Top 10 MLS Men to Watch

Top Ten: MLS Men to watch

Michael Weightman
Posted on: 26 April 2010 - 10:14
Football
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It’s the land of dreams, of hope, the front runner on so many fronts and the most powerful nation in the world. But one thing the USA seemed unable to grasp was football, unless of course it involved helmets, quarter-backs and expensive half-time shows. Football or soccer as they like to call it was cast aside and even greats like Best and Beckenbauer could not stir up interest. However an increased standard at both club and national level has now seen the footballing world sit up and take notice. Major League Soccer is attracting interest globally and has even managed to capture one of England’s most famous sons. But David Beckham aside, here’s another 10 to keep an eye out for:

Juan Pablo Angel - Once of Aston Villa, he has been somewhat of a hit since his move to the New York Red Bulls in 2007. Not even a disappointing team season last term could stop Angel netting his 46th goal for the club and in the process take over from Clint Mathis as their top ever goal scorer. Despite being 34 the Columbian still possesses a significant goal threat and has already bagged a couple this season. Maybe he’s finally showing the form that once made John Gregory splash out £9.5million on him. 

Landon Donovan - The former Leverkusen man may be prised away once more after a successful spell at Everton earlier in the season; but for now last term’s Most Valuable Player finds himself back with LA Galaxy. Creativity, skill and an eye goal are all things in his locker and providing he avoids injury, he’ll be on the plane to South Africa to take part in this summer’s World Cup. He continues to make an impact in the MLS and has created 4 goals in as many games so far; with, as only the American’s could put it, two game winning assists amongst them. 

Edson Buddle - The LA Galaxy forward has had a stop-start career after a promising beginning in which he earned a call up to the national side at 21. However, despite having all the attributes required to succeed, the tall striker has never really fulfilled his potential. Now 28, he’s hit 7 goals in the first 4 games of this campaign and is being touted for a last minute call up to Bob Bradley’s World Cup squad, and with Beckham and Donovan supplying him with chances; it must surely signal more goals to come. 

Sebastien Le Toux - The French midfielder may be an unknown quantity to fans in England but the former Lorient man has a decent pedigree in America.  He guided the Seattle Sounders to the USL (second division) title in 2007 and was voted MVP in the same year. His coach Sigi Schmid said of him: "Sebastien's got great energy and is always a threat to get behind the defense." He looks to have demonstrated this perfectly by grabbing three goals in three games for Philadelphia Union this season.

Jeff Cunningham - Top Scorer in the MLS in 2009 and in some style, netting 16 goals in his club’s last 14 games to claim the award. Although the Jamaican born forward is approaching the twilight of his career he still remains the main man for FC Dallas and will be looking to be named their player of the season for the second year in a row. He may not have the pace he once had, but the experience of an entire career in the American leagues makes Cunningham one of the most dangerous strikers around.

Conor Casey - Second place to Cunningham in the golden boot race last season, Casey is the top marksman for the Colorado Rapids.  Having originally started his career in Germany with Bourissa Dortmund the centre forward moved back across the pond first to Toronto and then on to his current club.  He’s become a fixture in the U.S national side and it was his two goals against Honduras in a World Cup qualifying match that clinched a place for England’s Group C opponents. 

Robbie Rogers - Like Casey, Rogers also began his career in Europe. However despite signing his first professional contract with Heerenveen, he never made an appearance for the Dutch club and was picked up by Columbus Crew for the start of the 2007 campaign. A quick, tricky midfielder, Rogers is comfortable on either flank and at 22 is looking for a regular run in the first team having only appeared in 10 MLS so far in his fledgling career.  He’s represented his country at under 20 and under 23 level and set up a couple of goals in a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica when appearing for the full side. 

Heath Pearce - The controversial 25 year old  arrived at FC Dallas last season after spells in Denmark and Germany during which he was suspended from his club’s first team after reportedly feigning injury. Formerly a regular in the USA starting line up, he has recently lost his place to Jonathon Bornstein and Carlos Bocanegra, but he did get a run out as a substitute in their friendly match against Holland in March.  He’s still at a good age and providing he keeps out of trouble, could well have an impact for both club and country and he certainly has something to prove.   

Kore de Aiyegbusi - The English born defender is in his inaugural season in the MLS and made his debut for the Kansas City Wizards in March this year. Having moved to America in 2006 to attend and play college soccer at Essex Community College in Maryland, he then moved on to state football with spells in the USL with NC State Wolfpack and Cary Clarets respectively as well as representing Great Britain in the 2009 World University Games in Belgrade. Although unlikely to be a permanent fixture, he’s worked his way from bottom to top in America and could well be one to watch in years to come. 

Alessandro Del Piero - Now this may sound like the choice of a mad man or of someone struggling for a tenth player, but hear me out. Although the 35 year old still has a year left on his contract at Juventus according to Gazzetta dello Sport he is seriously considering ending his career in the U.S. If this were to happen it would be a major coup for the MLS and with a plethora of winning medals and 91 Italian caps to his name, the player is hardly risking his reputation if he were to swap the Old Lady for something new.

Top 10 Late Winners

Top Ten: Late Premier League winners

Michael Weightmann 
Posted on: 01 December 2010 - 15:28
Football
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Squeaky Bum Time: A phrase coined by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and defined as "the tense final stages of a league competition, especially from the point of view of the leaders."

We all know the feeling, the final moments, the rising tension as another ball is pumped into the box as the goalkeeper sprints up field to provide yet another aerial threat. We’ve all felt the jubilation of our team stealing it at the last and the despondence of seeing three points cruelly and no doubt unfairly snatched away. There have been some memorable late dramas over the course of the Premier League; defining moments that are now etched into our football memory, signifying the reasons why we are in love with the beautiful game. After Aaron Lennon’s late strike for Tottenham at the weekend, join Sport.co.uk as we take a look at the top 10 late winners in the Premier League.

Stan Collymore: Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle 1996Voted as game of the decade in a Premier League poll, this ding-dong battle, in hindsight at least, defined the losing side that season. Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United were flying high in the league and odds on to claim their first title in over 70 years. However, despite leading 2-1 and 3-2, Robbie Fowler’s equaliser sent the game into stoppage time all square.  Cue Stan the Man to smash the winner past Pavel Srnicek, as an exasperated Keegan flopped over the Anfield hoardings, as it dawned on him it may not be there year after all.

Michael Owen: Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City 2009Proof that derbies can be entertaining games and a lesson for Roberto Mancini following the drab Eastlands encounter this season. The match saw the sorcerer against the apprentice as Mark Hughes and the City millions rolled into Old Trafford. City came from behind three times in the game and looked to have nicked a point themselves when a wayward Rio Ferdinand pass allowed Craig Bellamy to grab his second of the game and tie the match at three goals apiece.  But as is so often the case, it’s not over until Fergie says so and in the sixth minute of stoppage time Michael Owen popped up to poke in a dramatic winner and win over any doubters the former Liverpool man may have had.

Nwankwo Kanu: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal 1999For seventy five minutes it was all going so well for the home side with two headed goals from Dan Petrescu and Tore Andre Flo giving them a comfortable and deserved lead.  With Dennis Bergkamp missing from the side, the Gunners lacked a creative spark but were given hope when Kanu turned in a Marc Overmars cross. The big Nigerian was on target again ten minutes later as Arsenal looked to be escaping with an unlikely draw. However the gangly forward had one more trick up his sleeve, jinking past the outrushing De Goey and then curling the ball into the top corner from the tightest of angles. 

Nolberto Solano: Leeds 3-4 Newcastle 2001Bobby Robson took his high flying young guns to Elland Road knowing that a win would keep them at the top of the league at Christmas. The game also saw the return of Lee Bowyer to the starting line up and it was the controversial midfielder’s goal that cancelled out Craig Bellamy’s opener. It got better for the home side as strikes from Ian Harte and Mark Viduka gave them what looked like an unassailable lead. But this was the era when comebacks were ten a penny on Tyneside and Robbie Elliott’s 59th minute header gave the Magpies hope. Captain Shearer levelled from the spot twelve minutes later and sparked a furore between the sides as they both went looking for the win.  With a draw looking increasingly likely, Nolberto Solano popped up in the ninetieth minute to slide the ball past Nigel Martyn and complete a memorable comeback for the men in black and white.

Hernan Crespo: Wigan 0-1 Chelsea 2005The Special One started his second season in England with an unenviable trip to Premier League new boys Wigan.  Pre-match betting had suggested a comfortable opening day for the champions but Paul Jewell’s Wigan defied the odds a produced a top draw performance from the first minute to last.  In what was an entertaining 0-0 at the time, Mourinhio attempted to turn the tide in his favour at half time with £30 million worth of substitutes in the shape of Joe Cole and Shaun Wright Phillips. Yet, Wigan continued to stifle the Blues and but for a couple of good saves from Petr Cech could have pinched all three points themselves. It looked to be one of those baron days in front of goal until Hernan Crespo hit a sublime shot into the roof of the net to give Chelsea their first win of what would be another championship winning campaign.

Roman Pavlyuchenko:  Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool 2008This could well be one of the most important goals on the list, not just because it took Spurs off the bottom of the league, which in turn was the catalyst for their cataclysmic rise to modern day- it also helped create Harry’s immortal ‘two points from eight games’ phrase which was uttered after almost every win during this season. The game itself saw Liverpool as strong favourites and this was further emphasised when Dirk Kuyt gave them a 3rd minute lead. But as we now know this was not the Ramos Tottenham and it was that renewed vigour and intensity that saw Jamie Carragher stick the ball in his own net for a home side equaliser. A point would have sufficed, but Pavlyuchenko’s late winner sent the ‘Lane delirious and well and truly started the Redknapp revolution.

Steve Bruce: Manchester United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday  1993As United marched toward their first title since 1967 the Owls proved a sticky opponent for the Red Devils and went into the final five minutes of the game with a one goal advantage thanks to John Sheridan. As nerves began to be frayed and fingernails rapidly diminishing Steve Bruce headed in an equaliser with only four minutes left on the clock. An injury to the referee and the introduction to the Premier League of “Fergie Time” meant that a further seven minutes were added and it was that man again who doubled his tally.

Gary McAllister: Everton 2-3 Liverpool 2001If ever there was a lesson in how to write yourself into folklore, then this is it. The game looked destined to finish 2-2 when David Unsworth scored from the penalty spot with only nine minutes left on the clock. But the former Leeds man had other ideas when he was presented with an opportunity after a foul on Gregory Vignal. The Everton defence were excepting the ball to be whipped in to one of the advanced centre halves, however McAllister brilliantly curled the ball into the corner from 45 yards, catching the unfortunate Paul Gerrard out of position, and ensuring pride for the red half of Merseyside.

Wayne Rooney: Everton 2-1 Arsenal 2002With all that’s gone on recently it’s difficult to remember Wayne Rooney as a fresh faced youngster (well as fresh as possible). Sporting his later inflammatory ‘once a blue always a blue ’ t-shirt the young Scouse forward expertly beat David Seaman with a goal that had Arsene Wenger proclaiming; “Rooney is the biggest English talent I have seen since I arrived in England.” It’s not often that Mr Wenger gets things wrong and personal misdemeanours aside there’s no doubting that he is not far off the mark. This goal ended Arsenal’s 30 game unbeaten run and both club &country will hope Rooney can start reproducing these magic moments.  

Graham Fenton: Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Newcastle United 1996Just five days after the fateful 4-3 at Liverpool, the Toon Army once again fell victim to another late show and this time the perpetrator was one of their own.  Wallsend born Graham Fenton, assisted by future Geordie hero Alan Shearer, struck in the 86th & 89thminute to compound even more misery on Kevin Keegan’s side.  The result left the Magpies six points behind leaders Manchester United and forced Keegan to admit that the title may well now be out of their grasp. Two late goals in a week ultimately ended a title dream as Mr Squeaky Bum Time himself once again ran out victorious.

Top 10 Eredivise targets

Top Ten: Eredivisie summer transfer targets

Michael Weightmann
Posted on: 04 May 2010 - 16:20
Football
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So we all got it wrong then- McClaren isn’t that bad after all- the former national laughing stock was held as high as the trophy after guiding FC Twente to the league title.  But apart from McClaren’s dodgy accent what other gems does the Dutch top division have to offer? Remember this was the place that un-earthed Cruyff, Gullit and Van Basten; as well of course that Ajax team of 95 that were Champions League victors. The home of total football may not have had the recognition it deserves in recent years, but Sport.co.uk takes a look at 10 potential Holland-based stars.

L Suarez- Ajax

An obvious choice after finishing the season as the league’s top scorer. The Uruguayan may be familiar to Tottenham fans after he reportedly turned down a move to White Hart Lane in January. Still only 23 he’s made an impact on the national scene and has built the foundation of a formidable partnership with Liverpool nemesis Diego Forlan. Coincidentally Rafa has had a look at the forward as too has Mr Wenger. There’s no doubt he will move on to another top club, it’s just a case of where and when.

Bryan Ruiz- FC Twente

Was an unknown quantity when joining the champions last season, but has certainly gone on to answer any doubters. The left sided attacker may not be in the same league as Messi but with over 20 goals this season there’s no doubting he has potential. The Costa Rican is the leading marksmen for the league winners and the 25 year old could well be a cost-efficient alternative to the little Argentinean. With an eye for a goal and the ability to create a chance as well, Steve McClaren may well have trouble keeping hold of him.

Maarten Stekelenburg-Ajax

The man with the unenviable task of taking over from Edwin Van Der Sar in the net for the national side is starting to draw comparisons with his aforementioned senior. Tall, uncompromising and a regular starter for club and country, he has all the attributes that made the Manchester United keeper such a success. Still only 27- a baby in goalkeeping years- Stekelenburg may be content with a starting role in Amsterdam, but there’s no doubt he’s an attractive proposition to any potential suitor.

Ron Vlaar- Feyenoord.

The centre half is a part of Bert Van Marwijk’s squad and a regular starter for club Feyenoord. His solid performances have attracted interest from German side Werder Bremen and it is reported that an offer in the region of 7 million Euros would prise the centre half away. Granted the Eredivise may not be as high standard as the Prem, but remember; who had heard of Thomas Vermaelen last summer and think of the impact the Belgian has made. Given this there’s no reason why Vlaar can’t do the same.

Stef Nijiland- PSV

The young striker spent part of the season on loan with Willem II scoring 4 goals in 16 games. He’s played for Holland at B team level and will be looking to establish himself in parent club PSV Eindhoven’s first team.  Although his goal-scoring record may not be the most impressive on paper, he must have shown something that convinced PSV to sign him from Groningen in 2008.  At 21 it’s time for him to start making his mark and next year could well be the season to do it.

Mounir El Hamdaoui- AZ Alkmaar

Now this may be a name recognizable to fans on these shores, especially those of a Derby or Tottenham persuasion. The Moroccan had fleeting spells at both clubs before moving on to Willem II and then his current club. He was leading scorer in the 2008-2009 season and finished the last campaign with 19 goals. At 25 he’s certainly at a good age to go and make an impact if he did choose to leave AZ and he certainly has the pedigree to warrant a big money move. Although potential bidders beware, we all remember how many goals Afonso Alves scored in Holland before Middlesbrough paid nearly £13 million for him.

Gil Sweerts- AZ Alkmaar

Has recently dropped down the pecking order at AZ and this has apparently alerted the interest of West Brom who want him to help with their survival bid. Although the bid was not acknowledged by Sweerts, the versatile Belgian did admit the lure on the Premiership would be difficult to resist. Although unlikely to set the proverbial world alight, he could certainly do a job in most teams in the Premier League and his battling qualities could well prove an attractive proposition for any newly promoted team.

Bas Dost-Heracles Almelo

He had to be included purely on name alone- but on a serious note the striker has been an integral part of surprise package Heracles Almelo’s successful season. The unknown quantities finished 6th this campaign with the centre forward notching 14 goals in 34 games. Signed for only 300,000 Euros in 2008, Dost could well prove to be a steal if this season proves not to be a flash in the pan. Still only 20 he is a part of the Dutch U21 squad and with such an exciting start to his career it’s not misjudged to expect even more to come.

Gregory Van Der Wiel- Ajax

The rookie defender is already causing quite a stir on the continent attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs as well as starting each week for another in the shape of Ajax. Juventus have reportedly made contact with Dutch club about the possibility of a transfer and interest is still alive from these shores with Manchester City and Arsenal both coveting the right back. His speed and attack minded nature would certainly add something else to the Premier League but either way he is undoubtedly one to watch.

Wout Brama- FC Twente

The defensive midfielder was only recognised at international level last year despite appearing over 100 times in the Eredivise. A product of the FC Twente academy he’s a permanent fixture in the team and has just completed his fifth season at the club. Never going to be a world-beater, but certainly competent enough and with time on his side to improve. The fact as well that he is now being honoured with national caps shows that his stock is rising and Wout be a welcome addition to most squads.

Top 10 Bargain African Buys

Top Ten: Bargain African buys

Michael Weightman
Posted on: 21 January 2011 - 15:25
Football
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The World Cup last year demonstrated just how far football in Africa has come. A brilliantly organised tournament was enhanced further by Ghana’s run to the quarter final, and only a lick of paint of the cross bar stopped Asamoah Gyan sending the Black Stars into the semi final. The stock of the African players has risen as has the price and wage demands. Essien, Drogba, Yaya Toure all cost their clubs over £20 million, further proving the quality that is coming out of the continent. But not all players will cost such an excessive amount and there have been some bargains over the years; so Sport.co.uk takes a look at 10 African players that didn’t cost the earth. 

1. Cheik Tiote

The Cote d’Ivoire midfielder has taken to the Premier League like the proverbial duck to water and has been a key factor in the Magpies impressive return to the top flight. The Ivorian was previously at FC Twente under Steve McClaren and was again an integral part of the team that won the Eredivise title. At £3.5million it looks like great business from the Toon and if the good performances continue, Alan Pardew may have trouble holding onto the competitive midfielder. 

2. Lucas Radebe
 
There could be an argument that Radebe has been the most influential African player ever to play in England; I mean who else has a rock band named after them?
On the pitch the South African played 200 times for Leeds and reportedly turned down moves to Manchester United and AC Milan while at Elland road and pulled in a crowd of nearly 38,000 for his testimonial in 2005.
Radebe will always be part of the club in the form of a hospitality suite that bares his name and their Mascot ‘Lucas the Kop Cat’ is a tribute to the defender; not bad for a man costing just quarter of a million. 

3. Jay Jay Okocha

The man so good they named him twice came to Bolton after the 2002 World Cup following his release from Paris Saint Germain. The Nigerian was brought in to add some much needed flair to Sam Allardyce’s side, but mainly to add some experience to a Trotters team battling against relegation. The gamble paid off as Okocha’s 7 goals helped ensure Premier League survival and even had Big Sam dancing on the pitch on the final day. As captain of the side he helped Wanderers to their first final in 9 years in the League Cup and helped turn the club into a recognised Premiership force. An ill fated spell at Hull has done little to tarnish the reputation gained at Bolton and all football fans should be thankful of that. 

4. Nwankwo Kanu
Already with a Champions League and UEFA Cup to his name, Arsene Wenger brought Kanu to England just over a decade ago in a deal worth just over £4million. One of the most memorable moments from the Nigerian was his hat trick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in which the Gunners came back from 2-0 down. He added two league and FA Cup medals before leaving for West Brom in 2004. The lanky striker never showed his true form at the Hawthorns and many an eyebrow was raised when Harry Redknapp took him to Portsmouth two years later. However the crafty Cockney’s gamble paid off as Kanu hit 10 goals in his first season and the winner in the F.A Cup final a year later.
 

5. Abdoulaye Faye

The Stoke City centre half has never commanded a huge transfer fee throughout his career, but has consistently performed at the highest level. Another Sam Allardyce discovery, Faye was part of the side that turned the Reebok into a fortress and qualified for Europe via the league. The defender followed his manager to Newcastle and although he had a solid first season on Tyneside he found himself on the move again in 2008, as Tony Pulis paid £2.25million to bring him to the Britannia. Still a part of the set up at the Stoke, Faye looks to be sticking around for a few more years yet. 


6. Kolo Toure

When Arsene Wenger paid ASEC Mimosas £150,000 for Toure in 2002, not even he would have thought it to be such a sound investment .Partnering Sol Campbell at the heart of the ‘Invincible’ defence, Toure quickly established himself at Arsenal and added two FA Cup winning medals during his time in North London. Many will be questioning why Toure is in the list when he cost current club Man City a hefty £16 million; but from an Arsenal perspective a £15.85 million profit and the best years out of the player certainly demonstrates the blueprint of a perfect bargain buy. 


7. Marouane Chamakh

A free transfer arrival to the Emirates this summer, Chamakh looked to be the missing link from the Arsenal squad in that he was a forward that could actually head the ball. The Moroccan international had a promising start to his Arsenal career and netted his first goal in the 6-0 win over Blackpool. The pedantic amongst you will argue that he was in fact born in France, however 50 caps for the homeland of his parents is enough qualification for sport.co.uk and the fact he didn’t cost a penny, simply adds credence to the argument. 


8. Bruce Grobbelaar

Although signed by Liverpool pre Premier League, the £250,000 invested in the Zimbabwe goalkeeper proved good business for the Reds as Grobbelar repaid them with 14 years of service. The highlight of which has to be the wobbly legs in the 1984 European Cup final as Liverpool defeated Roma on penalties. There wasn’t much Grobbelar didn’t win at Anfield and although his late career was tainted with match fixing allegations; there’s no doubting the eccentric ‘keeper was ultimately a good thing for English football. 


9. Peter Ndlovu

Maybe not the household name that many were expecting, but Zimbabwe’s record goal scorer was a popular figure in the early Premiership years. He immediately endeared himself to the Coventry fans by scoring away at Arsenal and then smashing the winner against Aston Villa at Highfield Road. 
Ndlovu went on to represent Huddersfield, Birmingham and Sheffield United and carved a decent career for himself in his 12 seasons in England. May not be remembered as one of the greats, but certainly a good servant to the game in this country.

 
10. Tony Yeboah
After a successful loan spell Leeds paid £3.4million for the Ghanaian’s services in 1995 and Yeboah was soon paying back that fee. The forward is competing with Matt Le Tissier for the greatest collection of goals in the Premier League and the volley against Liverpool is still a sight to behold 15 years on. Although his stay in England was brief, Yeboah did net 24 times in just over two years at Elland Road and is still loved by the Leeds faithful today. Some would say it was the goals that did it, but the striker’s omission of his love of a Yorkshire Pudding has firmly ingrained Yeboah in their hearts.

Should Joe Cole leave England to further his career

As David Beckham limped off the pitch last Saturday in Milan, it not only signalled the end of his World Cup dream, but the end of the so called golden generation for England. Becks is joined by former team mates Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves in the treatment room and like fellow 2006 squad members Gary Neville and Sol Campbell; they’ll be watching the tournament at home this summer. It’ the dawn of a new era in English football with Capello slowly building things his way and he’s already shown that he’s not scared to knock out a few rusty nails along the way.

There is however another member of the2006 squad, who like aforementioned five has had his own troubles, but still has the chance to be part of the new era too.

Chelsea’s Joe Cole was one of the stars of the last tournament and is always mentioned as one of our potential match winners. But life in England for club and country has become stale since 2006 and this has not gone unnoticed by Capello, who said earlier this season: “He’s not back like the player I remember.”

With his contract due to expire in the summer, there will undoubtedly be no end of potential suitors for the former West Ham man, and at 28 there’s still the opportunity for one more big move.  But rather than simply swapping West for North London or heading up the A1 to Manchester or Merseyside, now’s the time for him to be looking further afield and have a go on the continent. 

The Young Ones

The former child prodigy shot to fame by scoring seven goals for an England youth team against Spain and by 17 he was in the first team at West Ham. He was the next big thing, with the flair and trickery not often possessed by an Englishman. This, coupled with the work ethic of the Gerrard, Lampard and Beckham was meant to the complete package en route to glory.

But what happened? The midfielder has never really gone on to achieve his full potential and in recent years he has stood still, being overtaken by the new breed of creative, scoring midfielders like Kaka, Messi and Ronaldo. In 173 games for Chelsea he has managed just 26 goals; compare that to Ronaldo’s 40+ in a season and it may seem harsh, but our once exciting new hope is found wanting in the stats department.

Now this is not a criticism of the English game but if he were a player at Barcelona there wouldn’t be such an emphasis on his work ethic or the need to fly in for a 50/50 ball. No doubt his natural ability and creativity would have been worked upon and allowed him to flourish, playing alongside players of a similar ilk and mindset. We don’t have the resources, systems or even positions in this country for a player like Joe Cole, excluding perhaps Arsenal in recent years. We play the game at 100 miles an hour and rate ferocity over finesse, with fans booing for a lack of effort rather than a lack of quality.  This is why the continent is more suited to the style of Joe Coe and he is still at a good age to make an impact in any top European league of his choosing.

Necessity

It may be easy to talk about what might happen, but in simple terms, it is essential that he does move on. He’s mainly seen as a winger, but he does not fit into a system for either club or country. His manager Carlo Ancellotti described him as a ‘Genius’ but he’s yet to find a place for him in his side. Also at national level, it’s difficult to see where he will slot in; there is endless competition on the right wing in the shape of Lennon, Milner and Wright-Phillips. The manager is already juggling positions trying to fit in Barry, Lampard and Gerrard. Added to this the emergence of Adam Johnson and the constant good form of Ashley Young on the left, has knocked Cole way down the pecking order. But none of the above have the craft of Cole, or that little bit magic and that’s what playing with other technically gifted players can bring out in him. 

Granted he does have this at Chelsea, but our culture has developed a stifling style of play often adopted by the opposition against the bigger teams. Smaller teams on the continent are less likely to compromise footballing principals in such a way and they don’t pose the same physical prospect of a Stoke or Bolton.

An argument against is that he will become another forgotten man if he moves abroad. But Serie A, La Liga and Bundesliga are all live every weekend on British TV, not to mention the Champions League, which of course Cole will want to continue to compete in. Plus, players like David Platt, Paul Ince, and Gary Lineker amongst others were still picked for the national side whilst playing overseas.

History Repeating

Inevitable comparisons have been drawn between Cole and the last great creative mastermind we had in this country; Paul Gascoigne, and it’s easy to see why. Both broke into their respective club’s first teams at a young age, both with an uncanny ability to create something out of nothing and do the unexpected. Gascoigne chose a move to Italy to help develop his raw talent and allow him to bring the positive aspects of continental football back to the national side. Of course one must concede that personal issues affected his progress, but at the time the most gifted footballer of a generation chose to ply his trade on foreign soil.

Another former player Joe Cole could take the lead from is Steve Mcmanaman. He was of a similar breed to both Cole and Gascoigne, tricky, skilful and attack minded. Now although his decision may have been based on flashing Euro signs or the chance to have fun in the sun, it mustn’t diminish what he achieved in Spain or what a better player he became. The only downside to this argument is that England did not benefit from the switch, but certainly on a personal level it was a fine decision, especially when you consider the feeling of scoring a goal in aChampions League final.

Worth a Try

A prime example of this approach working in another sport is Johnny Wilkinson. The fly half was plagued with injuries after the World Cup triumph of 2003, but a fresh star in France with Toulon has breathed life into a career many were saying was finished. The good form for his club has also seen him figure once more in the national side.

It really is now or never for Cole, with girlfriend Carly Zucker due to give birth to their first child in the next month or so, it’s the perfect chance to start again and give it one last shot. The slick continental football awaits and if all goes to plan so does his England jersey. Of course like anything it is a risk, but surely it’s worth a shot in a bid to re-ignite his career and stop him becoming just another average Joe.