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As more premier league clubs continue to look to buy young foreign talent – does it show the flaws in the home grown ruling?

With Tottenham having signed Ivory Coast under-17 international Souleymane Coulibaly and Chelsea reportedly making an offer for Belgian 18 year old Romelu Lukaku on Wednesday, the question of young, home-grown talent is yet again raising its spotty, bum-fluff-covered head.

The introduction of the 25 man squad last season was meant to safeguard against such an occurrence. Each squad could only have 17 non-home grown players selected, and to be a home-grown player you had to have been registered to an English club for 3 years before your 21st birthday. Got it?

That all sounds well and proper, but the devil is, as ever, in the detail. Let’s take Arsenal’s squad from last season. Arsene Wenger selected a squad consisting of 7 ‘home-grown’ players. Who were these 7? Gael Clichy, Johan Djourou, Denilson, Nicklas Bendtner, Cesc Fabregas, Vito Mannone and Alex Song. If the intention of the ruling was to safeguard the development of British talent, it would appear that it has failed miserably, as the chances of any of this 7 showing up for a home nations match are approximately non-existent (although in the case of Bendtner, maybe that’s for the best).

But what of Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere? Surely they make it into the category of home-grown? They sure do, but due to the fact that they were under 21 at the time of registration they were able to sneak into the under 21 squad. This is where the ruling gets even more ridiculous, because each club is allowed an infinite pool of players under the age of 21 to draw from, and so Walcott and Wilshere didn’t need to be registered in the first team squad, allowing room for extra non-home-grown players in the team.

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Unfortunately for Arsenal, what worked last season is not going to be doable this year. Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs are now all above the cut-off age, meaning they have to be added to the main squad. That is assuming Arsene Wenger plans on keeping them all.

This is where it becomes a much greater issue. Due to players that would have ordinarily been part of the youth or reserve set-ups hitting the cut off age, the likes of Tom Cruise, Jay Simpson and Mark Randall have all been released as Wenger’s squad simply can’t accommodate them. More worrying for the Gunners is the fact that over the next two summer the situation becomes even worse, with Wojciech Szczesny, Gavin Hoyte, Craig Eastmond, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Henri Lansbury, Rhys Murphy, Sanchez Watt, Gilles Sunu, Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, and Kyle Bartley all set to make the step-up, in age, to the first team squad.

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If young British players are constantly being kicked out of the top clubs at the age of 21 then the game in the UK is going to take a serious battering, something that the home-grown players rule was meant to end.

Angry about the lack of progress following this ruling? Shout at your screen, or let me know on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/_tomclose

Roberto Mancini has blasted his side's profligacy in front of goal, saying they need to start converting their chances.

A fourth-minute Carlos Tevez strike was the only goal in a 1-0 success against Bolton Wanderers at Eastlands on Saturday. However, after missing a hatful of chances against the Trotters, they were left hanging on at the end of the game, particularly after Aleksandar Kolarov had been sent off.

The win has consolidated City's position in fourth place as they pulled away from fifth-placed Spurs following the London side's 1-1 draw against Birmingham. However, this shouldn't hide the fact that despite playing some stylish football, they made heavy work of dismissing Bolton.

Speaking after the game, Mancini said:"Sometimes we were too selfish. We shot when it was better to pass – we must improve this situation.

"When we have a chance, we must score. If I had played I would have scored two or three goals."

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City face West Ham United at Upton Park next week and Mancini will hope they will display a greater ruthlessness against the relegation-threatened Hammers.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is already planning for next season after religuishing his title to neighbours Manchester City on Sunday.

It was plain to see that Man United’s squad was not their best ever this season. And with Man City going from strength to strength and will certainly add to their already impressive squad this summer.

Many pundits have stated that Man United must add to their squad if they wish to halt Man City’s Premier League domination and one of the areas most believe United have struggled with this season is the lack of creativity in central midfield.

Well it seems Ferguson agrees and has already set his sights on Borussia Dortmund’s 23-year-old Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

Kagawa has rejected a new deal at Dortmund meaning he will be out of contract next summer but he is expected to complete a move before then.

Kagawa has been in tremendous form for Dortmund this season as they secured a league and cup double, weighing in with 17 goals and 13 assists.

The 5ft 7ins star is another in a long list of new ‘little men’ who are lighting up football in this new era. Kagawa is primarily a central midfield player but can also play on the wings which makes him an attractive propersition for Sir Alex.

He would certainly add creativity to United’s midfield and bearing in mind they lost the title on goal difference this season I’m sure Ferguson will want to see more goals from his team next year to avoid a repeat.

Kagawa has already admitted meeting with Ferguson, stating:

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“It was good to meet and actually talk to him. He had some nice things to say to me. Several clubs contacted me but I can not say which is the best.

“I want to choose the club where I can challenge. It would be good to play in the Premier League.”

It seems it will be a busy summer at Old Trafford with many comings and goings as United look to regain their title next year, halt Man City’s progress and hold off challenges from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham who will all be aiming to win the league next year.

With two of the unsung heroes of modern football, Wes Brown and John O’Shea finally leaving Manchester United this week after 14 years and 13 years respectively at the club, it got me thinking about other players who have never really received the recognition they deserved for their careers.

Some obvious choices for the list would have been the likes of Park Ji Sung, Alexander Song, Darren Fletcher and Scott Parker but they have made the headlines this season after their fine performances on the pitch so they were not included.

The players I have selected have made a huge impact in football whatever level that maybe but have gone relatively unnoticed in comparison to the huge stars of the game. It is time to give them the praise they deserve……here are my ten unsung heroes of the modern game.

Click on Kevin Davies to unveil the first part of the unsung heroes of modern football

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A 3-3 draw in Holland on Tuesday meant that Spurs clinched top spot in Champions League Group A, job done. The game at Twente wasn’t pretty and it may be been riddled with bizarre goings on and refereeing decisions, but it at least it was good to watch – I think that, without using hyperbole, it’s now fair to brand Spurs ‘the entertainers of the Champions League’.

This week at FFC Spurs fans have taken a look into the future with the repercussions of their new stadium, a look into the past with their worst ever XI and a look at the now with the impending departure of Robbie Keane.

We’ve also got the best Spurs blogs from around the web.

Finances dictate that Spurs need to sort this problem and quick

Tottenham exit will prove to be the best deal all round

The top TEN Tottenham tattoos…well sort of

French signing could be just tonic that Tottenham  need?

Tottenham’s Januray transfer nightmares

The Tottenham team from HELL

Which club represents the best move for Tottenham outcast?

Sad to see him leave Spurs, but is it the likely outcome?

The Top TEN derby day whippings

The TEN real surprises from the Premier League this season

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Click here to see the Best TOTTENHAM BLOGS around the Web this week

Taxi for the Haters – Dear Mr Levy

Twente-Twente vision – Who Framed Ruel Fox?

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The Five stages – Dear Mr Levy

Cry, ‘Harry for England’ – JimmyG2

Levy’s dream signing – Harry Hotspur

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If you are of the Arsenal persuasion, you don’t need me to remind you just how much of a roller coaster ride the current campaign has been. From the knife-edge qualification for the Champions League against Udinese to the recent surprise slump at QPR, to the 5-2 demolition of The Spuds to the almost amazing comeback against Milan, you haven’t quite known whether to laugh or cry at the exploits of Arsene Wenger’s side this term. Always famed for their aesthetic qualities and quality on the eye, the Gunners haven’t always been interesting for the right reasons over the nine months of the season thus far. Amidst some calamitous defending and some scintillating attacking play, at times Arsenal’s season has gone from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Currently in third position and well placed to secure Champions League football next term, the Gunners have recovered well from their perilous beginning, but the next few weeks will really test the Gunners staying power as large point gaps have been proved to evaporate in the blink of an eye. The fact Arsenal have remained competitive in their league positioning is a mark of Arsene Wenger’s work that he sold his two most influential players from last season and still remains in and around a similar berth. Burning frustratingly in the mind of all Gunners fans however, is the painstakingly long wait for a trophy and seeing all chances diminish yet again this term has only steeped up the pressure on Arsene Wenger, with widespread dissent and anger spilling over from the terraces. With patience at an all-time low and the race to beat The Spuds to the metaphoric title of ‘best London club’ papering over the Gunners true heartache surrounding their lack of silverware, Arsenal fans know that a top four finish is the very minimum requirement to avoid a very fractious end of season.

So let us cast the microscope over the past nine months and pick out 10 positives and 10 negatives for Gunners fans to take from the 2011/12 campaign. We’ll start with the good news!

Click on Robin van Persie to unveil the 10 positives and negatives

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Have you any more positives or negatives to add to Arsenal’s end of term report? I’d like to know Gunners fans @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

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It appears one of Tottenham’s biggest transfer battles this summer will be to keep Luka Modric out of the clutches of their Premier League rivals. The player confirmed his desire to move to West London this summer, much to the frustration of supporters.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs that includes 10 things we learned from this season; a new culture is required at WHL and should Harry flirt with Becks again this summer

We also look at the best Spurs articles around the web this week.

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‘Suits you sir!’ – The Premier League club’s Kit collection for 2011/12 season

VIDEO: The GREATEST Premier League goal ever…you decide!

Should Tottenham flirt with Becks again this summer?

A new club culture has to be moulded if Tottenham are to succeed

10 BIG Things That We Learned From Tottenham’s Season

Tottenham finally unearth the complete midfielder they craved

Spurs linked with striking duo

FIVE potential signings for Harry to ponder

Tottenham set to renew interest in Atletico ace

*Best of WEB*

Mod-Rich still at The Lane by Greg Meyer. – Spurs Musings From JimmyG2

Gio dos Santos and Adel Taarabt walk into a pub… – Dear Mr Levy

Levy Steps In & Signs A Winner – Harry Hotspur

Spurs still focusing in the wrong direction? – THFC 1882

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The NextGen Series – groups and fixtures – Windy Blog

Don’t blame me, blame him – Dear Mr Levy[divider]Click below to see the latest addition to the WAG Arena

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There have been a few surprises in Fabio Capello’s latest England squad. Most notably with the selection of uncapped players such as Andy Carroll, Jay Bothroyd, Chris Smalling and Jordan Henderson. In light of Chris Smalling’s inclusion in the latest squad we take a look at his credentials and try to analyse whether he deserves his place or not.

Firstly, some would argue that the likes of Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson thoroughly deserve their place in the latest squad as their club form has proved impressive. Carroll is Newcastle’s top scorer and Henderson has established himself as an important figure in a Sunderland side that finds itself competing for a place in Europe.

However, slight debate surrounds Capello’s selection of Chris Smalling. His form at Manchester United hasn’t exactly set the Premier League alight, and along with his youth and inexperience is he really ready to take to the world stage?

Furthermore controversy surrounds Smallings inclusion as Kevin Davies has been omitted, which seems a bit harsh on the Bolton skipper, who made his debut against Montenegro last month and excelled in front of Capello against Tottenham last week.

However, It would seem that Chris Smalling’s introduction to the England set up is a shrewd move by Capello according to Gary Pallister, former Manchester United and England centre back. “I remember when I was in the England squad under Terry Venables and he called up Rio and Joe Cole from West Ham at the time to just get a feel of the set-up, he added. They trained with us as teenagers and they had a look around and got the feel of what it is like being in the set-up. It was great for them to be blooded like that because when they were eventually called up to play for England the nerves wouldn’t have been as bad.”

So what do you think? Is Chris Smalling’s elevation to the England full squad by Capello a clever move by the Italian, or will it prove detrimental to the defenders long term progression? What are your overall thoughts?

If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on Twitter

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted that star playmaker David Silva is suffering from fatigue, which in turn has led to a drop in performances.

The Spain international is widely recognised as one of the most creative players in the Premier League, and was one of the Etihad Stadium club’s star men in the first half of the season.

However, a dip in form has seen Silva’s impact neutralised in recent times, with Mancini blaming the high number of fixtures for the attacking midfielder’s current predicament.

“I don’t know how many games David has played for us in the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Carling Cup, FA Cup plus internationals,” the Italian coach told Mirror Football.

“But it’s normal that a player can arrive at a moment when he can’t play 100 per cent.

“David always plays here [indicates high level with hand] and now maybe he is here [drops hand lower to chest].

“This is normal, but I hope he can recover,” he concluded.

City are currently five points behind Manchester United in the title race, and take on Arsenal this weekend.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Following the previous article that previewed Group B, this one takes a closer look at the third and final group at the 2011 Copa América, Group C.

Group C will see fourteen-time Copa América Champions Uruguay face off against Mexico, Chile and Peru.  This group promises to very closely-contested given the quality of the teams in Group C.

The teams

Uruguay

World Ranking:  7

Star player:  Edison Cavani

Following Uruguay’s resurgence as a superpower in world football at last summer’s World Cup in South Africa, they will want to build on their fourth place finish there and find themselves competing with South America’s other big guns for the 2011 Copa América.  In Edinson Cavani they have a striker who has had an outstanding season for Napoli and he is likely to be paired with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament Diego Forlan.  Uruguay boasts an impressive squad and they seem to have gotten the balance between experienced players and younger players coming through just about right.  As in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Uruguay will probably fight it out with Chile and Mexico for top spot in Group C.

Mexico

World Ranking:  23

Star player:  Javier Hernandez

As the second invitee team, Mexico is a top quality addition to the 2011 Copa América.  They advanced to the second round at the 2010 World Cup where they were eliminated by a combination of poor refereeing and an inspired Argentina.  Mexico boasts an impressive squad and a good record in previous Copa América tournaments where they have advanced to the quarterfinals at least on each of their previous seven appearances (five semi-finals).  Then Manchester United-bound Javier Hernandez showed glimpses of his talent at the 2010 World Cup and has proven to have been a shrewd buy by Sir Alex Ferguson.  As mentioned, Mexico will probably find themselves locked in battle with Uruguay and Chile for the top spot in Group C.

Chile

World Ranking:  14

Star player:  Arturo Vidal

Chile qualified for the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and were eliminated by Brazil.  They boast a very talented group of young players and play exciting attacking football.  In Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel and Mauricio Isla they have top quality players, some of which have been linked with possible moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs in recent months.  Chile definitely brings some exciting players and football to the Copa América 2011 and they may be the surprise package of the tournament.

Peru

World Ranking:  54

Star player:  Juan Manuel Vargas

Despite Peru’s dramatic climb up the world rankings over the past two years, they find themselves in an extremely tough group with quality opposition.  As a result they may find the going too tough against these teams and, although they will be competitive and give their best, they will probably end last in Group C and be eliminated from the tournament.

The fixtures

Uruguay vs. Peru – 4 July 2011, Estadio del Bicentenario, San Juan

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Chile vs. Mexico – 4 July 2011, Estadio del Bicentenario, San Juan

Peru vs. Mexico – 8 July 2011, Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Uruguay vs. Chile – 8 July 2011, Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Chile vs. Peru – 12 July 2011, Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Uruguay vs. Mexico – 12 July 2011, Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata

Group C of the 2011 Copa América will probably be the closest contested group of the tournament and it is difficult to separate Uruguay, Chile and Mexico.  Depending on results and standings in the other groups, all three of these teams may find themselves qualifying for the quarterfinal stage.

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