Balotelli has always been terribly overrated in my eyes. Strong, yes. Talented, yes. But really not all that. At all. It's a team sport.
Ron's going to let Jack and Kelvin come into training every day this week wearing non-uniform, whilst giving them free access to the sports games cupboard and putting on episodes of Friends for them. And they'll be allowed to leave an hour early each day.
That would be wonderful. Possibly only topped by Portugal playing Italy with both players lining up up for their countries. I guess it's time to put my head above the parapet too. Honestly, I've wondered what he has had special about him other than attitude and self confidence. It's amazing how far those two attributes can take a player [or person - are you reading this PL..? ] over a genuinely higher skill level and lack of self belief and confidence. Balotelli is an immense attention seeker, borne of a need to show himself off as a magnificent specimen of footballer. And that, along with a fairly decent level of technical skill and strength, but nothing extraordinary, actually gets him by, in my opinion. I've got a feeling that he may get properly found out at Liverpool, just as he was actually beginning to be found out at ManC.
I don't think Chambers coming back into the party compromises Clyne, as England just want him as a CB. England are petrified of having no CBs of quality, and Chambers does show signs of getting there, although a jump from the U19s to the senior squad seems a quite a leap of faith. He was always an option at CB for saints, but Fonte was just so good and uninjured. After Bertrand's performances for Saints, I feel that he should also be back in the England squad. I may be being slightly biased here but he seems a much more rounded and complete player than Shaw was/is so far. I'm all for Shaw in the future, and he could be immense, if ManU don't screw him up, but he's not the full package yet, by any means.
Clyne v Chambers is interesting (to me), it's about as close as we can get to testing whether moving to a Champions League club is good for your career or not. Clyne has been good for us and is going to play every game he is fit. Chambers hasn't been much good and is far closer to the Arsenal first team than he should be, should really have been sent off yesterday (although getting banned for 5 yellows already is still impressive).
Off piste, but Shaw has said he is honoured to play for England at any level and would love to play at the European U21 Championship. I am a believer in playing the best u21 players at major competitions. Shame Chambers has gone back to the seniors, but needs must. Winning is a habit...a title at u21 level could only have a positive effect on our international side. We have failed for too long at the lower age groups, but at least there is sign of life there at u19 and U20 level.
Italy boss Antonio Conte on Graziano Pellè: "Graziano represents what I have always said. Meritocracy leads to a place in the national team for a player that in two years has scored 50 goals." "Today he is becoming a star in the Premier League after an adventure in Holland." "We observe them and give them a chance. Those who are at Coverciano (Italy’s training ground) must have the footballing quality and more to stay." "I am curious to see him from close range, in order to understand if he can help us. He deserved this call-up from all points of view."
Graziano mentioned about Fiorentina being in contact with Feyenoord last January, but Feyenoord wanted too much money. He said Florence would have been a beautiful city to play in. Well, after being slightly aghast, I had to agree. For a city, Florence is absolutely gorgeous.
