A return for Gerard Deulofeu to Everton for next season always looked a long shot. The reshuffling of manager at Barcelona – Luis Enrique replacing Tata Martino – will precede the overhauling of a squad in dire need of fresh faces.
And Barcelona have a lot of reason to be impressed by Everton and Roberto Martinez’s handling of Deulofeu last term. A loan move was always on the cards for the Spanish winger, but the confirmation of a switch to Everton and the Premier League was greeted with much scepticism: was the Premier League the ideal fit when another La Liga club made much more sense? In hindsight, it was a brilliant move for all concerned.
Everton will of course feel a little hard done by. Martinez took the right approach in easing Deulofeu into first-team action, allowing for full acclimatisation to an unfamiliar country. But when the youngster did finally get starts under his belt and looked every bit capable of helping Everton to a top four finish, he was cut down by injury, missing eight weeks.
But it’s that stint in the Everton team that has convinced Barcelona and Enrique to hang onto the La Masia graduate, once considered capable of matching Lionel Messi’s brilliance. Along with Deulofeu, Rafinha, the younger brother of Thiago Alcantara, will join up with the Barcelona first-team squad after impressing on loan at Celta Vigo last season.
But it’s not all down hill from here for Everton. While Deulofeu is out of the question, Barcelona teammate Cristian Tello is very much on the table and reportedly available for loan – which will suit both clubs once again.
Tello struggled to find regular match time last season under Martino, in spite of a string of impressive showings under Tito Vilanova the season before. The winger, capable on either flank, had an extraordinary conversion rate during the 2012-13 season, hitting seven goals from 12 shots on target.
It’s also odd that Martino saw little value in Tello. The Spaniard doesn’t really fit the mould of a typical Barcelona player. He’s direct, leaning on his pace, shooting and delivery more than the type of passing mastery exhibited by Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. It’s odd the Martino overlooked him because Alexis Sanchez, a similarly direct player, saw his best season at the Camp Nou under the former head coach.
Tello’s talent, however, can be told by the interest held in him by various Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Tottenham. This is a player who was introduced to the Champions League under Pep Guardiola. One of his highlights was scoring twice in a 7-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen. Unfortunately for Tello, his efforts were shadowed by Messi’s five-goal performance.
This is a fantastic alternative to Deulofeu for Everton. He may be slight, raising concerns, naturally, for his suitability for the Premier League. But the changing landscape of the English top flight, where many diminutive Spaniards are thriving, favours the 22-year-old.
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Once again, Tello will offer firepower to a squad in need of replacing the goals of Romelu Lukaku next season. Due to his familiarity with first-team football at Barcelona, as well as at international level with Spain’s U21 team, there shouldn’t be much requirement for Martinez to hold off on giving Tello his first start in the way he did with Deulofeu.
It’s difficult to see Tello as having a future at the Camp Nou; Deulofeu’s place at the club over the coming years always looked more assured. But Martinez looks on the brink of completing another highly favourable deal, which could eventually lead to the permanent signing of Tello if he impresses.
No, you aren’t caught in some kind of footballing time-warp. Believe it or not, for the second season in a row, Manchester United, under new management, will kick off their season against Swansea City.
During the Premier League opener last term, the Red Devils, lead by David Moyes, came away with a 4-1 win. Considering how torrid his tenure turned out to be however, I’m sure Louis van Gaal will be pushing for an even more impressive debut.
But there are still plenty of questions to be answered before the weekend, most significantly, who will be an official Manchester United player by the time Swansea turn up in Manchester?
The Old Trafford outfit have a number of priority targets that could arrive at Carrington by the end of the week, so with that in mind, here’s a look at their ‘Dream Starting XI’ to take on the Welsh outfit during Saturday’s early kick-off.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON LOUIS VAN GAAL TO REVEAL ALL
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GOALKEEPER – DAVID DE GEA
Quickly emerging as a world-class shot-stopper and one of a rare few Manchester United players who can hold his head high after last season, it would be a monumental shock if David De Gea wasn’t continued in his No.1 berth against Swansea at the weekend.
Had the Spaniard not been in impeccable form throughout last term, the Red Devils’ torrid campaign could have been considerably more embarrassing – with this double-save against Olympiacos in the Champions League being a perfect example:
Boasting cat-like reflexes, calmness on the ball and improving the aerial weaknesses of his game all the time, there seems little reason for Louis van Gaal to oust the 23 year-old now.
RIGHT CENTRE-BACK – PHIL JONES
Phil Jones’ progress at Manchester United hit a few bumps in the road last season.
He’s heralded as a future centre-back of world-class status, but often a victim of his own versatility, was used in far too many different positions by David Moyes:
But the introduction of a three-man defence at Old Trafford could bring out the best in the England international. He’s well acquainted with the right-back and centre-back roles, and has enough quality on the ball to venture into midfield.
Louis van Gaal is famed for his ability to help youngsters realise their full potential too, and the combination of both factors could see Jones emerge as a stalwart for club and country.
A few more of these wouldn’t go amiss either:
CENTRE-BACK – MATS HUMMELS
If Manchester United are to make 3-5-2 their permanent formation, securing the signature of a top-quality centre-half is a must this summer.
It’s no secret that Louis van Gaal’s desired purchase is Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels, having been continually linked with the World Cup winner throughout the summer. Recent speculation suggests the Red Devils are preparing a final offer:
Measuring in at 6 foot 4 and averaging five successful aerial duels per match last season, the Germany centre-back is a formidable force in the air.
But the 36-cap international is better known for his ability to play out of the back and link-up with midfield, often leading to comparisons with Mannschaft legend Franz Beckenbauer, best represented by these attacking and passing statistics:
Here’s a vid showing Hummels’ impressive all-round game:
//www.youtube.com/embed/BitBv8B48UQ
Adding him to the Old Trafford ranks before next weekend will be a tough task however with Jurgen Klopp exceptionally reluctant to sell. So reluctant in fact, he’s issued Hummels the captain’s armband at Westfalen:
LEFT CENTRE-BACK – DALEY BLIND
Manchester United have received a significant boost in their alleged pursuit of Ajax star Daley Blind, following the Netherlands international’s admission yesterday that he would consider an Old Trafford switch:
Following a Player of the Year award-winning campaign with the Eredivisie Champions, the 24 year-old finished Brazil 2014 with the second-most assists of any player, as detailed below:
That includes this sensational delivery to Robin van Persie against Spain:
At the World Cup, Blind featured in the left-wing back role. But he’s an exceptionally versatile player with sound technique and tactical understanding (like most Dutch footballers) and could be an inspired choice for the left side of a back three, whilst offering vital cover to other departments.
The revelation that the Oranje utility man would listen to offers from the Red Devils whilst Ajax appear to be preparing for his departure suggests a move could be completed by the end of the week.
But known interest from Barcelona could be an issue:
RIGHT WING BACK – JUAN CUADRADO
Fiorentina star Juan Cuadrado is primarily considered a winger. But the Colombian international is versatile and industrious off the ball, and was thus utilised at No.2, amongst other positions, by the Serie A side last season:
He’s also been mooted as a potential successor to Dani Alves in that role, but it appears Manchester United are leading the race for his signature following news that he’s agreed personal terms:
The 26 year-old absolutely destroyed the Italian top flight last year and had a significant impact at Brazil 2014, as detailed below:
In fact, nobody at the tournament bettered his four assists, including this set-up to James Rodriguez:
Combining pace, athleticism, trickery and netting prowess, this goal typifies the South American:
//www.youtube.com/embed/DUlRxcSaxZo
Whether United can wrap up a deal for the £36million-rated attacker before they face Swansea City at the weekend however, remains to be seen.
LEFT WING-BACK LUKE SHAW
Now the most expensive full-back in the history of football and the only left-back on the Old Trafford roster, despite apparent concerns over his fitness it would be incredibly surprising if Louis van Gaal didn’t issue Luke Shaw his Manchester United debut at the weekend.
Of course, the ex-Saints starlet comes with a preceding reputation, having made the No.3 slot his own at St.Mary’s over the last few seasons and shown enough promise to usurp Ashley Cole from a place in the England set-up he’s held for over a decade, all at just 18 years of age.
Famed for his vibrancy going forward and athleticism, Shaw is perfect for the wing-back role and should add a whole new dimension to United’s attack. Here’s some of his best moments for Southampton:
//www.youtube.com/embed/RjsU4D_dn68?rel=0
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – ANDER HERRERA
Another summer signing likely to be given his competitive debut for the Red Devils at the weekend is midfielder Ander Herrera.
The 24 year-old was in strong form for Athletic Bilbao last season, as seen below, paving the way for his £29million move to Old Trafford:
The Spaniard is seen as the perfect acquisition to add some mobility and technical quality to United’s engine room. Here’s some of Herrera’s best moments for the La Liga side:
//www.youtube.com/embed/T_OhObYeGEs?rel=0
And Herrera’s United career has thus far gone swimmingly. He helped the Red Devils claim the International Champions Cup in Miami, producing this defence-splitting assist to Ashley Young:
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – ARTURO VIDAL
News came towards the end of last week that Manchester United had agreed personal terms with priority target Arturo Vidal:
The Chile international’s box-to-box style, boasting robust athleticism, tackling ability and netting prowess, is seen as perfect for Louis van Gaal’s attacking mentality.
He’s also well acquainted with the 3-5-2 system, having played under it in all of the Old Lady’s 38 Serie A games last season and at the World Cup, albeit in a more advanced role, with Chile.
Furthermore, the 27 year-old was in unbelievable form last season as the Juve and Vidal claimed their third consecutive Italian title. Here’s a look at his vitals from the campaign:
It appears the deal is close to completion and could be wrapped up by the weekend:
But the £45million-rated midfielder’s knee injury could provide a late stumbling block.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD – JUAN MATA
One major advantage of the 3-5-2 system is that it allows Juan Mata to revert back to his most influential and prolific role as a No.10.
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No doubt, the 26 year-old is a quality player, and after finding his feet at Old Trafford was one of United’s more productive performers, as viewable below:
This set piece effort against Southampton particularly stood out:
Now brought back into the central position and likely to stay there as long as van Gaal utilises a 3-5-2, its time for the Spain international to come good on his £37million price-tag.
STRIKER – WAYNE ROONEY
Likewise to Juan Mata, having two up front lets Wayne Rooney – who has often complained about his role at Manchester United – return to his favoured and more natural position of out-and-out striker.
The England international was disappointing at the World Cup (as were the rest of the Three Lions) but verged upon talismanic for the Red Devils last season, as detailed below:
Here’s a look at the 28 year-old’s highlights from the 2014/15 campaign:
//www.youtube.com/embed/W9ocKfzgTIQ?rel=0
Rooney also won the Player of the Tournament award at the International Champions Cup and appears to be getting on very well with Louis van Gaal:
So expect big things from the former Everton youngster next season!
STRIKER – DANNY WELBECK
In an ideal situation, the second striker slot would undoubtedly go to Robin van Persie – one of the Premier League’s most potent front-men who enjoys a father-I-never-had relationship with Louis van Gaal.
But the Netherlands skipper missed Manchester United’s tour of America after picking up an injury at the World Cup, and thus has been officially ruled out of the Red Devils’ opener against Swansea.
It’s likely the role will instead go to Danny Welbeck, not least because Javier Hernandez is expected to be ousted from Old Trafford by the end of the summer:
And secondly due to the fact van Gaal likes his sides to press from the front, and in that regard the ever-energetic 23 year-old fits the bill perfectly.
His sharpness in front of goal dramatically improved last season too, netting ten times in 36 appearances across all competitions. Here’s the England international’s best moments from last term:
Former Arsenal and Tottenham midfielder David Bentley has admitted he retired from football as he ‘never felt like a footballer’, reports the Daily Mirror.
The former England international retired this summer at the age of just 29.
Bentley said: “To be honest, I was even having a few doubts about football when I was at Blackburn.
“It was weird. Kim was like: ‘You’ve got to buck your ideas up’. A lot of people were saying that and I remember walking my dog, thinking: ‘This ain’t for me’.
“I remember being a bit disappointed in myself. I was thinking: ‘You should love it, what’s the matter with you? You’re only saying this because you’re a little bit unhappy at the minute’.
“But in the end I just got tired of all the bull**** that goes with it, people wanting you to sell yourself as something you’re not.
“I loved matchdays, the atmosphere and the buzz, but, looking back, the biggest disappointment was coming out of youth team football.
“Back then I was with my mates, playing Sunday League, you’re winning together with all your mums and dads, that’s when football is brilliant.
“For me the professional dressing-room wasn’t that exciting, life wasn’t that great. Whether my career reached the heights it could or should have done – certain people are built for the life of a footballer but I don’t think I was.
“I had the tools but I don’t think I had that. But that’s what makes me who I am and I never wanted to change it.
“Everyone grows up dreaming of being a Premier League footballer, playing for England – and I did it.
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“But it wasn’t like whoopee-do and then, bang, finished. The contract ran down, it stopped and I stopped playing. I didn’t give up while I had a contract, I just decided that my future was outside of football.”
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea considered leaving the club after a tough debut season at Old Trafford, Mirror reports.
The Spanish shot-stopper was the hero in Man United’s 2-1 win over Everton last weekend, making three incredible saves plus denying a Leighton Baines penalty to secure three points for his side.
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De Gea now admits that may be in the form of his lift at the moment, but not long after his £17.8million move from Atletico Madrid, he was tempted in making a return back to Spain after a series of mistakes in his first season.
Prompted whether he wanted to leave Manchester during his tough period, he replied: “Sometimes. I was difficult when you get a lot of criticism like I did.
“But I kept strong and I always tried to remain positive. I loved training. It was a great pleasure so I just did my work and worked through it.
“Those early days were difficult for me and my family. But when you play for a big club like Manchester United it is normal when you don’t play well.
“Yes, I am glad it happened in some ways because the criticism makes you stronger. Goalkeeper is a difficult position and you make mistakes. It is normal. But you have to be strong in your mind to get through it all and get better.
“I think I am playing the best football of my career. I have been here for three years and in the beginning it was difficult. Now I am ready for everything.
“I think that experience at the start at United has helped me be the player and man I am now. When you have bad moments you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it and I believe I have become stronger. I am a much better goalkeeper now.”
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Like it or loathe it, diving has become a major factor in the modern game. Nowadays some of the very best players on the planet are known for their acts of simulation, and although such antics cannot be condoned, they have produced some truly memorable moments.
Inspired by the Ballon d’Or award, here’s the Fallon d’Floor trophy (funny, right?), which ‘celebrates’ the dark arts. The six nominees are…
The Assassination of Giancarlo Gonzalez by the coward Chris Wondolowski
We kick off with a little bit of MLS action here as American striker Wondolowski brutally assaults Gonzalez…
A Fish out of Water
A late contender from Leeds’ Brazilian star, Adryan…
//www.youtube.com/embed/lySps3J5ZVk
No Era Penal
One of the more memorable moments of an excellent World Cup over the summer was this from Arjen Robben.
Breakfast at Chiellini’s
One of the defining moments of 2014… Did his shoulder hurt your incisors, Luis?
Fred-dy got fingered
Another World Cup instalment from Fred, who was more prolific at winning penalties than scoring goals…
Gravity
The list just wouldn’t be complete without a Cristiano Ronaldo effort!
Daniel Sturridge’s imminent return to the Liverpool starting eleven could not come at a better time for the club.
The England striker has been out injured with a thigh problem since August and he could be in line to feature against West Ham at Anfield on Saturday.
The 25-year-old has suffered a number of setbacks that have prevented him from recovering in quicker time this season. Now he is fit, though, Rodgers will be desperate to get him back into a side that has struggled to score goals without him. The strike- force of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have been below par so far this term, with Rodgers often opting to play Raheem Sterling in a centre-forward position instead.
Sturridge will need time to get back to his goalscoring best, but his presence in the team is a timely addition for the club. His return sees the potential for Sterling and Sturridge to revive a partnership that was very impressive last season. They share an excellent understanding with each other and can be a nightmare for opposition defences due to their pace and movement, stretching the opposition regularly.
[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]
Liverpool have looked very bare up front in Sturridge’s absence, but Rodgers has done well to grind out results in the league. Liverpool haven’t lost in six Premier League games and they have kept a clean sheet in their last two. There seems to be an assured solidarity about Liverpool at the moment, something that wasn’t particularly existent last year, despite their push for the title. If the club can keep a stern defensive approach while still accommodating the attacking talent of Sturridge, Liverpool will feel there’s an opportunity for the club to really challenge for the top four.
Rodgers stated that a top four finish would be the aim at the start of the season and, although that particular target looked bleak a couple of months ago, Sturridge’s return will inject some regained hope into the side.
As Liverpool face a congested run of fixtures in the League Cup, FA Cup, the Premier League and Europa League, they are going to need as many squad options as possible. Sturridge won’t be able to play every game but he is a key player that will add extra attacking quality to a squad that really needs his goals at the moment. His partnership with Raheem Sterling is dangerous, and Sturridge impressed in a lone role up front last season when Luis Suarez didn’t play. Although, despite Sturridge’s ability to play up front on his own, Rodgers will be looking to see whether a potential new partnership between his strikers could result in a similar threat as last season.
Sturridge and Balotelli played together in arguably Liverpool’s most impressive performance this season, beating Tottenham 3-0 at White Hart Lane. But it is not even slightly guaranteed, Sturridge’s presence up front could get the best out of a faltering Balotelli by creating more space for the Italian.
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One thing is for sure, Sturridge’s return will mean that Liverpool will pose a greater threat in attack, something that Brendan Rodgers has desperately needed so far this season.
The English Premier League often receives high praise and references as the best league in the world. There’s no doubting it’s entertainment value and high quality thanks to the vast array of talented players on show, but in terms of excitement and unpredictability, it’s understudy, the Football League Championship, is giving it a run for its money.
36 games into the season, and the race for promotion into the promised land of the top tier is proving quite astonishing. Well known as a division in which any side can beat any team on their given day, the Championship is well and truly living up to its billing.
With 10 games of the season remaining, there are as many as nine sides who can still harbour genuine hope of promotion, with two automatic positions, and four play-off places up for grabs. And just who will make the top six come May? It’s anyone’s guess.
The two automatic sports at the top of the table continue to change occupancy each week. Unlike previous years, there is no runaway leader of the division as Bournemouth, Derby, Watford and Middlesbrough remarkably find themselves level on 66 points a piece. And more remarkable still, Norwich who sit in fifth position, are just a point off top spot, something you won’t see too often in any league around the world so far into the season.
Just like us, the bookies are struggling to call it, with Bournemouth tentative favourites to win the division following an impressive 5-1 victory away at Fulham last week. With a home fixture against basement club Blackpool to come this weekend, they look a banker for another three points in order to maintain their position at the top. But with the crazy results this division can provide, nothing is a given.
Norwich have put together a fine run of form since the arrival of new boss Alex Neil, and with their strikers beginning to fire on all cylinders, are just behind Bournemouth in the betting to take an automatic spot. Looking for an instant return to England’s top division, they will be keen to build on their 4-1 over Millwall last weekend as they welcome fellow title chasers Derby County to Carrow Road on Saturday.
Steve McClaren’s side suffered play-off heartache last season, with a final defeat to QPR, and are well in the mix go one step better this season. Injuries to leading strikers Darren Bent and Chris Martin have seen them stutter in recent weeks, however, and they will have been left ruing their inability to close out a two-goal lead last week against Birmingham – they conceded two injury time goals in a 2-2 draw.
Another side right in the mix is Watford, who with the likes of Troy Deeney, Matej Vydra and Odion Ighalo, possess one of the division’s most lethal strike forces. After a hard-fought 2-2 at Wolves last weekend, they welcome Reading to Vicarage Road, and with the Royals potentially eyeing their upcoming FA Cup replay with Bradford, could take full advantage with another three points.
FA Cup giant killers Middlesbrough have been lurking around the top two for the majority of the season, but a few slip ups in recent weeks, have seen those sides around them close the gap. Also a team with plenty of talent in their squad, many fancy them to win the division, and they go back to the top by avoiding defeat to Ipswich in tomorrow’s early kick off.
Ipswich, currently sitting just a point and one place off the playoff spots themselves, will be hoping for a positive result from their trip up north. One of four sides who appear to battling it for the final play-off place; along with Wolves, Brentford and Nottingham Forest, they too still have plenty to play for, and the race for sixth spot looks to be heading down to the wire.
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With all of the above sides still in with a realistic shot at promotion, this season’s Championship is proving to be one of the best we have ever seen. There’s still a long way to go as we reach the business end of the season and those involved will know a solid winning run in the next few games could be vital in their bid to achieve the ultimate goal. Some will be left celebrating, while others will be left disappointed after a tough campaign. But just who that may be, will take some guessing. It really is too close to call.
“I’ve known Raheem for a good few years now. He is a good friend of mine and my team-mate,
“He has just got to do whatever he thinks is best but, if I was giving him advice, of course I would say: ‘This is Liverpool’. I think this is the best place for him’.
“But at the end of the day that decision is up to him. He is a fantastic player for us. I hope he stays here and develops with us. He will be a big part of what we are looking to do.”
Another day, another Raheem Sterling update, and this time it’s Jordan Henderson attempting to coerce the youngster into staying at Anfield. The facts are as follows, Henderson has penned a new £100,000-per-week deal, Sterling has rejected a similar offer and big clubs are chasing the 20-year-old.
The England international has two years to run on his current contract, but with the summer transfer window looming, there’s every possibility he could leave for a sizable offer, despite Liverpool’s eagerness to keep him.
It’s been said before that Sterling should probably stay, but here are FIVE reasons he should be taking Henderson’s advice…
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Playing time is guaranteed
2,603 minutes in the Premier League this season. Only Jordan Henderson and goalkeeper Simon Mignolet have enjoyed more game time than the 20-year-old this season, and had it not been for his mid-season Jamaican holiday – we mean break – he would almost certainly have the most minutes of any Reds player under his young belt.
At such a tender age this level of responsibility and importance is rare, which shows that he is truly appreciated by Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool as a whole. Should he leave for a side like Chelsea, Manchester City or even Manchester United, would his playing time be so frequent? Probably not.
Rodgers knows his game
Although he made his Liverpool debut under Kenny Dalglish, Sterling’s breakthrough is largely credited to Rodgers. The Northern Irishman made him a regular in his side at the age of 17 when he took charge at Anfield, and in seeing his development it’s clear that the Kop chief knows the youngster’s game inside out.
It’s important for Sterling to be working under a boss with good knowledge of his abilities, limitations and fitness while he’s still developing, with such familiarity key in ensuring he’s given every advantage needed to fulfil the massive potential he has.
Examples of other youngsters
Shaun Wright-Phillips, Adam Johnson, Jack Rodwell, Andy Carroll… all of the aforementioned names suffered from the ‘too much, too young’ curse. Young English talent is really at a premium, and with quotas in need of filling, the biggest clubs have often paid over the odds in terms of wages and fees to land them early on.
Wright-Phillips was a genuine star, albeit a little older than Sterling, 10 years ago, but the money outweighed the lack of opportunities he’d gain at Chelsea and his career declined rapidly. He’s now at QPR and cannot get a game. Sad.
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Still time for ‘the big move’
At 20, Sterling can feasibly wait another three/four years and still be considered to be one of Europe’s top young players. At his current age, playing time is needed, and he can certainly get that at Liverpool for the coming few seasons.
By the time he’s matured as a player and as a person, he’ll be much more suited to the ‘big move’ he appears to have his eye on, and will still have, potentially, almost 10 years to fulfil his silverware aims.
Other stars committing
Jordan Henderson’s decision to commit to a new deal follows the lead of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, with the three, plus Sterling, considered to be the future of the Reds’ first-team. Jordon Ibe and Martin Skrtel are likely to be handed fresh terms soon, while transfer links suggest that top names such as Memphis Depay are wanted at Anfield. The future could be bright.
The race for fifth place is hotting up. It’s not exactly the most glamorous race in the Premier League, and even the relegation battle is usually more exciting than watching the also-rans squabble over scraps.
In fact, so tight is this race that it almost looks like it’s a race in the opposite direction – one away from the (dreaded?) Europa League spots.
Liverpool and Spurs sit on 54 points from their 31 games up to now, and Southampton on 53. So Liverpool and Spurs are seven points off the Champions League places, and Saints a further point behind. That was the real goal for these teams.
Liverpool and Spurs started the season as genuine top four contenders, Southampton were probably just happy to stay out of a relegation battle. But their form at the start of the season saw them in a position where Champions League was a genuine ambition until very recently.
The dream has gone for each of these clubs, but they still say they are playing for fifth and sixth, and European qualification.
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Yet probably only Southampton really want it. The Europa League is a graveyard of good teams. Teams who have played well the previous season to finish in a European spot or win a cup and then the Thursday-Saturday turnaround or the travel to slightly further-afield places ruins their next season. Spurs have been trying to deal with this for years, and haven’t finished in the top four since 2010, Everton have struggled with both this season, while Newcastle and Liverpool have done in previous seasons, too.
Last season, and without Europe to deal with, Liverpool went on a run from the middle of the season that almost won them the title, Manchester United have done something vaguely similar this year, and maybe no European football has helped them out too.
This time Liverpool have been targeting fourth place, and only being a point ahead of Southampton means that they may miss out on Europe altogether. That may not be such a bad thing from a Liverpool perspective, nor would it be from Spurs’ perspective.
Both of these teams may now be hoping for a stuttering end to the campaign and a fresh start in August.
Southampton, meanwhile, would probably see the Europa League as a stepping stone to bigger things, a sign of the progress being made by the club. But surely next season would be much much tougher were they to finish in a qualifying spot. It’s probably a burden Saints are happy to bear, however.
The recent form of these three teams is perhaps cause for their concern, and at the weekend they were only able to gain a single point between them. A miserly return for clubs so close to the top of the table, and probably evidence of why they’re fighting only for the Europa League places. Perhaps neither are truly interesting in competing in the Europe League next season?
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Yet if that’s the case, only one team – the one finishing seventh – would be happy come the final whistle of the final game, and if Liverpool manage to win the FA Cup, then perhaps all three will be England’s representatives in the second tier of European football next season.
Perhaps it just doesn’t matter what any of these clubs do – they could be doomed to spending Thursday nights on ITV4 no matter how bad their league form is.
To say that last season was a disappointing one for Everton is a comic understatement. After the promise of the fifth place finish the season before and after coming so close to Champions League football, to finish in the bottom half was poor.
It was a season filled with individual errors and bad luck, injuries and some plain poor performances. Watching Roberto Martinez on the sidelines you felt a surge of sympathy rising at the same rate as the Spaniard’s stress levels. Rapidly.
The Europa League didn’t help last time, of course. Not being in Europe might help this time.
Every week Everton would step onto the pitch and every time the ball came close to the Everton back line you could sense the nerves. Antolin Alcaraz in particular was so far out of his depth that above the waterline you could just about make out his sullen yet panicked eyes as he frantically flapped his legs in a vain attempt to tread water. Tiredness might have been a problem initially. But when you make mistakes every week the fear of making another one takes over and errors become habitual.
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A summer break will do these players the power of good, and a few new signings are needed too. The Toffees are linked with Augsburg defender Ragnar Klavan and Hull full back Ahmed Elmohamady, and defenders are exactly what they need. Sylvain Distin has left the club – he was too old anyway – Alcaraz hasn’t been a reliable deputy for Jagielka – who has made mistakes himself – and although John Stones and Luke Garbutt are young and promising, Everton need something a little more tried and tested, especially if they’re looking for cover.
But the paper speculation is at least looking in the right direction, Everton don’t particularly need attackers as they have a fair few of good quality. The contract talks with Kevin Mirallas have stalled however, and now might be a good time to get rid and bring in a fresh replacement.
After the excitement and optimism of this time last year, Everton were stagnant by the end of last season having nothing to play for after defeat to Dynamo Kiev. So maybe freshening up the squad will give some impetus into the start of the campaign.
Signings are important to shore up the squad and to freshen it up too. Martinez has a certain type of player in mind for his specific style of play no doubt, but Everton’s need isn’t simply better quality – though they do need more quality in their squad depth. Everton’s need is also to allow the club to dream again and push for greater things.
Everton have been the nearly team in the Premier League for so long. They’ve been so close on so many occasions under David Moyes and Roberto Martinez that it’s almost hard to think that they might progress to the level required for Champions League football. Yet they’ve been so close and have some really very good players.
So aside from simply cutting out the mistakes and signing players to help the squad, perhaps getting rid of one or two and bringing in new faces might help. They’ve been linked with Dmitri Payet who could replace Mirallas if he is to leave. The Marseille man topped the Ligue 1 assist chart with 16 last season, six ahead of nearest challenger Javier Pastore, so he’d be a signing who would fit in well.
Things are maybe starting to look up now for Everton. The despair of the middle part of last season when they looked like they could get dragged into a relegation battle has lifted somewhat with the season’s end. It’s like they’ve come out of a bad break-up and can now look to get their life back on track.
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It’s liberating and refreshing for the Merseyside club and they can look to bigger and better things, especially without the distraction of Europe.
It’s always best to look on the bright side, and that’s what Everton have to do now. Freshen up the squad and bring back optimism. That’s what’s going to cut out the mistakes, lower the manager’s stress levels and bring Everton back up to the top end of the table.