Lamela love

Last season was a season to forget for Eric Lamela. The Argentine arrived at Tottenham in a fee believed to be around the £30m mark from Roma, but like many of the London club's signings was a huge flop. Under fellow Argentine Manuel Pochettino, Lamela will be looking to rectify the season before and show why there was such a hype surrounding his talent.

Eric Lamela was signed during the Andre Villas Boas reign using the transfer kitty raised from the world record transfer sale of star man Gareth Bale to Real Madrid. The signing of Eric Lamela however, was misguided. The forward was poorly signed under the influence of technical director Franco Baldini and did not suit the ideas that Villas Boas had in mind, that twinned with the injury problems Lamela had this year made Lamela an expensive flop.

Lamela played in a 4-3-3 at Roma as a wide forward in such a formation and was hugely successful there, playing his best football and earning his title as one of the brightest talents in Europe. Tottenham signed a wide, south american forward expecting him to be able to adapt to the defensive English game as a winger. In England as a winger, tracking back and helping the full back is a must, something Lamela has never had to do previously in his career. At Roma, Lamela had very little defence responsibilities; it was up to him to be a creative offensive player on the counter attack out wide.

Can he prove his worth this year? 

Franco Baldini's previous time at Roma meant he knew what Lamela was capable of but, he did not suit the ideas Villas Boas and Sherwood wanted to implement. However, under Pochettino, the attacker could finally thrive. Pochettino's tactics of high pressing allows Lamela to remain further up the field and will be expected to fulfil a similar role that Lallana produced at Southampton, allowing Lamela to produce his best, driving at the fullback with his fast pace and touch tight dribbling. Of course Lamela will need to work on the defensive side of his game, although a few extra hours down the training ground could see that rectified.

Pochettino has already made it clear that Tottenham aren't going to go on a spending spree like they did last summer and are going to use the resources they already have available, including previous fringe players like Lamela and Capoue as well as utilising the impressive youth system at White Hart Lane. In Tottenham's first pre season fixture against Toronto FC, captained by former fan favourite Jermain Defoe, Lamela grabbed a brace.

An Argentine influence could be what Lamela needs

Pochettino has hailed the Argentine who narrowly missed out on Sabella's world cup squad, giving the impression Lamela will feature heavily. He said: "We expect a lot from him, he’s an unbelievable player. He needs to show us that he deserves to play, but at the moment we are happy with his performance." 

Lamela will be desperate to put last season behind him and under new manager Pochettino, Spurs fans could finally see the real Lamela. Pochettino will need to use a philosophy that plays to Lamela's strengths and if he can do that, then Pochettino will reap the rewards. It's time for Lamela to show value for money...  

Rodgers' revoultion

Liverpool surprised everyone last year, pushing Manchester City all the way to the Premier League, almost winning it for themselves. Rogers was the man hailed for masterminding such a feat and next year will look to do one better and actually take the domestic crown and the intent is there as Liverpool continue to invest into the side. Star man Luis Suarez has gone, but in that raised a huge amount of money which Liverpool are yet to even fully cut into. But, are they spending correctly?

You cant replace Luis Suarez. A player of his calibre is very rare and right now, there are only three or four players in the world right now that are on his level. Suarez was as good as he was controversial, so by letting him go, Liverpool are preventing any future embarrassments the striker might be involved in. That said and the amount of money raised are the only positives the club can draw from the sale of such a player, a player that was the best player in the Premier League and top goalscorer despite missing several games due to disciplinary problems at the start of the campaign.

The money has gone straight back into the side and with the club already making four summer signings and several others could follow. The first signing was Rickie Lambert from Southampton for a small fee of £4m. Liverpool are gaining a striker that has proven he can score goals in the Premier League and it isn't easy to get a 15 goal a season striker like Lambert for such a minimal fee. That said, Lambert is merely a stop gap as at the age of 32, wont be at the club for too long. It is hard to imagine that Lambert will get ahead of Sturridge or possible new arrival Loic Remy, but does offer the side something different coming off the bench and is more than adequate cover.  

Lambert arrives at his boyhood club 

Not the only signing pinched from Southampton, Liverpool have also brought in Adam Lallana. A player who had a stellar season and in doing so forced his way into the world cup squad, the Englishman cost a pricey £27m. For the player they are getting, they have overpaid with such a price tag, especially considering the cheaper alternatives available abroad who are also better players with both Cesc Fabregas and Toni Kroos costing less as examples. The 26 year old attacking midfielders' form last year has drove his price tag through the roof and with Southampton losing so many key stars to a Premier League rival, they were always going to charge Liverpool even more. But, Lallana will slot in nicely at Anfield, operating in a similar role to Coutinho on the opposite flank, creating  two flanks of creativity that will supply the strikers.

When the club signed Lazar Markovic from Benfica, it left many of the Liverpool faithful scratching their heads wondering who this lad was. However, Markovic is tipped by many to make an immediate impact at the club and has already done so with team mate Joe Allen. The Welshman said about his new team mate: "Straight away you can see the quality he brings. I'm really excited to get the chance to play with him and train alongside him as well." Markovic brings lightning pace to the side and is a versatile attacker, who at the age of 20, is considered to be one of the hottest talents in Europe. The Serbian is notorious for his impressive one v one skills and this being his second transfer inside a calender year, shows the sensational rise Markovic has been on and if that rise continues, could be a top bit of business by Rogers. He has not come cheap though and there will be competition to get a starting berth too.  

Markovic arrives in a £20m deal 

On the books of Bayern Munich, Emre Can arrives from Bayern Leverkusen having had a impressive previous season for the German club.  Comparisons to Micheal Ballack come thick and fast for Can who has represented Germany at youth level but also of Turkish descent arrives in a deal worth around £10m. Last campaign was the first time Can had got regular first team football and Liverpool have signed him on the back of that solid campaign. Can, like Markovic, is considered to be a hot talent and so much so, when Bayern Munich sold him to Leverkusen they included a buy back clause. Comfortable on the ball as he sits in front of the defence, the midfielder could benefit from playing with the likes of Gerrard but will have to do well to get ahead of the competition in the middle of the park.  

The spending won't stop here either. Rogers will continue to pump money into the side until he sees fit, making Liverpool a force to be reckoned with next year. Too many new faces into a side can mean the team struggle to gel together and Rogers will have a task on his hand this pre season to avoid that. With more new faces like Remy and Lovren expected to come in, this is well and truly a Rogers revolution, but the spending needs to be smart, not unnecessary.

Swapping Barcelona for Stoke

Stoke City have completed the signing of Bojan Krkic from Barcelona on a 4 year deal for a undisclosed fee. A common question by many English pundits when watching top European talents is: "But can they do it on a rainy night in Stoke?" Well, we could find out the answer to that question in Bojan Krkic. Although no longer considered a top European talent, there was once a time when Bojan was tipped to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi. But what happened?  

Another graduate of Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, Bojan broke a lot of records in the youth system. Having joined the Catalan Club at the age of nine and within seven years he is rumoured to have had over 850 goals to his name. Aged 15, he was joint top-scorer at the 2006 Under-17 European Championships and at this point, it looked like there was nothing this boy could not achieve. Aged 17 years old, he scored the only goal in a Champions League quarter final fixture against Schalke, becoming the first player born in the 1990's to score in the tournament. Bojan's touch, speed and sensational dribbling skills made him become one of Barcelona's brightest talents.

Described as a "treasure" by one time manager Frank Rijkaard, it was he who brought him into the first team during the 07/08 season where he featured heavily at the tender age of 17. He made 48 appearances, scored 12 goals and set up another six, nothing short of impressive at such a age. But it why did it go down hill from this point?  

Once a La Masia gem, Stoke could be the place where he
finally fulfils his early potential 

Pressure. The pressure that became draped onto the shoulders of a young 17 year old caused him to crumble under the weight of Spanish expectation. The dismissal of favoured manager Rijkaard did not help the situation either and soon fell down the pecking order under new manager Pep Guardiola. Two years under Pep saw a lack of appearances, little impact and an eventual falling out saw Bojan leave the club on loan to Roma.  

Italy was not kind to Bojan. In a league which is much more physical than La Liga, Bojan just could not adapt his game. The Spaniard's light frame which aided him so well in terms of dribbling, hindered him for Roma as he so often found himself unable to cope with the physicality of defenders. Despite getting game time, his inconsistent form saw him leave for Milan on loan the following season in what was considered a poor campaign for Bojan. At Milan it got worse and he made very little impact at the San Siro, hardly featuring in the side.    

His brief spell in Holland was not considered
the greatest of successes

Surely Ajax would  be the sort of footballing institution that could resurrect Bojan's career. The Dutch league suited the possession football that he learnt his initial trade and looked like it was the perfect move. But it was not to be as Bojan was disappointing at Ajax, only able to register 4 goals and became a figure of ridicule at Ajax, often taunted by fans for his poor performances and decision making. 

Now 23 years old, Bojan is to apply his skills at Stoke. In a high tempo league, Bojan could well thrive and the Stoke faithful will be hoping this is the move where Bojan comes of age and starts to become fulfil the promise he showed in his early Barcelona years. With backing from Mark Hughes and game time, we could witness the real Bojan Krkic. 

Is the time right for James?

The breakthrough star of the world cup in Brazil, James Rodriguez is now the hottest property in Europe. Columbia's number 10 managed to capture the imagination and hearts of fans in Brazil and his performances on the world's biggest footballing stage has meant several clubs are battling for his signature. But is the time right for a move?

Having been on the European footballing scene for some time now and only at the age of 23, James' talent is no secret. Those who watched him at Porto knew it was only a matter of time before he truly exploded on  the world scene as he so often glide round players and create chances. Taken to Monaco in a deal that also brought Porto team mate Joao Moutinho to France, the Columbian didn't truly replicate the form he produced at Porto despite still impressing. If he stays at Monaco, there will certainly be more to come from the attacker but his days there may be numbered.

Real Madrid are the team that are suggested to be very close to agreeing a mammoth deal for Rodriguez. But a move to Real Madrid may come too soon. The Columbian is still at the tender age of 23 and will need game time to make sure he continues to develop as a player, something he might not get at Real Madrid. Furthermore, Madrid got rid of Mesut Ozil, a player in James' favoured position as he did not fit Ancelotti's tactics and brought in young starlet Isco, who also is similar to James and has not fit into the Italian's tactics and didn't feature too much as a result.  

Rodriguez finished as the tournament's top goal scorer

Ancelotti favours a 4-3-3 formation and has meant wingers like Di Maria have had to adapt their game to fit the formation, something James would have to do to succeed in Madrid. But, with Di Maria's future at Madrid hanging in the balance it is more than likely that Rodriguez will be at least contacted by the club. Granted, James is a flexible player who could slot into the three in midfield or in two flank positions in the trio attack but it would mean he is not playing in the position he is best, behind the striker in the number 10 role.

James Rodriguez won't come cheap too. Monaco aren't looking to sell and with the money they have in the bank hardly need to cash in either. His performances at the world cup will sky rocket his market value and on top of that, the transfer market is currently in a state of inflation as clubs are paying more and more money for top players and Rodriguez fits that top player bracket. All considered and Madrid's tendency to bust the bank for players, there is no reason why we could not be on the verge of yet another world record transfer.

Rodriguez's value is at a all time high and following his performances at the world cup, Real Madrid are going to be seriously considering the Columbian. With Barcelona acquiring Luis Suarez they will also be looking to rival that with a big name of their own and Rodriguez fits the bill. Could we see another huge signing this summer?

Time to come of age: Cristian Tello

Barcelona have loaned out promising winger Cristian Tello to Portuguese giants Porto on a two year
deal. It is no secret in Spain that Tello has the potential to be a top player, but game time has been hard to come by in the competitive squad Barcelona have had over the years. At Porto, Tello has the opportunity to play two years worth of first team football and will need to take it with both hands.

Tello's chances to play have come sparingly, but when he has played he has shown his ability to beat the opposing full back with electric acceleration and touch tight dribbling. Cutting in from his natural left flank position is his favoured move rather than whipping in a cross makes him a devastatingly attacking player that really causes defences problems.

Guilty at times of over doing it on the ball, often attempting to take it round player to many or shooting rather than laying it off to a team mate in a better position, time at Porto could see this coached out of him. It is hard to believe watching him that he graduated from Barcelona's La Masia academy as he favours running with the ball rather than conforming to the Tika Taka passing philosophy that coaches in the system drill into players.

Thumbs up from Tello as he joins Porto's pre season

Porto are notorious in Europe for nurturing promising talents and churning them into top players. This move for Tello could be exactly what a player like him needs, a player who has bags of potential looking for game time but in dire need of ironing out the creases in his game.

At Porto, Tello is likely to get the game time he desires, something which could see him really thrive. Porto also have the option to make the deal a permanent one, but is something that Barcelona can choose to remove after the first year of loaning. The Catalan club will be keeping a close eye on their product as they know losing him could be a huge loss with the potential he has displayed.

Tello is a very direct and penetrating attacker 

At 22 years of age, Tello is no teenage wonder kid, but this does not mean time at Porto cant make him become one of the hottest and most sought after young talents. Liverpool, Tottenham and Valencia have all been rumoured in the past to have been keen on the winger, with Brendan Rodgers reported to have made contact over a transfer this window before he opted to join Porto.

This loan move could be the move that launches Tello into the top player his earlier promise suggested. Porto is the perfect place for such a thing to happen, with a reputation of creating incredible players. It is time for Cristian Tello to come of age...

Trouble in Turin

Only days after the world cup has finished and the Serie A drama has already began as Antonio Conte has resigned as Juventus manager. It was not long ago Conte assured fans he was going no where and signed a contract extension earlier in the year but fast forward a few months and Conte has walked, failing to give a real reason. So what could have happened and what's in store for Juventus as ex-Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri takes over?

"Right now I'm thinking about the present." Conte's reasoning for leaving his post just days into the pre season at Juventus, but the Italian media is in overdrive and suggests that Conte is just making himself available for the recently open Italian national team job following Cesare Prandelli's resignation after a disappointing world cup.

Other rumours suggest that Conte's mind was altered about staying on at Turin because of the changes he wanted to make in a attempt to mount a serious Champions League challenge, in his time only reaching the quarter finals as a personal best. He is reported to have been unhappy with Juventus' transfer business as it does not match the ambitious projects he wanted to take on with key players like Arturo Vidal expected to depart.

Antonio Conte has left his post as Juventus manager
after three years and three Scudettos 

Conte was worshipped in Turin having delivered a hatrick of Serie A domestic titles in his 3 years in charge and since arriving from Siena has gone on to become one of the best managers in Europe. A manager of his ability will no doubt be without a job for long and will be considered as hot property. But what now? Could the 3 year period of domination in Italian be over for Juventus as key players could depart? Will we see a fire sale of stars like we did when the club were relegated all those years ago in the famous match fixing scandal?

It may not just be Vidal who could leave, with wonder kid Paul Pogba subject to keen interest from Europe's biggest clubs. Massimiliano Allegri arrives at the club  with a task on his hand to try and keep hold of the of the clubs stars, but could fight a losing battle. Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta has come out fighting regarding Vidal's situation, saying: "Arturo Vidal is one of the most important players in the squad. He is not for sale."

It will be more than interesting to see how things change at Juventus with the controversial arrival of Allegri. Allegri was deemed a huge failure at AC Milan despite winning the league in his first season, but was in charge as the club spiralled from Italian giants to a mediocre team with the club unable to get European football following his sacking halfway through the season, something Clarence Seedorf could not even salvage. The debt that exists at Milan and Allegri's leadership have been underlined by fans as major reasons as to why the club has plunged into the crisis it suffered last year.

What will happen to this man under Allegri? 

The fast flowing passing game which utilises the attacking wing backs of Lichenstiener and Asomoah that Conte favoured will be scarped under Allegri. The new Juventus manager favours 4 at the back, whereas Conte would play three central defenders with two wing backs on either side of the three getting up and down the pitch in a more advanced position. How Pirlo is now deployed will also be under scrutiny as it was Allegri who foolishly let Pirlo leave Milan and join Juventus for nothing rather than offer him a new contract.

Pirlo has thrived at Juventus and has shown how stupid Allegri was to let him go by playing a key role in all the Scudetto's the Turin giants have won. Pirlo said on reflection: "The real motive for my transfer was something else; Allegri wanted to put in front of the defence Ambrosini or Van Bommel and I would have had to change role. So I said ‘no thanks’ and I chose Juve, which offered me greater motivation." 

Conte's unexpected exit has initiated a time of change at Juventus: a change in tactics, a change in faces and most important of all, a change in management. But is change always good? Allegri will try his up most to prove so, but Juventus' Scudetto crown is the most vulnerable it ever has been...

New coach, fresh start: Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur have installed Mauricio Pochettino as manager for the upcoming season after a disappointing campaign. In Pochettino, Spurs have hired their tenth manager in 12 years, a statistic that suggests the managerial merry-go-round is forever spinning at White Hart  Lane and a long term manager is needed for the club to move forward.

Spurs have installed a young and talented coach with Pochettino, something we have heard before when Andre Villas Boas started last years campaign. Villa Boas failed miserably at Tottenham, failing to implement tactics that benefited the strengths of the players he had at his disposal,  twinned with the failed signings brought in under Franco Baldini's vision. Tim Sherwood also was underwhelming, proving unpopular with fans and failed to snag the final Champions League spot.

Spurs have every right to be excited about Pochettino. Since his arrival at Southampton, Pochettino has been largely credited with the steady improvement at St Mary's, turning them into a fiercely competitive side that finished 8th, only 8 points behind Manchester United last term. The Argentine is known for placing a lot of faith in the youth created by academies, something that made Southampton so successful last term. His preference towards youth could seriously benefit players like Kane, Naughton and Bentaleb. His attacking style and high pressing can cause oppositions real trouble too.

Pochettino will look to give the younger players
a chance to impress in the first team. 

At Tottenham it will be interesting to see if Pochettino continues to favour youth as now he has serious finances at his use, something he did not have at Southampton. During his short reign, Sherwood often spoke how the board were keen to have him take advantage of the talent in the Spurs academy. It is highly likely that Pochettino's ability to nurture young talent was a major consideration when the decision was made to hire him.

Pochettino has not been at a club that has the financial backing Tottenham has. A manager who is not used to such a budget can sometimes mean he abandons the preferences that once made him so successful. How Pochettino spends his transfer kitty is hugely important too, as last year a number of summer signings failed to perform and the team is crying out for strengthening in certain areas. A new left back is a priority and other defensive signings are needed.

Not the first time Tottenham have hired a
exciting and young manager. 

A new coach always means a fresh start for the players. Squad members like Lewis Holtby and Eric Lamela may now get the chance to feature more and impress, something they have been unable to do under previous managers. Last summers signings who flopped in their first season like Soldado and Capoue will also be raring to impress this time around and under a manager like Pochettino, there is no reason why his tactics cant get the best out of them.

Mauricio Pochettino has landed the biggest job of his career so far in Tottenham Hotspur and will need to succeed if he is to show he can manage at a high level. Tottenham need a manager like Pochettino to remain in charge for some time, allowing him to lead a new project which will see the side steadily improve as well as nurture the youth talent. Time and patience is required, lets just hope the axe is not brought down to soon on young Pochettino.