Everton manager Sam Allardyce has suggested that he will allow Theo Walcott to pick where he plays.
The experienced coach has been vocal in his desire to sign the England international from Arsenal before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The Daily Mail claims that the Toffees hope to seal the attacker’s signature for around £20m.
Walcott has been part of the Arsenal fold for 12 years after joining from Southampton.
The 28-year-old has scored more than 100 goals, but he never quite hit the heights on an individual level for the Gunners.
During his time playing under Arsene Wenger, Walcott has been handed various roles in attack.
However, the ex-Saints star has admitted in the past that he prefers to be positioned up front.
Judging by Allardyce’s latest comments, it seems that Walcott will be given an opportunity to revive his career.
Although, nothing is guaranteed as yet with regards to the player’s position.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Daily Mail quotes the manager as saying:
“I don’t know where I’ll play him until we get that deal done. When that deal’s done I can have that conversation with him. I see him playing anywhere across the front three and I’m presuming if he’s not comfortable with that then he’ll tell us and it won’t happen. We’d have that conversation if we were going to secure that transfer and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
England are fast approaching the 2014 World Cup, where in just six months time they will be tested against the best nations in the world, in the quest to lift the famous trophy for the first time in 48 years.
After so many attempts that have ended in disappointment, pain and heartbreak, the expectations seem to be lower for the Three Lions this time. Maybe it was due to the tough group draw, where England were lined up against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica, or a hope that lower expectations may lead to better results – who knows?
Either way, even to qualify out of their group, Roy Hodgson’s men will have to be close to their best in Brazil. With the likes of Balotelli, Buffon, Suarez, Cavani and Ruiz in the first three matches, England’s superstars will need to step up if they want to stay in the country for the knockout stages of the competition.
But who are the three key players that can help England succeed in next summer?
Steven Gerrard
‘Captain Fantastic’ will need to stay at his motivating best if he wants to lead England to a successful campaign. The Liverpool midfielder will be 34-years-old when the tournament commences, with it quite possibly set to be the last international competition he will play in. With youngsters like Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley already pushing for a first team place, Euro 2016 looks a long way away for Gerrard, meaning he should be prepared to give it his all in Brazil, and finish on a high.
Now playing in a defensive midfield role, Stevie G will be looking to control the tempo of the match, as well as unlocking the opposition defence with key passes and through balls. With the ability to drive forward and score from outside the box, Gerrard can be a match winner both passing and shooting. A player who has always led by example, the skipper will be as driven and committed as ever to push his nation on. But if Gerrard struggles to make an impact on the game, then things could turn dark for the Three Lions. If Rooney begins to get frustrated at a lack of service from Gerrard, then suddenly half the team will start dropping if the Reds legend doesn’t control the game.
Wayne Rooney
The striker has one mission to complete this summer. Score his first World Cup finals goal. It’s incredible to think that Rooney, one of the best strikers in world football, is yet to score a goal on the biggest of stages. The 28-year-old may have played a deeper role in the last 18 months than the last time he made an appearance at the tournament, but he’s still one of the biggest scoring threats that will be in Brazil.
A strong, physical forward, Rooney’s experience playing just behind a striker has developed his game further, meaning he can create opportunities as well as being able to finish chances himself. But while the United striker has his stunning moments, he has also his negative side. Discipline is still an issue. We all remember his red card against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup, and he has had familiar incidents since. The forward missed all three of England’s Euro 2012 group matches after kicking out at Montengro’s Miodrag Džudović. And just last month the forward was lucky not to be sent off after kicking out at Cardiff City’s Jordan Mutch.
It comes down to which Rooney flies to Brazil. Will we get the star striker who scores vital goals, terrorises defenders and earns a standing ovation? Or will the quick-tempered, hot-headed forward get unhappy at a lack of service in matches, and take his frustration out on the opposition?
Phil Jagielka
England will be flying to Brazil with arguably their weakest defence at a World Cup. For the last four tournaments, the Three Lions manager has had Premier League and possibly Champions League winning defenders at his disposal. Be it Campbell, Keown and Adams around the turn of the new millennium, or Terry and Ferdinand in 2006 and 2010. But now the pair, barring any shock comebacks, look set to be watching the matches as retired internationals.
While, in the greatest of respect, Phil Jagielka hasn’t yet been recognised as a world-class centre-back, he has the opportunity to make an impact against the world’s best strikers. The 31-year-old has stepped up since Terry and Ferdinand retired from the international stage, and has raised his game for both club and country. The former Blades defender has had a terrific start to the current Premier League season, helping Everton keep eight clean sheets, and concede only 15 goals, the joint best defence in the league. His composure, and ability to read the game and intercept crucial passes looks set to earn him a starting place in Hodgson’s team, with the opportunity to showcase his talent against the likes of Balotelli, Suarez and Cavani in the group stage.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
But, on his international competition debut, if the Toffees defender struggles to cope under the new pressure, in the heat and humidity of Manaus, England could be exposed at the back, with players like Giovinco, Balotelli and El Shaarawy all looking to skip past the England back line.
[divider]
Click on the banner below to join the boys in Brazil!
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he was glad to get victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, despite being disappointed with his side’s performance.
Steven Gerrard opened the scoring just after the half-time break for the hosts, before Rafael equalised; Robin van Persie slotted home an 81st minute penalty to seal all three points for the visitors.
The legendary Scottish manager was happy with the result, but felt his side’s display was second-rate.
“It’s a great result for us but we didn’t play well. In the first half Liverpool dominated us. I was disappointed in our performance to be honest with you,” the trainer confessed to Sky Sports.
“Second half, we had better possession but they’ve got 10 men, so we can’t take any great credit for that.
“But a win’s a win. We’re pleased with the result but not the performance.”
Jonjo Shelvey was sent off in the first half for a lunging tackle on Jonny Evans, and berated Ferguson as he left the pitch; the United boss felt the challenge deserved a red card.
“I thought it was a clear red card. Jonny Evans went for the ball, got the ball and the boy has gone in really dangerously.
“I don’t think there was any other decision the referee could have given.
“He went for the ball, he got the ball. That’s the important thing. Their boy didn’t even attempt to go for the ball.
“He was trying to blame me I suppose.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“He can apologise if he likes. He should do that, he’s responsible for his own actions, there’s no question about that,” Ferguson concluded.
The win has United in second place, a point behind Chelsea.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur side have a big season ahead as they mark the first ever Premier League campaign in their new stadium.
The North London outfit have made huge progress over the last few years, but they continue to fall at the final hurdle.
In the last three seasons, Spurs have finished third, second and then third again in the top flight, but they have not picked up silverware for a decade.
Pressure will be on the team to deliver in the 2018-19 campaign, but in order to do that they need the players to help them.
[ad_pod ]
Pochettino already has plenty of world-class talent at his disposal, but he is likely to lose some first-team players.
The futures of Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele and Danny Rose are all shrouded in doubt.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
According to Sky Sports News, Tottenham are looking to recruit a new central midfielder, a left-back, centre-back and a forward to play off the shoulder of Harry Kane.
Jack Wilshere’s career in football has looked bleak in recent years due to serious injury problems.
When the midfielder has a fitness setback, it never tends to be a niggle or something minor, but rather a severe issue that requires operations and lengthy rehabilitation.
The 26-year-old ended what was a positive loan stint at Bournemouth last season with a broken bone in his leg, but since returning to action for Arsenal this season, the midfielder has impressed.
Wilshere hit back at doubters with a decent showing against Chelsea on Wednesday night – a 2-2 draw in which he scored his first Premier League goal of the season.
In fact, the England international has been playing so well that manager Arsene Wenger has started him in the club’s last six games.
There is still uncertainty over Wilshere’s future, though, as he is out of contract in the summer and is no closer to signing a new deal.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that the midfielder has shown in recent matches that he is reaching the same level of importance as Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, both of whom also came to the end of their contracts his summer.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
In a column for the Daily Mail, Keown said:
“Jack Wilshere proved against Chelsea on Wednesday that he is well and truly back, and a force to be reckoned with. He is a superstar approaching the levels of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil but, crucially, he wants to play for Arsenal.”
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes the new look Spurs side is stronger than last season despite losing Gareth Bale.
Spurs boss Andre Villas Boas has spent over £100million revamping his squad with Bale joining Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee.
Despite Bale being considered as one of the best players in the world at the moment, Friedel feels the North London club are now stronger with their new additions and he is ultimately pleased that Bale was shipped off to Spain.
Friedel admits that losing a key player is usually a negative at a club but he sees this summer as a massive positive for Tottenham and their supporters.
“It’s not always that a manager and a board can turn what could have been a massive negative, losing someone like Gareth Bale, into a massive positive,” Friedel told talkSPORT.
“Losing a player like Gareth Bale would normally make your squad weaker, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think our squad is stronger for it.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
In light of Arsenal’s fantastic 2-0 victory away to Liverpool during the weekend, it would appear bizarre that both Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski managed to come out of the game overshadowed by one of their teammates. But Sunday’s victory at Anfield heralded the rebirth of one Abou Diaby and the Frenchman’s virtuoso display, gave a tantalizing sample of what Arsene Wenger’s team may have to look forward to this term.
Such was the level of his performance the other day, Diaby fever has already seemed to hit a level of relative overkill, with observers from every corner of the Premier League heaping some pretty heavy praise on the 26-year-old. And let’s not forget, Diaby is indeed, 26. He’s not just cropped up overnight.
To most Arsenal fans, the antics of Diaby last weekend won’t have come as any surprise. Where as many neutrals have always been quick to write the Frenchman off, Gunners supporters have always known exactly what he’s been capable of. The problem is, he simply hasn’t had enough chances to exhibit his skills in a red shirt.
Diaby’s talents as a footballer, as he demonstrated during the weekend, are perhaps fairly unique in today’s game. As the English game moves towards a more tactically refined set-up, players – especially midfielders – seem to be geared to beholding a more specialist set of skills. The defensive enforcer, the deep-lying playmaker and the separate attacking units all play their part in Premier League midfields in 2012. But what about the box-to-box midfielder?
Quite whether Diaby represents something of a dying breed is an argument for another day, but his range of abilities as a midfielder are nothing short of eclectic. Diaby has the physicality and temperament to sit as a defensive midfielder but his technical ability and craft on the ball allows him to be just as adept as an attacking outlet, He has that rare combination of physical power and technical brilliance that makes him such an asset for Arsene Wenger in the centre of the park.
His close control and dribbling at speed brings more than a gentle reminder of a certain Yaya Toure at Manchester City but perhaps even more prominently, of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. Such is their physical resemblance on the ball, you could wonder the French have stored vials of Vieira’s DNA for some sinister cloning project at Clairefontaine.
But for the man who has coached both, the resemblance with Vieira is nothing more than a trick of the eye. In 2009, Wenger said of his midfielder:
“I believe Vieira was more of a passer of the ball. Diaby is more of a dribbler, more offensive and makes more penetrating runs. Vieira was more of a constructor. They have a similar elegance and type of play but are not completely comparable.”
The problem for Diaby, however, has never been impressing the manager or winning over the Emirates support. The issue has been a string of injury issues and an inability to sustainably keep fit. The last two seasons in particular, have been a living nightmare for the Frenchman.
It feels remarkable to note that Diaby is now participating in his seventh full season for the club. On one hand, his 115 league appearances (166 in all competitions at the time of writing) suggest that he’s not been quite the peripheral figure that many make him out to be. Indeed, his real stand out season in the 2009-10 term saw Diaby score six goals and four assists in 29 league games- following on from his 24 top flight appearances the season before.
[ad_pod id=’photo’ align=’right’]
But looking past those two terms and the statistics don’t make great reading for the Parisian-born star. Excluding those two terms, Diaby has failed to rank up more than 16 appearances in a Premier League season. A catalogue of muscular issues, most notably to his calf and hamstring, restricted Diaby to a meager five run outs in all competitions last season and since he came to the club in January 2006, he’s only started for Arsenal in the league 85 times.
You can’t help but feel sympathetic to Diaby’s plight, especially considering some of the injuries he’s had to deal with. He’s been plagued with ankle issues ever since the now forgotten Sunderland defender Dan Smith, fractured and dislocated his right ankle in the May of 2006. Three operations during his career are the legacy of that wild lunge and Diaby has certainly been through the mill in looking to stay regularly match-fit for the Gunners.
And to his credit, Arsene Wenger has stood right by his midfielder throughout his injury blues and has always been quick to support Diaby when criticism has come. But after floating in and out of the time and so many false starts, he’s going to have to start paying that trust back. The only way he can do so is by staying match fit; Wenger’s patience cannot last forever.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
From what we’ve seen so far, too, Diaby looks to finally be putting the past behind him and pushing on for the season ahead. He’s grown in both prominence and influence in the first of Arsenal’s three Premier League games and his display against Liverpool is the amalgamation of a summer of hard work and desire to get fit for the new season. He’s looked to develop a sense of maturity within this developing Arsenal side, knowing when to sit and when to go from the centre of midfield and if he keeps it up, then Diaby fever could be lasting well past the season’s opening.
Abou Diaby is still only 26 and make no mistake about it, he has his best years of football still to offer Arsenal. But he has to make this term count. No one has ever doubted his ability and it’s time to forget the past and keep looking forward. If Wenger can keep him fit, than the 2012-13 season could be a memorable one for both player and club.
How do you feel about the Diaby fever that’s currently sweeping the Premier League? Are we going too far in our praise for the midfielder or do you believe he can be a real asset for the Gunners this term? Let me know what you think on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and bat me your views.
The El Clasico has always been one of the most thrilling contests between two of the best clubs in the world. The intensity that these teams bring on the pitch has made it one of the most viewed sports events across the globe.
Just the previous El Clasico at Camp Nou speaks volumes about the excitement and thrill in this contest. Though the title had already been secured by Barcelona with no hopes left for Madrid, it still it offered all of us a most exhilarating contest. Twice Barcelona scored and twice Real Madrid equalised with the match ending at 2-2. It was tense and enjoyable with eight yellow cards and one red card being given until the end.
The history of the El Clasico is rich with very exciting matches. Following are some of the best matches between these two clubs.
1: La Manita – 2010
In Spanish, La Manita is used when a team beats their opponent with a difference of five goals. This scoreline is very prized and treasured in Spain. In 2010, Barcelona performed this very feat against Real Madrid at Camp Nou, repeating the same result of the 1994 match.
Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the 2010-11 season was at their best who later went on to win both the league title and the Champions League title. Sir Alex Ferguson described this squad of Barcelona as the best he had ever faced.
Real Madrid were absolutely devastated at Camp Nou with five goals by the full time. The scoreline looked to exceed more considering Barcelona had scored four before the hour mark.
Messi was very central to Barcelona’s emphatic win that day with Xavi, Jeffren Suarez, Pedro and David Villa all getting on the scoresheet too.
2: Humiliation for Barcelona – 2008
This El Clasico match in 2008 would remain like a scar for all the Barca fans. Their team suffered a humiliating defeat at Santiago Bernabeu by 4-1. Real Madrid had already won the league and therefore, their confidence was sky high when they were hosting Barcelona.
Earlier in the match, Real players had run through the guard of honour formed by the Barcelona players in accordance with their Spanish traditions. It was intended as a mark of respect for the local champions which Real then did not extend their rivals during the play.
Raul initiated scoring by striking from 18 yards followed by a brilliant header from Arjen Robben. Then, substitute Gonzalo Higuain added one more to shatter the Catalan side completely.
Barcelona suffered one more goal from the penalty kick of Ruud van Nistelrooy after Carles Puyol blocked the ball with his hands. Thierry Henry scored a late goal but by then the humiliation was complete for Barcelona.
If you are fond of betting, then you can find everything related to football betting at just one place. You will get the best offers, free bets and promotions from the best bookmakers. Click on Big Free Bet predictions to get all the predictions regarding all the big football matches. Whether it is Premier League or Bundesliga, FA Cup or La Liga, Champions League or Championship, everything will be covered at BigFreeBet. To aid your predictions, you will be provided all the latest team news and accurate statistics. Besides, you will also be offered all the best betting tips, match odds, correct score tips, goals tips, and first scorer betting tips & predictions. It should be noted that all the predictions are updated daily.
See the offers and select the bookmaker who suits your needs the best. Look at what PaddyPower is offering compared to what to William Hill, Betfred and Bet365 are offering and then decide for yourself.
3: Messi hat-trick – 2014
This match in 2014 was one of the most thrilling matches. The highlights of the game included a hat-trick, three penalties, and a red card. Both the teams were evenly matched and provided a spectacular contest for the fans.
Andres Iniesta gave a good start for Barcelona by striking early. Then Karim Benzema in combination with Angel di Maria provided two more goals to turn the game in Real’s favour.
However, the talented Lionel Messi scored before the first half to level the scores. And though Ronaldo added one more in the second half, it was Messi who stole the show that day by scoring two goals from two penalties. The thrilling match ended at 3-4 in favour of Barcelona.
4: Humiliation for Real Madrid – 2009
Real Madrid dominated La Liga from 2006-2008, with the points difference reaching eighteen between the two rivals by the end of the 2007-08 season. That all changed when Pep Guardiola turned up at Barcelona.
Real Madrid team was on an eighteen unbeaten streak when it hosted Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu. Their confidence was visible as Higuain scored their first goal. However, goals from Thierry Henry, Carles Puyol, and Lionel Messi destroyed any chances for Real Madrid in the first half.
Though Sergio Ramos gave a glimmer of hope in the next half with a header, the domination of Barcelona was totally complete as Henry, Messi and even Gerard Pique scored.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
This match almost wrapped up the season for Barcelona, giving them a 7-point lead with 4 games remaining. Barcelona ended up winning the league with 9 points clear of Real Madrid.
5: The Copa del Rey Final- 2011
This was one of the most exciting El Clasico matches in which Jose Mourinho won his first title for the club. The evenly balanced sides could not score any goal in the 90 minutes time.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed three good chances in that time, though in the extra time he headed the cross home and took his team to victory.
6: Champions League semifinal – 2002
In this very important match, the Catalan side dominated the first half though they could not find an opening goal. In the second half, Zidane chipped the ball over Bonano for a vital goal after presented with a good opportunity by Raul. Barcelona desperately tried for a goal though the score did not move. In the stoppage time, substitute Steve McManaman scored a killer goal.
This was Real Madrid’s first victory at Camp Nou in almost nineteen years. The win also gave them a huge advantage for the next leg at Bernabeu. The next tie ended at 1-1 and hence Real Madrid proceeded to the final. To the delight of Madrid fans, they even won the final at Hampden Park against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow.
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has recently branded the valuations of home-grown talents such as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane as ‘a joke.’
Sterling’s current club Liverpool are reportedly holding out for a £50m transfer fee for their young forward, whilst Tottenham have slapped a £40m transfer fee on striker Harry Kane in hope of warding of interest from Manchester United.
And you would could well say Ferdinand is completely right, there is no way that these English players despite their careers being ahead of them, they shouldn’t be valued so highly.
Take Andy Carroll for example. signed for £35m at a similar age to Kane who proved he was eventually worth just half of Newcastle’s original evaluation.
These English talents like Kane and Sterling are undoubtedly quality players, but in truth they have achieved little when compared to their professional rivals, who have achieved so much more at both club level and international level.
As well as this their levels of goals and assists are well short of the players valued of similar prices like Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero, who produce far more and have cost far less.
Ferdinand said via social media: “English players are soooo overpriced right now it’s a
joke!
“Kane & sterling have huge potential but 40m & 50m…aguero 38m & sanchez 32m!!!”
And you would have to say Ferdinand is right the prices for these players are simply a ‘joke.’
But why they cost so much is a mystery really, as they aren’t as good as their professional counterparts and should be valued sometimes £15m less at times.
However this has been the case for a long, long time now. Liverpool brought Stewart Downing for £17m and Jordan Henderson for £20m when you could argue both of those players, especially Downing, could’ve been £7m less.
Perhaps the reason why English players are so over valued is down to the fact that we as a country overrate our English stars to the extent where their prices are ridiculously hiked up, and until clubs start being more realistic the prices will stay continue to rise.
Looking at the two players Ferdinand mentioned and comparing them with the prices of Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez, who are absolutely outstanding players of world class quality, and whilst Kane and Sterling are hugely talented they are not playing for elite clubs and have a way to go before being regarded as world class.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
And by comparing the quoted valuations and what was paid for the South American duo, something like £20-25m as a price for both Kane and Sterling is fair, as at that price their potential is valued whilst the fact they aren’t world class is taken into account.
But it is difficult to see how these ‘joke’ prices are going to change as it is tricky to change the mindset of English clubs and change the way that they value their home-grown talents, but clubs should start making note of the prices paid for foreign players to English and lower their prices.
And maybe this is happening with the deal for Nathaniel Clyne who looks likely to move to Liverpool for £12.5m (BBC), a good price for his quality and not over hiked, and maybe the tide is changing.
Yesterday afternoon, it was announced that the Premier League’s managerial merry-go-round took another swing with the appointment of Roberto Martinez as David Moyes’ replacement at Everton. A popular club and a popular manager – from the day of Wigan’s relegation, it seemed almost inevitable that the two would join forces over the course of the summer.
Yet, according to Bill Kenwright, regardless of Roberto Martinez’ glowing reputation in England and natural suitability for a club that has never had the privilege of the powers of the purse, the former Wigan boss had to do his fair share of convincing around the conference table to stave off competition from the other candidates.
[cat_link cat=”everton” type=”tower”]
What Martinez showed during the first few minutes of his meeting with the Toffees chairman was a belief that he could get Everton into the Champions League, breaking the glass ceiling between the Merseyside club and the Premier League’s top four, a feat only accomplished once by David Moyes during his eleven year reign.
According to Kenwright, the simple phrase from the Spaniard’s lips of “I will get you into the Champions League” resonated with Moyes’ first words to the Everton chief; “You will not be relegated”. Belief and desire are one thing, but is Champions League qualification an achievable goal for the Toffes? Is Martinez simply adding pressure to what will already be an intense situation? What stands in the former Wigan man’s way in bringing success to Goodison Park?
Sometimes, ambition and intent is all you need to get the ball rolling. The sheer subtle difference in tone from Moyes’ manner of remaining continually hopeful that Everton can claim fourth spot, but with the clear knowledge that the slightest injury crisis or dip in form could scupper their whole season, in comparison to Martinez’ self-confident and self-imposed target of achieving continental qualification could be enough to get the fans and the players at Goodison thinking in a more positive light, and galvanise the club to begin working towards a tough and challenging goal that will require full collective and individual effort.
Yet, to make the dream a reality, Martinez will need something far more substantial than simply words. The Spaniard has announced that he will be tinkering with Everton’s currently typically English philosophy, and he will be hoping that an evolutionary rather than revolutionary opening-up of the Toffees’ game will go some way to reducing the ten point gap between themselves and Arsenal this season.
There is a concerning naivety on Martinez’ part considering Everton have recorded their best results this year by remaining sturdy, physical and combative, with victories against Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, in addition to draws against Arsenal, however, the myth that Everton aren’t capable of playing expansive football is simply untrue.
Leighton Baines, Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Darron Gibson are all very accomplished with the ball at their feet, and the four are very much the Toffees’ creative hub that provide the vast majority of their goals. Furthermore, just as with Swansea and Wigan, Martinez will be hoping his more stylish philosophy will create an institutional legacy at Goodison which outlives the coming and going of players, and even his own tenure.
Before the former Latics boss can begin installing his fresh, forward-thinking and open approach on the Everton roster however, his first battle will come in the transfer market. David Moyes is reportedly very keen to bring Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines with him to Old Trafford, whilst Phil Jagielka has been lined with a move away from Merseyside for a number of years. Of course, Martinez will be hoping he can hold onto all three, and that the trio have been convinced to stay put by his appointment and the ambition he brings to Goodison.
Yet with Chelsea, Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs all looking to bolster their squads and bring in added quality over the summer, it remains unlikely that the Toffees’ will be able to stave off interest from the Premier League’s elite. Keeping two of Everton’s three key men will be an acceptable loss, however, the new boss will have to get the best return possible on any departures, as it will make up a sizeable chunk of the club’s summer transfer kitty.
In regards to incomings, the first priority is undoubtedly a forward whom can consistently provide goals. Everton’s current collection of strikers – Nikita Jelavic and Victor Anichebe – recorded just 13 goals between them this season, and there is a common feeling at Goodison that a number of results could have been different if the Toffees possessed a forward that provided a greater cutting edge and could be a determining factor in his own right during matches.
Martinez’ acquisition of Arouna Kone last summer proved to be a solid piece of business, but the Spaniard will have to pull off a real master-stroke to bring a forward to Merseyside that can make a substantial difference to results without putting the club’s finances in jeopardy. There aren’t too many obvious candidates on the horizon, and Martinez will have to use his knowledge of Europe, ability to spot potential and his eye for a bargain to find a cut-price summer recruit whom can contribute at least 15 league goals a season.
Martinez is young, bold, enthusiastic and ambitious, yet the pressure of the Everton appointment makes it the most challenging step of his career to date. With the club already operating at full capacity in terms of finance and resources, it will be a tough task to bridge the gap between the Toffees and Champions League qualification within the space of four years – the length of the 39 year old’s contract – let alone within his first season.
From a more negative viewpoint, the margin for failure is incredibly slight; whilst Moyes had the Everton squad continually performing to the best of their abilities, and any slump in standard of performance could easily see the Merseysiders plummet down the Premier League table. Similarly, there will undoubtedly be teething pains from one era to the next, in addition to the change in philosophy.
Bill Kenwright is no fool – Martinez will be given time to complete his goals, as Everton have experienced more than any other club the benefits of overall stability and consistency. But the Spaniard’s tenure could unravel very quickly should it get off to a poor start. The Toffees’ home form must be maintained – David Moyes recorded just a single defeat at Goodison Park this season, the best record in the English top flight – and it would be a shame if plans for continental qualification are scuppered by a slow start to Martinez’ inaugural campaign.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It will take a miracle to get Everton into the Champions League next season, yet for a manager of Martinez’ abilities, conquering the Premier League’s top four as a project with a duration of four years is achievable. The squad is in good shape, even if it is in need of a few extra pieces to complete the jigsaw, and the sense of collective effort and shared mentality at Goodison remains strong even after Moyes’ departure.
But the seeds for European success will have to be sewn within Martinez’ first season – it will undoubtedly be his biggest opportunity to spend, with Bill Kenwright giving his new manger a chance to imprint his own vision upon the Everton roster via purchases in the transfer market, and it will be the only year where any step backwards in terms of league standing will be judged by the fans as acceptable. Furthermore, and most importantly, he will have a single season to strike a healthy balance between philosophy and pragmatism, or it will not be long before the argument of the Spaniard and the Toffees being chalk and cheese begin to re-emerge.
Can Martinez lead Everton into the Premier League’s top four?