5 Players under 23 who would improve every premier league club

The Rosey Wrap examines some of the brightest young talent available...

1. David Alaba (Age 20)
   
   A 20 year old with a champions league winners medal around his neck is more wanted in world football than a Scottish to English translator is on the ESPN football coverage.  Bayern’s Austrian Left back David Alaba boasts just that. At 20 years old, he has already cemented himself as Bayern’s starting left back, won 2 bundesliga titles, a DFB Pokal title and secured 24 national team caps, after becoming Austria’s youngest ever debutant at 17 years old.  TransferMarkt.co.uk estimates his transfer value at roughly €22 million, reflecting just how valuable he has become, considering his age and experience on the biggest of all stages.
   
   
   The Premier league’s big spenders will surely have their eyes on Alaba with very few world class left backs plying their trade in England. This could well be a chance for clubs in the mould of Manchester City, Chelsea or Manchester United to sign a player they will expect to occupy a spot in their starting 11 for a solid decade. Do not be surprised if Alaba is linked to Manchester City and/or Chelsea for a ludicrous sum this window, however I would be surprised if he makes the switch.
   
   
2. Christian Eriksen (Age 21)
   
   Ajax midfield maestro Christian Eriksen has been linked with big money moves to Liverpool and Manchester United almost every transfer window in recent memory. The Dane is widely expected to leave the Eredivise this window as some of Europe’s biggest clubs lurk in the wings. At 21 years of age, he has already played over 100 games for Ajax as well as featuring 27 times for his country, winning a number of awards on the way, including 3 consecutive Eredivise titles, Danish talent of the year 2010 and Danish Football Player of the Year in 2011. Having seemingly achieved all he can for Ajax many tip that this will be the year which he moves to England, and with Liverpool’s interest already confirmed, they could well be his destination.
   
   
   Eriksen would represent a coup for whoever signed him, as is the case with most players on this list, he already boasts a large amount of top flight experience at a very young age, and this is what will ensure that clubs will be willing to offset a large amount of funds for his signature. 
   
   
3. Romelu Lukaku (Age 20)
   
   Massive Belgian Lukaku looks more like a wrestler than a footballer, his strength and eye for goal are his main assets as he showed in his loan spell with West Bromwich Albion this season. Scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances, Lukaku showed exactly what a force he can be and is widely tipped to secure a position in Chelsea’s first team squad on his return next season. Dubbed ‘the next Drogba’ he already has 19 national team caps under his belt and would command a transfer fee close to €20 million. He proved this season what a force he is, and would almost certainly be snapped up by one of Chelsea’s competitors should the opportunity arise. He would improve the final third capabilities of any and every premier league side as he possesses the attributes of a smaller player in a 1.9m tall frame. 
   
   
4. Mario Gotze (Age 20)
   
   New Bayern signing Mario Gotze is considered by some as the hottest youngster in world football. Commanding a transfer fee of over €30 million in his move from Borussia Dortmund to rivals Munich, Gotze managed 10 goals and 13 assists from 28 matches in this year’s bundesliga, stats which reflect just how good he is. A goal scoring midfielder is something needed by every club and there simply aren’t all that many at work in the premier league right now. At 20 years of age, he has already featured over 20 times for the German national team and is valued highly by Joachim Löw’s side.
   
   
   Considering his signing of a contract at Bayern for next season, he will not be moving to the premier league, he has been included on this list as he is quite simply a player who possesses all of the qualities needed to succeed in England and is a player who every premier league manager would jump at having in their side.
   
   
5. Mario Balotelli (Age 22 )
   
   The man who every Premier league fan misses, more controversial than drugs in sport, a worse haircut than Mister T and a rap sheet longer than O.J Simpson, it’s the Italian menace Mario Balotelli! The now 22 year old, collects the title of the most arrogant man in football and yet he is someone who you just cannot take your eyes off. Simply magnificent on the ball, the ex-Manchester city striker now with A.C Milan had a stellar start to his second stint in Italy, scoring 24 goals in 26 matches and proving himself unbelievably important for Milan.
   
   Despite his past controversies, including throwing darts at youth team players and almost burning down his house celebrating a victory before it happened with fireworks, he is still a player who would be well wanted at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Scoring for fun in the serie A, City could well be kicking themselves for letting him go, and without a doubt he could add something to the forward line of every premier league club.

The Graduating Class of 2013: What have each of the 2013 Barclays Premier League retirees contributed to their respective clubs this season?

The Rosey Wrap examines the careers and the current seasons contribution of this years retirees to their respective clubs,

1. Jamie Carragher
   
   
   Liverpool’s second top appearance maker of all time was farewelled by an adoring Anfield crowd yesterday as he played in his 508^th premier league match for the Reds against QPR.  Debuting in the 1996/97 season, Carragher spent the entirety of his career with his boyhood club, in a career which spanned over 16 years. This season, Carragher featured 24 times for the Reds and was back to characteristically solid form after playing an understudy role to Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel last season. The 35 year old delivered even more than what manager Brendan Rodgers had expected from him this season, and he leaves the game with an astounding résumé, and as a player who is and always will be beloved by Liverpool fans for his passion, grit and integrity.  The number 23 will join the Sky Sports commentary team next season; let’s hope his commentary is more coherent than Brendan Rodgers’ press conferences…
   
   
2. Paul Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson
   
   
   Paul Scholes called time on his career for a second time yesterday as the man who prompted him to come out of retirement managed his 1500^th and final match. Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement took many by surprise, after securing United’s 20^th premier league title. This season, Fergie has been as influential as ever, signing Robin Van Persie from Arsenal for a hefty sum, a move which some would pontificate won the title for the Red Devils. The ‘Ginger Ninja’ hangs up his boots once and for all at the age of 38. Having made his premier league debut in the 1994/95 season, Scholes was an ever present in the United midfield, making at least 20 appearances each premier league season until the 2010/11 season.  This season, Scholes made 16 premier league appearances proving that even in his advanced age he could still control a midfield, retiring with his 11^th premier league winner’s medal in hand as well as the record as the player with the second most premier league yellow cards to his name with 99 in 499 appearances. He and his manager will certainly be missed by the Old Trafford faithful as Manchester United enter into a new era, other clubs will be hoping it will not be anywhere near as successful as the previous one.
   
   
3. Stiliyan Petrov
   
   
   The inspirational Aston Villa captain was diagnosed with acute Leukemia in March 2012, prompting for a long absence from the game. Throughout his absence, Villa fans took part in a minute silence in the 19^th minute of every match, 19 being the number worn by their beloved captain. The man they call ‘Stan’ will bow out with 185 premier league appearances for Villa under his belt as well as 9 goals and will be missed sorely at Villa Park. At 33 years of age, Petrov retires without playing a match in the 2012/13 campaign, but this does not reflect his influence at Villa this season. A constant presence, adored by all, masks of his face placed on away team seats as yesterday’s match a testament to just how much he will be missed and how he will be remembered at Villa park.
4. Paulo Fereira
   
   
   A forgotten man at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho’s €20 million signing at the beginning of the 2004/05 season will leave the club with 141 premier league appearances under his belt. The Portuguese right back will retire having made just 2 appearances this season for the Blues, an adequate reflection of just how unimportant he had become at Stanford Bridge, the time is right for him to go. Chelsea fans will no doubt be saying ‘Bon Voyage!’ to yet another expensive player to not live up to their price tag, but the question remains… will Roman Abramovich ever realize that money does not grow on trees?
   
   
5. Phil Neville
   
   
   36 year old Everton captain Phil Neville will retire with 505 premier league appearances and 9 goals from right back, after a career which spanned roughly 18 years in which he featured for his youth club Manchester United as well as the toffees. This season, Neville made 18 appearances for Everton and showed the leadership and experience which is essential to any premier league football club in nurturing youth and winning matches. Neville can retire with the knowledge that his club finished above rivals Liverpool for two consecutive seasons and will be hoping that they can extend this feat another year even after losing manager David Moyes to Neville’s former club.
   
   
6. Michael Owen
   
   
   A man of many clubs, Michael Owen retires after spending a brief stint as Stoke City’s number 10, scoring 1 goal in 8 appearances. Having played for Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United as well as the Potters, Owen’s celebrated career comes to an end after 326 matches, with 150 goals. He will be remembered as one of the most naturally prolific strikers the league has seen. This season however, he featured very minimally and failed to find his feet at Stoke after spending much of the season hampered by injury.
   
   
   
   
   That’s Rosey’s Wrap on the premier league’s retiring footballers of 2012/13,
   
   
   We wish them the best of luck in the next chapter of their lives and careers,
   
   
   Thanks for reading,
   
   
   Jake Rosengarten

Impacts of the resignation of Sir Alex Ferguson, and the appointment of David Moyes on English football

This week will go down as one of the most eventful in the history of Manchester United as well as the recent history of world football. With the retirement of the man who many believe is the greatest football manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, and the appointment of his successor David Moyes, I think it is time to look at the ramifications that these events will have on the future of world football.

Sir Alex has had great control of the English top flight for much of the last 26 years, since his appointment as manager of Manchester United after leading Aberdeen to a champions league final victory over Real Madrid. Since taking over at United, he has turned them from a middle of the table side into one of the most dominant sides in club football, since being under his control, they have won an unprecedented 13 premier league titles, 5 FA cups, 4 league cups, 10 community shields as well as 2 champions league titles. These stats are simply astonishing, and he as a manger, has won more titles than any other club in England has in their entire history, aside from Liverpool.

His retirement is seen as wonderful news for the supporters of every club except for Manchester United, whose fans were in mourning, with many disappointed with the appointment of David Moyes as his replacement. This shows just how devastatingly good he was, the fans of every other club in England are breathing a sigh of relief as they no longer have to watch United take title after title after title, or at least they hope so.  New United manager David Moyes will be hoping the good times continue and the titles keep on flowing at Untied, after being appointed from Everton with no trophies under his belt. His appointment was swift after United fans were shocked at Sir Alex’s departure, whilst still at the summit of English football, after securing United’s 20^th league title this season.

David Moyes was one of many names tossed around in the press directly after Ferguson’s announcement, others included Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp and even ex-United player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However Moyes emerged as the victor and was greeted by some and immediately untrusted by other United fans, just hours after his appointment #moyesout was trending on twitter. However, something that United fans can agree on is that Ferguson was one of the all-time greats of the club, and this was showcased nicely at Old Trafford on Sunday as they fare welled the man known as ‘Fergie’ after their 2-1 victory over Swansea. The ceremony brought many to tears, as an era ended in English football, the dominance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, Sir Alex was not loved by all, and he had a fair share of controversies during his time in charge at United. He was responsible for the exit of David Beckham amongst other players after falling out with the bad tempered Scotsman. As well as being fined on numerous occasions by the FA for comments made about match officials. Love him or loathe him, the man could make a football team win, and that he did on 895 occasions during his 26 year reign at Manchester United.

That’s rosey’s wrap of Sir Alex’s retirement,

Farewell Sir Alex,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

4 things learnt from Fulham vs Liverpool (12/5/13)

1. Daniel Sturridge can be England’s top striker

On a marvellous afternoon at Craven Cottage, one man outperformed the rest. Lightning quick, ex-Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge stamped his name all over a potentially dull match with a triad of marvelous finishes. Goals in the 36^th, 62nd and 85th minutes - all which showed off all of his best assets, his pace, trickery and finishing, comprised his first ever premier league hat trick. This mercurial performance could well have caught the eye of England national team manager Roy Hodgson. In addition to Sturridge, England have recently used all of the likes of Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney, but Sturridge will be looking to beat these players to a permanent spot in the first 11.

At the age of 23, if Sturridge were to be given a chance by Hodgson and he added to his current international goal tally of 1, scored in March’s 8-0 demolition of San Marino, then he could potentially set himself up for a long illustrious career at the highest level of the game. However, one thing is for sure, Sturridge certainly has the skills to play at the very highest level and to forge himself a reputation as a consistent goal-threat. His current tally with Liverpool is 11 goals from 15 games, a tally which would be envied by the very best.

2. Fulham desperately need a quality central midfielder

One thing looked certain to me as Liverpool’s midfield dominated the likes of Greek international Giorgos Karagounis and Ajax loanee Eyong Enoh, Fulham could be a very good side if they were to sign a top notch central midfielder. Considering Liverpool were missing their greatest midfield asset Steven Gerrard, this should be an issue of great concern to Fulham manager Martin Jol.

Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva passed the ball around at will, as they played 61 and 67 passes respectively, whilst successfully controlling the midfield battle. Overall, Fulham did not put up a bad fight on the day, carving out a couple of good chances and only finding themselves going down due to a few moments of brilliance from Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The midfield was where Fulham lost the match, and had they not been so overwhelmed in this area the match could well have resulted in 3 points for Fulham and not the unwanted record of their first ever 4-game home losing streak.

If Jol were to look to strengthen this aspect of his side then there would be a few options out there for him. One name that leaps to mind is Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who, since arriving on Tyneside has proved himself as one of the top playmakers in the premier league, however he could prove a bit dear for a side like Fulham. Another one to watch could be Wigan Athletic’s James Mccarthy, who could come on the cheap if Wigan are unable to stave off the drop.

3. Liverpool are capable of playing good football without Suarez, Gerrard and Agger.

Liverpool fielded a new look team in this match, employing a 5-3-1-1, with some seemingly odd positional changes, and the absence of key players Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, and obviously, through suspension, Luis Suarez. In doing this, Brendan Rodgers showed his trust in his youth players, such as Jonjo Shelvey and Andre Wisdom who returned to the starting lineup after a long layoff. 

This match also showed just how deep Liverpool’s roster can be, in previous years, without the likes of Gerrard especially, Liverpool have struggled to gain any penetration in midfield. However this was not the case in this match, with Lucas and Henderson providing the influence deep, and Philippe Coutinho supplying the attacking prowess. This showing could prove strong for Rodgers if injury were to strike next season, as he ponders who to trust in the absence of usual starters.

4. Liverpool must sign a centre back if they are to be top four contenders

The scorecard seemingly reflects a reasonably comfortable afternoon for the likes of Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates, however this wasn’t the reality. Both Struggled at points to distribute from the back as well as to keep the dangerous Dimitar Berbatov and former Liverpool academy player Alexander Kacaniklic. One incident springs to mind in which, Coates could potentially have received a red card after colliding with Kacaniclic as last man.

This told me one thing, if Liverpool hope to reinstate themselves as one of England’s fabled top four, then they must strengthen the centre back position, especially with the impending retirement of Jamie Carragher. Names that have been rumoured to be on the table are that of Swansea’s Ashley Williams and Feyenoord’s Stefan de Vrij. Only time will tell if Rodgers can emulate his achievements in January’s transfer window by pulling off another coup to the heights of their illustrious past.

That’s Rosey’s wrap on Liverpool vs Fulham,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

5 Predictions for the Upcoming July/August Transfer Window

Below are my five predictions for the upcoming transfer window, feel free to comment below on anything you agree or disagree with… Enjoy!

1. Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United transfer saga

In every transfer window there is one rumour which keeps coming back, in this window I predict Ronaldo to United to be in the papers almost constantly. As the window progresses, the move will look more and more likely, however it will not manifest, no doubt due to the unwillingness to haggle of modern day Ebenezer Scrooge, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Frankly, I can’t see Ronaldo leaving Madrid for a long time, he seems to be perfectly happy and scoring at will, what more could a player ask for.

2. Spurs to sign a world class striker

Andre Villas Boas will surely be looking to open up his wallet this window in order to take some scoring pressure off his team’s seemingly only goal threat, PFA player and young player of the year, Gareth Bale. The Welshman has been in scintillating form this season and has won all sorts of plaudits, but it has come time that someone else with the ability to put the ball into the net signed for Tottenham Hotspur. Hopefully it will help Spurs fans to put behind them the disturbing displays they have witnessed from Emmanuel Adebayor this season.

Who will be signed is anyone’s guess, it could be any one of a number of strikers, one thing is for certain though, they will already be on the verge of signing for Liverpool. But on a more serious note, options range from Brazilian Leandro Damiao to relegated QPR’s Loic Remy to Borussia Dortmund’s Polish hit man Robert Lewandowski. I am unsure who AVB will sign, but my gut tells me it could be Lewandowski.

3. Arsene Wenger to say he will spend big.... then sign Thierry Henry again

All in good fun! But seriously, I can see Wenger promising to spend big again this window, as he does every window, and only delivering an average player. I feel sorry for Arsenal fans around this time of the year, as their hopes sky rocket with their claims “in Arsene we trust,” only for their dreams to be dashed by the very man in which they held their faith.

The gunners have done well this season to hold onto a top four position thus far, and if they wish to perform well in Europe next year as well as even have a run at the title, they will need reinforcements. Wenger will surely know this, but whether or not he will make the right choices in the market remains to be seen.

4. Jose Mourinho to return to Chelsea 

It’s been all over the internet for the past week or so, but I am just going to come out and say it, I believe that José Mourinho will be the manager of Chelsea next campaign. Rafael Benitez has given it his best, but the fans are simply not all behind him and this is a big problem at a club whose fans have such high expectations as those of Chelsea. Sure, Benitez’s side hasn’t been in all that bad form but he certainly does not have them at the levels which Mourinho could. Knowing Roman Abramovich, the axe well be wielded as the Russian oil tycoon moves to reunite with his former Portuguese colleague.

If the rumours are to be believed, then Mourinho will be bringing with him Atletico Madrid’s Columbian powerhouse Falcao. This could spell trouble for the rest of world football, as a Mourinho led side which features Falcao as well as Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and others could well stake their claim to the premier league title and even the champions league title in the coming season. 

5. Luis Suarez to stay at Liverpool

After his controversial bite on Branislav Ivanovic and subsequent 10 match ban from the FA, there was talk that Luis Suarez could well have played his last match for Liverpool Football Club. However, I do not believe that this will be the case; I believe that the Uruguayan will come back stronger than ever in the 7^th match of next season. I cannot give a rationale for this prediction, it is just a gut feeling, based on Suarez’ previous behaviour. Whilst some feel he is of questionable character, he has always showed nothing but loyalty to Liverpool for everything they have given to him and I believe he will remain at Anfield for long enough to see them return to the champions league.

That’s Rosey’s predictions for the upcoming transfer window,

Thanks for Reading!

By Jake Rosengarten

Merseyside Derby Preview: In form Liverpool side attempt to close the gap on their neighbours from across the park.

For Liverpool supporters, there are two fixtures which they immediately search the premier league fixtures list for upon its release every season. The first is against recently crowned premier league champions of 2012/13, Manchester United, and the other is against cross town rivals Everton. This game reserves particular importance and always proves to be one of the most entertaining fixtures of the season.

This season has been a tough one for Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side who have been very erratic with their form throughout the campaign, however they will see Sunday's fixture as one in which they attempt to gain bragging rights over their neighbours whilst simultaneously moving within two points of leap-frogging their opponents into sixth spot on the table. For Everton, a victory in this match at Anfield will surely see them secure sixth spot on the table, and well and truly post themselves as the most successful Merseyside club of this campaign, much to the discontent of Liverpool supporters everywhere.

Of course, Liverpool will be lacking their top scorer Luis Suarez who was banned for 10 matches last week by the FA after his infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic. However, Liverpool showed with a 6-0 away thrashing at Newcastle in their last match that they are by no means a one man team and can find the net without talisman Suarez. Young Brazilian Philippe Coutinho will be looked to as play-maker in the final third as he looks to continue his exciting recent form. Daniel Sturridge will be the key man up front for the reds, most probably deployed as a lone striker, as he looks to add to his impressive tally of 8 goals in 13 games for Liverpool since joining in the January transfer window.

For Everton, there are many danger men when it comes to finding the back of the net, the likes of Nikica Jelavic, Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas have all been in good form this season, contributing to the scoreboard frequently. Both teams will be hoping for a solid showing in this match as they attempt to maintain form for the final two games of the Barclays premier league season which for Liverpool are away at Fulham (13/5) and welcoming QPR to Anfield (20/5); and for Everton, at home to West Ham (13/5) and away at champions league hopefuls Chelsea (20/5).

Strength at the back will be key for both sides as they attempt to gain a hold on this match. For Liverpool, the back line seemingly picks itself, with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique unchallenged for their spots at fullback. Whilst Daniel Agger should partner the man with two games left in his illustrious Liverpool career, Jamie Carragher. For Everton, the likes of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Dystin will be expected to retain their spots at centre back. Whilst Seamus Coleman and the impressive Leighton Baines should start in the fullback positions for the Toffees.

This fixture tends to bring about the best in legends for both clubs, and they don’t come much more legendary than Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard who will attempt to further add to his remarkable goal tally against this opposition. Gerrard has been incredibly important for the Reds this season, playing every minute of the season up until he was finally substituted for the first time last week at Newcastle.

Form generally goes out the window for this fixture, and making a prediction generally shapes up as a random stab in the dark, but here goes nothing:

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton.

That’s Rosey’s preview of Liverpool vs Everton.

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten