As reported by The Scotsman, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he would have ‘no hesitation’ playing teenager Kristoffer Ajer in next week’s derby against Rangers.
What’s the story?
The New Year derby between Celtic and Rangers is a tradition in Scottish football that always captures the imagination over the festive period and next Saturday will be no different.
With the Hoops opening the gap over their city rivals to 11 points this weekend, a win would put them out of touch and leave the Light Blues soul searching again heading into 2018.
Celtic Park is set to produce a red hot atmosphere, the kind usually reserved for more experienced players. However, Rodgers believes that one of his young charges is ready to experience what the fixture is all about, after being asked whether Kristoffer Ajer could feature.
As quoted by The Scotsman, the Hoops boss said:
I would have no hesitation. He has all the qualities – it is just about getting him the experience. I thought he was brilliant. I said afterwards in the changing room to all the players, this is a boy that when I came in last year was 18, 6ft 5in but just needed some men’s football. We sent him to Kilmarnock and he was taught very well by Lee McCulloch and Lee Clark, and when he came in the summer he was a man.
Ajer has started just nine Celtic matches but has impressed supporters with four starts in December that could see him become a first-choice pick in the centre-back position going forward.
Is he ready?
Ajer has brought a calmness and stability to the Celtic defence in recent weeks that highlights he plays with a maturity well beyond his tender age. Still just 19-years-old, if he continues his current trajectory he could be a defensive star for years to come.
He’s had to remain patient for regular opportunities but with Jozo Simunovic in poor form, he’s ready to show that he should be partnering new signing Marvin Compper going forward.
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Celtic careers are often defined by performances in the derby with Rangers, so if he does start next week, it’ll be a true test of the progress he has made since coming into the side.
It seems to have become the fashion for cross-city rivals to be locked in intense battles for European places and the war on the banks of the Mersey would appear to be no different ahead of the new season. Will Everton’s new attacking philosophy be the difference or will the ‘reds’ have the final say come May 2014?
Here I run the rule over which of Everton and Liverpool appear best equipped to mount a Premier League top four challenge next year.
Everton
A summer of change for the ‘toffees’ has seen a new man installed at the helm. Roberto Martinez will look to bring a bit of Spanish flair to complement the dogged steel of the previous regime. The additions of Arouna Kone and Gerard Deulofeu may help in this regard as Martinez looks to shuffle his already competent pack at Goodison Park. Free agent Antolin Alcaraz and the capture of Joel should further strengthen a defence that has always been a strength for the ‘toffees’.
What can we expect next season? Martinez has already set his sights high, with the goal of Champions League football being his long-term aspiration. In the mean time a transitional phase may well necessitate setting the clubs sights slightly lower. I would imagine a return to European football of any kind would represent a successful season for the club, and if Martinez successfully combines attacking flair with defensive rigidity then this is surely achievable.
Liverpool
It has been a period of intense uncertainty for the club as the gloom of the Suarez transfer saga continues to cast an ugly shadow over Liverpool’s prospects. Admirable in their approach to the ordeal, it now seems to be anyone’s guess whether the star man stays or goes. A Liverpool side devoid of the Uruguayan would be a totally different prospect to one with him, world-class players have that effect and the resolution to the saga may well determine the clubs short-term ambitions.
Liverpool have been incredibly active aside from the Suarez issue, the sale of flops from previous regimes have allowed Rodgers a greater freedom to manoeuvre in the market. The departure of Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jonjo Shelvey among others has freed up the financial capital to rejuvenate the side. The additions of Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto would appear excellent prospects for the future, with Simon Mignolet a ready-made replacement for Reina in goal. The issue for Liverpool is whether this focus on youth recruitment could well sabotage their short-term hopes, as it stands the squad they possess is unlikely to be capable of a top four push without suitable acquisitions in the next few weeks.
Verdict
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In my opinion neither of the two Merseyside clubs will be in the shakeup for a Champions League place next term. I expect a similar battle between two closely matched sides for the less coveted Europa spots to be the more likely outcome. As it stands Everton have the edge simply because they have endured a far less painful summer, and the transition to new management may well see them push on with a settled squad. If Liverpool can keep Luis Suarez and get the best out of him again they may well top their rivals, but in reality I think this is impossible. Even if he stays, the Uruguayan is unlikely to have the mental state to recapture the form of last season, and I cannot see the players around him to compensate for this. Liverpool have been linked with late last minute moves for marquee signings, Willian comes to mind, and these last two weeks of the window may well determine whether they can bridge the gap with Everton.
Sunderland are attempting to complete three signings for a combined total of £25 million, reports The Sun.
The North East club are hoping to secure the signature of highly coveted winger, Adam Johnson for a fee of £10 million. While hopes are high that a fourth bid of £14 million will finally see Steven Fletcher arrive on Wearside.
The Sun also believe Blackburn defender, Martin Olsson could be coming to the Stadium of Light. Olsson’s arrival could allow Kieran Richardson to leave Sunderland, the versatile 27 year old has reportedly handed in a transfer request and is out of contract in the summer.
Sunderland manager, Martin O’Neill said, “We need to strengthen – particularly up-front.
“It’s important as with each day that goes past we’re getting closer to September. And at my age they’re going quicker than ever.”
The lack of fire power at the Ulsterman’s disposal has been well-documented, goals were hard to come by throughout last season and also during pre-season where the Black Cats only tasted victory once. So far Louis Saha and Carlos Cuellar are the only new faces at Sunderland.
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It has been a difficult season for West Ham United forward Andy Carroll.
The 29-year-old has only scored three Premier League goals this term, while he was recently sent home from training following a heated argument with head coach David Moyes.
Indeed, Carroll was furious not to be involved in the recent home defeat to Manchester City, and proceeded to storm down the tunnel once Moyes had made his third and final change.
Some would argue that Carroll is not really in a position to be reacting in such a manner considering his struggles this season, but there are those that feel that the striker should be in the first XI when fit.
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The former Liverpool forward said in a recent interview that he was delighted with the reaction from the West Ham fans when he appeared against Leicester City at the weekend.
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However, it seems that a number of the club’s supporters are finding it difficult to understand why the forward, who is rated at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, received a positive reaction at the King Power Stadium.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Last season was yet another worrying one for anyone affiliated with the black and white section of the North East. Turmoil is the norm at St James’ Park, but 2014/15 was particularly messy, with management changes and a close scrape with a drop to Championship football both genuine worries.
One shining light at Newcastle, even in the darkest times, has been Moussa Sissoko. From the worst patches of form under Alan Pardew to his displays when John Carver looked to be taking them to the drop, Sissoko has regularly appeared a class above many of the players around him, and has carried the side at times. Jack Colback at least provided some quality alongside Sissoko, but the Frenchman seems to be the one man in Newcastle’s squad who has regularly played up to the standard expected.
Sissoko unquestionably has the ability to play for a club in the top six and there have been links with moves to more ambitious sides for some time. Fortunately for Newcastle, Sissoko is yet to leave Tyneside, but it must have crossed his mind during some of the darker times.
It’s never plain sailing at Newcastle and keeping hold of a player like Sissoko should be seen as a coup in itself. The sheer power of the ex-Toulouse ace is enough of an asset, but when coupled with his technical ability and versatility it is surprising that Newcastle have held onto their man for so long.
However, there is a change afoot at Newcastle. Steve McClaren has arrived and brought in Gregorio Wijnaldum, who will likely play alongside Sissoko in a midfield three, and looks to be bringing in the highly talented Aleksandar Mitrovic to strengthen the front line. Newcastle are looking capable of challenging the top eight places again and have a manager who has developed greatly since his last spell at the top of the English game.
It appears that even Mike Ashley has realised he must spend and is backing his new manager in the market, much to the relief of the Toon Army. Wijnaldum and Mitrovic are believed to just be the start of summer spending that should guarantee Newcastle freedom from relegation, and they already have the makings of a top class midfield with Sissoko partnered by Colback and the Dutch newbie. Newcastle can bounce back and Sissoko is in the process of being proved right in his decision to stay at the club.
However, another season like the last and Sissoko must look to move to a side competing in Europe for the good of his career. His power can be breath-taking at times and the versatility he offers could see some of the biggest sides come calling. If I were a manager of a side with continental qualification ambitions, Sissoko would be the near perfect man to have to bring on off the bench.
This year could be a big one for Newcastle, and Sissoko is likely to be at the heart of most good things that happen on the pitch. If he can stay fit, and Wijnaldum can settle, Newcastle are going to surprise a few sides in 2015/16.
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The summer business thus far will have been enough to convince the fans, and Sissoko, that Newcastle are more ambitious than they have seemed in recent years and the Frenchman is the sort of player that the passionate Geordies deserve.
Manchester City starlet Abdisalam Ibrahim says he is flattered to be linked with Liverpool and a host of other top clubs, according to Sky Sports.
The Reds are one of a number of clubs said to be keen on the midfielder who is currently on loan at Stromsgodset until the end of the Norwegian season and he has been earning rave reviews during his stint away from City.
The midfielder will be in action for Norway’s Under-21 side in the European Championship in Israel and is expected to move on from City over the summer.
Arsenal are the favourites to sign him but he himself says he will not make any decisions until he has met the new city boss.
“We will see what happens in the next couple of months about my future as I’m contracted to Manchester City for another year,” he said.
“I’m open to extending my new deal, but I’d like to meet the new manager if it’s [Manuel] Pelligrini and see what he has to say.
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“I’m 22 years old now and I want to be playing week in, week out in the Premier League.”
Liverpool travel to Rome in the Champions League on Wednesday night, knowing that anything but a complete collapse will see the Reds through after winning the first leg 5-2 at Anfield. But those two late goals from last month’s visitors give the Serie A side a glimmer of hope of defying the odds, and if we’ve learned anything from the current incarnation of the European Cup, it’s that luck plays a huge part in any successful campaign.
It can decimate teams at their absolute peak, or bring those at rock bottom back to an unassailable high, and Luis Garcia’s infamous ghost goal in the same round of the 2004/05 Champions League, which Liverpool would later go on to win, serves as a crucial, fitting reminder ahead of the Merseysiders’ showdown at the Stadio Olimpico.
Dominated by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich over the last four years – unquestionably the three biggest teams in Europe during that time – you might be forgiven for declaring the Champions League is the most accurate and purest barometer of club football quality.
Yet, every impressive Champions League campaign, whether ending in the trophy or not, has traces of incredible good fortune somewhere down the line. They often say you make your own luck in football, but some slices of fortune have a much bigger impact than others, especially in an all-or-nothing tournament between the best Europe has to offer. Liverpool’s 2004/05 Champions League bid represents a prime example.
After a bitter-fought scoreless draw at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea travelled to Anfield knowing an away goal would be enough to get them to the final in Istanbul. But just four minutes into the game, something extraordinary happened; Steven Gerrard flicked a pass into the path of an onrushing Milan Baros – who was actually fouled by Petr Cech in the penalty box, something that always goes unmentioned – leaving Garcia to latch onto a loose ball and prod it towards goal.
Football – Liverpool v Chelsea UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg – Anfield – 3/5/05 Luis Garcia scores the first goal for Liverpool Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Michael Regan Livepic
William Gallas rushed back to the goal line and hoofed the ball clear but, seemingly convinced by Garcia’s celebration, referee Lubos Michel awarded the goal. Replays failing to prove anything were shown time and again as Liverpool eked out a clean sheet and prevailed to the final.
And if that victory had a large element of fortune about it, what happened in Istanbul was something else altogether; coming back from three goals down against unquestionably the most talented side of its era, AC Milan’s Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Andriy Shevchenko, Jaap Stam, Cafu, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta super XI, to eventually win on penalties is beyond luck, it’s quite rightly referred to as the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’.
Of course, that’s not to discredit an incredible comeback, but the quality between the two sides speaks for itself – not to mention a fluffed save from Dida for Vladimir Smicer’s strike and Steven Gerrard winning the equalising penalty by tumbling to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Both instances could have easily swayed in AC Milan’s, rather than Liverpool’s, favour.
We’re not just picking on Liverpool here either; the last two English sides to lift Europe’s top honour have depended on luck as well. Manchester United’s title in 2007/08 required the most unexpected of slips from John Terry in the penalty shootout, his spooned effort cannoning off the post, whilst the Chelsea side that won it in 2011/12 were amongst the competition’s weakest ever victors, their starting XI including Ryan Bertrand making his CL debut at left wing, Salomon Kalou on the right and Jose Bosingwa behind him at full-back.
Even their progression through the semi-final hinged on the most incredible of lobs from Ramires and Fernando Torres scoring one of his only truly significant goals in a Blues shirt in a 30-second glut of the world-class Torres that once graced Anfield. Then there’s the small matter of Fergie’s first European title – two chaotic, last-minute goals from corners in a match Bayern Munich had completely dominated.
Branching further afield, Borussia Dortmund’s shock march to the 2012 final saw them beat Malaga in the quarter-finals by scoring twice in injury time, only for replays to show the winner was offside. Last season, meanwhile, as Real Madrid became the first ever club to lift consecutive titles, Zinedine Zidane’s side scraped through a quarter-final with Bayern Munich by scoring two offside goals, in a match that also saw Arturo Vidal miss a penalty and get sent off for a fair challenge.
Their meeting on Tuesday night too, was influenced by apparent protection from the footballing gods. Bayern completely dominated proceedings, but couldn’t convert enough of the chances that came their way to lose 4-3 on aggregate. Real Madrid now find themselves on course to clinch a third successive European crown, despite playing well below their usual standards for the vast majority of this Champions League campaign.
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The list goes on and on; pretty much every good run in the Champions League has hinged on fortune, a bizarre twist of fate or a complete karma curveball somewhere en route to the title. Luck favours the brave and all that, but from ghost goals to penalty slips, offside injury-time winners to Champions League debutants having the game of their lives, the idea that Europe’s most prestigious club tournament is decided by ability alone is clearly a complete fallacy. It’s simply a collection of football matches as unpredictable as any other – only the quality of the teams involved makes us think it’s something greater.
And that serves as a massive warning to Liverpool ahead of what will be a high-pressure affair. While they may have a three-goal lead, while Roma may not exactly represent the most fearsome of competition and while Mohamed Salah may well be the most in-form player in Europe right now, one moment of bad luck could quickly send Wednesday night’s encounter spiralling beyond their control. Roma are more than qualified to take advantage of that in front of a partisan crowd. So its not just Giallorossi the Reds must remain vigilant against on Wednesday night – it’s cruel fortune as well.
Liverpool summer arrival Divock Origi is adamant that the club can win the Premier League title next season, according to reports from talkSPORT.
Origi signed for the Merseyside club last summer, however spent the past year on loan at Lille following an impressive World Cup for Belgium.
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And the 20-year-old has seen the Reds suffer a miserable campaign when compared to that of last season, in which they finished a close second to Manchester City for the Premier League title.
However, Origi is defiant that Liverpool can challenge for trophies in the upcoming season, and that the squad he will be joining is capable of squaring up with the country’s best.
“I think Liverpool is a wonderful club that deserves to be at the top and to be honest with the players they have, with the quality they have, then they should be finishing at the top of the league,” he said.
The attacker has also revealed his excitement at working under manager Brendan Rodgers, and is keen to link up with his seniors.
“I’m very happy to be going there. Brendan Rodgers is a very good coach and he has proved that so it will be very exciting to work with a world-class coach,” he added.
“Most of all it is important to be at a good club where people believe in you and where you feel good and at Liverpool I had a really good feeling and they have experience of working with young players.
“It’s always nice to play with good players. The important thing is that I work hard and then I think everything will be okay.”
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Origi made 44 appearances in all competitions for Lille last season, scoring nine goals and supplying four assists.
insists his focus is on securing survival for Newcastle despite speculation he could move on in the summer.
The Frenchman has been linked with a summer exit after what has largely been a difficult second season in the Premier League, but with the club battling to preserve their top flight status the midfielder insists he is happy at St James’ Park and refused to discuss the speculation surrounding his future.
Cabaye told the Chronicle: “I have three years’ contract left and now my mind is just to save the club. We have two cup finals then it will be the holidays.
“But I am at Newcastle. I don’t want to think about the future with two games left. I am very, very happy to play for this club and these fans.”
Newcastle travel to already relegated QPR on Sunday and a point may be enough to ensure survival, if Wigan lose at Arsenal on Tuesday.
Cabaye is well aware that his side have not performed to the best of their abilities over the course of the campaign but is confident they can avoid the drop.
He added: “We all made some mistakes at the start of the season – that’s why we are fighting for relegation.
“But if we learn from our mistakes, no problem. We are only human and we all make mistakes, but now is time to learn and prepare.
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“We need to finish strongly and then prepare well for next season. We have to be ready to fight and play and be ready again in the Premier League, like we were last season.”
Everton fans aren’t particularly happy with Leighton Baines, after the veteran defender said Michael Keane has been “terrific” lately.
Outside of Jordan Pickford, none of Everton’s big summer signings have particularly impressed this season.
To be fair to Michael Keane though, he has showed glimpses of the form that earned him his big move from Burnley.
It’s not been an easy season for the 25 year-old though, and he has taken plenty of flak from fans despite starting 25 league games.
His form has certainly improved with the returns of Baines, Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman, and Baines is clearly impressed by the young defender.
“Michael’s form is brilliant, he has been fantastic for us in recent weeks,” the 33 year-old told evertontv. “The rest of us in the back four have played together a long time and that has helped settle us at times.
“But Michael’s form has been terrific in the past few weeks and it is good to see.
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“They (the summer signings) came in at a difficult time. We did not quite get things together and there was a lot of new signings.
“It has been more settled in recent weeks and Michael’s form in particular has been one of the huge positives from that.”
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Fans can surely sympathise with the fact that Keane has played most of his Goodison career alongside youngsters and Ashley Williams, and he has looked much better since the experienced heads returned from injury.
Still, fans are bashing Baines’ comments on Twitter, and most of them are still haunted by Keane’s absurd back pass in the draw at Swansea.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…