TG2021_15-_1--888

Why Chelsea should stick with Graham Potter

Posted on by TG2021_15-_1--888

Graham Potter joined Chelsea as manager on the 8th of September 2022, following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel. Since then, Potter has a win rate of just 29.4% within the Premier League – a far cry from Thomas Tuchel’s win rate of 55.6%.

Despite Potter’s impressive managerial history and rise from Leeds Metropolitan University to the Premier League, many fans disagreed with the sacking of Tuchel – especially due to Tuchel’s Champions League success in the 2020/21 season.

At the time of writing, Chelsea sit 10th in the Premier League, after losing to last-placed Southampton on the weekend.

This has led to many Chelsea fans calling for the sacking of Graham Potter just 5 months after his arrival at the club, and while the Chelsea board are backing the manager for now, the question remains whether or not the club should part ways with him.

Unsung Heroes: Michael Carrick

Posted on by TG2021_15-_1--888

An ‘Unsung Hero’ is a player that was integral to their team(s), be that through playing a role that doesn’t traditionally receive a lot of plaudits, turning up for their team in big moments or going unnoticed due to the other stars they played with.

Michael Carrick is one of those players.

Carrick often doesn’t receive the plaudits he deserved due to his position and play-style both lending themselves to going under the radar and not grabbing the headlines.

Despite this, the best footballing minds noticed his high-level ability. Pep Guardiola said that Carrick was ‘one of the best holding midfielders [he’s] ever seen in his life’, likewise, Xavi called him a ‘complete player’. He is the very definition of underrated.

Carrick was capped 34 times by his country and has five Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, and two European titles to his name.

How important is a goalkeeper’s ability to use their feet and why has the modern game developed to make this a necessity?

Posted on by TG2021_15-_1--888

Football and its tactics are under constant evolution, with managers desperate to do everything to gain the slightest edge on their opposition – the goalkeeper position is not exempt from this. There is a reason why almost every current keeper widely considered to be world-class has impressive ability on the ball.

A goalkeeper’s ability on the ball is of huge importance and holds consequences for the tactics utilised by their teams. Their qualities with the ball at their feet has the potential to affect a team both positively and negatively, and the importance of this will only grow.

The Making of a Legend: Ronaldo Nazário at PSV Eindhoven

Posted on by TG2021_15-_1--888

Ronaldo cemented himself as one of the all-time greats after his move from PSV, however it was on this stage, playing in the Eredivisie that R9 announced himself to the world, and showcased the unbelievable talent he possessed. In his two seasons at the club, he displayed his world-class abilities and earnt himself a world record transfer fee – a sign of the legendary player he would become.

Unsung Heroes: Andreas Möller

Posted on by TG2021_15-_1--888

An ‘Unsung Hero’ is a player that was integral to their team(s), be that through playing a role that doesn’t traditionally receive a lot of plaudits, turning up for their team in big moments or going unnoticed due to the other stars they played with.

Andreas Möller is one of those players.

Internationally, Möller is a World Cup and a Euros winner, as well winning the Bundesliga twice. In European football, he has a UEFA Cup and a Champions League to his name.

Möller was capped 85 times for Germany, scoring 29 international goals, and he was named in the Bundesliga team of the season on six separate occasions.

One player each Premier League club needs to sign in the January transfer window.

Posted on by TG2021_15-_1--888

As the World Cup has drawn to a close, we look to the restart of the Premier League to provide our footballing entertainment. At this point in the season, we can see the league table truly beginning to take place and realise which outcomes seem realistic for each respective club come the end of the season. Below, I delve into a player each team should attempt to sign which, in my opinion will give them the best chance of achieving these goals – whether that be winning the league, securing European qualification, or avoiding the drop.