5 players who need the international break, featuring Tottenham and Man United stars
With the season under-way, it’s fair to say that it hasn’t been hard to figure out who has hit the ground running and who is a step off the pace. While both players and teams as a whole have impressed or failed, in this first of two articles, TBR takes a look at the individuals who needs the international break most.
Harry Kane
Since breaking into Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs side last season, Harry Kane has become Spurs’ first Englishman to hit 30+ goals in a season since Gary Linekar, scored on his international debut and picked up the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
However, with the reliance on him for goals becoming to much, both himself and his team have suffered. Kane has failed to score in the opening 4 games of the season and has looked like a one season wonder. He’s looked uneasy and desperate in front of goal, shown by a poor 38% shot accuracy.
The England international needs the break to refuel after a busy summer. With a chance to recoup and the possibility of the return of Christian Eriksen and new boy Clinton N’jie, the weight will be lifted off his shoulders. His past form could be regained after the break, especially if he scores for England.
Wayne Rooney
Another England striker struggling at the start of this campaign is none other than Wayne Rooney. The talisman and captain for both club and country has unbelievable amounts of pressure on him and its all seemed to much.
Struggling to Van Gaal’s needs, Rooney has failed to score in the Premier League so far and has put in a few below par displays. His poor performance against Aston Villa the one he’ll want to forget most.
The international break presents Rooney with a chance to break the England’s all time goal-scoring record currently held by Sir Bobby Charlton. A soar in confidence will be gained from this and on his return to Manchester United, he will be keen to kick on. Unlucky for new signing Anthony Martial if this becomes the case.
Dejan Lovren
Dejan Lovren is undeniable the victim of the Anfield wrath every time the Reds fail to win. However, he made a promising start to the 2015/16 season. Making 10 defensive actions in 4 appearances is impressive while he also boasts a 3 out of 4 clean sheet record so far this season.
However, all his hard work was forgotten the moment he trod on the ball against West Ham. Lazily defending against Lanzini, Lovren complacently went to leave the ball to run out of play. Undeterred Lanzini chased him down causing Lovren to panic and place the ball right in to Lanzini’s path. West Ham came out of the phase with their first of three goals.
Lovren will need two weeks off alone to forget about this howler that’s still doing the rounds on social media. His ‘character’, as Rodgers would name it, will be key over the coming weeks. A chance to shut out the world class attacking talents of Manchester United may just be the remedy needed to regain his start of season form.
Branislav Ivanovic
What has changed since last seasons title parade for Chelsea? They are leaking goals at the back and have been cut open by Crystal Palace and Swansea, both of whom have pacey, traditional wingers at their disposal.
Ivanovic is the scapegoat for Chelsea’s misfortune. The bruising Serbian has kept Azpilicueta out of his favoured right back spot since joining but it looks likely that Ivanovic takes a seat on the bench after the international break.
Having been torn apart by Montero on the opening day of the season, things haven’t got much better for Ivanovic. Infact, it’s almost a compliment that only one defensive mistake has led to a goal so far. He’s been woeful.
One of Mourinho’s trusted men has let his manager down and for Ivanovic, the international break couldn’t give him a better chance to escape South London. The Serbian international needs to come back a changed man and show the form that caught the eye last season. Otherwise, youngster Baba Rahman could come in at left back with Azpilicueta shifting over to the right to remove Ivanovic from the team.
Saido Berahino
Vowing to never play under Jeremy Pearce again over twitter, Saido Berahino has been gifted a chance to escape The Hawthorns after a nightmare ending to the transfer window. After numerous failed bids from Spurs, West Brom were adamant that the England U21 international was staying.
Berahino had different ideas, trying to force a move over a social media rant, something that hasn’t gone down well with Baggies fans. Now jetting around in a private jet, Berahino has some time out the spotlight to reconsider his actions.
Being one of England’s up and coming talents, it would be a horror show if he was left to rot in the reserves. An apology from the young man is needed and everyone needs to move on. A starlet on his day, Berahino needs the break more than ever before he apologizes and removes as much as the bad blood as possible.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by kimmiji2012
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