Selling Zaha: What's at Stake for Crystal Palace

With the January transfer window open, speculation on player movement is once again rampant. Every fan is eager to see who their club will buy/sell, while every blogger wants to be the one to pass along the rumor that turns out to be true. Over the course of the next month teams will be linked with players they have no interest in, and a large portion of players will be set to join multiple teams (if you are to believe the reports). Not all transfers and transfer rumors are created equal, meaning a select few will capture the footballing world’s attention; perhaps none more so than the fate of Championship team Crystal Palace’s young starlet Wilfried Zaha.

Zaha has become a hot commodity with sparkling performances domestically, as well as recently catching the eye of England manager Roy Hodgson. His meteoric rise has prompted a legion of fans, writers, reporters, and managers to comment on which top Premier League team will earn his signature. Zaha has come out recently suggesting he would like a greater challenge and would be ready for a move to the Premier League, but has somewhat contradicted that by offering to stay the rest of the season to help Crystal Palace get promoted. The latter would be the best case scenario for both club and player for a myriad of reasons. For Zaha it will offer him a chance to play meaningful football and show clubs he can handle the pressure of being counted on to perform, and for Crystal Palace their chief gain will be financial. The naiveté that comes with being a football fan means that we often forget that this is a business and clubs are in it to make money first and foremost. Crystal Palace is no different.

Some will try to argue that Crystal Palace would be smart to take the rumored £15m that Zaha is currently worth as his value likely won’t get much higher, but they would in fact be foolish to make such a move when Premier league promotion is within their grasp. Promotion is every clubs dream and it certainly has its benefits. Last season the Premier League brought in an estimated £1.17b in TV revenue from overseas sales that after deductions netted each team a cool £18.7m. In addition to the overseas revenue, each club then nets money from domestic sales. This money is split three ways; an equal share, facility fees, and a merit payment. The equal share came to £13.78m. Next, the facility fees were paid based on how many TV appearances a club had (every team is guaranteed at least 10), with each appearance equaling roughly £522,000.  This means the pay range from the facility fee went from £5.2-£13.4m. Lastly is the merit payment which is awarded based off of the clubs finish in the league. Last place Wolverhampton took home £755,000, while champions Manchester City raked in an astonishing £15.1m. All told teams made anywhere from £39m-£60.6m just from TV money.

Crystal Palace is surely aware of how much they stand to benefit from promotion to the Premier League, and are undoubtedly taking this into account. As stated, the figures above represent only the TV revenue and don’t include the gains from ticket sales and merchandise. The question now becomes do Crystal Palace have a long term plan in place that could see them succeed financially, or will they cash in for a short term fix? This fan hopes they see the big picture.

Credit to NYTimes & @SportingIntel for figures

Chelsea vs. QPR – Match Report

For weeks Chelsea fans have checked the schedule and considered today’s match versus their London “rivals” to be a foregone conclusion. Through the midway part of the season Chelsea has racked up an impressive thirty-eight points in the league compared to the lowly ten point tally of QPR; almost a ten win difference. Given this great disparity it was easy to see why the Blues and their fans felt so assured of three points from today’s game. Obviously aware of the quality difference between the two teams Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez fielded a much tamer lineup than normal. Clearly, he thought that there would be no better time to rest his top players (Mata, Hazard, Ramires, Cole) despite the fact that they have an FA Cup tie this weekend. From the start of the game the commentators pointed out that QPR was given a lift upon seeing the Chelsea team sheet. Not only did they feel disrespected, but also a bit fortunate that they were facing a less experienced and talented Chelsea lineup. The QPR starting XI was expected except for the decision to have Adel Taraabt play as the lone striker; a decision that later proved decisive.

The first half proved to be largely uneventful as both sides played uninspiring football. The highlight and possibly only talking point came when the young Chelsea winger Marko Marin came in for a reckless studs up tackle on Stephane Mbia. Referee Lee Mason must have been feeling very lenient or he wasn’t able to see the play because he gave Marin a yellow on what looked to be a certain red card offense. As the half came to a close the displeasure of the Chelsea fans was palpable, and it looked as if Benitez would be forced to make some changes to his lethargic side.

The second half began just as the first had ended with Chelsea enjoying the lion’s share of possession but offering very little in the way of a legitimate threat. Benitez’ lineup experiment had clearly not worked as planned and the longer the match continued without a score, the more confident the QPR side got. Despite going long periods without maintaining any semblance of meaningful possession, the visitors presented a real goal threat with Taraabt. Often cut as moody, selfish figure, it was evident from the opening kick that he viewed today’s fixture as an audition of sorts. Gliding by defenders easily and getting other involved it seemed as if QPR may find joy through their talisman. Sensing QPR’s confidence growing and his side sagging, Benitez brought on Eden Hazard to try and get that elusive first goal. The minutes following the substitution were Chelsea at their most lively with David Luiz and Fernando Torres both offering the Blues best chances of the game. Football has a way of rewarding teams that play up to the level of competition and QPR struck completely against the run of play. Taraabt laid off a beautiful pass to the substitute (and former Chelsea man) Shaun Wright-Phillips that he was able to slot home neatly. From there QPR went into full defensive mode as the setup a wall of ten players in front of their goal stopping everything that Chelsea threw at them. Defenders Ryan Nelsen and Fabio showed their worth by making key defensive plays when their team needed it most. As the final minutes ticked away the Chelsea faithful knew that this game was not theirs to win, and let the players (and coach) hear this.

When the final whistle blew the looks on both teams’ faces told the story. The triumphant underdogs just spent 90 minutes on the pitch battling, scrapping, and willing themselves to an unexpected but deserved victory. The players and manager had said all the right things leading up to the game, but to a man they weren’t likely to expect three points. Where both teams go from here is a mystery as QPR appear ready to take on the challenge of escaping the dreaded relegation zone; meanwhile Chelsea continue their big spending ways by bringing in Demba Ba and are heavily linked with a few other top players. Although today was only one day, perhaps with the turn of the New Year and an established manager in place QPR will finally be able to regain the respect of the rest of the footballing world.

(image via @premierleague) 

10 Players The Premier League Needs

With January here the frenzy known as the transfer window has once again descended upon the football world. Every fan, writer, physio, and manager has  an opinion as to who they want their team to sign. This list isn't about which team and player fit the best, it is instead a glimpse at 10 players that would bring an incredible blend of style and substance to the Premier League. Now, on to part 1....

1. Isco - Unfortunately for Malaga, their current financial crisis likely means they will lose their prized youngster as an influx of cash is badly needed at the club. Isco is a talented young player that has continued his run of fine form from last season and now is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Europe.  
Prediction: This is an extremely difficult call as most of the top 8 are in for him, ultimately Manchester City will be the ones to meet his  £16.9m release clause and pry him away from La Liga.

2. Wilfried Zaha - Currently having an excellent campaign in the Championship has made Zaha the name on lots of clubs minds. Capable both out wide and through the middle Zaha offers a great deal of promise and versatility to any team. Prediction: Early reports tipped Arsenal to sign Zaha but with Theo Walcott likely to sign a new contract look for Manchester United to lodge a bid.

3.Jack Butland - Top notch player who at only 19 has already asserted himself as a future star. Many Premier League teams already view Butland as a starting caliber keeper if he were to be transferred in this window. With a host of clubs linked to him (Liverpool, Southampton, etc.) don't be surprised if a deal goes through quickly on this lad. Prediction: Southampton signs Butland for a £6m fee.

4. Wesley Sneijder - His long rumored flirtation with Premier League football looks like it will finally materialize. With his current club (Inter Milan) less than thrilled with the Dutch International look for him to be sold. Despite his dip in form it should be noted that at just 28 he still has 3-4 more years of top level football left should he regain his confidence. Prediction: With some clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea, etc.) scared off by his  £200,000 a-week wages look for Liverpool to sneak in and grab Sneijder for  £9.5m .

5. Viktor Fischer - Ajax has had an incredible run producing top level talent and selling them to bigger clubs (Suarez, Ibra, Vermaelen, Sneijder, and many more) and Fischer could well be the next one to go. At just 18, Fischer has already broken into the first team in both domestic and international play and is just beginning to scratch the surface of the massive potential he possesses. Prediction: To be fair it isn't likely that he moves in the January window but if/when he does look for Manchester United to swoop in. Sir Alex is believed to be an admirer of the young Danes brand of football and it is a move that would fit in well with
United's youth movement (RVP notwithstanding).
 

10 Players The Premier League Needs (Part 2)

Same idea as Part 1

6. Radamel Falcao - Widely regarded as the top striker in the world (Messi, Ronaldo excluded) Falcao has been torching La Liga defenses to the tune of 17 goals, and has Atletico currently in 2nd. Realistically this is the peak for a club of Atletico's stature given the perennially deep pockets of Barcelona and Madrid and Falcao knows this. His massive release clause will prove to be an obstacle that only a few clubs can meet. Prediction: With Chelsea signing Demba Ba it will be interesting to see if they still pursue the Colombian, I believe they will.

7. David Villa - Currently finding it difficult to get consistent games Villa is rumored to be a frustrated figure. When healthy he is among the best strikers in the world and given the rumor he's available on loan he would be an excellent signing. Prediction: Tottenham bolster their strike force by adding the Spanish International.

8. Lewis Holtby - A young star who has played exceptional football in the Bundesliga for Schalke is ready for a new challenge, as he has refused to sign a new deal at the club. With excellent vision and a high work rate Holtby will fit in wherever he ends up going. Prediciton: Again, Tottenham appear to be the favorites for his signature. Rumors of a pre-contract agreement are currently circulating.

9. Ilkay Gundogan - Box to box midfielder that is just coming into his own. With a flair for creative passing and strong tackles Gundogan has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the ultra-talented Dortmund side. Prediction: United and Tottenham will battle it out with United coming out victorious for his signature.

10. Emile Heskey - Enough said.