Bleacher Report - Articles by Karl Matchett

Entertainment XI

Karl Matchett — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:47:03 -0500

Ever get tired of watching dull, frustrating 0-0 draws, or teams who sit back for 80 minutes of a game and try to win with a set piece or last ditch counter attack? Then here's your chance to select the most exciting team possible! My XI might not be winning titles every season - one downside to having a super creative side is the defence won't be in great shape - but it would sure be exciting to watch them take on teams and try to carve them open. I have opted for an attacking 4-3-3 lineup. My team is based purely on players I have had the pleasure of seeing, hence the non-inclusion of the likes of Maradona, Cruyff et al. Feel free to write up your own fantasy XI, and tell me which players I have overlooked or you feel would be better suited to an uber-creative, attacking tour-de-force!!

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Match Report: Newcastle 1, Liverpool 5

Karl Matchett — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 02:38:13 -0500

Liverpool stretched their lead at the top of the Barclay's Premiership, at least until this afternoon, to four points with a thoroughly convincing thrashing of Newcastle United.

Newcastle started the day with the news that owner Mike Ashley had taken the club off the market and was once again looking forward to running the club with his own vision, but if this is a sign of things to come, the Newcastle fans won't be overly enthusiastic about the news.

After a bright opening couple of minutes for Newcastle, mainly involving Damien Duff and Danny Guthrie, Liverpool exerted absolute control over the game and it only seemed a matter of when, not if, they would beat Shay Given and start to rack up a cricket score.

However, with the Irish stopper in inspirational form, it took just over half an hour for the Reds to break the deadlock.

Sami Hyypia went close twice with headers, Steven Gerrard flashed a shot wide and both Dirk Kuyt and Lucas Leiva had shots blocked on the line.

Just after the half-hour mark though, it was captain Gerrard who finally beat Given after a flowing move involving Javier Mascherano and the lively Yossi Benayoun.

Gerrard's firm strike hit the inside of the post and into the back of the net, to the delight of the traveling support.

Soon after it was two, Gerrard's corner met firmly by the head of Hyypia and the big Finn was not to be denied this time, his bullet header beating Given and N'Zogbia on the line.

Liverpool could quite easily have been 5 up by halftime, but instead Newcastle threw themselves an undeserved lifeline right before the whistle when Guthrie's corner was met by the head of David Edgar, the young defender glancing past Reina in the Liverpool goal.

Newcastle came out after the break with a more attacking shape with Jonas and N'Zogbia employed as wing-backs and Ameobi coming on to replace Enrique to partner Owen up front.

But it was the Magpie's defensive frailties which were exposed yet again only five minutes into the second half when another corner caused havoc in their area, Ryan Babel eventually stabbing the ball home from a yard out after four or five defenders failed to clear.

Geremi, after he came on for Butt, and Guthrie both tested Reina from free kicks but in truth Newcastle never looked like coming back into the game as Liverpool showed impressive attacking impetus for the rest of the game.

Gerrard made it four, cutting in from the right after a truly delightful through pass from Lucas Leiva and clipping it over the on-rushing Given, and when substitute Ngog was tripped by Edgar, Xabi Alonso made no mistake from the penalty spot.

It could have been even more for the Reds as Ngog, Babel and Lucas all went close late on, but a five-goal mauling of Newcastle ensured that Liverpool stayed top of the table going into the New Year and, on this form, are really showing that they are genuine contenders to be challenging in four months' time.

In a final bonus for Liverpool, Martin Skrtel was also given the last 10 minutes or so of the game, marking his comeback from injury after several months out.

Full time from St. James' Park, Newcastle United 1, Liverpool 5.

January Transfer Window: Who Needs What?

Karl Matchett — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:58:56 -0500

The January transfer window is almost upon us and, with rumours rife in the press about which players are set for big money mid-season moves, the time is right to assess which Premier League squads are in need of a complete overhaul, and which only need the odd tweak to help them achieve their individual targets.

Arsenal have been looking lightweight in midfield since the very beginning of the season. Everybody seems to have remarked on it at one point or another and, with Cesc now out injured for at least three or four months, at least one central midfielder is an absolute necessity for Gunners boss Wenger to splash out on as he looks to keep his side's title—or even Champions League—bid on track.

Another forward may also be on the agenda, especially if Nicklas Bendtner, who has been linked with moves to CSKA and Spartak Moscow, moves on from the Emirates. Fans would have you believe a central defender is high on the list of priorities too, but unless Toure leaves I can't see them bringing in any more defenders.

Aston Villa must be absolutely delighted with their first half of the season; sitting in third place and with more or less a full squad to choose from. Cuellar, Milner, and Young, all summer signings, seem to have settled in well and their midfield has a squad depth not seen for a while at Villa Park and Friedel has been an inspired signing in goal.

A potential problem for them could be if Agbonlahor picks up an injury; only Carew up front looks like he has a goal threat but his lack of pace means Villa would have to adjust their game plan to be without "Gabby."

Blackburn Rovers, with a new boss in Sam Allardyce, are a sure bet to dip into the transfer market next month. Not the bottomless pit of money for Rovers of previous generations, but the cost of relegation would be worse than the cost of shelling out 10 million or so for new players in January, so expect a couple of new faces.

A defender will no doubt be a top priority to play alongside Cristopher Samba, and if Santa Cruz does leave then a new forward will probably be brought in too. Though don't count on the Paraguayan front man leaving before the end of the season.

Bolton Wanderers a month ago were struggling to score goals and were slipping down the league; now Elmander seems to have found his scoring touch, aided by Matt Taylor's regular recent strikes, and they have been in a steady patch of form.

With no glaring weaknesses throughout the team aside from lack of goal scoring options, there seems to be no outstanding area they must improve upon. With free-scoring forwards always hard to find, don't be surprised to see a low cost or even loan "gamble" come in to play out the season at the Reebok, but high profile signings would be a surprise next month.

Chelsea as always are linked with a hundred players every time the window opens. In reality, although they might sign one or two, again high-profile signings are likely to be the exception rather than the rule. Another forward to back up Anelka and Drogba or a wide player to force Malouda to up his game seem a possibility, but expect no 30-million signings this winter to arrive at the Bridge.

Everton are a team desperately in need of attacking reinforcements. With Saha, Yakubu, Anichebe, and Vaughan all out injured, they have relied on Tim Cahill playing a front role in recent games, and though he is capable of getting important goals they certainly need to bolster their ranks.

Linked with the likes of Jo from Manchester City and Love from CSKA, the Toffees seemingly have money to spend and will surely be looking at someone to come in and net regularly.

Fulham seem to have found a good defensive balance this season; indeed only Manchester United and Chelsea have conceded more goals. However—anyone noticing the pattern yet? Only 16 goals scored in 17 games, and only two away from home, says it all about where Fulham need to improve. If there were 20 strikers going cheap in January the Premiership would be a happy place.

Hull City confuse me—I've seen plenty of their games recently and I don't think they are playing particularly well, yet because of the continual slip ups of teams below them they are still flying high in sixth position.

If any of the supposed top-half teams get their act together in terms of consistency then I still predict a fall for Hull, I don't think their squad is strong enough to sustain an entire season of surprises.

Zayatte has been a great signing and has forged a good partnership with Turner at the back, but a creative midfielder would certainly not go amiss to mix it with the likes of Ashbee and Marney in their workaholic midfield. Full marks to Mendy though for his performances this season on the right.

Liverpool are top of the table at the halfway stage on merit, and still plenty of people doubt their ability to stay there. This is not without reason; the Reds have gone so long without winning the league many supporters have never witnessed it.

The second half of the season will see Liverpool needing to improve on their home record if they are to stay at the top, and a creative wide player would go a long way towards solving the problems they have had there. Expect the likes of Lennon, Schweinsteiger, and Błaszczykowski to be linked again, but little other activity to trouble the Anfield cheque-signers.

Manchester City. Aaaah, where to begin, 40m, 50m, 100m, 200m? Nobody seems to know how much they've got to spend and who they will begin spending it on, but that doesn't stop the papers playing guess the signing whenever they are bored. Villa, Torres, Cesc, Ronaldo, and Buffon have all been linked but none will sign.

Expect City to make second-tier signings, the likes of (but perhaps not the exact names of) Podolski, Santa Cruz, Bridge, Warnock, or Valencia.

Manchester United probably don't need to bulk up their squad anymore; they seem to have a good squad depth this season. Perhaps in central midfield they could however increase their quality, rather than quantity.

Scholes, Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick, and Hargreaves are all capable of doing sterling jobs in their own fashion but none have really come out and stamped their authority over a run of games yet this season.

The Tevez-saga will no doubt continue until he does eventually sign permanently, which I have no doubt that he will, but not too many names should be joining the United squad list this winter.

Middlesborough have a fair squad at their disposal now but perhaps Southgate might feel he needs to trim two or three fairly run of the mill players to add the one or two better players who could make a difference to their league position.

Alves has yet to really hit form this season, Mido is rarely given a starting berth and Garry O'Neill is rumoured to be off to Portsmouth, so there is the possibility of comings and goings at the Riverside. Adam Johnson is also a reputed target of Real Madrid but I don't see it happening.

Newcastle United have already stated that Joe Kinnear will be given the funds to sign a couple of players if they are within budget and fit their plan, such as it is, but who will want to sign for them? The club is up for sale, players are out of contract in summer like Owen, Ameobi, Harper, and Butt and there is no permanent manager in place.

In fairness Kinnear has them playing better football now and has done his chances of landing the job permanently no harm but still, Newcastle flatters to deceive far too often in the transfer market and this winter may be a tough one for them in attracting players.

Portsmouth have money to burn following the confirmation of the sale of Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid and Tony Adams has said he will be given it all to spend. A long-term replacement for Sol Campbell, a wide attacker and a midfielder to replace Diarra himself will all surely be on Pompey's radar but who will be the names that fit the bill?

Valencia's ex-Arsenal midfielder Edu is reportedly attracting their interest but he has had terrible injury problems since switching to the Mestalla and is not the physical driving force that Diarra has been. Much will depend on Adam's personal outlook on how he wants to play the game and how much he dares switch from the way they played under mentor Harry Redknapp.

Stoke City supposedly have a few million to throw around and are still after Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant if reports are to be believed. However with Celtic also in the hunt they may be forced to look elsewhere after Pennant rejected them in the summer. Cardiff winger Joe Ledley is one who has been touted as an alternative.

Reinforcements for their back line may be in order too as they have shipped 20 goals away from home already this season. Sidibe, Kitson, and Fuller are charged with the goal-scoring task and only new boy Kitson has yet to weigh in with a fair amount, so this could be another area they look at.

Sunderland have yet to appoint a permanent boss after Roy Keane left earlier in the season, so whether or not they let Ricky Sbragia take charge of who comes and goes is up for debate. Forwards are one thing Sunderland have plenty of, and with Jones and Cisse the undisputed first choices its unlikely they will splash out to land another striker.

Malbranque, Tainio, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, and McCartney were all signed in the summer but there is probably money there if they want to spend it.

Tottenham Hotspur are another team under new management since the summer; Redknapp has had a chance by now to assess most of his squad and will know in his mind where he wants to improve.

A goalkeeper is the likely conclusion most people will jump to, but Gomes' performances recently have been markedly improved. A central defender would certainly not go amiss, with Ledley King incapable of running 20 yards without needing a rest and Michael Dawson still proving himself to be one minute as commanding as John Terry and the next minute as positionally aware as Titus Bramble wearing a blindfold on a bouncy castle.

Pavlyuchenko is another who has far from impressed, but Modric has excelled in his recent role playing off the lone striker.

West Bromwich Albion. Striker, striker, striker, striker. Some of WBA's approach play this season has been terrific, with the likes of Koren and Valero complementing the wide play of Brunt and Morrison. However, the final ball or the end strike has far too often let them down, and none of Moore, Bednar or Miller have been able to make a mark for themselves.

West Brom have confirmed that they will be bringing in Jay Simpson from Arsenal on loan, but is it youth and potential that West Brom need up front at the moment?

West Ham United are deemed to have next to nothing to spend. Zola may well have to sell to buy, meaning the likes of Upson, Bellamy, Behrami, Noble, and Green could all come under attack from buying clubs.

Not much insight on who could come in at the moment, but replacements for any who go out would obviously be a necessity as the Hammers do not have a big squad. Di Michele, Cole, Bellamy, and Ashton (when fit) are all capable of scoring goals but fringe midfielders such as Bowyer and Boa Morte add little to West Ham's play at the moment and could find themselves on the way out.

Wigan Athletic have already confirmed the signing of on-loan defender Figueroa from Deportivo Olimpia and may look to make the permanent signing of Amr Zaki. Heskey is potentially on his way out as Wigan look to avoid losing him on a free in Summer, and Kapo and Koumas are two more who may look to move to get some first team football.

Bruce has previously been given the backing of the owners to spend when he feels the need so don't be surprised to see a new arrival or two at the JJB next month, especially if they are under-the-radar deals of low-key, but effective, players.

Transfer Tips for January:

Błaszczykowski to Liverpool from Dortmund
Cavenaghi to Tottenham from Bordeaux
Veloso to Arsenal from Sporting
Bridge to Man City from Chelsea
Arshavin to Arsenal from Zenit
Lallana to Portsmouth from Southampton

Christmas Fixtures: Who Will Come Out Top of the Pile?

Karl Matchett — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:16:18 -0500

As the Premiership heads into its eagerly anticipated Christmas fixture pile-up, Liverpool head the table by a single point from Chelsea.

With Manchester United not playing until Boxing Day, both teams have a chance extend the gap over the Red Devils, who are away in Japan playing in the World Club Cup Championship.

On paper at least, Liverpool would be hoping for a return of at least seven points from their fixtures against Arsenal (a), Bolton (h), and Newcastle (a), leaving them with 45 points. However, their away form this season has been such that it wouldn't be that much of a surprise to see them leave the Emirates with another victory—or to see Bolton emerge from Anfield as the fourth consecutive team to steal a point.

Chelsea, another team with better away form than home, will surely be looking at a maximum return from games against Everton (a), West Brom (h), and Fulham (a).

With players to come back from injury Chelsea will be hoping that the new year could well see them have a stronger second half of the season, especially at home, to regain the Premier League title. Three wins from three over Christmas would see them to 46 points from 20 games.

Manchester United face Stoke City (a) on Boxing day before a home game against Middlesborough; both certainly winnable for United but travelling long distance just beforehand, added to the pressure of having to play catch up to the two sides above them, may well take its toll.

Six points from the two games wouldn't be a surprise, but Stoke's physical approach may cause United problems if their fitness isn't at a peak and could look to snatch a draw, leaving United with 36 points, 10 and nine points off Chelsea and Liverpool respectively but having played two games less than both teams.

In previous seasons, the next team to look at would usually be Arsenal, but such has been their inconsistency that Aston Villa are currently sitting pretty in fourth position and will be looking to continue their run of form in some difficult upcoming fixtures.

West Ham (a), Arsenal (h), and Hull City (a) is a tough Christmas schedule for Villa to deal with; they will certainly have to look at getting something from the West Ham match as Arsenal will doubtless be—pardon the pun—gunning for revenge after Villa's 2-0 victory at the Emirates earlier this season. The match against Hull could go either way, so perhaps Villa would be pleased with a five point return from their three Christmas fixtures.

20 games played, 36 points for Aston Villa—level with Manchester United but again with two games more played.

And finally to Arsenal, the misfiring young guns of North London. Cesc Fabregas must start to show real leadership qualities immediately in a big run of games for Arsenal, who currently sit a point outside of the Champions League places.

Home fixtures against Liverpool and Portsmouth sandwich their visit to Villa; two games against sides above them in the table immediately make the Pompey match a must-win.

The return of Eduardo da Silva will be an enormous boost to Arsenal's front line, but it may take him a while to get back into the swing of things and the Christmas period may come just too soon for him. Adebayor and van Persie will again be the main men to get the goals, but a return of five points for Arsenal will see them remaining fifth with 35 points from 20 games.

With plenty to play for in the second half of the season nothing will be won over Christmas—but teams could well lose enough ground to be effectively ruled out of the title race. If the results pan out as above, Arsenal will be 10 points behind Liverpool and 11 behind Chelsea, if not an insurmountable amount then at least, given the form of the top two, an incredibly difficult one.

EPL Approves Daniel Levy's Proposal: Seven Substitutes Per Matchday

Karl Matchett — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:29:04 -0500

Beginning next season, Premiership managers will finally be allowed to name seven substitutes to their bench for league games.

This long overdue move finally brings the Premiership in line with most other major leagues such as Spain's La Liga, Italy's Calcio, and the Scottish Premier League as well as European competitions.

It has not yet been made clear if the seven-sub rule will apply for domestic cup matches or lower leagues, but it is surely a welcome addition to the Premiership game. Managers will benefit from an increased choice of possible changes and the opportunity to include more youngsters in a matchday squad.

Tottenham's Daniel Levy put forward the proposal and a number of high-profile clubs—Liverpool and Manchester United among them—were known to be in favor of the move.

A minimum of 14 of the 20 Premiership clubs must vote favorably to back any changes to the laws of the league.

EPL Gone Global: The American Invasion

Karl Matchett — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:46:21 -0500

This week, Derby County became the fourth English Premiership team to take on American owners, following last year's purchases of Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

While Derby themselves may not be in the Premiership much longer, it seems that the American invasion is here to stay.

The ideal situation for every club would be, of course, to have a lifelong fan, with money at their disposal, owning the club and doing everything in their power to ensure the club was run successfully.

Unfortunately, such local sugar daddies are few and far between at the top end of the English football pyramid. As financial restraints and the pressure for immediate success clash, clubs are invariably turning to foreign investment for succor.

Randy Lerner's Aston Villa certainly seem to be moving in the right direction.

Manager Martin O'Neill has been getting them to play some good attacking football with the likes of Ashley Young—an example of the money he has been able to spend since the takeover.

The Glazers' much publicised takeover of Manchester United led to some infuriated fans taking their support elsewhere, with the conception of a local team. Yet on-pitch results have yielded the Premiership trophy and attracted some expensive signings such as Tevez, Anderson, Nani, and Hargreaves.

Liverpool's American owners Gillett and Hicks were initially well received at Anfield after making the right noises. But they have since come under intense scrutiny and criticism from fans for going behind manager Benítez's back and speaking to potential other candidates. However, a recent refinancing deal has been completed, meaning that it is likely the co-owners are in it for the long run.

What effect the new owners at Derby will have remains to be seen. In all likelihood, Derby will be relegated this season from the EPL, having shown themselves to be a million miles away from the quality that is needed to compete in the Premiership. But they have a good manager in Paul Jewell. He's experienced in what it takes to get into the Premiership, but perhaps more importantly, also in what it takes to stay there.

But it is not only off the pitch that the American influence can be found in the EPL these days.

In the past, American players were infrequently found in the top level of English football. Players like Joe-Max Moore and Zak Whitbread made fleeting appearances at Merseyside clubs Everton and Liverpool. But aside from ex-Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur 'keeper Kasey Keller, there were few established first-team regulars from across the pond.

Now however, goalkeepers Brad Friedel of Blackburn and Tim Howard of Everton are established No. 1's, while Fulham seemingly have a campaign going to fill their squad with players from the USA—with Carlos Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey (right), Eddie Johnson, and the aforementioned Kasey Keller all on their books.

While the sport continues to grow in the States, there will always be better players produced. And the lure of playing in Europe appeals to many North and South Americans, where the recognition is higher—as well as the salaries.

Teenage prodigy Freddy Adu had long been linked with a move to the EPL with either Chelsea or Manchester United before his moves to Real Salt Lake City and then Benfica; while DaMarcus Beasley took the field for Rangers and Jay DeMerit with Watford. Bobby Convey, Eddie Lewis, Jonathon Spector, and Marcus Hahnemann have all been regular performers in the Premiership over recent seasons.

The transition for American players to the Premiership is, of course, made easier by way of speaking the same language and a not altogether different culture. The increasing trend of signing American players does not appear to be in danger of subsiding any time soon.

Even away from the clubs themselves, the Premier League sees both the monetary and recognition possibilities from overseas—highlighted by Budweiser television advertisements where overly-stereotypical Americans control the game, as well as in dealing out lucrative licensing rights to American broadcasters.

The long-term success both the playing and non-playing staff can bring to the Premiership from the USA remains to be seen, but what is sure is that the American national team will benefit from having more players in a stronger league.

And with the likes of Randy Lerner pointing the way for a successful business model with his Aston Villa side, Premiership teams will remain a viable and attractive proposition for the super-rich sports enthusiast entrepeneurs from across the Atlantic for the forseeable future.

Javier Mascherano: Tom Hicks' Chance to Regain Trust

Karl Matchett — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:55:30 -0500

"There's a lot of speculation about whether you will complete a 17 million pound deal for Javier Mascherano. Are you prepared to endorse that transfer?"

"Absolutely."

A short answer, but one which could ultimately prove whether or not Liverpool fans allow themselves to be won over by American part owner Tom Hicks.

With all the furor of the past couple of weeks, many Reds have been left wondering if the fallout could mean that Javier Mascherano, midfield lynchpin currently on loan from West Ham United, would not sign a permanent deal before his loan ran out this summer.

When the Argentine joined a year ago on an eighteen-month deal, a fixed fee was agreed upon (believed to be in the region of 17 million pounds) in the event of a permanent transfer. With time running out to make the deal official, Reds fans were hoping it would be concluded during this January transfer window.

However a lack of movement, seemingly on the part of the American owners, looks to have put the move in jeopardy, with the likes of Juventus and Manchester City sniffing around.

Mascherano and Benítez have both repeatedly backed the move and seem to want it to happen sooner rather than later, so the only logical conclusion supporters could draw was that Señores George Gillett and Tom Hicks were blocking the transfer.

But now with these words, or rather, that word "Absolutely", Hicks has verbally rubber-stamped the move and Liverpool supporters could be forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief.

But the fact is, they probably won't.

Because Tom Hicks has betrayed our trust and has not proven himself loyal or worthy of keeping his word.

Let's be completely clear here: Javier Mascherano is vital to the success of Liverpool Football Club. Aside from his own technical attributes, the security he offers other players, such as Steven Gerrard, to go about their attacking game benefits the team enormously.

Had the number 20 not been present over the past twelve months, injuries to Gerrard and more recently Xabi Alonso, coupled with the devastatingly out-of-form Momo Sissoko, would have guaranteed that Liverpool's midfield be made up of reserves, back up players, or players out of position.

I'm pretty certain that had we not acquired Mascherano, Liverpool would not have reached last years Champions League Final and would not have earned some excellent results in the past year. Not for one minute am I suggesting that ALL of that is owed to Mascherano, but he has certainly aided the team's cause far more than others we might mention.

Hicks' one-word response was part of a more extensive interview in which he once again confirmed that he wants to stay as owner of Liverpool and has no plans to sell.

He even went as far as to say, "I want to win the support of our fans with my actions."

In this respect, Hicks has a long way to go.

But the signing of Javier Mascherano would be a good first step in that path to redemption.

Robbo's Replacement: Who Can Fill Spurs' Gloves?

Karl Matchett — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:34:23 -0500

The past few seasons have seen the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper jersey filled by the familiar and previously reliable face of England international 'keeper Paul Robinson.

However, after a series of errors earlier this season he was replaced several games ago by his Czech understudy, Radek Cerny.

Since new manager Juande Ramos arrived from Spain speculation has been rife that the goalkeeper's position is one that Ramos will look to improve on by way of a new signing.

But who are the main candidates to succeed Robbo as Spurs' number one stopper?

Santiago Cañizares

The Valencia stopper has been linked in the Spanish press with a move to Tottenham along with midfielder David Albelda, after falling out of favour with new Valencia coach Ronald Koeman.

A top stopper in his time but Cañizares is well into his 30's now and would be only seen as a short term measure, making this move seem unlikely if Ramos waits until Summer to choose a new man.

Robert Green

Before his move from Norwich to West Ham there was speculation that Green was wanted by both Arsenal and Tottenham - and the rumours have it that they are both watching him again.

Green has been consistent in his form with the Hammers but they would be loath to lose him and he would probably command a hefty fee, though Green may feel it would help his England chances to move to a side playing in European competition - if Spurs manage to qualify next season again of course.

Ben Alnwick

England under-21 stopper Alnwick was signed by Ramos' predecessor Martin Jol from Sunderland and is heralded as a highly promising player.

However lack of playing time in the Premiership may go against him, though Ramos has already shown with the likes of Boateng and O'Hara that just because a player wasn't in the frame with the previous regime does not mean they cannot prove themselves a part of the team now.

Radek Cerny

The experienced stopper must sieze this opportunity if he wants to establish himself as a Premiership number one. A run of games over the second half of the season might be enough to convince Ramos that he is good enough to be retained and be a mainstay in the Spurs lineup.

A commanding presence and so far so good in his last few games but Ramos is sure to take some convincing that Cerny can perform week in week out over a long period of time.

Marcus Amelia

Long touted as Gigi Buffon's successor to the Italian national team's goalkeeping jersey, Amelia has resolutely staved off advances from bigger teams to stay with his Livorno.

Sooner or later though, a big enough challenge must surely tempt him away from battling relegation every season, and teams looking to reinforce their goalkeeping department would do well to turn their heads this way.

Andres Palop

Ramos' keeper at Sevilla, he was Cañizares' understudy at Valencia for a time until first team football came calling.

Steady and with good reflexes, if Ramos cannot pinpoint someone else he wants he may well decide to turn to someone he already knows and trusts, and Palop may jump at the chance to be reunited with his mentor.

Ben Foster

The highly rated Manchester United keeper is out injured this season but showed his Premiership pedigree last season on loan to Watford. When he returns from injury he faces stern competition from both current stopper Ed van der Sar and backup Tomasz Kuszczak and may want a more certain environment to develop his career in.

Touted as a future England 'keeper, Foster faces a big decision over whether to continue trying to force his way into the United team or moving somewhere where the manager buys him to play as number one immediately.

Manuel Neuer

A name probably largely unknown, but the 21-year old stopper is first choice goalkeeper for Champions League outfit FC Schalke. The 6' 4'' 'keeper has played every Bundesliga and European game for the German outfit this season and was voted Best Goalkeeper of the League by his fellow players for his performances last season.

Noted as the most promising young goalkeeper in Germany by some distance, Neuer is sure to be in international squads in the not-too-distant future and will soon become the focal point of scouts' attentions if he is not already.