Transfer Target #11 - Daley Blind

It has been a considerable length of time since my last transfer target, and to kick the new season off, I'll give you a profile of World Cup hotshot Daley Blind.

 

Similar to most Dutch stars, past and present, he came through the fabled Ajax youth academy and made his senior debut for the Amsterdam side aged 18 in an away match against FC Volendam in 2008, where he made an immediate contribution by setting up the first goal. For the remainder of that season he was utilised sparingly, only making another 4 appearances in the league and another 1 in the UEFA Cup. 

Blind was to remain patient and was loaned out to FC Groningen for the remainder of the 2009/2010 season. Up until the end of the 2011/2012 season, Blind has made a total of 68 appearances for both clubs. 

All of Blind's hard work finally paid off in the 2012/2013 season where he helped Ajax to their third Eredivisie title in a row and was also named AFC Ajax Player of the Year. His impressive performances for the Amsterdam outfit sparked interest from Dutch national coach Louis Van Gaal and he received his first cap for his country aged 22 in a friendly draw against Italy.

Last season was possibly the Dutchman's most memorable. Playing in a holding midfield role, he aided Ajax in their push for a fourth consecutive Eredivisie title, and in doing so, was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. To top a successful season off, he was named in Van Gaal's Dutch World Cup Squad, and scored his first international goal against Brazil in the third place play off.

It has been highly documented about recent activities in the transfer market with relation to Blind. Reports are appearing that Ajax and Manchester United have agreed a fee for the 24 year old. For a team in transition the signing of Blind will add security to a leaky defence. I am thinking that he may rotate with Luke Shaw, or if another wing back is signed, then he will play in front of the defence and will try to break opposition play up.

Daley Blind burst onto the football scene after splendid performances in the World Cup and I would be delighted if Louis Van Gaal brought him into the Premier League. No matter where he goes, I am sure that he will have a glittering career.

Champions League Group Stage Draw 2014/2015

Yesterday, the draw for the 2014/2015 Champions League Group Stage was made and here is my reaction...

Group A: Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Olympiacos, Malmo

Last year's runners up, Atletico Madrid face 2 times winners of the competition, Juventus as well as Greek side Olympiacos and newcomers, Malmo. It is obvious that there is a notable difference in class in the group, and most people will obviously predict Atleti and the Old Lady to progress. Juve were disappointing in the last campaign as they failed to get out of their group so there will be an incentive to excite. Juventus appear in good shape, and I do think that they will pip the Madrid side to the top spot.

Group B: Real Madrid, Basel, Liverpool, Ludogorets

It is the first time in five years that Liverpool have qualified for the group stage of the Champions League and I am sure that they are relatively happy with the group that they have been handed. They find holders Real Madrid in their group and I'm sure this will produce a stunnning encounter. I can definitely see Liverpool scraping a point from the home game, but it will be exceedingly difficult to overthrow Real in the Bernabeu. After a fairy tale tie on Wednesday night, Ludogorets have managed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. While they most likely won't challenge Liverpool or Madrid, they will gain invaluable experience and enjoyment from playing on Europe's top stage.

Group C: Benfica, Zenit, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco

Europa Cup beaten finalists Benfica find themselves in a relatively tricky group, where it is difficult to predict the outcome. Monaco have not impressed this season in Ligue 1, while Bayer where easily brushed aside by an average Manchester United side last year and Zenit have decent players, but always fail to impress. In terms of my prediction, I am going for Benfica to finish first followed by Leverkusen in second. Monaco are not at a stage to be competitive in Europe again, particularly after the departure of James Rodriguez in the summer, however with the money that Dmitry Rybolovlev is throwing at the cause, it won't be too long before they are up there with Europe's elite.

Group D: Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray, Anderlecht

Arsenal have been drawn in Dortmund's group for the fourth time and also face a sufficient Galatasaray side as well as Anderlecht. I make Arsenal favourites to progress in pole position, but it will be interesting to see how BVB cope minus the goals from Robert Lewandowski throughout next season. As for second position, Dortmund to pip Galatasaray to the final position. I am a fan of new signing Ciro Immobile, but I'm sceptical as to whether he can deliver the goals that Lewandowski delivered, especially in his first season at the German side. I can't visualise Arsenal losing to Dortmund at the Emirates and they have the ability to at least get a point from the away game in Germany.

Group E: Bayern Munich, Manchester City, CSKA Moscow, Roma

Yet again Manchester City have been drawn in a difficult group and face Bayern Munich and CSKA Moscow for a second time in a row. Rudi Garcia's AS Roma were the surprise package in Serie A last season and managed to go on a 10 match unbeaten run as they finished behind Juventus in the league. The Italian side have a good work ethic and they will certainly not be any pushovers. Last year City proved that they can beat the German heavyweights in their own back yard, so they will take confidence in this when they face Bayern. I do think that City can beat Bayern but they won't be able to topple them. Bayern to top the group with City a couple of points behind.

Group F: Barcelona, PSG, Ajax, Apoel

It is surprising that the 'Group of Death' this year consists of Barcelona and not an English team. As with City, Ajax never seem to get the rub of the green in Europe and yet again are in a tough group. It appears a certainty that Apoel will finish rooted to the bottom of the group and it will be interesting to see match up when PSG take on Barcelona. After reaching the quarter finals last season, the Parisians will be looking to improve on this finish and the signing of David Luiz is aimed at achieving this. I don't think they can get the better of Barca but they have a solid team and should finish in second ahead of Ajax.

Group G: Chelsea, Schalke, Sporting Lisbon, Maribor

Out of the English teams, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea have received a relatively straightforward group and he will be hoping that a first place finish would be wrapped up with a least a game to spare. Schalke were able to progress from the group stages last year, only to be dumped out at the hands of Real Madrid. As for Sporting Lisbon, it is their first year back in the Champions League since the 2008/2009 season and they will be looking to challenge for the 2nd qualifying position. It is difficult to choose between Schalke and Sporting, but I think it could be Julien Draxler and Max Meyer that fire Schalke into the last 16.

Group H: Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Athletic Bilbao, Bate Borisov

Last but not least, Group H is relatively unknown, it contains a former champion as well as a club with a decent youth system and one that is beginning to establish themselves in the European competition. This group is very tough to call, particularly as Athletic Bilbao appear to be on the rise again and may shock a few people in the long run. Porto will be expected to top the group and I'm sure that the Portuguese side will deliver. However, in their way is a strong Donetsk side, one that consists of Taison, Douglas Costa and Darijo Srna. Although I'm predicting Porto to top and Shakhtar to follow, I would not be surprised if Bilbao were able to thrust themselves into the knockout stages of the competition at the expense of Porto or Shahktar.

Another group stage kicks off on the 16th September as the pack attempts to take the crown away from holders, Real Madrid. All we can do now is sit and watch as the magic unfolds.

Louis Van Gaal: The Man with a Plan?

 

Much of the Old Trafford faithful were excited for the new era under Louis Van Gaal, but concerns were raised after a disappointing defeat to Swansea on the opening day of the season. Now after more dropped points, and humiliation in the Capital One Cup, LVG has broke the bank in order to land a player with the calibre of Angel Di Maria.

The prospect of signing one of Real Madrid's stand out performers last season is very exciting and it certainly is a statement of intent from the Dutchman. Rumour has it that LVG's preferred formation is the 4-3-3, but is playing with his adaptable 3-5-2 until he gets the players that he believes fits his philosophy. Until then, Di Maria is likely to rotate in the central position with Mata and Kagawa, or could even be played in the wing-back role. In the 4-3-3, it is evident to every soul that he will play on the right or the left with Rooney/Van Persie central.

I admire Di Maria a lot, but there is one problem. I seriously believe that LVG has overpaid in order to capture a marquee signing and to keep the supporters happy. £59m is a lot of money to be throwing about and even more so for a club with massive debts and no Champions League income. There is always the chance that Di Maria could flop become another Marouane Fellaini, but I think this is more of a safe buy as the Argentine will be suited to the Premier League. If United don't secure European football for a second consecutive year, then it could spell financial trouble for the Manchester club, particularly if we continue to throw money at the problem.

Another worry, is that attacking players weren't a major concern. Certainly Di Maria is a massive upgrade from Valencia and Young but should the £59m have been spent improving a very ordinary defence? Central defence is a concern, and one that could have been rectified easily through the signature of Mats Hummels, but with no Champions League, and uninspiring performances in the opening weeks, why would he leave a team sailing high in the Bundesliga with almost guaranteed European football every season, for a team struggling through a time of major upheaval? He wouldn't, and even if he would, it would take a hell of a lot of money to sign for the Red Devils. 

In fairness to LVG, he has spotted our defensive weaknesses and set about repairing them with the first step of signing of Marcos Rojo. On first impressions, he seems like a player who always gets his way, after the debacle at the Sporting Lisbon training facilities. On the pitch, I can't really comment on his performances from last season and searching him on YouTube, doesn't give you the full picture. Having watched him at the World Cup with Argentina, where he played on the left, he appeared determined to get forward as often as possible and he prioritised this over his defensive duties, something which I am not overly convinced by. At £16m it isn't an extortionate amount like several other transfers, but he still have to live up to his transfer fee. Hopefully Rojo proves me wrong and grows to become our next Jaap Stam or Nemanja Vidic.

LVG is rumoured to be interested in fellow Dutchman, Daley Blind and he is also someone whom I hold in high regard, particularly after his exemplary World Cup. The Ajax man can play in numerous roles including, defensive midfield, centre half and wing back. He would make a great signing particularly after the teasing crosses he delivered in Brazil. With it looking very probable that £16m buy Marcos Rojo will slot in as a ball-playing centre-back, I think that Blind will rotate with Luke Shaw in the wing-back position, that is if he signs.

In addition to the defensive dilemma's we need to sort out their midfield. Ever since wrecking-ball Roy retired, our midfield has needed a replacement. These cracks became craters once Paul Scholes retired leaving us without a leader and without a ball winning midfielder who can cut up the opponents possession and is not afraid to tackle. It is a struggle to find any a player that fits that persona, so no doubt we will pay over the odds for Juventus' Arturo Vidal. He boasts all of the attributes of an accomplished ball winning midfielder and would add a bit of that long awaited bite to a distinctly average midfield. Again, this transfer poses the same problem as the Mats Hummels saga: Why would he join a club without European football when he is already at a club with it?

On a final note, rumours have being hurtling around the internet that Danny Welbeck could be out the door of Old Trafford, with North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham interested in his signature. I would be very disappointed if Welbeck was to leave the club and I'm sure there are other players who should be sold before the 23 year old. His scoring record for the club is what lets him down, 29 goals in 139 appearances is not good enough, particularly if Manchester United have any aspirations of challenging for trophies again. Time after time Welbeck finds himself in the correct position, but a moment of madness means that he scuffs the shot. At the same time, I struggle to find where he would fit in LVG's tactics, as Van Persie and Rooney are likely to be playing as the front two and Hernandez as the substitute. If he wants to further his career as a Premier League footballer, then perhaps a move away from Old Trafford would probably be better for the Englishman and I know he can become a decent goal scorer eventually.

Louis Van Gaal is almost 2 months into his tenure at Old Trafford and already are we seeing his mark being left on the club. Hopefully he can sort the wheat from the chaff and get rid of the dead wood, so that United fans don't have to endure another season that was behold us last year.

2014-2015 Season Prediction

The World Cup is over. The summer is almost over and the Premier League has kicked off. Last season was pretty spectacular, and no doubt this season will be just as dramatic. Although a few days late, I thought I'd discuss my season prediction.

Relegation Dogfight

For the newly promoted teams, it is obvious that they will struggle at some point in the season, whether it be at the start, middle or the end. The key to surviving in the most competitive league in the world is to have a good sized squad and also the correct tactics. But, after recent events at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace are my favourites to face the chop. Everyone knows the job that Tony Pulis did at the club and he will not be worrying as another job opening will be just around the corner for the former Stoke City man. 

Gus Poyet produced the 'Great Escape' to save Sunderland from drop in the run in to the end of the season last year, however I think this will be their last year. I often watch True Geordie on YouTube, and on one occasion, he was arguing that Sunderland overpaid for new signing Jack Rodwell and that his performances for Man City did not warrant such an excessive price tag. I think this will be one season too far for the Wearside team.

Lastly, it's Aston Villa. Unfortunately for Villains, their off-field problems could hamper their preparation for this season. Pre-season signings of Kieran Richardson, Joe Cole and Aly Cissokho haven't instilled confidence in me that they will do enough to survive. Paul Lambert hired Roy Keane as his assistant, and this will automatically strike fear into the players. We all know from his playing days that he never took a backwards step and that he demanded respect, but whether the players will give him it, is debated. 

 

European Contenders

In terms of who will grab the spots in Europe, the teams that were in contention last year have all strengthened. I seriously think that Louis Van Gaal can improve on Manchester United's dismal display last season, but will be unable to guide them into the top 4, particularly if no more signings are made. Of course it will take time for the players to adjust to LVG's 3-5-2/5-3-2 tactic, they will not become used to it overnight, but everyone knows that new faces are required if United have any aspirations of achieving top 4 in the foreseeable future. A 5th place finish signals a slight improvement made, but more needed. 

Spurs haven't been spending as profusely in the transfer market as they did last year but I think they have enough man power to beat Everton and United to that automatic Europa League qualifying spot. If Liverpool don't learn from the mistakes Spurs made, then we could see the North London club go very close to the Merseyside team. Christian Erikson was arguably the only glimmer of sunshine in a topsy-turvy season last year and if he can hit form and link up with Soldado, then Spurs fans may leave Goodison Park on the 24th May with smiles on their faces.

Everton are enjoying life after David Moyes and just recently spent a club record fee of £31m on Romelu Lukaku. It's extremely difficult to predict a spot for the Merseyside club, as they have have exceptionally talented players to utilise and Roberto Martinez has got them playing with panache. Everton do have the ability to finish 5th as they showed last season, however, having to balance with Europe and the league could prove tricky. Squad depth is the reason why I have them dropping 2 positions this year. There is still time in the transfer window to acquire more players to strengthen their squad, so it could certainly change between now and the end of the window. 

Front Runners

All of last year's top 4 has strengthened considerably, so the closing months of the league will be exhilarating stuff. I don't see Liverpool equalling their spectacular season last year, as they are in the same boat as Everton, they have to juggle European competitions. Having made decent signings, it is necessary that they don't over-compensate for the loss of Suarez and spend money for the sake of it. Fourth position is my prediction.

Through predicting Liverpool a fourth place finish, it means that Arsenal would end their duck of being unable to break into the top 3. Wenger seems more intent to reach into his pocket and spend large amounts of money in order to achieve his goals, unlike previous seasons. The signing of Alexis is a sign of his intentions for the future, and this team is showing glimpses of improvement, with the FA Cup victory being a prime example of this. He also gives Wenger an alternative up front if Giroud and Sanogo aren't working out, however I still feel that the Gunners need an complete forward. Also, Arsenal may need another centre-back due to the departure of Thomas Vermaelen, having 3 centre backs is risky, even more so when Laurent Koscielny is injury prone. Gooners have every reason to be excited for the new season, and can be quietly confident of a decent finish. Things are only going up for Arsenal.

Do I think the holders of the Premier League will be able to retain the trophy? No. Similar to last season, I'm going for a Chelsea victory, in the vain hope that my prediction will be second time lucky. Having recruited a new striker, Diego Costa could be the answer to Chelsea's problems up front. Last season they were able to finish second with no star strikers so what will they be able to do when Costa hits form? I wouldn't be surprised if Mr Mourinho has a some special up his sleeve to shock everyone! Chelsea and Mourinho have the ability to walk this league, but whether they will or not is a question that will be answered towards the end of the campaign.

Last year Manchester City nearly blew winning the league, only for a slip up by Liverpool at Crystal Palace to turn the momentum in their favour. Sergio Aguero wasn't fit for the majority of the season, Alvaro Negredo had a tremendous start, but faded as the campaign aged and that left Edin Dzeko to score the goals for the Citizens. As per usual, when captain, Vincent Kompany wasn't available, City appeared a lot weaker than with him. Yaya Toure was the stand out man for City, but his recent antics over his birthday cake, or lack of, has tarnished his reputation for some people. City have an incredibly strong squad, and will give Chelsea a game of football when the two meet, but I don't see Pellegrini being able to outfox Mourinho in the long run. 

A quick glance at... The Saints

Before I finish, I'd like to share my opinion on the departures at St Mary's. Southampton have lost 5 players,  not to mention their manager, who would have been in the first team, and are looking likely to lose Morgan Schneiderlin as well. I am positive that they will not be able to eclipse last season's finish of 8th, but they should still be able to survive the drop, regardless if Koeman signs new faces to add squad depth. Realistically, I think Southampton will struggle to get into the top 10. They have lost too many key players that need replacing to be considered for another top 10 finish.

 

FA Cup - Chelsea

League Cup - Liverpool

 

So there we have it, I have told you how I think the season will pan out. I am 99.9% certain that none of this will happen, but what can do you... Anyway, feel free to give me your opinions and whether you agree with me or not!

Who's Coming to England this Summer?

Yet again, another summer transfer window has been busy for English clubs with Liverpool being the busiest and acquiring 9 new faces to add to their team at a cost of £99m. Big names have departed England, but have been replaced with stars for the future and others. As always, the arrivals have increased the excitement for the incoming season.

At Arsenal, Wenger is picking up where he left off last summer with spending large amounts of money. The addition of Alexis Sanchez is an exciting one for Arsenal fans and Premier League enthusiasts. Extreme pace mixed with a finishing touch and a footballing brain is a defenders worst nightmare. He was unplayable at times during the World Cup and if Chile weren't knocked out early in the competition, then he would have been in with a shout of winning the Golden Ball. At Barcelona, his quality was possibly hidden through playing with Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, but at Arsenal, I expect him to excel at Arsenal and be up at the top competing for top goalscorer at the end of the season. 

In addition to Alexis, Calum Chambers was signed from Southampton, one of many to depart from the club, for £11m plus add ons. During preseason the 19 year old has impressed with solid performances in the Community Shield and in the Emirates Cup. Chambers could be just as vital as Alexis as the season progresses and the need for rotation increases.

After playing down Chelsea's title winning aspirations last season, Jose Mourinho has gone all guns blazing in order to finish the season on top. The Chelsea boss has raided La Liga to buy the services of Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, as well as bringing back a Stamford Bridge legend in Didier Drogba. Finally Chelsea have realised their need to strengthen in goal scoring positions particularly with the signing of Costa. The Spaniard didn't have a good World Cup but his form last season at Atletico Madrid was superb, contributing to their title winning season with 27 goals from 35 games. On paper he seems an excellent choice, however his temperament could spell bother for Mourinho and Chelsea. 

Fabregas is another player to add to the long list of exceptional midfielders at Mourinho's disposal. The transfer came as a shock to me, particularly as Arsenal had first option to buy him and I fully expected Wenger to make the most of the clause. Whether it will come back to bite his former employers is a question that will be answered as the season progresses.

It is quite unusual to say that Manchester City have only spent £22m in this transfer window, but do they really need to improve their already glistening squad? Manuel Pellegrini obviously thinks so. Brazilian holding midfielder, Fernando joined the Manchester club for a fee believed to be about £12m from Portuguese giants Porto. At 27 years of age, Pellegrini will be looking for an immediate impact from the Brazilian. I expect Fernando to play second fiddle to Yaya Toure and Fernandinho. 

Pellegrini has also added strength and depth to his already relatively large squad through the purchase of Willy Caballero, Bacary Sagna and the loan move of Frank Lampard. Caballero will challenge Joe Hart for his position and is likely to play in domestic cup competitions, similar to what Pantilimon did, while Sagna and Lampard will mostly spend their time on the sidelines.

With a new boss at the helm, things can't go much worse than it did last season at Old Trafford. We all know the way Louis Van Gaal will play and he has been in the transfer market looking for players that will suit his philosophy. The first purchase was young Luke Shaw from Southampton for a hefty £27m. With Van Gaal showing Patrice Evra the door, he is likely to be looking for a another left wing-back to rotate with Shaw. Touted as the next big English star, he certainly is one for the future and has a big price tag to to match. 

Spaniard, Ander Herrera was next on the Dutchman's list. The former Bilbao man impressed United scouts and was eventually signed for £28m after prolonged negotiations. He will be keen to make an immediate impact at the club in an attempt to become a regular starter at Old Trafford. As previously said, it is likely that Van Gaal is in the market for another wing-back, and one that has been linked with a summer move is Ajax's Daley Blind. I relish at the prospect of having a talent like Blind at United. He is a top class player and will definitely fit in with Van Gaal's tactics.

Last year it was Tottenham spending money like there was no tomorrow, and this year it is Liverpool. The £75m acquired from the sale of Luis Suarez quickly evaporated in the hands of Brendan Rodgers as he attempts to replace the Uruguayan. Rickie Lambert was brought in and he offers an alternative game plan, something which they were lacking, particularly towards the climax of last season. Lazar Markovic was also acquired at a fee of £20m to bolster their attacking options. Not only does the Serbian have an awesome name, he is described as a player with great acceleration and superb technical attributes. 

One thing that hindered their title chances last year was a leaky defence. Conceding, 9 goals more than the rest of the top 4, Rodgers could be trying to fix the defence with the signings of Emre Can, Dejan Lovren. Described as a utility defender, Emre can play at right back, centre back, in front of the defence and probably even left back if he was asked. He's the type of player every manager loves to have. As well as Lovren and Lambert, Liverpool have also been able to prise Adam Lallana away from the clutches of Southampton. We all know what Lallana can produce and he was sensational for the Saints last campaign. For £25m, I was expecting attacking midfielder to move for £30m-£35m. It's not a bad price for a player that can adapt to Liverpool's style of play.

After last year's catastrophe in the transfer market, Tottenham have gone for a more conservative approach this year. The North London club reached an agreement with Swansea City to sign Michel Vorm and Ben Davies with Gylfi Sigurdsson heading in the opposite direction. While they already have Hugo Lloris in nets, Vorm will make an excellent replacement and will also keep Lloris on his toes. On the other hand, Ben Davies is a promising young player and should develop into an excellent left back in the future. The other team in Liverpool has also done their portion of spending, after breaking their transfer record amount to sign Romelu Lukaku on a permanent deal. Roberto Martinez also signed Bosnian Muhamed Besic on a long term contract - and his first few touches in a blue shirt seemed to give us a taster of what he is all about.

Other teams that have been doing some shrewd business are Newcastle, Hull and recently promoted, QPR, who have all brought in Remy Cabella, Tom Ince and Mauricio Isla respectively. Each team seems to have be strengthening and I am sure that this will make this year's campaign just as unforgettable as the rest.

OFF TOPIC

I'd would like to congratulate Alison and Emma McMaster on reaching the Ladies Irish Cup with Newry City Ladies for the first time in the history of the club. En route to the final they beat Crumlin United 14-0, Crusaders 1-0, Cliftonville 3-2 and Sion Swifts 2-1. Despite scoring plenty of goals, they go into the final against Linfield Ladies as heavy underdogs, but as we know so often with football, anything can happen in the cup! Regardless of the outcome, the club has a bright future, and will continue to soar through the division as it has done since it's conception 4 years ago. The final will be played on Monday 25th August at Clandeboye Park in Bangor with a 2:30pm KO.