Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Why the Dortmund man is NOT the answer to Arsenal's prayers.

I started quite the debate on Wednesday night when I said on Twitter (@HSJPalf) that I did NOT believe Aubameyang was the correct target for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, in their attempts to save their season and replace Alexis Sanchez. This brought quite a reaction from Arsenal fans, defending the striker as if he was already a Gunner. However the man from Gabon is still very much a Dortmund player, despite the German club stating they would sell their number 17 if the money was right. Having been left out of the Dortmund side yesterday in the Bundesliga, Arsenal fans have declared that the deal is done. This is very much not the case, which if you ask me, is a blessing in disguise for Arsenal. Before another set of Arsenal fans attempt to crucify me, let me explain myself.

Disclaimer: I am in no way saying Aubameyang would be a bad signing for Arsenal. He will score goals. There is a reason he has attracted the attention in the first place. He is a top drawer striker. 

Now... to the real reason you clicked on this.

The statement I made that really angered the Arsenal contingency on Twitter was as follows. 

"I've been saying it for years. Aubameyang is a Balotelli. Bags and bags of talent, but such a p*** poor attitude meaning that he's more of a hindrance then a help. Why have Bayern Munich stayed way away from signing Dortmund's best player for the first time in a decade? Attitude." 

Minor exaggeration? Perhaps. But I stand by everything I said. The Gabonese front man has created more headline for his off the pitch antics in the last year then he has for his performances in a Dortmund shirt. His flamboyant lifestyle has drawn attention of social media football fans all around the world, in particular his chrome Porsche super car. Turning up late to training has became a trait of Aubameyang, and club rules put in place by manager Peter Stoger have been quick to be broken. 

The details of Aubamyang's actions have been hard to come by, but the indication is that there is more then meets the eye. The striker's attitude has always been an issue, and despite a desire to back their man at all times in the past, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and Sporting Director Michael Zorc have both publicly criticised P.E.A in recent weeks. 

Reports also coming from the Dortmund camp indicating that the players have tired with the extremely long least Aubameyang is being restrained with by the Dortmund hierarchy. Reportedly expressing their concerns with the board in a recent meeting. 

Comments made on Aubameyang's attitude aren't solely coming from Dortmund or irrelevant journalists on the internet. But also from outside sources, namely Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes. The legendary manager was quoted referring to the want away striker as a 'rotten apple' and that in the footballing world, a players attitude does not suddenly change when moving to another club. These comments, supported by Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac, were meant as a warning to Arsenal.

An argument can be made that this attitude is a result of Pierre's desire to leave Dortmund. And to that I say. Coutinho wanted away from Liverpool, as did Luis Suarez. Alexis wanted out of Arsenal. All world superstars on the level of Aubameyang. All openly and publicly wanted out. But the key difference is not none of them went to every extreme to force a move through breaking club rules. The attitude shown by the Gabonese striker is not one you find with all want away footballers, just the ones with a lack of respect for their employers. This lack of respect that surely will not be tolerated at Arsenal. A club, ran by the men at the very top. Arsene Wenger is said to have a huge amount of power at the North London club due to his long tenure in charge. Any manager to follow you imagine will not have this same power. So suddenly, no amounts of goals could protect Aubameyang from the board who run Arsenal like a business more then any club in the land. They will likely not see the goals tally, but more likely they will see a negative public imagine on their club, due to the business of their striker. And in the business world, what happens to an employee bringing the business into disrepute? They get fired.

It appears clear that Dortmund have given up with Aubameyang, and wish to move on. No figure has been stated, just a statement that should Arsenal meet their requirements, they get their man.

Now a big part of Aubameyang's recent almost exile from BVB has been the players distaste to his actions. I'll keep this one short. P.E.A's attitude and lifestyle will not change should he get his move to Arsenal. So imagine this. It's late April, early May 2018. Arsenal have no silverware to their name (providing Manchester City beat them in the League Cup final, and how could you back against Pep's side!) Out of the title race, and are struggling to or perhaps even certain to fail in their race for a top four place. Imagine the reaction on the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Petr Cech, and other senior members of the squad when Aubameyang rolls up to training. Once again, is his chrome Porsche, late, laughing and joking, filming something for Twitter, or Instagram. All while he earns over £200,000 a week. And while his team mates are working hard to try and save a decidedly poor season. That would get anyone's backs up, and just like that, the distaste for Pierre has made its way to North London. 

The signing of a big player will raise the moral temporarily in any side, it is then up to said player to keep that moral boosting. Not infuriate his team mates, something I am certain it will take the now former Dortmund striker mere moments to accomplish.

Coming back to that point about moral. Yes, a big name signing would always raise the moral of a side. But, in this case. Does that signing absolutely, 100%, have to be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

Let's look at this logically. Arsenal are a club riddled with issues. Top players wanted out, fans wanting their manager out, the board seemingly not caring about on the picture results. Not to mention the contract debacle that saw Alexis leave for a snip of what he is worth, and could lead to the departure of Ozil and Wilshere this summer. So if you have £50 million to play with, why spend that money on a man who will simply add more fuel to the fire?

And to this I say. Edison Cavani.

Now I'm not saying I am a member of Arsenal's recruitment team (It seems to me that they actually seem to pay far less attention to actual football then they should!) But if I was, I would say this to them.

"So we have a lot of money and want a big name signing. How about, just a thought. Instead of a player who is a known trouble maker, we sign a professional."

To this I am met with a round of boo's (In my mind the Arsenal recruitment team are Arsenal fan TV) and they all tell me that Aubameyang's attitude is nothing when you look at his goals. So my response is.

"Yes but how about we sign someone who is a true professional as well as a brilliant goal scorer."

Who? Who? Who? (The recruitment team are now the New Day.)

"Why not Edison Cavani? Doing virtually no research will tell you that last season, in Aubameyang's best ever season for goals, Cavani out-scored him. He also averaged more goals per game then Pierre, had a better pass success rate which would play a big part when you consider Arsenal's style of play and he registered double the amount of assists. And that is just in the league. He out-scored Aubameyang in the Champions League too. And despite being deployed out wide for much of his time at PSG, a tactical decision Edison clearly was not fond on. He still played to an incredibly high standard and showed a first class attitude for the good of the team."

But Cavani is older then Aubameyang (As someone pointed out on Twitter the other night as if I had no idea.)

"Irrelevant. Cavani is a goal scorer, who is not incredibly quick, not a muscle bound Goliath, and despite being by no means short, he is only 6ft, so no giant either. And yet look at his goal record. He is a goal scorer with a goal scorer's brain. You never forget how to get into the right positions and you never forget how to put the ball in the back of the net. You never lose it despite your age. But do you know what you do lose? Physical traits. You know, like speed. Aubameyang's number one goal scoring tool. At 28, Pierre will probably have two, maybe three years before those legs can't carry him at an incredible speed anymore. At 30 years old Cavani is in the best form of his life as his knowledge of the game grows, and I don't think it's overly dramatic to say I can see him being a better player in three years time then he is now.

And now the recruitment team say to me that Aubameyang wants away from Dortmund, making the deal just a case of paying the correct fee, not convincing the player to leave a club he loves. (Again, this makes me question how much football this group of people watch.)

"Again, an irrelevant point. Because one, you could convince virtually any striker to move if you offer them a big enough pay packet (sad but true) And two, this in no way makes the Cavani deal a non starter because of one name. Neymar. The Uruguayan striker is clearly frustrated and sick of PSG's record signing. Sick of being pushed to second and potentially even third in command after Mbappe, and sick of his achievements being over looked. (He is now PSG's all time leading scorer.) Cavani would not take much convincing to come to North London.

I feel like this has gotten away from me a little bit, but to put it simply. The point I am making is that Arsenal should sign a big name to bring about a rise in moral within the club. But that signing should be a player who ticks all of the boxes. A player who wants to be there, be part of the side, only ever help the club grow as well as providing the goods between the white lines. Not a flamboyant trouble maker who's goals aren't enough for his current club to put up a fight to hold onto him.

The only reason I can think of for choosing Aubameyang above all else is his relationship with Henrikh Mkhitaryan. At Dortmund the two were sublime together, and with Mkhitaryan moving to Arsenal in a swap for Alexis, a chance to rebuild their connection could be what Arsenal are after. Which is a very fair point, but to this I'd say that quality always recognises quality. The great players player their best football with the other great players. Yes a ready made connection is a way to fast track to success, but that's not to say that Mkhitaryan couldn't play to the same standard with any other team mate.

Now watch this, in true style, P.E.A will complete his move to Arsenal, become a perfect professional and fire in goal after goal. In the unlikely event of this happening I am ready to stand corrected.

I feel as if Arsenal, a club in such turmoil need stability, and this move is just not a way to get it. 

The collapse of Los Blancos - What has happened to Zidane's European Champions?

If in June last year you'd have told anyone that Real Madrid would be sat in fourth place in La Liga. 19 points off of the top; And running a serious risk of not qualifying for the Champions League at this point in the season, you'd have been laughed at. But that is the reality in which we currently live. The back to back European champions are having a disaster of a season, and Zinedine Zidane is facing the biggest test of his young managerial career.

From the 10 trophies available to Madrid during the previous 22 months, they've won 8 of them. An incredible feat, which underlines their dramatic fall from grace. Played off the park, in their own back yard, by Barcelona before Christmas shows just how far off the pace the Spanish champions are.

What is the reason that Madrid are falling so far behind the pack?

Real Madrid, over the past few years, have simply blown teams away. With their incredible arsenal of attacking power, the goals just haven't stopped. Until now. Starting from the back, Los Blancos have a history of attacking and goal scoring full backs, and this current generation is no different. Marcelo and Dani Carvajal were directly involved in 16 league goals last season. This time around however, they've been involved in two at the mid point of the campaign. This is a huge part of Zidane's fire power that simply isn't firing, and this isn't a problem focused solely on the full backs.

During the 2016/2017 season four Madrid players his double figures in the league, Cristiano Ronaldo unsurprisingly top scoring with 25 league goals. However, remarkably, not a single player has scored more then four goals in the league after 18 games. More incredibly however, should this trend continue, Madrid will end their season without a single player hitting double figures in the league. During their title winning season last time around they averaged 2.8 goals per game, this season however that stat has fallen to 1.9 goals per game.

Garath Bale's injury problems have been a huge loss for Zidane, as the Welshman does seem to be firing more often then not. In his last 13 games in all competitions, Bale has been involved in 11 goals. But due to injuries the winger has not been able to maintain a place in the team.

Even the seemingly invincible Cristiano Ronaldo is feeling the strain. Well, domestically he is. In the Champions League the Portuguese star set a new competition record, with nine goals scored in six group stage games. But that tally is more then double what he's managed on Spanish shores this season so far. With the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in midfield, the chances have been there, but the usually reliable forward has been off the mark. According to Opta Stats, Ronaldo has had 17 clear cut goal scoring opportunities this campaign, and he has only managed to convert four of them. A conversion rate of 2.5% is perhaps the most damming stat for the current Ballon D'or winner.

The players can feel that something simply isn't right within the club. Madrid veteran and fan favourite Marcelo spoke out this week, saying how things simply 'having been happening' for Real Madrid. Following another poor result at the weekend, a 1-0 loss to Villarreal, the Brazilian full back said it felt as if they were sinking.

"It's one of the worst situations I've experienced here." Marcelo said, the full back signed for Real Madrid over 10 years ago, and has played over 300 times for the club.

"It's how it looks from the outside - we're sad, we're angry and we feel like we're sinking."

The man at the helm Zidane has also been coming under fire, and was at a loss for words following the defeat at the weekend.

"We don't deserve this, we think we played the ball well but the balls just didn't want to go in for us. I can't explain why." The Frenchman said, after originally describing the situation as 'fu**** up'.

Could Zidane be to blame for Real's slump? The legendary midfielder has been handed a legendary managerial career on a silver platter. Gifted one of the best squads of a generation and one of the best players on all time in Cristiano to lead the line. Madrid's former number five has seemingly allowed his talented group of players to play with freedom so far, and while the stars have fired leading up to now, his inexperience as a manager is now being shown for the world to see.

A lack of, or a failure to implement, a plan B for his side has seen Zidane's men look washed out of ideas on the pitch of late. And it is becoming increasingly likely that should PSG topple Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 (which is looking more likely as the days go by) Zinadine will have over seen his final games in charge of his Madrid side.

The pressure is one. For the players and for the manager. The Spanish giants have registered their worst start to a season in over a decade, and the results simply just aren't coming in. Reports over the last couple of days are suggesting that for the first time since his initial world record signing, Madrid are open to the idea of selling Cristiano Ronaldo. If that doesn't show the size of the problem within the Spanish capital I don't know what does.

How on earth do you spend £147 million?

So... Barcelona finally got their man. £147 million is what it took for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp to finally let go of their number 10. The 'little magician' Philipe Coutinho. Now the Merseyside club find themselves with a huge transfer kitty but without their best player.


However, the month is still young. With 24 days left until the transfer window slams shut, Liverpool have to act fast. But simply, how do you spend £147 million in just over three weeks?


Step one - Thomas Lemar.


Despite a deceivingly average first half of the season, the French midfielder has bags of ability. And he contains plenty of the same traits as the man he would be replacing. Excellent on the ball, with a technical prowess unmatched by his team mates at Monaco, it's easy to see why Klopp has been so keen to get him in. A brilliant eye for a pass, as well as a keen ability to shot from range, Lemar is Coutinho if the Brazilian was French. One more plus point is the Frenchman's ability from dead ball situations, a trait of Coutinho's that will perhaps be missed the most. So the addition of Monaco's number 27 could go a long way to filling the hole at Anfield.

Reports are coming out now saying that the club WON'T try to sign Lemar in January. This appears to be down to Monaco's insistence that they will not sell. However, that doesn't rule out a pre contract agreement. £70 million and a sell on clause could persuade Monaco to let him sign for Liverpool on July 1st.


 Persistence is key in this market to get the man you want. Much like Barcelona's constant attempts to sign Coutinho, Liverpool should employ similar tactics to bring in Lemar.


 £147 million - £70 million = £77 million remaining.


 Step two - A NEW number one.


 Simon Miglonet and Loris Karius. Both keeper had shown signs of greatness before signing for LFC. And both keepers appear to have lost it almost instantly. It's time for change between the sticks and  anyone involved with the club can clearly see, if there is one position Liverpool can't compete with the other top 6 teams in. It's in goal.


 So where, and more accurately, who is the money invested in next?

 Roma's Alisson and Atleti's Oblack both are rumoured to be targets. Now if LFC stuck the whole £77 million left from the sale of Coutinho on Oblack, it MIGHT be enough for Atleti to sell. I haven't seen enough of Alisson to compare him to Oblack, but he looks far and away better then what Klopp currently has at his disposal. And much like Ederson to city, could be a wise investment. Around 30 million seems like a sensible price as that is the current record signing fee for a goal keeper (Ederson from Benfica to Man City in the sumer of 2017.)


 Also reports that Mignolet could be used as part of a swap? The addition of the Belgian keeper to the deal would see the asking price fall and get a big wage bill off of the books. Let's say then the club pay £25 million + Mignolet for Alisson.


 £77 million - £25 million (And Mignolet) = £52 million remaining.


 Step three - Van Dijk's centre back partner.


 With £52 million left after the signings of Lemar and Alisson, you could argue the remaining money could be invested in two or three players to help boost the squad. And to this point I say. Liverpool need another centre back. VVD looked completely comfortable and at ease during his debut against Everton in the FA Cup. But, frighteningly better then his partner, Joel Matip. Now the likes of Matip, Klavan or Lovren would make for suitable rotation players, but no more then that. If Klopp is to take his team to the places he sees, Van Dijk needs a partner up to his standards.

Now this is tricky, as over the last six months the only defender talked about joining Liverpool was VVD, with other names and rumours being turned aside almost instantly. Klopp set on getting his man and refusing a plan b. However one name sticks on the head. Koulibaly.


 Napoli (in the summer) were reportedly looking to offload the defender, for a fee of around £57 million. Now while they challenge for the title in Italy, I imagine they would not be looking to sell Mane's international team mate. And i'm sure, with January very much being a sellers market, Napoli would be in no rush to change their minds again. However though. Much like Mignolet being part of the deal to bring Alisson to the club, maybe Klopp could persuade Napoli with a name. Dejan Lovren. Dejan. With the signing of a new centre back, in the eyes of most at least, would fall to AT LEAST fifth choice centre back. Behind the likes of VVD, Matip, Klavan and of course the new addition, in this case, Koulibaly. And this is without taking into consideration the rapid improvement of youngster Joe Gomez, which, by the summer, could see Lovren as Klopp's sixth choice.


 An offer of £45 - £50 million for Koulibaly, with Lovren added for good measure, could be enough to tempt Napoli into selling.


 £52 million - £50 million (And Lovren) = £2 million remaining.


 That does actually leaves £2 million, which we'll just say FSG can keep. So for the £147 million the club will make for Coutinho, Klopp gets: his first choice replacement in Lamar; a potentially world class keeper in Alisson; and solid partner for VVD in Koulibaly.


As well as two big wages bills off of the books in Mignolet and Dejan and FSG still turn a profit. Then January ends, February begins and the club push on. Right now, Liverpool are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League next season, a competition they are still in this time around, facing FC Porto in the round of 16. Klopp's side are also still within a shot of winning the FA Cup, Liverpool being one of the favourites at this stage.


 And then, just like that, the season ends. The world cup happens over the summer, and then it all starts over again. But in this scenario, Klopp has HIS team, a side he has built, and a side he will mould to go on and do great things.


 (Or they'll just blow the whole £147 million on Southampton players like Liverpool did with the Suarez money!)

Update:

Hello everyone;

Thank you all for your patience on this blog over the last two months. I have dedicated the majority of my time to completing my NCTJ certificate in foundation journalism, my freelance writing and refining my writing style, meaning that I simply haven't had the time to continue this blog to the standards I set myself.

However with those previously mentioned walls out of the way I will now continue to post up to date, quality written pieces on the world of football, right here, on HSJP Football.

I thank you again for your patience and encourage you to watch this space!

Simone Zaza: The West Ham flop flourishing for Los Che.

After failing to impress during his loan spell with West Ham United last season, Simone Zaza is on fire. A blistering start to the season for new club Valencia, the Italian swept up La Liga’s Player of the Month award for September – beating Lionel Messi to the honour.

The former Juventus man was a laughing stock before even arriving in London, after his penalty miss during Euro 2016 went viral. During his time at the London Stadium, Zaza only managed eight appearances, scoring a total of nil-pwa goals – then to cap it off his loan spell was cancelled in January after a torrid time in England.

But everything now seems to have changed for the frontman; seven goals in his first eight games for Valencia, Zaza has led Los Murciélagos to second in the table – behind only Barcelona. From an individual standpoint, Zaza also sits second in the scoring charts – behind Lionel Messi and his tally of 11.

A physically excellent frontman, Zaza is blessed with plenty of the gifts needed to succeed in England: strength, speed and an eye for goal. Something was missing at West Ham that has clicked in Spain since his arrival.

Since his loan was cancelled at West Ham, Simone Zaza has stated his failures were down to an inability to adjust to life in England.

Quickly I didn’t feel great in many ways. Environment, culture, nutrition, training.

I do not blame anyone. 99% of it was my fault, I was not able to adapt.

– Simeone Zaza

Effortless, however, would be the word to describe how he was settled in at Valencia. Left out in the cold by both parent club Juventus and temporary home West Ham, Zaza’s first choice was Valencia.

Valencia was always the team I wanted most. Everyone told me it was a wonderful place. And it’s true. It is similar to Italy. And then to be by the sea and the sun, makes me happy, I do not need anything else.

These words from the Italian show how much surrounding himself with a comfortable environment means to him. The hustle and bustle of London never suited Zaza, and it showed on the pitch. Penning a €16million deal for Zaza showed the confidence Valencia had in the man. After failing drastically in England, it was a huge risk for Los Che.

Confidence is essential for any striker to succeed, a confidence Zaza has suddenly got in abundance. Being positioned as the main attacking outlet for Valencia, their No.9 knows the side rely on him for goals. With strike partner Rodrigo preferring to drop into an almost No.10 role, and wide men such as Goncalo Guedes providing supply from out wide, the supply line is there for the striker.

Familiarity with your team-mates allows for an almost telekinetic communication to be formed. And that is what is happening for Zaza; Rodrigo, Zaza and Guedes have all been almost ever present this campaign so far, as has been skipper Dani Perejo. Pulling the strings from the heart of midfield, the Spaniard has a range of passing that can compete with any in Spain.

The thinking from manager Marcelino is one of attacking intent, with the focus being to get floods of players into attacking positions as much as possible. Attacking full-backs on either side constantly overlapping, balls are being fired low into the box as often as possible.

For a No.9 like Zaza, this is ideal and his movement and quick thinking allows this system to flourish. Sitting between the two centre-backs and gambling on any ball played into the danger zone, this attacking thinking is made for Zaza. Zaza has scored seven goals in either league games this campaign – only one of which was scored from outside of the box.

Simone Zaza is surrounded by attacking quality at Valencia, he knows any ball played into him will be one of quality. The options are always surrounding the man on the ball, with a minimum of three options on at all times. Whether it’s a period of sustained pressure, or a lung busting counter attack – the options are plenty for Valencia and Zaza right now.

The way Marcelino lines up is to go and take the game to any opponent, at no point do they slow down. This mindset breeds confidence into your attacking outlets, and Zaza is the perfect example. The Italian front man not only benefits from Marcelino’s confidence in his ability, but the man himself demonstrates huge confidence in the ability of his team mates. As he arrives in the perfect position at the perfect time, knowing the ball played to him will be perfect. Five out of Zaza’s seven league goals so far this season have came from first time finishes or headers.

Zaza’s team around him make up a foundation that was lacking during his time at West Ham. The London club had a horrible start to last season, moving into a new stadium, and with the manager seemingly not knowing his best team. The side was in turmoil, and this had a negative effect on the players.

The Valencia fans know all too well about a club in turmoil. After years in the wilderness, Los Che are on a path to return to the glory days of Rafa Benitez’s time in charge at the Mestalla. Harmony between all parts of the club, from the players to the board room. Boss Marcelino has been given control over all things football related, and it is translating onto success on the pitch.

This form of harmony within a club would do wonders for any player, and Zaza is at the forefront of that. With the machine behind him and his team-mates, the Italian is rolling and shows no sign of slowing down.

Timothy Weah: Born into Greatness.

Being the son of a Ballon d’Or winner brings its own pressures to any young footballer. Timothy Weah, son of former AC Milan striker George Weah, is dealing with those pressures immaculately during the early stages of his career. The teenager is currently signed to French giants Paris Saint-Germain, representing their Under-19s. Also starring for the US at youth level, scoring a hat-trick in their 5-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Timothy is the youngest of George Weah’s children, and the second to break into professional football. Older brother George Weah Jr had his career tarnished with injuries before turning 20, slimming his chances of following in his father’s footsteps. Showing signs of quality early on in his development, the 17-year-old Timothy was a hot property regardless of his famous father. After growing up in New York, Timothy signed for the New York Red Bull’s youth system at 13. Just 12 months later some of the top dogs of European football were sniffing around the young attacker, and after a trial with Chelsea, he signed an apprentice contract with PSG.

Impressing for the Under-17s right from the off, scoring a hat-trick during the early stage of his time with the youth team. He went on to score five during an Al Kass cup fixture, drawing the attention of the board; and in July 2017, Weah signed his first professional contract.

Despite the temptation to follow his father in representing Liberia at international level – Weah was called up to the US youth system in early 2017. Featuring in the CONCACAF U17 Championships. During his six appearances in the competition, Weah registered two goals and two assists, thriving on the international stage. Displaying incredible confidence when on the ball, Timothy appeared incredibly comfortable during his first outings for the US. And as previously mentioned, Weah is currently participating in the U17 FIFA World Cup.

His hat-trick against Paraguay showed glimpses of his father’s striker instinct – a trait he seems to have inherited. Comfortable on either side, Weah cut in from the left and curled a beautifully placed shot into the top right corner with his right foot.

Timothy said in an interview after the game, also discussing his desire to impress PSG boss Unai Emery. Weah appeared optimistic but acknowledged that the road ahead is long. Commenting on PSG’s plethora of attacking power, and a desire to emulate them one day.

“When I am ready, and when the coach (Unai Emery) sees that I’m ready, hopefully, I will be given a call-up to the first team.

Often asked about how he feels, dealing with the pressure of being the son of George Weah. Timothy insists it is only ever positive.

“I Just use it as an advantage. My Father was a great player – and it’s up to me to be the best that I can be.”

“I’m still going to try and be one of the best players to play the game. Following in my father’s footsteps is not a big deal to me.”

Drawing striking resembles to his father whenever he takes to the pitch however, Weah’s class and composure on the ball fill the other players around him with confidence. A quickness that will make him the favourite in any foot race on the pitch, Timothy posses many of the traits of the perfect modern day attacker. Named by the Guardian in its annual list of top footballing prospects, it’s easy to see why going off of his development this year alone.

Armed with a strong personality and even stronger work ethic, Weah has earned high praise from US U17 head coach John Hackworth. Stating how impressed he was with Weah’s work rate, drawing more comparisons to his legendary father. Hackworth also noted how Timothy has a strong desire to use every possible opportunity to improve. It appears both physically and mentally Tim Weah has all of the tools to achieve whatever he sets out to achieve.

Fast, strong and technically sound, Weah has the opportunity to make huge strides in the footballing world. And using the U17 FIFA World Cup as a springboard, his development trajectory indicates it won’t be long before he’s warming up alongside Neymar in the PSG first team. With a bloodline of a legend, and the future of a nation on his back. The youngest Weah has the world at his feet.

Rosseneri Recapture: How can AC Milan reclaim their throne?

Seven European cups, 18 Scuddetos, five Coppa Italias, AC Milan are one of the biggest club sides in the world, a dominating powerhouse of football – with some of the biggest names in the game having pulled on the famous red and black stripes.

During this current decade, however, it has been a very different Milan side taking to the pitch at the San Siro. No league title since 2011, and no Champions League qualification since 2013. The state of AC Milan was at its lowest since the match-fixing scandal of 2006, but things appeared to take a turn for the better.

Chinese investors purchased 99.93% of AC Milan – €520million – as well as the refurbishment of financial debt, totalling €220million. And from here, Milan kicked on, and over the course of the 2017 summer transfer window they spent £175 million on new players; spending more money then any other Italian side and the total was only topped across Europe by Paris Saint-Germain.

Italian centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, highly sort after full-back Ricardo Rodriguez and a forward with the world at his feet in Andre Silva; Milan had strengthened massively. Manager Vincento Montella had a huge selection of new players to improve his side throughout and potentially push for the title. After two wins from their first two games, however, Milan fell 4-1 to Lazio and since then it’s been nothing short of underwhelming from big spending AC Milan. Just 12 points from their first seven games places Milan in seventh position – nine points from the top.

After the huge investment, Milan have failed to capture the imagination of their fans. How has it gone so wrong? And what can be done to bring the famous red half of Milan back to providence?

Milan’s £175 million went on 11 new players this summer, with the majority expecting first-team football. This immediately presented a problem for Montella as he now faced the task of fitting the new additions into his system in a very short space of time.

This may be one of the nicer problems for a manager to have, but that doesn’t change the fact that it can take time for players to adapt to a new team, and a new league entirely for a number of the signings. Spurs proved that in 2013 when they spent the world-record fee they received for Gareth Bale on seven new players, only two of which are still at the club after the other five failed to settle in at White Hart Lane.

The Italian way of defending is long gone for AC Milan, who have registered just two clean sheets from their first seven league games – conceding ten goals in this time. This comes after assembling an almost entirely new defence in the summer.

So far in this campaign Milan have deployed a three centre-back system, with Fabio Borini and Ricardo Rodriguez acting as wing backs. Neither Borini or Rodriguez are natural wing-backs, with lung-busting pace who can get up and down the flanks. A very solid full-back Rodriguez proved to be during his time in Germany; but rarely an attacking one. Borini on the other hand – a striker by trade, often used as a wide midfielder, being played as a wing-back is just asking for trouble – an example of where the man in charge has got his tactics completely wrong.

Transitioning from defence into attack, and once again Milan’s huge investments failing to pay off. Hakan Çalhanoğlu signed for £20million, seen by many as a bargain for a midfielder with bags of potential. Playing mainly as one of three central midfielders, the Turk is not having the impact on the game you would expect to see.

Ahead of Çalhanoğlu is Portuguese forward Andre Silva; after picking up a knock at the start of the season, manager Montella has been hesitant to play the young striker, causing the Milan fans to question the decision-making. When Silva has played, however – despite being prolific in Europe and on the international stage – in his first two league outings, he has struggled to get into the game. Managing only three shots across the two games and failing to score.

Wide man Suso has been Milan’s shining light so far – with two goals and two assists. The Spaniard, however, found himself out of the team for Milan’s 2-0 home defeat to Roma, in place of another of the new signings. A very questionable decision by the manager, and one that has cost his side. Much like the decision to deploy two non-wing-backs as wing-backs, Vincenzo Montella has a lot to answer for.

Despite spending huge amounts of money in the summer, Milan look no better now then they did 12 months ago. This time last year Milan sat third in the table – just two points behind leaders Juventus.

Milan had conceded 11 league goals at the close of October, last season, but coming into October this time, they’ve already let in 10 goals; the defence may have improved on paper, but not in practice. They have the players, they have the financial backing but there is still something missing. The answer could be, not the personnel coming in, but one man in particular going out.

Vincenzo Montella has his tactics all wrong this season, right from the very first game. Particularity defensively, the insistence on playing the new signings appears to have cost Milan. Before a relationship was built between defenders – Bonucci, Rodriguez, Musacchio and Borini were all thrown in; and have been almost ever present since – a rotating fifth defender comes in and Milan look a mess at the back against the bigger sides, with Roma, Lazio and Sampdoria all finding it far too easy to infiltrate Milan’s back line.

So Montella’s tactics have cost his side, a change has to be made if Milan are to take advantage of the situation they find themselves in. All the money in the world and a squad full of talent, who can be trusted to handle it? A Milan legend.

Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian is the only manager in history to win three UEFA Champions Leagues – two of which were during his previous stint at the San Siro. Recently fired by Bayern Munich, the rumours are already flying. Ancelotti to Milan, one of the most successful managers in Milan’s history, coming in to lead the side to glory.

The Italian giants have already reportedly made contact with Ancelotti, and both the man himself and Vincent Montella have commented on the potential return. Montella joked in a press conference that the three-time European champion could be his No.2 at Milan; while Carlo mentioned a job share.

No official comment has been made from either party, with the board appearing to have Montella’s full backing. But as the pressure continues to grow on the man in charge, it could be a case of no smoke without fire.

A lot needs to be done to save Milan’s season already, but there are very few managers in world football with a track record like Ancelotti’s. A new manager is often what a side needs to find their form. History tells us major shift in surroundings often allows players to find an extra gear. With a man like Carlo Ancelotti at the helm for any club, success is almost a given. Taking back over at the club where he achieved his greatest successes as a manager, it is almost too good to be true.