Through his spell at Arsenal, Olivier Giroud has divided opinion. Some fans see his merit, after all he scores goals and contributes to the Gunners’ technical playing style, while others criticise him for a perceived lack of any standout skills.
In truth, they have a point. Giroud is not a pacey forward, he’s not the strongest, nor is he massively efficient at timing his runs. But what he does do is put the ball in the back of the net – he has 13 Premier League goals in just 19 appearances. His recent record is stunning, too, with the Frenchman having smashed nine in his last nine to spearhead the Londoners’ Champions League charge and even prompt talk of a late push to beat Chelsea to the Premier League title.
However, he was criticised for his showing as Arsenal slipped out of the Champions League, with his wastefulness in the 3-1 home loss to Monaco an issue. However, Giroud claims that he does not let the negative words get him down:
“I did an interview a week before the match against Monaco. We had covered everything and the journalist said me: ‘Giroud, this is not the same name as Aguero or Diego Costa’.” He is quoted by The Mirror.
“I simply answered that a good striker lets his statistics speak.
“I know who I am, I know what I’m saying. People who know me know that I am not pretentious.
“Obviously, it’s was not at the good moment because I lacked efficiency in that game. I did a little teasing. But it’s good to have shown mental strength to come back even stronger and prove that critics do not reach me.
“I created a shell, whether in good or bad times. I know when I’m good or not. I do not need people for that.”
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In November this year Sir Alex Ferguson will have been in charge at Manchester United for an astonishing 27 years. With the changes in football and the modern game where we see managers last such short periods of time, it is unlikely that we will see another like Ferguson.
Throughout his hugely successful time in charge at Old Trafford, the Scotsman has always had the ability to build new teams to keep United’s success rolling.
The club have enjoyed a very good season so far with the league looking all but wrapped up, the FA Cup still very much alive, and the Champions League as well.
Ferguson will however be aware that it is important to continually improve the squad to continue his legacy. So what players should he be looking at as possible future signings for the club?
Click on James Rodriguez to unveil the 10 transfers Fergie should consider
As reported by The Sun, Everton have been joined by Italian sides Napoli and Fiorentina in the race to sign Boca Juniors defender Frank Fabra this summer.
What’s the story?
After another disappointing season at Goodison Park, fans are already dreaming of potential signings when the summer transfer window opens that can turn them into a team capable of going up against the top six sides in the division.
One player that could arrive on Merseyside is left-back Frank Fabra.
The Sun say Everton are interested in signing the Colombian international, but face competition from the likes of Napoli and Fiorentina for his signature.
Rated at around £4m by Transfermarkt, can the Toffees convince him his future lies in the Premier League?
Who is he?
Fabra has made over 50 appearances for Argentinian icons Boca Juniors since joining in 2016, scoring five goals and assisting eight times from left-back in that time.
With 17 caps for Colombia too, he’s on his way to the World Cup this summer where his value could increase if he has an impressive tournament.
Signing players from South America is always exciting and the fact he is a left-back who likes to dribble, has pace and loves to get forward would add extra intrigue if he ends up at Goodison Park.
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Can Everton go outside of their regular transfer wheelhouse to land the 27-year-old?
The summer transfer window is looming large. With no World Cup or European Championships to keep football fans amused, the gossip, the ‘will he, won’t he?’ claims and the sightings of players at training grounds is likely to go into overdrive in just a few short months’ time.
Last year’s big spenders were Manchester United – the £150m lashed at new players was a record in a single window – and it looks likely that Louis van Gaal will do it all again. The Red Devils appear on course to get back into the Champions League and are backed heavily by a series of sponsors, meaning that they have the financial muscle to compete with any side, even with FFP now a reality.
But whom will they sign? Well, the Manchester Evening News have quizzed United fans to find the 50 players they want, with the likes of Harry Kane, Ross Barkley and even Ron Vlaar cropping up. But, here are the all-important top FIVE…
5) Nathaniel Clyne
In at number five it’s Nathaniel Clyne. Not exactly a marquee name, United fans perhaps value his reliable performances and attacking intent, with right-back being a problem area at Old Trafford. The Saints man would certainly be an upgrade on Antonio Valencia and Rafael and could form an impressive ex-Southampton full-back combination with Luke Shaw…
4) Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay walks in in fourth. The PSV Eindhoven winger worked under Louis van Gaal at the World Cup last summer – netting two goals – and has well and truly built on that form this term. The winger has scored a staggering 17 goals in the Eredivisie, which looks likely to be enough to take the title to the Philips Stadion and end Ajax’s four-season winning streak.
3) Gareth Bale
The marquee man is in at number three. Gareth Bale would certainly be a headline-grabbing addition, with the world’s most expensive player a household name. The ex-Spurs man was the Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2012/13 before jetting off to sunny Spain, but recent issues off the pitch have led to talk that he could return after just two years.
2) Raphael Varane
The marquee man is in at number three. Gareth Bale would certainly be a headline-grabbing addition, with the world’s most expensive player a household name. The ex-Spurs man was the Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2012/13 before jetting off to sunny Spain, but recent issues off the pitch have led to talk that he could return after just two years.
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1) Mats Hummels
NUMBER ONE. Not really a shock here… it’s Mats Hummels. The Germany international has been the name United fans have been calling for for some time, with the Dortmund ace widely hailed as the best centre-back on the planet. He guided his nation to World Cup glory last summer and has long been the lynchpin in BVB’s impressive XI. Well, you heard them, Louis!
English football is filled with players who were once on the books at Old Trafford, Anfield, The Emirates or a plethora of other Premier League clubs but didn’t quite make the grade, finding themselves kicking the ball around on a League One pitch and wondering how they let it all slip.
Such names like John Bostock, David Bentley, Xisco and more recently Michael Johnson are the most recent examples of youngsters that never lived up to their billing.
Although it is almost expected that 90% of academy youngsters won’t make it to the level expected of them, there are a few notable individuals who were hotly anticipated for greatness, with all the right tools at their disposal, only to surprise everyone by becoming massive flops.
Here is a list of the Top 15 child prodigies who appeared to be destined to become World Class footballers but sadly never made it. Some turned sour over night, many never recovered from serious injury and few were simply never as good as everyone thought they were.
So click on Sonny Pike below and check out the Top 15 child prodigies who never made it!
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Bournemouth will demand £25m for striker Callum Wilson, who has eight goals in all competitions this season, according to the Sun.
Among the rumoured suitors are Everton and West Ham, but they should have no hesitation about paying that price for the Englishman.
What’s the story, then?
The report claims that Cherries boss Eddie Howe does not want to lose the former Coventry City striker, who is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, and that is why he has slapped huge a high price tag on him.
Wilson has had injury problems in the past but has proven himself to be a goalscorer in the top flight with the pace and movement to trouble elite defences.
Everton and West Ham have reportedly been tracking the frontman and it remains to be seen whether they will match Bournemouth’s demands.
They need goals, Wilson scores goals
The Toffees invested heavily in new talent during both the summer and January transfer window but there are only two men among the new arrivals you could reasonably say score enough goals; Cenk Tosun and Wayne Rooney.
Rooney’s powers are fading all the time and has he drops deeper and deeper into midfield, his goalscoring influence will recede. Tosun has hit a purple patch and came highly rated but Wilson shouldn’t need as much time to adapt to English football.
As for West Ham, they are happy to rely on Andy Carroll being fit, even though his injury record is even worse than Wilson.
Long term, to get to where they need to be, players with the pace and trickery of Wilson – who would form a lightening fast alliance with fellow poacher Chicharito in East London – are what West Ham need.
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That is why Howe’s price demand shouldn’t put either side off; and £25m for a striker who can score goals in the top flight with little period for adjustment is a good deal in the current market.
Anyone with at least a passing interest in Serie A this season will be aware of Paulo Dybala. The Argentine, already dubbed the ‘new Sergio Aguero’, has been earning rave reviews for his performances in the pink shirt of Palermo, with his nine goals having been key in the newly-promoted side’s rise to a stable midtable position. His silky skills, eye for goal and sheer potential at the age of 21 have led to claims that Arsenal are after the £31m-rated youngster, which begs the question… should Arsene Wenger sign him?
In comparison to the Gunners’ current crop for attackers, Dybala ranks well. The only player at the Emirates Stadium to be in the same league as him in terms of return appears to be Alexis Sanchez, who we all know has been enjoying fantastic debut season in England. In truth, the Chilean is a deeper-lying player, so it’s only fair that Dybala be compared to his potential counterparts at Arsenal: Welbeck and Giroud. Although he’s played more games (17) than the Englishman and Frenchman (who have 16 and 10 to their names respectively), the 21-year-old has notched a sizable chunk of extra goals and has out-shot his Arsenal foes. He also boasts a better assists record and has matched ‘Welbz’s’ impressive 83% pass accuracy, while his take-on success rate is far higher at almost 65% – which has coincided with more fouls suffered that Sanchez, Welbeck and Giroud (46).
Stats cannot tell us everything, though, but some clips of the man in action prove that he’s the real deal. Nimble, good with the ball at his feet and deadly in the 18-yard box, the Aguero comparisons do hold some credibility, even if he’s a little more, understandably so, raw than his compatriot.
//www.youtube.com/embed/QP8YWoLoGTI
One major weakness appears to be his one-footedness, his left, but at such a young age this could be worked on, while at 5ft. 9†and with a slender frame, the robust nature of the Premier League could be an issue. £31m is a sizable fee, so a January deal may be off limits, but Dybala is certainly one to keep an eye on for Arsenal ahead of a potential ‘marquee’ summer move.
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Reading manager Brian McDermott has hinted that he may be interested in signing Swansea City striker Danny Graham in the January transfer window.
Graham has been in and out of the Swans side this season due to injury and the form of summer signing Michu but could become a key player in Reading’s attempt to stay up.
The former Middlesbrough and Watford striker was an instant success in the Premier League last season under Brendan Rodgers, notching 14 times to be the South Wales club’s top goalscorer.
Reading’s need for goals is clear to see as summer signing Pavel Pogrebnyak has been unable to find his shooting boots, while Jason Roberts, Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt have fared no better.
McDermott knows Graham from his time at Carlisle but despite admitting an interest in signing a striker, the Reading boss has not yet made an offer the English forward.
“He’s Swansea’s player and I think there is a bit of interest in him,” McDermott told Goal.com
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“He’s scored a couple of goals lately in the league.
“I’ve known Danny since he was at Carlisle. He’s another who has developed over time.”
Everton fans have been reacting to the news that Idrissa Gueye has torn a muscle, and they want 19 year-old Beni Baningime to replace him.
If there was one player Everton fans wouldn’t want to lose against the attacking flair of Manchester City and Liverpool, it’s Idrissa Gueye.
Gueye played the full 90 minutes against Stoke City last weekend, but Senegal boss Aliou Cisse claims the midfielder arrived on international duty with a muscle tear.
“My squad is almost complete, but Gana had a muscle tear when he came over,” he reportedly said. “I had wanted him to be in my team, but I think he will be out for three weeks.”
If Gueye is indeed out for three weeks, he will definitely miss the clash with Manchester City and could miss the derby against Liverpool the following weekend as well.
Morgan Schneiderlin is one of several Everton players to take a lot of flak from fans this season, and fans are now desperate for the Frenchman to be left on the sidelines to make room for 19 year-old Beni Baningime.
Baningime has impressed through the youth ranks at Everton and has had a few good performances for the first team as well. In three Europa League starts this season, the youngster averaged an incredible five tackles and two interceptions per game.
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Everton fans are desperate for the young defensive midfielder to get his chance in light of Gueye’s injury, and have been sharing their thoughts on Twitter.
Playing host to some of the most naturally gifted players to watch throughout the years, South American football runs like a factory conveyor-belt for world class talent. European giants, in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and more, are constantly monitoring the progress of Latin talent with a view to bring their quality to new shores.
Despite the success of their international scene, where South American teams remain very popular across the board for their samba style and touch of all things flair, the continent’s domestic leagues never really get the same attention as their European counterparts.
For that reason, just who are the stars of South American football? And which faces, from the notorious ‘spiritual home of football’, can we expect to see rubbing shoulders with the big boys of Europe in the near future?
Ganso
Once considered a near contender for Brazil’s most exciting talent alongside Neymar, Ganso has since seen his fortunes reverse in recent seasons. The now 25-year-old attacking midfielder may have dropped off the boil of late, but that won’t stop fans of South American football remembering just what a player Ganso was supposed to be.
After he was left out of Brazil’s 2010 World Cup squad, many were shocked but believed his time would come four years later. Ganso was also left out of this summer’s tournament as well however, and now, despite his effortlessly classy style of play, the silky Brazilian is watching his stock fall considerably.
He now holds the no. 10 shirt for Campeonato Brasileiro high flyers Sao Paulo. Having saved the club for near destined relegation last season however, perhaps a sly move from Harry Redknapp could bring Ganso to the Premier League, and see him play a vital role in keeping QPR up in the absence of Adel Taarabt.
Santiago Damian Garcia Correa
Despite never representing Uruguay on the international stage, Santiago Garcia has been around the block at club level and is now trying to consolidate his career at home-town club, Nacional (Montevideo).
In the Uruguayan domestic league, Garcia is known as a determined goal-scorer with bags full of pace and strength in equal amounts. He may not be the most technically gifted of players, and he still seems very much like a raw diamond in need of a good polishing up, but this Uruguayan talent does possess several qualities that hold him in good stead.
At 24-years-old, now is the time for Santiago Garcia to really find his feet if he is ever going to challenge Luis Suarez or Edison Cavani for a place in the Uruguayan national side. Whilst a move this January may come too early for the exciting prospect, Garcia’s skill-set could see him fit in perfectly to the English game.
Eder Alvarez Balanta
At only 21-years-old, Eder Alvarez Balanta is one of the most converted players in South American football at the moment. The River Plate centre-back has taken plaudits from many directions, and will soon likely be challenging both Mario Yepes and Cristian Zapata as the main man in Colombia’s back line.
The young defender, who has already been part of Colombia’s 2014 World Cup squad, has all the qualities of the perfect centre-back. He is powerful in the air, fearless in tackles and has the pace to make up for any error that may fall his way. Balanta is also known for his quick feet and use of daring skill in tricky situations.
Whilst Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United could all do with a centre-back of Balanta’s quality right now, Barcelona have reportedly been keeping tabs on the River Plate man, with a view to buy in the near future.
Leandro Damiao
As was the case with fellow Brazilian star Ganso, Leandro Damiao is another man who initially burst onto the scene, only to see faith in his talents diminish after a series of disappointing performances. The 25-year-old had previously attracted attention from the whole of Europe as a teen, but now the Santos man is forced to prove himself once more.
The skillful forward is most commonly recognised for his ability to score goals. Whilst his record at Santos doesn’t shine too brightly in comparison with his goal tally at Interacional, Leandro Damiao remains a strong forward, who is both good in the air and adept with his feet.
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If any side were to sign Leandro Damiao this January, it would purely be on the speculation that the striker can somehow discover his form of old. Tottenham Hotspur have been persistent admirers of Damiao in the past, but nowadays Inter Milan seem most keen on signing the unpredictable forward.
Teofilo Gutierrez
Whilst at 29-years-old Teo is no spring chicken, the Colombian forward has nevertheless gained attention for his goals at domestic level and impressive spells at the 2014 World Cup. Within the realm of South American football, Gutierrez is known simply as a dangerous finisher with a keen eye for goal.
His turn of pace coupled with his burly nature make Teo another strong contender to make a name for himself in English football. The likes of Radamel Falcao, Adrian Ramos and Jackson Martinez have so far dominated the Colombian striker circuit however, but fans of River Plate will certainly be aware that their star man should not be ignored.
Teo’s goal-scoring record has been mostly consistent in the Argentina Primera A, and despite his off-field antics perhaps rivaling that of Liverpool’s ever-controversial Italian forward, Brendan Rodgers could certainly use the Colombian hit-man this season if Mario Balotelli’s form continues to slide.