Liverpool are closely monitoring Reading centre back Alex Pearce, who they see as a long-term replacement for club legend Jamie Carragher. Pearce, who was voted Reading’s player of the season last year, is in the last year of his contract and will available at a reduced price in January, or a free agent next Summer.
Pearce played every minute of league football in 2012 to secure Readings promotion to the Premiership, but hasn’t featured in McDermott’s side since September, in which time they have conceded 18 goals. It is believed Pearce is unhappy with his new deal that Reading have offered and has been dropped from the team until he agrees to sign it. This has invited speculation from Liverpool who are expected to come in with an offer in January.
Rodgers is well aware of the 23 year olds talents from his time at Reading and believes he would make an excellent replacement for the long serving Carragher, whose time at Liverpool seems to be nearing an end. Aside from first choice regulars Skrtel and Agger they are short on defensive reinforcements and Rodgers feels his existing options aren’t up to scratch. His former captain at Reading would be an ideal choice who has impressed both on the pitch and off it.
It seems like Liverpool are being linked with anyone and everyone for a move in January, most crucially a striker. But this is a transfer that is very likely to materialise and to turn a few heads. With Agger’s consistent injuries and Skrtel’s basic mistakes, Pearce would get his fair share of football and he looks a quality young defender. It’s to early to say yet but he has the potential to be an Anfield legend to put it mildly.
According to Don Balon, West Ham target Yerry Mina is set to leave Barcelona on loan this summer, and the Premier League is his preferred destination.
What’s the word?
Yerry Mina arrived at Barcelona in January hoping to become the next long-time servant in the heart of the Catalan giants’ defence, but the towering defender has played just once in the league since the move.
Mina’s position in the squad was clear for all to see this weekend, as Ernesto Valverde rotated the squad for the win over Leganes and still couldn’t find a place for the 23 year-old centre back.
According to the report from Don Balon, Mina wants to leave on loan to somewhere he is guaranteed minutes on the pitch, and despite interest from Girona and Villarreal would prefer a move to the Premier League.
The Hammers were the only Premier League club mentioned in the report.
[ad_pod ]
Should Moyes make a move?
Valued at £8.1million by Transfermarkt, Mina’s physicality could make him the perfect fit for the Premier League, but his lack of mobility could just as easily hamper any progress in English football.
West Ham have had plenty of troubles at the back this season, with James Collins reaching the end of his career and Winston Reid losing form, but moving for Mina is not the solution.
Mina is a raw talent, but at 23 he should already be showing the refined skills a top centre back must add to their raw instincts. West Ham already have a young star in the making in Declan Rice, who has been superb in the last two matches against Southampton and Chelsea.
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.
Rice may not have the physical skills Mina has, but he is four years younger and already has more experience in a top league than the Colombian.
The last thing David Moyes needs is a Barcelona reject who wants “guaranteed” minutes coming in and upsetting the dressing room. The Hammers should be looking for a bona fide star to challenge Reid, Rice and Angelo Ogbonna, not a raw talent looking for some free playing time.
West Ham fans, would you like to see a loan move for Mina this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed Francis Coquelin’s contribution to the team over the last few weeks. It’s unsurprising really. As Arsenal’s turbulent season continues, a 2-0 win at the Etihad restored confidence in the manager, and then a dismal defeat at home to Monaco in the Champions League has taken it away.
One bright spot of the last few weeks has been the uncovering of Coquelin, however. An actual, real life, defensive midfielder gracing the pitch at the Emirates!
Coquelin has indeed been impressive, and after sustaining a broken nose in a clash with teammate Olivier Giroud against Everton last weekend, the French midfielder wore a protective mask in the 2-1 win over QPR in midweek.
In quotes reported by the London Evening Standard, Wenger said that despite his injury, Coquelin did not want to be left out of the team and was determined to hold onto his place. Speaking of Coquelin’s recent success, the manager added:
‘the human being is a strange animal – the more you have suffered before, the more you enjoy it’
In fact, this might just sum up Wenger!
Take the finding of this new defensive midfielder, as an example. For so long fans have been vainly calling for Wenger to bring in a midfielder to sit in front of the back four while Arsenal’s orchestra of number 10s create beautiful attacking moves up front.
[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]
What they may be celebrating, though, is a new, pragmatic Arsenal. Albeit, celebrating mutedly after the horror show that was the Champions League game against Monaco.
But the win over City was done in such a way that the Arsenal fans probably enjoyed that particular victory more than most of their recent ones – and Wenger will have too. It was the first time in recent memory that Wenger had set his team up to stifle the opposition, and the success of this was due in no small part to Coquelin.
Wenger’s tactics and team selection worked and he was widely praised, even managing to pacify some of the fans calling for his head. For a while at least.
Equally, the Gunners’ first trophy in nine years did a similar trick for Wenger. Along with signings like Alexis Sanchez, it bought him a few months of good will.
Clinching fourth place has also been celebrated like winning a trophy. There have been heaps of jokes about this fact, but in seasons like 2011/12 after the 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford, and 2012/13 where they pipped Tottenham to fourth, Champions League qualification wasn’t always certain for Wenger’s team.
The celebrations as Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 at St James’s Park that year are a testament to that. Even though the fans want more, Champions League football is still hugely important for the club.
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.
Wenger’s words sound like those of a man who has been through some suffering, and after the abuse that he has been getting from a sizeable section of the Gunners’ support, he is probably entitled to enjoy what success he gets this season more than most. With Arsenal looking to start their habitual late season charge for fourth, and have a good chance of retaining the FA cup if they can beat Manchester United on Monday night, Wenger may yet have something to cheer.
Maybe Wenger saw something of himself in Coquelin. Maybe Arsene Wenger is a strange animal – the more he has suffered, the more he enjoys it.
Win a pair of Puma football boots as worn by Cesc Fabregas and Super Mario by filling in this quick survey!
Sir Alex Ferguson has refuted speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo will be returning to Old Trafford this summer, according to The Metro.
The Portuguese winger left Manchester United for Real Madrid in a four year deal worth £80 million in 2009 and has been rumoured to make a shock return to the Manchester club, while being prepared to take a pay cut to do so.
Ferguson says there is no truth in the rumours and thinks it is a tactical part of the contract negotiations:
‘I don’t think there’s anything, as far as I’m aware, that would encourage me to think he would come back here. I don’t think there’s anything in that at all,’
“He has got two years left on his contract. It could be to do with the fact that negotiations are going on for a new contract. I think maybe his agent is playing the game, though I’m not prepared to comment on that.
I think it is false hope.”
The 28-year-old is in the best form of his life and has even outdone Messi in recent weeks, but is refusing to sign a new contract with Real Madrid indicating that he could leave at the end of the season.
He returns to Old Trafford this week when United take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champion’s League round 16 tie and Fergie expects that he will receive a warm welcome from fans.
“Cristiano will get a good reception. All our former players, especially the ones who have been great for this club, get a good reception when they return.
“He is a better player now than he was when he was with us because he has matured. He is 28 and at the peak of his career.
“From 28 to 32, with the fitness Ronaldo has got, he never misses a game and is never injured. He will be at his absolute best.
“I’ve got a plan to stop him: it’s called a machete, plan B is a machine gun!”
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.
Man United came back from the Bernabeu with a draw but they will be fighting to overturn that into a win.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford had to be content with a place on the bench while Jesse Lingard was fielded alongside Juan Mata, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku against Swansea City on Saturday.
United produced a lively first half performance to secure a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Lukaku – his 100th Premier League strike – and Alexis Sanchez, who really needed the confidence boost.
Combined with Chelsea’s home defeat to Tottenham, it was a good weekend for United who are now 12 points ahead of the reigning champions in the race for the top four; a surely unassailable lead with just seven games remaining.
We’ve taken a closer look at the numbers behind the performance of Lingard, who is valued at just £22.5m by Transfermarkt, and went into this one on the back of two impressive England performances and his first Three Lions goal.
The academy graduate looks so much more lively when United play at a high tempo and he was at the heart of everything good about their first half display.
He can motor forward from the number 10 position with 2 dribbles here, and also contributed one key pass, as well as the deflected assist for Sanchez’s goal.
Three crosses and four shots show Lingard’s ability to produce end-product – this is by far his most productive season in terms of goals – but three tackles also show that he is not afraid of getting back in and doing his work defensively.
[ad_pod ]
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 had to do that in the second period here as Swansea came on stronger and he will also have to muck in defensively as he is fielded more like a conventional midfielder as it stands for Gareth Southgate’s England.
In a season where so many of United’s more expensive stars have flattered to deceive, could you make the case that Lingard has been the most consistent forward at the club?
As Arsenal’s search for a new midfielder rumbles on, Cheick Tiote of Newcastle is now firmly a name in the mix. The rugged Ivorian – who is currently away at the AFCON – is understood to be a £9m target for the Gunners, with talks between the club and the players’ representatives having already taken place.
However, despite his talents, Tiote is not exactly the sort of player to set pulses racing at the Emirates Stadium… yet his team-mate, Moussa Sissoko, is. Another linked with a move from the North East to London, the Frenchman seems better suited to the ‘Arsenal way’ and we think he could be a more useful signing. Here are FIVE reasons Arsene Wenger should be looking at Sissoko, not Tiote…
More versatile
Football – Manchester City v Newcastle United – Capital One Cup Fourth Round – Etihad Stadium – 29/10/14Moussa Sissoko celebrates scoring the second goal for Newcastle Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason CairnduffLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your
While Tiote is a specialised holding midfielder, Sissoko can operate from a range of roles. This season alone the Frenchman has played in each midfield position through the centre of the pitch as well as on the right of an attacking midfield line, but in the past he’s been known to drift to the opposite flank and even fill in a little deeper. Wenger is known to appreciate diversity and versatility in his players, and Sissoko’s ability to feature in a range of roles could be a tool the experienced boss may find useful with continental and domestic football to balance.
Better long-term option
Football – Manchester City v Newcastle United – Capital One Cup Fourth Round – Etihad Stadium – 29/10/14Moussa Sissoko celebrates scoring the second goal for Newcastle Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason CairnduffLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your
Tiote is 28, Sissoko is 25. It may seem a little simplistic, but, in theory, the latter has three more years at the highest level. Tiote is, arguably, in his peak years now, while Sissoko is just about to enter the range at which he’s likely to be at the very top of his powers. As a result, the Ivorian will have less time and a lower sell-on value, while the France international’s price tag may increase at the same rate as his abilities.
More useful than Tiote
Tying in with versatility, Sissoko will be of greater use than Tiote in terms of contribution in the final third. The former Toulouse man out-punches his team-mate in terms of almost every key attacking stat, while his shorter range of passing makes him more suited to a ‘Wenger team’. Position on the pitch may have something to do with it, but Sissoko’s stats also take into account his time playing in a deeper role.
More of a ‘Wenger’ player
Football – Manchester City v Newcastle United – Capital One Cup Fourth Round – Etihad Stadium – 29/10/14Moussa Sissoko celebrates scoring the second goal for Newcastle Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason CairnduffLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your
While Tiote is a destroyer, Sissoko is a hybrid of a break-up player and an attacking force. This is somewhat reflected through his consistent passing stats, with his overall accuracy having been impressive through his career. With Arsenal a ‘front foot’ team, Sissoko’s ability to get on the ball and make things happen could be useful.
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.
Loves the club
“When I was young, Arsenal were my favourite team. My idol played there: Patrick Vieira. I have always loved that club. I still love that club.” The words of Sissoko himself.
A love for a club is key, and Sissoko’s passion for Arsenal could add the sort of determination and guts the Gunners have been criticised for lacking for some time.
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson’s commanding midfield performance against Norwich a fortnight ago told the story of how much the 22-year-old has developed in recent months, quietly but assuredly becoming one of the team’s best performers, following a similar path laid out before him by one-time pariah, now firm fan favourite, team-mate Lucas Leiva.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment that it collectively became okay to hold the Brazilian international in high regard, but we shouldn’t forget that he was widely and routinely mocked after moving to Anfield from Gremio back in 2007-8. This was back when Liverpool could boast one of the strongest midfield departments in the whole of Europe, with Steven Gerrard, Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano and Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso as regulars. There is certainly no shame in looking an inferior player to that trio of world-class operators.
Lest we forget, though, with a constant need to re-write history on Lucas in what has quickly become the ‘cool’ contrarian viewpoint to take, while the abuse he received was out of line and certainly wrong, that is not to say that his performances didn’t merit criticism. There were flashes of his talent, the 5-1 away win against Newcastle in 2008-9 standing out in particular, but he lacked that crucial consistency, often ranging from the sublime to the atrocious within a few games. Being picked on by supporters is never warranted, but we shouldn’t conveniently ignore the underlying point just because he is good now.
[cat_link cat=”liverpool” type=”list”]
Of course, this was all forgivable because to put it into context, he moved to England, a completely different culture, style of football and environment to Brazil, at the relatively young age of 20. He was highly regarded in his homeland, having already made his international debut against Algeria, but he was still a raw, box-to-box midfielder with drive, commitment and a decent passing range, but perhaps lacking the positional awareness and authority to have a lasting influence in important games. However, he is now an absolutely integral member of the starting XI who is not only missed, but pleaded for whenever he is absent.
There are many parallels to be drawn with the club’s move for Henderson back in 2011 with Lucas, but both were shown remarkable faith by the men at the helm at the time – Rafa Benitez and Kenny Dalglish – as they sought to adapt to the tough playing environment that is Liverpool, a club which has claimed the reputations of many a talented, promising young player in the past.
While Lucas struggled for consistency early on and may have been hampered by the quicker tempo Premier League and his more glitzy counterparts in midfield, Henderson was shunted out wide by Dalglish into an auxiliary right midfield role akin to when Sunday league teams stick the young 17-year-old up front simply because he’s fit and young. This wasn’t and will never be his natural position, just like it won’t at Arsenal for Aaron Ramsey and he has always played his best football when part of a midfield three, usually at its tip.
The £16m price-tag has also hung around Henderson’s neck like an albatross and he hasn’t been helped by the subsequent failures of the club’s two other major purchases that summer, Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing. He has always been conveniently lumped in along with that duo despite being played slightly out of position in a struggling side full of new players which lacked a clearly defined plan. It’s no coincidence that under Brendan Rodgers, a man with a ‘philosophy’, preferred system and adopted style, Henderson looks much more at home and comfortable in his own skin. He clearly knows what his role is now.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Rodgers appointment in the summer was how he planned to deal with the expensively-assembled remnants of the Dalglish-Comolli era and his marginalising of Jose Enrique, Downing and Henderson early on in the campaign, while Carroll was sent out on loan, smacked of a man trying too hard to put his own stamp on the squad. Credit must go to the 39-year-old, though, for reversing the fortunes of the aforementioned triumvirate in recent months.
The sheer size of the fee forked out for Henderson demands a fully-formed player, which he most definitely is not, but he is an industrious, determined and intelligent technician; decent on the ball, but not flashy, often picking the simple pass rather than the Hollywood ball. Early comparisons touting him as ‘the next Steven Gerrard’ were both lazy and wide of the mark. He is not a very English type of player, he keeps things ticking over and is more of a jack of all trades in terms of midfielders go as opposed to someone who will stand out in any one role for a prolonged period of time, very much like Manchester City’s James Milner.
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.
Nevertheless, he is clearly worth pursuing with and he’s shown flashes this season – away at Udinese, at home to Norwich, at home to Sunderland – to suggest that he is making good on his potential and developing into a well-rounded and reliable member of the first-team and it says it all that he was hugely missed during the recent 2-1 defeat away to Manchester United at Old Trafford, with his energy and urgency both on and off the ball crucially absent during a terrible first half team display. He wasn’t helped early on by Rodgers given the fact that the manager seemed unsure of what his best starting midfield was, but he’s more than playing his part now.
Much like Lucas, Henderson is clearly worth persevering with and as I’ve always argued, no matter what the fee, a long-term attitude has to be taken to his signing, just as it was with the Glen Johnson in the past, in that you will eventually see a return on your money in the form of longevity rather than eye-catching, lung-bursting runs and magnificent spraying passes. He has won over a few more cynics recently, but really, like his Brazilian team-mate, all he ever really needed was the time to settle. Patience is a precious commodity in football these days, but with concerns to the 22-year-old, he is worth the wait.
Romelu Lukaku certainly gets a lot of stick for a player that has scored 25 times in 44 appearances for Manchester United since his arrival last summer.
The 24-year-old had a difficult spell towards the end of 2017, but has largely been brilliant for the Red Devils following his move from Everton.
The striker, who is valued at £76.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, was excellent against his former club Chelsea last month, before impressing against Liverpool in United’s last Premier League fixture on March 10.
Lukaku is currently on 99 Premier League goals, and will have the chance to reach the century in United’s home match against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.
The former Chelsea forward also scored twice for Belgium against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night to continue his remarkable form for his country.
United supporters are absolutely loving Lukaku’s performance levels at this moment in time, and many have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former Anderlecht youngster.
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.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be found below:
As Dortmund’s demise in the Bundesliga this season has seen a plucky Wolfsburg side rise up at take their place, Ivan Perisic has found a new lease on life with Dieter Hecking’s team, with the Croatian international continuing to impress during 2014/15.
In the Bundesliga, Europa League, and even in last summer’s World Cup, Wolfsburg’s current sensation has seen his stock rise with a series of stand-out goals and performances. Alongside the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Ivica Olic, Ivan Perisic has become an integral part of a team that could really be going places this year.
Now with the January transfer window upon the footballing world once more, will Wolfsburg be able to keep hold of their star man, or will Perisic look to test himself elsewhere?
Wolfsburg’s mercurial no. 9 has all qualities of a bustling winger as well as a rampant goal scorer. He already has three goals this season, and whilst that may seem a slightly disappointing number considering that the German league is roughly half way completed, everyone involved with Die Wolfe this season expects more to come from Ivan Perisic.
Last season, the Croatian talent finished the 2013/14 campaign with a total of 10 goals in the Bundesliga, as well as one in the DFB-Pokal. Perisic has more to his game than just scoring goals however. With five assist already recorded this season, the 25-year-old rising star is a supplier as much as he is a goal scorer. There is something slightly Arjen Robben-esque about his style of play, and whilst he may not match the Dutchman for his pace, Perisic is just as daring, just as creative and almost as much of a threat as Bayern’s fiery winger is.
Alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Rakitic, the Volkswagen Arena favourite is expected to make up a dangerous midfield that should see his native Croatia become a real force in Euro 2016.
In light of this news, as is always the case when the January transfer window arrives, Ivan Perisic has drawn attention from the Premier League and beyond this winter. Serie A giants, Inter Milan and Napoli, are both said to be reportedly interested in the Croatian winger in recent weeks, but Perisic’s greatest admirers were previously thought to be Everton.
Throughout the summer, Roberto Martinez and the Toffees apparently done all they could to bring the 25-year-old to Merseyside, which would have signalled a great move for fans of the Premier League in general. Perisic would have fitted into Everton’s plan nicely, and alongside the likes of Leighton Baines and Kevin Mirallas, the current Wolfsburg no. 9 would have provided the perfect ammunition for Romelu Lukaku to boost his goal-scoring stats for the 2014/15 season.
Although the Toffees could have supposedly signed Perisic for as little as £8 million in the summer, it now seems that the Premier League side may have missed their chance. With Ivan Perisic’s stock continuing to rise throughout Europe at the minute, if he were to eventually leave Wolfsburg, it would likely be to a bigger team than the likes of Everton.
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.
Whilst the Wolfsburg bosses have been clear in their desire to hold on to their latest star man, it would seem that Perisic could still be on the move in the near future if he manages to maintain his high standard in performances. At the moment though, the Croatian talent remains very much a Wolfsburg player, with Everton seemingly missing their chance to land his signature in the summer.
Former Everton manager Howard Kendall has lambasted Toffees defender John Heitinga for his erratic performances this season.
Heitinga has made over 100 appearances for the Merseysiders since signing from Atletico Madrid in 2009 and he was voted the clubs’s player of the season last season, after winning many plaudits for impressive displays at central defence.
But the Dutch international defender has failed to hold down a regular starting berth in Everton’s line-up this season after several unconvincing performances. Heitinga was at fault for Newcastle’s early goal in Everton’s 2-1 Premier League victory at St James’ Park on Wednesday, after failing to deal with a routine punt forward from Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul, to which Papiss Cisse reacted the quickest.
And Kendall, who managed at Goodison Park in three different spells, feels the 29-year-old is not reliable enough to be playing in the Toffees’ backline.
“Heitinga’s form this season hasn’t come near the standards he set last season when he won Player of the Season awards,” Kendall told the Liverpool Echo.
“And if Everton are going to get the best out of him I think they need to keep him out of the penalty area.
“Maybe he’s trying too hard to impress, but he is doing far too many rash things, like that premature leap at St James’ Park.
“Sylvain and Phil Jagielka are clearly the better defensive partnership, and maybe Heitinga would be better served playing in a holding midfield role.
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.
“His form simply isn’t reliable enough at the moment to be playing in central defence. He can still be effective for Everton, but not in their penalty box!”