Nicklas Bendtner looks set to leave Arsenal in the near future, with AC Milan and Galatasaray fighting it out for the player’s signature according to The Daily Mail.
The burly forward spent last season on loan at Sunderland after it became apparent that he was not part of Arsene Wenger’s plans, but the Black Cats have opted not to make the attacker’s move to the Stadium of Light permanent.
After an impressive showing for Denmark at Euro 2012 Bendtner has seen his options increase, with a number of European clubs now considering an approach for him.
A fee of around £7.5 million is expected to be commanded by the Gunners, with AC Milan and Galatasaray the main sides in contention for his signature.
The Rossoneri are in dire need of a new striker after offloading Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain, and are said to be ready to sign Bendtner at a discounted price.
The Turks are back in Champions League football for next term and as such are keen to bolster their firepower.
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There is a long-established myth that to succeed and be influential in the Premier League you need to be physically big and strong. However, the arrival and success of smaller players like Luka Modric, Jack Wilshere and David Silva is quickly dispelling this notion.
We often hear about young English players who never made it in the game because they were too small, and the argument and debate over the size of players is often brought up whenever a player who is slighter in stature – for example, Luka Modric – moves to England. There is often talk about whether they will be able to cut it in the English game and cope with the rough, competitive nature of the Premier League.
The Premier League is physical in nature, and it isn’t something that everyone can adapt to, but many players who are slight in stature (Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Lucas Leiva) have shown that you can be influential as a smaller figure in the English game. Smaller players often succeed because they have the technical skills necessary to be influential in the Premier League. They often have exceptional touch, awareness and desire which more than makes up for any lacking physical attributes. Players like Tim Cahill often break the stereotype surrounding size in the English game. Cahill is a very aggressive player and a great header of the ball despite his stature, banishing the thought that you have to be big and imposing to succeed in this league. The Premier League is a rough, competitive league – more so than many across the continent – but it appears that size doesn’t matter so much nowadays, and it is other attributes like attitude, skill, and fitness that will ultimately determine a players success in the top flight.
English football recruitment has always been largely based around physical ability and size, recruiting kids who are the biggest and strongest, at the expense of smaller but more technically gifted players. It is difficult to say whether this form of discrimination has lessened in the recruitment of young players, but the lack of small, technically gifted English players suggests that it hasn’t.
The English game needs to take a look at the rest of the world and the success of smaller figures on the continent. The Barcelona and Spain squads are both filled with technically gifted players who aren’t exactly giants. It seems that size is certainly less of an issue in terms of youth recruitment in Spain than it is in England and their successes on the field must in some ways be attributed to their youth development system.
Barcelona and Spain do also have some bigger stronger players, and this mix or blend of the two opposites appears to be a vital mix for a successful team. There is always a suggestion that teams like Arsenal-who have several smaller players-need beefing up in the middle and that they lack the stong physical presence required to be successful in this league. Perhaps this illustrates that it is key to have the best of both worlds in order to have a successful side in the English game.
It has been always been thought a necessity to possess taller, bigger, stronger players to succeed in the Premier League, but that is gradually changing. There is often a debate about whether Lionel Messi would have the same effect if he were to play in England, but judging by the success of other players of similar stature – Tevez, Wilshere, Aguero – if you are good enough, then you are big enough.
There is no doubt that the pace and competitiveness of football today requires increased athleticism and a strong physical presence in your side, but there is plenty of room for the smaller player in the Premier League. It seems that the key is in how you utilize size, with smaller players possessing exceptional speed, vision and intelligence on and off the ball, which can be just as key as any physical advantages. Size clearly has some advantages, but other qualities still persist resolutely in the game, and there is certainly a place for the smaller player in the Premier League.
Does size still matter in the Premier League? Let me know your thoughts below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter for more comment and debate.
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As Liverpool made Luis Suarez their record signing (for a few hours anyway) in the January window, there will be sceptics that claim the Reds could be in danger of a massive let down.
The Dutch Eredivisie has built up a reputation over the past seasons of a league that is a little deceiving to say the least. Many forwards have lit-up Holland with outstanding goal scoring records but then failed to deliver when they’ve moved to one of Europe’s bigger divisions.
To give Liverpool fans a bit of perspective, here are five players who scored for fun and then, well, didn’t…
Mateja Kezman
Signed by Chelsea for £5.8m back in 2004, Kezman boasted an amazing 105 goals in 122 games for PSV Eindhoven. However, with only 14 starts to his name, the Serb was booted out of Stamford Bridge. Currently playing for South China would you believe…
Afonso Alves
In 2006/07, Alves scored a mightily impressive 34 goals in 31 Eredivisie games for Heerenveen. In October 2007, the Brazilian scored seven goals in one game, a league record. After being capped by his country, Gareth Southgate landed the £12.7m forward. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and Alves is now playing for Al Rayyan in Qatar.
Dirk Kuyt
Many will suggest this one’s harsh but people must remember Liverpool purchased Kuyt under the impression he was not only a provider of goals but a scorer of many too. Kuyt scored 29 goals in 2004/05 for Feyenoord and then 25 in 2005/06. The Dutchman is now regarded as a right-midfielder.
Klass Jan Huntelaar
With 33 league goals in 2005/06 (for Heerenveen and then Ajax post-January), Huntelaar was another who scored plenty in Holland. The goals kept flowing for Ajax until 2009 when the striker made a move to Real Madrid. Things didn’t work out, neither did they in Milan. Now with German side Schalke.
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Saloman Kalou
While Kalou hasn’t done badly at Chelsea, it’s fair to say he hasn’t excelled either. At Feyenoord, the Ivory Coast international notched 35 goals in 67 appearances – establishing himself as a predator in front of goal. Nowadays, Kalou is more of a wide player and on the fringes of first XI.
Article courtesy of Matt Wood at the excellent NEW blog Clean Sheets All Round
Robin van Persie has not travelled with Arsenal on their pre-season tour, as the club admitted that they have turned down three offers for their Dutch striker. Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that Manchester United are one of those club’s who have made an opening offer, believed to be around £15m, but they are falling well short of the Gunners’ valuation.
Elsewhere in the news Oscar confirms that he hasn’t signed any contract at Chelsea; Luka Modric wasn’t at training yesterday fuelling rumours that he is off to Real Madrid, while Liverpool are closing in on Joe Allen.
Headlines
Sir Alex confirms Arsenal’s report that Manchester United is one of those teams who have tabled a bid for Robin van Persie – [Sky Sports]
Liverpool is closing in on a deal for Swansea midfielder Joe Allen – [Sky Sports]
Oscar confirms that he has had a medical at Chelsea but hasn’t signed any contracts, stating he will decide on his future at the end of the Olympics – [Guardian]
Luka Modric was the notable absentee from Tottenham’s training session, fuelling rumours that he is closing in on his move to Real Madrid – [Guardian]
John W Henry has confirmed that Brendan Rodgers is under no pressure to finish in the top four next season – [Guardian]
Gareth Southgate has decided to step down from the FA after only 18 months in the job – [Daily Telegraph]
Stuart Pearce believes that the Olympics will create the same unique spirit around the nation that was experienced in Euro 96 – [Daily Telegraph]
Emmanuel Adebayor is holding out for better terms at Tottenham Hotspur, after the North Londoners agreed a deal with Manchester City – [Independent]
Romelu Lukaku has reiterated his desire to leave Chelsea on loan next season if he fails to secure regular football – [Independent]
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Tottenham scouts watched Brazil strikers Leandro Damiao and Hulk in action against Great Britain ahead of a possible bid for the duo – [Daily Mail]
PLEASE NOTE – click on the sources to view the original articles
Last season was something of a strange one if we are completely honest, even if it did end with United overtaking Liverpool in titles, it wasn’t all rosy.
There was the abysmal away record, the devastation of another Champions League final loss to Barcelona, there was also the drama of the Rooney contract debacle. Let’s not act like spoilt children though, we did win that elusive 19th title and we did have THAT derby goal, the Dimitar Berbatov show, the Luis Da Cunha show and the emergence of a certain small garden vegetable.
One aspect of last season which grated even more than our inability to kill off teams away from home, or the somewhat tedious for and against arguments over the inclusion of Michael Carrick; no the biggest let down for me was the lack of goals from set pieces. United’s corners were shockingly bad, while our free kicks weren’t much better.
Throughout United’s successful Premier League era, we’ve always had at least one decent free kick taker, in the early years it was a real team effort, with Ryan Giggs, Denis Irwin, Eric Cantona and even Gary Pallister getting in on the act. Then was the Beckham era, followed after a couple of years by a certain Portuguese winger’s time at the plate. Since Ronaldo left United have struggled to find anyone capable of consistently troubling the opposition with free kicks.
Nani would seem like the perfect choice after all he’s similar to Ronaldo in many ways and certainly has the confidence to step up, the problem is his free kicks on the whole have often disappointed, in fact thats something of an understatement.
Wayne Rooney announced his free kicking ability the night of his debut against Fenerbahce with the third of his hat-trick coming from a set-piece. Unfortunately it was something of a false dawn as Wazza, wasn’t quite ready to be the free kick taker on a permanent basis and unfortunately for him, he’d have to wait a long time until he got the chance to prove he was.
Last season Rooney’s goal against West Ham proved he can still take a set piece, while his brace of free kicks against Arsenal merely underlined that a player of his quality given a chance from 25 yards, is more than capable of causing problems. Rooney’s not been greedy enough in the past, when it comes to grabbing the ball and placing it down for set pieces, he’s too willing to let Nani or whoever else have a go. Now it’s time for him to make them his own, perhaps with the exception of one man.
The great thing for United, is that as well as Rooney, we now also have Ashley Young , who has proven at Aston Villa he knows how to beat both the wall and the keeper. Considering the sumptuous quick interchangeable passing United have been engaged in this season, the sort of moves that make defenders clip attackers heels and engage in late tackles, there’s a good chance we may see quite a few free kicks awarded this season to United.
With Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young both seemingly up to the task, then this could be the season we see free kicks become just as important a part of United’s Arsenal- pardon the really shabby pun- as they were in the days of Beckham and Ron.
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Read more of Justin’s articles at Red Flag Flying High
Teenager Julian Draxler scored in the last minute of extra-time to help Schalke beat Nuremburg 3-2 in the DFB Pokal Cup on Tuesday.
With the teams level at 2-2 and the quarter-final tie heading for penalties, 17-year-old substitute Draxler – on the pitch for just three minutes – struck his first goal for the club from outside the area to tear the roof off the Veltins-Arena.
Striker Julian Schieber put visitors Nuremburg ahead in the fourth minute of the match, but Schalke were level 10 minutes later through Mario Gavranovic.
Fullback Christian Pander, played in by Raul’s through-ball following a swift counter-attack, was able to deliver directly to the feet of Gavranovic.
The Swiss forward struck first time to beat Nuremburg goalkeeper Raphael Schaefer and restore parity.
Raul had a goal chalked off before Schieber struck again, meeting a cross from strike partner Christian Eigler to restore the visitors’ advantage in the 32nd minute.
This time it took until just before the hour mark for Schalke to draw level, with Raul involved again.
The former Real Madrid captain set up Ivan Rakitic with a back-heel and the Croatian midfielder delivered a superb strike from the edge of the box to level the scores for the second time.
With Schalke pressing but unable to find the winner in regulation, the introduction of Draxler – making just his second appearance for the first team – proved a masterstroke from coach Felix Magath.
“You dream about such an experience your whole life,” Draxler said after his dramatic intervention.
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“The coach told me we had to do something.”
And do something he did, smashing home the winning goal with seconds left to put Schalke into the semi-finals.
In Wednesday’s quarter-finals, Energie Cottbus host Hoffenheim, MSV Duisburg are at home to Kaiserslautern and holders Bayern Munich travel to Alemannia Aachen.
Manchester United winger Nani is thought to want a solution to his contract situation, with a move away from the club on the cards should nothing be resolved in the next fortnight The Sun state.
The tricky wideman has grown in importance at Old Trafford and was impressive in Portugal’s march to the Euro 2012 semi-finals.
However, Nani only has two years left on his contract with Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, and feels that he is entitled to a new deal and a salary increase.
He is currently earning approximately £90,000-a-week, but is keen to increase this by £30,000 – £40,000.
Despite Nani being keen to increase the length of his contract, United are now considering their options. They have already signed Shinji Kagawa this summer and are also keen to add Porto winger James Rodriguez to their contingent.
Along with existing widemen Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, Ferguson appears to have an abundance of talent on the flanks.
Nani is valued at around the £25 million mark, and Juventus are known to be monitoring the situation; it remains to be seen whether United will look to extend the player’s stay at the club or cash-in on him before his value drops.
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Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona has revealed Alejandro Sabella is the favourite to take charge of the national team.Sabella was expected to arrive in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday ahead of pre-season after being appointed Al-Jazira’s new boss in June.
But the 56-year-old failed to turn up, infuriating the Abu Dhabi outfit and adding to speculation that he had been lined up to replace Sergio Batista as Argentina coach.
Batista left his post on Monday after failing to lead Argentina past the quarter-finals of the Copa America.
Grondona revealed former Estudiantes manager Sabella had been in talks with the AFA over the Argentina role, and also distanced himself from speculation Carlos Bianchi was also in the running.
“I do not think the appointment of Sabella will cause criticism in Argentine football,” Grondona told Radio Rivadavia.
“I went to get (Bianchi) twice after the 1998 World Cup in France and he said no.”
“Then he made some remarks I did not like. He said things that make it very hard for us to see eye to eye.”
When these clubs last met back in October, the Baggies went into the fixture with a real opportunity to embed themselves in the European seats at the top of the league, and Blackpool were without a home win since Sean Connery last played James Bond.
Whilst it would be unfair to say that things have gone all wrong for Roberto Di Matteo since his bright introduction to Premier League life, he will be desperate to secure a home win here to silence the whispers of a relegation battle in the weeks ahead.
Blackpool keep getting stronger. After coming from behind to beat Liverpool in mid-week, Ian Holloway’s men are looking more and more assured of top-flight football next season- a stunning achievement. There have been a few rumours circulating about the future of club captain, Charlie Adam, however Holloway has looked to douse speculation linking the influential midfielder with a move, labelling bids received so far as “disgraceful.”
It might be easy to get carried away and back the Seasiders to get another good away win on Saturday. Do not, however, underestimate how big this fixture could be in defining how the rest of the season plays out for the hosts. I fancy them to nick it.
According to reports, Ross Barkley’s agent made a cool £7million off the young Scouser’s move to London, and Everton fans are fed up of hearing about the 24 year-old.
When Everton negotiated the £35m sale of Ross Barkley to Chelsea last summer, fans were disappointed, but nothing compared to the backlash when he moved to Stamford Bridge six months later for a measly £15m.
Barkley stayed at Everton until January to recover from his thigh injury, and in the process knocked £20m off his price tag.
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson called for a police investigation into whether any fraud had taken place, but Merseyside Police said there was no evidence of a crime.
Crime or not though, Everton fans were absolutely furious with the manner in which Barkley left his boyhood club, and they’ve been absolutely loving his downfall since.
The 24 year-old has played just three times since the move, effectively ruling him out of any chance of going to the World Cup.
The move has certainly been profitable for his agents though, and Everton fans have been reacting to the news that Chelsea paid the Wasserman Group a fee equal to nearly half the transfer.
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Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…