5-0, 5-1, 4-0 and 5-3. There is much to be excited about with this current England squad. Certainly, we have heard it all before, and it all does give a little hint of Groundhog day for the England faithful but there is no doubting the impact and steady progress that this youthful and talented squad is making.

England’s Euro 2020 qualifying group certainly does not provide Southgate with a true test, a team capable of dominating England, games we have solemnly become accustomed to in the past, game such as Belgium and the semi-final against Croatia in last years rollercoaster World Cup campaign. Czech Republic, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Kosovo certainly aren’t teams that can thrill and mount a serious challenge in toppling Gareth Southgate’s men once the group comes to its conclusion. However, you have to beat what’s in front of you and Southgate’s men have succeeded so far.

Hope does kill. England have experienced false hope on many occasions over the last 25 years. Fans have experienced the lot: excitement, intrigue, disappointment, heartbreak, and anguish. The latter three – emotions that have been the hallmark of an England team competing major tournaments. Last years World Cup campaign provided much of the former two along with much optimism, one that spring forth into a unprecedented major international trophy if fairytales still cease to exist.

England are masters of European qualification, if you need any indication just check out our record when it comes to the qualifying stages. They have now gone 42 games unbeaten in both World Cup and European qualifying campaign, winning 33 of them and drawing nine – their last defeat coming against Ukraine in 2009. The notion of England being unable to qualify is something of an overstatement. This is without its arrogance but a simple statement of fact. It is totally clear that any starting line-up Gareth Southgate assembles from his talented squad should be good enough to ensure their place at Euro 2020 without a minimum of fuss.

The make-up of another ‘easy’ group shall we say, allows Gareth Southgate the freedom to wholly experiment on his squad and ponder on which individuals he can truly rely on once the tournament kicks off next summer. Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier and Jordan Pickford – providing there are no hiccups in terms of injuries – are guaranteed starters if Southgate’s latest squads are anything to go by. It’s the other areas on the pitch that are still to be decided. With the exciting pool of players at Southgate’s disposal, he could have a real selection headache on his hands. Jadon Sancho, Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Michael Keane, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Wan Bissaka and James Maddison are players who are all worthy of a place in Southgate’s fold.

However, despite the quality on show, there are still a few lingering questions Southgate will need to address as he ponders on his squad for the future. One of those questions will be regarding James Maddison. The past three fixtures has seen Southgate rely upon Chelsea’s Ross Barkley which is arguable to say the least, although he has performed resolutely whenever called upon, there is still much of a case for James Maddison’s involvement. It is now three games straight, that Southgate has called up Maddison to the squad without allowing him some much needed international experience.

Questionable? Without a doubt.

The Leicester City’s midfielder was one of the best midfielders around in the Premier League last season. If not for the brilliance of Eden Hazard, Maddison efforts last season will not have been swept under the rug as easily as it has been. He has also started the current season in the same impressive vein of form, which cannot be said for Ross Barkley who has so far, been overshadowed by the form of Frank Lampard’s trusted lieutenant Mason Mount – another player deserving of the high praise he has received as of late.

It’s vital to note that Barkley has yet to register a goal or an assist so far this season, while Mason Mount has registered two goals and James Maddison has registered two assists. It seems as though Southgate is sticking to his guns which is admirable, though you’d be forgiven for arguing a case for Maddison’s inclusion instead of Barkley.

Two players England futures could be up in air as a result of Maddison, Mount and Barkley’s possible inclusions though are Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli who could find their places in jeopardy if they do not improve this season. Both players are suffering from a lack of form, and the nature in which Mount, Barkley and Maddison are currently expressing themselves, Lingard and Alli could potentially find themselves out of the England reckoning.

Certainly, if England aren’t losing, there is arguably no need to change a team that is consistently winning. The nature of the group England find themselves in, allows the freedom to rotate and players such as Maddison deserve a chance to express.

Another lingering and quite a major issue is in defence. Can we predict the back-four which Southgate can call upon next summer? Apart from Harry Maguire and maybe, Kieran Trippier, there are still uncertainties surrounding the two remaining spots. Can Danny Rose still be trusted to be England’s no.1 left-back? Ben Chilwell has been excellent for Leicester, and deserves to be in Southgate’s thinking for the Euros. Though, questions still remain over Manchester United’s Luke Shaw and his fitness. Despite an impressive start to the season, he once again finds himself on the treatment table. Can he rediscover his form and fitness once he returns? Can he last the whole season to impress Southgate for a spot on the plane? These are questions which we are unable to find answers for, and its a case of Luke Shaw proving his case to be included.

Centre-back is a key area which needs addressing also. Who will partner Harry Maguire? Michael Keane? John Stones? Joe Gomez? Tyrone Mings? It is a position which is still a problem for England. As Southgate will have marvelled and drooled at England’s attacking masterclass against Bulgaria and Kosovo, there are still mistakes which need to be eradicated, and against better opposition, England could find themselves wanting once again.

The attacking trident of Raheem Sterling – a yet another world class performance from a player who could be gracing the Ballon D’or next year if he carries this sort of form – Jadon Sancho and Harry Kane tormented Kosovo but it was in defence that England suffered and will have surely worried Southgate, especially against the calibre of opponent. All three of Kosovo’s goals came through England’s naivety and complacency. It was Michael Keane who presented them with the first goal, passing unerringly to set Valon Berisha with a clear run at goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who finished expertly. Their second goal was also questionable, Declan Rice’s misplaced pass and Henderson’s mistake led to their second and Harry Maguire’s lapse in concentration allowed them an opportunity from the penalty spot.

A partnership of Harry Maguire and Michael Keane is has a lot of its reservations. Does the Everton defenders have what it takes to become Southgate’s trusted centre-back? His club form so far this season still leaves a lot to be desired. What about Joe Gomez? Personally, he seems the more sure bet to partner Harry Maguire. What Maguire lacks in mobility, Gomes makes up for in speed and ball recovery and could provide Southgate with a excellent balance at centre-back. However, its debatable whether he would be given the much needed game time to develop himself. Tyrone Mings has been called up for the first but was an unused substitute for both games, and would need to be monitored throughout the season. Though, his leadership and communication skills are two components which Southgate will be impressed by as he tries to weigh out his defensive options.

The bottom line is this – England have little or no chance of beating quality international sides if they defend as carelessly as they have done and if they continue to give possession away as cheaply as they did against Kosovo. Declan Rice’s poor pass which led to Kosovo’s second is something Southgate will not have been happy with. The West Ham midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise and has rightfully deserved his place in Pellegrini’s side but he still has a lot to learn if he is to be the defensive midfield anchor Southgate is looking for. Harry Winks and Eric Dier are the more able and – arguably – better alternatives, players dictate England’s flow of possession when needed. The way Winks has asserted himself in Pochettino’s midfield so far this has got to be looked at, if Southgate is to stick to his passing out from the back style then Harry Winks is the most capable of executing such bold tactics.

Southgate himself considerably pointed out the errors which occured against Kosovo, a team ranked 120th in the world, and if England can show such naivety and sluggishness against such opposition then they have no chance of toppling the major nations when it comes to it. It’s the basic mistakes of not tracking back that also exposed England.

This was hardly a night of unbridled joy for Southgate. Nations such as Spain, Germany, France and Belgium will have been licking their lips at the sight of England’s sloppiness. It would be better to not imagine such a sight. For all the class and potency of England’s attack, their current defensive condition suggests they will need their attacking options to be bang of form to have any chance of progressing with a victory, because at this moment England’s defending means they will concede goals.

England may be fallible in defence – but they are irresistible in attack on the other hand.

Harry Kane and co. have now notched 14 goals in their three home games, more than any other nation in Euro qualifying so far. And at the heart of it all is the impeccable Raheem Sterling, who produced a 45-minute masterclass against Kosovo that was simply world class. As stated previously, if Sterling can maintain this kind of form all throughout the season for both club and country then he will have to be a shoe-in contender for the Ballon D’or and even – providing Southgate manages to solve his defensive issues – fire England one step closer, to Euro glory next summer.

The Manchester City winger ended a 27-game barren run stretching back three years when he scored twice in England’s impressive 3-2 victory over Spain a year ago – now he is an unstoppable and irreplaceable force for both club and country, a talent truly reaching his full maturity. Since that game against Spain, Sterling has now played seven games, scoring six goals and producing 5 assists for his country. His partnership with Harry Kane is now reaching an almost telepathic nature as he also set up the captain’s 26th goal in 41 appearances which now levels the Tottenham hitman with Bryan Robson and one behind David Platt in the England goal-scoring records.

It’s not only Kane and Sterling that will have had Gareth Southgate at the edge of his seat. Jadon Sancho got off the mark against Kosovo and his new found partnership with Raheem Sterling could also be frightening. With also Marcus Rashford, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Callum Wilson, James Maddison and Mason Mount waiting in the wings, Gareth Southgate could have a devastating attack to utilise come next summer.

There is certainly much to be excited about with this current crop of England players, certainly with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho in full fettle, and with the current pool of talented youngsters at in the squad, the future certainly looks bright for England. However, there is a danger of resting on our laurels and becoming complacent, as England have done on numerous occasions. There will certainly be no room for smugness. If England are to challenge amongst the best next summer, those persistent issues will need to be addressed quickly.

Still a lot of puzzles in the squad for Southgate to unravel.

Matteo Guendouzi is a player rapidly coming of age. If there is one thing we learned from a breathless and frantic spectacle in the North London Derby draw is that the young Frenchman will be a key figure for Unai Emery this season, a player who holds all the tools to become Arsenal’s most important component in the middle.

Ahead of the North London showpiece, many were licking their lips at the prospect of experiencing the potentially frightening trio of Nicholas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang running riot against Tottenham, the perfect platform to fully strut their destructive attacking play. In fact, Emery’s setup in midfield was indeed questionable, deploying a triumvirate of Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. Whether it was to bully Tottenham when out of possession or to completely halt their attempts to break at pace, neither of them worked as Harry Kane and co ran riot in the first-half.

With the absence of creative outlets such as Dani Ceballos and Mesut Ozil both on the bench, Arsenal needed an injection of guile from somewhere. Step forward, 20-year-old Matteo Guendouzi, a player who has truly taken in the rigours of the Premier League like a duck to water, since his move from French outfit Lorient in July 2018, the French youngster has become a regular player for Emery. Guendouzi was something of an unknown quantity when he joined the club, but it was Unai Emery’s knowledge and understanding of the player throughout his time at Paris Saint-Germain that drew his attention. It seems as though Emery’s trust in the player is already paying off.

Guendouzi was simply outstanding against Tottenham, the standout performer, the controlling force. Lucas Torreira is a brilliant player in his own right, but he did not provide Emery with the cutting edge when in and around the penalty area, hence Arsenal’s struggles to conjure up clear cut chances in the first-half. It was the introduction of Dani Ceballos that released the shackles in Arsenal’s play even despite Guendouzi’s brilliance in midfield. It was the young Frenchman’s understanding with the Spanish playmaker that proved the difference maker as it swung the tempo and pressure in Arsenal’s favour.

It wasn’t a perfect performance by any stretch of the imagination. There was too much chaos and tension within the middle of the park to allow the perfect performance. However, Guendouzi’s maturity, assured pieces of play, and his robust defensive efforts when Arsenal needed it most that was the most impressive. It’s not only against Tottenham that Guendouzi has shown his individual qualities, it’s been evident ever since he first put on the Arsenal shirt. His fuzzy and exuberant hairstyle is one element of his character and personality that has forced Arsenal fans to stand up and take notice. It’s his form through this season so far that has duly rewarded him with his first call-up to the French national team in place of Manchester United’s injured Paul Pogba, and it is a reward that is well deserved for a player that is showing much promise and maturity to his game, even at the tender age of 20.

In a frantic and open game. A game that saw poor mistakes and decision making from Sokratis and David Luiz for the Tottenham’s opening goal along with some miserable goalkeeping from Bernd Leno and a rashness from Granit Xhaka that provided Mauricio Pochettino’s men with the gift of picking up a two-lead inside 40 minutes. It was the mistakes of experienced international players who you’d never thought would be victims of such naivety when defending, players who are supposed to be exerting some control and the oft-discussed leadership and character that Arsenal have lacked for a number of years. These are the games that require more than the machismo, tactical understanding and the mere experience. It is a game that requires substance and maturity when faced with certain scenarios during different phases of play and Matteo Guendouzi provided just that. Granit Xhaka may have been the designated captain for the game, but it was the youngest player on the field in Guendouzi that led by example all throughout. It was Xhaka’s incompetence that left Arsenal with a mountain to climb, but that mountain was made easier by the influence of Guendouzi.

Guendouzi won more tackles than any one on the pitch, he regained possession more times than anyone and even covered more ground – 11.2 kilometres in total. Guendouzi was everywhere Emery needed him to be. It was his telling and imaginative pass that led to Aubameyang’s deft equaliser. It was like Guendouzi held a protractor trying to pick the angle in which to perfectly execute and dissect Tottenham’s back-line to pieces. It was a pass that even Mesut Ozil who sat out the game on the bench would have been most proud of. It was Guendouzi’s first ever Premier League assist, and he would have registered his first ever Arsenal goal had it not been for Hugo Lloris’s remarkable last ditch save.

It’s these kind of performances that makes you wonder how Matteo Guendouzi is only 20-years of age, it was a performance of a player that had been plying his trade in the Premier League for a number of years. In a game of such magnitude, a fixture that has provided the most excitement, goals and frenetic action throughout the history of English football. A game where it looked like Arsenal would once again falter, it was the young and impressive Guendouzi who stepped up and provided this famous club the inspiration needed to gain a much needed point.

Unai Emery has recently expressed his joy at Guendouzi and is encouraged by the Frenchman’s rapid progression since his move to the club:

“He’s very young but he is progressing. Last year was amazing for him. This year he is giving us one step more. Tactically with the ball he gives us a lot of control, he’s one of the keys for that. He works to give us balance defensively.”

‘Balance’, that’s the key word Unai Emery uses to describe Guendouzi and is one that is clearly evident through the youngster’s game. Guendouzi has the ability, and the tactical nous to successfully carry out his duty within central midfield. He can pass, tackle, intercept, control and dictate possession, and already has a good level of understanding in his defensive positioning. The Tottenham game was probably his best ever in an Arsenal shirt and it certainly won’t be his last. It is a huge season for Arsenal this year, as they carry out a strong pursuit to break into the top 4, failing to do last season. Certainly all eyes, will be on the tantalising prospects of the front three in Lacazette, Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe and the creative fluidity of Dani Ceballos, but it is Matteo Guendouzi who could hold all the cards to Arsenal’s success this season. This should be his breakout year.

There is certainly no doubt that Matteo Guendouzi possesses all the tools to become the complete midfield package for Arsenal this season and for years to come.

Jadon Sancho, Marco Reus, Axel Witsel and Paco Alcacer all combined brilliantly put Bayern Munich to the sword in the German Supercup in a rampant 2-0 victory. After the Yellow Wall pressed Munich all the way to the last game of the season last campaign only to lose the title at the last, could Dortmund’s Supercup performance over their rivals ultimately be a sign of things to come? As the new Bundesliga season gets underway this weekend, can Lucien Favre’s exciting bunch of superstars finally dethrone the German Champions?

“They won the double last year so we tried to make a point.”

Said Sancho after Dortmund had done just that in the German Supercup triumph, kicking off the 2019/20 campaign on a hugely positive note. Sancho then went on to proclaim that this maybe Dortmund’s year, and rightly so.

After such a rampant performance put in by Sancho and co, players and fans will always have reason for optimism and hope heading into the new campaign but there is a justifiable cause and its more than the fact that Dortmund pushed Bayern very close last season.

As is always the case with the Dortmund hierarchy especially sporting director Michael Zorc who has moved very astutely with the signings of Mats Hummels – returning from Bayern Munich – Thorgan Hazard, Julian Brandt and Nico Schulz. These are players who have all imparted their own personal imprint on the Bundesliga. What’s most vital for Favre is that all of these signings provide him with the added quality needed and is a total upgrade on what they already have.

If Dortmund are to be firing on all cylinders next season, then such signings can become much of the benchmark for Favre’s success this coming season. Mats Hummels, a player who finds himself back on home territory will provide Favre’s defence with the steel, experience and the the defensive know-how transforming Dortmund into a solid unit once again. With promising central defensive players such as Michael Akanji, Dan-Axel Zagadou and young prodigy Leonardo Balerdi, they all would jump at the chance to work with a high-calibre superstar such as Mats Hummels. You could argue that Dortmund’s struggles in the Bundesliga last season was closing out games that you’d have bet your mortgage on them win, its those small margins that cost Dortmund the German title. Now it looks as though Lucien Favre has learnt from those failures and the re-signing of Mats Hummels will surely put an end to lingering defensive issues.

How about the quality additions of Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt? Along with Jadon Sancho, Marco Reus and Mario Gotze, Borussia Dortmund now hold 5 of the best attacking talents in probably the whole of Europe let alone Germany. Certainly, it will provide Favre with a selection headache, but its a pretty healthy one. Whoever Favre deploys, it will be a frightening attack for an oppositions defences. Thorgan Hazard – brother of Eden Hazard – has established himself as one of the brightest and most feared attacking midfielders of the past few seasons in Germany while plying his trade for former club Borussia Mönchengladbach. Capable of playing anywhere across the attacking three positions behind the striker, Hazard is blessed with great skill sets, trickery, set-piece quality and a real for a pass which makes him such a well-rounded attacking midfielder and a player who can truly take Dortmund to the next level both domestically and on the European stage.

Though, if you think Thorgan Hazard is good – which he really is – then fellow new signing Julian Brandt can be just as good as Hazard or become even better. The former Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid may only just be 23 but he has been around a long while becoming an experienced member of Joachim Low’s Germany team and also becoming one of the most complete young midfielders in the whole of Europe. Constantly linked with big moves over the past few seasons with the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool, Brandt found himself at the fulcrum of Bayer Leverkusen’s attack alongside fellow German prodigy Kai Havertz, Leon Bailey and Kevin Volland.

Brandt is a player of extraordinary abilities, well versed in the art of creativity and also defending from the front. Capable of playing also in the attacking three positions behind the striker, the German wonderkid can also play as a rampaging no.8 or even a calm and an assertive orchestrating no.6, hid versatility was at times the calling card for Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking philosophy. Rather than being on the end of passes, he was the one providing the defence splitting passes that severed many rigged oppositions to pieces. What’s also brilliant about Julian Brandt is his effectiveness and intelligence in counter-attacks, he is ever-so capable of picking the right passes at the right moments that made Leverkusen so destructive when breaking into the final third. 8 goals and 11 assists last season are stats truly reflecting of his brilliance in the final third.

If you couple Brandt’s statistics of last season with Thorgan Hazard’s own of 13 goals and 11 assists then you can only come to the conclusion that Borussia Dortmund may have no troubles toppling Bayern Munich in the forthcoming season. With Bayern Munich struggling with injuries to key attacking players such as Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman on the eve of the start of the Bundesliga season, things may not be looking rosy as expected in Munich.

While Borussia Dortmund have all their summer business all but completed, Bayern Munich have failed to secure their top targets such as Manchester City’s Leroy Sane who’s long-term completely rules him out of a move to the Allianz Arena, instead Bayern Munich have gone for Inter Milan and Croatian international winger Ivan Perisic, a player who is more than capable of replacing the likes of Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben through his hard-working, dogged and ruthless style, but is it enough for Niko Kovac? For Dortmund though, Lucien Favre can truly sit-back and ponder on how Dortmund can finally topple their Bundesliga counterparts once again.

Judging by Jadon Sancho’s earlier comments – whether it may be his last in the black and yellow colours of Dortmund – this could be the year he gets his hands on a first ever major trophy. The England international campaign last year was one that was truly warranting of a major honour only for his team to fall at the last hurdle but with Dortmund’s major squad improvements this summer and with additions that will truly complement his electric and exciting style. His 13 goals and 14 assists of last season was truly remarkable but this coming campaign, we could surely see Sancho take his fledgling abilities to the next level. His start to the 2019/20 has already got off to a flyer with his contribution in game against Bayern Munich. A goal and an assist for the wonderkid, picking up where he left off last season.

His rampaging and dazzling runs down the right hand side are a real sight to behold. What’s so unique about Sancho as well as his knack getting bums off seats is that at such a young age, his decision-making and knowing when to make a telling run, pass or even shoot is so pleasing to see. It’s frightening to think that at the age of just 19, his game and all-round abilities has matured to the point where it would be criminal not build a side around his flawless talents. It’s what Favre is doing at Dortmund and its what Gareth Southgate is trying to achieve for England. It’s clear to see that Jadon Sancho is enjoying his football in Germany, his decision to depart Manchester City when he did is a true reflection of the belief he has in his own abilities and now its in full effect under the lights of the Signal Iduna Park.

One player who will also be hoping to make an impression next season in front of goal is former Barcelona and Valencia striker Paco Alcacer. We could now be seeing a player that really feels at home, and after a promising season last season scoring 20 goals, can Alcacer also take his game to the next level? There is no reason why the Spanish hotshot and with added creativity behind him with Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard, he certainly won’t be short of goals this coming season. They always say that a team capable of winning the league needs a striker capable of scoring 25+ goals and Alcacer may well place himself in that bracket finally. A real poacher in an around the penalty and his finish against Bayern Munich at the weekend just goes to show his predatory instincts. Last season was a stop-start one for Alcacer, constantly being in and out of the first XI, and its not because of him but that Favre chose to tinker with Mario Gotze as a false-nine to allow Dortmund more fluidity in the attacking department and that is certainly how Favre could line-up once again next season with the added qualities of Hazard and Brandt:

So much quality.

Paco Alcacer is sure to be Favre’s favoured option up-front but whether he can be the man that Favre can rely constantly even on the big occasions still remains to be seen. What’s for certain, is that, despite Alcacer’s predatory qualities he will still need to convince his teammates and manager that he is truly capable of becoming the striking force that Dortmund would need to topple Bayern Munich. Can he match the goal-scoring exploits of Robert Lewandowski? This coming season may just provide us with the answers.

Nonetheless, while Axel Witsel screens in front of his defence, that will allow Julian Brandt the license and freedom to move up and become effective in the attacking third. With either of Achraf Hakimi and Raphael Guerreiro providing an extra body in attack, Dortmund will still have the nous, experience and tactical awareness to block out a potential counter attack against them. Though, Favre may opt for this line-up against weaker opposition, one that will try and sit deep and frustrate the attack but with the abundance of creativity in Favre’s arsenal, they will have no excuses if they are unable to break down such defences.

Whether its a 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 or even a compact 4-1-4-1 setup, Favre knows the options he has both in midfield and in attack are all capable of executing a major assault on rivals Bayern Munich. While most will look to Axel Witsel and Mario Gotze, Dortmund still have quality and assurance in players such as promising German midfielders Mahmoud Dahoud and Julian Weigl and also efficient Danish midfielder Thomas Delaney. Also in defence, Dortmund are well stocked. Mats Hummels, Omar Toprak, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Michael Akanji provide Favre with experience, defensive awareness and intelligence, power, strength, speed and an added blend of youthful exuberance. This Dortmund team surely is exciting.

Not only will Dortmund need to navigate towards Bayern Munich in search of the Bundesliga title but also they will need to try and overcome potential bumps in the road in teams such as Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig who is under new management in Julian Nagelsmann, who himself will hoping to cause a few stirs on the road to the Bundesliga title. Schalke 04, Hoffenheim and Mochengladbach all have the potential to hamper Dortmund’s ambitions this coming season. However, with the experience and talent of Favre’s squad, can they successfully overcome those hurdles and show – as well as their style and brilliance – can they show the grit, determination and championship know-how that Bayern have exerted on several occasions to finally become the best team in Germany?

As Sancho optimistically predicted, this may be the year Dortmund finally topple their Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. All good things must come to an end as they say and Bayern’s SEVEN year dominance in the Bundesliga may just be weighing heavily on their shoulders as things stand. Borussia Dortmund’s new and improved squad may just finally reign supreme.

 

 

With the curtains raising on yet another highly anticipated, exciting and action-packed Premier League, there are already questions being asked on who can challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to the Premier League title? Who will finish in the Top 4 this season? Who could be the surprise packages to gate-crash the so called ‘Top Six’? And How will the top clubs fare and line-up this season?

Here goes my own view and predictions…

 

1. Manchester City

Manchester City have bought smartly and stylishly once again with the additions of Rodri and Joao Cancelo from Atletico Madrid and Juventus respectively. A further indication as to how Pep Guardiola has steadily moulded this supreme Manchester City team into his own image and also how his recruitment highlights replicates himself as a coach and the philosophy that we – whether City fans or not – come to really admire. Whatever, you may think of Rodri and Cancelo, these are two additions that fully add depth, quality and refinement to positions that Guardiola really wanted to strengthen. This is a Manchester City team so beautifully moulded and could slowly become one of the best teams to ever grace Europe, and it all comes down to that man once again, Pep Guardiola.

How Could City Line-Up?

Leroy Sane’s injury will be a huge hit for Pep Guardiola and his City team with the German’s skill-set, pace and trickery sure to be a massive miss but there are still quality options with Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva all so capable of being deployed on the wings. Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, Nicolas Otamendi and Oleksandr Zincheko may not be shown in the above line-up but it is another indcation to the kind of depth and quality that Guardiola will call upon when needed. You can see why Manchester City have been and will continue to be the dominant force in English football.

A third straight league title on the cards? You’d probably bet your mortgage.

 

2. Liverpool

How Liverpool build on last seasons excellence both in Europe and domestically will be incredibly difficult. Not only because of Manchester City’s supremacy but because now Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham will be hot on their tails after the summer they’ve had. However, if last weekend’s Community Shield showpiece is anything to go by, then you really can’t back against Liverpool causing City more and more issues heading into the new campaign. You can clearly see the identity in Klopp’s side, like Manchester City and Guardiola, this is a Liverpool team consumately built in the image of Klopp. The front-three alone is so destructive and a huge representation of the kind of man Jurgen Klopp is. His rampant, vibrant and fiery nature and personality is shown through his sides style of play. One things for sure, it may not be another two-horse race for the Premier League this season and how Jurgen Klopp deals with the pressure of Mauricio Pochettino on his tail will be exciting to watch.

Just how far will the German go to not only bettering last seasons amazing points tally, but toppling Guardiola’s fascinating City side?

How Could Liverpool Line-Up? 

The returns to fitness of both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Adam Lallana will provide Liverpool with the creativity that they so sorely missed in the middle last season and may have just been the reason why they failed to match Manchester City’s brilliance last campaign. No wonder Klopp placed so much emphasis on his wing-back set-up, he missed that creative presence in middle so made up for it with the attacking emphasis on both the full-backs; Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson who both shared the creative burden to such aplomb with 12 and 11 assists respectively. A league high for full-backs. But now Klopp holds such imagination in both his full-backs and in midfield coupled with the destructive force of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah up-front.

Liverpool may just have enough to seriously threaten Manchester City once again.

 

3. Tottenham

After reaching the Champions League final, there is an appetite for silverware at Tottenham being driven by their ambitious and astute manager. Can Mauricio Pochettino finally end Spurs’ trophy duck this season?

What a summer Tottenham have had. The signings of Tanguy Ndombele, Giovanni Lo-Celso and Ryan Sessegnon can now provide Pochettino with the depth and quality to now drive the club to the next step in their ambitions. This is a club firmly built in the foundations of a man who is gradually maturing to be one of the top coaches ever to grace the European game. The feats that Tottenham achieved last season will have surprised even the most hardcore fans. Pochettino’s side went into the campaign as the first club not to make a summer signing since the introduction of the transfer window 16 years ago but with the prospect of playing in front of more than 62,000 fans at their brand new spanking stadium. You would have though the club would head into this summers market in the same predicament of not having the funds to compete but their additions have smacked those doubts out of the water. Tanguy Ndombele and Giovanni Lo-Celso finally give Pochettino the depth in his midfield after having to deal with injuries and the departure of Moussa Dembele to China that their creative talents in Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen have had to abandon their duties in the final third to help out lack of steel in the middle.

With Christian Eriksen’s future at the club still up in the air, Pochettino will have no worries or regrets letting him seek pastures new as the qualities of both Lo-Celso and Tanguy Ndombele is more than capable of replacing the play-making Dane, not only that but with the added steel, composure and energy of Moussa Sissoko, Harry Winks and Dele Alli and even Eric Dier if needed, Tottenham now have a fine blend of youth and experience in the middle. Lucas Moura, Son Heung-Min as shown all throughout last season, are both more than capable of sharing the attacking load if Harry Kane is injured.

Can Tottenham go once step closer to glory this season? And can they fully challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League title race? Brace yourselves for another bumpy ride at the summit.

 

4. Arsenal 

The time for excuses at the Emirates must surely be over now. Unai Emery must now claim a major assualt on the top 4 and with the talent and experience at his disposal, he must face a backlash if Arsenal fail to deliver once again.

No doubt about it, Arsenal have had an excellent summer of business. Unai Emery has managed to address the areas of need. Dani Ceballos replaces Aaron Ramsey even if it is for the season The signing of Nicolas Pepe sees Arsenal finally possess a player capable of wowing the fans on the wings, and a talent sure to take them to the level. David Luiz – as surprising as it is – gives Emery the experience, know-how and professionalism needed in defences certainly after the departure of former club-captain Laurent Koscielny. Kieran Tierney is certainly a left-back that Arsenal will utilise for many years to come and finally provides the club with a full-back blessed with carrying out both his attacking and defending duties with aplomb. It may be another season without Champions League football for Arsenal, but now is the time that these hugely talented crop of footballers catapults the club back to its roots and a return to the Champions League is one thing that Emery must deliver come May. Whether they can beat off the challenges of Manchester United and Chelsea is one we’d certainly have to keep close tabs on throughout the season.

Though, Arsenal’s consummate business this season – though its too early to predict – should help them get over the line.

How Could Arsenal Line-Up?

Looking at the line-up, this is a Arsenal side that can potentially win the league… if Manchester City and Liverpool weren’t as good as they are now, but surely Emery will have no excuses if his team is unable to deliver when its needed most. Arsenal fans have had enough disappointment to last for a lifetime. However, this is a first 11 that will hopefully provide the fanbase something to shout about. Gone are those days when Arsenal had fighters all over the pitch but you can argue that club have been soft for all of 15 or so years but this current side provides goals, skill, pace, trickery, creativity, grit and experience.

Finally, Arsenal may just have the full package needed to fulfil their ambitions.

 

5. Manchester United

In the six previous summer transfer markets since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, United have been stuck in groundhog day of disappointing and overpaid recruitment that have relatively led to much underwhelming campaigns. Especially in comparison to their ‘noisy neighbours’, United’s business in the transfer market has been nothing short of sub-standard and embarrassing. Whether its to do with lack of planning, policies or even a lack of structure upstairs, United have been clutching at straws when it comes to signings.

In summer window no.7 though, it has been the turn of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to break that cycle. The Norwegian’s challenge was to succeed where predecessors David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have failed in trying to rebuild a club suffering from the lack of structure, philosophy and ambitions that so much as blessed the club in many ways. Solskjaer has addressed a pressing need during this window, in recruiting players that will help sure up his defence, one that conceded the most goals out of any side in the top 6 last season. The additions of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are very smart and future-driven signings but you still feel – at the end of the window – that United are still missing a cutting edge, especially in the middle. With a mountain of rumours surfacing around players such as Bruno Fernandes and Sergei Milinkovic-Savic possibly joining the club, but to no avail, you now feel that Solskjaer’s men are a Pogba-injury away from tumbling down the table even further.

The irony is that Pogba is precisely the quality of talent Solskjær needs to add more of, not lose. Yet to retain him by default is a gauge of the dysfunction at the club. Romelu Lukaku can be included in a similar class. The Belgian may not be an elite No 9 but he was, again, United’s top scorer – with 15 goals to Marcus Rashford’s 14. And to lose him may leave a gaping hole in United’s options up front. Despite Pogba’s wish to go he could end up staying but, again, only because no deal has been possible with Real Madrid. How United’s season shapes up from here remains to be seen.

It could be another season without Champions League football for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his men.

How Could United Line-Up This Season?

 

6. Chelsea

Frank Lampard may be a popular choice with fans, and an appointment that may bring steady progression for the club as a whole. But if the past is anything to go by, is that Chelsea’s hierarchy lack patience and the question remains heading into the new season, whether Lampard will be provided with the time and tools needed to bring a lasting success to Stamford Bridge. The pressure may be off considering the fact that Chelsea have been banned from the transfer market this summer, but whether their current squad is good enough to maintain their position as the third best team in England based off of last seasons standings is something Frank Lampard will feel a huge weight on his shoulders.

Lampard did impress at Derby as they narrowly missed out on a play-off promotion to the Premier League but the Chelsea legend will surely know that the step up to management in and amongst the big boys will be a massive one. One positive tonic for Lampard if there is one, is that at his disposal, there are a number of quality young players that will be itching to thrive under his tutelage. Maybe, they can be considered his new signings in a way. Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Fikayo Tomori have long been considered the future of Chelsea football club and this season provides them with the platform to impress and stake their claim for a starting berth in Lampard’s plans. Chelsea do have a lot of experience and know-how in their squad, even with the departure of David Luiz, but the departure of the supreme Eden Hazard will hurt, and how Lampard copes with qualities such as the Belgians will be an interesting story line to delve into once their campaign kicks off.

How Could Chelsea Line-Up This Season?

 

Chelsea’s squad is certainly stacked with quality, and maybe there wasn’t a need to delve into the transfer market without a ban anyway. One things for certain, is that Lampard will have a number of options to choose from once he finds a first 11 capable of challenging for the champions league.

The race for the Top 4 this season could just be the best yet.

 

WHO ARE THE SIDES CAPABLE OF BREAKING THE BIG-SIX PARTY?

 

Leicester City

 

 

Everton

 

 

Wolves

 

 

West Ham

 

 

Arsenal have completed the signing of Real Madrid and Spain attacking midfielder Dani Ceballos on a season long-loan. 

Arsenal boss Unai Emery sees the Spanish playmaker as a key part of his plans for the new season. Emery has also completed a deal for young Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba, two contrasting additions that highlight the different needs within Emery’s squad for next season. After also securing the signing of Gabriel Martinelli from Brazilian outfit Ituano FC, Emery certainly has the future of the club in his hands. Continuing a trend Arsene Wenger so significantly revelled in as he aimed to nourish and nurture foreign talent.

While Saliba’s arrival at the Emirates will be deferred to 2020, addressing a need to revamp an ageing defence whilst also looking to the future, the season-long loan of Real Madrid wonderkid Dani Ceballos can immediately strengthen Arsenal’s push for Champions League qualification; a player that can win points on his own. Dani Ceballos is that good. If you need any evidence of his brilliance, check out his sumptuous finish against Italy in the European Under-21 Championship last month. A goal fully highlighting how the brilliant the playmaker can be. Ceballos wowed the whole tournament with his dominating performances, controlling games with his impressive vision, technical skills and an eye for a wonderful pass.

It still remains to be seen whether Emery will be the coach to enjoy the fruits of Saliba and Martinelli’s development in the future – but Ceballos will be a player who will certainly assist his ambitions at Arsenal presently. Dani Ceballos’ arrival addresses a certain need in Arsenal’s squad.

The departure of Aaron Ramsey to Juventus which was confirmed earlier on in the year, will have been a huge blow for both Emery and the club as a whole. Ceballos may only be a short-term option, but he will certainly allow Emery with the time and tools to adequately search for more long-term option next summer. Aaron Ramsey held such unique qualities that are not so easy to find anywhere around Europe. The Welshman offered dynamism, off the ball movement, tactical intelligence and also the ability to arrive in the box at just the right moment to finish off an attacking move. When tasked with a more defensive role – even if it was against his own wishes – he was still capable of carrying his defensive duties to considerable effect whilst also making a massive contribution in Arsenal’s build-up play. Ramsey’s all round game was so unique to Wenger, that the former Arsenal boss found it difficult to leave him out of the first 11.

Under Unai Emery last season, Ramsey was the key ingredient within Arsenal’s midfield, other than Mesut Ozil who went missing for most of the season, Ramsey was the only one capable of providing Emery’s side with a nicely balanced creative edge. Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka are all fine midfielders in their own right but none of them can offer the same bite as Ramsey when transitioning into the final third. The Welshman provided that creative link between defensive midfield areas and the attacking two of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It’s so telling that Arsenal’s drop in form coincided with Ramsey’s injury towards the end of the season.

Despite his importance to the team, Ramsey is in fact a difficult player to accommodate – especially in a role where he fills he operates best. Emery’s reluctance to deploy the Welshman in the middle of an attacking trio behind the main front man suggests so. As stated previously, Arsene Wenger had the same issues, playing Ramsey strangely, on the right side of that three man attacking trio – much to the dismay of the Arsenal supporters – but you could hardly blame Wenger, such was the brilliance of Mesut Ozil that it was almost impossible to find an adequate space for Ramsey when Ozil fulfilled the role to near perfection when the German is in full fettle.

In Xhaka, Torreira and Guendouzi, Arsenal are well stocked in the defensive midfield department but at the same time Emery lacks a player who can complement both the deeper areas in midfield and the attacking areas also. Arsenal once held those type of players in abundance. Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain to name a few. These were the sort of players who were more than capable operating in tight spaces and dribbling their way out of trouble allow Arsenal freedom to open up tight defences with some hallmark one-touch passing and movement.

Emery needs that creative spark and that’s where Dani Ceballos steps in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qShV2n6YZmo

 

If you’ve ever watched and analysed Dani Ceballos over the past few years, you’d know how quality a performer he is, one capable of becoming the world class talent he is has been touted to be.

Bought by Real Madrid from Real Betis in 2017 for a fee of around £14million, the Spanish midfielder was expected to follow in a long line of promising young Spanish midfielders who will go onto become the backbone of the national team in the near future. Players such as Saul Niguez, Rodri, Isco and Marco Asensio. Though, he is still held in such regard even if he hasn’t been provided with the platform to express himself at the Santiago Bernabeu as of yet. Ceballos has had an unfortunate time of it at the club going in and out of the team albeit in a disappointing period for the club following the departures of Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo. Strangely enough, despite his undeniable qualities he was forced to rot in the B-side, a team he was just too good for, accumulating more than 3,000 minutes across all competitions last season including 23 appearances in La Liga. Just 13 of those were starts, however, which really didn’t aid his development.

Now, Ceballos will feel it is the time for him to present his full capabilities and there is probably no better place to fully find himself and make his mark than under the guidance of Unai Emery. The addition of Dani Ceballos provides the former Sevilla coach the opportunity to make full use of his squad as well as shaping his attack in his own image.

The former Real Betis man will be arriving at the Emirates off the back of an impressive campaign in Spain’s Under-21 European Championship triumph this summer. Ceballos showed the whole of Europe his full repertoire with some long-range stunners, sublime assists, outrageous moments of skill and close control as well as dominating the opposition on many occasions. Yes, team-mate Fabian Ruiz may have won Player of the Tournament but you’d have been forgiven for trying to argue that Dani Ceballos deserved the award. The 22-year-old captained La Rojita to the trophy, providing the whole of the Real Madrid camp and Zinedine Zidane a timely reminder of what he can do, the creative spark and magic that he can conjure up in any given game. The fact that Real Madrid are unwilling to let him go permanently is a further indication at just how much he is rated at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ceballos does believe he has the tools to succeed Lula Madrid in the Real Madrid and his unwillingness to leave permanently reciprocated his desire to get to the top.

You can almost argue that Real Madrid are wrong for letting him go. Certainly, the addition of Eden Hazard can offer the club so much more in the attacking department, but with James Rodriguez on his way out of the club, Marco Asensio now ruled out for six months with a ruptured ACL injury, Luka Modric on the wane and Gareth Bale being forced out of the Santiago Bernabeu, the added option of Ceballos in the creative department would have been a considerable option for Zidane.

Though, Real Madrid’s loss is Arsenal’s gain.

Dani Ceballos can fill a variety of roles, such is his versatility in the middle. The wonderkid holds the ability and nous to play as a no.10, a roaming no.8 or even a steady and assured no.6. Though, if Arsenal fans think the midfielder will offer them plenty of goals then they maybe become disappointed in that department. However, he may not get you 10-15 goals in a season, but what is unique to Ceballos is his eye for the spectacular. Whether its a mazy run from deep, a spectacular skill to get out of a tight spot, an eye of the needle pass to unlock defences or an unerring shot from 25-30yrds.

There is so much more to Ceballos than just goals and that is the pure reason why Emery is hell-bent on securing his signature. It is Ceballos’ ball progression from deep that Emery will want the midfielder to reproduce and his dribbling statistics make for some telling reading averaging 3.4 dribbles per 90minutes. Music to Arsenal’s ears. Not only that, but as well as his two goals and two assists for Spain this summer, he created more chances and completed more dribbles than any other player at the tournament. A stat which means Arsenal won’t be starved of any creativity next season especially if both Ozil and Ceballos are in the same side. What’s even more impressive is that Ceballos made the most passes out of anyone else in the Under-21 tournament this summer, attempting a mighty 375 with a mind-blowing 93 per-cent accuracy rate throughout Spain’s run to the trophy. Ceballos has already garnered six caps for the senior side so do not be surprised to see him gain some more in and become a permanent fixture in the team in the near future.

One question Emery will have to answer though, is whether he can fit both Ozil and Ceballos in the same starting XI or does he prefer Ceballos. Ceballos’ arrival may spell the end for Ozil in terms of his starting spot but the Spanish midfielder can also play a much deeper role as a roaming no.8 too. It is there, in the heart of the midfield, that Arsenal’s needs are perhaps more urgent and Ceballos is more than capable to fulfil those needs. Not since Santi Cazorla or even Jack Wilshere, have Arsenal possessed a midfield performer capable of breaking opposition lines both through telling passes or mazy dribbling – a problem Arsenal faced for much of last season well before Ramsey’s departure. Struggling to break down defences or even competently play through an opponents high-press. Ceballos is a talent well worthy of carrying out both of those duties to full effect.

With Emery also hoping to add the pace and trickery of Wilfried Zaha to his winger options and Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, Arsenal could potentially have a team filled with much creativity, movement, pace and technically adept players. Providing Emery signs the players he needs, could this be how he lines his side up once the season starts?

Unai Emery has already stated that he sees Dani Ceballos as a no.8 or no. 10 in his side for next season so the Spanish playmaker will of course be a multi-functional tool in Emery’s system. We could assume – and it is only an assumption – that Emery could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ceballos could be used as either one of the two central midfielders and or the advanced role behind Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The latter role could be at Mesut Ozil’s expense but if Emery is to fully utilise Ceballos’ dribbling and ball progression abilities then using him as the no. 8 could be the way to go like Wenger did when he paired Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin to devastating effect in 2015. Or even how Emery utilised Ever Banega for Sevilla – nominally operating as a no.10 but operating in a fluid three-man midfield. Against lesser opposition, Ceballos could be used in the role as shown above but against similar or better opposition then adding an extra steel in midfield such as Xhaka or Guendouzi could be the solution:

You can’t rule out the possibility of a three man midfield in a 4-3-3 setup without Ozil in the starting 11. Here, Arsenal can – as well as adding more steel to their midfield – also have the players to exert control and composure when in possession of the ball as all of Emery’s midfield options are very competent when on the ball. Though, in order for this setup to work, Arsenal would need pace out wide and that’s where the potential signing of Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace could be a massive bonus for Emery and his team. One major concern for Arsenal last season, was their lack of movement off the ball especially when Ramsey got injured and the introduction of either Zaha or even a safe option in Reiss Nelson – ready to make a step-up – could allow Arsenal much fluidity and unpredictability in the final third.

Also, Emery’s side could be devastating on the counter-attack, when pressed in their own half by a bigger rival like a Manchester City or a Liverpool, you could almost picture Ceballos breaking through a high press and making a telling run before laying on the ball to either Zaha or Aubameyang to either finish off a move or providing for one. Movement, pace, precision and incisiveness. Traits you’d desire in a counter-attacking team.

On a negative note, the issues were clear for Arsenal to see – especially in the numbers – last season, Arsenal ranked 12th in the league for chances created and 12th for dribbles. An alarming statistic and one that is truly represented in the decline Arsenal have experienced especially when it matters most in the big matches. However, in Dani Ceballos, Arsenal will finally hold a very unique instrument, one that will provide the team with the spark, magic, energy and the quality needed to take Emery’s project to the next level. Yes, the deal to bring him to the Emirates is only for the short-term, but for too long Arsenal have been building for the future and fans are running out of patience. Dani Ceballos is for the here and now.

The Spanish wonderkid is certainly one to watch next season.

 

 

 

So Antoine Griezmann finally completed his dream move to Barcelona from Atletico Madrid after the Spanish champions paid his release clause of a protracted and controversial fee of around £110million – a clause which came to fore on July 1 – much to Atletico’s dismay, who claim that the French forward agreed a deal with Barcelona two months ago. President Josep Bartomeu has since rejected Atletico’s claims.

A year on since his comical La Decision video stating his desire to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano, Griezmann announced his desire to seek pastures new in May despite having signed a five-year contract extension last year. There had been much speculation regarding the fact that many of the Barcelona camp would not be happy with the idea of Griezmann joining the club. However, on the evidence of a few Preseason training sessions, Griezmann seems to be settling in nicely:

Placing all the controversy and the uncertainty of the deal to one side for a moment, the signing of Antoine Griezmann is a pretty smart piece of business. Certainly in the modern world, Griezmann’s rejection last summer meant Barcelona wouldn’t dare approach him again, but right now the club had to put their pride aside. Signing a player who has arguably been one of the three best players in La Liga over the past few years was a must, and certainly after the failures in Europe last season.

On a personal level, this may be the right move for the Frenchman. When he signed on that dotted line last season for his former club, it was like stepping into a much better and brighter future for Simeone’s side. It was supposed to be the year Atletico Madrid put in a major assualt on the La Liga title and built on their Europa League success the previous year. It just wasn’t to be despite their late push domestically – proving all to late – and a disappointing second leg capitulation at the hands of Juventus after they led 2-0 from the first. It was maybe at that point, Griezmann knew his fruitful time in Madrid was coming to an end. What’s surprising though, is that Antoine Griezmann has never lifted the La Liga trophy, and he’s only one three major trophies during his time there. For a player of his pedigree, and a player who is harbouring ambitions of becoming a Ballon D’or winner, those honours just aren’t enough. A move to Barcelona may just be what Griezmann needs, his final chance to win La Liga and even the chance to help the Blaugrana finally lift the Champions League trophy – one that has eluded Messi and co since their 2015 victory over Juventus.

Whether the signing of Griezmann is a sign of desperation as a result of their failures in Europe, it may well seem to be a very smart addition. But it still leaves a lot of questions for Ernesto Valverde heading into the new season. Now that they have their man, will they still go in for Neymar? The Brazilian has made his intentions clear that he wants leave the Parc des Princes this summer. According to Sky Sources, Barcelona have made their first move to sign him back offering a fee of around £90million + any of the likes of Samuel Umtiti, Ivan Rakitic, Ousmane Dembele or Philippe Coutinho as part of any potential deal.

If the deal does go ahead then Barcelona could find themselves with a formidable front line next season which could consist of Antoine Griezmann, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

However, there could be long-term problems surrounding the kind of direction the club may be heading towards. Signing players such as Frenkie De Jong as early as January, represented a shift in strategy for the club, a strategy truly focused and driven towards the future of the club and a direction that clearly leads back to its ‘Total Football’ roots.

The signing of Neymar, as well as Antoine Griezmann, as appealing and attractive as it is, may not be the way to go. Firstly, the massive egos within the dressing room may just become too overwhelming for Valverde, a manager who has dealt with it successfully so far but the addition of Neymar who’s commitment and dedication has been questioned numerously over the years will not look good for the powers that be. Secondly, how would the fans feel? The way in which the player left the club two years ago still leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of some of the Barcelona faithful, will they be so forgiving in taking him back? Thirdly, Neymar’s addition may just bring plans to improving and re-structuring their La Masia academy to a halt, gone are the days of Barcelona successfully ingraining youth products into the first team like they once did with the likes of Pique, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Pedro – who is now at Chelsea – and of course Lionel Messi. Though, Carlos Alena is the only latest player to be given a run of games in the first team over the past couple of years. There are a few bright prospects within the academy right now, but their path into the first team may become even more difficult with the club using their failures in Europe as a means of signing stars for the here and now rather than bedding in a few prospects within the academy and the recapturing of Neymar could be a further representation of that idea.

Focusing on the problem at hand though, just how Valverde plans to implement Griezmann into his plan may be key to Barcelona’s success next season, especially in Europe. The club would not want another Galactico signing failure, they really can’t afford another one. After the struggles of both Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele, the club will be praying that Griezmann does turn out to be a success even in his first season, this is a league he has played in his whole career so the Frenchman will have no excuses if he doesn’t get off to the quickest of starts. However, Valverde will need to quickly solve the issue of trying to accommodate both Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi in his rigid system. Both players hold the ability to have an impact in the middle – whether as a false-nine or a second striker role. If not worked on properly, Valverde may find that Barcelona’s star studded attack may just become congested and lacking in fluidity.

Not only will Valverde be tasked in complementing both Griezmann and Lionel Messi but what does the future hold for Luis Suarez? Will we continue seeing him the first 11 or as Antoine Griezmann come in to become Barcelona’s first choice striker. The Uruguayan is clearly in rapid decline but there is no doubting the kind of sheer commitment and contribution Luis Suarez has brought to the cause. Becoming the perfect foil for Lionel Messi and also continuing his renowned abilities of becoming such a phenomenal force in front of goal. The problem is, for Suarez, is that he will not be as mobile and efficient as he once was either it be pressing from the front and also drifting out wide to create space, and Griezmann is the perfect man to do that, as well as becoming a real goal-scoring force up-front.

Though, there is a way of incorporating all three with Luis Suarez maintaining his position as the main attacking force with Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann doing all the creative and final third work behind him. Suarez could become the perfect poacher rather than the complete forward he has been throughout his time at the Camp Nou:

If Barcelona manage to keep Philippe Coutinho providing him with another opportunity to right his wrongs at the Nou Camp then that may just spell the end of Suarez’ reign as Barcelona’s trusted number 9. That role may be handed to Antoine Griezmann with Lionel Messi and Coutinho either side of the French superstar:

You’d like to think that this may be Valverde’s go to line up, as it adds creativity, speed, control and a fine balance in both defence and attack. There is no doubting Antoine Griezmann’s immense versatility. The Frenchman could even line up as a false nine as shown above, constantly interchanging with Lionel Messi – a potential nightmare for opposing defenders – or even lining up on the left of a rigid 4-4-2 set up. A trusted formation that Valverde used regularly last season. Though that does mean that he would have to sacrifice one of his technically gifted options in midfield in Sergio Busquets, Frenkie De Jong or Arthur.

Finally Barcelona hold two brilliant technically crafted midfielders capable of dragging the club back to its ‘Tiki-Taka’ traditions. Frenkie De Jong and Arthur are incredibly fine players and will offer a much needed control in possession and a wonderfully balanced link between defence and attack. A counter-attacking system has been Valverde’s tried and trusted system throughout his time at the club – against most fans wishes. Barcelona is a club that has blessed the footballing world with its ‘Total Football’ philosophy hell-bent of its passing, pressing, movement, operating in half-spaces, marauding full-backs and a striker more than capable in playing as a withdrawn striker, something both Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi can do in abundance.

Antoine Griezmann makes sense for just about any top team in the world. On the face of it, we’re talking about a player of immense qualities not just in the attacking third but also when helping in defence. His work-rate, defensive contributions, pressing and the incredible hunger to hustle and harry opponents even when they are drawing towards his own goal is something to be admired in the Frenchman. What Barcelona will be getting is a player that will give 100% in whatever he has been tasked to do. When in need of holding a narrow lead, Griezmann will fight until the very end to achieve those vital three points. It’s all well and good grabbing superstars but will those superstars not only fight for their own gain but will they fight for the shirt and Antoine Griezmann will do just that. With Real Madrid strengthening and rapidly improving their squad it was imperative Barcelona signed a player capable of helping them maintain their two-year dominance domestically and there was no better player helping them achieve those ambitions than in Griezmann.

Certainly, the signing of Antoine Griezmann may not answer all of Barcelona’s issues both within the squad and the club as a whole. The futures of Malcolm, Ousmane Dembele and even Philippe Coutinho still need to be decided before the season starts but two of those will be moved on to create space. It’s more than likely that both Ousmane Dembele and Malcolm will be moved on, two players who on their day could have mightily impressed the Barcelona faithful but it wasn’t to be. Whether Dembele is used as part of the deal to fund Neymar we will have to wait and see.

What’s most important though, is that Barcelona after a year of controversy and uncertainty finally have their man. A player well versed in helping the club finally achieve and unprecedented Champions League trophy. There’s still a lot of refinement to be done within the Barcelona camp.

Leicester City completed the permanent signing of AS Monaco and Belgian international midfielder Youri Tielemans last week after his successful loan spell at the King Power last season – a four year deal believed to be in the region of £40m, making him the clubs record signing. 

Tielemans, aged 22, was involved in 9 goals (3 goals, 6 assists) in 13 Premier League appearances after arriving on an initial six-month loan in January. Tielemans becomes Rodgers’ third summer signing after Ayoze Perez joined from Newcastle in a £30m deal and full-back James Justin completed his move from Luton Town.

With much of the summer centred around the future of Harry Maguire and his potential proposed move to Manchester United, you just knew Brendan Rodgers will be working in the background refining his squad as the former Liverpool coach plans another surprise assualt in the Premier League. If the departure of Harry Maguire is causing uncertainty around the City of Leicester, then the permanent signing of Youri Tielemans is sure to end that pessimism and excite the Leicester faithful once again.

Youri Tielemans may have struggled in France during his time at Monaco, but as soon as he stepped foot at the King Power in January for his six month loan, it was like he’d been plying his trade in the Premier League for much of his career. Before January, Leicester had been missing that added bite in midfield, with Wilfried Ndidi, James Maddison and youngster Hamza Choudhury able bodies for Brendan Rodgers to utilise, but it was that creative and composed style that they desperately needed and the signing of Youri Tielemans is the perfect ingredient.

His arrival in January was seen as a major coup for the Foxes. On many occasions, regarded as one of the brightest young midfielders in Europe especially when he started out for Anderlecht at the age of 16, it was then that he was immediately thrown into the first team and Tielemans has never looked back since then. It is a testament to the Belgian international’s qualities and its one of the reasons why he has been part of the Belgian set-up for so long, making his international debut at the tail end of 2016 in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.

Just under 3 years on, after minor setbacks in the move to Monaco which didn’t bear as much fruit as he would have hoped, Tielemans now finds himself at the centre of a revolution, a club that is looking on its way up and once again looking to put in a major assault on the top six next season. Finally, the Belgian midfield orchestrator finds himself at home hoping to be a part of team on the cusp of doing something special under Brendan Rodgers – who himself will be aiming to right his own wrongs in a division he left in 2015 after being relieved of his duties at Liverpool.

Nonetheless, Tieleman’s impact at the King Power has been immediate – no need for a bedding in period. Standing at just 5ft9in, the Belgian architect doesn’t hold the most meanest or domineering frame, however, what he lacks in height, he makes up for in his technical abilities – using his small frame to his advantage when evading challenges and getting out of tight spots. What is equally impressive about his game, is his incredible first touch that allows him the opportunity to dictate play and to control the tempo at whatever speed he desires. When you watch Tielemans week-in week-out – as joyous as it is – you can perfectly see why he will be so imperative to Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City project.

Also very adept in his dribbling, and tackling. Tielemans holds the full package when it comes to your archetypal modern-day midfielder. Great in possession, skilful in his dribbling, calm and collected in his passing and also holds the unique ability at unlocking defences at will. Before, James Maddison was the only player capable of being so pivotal in the final third, but now Brendan Rodgers possesses another player fully blessed with the ability to master the art of the ‘eye of the needle’ pass. Tielemans creative impact in the final third was striking and clearly evident in his assists especially the pass for Vardy’s strike against Watford in Rodgers’ first game in charge. Picking up the ball on the half-way line, driving forward and then picking out an exemplary pass dissecting Watford’s defence at will, like something out of the parting of the Red Sea.

He’d only been at the club a mere six months and his understanding with the other key players in the squad is simply outstanding – with James Maddison especially, probably the most creative pair in the Premier League and its a weapon Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to get the best out of next season. Another example of Tieleman’s brilliance is his assist for Harvey Barnes at the London Stadium against West Ham. Excellently controlling a pass fired into him, killing the ball dead and then lifting his head up to spot the run of Harvey Barnes, and then expertly threading a smart pass through a corridor of West Ham defenders – a pass perfectly weighted enough for Barnes to strike the equaliser without the need for a first touch. It was simply exquisite.

It’s that kind of quality which makes you wonder why Leicester were given a free run at securing his signature when all of the top six sides could have done with Tieleman’s brilliance in midfield.

If there is one blip or blemish in Tieleman’s ability is his sub-par performances for Monaco during his time in France. However, he did start 20 of Monaco’s 22 games prior to his switch to the King Power, scoring five goals and assisting once. A decent return for a player struggling to find his feet at the club, but a further testament to the ability and professionalism that Tielemans holds.

The fact that Leicester have moved quickly to secure Tielemans’ future is a further representation of the importance he will hold to Brendan Rodgers’ squad and system, and with the £30million signing of Ayoze Perez from Newcastle gives Rodgers another dimension to his attack. Not only can Perez become effective up-front but his work rate, off the ball movement and tenacious energy means he is more than capable of filling in when needed on the wings especially on the right which means Leicester will be filled with an industrious energy and pace on both wings with the likes of Demarai Gray, Ben Chilwell, Ricardo Pereira and the addition of Perez allows Rodgers side to be dangerous both on the counter-attack and when trying to break down stiff and sturdy defences. The fluid movement of Vardy, Gray and Ayoze Perez is just what Tielemans and Maddison need. Give either of these creative outlets space and time, and they will more than likely execute something out of nothing in order to unlock the space in behind defences.

Brendan Rodgers now holds a squad – including a couple more additions this summer – capable of executing a major assualt on the Premier league’s top six and it is definitely a squad that may just be as good as the one that famously won the Premier League in 2016. In Wilfried Ndidi, Rodgers holds a player exerting similar characteristics to N’golo Kante who was a vital component in that 2016 winning side. With Tielemans and James Maddison busy strutting their stuff in the final third, Ndidi will be tasked with breaking up play, recovering possession and screening in front of his back line – a role he has expertly done ever since his introduction to English football. A perfectly balanced midfield, and with the added composure and youthful exuberance in Hamza Choudhury, Rodgers holds a finely tuned and talented midfield he can call upon. That’s not to say the Northern Irish coach doesn’t require a couple more astute additions in that area and with the future of Harry Maguire unclear, there will still need to be some fine tuning and moulding done in able for this squad to challenge for a Champions League place.

Nevertheless, the signing of Youri Tielemans represents a massive step in the right direction, a player blessed with much skill, technique and qualities that a few in his position can only dream of. This coming season may just be the start of something new for Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City – a potential match made in heaven – and the Belgian international Tielemans will be at the centre of any ambitions that Rodgers holds for this fresh, finely balanced and talented squad.

Leicester City may just cause another famous surprise this coming season. This Revolution may indeed be televised.

 

Manchester City completed the signing of Atletico Madrid and Spanish midfield enforcer Rodri after the Etihad club paid his release clause making him the clubs record signing.

Representatives for Manchester City travelled to La Liga’s headquarters in Madrid to make a payment of £63million (€70m). The 23-year-old has stated previously it his dream to play under Pep Guardiola and the City boss has been interested in the Atletico midfield enforcer for some time and also sees him as the ideal replacement for Fernandinho in defensive midfield.

According to various Spanish reports, Rodri had grown concerned at the style of play deployed at the Wanda Metropolitano and the lack of ambition under Diego Simeone. Regularly touted as Sergio Busquets’ successor in the Spanish midfield, Rodri registered 84 appearances for Villareal before making a £22million move to join Simeone’s side in May 2018.

Born in Madrid, Rodri initially joined Atletico Madrid’s youth setup in 2007 at the age of 11, from boyhood outfit CF Rayo Majadahonda. However, he was released in 2013 for lacking physical strength which led him to subsequently sign for Villareal CF. There he bounced from adversity, bursting onto the scene in late-2015 where he made his first team debut against Spanish outfit Huesca in the Copa Del Rey. His next three appearances were in that competition, but his maiden La Liga appearances finally came against Rayo Vallecano coming on as a second-half substitute for Denis Suarez, in which he put in an impressive short cameo despite the game ending in defeat for Villareal.

It was in that defeat, that Villareal unearthed a midfield gem. His first-touch, movement, understanding of his positioning, composure in possession and anticipation in defensive scenarios was so clear to see – looking like a young Sergio Busquets. A player who Rodri who has been compared to on many occasions since his debut for the Yellow Submarines. Of a similar build, stature and height to the Spanish legend, you could see why the comparisons are so vivid and accurate.

After three seasons at Villareal, Rodri returned to the club who released him for his lack of a physical structure, exactly the type of player that Simeone was indeed looking for when Atletico triggered his release clause of £17.8million last summer. Arriving at the Wanda Metropolitano with only one cap under his belt, Rodri came into Simeone’s side expecting to be the backbone and lieutenant that Simeone once held in the form of Gabi, a player who was an anchor in midfield for Atletico over the past 5-10 years. Combative, tenacious, workhorse and also a calming presence when in possession of the ball – the kind of characteristics Gabi held that Simeone saw in Rodri.

It was last season that saw Rodri enjoy his impressive breakthrough season, adding another five caps for Spain becoming the anchor that both club and country needed. He seamlessly slotted into Simeone’s line-up breaking up play, dominating midfield battles and providing Atletico the assurance when in possession on the ball. There is no doubt about it, Rodri will be a huge miss for Atletico despite the disagreement both player and manager had on the style and ambition of the club. However, Atletico Madrid have moved swiftly in the market to replace the midfielder, signing Real Madrid’s young talent Marcos Llorente – a player of similar abilities to Rodri and a player capable of filling the gap left by the former Villareal man.

 

For City though, Manchester City have yet another impressive recruitment on their hands and have potentially signed a player capable of quickly settling in and becoming the creme of Pep Guardiola’s tantalising crop. And once again, City have managed to address a pressing need in the heart of their midfield, with the ageing Fernandinho (34) coming to the twilight of his career and the future of Ilkay Gundogan still unclear, Guardiola has deemed it necessary for City to sign a player of such class and quality and a player that could be gracing the City colours for a number of years.

 

 

The 2019 transfer window has been rather captivating so far for Chelsea replacing their manager, Tottenham already making a statement signing, and Manchester United and Arsenal both trying to secure that can quickly elevate them back to where they belong in the pinnacle of English football. But for Liverpool and Manchester City – the two best from last season – its been rather slow. But while it seems it may stay the same for Liverpool, Manchester City have have just broken their transfer record and have probably just completed the most astute signing of the signing in Rodri. He becomes the fifth most expensive signing to join the Premier League.

On the evidence of the comments above made by reputable and knowledgeable reporters, it looks as though Manchester City have already captured another Premier League before a ball has even been kicked. Yes, Rodri is a special player. A special player in his own right. Compared to Sergio Busquets on many occasions over the past few years. However, if you’ve watched Rodri closely, there are subtle differences in both players games, while Busquets uses his positional acumen and awareness, Rodri is more mobile to strut around the lines of midfield reclaiming possession and bringing counter-attacks to a complete halt. It has been said that Rodri is more likely the more athletic version of Busquets. That in itself is frightening, considering the kind of levels Busquests has reached over the last decade.

Rodri may not much in terms of his goal threat. 3 in 47 appearances for Atletico and only once the season before with Villareal. But with the calibre of players he will be playing alongside, he doesn’t need to worry about going on a goal blitz here and there, all Rodri will need to worry about is defending his defence and that he does expertly and with such vigour and aplomb. As a defensive midfielder, Rodri is said to be outstanding by his contemporaries, and given the state of play in and around Manchester City’s issue in defensive midfield, slowly phasing out the ageing Fernandinho will be smooth sailing for Pep Guardiola.

Technically sound, calm and collected in possession, bullish without it and a tenacity that certain midfielders of the modern era can only dream of. Rodri is and will become a player of true class and quality. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, City may have a player capable of becoming probably even better than his Spanish predecessor and counterpart Sergio Busquets. A testament to the kind of work Manchester City are undergoing and completing behind the scenes in terms of recruitment. These are the kind of players that are a true representation of Pep Guardiola’s philosophy and the incredible identity of the blue half of Manchester. City now hold quality in every area of the pitch, and with the re-signing of academy product Angelino from PSV Eindhoven – another gifted player at left-back – Guardiola and his men are well on their way in trying to become the best in Europe for the first time in their history.

Keep an eye out for Rodri next season. A player of incredible class and quality. A player for the present and the future, a very very bright one.