Player profile: Leonardo Ulloa

Name: Leonardo Ulloa
Club: Leicester City
Position: Striker
Age: 28
Date of Birth: July 26, 1986
Place of Birth: General Roca, Argentina
Height: 1.90m (6ft 3in)
International: 0 caps

Unlike his well-known compatriots Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, Leonardo Ulloa was not earmarked for greatness from an early age. His road to the riches of the Premier League has been a long one but having made it he seems right at home.

Starting his career in the third tier of Argentinian football at Comisión de Actividades Infantiles, Ulloa found his first team opportunities limited. His struggle for regular game time was a common theme during his time in South America, but despite this, he still played his part as San Lorenzo won the Clausura in 2007.

It was his move to Castellón in the Spanish second division where the Argentinian started to play first team football more regularly. Such was the extent of his goal scoring exploits, Almeria soon came calling. Although an up and down three years with the Andalusians were to follow, for Ulloa the period was a fruitful one, most notably when he finished top scorer for Almeria in 2012.

Over in England, keen to help his side push on from a strong showing in the 2012-13 season when they finished tenth, then-Brighton manager Gus Poyet was scouring Europe looking for the striker he needed to aide his side’s promotion challenge. Given the Uruguayan’s knowledge of the Spanish market having spent seven years playing for Real Zaragoza, he was quick to identify Ulloa. Within weeks the £2 million signing was confirmed and it was not long before the Argentinian found the net. In all, he scored 14 goals last season, including a last minute winner that sealed the Seagulls place in the playoffs.

Unfortunately for Brighton, the knock out matches that followed were to prove an agonising disappointment as the Albion lost out to their bitter rivals Crystal Palace in the semi-finals. Nevertheless, the dream of Premier League football was closer than Ulloa could have realised and in August he signed for Leicester in a club-record £8 million deal.

Although eyebrows were raised about the size of the transfer fee, Nigel Pearson’s faith seems to have been rewarded as the Argentinian has scored five goals in six league games for the Foxes. Interestingly, in his first five games Ulloa scored with all but one of his shots on target. If he manages to maintain such an impressive start, he will undoubtedly be at the forefront of Leicester’s bid for survival.

In terms of his style of play, Ulloa is in some ways a classic number nine. One of his main attributes is his heading ability, which he put to devastating use during Leicester’s game against Arsenal earlier this season. Losing his marker, he rose highest to meet Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross before powering his side into a surprise lead. A team player, the Argentinian has also created 39 goal-scoring chances in just over 18 months in English football.

There is little doubt that Ulloa was something of an unknown quantity when he arrived at Leicester earlier this summer, but any questions about his quality were soon erased, as Manchester United found out to their cost last weekend.

What his team-mate, David Nugent, says: ‘Leo has been a revelation so far […] At £8million he has turned out to be a bargain.’

Did you know? Only three other Leicester players have completed more passes successfully than Ulloa this season.

2014-15 Premier League Stats:
Games: 6
Goals: 5
Goals per game: 0.83
Shot accuracy: 60%
Passing accuracy: 74%
Assists: 0
Yellow cards: 0
Red cards: 0

Player profile: Enner Valencia

Name: Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra
Club: West Ham United
Position: Striker
Age: 24
Date of Birth: 4^th November 1989
Place of Birth: San Lorenzo, Esmeraldas, Ecuador
Height: 5ft 10in
Clubs: Emelec, Pachuca, West Ham United
International caps: 15

Hailing from Esmeraldas Province in north-western Ecuador, Enner Valencia left home at fifteen to play football for Caribe Junior, the same team that Antonio Valencia once represented. In 2008, after signing for Emelec, one of the country’s most successful teams, Valencia went on to make his debut in 2010.

Far from prolific early in his career, Valencia operated mainly as a winger during his time in the Ecuadorian top-flight. It was only following the sad death of former Birmingham striker Christian Benítez last year that Ecuadorian national coach Reinaldo Rueda decided to field Valencia as a central striker.

Luck did not seem to be on his side as he began life as a professional. Despite regularly chipping in with goals, Emelec missed out on the league title in successive seasons in 2011 and 2012. He did finally get his reward in 2013, as Emelec clinched the Ecuadorian Serie A title.

Valencia’s performances were enough to catch the eye of Mexican side Pachuca. Adapting seamlessly to his new surroundings, the player they call ‘Superman’ topped the goal scoring charts with 18 strikes in 2014. The fact that he scored all but one of these efforts from inside the box could indicate that Valencia is the poacher that West Ham have struggled to find since they had a young Jermain Defoe leading the line.

It was at the World Cup this summer when Valencia really shot to prominence. Scoring three goals and outshining his more famous namesake Antonio Valencia, the Ecuadorian impressed with his work ethic and eye for a goal in group games against Honduras and Switzerland.

Unsurprisingly, not long after Ecuador’s exit at the hands of France, Valencia was linked with a move to Europe. On the 29^th July, it was announced that West Ham had completed his signing after a work permit was granted.

The truncated nature of the negotiations meant that Valencia had only a short pre-season to find his fitness. This did not seem to hold him back as the Ecuadorian announced his arrival in stunning style against Hull last week. With his side trailing following Abel Hernández’s opener, Valencia picked the ball up just outside the box and with little back lift rifled a shot past Alan McGregor. It was quite a statement of intent.

In terms of his role at West Ham, given that both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho seem more likely selections as the Hammers’ central striker, it could well be that Valencia looks to offer a threat from wide areas. Such a strategy was well illustrated on Saturday when he gave young Liverpool right-back Javi Manquillo a torrid time as he rampaged up and down the left-flank. Although he ultimately failed to get on the score sheet, his trickery and work ethic will surely mean it doesn’t take him long to endear himself to the Boleyn Ground faithful.

From sleeping in a stadium at the start of his career to running rings round Liverpool’s expensively assembled side this weekend, Enner Valencia has come a long way in a short space of time. The rest of the Premier League will need to defend well if they are to cope with West Ham’s new recruit.

Did you know? Valencia has scored 22 goals in completive matches since the start of 2014.

Player Profile: Alberto Moreno

Name: Alberto Moreno Pérez
Club: Liverpool
Position: Left Back
Age: 22
Date of Birth: 5^th July 1992
Place of Birth: Tarragona, Spain
Height: 5ft 7in
Clubs: Sevilla B, Sevilla, Liverpool
International caps: 3

After growing up in northern Spain, Liverpool’s new signing Alberto Moreno joined Sevilla’s academy at the age of 13. He progressed through the club’s ranks before spending the 2011-12 season with Sevilla B in the third division.

Making his first team debut in April 2012, it was only during the following season that the left back became a first team regular. In total he would go on to make 61 appearances for the Sevillistas, scoring three goals.

As his talent began to blossom, Moreno played a crucial role in helping his country emerge victorious at the European U21 Championships in 2013. Performing consistently throughout the competition, he was selected in the team of the tournament alongside a number of his compatriots including Martín Montoya and Isco.

His transition into the Spanish senior side was confirmed when he made his debut against Georgia on 15^th October 2013. Unfortunately, disappointment was to follow as despite being selected in the Spain’s initial 30 man squad for the World Cup, he failed to make it into the final 23.

He did not let his disappointment affect him however and back at Sevilla Moreno made 10 appearances for the Andalusians during their successful Europa League campaign. It seemed inevitable that some of Europe’s top clubs would soon come calling, and sure enough Liverpool were quick to show their interest. The Reds tabled an opening offer in May only for weeks of fraught negotiations to ensue before a £12 million fee was eventually agreed.

A debut against reigning champions Manchester City was the Spaniard’s reward, and the match proved to be nothing less than a baptism of fire. Scuffing an attempted clearance late in the first half, Moreno inadvertently set up Stevan Jovetic who duly put the Citizens into a lead that they never relinquished. That said, Moreno did settle following his error and helped link play well as Liverpool attempted to find a way back into the match.

In terms of his strengths, in his first two Premier League games Moreno has registered a passing accuracy of 89%, while his speed has allowed him to maraud forward without being caught out of position in defence. Ultimately, it is his defensive solidity that marks him out as an improvement on José Enrique and Glen Johnson, two of Liverpool’s left back options in recent years.

Given his willingness to support attacks, it is understandable that columnists have drawn comparisons between Moreno and former Anfield favourite, John Arne Riise. While it is merely coincidental that the number 18 has adorned both their backs, the comparisons do extend to their style of play. Riise was adored by the Kop for his surging runs and pile driver of a left foot and Moreno demonstrated emphatically against Tottenham that he is ready to follow in the Norwegian’s footsteps. Nicking the ball off Andros Townsend, Moreno galloped up the field before despatching the ball past a helpless Hugo Lloris.

Although there will undoubtedly be the odd bump along the way, the early signs seem promising for Moreno’s Liverpool career.

Did you know? Moreno can also play on the left side of midfield and played there a number of times for Sevilla last season.

                                                              

How do you solve a problem like Di Maria?

Angel Di Maria was man of the match in last season’s Champions League final but just three months later he found himself surplus to requirements in the Spanish capital. If a week is a long time in football, then three months is a virtual eternity.

Desperate for new signings, Manchester United scoured Europe for top talent and unsurprisingly it didn’t take them long to come across the man they call Fideo, the noodle. United fans will hope that he can provide the spark to lift the gloom that has surrounded Old Trafford in recent weeks, but where will Louis Van Gaal play him in his revamped first XI?

A central cog in United’s midfield misfiring engine room?
When most people talk about Di Maria, they refer to a winger in a four man midfield or wide man in an attacking triumvirate behind a central striker such as Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain. While there is some truth in this perception, both at the World Cup in Brazil and for much of last season at Real Madrid, Di Maria operated as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation.

For his national team, Di Maria’s importance was outlined by his manager Alejandro Sabella even before the tournament began when he referred to his midfield maestro as ‘vital, almost irreplaceable’. Acting as the link between the midfield and defence, Di Maria provided the perfect foil to the combative duo of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia. His best performance came in the quarter final against Belgium. Dovetailing well with Lionel Messi, he provided the drive to a team in desperate need of the second goal to calm fraying nerves after Higuaín’s opener.

At Real meanwhile, it appeared his days were numbered when Gareth Bale arrived to take his place in Los Blancos’ starting line-up. Soon after however, an unexpected chance presented itself. When Sami Khedira suffered a long term injury just months into the new season, Carlo Ancelotti was forced to use his number 22 in an unfamiliar role. In a midfield three alongside Xabi Alonso and Luka Modrić, Di Maria adapted quickly and ultimately flourished, providing 17 assists in La Liga last season. In the end, it was on Europe’s biggest stage when Angel’s star shone brightest. His skill stood out in the Champions League final against Atlético and it was fitting that it was his surging run that set up Bale for the winner in extra time.

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Di Maria as a wide man by David Wood
Alternatively, Di Maria could play wide, as he has for the majority of his career. Assuming Van Gaal perseveres with his 3-4-1-2 formation, this would mean in one of the wing-back positions. In terms of the left side, there are already sufficient options in the form of Shaw, Rojo and Blind so right wing-back would seem more likely. Di Maria certainly has the stamina required for the role, but his tendency to roam infield could leave United exposed should he be used there. The Argentinean is at his best when he has the freedom to move across the pitch and pull opponents out of position, but at right wing-back he would be restrained in his ability to do this. As the only player occupying the right flank it is necessary to stick wide and be disciplined with your positioning. This would fail to get the best out of Di Maria, and Antonio Valencia or Rafael are more suited to the role.

If Di Maria is employed wide it is more likely to be in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, which Van Gaal will likely use as an alternative to his favoured system. In this scenario Di Maria could play on both flanks, where he provides excellent service to the forwards. His awareness of his teammates and crossing ability were perfectly showcased in Argentina’s 4-2 friendly win in Germany last Wednesday, in which he assisted his side’s first three goals, all from wide positions. It is the extra space in these areas that allows him to run on the ball and send dangerous deliveries into the box. United’s strikers certainly won’t be short of service when he’s on the pitch, and he could well make the difference between reaching the Champions League and falling short.

Summary
So there it is. Whether Di Maria plays as a creative midfielder or flying winger for the Red Devils, he will definitely make an impact. The Argentine would be an asset to any team and Real Madrid’s loss is most certainly Manchester United’s gain.

                                                       

The Premier League flexes its financial muscles on deadline day

A record £835 million was spent by Premier League clubs this summer. Not only did this represent an increase of more than £200 million compared to last year, the outlay of England’s top clubs dwarfed that spent by their La Liga counterparts. That said, just splashing the cash is not enough, the new recruits need to be worthwhile additions.

The winners
Chelsea – José Mourinho was confident that he knew what his side needed to topple the might of Manchester City and he ensured he secured these targets nice and early. It was clear last season that the Blues were weak in midfield, in part due to the waning influence of Frank Lampard. With the addition of pass-master Cesc Fabregas, the Chelsea machine now ticks along much more smoothly. The other major problem was the lack of bite in attack. This was emphasised by the fact that Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o scored fewer league goals last season than Stamford Bridge reject Daniel Sturridge. Even so, this problem has been solved by the arrival of Diego Costa whose performances so far this season justify the faith that Mourinho clearly has in him.

Arsenal – Arsene Wenger is often criticised for the tight hold he keeps on the Gunners’ purse strings, but it might well be that he got it right in the end this summer. Danny Welbeck was most certainly not the marquee signing that many Arsenal fans expected, but at least he offers experienced cover for the injured Olivier Giroud. Add in the signing of Alexis Sanchez and Arsenal’s firepower is more than acceptable. That said, a soft centre remains to the Londoners’ midfield and although the new recruits will probably secure another season of Champions League football, they will not challenge for the title.

Liverpool – The Reds have recruited well this summer. Although much has been made of the sums Brendan Rogers paid for Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic, it could well be the £32 million spent on defenders that could have the most lasting impact. Dejan Lovren is not the finished article but he adds vocal leadership to a back four that has been quiet following the departures of Jamie Carragher and before him, Sami Hyypia. The early signs also look good for Alberto Moreno who played regularly for a successful Sevilla side last term.

Hull – In a deadline day dash Steve Bruce bought Abel Hernandez, Mohamed Diame, Hatem Ben Arfa and Gaston Ramirez to complete a squad that should finish safely in mid-table. Although another of Bruce’s new recruits, Robert Snodgrass recently suffered a knee injury that will keep him out for six months, the mercurial Ben Arfa should prove an adequate replacement. The Frenchman was frozen out by Alan Pardew after a breakdown in the pair’s relationship, but despite this the playmaker remained a popular figure on Tyneside. If Bruce can motivate Hatem, then his signing could prove a masterstroke, especially as he becomes a free agent at the end of the summer.

The losers
Everton – Having seen his side ship ten goals in three games at the start of the season, it seemed inevitable that Roberto Martinez would seek out defensive reinforcements. Such signings never materialised as Martinez opted to stick rather than twist. It might seem odd to criticise a side which now has a three-time Champions League winner sitting on the bench, but I feel such criticism is valid. There is no doubt that club-record signing Romelu Lukaku has great potential, but the Toffees’ inactivity on deadline day still leaves lingering doubts about their squad depth. In a way they were caught standing still while those around them (most notably Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur) added wisely.

Burnley – Despite it being no particular fault of their manager, Sean Dyke, the Clarets have emerged from a summer of transfer dealings with an understrength squad. Burnley’s hopes of survival could rest on the shoulders of Danny Ings. If he fails to fire then I am concerned that Burnley lack alternative options who will help to keep them up.

The wildcard
Manchester United – Marcos Rojo, Angel di Maria, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao. On paper all the signings make sense individually, but as a group they do not appear quite so logical. Falcao is an unbelievable talent, having scored 104 goals since he moved to Europe in 2009, while Blind and di Maria performed impressively at the World Cup. Despite this, the squad remains unbalanced. Ultimately, things could well pan out in one of two ways. On the one hand Falcao, van Persie and Rooney could plunder the goals that enable the 2013 champions to resurrect their fortunes. Alternatively, if a couple of United’s centre midfielders suffer injury, not only will the star-studded strike-force be starved of service, Manchester United could face the prospect of another season without Champions League football.

England find their pinch hitter as Alex Hales gets his chance

Alistair Cook confirmed on Sunday that Alex Hales would make his debut in the One Day International series against India. Although this debut did not materialise yesterday as rain prevented any play in Bristol, Hales’ will take his bow in the next few days.

His selection to partner Cook at the top of the order is reward for his consistent form this summer. Asked by the selectors to prove that he was more than just a Twenty20 ‘dasher,’ Hales has scored four centuries in the One-Day Cup this season. The last of these came as he helped Nottinghamshire chase down an imposing 302 from Warwickshire last Wednesday. There is no doubt that Hales attacking style, not dissimilar to other top order destroyers such as David Warner and Brendan McCullum, will help energise England’s top order that has at times looked pedestrian in recent years.

Hales is most fondly remembered by England fans for his stunning knock of 166 not out as England clinched victory over Sri Lanka during the World Twenty20 back in March. His innings was all the more remarkable given that he launched his assault after England had been reduced to 0-2 by Nuwan Kulasekara. Undeterred, Hales bludgeoned the Sri Lankan attack to all parts. By the time he had sealed his side’s victory he had notched up eleven boundaries and half a dozen sixes in a 64-ball innings. Although England would bow out of the tournament in the next game, Hales was now central to England’s limited-overs squad.

In terms of what his inclusion means for the England team as a whole, it has already been noted by ESPN Cricinfo’s David Hopps that the selection of the Notts player signals evolution rather than revolution in England’s thinking. It is likely that Alistair Cook will still be expected to keep things ticking over while at the other end Hales will attempt to hit opposition bowlers off their line. Other changes that have been announced include plans to field a five-man bowling attack and to shift Ian Bell down to number 3. Ultimately, this means that either Gary Ballance or Joe Root will have to make way for Eoin Morgan who has long been vital to England’s success in the white ball format.

One thing that I am not quite sure about is the idea that for some commentators the start of Alex Hales’ one day career is as exciting as when Kevin Pieterson made his debut a decade ago. While such comparisons might be natural, whether there are helpful is a separate issue. Yes the Nottinghamshire man has the potential to add the sort of power to England’s top order not seen since Marcus Trescothick opened the batting. Yet at the same time it’s important to remember that he will have his off days. Let’s give him a chance.

                                                                

Dealing with depression: With psychological help, sports stars can achive

First published in Roar Newspaper, King’s College London, November 2013.

According to figures reported by the BBC earlier this year, approximately two in every three adults will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. Given this statistic we should expect that many of our sporting heroes will also suffer from this all too common condition. Living high pressure lives in the public eye, it is perhaps surprising that we hear of so few sports people being affected. Undoubtedly this is in part due to the social stigma still attached to mental illness which leads many affected by the condition to try and hide their suffering. The recent suicide of Wales football manager Gary Speed brought the issue of mental illness in sport to the fore. With other sporting stars now choosing to go public about their struggles with depression we can perhaps hope that some of the stigma attached to depression is beginning to lift and that sport may be a force for good in persuading people to seek treatment for this debilitating illness.

This summer Clarke Carlisle the former Burnley footballer, and ex-Professional Footballers’ Association Chairman presented a hard-hitting documentary, ‘Football’s Suicide Secret,’ which drew attention to the failure of this country’s national sport to provide adequate help to those suffering with depression. Drawing on his own personal experience, Carlisle explained that like many young boys across the country, when he signed his first professional contract with Queens Park Rangers in 2000, he thought he’d made it. As he says himself though, he was just one bad tackle away from a career-threatening injury and in 2001, this injury came when he severely damaged his knee in an on-pitch collision. Faced with the reality that he might never play again, Carlisle explained how he sank to his lowest point and attempted to take his own life. Thankfully he survived, but was keen to point out that he still feels football clubs aren’t doing enough to help their players deal with mental illness. He highlighted how, in the macho world of professional football, there has been a tendency to tell players to ‘pull their socks up and get on with it’ rather than take more compassionate action to deal with the condition. Football Association Chairman David Bernstein even admitted in July that looking after the mental health of the country’s players was an area the FA had neglected. The key challenge that faces football, is attempting to change the stigma around depression. Harnessing the work of charities such as the Sporting Chance Clinic which helps athletes recover from problems such as addiction and depression will help push this process forward.

The struggles with depression of snooker’s undisputed star, Ronnie O’Sullivan have by comparison, been widely known. From sitting with a wet towel draped over his head for most of a match against Mark King in 2005, to conceding his 2006 UK Championship quarter final to Stephen Hendry because he was ‘fed up’, O’Sullivan’s problems have been plain for the world to see. Although he won the World Championship for the third time in 2008, by 2011 it was clear that he was considering retiring from the game. His reputation as a perfectionist and the long lonely hours of practice that are required to reach the top of his sport have been linked to O’Sullivan’s struggles. But I believe that such comments are wide of the mark as depression is something that anyone can experience. The key for O’Sullivan was that he sought help for the condition.

In 2011 O’Sullivan started working with sports psychologist Dr Steve Peters. Focussing on teaching O’Sullivan how to control his emotions, Peters has helped O’Sullivan play to the best of his ability. The transformation is evident in O’Sullivan’s recent results. He has won back to back world titles and has finally silenced any remaining doubters who claimed that his record in major tournaments failed to do justice to his talent.

What the stories of Carlisle and O’Sullivan show, is that if professional sportspeople are given the right help then depression need not be a barrier to success. The backing of sport’s governing bodies is essential in changing longstanding attitudes towards mental health. Whilst top teams and individuals may have the resources to access one-to-one support, this isn’t the case at lower levels of sport. Affirmative action is required at all levels of sport to offer easy access to help for mental illness. Achieving sporting success offers no cloak of protection against depression as Ronnie O’Sullivan has shown. Let’s hope that his example will cause others to acknowledge their problems and seek the help they need.

Barclays Premier League: Twenty seasons in twenty sentences

Although much has already been written about the return of the Premier League, I thought it would be interesting to try and predict where each team will finish this season.

Arsenal: The arrival of Alexis Sanchez has sparked optimism, but familiar concerns remain about defensive frailties and the lack of a tough tackling midfielder.

Prediction: 4^th

Aston Villa: Paul Lambert faces another difficult season but his young charges will have just about enough quality to survive.

Prediction: 15^th

Burnley: There will be enjoyable afternoons at Turf Moor this season but The Clarets’ lack of top quality players means they will make an immediate return to the Championship.

Prediction: 20^th

Chelsea: After Abramovich wielded the chequebook once again this summer, Chelsea look well set to reclaim the title they last won in 2010.

Prediction: Champions

Crystal Palace: Two weeks ago it appeared that Tony Pulis was ready to build on last season’s great escape but now he is gone and his former club’s top flight future must be in doubt.

Prediction: 17^th

Everton: Almost doubling their record transfer outlay to sign Romelu Lukaku was a signal of intent but I am not sure it will be enough.

Prediction: 7^th

Hull: Signing Jake Livermore, Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass represent shrewd business but as yet Shane Long has not been replaced.

Prediction: 14^th

Leicester: The Championship’s stand out side last season has been bolstered by the arrival of Leonardo Ulloa and Mathew Upson but I fear their stay in the Premiership will only last twelve months.

Prediction: 19^th

Liverpool: Unlike those who predict that Brendan Rodgers will be unable to integrate a raft of new signings, I think Liverpool will remain strong and finish in the top four.

Prediction: 3^rd

Manchester City: A quiet summer interspersed with some expensive acquisitions, City will go close but Pellegrini will be edged out by Mourinho once again.

Prediction: 2^nd

Manchester United: Louis Van Gaal will restore order at Old Trafford but an immediate return to the Champions League is unrealistic.

Prediction: 5^th

Newcastle United: Good signings will ensure a slight improvement on last season.

Prediction: 8^th

Queens Park Rangers: Harry Redknapp has recruited well this summer and his side will be the only promoted team to survive.

Prediction: 16^th

Southampton: The Saints’ fire sale has been well documented but the early signs look more promising than anticipated.

Prediction: 9^th

Stoke City: Although Mark Hughes has changed their style, the Potters remain hard to beat.

Prediction: 10^th

Sunderland: Gus Poyet will oversee a calmer season with an ultimately similar result to last year.

Prediction: 13^th

Swansea City: Wilfried Bony’s goals will be crucial in allowing the Swans’ fans to enjoy another season in the top flight.

Prediction: 11^th

Tottenham Hotspur: I expect this to be the season when many of last summer’s signings come good, that said the top four will be a bridge too far.

Prediction: 6^th

West Bromwich Albion: The yo-yo club could well return to the Championship this year as I am not sure Irvine’s new recruits have really improved the overall quality of the squad.

Prediction: 18^th

West Ham United: The Hammers have signed a trio of strikers to fill the void left by the injured Andy Carroll and I think the goals they provide will keep West Ham in mid table.

Prediction: 12^th

Final table:

1. Chelsea
2. Man City
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal
5. Manchester United
6. Tottenham Hotspur
7. Everton
8. Newcastle
9. Southampton
10. Stoke City
11. Swansea City
12. West Ham United
13. Sunderland
14. Hull
15. Aston Villa
16. Queens Park Rangers
17. Crystal Palace
18. West Bromwich Albion
19. Leicester
20. Burnley

Real versus Barça: Who comes out on top?

This summer Real Madrid and Barcelona engaged once again in their annual game of transfer one-upmanship. I say this after Real spent £71 million in signing James Rodriguez from Monaco following Barcelona’s capture of Luis Suarez in July. In this article I aim to consider where this leaves the power balance in Spain by looking at the attacking players both sides possess. I will give each player a rating out of ten based on their World Cup performances and their contributions at domestic level last season.

Real Madrid

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

There is simply no doubt, Ronaldo has to get the maximum rating. Combining pace and power many believe the Portuguese has finally usurped Lionel Messi as the best player on the planet. In all he scored 51 goals last season, including a late penalty to round off Real’s victory over Atlético in the Champions League final. 2014 also saw his tally of international goals reach 50, cementing his position as A Selecçao’s greatest ever marksman. Although Ronaldo is not as much of a team player as Messi, his goal-scoring, crossing and heading ability make him almost the complete player.

Rating: 10.

8. Toni Kroos

Coming to global attention during Germany’s successful World Cup campaign, Kroos was instrumental as die Nationalmannschaft dismantled Brazil last month. Despite playing for Bayern throughout last season, his move to Real is unsurprising given the competition for places in Munich’s midfield. A tough player, with an eye for a pass, he could well be the long term replacement for Xabi Alonso. Kroos seems to cover an awful lot of ground in each game he plays, which could be crucial as Alonso begins to show signs of age. The young German should prove a shrewd signing.

Rating 8.5

9. Karim Benzema

Maligned by many, he is often seen as an average player who succeeds merely because of those who surround him. These critics have a point, but this contention can only be taken so far. He has scored 20 or more goals in his last four seasons and performed well as a focal point for France at the World Cup. Valbuena and Griezmann shone so brightly thanks in part to Benzema’s hold-up play and distribution. To illustrate his quality, it is worth pausing for a minute and asking how many other out and out strikers there are in Europe at the moment who are clearly better than him. Lewandowski, Costa, Ibrahimovic and Higuain come to mind, but the list isn’t exactly a long one.

Rating 8.5

10. James Rodriguez

The Columbian was the stand out player at the World Cup. Player of the tournament* in most quarters he seemed to embrace the challenge of carrying his nation’s hopes after Radamel Falcao had to withdraw through injury. Last year he had a steady if unspectacular season, but in Brazil he produced one moment that will live long in the memory. In the 28^th minute of Columbia’s last 16 tie against Uruguay, he received the ball from Aguilar on his chest, swivelled and smashed a dipping volley over a helpless Muslera. A sea of adoring fans inside the Marcana promptly exploded in delight. I have seen many a great goal in my life, but that one is a personal favourite. 

*FIFA baffled the footballing public once again by actually awarding the Golden Ball to Messi.

Rating: 8.5

11. Gareth Bale

Could the Welsh wonder cope with living in the cosmopolitan Spanish capital? A question along these lines was posed by many a journalist following Bale’s transfer last August. The answer, ultimately, was a resounding yes. First, he won the Copa Del Rey for Real with a brilliant solo goal, before his header proved the difference during a nerve-jangling Champions League triumph over Atletico in May. Though I still can’t quite believe it, Bale is now rightly regarded as one of the world’s best players.

Rating 8.5

Total: 44/50

Barcelona

7. Pedro

It is probably fair to suggest that Pedro is the weakest of the players discussed in this blog. Although formerly a key player under Pep Guardiola, he has seen his chances limited in recent years, in part thanks to the emergence of Alexis Sanchez. A pacy winger, with an eye for goal, he has his strengths. Surrounded by more stellar names however, his talents are at best modest. The fact he spent only a handful of minutes on the pitch for Spain in Brazil would indicate that Del Bosque also lost faith in him last year.

Rating: 7.5

8. Andres Iniesta

Dovetailing wonderfully with club mate Xavi as both Barça and Spain hit the heights between 2008-2012, Iniesta is one of the best players in the past decade. A man of many talents, he can play on the wing, as creator-in-chief or in a deeper role. He is the man for every occasion. That said, I have a feeling that his best years could be behind him. Although he was not alone in underperforming for Spain at the World Cup, if Cesc Fabregas puts in a succession of high quality performances at Chelsea this season, Iniesta’s place in La Roja’s line-up could be permanently under threat.

Rating: 8.5

9. Luis Suarez

To call this man controversial would do the word itself a disservice. Three bans for biting at different points in his career rightly leave him with a tainted reputation. Despite this, from a purely footballing perspective, at his best Suarez matches up well with both Messi and Ronaldo. In particular, his free kicks are more consistent than those produced by both the other two superstars. I would wager that his free kicks taken to free kicks scored ratio is one of the best. His desire on the pitch cannot be doubted, but the fact he has received a lengthy ban in each of the last three seasons makes employing him a poisoned chalice. Liverpool charged Dr Steve Peters with helping him to deal with his on-pitch aggression but even this failed.

Rating: 8

10. Lionel Messi

By most people’s standards, scoring 41 goals in a season would be career defining but for the Argentine 2013-14 was below par. Though this says much about the lofty standards that we have come to expect from him, he is still a phenomenal player. In Brazil he broke Iranian hearts with a curling last minute strike which denied the minnows their greatest ever result. Ultimately however, he missed his chance in the final to confirm his status as a World Cup legend. His opportunity to correct this error will come in Russia in four years time.  

Rating: 10

11. Neymar

Somewhat in Messi’s shadow last season, he lit up the World Cup as millions of Brazilians clung to the belief that his talent alone would make up for the weaknesses of many of those around him. He was lucky not to be sent off against Croatia, but his importance to Brazil was highlighted by the frenzied reaction that accompanied his injury against Chile. Seemingly certain to be Brazil’s record goal scorer when he retires, he still has much to prove at club level.

Rating: 8.5

Total: 42.5/50

Closing comments

So there we are. Real edge it by the finest of margins. Having a wonderful coach like Carlo Ancelotti could just prove the difference. So too could the weight of the Los Blancos’ squad which will surely lift some of the burden from the shoulder’s of the current ‘Galácticos’. That’s what I think, would you disagree?

         

Are Liverpool going to do another Tottenham?

Last summer Tottenham sold Gareth Bale for a world record £85 million and replaced him with a raft of expensive new signings including Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela. The hope was that the new recruits would improve the overall quality of Tottenham’s squad and provide the goals needed to fill the void left by the departed Welshman. Unfortunately for Spurs fans, that was not what happened.

After failing to get the best out of a number of his new signings, Andre Villas-Boas was sacked following a humiliating 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool in December 2013. With the sale of Luis Suarez in July, followed by the decision to spend £89 million on seven new players, could it be that Liverpool are now in danger of repeating Tottenham’s mistakes?

It is historically very difficult to integrate a large number of new arrivals into a playing squad at the same time. This is especially the case if they arrive with large wage packets and even larger egos. Just ask Mark Hughes.

In 2009 Hughes spent £120 million in one transfer window, only to be sacked just months later following a run of two wins in eleven league matches.

It cannot be denied that Suarez was the lynchpin in the Reds’ success last season. Even so, comparisons between Tottenham’s performance last year and the current situation at Liverpool should only be taken so far.

Despite his absence in the first five league games in 2013, Liverpool started the season well and were just two points off the Premier League summit on the Uruguayan’s return. On top of this, even without his 31 league goals last season Liverpool were far from a one man team. Daniel Sturridge chipped in with 24 strikes of his own while Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho all had impressive seasons.

Crucially, Brendan Rodgers’ position at Anfield also appears secure. While there was regularly talk of friction between Villas-Boas and the Tottenham hierarchy last season, the relationship between Rodgers and key figures in the Liverpool boardroom remains strong.

The way that the Northern Irishman blends his new recruits with his established stars could also be important. Rodgers’ very personal style of management was revealed during the now infamous ‘Being Liverpool’ series that aired on Channel 5 back in 2012. Whether that particular documentary was a success is beside the point. The key question is, can Rodgers devise a formation and playing style that suits the players he has at his disposal?

I would argue that Rodgers will be able to keep Liverpool winning despite the potential for instability. Whether they will win as often or as handsomely as they did last season is a different matter. With Louis Van Gaal now in charge at Manchester United and Chelsea bolstered by the arrival of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, there will be no shortage of competition. Until the season starts we cannot be sure how things will pan out. Whatever happens, it promises to be another exciting campaign for Liverpool fans.