My Premiership Team of the Season - 2012/2013

I'm going to do a few team of the season's in the next few days just to round the season off, most of the decisions are pretty self explanatory looking at what they have done for their respective sides but still here we go.

GK - David De Gea

- There weren't many keepers who essentially were in the running for this, purely because defensively teams have been all over the place this season and keepers have made key errors which has been punished. David De Gea joined United in June 2011. Since then he's had two seasons in the Premier League but it still feels like yesterday that the nimble shot stopper flew north from Spain. His first season was slightly error strewn due to the unaccustomed nature of the Premier League. Whether it be the flight of the ball or the physical aspect of the game, the ex Athletico-Madrid man was struggling. The problem he had was the errors he did make were high profile and in the spotlight.

This season has been slightly different, Not only has De Gea built himself up physically but he's accumulated plenty of experience which will serve him well in the future. This season on average it has taken opponents 3.55 shots on target per game to beat him, which is a pretty decent record. He played 28 games this season and made 84 saves in the Premier League alone. 11 clean sheets isn't too bad considering the pressure to succeed he's under. Starlet.

RB - Pablo Zabaleta

- Another position which doesn't shower itself in glory, consistency is key in this position and many players this season have fallen short here. Rafael and Azpilicueta have had strong displays but not all the way through which is why i've gone with Zabaleta. Same goes for Kyle Walker and Glen Johnson, strong showings but defensive frailties often exposed at key times. All talented players in their own right but consistency was key in this decision and that's why I've gone with reliable Manchester City right back Zabaleta. Played 22 times in an injury hit season but his positioning and consistency combined with his ability to bomb forward is a reason why this man was picked.

CB - Jan Vertonghen

- Easy decision for me here, Vertonghen in his first season since signing from Ajax and he has proved a hit since day one. Not only is his versatility across the back vitally important but he is good in the air and with the ball at his feet. What really makes him stand out from other defensive units is the fact he scores a lot of goals from defence. 48 appearances in his debut season across the board and 7 goals which is a great return for a defender. 47 appearances for Belgium and at the age of 26 there are plenty of years to come from Vertonghen. Other players which could have made this position is, Ashley Williams, Phil Jagileka and David Luiz.

CB - Matija Nastasic

- A surprise one here considering the form of Rio Ferdinand but we know the quality of the ex England man and he just stepped it up this season but for me it's the rise of the Manchester City Serbian newcomer Nastasic. He was bought initally as a replacement for train wreck defender Stefan Savic in an exchange plus money. 15 euros were parted with to Fiorentina for his services and his performances have been a real strong point in an otherwise disappointing season for Man City. He brings the ball out from defence and is comfortable but his tactical astuteness and positioning for such a young man is commendable. With Vincent Kompany injured for great lengths this season the emergence of the Serb has been justifiable. 25 appearances and holding off the challenge of Lescott and Kolo Toure in addition to this.

LB - Leighton Baines

- A pretty straightforward choice here, it could have been a straight shoot out between both England left back's Ashley Cole has been superb defensively for Chelsea but what separates Baines from Cole is the fact he not only bombs forward but his crossing and decision making is excellent. Baines created over 100 chances which is the highest all over Europe and that's from a defender. In a better side he would have been able to win things his performances surely deserved. His relationship with Steven Pieenar has been vital to Everton's success this season. His consistency as well has been vitally important having been involved in every game of the Premier League season. Outstanding.

LM - Gareth Bale

- Another position which was pretty much sown up early doors. Gareth Bale has been mesmeric at times this season and unplayable. We all know about his physical fitness and his ability to run up and down the touchline and of course his speed and power to beat a man has been commended in the past. This season he has developed even more characteristics which make him the hottest property in world football. When signed from Southampton we knew about his dead ball ability particularly free kicks but he has developed a technique similar to Cristiano Ronaldo which makes him technically gifted on all fronts. Also this season Bale has played on the right hand side of midfield, since he plays a fleeting drifting midfielder role. This has given him the license to cut in and unleash some absolute world class strikes. Most notably against West Brom, Southampton and West Ham. All of these were winners remember. Bale has played 44 games this season and scored 26 goals in that time. 21 In the league. That's astounding for a winger.

CM - Santi Cazorla

- Arsenal's season hasn't exactly been lifting the world alight but the emergence of Santi Cazorla has really given Arsene Wenger optimism for the following season. Santi has the ability to carry the ball, but also to distribute it well. If you add this to his creativity and the fact he chips in with a few goals it's the perfect combination for a centre midfielder. His partnership with Ramsey and Wilshire when put together has offered Arsenal reassuring displays that they can challenge for top honours again. Having played 49 games this season since signing from Malaga and having scored 12 goals and creating 16 goals, you could say it's been a real highlight for Arsenal. 52 caps for Spain show he is a world class talent and at the age of 28 he still has plenty to offer for seasons to come.

CM - Juan Mata

- The obvious suprise package this season would have been Miguel Michu for Swansea as an attacking midfielder with 22 goals to his name but i've gone with Spanish ball player Juan Mata purely because of his creativity and the sheer amount of games he gets through. Chelsea paid 23.5 million for Mata from Valencia and he has definitely paid them back through sheer appearances alone let alone assists. He has played 64 games this season due to the demanding Europa League schedule and has created 35 goals this season that's sheer class. Remember that's more than Robin Van Persie has scored all season and he finished top goalscorer. When you add that to the fact he's scored 12 goals in the league and has 17 assists in addition to this. Juan Mata is simply superb. Only played 23 games for his country which just shows the sheer quality of Spain's midfield.

RM - Eden Hazard

- "Eden Hazard could be just as good as Messi over the next couple of seasons" - Paul Scholes

- Eden Hazard shocked the world when he signed for the then European Champions Chelsea for 32 million pounds and it looked like a gamble for both sides. Would Hazard get used to the physicality and have Chelsea overspent. Well the answer is yes and no. What he has over many other players except perhaps Gareth Bale is age. He is only 22 which means he hasn't even hit his peak yet and in his debut season he has been world class. Hazard has played 62 times this season only 4 behind star man Mata and this all in his first season. The EL campaign has forced these players to play through burnout and that has given Chelsea fans numerous chances to see this man mature. Having only missed 4 games in the Premier League, Hazard's importance to the team is overwhelming. 11 assists in the Premier League so only 6 behind Mata in his debut season show how vital he has become.

LS - Luis Suarez

- A controversial choice but let's be honest it's a pretty obvious one at that. 44 appearances this season before he controversially bit Branislav Ivanovic. 30 goals and 11 assists were yielded from that figure and for a striker that's pretty much at the top level. Only Van Persie scored more in the league and he was with the league champions not a side that finished 7th. If it weren't for his transgressions then he would be the complete footballer. As it stands he's the complete striker and is courting interest from Real Madrid and Bayern although the other slightly wavering. His ability to dribble the ball and find the net is almost 5 a side - esque. He has scored some wonderful goals this season including that long ball close control finish he showed against Newcastle. Now that Liverpool have given him more support in their side with the signings of Sturridge and Aspas. You can bet he won't be solely relied on anymore.

RS - Robin Van Persie

- A pretty nailed on choice, Last season he scored 30 goals for Arsenal as they clinched top 4 but once United came calling and offered the Dutchman the move he took it with both hands. He hasn't scored as much this season but what he has done is create much more as a striker and that's why United fans have taken to him so well. They have reclaimed the title straight back from their neighbours this season and much has gone down to the efforts of this man particularly early season before he suffered a blip. 8 assists isn't monumental for a striker but his general hold up play and finishing which has been his trademark through his career were impecable throughout the season and that's why he's in my team of the season. Crucial goals against Man City and Liverpool also make him fan favourites. A top buy for 24 million and will keep Arsene Wenger up at night after losing him.


Thanks for taking a read and leave a comment or just tweet me at @Daniel_John08 on what you think, these are just my opinions and everyone's entitled to their own.

Daniel John

Foreign Investment - The End of Football

It's common knowledge that the Premier League is richly invested and sought after. Big Risk big reward right?...well judging by the new parachute payments being brought in next season then wrong. There is of course the Financial Fair Play ruling which equals teams in terms of spending but this could be a step back. This basically allows sides to spend as much as they can knowing that if the worst happens they will get 60 million in various payments.

So when you look at the stats, the sides who will really benefit from this is everyone, well it's starting to swerve that way. I understand that when you get relegated from the richest league in the world there are consequences but that's the risk you take when go up in the first place. It's encouraging teams to spend astronomical amounts on wages and transfers in the knowledge that they could sell their assets or recieve extra money to fund these star players.

QPR brought in players like Loic Remy(Above) and Christopher Samba and even players like Jermaine Jenas and Julio Cesar these are top players but also with huge ego's something's got to give.  I remember reading an article by then Barnsley boss Keith Hill after losing 2-1 to Blackburn he felt his side were not on an even playing field. "Clubs that get relegated get rewarded financially, how does that make sense" what the man is trying to vindicate is absolutely spot on. You've got sides who spend within their means in the Championship and get consistently outspent even by the returning relegation fodder each season.

Let's not paint over the obvious, once you reach the so called Holy Land the financial benefits are unbelievable, almost unprecedented but there needs to be a limit. In the past sides would take the risk because well it's a risk and paid for it, I.e Bradford/Barnsley. So what needs to happen because something has to give, There's two ways they can go from here, one being that they reduce the amount of parachute payments and instead offer support and guidance to those clubs who lose out each season, FA implemented of course. Or simply offer a strict limit of spending on certain clubs who also face inevitable relegation.

One thing is for sure, Even if you get lucky and get promoted and relegated in the following season you will be financially better off in the long run which will force clubs to make a decision on whether to gamble or stick and that's the real overiding problem.

Much Appreciated
D.John

Spurs, Arsenal or even Liverpool...

The race for Top 4 is heating up in the Premier League as it usually does this time of year. The odds are pretty varied, it could really go anywhere such is the suprise of the sport. Only have to look at Bradford's run to the Capital One Cup final as evidence of football's conscience. Before the season you would be sure that Spurs would struggle to attack the top 4 this season after losing fine performers such as Luka Modric and Rafael Van Der Vaart. What Spurs did well is that they bought two players in the same vein i.e. Dembele and Dempsey. It was essentially replacing established European talents with Premier League starlets which is a risk but a great risk to make in the first place.

Harry Redknapp left in the summer despite acquiring a 4th place finish which even he will felt hard done by. Chelsea won the Champions League and defeated all odds which is why Spurs didn't get their deserved shot at Europe. AVB came in or Andre Villas Boas to be exact, what he's brought to Spurs he didn't have time to at Chelsea. He's given them discipline and attacking verve and with more backing could have made more of this already fruitful season.
                                                Spurs have all the foundations set for an attack on the top four year after year. They have quality players in the form of Bale, Dembele, Defoe, Lloris and Vertonghen and a brilliant support at WHL. The problem they have is the fact that there are 5/6 clubs attacking that fourth place and all within their means to make a sustainable assault. Their rivals from across the way Arsenal despite having another poor season by their standards are close behind with an easier run in. Add that to the likes of Liverpool and West Brom it's that time of year again.

What we have to remember is this time last year Spurs tailed off and could have stolen 3rd place if their naievity hadn't let them down. AVB will not let them make the same mistake again.

Spurs need to realise that over reliance on Bale will come back to haunt them, Arsenal are coming into form and their turning point beating Bayern Munich away. Either way the race for 4th could down to the wire.

Is Possession Really Important?

If you have the ball then your opponent can't hurt you right? wrong!. Having the majority of possession means you are most likely to have more chances and win matches but that's not always the case and here's why. Swansea's possession statistics are astounding their average possession last season was 57% which means they had to dominate most games home and away. The amount of passes made in open play comes up to 20791 which is just short of Man City's total of 20864 but well ahead of the rest of the so called top 6 as it is now.

The main difference as you can see above is the stat underneath Total Open Play Passes which is % Forward which illustrates that whilst Swansea had plenty of the ball it was essentially worthless because it didn't head forward and that unfortunately is where the goals are to be had. When Newcastle came down here and let us have the majority of the ball and still came away 2-0 winners is a clear ethos of that problem. It may not look like that much of a percentage but during the season it really is important. Much had been made of Swansea's style of football but it counts for nothing if 3 points are not on the menu at the end of the day.

Their OPP completion as illustrated here is up there with all the top clubs and it shows that they can retain the ball better than anyone else to a certain degree. The slight problem is that passing sideways and backwards isn't ideal if you're in need of a goal there needs to be more penetration which doesn't mean the long ball theory because that would be abandoning all beliefs. I think the most alarming fact here is that Swansea had well over the lowest amount of shots compared to the top 6 with 335 almost a few hundred under the rest which shows lack of penetration or an earlier ball forward was really needed with Swansea only claiming one goal on the break last season v Fulham away and that was one of the few times when Swansea were clear and precise with possession. Conversation of chances rate at 13% is decent for the amount of chances created but still not good enough to really compete and that has to be changed this season with the likes of Michu, De Guzman and co. 

Ways To Succeed

Crossing

Perhaps Swansea need to put the ball in the box more as in some early crosses or quickfire ones across the floor to really unsettle the opposition. Only Fulham and Bolton achieved less open play crosses last season and look what happened to the latter. Swansea's measly 550 crosses which over the season is really poor, Bolton again had the lowest cross accuracy with 17% which is less than Swansea's 18% illustrates that although Swansea keep it on the floor there needs to be more crosses put into the box because Euro 2012 proved that balls into the boxes can really unsettle an opponent and force them into mistakes. Much of Norwich's goals came from crosses and they had the highest percentage in 25% which resulted in their lofty position so if there was a way that Swansea could combine both you would think it's a straightforward season. 

Open Play Goals

Swansea finished last season with the 7th highest open play goal scoring statstics conveniently behind the top 6 where were a few more goals higher which illustrates that Swansea need more goals this season. The expected sides are at the bottom with Blackburn, Stoke and even Liverpool are there with 14,19 and 24. Manchester City had the most shots in the box last season and well the Premier League came that way which is not to say that Swansea could win the league if they start pumping shots at goal but you get the idea.

Man City had 452 shots compared to Swansea's 252 almost 200 less which is not only vital to important goals but also the more chances you create it's obvious you are at least going to score a few. In addition to this Swansea weren't really getting headers in the box particularly at goal with only 56 headers at goal which over 38 games is poor at best although since Swansea are a passing side you can see that headers aren't really a prerogative because Man City's statistics are around the same level. I think this area summarizes the fact that if Swansea were to cross it needs to be accurate and precise because without that physical presence in the box it's hard to manage.

It's key to remember that sides such as Swansea, Man City, Barcelona and possession based sides play to their strengths and these are not on of them although unlike the latter two Swansea possess a lower chance creation stat which surely has to be addressed.

Move The Ball Quicker?

Swansea had two players last season who were near the top enduring fouls. Scott Sinclair( although might be leaving remember) and Nathan Dyer were key to the Swans success last season and paid dividends for it with Sinclair 63 fouls and Dyer 1 ahead, only 6 other players were fouled more which include Suarez, Moses and Sessegnon. Dyer was fouled almost every 37 mins per game with only Suarez again being brought down on more occasion. Other teams realise that commiting fouls is a clever way to stop the Swans way of playing because it takes them out of their strongest zone which is open play. Crosses into the box as I have already illustrated is not the idea of the side and therefore will not bring in goals from it. Quick freekicks are always essential to the Swans but perhaps an earlier punt into the box to catch the opposition unaware could be an idea?

Gaining Back Possession

Leon Britton finished in 6th in regaining back possession last season alongside Joe Allen and that was key to the Swans success because the pressure that he put on other players won the ball back and allowed us to manipulate possession. Leon didn't head forward that much so his percentage was in his defensive third behind the half way line. Fallaini, Mulumbu and Song of Everton, West Brom and Arsenal respectively all ranked higher and all play in the same position which illustrates how important the role of holding midfielder is to a side. Leon won the ball every 11 minutes per game which is key to the side and if you notice Gareth Barry does it for Man City and Sergio Busquets of Barcelona play the same roles effectively. 

Try Killer Ball More Often?

Swansea's main problem before Gylfi Sigurdsson arrived last season was lacking the penetrative through ball required to reward from. When he arrived you could see that more chances were created but still not enough because it still didn't address the fact that Swansea would aim sideways rather than through which is fine but not perhaps if you are trying to win a game which something Michael Laudrup is keen to address. Juan Mata and David Silva were the top chance creator's last season with 3/2.9 per game created which is more than Swansea average in most games on their own, only Mark Gower was close to that as he was once heralded as the most creative midfielder in Europe which i'm sure he made a huge deal out of.

Swansea and Everton were the only sides with defensive creators with their wingbacks such as Leighton Baines and Neil Taylor and Angel Rangel key to their sides success although both sides use their attacking full backs to great extent. It doesn't matter if you're left footed or right because chances can come from both feet which dis-encourages the idea that right footed players are more creative.

This Graph here clearly illustrates that most chances last season came from the left hand side of midfield although I think Swansea were the only club where the right hand was more evident with Rangel overlapping Dyer there was plenty of attacking force down that side. This is an overall graph from all teams from last season by the way.

If Swansea are going to be more penetrative their are going to have to use more variety from all sides of the pitch whether it be a hopeless long ball from the Centre Backs or a through ball from the holding midfielder something has to give because chances need not only be created but converted as well.

(All statistics and graphs are from http://www.eplindex.com/)

Thanks For Reading
Much Appreciated
D.John

Are the bigger clubs ruining football

The ethos for small clubs in the Premier League is to essentially do well and develop a style that will help them succeed in the league and the use of key players particularly youngsters has been catching the eye recently. As soon as they make a name for themselves, a bid from a so called 'big club' comes in and then a crucial decision is needed to be made and at such a young age. Recent acquisitions such as Joe Allen and Jack Rodwell, both of Swansea and Everton respectively.

These two talented midfielders have essentially 2/3 years Premier League seasons experience between them so why are they in so much demand.

Fair Play League

There are new rules coming into play illustrating that each club has to have a certain amount of home grown players who have trained in England for a few years this also relates to teams competing in Europe which is probably one of many reasons why British wonderkids are sought after. If you haven't notice look at the fact that British players are more pricier than foreign exports which is why the sellers have the ball firmly in their court. Why would you want to sign a player for 10/20 million when you could steal someone just as good at around half the price because our Spanish counterparts need the money. Most clubs in La Liga are struggling to stay afloat you only have to look at Malaga etc. Swansea sold Allen for 15 and brought in Michu for 2 it just goes to show how much the market has changed recently. Manchester United brought in Nick Powell from Crewe and Man City and Liverpool have brought in these two players.

So What's The Problem?

Well a team can spend plenty of hours making a player come through the ranks and propel him onto the world stage and watch him grow and if he does well then the club yields the results from it. The problem is that if he does well then the vultures of world football will be on hand to snatch him and give him that bumper contract he craves and his chance to win silverware albeit overshadowed by first team guarantees. What can the smaller club do though?, Well the answer is simply nothing and just try and hold out for the best possible deal because more often or not the player will force the move. There seems to be a lack of protection for the smaller clubs despite being paid fees, you can't just simply replace a key player despite the money.

So What Can They Do To Protect Themselves

Well slapping a brand new contract if he has less than two years to run on his existing contract to make it harder for potential suitors so at least they can provide compensation. Or offer him the biggest contract you can because most players are thinking about their future and finance over football and even trophies. There's the obvious idea of not playing the key player but then the team misses out overall. There really isn't much a smaller side can do to prevent the bigger sides from robbing them of their best assets and even the money offered is a poor compromise at best.

So YES! bigger sides are ruining it for smaller ones because they should have much better and established academies on which to push on from so why are they robbing the smaller sides when they have nowhere near the same facilities to advance is sheer astounding. Something needs to be put in place otherwise it will always remain the top 4 and more importantly the top 6 in some cases.

Much Appreciated
D.John

Over-Paid Footballers At It Again

So as the Olympics came to a beautiful end on Sunday night you could really feel that it was an end of an era. Never has so many different sports united a country in the way our home Olympiad has. Performances from Take That, Madness and Spice Girls not including the Who! just show how much this country wanted to put GB on the world stage, In my opinion with 29 gold medals and plenty more silver and bronze we can see the games as a huge success. It has not only brought people together but also allowed more and more youngsters to join into these sports like cycling and co. Tears and elation were shared throughout the fortnight but in essence the fact that it's over serves almost as an anti-climax.

These pictures just how much of a show was put on last night, everything came together in a flash of brilliance but to only call it a flash would be insulting to the whole spectacle. All the countries united once again and there was an element of sentiment in the air that everything was over and another 4 years was to suffice. Whether you like the artists performing or not it's not worth underestimating their value to the country. It's hard to summarise in words what this whole event did for this country but I hope that it at least inspired everyone to be better people, better athletes. The moment when it really felt like everything was disappearing was the handover to Brazil as the next host nation you could feel the whole country not only take a deep breath of relief but share a moment of sadness as everything leaves. 

So London 2012 a definite success but leaves a mourning in each and every one of us that the chance to see the Olympics on a home stage has gone and passed us already. One thing is for sure the athletes of GB should be proud of themselves even the parents of the athletes and the coaches and everyone involved deserves a huge line of credit just for applying themselves so well in the tournament. People like Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah and Chris Hoy don't just come along every few months it takes time to build superstars and even longer to mould them but one thing for sure is that the future's bright in Great Britain and long may it continue.

On A Slightly Different Flavour

First game of the season and it's known as the curtain raiser a mere friendly to raise money for charities and communities with very little on offer and after the Olympics a chance to put football on the world stage again for the good. It seemed like despite the wet conditions that both sides came to entertain but then football had it's wicked way again as petulant over-paid superstars were acting like children again. We saw it a few days before with Rafael of Manchester United acting nothing like of a role model when he was substituted, you would think they would understand by now.

There were a few nasty tackles coming in early in this game and you could feel the temperature simmering and for what practically a meaningless friendly, Football as we know is a powerful weapon but it's features are less than satisfying. Yellow cards were being handed out like they were already pre-written out. Add that to the fact we had some players like Eden Hazard just throwing themselves to the floor it's really why we fell in love with the Olympics and not football for this season. The fact Branislav Ivanovic went for a two footed lunge on Kolarov in the 40th minute of a friendly clearly illustrates how desperate of help the game needs. It's almost embarrassing that we have these players who are paid in excess of 50 thousand a week but can't hold their temperament for everyone watching. I understand that in the match situation that the heat of the moment can prevail but not every minute of the match it's insulting. The London 2012 Medallists from GB they don't have these so called wages they even have to earn jobs on side to help so why do they behave themselves and behave like icons in today's society, simply one word... respect.

Despite some exciting football in the season half there were still more cards to come and some tackles well which make you just want to take up a new sport in whole. Man City won the tie 3-2 with goals from Yaya Toure, Carlos Tevez and Samir Nasri in contrast to goals from Fernando Torres and Ryan Bertrand but the result was insignificant it's the consequences that once again we can see that football really is losing it's way with it's fans. Where do we go from here? well that's a question we shall see answered over the course of the season. There needs to be a change somewhere so we can see some decency and fair play and at least some courtesy instead of players trying to get others sent off and diving around throwing their bodies around like children it's not why we all fell in love with the sport and could be the reason we fall out of live with it.
For me 2012 will always be about London 2012 and everything within and you would be mad to look past that.

Much Appreciated
D.John