Welcome to Anfield Nuri : A look at how the midfield maestro can be the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle

18 Yard Box analyses how the versatile midfielder will complete the picture at Liverpool

Rodgers proudly unveils his new signing

This week Liverpool announced the signing of young Turk Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid on a season long loan. Adding to the summer acquisitions of Fabio Borini,  Joe Allen,  Oussama Assaidi,  Brendan Rodgers considers Sahin to be the answer to his midfield woes. A real next generation superstar, Nuri Sahin might just be the 'signing of the season' for the Merseysiders.

18 Yard Box's Pranav Shenoy closely looks at what this midfield ace brings to the Liverpool lineup.

Injury and then bench

An injured Sahin looks from the Bench

Impressed with his talent and passing skills, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho signed this gem for a bargain price of 10 million Euros from Borussia Dortmund. However, injury has prevented this rising star from breaking through to the first team and showing his true ability and class. Moreover after he returned he spent most of his time warming the bench or playing in an unusual left back position. His frustrations became evident and he soon demanded Mourinho for a loan move away from the club.

Playing style

Sahin : A true holding midfielder

The 23 year old is a typical left footed, defensive midfielder known for his ability to open opposition defenses with his wonderful passing range and deft touches.. He can also contribute in defense with his strong, well timed tackles resembling Arsenal's Jack Wilshere..Having played in Germany Sahin knows the physical side of the game and would fit in the Premier League well. The 'pass master,' as he is called, will bring much needed enterprise into midfield which was missing since the departure of Xabi Alonso.

Is Sahin the next Alonso?

Xabi Alonso was a crowd favourite during his time at Anfield and it is on the pitch that Liverpool miss him the most. His partnership with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres was one of the best in the world. The Spaniard could pass the ball with accurate precision and create good chances in midfield from practically nothing. Moreover, he would never shy away from taking a shot at goal. His presence also gave his teammates and manager a sense of security in midfield. Alonso’s defending attributes are something Liverpool needs urgently. However, his 30million move to Real Madrid left Liverpool with a void yet to be filled. Sahin is very similar to Alonso when it comes to playing style. His distinct passing game will impress the hard-core might gain many plaudits. 

The Rodgers’ plan

Will Rodgers' master plan work?

A lot will depend on the formation Brendan Rodgers will enforce keeping in mind the opposition. Brendan Rodgers' attraction for the short passing, 'Arsenal-esque' style of play has been evident since his Swansea days. If he plays a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 or the customary 4-4-2 we can expect Nuri Sahin to flourish in his role. Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva are other players who can fit in this system of play and patiently build attacks from the middle. The trio can dictate terms in midfield play and provide Downing and Gerrard with wonderful through balls and lobs while on the attack. Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini as the two forwards bring speed, guile and trickery to their game. Liverpool are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a midfield but rest assured Sahin will find his place in the playing XI with the injury problems Lucas faces with.

Comment:Sahin needs to prove his worth on the pitch. How much can u he add to his game in the Premier League? A question which Sahin will let his game answer as and when he gets his chance. But all Liverpool fans will be on the lookout for ‘Sahin’tilating performances from him.

Written By,
Pranav Shenoy

Pranav is an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box

Turning Points of the Game-Liverpool vs Manchester City

18 Yard Box looks at instances that turned the game that took place in the weekend.

Yet another week in the Barclays Premier League and a big match was in store where defending  champions Manchester City travelled to the Merseyside to a face a distraught and unorganized Liverpool side. Both sides came into the game with different emotions- On one hand, Manchester City were raring to go after yet another sensational comeback against the Saints last week, while on the other hand Liverpool were looking to bounce back from the disappointing 3-0 loss to the Baggies.

18 Yard Box’s Pranav Byatnal analyses the moments where the match turned on its head

Not in the ZONE                    

Liverpool got their righteous reward in the 34^th minute when Martin Skrtel powered a Gerrard corner into the net. The corner was a result of a delightful curling ball by Gerrard which Kompany clumsily managed to put over the bar. Mancini adopted a 3-4-1-2 system in this game with his wing-backs trying to stop Liverpool’s full-backs from getting far too ahead. This stretched his 3 man defense with Kolo Toure running up and down with Sterling on the right and Zabaleta keeping tabs of Borini on the left. City's this zonal marking lead to their downfall as during a corner kick by Gerrard the City defenders stayed in their zones making a clear way for Skrtel to score a thumping header past Hart. 

City's zonal marking 

Tantalizing Tevez

Tevez was creating problems for the opposition defense on the right side, thereby stopping Johnson's runs down the wings. It was Tevez yet again in the 63^rd when he eased past teenager Sterling and whipped one into the box. Liverpool’s poor marking was exposed when Yaya Toure dropped in comfortably between Martin Kelly and Coates. However, a defensive blunder was what got them a goal. Kelly just couldn’t manage the ball and gave it to Yaya, who happily put the ball into the net to make it 1-1.

All eyes towards the ball

Its Martin Again!

A majestic free-kick by Suarez put the home team ahead just 3 minutes after the equalizer.  But the celebration didn’t last long as a hopeless back pass from Skrtel landed straight into Carlos Tevez’s feet who rounded off Reina to mark his 100^th goal in EPL. However, it wasn’t the first time Skrtel wilted under pressure. Earlier in the game he pulled down Balotelli, which shows  Liverpool aren’t all that accustomed to playing the high defensive line. It was an absolute gift from the the 2 Martins.

HERO to VILLAIN

Written by,

Pranav Byatnal.

Pranav is an Editor and Writer for 18 Yard Box.

Three managers to look out for this season

18 Yard Box has a look at the three managers who could spice up the Premier League this season

As patience takes its toll over club’s directors and owners, the managerial merry-go-round continues with its latest sackings and replacements. 18 Yard Box looks at three most important managerial changes over the summer and their probable impacts come the business end of the season

Stephen Clarke

For years seen as the ideal assistant manager (having held that post for Newcastle United, Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC), Stephen Clarke, more often than not called Steve Clarke has finally got the opportunity to hold the reins for a Club in his own hands. He has always been a ‘hands on’ manager or rather an assistant coach more than an assistant manager, which is probably the reason he is appointed Head Coach at West Bromwich Albion as well.

Steve has always been enthusiastic about getting himself involved in the training methods and animatedly showing his tactical knowledge about football. Being a defender throughout his life, Steve Clarke was primarily roped in as an Assistant to seal leaky defences. Now that he has been given an opportunity at West Brom, one could expect his side to be rock solid at the back. Although that is the case with goalkeeper Ben Foster having sealed his switch permanently from Birmingham City, Clarke has surprisingly acted towards the fan’s wishes of seeing a more attacking brand of football at the Hawthrones and brought in Romelu Lukaku(albeit on Loan from former club Chelsea FC) and Markus Rosenberg from Santander.

Stephen Clarke took over the reins from Roy Hodgson 

A smart move from the Scotsman certainly, considering the defensive stability and experience Roy Hodgson had provided in his rein before departing for greener pastures to the national team. And the fans certainly wouldn’t be complaining with 4 goals from the opening two games (including Liverpool at home and Spurs away)

A certain mark of improvement over the years for Clarke has been his team analysis considering his smart moves in the Transfer Window and thus could take West Brom to greater heights seeing how well balanced his team looks on paper. He is a certain man to watch out for this season.

Michale Laudrup

Having himself been an attacking playmaker for a number of teams during his playing career, which included both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, Michael Laudrup’s managerial style should be easy to guess. Always one to introduce a brand of attacking football in his teams, he fits in perfectly with Swansea’s brand of football. Having seen manager Brendan Rodgers move to Liverpool FC, Swansea’s directors have been successful in the search for his right successor.

Laudrup's appointment as Swansea might just what the club needs

With a sea of tactical knowledge, he has always induced that into whichever team he has been at helm of. A natural lover of wingers as well, no one would have been more near perfect man to take the Swans ahead after a great first season in the English Premier League. A more critical point of his managerial career would be that he hasn’t really been all that successful in terms of trophies, but given the opportunity and the cash to bring in the right players, I am sure the Dane wouldn’t disappoint.

Another important aspect of the Dane’s philosophy is making his players work without the ball. Although, it might sound to similar to the Guardiola inspired Barcelona philosophy, it can be narrowed down to their football education having been a part of the same team under Cruyff in 1988.

Thus, it’s all ups to the Swans’ Directors having found out a natural successor to Rodgers whose side also gained comparisons to Barcelona’s play last season.

Brian McDermott

Having been promoted from being a Chief Scout (since 2000) to the reserve team Boss and subsequently caretaker manager following the departure of Brendan Rodgers in September 2009, Brian McDermott knows Reading FC in and out. There has been absolutely no doubt in the fans’ as well as the managements’ mind regarding his ability to lead the side. Taking a reasonable two seasons to get them promoted from the Championship, memorably getting the better of Liverpool FC at Anfield for the first time in their history, there was no reason for him not to be a fans’ favourite.

Brian needs to do a lot if Reading have to remain in top flight next season

Having started out more than 15 years ago as a manager of Slough Town, where his managerial style was “pretty confrontational” as on of his ex-players describes him, he has come a long way from that style. He often tries to support their players with whatever they should get having himself experienced difficulties in managing moving to various cities during his playing career. More than a tactical trainer, he can be described as someone who is always ready to help his players no matter what the situation. And sometimes, that is what motivation is all about.

Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman is an editor and writer for 18 Yard Box

Weekly Feature: Premier League's under-performing XI

Instead of the usual 'team of the week’ 18 Yard Box brings u the 'Under-performing XI of the week' .

Premier League's worst XI

We analyse  the eleven players who have made the slowest or worst starts to life in the Premier League this year:

Goalkeeper: Adam Federici (Reading)
Made a howler against Stoke City letting the ball squirm through his hands, almost reminiscent of a la Robert Green. Followed it up by another shocking attempt to parry a long range Cahill effort against Chelsea only ending up pushing it into the net. Not a surprise decision that he is the custodian of this not-so-honourable  eleven.

Left Back: Nedum Onuoha (QPR)
Was terrorized in the second half in the game against Swansea by the combination of Dyer, Michu and Graham. Showed poor tactical awareness and interception abilities as Dyer had a field day scoring twice against Mark Hughes’s side.

Right Back: Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)
Backed up the indifferent display against West Ham by getting sent off against Everton. Needs to up his game if he wants to help Villa stop leaking goals.

Center Back: Ryan Bennett (Norwich City): 
Was given a baptism of fire by the hugely impressive Fulham attack. The trio of Petric, Dembele and Kacaniklic absolutely ran him ragged and gave him a harsh welcome to life in the premier league.

Center Back: Ivan Ramis (Wigan Athletic)
Didn’t know what hit him in the 3^rd minute when Hazard turned him on the half way line before exploiting the void left by him by setting Ivanovic up for Chelsea’s first goal of the season.  Few minutes later, obviously still rattled by his error, he went on to bring Hazard down in the box, gifting Chelsea a penalty.

Right Midfielder: Bret Holman (Aston Villa)
Was run ragged by the Everton midfield and offered next to no creativity going forward. Oh how Villa miss the pace and direct play of Agbonlahor down the wings!

Left Midfielder: Nani (Manchester United)
Had an absolute nightmare of a game against the Toffees. Managed to take up decent positions on the wings but most of his crosses were either cleared by the first man or went to deep for a feasible header back into the box. Seemed to have left his box of tricks and magic back in Poland where he was sensational in the Euros.

Central Midfielder: Mahamadou Diarra (Fulham) 
Made to look better than he was by the excellent Dembele against Norwich, he had a horrible game against the Reds of United. Was constantly over run in the midfield by the impressive Kagawa who he failed to mark on multiple occasions.

Central Midfielder: Steven Gerard (Liverpool)
Probably had one of the worst games in his career with Liverpool against West Brom and was heavily criticised from many quarters for trying to constantly play “Hollywood passes”. Put in a steady and much improved performance against the champions City but huge questions still remain regarding how exactly a player like Gerarrd, who thrives playing raking diagonals, and adventurous through balls will exactly fit into the Brendan Rodger’s philosophy of sharp, short passing and ball rention.

Center Forward: Pappis Cisse (Newcastle United) 
Came into the season with lofty expectations after an unbelievable start to life in black and white last season. But the expectations seem to be burdening down the Senegalese international who, in the first two weeks, seems to be a shadow of the man who scored one of the goals of the season against Chelsea last season and seemed to be hitting the back of the net for fun against opponents.

Center Forward: Darren Bent (Aston Villa)
The man who used to plunder goals and give defenders nightmares a few seasons ago (even managing to earn some England call ups on the back of his sterling performances) has made a slow and sluggish start to the season. A total of one shot on goal in two games sums up best his contribution to an already insipid Villa attack.

Written By,
Apratim Mukherjee

Apratim a.k.a 'Appy' is an editor and writer for 18 Yard Box

Top 5 buys of the Premier League who did not get the limelight: Part 2

18 yard box analyses another five players arriving to the British shores this summer. This is part 2 of most exciting talents who could end the season as one of the most sought after footballers in world football.

Oussama Assaidi (Heerenveen to Liverpool F.C)

Assaidi, a Moroccan International has been transferred from Heerenveen to Liverpool FC for a lowly 2.4 Million Pounds having previously had spells at Omniworld and De Graafschap.

Assaidi signs for Liverpool

Although not at a very young age, 24, he has been a prospect and a lot has been said about his ability on the left hand side of the pitch. Blessed with decent pace, Assaidi likes to dribble his way through the opposition’s defence and can certainly be a handful on his day.

Rodgers, however may be concerned about his tracking back to help his team gain back possession especially considering the way he more often than not losses it. A bit of a step up from Downing considering his lack of pace and a weak right foot, a lot of work will be required on the training ground to help this lad be a top player. A certain hope for Liverpool considering his play will be different to the traditional wingers they usually employ. It will more often than not add an attacking outlet for Rodgers’ team and a certain man to watch out for this season.

Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord to Aston Villa)

Karim El Ahmadi, 27, a Dutch international of Morrocan descent was transferred to Aston Villa in the summer- certainly one of the last moves of his carrier having spent most of his life in Netherlands having spells for Twente and Feyenoord.

Usually deployed as a holding midfielder, Al Ahmadi has a decent passing range coupled with a vision that should be able to combine better with someone of Darren Bent’s quality as time progresses. His strength is commendable as was seen with his run through the middle of the park shoving a number of Everton players and delivering a powerful 30 yard drive that Howard should have dealt with.

El Ahmadi in Villa jersey

His only probable weakness is his tactical awareness which manager Paul Lambert will make sure he gains as he begins to get accustomed to life in English football.

Steven Naismith (Rangers to Everton)

Steven Naismith, 25, a Scottish international is a very impressive signing for David Moyes’ Everton side (especially being a free transfer). Having gotten Pienaar back from Spurs,  a quality signing like Naismith will certainly induce confidence into the Toffes aiming to get back into European competition for the first time since 2006. Having had a wealth of experience from Scottish football playing for Rangers, Naismith shouldn’t take time to adjust to the Premier League.

Naismith might be Everton's answer to grab a European spot

An attacking midfielder, he has always been among the goals having scored 28 goals in 98 appearances for Rangers (a goal ever 3 games approximately). Having his former strike partner Jelavic here will also help him a great deal. The biggest advantage of having a team player such as Naismith is squad is that it gives the manager a good deal of flexibility. 

Comfortable with both feet, Naismith can play on either sides and also partner Jelavic upfront if Moyes chooses to go with only one striker.

With a good summer, Moyes’ squad looks perfectly balanced and could be set to give us another surprising season by being this season’s Newcastle United. 

Jan Vertonghen (Ajax to Tottenham Hotspurs)

One of the most important members of the 'golden generation' of the Belgian National Team, Jan Vertonghen, 25, is one of those centre backs any Premier League side would love to have. A la David Luiz for Spurs, this transfer could yet be their best this summer considering the versatility he brings to the squad.

Capable of playing at left back, defensive midfield, he is equally adept going forward which is shown by his powerful shooting ability. He definitely is capable of adding a few goals to his name which is always an added advantage (Remember Alex’s goals for Chelsea was always a delight to watch). With the retirement of Ledley King, Spurs always were in need of a long term replacement for him and Jan is an apt buy considering Ajax were ready to sell him for as low as 10 million pounds.

Vertonghen- a complete player

Not only this, but Jan also brings along with him a winning mentality considering Ajax’s challenge for trophies in the Dutch League. A delightful signing, he is definitely an important addition and all up’s to Villas Boas for pushing it through.

Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord to Aston Villa)

Ron Vlaar, 27, a Dutch footballer has been transferred to Aston Villa from Feyenoord for a fee of 3 million pounds, low enough for a traditional centre back who is strong enough for a place in one of the top premier league sides.

A good passer of the ball, he certainly fits the bill for a Paul Lambert team, whose main credential has to be to be able to play possession football. More than capable of taking place of James Collins, who was sold due to Villa’s success in completing this deal, he will add the much required steel to the back 4.

Vlaar might just be the buy that Villa were looking for 

Not only this, he can form an integral part of a Villa side which is expected to play from the back under Lambert. An excellent signing, bigger clubs could certainly come calling for this lad.

Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman is an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box

Top 5 Premier League transfers who did not get the limelight: Part 1

There are several players who have taken the limelight away from the ones who also deserve it. 18 Yard Box looks at the top five buys who did not receive a lot of media hype but are still one of the bests for their respective teams.

Players from foreign leagues are making the British shores as never before. 18 Yard Box takes a look at all the young stars coming into Barclays Premier League Season who could end the season as one of the most sought after in world football.

Michu (Rayo Vallecano to Swansea)

Miguel Pérez Cuesta (age 26),famously known as Michu is a Spanish Footballer having previously had spells at Oviedo, Celta B, and most recently Rayo Vallecano has been brought in by Dane Michael Laudrup for a measly 2 million pounds. Having been a good prospect, he shot to fame with his 15 league goals last term fighting relegation with Rayo.

Michu's brace showed the class he possess

Apart from having a good positioning sense in midfield his 6 feet, 1 inch frame provides for a steady presence in the centre of the park. A decent vision coupled with an ability to pass the ball around the park gave Swansea the reason to spend the cash on him. The Dane has famously commented Michu for his fighting spirit which he thinks the player has attained leading the line for a club fighting relegation. His debut has most certainly delighted the Swans. Michu played as an integral part of the Midfield the Swans put out against QPR. When attacking, Michu played as a perfect no. 10 providing crucial balls all across the field to link up play with their forwards. His vision and passing ability make him a perfect second striker. This in fact also gives the manager to tinker with his formation in bigger games with 4-1-2-1-2 providing another suitable position to allow Michu to flourish in his natural game. His finishing is top draw atleast considering his curler which flew straight out of his left foot.

As the game wore on, the defensive side of Michu came to light as his interception to Fabio’s pass gave him the opportunity to release Routledge who set up Natahan Dyer for their 3^rd goal.

An all round performance from the midfielder and a perfect start to his career in the Premier League. It will not be a surprise that bigger clubs will come calling for him come end of the season

Mladen Petric (Hamburg to Fulham)

Mladen Petrić (age 31) is a Croatian international who joined Fulham from Hamburg SV this summer. Having played as a striker for all his clubs which include Basel and Borussia Dortmund among others, he has majorly been brought in to plug the gap which will be left by the Liverpool bound US international Clint Dempsey. His debut for the Londoners couldn’t have gone any better with the 6ft 1 in striker claiming 1 goal across each halves.

Petric is a perfect replacement for Clint Dempsey

Petrić has always been a striker who likes to hold up the ball, come deep into the game and operate as a playmaker(more often than not). A good finisher, he has an eye for goal along with a decent ratio of successful dribbles. He not only has a powerful left foot( the same off which the ball flew 30 yards and into the net against Norwich) but also is an accurate free kick taker.

Alexander Buttner (Vitesse to Manchester United)

Alexander Buttner, a 23 year old left wing back who can also operate in the midfield, has become an important summer recruit for Manchester United. Having previously learnt his trade is the famed Ajax Youth Academy, he had an impressive season at Vitesse last term and was scouted extensively by clubs from England. Southampton had agreed a deal early this summer with him only to later rebuff him over payment of dues to a third party.

A pacey left sided player, he initially started out as a winger only to be moulded in the left back position at Vitesse. A player in the mould of Gareth Bale, Sir Alex Ferguson will definitely have his hopes high having been unable to get Bale himself.

Buttner could be an answer to the United's left back woes

More dangerous going forward, his defensive capabilities are certainly questionable and moreover a more physical style of the Premier League leaves him all the more unproven but still a signing to watch out for.

Marko Marin (Werder Bremen to Chelsea)

Marko Marin, a German international (age 23) has been signed by Chelsea FC for 7 million pounds from Werder Bremen.  An attacking midfielder who can also operate as a winger, Marin is known for his astute dribbling, pace and creativity, vision and tactical awareness.

Also known as the ‘German Messi’ he will certainly bring the required freshness and flair in the Chelsea forward line. Although one would expect him to be behind Hazard and Mata in the starting line up, expect nothing less than a cracker of a season for the 5 ft, 7in attacker.

Marin is a fantastic signing for Chelsea

Cesar Azpilicueta (Marseille to Chelsea)

César Azpilicueta Tanco, a Spanish footballer has been transferred to European Champions Chelsea from Marseille having also represented Osasuna for three seasons prior to that. At a young age of 22, this young prospect already has a winning mentality forged in him having been competing for trophies at a club of Marseille’s stature.

Cesar- a perfect signing at a perfect time for Chelsea

Not only this, but he also has the experience of winning the French League Cup twice in a row. Although steady at the back, he is know to be a good outlet for attacking thus giving width to the team and thus will give Di Matteo another outlet, a new dimension to the team. This could also prove to be a like for like replacement for Bosingwa who left the club on a free transfer earlier this summer. Cesar could definitely be a player in the mould of Ashley Cole, albeit on the right side of Chelsea’s defence. 

Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman is an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box