Gareth Barry says the uncertainty over Roberto Mancini’s future is not to blame for the shock FA Cup Final defeat against Wigan.
City were hot favourites going into the Wembley showdown but came unstuck as a header from Ben Watson deep in stoppage time earned Latics a deserved 1-0 victory.
Some had suggested the doubts over Mancini’s future could have played a part, but Barry has dismissed such talk and says the City players should have been professional enough to get a result.
“We are professionals. We can’t use something like that as an excuse,” Barry revealed. “We have it not just before this game, but all this season and last season as well.
“What happened today has nothing to do with the speculation.”
Barry blamed the defeat on City’s failure to play their passing game but refused to take anything away from Wigan.
“It was exactly the sort of game we expected really,” he added. “We knew what sort of game Wigan play and on a pitch like this they can play their football, no matter what the situation is.
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“They have got a fight at the bottom of the Premier League but they showed what a good team they are. We didn’t play our normal passing game, but sometimes that can happen at the end of the season.”
Arsenal have always been a club who focus on the long-term future of the club, and with Arsene Wenger as manager, a club that always looks for the best young players around.
Millions of pounds have been flooded into the club’s academy, to help develop players into being the next Henry, Viera, or Adams. And with more and more scouts searching the world for the best youngsters, Arsenal now have teenagers come in from all corners of the globe, looking to play in the Premier League.
With players such as Fabregas, Wilshere and Cole just a handful of players to come from the Arsenal academy, the club have a fantastic record when it comes to youth players. So has Arsene Wenger got anyone in the academy that could be gracing the Emirates turf anytime soon? Here are five youngsters who are pushing for a first team place.
Click on Jon Toral to see FIVE Arsenal wonderkids who’ve got a bright future ahead of them
If there is a lack of class being shown at Real Madrid, it is coming directly and only from the President, Florentino Perez.
Mesut Ozil was a casualty of the needless Gareth Bale transfer, being shipped out despite being the team’s most important attacker – no, it’s not Cristiano Ronaldo – and subsequently having his name dragged through the mud in order to fight the backlash from supporters and players.
There’s already some degree of clarity as to what Ronaldo thinks of the Bale transfer. Earlier in the summer he said that he “had an opinion but would keep it to himself,” hardly the kind of stance that indicates the Welshman would receive a warm welcome from the club’s leading name. Following the Ozil transfer on deadline day, Ronaldo again spoke of his disappointment and anger, outlining the understanding he had with the German on the pitch and that no one understood him like Ozil.
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It’s not really a matter of a lack of respect shown towards Bale, though he will need to earn a place in the Real Madrid dressing room. Instead, the feeling from in house is that the Ozil transfer was completely unwarranted and used as a means to counter the enormous spend on a player who really wasn’t needed. Sure, Real Madrid have Isco to replace Ozil as the first-choice No. 10, but despite how well the former Malaga player has adjusted to life at the Bernabeu, he hasn’t replaced the figure that Ozil was behind the scenes – an enormously popular figure with his teammates and obviously fans too. This is coupled with the fact that they’re both slightly different in their playing styles.
The issue for Bale here is that he hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s been caught up in a transfer storm that was only going to have a negative outcome. With Bale on board, Real Madrid could lose Ronaldo – though I don’t believe they will in the next year – or at the very least seriously wind him up; it’s not just a matter of Bale playing in a similar position, but what the Bale deal represents: transfer fee and wages.
If Bale’s fee been significantly lower and his arrival didn’t need to be offset by the sale of Ozil, he probably would have been far more openly welcomed into the camp by the senior players. Though let’s not forget that Bale hasn’t actually met up with his teammates yet and will join them this week for his first training session with the club. After that, we may get a better understanding as to how players like Sergio Ramos have reacted.
For now, Bale is something of an afterthought, though still holding an important place in the makeup of the issue that has brought about this backlash. Ramos was extremely close to Ozil and wore the German’s shirt under his own following some ‘unfair’ treatment from Jose Mourinho last season which resulted in Ozil being substituted during half time. It’s understandable, therefore, that as one of the captains in the team, Ramos is far more focused on the loss of an integral and valued player than the arrival of another.
Even at a club like Real Madrid, there can only be one top dog. With Barcelona, Neymar’s arrival has done little to challenge Lionel Messi and his position in the team. It’s about creating a balance no matter how many world-class players are in the ranks. But as for Bale, how much of an equilibrium will there be following the at times idiotic comparisons to Ronaldo? Despite what the Welshman has said, people will look at the coming season as something of a battle between the two. Ronaldo is better, he knows he’s better, but the last thing the club should have done is bring in someone who is likely to challenge his position. Players have been upset or angered before in football, but it doesn’t always point to a lack of respect.
The issue here is the lack of respect Ronaldo feels he’s received. He wants a higher pay packet, not just because of the money but because of what it represents. But as already mentioned, the real source of disrespect is Perez, not for the signing of Bale, but for the handling of the Ozil situation. He might not have foreseen the discontent among supporters and players, but he certainly didn’t have to tarnish the player’s name in an attempt to save face.
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Has Ronaldo and the senior players at Real Madrid shown a lack of respect towards Gareth Bale?
England, England England, or actually should that be Inger-land, Inger-land, Inger-land? Either way, we are once again left shaking our heads as fortress Wembley once more crumbled like a sandcastle facing the foot of the beach bully trying to woo the bikini clad babe. This time it is the might of Chile leaving us shaking in our boots. No disrespect to Chile, who, at time of writing find themselves ranked 12th in the world and rightly looking forward to a South American World Cup tournament, but the old adage in football is that you should win your home games.
Surprisingly it is not the defeat alone, nor the nature of the defeat that has led to the penning of this piece, rather it is yet another round of pundits, ex-pro’s and the like taking aim and firing both barrels at what they perceive to be the reason behind the Three Lions continued struggles on the international stage. Martin Keown this time regurgitating the need for fewer foreigners in the English game! Yes that’s why we struggle, too many foreign players in our league!! Hmmmmmm, I suppose if you compare the league in 1966 when we were good, to now, there may well be proof to the pudding as it were, yet in my mind it masks what truly is the problem in our National game, but I will get to that.
Lets explore this claim that foreigners have ruined our international chances. Well it is fair to say that the real influx of foreign stars (obviously discounting the Irish, Scots and Welsh who have obviously never really populated the English game!!) was the introduction of the Premier League. So clearly this is where our International success faltered right? Bar Italia 90 and Mexico 86, how did our national team fair since 1966 before the foreign invasion? Well? Middling? Not so good? I know what I think. Is there a significant change in performance levels of the national side since the introduction of the Premier League? I don’t think so.
Perhaps foreigners (obviously discounting the Irish, Scots and Welsh) have had a negative impact on a more personal level? Yet I find it hard to believe that Gerrard took nothing from his time with Alonso and Hamann, Scholes and Beckham taking nothing from the likes of Cantona, Rooney from Ronaldo and so on and so on. Personally I’m very much of the opinion that the cream will rise the to the top. The influx of foreigners (obviously discounting the Irish, Scots and Welsh) may have restricted the ‘slow-burners’ as it were, like the Lamberts and Parkers of this world, but of our top talent, Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard, Hart etc it hasn’t.
Taking a quick look at the Chile side that comprehensively beat us and we see in their starting 11, Jean Beausejour who doesn’t start each week for Wigan in the Championship and Aranguiz who plays for Universidad de Chile for example. Yes Sanchez is a world class, but looking at the England starting line up we had 3 Champions League winners, with the rest all playing top flight football in one of the most competitive leagues in the world and winning titles.
Perhaps rather than the influx of foreigners (obviously discounting the Irish, Scots and Welsh) into the league isn’t the problem, perhaps it’s the lack of movement the other way. The top national teams, Spain, Italy, Germany (time of writing we haven’t played them yet) and emerging nations such as Belgium, their squads are formed from players in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga. Experiencing different footballing cultures surely makes for a better player. Is it not fair to say Beckham was a more rounded player following his time at Madrid? Would Rooney be better for a stint with Barcelona? For me this is an issue within the English game, so few of a stars experience life outside of the English game, but for me the real problem lies squarely at the feet of the FA and perhaps this is why nobody is prepared to question.
In my mind it is the FA that is to blame for our failure on the international stage. Lets look first and foremost at the management of the senior team. In recent years we have had 2 decent managers, Sven and Fabio. Now Sven had his opportunity and as can happen in knock-out football cruel twists of fate conspired against us perhaps denying us reaching our potential, and the fact is that Sven stayed beyond his sell by date and the side suffered. Eventually the FA released him and had the opportunity to freshen things up that so badly needed freshening….what did they do? Hired his assistant Steve Mclaren! That went well. Fabio comes in, with his undeniable record at club level, and produced a win ratio of nearly 67% before the gloriously mishandled Terry and Ferdinand affair undermining him, the negative press and unrealistic expectations for a team that is never as good as it is made out to be. In comes Roy.
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Now Hodgson is a decent manager, no denying that, his success at Fulham, West Brom, Switzerland and Malmo are testament to that, yet he failed spectacularly with Blackburn Rovers, Inter Milan and Liverpool. What is the link here? The success was achieved at clubs where there was no pressure on him, but when he stepped up to the plate at a top side that demands success he strikes out! A proven record, yet the FA award him the position that perhaps carries the most pressure and expectation in world football. Makes sense. In a modern game where are top stars are playing fluid football, pass and move progressive football in varying styles at clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal under some of the best young coaches (fergie aside) in the world, they join up at international level with a manager not renowned for his progressive style and then wonder why the players don’t respond, struggle to qualify. It doesn’t end with Roy either, look at the U21’s, the last 2 managers have been Stuart Pearce and Gareth Southgate, with all their renowned coaching successes! This country has top top youth coaches, Im a Liverpool fan and can personally vouch for Alex Inglethorpe, Aston Villa were NextGen champions, yet it seems you have to be in with the boys and a perfect yes man to get a look in.
If England are to improve on the pitch then by heck they need to improve off it. The talent is there!
Arsene Wenger praised the fighting spirit of his players following their 2-1 FA Cup victory over Liverpool yesterday, reports the Express.
The Gunners can now head into their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich high on confidence, after bouncing back from a 5-1 hammering at Anfield, and a disappointing 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
Goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski were enough to send Arsenal through to the quarter finals, despite a Steven Gerrard penalty halving the deficit, and the Reds being denied what looked a blatant second penalty by Howard Webb.
Wenger made seven changes to the team that were held by Manchester United on Wednesday, and confirmed those were for medical reasons.
Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna and Tomas Rosicky are all expected to return for the clash with Bayern on Wednesday.
“It was vital to respond to the disappointing performance at Liverpool last week,” Wenger said.
“I’m very pleased with the intensity, commitment and determination. You could feel a clinical desire in my team to take every opportunity to kill them.
“It was a fantastic FA Cup tie between two good teams. Many people questioned the FA Cup but today it delivered a great match.
“Liverpool are a very strong team. They had some chances but we had some very good chances as well. They were in a position where they had to take the initiative because they were 2-0 down. They had to throw absolutely everything forward and they are good enough to create chances against any team.
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“But we were resilient, focused on defending well and overall they could have scored, but every time we won the ball we felt we always had a chance to score as well.”
You can understand Alex Ferguson’s decision to retire when he did. He went out on a high having won his thirteenth league title in England and Manchester United’s twentieth. But the rebuilding process needed at Manchester United was in of much greater need than simply acquiring one of Europe’s best players, as he did with Robin van Persie.
What we’re seeing from the United team at present is a group who have been sapped of their maximum output. Ferguson played a big hand in taking this team to the league title last season – combined with peripheral factors of underperforming challengers elsewhere – but it’s evident that this group, led by veteran figures, have offered all they can. Now it’s a matter of looking to the future and nurturing the younger players in the squad to become the flag bearers of the side.
There’s nothing malicious in it. Only the most cynical person would suggest Ferguson has thrown David Moyes under the bus by buying poorly. And have Ferguson’s signings really been that bad in recent years? In comparison to the other super powers of European football, they’re not as impressive. But signing players like David de Gea, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, and Shinji Kagawa has set United up well for the long term. Some of the attacking players like Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia haven’t exactly worked out, but coupled with players who have come through the academy – Danny Welbeck, Adnan Janujaz and to an extent Tom Cleverley – the team do have a promising base for the future.
The issue at hand and the key word is “future.” At 72, Ferguson was no longer than man to oversee such a change at the club. Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, and Michael Carrick are coming to the end of their time with the club. The back line has been rotated for the very reason that the previously impervious duo of Vidic and Ferdinand are no longer at their peak. For all that has been said of United not being able to experience a period of transition, this is exactly it – the passing of responsibility onto younger players.
It says as much about the club’s intentions and Ferguson’s recommendation that David Moyes was given a six-year contract. Welbeck and Januzaj have shown a lot of promise this season, with the former offering glimpses that he’s a very good striker in the making. But those youngsters would have been sacrificed for big names in the market had a Jose Mourinho turned up to replace Ferguson. United might have been in a better position than they are in currently with the Portuguese on board, but at what cost? Long-term uncertainty and the halting of youngsters’ development.
Ferguson did what he could to be successful in his final season with the signing of van Persie. That was the injection of quality that helped United wrestle back the Premier League title from Manchester City. Ferguson knew he needed something extra because evidently he knew that last season would be his final well before the announcement was made. The cost of such a layout on the Dutchman is that it was short term. Van Persie, as good as he is, won’t be performing to the level he’s currently capable of for the next three or four years. The task Moyes is faced with is supplementing the team’s current crop of young players with good additions via the market, replacing the important members of the squad who are in the twilight of their careers.
United’s situation obviously isn’t ideal and is quite clearly unfamiliar to a large part of the fan base. But it’s a necessary period that takes place when such pivotal figures come to the end of their careers and the next wave aren’t quite ready to take over.
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Moyes and the club could have done a much better job of improving matters with a stronger showing in the summer window, but even now in January, it will take more than simply shelling out heavily on star names. It will take time for United to get firmly back on track.
Danny Ings has been the surprise of the season in one of the surprise teams of the season. Burnley weren’t expected to be promoted from the Championship. But then predications mean so little in a league famed for its competitiveness.
Even fewer would have predicted 21-year-old Danny Ings to win Player of the Year. But the England under-21 international now appears to be a dead cert to be playing in the Premier League next season, regardless of how Burnley’s last eight games go. The only uncertainty that remains is where.
At 22, it’s hard to call Ings a late bloomer, but such has been has been the radical nature of his transformation that some sort of similar phrase is needed. A rapid bloomer perhaps? Some sort of fast-rising flower or flour? Crudities aside, the point to note is that the Ings of this season is a much-improved player on the kid that wore the claret and blue of last.
Three in 32: that’s how many goals Danny Ings scored for Burnley last year. Even with the caveats of youth and playing for a mid-table side, that’s a disappointing return for a forward. Ings was always ‘one for the future’, but it was clear he needed to start doing things in the present.
With potential seemingly being converted into quality overnight, the story of this season couldn’t be more different. Ings has scored 20 goals in 34 league games, and only a monumental collapse would now see Burnley miss out on promotion to the Premier League.
But this success has come at a cost. The joys of promotion will likely be tainted by the knowledge that Burnley will be unable to hold onto their star player in the summer. For Ings, it can only all seem like good news.
However, football is littered with players of promise whose careers were jeopardized by moving to the wrong club. With Tottenham and West Ham appearing to show the most interest, Ings has the choice between graft and glory. And rather predictably, it looks like the harder road may be best one to travel.
Tottenham are in need of goals and Sherwood is an open admirer of Ings. The young manager seems willing to put his trust in young players, and it’s easy to imagine Sherwood enjoying having a young Englishman leading his forward line.
However, while Ings has managed 25 goals in all competitions this season, the forward is a better operator at No.10 than he is No.9. And with Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Gylfi Sigurdsson already options in this position, there would appear to more competition at the club than would be advisable for a developing player.
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Competition would still be an issue at West Ham, but not to the same degree. Kevin Nolan is the first choice 10 at the club and is enjoying another good season in the Premier League. But with the midfielder turning 32 in June, the amount of games that Nolan can manage is only going to diminish. And given Englishman’s penchant for a suspension, Ings would likely find more first-team opportunities than at White Hart Lane.
The idea of Carroll and Ings together would seem to offer another reason in favor of opting for Upton Park. Ings’ successes this season must in part be attributed to Burnley striking partner Sam Vokes. The pair have formed a classic ‘big-man’/’little-man’ combination that would bode well for a potential Ings and Carroll double act.
In life, as in football, the easy option is unfortunately rarely the right one. No one would begrudge Ings for choosing the glamour of Spurs, but smart option looks to lie to the east of White Hart Lane.
There are few better opportunities to scout world class footballers than the World Cup. And as his job as a French television pundit, Arsene Wenger is in prime position to cast his gaze over the talent on show.
The Arsenal boss has a lot of work to do this summer if he is to fulfill the club’s ambitions to challenge at the top of the Premier League. Brazil 2014 seems a good place to start.
With a new right-back, striker, goalkeeper, and defensive midfielder high up on the club’s priority list, here are 50 players on show in Brazil that the Gunners should focus on this summer.
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Click on Benzema to see the 50 choices
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1. Luiz Gustavo
The Gunners missed out on Gustavo’s signature last summer when Wolfsburg trumped up the £16 million that Arsenal weren’t prepared to do. A key member of the Brazilian national setup, and a technically proficient defensive midfielder who would be a welcome addition at the Emirates.
2. Julio Cesar
At 34 years of age, Cesar would seem a sensible addition to act as a quality, but experienced challenger for Wojciech Szczesny’s spot. He’s desperate to finally leave QPR, and they are keen to offload the Brazilian stopper.
3. Bernard
//www.youtube.com/embed/Sb05QPFhqp4
Bernard recently intimated that Arsenal were keen on him last summer, but Shakhtar Donetsk snapped up the Brazilian youngster. He’s diminutive, skilful, and able to play anywhere behind a striker.
4. Alex Song
Since Song left Arsenal for Barcelona, he hasn’t been able to nail down a spot in their side. Wenger knows what he gets with Song, and his combative and flamboyant style would work well alongside the all-round abilities of Aaron Ramsey.
5. Joel Matip
Matip plays primarily as a centre-back, but can step into midfield if called on to do so. He has a solid range of passing, he’s versatile, and experienced for a 22-year-old, and is tipped to captain the Cameroon national side in years to come.
6. Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o’s recent outburst against Jose Mourinho would suggest he’s on his way out of the London club. He’s experienced, and still has a calmness in front of goal rivalled by very few. He may be 33, but he would add depth to Arsenal’s attack.
7. Dejan Lovren
Southampton are likely to find most of their top players pilfered this summer, and Lovren is amongst those being targeted. He adapted instantly to the Premier League, displaying athleticism and brilliant composure, and would provide stiff competition to Arsenal’s starters.
8. Sime Vrsaljko
The young Croatian is known by Wenger after impressing for Genoa. He is good aerially, strong in the challenge, and also offers something going forwards. He models his game on Dani Alves, and could provide the answer to Bacary Sagna’s departure.
9. Alexis Sanchez
Barcelona are looking to offload Sanchez this summer, and he is likely to have a groundswell of admirers. He is phenomenally fast, skilful, and a ruthless finisher. He would provide a great option alongside, or instead of, Olivier Giroud.
10. Michel Vorm
Lukasz Fabianski has just joined Swansea City on a free transfer, which could spell the end of Vorm’s time in Wales. The Dutchman is a powerful and commanding influence in his area, and couples this with incredible athleticism and solid distribution.
11. Leroy Fer
Norwich will be offloading a number of players this summer, and the Dutch midfielder will no doubt be one of those. He didn’t impress in his first season, but his power in the centre of the park is something the Gunners severely lack, and he is highly rated back home.
12. Daryl Janmaat
//www.youtube.com/embed/wcntiF1QvdY
Janmaat is a strong and fast full-back who is likely to feature prominently for the Netherlands this summer. His tough-tackling is a key feature of his style, and Tottenham are known to have been scouting him too. If Wenger is interested, he will face competition.
13. Jeremain Lens
//www.youtube.com/embed/YIzFybIlWcI
Lens can play in various positions along the front line, and has pace to burn. Dynamo Kiev signed him from PSV last summer, and has somewhat gone off the radar of clubs in Europe’s top divisions. If the Gunners showed interest, it would no doubt alert the Dutchman.
14. Pepe Reina
Reina’s prospected move to Napoli appears to be on the rocks, and Arsenal should pounce while the chance is still there. Outstanding distribution, and years of experience in the Premier League should make Reina a target for Wenger, as he looks for a competitor for Szczesny.
15. Iker Casillas
If Casillas can’t win back his regular starting berth at Real Madrid, he may be likely to move on. One of the greatest goalies in the world, Casillas has accumulated countless trophies and caps in his illustrious career, and would be an ideal competitor and mentor for Szczesny at Arsenal.
16. Pedro
//www.youtube.com/embed/bRgxEKERums
Barcelona and Spain’s reliable winger appears to be on his way out of the Blaugrana this summer. Pedro is incredibly hard-working, and one of the most consistent performers for his club and country. His creativity and goal-getting abilities from wide areas should not be passed up, if he becomes fully available.
17. Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas looks likely to join London rivals Chelsea this summer, but Wenger could yet reconsider his decision to pass up on Fabregas’ signature. His astounding vision, range of passing, and goals from midfield would improve the Gunners’ already strong creative midfield. It will be a dangerous move for Wenger to turn down his former captain.
18. Javi Martinez
Javi Martinez has found himself in and out of the Bayern Munich side this season, suggesting Guardiola isn’t wholly happy with his contribution. If Arsenal were to sign him, they’d be getting a versatile, athletic, and technically impressive central midfielder.
19. David Ospina
//www.youtube.com/embed/fCvcrDGrLJI
Out of contract at French club Nice, the Colombian first-choice stopper will be looking for a new club. Wenger is rumoured to be interested in the 25-year-old. Incredible agility, and cat-like reflexes are two of his most prominent attributes.
20. Juan Cuadrado
//www.youtube.com/embed/yWhmdK5YCA8
Fiorentina’s Colombian winger is one of the players to watch this summer. He is rapid, and has the full repertoire of skills on the ball. He is likely to have admirers this summer, and could add the pace that the Gunners were missing on occasions this season.
21. Fredy Guarin
Guarin’s all-action, destructive style would fit the bill for the ‘nasty defensive midfielder’ the Gunners have lacked since the departure of Patrick Vieira. He can play box-to-box, or screen the defence, and his physical presence is a must-have this summer for Arsenal.
22. Jackson Martinez
//www.youtube.com/embed/g9RWZ1SkLhI
Martinez has shown impressive goalscoring form since joining Porto in 2012, scoring 60 goals in two seasons. He is a physical presence, and very athletic. Good with the ball at his feet, and dominant in the air, Martinez could be an improvement on Giroud.
23. Serge Aurier
//www.youtube.com/embed/BWQ2VEtkRSo
Aurier has long been scouted at Arsenal during his time at Toulouse, and he looks likely to join them this summer. He is known Gunners supporter and would have little trouble adapting to the Premier League physically. He looks the most likely replacement for Sagna out there.
24. Salomon Kalou
Kalou is often linked with Arsenal, and since joining Lille he has found better goalscoring form since his Chelsea days. He is sharp and hard-working, and could be a good partner for Olivier Giroud, whilst also possessing the ability to play out wide.
25. Wilfred Bony
Swansea’s powerful Ivorian had a good first season in England, and is now thought to be valued at over £20 million. Both in the air and on the ground, he is a lethal finisher, and has a shot that is rivalled by few.
26. Atsuto Uchida
//www.youtube.com/embed/gxyufXD_ow8
Uchida was linked with Arsenal a few weeks back, but interest seems to have cooled. The right-back seems to have an engine which never tires, and he would be able to provide the energy that the Gunners will lack without Sagna.
27. Yuto Nagatomo
His versatility allows him to fill in on both sides of the field, and Nagatomo has the energy and effort levels to counter any lack of ability. He is committed and his fitness levels allow him to find goalscoring positions on a regular basis.
28. Chris Smalling
Smalling has never nailed down a place at Manchester United, and there has been speculation surrounding his future at the club. Wenger is an admirer, and is thought to be keen to acquire his signature if Louis van Gaal decides against keeping him.
29. Ignazio Abate
Abate’s Milan appeared to dry up under Clarence Seedorf, but since his sacking, he may be in line for a stay. His ability to get up and down the field for 90 minutes at a high intensity allows him to contribute significantly in attack and defence, and he is yet another option to replace Sagna.
30. Lorenzo Insigne
Another small Italian thought to be on Wenger’s radar, Insigne is a gifted player who is lethal with a dead-ball. Napoli’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has laughed off the suggestions that Insigne is worth the rumoured £20 million, and Arsenal would need to pay considerably more to get this talented Italian.
31. Marco Verratti
//www.youtube.com/embed/Ah-BDSECo5A
Wenger is thought to be on the lookout for a replacement for Mikel Arteta, and Verratti could prove that. He makes up for his lack of height with his tenacity, and he has a wide range of passing. He provides creativity from deeper positions, whilst screening the defence effectively.
32. Mario Balotelli
Balotelli has been consistently linked with a move back to the Premier League in the papers recently. He is unsettled in Milan, and is thought to want a move away for another fresh start. He is troublesome, but talented. If anyone can sort him out, surely it’s Arsene Wenger.
33. Abel Hernandez
//www.youtube.com/embed/7MkL_UHlZV4
Hernandez has starred for Palermo in Serie B this season, and his talent suggests he has outgrown his club’s potential. He is a good finisher, both with his feet and his head, and could be set for a move if he impresses this summer.
34. Antoine Griezmann
//www.youtube.com/embed/mzcPUNgZ5AA
Griezmann netted 20 times in 49 games for Real Sociedad this season on the left wing. He is one of the young stars of the World Cup, and he will fetch a high price if he moves on this summer. He’s fast, tricky, scores goals, and contributes to build-up play. His signature is a must for Arsenal.
35. Karim Benzema
Real Madrid’s potential move for Luis Suarez places Benzema’s future in doubt. He is an international superstar, and would fit the bill for the ‘world class’ striker that Gooners have been clamouring for since the loss of Robin van Persie.
36. Morgan Schneiderlin
Injury to Clement Grenier will put the ever-improving Morgan Schneiderlin into the spotlight this summer. A good season at Southampton has rewarded him with a national call-up, and his energy in the middle of the park is something the Gunners have lacked at times this season.
37. Rio Mavuba
He has been somewhat of a late bloomer at Lille, but Mavuba has impressed enough to gain a spot in France’s squad. A fiercely competitive midfielder, and tough-tackler, Mavuba is the type of warrior Arsenal fans want in midfield.
38. Gokhan Inler
//www.youtube.com/embed/Isu2vB_uK04
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Inler is a key man in the heart of Napoli’s and Switzerland’s midfield, and he is the type of midfield general Arsenal lack. He is a hard-worker, and has a tendency to pop up with some impressive goals from long-range.
39. Fabian Schar
Arsene Wenger is a fan of Basel’s young centre-back, and he is one of the most highly-rated players in Switzerland. He impressed in the Champions League this season, and will have even more suitors if he impresses for his country in Brazil.
40. Angel Di Maria
Di Maria has been transformed into more than just a skilful winger under Carlo Ancelotti, featuring regularly in central midfield. His Real Madrid future is still in doubt, but his all-round ability and versatility should make him a primary target if he becomes available.
41. Asmir Begovic
Asmir Begovic has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent goalkeepers over the past few seasons, and he will feature for Bosnia this summer. He is on the radar of a number of top clubs, and would provide serious competition to the number one spot at Arsenal.
42. Sead Kolasinac
//www.youtube.com/embed/mtrDVQLTBxU
Highly-rated by his club side, Schalke, and likely to feature for Bosnia, the ‘Destroyer’ could catch the eye at left-back in Brazil. He’s aggressive and committed, and at just 20, he has years of improvement ahead of him. He may lack finesse in attack, but he more than compensates with his defensive contribution.
43. Vincent Enyeama
//www.youtube.com/embed/SGDAE-6bStQ
The Nigerian ‘keeper had a great season for Lille, conceding just 25 goals in 37 games. He is extravagant, and slightly unorthodox, but he proved his ability this season as he helped Lille gain the third Champions League spot in France. He is another who could rival Szczesny.
44. Thomas Muller
Muller’s Bayern future is uncertain, having recently admitted to being unsure of whether he is in Guardiola’s grand plans. Incredibly hard-working and versatile, Muller could feature up front or out on the right for Arsenal.
45. Sami Khedira
A season-long injury has resulted in Khedira becoming a forgotten man at Real Madrid. Arsenal are in need of a defensive midfielder, and Khedira could fit the mould. His friendship with Mesut Ozil could assist the transition, and a fresh start could see him recover his previously impressive form.
46. William Carvalho
//www.youtube.com/embed/Dld9uMC2jyE
Carvalho is highly-coveted, with Manchester United having already made an attempt to sign him. He is very strong, and composed on the ball in midfield. His would strengthen the Gunners in the middle of the park, whilst his composure in possession wouldn’t weaken them technically.
47. Brad Guzan
Aston Villa’s American stopper is unlikely to want to languish at the foot of the table for another season, and he has proven himself capable of playing at a higher level. If it wasn’t for his heroics, Villa may have been relegated last year. He could look for a move to a bigger club if he tires of fighting relegation.
48. Axel Witsel
Zenit St. Petersburg’s Belgian midfield general is central to his national side’s hopes this summer. Since his exile from Belgium in 2009, following a horror tackle, has matured Witsel, and he is a key component for both club and country. His dominance in the centre of the field has echoes of Patrick Vieira.
49. Kevin Mirallas
Everton’s Belgian maestro was on the radar of Wenger before he opted for a move to Everton to secure more playing time. Since then, he has flourished in the Premier League, demonstrating his fantastic technical abilities. He can play up front, or out wide, which should make him an interesting prospect for Arsenal.
50. Son Heung-min
//www.youtube.com/embed/w6NyUCCdYK8
A pacey and two-footed attacker, Son is a highly-prized player for Bayer Leverkusen. He impressed in his first season at the club, and will be key to South Korea’s hopes this summer. He can play in a variety of positions, with his intelligent movement and eye for goal making him one to monitor this summer.
Arsene Wenger must sign a striker to replace Olivier Giroud, with QPR’s Loic Remy the best option available, according to Arsenal hero Ray Parlour.
It was confirmed yesterday that the Gunners’ main forward will not play again in 2014 after breaking his leg late on in the 2-2 draw with Everton over the weekend, which has left the Londoners short on options in the final third.
Alexis Sanchez has been dubbed as the most likely replacement, but with the Chilean far from being a physical presence there may be added responsibility for Yaya Sanogo – who is yet to score a league goal for the London club.
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Parlour believes that even before Giroud’s injury his old side needed more cover, and that now a move for Remy is potentially the only viable option for Wenger so late in the transfer window:
“[Wenger] needed to strengthen even before Giroud [was ruled out],” he told talkSPORT.
“Remy is probably the only option. He is not a lot of money in this day and age. You can get him for about £8million.
“Newcastle fans will tell you that, on his day, he is a very good finisher and top player. Maybe he is the man they go for. They need back-up.
“You look at Manchester City and they are so much stronger [in the striking department]. That is the difference between a side that is going to try and go a long way in the Champions League and win the Premier League than probably Arsenal in the moment.”
Remy almost joined Liverpool earlier this summer, but the deal was scuppered as he failed a medical with the Merseyside club.
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The 27-year-old has an £8.5m release clause in his contract for teams in Champions League action.
//www.youtube.com/embed/7sUM074rKhA
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These are strange days indeed to be a Wales supporter. Whereas previous starts to qualifying campaigns have more often than not gone disastrously – the 5-1 home defeat to Slovakia in the Euro 2008 qualifiers being a particularly traumatic example – the Dragons are currently top of their group, with a chance to progress to the 2016 European Championships in France a real possibility.
Two wins and a draw represents a great start for Chris Coleman’s men. Since the top two teams in each group now qualify automatically for the finals, not to mention a play-off berth for the third-placed side, there is a real belief among the players and, most significantly, the long-suffering fans that the hoodoo of 1958 – the last time Wales qualified for a major tournament – can finally be broken.
Nevertheless, it would be unfair to conclude that it is only due to the revised and simplified qualification process that Wales stand any chance of succeeding where so often they have fallen short. After a slow, unconvincing beginning to his tenure, Coleman has built an organised, hard-to-beat side containing an exciting mixture of young talent, established Premier Leaguers and a genuine world-class star.
In spite of the huge setback of having eleven players withdraw from the squad for the double-header against Bosnia and Hercegovina and Cyprus last week, including first team regulars Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen, the depleted Welsh performed heroically to draw against the Bosnians and beat the Cypriots, which is testament to Coleman’s leadership and the strong team spirit which is unifying the whole team.
‘Together Stronger’ is the slogan for Wales’ campaign – a rough translation of the Welsh motto Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae – and it is Gareth Bale who is the epitomy of this newfound togetherness within the squad. His unbridled joy at the end of the Cyprus match was captivating, his passionate rallying of the crowd after winning a corner against Bosnia stirring, and it was he who initiated the post-match huddle after both games, instructing the players to applaud the fans before heading into the tunnel.
So crucial is Bale’s presence as a motivator and morale-booster that it is arguably these attributes that Wales rely on most, rather than his immense footballing talents. The Real Madrid man failed to score in both games, yet his sheer enthusiasm and unrestrained, contagious determination to see his country succeed galvanised the entire stadium, let alone his teammates.
Such are the demands of playing for the world’s biggest football club that there were fears that Bale’s move to Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur might have led to less frequent participation with the national set-up. Interestingly, however, it seems to have had the opposite effect, with Bale playing the full 90 minutes in all three qualifying games so far.
At Spurs, Bale was very much the star man, the key player that the side could not do without; at Real, on the other hand, he has become another superstar player in a whole team of world-class talent. It may simply be the case that with Wales, Bale relishes being the most important player in the team once more, a luxury he lost when he moved to the Bernabeu.
There is a long way to go for Wales in this qualifying campaign, of course. But if Chris Coleman’s men can maintain the admirable team spirit and unity they have displayed so far – spearheaded by the inspirational Bale – then a 58-year wait may finally come to an end.
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