Pick Your Poison - Manchester City

The Challenge

Pick 3 players you believe have left your club and gone onto bigger/better things and you want back at the club. Then make a choice between the 3 players as to which one you'd take back in the current squad. Judge all players on the time of their sale, not currently.

The Challenger

Andy Morris, 41, Yarm.

Player 1

Nicolas Anelka - Striker

May 2002 - January 2005

"My first choice has to be a player who is still playing at the highest level, in the Premier League, Nicolas Anelka. Anelka has been haunted by an assumption that he is somewhat miserable but he was the consummate professional during his time at City and was most definitely a diamond in the rough that made up the City squad at that time."

Anelka has proven wherever he's been that is a natural goalscorer. At Manchester City he constantly scored goals during his two-and-a-half-year tenure at the City of Manchester Stadium finishing as top goalscorer in both of his full seasons at the club. He decided to move on in January 2005 to Turkish side Fenerbahce, before returning to the Premier League with Bolton and currently Chelsea. A superb footballer, his pace and versatility could be an asset to the current Manchester City squad.

Player 2

Georgi Kinkladze - Winger

August 1995 - June 1998

"My second choice is a player who shone brightly for City and only had a brief cameo on the Premier League stage but I would have little Georgiou Kinkladze back at City in an instant and I truly feel that the player we had in 1995 would be able to do a very good job for the team we have now in 2011."

Kinkladze is a cult hero at Manchester City for his memorable goals and mazy dribbling during his time there. He stuck with the club when they were relegated in his first season at the club, despite being linked with European giants such as Barcelona, Liverpool and Inter Milan. He stayed for a further two seasons in a bid to get them back into the Premier League but wasn't able to and when Joe Royle took the reigns at the club he was seen as the weak link in a relegation battle. He was dropped and when he was restored to the line-up he couldn't help lead them out and they were relegated once again. He was consequently sold in the close season to Ajax for a reported £5M. His pace and direct running could be exactly what City need on the wings this season as they chase success on all four fronts.

Player 3

Marc-Vivien Foe (RIP)- Central Midfielder
2002/2003 (LOAN)

"Lastly a player who City had on loan only and who, at the time, every City fan thought was the perfect player to take us up a level, Marc-Vivien Foe. Foe was a great player who tragically died at the age of 28 whilst playing for his national side, Cameroon. Foe seemed to ooze class back then and had everything that would be needed for a midfielder in Mancini's City. Strength, power and presence with an eye for goal as well."

Marc-Vivien Foe in my opinion, is one of the greatest unsung heroes in Premier League history. His ability for being a genuine box-to-box midfielder was sublime. He had a knack of being in the right place at the right time, but it was more a skill due to his fantastic positional sense. He never quite fulfilled his potential but for me he was a lot like the legendary Claude Makelele. Unfortunately for us all, Marc passed away at the age of 28 after having a heart attack on the pitch while representing Cameroon in the Confederations Cup. 

 CONCLUSION

ANDY MORRIS

"When it comes to choosing one of the three I suppose most City fans would go for Kinkladze, but I think that the promise of Foe means it is the number 23 that would once again be seen on the back of a City shirt for me, and of course that would be wonderful in so many ways."

DMF

Personally, I think that Marc-Vivien Foe is the perfect foil for the Mancini midfield. A solid tackler, but with a spark of creativity to his game he is the game changer from the midfield that Yaya Toure has proved to be. With both in the squad, it could have been a partnership that completely dominates European football as well as the domestic league. A magnificent footballer, I'm sure all football fans would give something to see Foe back playing football again.

 

Do you agree with the choices @TheRealFBloke made? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter.

DMF. (@dmf180593)

Pick Your Poison - Aston Villa

The Challenge

Pick 3 players you believe have left your club and gone on to bigger/better things and you want back at your club. Then make a choice between the 3 players as to which you'd take back in the current squad. Judge all players on the time of their sale, not currently.

The Challenger
Elizabeth Steadman, 18, Birmingham

Player 1

James Milner - Midfielder
Sept 05 - Aug 06 & Aug 08 - Aug 10

"After impressing during a loan spell in 2005-06, Villa signed the highly rated midfielder in the summer of 2008. Although mainly regarded as a wide player, James Milner arguably played his best football in his short time at Aston Villa in the centre of midfield. 110% was the least you could ask from James Milner, a player who worked hard for 90 minutes week in, week out whichever position he may be asked to play in. During his two year spell at Villa Park he made 73 appearances in which he scored 11 goals, he played twice at Wembley, featuring in a Carling Cup final and an FA Cup semi-final. Though unlucky to win any silverware he did win PFA Young Player of the year, and also made it into "team of the year"."

James Milner was a key member of the Aston Villa side that saw them claim 6th place for 2 consecutive years. Although he was known as a wide player when he signed, he was excellent when converted into a central midfielder after Gareth Barry's departure. He was influential throughout his time at the club and moved to Manchester City in order to look for trophies/success. He got that in his first season in Manchester, winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.

Player 2

Kyle Walker - Right Back
2011 (LOAN)

"Despite only being a Villa player through a loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the 2010-11 season, it didn't take right-back Kyle Walker long to impress the Villa faithful; scoring a screamer 9 minutes into his debut on his return to former club Sheffield United in the FA Cup. Walker then continued to impress during his time at Villa Park. Although there was no doubt he was a force going forward, his defensive ability was often flawed, although at 20 years old this is something he could work on. Villa fans had hopes of signing him permanently in the summer transfer window but these hopes were dashed when he signed a 5 year deal when returning to Spurs."

Kyle Walker has showed tremendous ability in the last 18 months but he really caught everyone's attention while at Aston Villa. He started last season on loan at QPR and helped push them to the top of the Championship, before moving to Villa Park and showing his true potential. He put in some excellent performances for Villa and chucked his name into the hat for the Euro 2012 squad. This season he has been Spurs' first choice right back and even earned his first England caps in the recent friendlies against Spain and Sweden. 

Player 3
Ashley Young - Winger
January 2007 - July 2011

"Ashley Young spent 4 good years at Villa Park, so it was no surprise when Manchester United came knocking in the summer of 2011. Ashley Young is known for his pace, set pieces, and mastered crosses in the box. He made 157 appearances for Aston Villa and scored 30 goals, many of these direct free-kicks and towards the end of his Villa career, penalties. Despite playing in a wide position at Manchester United, Young was also effective in the role behind the striker during his time at Aston Villa, building a good relationship with star striker Darren Bent, he continues to do so for the English National Team."

Ashley Young started as a centre forward at Watford and showed great potential there. He was signed for  £9.75M (a club record fee at the time) and became a fan favourite. He soon converted into a winger and began hassling full-backs across the country with his phenomenal pace and excellent crossing ability. He spent a long time at Villa Park and began entering the fringes of the England squad. He was on the verge of breaking through into the line up before he signed for Manchester United in the summer and has since become a regular in the England set up and almost a certainty for Euro 2012.

CONCLUSION

ELIZABETH STEADMAN

"All 3 players were brilliant for Villa but James Milner is the stand out man for me. Despite the signings of Stephen Ireland and Jermaine Jenas (loan) the Villa midfield lacks his cutting edge, work rate, assists and goals. Although I'm not sure new manager Alex McLeish's style of play would suit his central midfield role, he can also play on the wing, another position where Villa are struggling. His first season at Manchester City didn't see him start many games, but this season he looks as though he is looking to cement a place in the starting 11. Despite scoring against us on our recent trip to the Etihad (and notably not celebrating), I know a lot of Villa fans still admire him and would love to have him back at the club."

DMF 

The obvious choice here would be James Milner in my opinion. His work ethic and end product are something that Villa have missed greatly this season although they sit in a decent position in the league. Ashley Young has been superb for Manchester United and England this season but with Marc Albrighton, Charles N'Zogbia and the in-form Gabriel Agbonlahor they are stacked for options on the wing. James Milner's versatility and winning mentality makes him the perfect choice to fit straight back into the Aston Villa team.

Do you agree with the choices @avfcelizabeth made? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter!

DMF. (@dmf180593)

Pick Your Poison - Bolton Wanderers

The Challenge
Pick 3 players you believe have left your club and gone on to bigger/better things and you want back at your club. Then make a choice between the 3 players as to which you'd take back in the current squad. Judge all players on the time of their sale, not currently.

The Challenger

Gareth Couperthwaite, 25, Norwich.

Player 1

Eidur Gudjohnsen - Striker

July 1998 - July 2000

"Eidur Gudjohnsen came to Bolton in 1998 after he’d been released by PSV after injury problems. His start wasn’t immediate but when he came into the side, he had an immediate effect. He finished his first season with 5 goals from 14 games and got Bolton to the Play off final against Watford. In his second season, along with Bo Hansen and Dean Holdsworth, he drove the Whites’ attack, guiding Bolton to three semi finals. He finished the season with 14 goals and was a cult legend at the Reebok. 

During the closed season Bolton received a lot of enquires for him, two seasons outside the Premier League had had a massive effect on the finances and Bolton were forced to sell Eidur to Chelsea for £4m. While at Chelsea, he won 2 league titles and a League cup, but had his greater success when he was sold to Barcelona, where he won the Primera División, Copa del Rey and the Champions League."

Eidur Gudjohnsen is one of the most technically gifted players the Reebok stadium has seen in a long time. With his phenomenal first touch and his clinical eye for goal he became a Bolton legend in his 2 years at the club and nobody was shocked he went on to win trophies with Chelsea and Barcelona in the prime of his career.  He'd add real creativity to the Bolton side (something I feel they're lacking at the moment) and could be a replacement for the departed Johan Elmander.

Player 2

Daniel Sturridge - Striker

2011 (LOAN)

"Daniel Sturridge, unlike the other two players, was on loan at the Reebok from Chelsea. He started his career at Man City before moving to Chelsea when his contract expired. Chelsea loaned him to Bolton, where he made an immediate effect of scoring in the 90th minute of his debut against Wolves, he followed this up with another three goals in his next three games and became only the sixth player to score in his first four games in the Premier League for his club. He finished with 8 goals in 12 games and became a fan favourite. With Chelsea telling Bolton it would cost £3m to continue the loan for a further twelve months and any transfer being out of Bolton’s price range. Sturridge went back to Chelsea, where he has had a great start to this season, including getting two goals against Bolton at the Reebok."

Daniel Sturridge was a superb youngster with bags of potential when he joined the Trotters on loan in January 2011. He desperately needed game-time and wasn't getting it at Stamford Bridge and was placed under greater threat with the purchase of a certain Fernando Torres for £50M. Sturridge arrived at the Reebok and took the opportunity by the scruff of the neck, bagging a goal on his debut. He continued to score, scoring 4 in his opening 4 games for the club. He ended with 8 goals in 12 games and has gone back to Chelsea and has fought his way into the starting line up. His movement suited Bolton like a glove to a hand - and this season it's clear to see they miss his explosiveness up front.

Player 3

Blerim Dzemailli - Midfielder

July 2007 - July 2009

"The final Player is Blerim Dzemaili, he signed a pre season deal to join Bolton from FC Zurich in 2007, there were high hopes for him based on his performances and he was touted as a future star for his native Switzerland. Unfortunately he suffered a serious knee injury in training before his move. Throughout the 2007-08 season, he was unable to break into the first team and only made one appearance in the FA cup. He moved to Torino on loan, where he found a new lease and signed for them the season after, since then he has signed for Parma, before moving to Napoli this season."

Blerim Dzemaili was a talented young teenager, fresh into the Swiss national team after an amazing season with FC Zurich. A serious knee injury cursed his time at the Reebok and he only ever made one senior appearance for the side, in the FA Cup. When he went on loan to Torino he found a second wind and started to show some more of that promise that made Bolton sign him. He went to Parma after that and this summer moved to Torino where he made his Champions League debut against Manchester City coming on as a substitute.

CONCLUSION

GARETH COUPERTHWAITE

"In a choice out of the three, I would prefer to have Sturridge back at Bolton. His goals and movement seemed to suit Bolton’s style of play and I feel we are a poorer team this season without him. 

Eidur was a fantastic player for Bolton and has left and achieved great things since leaving the club. Although there was huge support to the idea of him returning to Bolton, he has returned to the EPL with three clubs but not to The Reebok. 

Blerim had a torrid time at Bolton and never achieved the highs that were expected of him. I, along with a lot of Bolton fans I know, are happy to see him playing at the highest level."

DMF 

Bolton are quite clearly struggling in an attacking sense this season and although they just beat Stoke 5-0 at home, they've been struggling for goals too. Johan Elmander's departure to Galatasaray on a free transfer has taken a lot of goals from the club, and an intelligent striker like Eidur Gudjohnsen could be the answer for them. A creative force when deployed deeper, but a fantastic finisher when given the chance, it seems to me that he's the perfect choice to put into the Bolton side.

Do you agree with the choices @Lordcoup made? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter.

DMF. (@dmf180593)

Pick Your Poison - Blackburn Rovers

 

The Challenge

Pick 3 players who you believe have left your club and gone on to bigger/better things and you want back at the club. Then make a choice between the 3 players as to which you'd take back in the current squad. Judge all players on the time of their sale, not currently.

The Challenger
James Fallon, 25, Bolton.

 

Player 1
Alan Shearer - Striker
July 1992 - July 1996

"Despite Alan Shearer winning the title (the only honour in his career) with Blackburn Rovers, some would argue he never hit the same heights as he did with Newcastle with Rovers. Even though he was adored by the Blackburn faithful, he was absolutely idolised by the Newcastle fans and with that he became the most feared striker in English football and a wonderful asset to Newcastle. Even though we are scoring goals at the moment, he would offer us plenty of hard work and plenty of goals if he was still around at this moment in time."

Alan Shearer is without a shadow of a doubt the most prolific goalscorer in Premier League history. During his 4 years at Blackburn he scored an amazing 112 league goals in 138 league games, an average of a goal every 1.23 games. He was an amazing finisher, capable of scoring with any part of his body and was truly an asset to English football. However, he became even better at Newcastle than at Blackburn and became the first (and only to this day) player to reach 200 Premier League goals. Blackburn right now lack that striker who can score 20+ goals a season and Alan Shearer entering his prime would be more than capable of providing that.

Player 2
Henning Berg - Defender
July 1992 - August 1997

"The versatile defender who left Rovers for Manchester United and went onto win considerably more honours with them. He would offer us a solid grounding at the right back position as that's been something of a concern for Rovers this season, even though we have the young Jason Lowe filling in the gap left by Michel Salgado. He would also bring a winning mentality that we desperately need. Winning the honours he won at United helps any team that may acquire a players services."

Henning Berg signed for Manchester United in 1997 for £5M - which was the joint highest fee for a defender at the time in Britain.  While at Blackburn however he showed his versatility - making the right-back position his own, while also showing he could play competently at centre back. He won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995 and won plenty of trophies while at Manchester United. He re-joined Blackburn in 2000 and lifted the League Cup as captain in 2002. Berg was a solid defender and one of the most reliable full-backs in the league, while also very good at centre back. He'd be a welcome addition to the leaky defence Rovers have had this season so far.

Player 3
Damien Duff - Winger
March 1996 - July 2003

"Where do we start with Damien Duff, he was one of the three players that made Rovers exciting to watch in the early 2000s and was one of the main reasons we were promoted from division 1 after two years out of the Premier League. Duff, David Dunn and Matt Jansen were the spine of our team. Damien was sold to Chelsea the season they got their money. We got good money for him at the time and he went onto become a relative success at Chelsea. He would bring with him some valuable Premier League experience if he was in our squad now. Something we seem to be lacking at the moment."

Damien Duff when he signed was an unknown Irish winger, with potential to move onto big things. He made Rovers exciting and was one of their best players when Blackburn went from promotion to the Premier League to a League Cup victory. Blackburn got a massive £24M from Chelsea for Duff and in turn they turned him into one of the most dangerous wingers in the league. His pace, direct running and excellent final ball (whether it was a shot or a cross) made him a constant threat to every team, which he showed vs Barcelona in the Champions League. If he returned to Ewood today, he'd probably struggle to get into the team in his favoured left wing position, now occupied by hotshot Junior Hoilett.

CONCLUSION

JIMMY GOODE

"Out of the three, I would bring back Henning Berg. Simply reason being he would bring the defence some much needed experience and versatility. We have made very costly mistakes in our defensive side of the game this season and I feel his experience would see us shipping less goals and his experience could be passed onto the younger players in our squad. And of course his winning mentality would emanate to the rest of the squad."

 DMF

Looking at the squad now, although they are scoring goals it's hard to see past taking Alan Shearer in his prime back to Ewood Park. The man was capable of scoring 30+ goals per season every year and that kind of goalscorer is something that Blackburn will need to keep them up this season in my opinion. The leaky defence I believe is down to a lack of confidence - when Michel Salgado returns and the side pick up some points I believe they will become stronger defensively. Duff would be a good option too, but Hoilett, Formica, N'Zonzi and Pedersen are all capable options in midfield and I don't think he is an necessity in today's squad.

Do you agree with the choices @St_Jimmy_77 made? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter.

DMF. (@dmf180593)