French midfielder Florence Malouda has been left out of Chelsea’s Champions League squad for the forthcoming group stages, according to The Guardian.
The 32-year-old has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Juan Mata to West London and has failed to make the squad list in any of Chelsea’s first three Premier League games so far this season.
Malouda was reportedly on the verge of joining Brazilian outfit Santos. However, the deal fell through after the wingers wage demands were thought to be too high.
Malouda is one of the number of ageing Chelsea players who appear to have no future left at the club. Goalkeeper Hilario has also been omitted from the squad list, while Michael Essien has been loaned out to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Raul Meireles joined Fernebache for £8 million yesterday.
Chelsea begin the defence of their European title at home to Italian champions Juventus on 19th September.
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Compared with previous winter transfer windows jam-packed with excitement and sensation, January 2015 turned out to be a somewhat flat affair. Yes – the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Wilfried Bony made their moves to Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, but other than the odd interesting deal here and there, the transfer market remained somewhat muted.
Perhaps this is good for Europe’s top leagues though. The instability and ‘panic buy’ nature of the January window often leaves teams in worse positions than they initially began. But as this is just the kind of behaviour that we football fans tend to love, maybe negations could have gone that little bit further throughout last month.
In light of such inactivity, here are FIVE transfer deals that potentially should have happened this January:
Rickie Lambert -> Aston Villa
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Whilst the Reds only signed the former St. Mary’s favourite a mere six months ago, Rickie Lambert has simply failed to show any real indications that he suits playing for a club the size of Liverpool. That seems to be the overall feeling among many within the footballing community anyway, but as the burly striker still has time to do the business at Anfield, perhaps such statements remain slightly premature.
That said, at 33-years-old, time isn’t exactly on Lambert’s side. He may have a sweet shot on him – and better technical ability than most would give him credit for – but it ultimately seems that this potentially dream move never lived up to such a lofty status in reality.
Sky Sports reported that Aston Villa were interested in the former Saints man and this could have represented the perfect deal for all parties involved. Villa need goals right now, and although Rickie Lambert hasn’t offered up too much in the striking department so far this season, the striker could still thrive at a club where his place in the starting line-up would be more concrete. The £5 million supposedly required according to Eurosport, does seem a bit steep for a 33-year-old, however.
Carlton Cole -> West Brom
Another striker who could have done well given more first team opportunities this year is West Ham’s Carlton Cole. The Hammers striker, who has developed an undoubted cult-hero status at Upton Park in recent seasons, may also be approaching the twilight stages his career. But as his three important goals this season could yet prove, the former England international may just have enough left in the tank.
Thanks to the form of West Ham’s other leading front men: Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and – when not injured – Andy Carroll, the former Chelsea youngster has simply not been given much time out on the pitch this campaign. His goalscoring record certainly has been infrequent, but especially as he has recorded more league finishes than Mario Balotelli this season, a team like West Brom could have certainly benefited from the West Ham man’s services.
Tony Pulis’ side seem to have developed a bit more of a direction in their play since the Welshman’s arrival, yet with Sky Sports reporting that Shola Ameobi was being considered a transfer target at the Hawthorns this January, a low budget move for Carlton Cole certainly wouldn’t have done the Baggies any harm throughout the rest of their campaign.
Ezequiel Garay -> Manchester United
Whilst the Red Devils’ interest in this proposed deal could still easily be completed over the summer, according to reports in The Mirror, when the chances of a last minute inflated price tag being tantalisingly hung over the Argentinean defender’s head are less likely, Ezequiel Garay could still have made a big impact for Manchester United this campaign.
Despite spending what was quite frankly a crazy amount last summer, Louis van Gaal’s current defence simply doesn’t do justice to the Man United rear guard of old. The likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, for all the effort they give out on the pitch, just haven’t matched the expectations that many placed on upon them arriving at Old Trafford. Whilst new boy Marco Rojo seemingly lacks the discipline and organisation required to play efficiently at centre back.
The newly acquired Sporting Lisbon defender still has enough time to come good at United however, but if he had had the chance to play alongside fellow Argentinean Ezequiel Garay this season, the Red Devils could have been a more solid defensive unit.
Xherdan Shaqiri -> Liverpool
Football – Argentina v Switzerland – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Second Round – Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil – 1/7/14Switzerland’s Xherdan ShaqiriMandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason CairnduffEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
The ‘Magic Dwarfs’’ lack of first team action with Bayern Munich made him a decent target for pretty much every top European side. As it transpired, Inter Milan eventually landed the stocky Swiss star on loan, but given Liverpool’s interest in the World Cup star according to The Express, they could have been in with a good shout of landing Xherdan Shaqiri in January.
Pep Guardiola would have obviously been keen to not let the skillful playmaker depart Munich permanently, however. The fact that he has moved to Serie A merely on a loan basis acts as evidence for Bayern Munich’s continued admiration for the player. But as Shaqiri’s place in Bayern’s starting line-up was never very likely, Anfield really could have been a great place for the Swiss talent to relocate to.
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He would have fitted in very nicely among Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho – and whilst Luis Suarez will never truly be replaced at Liverpool any time soon – Shaqiri’s creative qualities could have seen the ‘Alpine Messi’ somewhat emulate the Uruguayan star in the Premier League.
Emmanuel Adebayor -> QPR
Football – Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United – Barclays Premier League – White Hart Lane – 26/10/14Emmanuel Adebayor celebrates scoring the first goal for TottenhamMandatory Credit: Action Images / John SibleyLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account
Although the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid striker certainly hasn’t been short of critics in the Premier League throughout his career, perhaps a last minute link-up with former boss Harry Redknapp wouldn’t have gone amiss for QPR. Such a deal would have been a big gamble seeing as the Togolese striker hasn’t exactly been credited as the most hard-working player the English game has ever seen, but as he certainly has goals somewhere in his game, the Hoops may have just about benefited enough for such a deal to be worthwhile.
This potential transfer comes in as the most risky on the list however. After all, several QPR fans would have likely rejected the chance to sign Adebayor despite the club’s interest in the player being reported in the Evening Standard. As Harry Redknapp knew his game well and what he could best offer this current Queens Park Rangers team however, perhaps the veteran manager could have eventually got the best out of his former man.
Redknapp’s subsequent departure from the Loftus Road dug-out clearly puts this one to bed. This potential deal could have made a positive impact on QPR’s hopes of successfully avoiding relegation this season but wasn’t to be.
Since he first arrived at Upton Park off the back of a pretty low key switch from Ipswich Town at the beginning of the season, Aaron Cresswell has simply been one of the surprise acts of the 2014/15 campaign.
The 25-year-old left-back has reportedly gained the attention of both Chelsea and Manchester City for his consistently strong performances this season – and in a footballing climate currently defined by mostly non-home-grown players coming from high profile backgrounds – that has to come as a great individual achievement on the defender’s part.
West Ham’s no. 3 has drawn untold praise from fans and pundits alike this season, with speculative talk involving a future England career also being suggested for the former Portman Road favourite in the not too distant future.
So then, with all the discussion and debate currently surrounding the PFA’s hand selected team of the season at the moment, should Aaron Cresswell ultimately have been included in the illustriously star-studded XI?
Well regardless of what the player in question eventually goes onto achieve in his Premier League career, West Ham and Sam Allardyce got an absolute bargain on their hands when they landed their new first choice left-back for as little as £3.75million in the summer. The Hammers have notoriously struggled in the full-back positions in recent seasons, so Cresswell’s contribution throughout 2014/15 campaign has been nothing short of miraculous for the Upton Park faithful.
To many within the game, the former Ipswich Town man seemingly has all the qualities of the ‘perfect full-back.’ He is quick on the turn and has proven to be very dangerous in the final third for Big Sam’s side this season, yet he can additionally provide a more than adequate presence at the back for the Hammers whenever required.
[ffc-gal cat=”west-ham” no=”5″]
If the 25-year-old were of different origins than his English upbringing – maybe South American say – perhaps the no. 3 would be held in much higher regard not only in the Premier League, but across Europe as well.
The new star of the east end has not only shown some real glimpses of quality through his crossing ability and set-piece expertise this season, but he has also played every minute for West Ham in the league this term to a truly efficient degree. Aaron Cresswell’s consistency therefore has to see him involved in Roy Hodgson’s England squad before his chance on the international scene ultimately comes and goes.
In light of such a positive take on the left-back’s achievements this season then, it would seem somewhat questionable as to why the West Ham man was not included in the 2014/15 PFA team of the season. With all things considered, even though both Cesar Azpilicueta and Ryan Bertrand (the eventual winner of the left-back spot) have both undoubtedly had strong seasons so far this campaign, it could be fair to suggest that Cresswell deserves the credit above his counter-parts for several different reasons.
The 25-year-old not only had to make the difficult transition between the Championship and the Premier League this summer – which he achieved in surprisingly impressive style – but he has been forced to operate largely under the radar within a team that just haven’t gained the same level of attention as either Southampton or Chelsea have managed this season. He has still nevertheless shone brightly on nearly all given occasions.
Cresswell’s arrival as a somewhat unknown entity should have arguably been enough to deserve further praise with everything taken into account.
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Yes, he may certainly need to work on that right foot of his, yes, the odd mistake from a positional point of view has seen the defender caught out once or twice this term, and yes, his side might have drifted off dramatically throughout the tail end of the current season – but ultimately Aaron Cresswell still could have been involved in the final PFA team selection purely for being one of the most impressively exciting, yet surprising, new stars of the 2014/15 campaign.
As such matters invariably make little impact on the week-to-week progress of such players however, the entire Premier League will likely be keeping tabs on the West Ham man throughout the course of 2015/16, regardless of his exclusion, with an illustrious move elsewhere still potentially on the cards for Aaron Cresswell.
Swansea played out the longest game in Premier League history against Man City last weekend, and will be frustrated that they could not take all three points as they outplayed City for long stretches. The longest game in Premier League history was a test on player fitness, and Swansea covered the most ground they have in a single game this season with 66.92 miles, led by Jonathan de Guzman’s 7.01 miles, the most by a single Swansea player this season.
Jonathan de Guzman has impressed for Swansea this season, and leads the team for passes completed in the opposition half with 199 so far this season.
A good performance was marred by injury to goalkeeper Michel Vorm. Vorm has been a key figure for Swansea this season and had made 45 saves so far in nine games
Angel Rangel picked up a booking against City, and is one of only two players to have now been booked five times this season, along with Wigan’s James McArthur
Miguel Michu has been Swansea’s star player this season, and he can now count speed among the qualities in which he is dominating the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Michu was clocked at 23.06 mph against City, the 7th fastest speed registered so far this season.
Chelsea’s last Premier League game against Man Utd has made headlines, but that aside was a scintillating game of football. Goals from Juan Mata and Ramires weren’t enough to prevent a 3-2 defeat for the blues. As well as his goal, Ramires committed five fouls in the game against Manchester United, the joint highest in the last round of games Mata’s goal was his fourth of the season, coming from 19 shots at goal with 68% on target and at a rate of 21% of shots converted to goals.
Fernando Torres was controversially sent off in the game, in a moment which will blot an otherwise excellent start to the season for the Spanish striker. Torres has four goals this season from just 14 shots at goal, an impressive conversion rate of 29%.
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I’m not interested in scaremongering, but there are serious problems at Leeds that need to be addressed quickly.
Over the last few months Leeds fans have gone from daring to dream about oil rich billionaires to having nightmares about cash strapped banks. Throughout this time, one concern has been bubbling under the surface which is being slowly considered by more and more of the fan base. Administration.
Administration would be a disaster for Leeds at any point of the season, but the clubs finances and actions suggest that the last few months of the current campaign are going to be a massive struggle.
Many people simply look at the fact that we are debt free and assume that administration is impossibility, but just how debt free are we?
After all, we effectively took a loan out on the future sales of season tickets. We were told by Bates 12 months before being placed into administration that he had shrunk our debt to under £10 million, only for it to be revealed that the debt was actually in excess of £35 million. Finally, consider how Ken left Chelsea with around £20 million of hidden debt, and even the most neutral fans must start to wonder.
Not only that, but where have these ‘debt free’ claims come from? Who has actually told us that it is a fact that we are free of debt?
Ken Bates.
And whilst the majority of fans are happy to label him as a liar and a cheat, they seem accepting of this statement as being the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Even if the club are debt free, what money do we actually have? As the recent financial reports show that we have once again only avoided making a loss because of player sales.
The summer proved that the club have no money to spend, Warnock had to wheel and deal to make sure he could bring players in and you have to admire the job he did considering the circumstances, but what good will that prove to be if the club plunge into administration by the end of the season?
Falling attendances, dwindling interest and a fan base devoid of hope. Three ingredients that will only serve to cause further problems for the club financially.
The fans have spent the last few months willing the takeover by GFH Capital to be completed with the promise of investment that will ensure our return to the Premier League, though the recent reports that have surrounded the finances of GFH make those promises seem worryingly hard to fulfill GFH seem to have little financial clout on their own, we can only hope that they have wealthy financial backers ready to plough money into the club.
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Either way, Bates will leave. Leeds entering administration would be his 3rd strike, and he would no longer pass the Football Leagues ‘fit and proper persons test’.
How he passed it in the first place is anyone’s guess.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has spoken of Ayoze Perez’s importance to the team following a goalscoring run.
The 24-year-old was subjected to plenty of criticism from fans during the first half of the season.
The Spaniard struggled in front of goal, which prompted some supporters to call for his axe from the team.
In 20 Premier league appearances, 14 of which have been starts, Perez has only managed to find the back of the net twice.
However, the attacking player has now bagged three goals in his last two outings in all competitions.
A brace was scored at the weekend in Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup.
Prior to that match, Perez netted in the Magpies New Year’s Day win over Stoke City.
Goals have been hard to come by for Benitez and his team, having scored just 20 in the top-flight all season.
With the second half of the campaign now underway, the manager is hopeful that Perez has found a new lease of life.
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According to The Shields Gazette, Benitez said:
“I think he will be delighted, because scoring in the league and scoring here in a good game – in the first half we did some good things – he will be really pleased. It’s always positive for strikers to score and gain some confidence. Perez is important for the team and it’s important for a striker to score goals. The team created chances, and Ayoze will be happier than others.”
The vast alumni of world-class talents Louis van Gaal has issued league debuts too verges upon legendary; Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert were all promoted to first team level by the Dutchman first.
So it’s a good job van Gaal finds himself at Manchester United – a club famed for it’s ability to develop young players, including the famous documentary-making class of ’92.
The new era at Old Trafford will be built from the ground up, so which academy starlets are currently in van Gaal’s thinking?
Just in case he’s a little short on a few ideas, here’s FIVE budding youngsters to five LVG food for thought.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON RYAN GIGGS TO REVEAL
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JAMES WILSON
James Wilson burst onto the Premier League last season during Ryan Giggs’ short caretaker spell at Manchester United, netting twice against Hull City:
//www.youtube.com/embed/8zEbioipG4k?rel=0
He’s since earned some promising monikers, including ‘the next Michael Owen’, and has done enough to claim a bit-part role in Louis van Gaal’s first team squad, making five substitute outings in the Premier League but still awaiting his first start under the Dutchman.
Meanwhile, he’s been bagging some stunning goals for the U21s, including this strike against Aston Villa’s second string earlier this month:
Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao are both notoriously injury prone and LVG prefers Wayne Rooney at No.10, so the 18 year-old should see a fair bit of action this season.
Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville have both been singing the young striker’s praises recently, with the United assistant telling TalkSport; “He’s a brilliant prospect. I’ve always said about younger players that you can give them the chance but they have got to take it.”
Here’s the England U19’s highlights from last season – a campaign which saw him score at every age level for the Red Devils:
//www.youtube.com/embed/zS6cLbuqyj8?rel=0
JESSE LINGARD
Football – AS Roma v Manchester United – Guinness International Champions Cup – Pre Season Friendly Tournament – Sports Authority Field, Denver, United States of America – 14/15 – 26/7/14Jesse Lingard – Manchester UnitedMandatory Credit: Action Images / Isaiah DowningEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
21 year-old Jesse Lingard has enjoyed some productive spells in the English lower tiers, impressing on loan at Birmingham and Brighton last season to net three goals apiece for both Championship sides.
The attacking midfielder comes with a nimble frame, fluid agility and a deadly eye for goal, his preferred position being just behind the centre-forward in a shadow role. Here’s a clip of Lingard in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/2HMDCgRj1xA?rel=0
He’s impressed on prior pre-season tours and became a surprise inclusion in Manchester United’s starting Xi on the opening day of the season against Swansea, suggesting the Warrington-born midfielder has already caught Louis van Gaal’s attention.
Unfortunately, Lingard’s inaugural Premier League outing ended in injury, but highly talented and a regular for England across the junior levels, most recently amassing four caps for the U21s, it won’t be long before he’s pushing for a first team place once again.
SAIDY JANKO
Manchester United fans won’t remember David Moyes’ eleven-month tenure too fondly, but they could be thanking the Scot in the years to come for signing former Zurich youngster Saidy Janko during his only summer at the club.
The 19 year-old won the Reserves’ Player of the Season award during his debut term at Old Trafford and has since earned his first senior appearance for the Red Devils – a substitute outing in the 4-0 Capital One Cup defeat to MK Dons.
Janko’s famed for his blend of pace, power and versatility, being capable of playing anywhere along the right-hand flank. Here’s a look at the teenager in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/xqfRQCOuVQc?rel=0
With Rafael out injured and Louis van Gaal reverting back to a 3-5-2 in recent weeks, the Switzerland U19 could be the perfect deputy for the likeminded Antonio Valencia in the wing-back slot.
He’s still got a lot to learn however so a January loan move to gain more experience certainly isn’t out of the question.
PATRICK MCNAIR AND TYLER BLACKETT
Manchester United look set to spend untold fortunes on defensive reinforcements in the January window but could a far cheaper solution be right under Louis van Gaal’s nose?
Considering their inexperience at Premier League level and lack of leadership in United’s defence, both Patrick McNair and Tyler Blackett have excelled since their top flight debuts earlier this season.
United have won all four Premier League fixtures where McNair has started for example, and the 19 year-old is now involved with the Northern Ireland senior squad. He even kept beastly front-man Romelu Lukaku at bay when Everton visited Old Trafford back in October:
//www.youtube.com/embed/s-umJTFr3Z0?rel=0
Likewise, Blackett, although occasionally cumbersome, offers a good reading of the game for a 20 year-old centre-half whilst his mixture of height and pace is perfect for the Premier League. Here’s a look at the 6 foot 2 starlet in action:
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//www.youtube.com/embed/-5hQiY0mAnI?rel=0
Both were at the heart of United’s 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend, defending admirably, and although they’re still quite far from the finished article, the centre-back duo have surely done enough to be considered in Louis van Gaal’s long-term plans.
ANDREAS PEREIRA
Arguably Manchester United’s most anticipated academy player, Sir Alex Ferguson fought off interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to sign Andreas Pereira from PSV Eindhoven in 2011.
The young midfielder has since become integral for the Red Devils at Junior level, captaining United’s successful 2013 Milk Cup campaign, where he won the Player of the Tournament award after netting three times en route to the final.
A real, old-fashioned No.10, the Belgian-born Brazilian, whose father played for Royal Antwerp, is famed for his creativity and technical ability, as shown in the video below:
//www.youtube.com/embed/LK_tvxcA9Ho?rel=0
The 18 year-old’s leadership qualities will impress Louis van Gaal too and he’s already caught the United gaffer’s attention, earning a place in the Red Devils squad that lost to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
The Old Trafford outfit are currently blessed with a plethora of top class No.10s however so Pereira’s unlikely to feature at first team level any time soon.
AC Milan are preparing to make a £3m offer for QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt, if the Super Hoops are relegated from the Premier League, according to reports from the Fulham & Hammersmith Chronicle.
The Italian giants have highlighted the mercurial midfielder as one of their main transfer targets, as they look to add some attacking creativity to their squad.
However, they are only willing to do a deal on the cheap, a situation that will be far more likely if the Londoners are relegated to the Championship.
After defeat to Fulham on Monday night, a game in which Taarabt scored, QPR are joint bottom of the table and seven points for safety.
A comeback appears to be unlikely, which has sparked AC Milan’s interest in the Moroccan.
The Loftus Road club tied Taarabt down to a long-term deal last summer, and as a result of this will be far from keen to lose him for a reduced fee.
But, with the financial hit that dropping to the second tier would bring, it’s unlikely that they will be able to reject any serious offers.
The 23-year-old himself may also be looking to move to a big club, with his self-confident approach well known.
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If relegated, QPR will also face a fight to keep the likes of Julio Cesar, Christopher Samba and Loic Remy at Loftus Road.
It would be fair to say that Victor Lindelof struggled in the early stages of his Manchester United career.
There was that pretty terrible performance at Huddersfield Town, and at that point, the Swede was facing criticism from a number of quarters.
Lindelof has certainly improved in recent weeks, however, with the summer signing from Benfica taking advantage of the absences of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo during stages of this season.
In fact, whilst almost all of his fellow United defenders have spent time out of action, Lindelof has been available for head coach Jose Mourinho.
The 23-year-old, who is valued at £19.8m by transfermarkt.co.uk, again played at right-back during United’s 2-0 win over Everton on New Year’s Day.
A solid and professional performance from Lindelof helped his team claim all three points, and the United supporters hailed the defender after the match.
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A selection of the best Twitter reaction to Lindelof’s performance can be found below:
Liverpool’s situation with their forwards has not been ideal this season. Balotelli cannot find the back of the net despite that being his job, Rickie Lambert has disappeared into the footballing wilderness and Daniel Sturridge has struggled to maintain fitness. His current injury will see him sidelined until September this year, a month into the next Premier League season. So should Liverpool be worried?
His current ailment – a hip injury – required Sturridge to undergo surgery in New York. This injury seems to be his most serious to date – but this is one of many. Sturridge missed out on games from September to January after picking up a thigh injury. In order to recover, he flew out to America for rehabilitation.
Sturridge did pick up injuries last season, but none that have kept him out for this long. This is putting huge pressure on Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers. With Luis Suarez gone, Sturridge is their next best forward. With him gone, it’s a bit of a shambles. This leaves Rodgers with an uphill battle in order to secure an efficient forward in the summer.
Daniel Sturridge has scored just four times this season, along with one assist. Compare that to his numbers for last season – 21 goals and 7 assists and it is easy to see why there is cause for concern. Add that to the fact they are missing out on around 30 goals without Suarez, it’s no wonder Liverpool have dropped down the table this year.
Liverpool should be worried about the fitness of Daniel Sturridge. The player needs to be fully prepared when he does eventually make his return to football, but at just 25, these types of injuries raise alarm.
Rodgers must be smart about who he brings to Anfield this summer. He needs back up going forward, because who knows how things are going to turn out with Mario Balotelli. When Sturridge is fit, he is vital for Liverpool. When he is not, he is hard to replace, so a return to form for Sturridge next year is what everyone at Liverpool will be hoping for.
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