John Terry says Luka Modric would be a valuable addition to the Chelsea squad if he were to move to Stamford Bridge.The 25-year-old Modric told Spurs of his desire to leave the English Premier League club and has handed in a transfer request after a public spat with chairman Daniel Levy.
Chelsea have already seen two bids for the Croatia midfielder turned down, but England captain Terry has made it clear that Modric would be welcomed with open arms should he complete the transfer.
“He’s a world-class player who is very difficult to play against,” Terry told Sky Sports News.
“He’s very agile, very quick and a great finisher like we’ve seen over many years.”
“We’ve got a good squad of players. If he comes he could certainly add to that.”
Terry also believes that Fernando Torres will be back to his best in the coming season after enduring a season blighted by injury and poor form.
“He backs himself,” Terry said. “He realises from the World Cup he had a slight injury and carried that towards the end of last season.”
“He feels fresh, he’s happy. He’s fully settled. I’m certainly looking for him to get double figures, goals-wise.”
“He was still good at times last year. He’s a world-class player and the price tag is a big weight to carry on your shoulders.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“He’s got all the ability in the world. He’s very quick and a great finisher.”
“We’re delighted to have him and if he can bring goals along with what we already have then fantastic.”
Wigan only survived by the skin of their teeth last season much in part to the goals of Charles N’Zogbia who left for Aston Villa this summer. Roberto Martinez will have to work miracles at the DW Stadium this season with David Jones the only new face. The loss of N’Zogbia is a hammer blow with all the pace, creativity and goals coming from the Frenchman last season. Hugo Rodallega is their only real attacking threat but the rest of the team is sadly lacking in Premier League quality. James McCarthy doesn’t fall into that bracket but he is only one player and the emphasis will be on him to perform more consistently next season. The lack of signings will come back to haunt Martinez who is facing up to a difficult season at the DW.
Norwich on the other hand have been buying players left, right and centre after their promotion back to the Premier League. Manager Paul Lambert has taken his side from League One to the top flight in only two years at the helm. He’s boosted his squad’s chances of surviving with some decent signings. Steve Morison, James Vaughan, Kyle Naughton and Bradley Johnson are just some of the more notable players brought in to aid the survival push. Captain Grant Holt will be the key man though if they are to stay up. He is the heartbeat of the Canaries and their main goal scoring threat over the last few seasons. Win, lose or draw the Canaries will be chirping at every game and enjoying the ride they never thought they’d see again.
I can’t see Wigan getting anything from this and Norwich will be riding the crest of a wave that has been going since Lambert reinvigorated the club. I can see a repeat of last season’s opening game when Blackpool came, saw and conquered.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Verdict: 1-3
Fancy a flutter ahead of the Premier League kick-off – visit Goaldash to find out more information… Good Luck!
Liverpool have started the season like a train and the deadline day additions certainly bodes well ahead of an important season for the football club. There aren’t many weaknesses within Kenny’s squad and it is more than capable of a top four finish.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include Carroll comparisons unfair; no limit to Liverpool side, while the Dalglish factor secured Bellamy deal.
We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.
An unnecessary evil in the world of football?
‘Six of the Best’ – Liverpool’s greatest Premier League matches
Demise came well before his move to Liverpool
Is this really the limit for this Liverpool side?
Duncan Ferguson in disguise? An unfair comparison!
Liverpool Fans should ignore this obvious agenda
Kenny Dalglish has benefit of another almost NEW signing
Dalglish factor convinced Bellamy to join Reds
Is it not worth paying out the extra millions earlier in the process?
Best of WEB
HENRY IS RIGHT TO QUESTION THE SENSE OF JUST 15K EXTRA SEATS – Live4Liverpool
Downing & Enrique | Effectiveness Vs BWFC – Anfield Index
Happy days as silly season ends – Anfield Road
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
WHY I’M EXPECTING A BIG SEASON FROM THIS £20M MAN- Live4Liverpool
Kenny Has LFC Back At Rafa’s Level – Tomkins Times
[divider]
Click on Miss Santarelli below to see her in all her glory
Chelsea may have lost to Manchester United last weekend, but there’s only one way to see the Blues bounce back against Swansea on Saturday – from a Stamford Bridge Box.
If it’s something you’ve never done before, make sure you put that right straight away. Be treated like a VIP at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Football FanCast and 188BET. Not only that, but you can join the Chelsea FanCast boys in the box and meet your favourite podcast presenters!
You can win two places in the box for Chelsea v Swansea on Saturday 24th September, simply by signing up to 188BET and depositing £10 of cash. That’s what Rob and Paul did, and they won places in a Stamford Bridge box for Chelsea v Norwich. This is what they thought of the experience…
Rob (talking to Chidge at Chelsea FanCast): “Just got home, long way but so worth it, what a fantastic day, it was great to finally meet you and tell you in person what a great job you do on the FanCast.
What a great FanCast; always gives me a little buzz when I get a mention, so can you imagine my delight today, it was fantastic to meet you boys and you were right we were well up for it. I have been going to Chelsea for over twenty five years and had some great days but that one was up there with the best!!”
Paul had just as much fun: “Taken all day to recover. Great thing was to watch the game with fellow proper fans. The podcast will be interesting, as this time I was with you when the game was on. Great day. Thanks mate.”
Sounds great, doesn’t it? Make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to experience for yourself and enter our competition now to win two places in a box at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea v Swansea.
Click here to win VIP tickets to Chelsea v Swansea
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Put your hand up if you envisaged Newcastle United occupying a top four spot come the second week of October. Keep that hand raised if you thought they’d still be unbeaten in the Premier League during that period. I’m expecting everyone’s arms to be firmly down by their sides right now. Raise your hand if you thought they would be struggling at the bottom of the table right now. Arms should be flinging up into the air right now, fingers ridged and pointing directly upwards. Unfortunately for all of those currently suspending their appendages high above their heads they are completely and utterly wrong with their predictions. Under the infectious management of Alan Pardew the Toon Arm are actually sitting pretty at the top of end of the table and guarding a seven game unbeaten record they have fought tooth and nail to protect. Despite losing their number nine and captain in the summer along with having to deal with the destructive nature of everyone’s favourite tweeter Joey Barton the club have brushed it aside to begin the campaign in formidable fashion. Whilst the admirers have flocked to St James’ Park and replenished the confidence inside it’s walls with compliment after compliment the truth is Newcastle have yet to see their powers fully tested to the limit. Yes they played Arsenal at the start of the season but Arsene Wenger’s Gunners were steeped in turmoil during that time and since then the opposition have been lacking in the quality of those normally residing in the top six.
Tottenham make the long trip to Tyneside on Sunday looking to continue their fine recent run that has seen them win the last five in all competitions and also give the Geordies their first taste of defeat since losing 3-0 to Liverpool at the start of May. Despite their positive start to the season the fact that Newcastle have to come up against a team possessing genuine quality means people are still yet to be convinced that the club can exceed their mid-table expectations this year. Whilst you have to live by the old adage of ‘you have to play whats in front of you’ there is the worry that the Toon could crumble against a side who’s calibre exceeds that of the Blackburn’s and Fulham’s of this world. Whatever the result against Tottenham on Sunday it’s certain that it could prove to be a defining moment in Newcastle United’s season and give a clearer indication of the direction they will head.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
A substantial amount of worry still hangs over the full backs at Newcastle with right back Danny Simpson and makeshift left back Ryan Taylor both weak links in the defence. Despite conceding only four goals in their seven games doubt still persist as to whether the pair are up to sufficient standard. Arguably it would be harsh to criticise Taylor due to the fact he has been operating in an unnatural position filling the hole left by Jose Enrique. Presumably he’ll be up against either right winger Aaron Lennon or Rafael Van Der Vaart on Sunday. Both can cause Taylor problems with Lennon especially dangerous due to his speed and trickery. Luckily Jonas Gutierrez is there to double up and help him out with the defensive duties. On the opposite flank Simpson isn’t so lucky and has the unenviable task of keeping Gareth Bale out of the game. The Welshman’s game consists of driving at defenders and using his strength and pace to get past and whip a cross in. Simpson lacks both the pace and defensive know how to combat a player like Bale and with the Gabriel Obertan playing in front of him he could be in for a torrid afternoon. Same goes for centre halves Steven Taylor and captain Fabricio Coloccini who, despite looking impenetrable so far, will have their hands full with Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defore spearheading Redknapp’s attack. Tim Krul, who has been invincible between the sticks, is also suceptible to a morale drop should he start conceding.
I’m not saying that Spurs will destroy Newcastle’s season in just one game but could put a dent in the confidence that has been built up since the first whistle back in August. Should the defence take a battering their self-assurance will inevitably drop and that will reverberate through the rest of the team. It’s always said that confidence starts in defence and spreads outwards and thats what the the back four has done this season. They have exuded an assertiveness that has given the players in front of them the trust and faith to go out and attempt to win games knowing they can rely on their teammates to sweep up their mistakes. Should the trust and faith start to recede the risks that were took to win games won’t be taken anymore with a more cautious philosophy adopted that could see victories dry up. This is where Pardew and his fabled man management techniques come into play.
Not forgetting that a win over a team as good as Tottenham could see confidence soar and change the opinion of those still writing Newcastle off. A victory over Redknapp’s side will be massive and could act as a catalyst to drive the club to continue their tremendous form. However the spectre of defeat still hangs ominously waiting to ruthlessly strike. Only then will we be able to see which direction the club will take from then. Will Pardew be able to galvanise his players and maintain the high levels of confidence within dressing room or will it mark the beginning of a downward spiral? I’m not going to hedge my bets and make assumption just yet.
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Whenever a club is underachieving it seems inevitable that somebody will become a scapegoat. It is one of the few guarantees in the beautiful game with many players succumbing to this fate. And Andy Carroll is the latest to be reined in.
After joining on deadline day in January, Carroll has been unable to hit the heights expected of him as the £35 million replacement for Fernando Torres which has led to the media and some Liverpool supporters wondering whether he is up to the task.
Questions have been raised over his on-pitch attitude, fitness and lifestyle, but with Kenny Dalglish refusing to criticise the striker, it seems that people on the outside have got it in for him. So is this a case of the media sensationalising something that all players go through? Or is patience starting to run thin with the 22-year-old?
Nobody can doubt that Carroll has so far failed to live up to expectations but it is becoming redundant to read that spending £35 million on a striker should equal goals and his so far goal shy Anfield career makes him useless. And while it is obvious that strikers will be judged by how often they get on the scoresheet, it is not the only thing to consider.
His time on Merseyside has been plagued by injuries that have prevented him from showing his power and eye for goal. Having joined the club with a torn thigh muscle it took until March before he could finally make his debut and after opening his account with two goals against Manchester City and looking sharp he suffered another injury setback, which has been linked to a lack of professionalism. But many young players suffer injuries when they play a lot of football and as the main striker at St. James’ Park it was likely that his body would suffer some affects.
On top of that, England manager Fabio Capello said that he needed to control his drinking to reach the top but club manager Dalglish rubbished these suggestions. When asked by a reporter about the player’s off-pitch antics the Scot claimed that “nobody knows” what his lifestyle is and that the press “milk” an unimportant issue. It is clear that King Kenny does not believe there is a problem and if the man that sees him day in and day out has no worries, then there is little to argue.
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]
A big factor in this debate is the lack of game time Carroll has had because of his trouble adapting to the Liverpool style of play. Newcastle got the most from the striker because they utilised their wingers, getting in plenty of crosses and long balls that allowed Carroll to use his power and top class heading ability. Now at Anfield, the fluid, attacking style of play is unsuited to his strengths and despite Dalglish bringing in Stewart Downing to get crosses in, the plan is yet to succeed and with no out and out winger on the right the goal chances are drying up.
This is why he is dropped even after scoring important goals. Grabbing a goal in the Merseyside derby was a big step in getting the fans on side but in the following games against Manchester United and Norwich he was back on the bench and prevented from building his confidence.
The reason for this has been the superb form of Liverpool’s other signings. Fellow January signing Luis Suarez has been a revelation at Anfield since joining from Ajax, scoring freely and fitting in seamlessly so when Carroll was given the opportunity to play he has been expected to do the same. And this season, Craig Bellamy has marked his return with his own passionate displays which have put unwarranted pressure on the £35 million man.
It is easily forgotten that last season was his first campaign as a first-choice Premier League striker and he was instantly thrown into the limelight with 11 goals in 19 appearances for Newcastle. His performance against Arsenal in the Magpies’ 1-0 win showed his immense potential but at just 22 he is yet to develop as a rounded football and reach his peak, and having been signed whilst injured, manager Kenny Dalglish clearly has the “six years not six months” mindset with this buy.
Andy Carroll is a superb talent going through a rough patch. He has scored 17 goals in 56 Premier League games during his career, hardly a poor record for someone so young. Every footballer has a spell like this and the best players always come through it. His injury problems have made the spell last longer and the fact that Liverpool are off the pace has left everyone wanting answers. If the club were really becoming impatient with him it would be clear to see but with the form of Suarez and Bellamy it is simply a matter of Dalglish playing his best team on the day. Dalglish is confident that Carroll will repay his price tag and so should everyone else. The fans and the media need to lay off him and let him get to what he knows best. The best years of his career are ahead of him. He will be Liverpool’s next great number nine.
What do you think? Is Carroll a good player or another for the scrapheap? Have your say. Comment below or follow me on Twitter @jrobbins1991.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Watch Liverpool v Swansea LIVE from the Legends Lounge, there are still TWO places left! Click on the banner below to enter
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled his side’s 2-2 draw with Benfica a cruel result, and stated that he was happy with the performance of his team.
A Phil Jones own goal was cancelled out by Dimitar Berbatov’s strike, and United went into the lead through Darren Fletcher on the hour mark before being pegged back by Pablo Aimar.
The result moves the Portuguese team to top of Group C on the basis of the two teams’ results against each other, and Jorge Jesus’ side face hapless Otelul Galati at home in their last game.
The English champions meanwhile must travel to Switzerland to take on Basel, who are only a point behind United currently.
Despite the Old Trafford team being put into an uncomfortable position, the Scottish coach has full belief in his players.
“It’s going to be a hard game but the chips are down for us and I’ve got every confidence in my team,” he told Sky Sports.
“That was very disappointing. We played so well tonight. We made a lot of good chances, played some really great football. I have no fault with my players at all. They deserve better.
“That’s the game. It’s a cruel game at times and it was cruel for us tonight.
“(It was) a bit freakish to be honest with you – an own goal and then a bad kick out from David De Gea.
“I think we had to get into a rhythm and a tempo. We had a bad start. It was a goal after three or four minutes. It does take the steam out of you, it takes the wind from your sails a little bit.
“Once they went to the game they played really well and they should have maybe been two or three up at half-time. I think it was very unfortunate we didn’t win that game,” he concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
United are back to domestic duties at the weekend, and host Newcastle at home on Saturday.
Chelsea have kept their title ambitions alive, as they beat Manchester City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
Andre Villas Boas’ men had to come from a goal down to get the three points after the visitors started the brighter; Mario Balotelli converted after two minutes following excellent build up play from Sergio Aguero.
Raul Meireles managed to tie things up after 34 minutes, slotting home from close range after a great run and cross by former City attacker Daniel Sturridge.
The game changed on the hour mark, as Gael Clichy was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Ramires.
With the game heading towards a draw, Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minutes, as Joleon Lescott was adjudged to have handled a Sturridge shot; substitute Frank Lampard dispatched the spot kick to give The Blues an invaluable three points.
After the game victorious coach Villas Boas was delighted with his team’s display, and feels Chelsea’s title ambitions are still alive.
“Our objective was to shorten the distance to the leaders today, and we managed to do exactly that, but we don’t take extra flavour from being the first team to beat them,” he told Sky Sports.
“We needed to do our job to get our Premiership challenge back on track, and I think it’s pretty much alive now.
“I think the fact that also other teams won, Man Utd won, Arsenal won all of us are chasing now and all of them are putting pressure on Man City so a lot of team still competing in this league.
“Again December fixtures will be decisive, Tottenham still with a game in hand so it’s very hard at the moment,” he admitted.
Meanwhile City have lost their unbeaten Premier League record, but Mancini hopes his side can start another run in the near future.
“We can do nothing about losing the record. We are at the top and we knew that it was possible to lose one game.
“I think that tonight after the Chelsea game we should draw or win the next match. We have worked well until now and we should continue.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I hope that we can go another 14 games without losing,” he concluded.
City’s lead at the top of the division is now only two points, and Chelsea have moved up to third, seven points adrift of the leaders.
QPR have announced that they will appeal against the red card handed down to Joey Barton in their 2-1 defeat to Norwich on Monday night.
The temperamental midfielder was sent off for supposedly head-butting Bradley Johnson in the clash at Loftus Road, but has maintained his innocence over the event.
Hoops manager Neil Warnock was also vocal in his displeasure with the decision, and QPR will challenge against any further disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, Barton’s rant against referee Neil Swarbrick and supposed play-actor Johnson has continued on Twitter.
“I wonder how long it is before a football club sues a referee for making a bad decision? There’s too much at stake to not have technology,” he stated on the social networking site.
“Or a player sues another player for playacting. Which is basically a lie and that is actionable. What’s the difference?
“Someone has to set the precedent to stop the game from being ruined, maybe I’ll be the 1st one. Can players sue referee’s?” he concluded.
By Gareth McKnight
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Bolton midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has stated that he has no respect for Liverpool’s Craig Bellamy, after the pair clashed in the weekend’s game.
The duo squared up in The Trotters’ 3-1 win over Kenny Dalglish’s men on Saturday, in a continuation of long-standing confrontation between the pair.
Despite Bellamy’s controversial outlook, Reo Coker has stated that he is unfazed and will let his football do the talking.
“I’ve got no respect for Bellamy. He can do whatever he wants to do but I don’t give a damn about him. It’s football,” the central midfielder told Mirror Football.
“I’m from the old school. I’m not a bully or someone who runs out my mouth so to speak. I get on with football, but if someone brings it to me I’ll handle it.
“I’m not concentrating on him, he’s not a big factor in this. It’s all about the team and the team performance, and we were fantastic.
“There was no neutral who watched the game, who could say we didn’t deserve that win,” he concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.