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Young, talented and setting the World Cup alight in South Africa, Mesut Ozil is fast becoming one of the most promising starlets since the emergence of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

Ozil is currently contracted to Werder Bremen and still has one more year left on his deal. However, the 21-year-old midfielder has impressed so much in South Africa that he has attracted several clubs around Europe.

Amongst them are Premier League outfits Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as Primera League champions Barcelona, who have recently expressed their interest in the player dubbed ‘the German Messi’ by his country.

The instrumental German international is bound to leave the Budersliga side after the mass interest shown in him this summer, but which club would best suit Ozil from the ones that have shown an interest in him so far?

Barcelona

Barcelona will no doubt be the favourites to sign the Werder Bremen man as they are undoubtedly the best team in the world. They play some majestic football and have a great amount of talent in all areas of their team, especially within the midfield and upfront. Ozil likes to play behind the striker, but can also play on the flanks if he needs to. However, reports in Catalonia suggest that they are only interested in signing the 21-year-old because of other big clubs showing an interest. Barcelona will make a bid for the German international in the summer and if they are successful, will loan him out as reports suggest in Spain. With that being said, would Ozil like the idea of being bought to the Nou Camp only to be loaned out to the team he just left? Barcelona already have Lionel Messi, Pedro, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and newly recruited David Villa in their current line up for this season, so do Barcelona really need Ozil? Especially with Barca also chasing Cesc Fabregas this summer, or are they bidding just to spite the other clubs interested?

Mesut Ozil would definitely suit the Catalan club because of the football they play, but would it be the correct move for the midfielder at this stage of his career? Probably not, as he will want to play week in week out for the club he signs for…he’s too good to be loaned out plain and simple.

Suitability Rating: 9/10 – Would blend well with the Barcelona side without a doubt. However, it would be the wrong move for him if we are lead to believe what has been reported of course.

Manchester City

Manchester City urgently need an attacking midfielder amongst their ranks, as it appears they have none for the upcoming season. Stephen Ireland looks to be heading off, and is the only recognized attacking midfielder City have to offer at present. Manchester City don’t play the best football, but they do acquire great team spirit and have good solid players in all areas of the field. City have been linked with David Silva in the past few weeks and should they sign him this summer, then maybe Ozil will not be as wanted as much by Mancini. However, Ozil is a very versatile player and could play in the central role at the club, which would mean Silva would take a wing position which he is very familiar with.

City are very capable of obtaining the German maestro as money is certainly not an issue to Mancini and co. Ozil could fit well into the squad, although, the Manchester club do not offer Champion’s League football this season, which evidently may see the German look for one that does.

Suitability Rating: 6/10 – City need a player like him, but Ozil certainly doesn’t need a club like City, especially if they don’t offer Champion’s League football.

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Arsenal

The interest has only been fabricated because the North London club fear they may lose their captain and talisman Cesc Fabregas this summer. A lot of names have been thrown about as to who the ideal replacement would be for Fabregas if Arsenal do decide to let him go to Barcelona, Ozil is definitely one of them.

Arsenal obtain a vast number of players with creativity within their squad, Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie are to name just a few. Arsenal’s pursuit of the German will only grow bigger if Fabregas leaves this summer, otherwise they will not really need another creative midfielder, right? Arsenal (just like Barcelona) play some wonderful, cultured football, and having seen Ozil in the World Cup so far, it looks as if he does as well. The Gunners also offer Champions League football which will work in their favour if they are to bid for the German when the window re-opens in July. Wenger would certainly provide Ozil great coaching and adapt the 21-year-old’s skills in the right way, thus making him even better than he already is (that’s a scary thought right?) The Werder Bremen wonder-boy would definitely fit well into the squad, and excel as a player if he were to join Gunners this summer. However, as stated before, it all depends on what Fabregas decides within the next few months. Possibly one of his better options out of the four listed in this article.

Suitability Rating: 8/10 – Arsenal play beautiful football and Ozil certainly bags creativity to suit their style of football, but if Cesc stays then most positively Wenger will not take his interest any further.

Chelsea

With Michael Ballack and more importantly Joe Cole heading for the exit doors this summer, Chelsea will be short of creativity within their midfield. Chelsea have a solid and formidable team, but many question whether they have enough ingenuity within their squad. Potentially, along with City, Chelsea need a player like Ozil at their club, someone to unlock a defence with a through ball or fashion a moment of magic out of nothing. Carlo Ancelotti likes to set his team in a 4-4-2 diamond shape, with Michael Essein at the back, and Frank Lampard on top of the diamond. Ozil would relish the role Lampard has, but would Ancelotti be willing to take his most influential player out of position in order to integrate Ozil into their side? Lampard has been moved before so who’s to say he won’t do it again for the good of the team.

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Chelsea have played more of an attractive game since the arrival of the Italian manager, that’s for sure. With the club achieving the domestic double last season and Champion’s League football again this season, Chelsea maybe a good location for the young German to hone his skills. However, it does appear that if he is to purchased this summer then current players at the club may have to move around in order to accommodate and bring out the best in the 21-year-old attacking midfielder.

Suitability Rating: 8/10 – Chelsea are a well oiled and solid unit which guarantees European football every season, a good option for Ozil, but may struggle to adapt to Chelsea’s style of football.

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Click on image below to look at the SPANISH babes at the World Cup

Newcastle host Wigan on Saturday in their second consecutive home fixture looking to preserve their unbeaten start to the season that has catapulted them into fourth.

The Magpies have been this seasons surprise package so far gatecrashing the top four and have yet to taste defeat in their eight Premier League games. As many have pointed out they have yet to be fully tested with the fixture list being kind to Alan Pardew and his side as they yet to face any of the top-flights big guns. They came away unscathed from their first real examination against Tottenham last weekend with Shola Ameobi further enhancing the Geordies love for him with a late leveller at St James’ Park to secure a 2-2 draw. Pardew’s side more than held their own against Spurs and could have won the game had Fabricio Coloccini converted a late chance. The skipper along with the Steven Taylor, his namesake Ryan and keeper Tim Krul have been impenetrable and have contributed no about to their 11 match unbeaten run – their best sequence since 1997. One aspect of Pardew’s reign on Tyneside that has been a problem for the club in recent years is consistency. Eight players have started every league games this season with the rapport built up amongst the squad a key factor in their success so far. Only Leon Best, Gabriel Obertan and Demba Ba aren’t ever presents but have certainly made some telling contributions with the latter scoring five goals in the last three games including the Toon’s first goal against Spurs. The omens are good for Newcastle, who have been strong on home soil this season, with Wigan yet to win on their six visits to the North East.

Roberto Martinez’s side are stuck in a rut having lost their last five games in a row slipping into the relegation zone which will be  familiar territory for them. Their start to the campaign raised the optimism levels at the DW Stadium but they have fallen back into their old habits and will need to pick up if they are to pull themselves away from another desperate relegation battle. Improving on the road is something that needs to be addressed with only eight wins away from home in the two years since Martinez took charge. They’ll need to be more ambitious in attack if they are to break down a tough Newcastle defence after they managed only get only two of their 16 shots on target against Bolton last week. The return of Hugo Rodallega from injury will certainly add some much needed fire power in the final third but they’ll need more than just the efforts of the Colombian to beat the Magpies. Tightening up at the back is also something Martinez needs to address after they gifted the Trotters their goals last week and Maynor Figueroa’s return will give the back line some much needed steel and experience.

Key Players

Demba Ba – Five goals in three games have changed the Geordies opinions of the Senegal international after a series of lifeless displays at the start of the season. His performances since then have been superb with his pace, strength and prowess winning over supporters he’ll be a handful for the Latics defence this week.

Ben Watson – Despite Wigan’s poor form Watson has been a shining light with his all action midfield performances adding some much needed grit to the side. His defensive work and ability to break up attacks has been vital for the Latics at time and he’ll need to be on top of his game against a swashbuckling Newcastle side.

Prediction: 2-0

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Demba Ba continued his brilliant run with his 5th goal in three games. His run is reflected in his move up the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index table. He is now ranked 34th. Ba has hit 64% of his 14 shots on target this season Wigan midfielder Ben Watson will also give Newcastle a tough time, and is 4th in the tackling table having won 25 tackles this season 93% of those attempted. Watson has also made 20 interceptions. Mohamed Diame completes a Wigan hat trick of player in the top ten tacklers having won 24 tackles (83% of those attempted)

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In a recent article discussing the managerial changes this season, I left on a point about the lack of long serving managers in English football. Today the likes of Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger are looking like a dying breed in what is becoming a sport concerned and effective by instant success rather than long-term stability (and success). Every time a manger is sacked, the question is often raised about how much time a manager should be allowed at a club with comparisons made to the successes of Wenger and Ferguson. So will we ever see the likes of Steve Bruce or Roberto Mancini for example staying with their current clubs for the next decade?

It is highly doubtful with the demand for instant success in today’s football mixed with the ambitions and questionable loyalties of managers themselves. In the case of Roberto Mancini and the money pumped into Manchester City there is an instant demand for Champions League qualification this season and a trophy or two. Compared to Steve Bruce at Sunderland, the demand for success isn’t as high but the club still want to progress into an established Premier League side that finish in the top 10 and so on. So are long serving managers only for football clubs who have a slower long term plan in place for the future?

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It’s not just the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea that demand instant success; the teams that are promoted from the Championship have the pressure of staying in the top flight in the first season. Some clubs panic and sack their manager at the first sight of trouble, despite the promotion that was achieved under his reign. Ferguson’s reign at Manchester United is the longest, this November will mark his 25th year in charge but his start at United was not instant. After 3 years, despite some improvements since his arrival there were fans and media alike calling for him to be sacked but the United board of directors backed Fergie and the rest is history.

Apart from Accrington Stanley’s John Coleman (11 years as manager), Everton’s David Moyes is one of the longest serving at a top flight club. Moyes, who was appointed in March 2002 will be approaching his 9th year at the club but with their recent performance at Bolton at the weekend, there is speculation about his future. Despite not winning any trophies during his time on Merseyside, Moyes is one of the highest rated managers in the Premier League with his astute signings and regularly finishing within the top 8 of the league (bar the odd season), it is a credible achievement compared to the money other clubs around them have spent. As I mentioned, John Coleman’s reign at Accrington Stanley is as impressive despite being in the lower leagues – just like Crewe’s Dario Gradi who, despite a year out as full time manager has been with the club since 1983, which has seen the club go through promotions and relegations. Aside from those mentioned, other managers have a long way to go before serving a decade in charge at a club with the likes of John Still at Dagenham & Redbridge and Dave Jones of Cardiff City currently at 6 and 5 year reigns respectively, both have a long way to go.

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In conclusion, a long serving manager provides the club with a great sense of identity, focus and style but with the instant demand for success in football the board of directors or the fans can lose faith in the long term plan. In certain cases, like that of Roy Hodgson, some managers and clubs just don’t work and a change is needed but if teams like West Bromwich Albion are going to become an established Premier League side, perhaps more faith in the manager is needed for a more long term success.

Kaka is reportedly wanted by Carlo Ancelloti and the Italian is weighing up the option of recruiting the attacking midfielder in the summer.

However, Jose Mourinho is only willing to let the Brazilian leave the Bernabeu if Chelsea are willing to exchange the player for Frank Lampard.

So the question is, if the deal were to fabricate, which team would benefit most from the deal, Real Madrid or Chelsea?

Kaka and Ancelotti have a strong bond and good friendship during their time together at Milan, and the Chelsea boss would love to work with the Brazilian once again in an attempt to capture the Champion’s League title next season.

Roman Abramovich has declared that there is money for Chelsea to spend on Kaka and other players if Ancelotti wishes to do so. But with Mourinho’s appointment as new Real Madrid boss a few weeks ago, the Portuguese manager has added a new dimension to the negotiations.

Mourinho has quickly expressed his interest in his former Chelsea boys Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard and will be using Kaka as bait in order to snap up the pair this summer.

Kaka completed his first season in Spain after making the switch from Milan in an astronomical £59 million fee last summer. Since his move, Kaka has only managed to make 29 appearances for the Galacticos and bag 9 goals so far in his Real Madrid career. Many have questioned the player’s ability since his move and it appears the 28-year-old hasn’t settled in as well as he had hoped to.

Kaka doesn’t look the same player as he once did in Italy, but it doesn’t mean that the midfielder has lost any of his ability. The Real Madrid man is still highly renowned in the football world and is famed for driving through defences with his pace and skill. A great player on his day, but is he capable of handling the English game if the proposed deal were to go through?

Frank Lampard on the other hand has had one of his best seasons in a Chelsea shirt in recent memory. The 31-year-old attacking midfielder notched up an impressive 46 games and 26 goals for his club this season. Lampard poses a real goal threat and is an important part of Chelsea’s well oiled machine. He maybe getting on, but Lampard still has the determination and desire which inspires the club to challenge for trophies year in year out.

The England international was chased by Mourinho when he was in charge of now treble winner Inter Milan in 2008. However, Lampard signed a new deal and has since accomplished the domestic double with Chelsea. The clubs have yet to approach each other about a possible swap deal, but if Mourinho came in with an offer for the England star, then Lampard may be tempted to join his ex-boss at the Bernabeu next season.

Many Chelsea fans will not like to see one of their star players leave the Bridge, but then again Lampard has conquered all of the domestic trophies England have to offer. So is it time he left to pursue a new challenge?

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With all this being said, who would benefit if the deal were to go through, Chelsea or Real Madrid? Just by looking at the statistics alone, you have to say Lampard moving to Madrid would benefit the Spanish club more. Although, Kaka is younger than the Englishman, and one average season in Spain does not mean he is worthless, it’s a case of finding feet once again.

Both players going in the opposite direction could potentially benefit both Chelsea and Real Madrid. Ancelotti knows Kaka well and will know how to utilize the playmaker effectively, and visa versa with Mourinho and Lampard. So actually could both clubs benefit if the deal ensues this summer?

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The Metro are reporting that Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Islam Feruz – dubbed the ‘Scottish Wayne Rooney’ – from Celtic.

Boss Andre Villas-Boas has moved swiftly to bring the 16-year-old to Stamford Bridge. Feruz has joined on a scholarship deal, although it’s expected that he will sign a professional contract when he turns 17.

Celtic are now prepared to fight for compensation after nurturing Feruz’s talents for 10 years and also helping his family avoid deportation back to his native Somalia and settle down in Scotland.

His agent Rui Alves revealed a number of clubs from across Europe expressed an interest in the teenage forward but Feruz chose to join Chelsea as he felt they could match his lofty ambitions.

‘The possibility of training with [John] Terry, [Didier] Drogba and [Frank] Lampard will be fantastic for him.” Alves said.

“The structure at youth level at Chelsea is great. It would be a gift from God to see him playing in the English Premier League.”

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It’s yet another step in the youthful direction for Villas-Boas who has moved to freshen up his ageing squad with some fresh faced talent. Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata and Ulises Davila have already joined – although it may be a few years before Feruz joins them in the first team.

There is a duopoly in Spanish football and it is not helped by the distribution of the TV rights. As it stands Barcelona and Real Madrid organise their TV deals independently. The total income of all La Liga clubs through television rights is around £500m, but over 50% of it goes to the two giants Barca and Real.

It is only a matter of time before the bigger clubs in England push for a similar structure where teams can secure their own TV deals. But I would hate to see that happen.

The Premier League’s total TV revenue is currently £850m. Despite this, Manchester United were given £50m from TV revenue, a fraction of the £125m Real and Barca earned. This is because the Premier League sells collective rights and then divides the money up according to a team’s league finish. In England the team coming first earns about £50m and that in last about £30m, but in Spain the same teams would earn roughly £150m and £3m respectively.

When the FIFA fair play rules come into action, teams are going to need to generate extra income,  as clubs will only be able to spend a percentage of what they earn through football in a year. Organising TV rights individually could be one such way to achieve this. There is definitely a strong case for the bigger English clubs to try and earn more money in the same way Barca and Madrid do.

Let me consider the argument…

One of the biggest problems with English football, from a financial perspective, is the effect of foreign billionaires who are bank-rolling teams. At the moment, the only reason Chelsea and City can afford to keep spending is because of their benefactors, while sides like United and Arsenal have brought in no new players at all. After the fair play rules, this will no longer be possible.

English teams are falling behind the two Spanish clubs, both on the pitch and in the transfer market because of the two different structures in place that manage TV revenue.

As Arsenal take on Barcelona this week, we could witness the gap between the standard of our two best ‘footballing’ sides. But Arsenal have spent next to nothing in the last two seasons, buying Vermaelen and Koscielny for £18m and picking up Chamakh on a free. Barcelona, on the other hand, have bought Mascherano (£20m), Villa (£35m), Ibrahimovic (£60m plus Eto’o) and Dmytro Chygrynskiy (£21m) to the Nou Camp.

You can see that money plays a huge part in forming any modern football side. Even Barcelona.

Individual TV deals would allow bigger English clubs, like Chelsea, to compete with the highest transfer fees and wages in Europe without relying on their sugar daddy, and for others like Manchester United to start spending an amount that reflects their worldwide support. With this in mind, you can see why the top clubs may want to copy Real’s and Barca’s policy of independently organising their television rights.

I can see the objectives of the FIFA fair play rules and in the most part agree with them. But, to eradicate super-rich teams as a result of foreign investors, just to make way for sides to become super-rich at the expense of the other teams in their league is hypocrisy.

Why should Spanish teams be allowed to organise their own broadcasting deals? Rather than seeing the Premier League copy La Liga, in order for our teams to compete with their domination, I would prefer to see them copy us. The fair play rules should include a requirement for each league to have a structured TV deal that does not allow teams to individually organise their TV contracts, and rewards teams fairly depending on their final position.

One of the reasons the total Premier League income from TV rights is more than that of la Liga is because the league is much more competitive and passionate. We don’t watch a two horse race every year; in La Liga they do.

Furthermore the Premier League as a whole is more supported because each club has a greater chance of doing well. I’m not saying we are glory hunters, but the prospect of winning something is what it is all about. In Spain the smaller clubs have no hope in hell, and don’t even get rewarded financially for their troubles.

The problem in Spain is that it is an upward spiral for the big 2. The better Barcelona get, the more they can earn, and then bring in better players. It’s a joke. Last year, David Villa played for Valencia, who finished 3rd (albeit 25 points behind 2nd), but in the summer he was bought by Barcelona. The gap is remarkable and only made worse by the inequality of revenue from TV.

If the Premier League allowed the bigger clubs to negotiate their own deals it would not be long before our competitiveness is lost, and with it the essence of British football. I want to see our clubs competing with the best in Europe, but this cannot be achieved while they are allowed to accrue vast sums of money at the expense of all the other clubs.

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If you want to hear more about my passion for the Premier League and my increasing dislike for Barcelona and La Liga, you can follow me on Twitter @joeaustin8

Liverpool recorded a 1-0 win over FC Gomel in the Europa League qualifiers in Brendan Rodgers’ first match in charge as manager.

In a hard-fought display the Merseysiders’ victory was sealed by a Stewart Downing strike, with the tie now coming back to Anfield for the second leg.

Rodgers was happy with the display of his side and downplayed injuries picked up by Glen Johnson and Joe Cole.

“It will take time until Liverpool start playing the way Swansea did last season (tactically),” he told Sky Sports after the win.

“Actually the way you play depends on the players you have.

“As for today I saw two things which were very important for me, I saw desire and commitment. I am very grateful to my players for a good game.

“Obviously it was a serious test of the players’ fitness and I am really happy with the result.

“This was my first competitive game in charge of Liverpool and for me it didn’t really matter whether the game was played in Belarus or Brazil as I am really honoured to manage this side.

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“The substitution of Glen was planned and as for Joe the injury is not serious and more of a precaution,” the Northern Irish coach confirmed.

By Gareth McKnight

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A debut goal from Emmanuel Adebayor and a strike from partner Jermain Defoe was enough to hand Tottenham their first win of the season in an open encounter with Wolves at Molineux.

Defeat for Mick McCarthy’s side ended their three game unbeaten run as they struggled to deal with the pace and power of the visitors new striking partnership.

Another new face at Spurs, Scott Parker, was also instrumental as Harry Redknpapp’s side bounced back from the 5-1 thrashing they received at home to Manchester City two weeks ago.

The first half was a wide open affair with Brad Friedel denying Karl Henry with a superb stop whilst Roger Johnson headed wide from Michael Kightly’s free kick.

Wayne Hennessey was also busy in the home side’s goal tipping  Defoe’s stinging long range effort wide. Niko Kranjcar also saw his effort cleared off the line by Christophe Berra with Spurs taking the ascendancy leading into the second half.

Adebayor finally broke the deadline in the 67th minute taking Parker’s wonderful pass into his stride before rounding Hennessey and slotting into an empty net.

The points were secured 10 minutes from time by Defoe who swapped passes with Krancjcar before smashing a delightful effort into the bottom corner to hand Spurs only their fourth win in 15 games.

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Remember you can catch all the action from today’s action here courtesy of ESPN Goals.

Inter Milan coach Leonardo has credited Adriano Galliani – chief of city rivals AC Milan – for inspiring him to become a football manager.

Leonardo, 41, has quickly endeared himself to the Inter faithful since replacing Rafa Benitez at the helm of the troubled club, leading Inter to four straight Serie A victories.

The Brazilian got his managerial start at arch-enemy AC Milan, serving as a technical director before being promoted to head coach when Carlo Ancelotti moved to Chelsea in May 2009.

And Leonardo, speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash at Udinese, admitted he owed a great deal to Inter’s bitter rivals.

“I’ve always had an excellent relationship with Galliani,” Leonardo told reporters.

“I respect him a lot, he gave me a lot. He gave me many opportunities and what he said is true – he was the one who convinced me to be a coach.”

“I am a coach now and I consider myself a privileged person for the past year and a half.”

The Inter boss also confirmed that both Maicon and Thiago Motta are ready to return from injury at Udinese, and praised his attacking trio of Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito and Goran Pandev for their contribution to Inter’s superb January run.

“(Maicon and Motta) will be playing so they’re fine,” he said.

“We’ve waited up to now to see their conditions and they’re fine, they will be at our total disposal tomorrow.”

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“We will meet many good players. Udinese is a solid team, they have clear ideas of what they want, they are gaining good results so we definitely have to be careful.”

“Eto’o and Milito together are an extraordinary couple. Pandev is improving too and today I see him more as a striker rather than out of position, like he’s recently played.”

“Having three players who can score goal is important and today Samuel is in excellent shape.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he is closing in on his first signing for the club.

The Northern Irishman took over from Kenny Dalglish at the end of last season, and despite a busy transfer window being expected at Anfield, no new players have joined the club as yet.

However, the new coach has stated that a number of new faces are close to agreeing moves to the Merseyside club.

“There certainly won’t be as many as has been labelled out,” he told Sky Sports.

“I think the reality is that for players to be associated with Liverpool is great, but the reality is that we have only made three or four enquiries about players.

“Hopefully we can close out one deal this week, maybe two. Hopefully we can do one and then look to add to it over the course of pre-season.

“I will never speak about targets or possible players, it’s not something I like to do.

“All I will say is that there has been a whole raft of players linked with coming to Liverpool and there is very few of them that are actual targets for us,” he admitted.

Meanwhile, Rodgers has also stated that despite transfer rumours, he has not heard from AC Milan over a possible move for Andy Carroll.

“I haven’t heard anything from them at all.

“He’s a good player, Andy. He will always be linked whether he was here or not.

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“I have spoken to Andy on his holidays and he knows exactly where he stands. He’s a very good young player and he will be linked with clubs like that because he’s such a good player,” the trainer concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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