Chelsea star Marcos Alonso earns Premier League respect

 

By David Lee Wheatley (@davewh1980)

 

Marcos Alonso was dismissed by some observers as a journeyman incapable of improving big-spending Chelsea, but he has spectacularly confounded his critics this season.

Alonso’s stunning showings for the Blues since a reported £23 million move back to the Premier League may have come as a surprise to many, but not to followers of previous clubs Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland and Fiorentina.

The exorbitant fee involved – within this vulgar period of outlandish sums being thrown around for even the most average of footballers – was viewed as a feat of wild opportunism on the part of La Viola.

However, those appraisals were surely concluded without looking deeper at the impact made by the player during time spent with his former employers.

Alonso made his way through the ranks at star-studded Real Madrid to post a solitary first-team appearance as a late substitute at Racing Santander in April 2010.

He was allowed to leave the Bernabeu that summer despite undoubted promise and subsequently embarked upon a journey to north-west England – not along the usual route to one of the big guns based within that region, but on the less-trodden path to Bolton.

Burden of expectation as he tried to emulate his footballing father and granddad perhaps put undue pressure on the young man’s shoulders, especially as both relatives in question featured on the highest stage domestically and were capped internationally.

His recovery from that setback was a slow-burner, as he played a bit-part throughout two Premier League campaigns which eventually led to relegation. He later found form at Championship level, where the Trotters missed out on a play-off spot by a whisker and Alonso claimed a worthy Player of the Year accolade.

Wanderers offered a new contract, but he opted for an intriguing switch to Serie A with Fiorentina instead. Again, scant progress was made, as he struggled to hold down a regular slot in the team aside from the odd European run-out. As a result, he returned to England quicker than expected by way of a short-term loan with Premier League side Sunderland a few months later.

Alonso’s influence on the top-flight strugglers was instant, with his boundless energy and marauding runs along the left flank improving Gus Poyet’s side both defensively and in attack.

His displays were a revelation, as the Black Cats reached Wembley for a cherished League Cup final appearance and came back from the dead to stave off the dreaded drop.

He swiftly became a fans’ favourite, and it was evident that both the club’s adoring support and then-boss Poyet wanted to complete a permanent deal for the likeable Spaniard.

Drawn-out talks took place between Sunderland and their Italian counterparts, who were said to be holding out for £5 million, but an agreement could not be reached. The rest, as they say, is history.

Alonso returned to Italy unsure of his future, but revelled in a similar advanced position to the one he currently occupies for Chelsea, as La Viola reached the Europa League and Coppa Italia semi-finals in his first term back in purple.

After two barnstorming years, the Gigliati were reluctant to sell, hence the transfer-fee inflation rate. But, the Madrid-born star represented the exact prototype required to click seamlessly into Antonio Conte’s tactical framework and they simply had to snare his services, regardless of cost.    

Now a key factor in an expansive 3-4-3 formation, which has helped the west Londoners to the top of the league, Alonso looks every inch the top-class player that those who saw him at close quarters in the past believed he could become.

Four goals, two assists and 18 chances created from 20 outings thus far offer a clear indication of his attacking prowess, whilst he has made an average of 1.7 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game when undertaking defensive duties.

Those who scoffed at Chelsea’s pursuit of a man who has since become a starting line-up fixture have fallen strangely silent, now that everyone has finally woken up to the assured 26-year-old’s true quality.

Entering into the prime of his career, an international cap to proudly place alongside his dad and grandfather’s cherished honours shouldn’t be too far away.

 



Will Pearce arrival prove to be yet another false dawn?

By David Lee Wheatley

Nottingham Forest cult hero Stuart Pearce has agreed to take over as their next manager, effective from July 1st. It heralds the beginning of a new era at the City Ground following the abrupt end of Billy Davies' second spell in charge at a club desperate for a return to the glory days of yore.

It was widely hoped that Davies would be capable of delivering promotion this campaign, but an eight-game winless streak left their season in danger of falling apart and led to the fiery Scot's dismissal.

The Reds sit one place and two points adrift of a play-off spot with seven matches left to play and caretaker boss Gary Brazil will feel an opportunity remains to make it to the promised land of the Premier League. Whether they're ready for such an elevation on the field of play is debatable, but off the pitch it would certainly give the club's coffers a massive shot in the arm as debts continue to mount.

Whatever division in which Pearce eventually takes charge come this summer, it appears a huge challenge for 'Psycho' to bring back the good times to a city starved of top-flight football for 15 years. 

Memories of the awesome side which achieved successive European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980 loom large over every manager who takes on the unenviable task of bossing Forest and it'll be no different for Pearce, despite his 12 years sterling service as a player there. Could he be the one who finally bucks the trend and consigns the ghost of Brian Clough to the history books once and for all?

His record in club management hardly inspires confidence, with a two-year spell at Manchester City starting out impressively before quickly descending into a nightmare prior to his sacking. Pearce also had a short time filling in as Forest caretaker manager in 1997, but he chose to leave in order to continue his playing career with Newcastle United instead of taking on the role full-time.

However, it was while in charge of the England U21 team that he set about constructing a fine coaching reputation during six years leading the young Lions, with a zenith reached when taking the side all the way to the 2009 European Championship final. His success at that level also encouraged then national team head coach Fabio Capello to include Pearce in preparations for the senior squad. Finally, he was handed the unique chance to coach Team GB at the 2012 Olympics and also enjoyed one match as caretaker with the senior team during the interim period between an unsavoury crumbling of the largely troubled Capello reign and the signing of current incumbent Roy Hodgson.

Pearce has successfully shed the whole 'Psycho' image during his time in coaching, while putting himself in the frame for many sought-after roles thanks to his exploits within the England set-up. Additionally, he knows Nottingham Forest better than anyone and that inside knowledge, coupled with an abiding bond with supporters, will stand him in good stead once he officially arrives to begin the job of rebuilding the team from the ground up.

Huge stock is placed on the academy production line in the eyes of the 51-year-old Londoner and a significant aim of his will be to develop a clutch of top footballers who come through the system to then flourish in the first-team. Allied to that belief in youth, there'll be an urgent requirement to bolster the squad with more experienced stars no matter which league Forest feature in next season. The former left-back will need a separate plan for each eventuality, thus making it essential to instigate a double-pronged search for potential transfer targets that would suit either division.

Despite initially turning down the chance to take over at the City Ground with seven games to go, it proved too great a pull to ensconce himself back at his old stomping ground once the focus of talks shifted towards a summer start date. Pearce admitted he had too much on his plate currently, but the renegotiated offer sounded just right for a man who has never been one to shirk a challenge.

"By the time I've finished with management – and hopefully that will be a number of years yet – if ever I felt I had the opportunity to join this great club and turned it down, that I had never walked through those doors as manager, I don't think I would not be totally fulfilled," he proclaimed when introduced to the press.

"I am happy to lead that kind of challenge. I want to galvanise this club and drive it forwards."

If Pearce is afforded the time in which to realise his exalted ambitions for the future of the club, then fans of a true 'sleeping giant' of English football may well find it eminently possible to look ahead with a much brighter outlook after several years of torment.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Uwe Rosler: Big gamble or stroke of genius?

By David Lee Wheatley

Wigan Athletic's swift appointment of Brentford boss Uwe Rosler as their new manager caught many off-guard, with the expectation largely centered around a more experienced and perhaps high-profile figure being handed the job.

Latics owner Dave Whelan conceded a mistake had been made in his decision to install former Bolton and Burnley man Owen Coyle as the man charged with leading the club back to the Premier League following the disappointment of relegation last May. Coyle and Whelan failed to see eye-to-eye and the rift grew wider as the season progressed, eventually leading to the sacking of the ex-Ireland international striker.

Whelan publicly questioned Coyle's team selection and tactics towards the end of his reign, something the proud Lancastrian never felt the need to do in the past with any of his previous managers. However, the clash of personalities between himself and Coyle led to an outburst that signalled the end of the Glasgow-born supremo's time at the club and heralded the second search for a new man within six months.

Relative stability had been key to Wigan's eight-year stay in the top-flight under the likes of Paul Jewell, Steve Bruce and Roberto Martinez before the latter left for Everton with the FA Cup safely tucked away in the trophy cabinet at the DW Stadium. Now, outspoken owner Whelan will be desperate to see Rosler develop his own dynasty in the north-west after a surprise switch from Brentford this week.

The German took Brentford to the League One play-off final last term, before putting them in a handy fourth spot so far this season as they attempted to make the difficult leap to the Championship despite missing out in agonising fashion last time. His work didn't go unnoticed in the higher divisions and now he's been handed a golden opportunity to show what he can do at a better level.

Rosler watched on from the stands yesterday afternoon, as his new players fell 2-1 away to Millwall at the New Den leaving them lagging in mid-table obscurity. Matters could become precarious should Rosler fail to spark an instant upturn in fortunes, with a run of good results desperately required in order to avoid hurtling towards the drop zone. Athletic sit six points clear of the relegation spots, while there is currently a nine-point gap up to sixth and a prized play-off place.

Omens appear good in that Rosler has galvanised his Bees squad for another promotion charge after losing out at Wembley. It's not an easy task to motivate your players once more following such a blow, but the former Manchester City forward found a way to do so and will be searching for the same winning formula at Wigan. They too require a boost after the wind got sucked from their sails somewhat due to an ultimately sickening elimination from the Premier League.

Of course, Martinez preached an attractive passing style of football while at the Wigan helm and Rosler looks set to continue with that basic ideology. However, a lack of confidence is a major hindrance to those plans and he shall need to address that mental blockage as soon as possible. If he can quickly instil some belief in his squad, then his chances of success will increase greatly.

Jordi Gomez and Callum McManaman, both subs against Millwall, are the type of footballers that Rosler will look to in an attempt to reintroduce that flair and flowing football so long associated with the club. Workmanlike players will no doubt find themselves on the periphery as the German puts his own stamp on the outlook of his new side.

The 45-year-old did reasonably well while earning a grounding in the coaching arena with Lillestrom, Viking and Molde in Norway before finally returning to England to manage Brentford. There, he showed great resolve and determination to succeed in the face of certain setbacks and has forged a fine reputation on the League One stage.

All the signs are very encouraging for his imminent rise up a notch when beginning to lead a Championship club that have serious designs on at least a play-off slot this year and promotion within two campaigns. Rosler is well-liked and highly thought of across the football world and his stock will jump considerably should he haul Wigan back to the promised land in the near future.

Follow me on Twitter: @davewh1980

New boys to the Premier League: Who will fare best?

By David Lee Wheatley

Hull City, Crystal Palace and Cardiff City all secured their spots in the Premier League for the upcoming campaign through the toil of an arduous 46-game league season (plus three more for play-offs victors Palace). Now they get to enjoy the spoils from their endeavours when travelling to such famous stadiums as Old Trafford, Anfield, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates to face some of the best clubs in Europe. All three have been furiously pursuing new signings to augment their squads for the challenges that lie ahead, but which side are best equipped to succeed in the top-flight?

Firstly, the managers at the helm of each club will have a huge role to play in keeping their players motivated and mentally prepared for the difficulties they'll encounter when playing in arguably the world's finest league competition. Hull boss Steve Bruce, Palace supremo Ian Holloway and Cardiff manager Malky Mackay all hold significant experience at the helm of a football club, but Bruce stands out when it comes to the rigours of the Premier League.

The former Manchester United centre-half led Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City and Sunderland in the top division previously, while adding the name Hull City to the list of sides he's helped elevate from the Championship. Wigan were comfortable in mid-table under the Geordie manager and so too were Birmingham and Sunderland for spells, before the wheels came off somewhat at both clubs. Bruce can call upon fifteen years of football management, as well as the momentum he's built up with current side Hull during their run to automatic promotion behind champions Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, Palace put their trust and faith in former Blackpool boss Ian Holloway when previous incumbent Dougie Freedman chose to switch to Bolton Wanderers in October 2012. The Eagles were handsomely rewarded for that decision when the entertaining Bristolian took them to Wembley play-off glory with a win over Watford to seal promotion to the promised land.

Holloway is a massively respected figure and has some knowledge of the Premier League from his time at Blackpool, but mainly he's managed below the very pinnacle and couldn't save The Tangerines from the drop on his last attempt at the big-time. He likes to get his teams playing open football, but it was defensive mistakes that ultimately cost Blackpool their place in the top-tier and the effervescent 50-year-old will be wary of leaving his team so exposed at the back this time around.

Over in Wales, big Scotsman Malky Mackay managed to deliver promotion to a side that'd often come tantalisingly close before his arrival, without ever quite getting over the finish line. What's more, he did it in only two seasons, following a decent stint in charge of Watford. Mackay hasn't any time-served at the Premier level as a manager, but has impressed at Cardiff in the relatively short period he's been there and been placed among a few of the most highly-rated young managers in the British game by many observers.

Championship winners Cardiff have struck the biggest deals of the transfer window so far, including breaking their record for fees paid three times already this summer. Danish striker Andreas Cornelius was the first major signing through the door for £7.5million from FC Copenhagen and then England international defender Steven Caulkner pitched up surprisingly from Spurs to strengthen the centre of defence, before Sevilla midfielder Gary Medel came in for just over £11m. The 'Pitbull of Seville', as he's known, will hand Mackay plenty of steel in the defensive section of midfield, where he can protect a back-four marshalled by the reliable Caulkner.

The Welsh club already had plenty of young stars within the squad and further enhanced their options by bringing in those three. Mackay has an enthusiastic bunch and some real quality in the shape of dead-ball specialist Peter Whittingham, striker Fraizer Campbell, defender Ben Turner, plus attack-minded talents Joe Mason, Craig Noone and Craig Conway. Knitting it all together is elder statesman Craig Bellamy giving his all to the cause for his hometown team. It's an exciting blend of youth and experience that has potential to cause plenty of upsets against much more illustrious sides along the way.

Steve Bruce has also been burning the midnight oil in the quest for quality additions to his well-drilled side, while tying up permanent deals for last year's loan stars George Boyd and Ahmed Elmohamady. Completely new buys include Scotland international goalie Allan McGregor, defenders Maynor Figueroa and Curtis Davies, powerful forwards Yannick Sagbo and Danny Graham (on loan), as well as Steve Harper from Newcastle as back-up to McGregor.

There's no doubting that the Tigers have plenty of threat down the flanks and will be rigidly organised at the back by former defender Bruce, but the jury is out on the arrivals up-front. Graham looked lethargic and disinterested in an ill-fated six-month spell with Sunderland, so has a long way to go to show his mettle. Sagbo is not well-known in England, but did reasonably well with Evian in Ligue 1 last season and could prove to be an ace in the pack for the manager.

South Londoners Palace have been busy in the market, too. However, so far it appears a little too much quantity over quality with eight new faces amassing little in the way of top-flight experience. Striker Dwight Gayle was signed from Peterborough and is an exciting prospect; he'll benefit hugely from having veteran campaigner Kevin Phillips alongside him after he turned his loan move into a permanent deal this summer.

Another to complete a permanent switch to Selhurst Park following a loan spell is forward Stephen Dobbie, while Ian Holloway also brought in Elliot Grandin, Jerome Thomas and Sevilla midfielder Jose Campana, who is something of an unknown on these shores, having only played 20 league matches for the Spanish club. 

The biggest signings thus far for the Eagles are probably Marouane Chamakh from Arsenal and Bordeaux left-back Florian Marange. Chamakh faltered at the Emirates and still has a lot to prove at Premier League level and Marange is completely untested in the division.

Back-up keeper Neil Alexander from Glasgow Rangers rounds off the incoming transfers at this stage, but the manager knows he requires more Premier League nouse within a thin-looking squad if he's to keep them up this season and has publicly stated his intention to find six more new players by deadline day. They've gone in for some tried-and-tested names at times, but been rebuffed on each occasion; the latest occurrence came yesterday when England striker Darren Bent began a medical with Fulham after coming close to an agreement with Palace. It's difficult to attract established stars when you've just been promoted and are existing on a shoestring budget in comparison with many other teams.

All in all, Cardiff look best equipped to do well this campaign, with a good side in place on confirmation of their promotion and a selection of excellent signings this summer to supplement the squad. They were organised at the back and dangerous going forward on their way to the title in the division below and will be even more of a problem for opposition sides to cope with this term. Mackay is a manager on the up and he'll further enhance his growing reputation if he manages to pull off a mid-table finish for the Welsh side.

Hull City will be well-drilled, but are expected to rely on one man up-front for the majority of games in an effort to keep tight and nick results by the odd goal. The bottom six beckons for the Tigers, but their organisation and team spirit may be enough to keep their heads above water. Hull are also looking at more recruits, which could hand them an even greater chance of survival.

At this point, even with time to spare before the transfer window closes, Crystal Palace don't look strong enough in almost every department to stave off relegation. They'll most likely employ an attractive style of play and with Phillps, Murray and Gayle up top, they do have potential to get on the scoresheet. However, they'll also leave holes at the back and better Premier League sides will happily exploit those at will. I fear for Holloway's boys and would have to suggest them as relegation certainties once the season draws to a conclusion.

Twitter: @davewh1980

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