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Most Disappointing XI Premier League 2024/25
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Kev hosts Michael and Iain to go through their most disappointing XI's of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Will any Newcastle players feature?
Host - Kevin Esther
Guests - Iain Mackay & Michael Grahamslaw
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Transcript
Introduction & Guest Introduction
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Welcome to the Daily Newcastle Podcast. Wildcard Wednesday again, and we're going back to our roots a little bit here because we are doing something... Well, actually, I'm going to leave that until I introduce the guest and then I'll explain why we're doing it and I'll let you in on a little secret about next week. We're only 25 seconds into this week, but hey-ho, I'm very kind.
00:00:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
and It's actually the boys today, and if you're regular listeners, which you all should be, actually you shouldn't all be, we need new listeners, so yeah, welcome to the new listeners. It's boys night and we have two unbelievable guests. We'll go in age order, believe it or not.
00:00:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we all just first, Michael. He knew it was coming. I could see straight away. he was like, oh, Kev, that's so bad. Michael, are you all right? Are you doing okay?
00:00:51
Michael
Yeah, I'm doing well, buddy. How about yourself?
00:00:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Surviving, I'm surviving. As everyone knows, regularly listening, new baby is here, almost a month old. And yeah, if I get things wrong today, I'm going to blame lack sleep. and
Teaser for Next Episode
00:01:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Speaking of somebody who does not need any beauty sleep, it is Ian Mackay also joining us on today's Party O'Keefe.
00:01:12
Iain
Thank you very much, Kev. that because I'm a lost cause? It's pointless.
00:01:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah just
00:01:16
Iain
Trying to finally catch up on beauty sleep. Thank you.
00:01:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah You kind of beat us to it. It's too late to catch up. But yeah, you've took it away now. So you've ruined my fun. Thanks, Ian.
00:01:26
Iain
Sorry, mate.
00:01:26
Michael
I
00:01:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's all right. I'll let you off. So next week, big secret, big reveal. One minute, 30 in. Next week, we are doing our Premier League team of the season. And it's a full pod episode. So everybody you love from Daly Newcastle will be on that episode.
00:01:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we'll each be given our Premier League team of the season. All right. But the gate is warmed up because we've got to build a little bit of suspense.
Most Disappointing Team Discussion
00:01:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're actually going to do our most disappointing team of the season. These are the 11 players who have disappointed us the most of this season.
00:01:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've got ah found it really easy to pick forward-going players, but defensively, in goalkeeper, I've struggled. So I kind of want to see in the comments who who you disappointed you this season. There's some very big names in these teams. Well, my team. I haven't seen Ian or Michaels.
00:02:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I hope we don't all just agree, but I doubt that will happen. and And then it's a case of you guys comment and let us know who you've been disappointed with for any Newcastle players in your teams, all them things. So I think the best place to start is in goal.
00:02:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because, I mean, why wouldn't you start in goal? Everybody does when they're named teams. um So let's go to Michael. Michael, who's your most disappointing Premier League goalkeeper of the season and why?
Disappointing Goalkeepers
00:02:35
Michael
Right, so I'm basing mine off expectations at the start the season, which is why I haven't gone with Andre Onana, because let's be honest, he's without a doubt the worst in the league. But the player I've gone for is actually the Brighton goalkeeper ah Bart Verbruggen.
00:02:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
who
00:02:50
Michael
He's made the same amount of mistakes leading to goals this year as Robert Sanchez, who, let's be honest, I don't think anyone expected to be Chelsea goalkeeper for the whole season.
00:02:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:03:00
Iain
Thank you.
00:03:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's actually, and because both them teams are doing really well as well.
00:03:02
Michael
That's...
00:03:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that many mistakes from in goal.
00:03:06
Michael
yeah
00:03:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Imagine whoever could have been with a better goalkeeper.
00:03:09
Michael
Yeah, 100%. Chelsea could have been above us and Brighton could have been fighting for the top four. But what I will say is Verbrogan has had some good games, very good games. But when it comes to expectations, I expected him to be you know the goalkeeper this season, what Matt Sells has been to Nottingham Forest. So in my expectations, he's been really disappointing.
00:03:30
Michael
But I imagine to most, he's he's definitely not the worst in the league. But to me, he's been a bit disappointing.
00:03:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's a good shout to be fair. And Bruggan's a keeper I think I'd love at Newcastle. um Good with his feet, really young, Dutch, keep Bopman happy if that's someone we're willing to keep and not disappointed by.
00:03:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:03:48
Iain
Yeah.
00:03:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And also, a little touch of class from the Bruggan, when Brighton beat us in the FA Cup and they were smashing the tiles on the roof, he actually went back and fixed it. and I quite liked that video. I don't know how I saw that video, but he did.
00:03:57
Michael
oh
00:03:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
was on Brighton's social media. And that one followed Brighton.
00:04:00
Michael
I take it back. I love him.
00:04:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you actually fixed it out with respect. I thought, you know what? He wants a transfer, he will take him. um I think that's a very good shout.
00:04:07
Michael
That's very good.
00:04:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
And actually, Sanchez was was one I thought would be quite popular. So, obviously, he's already had a shout-out.
00:04:11
Michael
Yeah.
00:04:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ian, who's your most disappointing goalkeeper of this season?
00:04:14
Iain
yeah like Unfortunately, I am not as lateral thinking as Michael, and I've just gone for who the worst goalkeepers are.
00:04:24
Iain
So, Anana has been made so many mistakes, and it has been so disappointing.
00:04:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:28
Michael
Yeah.
00:04:30
Iain
he's got to be He's got to be in that team. Although, think Martinez and Chelsea has been...
00:04:33
Michael
Yeah.
00:04:40
Iain
He's really disappointed them. He's been hated since before Christmas by them, and he's still in goal.
00:04:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sanchez. Yeah.
00:04:45
Iain
Sanchez, what did I call him? Martinez, sorry.
00:04:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Martinez.
00:04:47
Michael
That's nice.
00:04:49
Iain
But far be it for me to get Mexican names mixed up. That would be totally out of character for me. Sanchez, yes.
00:04:56
Michael
Arriba!
00:04:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:04:58
Iain
Apparently Chelsea have got seven goalkeepers on their books and the best one is out on loan, which I think must be the yeah
00:05:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jordi Peprovic.
00:05:05
Iain
the Petrovic, yeah.
00:05:07
Michael
ah It's Strasbourg, yeah, with Liam Rossini.
00:05:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah,
00:05:10
Michael
He's doing really well.
00:05:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
He
Disappointing Defenders
00:05:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
seemed good last season, so I was shocked to let him go, to be fair. I think Onana's a good shot. I've got Onana as well. I just think, like, was it 60 million?
00:05:17
Michael
He is dreadful.
00:05:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
60 million. And he's like, he's dreadful, isn't Like, he just costs goals. I was gutted when we played Manu at home. I was gutted that they swapped him out. I mean, the next guy wasn't too much better.
00:05:29
Michael
Nah.
00:05:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, um... Yeah, they're literally just... It's like Onana's out. I'm like, I'm gutted. Because imagine what goals we would have scored if he played. So, Onana was mine as well. I kind of want to be a little bit harsh and give a mention to Aaron Ramsdale.
00:05:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't get how he's went from Arsenal's number one
00:05:44
Michael
Yeah. Yeah.
00:05:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
literally, what, last season, two seasons ago before Raya came in, where they were challenging for the title in FA Cups and all sorts. He was pretty much banging on the door to take over Pickford for England.
00:05:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
He gets to move to Southampton and I'm thinking, he's going to be unbelievable, Southampton. going proper stand out. He's going to be amazing. I mean, just nothing. I know Southampton have been poor, so that's why he didn't get picked. and ultimately, because Southampton are just absolute dog armor.
00:06:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Actually, that's harsh on dogs.
00:06:10
Michael
yeah
00:06:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
I love dogs. so ah just absolutely you know You can imagine the word I want to say after dog, but i'm not going to say it.
00:06:16
Michael
They're absolute Sunderland.
00:06:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Absolute Sutherland. Brilliant. Well done, Michael. um So yeah, Onana's mine as well. um But three keepers there who, you're absolutely right, have been very disappointing.
00:06:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, defence. ah Actually, do you want to pick one from from each? Whoever gets the most votes and have a final team, are we not bothered?
00:06:35
Michael
We can do it either way.
00:06:35
Iain
I didn't mind.
00:06:36
Michael
We can send it the socials. Yeah.
00:06:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Send it to the socials. We'll let them pick.
00:06:39
Michael
Yeah.
00:06:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll just go from there. We'll name our personal ones, recap our personal ones, and socials can rip us apart and tell us exactly who we should have put in. That's what football fans do.
00:06:48
Michael
It's what we love.
00:06:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. Yep. Defence. Left-back, I think, is a good place to start. um I'm going to go first and pinch this one because I've been so disappointed by him. and We are champions of England.
00:07:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he is one of the best left backs of the last five, six years. But assists and goals are pretty much non-existent this season for Andrew Robertson. And I really like him.
00:07:08
Michael
Yeah.
00:07:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's a very good player, technically brilliant, can cross the ball. But he he's kind of like the only Liverpool player I think hasn't thrived under slot. Look at Gravenberg and McAllister and all of these players now. I look at and think, wow, they're really good.
00:07:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
What's going on with Andrew Robertson? I know he's getting older, but no assists, no goals from a defender who normally gets at least 10 assists every season. um So Robertson, i'm um I'm very disappointed with and I feel bad putting him in because really like him.
00:07:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's a great but I thought he was very good at hole and I think he's he's a good, honest professional but just this season has been so disappointing to watch and if you had him in your fantasy football at start of a season, he'd be mega disappointed because he's contributed nothing other than minutes.
00:07:45
Michael
Yeah.
00:07:50
Iain
you
00:07:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah, he's ah he's ah he's a very good left back overall but I've just been a bit disappointed watching him this season. and and Ian, we'll go to you next.
00:07:58
Michael
Yeah.
00:08:00
Iain
I think Robertson's a really good shout. I hadn't appreciated he'd dropped off from... I mean, it was him and Trent that were leading the assist charts a year or two ago, wasn't it?
00:08:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Unbelievable, them two together, yeah.
00:08:08
Michael
Yeah. 100%. hundred percent
00:08:10
Iain
um I hadn't realised he'd been quite so unproductive. I mean, a left back. Let's be honest. It's the least... the least attractive position on the football team.
00:08:23
Iain
That's where all of ah where all of the...
00:08:23
Michael
Unless you've got Lewis Hall.
00:08:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
it was Lewis Hall would disagree. I was just about to jump in there.
00:08:28
Iain
Well, you know, but... Yeah, not many stars get picked to play at left-back, let's say. So the one that leapt out at me, because I think it still qualifies as being part of this season, was Kieran Trippier playing for England.
00:08:34
Michael
Okay.
00:08:44
Iain
Is that bit harsh?
00:08:45
Michael
Oof.
00:08:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow.
00:08:47
Iain
But he was dreadful.
00:08:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Should be a goal in the Premier League disappointing left back.
00:08:48
Iain
I thought he was at all.
00:08:48
Michael
um so
00:08:52
Iain
He's a, well, oh, he was a right back though, wasn't he? So, yeah but he is a left back.
00:08:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he hasn't.
00:08:57
Iain
That's strange, isn't it? I meant when he was playing right back. He could have been in if he hadn't come back and played absolutely fantastic since the Carabao Cup final.
00:09:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair of a season, some people would say.
00:09:08
Michael
Yeah, he's been amazing.
00:09:09
Iain
and Certainly on his, ah well, one person I know would say, and nobody else, Kev. Um,
00:09:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hey, it's not a terrible shout now compared to what it was all that time back. It's got a little bit better.
00:09:20
Iain
I know, compared to my shout for Joe Willett to be player of the season.
00:09:22
Michael
No disgrace now.
00:09:24
Iain
Bloody hell. So, by the point, I couldn't really think of a bad left back. I'll go with your Robertson.
00:09:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go Robertson.
00:09:30
Iain
That's a good shout.
00:09:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:31
Iain
Because just none of them stand out to me at all. I mean, there's some good ones.
00:09:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:35
Iain
Lewis Hall, for example. Yeah.
00:09:37
Michael
Yeah.
00:09:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's next week. That's next week if we're going for our good ones.
00:09:40
Iain
yeah
00:09:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right now, just the ones we're disappointed in.
00:09:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Michael, who is it? who was it
00:09:47
Michael
Yeah, for me, I'm going to sound really harsh because um the two players I have down
Young Players Failing to Impress
00:09:52
Michael
are two very young players with a lot of potential. And the one i'm not the one I haven't gone for, that's why I'm starting with him, is Rico Lewis.
00:10:00
Michael
um And the reason I haven't gone with him is because he hasn't cemented down any position really this season. He's got he's had six different positions across the year. For me to be disappointing, you've kind of got to have a bit of time in your position and play badly.
00:10:15
Michael
hasn't really done that, but he's been poor of his standards. The player I've gone for is actually Leif Davis from Ipswich Town. i don't know if what you thought when if you heard when they got promoted, they were saying, oh, he's the next best thing.
00:10:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:28
Michael
I'd seen loads of Ipswich fans saying, he's better than Lewis Hall.
00:10:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah,
00:10:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah.
00:10:32
Michael
You might want him actually as a Geordie.
00:10:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
saw that. Yeah.
00:10:35
Michael
Yeah, I definitely don't want him. He's very creative left back, but defensively, he's absolutely atrocious. And yeah, championships about his level. I hope he's a Geordie.
00:10:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh. Ooh.
00:10:47
Michael
You know, he has a bit more time in the Premier League in the future and builds up his defense and gets a bit better. But for me, Leif Davis is a real disappointment. And it sounds weird being
Underperforming Midfielders
00:10:56
Michael
disappointed in an Ipswich player, but I am.
00:10:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was going to say, I was going to say, was there any expectation of Ipswich players? But fair play. Again, it's a good shout. Like you, I heard a lot of a talk about this guy coming in at Ipswich. He's a Geordie.
00:11:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's amazing. He's going to be fantastic.
00:11:10
Michael
Yeah.
00:11:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's he's great going forward. He can defend. Nobody gets past him in the championship. And then I just saw him leak goals. And I was like, well, hang on a minute. I know there's a big jump up, but you were bigging him up to be the next best thing.
00:11:23
Michael
Insane.
00:11:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's kind of struggled. But maybe it's just first season kind of... um struggles and he might get a second season in there with a newly promoted club and and start looking more comfortable at that level but we'll have to wait and see what is quite ironic about Leif Davis is he's a massive Geordie he couldn't wait to play St James' Park and then when it came to that game he was suspended so unlucky Leif hopefully you get drawn against us in the cup next season
00:11:47
Iain
he was He looked fantastic at the Championship because he played against Championship players. But he just exposed. He's exposed to the Premiership because there's a much higher quality. So if he's gone too far forward, somebody's down that right wing, put across and they've scored and he's still looking on from the halfway line.
00:11:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
hmm
00:12:04
Iain
Whereas he had time to recover in the Championship.
00:12:05
Michael
Yeah, happened a lot.
00:12:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:12:08
Iain
um So it's a bit harsh. He is just a young lad. When we did that crossover the with the Ipswich fella,
00:12:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's all right, we'll re... Oh,
00:12:15
Michael
It's what I am.
00:12:18
Iain
um they were all convinced that he was going to be bought by Newcastle before they started their Premier League campaign. Thought Newcastle would have him because he'd been so good in the Championship.
00:12:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah.
00:12:28
Iain
They didn't know about Lewis Hawley then.
00:12:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewis was Hall's the only Geordie we need, isn't he?
00:12:31
Michael
Oh, yes.
00:12:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Right, we are somehow, i can't believe we're 12 minutes in, we've literally discussed two players, so this could be one of them ones which go over.
00:12:39
Michael
Bye.
00:12:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll try and speed through the rest of the defence and recap our back five, but before that, in true Ian style, we've got a message from Cristiano Ronaldo's mob.
00:12:42
Iain
All right, speed through it.
00:13:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Excellent stuff. So, part two. Let's start speeding up. We've got two centre-halves and a right back. and I'm really struggling. I've literally got one centre-half. I think, personally, for me, is an obvious one.
00:13:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I'm going to come to who's went first. Michael's went first. Benav went first.
00:13:46
Michael
Yeah.
00:13:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now it's Ian to go first. ian Ian, give us two centre-halves. Let's go through two. Two centre-halves who have disappointed you in this Premier League season.
00:13:55
Iain
Two centre halves. As you pointed out, the centre half who for some reason has has morphed into a player that even a man on a Zimmer frame can go past.
00:14:07
Iain
Ruben Diaz Manchester City.
00:14:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
of've course I've got Ruben Diaz.
00:14:10
Iain
Alongside him, alongside him, the man that makes Callum Wilson look as robust as the Incredible Hulk, Mr. Sven Botman.
00:14:21
Iain
Mr.
00:14:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, he's made it
00:14:21
Iain
Three-game-a-season Sven Botman.
00:14:22
Michael
Ho, ho, ho.
00:14:24
Iain
Made of glass. Come on, Sven. How many times you need your bloody knee operated on? That's what's disappointed me.
00:14:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know what? I can i can understand that because Sven, again, when you think of
Disappointing Wingers
00:14:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Botman at Newcastle, That first season when we finished fourth, he was so good. And it's like, are you really that good? Or, you know, what let's see it now. immense sin then since then, he's just hardly played.
00:14:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's so disappointing when you can't get a player who is apparently that good onto the pitch. But I agree, I've i've got Diaz as well. and And if I'm honest, I'm struggling for the other centre-half. Botman's a great shout. I might go with Botman. But before that, we're going to go to Michael's two centre-halves. Michael, which two centre-halves have you got?
00:15:01
Michael
Yeah, so obviously Sven Bottman's a great shout, and but I actually have a defender who I think's probably starred in less in more games and won less than Sven Bottman this season.
00:15:11
Michael
And that is Manchester United's young centre-back, Lenny Jorow, who every single time I have seen him play, he looks like a young Titus Bramble.
00:15:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh.
00:15:21
Iain
yeah
00:15:21
Michael
He was going to revolutionise that Man United defence and Harry Maguire's made him look absolutely dreadful. Get in, Harry. And then my second one, I'm going to stay in Manchester.
00:15:32
Michael
I'm not going Ruben Diaz. I'm actually going his partner, Manuel Okanji. I think...
00:15:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's had a proper drop-off.
00:15:38
Michael
Yeah, I expected Diaz to drop off a little bit. I didn't expect Akanji to be as poor as what he has. The math whiz, maybe spent a bit too much time on his numeracy and not enough time on his defending.
00:15:49
Michael
And unfortunately, we've subtracted all of that defensive capabilities and he's looked dreadful this season.
00:15:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:15:55
Michael
So yeah, it's Akanji and Lenny Yorra for me.
00:15:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i think for me, it'll probably be Diaz and Akanji. On a previous pod I did before I joined you guys, and I remember putting Akanji in my, I think it was my team of the season, the season Newcastle finished fourth.
00:16:09
Michael
Yeah.
00:16:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was like one of the first names on.
00:16:12
Michael
Incredible.
00:16:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
So his drop-off is actually... mental when you think about going from team of the season to just I actually forgot he played for Manchester City that's how poo he's been so that's why I couldn't think of him right backs straight back to Michael to go first this time who's your right back most disappointing right back of the season Michael
00:16:22
Michael
Yeah.
00:16:30
Michael
Yeah, for me, it's um another one similar to Akanji. I've gone with Malagusto at Chelsea.
00:16:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
hmm
00:16:37
Michael
I remember last year he was absolutely sensational. Got an assist every, I think, 300 minutes, something like that. Great attacking player. This year, well, he's been horrendous. He's been poor. And whether it's down to Enzo Maresca and his style of play, or maybe he's just not the player I thought he was. But yeah, I had high aspirations.
00:16:55
Michael
And unfortunately, he's he's just not met them for me this year.
00:16:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair play. Ian, you got a right back?
00:17:02
Iain
This is where Ciarán Trippier played for England was meant to fit in. There. But, we wish James right back at Chelsea, isn't he?
00:17:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:17:13
Iain
left
00:17:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:17:13
Michael
ah Yeah.
00:17:13
Iain
He's the right back there when he's playing. Because he's another person who is a great player. So much expected. Haven't seen him for two years. And when he's been on, I mean, I know he's recovering from injury, but It's not the player who scored twice from outside the box when Chelsea won 3-0 at Newcastle a few years ago.
00:17:33
Iain
did that as a teenager, I think, and looked absolutely lethal. Yeah, I'm still expecting to see something like that from him at some stage, but there's just nothing. He just looks angry and gets booked every time I see him.
00:17:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, James is mine actually, but for a slightly different reason. I think injuries, are it's it is disappointing, but I guess if the body's breaking down, then it's tough for them. But James for me is because when he came back from injury, he actually played some games this season, not a lot granted.
00:18:04
Iain
Yeah.
00:18:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
But when he did, he he just didn't look the same player. And I'm thinking, surely it's too early in his career for injury to have that big of an effect. He just... His passing was off. His positioning was off. And this is a guy, by the way, like a year ago, everybody was talking, Walker's time is England right back's done.
00:18:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
James is the future. Next 10 years, he's got it locked down.
00:18:21
Michael
Yeah.
00:18:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And actually... Trippi would get ahead of him right now for England and Trippi is
Strikers Who Didn't Deliver
00:18:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
retired from international football I think so that sums up how far Rhys James has fell and I don't even know if I would take him in Newcastle which is mental making that statement when you think of a year ago or two years ago I would have said I'll absolutely take him 100% so yeah Rhys James is my right bet
00:18:40
Michael
Yeah. 100% agree.
00:18:42
Iain
You have just reminded me, Kev, that Kyle Walker is very lucky to have been transferred over to Italy mid-season. Otherwise, you know, he would have been in as well, wouldn't he?
00:18:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
he being here yep yep
00:18:51
Iain
He he really dropped off. And Pep spotted it and got rid of ASAP.
00:18:53
Michael
Yeah.
00:18:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
massively. yep Yep. Pep was like, nope, I've got no sentiment. You're gone. Right.
00:19:00
Iain
Still good enough for England, though.
00:19:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Midfield.
00:19:03
Iain
on.
00:19:04
Michael
Poor Tommy.
00:19:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Midfield. I think I've been quite harsh on some players. Um, I don't know what formation you guys are really playing. I'm i'm kind of in for a 4-2-3-1. But it could also be a 4-3-3. It really doesn't matter.
00:19:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's not a real team. Get over it, Kev.
00:19:20
Michael
Look.
00:19:22
Iain
but
00:19:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ian, can you think of... what We'll go one centre midfielder each and then we'll go for a break and then we'll just keep going until we end. So it'll be over 30 minutes, you lucky, lucky people.
00:19:31
Iain
Where do we start?
00:19:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ian, centre midfielder, who's really, really let you down?
00:19:32
Michael
so
00:19:35
Iain
the most discipline and The most disappointing central midfielder who has never picked a play in the centre for England, but does his club level, I think, has just got to be Phil Foden.
00:19:47
Iain
Player of the season last year.
00:19:47
Michael
Yeah.
00:19:48
Iain
Broken down.
00:19:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep. I think he'll be in everybody's.
00:19:51
Michael
had him.
00:19:51
Iain
Broken down. broken down Geriatric, he looks like this year. Even now, even when City have turned the corner and have started to play really, really well, he can't get a first-team start.
00:19:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
i phil that okay
00:20:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's it's such a big drop off.
00:20:03
Iain
Don't know what's happened with him.
00:20:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
And actually, last season when De Bruyne was out, Foden's the one who stepped up and Foden played off his head when De Bruyne wasn't in.
00:20:12
Michael
It was incredible.
00:20:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
So De Bruyne being out this season, I was expecting Foden, right, this is it, he would go. He's last year's p player of the season. and But actually, they've been desperate for a 33, 34-year-old De Bruyne to come back.
00:20:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And he's then turned Man City around a little bit single-handedly, unlike Foden could. So Foden's in my team as well. I think he'll be a lot of people's teams. Michael, is he in yours?
00:20:34
Michael
Yeah. Yeah.
00:20:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And if he is, give us one more.
00:20:37
Michael
Yeah, he's he's in mine. I'm thinking it may just be fatigue, obviously, with the Euros in the summer as well. But i hes he's been dreadful. But for me, um there's two i could ah there's two in my mind.
00:20:44
Iain
Thank you.
00:20:48
Michael
I'm going to not be harsh and I'm going to go for Man United to Kobe Manu.
00:20:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's in mine.
00:20:53
Michael
um Yeah. Remember last season when he was better than Bruno Gamares, apparently?
00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
I remember. but
00:20:58
Michael
Yeah. And he's just the level of Sean Long... Nah, that's harsh on Sean Longstaff. Matty Longstaff.
00:21:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Poor Sean.
00:21:04
Michael
He's been really poor and, you know, injuries, injuries, maybe maybe that's why the new system, maybe that's why ah do think he'll end up having a good campaign next year. But this year, utter disappointment.
00:21:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
I agree.
00:21:16
Iain
Maybe not from Man you
00:21:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Manu is a player I loved in Euros. I loved him in the Euros. He came in, he was a breath of fresh air. thought, oh, I really like him. ah hope he ends up in Newcastle one day somehow.
00:21:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then now I look at him and think, God, he'd be seventh choice for us.
00:21:28
Michael
Yeah.
00:21:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
What has happened to him? complete fall off. But I do agree with Mike, on me, and he's in mine as well. but I just think he's got to come good because there's so much ability there. We saw it with England. We saw it with Mayunite towards but in the end of last season.
00:21:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I remember when Miley and Maynou were playing at the same time and nobody was talking about Miley. Everybody was talking about Maynou in the end.
00:21:49
Michael
Yeah.
00:21:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
And actually, know Miley hasn't done much this season, but not playing...
00:21:50
Michael
Yeah.
00:21:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
literally hasn't hurt him at all because Minou playing has considerably hurt his career at the minute. and So yeah, very disappointing for me.
00:22:01
Michael
yeah
00:22:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it the new system? Is Amarim a bit of a fraud? Not sure.
00:22:07
Michael
Yes.
00:22:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go on, Ian.
00:22:08
Iain
but I think Michael's right, though. I think Manu will bounce back because because he's a class player.
00:22:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you will.
00:22:14
Iain
It might not be might not be at Manchester United, though.
00:22:14
Michael
Yeah.
00:22:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you will.
00:22:17
Iain
There's an asset that they could sell if they need to rebuild their team.
00:22:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
100% profit on an academy player. Come to Newcastle. Eddie will work wonders with you.
00:22:25
Iain
Yeah, I wouldn't mind him.
00:22:25
Michael
Yeah, it'd be incredible alongside Tonali and but Bruno. Incredible.
00:22:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Unbelievable. Unbelievable. and Right, I think that's kind of a good place leave because we all agree on Foden and who was...
00:22:37
Michael
It was Maynu and that was it.
00:22:37
Iain
Manu?
00:22:38
Michael
You still need to give one.
00:22:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, I still need one. Okay, I'm going to give one.
00:22:40
Michael
How are you, sonny boy? You're not getting over that easy.
00:22:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll give one. um It's a bit harsh because numbers-wise, he's actually still doing okay. And he finally scored again at the weekend.
00:22:49
Iain
Thank you.
00:22:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
But just Cole Palmer, I was starting...
00:22:51
Michael
Oh.
00:22:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
i was finally starting to believe the hype of Cole Palmer right at the start of the season. I was thinking, last season wasn't a purple patch.
00:23:00
Michael
Yeah.
00:23:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's a superstar. He scored in the final for England. Maybe going have to hold my hands up and be like, you know what? He's a very good player. But then what on earth happened to this bloke after... because it Is it his twin?
00:23:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is he on holiday? Like, who is this Cole Palmer now? It's a completely different player. But again, I think he'll probably bounce back.
00:23:18
Michael
Horrific.
00:23:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
He wasn't even registered for the Conference League. That's how important he was to Chelsea. um But it's just... The second half hasn't happened. But I know statistically, Michael reminded me after a pod recently, i was like, Murphy must have more goal contributions.
00:23:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think Palmer's still got something like 14 or 15 this season.
00:23:36
Michael
Yeah.
00:23:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
um which is incredible numbers for a winger slash 10.
00:23:36
Michael
Massive amounts.
00:23:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:23:40
Iain
tonight
00:23:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
But...
00:23:41
Iain
can i Can I just start start splashing the holy water and doing whatever it needs to be done to remove the hex that you are putting on Newcastle next weekend?
00:23:51
Iain
Because I watched Cole Palmer play like he did at the start of the season against Liverpool when they beat them 3-1 on Sunday.
00:23:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
we'll pocket him. worry about that.
00:23:58
Iain
And he's coming up to St James' Park in our big, big, big, big Champions League playoff.
00:23:58
Michael
He had game.
00:24:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nah, he'll... Nah, he'll bottle it, man.
00:24:03
Iain
And you've just guaranteed, you've just guaranteed that
00:24:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't worry about that.
00:24:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's not going to score.
00:24:08
Iain
Rather than being anonymous like he has in the last two times he's played there, he's going to do something, Kev.
00:24:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Need chance.
00:24:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
jacob Jacob will show him up. Don't worry about that. Jacob will show Mr. England manager, I forgot his name, somehow, Tuchel,
00:24:21
Iain
Too cool.
00:24:21
Michael
Tommy Tuchel.
00:24:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
How did I forget that? Tuchel, that's how tired I am. No one ever said at the start, a newborn makes you tired. I forgot the England manager.
00:24:28
Iain
that
00:24:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tuchel will be shown that Jacob Murphy is twice a player, Cole Palmer is, when
Zencastr Advertisement
00:24:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Murphy bangs in two and sets up one and we win 3-0.
00:24:34
Michael
Oh.
00:24:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't you worry about that. no Never in doubt. I said we're going to beat Arsenal in the Cup. I said we're going to beat Liverpool in the final. I'm telling you, we're beating Chelsea comfortably. Right. There's three. we we We mentioned one each. We're going to go for a break.
00:24:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah The advert is going to be read by the most professional guy in this pod. So it's got to be Michael, obviously, because Ian will swear and I won't even be able to read it.
00:24:54
Michael
Oh.
00:24:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not tired. So, Michael, take us away.
00:25:02
Michael
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we've spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zencaster came out a clear winner. with 4K video recording from your phone, and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs.
00:25:14
Iain
Thank
00:25:19
Michael
It's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently. If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencaster.
00:25:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
that was that was That was something else.
00:25:36
Michael
That one.
00:25:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
That was different. There was a period of that. You sounded like a character from Final Fantasy X, but I'm just going to hand over to Ian.
00:25:38
Iain
and
00:25:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ian, what do you think of that?
00:25:43
Iain
I wasn't sure whether it was Lord Peter Whimsey or Stephen Fry, maybe, who was reading the advert.
00:25:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Even Fry is a good shout.
00:25:51
Iain
And then I looked up and saw it was Rafa Benitez. It was very, very confusing.
00:25:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was going to say, anybody tuning to YouTube skips to that point. like Why is Rafa Benitez reading like Stephen Fry?
00:26:02
Iain
and
00:26:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
What is happening here? ah Very confusing. But actually, it was very well done, Mike. They're staying in character the a whole time as well.
00:26:07
Iain
Very well done, Michael, yeah.
00:26:08
Michael
for For anyone that no one else will get the reference, it was a mictake of a version we've heard recorded previously. So none of you will get it, but Zencaster is our favourite.
00:26:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Zincaster. Zincaster. um and All them other posh clubs who aren't from the north. Zincaster.
00:26:23
Michael
ah
00:26:24
Iain
If you're listening, I thought you read it really well, Louis.
00:26:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right.
00:26:26
Iain
I really thought you read it well.
00:26:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just in case he is listening.
00:26:32
Iain
Oops.
00:26:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Michael's gone. Right. Let's get back to our most disappointing players of the season.
00:26:39
Iain
Forward line.
00:26:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've only given one midfielder each, but if I'm honest, Manu and Foden are both in mind. So that's kind of my two holders in a number 10. So I'm up to my wingers.
00:26:48
Michael
yeah
00:26:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Do you guys have any centre midfielders before we go to wingers?
00:26:54
Iain
I think my guy can play, well, the one I'm thinking of at the minute can play in midfield. He'd probably be classed as a midfield. But if you were lining up at 4-3-3, he could be either on the left or the right or in the middle. No, he wouldn't be a centre-forward.
00:27:05
Iain
He could be one of the winners in a 4-3-3.
00:27:08
Michael
Mine's similar.
00:27:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's... Okay, let's go then. I'm just going to chuck my wingers in, right?
00:27:11
Iain
Call them a forwards. Call them forwards.
00:27:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm going to chuck my two wingers in and then me striker at the end. I'll go last on me striker, but I'll go first on me wingers. I cannot believe, because this guy never let England down and he was so, so good for years.
00:27:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
So many goals, if anyone's ever seen that, came to my mind there. um Raheem Sterling, what has happened to Raheem Sterling, man?
00:27:31
Iain
Thank you.
00:27:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was so good for Man City.
00:27:33
Michael
Yeah.
00:27:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was brilliant for Liverpool. And then he left City and it just hasn't been the same player. He's still only 29-30. He's not even like old, but it's just not the same Raheem Sterling. I don't know if a love's gone or if he's just kind of achieved everything and lacking a bit of motivation. I have no idea, but I was so, so impressed with Raheem Sterling for about five, six years for England and Man City.
00:27:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
And now he can't get anywhere. He can't get ahead of Leandro Trossard at Arsenal. And I'm thinking, and God, you would never have believed that two, three years ago. um And my other winger, as much as I hate to say it because he loves having a pint in Washington, is Jack Grealish.
00:28:14
Michael
Yeah, it's Grealish down.
00:28:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jack Grealish is somehow went from Villa's Maverick. and And actually, last season, I thought he was finally coming good at Man City. Last season, I thought, this is Grealish. He's learning when to go with his dribbling. He's learning when to stay. He's learning when to pass it off.
00:28:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
But he's he's just went back that has Pep ruined him. And he's got so much ability.
00:28:31
Michael
yeah
00:28:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Man City have had such a poor season. And you think, just let the lad go. Give him a ball and say, look, you make your own decisions. Do what you want. Be a bit of a maverick. But they're my two wingers, Sterling and
Impact of Tactics & Management Styles
00:28:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Grealish. And actually, there's a lot of players in is the point 11. I like Kobe Maynou.
00:28:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
I like Raheem Sterling. I like Jack Grealish. But come on, what's going on with these players? we Where they're at?
00:28:52
Iain
ah but that
00:28:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're not their real selves, are they?
00:28:54
Iain
That's why he disappointed Kev, because we're expecting a lot more from these players.
00:28:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah,
00:28:58
Iain
We we like watching them.
00:28:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:59
Iain
It's a history of liking watching them, liking what they do.
00:29:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:02
Iain
They just haven't done it this year. I could add, in amongst them, I think you're absolutely right about Jack Grealish.
00:29:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Exactly.
00:29:08
Iain
I think we'd all have him. He's such a good player, but it's all been coached out of him.
00:29:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:12
Iain
How many times does he get the ball, trap it, turn and face his own goalkeeper and knock it back to the full-back?
00:29:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly.
00:29:18
Iain
Or back to Ruben Diaz.
00:29:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't do that. Just go.
00:29:21
Iain
Take somebody on, for goodness sake.
00:29:21
Michael
but did you hear um
00:29:23
Michael
he Sorry to jump in.
00:29:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:24
Michael
Did you hear um Jeremy Docky's interview the the other day about exactly that? He was saying, like in his nature, what he wants to do is just get to the byline and knock the ball in. But what's being taught him this year is that sometimes for the better of the team, you do have to pull it back and knock it back to the defender because it gives the team a bit of a breather and stuff like that.
00:29:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm.
00:29:44
Michael
and so I was just thinking stuff like that and was like, that is 100% what has ruined Grealish's experience career because i remember game in particular against Real Madrid where he didn't track back because he tried to get forward.
00:29:52
Iain
Totally.
00:29:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:29:58
Michael
They lost the ball and he was just about a second behind. think it would have been Carvajal, I might be wrong, um ah who crosses the ball in and it's when Rodrigo scored, I think a hat-trick or a brace against City and knocked him out.
00:30:11
Michael
And ever since then, his style has completely changed. He hu doesn't even do it for England anymore.
00:30:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:30:16
Michael
It's horrible to see.
00:30:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I actually I think you made a point there we're going to come to it next week because I think next week going to be an hour long anyway because all of us are on so it'll take ages but I want you to have a think as well is it nostalgia but I think football was so much better when we had the Mavericks like Ronaldinho and players like that but it's a good discussion to have is football better now or has Pep ruined it but we'll come to that next week but we'll remember that m so go on Ian
00:30:25
Michael
Yeah.
00:30:41
Iain
I was going to add my Jack Grealish figure, who doesn't have the excuse of having Pep coaching all of his attacking intent out of him. In fact, he's probably at a team where the opposite is encouraged, but he can't even make the first team in that team. and That is James Madison.
00:30:58
Michael
Yeah. Yeah.
00:30:59
Iain
I've been really disappointed with him.
00:30:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ah, he has been disappointed, hasn't he?
00:31:00
Iain
He can't even get can't get into the Tottenham team.
00:31:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's a great shout, Ian.
00:31:04
Iain
I mean, we were desperate for to sign. We looked we were going to sign him a year or two ago, and he would have been a great signing.
00:31:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:31:10
Iain
But... And how many times have we seen him, whether it was for Leicester or for Tottenham, run things at St James' Park? I've seen that two or three times at least.
00:31:18
Michael
yeah
00:31:20
Iain
He's been the man of the match.
00:31:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good player. Yep.
00:31:22
Iain
ah But he hasn't been the last couple of times Tottenham have turned up. He hasn't had a kick.
00:31:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he made a great point about style as well. He's in a team where Ange just lets his players do what they want. Like, go forward, you've got all the freedom and fluidity you could ever want, but he maybe he needs that structure. Maybe he would thrive more under a pep. and and I don't know. It's so it's such a good to debate when you look at players under certain managers. And I've said on this podcast for a long time about managers at clubs, it's about the environment, not the actual manager.
00:31:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
and it's It's kind of working. and I think it's the same for players as well. Michael, let's add some more. Have youve got any have you got another winger or...?
00:31:55
Michael
ah Yeah, I've got a few and that haven't been mentioned. um I'm going to go with a player that I thought would light up the Premier League. I actually, in one of the first podcasts we ever did, um I said I'd love him to sign for Newcastle and he was my number one signing for the season.
00:32:11
Iain
Thank you.
00:32:11
Michael
And that is Crescencio Somerville at West Ham.
00:32:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
What's that?
00:32:16
Michael
You look at that team as an attacking team and you think they're crying out for just another Mohamed Koudis, really, on the other wing with Bowen up front. Sae Sensio Somerville should have been that player 100%, and he's just ah he was a diamond.
00:32:31
Michael
Now he's just... He ain't sparkling for anyone, really, at the minute.
00:32:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:32:35
Michael
He hasn't the chances, really, but he needs a solid run games to get things going, which he hasn't had. And then the other player i actually had down was Alejandro Garnaccio. Yeah.
00:32:47
Michael
Yeah.
00:32:47
Iain
It's part of the one.
00:32:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
wow
00:32:49
Michael
yeah I thought he would be incredible this season. And many United fans don't even want him in the team. They want Ahmad Diallo in instead. If it came to the two of them, Garnaccio's getting benched every day. theyre talked They were talking in January about selling him just to you know earn a bit of money so they could buy another Anthony.
00:33:08
Michael
That sounds great, doesn't it? I mean, he's been class for better, so maybe it is, but...
00:33:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was going to say, it don't don't dare disrespect that lad after what he's done in the wave.
00:33:12
Michael
100%.
00:33:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it Man United? is like Players like Maynou, right?
00:33:17
Michael
hundred percent
00:33:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
We all agree Maynou is an unbelievable player, right? we're not when We're not seeing these are bad players.
00:33:22
Michael
Yeah.
00:33:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've disappointed us. Go on, Achou. We could probably all agree, ability-wise, He has everything you need to be a top-class Premier League player.
00:33:28
Michael
He's got it.
00:33:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mason Mount's another one I love, by the way. I never used to like him.
00:33:35
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:33:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've appreciated him more since I've kind of got a little bit older. and and and I mean, I haven't seen him play recently because he's always injured. But I think a Mason Mount under Eddie Howe or a Manu under Eddie Howe or a Garnaccio under Eddie Howe would be unbelievable. Is it Man United? Is Amarim a room of fraud?
00:33:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Something we can discuss next week on the hour-long episode. But it might just be the players.
00:33:57
Iain
There's something at Manchester United, itin it's epitomised in Rashford.
00:34:03
Michael
yeah
00:34:04
Iain
how How low he dropped.
00:34:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great shout. Went to Villa and done well.
00:34:06
Iain
How low he dropped. Went to Villa, was coached by somebody else for a fortnight and then got back to the Rashford, who was always one of
Speculation on Players' Potential
00:34:16
Iain
the first players on the England team.
00:34:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Got back the England team.
00:34:17
Michael
yeah
00:34:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, just sure.
00:34:18
Michael
Although I will say, I didn't think that was deserved. I think you've got to be better for a longer period to get back in, but I do want Rashford to do well, despite him being a Man Utd player.
00:34:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'd agree. I'd agree. I'd agree.
00:34:27
Michael
So yeah, 100% agree. Hopefully leaves and is a bit better, but there's something
00:34:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rashford at Newcastle next year, Michael?
00:34:34
Michael
um I'm going to swear, but F off.
00:34:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, no Rashford at Newcastle.
00:34:38
Michael
No way. No way.
00:34:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow. Okay, okay.
00:34:40
Michael
ah yes I don't think his attitude, to put it this way, Eddie Howe has had a go at Anthony Gordon for not tracking back in the 93rd minute.
00:34:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good point.
00:34:50
Michael
In the fifth minute, Marcus Rashford just turned around going, not my problem.
00:34:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not going with him.
00:34:55
Michael
ah That's not happening. Yeah.
00:34:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, Ian, give us one more. mean, I believe we've got kind of one more player each.
00:35:04
Iain
I get one more. i had Madison and Garnaccio. Garnaccio was my other one. They're the two wide players I was going
00:35:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:35:08
Michael
Ah, there we go.
00:35:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Perfect. Right, so let's start us off with your striker, Van Aien. Who's your striker who has disappointed you the most this season?
00:35:15
Iain
but
00:35:19
Iain
a
00:35:22
Iain
but It's too obvious to pick Hoyland, isn't it?
00:35:25
Michael
Yeah.
00:35:25
Iain
I mean, he.
00:35:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I feel sorry for Hoyland because he's so young.
00:35:27
Iain
I know.
00:35:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
he's and He's in a crap team.
00:35:29
Iain
and he's just lost
00:35:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's got a manager who's potentially a fraud. He's trying to play a new system.
00:35:33
Iain
lost all of his confidence.
00:35:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's got no help.
00:35:35
Iain
Yet another example of Manchester United paying way over the top.
00:35:35
Michael
Be better.
00:35:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I agree he could be better, but he's still so young. I'll protect Highland at the minute. He's still young. If he was three years older and been in the Premier League for a couple of years, I might agree, but I'll protect him.
00:35:43
Iain
but
00:35:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll try to. Nobody cares. He has no idea who I am, but he might end up in Newcastle one day and I'll sound like a genius.
00:35:52
Iain
Well, I mean, the other If you're not having Highland, another...
00:35:53
Michael
Are we we're losing the Saudis and getting relegated? Like, what's going on here?
00:35:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's £65 million, I'll have you know.
00:36:02
Iain
How much was it? Was it £18 million that Darwin Nunes cost?
00:36:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, wow. Yeah.
00:36:07
Iain
I like...
00:36:07
Michael
Yeah, somewhere like that.
00:36:08
Iain
i like i like Darwin Nunes.
00:36:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's got a lot of potential.
00:36:12
Iain
And and and and as I've seen him score some great goals against Newcastle.
00:36:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
He has.
00:36:17
Iain
But he didn't have missed some sitters.
00:36:17
Michael
Yeah.
00:36:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
two in one game.
00:36:19
Iain
I mean, I was desperate for him to score an equaliser when there were when he he came on and playing Chelsea, weren't there? Fantastic ball into the box, 86th minute.
00:36:27
Michael
Yeah.
00:36:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:36:30
Iain
Nunes is on the six-yard box. Heads it out at the corner flag rather than buried into the bottom of the net.
00:36:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:36:40
Iain
So that he really disappointed me just for not getting an equaliser for Liverpool on Sunday.
00:36:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
and He's got all the tools as well, isn't he? He works hard, he runs his socks off, he's physical, he's big, he's strong, he's got a finish on him when it's the right time.
00:36:47
Michael
yeah
00:36:49
Iain
I don't know what it is.
00:36:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah thought Yeah, you're right, don't know.
00:36:52
Iain
When it works for him.
00:36:52
Michael
It's thinking about it. he can't if If he's in any situation where he has to think about it, he just seems to overthink and get it wrong.
00:36:54
Iain
That
00:36:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:36:59
Michael
He could can't get his feet together. Well, if it comes to something that's just a reaction, an instant reaction, he's fantastic. It's the two goals against us, instant reactions.
00:37:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:37:07
Iain
brilliant, that.
00:37:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, brilliant goals.
00:37:08
Michael
Look at most of his goals. It just comes to him, he hits it. And then if he's got time to hit it the back post where it's like, oh, there's the ball.
00:37:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:37:16
Michael
I can just tap this in. He gains, whoops, wrong way.
00:37:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I think Ian's got a great point. Actually, he is disappointing, but it's because I think most people who watch him know that he could be
00:37:25
Michael
He has all the tools.
00:37:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
so dominant as a striker but it's just something isn't I don't know what it is maybe it's time maybe it's maturity maybe it's the right manager that'll be harsh on Slott and Klopp I guess because two very good managers clearly
00:37:39
Iain
He looked like, when he joined, he looked like he could have been a ah you know a you ah new Torres.
00:37:39
Michael
Yeah.
00:37:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:37:44
Iain
I don't mean the Torres at Chelsea, I mean the Torres at Liverpool.
00:37:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fernando Torres at Liverpool want all yeah yeah not quite
00:37:47
Iain
That's what he looked like.
00:37:48
Michael
Yeah.
00:37:48
Iain
A great, big, fast, strong goal scorer. But he's not.
00:37:55
Michael
He's more Romelu Lukaku.
00:37:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
And not Lukaku with Everton because he was a amazing.
00:38:01
Michael
True. True.
00:38:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Michael, who's your striker?
00:38:04
Michael
um I've gone for someone ah a little bit different. You could class him technically as a number 10, but I think everyone started them expected him to start up front at the start of the season. And that is Cristofán Cuncu.
00:38:15
Michael
um Signed last January, technically. um And you might be thinking, hang on, he's got 10 goals and two assists this season. What you want about?
00:38:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll put Barmer in, so stats don't matter.
00:38:23
Michael
Yeah.
00:38:26
Michael
11 of those came against Servet, Noah, Southampton, Barrow. He spent more time on the balloons there. No, not those kind of balloons. ah Then he has on the pitch.
00:38:37
Michael
So unfortunately, he's my disappointment up front. And that's not because I said he'd have a cracking season and put him in my fantasy team. ah i'm not guilty I'm not guilty of being biased at all with that. Yeah, he's just been very disappointing.
00:38:52
Michael
Top player, deserves better.
00:38:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I'll tell you who I... It's a great shout, I agree. in a player I put in who's similar that, but I haven't went with, so i'm going to give him an honourable mention. He started playing for the middle, Son at Tottenham. I haven't got a clue what's happening there because he was one of the best inside forwards, wingers of the Premier League the last five, six years, undeniable.
00:39:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
and But just ah ah what's happening, like again, and manager who is going to let you attack, let you be free... And it hasn't quite worked for some reason. It just isn't working out.
00:39:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it Tottenham? Is it the Spurs effect? Maybe misses Harry Kane.
00:39:29
Iain
It's not that though, is it?
00:39:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Harry Kane made him look really good.
00:39:30
Michael
Harry Kane was good that good.
00:39:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, maybe.
00:39:32
Iain
It's not that though, is it?
00:39:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe Kane just made him look that good.
00:39:33
Iain
Because Son was good last year and Kane had already gone. son Son carried Tottenham last year
00:39:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, maybe.
00:39:39
Michael
You can still have one good season as the main man.
00:39:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe.
00:39:42
Michael
He's not the main man anymore.
00:39:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Michael Kane is now Michael's new nickname.
00:39:46
Iain
ah
00:39:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
The striker, I actually went in with
00:39:49
Iain
year. could add Solanke alongside that as well, though, can't you? In the striking department.
00:39:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:39:53
Michael
Yeah, he's been poor.
00:39:54
Iain
Solanke's not done very much.
00:39:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Especially compared last season. and My expectation was big as well of a big transfer. um Another honourable mention, as well as Solanke and Son since we're on it, was Jadon Sancho didn't make any of our teams. Started off quite well at Chelsea when he got the move, but then just went back to my United Sancho.
00:40:05
Michael
uh
00:40:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, my striker, and even when we left halfway through, can't stand the bloke thanks to the first game of season. I don't want Sheffield United to get promoted because of him. Ben Brereton-Diaz, you absolute fraud, you embarrassment of a striker slash football player.
00:40:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I still hold it. I still hold it strongly against you, what you tried to do at the start of the season. So happy Southampton are going down with a joint worst point in your part of that history. And I'm also very, very happy that Sheffield United didn't go up automatically because you play for them now.
00:40:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
You absolute slimebag. So, Brereton Diaz is my striker. If anyone hadn't noticed, there was already a rant about him previously. it one The first ever episode him now is one now. So, well done, Brereton Diaz, BBD, whatever you're rubbish.
00:40:49
Michael
In your head.
00:40:50
Iain
i would I would have picked him, Kev, but I couldn't remember his name.
00:40:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
See you later, son.
00:40:52
Michael
Uh-oh.
00:40:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Exactly. had to research him. I forgot who he is. Some BDB, he's not Big Dan Burn, was a BBD. Ne idea. Don't know who he is. Absolute numpty.
00:41:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, We're in 41 minutes. i think we should recap and then leave it there and see what people say. and My team was, if I can remember it, I've actually forgot my goalkeeper. I've got Ramsdale, but no. Onana in goal.
00:41:21
Iain
Yes.
00:41:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Robertson, Diaz, Akanji, and who was my right back?
00:41:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Did I say a right back? Don't know. I'm using Michael's right back. And then I'm going, Menuh, Parma...
00:41:35
Michael
Which was who?
00:41:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
No idea.
00:41:36
Michael
but
00:41:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maneu, Palmer and Foden. um And then I've got Sterling, Grealish and Ben Brevet and Diaz. They're my most disappointing players of the 24-25 Premier League season. Michael, let's go through yours.
00:41:47
Michael
well Yeah, it started off with Bart Verbruggen at Brighton, Malo Gusto at Chelsea at right-back, Lenny Yoro and Manuel Akanji at centre-backs, and then Leif Davis at left-back.
00:41:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's my right back. Yep.
00:42:00
Michael
my Midfield three, one of them I didn't mention, um but it was Phil Foden, Kobe Maynew and Lucas Paquetar.
00:42:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:42:09
Michael
100 million to, well, probably never going to play again. ah Then on the wings, had Crescensio Somerville and Alejandro Garnaccio. And then up front, it was Christopher Nkunku.
00:42:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good shouts all round. Ian.
00:42:23
Iain
Do think I should have written any of this down? I probably should now you're asking me that question.
00:42:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, probably. If you want Ian's recap, go back and listen from the start.
00:42:27
Iain
Okay. i had I had an honouring goal. Right.
00:42:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:42:34
Iain
I did have Trippier as my left back because he's normally a right back.
00:42:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair play.
00:42:40
Iain
Right.
00:42:40
Michael
Yep.
00:42:40
Iain
That was that was that one. and Botman and Diaz, centre half and... Kyle Walker, I'm going to put in as my right back because he played enough of the season to qualify.
00:42:52
Iain
If Ben Brereton Diaz does, Kyle Walker certainly dropped off a cliff.
00:42:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
fair
00:42:57
Iain
Three midfielders, James Madison, ah Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Garnaccio on the left, Diaz down the middle.
00:43:09
Iain
Sorry, not Diaz. Who do I
Conclusion & Next Episode Teaser
00:43:10
Iain
mean? Do I mean Diaz? Liverpool player?
00:43:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Grealish.
00:43:13
Iain
got his name now. Liverpool player, centre forward, Nunes. Nunes. And down the right, of course, down the right.
00:43:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:43:26
Iain
I think I had Madison down the right and i had Grealish down in in midfield. That's where i've gone wrong.
00:43:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
yep
00:43:31
Iain
So Grealish, Foden, Palmer, Madison, Nunez, Garnaccio.
00:43:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brilliant. Pieced together, mine and Ian's team. Luckily, Michael was semi-organised and wrote his down. We didn't. You'd never guess, would you, listening back to that?
00:43:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, we've got to end it there. I mean, this one's been 45 minutes with the most disappointing 11. and Next week, like I've said before, we've got our Premier League team of a season. It's a full team pod.
00:44:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's probably going to be an hour and a half special because I've also said that we'll discuss is it nostalgia or is the Premier League era better back in the day. You have to wait a week for that one, but the suspense is going to be massive by the time I get released.
00:44:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you very much for listening. It's been an absolute pleasure and we hope that you're tuning for us again very soon.