All posts by h79snht.top

West Ham United have joined a whole host of Premier League teams in the race to sign FC Koln centre-back Timo Hubers in the summer.

The Lowdown: Huber’s situation

The 25-year-old has made 15 appearances in the Bundesliga this season after forcing his way into the starting XI, following a period on the bench.

Ever since his inclusion he has been an absolute colossus for Steffen Baumgart’s defence, with WhoScored ranking him as Koln’s best player this season, averaging a 7.13 rating.

However, at the end of the season, Hubers will enter the final 12 months of his current contract. Consequently, a number of Premier League sides have been eyeing a cheap deal for the defender.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-4/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: West Ham now interested

According to a fresh report by the Daily Mail, West Ham are among a bunch of Premier League sides who are interested in signing Hubers in the summer.

It is said that Newcastle, Leeds and Crystal Palace are all understood to be tracking the 6 foot 2 centre-back, while West Ham, Southampton and Championship promotion favourites Fulham are also monitoring his situation.

The Daily Mail have reported that it will take a £6 million transfer fee to coax Hubers away from the German top-flight.

The Verdict: Good back-up option

David Moyes’ side have struggled at times this season with a lack of options in the central defender position.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

This issue was exacerbated by the serious injury sustained in November by Angelo Ogbonna, who is now hoping to make his return before the end of the season.

Therefore, a player like Hubers, with experience in a competitive top-flight division, could provide West Ham’s Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson with much-needed cover.

In other news: West Ham United: Antonio, Soucek and Dawson struggle against Everton

It is ironic to think that Brazil, known for their overt attacking intuition, would have been the first to shift to four defenders from the traditional W-M formation used so widely up until the late 1950s. A natural progression of having four defenders resulted in at least one of the full backs being responsible for complimenting attacking play. As England have lined up with Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson in these World Cup warm-ups we can see a marked evolution from the days, a decade ago, where the defensively minded Neville brothers were deployed in the same positions. What has caused the need for full backs to become attacking threats? Though Arrigo Sacchi would be sad to know – as with most natural progressions on the tactical front – it was a reactionary process that is still difficult to pin down.

One thing that is clear is Brazil’s 1950 World Cup final loss to Uruguay facilitated the national team change to 4-2-4 from the, then widely used, W-M. Both of Uruguay’s goals stemmed from an over exposure of the full back, Bigode, and the trauma of the defeat led to the introduction of an extra man in defence. As football punditry and managers alike often seem to misrepresent formations as ‘defensive’ it is only the application of formations that make them so i.e. the introduction of an extra defender is not a defensive move when considering the end product for the Brazilians.

In the 40s some Brazilian domestic teams used one of the three defenders in the W-M as a player responsible for moving forward when the team was in possession. This move would be compensated by a covering midfielder dropping back and such an instance of tactical malleability is indicative of Brazil’s latter successes – their 4-2-4 would really be a 4-3-3 when on the defensive and a 3-3-4 when in attack. The advent of one attacking full back and another more disciplined one, tucking in when the former is out of position to provide balance is precisely how Brazil operated in 1970 (Carlos Alberto moving forward and Everaldo tucking in). This remains operational today as Chelsea have a central defender at right back (though Ivanovic has done very well to overlap when required) and Manchester United have the marauding Evra on one flank and the less adventurous Neville on the right – albeit this is as much due to a lack in personnel as it is a tactical imperative. Interestingly I think Evra has been United’s best player after Rooney this year and the change of system in Ronaldo’s departure has seen his responsibility in attack increase.

Continue reading on page 2…

The 1950 loss to Uruguay highlighted an interesting tactical point that we have seen occur in the 2000s in the Premier League and another reason why attacking full backs have gained importance. Brazil’s W-M successfully and comfortably beat all other teams using the W-M, but when facing the narrow Uruguay – using a sweeper – their attacks became less threatening. In the early part of this decade we can see (and I commented on this in a previous article) Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal were clinically adept at overwhelming the flat 4-4-2 that oppositions would invariably put out against them. Wenger took an attacker from the youth team (Ashley Cole) and put him at left back and a passing midfielder (Lauren) and made him into a right back. The reason was to utilise the space that all full backs have when a 4-4-2 faces another 4-4-2, thus adding another dimension to attacking play. The difference between the full backs Wenger inherited (Dixon and Winterburn) and the ones he established (Cole and Lauren) encapsulates the evolution perfectly.

With tactical variation more prevalent the role of the full back has not diminished. Chelsea’s 4-3-3 under Mourinho devastated the flat 4-4-2 in a different way to Arsenal because by flooding the midfield, if wide men tried compensating for the numerical disadvantage in the centre of the pitch, the full backs had space in behind to threaten. A natural progression in tactical development has occurred due to the attacking full back; they have caused the deployment of defensive forwards. Park Ji Sung and Dirk Kuyt are prime examples of players whose importance have risen when considered against a threatening full back.

When teams face Barcelona, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Chelsea or Manchester United a pressing concern for managers is to curb the influence of Alves, Maicon, Lahm, Cole and Evra respectively. That these players are considered some of the best in the world is indicative of the importance of the attacking full back at present.

If you enjoyed this, you can follow me on Twitter

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[youtube IEu_5sP9F0Q]

Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has confirmed that he is a target for both Manchester United and Manchester City.

The 29-year-old has spent the whole of his career to date at the Santiago Bernabeu and is in no rush to leave, unless Real decide to cash in.

Casillas, told the Daily Star Sunday:"I am aware of the interest of both Manchester United and City. I'm always flattered whenever another club shows interest in my qualities as a goalkeeper.

"I have been at Real Madrid all my career and I still enjoy going to training every day. I enjoy meeting the fans too, but we all know how uncertain things are in football.

"I'm not going to say never. Right now Madrid would have to kick me out of the club before I consider a move.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"Who knows what will happen, though, if a big-money offer comes in."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Pre-season 2010 is in full flow but how many of us have noticed? Even the most seasoned football fan would struggle to reel off a detailed list of this summer’s most notable friendly results. With the increasing trend of clubs travelling to compete in pseudo cups in far away places, many have questioned whether it’s worth the effort. For some managers including Tottenham Hotspur boss, Harry Redknapp the preference would be to stay closer to home whilst working on fitness and taking part in a few friendly matches. In an era dominated by Premier League clubs seeking world domination by promoting their team as a global brand would it not be infinitely more sensible to trust the judgement of managers when it comes to pre-season preparation?

Pre-season results cannot be considered a reliable barometer of what is to come following the start of the season. Newcastle’s humbling 6-1 defeat to Leyton Orient last summer hardly paved the way for their rampant form in the Championship where they dominated, amassing over 100 points. Earlier this week, Manchester United could not avoid defeat to the Kansas City Wizards despite having a man advantage for the majority of the match.

The main purpose of a pre-season campaign is to ensure a squad regains its fitness and competitive edge ahead of the new season. Every year though commentators will routinely highlight players who appear weeks away from fitness. Any fan who has attended a pre-season game will usually confirm that it had the atmosphere of a pleasant Sunday kickabout down the park. Nonetheless pre-season offers managers the chance to reassess their squad and tactics while assimilating their new signings. Steve Bruce has stated this summer that the pre-season form of Anton Ferdinand and Phil Bardsley has forced him to rethink their futures at Sunderland. Pre-season also carries particular importance for many new managers who will be meeting and organising their new teams for the first time.

The problem for managers and players comes with the pre-season tour of faraway countries where the schedule can be intense. This summer has seen Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in America, Birmingham City in China and Blackburn and Everton in Australia. In between countless matches against previously unheard of opposition there is the task of promoting the club and enticing legions of new supporters through press engagements, city tours and signing sessions. Clubs can also pay a heavy price for attending such pre-season tours. During West Ham’s friendly match against Spurs in last year’s Asia Cup, Luis Boa Morte suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee ruling him out for the best part of a year. Gianfranco Zola was forced to rethink his tactics ahead of impending season due to a lack of experienced wingers. This injury outweighed any potential benefits the tour brought to West Ham’s marketing department.

Such scepticism has been voiced by Harry Redknapp who told The Sun, “I would be a liar if I said it was the perfect way to prepare for the new season because it is not.” Would it not be wiser for clubs to entrust their management teams when it comes to organising pre-season fixtures? Arsenal’s traditional pre-season curtain raiser against Barnet shows the benefits of a localised stance. These encounters provide a chance to boost fitness, build confidence, please fans and construct ties with local clubs. The Emirates Cup later this month will place Arsenal against more glamorous, competitive opposition but at least they won’t have to travel half way across the world for it.

Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer

Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to be too concerned despite seeing his side beaten 3-1 by Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley.

The loss was the Blues' fourth consecutive setback during pre-season, with Ancelotti's men having also been beaten by Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburg.

The Italian told reporters:"I am not worried. We have improved, we may have to improve more and we have to have more time in possession.

"We played too slowly at the start and we didn't have the possibility of finding our play in the first half, so for this reason we have to work.

"They played better than us and they deserved to win, we knew Manchester could play a good game. They did that and they deserved it.

"But importantly now our players are very close to being fit.

"This was Michael Essien's first game of 90 minutes for eight months and Frank Lampard and John Terry played 90 minutes each.

"They need more time, which is why it is good for them to play a national team game this week.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"They could play 70 minutes without a problem. Naturally they have to improve still, but within one or two weeks they will be fully fit.

"It was not a good pre-season. We knew it was a difficult pre-season, but we are disappointed – we don't want to lose these games."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

One name which has been strangely absent from this summer’s transfer gossip columns is that of Ilan Araujo Dall’Igna. The Brazilian striker is currently a free agent having been released by West Ham United in June. The former Saint-Etienne player made a telling impact during his time in east London, scoring crucial goals in their relegation run-in. He told Sky Sports, “I did well in the Premier League and I was hoping to continue where I left off next season, but West Ham had other ideas, that’s football.” Hammers fans feared their loss would be a rival’s gain as Bolton Wanderers reportedly registered an interest in the striker. Ilan remains unattached as the Premier League season begins this Saturday. Many clubs could do worse business in this period of relative austerity than sign up this intelligent forward.

West Ham fans were justifiably concerned that Gianfranco Zola allegedly signed the forward in January without having seem him play. The player who has made three appearances for Brazil was available as a free transfer after Saint-Etienne terminated his contract. Having made his name with Atletico Paranaense in Brazil he moved to France in 2004 and amassed an impressive goal tally at Sochaux. He moved to AS Saint-Etienne in 2006 and initially adapted well, scoring goals including a beauty which earned him the Ligue 1 Goal of the Year award a year later. The player diminished in the club’s attacking plans and was allowed to leave prematurely in January. He did not have long to wait as he was offered a short term contract by West Ham and handed the number 9 shirt.

During his last full season at the French club the player starred in their successful fight against relegation and was accordingly well-accustomed to West Ham’s predicament. Ilan scored on his debut for the club in their away loss to Burnley. When a ball into the box was missed by Brian Jensen, the Brazilian slid in at the far post to direct it goal wards. It was a simple finish but one delivered by a player of cool temperament. A frustrating period followed for the striker who was customarily left on the bench or used in unfamiliar positions. His fantastic diving header at Goodison Park halted Everton’s seven match-winning streak and West Ham’s seven match-losing streak. Connecting with Julien Faubert’s enticing cross Ilan directed an unstoppably powerful header past Tim Howard to earn a 2-2 draw. It was a header deserving of comparisons with Yordan Letchkov’s winner against Germany at the 1994 World Cup.

This morale boosting contribution was followed by netting the only goal of a scrappy, attritional home game against Sunderland. It was a striker’s finish as he instinctively flicked Carlton Cole’s nod down into the net. Ilan scored once more for West Ham in their decisive home tie against Wigan. Bereft of delivery, Ilan dropped deep to receive the ball and spread the play before making surging, astute runs into the box. This approach paid dividends as Ilan managed to level the scores in the first half. Despite showing an impressive knack of finding space in the box and finishing clinically Ilan remains a free agent.

Why are Premier League sides searching for value in the transfer market ignoring this natural finisher? His absence from transfer proceedings may be due to comments he gave to a Brazilian newspaper while at West Ham. He claimed Zola had, “lost control of the team” and especially, “to players who speak Italian.” Few clubs would welcome the emergence of such unwanted headlines but Ilan steadfastly argued that his comments made months earlier were incorrectly translated. The player was contrite and the fans forgave their latest South American star to guide them to safety. Premier League clubs wishing to strengthen and diversify their attacking options may wish to consider Ilan before the transfer window closes.

Follow me on Twitter or subscribe to my RSS feed

With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

As Spurs exited Bern in the wake of a 3-2 defeat to BSC Young Boys Michael Dawson may have regretted relaying his dream of marking Barcelona’s Lionel Messi to a plethora of media outlets – it is this sort of naïve complacency that could trip Tottenham up.

Perhaps Dawson should have instead being dreaming of marking Young Boy’s Henri Benvenue who outstripped him to score the Swiss side’s second – because the grim reality is that if Tottenham get carried away by the mouth-watering prospect of Champions League glamour ties, there won’t be any.

Dawson said: “There are so many games you watch and to play against the best players in the world – Messi and players like that – would be fantastic and a great test.”

But what Tottenham and Dawson in particular must remember is that the journey to the group stage is not paved with gold due to their admirable domestic exploits and if last night was anything to go by, looking ahead to the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid is dangerous.

Due to the global popularity of the English Premier League, the desire to beat English teams in Europe is intensified and this desire was laid down for all to see at the Stade de Suisse yesterday evening. Young Boy’s defender Christoph Spycher told of how “For every player in Switzerland, it’s really a great challenge to play against an English team” and they certainly embraced it.

Spurs at least managed to pull it back to 3-2 ahead of the return leg at White Hart Lane next week but if they continue to turn their attentions elsewhere, then the Swiss minnows may just turn them over.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

It may well be wise for Dawson to keep his thoughts to himself and take the Champions League in his stride – like his manager Harry Redknapp who says he “never thinks about it” referring of course to the long journey which has finally earned him a place amongst the elite.

After all, unless Spurs record a victory in a week’s time, the hard work throughout last season may be undone by their own ignorance, Dawson’s dream may remain just that.

Manchester United winger Nani believes he is currently playing the best football of his career.

The Portugal international has scored two goals and provided six assists for the Red Devils this season.

The 23-year-old is finally beginning to emerge from the Old Trafford shadow cast by compatriot and former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nani, who joined United in a £16million deal from Sporting Lisbon in July 2007, scored a superb solo goal in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers and is delighted with his current form.

"I feel more confident now than at any stage in my career," he declared.

"I know I am at a very good moment in my career and my performances have been at a high level.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"I am doing well and am playing at an important level for my team.

"That is making me confident in every game and I hope to continue that."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Wayne Rooney is the talk of the town with endless headlines, media speculation, questions to be answered and Manchester United affiliates left trying to comprehend it all. After having issued his infamous statement on the motivations that lead to his decision, it appears that he desires to jump from a burning building and save himself, how self preserving of him.

These justifications are clearly held by Rooney to be self evident and in taking his stance believes he is fully warranted in doing so. Rooney’s statement included this quote: “I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.” The assurances Rooney would have wanted would have be the purchasing of what he deemed as ‘big signings’, this has been hindered by what he sees as a lack of money within the club. It also explains why Rooney’s contract wasn’t suitable enough for him in terms of a financial incentive.

With the Glazer Family notoriously held in contempt by Manchester United fans for masterminding a debt in excess of £720 million and not spending enough to replace the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, of whom they profiteered from as a player and a financial asset, Rooney has the fortuitous position of being able to locate the blame elsewhere. The Glazers are a readymade scapegoat and one that has willingly offered itself up to Rooney for the slaughter. As little responsibility as possible will be taken by Rooney in order to placate the bitter feeling of resentment that Man United fans will no doubt be feeling towards him. But with the Green & Gold movement against the Glazers being ubiquitous amongst Man United fans and Rooney latching onto this stream of thought, a perception of empathy may emerge for Rooney as he is being forced elsewhere due to his ambition which cannot be realised at Manchester United.

A quote from a Manchester United supporters trust spokesperson read thus: “The question being asked by many fans is does the ambition of the owners match that of Rooney or indeed Manchester United supporters?” You would have to argue that on appearances the big money signings aren’t being made, with only three signings being made this season, none of which to make the head turn. But to totally forgive and adhere to what Rooney is clarifying in his statement is to jump on the anti-Glazer bandwagon and relieve Rooney of his culpability. Sir Alex Ferguson nurtured Rooney and has built upon past successes before, blooding through home grown talent, making astute purchases and subsequently leading the club to various honours and I’m sure Man United will continue fruitfully with or without Rooney.

Paul Merson speaking on Sky Sports made the point that as a player you don’t march into an office and start issuing demands and ultimatums that if not carried out will result in swift action being taken. This is the manager’s job and not someone who plays Football Manager and therefore fancies making it into a reality. Rooney clearly can’t have any foresight or patience, this is apparent from his petulance, so when things don’t conform to his liking he makes a reactionary decision and one that he tries to justify with reference to a long-standing scapegoat. This is all too easy if he is allowed to waltz away without any blood on his hands.

To read more articles of mine follow me on Twitter or RSS Feed.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

During the month of October Chelsea only conceded one goal in five games (away at Blackburn) while up front the Blues hit the back of the net just eight times so I’m sure no one is too surprised that the candidates for the player of the month are mostly defensive players. They are as follows:

Petr Cech Branislav Ivanovic John Mikel Obi Yuri Zhirkov

–

Petr Cech was a colossus between the sticks, pulling off a string of saves in every game, including some big ones at home to Arsenal (one notably from a Arshavin strike) and away to Spartak where he made save after save, while also being dominant in the penalty area as a whole at Aston Villa and at home to Wolves. Indeed, the only goal he conceded in seven and half hours of football came in another good display in the win at Blackburn!

Branislav Ivanovic was the pick of the defenders last month, contributing excellent performances away at Villa and at home to Wolves, while also scoring a dramatic late headed winner at Blackburn from the right back position.

John Mikel Obi continued his consistent and assured displays in the heart of midfield, playing alongside multiple teammates due to injury and team selection and his defensive screening aided the team in their excellent defensive record during the month. His best display came away from home in the impressive win at Spartak Moscow.

Finally, Yury Zhirkov sneaks into the nominations for last month despite only playing three and a half games during October. However, he was arguably Chelsea’s best player at Villa after coming off the bench at half time, played well and scored a screamer against Spartak in his homeland and provided an assist for Florent Malouda’s opener against Wolves as well as standing up a great cross for Ivanovic’s winner at Blackburn!

If it’s hard to pick a winner from those four, try separating these goals for October’s goal of the month award!

Drogba v Arsenal Alex v Arsenal Zhirkov v Spartak Anelka v Blackburn

–

First up is Didier Drogba’s ‘twirly backflick’ to open the scoring against Arsenal. The goal happened so quickly that even after seeing many replays I’ve had trouble determining what he actually did. It came from an incisive break down the left hand side and was made even more delicious by the fact that Ashley Cole crossed the ball from right in front of the visiting Arsenal fans for Drogba to knock in off the inside of the near post.

Do I really need to describe Alex’s free kick in the same game, one hit so hard that he actually injured himself in taking it? Okay, I’ll give it a go… Crash, bang wallop!

Next is Yury Zhirkov’s screamer, condemning the ghosts of the Luzhniki stadium. A long ball dropped down to him running towards the edge of the penalty area and on the half volley he leathered it into the far top corner, giving the ‘keeper no chance. The technique he used was supreme!

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Finally, a goal that would probably win in any other month; Anelka’s equaliser at Blackburn. Reminiscent of a Gianluca Vialli strike at Barnsley in the mid 90’s, Petr Cech launched a ball out to the left where Florent Malouda played a delicious diagonal lofted pass for Didier Drogba to nod down for an onrushing Nicolas Anelka to bury past Brad Friedel.

*

To vote on Chelsea’s player and goal of month awards for October please click here.

You can also follow Ross Mooring on twitter by clicking here!