Chelsea FC, who should the blues sign this summer?

Chelsea struggled over the 2015-2016 campaign, with a huge contrast from the previous season. Jose Mourinho was sacked after a poor run of form and his replacement Guus Hiddink did his best in attempt to repair the season for the Chelsea fans. Leading to a mid table 10th Place finish for the blues, and a failure to qualify for any European competition. So on the back of that, another new manager comes in at Chelsea, and he will want to shape his own team, but who can we expect Chelsea to be looking towards in the coming months before the start of the new Premier League season.

1. One area which needs attention is Chelsea's defence, John Terry is edging towards retirement or at least leaving the blues and will need replacing, there is going to be a huge gap left in the heart of the Chelsea defence when he leaves. Antonio Conte will want to look to fill that gap quickly and effectively. With Italian links I think it would be beneficial for Chelsea to aim towards Italian giants Juventus, and attempt to sign defender Andrea Barzagli, who has been solid in defence for the past few seasons of Serie A and alongside the experienced Gary Cahill and Youngster Kurt Zouma, could be a pivotal appointment.
 

Another Defensive option which could be considered could be looking to sign a younger right back, when Ivanovic is on his game there is no question he is an incredibly strong player but he isn't getting any younger, and a younger player could come in and provide some healthy competition for Chelsea's long serving full back. Sticking with an Italian theme a player worthy of recruitment for Conte could be Roma's Allesandro Florenzi, who has shown much improvement over the season in Serie A and appears to be a very capable young player. At 25 years old he could come in and develop alongside Ivanovic as he adapts to the Premier League, and then he would be a worthy replacement in seasons to come.



2. An exciting midfielder. Chelsea's midfield in their title winning season in 2014-15 was solid, unbeatable, but after a pour season from playmaker Cesc Fabreags and a slow start from ball winner Nemanja Matic, Chelsea struggled for consistent levels of creativity. In my opinion, apart from Willian, who had an exceptional season, Chelsea's midfield was struggling, and coming out second best particularly in battles early on in the campaign.

One player who because of the league he plays in may potentially be overlooked, but who I would love to see at Chelsea is FC Twente's Hakim Ziyech, who has been working wonders for Twente this season, scoring 17 times and getting 10 assists, at the age of 23 he is an exciting young prospect who could add excitement to an ageing Chelsea midfield.
 

Of course if  Conte wanted to look at someone who is more proven, he could look towards Liverpool target Mario Goetze, although with the German world cup winner guaranteed champions League football next season at Bayern, it may be tough to secure that name, but his experience could guide younger players around him, and I think he'd be a great link up for Edin Hazard.
 
I have a feeling after a disappointing season Chelsea will spend big this season, in an attempt to get back into European football and to challenge for the title, but only time will tell. Good luck to them, we'll have to sit and wait, to see who the blues sign, and to see how the new manager sets in next season.

The Boys Of 66, 50 years on.

2016 marks 50 years since Bobby Moore lifted the world cup in front of a packed Wembley crowd. Little did the people of England know it but the country wouldn't lift that trophy again for over half a century, perhaps substantially longer with no sign of us winning it in any of the upcoming World cups. I thought I'd take the time to look at what makes a world cup winning side and perhaps try to solve the mystery as to why we haven't won it since. Whether its down to poor team performances at key stages or Managers who weren't up to scratch, or a mixture of both and individuals letting down the team. It would be unfair to suggest any player to wear the England Shirt was unworthy of it, but perhaps those 1 cap players were to blame for a lack of silverware? too much experimentation? not enough experience?

So what makes a world cup winning team? The answer is in Modern football it centers around a fine balance. Looking at recent winners in Spain and Germany it is evident that strength in depth is a key quality for a World cup winning side. If you take a look at Germany's winning squad in 2014, the strength they had was incredible, opponents came out second in ability in almost every position. A solid goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer, fantastic defenders in Mats Hummels and Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng. Young Talented Midfielders in Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil and strong attacking force from World Cups lead goal scorer Miroslav Klose and From the talented Thomas Muller who scored 5 goals in 2014s tournament. This strength combined with an incredible manager in Joachim Low shows just why Germany lifted the trophy that year, and in the current England squad their just aren't that many talented strong characters needed to build an elite force like this. Also its worth noting that 7 of Germany's starting XI played for Bayern Munich, and therefore knew each others game very well, and with the influence of foreign players on the premier league and the talent they bring, England are moving away from this sort of national team and are edging more towards one of different strengths.

Spain in 2010 showed just what being part of a team was all about wit their successful squad, quick passing between players in a small space until an opening emerges to be taken advantage of won Vincente Del Bosques side another star for their badge in South Africa. Something also that isn't really common of the English national side.

Traditionally England follow a strategy of power through the midfield, a back four that you wouldn't want to be confronted with on a late night walk, and two dominant strikers, one using strength and aggression to throw the opposition whilst the other particularly quicker and more agile and able to latch onto through passes. Real mavericks wore their shirt with pride. None more noteably than the likes of Terry Butcher in defence, Paul Gascoigne on the wing or upfront with Match of the day front man Gary Lineker. but as the game has changed so too has the type of player that the national team attracts. With more of a focus now on pace on the wing in players like Theo Walcott, and more complete strikers like Daniel Sturridge. Is this new tactic working? what more can be done?

The manager- Roy Hodgson hasn't been the most successful of managers but he has been backed by the board to do the job so surely we must stick behind him? England were unbeaten in qualifying for Euro 2016, and despite opponents not being all that challenging surely that unbeaten run must count for something? however, lack of achievement in this tournament could lead to Roy's sacking, such is the story with international management! the manager is pivotal to a teams successes, and England are no exception to this, we know Our players aren't the best in the world, so they need support from their coach, and if that isn't there things need to change.

Overall, Modern football has changed, The England boys are trying their best but with such incredible talent in opposition teams, its going to be tough to compete. However that is not to undermine some performances of England players over the years who have given fans incredible experiences, for example Michael Owens goal against Argentina, Gascoignes turn and Volley against Scotland, and of course David Beckham's free kick against Greece. I'm sure England will continue to excite fans whether they win games or not. Competition is tough, but hopefully so are the England players ready to take on the challenge, and perhaps some success will come our way! who knows!

Arsenal FC, Who the Gunners need to sign this summer

Arsenal's success in recent years has been unquestionably down to a fantastic transfer policy adopted by Arsene Wenger, yet in the last couple of years his methods have come for some criticism, 2 FA cups in the last three years for a club is big as Arsenal's has created some doubt in the capability of their manager, and whether he is the right man to take Arsenal forward, I think if he is, he needs to look at strengthening these key areas.

1. Address the issue in attack.
With Olivier Giroud's unpredictable form its fair to say that for a few years now the Emirates stadium has been crying out for a world class striker to come along and the light up the pitch, but just who should they be looking towards?

 If they're looking for an injection of pace in attack I think they should look no further than Lyon's Alexander Lacazette, who needs a move away from the french giants to improve his game, and would fit the Wenger ideal of being a Frenchman, and he is undoubtedly a prolific striker. In a season where he has been criticised, he has still netted 21 times in 34 Ligue 1 appearances, and alongside the strength of some of Arsenal's midfield, could be a crucial addition.

 Another player to look towards could be Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain, who has just come off the back of a fantastic season in Italy's Seria A. The strong lone front man has elements of everything, and would certainly boost Arsenal's chances in Europe. His record this season in Serie A has been outstanding, with the Argentine scoring 38 times in 46 appearances, something which Arsenal, who have had to rely on goals from their midfield a considerable number of times this season, could definitely use.



2. A central defender
For me the Arsenal midfield is solid, especially with the addition of Granit Xhaka already this window. So it's the attack and defence which really needs strengthening. Koscielny is a strong defender, hes quick and agile and has drastically improved throughout his career at Arsenal, but there is definitely a considerable gap along side him in Arsenal's back four.

Someone who Arsenal are linked with and who could be the brute defender needed at Arsenal is Kalidou Koulibaly, another player from Italian side Napoli, he isn't a slow defender, and his height of 6ft 4 inches gives him a good aerial ability, competing at such a high level this season in Italy could see him already suited to the premier league, and he therefore could be someone who fits perfectly into the Arsenal defence.

If Arsenal don't manage to land the signing of Koulibaly, they could look towards a few players from La Liga, one example of a defender who would suit Arsenal's defensive style from this league would be Athletico Madrid's Diego Godin, Godin has enjoyed an incredibly successful career at Athletico in the last few years and his strength combined with his technical ability could allow him to adapt this to the premier league, he could be the level headed game reader alongside Koscielny at the heart of the Arsenal defence.



3. Players out
If arsenal want a chance of competing for the title this season they are going to have to recruit well, but also remove anyone who isnt on an exceptional level, for example Theo Walcott was a huge young prospect who hasn't really met his potential, could he potentially be sold to make way for a world class signing. Players Like Per Mertersacker who are stuggling to keep up with the pace of the premier may also need to be cleared out.

Overall big signings are key for Arsenal this summer, with competition more fierce than ever due to some of the huge managerial names competing against each other this season. If Arsene Wenger is to stand a chance at competing, he needs to spend big, and get his hold side performing consistently, which is what in recent years he has struggled to do.
 

England at the Euro's Paris delight?

Victory in a European competition is certainly long overdue, but can the young lions compete with the strength of some of Europe's giants. What are the key aspects England will need to bring joy back to England this summer, I will be taking a look at some key features which could bring success for Roy's Boys?

1. Discipline, a strange one I know but definitive. To me one of the fundamental aspects in determining how this Summer's tournament will go. Not only do players need to present the talent to match that of some of Europe's top stars, but they cannot afford to let the occasion get the better of them. They must remain level headed in all situations. Remain calm on the ball, stay composed when things don't go their way, and remain mentally the stronger team in every match up. If younger members of the squad don't remain disciplined they could cause much aggravation for the rest of the team and the nation alike. If for example some of the Tottenham players perform like they did against Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, we may find ourselves leaving Paris quicker than we'd hoped.

Players like Dele Alli who with the ball at their feet can control the game, but without it can make silly fouls which could cost England further down the line. The players must work hard for each other, and remember their team mentality, not to be overwhelmed by the occasion and attempt to take matches into their own hands, the only way England will win is with fighting performances, heart and soul for 90 minutes.

2. Strength in depth. Each player who graces the shirt should be fighting for that position in the team, no half-hearted measures, those who gain a cap should earn it. No fan will be disappointed slipping out of the competition if in every game there is evidence that every player has put their last ounce of effort in to get across the line. They will praise the squad for their efforts. In some circumstances National tournaments are make or break moments for a few players within a team. This is similar for a few players within the England squad at this tournament. For example, Jamie Vardy. We know his talent is unquestionable, but doing it on the national stage is the next level, and if he was to have a poor competition, the people’s opinion of him may dramatically drop. Similarly, with Players like Jack Wilshere who have been on the edge of an England call up for a while now, and need to step up to the plate, and earn their cap, as I'm sure there are many looking to replace players like him.

 3. Team work The underlying theme determining England’s success is their ability to work as a team, as Alf Ramsey once showed us, winning football is not necessarily about having the best players, but about every player having their role in the team, and acting upon that in the best possible way.

 England have players who on their day can turn games around, but they don't necessarily need this. They need team players who can show the key skills together to be victorious, like Leicester City this season, the squad needs to come together and work as one, presenting themselves as a strong force which cannot be broken down no matter how hard teams try.

 Overall England will have their work cut out if they are to win, but it's not entirely out of reach, if the young lions play without fear they are certainly in with a chance, and only time will tell. Could this year be our year? let’s wait and see.

Defeat in Basel, why it's not all bad for LFC

Liverpool lost their second final of the 2015-16 season last night in a Europa League upset by Sevilla. Making them champions for the third consecutive season. Yet despite a few tears shed by players and fans alike, it's not all doom and gloom, and here's why.

1. First and foremost lets not forget how Liverpool got to the final, an incredibly evening at Anfield which saw them turn around a 2 goal deficit against Borussia Dortmund, and this after knocking out English rivals Manchester united in the process. After a few disappointing years Liverpool have certainly shown with this cup run that they are capable of causing some serious damage. Klopp's side were huge under dogs against his former side Dortmund but blew them out of the water, this must be looked at as a magnificent achievement.



2. Klopp's got the Kop.
In most footballing circumstances the influence of a strong manager is forgotten about, but as with seen with Klopp's time at Dortmund, he knows a thing or two. There were doubts as to whether he'd be able to keep performing on the premier league stage but so far he has shown that he is the real deal. With his first summer transfer window at Liverpool approaching there's no doubt he'll look to bring in big names, attracted to the club simply by his drive and ambition. He also knows what areas need improving, and who can do that, with names like Mario Goetze circulating around Anfield it is unquestionable that Liverpool want proven stars, but, as is evident from trusting younger players Like Kevin Stewart, it wouldn't be surprising if Klopp dug a bit deeper than that, scouting out potential stars to be the future face upon a banner being passed round the Kopp.


3. A gap year. Whilst the names of the players coming in to Liverpool isn't certain, the one thing that is certain is that Liverpool wont be playing in Europe next season. As frustrating as this is for fans and players it is fact, and is one less thing to stress about, less games, potentially les injuries, as well as less heartache. It Gives the reds a real chance to focus upon their domestic ambitions, with clubs around them tied up in mid week away games, Liverpool can work and train hard to make sure they show them why being so ambitious was a mistake. The club can be reformed, come back stronger and challenge for Europe the year after, with that coming from how hard they've worked in a Europe free campaign. With a talented young squad and Klopp at the helm, the sky is the limit, and with some successful appointments in the summer, they could be champions league contenders, if they spend big and work bigger.

Overall Liverpool can be proud of their efforts this season, they can reflect on many positives like the result against Dortmund as well as the Europa league beating of Man United, and can come back after the European Championships as Jurgen Klopp says "Stronger" and show the premier what their club is all about.

Newcastle United, where its all gone wrong.

For Newcastle fans, this season has not been easy. However, the fans have been used to disappointment throughout Mike Ashley’s era. This is the second relegation under Ashley, with his only real success being  Chris Hughton’s side winning the championship and coming back up the following season, but just where is it all going wrong.

Let’s Start at the top, the Owner and his appointments. In all honesty Mike Ashley’s record for signing managers is appalling. From the appointment of the inconsistent Alan Pardew who never struck a chord with the fans, to the shocking decision to appoint a manager who flopped in the championship in Steve McClaren, with John Carver in between. The problem starts right here, the inefficiency of these appointments have led to massive uncertainty amongst some of the best fans in English football, which has led to a countless number of protests and walkouts at St James Park, a stadium which on its day lights up the city of Newcastle. Maybe relegation is what the club needs, a step back, a total overhaul of the poisons which infect the club. Board decisions also have cost Newcastle in previous years, the decision to have McClaren on the board was a bizarre one, not to mention the appointment of Director of football Joe Kinnear, who couldn’t even pronounce the name of one of the greatest things to come out of Ashley’s era in “Yohan kebab” Madness. All problems within football clubs have their centre point, and Newcastle’s is their rotten board.

Another problem regarding Mike Ashley is his use of the club as one large advertising campaign. He’s a man who looks for his staff to appoint nobody’s with the slim chance of them one day becoming somebody’s. Looking to pocket from every situation, not giving back to the club. Only coughing up when the club are slumping towards relegation, before telling the ever loyal fans paying every week to watch their club, “when the money runs out, don’t come crying to me” imagine how dangerous Newcastle could be with an owner who knows how to own a football club. Ashley took a risk in buying a club, he himself has admitted he regrets it, but he won’t sell until he’s drained every last penny he can. You can’t move for advertising boards of his well-known sports shop chain at St James, they look like acne upon a teenagers face. He must have a lot of stress upon his shoulders, but the vast majority has been brought on by his own actions, hate to think what state the club will be in when he puts us up for sale, and I can’t say too many tears will be shed when he departs, other than through joy for the fans getting their club back.

Then we look lower down, the players. Newcastle’s transfer policy is bizarre to say the least. Spending around £80 million this season, more than the combined 4 seasons. Pointless signings over the past few years have cost the club, Pardew signing 9 new players before he departed, never really moulding them, leaving their own careers to fall on their face. The players we have been left with lack desire, some of the younger player’s efforts can be unquestionable, but it’s a shame that on one hand I could count players this season who have deserved to wear the shirt. Some player’s careers are rotting, they may speak like they have the club interests at heart and how they love their fans, but do they play like it? Simple answer is no. The club is crumbling from top to bottom.

The one positive to come from this season is the appointment of Rafa Benitez, you can’t question his efforts, and he’s been the first manager in who knows how long to take to the fans. He’s deserved better from his players, and no one could blame him if he ends his contract now that we are confirmed as relegated, and if he does make that decision, good luck in his next appointment.

Overall it’s fair to say Rafa and the Newcastle fans are the only people this season who haven’t deserved the drop to the football league. Every week St James park is nearly at full capacity, and despite such poor away performances, away followings as I’m sure they will continue to be next season have been fantastic. They’ve been magnificent, and if Newcastle are to return to top flight football at the first time of trying, I’m sure they’ll be a key part in that. As for the future, try to enjoy the ride, new players will come in, old ones will go, young prospects could emerge for example the return of Adam Armstrong, and maybe relegation will turn out to be what the club needs in order to come back stronger, once fans are over the heartbreak, they’ll get behind their side again, painting the championship black and white, and no matter what the result, they’ll be sure to have a good time.

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