Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Liverpool

Liverpool



Manager: Kenny Dalglish



Captain: Steven Gerrard



Last Season: 6th



In:



Stewart Downing – Aston Villa – £20 million

Jordan Henderson – Sunderland – £15.8 million

Charlie Adam – Blackpool – £7.4 million

Doni – Roma - Free



Out:



Paul Konchesky – Leicster - £1.5 million

Peter Gulacsi – Hull City – Free

Stephan Darby – Rochdale – Free Transfer





This Season:



They’ve made big money signings, but all in the same area of the pitch. This seems to be the underlying feel to Liverpool's summer. They have had a poor preseason, and news that both Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard will miss the start of the season, no one will be to surprised if Liverpool's confidence is a bit low at the moment. It's up to the Anfield faithful to raise the players, and demand a strong season from the club.



There is still lots of “deadwood” in that midfield, so I wonder how big Liverpool’s wage budget actually is. Kudos to Dalglish however, for getting the ludicrously overpaid Milan Jovanovic off the books and sent him packing to Belgium. I think Kenny Dalglish should have strengthened defensively, while injury prone defenders such as Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel could’ve been replaced, but the manager clearly believes they’re the right men for the club.



I expect Luis Suarez to have a big season for Liverpool, he has been in blistering form this summer and was instrumental in Urugauy's Copa America win. A fully fit Andy Carroll has to start scoring goals to pay off the big £35 million price tag, while Alberto Aquilani will have a point to prove (should he get the opportunity) or he could be heading back to Italy, with Fiorentina heading up the possible list of suitors.



I still believe there best XI is the side that finished last season, with Charlie Adam filling in when Steven Gerrard is injured. It’ll be interested to see where Stewart Downing fits in, and how much Jordan Henderson will play. Liverpool have continued their recent trend of paying over the odds for English players, so it remains to be seen how long it will take for them to gel together and for Liverpool to gain some much needed consistency. I do however, see them competing for a top six place.



Prediction: 6th



Best Starting XI:





One to watch this season: Jordan Henderson



How do you think Liverpool will get on this season? Leave a comment below

Liverpool Agree Suarez Fee: Will He Succeed?

This evening, Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed a fee with Ajax to sign one of, in not the most converted strikers in Europe; Uruguayan international Luis Suarez. The fee is believed to be €26.5 million (that’s £22.8million). He is due for a medical tomorrow, and still needs to agree personal terms before the signing is completed.

So what have Liverpool brought?

Liverpool have spent big, and strengthened their faltering frontline. The lack of form (and injuries) hindering Fernando Torres this season is that which has aided in Liverpool’s struggles this season.



Suarez made his name in Holland, joining FC Groningen from Uruguayan side Nacional in 2006. There he would spend his first season in Europe, and impressed immediately. After just one season with Groningen, he made an £6million transfer to Dutch giants Ajax. His time with the Amsterdam club is where he showed his most impressive form, and clinical goal scoring ability.

His record at the time of leaving the club is an astonishing 81 goals in 108 appearances.

He gained notoriety on the world stage, while influence was his instrumental in Uruguay’s World Cup campaign, where they reached the Semi-Final. He was however sent off in the Quarter-Finals after a deliberate handball in extra time against Ghana.

Suarez is a technically astute individual with a great first touch. He combines his acceleration with flair and tricks to allow him to frighten defences, and trick opponents. His vision, creative ability, passing ability and decisiveness help him unlock defences.


Will he make it? How does he compare to other exports?

When you think of players who have came over from the Eredivise, Suarez fantastic goalscoring record is similar to many who have come before.

Here’s a few who didn’t do so well leaving Holland:

Mateja Kezman

Club: PSV to Chelsea, 2004-2005

Transfer Fee: £5.3 million

Performance: He scored 4 goals in 25 appearances for Chelsea,

Success: He never made it in the Premiership; he went on to have unsuccessful spells in Spain; with Athletico Madrid, Turkey; with Fenerbache, France; with Paris Saint-Germain, and in Russia; with Zenit St. Petersburg. He now plays in relative obscurity in the Hong Kong first division, with a team called South China.


Klass-Jan Huntelaar

Club: Ajax to Real Madrid, 2009

Transfer Fee: €27 million

Performance: He scored 8 times in 20 appearances, and was shipped out after just 6 months

Success: His goalscoring record in Holland before joining Real Madrid was 135 goals in 193 games. He didn’t have the best of time in Madrid, despite scoring goals, he just wasn’t the right sort of player the club wanted. He had a semi-successful spell with AC Milan, before joining Schalke in Germany where he is now playing.


Afonso Alves

Club: Heerenveen to Middlesbrough, 2008-09

Transfer Fee: £12.7 million

Performance: He scored just 10 goals in 42 appearances.

Success: The barrel-chested Brazilian won individual accolades and plaudits for his performances in Holland. During his time at Heerenveen he scored 45 goals in 39 appearances, so Middlesbrough thought they had a steal on their hands. However that wasn’t the case, he only lasted one season, managing 10 goals in 42 appearances, in which Middlesbrough were subsequently relegated and Alves (who was on big wages) was shipped off to Qatar. He is now settled in Qatar and scoring goals for fun.


Players who did do well:

Ruud Van Nistelrooy

Club: PSV to Manchester United, 2001-06

Transfer Fee: £19 million

Performance: 95 goals in 150 appearances, worth every penny

Success: Before joining Manchester United, he hit 62 goals in 67 appearances for PSV, which earned him a move to one of the biggest clubs in the world. He became a Manchester United legend, and was undoubtedly one of the deadliest penalty box strikers to ever grace the Premiership. He won the Premiership title, FA Cup and League Cup during his spell in England. He moved on to Real Madrid in 2005, where he was just as successful, and now plays in Germany with Hamburg. He is still scoring shed loads of goals.


Robin van Persie

Club: Feyenoord to Arsenal, 2004

Transfer Fee: £2.75 million

Performance: An astute purchase by Arsene Wenger, he has scored 54 goals in 143 games.

Success: A career blighted by injury; however the Dutchman’s ability is never in doubt. Unbelievable technique, first touch and accuracy, he is now in his prime, and ready to take Arsenal back to the top.


Dirk Kuyt

Club: Feyenoord to Liverpool, 2006

Transfer Fee: £10 million

Performance: 40 goals in 160 appearances

Success: Kuyt came to England, as a deadly striker, with a record in Holland of 152 goals in 261 games. When he joined Liverpool, he was converted into a right midfielder by then manager Rafael Benitez, and has become a cult figure with the Anfield faithful.


So can Suarez follow suit? In a word, yes. He is a battler, with a huge passion for football, but more importantly he has the ability which makes him more adaptable to the Premiership.

Where will he fit it?

This is what all Liverpool fans will want to know; is he a replacement for Torres? Or will he play alongside the Spaniard? I believe Torres will stay at Liverpool, until the summer at least.

Recently Liverpool has found themselves performing a lot better with Kenny Dalglish’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

The current formation see’s Cristian Poulsen sitting in the holding midfield role, while Lucas adds the ball winning option, and he also operates more defensively. This means Lucas and Poulsen protect Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel at centre back, which allows for the full backs to push on, high up the pitch.

Gerrard is subsequently given more freedom, and plays the attacking midfield role supporting Torres wherever possible, while Kuyt offers width on the right. Suarez will slot onto the left wing role, as an advanced forward, taking the place of Maxi Rodriguez.


Liverpool fans will be buoyed by this signing, and it’s another bonus for the Premiership to have another class talent play on these shores. He should kick start Liverpool’s Premier League campaign, and allow them to finally move on from a terrible 2009.

How do you think Suarez will fare? Leave your comment below

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Damien Comolli: The New Face at Anfield

An intriguing football move occurred this week, but unlike any unceremonious free transfers, or players threatening to walk out in January due to a “lack of ambition”, it was a return to English football for a man with some unfinished business to attend to in the Premiership. This man being; Damien Comolli.

Comolli, now 38 years old, previously spent 7 years at Arsenal, after joining from the AS Monaco coaching staff, and while working amongst one of the best scouting teams in the World he was credited with finding the likes of Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Eboue.

He then spent a year back in France with Saint-Etienne, before returning to English football as Director of football at Tottenham Hotspur, where he stayed at the club for three years, before returning to Saint-Etienne in 2008, leaving amongst harsh criticism due his role in signing certain players, along with the underperforming coach Juande Ramos.



Now, two years later, he has signed up to the mini-revolution occurring at Anfield. With the new owners NESV in charge, they stated that Comolli’s appointment as Director of Football Strategy, will not only require him oversee the pursuing new young talent, but also add quality players to the club. He is also expected to work closely with boss Roy Hodgson.

His track record is very good, in his time he has brought in the likes of Luka Modric, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Dimitar Berbatov, Gareth Bale, and Gomes to Tottenham. Players who have all proved their worth at the club and are now first team regulars, while Berbatov saw the club make a £20million profit.



On the subject of Gareth Bale, the Weslshman was brought to the club as a 17 year old and has is now showcasing his fantastic potential and is a player who has impressed and improved in this past year, with his excellent performances in the Premiership against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as his sensational performances against Inter Milan, in Spurs first ever Champions League campaign.

Camolli spoke to the BBC Sport website, and he recalls his first memories of scouting the him as a 17 year old explaining “When I watched him for the first time I was gobsmacked"

"He was already showing the strength, the technical ability, the confidence to take people on, the pace, the quality left foot, the work-rate. He had it all.”

He then went on to add one of the greatest comparisons a football could receive, let alone a left back, stating that “I remember coming back from scouting him and thinking 'I've seen the new Paolo Maldini.”



As any scout, there have been a few misses. These include the likes of Ricardo Rocha; who had a poor spell at Spurs, along with Kevin Prince Boateng, who found more success on loan at Portsmouth and on International duty then at White Hart Lane, and Darren Bent who also underperformed at Spurs but has displayed his goal scoring ability and prowess at Sunderland. More names include David Bentley, Gilberto, Pascal Chimbonda, Hossam Ghaly and Giovani Dos Santos.

As stated before, it will be intriguing to see how his role impacts the club. It could be beneficial in the sense of bring some much need composer and common sense to Liverpool’s somewhat hit and miss transfer record in the last 5 years.



On the other hand it could be disruptive to the club, as during his time at Tottenham he was give a sufficient amount of time, but the club wasn’t performing on the pitch, which saw him leave the club.

His signings however have definitely been value for money, but they needed time to prove their worth. This again highlights the importance for Liverpool fans to be patient, and will be needed once Comolli gives the go ahead for certain transfers.

This new presence amongst the club should give a greater understanding to some of the finer details regarding players already in the Premiership, and help Hodgson to be more tactically astute and help churn out the victories on the pitch, with the club being a lot more fruitful in the transfer market. Some much needed knowledge and knowhow on Anfield aimed at getting Liverpool back on track, so more promising things to come for Liverpool fans as the club finally look like they’re getting their act together.

Rafael Benitez: A Missed Man at Anfield?

With Liverpool’s problems this season evidently clear for all to see, struggles in both the domestically and in Europe, their struggles and poor form were compounded by a 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Blackpool.

Manager Roy Hodgson is now under intense scrutiny in order to turn around the fortunes of one of the most prestigious clubs in football history, before his position becomes untenable.

Some are suggesting that whispers of doubt regarding his appointment in the first place, such as the 63 year old being “not a big enough name for Liverpool”, or he has “made too big of a step up” moving from the very well supported and impressive mid table main-stayers Fulham, to a club with an even bigger fan base, bigger budgets and subsequently bigger expectations; such as Liverpool, are beginning to creep up on him.

We all know that it takes time for a manager to settle into a club, bringing in the players he feels appropriate, and removing the dead wood, when at a “big name” club, the time span is significantly shorter.



Now, already, just seven games into the Premiership season, and despite concerns at injuries the sides key players; captain Steven Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres, combined with disruptive and disgruntled owners; George Gillett and Tom Hicks still at the helm (guiding the club into more and more dept) all have equalled to underperformances on the pitch, and whispers are arising from some fans that maybe letting former boss Rafa Benitez go was a slightly hasty decision.

Although I fully believe that sometimes the best way for things, situations and people to progress or evolve, is to start afresh. This is what the Liverpool fans got once the man who had delivered an impressive array of successes during his tenure, cut short his 5 year contract (due to finish in 2014) and walk away from Anfield.

The man who had been aptly named the stereotypical “Spanish waiter” was a sort of love/hate figure at Liverpool, while a vast amount of his decisions baffled and infuriated many critics, pundits and fans alike, he undoubted managerial skill help guide Liverpool to some memorable moments during his time, etching his name in Liverpool folk law.

Benitez has a very vast and impressive managerial career, which started in his mid twenties after a short semi professional career playing in lowly Spanish football divisions. He learnt the managerial ropes with the prominent Real Madrid youth set up for around nine years before heading off into solo management taking over at Real Valladolid from 95’ to 96’, and Osasuna the following year. Both these spells were turbulent to say the least, with Benitez being sacked from both clubs. He subsequently managed second division side Extremadura for two years, gaining promotion and then relegation, before taking a year out from managing to fulfil personal aims and objectives.



This hiatus didn’t last as he was sworn back into management with Tenerife, and gaining them promotion into La Liga. This success didn’t go unnoticed as Rafa finally had the chance to highlight his true managerial ability, by managing one of the Europe’s most promising sides: Valencia. This would be a make or break opportunity for Benitez at the highest level.

Benitez grabbed at this opportunity with both hands, and after his first full season in charge, he truly showcased his excellence winning the La Liga title with Valencia, and securing Champions League football. In his second season at Valencia, his side struggled to reach the heights achieved in previous season, finishing 5th in the league. Undeterred Benitez squad, boasting the likes of Ruben Baraja, Rufete, Mista, Carlos Marchena and Roberto Ayala, helped finish his third and final season with Valencia by winning a superb double; collecting the La Liga title for a second time during his reign and a UEFA Cup trophy to boot.



With this success, a fall out occurred between Benitez and the clubs directors (something which would crop up again in the future) lead to Benitez leaving sunny Spain and accepting the advances of Liverpool and head off to England.

His reign at Liverpool was a continuation of the previous successes of former manager Gerrard Houllier, as he helped Liverpool finish runners-up in the FA Cup, losing 3-2 to Chelsea.

But most impressively was winning the Champions League in his very 1st season in charge, thanks due that wondergoal from captain Steven Gerrard in the group stages against Olympiakos, unbelievable team spirit and bravery shown throughout the competition beating Bayer Leverkusan, Juventus and that which helped them overcome Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in a thrilling 1-0 win in the semi-finals to book a meeting with AC Milan in Istanbul.



Before the game, it was evidently clear that this would be the biggest match of Benitez’s career, with Liverpool aiming for a fifth European trophy, and AC Milan aiming for a seventh.

AC Milan bragged a team with talented world class individuals including Paolo Maldini, Kaka, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo, Hernan Crespo and Filippo Inzaghi making them clear favourites. Benitez’s side knew their great team work and composure which saw them reach the final needed to be called upon in order to upset the odds.

The odds were shortened however during the half time interval, after goals from Maldini, and a brace from Hernan Crespo gave Milan a comfortable 3-0 lead and left Liverpool reeling.

At half time, Benitez who had already substituted attacking midfielder Harry Kewell for Vladimir Smicer, abandoned his 4-4-1-1 formation, and opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation in order to salvage anything from the match. This was ever seen as the act of a man who had nothing left to lose, or a stroke of tactical genius.

With Hamann and Xabi Alonso anchoring the midfield, and allow Smicer, Gerrard, Luis Garcia and Riise to offer attacking options. Within 15 minutes of the second half, goals from Gerrard, Smicer and Alonso saw Liverpool complete an unbelievable comeback making it 3-3.

The match continued unto the 120th minute of extra time, although both sides had chances to win, the only way to settle the tie once and for all, would be through penalty kicks.




Hamann, Cisse, and Smicer all scored for Liverpool, while Serginho, Pirlo and Shevchenko all missed for Milan leading to a 3-2 penalty victory, while the rest as they say; is history. This was to be Liverpool and Benitez’s swansong.



After this magical night, it would be believed Liverpool would be able to finally challenge domestically, however this wasn’t to be as they finished 3rd in the league, but managed to still collect the FA Cup trophy.

In the 06/07 season, Liverpool still struggled domestically again, an ongoing saga in Liverpool’s Premier league history. It was not all doom and gloom though, as Benitez amazingly helped his side return to the summit of European football, the Champions League final, but lost to a Kaka inspired AC Milan, as they extracted their revenge winning 2-1.



Domestically, Benitez proved his grit and belief that Liverpool were finally capable of competing for the Premier League, by guiding his side to the top of the table through large portions of the 08/09 season, unfortunately missing out on the title finishing 4 points behind Manchester United and 2nd in the Premiership with a club record 85 points.

The highlight of the campaign being a memorable 4-1 victory over rivals, and eventual champions; Manchester United at Old Trafford, and it was believed that the following season, they would make that step up and finally achieve the dream of finally collecting a Premiership title.



This however would not be the case, as after the strained relationship between the owners and Benitez came to a head, while the apparent lack of funds being made available to him, along with the sale of key player Xabi Alonso, saw the 09/10 season Liverpool get the headlines for all the wrong reason and seemingly ended up being a consolatory season, culminated in the club finishing a lowly 7th place in the league, and failing to qualify for the Champions League.



With relationship with the fans at breaking point due to the numerous transfers made by Benitez over the last 6 years, the sale of big name players, a believed £229,600,000 spent on transfers, strange odd substitutions and tactic decisions, a rocky relationship with fellow managers, and being beaten semi-finalists in the Europa League, losing to eventual winners Athletico Madrid, when Liverpool were consider favourites, ultimately saw Benitez’s reign come to an end.



With this history behind him, Benitez some would suggest made a step up club wise; taking over at current European champions Inter Milan. While the current LMA Manager of the year was selected, and at the time seemed the most reasonable choice, to take over the red side of Merseyside.

His slow start echo’s similarities to that of Rafael Benitez’s first year in charge, as even the Spaniard also had somewhat of a rocky start exiting early in the FA Cup, while current boss Hodgson’s side exited early in this seasons League Cup; losing 4-2 on penalties to league two side Northampton.

Then it was 1-0 loss to lower league opponents Burnley, thanks to a calamitous Djimi Traore own goal. Less than nine months later however though, both Traore and Benitez collected a Champions League winner’s medal.

Given the time, Hodgson could go one step further than he did with Fulham last year and lead Liverpool to European success in the continents second biggest trophy; which would be the shining light at the end of what looks like an otherwise dark season ahead.



I believe that although the unappreciated and somewhat misconstrued Spaniard may seem to be missed on Anfield, these opinions are being raised merely out of frustrations. Also the chants for former manager and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish to take over the reins again are also premature.

For me; Hodgson needs time for the current squad to get use to the training methods, as well as his tactics, simply because they have been playing under the same type of management, and the same way for the past 6 years. This is what the fans on Merseyside are used to.

Understandably with the frustrations evident, and with Hodgson himself admitting that the club are now in a “relegation battle”, I wouldn’t go as far as saying I can agree or even envisage that, because I believe that Liverpool will overcome this rocky start and be able to mount a push for a top six finish.



The Anfield faithful are some of the best supporters in Europe, but they must practice the virtue of patience, and fully get behind their manager and the players, as their frustrations do lie with the board, they must continue to direct these frustrations towards the owners, rather than make Roy Hodgson the scapegoat.

Premier League Preview - Liverpool

Liverpool

Last season was one of the worst seasons for Liverpool fans in recent memory. Troubles on the pitch came by way of stranger than usual tactical decisions from Rafa Benitez, in fighting between squad members and Benitez (such as Albert Riera, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun) as well as injuries to key players such as Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson and most noticeably star striker Fernando Torres. Coincidently trouble off the pitch came by way of conflict in the boardroom with both owners squabbling with each other all season.

Now, things look a little bit brighter on Merseyside as the troubling owners are no willing to listen to offers about selling the club, star players Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have all pledged their alliance to the club, and most importantly Rafa Benitez has been sacked. Not to sound too harsh on the Spaniard, because he did achieve great things during his time at Anfield, but to be honest it was time for him to go, and Liverpool to start afresh.



Now for Liverpool to move on, and take that next step, they selected a manager with an unprecedented amount of experience when it comes to football, relative success at places where success is not guaranteed, and the ability to get the most out of the players he works with; Roy Hodgson. The former Blackburn and Inter Milan manager caught everyone’s attention last season, by guiding an unfancied Fulham side to Europa Cup final. Now he has the chance to work with a bigger budget, and with one of the biggest teams in Europe.

Key Player: Fernando Torres

The World Cup winner, despite have a very poor tournament, pretty much used South Africa as a way to step up his rehabilitation from injury. However with just a few minutes to go before Spain collected the World Cup trophy, Torres pulled up, once again, with another injury and had to come off the pitch. The problem? An adductor injury, meaning he would miss the start of the season.

Now, he is the key player for Liverpool club because his goals and quality are worth its weight in gold. Despite all the injuries, he is still one of deadliest and best strikers in the world. A return for him, will allow for Liverpool to utilise the much anticipated Cole/Gerrard/Torres attack.



Manager: Roy Hodgson

Key Signing: Joe Cole

The Londoner left champions Chelsea after seeing his first team opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti limited, while the club also refused to meet his wage demands and subsequently allowed him to leave as a free agent. After supposedly turning down approaches from Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan, Cole surprisingly signed with Liverpool and has now given a huge boost to everyone at the club. Naturally gifted? Yes. Injury prone? Yes. Worth the risk? In Liverpool’s case, they have nothing to lose, and Cole could be a great capture for the club.



Aims: Restore credibility, Europa League title and New ownership

Prediction: 5th

With the addition of Roy Hodgson and Joe Cole, a new lease of life has been injected into the club. Liverpool now have the manager, they have great players, and they have even greater fans, all they need are new owners and it will be a clean slate for the club. This season they will look to restore credibility and challenge for the Europa League, but miss out on the Champions League this time round again.

First Five Fixtures: Arsenal (H), Man City (A), West Brom (A), Birmingham (A), Man Utd (A)

Best 11

Real Talk Football End of Year Awards

Real Talk Football End of Year Awards

Here’s Real Talk Football’s 1st Annual Premier League Awards



Player of the Season

Winner: Didier Drogba
Runners up: Wayne Rooney
Honourable Mention: Carlos Tevez

The Ivorian has been sensational this season for Chelsea. At 32 years of age, he is still instrumental in Chelsea title win. He scored 29 goals this season, collecting the Golden Boot ahead of Wayne Rooney.

Rooney however has been sensational this season, was unlucky that injuries hampered his and United’s title campaign, but he has been the stand out performer nevertheless.

As for Tevez, since his transfer from Man United to Man City, he has been excellent also this season. Expect a strong World Cup from the Argentine.



Young Player of the Season (Under 23)

Winner: Joe Hart
Runners up: Cesc Fabregas
Honourable Mention: Gabriel Agbonlahor

Birmingham City’s on loan goalkeeper Joe Hart has been a cut above the rest this season, and at the age of 23 he is already amongst the top 5 goalkeepers in the Premiership. Will either return to Man City to compete for the number one jersey or switch to one of the top teams in the Premiership.

Arsenal’s midfield maestro had been the driving force behind the Gunners title drive, but ultimately thanks to injury he and his side fell short. An excellent display against Barcelona in the Champions League capped off his season. He scored 15 goals and 15 assists in the league this season.



Most Improved Player of the Season

Winner: Alexandre Song
Runners up: Bobby Zamora
Honourable Mention: Gareth Bale

The Arsenal holding midfielder was the most important component to the Gunners title challenge this season. He has came on leaps and bounds considering how average he had been in previous seasons, and could be considered for Arsenal’s player of the year. His role in the team, helped add some much needed bite to Wenger’s side, breaking up playing, using his strength and most impressively improving his passing. Should expect a new Centre Midfield partner next season to help his cause.

Fulham striker, Bobby Zamora gets the runners up spot, since he has laid to rest the ghosts of previous seasons, as well as the criticisms from his own fans, so much so he is expected to be named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad. He scored just 8 league goals this season, but managed 21 in all competition and was deemed as important to Fulham, as the White Pele is to Manchester Untied.

Since January, Welshman Bale significantly improved his form, becoming an option at both Left Back and Left Midfield/Winger. He scored the winner against Arsenal and was subsequently Spurs best player this season, helping them reach the Champions League.



Underachieved Player of the Season

Winner: Joleon Lescott
Runners up: Steven Gerrard
Honourable Mention: Stephen Hunt

Lescott signed to Manchester City for £22 million, and has played 18 games in all competitions. He left Everton in very unceremonious circumstances, after they subsequently helped turn him into an England International. Now he has again suffered from knee injuries, and subsequently lost his place to Vincent Kompany at Centre Back. Again, they paid £22 million... In a Recession...

Stevie G, Liverpool hero, has been below par this season. The sale of Xabi Alonso meant he has to move from Attacking Midfielder/Second Striker, into Centre Midfielder which ultimately brought down both his goal and assist tally, while Liverpool crashed out of both the Europa League and Champions League. Expect him to make a mends at the World Cup.



Team of the Season

Winner: Fulham
Runners up: Chelsea
Honourable Mention: Birmingham City

West London dominate the collective rewards, with the Premier League Champions wrestling the Premier League title from Manchester United, while Roy Hodgson’s Fulham side started playing in July and have now reached the Europa League final. Unbelievable considering they beat the likes of defending Champions; Shaktar Donetsk, Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, Juventus and Basle to reach the final. Considering the squad and players they have, again it’s a fantastic achievement.

Honourable mention to Birmingham City who was promoted last season, and subsequently ended up finishing comfortably in 9th place. On to bigger and better things next season? Who knows, but a great achievement none the less.



Most Disappointing Team of the Season

Winner: Liverpool
Runners up: West Ham United
Honourable Mention: Portsmouth

Only one winner really. Liverpool as stated earlier, dropped out of the Europa League and UEFA Champions League without a whimper, while ending up finishing 7th in the league (the last Europa League spot). Financial failures off the pitch, still no plans for a new stadium and a manager who tactically gets it right against Manchester United, but wrong against everyone else! Torres is injury prone, Gerrard looks fed up, Carragher looks old, and Aquilani looks a waste of money. A freshen up is really needed.

West Ham United have well documented problems regarding both the manager and the owners, as well as financial difficulties, and Squad injuries meant the Hammers found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle. They ended up finishing 17th, just one place above the drop zone, with Zola expecting to leave this summer.



Most Exciting Prospect of the Season

Winner: Phil Jones
Runners up: Nikola Kalinic
Honourable Mention: Landon Donavon

Forget Chris Smalling, Phil Jones of Blackburn Rovers at the age of 18 years old, has played 9 games this season and has earned him rave reviews, most noticeably from the likes of Arsene Wenger and manager Sam Alladyce. He made his debut against Chelsea this season, and signed a 5 year contract with Blackburn just last week. One to watch for the future.

Another Blackburn player, who again is highly rated and is expected to show big things next season, both for his club and country, another one for the future within the Rovers ranks.

Despites Landon Donovan being 28 years old, his spell with Everton displayed his potential and highlighted his ability for playing in the Premiership. Expect David Moyes to reignite his interest again this summer.



Comeback of the Season

Winner: Richard Dunne
Runners up: Kolo Toure
Honourable Mention: Darren Bent

On Richard Dunne’s inclusion into the PFA Team of the Year

“The Irish defender suffered heart break when the hand of Henry put the Republic of Ireland out of the World Cup, but he steadily recovered to help his side reach both the League Cup Final and Carling Cup Semi Final. He has also helped Villa challenge for the Champions League spot, while Martin O’Neill’s men are more likely to qualify for the Europa League. No failure none the less, while more of a personal achievement for Dunne himself, as he was ousted from Man City in favour of Kolo Toure, Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott. Dunne is now respected as one of the most improved and most consistent defenders in the Premiership gaining acknowledgement from both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.”

Runner up Kolo Toure had a more consistent season this year, after becoming disillusioned at Arsenal. He came under scrutiny for his poor performances last year, while finally making his move up north to new found money bags, Manchester City. However the Ivorian was instilled as Club Captain and despite having up to four different centre back partners such as Joleon Lescott, Dedryck Boyata, Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards, he filled the boots of Richard Dunne amicably. At the age of 29, and with a 5 year contract, Toure will definitely be around for years to come.

Despite flopping at Tottenham, and having many a differences with Harry Redknapp, Sunderland striker Darren Bent scored 24 goals this season, and is a dark horse to be on the plane to South Africa. A great turn around.



Signing of the Season

Winner: Thomas Vermaelen
Runners up: Carlos Tevez
Honourable Mention: Sol Campbell

The Belgian centre back has received many plaudits this season, and has undoubtedly been the most consistent, reliable and best defender in the Premiership. Another relatively unknown singing by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger at a fee of £10 million from Ajax. At 24 years of old, he has already adapted well to the English game, and is definitely one for the future still. He also chipped in with 7 goals this season.

When Manchester City came into all this money in January 2009, it was seen as somewhat of a shock to everyone. The signing of Robinho got the ball rolling, signing for £32.5 millions, but it was the big money move for Carlos Tevez, prying him away from rivals Manchester United, is where you had to begin to really take them seriously. Tevez scored 23 times in 34 matches this season, driving on the Citizen’s charge for the Champions League, while ending up finishing in 5th place, and establishing himself as the key man for Manchester City.

Big Daddy Sol. When he signed for Notts County, everyone thought he must be getting a big pay check and look to wind his way down to retirement. But after just one game in League Two, he left the club by mutual consent citing “broken promises”. One month later, it was confirmed that Sol Campbell became one of the select few players Arsene Wenger has ever resigned. A lot of people laughed at the North London clubs decision, and equally criticised the signing. However the 35 year olds experience, and natural ability, shows that he hasn’t missed a step and is still capable to play at the highest level. With Gallas and Vermaelen’s injuries, it is evident that he was the best player in a somewhat poor defence. The latest speculation links him with a new one year contract, and even a trip to South Africa.



Worse Signing of the Season

Winner: Benni McCarthy
Runners up: Alberto Aquilani
Honourable Mention: Patrick Vieira

As mentioned in my West Ham post. Signed for £2.5 million, and played just four times. Scoring; Zero Goals. Terrible.

Alberto Aquilani, deemed the invisible man by the British press, signed (injured) from AS Roma for £20 million, as a direct replacement for that man again, Xabi Alonso. He didn’t really play much, 18 games in all competitions, scoring just the once. If Benitez leaves in the summer, I expect the Italian to follow him out the door as well.



Goalkeeper of the Season
Winner: Joe Hart
Runners up: Pepe Riena
Honourable Mention: Mark Schwarzer



Defender of the Season
Winner: Thomas Vermaelen
Runners up: Patrice Evra
Honourable Mention: Branislav Ivanovic



Midfielder of the Season
Winner: Frank Lampard
Runners up: Cesc Fabregas
Honourable Mention: James Milner



Striker of the Season
Winner: Didier Drogba
Runners up: Wayne Rooney
Honourable Mention: Carlos Tevez



Manager of the Season
Winner: Roy Hodgson
Runners up: Carlo Ancelotti
Honourable Mention: Harry Redknapp

The Fulham manager, again highlighted on this list, has transformed the Cottagers from relegation battlers into one of the trickiest teams to face in the Premiership.

Highlights this year include a 3-1 win over Liverpool, a 3-0 win over Manchester United, as well as the successful European campaign; Hodgson is surely the front runner for the England Job in the next few years.



The former AC Milan manager left Italy to take the reins of West London billionaires Chelsea. In his 1st season he has rejuvenated players such as Florent Malouda, Yuri Zhirkov, Alex, Paolo Ferreira, while leading Chelsea to the Premier League title in his 1st season, and an FA Cup Final, while banishing memories of the special one. Next aim for the Italian, the Champions League.



Finally Harry Redknapp. With most of his off the field problems being left, well, off the field, he managed to take Tottenham from second bottom, to a fourth place finish in the Premiership and therefore the final Champions League qualification spot.



That’s it for the 2009/10 Premier League season, which saw many ups and downs. Up next football wise, the Europa League Final, Champions League Final and then The FIFA World Cup.

That was the Real Talk Football Blog's 1st Annual awards, sign in and leave a comment below giving your opinion. Let me know who you think should be on the list and who shouldn’t.