New Manchester United signing Bebe is hoping to emulate compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo's achievements at Old Trafford.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up the little-known 20-year-old striker from Vitoria Guimaraes last week for a reported fee of £7million.
Ferguson admitted Bebe is the first player he has signed without either first seeing him in action or watching videos of his performances following interest from Real Madrid and a number of top clubs in Portugal.
However, the player himself has no doubts about his ability to make the grade in the Premier League.
"To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player," he declared."The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me.
"You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club.
"I want to become like them and I will work hard to become a top quality player."
Speaking about the swift transfer deal, Ferguson explained:"You've got to trust your staff at times and our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly.
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"So were one or two other clubs and that's where you have to make quick decisions in life and I'm not too bad about that. I also spoke to (former assistant and now Portugal coach) Carlos Queiroz about him.
"Sometimes you have to go on an instinct, you look at material. You look at their age and whether they're bringing pace, balance, desire to play and things like that."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
England boss Fabio Capello believes Theo Walcott did not suffer a serious ankle injury during Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Switzerland.
The Arsenal forward was stretchered off in the early stages of the Euro 2012 qualifying victory in Basel after his standing leg was clipped by defender Yves Oehri during the passage of play which led to Wayne Rooney opening the scoring.
Walcott was immediately taken to hospital after suffering what appeared to be a serious injury.
However, he returned to St Jakob Park afterwards where he told Capello the injury was only a "little problem".
"I spoke with Theo and he told me it is not a big problem," said the Italian.
"I said 'two weeks', he said less."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will now be anxiously awaiting the return of the in-form winger.
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Walcott has scored four goals in three domestic appearances for the Gunners at the start of the new season.
Wenger is currently without Nicklas Bendtner and Samir Nasri and learned on Tuesday that Netherlands striker Robin van Persie will be absent with an ankle problem of his own until at least mid-October.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas are all international stars who are idolised at their clubs. For these exceptional individuals accolades and praise are additionally forthcoming from the media and football pundits. A quick snapshot of the Premier League would reveal players not equally gifted but similarly admired by their respective fans. Lining up in a trusty 4-4-2 formation, below are eleven important league players who are rarely recipients of wider recognition. Fantasy football managers on a budget take note!
Goalkeeper
Matthew Gilks
If Chelsea’s weekend fixture against Blackpool could have resulted in a cricket score, the inability of the Londoners to add to their first half haul can be attributed to Gilks. The English stopper arrived at Bloomfield Road after being released by Norwich City in 2008. He had to battle for the first place spot initially but has made the position his own. He made a series of tremendous saves away to Newcastle, ranging from athletic punches to blocking shots with his feet.
Defence
Tony Hibbert
Hibbert is a lifelong Blue but has not always been a mainstay in Everton’s back four, often sidelined by the reliable Phil Neville. But given an extended run of games in the side, he displays his ability as a tough, uncompromising tackler who can venture forward.
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Scott Dann
Birmingham’s success last season was built on the foundations of a stern defensive line-up. The 23-year old was an important part of that robust defence alongside the likes of Roger Johnson and Stephen Carr. He assisted Cameron Jerome’s header and scored an unfortunate own goal at the weekend but is generally calm and comfortable in the air.
Aaron Hughes
Brede Hangeland frequently takes the plaudits in the Fulham defence but his towering presence disguises the consistent, invaluable work of Northern Ireland captain, Hughes. Having played the bulk of his career at Newcastle and experienced a brief stint at Villa Park, he has found his home at Craven Cottage. His composure and quality on the ball means this centre-back can play across the backline and in midfield.
Maynor Figueroa
The 27-year old Honduran left-back had been tipped to team up with his former manager, Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light. Roberto Martinez has been understandably steadfast in the face of such transfer speculation, indicating his importance to the team. Wigan have leaked goals this season but Figueroa brings exceptional quality from free-kicks. His striking technique was recognised by all after he scored from his own half against Stoke last season.
Head to PAGE 2 for the midfield four…
Midfield
Lee Chung Yong
The South Korean has brought a dash of cosmopolitan air to the Reebok Stadium. He scored against Uruguay and Argentina in South Africa but this would not have astounded Bolton fans who have witnessed the winger’s elegance and skill on the ball. The ‘Blue Dragon’ scored five in 21 appearances last season and set up countless more goals. Bolton’s Player of the Year last season was devilishly effective from the right flank.
Chris Brunt
The Northern Ireland international was West Brom’s joint top scorer last season with 13 Championship goals. He caught the eye, however, in the previous season despite suffering relegation from the PL under Tony Mowbray. He was also top scorer that season with eight goals, improving his tally after moving to the right wing. Owner of a mighty left foot, Brunt has additionally operated in a more central position. Having won promotion to the PL for a second time with the Baggies, he was rewarded with a new contract this summer.
Steed Malbranque
The former Tottenham midfielder was disciplined by Steve Bruce last season after breaking a club curfew before a match at the Emirates. However speculation that the Frenchman could be leaving Wearside was wide of the mark considering his popularity amongst the crowd. He moved from the right to the left flank last term, proving a danger by cutting inside on his stronger foot. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in work rate, determination and technique.
Clint Dempsey
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The attack minded midfielder has acknowledged his vertiginous ascent since joining Fulham in 2007. His goals and assists are attributable to his quick, elusive movement. He has excelled since Fulham’s relegation escape and scored with a sublime chip to earn the Cottagers a 5-4 aggregate victory over Juventus in the Europa League last season. He scored three in five internationally as the USA went to the final of the Confederations Cup in 2009. His single goal at the World Cup was more fortuitous.
Head to PAGE 3 for the deadly front two…
Forwards
Nikola Kalinic
A remarkable goal scoring record for Hadjuk Split led Slaven Bilic to describe Kalinic as, “the future of Croatian football.” That opinion may have seemed overstated after his first season at Ewood Park which brought a return of two goals in 14 PL starts. Since the new year he has appeared more confident, netting five in domestic cup competitions and utilising his height and skill to great effect. He displayed a typical striker’s instinct when he capitalised on Tim Howard’s inexplicable spill earlier this season.
Kevin Doyle
The arrival of Steven Fletcher at Molineaux means the Irish international, Doyle is no longer Wolves’ record signing. The former Reading man scored 13 top flight goals for the Royals in the 2006/07 season. Being one of their most dependable performers there were a host of clubs vying for his signature when the Berkshire club were reluctantly looking to offload the star forward. He was the Player’s Player of the Season at Wolves last term, finishing on nine PL goals. Despite being under 6ft tall, the Irish international is a handful in the air, has strength and can run with the ball. He recently scored with a spectacular left-footed effort for his country against Andorra.
When Gérard Houllier first arrived on Britain’s shores as joint manager of Liverpool in 1998, he must have taken one look around his squad and thought the future looked very bright indeed. At his disposal were:
A 20-year-old Jamie Carragher A 21-year-old Danny Murphy Probably the best young striking partnership in the world in Michael Owen, 19, and Robbie Fowler, 23 And some 19-year-old who had struggled massively in his fleeting appearances the previous season named Steven Gerrard
Not merely prospects, these players were first team ready, awaiting the call up; looking at how important those players were to Liverpool over the next five years, Aston Villa fans will be hoping Monsieur Houllier has stumbled across another golden generation of players at their club.
The honeymoon period is just about over for Houllier at Villa and as the dust settles he can look around his squad with some confidence knowing that the players the wrong side of 30 will be looking nervously over their shoulder at the baby-faced competition looking to oust them.
Last weekend, Houllier made the interesting call of bringing on the 21-year-old newly declared Irish international Ciaran Clark ahead of the much more senior Carlos Cuéllar when Richard Dunne got injured. Clark has already been given a starting spot in the League Cup by the manager, and a move like this could set a precedent for Houllier’s approach for the rest of the season.
One young player Houllier has been particularly positive towards in the diminutive Barry Bannan. The 5ft 7’ Scotsman will be forever reminded of his size until he makes that big leap into the Villa starting XI, until then all he can do is continue to impress in training and bossing reserve and under 21 matches as he has been doing. When asked about Bannan’s size Houllier responded: “The top level is about skill, intelligence and desire.” The central midfielder has mostly been deployed out wide when venturing into the first team so far, and despite excelling there, he will have his eye on the middle of the Villa Park pitch.
The star of Villa’s current crop is probably the one who is most well known to the rest of league after only a handful of first team games. Marc Albrighton is a breath of fresh air for fans of ‘proper’ English football. He is a winger whose trail of thought is very simple when he receives the ball. Control it. Beat on my man. Cross. His main problems have been decision making and being outthought by more experiences players so far. Better defenders have begun to let him shoot off like a rocket before channelling him down a path to nowhere. However, all the ingredients are there, and it is very likely Albrighton could cement himself in the Villa side this season, such is the unique width he gives the team.
A player you probably heard more about last year than this is Nathan Delfouneso who has almost taken a step back this year which is disappointing for all concerned. A young striker technically superior to Gabby Agbonlahor, Delfouneso has a great habit of scoring when he chances appear, but it is making that impact on games when service is virtually none existent he has to nail down. Injuries and Martin O’Neill’s annoying habit of constantly picking the out of form John Carew/Emile Heskey and subbing them after 70 minuntes for John Carew/Emile Heskey held up Delfouneso last season, but he should get his chance in the cups this year; maybe even sooner if Carew moves on in January. This season could decide if Delfouneso is to follow the path of Agbonlahor, or the mercurial Luke Moore.
An outsider who could make an impact if injuries hit hard is USA international Eric Lichaj. The versatile defender was somewhat surprisingly awarded a new three year contract earlier this year, having not really been a star of the youth setup. Two things to watch out for if you catch him are his hair, and his throw in. Both are very big.
A big criticism of Houllier at Liverpool was that his youth system was a poor one once the players he inherited had progressed to the first team. By not focussing on local recruitment, many merseryside youngsters end up at Everton, since Gerrard, ten (!) years ago, who has made any real impact on the Liverpool 1st XI?
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Villa fans will hope Houllier has learnt his lesson and can build on this impressive set of youngsters, because Villa’s record of brining players through has been better than most. Even though some do not earn their living in Birmingham, they are top level professionals who have made Villa a lot of money and more than justified putting so much work into the academy.
David Moyes spoke of his relief after Everton finally ended their winless start to the season with a 2-0 victory at Birmingham City.
The Toffees were bottom of the table after picking up just three points from the first 18 on offer via three draws.
However, an own goal from Roger Johnson in the opening minutes of the second half and a late second from Tim Cahill finally ended their frustrating run of results.
"At half-time I was thinking 'here we go again', but we got the own goal – and I said I'd take an own goal or a deflection – so it got us off and running.
"I have to praise the players for how well they passed the ball. They moved it really well and created chances.
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"Birmingham don't lose many here and there was a bit of relief on our part, but anybody who has watched us cannot say we have not played well.
"But we kept another clean sheet away from home again today and they were unbeaten here for a long time, so it was a good result."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Fulham boss Mark Hughes was delighted to have striker Andy Johnson fit and available for selection for the 2-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
The 29-year-old England international had been sidelined since January, but featured as a second-half substitute at The Hawthorns.
Hughes told his club's official website:"Having Andy back is a big positive.
"He has worked extremely hard to get back to fitness and he will be a very important player for us moving forward. All he needs now is games and we will make sure he gets them."
Meanwhile, the Welshman was disappointed by his side's display in the Black Country, with the Cottagers now only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Hughes added:"I felt at 1-0 we were good value. We had to make changes in terms of our shape because we had a lot of personnel missing, but we started well.
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"West Brom are a good side. They've played all the so-called top five and taken points off them.
"We were a match for them for decent periods, but goals change games and we didn't ask enough questions in the end."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has been assured that he does not need to sell any players in the January transfer window.
In-form Swedish striker Johan Elmander and England defender Gary Cahill continue to be linked with moves away from the Reebok Stadium, but Coyle is adamant that he will not lose any key members of his squad.
He told the Bolton News:"None of this fazes me – whatever comes in January will come.
"We want to keep our best players at the football club. There has been a lot of conjecture because of the financial results.
"When all is said and done, that debt that other people seem to want to talk about is owed to one man, our owner.
"I think there is a very small overdraft but it's minimal. It's owed to one man, as it is with lots of other clubs.
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"I have been assured by the chairman and the owner that there's no need for me to sell anyone in January. In fact, quite the opposite, I'm looking to strengthen if I can."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Chelsea and Manchester United, the two teams that have shared the Premier League trophy for the last six years, go head to head at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a match that could well be very important in the destination of the 2010/11 Premiership crown. There would be no better time for the Blues to end their winless run that to register a victory against their fiercest Premier League challengers. Elsewhere Arsenal will be looking to get their title hunt back on track at home Stoke and Roy Hodgson faces up against his old side Fulham, hoping to win three points for Liverpool at Anfield. You can see this week’s predictions in full on the next page, with Martin Lipton and Shaun Custis’ predictions below…
Will you back Chelsea or Man United with your FREE £20 Bet?
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Martin Lipton:
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Shaun Custis:
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Do you agree with the Premier League predictions made this week?
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Continued on Page TWO Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Chelsea v Manchester United and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!
Football Writers’ Association Predictions – 18-19 Dec
Overall standings
1. Steve Bates -84
2. Martin Lipton – 83
3. Andy Dunn – 81
4. Shaun Custis – 79
5. Des Kelly – 79
6. Glenn Moore – 75
7. Danny Fulbrook – 72
8. Patrick Barclay – 68
–
December standings:
1. Steve Bates – 11
2. Martin Lipton – 10
3. Andy Dunn – 9
4. Glenn Moore – 9
5. Patrick Barclay – 8
6. Shaun Custis – 8
7. Des Kelly – 8
8. Danny Fulbrook – 6
–
Patrick Barclay (The Times)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Stoke
H
Birmingham
V
Newcastle
H
Blackburn
V
West Ham
H
Blackpool
V
Tottenham
A
Wigan
V
Aston Villa
A
Liverpool
V
Fulham
H
West Brom
V
Wolves
D
Chelsea
V
Man United
D
Man City
V
Everton
H
Leeds
V
QPR
A
Liverpool v Fulham: Roy’s old boys to suffer an Anfield backlash
Des Kelly (Daily Mail)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Stoke
H
Birmingham
V
Newcastle
D
Blackburn
V
West Ham
H
Blackpool
V
Tottenham
A
Wigan
V
Aston Villa
H
Liverpool
V
Fulham
D
West Brom
V
Wolves
H
Chelsea
V
Man United
A
Man City
V
Everton
H
Leeds
V
QPR
D
Blackpool v Tottenham: Combine the fact that Blackpool are stronger away from home than in their own back yard and fifth-placed Tottenham need to win this type of game if they are going to give any credence to Harry Redknapp’s claim they are genuine title contenders and it all points to an away win.
Shaun Custis (The Sun)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Stoke
H
Birmingham
V
Newcastle
H
Blackburn
V
West Ham
D
Blackpool
V
Tottenham
A
Wigan
V
Aston Villa
D
Liverpool
V
Fulham
H
West Brom
V
Wolves
H
Chelsea
V
Man United
D
Man City
V
Everton
H
Leeds
V
QPR
H
Arsenal v Stoke: The Gunners weren’t great at Old Trafford on Monday but should get back on track with victory over The Potters.
Continue to PAGE THREE for more Premier League predictions…
Andy Dunn (News of the World)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Stoke
H
Birmingham
V
Newcastle
H
Blackburn
V
West Ham
A
Blackpool
V
Tottenham
A
Wigan
V
Aston Villa
H
Liverpool
V
Fulham
D
West Brom
V
Wolves
A
Chelsea
V
Man United
A
Man City
V
Everton
D
Leeds
V
QPR
H
Birmingham v Newcastle: Alan Pardew got off to a great start in an emotionally-charged game against Liverpool but this will be a tougher assignment. Still smarting over the dismissal of Chris Hughton, there might be a sense of deflation and Birmingham can capitalise.
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Martin Lipton (The Mirror)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Stoke
H
Birmingham
V
Newcastle
H
Blackburn
V
West Ham
D
Blackpool
V
Tottenham
D
Wigan
V
Aston Villa
H
Liverpool
V
Fulham
H
West Brom
V
Wolves
D
Chelsea
V
Man United
A
Man City
V
Everton
D
Leeds
V
QPR
H
Blackburn v West Ham: One team without a manager, one team maybe set to lose theirs. One point each. And not a match to remember, either.
Steve Bates (The People)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Stoke
H
Birmingham
V
Newcastle
H
Blackburn
V
West Ham
D
Blackpool
V
Tottenham
A
Wigan
V
Aston Villa
H
Liverpool
V
Fulham
H
West Brom
V
Wolves
A
Chelsea
V
Man United
A
Man City
V
Everton
H
Leeds
V
QPR
H
Wigan v Aston Villa: Roberto Martinez masterminded Wigan to a good draw at Everton last week and I’m predicting the Latics to sneak a win over Villa who have found it tough on their travels this season.
Glenn Moore (The Independent)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Stoke
H
Birmingham
V
Newcastle
D
Blackburn
V
West Ham
D
Blackpool
V
Tottenham
A
Wigan
V
Aston Villa
A
Liverpool
V
Fulham
H
West Brom
V
Wolves
H
Chelsea
V
Man United
D
Man City
V
Everton
D
Leeds
V
QPR
D
Chelsea v Man United: Two teams bouyed by their last result but both desperate to avoid defeat. A stalemate beckons.
After a superb performance and result against title rivals Chelsea on Monday night, Arsenal once again failed to beat a smaller team in the Premier League. Arsene Wenger felt the need to make EIGHT changes to the Gunners line-up tonight, which had a number of fans scratching their heads in bewilderment (including myself).
Arsenal fell behind after referee Lee Probert awarded Wigan a penalty which Ben Watson converted. Having gone behind, Arsenal (as usual) awoke and struck back with two goals through Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner before the end of the first half. The Gunners were not playing well by any means, but they had their noses in front. Their win percentage grew after Charles N’Zogbia was sent off following a head-butt on Jack Wilshere in the 77th minute. From that point, it seemed like Arsenal were on their way to bag the three points, unfortunately that wasn’t the case. Arsenal’s defensive frailties were once again visible after failing to clear a corner which resulted in Sebastien Squillaci heading the ball into his own net.
We came away with a 2-2 draw, but I for one knew that Arsenal were going to struggle due to Wenger’s team selection. The overall performance was nowhere near the one they displayed on Monday night and to the fans frustrations (including my own), Arsenal have once again failed to take advantage of Manchester United’s dropped points.
So I ask my fellow Arsenal fans: what are the five things we learnt about the Gunners last night?
Read more Arsenal blogs at the NEW Gunnersphere website
For a lot of people, the New Year is a time for new beginnings…and it seems many football clubs have decided to take the same approach.
Despite the festivity that engulfs the country this time of year, many managers find themselves out of a job. Since Christmas Day, a little over two weeks ago, 11 managers across the four leagues have left their club. But what is it that has lead Chairmen to get rid of their managers at such a vital part of the season? What reasons have they given for deciding to go with a ‘different approach’? I’ve ‘bolded-up’ the reasons so it’s easier to compare each departure.
The mass exodus began on December 29th when Brian Laws was shown the door by Burnley. The reason for his departure was that the club wanted ‘a different direction’ as they looked for a return to the Premier League. However, it is worth pointing out that Burnley are ninth in the league, two points off the play-offs and lost just once this season.
Just a couple of hours later, ‘sacking fever’ reached neighbours Preston, who said farewell to Darren Ferguson. With the club bottom of the league, five points adrift of safety, the board felt a new manager ‘might bring better fortune’. ‘Fergie Jr’ took charge in January last year, but had only won 13 out of 49 games. Former Hull boss Phil Brown has been hand the task of avoiding relegation.
New Year’s Day was the scene of the next sacking, when Crystal Palace boss George Burley left the club following their 3-0 defeat to rivals Millwall. Despite only seven months in charge, Burley was unable to steer Palace clear of the relegation zone. The reason for his departure – simply ‘things didn’t work out’.
Another New Year hangover that was worsened was that of Mark Stimson, who was relieved of his duties by Barnet. The club is in danger of slipping out of the Football League after they slipped to 23rd in League Two. Chairman Tony Kleanthous says he was left with ‘no alternative’. To be fair, he probably has a point. 91st in the Football League isn’t exactly a great place to be.
After having a few days to recover from New Year hangovers, the departure lounge reopened on the January 4th. First to leave was Walsall boss Chris Hutchings. Sitting bottom of League One, eight points adrift of safety, it’s fair to see why he is now jobless. Chairman Jeff Bonser praised his professionalism, but said football is a ‘results business’ and they simply ‘weren’t achieving’.
Just a few hours later, fellow League One side Charlton decided that Phil Parkinson’s time was up. Now, this is a sacking I can’t fully understand. The club stated that ‘clearly improvement is needed on the field’. OK, Charlton haven’t won in the league since November, but they are still fifth in the league, just five points off automatic promotion. It just seems a little harsh to me.
The trio of departures was completed when Paul Simpson was sacked by Stockport. Simpson, who only took charge six months ago, had won just three times in 19 games – a run which had seen the side slip towards the bottom of League Two. The club said that although they were thankful for his services, a change was ‘necessary’. Fair enough.
Roy Keane’s time at Ipswich ended on January 7th. Chief Executive Simon Clegg said ‘the club had not made the expected progress’ with Keane in charge. You can see his point, with the club languishing in 19th in the Championship this year. Paul Jewell, who has won promotion twice, has been handed the reigns.
The biggest departure without doubt came on January 8th, when Roy Hodgson left Liverpool, an exit that had been predicted by many. A season spent mainly in the lower half of the table, has seen Hodgson popularity nose-dive dramatically. Owner John W. Henry said that ‘both parties thought it in the best interests of the club’ if he left, but Hodgson himself said he was ‘very sad’ at not being able to continue to help the team. Will ‘King Kenny’ bring anything different to a demoralised Liverpool side?
Kevin Dillon was next to go when he left Aldershot on January 10th. Sitting 20th in League Two, many feel the club are underachieving – a belief shared by the board. Dillon left – by mutual consent, of course.
The sackings were rounded up by the 11th on the 11/1/11 when Gary Johnson left Peterborough United by ‘mutual consent’. With the club sitting seventh in League One, most would say there were on target for a decent season, so why would he want to leave? It has emerged that Johnson and the Chairman ‘did not see eye-to-eye’ and were unable to work together any more.
So there we have it, 11 sackings in just over two weeks. Most of them do seem fair enough, with a change at the helm inevitable if the clubs are to fight their way out of relegation trouble. However, there are the unlucky ones like Parkinson, who was dismissed possibly harshly, and Johnson, who can count himself unfortunate that his relationship with his Chairman wasn’t ‘pally’ enough.
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I think it’s time to end this article now – by mutual consent.