Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has said he wants to put his injury problems behind him and become a world-class talent next season.

The Netherlands striker missed much of the campaign with an ankle injury, but he is confident he can lead the Gunners to glory by playing a major role.

Speaking to L’Equipe, he said:“When I came back from my long injury back in the spring, Arsene Wenger told me that people will soon be talking about me in the same breath as they speak about Messi.

“I’m sure that would already be the case if I was not injured so often.

“I can feel that the manager has faith in me, but I must remain lucid. I am clearly not in the same league as Leo. Moreover, I am injured too often.

“I’m dreaming about a season with 30 goals and 20 assists. Wenger knows that I can do it, but my body will have to hold on.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“My final objective is to be in the same class as Messi, Ronaldo and Rooney, but Leo above all because he is a giant.”

Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

The feel good factor has continued on Merseyside this week as Hodgson is convinced that Fernando Torres is set to remain at Anfield next season. Elsewhere Liverpool has been linked to a variety of new signings from Rafael van der Vaart to Luke Young, as Hodgson looks to rebuild Liverpool’s fortunes.

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag blogs which has included…

Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.

Ill-timed comments are exactly what Liverpool don’t need

Liverpool set to fall victim as player power rears its ugly head

Is Fernando Torres really a step too far?

EIGHT runners and riders to replace Mascherano

Hodgson’s grand plan starting to gel together

Liverpool starlet offers Roy a striking Plan B

Has Match of the Day had its day?

Liverpool’s forgotten man set for a new lease of life?

Roy Hodgson facing up to his first big Anfield battle

Liverpool have more pressing concerns than a bid for Van Der Vaart

One deal that Liverpool cannot afford to baulk at

Premier League’s lesser lights set to benefit from new rules

*

Best of Web

*

Compared to Ageing Man U and Chelsea, Our Young Squad Looks Promising – Live4Liverpool

What price loyalty, Masch? – This is Anfield

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Joe 90 and Stevie Glee put a (temporary) smile on Liverpool FC – Well Red

Young defender Danny Wilson can be the latest Great Scot at Liverpool FC – Liverpool Echo

Dani’s Dilemma could be difficult to solve Roy – Live4Liverpool

Warning, debt can seriously damage your core support – This is Anfield

With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is frustrated at delays which have held up his move to sign free agent striker Marlon Harewood.

The 31-year-old was expected to feature for the Seasiders in a weekend friendly with Hibernian, but he was pulled out of the fixture due to concerns from his agent over the possibility of sustaining an injury.

A frustrated Holloway told The Gazette:"I was going to play someone, but his agent didn't want him to play because of the risk of injury. I can understand that, so I tried to do a deal with him.

"Turns out it's a different agent, turns out he wanted more than he said, turns out my chairman's head is coming off because of all these people who are getting involved when they shouldn't.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"So we didn't get the correct information and now it's gone above what we wanted, so we will have to try to batter them down."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

After being touted as the man to replace Xabi Alonso, Liverpool’s £18 million singing Alberto Aquilani has returned to Italy. The midfielder has joined Juventus on a season-long loan after enduring a difficult year in which he started only nine Premier League games. An ankle injury delayed his anticipated PL debut to October. Niggling injuries, his substantial price-tag and reputation all combined to be too much for the former Roma man. But as a takeover of Liverpool seems increasingly unlikely and doubts persist over Javier Mascherano’s future and Lucas Leiva’s quality, was there not room for Aquilani this season? Roy Hodgson could not guarantee Aquilani regular first-team football but with his aptitude for improving players, could he not have restored his fortunes?

The 26-year old joined Liverpool from his boyhood club Roma last summer where he made 102 performances, scoring nine goals. He prospered after returning from a loan spell at Trieste and working with Fabio Capello. ‘The King of Rome,’ Francesco Totti had this to say about the ‘Little Prince:’ “Alberto is an incredibly talented player, with great technique and an excellent understanding of the game. He is elegant and smart.” These desirable characteristics saw Aquilani become an increasingly important component in the Roma team, scoring long range efforts and displaying his creative passing.

These qualities were not lost on the former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez who claimed that the player would have been more expensive if he had not be recuperating from an ankle injury. After failing to live up to expectations, is this a classic case of an Italian being unable to acclimatise to the physical demands of the English game? Earlier this year, Benitez appeared to lose patience with his pricey signing. “Some players maybe can manage with the pain, but some cannot.” The Spaniard hinted that the player’s persistent ankle problems were partially physiological. This could explain why Aquilani never flourished in the role that was ear-marked for him. Replacing Alonso was always going to be an uphill struggle and would require confidence, passion and determination to settle into an all-round central midfield role.

By moving forward to support a lone striker in the hole, fans started to see what the initial fuss was about. Freed from defensive responsibilities he was able to concentrate on his imaginative, passing game supporting the attack through neat, incisive touches. Astoundingly the Italian set up a goal every 136 minutes last season which was the best assist rate across Europe’s top five leagues. Furthermore he scored with an accurate half-volleyed finish in Liverpool’s Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Yet he only played 26 times last season and these were mostly substitute appearances.

Notwithstanding his precocious talent Aquilani is viewed by many as another name in Benitez’s long list of failed signings. This is arguably an unfair portrayal of a player whose position was unclear and found his playing opportunities circumscribed. Although used in pre-season Roy Hodgson sanctioned his return to Serie A. “It gives him the football he needs and protects the value of the player. We’re doing it with a view to bringing him back.” Aquilani’s Anfield career may not be finished but with Mascherano unsettled and further signings doubtful, could the club have not used his talents this season? It is a sensible and pragmatic move by Hodgson but his team’s deficiencies were ruthlessly exposed by Manchester City on Monday. The evidence suggests that Liverpool need all the help they can get from their squad this season.

Follow me on twitter

*

Click on image below to see the gallery of Mario Balotelli’s stunning girlfriend

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton pulled no punches after seeing his side beaten 2-1 at home by Stoke City.

The Magpies led 1-0 at the interval thanks to a Kevin Nolan penalty, but the Potters turned the game around after the restart and eventually emerged as deserved winners.

Hughton said afterwards:"We knew this was going to be a tough season and we knew it is a season where we are probably going to lose more games than we win.

"I am realistic enough to know where we are at this moment. We are a side that has just got promotion back up to this division.

"It would be nice for me to say that we will win more games than we will lose. That would see us in a very favourable position in the league, which would be nice, but I am realistic about where we are.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"We are now playing in a lot tougher league than we were last season. We knew that there were going to be lows."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Tottenham have moved quickly to quell the mixed interpretation of quotes that were made from AEG yesterday with regards to the club’s interest in the Olympic Stadium. I for one was pleased to hear this, especially given what was coming out of AEG’s Chief Executive David Campbell yesterday.

Maybe I am just an old romantic, but the prospect of leaving Tottenham for Stratford would be like ripping the heart out of the football club in my view and shouldn’t even be contemplated despite the vast difference in cost. Some of the business minded amongst you may think that financially the Olympic stadium would be the more viable option, and while that may well be the case I will still be totally opposed to any such move.

So am I letting my heart rule my head here with regards to the Olympic move? Apparently it will only cost in the region of £150m to transform the Stratford site to one suitable for football, whereas the new White Hart Lane will cost anywhere between £300-400m. It is a huge difference in price and although Sponsors would likely make up a large chunk of the costs with naming rights of the stadium, we have to accept the fact that for a few seasons the manager will have to rely on minimal investment and will have to lean largely on our youth set-up, like the other mob down the Seven Sisters to see us through. The Olympic stadium would enable us to remain competitive in the transfer market and start generating greater revenues sooner than the proposed new White Hart Lane; therefore you can understand why Tottenham shareholders would be interested in such a proposal given the current financial climate.

While I understand the pros and cons, I would rather use £150m to ensure that Tottenham remain loyal to their roots, even if it means we have to remain prudent for a few years as a result. That is the question that Tottenham fans have to ask themselves as they contemplate the two stadium proposals and whether they’ll be happy for the club to lose their roots for the sake of a cheaper option.

Written By Roy James

Please take the time to VOTE below *

[poll ]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Chelsea captain John Terry has urged his side to learn the lessons of the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool which cut their lead at the top of the Premier League to just two points.

The Blues were far from their best at Anfield on Sunday afternoon and paid the price by falling to just their second league defeat of the season.

Terry told the Evening Standard:"I don't think we ever take things for granted at this club, but maybe this is the kick up the backside we all needed.

"We haven't been playing too well recently but have been grinding out results.

"We have another gear to find and we're still at the top of the Premier League, so we have to be encouraged by that, but we can't forget what has got us there in the first place.

"In the last couple of games away from home, we have started the game very slowly and we did the same yesterday.

"I am disappointed to lose in the manner we did. I just think the tempo was missing early on. We tried to take the sting out of the game but it backfired on us.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"The next thing we knew we were 2-0 down and by the time we got our game together in the second half, it was too little too late.

"We let it go too easily early on. It was frustrating and we need to look at it."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Speaking ahead of Manchester United's Champions League clash at Bursaspor on Tuesday, Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Europe's elite competition is better than the World Cup.

This summer's showpiece in South Africa hardly lived up to lofty expectations and, although the Champions League has received negative coverage in recent times, Ferguson is adamant the club competition wins hands down over the four-yearly event, despite some fixtures failing to stir the imagination.

"Have you seen the last six World Cups? It is better going to the dentist I suppose," he said.

"It is a natural thing. If you look at the great teams in the European Cup now and think of the Premier League, you are not going to get the same crowd for Arsenal playing a lower team in the league, or the same tension and drama as you would Arsenal against Manchester United.

"It is the same in the Champions League. Inter Milan playing one of the smaller teams will not get the same crowd. The important thing is the Champions League has proved itself since its inception.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"It is better than the World Cup. It is unbelievable. There are some fantastic games. Yes, you have to get through the group stages before you get to the really exciting stage but it is a fantastic tournament."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Around a month ago Liverpool were on the brink of administration and were in the middle of a brief dalliance with the relegation zone. Fast forward a month and, although things are not entirely fixed, both on and off the pitch, life at Anfield is looking up. After a sensational win over champions Chelsea, Liverpool dropped points against both Wigan and Stoke before putting in an accomplished performance against West Ham at the weekend. If Liverpool had transformed the loss at Stoke and the draw at Wigan into victories they would be sitting one point shy of the Champions League places. As it is they are still only 6 points off 4th and 9 points off the top, and with the way the title challengers are dropping points on a weekly basis, the title is seemingly anyone’s for the taking. So could Liverpool yet make a push for the top?

Their performance against Chelsea was their best of the season by far and although West Ham were woefully poor on Saturday, you can only beat what’s in front of you. The way the league is panning out, it may be one of the tightest seasons ever, with Sir Alex Ferguson noting there could easily be five teams going for the top, and Arsene Wenger asserting that there may even be seven in the running. What Liverpool need is some consistency, if a side can put together a run of wins, then they will find themselves in with an excellent chance of emerging from that run somewhere near the top of the table, and with things looking up at Anfield, there is seemingly no reason that Liverpool can’t be that side.

However, as has been seen at Anfield all too often this season, consistency isn’t something that has generally characterised Liverpool’s performances. But with stability beginning to come at the very top of the club, perhaps it will filter down, ending in with more dependable performances on the pitch. It may seem a little farfetched to suggest that Liverpool have a shot at the title, considering they have lost 5 league games already this season, but to put that in perspective, Chelsea have already lost 4 and sit on top of the pile, albeit on goal difference, and lost 6 last year before going on to clinch the title.

Liverpool may not win the title this season, or even bag themselves a Champions League spot, but with the unpredictable nature of the Premier League so far this season, they would be ill-advised to settle for another mediocre finish just yet.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If you liked this and would like to read more, then why not check out my blogs, or follow me on Twitter.

Celtic have drawn their last 3 league games and if I were Neil Lennon I would seriously be thinking about ways to ensure Celtic can get their title bid back on track as of January. Today, I propose 5 ways to ensure Celtic recapturing the league title.

1.I am a huge fan of Neil Lennon but it is fast becoming evident that he is tactically inexperienced as Celtic have failed to turn draws into wins. The worrying thing is these last three drawn games were at home, Celtic park used to be a daunting prospect but in recent times it has become anything but. For me this is due to Lennon’s inexperience, the only solution to the problem is time, something Celtic do not really have.

2. If Celtic have sure up their centre back pairing come January I am confident the team can push for the title during the second half of the season. There is an air of cautiousness surrounding the whole team at the moment and I am confident in saying the reason for this is the teams 2 centre backs. Glenn Loovens and Daniel Majstorovic the main culprits.

3. With Celtics troubles at the back would a change in formation be the answer? I feel with the attacking prowess of both Emilio Izaguirre and Cha Du Ri the teams full backs would the idea of playing with 3 centre backs turn around the teams fortunes. If the two full backs were deployed as wing backs would Celtics leaky defence turn into a more watertight entity?

4. With Celtic drawing their last three games are their questions to be asked about the teams attacking ability? It would seem the team have only scored four goals in their three matches, are Celtic’s strikers up to the task? With players like Giorgios Samaras and Daryl Murphy regularly featuring I would have to say Celtic need to seriously think about their attacking options.

5. In Paddy McCourt Celtic have an absolute gem of a player. If Lennon could get him fit enough to play 90 minutes regularly then I feel half the battle would be won in terms of unlocking opposition defences. McCourt has the skill and ability to not only entertain but to win matches too. Time and time again we have seen the Northern Irishman score great solo goals as he glides past defender after defender. Could he be a serious catalyst to Celtics title bid?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on Twitter.