Soccer Shorts' Euro 2016 England Squad

Soccer Shorts' Euro 2016 England Squad

Goalkeeping Options

Joe Hart, 28 - Man City 

A true world class goalkeeper who would walk into most national sides. He's over his confidence issues and put a bad spell of form well and truly behind him. In big games he tends to perform extremely well as seen in the Champions League recently, and is undoubtedly our best keeper since David Seaman. 

Verdict: Guaranteed member of the starting 11.





Jack Butland , 22 - Stoke City

Developed by consistently featuring for the under 21's after some loan spells but now looks settled at Stoke and is showing his ability on a weekly basis. He's having a good season and at only 22 years old looks to have many caps ahead of him. 

Verdict: Should be 2nd choice behind Hart at the Euros, in what will be his second tournament.

Tom Heaton - 29 - Burnley

Had a superb season last year despite being relegated with Burnley, and broke into the England squad as a reward. Had caps at all age levels for England but yet to play for the senior squad - depending on how well Forster recovers, he could make the squad.

Verdict: Doesn't make the squad as Forster is favoured.


John Ruddy, 28 - Norwich City

Back in the Premier League with Norwich which will help his cause, but hasn't been in particularly inspiring form. He missed Euro 2012 due to a broken finger and wasn't selected for the World Cup in 2014 so he will be hoping for a call up here, although it looks unlikely at present.

Verdict: Doesn't do enough to warrant a place.





Ben Foster, 32 - WBA

Now an experienced goalkeeper, who played 90 mins in Brazil in the pointless final group game vs Costa Rica, but is currently sidelined following a cruciate injury. In his favour is his experience over the other options for a spot in the squad, but it'll all depend on how he performs following such a devastating injury.

Verdict: Doesn't make the squad in favour of youth.





Fraser Forster, 27 - Southampton


Alike Foster the imposing keeper is out with a cruciate ligament injury and isn't due to return to action until early 2016. It will be a race against time for him to prove his fitness in time for the tournament selection, but Hodgson is clearly a fan having taken him to Brazil. 

Verdict: If he proves his fitness, he will likely go to France.

Defensive Options

Nathaniel Clyne, 24 - Liverpool 

The outright first choice right back for Hodgson's England. He hasn't yet been thoroughly tested at international level, but that will come in the high profile pre-tournament friendlies England have lined up against the likes of Germany. Has performed well for Liverpool since his move from Southampton and has made the position his own. 

Verdict: A refreshing upgrade on Glen Johnson and he surely starts in France.

John Stones, 21 - Everton

There is a reason Chelsea were willing to part with around £36 million for his services, he is an immaculate young centre back in the mould of Bobby Moore. He's been touted as a future England captain and looks ready to start for England already. 

Verdict: A guaranteed member of the squad and it will be between him, Cahill and Smalling for the starting spots at centre back.






Chris Smalling, 25 - Manchester Utd

After some serious doubts about whether he would fulfil his potential he now looks an accomplished centre back at United, with a physique and style of play similar to Rio Ferdinand. On current form he has to start and has developed in the time teammate Phil Jones has stagnated.

Verdict: Starts in France.






Luke Shaw, 20 - Manchester United

'The year of Luke Shaw' as Louis Van Gaal put it was cut short in horrific fashion with a double leg break in Eindhoven. However, he is reportedly making unbelievable progress and is 50/50 to make the Euros according to the Man Utd manager. He had been playing very well and finally looked to have settled in Manchester. If fit he was first choice left back for England and as long as he comes back the same player he will travel to France. 

Verdict: After making a speedy recovery, with age on his side, he starts in France.

Leighton Baines, 30 - Everton 


Another injury concern but Baines should be back playing in November following numerous injury troubles. Ankle surgery means he's barely featured this year and he'll have to prove his fitness over the remainder of the season. If he's constantly hindered by niggles he may miss out due to the highly competitive nature of the left back position. He has Gibbs, Shaw, Rose and Bertrand all vying for this position and all of whom have youth on their side.

Verdict: Hodgson goes with youth and Baines misses out following an injury plagued period.

Kieran Gibbs, 26 - Arsenal

Another useful left back who has improved and held his own when deputising for England and Arsenal, and has Champions League experience on his CV, giving him an edge. He will need to oust Monreal at Arsenal if he's to get enough game time to warrant a spot on the plane. 

Verdict: Hodgson goes with Gibbs ahead of Baines.


Danny Rose - Spurs

Similar to Gibbs in that he needs to hold down his position ahead of Davies at Spurs, who Pochettino seems to trust the defensive instincts of more than Rose. Linked with Manchester City in the summer after a great year with Spurs and needs a repeat season if he's to have a chance.

Verdict: Misses out on a place.

Kyle Walker, 25 - Spurs

Has serious concentration issues which Spurs fans have become infuriated by, and often makes costly mistakes, but looks second choice right back for England as things stand. Unless he continues to make errors and loses his spot to Kieran Trippier, he should be safely on the plane.

Verdict: Despite lapses in concentration, he makes the 23.

Gary Cahill, 29 - Chelsea

In and out of a faltering Chelsea side this year, but has been a solid performer for England in qualifying. He will be competing with Stones and Smalling for a centre back spot and if Roy goes for experience, Cahill starts. 

Verdict: Highly dependable - comfortably makes the 23.



Phil Jagielka, 33 - Everton

33 now but has tournament experience and is a leader, which Hodgson realises is needed in this transitional squad. He wore the captains armband in the most recent and final qualifier, and Hodgson is clearly a fan. 

Verdict: Unless he has a major dip in form, he goes.



Eric Dier, 21 - Spurs 

He's been in sublime form for Spurs this season since moving to defensive midfield. However it's his versatility that could work in his favour as he's comfortable at centre back and right back as well as holding midfield. He has been playing with an echo of Nicky Butt in defensive midfield and could be an outside bet for the squad if he carries on this curve of form. 

Verdict: Just misses out in favour of experienced options like Jagielka and Milner.

Phil Jones, 23 - Manchester United

Another versatile option but unlike Smalling he hasn't cemented a spot at his club side which displays a worrying lack of development. He definitely wont become 'the best player in United's history' as Sir Alex Ferguson once claimed, and the Duncan Edwards comparison looks woefully inaccurate. 

Verdict: Left out after another unconvincing season.

Ryan Bertrand, 26 - Southampton

A Champions League winner and another player who can slot into multiple positions. He's come on since commendably leaving Chelsea in search of first team football and has featured under Hodgson in recent games. However he still looks behind the rest in the pecking order in our most competitive position. 

Verdict: Doesn't make the cut. 

Glen Johnson, 31 - Stoke

It would take a remarkable season for Johnson to regain his place in the England squad. He needs to keep his head down at Stoke and hope Hodgson calls upon his experience, considering he was first choice in Brazil he still has some hope. Unfortunately for him and England he has never truly produced reliable performances for England.

Verdict: Hodgson ends his international hopes and doesn't select him.

Jon Flanagan, 22 - Liverpool

Out with a long term injury but set to return in December following 18 months out, Flanagan could well build upon his 1 cap for the senior side if he works his way back to form and fitness. Clearly a talented full back who Brazil legend Cafu recently touted for a successful career, he could be a surprise inclusion.

Verdict: Narrowly misses a call from Roy.

Midfield Options

Jack Wilshere, 23 - Arsenal 

Perennially injured yet prodigiously talented. In the qualifying game away in Switzerland he showed why if fit he has to start, by grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and really dominating the midfield. If he returns as planned in January and has a good 6 months without any serious injuries he will surely travel. It is a risk to take him to the Euros due to the short recovery time between games, but it cant be forgotten that he's our most talented central midfielder.

Verdict: A risk worth taking, Wilshere goes and starts.



Jordan Henderson, 25 - Liverpool 

Dependable in qualifying, and possesses boundless energy and tenacity in midfield which makes him suited to Hodgson's pressing style. In a midfield trio these attributes can prove absolutely crucial and this is why he's seen as a starter for England. Must also overcome surgery on the dreaded metatarsal injury he's currently sidelined with.

Verdict: Starter in France.

Michael Carrick, 34 - Manchester United.

Criminally underused for England over the years - that Phil Neville has almost double the caps Carrick has at 34 is a disservice to his talent. He'll be 35 come the time of the tournament but his experience and calm demeanour on the pitch will surely be a worthy asset to England. He could be subbed on to retain possession if England are in a winning position, and with no-one quite like him at Hodgson's disposal he has to travel. 

Verdict: Likely he is used from the bench, but he travels.

Fabian Delph, 25 - Man City

Another central midfielder with a seemingly bottomless fuel tank and ideal for Hodgson's style. His tenacity in the tackle could be a worry but he just about kept himself under control in the qualifiers he featured in, so he could well make the Euros if fit. Has to get over his lingering injury problems particularly his troublesome hamstring. But he possesses fantastic energy and drive from midfield, providing balance to the midfield.

Verdict: He just misses out in favour of Milner.

Delle Alli, 19 - Spurs


At just 19 he's made the step up to Premier League football from MK Dons look remarkably easy considering the transition in quality. Technically excellent and physically mature for his age he is a genuine rough diamond whom Hodgson clearly admires having recently handed him 2 caps. He already looks like holding down a central midfield spot ahead of an inconsistent Nabil Bentaleb and Moussa Dembele at Spurs, which is an impressive feat, and can play behind the striker comfortably.

Verdict: A wild card and if he maintains form, Roy has a tough decision to make. Likely just misses out.


James Milner, 29 - Liverpool

A tireless workhorse by definition and a Hodgson favourite, the versatile Milner is an ideal squad member for tournament football. He can slot in central or defensive midfield, right back and on both wings. If England find themselves needing to grind out a victory and have extra legs to protect the back four, Milner is the answer. 

Verdict: Certainly travels.

Adam Lallana, 27 - Liverpool

A creative, dynamic midfielder who boasts superb footwork and has priceless creativity than England sometimes lack in the final third. He hasn't started the season well and may find he misses out due to the form of others.

Verdict: Misses out.



Ross Barkley, 21 - Everton

Barkley has always had incredible talent, but it seems this season it's being realised with far more decisive performances. He's bullish on the ball, in a style similar to Rooney circa Euro 2004, and the Michael Ballack comparisons manager Roberto Martinez made are seemingly very accurate. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, he's an intimidating proposition for defenders and has magical feet to compliment his size. He's not just guaranteed to travel but his ability to bypass players and make the transition from defence into attack ensures he's a contender to start.

Verdict: Travels, starts & shines in France.

Raheem Sterling, 20, Man City


£49 million of talent, but he must iron out his finishing and must not relent in committing defenders. Looks to have made the step up to Man City comfortably and is already justifying the huge fee paid for him. He has substantial technical talent in addition to pace and will certainly terrify opposition defenders in full flow. 

Verdict: Starts at left wing for England in France.





Danny Welbeck, 24 - Arsenal

Currently injured but in qualifying scored 6 in 5 games including two crucial away goals in Switzerland to continue his fine form at international level. He has earned the trust of Hodgson with his work rate from left midfield and could push for a start. 

Verdict: Welbeck must impress in the likely sparse games he plays for Arsenal this season, but he travels as a backup winger/striker.

Ryan Mason, 24 - Spurs

Has been in Hodgson's recent squads after a great breakthrough season at Spurs last year. He's a box-to-box midfielder with great drive and technical ability. If he repeats last seasons form and adds goals he'll be in close contention.

Verdict: Just misses out.


Jonjo Shelvey, 23 - Swansea 

The Swansea midfielder can comfortably be deployed in a defensive midfield position or behind the striker in the number 10 role. He plays in a similar full-throttle fashion to former captain Steven Gerrard, and has a similar range of passing, in addition to a fierce strike of the ball. Some concerns still arise about his discipline and this may cost him a spot.

Verdict: Hodgson prefers Carrick and Milner to Shelvey, who narrowly misses out.

Andros Townsend, 24 - Spurs

Another Hodgson favourite who always seems to impress when afforded an opportunity for his country. However he still frustrates for Spurs and has fallen behind Lamela in the pecking order. He has to regain the faith of club manager Pochettino otherwise it'll surely be impossible to justify his inclusion in the Euros squad.

Verdict: Despite never letting Hodgson down, he misses out due to infrequent appearances at club level.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 22 - Arsenal

'The Ox' possesses frightening pace, and twinned with his crossing ability he's a very dynamic winger. He must add goals to his game if he's to justify a starting spot at the Euros, however. He can play in central midfield too which works in his favour. Before injury ruled him out of the 2014 World Cup he was looking like being one of our major threats and he will be focussed on putting that experience behind him and shining in France. 

Verdict: It could be his time to shine at a major tournament but he has stiff competition for a starting spot. A definite member of the 23.

Forward Options

Theo Walcott, 26 - Arsenal

Looks to have finally grasped the demands of the striker role at Arsenal and is in fine goalscoring form. Despite this, it looks like he'll be on the wing for England but the frightening pace he possesses could prove a useful asset in France from wide. It could be his time to finally deliver on the international stage.

Verdict: Starts in his unfavored position of right wing for Roy's boys.


Wayne Rooney, 29 - Manchester Utd

Captain for club and country, who recently broke the international goalscoring record. He has to play and the exuberance of youth around him allows a more focal role up front. He will no longer have to expend the energy he once did which should allow him to be an effective striker. 12 years on from bursting onto the international scene this could be his last chance to win silverware with England - he must perform to overcome his doubters.

Verdict: He starts, but must put in good performances to retain his position with stiff competition waiting in the wings.

Danny Sturridge, 26 - Liverpool

No doubt one of England's regulars if he can overcome his longstanding knee injuries. He's back playing and scoring the type of goals that made him such a threat when Liverpool almost won the league in 2013/14. However, he has to perform consistently this season whilst avoiding any major setbacks if Hodgson is to trust him. 

Verdict: A complete return to form under Klopp and we may see him start in the Euros, but likely a squad member who definitely travels if fit.

Jamie Vardy, 28 - Leicester City

A terrier of a striker, who leads the Premier League scoring charts at the time of writing this blog. He's showing no signs of slowing down, and also appears comfortable at international level in his England caps to date. He provides lightning pace and this could be used wisely from the bench if Hodgson takes him. 

Verdict: He must score over 20 Premier League goals to seriously be considered, and likely just misses out.

Harry Kane, 22 - Spurs

Alarm bells are ringing this season as his form has dipped in terms of goals. Despite this, his build up play suggests he was not a one season wonder, but he is worryingly shy in front of goal so far this season, and no longer acting upon instinct. He's a fan favourite but he's also becoming an issue at Spurs, and there's also a risk of burnout with few alternatives and a congested schedule. In contrast, his international performances have been solid under Hodgson with 3 goals in 6 caps and he may have done enough to nail down a seat on the plane, but Vardy will be competing fiercely for it.

Verdict: Unless he only manages a few more goals this season, he travels as a backup striker.

Saido Berahino, 22 - WBA

After the farcical twitter scandal over a failed move to Spurs, he's got his head down and is in red hot form. He would be well advised to see the season out at WBA and if he continues this form he's a wild card to travel.

Verdict: Doesn't make the 23 but has a future at this level.


Charlie Austin, 26 - QPR

Yet to feature for England but once called up by Hodgson after fine form last season. If he gets a January transfer to a Premier League club and impresses he's an outside bet to make the squad, especially with injury to Danny Ings.

Verdict: Misses out.

Likely to miss out

Danny Ings, 23 - Liverpool - Out for the season, unlikely to return in time.

Andy Carroll, 26 - West Ham Utd - Injury niggles mean he likely cant be trusted especially for tournament football. Seemingly an impact sub for West Ham so unlikely to travel.

Jay Rodriguez, 26 - Southampton - Outside chance of travelling but yet to regain goalscoring touch.

Callum Wilson, 23 - Bournemouth - Desperately unlucky to have cruciate injury cut short a stunning start to the season. If he returns the same player he could have an international future.

Jermain Defoe, 33 - Sunderland - Finding goals scarce in a struggling Sunderland team, which means he's likely out of Roy's plans, at his age it looks like his international career is over.

Wilfried Zaha, 22 - Crystal Palace - Has to dramatically improve final product to build on his 2 caps.

Jason Puncheon, 29 - Crystal Palace - If any creative midfielders get injured, Roy could do worse than Puncheon, a consistent performer in a strong Palace side.

Lee Cattermole, 27 - Sunderland - A real destroyer and a leader of men but his temperament is likely to hold him back at this level, as well as his questionable technique.

Adam Johnson, 28 - Sunderland - Ongoing rape allegations have tarnished his reputation but on his day he's one of England's best wingers. However its hard to envisage him making the squad.

Matty Phillips, 24 - QPR - Was in phenomenal form at the back end of last season for QPR, and if he got a move in January to a Premier League club he could have a small chance of making it.

Nathan Redmond - A consistent performer for the under 21 side, and adapting well to Premier League football with goals for Norwich this season, he's another who with a run of form may take Hodgson's fancy.

Rob Green, 35 - QPR - Has tournament experience but unfortunately will probably be left out for younger keepers.

Steven Caulker, 23 - Southampton - After a setback at QPR, he is attempting to rebuild his career at Southampton but isn't a guaranteed starter so until he cements a spot at Saints, he can't be considered to build on his 1 cap.

Gareth Barry, 34 - Everton - Over 50 caps and a reliable defensive minded midfielder to call upon should there be an injury crisis.

Micah Richards, 27 - Aston Villa - Looking to carve out a career as a centre back after a disappointing spell at Fiorentina, it looks like Richards won't earn a recall based on Villa's leaky defence thus far.

Scott Dann, 28 - Crystal Palace - A leader and strong centre back in a competitive Palace side, he must be in Hodgson's thoughts as a backup should there be injuries to key centre backs.

Final 23 man Euro 2016 squad

GK's: Hart, Forster, Butland

DF's: Clyne, Stones, Smalling, Shaw, Gibbs, Walker, Cahill, Jagielka

MF's: Wilshere, Henderson, Milner, Carrick, Barkley, Sterling, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

FW's: Rooney, Sturridge, Kane, Walcott, Welbeck.

Soccer Shorts' starting XI for Euro 2016

Soccer Shorts' Mid-Season Predictions

Premier League Title Winners:

Manchester City are my bet, and have been since day one, to win the Barclays Premier League this season. Their scintillating home form and unprecedented free-goalscoring has led to humiliating results for title rivals already this season. Away from home, the return of club captain and leader Vincent Kompany has improved their resilience, and they are now showing title winning consistency. Manuel Pellegrini presides over a squad with comprehensive depth like no other team in the league – shown by the fact Stevan Jovetic (who would command a starting place in most sides in the Premier League) has barely played this season. Should Arsenal sign a first-class striker like Balotelli, Diego Costa or Berbatov – this could really alter the title race and provide them with the depth to reclaim the title. The same goes for Chelsea, who are lacking an outstanding striker to make the transition between a top-3 side and a title winning side.

Top 4 in the Premier League:

In this order: Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool. The only real difference in quality between City, Chelsea and Arsenal is the depth in fire-power. The squads in all other areas are relatively equal. Liverpool’s squad is a bit thin but conversely, they have the goalscorers, but their midfield lacks the depth needed to push for the title. One wonders what would happen if a stalwart like Lucas Leiva succumbed to injury for a long period of time. The fact Liverpool possess the in-form striker in world football, and have Sturridge and Gerrard to return after a busy Christmas period, should mean they land 4^th spot, although Spurs and Everton could push them close. Manchester Utd, much maligned under David Moyes, continue to struggle against their rivals, and now look entrenched in a battle for the top 4. Sir Alex Ferguson left behind a good squad, but one which needed a few top class additions. This hasn't yet occurred, and their relatively weak midfield has been overrun in the series of surprising home defeats to date. A few top tier additions are required in January, and they also need van Persie and Rooney to get back fit and firing if they are to challenge for the top 4 positions.

Champions League Winners:

Real Madrid. In a season within which Cristiano Ronaldo is hitting peak form and will perhaps receive the coveted Ballon D’or, ‘La Decima’ is very much on the cards. Carlo Ancelotti is undoubtedly the manager capable of taking Madrid to European glory, and it would take a brave man to bet against anyone stopping Ronaldo & Bale in current form. It’s hard to envisage Bayern Munich doing what no team has done since Milan in 1989 and 1990 in winning back to back European Cups, but Pep Guardiola is the man, if anyone can, to achieve this feat (Bayern did in fact win back to back European cups in 1974, 1975 and 1976). However, Arsenal is an incredibly tough draw, with Arsenal due a bit of luck in the knock-out stages following a series of horrible draws and poor refereeing decisions. A Bayern vs Real Madrid final would be one hell of a spectacle for the neutrals, whilst PSG would be a wise bet to reach the final. I believe 2013 will be the year Ronaldo surpasses Messi in the crowning of the Ballon D’or, completing his season with European glory.

Written by Richard Jaffa

Some Thoughts on Spurs and AVB's Current Predicament

• 11 international midfielders is far too many for one squad – one or two must be sold or loaned in January – Chadli or Sigurdsson would be my choice to be moved on.
  
• Michael Dawson is not top class and should'nt be starting for Spurs, he should have been sold with Caulker remaining and being pushed on. Chiriches/Kaboul should be playing alongside Vertonghen, at least when Rose returns. Dawson has been exposed as being completely incapable of dealing with any sort of pace and direct attacking from a dynamic player and ought to be dropped (see Torres and Remy as examples at White Hart Lane, and Aguero in the 6-0 rout away from home).
  
  
• Spurs need to at least attempt reverting back to the width that made the most of one of the smallest pitches in the Premier League and ensured they were such a threat under Redknapp.
  
  
• Townsend must be tried as a left winger with Lennon on the other side and Rose/Walker the marauding fullbacks behind them – this devastating pace would cause teams to be overwhelmed – like they were in the 09/10 season when Spurs finished 4^th. Instead of Lennon and Bale wide right and left as under Redknapp it should be Lennon and Townsend with Walker and Rose completing incredible pace on the flanks.
  
  
• Playing two ‘inverted’ wide men is not viable – to get the most out of one striker up front on their own the service must be quick – Townsend and Lennon or Sigurdsson cutting inside onto their favoured foot is far too predictable and slows the play down, resulting in a lack of opportunity for the front man.
  
  
• Playing 2 holding midfielders is not necessary and is arguably counter-productive at home, clogging up the centre of midfield, especially against lesser teams. Only one of Sandro, Dembele, Capoue and arguably Paulinho should play at home. The other central midfielder must be able to pass the ball incisively and positively - see Eriksen / Holtby.
  
  
• Adebayor, if in form, is undoubtedly the best forward option to suit the 4-2-3-1 formation AVB seems intent on playing.
  
  
• Lamela should be given game time in the number 10 role, he has incredible ability and has the creativity to unlock defences and provide for the striker.
  
• Spurs fans should not overreact, they are 4 points off 2^nd spot having lost their star player in Bale and signed so many players - this was always going to induce a tough start.
  
•  A potential Spurs solution at home:                    
                       
                           Lloris
  Walker Chiriches Vertonghen Rose
  Lennon Eriksen  Sandro  Townsend
                          Lamela
                         Adebayor
  
• A potential away formation:
  
                            Lloris
  Walker Kaboul Vertonghen Rose
  Lennon Sandro Dembele Townsend
                         Lamela
                        Adebayor

     
written by Richard Jaffa.

The Emergence of Andros Townsend Puts Pressure on Tottenham’s Record Signing Erik Lamela

The Spurs line-up versus FC Sheriff in the UEFA Europa League last Thursday consisted of the returning Aaron Lennon, Christian Eriksen and summer signing from AS Roma, Erik Lamela. Whilst it’s still early in Lamela’s Spurs career, the former Roma winger will be hoping to expedite his path into the first team for domestic fixtures. However, Andre Villas-Boas presides over an embarrassment of riches for midfield selection, and the emergence of the prodigious Englishman Andros Townsend could see Lamela continually restricted to outings in cup competitions this season, much to his detriment.

AVB has a selection dilemma most Barclays Premier League managers dream of. If he continues with the 4-2-3-1 formation deployed to good effect so far this season, three attacking midfield positions are up for grabs between seven players. Lamela scored an impressive 15 goals and assisted five times in 33 Serie A games for Roma last season but is admittedly struggling to adapt to the physical side of English football, and fears for his World Cup chances with the Argentinean national side. Foreign players often need a year plus a full pre-season before they can display their full spectrum of talent, but Lamela may have to buck that trend.

With Brazil 2014 on the horizon, Andros Towsend will be desperate to retain his astonishing early form which is keeping Lamela out of his favoured right-wing position. Spurs have perhaps been taken by surprise at the rapid development of Townsend who has forced his way atop the pecking order with his startling early season displays for club and country, leading to former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp comparing his style to that of Arjen Robben. Lamela’s former employers Roma are the only side with a 100 percent record in Europe’s top leagues this season, and the talented wide man may well be ruing the timing of his move to England. Indeed, Villas-Boas admitted shortly after signing Lamela that he doesn’t speak any English, and may take a while to settle in England:

He has to adapt to a completely different culture and mentality, which we are sure he will, but we're unsure of how much time it will take, but he will.

Tactically, Spurs sometimes struggle at home to break down teams who sit back, and the penetration of speedy wingers such as Lennon and Townsend is rebuffed. Away from home they both possess the ruthless counter attacking verve that would arguably be more effective than Lamela’s technical talents. Recently West Ham fended off the Spurs attack on their way to a shock 3 – 0 away win, and in these situations the creativity Lamela possesses could be the catalyst in breaking down teams who ‘park the bus.’

Lamela will be hoping AVB concurs with this logic, as Brazil 2014 is a World Cup every player dreams of participating in. The 21-year-old talent will be desperate to produce some eye-catching performances, but one thing is for certain-the fierce competition for places can only be a positive for the lofty ambitions Spurs harbour. 

by Richard Jaffa

Manchester United are being exposed for their unwillingness to address midfield deficiencies.

    With some tipping David Moyes’ Manchester Utd to drop out of the Premier League’s top four this season, it is arguable that the current champions are finally being punished for the long standing failure to address their midfield deficiencies. Evidence of Sir Alex Ferguson’s ability to draw the highest level of performance out of his players is another side to this argument, with Moyes struggling so far in his reign to find a balance and maximise the abilities of his current midfield options.

The long-talked lack of a truly top class central midfielder to partner Michael Carrick was ‘appeased’ by the signing of Maroane Fellaini in the summer, but many would insist that the jury is still out Fellaini being classed as a natural holding midfielder and he has indeed failed to impress so far this season. Cesc Fabregas and Thiago are a different type of midfielder and can dictate the tempo of games, and were clearly the clubs first choice transfer targets. The well documented bowel troubles Darren Fletcher has been so unfortunate to endure have essentially ruled him out of contention for the past two seasons, whilst it’s a mystery that Anderson is still a Man Utd player having squandered chance after chance in his six year spell at Old Trafford. It is a surprise he has not suffered the same fate as fellow Brazilian flop Kleberson and remains in the squad.

    The hype surrounding Tom Cleverley seems completely misplaced, as, like Anderson, one wonders what he actually offers. Big games often bypass Cleverley as he struggles for a foothold in central midfield and his development has alarmingly stagnated. He is 24 and can no longer be considered a promising midfielder, it is time to deliver.

Aside from the consistently top-class Carrick, central midfield options look fairly bleak for Moyes. Ryan Giggs still shows flashes of brilliance but at nearly fourty years of age cannot be relied upon to play ninety minutes in consecutive games.

On the flanks, there are problems in the form of the perpetually underwhelming ‘match winner’ on his far too infrequent day Nani, and the Englishman once laughably compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, Ashley Young – who has seemingly moved backwards in his development. Antonio Valencia too often fails to supply an end product and Wilfried Zaha for has not been deemed ready for a Premier League start just yet despite his obvious talent. The highly publicised performances of the prodigious talent Adnan Januzaj have injected some much needed unpredictability from wide, and although not his preferred position Danny Welbeck grafts from the left wing. Many fans cannot understand why Shinji Kagawa continues to be ignored, but whilst he has unquestionable talent, all too often the physical side of Premier League football suppresses his abilities. At Borussia Dortmund he was deployed in the role Wayne Rooney is relishing at the moment, and is less effective from wide left, which is reducing his game-time.

    When assessing competing Premier League teams' midfielders, you have to wonder why Man Utd didn’t sign certain players and question their transfer policy. The marvellous Mesut Ozil has to be the signing of the summer and yet if rumours are to be believed, he waited for a call that never came from Old Trafford before signing for the Gunners. Spurs signed five midfielders, four of whom would arguably have enhanced Moyes’s options. Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen (for a mere £13 million) are all astute signings by AVB, for which Man Utd would’ve been a preferred destination if the interest was there. In recent years, Moussa Dembele produced a man of the match performance for Fulham under the watchful eye of Ferguson at Old Trafford in the season prior to Spurs signing him for only £15 million. A player of his ilk would have been ideal to replace the unreliable Anderson in the Man Utd squad list, who has constantly failed to impress. Top class attacking midfielders such as Eden Hazard, David Silva, Willian, Oscar, Mata, Cazorla and Ozil have also joined Premier League rivals in the last few seasons whilst Man Utd have been spectators. The slightly embarassing inability to sign Fabregas and Thiago will likely prove costly errors on behalf of the ruthlessly criticised Ed Woodward. Paul Scholes has not been adequately replaced in a team which is no longer dominating the midfield as was a trait in Ferguson’s sides of years gone by. Perhaps Ferguson's managerial talent papered over the cracks of an underwhelming midfield. This midfield contingent could logically be placed outside the four best in the country, and that is something that may need addressing in January if Man Utd are to push for the title and Champions League success. If not, they may struggle to avoid the unthinkable failure to qualify for Champions League next season.

Predicted top 6 teams’ midfield options:

Chelsea: Hazard, Oscar, De Bruyne, Willian, Ramires, Lampard, van Ginkel, Mikel, Essien, Mata

Arsenal:Wilshere, Diaby, Rosicky, Flamini, Arteta, Ramsey, Ozil, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Gnabry

Man City: Toure, Fernandinho, Nasri, Silva, Navas, Rodwell, Milner, Garcia

Spurs: Lennon, Townsend, Lamela, Holtby, Capoue, Sandro, Dembele, Paulinho, Sigurdsson, Eriksen, Chadli.

Man Utd: Valencia, Zaha, Cleverley, Carrick, Fellaini, Nani, Anderson, Januzaj, Giggs, Fletcher, Kagawa, Young

Liverpool: Gerrard, Moses, Lucas, Alberto, Allen, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho.

written by Richard Jaffa