Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is confident that Tim Krul will prove to be an able stand-in for injured goalkeeper Steve Harper.
Harper is facing around three months out of action after undergoing shoulder surgery, leaving Krul to fill in for his more experienced team-mate.
Hughton commented:"The confidence has really been built on not just the fact that when Tim has come in he has done very well, but on what we have seen here from him over the period of time he has been here.
"That's the biggest aspect, because we haven't seen him so much as regards the first team on the football pitch.
"But we are very confident in his ability and we are quite sure he will cope very well."
Twenty-two-year-old Krul has made only a dozen appearances for the Magpies to date, coming on as a replacement for Harper in last weekend's 1-0 win at Everton, before starting in the 4-3 Carling Cup win at Chelsea in midweek.
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.
The Dutchman has also enjoyed loan spells at Falkirk and Carlisle United.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has stated that Arsene Wenger will turn the club’s fortunes around, and that if he was to be sacked it would be a big mistake.
The Gunners have had an inconsistent 2011-12, and are at risk of missing out on the top four due to the competitive nature of the Premier League this season.
Despite questions being raised over Wenger’s continued stewardship in the media, Petit has urged the club to trust in their current manager.
“I think that will be probably the biggest mistake at Arsenal,” the 41-year-old is reported to have said in The Daily Mail.
“If Arsene has to leave the club they need to find a big manager to settle down and that would be very difficult for the next manager.
“I think Arsene’s still the solution. They need to change a few things in the transfer market, change a few things in their politics to bring a competitive team.
“I think it’s mentally that the team is very weak. I think Arsene Wenger and Arsenal did build many successes. Arsenal won many trophies.
“They had experienced players with big characters and all of a sudden Arsene Wenger decided to change completely the team, decided to put confidence in young players and we have to admire that because I think with the new regulations I think financially Arsenal’s politics in the transfer market have been right so far in terms of not making big speculation on players.
“I was a big admirer of Arsenal’s politics for five years. They were probably the best team after Barcelona in terms of football. But unfortunately for them last season was the final cut, especially the Carling Cup final against Birmingham.
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.
“They need more experienced players, more big characters in the team because the quality is there and they need some players to be the mentors in the team,” the Frenchman concluded.
It seems like a lifetime ago that the fixture between Arsenal and Manchester United was the undisputed highlight of the Premier League calendar. Two titans in English football led by their respective talisman, it was Keane versus Vieira and it was always an enthralling spectacle.
Both players epitomised the box-to-box midfielder role, acting as the heartbeat of their exceptional teams. Their unrivalled passion and tenacity was equalled by their technique on the ball, always looking to break up play and ignite the next attacking move. Since both players have hung up their boots and slipped into their suits, we’re yet to witness the next thrilling rivalry. I find myself asking, where are the modern day midfield generals?
In spite of Keane’s absence Sir Alex Ferguson has continued to deliver success at the gates of Old Trafford. His midfield is a fine blend of experience and youthful exuberance but he is yet to acquire a worthy successor to his beloved Irishman. With the Red Devils somewhat stuttering in their season run-in, it strikes me that a player with Keane’s mentality and influence would help see United over the line.
Darren Fletcher has the potential to fill Roy’s shoes but his unfortunate illness looks like keeping him out of action for the foreseeable future and whilst Ferguson has moulded Michael Carrick into a deeper, more defensively minded player, he lacks a certain doggedness and drive in his style of play. Both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are seasoned professionals who undoubtedly exert a big influence at the club but neither possesses Keane’s tackling credentials, especially Scholes. Perhaps this is why Ferguson appears intent on retaining the services of young starlet Paul Pogba, who certainly shares plenty of the same physical and playing attributes of his French counterpart.
Speaking of Vieira, Arsenal have suffered a contrasting fortune since his departure from the club in 2005. His importance to the team that dominated a decade ago is highlighted by the fact that the Gunners are yet to win a trophy since his exodus. Of course it would be incredibly naive of me to suggest that this is the sole reason for the clubs barren spell but it’s worth noting that Arsenal no longer boast the same calibre of leaders in their current squad.
Wenger has seemingly already installed Vieira’s replacement in the team with the Cameroonian crusader Alex Song. However, Song has come under criticism this season for a number of below par and error prone performances and lines up behind Robin Van Persie in terms of authority and importance to the team.
Arsenal fans won’t welcome this next point but in my eyes Scott Parker is the closest example to Vieira and Keane’s prestige we have currently playing in the Premier League. Parker is a leader of men, a one-man band type of player whose performances nearly singlehandedly saved West Ham from the drop last season. His battling defensive traits are matched in equal measures by his marauding runs forward and it came as no surprise to me that he was installed as the new England captain.
Looking elsewhere in the Premier League, many Liverpool fans will champion Steven Gerrard as the best box-to-box midfielder in the country. Whilst there’s no disputing his significance at the Anfield club, I believe his best position is further up the pitch akin to his role just behind Torres under Rafa Benitez. Charlie Adam was certainly the architect during his time at Blackpool and perhaps once he returns from injury he can move out from underneath Xabi Alonso’s shadow and dispel his tag as a ‘big fish in a small pond’.
A quick glance into my crystal ball and I can only really see one candidate capable of mimicking the accomplishments of both Vieira and Keane. Everton’s Jack Rodwell is a technically gifted individual who also has a gritty edge to his game; perhaps this is why Sir Alex has made no secret of his affection for the player and is constantly linked with a move the moment each transfer window swings open.
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.
Perhaps football has become too rigid in its definitions, with players being instructed to have either an attacking or defensive playing philosophy. Whatever the reason, I’m left thinking that football’s greatest rivalries will suffer somewhat until two prominent figures lock horns once more.
Come and find me on Twitter @theunusedsub where I’m trying to decide who has it worse, Vieira for having to put up with a horde of young egos at Manchester City or Keane for having to stand so close to Adrian Chiles every week.
Tottenham forward Rafael van der Vaart has stated that despite Arsenal’s revival over the last six weeks, Spurs are better than them and are the number one team in North London.
The balance of power between the two bitter rivals seemed to be changing as Harry Redknapp’s men beat the Gunners 2-1 at White Hart Lane recently, but Arsenal are now only three points from the top four after beating Chelsea 5-3 on Saturday.
However, the Netherlands international was full of praise for his team and how they were playing, and believes they are superior to their local rivals.
“We are better than Arsenal,” the ex-Real Madrid man told Sky Sports.
“In our last seven games we have won six and drawn once. It’s a long season, but I think we have a bigger and better squad.
“Are we the best team in London? Maybe, but it’s still early. We’re in a good way. We are much better than we were last season,” he stated.
Van der Vaart labelled current league leaders Manchester City as the best team in the country, and hailed Roberto Mancini’s outfit’s performances of late.
“Man City are the best team in the league and below them you have a lot of good teams and we are one of them.
“At the moment they are really good. They are winning games easily and how they played against Man United was impressive, but they also have the difficulty of a lot of egos so that could also be a problem.
“When you play for a big team, when you buy a lot of good players and a lot of players also aren’t happy.
“Look at (Emmanuel) Adebayor. He is a great player for us, but he was not even in the squad at City and was training with the youngsters,” 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.
Van der Vaart will be rested for the Europa League trip to take on Rubin Kazan on Thursday, with the match against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday in mind.
On the verge of breaking the elite that is the ‘Top Four’, established as one of the Premier League’s top six sides and possessing a bright young side full of potential, it is hard to believe that only twelve months ago these were the attributes of an Aston Villa side under Martin O’Neill’s management. However, after a season that only secured their Premier League survival this weekend, with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, it is safe to say it has been a long season for the Villa faithful. Can Aston Villa expect more of the same next season or will we see the prospect of European Football return to Villa Park?
Gerard Houiller, in this writer’s humble opinion, isn’t the man to do this. The Frenchman replaced O’Neill, a man who is famous for his spiky demeanour and impulsive behaviour, but it was this personality that pushed Aston Villa closer than they had ever done to repeating the success of the 80’s. The former Liverpool manager is quite the opposite to his predecessor, reserved, ‘set in his ways’ and, lets face it, a PR nightmare (seems to display more devotion to Liverpool fans than those of Aston Villa). Aston Villa’s owner should look to replace the 63 year old with a young visionary of a manager, who could reshape the club from the bottom up.
As key as a manager is to success, the players of course must carry the burden as well. One player doesn’t make the team, but perhaps two do? In the space of a year or so, Villa lost captain Gareth Barry and inspirational winger James Milner. Despite obtaining Stephen Ireland in the Milner deal (Ireland has proved nothing but a transfer flop), the current Villa side hasn’t replaced and moved forward their young and bright team that promised so much. Such talents as Marc Albrighton, Nathan Delfouneso and Barry Bannan all show glimpses of ability but as of yet cannot be relied on, which will be a major problem for the Villains next season if Ashley Young does ‘jump ship’ to Old Trafford or Anfield.
Investment has proved to be the main factor in propelling clubs to success (Manchester City this season, for example) and as of yet it’s hard to gauge whether Randy Lerner is going to be that man to inject some cash into the club. £24 million on Darren Bent and £6 million on Jean Makoun is a good starting point, but should Stewart Downing and Ashley Young leave for rather substantial fees it is paramount that the money is bankrolled back into the team. If not, it could be argued that the couple of big money signings Lerner has done could just be him preventing his assets losing substantial value by getting relegated.
When all is said and done, one thing has to be remembered, better teams than this current crop of players have gone through the Premier League’s trapdoor.
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.
Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho has been ruled out of Portugal’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Norway on Saturday.Carvalho, 33, picked up a back injury during training earlier this week which leaves coach Paulo Bento without his best centre back for the game at the Estadio da Luz, but he said the team would be able to cover the loss.
“One option less but it does not alter anything regarding our way of playing and the game plan we have,” Bento said.
“We will not be making any types of alterations because of the fact that Ricardo cannot play.”
Even without Carvahlo, there is still plenty of class in the Portugal team, with Manchester United winger Nani and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad.
Portugal drew their Group H opener with Cyprus and lost away against Norway but they can move top of the group with a win over the unbeaten Norwegians at home on Saturday.
“They have a team which have good defence and consistency, who still have not lost at this stage in the group, and for this reason occupy first place,” Bento said.
“But tomorrow we have an opportunity to win at home, to reach first place and make them lose for the first time at this stage of the qualifiers.”
The season has barely started and already criticism in some quarters is suggesting that Jamie Carragher should not only be benched, but that he should retire. Carragher is not getting any younger at the age of 33, but he still has a lot to offer Liverpool, and deserves more respect than he has been shown in the last few weeks.
Carragher is Mr. Liverpool, he has been an ever present over the past decade, and one of the most consistent and reliable performers for Liverpool during this period, so this knee jerk reaction to his start to the season is uncalled for.
Carragher gave away the penalty-which on another day might not have been given-which saw Liverpool lose a tight game to Stoke, and he made an uncharacteristic mistake which saw them lose their clean sheet against Bolton, but he has been solid throughout Liverpool’s league games so far. As a defender your mistakes are always magnified, so you are more likely to come in for criticism than those up the field ahead of you. This seems a little unfair as other players could be equally to blame for Liverpool’s performances so far this season, yet Carragher is taking the majority of the flak.
Carragher’s still has a lot to offer Liverpool, his positioning is still excellent, and he is still a top tackler, he is also a leader on the field, and this is vital to Liverpool particularly in the absence of Steven Gerrard. Those suggesting that his legs are gone and that he is lacking pace, seem deluded as pace isn’t something he has ever possessed. The same goes for criticism of his distribution, again he has always been more of a hoofer, he has never possessed the passing skills of Xabi Alonso, and he takes a safety first approach. Playing Carragher alongside Daniel Agger who possesses pace and excellent distribution skills is the perfect foil to this.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’centre’]
It would be criminal to suggest that Martin Skrtel, Agger or Sebastien Coates are better than Carragher, but it might not be too long before they become the better option. However, at this time Liverpool should stick with Carragher. He has been consistently better than Skrtel over the last few seasons, unfortunately Agger is injured more often than not, and Coates is still young with plenty to learn, and will no doubt benefit from learning alongside the experienced Carragher. Carragher’s role will inevitably decrease as time goes by, but just like Giggs at United, Carragher can still do a fine job at the club. He has plenty to offer the reds, and his experience will be very beneficial to the youngsters at the club.
To be fair to Carragher he hasn’t started any of the last few seasons that well, but by the end he has been a rock in Liverpool’s defence. He was heavily criticised at the beginning of both last season and 2009, but he responded brilliantly over the rest of the year, and the criticism soon dissipated. He certainly doesn’t deserve to be dropped based on one or two errors in the opening five games. Nobody will be more upset about making mistakes than Carragher himself, but if he puts in a few good performances the criticism will soon disappear.
Of course there is no room for sentiment in football, but the judgement that he is only playing because he is a club legend is harsh, and Kenny Dalglish has been quick to state that he is picked on merit. He is seemingly just the scapegoat of the moment, and just because he is over 30 and makes a mistake it shouldn’t mean that he is past it.
Ultimately, Carragher will know himself when it is time to stand aside or retire. Nobody deserves their place on past glories, and he may not be the player he was a few years back, but he is still a first choice, and deserves much more respect for everything he has given and brought to the club than he is currently receiving.
Do you think the criticism of Carragher has been harsh? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below, or following me on Twitter @LaurenRutter for more comment and debate.
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.
Widely regarded as one of England’s finest young talents, and already labelled as ‘the next Steven Gerrard’, Liverpool fans are expecting great things from Jonjo Shelvey. And with every glimpse the Anfield faithful get of the youngster, the air of optimism continues to grow. It is now seemingly only a matter of time before he is holding down a regular first team place. But the question on Liverpool’s fans lips is why not already?
At the tender age of eighteen, Shelvey looks like a great prospect for both Liverpool and England, and though admittedly not ready for the international stage just yet, he could step up to Liverpool’s first team in the near future, particularly given their current predicament. After exactly a quarter of the Premier League season gone, Liverpool are floundering in the relegation zone, and aside from one game, have shown a lack of creativity, movement, and energy, with the main perpetrators being his central midfield competition, Lucas and Christian Poulsen; for this reason there couldn’t be a better time for Shelvey to be pushing for some first team action.
His display away at Napoli was his most recent and most impressive display to date. To play so comfortably, arguably giving a man of the match performance, in such a hostile atmosphere without the experience Gerrard, Torres and Cole to help him along the way suggests he is as thick skinned and determined as he is technically capable. No Liverpool fans are suggesting he is an immediate solution to their problems, but the youthful vitality and promise Shelvey has in such abundance may go some way in lifting spirits on the terraces as well as on the pitch. Without the late summer addition of Raul Miereles, it would be hard to imagine any reason for Shelvey’s absence.
However, Liverpool fans may well have to wait some time before they see Shelvey playing regularly in a red shirt if, that is, Roy Hodgson does enough to keep himself in a job at Anfield for an extended period of time. The reason being that historically, Hodgson has put his trust in age and experience; Fulham’s average age was just below 30 throughout his tenure at Craven Cottage, and from being just over 24 last season; Liverpool’s average age is now just under 28. Although this is fine when getting results, a mix of youth and experience has often proved to be the healthiest option, however, it is difficult to envisage Hodgson ever adopting this stance. Emiliano Insua, and Kristian Nemeth have been loaned out and sold respectively at the age of twenty, whilst Daniel Agger, even at 25, isn’t getting a sniff of first team football. Lucas and Ngog are the youngest players that can be classed as first teamers, though this is more through necessity than choice. Arguably, the reason Shelvey got ninety minutes under his belt against Napoli was to ensure the so called ‘big’, and experienced, players were well rested for Blackburn at home, a potentially career defining game for Hodgson.
So, Shelvey may have to wait a year or two to establish himself in the first team, or even wait for a new manager to be put in place at Anfield, but there is a feeling amongst Liverpool fans that, whoever is in charge, it won’t be long until Jonjo gives them no choice but to play him.
When the name Raul Gonzalez is mentioned, there are few words other than legend and footballing icon to conjure with. Having recently left Real Madrid on a free transfer after an illustrious career at the Santiago Bernabeu, the striker looked all set to sign for German side Schalke 04 but has now claimed he is not adverse to a move to the Premier League. The question being: Would the hustle and bustle of the Premier League represent the best move for him?
Tottenham and Newcastle have been credited with interest in the 33 year old whilst Manchester United have also been mooted as potential destinations should he choose England over Germany and the man described by Florentino Pérez as being chosen to “embody the club” says he felt the time was right for a new challenge.
Raúl scored 323 goals in 741 games for Real Madrid, as well as 44 in 102 appearances for Spain speaks for itself and his work ethic and positional play may make him the ideal forward for a Premier League side.
Harry Redknapp and Chris Hughton however have distanced themselves from any deal and there may be a few bones of contention for other managers who are considering a swoop. One of those is perhaps whether he would be able to adapt to the Premier League pace quickly enough for him to be cost-effective in terms of wages having only netted five goals in La Liga last season and been a bit-part player throughout.
Furthermore, Raúl himself may also have reservations over a move where he would no doubt be scrutinised week in week out as to whether he can hack it in what is regarded by many as the best league in the world for the tempo and sheer intensity at which it is played.
Spanish compatriot Fernando Morientes came to the Premier League side Liverpool in 2005 with a big reputation and an impressive 72 goals in 182 games for Madrid but struggled to make an impact on Merseyside. He is often regarded in various lists of the worst transfers in the history of the Premier League and Raúl may prefer to preserve his previously untarnished reputation by seeing out his days in the Bundesliga.
Although many supporters would love somebody of Raúl calibre at their club, I believe that at this stage of such a well-regarded career, both on and off the pitch, it would not be the time for Raúl to move to the Premier League as his career is already extraordinary in its successes.
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
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.
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has branded reports that he has already decided to retire at the end of the season as "nonsense".
United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele suggested on Thursday that the 39-year-old Dutchman had made up his mind that this season would be his last.
Van der Sar has made over 750 first-team appearances for the likes of the Red Devils, Fulham, Juventus and Ajax, but claims that no decision has yet been made on whether he will play on for another season.
The 130-cap Dutch record holder normally discusses his future with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in January before putting pen to paper on a rolling one-year contract.
"That's complete nonsense," van der Sar told Dutch media."I do not know where this story comes from but it is nonsense. I don't yet know whether I will stop or continue after this season.
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.
"Only in the course of this season will I think about it. Then I will decide and not before. For now I keep my focus on United."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email