EPL Talk » Premiership

Are the Best Young Players in the World Shunning the EPL?

Sebastian Shepard — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:42:24 +0000

Who are the very best young players in the world? For the purposes of this article, “young players” are those no older than 22.

First there are the obvious: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Alexandre Pato, Francesc Fabregas, Karim Benzema, etc. Their class has been established before this mysterious “young” label vanished, and subsequently they command enormous transfer fees, if their clubs are even willing to part with them. They often aren’t and for good reason. These are players who will win Ballon d’Ors, change Champions League finals in a single play, and will also sell shirts.

Then there is a second tier of young players who might becomes world class, but aren’t quite there yet: Chelsea’s Mikel, Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi, Werder Bremen’s Mesut Ozil, Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain, etc. Another way of saying this is, although they wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting position on a Champions League final team, they’d at least be on the bench.

Then there’s a third tier of players who are still unpolished and generally unproven, though many people believe they have the quality to go on a to great things. These are players like Inter’s Santon, Everton’s Rodwell, AZ’s Dembele, Palermo’s Pastore, Bayern Munich’s Kroos, or Athletic Bilbao’s Muniain (the new youngest La Liga goalscorer, or “the Spanish Wayne Rooney”).

What strikes me from these lists, which are meant to be totally cursory and by no means inclusive, is the lack of EPL representation. Considering the league has come under fire for “luring youngsters away from the academies that developed them”, why do football’s future luminaries seem to ply their trade on the continent?

Some might say they don’t, and that the best youth in the EPL could easily match Serie A and La Liga’s best young players. Aaron Lennon, Fellaini, Agbonglahor et al, the argument goes, have just as much class.

Teams like Arsenal, Everton, West Ham, and Manchester United have fine traditions of developing youth players into great players. These traditions, especially at Everton currently, look like they’ll continue.

Yet despite Arsenal’s policy of youth, I see few players who will go on to be world class. Fabregas already is, Nasri has a great chance of becoming, and for Jack Wilshire and Aaron Ramsey, it’s too early to tell. But can anyone see Bendtner as Ibrahimovic’s heir, or Denilson as a second Fabregas (or a defensive midfielder, or whatever they want to make him these days)?

In La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, the Eredivisie, and the Bundesliga, these young players have a greater chance of getting lots of playing time and actually being stars.

Would Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic (in my opinion the second best teenager in the world, behind only Pato), have started for Liverpool in the match in which he scored against them?

Probably not, likely because he isn’t good enough to do so. As exciting a prospect as Jovetic, he still could not have replaced Gerrard, Torres, Benayoun, Riera, or Kuyt because he isn’t a better player than any of them. He does, however, have the potential to be better than the last three especially. Yet in Liverpool he would ride the bench this season, just as he would at Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, or Manchester City. He would get chances at smaller clubs, but he wouldn’t taste Champions League football like he does now at Fiorentina.

At the best clubs in the EPL, the competition is too great for young stars to truly break through, it seems. I don’t mean seeing the least four minutes ten games per season, but rather the chance to play 90 minutes regularly.

With the exception of the “predestined” youngsters – the Fabregases and Messis and Rooneys and Ronaldos – the Serie A, La Liga, Eredivisie, and the Bundesliga provide better opportunities.

It seems the youngsters and their agents realize this too. Javier Pastore, Palermo’s 20 year old midfielder, was hesitant to join Manchester United when the rumors were flying because of the lack of minutes. Instead, he opted to join Serie A’s 8th place Palermo. He might have joined a team in the Champions League, but now he gets to play about 30+ games per season, ninety minutes each. His contract lasts until he’s 25, when by then, he could be one of the premier playmakers in the world.

When the “Big Four” come knocking, the theory goes, you don’t turn down the golden opportunity in your career. It’s supposed to be your big chance to break into the national team, to win trophies, and become an elite player. This doesn’t seem to be the case in the EPL, with the exception of the truly greatest.

For simply the good players, let Chelsea’s Saloman Kalou be a warning. When the Blues signed him in 2006, it seemed like the 21-year old could be Chelsea’s Cristiano Ronaldo – a winger who could score lots of goals and dribble past opponents. Instead, he’s gone from promising star to inconsistent substitute, age 24. One can’t help but wonder what might have happened if the Ivorian had opted to join a German, Italian, or Spanish club instead of one of the EPL’s elite and hyper competitive giants. Would the consistent minutes have made him a better player? It’s very possible.

Premier League Preview – Aug. 29-30

Randy Capps — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:04:25 +0000

Can Spurs be stopped?

Will the real Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa please stand up?

When will Pompey spend some of their new found wealth?

Oh yeah, we have our first Big Four clash of the year with Arsenal visiting Old Trafford this week as well.

Perhaps this week in the EPL will get us closer to some of the answers to these and many other questions.

First, the TV schedule.

Now, on with the show…

Chelsea vs. Burnley

Burnley will try to replicate its recent giant killing ways when it invades Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Table watch – After three matches, Chelsea is on nine points, in second place on goal difference to Tottenham. Burnley is on six points which, coupled with their neutral goal difference is good for seventh.

Leavin’ on a jet plane – Blues’ boss Carlo Ancelotti will leave after the match to catch the Milan Derby, according to Goal Italia.

A confident Claret – Steven Fletcher is enjoying life in England early on this season.

“It’s been good so far and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I’m looking forward to Saturday, it will be a big game at Chelsea. It’s on TV too and everybody likes to play on TV.” – Fletcher, to the Lancashire Telegraph

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Birmingham

High flying Spurs welcome new boys Birmingham to White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Table watch – Spurs are in first place with nine points (and a +6 goal difference) in three matches. Birmingham has four points from its three games, good for eighth.

Pinball wizards – Spurs have nine goals in league play this season and added five more in a Carling Cup win over Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Blackburn Rovers vs. West Ham United

Blackburn will host the Hammers Saturday in search of their its point of the new campaign.

Table watch – Blackburn is in 18th place, pointless after two matches. West Ham has three points from its two matches, good for 11th.

Mid-week action – While Blackburn was notching a routine 3-1 win over Gillingham, West Ham had to endure pitch invasions in their triumph over Milwall. Maybe getting out of London will do them good…

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Bolton vs. Liverpool

After a stunning 3-1 loss at home to Aston Villa on Monday, the Reds will try to snap back on the road against Bolton.

Table watch – Bolton is in 17th place after two matches, still seeking its first point. Liverpool has just three points in three matches, putting them in 10th.

Walking wounded – Liverpool will be without Alberto Aquilani (ankle), Daniel Agger (back) and Fabio Aurelio (knee) as the Reds try to get back on track.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Stoke City vs. Sunderland

The Potters entertain the Black Cats in this battle of top 10 sides.

Table watch – Stoke City has four points from three games, good for ninth place, while Sunderland is in sixth place on six points.

Adding depth – BBC Radio reports that Stoke City is about to add Middlesbrough’s Robert Huth and Tuncay in a deal reported to be worth £10m.

Dynamic duo – Sunderland strikers Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones already have four goals between them this season.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Hull City

Wolves play host to Hull City Saturday in an intriguing battle.

Table watch – Both teams have three points from three matches. Wolves are 14th and the Tigers are in 15th.

Quick hitters – From Eurosport: Wolves and Hull City last met in the league in 2007-08 and the Tigers won both meetings on the way to promotion. … Hull conceded the most fouls in 2008-09 and are leading the way in 2009-10 with 59. … The Tigers have allowed the opposition 57 shots this season, more than any other side. … Wolves have only ever kept three clean sheets at home in the Premier League, in 20 games.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Manchester United vs. Arsenal

The Gunners bring their league-leading 10 goals to Manchester to face the Red Devils, who put five past Wigan in mid week.

Table watch – Arsenal are in third with six points from two matches while United also has six points (in three matches), good for fourth.

What they’re saying – “I am happy to go to Old Trafford because it is the first big, big test. You want always to have a high level of confidence when you go to Old Trafford – we have that at the moment.” – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, to Sky Sports

Injury list – Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas’ status with his injured hamstring is still unknown. His presence, or lack thereof, could be key.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Portsmouth vs. Manchester City

A Sunday date at Fratton Park is the latest stop on City’s tour through the EPL season.

Table watch – City has six points from its two matches and is sitting in fifth place while Portsmouth has dropped all three league matches this term and are stuck in 19th.

Takeover complete – Portsmouth has a new owner as United Arab Emirates investor Sulaiman al-Fahim has wrapped up his takeover of the club.

I’ve gotta be me – “I don’t think I can fill the role that John Terry has at this moment in time. Obviously he has been the leader of his club and nation for a long time now so he has more leadership qualities than I have. But I look up to people like that and believe I can achieve what he has done.” – Joleon Lescott, on why he’s not Chelsea captain, and former City target, John Terry, to the Telegraph

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Aston Villa vs. Fulham

A pair of Europa League clubs will try to climb back towards that territory in a Sunday meeting at Villa Park.

Table watch – It’s two matches and three points for both sides. Villa sits 12th, one spot north of the Whites.

Up and down – Villa is flying high after shocking Liverpool, 3-1, Monday while Fulham is trying to recover from a 2-0 loss at Craven Cottage to Chelsea on Sunday.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Everton vs. Wigan Athletic

The Toffees will be looking to get off the deck when Wigan visits Goodison Park on Sunday.

Table watch – Everton is in last place with no points from its two games. Wigan is on three points in 16th place.

In and out – Want away defender Joleon Lescott is finally on his way to Manchester City, but Russian International Diniyar Bilyaletdinov might swoop in for a Sunday start in his place.

“We’re really looking forward to bringing Diniyar in and there is a chance he could play on Sunday. There has been enough talk (about Lescott’s transfer) and now is the time for everyone to move on. My job is to try and make us stronger. That’s what I am aiming to do.” – Boss David Moyes, to The Liverpool Echo

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

The Premiership Will Hold No Fear For Burnley Fans

Paul Bestall — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:10:11 +0000

So less than 24 hours after Promotion to the Premiership and the usual round of tired cliches and articles about “brave little Burnley” are beginning to pop up on-line and in the press. Do they never learn, Do they know the football history attached to this club? Burnley fans will probably laugh in the face of these doom mongers and pessimists, they’re just glad that they still have a club to support and after you’ve faced that, you can cope with anything.

Back in the 1986-1987 season, The Football League had finally bowed to pressure and allowed relegation to the Football Conference for the first time. Previously, the side that finished last had to seek re-election from the rest of the League, a ludicrous situation, similar to asking turkeys to vote for Christmas. The only amazing thing about that was that some clubs were actually removed from the League, giants such as Barrow, Workington and New Brighton.

Burnley went in to the final game of the season knowing that they could face relegation to the Conference if results went against them. As it was both Lincoln and Torquay failed to win and Burnley finished 3rd bottom, a lowest low for a side that had reached the Quarter Finals of the European Cup back in 1960-1961. This is a side that had won the First Division twice as well as the FA Cup and almost won the double in 1962, finishing runners up in the League and the F.A. Cup and only left the First Division back in 1976, ironically relegated with Sheffield United.

To face that possibility that a side that had played European Football could really find themselves out of the league within a generation must have been terrifying for the fans of the Clarets. To face that fact and to overcome it puts the fans of Burnley in an ideal position to deal with Premiership football and the pressures that come with it. They’re not scared of anything that the top tier can throw at them, after the rollercoaster history they’ve had in the last 25 years alone, next season will be a delight for Clarets fans.

This is a side that have been at the top end of English football before, in fact in the 1960’s, they were one of the big English teams, challenging for trophies and finishing in the top 10 5 times under the legendary Burnley manager Harry Potts. Oddly from 1967 until 1970 they finished 14th every season, back when the top division had 22 clubs.

Of course, next season will be a massive challenge for Burnley, but no more so than the one faced by Hull City and Stoke City this season and their exploits in this season’s Carling and F.A. Cup competitions will stand them in good stead. They have nothing to fear with promotion, the manager Owen Coyle has been earning plaudits all season with the expansive football his side plays and they’ll be looking forward to bloodying the noses of more estabilished Premiership sides next season.

By winning the Championship Play Off Final through Wade Elliott’s super strike, Burnley have become the 42nd side to play at least a season in the in Premiership now. As a founding member of the Football League, some would say it’s been overdue to see them return to the top flight after an absence of 32 years, but they’ve not gained promotion through sympathy, they’ve played their way up.

This is a side with history, both good and bad behind it, and they’ll be relishing next season more than most fans. The fact that they can play a bit too, will make it an interesting season at Turf Moor and good luck to them.

What Next For Michael Owen?

Michael Timbury — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:04:21 +0000

With Newcastle teetering over the relegation trap door, skipper Michael Owen will lead a mass exodus at the club, should they fall through it into the Championship on Sunday. With Owen out of contract it is likely that he will leave the club in the summer regardless. The question is where will he go? A number of clubs have reportedly shown interest and being that he is available on a free reduces the risk for anyone willing to take a punt on a striker who is injury prone, but also proven class.

Of the Premiership clubs, Owen has been linked with moves to Aston Villa, Everton, Man City, Tottenham, Arsenal and a return to Liverpool. Rumours emerged last week of a pay as you play deal from Celtic that included massive goal bonuses and then there have been a few smaller cries of offers and interest from abroad. Personally I think moving north of the border at this stage of Owen’s career would be suicide, especially on a pay as you play deal. Owen is too good for the SPL right now and can still achieve a lot at a higher level. Of course the prospect of Champions League football might appeal but it’s not like he’d ever win that particular competition with Celtic.

Aston Villa is a potential destination which may be favourable to Owen as he would have the opportunity to link up with Emile Heskey once more, something that Owen has always prospered from. John Carew is also of the Heskey mould and could provide a similar foil for Owen. Everton may not be the most popular club for Owen to align himself with given his history but could be what it needed to push the Toffees to the next level. These two seem the most likely of choices as Spurs have already got three strikers in the form of Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Darren Bent that can offer what Owen does. Man City are being linked with every Tom, Dick and Jose so their name was destined to crop up on the list of suitors but the actual chances of them signing Owen are slim. Mainly because he wouldn’t cost an outrageous transfer fee and it seems that City don’t deal in the bargain bin anymore.

Arsenal and Liverpool aren’t likely to be interested either. Owen isn’t really the kind of player Arsene Wenger likes (i.e. English), and would rather blood someone like Carlos Vela who, given Arsenal’s tight budget, wouldn’t cost the club anywhere near the amount Owen’s wages would. As for Liverpool, Rafa Benitez is hardly likely to re-sign a player who was shown the door almost immediately after Rafa took over at Anfield. I would like to see Owen try again abroad, although I can understand the player’s reluctance given his stint on the Real Madrid bench in 2004/05. Perhaps Italy would be a more viable option should Owen’s prospects be limited domestically as the Italian style may just suit his game more. Newcastle still remains an option if they stay up and it wouldn’t surprise me if Alan Shearer was to remain as manager, then Owen might just be inclined to stay put.

UEFA’s Appeal Committee Show No Common Sense

Paul Bestall — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:53:02 +0000

Why is it so hard to have a governing body with an ounce of common sense, UEFA just seem bereft of it every time it seems like they’ll do the right thing. Are your matches blighted by neo-nazi’s forming swastika shapes on the terrace? Here, have a fine of $3 and don’t do it again. Do your fans steal a visiting fans scooter, carry it into the ground, set it on fire and throw it on the pitch during a game? Never happened. English based player sent off for a foul he didn’t commit? The Red card stands!

Darren Fletcher’s red card, alongside Eric Abidals, was a travesty. The referee got it wrong, it was obviously a mistake so United must have been hoping that UEFA’s appeal’s panel would realise that the ludicrous and frankly absurd rule that you can’t appeal a red card unless it’s mistaken identity and it would see the opportunity for them to hold their hands up, say the referee got it wrong, and rescind it.

Of course they didn’t. Now I’m not buying into the conspiracy theories that are currently doing the rounds in the British press, though UEFA’s contempt for the Premiership is hard to ignore currently due Platini’s consistent anti-Premiership rhetoric, but honestly, they make you want to pull your hair out. Fletcher’s challenge was a wonderfully timed last ditch tackle that saved a goalscoring opportunity, or so he thought. Unfortunately referee Rosetti deemed it a foul and that’s the end of it.

To be blunt, it shows that the idiots in power at the top of UEFA have now entrenched so far into their bunkers that they can no longer see common sense. What is so wrong with doing the right thing? It’s the same for the Abidal sending off, an incorrect decision that all the world can see in the cold light of day but they will not budge on the matter. An incorrect decision, regardless of televisual evidence stands, cast in stone. A chance for UEFA to finally offer those who criticise the bloated, out of touch and idiotic board an opportunity to say well done UEFA, a common sense victory for football.

Yet, they once again sail off into the sunset, the winds of ignorance speeding them onward to the next calamity. How can these decisions support the referee’s who have to make these decisions, no-one is infallible, no-one is beyond making a mistake. By digging themselves into such a position, they make themselves ripe for ridicule, with the next calamitous decision just around the corner. Like holding the Champions League final at a ground with a history of violence from both the fans and the police in a country racked with hooliganism at every match.

I’ve been to the Stadio Olympico twice, both times were eye opening experiences for me as a fan. Both times left me very nervous about my well being in and around the stadium and they were for a Serie A game. Would I go there as an opposing fan? Not on your life!Hopefully, the British police will be there in large numbers to keep an eye out for rogue groups of Roma fans with their speciality of sticking a pen knife in you as you walk past them. And again, and again and so it continues.

It’s so disappointing to have an official body that won’t do the right thing whenever they seem to given a perfect opportunity time and again. It’s a real shame that Fletcher and Abidal will both miss the biggest games of their careers so far due to stubbornness beyond all reason.