Last week Premier League
clubs revealed the players who they would be releasing, this prompted @False_Number9
to create a Released XI, here is my team to face his. I have not used any of
the same players, not even from the bench, and therefore this presented
something of a challenge. None the less a team has been put together.
Mucha (Everton) - Whilst
Mucha only played 2 games in the season gone, one of them was a sensational clean
sheet and man of the match performance against Manchester City which allowed
Everton to win the game 2-1. His second performance being a good game in
Everton's 3-1 defeat of Reading. At 30 years old Mucha still has plenty of
years ahead of him and a steady run in a team could allow him to shine.
Stam (Wigan) - Despite
being a casualty in Wigan's disappointing season Stam offers solid defensive
contribution and reliable tackling. His greatest quality, however, is his
ability going forward from right back. Stam is an ablle dribbler and adept at
crossing. At 28 years old Stam could provide a newly promoted team with cover
or fit in well in the Championship.
Ben Haim (QPR) - At 31 his
best years are no doubt behind him, but Ben Haim has 72 caps for Israel and has
played for clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester City. As a player with a wealth
of experience and the ability to play anywhere across the line, a gamble on Ben
Haim seems worthwhile, as if he were able to recapture his form for Bolton
(04-07) he would certainly be an asset to any team.
Pearce (Reading) - Only 24
and already a full Republic of Ireland international it is surprising that
Reading has let Pearce go. Said to possess "a superb work ethic and
mentality" the centre back, who played 19 times in the 12/13
Premier League, offers terrific value for any team looking for an old fashioned
centre back.
Tierney (Norwich) - Tierney was only able to play once last
season, but as a 27 year old Tierney still has years in him. He is a player not
dissimilar to Pearce in his willingness to put his body on the line for the
good of the team. He is also a strong crosser of the ball.
Whitehead (Stoke) - Versatile, experienced and strong
Whitehead is more of a destroyer than a creator. 26 Stoke appearances suggest
he is still up to pace with the Premier League, and a pass success rate of
83.8% suggests he isn't completely bereft of qualities with the ball. At 31
Whitehead could steady an inexperienced midfield or offer cover to a higher calibre
of player.
O'Neil (West Ham) - A different sort of player to Whitehead, ex-England
U21 player O'Neil has good technique and this is reflected in his set piece
taking ability, key pass rate and long shot accuracy. In this hypothetical team
O'Neil and Whitehead would act in a similar way to Alonso and Khedira do for
Real Madrid. O'Neil has never relied heavily on pace, and therefore it seems
likely that, at 30, he has 4-5 years left playing at a high level.
Bentley (Tottenham) - One of the stars of this team. Bentley
has amassed 7 full England caps and has played for Arsenal, Blackburn during their
reliable 06-08 years and Tottenham. Bentley has exemplary technique and scored
one of the best goals in North London derby history for Tottenham. Bentley is
28 years old and has the ability to play comfortably in the English Premier
League.
Gera (West Brom) - 34 years old and subsequently lacking in
pace, regardless Gera is a highly creative and intelligent player who is able
to play in almost any attacking position. Gera scored 4 goals in 16 West Brom appearances
last season and no doubt has another season or two in him.
Thomas (West Brom) - Whilst 30 years old Jerome Thomas is still
a left winger with pace capable of causing defenders problems. Thomas, a junior
England international, may well be a class below Malouda but offers a superior
attitude to the Frenchman's and would be an asset to most Premier League
squads.
Campbell (QPR) - 31 years old and injury prone, DJ Campbell
seems like an odd choice. Despite this in the 10/11 season Campbell showed
finishing prowess and scored 13 goals for Blackpool, with three players behind him
who will create chances DJ Campbell, when fit, could relive his season at
Blackpool and score amply.
By Alex Pointon
Follow us on twitter - @ChapsTalkFBall
Sources:
Whoscored.com
Wikipedia
