Finally, an England performance to get excited about. It was by no means flawless from the Three Lions – Phil Jones’s defensive horror show indicates there is plenty of work to be done by Roy Hodgson and Gary Neville to improve the team’s shaky backline – but the attacking verve and fluidity which was on display in the 3-2 Euro 2016 qualifying win against Slovenia was certainly encouraging, and was all spearheaded by one man.
Jack Wilshere doesn’t make life easy for himself sometimes, but his stellar, two-goal display on Sunday went a long way to convincing his doubters – somewhat belatedly, one could argue – that he is a footballer who possesses supreme talent. While his first goal was a wonderfully taken strike in its own right, blasting the ball into the top-left corner from outside the box to level the scores on the hour mark, it was his second finish 15 minutes later that really showcased his abilities.
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By now thriving in a more advanced attacking midfield role having initially started the game in a deeper position, Wilshere completed a magnificent England team move – and credit must also go to Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana for the part they played in this – by launching an absolute humdinger of a shot which seared past the hapless Slovenian goalkeeper and into nearly the exact same area of the goal as his earlier effort.
To produce such quality once in a game is impressive; to do so twice shows that what we are dealing with here is a special player who, on his day, can turn games around single-handedly. For all the talk of Raheem Sterling being their next best hope and most skilful footballer, it is easy to forget that in Wilshere, the Three Lions have someone with exquisite technical footballing ability that is rare to see in an England player.
And yet, the reasons as to why the 23-year-old is perhaps under-appreciated when it comes to his country are understandable, and indicate that the Arsenal youngster may still need time to mature before he can emerge as one of England’s finest footballers.
A succession of lengthy spells on the sidelines through injury has impacted his still-fledgling career, and he cannot be blamed for this, however when fit, the times when Wilshere has dazzled for either club or country have been too seldom, too irregular. The fact that his brace against Slovenia marked his first two senior goals for his country on his 28th cap – not to mention his meagre return of six goals in 100 league appearances over seven seasons at Arsenal – shows there is much work to be done.
Nevertheless, he remains an exciting footballer with ample time on his side. Wilshere has won Match of the Day’s Goal of the Season competition for two years running, while the show’s host Gary Lineker – England’s all-time second highest scorer and one of their finest-ever players – claimed his second strike against the Slovenians was one of the top ten goals in Three Lions history. His ability to score such spectacular efforts suggest his most effective position is as an advanced central midfielder; Roy Hodgson and Arsene Wenger may very well have taken note of this.
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If Wilshere can produce such moments of magic on a more regular basis (and maybe avoid getting in trouble with the FA for once) then he could soon receive the backing of a still-sceptical England fanbase and ultimately be remembered as one of the country’s most celebrated – rather than most underrated – footballers.
Spurs have had a familiar season. A Cup final with such a young team was a good learning curve, as was the amount of starts and the encouraging performances of youngsters like Eric Dier, Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason. And then there’s Harry Kane – far beyond encouraging he’s been sensational.
What’s been frustrating, however, has been the form of players like Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela. They’ve shown in very small glimpses what they can do, they’re clearly world class players, so why can’t they show that more often? This is a make or break season for both of these players. If they can do it, Spurs could be on course for something special. If not, it’ll be same old, same old at White Hart Lane.
On the basis that Spurs aren’t that far off the Champions League, perhaps the key is their form more than their personnel. This is perhaps more of Pochettino’s dream XI, but if gets Champions League football, who cares?
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Hugo Lloris
This is a big one. If they can keep hold of their goalkeeper this season they’ll have kept hold of one of the best in the league. The France captain is now vastly experienced and established as a very good Premier League goalkeeper.
If Manchester United are forced to see David De Gea, though Spurs may have to fight hard to keep their number one. If they don’t manage to it’ll be tough to replace him. If United come calling, keeping Lloris would be like the signing of the summer for Spurs.
Kieran Trippier
One of Burnley’s stars of the season, Kieran Trippier is a new Spurs signing, and he’ll probably get the chance to prove his worth to his new club right from the off.
It’s a little harsh on Eric Dier who has done well this season and is still very young. Dier, however, is probably more of a centre back than a full back and someone more suited to this position would do Spurs’ defence a world of good.
Toby Alderweireld
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The rumours are that Spurs are about to complete the signing of Toby Alderweireld. Perhaps he’s not the most exciting addition to a Dream XI, but if he’s on his way, he’ll probably be in the starting XI come September.
He also knows Jan Vertonghen quite well from the Belgian national team, and perhaps Pochettino is counting on the two Belgians forming a bond in the centre of the Spurs defence.
Alderweireld is an accomplished defender who was part of one of the league’s best defences last year at Southampton. He’d be a good fit for Spurs.
Aymen Abdennour
So if Alderweireld comes to Spurs it would be natural to see Vertonghen alongside him. Spurs have also signed former Cologne centre back Kevin Wimmer, and Pochettino probably sees him as the man to play alongside Alderweireld.
But this is a Dream XI. We know that Spurs need to sort out their defence – they conceded more goals than relegated Hull and the same amount as relegated Burnley – and a sought-after centre back like Abdennour from one of the meanest defences in Europe would be a great signing.
Monaco conceded only 26 goals last season and Abdennour is one of the main reasons why.
Danny Rose
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If Spurs can sort out their back line they’ll be a force to be reckoned with next season. Pochettino has gambled a little bit, if Wimmer and Alderweireld are his starting centre backs and Kieran Trippier will be his right back, he’ll be using at least two players who aren’t accustomed to life at the top of the league – and that’s where Spurs are hoping to be.
Danny Rose, however, has been a rare standout player in Spurs’ defence this season. He’s done well from full back and is certainly progressing into a good player. It’s not quite make or break this season for Rose, but he is getting to a point in his career where we expect him to be an established full back.
At 24, he’s not a kid anymore and he’ll be 25 before the end of next season. It’s a big season for Rose especially if he hopes to be England’s left back after Leighton Baines retires from internationals – but he has stiff competition from Luke Shaw. But play well this season and he might find himself in the Euro 2016 squad, that might be the motivation he needs.
Nabil Bentaleb
Bentaleb has come on really well over the last year or so and has created a partnership with Ryan Mason that has got Spurs fans excited. They’re both young and promising and that could be a midfield pairing for the North London side for years to come.
It’s a big season, though. Like Harry Kane, many people will be watching to see if they are just a flash in the pan rather than the real deal. Pochettino will give youth a chance as always, but if Spurs are to kick on and mount a serious challenge to the top four then they need to have their midfield playing well.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Well it’s been on the cards for a while.
If Spurs can sign Schneiderlin they’ll have to sacrifice one of the youngsters in the centre of midfield, but they’ll be replacing him with real proven quality.
The Frenchman is well-known to Pochettino of course, and if he takes over from Ryan Mason Spurs fans shouldn’t be too disappointed. After all, they’re not far off a Champions league spot, and improvement is just what they need.
Christian Eriksen
This is a huge season for the Dane. Eriksen has shown in fits and starts that he’s a good player, he even looked to be showing it towards the start of the season.
But he faded after the Capital One Cup Final. He wasn’t the only one, but he’ll need to do it for the whole of next season if Spurs are to challenge for the Champions League.
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He’s well capable of taking the game by the scruff of the neck, and if Spurs can get him firing he’ll be like a new signing. We said that last year, though.
Erik Lamela
Another player who we all know is quality but who needs a big season to prove it. We all remember the rabona he scored in the Europa League, we know he’s quality, we just need him to show it!
Just like Eriksen, if he gets going he’ll be like a new signing, but just like Eriksen we said that last year too. These two are like the Spurs side in microcosm – if they do well Spurs will do well.
Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco
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Spurs have been linked with the Argentine youngster currently plying his trade at Monaco in Ligue 1. He’s a tricky, speedy player and has done well in a Monaco side that came good towards the end of the season to nab a Champions League place ahead of one-time title challengers Marseille.
With Moussa Dembele, Nacer Chadli and Andros Townsend still at the club he’d be taking the place of an established player, and as always with this type of signing there’s a risk to be taken – just look at the flops that Spurs bought with the Gareth Bale money! But if he does it in the Premier League Spurs could have a player on their hands.
Harry Kane
It’s going to be hard for Kane this season. The eyes of the world are going to be on him and they’ll expect him to display the Midas touch that he exhibited last season. You just know that’s not going to happen, though. Not unless he gets some help from those behind him.
The trick will be how he deals with dry spells. Everyone striker has them but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good players. Kane will no doubt have to deal with that this season, but if Spurs find Lamela and Eriksen on form too then it won’t be so much of a problem.
And without the whole of the Tottenham expectation weighing on Kane’s young shoulders then he’ll have the chance to recover from any dry spell. He’ll do well this year, but only if the media and even the fans let him.
Liverpool came from behind against Leicester City in the English Premier League on Saturday, eventually winning 2-1 at Anfield to end 2017 on a positive note.
The Reds’ defensive frailties came to the fore again in the third minute when the Foxes capitalised on a Joel Matip error to score through Jamie Vardy, a lead that the visitors held until half-time.
However, a sensational Mohamed Salah double in the second half secured all three points and left supporters once again in awe of his ability.
The Egyptian is having a quite ridiculous season and has now scored 23 goals in all competitions for Liverpool, also providing eight assists. All of that in just 29 appearances.
Supporters simply can’t get enough of the attacker and can’t wait to see what he’ll manage to do in the second half of the season.
If he has as good a 2018, the Liverpool can feel confident of securing a top four position in the English Premier League.
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Fans took to Twitter to enthuse about his performance on Saturday…
According to reports in the Liverpool Echo on December 15, Brighton and Hove Albion are one of the clubs interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic on loan during the January transfer window.
The Liverpool Echo says that the Seagulls, along with Championship high-flyers Aston Villa, are keen to bring the 21-year-old in until the end of the season with the Serbian struggling for game time so far this term.
The report adds that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is considering sending the midfielder out on loan in the New Year, but the German wants him to continue his development in the English game and is unwilling to let him join a club from abroad after Galatasaray registered their interest in the former Red Star Belgrade man.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s freefall down the Premier League table continued as their 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday saw them drop into the relegation zone, and they have now taken just one point from the last 27 available in the top flight.
Magpies manager Rafa Benitez will already be looking at transfer targets he could add to his struggling squad next month, and bringing Grujic to St James’ Park could prove to be a shrewd move.
Here are three reasons Newcastle should hijack Brighton’s bid to sign the 21-year-old…
The Shelvey issue
With Shelvey, Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden in the middle of the park Newcastle look to be well stocked in central midfield, however the actions of the former may see Benitez look to bring in someone else in January.
The 25-year-old picked up a red card on the opening day 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur, and he then picked up a second yellow in the last minute of the 1-0 defeat against Everton last week.
That was Shelvey’s first start in three matches after he had been relegated to the substitutes’ bench, and Rafa Benitez may not feel he can trust the midfielder in the second-half of the campaign.
Bringing in someone like Grujic on loan in the New Year could help to solve that issue.
His ability
While he has struggled to break into the Liverpool first team this season, the 21-year-old has still made three Premier League substitute appearances, as well as coming on once in the Champions League group stages.
He also played 90 minutes in the 2-0 EFL Cup defeat to Leicester City in September, and Serbian football journalist Vlastimir Stefanovic certainly had some big praise for the midfielder when he arrived in England.
According to Sky Sports, the 21-year-old has been described as tall, rangy and comfortable on the ball, and he has been dubbed the new Nemanja Matic.
Stefanovic disagrees with that comparison though, and he told Sky Sports: “If I had to compare Marko Grujic to anyone in terms of style of playing, I’d compare him to Steven Gerrard.”
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While he often plays as a central or defensive midfielder, he has shown during his time with Liverpool that he can also play further forward if required, and that versatility could be useful for Newcastle.
Loan deal
Even if the proposed Newcastle takeover goes through in the next couple of weeks, Rafa Benitez may not get the January transfer boost he would have been hoping for when talks between Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley began a few weeks ago.
It could mean that the Spaniard is working with a tight budget next month, and using his good relationship with Liverpool and being able to sign Grujic on loan may prove to be an attractive option, allowing him to invest the money he does have into other key areas on the pitch.
According to Get French Football, Leicester City are on the verge of signing Gazelec Ajaccio forward Fousseni Diabate.
What’s the story?
Rumours of Leicester’s interest in Diabate has gathered pace over the last 24 hours, and according to Get French Football, the 22-year-old has now completed a medical with the Foxes ahead of a £4.4m move.
It is understood that the forward has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the former Premier League champions, with a deal to be announced in the early stages of this week.
Leicester boss Claude Puel will reportedly move a couple of strikers on this month, and Diabate’s arrival could well see the likes of Islam Slimani and Kelechi Iheanacho depart the King Power Stadium.
Southampton, Wolfsburg and Rennes were also believed to be interested in Diabate, but Leicester have won the race in the early stages of the January transfer window.
What are Diabate’s credentials?
It would be fair to say that Diabate is not exactly a household name, and the majority of Leicester supporters will be wondering what type of player their club has signed.
Well, the 22-year-old joined Ligue 2 club Gazelec Ajaccio during the summer transfer window, and has scored three times and provided one assist this season.
The attacker was born in France, but plays his international football for Mali – turning out on three occasions for their Under-23 outfit.
He is a player capable operating in a number of positions in the final third of the field, and Leicester fans will be hoping that they have another N’Golo Kante situation on their hands.
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It remains to be seen what type of impact Diabate makes at the King Power Stadium, but his performances in Ligue 2 this season should certainly excite the Leicester supporters.
Ross Barkley’s first outing for Chelsea was a frustrating affair. After replacing Willian against Arsenal with an hour left on the clock, the 22-cap England international struggled to truly impose himself on the match, and eventually ended up on the losing side.
But it would have been unfair to expect instant fireworks from the Blues’ January signing. He’s been sidelined with injury since the start of last season, and still hasn’t had long to ease into life in west London.
A starting berth would surely help that process though, so we asked Chelsea fans earlier this week whether the former Everton playmaker should be included in the XI that takes on Newcastle in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
And according to our poll, a whopping 90% of Chelsea supporters would like to see Barkley start against the Magpies in the 1.30pm kickoff. How would you line up Antonio Conte’s side? Let us know by commenting below…
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Celtic have had a long winter to reflect on their European football hopes. Through domestic ups and downs, they’ve maintained their stranglehold over Scottish football for the most part, but this Thursday again invite one of Europe’s elite sides to Celtic Park.
This time it’s the turn of Russian Premier League side FC Zenit, providing Celtic’s first test in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League for the first time in three years, when they went up against Inter Milan.
Since their underwhelming loss to Anderlecht at Celtic Park in their final Champions League group stage match in December, worries amongst the Celtic support about their team’s ability to compete in continental competition have intensified, to the point that many are now dreading the match on Thursday night.
There’s a bleak truth to those worries given their defensive frailties and, according to OddsChecker, the Russian side are slight favourites heading into the match despite having not played a competitive match for months and having to travel the breadth of Europe and several time zones to arrive in Glasgow.
However, Thursday match should again be seen as an opportunity for this Celtic side to reach their potential and prove to supporters that aren’t simply happy sitting atop Scottish football and being the best side in an under performing footballing nation.
What is the benchmark?
Oddly, it’s quite difficult for Celtic fans to either feel aggrieved by the current status of Brendan Rodgers’ side, or feel enthused. Usually football fans feel one or the other, it’s that kind of black and white environment.
Well on their way to domestic treble of trophies for a second season in a row and virtually assured of a seventh successive league title, it might appear churlish to some for Celtic fans to have any complaints whatsoever right now.
Still, their form this season has been well below the extreme highs of Brendan Rodgers first term in charge and there are signs of complacency and stagnation creeping into many aspects of the club.
A lack of ambition in the transfer market despite hugely positive interim financial results has also led to questions about what Celtic’s long-term view is.
Are they simply content to be a few steps ahead of Rangers? Are they the benchmark? Or do Celtic truly harbour ambitions to make a success of themselves in Europe?
For many, keeping their foot on the throat of their city rivals will be more than enough, but in order to progress and achieve their potential under Brendan Rodgers Celtic must strive for more and this Thursday’s Zenit clash is a time to show fans they are learning at European level.
What constitutes success?
To be clear, it’s wrong to expect Celtic to progress against the Russian side. They have resources far beyond the Scottish champions and are a side that will be looking to reach the deep end of the competition. There can be no doubt about the size of the task facing Brendan Rodgers’ men, especially in the away leg.
Still, apart from one result against Anderlecht this season, Celtic have failed to impress anyone, not least their own fans. Celtic Park used to once be a fortress, even in times when dwarfed by the riches of visiting clubs.
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For years now there’s been a fear in Celtic’s game at this level, something which has failed to be improved under Brendan Rodgers despite his successes domestically.
It’s a gap that has proved insurmountable but for one night only, Celtic have to prove they are capable of at least competing with an elite side in Europe. They have to raise their game, play to their full capabilities and stop the basic errors that have littered their European matches this season. Even in defeat it’s a night can prove to be positive for the club.
If they are as passive as against Anderlecht last time out, it’ll only fuel the suspicions that the club aren’t interested in being a force at this level but simply eager to bank the cash from the group stages of the Champions League and use it to maintain control over their Scottish opponents.
Success is not about progression but about the manner of performance and proving to fans there’s hope of football feasts beyond their bread and butter.
Spartak Moscow midfielder Sofiane Hanni has told Belgian publication Sport Foot that heard Everton, as well as Southampton, were interested in signing Quincy Promes in January.
What’s the word?
The Spartak winger was linked heavily to the Saints throughout the winter window, but a move was never agreed.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s side have lacked flair up front this season, and Promes would have certainly provided that.
While speaking to Sport Foot, Hanni, who joined the Russian club in January, revealed that a bid in the region of £26m was rejected.
He also suggested that Everton were in the market for Promes, who has scored 10 goals and created six assists in 17 league matches this season.
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Will Everton, Southampton reignite their pursuit?
Promes is an attractive option for any time in need of an injection of pace and creativity.
This summer’s activity for Everton and Southampton will depend upon how their seasons finish.
However, the Toffees strengthened their attacking ranks in January with the arrivals of Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott.
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The Saints recruited Guido Carrillo, but there is still a sense that an attacking presence is missing.
Last month, talkSPORT reported that Promes has a £31m release clause, which means that the club could not stand in the winger’s way if the valuation is met.
If it ends up being about money, then Southampton could struggle to match the financial clout of Everton.
Arsenal are undoubtedly part of the top six. The question that this season’s league table is posing, however, is if the cartel of big clubs at the top of the table should be more accurately described as a top five instead.
The Gunners have been through a traumatic few months. From last summer’s deadline day depression to Alexis Sanchez’s eventual departure via some terrible away form, Arsenal have taken some time to get used to their new position as a side who are competing in the Europa League for only the second time this century.
The Premier League table bears it out quite strikingly: Arsenal are in no-man’s land, seven points adrift of fifth place and nine ahead of the bunched-up pack below.
But modern football is a results business. Arsene Wenger had four trophies available to him at the start of the season and whilst he’s already out of two, winning the other two would have been seen as a very successful season. On the basis that the Premier League title was always going to be beyond the Gunners this season, and that winning three of the last four FA Cups hasn’t purged the sense of decline, the only two trophies it was really possible to win are the two in which Arsenal are still alive.
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With Ostersund dispatched easily, Arsenal look forward to a League Cup final which – after Manchester City’s unlikely exit from the FA Cup at the hands of League One’s Wigan Athletic on Monday night – now looks more winnable than it did immediately after the semi-finals. Whereas City looked irresistible in their quest for four trophies this season, they now have a veneer of mortality and a touch of the Typical City about them, too.
The Gunners won’t be favourites, but they’ll take heart from their FA Cup semi-final victory against the Blues last season and a decent record at Wembley despite losing the north London derby at the national stadium just a few weeks ago.
A combination of an optimism-inducing transfer window and progression to a final has seen the mood shift. Although January’s transfer dealings failed to address any of the systemic failings in the squad (the lack of a defensive midfielder or another reliable centre back), Arsenal now feel as though they are on the up.
But defeats away to Swansea City and Tottenham have left the Gunners adrift of the top five and they now have to ask themselves an interesting question: are they now what we used to call a ‘good cup team’?
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A side unable to keep the pace in the marathon that is the league, but who are better at the short sprints of the cup competitions are ‘cup teams’, flaky sides more reminiscent of Spurs back in the day than Arsenal.
And that’s the interesting point – the Gunners, under Wenger, have always been about the long term. Building something from the ground up was always the underlying principle even if it hasn’t always worked in the last decade.
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In recent years though, they’ve taken some scalps in the cups – City and Chelsea last season and Antonio Conte’s side again this season. The Arsenal manager wouldn’t be your first choice if you had to pick one man to lead your team into a one-off game, but here he is, a cup specialist.
Sunday isn’t the important one. If Arsenal win the Europa League, their season will be deemed a qualified success whether they win the League Cup or not. But beating Manchester City on Sunday, finishing sixth, and failing to make the final of their European competition would be a very ‘new Arsenal’ way to end the season in glorious failure.
That is to say, a very Spursy way of cementing their place as a modern day cup team.
Vincent Kompany has been at Manchester City for the whole experience.
From Thaksin Sinawatra’s ownership to the club’s purchase by the oil rich sheikhs of Abu Dhabi, from Robinho to Kevin De Bruyne, he has seen it all.
This season has been a particularly hard one for the Belgian centre-half though, as he has seen his playing time cut short by three separate injuries.
Throughout it all, Kompany is still City’s captain on the pitch and in spirit, and his importance to his side is underlined by his performance on Sunday in the cup final – as he scored a goal and kept a clean sheet.
The 31-year-old club veteran is still struggling for match fitness, and has played only one Premier League game since being sidelined for four matches with a wound injury.
With the visit to the Emirates on Thursday fast approaching and Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones capable of filling the gap, should manager Pep Guardiola rest his injury-maligned defender as he fights his way back to full fitness?
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Manchester City fans, have your say by voting below…