TACKLE KEOWN LIVE: Ozil can't win Arsenal the title... United must use Fellaini's aerial threat... and why I worry over Spurs' team spirit... How Sportsmail columnist answered YOUR questions on the big issues
With Gareth Bale now in Madrid, Mesut Ozil at Arsenal and seemingly half of Europe turning down Manchester United, Sportsmail's
Martin Keown is ready to get stuck into your questions. Oh, and there's
the small matter of a make-or-break week for England's quest to be at
the World Cup next summer too.If you have a question for Martin to answer, email tacklekeown@mailonline.co.uk.
You can also use the comments section below and log in to post your questions for Martin to answer live. Alternatively, log on to Twitter and send your question to @MailOnlineSport using the hashtag #TackleKeown
Scroll down to read Martin's answers to your questions
Martin Keown
Host commentator
That's a wrap!
Thanks for joining me. If you want to tackle me at the same
time next Thursday, just send in your questions using the details above.
See you next week!
Here's the final question for today - 'What are
your views on Spurs' reinforcements and their target of top 4 this
season?' - Filip Barzut from London
Answer: It’s interesting how Arsenal
have helped to part-fund the purchase of Gareth Bale by buying Mesut
Ozil from Real Madrid and therefore paid for three or four news players
at Tottenham.
But I’m not sure what so many signings does for team spirit: Andre Villas-Boas is saying a Spurs team that got the most points in the Premier League last season needs seven new faces.
It shows the intent of the club to try and challenge for the top four, but it’s a quite a lot all at once and it may affect the ones who are left behind.
People were saying last season that Spurs were a one-man team in Gareth Bale and now they’ve replaced the Welshman with seven new players. What does that saw about the players who span both squads?
I expect Spurs to do well because they’ve bought so many players, but they’re all very similar. Against Arsenal they had difficulty dealing with the pace of the Premier League: Paulinho, for example, was looking to put his foot on the ball and slow it down all the time.
I think a lot depends on AVB and how he manages it. He’s still a young manager and he lost his way at Chelsea because he didn’t know his players. How well does he know these players? I think that will have a huge impact on Spurs’ chances this season.
World-Cup bound? Roy Hodgson watches his England players during training at St George's Park this week
But I’m not sure what so many signings does for team spirit: Andre Villas-Boas is saying a Spurs team that got the most points in the Premier League last season needs seven new faces.
It shows the intent of the club to try and challenge for the top four, but it’s a quite a lot all at once and it may affect the ones who are left behind.
People were saying last season that Spurs were a one-man team in Gareth Bale and now they’ve replaced the Welshman with seven new players. What does that saw about the players who span both squads?
I expect Spurs to do well because they’ve bought so many players, but they’re all very similar. Against Arsenal they had difficulty dealing with the pace of the Premier League: Paulinho, for example, was looking to put his foot on the ball and slow it down all the time.
I think a lot depends on AVB and how he manages it. He’s still a young manager and he lost his way at Chelsea because he didn’t know his players. How well does he know these players? I think that will have a huge impact on Spurs’ chances this season.
'Is the success of the Premier League to blame for the struggles of the England team?' - Matt Shaw from Brighton
Answer: You can’t blame the Premier
League entirely. You need to look back at the fact we didn’t qualify for
previous tournaments, long before the Premier League existed.
I think the problem is we have already lost many of the next generation before they are even old enough to join a professional football club.
You need to question how determined kids are to become professional footballers these days. Some give up because they think it’s too difficult, others run with the ball too much and pick up lots of bad habits.
You have to look at the quality of coaching these kids are getting. There aren’t enough individual coaches to sort out the problems: one coach might have 18 players and are still expected to iron out all these problems in two hours each week.
We need to get to these players at a younger age in the environment they’re comfortable. Go into the schools and give them specialist coaching – a lot of those coaches seem to have disappeared.
I think the problem is we have already lost many of the next generation before they are even old enough to join a professional football club.
You need to question how determined kids are to become professional footballers these days. Some give up because they think it’s too difficult, others run with the ball too much and pick up lots of bad habits.
You have to look at the quality of coaching these kids are getting. There aren’t enough individual coaches to sort out the problems: one coach might have 18 players and are still expected to iron out all these problems in two hours each week.
We need to get to these players at a younger age in the environment they’re comfortable. Go into the schools and give them specialist coaching – a lot of those coaches seem to have disappeared.
Sarah from Manchester asks: ‘Can England really win the World Cup in 2022?’
Answer: I can understand the need to create a
target but I think it’s unrealistic. You might want to add another two
tournaments onto that and aim for 2030.
There was a lot of talk about when we beat the Germans in 2000 and they went back to the drawing board with their game and within 10 years they did improve, but we’ve got to do so much more.
It’s like the England team has become secondary, such is the debate and interest in the Premier League. But we’ve got to respect the fixtures of the national team because we need them every two years when there’s a European Championships or World Cup and we want England to do well.
I think Greg Dyke knows that, and that’s why he is fighting for the English national team. It wasn’t a Churchillian speech for the greater good for football yesterday, but he’s alerted us to the fact the national team’s in danger. I think it’s refreshing they’re asking for ideas because the FA has always felt closed off.
There was a lot of talk about when we beat the Germans in 2000 and they went back to the drawing board with their game and within 10 years they did improve, but we’ve got to do so much more.
It’s like the England team has become secondary, such is the debate and interest in the Premier League. But we’ve got to respect the fixtures of the national team because we need them every two years when there’s a European Championships or World Cup and we want England to do well.
I think Greg Dyke knows that, and that’s why he is fighting for the English national team. It wasn’t a Churchillian speech for the greater good for football yesterday, but he’s alerted us to the fact the national team’s in danger. I think it’s refreshing they’re asking for ideas because the FA has always felt closed off.
‘How would you go about ensuring that the number of
Premier League players eligible to play for England are restored to the
levels seen in 1992/1993? Are there too many foreign players in the
English top flight?' - Richard Morrison
Answer: There are definitely far too
many foreign players in the Premier League, but such are the demands of
instant success and survival that nobody’s going to wait or run the risk
of playing a young English kid.
Andre Wisdom had shown signs he could do it and he would have been amazed that Liverpool have bought two new defenders, for example.
What we need to look at is: can we have a quota system? There are such big legal implications and it all feels a little bit late now because it’s up and running.
I’d like to see a little bit more freedom: let’s not restrict the number of English players who could go on loan to other clubs, even Premier League sides, for example. English players should not count within the same rules as their foreign counterparts, perhaps.
Andre Wisdom had shown signs he could do it and he would have been amazed that Liverpool have bought two new defenders, for example.
What we need to look at is: can we have a quota system? There are such big legal implications and it all feels a little bit late now because it’s up and running.
I’d like to see a little bit more freedom: let’s not restrict the number of English players who could go on loan to other clubs, even Premier League sides, for example. English players should not count within the same rules as their foreign counterparts, perhaps.
Answer: On the early showing I think
Cardiff. I just like the balance of their team, the way they’re
organised defensively but prepared to attack with real aggression.
Crystal Palace have bought so many players, which highlights the suggestion there’s a massive gulf between the Championship and the Premier League, as have Hull City, and it’s going to be difficult to turn those squads into a team.
Crystal Palace have bought so many players, which highlights the suggestion there’s a massive gulf between the Championship and the Premier League, as have Hull City, and it’s going to be difficult to turn those squads into a team.
'Out of the three promoted teams who do you think will do the best?' - Jack Davey from London
Tough season ahead: As Jermaine Pennant's free-kick winner showed last weekend, West Ham could struggle this season
Pete Tomkins from Oxford: ‘You’ve said already this
season that you think West Ham might struggle. Did their transfer
business do anything to chance your opinion?’
Answer: No! I still think it will be a
struggle. They were very inconsistent last season, especially away from
home, and their goalkeeper had to make a record number of saves.
They got away with their home form and Sam Allardyce knowing how to navigate a way through the Premier League. But I don’t think you can keep relying on that. You need quality.
If they’ve gone back for Carlton Cole after releasing him earlier this summer, it suggests Andy Carroll is a long way off being fit, which is a concern.
They got away with their home form and Sam Allardyce knowing how to navigate a way through the Premier League. But I don’t think you can keep relying on that. You need quality.
If they’ve gone back for Carlton Cole after releasing him earlier this summer, it suggests Andy Carroll is a long way off being fit, which is a concern.
Here's the question on everyone's lips: ‘Do you think Arsenal are now genuine title contenders?’ - Saagar Raithatha from London
Answer: I don’t think they’ve quite got
enough to win the title this season, no, but it will be interesting to
see the difference Mesut Ozil can make.
I’m confident they can make the top four yet again but Arsenal will be aiming higher than that.
They’ve got rid of 15 players. A lot of those guys weren’t able to be selected because Wenger had made his mind up on them. It seems to be a more stream-lined, healthier squad now – without your Arshavins and people around the place who aren’t playing regularly.
When you’ve got very young players it can be difficult to see people on the side lines and they can have a negative influence.
Arsenal are a better squad than they were last year, but the dependence on Olivier Giroud is quite worrying. If he gets injured they’re very short of numbers up front.
Can Nicklas Bendtner find himself again? He’s a better player than Marouane Chamakah, but it comes down to desire now. Bendtner’s a lucky boy, to be getting the chance at Arsenal again, but Wenger will need to work with him – as much with his mind as with his body.
A real threat: Marouane Fellaini in training with the Belgium squad on Wednesday
I’m confident they can make the top four yet again but Arsenal will be aiming higher than that.
They’ve got rid of 15 players. A lot of those guys weren’t able to be selected because Wenger had made his mind up on them. It seems to be a more stream-lined, healthier squad now – without your Arshavins and people around the place who aren’t playing regularly.
When you’ve got very young players it can be difficult to see people on the side lines and they can have a negative influence.
Arsenal are a better squad than they were last year, but the dependence on Olivier Giroud is quite worrying. If he gets injured they’re very short of numbers up front.
Can Nicklas Bendtner find himself again? He’s a better player than Marouane Chamakah, but it comes down to desire now. Bendtner’s a lucky boy, to be getting the chance at Arsenal again, but Wenger will need to work with him – as much with his mind as with his body.
A real threat: Marouane Fellaini in training with the Belgium squad on Wednesday
‘What do you make of Manchester United’s signing of Fellaini? Why did they leave it so late?’ - David Foster from Salisbury
Answer: The manner of the transfer was a
big surprise. I’ve never known Manchester United leave things so late,
but David Moyes went back to what he knows best and so was prepared to
pay a bit more, which is understandable.
Manchester United need someone to break from midfield and given them goals because the likes of Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick don’t do that enough. Think of Fellaini as a Paul Scholes-type player in his youth, perhaps – although Scholes played much deeper in later years.
Fellaini is decent on the deck, but at Everton Moyes found a way of playing balls in to him in high positions in attacking areas. Moyes knows how to get the best from him and I think he’s better playing higher up the pitch. His chest control and strength puts him up among the best I’ve seen.
Manchester United need someone to break from midfield and given them goals because the likes of Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick don’t do that enough. Think of Fellaini as a Paul Scholes-type player in his youth, perhaps – although Scholes played much deeper in later years.
Fellaini is decent on the deck, but at Everton Moyes found a way of playing balls in to him in high positions in attacking areas. Moyes knows how to get the best from him and I think he’s better playing higher up the pitch. His chest control and strength puts him up among the best I’ve seen.
John Brennan asks: ‘I'm an Evertonian and would be
interested in what you think of EFC’s new signings, and the departures
of Fellaini and Anichebe. Does it strengthen or weaken Everton? I'm 60
now, so time is getting short if we are to be champions again!’
Answer: Looking at who came in, one area
of concern is Martinez has gone to Wigan three times – for James
McCarthy, Arouna Kone and, Antolin Alcaraz - and this was a side that
was relegated last season.
Kone is a good player, but I’m not so sure about Alcaraz, while James McCarthy has played a lot of games for Wigan, so Roberto will know all about him. £13million is an awful lot of money, though.
It’s funny – when David Moyes was the manager of Everton he hardly made a signing. It would be one each season and the Evertonians would be unhappy because they hadn’t seen any activity.
This summer has seen a significant change in the club’s approach but it’s very Wigan-weighted. They have been affected more than anyone else by the transfer window. They need to be ruthless now.
I do like Romelu Lukaku, though: I think he’s an outstanding player – and he certainly was in a West Brom shirt on loan from Chelsea last season. Swapping him with Victor Anichebe is good business.
Gareth Barry’s another good acquisition: he’s low maintenance and he’ll understand the mentality of the a big club like Everton.
World class: Arsenal's new signing Mesut Ozil
Kone is a good player, but I’m not so sure about Alcaraz, while James McCarthy has played a lot of games for Wigan, so Roberto will know all about him. £13million is an awful lot of money, though.
It’s funny – when David Moyes was the manager of Everton he hardly made a signing. It would be one each season and the Evertonians would be unhappy because they hadn’t seen any activity.
This summer has seen a significant change in the club’s approach but it’s very Wigan-weighted. They have been affected more than anyone else by the transfer window. They need to be ruthless now.
I do like Romelu Lukaku, though: I think he’s an outstanding player – and he certainly was in a West Brom shirt on loan from Chelsea last season. Swapping him with Victor Anichebe is good business.
Gareth Barry’s another good acquisition: he’s low maintenance and he’ll understand the mentality of the a big club like Everton.
World class: Arsenal's new signing Mesut Ozil
‘Arsenal have a great acquisition in Mesut Ozil,
the marquee signing all Arsenal fans have been clamouring for, but why
did we not strengthen in some of the other areas, such as defence,
striker and/or defensive midfield?’ - Si Palmer from Newport
Answer: That’s a question for the
manager, but I think what Wenger’s been talking about is this 'super
player'. That’s what he wanted this summer, and that’s the way forward
for the football club now.
It reminds me of the Dennis Bergkamp situation. You saw the grin on Theo Walcott’s face and it reminded me of Ian Wright skipping down the corridor when Bergkamp signed. That one signing will take us to another level.
I do think Arsenal needed to buy a striker, but I don’t think there’s a problem in central defence.
I think there’s a question mark over the goalkeeper but Emiliano Viviano’s going to put him under pressure, which is good news for Arsenal.
I think, in signing Flamini, they’ve taken care of defensive midfield. He allowed Fabregas to go forward and attack in his last season at the club.
His input was often missed, but not by me: I think there’s a real responsibility in his play. Somebody has to fill in those gaps when Arsenal flood forward and he’s someone who is happy to do that.
It reminds me of the Dennis Bergkamp situation. You saw the grin on Theo Walcott’s face and it reminded me of Ian Wright skipping down the corridor when Bergkamp signed. That one signing will take us to another level.
I do think Arsenal needed to buy a striker, but I don’t think there’s a problem in central defence.
I think there’s a question mark over the goalkeeper but Emiliano Viviano’s going to put him under pressure, which is good news for Arsenal.
I think, in signing Flamini, they’ve taken care of defensive midfield. He allowed Fabregas to go forward and attack in his last season at the club.
His input was often missed, but not by me: I think there’s a real responsibility in his play. Somebody has to fill in those gaps when Arsenal flood forward and he’s someone who is happy to do that.
Gary Russell (@Gaddge26m) asks via #tacklekeown on
Twitter: ‘I think this is the weakest England side I've seen in years
and Roy Hodgson is not the right man to lead them. What do you think,
Martin?’
Answer: Controversial! I don’t
necessarily agree this is the weakest in years. Our midfield is as
strong as I can remember. We’ve got two world-class left backs now.
I think we’ve conceded a lot of goals recently, which is a concern – certainly from set pieces, as we saw against Scotland - but we’ve got a relatively new partnership in that area, since the era of Ferdinand and Terry.
I think Cahill will dominate in that position for many years to come.
But you’ve got to have world-class strikers to win World Cups – and that’s an area we can’t afford to be missing our best players.
I think we’ve conceded a lot of goals recently, which is a concern – certainly from set pieces, as we saw against Scotland - but we’ve got a relatively new partnership in that area, since the era of Ferdinand and Terry.
I think Cahill will dominate in that position for many years to come.
But you’ve got to have world-class strikers to win World Cups – and that’s an area we can’t afford to be missing our best players.
Good afternoon... we have our first question!
Darren in Weybridge asks: ‘What do you think about Rooney not playing
for England because of a cut. It didn’t stop Terry Butcher and I don’t
suppose it would have stopped you. Are modern players just too
mollycoddled?’
Answer: It’s a difficult one. I don’t think Wayne is the sort of person to pull out unless it was something very serious.
We’ve only seen a snapshot of the injury: it’s in a very awkward place and it would mean he couldn’t head the ball. If he can’t do that then he’s not fit to play.
It’s different when you get a gash in a game and the adrenaline’s flowing.
It seems to fuel you a little bit more, but when you see the wound and it becomes a bit sensitive to the touch it’s a different story. When you can’t the ball I can understand why he’s not playing.
I remember having to come off with a fracture of the nose. It was so painful – I couldn’t play with it. I damaged my right eye because I suffered a detached retina, too, because somebody elbowed me in the eye socket.
We have to think of the player’s health: there are a lot of players who wouldn’t play with that. It’s now the norm for players not to come back on the pitch when the‘ve got a head wound. You can’t play on with blood now so a quick decision has to be made. It’s more to do with that, than the players being mollycoddled
We’ve only seen a snapshot of the injury: it’s in a very awkward place and it would mean he couldn’t head the ball. If he can’t do that then he’s not fit to play.
It’s different when you get a gash in a game and the adrenaline’s flowing.
It seems to fuel you a little bit more, but when you see the wound and it becomes a bit sensitive to the touch it’s a different story. When you can’t the ball I can understand why he’s not playing.
I remember having to come off with a fracture of the nose. It was so painful – I couldn’t play with it. I damaged my right eye because I suffered a detached retina, too, because somebody elbowed me in the eye socket.
We have to think of the player’s health: there are a lot of players who wouldn’t play with that. It’s now the norm for players not to come back on the pitch when the‘ve got a head wound. You can’t play on with blood now so a quick decision has to be made. It’s more to do with that, than the players being mollycoddled
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