Life’s A Pitch: the Eurozone threat

Everyone keeps saying how the Eurozone crisis will hit the UK hard. But the threat from Europe isn’t just in monetary terms, as English teams battling to keep their finest young players out of the clutches of Europe’s most powerful teams are finding out.

Just this past week both Gareth Bale and Jack Wilshere have been linked with big-money moves to Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. We ask our expert pundits on the probability of these moves, along with many others, coming off.

The European challenge for English teams also comes in the form of the prestigious Champions League. And Zonal Marking’s Michael Cox thinks if Man City are going to conquer Europe then the final piece in their rather extravagant jigsaw is a top-quality deep-lying midfielder to orchestrate their attacking play. Something clearly beyond Gareth Barry.

Back on these shores, we’ve been discussing who is the Premier League’s best midfielder. A tough question, I think you’ll agree. We managed to narrow it down to David Silva, Frank Lampard and Luka Modric. Have your say and join in the debate.

Expert pundit videos

“I defy Wilshere not to have his head turned by Real Madrid”

Jack Wilshere is unlikely to be leaving Arsenal any time soon, but he is bound to be distracted by the interest of Real Madrid, says the Life’s A Pitch panel.
Centre of attention >

Who is the best midfielder in the Premier League?

Three of the best midfielders in the land go under the Life’s a Pitch microscope.
The middle man >

Dalglish “must be getting very frustrated” to be so critical

Frustration must be getting the better of Kenny Dalglish for him to be so critical of his players over their recent performance, says the Life’s A Pitch panel.
Critical mass >

Nigel Pearson tipped to take Leicester up

The Life’s A Pitch panel discusses Nigel Pearson’s appointment at Leicester City, and his potential successors at Hull City.
Fleet Foxes >

Lively opinion blogs

Man City need more creativity from deep to conquer Europe

Despite all their obvious flair and talent, Man City need more creativity from deep-lying midfield areas to triumph in the Champions League, argues Michael Cox.
Creative urges >

Cech proving that fortune favours the brave

Ben Lyttleton on Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech and his rare blend of talent and bravery.
Brave face >

First Tottenham, now England for rising star Walker

If Kyle Walker continues his meteoric rise for Tottenham he could well become England’s right-back for the next decade, writes Mike Calvin.
Walking tall >

Will 2012 be the Year of the Ox-lade-Chamberlain?

Mike Calvin on how Arsenal wonderkid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is already pressing for a place in Fabio Capello’s England squad.
Going places? >

Visit Life’s A Pitch

The football website for big interviews, expert pundits and blogs from the UK’s top writers.

Visit Life’s A Pitch