According to reports in the Daily Mail, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was present at the friendly between Austria and Russia on Wednesday night to watch West Ham United attacker Marko Arnautovic in action, but perhaps he was also there to see Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba, rated at £45m by Transfermarkt.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Daily Mail says that Mourinho wants more power and height in his attack to provide cover for Romelu Lukaku, and that he was watching the 29-year-old Irons forward against the hosts of the 2018 World Cup.
Arnautovic certainly may have impressed the Portuguese boss given he produced the assist for the only goal of the game, but the manager may well have also been in attendance to watch Alaba in action given he is said to want a new left-back this summer to provide competition for Ashley Young next season, given Luke Shaw and Daley Blind are both out of favour.
The versatile Bayern man, who has also played as a left winger, central midfielder and defensive midfielder for the Bundesliga giants in the past, entered the field as a 58th minute substitute against Russia and presumably didn’t start because of the back problem he has been suffering from.
How did Alaba do this season?
While he suffered from a few injury niggles, the Austrian still impressed in his 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing a further six assists – three of which came in the Champions League.
The 25-year-old is effective in possession of the ball and from set-pieces, while he has a great engine that allows him to get up and down the pitch that would impress the Old Trafford faithful, who have been left unimpressed on Twitter with links to a move for a 22-year-old attacking midfielder.
Would he be a good signing for United?
He certainly would be.
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Alaba would arrive at Old Trafford with huge experience of winning titles and appearing in the Champions League, while he has 12 goals in 61 caps for his country.
He is certainly the calibre of player that Mourinho will want to bring to the club if they are to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title next term as well as challenging in Europe, although they may face a big battle if they want to prise him away from Bayern given he has proven himself to be such a key player for them.
According to reports in The Telegraph, Southampton face competition from Inter Milan and Sevilla in the race to sign Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge this month.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Telegraph reported on December 28 that Saints were interested in taking the Reds forward on loan until the end of the season following Virgil van Dijk’s £75m move the other way, although the latest report in The Telegraph suggests that the Merseyside outfit will only consider a permanent £30m deal.
The Telegraph says that Inter and Sevilla are both keen on the 28-year-old, with the latter already having an attempt to sign the England international on loan rebuffed.
The report adds that Sturridge is being tracked by English clubs and wants to leave Anfield because of a lack of opportunities, but his £30m valuation means that he is viewed as a risky addition because of the injury issues he has suffered throughout his career.
How has Sturridge done this season?
As we alluded to previously, the 28-year-old is keen to leave Liverpool having found himself behind Roberto Firmino in the pecking order for the striker role under Jurgen Klopp this term.
The centre-forward has scored three goals and provided a further three assists in 14 appearances in all competitions, but he has laregly had to make do with cameo appearances from the substitutes’ bench and has missed their last nine matches through illness and injury.
Could Southampton still sign him?
Much could depend on their interest in Monaco’s Guido Carrillo, as they may only want to sign one striker this month.
Sturridge’s reported £30m price tag and high wages will certainly put Saints off, but if his value drops significantly or he is made available for loan nearer to the end of January they could make their move.
With 75 goals in 194 Premier League games he has the quality to end their struggles in front of goal, and the south coast outfit may also want a high-profile addition after missing out on Theo Walcott to Everton.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, it depends on what Liverpool decide to do, but Southampton will know that they will struggle to compete with Inter Milan if it comes down to a straight choice between the two clubs.
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When the aliens arrive we’re going to have a lot of explaining to do. Of course, any exploratory space faring alien race will be au fait the sciences, naturally, and we’ll likely share at least a parallel common understanding of concepts such as love, economics and restaurants, but none of this is going to help us explain golf. Or cigarettes. Or Paddy McGuinness. Imagine having to explain Dressage as if the reputation of the human race depended on it? Exposed to the cold hard objectivity of an imaginary alien observer, most of our earthly pursuits are completely and utterly daft.
And yet all of them pale in comparison with the nonsense that is ‘Awards Season’. That special, reflective time of the year when we look back on the previous annum and decide the people who really deserve recognition for their efforts are movie stars and sportsmen. Where, not content with staging several lavish near identical events to award golden statues to those who’ve proved the most convincing at reading aloud made up situations, we broadcast them to the world, turning even these glorified readers entering a building draped in different coloured shapes of cloth into it’s own special news event.
We are truly doomed as a civilization.
And yet even within this daft of the daft, there is a dafter brush still. The Ballon d’Ors. For the FIFA Ballon d’Or Awards Gala (to give them their full name) are the worst awards in the entire world.
Only FIFA could take a provincial magazine’s respected singular award and turn it into an excruciating hour and a half prize giving costumed pageant. Only FIFA could turn an impartial voting system trusted since 1956, into such a politically convoluted and controversial one the votes need to be made public to sooth fears of a fix up. And still don’t. Only FIFA could spend half an award ceremony dedicated to the best player of 2013 promoting the World Cup of 2014 only a mere month after it’s similarly egregious draw Gala held specifically to do that.
But this isn’t why they’re the worst awards in the world.
The adding of accessory awards to the ceremony may not intrinsically be a bad thing. The women’s award in particular is a worthwhile addition, having no equivalent of a similar profile. The rest though are merely window dressing, included to fluff out the ceremony so Blatter and his cronies can fill up a few more gratuity seats for the ‘football family’. Is there really any need, for example, for an officially sanctioned Goal of the Season? And does it need to be given at an awards ceremony? Was Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s failure to make the final three for the big prize suitably exorcised by his blue ribbon for scoring the prettiest goal? Will there be a Save of the Season? What does the Fair Play Award actually do? This year even included the 35th annual Pele Award for being Pele, otherwise known as the inaugural Prix d’Honneur, a back door way for FIFA to retrospectively give a Ballon d’Or to whomever they like whenever their PR department demands it.
But these too are not why they’re the worst awards in the world. The reason is overwhelmingly down to one award. The FIFA Presidential Award.
The FIFA Presidential Award was invented in 2001 by Sepp Blatter and is hard to explain largely on the basis that it has no criteria. Sepp can award the FPA to anyone or anything he likes, animal, vegetable, mineral or concept, and frequently does. It seems to have been created solely because Sepp didn’t have enough control over any of the other awards, and wanted one for himself which he could award to, say, Desmond Tutu or the Queen of Jordan if he liked. He did.
The Presidential Award also serves another purpose. Such is the almost constant controversy Sepp manages to attract by pitching himself as the hybrid footballing equivalent of Boris Johnson and a dodgy car salesman, that the award can also be used as a convenient tool for damage limitation. It’s unsurprising to learn then, what with his frequent faux pas in sexual politics, that women’s football has received significant recognition. As significant as possible in fact as the entire concept of women’s football won the award in 2008. While it may seem odd to present a single small trophy to an entire sporting concept (and raises all sorts of baffling questions about who gets to keep it) at least its better than giving it to something completely tangential like, say, the actress from Bend It Like Beckham. Thankfully Sepp covered both bases here, awarding Parminder Nagra the FPA in 2002.
Occasionally the honour is afforded to actual footballing people. Pele, naturally, got in 2007 for his continuing dedication to being Pele (and dutifully turning up to present any old guff FIFA asks) whilst Sir Alex Ferguson and Franz Beckenbauer received it in 2011 and 2012 respectively, in what most commentators agree was Sepp being no fun at all. Sometimes though he just feels like being nice, awarding it to a paralysed player in 2001, a dead player in 2006 and Anders Frisk, the Chelsea death threat referee in 2005, seemingly just to cheer him up a bit.
This years award went to Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, undaunted by the fact that we’re two summers away from the last Olympics and a full month away from starting the next, making it practically the only time it’s not appropriate to present an award for Olympic achievement.
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Of course, the Ballon d’Ors would still be awful without this. The forced spectacle, the compulsory yet also completely needless live music, the fact footballers can’t give good speeches, the crying.
When Cristiano Ronaldo first won the award in 2008, it was awarded to him in private, delivered to his house with a photographer and a thought out, well-conducted interview was published. Now we have this. At least actors have a sense of oratory performance that’s plausibly worth watching. How are we supposed to explain Ronaldo’s awkward stunted speech and self-indulgent blubbing to an advanced alien race? What if our possible inclusion in a new galactic alliance or advanced state of enlightenment depends on it? Yup, we are truly doomed as a civilization.
Everton winger Steven Pienaar has retired from international duty.
The South African midfielder made 57 appearances for his nation over ten years, but has stated with regret that he will only focus on club football in the future.
“It is with regret that I wish to advise you that with immediate effect I’m no longer available for selection to represent South Africa,” he stated in a press conference, published in The Daily Mail.
“After having given more than 10 years service to the national team I’m now at a stage where physically I’m struggling to balance the demands of playing in England with the number of games required by the national team.
“I’m proud to have represented and captained my country, for this I sincerely thank you and wish the team all the best in the future,” he concluded.
South Africa coach Gordon Igesund admitted that Pienaar’s decision was a blow for the side.
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“He’s given us 10 years of service and his body is tired. Yesterday was the first time I found out he wanted to retire,” the trainer confessed.
Former Southampton manager Ronald Koeman congratulated his former club via his official Twitter account last week after they all-but secured their spot in the Premier League next season with a crucial 1-0 win against Swansea City, and Saints fans were quick to react to the post.
The south coast outfit finished seventh and sixth respectively – qualifying for the Europa League on both occasions – during the Dutchman’s two-year spell at St Mary’s, with the club playing brilliant football thanks to the likes of Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle.
However, the 5ft 11in tall boss left for Everton in controversial circumstances at the end of the 2015/16 campaign with Southampton believing they he joined the Merseyside outfit because of the better financial package on offer, rather than seeing out the year he still had left on his contract with them like he said he would previously.
The club are now set to appoint the man that rescued them from relegation this term – Mark Hughes – on a long-term deal, but we decided to ask Saints fans to vote on our poll to see whether they would consider taking Koeman back in the future.
A majority 58% said they would, and despite the acrimonious way in which he left St Mary’s the fans haven’t forgotten the decline under Claude Puel and Mauricio Pellegrino since, and it is no real surprise that they would consider taking the current Netherlands boss back considering the success they enjoyed under his tutelage.
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The forward scored 74 times in 177 appearances for Crewe Alexandra before joining Norwich City, where he netted 18 goals in 46 matches ahead of a move to West Ham United.
Ashton managed six goals for the Hammers in the second half of the 2005-06 campaign, but his best scoring season for the London club came in 2007-08, when he managed 10 Premier League goals in 31 appearances.
Ashton managed just two more league goals for West Ham, however, before announcing his retirement in 2009 at the age of 26 having failed to recover from a long-term ankle problem.
The striker broke his left ankle whilst training with England in August 2006, which led to several operations.
Ashton tried on a number of occasions to return to full fitness, but ultimately retired from the sport following medial advice.
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Ashton is still seen as a popular figure with the West Ham fans, and many were present on social media on Saturday morning to respond to a quote from the former England international where he hailed the club’s supporters.
striker Matej Vydra believes that his now ready to make a push to become the Baggies’ main man after returning from injury.
The Czech international completed his move to the Hawthorns over the summer after impressing during a loan spell with Championship outfit Watford last season.
However, his start to life as a West Brom player was far from smooth as he picked up an injury during his debut in the Capital One Cup.
The thigh problem has kept him of of action ever since, but he is now back in full training.
With Steve Clarke’s men not having enjoyed the most fruitful campaign in front of goal so far, Vydra says that he is ready to prove to his manager that he can be the club’s main man.
“Now I feel in perfect shape. The leg doesn’t hurt and I’m ready,” Vydra told Sky Sports.
“I played 60 minutes for the reserve team against Reading and even scored. Then another 45 minutes for the first team versus a youth side from Derby County.
“Everything was fine. I have been in training with the first team for quite some while already and endure the full burden without any problems.”
But, Vydra is aware that he may have a fight on his hands to be a starter following the arrivals of Victor Anichebe and Stephane Sessegnon.
“You could expect that new players would come because we did not have a good start to the season at all,” he added.
“Two new forwards arrived and Anelka is back. So, now we have about seven forwards and use two. There’s nothing you can do.
“I know I have to work hard to convince the manager. Nobody has a place in the XI for granted.”
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Can Matej Vydra make the step from Championship to Premier League football?
Would it be remiss to suggest that blood pressure levels amongst Premier League managers skyrockets during an international break? Constantly on tenterhooks praying that their key players return unscathed with a clean bill of health. It’s little wonder then that Arsene Wenger will be cursing his luck after Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott returned to the Emirates Stadium carrying injuries after representing their country during the week. The potential loss of Diaby, in particular, will come as a huge blow to Wenger given the France international’s excellent start to the season and rendering Alex Song a distant memory in the Gunners midfield. After six stop-start years in North London the 26-year-old was finally starting to exhibit his undoubted talent that often saw him compared to Patrick Vieira forging a superb connection with Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla in the first three games of the campaign. There is no doubt that keeping Diaby fit and flying will be key to the Gunners achieving their goals this term and proving once and for all that he has what it takes to cut the top-flight mustard.
This week on FFC how important will the Gunners’ collaboration with the MLS be in years to come and which Atletico striker is Wenger keeping tabs on?
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Best of FFC
Does he really still have a future at Arsenal?
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An ideal partnership for Arsenal to consider?
Bould-ly going where Arsenal have never gone before?
Is Wenger Paying The Price For Their Ineptitude?
Wenger denies Drogba link
Arsene Wenger issues ultimatum
Arsenal and Spurs on £14.5m alert as contract talks stall
The Boy’s A Bit Special…Ignasi Miquel
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Best of WEB
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Pantomime Villains On The Arsenal Horizon – A Cultured Left Foot
Should Wenger stick with this youngster even when Sagna returns? – Gunnersphere
Long Live Project Youth – Online Gooner
Why Wenger should NOT send this midfield starlet out on loan this winter – Gunnersphere
Here we go again – Arseblog
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Does Arsene Wenger deserve a new 4 year deal? – Le Grove
Diaby out, Theo sick & Is Sagna fearing for his place in the side? – Highbury House
Is Adrian Lopez The Missing Piece Of A North London Puzzle? – Transfer Tavern
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Quote of the Week
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“In the past I have always shown my commitment to the club, and at the moment I am not in the mood to think about the long-term future because we want to do well this season. I am an Arsenal
man and I think I have always shown that, but I have to consider whether I do well or not, and if I don’t do well then I have to consider my future. I am long enough at the club to have the confidence of people I work with, but I will assess my own performances and whether I do well enough for the club. At the moment we are not there. Two years is a long time in my job, so I just want to do as well for the club as long as I can and accept all the rest.” Arsene Wenger claims he could step down as Arsenal boss if he considers himself to be doing a poor job
Many would have assumed that when Arsene Wenger decided to leave Arsenal, he would retire.
The Frenchman recently announced that he will call an end to his 22-year stay when the season comes to a close.
However, it seems that the 68-year-old is not ready to walk away from the game just yet.
While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Wenger revealed that he has received plenty of job offers, but has not chosen his next career path.
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According to The Guardian, Paris Saint-Germain are keeping a close eye on the departing Arsenal boss.
The report claims that they are considering offering the three-time Premier League title winner the role as general manager.
This means that Wenger would play an integral part in the club, but he will not take the place of head coach.
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It is unclear whether this offer would attract the Arsenal hero, but it would give him an opportunity to return to his homeland while also being involved with a club that is not a direct rival of the Gunners.
Arsenal fans have been posting their thoughts on social media.
Comment from discussion Arsène Wenger weighs up PSG offer to become general manager.Comment from discussion Arsène Wenger weighs up PSG offer to become general manager.Comment from discussion Arsène Wenger weighs up PSG offer to become general manager.Comment from discussion Arsène Wenger weighs up PSG offer to become general manager.Comment from discussion Arsène Wenger weighs up PSG offer to become general manager.Comment from discussion Arsène Wenger weighs up PSG offer to become general manager.Comment from discussion Arsène Wenger weighs up PSG offer to become general manager.
The January transfer window could be an important one for Newcastle United as they aim to reignite their season.
As it stands, the North-East outfit are staring at relegation as they sit one point from safety after losing eight of their last nine Premier League games.
Manager Rafael Benitez made it clear that he was not entirely happy with the business that was made in the summer, but it remains to be seen how much cash he will receive next month.
According to the Daily Mail, one deal has already been secured and that is the loan capture of Chelsea winger Kenedy.
The publication claims that the Magpies enquired about the 21-year-old in the summer, but were knocked back as Chelsea manager Antonio Conte felt that the youngster was needed at Stamford Bridge.
Now, though, it is believed that the West London outfit are prepared to offload Kenedy, who has made just three appearances in the EFL Cup this season.
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Newcastle fans have had their say on the speculation.