Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas has stated that he will have no hesitation in dropping £50 million striker Fernando Torres, and has urged the Spain international to start scoring.
Torres has failed to live up to his inflated price tag since moving from Liverpool in January, and with the number of attacking options at the Portuguese coach’s disposal Torres is not guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
Despite a slow start to his career at Stamford Bridge, the ex-Porto trainer is hopeful Torres’ form will improve.
“He didn’t lose his talent talent because he’s played 21 games and only scored one goal. The talent is there and the question is regaining confidence. That comes from training and from time and finding the back of the net, so we have to persist,” he told The Daily Mirror.
Regardless of his hope that Torres will start to score, Villas Boas revealed that the collective performance is more important and that he would not hesitate in benching Torres if this would benefit the team.
“But it can’t compromise the team. The moment it compromises the team it has to come to an end. I don’t make a first choice team, just the choice for the next game. Fernando started the first three games and Didier [Drogba] came off the bench. We make choices regarding what we see. I have no problem dropping players,” he concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Chelsea travel to Wearside on Saturday to take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, and will look to maintain their unbeaten start.
Fernando Torres is attracting the attention of three top Serie A clubs with all three keen to end his Chelsea nightmare, talkSPORT understands.
The Spanish striker has endured a torrid time at Stamford Bridge scoring only one goal in 22 games since his move from Liverpool in January.
He openly criticised his teammates this week, labelling them slow and blaming them for his barren run in front of goal.
AC Milan, Juventus and Inter all hold an interest in the 27-year-old and haven’t been perturbed by his dramatic loss of form in West London.
Milan are thought to be most keen to bring Torres to Italy – despite the forward being dropped to the bench for Saturday’s win against Sunderland and failing to find the net this season.
Their Serie A rivals are also keeping tabs on the Spaniard, who’s CV boasts European Championship and World Cup titles.
Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas has already bought young Belgian Romelu Lukaku this summer, whilst Daniel Sturridge scored the winner at the Stadium of Light after being given his first start of the season.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
With added competition from Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou any offer near the £50 million paid in January may tempt Chelsea to sell Torres.
It’s true that Arsenal ’s dynamic winger Theo Walcott tends to blow rather hot and cold. During the Gunner’s 3-0 victory over Bolton, Theo had one of his ‘hot’ days. He looked more effective, breezed past players and flashed in effective crosses. One agonising miss aside, Walcott had a good game and should he continue along these lines over the coming weeks, then perhaps the doubters will have to start re-considering their position.
There’s no doubt that Theo has improved over the last couple of seasons. The stats say so and he’s grown in importance at the club immensely. His improved standing at the club in combination with his frustrating knack for have ineffective games has caused fans a great deal of frustration.
But to label Theo a completely ineffectual player is just way off the mark. He made it into double figures last season, playing out on the wings, and racked up an impressive number of assists. Given that he did so whilst playing in a position he didn’t favour and having spent plenty of time out on the sidelines should make it clear just what a quality player Walcott is. But still some question why he’s part of this Arsenal team.
Those who don’t like Walcott will talk endlessly about his lack of a ‘footballing brain’, but this argument seems unfair to me. Sure he makes the occasional mistake, passing when he should shoot and vice versa, but every footballer is guilty of this. Nobody is perfect. It strikes me that Theo has this reputation for making bad decisions on the football pitch, and this is something that commentators and pundits play on, whether or not it’s merited during a game.
As such he doesn’t get enough credit for the things that he does right and it’s clear that he does a lot right, statistically speaking.
People talk about Theo not being a ‘natural’ footballer, but it strikes me that they’ve conveniently forgotten that he hasn’t been playing in his natural position. Walcott should be being employed down the centre upfront, where he can use his pace and finishing ability to real effect.
It may well be that fans won’t give Theo the plaudits he deserves until he’s given a chance to show what he can do in his favoured position. Until then shouldn’t we give him some credit for playing out of position and doing a fairly good job of it?
Article courtesy of Harry Cloke from This is Futbol
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The English Premier League is often praised as being the best domestic league in the world, ahead of the Spanish, Italian, German and the rest.
However, it also has its critics; many foreign players and managers that come to the English game will comment on how physical it is and that it’s a hard place to settle for young foreign players.
It does appear that the tide may be changing as a host of young, skilful European and South American players now ply their trade here and are able to impress immediately.
This season has already provided some memorable moments and the skill level on show so far has been outstanding, with a wide open title race and around 12 teams fighting off relegation.
In years gone by a manager in the English game will often look to buy big, strong players to give their side a more physical edge but over the past year or so the players we all want to watch are not the ones muscling their way into a challenge.
Manchester City are going from strength to strength with the funds that are available and the calibre of player they are now attracting.
David Silva, Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero have been in unstoppable form this season at the heart of everything going forward for the Citizens not being outmuscled or bullied in any game so far.
Jack Wilshere has arguably been Arsenal’s best player over the last 12 months; even though he is currently out injured; showing that the smaller, more skilful player could be breaking through in the English game.
Juan Mata joined Chelsea from Valencia and looks a shrewd piece of business for the Blues giving them something very different in the final third which may have been missing in recent times.
Luka Modric was close to joining Chelsea, but has remained at Tottenham and is starting to show again why so many clubs want his signature with outstanding performances in crucial games this season.
The list of small, game-changing players can go on with Scott Parker, Javier Hernandez and Ashley Young to name just a few more.
Barcelona have been setting the trend for a while now and currently have to shortest side in Europe, proving that the quality of the football is the most important thing in the modern game.
The academy at the Nou Camp continues to produce world class, attacking players that are proving unstoppable, no matter how hard you kick them.
Perhaps the age of a Patrick Vieira or a Didier Drogba are slowly leaving the English game, making way for a quicker more attractive game that just seems to be improving every single week.
The days of ‘one nil to the Arsenal’ left when Tony Adams, Martin Keown and co. left, making way for one of the most attractive football sides in the world.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Football fans often criticise the amount of foreign players and managers that are arriving in the English game but they are transforming the English Premier League into an oasis of skilful football that is a pleasure to watch.
Young players are regularly released from English club academies because they are deemed too small and weak but that may soon be history.
The future may bode well for young, skilful Englishmen and perhaps clubs will be looking for a different type of player at all ages in the game in the near future, but for now everyone is happy with the style of football that is gracing the English game.
Since the Glazers arrived at Old Trafford, much has been made of the Americans, and very little of it being positive. In fact, such was the outrage at their purchase of United, fans created FC United and have worn green and gold coloured scarves to protest ever since. Yet with United posting profits of £29.7 million pre-tax, and for the first time seeing their revenue pass £300 million for the first time, have the Glazer’s been such a bad influence at Old Trafford?
One fact that you cannot get away with when debating the effect of the Glazer’s on Manchester United is the amount of debt they amassed against the club when they first bought it. Since 2005, it is estimated that £478 million has been spent on servicing debt, with £373 million of that spent on interest fees (the guardian) with the year just gone having seen close to £52 million alone on intrest payments.
Fans are obviously unhappy about this, and have the right to be concerned, and when the Glazers’ first arrived it was more than reasonable for them to hold concern for the club they love so much. The fear of United being lost to debt or face up to being less competitive in the transfer market due to lack of available funds, not to mention the worry over keeping hold of key players were very real issues.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
However, the Glazers have been at United for enough time now to make a more complete judgement about them, and take into account other factors than profits and debt – which whilst important are not the be all and end all of running a football club.
One thing that the Glazer’s cannot be faulted on is letting Fergie run United the way he sees fit. Granted it would take a brave man to tell the legend that is Sir Alex Ferguson how to do his job, but when you compare the level of interference from the Glazers to that of Abramovich and his managerial merry-go round at Chelsea, or the Sheik at City, Fergie has a remarkable amount of control over all things at Old Trafford – both on and off the field.
Not only does he have final say on things at all levels at the club, the Glazers have not once tried to force players on him – a la Shevchenko at Chelsea- or forced Fergie into selling for any reason. Yes, people may point to the departure of Ronaldo, but no player is bigger than the club, Fergie knows this, and once the boy wanted to leave, United knew better than to keep him. The £80 million from Ronaldo was a great bit of business, and the sale had very little to do with financial issues or needing to raise capital. Had Ronaldo wanted to stay, Fergie would never have been forced into selling him.
The Glazers have also provided money for the purchase of players – and good ones at that. This summer especially has seen the arrival of several players such as Phil Jones, Ashley Young and De Gea. Obviously there are some constraints, as there would be with any owner, but for the main, Fergie has not been prevented from buying both when he felt was necessary and who he felt was needed.
Nor can it be said that the Glazers have hampered United’s progress on the field –since their arrival in 2005, success has still befallen United, and yes you can say this is because of Fergie and the players, but the owners could have easily prevented such success by interfering in the day to day running of the club – something that they have steered well clear of.
For some, the level of debt that the Glazer’s have inflicted on United is unforgivable, making them the most indebt club in world football with £715 million to be precise, and the ‘green and gold until United are sold’ will always be their way of thinking, but in actual fact, are the Glazer’s just the best of the worst in terms of football owners?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
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 realise that is about as complementary as saying that Capello is doing a better job with England than McClaren did, but realistically, it could be much worse in terms of the level of interference the Glazers inflict upon Fergie. Having all the money in the world cannot make up for a lack of control and being told who to play – just ask the last 8 Chelsea managers.
There is nothing quite like a local derby to get the passion from your players; an electric atmosphere and normally a card happy referee. They are exciting games for the neutrals, although it can be a painful 90mins to sit through for the supporters involved.
Derbies and other established rivalries in general are the first fixtures fans look for whenever the new season’s fixture list is generated. The apparent bravado presented by the fans on the outside, stating they simply ‘cannot wait for this fixture’, often belies the true feelings of fear and anxiety which remains hidden on the inside. Often, fans will quietly admit to each other in wishing the fixture rather not occur, such is the unbearable nature of these great rivalries. Everybody knows that horrible feeling of turning up to work on Monday if their team loses…
Full of incidents, talking points, clashes, excitement, and very occasionally, scintillating football, these unique fixtures can prove the highlights of any season.
We at FanCast towers wanted to find out what you consider the biggest derby in football – leave your comments below…
This season marks the 20th since the Premier League’s inception. In that time some of the finest players to ever play the game have graced English football’s top flight. Year in year out drama has unfolded before our eyes, with goals evoking ecstasy and heartbreak in equal measure.
Today we take a look at the top ten most significant Premier League goals since 1992, those goals that matter that little bit more than most. From title winning goals to those that save a team from relegation, even goals with huge financial implications, the Premier League has seen its fair share of important goals.
10 – Frank Lampard – Bolton Vs Chelsea, 2005
Frank Lampard’s second goal against Bolton in 2005 saw him run the length of the pitch before rounding Jussi Jaskelainen. It marked an end to Chelsea’s 50 year wait for the league title in Jose Mourinho’s first season as manager.
[youtube Fy1NAzeiWiI]
9 – Carlos Tevez – Manchester United 0-1 West Ham, 2007
Going in to the last day of the 2006/07 season West Ham travelled to Manchester United knowing they would need at least a point to secure safety. Carlos Tevez would become the hero, with an impeccable finish for the Hammers. Carlos Tevez’s move to West Ham was under investigation and the club would later be fined but the mercurial Argentinean will never be forgotten for his goal at Old Trafford.
[youtube qNrs_q32Zuw]
Continued on Page TWO
8 – John O’Shea – Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United, 2007
At number 8 we have an unlikely hero. Manchester United’s John O’Shea scored a winner at Anfield deep into added time, smashing the ball into the roof of the net after Pepe Reina had spilt the ball. The result sent United 9 points clear and despite a late push from Chelsea, United held on to regain the Premiership crown.
[youtube qHxJThRSkHQ]
7 – Stan Collymore – Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle, 1996
Collymore’s late winner in 1996 is a goal that has proved significant for two reasons. The first of which is it contributed to Newcastle letting a 12 point lead slip at the top of the table as Manchester United went into overdrive at the end of the season. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the goal epitomised the Premier League. It came at the end of a match recently voted the greatest Premier League match of the last 20 years and Martin Tyler’s commentary for SkySports has been immortalised. ‘Collymore closing in. Liverpool lead in stoppage time!’ In terms of advertisement of brand, Collymore’s goal is at the very top.
[youtube o4ezBOXQYkI]
[divider]
Continued on Page THREE
6 – Sylvain Wiltord – Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal, 2002
Having finished as runners up in the previous three seasons, Arsenal were determined to win the title back from Manchester United in their own back yard. Sylvan Wiltord would be the man to write himself into the history books, as Arsenal claimed the title with a 1-0 victory.
[youtube rTccVRMMlUo]
5 – Peter Crouch – Manchester City 0-1 Tottenham, 2010
In what was billed as the battle for 4th place Peter Crouch scored the winner that gave Tottenham Hotspur Champions League football. The club impressed in the competition and can look back on the goal as a stepping stone to the quality of player they now have at the club.
[youtube eiBBxfq7Q-8]
[divider]
Continued on Page FOUR
4 – Geoff Horsfield – West Brom 2-0 Portsmouth, 2005
In what was dubbed ‘The Great Escape’, West Brom became the first club in the Premier League to be bottom at Christmas and escape relegation. In fact, West Brom were even bottom going into the last day. Geoff Horsfield scored the first in a 2-0 win against Portsmouth, with results elsewhere going their way sparking delirium amongst the Baggies supporters.
[youtube GD8V8enE8gA]
3 – Jesper Gronkjaer – Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool, 2003
Another game with huge importance, on the last day of the 2002-2003 season the winning side would secure qualification for the Champions League. Jesper Gronkjaer scored the winner in the first half and as they say, the rest is history. Roman Abramovich invested in the club less than two months later marking a period of unprecedented success for the West London club.
[youtube ZRFgyWziMJw]
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Continued on Page FIVE
2 – Steve Bruce – Manchester United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday, 1993
In the very first Premier League season an unlikely source in Steve Bruce scored twice deep into stoppage time against Sheffield Wednesday. The two goals sent United a point clear at the top, a month later they would be crowned Premier League champions, beginning a period of dominance in English football for Manchester United.
[youtube brxOzO5mpcM]
1 – Brian Deane – Sheffield United 2-1 Manchester United, 1992
For one reason alone, Brian Deane’s goal will always be a significant one in the Premier League’s history, being the first to be scored in the competition. It marked the beginning of a new era for English football and the game has never looked back, indeed, who could of predicted the Premier League would be such a resounding success when Deane scored that very first goal.
[youtube UNx_HmifAm4]
Is there a goal deserving of inclusion that is missing? Comment or message me on Twitter @CamHumphries
One thing that I cannot stand in football – even more than the FA, even more than the prices of food at games and even more than Sergio Busquets (well perhaps not) – is the claim that certain players fail to perform in the ‘big games.’
Never more so than after El Clasico, I got slowly more and more annoyed with this criticism of Ronaldo, and even after the boy managed to score a hat trick away to Sevilla at the weekend to send Real top going into the winter break, people still managed to say yes, but the Barcelona game was last week Cristiano. Cue me turning a shade of purple Fergie would be proud of.
Ok, so Ronaldo may not have had the best game against Barca, but say he did and scored five goals, all by himself and made a goal line clearance at the other end after a very un Ronaldo like piece of defending, single handedly winning Real the game. Brilliant. But then failed to perform against Sevilla the week after and Mourinho’s men lost the game – they would still have lost three points and been in the same situation they are in now.
Ronaldo has scored 43 goals this calendar year, setting a new record in La Liga, and is leading the race for the Picihci with 20 goals. Well these goals came in games such as ones against Valencia and Sevilla – both away – so are these not ‘big games’?
The points that Barcelona have dropped this season come away to Getafe amongst other sides – so despite their players turning up in the Classico, they failed to do so for the majority of the away games where Barca picked up 9 points out of 18 before the game at their apparent home away from home, the Santiago Bernabeu.
No game is insignificant in a title race – there are 38 games which are all worth three points, not that you would believe that given the media reaction to certain performances and games. There is little point in turning up to one ‘big’ game and failing in the other 37. Likewise you might be brilliant in the World Cup final, but there is a little matter of getting there first.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
Don’t get me wrong, turning up in the big games is vital, but like when people accuse strikers of scoring against easy sides – Defoe comes to mind here – someone has to score those goals, and yes you can score against the top few sides and possibly win a game, but if you fail to beat the rest of the league, you won’t find yourself top of the pile at the end of the season.
There is a saying that there is no such thing as an easy game, and with football becoming more unpredictable than ever before. For a top team the target is to win the league, not just to beat their rivals, and to do that players need to be on the top of their game for 38 matches.
At the end of the season no one will focus on the fact that Ronaldo had an off game against Barcelona if he is the top goal scorer and Madrid win the league. No one will care that Defoe may have scored against everyone but the top two sides if Spurs finish third.
One ‘big’ game does not make a great player or win a title – yet in the same way that fans and the media sensationalise one poor result – would have you believe this is the case. Unfortunately it will take until the end of the season to prove them wrong – but when that happens you can be sure I will be writing about it!
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Roberto Mancini believes that Liverpool made mistakes in their handling of the Luis Suarez affair. The Italian believes that apologies needed to be issued in the wake of the incident to ensure and they should have just accepted the charge and moved on.
Elsewhere in the news Thierry Henry keeps expectations in check; Tottenham confirm their interest in Remy, while Aston Villa expected to seal deal for Keane.
News
Spurs’ squad will ensure they can be contenders
Dalglish happy to be Liverpool boss
Aston Villa expected to seal loan deal
Tevez wants AC Milan move
Everton wary of Bale threat
Thierry Henry keeps expectations in check
Mancini feels Liverpool made mistakes
Redknapp confirms interest in striker
Coquelin extends contract as Wenger joins £4m battle for Saints starlet
[divider]
Transfer Talk
[divider]
Ba release clause has United manager Fergie weighing up move for Toon star – Daily Mail
Arsenal fail with bid for defender – Mirror
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Toon: £15million to capture Krul – Sun
Bassong ready to leave Tottenham – Mirror
Yours for £20m! Liverpool seek to offload Carroll… and Newcastle line up shock return – Daily Mail
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has admitted that the club’s Premier League future is in their own hands, as the side have a number of home games coming up over the next month.
The Trotters, currently embroiled in a relegation dogfight, have games at the Reebook Stadium against QPR, Blackburn, Fulham and Swansea in quick succession, and the Scottish coach hopes his team can get the points needed to secure their top-flight status.
“I said if we could get to the Manchester City game and remain in touch – which we are – then our destiny will be very much in our own hands,” Coyle told Mirror Football.
“We believe there are points to be had, we must address that now and stay in the Premier League. I’m convinced we’ll do it. We have games we can take points from – QPR, Blackburn and Swansea.
“We’ve seen here against an elite club in Manchester City, a club that’s won every home game here in a year, the belief we have. Of the five clubs down there, others may have a tougher schedule. But we have to capitalise,” he concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.