Suarez The Saviour

Champion or Cheat? Hero or Villain? Superstar or Racist? Whatever you think of Luis Suarez, he is undoubtedly one of the Premier League's best strikers. Since joining Liverpool in January 2011 he has scored a total of 37 goals in 69 including 16 in the league this season. Without his goals, Liverpool would be flirting with relegation and without his assists, they would be in real trouble. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has previously described Suarez as "a great forward, an elite player among forwards in the world", with praise also coming from QPR boss Harry Redknapp as he believes Suarez can play anywhere - as the target man or just behind as a second striker.
    He is a player who regulalrly divideds opinion, with many football fans still fixated on the striker being a racist and an all round cheat. This abuse wasn't helped recently when Luis admitted to diving in an attempt to claim a penalty at home to Stoke City, much to the dismay of Brendan Rodgers and Tony Pulis. Another incident which angered football fans was his aparent handball against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup. Many people were disgusted by this as it highlighted his need to cheat in a game against a team with little prestige. However, referee Andre Marriner and his officials saw nothing wrong with the goal and later stated that it was 'a case of ball to hand'. In my opinion, this was the correct decision.
    But even with Suarez's fabulous displays in a red's shirt, he still isn't regarded as the best striker in the Premier League. This accolade goes to Manchester United's prolific Dutchman Robin van Persie, who has bagged 18 league goals in his first season at Old Trafford after his summer switch from rivals Arsenal. However, at the age of just 25 and after signing a new long term contract for Liverpool in August 2012, Red's fans have a lot more to look forward to from th Uruguayan. Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool's January signing from Chelsea, already looks to have settled in after scoring 3 goals in his first 3 games, and he will be hoping to strike up a deadly partnership with Suarez which will have premier league defences terrified. If Liverpool can put together a string of consistant performances, look out for them climbing the table, and Suarez climbing the goal scoring charts.




Dan Youde

Why City should cash in on Balotelli.

After signing for £24 million from Inter Milan in the 2010 summer transfer window, Mario Balotelli has attracted an awful lot of attention, both positive and negative. The Italian is a journalist's dream with his on and off the field antics, most notibly posing in an AC Milan shirt whilst playing for rivals Inter months before his transfer to City. But after only starting 33 games in the Premier League since joining, many fans are growing frustrated with his poor performances. Many would suggest that Mancini sees 22 year old Balotelli as his almost 'adopted Italian son' and feels the need to play him as often as possible in order to get the best out of him. But City fans would prefer for Tevez and Aguero to start instead. The inclusion of Balotelli from the start has again been scrutinised this season due to Edin Dzeko's superb early form, scoring 5 more goals than his team mate.
   It has been reported in Italy that Serie A giants Juventus, AC Milan and former club Inter Milan are interested in bringing the tempermental striker back to his native country, and Mancini should definitely cash in. Balotelli seems to be a nightmare to coach, after reports have suggested he has been at the centre of many training ground bust ups, and so in my opinion the sooner he leaves the club, the better. Although he is young, and so some will argue he has time to mature and develop furhter as a player, he still seems to be the troublesome piece in an ever changing puzzle at the Etihad. Take the cash and bring in some else!




Dan

Belgium - The Surpise Package For 2014?

After slipping to an all time low 71st in the FIFA rankings just five years ago, and failing to qualify for Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, Belgium's national team have come a long way. The emergence of many young and talent footballers has been a breath of fresh air since the teams "Golden Era" in the 1980s and 90s under Guy Thys.
    With most national teams, the majority of the players play their domestic football in their home nation, increasing their chances of being watched on a regualr basis and establishing themselves in the set up. This is not the case for Belgium. A great deal of what would be classed as their strongest starting 11 play their club football in the Premier League, which in truth, can only be a positive thing for the country. Notable household names such as Vincent Kompany (captain), Eden Hazard and Marouane Fellaini are vital players for some of the biggest clubs in the division. But there are so many more, such as Kevin Mirallas, who signed for Everton in the summer joining team mate Fellaini. The attacking potential that Belgium have to offer is frightening, especially when you consider the age of these players. When playing three attacking midfielders and a striker, the average age if 22, with the youngest being Romelu Lukaku at 19. This boy has got bags of potential, and has everything a player needs to be a world class striker. He still has a lot to learn, but who wouldn't get excited by a player labelled 'The new Drogba'.
    Of course, this team needs a lot of time to gel and gain experience. Some may say 2014 is a little too soon for such a young sqaud. But with the team sitting top of Group A on goal difference, the transition period seems to have already been completed. If they can keep all the young stars improving everytime they play, some big nations such as Spain, Argentina and hosts Brazil may be in for a shock when the Red Devils turn up in Rio.




Dan Youde

Work Experience

When the time comes for me to pack up and head off to university next September, I aim to be studying journalism. During this course, I would hope to branch off and specialise in sport journalism in particular, which many of you would've already realised is my main interest in life. To bulk up my application and make myself more credible for a place, I need to step up my game and organise some work experience. During the October half term, I did just that.
    I had luckily got myself three days shadowing the sports journalists at Granada Reports in Manchester, who cover the main sports stories across the North West. In this blog I will share with you the experiences and skills I have gained from being involved with such a fantastic team.
    Firstly, as I walked into the office, I realised that journalism as a whole had an awful lot more to it than i had previously imagined. However, my expectations were exceeded by the end of the three days. The first day involved getting to know everyone in the department and becoming familiar with all the equipment I would be using for the very first time. Getting to know everyone was easy. There were four sports journalists who made me feel right at home straight from the start and welcomed any questions and queries. This was crucial for me as I felt that if we hadn't had gotten on as well, I wouldn't of gotten the best out of my time there. But anyway, the first day flew by. I had to help with editing pieces to go on air that night, and to be stored for later use, and I also got to watch the show from the gallery. It was very interesting to see how everyone coped up there, as they had to get everything right in order for the show to run smoothly. However, the atmoshpere was a lot more laid back, with there being a mixture of joking and hard work.
    The second day involved me going out around lunch time with one of the reporters, Dave, to UCLAN sports centre. Waiting for us there were the England Rugby League Team who were posing for a photoshoot and then having a training session ahead of the Autumn internationals. Before the shoot, we were aloud to interview players such as Sam Tomkins and Chris Hill. These interviews, along with the photos from the shoot and a few recordings of the team's training session, would go towards creating a 'package' that was used the next day. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, meeting international stars and getting stuck in. But I learnt another lesson....journalists have to be patient! We waited over an hour on the pitch for the players to get chaged out of their suits to come out and train. Madness, right!? When we returned, I analysed Dave editing the piece and watched the show once again from the gallery. Another enjoyable day.
   Sadly, the final day arrived, but it had the potential to be a great one. I had to get in early, which meant getting up at 5:30 to get the into Manchester at 9!! Me, and Chris headed out to the velodrome to get an interview with Olympic Gold medalist Steven Burke. We arrived and begain filming their training on the track, which was phoenominal to see up close. When the session had finished we once again had to wait, this time for about 45 minutes, until Steven came up for the interview. I stood behind the camera as Chris asked the questions, and we concluded with a handshake. An honour! We got back just in time for me to travel to Liverpool with Dan, the youngest of the 4 journalists, for David Price's press conference at Jamie Carragher's bar ahead of his fight with Matt Skelton. After setting up, Dan recorded the presser and got an interview with David outside. This time, we didn't have to wait at all really. 1 out of 3 eyy! This time, I observered the show from the studio floor, getting to see Tony and Lucy (The presenters) up close whilst they work. This gave me a fabulous insight into a presenters time on air, and how professionally the conduct themselves. Sadly though, this was my last day and I said my goodbyes and headed home. The sixth train ride in 3 days...!
    This experience has definitely developed my understanding of how a sport journalist goes about their business, and has enhanced my desire to become one even more. So I thank Mike, Dave, Chris and Dan for putting up with me and sharing their experiences with me over those three days. They were more than enoyable.




          Dan

Future Three Lions

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (25) - After breaking into the Manchester City team, pushing Shay Given aside, Joe Hart hasn't looked back. His impressive performances have helped him nail down the number one slot for both club and country. Hi age is also no matter, as goalkeepers can carry on until their late 30's. Just look at Brad Friedel.

Right Back: Kyle Walker (22) - His blistering pace and determined to succeed attitude has helped Walker stamp his authority on the right back position as Tottenham, which is a credit to him at such a young age. When given the opportunity, he will get forward to help with attacks, but he also has the fitness levels to get back and defend.

Centre Back:  Steven Caulker (20) - He was impressive during his loan spell at Swansea City, striking a formidible partnership with Wales Captain Ashley Williams, and he now has his chance to prove himself at a higher level. He won't get many chances in the coming year. But after the next world cup, keep an eye out for Caulker making crunching tackles in an England shirt.

Centre Back: Phil Jones (20) - Despite injury ruling him out of the start of this season, Jones will have to prove himself again, firstly at United and then at England level. A few blunders cost his team vital points last season, but at the age of 20 years old he has a long time to mature and learn some 'tricks of the traid' from Ferdinand and Vidic.

Left Back: Kieran Gibbs (23) - Having to push Ashley Cole out of the left back role would have been near impossible a few years ago. But after his latest Twitter scandal, it seems there is a limited future for Cole. Gibbs is a young and enthusiatic player, who has been in the Arsenal first team for many seasons now. Watch out for forward runs and deadly crosses.

Right Midfield: Theo Walcott (23) - This boy has been around for ages since his move from Southampton to Arsenal. Despite playing a bit part for his club and country, mainly making his appearances from the bench, its time for him to step up. He needs to work on his control and his final delivery. But I feel if he was to be in the starting 11, it would be on the wing instead of his prefered position, up front.

Centre Midfield: Jack Wilshere (20) - If he can stay fit, then Wilshere can be the missing piece in England's puzzle. Injuries have tarnished his early career, missing the whole of last season through ankle, foot and heel problems. But his creativity shown in the games he has played has excited many fans across the country. This boy is a fantastic talent.

Centre Midfield: Tom Cleverly (23) - He has broken into the Manchester United first team, scoring his first goal against Newcastle last season, and he has no intention of looking back. The only concern with playing these two in midfield is that there is a lack of 'steel' to it. But if they click together, England fans can expect a lot of goals.

Left Midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (19) - Not many would believe that this boy was only 19 years old. His level of maturity is second to non for both club and country, as he has made many appearances so far. He has a very bright future ahead of him, and after scoring his first senior England goal against San Marino, fans can expect many more from the left wing.

Centre Forward: Danny Welbeck (21) - His partnership with Wayne Rooney at United has been replicated for the national team, and that has given Welbeck a fantastic foundation to build upon. He hasn't necessarily been amongst the goals for England, scoring only 2 goals in 11 appearances, but he shows much a great deal of promise for the future.

Striker: Andy Carroll (23) - The past few years for Carroll have't been the best, after being considered a 'flop' at Anfield. But securing a loan deal to West Ham could reignite his career, both for club and country. He has all the attributes to be the ideal number 9 for England, its whether he can gel with the rest of the team and convert the chances created.

Bench:
 - Jack Butland (19)
 - Chris Smalling (22)
 - Leighton Baines (27)                                                                        
 - Jack Rodwell (21)
 - Jordan Henderson (22)
 - Daniel Sturridge (23)
 - Wilfred Zaha (19)

            

4 reasons why Chelsea CAN win the league.

After winning the Champions League for the first time last season, Roberto Di Matteo's men will be looking to develop and build upon their triumph in Munich by adding the Premier Legaue title this season. I write this now as Chelsea are drawing 1-1 away at Arsenal after 43 minutes.

1. Plently of creativity: The summer signings of Eden Hazard and Oscar have most definitely added a lot more balance and fluidity to Chelsea's attacking midfield options. Along with Juan Mata, they have many options if an injury occurs, and each option is as good as the next. Each player in this position has similar characteristics to those at Barcelona. Small, quick and nimble. For me, the stand out player has to be Hazard, and if Chelsea were to keep him fit throughout the season he can create many assists and contribute with at least 15 goals to help mount a challenge.

2. Torres?: After last seasons disaster, Fernando Torres is showing signs that he is coming back to his best. He was second to Didier Drogba, but after his move to China, Torres is now spearheading Chelsea's attack. I write this after Torres has scored a very smart and technical goal against Arsenal, which can only be promising for Chelsea fans. The only problem is that if Torres does get injured, the only back up is Daniel Sturridge, who hasn't been anywhere near as good as he was at the start of last season. Keep him fit and he will score.

3. The skipper's focused: Under AVB Chelsea's defence was very leaky indeed, but Di Matteo seems to have sorted that out and Terry's decision to retire from International football is a massive boost. Despite it being a big loss for England, losing one of their most influential and controversial leaders, Chelsea will be relishing having their captain fully fit after every international break. This seems even more important as David Luis' defending still seems very shaky and Gary Cahill hasn't seen too much first team football so far this season.

4. Manchester mayhem: The final reason why Chelsea can win the league is because defending champions Manchester City, and strong contenders Manchester United are both leaking goals. Vidic has been ruled out for 3 months, and with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling still out, there are definite gaps in their back four. Man City have also been shaky, breaking up the Lescott Kompany partnership a few times this season has been a bad decision, and Alexander Kolarov's defending is very questionable.


Dan

Handshakes. Yes Or No?

QPR met Chelsea this weekend for the first time since John Terry was cleared of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in the fixture last season. Due to this being a high profile incident, with a lot of emphisis being put on respect within the game over the past couple of years, there has been some debate whether the pre match handshake should be scrapped or not. John Terry, who isn't a new comer to being snubbed, after Wayne Bridge refused to shake his hand after he had an affair with his ex girlfriend, was refused once again, a long with team mate Ashley Cole. In my opinion, Anton Ferdinand's actions were completely necessary. I believe that if you don't respect a player, then you shouldn't have to shake his hand at the start of a game. This would get rid of any 'false respect' being shown at the start of a game, which could lead to certian players taking their anger out on others. The pre match handshake should be omitted, leaving players just to shake hands with their counter parts at the end of the game, either congratulating them or consoling them on the game and their performance.