Euro 2012, who to take?

Come the end of today, Roy Hodgson will be in the hot seat of English football. His West Brom career will have ended and he will be days away from naming his Euro 2012 squad. So, who should he take?

Formation 4-4-1-1 / 4-4-2

We can't attack teams like Spain or Germany, we need to be solid before we attack. Flooding the midfield with 5 and reverting to a 2 man attack on the counter attack is the way we should play, utilising the speed and fast paced football that the premier-league has shown us week in week out.

Goalkeeper

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart

John Ruddy

Ben Amos

I don't think anyone could look past Joe Hart as England's goalkeeper for the Euros and many tournaments to follow. So the choices are for the back-up and the back-up's back-up.

Much like Josh, I think Ruddy has had a great season and being the only other English 'keeper available for the national side who is playing regularly in the premier league, he should definitely go.

My choice of Ben Amos as the 3rd keeper is controversial, but I look at it like this; How often is the 3rd choice goalkeeper used in a major tournament? Why not pick a youngster that will benefit from the experience? Why not use the current U21s goalkeeper who may benefit from being around goalkeepers and coaches who he won't train with everyday at his club? - putting these factors in, I would rather take Amos, than Ben Foster or Rob Green – especially as neither of these will replace Joe Hart as England's No.1 in the future.

Defence

Right Backs

Kyle Walker

Micah Richards

Winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award topped of a fantastic season for Tottenham's pacey right back. He looks like he could be the right back England have been missing since Gary Neville retired. Solid defensively and great attacking. I think he could do a great job for England over the next number of tournaments.

Backing him up would be the immoveable object that is Micah Richards, a man mountain who can attack with pace. However, his defensive lapses (although not overly common) would make him my back-up to Walker.

Left Backs

Ashley Cole

Leighton Baines

Er, Ashley Cole. Why, why, why must you be so good at football. For such a notorious scum-bag of a human being he makes up for being a knob with his footballing ability. Undoubtedly England's best left-back and a certainty to be in everyone's selections for Poland & Ukraine.

Although Cole is England's first choice, his back-up is equally consistent if not blessed with quite as good ability. Leighton Baines can deliver a great set-piece, he can defend and can cross well from deep – its just a shame his in the same era as Ashley Cole. A more than adequate back-up.

Centre Backs

Rio Ferdinand

John Terry

Joleon Lescott

Gary Cahill (if fit) / Phil Jones

A tough decision as England never seen to lack a good centre half. Joleon Lescott has had a graet season alongside Vincent Kompany for the blue half of Manchester – however, I'm still keen to see how he would cope without the big Belgian next to him. Would the likes of Rio Ferdinand be able to bring the best out of Lescott too. I am certain that John Terry wouldn't.

In fact, I'd prefer to not take John Terry, his constant 'run behind Petr Cech for a goal-line block rather than make a tackle' appraoch to defending is really starting to annoy me. But, for his experience and (annoyingly) leadership qualities, he does need to go – however, he doesn't need to start.

If Gary Cahill is fit, I'd take him. I think he has played well for Chelsea when he has been picked. However the injury he picked up against Barcelona could rule him out of selection and Hodgson may look elsewhere. If he can't make it, I'd take Phil Jones – experience is good for youngsters, he is playing for the biggest club in England and he also has versatility of playing at right back and holding midfield – which could come in handy in tournament football.

Midfield

Central Midfielders

Rather than splitting them into defensive/attacking/playmaker players, I thought I'd list all the central midfield players who I feel warrant a place on the plane – and why.

Scott Parker

Michael Carrick

Gareth Barry

Frank Lampard

Steven Gerrard / Paul Scholes

Scott Parker has been instrumental for Spurs and solidified his place in Capello's team before the Italian's resignation. I feel that he has done enough at his club, and for his country when given the chance, to warrant a place on the plane. He will most likely be given a place in the starting eleven in the upcoming friendlies to continue to prove his value to the England set-up.

Michael Carrick has been possibly the most consistent midfielder in the Premiership this year after Scott Parker. I will agree that previous seasons has seen him regress, but this season I feel he has stepped up to the plate for United, and with the re-emergence of Paul Scholes, has shown that he can break up play and spread accurate passes to the wingers.

Although Gareth Barry has been a constant in the Manchester City team, he wouldn't start in my England team. I just can't shake that image of him lumbering against Germany. I feel that he doesn't give more than Scott Parker or Michael Carrick could give. However, he does deserve a place on the plane and is decent replacement to have.

Then we come to the golden generation, the last hurrah for the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Both have great, genuine attacking talent and both, as per usual – would be fighting for one place in the England team. If this question had been asked to me about 4 months ago, neither of these players would be on the list. Lampard was a shadow of his old self due to AVB's man management techniques and Gerrard was hounded by injury. But, both have had more regular football recently and have shown the ability of there old-selves. Frank Lampard has been in better form than Gerrard and so would get a nod ahead of Liverpudlian for a starting place. Gerrard to come on as substitute and, hopefully, produce the magic he is capable of.

Paul Scholes, if he makes himself available, would be the ideal man to bring on when a team can't be broken down – or when protecting a lead. His passing accuracy has been above 95% in the Premier League since his return for United. He gives the ability to keep possesion and knock an accurate ball over the full backs to an on-rushing wide man. However, as I feel he won't come out of international retirement - he is not in my actual selection.

Wingers

Ashley Young

Theo Walcott

Matt Jarvis

I'm of the opinion that players need to be playing to go to a major tournament. All of the wingers I've listed are currently playing and are playing reasonably well for their clubs.

Ashley Young, in my opinion is the best English winger availbale – diving aside, he is good with both feet, can control the ball well and can ping in a decent cross. Playing him on the left allows the option to swing in a very good delivery from out wide, or cut into his favoured right foot and have a go at goal – as with seen at United a fair few times this season.

Theo Walcott should go just because he could decide to do something useful. When he doesn't think about what he is doing he is a great play. As soon as he is given time, he panics and confuses himself. Probably the man to start on the right wing, he can deliver and good ball, and he can shoot – we just have to hope the 'can' turns into 'does'.

Matt Jarvis was arguably Wolves' best player this season in a relegation ending season. He was a constant threat and assisted most of Steven Fletcher's headed goals. Would be a good edition to the England squad and would be another player that could go on either winger. He is pacey and controlled and can also deliver a good ball.

Although my selection of wingers is controversial, I feel that Jarvis would represent a better selection than Stewart Downing (far to poor this season) and Adam Johnson (Not enough playing time at Man City).

Forward

Strikers

Wayne Rooney

Daniel Sturridge

Danny Welbeck

Grant Holt / Peter Crouch

Basically, I'd take Wayne Rooney, even if he plays one game. He can be a genuine world-beater on his day and can help link play to a striker ahead of him or play as the lead role of the front line. Simpy put, he is England's best.

Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck fall under the same category. Young, fast and goalscorers. Both can be deployed on the wing if injuries to the squad mean that it is needed. This tournament could give them great experience for the future.

I can't choose between Grant Holt and Peter Crouch. Both have scored a reasonable number of goals this year. Crouch would probably just edge it over Holt as he has proved he can score for England – however, saying that Holt is a stockier more old fashioned centre forward and I'd love to give him a chance. That pick is to hard to call.

If I had to, I'd go for Holt to give him a chance as he has been in slightly better form than Crouch, and after all, he'd do better than Carroll!

Final XI

GK: Joe Hart

DR: Kyle Walker

DL: Ashley Cole

DC: Rio Ferdinand

DC: Joleon Lescott

MR: Theo Walcott

ML: Ashley Young

MC: Scott Parker

MC: Michael Carrick

AMC: Frank Lampard (Possibly Wayne Rooney)

FC: Grant Holt / Wayne Rooney

Dave

Read who Josh Coull and Owain East think Roy should take to €2012 here and here.

Euro 2012, who to take?

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart

John Ruddy

Rob Green

Out of the twenty Premier League clubs, only four have an Englishman as their first choice Goalkeeper, and two of those have retired from International duty. So it’s slim pickings for top flight Goalkeepers, luckily we have one of the world’s best between the sticks, Scott Carson Joe Hart. The other two spots will hopefully be taken up by players we only see warming the bench, but just in case they have to come on I suppose it would be advisable to choose the next best options. John Ruddy has had a barnstorming season and is the only other available top flight English goalkeeper. Rob Green also comes in, and when has he ever let England down? What? Oh has he, ah. And Rob Green also comes in; he has his own pair of gloves.

Defence

Right Backs

Micah Richards

Kyle Walker

No no Glen, not this time.

Micah Richards was ostracised from the England team by Capello, but I really can’t see Hodgson ignoring him. Richards is a freight train of a man when going forward, and has improved defensively, mainly because he’s so wide that it’s a real struggle to get round him. To give him his full title - PFA Young Player of the Year - Kyle Walker is a man of more than adequate backup. Has made the right-back slot his own at Spurs and will push Richards all the way for a place in the starting XI.

Left Backs

Ashley Cole

Leighton Baines

God I hate Ashley Cole, not just because he’s seemingly a sub-par human, but because combined with that he’s a world class footballer. He's one of the best left backs in world football and *grits teeth* we’re lucky to have him. In backup we have Leighton Baines, the left back included in the PFA Team of the year. Very consistent and provides an attacking threat having weighed in with the same amount of assists and goals as Andy Carroll (that was meant as a compliment).

Centre Backs

Joleon Lescott

Rio Ferdinand

John Terry

Phil Jones

The centre backs of England are currently going through a transitional period. The old guard are nearing the end of their career and as a result their abilities are beginning to decline. Whereas the young up and comers, although have shown plenty of promise, they have not yet reached the standard where you feel confident of placing the expectation of a whole country upon their shoulders.

So I feel a blend of youthful exuberance and the old headed experience will be the best way forward. Joleon Lescott has been one of the stand-out performers at centre back this season and for me would be first choice. Partnering him would be Rio Ferdinand, a player in the similar mould to Kompany who has worked so well alongside Lescott. Backing these two up would be John Terry *spits* and Phil Jones, with the latter being able to cover at right back and defensive midfield if required.

Midfield

Defensive Midfielders

Scott Parker

Gareth Barry

It is rumoured that when the Spurs players try to indulge in a bit of shooting practice, Scott Parker instead sees this as an opportunity to up his blocking skills to level 99. The tenacious midfielder will surely be on the plane to €2012, and should be starting in the defensive midfield role. Backing him up is Gareth Barry. He’s been a consistent figure in Man City’s midfield and offers a valuable air of calm to the midfield with his ball retention. However Gareth if you’re reading this I still haven’t forgotten or forgiven you for your performance against Germany in the World Cup, namely getting obliterated on the wing by Mesut Ozil.

Central Midfielders

Frank Lampard

James Milner

Steven Gerrard

How we will miss Jack Wilshere, the poor man’s Luka Modric is unfortunately injured otherwise he would be guaranteed to start for England. So what other options do we have? Well, we have the rejuvenated Frank Lampard. Neglected by Villas-Boas, but nurtured by Di Matteo, Lampard has shown the nation once again that he’s not quite past it. I’m not sure whether I’m feeling a little sentimental in making this decision, because his league form hasn’t been exceptional, Steven Gerrard. One of the greatest English players of his generation, he could single handily wrangle games from the jaws of defeat. For me his experience and the hope that he might produce something brilliant is why he’d be on the plane. Then for completely the opposite reasons James Milner would be joining him. His consistency, work ethic and versatility make him a must have at tournaments.  

Wingers

Ashley Young

Theo Walcott

Aaron Lennon

I may have coined the now world famous “Theo Walcott is a waste of pace”, but my word what pace he does have. One of the world’s quickest players and, when he feels like it, he can even incorporate a football into those runs. Ashley Young, I detest when you dive for Man United, but although it pains me to admit it, I’d probably protest that you had been cynically fouled if you do that in an England shirt, you’re in! Versatility is key when you have such a closed group of players, so I should probably have picked Adam Johnson, but instead Aaron Lennon has been given the nod. He too can play from either wing and has the pace and ability to come inside or go out. Having recently recovered from a longer term injury he may offer a freshness that other players will as per usual, lack.

Forward

Strikers

Wayne Rooney

Danny Welbeck

Andy Carroll

Daniel Sturridge

Although missing the first two matches we don’t have any other forward of Wayne Rooney’s class, so he’s definitely going to be on the plane. As I mentioned earlier versatility is key which is why the forwards that I have picked all offer something different. In Andy Carroll we have a lumbering idiot powerful target man who will wreak havoc in the air having finally found some form. Daniel Sturridge is one of the more technically gifted players in the squad and can play from the wing if needed. He has also shown that if thrust to the wider areas he can still offer a goal threat. Finally there would be a seat on the plane at the back, probably with not much leg room and next to a screaming baby for, Danny Welbeck. A player whom I think will develop into a top all-round striker, he has pace, power, technique and composure in front of goal, added to this his link up play with Rooney should be well established he could be a surprise package this summer.

Final XI

GK - Hart

RB - Richards
LB - Cole
CB - Ferdinand
CB - Lescott

CM - Parker
CM - Lampard

RM - Walcott
LM - Young
AM - Gerrard

TS – Carroll / (Rooney)

Josh

Read who Owain East and Dave Nicholls think Roy should take to €2012 here and here.

Euro 2012, who to take?

As Roy Hodgson settles down in his new England office, after throwing out all of Steve Pearce’s good luck charms which surely littered the room, his attention will then turn to the squad for Euro 2012 Championships. After an unpredictable season, there are several key decisions to be made. As football fans up and down the country will be busy telling anyone who will listen that Danny Simpson deserves a shot, we thought we’d throw in our two-pence worth with our Euro 2012 Squad Selections:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart
Ben Foster
Robert Green


After the obvious choice of Joe Hart, who has cemented himself as England’s number one by consistently putting in outstanding performances, England’s goalkeeping options are a bit light. However Ben Foster could be persuaded by his old boss to come out of retirement to warm the bench, and USA’s favourite Rob Green, who’s performed brilliantly…against Championship opposition, probably deserves to go – even just to make up the numbers.

One of the few world class players in the England side

Defence

Right Back

Micah Richards
Kyle Walker

No contest here, both these players have been outstanding this season. Micah Richards has held down the right back slot in a team so flush that they can afford to buy a £30million replacement when ever they like. In Kyle Walker England have a raw talent whose game can only benefit from some international experience. The young player of the season would be my second choice behind Richards, but has certainly earned his spot.

Left Back

Ashley Cole
Leighton Baines

Again, a simple choice. We’ve got no-one better than Ashley Cole, who is consistent as he is annoying…very. In Leighton Baines, England have a willing and able understudy, who is good enough to stop complacency from creeping in.

Centre Back

Joleon Lescott
John Terry
Gary Cahill
Rio Ferdinand

The trouble with English centre backs is, at the moment there are so many nearly men. The only consistently excellent player has been Lescott, who is an obvious choice. John Terry, while nobody’s best friend, is probably the best of a bad bunch. His relationship with Ferdinand may prove to be a stumbling block though, after all given a choice between a stupid, violent racist and Rio Ferdinand, who would you pick? If Rio and Terry can stand to be near each other for the tournament I’d take them both, with Gary Cahill, who has looked decent, in places this season, making up the numbers.

Midfield

Defensive Anchorman

Scott Parker
James Milner

While Parker does not keep things classy like his position suggests, he is easily the best anchorman that England posses. The Writers’ player of the year 2010/11 is a master at breaking things up and playing nice sharp passes, his marauding runs can inject life into the game where needed. I’ve included James Milner here too because defensively he is very capable and his versatility could come in very handy.

Deep Lying Playmaker

Paul Scholes
Frank Lampard

Old Mother Time is an unforgiving mistress and these two would be the first to admit it. No longer the box to box threat they used to be, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes have adapted their games well to suit a deeper role. Picking up the ball in deeper positions and playing intelligent passes to the flanks or front line would be their main role, both have exceptional passing ability but for me Scholes’ re-introduction to the Manchester United team has shown that the old boy can still cut it. His runs from deep, though less frequent, still have the ability to worry defences. Lampard too is a player who suits this role down to the ground, he’s rediscovered his form and the end of this season and for what is likely to be his last competition in an England shirt certainly deserves a spot. 

There's life in the old dog yet

Wingers
Aaron Lennon
Adam Johnson
Theo Walcott
Ashley Young

As a nation, we’re not blessed with many outstanding wingers. In fact we’ve got a lot of average players, Stuart Downing – I’m looking at you. However, in Lennon and Walcott there are two pacey, dangerous wingers who can cause defences all sorts of problems. Lennon has started to rediscover the form that caused left backs all over England to wake up in a cold sweat; his final delivery is improving too. Walcott is a frustrating player, one of the only players who makes it look like the ball is dribbling him. He can be breathtaking, or invisible. England will hope his recent Arsenal performances are a sign of things to come and his injury problems stay away.

The left wing is more problematic, it has always been England’s weak spot. However I am a big fan of Adam Johnson, criminally underused at Manchester City and in need of a move during the summer. He has a burst of pace and enough skill to worry the opposition and is good with both feet. The same can be said about Ashley Young, plus he’s good for one penalty at some point.

Forwards

Wayne Rooney
Steven Gerrard
Grant Holt
Andy Carroll 

Ok, so as I’m playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, it leaves room for a centre forward and support striker. Wayne Rooney, an obvious choice for support striker is out for the first two games, and so Gerrard – in his favoured position – would fill the space between the two lines. Up front I’ve gone for Grant Holt, controversial maybe, but his 13 goals this season – his first in the Premier League - is an impressive return. His movement and ability to bring others into play makes Holt a decent shout for a call up. Andy Carroll has shown glimpses this season of the player he could be; hopefully his confidence will start to grow as he has potential to become a great England number nine.  The attacking options are furthered more by Walcott's ability and apparent want to be used as a Striker.



Will he be showing of his nipples for England?

Final XI:
GK - Hart

RB - Richards

LB - Cole

CB - Lescott

CB - Terry

CM - Scholes
CM - Parker

RM - Lennon

LM - Johnson

SS - Gerrard / (Rooney)

TS - Holt

Owain

Read who Josh Coull and Dave Nicholls think Roy should take to €2012 here and here.

Buying Bold - What's required

I read last week that Harry has called for the club to be bold this summer in their transfer dealings, which got the inner manager in me thinking – How would I change the squad? So here are my thoughts on the Tottenham squad starting from the back working my way forward.

Goalkeepers

Current Players

Brad Friedel
Carlo Cudicini
Heurelho Gomes
Ben Alnwick

To be honest I don’t know why I included Ben Alnwick, can someone explain to me why we ever signed a player who’s most notable appearance was in a sex tape? Sell him for whatever we can get; I’d take a Zat Knight esque exchange of player for tracksuits. One of the highlights of the season has been seeing Gomes sat on the bench, last season he was at fault for far too many goals, with his contract running out in the summer we’ll bid him a fond farewell. That leaves Friedel and Cudicini, with a combined age of one Judi Dench, their best years are behind them. With two safe pairs of hands at the club, I feel it’s a perfect time to sign a new ‘keeper in the summer, with the comfort that you can ease them in gently if required.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £0m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £50k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions = Tim Krul, Michel Vorm, Hugo Lloris

Alnwick playing a game for Spurs, I'm as surprised as you.

Defence

Right Back

Current Players

Kyle Walker
Vedran Corluka
Kyle Naughton

We currently have the PFA Young Player of the year at Right back, and what a player he’s going to be, he’ll hopefully usurp Stephen Carr in my Favourite Spurs XI and be a constant fixture in our side for years to come. So that leaves one place for a player who wants to play second fiddle. As we’ve seen, ‘Charlie’ wasn’t content and I would envisage him making a permanent move away from the Lane in the summer, which by default leaves Naughton. As far as back-up full-backs go I don’t think that’s too bad.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £5m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £40k
Transfer Required = No
Transfer suggestions = N/A

Left Back

Current Players

Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Danny Rose

‘Benny’ is a man who divides opinion, some people love him, and some people, well, don’t. I’m a fan, he’s ultra consistent and his distribution from deep is one of the best in the league. If he irons out some of his erratic clearances then he’d improve further, he's a keeper. Danny Rose, oh Danny boy, there’s only so long you can live of ‘that’ goal, and with your dismissal at the weekend that time has got a little shorter. The issue I have is for the consistency of Benoit, the lack of rotation Harry offers and the cost of buying a new player I just don’t think it’s worth it, Therefore I’d stick with what we have in this position

Estimated Transfer Revenue = N/A
Estimated Wage bill reduction = N/A
Transfer Required = No
Transfer suggestions = N/A

Centre Back

Current Players

Younes Kaboul
William Gallas
Ledley King
Michael Dawson
Ryan Nelsen
Bongani Khumalo
Sebastien Bassong
Steven Caulker

That’s eight centre backs, that’s as many times as we’ve won the FA Cup, one less than the amount of goals Andy Carroll has scored this season. We’ve got three players too many, the problem we also face is we’ve only got one player I’m really happy with, Younes. He’s been outstanding this season and he’s only going to get better. Straight out the door are Ryan Nelsen, Bongani Khumalo and Sebastien Bassong they aren’t good enough and are taking up valuable space. That leaves Kaboul, Gallas, Dawson, Caulker and...King. Oh Ledley, Ledley, you’re going to the glue factory. My favourite player of all time could have been an all-time great. That’s why I want him to bow out at the top, have an ambassador role, a coaching role, just not a role on the pitch, sorry Ledley love you really. That leaves only four centre backs left, so one place for a new signing.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £5m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £150k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions = Jan Vertonghen, Nicolas Otamendi, Javi Martinez

A King amongst men, legend.

Midfield

Right Midfield

Current Players

Aaron Lennon
David Bentley

If we can get any money whatsoever for David Bentley then Daniel Levy is truly a Jedi master of negotiations, he’s been a complete and utter flop and is never ever going to make it for Spurs, he needs a fresh start. That leaves us with just ‘Azza’, whom I’m happy with; as second choice. He can win games on his own, and adds a lovely balance to our side when he plays, but I can’t help but feel we can do better. This is one position I think we really need buy big, Eden Hazard big.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £4m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £50k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions = Eden Hazard, Marko Marin, Mario Gotze, Iker Muniain

Left Midfield

Current Players

Gareth Bale
Niko Kranjcar
Steven Pienaar

With Gareth Bale *crosses fingers* at the club we only need one back-up player here, with Kranjcar and Pienaar we have two (I’m an accountant don’t you know). Pienaar’s Spurs career seems to be going the same way as David Bentley’s. It faltered, stuttered, stalled; it’s been shit. He looks a different player for Everton and I think that’s where he belongs, au revoir Mr Pienaar.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £3m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £50k
Transfer Required = No
Transfer suggestions = N/A


Central Midfield

Current Players

Luka Modric

Sandro
Tom Huddlestone
Scott Parker
Jake Livermore
Jermaine Jenas

Yes, we still own Jermaine Jenas unfortunate I know but it won’t be for long, hopefully. We have a fantastic midfield; the variety in there is what makes it so good. The exquisite class of Modric, the power and finesse in the tackle of Sandro, the range of passing from Huddlestone (how many of you missed those 60yrd passes this year), the tenacity and blocks of Parker and the, the, theee surprising ability of Jake Livermore, one of the surprise packages this season. So with all that, after selling Jenas our central midfield is complete.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £5m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £40k
Transfer Required = No
Transfer suggestions = N/A

Forwards

Support Striker 

Current Players

Rafael van der Vaart
Giovani dos Santos

I feel almost guilty for putting ‘Gio’ beneath a title of ‘current players’, the man the myth the never to be legend. We all wanted him to succeed, and who knows if he’d been played for more than 5min here and there he may have been, but he hasn’t, so he won’t be a success, bye Gio it was arduous and forgetful. That leaves ‘Rafa’, I love this man, the best technique in the team, an eye for goal, and a football brain as the men in the know always say. As a backup I’d like to see someone a bit more raw, some potential, a crowd pleaser.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £6m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £40k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions = Junior Hoilett, Younes Belhanda, Georginio Wijnaldum

Striker

Current Players

Emmanuel Adebayor
Jermain Defoe
Louis Saha

Well that’s a formidable trio. In truth I’m thankful for Adebayor, he’s been good for us this season. But I don’t think I’m alone in saying – Did you not think he’d be more clinical? He’s missed a lot, but he’s scored and setup a fair few so he’s partly forgiven. I really don’t think we’ll be able to afford to retain him next year, so goodbye Ade. Louis Saha, why did we sign you? I hated Pavlyuchenko so at least you’ve stopped me screaming at him, but now I just scream at you, bye. Jermain Defoe, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? A scorer of great goals, rather than a great scorer of goals, I still don’t forgive you for that miss at Eastlands; RUN YOU LAZY MIDGET. Ok now that’s out in the open, I’m going to implore Spurs to sell him, he’s had his time, he can’t score goals regularly, he can’t link up play, he can’t play up top on his own, he can’t be at our club anymore. The problem that this now creates is that there are no strikers left. Ever since Keane and Berbatov left we’ve struggled up front and it needs to change, we need to invest heavily in two or three strikers.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £12m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £150k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions - 

Expensive = Fernando Llorente, Seydou Doumbia, Gonzalo Higuain, Edinson Cavani, Leandro Damiao, Loic Remy, Olivier Giroud

Cheaper = Didier Drogba, Hugo Rodallega, Dimitar Berbatov, Jefferson Farfan, Demba Ba

Can you hear the drums Fernando?

So having rid the club of 13 players, raked in an estimated £40m and freed up almost 600k on the wage bill it’s now time to spend that money wisely. From our 2011-12 transfer dealings I would also estimate that we earned nigh on £50m, so I’ll add that to the war chest making £90m in total.

Goalkeeper = Hugo Lloris £15m
Centre Back = Jan Vertonghen £8m
Right Midfield = Eden Hazard £25m
Support Striker = Junior Hoilett £0m
Striker = Gonzalo Higuain £20m
Striker = Demba Ba £6m

Total Spend - £74m

Now obviously we aren’t going to get these players, in the four years that Harry has been at the club I can only think of one or two players that weren’t sourced from within the Premier league. But that doesn’t stop a man from dreaming. One thing that I would appreciate though is if we got our transfer dealings done early one, as much as I love a transfer deadline day, I'd rather not have to wait until then to see players come in. One final point worthy of a mention is the manager, I've got £16m left over there, more than enough to give Harry a nice pay off and bring a new manager in, suggestions anyone?

Josh