Who will be the first £100M footballer?

With speculative rumours linking Barcelona’s long-serving forward Lionel Messi with a lucrative – and highly unlikely – £200M move to Chelsea this month, it calls into question; who will actually be the first £100M footballer?

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is currently the most expensive player in the world, with the Champions League holders having spent £85M to purchase him from Tottenham Hotspur in September 2013. The Welsh international has found himself linked with a move to Manchester United, with figures suggesting a £150M transfer fee. Bale has repeatedly denied such rumours, but the search goes on for who will be the landmark buy.

There are few candidates of whom would be valued at such a high figure, but Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) and Neymar (Barcelona) would make the short list. As things stand, there are no other players who are commanding a fee anything close to the above quartet if they were bought now, but it is only a matter of time before a rich club breaks the bank for a coveted talent.

The likelihood is that said player is currently in existence too, but perhaps in the springtime of their respective careers. From past history, it’s forwards who can contribute goals and assists that cost the most money. Age also plays a factor, as more potential years remaining can put up the asking price, hence why promising young stars are often sold for inflated fees.

Financial fair play regulations means clubs won’t be actively seeking a world-class star to spend over £100M on, unless it’s deemed absolutely necessary and they can square the books on the deal. Real Madrid made it their philosophy in the past to specifically sign the most expensive talent to assemble a side capable of winning the biggest prizes in football. And while they are still spending big on players, it won’t be as regular an occurrence.

A young proven individual, showing promise that could see them among the world’s best in the future, who plays for an elite club, is one that will require an inflated transfer fee. Let alone the likes of Eden Hazard – recipient of many personal honours – Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) is one player who could fit the bill in the future, given the quality he’s showing at a young age. The 20-year-old scores goals and creates them, and he’s been a regular in a title-chasing side since breaking through the age of 17. He could well be one to watch.

But the wait does look set to go on, and there doesn’t appear to be any chance a £100M move will happen during the January transfer window. So who will be the first £100M footballer?

Fourth place flatters Man Utd

Manchester United supporters are confident of their side finishing back in a Champions League place come May, with new manager Louis Van Gaal having currently led the Red Devils to 4th after 21 games.

The style of play has been a complete contrast to 2013/14, but results have largely evened themselves out despite the managerial shake-up, let alone the large outlay in the summer to sign Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Radamel Falcao.

United’s points tally this season is identical to predecessor David Moyes’ first 21 league games in the last campaign, so is it underwhelming competition that has seen the Red Devils in a higher position?

This time last season, Manchester United had 37 points from 21 league games – like this campaign – but were sitting in 7th place, and five points adrift of a Champions League place. This season, they are one point ahead of 5th.

In 2013/14, the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton were all in the top-six of the Premier League. This campaign, the aforementioned trio are 5th and below in the table. The entire top-five had more than 40 points at this stage in the previous season, compared to the two sides now.

So United are certainly fortunate that their direct competition for a top-four place have been inconsistent because they have won less than half of their league games so far. Perception couldn’t be more different from the Van Gaal era than the Moyes reign. This season, injuries and transition are the argument for United’s inconsistent showings, but Moyes was the figurehead of criticism in the last campaign.

Manchester United have showcased much more of an attacking flair under the Dutch boss, keeping more possession and allowing the forward players freedom of movement and expression going forward. But they still are dropping point s too readily, and are currently enduring a three game winless run. The difference has been United wining the big games – Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Southampton, as the Red Devils previously struggled against elite opposition.

Again, it can be argued that Van Gaal isn’t facing the same strength of sides Moyes came up against last season – bar Southampton from the list – which has also played a factor. Arsenal and Everton have lost 14 games between them this season, compared to the 5 this time round.

So is it a low calibre of competition that has been the reason for Manchester United’s top-four place in the Premier League?

With Neuer missing out, what more can a goalkeeper do to win the Ballon d’Or?

The Ballon d’Or ceremony took place on Monday evening, with Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo claiming the World Player of the Year. Barcelona’s Lionel was named in second place, with Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in third. While not a surprise, this was arguably the closest a goalkeeper will ever come to winning the prestigious prize in the modern game, but can a goalkeeper do any more?

Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer has had an outstanding year between the sticks for club and country (Germany). In addition to winning the 2014 World Cup – winning the Golden Glove for the tournament’s best goalkeeper – the German Bundesliga – making 15 clean sheets and conceding only 18 goals in 31 games – the 28-year-old also won the DFB-Pokal – which saw him concede just one goal in the five games.

But it’s not just his shutout abilities that sees him regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, the former Schalke man has a unique playing style unrivalled in world football. Neuer’s starting position is considerably high off his line for a goalkeeper, and he’s more than comfortable having the ball at his feet. Often he is seen racing to the halfway line to snuff out a through ball, which allows Bayern to play a high defensive line.

Neuer’s ball-playing abilities also mean he can be trusted with their ball-retention philosophy, and he’s composed in possession, and technically proficient. Put simply, he’s the evolved goalkeeper current promising shot-stoppers aspire to be in the future. Of course he could keep more clean sheets in games and concede less goals, but that could also be said of the goalscorers that were head of him in the list.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are being lauded as the two greatest players to have ever graced the game due to their constant record breaking antics and phenomenal scoring tallies in La Liga. Neuer is regarded by many as the best in his position, and one of the best in history. His CV certainly backs that up, but unfortunately goalkeepers will never been seen in the same light as players that win matches on a weekly basis, often single-handedly.

It would take a lot of players to have average performances over the course of a year see a goalkeeper top the World Player of the Year standings, but to have Neuer come third is an incredible achievement for a position very rarely singled out for praise. Can goalkeepers do any more, however?

Southampton show top four credentials

Southampton recently beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils failing to register a shot on target in the entire 90 minutes. It put the Saints 3rd in the Premier League table this season after 21 games, and Ronald Koeman’s side have now picked up 13 points from a possible 15 against the likes of Everton, Crystal Palace Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Bookmakers have ahead the South Coast outfit ahead of Liverpool and Tottenham in the race for the top-four, and given they have taken seven points off three Premier League giants, Southampton are certainly in the reckoning.

“We know that we have a strong team. We got a point against Chelsea, three points against Arsenal and now three against Manchester United. That makes belief in the players. They are not afraid. We have 11 clean sheets in 21 games. If we keep the spirit and the organisation, we can (finish top-four),” said manager Ronald Koeman.

Southampton have endured a slump in form this season – going five league games without a win – but recovered sensationally since then, and find themselves with the best defensive record in the league (15). They have lost more games (6) than the sides directly around them in the table, but only Chelsea (15) and Manchester City (14) have won more games than the Saints (12) which has been a huge factor of their bright start.

The South Coast club have drawn the least amount of games in the Premier League (3) this season, and are instead fighting for the win in every game they’re in. Koeman will not settle for less, and it’s been rubbing off on the players. Southampton have certainly benefited from the slow starts made by Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham, which gave them a real head start in the top-four race, but they have more than made the most of their chance.

Many have been expecting a dip in form from Southampton that would see them be replaced by the usual suspects, but it just isn’t coming this season. Their biggest task will be fending off interest for their top performing players, but few would surely want to leave while the Saints are currently in the top-four.

There are still 17 games and 51 points to play for this season, which can have a big impact on where teams end up, and this is the time of the year when the league starts to take shape, but Southampton keep confounding their critics and have stayed in the top-six since the end of August onwards. They have proved their mettle against the big sides, and are running out of obstacles to overcome.

Berahino speculation suggests Liverpool haven’t learned their lesson

The January transfer window often sees clubs paying inflated fees for players, due to the selling clubs bumping up their asking price when they know the buying club is desperate for said player. And the latest player to see his asking price sky rocket is West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino.

The 21-year-old has caught the eye, after scoring eight goals in 20 Premier League games for the Midlands outfit this season, and reports are suggesting Liverpool are weighing up a £20M bid for the youngster. Considering how their big spending on English talent has landed them into so much trouble in the past – spending £60M on Steward Downing & Andy Carroll – why are Liverpool entertaining so much on a player so raw.

Berahino has impressed this season, but he has plenty to learn. His recent form has taken a big his since the speculation start to reach the club, with the former Northampton, Peterborough and Brentford man having scored just one goal in his last 11 Premier League outings.

Last season, the England U21 international scored 11 goals in all competitions, breaking through with some big goals against elite clubs. He’s certainly a talent, but is he really worth £20M? West Brom want to keep him, but the striker himself has said he’d consider his options if a club could offer him European football.

“If a top club comes for him in then we will sit down and talk about it. But it would take a lot of money, I think, and it would have to be one of the big clubs,” said Albion manager Tony Pulis.

Liverpool have been heavily criticised this summer for spending the Luis Suarez transfer money on quantity not quality. They paid around £25M for Adam Lallana, at the same time Chelsea bought Cesc Fabregas for the same fee. It speaks volumes about their scouting staff and advisors, as in the past the Reds have always paid above value for in-form players, rather than targeting outstanding individuals who have excelled on a larger scale – £18M for Glen Johnson, £21M for Robbie Keane, £16M for Ryan Babel, £16M for Dirk Kuyt, £13M for El-Hadji Diouf etc.

But despite all the wasted money, and frequent criticism down the years and recently, Liverpool still won’t deviate from their flawed transfer policy. Berahino is a one-dimensional player, who provides goals and little else. For the money Brendan Rodgers is being speculated about, strikers have to be all-rounders to provide value for money, which the 21-year-old is not.

So will Liverpool use their heads and avoid signing the overpriced Berahino? Or will the Reds continue their suicidal spending spree, paying over the odds for an in-form player at a lower league club?

Perception all wrong of transformed James Milner

Manchester City midfielder James Milner recently scored both goals in the Sky Blues’ FA Cup third round victory against Sheffield Wednesday, and it caps what has a fantastic season for the England international.

While previously a player that would be brought out to help kill the game when City were protecting a lead, Milner has found himself as the focal attacking point under manager Manuel Pellegrini, and his transformation has been very impressive.

This season, the 29-year-old has made five assists in 10 league starts, creating 34 chances. He successfully operated in the ‘false nine’ position while the Sky Blues suffered an injury crisis to all three of their attackers (Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Steven Jovetic), and has even seen his manager pleading for him to sign a new deal.

“I hope we will find an arrangement. I have said already what I think about James Milner. He is very useful. He always plays with 100 per cent commitment and intensity. I am very happy for him,” said the City boss.

Only Jesus Navas (19) has featured in more Premier League games than Milner this season, while the former Aston Villa man has played in 17 consecutive league outings, which highlights his value to the team.

He’s featured in every game of their Champions League campaign too, and is no more being regarded as the second choice in the Manchester City team. Despite having far superior playmakers in the squad, Milner has been a mainstay under Pellegrini and predecessor Roberto Mancini, and this season has really shown why.

The England international’s versatility, industry, commitment and discipline has never been in question, but supporters perhaps didn’t realise that he’s technically proficient. Normally operating from the wing, Milner has great distribution to match surprisingly good agility and balance, and he’s engrained perfectly into the City mantra now.

To have lasted five years at the Etihad Stadium with so many big names having come in and out is testament to the Englishman and how much he’s worked on transforming into more than a benchwarmer for the title-chasers.

Goals have been few and far between for the Citizens ever since he joined, but his growing creativity has seen him directly competing with Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas for a starting place. He’s found himself dropped to the bench for the England side recently, but manager Roy Hodgson has a real selection headache ahead of their internationals to come.

So is the perception all wrong of the transformed James Milner now? Is he’s far more expressive than he’s ever been?

Is Bony the right man for City?

Various reports are suggesting Manchester City are close to completing a £30M deal to sign Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony, and while there surprise with the majority of people learning the news, the deal does make a small amount of sense.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini is taking a big risk on the striker, but has clearly figured the pros have outweighed the cons. But have they?

Pros

Goals. Wilfried Bony seems to score a lot of them wherever he goes, and such marksmanship could see him decide a lot of games in the second-half of the season. He scored 33 goals in 79 for AC Sparta, 58 in 77 for Vitesse, 35 in 70 for Swansea, and 11 in 30 for the Ivory Coast.

Proven Premier League talent. The 26-year-old has shone in his second season in England even more than his first, proving that he’s not a flash in the pan. Bony is regularly singled out for praise, and provides more than just goals, creating 20 chances in the league.

Can perform against stellar opponents. Bony scored three goals in two meetings against Manchester City for the Swans that certainly got Pellegrini’s attention. Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal have also been unable to keep him out.

Cons 

Price tag. The Swansea striker will set City back £30M, which is a big risk for a player who has never played for an elite club. If the deal goes through, he will have cost more than Yaya Toure (£27M), Carlos Tevez (£26M), David Silva (£25M), Samir Nasri (£24M), Steven Jovetic (£23M) and Alvaro Negredo (£22M). Is he really at their level just yet? Could that money be better spent?

Competition. Manchester City have Sergio Aguero, who is being regarded as the best centre-forward in the world, as their first-choice, with Edin Dzeko (162 goals in 344 games) and Steven Jovetic (64 goals in 202 games) as the cover. Bony has little chance of starting, and it’s unlikely he will force his way ahead of super-sub Dzeko when fit either, with the Bosnia-Herzegovina international netting 26 goals in 48 games in all competitions last season.

Pressure. It’s always easier to be the big fish in a little pond than it is to be the small fish in a big pond, and that’ something Wilfried Bony may find out early into his City career if he does complete the move this move.

The Ivorian was given the confidence to express himself, while he’ll be expected to cater to the qualities of the City squad, bringing a completely different challenge on the pitch. It could well see him struggling to get off the mark.

Premier League clubs should dream of Wembley

Most of the FA Cup third round games have been played on the weekend, and it has highlighted which clubs are taking the competition seriously, and which sides aren’t too fussed at a premature exit. But considering the history of the cup, let alone the prize for winning, should more Premier League clubs be looking to go all the way?

Teams heavily embroiled in a relegation battle are often the ones to ring the changes ahead of a third round cup clash, which sees them defeated and out of the competition. It’s viewed as a major distraction, and having Wigan Athletic win the 2013 FA Cup at the expense of their Premier League status, clubs are even more fearful of a deep run if they are struggling in the lower reaches.

Premier League clubs are entered in the third round, meaning they only have four games until they have a final at Wembley to play. Sides sill in the competition normally play their games on the weekends, so they often are given nearly a week’s rest before they have to get back to domestic duties. The FA Cup does somewhat cater to teams in regard to rest periods, unless games to a badly-timed midweek replay.

Supporters often judge a manager’s tenure solely on trophy success, so winning a domestic cup can go some way to appeasing the fans. They would certainly settle for a season of struggle if they had a cup triumph to enjoy come May. Managers don’t last long in their positions on average anymore, so building up an impressive-looking CV is crucial too.

Is it that difficult to condition the side for one specific other tournament, as well as the Premier League? If clubs can survival the fixture pileup during the Christmas period, they can certainly cope with an extra 4/5 games in the season.

Hull City made the final of the FA Cup in the last campaign, and the Tigers managed stayed up in the division, so it can be done with the lesser clubs. The biggest negative aspect is that a deep run in the cup can risk fitness to key players, which is why so many managers with smaller squads make wholesale changes to condition their most important stars – ultimately seeing them knocked out.

But a handsome payoff, the chance to qualify for the Europa League, as well as a historic addition to the trophy cabinet surely makes the FA Cup worth the risk?

Why Liverpool won’t miss Steven Gerrard

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard announced his decision to leave the Merseyside club at the end of the current season to prolong his playing career in the MLS with La Galaxy. The former England international, 34, has been with the Reds his whole senior career, and as a result many are disappointed Liverpool didn’t do enough to keep him at the club. But does Brendan Rodgers’ side need him anymore?

The experienced captain has been a regular in the first-team this season, but Liverpool have still picked up seven points from the three games he failed to start in. The one game Gerrard was an unused substitute – against Swansea City on the 29th of December last year – the Reds put in their best Anfield performance of the campaign. Coincidence? Maybe not.

Rodgers’ philosophy is an aggressive attacking style with and without the ball. When his side have possession, he wants free-flowing football, utilising off-the-ball player runs to drag the opposition out of position for advancing forwards to fill.

When retrieving the ball, Rodgers likes a high-pressing style to ensure the opposing team cannot pass their way out of trouble. It means if Liverpool win the ball back higher up the pitch, they have little of the pitch to cover to create a chance, while catching any opponents threadbare at the back too.

It’s a style of play that just will not work with an ever-ageing Gerrard, regardless if he’s being utilised in a deeper role. The 34-year-old has great fitness levels, but he has to cover a lot of grass to be of full effect for Liverpool, something he just cannot do anymore.

If Gerrard is unable to cover the ground required of him in this high-pressing style, it means other players cannot follow suit to leave him isolated in the middle of the park. His service to Liverpool cannot be understated, but the current style asked by Rodgers has seen his time come to an end.

And that the ex-England captain is going straight to the MLS would suggest top level football may be beyond him too, as well as the obvious financial implications being a lure.

The rise of summer signing Emre Can is also a factor in Gerrard’s exit. The German U21 international, 20, is starting to show his true quality for the Reds in both midfield as well as defence. He could be a mainstay in the holding role, with his all-round game having impressed Rodgers, which in turn means Gerrard’s eventual summer departure won’t be a big loss now as it would have been years ago.

Jose Mourinho must heal travel-sick Chelsea

Chelsea’s title hopes took another big hit in their first league game of the New Year, with the Blues coming unstuck at the hands of their London rivals at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham Hotspur won 5-3 against the Premier League leaders on Thursday night to throw the title race wide open again, as second-placed Manchester City – who are the defending champions – went level on points with that of Jose Mourinho’s men after 20 games.

The defeat to Tottenham is only the second game Chelsea have lost all season, but it’s their second defeat away from home in their last four games on their travels. Chelsea’s home form has been perfection in the Premier League – winning all nine of their fixtures at Stamford Bridge. But away from their London ground, and the Blues continue to slip up.

Early into the season, Chelsea were holding the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United to draws at the Etihad and Old Trafford respectively, but poor results away from home have been commonplace ever since, dropping points in six of their last nine games on the road.

Such a woeful run of form has seen Manchester City make back an eight-point deficit in around six weeks, and the pressure is firmly on Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho to turn things around. But their questionable results on the road has been a consistent theme since the Portuguese coach took over in his second stint at the Bridge.

Last season, Chelsea dropped points in 47% of their away games in the Premier League, which saw them miss out on the title. They finished four points adrift of City that campaign, despite finding themselves four points clear of the pack in March.

Mourinho’s men risk throwing it away again if they cannot address their poor away form that continues to blight their progress. Having such perfect home form means little if they drop points on the road so readily, as they are barely maintaining an advantage over their fellow title-chasers with such inconsistency.

Chelsea have completely relinquished their lead at the summit in a matter of weeks, and they face Manchester City in just 29 days. Not often will the Blues boss make drastic changes to his shape in a crisis, but he does often revert to a 4-3-3 when looking to keep things tight in a big game. Such a style could come into play more frequently now to ensure the Londoners stop dropping points so easily on the road.

With only three away wins since September, Chelsea’s flaw is obvious, but can Mourinho rectify their travel bug to maintain their fight for the Premier League title?

Have Liverpool finally turned a corner?

Liverpool earned their biggest Premier League win of the season, beating Swansea City 4-1 at Anfield on Monday night. The Reds scored four goals for the first time this campaign, while having 21 shots in the 90 minutes. It sealed back-to-back league wins, and saw Liverpool climb up the table to 8th.

“It was a great performance against a very good side. I felt for the big part of the game we dominated. The work-rate was outstanding and we were really exciting going forward. It was about getting back to performing well and getting ideas that will help the players play how we want to play. Tonight we were convincing. We have to keep that intensity and work-rate,” said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool certainly looked like the side of 2013/14 playing at Anfield with sheer intensity showing an unwavering pursuit for goals. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana didn’t give Swansea a second of rest all evening, and Rodgers was delighted to see his tactics paying off. But the question is, have Liverpool turned a corner? Or is it a false dawn?

While Liverpool’s narrow win against Burnley was far from convincing, there was no doubt of their dominance over Swansea this time around. The Reds seized the initiative early on in the game, and City never fully recovered. Defensive errors will irk Rodgers, but he will be buoyed by the attacking performance on display, as it replicated last season’s showings on home soil.

The Merseyside outfit are five points off a top-four place, and have a run of favourable games to come – Leicester City, Sunderland and Aston Villa – that could see them picking up maximum points. Recent results have been much-improved, and a selection of particular games played in the league this season gives reason to believe that the Reds can maintain their upturn in form.

Rodgers is getting the best of winger Raheem Sterling by playing him through the middle for Liverpool (3 goals from Liverpool’s last four games) where he receives more of the ball. The likes of summer signings Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Alberto Moreno are starting to find their feet at the club, and things seem to be clicking on Merseyside.

Maximum points from their next three Premier League games is certainly possible, and would see the Reds close to a European place. Given how disappointing their start to the season was, is it too early to suggest Liverpool have turned a corner?

Is Roberto Martinez nearing Everton exit?

On the 28th of December, Everton lost 3-2 away to Newcastle in the Premier League, with the Toffees having thrown away a one-goal lead early into the clash. The defeat to Newcastle was Everton’s third on the bounce, their fifth in seven league outings, and piles the pressure on manager Roberto Martinez going into the New Year.

The Spanish coach could not be having a more contrasting 12 months, with his debut campaign on Merseyside seeing Everton fourth in the league with 37 points from 19 games. Midway through this season, and the Blues are eight places and 16 points worse off. It sees Martinez on the brink with Everton closer to the relegation zone than any side in the top-eight of the table.

Only Alan Irvine (West Brom) and Alan Pardew (Newcastle) are ahead of Roberto Martinez in the bookies for ‘next manager to exit his post,’ and the 41-year-old has recently admitted how concerned he is about Everton’s poor form.

“It is concerning. We have had no momentum in the league and concede goals. Everything that could go against us went wrong. We have to rectify that. As a team we have to stick by our principles. We have to be a stronger team from this. We have not lost the talent from last season,” he said.

Everton’s defensive record in the biggest problem, with only Queens Park Rangers (34) having conceded more goals than the Toffees (31). Dropping points to bottom-half opposition such as Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Hull City and Stoke City has seen the Merseyside outfit plummet down the table, and confidence is low in the camp.

The last clean sheet Everton kept was at the start of November (0-0 at home to Swansea City), where they have since earned just two wins from the following nine games. Martinez has taken the flak for the poor run of form, and with Manchester City (home), Liverpool (home), Chelsea (away) and Arsenal (away) as four of their next eight league games, things don’t get any easier for Everton.

Losing games so readily was something that didn’t happen last season, and Everton have already matched last season’s total of eight defeats for 2013/14 in half the time. Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright gave David Moyes more than a decade at the club, but will the struggling Martinez be given similar treatment?

Should England have a winter break?

Sunderland’s Gus Poyet was the latest manager to criticise the Premier League fixture pileup around the Christmas period, with the former Chelsea midfielder stating how unfair it is for sides to be expected to play less than 48 hours after a league game.

Like the majority of the sides in the country, Sunderland played on Boxing Day (December 26th) this year, and face Aston Villa on the 28th, before having their third game in a week against Manchester City on New Years Day (January 1st).

With such little time in between fixtures, clubs can often endure shock defeats, while injuries aren‘t uncommon either.

“I know that Boxing Day games are a tradition and I accept that and think we should maintain it. But I think that then playing on the 28th is a disgrace. We shouldn’t be playing then, we shouldn’t,” said Poyet.

In the German Bundesliga, the sides in the top flight were given a six-week break between the middle of December (19th) until the end of January (30th), which allows the players a well-earned break at the mid-point of the season. So should such an idea be adopted in England?

Boxing Day fixtures are tradition, and one not likely to be changed any time soon, but could the games before and after be better spread out? The Premier League season starts in the middle of August, and could well start closer to the start of the month to allow a winter break for the players.

English clubs being forced to play three games in a week can be costly to their pre-season objectives, with title challengers potentially losing ground due to fatigue ahead of their fixtures, or relegation-threatened outfits suffering a slump in form.

Considering the winter transfer window also opens in January, it would make sense for clubs to be allowed a break so their newest recruits can settle in. Playing so many games in such little time is an obviously risk to players’ fitness, however, and something that could be so easily rectified if the idea was carried.

Any point in any game can turn out to be crucial in the domestic leagues, and it’s hardly fair for managers to be forced to change personnel around due to the little rest period. Not many clubs can boast such great strength in depth, and Sunderland need every one of their usual starting eleven fully fit.

Poyet is one of many managers who is unhappy with the Christmas schedule, but should it be reviewed?

Fabregas making Wenger regret lack of Summer interest

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has picked up where he left off in the Premier League, scoring twice and making 12 assists in 16 games in his first season back since leaving Arsenal back in 2011. The Spanish international, 27, signed for the Blues for around £30M this summer, but the biggest surprise is that no other side made a genuine approach.

The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United were two of the many European sides linked with Fabregas that never made a bid, and it seems odd that no club deemed him worth signing. Chelsea are currently top of the Premier League, and Fabregas has been a chief contributor to their bright start.

Fabregas has been trumping the rest of the competition, and has certainly paid off his transfer fee. Manager Jose Mourinho had been looking for a creative midfielder to replace Frank Lampard, and has found a perfect fit in the Spaniard, who is already being tipped by bookies to be named PFA Player of the Year.

A player perfectly of the Spanish mould, with some English industry rubbed off on him too from his many years at Arsenal, the talented 27-year-old possesses great vision, and eye for goal, while being level-headed and a model professional. He’s a popular figure in the dressing room, and boasts an incredible CV. He could walk into any side in the world, but wasn’t as heavily coveted in the summer as many would have imagined.

With Arsenal’s ageing midfielders Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini having just one year left on their respective deals, Manchester United eyeing up a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick, while long-serving Liverpool player Steven Gerrard was in need of a successor at Anfield, Fabregas was destined for a Premier League return. He spent eight years with Arsenal, turning into one of the best midfielders in the league in his time with the Londoners, but the Gunners surprisingly overlooked him this summer.

Manager Arsene Wenger suggested the likes of Mesut Ozil would provide the creativity, and that Fabregas was not needed in the side. Liverpool couldn’t compete with Chelsea for his signature, while Manchester United were looking at then-Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos.

With Mourinho’s side flying high and in contention of winning all four major trophies as things stand with Fabregas playing a focal point, the decision made to overlook him is something many clubs could live to regret, but it’s not as if the Spaniard hasn’t been outstanding all through his career.

Is Sam Allardyce getting enough credit for West Ham turnaround?

It seems to be going unnoticed that West Ham United are still enjoying a high top-half finish in the Premier League at the mid-point of the campaign. This time last year, the London outfit found themselves dangerously close to the drop, after picking up just three league wins in the first-half of the season.

Manager Sam Allardyce found his position under intense pressure as a result, with a host of supporters requesting his immediate sacking. But the decision by the West Ham board to retain the experienced coach was justified, as United started the following season in blistering fashion.

West Ham have won against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to enjoy a lofty position as the Christmas fixtures come in, but manager Sam Allardyce is hardly being lauded as he perhaps deserves for a completely contrasting season with United. His future with the club is in fact still surrounded in mystery, with Allardyce having admitted he’s held no talks with the hierarchy.

“It’s the same as it’s been all season. We’ll sit down when we’re ready and comfortable, and discuss the situation. After we got promoted to the Premier League, we talked about (my) contract around the end of April.  I don’t have any problems with that,” he said recently.

Summer signings made by the 60-year-old have had an instant impact in the Premier League, with Diafra Sakho most notably having scored in each of his first six starts for the club. Compare that last season’s fiasco of Andy Carroll suffering a long-term injury after joining on a permanent deal, and there have been many factors to their surprise rise up the table.

Considering the criticism coming Allardyce’s way 12 months ago, he will certainly feel he’s not received the praise he deserves for turning the club around. The last time West Ham were playing in European competition was in 2006/07, but such a pipe dream is looking more of a reality as the Londoners stay around the top-six of the table.

There’s still plenty of work to be done, but the Hammers boss is certainly due a pat on the back after the criticism he was the subject of for the majority of last season. Why are his and the club’s efforts being overlooked?

Harry Kane, PFA Young Player of the Year contender?

Tottenham striker Harry Kane once again got on the scoresheet for the Londoners in their 2-1 victory over Burnley at the weekend, following on from netting in the 4-0 win against Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup. Kane, 21, has scored six goals in his last 11 games for the Lilywhites in all competitions, and he’s fast become one of the first names on the teamsheet for manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The likes of Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor haven’t been providing the goals when they have spearheaded the attack, but Kane has taken his chance with both hands this season. An England U21 international (10 apps, 8 goals), the Tottenham academy product is knocking on the door of a call-up for the England national team, and is among the best young players in the division based on form.

Kane has scored 11 goals in all competitions for the campaign so far, averaging a goal every 101 minutes. He spent the last two years on a series of loan spells with Leyton Orient (2011), Millwall (2012), Norwich City (2012/13) and Leicester City (2013), and was finally given an opportunity to prove his worth with the first-team squad last season.

The 21-year-old is not only showing himself to be a ruthless finisher, he also creates chances for his teammates. Kane is also comfortable with the ball at his feet in deep areas. In recent weeks especially, the young English striker has showcased impressive dribbling ability to create his own scoring chances, and has shown reason to believe he can lead the line on his own for Tottenham.

While approaching the mid-point of the season, Harry Kane cannot afford to rest on his laurels, and still needs to continue his development this campaign. But with the form he’s on, there’s little doubt that he could find himself among the nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year as things stand.

He’s already in good company according to the bookmakers, with Eden Hazard (Chelsea), David De Gea (Manchester United), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham) among the frontrunners. Harry Kane finds himself in the list of names following a dream start to the campaign in regard to his personal form. Kane has scored some important goals for Spurs too – bagging a hat-trick in the Europa League against Asteras Tripolis (October) and netting a late winner in the 2-1 victory against Aston Villa (November). His opener versus Burnley may well prove a catalyst for Spurs, who are beginning to show  signs of improved form.

He’s a regular in the starting eleven as a result of his consistent run in front of goal, and if Kane can continue with Tottenham this campaign, could the in-form striker find himself named PFA Young Player of the Season?

Could Chelsea win the quadruple this season?

After victory against Derby County in the Capital One Cup quarter-final, Chelsea are being tipped to make the league cup their first trophy of the season. The Blues are into the semi-finals, where they will face Liverpool or Bournemouth, Tottenham or Newcastle, and Sheffield United.

With Chelsea top of the Premier League, two legs away from the league cup final, drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16, and facing Watford in the FA Cup third round, Jose Mourinho’s side are on course to win the quadruple. However, the Blues boss was keen to play down such talk.

“We spoke a few weeks ago about being unbeatable in the Premier League and we never did it. Now we speak about the quadruple but we haven’t done it. We have our feet on the ground,” he said.

There’s no doubt Mourinho will be thinking about the possibility of winning on all four fronts this season, and spending wisely in the January transfer could well be key to help them achieve such goals. Chelsea have a very strong squad, but little in the way of depth in case of a heavy injury crisis, which could see the Blues falter late in the season.

Against Derby County, they lost centre-back Kurt Zouma to injury, and barring a positional shift for Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea have no other viable option to play at the heart of the defence should the likes of John Terry or Gary Cahill pick up a knock.

Having a strong squad full of depth will be vital for the Londoners to compete for the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup, but if anybody can do it; Jose Mourinho can. It’s certainly taxing on the players having to feature in so many games a season, and Mourinho will know he has to invest on more options so he can rest his key stars to avoid them becoming fatigued.

For Chelsea, the job is far from done, but they can do little more to prove their credentials to win on all four fronts as things stand, with only one defeat from 25 games played in all competitions. Last season saw them finish third in the Premier League table, Champions League semi-finalists, Capital One Cup quarter-finalists, and in the fifth round of the FA Cup. And considering how greatly they’ve since strengthened in the summer, can Chelsea win the quadruple this campaign?

Club World Cup last test for Ronaldo

By any standard it’s been a banner year for Cristiano Ronaldo with Real Madrid. Even the disappointment of finishing third in La Liga mattered little when the Champions League was won, and Los Blancos landed the famed Decima.

Ronaldo scored in the final, one of 53 club goals to date in 2014. And yet there is still a question hanging over Europe’s leading scorer. The goal in the Champions League final was the fourth of a 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid and the Spanish title winners were an exhausted husk by the time Ronaldo converted from 12 yards. It didn’t stop him celebrating as if he had scored the winning goal, though, ripping off his shirt and basking in the world’s adulation.

In fact it was Sergio Ramos who scored the crucial last-minute equaliser, Gareth Bale who netted the vital goal that put Madrid in front, and Marcelo who wrapped up the victory. Ronaldo’s spot kick was the cherry on the icing on the cake, ultimately meaningless to the match but clearly anything but to the man himself. It was a goal in a final but not the goal of the final, the showpiece largely passing Ronaldo by until he eventually grabbed his share of the glory and took centre stage.

It’s hard to be too critical of Ronaldo. He has after all scored 32 goals in 24 games this season but didn’t net in the Club World Cup semi-final against Cruz Azul. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, particularly as when Madrid went a few goals clear against the Mexicans it appeared the team were doing everything in their power to give the No.7 a goal. It never came. Carlo Ancelotti joked after the match that Ronaldo must be saving a goal for the final and maybe he’ll score on Saturday.

If he does and it’s the opener or the match-winner then one of the last remaining doubts about Ronaldo will be answered. The Club World Cup lacks the difficulty, prestige or the importance of the Champions League – except to Madrid, where every trophy matters and as they’ve not won this one since 2002, it has a particular significance. Ronaldo missed out on being the man who delivered La Decima but bringing home the Club World Cup would be an achievement of note – and prove Ronaldo isn’t only in the goals for his own gratification.

Wenger back in fashion?

With Arsenal just two points adrift from a top-four place in the Premier League after 16 games played, were the supporters too quick to request the sacking of manager Arsene Wenger?

The long-serving Gunners boss has been under pressure in his position, after the London side ensured a slow start to the campaign. But a recent 4-1 victory against surprise package Newcastle saw them back on track to finish in a Champions League spot.

A lot had previously been made about Arsenal’s lack of wins against sides in the top-half of the table, but wins against Southampton and Newcastle have silenced their critics of late, and they are welcoming back a host of key players to boost their chances of achieving their objectives too.

Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud have recovered from their lengthy injuries and have already influenced results upon their return. Laurent Koscielny is expected to be back in action in the New Year, which means Arsenal will be even stronger at a crucial point in the campaign.

Supporters were perhaps guilty of getting ahead of themselves this season without paying attention to Arsenal’s injury list and games to play that could see them climb up the table. The Londoners still have plenty of work to do, but victory in their next game could well see them in a top-four place as they will have hoped at the start of the campaign.

It’s easy to forget that Arsene Wenger is still without the likes of Mesut Ozil (knee), Theo Walcott (groin), Mikel Arteta (calf) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) from the first-team, pivotal players from the previous season.

Arsenal are also into the Champions League last-16, and have been given a favourable draw against French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, so things are looking up for the Gunners. They have a break from European fixtures, which will mean players are given adequate rest in between fixtures, so injuries shouldn’t be as much of a problem for the next two months either.

Recent form has been impressive, with three wins from four Premier League games to gain ground on the sides around them. It hasn’t been the best campaign, but it’s far from their worst considering how many other teams have also been dropping points.

Currently sixth, two points off fourth, favourable draw in the Champions League last-16, while facing Hull City in the Fa Cup third round, Arsenal have a lot to play for this season. Were supporters too quick to jump on Wenger’s back?

Where will Southampton finish in the Premier League this season?

Southampton suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against newly-promoted Premier League side Burnley on the weekend, which stretched the Saints’ winless run to five games.

A draw against Aston Villa, and defeats to Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and most recently Burnley has seen the previously second-placed South Coast outfit close to dropping out of the top-six altogether in the next game week.

Supporters were confident of a top-four finish when Southampton were sitting in a lofty second place in the league after 12 games, but now previous optimising is starting to fade. Manager Ronald Koeman was keen to play down the dip in form by pointing to the calibre of opponent faced, but with the Saints having dropped points to Aston Villa and Burnley in recent weeks, their season could be starting to unfold.

The next set of games haven’t been too kind to them either, as Southampton are set to come up against Everton (home), Chelsea (home), Arsenal (home) and Manchester United (away) as four of their next five league fixtures.

Coupled with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham starting to pick up results, and the Saints could find themselves on the outside looking in to the teams in a European finish. Four of the sides who finished in the top-seven last season are still currently below Ronald Koeman’s side in the table, so there will be extra competition in the coming weeks.

Last season, Southampton finished in an impressive 8th place in the table, but spent the early periods in the top four before suffering a six-game winless run around Christmas time. Then-manager Mauricio Pochettino saw his side pick up just two league wins in 12 games, which saw them drop from 3rd to 9th at the time.

While the aforementioned quartet are all expected to climb up the table, Southampton are also fighting with surprise packages West Ham (4th), Newcastle (8th) and Swansea (9th), which could see the final points tallies being very close between a large selection of sides sitting below 6th.

The biggest worry for Saints is their poor record against the elite sides. Koeman’s men have lost all five of their meetings against teams in last season’s top-seven, which means their poor run could continue with such a difficult run of games to come.

A top-half finish will be the objective for Southampton, but supporters may well have to be content with a similar or lesser finish than last season’s, given the quality of the teams around them.