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Sunday, June 19, 2005

Gerrard to Madrid as Johnson seeks Palace exit

One football site has reported that the Spanish press are in a mass of speculation linking Steven Gerrard to a move to Real Madrid for £30m plus three of Madrid's B team members - centre back Alvaro Arbeloa, midfielder Javi Garcia and striker Ruben de la Red. The site mentioned only one Spanish sports site, Diario AS, whose pages do state the Galacticos' interest in Gerrard, but isn't everyone interested in Gerrard, were he to be offered for sale?

We are to believe Rafael Benitez is content to sell Gerrard after how much he valued the player after the Champions League final, much less in exchange for three unknowns, two of whom have only had a single debut appearance? And to add more hype to this speculation, Gerrard's agent company, SFX, was stated to have good relations with Madrid, having negotiated the arrival of fellow Brits at the Bernabeu, Michael Owen, David Beckham and Jonathan Woodgate.

The sooner Liverpool FC and Gerrard get down to signing an extension the much better. Gerrard's current contract ends 2007. The way Madrid have performed this season we would be looking at Helguera, Zidane and Raul than anyone from their second fiddle. It would be an insult otherwise. Madrid can have Djimi Traore if they wish to grab anyone from Anfield.


Andy Johnson is possibly seeking a move from Crystal Palace as being in the Championship is said to be detrimental to one's hopes of playing for the national team. Johnson clearly has good potential to play for England since his season at the top has shown but to me it's a shame that one cannot be considered for England if they are playing here but not in the top flight. I suspect Palace fans will not be happy to hear this, Johnson is or would be key for their aims to rise back to the Premiership, especially after resigning to losing Wayne Routledge. Johnson could follow the same way to North London, Spurs seem to be busy in bringing new faces to White Hart Lane.

But what if Johnson was to continue scoring well in the Championship, regardless if it leads to Palace's promotion or not? Does that mean he still wouldn't be selected, even for the subs' bench? Personally, if one is good enough in their position they should be open to selection, whether they may play. The Championship and further below use a number of home grown players in their squads, notably because the equivalent players abroad cost more but a number of prospective players who have been bought into the Premiership emerge from Championship level. Danny Murphy, Ian Rush, Ian Wright, Alan Smith (Arsenal forward). Particularly if, like Johnson, a player has come into the Premiership, has shown his potential and is subsequently relegated with his team. Such a player has to rely on bought by a Premiership team to remain within a chance fo playing for England.


Redsman.

3 Comments:

Blogger Palace Fan thats a NEW Dad said...

Agree with your comments about AJ and England. I dont think he would do as well next season in the prem league because defenders will know all about him and at the end of last season they dealt with him. Hope he stays but if we get a good offer I would snap their hands off.

6/19/2005 3:32 pm

 
Blogger RedsMan said...

'Palace fan thats going to be a dad', congratulations. I sense you are resigned to losing him, particularly as Sven Goran Eriksson knocks at the door and hides whenever he sees 'Championship' on the welcome mat.

'Anonymous' no.1, I appreciate your criticism but you seem to have missed the previous replies to our blogs which emphasise comprehension in quantity. Your mere three leftovers above do not fit the expected criteria. I'd suggest you resonate your effrontery somewhere else. Also, Liverpool are terrible yet managed to win against solid teams. Considering that, which team is it, therefore, that is as bad as you state?

Skippy, I had pondered whether to even add the Gerrard issue on here. It wasn't necessary to respond to such speculation but I believe Liverpool fans have had enough of where Gerrard will be signing.


Redsman.

6/19/2005 10:35 pm

 
Blogger T said...

To the Palace fan I add my congratulations to you too.

I agree with the Palace fan that Johnson profited from being an unknown quantity- much like how Owen burst on the scene. He has pace and a good shot, but a true analysis of his calibre can only come after a second season in the top flight.

Then we will see if he is more than just a one season wonder. My jury are still out on this question.

I disagree with Redsman on his position re Champiobship players. If you are in the Championship you are playing against a standard of opposition that is far BELOW international standard quality.

For this reason players like Johnson will not improve his game- and more importantly will lost the experience of high quality competition that is a must if you are to be considered for international duty.

So Johnson is right to request a move if he wants to play in the World Cup. Dowie could cope with his leaving. He is a quality coach.

6/22/2005 12:58 am

 

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