Fulham’s Moussa Dembele has emerged as a potential transfer target for a growing number of high-profile Premier League clubs. Tottenham had been strongly linked with a move in January but it appears that they now face strong competition from both Arsenal and Liverpool, according to talkSPORT.
Dembele has excelled in his new role as an attacking midfielder this season and with this contract set to expire next year, speculation has begun to intensify surrounding his future in southwest London.
Fulham are hoping a £15m price tag will scare off potential suitors this summer for a player who maintains he is content at Craven Cottage for the time being, although has expressed an interest to play at a higher level in the future.
Dembele told The People: “I’m not concerned about losing time here, but it’s clear that I’d like to play at a higher level.”
The 24-year-old has acquired many admirers since his move from AZ Alkmaar in 2010 and his current manager Martin Jol is adamant he can play at the very top,
“In a few months, maybe a year, he will be like Rafa van der Vaart, Dembele will learn and go on to become one of the best players in the Premier League.”
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Moussa Dembele has scored 6 goals in 53 games since his move from Holland in the summer 2010.
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic had nothing but praise for Barcelona after they won the Champions League on Saturday.Vidic’s side were torn apart by Barcelona, who were simply on a different level to their opponents as they ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa.
“I think if you look at it we have never played a team in the past like Barcelona, they played good football and deserved to win,” Vidic told ITV after the match.
“We tried to press high and in some parts of the game we did well. The goals we lost, we didn’t do what we have to do to close their players down. When they have time on the ball they can make the final pass and that is what they did.”
Vidic’s defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand agreed with Vidic that they were outplayed and outclassed by the Spanish champions.
“We gave it a better shot this time than last time (in Rome in 2009), we had a couple of opportunities,” Ferdinand told Sky Sports.
“We got back in it at 1-1 and thought we could come back and win but it wasn’t to be, we have to give them credit.”
“A couple of the goals were preventable but you have to give credit where it’s due. They’ve got a system they work to and did it well. We had a game plan we thought could beat them, but wasn’t to be.”
The match marked the last appearance of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar’s career, with the 40-year-old bowing out on a sour note.
“(I played) one game too many I think, it is not nice to lose of course. They had the better chances and we made one or two mistakes and they punish you,” van der Sar told ITV.
“They are very good, you have to try and score the first goal and we didn’t do that. It is not always a given, I thank everyone for the memories.”
When it comes to football chants, every season British football fans outdo themselves with imaginative songs. At any Premier League stadium across the country on a Saturday afternoon you’ll be able to hear some classic chants, many of which are much more intelligent than ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ The songs that focus on specific players that have become cult heroes at their clubs are particularly impressive, and while some chants, such as recent Wayne Rooney ones and songs directed at the former Liverpool owners, can’t be repeated here, it doesn’t mean that their lyrics aren’t extremely clever.
It’s not only football fans who cheer on their teams either, as cricket supporters are known to like a good sing song. The England cricket team is always well supported by the Barmy Army and just like their football counterparts, everywhere Andrew Strauss and co. go they’re followed by trumpeters to get the crowd singing and to add to the atmosphere. Somewhat surprisingly, England’s main rivals the Aussies are one of the few cricketing nations not to have an iconic cricket chant, and with the Ashes on the horizon that’s something that needs to be put right. To rectify this the Australian nation is being invited to come up with a brand new chant.
MILO is encouraging Aussies to compose and record their own cricket chant to be in with a chance of winning $10,000. In just a few weeks time the Aussies will be attempting to win back the Ashes from the Pommes and Ricky Ponting’s men need a chant that the whole crowd will know so that it will spur the team on. Without a great song the SCG will be drowned out by chants of ‘Barmy Army, Barmy Army, Barmy Army.’ That’s something no Australian cricketing fan wants!
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To be in with a chance of winning $10,000 all you need to do is record and then upload your cheer video to www.milo.com.au where you’ll also find more information about the competition. This will help the Aussie cricketing faithful to get one up on England’s Barmy Army and by cheering your boys on you can play your part in helping Australia win back the little urn. It’s about time that fans of the Australian Cricket Team had an awesome cricket chant to sing as they watch the Pommes getting hammered in the Ashes!
The return of another cliché but one that is certainly valid. What a difference a week makes. Arsenal’s victory over Tottenham at the weekend was needed more than ever and serves to appease Arsene Wenger’s judgement in the media that his Gunners side remain ‘alive’ amidst questions of their long-term staying power over the course of a campaign.
Rose tinted spectacles are all the range again for the red half of North London as bragging rights were secured on Sunday; Harry Redknapp admitted Spurs might be looking over their shoulder, Lukas Podolski reportedly ‘agreed’ a move to the club and Robin Van Persie came through unscathed against England at Wembley.
All hunky dory, no? As we all know, a week is a long time in football, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that with a win, breeds new confidence, not only in the fan base but in the squad of personnel and managerial team itself. We examine, was it ever as bad as first feared at Arsenal in recent months? Are things not that bad after all?
Indeed, Arsenal always appear to be that one game away from oblivion. At 2-0 down to Tottenham and indeed to arch-nemesis Emmanuel Adebayor in particularly, all Gunners fans wondered just when their nightmare was exactly going to end. Thankfully for all connected on Sunday, their players dug deep and produced one of the most stunning comebacks in recent Premier League history.
What was most frustrating for the watching football world was that the performance echoed the Gunners of old with slick passing, deadly accuracy in the finishing and swift link up play between the midfield and forward ranks. Something, which has been far too rare this season, failing the one-man exploits of one Dutch striker. It led everyone to question, just why can’t Arsenal produce such a performance on a regular basis and when it mattered in the recent games with Milan and Sunderland.
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It was almost the fact that Arsenal daren’t lose to their biggest rivals but it was okay to go through the motions against previous opposition. Whilst we would be foolish to surmise players don’t go out and give their all in every game (do they?), Arsenal reminded us all that they aren’t quite ‘has been’s’ just yet and haven’t subscribed to the countless editorials and cuttings writing them off for good.
But to look through the eyes of an optimist, following the announcement of a £49.5 million profit recently, Arsenal have indeed navigated the recent months with some relative success.
Still well in the hunt for fourth place and Champions League qualification next term and likely to be without the prospect of balancing two games a week, the Gunners possess a more realistic shot than their rivals at going all out to secure a European berth for the remainder of the campaign.
But in reality, Arsenal personify the most frustrating of teams to support as whilst responsible ownership and careful strategic guidance represent stability at the club in the eyes of a businessman, the clubs former on-field glories mean the club and its expectant supporters will always maintain their stance that winning trophies must be paramount in terms of what can be deemed true success.
Whilst a number of Arsenal fans may be content with finishing fourth this season under a squad described by some as the worst during Wenger’s tenure, the majority of Arsenal fans see the excruciating defeats to Milan and Sunderland as the root to the clubs underachievement, in that the club still isn’t mature and mentally strong enough to deliver consistently when it matters.
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But with reports this week claiming Lukas Podolski could be the first big name to arrive in North London this summer, Arsenal fans are enjoying one of the more happier, if not happiest seven-day periods of the season thus far. Gunners fans will just hope that the possible arrival of the prolific German striker isn’t a direct replacement for Van Persie who himself is still willing to listen to the clubs latest contract offer.
But what is sure is that Arsenal have turned a corner in terms of belief. They can produce the much-celebrated football that they have been capable of for a number of years and can give us some reason to justify that things aren’t as bad at the club after all.
Would Arsenal fans be naïve to think they have turned the corner just yet or is there some hope for the remainder of the season? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
Liverpool’s midfielder Alberto Aquilani’s future has come under some doubt according to the player’s agent. The Italian star has been on loan at Juventus this season, but the first-option that the Italian giants had to sign the 27 year old expired on Sunday. It is believed that Juve are refusing to meet the asking price set by the Reds, opening the door for other clubs to pursue him. But could a return to the Reds be on the cards?
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has previously said that he would take Aquilani back into the fold – but no decision has yet been made. It should be noted that Roy Hodgson was the manager when Aquilana made the loan switch to Juventus – so the Italian may get a new lease of life under the new manager. The player himself may also feel that he has something to prove to Liverpool fans, because after making a £20m switch to Anfield from Roma, injuries and lack of fitness severely hindered that solitary season at Liverpool.
That all being said it appears that the player’s first choice would be to remain in his homeland and his agent Franco Zavaglia stated “Aquilana is a Liverpool player and will possibly return to England, but it is clear, that if there was an opportunity to stay in Italy he’d stay here.”
A strange statement in a way because the player is only currently on loan – so surely as things stands he will definitely return to Liverpool. Liverpool may have initially intended the loan to be with a view to a permanent transfer – but that situation seems to have fallen through. And if Liverpool continues to demand a high price for the player then he may have little choice but to return to England. Furthermore, Kenny Dalglish may decide that Aquilani is exactly the sort of player he needs in his midfield – but will have to ensure he is suited to Premier League football bearing in mind he has so far failed to impress. So should Liverpool give Aquilani the opportunity to return and prove his ability or accept that it would be better to sell him to an Italian club?
Follow me on Twitter and join in on the debate.
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When foreign Premier League stars return home and engage with their native press agencies the results can be hilarious and controversial. In the bulk of cases comments are taken out of context. That seems to be in situation currently afflicting Manchester United’s Federico Macheda who was forced to clarify his Wayne Rooney ‘chav’ comments. Currently on duty with the Italian under-21 team, Macheda’s unhelpful words were reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport and perfunctorily translated by the British press. Prior to this episode numerous rumours had circulated, linking the 19-year old with a loan move to Lazio, where he was a youth player. Should Sir Alex Ferguson allow this young, exciting starlet to return to the Biancazzurri or opt to retain his services for a full season?
Rooney is a ‘chav’ were the headlines from yesterday and accredited to the England striker’s team-mate Macheda. “Rooney is a really great person, he always gives me advice, but he’s a bit of a coatto.” This Roman slang term cannot be directly translated into English but the nearest word is ‘chav.’ Whilst the term can carry negative connotations, the youngster proceeded to proclaim that Rooney was “coatto like me.” He explained, “I said coatto in a Roman way, but with no intention of offending Rooney. I respect him hugely, I wanted to say that for me he is a rough and ready character, truthful.” Nonetheless, being mindful of Rooney’s recent press attention he swiftly contacted club captain Rio Ferdinand to iron out any awkwardness.
On a different topic the forward was asked to speculate on reports associating him with a January return to Serie A side Lazio. “The rumours about Lazio please me but I don’t believe I will go.” Macheda evidently has fond memories for the club he left as a 16-year old. The club president Claudio Lotito had previously branded United shameful for taking advantage of Italy’s stricter labour laws to recruit the player. In Italy a player has to be aged 18 before a professional contract can be offered, compared to 16 in England. A loan move may heal the wounds between the two clubs but do Lazio need him? Eduardo Reja’s team are currently rolling back the years, sitting at the summit of the league after a relegation threatened season last term. Hernanes and Stefano Mauri are scoring and creating opportunities from midfield and the former Birmingham forward Mauro Zarate may have rediscovered his finishing touch.
The Eagles are unlikely to remain in their lofty perch but the interim signing of Macheda could bolster their push for a European place. Everton are allegedly interested too but Ferguson has given no indication that he would sanction such a move. Since scoring with a stunning strike to give United a last minute win at home to Aston Villa in the 2008/09 season, he has been regarded as a special player. He additionally scored another winner at Sunderland, deflecting Michael Carrick’s shot past Craig Gordon, propelling United towards a third successive league title. Since those illuminating performances he has made just 15 appearances for the team. But the talented youngster signed a new deal last December, tying him to Old Trafford until 2014. Known as a natural finisher, the confident striker has excelled for the club’s youth and reserve teams. His movement and clinical style earned him and Javier Hernandez special praise from the manager in pre-season. “To play for a club like this is not just about talent. You need something else and they’ve got something else.”
Having recognised their talent and character, the two combined well in United’s Champions League victory at the Mestalla. The Mexican coolly despatched Macheda’s assist. There is no pressure to aggressively rush his development but the Italian did get a league start at Sunderland last week. In a season where Chelsea appear rampant, a semblance of magic may need to be conjured up by Macheda at some point this term.
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Perhaps one of the most uneventful transfer windows in recent memory. A reflection of the current economic crisis, or simply the approaching Euros in the summer making players think twice about a move? Either way, the spending totals this January of just over £50 million has been dwarfed by last year’s total of £215 million. There was no popcorn-in-hand neutrals watching Manchester City splash their cash, Alex Ferguson didn’t bring in that superstar midfielder the fans have been crying out for, and most importantly of all, Harry Redknapp did not give hourly interviews out of his car window. A disappointment all round, really.
But despite the lack of heavy spending, there were a number of clubs and individuals who caught the eye. Whether it was clubs looking to strengthen following a poor first half to the season, or simply the backing of a new manager from an ambitious owner, there were most definitely talking points. Maybe not enough for Jim White in the Sky Sports News studio to get too excited about, but talking points nonetheless.
Click on Alan Pardew for a roundup of the 10 biggest winners and losers of this past January
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When Arsene Wenger bemoaned the physical treatment that was dished out to his players I remember thinking (like many others I’m sure) that he should just give it a rest and accept that tackles are a part and parcel of the game and injuries can sometimes be an unfortunate consequence of this; however not being an Arsenal fan I wasn’t looking closely to the treatment his players were getting in any great detail. I have now realised what the French manager was on about and it is not because I have suddenly changed allegiance, or spent any great time focusing on the Red side of North London, but witnessing the treatment Gareth Bale gets on a weekly basis. The Tottenham winger finally got nailed good and proper and has subsequently been ruled him out to until pre-season at least.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for Bale since his heroics in the Inter Milan tie and his life has changed beyond recognition. Off the pitch he receives high praise; however on it he has now become a marked man where he has at least two or three players following his every move. The clear message is to stop Bale and you stop Tottenham and the hatchet men out there are doing a fine job to injure one of the game’s brightest talents; they’ll tell you otherwise of course, but anyone who watches closely will tell you different. I think Gareth Bale has spent most of his time jumping over tackles than he has dribbling or crossing the ball and he has to learn quickly from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo on how to bypass these given that the Portuguese winger faced similar treatment week in, week out, when he was at United.
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I know a lot of you believe it is an overreaction perhaps and I should wake up to the fact it is a man’s game, but I know the difference between a hard wholehearted tackle and a dangerous one. Thierry Henry once commented that Ledley King was the best defender in England due to the fact he was the only player who could tackle him cleanly and didn’t have to take his legs to get the ball.
Gareth Bale has been kicked all over. A kick in his lower back against Everton that subsequently ruled him out for weeks prior to his recent return; challenges from behind and plenty of tackles similar to the one that finally took him out on White Hart Lane on Saturday have been a regular sight unfortunately in the past few weeks. It is a shame that the FA and football authorities can’t take retrospective action on these players for their reckless actions that have no place in the game.
I know people may sight that hard tackling has always been in the fabric of English football and while I accept that is true, you also have to take into account that things like pitches and the boots have changed therefore there isn’t any give in the pitch for players feet and their studs or blades tend to get caught in the turf therefore heightening the chance of injury, as we have seen so many times in the past few years with double leg breaks, dislocations and in some cases compound fractures (injuries that were few and far between in the old days). Players need to be protected by the powers that be, or otherwise as Fergie has suggested before certain players will be kicked out of the English game for good.
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FootballFanCast.com WORLD Exclusive, Robbie Savage Face in a baby Scan
This has been a week that manager Roy Hodgson and the Liverpool fans will want to forget in a hurry. It started badly with a defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester United and ended with a less than satisfactory draw at home to Sunderland. Sandwiched inbetween was an embarrassing Carling Cup defeat at Anfield against Northampton. Cobblers you say? The Reds certainly wish it was!
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Liverpool blogs which has included… Sterling set to save Liverpool millions, rumours show a lack of respect for Hodgson and £280m deal promises a bleak future for Liverpool.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week
Raheem Sterling – A youngster set to save Liverpool millions
VIDEO: 10 of the best saves ever
Whatever happened to Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League winning side?
The TOP 10 Football comebacks of all time
Rumours show a lack of respect for Roy Hodgson
The TOP TEN Premier League Workhorses
Caption Competition: What have the Manchester United and Liverpool mascots seen?
The TOP 10 Fat Footballers in the modern game
£280m deal promises a bleak future for Liverpool
Top TEN Premier League Summer Transfers
Was Ferguson right in his assessment of Benitez?
TOP 10 memorable managerial quotes
Is Man Utd vs Liverpool still the biggest game in England?
VIDEO: Andy Gray’s top commentary moments
The TOP 10 Premier League ‘Wonderkids’ who failed to live up to their billing
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Best of Web
If this great man believes in Roy, so should we – Live4Liverpool
Roy Hodgson dealing with the glare of the Liverpool FC spotlight – Liverpool Echo
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Does Agger have a point? – This Is Anfield
Roy Hodgson seems powerless to arrest Liverpool’s decline – Telegraph
Could Liverpool do a Leeds? – FourFourTwo.com
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Click on the image below to see the Top 10 Premier WAGs!
When Tim Howard scored against Bolton a few weeks ago, the American was extremely apologetic for it as he felt sorry for the Trotters keeper Adam Bogdan, as such incidents like this were freakish and not commonplace in the game. The Everton keeper is absolutely right, although he is certainly not the first and won’t be the last to benefit from a stroke of fortune. Who can forget Darren Bent’s beach ball deflected goal for Sunderland against Liverpool, or Jason Cundy’s 50 yard clearance for Tottenham against Ipswich Town all those years ago?
The bizarre nature of Tim Howard’s goal has led me to compile a top ten of the freakiest goals ever to be scored. Whilst many will often cite the Stan Collymore goal that hit a pivot before bouncing over Tim Flowers, or any one of the various goalkeeping blunders that England fans have become accustomed to, I have chosen ten goals (in no particular order) in which the groundsman may not be held responsible, but where the nature of the goal itself is genuinely hard to believe.
Click on Chris Brass to unveil the top 10 freakiest goals in football
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