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This season Arsenal have looked a far better side than the one that finished third in the Premier League last season. They currently sit third, two points off leaders Leicester, and with only two matches against the top four left to play, the Gunners could be the ones to beat.

A lot has been said about how good players, like Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud have been, as well as the purchase of Petr Cech from Chelsea. But one of the areas not given enough praise is the defence. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have been solid

The addition of Cech has made a huge difference, but for both defenders to have such an established professional behind them it must make a difference to know they can have freedom to roam. Last season the goalkeeping position was one of trouble, with Sczezesny and Ospina failing to keep level headed in goal.

Sczezesny in particular was so inconsistent that Wenger dropped him halfway through the season for Ospina, emphasising the problems that Arsenal were having last term. For Koscielny, he needs to be able to get forward and can be effective. He has started to establish himself not only as one of the best centre backs in the Premier League, but one of France’s best.

However, last season he could not fully focus or attack as much as he wanted, due to Mertesacker having a lack of pace and Sczezesny being a liability between the sticks. If a defender cannot fully focus or be able to push up-field because the keeper struggles to save basic shots, then it effects their game.

Before January last year, Arsenal just had Mertesacker, Koscielny and Chambers to fill in the position. Monreal and Debuchy occasionally had to deputise, but without strength in depth of centre-backs, Arsenal looked weak. But Wenger bought Brazilian Gabriel in the transfer window, and he has helped to fill in this position.

Depending on the opposition, Wenger has regularly been able to call upon Gabriel to fill in for Mertesacker to provide that extra bit of pace, and has provided the passion that Arsenal fans love to see.

It is not just in the centre of defence where the side have benefited from. Bellerin has emerged at right back, with the youngster performing so well that Debuchy has been pushed out from the side. On the left, Gibbs has been dropped for Monreal who has, like Bellerin, emerged as a consistent figure in the Arsenal defence.

Arsenals’s wing-backs have provided more than just defensive play, helping to push Arsenal on the attack, and even getting amongst the goals.

Should Arsenal win the league this season, it will not only be down to the good attackers, but also a solid defence.

With Wenger not panic buying and purchasing new defenders, the faith has paid off in his current players who have performed.

A new goalie has been the best purchase of the season, and helped to provide consistency to two of the league’s best centre-backs.

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In an ever evolving sport such as football, where new practices, techniques and thinking are constantly being applied and adapted, standing still is essentially going backwards. If you don’t move with the times you quickly get found out. Old ways of thinking will see you caught out and taking influence from successful sides, managers and individuals, observing their methods and principles and then applying it to your own practices is a must if you are to keep pace with the beautiful game’s elite.

And in this regard, Liverpool could do a lot worse than look at what Premier League counterparts Spurs have done this season and use this as a model for their own ambitions next term and beyond. They have already taken the first steps in ‘moving with the times’ with the appointment of progressive manager Jurgen Klopp, but they must further their ambitions even more.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss is widely regarded as one of the brightest minds currently in the sport, his style of play, emotive personality and methods regarding player improvement and psychology marking him out as one of the best managers in the game in a relatively short career to date – something that should stand Liverpool in good stead for a number of years should he remain at Anfield for a good amount of time.

In many ways he is very similar to current Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. The high-pressing, high-energy style they both like to employ at the clubs they manage is certainly in-line with the modern way of thinking in football, and is one that has bought success to Spurs already, regardless of whether they win the league or not this season.

So Klopp’s Liverpool side can take a good degree of inspiration from the White Hart Lane side and their relatively sudden emergence as a ‘top, top side’ (to borrow some Harry Redknapp vernacular) in the Premier League, something that will give them hope of improving their own fortunes in the league going forward. They have, on the whole, struggled for consistency and true quality since the departure of Spaniard ‘Rafa’ Benitez in 2010, after all.

With more recent experience of top-four finishes and Champions League football, they are arguably in an even better spot to improve their fortunes than the north Londoners. They can take a great deal of heart from the fact that a side not too dissimilar to themselves, in more recent years at least, have risen to prominence under a new, progressive manager.

Liverpool have more ‘history’ as many of their fans will often remind you of course, but past achievements are essentially irrelevant in the modern day world of football, and both clubs have a similar stature in the Premier League in recent seasons – traditional ‘big names’ sure, but generally on the fringes of the top-four battles and/or league challenges, barring the odd efforts under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers, Harry Redknapp or the aforementioned ‘Rafa’ Benitez.

If Klopp can gather together a group of players and form a ‘spine’ of a side similar to the English one Pochettino has assembled at Spurs – one that has so impressed for both club and country this season – then the Anfield side can be hopeful of a similar re-emergence amongst the country’s elite. Nationality is important, but not essential, and if the German boss can gather together a squad of talented, trusted players to carry out his instructions to the letter and play in the very specific way he has in mind, the Merseyside outfit will undoubtedly push themselves back into the upper echelons of the league.

Both Spurs and Liverpool are great names of the English game, but ones who have, on the whole, struggled to recreate former glories during the Premier League era. They have seen their respective main rivals, Arsenal and Manchester United, dominate the relationship for years, whilst also having to witness the emergence of ‘new money’ outfits like Chelsea and Manchester City. Liverpool kept pace for a while but have since dropped off, but with Spurs now emerging as one of the best and most exciting sides in the league, the Reds need only look towards their model for inspiration.

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The manner in which yet another Arsenal title challenge has crumbled before their eyes inevitably raises questions about manager Arsene Wenger.

Despite the majestic job the Frenchman has done as he closes in on two decades in North London, memories of his early dominance in English football are slowly fading away.

Clearly, all is not right in the Emirates hot-seat and the tide appears to be turning on Wenger more than ever.

However, due to the status he has earned at the club, the waves are still some way off submerging the Gunners chief. With a year to go on his current deal, perhaps the next campaign will be one final throw of the dice.

The need to improve the squad is yet another criticism that can be levelled at him, though you get the feeling that one summer of lavish spending would heal that particular wound.

Though it’s not something we would naturally associate with Wenger, it is not out of the realms of possibility. Should there be a mutual decision not to renew his contract, perhaps he will wish to go out in one final blaze of glory.

After all, he has splashed over £70m on the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the past, so it’s not like the thought of spending big money is utterly alien to him.

With that in mind, this summer could represent a hugely exciting period for everyone connected with Arsenal. That thought may seem silly now, but the vast amounts of cash available make it a very realistic possibility.

So, it’s time to play devil’s advocate: who could the Gunners draft in to finally secure them a league title after 12 years?

Here are FIVE big names to make Arsenal title challengers once again.

KARIM BENZEMA

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was one of the major names linked with a move to north London last summer, though he ultimately stayed in the Spanish capital.

However, the personal problems that have dogged him since have reportedly put his position in Madrid under threat. With Los Blancos tipped to launch an overhaul of their squad, perhaps this summer represents a natural time to call an end to the French striker’s time there.

Simply put, he is one of the best centre-forwards in the world. Few would wish to shift a player of his quality on, though Florentino Perez rarely takes such matters into account.

Not only is the 28-year old a clinical finisher, he links play better than most and would fit right in to the intricate style of play deployed by Arsenal.

Olivier Giroud is praised for his hold-up play, though his international team-mate would be a huge upgrade in every aspect.

DANIELE RUGANI

Laurent Koscielny is an excellent centre-back and it’s scary to think just where the Gunners would be if he left in the summer. However, the frequency of his Herculean performances would have to improve at an almost impossible rate in order to make up for the deficiencies of the man next to him, Per Mertesacker.

The German has a wonderful pedigree, though nothing he has done on a consistent basis for much of the last 12 months has lived up to it.

A replacement is desperately required if Wenger has any hope of pushing on. Many names have been linked, though few as often as Juventus star Daniele Rugani.

The classy Italian would be an excellent partner for Koscielny. His prowess on the ball would help start attacks from the back and while he isn’t the quickest, the 21-year old is nowhere near as lumbering as Mertesacker.

SOFIANE FEGHOULI

When musing about just what Arsenal need, the gaping holes in their defence, attack and holding midfield areas instantly spring to mind.

However, despite having a number of big attacking midfield names, many of them often disappoint. The future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been cast into doubt, while Theo Walcott has flattered to deceive for much of the last decade.

Alex Iwobi is emerging as a talent and Alexis Sanchez is no doubt a star, though the Gunners could use more dependable wide options in order to help the former Barcelona man.

Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli, who impressed at the World Cup, is due to be out of contract at the end of the season. Though he’s not a stellar name, few players of his quality will be available on a free this summer.

The Algerian is versatile across the frontline, able to play on both wings and can float inside to wreak havoc. At 26, he would represent a solid signing on a free, becoming a valuable squad option.

GRZEGORZ KRYCHOWIAK

Sevilla star Grzegorz Krychowiak has emerged as one of the top defensive midfielders in Europe thanks to his good form for the Europa League holders.

The Polish international may not be Sergio Busquets, but top class anchor men are hard to come by, and the 26-year old brings a controlled tenacity to the role.

Nicknamed ‘Le Bucheron’, translated to ‘The Woodcutter’, the former Reims man would help address an area that has dogged Wenger ever since he last won a Premier League all those years ago.

Though Francis Coquelin has worked wonders in the role, the likes of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini will likely depart this summer, meaning the Gunners will be a little light in that department.

Moving for the Pole would finally give the club strength in such a crucial area.

NABIL FEKIR

It’s tempting to suggest either Isco or James Rodriguez, both reportedly up for sale at Real Madrid, in the list but it’s unlikely the Spanish giants would want to offload either if Benzema is to leave for North London.

While Lyon’s Nabil Fekir is not the exact same type of player, the 22-year-old French international would add further strength to the attacking midfield department.

His season has been curtailed by injury, though the Les Bleus star was in wonderful form during the early stages of the campaign. Should he arrive, he’s add a potent goal threat from a wide area and the ability to interchange with the likes of Mesut Ozil in the middle of the park.

Both Manchester City and their incoming manager crashed out of the Champions League last week at the semi-final stage.

Pep Guardiola dominated club football’s most-prestigious competition during his Barcelona days, but was unable to add the trophy to an impressive three years at Bayern Munich.

City meanwhile have yet to progress to a final despite staggering investment on the blue half of Manchester.

Guardiola and City are set to combine forces next season and it’s fair to say that the Catalan tactician will not be shopping in football’s bargain basement as he looks to put his stamp on the squad at the Etihad Stadium.

Here are FOUR men that could well be on his radar.

Alexis Sanchez

Over the last couple of seasons it seemed that Arsenal, complete with new stadium and new found financial muscle, had extinguished the need to allow their star players to move on to Premier League rivals.

This season, however, with Arsene Wenger under increasing pressure and the best chance of a league title for over a decade having slipped through their fingers, the Gunners are in danger of taking a backwards step.

Europe’s elite clubs will be on red alert should the likes of Alexis Sanchez become disgruntled with the lack of progress.

Rumours have circulated in recent days that the Chilean has been at the centre of a dressing room bust-up and that he could be willing to leave.

Guardiola knows the Chilean well having brought him to Camp Nou from Udinese. Sanchez on top form could fit into virtually any side and would be a great upgrade for Pep on the likes of Jesus Navas or Samir Nasri.

The forward would also be a real crowd pleaser at the Etihad, but the major issue would be that Arsenal would require staggering compensation.

Aymeric Laporte

City’s defence, which has often looked suspect this season, despite considerable investment over the last few transfer windows, is thought to be an obvious priority for Pep.

Bilbao’s Laporte could well be an option worth perusing.

The young Frenchman is regarded as one of the most promising defenders on the continent and his athletic, classy style would fit well with Guardiola’s high defensive line and preference for ball recycling.

The Basque outfit have a €50 million release fee in place to deter potential suitors from the 21-year-old, but that sort of money is unlikely to worry City, who would have to pay similar money to invest in an alternative such as Everton’s John Stones.

Kingsley Coman

Undoubtedly one of Europe’s rising stars, Coman made a stunning impact for Bayern Munich in Guardiola’s last season in charge.

The electric 19-year-old is widely predicted to be a key player for hosts France at this summer’s EURO 2016 tournament, despite his lack of experience.

The winger spent the campaign on loan at Bayern from Italian giants Juventus, where he became an important player for Guardiola.

The tactician would love to be able to bring the agile teenager to England, where his acceleration, lightning feet and ability to switch flanks at will would surely delight City fans.

Juventus, however, will have a huge price on his head and Bayern will want to keep him – it will take all of the new manager’s pulling power, plus a mammoth bid, to make the deal happen.

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Paul Pogba

Yaya Toure was once the most important factor in Manchester City’s rise to power. Now, however, with the Ivorian’s stock falling and a question mark over the Citizens’ midfield, a key priority is to replace his influence.

Pogba is most imposing midfielder available, though the word ‘available’ should be taken with a pinch of salt.

City are one of only a handful of clubs that could afford him and the attraction of Guardiola strengthens their hand, but they need to secure Champions League football for next term before even considering an approach.

The Frenchman is another key Juventus asset and any potential transfer is sure to be a club record.

The benefit is that Europe’s marque midfield attraction is still only 23 and securing his signature would help City dominate Champions League encounters for years to come.

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At one point it looked quite likely and then – nothing.

Jurgen Klopp appeared to be on a bit of a mission when it became clear he wanted fellow countryman, Mario Gotze, to join him at Liverpool.

The fans must have been beside themselves with anticipation of a World Cup winner wearing the hallowed red shirt of the Merseyside club.

But then as quickly as it seemed entirely possible, so the story was surrounded in mystery, as the player and his advisers went back and forth in their decision-making. Many rumours, and you can take them for what they are, suggested a return to Borussia Dortmund, some that Gotze would stay at Bayern Munich and a dwindling number tried to keep the fires alive for the Anfield club.

With Germany and the player in France for the EUROs, nothing will happen now until July or August and even then, the influential playmaker seems almost certain to stay in the comfort zone of the Bundesliga.

Although the 24-year-old Bayern midfielder has not had the best of games in either clash against Ukraine or Poland, he is still a quality player and one that would rejuvenate Anfield for sure.

Although Gotze is a versatile attacking midfielder, his favoured position is that of a ‘No.10’, but he can also be used as a striker or winger. Gotze is considered to be one of the best young players, possessing speed, technique, dribbling skills and exceptional pla-making capabilities. In 2010, the German Football Association’s then technical director, Matthias Sammer, described Gotze as “one of the best talents Germany has ever had.”

At Dortmund under Klopp, Gotze often played different roles in the team’s 4–2–3–1 formation, but during the 2012/13 season, Klopp moved Gotze to a central attacking midfield role. For Germany, Gotze’s talent is sometimes used by German coach Joachim Low in the ‘false 9’ position

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer described Gotze as “the German Messi” for his speed and style of play.

He played for Dortmund, winning the Bundesliga title in 2010/11 and the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2011/12, and was a member of the team which reached the 2013 Champions League Final. In April 2013, a €37m bid from Bayern Munich triggered a release clause in Gotze’s contract, taking him to the Allianz Arena.

The player has known substantial domestic success and was first selected for Die Mannschaft in 2010, at the age of 18. He was included in the squad for EURO 2012 and, two years later, scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup Final.

In essence, it is little wonder that Klopp wants a reunion with the young player that he helped to encourage and nurture at Dortmund.

However, Gotze seems to have distanced himself from the rumours saying to the German press: “For me it is important to play because that is when I am happy,” he said. “What comes will come. Everything else will come by itself and there’s no need to talk about that.

“I look forward to the new season in Munich and will do everything possible to be in top shape for my first training session under Carlo Ancelotti.”

Oddly enough for such a talent, his game time has been diminished with the fit again Franck Ribery back in the first-team and the emergence of French international, Kingsley Coman. The recent signing of Renato Sanches also demonstrates a younger recruitment policy and the acquisition of players that can play in Gotze’s positions.

That Gotze’s Bayern deal has been allowed to run to the final 12 months of a four-year term, while both Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba have recently been handed extensions, seems to say it all.

The player may put space between mere speculation, he may have spoken with Ancelotti, but Bayern don’t seem bothered whether he stays or goes.

Therefore, at this crossroads in his playing career, the decision of what next seems to rest on Gotze’s shoulders. If he stays, he runs the risk of little game time and fierce competition for his place, whereas a move a way could reinvigorate a player that needs to be playing week in and week out.

In which case, it does makes sense to link up with Klopp and play in the best league in Europe where his talents will shine and ultimately, where he will feel wanted.

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Whilst Paul Pogba’s record breaking transfer to Manchester United has pushed the side’s summer spending ever closer to the £200 million mark, it has also given Jose Mourinho a title of his own.

The €100 million transfer, as well as being enough to buy 1 billion freddo’s, has also pushed Jose Mourinho past the €100 billion mark for the amount that has been spent on new players under his managership.

He has not been shy to splash the cash during his time as manager, with Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United all giving the Portuguese man the funds to bring success to their club.

Whilst the boss has always had an eye for top talent, he hasn’t always made the right calls.

With that, here are FIVE of the WORST transfers of Jose Mourinho’s €1 billion spending spree

Andriy Shevchenko

The pinnacle of poor signings.

Chelsea were in need of a top striker, and Jose Mourinho looked to the seemingly prolific Andriy Shevchenko to prove the firepower to lead Chelsea to the top of the Premier League for years to come.

In reality, Shevchenko was a flop from the moment he arrived in England.

After three long years with the club and just nine league goals to his name, he departed for Dynamo Kiev and Chelsea fans have been quick to forget that he ever existed.

Nice one Jose.

Shaun Wright-Phillips

Simply put, Shaun Wright-Phillips was never good enough to hold down a regular starting spot at a top Premier League side.

He was brought in for nearly £25million by Jose, and he never really managed to nail down a spot in the Chelsea first team.

Simply put, he was a back up player at best – and this was a role he would play at for many of his future sides, including Manchester City, and even a lowly QPR side that was battling relegation.

A sad truth, but Wright-Phillips was an absolutely shocking signing by Jose Mourinho.

Luka Modric

Now this signing has definitely worked out for Real Madrid; but for Jose Mourinho, Luka Modric’s arrival at Real Madrid was an absolute disaster.

Signed for over £30 million, Luka Modric completely failed to adapt to Spain and Jose Mourinho during his first season for Madrid, eventually topping a number of “Worst Signing of the Summer” lists in Spain.

It seems likely that it was no coincidence that Modric began playing better after the departure of Jose Mourinho, and he has now gone on to regain his place as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Now, the deal looks like a great one – but if Jose had stayed it would no doubt have ended in disaster.

Fabio Coentrao

It’s not that Fabio Coentrao is a bad player, he has just been a victim of consequence during his time with Real Madrid.

He is a good player, certainly not the best at the club, but he could put in a shift when called upon, but what really hurt his Real Madrid career is, firstly, his transfer fee.

Mourinho opted to pay a whopping £30million for the Portuguese defender, and his performances have definitely not warranted such a ridiculous fee.

On top of that, injuries have made the price even less feasible, with the defender only just breaking 50 league games so far during his spell with the club.

He now finds himself on loan with Monaco, and seems unlikely to return to Madrid when the deal is over.

A bad signing all round for Mourinho.

Juan Cuadrado

The most recent of Jose Mourinho’s transfer failings, Juan Cuadrado may well be the worst signing in recent memory.

Signed by Jose Mourinho in January of 2015 for nearly £30million, he never looked even close to good enough to play in the Premier League.

He was subsequently shipped out to Juventus on loan, and has never really looked set to make it in a Blue shirt.

A complete failure of a deal, and a prime example of Jose Mourinho’s rash approach to new signings.

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has advised Marcus Rashford to enjoy the roller coaster ride of playing professional football and continue playing to his strengths.

The 18-year-old was a virtual unknown until last season but got his chance in the Red Devils first team under Louis van Gaal.

Rashford wasted little time in making an impression at Old Trafford, scoring consistently in the Premier League and in Europe despite his young age.

The teenager has already made his England international debut and also scored a hat-trick against Norway in his debut for the national under-21’s side.

Rashford has not always been first choice in the Red Devils’ team this season due to the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic but Cole has told the young United forward to take everything as it comes.

“Enjoy it, man. That’s what he’s doing,” the former centre forward told the club’s official website.

“He’s got in the team and it looks like he’s really enjoying it. As a kid, he’s under no pressure so he should go and enjoy his football and he’s doing that. He scored the goal at Hull and also a hat-trick in the England Under-21s recently.

“The boy is enjoying his football. If I was his age, I’d want to do the same thing as well. Enjoy it. He’s really not under any pressure so he can go and enjoy football and that’s what he is doing. With that pace, he’s got speed and movement and is always going to cause problems.

“He proved that last season with his goal against Manchester City in the derby. With his pace, he’s an asset starting or coming off the bench. Opponents are going to be worried about him because he can change a game.”

Rashford started the Europa League clash with Feyenoord in midweek and is in contention to play as United face Watford in the Premier League later today.

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It’s been a great summer for West Ham in many ways. It’s also been a terrible one in some other, equally important ways.

Whilst the summer signings and move to the newly-roofed London Olympic Stadium have caught the imagination, it’s fair to say that the injury news that is fed to manager Slaven Bilic on a daily basis has made for sorry reading for West Ham fans over the past few months.

Signing after signing has joined the club only to succumb to injury weeks later. Even those not recently signed have fallen to spots on the injury list – it seems the curse isn’t limited to those for whom the Hammers shelled out a record fee.

And although those signings have arrived and things will surely begin to look up once the injury list dies down, Slaven Bilic may look at his squad and see a few names in there he wishes he’d been able to offload instead of adding dead weight to the team. And that’s despite the injuries!

We’ve teamed up with 7 Of The Best to bring you a footballing treat for the season. It’s free to play and the best team each week wins £1,500, as well as monthly prize of £4,000 for the best individual. Want to win bigger? Nab yourself a whopping £500k if you get all seven of your selections correct for seven consecutive weeks.

So in the 7 Of The Best spirit, here are seven West Ham players Slaven Bilic wishes he could have cashed-in on!

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Andy Carroll

It was worrying for Andy Carroll the other week when he got injured yet again, but probably even more worrying when he heard his manager tell the press that he ‘can’t count’ on the English striker.

If that’s the case, though, perhaps it would make sense not to have him at the club. Although Carroll is a different option for the Hammers, he’s only ever an option if he’s fit.

And by the sounds of it, the manager doesn’t think that’s going to happen enough over the next few months.

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Diafra Sakho

Diafra Sakho looked set to be on his way to West Bromwich Albion for £15m this summer before the deal was scuppered due to the player’s back injury.

How the Hammers would have wished the deal had gone through, though. Sakho isn’t a player that West Ham seemed to want, he’s surrounded in the squad by better – not to mention bigger named – forwards, and to sell him for £15m would surely have been one of the deals of the summer.

Only behind receiving £10m for James Tomkins!

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Enner Valencia

West Ham did manage to get rid of Enner Valencia this summer, but surely they’d have wanted to recoup some cash for the out of favour Ecuadorian.

Valencia’s West Ham stay was full of promise undelivered, and whilst this could have been his season, the reality is probably more that he would have been surplus to requirements given the attacking quality available in the squad. If he’s back next season, he’ll surely face the same problem.

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Pedro Obiang

Not one of the more glamorous names in West Ham United’s team these days, Obiang is finding the hard way that the Hammers mean business towards the top of the Premier League these days.

He’s the kind of player who would fit perfectly well in a mid-table club, but if West Ham are going to compete with the bigger boys, they may need to do better than that!

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Dimitri Payet

Controversial addition klaxon alert!

Would West Ham have been better getting rid of their talisman in the summer? Who knows what sort of season Dimitri Payet will have next season, but what we do know is that after a wonderful season bringing West Ham into Europe (albeit briefly) and helping his country reach the European Championships final on home soil, Dimitri Payet was hot property this summer.

Given his age – he’ll be 30 by the end of the season – it might have been time to cash in on the Frenchman for a bucket-load of cash and buying a new top class creator instead.

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Darren Randolph

Darren Randolph’s performances for Ireland over the past few seasons have shown that he is really a very good goalkeeper.

The Irish international is, however, kept out of the West Ham United starting XI by Adrian who continues to perform brilliantly at club level, and was even recently called up to the Spain squad.

Perhaps the Hammers will need to let Randolph leave the club in search of first team football very soon, and it’s usually easier to find a decent back-up keeper in the summer than it is in January.

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Reece Oxford

Is Reece Oxford the man to organise West Ham’s defence for the next decade? It’s possible. But then again, Oxford has been hyped massively over the past year or so.

He’s a hot prospect, there’s no doubt, but there are plenty around West Ham who feel that Oxford could be surpassed by another academy graduate and first-name compatriot Reece Burke – currently on loan at Wigan.

Burke spent last season on loan at Bradford where he won seven end of season awards, so it might soon be time to let Oxford go off to a big club who will pay over the odds and then slyly reveal that Burke is the better Reece!

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If you’re a Welsh Liverpool fan then is this the article for you!

To be honest, even if you’re not, this article reveals some of the finest goals scored by Ian Rush during his time as a Liverpool footballer, and if you’re remotely interested in football, you will enjoy these goals.

Today marks his 54th birthday and those of us at the Football FanCast headquarters couldn’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy some of Rush’s finest moments.

He was a master at composure and scored a truly frightening amount of goals during his two spells on Merseyside.

In his first spell (which includes a loan back from Italian giants Juventus), Rushie netted 139 league goals in 224 appearances – before scoring 90 goals in 245 games once he rejoined the Reds.

He also featured for Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield Wednesday after his time at Liverpool and was capped 73 times by Wales, scoring 28 goals.

In 1992, Rush overtook Roger Hunt to become Liverpool’s all time leading goalscorer, achieving the feat in the best possible way – scoring against arch rivals Manchester United.

As it stands, Rushie’s Liverpool record appears untouchable and he is far clear of the chasing pack with his 346 goals in all competitions for the Merseysiders.

Without further ado then, here are Ian Rush’ 10 best goals of all time.

Vs Everton

Liverpool were in their prime at that point but that doesn’t make defeating one of your biggest rivals, at their home ground, by a scoreline of 5-0 any less impressive.

The imperious Rush scored 4 goals during this game but only one of them has made it onto out list. Check from 4:30 onwards to see it.

Vs Everton (again)

Poor Everton fans. Rushie seemed to have a knack for scoring against Everton, and always when it mattered most.

In the 1986 FA Cup Final between the Merseyside clubs, Liverpool were trailing 1-0 at half time.

An inspired Liverpool and co fought back though and won 3-1 with two of those monumental goals making it into our post.

Vs Everton (again II)

Only three years later, and with the Hillsborough tragedy still looming over them like a huge cloud, Liverpool still managed to overcome their nearest rivals, Everton, in yet another cracking cup final.

Liverpool twice led before being pegged back but Rushie had the final word, securing another FA Cup triumph for Liverpool against the Toffees.

He bagged two as well, both accepted onto our top 10 Rush goals! (I promise they don’t all involve Everton!)

Vs Villa

Rushie was in fine form for Liverpool and showed it against Aston Villa.

With the game nicely poised, Rush gave Liverpool a deserved lead.

However, it’s his final two goals, the two that secured him yet another hat-trick, that he will be most fondly remembered for in this match.

Vs United

This strike is definitely up there with one of the purest and most meaningful of his career.

After forcibly getting the better of United’s centre half, Rush scored and absolute screamer, showing the standard of football he is indeed capable of.

Vs United (again)

Originally, this is the kind of fixture which tends to bring the best out of players and none more so than with Ian Rush.

In fact, not only did he score against Manchester United, but his goal to put Liverpool 2-0 up actually placed him ahead of Roger Hunt in the all-time Liverpool goalscorer charts.

Vs Blackburn

The final clip comes from a 1994 clash with Blackburn Rovers in the Carling Cup, in which there seemed to be a distinct quality difference between the sides.

It could be possible that Rovers were resting players for their ruthless Premier League schedule but that takes nothing away from the awesome strike.

Tomorrow night, England face Scotland at Wembley in an all-important World Cup qualifier with political subplots aplenty – not least including Scottish independence, Brexit and the poppy debate raised by Remembrance Day.

The home nations represent one of world football’s greatest rivalries. In fact, Scotland vs. England was association football’s first ever international fixture, originally taking place all the way back in 1872.

The two countries have met on 111 more occasions since, with the Three Lions claiming the lion’s share (excuse the pun) of victories – albeit by just six – and only 24 ending in draws.

Down the years, some absolutely fantastic goals have been scored in this fixture, ranging from cheeky pea-rollers to long-range belters.

So in the build-up to Friday’s clash at Wembley Stadium, here’s a rundown of England’s four greatest goals against the Tartans. Will Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and company add to this list in tomorrow night’s qualifier?

Gerry Francis – 1975

Gerry Francis’ England career consisted of just twelve caps and three goals, none trumping this superb effort against Scotland in 1975. That opening goal helped the Three Lions to a 5-1 win, their biggest victory over the Tartan army since 1961. The QPR icon later converted his strike into a brace, with goals from Colin Bell, David Johnson and Kevin Beattie completing the rout.

Peter Beardsley – 1988

There’s an urban myth up on Tyneside, claiming Lionel Messi is Peter Beardsley’s illegitimate child. The similarity in modest stature is hard to ignore, but this goal produces arguably the strongest evidence yet of a connection between the Newcastle icon and the four-time Ballon d’Or winner. From cheekily flicking the ball onto John Barnes to dragging it away from a defender and chipping it over the goalkeeper in one swift movement, Beardsley’s goal is nothing short of superb.

Steve Bull – 1989

In a dream debut, Steve Bull claimed his first England cap and first international goal against Scotland in the last ever meeting of the home nations in the Rous Cup. After coming on for John Fashanu, the then-Wolves man battled to gain control of a long pass before rifling the ball into the back of the net on the half-volley. Unfortunately, the retired striker made just twelve more appearances for England, scoring once.

Paul Gascoigne – 1996

Who else but Paul Gascoigne at number one, with his iconic strike against the Scots. So much has been said about this magic goal, Gazza’s talent and England’s heroics at Euro 96 that it’s almost impossible to add something to the debate. With that in mind, we’re gong to let this strike – not to mention the penalty pandemonium leading up to it – speak for itself.