Judging by Arsenal's current position in the Premier league, it may be perceived as wrong to say they have a major weakness. However, in reality there is a lot of truth in this statement.
Arsenal's striking options are very limited. Although current first choice striker and in form, Oliver Giroud many would argue is not good enough to fire Arsenal to Premier League success or win games on his own. Arsenal fans will argue that a club like theirs deserves a striker who can change the game and will finish nine out of the ten chances he is given and Giroud simply has not shown he is capable of that.
If Frenchman Giroud gets injured, the Gunners lack squad depth to provide another quality striker who they can rely on to finish chances. Other than Giroud their only other out and out striker is Nicklas Bendtner and he lacks quality. Bendtner is a player already looking to leave and when played is lazy and often disappears for the majority of the game.
It can be argued the club also have Lukas Podolski, however he is hardly a proper striker, more of a left sided forward. Admittedly he does weigh in with the occasional goal,but last season Wenger dropped him for a period of time as he did not think he was good enough. If Wenger believes he is not good enough then it is hard to argue with a manager who has been there for so long and knows the club inside out. Furthermore, Arsenal favour a 4-2-3-1 with little chance of the German being played out of position as the striker up top on his own.
So what to do? Should Wenger spend big and bring a top class forward that eclipses the quality of Oliver Giroud? Or should they look for a player that would simply add depth to the side, keeping faith in Giroud and spending little? Or in typical Wenger fashion sign a youngster with potential to be something special?
Whatever plan of action Wenger has, something needs to be done about the lack of depth and fire power Arsenal have in the striker department. Competition for Giroud may also make him a better player as at the moment his place is assured with the lack of other forwards at the club.
This window should be interesting for the Arsenal faithful on the basis of the previous window activity which showed a Wenger who was willing to splash the cash.
Tuesday 14 January 2014
Get ready for Guidetti
Signed today on loan from Manchester City by Mark Hughes' Stoke, bright youngster John Guidetti may finally get the chance to showcase his talent in the Premier League.
The striker who is fairly unheard of in England, Guidetti is a player who should be closely watched as he has the potential to be a very big player.
What makes 21 year old Guidetti interesting is the performances he showed in the Eredivise for Feyenoord in the 11/12 season. For the Rotterdam club he scored 20 goals in just 23 games in the Eredvise and became earmarked as a future star. During his season long spell in Holland, Guidetti scored three consecutive hatricks at home and Feyenoord coach dubbed him as a player with great potential, so much so he could exceed fellow countryman Zlatan Ibrahimovic one day.
A powerful, clever and assured forward, Stoke's newest acquisition could be a player that really shines for them in the remaining part of the season if he gets game time. He suits the new sort of football Hughes is playing at the Britannia being a big powerful striker and if he gets good service could become first choice striker for Stoke. Not one for beating players, Guidetti is known for turning and hitting shots rather than dancing round defences.
However, like many players his age, he can often not be fully focused on his football and it can show on the pitch.The Swede can be immature in his actions, something he has shown before at Feyenoord when he collected a second yellow card for taking his shirt off after scoring. His red card was blamed for Feyenoord conceding a late equaliser and Guidetti's thoughtless actions also meant he could not be selected for an important match at PSV the week after.
Guidetti for the first time has the chance to get game time in England and show his parent club his true potential against some of the best defences in the world. Watch this space...
What makes 21 year old Guidetti interesting is the performances he showed in the Eredivise for Feyenoord in the 11/12 season. For the Rotterdam club he scored 20 goals in just 23 games in the Eredvise and became earmarked as a future star. During his season long spell in Holland, Guidetti scored three consecutive hatricks at home and Feyenoord coach dubbed him as a player with great potential, so much so he could exceed fellow countryman Zlatan Ibrahimovic one day.
A powerful, clever and assured forward, Stoke's newest acquisition could be a player that really shines for them in the remaining part of the season if he gets game time. He suits the new sort of football Hughes is playing at the Britannia being a big powerful striker and if he gets good service could become first choice striker for Stoke. Not one for beating players, Guidetti is known for turning and hitting shots rather than dancing round defences.
However, like many players his age, he can often not be fully focused on his football and it can show on the pitch.The Swede can be immature in his actions, something he has shown before at Feyenoord when he collected a second yellow card for taking his shirt off after scoring. His red card was blamed for Feyenoord conceding a late equaliser and Guidetti's thoughtless actions also meant he could not be selected for an important match at PSV the week after.
Guidetti for the first time has the chance to get game time in England and show his parent club his true potential against some of the best defences in the world. Watch this space...
Thursday 9 January 2014
Porto's bright future
It is no secret in world football that Porto is one of the best producers of world class talented footballers. Their recent big name exports to larger European clubs have wielded huge transfer fees that have boosted the club. There have been many high profile names that have left the club and gone on to perform at the highest levels and a few to name include: Radamal Falcao, James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho, Hulk, Pepe, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Freddy Guarin. Over the last decade, the club had made over half a billion euros worth of profit from players they have sold but have maintained their dominance of the Portuguese League, winning the league for the last four consecutive seasons.
However, their current crop of young stars are some of the most promising Porto players I have seen for a long time. In recent years Porto have had one or two stand out players, but currently there are several players that regularly perform well and have a number of top clubs sniffing around them. Their two first choice full backs Danilo and Alex Sandro offer typical Brazilian attacking flair from out wide, getting down the flanks to help support the attack. Both at the age of 22 they are linked to a number of top clubs and are two of the most promising full backs in Europe. Danilo, a former midfielder turned fullback, is comfortable on the ball and even chips in with goals, scoring twice in fourteen appearances this season. Alex Sandro like Danilo is not short for pace and his 6ft stature means he is not easy to knock off the ball.
The exciting prospects they have at centre back include Elaquim Mangala and Diego Reyes, with the former already subject of intense interest from Manchester City with a rumoured 40 million bid already being mentioned by some tabloids. Mangala is often first choice centre back with Otamendi, meaning it is hard for Reyes to get game time. However, Reyes's talent is unquestionable, performing at the Olympics his calm approach and ability in the air was key to Mexico's gold medal win. At 21 and able to play in defensive midfield Reyes has the potential to be a top class centre back and with the attention from top clubs both Otamendi and Mangala are receiving he could well be thrust into becoming one of Porto's first choice centre backs in the near future. Mangala is one of the most sought after young stars currently in Europe but has himself admitted he is in no rush to leave Estadio do Dragao. Strong and quick, the Frenchman is a natural brute. Mangala stands at 6ft 2 and his a stocky player but also combines his powerful physique with pace and at just 22 it will not be long before he may have to consider leaving Portugal.
In the number 10 role in midfield Porto have an absolute gem in Jose Quintero. The young Columbian was a recent acquisition but already have the Porto faithful drooling over his early performances. A player making headlines for his clever footballing brain, he is fluid and provides delightful weighted passes for the Porto attackers, unlocking defences and dictating the play. Lucky enough to have watched him play live at the Emirates Cup, I paid close attention to him and his movement off the ball is just as good off of it. He ran the show in Porto's second Emirates cup game and was in my opinion the stand out player of the match. Since then he has featured nine times and scored twice. Although early in his Porto career, there is much hype surrounding the 20 year old and if he can live up to what he has already shown he will become the focus of many top clubs.
Currently not in the Porto squad and out on loan at Hellas Verona in Italy, Juan Iturbe is a player Porto know has some serious potential. Quick, tricky and with a bullet long shot, Juan Iturbe like many young Argentine's has often been dubbed the "New Messi." Although a tag unlikely to live up to, Juan Iturbe could well be a huge star in the future and his performances in Italy are certainly turning a few heads. Played 14 times in Italy this season, the attacking winger has scored 5 times and added an assist. It is clear to see why Porto wanted to send such a talented youngster out on loan to gain vital match experience, but if he continues to perform in Italy he may be a player that does not return to Portugal.
By the looks of the youth talent Porto have at the moment and if they continue tradition in buying promising players and selling them for huge profits, they could currently be sitting on a gold mine of talent and it will not be long before they are forced to cash in.
However, their current crop of young stars are some of the most promising Porto players I have seen for a long time. In recent years Porto have had one or two stand out players, but currently there are several players that regularly perform well and have a number of top clubs sniffing around them. Their two first choice full backs Danilo and Alex Sandro offer typical Brazilian attacking flair from out wide, getting down the flanks to help support the attack. Both at the age of 22 they are linked to a number of top clubs and are two of the most promising full backs in Europe. Danilo, a former midfielder turned fullback, is comfortable on the ball and even chips in with goals, scoring twice in fourteen appearances this season. Alex Sandro like Danilo is not short for pace and his 6ft stature means he is not easy to knock off the ball.
The exciting prospects they have at centre back include Elaquim Mangala and Diego Reyes, with the former already subject of intense interest from Manchester City with a rumoured 40 million bid already being mentioned by some tabloids. Mangala is often first choice centre back with Otamendi, meaning it is hard for Reyes to get game time. However, Reyes's talent is unquestionable, performing at the Olympics his calm approach and ability in the air was key to Mexico's gold medal win. At 21 and able to play in defensive midfield Reyes has the potential to be a top class centre back and with the attention from top clubs both Otamendi and Mangala are receiving he could well be thrust into becoming one of Porto's first choice centre backs in the near future. Mangala is one of the most sought after young stars currently in Europe but has himself admitted he is in no rush to leave Estadio do Dragao. Strong and quick, the Frenchman is a natural brute. Mangala stands at 6ft 2 and his a stocky player but also combines his powerful physique with pace and at just 22 it will not be long before he may have to consider leaving Portugal.
In the number 10 role in midfield Porto have an absolute gem in Jose Quintero. The young Columbian was a recent acquisition but already have the Porto faithful drooling over his early performances. A player making headlines for his clever footballing brain, he is fluid and provides delightful weighted passes for the Porto attackers, unlocking defences and dictating the play. Lucky enough to have watched him play live at the Emirates Cup, I paid close attention to him and his movement off the ball is just as good off of it. He ran the show in Porto's second Emirates cup game and was in my opinion the stand out player of the match. Since then he has featured nine times and scored twice. Although early in his Porto career, there is much hype surrounding the 20 year old and if he can live up to what he has already shown he will become the focus of many top clubs.
Currently not in the Porto squad and out on loan at Hellas Verona in Italy, Juan Iturbe is a player Porto know has some serious potential. Quick, tricky and with a bullet long shot, Juan Iturbe like many young Argentine's has often been dubbed the "New Messi." Although a tag unlikely to live up to, Juan Iturbe could well be a huge star in the future and his performances in Italy are certainly turning a few heads. Played 14 times in Italy this season, the attacking winger has scored 5 times and added an assist. It is clear to see why Porto wanted to send such a talented youngster out on loan to gain vital match experience, but if he continues to perform in Italy he may be a player that does not return to Portugal.
By the looks of the youth talent Porto have at the moment and if they continue tradition in buying promising players and selling them for huge profits, they could currently be sitting on a gold mine of talent and it will not be long before they are forced to cash in.
Gonalons to Napoli: Why the deal fell through
One of the major transfer sagas in the early days of this January transfer window is the transfer of Maxime Gonalons to Napoli from Lyon. The news broke that there had been contact between the two clubs over Frenchman, with Napoli manager Rafeal Benitez being a long term admirer of the midfielder. The deal looked to be completed this week with a fee of around £14 million being agreed for Lyon's skipper. However it was Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas who has since pulled the plug on the deal, despite a fee being agreed between the clubs. It is rumoured that Lyon manager Remi Garde had demanded to keep Gonalons, with some reports suggesting there was a threat that if Maxime Gonalons was sold Garde would resign.
Today, Gonalons' representative Frederic Guerra has admitted that personal terms were also agreed and the move was close to being completed. "We agreed to the move and Maxime was happy to move to the Azzurri. He liked the project and everything was alright. The player would have been going to an ambitious team whilst also improving his salary."
Guerra admits that Gonalons was keen on the move and excited, but is quick to point out that the 24 year old will not be trying to force his way out of his boyhood club by stating: "There will be no tug-of-war with Lyon."
Although a move looks unlikely during this January window, a move could happen in the summer transfer window. Guerra admits that "A future departure is not excluded." It remains to be seen if Napoli are to try and reignite the deal that was so close to being completed as it seems Napoli's intense interest has cooled over the last few days.
Today, Gonalons' representative Frederic Guerra has admitted that personal terms were also agreed and the move was close to being completed. "We agreed to the move and Maxime was happy to move to the Azzurri. He liked the project and everything was alright. The player would have been going to an ambitious team whilst also improving his salary."
Guerra admits that Gonalons was keen on the move and excited, but is quick to point out that the 24 year old will not be trying to force his way out of his boyhood club by stating: "There will be no tug-of-war with Lyon."
Although a move looks unlikely during this January window, a move could happen in the summer transfer window. Guerra admits that "A future departure is not excluded." It remains to be seen if Napoli are to try and reignite the deal that was so close to being completed as it seems Napoli's intense interest has cooled over the last few days.
Tuesday 7 January 2014
Walcott out, who does Hodgson bring instead?
With Theo Walcott out of 2014's upcoming World Cup after damaging his anterior cruciate knee ligament, Hodgson now has to think about who is to take Theo's spot on England's plane to Brazil.
There is much speculation to who could take his place, with many pundits suggesting Adam Lallana warranting a selection. Lallana has been a stand out player in an impressive Southampton side this season, chipping in with 4 goals and 6 assists this season. His clever movements and silky dribbling have been a cause for concern this season for many defenders, so much so he earned himself a call up for England's recent friendlies against Chile and Germany. With Walcott out, the 25 year old's chances of making the final cut have largely increased and providing he can maintain his current form which has seen him become linked with Manchester United he could make England's plane to Brazil come this summer.
Tottenham's Andros Townsend will be another name that Roy Hodgson will be mulling over now Walcott is unable to feature. Although currently injured, Townsend started the season strongly and quickly established himself as a threat down the right flank for Spurs scoring once and providing three assists in the 4 Europa League games he was able to be a part of. Townsend featured in the final two World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Montenegro and was impressive in both games with his direct approach and explosive pace. Hodgson would have already been considering Townsend for Brazil but with Walcott out Townsend could well make the final cut.
Although struggling with injury too and hardly featured this season, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has always been a player that Hodgson has always held in high regard and often included in his squads. The 20 year old has only been able to play the one Premier League game although pitched in with a goal. When he first arrived at Arsenal he was dubbed the "New Walcott" due to their similar footballing backgrounds and lightning quick speed. If Oxlade-Chamberlain can get himself fit and a few games underneath his belt he could well be a player that Hodgson will take to Brazil.
Looking to revive his international career, Aaron Lennon could make Hodgson's final selection for Rio in the summer. Having not featured in an England set up since February when England played the hosts Brazil, Lennon will hope that this year he can wriggle his way back into the England first team and his chances of doing so will be boosted by Walcott's injury. Having featured in 11 of Tottenham's league games this season he has managed to contribute with one goal and one assist, but playing time could be reduced when Townsend returns from injury and if new manager Tim Sherwood decides to experiment with a below par Tottenham side.
Walcott's injury will mean a place is up for grabs and all four of these players will be fighting to cement a place in the squad. These players will all be closely watched by Hodgson as the World Cup approaches and I believe that it is the player who performs best in these final few months may just make the grade.
There is much speculation to who could take his place, with many pundits suggesting Adam Lallana warranting a selection. Lallana has been a stand out player in an impressive Southampton side this season, chipping in with 4 goals and 6 assists this season. His clever movements and silky dribbling have been a cause for concern this season for many defenders, so much so he earned himself a call up for England's recent friendlies against Chile and Germany. With Walcott out, the 25 year old's chances of making the final cut have largely increased and providing he can maintain his current form which has seen him become linked with Manchester United he could make England's plane to Brazil come this summer.
Tottenham's Andros Townsend will be another name that Roy Hodgson will be mulling over now Walcott is unable to feature. Although currently injured, Townsend started the season strongly and quickly established himself as a threat down the right flank for Spurs scoring once and providing three assists in the 4 Europa League games he was able to be a part of. Townsend featured in the final two World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Montenegro and was impressive in both games with his direct approach and explosive pace. Hodgson would have already been considering Townsend for Brazil but with Walcott out Townsend could well make the final cut.
Although struggling with injury too and hardly featured this season, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has always been a player that Hodgson has always held in high regard and often included in his squads. The 20 year old has only been able to play the one Premier League game although pitched in with a goal. When he first arrived at Arsenal he was dubbed the "New Walcott" due to their similar footballing backgrounds and lightning quick speed. If Oxlade-Chamberlain can get himself fit and a few games underneath his belt he could well be a player that Hodgson will take to Brazil.
Looking to revive his international career, Aaron Lennon could make Hodgson's final selection for Rio in the summer. Having not featured in an England set up since February when England played the hosts Brazil, Lennon will hope that this year he can wriggle his way back into the England first team and his chances of doing so will be boosted by Walcott's injury. Having featured in 11 of Tottenham's league games this season he has managed to contribute with one goal and one assist, but playing time could be reduced when Townsend returns from injury and if new manager Tim Sherwood decides to experiment with a below par Tottenham side.
Walcott's injury will mean a place is up for grabs and all four of these players will be fighting to cement a place in the squad. These players will all be closely watched by Hodgson as the World Cup approaches and I believe that it is the player who performs best in these final few months may just make the grade.
Monday 6 January 2014
Sam Allardyce receives club backing
Amidst strong speculation that Sam Allardyce is likely to be the next manager to be out of a Premier League job, co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have realised an open letter to the West Ham faithful via the official club website backing Allardyce after the recent humiliating 5-0 loss in the FA Cup to Nottingham Forest.
In the letter the joint chairmen bemoan the current position they are in but reassure fans by saying: "We have experienced difficult times before and we know what will get us results - hard work, determination and perseverance." Both chairmen also are quick to highlight the injury problems the club has been hit with and make sure the fans know the lack of players the club had available for the FA Cup exit. "Many key players are out injured and Sam has been handed a near impossible task of coming through three crucial games in the space of six days with a squad of only 14 fit and available senior players. This is not an excuse it is a fact."
The chairmen in the letter also reveal that the club do intend to strengthen in January in an attempt to combat the growing injury list that is plaguing the club. Many reports suggest that the club are close to bringing in recent Monaco signing Lacina Traore in a loan deal and the letter only adds to this speculation. "January is not an easy time to do business but we are pleased to confirm we are close to securing one of our key striking targets. A defender is high on the list of priorities as well and progress is being made on that front."
Despite being the bookies favourite to be the next victim of the sack race, it seems Allardyce does seem to have the backing of the West Ham board. It remains to be seen whether or not "Big Sam" can save the club from relegation, but a win this weekend away at Cardiff can take the club out of the relegation zone providing other results go their way.
In the letter the joint chairmen bemoan the current position they are in but reassure fans by saying: "We have experienced difficult times before and we know what will get us results - hard work, determination and perseverance." Both chairmen also are quick to highlight the injury problems the club has been hit with and make sure the fans know the lack of players the club had available for the FA Cup exit. "Many key players are out injured and Sam has been handed a near impossible task of coming through three crucial games in the space of six days with a squad of only 14 fit and available senior players. This is not an excuse it is a fact."
The chairmen in the letter also reveal that the club do intend to strengthen in January in an attempt to combat the growing injury list that is plaguing the club. Many reports suggest that the club are close to bringing in recent Monaco signing Lacina Traore in a loan deal and the letter only adds to this speculation. "January is not an easy time to do business but we are pleased to confirm we are close to securing one of our key striking targets. A defender is high on the list of priorities as well and progress is being made on that front."
Despite being the bookies favourite to be the next victim of the sack race, it seems Allardyce does seem to have the backing of the West Ham board. It remains to be seen whether or not "Big Sam" can save the club from relegation, but a win this weekend away at Cardiff can take the club out of the relegation zone providing other results go their way.
What now for Andre ter Stegen?
Today, Borussia Monchengladbach announced that their highly rated young goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has turned down their contract offer. The German is a youth product of Monchengladbach's highly rated youth system and has been linked to a host of Europe's top clubs but the strongest interest reportedly lies with Barcelona. Barcelona have often been linked with Andre ter Stegen but with their current number one keeper Victor Valdes admitting he is going to leave the club when his contract ends in the summer of 2014 Barcelona are in the transfer market for a new keeper. The move looks increasingly likely as Andre ter Stegen is regarded as one of Europe's hottest young prospects and is someone who today has now made it clear that he does not want to stay at the club. Andre ter Stegen's contract ends in the summer of 2015 so Monchengladbach look likely to cash in on the goalkeeper with the most likely destination being Barcelona.
Bayern's striker headache
It was hardly a surprise when European hotshot Robert Lewandowski joined Bayern Munich from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in the January transfer window. Widely considered as one of the best strikers in Europe, Lewandowski was in the final year of his contract when he announced he was likely to leave the club when his contract runs down and this was cemented when he rejected Dortmund's contract offer.
There was much gossip to where Lewandowski would soon play his football and became a drawn out saga as his contract slowly ticked down. However, it soon became clear that Bayern Munich were going to land him, with several managers like Jose Mourinho admitting that it was clear who Robert was going to join and ruling Chelsea out of the race to sign him. In the first few days of the January transfer window, it was announced by Bayern Munich that they had finally got their man.
However, Bayern Munich are not short of class upfront, as they already have Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller and Claudio Pizarro. Possibly signing Lewandowski may mean Bayern will play two upfront when the Polish international arrives in the summer, but with the amount of midfielders they already have in their ranks this is unlikely to happen. Bayern Munich preferably play a 4-5-1 formation to accommodate all of their midfielders and would be foolish to change that as it is clearly working, with Munich sitting top of the Bundesliga 7 points clear of second placed Leverkusen with a game in hand.
So what does the signing of Lewandowski mean? Could it be a tactic deployed by Munich to weaken rivals Dortmund and maintain the dominance they hold in Germany? The signing of Lewandowski if he is to play regularly could spell the end of Mandzukic's Munich career, but competition is something the Croatian has always dealt with at Munich. He pushed Mario Gomez out of the side, a player who was regarded as one of Europe's best strikers when he arrived at the club. He is currently first choice striker as well, ahead of Pizzaro and Muller. The signing of Lewandowski is likely to mean one of Bayern's strikers is likely to leave and gossip columns in Europe are linking Mandzukic with a move away from the club, with speculation that a move to Arsenal could be on the cards.
Lewandowski doesn't arrive at the club until the end of the season, so a striker leaving the Allianz-Arena is unlikely until the summer transfer window. Europe's major clubs will be playing close attention to the developments that happen over the coming months at Munich and Lewandowski's arrival is likely to push a striker to the exit door.
There was much gossip to where Lewandowski would soon play his football and became a drawn out saga as his contract slowly ticked down. However, it soon became clear that Bayern Munich were going to land him, with several managers like Jose Mourinho admitting that it was clear who Robert was going to join and ruling Chelsea out of the race to sign him. In the first few days of the January transfer window, it was announced by Bayern Munich that they had finally got their man.
However, Bayern Munich are not short of class upfront, as they already have Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller and Claudio Pizarro. Possibly signing Lewandowski may mean Bayern will play two upfront when the Polish international arrives in the summer, but with the amount of midfielders they already have in their ranks this is unlikely to happen. Bayern Munich preferably play a 4-5-1 formation to accommodate all of their midfielders and would be foolish to change that as it is clearly working, with Munich sitting top of the Bundesliga 7 points clear of second placed Leverkusen with a game in hand.
So what does the signing of Lewandowski mean? Could it be a tactic deployed by Munich to weaken rivals Dortmund and maintain the dominance they hold in Germany? The signing of Lewandowski if he is to play regularly could spell the end of Mandzukic's Munich career, but competition is something the Croatian has always dealt with at Munich. He pushed Mario Gomez out of the side, a player who was regarded as one of Europe's best strikers when he arrived at the club. He is currently first choice striker as well, ahead of Pizzaro and Muller. The signing of Lewandowski is likely to mean one of Bayern's strikers is likely to leave and gossip columns in Europe are linking Mandzukic with a move away from the club, with speculation that a move to Arsenal could be on the cards.
Lewandowski doesn't arrive at the club until the end of the season, so a striker leaving the Allianz-Arena is unlikely until the summer transfer window. Europe's major clubs will be playing close attention to the developments that happen over the coming months at Munich and Lewandowski's arrival is likely to push a striker to the exit door.
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