All posts by h716a5.icu

It is a sad thing when one of football’s most promising talents slips into obscurity because of injury – and that is exactly what happened to Matt Jansen.

It is a dangerous world for the talented to enter – the dazzling lights of the Premier League, the stardom, the expectations, the highs and lows, rejection and jubilation.

And former forward Matt Jansen’s career encompasses them all, and some.

It really is a tragic tale to analyse. The story of the man who had it all cruelly ripped away by one of sports most unwanted events.

Jansen had just made his £4 million move from Crystal Palace when the reality hit him – the very conscious moment that he was about to take his inaugural leap into stardom, the pivotal moment of his life, under the watchful guidance of Premier League winning side Blackburn Rovers.

Ok – it did not quite turn out as planned, with Blackburn suffering relegation soon after, but 24 goals in 48 matches on the road back to the topflight really showed that he meant business, as did the 16 he netted when he finally made it to the sacred land of Premier League football.

Ironically, it was being on the cusp of something so special that brought down a special career.

The World Cup squad selection was looming, and Jansen was touted as one of the obvious selections, given his form and ability.

He recounted his experience.

“Sven Goran Eriksson was at our game at Liverpool the day before the squad was announced and he told Graeme Souness that I should try not to get injured because I was going to the World Cup,” Jansen recalled (as per the Independent).

“It was quite a shock,” he said.

“But apparently, Sven and Tord Grip decided they should have an extra defender and so, at the 11th hour, they took Martin Keown instead of me.”

Like the proverbial flap of the butterflies wings, the decision to leave Jansen out of the squad would kickstart a chain of events that would irreversibly change the course of his life.

During an extended break from the game, spent with his girlfriend, and now wife, Jansen was involved in a serious crash that left him with a brain haemorrhage and in a coma for six days.

“I recovered physically, but not mentally. Before the accident I was on fire, I was on the verge of an England call-up. I was high on confidence – but I could never regain that,” Jansen recounted years later after returning to the game (Independent).

“The psychologists and psychiatrists and brain surgeons said I shouldn’t have played for 18 months – if at all,” says Jansen. “But I felt ready. However, though I might have been physically ready, I wasn’t mentally ready. I had psychological problems. I was playing, but I was my own worst critic after the accident.”

He then went on to discuss the mental effects of not feeling good enough – the depressing slumps in professional football after falling from the limelight, the challenges of recovery and the constant pressures he could never overcome.

Despite returning to Premier League football, Jansen freely admits he was never the same, and after some brief stints in the top divisions, he eventually succumbed to his fate, dropping down to play in the lowest tiers for Wrexham, Leigh Genesis FC and Chorley before giving the game up together – immortalised as one of the most profound cases of ‘what if?’

[ad_pod ]

Nacho Novo has opened up about his friend Alfredo Morelos this week in light of his most recent showing against Kilmarnock, which saw him make the headlines in typically controversial fashion.

What’s the word?

The Colombian goal machine simply cannot stay out of the limelight. Whether he is scoring goals, getting into disputes with the opposition or, as is so often the case, a bit of both, Morelos is a man who is never too far away from the headlines.

Kirk Broadfoot, a former Rangers player, managed to provoke the volatile attacker on Saturday, but the incident did not see either player go into the referee’s book.

In an interview with Evening Times, Novo gave his verdict on the confrontation and suggested that Broadfoot’s decision to trod on Morelos’ heel was premeditated.

“That’s been planned. Kirk knows how to wind people up and that’s what it’s all about.

“Players are going to target strong personalities and wait for a reaction. Everybody wants to win a game and if you can get rid of the other team’s top goalscorer it’s a big help.”

Hot-headed reputation will cause problems – time to cash in?

While Novo is not directly suggesting that the Kilmarnock man’s premeditated attempt to rattle Morelos is part of a wider problem, there is no doubt that every defender in the division will be inclined to rile him up.

Does Steven Gerrard want Rangers to be defined by recurring stories over Morelos and his ability to keep a cool head? The damage has already been done to his reputation and defenders will actively look to exploit his weak spot in any way possible, as Novo has alluded to.

Interest from across Europe is likely to emerge in the summer months and Gerrard will be faced with a huge dilemma if and when it comes around, with the Rangers chief likely to be torn over the 22-year-old’s future.

An acute awareness of how his star striker will be targeted by SPFL defenders may well force him to cash in if a substantial offer arrives.

[ad_pod ]

Wolverhampton Wanderers fans on Twitter have been split by transfer speculation linking their striker Diogo Jota with a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Portugal man has been pivotal for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men at times this season, aiding them greatly in their push for seventh position in the Premier League.

His six goals and four assists in the league have been key and the player has also been able to further cement his place as a firm fan favourite at Molineux in 2018/2019.

It’s for these reasons that some supporters have been so apprehensive about Jota’s possible departure on Twitter, one commenting “no chance” and another simply telling Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs that they can “dream on.”

Other members of the wolf pack have shown slightly different attitudes, discounting the rumours as simple paper talk and even eyeing up a swap deal involving Son Heung-min of the Lilywhites.

What’s your club’s best chant? Check out the video below for a Wolves epic that surely has to be one of the best in English football…

Check out those and the rest of the best reactive Tweets from Wolves supporters, below…

[ad_pod ]

Arsenal fans on Twitter have been up in arms about Jermaine Jenas’ top four predictions.

The former England international has predicted his former club Tottenham will pip Arsenal to a Champions League spot and he also expects Manchester United to join them in Europe’s premiere competition next season.

Arsenal leapfrogged Spurs on Monday after beating Newcastle 2-0. Tottenham, on the other hand, are going through an awful run of form picking up just one point in their last five games.

Jenas believes Arsenal’s tough run of away games will cost them a spot in the top four highlighting clashes against Burnley, Crystal Palace, Watford and Everton as potential stumbling blocks.

“It’s as tough as it gets away from home for them, I would say, in terms of the places you’re going to and what they’re fighting for,” Jenas told premierleague.com.

“Burnley are going to be fighting all the way, [Crystal] Palace are still going to need wins; Watford are going to be past their FA Cup semi-final and will be right at it; Everton are back in form.

“It’s going to be tough for everyone, don’t get me wrong, but I think it’ll end up as Spurs and Manchester United in the top four.”

Gunners on Twitter can’t believe Jenas’ predictions and have vocalised their annoyance at the pundit’s views.

Many fans are attributing the prediction down to Jenas’ bias towards his former club and are doubting his credentials as a pundit.

Here’s what Arsenal fans have been saying on Twitter…

[ad_pod ]

Over the course of the last few seasons, Declan Rice has emerged as one of English football’s most exciting young talents, his rise resulting in a place in Gareth Southgate’s most recent England squad.

There is no doubting the West Ham youngster’s potential, although there still remains a debate over whether his qualities are best served in defence or midfield. So, what does Rice need to do to silence the doubters and emerge as a world-class presence in the middle of the park? Football FanCast’s writers give their verdicts below…

James Beavis – Leadership

“At the moment, Rice is a player that is consistently producing 8/10 performances for West Ham United, sometimes almost under the radar. To become a world-class midfielder he needs to start being more of a leader on the pitch and impose himself on matches even more. He needs to be the star man every week instead of merely the reliable one doing his job at a high level. He can learn a lot from Mark Noble in that respect, and that can be the difference for the 20-year-old if he wants to make it to the very top.”

Ben Goodwin – Keep it up

“At just 20 with barely a full season of first team football under his belt, Rice has to do little more than what he is doing right now. The twice-capped ace is controlling matches for the Hammers, and the technical qualities of this young crop of English midfielders are a breath of fresh air. Stay fit, stay consistent, keep performing and keep learning and the world class tag will arrive in no time.”

Jack Saville – Distribution

“Rice has the well-rounded skill-set to rise into the world class bracket. He is remarkably excellent and consistent with his distribution considering he started his career in central defence, but if he can fine-tune that aspect of his game he could step further upfield into a box-to-box role. Modelling his game on a complete all-rounder like Fernandinho could transform him into one of the Premier League’s best.”

Christy Malyan – Goals

“Deep-lying midfielders are never going to be judged on goals but it’s becoming increasingly rare for those in the engine room to boast the height and aerial prowess of a centre-half, something Rice demonstrated with great effect during his previous stints in defence. As there will usually be at least two centre-backs on the pitch already when he plays, he should be the free man at set pieces or at the very least marked by someone who will struggle to match him in the air. That should result in plenty of goals and if he provides them while maintaining his usual standard of performance, he’ll be an exceptionally unique commodity.” 

[ad_pod ]

Fulham value Ryan Sessegnon at £40million, with Tottenham Hotspur interested in signing the left-back, according to the Daily Mail.

Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be plotting a summer overhaul of his squad as Spurs prepare for their first season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s the word?

Sessegnon has been a shining light in Fulham’s dismal season this term, with the Cottagers already having been relegated to the Championship.

The 18-year-old has missed just three games in the Premier League in 2018-19 and has scored two goals and laid on six assists.

His performances have seen Spurs identify him as a key target ahead of the transfer window and they are poised to table a formal bid soon.

However, Spurs value the teenager at closer to £25m and it remains to be seen if the two clubs will be able to agree to a compromise in the coming weeks.

The new Shaw

Pochettino has worked his magic on left-backs before.

Luke Shaw became the world’s most expensive teenager when he moved from Southampton to Manchester United after blossoming under the tutelage of the Argentine.

The 5 foot 10 youngster has been playing in a much poorer team than Spurs this season and would benefit hugely from working under Pochettino.

A deal worth £40m may seem steep but could prove to be excellent value in the long run, with Shaw an example to follow.

Sessegnon has the raw tools to become one of the best full-backs in the league – he is quick, excellent in attack and has a genuine eye for goal, although his defensive game still requires some work – and he could also move further forward into a left wing role.

He would surely replace Ben Davies in the short-term – the Welshman is not the marauding force Sessegnon is – and he could become a genuine Premier League star in north London.

Ashley Fletcher was sensational at Bolton on Tuesday night, and with his two-goal display, provided more ammunition for fans in their growing frustration at manager, Tony Pulis.

His refusal to play the 23-year-old more, or give him a long run in the team, has been something the fans have been vocal about during the recent bad run Boro’ have endured.

If the Teesside club do miss out on the play-offs, they will wonder why Pulis did not turn to the young striker earlier, despite his argument that the player’s age means he cannot play in every game.

Fletcher, who endured a tough time on loan at rivals Sunderland last season, was speaking today before the game against Hull on Saturday, which Pulis has already hinted he will start in.

He only scored two goals for the Black Cats during his temporary spell at the Stadium Of Light, but insists that, even when he was struggling for form, he “never ducked the issue” and it helped him “develop as a player”.

He said: “I think the experiences of last season have helped me, 100 per cent.

“In a weird way, it was definitely character building for me. I had to grow up a lot and handle a lot of things. The biggest thing was that I never ducked the issue, and that’s been important for helping me develop as a player.

“We all knew we were in trouble, but I didn’t hide away, and so whatever is thrown at me in the future, I know I can handle it and deal with it.

“As long as you go out there and give 100 per cent, that’s all you can influence as a player. That’s an important lesson I learned.”

His form recently with Boro’ has been anything but a struggle, however, and he will hope to see that continue by scoring against Hull this weekend, with fans eager for him succeed.

There has always been a big rivalry between Boro’ and their neighbours up the A19, and Fletcher’s comments on the Wearsiders promotion hopes this season may upset a few of the Riverside faithful, regardless of him having spent time there last season.

He added: “In a strange way, I have to thank Sunderland. I went there as their number nine, and it’s a huge club. I hope to see them back in the Championship next season.”

But his loyalties are well and truly on Boro’ now, and it will be interesting to see the decision Pulis makes if he puts in another good performance against Hull, particularly with the manager’s insistence that he needs rest between games.

The manager may be in for a torrid time if he leaves the young striker out again, and the following results go against them.

What do you think of Ashley Fletcher’s performance at Bolton on Tuesday? Do you agree he needs rest, or would you give him a decent run in the side? Let us know your thoughts…

[ad_pod ]

Liverpool fans on Twitter have been showing their frustration with Dejan Lovren after he was ruled out of Wednesday’s Champions League game against Porto due to illness.

Lovren has missed a whole host of games for Liverpool due to injury and illness this season, making only 14 appearances for the Reds in all competitions this season.

During Lovren’s absence, Joel Matip has firmly established himself as Virgil Van Dijk’s partner at the back and with Joe Gomez’s imminent return Lovren appears to be slipping down to fourth in the pecking order when it comes to Liverpool’s centre-halves.

As well as losing his place in the team he has seemingly lost the backing of the supporters. The Anfield faithful have become more and more frustrated with Lovren’s lack of fitness and certain sections of the fanbase are now calling for him to be sold this summer after his latest set back.

Here’s what Liverpool fans have been saying on Twitter…

Well, the smile has certainly been wiped off of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s face.

There isn’t really any reason to smile right now for the Manchester United fans, who’ve been haunted by the reality that their team just isn’t very good. Or particularly care.

That’s the crux of it.

To his credit, Solskjaer isn’t crumbling to this pressure. Even after the embarrassing drubbing at Goodison Park, he was the first to head into the away section to apologize to the fans. Indeed, he looked genuinely disturbed after the game and gave some bold statements to prove he isn’t sailing into the sunset anytime soon.

The Norwegian pointed out how he’ll be successful in the club and there are some players who won’t be there to share the success. A direct shot to the mediocrity plaguing the club, Solskjaer must put his money where his mouth his to back up this statement.

This means he must have complete authority over who stays and who goes. Anything else is hollow.

While a miracle can still help them qualify for the UEFA Champions League, tough games ahead mean that is almost impossible. Even if United are without Champions League duties, it can actually be a blessing in disguise for the overhaul process. Solskjaer can decide whom to push out in the summer, give time to his new signings and properly implement his structure over next season.

It’s not a race, but a marathon for United to regain long-lost glory. Solskjaer just needs to make sure they reach the finish line soon, having to make some tough decisions in determining how his Manchester United will operate going forward.

United fans, do you think Solskjaer needs total control over the squad to bring success? Join the discussion by commenting below…

If you were to tell any Sheffield United supporter at the start of the season that their side would secure automatic promotion with one game left to play in the Championship, they would have understandably been a tad bemused.

However, with Chris Wilder leading a revolution at Bramall Lane, the Blades have been one of the stand-out sides in the second tier and are fully deserving of the recognition they are now receiving for clinching a top-two finish.

Whereas the likes of David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp have been incredibly impressive throughout the current campaign, it was Aston Villa loanee Scott Hogan who kicked off celebrations at Bramall Lane last week with a fantastic flick to give his side the lead against Ipswich Town.

Although the forward has experienced success at Championship level before, in order to try and persuade Wilder to sign him on a permanent deal, he must produce an eye-catching performance at the bet365 Stadium when United take on Stoke City on Sunday.

Having scored just two goals since joining the club in the January transfer window, it could be argued that the £4.5m-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) may not be good enough to make the step up to the Premier League next season. However, by proving that he can thrive in the club’s 3-5-2 system at the weekend, Hogan may provide an ultimatum for his manager to consider over the summer.

Even if he cannot persuade the Blades to commit to a move, the Republic of Ireland international could still put himself in the shop window by illustrating his wide array of talents against Stoke. By doing this, Hogan may be able to keep his career on track after a tough two years following his departure from Brentford in 2017.

What do you think United fans? Should Wilder consider making a permanent move for Hogan in the summer? If not, who should he target instead when the transfer window opens in July? Let us know below.