Premiership Blogs

Why do clubs continually fail to see the importance of the 'Makelele role'?

Matt Williams — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:21:49 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Matt Williams explores the importance of the ‘Makelele role' and wonders why so many clubs fail to adopt it within their formation.

It seems strange to consider someone who has won the Champions League, La Liga (twice), the Premiership (twice), French Ligue 1, the FA Cup, European Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup as an underrated player, yet still people rarely give Claude Makelele the plaudits he deserves.

Now don't get me wrong, everyone recognises that he's a fantastic player, but ask someone to name you their top ten, even top twenty players to have graced the Premiership in modern years and he'll barely get a vote.

This all seems to come down to Makelele's position. So good at it, the position has even been dubbed ‘the Makelele role', used as casually as you would use the term ‘goalkeeper' or ‘winger'.

The role basically consists of sitting behind the midfield, yet in front of the defence, picking up the pieces and playing the obvious and simple pass to the creative master in the team.

Championship Manager addicts would liken the role to the ‘defensive midfielder' term used in its game, but you have to be very careful not to categorise what Makelele does to the nostalgic idea of a midfield battering ram employed to simply kill any opposition player with long hair and a bit of flamboyancy.

No longer does this role require a tough-tackler in which Paul Ince, Roy Keane and Vinny Jones made their name. Now the ideal attributes include composure, excellent distribution, and admirable unselfishness.

Makelele had abundance of this, which helped him define this role, and Euro 2008 produced a number of imitators, including Marcos Senna (arguably the player of the tournament), Turkey's excellent Hamit Altintop and Jeremie Toulalan, Makelele's expected successor in the French national side.

Domestic clubs are also recognising the desire to have a player to fill the ‘Makelele role'. Chelsea have the man in question, but also Michael Essien and John Obi-Mikel, who are both able to do the simple work. Manchester United have Owen Hargreaves, who revels in the engine-room role, whilst Liverpool possess Javier Mascherano, another who rarely gets on the score sheet but is so important to the way the team plays.

And Arsenal have.....well nobody really. Gilberto Silva used to fulfil this role quite nicely but he's slowly being frozen out, and a replacement is needed soon. Despite an excellent start last year, the Gunners seemed to fade away because every team could quite simply believe that they had the ability to score against them. They identified that space in front of the defence and exploited it accordingly.

Outside the top four however, Arsenal are not alone, and it seems that many managers are unwilling to embrace this formation. Is it because there are simply not enough good players available to play in this position? Or is it because many English clubs are still unwilling to alter their 4-4-2 formation and withdraw a striker?

Brazilian football legend Carlos Alberto remarked that in the not too distant future strikers may even be made completely redundant, with a 4-6-0 formation being the way to go. This formation would include four rotating ‘attacking midfielders' and a couple of players sitting deep, in what is a more intense version of how Man Utd set themselves up last season - Hargreaves and Carrick sat back whilst letting Rooney, Ronaldo et all switch positions further up-field.

Euro 2008 was an exciting mix of flair, skill and positive attacking play. But the holding midfield player in each side was frequently the man making it all possible. The role requires a special type of player - not least due to the fact that in a celebrity-inspired world the player will have to settle for less of the plaudits - and if future teams are to be successful, they will almost certainly need a Claude Makelele of their own.

Is the modern day footballer smarter than we think?

Matt Williams — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:19:53 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Matt Williams wonders if the modern day footballer is smarter than is otherwise believed.

What's the phrase that you think is least likely to be uttered from a footballer's mouth? "No thank you chairman, I don't think I justify being paid £100,000 per week?" "It's a lovely opportunity Rafa, but I couldn't live with myself if I just left the club who raised me to sit on your subs bench?" How about, "that wasn't a penalty ref, he barely touched me?"

One of the phrases bound to be up there, as seemingly unlikely to be said by a footballer as Osama Bin Laden is of telling George Bush "I'm sorry, let's be friends", has got to be "consonant please Carol". The idea of a footballer watching - let along appearing - on Countdown seems about as likely as Arsene Wenger buying someone over 30, but that's what happened last Monday, with Notts County midfielder Neil Mackenzie setting out to dispel the notion that footballers are stupid.

Mackenzie won his first round match, but it may take more than a Countdown conundrum to convince people that Steven Gerrard is a closet physicist, or that Wayne Rooney actually has an IQ of 150.

Of course it could be argued that footballers must be bright, simply because of the talent they possess in their feet. We often hear about ‘intelligent passes' and ‘fantastic vision', so surely there must be something going on up there? David Beckham, for instance, has always been seen as the butt of all jokes when it comes to intellect, but surely someone earning £50 million per year can't be that stupid?

If you're willing to look around the leagues, you'll find some fairly intelligent guys. Nedum Onuoha has 3 A's at A-Level. Matt Lawrence has a degree in American Literature. Goalkeeper Shaka Hislop graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Amongst others, David James, Sol Campbell and Danny Murphy also all come across as pretty smart.

But the argument that Neil Mackenzie is an exception that proves the rule is just as compelling. Most footballers seem happy to embrace the fact that they were rubbish at school, and even lambast those for being clever. Graeme Le Saux, the former Chelsea full-back, was ridiculed and had his sexuality questioned purely because he read the Guardian, and today most players will rarely give an interview that isn't simply someone rolling off a bunch of clichés.

Add to the fact that Mark Draper once wanted to move to an Italian club "like Barcelona", that Ian Rush couldn't settle there because "it was like living in a foreign country", and that Paul Gascoigne had 14 bookings one season, "8 of which were (his) fault, but 7 of which were disputable", then you have to question whether any more players will be meeting Des O'Connor any time soon.

But what do you think? Who is the smartest footballer playing today? Are footballers smarter than we are lead to believe?

For the record, I think not, and for me the one player to answer that question is a certain Joey Barton. How someone with that amount of talent, who because of which can command extortionately high wages, can happily piss it all down the drain in the manner he did has made me lose all faith in footballer's mentalities in a way that will be difficult to restore.

Liverpool close in, Spurs bullish in bid, Arsenal hold firm with price & Manchester City boss keen to shape up Ronaldinho

Billy Batts — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:15:57 +0100

Thank you for joining us on this warm Thursday morning, as we bring you all the top headlines from the football world today which includes: Barca set to up the ante for Adebayor, Chelsea launch move for Arshavin, Liverpool close in on Barry & Man City boss keen to get his hands on Ronaldinho.

Log on to Football FanCast.com every weekday morning around 9.00am and let Billy Batts save you the hassle of surfing the web and bring you all the top headlines in the football world.

Barcelona to raise Adebayor bid
What is a fair price for Adebayor?

Liverpool closing in on Villains ace Barry
Was that the most expensive interview that Barry has ever conducted?

Blues £12m move for Arshavin
Will Roman's influence swing the deal?

'Exceptional' Jagielka is best at the back - Short
Was Jagielka Everton's find of last season?

Hughes keen to put Ronaldinho in shape
Would Hughes have his work cut out with Brazilian?

Cristiano Ronaldo's injury fears put Real Madrid move in doubt
Could injury be the blessing in disguise for Manchester United?

Newcastle face bill for Jonás Gutiérrez
Newcastle United are certainly a club that never have it easy

Pompey signing turned down Big Guns
Is it a sign of Portsmouth's ambition?

Spurs bullish over £12m Bentley bid
Is it only a matter of time before winger puts pen to paper in North London?

Why won't Villa & Spurs fans take a chance on this percieved footballing enigma?

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:32:52 +0100

Football FanCast guest columnist George Taylor cannot understand why Peter Crouch fails to get the due respect that his ability deserves.

Peter Crouch must have always wondered what he has ever done to deserve the constant negativity that forever surrounds him. From Tottenham to QPR, Portsmouth to Aston Villa and Southampton to Liverpool - there has always been a huge amount of scepticism that always follows his every move and one that seems terribly unjust.

I personally have never understood where this all stems from. Sure he is not the most athletic, may well be awkward on the eye, but I challenge someone to find a striker, with the exception of Torres and Berbatov who possess a better first touch or is better playing with his back to goal. He offers tremendous attributes, highly skilful and due to his height can provide an alternative in the final third.

There is so much speculation floating around about Peter Crouch and where his likely next move will be. It is interesting to see that no fewer than three of his former clubs have expressed an interest in bringing the playing back for a second time and to say that prospect has been met with a negative response would be something of an understatement.

Both Aston Villa and Portsmouth seem to feel that he is no better than what they have got in Carew and Kanu, why Spurs fans, more vociferous than most, have absolutely made their intentions clear that he wouldn't be the most welcome of signings that the Lane has witnessed over the years.

It beggars belief really and there is no question that the player would prove a tremendous signing for either club. At Aston Villa and Portsmouth he would provide an excellent partner for an Agbonlahor or Defoe, while Spurs' apparent interest for me, has nothing to do with being a replacement for Berbatov or Keane, but just to provide some much needed variety to their attacking play that sometimes became predictable, especially away from home.

So why are football fans so quick to knock Crouch? Why doesn't his ability get the respect it deserves? Will he ever be accepted fully by the English public?

- I would like to inform all readers that Racism or any form of personal abuse will not be tolerated at Football FanCast - Ed

Arsenal to seal deal, Everton move for Argy, Liverpool bid hits skids & Tottenham to cash in on striker Bent?

Billy Batts — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:02:31 +0100

Thank you for joining us on this wet Wednesday morning, as we bring you all the top headlines from the football world today which includes: Manchester United fight to keep Queiroz away from Portugal's clutches; Everton show interest in Aimar, Aston Villa target West Ham keeper & Liverpool's bid hits the skids.

Log on to Football FanCast.com every weekday morning around 9.00am and let Billy Batts save you the hassle of surfing the web and bring you all the top headlines in the football world.

Football: Bischoff feels Arsenal pull
Would Portuguese star prove a welcome addition?

Villa target West Ham's £6m-rated Green
Is Green the better option than Robinson, Carson and alike?

Chelsea ponder whether to sell Frank Lampard
Has the player already set his heart on move to Inter?

Everton show interest in relegated Zaragoza's Pablo Aimar for new campaign
Would Argentine prove an inspired signing by David Moyes?

Liverpool's Keane bid hits the skids
Will Liverpool look to sacrifice more players to push through a deal?

Joey Barton's behaviour must not be forgotten
Is this the luckiest man in football?

Portugal want Queiroz to succeed Scolari
Will Sir Alex be able to keep hold of his trusted assistant?

Pompey step up bid to sign Crouch
What is a fair price for Peter Crouch?

Roy's hell Bent on Darren!
Will Spurs cash in on Darren Bent?

Duo are likely to prove Man City boss' signings of the summer

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:03:30 +0100

Football FanCast guest columnist Mitch Hayes is delighted that Hart and Dunne are set to put pen to paper and feels they will prove City's most important signings this summer.

They say a week is a long time in football but a month at Manchester City has proved something of an eternity. Sven gone, ex United man in and it finally looks like we are finally going to see Thaksin's fortunes - Eastlands can never be accused of being a dull place.

I know the appointment of Mark Hughes caused a stir among some City fans and I have to admit I wasn't bowled over when it was announced, but in the cold light of day we have to accept that Hughes is one of the finest young managers in the game and we should embrace that fact; we are certainly not to go backwards under his stewardship.

One thing that Mark Hughes has brought to the club is a presence and standing in the game. He commands the respect of his players and there is no question his arrival has brought an air of stability. The planned exodus seems to have halted and with players like Dunne and Hart set to sign new contracts, we couldn't have asked for a bigger boost as we commence our pre-season.

Richard Dunne has been a colossus for City in the last few years and one of the few bright lights on what has been a tough few seasons. His presence in the defence has help establish the likes of Micah Richards and there is no question he would have been a massive loss; likewise Joe Hart, who is arguably the finest young keeper in the country and England's future No.1 for sure.

There is no question that when both Dunne and Hart put pen to paper they will prove to be our most important signings this summer. Talk of Jo, Ronaldinho and Milito coming to Eastlands is all very exciting, but without the presence of our two defensive rocks it will have proved fruitful. Quality goalkeepers and centre halves are rare, so we should be thankful that Hughes has been able to convince them to stay.

I certainly don't want to tempt fate, but things are starting to look rosy at City and dare I say, falling into place. We deserve some good fortune and success this season; let's hope Sparky can deliver it for us.

West Ham should look no further than Aston Villa as a blueprint for success

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:02:45 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Tim Watkins feels that Alan Curbishley should look no further than Aston Villa as a blueprint for success.

If there is one thing that has been problematic for West Ham in the past two years is the fact they are known to have money. Transfer fees go up, players look for top wage and unfortunately as a football club we got caught hook, line and sinker.

I guess it was to be expected though. Both Alan Pardew and Curbishley didn't have two pennies to rub together at their previous establishment, so like a kiddie at a sweetshop they spent the clubs new found riches on some good, some bad and plenty of ugly. For me it has left the football club in a mess and we have amassed a rabble of players who are only too happy to pick up their cheques, but fail to give the effort and commitment that all fans require, from a West Ham player.

I look down at the West Ham squad list and I can count no fewer than ten players I would happily see the back off; it is fair to say that 70% of that list stem from new arrivals. We need a clear out of mass proportions and the introduction of genuine young quality. We must cease the temptation to bring in washed up players who are merely using the club as one last payday and challenge the likes of Spurs, Everton and Villa's of this world in bringing in hungry young talent.

Aston Villa in my opinion are a club that we would do well to replicate and one who are in a similar position to us. Like Curbishley, O'Neill is fortunate to have the backing of a rich chairman, but rather get tempted to buy big in order to get a quick fix, has preferred to build the club from the bottom and produce a young squad that are all hungry to succeed and play for each other. It is a remarkable turnaround and in two seasons Aston Villa have gone from a washed up side going nowhere, to one that just missed out on 5^th spot.

It is a blueprint we must follow if we have any hope to succeed.

Liverpool move in, Spurs step up chase, Everton's cash fixed, Arsenal boss call for time & Aston Villa treated poorly by Barry

Billy Batts — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:06:13 +0100

Thank you for joining us on this warm Tuesday morning, as we bring you all the top headlines from the football world today which includes: Barry playing dirty with Aston Villa, Moyes' transfer budget is fixed at Everton; Manchester United put Berbatov at the top of hitlist & Deco looking forward to Premier League football at Chelsea.

Log on to Football FanCast.com every weekday morning around 9.00am and let Billy Batts save you the hassle of surfing the web and bring you all the top headlines in the football world.

Arsene Wenger: Patience is key for Arsenal
Will Arsenal fans be content with another trophy free season?

Barry playing dirty with Aston Villa
Can Gareth expect a frosty reception next time he steps foot in Villa Park?

Deco will relish Premier League with Chelsea
Will Deco's arrival bring an end to Lampard career at the Bridge?

Moyes transfer budget is fixed
Should Everton be going throwing caution to the wind this summer?

Keane issues transfer demand - Liverpool to offer Crouch plus £5m
Has Robbie talked his way into a transfer at Anfield?

Keeping Richard Dunne and Joe Hart top priority for Mark Hughes
Is Hughes winning the battle to secure the duo?

Exclusive: Dimitar Berbatov back at top of Manchester United's hitlist
Will the Bulgarian finally make his move to Old Trafford?

Spurs press ahead for Bentley
Should Spurs be offering up Lennon to any such deal?

Digard blasts Paris St Germain for putting his Boro move in doubt
Should Gareth Southgate give up on Digard and look elsewhere?