Category Uncategorized

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.

Chelsea eased the pressure on manager Andre Villas-Boas after inflicting Newcastle’s first home defeat of the season with a comfortable 3-0 win at St James’ Park.

Goals from Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge saw off a spirited display from the Magpies who will feel the visitors should have had a man sent off after David Luiz hauled down Demba Ba in the early stages. The Brazilian was shown a yellow card by referee Mike Dean and it proved to be a game changer as the home side struggled to find a way through the Blues back four. Alan Pardew’s men did hit the woodwork three times but also had keeper Tim Krul to thank for a series of impressive saves including Frank Lampards first half penalty. The win was only Chelsea’s fourth in 10 games and saw them leapfrog Newcastle into the Premier League top four to ease the pressure on Villas-Boas’ shoulders. It could have been so different had Luiz been shown a red after bringing down Ba just outside the area as the Senegal striker made tracks for goal. Despite being the last man referee Dean opted to brandish a yellow card much to the displeasure of Pardew and the Geordie public.

From that moment on Chelsea took control and should have been four up by half time had Daniel Sturridge not wasted a host of chances after catching left back Ryan Taylor out of position on more than one occasion with Krul denying him with a series of smart stops. The Dutch goalkeeper would really earn his stripes on 13 minutes diving low to his left to save Frank Lampards penalty after Yohan Cabaye had tripped Sturridge in the area. Still the West London onslaught continued and it was only a matter of time before they took the lead with Drogba meeting Juan Mata’s cross to power the ball past Krul. On the balance of play it was well deserved although Newcastle should have equalised just moments later with Ba seeing his header from Danny Guthrie’s cross hit the post with Petr Cech beaten. They took that momentum into the second period with Shola Ameobi coming on for the ineffective Hatem Ben Arfa and it proved to be an inspired change as they went in search of an equaliser.

Ameobi did well to win a corner that saw Ba meet Cabayes whipped corner with a powerful header only to see the ball bounce agonisingly off the bar before being hacked away as Chelsea went on the counter. Sturridge’s pace saw him stride up field catching the home defence napping before squaring for Ramires who was denied brilliantly by Krul from 10 yards. That halt the home side in their efforts to level the game and Ameobi almost produced a moment of divine brilliance picking the ball up 25-yards from goal before cracking a stunning left foot drive that smashed off the post. Brother Sammy Ameobi was then introduced as a substitute with 20 minutes left and the 19-year-old came within a whisker of restoring parity only to see his volley cleared off the line after Chelsea failed to clear a corner. Those missed chances would prove to be vital as the Blues killed the game off in the last five minutes. Firstly substitute Kalou cooly slotted past Krul after being teed up by Fernando Torres before Sturridge got the goal he deserves cutting in from the right and finishing accurately from the edge of the area.

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.

[ad_pod id=’writer-2′ align=’right’]

The United States will lock horns with Argentina in New Jersey on Saturday in the first of two friendlies ahead of their Gold Cup campaign.The USA will be looking to extend their four-game unbeaten record that has seen them twice draw with South American opposition in Chile and Colombia.

US coach Bob Bradley has named three uncapped players for the friendly, summoning Nuremberg attacker Timothy Chandler, Duisburg keeper David Yelldell and Norwich City defender Zak Whitbread.

The game also offers Bradley the first chance to have his favoured starting squad together for the first time since a 2-2 draw with Poland.

However, the US midfield – the side’s weakest component – has been dealt a blow with Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden ruled out for six months following a collision with Manchester United defender Jonny Evans on Saturday.

Bradley’s men crashed out of last year’s FIFA World Cup in the second round after a 3-0 defeat to eventual semi-finalists Ghana, but will be hoping to secure their fifth Gold Cup crown come June.

Argentina also have a regional competition to contend with, the Copa America which kicks off in July on their home turf.

Coach Sergio Batista’s side will be buoyed by their recent international friendlies, which has seen them account for Portugal, Venezuela and great rivals Brazil.

Barcelona superstar and world player of the year Lionel Messi has recovered in time for the clash after suffering a knee injury in La Liga.

Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez has been left out of the squad with reports suggesting the prolific scorer, who has netted 18 goals this term, was being punished for his late withdrawal from the friendly against Brazil, which saw him subsequently feature for his club only three days later.

Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero is also out of the Argentina squad while Benfica striker Eduardo Salvio comes in in the absence of Inter’s prolific marksman Diego Milito.

Elsewhere, Mexico hosts Paraguay at the Estadio Azteca, with both sides looking to record a positive result ahead of the Copa America, while Chile tackles Portugal at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa in Leiria.

Earlier in the day, Colombia will face Ecuador at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez.

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

No matter who the manager, or how big or small the club is, it is inevitable that at some point during the season of 38 games, the manager or fans will complain about the fixture list and state it is clearly biased or in favour of their rivals.

Already this season in the Premier League, we have already had Roberto Mancini, manager of league leaders City complain about the fact he feels most of their fixtures after Champions league games are tough away matches, whereas the other three clubs also in Europe’s premier competition do not face such tough matches. Conspiracy he cried.

Mourinho, when he was manger at Chelsea, complained that not only did the FA make it more difficult for English clubs in the Champions league due to being uncooperative when it came to switching fixtures around, but that Arsenal were always afforded more favourable games than Chelsea at key times of the season – Chelsea were treated like the ‘devil’ the Special One said.

Of course, United are often the ones people pick out as having more favourable fixtures than any other Premier League side – home matches on Boxing day and New year, playing a bottom half side on the last day of the season etc. Even so this has not stopped Fergie from having a customary moan about various things fixture related, claiming his team get ‘cheated’ by the supposedly computer generated list, and after the 2009/2010 season stated that ‘I’m not saying what they do down there, but next year we will be sending someone down to see how it happens I can assure you.’ This was before facing 4 games in 16 days when competing for the quadruple.

So how do these fixtures actually come to pass? Is it really a coincidence that on Fergie’s 25th anniversary weekend United play Sunderland – who are not only managed by a former United player and firm favourite of Fergie, but also have what seems to be half the former United squad on their books.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

The FA will tell you that the randomly generated fixture list is most certainly not fixed, with many considerations being taken into place before the fixtures are compiled – for example teams such as City and United will not play home games on the same weekend, not to mention the vast amount of European fixtures than need to be accommodated– yet most fans will feel the fixture list is questionable at times.

It is remarkable how teams who are challenging for the title will often begin their campaign at home or against a promoted side, not to mention the fact the top six often seem to see a remarkable amount of each other firstly around the October / November time and then again in April / May.

How Sky Sports must love the Premier League fixture computer, as for a random little device, it is remarkably lucky when it comes to setting up the fixtures each season for a brilliant run in over key times in the season – not to mention the ‘Super Sunday’ coincidences.

It is not just English fixtures that come under scrutiny however, the Champions League throws up a remarkable amount of ties that seem to be a case of coincidence? I think not. For example – Mourinho going back to Porto straight after leaving for Chelsea, then Chelsea at Inter etc.

The ‘sentimental’ ties always seem to appear, and a betting man would be wise to place their house, wife and kids on the fact that after the debacle of last season, Real and Barca will not draw each other under any circumstances until the final. Funny how it works like that really. Either God has a massive sense of humour or draws for competitions and fixture lists are not as impartial as governing bodies would like to have us believe.

No matter what the fixture, in reality a team of real quality will manage to win the matches put in front of them no matter what, and for a fixture list to be truly random, even more complaints would be levelled at the FA.

Certain factors such as other European fixtures and teams in close proximity playing away on alternative weekends are things that can’t really be ignored – but when does this list stop? The question of to what extent this should be allowed to affect the ‘computer generated fixtures’ is a valid one, and some people I am sure would prefer a completely random list, whereas others would want all considerations factored in.

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.

Yes teams and managers will always complain that the fixture list is unfair, and whilst the FA would reply with the answer that not everyone can be pleased all the time and it is just luck of the draw, it might be time for the smaller teams to start getting some of this ‘luck!’

[divider]

 FREE football app that pays you CASH

[ad_pod id=’qs-2′ align=’left’]

Barcelona moved 10 points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga with an uncharacteristically staid 1-0 win over Real Zaragoza on Saturday.Seydou Keita was the unlikely hero at the Camp Nou, notching just his second goal of the season two minutes from half-time to secure Barca’s fourth straight league victory.Barca was lacklustre in the first half before Lionel Messi sparked the Spanish champions into action, sweeping a cross to Keita at the far post for the Malian defender to tuck past Zaragoza goalkeeper Dolbas.It was just reward for Keita, who had earlier had a goal controversially disallowed for offside.Pep Guardiola was a less animated figure than usual on the touchline, the Barca boss still suffering from a back injury that necessitated his hospitalisation on Thursday.Real Madrid will have a chance to reduce the gap to seven points when they take on Racing Santander on Sunday.Elsewhere, Villarreal’s top-three hopes suffered a blow with a 3-1 loss at Atletico Madrid.Jose Antonio Reyes put Atletico in front five minutes in with a fine curling effort from 20 yards out, but Giuseppe Rossi drew Villarreal level with a left-footed redirection of Santi Cazorla’s free kick after 33 minutes.But Atletico responded after the break with quick goals to Sergio Aguero (69) and Diego Forlan (72), the former played in to the area by Filipe Luis for an easy finish and the latter converting from close range on Reyes’ good work.Finally, Pablo Hernandez scored in either half as Valencia ran out 2-1 winners at Mallorca, leaving the visitors well placed to clinch third spot behind Barca and Real.

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

According to Italian reports, Newcastle are one of a number of teams to have enquired about Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro.

What’s the story?

Newcastle will go head to head with Genoa and Valencia for the signature of Sturaro this summer, according to a report from Calciomercato.

The report claims Juventus are interested in Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin as a long-term replacement for the departing Gianluigi Buffon, and that Sturaro could be used as part of the deal.

Newcastle and Valencia have also enquired about the midfielder though, who would surely prefer Premier League action with Newcastle or Champions League action with Valencia over a move to Genoa.

Made to be a Magpie?

Newcastle stumbled across a formidable partnership in midfield this season when Mo Diame suddenly remembered he’s actually quite a good player, but that shouldn’t stop them from going after Sturaro.

Diame had a fabulous season for the Magpies alongside Jonjo Shelvey, but the Senegalese midfielder will turn 31 this summer, and the 25 year-old Sturaro is too good to pass up on as a long-term replacement.

[ad_pod ]

The midfielder will certainly be seeking a move away this summer, as he has only played 614 minutes in the league for Massimiliano Allegri’s side this season.

Sturaro would offer the Magpies defensive stability in midfield, and his versatility would be a huge weapon for Rafael Benitez. The Italian international, capped four times by his country, has played everywhere across the midfield for the Italian champions this season, even spending some time at right back.

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.

If Benitez is serious about guiding the Magpies towards a domestic cup run while maintaining their form in the Premier League, then a midfield quartet of Sturaro, Diame, Shelvey and Mikel Merino would give him no end of options both in personnel and system.

Furthermore, his tough tackling, hard working style would be a perfect fit on Tyneside. The Italian international also has title winning experience, which might just provide that winning mentality needed to push Newcastle to the next step.

So, Newcastle fans, would you back a summer swoop for Sturaro? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Reece Burke could hardly have written the script better.

The 21-year-old has only just returned to West Ham United following a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, but he has been thrust into action in the FA Cup.

The defender was in the West Ham team that hosted Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup on Tuesday night, and it was his goal in extra-time that saw the Hammers make the fourth round.

On his 14th appearance for West Ham, Burke finally got on the scoresheet for the Hammers.

It might well be that Burke heads back on loan before the end of this month, but he will always remember finding the back of the net at the London Stadium.

It was a massive goal as well, with West Ham facing a penalty shootout in a bid to overcome a Shrewsbury team that performed impressively over the two matches.

Burke took to Twitter on Tuesday night to reveal his delight at finding the back of the net, and the West Ham fans were on hand to pay tribute to the young Englishman.

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.

A selection of the reaction can be found below:

Roberto Soldado’s struggles in the Premier League are a good representation of Tottenham as a whole this season: high spend, plenty of promise, but failing to hit the ground running. For most, a lesson learnt.

It’s still hard to believe that Andre Villas-Boas has refused to set up his team to get the best out of the single player who has a record of goals and who is capable of taking on a lot of the burden left by Gareth Bale. Roberto Soldado isn’t a poor player by any means, but any player, no matter their quality, can look like a waste at near £30 million if his team aren’t interested in playing to his strengths.

Just following his signing back in August, I said that this was Tottenham’s priority in the way of players in the squad. Soldado may not be the most talented – he isn’t – but he’s the calibre of striker the team have been in search of for many years.

Maybe there is a case to be made that Villas-Boas is looking to a more “complete” team with players not shackled down by individual assignments or positions; basically something which heightens the movement of a group of players who are more than capable of roaming and contributing in multiple areas of the pitch.

We’ve seen similar tactical approaches elsewhere in Europe. Atletico Madrid relied heavily upon Radamel Falcao in the Colombian’s first season with the club and into his second. But midway through, Diego Simeone found ways to enhance the contribution of Arda Turan, Koke and vitally Diego Costa. The team were no longer set up to work for Falcao with the focus switched elsewhere.

Similarly, Spurs have midfield players who want to get themselves on the score sheet and are capable of advancing into the box. It’s not a team who are playing for a poacher – at least it doesn’t appear that way.

So why buy Soldado if this was to be Villas-Boas’ plan all along? We praised the team work of the manager, Daniel Levy and Franco Baldini, but there are some inconsistencies to what we’re seeing on the pitch now to what we saw in the unity of this past summer.

Soldado isn’t a world-class striker; I’ve been over that before when comparing him and Alvaro Negredo, who incidentally I also don’t quite class in that bracket yet.

But as said, Soldado is a poacher with good movement. He’ll make intelligent runs in the final third but his game is heavily reliant on the service from others. Valencia as individuals over the past few seasons were hardly high class following the departures of David Silva and David Villa; Juan Mata is obviously an exception. However, the team became focused on the scoring ability of Soldado. As a unit, they would win possession and find ways to exploit their best source of goals.

Soldado isn’t a striker who takes shots from outside the box, nor will he pick up the ball in midfield and drive towards goal in the way players like Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney can. And it’s telling: he isn’t doing anything because he has nothing to work with – or at least extremely little.

And that returns to the point about him falling short of the world-class tag. You generally give players like Edinson Cavani or Falcao – two world-class finishers – one chance and they’ll take it. Soldado often needed a handful of opportunities before he found the net; though his conversion has improved as of last season.

He received a call up to the Spanish national team because he was deemed another option in attack but also because he was deemed good enough. He’s scored while on international duty, taking advantage of the myriad creative outlets from midfield. Tellingly, in his hat-trick game against Venezuela, he could have had five. But that’s his wastefulness coming to the fore.

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.

Tottenham, under this set up, will go nowhere. Fortunately they have a good defensive foundation and have benefitted from solitary goals seeing them up the league table. But it’s not a long-term commitment. For Tottenham, anything around £30 million for a 28-year-old is a huge outlay, especially when dealing with a player who has to adapt to a new league and who has never played outside of his previous league.

But by knowingly reducing the outcome for success – and especially where there is a real opportunity to see Soldado flourish – questions will continue to be asked about the wider scale of the issue at Spurs.