For all of Southampton’s problems this season, the complexion of their campaign could look completely different right now had Charlie Austin not been sidelined with injury for the last three months.
After all, the English centre-forward – who Transfermarkt value at £10.8million – is still Saints’ top scorer this term with six goals, which only highlights how desperately they’ve struggled to find the net and how important a figure Austin is within the team.
It has been suggested Austin should be available this weekend for a huge clash with West Ham that could well go on to decide the fate of either club, with both currently either side of the Premier League drop line.
But the real question for Southampton is whether they should risk an incredibly injury-prone player from the start, knowing another injury could well end his season, or hold their nerve and unleash the 28-year-old from bench.
How would you handle this selection conundrum, Saints fans? Let us know by voting below…
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Manchester United produced a performance of spirit and endeavour to drag themselves back from 2-0 behind against Manchester City and deny their bitter rivals a rare opportunity to win the Premier League title there and then at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
Jose Mourinho’s men looked set to play the role of clowns after 45 minutes but recovered to give their travelling fans a result to remember.
One man who wasn’t present in the squad as United finally showed some backbone was Marouane Fellaini. The Belgian – valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt – will see his contract run out at the end of the season and one journalist moved to say that his absence from the 18 means he is closer to the exit door at Old Trafford than ever before.
The former Everton midfielder has been a divisive figure since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2013 and we’ve taken a closer look at the reaction from some happy United fans…
Left-footed centre-halves are something of a rare breed. In fact, left-footed players are in general – which is why most find themselves utilised further forward in more advanced positions rather than the heart of the defence, or at the very least left-back – roles where having a natural left-footer is pretty much essential.
But in terms of balance to the team, having a left-footed centre-half can be a huge advantage, especially amid an era in which defenders are encouraged to play out of the back with greater bravery and purpose than ever before, and even more so amid an era in which possession – for most top teams, at least – has become the aim of the game.
And thus, there’s a curious question to answer here; who is currently the best left-footed centre-half in the world? A centre-back who not only fulfils his defensive duties to an imperious degree indiscriminate to a right footer, but also gives his side that extra dose of balance and quality in possession? Perhaps there’s a Premier League bias here, but Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen is a pretty strong candidate.
That’s in part due to the nature of defender the Belgium international has become during his time in north London. When he arrived, his ball-playing qualities were so impressive that there were calls for the former Ajax man to be deployed in central midfield. While Vertonghen’s maintained that ability though, he’s also changed his game to meet the demands of the Premier League, something that’s become particularly prevalent this season without Toby Alderweireld alongside him.
Rather than simply the tidy partner alongside a bullish, archetypal centre-back, Vertonghen can be the dominant one as well – challenging powerful strikers in the air, jostling with them on the ground and weighing in with shin-shattering tackles. That combination of Vertonghen’s impressive Ajax pedigree and the embracing of the physicality of English football has rightly earned him a place in this season’s PFA Team of the Year.
And the competition for being the best left-footed centre-back in the world, at this moment in time, isn’t exactly convincing. Vertonghen met a formidable rival in this season’s Champions League quarter-final with Juventus, Giorgio Chiellini, who produced one of his typical warrior-like displays against Spurs at Wembley.
But Chiellini’s coming to the end of his heyday, celebrating his 34th birthday in August, and probably isn’t quite as dominant as he was a few years ago when some tipped him as the best centre-half in the world.
After that, the strongest argument on the side of other left-footed centre-halves in contention for the crown of the world’s best is youthfulness and longevity. That’s perhaps best epitomised by the only other truly strong candidate, Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti.
Powerful, quick and capable in possession, he’s got a bit of everything. But his form has divided opinion since moving to the Nou Camp, and the 24-year-old was culpable for Portugal’s late winner against France in the Euro 2016 final – backing off Eder to allow the one-time Swansea forward enough space to sneak a short at goal.
He’s developed since then, but if Chiellini’s a declining great then Umtiti is still merely one in the making. Vertonghen, after celebrating his 31st birthday earlier this week, strikes a happy medium in between.
Statistically too, when compared to the most revered left-footed centre-backs from Europe’s top five leagues this season, Vertonghen stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Admittedly, the numbers never paint the full picture of what happens on the pitch and in the interests of balance, there are some talented players missing from our comparison; Alessio Romagnoli often impressed for AC Milan and has been strongly linked with several Premier League clubs, Manchester City have just spent £57million on Aymeric Laporte and Inigo Martinez has built a solid reputation for himself in La Liga.
Yet none of those are established and proven top-class players in the same way as Vertonghen, and the Tottenham defender’s returns this season speak for themselves. From the seven performance categories we’ve looked at, he ranks first for per match averages in four of them, second in one and third in another. In fact, the only category where he hasn’t excelled this season is blocks per game.
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And the two categories where Vertonghen has shone brightest once again allude to the idea of left-footed centre-halves combining defensive ability with quality in possession.
His return for dribbles per game and forward passes highlight how the 99-cap international has built so many attacks for Spurs this season, often winning the ball back through a tackle or interception before putting his side on the front foot with the right pass. Chiellini and Umtiti are both fantastic defenders, but neither have proved capable of that with quite the same consistency that Vertonghen has shown this season.
So, is Vertonghen – who Transfermarkt value at £28.8million – the best left-footed centre-back in the world? Let us know by voting below…
Manchester City lifted the Premier League trophy amid jubilant scenes despite Huddersfield gaining a vital point in their battle to avoid relegation with a goalless draw at Etihad Stadium.
Sunday’s fixture was a dead rubber from a City perspective, but they finally got their hands on the Premier League trophy after the game.
In truth, City had a firm grip on the title by Christmas and were officially confirmed champions after Manchester United lost to West Brom.
No one could get near the blue half of Manchester this year as City brushed aside the competition with consummate ease.
This is the third time City have won the league, after winning their first title in 2011-12 season. That season was much closer, with a last-minute Sergio Ageuro goal handing City the title on goal difference.
With two games left City could reach 100 points, and here’s how City fans reacted on Twitter…
Napoli midfielder Jorginho has regularly been mentioned in the transfer gossip pages over the last few weeks.
The 26-year-old has attracted the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool, if reports are to be believed.
Now, according to Spanish publication Sport, La Liga giants Barcelona have entered the fray for Jorginho.
The Italian, who joined Napoli in 2014 from Verona, has caught the eye this season for his performances deep in midfield.
In total, Jorginho has made 35 appearances in all competitions, including 31 starts in Serie A.
As well performing his defensive duties consistently, the midfielder has also contributed with three goals and four assists.
The Italy international would certainly give Jurgen Klopp another option in the middle of the park if he were to join Liverpool.
With Emre Can’s future at the club up in the air, Jordan Henderson is the only player that can take on that role, although Georginio Wijnaldum has trialed in that area this season.
The Daily Mail claims that Manchester City are leading the race for Jorginho’s signature, but it is the interest from Barcelona that is bothering them.
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Liverpool have history with the Catalan giants having been forced into selling the likes of Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho in recent years.
Leicester beat Arsenal 3-1 at the King Power stadium last night to earn their first win against the Gunners in 24 years as Arsenal’s dreadful away form continues.
Kelechi Iheanacho was a central figure putting in a man of the match display.
The ex-City striker calmly slotted the opener past Petr Cech after poor defending from Arsenal, who had 20-year-old defender Konstantinos Mavropanos sent off two minutes later after he brought down Iheanacho as he broke through on goal.
The young Nigerian put in one of his strongest performances for Leicester in what has been a stop-start debut season since his move from Manchester City.
Iheanacho scored only his second league goal for Leicester in the victory to take his goal tally to seven for the season.
After a slow start to his career in the East Midlands, The Sun linked the Nigerian striker with a move away from the club. However the 21-year-old is determined to prove his worth:
“That’s what every player wants, to play. When you work hard, you get your chance, so I’ll keep working hard and see what’s next.”
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Leicester supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Iheanacho’s man of the match performance…
Liverpool have performed so well en route to the Champions League final and their already thin squad contains so many injuries that Jurgen Klopp’s side for Saturday’s showpiece in Kiev almost picks itself.
There are precious few selection dilemmas but the return of Nathaniel Clyne may just provide Klopp with one as he considers how best to prevent an attack containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and potentially Gareth Bale as well.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt – has enjoyed a staggering breakthrough season, becoming something of a cult hero at Anfield and essentially taking Clyne’s club and international spot.
The teenager is the one heading to the World Cup, while Clyne will be watching at home like the rest of us, but is there a case to be made that Klopp should opt for experience on this huge occasion?
Let us know which way Klopp should go by voting in the poll below and keep your eyes peeled for the results on the day of the game…
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According to The Independent, Arsenal’s defensive recruitment drive won’t end with the impending arrival of Sokratis from Borussia Dortmund. They claim the Gunners hope to sign up to four new defenders this summer, in what could end up being pretty much a complete overhaul of their backline.
But room must always be made for new arrivals and while Arsenal may be short of quality in defence, they’re certainly not short of depth; last season in the Premier League alone, Arsene Wenger fielded nine different defenders as he switched between 3-4-3 and 4-3-3.
And there’s a consequential question we want Gunners fans to answer – which defenders should be moved on this summer to make room for new signings? Per Mertesacker will be leaving the club anyway, so who should follow the German powerhouse out of the exit door?
Calum Chambers, for example, has struggled to prove himself in an Arsenal jersey since arriving from Southampton. But Hector Bellerin, albeit a member of the Gunners’ strongest starting XI on paper, would likely bring in a bigger transfer fee for Arsenal to spend in other areas – Transfermarkt valuing him at £36million – and certainly disappointed for long periods of last season.
Arsenal fans, let us know who you would cash in on by taking part in the poll below, giving those you would sell a thumbs up and those you wouldn’t a thumbs down.
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Tottenham will definitely sign a centre back this summer if Toby Alderweireld leaves, but which young defender should they go for?
According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham are looking to hijack Chelsea’s pursuit of Jamaal Lascelles, after cooling interest in Matthijs de Ligt.
Lascelles is a “key target” for the Blues according to the report, and could cost as much as £45m this summer.
Tottenham are eyeing up the Newcastle skipper as well though, as they search desperately for a replacement for Toby Alderweireld.
Alderweireld is of course still a Tottenham player, but with no signs of a new contract on the way, it seems only a matter of time before the big Belgian makes the move to Manchester United.
Lascelles would replace the leadership lost by the departure of Alderweireld, as the 24 year-old has been an absolute beast for the Magpies since Rafael Benitez handed him the armband.
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Football London claimed today (16:06) that a move for de Ligt is now off, but the club may just be waiting to see if Alderweireld has a last second change of heart.
There could be many reasons for Spurs to halt their interest in the youngster, but it seems unlikely Pochettino would just end his interest in a player he rates so highly, so de Ligt is certainly still one to keep your eye on.
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That said, the issue of Premier League experience is a big factor, and Lascelles has the edge in that regard. The former Nottingham Forest man is also more suited to the physicality of the league, and even at £45m would likely be cheaper than de Ligt.
So, Tottenham fans, do you think it’s a mistake to end the chase for de Ligt? Which young centre back would you rather sign? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…
When you win your first World Cup game by a margin of five goals, blind optimism will inevitable grow amongst supporters. But when you win your first World Cup by a margin of five goals at the very tournament you’re hosting, in front of a whole stadium filled of your own fans and indeed Vladimir Putin, expectations will accordingly go through the roof. It’s easy to forget that, according to FIFA rankings at least, Russia are actually only the 70th-best team in world football right now.
Indeed, while the scoreline was by no means flattering, it was by no means a homage to Russia’s quality either. This team is way off the standard Russian football set for itself at the 2008 European championship; they just so happened to face a Saudi Arabia side that will contest Panama for the least competitive team at this edition of the World Cup. The Middle Eastern nation held their own for a while but eventually succumbed to the will of a superior team and once their confidence began to wane, the floodgates quickly opened.
As easy as Saudi Arabia made it for Russia though, there was one relentless driving force behind a win that already makes the tournament feel like a success for not only the host nation but also fans around the world craving a supply of gorgeous goals. While the biggest share was provided by brace-bagger Denis Cheryshev after coming off as a first-half substitute, the true star of the show was Russia’s offensive dynamo in midfield, Aleksandar Golovin.
Indeed, the attacking midfielder created the most chances of any Russia player, five, completed the most accurate crosses, three, and ranked second for interceptions and tackles, three apiece, while grabbing one goal and two assists in an engine room display that combined elegance and flair with grit and authority. Few players at this World Cup will have such an obvious impact on such a resounding win, even if Saudi Arabia’s lack of quality must be factored into how we judge Golovin’s performance.
And that display comes at a key moment for Golovin, on the backdrop of heavy Premier League interest in his services. The ultimate elite bracket of world footballers is hardly awash with Russian talent but aged 22 and already the stand-out star of the Russian top flight, this World Cup represents perhaps his best chance to move into it – the beautiful game’s greatest tournament always has a knack of transforming careers for those who are just on the cusp of their natural peaks.
Manchester United have been mooted as potential suitors for the young midfielder, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea. But the promising Russian would arguably be a better fit at Tottenham, a team that would suit his energetic style and ability to combine defensive resilience with offensive threat, usually within the same movement. Currently, the Lilywhites are hot on the heels of Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and the CSKA Moscow star would bring similar qualities to the team – not quite as nimble when running with the ball, but a dynamic creator nonetheless who can help them pick apart well-organised defensive blocks and provide real offensive energy in the middle of the park.
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Also valued at just £16.2million by Transfermarkt, he could well prove to be a much cheaper option for Spurs. Although they’ve offered only £15million for Grealish, Villa will surely expect more for one of the most promising young Englishmen around at the minute and the negotiations could go on for much of the summer because of that. Golovin, on the other hand, looks ready to move on and won’t be accompanied by the inflation of price-tags that accompanies English talents.
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So, Tottenham fans, which midfielder do you want Pochettino to swoop for this summer? Let us know by voting below…
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