6 Relegation Threatened Players Who Deserve a Premier League Life Line

Every Premier League season, there are clubs and players who deserve to avoid relegation on the final day of the season but nonetheless are dejected to England’s second division.

With the EPL a continuously demanding and developing competition, the intensity to remain in the top flight is at an all time high.

With just over a handful of games left in the 2018/19 season fate is beginning to loom over a number of talent players come seasons end.

We here at an Aussies Yarn have reviewed some of the most talented relegation threatened players in the Premier League. Huddersfield & Fulham have all but sealed their fate this season and are increasingly likely to be joined by one of either Cardiff, Burnley or Southampton. We’ve put these clubs squad lists under the microscope.

HUDDERSFIELD: Aaron Mooy

The Australian midfielder finds himself in a battle with relegation threatened Huddersfield Town. Although a mathematical chance of survival still exists, relegation is all but a certainty for the terriers.

Brought to England by Manchester City, from his native home in the A-League, Mooy has flourished during his playing time in England.

Pivotal in Huddersfield’s climb into England’s top flight during the 16/17 campaign and was instrumental in avoiding relation the following season.

Although, this season has had its set backs for Aaron Mooy. There’s is a certainty that his quality on the ball, passing range and tactical awareness warrants his place in the EPL. Undoubtedly there will be a number of suiters lining up for his signature come Huddersfield’s demise.

FULHAM: Ryan Sessegnon

Leading into the summer of 2018, there were many fans screaming for Ryan Sessegnon to board the flight to take on the world at the World Cup.

Gareth Southgate acknowledged the claims but opted not to include the teenager in his squad. Despite his young age, Ryan possesses great experience. Having played 114 games for Fulham, 99 of those in league matches.

The opportunity in the top flight this season has seen Ryan assert his assurance as a top flight player.

CARDIFF: Sean Morrison

Somewhat of a journeyman, Sean Morrison has proven himself to be a true Premier League Leader. Donning the arm band for Cardiff, Morrison leads from the back and offers a big presence to opposing Premier League strikers standing at 6 foot 4.

Sean Morrison is the perfect example of a player who could prove invaluable to a player toward the latter end of the ladder. Would be a great addition to a newly promoted side.

SOUTHAMPTON: James Ward-Prowse

Having recently been recalled to the Three Lions squad, James Ward-Prowse, finds himself in a relegation battle this season.

Southampton, is proving to be one of 3 clubs likely to snatch the last vacancy in the drop zone for the 2018/19 season.

Proving to be one of the best set piece takers in the country, from both shooting range and adding crosses for targeted arial threats, JWP has the weight of Southampton on his shoulders to deliver.

Despite his young age, James has a wealth of Premier League experience and has developed into a quality first team player for the Saints over the last few premier league seasons.

Due to his versatility in the midfield areas, it is likely that the Southampton midfielder could adapt to a number of playing styles across the league and would add quality & depth to most clubs. His home grown status an extra bonus.

BURNLEY: James Tarkowski & Jack Cork

Two more England internationals who find themselves in a relegation fight this season. Burnley seem to have a squad far too good to go down but for one reason or another they haven’t managed to string positive results together.

Tarkowski, has become a fixture in the England side down to his club form. Ever reliable and strong in defence.

Jack Cork has been forever present for Burnley in recent season and is certainly of Premier League Standard. Most Mid-Table clubs would be grateful to have quality of this caliber in their side.

The end of the season will bring not only an exciting title race but also a good run in to the fight for relegation.

The off season will prove interesting for the above players.

By Jarred Hancock

(jarred_hancock)

Burton Albion vs. Manchester City – An Aussies View

 Burton Albion play hosts to Manchester City on Wednesday night. After Pep’s boys in blue managed a record breaking win over a humbled Nigel Clough side earlier this month, a number of opportunities may arise for a risk free City side.

 Although, as we often see, battling on four fronts can , at times, be more of a hindrance than a blessing, City have an opportunity to progress to the Carabao Cup Final whilst resting some of their house hold names. Make no mistake, the Sky Blues will be looking to add to their growing list of silverware by ultimately lifting the Carabao Cup trophy. However, Wednesday Nights match presents a great platform for players seeking valuable match fitness & youngsters desperate for an opportunity to stake their claim to become a part of the first team picture.

First, we look at the defensive shape which will most likely be used in the semi-final second leg. A more inexperienced backline will likely see Guardiola stick to a more traditional back for, tacking a step back from the typical inverted wing backs that Manchurians have become so accustomed to over Peps tenure. It is likely that Zinchenko will slot into in the left back position in order to gain some valuable minutes leading into the back end of the season. The Ukrainian international has recently announced his commitment to the club & seems willing to fight for his place in the side. An invaluable versatile trait has seen Zinchenko adapt to a number of Guardiola’s demands over the last two seasons. Joining him in the fullback positions is a chance for the first team to call upon Luke Bolton. Bolton proved on Pre-Season tour this year that he has all the makings of a Premier League player if he was to achieve his potential. Injury having played its part this season for Bolton, it may be a nice reward for him to be brought into the squad and act as a reminder that Pep is still keeping an eye on his development whilst he waits in the wings.

Centre Halves for the evening may be an exact replica of those who turned out last time the two teams met. Nicolas Otamendi will likely partner Eric Garcia at the back for this fixture. The ever present Argentine acted as a perfect role model for the inexperienced defender to scuff out any chances which came Burtons way last time out. Muric, will once again relieve Ederson of the gloves for the night with the Brazilian likely to remain on the bench.

A midfield three, is an opportunity for City to experiment. It is likely that journeyman, Fabian Delph will anchor the midfield. The Stockport Iniesta, Phil Foden, is likely to earn his start once again in this fixture as he proves to be one of the first names drafted in for cup matches. Having represented City in all four competitions this season and even adding his first goals to his City account this season, he is proving to be the shinning light of an ever promising City Academy. There are no mistakes about it, those younger players in the academy will be keeping a very close eye on how Foden progresses. With Sancho & Diaz leaving the club, the Under 17-World Cup winner is fast becoming a Homegrown hero. The final position of the midfield three is anyone’s call. However, it may be a good opportunity to see Kevin De Bruyne receive the first 45 minutes as he looks to build on his match fitness.

A rotating forward line is likely to be in-line for the Citizens. Mahrez is likely to take up one of the wider positions. Mahrez has been in good form for City since his arrival and may well be a good opportunity for the tricky winger to add to his seasons tally. After his barnstorming performance vs. Burton in the first leg, it may be wise to allow him a rest for more important games. Therefore, there is an opportunity for City to utilize the recent form of Hot Prospects, Taylor Richards & Felix Nmecha. Both of these homegrown talents are somewhat unknown talents which have performed well for the EDS and Academy sides.

Although there are some bold claims in this piece there too are some exciting opportunities arising for youngsters at City. Many of the above mentioned youngsters will be aching for an opportunity.

Jarred Hancock

(@jarred_hancock)

 

 

English Talent Abroad: Then vs. Now

In recent years there has been a number of English starlets head abroad to take on the challenges that come with playing in the major European competitions. There has been such an interest in this pattern as it has once again seen the rise of Home Grown Talent flourishing abroad.

This article looks into how the caliber of player has vastly developed from 2009 vs. 2019.

The year 2009 was a very different world to the one that we have become accustom to. Prior to the turning of the decade, the much loved social media platform that many of our favourite stars use to show off their lives, Instagram was not yet launched & Cristiano Ronaldo had just won his first ever Ballon d’Or.

2009 was also the year that saw David Beckham, Matt Derbyshire & Jermaine Pennant waving the English flag abroad. In contrast to this, 2019, has seen several English players stamp their passports on the way through to the major European leagues. We won’t dwell on the past and look too far into the talent pool from 2009. However, the only genuine star abroad at the time was David Beckham.

2019 – English Talent Abroad

Jadon Sancho

A 7 year old Jadon Sancho first got a taste of club football when he joined Watford. Before long the bigger clubs came knocking and with Manchester City bidding off all other potential suiters it was time for Sancho to sign for the Citizens.

Although, there was much promise for Jadon at City, eventual failed negotiation contract talks saw him leave for Borussia Dortmund in August 2017.

Jadon was adamant that the key to his decision was promised first team football. At such a young age there are few managers in the English Premier League who are afforded the security to risk playing inexperienced professionals.

Nevertheless, the Dortmund staff have delivered on their promise. Having played in 43 games for the German outfit, Jadon has managed to score an impressive 10 goals and has earned himself a trio of Three Lions caps.

Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson, a close friend of Jadon Sancho from their time growing up in London and aspiring to be professional footballers.

Nelson, has sealed the same fate as his boyhood companion by occupying a place on the wing for a German Bundesliga side. The pacey winger has been applied as a Substitute for the majority of his performance in the later stages of the season.

A return of 6 goals in a total of 21 appearances this season has shown exactly how important playing minutes are for a developing talent. Still only 19 and earning caps for England at all youth levels, Reiss Nelson is proving to be one for the future.

Patrick Roberts

Another English winger plying his trade abroad is Patrick Roberts. The former Fulham youngster has enjoyed success in recent years whilst on loan with Celtic. Roberts has been now tasked with conquering Spain.

A change in scenery has seen Roberts, represent Girona on 12 occasions this season. The most notable of his appearances has come this week with a 1 nil win over league rivals, Barcelona.

Yet to start in La Liga this season, Roberts has had to remain patient. A good talent, although the longer time goes on the more unlikely a successful return to Parent Club Manchester City’s first team seems.

Reo Griffiths

Perhaps a lesser known talent than those mentioned previously. The 18 year old home grown talent first gained reasonable recognition through scoring over 30 goals for Spurs’ under 18s side.

Another example of a young English talent eager to gain first team exposure he has opted to sign for Lyon. Constructing a career for himself in France, Griffiths has had to tentatively wait for his opportunity in the First Team.

Hard to judge the benefit that playing abroad has had on his career. If he can find his goal scoring form again than the sky is the limit for Reo Griffiths.

These four attaching minded players are an example of the talent which England continues to produce. With numerous pending 3 Lions players shining in Europe’s leagues, there too is an abundance of Home Grown talent remaining in the EPL & the Championship fighting for their place.

by Jarred Hancock

(Jarred_Hancock)