The Premier League has become one of the most expensive industries in recent times, gaining huge commercial success since it’s inception in 1992 that’s proved a massive hit for certain clubs. Alongside the increased financial gain by teams across the land has come vastly inflated transfer fees and wages that have recently damaged the long-term health of many of the clubs. The likes of Manchester City and Chelsea have literally thrown money at their squad in an attempt to bring home the Premier League title and since this has worked, it’s become something of a blueprint for success.
However, with the new financial fair play rules coming in next season, teams need to learn to be frugal with their spending or risk sanctions from UEFA. This has resulted in a more cautious approach to spending this summer, with teams keeping their eyes out for bargains or refusing to spend more the asking price for the player anyway (except Chelsea!) There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a bargain transfer pay off, while spending big fees can often backfire horrendously. We have therefore compiled a Bargain Premier League XI and an Overpriced Premier League XI who can do battle over 90 minutes in a one-off special. See who you think would come out on top.
Click on Seb Larsson to unveil the teams
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West Ham United have confirmed that they still hope to become the main tenants of the Olympic Stadium, despite news emerging of a delay in the decision.
Legal challenges from Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient put an end to West Ham’s hopes of buying the stadium in a partnership bid with Newham Council in 2011.
But they are still hopeful that the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) will choose them as their preferred bidders for tenancy.
West Ham reiterated their interest in the stadium in a statement released by the club.
“It is now 20 months since West Ham United
were initially named as the preferred bidder to occupy the Olympic Stadium post-Games. We are obviously disappointed, that three bids later, a decision has yet to be reached.
“We do however remain fully committed to becoming the catalyst to galvanise the Olympic Park
by bringing people, jobs and a robust and sustainable commercial offer that guarantees a return to the taxpayer of the money already invested.”
The LLDC cheif executive Dennis Hone said yesterday: “In the scheme of things if it slips another month or two I would rather get the right solution.
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“I would hate to bung someone in there and see it fall apart in five years. If it takes a couple of extra months to get there, then so be it. We have had discussions with all of the bidders.
“The difficulty is that we are balancing the adaptations we have to make to the stadium against the proposals that have come in and the benefits – financial and otherwise – that those proposals bring. If it was a knockout [verdict] it would be an easy decision, but it’s not.”
The Premier League is often hyped up to a ridiculous extent by the media in this country, but is it still the breeding ground for the world’s top players? Do they see plying their trade in England as the pinnacle of their careers? Or are we merely preparing them for bigger challenges elsewhere? Let’s investigate.
Sky Sports ramp up their coverage ahead of any reasonably sized big game in this country to an almost absurd degree, making every encounter between Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle seem like the biggest game on the footballing calendar. The obvious elephants in the room are Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Premier League is undeniably a much richer league and there’s simply much more strength in depth here than there is in Spain. There’s currently a real financial crisis going in over there at the moment and it’s finally started to have a knock-on effect on how the clubs do their business; the fact that not one club had the money readily available to bid for Michu this summer, despite him only going for £2.5m after being the top goalscoring midfielder in the league last year says it all.
However, Barcelona and Real Madrid are certainly the two biggest clubs currently operating in Europe, if not only for the sheer volume of world-class players that each has within their fantastic squads, so you’re left with a pecking order which operates at La Liga, the Premier League and then that hegemonic duo on top of anything we have to offer still.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero mad something of a slip=up in a post-match interview last month stating that he would have signed for Real Madrid ahead of Manchester City had they come in for him last summer, despite the rivalry they share with city rivals Atletico. He was then forced into an embarrassing climbdown the day after, during which he went on to stress that he was perfectly happy at Roberto Mancini’s side.
This is of course not to say that he wasn’t being sincere in his commitment to City, I’m sure he is happy there at the moment, after all, he did play a crucial part in the side winning the league title last season, so it’s not like his ambitions aren’t being fulfilled in the short-term at least, but if Real Madrid or Barcelona came calling next summer, he’d probably want the move. That’s not a slight on City, they’re probably the only two clubs he’d consider leaving for, but it’s not an unrealistic expectation.
Arsenal are a huge club, but they too have found it difficult to keep some of their bigger players happy over the years, acting as something of a feeder club to Barcelona. Players like Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song has move to Catalunya once they have matured as footballers, while over at Liverpool, they were sucked dry by the two big Spanish giants with Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano both departing at great expense, but to an even greater cost to their side.
Manchester United are the only club that has proven somewhat immune to this trend over the years, partly because of the power Sir Alex Ferguson has over players and the loyalty he inspires and secondly because until the Glazers came into the club, they were on such a sound financial footing, that they never had a pressing need to sell. While Cristiano Ronaldo may have moved to the Bernabeu, it was for a whopping £80m fee, all of which was paid up front, so in that respect, the move was done on their terms, but the fact that it went ahead at all shows that the player thought that he was making a step up in terms of his career. The same could also be said of Luka Modric this summer.
There are still plenty of world-class players operating in the top flight at the moment – Aguero, Yaya Toure, van Persie, Mata, Silva, Kompany and Cole to name but a few who wouldn’t look out of place over in Spain. This is without even mentioning a whole host of fantastic players at the likes of Newcastle, Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal, but the real question is do the players themselves see England as good as it gets?
In terms of competitiveness, the grounds, the fans and the money on offer, it probably is, certainly way ahead of anything in either Spain or Italy and while Germany is an emerging league on a par with those two and as good as the Premier League has to offer at times, it’s still ranked just below in terms of prestige, even if you get more bang for your buck over there.
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The Premier League has always been the place where players come to learn their trade before, if they’re good enough that is, moving back to Spain’s big two. The pace and power of the league, when allied with their technical abilities, can make them an attractive proposition for prospective clubs.
The truth of the matter is, though, that while we have a fabulous league in terms of entertainment value, it’s not the most tactically aware around and the Premier League remains a league where talents are honed rather than brought in ready-made, so much so in fact that I can’t think of a single player that has been brought to England at the pinnacle of their careers and could be said to be bracketed under the term ‘world-class’.
France Manager Didier Deschamps has praised the improvement of French Midfielder Yohan Cabaye, yet at the same time taken a swipe at Newcastle’s role in his development.
The former Marseille boss and World Cup winner, believes the star’s great form on the international stage is nothing to do with his transfer to Newcastle United.
He is aware that the midfielder is getting several plaudits for his assured displays, but has put it down to playing regularly for the national team and meeting their expectations.
In a bizarre statement he looked over any role the Magpies have played in the star’s development. Deschamps even went on to suggest that his international starlet doesn’t even play to his full potential for Newcastle.
“He didn’t change his status because he joined Newcastle; it is because he has been called into the French team and he has matched expectation,” Deschamps said.
The fans of Newcastle United football club are aware that Cabaye came in off the back of a double winning season with former side Lille, but would find these statements baffling as the Frenchman played a pivotal role in Newcastle finishing 5th in the Premier League last term.
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While achieving European football was not a completely new experience for Yohan Cabaye, it is believed that to achieve this feat in the English top flight is far harder than in the Ligue 1.
Newcastle United supporters arguing this will point to their recent outing against one of the form teams in the France, Bordeaux, who they swept aside 3-0 with a less than full strength side.
If there was ever a fixture that could make or break Brendan Rodger’s maiden season at Anfield then it’s the Merseyside derby. A fixture of great history and tradition pits two teams a hare widths apart geographically but, in terms of league position, the Reds are once again enviously gazing up at the Toffees. Regaining the Stanley Park supremacy is one of the top objectives on Rodgers’ list and there were signs that his side were moving in the right direction with a throughly encouraging victory in the Europa League on Thursday. That followed a first Premier League home win for Rodgers last weekend, which will come as a huge relief to the Northern Irishman, as the players become accustomed to the way he wants them to play. There has also been a glimpse of his long-term strategy that has seen teenage stars Raheem Sterling and Suso become pivotal members of the starting XI. Whether this young Reds team can cope with the vociferous atmosphere of the Merseyside derby will be a test of their young character and set the tone for their campaign.
This week on FFC is Rodgers finally starting to deliver at Anfield and could he be lining up a shock swoop for Theo Walcott in the New Year?
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Best of FFC
Brendan Rodgers finally delivers at Anfield
To what extent are Everton favourites?
The real deal at Liverpool FC?
Will he prove the architect of his own downfall at Anfield?
A transfer to Liverpool FC would be a strange one
Signs that Liverpool FC are getting back to basics
Are these really the sort of players Liverpool FC should be looking at?
Does his presence unsettle the rest of the side?
Rodgers plotting January raid on Arsenal and Chelsea
Liverpool FC boss targeting Dutch ace in cut price deal
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Best of WEB
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Reds Going in the Right Direction – Live 4 Liverpool
Fortress Anfield? You’re having a laugh! Spurs hero writes off LFC’s CL chances… – Liverpool Kop
Will Rodgers’ Europa selection backfire on Sunday? – This is Anfield
‘Get a grip!’ – Angry LFC hero slams fan ‘negativity’ and KD’s transfer mistakes… – Liverpool Kop
Winning By Numbers – The Tomkins Times
A Better Partnership Than Carra & Sami? – Live 4 Liverpool
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Is a balance between pragmatism & idealism the key for Rodgers? – This is Anfield
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Quote of the Week
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“I think he has been a great surprise to everyone; not that he is doing so well at this level but I don’t think anyone expected him to break through so early. I think we all knew he was going to be good enough to play for the first team but when they are young and small and that size sometimes you need to take a little bit extra care. They get used towards the end of the season to give them a taste but the manager has come in, seen what he has done in pre-season and said he is ready now. He hasn’t let anyone down and he’s been sensational so far.” Steven Gerrard admits he has been impressed by Raheem Sterling’s progress this season
Martin Jol was delighted as his side held Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates, despite a last minute penalty miss from the Gunners, but his main praise was focussed on his top striker, as reported by talkSPORT.
Dimitar Berbatov put in a top class performance against London rivals Arsenal, as Fulham came from 2-0 to draw 3-3 at the Emirates and Jol was delighted with his summer signings’ contribution.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Jol told talkSPORT.
“He could play for any other club in Europe, for the biggest clubs. Even at Manchester United he was top scorer in England.”
“We talked about it the other day in training.
“I said there is probably not one player in England who can wait for the keeper [when taking a penalty].
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“That is why he came to me on the byline because he was waiting for the keeper and he scored, so it was an awesome penalty kick.”
Newcastle will be looking to end a four-match losing streak when they host Wigan in the Premier League on Sunday.
Alan Pardew’s men have so far struggled to recapture the form that took them to a fifth-place finish last season. Since beating West Brom in October, the Magpies have endured a terrible run of form with just one point from their past five matches. Disappointing losses at home to West Ham and Swansea were followed by arguably their worst result of the season – a 2-0 loss at Southampton.
They looked like finally ending their losing run against Stoke on Wednesday night, but conceded twice in the last 10 minutes to slump to their fourth straight defeat. They are languishing in 14th place and in desperate need of a victory to kick-start their season.
Papiss Cisse may have scored in his last start against Stoke but the Senegalese striker has struggled so far this campaign after bursting onto the scene so spectacularly in January earlier this year. Newcastle’s other star striker Demba Ba has been more productive with eight goals to his name already and will be looking to further add to his tally in this clash.
Roberto Martinez’s Wigan have lost three of their past four clashes, but were far from disgraced in Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to defending champions Manchester City. Spanish attacker Jordi Gomez netted a sublime hat-trick in Wigan’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Reading and will pose a threat to Newcastle’s leaky defence. Arouna Kone and Franco Di Santo are also quality forwards with seven goals between them his season.
Wigan have never tasted a Premier League victory at St James’ Park, but if they break their duck it will be the first time Newcastle have lost three home matches in a row since April 2009.
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Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has hinted that he will raid the American MLS in January to search for some bargains and loan deals to improve his struggling Rangers squad.
The MLS season is now over and players such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan have used this time to move to Europe on loan to stay fit over the past few years.
Beckham is now a free agent and is looking for a new dawn in his career, with offers from China, Russia, Australia and Europe to consider, so it is unlikely that West London will be his next destination.
One man that moved back to the Premier League this time last year was Robbie Keane who enjoyed a successful loan at Aston Villa and Keane may be top of Redknapp’s list when it comes to January arrivals having been together at Tottenham a few years ago.
“The MLS market is one that we’ve got to look at,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“Robbie’s a good shout. He probably would be an interesting player.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet no but he would be an interesting player.
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“He’s a good pro and he would be the ideal type to have around for sure because he would give us something.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has denied that the Gunners back room staff; including his number two Steve Bould, are unhappy with his management.
The comments come after reports circulated this week that Bould was frustrated with Wenger after their Capital One Cup exit to Bradford on Tuesday night, something the Gunners boss claims are lies.
Bould reportedly wants to be more hands on when it comes to match preparation and training but despite Wenger being on compassionate leave two weeks ago, Bould still didn’t take charge of the sessions.
A large section of Arsenal fans have called for their long serving boss to leave after their poor start to the season that was exaggerated by their defeat to Bradford on penalties this week.
Despite everything that has happened at the Emirates during the past few weeks, Wenger is happy to take the criticism on the chin but has slammed the ‘lies’ written in the newspapers.
“We are a united staff team. You can unfortunately not control all the lies that are written in the newspapers,” Wenger told the Daily Mirror.
“I believe it’s a good opportunity to show that we are strong inside the Club and let people talk.
“We are criticised when our results are not good – we have to take that on the chin. That we have to face a lot of lies is less acceptable.”
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When a player arrives from abroad for a minimal fee and makes a significant impact then he is bound to turn a few heads. Swansea City’s inspired signing of Michu from Rayo Vallecano has lead to many plaudits, and rightly so as he has arguably been the signing of the season.
The Spaniard has had a terrific campaign so far, netting 13 league goals and helping the Swans to the Capital One Cup final, scoring in the first leg of the tie against Chelsea which saw them reach the showpiece event against giant killers Bradford City.
His form has lead to him being touted for his first senior call up to the Spanish squad as well as many rumours about other clubs expressing an interest in signing him. Michu however quashed these rumours by signing a contract extension at the Liberty stadium and in my opinion this could be a blessing in disguise for both himself and any of his supposed admirers who were looking to poach him.
The forward was quoted in the Guardian as saying, “I’ve read and listened to all the speculation, but it doesn’t interest me, and that’s why I’ve signed a new contract. I’m enjoying myself too much because the team always tries to play football. All I think about is the next game and helping Swansea to be successful. This is my life.”
He has had a very good first half to the season but that isn’t enough in my opinion to justify paying the double figure prices that were put on his head. It is easy to jump on the hype of a player, especially with the media playing its part, in the same fashion a player is criticised when they struggle for form.
It can’t be forgotten that before his prolific spell at La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, Michu endured a relatively uninspiring three years at Celta Vigo. He has also failed to impress enough to be capped by Spain at any level, and although there are many top players that will get overlooked by Spain due to the embarrassment of riches at their disposal, it is still an interesting point.
We have also seen it many times where a player has come into a new club and done excellently, earning himself a move to a bigger club where it just doesn’t quite work, and effectively damages their career. Gylfi Sigurdsson would be an excellent example for me, with him impressing at Swansea himself before landing a move to Tottenham in the summer. While it is far too early to consider him a failure at the North London club as he hasn’t had a long run of games yet and is still young, it shows the point that sometimes a player is better off staying put.
In my opinion Sigurdsson looked every bit as impressive in the half a season he played for the Welsh club last season as Michu has so far this campaign. The Icelandic playmaker netted seven times, while providing five assists in just under 17 games worth of football in the league. He has however struggled for starts at Tottenham where he would have planned to take over the creative reigns from the departed Luka Modric. Andy Carroll’s big money move to Liverpool is just another among many examples of the risks that judging a player too soon can carry.
There are several reasons for occurrences such as this, and sometimes it’s as simple as a club just being a perfect fit for a player or that after the initial element of surprise, teams work out how to deal with their threat. There is also the ‘big fish in a small pond’ theory that clubs need to be wary of. Without disrespecting Swansea who are a terrific club and have done excellently this season, producing the kind of form Michu has for them, for a team chasing Champions League qualification or major honours is a different ball game. Some players just strive off being the main man at a club.
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I am certainly not dismissing Michu’s ability to step up and deliver for one of the top teams but I am just putting a cautious slant on what in my opinion is a slightly simplistic belief by some that he was good enough to move on from Swansea already. After all, who would have predicted Papiss Cisse’s drastic change of fortunes in a Newcastle shirt after the start he made following his January arrival last season? I don’t think many, including myself did.
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