Today City have announced the signing of David Silva from Valencia in a move that addresses our need for the kind of player who can unlock the most stubborn of Premier League defences.
The nature of the transfer rumour mill has kept me sceptical about the closeness of this deal - especially with the whispers that Chelsea were set to enter the race - so I am delighted (as is Silva!) now that the deal is complete.
I wrote at the weekend how this signing would basically eliminate all the fears about what damage failing to qualify for the Champions' League would do to our ability to attract the players capable of taking the club forward. Roberto Mancini intimated the same today:
"In signing David, we are showing the world that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League. When players see what is happening at City and the ambition they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it."
Largely through Hughes' sacking and how the media perceived it, everybody became fixated on the Champions' League at City and this clouded the fact that obvious progress was being made at the club. City are a team on the up and players are noticing it. The rumours that Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso encouraged Silva to make the move are just one example of this.
The idea of 'writing history' with a club, as Mancini suggested Robinho could do when he arrived, has its appeals, and Silva is of an age where he will be entering the peak of his career during the years City hope to be enjoying the heights of new success.
"They are a club with a great future with fantastic players. I want to be an important player in City's history," Silva said today.
Looking ahead to 14th August, we already have a huge improvement on the team that faced Tottenham in the final game at Eastlands last season. One of our main problems in that game was a lack of creativity from midfield - we had no answers to Tottenham's towering defensive display. The signing of Silva gives us that cutting edge and his arrival should mean we won't be as reliant on the counter attack next season. The thought of him attacking upfront alongside Tevez, Johnson, Adebayor, etc, is likely to frighten most defences in the league.
Maybe he could dislodge the faltering Torres for Spain and we can see some more of him in the coming weeks. If not, he is just another reason I cannot wait for the new season!
Wednesday 30 June 2010
Saturday 26 June 2010
David Silva edges closer; Yaya out of the tournament; Boateng plays at left-back; SWP's wage demands
Round-up
In the last few days, many of the Spanish papers have been reporting that David Silva is close to agreeing a move to City. Whilst constant rumour mongering has left me almost numb to each new name that pops up - Silva, especially as it is built on truth, is one that is genuinely exciting.
One of the main worries about City not qualifying for the Champions' League was that we would not be able to acquire the type of player that would be able to take us forward again. The confirmed bids we have been involved in - Silva, Yaya Toure and James Milner - seem to quash these fears. Champions' League may still be a sticking point in the deals but the belief of City's growing stature in the game is strong enough still to be attractive to some of the world's most highly-rated players.
If City manage to sign him, at 24, Silva would be a player coming into the peak of his career whilst under contract at City.
Another City target, Yaya Toure, scored in Ivory Coast's win over North Korea yesterday. The goal itself is an example of how much more than just a defensive midfielder Yaya is and with Ivory Coast now out of the World Cup, City's negotiations should now be free to continue.
Jerome Boateng made his first World Cup appearance against Ghana on Wednesday at left-back - replacing a Badstuber who was completely over-run by another alleged City target, Milos Krasic, against Serbia. The MEN decided to report on his weaknesses in this position, but I was quite impressed with him: tall, quick, comfortable on the ball - he looks suited to the Premiership. Only a calf injury prevented him from continuing his display in that match.
Whilst I do not want to see him employed at left-back permanently for City, the left-back slot is a problem for us and, if he can fill in, his versatility may be another impressive feature to his game.
Reports are resurfacing today about Shaun Wright-Phillip's wage demands - allegedly £100,000 per week. With the rumoured influx of players in his position, this could either be a test to the board about how much they value him (and therefore a gauge of whether he has a future at City or not) or it is just a ludicrous amount for someone who will probably be demoted to the role of bit-part player next season. With the volume of matches next campaign, every squad player will play his part, but I can't imagine that is what SWP moved back to City for. On the flip side of this, I can't think of any club that would match his alleged wage demands.
In the last few days, many of the Spanish papers have been reporting that David Silva is close to agreeing a move to City. Whilst constant rumour mongering has left me almost numb to each new name that pops up - Silva, especially as it is built on truth, is one that is genuinely exciting.
One of the main worries about City not qualifying for the Champions' League was that we would not be able to acquire the type of player that would be able to take us forward again. The confirmed bids we have been involved in - Silva, Yaya Toure and James Milner - seem to quash these fears. Champions' League may still be a sticking point in the deals but the belief of City's growing stature in the game is strong enough still to be attractive to some of the world's most highly-rated players.
If City manage to sign him, at 24, Silva would be a player coming into the peak of his career whilst under contract at City.
Another City target, Yaya Toure, scored in Ivory Coast's win over North Korea yesterday. The goal itself is an example of how much more than just a defensive midfielder Yaya is and with Ivory Coast now out of the World Cup, City's negotiations should now be free to continue.
Jerome Boateng made his first World Cup appearance against Ghana on Wednesday at left-back - replacing a Badstuber who was completely over-run by another alleged City target, Milos Krasic, against Serbia. The MEN decided to report on his weaknesses in this position, but I was quite impressed with him: tall, quick, comfortable on the ball - he looks suited to the Premiership. Only a calf injury prevented him from continuing his display in that match.
Whilst I do not want to see him employed at left-back permanently for City, the left-back slot is a problem for us and, if he can fill in, his versatility may be another impressive feature to his game.
Reports are resurfacing today about Shaun Wright-Phillip's wage demands - allegedly £100,000 per week. With the rumoured influx of players in his position, this could either be a test to the board about how much they value him (and therefore a gauge of whether he has a future at City or not) or it is just a ludicrous amount for someone who will probably be demoted to the role of bit-part player next season. With the volume of matches next campaign, every squad player will play his part, but I can't imagine that is what SWP moved back to City for. On the flip side of this, I can't think of any club that would match his alleged wage demands.
Saturday 19 June 2010
World Cup Scouting: Ozil, Kolarov, Lahm, Salcido, Belhadj, Higuain, Sanchez, Robinho
At the end of the season I suggested three key positions City need to target to build a stronger squad for next season. For me it is important to address the lack of creativity coming from central midfield, to at least provide cover for the injury prone Bridge at left back, and to offer Adebayor better competiton upfront than the perennially absent Roque Santa Cruz.
A lot of the world's best players have been in action over the past week and it will be interesting to see if any of them could fill these 'problem' positions at City.
By far and away the outstanding player of the first round of matches, Mesut Ozil encapsulates why City wanted to conclude their transfer dealings before the World Cup. At the heart of Germany's demolition of an Austrailia side who admittedly only look a pale shadow of the team who were controversially knocked out by the eventual champions four years ago, Ozil's quick and clever passing from the centre of midfield would help fill the void left by Ireland's change of form. Already a rumoured target, Ozil's list of convinced suitors will have grown following his stage-stealing performance against Austrailia.
The left-back solution is more problematic. The fantasy solution would be Ozil's teammate Philipp Lahm - one of the world's best right-backs but almost equally as comfortable on the left (where he would have played for Germany had City-new-boy Jerome Boateng been preferred to Badstuber). He would obviously usurp Bridge but other candidates aren't so forthcoming.
Left back seems to a problem position for a lot of nations at the World Cup: Michel Bastos (primarily a left-winger), Criscito (used as a left-midfielder at Genoa), Heinze (solid, but used as a centre-back for Marseilles), Capedevila (probably Spain's weakest position) - the list goes on. Two of the best at the competition, Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra (although not on his World Cup showings!) would be unlikely acquisitions. So, an eventual purchase may have to be as competition to Bridge at the very least. Some names have impressed so far - PSV's Salcido has looked both solid and adventurous for Mexico, Kolarov had a much improved game against Germany, and Belhadj (linked with Barcelona and Lazio in the recent past) is an available player with Premier League experience. Kolarov is perhaps the only player with the potential to take Bridge's place, but the other two would at least offer reliable cover.
What with the outcry about the Jabulani and the stifling presence of defensive tactics, goals and strikers have suffered. Gonzalo Higuain, a man repeatedly linked with City, notched up a hat-trick after a below par performance against Nigeria, but his show of quality may turn out to be a case of what-might-have-been after circumstances appear to have changed at his club since Mourinho's arrival.
Another young striker to impress, and another amongst the many names from Italy to have been linked to us, is Udinese's Alexis Sanchez. Man of the match in Chile's display of flair against Honduras, Sanchez's mix of trickery and directness may overcome his small physical stature to suit the Premier League.
Although, in the game featuring my favourite striker so far (the crying North Korean Jong Tae-Se - almost definitely not a target for City), a certain Robinho seemed to show the necessary hard work suited to the Premiership...
Of course, one game doesn't make a great player and buys based on the World Cup alone should be approached with extreme caution - but few names are surprises to coaches anymore and you would imagine City will only really be watching with interest to see how existing targets perform.
In other transfer news, whether it is true or not, it is nice to hear that Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso have encouraged David Silva to join the 'growing force' of Manchester City. Further evidence of City's growing stature within the game.
A lot of the world's best players have been in action over the past week and it will be interesting to see if any of them could fill these 'problem' positions at City.
By far and away the outstanding player of the first round of matches, Mesut Ozil encapsulates why City wanted to conclude their transfer dealings before the World Cup. At the heart of Germany's demolition of an Austrailia side who admittedly only look a pale shadow of the team who were controversially knocked out by the eventual champions four years ago, Ozil's quick and clever passing from the centre of midfield would help fill the void left by Ireland's change of form. Already a rumoured target, Ozil's list of convinced suitors will have grown following his stage-stealing performance against Austrailia.
The left-back solution is more problematic. The fantasy solution would be Ozil's teammate Philipp Lahm - one of the world's best right-backs but almost equally as comfortable on the left (where he would have played for Germany had City-new-boy Jerome Boateng been preferred to Badstuber). He would obviously usurp Bridge but other candidates aren't so forthcoming.
Left back seems to a problem position for a lot of nations at the World Cup: Michel Bastos (primarily a left-winger), Criscito (used as a left-midfielder at Genoa), Heinze (solid, but used as a centre-back for Marseilles), Capedevila (probably Spain's weakest position) - the list goes on. Two of the best at the competition, Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra (although not on his World Cup showings!) would be unlikely acquisitions. So, an eventual purchase may have to be as competition to Bridge at the very least. Some names have impressed so far - PSV's Salcido has looked both solid and adventurous for Mexico, Kolarov had a much improved game against Germany, and Belhadj (linked with Barcelona and Lazio in the recent past) is an available player with Premier League experience. Kolarov is perhaps the only player with the potential to take Bridge's place, but the other two would at least offer reliable cover.
What with the outcry about the Jabulani and the stifling presence of defensive tactics, goals and strikers have suffered. Gonzalo Higuain, a man repeatedly linked with City, notched up a hat-trick after a below par performance against Nigeria, but his show of quality may turn out to be a case of what-might-have-been after circumstances appear to have changed at his club since Mourinho's arrival.
Another young striker to impress, and another amongst the many names from Italy to have been linked to us, is Udinese's Alexis Sanchez. Man of the match in Chile's display of flair against Honduras, Sanchez's mix of trickery and directness may overcome his small physical stature to suit the Premier League.
Although, in the game featuring my favourite striker so far (the crying North Korean Jong Tae-Se - almost definitely not a target for City), a certain Robinho seemed to show the necessary hard work suited to the Premiership...
Of course, one game doesn't make a great player and buys based on the World Cup alone should be approached with extreme caution - but few names are surprises to coaches anymore and you would imagine City will only really be watching with interest to see how existing targets perform.
In other transfer news, whether it is true or not, it is nice to hear that Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso have encouraged David Silva to join the 'growing force' of Manchester City. Further evidence of City's growing stature within the game.
Saturday 12 June 2010
Late-week round-up: Vieira, Henshall, Milner, Toure, Tshabalala, Barry, Bianchi
In what promised to be a busy end to the week - with City apparently feverishly trying to conclude business before the World Cup whisked its targets away - there was only really a steady stream of activity.
Firstly, Vieira put an end to MLS speculation by commiting to the blue shirt for the next campaign. The hope is, that after a summer to recover his fitness, he will have completely rejuvenated legs and be the player capable of bossing the midfield. When playing the 4-2-3-1 formation, that has been much used by Mancini, it needs the two deep-lying midfielders to move the ball on to the attacking quartet quickly and that is something that only Vieira can really offer at the moment. However, with rumours of Yaya Toure's arrival, Vieira's could be even more of a bit-part role next season. Although, with the sheer amount of games next season - it seems all bodies are welcome.
Vieira will also be a valuable asset around the training ground, with players such as Abdisalam Ibrahim vocal in their admiration for his help.
The first fruits of our partnership with Swindon Town come in the form of Alex Henshall - a 16 year-old left-sided midfielder thought to be one the best English players in his age group. This follows the stated ambition to concentrate a good deal of our scouting forces on youth talent - whilst Henshall is English, you would think our academy will soon resemble the multi-national academies of Arsenal and Chelsea. Although I hope the signing of Henshall points towards an aim to develop a good mix of local and international talent.
Two deals that were reported in the Daily Mail to be near completion were those of James Milner in a £28m deal and Yaya Toure for something around the same mark. This signals the beginnings of what is thought to be a midfield overhaul, as Mancini wants to create a better link between defence and attack. Both would fit that bill handsomely.
In Premiership news, an early contender for World Cup impulse buy is Tshabalala after he crowned an iconic day for African football with a scorching end to a flowing move. Transfers are made on these tournaments, but City probably aren't in the position to take these gambles anymore.
If you are yearning for more domestic football, then the crazy world of Italian football is still offering up drama. It is the second leg of the Serie B play-off final tomorrow, but one man who won't be taking part is former City player Rolando Bianchi. The man described in the build-up to the game by his manager as the King of this season, Bianchi was caught on camera mouthing a blaspehmous swear word - which, to the delight of keen Brescia eyes, is a banning offence in Italy. After a goal-less home leg, Torino and their star player may be facing another season in Serie B.
Gareth Barry continues his speedy recovery with a likely bench spot for tonight's game against the US. Thought integral to the dynamics of England, he may well see some game time if things aren't going to plan.
Firstly, Vieira put an end to MLS speculation by commiting to the blue shirt for the next campaign. The hope is, that after a summer to recover his fitness, he will have completely rejuvenated legs and be the player capable of bossing the midfield. When playing the 4-2-3-1 formation, that has been much used by Mancini, it needs the two deep-lying midfielders to move the ball on to the attacking quartet quickly and that is something that only Vieira can really offer at the moment. However, with rumours of Yaya Toure's arrival, Vieira's could be even more of a bit-part role next season. Although, with the sheer amount of games next season - it seems all bodies are welcome.
Vieira will also be a valuable asset around the training ground, with players such as Abdisalam Ibrahim vocal in their admiration for his help.
The first fruits of our partnership with Swindon Town come in the form of Alex Henshall - a 16 year-old left-sided midfielder thought to be one the best English players in his age group. This follows the stated ambition to concentrate a good deal of our scouting forces on youth talent - whilst Henshall is English, you would think our academy will soon resemble the multi-national academies of Arsenal and Chelsea. Although I hope the signing of Henshall points towards an aim to develop a good mix of local and international talent.
Two deals that were reported in the Daily Mail to be near completion were those of James Milner in a £28m deal and Yaya Toure for something around the same mark. This signals the beginnings of what is thought to be a midfield overhaul, as Mancini wants to create a better link between defence and attack. Both would fit that bill handsomely.
In Premiership news, an early contender for World Cup impulse buy is Tshabalala after he crowned an iconic day for African football with a scorching end to a flowing move. Transfers are made on these tournaments, but City probably aren't in the position to take these gambles anymore.
If you are yearning for more domestic football, then the crazy world of Italian football is still offering up drama. It is the second leg of the Serie B play-off final tomorrow, but one man who won't be taking part is former City player Rolando Bianchi. The man described in the build-up to the game by his manager as the King of this season, Bianchi was caught on camera mouthing a blaspehmous swear word - which, to the delight of keen Brescia eyes, is a banning offence in Italy. After a goal-less home leg, Torino and their star player may be facing another season in Serie B.
Gareth Barry continues his speedy recovery with a likely bench spot for tonight's game against the US. Thought integral to the dynamics of England, he may well see some game time if things aren't going to plan.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
"They don't appear to be a rich club but rather a bankrupt one"
These were the words of Yaya Toure's agent as he continues to drum up interest in his client - the more "interested" parties for him the better, obviously. But besides the profiteering and the implied slide City have taken in the race to sign Yaya, I actually found these comments quite refreshing.
I think Yaya Toure would be a fantastic addition to the squad - his sheer athleticism would give us the type of box-to-box midfielder we need - but it shows a change of the times that we no longer need to be held to ransom in these deals. The same allegedly goes for the Milner and Torres 'deals', although the fees quoted there make a slight mockery of Dimitri Seluk's assertion.
Whereas last summer you sensed a growing sense of desperation to get deals done - symbolised by the Lescott saga especially, this summer we won't need to. Obviously the change is in circumstance. Thanks to the over-spending last season we now have a squad that doesn't desperately need heady additions. Why spend over the odds on a player, if we already have De Jong in his position? Yes, reinforcements are needed, but not desperately so.
Then there was our league finish. Last season, Carlos Tevez was joining a team who had finished tenth in the Premier League and, although some people are disappointed with fifth, it still places the club in higher esteem - and is tangible proof that City really are on the move up the table. This may not affect the transfer fee as much, but it should mean money isn't the only thing that matters now.
If Mancini, Marwood, Cook etc, are hoping to drive bargains this summer it could well go a tiny way to restoring our image in the game. A lot of my friends who support other clubs were happy with City's bid to break up the 'big-four' until the Lescott saga - where they felt City's behaviour was brash and unnecessary. The slight inflations are always expected on other players but in this case it seemed it was pushed too far. It was perhaps the only case when we really abused the money. It is true that you make enemies on the way to the top, but there is no need to make them unnecessarily.
City can pick and choose a little this summer, so if the money-hungry agents see City are genuinely happy to walk away from a deal, the price may just turn out to be right afterall.
(Although I have a funny feeling this article may be rendered ridiculous over the summer... At least the media would have it so - £70m for Torres anyone?)
You can read the full quote on SkySports.
I think Yaya Toure would be a fantastic addition to the squad - his sheer athleticism would give us the type of box-to-box midfielder we need - but it shows a change of the times that we no longer need to be held to ransom in these deals. The same allegedly goes for the Milner and Torres 'deals', although the fees quoted there make a slight mockery of Dimitri Seluk's assertion.
Whereas last summer you sensed a growing sense of desperation to get deals done - symbolised by the Lescott saga especially, this summer we won't need to. Obviously the change is in circumstance. Thanks to the over-spending last season we now have a squad that doesn't desperately need heady additions. Why spend over the odds on a player, if we already have De Jong in his position? Yes, reinforcements are needed, but not desperately so.
Then there was our league finish. Last season, Carlos Tevez was joining a team who had finished tenth in the Premier League and, although some people are disappointed with fifth, it still places the club in higher esteem - and is tangible proof that City really are on the move up the table. This may not affect the transfer fee as much, but it should mean money isn't the only thing that matters now.
If Mancini, Marwood, Cook etc, are hoping to drive bargains this summer it could well go a tiny way to restoring our image in the game. A lot of my friends who support other clubs were happy with City's bid to break up the 'big-four' until the Lescott saga - where they felt City's behaviour was brash and unnecessary. The slight inflations are always expected on other players but in this case it seemed it was pushed too far. It was perhaps the only case when we really abused the money. It is true that you make enemies on the way to the top, but there is no need to make them unnecessarily.
City can pick and choose a little this summer, so if the money-hungry agents see City are genuinely happy to walk away from a deal, the price may just turn out to be right afterall.
(Although I have a funny feeling this article may be rendered ridiculous over the summer... At least the media would have it so - £70m for Torres anyone?)
You can read the full quote on SkySports.
Sunday 6 June 2010
Jerome Boateng signs; Building for prolonged success - Transfer policy
Yesterday saw the confirmation of the signing of Jerome Boateng on a five-year contract. The twenty-one year-old now leaves for the World Cup with even keener City eyes trained on him. This deal has been said to have been sorted for months now and we were only really waiting for the confirmation after reports of leaving parties and talks with Mancini have teased us along.
He is thought to be in line to challenge for the right-back slot before trying to claim his preferred central role - although, if we are to see him play for Germany this summer it is likely to be in the role played by Zabaleta, Micah and Nedum here at City.
A twenty-one year-old, this deal shows further intent to build a side for the future. Hughes was tasked with building a side immediately capable of challenging at the top and he succeeded in acquiring the necessary Premier League experience for such a challenge. Apart from signing Vieira as an experienced body in midfield when de Jong and Barry's legs were tiring, Mancini now has the luxury of building for the future. People will argue that Johnson was an existing target when Mancini arrived, but Mancini was impressed enough with the run-around he was giving City in the FA Cup tie to sanction the transfer.
People weren't expecting Johnson to go straight into the side, but it is the level of hunger and ambition of these younger players that City would be wise to tap in to. You don't get players who have the winning experience, but you don't get complacency either.
The only real comparison to our current state are the Chelsea of Abramovich's 2003 takeover. Their approach did appear fairly scattergun - and they made amazing losses on players (Del Horno, Duff, SWP, Shevchenko) that I am sure we are destined to see (Jo, Robinho, Santa Cruz) - but a number of players from their first couple of transfer windows have helped build a stable team - Cech, Drogba, Joe Cole, Carvalho, Essien - this added to players who have lasted the takeover, most notably Lampard and Terry.
This stability for me is key. We want to be signing players who will be together 'writing the history of City' for the next ten years - growing with the club and through the experiences of the club - so that their first trophies are City's first trophies. The attachment to the shirt will be greater for these players and we should have a greater loyalty and desire from them. This is the ideal anyway and, if our current Hamburg recruits are anything to go by, Boateng could fit the mould perfectly.
He is thought to be in line to challenge for the right-back slot before trying to claim his preferred central role - although, if we are to see him play for Germany this summer it is likely to be in the role played by Zabaleta, Micah and Nedum here at City.
A twenty-one year-old, this deal shows further intent to build a side for the future. Hughes was tasked with building a side immediately capable of challenging at the top and he succeeded in acquiring the necessary Premier League experience for such a challenge. Apart from signing Vieira as an experienced body in midfield when de Jong and Barry's legs were tiring, Mancini now has the luxury of building for the future. People will argue that Johnson was an existing target when Mancini arrived, but Mancini was impressed enough with the run-around he was giving City in the FA Cup tie to sanction the transfer.
People weren't expecting Johnson to go straight into the side, but it is the level of hunger and ambition of these younger players that City would be wise to tap in to. You don't get players who have the winning experience, but you don't get complacency either.
The only real comparison to our current state are the Chelsea of Abramovich's 2003 takeover. Their approach did appear fairly scattergun - and they made amazing losses on players (Del Horno, Duff, SWP, Shevchenko) that I am sure we are destined to see (Jo, Robinho, Santa Cruz) - but a number of players from their first couple of transfer windows have helped build a stable team - Cech, Drogba, Joe Cole, Carvalho, Essien - this added to players who have lasted the takeover, most notably Lampard and Terry.
This stability for me is key. We want to be signing players who will be together 'writing the history of City' for the next ten years - growing with the club and through the experiences of the club - so that their first trophies are City's first trophies. The attachment to the shirt will be greater for these players and we should have a greater loyalty and desire from them. This is the ideal anyway and, if our current Hamburg recruits are anything to go by, Boateng could fit the mould perfectly.
Friday 4 June 2010
Given vs Hart - the battle for the no.1 shirt
After quite an astounding poll on MEN in recent weeks, 73% of City fans are thought to prefer Joe Hart as number one next season to Shay Given - a surprisingly high percentage. Whether this is how the management see it is another question but, should Joe not be tempted by an offer from Arsenal etc., there should be a healthy battle for the goalkeeping spot next season.
As one of England's international goalkeepers this summer, Hart will be hoping not to concede ground by starting on the bench for his club (although this hasn't denied Heskey a World Cup spot!). After being voted PFA Goalkeeper of the Year, Hart will surely have offers on the table should he feel he won't get first-team football this coming season and Mancini will have the task of keeping both him and Given happy.
City have stated they want both keepers at the club but, as Joe has the potential to be a very good keeper, if he agitates for first-team football, another loan move would be preferable to a sale. Although this is all on the premise that Shay retains his number one shirt, which you would think he will. With the increase in games brought about by the Europa League, there is the idea that Joe may be reserved as a Cup keeper, with Shay playing in the league. Whilst it is important for keepers to develop a relationship with the defenders infront of them, this would allow Hart to maintain some pressure on the number one shirt - and have the chance to prove it should be his.
There has been a strangely subdued acceptance of Shay Given since his arrival from Newcastle. After initial acclaim for his eye-catching saves, doubts have begun to set in. Namely about his ability to command an area. Shay is small for a goalkeeper and it is true that we have looked our most vulnerable to aerial balls - especially deep crosses. His distribution does also leave something to be desired sometimes. But he is still a top quality goalkeeper. Not perfect, but top quality nonetheless. Perhaps all the gushing praise that came his way - from Hughes through to Trappatoni ("second best to Buffon") - raised the bar in our expectations.
For those who want to search for an answer to Given's perceived weaknesses, these faults are readily answered by Hart - a keeper all too happy to come off his line and claim the ball. Perhaps this is why the percentage favouring Hart is so high. This along with his impressive, and busy, season at Birmingham (although, he hasn't had the same intense level of scrutiny that has become the norm at CoMS), has pushed him close enough to the man who ended his first-team spell under Hughes.
All this speculation could be made obsolete by Shay's fitness. He believes he will be fully fit for the start of the season, but if he is not and Hart deputises for the first few weeks, maybe it will be Given's to win back. Such competition can only be good for City though - and this sort of depth in quality is what is expected at the level we are wanting to go.
I would be very surprised if Given doesn't start the season as first choice, but as Hart will probably benefit from Shay's experience on the training ground, it wouldn't be inconceivable for it to change hands during the campaign.
As one of England's international goalkeepers this summer, Hart will be hoping not to concede ground by starting on the bench for his club (although this hasn't denied Heskey a World Cup spot!). After being voted PFA Goalkeeper of the Year, Hart will surely have offers on the table should he feel he won't get first-team football this coming season and Mancini will have the task of keeping both him and Given happy.
City have stated they want both keepers at the club but, as Joe has the potential to be a very good keeper, if he agitates for first-team football, another loan move would be preferable to a sale. Although this is all on the premise that Shay retains his number one shirt, which you would think he will. With the increase in games brought about by the Europa League, there is the idea that Joe may be reserved as a Cup keeper, with Shay playing in the league. Whilst it is important for keepers to develop a relationship with the defenders infront of them, this would allow Hart to maintain some pressure on the number one shirt - and have the chance to prove it should be his.
There has been a strangely subdued acceptance of Shay Given since his arrival from Newcastle. After initial acclaim for his eye-catching saves, doubts have begun to set in. Namely about his ability to command an area. Shay is small for a goalkeeper and it is true that we have looked our most vulnerable to aerial balls - especially deep crosses. His distribution does also leave something to be desired sometimes. But he is still a top quality goalkeeper. Not perfect, but top quality nonetheless. Perhaps all the gushing praise that came his way - from Hughes through to Trappatoni ("second best to Buffon") - raised the bar in our expectations.
For those who want to search for an answer to Given's perceived weaknesses, these faults are readily answered by Hart - a keeper all too happy to come off his line and claim the ball. Perhaps this is why the percentage favouring Hart is so high. This along with his impressive, and busy, season at Birmingham (although, he hasn't had the same intense level of scrutiny that has become the norm at CoMS), has pushed him close enough to the man who ended his first-team spell under Hughes.
All this speculation could be made obsolete by Shay's fitness. He believes he will be fully fit for the start of the season, but if he is not and Hart deputises for the first few weeks, maybe it will be Given's to win back. Such competition can only be good for City though - and this sort of depth in quality is what is expected at the level we are wanting to go.
I would be very surprised if Given doesn't start the season as first choice, but as Hart will probably benefit from Shay's experience on the training ground, it wouldn't be inconceivable for it to change hands during the campaign.
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Transfer circus: Dzeko, Ibra, Maicon, Milner
Transfer Round-up
In a delightful paradox, straight after Mancini had claimed he is irritated with the constant deluge of players who are linked with us, the dominant team on the rumour mill is City. Whether this is the media's revenge for Mancini trying to dampen their main source of intrigue outside the World Cup - "who are City going for now?" - or a return to more established sources as City up their campaign to settle transfers before the World Cup is impossible to know.
Even the papers are confused about Edin Dzeko. Despite many of them reporting that City were going to wait until the minimum fee release clause had expired in order to strike a deal, when that deadline passed on Monday, they were prompted to call an end to the deal after Wolfsburg's general manager said:
"The deadline within which a transfer of Edin Dzeko would have been possible this year has now elapsed. We are very happy that this period of uncertainty is over. He is a player of exceptional quality, who wouldn't have been easy for us to replace. We have now some planning security for the coming campaign and we can work solidly on the rest of the squad details for the new season."
But then reports in this morning's Daily Mail suggested City had secured a shock £36m deal for the Bosnian striker. If this is true, then the main shock there is that City have waited to avoid the minimum fee release clause, £34m, only to pay two million more.
According to Barcelona-based newspaper Sport, Ibrahimovic could be joining him after City tested the waters with a €35m bid - although Barca would want to see more of a return on the whopping €66m deal they struck with Inter last summer. I have blogged on the likelihood, or otherwise, of this move before.
Then there is Maicon - the man Mancini brought to Inter from Monaco and widely considered one of the best right-backs in the world. Allegedly Mancini's top summer target, according to today's rumours - City would have some way to go to compete with the lure of Mourinho and Real Madrid. City do lack an attacking option from full-back and Maicon would certainly fulfil that role, but if such a move were possible then it would surely spell the end of Micah Richards' time at the club.
Apart from Jerome Boateng, the only genuinely confirmed bid of the summer has been for James Milner, and early signs suggest he would be open to a move - which surprises me somewhat. The early speculation was that he would be sticking with O'Neill if he were to stay at Villa and a deal would not be done if City did not make Champions League. Yet talks with O'Neill and the owner have failed to convince Milner to confirm his intentions and reports suggest Villa would sell if their £30m valuation is met. This suggests City's 'project' ethos is still attractive to players, despite the lack of Champions League, and Milner would see a brighter future for City than for Villa. Speaking on Radio Five Live last night, Pat Nevin described Milner as the equal of Lampard and Gerrard, and being six years their junior, City could be tempted to meet Villa's valuation - especially if wantaway players, such as Nedum, could be thrown into the deal.
Roberto Mancini is right though by saying the following:
"I keep reading that I am going to sign lots of players in the summer and am also going to sell lots of players. This is not true, and I am surprised because people know that I already have a very strong squad at Manchester City."
City were close to achieving fourth last season with a completely new group of players, in a squad that suffered the disruption of a change of management mid-season. The stability of having a pre-season alone should be enough to make us stronger for next season's campaign. The squad does need a bit of maintenance, but there is no longer need for a complete overhaul. With a few tweaks to creative areas in particular, we should be ready for a stronger assault on the top four.
In a delightful paradox, straight after Mancini had claimed he is irritated with the constant deluge of players who are linked with us, the dominant team on the rumour mill is City. Whether this is the media's revenge for Mancini trying to dampen their main source of intrigue outside the World Cup - "who are City going for now?" - or a return to more established sources as City up their campaign to settle transfers before the World Cup is impossible to know.
Even the papers are confused about Edin Dzeko. Despite many of them reporting that City were going to wait until the minimum fee release clause had expired in order to strike a deal, when that deadline passed on Monday, they were prompted to call an end to the deal after Wolfsburg's general manager said:
"The deadline within which a transfer of Edin Dzeko would have been possible this year has now elapsed. We are very happy that this period of uncertainty is over. He is a player of exceptional quality, who wouldn't have been easy for us to replace. We have now some planning security for the coming campaign and we can work solidly on the rest of the squad details for the new season."
But then reports in this morning's Daily Mail suggested City had secured a shock £36m deal for the Bosnian striker. If this is true, then the main shock there is that City have waited to avoid the minimum fee release clause, £34m, only to pay two million more.
According to Barcelona-based newspaper Sport, Ibrahimovic could be joining him after City tested the waters with a €35m bid - although Barca would want to see more of a return on the whopping €66m deal they struck with Inter last summer. I have blogged on the likelihood, or otherwise, of this move before.
Then there is Maicon - the man Mancini brought to Inter from Monaco and widely considered one of the best right-backs in the world. Allegedly Mancini's top summer target, according to today's rumours - City would have some way to go to compete with the lure of Mourinho and Real Madrid. City do lack an attacking option from full-back and Maicon would certainly fulfil that role, but if such a move were possible then it would surely spell the end of Micah Richards' time at the club.
Apart from Jerome Boateng, the only genuinely confirmed bid of the summer has been for James Milner, and early signs suggest he would be open to a move - which surprises me somewhat. The early speculation was that he would be sticking with O'Neill if he were to stay at Villa and a deal would not be done if City did not make Champions League. Yet talks with O'Neill and the owner have failed to convince Milner to confirm his intentions and reports suggest Villa would sell if their £30m valuation is met. This suggests City's 'project' ethos is still attractive to players, despite the lack of Champions League, and Milner would see a brighter future for City than for Villa. Speaking on Radio Five Live last night, Pat Nevin described Milner as the equal of Lampard and Gerrard, and being six years their junior, City could be tempted to meet Villa's valuation - especially if wantaway players, such as Nedum, could be thrown into the deal.
Roberto Mancini is right though by saying the following:
"I keep reading that I am going to sign lots of players in the summer and am also going to sell lots of players. This is not true, and I am surprised because people know that I already have a very strong squad at Manchester City."
City were close to achieving fourth last season with a completely new group of players, in a squad that suffered the disruption of a change of management mid-season. The stability of having a pre-season alone should be enough to make us stronger for next season's campaign. The squad does need a bit of maintenance, but there is no longer need for a complete overhaul. With a few tweaks to creative areas in particular, we should be ready for a stronger assault on the top four.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Three City players to wear the three lions
Joe Hart, Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips are all to represent City at the World Cup after the England squad was announced earlier today, with Adam Johnson missing out. Four years ago the only representative was a departing David James.
Shaun Wright-Phillips will be considered the surprise inclusion to Theo Walcott's surprise exclusion but, even without my City head on, I think this is the right decision. Walcott has pace to frighten defenders but his appearances for over a year now have been way below par and with Lennon in the squad there is no need for him. Lennon is a similar type of player to Walcott in relation to his pace but, as more of a finished article, if Lennon can be used for the pace factor then Walcott's place is redundant. It was a big call from Capello as Walcott's performance against Croatia capped what was arguably Fabio's best night in charge, but the feeling is that Walcott has been riding that favourite tag for too long.
To a lesser extent than Walcott, SWP has also struggled for form but, crucially, his form for Capello has been good. The comparison was there for all to see against Japan, where Shaun was left with little to beat after a woeful first half from Walcott. If Lennon can replace Walcott in the starting eleven, Shaun has produced a scattering of performances to suggest he can perform the impact sub role (vs Egypt; vs Villa; vs Japan). I am delighted for Shaun. This was his last chance - and with almost all the Sunday papers writing him off completely (The Sunday Times were left speculating the final four to go after ruling out Warnock [in], Wright-Phillips [in], and Dawson [out]), this is a real achievement for him - made all the more sweet knowing his near miss in 2006.
The flip side to the wingers Fabio Capello has included is that Adam Johnson misses out. Although I didn't think he had done too badly against Mexico, Capello was thought to be less than impressed - so despite excelling in training, his tilt at the squad was just a little too late. But at twenty-two (and this applies to Walcott as well), the best is yet to come for Johnson, and if he continues to impress at City, he can be sure of a place at Euro 2012 (if England qualify of course!).
From an England point of view, I think Johnson's presence would have offered a left-footed option that is now missing from the squad - but with Gerrard, Joe Cole and probably even Wright-Phillips (although I think he is wasted out there) as alternatives, Capello probably considered the position well covered. Despite Johnson's seamless transition to the top-flight, Capello probably had doubts about his ability to handle the big occasions and this has been reflected in his experienced selection.
Joe Hart's position was guaranteed as one of the three goalkeepers but whether he can make the leap to become England's number one will rely on the same principle: whether Capello has the confidence in his relative inexperience. But having played the most minutes during the friendlies, and looking very assured during his time on, he probably does have an outside chance. He is more likely to go as number three, but it is still excellent experience for a young goalkeeper, and he will continue to grow as a threat to Given's spot between the posts.
Gareth Barry looked doubtful until Capello began to outline his importance in the media - it seemed Barry could afford to be unavailable for the start of the tournament if he could return to play some part in the group stages. This morning Barry has even suggested he is pushing to be fit for the game against USA in Rustenburg on 12th June. England's shakiness against Mexico and Japan were blamed on his absence and he has begun to take a central role in England's hopes for glory this summer.
With three players representing City, we have the same number of representatives as Liverpool, United and Aston Villa - and the only teams to better that are Tottenham and Chelsea with four.
Shaun Wright-Phillips will be considered the surprise inclusion to Theo Walcott's surprise exclusion but, even without my City head on, I think this is the right decision. Walcott has pace to frighten defenders but his appearances for over a year now have been way below par and with Lennon in the squad there is no need for him. Lennon is a similar type of player to Walcott in relation to his pace but, as more of a finished article, if Lennon can be used for the pace factor then Walcott's place is redundant. It was a big call from Capello as Walcott's performance against Croatia capped what was arguably Fabio's best night in charge, but the feeling is that Walcott has been riding that favourite tag for too long.
To a lesser extent than Walcott, SWP has also struggled for form but, crucially, his form for Capello has been good. The comparison was there for all to see against Japan, where Shaun was left with little to beat after a woeful first half from Walcott. If Lennon can replace Walcott in the starting eleven, Shaun has produced a scattering of performances to suggest he can perform the impact sub role (vs Egypt; vs Villa; vs Japan). I am delighted for Shaun. This was his last chance - and with almost all the Sunday papers writing him off completely (The Sunday Times were left speculating the final four to go after ruling out Warnock [in], Wright-Phillips [in], and Dawson [out]), this is a real achievement for him - made all the more sweet knowing his near miss in 2006.
The flip side to the wingers Fabio Capello has included is that Adam Johnson misses out. Although I didn't think he had done too badly against Mexico, Capello was thought to be less than impressed - so despite excelling in training, his tilt at the squad was just a little too late. But at twenty-two (and this applies to Walcott as well), the best is yet to come for Johnson, and if he continues to impress at City, he can be sure of a place at Euro 2012 (if England qualify of course!).
From an England point of view, I think Johnson's presence would have offered a left-footed option that is now missing from the squad - but with Gerrard, Joe Cole and probably even Wright-Phillips (although I think he is wasted out there) as alternatives, Capello probably considered the position well covered. Despite Johnson's seamless transition to the top-flight, Capello probably had doubts about his ability to handle the big occasions and this has been reflected in his experienced selection.
Joe Hart's position was guaranteed as one of the three goalkeepers but whether he can make the leap to become England's number one will rely on the same principle: whether Capello has the confidence in his relative inexperience. But having played the most minutes during the friendlies, and looking very assured during his time on, he probably does have an outside chance. He is more likely to go as number three, but it is still excellent experience for a young goalkeeper, and he will continue to grow as a threat to Given's spot between the posts.
Gareth Barry looked doubtful until Capello began to outline his importance in the media - it seemed Barry could afford to be unavailable for the start of the tournament if he could return to play some part in the group stages. This morning Barry has even suggested he is pushing to be fit for the game against USA in Rustenburg on 12th June. England's shakiness against Mexico and Japan were blamed on his absence and he has begun to take a central role in England's hopes for glory this summer.
With three players representing City, we have the same number of representatives as Liverpool, United and Aston Villa - and the only teams to better that are Tottenham and Chelsea with four.
City stars on the market: All the world's a stage
Besides being the greatest international tournament there is, the World Cup is also a fantastic window for those seeking a move. The whole world is watching and even in these days of media saturation - where there are very few surprise emerging talents - a good World Cup always attracts clubs. If you can perform on the world's biggest stage, then you are deemed ready for any club football. By no means forgotten talents, City will be hoping the World Cup can add a couple of million on the price tags of two misfiring South American forwards: Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz.
Robinho has made it fairly clear he doesn't want to return to City - it is true to say some of his 'outbursts' only filter over to us in a semblance of their true form, but he has found happiness in a league that suits his flamboyant style and he reiterates that the ideal solution would be another year with Santos. The only way this can be achieved, without City making a laughable loss on the £32.4m, would be another complexly arranged loan deal.
Besides the potential complications for Santos to convince sponsors into funding a longer loan arrangement, the relative obscurity of the Brazilian league in Europe, in terms of its visibility over here, could greatly diminish Robinho's transfer value.
So, unless City hold onto any hopes of seeing Robinho in a blue shirt again, this summer is crucial to his rebirth as a world star. As Robinho is an established member of Brazil's first eleven, and Brazil are most people's second favourite, there is the potential, potential being the key word, that Robinho could really shine at this World Cup. World Soccer magazine, in their World Cup special, describe him as the "King of the step-over who will seek to dismiss claims that he is physically and mentally lightweight on the big occasion." Yet if there is anywhere he looks at home, it is in his national team - and his performances on the smaller stage of the Confederations Cup last year show he is capable of being a stand-out player for the potential world champions. City will be hoping that an explosive World Cup could go someway to recuperating his transfer fee.
Roque Santa Cruz's future is a little less clear. Hughes paid over the odds to get his man and a typically torrid season of injuries has left him on the fringes - and with rumours of Edin Dzeko arriving and Mancini's assertion that Adebayor will remain at City next season, Santa Cruz's opportunities may be limited. The difference with Santa Cruz is that he hasn't openly sought a move. Therefore, considering his lack of opportunites to impress at City, he could even use the World Cup as a springboard to come back into contention for City's starting places. I fear he has too much to do on that front though. In a group from which Paraguay have a good chance of progressing, a few goals past New Zealand on the way could help put the injury doubts out of potential buyers' minds.
If only Jo could make a surprise assault on Luis Fabiano's place in the Brazil squad.
Robinho has made it fairly clear he doesn't want to return to City - it is true to say some of his 'outbursts' only filter over to us in a semblance of their true form, but he has found happiness in a league that suits his flamboyant style and he reiterates that the ideal solution would be another year with Santos. The only way this can be achieved, without City making a laughable loss on the £32.4m, would be another complexly arranged loan deal.
Besides the potential complications for Santos to convince sponsors into funding a longer loan arrangement, the relative obscurity of the Brazilian league in Europe, in terms of its visibility over here, could greatly diminish Robinho's transfer value.
So, unless City hold onto any hopes of seeing Robinho in a blue shirt again, this summer is crucial to his rebirth as a world star. As Robinho is an established member of Brazil's first eleven, and Brazil are most people's second favourite, there is the potential, potential being the key word, that Robinho could really shine at this World Cup. World Soccer magazine, in their World Cup special, describe him as the "King of the step-over who will seek to dismiss claims that he is physically and mentally lightweight on the big occasion." Yet if there is anywhere he looks at home, it is in his national team - and his performances on the smaller stage of the Confederations Cup last year show he is capable of being a stand-out player for the potential world champions. City will be hoping that an explosive World Cup could go someway to recuperating his transfer fee.
Roque Santa Cruz's future is a little less clear. Hughes paid over the odds to get his man and a typically torrid season of injuries has left him on the fringes - and with rumours of Edin Dzeko arriving and Mancini's assertion that Adebayor will remain at City next season, Santa Cruz's opportunities may be limited. The difference with Santa Cruz is that he hasn't openly sought a move. Therefore, considering his lack of opportunites to impress at City, he could even use the World Cup as a springboard to come back into contention for City's starting places. I fear he has too much to do on that front though. In a group from which Paraguay have a good chance of progressing, a few goals past New Zealand on the way could help put the injury doubts out of potential buyers' minds.
If only Jo could make a surprise assault on Luis Fabiano's place in the Brazil squad.
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