England manager Roy Hodgson has hailed Wayne Rooney ahead of the Manchester United star’s 100th cap for the national side, Daily Star reports.
The Football Association usually hands out the landmark award after the player plays his 100th game, but they are willing to break tradition and present the achievement to the 29-year-old before the Three Lions’ Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia.
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Man United legend Sir Bobby Charlton is set to give the accolade and England boss Roy Hodgson believes there is still more to come from Rooney, who only needs seven more goals to beat Charlton’s all-time England record of 49.
“I think he will become better,” said Hodgson. “I think that he has had a turbulent career, bursting on to the scene as the wonder kid and being the saviour of English football.
“He has had to suffer the slings and arrows because of the times, when, of course, he has not been able to be the saviour of English football and people have criticised him for it.
“Having built him up to a very high level they have worked very hard to knock him right back down again.
“I think that has given him an incredible maturity and strength and I think that all the qualities he had at 19 he basically still possesses.
“But what he does have, which he didn’t have at 19 or 24 or 25, is this incredible experience, this incredible belief and mental strength.
“That is something we will need going forward, mental strength – that’s a harder thing to teach or to instil in the squad then tactics or technique.
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“It’s good that people like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard , John Terry and Ashley Cole before Wayne were able to do that but now Wayne really finds himself as a last bastion of this group of players who played together in very good England team.”
West Ham United currently find themselves in the dizzy heights of the top four and it has to be said that no one would have tipped them to be where they are now at the start of the season.
Mark Lawrenson, the BBC football pundit for Match Of The Day stated what most people were thinking, that you would have expected the Hammers to be sitting in the bottom six at this stage with a quarter of the season played. Last season was a disaster for the east London side, fighting a relegation battle for the majority of the campaign using an injury plagued squad with players regularly being asked to perform out of position and not offering much of a threat in terms of scoring goals to kill a game off when they were in the lead.
Sam Allardyce’s head was being called for by the fans due to their struggle and lack of exciting football. But on reflection, last season was the only bad season they have had so far under Allardyce, and a lot of the poor football on display was merely a reflection of the poor squad strength and choice of players that they had.
Fast forward to this current campaign and it is clear to see that the choice of players is much better. They have recruited very well in the summer transfer window and can now boast some strength in depth, which hasn’t been the case for some time now. Take Cheikhou Kouyate, for example. Despite being one of the Hammers’ best players in the early part of the season, he suffered an injury that handed Alex Song the chance to slot nicely in to the holding position of their new diamond formation. Throughout his time on the sidelines, West Ham rarely noticed the absence of their African powerhouse as much as they perhaps might have done a year ago.
There are also very talented players on the sidelines that can’t even make the bench at the moment, such is the depth of the squad. Argentine forward Mauro Zarate, who also had an impressive start to his West Ham career, has ended up out of the match day squad through no fault of his own, but purely on the merit of the players that have been playing and keeping him out of the starting XI.
The quality of the new faces in the West Ham team, alongside the revitalised and much improved existing players like Stewart Downing, Mark Noble and James Collins, has seen the Hammers finally produce the sort of football that the fans have been craving for the last couple of years. And it is playing such exciting and attacking football, whilst keeping the ‘defend from the front and be hard to break down’ philosophy, that the club have discovered their winning mentality and lack of fear regardless of the opposition.
They have found the ability to grind out a win when the performances have not been up to par, like they did against Burnely and QPR, and they have also discovered how to score goals, with the fourth best goal difference in the league so far having already netted 17 times in their opening nine games.
Their winning mentality, their ability to attack without fear and discovery on how to win games by play their brand of football, regardless of the strength of their opponents, has earned them their place in the top four so far. It is by no means a lucky occurrence or a fluke of any kind and it’s safe to say that they will be fighting for a top 10 finish this season without the fear of looking over their shoulders and being dragged into a relegation battle.
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Their latest game against Manchester City was a great example of their merit. They fought, outplayed and out witted the Premier League champions and fully deserved the three points. If Allardyce can continue to get his side playing at this level consistently then it will be proof that their claims of being deserving of top ten, or even top six, football as more than justified.
“Could Guidetti’s place be under threat? Yeah. We have big competition in the team,
“John hadn’t played football for two years before he came here. He started well and now he has had a dip.
“He must be physically stronger. Scoring once from 14 chances is way too little and it is the second match we have done it.”
Ronny Delia’s words were pretty damning for John Guidetti, who once again misfired against Dundee as Celtic slipped to a 2-1 loss. The Manchester City loanee has been a success in Glasgow since his summer arrival, but a recent slump has led to calls for the Swede to be axed from the starting XI, which now appears to be a genuine option for the Bhoys’ boss.
Although there are no suggestions that he may be shipped back to Manchester City next month, things can escalate quickly in top level football, so we think it’s important that Celtic stick by their Scandinavian marksman… and here are FIVE reasons why…
He’s been in top form
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Ten goals in 15 outings is some going. Even with his recent mini drought, Guidetti has an average of two in three for the Glasgow giants, illustrating just how well he has adapted to Scottish football.
For all the criticism aimed at football north of the border, putting the ball in the back of the net is still putting the ball in the back of the net, which the player himself has done well.
Man City are ready to sell
While Guidetti’s contract expires at the end of the season, there are suggestions that Man City are keen to sell next month in a bid to get some cash in for their striker. While paying up when he’s available for free soon is by no means ideal, a £3m hit may be enough to ensure that the Swede stays in Glasgow, with other clubs across Europe sniffing around ahead of Bosman swoops.
Proven scorer when fit
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Guidetti’s career has, so far, been one interrupted by injury. Although just 22, the forward has spent large chunks of time on the treatment table, but during spells of full fitness he’s been deadly.
His spell in Holland with Feyenoord is perhaps the best example of how lethal Guidetti can be, with a return of 20 goals in 23 games having led to suggestions, at the time, he had a big future with Man City. Fitness problems curtailed this, but now he’s back to near peak condition, he’s banging in the goals for Celtic. Coincidence? Probably not.
Long-term option
At 22, Guidetti has plenty of time in front of him. The powerful ace has all of the skills to be a top marksman, and could be a long-term option for Celtic. If he maintains his form it may be tricky to convince the youngster to commit the bulk of his career to Scottish action, but two or three years is not beyond the realms of possibility.
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The new Henrik Larsson?
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It may be a little lazy to draw the Larsson comparisons between two Swedes, but Guidetti does have the potential to be a Celtic talisman, as his compatriot once was. The current Bhoys ace differs from the man who went on to represent Man United and Barcelona in a lot of ways, but the two players’ output can be measured in goals.
From the dizzying run towards a first ever Premier League title last season, which evaporated with Luis Suarez’s tears at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park, to a midtable scrap, 2014 was a rollercoaster for Liverpool. The Reds saw their Uruguayan exit, have been without Daniel Sturridge for some time and have endured the Mario Balotelli sideshow rumbling away, which all contributed to the slide.But, 2015 has been, so far, much better for Brendan Rodgers and his side, who are now mounting a – albeit late – charge for Champions League qualification. However, could next season see another push for the biggest prize? We think so, and here are FIVE reasons why…
Future is bright
The rise of Jordon Ibe over the course of the past few days has opened the door for much praise to be sent in the direction of Anfield. The 19-year-old – who is exactly 365 days youngster than Raheem Sterling – was re-called from an impressive loan spell at Derby in January and was thrown into the starting XI by Rodgers for the first time this term away at Goodison Park… some test. However, despite playing at wing-back – Ibe is winger by trade – the teenager shone, and was a genuine outlet for the Reds down the flank. He once again starred against Spurs, with his driving forward runs and decision making in the final third making it hard to believe that he’s so young.
And Ibe is not the only youngster shining on the red half of Merseyside, with Lazar Markovic and Sterling 20 and Emre Can 21, just! As well as these first-teamers, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno and Philippe Coutinho are by no means ‘old timers’.
Improving record
The first half of the season was one to forget for the Reds. The adjustment period from the exit of Luis Suarez was always going to be tough, and Daniel Sturridge’s injury only served to make the transition even more rocky. Losses to both Aston Villa and Manchester United were limp, yet home draws with Hull and Sunderland were particularly worrying given the lack of attacking guile on show.
But, the turning point came after Christmas as Rodgers switched to a 3-4-2-1 with Sterling up front, and the results have been staggering. The Reds are currently top of the 2015 form table with 20 points since xmas day, some turnaround. With the problems now looking a distant memory, maybe… just maybe next season can be a non-stuttering one.
Gerrard replacement has been found…
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Gerrard’s looming exit has given the end of the season a ‘farewell tour’ feel with ‘Gerro’s’ last clashes against some of the Premier League’s elite teams enough for lazy headline writers to relax for the coming months. Even though his powers are waning – his pace and power have faded – he 34-year-old’s move to LA Galaxy will leave a massive hole in the Anfield midfield.
But the man to plug the gap could be Can, who, despite playing in a back three recently, looks set to move up the pitch when needed. A cameo in the middle third against Spurs showed just what the 21-year-old German offers, with composed passing, energy, explosive power and driving runs all hallmarks of his game. The future is bright!
Mignolet is back
Bombed out of the XI for Brad Jones (who would barely make the team for many Championship clubs) ahead of the Man United loss, Mignolet’s future looked bleak. Goalkeeper links dominated gossip columns through January, but a welcome back into the side at Burnley – Jones got injured – has coincided with an upturn in performance from the ex-Sunderland man.
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Mignolet appears to have grown in confidence with a solid back three in front of him, with the erratic Dejan Lovren’s exodus, potentially, playing a part. ‘Migs’ has always been a good shot-stopper, but he now appears more commanding in his area, while his distribution is now a little more assertive.
Potential summer signings
A £110m spend is unlikely to be repeated, but even if a top four finish is not secured, it’s likely that Rodgers will have some cash to splash. Divock Origi is already booked up to head in from Lille when his loan spell ends, while the lure of Anfield will always pull top players to Merseyside, even if Liverpool have struggled to get marquee men in for some time.
The Premier League might be about to receive a bit of a shake up.
While Mourinho has been his loud usual self and Manchester City have been taking the headlines, Arsenal have been quietly getting on with business each week. The Gunners had a fantastic game against their London rivals West Ham at the weekend and if they carry on playing like that then anything is possible.
Arsenal could be set to retain the FA Cup, steal second place in the Premier League and they are still in with a chance of progressing in the Champions League. Monaco may be in extremely good form at present – conceding just four goals in 17 outings – but Arsenal’s form is equally as impressive.
Their latest victory, the 3-0 thrashing of West Ham, was Arsenal’s fourteenth from their last 17 outings in all competitions. At the start of the season no one would have believed it was possible.
They failed to beat Everton, Leicester, Hull, Swansea and Stoke – so how have they become one of Chelsea’s closest rivals for the title?
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Manchester City failed to win again at the weekend, losing 1-0 to relegation contenders Burnley, and with their chances of securing the title for the second year in a row looking less likely, Arsenal appear to be showing some intent on upsetting what initially looked like a forgone conclusion.
The Gunners have won four in a row since their defeat in the first leg of the Champions League against Monaco and they have had over 20 different goal scorers in all competitions this season. At the beginning of the season there was a clear divide in the Arsenal fan base between those who wanted Wenger to stay and those who wanted him to go, but he could be about to pull off their best season in a number of years.
The camp is still divided, though, as many believe it is time to start the post-Wenger era of Arsenal’s existence, but the Gunners’ manager is confident that they can overcome a first-leg 3-1 defeat to beat Monaco tonight and is proving he might still be the perfect man to guide Arsenal forwards.
Realistically, Arsenal look set to be the only English team who could qualify for the next round of the Champions League. Manchester City lost their first-leg against Barcelona and, with their current form, it seems unlikely that they can come from behind at the Bernabeu.
If Arsenal manage to beat Monaco and City are knocked out, it could be the final push Arsenal need to force a way in to the top two of the Premier League.
They are only seven points behind leaders Chelsea and, with them already of the Champions League, the Blues; against PSG seemed to be playing on their minds during their 1-1 home draw with Southampton on Sunday.
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Wenger’s critics seemed to have quietened down over recent weeks and their win over Manchester United in the FA Cup an fantastic performance against West Ham means things may just be improving for the veteran manager.
If their form continues until now and the end of the campaign hen it may just be one of Arsenal’s best seasons in quite a few years.
According to reports from The Metro earlier this week, Manchester United are considering a summer bid for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.
The Belgium international has been in stunning form since Tim Sherwood took the Villa Park reins from Paul Lambert in February, going on to claim ten goals in ten appearances across all competitions – including a hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers and the opener in the Villains’ 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool.
But whether he’s quite at the standard of 13-time Premier League winners Manchester United remains open to debate. After all, the Red Devils have boasted some of the greatest strikers in world football down the years and their current strike-force – Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao – isn’t too shabby either.
So before the Old Trafford out fork out a whopping £30million for the beastly Belgian, Football Fancast feels compelled to consider some alternatives on their behalf. Would one of these FIVE be a better fit for United?
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HARRY KANE
After just one season of superlative form, snapping up Tottenham’s Harry Kane this summer would be a huge risk on Manchester United’s part, but nonetheless one that offers huge goalscoring rewards.
After all, the 21 year-old is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League this term with 20 goals in 30 appearances – a total only surpassed in the top flight by Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero.
More than simply his goals, it’s the England international’s all-round game that truly stands out. He’s good on the ball, dangerous in the air, deadly in front of goal and infectious in his enthusiasm, earning him comparisons with Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller and England greats Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham.
Admittedly, it could be a summer too soon for the Tottenham talisman. He’d hardly be the first or the last one-season wonder in the Premier League, and he still has a lot to learn.
But United have made a point of maintaining their synonymy with the England national team throughout the years and Kane appears to have an incredibly bright Three Lions career ahead of him.
CARLOS BACCA
After two fantastic seasons at Sevilla, Carlos Bacca’s £21.3million release clause is almost certain to be triggered by one of Europe’s top clubs this summer.
Indeed, the Colombian international’s 21 goals last season fired the La Liga outfit to the 2014 Europa League title, but he’s already surpassed that impressive haul this year in seven less outings, bringing his total for Los Rojiblancos to 45 goals in 97 appearances.
Powerful, quick and unorthodox in style, the 28 year-old seems like a natural suitor the physical demands of Premier League – and he’d add some much-needed penetration to United’s often static front-line.
Admittedly, however, Bacca’s relatively untested compared to some of the other names on this list, having spent the majority of his career in South America and with Belgian side Club Brugge.
But based on his current form, £21.3million is an absolute bargain – and £9million cheaper than Benteke.
Paulo Dybala
Palermo prodigy Paulo Dybala is the striker everybody seems to want this summer – including Manchester United.
His return of 13 goals and 10 assists in 32 Serie A appearances has attracted interest from the Red Devils, Arsenal, Liverpool, PSG and Juventus to name a few, whilst earning him comparisons with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez.
High praise indeed, but the 21 year-old certainly shares the latter’s drive and potency on the counter-attack – which is exactly why the Premier League’s top clubs should be trying to snap him up this summer.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has made no secret of his desire to cash in on the young Argentine, continually hyping Dybala in the tabloids like some sort of boxing mogul.
His £29.5million release clause is more than affordable for United; the bigger challenge is beating their continental rivals to the striker’s signature.
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
Robert Lewandowski may have moved to the Allianz Arena only last summer, but he’s struggled to adapt to the style of Pep Guardiola’s highly technical Bayern Munich side – despite a return of 23 goals in 43 appearances this season.
Indeed, the Poland international is your classic No.9 of the Alan Shearer or Didier Drogba mould, but he’s utilised more as a poacher by the Bavarians boss – and, on occasion, even found himself fielded on the left wing.
There’s been some grumblings of discontent in the tabloids and if founded in truth, the Red Devils would be wide to offer Lewandowski an escape route to Old Trafford.
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There’s no questioning the 26 year-old’s talent; few strikers throughout the history of the sport have scored four goals in a single game against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and he boasts a potent return of 126 goals in 228 appearances from his time in Germany.
Furthermore, having signed the 6 foot striker on a free transfer last summer, the Bavarians might be more willing to part with Lewandowksi than some would expect – for the right price, of course.
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
If PSG don’t intend to sell Edinson Cavani this summer as recent tabloid speculation suggests, then they’ll probably be forced to part with Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who, rather timely, is now verging upon the final year of his Parc de Princes contract.
Admittedy, at 33 years of age the enigmatic Swede doesn’t offer too much in the way of longevity – and you get the feeling he and Louis van Gaal would either hit it off or completely hate each other.
Yet, Ibahimovic is indisputably the greatest striker of his generation, the only genuine competitor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the last five years and a natural winner – he’s not ended a campaign without a title since 2003. That’s right, twelve seasons on the bounce.
And 28 goals in 31 appearances this term suggests the former AC Milan and Barcelona star still has a bit left in the tank. Although he’s clearly fond of Paris, the Premier League is one of the few remaining challenges left his career.
Peter Schmeichel recently claimed Ibrahimovic was ‘born to play’ for United, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Chris Smalling’s talks about a new contract with Manchester United have been put on hold until the end of the season with it uncertain as to whether the defender will still be a United player next season.
The defender is keen to stay at Old Trafford and he is enjoying life at the Red Devils with Louis van Gaal. He has made 22 appearances this season for the club and after a slow start which saw him put in some bad performances, he has greatly improved his game. After getting sent off in November against Manchester City many fans would have been happy not to have seen him play again but now he is quickly becoming a more dependable defender. After receiving two extremely careless yellows it looked like he would be left on the bench for the rest of the season and out of the door this summer. So all being considered – should he stay at Manchester United next season?
United’s defence has been one of their biggest problems this season with van Gaal not being completely sure of what his strongest back four is. The back four has chopped and changed all year and earlier in the season Smalling was someway behind Jonny Evans and Phil Jones in the pecking order but it seems his current form has brought him to the front with van Gaal picking him to start for the last five matches in a row and Roy Hodgson calling him up to play for England.
In September Smalling suffered from being played out of position similar to how he finished last season but he has come to be fairly reliable (okay he has had the occasional off day, but everybody does its natural). When you look at this season’s statistics against some of the Premier League’s other defenders- John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma all have worst statistics than Smalling. He passes forward more, makes more interceptions and scores more goals but his weakness lies in winning headers.
There might be a solution to this. Mats Hummels has been linked with joining Man United’s defence over the summer and with eight defenders already on the books someone with surely have to go. They could make it easy and move Smalling on seeing as his contract is already up but it means the defenders will need to show van Gaal what they are made of for the rest of the season.
Smalling plays better against a traditional centre back and with Hummels being known for being dominate in the defence it could be the perfect partnership. Smalling has greatly improved as the season has gone on- he has come into his best just when it matters.
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After looking at all that it seems like Chris Smalling is growing to really fit in to United’s back four and as he wants to stay at Old Trafford I think van Gaal should get his contract written up before the likes of Arsenal come and snap him up.
Despite a 1-0 home defeat to Swansea this week ending an unbeaten run for Arsenal, the general feeling around the Emirates Stadium is one of optimism.
The Gunners look like a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season, while a number of summer signings would drill the point home further.
However, there will also be players on their way out of the North London club at the end of the current campaign, with attacking outcast Lukas Podolski surely amongst them.
The experienced Germany international has spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Inter, while he did not start a single Premier League game in the 2014 segment of the season.
With Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez arriving last summer, Podolski is well down the attacking pecking order, with a player of his stature and track record craving regular first-team football.
As such, the former Bayern Munich forward will surely depart this summer; here are three Premier League sides that could land a bargain addition by moving for Podolski in the off-season…
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Newcastle
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Assuming that the Tyneside outfit stay in the top flight this season, there is set to be a major overhaul at the club this summer.
A new manager will arrive with plenty of players seemingly set to be sold and a real necessity for quality in the St James’ Park squad.
Podolski could be a shrewd acquisition that would bring the versatility to play in a number of different positions and bolster Newcastle’s limited options in the final third.
With goals in short supply in the North East, the German’s addition as either a central striker or someone to start in a withdrawn role would add menace to the team’s attack.
Aston Villa
One of the key issues that Tim Sherwood will need to address this summer at Villa Park is nullifying the over-reliance on Christian Benteke to get goals for the team.
When the Belgian has been injured or out of form the club have struggled, while his return to prolific showings in recent times has sparked an upturn in fortunes for the Birmingham-based outfit.
There will be a chance that Benteke could leave Aston Villa this summer, but whether he does or not attacking reinforcements would be most welcome.
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Partnering Podolski with Benteke would be an exciting proposition, while if the worst case scenario does occur and the Belgian leaves, the German would be a canny alternative to get goals for the side.
Swansea
Following the sale of Wilfried Bony in the January transfer window, Garry Monk’s attacking options are looking very limited, with Bafetimbi Gomis the only recognised number nine of real calibre at the Welsh club’s disposal.
As such, someone with Podolski’s eye for goal and ability to play as the main striker or amongst the supporting cast would be a smart option.
The Germany international would thrive on the creative supply of the Swansea midfield and wingers, with every chance he could be a revelation at the Liberty Stadium.
Let the hyperbole begin. Arsenal’s Community Shield victory, just the latest episode in their growing ever bitter rivalry with Chelsea, brings with it high expectations for the upcoming season.
The Gunners may be ready to mount a serious title challenge for the first time in years, only time will tell. What is for sure, however, is that the fortune of England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be crucial to their chances.
Scoring the winner in the tradition curtain-raiser, ‘The Ox’ terrorised one of the best defences in Europe all afternoon. Right sided wing rivals Raheem Sterling and Theo Walcott have earned pay increases this summer, making headlines in the transfer window. Meanwhile, the ex-Saint has quietly been getting on with his business, trying to overcome his injury problems.
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Walcott has recently signed an extension at the Emirates, reportedly earning £140,000-a-week. After almost a decade of service, perhaps he is more entitled than Chamberlain to earn that sort of money, but the 21-year-old should not be too far behind.
He is one of the most exciting young players in Europe, and often gets forgotten about behind flashier names.
Sterling completed a protracted saga to Manchester City in a £49m deal earlier this summer. In that sort of mega-money world, what would Oxlade-Chamberlain be worth? Man City’s new man is also a hugely exciting prospect, but his international team mate has already achieved more.
Two FA Cup medals and two Community Shields is not the most packed of trophy cabinets, but still quadrupoles’ that of Sterling’s. It is hard to directly compare two versatile, dynamic young internationals at this stage of their careers, and the term ‘better’ may not be the best to use.
However, the Gunner provides a lot more of an end product than the £49m man. The City bosses are unlikely to have shelled out that sort of money for what Sterling has done, more at what he might do. This is not to say that Oxlade-Chamberlain is the end product, but using that kind of logic, he would surely be worth more.
Stunning performances in big games, against the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United and now Chelsea are what ‘Chambo’ is all about. His all action approach is reminiscent of team-mate Alexis Sanchez, and his versatility allows him to operate either out wide or through the middle.
End product is the only product to write home about in top level football. The belter to secure a second Community Shield was only half the story in an excellent performance at Wembley. This was £49m-esque performance against the current champions. It is not his first. Surely it will not be his last.
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Injury problems may affect any hypothetical price for the Gunner, but at just 21-years old, it is still likely to be upwards of £40m. Perhaps Sterling comes as more of a marketing package, but ‘The Ox’ is undoubtedly stronger.
Throughout the summer, rumours were rife that Liverpool wanted to sign Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk to solve their defensive woes.
In the end, the Saints stood firm and refused a sale, which left the Reds in trouble as they did not appear to have a back-up plan.
Van Dijk submitted a transfer request, making it clear that he wanted to move on.
Since the summer window closed, speculation has been circling that the Dutchman will seal a move away from St Mary’s in January.
Liverpool and Chelsea have been the two clubs touted in the newspapers as possible suitors for Van Dijk, but now it has emerged that Manchester City have entered the race.
According to The Guardian, manager Pep Guardiola regards the centre-back as a top priority in his transfer activity for January.
The Premier League leaders are keen to strengthen their defence amid concerns over Vincent Kompany’s long-term fitness.
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After the news emerged, Liverpool fans gave their assessment of the situation.