Friday, March 27, 2015

England player ratings: Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney - who came out on top?

England captain Wayne Rooney was replaced by Harry Kane
England captain Wayne Rooney was replaced by Harry Kane
England extended their winning run in Euro 2016 qualification to five games with a dominant 4-0 victory over Lithuania at Wembley.
Goals from Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling and debutant Harry Kane claimed another three points for Roy Hodgson's side, who look on course for next year's finals in France.
We caught up with former England and Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee, who was covering the game live on Sky Sports News HQ, for his assessment on each players' performance.
Joe Hart – 8
"He didn’t have much to do did he? I don’t think Lithuania had a shot on target. Joe’s in great form, he’s our No 1 'keeper and both he and the defence looked very assured. I can’t fault him."
Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5
"He wasn’t as good as when I’ve seen him play for Southampton and he gave the ball away a few times. But he did try to get down the line, get crosses in and he did provide some decent support down the flanks."
Gary Cahill – 7.5
"He did everything that was asked of him, although he didn’t have much to do. What he had to do he did well, very well."
Phil Jones – 7.5
"I couldn’t split Jones or Cahill. Bar a half-chance in the first half, which Jones blocked, neither of them were tested."
Leighton Baines – 7.5
"His deliveries were not as good as they usually were. His delivery is at such a high standard that you expect them to be pinpoint every time. Both full-backs tried to get forward because that’s what England need at the moment, for their full-backs to create space in the final third."
Jordan Henderson – 7
"He did exactly what he’s been doing for Liverpool. He is trying to get forward to add goals in to his game. Tonight he was probably overshadowed by others, but he was solid nonetheless."
Michael Carrick – 8
"He was very good. People have under-rated him for a long time. United have benefitted from his return from injury and England are certainly better with him in the side."
Fabian Delph - 7
"Great, energetic display from Delph, he got around the pitch. I’d like to see him practise his finishing because he had a couple of good chances tonight. I like midfielders who get forward and can contribute with the odd goal."
Raheem Sterling – 8
"He was OK in the first half but in the second half he came alive, Lithuania couldn’t cope with his pace and trickery. He looked back to his best tonight, but he’s got to produce that game-in, game-out to reach the top level in international football."
Danny Welbeck – 9
"The best player on the pitch and the best I’ve seen him play for England for a long, long time. Perhaps the pressure of Harry Kane coming into the squad had something to do with it. Wherever you play Danny he gives you 100 per cent, and he could have had two or three tonight."
Wayne Rooney – 7.5
"Rooney was quiet by his standards but he led the line so well yet again. We expect him to be incredible every game, but he was as good as anybody else bar Welbeck."
Substitutes
Harry Kane – 7
"He had the dream debut. Came on, had one touch and then scored. Everyone is trying to keep a lid on Harry Kane, but if he carries on doing what he’s doing everyone will be shouting about him. He did very well, scored a goal and looked dangerous."
Ross Barkley – 6
"He’s a very talented guy and I love watching him play. He was very comfortable on the ball tonight. Yes he gave it away a few times, but he is a young, creative player who's continuing to develop."
Theo Walcott – 6
"He’s not back to his best yet; he was offside once when Kane put him through towards the end. But it’s very difficult when you come on towards the end of a game to have an impact."

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Who is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League?

As we approach the end of another pulsating Premier League campaign, we look at the goalkeepers who've made a difference this season.
Being a goalkeeper is not an enviable job given the scrutiny even the slightest mistake brings, but our list certainly excel in the limelight.
We have selected five of the top performers and the best of the rest but leave it to you to decide who from the list is the standout stopper between the sticks in 2014/15...
David de Gea
David de Gea: Has become one of the top 'keepers in Europe
David de Gea: Has become one of the top 'keepers in Europe
“David de Gea, this year, is unbelievable,” Louis van Gaal eulogised last month. “In my career I have had a lot of good goalkeepers. For example, Edwin van der Sar was one of my goalkeepers and (Victor) Valdes also with Barcelona, but De Gea is having a great season.”
High praise indeed. The Spaniard who, worryingly for Manchester United fans, has been tipped to become the successor to Iker Casillas' throne at Real Madrid, has often been the saviour for the 20-time top flight champions as Van Gaal’s revolution has been slow to take off.
While United’s rearguard has floundered, De Gea has stayed at the top of his game. Van Gaal’s men have made 25 errors leading to shots this season, the second most in the league, but only twice has that led to a goal. 
Matches against West Ham, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Southampton stand out, with De Gea almost single-handedly bailing out a lacklustre United.
Gary Neville has been the biggest exponent of De Gea’s ability this season, and admitted being taken aback by the 24-year-old’s turnaround: “If you look at the improvements he has made from where he was three years ago, it is absolutely staggering.” 
Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois:  Played key role in Chelsea title bid
Thibaut Courtois: Played key role in Chelsea title bid
It would have seemed incomprehensible for Jose Mourinho to drop Petr Cech after his impressive 2013/14 campaign, in which he won the golden glove award for joint-most clean sheets in the Premier League (16). However, such is the remarkable talent of Courtois, the Czech Republic international is contemplating a departure from Stamford Bridge after a season spent mainly on the bench.   
After being loaned out to Atletico Madrid for three years, where he helped Los Rojiblancos wrestle the La Liga title away from Barcelona, Courtois has become a key figure for the Blues. “He looked totally cold and clinical and in control. The most important thing was he wanted to dominate the game when he came out for the crosses,” Gary Neville proclaimed as he considered why Courtois’ selection over Cech is justified.
The ability to catch rather than punch – a trait lauded in England – is among the reasons Courtois has impressed this term. The Belgian stopper has completed 58 catches, 20 more than his illustrious competitors in this list.
Joe Hart
England’s No 1 is always under scrutiny, but, on the biggest stage of all, Hart showed the world he is still very much at the top of his game by thwarting a Barcelona onslaught in the Champions League. Hart's performance at the Nou Camp allowed Manchester City to exit Europe’s premier club competition without being humiliated.
“He was phenomenal, he stopped everything. We have to congratulate him on a great game because he's a fantastic goalkeeper.” Praise from Lionel Messi just holds a great deal more gravitas.
Hart has conceded a goal every 105 minutes so far this campaign which, considering City’s own defensive struggles this season, is a fine effort.
After Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Barcelona, Jamie Redknapp, Theirry Henry and Jamie Carragher analyse Joe Hart's performance at the Nou Camp. After Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Barcelona, Jamie Redknapp, Theirry Henry and Jamie Carragher analyse Joe Hart's performance at the Nou Camp.
The 27-year-old has had plenty of competition at City, and has been dropped from the side on several occasions, but it seemed to only make him stronger.
“A lot of goalkeepers might have thought 'this isn't for me' but he's been brilliant,” Jamie Redknapp said, acknowledging that the best goalkeepers have to overcome dips in form. It is that ability that separates the great from the good. 
Fraser Forster
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster celebrates
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster celebrates
Who would have thought it? After the departure of three key defenders in the summer, the Saints were supposed to struggle in this campaign. But, despite the loss of Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers and Dejan Lovren, Ronald Koemen’s men have the best defensive record in the Premier League. 
England ‘keeper Forster has amassed 13 clean sheets – two more than his nearest challenger. With an imposing 6ft 7in frame, Forster is a blocker as well as a fantastic shot-stopper, as he proved in a fine performance at Stamford Bridge in a recent draw with Chelsea.
“He helped the team from his goalkeeping and we know he is one of the best in Europe,” Koeman exclaimed, and with such a fine record, the Dutch supremo's words certainly hold a great deal of resonance. A broken kneecap will sideline the 'keeper for six months – a sad end to such an impressive season. 
Simon Mignolet
Simon Mignolet: does he make enough big saves for Liverpool?
Simon Mignolet: does he make enough big saves for Liverpool?
Simon Mignolet was dropped by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers in December after a nervy start to the new season but, since his return against Swansea in the club's final game of 2014, the Belgian has made an impressive recovery.  
The Reds went on to keep six consecutive clean sheets away from home – equalling a 43-year record - and Soccer Saturday pundit Phil Thompson said: "This boy, for what he has done, and to come through what he has done, he has been absolutely terrific." 
Of 'keepers at clubs in the top five, only De Gea (79) has made more saves than Mignolet's 64.
Guy Havord sits down with Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and discusses his form this seasonGuy Havord sits down with Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and discusses his form this season
Best of the Rest
Tottenham's Hugo Lloris was called "one of the best in the world" by manager Mauricio Pochettino, while Arsenal's David Ospina has registered the best save percentage of any 'keeper in the Premier League (81.82 per cent).
The number of shots faced is always going to be influenced by the quality of the 10 players in front of the goalie, so perhaps it isn’t a surprise to see thatRob Green of struggling QPR has made the most saves this season. West Ham's Adrian (104) and Swansea's Lukasz Fabianski complete the top three in that category (99).
Meanwhile, Hull’s Allan McGregor is the only goalkeeper to have saved more than one spot-kick this season (two).
So, who is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League?

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone signs new three-year contract extension

Diego Simeone: New deal
Diego Simeone: New deal
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has agreed to extend his contract with the Spanish champions by three years to 2020.
The deal, announced on the Twitter feed of the champions, was widely expected although there was plenty of speculation a European rival could try to lure Simeone away from the club.
The former Argentina captain has transformed Atletico since taking over at the end of 2011, leading them to their first domestic league title in 18 years last term and putting them back among Europe's elite.
Atletico won the Europa League at the end of Simeone's debut season in charge and reached the final of the Champions League in 2013-14 where they lost 4-1 to Real Madrid after extra time.
They thrashed Chelsea 4-1 to claim the 2012 European Super Cup, won the King's Cup a year later by beating Real in the final and defeated their neighbours over two legs to secure the Spanish Super Cup in August.
"I have chosen to be here because I am convinced the club will continue to grow," Simeone told a news conference.
"Because it is strong, there is enthusiasm and there are people here whose desire to participate is stronger each day." 

Premier League Player of the Season: What do the stats say?

With the international break now upon us, Sky Sports is asking which players have been the Premier League's top performers so far this season?
We asked our partners at WhoScored.com to name the best 10 players in the English top flight, based on their statistically calculated ratings - and you can read the results below.
There are a couple of notable omissions from the list - including Tottenham striker Harry Kane, whose WhoScored rating of 7.43 is enough to rank 12th at present. The Spurs man took his league tally to the season for 19 with a hat-trick at the weekend but six substitute appearances at the start of the campaign hold his rating back. However, if he continues in the same vein between now and the end of the season, he should comfortably crack the top 10.
Elsewhere, the likes of Raheem Sterling (7.36), Branislav Ivanovic (7.35) andMartin Skrtel (7.35) narrowly miss out.
WHOSCORED.COM'S TOP 10 PLAYERS OF THE SEASON SO FAR
10. Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton) - 7.47
Morgan Schneiderlin has been central to Southampton's season as Ronald Koeman's side have surprised many. Only Pablo Zabaleta has averaged more tackles per game this season than the midfielder's 3.6, with an 89.4% pass accuracy from an average of 62 passes per game helping to earn a rating of 7.47 from WhoScored.com.
9. Yaya Toure (Manchester City) - 7.47
Some have criticised Yaya Toure's performances this season, but City's form in his absence during the Africa Cup of Nations highlighted his continued importance to the team. The 31-year old has scored seven league goals from midfield this season and averaged a league high of 90.7 passes per game for a WhoScored.com rating of 7.47 - down on last season's 7.55.
8. Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) - 7.51
There's very little denying that there are few more influential central midfielders in the Premier League than Nemanja Matic. The Serbian has made more tackles than any other player in England's top-flight this season (98), whilst also averaging 65.1 passes per game and completing 43 of 53 dribble attempts for a rating of 7.51 from WhoScored.com.
7. David Silva (Manchester City) - 7.52
Manchester City's silky Spaniard was at the heart of a dominant display against West Brom last time out, earning his third WhoScored man of the match award of the season after netting for the 11th time in the league. It's been Silva's best season in front of goal by a distance, bettering last season's tally of seven and only one player has created more chances per game in the Premier League this season (2.9). However, a tally of just three league assists means the playmaker's rating of 7.52 from WhoScored.com is not as high as it might have been.
6. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) - 7.58
Sergio Aguero is currently enduring a run of four league matches without a goal but it shouldn't be forgotten that with six assists to accompany his 17 league goals this season, no player has had a direct hand in more Premier League goals (23) than the City forward, with a subsequent rating of 7.58 from WhoScored.com.
5. Diego Costa (Chelsea) - 7.60
Chelsea's new talisman kept his goal tally ticking along to level Kane's total of 19 at the top of the scoring charts at the weekend, and his goals have pushed the Blues towards a likely Premier League title. The Spain international's haul this season has come from just 75 shots at goal - eight fewer than Kane and 38 fewer than Aguero - for an outstanding conversion rate of 25.3% and WhoScored rating of 7.60.
4. Santi Cazorla (Arsenal) - 7.65
Perhaps one of the more underrated performers this season has been Santi Cazorla, whose place at Arsenal was reportedly in doubt following the summer arrival of Alexis Sanchez. Cazorla has adapted to play in as many as six different starting positions this season, performing admirably in each and most recently flourishing in a deeper central role. With seven goals and eight assists thus far the Spaniard has had a superb season in all aspects, averaging 2.3 shots, 2.2 key passes, 2.4 dribbles and 1.7 tackles per game to earn a rating of 7.65 from WhoScored.com.
3. Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea) - 7.73
While Costa's goals have been instrumental to Chelsea's success, Cesc Fabregas' ability to pick out a team-mate in the final third has perhaps been what Jose Mourinho was most keen to add last summer. The Spaniard picked up his 16th league assist of the season at the weekend, which, with nine games still to play, is over double Chelsea's team high of seven from last season and three more than Steven Gerrard's league best of 13 in 2013/14. With no player creating more chances per game than the 27-year old this time around (three), he picks up a rating of 7.73.
2. Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) - 7.84
Although the goals and assists have dried up a little for Alexis Sanchez of late, he has had a direct hand in 20 of Arsenal's league goals this season (13 goals, 7 assists). The Chilean's averages of 3.1 shots, 2.5 key passes and 3.5 dribbles per game rank among the top 10 players in the league for each category and his defensive graft has also been on display, averaging an impressive 2.1 tackles per game. A dip in form followed niggling injury problems but a WhoScored.com rating of 7.84 is enough to place second in their rankings.
1. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) - 8.02
To describe Chelsea's Eden Hazard as the runaway leader in WhoScored's ratings is perhaps the most fitting description. Hazard's trickery and direct style of play has come on even further this season, completing a quite remarkable 136 dribbles - 42 more than any other player - along with a league high of 80 key passes. With 11 goals and six assists to his name, the Belgian is clear out in front of the rest with a WhoScored.com rating of 8.02.

Manchester City players confident of bid for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Graham Hunter

Graham Hunter says that Manchester City's players feel that the club may make a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.Graham Hunter says that Manchester City's players feel that the club may make a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester City players firmly believe the club will make an offer for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Graham Hunter.
The Real Madrid star's future has been ferociously debated over recent months, coinciding with his drop in performances for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
And speaking on Revista de La Liga, Hunter says his future is still not certain, but admits the decision will always lie with the player rather than the selling club.
Manuel Pellegrini's City were knocked out of the Champions League by Real's rivals Barcelona last week
Manuel Pellegrini's City were knocked out of the Champions League by Real's rivals Barcelona last week
"I know that the players at Manchester City were talking very, very firmly that they believed there was a successful move coming from that club over the last couple of weeks," said Hunter.
"Whether that makes it true or not, I wouldn't like to say.
"What we know is the mega clubs, with petrodollars, there's never been a better time to say: 'Well, would you like to cash in on your chips?'"

Ultimately, it will always be down to the player. When you are No 1 in the world, he will decide.

Graham Hunter on Ronaldo
Ronaldo fuelled speculation upon picking up the Ballon d'Or in January, saying "only God knows" where his future lies, despite insisting he was happy at Real Madrid.
But with the tag of 'world's best player' comes power, and Hunter says Ronaldo will have the final say on any transfer out of the Bernabeu, rather than the Los Blancos bosses.
The Spanish football expert added: "Ultimately, it will always be down to the player. When you are No 1 in the world, he will decide. 
"I don't think he has decided to leave yet."

European Qualifiers: The state of things for home nations and Ireland

Danny Welbeck: Set England on their way
Danny Welbeck: Set England on their way
After a long break since the last round of European Qualifiers, we assess the state of play for England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
The European Championships are looming large ahead of the latest round of vital qualification matches, and you can see whether the home nations and Republic of Ireland can do their chances of making a trip to France next summer a world of good by following our coverage on Sky Sports.
Forgotten where we are at after a busy few months of Premier League excitement? Here is an look at the story so far, upcoming clashes and who is in with a shout of booking a trip across the channel this summer.
ENGLAND
Wayne Rooney: Captain hoping to lead England to Euros
Wayne Rooney: Captain hoping to lead England to Euros
How have they done so far?
It has been pretty much plain sailing for Roy Hodgson’s men in their four matches so far. A Danny Welbeck brace saw England get off to a winning start in September in what seemed on paper to be their toughest test, away in Switzerland. They have since beaten San Marino 5-0, won 1-0 inEstonia and beaten Slovenia 3-1 at home. Top of the group with four wins and only one goal conceded... not bad.
Upcoming fixtures
Lithuania travel to Wembley for Friday’s qualifier, with England overwhelming favourites to make it five wins out of five. Next up is a tough trip to Slovenia in June followed by the seemingly simple task of a trip to take on minnows San Marino in September, and if England maintain their 100% record after those three encounters their place in next summer’s tournament will be all but secured with three games to go.
Off to France?
The odds would suggest so. Sky Bet have England as 1/10 to qualify as group winners.
SCOTLAND
Gordon Strachan: Turned Scotland fortunes around
Gordon Strachan: Turned Scotland fortunes around
How have they done so far?
Group D looks tough, but Scotland ran world champions Germany mightily close in their opener, eventually losing 2-1, before they managed a battling 2-2 draw against current group leaders Poland and notched two wins againstGeorgia and Republic of Ireland. After four games they are level on seven points with Germany and Republic of Ireland, three points behind Poland. Remember, third place could see Scotland reach their first major international tournament since 1998.
Upcoming fixtures
Gibraltar should be easily disposed of on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1, but then comes arguably the Scots’ most crucial match in years, as they travel across the Irish Sea in June to take on Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland, knowing victory will put them in a fantastic position at the half-way stage.
Off to France?
Scotland are currently a long shot to win Group D (14/1 with Sky Bet), but are just 5/4 to qualify. The bookies reckon it's a race between them and the Irish.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
John O'Shea: Netted late leveller against Germany
John O'Shea: Netted late leveller against Germany
How have they done so far?
Late goals have kept Ireland in with a fighting chance. A sublime Aiden McGeady last-gasp winner got Martin O’Neill’s men off to a positive start with a 2-1 victory in Georgia, which was followed by a 7-0 demolition of whipping boys Gibraltar. Another goal at the death from John O’Shea triggered delirium as the Republic snatched a 1-1 draw in Germany, but a 1-0 defeat against Scotland brought them back down to earth. They are currently fourth , level with Scotland and germany on seven points.
Upcoming fixtures
Group D leaders Poland represent a tough challenge for an injury-hit Ireland on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 5 and will be a real test of their qualification credentials in the Aviva Stadium before Scotland travel to the Emerald Isle for a crucial clash in June. Gibraltar and Georgia represent must-win encounters before Poland and Germany follow.
Off to France?
Sky Bet don't see Republic of Ireland winning the group - they are currently 14/1 - but with three places potentially up for grabs in Group D, they are just 11/8 to qualify.
WALES
Chris Coleman: Wales manager has overseen improvement
Chris Coleman: Wales manager has overseen improvement
How have they done so far?
Not a great deal was expected from Wales after they put in such a poor showing in qualification for last summer’s World Cup, but an unbeaten start to their Euro 2016 qualification has brightened the mood. The pinnacle came when Chris Coleman’s men held Belgium to a 0-0 draw in November. Wins against Cyprus and Andorra plus a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovinahas seen Wales climb to second place, one point behind Israel.
Upcoming fixtures
Group leaders Israel are up next on Saturday live on Sky Sports 5, and will give a real indication as to whether or not Wales can surmount a serious challenge. Belgium travel to the Cardiff City Stadium in June in another serious test of their credentials.
Off to France?
They are in second place with almost a third of the qualification matches played, so they are in with a chance of finishing in one of the two automatic spots - or sealing qualification as one of the best third-place teams. Sky Bet say it's 6/4 we'll see them in France next summer.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland: In with a chance of qualifying
Northern Ireland: In with a chance of qualifying
How have they done so far?
With three wins from four, Michael O’Neill has Northern Ireland dreaming of a Gallic adventure. Two of those wins have come away from home - againstHungary and Greece, which is even more surprising, with a 2-0 defeat inRomania the only blot on the copybook so far. Northern Ireland are in second place, one point behind Romania and two clear of Hungary.
Upcoming fixtures
Finland are up next on Saturday at Windsor Park, live on Sky Sports 5, before group leaders Romania also travel to Belfast in June. Positive results from the back-to-back home matches could keep them well in contention.
Off to France?
They remain third favourites to win Group F, according to Sky Bet - but third may well see them reach Euro 2016. They are currently 6/4 to qualify.