Tag Futebol

So Liverpool’s loss to Hull last night all but ended their hopes of finishing in the top four.

A seven point gap between themselves fourth placed Manchester United with just four games remaining means Brendan Rodgers’ side look will have settle for another season in the Europa League next term.

After spending over £100million on new recruits last summer, there’s no other way to dress up Liverpool’s disappointing campaign other than it being a complete and utter failure.

It initially stems from their struggles to adapt to life without Luis Suarez after his move to Barcelona last summer, and the ongoing injury struggles of Daniel Strurridge that has left them extremely short of fire power up front.

So who should get the Anfield axe this summer? We asked Liverpool fans to vote in our poll a couple of days ago, where they could vote players up and down depending on whether they wanted to see the back of them or not.

179 Reds fans took part in the poll and had their say on the player’s they want replaced by the club in the summer. And the results are a tad surprising…

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5. Rickie Lambert

Lambert earned a dream move to his boyhood club last summer after rising up from non-League football to become one of the most prolific strikers in England.

But it could be argued that his move to Anfield came a few years too late, not to mention the fact he had some pretty big shoes to fill once Suarez left for sunny Spain.

And just two goals in 21 Premier League outings hasn’t exactly convinced the Anfield faithful that he’s the man to help fire them to a Premier League crown.

107 of the Liverpool fans who took part in the poll want to see the back of him at the end of the campaign, while just 38 reckon he can still offer something positive to their side next season.

4. Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli’s £16million move to Liverpool was supposed to be the signing to fill the void left by Suarez, but instead he’s been more of a hindrance than a help to Brendan Rodgers’ side.

A return of just one goal from 16 Premier League appearances simply isn’t good enough, and the Liverpool fans have clearly had enough of him.

And for most of the season it’s looked as if Balotelli himself isn’t particularly bothered that he hasn’t made an impact at his new club, which obviously adds to the frustration of the Anfield faithful.

112 fans voted for him to be sold this summer, while 35 optimistic supporters reckon he might just come good next season.

3. Brad Jones

There was a point this season when Brad Jones’ Liverpool career was looking positive. The stopper got himself a chance to impress in the first team after Simon Mignolet was dropped for a string of dodgy performances.

But that was short lived after he picked up an injury, which game Mignolet his chance to get his first team spot back and keep it, which he did.

So Jones is simply warming the bench once more, and the fans appear to believe it’s time for him to move on so Rodgers can go out and bring someone else in who is capable of competing for that number one spot and, in all honesty, is good enough to take the number one jersey in the future.

117 fans voted for him to be sold, but 28 Reds fans reckon the club might as well just keep him at the club as a decent back up to Mignolet.

2. Fabio Borini

Fabio Borini’s seven Premier League goals while on loan at Sunderland last season looked to have reignited his career, but he turned down a chance to stay at the Stadium of Light permanently because he wanted the chance to prove himself at Anfield.

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But that hasn’t happened and he’s managed just a single goal in 12 Premier League appearances this term, nine of which have been from the bench.

So perhaps Borini’s future does lie away from Liverpool, and 125 fans believe it’s time for him to move on and make way for a player who is a more capable back up to the Reds’ main strikers.

1. Iago Aspas

The Spanish striker signed from Celta in 2013 for about £7million, but hasn’t had much of a chance to live up to that price tag at Anfield.

Last season he managed to make 14 Premier League appearances and failed to score a single goal in the process, which led him to being shipped out on loan to Sevilla last summer.

And he’s only managed to find the net twice in La Liga this season, and has only completed a full 90 minutes on one occasions. That perhaps suggests he’s not the striker Liverpool thought he might develop in to when they signed him, and the Liverpool supporters don’t appear to be too keen on giving him another chance to prove himself.

124 Reds fans want him off the Anfield books, and 22 fans would be happy to see him play for them again next season.

Even the greatest managers fail sometimes and despite all his trophies at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson isn’t perfect. For every Eric Cantona, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy, there’s a whole host of signings that Manchester United fans will try desperately to erase them from memory.

Old Trafford can be an unforgiving place for a player, especially considering the Reds often have to pay over the odds for signings. The pressure can be difficult to handle and individuals often face levels of unwarranted criticism. Rather like Ernst Stavro Blofeld, failure simply isn’t tolerated at Manchester United and that hunger for success has clearly worked, especially seeing as the Reds have overhauled Liverpool’s number of titles.

That feat isn’t thanks to any of the people listed below however, some of whom were so bad, it’s not implausible to suggest they were planted by Liverpool to try and destroy United’s legacy. See what you think of United’s worst XI signings from the Premier League era:

Click on William Prunier to unveil the XI

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West Ham have suffered through their fair share of absurd transfer rumours, and Hammers’ fans have been reacting to reports that Andre Gomes is a summer target.Gomes moved to Barcelona from Valencia in 2016, but despite the huge fee and his illustrious reputation the Portuguese midfielder has failed to make any impact in Catalonia.It’s not surprising to see Gomes linked with moves away from the Camp Nou, but the Mirror report claiming the Hammers will compete with Tottenham to sign the 24 year-old has taken everyone by surprise.[ad_pod ]West Ham have had their own troubles in midfield this season. Having Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini and Joao Mario gives them plenty of threat going forward, but they’re still missing a technically gifted superstar to string everything together in midfield.Gomes hasn’t scored or assisted in 15 La Liga appearances this season, but does boast an 89.6 per cent pass success rate.Despite his incredible form for Valencia before the big move to Barcelona, West Ham fans seem to be in complete agreement that they don’t want the Portuguese man, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

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?

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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.

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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.

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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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