Stats: 3,190,335 members, 7,940,331 topics. Date: Wednesday, 04 September 2024 at 11:11 PM |
Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) / Best Out Of Contract Epl Players (1881 Views)
The Dossier: Sir Alex Ferguson Must Drop Rooney To Get The Best Out Of Van Persi / 10 Barcelona Players Facing Drug Test. / Who are the three Best Out Of These Ten Strikers. (2) (3) (4)
(1) (Reply)
Best Out Of Contract Epl Players by krebson(m): 1:24pm On Jan 09, 2009 |
A LOT OF PLAYERS ARE OUT OF CONTRACT THIS SUMMER IN THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE. THIS IS MY BEST 11 AND BENCH. IF YOU THINK OTHERWISE EMAIL ME AT [email]denslaw4chelsea@yahoo.com[/email] FORMATION: BOSMAN XI: 4-4-2 Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea) It is surprising to think that a goalkeeper of Cudicini's standard has been satisfied with warming the bench for so long, playing second fiddle to Czech Republic star Petr Cech. During his pomp though he was a consistent shot-stopper, and was in particularly sparkling form at the beginning of the decade. Under the right manager he could prove to be an inspired signing should he return to the days that saw him receive club-level accolades as Player of the Year. Defence Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) An oft-maligned figure who was even booed by his own fans this term, despite making his first appearance since a lengthy injury, and being asked to play an unaccustomed role on the left flank of midfield. His versatility could be handy, as whilst he is not the finest right-winger you will see in the Premier League, he did build up a formidable understanding with Bacary Sagna last year. He is also a great prospect at right-back, and was one of the four Arsenal defenders who stormed their way into the Champions League record books with ten consecutive clean sheets in Europe's premier club competition in 2006. Lucas Neill (West Ham United) Most, if not all, Premier League title-winning sides have contained bite in and around the starting eleven, and that battling quality is something Australia international Lucas Neill could bring to the table. He is equally adept at playing on the right side of defence as he is in the central area. He has an uncompromising, combative, style, and is strong in the challenge. A potential snag in any deal for Neill though could involve his weighty wage demands. Sol Campbell (Portsmouth) A defensive rock. Has shown at Portsmouth that he can still play at the highest level. The decision to leave Arsenal has been vindicated in the past year, as his FA Cup winner's medal at Pompey meant that he has won more silverware in the past three years than those still with the Gunners. It was not too long ago that calls were being heard around the football industry (mostly from Harry Redknapp) for Fabio Capello to consider him for inclusion in an England eleven. Nuno Valente (Everton) He has struggled with ankle injuries in the past, but his professionalism is without question. Also, in this formation he provides the team with great balance. He is a reliable and solid performer. Yet he will have few seasons left in his tank as he is a gentleman's 34 years of age. Midfield Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal) Admittedly this is a bit of a gamble signing as he has not played now for nearly a year and cannot seem to shake off his relentless injuries. Why Arsenal have allowed his contract to run down so dangerously close to its expiry date is also questionable, and perhaps hints at the fact that he may never return to his glory days. Arsenal's most recent terrifying form though partly came down to his ability to excel in one-touch football. And he can also administer a mean match-winning shot. John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) What can be said of this lad that has not been uttered already? Love him or hate him, there is little doubt that few could have foreseen him stepping into a disciplined anchoring role and renaming the 'Makelele' position the 'Mikelele' one. Has always relished getting forward and this has not completely disappeared as he breaks up play, and links defence and midfield to attack. Michael Ballack (Chelsea) Ballack was signed on a Bosman from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, so it is with some irony that Chelsea could stand to lose the powerful midfielder under the same ruling this summer. It took him a while to adjust, but Chelsea's contention for multiple honours last year was partly down to his work. He also has a knack of scoring vital goals, including the winner against Manchester United at the business end of the season last year that kept the Blues' title hopes alive. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) The most decorated footballer in Premier League history and an outstanding professional. Any youngster getting into the game could take many leaves out of the retired Welsh international's book, as he is the epitome of what to do after one title success (follow it up with another, and another, and another). Granted, he has few seasons left in him, and there has even been talk of a retirement this summer, but he can have one last bow in my 'Freebies XI' any day. Attack Michael Owen (Newcastle United) If there is one thing you are guaranteed when Michael Owen is in your team it is goals (and perhaps the odd injury). Wherever he has gone he has maintained an impressive one-in-two goals-to-games ratio. He has lost the killer pace he had when he burst onto the scene with an incredible international performance against Argentina, but he still brags a great finish. Former Magpies manager Kevin Keegan has been criticised in the past for being tactically inept (by Ian Wright), but Keegan showed good ingenuity when he moved Owen into a deeper position, in the hole behind the striker. Goals immediately followed the decision. Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic) Why not revive an old partnership that has witnessed many variants spin-off from the original pairing in their Liverpool heydey? From the Premier League all the way down to League Two with Tommy Mooney and Nathan Tyson for Wycombe Wanderers. The big-man/ little-man partnership in the English game has brought devastating results time and again. And with Heskey's resurgence on the international scene this is the perfect time to buy. [center]Cudicini Eboue - Neill - Campbell - Valente Rosicky - Mikel - Ballack - Giggs Owen - Heskey[/center] Bench Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City) Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth) Sami Hyypia (Liverpool) Ian Ashbee (Hull City) Ross Turnbull (Middlesbrough) Danny Murphy (Fulham) Sean Davis (Portsmouth) |
(1) (Reply)
Chelsea Seal Deal For Brazilian Super Starlet Lucas Piazon / English Premier League Injury Room: Epl Clubs Injury News / Ujah Off To Mainz!
(Go Up)
Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 24 |