’]

Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas has denied charges of improper conduct handed down by the FA in relation to comments made after defeat to QPR a fortnight ago.

The Portuguese coach was incensed by referee Chris Foy during the 1-0 defeat, as the official sent off both Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba, and awarded the home side a penalty.

“The ref was poor, very very poor. And it reflected in the result. I spoke to him at the end and I was very aggressive to him. I don’t care if he’s OK or not,” Villas Boas said as part of his post-match interview at the time.

The FA investigated the ex-Porto trainer’s comments, and deemed them to be fitting of improper conduct, with the charges handed down earlier this week.

However, the Stamford Bridge club have rebuffed the charges, with Villas Boas making a retort to the governing body.

“With regards to the FA charge against Andre Villas-Boas for remarks he made after the QPR game, the manager is denying the charge against him and has submitted his response to the Football Association,” a statement from Chelsea reads.

The game was shrouded in controversy, as John Terry was accused of making racist comments aimed at Anton Ferdinand in the same fixture.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’writer-1′ align=’right’]

After their somewhat lacking start to the season and the simply awful game at Old Trafford, people were questioning both Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, asking if it was time for the Frenchman to move on, and just how much could they actually accomplish this season – in short, times were not happy at the Emirates, and even certain sectors of the fans were voicing dissenting opinions.

Any realistic person would have known that following the departures of Cesc Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy, Arsenal would have struggled initially, having to come to terms with the loss of three very influential players – none more so than skipper Fabregas, who was the creative heart of their side, yet the patience vastly evaporated from supporters, with all kinds of negativity both in the media and stands, and following the humiliation against United, Wenger entered the transfer market in what was perceived as a flurry of panic – something the carefully spending manager had never done before.

In came Arteta, Mertersacker, Santos and Benayoun, and Wenger came out with the usual spiel of how the season was not over, and Arsenal still had plenty to offer. As it turns out, this seems to be the case, with Arsenal going strong in Europe and also making a comeback in the Premier League, with a top four spot looking more than a feasible achievement – especially when you look at the form of Chelsea and wonder if Newcastle can really last the whole season in the top four.

[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]

Now, of course, the dissenting voices have faded away, yet did they really have anything to complain about at all?

Only Arteta out of the new signings has made any kind of significant impact, with Mertersacker in particular struggling with the nature of the Premier League, and whilst both Santos and Mertersacker look like players with potential, only the former Everton midfielder has had an immediate effect, so really did Arsenal have it in them all along?

The simple answer to this question is obviously yes – all teams go through bad patches, and it was unfortunate that Arsenal’s came at the start of the season – but there is plenty of time for their season to be turned around, and they are well on the way to doing that.

It is the all too familiar story of fans and media jumping on the negative bandwagon after a couple of bad results – Chelsea are the latest club to go through this, and after a couple of poor results – should they get them – City will also have to deal with this. It is very easy to forget that the season is 38 games, not 3, and a great start does not mean trophies, nor does a few defeats signify doom. Arsenal fans are realising this, prehaps they should pass it across London to Chelsea fans!

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[divider]

The FREE football app that pays you CASH

[ad_pod id=’qs-2′ align=’left’]

According to various sources, Liverpool’s Director of Football Damien Comolli has been keeping tabs on German International Lukas Podolski who is viewed by many as an adept replacement for Luis Suarez whilst he plays out an 8-game ban.

This transfer rumour essentially assumes two things: Suarez’s appeal will fail and Kenny Dalglish has no faith in his misfiring striker Andy Carroll . There’s no doubt that Podolski is a talented forward and a natural goal-scorer, but it’s worth considering whether this would be a good move for Liverpool.

Firstly, we should note that Carroll’s Liverpool career hasn’t been a great success. His impact has been negligible and he has struggled for both confidence and goals. Of course, there’s every chance that he’ll leap on the opportunity created by Suarez’s absence, recover his form and start banging in goals, but on present evidence Liverpool fans won’t be full of confidence.

Then there’s Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy who have impressed sporadically this season, but are perhaps more effective when they’re played out on the wings. One thing Liverpool are desperately lacking at the moment is goals. I wouldn’t be surprised, therefore, if Dalglish felt the need to bring in some forward reinforcement this January.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

In contrast to Liverpool’s strikeforce, Lukas Podolski has enjoyed a fabulous couple of years in the Bundesliga. This season in particular has seen him grab an impressive (and Robin Van Persie-esque) 14 goals in 15 games for Cologne. It’s thought that the Polish born German International would be willing to make a move to the Premier League as despite his efforts his side are currently languishing in 10th place in the German League.

If Liverpool’s interest is genuine, they may well find themselves in competition with Arsenal, who are also desperate to bring in a world class striker.

But will Liverpool be willing to match FC Koln ’s £16.6m evaluation of their player? Liverpool’s owners have already dished out £100m on new signings and arrived at the club with a promise to cut out ‘wasteful spending’. Will they be willing to spend big money on a player who may not be necessary once Luis Suarez returns from his 8-game ban?

Even with his quality, it’s worth considering that Liverpool spent £35m on Andy Carroll only a year ago. Shouldn’t they be trying to get the most of their faltering star? During his time at Newcastle he proved he can get goals and if the club could help him recover his form they wouldn’t have to look to the transfer market and another big money signing.

At the very most Liverpool should look to secure a striker in a loan deal, so that the players they already have don’t get squeezed out over the course of the season. But for now, it doesn’t seem necessary to me that the club pursues Lukas Podolski.

But what’s your take? Would Podolski be a good signing for Liverpool?

Article courtesy of Harry Cloke from This is Futbol

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[divider]

 FREE football app that pays you CASH

[ad_pod id=’qs-2′ align=’left’]

An enquiry into the death of former Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed has heard that his death may well have been accidental, but that days before he had sent a text message to his wife mentioning suicide.

The ex-Wales manager was found dead in the garage of his home on November 27th, in a tragic and shocking incident that has rocked the game in Britain.

Speed’s widow Louise was present at the enquiry at Warrington Town Hall in Cheshire, as coroner Nicholas Rheinberg delved deeper into the death.

“The evidence does not sufficiently determine whether this was intentional or accidental,” the medical man stated.

Mrs Speed told the enquiry that they had exchanged angry words on the night before his demise, and that her husband had ‘talked in terms of taking his life’ in a text message just days before.

Mrs Speed also stated that the stress of become the Welsh national manager had taken it’s toll on the couples relationship, with additional responsibilities and commitments forcing the coach to spend less time with his family.

Former Newcastle team-mate Alan Shearer also wrote a letter that was heard by the enquiry, and admitted his sheer surprise at the news of Speed’s death.

“Gary didn’t appear worried about anything. Gary seemed to be enjoying his job as Wales manager and coped with the pressure well,” Shearer stated.

“He knew what it was like beforehand and some part of him liked to work under pressure. When I left the studio on that Saturday I expected to hear from him on the Monday.

“On Sunday I got the phone call telling me Gary had died. I didn’t believe it. I was shocked. Gary is probably one of the last people out of my million friends to ever do that.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I had only seen him the day before and he seemed fine, we had plans for the following week too. It just didn’t and still doesn’t make sense to me,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

It was Monday 6th February; a deeply depressing day for one Emmanuel Frimpong. The first glimpse of the bad news was first realised by his loyal Twitter following who saw via his BlackBerry device that his season had been cruelly ended with immediate effect by injury.

“Bad News is that I’m out for 6-9months with my Knee Gd News is that I will therefore have all the time in my hands to be doin #frimmyfacts”

Indeed, although football fans everywhere will be inundated with further editions of #frimmyfacts over the coming months, the 20-year-olds on field presence will be truly missed by both Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

If anything, Frimpong will have too much spare time on his hands now to groom his Twitter following, after suffering a recurrence of the anterior cruciate ligament injury which has this time transpired in his right knee.

Following Frimpong’s nine month lay-off in 2010 where the injury hampered his left knee, should Arsenal fans be concerned over their latest talented youngsters long-term fitness?

Well, he may be the joker of the Arsenal and since Wolves dressing rooms, but Emmanuel Frimpong’s latest injury setback is no laughing matter. The midfielder missed the entire 2010/11 season after receiving the injury in the early stages of the campaign. Indeed, we may have all been made aware of Frimpong’s powerful style a season sooner, had the injury not occurred.

It is a massive shame for all connected with Arsenal and Wolves whereby he impressed making Mick McCarthy’s starting line-up in all five of the Premier League games since he agreed to join on the very last day of 2011.

Much similar to Jack Wilshere’s loan move to Bolton in January 2010, Arsene Wenger was hoping that valuable Premier League experience would prove pivotal in the early stages of Frimpong’s career also.

Current first-choice holding midfielder Alex Song too achieved success via the route of signing on loan for a struggling Premier League outfit when he joined Charlton in 2007.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

It seemed apparent that Frimpong was just the latest Gunners youngster to sample Arsene Wenger’s tried and tested loan passage through to the Arsenal first team reckoning.

The Arsenal Official Website read that

‘Emmanuel will see specialists in London over the next few days before having surgery and starting a programme of rehabilitation’.

In the long-term, Arsenal fans might be worried that Frimpong won’t be able to shake his injury nightmare away much like the metatarsal fractures that have reared their ugly ahead upon Wayne Rooney over the years.

Frimpong has forged a reputation as a strong athlete who doesn’t shy away from the physical side of the game. Indeed, he received a red card on his full Arsenal debut in the home defeat to Liverpool earlier this season.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Being a defensive minded midfielder and a #DENCH strong athlete of sorts, Frimpong wholehearted approach will mean he will always be susceptible to picking up knocks and Arsenal fans will wait and wonder as to whether his long-term career will be blighted by injuries, or whether these are just unfortunate incidences at the start of a fulfilling career.

Arsenal fans everywhere will wish both Frimpong and the also sidelined Wilshere the speediest of recoveries as the club maintains their push for a place in the Premier League’s top four.

Follow me @http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

[ffcvideo file=”coffebreak2″ type=”mp4″ image_type=”jpg”]

5. Samuel Inkoom

Samuel Inkoom is one of the most promising full backs to come out of Africa and is currently plying his trade in Ukraine for Dnipro, having started his career at FC Basel.

The Ghanaian international is your old school type of full back, who knows how get stuck in and is very calm on the ball. Inkoom was recently linked with a move to Liverpool and although the move may  not materialise, be sure to keep an eye out for him in the near future.

[youtube FWRxRZVku2I]

4. André Ayew

The 21 year old is a 1st team regular for his club Marseille and country Ghana. The son of Ghanaian Legend Abedi Pele, Ayew was recently voted African player of the year so there is no doubt that Andre is one for the future.

With 52 league appearances for the French outfit and 17 goals to his name, the young left winger is making a real name for himself. Ayew’s versatility and creativity on the ball would make him a handful for any Premier League full back. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move to England within the coming years.

[youtube sgADHrXeQ94]

3. Ahmed Musa

At only 19 years of age the young Nigerian is playing for one of the best teams in Russia, CSKA Moscow, and is known for his small stature and lightening  pace.

Musa has already represented his country as a substitute  for  John Obi Mikel against Kenya in which he scored. Still a raw talent, Ahmed has bags of potential and worries the opposition with his quick feet and trickery on the ball.

Musa probably isn’t ready for the Premier League just yet, but with a little more experience and the right managerial guidance he can make the step up soon.

[youtube DLYS8AgqTLs]

2. Knowledge Musona – The 21 year old from Zimbabwe currently plies his trade in the Bundesliga. After a successful spell with South African giants the Kaizer Chiefs, where he won the golden boot, he earned a move to Hoffenheim in Germany’s top tier. As you can see from the video he has a real eye for the goal and few would bet against him following in the footsteps of Demba Ba, who plotted his move from the German side to the Premier League.

[youtube GYRQmVUo1Uk]

1. Joel Obi

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Joel Obi is one of the hottest young talents to come out of Inter Milan in years.

Extremely versatile, Obi has the ability to operate in central midfield or either flank and has already started to make an impression at the San Siro in the past two seasons. Obi is as strong as an ox, but has quick feet that enables him to get away from the opposition with relative ease. Obi has all the physical attributes for the Premier League, but whether Inter will allow him to move on remains an entire different question altogether.

[youtube 6–TgRk7jOw]

Follow me @Rantisamz

[ffcvideo file=”tfcbtitle3″ type=”mp4″ image_type=”jpg”]