11 Teams, One England XI

Eleven Teams, One England XI:

England in recent years has become a team composed of players solely from three or four teams – usually the bulk of the players have come from teams such as: Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. However there is still an enormous amount of talent from the other teams; and the purpose of this article is to show that there can be an England starting-XI built up of eleven different teams.

Joe Hart, Man City

Joe Hart | Goalkeeper | Manchester City

Joe Hart is the current, undisputed England number one. The 26-year-old from Shrewsbury has represented the Three Lions 38-times since making his debut for them in 2010; following there disastrous World Cup campaign. This season the 6ft 3 Joe Hart has appeared 17 times in Premier League and made 48 saves, keeping five clean sheets along the way. He is England’s best option between the sticks

Kyle Walker | Right-back | Tottenham 

Kyle Walker, Tottenham Hotspur

Playing in right-back is Tottenham Hotspurs’ 23-year-old first-choice right-back – Kyle Walker. Who in recent times has found himself in first choice RB in the Three Lions; ahead of the likes of Micah Richards, Carl Jenkinson and Glen Johnson. He has represented England ten-times since 2011; with 6 of those appearances coming in 2013, in comparison to Glen Johnson who made 4 in the same year. Walker has an 82.4% pass completion rate, and makes at least 1.5 crucial passes per Premier League game.

John Terry | Centre-back | Chelsea |

John Terry, Chelsea

The 33-year-old former England captain, is England’s best centre-back – although he announced his international retirement in 2012, following a dispute with the FA he still remains a stalwart in the Barclays Premier League. Rejuvenated under Jose Mourinho’s management the London-born Terry has made 196 clearances in his 24 Premier League appearances this season.

Mike Williamson | Centre-back | Newcastle United

Mike Williamson, Newcastle United

Although, maybe, the least talented member of this England XI he – until recently has been in stellar form this season, appearing in nine off Newcastle’s Premier League victories this term. His career seemed to be at a stand-still during the summer transfer window; when Newcastle openly sought to find a replacement for him. However, with injuries to Steven Taylor and Mapou Yanga-Mbwia struggling to find form, the 30-year-old cemented a place in the Geordie-XI.

Leighton Baines | Left-back | Everton

Leighton Baines, Everton

The Evertonion free-kick specialist has in the last two-years became one of the finest left-backs in Europe. The one-time Wigan player was subject to an unsuccessful transfer bid from the 2012/13 Premier League Champions Manchester United in the summer – but Everton turned down the bid; and now they are flying in the Premier League. WhoScored.com has awarded Leighton Baines with an average match rating of 7.26 for his 18 Premier League games this term.

Adam Lallana | Right-midfield | Southampton

Adam Lallana, Southampton

The 25-year-old Adam Lallana is often described as ‘The one who didn’t get away’ by Southampton fans; he came through the renowned Saints academy with the likes of: Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Nathan Dyer. Southampton-manager, Mauricio Pochettino was recently quoted in the press describing Lallana as being capable of cementing a place in any international XI in the world. From his 23 appearances this term Lallana has managed 7 goals from 42 shots on goal.

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool

Steven Gerrard | Central-midfield | Liverpool

The Liverpool-born Steven Gerrard has been a main stay in the Liverpool and England XI for over a decade now.  The 33-year old has won countless medals in his time at Liverpool; ranging from the Carling Cup to the UEFA Champions League. However one title eludes the England-captain and that is that of the Barclays Premier League title – he came closest to this honour in 2008/09 season where Liverpool finished four-points behind bitter rivals Manchester United. With  108-caps for the Three Lions, Steven Gerrard should eclipse the England outfield record following Rio’14.

Jack Wilshire | Centre-Midfield | Arsenal
  

Jack Wilshire, Arsenal

The one-time Bolton loanee Jack Wilshire has been heralded as ‘a future England captain’ by fans and pundits. The 22-year-old has been courted by the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City – but he has remained loyal to his beloved Arsenal. This season the Arsenal number-10 has averaged 48.5 passes per Premier League game, assisting four goals from 16 games. If he avoids injury consistently he can only become better, and live up to his potential on the international scene – which is in doubt due to his mere 14 England caps since 2010.

Adam Johnson | Left-Midfield | Sunderland

Adam Johnson, Sunderland

Adam Johnson burst onto the international-scene in 2010, following England’s disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa. The 26-year-old netted twice in his first four games; and he was dubbed as ‘the next big English talent’. However, he could not hold down a place in the mega-rich Manchester City eleven and he subsequently lost his place in the Three Lion’s XI, behind the likes of Theo Walcott, Ashley Young and more recently Adam Lallana. However following his resurgent form at the Black Cats and the season-ending injury to Theo Walcott, the Sunderland-born Newcastle-fan may have booked his place to Rio.

Wayne Rooney | Striker | Manchester United
  

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United

The 28-year-old Manchester United striker, is without a doubt the best England has to offer in relation to home-grown talent. The Mersey-born Rooney began his career at Everton, making his Premier League début aged 16 in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. He went on to become Everton’s youngest ever goal-scorer when he netted twice against Wrexham in a league-cup tie. In 2004 Rooney joined Manchester United for around £25m and his career has flourished from there – club wise. Picking up five Premier League titles, two League Cups, three Community Shields, one Champions League title and one FIFA Club World Cup. With 38 goals in 88 International appearances, The Red Devil is well on his way to surpassing the England scoring record currently held by former-United player Sir. Bobby Charlton with 49 goals from 106 appearances.

Football Hooliganism in the UK

Football Hooliganism in the UK:

Arrested Hooligan. Date unknown.

ON May the 29^th 1985, Liverpool took on the might of Turin in the European Championship final; the old Champions League. The likes of Michael Platini and Paulo Rossi took to the Heysel Stadium that night as Juventus beat Liverpool by a solitary penalty. However, an even far more sinister over-shadowed this event: The Heysel Stadium disaster – where 39 Juventus fans lost their lives and 600 were injured – through Liverpool fans scaling the walls to their seating quarter. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster English teams and fans were banned from travelling or competing in European competition.

The English-fans were now notorious for ‘Football Hoolinigism’ with the stereo-typical fans being based on the likes of Auf Weidersehn’s ‘Oz’ who is played by Jimmy Nail. However, in 1990/1991 season UEFA lifted the ban on English-clubs to compete in Europe; and violence, and arrests have been very limited in Europe since – at least on an English behalf.

Fast-forward to the 2012/2013 Premier League season: There were 2,456 match-day arrests in total, with 552 of them being for violent conduct, 42 being for racism and in total there was 589 banning orders on English fans.

 Newcastle United had the most fan arrests with 175 fans arrested on match days; in one incidence because a man punched a horse. The Champions- Manchester United found themselves second in the arrest numbers with 145 fans arrested. Cardiff City were –by some way- top of the Football banning orders chart with around 121 of their fans banned for Hoolingism.

Although there was an increase in hooliganism last season, there was a 23% decrease the season before. For example: see chart.

Season	Arrests
2012-13	2,456
2011-12	2,363
2010-11	3,391

However, although the Hooliganism culture is glorified through films such as: Green Street and The Football Factory the proportion of arrests to those attending is phenomenal, 39,000,000 people attended football matches in England last year and there was only 2,456 arrests. Most of the arrests are due to drunk and disorderly instead of violent conduct – which is a massive change from the 1980’s.

Overall, Football Hoolinigasim in the UK is over-exaggerated by the media, and film. But just like every-club in the world there is always the occasional bad fan.

‘Football is a gentleman game, played by hooligans’


Twitter: RyanRowley23

Five things that happen on FIFA, which will never happen in real life:

5 Things that happen on FIFA, which will never happen in real life:

EA  Sports’ FIFA is a gaming franchise that brings hours-upon-hours of joy, frustration and pride to those who play it. Everyone from Wayne Rooney to the everyday Joe have played the game at some point in their lives. Although the game is highly enjoyable, it is equally as frustrating. In this article we will look at five of the most-unrealistic flaws our beloved FIFA holds. (This is not blasphemy)

Pro Clubs | Blue-coloured Afros who stand at 5ft 2 |

Undoubtedly the most frustrating game-mode on FIFA is that of Pro-clubs; in theory it looks like a fantastic way to bond with your co-gamers – being able to play alongside one-another in ludicrously named clubs  along the lines of: Inter Yanan or Heskey FC.  However, Pro-Clubs is over-run by a separate race of humans that look almost Neolithic; standing at about 5ft 2, with deformed faces and a blue-afro. These virtual-professionals are heavily reliant on pace, and blitz past the basic 70+ rated AI defences, and usually score.  What makes this so annoying is when will we ever see in real football a team-full of blue-haired players who happen to be 5ft 2? The answer is: Never (unless they make a junior-league FIFA).

Career Mode | Players in their thirties |

Career Mode on FIFA 13 is to put it bluntly: brilliant. Everything from its transfer market to Youth Academies is well thought out. Players can literally spend hours tinkering with their squads, and drawing up transfer targets – much like in real football management. However one minor flaw is that once a player turns thirty their ratings plummet. Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs are all notable examples of this; in the first season of Career Mode 2012/13)  all three of these players start out in their thirties rated: 83, 84 and 81. Then by the end of that season – them ratings will be in the 70’s – irrespective of how they performed in that season.  After a few seasons you will see the likes of: Jay Rodriguez and Gary Hooper retire at the grand-old age of 30 – which is quite a young age to retire.

Ultimate Team | David Luiz |

David Luiz in real-life is a fantastic player, who is one of the most in-demand centre-backs in world-football and this trend transfers into the gaming-world. Albeit with one minor difference: on FIFA 13; Ultimate team, David Luiz can only be compared with the Terminator.  Being the fastest Centre-back in the Premier League (bar inform cards) the Brazilian can literally play anywhere on the pitch and still out-do the opponent. I have seen David Luiz score 50-yard drives, overhead kicks, scissor kicks and diving headers. The most annoying part of coming-up-against the 26-year-old is that nine-times-out-of-ten he will out-muscle and out-pace the attacker; even if it is Lionel Messi or Shola Ameobi..

FIFA 13 | Penalties |

Penalties of FIFA 13 have allowed even us English-men to become masters at taking them. Merely just hitting it above the keeper – is technically un-saveable. Now this is frustrating if you’re the player who conceded the penalty, but it is an easy goal for the player awarded the penalty.  Even if the goalkeeper knows where the spot-kick is aimed – they are oblivious to leaping up for it. Now in real-life a goalkeeper could save a spot-kick as simple with ease, by simply raising their arms. But on FIFA it is easy to become a Matt Le-Tissier at penalties by adopting the knack of aiming just above the goalkeeper.

FIFA 13 | Passing Around the defences |

Every gamer has been there: you’re trailing by two goals and it’s the 80^th minute, when suddenly you break and score! Your fans are cheering you on, and the euphoria riles you up. You know when the opposition kick-off again that your centre-forward will dispossess the opposition and score.  But when kick-off comes and the player hoofs the football down to their defence and passes it amongst the centre-backs – any hope of a comeback ceases. Occasionally, however, you may pick the ball-up – but by then, it is too late. The full-time whistle will blow.

FIFA 13; As equally annoying as it is great.

Greatest FIFA XI ever:

All Time Greatest FIFA XI:

Most young-men who weren’t as naturally talented at football on the school-yard as the kids who played for their counties side, probably owned a copy of EA Sport’s FIFA during their lifetime. Where you could take the likes of Bristol Rovers to the angelic heights of the Champions League, as well as lure the likes of Pavel Nedved away from Juventus and bring them to the your side. Playing FIFA as a child – and even today, is a way for many footballing-fans to keep up-to-date with today’s game; checking out the up-and-coming talent such as – Neymar, Kurt Zouma and Tom Ince is just a way of seeing how good they are.

But out of all of the video games produced, how good would an XI be composed of their top-rated players?

Goalkeeper | Oliver Kahn: FIFA 2003. 95

The German shot-stopper is the highest-rated goalkeeper in FIFA’s history with a 95 overall. The former German international’s highest statistics were his 100 strength, positioning and aggression. The ex-Bayern player, is one of the eldest member of the side being born in 1969. He appeared over 86 times for Germany in a 12 year career (including one World-cup final).

Right-back | Lillian Thuram: FIFA 2003. 91

Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all-time – Lillian Thuram is the most-capped French international ever gaining 142 caps in 14 years – winning the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship during that time. The 41 year old is widely remembered for his tenure with the Turin-giants Juventus; where he won four Serie-A titles. In terms of his attributes on the game – he was rated as super-quick – 100. As well as having an impressive 100 ball control.

Centre-back | Fernando Hierro: FIFA 2002. 94

The former Real Madrid centre-back was an amazing talent during the nineties and early noughties for both – Real Madrid and Spain – winning the UEFA Champions League no fewer than three time. As well as two Intercontinental Trophies, the UEFA Super-Cup and five La-Liga titles in the course of fifteen years. He played alongside some of the finest players ever to play; Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Raul in his eighteen year career. His main attributes are his 100 passing and strength.

Centre-back | Rio Ferdinand: FIFA 2003. 93

A current player – who ten years ago was seen as one of the best centre-backs in the world. Twice he was the most expensive British footballer ever – moving to Leeds United for £18m in 2000, and from Leeds to Manchester United in 2003 for £30m. Much like Fernando Hierro; Rio Ferdinand has won countless amounts of silverware at club-level but nothing on the international stage. The 34-year-old made it into the side ahead of the FIFA 2006’s Sol Campbell due to his 100 heading and tackling.

Left Back | Roberto Carlos: FIFA 2002. 94

Playing at left-back is the fantastic Brazilian Roberto Carlos. Born in 1973, Roberto Carlos made his name alongside compatriots – Ronaldo and Rivaldo in the early 1990’s he played for Inter Milan before joining Real Madrid in the summer of 1996. He boasts a trophy-room bigger than most football teams; having won the FIFA World Cup in 2002, four La Liga titles,and three UEFA Champions League medals in his time at Real Madrid. He only recently hung his footballing boots up – Albeit at mega-rich Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala. His primary attributes would be his 100 pace, coupled with his 100 shooting.

Centre-defensive-Midfield | Edgar Davids: FIFA 2003. 94

The Dutchman who went from Champions League football to non-league football in the course of ten years. The one-time Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus man now plies his trade at Barnet. Having been one of the most recognisable faces in football for nearly twenty years now Edgar Davids is nearing the end of his career – again. ‘The Pitbulls’ primary strengths in this side are his 100 standing tackle, as well as his 100 stamina.

Centre-defensive-Midfield | Roy Keane: FIFA 2003. 94.

Partnering Edgar Davids in the holding-midfield role is the quick-tempered Roy Keane – who earned an 94 rating of EA in FIFA 2003. The fiery midfielder was a fantastic leader on-and-off the pitch for Manchester United – he captained the Red Devils through one of the clubs most prosperous times. However he was not without his dark side. Being sent home from the 2002 World Cup,  slapping Alan Shearer and ending Alf-Inge Haaland’s career.. Controversey aside Roy Keane’s 100 strength and 100 passing would be welcomed by any virtual-gamers side.

Right-attacking-Midfield | Zinedine Zidane: FIFA 2002. 94.

Another Frenchman in this all-star side. Zinedine Zidane was – to put it plainly – along with Pele and Diego Maradona – one of the best to have ever lived. In a career that lasted 17 years he netted 128 club goals, along with his 31 international goals (including two in the 1998 World Cup final). England fans may remember his stoppage time double in Lisbon to inflict defeat on the English after leading earlier. Another member of the Real Madrid side that were dubbed ‘The Galactico’s’, Zidane’s 100 shooting, and ball control are phenomenal.

Centre-forward | Lionel Messi: FIFA 12. 94.

Lionel Messi is the only player from the new-generation consoles (Xbox 360 and PS3) to make it into this all-star side; this just shows the Argentineans quality. Football experts around the world have heralded him as ‘the best footballer.. ever’. At 25 years old he is already the highest-scoring Barcelona player of all time (In all competitions; Paulino Alcantara would be the highest – but his goals were via friendlies). Although Messi’s statistics in this aren’t as good as the earlier FIFA games – it does not change his undoubted ability. His 93 finishing would be the best attribute in this side – especially from his centre-forward role.

Left-attacking-midfield | Luis Figo: FIFA 2002. 97

The highest-rated FIFA player of all-time is a man who once had a Pigs head thrown at him in a El-Classico match. The talented former-Portugal-international was another member of the Galactico’s of Real Madrid in the early 2000’s – and is the fourth and final member of that side to feature in this XI. In a career that took him from Lisbon to Milan he amassed 795 appearances, scoring 133 goals (for club and country). Born in 1972, Figo won four consecutive Serie-A titles from the years 2005 to 2009. He is undoubtedly one of the finest players of recent years.

Striker | Andriy Shevchenko: FIFA 2002. 95

Beating the likes of Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistelroy and Thierry Henry is Andriy Shevchenko. The recently retired Ukrainian made his name for the Italian-giants AC Milan in the 2000’s, before joining mega-rich Chelsea in 2006 for an astonishing £30.8m. He is the third highest scorer in the UEFA Champions League – with 67 goals. In his 18 year long career Shevchenko managed a 50% strike rate – notching 321 goals in 648 games. Sadly; many young-fans will remember Andriy Shevchenko for his poor-time at Chelsea, where he has been described as a flop. His 100 shooting, and 100 pace would help this side find the net.

A fact for every year of Ferguson:

Many fans, footballers and pundits alike will be saddened by the recent news that long-serving Scottish-manager Sir. Alex Ferguson will be ending his 27-year-long tenure at the managerial helm of Manchester United. In his 27^th year at the reigns of the biggest-club in England, Alex Ferguson has become one of the most recognisable faces in sport; making his name in the 1990’s – taking Manchester United to the angelic heights of the UEFA Champions League.

In this article we will look at 27 facts related to his time at Manchester United.

1) 169 managers have plied their trade in the Premier League since he took the helm at Manchester United in 1986. Including the likes of: Kevin Keegan, Jose Mourhino and the most famous-of-all Velimir Zajec

2) With Alex Ferguson in charge of Manchester United they have won the UEFA Champions League twice (1999 and 2008) and coming runner-up in 2009 and 2011. The most-successful English-side in recent years in the UEFA Champions league.

3) Since the inception of the Premier League Manchester United have accumulated 1500 points from wins.  Winning 85 more games than nearest rivals Arsenal.

4) Under Alex Ferguson in the Premier League Manchester United have never finished lower than 3^rd; finishing first on 13 separate occasions.

5) The famous-five of Manchester United youth academy (Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt) in total appeared 3038 times for the Red-Devils/

6) In 1996 Manchester United became the first English-club to complete the Championship and FA Cup double twice.

7) In 1997, Manchester United-legend Eric Cantona retired after cementing his place in the red-devil folklore notching 69 goals in 220 appearences.

8) 1998 saw the arrival of two of Manchester United finest players of all-time; Dwight Yorke from Aston Villa for £12,600,000 and Japp Stam from PSV Eindhoven for £10,750,000.

9) Wayne Rooney currently sits fourth in the all-time-highest Manchester United goal scorers list  behind  Bobby Charlton, Dennis Law and Jack Rowley with 197 goals in 402 appearances

10) The longest Alex Ferguson’s side have ever went without being defeated is 45 games; this came between the years 1998 and 1999.

11) 11 seconds is the shortest period of time any player has ever appeared in Manchester United colours; this came from Chris Smalling in 2012.

12) 12 years have passed since £6,000,000 signing Andrew Cole departed from Manchester United. He managed to slot 121 goals in 275 appearances – nearly notching a 50% strike rate.

13) Manchester United hold the most Premier League titles with 13; which is ten more times than both nearest rivals – Chelsea FC and Arsenal.

14) The longest period Alex Ferguson’s side have ever went without conceding a goal is 14 games; between the years of 2008 and 2009

15) With 15 Premier League goals Nemanja Vidic is the highest-scoring current Manchester United defender of all time.

16) 16 goals separate French-maverick from Dwight Yorke in the Manchester United Premier League goals tally. Cantona scoring 64 and Dwight Yorke grabbing 48.

17) three seventeen-year-olds have represented Manchester United in the Premier League; Danny Welbeck, Nicky Butt and Federico Macheda. The latter being the youngest of the trio.

18) Aged 18, Wayne Rooney made his Champions League debut scoring a hat-trick against Fenerbahce in front of the Old Trafford faithful.

19) The current youngest member of Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United squad is Nick Powell; who has appeared six times this season scoring once. Nick Powell is 19-years-old

20) This season alone: Manchester United have 20-players out on loan.

21) 39-year-old Ryan Giggs is in his 21^st season as Manchester United; having played 939 times in all competitions. This makes him the clubs-longest serving player – ever.

22) The fewest goals conceded in a season by Fergusons-United is 22; these goals coming in the years 2007-2008

23) Alex Ferguson at his time at Manchester United has managed out of 1498 games has managed to hit a 58.68% win rate. Also in this time managing to maintain a +1403 goal-difference.

24) 24-millon-pounds is what it cost to bring sensational Dutch-genius Robin van-Persie to Manchester United from Arsenal in 2012; van-Persie so far has netted 29 times in 45 appearances.

25) £250,000 was the amount of money Ferguson paid for Viv Anderson from Arsenal in 1987. Viv Anderson was the first-black footballers to represent England.

26) 26 years is the amount of years Alex Ferguson served at Manchester United; winning 49 titles, and restoring them to a global-superpower.

27) Alex Ferguson has won Premier League manager of the month 27 times.

Feel free to leave any more interesting facts about Alex Fergusons’ tenure at Manchester United in the comment section.

The Premier League's French XI:

The Premier League's French XI:

The English Premier has housed some of the finest French players of recent years; think of the likes of Laurent Robert, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira for example. Today no fewer than 32 Frenchmen play in the Premier League – no league away from France house as many Frenchmen. The question is: out of those 32 Frenchmen, how good would an XI be comprised solely of them?

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris

Tottenham Hotspur’s shot-stopper is viewed by many as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. For the first half of the season he played largely second-fiddle to the American-veteran Brad Friedel; but since he was awarded the starting berth in the Tottenham XI he has played 1980 minutes, facing 174 shots and only allowing 24 of those shots to turn into goals. Lloris and Manchester United’s David De Gea are in the leading in the fewest goals against this season with 24-a-piece. A great goalkeeper for this French-XI.

Right-back: Bacary Sagna

Arsenal’s right-back has appeared 27 times in all competitions. Managing to notch one goal and bag two assists. Bacary Sagna is a highly rated player amongst the football world – Paris Saint Germain being recently linked with the 30-year-old. Bacary Sagna just gets in the team ahead of Newcastle United’s Mattieu Debucy due to his wealth of experience.

Centre-back: Laurent Koscielny

Playing alongside his Arsenal team-mate is the 27-year-old Laurent Koscielny infamous for his back-pass during the 2011 Carling Cup final against Birmingham City. That aside – Koscienlny is a regular starter in a top-six outfit; managing around 40 appearances a season (in all competitions). This season he has only managed 28 appearances at club-level; scoring one and assisting one goal in that time. EA’s FIFA 13 rates him as the highest-rated French centre-back in the Premier League.

Centre-back: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

The 23-year-old former Montpellier captain is one of the highest-rated youngsters in football; after a fantastic season with the French outfit Montpellier he signed for Newcastle United in the January transfer window of 2013 on a five and a half year contract. Since then he has impressed partnering Steven Taylor in the absence of club-captain Fabricio Coloccini. Out of 35 appearances this season WhoScored.com have gave the Frenchman an average match-rating of 7.13.

Left-back: Patrice Evra

Manchester United’s 31-year-old has had a fantastic season as United clinched their 20^th League title. Making 31 appearances this far and scoring four goals. The French internationals endurance is what gives him the role in this side ahead of Gael Clichy. For the last six years at the Red Devils he has averaged around 50 appearances in all competitions a term. Infamous for his role in the French strike in the South African World Cup of 2010, and his and Luis Suarez’ racist ordeal – Evra isn’t without a dark side. But he is still more than good enough to make this XI.

Centre-midfield: Samir Nasri

The mercurial Samir Nasri is a silky dribbler and a scorer of good goals. The 25-year-old over two transfers has accumulated a total transfer worth of – £39,800,000, making one of the most valuable midfielders in the Premier League. Averaging a goal every ten games throughout his career – he has scored a total of 49 goals in 266 games throughout his career, The Manchester makes it into the team due to his creativity.

Centre Midfield: Yohan Cabaye

Newcastle United’s fan-favourite Yohan Cabaye is arguably the best French player in the Premier League. After a stellar European Championship with France the likes of FC Barcelona and Manchester United were circling around him. He signed for Newcastle United for the small sum of four million in 2011; the 27-year-old has impressed with his dead-ball abilities grabbing two goals from free-kicks this season alone. An influential captain in absence of Fabricio Coloccini, the former-Lille man could fit into any of the Premier League’s top sides.

Centre Midfield: Moussa Sissoko

The super-quick centre-midfielder was courted by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur before Newcastle United signed him on a free-transfer in 2013. Since joining Newcastle, the-23-year-old has managed to garner 17 games, scoring three goals and assisting five. Alongside Chelsea’s Ramires, Sissoko is one of the fastest central-midfielders in the Premier League; which gives him his place in this XI.

Left-Wing: Charles N’Zogbia.

The last signing Sir Bobby Robson made in his managerial career. The mercurial talent of Charles N’Zogbia. Mind-blowingly quick on the ball and one of the standout performers in his time at Wigan. N’Zogbia was at one time linked with a big-money move to Turin; but this move never came to prominence. He eventually signed for Aston Villa in 2011 for £9,500,000 and has gone on to make 41 appearances and score 5 goals. His pace is what gives him the role in the side over Florent Malouda.

Striker: Oliver Giroud.

The 6ft 3 French hit man started his first season poorly. He struggled to find the net or replicate the form his showed at Montpellier; but he has hit-the-ground-running in the latter stages this season. He has averaged a goal every-three-games in the Premier League. If he can replicate the form he showed at Montpellier last season – 24 goals in 42 appearances then next season Arsenal could be considered a Premier League challenging side once more.

Right-Wing: Hatem Ben Arfa.

The player every opposing player dreads to defend against. Hatem Ben Arfa is up there with the best-dribblers in the game; he believes that if he had of concentrated in the earlier stages of his career he could of been rubbing shoulders with Lionel Messi. Real Madrid once scouted the Newcastle United playmaker and more recently Liverpool have been linked with the mercurial character. Throughout his career he has averaged a goal twice in every ten games – making him more of an attacking menace than Samir Nasri. The tightest of defences can be unlocked by Ben Arfa’s brilliance – which is why he deserves his place in the Premier League’s French XI.

When we were Kings: Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson. V. Jim Jefferies.

When we were Kings: Jack Johnson.
It is worth noting before I start this article: this is an improved re-upload telling the story of Jack Johnson an early 20th century boxer and the first African-American heavyweight Champion of the world.

ON the 26^th of December 1908; Boxing day truly became boxing day. It was a momentous occasion as a new heavyweight king ascended to the prestigious throne, and claimed his place amongst divine fighters: Langford, Jefferies and Corbett.

What made this occasion more significant was that the new heavyweight champion of the world was black. The first black heavyweight champion of the world – Jack Johnson.

Jack Johnson, born in 1878 to former slave parents, had been fighting since he was twelve years old; mainly bare-knuckle and for very little money, but enough to capture the attention of his now friend Joe Choynski – who noted ‘ A man like Johnson should never have to take a punch’. Chonyski, 40, helped turn Johnson professional after their 1901 bout. Johnson would soon ascend to the Heavyweight crown.

For as many as four years, a title shot eluded Johnson, he beat contender after contender, but his opportunity would never arrive. His race was what was holding back any chance of a title shot.  Former heavyweight champion – James J. Jefferies spoke of Johnson in poor regard, ‘As long as I live the heavyweight crown will never fall into the hands of an African-American’ he said to the press in 1906.

But with Jefferies’ retirement in 1906, a new heavyweight champion was crowned – Tommy Burns.  A hope emerged for Jack Johnson. A ray of hope that would cause controversy around the United States, but provide hope for the African-American nation.

Tommy Burns for the next two years would tour the world, fighting exhibitions: in London, Australia and France, and Johnson would follow. The media began to criticise Tommy Burns for ‘ducking’ Jack Johnson’s efforts to push a fight through. Johnson would buy ringside tickets to all of the champion’s fights, and he would regularly taunt the champion.

An interested Australian entrepreneur was watching the situation closely. Hugh McIntosh offered an astronomical sum of 7,500$ to the Champion if he would fight Johnson. The challenge was finally accepted.

December the 26^th 1908, 20,000 people flood into Rushcutters Bay to see the first mixed race title bout. The atmosphere was electric. Heart pounding. The white bigoted journalists had labelled Burns as the ‘Great white hope’ , and expected nothing more than a flawless victory for the Canadian.

Finally at 2:50pm, Jack Johnson entered the ring to a warm reception, sporting a fine white robe, standing 6ft1; five inches taller than his opponent.

Johnson’s goal was to dominate the fight from start to finish. He did just that. Johnson knocked down the Champion within a few minutes with a thunderous right hand. The Orthodox fighter was in a hungry mood. Burns was down for the count of eight, but eventually rose.

This sadly was the pattern of the fight. Johnson dominated, and even the most bloodthirsty fight fanatics, called for the fight to be stopped. Round 14. Johnson opened a barrage of attacks; the experienced 30 year old, attacked Burns with uppercuts, haymakers and anchor punches. The fight was stopped as the helpless Burns, was felled like a tree in the forest.

The camera’s stopped rolling as the Champion hit the canvas; a bittersweet feeling engulfed the arena. The bigoted racists faces turned sour. The Galveston Giant, at 30 years of age, had proved to the world: a black man could win the most prestigious throne in the world.

However; typical of the times, after the white Tommy Burns hit the canvas, Jack Johnson had to be guarded by his trainers, as angry fight fans stormed the boxing ring to confront the new champion.

Nonetheless, the title that had eluded Johnson for half a decade, was now in his clutches. Jack Johnson would return to America as more than a boxer, he would return as a symbol; a symbol of hope for all of his African-American nation.

During the next seven years, the Champion defeated challenger after challenger; many of the challengers being dubbed by journalists as ‘The Great White Hope’ due to their bigoted beliefs that they were superior to the African-American.

In 1910, Jack Johnson swept away any lingering doubts of his ability by defeating the former undefeated heavyweight champion of the world : James. J. Jefferies’ with ease. Jefferies earlier in his career was known to have ridiculed Johnson, and refused to fight him. But James Jefferies was seen as America’s ‘Great White Hope’ and was pushed into fighting his former-foe.

Jack Johnson, beat challenger after challenger, until 1915, when his reign ended prematurely, thanks to former fireman Jess Willard.

Nowadays, Jack Johnson is a forgotten figure. But if it had not been for his defiance in the face of racism and criticism, there may never of been boxers like Muhammad Ali or Joe Louis. Jack Johnson like any explorer treaded on land that had never seen his kind; he created waves and conflicts throughout America. He sparked the light and opened the door for future generations to live an easier life.

Out of his 114 fights, Jack Johnson won 80, drew 12 and lost 13; the other nine were no contests.  He boxed until his final years; a rarity in the boxing world. In 1946 he died, aged 68, after being turned away from a restaurant due to his skin colour, he angrily left the restaurant, crashed his car and died from the impact instantly.

 A tragic end, for an otherwise remarkable life.