M’Villa ready for move to Premier League

Rennes’ Yann M’Villa says he is ready for a switch away from the Stade de la Route de Lorient this January, piquing the interest of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, according to Sky Sports.

News of the midfielder’s desire to leave, once again, has sparked further speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, with North London his likely destination.

M’Villa, a France international, has long been the centre of speculation relating to a potential move to England.

Comments like those of Marcel Desailly, who mentioned in April 2012 that the player is “better even than Patrick Vieria,” proved only to strengthen rumours of his many possible moves to the physically demanding Premier League.

The player, 22, who many see as ready for a move away from his homeland, could make the switch this January.

“I am at Rennes at the moment so let’s see what happens,” M’Vila reiterated.

“If the club receive a good offer and I like the destination then I will go, there is no doubt about that.

“Until that happens, nothing can be said.”

A switch to England is certainly likely with Spurs being strongly linked with the player in the past and Arsenal seemingly in need of a player possessing greater physical attributes than they currently have in the centre of midfield.

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.

No approach has yet been made but M’Villa’s comments look set to reignite this discussion throughout January, intensifying talk of his Ligue 1 defection.

[cat_link cat=”arsenal” type=”grid”]

How do Tottenham contrive to lose big games when they’re such a good side?

Tottenham Hotspur desperately need a trophy if they want to keep their burgeoning squad together.

That is the prevailing point of view in the aftermath of Spurs’ Champions League last 16 defeat at the hands of wily Italian giants Juventus last week. It makes Saturday’s FA Cup quarter final against Swansea their biggest game of the season.

Not everyone subscribes to this viewpoint but even those who do cannot dispute that Mauricio Pochettino has vastly improved the club in almost area since his appointment.

He has shipped out the deadwood and made Spurs a well-coached, potent and adaptable side, who improve year on year.

For my part, I am a huge admirer of Tottenham and what Pochettino has done there. In an era of quick fixes and overspending, Spurs are bucking the trend.

The Argentine is much more adept on the training pitch than in the transfer market and appears to be one of the few coaches left in the English game – although Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche are others – that believe in building something.

‘Poch’ feels that greater cohesion, team spirit and organisation over a period of time will do more for his young and prodigious squad than expensive purchases would and based on the performances his side put out most weeks, it is hard to disagree.

They are the epitome of a modern football side. Comfortable in numerous formations, capable of dominating games or counter attacking, tight at the back and frightening going forward. It is hard to find a weakness when running through their starting eleven.

Yet, as the club passes ten years without a trophy after their latest failure at the hands of the Old Lady, all this serves to do is beg the question; how does such a good team keep faltering during the big moments?

They blew up against Chelsea when they were Leicester’s closest challengers in 2015/16. Last season’s FA Cup semi-final was a huge opportunity to set up a shot at silverware but they lost 4-2 to the Blues.

Even this season, while they collected impressive home wins over Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, they were timid throughout away defeats in crunch matches against both Manchester clubs and bitter rivals Arsenal.

They dominated for 170 minutes of the tie against Juve but in the 10 minutes they were on the back foot, they conceded four goals. That is not good enough.

Week to week, it is evident that the quality of the players is there. Most of their Premier League rivals would trade their respective options for Toby Alderweireld, Christian Eriksen, Mousa Dembele and Harry Kane.

Yet, there are big moments within big matches. Ones where other teams – Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich – find a way to keep the ball out of the net or make their chances count.

[ad_pod ]

They switch on and realise that if they ride out the current storm or make the most of their sustained pressure, they will win the match. They manage the game. And Spurs still don’t.

It is not a case of being ‘Spursy’ or ‘bottle jobs’, as Spurs are far too good a team for that. They have performed in some hostile atmospheres; in Turin, in the Bernabeu, and have made Wembley a fortress.

They still just don’t have the knack of identifying the crunch times, the ones where they simply cannot afford to go to sleep and stepping up at those times.

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.

That’s all it is. It’s a small step that will make an almighty difference. By almost every discernable on-pitch measure – attacking potency, speed of play, adaptability, playing style – Spurs are better than say, a much more expensively-assembled Manchester United.

Yet they are behind them in the league. Because they lack that bloody-minded ruthlessness at the key times.

It should come for Spurs. They could quite easily win the FA Cup this season and silence the doubters. I don’t subscribe to the theory that if it doesn’t, there will be a mass exodus as the players are clearly happy where they are – with only one or two exceptions.

But it needs to soon, or else this team will become synonymous with glorious failure. Poch was ruthless in his culling of the deadwood until he had a squad that, to a man, bought into what he was trying to do.

Now, he must instill that same bloody-mindedness into his players, so they learn to come out those vital moments within matches with their noses in front.

Former Chelsea star’s appointment at Burton Albion is great news for the game

In a month where English football has finally got its act together by deciding to do something about the underrepresentation of black and ethnic minority (BME) coaches in the game, the recent appointment of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as manager of League Two side Burton Albion is hopefully a sign that there are indeed better times ahead for a sport that for so long has almost been averse to the idea of modernity and positive change.

A recent study published by the Sports People’s Think Tank revealed that there are only 19 BME coaches in the top 552 positions at professional English clubs. The findings, coupled with the tireless work of the Kick It Out campaign, prompted all 20 Premier League clubs to vote to introduce a new measure designed to increase the number of top-flight coaches from minority backgrounds, including the addition of three BME positions to the Premier League’s Elite Coach Apprenticeship Scheme, as well as three places for female coaches.

While Hasselbaink may not be coaching in the top division of English football just yet, the Brewers’ decision to opt for him is still significant. The 42-year-old has insisted that his appointment has nothing to do with him being black, and there is no reason to debate this claim. The former Chelsea, Leeds United and Middlesbrough forward is highly qualified; he completed his UEFA ‘A’ coaching licence whilst working for Nottingham Forest at the start of the decade, and enjoyed a full season as a first-team manager of Royal Antwerp in the Belgian Second Division last year.

When we consider that there are some Premier League managers whose first jobs came in the top-flight, despite them having obtained little to no coaching qualifications prior to commencing their managerial careers, the League Two side’s appointment of a highly trained individual with extensive experience of playing at the highest level of the game seems like something of a coup.

However, while Burton Albion’s decision was first and foremost based on merit, and Hasselbaink has every right to stress this, his appointment nonetheless reflects a growing acceptance that more needs to be done to raise the profile of black and ethnic minority managers in the game. The Dutchman should be proud of the fact that he beat more than 60 other applicants to the job, yet the sad truth is that he was one of the very few black coaches with the requisite qualifications to apply in the first place. Preaching the importance of merit is all well and good, but this supposed virtue ultimately means nothing if black coaches are continually underrepresented in the coaching profession and consequently overlooked for the top jobs.

This vicious circle is clearly unhealthy for the game, which has led to widespread calls for the Premier League and the Football League to adopt their own version of the Rooney Rule – a rule introduced in American football in 2002 which mandates that teams interview at least one BME candidate when a head coach or general manager position becomes available. Although such a rule may not sit easily with those who believe that merit is the only thing that should come into consideration with regard to employment, the reality is that true meritocracy simply does not exist in football, and it is only by implementing such procedures that we can hope to provide equal and fair opportunity for all.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has since stated that the adoption of a football version of the Rooney Rule is unnecessary due to the recent unanimous vote by the top flight clubs in favour of greater representation of BME coaches. For the sake of the game, let’s hope he is right, and let’s hope that Hasselbaink becomes just one several black coaches who is given the opportunity to succeed in English football.

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.

Got any questions? Follow me on Twitter @GruffuddOwen

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Liverpool v Sunderland- Match Preview

Liverpool go into this Wednesday’s fixture in resurgent form after an impressive 3-0 win over rock bottom QPR.

They will be hoping though that 2013 delivers a lot more in the Premier League than 2012 did. The Reds still remain reliant upon Luis Suarez and the Uruguayan was up to his usual mischief at Loftus Road last time out delivering two goals.

Brendan Rodgers missed that game through illness and would stay away more often if it proved to be somewhat of a lucky charm.

The January transfer window is set to signal some new arrivals at Anfield but they will be looking to get the best out of what they have got as they still ambitiously eye up the Champions League places.

Martin O’ Neill will be slightly disappointed that his team could not build on their 1-0 over the Premier League Champions on Boxing Day last time out at the Stadium of Light.

They got beaten 2-1 by Tottenham Hotspur but the re-emergence of form of Adam Johnson will certainly be a boost to the side.

Steven Fletcher is the main man though and every time he has scored Sunderland have yet to lose a game, and will hope he can get on the scoresheet here.

Jose Enrique (hamstring) was taken off early during Sunday’s 3-0 win over QPR, so Stewart Downing is expected to fill his spot at left back, after impressing there when he’s been in that position this season. Martin Kelly (knee) remains on the sidelines but Brad Jones (illness) could return to the bench.

Wes Brown (knee) is expected to not be able to travel to Anfield, while John O’Shea (hamstring) failed to make the distance in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham on Saturday and is likely to miss the game alongside club captain Lee Cattermole (knee).

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.

Luis Suarez has scored in three of his four Premier League appearances against Sunderland and will be hoping to rattle in another goal or two here.

Prediction: Liverpool 0-0 Sunderland

Check the odds ahead of the game at Anfield with William Hill here

You can also Get a Free £25 Bet on the game by clicking here

HYS: Should Walker-Peters start vs Rochdale?

Rochdale’s visit to Wembley to face Spurs in their fifth round FA Cup replay tonight may feel like a cup final for the League One side, but for Tottenham their priorities might be slightly different.

In the midst of a busy three-game week, with Mauricio Pochettino focused on keeping his side’s spot in the top four secure, Spurs may choose to rest some key names tonight and give their youngsters the chance to shine.

One of those young guns looking to prove himself is 20-year-old right-back Kyle Walker-Peters. The Tottenham academy graduate has made only two appearances in the league this season, but has featured heavily in Spurs’ FA Cup run – having played all 90 minutes in the third round and been given a 45 minute run-out in the fourth.

Pochettino has seemed unable to decide whether he wants to give regular playing time at right-back to summer signing Serge Aurier or Kieran Trippier, so now seems like the perfect time to throw another name into the mix.

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.

But what do Spurs fans think? Should Pochettino play Walker-Peters tonight? Have your say by voting below…

FIVE Simon Mignolet upgrades Liverpool could sign in January

When requesting an example to explain the slender, almost indefinable differences between the best of their trade and simply the best of the rest, one need only take a gander at Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet.

Indeed, no one can doubt the Reds have got good value out of their £9million signing, but poor performances on big occasions are continually letting him down. He was at fault for both of Manchester City’s goals when Liverpool visited the Etihad last season, and even his attempt to save Phil Jagielka’s wonder-strike in the Merseyside derby has come under criticism from Sky Sports duo Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.

//www.youtube.com/embed/6wg4YvoYAFI?rel=0

As Brendan Rodgers continues to try and improve his developing Liverpool side, it’s believed the Anfield boss is already considering replacements for his No.1 ahead of the January window.

We know former Barcelona star Victor Valdes didn’t take his fancy – with the free agent now training at Manchester United – but he’s FIVE Mignolet upgrades that might.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON THE BELGIAN TO REVEAL

[/ffc-gallery]

ASMIR BEGOVIC

Measuring in at a monolithic 6 foot 6 and well proven in the Premier League, Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic has to be considered a major candidate for any top English side looking to strengthen at No.1

Indeed, he’s now amassed 145 appearances in the top flight throughout spells with the Potters and Portsmouth, and during his five full campaigns at the Britannia has claimed six seasonal accolades, including the Young Player of the Year award in 2011, the Player of the Year award in 2013 and consecutive Players’ Player of the Year awards in 2013 and 2014.

The Bosnian international came close to joining Manchester United in summer 2013 whilst David de Gea’s wiry frame cast doubts over his future in the Premier League and he’s been regularly linked with an Anfield move throughout the years too – specifically, just before Liverpool signed Simon Mignolet:

As shown in the graphic below, the 27 year-old recorded the fifth-best save percentage in the Premier League last season, bettering Mignolet by quite some way:

He also made less errors leading to goals than the Liverpool No.1:

Begovic won’t be the cheapest goalkeeper in this article, having already proved himself at Premier League level, but Stoke City will be more prepared to sell than many; in 21 year-old Jack Butland, currently on loan at Derby County, they’re already have the Bosnian’s long-term replacement.

The towering shot-stopper’s nine clean sheets helped the Potters claim their highest league position in over 40 years last season. Here’s a look at some of his best ever saves in the Premier League:

//www.youtube.com/embed/D2lYkgKoBKo?rel=0

KIKO CASILLA

Despite insisting he’s yet to be contacted by the Anfield club, the tabloids believe Espanyol ‘keeper Kiko Casilla is currently leading the race to become Liverpool’s next No.1:

The 28 year-old is enjoying some fine form at the start of the season, with his four clean sheets in eight La Liga outings only bettered by Atletico’s Moya and Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo. He’s also second in the saves charts, as shown below:

Last term, Casilla produced this stunning save to keep out Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale:

It’s not been an easy career for the 6 foot 3 Spaniard; he failed to make the grade at Real Madrid, amassing just five appearances for their B string in the space of two years, and was initially farmed out at Espanyol.

But performances over the last few years has seen his stock dramatically soar, and he’s now Spain’s third-choice ‘keeper behind Iker Casillas and David de Gea. Here’s a look at the Espanyol star in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/QNg8zZThFW4?rel=0

The Independent believe Casilla could be available for around £8million in January:

But Liverpool face strong competition from former club Real Madrid for his signature.

MATTIA PERIN

From one of the best in La Liga to one of the best in Serie A, Mattia Perin is yet to make 100 appearances in the Italian top flight but has already demonstrated enough promise to make it into Italy’s World Cup squad and allegedly catch the eye of Bayern Munich:

Last term, the Genoa No.1 kept an impressive eleven goals in 37 appearances and also proved to be one of the division’s most proficient shot-stoppers:

Here’s a collection of Perin’s best saves from 2013/14:

//www.youtube.com/embed/yBEJnZNbDjY?rel=0

And this year, the 21 year-old has found an even higher gear:

Liverpool fans will be concerned with Perin’s limited experience – the 6 foot 2 ‘keeper is yet to feature as a senior internationally or pick up his first appearance in Europe.

But already compared to a young Gianluigi Buffon, Perin looks to be a wise long-term investment.

NETO

Another Serie A shot-stopper said to be on Liverpool’s radar is Fiorentina No.1 Neto:

The 25 year-old has continually impressed since first turning out for Viola in 2011, going on to win a silver medal with Brazil at the London Olympic Games twelve months later.

Building upon an impressive twelve clean sheets in 35 appearances last term, only Juves’ Gianluigi Buffon and Morgan De Sanctis of Roma have claimed more shutouts than the 6 foot 3 goalie this season:

He’s also one of the Italian top flight’s best in terms of distribution, which has been a real problem for Simon Mignolet at Liverpool:

There are certainly more qualified and experienced candidates on this list, but Neto remains the most likely to be on the move in January. His contract is up at the end of the season and negotiations over a new deal have reportedly stalled.

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.

That could see him arrive at Anfield for a nominal fee. Here’s a look at the South American in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/aQkaWIIQY0E?rel=0

PETR CECH

A distinct possibility or simply a pipe dream?

Chelsea’s Petr Cech is one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history, having won four Golden Gloves and twice made it into the PFA Team of the Year. But he’s unfortunately found himself overtaken in the pecking order by 22 year-old Thibaut Courtois this season.

The Czech international has vowed to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge and boosting Chelsea’s goalkeeping depth enormously, Jose Mourinho is under no hurry to sell.

But even struggling for game-time in the auxiliary competitions this season, thus far featuring just once in the Champions League, it’s likely the 32 year-old can be prized away in January.

With 327 Premier League appearances under his belt, in addition to over 100 outings in Europe, Cech’s top flight credentials are undoubted and his eternally composed nature could breed a new sense of calmness in Liverpool’s chaotic defence. Here’s a look at some of his best ever saves for the Blues:

//www.youtube.com/embed/feB3B-0HNic?rel=0

But whether Chelsea would be prepared to surrender one of world football’s top goalkeepers to another Premier League side remains to be seen, especially with a plethora of foreign clubs already linked to his signature:

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Ex-Manchester City star wants Balotelli reunion

Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong wants Mario Balotelli to join him at AC Milan.

The controversial Italian striker has been liked with a move away from the Premier League, with manager Roberto Mancini rumoured to be frustrated by his poor form and off-field distractions.

De Jong left the Etihad Stadium during the summer to join the Serie A giants, and would welcome his former team-mate should he elect to move:

“I have read about Mario coming to Milan in the papers,” he is quoted by SkySports.

“Let’s see what happens. It is always nice to have great players in the team.”

He also defended the striker against criticism for his temperament:

“Balo is great but he must feel good to do his best.”

The Dutchman went on to insists he is happy in Milan despite rumours that he was struggling to settle at his new club:

“It took me longer than I expected to settle here but I’ve only been here for two months,

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.

“Every game I try to do better. Everything is new for me here, the coach is looking for the best game plan and I have to adapt.

“Recent results show that we are on the right track with the 4-3-3.

“I like Italian football even if the stadiums are empty.”

At £26.3m, Rebic must show he is no flash in the pan before Spurs should bid

Tottenham Hotspur were impressed by Ante Rebic’s performance in Croatia’s 3-0 World Cup win over Argentina and are lining up a bid, according to Bild, via the Express. 

What’s the story, then?

Rebic hit the opener as Croatia stunned their South American opponents to top Group D and the report claims that has put him on Spurs’ radar as they look to make a renewed title bid next season.

The wideman currently plays his club football for Eintracht Frankfurt and the report says that the German outfit would sell for a fee of £26.3m, although World Cups have a habit of driving up transfer fees.

Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele and Moussa Sissoko are all players named in the report as potential departures from North London this summer, and the report suggests that the funds from their sales could, in part, buy Rebic.

Rebic didn’t actually do much vs Argentina

There is no doubting that Rebic took his goal exceptionally well but it was presented by a goalkeeping error from Willy Caballero, of Spurs’ London rivals Chelsea.

Aside from the goal, the winger was a peripheral figure in the match, struggling badly to get involved in general play, despite facing an Argentine defence which was shambolic in its organisation and approach to dealing with the Croatian frontline.

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.

That lack of involvement has to be a worry for Pochettino, especially given the dangers that have been encountered many times in the past with buying players solely on the back of a World Cup.

[brid playlist=”4766″ player=”12034″ title=”World Cup 2018″]

In Focus: Tottenham must give Victor Wanyama the contract he is looking for

According to reports in The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama wants a new contract amid links with Manchester United and Liverpool.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror says that the Kenya international is on both Premier League sides’ list of potential options this summer with Jose Mourinho actively looking for a new midfielder and Jurgen Klopp potentially looking for a replacement for contract rebel Emre Can.

Wanyama is two years into his five-year contract with Spurs and The Mirror says he is keen to extend his stay with the north London outfit rather than joining one of their top flight rivals.

While the 26-year-old has only been sparingly used in recent weeks following his return from a knee injury, Mauricio Pochettino still sees him as an important player.

How has Wanyama done this season?

The Kenyan started the campaign as a regular in the Tottenham team, but he suffered a knee injury at the end of August that kept him on the sidelines until 2018.

The 26-year-old has only started once in nine fixtures in the Premier League and Champions League since then – the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace last weekend – but he has come on as a substitute in all of the others and he scored a screamer in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield last month.

Should Tottenham offer him a new deal?

They certainly should.

It is no surprise that the likes of United and Liverpool are targeting Wanyama because he has proven that he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and the strength and protection he provides in front of the back four is priceless.

While Spurs also have Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele in those positions, Pochettino needs the competition and while the latter has been brilliant of late, he will be 31 this year and the club need to think about the long-term.

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.

The fact that Wanyama wants to stay should be enough to get a deal over the line, and Tottenham can’t afford to miss out on tying the Kenya international down.

[ad_pod ]

Ex-Tottenham boss backs Spurs for top four push

Ex-Tottenham boss Martin Jol believes that Mauricio Pochettino’s side have “all of the ingredients” to secure a top four finish this season.

The north London outfit are understood to be desperate to return to the big time after finishing close to Champions League qualification over the course of the past few seasons following an impressive cameo in the tournament during the 2010/11 campaign.

Pochettino was drafted in over the summer with the aim of booking a spot at Europe’s top table for next term.

WANT MORE? >> Spurs transfer news | Latest transfer news

Although the Argentine wasn’t handed the level of funds previous White Hart Lane chiefs have had to build his squad, the £100m-worth of talent secured under Andre Villas-Boas is still present.

With former flops such as Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela having shown signs of promise so far this season there is an air of positivity at Spurs, and Jol feels that finishing in the top four is a realistic aim:

“All the top clubs want to be in the four, but when I was at Tottenham there were the big ‘top four’ teams and we were the best of the rest in fifth,” he told talkSPORT.

“It’s much more difficult now with teams like Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool all spending a lot of money, but maybe this is the year for Spurs to do something.

“I really believe with the players they have and the money they spend that they can finish in the top four.

“All the ingredients are there for Spurs to be in the top four. They have the players, all they need to do now is gel together and try to create a team which can deliver.

“They’ve got an unbelievable fan-base, when you go to London there are Spurs fans everywhere and Arsenal are second.

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.

“They’ve got everything for them to be in the top four and to be a fantastic, successful, club.”

Fill out our survey and win a pair of PUMA EvoPOWER boots as worn by Mario Balotelli, Cesc Fabregas and Marco Reus!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Game
Register
Service
Bonus