Everton striker Kevin Mirallas has revealed he wants to score at least 10 goals in his first season in English football.
The Belgian striker arrived at Goodison Park in a £5 million switch from Olympiakos in the summer and has become an instant hit, scoring three goals in 11 appearances in all competitions so far.
But only one of those has come in the Premier League, with the other two coming against Leyton Orient in the Capital One Cup, and he is eager to add to his single top-flight goal sooner rather than later.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “I think at the moment I have more assists than I have goals.
“I have provided one or two decent passes for my colleagues to score, but at the same time I am hoping to continue to improve in front of goal and i think 10 goals is a reasonable target for my first season.
“If I manage 10 goals that would be decent.”
The striker went on to admit his natural instinct to assist goals is helped by the fact he is playing with quality players at Everton.
“It is a part of the game I am not bad at and my delivery is quite good,” he continued.
“Sometimes it is easier to supply the pass for a goal than to add that finishing touch, especially when you have lads in the middle with the quality of Nikica Jelavic and Marouane [Fellaini].
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“It encourages you to put crosses in when you players like that in the middle.”
In what many expected to be a classic World Cup match between Italy and Uruguay, it turned out to be a rather drab affair as the South Americans – although needing a win – sat back and put most of their team behind a possession based Italian outfit.
Although the Azzurri were still unimpressive on the ball, the game completely turned on its head when Claudio Marchisio was sent off for a rather harsh red card, before the incident hogging the headlines occurred.
Luis Suarez, already twice banned previously for the same episode, decided to bite Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder.
Uruguay did grab the winning goal via a Diego Godin header shortly afterwards, but the game will be remembered for Suarez’s crazy appetite.
And the world has reacted to this insane event.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
star Jack Wilshere, is expected to return to action at home to Reading at the end of the month.
The England midfielder has been out injured since Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur and it was initially claimed that manager Arsene Wenger had ruled out the possibility of using him again this season.
However, now Arsenal have responded quickly to deny that there was any setback in the talismanic midfielder’s recovery.
“Nothing has changed in Jack’s recovery. There’s no setback or any further damage to his ankle,” said a club spokesperson.
“There’s no concern about any long term problems. Jack was told to rest and is still on course to resume training and be available for selection against Reading.”
Wilshere’s injury problems started when a routine operation on his right ankle caused him to miss 17 months of football due to a number of setbacks.
With Arsenal still in the mix for a Champions League place, the news of Wilshere’s return from injury will give the team a boost as they look to catch Tottenham, who are four points ahead, having played a game more.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
And after another trophy less season, Champions League qualification is a must for the Gunners.
The summer was a case of ‘same old Arsene’ at Arsenal, as the Frenchman opted once again to miss out on two problem areas in his squad: a prolific striker and a holding midfielder.
Danny Welbeck arrived on deadline day in a £16m deal, but the England international’s record in front of goal is not great, while an enforcer was sought for some of the window, but never found. Alexis Sanchez was signed in a big money swoop, while Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers have addressed defensive issues, but Wenger’s squad is still short in key areas.
Here are FIVE players the Frenchman could turn to in January…
[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON EDINSON CAVANI TO REVEAL
[/ffc-gallery]
[ad_pod id=’fr2rumours’ align=’center’]
William Carvalho
Since the days of Patrick Vieira, Arsenal have not really had a driving force in midfield, giving them a reputation as ‘soft’, which has hurt them on trips away from the Emirates Stadium. Carvalho was a player mooted as an option to add some steel to the Gunners’ ranks over the summer, but talk of a swoop never truly materialised, despite suggestions of a late, late swap bid involving Joel Campbell.
Sporting Lisbon are thought to be ready to sell their Portuguese international for around £25m, which is money Arsenal could have spare in January if they make it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
//www.youtube.com/embed/Dld9uMC2jyE
Sami Khedira
Another player rumoured to have been on the Gunners’ radar is Khedira. The German won the World Cup over the summer, but Real Madrid may lose him for a cut price fee in January with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Los Blancos may accept offers of below £10m, and Khedira is understood to have shown a willingness to join his international compatriots – Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski – in north London. No-brainer, surely?
Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Football – Borussia Dortmund v Arsenal – UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday Four Group F – Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany – 6/11/13Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos looks dejectedMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
The man with the impossible name was a target for Arsenal late on in the window just gone, but a deal could not be done in time to meet the cut-off point. Sokratis has shone for the Greek national side in recent years, and his versatility – he can play on either flank at the back or as a holding midfielder as well as in his favoured centre-half role – has kept him in Dortmund’s XI for a while.
Wenger seems keen on the utility man, who could come in to replace departed captain Thomas Vermaelen, whose presence may well be missed by January.
Edinson Cavani
Football – Uruguay v Costa Rica – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group D – Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil – 14/6/14Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani celebrates with team mates after scoring their first goal from the penalty spotMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
While Welbeck is a perfectly serviceable striker, Cavani is the sort of name to get pulses racing at the Emirates Stadium. The Uruguayan ace was the man fans called for as the clock ticked towards the transfer deadline on Monday, but a fabled swoop for him never became reality.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
With Zlatan Ibrahimvic the main man at PSG, Cavani may well be agitating for a move again in January, which could allow Arsenal to pounce with an offer of close to his £50m valuation.
//www.youtube.com/embed/ulanuMYrwk0
Marco Reus
Reus is likely to become Europe’s most sought after forward next year, with a £20m release clause in his Dortmund contract due to kick in. Reports suggest Arsenal are already plotting to trigger this, but a move in January may make more sense for the Londoners.
Although they will likely pay more than £30m, BVB may be keen to accept a greater sum if they are unable to tie Reus down to a new deal, which might allow Arsenal to avoid a war with the likes of Man City and Man United as well as Real Madrid – whom can all offer massive wages. The German star would fit Arsenal’s system well, and could allow Podolski to be shipped out.
Norwich defender Michael Turner admits the players decided to block out the home fans’ frustration at half-time in the Swansea game.
The Carrow Road faithful vented their anger at boss Chris Hughton after the Canaries nearly went two goals down before the interval, but Turner says the players did not pay any attention to the “sort it out” chants.
“We could sense the fans’ frustration but we were saying to each other, ‘Don’t listen to the crowd, stick to the game plan and we will be fine’,” Turner said.
Winger Elliott Bennett, who crossed for Robert Snodgrass’ goal and then set up Turner for the second, paid tribute to the side’s unshakeable belief – even when things appear to be going wrong.
“We always believe in every game and we will try to pick up points wherever we go and whoever we face.”
The former Brighton star admitted he did not know if a point at home would be good enough to keep the Canaries up at the end of the Premier League season.
“I don’t have a clue how many points we will need,” he added. “This league is so weird.
“Wigan have games in hand on us and everyone knows what they are like. They are notorious for getting out of trouble.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“We have the points on the board so if we take care of our own business we won’t be relying on anyone else.”
Watching highlights of Premier League matches on TV is a convenient and useful time-saving tool, because it allows us to gain a snapshot of the ebb and flow of a game and a brief opportunity to witness the main incidents, goals and talking points.
Nevertheless, this short, staccato-like viewing schedule has given birth and rise to the type of player that only really looks good during these sorts of small spells, a Match of the Day player if you will, who when seen live and in the flesh, is not only wasteful and inconsistent, but bordering on the woeful at times. With that in mind, here are our top 10 players that only look good when perused through the narrow spectrum of your own living room and the odd five-minute showing.
Click on Brian Ruiz to unveil the top 10
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Reports suggest that Louis van Gaal was set to offload as much as seven Manchester United players before the start of the new season. Amongst them are the likes of Javier Hernandez, Marouane Fellaini, Rafael, Nani, Anderson, Wilfred Zaha, and Will Keane.
The mentioned names are believed to not be able to fit into the plans of the Dutch boss and replacements are likely to be on their way into the clubs. Some players managed to avoid the so-called Van Gaal ‘AXE’ but that doesn’t mean their place in the squad is completely safe.
Here are FIVE Manchester United players that must prove themselves this season or risk losing the chance altogether…
[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON ANTONIO VALENCIA TO SEE THE FULL LIST [/ffc-gallery]
Ashley Young
Name: Ashley Young
Age: 29
Position: Winger
Nationality: England
Price: £12 – £14 million
Ashley Young was a step away from joining the list of players Louis van Gaal didn’t need at the club but, due to his impressive form during the USA tour, he could even be given a first team role. He excelled playing as a wing back in Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation and would be an ideal candidate to compete with Luke Shaw.
With Rafael likely looking at a club exit, Young could even play on the right side, either as a regular or serve as back-up to Antonio Valencia. However, any drop in form during the Premier League season could see him be replaced completely in the January window.
Danny Welbeck
Name: Danny Welbeck
Age: 23
Position: Striker
Nationality: England
Price: £13 – £16 million
Throughout the summer Danny Welbeck was being linked with a move away from Manchester United, with Tottenham Hotspur believed to be a possible destination. The biggest problem for him now is that Louis van Gaal doesn’t have any advance wingers, meaning he can play nowhere else except as a striker.
We have seen him on the wings in the past, but with two wing backs, Welbeck has little chance to excel in that role. Now, with Javier Hernandez likely to leave, he will be the first in line to replace either Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie should anything happen to them.
He will have to prove himself to Van Gaal before his manager decides to bring in another striker, therefore his time to impress is now.
Adnan Januzaj
Name: Adnan Januzaj
Age: 19
Position: Winger / Centre Attacking Midfield
Nationality: Belgium
Price: £40 million (Rejected bid from Paris Saint-Germain)
Adnan Januzaj was one of the stand-out players in their chaotic previous season, but with the arrival of Louis van Gaal, he looks to have lost a first team place. Being hailed as a Manchester United wonderkid, it is unlikely that the club will sell him, but we could see him loaned out for more first team experiences.
His place in the squad is currently safe, but if he doesn’t take advantage of his chances, he could slowly drop further down the pecking order. With a wing role unlikely, he now needs to compete with Juan Mata and Shinji Kagawa for a place behind the two strikers.
Antonio Valencia
Name: Antonio Valencia
Age: 29
Position: Right Winger
Nationality: Ecuador
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Price: £10 – £15 million
From Manchester United’s best player of the year in the 2011-2012 campaign, Valencia has seen a huge drop in performance over the past two seasons. As of now his place is quite secured due to his ability to be deployed into the Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation at wing back. His experience as a right back during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign may now come back to save his career.
However, if United can secure the signing of Juan Cuadrado, Valencia’s place in the squad will be under heavy threat. The Colombian star is tailor-made to play as a right wing back and could easily overtake the Ecuadorian to a place in Van Gaal’s starting 11.
Luke Shaw
Name: Luke Shaw
Age: 19
Position: Left Back
Nationality: England
Price: £30 million
Luke Shaw’s £30 million move to Manchester United doesn’t instantly mean that he will become a top class player as he still needs to prove himself despite his huge price tag. There were some fitness concerns early on as Louis van Gaal began putting the young star on extra workout routines.
With Ashley Young picking up form, if Shaw fails to make an immediate impact down the left flank, both in an attacking and defensive sense, he could easily see his role the squad being replaced. Many people have been questioning his price, his salary, and his abilities, so there is no better way to silence his critics than by proving his worth on the pitch.
QPR have agreed a transfer fee of up to £4 million as compensation for Junior Hoilett’s move from Blackburn, The Daily Mail claim.
The Canadian attacker impressed over a number of seasons at Ewood Park, but left the Lancashire club following their relegation from the Premier League last term.
Hoilett’s contract was up and joined the Loftus Road club on a free transfer, but due to his age Rovers were due a compensation fee.
An initial amount of £3 million will be paid to the Championship side, with an extra £1 million in the offing dependant on the number of appearances the North American makes for the London club.
It is believed that Blackburn are also entitled to a portion of Hoilett’s sell-on fee should it be more than the figure they have just received from QPR.
The agreement between the clubs means that the matter does not have to be determined by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Aston Villa stepped up their bid for Premier League survival with a late win against Norwich at Carrow Road that drags them back into the dogfight.
Chris Hughton post-match…”I’m annoyed and frustrated because there was no way we should have lost or deserved to lose. We were the better side over 90 minutes but Villa have pace on the counter-attack and we have conceded two poor goals today.”
Paul Lambert post-match…”Our effort after playing on Monday night was outstanding. All credit to the team. We hung on and in the second half it could have been more. Gabby Agbonlahor has been playing excellently for us, he has the speed to hurt teams and power as well.”
Good day for…Gabriel Agbonlahor: After a frustrating first period the Villa striker put his ruthless hat on after the break and punished some poor Norwich defending to score twice and earn a crucial three points for his side.
Bad day for…Sebastien Bassong: Doesn’t look the same player without Michael Turner alongside him and showed his fragility in the closing stages when he allowed Agbonlahor to breeze past him to nab the winning goal.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
We all think of footballers as well paid individuals and indeed they are. If a Premier League star invests his money correctly, then there’s a good chance he’d never have to work again for the rest of his life. However, a football career isn’t exactly a job for life, as you never know when injury or loss of form may strike that could result in your career plummeting to depths of horrendous lows.
It’s wise therefore, for players to have some sort of other interests outside of football, to keep them occupied off the field, but also to earn a living if things go wrong. The vast majority of players just invest their money into property or start life as a media pundit, but others take a more interesting route and immerse themselves in something a little different. We bring you 15 footballers with a different life outside the game that you should definitely know about.
Click on Stuart Pearce to unveil the 15
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.