Friday 29 April 2011

Premier League predictions 30/04

As the season draws to its close it seems that every game is crucial game. And this weekend is no different. There are some massive games at both ends of the table. This week our predictors are some good friends of mine. The first predictor is Matty Springett and the other predictor is Jordan Finlay.

Fixture

Ibby Akkas prediction

Matty Springett prediction

Jordan Finlay prediction

Actual Score

Blackburn v Bolton

0-0

0-2

1-3

1-0

Blackpool v Stoke

3-2

1-3

2-2

0-0

Sunderland v Fulham

1-1

1-1

0-1

0-3

West Brom v Aston Villa

1-0

2-3

3-3

2-1

Wigan v Everton

0-2

0-0

0-2

1-1

Chelsea v Tottenham

1-1

2-1

3-2

2-1

Birmingham v Wolves

0-1

2-1

2-1

1-1

Liverpool v Newcastle

2-0

3-1

3-0

3-0

Arsenal v Man United

2-0

0-0

1-3

1-0

Man City v West Ham

4-0

4-2

2-0

2-1

Total Correct Scores

Correct Results - 4

Perfect Results - 0

Correct Results - 4

Perfect Results - 1

Correct Results - 5

Perfect Results - 1




The Results

Jordan Finlay - 8 Points

Matty Springett - 7 Points

Ibby Akkas - 4 Points

The Point System

Correct Result = 1 point

Perfect Result = 3 points


Things you may like to read

Are players given the captaincy for the wrong reasons? - http://tiny.cc/aefds

Why Michael Owen's tweets are doing no favours for himself - http://tiny.cc/xlwnb

Why this season will distinct if Avram Grant is a good manager or a bad manager -http://tiny.cc/bggzc


18 month old toddler signs for Dutch club VVV – Its official- Football has gone mad

The Dutch club VVV have signed an 18 month year old child. Yes, an 18 month old child.

It’s official. Football has gone mad.

Fair enough, the little toddler is impressive. The video, which you can find of him below, is quite inspiring. But the parents and the club are stupid.

The club symbolises just how far some teams will go to uncover or possess the next big thing. But have the club done the right thing in signing an 18 month old child?

The answer is no. Firstly, HE IS A BABY. Come on. The toddler is talented. But there is more to football than kicking a ball accurately. Perhaps VVV feel they can develop and embed the player in the right environment so they can maximise the kid’s potential.

But both the club and parents are either really dim-witted or their just looking for attention. Perhaps it’s both.

However, signing the kid on a 10 year contract is insane. Let’s put this into perspective. They have made an 18 month old baby commit to 10 years of his life to football.

Surely this will have an effect on the child? Forcing him to play football? And the pressure and expectation to perform.

Perhaps the decision to quickly sign the toddler will have an effect on the child’s future appetite and interest in the game. As he is being forced to study and learn the game from such a young age. He may later on even resent this decision.

But both parents and the club need to seriously consider the child’s present well being and his future well being before pulling off sensational moves.

As much as this story is stupid and probably is an attention seeking news story.

I hope the child makes it.




Things you may like to read

Are players given the captaincy for the wrong reasons? - http://tiny.cc/aefds

Jose Mourinho. The ultimate manager or the ultimate journey man? - http://tiny.cc/ii8te

Just how good is Gary Cahill? - http://tiny.cc/q3lku

Tuesday 26 April 2011

Champions League Semi-Final predictions

There are two mouth watering ties for this year’s Champions League semi finals. We have two fantastic predictors this week. Our predictors are, Steven Dow – the owner of the football retailer, Football Nation. And our other predictor is Ian Stone – the stand-up comedian, who has appeared on comedy shows such as Mock the Week and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

Fixture

Ibby Akkas prediction

Steven Dow prediction

Ian Stone prediction

Actual Result

Schalke v Man United

0-0

1-1

1-1

0-2

Real Madrid v Barcelona

0-2

1-2

2-1

0-2

Total correct scores

Correct Results -1

Perfect Results - 1

Correct Results - 1

Perfect Results - 0

Correct Result - 0

Perfect Result - 0



The Results

Ibby Akkas - 4 Points

Steven Dow - 1 Point

Ian Stone - 0 points

Be sure to check out Ian Stone’s great website; www.ianstonecomedian.co.uk/

You can also follow him on Twitter too: @iandstone

Have a look at Steven Dow’s Football Nation website. Football Nation is a fantastic football merchandise retailer; http://www.thefootballnation.co.uk/

You can also follow Steven Dow on Twitter too: @aFootballMan


The Point System

Correct Result = 1 point

Perfect Result = 3 points


Things you may like to read

Are players given the captaincy for the wrong reasons? - http://tiny.cc/aefds

Jose Mourinho. The ultimate manager or the ultimate journey man? - http://tiny.cc/ii8te

Why Michael Owen's tweets are doing no favours for himself
- http://tiny.cc/xlwnb

Monday 25 April 2011

Are some players given the captaincy for the wrong reasons?

To many people, the ideal captain is a charismatic leader on and off the pitch. A player who sets the standard. An individual who can bring the team together. And a player who is a role model on and off the pitch.

But it seems more often than not, that these imperative values which are a hallmark of a successful captain, are being overlooked by other factors.

A common occurrence is that players are given the captains armband in a vain attempt by the club to keep the player committed for a little longer.

One can think of many clubs who have adopted this strategy. Look at Carlos Tevez at Manchester City. Look at Abel Taarabt at Queens Park Rangers. And maybe more controversially, look at Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal.

A majority of football fans have questioned whether these players are suitable for the armband. The Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, has been a hotly debated subject. Is he really a suitable individual for being a captain? Most think he isn’t. Carlos Tevez still hasn’t grasped the English language sufficiently. So this obviously hinders his influence on and off the pitch. As he cant get his message across to his fellow team mates. Perhaps a captain should clearly understand the language and can speak it sufficiently, so they can support and motivate their team mates.

Furthermore, with Tevez, it seems, from day one since he joined Manchester City. He has been unsettled and has been looking for a move elsewhere. Last season and the first half of this season, it seemed Tevez had his heart set on South America. Preferably Boca Juniors. However, now it seems the Argentine wants to move to Italy. This only emphasises the unsettled nature of Carlos Tevez. Surely, a captain should be an individual who stays loyal to the club, rather than angling for a move at every possible occasion. One must consider, captain Tevez even handed in a transfer request demanding to leave Manchester City earlier in the year. So much for the captains loyalty towards the cause.

Perhaps one would say, probably a Manchester City supporter that Tevez is a good captain. As he leads by example on the pitch. That is a fair point, too an extent. As Tevez has been the life beat of Manchester City in past two years. Everything centres around him. But Tevez has thrown strops on the pitch too. Earlier this season, Tevez threw a strop and showed his anger at being substituted. This is hardly the most suitable behaviour for your captain.

It seems Manchester City have made Carlos Tevez the captain as a method to keep the player contented and make him understand his importance to the team.

While Abel Taarabt, 21 of Q.P.R is another questionable captaincy appointment. The Moroccan international is a great player. But, he is a player who sadly, doesn’t like to pass and often has tantrums and disputes. Furthermore, the fact he is 21 and is the captain is alarming. Is it right a 21 year old is the captain of a Championship team? Perhaps it would be justified if the player had a better professional mentality. And didn’t clearly suggest that Q.P.R is a merely a stepping stone in his career.

A more controversial figure to question is Cesc Fabregas. Some argue, because of his experience and his professionalism on and off the pitch it makes him a good candidate for being the captain. However, there are serious question marks over Fabregas’ credentials as captain. Perhaps, Arsenal’s failings this season have made people ask more question of whether Fabregas is a good leader.

Football fans and especially Arsenal fans have a right to question him. The Arsenal players have lacked unity on the pitch. They team also does not seem to have any leadership on the pitch. The Gunners are missing a player who can settle the other players down and can support them. Just take the two Spurs results and the Newcastle results. For me, Fabregas may have the experience, talent and a nice personality. But he still isn’t captain material. He lacks the leadership mentality to galvanise his team mates.

However, the issue of giving the captaincy for the wrong reasons has been common for the past 10 years.

In 2003, Fernando Torres was made captain of Atletico Madrid. Torres at the time was only 19 years old. This was startling. It was startling simply because he was a teenager when he captained his side. Is that right? Surely a captain should be a player who has relative experience in the game. But of course, Torres is a world class striker, who At. Madrid were desperate to keep hold of. But is he captain material? When you think of Torres and the idea of him being captain it makes you chuckle. As today’s Torres is a bit of a stroppy striker who moaps around the pitch.

A common theme to all the players I have discussed, is that all these players have issues regarding their future. This emphasises the lengths some clubs will go to in order keep hold of their prized assets.

However, for all these examples discussed. One could easily argue that these players do lead by example on the pitch. As these players set the standard with their brilliant ability. However, the responsibly of being a captain extends to more than that.

It’s refreshing to know that in the Premier League and Europe that most players are given the captaincy for the right reasons. Take a look at Steven Gerrard, Carlos Puyol, Iker Cassias, Nemanja Vidic and perhaps even John Terry. All of these players are good examples of great captains and leaders.

But clubs are more desperate than ever to keep hold of their prized assets. A way in which the clubs feel they can cling onto these players is by giving the player the symbolic armband. And more clubs, be it small or large teams are now being tempted down this route, in a futile attempt maintain their star players.

It’s imperative that clubs try and avoid going down this route. Clubs must associate the captain’s armband with players who are the hallmark of a successful captain. Players who lead by example and represent the club superbly.

Certain clubs need to stop undermining the significant value of being the captain.


Things you may like to read

Why Arsenal's complacency and lack of professionalism has seriously hindered their chances this season - http://tiny.cc/y1tgc

Why Chelsea must drop Fernando Torres if they are to have any chance of success this season - http://tiny.cc/48chx

Just how good is Gary Cahill? - http://tiny.cc/q3lku

Friday 22 April 2011

Premier League predictions 23/04

Here are our predictions for this weekend’s Premier League games. This week our predictor is, the football writer and sub-editor of Sky Sports and TEAMtalk.com, Ian Watson.

Fixture

Ibby Akkas prediction

Ian Watson prediction

Actual Score

Man United v Everton

1-0

1-1

1-0

Aston Villa v Stoke

3-1

2-1

1-1

Blackpool v Newcastle

4-1

1-0

1-1

Liverpool v Birmingham

1-0

1-1

5-0

Sunderland v Wigan

2-1

1-1

4-2

Tottenham v West Brom

3-0

2-0

2-2

Wolves v Fulham

1-2

1-0

1-1

Chelsea v West Ham

4-2

4-0

3-0

Bolton v Arsenal

2-1

1-3

2-1

Blackburn v Man City

0-2

0-3

0-1

Total correct scores

Correct Results - 6

Perfect Results - 2

Correct Results - 2

Perfect Results - 0


The Results

Ibby Akkas - 12 points

Ian Watson - 2 points

Check out the Team Talk website, where Ian himself is a contributor - http://www.teamtalk.com/

Follow Ian on Twitter too; @ianwatson1



points system - Correct Result = 1 point

-Perfect Result = 3 points


Things you may like to read

Why Michael Owen's tweets are doing no favours for himself - http://tiny.cc/xlwnb

Just how good is Gary Cahill? - http://tiny.cc/q3lku

Why this season will distinct if Avram Grant is a good manager or a bad manager -http://tiny.cc/bggzc

Thursday 21 April 2011

Why Michael Owen’s tweets are doing no favours for himself

On Tuesday night, I had my mind set on writing a small piece on the reasons why certain players are made captain's of their clubs. And whether they were given the armband for the right reasons. But something rather comical occurred on Tuesday night.

In fact it was Michael Owen who occurred.

Since Michael Owen has joined Twitter, he has provided me with great comedy. It’s a shame, as he doesn’t mean to be funny. But the manner in which he tweets and the content of them are simply golden comedy.

Owen has the habit of telling his followers about the Man United preparation prior to games and what the players are up to. This seems reasonable enough to be fair. But because he is Michael Owen and lets be honest, he isn’t the most respected player in some parts. People look at his tweets and mock him.

Here’s an example, ‘Shower, suited and booted, pre match meal, team meeting, coach to Wembley, Big K.Off. We be back on after the match hopefully in good mood.’ When Owen tweeted this, it was received with gloats from a variety of different fans. Some laughed at how excited Owen was to be on the bench. While others viewed him as a sad individual, who has nothing better to do with his time other then tweet about what his colleagues are up to.

Some of tweets Michael Owen comes up with are just magical. They are magical as there are simply so funny. After the Fulham game a few weeks ago, Owen tweeted, ‘Just got home. Another big win for us. I played 20 mins at the end but we played much better in the 1st half than in the 2nd.’ You kind of cant help but laugh at tweets like these.

It’s hilarious, simply for a number of reasons. Firstly, Michael Owen finally gets a game! Secondly, even he admits, United were poor in the second half. When he himself was introduced. It only suggests that his impact on the game was minimal. This kind of symbolises his decline. Owen at 23, would have never been on the bench. And he would never have got excited at playing 20 minutes. It shows how much things have changed. And this is what makes people laugh at Owen’s tweets. The mere change in mentality of the former England star.

But, his tweet about him scoring a crucial goal is absolutely priceless. Owen tweeted, ‘As I've already said, don't know where, don't know when, but there is an important goal to come from me this season - mark my words!!!’ Now, we all know, he will be lucky to even get a few minutes on the pitch in the run in, let alone an ‘important goal.’ The fact he has made only 8 league appearances clearly reinstates this. Perhaps, you should praise his positivity and enthusiasm. But tweets like that are asking people to ridicule him. Even without people ridiculing him, you sub- consciously laugh at him. You instantly think to yourself, hmm, does he even get a game for Man United these days?

Everyone knows that having a bit of an outburst on Twitter is a bad bad idea. It’s bad simply because on Twitter, and generally the internet, people are more likely to react in a vile manner.

Owen was angry with the poor reception he received at St. James’ Park and along with Man United’s disappointing draw. But his tweets represented a man who knows he is in decline and a man who knows the end is near.

Owen firstly tweeted, ‘From what most of you Newcastle fans are saying you should be pleased I left the club! If i had known that earlier I could have left sooner!’ Its clear, Owen is angry and disappointed. But reacting like that, is asking for people to mock and laugh at you. He doesn’t really help himself. As much as he has a right to defend himself, it also gives people especially those who dislike him even more ammunition to criticise him.

It also puts Owen in a rather depressing light. In my eyes, he hasn’t done much wrong to either Liverpool or Newcastle United. But the fans are bitter for various reasons. Perhaps, they have a right to be. But Owen should expect the fans to have some resentment towards him. After all, he has moved to a club which both Newcastle and Liverpool hate. Owen should be the bigger person and just ignore the perceptions of those fans. Its part and parcel of the game. Footballers earn an incredibly amount of money, they should expect people to seriously resent them.

A few moments later, Owen tweeted, ‘When I meet Newcastle or Liverpool fans they all respect what I've done for their clubs. In stadiums it changes, 1 boo and the rest follow.’ Again this clearly shows a man who is hurt by the way he is perceived at his former clubs. It seems he feels undervalued and unacknowledged. But again, saying this on Twitter doesn’t help his cause at all. @AintreeIron wittingly replied, ‘Well to ensure you get a fair reflection of public opinion I'll be sure and boo you next time I see you out and about.’ Owen doesn’t really help himself. As much as his intentions were to show his bemusement and annoyance towards the lack of respect he receives. On Twitter, people are going to take the piss out of him. But the sad thing is, it makes Michael Owen look like an even bigger joke.

No one can deny that Michael Owen’s twitter page has provided more fuel for Newcastle and Liverpool fans to mock him. After Stoke’s victory in the FA Cup semi final, Owen tweeted, ‘And Congrats to Stoke. Always admired Tony Pulis. They deserve their big day out. No team gets an easy game against them.’ @lukehewitt1985 tweeted in response, ‘fishing for a move Mike?’ Whatever he tweets, there will be someone laughing or mocking him. There are football fans who obviously have little respect for him.

Owen himself admitted, ‘you need thick skin to play this tweeting game.’ It’s not surprising in his case. Anything he tweets will be received with humour and irony. People just don’t take him seriously anymore.

Furthermore, Michael Owen’s status as a pantomime villain will only lead to him being continually bombarded with abuse on Twitter.

Perhaps Michael Owen really needs that thick skin.


Things you may like to read

Why Man United need to quickly find a replacement for Paul Scholes - http://tiny.cc/45nlj

How Twitter has changed spectation of football for the fans - http://tiny.cc/iqqjr

Why Man United’s win over Blackpool in January wasn’t a defining moment in their season - http://tiny.cc/ty7v7

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Why the FA Cup Semi Finals should be played anywhere but Wembley

Another enthralling FA Cup Semi final round passes us by. The FA Cup saw two shock results. On Sunday, Bolton were comprehensively beaten by Stoke. While on Saturday, Manchester City knocked out their bitter rivals Manchester United. But there is one fact, which frustrates every football fan.

Why the hell are the FA Cup semi finals being held at Wembley!?

Personally, I have written articles emphasising how the FA Cup has not lost its significance in the modern game. But the decision’s to play the Semi Final at Wembley are good arguments for the FA Cup losing its significance.

For me, one of the appealing and most gratifying factors of being in the FA Cup final is the right to play at Wembley. Playing at Wembley was a sign of significance and a sign of success. Perhaps it still is. But now the idea of having a right to play at Wembley just because your in the semi final alienating.

It’s alienating simply because the FA Cup is world renowned for its traditions. Most of us grew up hearing of the classic cup semi finals at Villa Park or at Old Trafford. It was fair these games were held elsewhere. As these games are of great significance. But they are not as significant as the final.

The FA Cup final should be a massive occasion. It should be the biggest date on the English calendar. Perhaps having the semis elsewhere would add more significance and incentive to the final. As both teams would have fully earned their right to play Wembley.

Looking at this from a global appeal perspective, having just one FA Cup game at Wembley would make the final and the competition more appealing. As the stage would be a unique and historical. It would be a stage which is renowned for where the finest teams in England come head to head. And it would be stage where the most glorifying moments of English football occur. But at the moment, it makes the road to Wembley a bit repetitive. As the two finalists would have to play at Wembley twice within a few weeks. This means the same stage is used again and again and the stigma of playing at Wembley is lost.

There are probably economical and commercial reasons for the Semis being played at Wembley. Maybe, the FA need Wembley as a method to gain money to keep up with the high payments of the new stadium. It wouldn’t surprise me. Football these days is money orientated.

But it’s frustrating to see that one of the key traditions of the final is being exploited. The right to play at Wembley is one of the biggest incentives for getting to the FA Cup final. But now it seems being a semi finalist is enough of a right earned to play at Wembley.

There have been periods in the 90’s and early 2000’s were the semis were held at the old Wembley. But after a year or two, the people at the FA came to their senses and held the semi finals elsewhere.

But it’s been four years since the semi final has been held away from the new Wembley.

The FA Cup is a culture and a tradition.

It’s a shame, the culture and traditions of the oldest cup competition in football are being slowly removed.


Things you may like to read

Has the FA Cup lost all of its significance in the modern game? - http://tiny.cc/s0725

Just how good is Gary Cahill? - http://tiny.cc/q3lku

Is there a right or wrong way to play football? - http://tiny.cc/fhro0

Premier League Predictions for 20/04

Here are our predictions for the mid-week Premier League games. Our predictors this time round are Omar Chaudhuri of Five Added Minutes. And the Target Man.

Fixture

Ibby Akkas prediction

Omar Chaudhuri prediction

The Target Man prediction

Actual Score

Newcastle v Man United

1-1

0-1

0-2

0-0

Chelsea v Birmingham

2-0

2-0

3-0

3-1

Tottenham v Arsenal

1-3

1-1

2-2

3-3

Total correct scores

Correct Results -2

Perfect Results - 0

Correct Results - 2

Perfect Results - 0

Correct Results - 2

Perfect Results - 0



The Results

5 added minutes - 2 points

Omar Chaudhuri - 2 points

Ibby Akkas - 2 points

This week everyone got the majority of their predictions correct! So its not a surprise that its a 2 point draw between all the predictors. Thanks to both predictors for participating.


Be sure to check out the two predictors blogs. Both are brilliant reads!

Omar Chaudhuri - http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

The Target Man - http://thetargetman.com/

Both predictors can also be found on twitter too;

Omar Chaudhuri - @OmarChaudhuri

The Target Man - @TheTargetManblog

Things you may like to read

Why Arsenal's complacency and lack of professionalism has seriously hindered their chances this season - http://tiny.cc/y1tgc

Why Chelsea must drop Fernando Torres if they are to any chance of success this season - http://tiny.cc/ozm9k

Why Man United need to quickly find a replacement for Paul Scholes - http://tiny.cc/rgp8m

Sunday 17 April 2011

Just how good is Gary Cahill?

Gary Cahill has been a name which been branded across all the gossip columns. The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and other big clubs have been rumoured in showing an interest in the centre back. One would have to say, its justified. As he clearly is a decent ball playing centre back. But, one thing has always confused me about Gary Cahill. His valuation. Bolton in January demanded £20 million for Cahill. This begs the question, is Gary Cahill that good?

Now, of course, no one can deny Gary Cahill’s ability. He is a centre back who is competent with the ball at his feet, he can win his fair share of headers and has a great attacking instinct for a centre back. When one remembers Gary Cahill, they remember his fantastic goals. That brilliant overhead kick versus Birmingham comes to mind. Or just recently, his brace against his former side Aston Villa. Its evident he is a centre back who knows how to take his chances.

But being a centre back, his finishing skills are useful, but there not as vital as other attributes. The question mark about Gary Cahill is simply been about, how good is he defensively. On the surface, it seems he is most certainly at Premier League standard for these attributes.

However, is this really worth £20 million? I have taken a close look at three English centre backs. Gary Cahill, John Terry and Joleon Lescott. I have analysed their last 5 games and have compared them to Gary Cahill’s last 5 games. If Gary Cahill is near these centre backs in terms of statistics in winning tackles, making interceptions and successfully passing. Maybe the price tag is justified.

The reason why I have chosen Terry and Lescott is because of two reasons. John Terry was chosen simply because he is arguably England’s best centre back at the moment. So if Gary Cahill’s stats are similar to John Terry’s perhaps his valuation and interest from bigger clubs is tolerable. While Joleon Lescott was chosen because he is a similar player to Gary Cahill. He is similar in the sense that Joleon Lescott was signed for Manchester City for £22 million. And like Cahill, people are still questioning his ability and whether it correlates to the £22 million shelled out to buy him.

The first attribute we will analyse is passing. A defender’s ability to pass well goes along way. As most teams start their attacks from the back, and centre backs see a lot of the ball. On the surface, Gary Cahill is a good passer. He has a fine passing range and has no qualms in passing offensively. But let us compare his passing statistics to John Terry’s and Joleon Lescott’s.

Gary Cahill – Passing – Last 5 Games

Fixture

No. of Passes

No. of successful passes

No. of unsuccessful passes

Percentage of successful passes

V West Ham (Home)

26

17

9

65%

V Birmingham City (Away)

29

18

11

62%

V Manchester United (away)

19

11

8

57%

V Aston Villa (Home)

27

20

7

74%

V Newcastle (Away)

39

31

8

79%

Total

140

97

43


John Terry –Passing – Last 5 games

Fixture

No. of Passes

No. of successful passes

No. of unsuccessful passes

Percentage of successful passes

V Stoke (Away)

43

33

10

76%

V Man City (Home)

57

52

5

91%

V Blackpool (Away)

63

55

8

87%

V Man United (Home)

32

24

8

75%

V Fulham (Away)

69

64

5

92%

Total

264

173

36



Joleon Lescott – Passing – Last 5 Games

Fixture

No. of Passes

No. of successful passes

No. of unsuccessful passes

Percentage of successful passes

V Liverpool (Away)

32

22

10

68%

V Sunderland (Home)

27

21

6

77%

V Chelsea (Away)

26

19

7

73%

V Wigan (Home)

35

30

5

85%

V Fulham (Home)

53

37

16

69%

Total

173

129

44


Its evidently clear, in the last 5 games, Gary Cahill’s passing wasn’t as good as Joleon Lescott’s nor anywhere near as good as John Terry’s. However, one must consider because Lescott and Terry play for two teams in the Champions League places. It’s expected that their teams will see far more of the ball compared to their opponents. Thus explaining why Terry saw almost double the amount of passes compared to Gary Cahill. But the success percentage is rather alarming. The highest percentage Cahill earned in the 5 games was 79%, while Lescott’s was 85% and Terry’s was 92%. This shows that Gary Cahill’s passing range isn’t as effective as Lescott’s or Terry’s. However, this can be justified. Throughout the 5 matches when I analysed Cahill’s passing range, it seemed he often tried the long pass. Whereas Terry consistently kept his passing short. However, the fact the average of Cahill’s passing success rate is far smaller than Terry’s and Lescott shows that there is room for improvement.

The second attribute under inspection is tackling. Obviously, tackling is an imperative for a centre back. Being able to successfully tackle also highlights other attributes too. A successful tackler is an individual who has good positioning, good composure, good anticipation, good acceleration and other attributes. Below are the tackling statistics of Joleon Lescott, Gary Cahill and John Terry.

Gary Cahill – Tackling – Last 5 Games

Fixture

No. of tackles

No. of successful tackles

No. of unsuccessful tackles

Percentage of successful tackles

V West Ham (Home)

8

3

5

37%

V Birmingham (Away)

7

5

2

71%

V Man United (Away)

5

3

2

60%

V Aston Villa (Home)

7

5

2

71%

V Newcastle (Away)

11

7

4

63%

Total

38

23

15


John Terry – Tackling – Last 5 Games

Fixture

No. of tackles

No. of successful tackles

No. of unsuccessful tackles

Percentage of successful tackles

V Stoke (Away)

11

4

7

36%

V Man City (Home)

8

6

2

75%

V Blackpool (Away)

11

8

3

72%

V Man United (Home)

8

7

1

87%

V Fulham (Away)

3

3

0

100%

Total

41

28

12



Joleon Lescott – Tackling – last 5 Games

Fixture

No. of tackles

No. of successful tackles

No. of unsuccessful tackles

Percentage of successful tackles

V Liverpool (Away)

5

3

2

60%

V Sunderland (Home)

5

5

0

100%

V Chelsea (Away)

4

4

0

100%

V Wigan (Home)

5

5

0

100%

V Fulham (Home)

7

6

1

85%

Total

26

23

3



Again, Gary Cahill is trailing both Joleon Lescott and John Terry. However, its clear Cahill does win most of his tackles but at the same time, he does lose a fair amount too. If this is compared to John Terry, England’s leading centre back. Terry clearly wins most of his tackles. Bar the Stoke City game. But when Terry has more successful challenges than unsuccessful challenges, his tackling success rate in the last 5 games is 72% or above. While within those 5 games, the highest success percentage for Gary Cahill is 71%. This shows there is a substantial difference between the two players in terms of tackling.

What did surprise me, was how successful Joleon Lescott’s tackling success rate was in the last 5 games. Like Cahill, for me the jury has still out for Joleon Lescott. I have never thought that highly of him as a defender. But the statistics do all the talking. In 26 tackles, he has only lost 3 of those tackles. That is a fantastic record. Cahill has lost 5 times more than that. This shows there is a clear difference between Cahill and Lescott in terms of tackling. Cahill’s last 5 games show that his tackling rate isn’t outstanding at all. And he clearly hasn’t got one of the best rates in the Premier League. Yet, he is still one of the Premier League’s most wanted centre backs.

The third attribute being analysed is the number of interceptions. A defenders ability to read the game is critical. It restricts the number of chances the opposition could potentially have. Having centre backs who can effectively read the game is priceless. As it gives them an edge over their opponents. As they can foresee what their opponent is planning. Here are Cahill’s, Terry’s and Lescott’s interception rates from the past 5 games.

Gary Cahill – Interceptions – Last 5 Games

Fixture

No. of successful interceptions

V West Ham (Home)

2

V Birmingham (Away)

1

V Man United (Away)

1

V Aston Villa (Home)

1

V Newcastle (Away)

3

Total

8


Fixture

No. of successful interceptions

V Stoke (Away)

2

V Man City (Away)

3

V Blackpool (Away)

1

V Man United (Home)

2

V Fulham (Away)

1

Total

9


Joleon Lescott – Interceptions – Last 5 games

Fixture

No. of interceptions

V Liverpool (Away)

1

V Sunderland (Home)

2

V Chelsea (Away)

3

V Wigan (Home)

2

V Fulham (Home)

1

Total

9


For the first time, Gary Cahill’s statistics are close to the other two players. This tells you something. The fact Cahill has intercepted 8 times within 5 games it could suggest that Cahill is a good reader of the game. Perhaps, this is a contributing factor to why people ask if Gary Cahill is really that good. Normally, the types of defenders who are memorable are those who often make last ditch tackles and clearances. However, making last ditch challenges suggests a poor reading of the game. As they see the opposition’s attacks late. Whiles, a good reader of the game can prevent these attacks without having to resort to a last ditch challenge. However, in contrast, one may argue that what makes Cahill such an appealing defender is his fantastic reading of the game.

It’s vital to say that, the last five games do not provide a true snap shot of Gary Cahill’s ability. It simply provides a bit of an incite into the player’s ability. Perhaps, using a different batch of 5 games could have made the statistics better or worse. As it depends on factors such as the fixture and whether the match is home or away.

But the last five games have shown that Gary Cahill’s abilities for me are slightly over rated. Of course, he can read the game well, but the game extends to more than that. His tackling success rate is still questionable and his passing could be far more accurate. This shows there still needs to be a vast amount of improvement before he really does live up to the valuation of £20 million.

However, the 6ft2 centre back has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the league. The general all round ability of Gary Cahill makes him appealing to all the big European sides. If he ends up going to a big club such as an Arsenal, which is pretty much expected. It could naturally make the player improve. As teams like Arsenal will see more of the ball so his passing would naturally improve. While the sheer competitiveness of being at an elite European side would assist his tackling success ratio.

But had his statistics been outstanding maybe this would have made his valuation a little justifiable. But at the moment, his defensive attributes do not provide a substantial reason to why he is valued that highly. Perhaps the simple fact that he is English provides a crucial lynchpin for his valuation.

However, one thing is for certain. Gary Cahill has a big future at a big club.

But at the moment it seems he is over rated.


Things you may like to read

Why Kevin Davies should be in contention for the England squad - http://tiny.cc/t7d1m

Why Stuart Holden's abilty is vividly standing out - http://tiny.cc/eeuok

Has the FA Cup lost its signficance in the modern game? - http://tiny.cc/v0zed

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