The summer transfer window may be over, but for Championship, League One and League Two teams the chance to improve their squad is not quite over.
The ‘emergency’ loan window is rarely befitting of its name – with league officials waving through most loan moves despite their discretionary basis. However, the system is probably to the benefit of English football as a whole. Premier League managers have a better idea of who will actually play for them now as they have named their 25 man squad for the first half of the season. Football League managers on the other hand have an idea of where they would like to strengthen or add depth to their squad.
The loan window offers clubs beneath the Premier League the chance to strengthen with quality they could simply not buy. It also allows younger players and others struggling to make the first team squad the chance to maintain their fitness in a competitive match environment which simply cannot be replicated by playing reserve or under 21 football at their incumbent club.
With this in mind, here are five Liverpool players who clubs lower down the pyramid are likely to be having a look at during the loan window.
Click on Jon Flanagan to see FIVE Liverpool players who could gain some valuable experience elsewhere
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Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will join David Moyes’ new Old Trafford backroom team when the Scot is confirmed as the next United boss.
The veteran United duo, 39 and 38 respectively, are set to stay on in coaching capacities when Moyes takes over from Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the season.
The news of Moyes’ appointment is yet to be officially confirmed by the club, but United ambassador Peter Schmeichel added his voice to the widely-held belief that the Everton manager is the board’s choice to come in.
Several other newspaper and media outlets are in agreement that Moyes is the man to replace 13-time Premier League and double European Champions League winner Ferguson, 71.
Moyes, 50, left Everton’s Finch Farm training ground shortly after midday today and was said to be in transit to London ahead of a spying mission at tonight’s Tottenham v Chelsea game.
Everton, however, are publicly stating their lack of knowledge of any such appointment.
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Barcelona are preparing a surprise move for Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm, according to reports from talkSPORT.
The Dutchman has been a huge success for the Swans since his 2011 arrival, slotting seamlessly into the first-team and helping the South Wales-based outfit maintain Premier League status.
This form has alerted Barca, who are keen to find an adequate replacement for current number one Victor Valdes.
It has been revealed recently that the La Liga giants will not be extending the Spaniard’s contract, which expires in 2014, and are looking for a replacement.
Vorm’s sound technical ability and shot-stopping prowess have alerted them, and they are thought to preparing a move.
Swansea will be reluctant to allow the stopper to leave, but the lure of Champions League football with one of the biggest club’s in the world may tempt the 29-year-old.
Barcelona have been linked with both Pepe Reina of Liverpool and Manchester United’s David de Gea, but the pair would likely cost In the region of £15-£20m.
Having arrived for a bargain fee of just £1.5m, it’s likely that the Swans would accept a reasonable sum should they be forced to sell.
Vorm arrived at the Liberty Stadium from Utrecht, where he had spent the majority of his senior career.
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Although he has been missing through injury for the majority of the current season, he is still regarded as a key first-team player by manager Michael Laudrup.
Brede Hangeland has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as a solution to Sir Alex Ferguson’s concerning list of defensive injuries.
The towering centre back has been at Craven Cottage since 2008, however with his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Fulham boss Martin Jol may be tempted to cash-in for the big Norwegian should an offer be made by Manchester United during the January transfer window.
Defenders Chris Smalling, Phil jones and Nemanja Vidic have all been sidelined for United with long-term injures, however Smalling returned to training last week. So far this season, Rio Ferdinand and Johnny Evans have been Fergie’s only available centre backs, with midfielder Michael Carrick stepping in as cover.
Aged 31, Hangeland is older than United’s usual acquisitions, however the player would add depth and experience to the squad’s defence which has struggled to hit top form this season.
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The Fulham captain may also be a short-term replacement for Nemanja Vidic, who could be lured away from the Premier League by Barcelona or Juventus this January according to the Mirror.
Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal found himself at a rather unique situation at Brazil 2014.
The Dutch media had already written off Oranje’s chances of winning the World Cup, or even venturing too far past the group stages, but van Gaal entered the tournament with a point to prove, following news that he would take over at Manchester United ahead of next season.
The 62 year-old already boasts an envious CV, including Bundesliga, La Liga, Eredivisie and Champions League titles throughout spells with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ. But having never plied his trade in the Premier League before, in England at least, there is a shroud of mystery surrounding the now-stepped down Holland gaffer, whose reputation as a managerial maverick tends to precede him.
Well, the Brazil 2014 gave us a fantastic insight into the incoming Carrington boss, and with that in mind, here’s a list of the FIVE things we’ve learnt about Louis van Gaal from Holland’s World Cup campaign.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON THE MAN HIMSELF TO REVEAL SOME LVG LESSONS
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Ability to adapt and experiment
Before the World Cup, there were concerns over how Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie would fit into Louis van Gaal’s 4-3-3 formation, a system he’s continually championed throughout spells at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
But Brazil 2014 showed the Manchester United gaffer’s ability to adapt and experiment. Despite favouring the 4-3-3 formation for much of his Netherlands tenure too, before the World Cup he made the surprising switch to 3-5-2, which Oranje went on to stick with for the entire tournament:
It completely gazumped Spain in Holland’s opening fixture – a now famous 5-1 victory – and perhaps most importantly addressed Oranje’s intrinsic weakness of a lack of established quality at centre-back.
Thus, rather than one of Rooney, Mata or RVP getting the boot this summer as rumoured by some…
It’s more likely van Gaal will find a system that accommodates for all three.
GOALS GOALS GOALS
A product of the total football era, it’s no secret that Louis van Gaal favours attacking football. But to what degree truly came of light amid the World Cup, with the Netherlands’ 15 goals only bettered by eventual winners Germany (18).
Some of which included Arjen Robben’s sensational solo run against Spain…
…Robin van Persie’s header, also against Spain…
…and Daley Blind’s stunning take to pour on Brazil’s misery in the third-place Play-off.
Considering Holland also finished their World Cup qualifying campaign with the most goals scored of any European side, a ridiculous 34 goals in ten matches, it’s safe to assume it will be goals galore at Old Trafford next season.
Venturing into the unknown
Have you ever seen a manager bring on a goalkeeper exclusively for a penalty shoot-out before?
Apparently then-Southend boss Paul Sturrock did the old goalie switcheroo during January 2013 in the JPT, but to do it at a World Cup final takes Phil Mitchell levels of bottle.
In the last minute of extra time during their quarter-final tie with Costa Rica, Louis van Gaal switched Holland No.1 Jasper Cillessen – who allegedly, has never saved a penalty in his competitive career – with Newcastle’s Tim Krul.
Whether a rational decision, a moment of madness or simply a psychological ploy, there’s no doubt the substitution had the desired effect:
//www.youtube.com/embed/QTo-8-ZAkUA?rel=0
Equally brave was LVG’s decision to utilise Dirk Kuyt as a wing-back. The former Liverpool star has plied his trade as a striker and a winger previously, but moving him even further back into a five-man defence proved to be an inspired selection choice, as seen below:
Faith in youth
For a club once immortalised by Alan Hansen’s ill-fated quote “you can’t win anything with kids”, Manchester United’s youth policy has lost its way in recent years.
But the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign suggests Louis van Gaal will be more than prepared to address that balance at Old Trafford – as detailed below, his squad included just one player over the age of 30 and eleven aged 25 or under:
That includes centre-back partners Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi, both aged 22, who racked up 13 out of a possible 14 World Cup appearances between them, and impact sub Memphis Depay, aged 20, who claimed two goals from the bench, including this strike against Australia:
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If you wish to compare that to other World Cup squads, here’s a graph.
But perhaps most importantly, not only did LVG bring a host of young talent to Brazil 2014, but he also gave them all a chance to impress and gain experience. The only player not to feature for Oranje was unfortunately Swansea City’s Michel Vorm.
He’ll get the best out of Robin van Persie
It’s not as if we didn’t know Robin van Persie and Louis van Gaal enjoyed a you’re-like-the-father-I-never-had relationship before the World Cup, and it’s not as if the Manchester United striker is in particular need of some added motivation, having netted 48 times in 76 appearances for the Red Devils.
But Brazil 2014 produced further evidence that LVG is capable of bringing an even higher level of performance out of the 30 year-old, who netted four times in six World Cup appearances – the most of any Netherlands player – as detailed below:
That includes this mouth-watering strike against Ecuador…
…and this clinical spot kick against Brazil.
The last time RVP was in hot form, he fired Manchester United to their 13th Premier League title. Just sayin’.
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Dutch star Adam Maher, according to talkSPORT.
The AZ Alkmaar midfielder had been linked with Ajax, but the Amsterdam club have ruled themselves out of the running, opening the door to a Premier League move.
The 19-year-old has been linked with a move away from AZ, after impressing in the Eredivisie this year. The midfielder scored seven goals as he helped the club to finish 10th in the table.
The Gunners were ready to fight Ajax for the Dutch youngster, but the club’s director of football, and former Arsenal player, Marc Overmars, has ruled out a move for Maher.
“I called Adam and his representative Sigi Lens to say that we have made different choices,” Overmars told De Telegraaf.
“Additionally, I have said to AZ that we have no interest.”
This leaves Arsenal as the sole club interested in Maher, who played the full 90 minutes in Holland Under-21s 1-0 defeat to Italy Under-21s in the summer final of the European Under-21 Championship.
Maher has also appeared for the senior side, making a substitutes appearance against Romania in a World Cup Qualifier earlier this year.
The midfielder has come through the AZ academy to become a top player for the Dutch club, and could well be playing in the Premier League next year.
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Should Wenger sign the 19-year-old? Will he do well in the Premier League?
There is a real fresh sense around the Britannia Stadium this season that has been absent for 12 months. On the outside to the average fan it seems the same, same style of football, same expectations, same Stoke.
But the reality is far different. There was a general feeling of stagnation towards the back end of the 2011-12 season and with a lack of transfer activity for most of the summer, combined with the clubs toughest start to a Premier League season, left many Potters fans cast a worrying eye over their shoulders for the first time in three years.
The Premier League did what it always does; it worked out the problem – Stoke City. Teams found a way to stifle the attacking, physical threat and deal with the set-plays while snuffing out the wingers which had served us so well. In the Premier League you need to evolve and improve your standards, standing still isn’t an option like Stoke did last year.
But deadline day delivered as it always seems to do for Tony Pulis and in came Charlie Adam, perhaps the most important signing the club has made in a long time as Adam is the figure head of the Stoke City evolution.
His inclusion has seen Stoke alternate to a 4-3-3- formation. They no longer get outnumbered in midfield and have added a creative spark (a midfielder that can pass a ball!!!), the main ingredient missing from and otherwise well-balanced side. Adam’s ability to retain and distribute the ball is key to the new Stoke. They have kept their rough approach, while adding a touch of class.
Adding to that has been signs of rejuvenation for Matthew Etherington and the fresh impetus of Michael Kightly down the wings. Stoke look a goal threat again in open play and Peter Crouch is no longer isolated on his own upfront. Adam controls the Stoke game, there are players finding space for him to pass into instead of waiting for it to be lumped in the general direction of Crouch. Geoff Cameron looks a fine full-back who is comfortable going forwards and backwards, N’Zonzi is flourishing in a three man midfield, Ryan Shawcross has been called up for England and have I mentioned we have signed Michael Owen?
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Sitting 13th in the league may seem like par for the course as far as we are concerned, but in the opening eight games we have played both Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Now with a kinder run of fixtures up until Christmas there is an air of excitement and quiet optimism that we can surprise a few teams and critics alike. But for now, as always, Stoke are going gently under the radar just how they like it.
The only sides boasting a 100% record after three games will meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon in a game in which one side’s march will be halted. Chelsea were expected to be in the position they find themselves after three decent opening fixtures, but Swansea have shocked the league to an extent with their start – especially the 2-1 season-opening win at Old Trafford.
The Blues have bashed 11 goals while the Swans have only conceded one, stats you may expect to have been reversed give Jose Mourinho’s penchant for tight football and getting the result.
Here at FFC Towers we’ve been crunching the stats and looking at the form, and here are three players from each side we think could make the difference.
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CLICK ON CESC FABREGAS TO REVEAL
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Diego Costa
Mourinho will be the most relieved manager in the country come Saturday, with reports suggesting that hamstring worries will not rob him of Costa. The bustling Spain international has been electric in his opening three games, with his four goals having helped Chelsea to maintain their 100% record.
The ex-Atletico Madrid hit-man will fancy his chances against the Swans after netting over 30 goals last term, and his tendency to pop up in the right areas could once again prove vital for the Blues.
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Nathan Dyer
Three goals in three game sis some record for a winger. Dyer has really been excellent for the Swans so far this term, with his pace and, importantly, end product vital in the three wins registered by Garry Monk’s men.
He may not be afforded the time and space he has been in other fixtures at Stamford Bridge, but the impish wide-man will need to be watched carefully by Mourinho.
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Cesc Fabregas
The joint top assist maker in the Premier League so far, Fabregas certainly has shown that the move back to England should never have raised any doubts. The Spaniard will once again be the deep creative force in Chelsea’s midfield, where he will use Namanja Matic’s excellent holding abilities to take advantage of the space and feed the likes of Costa and Eden Hazard.
There’s little Swansea will be able to do to stop a in-form Fabregas, but Ki Sung-Yueng may be used to attempt to nullify the ex-Barcelona passer master.
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Gylfi Sigurdsson
The only man in the Premier League able to match Fabregas’ four assists so far is Sigurdsson, who has been a revelation since his return to Swansea from Tottenham. The Icelandic playmaker starred for the Swans during a brief loan stint before joining Spurs, where he failed to replicate the sort of form he showed in the south of Wales.
Afforded the central attacking midfield role at the Liberty Stadium, Sigurdsson has once again been doing what he does best, and his ability to find the right ball will be a worry for Chelsea. The only problem could be a lack of pace, which might see him struggle to get the space he needs against Chelsea’s powerful and energetic midfield.
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Branislav Ivanovic
An unorthodox full-back in the modern era, Ivanovic has become one of Chelsea’s major threats over the years, The rugged Eastern European is surprisingly adept on the ball for a man of his size, and his strength makes him a constant threat from set-pieces.
Mourinho will need Ivanovic on form to shackle Dyer and Wayne Routledge, which could be vital in keeping things tight at the back.
Lukasz Fabianski
Arsenal’s old back-up man has proven that first-team football is not beyond him with a fine start to life at Swansea. With an impressive shot-stopping ratio so far, Fabianski will need to maintain his form against Chelsea, whose attacking threats are likely to pepper his goal in west London.
There’s no reason that a clean sheet is not possible, but the Pole will need to be at the very top of his game to ensure that his attackers have the chance to nick a result for the Swans.
Wayne Rooney has revealed in excerpts of his new autobiography of what it is really like to be on the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous “hairdryer” treatment, and claims it does not always have a positive effect. The Daily Mail reports.
Rooney reflected on some of the most notable hairdryer moments during his time at United and admitted it can cause some players to have a mental breakdown.
He feels the worst telling-off he experienced was aimed at Louis Saha, after the Frenchman missed a late penalty to salvage a point against Celtic in the Champions League.
He said: “He’s in Louis’ face, shouting and screaming. It spurs some of the lads on, but it crushes others.”
The 26-year-old also described how he deals with the anger vented towards him and perhaps unwisely, answers back.
He added: “I don’t like getting shouted at by anyone. It’s hard for me to take so sometimes I shout back.
“I tell him he’s wrong and I’m right.”
At a club like United,Ferguson demands the highest standards of his players, shown by his fury at the Red Devils’ final day defeat to West Ham in 2007- despite already winning the Premier League title and just moments before the players received the trophy.
“After the rollicking it takes a while before everyone cheers up enough to put their Premier League-winning smiles back on”, Rooney said.
Rooney and the rest of the United team will be hoping to avoid many future hairdryer treatments from Sir Alex, as they attempt to wrestle the title back from Manchester City.
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After a spectacular 5-0 victory on the opening day, Fulham have lost two in a row and welcome and unbeaten West Brom Albion to Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The Cottagers were drubbed 3-0 at West Ham last time out, having previously put up a good performance losing 3-2 at Old Trafford. They have also found themselves dumped out of the League Cup by Sheffield Wednesday.
With three points from a possible nine, Martin Jol will be no doubt going out for maximum points against the Baggies.
Greek International captain Girogos Karagounis could feature, with Jol having singed the 35-year-old on a free transfer.
“I’m delighted to have signed for Fulham Football Club and I am excited by a new challenge in England and the Barclays Premier League,” the former Inter Milan and Panathinaikos midfielder said.
“I’m looking forward to working under Martin Jol and playing alongside some fantastic players at this club.”
Fellow new boy Dimitar Berbatov could also be in line for his first start for his new side, while Simon Davies, Bryan Ruiz and Kerim Frei are all expected to be in the squad.
Steve Clarke’s West Brom side have made a fantastic start to the campaign, beating Liverpool 3-0 on the opening day, before earning a dramatic point at White Hart Lane.
The Baggies claimed another Merseyside scalp during their last outing, beating Everton 2-0 at the Hawthorns.
Romelu Lukaku is hopeful of returning to the squad having sat out the Everton victory.
“Romelu’s injury was the result of a tackle and, to be honest, it was probably a 10-day injury. He just ran out of time to play against Everton,” Clarke said.
“It was natural that he would be fit and ready to play for Belgium.”
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Prediction: Fulham 2-2 West Brom
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