Nathaniel Clyne

Thứ Tư, 10 tháng 8, 2016

Liverpool vs Barcelona match report: Reds enjoy Wembley rout as Sadio Mane outshines Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez

Liverpool 4 Barcelona 0: Jurgen Klopp will hope the Reds can use this victory as the foundation for a sustained challenge for a first English title success since 1990

There can be false dawns and misplaced optimism in pre-season, but then some performances hint at a sign of things to come and there can only be positives for Liverpool following this Wembley rout of Spanish champions Barcelona.

Three days after cruising to a 4-2 victory against Premier League champions Leicester City in Stockholm, Barcelona found Liverpool a much more formidable opponent in London, with Jurgen Klopp’s team claiming an emphatic 4-0 victory against a Barcelona team including the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Suarez, facing his former club for the first time since leaving Anfield two years ago, barely had a kick as Liverpool completed a morale-boosting win in front of a crowd of 89,845 – the second-highest ever recorded at the new Wembley.

With no European football to provide a distraction this season, Liverpool will only have domestic issues to focus on once the season gets underway. And having comprehensively seen off last season’s La Liga winners, Liverpool can use this victory as the foundation for a sustained challenge for a first English title success since 1990.

Having already played seven games during pre-season prior to this fixture, Liverpool will go into next Sunday’s Premier League opener against Arsenal at the Emirates without the fitness concerns of the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United following their disrupted preparations.

And Arsenal should be concerned about the momentum being built by Klopp’s players, who will complete their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Mainz in Germany on Sunday.

Having taken the lead through Sadio Mane on 15 minutes, when the £30m summer signing from Southampton scored his first goal for his new club after being released by Adam Lallana, Liverpool were forced to withstand Barcelona pressure for the remainder of the first-half.

Messi struck the post on 23 minutes after being freed by Suarez before goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved well from Arda Turan prior to the Turkey midfielder shooting wide from the rebound from close range. Philippe Coutinho should have doubled Liverpool’s lead on 32 minutes when he dispossessed full-back Aleix Vidal and raced into the penalty area before shooting over Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s crossbar.

But having seen the Brazilian go close, Barcelona regained the upper hand when Messi ghosted past James Milner before crossing to Suarez, who was denied a clean shot by two defensive blocks from Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne.

Moments later, Milner, who announced his retirement from England duty on Friday, limped out of the game to be replaced by Alberto Moreno. Suarez, meanwhile, was unable to cut free from Lovren and new signing Ragnar Klavan until he was picked out by Munir on 41 minutes.

With a clear strike on goal, the Uruguayan seemed certain to score, but Mignolet rushed off his line to block the shot and further frustrate his former team-mate. The missed chances proved to be costly for Barcelona, who were visiting Wembley for the first time since defeating Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final, with Liverpool scoring twice inside the opening three minutes of the second-half to put the game beyond the Catalans.

Mane, whose pace troubled Barcelona throughout, created the second goal when his cross from the right was bundled into the net by former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. And less than sixty seconds later, substitute Divock Origi made it 3-0 after being released by youngster Kevin Stewart, who had won the ball by dispossessing Sergio Busquets in mdfield.

Liverpool had chances to extend their winning margin, with Roberto Firmino wastefully shooting wide after ignoring the unmarked Mane on 53 minutes. And the impressive Mane went close to scoring his second, and Liverpool’s fourth, when he sent a curling left-foot shot wide of the post on 71 minutes. A fourth eventually arrived when Lazar Markovic scooped a pass to Marko Grujic to head in.

Whether Liverpool can build on this and prove that their pre-season was the real thing rather than a tantalising glimpse of hope, only time will tell. But any victory against Barcelona is something to shout about, especially one as emphatic as this.

Thứ Ba, 28 tháng 6, 2016

Chelsea are the Premier League's biggest winners at Euro 2016 so far

As soon as England head home from a tournament, aside from the fallout and recriminations, the focus almost immediately returns to the Premier League.

ESPN FC examines how the top flight's top clubs might have enjoyed Euro 2016.

Chelsea

Gary Cahill was Chelsea's sole sufferer of English shame against Iceland and, aside from the travails of the central defender, Blues fans will have richly enjoyed the last 16.

On Sunday, Eden Hazard finally looked like the player of 2014-15 as he tore Hungary asunder in Belgium's 4-0 victory, while captaining his country.

Monday, though, was an even better day. As Italy ended Spain's eight-year reign with a 2-0 victory in Paris, incoming Stamford Bridge coach Antonio Conte looked the real deal.

It was a tactical masterclass to remind of peak Jose Mourinho, a meticulous plan carried out to the letter that broke an opponent's spirit. Conte's touchline antics, meanwhile, guarantee entertainment.

Cesc Fabregas' failings for Spain were a negative, but Euro 2016 has given huge grounds for Chelsea optimism.

Manchester United

Talking of Mourinho, United's new manager has significant work to do, judging by the troubles of a number of his players.

Though goalkeeper David De Gea made several superb saves vs. Italy, his spill led to Giorgio Chiellini's opening goal and came after he was shaky against Croatia in Spain's final group game.

And Mourinho cannot have been too impressed with the idea of Wayne Rooney as a midfielder. Plaudits were offered by many in the English media after the captain's performances against Russia and Wales but, against Slovakia as a sub and then Iceland, Rooney was poor.

Wayne Rooney had a mixed tournament playing in midfield for England.

Chris Smalling also struggled at centre-back but at least there was Marcus Rashford, whose scandalously short time on the field offered genuine excitement for suffering England fans. Pace and verve are what United need.

Away from England, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has something to prove, should he join United, after failing to do much for a poor Sweden team. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marouane Fellaini and Matteo Darmian have played bit-part roles for Germany, Belgium and Italy respectively.

Manchester City

What might Pep Guardiola learn from Euro 2016? Joe Hart's position as goalkeeper was already questionable due to a lack of proficiency with the ball at his feet and two dreadful errors, first for Gareth Bale's goal for Wales and then letting Kolbeinn Sigthorsson's weak shot squirm in, can only damage that outward self-confidence.

Meanwhile, a reported "Pep talk" with Raheem Sterling appeared to have little effect; after winning an early penalty against Iceland, Sterling gave another anonymous showing.

Perhaps Guardiola might be pleased that David Silva looked more like his old self before Spain's early exit and with Adil Rami suspended for France, he might get a glimpse of Eliaquim Mangala as a central defender against Iceland.

Beyond that, Kevin De Bruyne's excellence for Belgium, especially against Hungary in the Round of 16, has been the high point among City players.

Arsenal

Olivier Giroud is currently carrying the flag for Arsene Wenger's men with France. The striker scored the first goal of the tournament against Romania and then set up Antoine Griezmann's winner vs. Republic of Ireland.

Also in the quarterfinals is Mesut Ozil, though the Germany playmaker missed a penalty against Slovakia. A rather more costly spot kick miss by new Arsenal signing Granit saw Switzerland exit at the hands of Poland.

Wenger might wonder how much good the presence in France of Jack Wilshere has done his injury-prone midfielder, who looks far from fitness and sharpness. At least Aaron Ramsey's excellence for Wales has offset that.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs ran out of gas at the end of last season and no player has looked as exhausted in France as Harry Kane. His performances for England, especially against Russia and Iceland, were woeful and the strange decision to grant him dead-ball duties threw even sharper light on his failings.

Harry Kane woe v Iceland — In his first major tournament, Harry Kane made minimal impact for England.

Dele Alli, meanwhile, was not much more effective, and though Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were busy on the overlap, they must take blame as England defenders for that Iceland farce. Eric Dier was given the label of "England's Sergio Busquets" by one excitable newspaper, yet struggled for consistency.

Roy Hodgson took a Spurs backbone to France and those players struggled. At least Mauricio Pochettino can take solace in the improving performances of Jan Verthongen and Toby Alderweireld for Belgium.

Liverpool

Along with Juventus, Liverpool have been the most-represented club at Euro 2016 but the fortunes of the Anfield club's 12 players have been mixed.

Daniel Sturridge's winner against Wales was England's high point but the problem was that it was not repeated.

The rest of Jurgen Klopp's English contingent, aside from Adam Lallana, who succumbed to injury after not exactly convincing, did not get much of a chance to impress. Jordan Henderson and Nathaniel Clyne played in a frustrating draw with Slovakia while James Milner barely featured.

Much the same could be said of Belgium's Divock Origi and Christian Benteke. Goalkeeper Danny Ward impressed as a late replacement in Wales' opening 2-1 win vs. of Slovakia, while Joe Allen, reportedly set to be sold by Klopp this summer, has excelled in midfield for the quarterfinalists.

Leicester City

Last but not least are the Premier League champions, for whom the best news from Euro 2016 will have been Jamie Vardy's pledge to stay and sign a new contract, after turning down a move to Arsenal.

At the tournament itself, Vardy has been by no means England's worst performer and scored a timely equaliser against Wales, but might have done better with a second-half chance against Slovakia.

N'Golo Kante has instead been Leicester's star man in France as the engine of Didier Deschamps midfield, and he will be missed by Les Bleus when suspended against Iceland in the quarterfinals.

The less said about Christian Fuchs' troubles during Austria's disastrously disappointing tournament, the better.

Thứ Năm, 2 tháng 6, 2016

Nathaniel Clyne welcomes battle for England full-back places

England defender Nathaniel Clyne says he welcomes competition for his place in the national side.

Clyne is likely to be included in Roy Hodgson's final 23-man squad for the upcoming European Championships in France but faces uncertainty over his place in the starting line-up, with Tottenham's Kyle Walker also fighting for a first-choice spot.

However, the 25 year-old Liverpool defender insists he welcomes the competition from Walker and believes that England have a wealth of options in every position.

"There are players fighting for positions all over the pitch when they get an opportunity to show what they can do and that is healthy," he said.

"I think it is good as it keeps everyone on their toes and keeps everyone fighting for positions - everyone wants to be hungry and has a determination to get themselves into the squad.

Clyne featured in both of England's recent friendly internationals

"I think everyone is focused on trying to get themselves into the squad. Everyone is working hard in training and in matches to try to get into the team.

"Unfortunately there will be three people dropping out but the competition is healthy.

"It will be sad for the players to be told they will not be going with the squad but there are a lot of players who also didn't get picked.

"But England have a strong team and hopefully they can do well at the tournament."

Clyne has reached two cup finals with Liverpool this season

Clyne has endured a marathon season with Liverpool, who made both the Europa League and League Cup finals this campaign.

However the former Southampton man, who featured in both of England's recent friendly victories over Turkey and Australia, says he feels in good condition heading into this summer's international tournament in France.

"I still have a lot left in the tank to continue through the tournament," he said.

"I am young and fresh and hopefully I can get more experience by playing in this tournament as it is my first tournament.

Clyne has enjoyed a successful season for club and country

"This is what you see as a little kid when you watched England on TV so I am looking forward to it and hopefully it will be a good tournament.

"I was on holiday for the last tournament and I watched it on television in a Miami hotel so I am excited - everyone wants to be playing for their country.

"I've been through losing two cup finals, which is disappointing, but it urges me on to do better and try to win this time."

Chủ Nhật, 10 tháng 4, 2016

Divock Origi leads Liverpool to runaway Anfield victory vs. Stoke City

Any worries that Liverpool might have taken their eye off the ball for this game due to their upcoming Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund proved to be unfounded, as the Reds produced an excellent display to easily see off Stoke City. The result saw Liverpool leapfrog their opponents in the table and with both West Ham and Manchester United dropping points this weekend, fifth place is almost in reach for the Merseysiders if they continue their recent form.

Jurgen Klopp made several changes with the Dortmund game in mind, but those who came in acquitted themselves well. The German will be especially encouraged by the form of his strikers, with Daniel Sturridge finding the net in the first half and substitute Divock Origi hitting a second-half brace. It will be interesting to see if Klopp goes with both against Dortmund, as selecting between them won't be easy.

Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):

GK Simon Mignolet, 7 -- A solid outing from the Belgian who showed good handling throughout and a command of his penalty area on crosses. He was powerless to prevent Bojan's first-half equaliser but did make a fine stop to deny Geoff Cameron after the break.

DF Nathaniel Clyne, 7 -- Dogged in his defending and spritely in his attacking, this was an all-action display from the England full-back who impressed at both ends of the pitch and continues to show great energy levels.

DF Martin Skrtel, 7 -- It's been a wretched few weeks for the Slovakian since his return from injury, so he'll be relieved to have got a performance like this under his belt. Coped well with the aerial bombardment and did a good job marking his former Anfield teammate Peter Crouch.

DF Kolo Toure, 7 -- The Ivorian has been Mr Dependable this season and this was another good performance from him. The one time he did not appear to be on the same wavelength as the rest of his defenders was when he dropped deeper than everybody else to play Bojan onside for his equaliser, but other than that it was typical Toure. He's set to leave the club at the end of the season and he will certainly be missed.

DF Alberto Moreno, 8 -- His most effective attacking display for some time. Opened the scoring with a blistering shot and also produced a great cross for Origi in the second half that the Belgian should have converted. Defended well against the dangerous Xherdan Shaqiri and managed to avoid making any of the reckless decisions that have often plagued him throughout his time at Anfield.

MF Kevin Stewart, 7 -- The young midfielder was handed another chance in the first team due to a suspension to Emre Can and Jordan Henderson's latest injury blow, and he once again showed he's at home playing at this level. There were one or two sloppy passes but for the most part he kept it simple and shielded his back four effectively. The more he plays, the better he'll get and he may get another opportunity next weekend as Can serves the final game of his ban.

Divock Origi came off the bench to score two goals as Liverpool cruised past Stoke City.

MF James Milner, 8 -- Tireless performance from the captain who was popping up all over the pitch, winning tackles and driving his team forward. Created Origi's first goal with a beauty of a cross with his left foot and Klopp proclaimed afterwards this was the England man's best performance of the season.

MF Joe Allen, 7 -- Typically busy display full of neat passing and relentless pressing. The Welshman is still searching for full fitness from a recent injury and Klopp replaced him for the closing stages to keep him fresh for the Dortmund game. With Henderson sidelined, Allen has suddenly become a very important player for Klopp so it's wise to wrap him in cotton wool.

FW Sheyi Ojo, 7 -- The teenage debutant had been quiet until he suddenly burst into life in spectacular style to create Liverpool's second goal. Having not had much joy on the right flank he briefly switched sides and bamboozled Shaqiri before standing up a perfect ball for Sturridge to head home. He was replaced at half-time as Klopp decided to change formation, but the change was no reflection on what was an encouraging first start.

FW Daniel Sturridge, 7 -- Got on the scoresheet and was much more involved in the game than he has been of late. Looked sharp and will surely play much more of a role against Dortmund this week than he did in the first leg.

FW Roberto Firmino, 6 -- Never really got into the game and was quite sloppy in possession, especially in the first half. There was no lack of effort from the Brazilian who did a lot of work closing people down, but aside from one shot that was comfortably saved by the keeper he didn't contribute a great deal and it was no surprise when he was replaced by Adam Lallana.

Substitutes:

FW Divock Origi, 8 -- It's been quite a few days for the young Belgian. The hero in Dortmund on Thursday night, he came off the bench at half time and within 20 minutes he'd scored two goals to make the game safe. Should probably have had a hat trick but headed wide from close range. He's made rapid progress these last few months.

MF Adam Lallana, 6 -- Introduced for Firmino after 63 minutes. Produced an energetic display at the tip of the midfield diamond.

MF Lucas Leiva, NR -- Replaced Allen for the final 15 minutes and performed efficiently, even making rare excursions into the penalty on a couple of occasions.

Liverpool in perfect preparation for Dortmund as it dismantles Stoke

Jurgen Klopp's men made light work of the visitors in a stellar 4-1 win, giving them the perfect platform to build on ahead of the German side's visit to Anfield.

It was difficult to shake the feeling that Liverpool facing Stoke at Anfield on Sunday was like begrudgingly rolling out of bed when you really had to wake up, but absolutely didn’t want to.

Sandwiched in-between both legs of the Europa League quarterfinal against Jurgen Klopp’s old side Borussia Dortmund, it seemed like an unwanted distraction and the kind of game Liverpool would have sleepwalked through in the recent past.

To avoid exactly that, the Reds boss made seven changes to his side that drew 1-1 at the Westfalenstadion in a tireless encounter, and the combination of fresh legs and players determined to prove themselves saw the home side superbly oust Stoke 4-1.

Liverpool may have had an eye on Thursday’s all-or-nothing clash against Dortmund, but it didn’t sidetrack the players selected. Daniel Sturridge, who started on the bench last Thursday, provided a goal and his overall play looked sharper with more steel.

Divock Origi, chosen ahead of the England international at Signal Iduna Park, continued his stellar performance at Dortmund by netting twice against Mark Hughes’ men. He came off the bench to replace teenager Sheyi Ojo, who, on his first start for the club, sent Xherdan Shaqiri to buy his dinner as he danced past him to deliver the perfect cross to Sturridge.

Kevin Stewart, back from an injury lay-off, worked well in tandem with Joe Allen, who won the most interceptions and made the most tackles. In a stat that perhaps summed up the fun Liverpool had, Kolo Toure attempted and completed their top tally of take-ons in the game.

And the four players that started against Dortmund who were selected again versus Stoke and who should line up from the off again on Thursday - Simon Mignolet, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno and James Milner - were brilliant.

The goalkeeper did well to tip a goal-bound Geoff Cameron effort over, while the right back created two chances and was a constant supply of attacking third passes. Moreno opened the scoring with an scorching shot that had a wicked bend and Milner, wearing the armband, assisted that strike as well as Origi’s first of the evening.

Adam Lallana had told Goal that with four games in 10 days, Liverpool would need to look to the squad in order to stay fresh and that worked brilliantly against Stoke. It was a cunning display by the collective.

Thomas Tuchel had the same idea, making eight changes to his Dortmund side for the Revierderby with Schalke, but that finished in a 2-2 draw.

It was the perfect preparation for Liverpool as it welcomes the Bundesliga side to Anfield on Thursday night. The Reds got the job done on Sunday and will be determined to do the same under the floodlights as another top European night awaits.

Chủ Nhật, 24 tháng 1, 2016

Adam Lallana Delivers For Liverpool in Nine-Goal Thriller in English Premier League

Adam Lallana pounced on a loose ball as Norwich's back line failed to clear, driving a left-foot volley into the ground and into the net in the 95th minute.

Adam Lallana scored a 95th-minute winner as Liverpool came from behind to beat Norwich City 5-4 in an extraordinary ding-dong Premier League battle at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Ex-Everton man Steven Naismith helped Norwich take a 3-1 lead and although they fell 4-3 down, Sebastien Bassong slammed in a 91st-minute equaliser, only for Lallana to have the final say in a frantic finale.

Naismith was making his debut after his £8.5 million ($12.1 million, 11 million euros) move from Everton and his 41st-minute goal put Norwich 2-1 up after Dieumerci Mbokani's back-heel had cancelled out Roberto Firmino's opener.

Wes Hoolahan's 54th-minute penalty, after Alberto Moreno had fouled Naismith, made it 3-1, but goals from Firmino, Jordan Henderson and James Milner put Liverpool ahead before the stoppage-time drama unfolded.

Naismith was one of four new signings in Norwich's match-day squad, with Ivo Pinto, signed from Dinamo Zagreb, also making his debut at right-back, while Timm Klose and Matt Jarvis were on the bench.

Norwich's new defenders have been bought to try and shore up the leakiest defence in the top flight, but that went to pot in the 18th minute as Liverpool went ahead.

Jordon Ibe's performance in Liverpool's 3-0 FA Cup win over Exeter in mid-week was enough to get the nod ahead of Lallana and lead the attack in partnership with Firmino.

The duo combined neatly after skilful work from Moreno, before Miner slipped Firmino through to beat goalkeeper Declan Rudd with a low shot off the far post.

Norwich were determined to meet fire with fire, keeping up with their pressing game, and it bore fruit in the 29th minute.

Liverpool failed to clear their lines and when the ball fell to Mbokani, who had his back to goal, he cleverly defied the close marking of Mamadou Sakho to back-heel past Simon Mignolet from six yards.

The visitors' defensive shortcomings were exposed again 12 minutes later when Hoolahan picked out the angled run of Naismith, who arrowed a low shot across Mignolet and inside the left-hand post.

Moreno madness

Moreno's moment of madness came eight minutes into the second half when he slid in on Naismith near the byline on the Norwich right.

He got away with it, but then inexplicably had another go at Naismith from behind and conceded the penalty.

Hoolahan beat Mignolet from the spot, going straight down the middle, to net his third goal of the season.

Norwich's third goal forced visiting manager Jurgen Klopp's hand and Liverpool pushed further up the pitch in response.

They were rewarded a minute later when Nathaniel Clyne found space down the right flank and crossed for Firmino to flick on to captain Henderson, whose finish was emphatic.

Liverpool drew level with another sweeping move in the 63rd minute, which left Norwich exposed at the back.

Henderson's cross from the left found Firmino, who drew Rudd from his line before knocking the ball over him and into the net for his fourth goal in three league games.

Norwich's propensity to harm themselves continued as skipper Russell Martin gifted the ball to Milner with a needless back-pass from near the halfway line.

Milner ran through unchallenged and took a step to his right before slotting past him to put Liverpool ahead.

The Canaries thought they had snatched a point when Bassong thumped a low drive in from 20 yards in time added on.

But four minutes later Lallana pounced on a loose ball as Norwich's back line failed to clear, driving a left-foot volley into the ground and into the net to send Klopp gambolling down the touchline.

We’re Still Confident About Top Four, Liverpool Defender Nathaniel Clyne Claims

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne has explained that his side are confident about finishing the season in the top four.

The Reds, who lost 1-0 to Manchester United last weekend, are currently ninth in the Premier League with 31 points from 22 outings, eight adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

However, with the league being so tight this season, Clyne feels Liverpool just need a run of good results to dart up the table into the top four.

The right-back, who thinks the Merseyside giants are yet to reach their peak in the present campaign, went on to add that he is certain about his side qualifying for next season’s Champions League by stringing a few positive results together.

“I still think it's tight and up for grabs”, Clyne told the club’s official site.

“[There are] a lot of teams in and around that area [and] if they go on a good run of form from now until the end of the season, they could pinch that spot.

“We're fully confident if we could go on a run of games with lots of wins then we can get in there.

“I think we haven't hit a run of form yet and we're still looking to hit a run of form. Once we hit that, I'm sure we can get into that top four spot and nail it down and stay there.”

Liverpool, who beat Exeter City 3-0 in a FA Cup replay on Wednesday, are next up against Norwich City later in the day at Carrow Road.

The Reds drew the corresponding fixture 1-1 in September after Russell Martin cancelled out Danny Ings’ opener at Anfield.

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