Category Archives: Transfer Market

If there’s a transfer on the market, we’re covering it on O-Posts.net for you to read and comment.

Bacary Sagna: Will the Frenchman depart the Emirates this summer?

  By O-Posts Team | May 16, 2013 - 00:55 | , , , , ,
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In recent years, Arsenal have been lucky enough to have a line of very good right backs in their ranks. From the English bite of Lee Dixon to the undying passion of Lauren to the total commitment of Bacary Sagna, the right side of defence has not been a problematic position for Arsenal for quite some time. Sadly though, with Bacary Sagna’s contract up in the summer of 2014, and with no sign that their has been a contract offer to Sagna by the club, you can place a bet at William Hill that he will be heading to pastures new at some point this summer. Many believe so. It just looks the case.

Sagna has been a great servant to the club for six years since he joined from French club Auxerre in 2007. His energy, determination and talent have made him a huge asset, but with two leg breaks in the 2011-12 season, he has unfortunately lost his energy and ability to boss the right side of the pitch as effectively as he once could.

I still harbour hopes that he will sign a new deal as, while he may not be the player he was, he is an experienced member of the squad and knows the club inside out – proved when he referred to Spurs as ‘the enemy’ after beating them 5-2 in the 2011-12 season.

Furthermore, he can fill in at centre back if needed and is capable of putting in a shift at right back. Should this not happen, though, which looks increasing likely, he has to be replaced well. Some have suggested simply promoting Hector Bellerin to the first team squad and letting Carl Jenkinson take over as first choice right back. While I rate both of these players and I think both have futures at Arsenal, neither are completely ready for these roles in my opinion and an experienced professional is needed to guide these two young, talented defenders.

So who to replace Sagna with? Well, for me his successor must be a rock solid defender as Bac is and has to have enough experience to immediately slot in as first-choice right back with no problems or adjustment time. A strong attacking side of his game would also be welcome, as if Sagna had a weakness, it was his final ball when he gets into a good position, although being solid defensively must be the priority.

My number one choice to fill the gap Sagna will likely leave would be Micah Richards of Manchester City. He is perfect for this role. He is at the right age, has Premier League experience, is English so would fit in with the club’s British core and has already won trophies in England. Although I think it is unlikely Manchester City would part with such a brilliant player. Lukas Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund is another option but he recently signed a contract extension until 2017 and Dortmund will not want to sell another one of their key players so that is also a long shot.

Angel Rangel is an option, he was mentioned last summer and has had a very good second season in the Premier League with Swansea and could want to make the step up to a bigger club, but would he opt against playing European football with Swansea next season?

Whoever Arsene chooses to be Sagna’s replacement, I hope he is up to the task of taking over from a player who has repeatedly been chosen in the PFA team of the year and is as consistent as Bac has been for the last 6 years.

 

Written by Charlie Smith

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Dede: Towering Brazilian Attracting Some Of Europe’s Biggest Names

  By O-Posts Team | April 25, 2013 - 15:58 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Brazil have created some of the most talented and gifted footballers over the years. The likes of Pele, Falcao, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo have all dazzled the world with their samba brilliance, yet their footballing history has possibly been too top heavy. Too many attackers, not enough defenders to be held in such wondrous regard.

Even full-backs, Roberto Carlos, Carlos Alberto and Cafu have been marvelled at, but not centre-backs. Anybody but the centre-back, the unheralded job that provided the base to a side seemingly not cool enough for Brazilian recognition.

But now, with Bayern Munich’s Dante, Chelsea’s David Luiz and PSG’s Thiago Silva, that is all due to change. The Brazilian centre-back is entering a new age; big, physical, strong and extremely comfortable on the ball, they are all attributes that makes up the aforementioned trio as well as Dede, Cruzerio’s much-coveted 24 year old. Who is he?

Let’s take a look at Anderson Vital De Silva.

 

Background

After impressing with his hometown club Volta Rotunda in the Brazilian State Championship, the big defender earned himself a move to Vasco De Gama in 2009, only to find first team opportunities hard to come by upon his initial arrival. With his one year deal running out a year later, it looked like he may be returning to Volta, or even moving to South Korea.

Dede, however, had other ideas, “there was something I was determined upon” he told World Soccer Magazine back in 2011, “I wasn’t going to leave Vasco by the back door”. And so he didn’t, with injuries hitting the club in a Brazilian Cup game against Vitoria, he was given a chance, repaying the opportunity with a performance of such authority and assurance that it instantly certified him as first choice and earned himself a new contract, stretching to 2014.

He went on to produce some imperious form for Vasco, being recognised as the best right centre-back in the Brasileirao of 2010 and generating comparisons to the Fluminese-made Silva, then at Milan, who was widely-regarded as the most outstanding centre-half to recently hail from Brazil.

His commanding performances helped Vasco to win the 2011 Brazilian Cup and his partnership with Anderson Martins saw them both elected as the best central-defenders of the 2011 Campeonato Carioca. His impressive form also alerted former national-team coach Mano Menezes who included him in the squad for friendlies against Germany and Ghana in the autumn of 2011.

His transformation with Vasco from potential discarded talent was meteoric. By the end of 2012, he was considered as one of the best centre-backs in Brazilian football, seeing high acclaim from Vasco fans who endeared to him by giving him several nicknames; “O-Mito” (The Myth) and “Dedelicia” (or “Dedelicious” as female fans chose).

He was included in numerous advertising campaigns for the club and was elected by SBT, a Brazilian television network, as one of the 100 greatest Brazilian’s of all-time. His popularity in Vasco was clear and he honoured his potential departure by kissing the badge in one of his final games for the club. In total, he made 154 appearances for Vasco.

To date, Dede has received 7 caps for the Brazil national team, appearing often in friendlies and tournaments that are only eligible for native-based players, allowing him to win the Superclasico De Las Americas in September 2011.

Dede is currently the fourth-choice centre-half in the Brazil squad and he will be hoping that his exemplary performances, partnered with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s insistence that he will look more to the Brazilian league set-up for options, will help his cause for regular call-ups as the team head into a World Cup year.

 

Strengths, style and weaknesses

Dede is strong, powerful and athletic, making full-use of his 6ft 3 inch frame in order to be adept at winning challenges in the air or on the ground. His height means that not many strikers are able to beat him in the air whilst a fine reading of the game, impressive at the relatively young age of 24, sees him able to cut out danger on the ground. His imposing height also makes him a threat at set pieces, suggested by his 18 goals during his time at Vasco.

His extremely impressive pace also means that he is rarely out-foxed by the through ball, cutting out the threat that strikers pose lying on the shoulder of the back four. As well as boasting fine intelligence and strength to block and intercept many shots and dangerous passes, he also possesses superb technical ability that allows him to be comfortable in bringing the ball out of the defence and moving it on.

As well as the two nicknames Vasco fans creatively derived for Dede, they also named him “Dedekenbauer”, suggesting his likeliness to the famous German defender who revolutionised the role of the central-defender, operating on a fine reading of the game, imperious positioning and superb ability on the ball.

Dede really is a complete defender who has attracted the interest of Manchester United, Milan, Benfica and Liverpool during his time with Vasco, all top European clubs basing their interest in the knowledge that Dede, with his physicality and ability on the ball, would not look out of place on the continent should he ever head east from Brazil.

 

His move to Cruzeiro

With the Selecao heading into their home World Cup of 2014, Dede has seen best to stay in his native league and head to Cruzeiro in a deal that is worth £4.7 million. The two clubs are believed to have arranged a 55% and 45% share in player ownership which helps to ease cash-strapped Vasco’s financial troubles. Three players, Diego Rennan, striker Allison and Wellington Paulista will also head to Rio in exchange for the defender.

After moving, he voiced his reluctance to leave Vasco De Gama but understood such a move would help to aid the financial crisis at his former club. He said that even though he was moving to a new setting, his heart would remain with the Rio-based club.

There has been a financial dispute with the transfer, with the move being blocked by the FERJ, a main football institution from Rio, who claim Vasco owe a debt to the Brazilian Federal Justice. They have ruled that until the dispute is sorted, Dede is unable to play for any club, disrupting his immediate start with Cruzeiro. However, that will only be a small snag in a career that threatens to go very far.

Look out for Dede at next year’s World Cup.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Chelsea: Schürrle closing in on move to the Blues

  By O-Posts Team | April 20, 2013 - 16:30 | , , , , , ,
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After months of speculation, it appears Chelsea are really making some significant headway in completing the signing of German striker Andre Schürrle from Bayer Leverkusen.

If the German does join, he will be the fourth striker at Chelsea next season, with Romelu Lukaku set to return after his successful loan spell at West Brom, in addition to Demba Ba and Fernando Torres who are already at the West London club.

To me, Chelsea’ team lacks a really consistent striker. The trio of Mata, Hazard and Oscar, have looked supreme, not always, but they seem to create chances almost effortlessly. The problem has been neither Fernando Torres or Demba Ba have been positionally aware enough to stick the ball into the back of the net more often, this has been especially true in the premier league.

So what does Schürrle offer that can change things in the striker department at Stamford Bridge? Well, for one thing, he is rather unique in the sense that he’s a centre forward, yet he possesses the ability to effortlessly drop back into a supporting striker role or even as a winger. In this sense, he’s quite similar to another former Chelsea striker, Nicolas Anelka who was dynamite at times, either when in a front three with Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba, or on his own.

The only slight doubt I have about Schürrle is whether he really is good enough or more specifically prolific enough to be Chelsea’s first choice striker. After all, Fernando Torres is a player who despite having generally been a disappointment while at Chelsea, has retained his place over and over again. Schürrle has scored a respectable, yet not incredible 12 goals in 38 games.

Many strikers have failed to replicate their previous goal scoring form whilst at Stamford Bridge, with Demba Ba, who has been decent so far at Chelsea, but he lacks the consistency that earned him so many plaudits during his time at Newcastle. For me, Schürrle will need to impress, and impress a lot, if he wants to become the first choice striker at Chelsea next season, a feat which will be even harder if Romelu Lukaku shows the same quality that he has at West Bromwich Albion this season.

Back to what was mentioned earlier and Chelsea’s attacking midfield trio. When Chelsea are at their strongest, it’s Hazard, Mata and Oscar, as that trio, with Moses, Benayoun and Marin all getting the occasional start. Hazard and Mata do tend to perform a class above what the others do, and many Chelsea fans question Oscar’s consistency, despite the Brazilian’s excellent performances for his country. Schürrle could well replace Oscar as a regular starter, and could double up with the striker, whoever that may be.

For me, Chelsea have almost endless possibilities with Schürrle. He’s versatile, able to score from all areas of the pitch, and has excellent movement, perhaps better than any other of Chelsea’s strikers.

I personally would much rather Chelsea buy Schürrle for the full price rather than swap him for the tricky Kevin De Bruyne, but for me, signing the big German would be a great move for the west London club, as it will give the new manager – whoever that may be – a unique and exciting option.

 

Written by Joshua Sodergren

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Arsenal: The Loanees – do they still have a future with the Gunners?

  By O-Posts Team | April 14, 2013 - 13:25 | , , ,
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They were all sent out on loan for different reasons, and with competition for a place in the Arsenal starting line-up looking feisty, I have listed in a short and plain method of how their Arsenal future might look like when they eventually return.

 

1) Marouane Chamakh

Chamakh….. praying for his Arsenal future.

After securing the signature of French-born striker Olivier Giroud- Chamakh’s realistic chances of playing upfront for Arsenal was sent into raptures.

Arsenal have only one recognized striker, but despite that, he was sent on loan to West Ham and has since featured in only three games for the Hammers. With Arsenal expected to secure the signature of Fiorentina prolific striker Stevan Jovetic this summer, it’s all doomsday for Chamakh.

Arsenal future: The Gunners are looking set to get rid of dead-wood players this summer, Chamakh would never fit in at Arsenal again. Impossible.

 

 

2) Andre Santos

On loan at Gremio, Santos in my opinion should have been one of the most consistent left backs in the history of the EPL with his brilliant ability to support counter attacks. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out – probably because of his obsession for instagram hah.

Arsenal future: Player has clearly stated his desire to remain at Gremio, also not forgetting the fierce competition for the left back position between Kieran Gibbs and Nancho Monreal. Unlikely.

 

 

3) Park Chu Young

Signed for Arsenal from Monaco in 2011, where he has managed just 11 minutes of English Premier League football. The South Korean international was later loaned to Spanish outfit Celta Vigo where he has managed three goals in 19 appearances. Just three goals.

Arsenal future: Seriously? He should be playing in the Championship or something.

 

 

4) Ryo Miyaichi

One word: injuries. They can really be frustrating especially for a young lad who has a bright Arsenal future ahead of him.

Arsenal future: The Japanese speedster is currently recuperating at Wigan, and when he is back, he should be sent on loan to a Championship team for next season. A successful Arsenal career is still possible.

 

5) Nicklas Bendtner

The Greatest Striker in the World. A player with a very big ego, decided to join a big club like Juventus when I expected him to set his sights on a smaller club to get game time and prove his worth and self-value.

Well, his season at Juventus has been a nightmare for the big Dane and I don’t see him ever setting his foot at the Emirates. Not now. Not anytime soon.

Arsenal future: Well, since miracles do happen, anything is still possible.

 

Written by @femi4arsenal

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Arsenal: Three Possible Summer Signings to Boost the Gunners’ Title Hopes

  By O-Posts Team | April 10, 2013 - 13:16 | , , , ,
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This season is done and dusted for Arsenal in terms of fighting for a major title – they can only fight to secure a top 4 finish. Some Arsenal fans might not understand the relevance of finishing in the top 4, but it is as important as winning a title (Wenger’s tone). If Arsenal fail to secure to a Champions League spot, this could be disastrous because the big names might opt to leave for greener pastures.

For that, I have successfully deduced 3 signings that could boost Arsenal title pursuit next season.

 

All statistics are courtesy of Whoscored and Caught Offside.

 

1) Stevan Jovetic

Current club: Fiorentina

Been on Arsenal radar for a while now, in fact the  Montenegro forward has gladly stated his desire to join the Gunners ; “I have always liked Arsenal” . Scoring 14 goals in 27 appearance last term, and another 12 this season ; it is all clear that Jovetic could be of great help to the inconsistent Olivier Giroud.

His ability to shoot from distance and his threatening presence on the counter would be a bonus addition to Arsene Wenger’s attacking options. He also loves to play as a centre forward, which has yielded an aforementioned 12 goals for the Fiorentina man this season- but he is yet to score a single goal for his club when placed on the Right flank.

Possible Transfer Outcome: Very possible, if Arsenal manage to seal a Champions League spot for next season.

 

2) Remy Cabella

Current club: Montpellier

An exciting assiduous youngster, a versatile attacking midfielder; he can either play at the center, right or left flank. He has assisted 7 and scored 6 goals so far for Montpellier this season. He was also the major catalyst to Olivier Giroud’s high-flying collections of goals in the 2011/2012 season where Montpellier went on to clinch the title that year .

Noted mostly for his dribbling ability, key passes and defensive contributions – also not forgetting his mouthwatering through balls – he could be the man to assist Giroud upfront with some scintillating final passes.

Possible Transfer Outcome: Although Cabella currently has a contract with the club which runs until 2016, a possible move to the emirates is likely with Wenger a huge admirer of this young lad. Remember, he is French too.

 

3) Loic Remy

Current club: QPR

If Arsenal fail to land Jovetic, then they must turn to this French striker. Currently plays for relegation threatened QPR and with The Rangers looking set to play Championship football next season; it could be an opportunity for Arsenal to once again bid for this highly rated French forward.

Scoring 4 goals in 7 games for Rangers, it is all but clear that Remy can handle the enormous work load required from an attacker in the Premier League. Loves to dribble and very (very) good in the air, and that is just some of his uncountable football abilities.

Possible Transfer Outcome: Well, it is a simple equation. If QPR get relegated, it is highly possible.

 

Written by @femi4arsenal

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Ezequiel Garay: Is he Manchester United-bound?

  By O-Posts Team | March 24, 2013 - 20:07 | , , , , , , ,
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According to several reports, English giants Manchester United have agreed a deal with Benfica that will take defender Ezequiel Garay to Old Trafford. The 26 year old Argentine is subject to a £17 million deal and it seems as though the former Real Madrid man will move to Manchester in the summer.

In his contract, there is a clause Real Madrid are eligible for a 50% cut of the next transfer Garay is to undergo.

Ferguson likes to tie up his dealings early during the transfer market with Ashley Young, Javier Hernandez and Shinji Kagawa all being examples of Ferguson’s recent quality signings. Garay has been in scintillating form this season and that form has seen his side concede just 14 goals in 23 games.

The defender has also been linked with several big clubs in Europe clubs over the past few weeks, Chelsea and former rival team Barcelona being some of those names mentioned.
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson may feel reinforcements are necessary as veteran duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are getting on in age, injuries and inconsistencies between Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

Garay is 26 and has played at a high level and in Europe. He may be considered a long term replacement for Rio Ferdinand. Garay has represented his country on 11 occasions and was part of the side that hammered Venezuela 3-0 on Friday. At 6ft 4, Garay possesses strength, mobility and pace, all essential aspects that will help to cope with the demands of the Premier League.

At this point, Manchester United have taken a 15 point lead ahead of Manchester City in Premier League. The Premier League leaders face  Sunderland on Saturday at the Stadium Of Light and play Chelsea in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup on April 1st.

 

Written by Farhan Daw

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Arsenal: Who can plug the gap in front of the Gunners’ defence?

  By O-Posts Team | March 2, 2013 - 13:45 | , , ,
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Gilberto Silva: Is there anyone around suitable enough to replace this man?
Gilberto Silva: Is there anyone around suitable enough to replace this man?

Gilberto Silva: Is there anyone around suitable enough to replace this man?

If you ask an Arsenal fan what position in the team needs strengthening, there’s a very good chance they will say defensive midfield.

For a number of reasons, first of all, we haven’t had a ‘proper’ holding midfielder – someone who does nothing but sit and cover the back 4, then keeps the ball and plays it simple – since Gilberto Silva in my opinion. Mikel Arteta is who occupies this role at the moment and has done a decent enough job there.

Now, while I rate Arteta highly and would say he was our best player last season behind you know who, I don’t think he’s quite suited for this role.

 

Here are some reasons why:

1) When Arsenal are being hit on the counter (often), he doesn’t have the pace to get back and do much about it.

2) His strength can prove a problem at times. While Arteta is no push over, when he comes up against big, physical presences in midfield, he struggles to get a grip on the game.

3) I think Arteta’s main strengths (passing, reading the game, creating) would be better utilised further forward. He would do very well linking up with the likes of Cazorla to create.

For me, a top class defensive midfielder must be a number of things.

 

These are:

1) Strong. They must be able to battle and take control of the midfield no matter who they’re up against.

2) Intelligent. They must be able to read the game well and have good positioning to cover their defence as well as stay disciplined for the good of the team.

3) Quick/mobile. Covering ground is an important part of playing this position and if they can’t get back to protect their defence, then they’re not doing their job.

4) Have solid passing. At the base of the midfield, the ball MUST be kept, any slack pass will be pounced upon so the defensive midfielder must be able to keep the ball.

5) Tackle/intercept well. The main part of a defensive midfielder’s job is to win the ball to protect their defence. If they can’t win the ball, then that’s a problem.

 

Here are 5 players who I believe would do very good job as Arsenal’s holding midfielder:

 

1) Fernando Reges of FC Porto

At 25 this guy has both experience on his side and is on the right side of his prime years. He has been at Porto since 2007 and has won the Portugese League three times, as well as the Europa League.

He also has plenty of Champions League experience and is the perfect ‘foil’ for players such as Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez to do what they do best, attack.

 

2) Etienne Capoue of Toulouse

A tall, physical player who a lot of Arsenal fans think is exactly what we need. At 24 he is young, so still has plenty of improving to do. He is also versatile and is able to play at centre back effectively. Being 6ft 2, he is a physical presence who can dominate a midfield.

He also has 5 caps for France and will no doubt pick up more in the future.

 

3) Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton

Despite just signing a contract extension at his current club until 2017, an offer from a top club would surely turn his head. Schneiderlin has been at Southampton since 2008 and has been part of their side which has risen through the leagues.

In my opinion, he is amongst the most underrated players in the league. He currently tops the charts for both tackles and interceptions in the Premier League and has held Southampton’s midfield together at times.

Not only can he defend, though, he also chips in with goals, shown by his opener v Newcastle last Sunday.

 

4) Victor Wanyama of Celtic

With not long left on his current contract, now would be the perfect time to move for Wanyama. This guy is everything a defensive midfielder needs to be. Tall, strong, versatile, young, does his job well and is a threat in the air.

He has been pivotal and so impressive throughout Celtic’s Champions League campaign, typified when he scored the opening goal during their fantastic win over Barcelona.

 

5) Maxime Gonalons of Lyon

Another French defensive midfielder and he has arguably been the best of the lot this season. He is currently the captain of Lyon who sit 2nd in Ligue 1 behind PSG. For a 23 year-old to captain a big club like Lyon, you must be talented. He has 6 caps for his country and continues to produce good performances week in, week out.

In my opinion, he is the ideal candidate. Not only can he defend but is also a very neat passer of the ball and at 6ft 2, is a danger in the opposition’s box. Proved by his header against Spurs in the Europa League.

If it was up to me, i would go for Fernando. Mainly for his experience and intelligence of the game. He knows the role he plays so well and is everything Arsenal are currently missing in their midfield.

Who would you pick?

 

Written by Charlie Smith

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Diego Milito’s Injury: The Search for the Perfect Quick-Fix

  By O-Posts Team | March 1, 2013 - 19:47 | , , , ,
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The recent injury to Diego Milito in the Europa League has proven to be a troubling one. Not to mention the fact that it has put one of Inter’s top performers on the side-line’s for an extended period, it has highlighted the clubs lack of options when it comes to a spear head for the team.

For many Inter fans this current predicament is symptomatic of a lack of foresight by the Club’s hierarchy. Yet again Marco Branca has been responsible for a lack of vision in the transfer market, as the signing of the 36 year old Tommaso Rocchi indicates. The former Lazio veteran was brought in as cover for Milito, but it seems quite evident that he was only going to be used sporadically or as a closer in games to help keep Milito fresh for the following week and not as a regular starter.

There has also been criticism in some quarters due to the club letting go of younger talent such as Longo, who is on loan at Espanyol, and Livaja, who has gone to Atalanta as part of a co-ownership deal.

However, although the absence of those two players offers an easy point of attack for critics of the regime at Inter, it doesn’t really tell the full story. As undoubtedly talented as those two young players are, it is doubtful that they would be able to deliver the consistency and level of performance that are required of a team chasing the champions league spaces.

Circumstances, however, have not been kind to Inter and they now find themselves without an out and out goal threat up front. Although Cassano has been an extremely positive signing, he is much more of a creative player and is unlikely to contribute more than 10 goals between now and the end of the season.

The same may also be said of Palacio. While these two players are very good they are both better served creating opportunities for a striker such as Milito and not leading the line themselves.

With few options available Inter have been searching for an out of contract player who can come in and help the team out on a short term basis. Unfortunately, this presents an incredibly narrow field with which to choose from. John Carew recently had a fitness test with the club, but it was decided it would take too long for the former West Ham player to regain fitness and therefore it seemed pointless taking him on.

All this means that Inter’s chances of qualifying for the Champions league look pretty desperate. Their main rivals, AC Milan and Napoli, have strikers that many an Inter fan would probably kill for and with Inter’s form over the Christmas period already looking shaky at best; it’s hard to see how Stramaccioni is going to turn things around.

 

Written by Oliver Beatson

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Anderson: Struggling Brazilian midfielder itching to leave Old Trafford

  By O-Posts Team | February 16, 2013 - 14:54 | , , , ,
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Manchester United midfielder Anderson has admitted his frustration and has expressed his discontent, claiming he tried “many times” to leave the club, but the matter is out of his hands.

The Brazilian told Globo Esporte: “What can I say? I have three more years of contract, I have tried to leave many times and never succeeded to do so.”

International opportunity is what is potentially the motive behind Anderson’s unhappiness. Anderson has not featured for the Brazilian national side since 2008 and seems certain to miss out on the Brazilian team that will host the 2014 World Cup.

Anderson joined the Red Devils five years ago from Porto. The 5ft 9 bulldozer came with a big reputation as Manchester United splashed out £20 million on the then 19 year old.

However injuries have limited Anderson to just 93 Premier League appearances since his arrival in 2007, although Anderson has had a very successful career thus far with Manchester United, winning three Premier League titles, the Carling cup, the Community Shield, the FIFA World Cup, and a Champions League trophy.

Anderson showed his quality during the 2008/09 season, where he stayed most of the season injury free playing a total of 38 games.

However with Anderson’s injury record and having fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United due to the arrivals of Shinji Kagawa and the development of Tom Cleverley, Anderson may find the grass greener outside of Old Trafford.

He is still only 24 and would be a real asset to any team he plays for, if he can just stay injury free.

 

Written by Farhan Daw

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Lewis Holtby: Luka Modric’s Apprentice

  By O-Posts Team | February 14, 2013 - 20:05 | , , , ,
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With his first touch of the ball against Norwich the swoon-o’-metre had gone into overdrive, hearts fluttered, and 1000s of man-crushes across North London were readily admitted, screamed in excitement even, for this young German international.

His introduction immediately changed the game: Tottenham started playing at a higher tempo, harrying the opposition and finding space in amongst Norwich, and finally got the goal they were looking for. He was like an elegant concert pianist playing Chopin on speed such was his panache and energy, which dovetailed beautifully with Gareth Bale’s exquisite violin solo-like performance.

Tottenham earned the draw in the end from Gareth Bale’s wonderful solo effort but it was 22 year old, Lewis Holtby’s introduction – in which for many it was the first time seeing him – that left the fans salivating.

As they welcomed the blonde-haired, blue-eyed German with his boyish good looks, Tottenham also welcomed back intelligence, guile, and creativity. Everything that lacked from their game this season – the ability to unlock defences and up the tempo to try change the game.

His cameo drew teary reminders of Rafael Van der Vaart who’s passion and intelligence encapsulated Tottenham’s attacking play these last two years. The hole left by him and Luka Modric was a huge blow to Tottenham and Andre Villas-Boas had to reshape the team’s attacking philosophy – bringing in Mousa Dembélé to partner the seemingly omnipresent Brazilian, Sandro, led to a more physical and stronger midfield.

This, however, was at the detriment of someone who could pass the ball in the middle, pull the strings and set the tempo.

A failed attempt to bring in AVB’s main transfer target, Joao Moutinho, in the summer, led to the January transfer window capture of Holtby. Originally signed as a Summer transfer to come at the end of his season when his contract expired, the injury to Sandro led to Levy parting with £1.5 million to bring him in now from Schalke.

And it was a brilliant bit of business: a young German international, captain of the Under 21s who has been playing top flight Bundesliga football and Champions League football for more than two years, a player who is versatile and has the potential to be a top class player, all for a measly £1.5 million. Andre Villas-Boas was equally impressed, telling the Daily Star:

“Is he bargain of the century? I think so because it is difficult to find a young player who is running his contract down and we faced tough competition.”

“He’s recognised as an exceptional young talent and we have high expectations of the player.”

As well as being able to play all across midfield and able to interchange with Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon, it’s tactically that makes this move the most interesting. Tottenham started the season at Newcastle playing last seasons 4-2-3-1 formation with Jermain Defoe playing upfront on his own.

When Emmanuel Adebayor regained fitness, he joined Defoe upfront and the formation changed into a conventional 4-4-2: Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon the wingers with a strong center in Mousa Dembélé and Sandro.

The addition of Lewis Holtby meant that against Newcastle at the weekend, with Adebayor on the bench having been at the African Cup of Nations, Holtby was deployed in the ‘Van der Vaart role’ playing in the hole of a 4-2-3-1.

With Gareth Bale able to operate on either wing and becoming a bigger force through the middle, Holtby has the ability to pull out wide to keep the balance of the team. An interchanging Bale, Holtby, and Lennon would be a nightmare for any opposition defence.

Next season, with Sandro back from injury, expect to see AVB gradually implementing his favoured 4-3-3 formation – a fluid midfield full of power, strength, work rate and technique.

Lewis Holtby will provide the intelligence and craft – the Moutinho that Villas-Boas so desperately wanted; Sandro, the tough-tackling athleticism; and Dembélé, an athletic almost box-to-box player able to open the field up through the elegant way he glides past players as if they weren’t there.

The tough competition for the signing of Holtby was rumoured to be from Arsenal, but in Jack Wilshere and Santi Carzorla, they have their own midfield pass-masters. It’s nice, though, if you ask any Tottenham fan, to get one over Arsenal, obviously: first the signing of Jan Vertonghen and now Lewis Holtby.

Tottenham will hope, with the addition of Holtby, this can transpose into something more than just signings.

 

Written by William Hold

Follow William on Twitter @liam17oi

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