Stan's 5-Point Stance: Zlatan in the Premier League? Rooney, Sturridge and More
For this week's five-point stance, Stan Collymore addresses Zlatan Ibrahimovic's future, Arsenal vs. Manchester United, Wayne Rooney's form, Liverpool's striker crisis and troubles brewing at Spurs.
1. Could Zlatan end up in the Premier League?
Depending on whether PSG get to the final of the Champions League, I could see the possibility that Zlatan Ibrahimovic might want to jump ship and conclude his career in England.
He's done well in Sweden, Holland, Italy, Spain and France. Could he make up his differences with Jose Mourinho and arrive at Chelsea?
In an interview with Donald McRae ofย The Guardian published in October, Ibrahimovic replied "yes" when asked whether Mourinho was the most intelligent coach he has played for.
"He doesnโt treat everybody the same," Ibrahimovic said. "He knows how to treat people as individuals to get 100 percent out of them."
PSG can buy pretty much anybody they want, but their domestic league just doesn't give them the intensity you need to compete in those Champions League knockout games. That would be the motivation for the 33-year-old Zlatan to make one last big move.
If he wants to be relevant, I could see him choosing amongย Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City.
I would love to see him in England and at Chelsea. Would he get lost in the hurly-burly of the Premier League? Or would he add even more to his incredible showreel?ย It would be brilliant to get to find out.
2. Arsenal and United have the same problem
Arsenal and Manchester United both have premium-grade attacking players, but the two teams are scrabbling around for quality in defence.
How on earth have two teams of this stature left themselves in a position so bereft of quality defenders?
Previewing the match for ESPN FC, Arseblog's Andrew Mangan noted:
"Arsenal are fielding the most makeshift back four since their march to the Champions League final in 2006, and the incredible thing about that defence was that it didn't let in goals.ย This season's team is particularly leaky. It's not all down to the defence, obviously, but Arsenal lack a solid platform, as do United. In this game, the emphasis will be on the attack.
"
I'm fully expecting a goalfest from this one on Saturday, which will be great. But at the same time, I'm concerned whether either club can put out a back four worthy of its name.
3. Rooney has proved me wrong
Over the course of Wayne Rooney's career, I've been more critical of him than most. But only because I know what he has in his locker, and he hasn't always delivered that quality for England.
However, Rooney's recent performance against Scotland showed maturity. I was skeptical of him as a captain, but he's proved me wrong wearing the armband for both United and England.
Rooney now looks like he will be the deciding factor for both United and Englandโgetting the former into the Champions League and driving the latter to a run at Euro 2016.
4. Liverpool need a striker in January
What's going on with Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool? It must be a massive concern for Brendan Rodgers that it might not be until January that Sturridge is back fit again.
Meanwhile, Mario Balotelli is not doing it, and Rickie Lambert has yet to prove himself or be given the chance to.
Do Liverpool need to move for a striker in January? I say they do, and I'd like to see them go at West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino or Aston Villa's Christian Benteke, or even somebody like Toronto FC's Jermain Defoe.
Liverpool just need somebody who can come in, stay fit and score some goals. If they don't add a striker, Champions League qualification will be beyond them.
5. Key period for Spurs
This is a huge weekend for Tottenham. They've had a while to think about their defeat at home to Stoke, and they need to provide a response against Hull City now.
I still think they're light on strikers. And I'm beginning to wonder if big changes are afoot in January, with Mauricio Pochettino potentially free to clear out the deadwood and bring some new faces in.
January could make or break Spurs this season.
Former Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Liverpool and England striker Stanย Collymoreย is in his second season as a Bleacher Report marquee columnist and video analyst.
