Tag Archives: laudrup

Swansea players celebrate Capital One Cup victory with party

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Let's get the party started! Swansea players hit the town to celebrate cup final victory

By
Riath Al-samarrai

PUBLISHED:

12:01 GMT, 25 February 2013

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UPDATED:

16:06 GMT, 25 February 2013

Swansea City's Capital One Cup stars descended on one of central London's most exclusive drinking spots last night after crushing Bradford at Wembley.

Michael Laudrup's side celebrated their 5-0 win into the early hours, with most of the squad heading to their Hilton hotel base at Wembley for a post-match meal with wives, girlfriends and family before a smaller group headed to West End club Whisky Mist at 11.30pm.

Swansea players partying at Whisky Mist

Swansea players partying at Whisky Mist

Out on the town: Swansea players party in London after their Capital One Cup victory over Bradford

Swansea players partying

Swansea players partying at Whisky Mist

The group, which included captain Ashley Williams, Garry Monk, Wayne Routledge, two-goal hero Jonathan De Guzman, Leon Britton, Ben Davies, Kemy Agustien, Roland Lamah and Kyle Bartley, stayed in the Mafair club's VIP room until after 3am.

A source close to the club said: 'It was all very good natured and low key. No trouble.

'The lads had a great time after a great day. Leon Britton kept his medal on the whole time he was out.'

Swansea celebrate

Swansea

Backstage pass: Swansea stars pose with the Capita One Cup in the Wembley dressing room

Get the party started: Swansea celebrate in the dressing room at Wembley

Get the party started: Swansea celebrate in the dressing room at Wembley

swansea

Brian Laudrup set for Rangers return

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He's back! Rangers legend Laudrup lined up for role at Ibrox after talks with Green

By
John Mcgarry

PUBLISHED:

01:19 GMT, 29 January 2013

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UPDATED:

02:41 GMT, 29 January 2013

Rangers legend Brian Laudrup is poised to return to the club in an ambassadorial capacity.

The Dane, who helped take Rangers to three league titles in the mid-1990s, arrived in Glasgow on Monday for talks on the proposed role with chief executive Charles Green.

And the former winger, who won 82 caps for his country, is prepared to give something back to the club after watching it endure the most tumultuous year in its history.

'Since Rangers went into these chaotic circumstances, I have said all along that, if I could help the club in any way, I would,' he told Rangers TV.

Hero: Laudrup is set to rejoin Rangers as a club ambassador

Hero: Laudrup is set to rejoin Rangers as a club ambassador

Legend: Laudrup in action for Rangers back in the day

Legend: Laudrup in action for Rangers back in the day

'I've been here today to speak to
Charles a little bit and we'll see if we can find a way for me to do
that. 'To be able to be an ambassador for Rangers Football Club would be
absolutely fantastic and we want to see if we can find a way to work
together.

'If the club
wants me to help – and it looks like it does – I would love to do it. I
have always said I had four tremendous years at Rangers.

'The
issue at the moment is to find a way in which I can help and it has
been fantastic to meet Charles. 'He is a fantastic man to speak to and
he has a great vision for this club. Now we just have to sit down at
some point and formalise things so that we can work together. That would
be great.'

Laudrup, 43, now spreads his time between working as a televsion pundit in Denmark and his academy. A 2.3million buy by Walter Smith from Fiorentina in 1994, he is regarded as one of the finest players to have worn a Rangers jersey.

Smith has also returned to the club recently in a non-executive director capacity.

In the meantime, the independent commission set up by the SPL to investigate alleged dual contracts at Rangers begins today.

Lord Nimmo Smith is joined by Nicholas Stewart and Charles Flint, both QCs, in considering whether the Ibrox club breached SPL rules through their operation of an Employee Benefit Trust scheme.

Talks: Laudrup flew in for discussions with Charles Green on Monday

Talks: Laudrup flew in for discussions with Charles Green on Monday

Four days have been set aside for the hearing, although it is not known when a verdict will be delivered. If Rangers are found guilty, then a stripping of SPL league titles won during the period in question is among the potential punishments that the commission could recommend.

Ibrox chief executive Green is boycotting the process but the Rangers Fans Fighting Fund have pledged to fund a legal defence should trophies be threatened.

'There were allegations about a number of alleged breaches of SPL rules over a number of years,' said SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster. 'Those allegations are complicated.

'The SPL board decided that the right way to deal with those allegations was to appoint an independent commission to establish whether in fact SPL rules were broken or not.

'And, if they were, what punishment is appropriate – if any. That process will continue. I am not going to make any predictions about timescales.'

Danny Graham still wanted by Sunderland and Martin O"Neill

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O'Neill boost as Graham asks to leave Swansea despite travelling with squad to Sunderland

By
Colin Young

PUBLISHED:

11:56 GMT, 28 January 2013

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UPDATED:

18:09 GMT, 28 January 2013

Danny Graham has edged closer to a switch to Sunderland after telling Swansea he wants to quit the south Wales club for personal reasons.

Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill has been pursuing the striker for much of January, and is now likely to land his chief target before Thursday's deadline.

The former Chester Town FC striker has been included in Michael Laudrup’s squad travelling to Wearside for Tuesday's televised Barclays Premier League clash.

Heading east The out-of-favour Graham is wanted by Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill

Heading east The out-of-favour Graham is wanted by Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill

And although the Newcastle United
supporter and ex-Middlesbrough forward has not been a regular in the
Capital One Cup finalists’ starting line-up, he has featured on the
bench for most of the season.

O’Neill refused to be drawn on specific targets for the last four days of the winter transfer window, although he has denied any attempt to sign former Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner who has been linked with a loan move from his current side Hamburg.

But the Sunderland manager, who has so far added midfielder Alfred N’Diaye and Senegal defender Kader Mangane, says he is hopeful of adding a striker before Thursday’s 11pm deadline after he reluctantly allowed England striker Fraizer Campbell to join Cardiff City in a 600,000 deal.

Sunderland launched a 5million bid for Graham two weeks ago, and still face competition from Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers for the Gateshead-born striker.

Fraizer Campbell

Paul Scharner

Gone but not incoming: Campbell has already left for Cardiff but Sunderland deny any interest in Paul Scharner

Paul Scharner

O’Neill said: `We have a couple of day to add someone if we can. After February 1 that is it so we will see what we can do.

`We are linked with quite a few players and we will try and get someone in if we can. We are going to try and do something about it.

`I would like to try and improve it if we can but that is not always that easy. If we are left with this [squad] then we have to try and manage it as best we can but I am still hoping we can do something.’

Efficient: Graham has continued to score despite his limited opportunities

Efficient: Graham has continued to score despite his limited opportunities

Former Manchester United striker Campbell, who came back from two serious knee injuries during his time at Sunderland, failed to establish himself under O’ Neill in the last year.

He did score a crucial equaliser against Middlesbrough in last season’s FA Cup but was restricted to bench duties after the addition of Scotland striker Steven Fletcher in the summer.

O’Neill has now let veterans Louis Saha and James McFadden leave the club while South Korea international Ji Dong-won has joined FC Augsburg and youngster Ryan Noble is poised to join SPL club Hearts.

Louis Saha

James McFadden

Departed: Injury-hit veterans Louis Saha and James McFadden have both been allowed to leave Sunderland

O’Neill added: There was always interest in Frazier. We said we would prefer him not to go until we got someone in and it was then Matthew Kilgallon tweets that he is going to Cardiff.

`So I allowed him to go. I felt this was a big opportunity for Frazier, he didn’ t want to disappear and so I allowed him to go but I am hoping something will develop for us.’

Defenders Carlos Cuellar and Danny Rose, who both have hamstring strains, will have fitness tests before the Swansea clash along with captain Lee Cattermole. All three are rated doubtful for the game.

Michu bargain of the century? Football"s best ever buys

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Is Michu the bargain of the century Sportsmail gives its verdict on the players to rival him for the title

PUBLISHED:

14:57 GMT, 10 January 2013

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UPDATED:

16:51 GMT, 10 January 2013

His manager Michael Laudrup called him the ‘bargain of the season’ but Gary Lineker has hailed Swansea star Michu as the ‘bargain of the century’.

The Spaniard has been the surprise star of the Premier League since his 2.2million move from Rayo Vallecano.

Bargain buy: Michu has had a big impact for Swansea this season following his 2.2m summer move

Bargain buy: Michu has had a big impact for Swansea this season following his 2.2m summer move

MICHU'S GOAL CELEBRATION

Michu’s goal celebration, in which he ‘turns up the volume’ next to his ear, has been the talk of Swansea since he moved to Wales in the summer. He first did the action to Granada fans to let them know he couldn’t hear them after he scored for Celta Vigo. Cheeky.

He scored 15 goals for the Spanish strugglers from midfield last season, helping them survive on the last day of the season.

This season he has already scored 13 for Swansea in the Premier League — does it make him the bargain of the century

We asked our team of writers to pick their best bargain of this century. Who is your pick Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Finding the net: Michu scored the opening goal in Swansea's Capital One Cup victory over Chelsea

Finding the net: Michu scored the opening goal in Swansea's Capital One Cup victory over Chelsea

MATT BARLOW
Robin van Persie (Feyenoord to Arsenal, 2.75m, 2004)

Arsenal got him for 2.75million. Once he got over his injuries and attitude problems he proved to be genuine world-class talent. Sold for nearly 10 times as much and still getting better.

Doing the business: Robin van Persie signed for Arsenal from Feyenoord

Doing the business: Robin van Persie signed for Arsenal from Feyenoord

ALEX KAY
Lionel Messi (Newell's Old Boys to Barcelona, Free, 2000)

The best player in the world… for almost nothing. So impressed were Barcelona with a young Lionel Messi they offered him a contract on a paper napkin and offered to pay for the boy’s medical bills if he moved from Argentina. The 11-year-old had been diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Luckily for Barca, he turned out all right.

Simply the best: Lionel Messi joined Barcelona for free as a teenager

Simply the best: Lionel Messi joined Barcelona for free as a teenager

SAMI MOKBEL
Edwin van der Sar (Fulham to Manchester United, 2m, 2005)

Sir Alex Ferguson fired plenty of blanks in his attempts to replace Peter Schmeichel. Massimo Taibi and Mark Bosnich, for instance, just could not cut the mustard. Enter Van der Sar. A colossus for United in his six years at Old Trafford.

Safe hands: Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United late in his career but had a big impact at Old Trafford

Safe hands: Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United late in his career but had a big impact at Old Trafford

JOHN EDWARDS
Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, 12.2m, 2003)

It’s probably fair to describe Sir Alex Ferguson’s transfer dealings that summer as varied, until he struck gold with Ronaldo. Up to then, he had recruited David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Tim Howard and Kleberson. Howard apart, it was hardly an array of new talent destined to take the Barclays Premier League by storm. Ronaldo, on the other hand, drew comparisons with some of the all-time greats to don a United shirt and had completed a clean sweep of club and individual honours by the time he joined Real Madrid for 80million on July 1, 2009. If we are analysing value, a profit of 68m surely takes some beating.

Making his mark: Cristiano Ronaldo would become the best player in the Premier League

Making his mark: Cristiano Ronaldo would become the best player in the Premier League

SAM CUNNINGHAM
Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, 12.2m, 2003)

Six seasons at the club returned three consecutive league titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, one Community Shield, a Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. So that cost them roughly 2m per season, or 1.4m per trophy. Then they made 68m profit on him. Bargain.

LAURIE WHITWELL
Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara to Manchester United, 7m, 2010)

A relative unknown when Sir Alex Ferguson signed him before the 2010 World Cup. A handful of sparkling displays in South Africa later and 7m already looked a snip. Hernandez stormed the Premier League in his debut season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions as United won the title and made the Champions League final. His place came under threat last term but he has come again, netting 12 times this season despite the arrival of Robin van Persie meaning limited game time. A firebox character and a joy to watch. United can depend on him from the start or from the bench.

Super sub: Javier Hernandez hit the ground running following his move to Manchester United

Super sub: Javier Hernandez hit the ground running following his move to Manchester United

JAMES ANDREW
Louis Saha (Metz to Fulham, 2.1m, 2000)

When Jean Tigana arrived at Fulham in 2000 one of the first things he did was sell Geoff Horsfield to Birmingham for 2.25m and then bought Saha for 2.1m. It proved to be a masterstroke as the Frenchman went on to score 27 goals in Division One (now the Championship) and fire Fulham into the Premier League. While his years in the top flight were blighted by injury he rediscovered his goalscoring touch again in 2003-04 when he netted 15 goals in 22 games before a 12.4m move to Manchester United. A 10m profit and Premier League football is not a bad deal.

Saha so good: Louis Saha helped gain Fulham promotion to the Premier League in 2001

Saha so good: Louis Saha helped gain Fulham promotion to the Premier League in 2001

MIKE ANSTEAD

Vincent Kompany (Hamburg to Man City, 6m, 2008)

In among all Manchester City's eye-watering signings, there is Vincent Kompany. An exceptional defender, a leader on and off the pitch and an all-round good guy. Oh, and he became the first City captain to lift the league trophy in 44 years. Not bad for 6million…

Flying start: Vincent Kompany takes on the FC Copenhagen defence in a 2009 UEFA Cup tie

Flying start: Vincent Kompany takes on the FC Copenhagen defence in a 2009 UEFA Cup tie

MARK ALFORD
Gareth Bale (Southampton to Tottenham, 7m, 2007)

Shrewd business by Tottenham – no not selling Berbatov to United for 30milllion – but buying Gareth Bale for an initial 5m fee from Southampton in 2007. That figure was set to rise to 10m depending on honours and appearances but Spurs struck another shrewd deal with the Saints, agreeing an early settlement so the total bill was 7m. The Welsh wizard is coveted by the world’s finest football clubs now and it’ll take 50m to prise him away from White Hart Lane. Kerrching.

Spur of the moment: A youthful Gareth Bale scoring for Tottenham against Middlesbrough

Spur of the moment: A youthful Gareth Bale scoring for Tottenham against Middlesbrough

PHIL GRADWELL
Jay Jay Okocha (PSG to Bolton, free, 2002)

So good they named him twice – and he didn’t cost a penny. Okocha’s brilliance kept Bolton in the Premier League in 2003 and he scored a stupendous free-kick to help them to the Carling Cup final in 2004. Was made club captain by Sam Allardyce and dazzled the Reebok with his tricks, the best of which was an outrageous flick over Ray Parlour’s head.

Scorcher: Darren Anderton looks on in awe as Jay Jay Okocha unleashes a shot

Scorcher: Darren Anderton looks on in awe as Jay Jay Okocha unleashes a shot

CHRIS CUTMORE
Joe Hart (Shrewsbury to Man City, 100,000*, 2006)

Every great team needs a huge presence between the sticks – think Banks, Schmeichel or Casillas – and it cannot be questioned that Hart was a major force behind City’s Premier League title triumph last season. Roberto Mancini’s men saw off local rivals United on goal difference alone and Hart marshalled by far the stingiest defence in the league. His mistakes this season have shocked all the more because of his consistent brilliance previously. But don’t expect the dip in form to last long, or Hart’s Premier League medal to be his last.

*according to City deputy chairman John Wardle

Young at Hart: Joe joined Man City from Shrewsbury for the bargain price of 100,000 in 2006

Young at Hart: Joe joined Man City from Shrewsbury for a bargain 100,000 in 2006

LUKE BENEDICT
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid to Liverpool, 21m, 2007)

To get 65 goals out of a player and then make a near 30million profit is pretty good business. In fact, it surely ranks as the bargain of the century. Aged 23, El Nino took a pay cut to move to Liverpool for 21m from Atletico Madrid. He scored more than 60 goals in a 102 games. Then Chelsea infamously paid 50m for him and he’s scored only 26 in his first 100 games at Stamford Bridge. That’s an awful lot of profit for a striker who can hardly score.

Hit the ground running: Fernando Torres scores one of his first goals in Liverpool colours

Hit the ground running: Fernando Torres scores one of his first goals in Liverpool colours

Branislav Ivanovic says sorry to Chelsea team for errors that cost Chelsea

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I'm sorry! Ivanovic apologises to team-mates after his mistakes leave Chelsea's Wembley dream hanging in the balance

By
Neil Ashton

PUBLISHED:

07:53 GMT, 10 January 2013

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UPDATED:

09:03 GMT, 10 January 2013

Branislav Ivanovic apologised to the Chelsea team after his disastrous performance in last night's Capital One Cup semi-final defeat by Swansea.

The Chelsea defender was at fault for both goals as Michael Laudrup's side secured an incredible 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Ivanovic was furious with his performance and had to be calmed down when he made his way down the tunnel and into the home dressing room.

Feeling down: Branislav Ivanovic shows his disappointment after making two costly errors

Feeling down: Branislav Ivanovic shows his disappointment after making two costly errors

Uphill task: Chelsea go into the second leg 2-0 down

Uphill task: Chelsea go into the second leg 2-0 down

He then said sorry to his team-mates for mistakes which led to Michu opened the scoring and substitute Danny Graham adding Swansea's second in injury time.

Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez defended the centre half but Ivanovic has taken full responsibility for the defeat. It was easily the worst performance of the Serb's career at Stamford Bridge and it is unusual for him to be so careless.

Chelsea
need to win by two goals to take the tie in to extra-time but they face
a massive battle to face Aston Villa or Bradford in next month's final
at Wembley.

Error one: Michu makes the most of Ivanovic's mistake to score the first

Error one: Michu makes the most of Ivanovic's mistake to score the first

Error two: Danny Graham scores a late second after another Ivanovic clanger

Error two: Danny Graham scores a late second after another Ivanovic clanger

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup vows to keep Michu

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Laudrup ready to use Michu in Cup clash as Swansea boss bows to keep hot shot

By
Andrew Gwilym, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

23:33 GMT, 5 January 2013

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UPDATED:

23:33 GMT, 5 January 2013

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has made it clear there is 'no way' Michu will be leaving the Liberty Stadium this month.

The 2million signing from Rayo
Vallecano has been the bargain of the season to date, scoring 14 goals
in 22 appearances for the Swans and taking the Premier League by storm.

Hot shot: Swansea's Michu

Hot shot: Swansea's Michu

The Spaniard's impact, which has brought him to the attentions of national coach Vicente del Bosque, has understandably attracted interest from other clubs.

And Laudrup had previously slapped a 30million price tag on the midfielder's head. In the wake of rumoured interest from Russian clubs Zenit St Petersburg and Anzhi Makhachkhala the Dane has again moved to make his position on Michu's future clear, and wants to avoid being left in the same position as Newcastle following the departure of Demba Ba to Chelsea.

“There is no way he will leave,” said Laudrup. “It is absolutely out of the question.

“One reason is because it is so difficult to get someone in right now, and the second is that he is happy here and doesn't want to leave.

“Newcastle have just lost their top scorer mid-season and that is obviously very bad. especially because it is not easy to find a guy who scores goals like him.”

Swansea face Arsenal on Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup with Laudrup facing a selection conundrum.

The Swans meet Chelsea in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and with that game in mind Laudrup could be tempted to make changes, but appears to have no plans to rest Michu ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.

“Your top scorer, you always want him playing every game,” he said.

“Together with Ashley Williams they are the two players with the most games this season.

“They always want to play. Obviously I am the one who has to decide and see if they are a little tired – or to let them rest or to play them.

“But he is our top scorer and it is important for the team-mates to have him there and it's important with the opposition because they always know they are in danger when he is there.

“If he is fit then he will play.”

Swansea have won their last two meetings with the Gunners, including their 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium last month thanks to a Michu brace.

And Laudrup expects Arsenal to be thirsting for revenge after they were booed off following that defeat.

“It's never nice to have lost at home and they will remember our game – they will want revenge,” he said.

“It looked bad after they played us – they were 10th. For a club like Arsenal, that's a disaster.

“But they won three games consecutively and they are back again.

“They are many years without a trophy and they know the league is not a trophy for them. They have two left so they will come with their best possible line-up and do everything to beat us.”

Sir Alex Ferguson referee watch: Manchester United manager loses his temper briefly

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Fergie ref watch: After his haranguing of Dean and co, how did Sir Alex behave on the touchline for clash against West Brom

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UPDATED:

01:24 GMT, 30 December 2012

It seemed like Sir Alex Ferguson was on his way to giving another set of officials the full treatment during Manchester United's 2-0 victory over West Brom at Old Trafford.

But although he did start shouting at assistant referee Andy Garrett over the award of a throw-in, he soon made up with him.

These pictures show the Red Devils boss giving Garrett an earful before later making him laugh, along with fourth official Phil Dowd.

Sir Alex Ferguson shouts at assistant referee Andy Garrett

Just joshing: Ferguson laughed with him afterwards

Making up: Sir Alex Ferguson shouts at assistant referee Andy Garrett… but then joked with him afterwards

Time for a chat: Garratt giggled while Ferguson chatted to fourth official Phil Dowd

Time for a chat: Garratt giggled while Ferguson chatted to fourth official Phil Dowd

The officials would have been wary
after the United manager's incredible rant at Mike Dean and his
assistants during the side's 4-3 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.

He strode on to the pitch to harangue
Dean about Newcastle’s controversial second goal and then berated both a
linesman and the fourth official.

But because the referee did not
include the incidents in his match report he is believed to view
Ferguson’s comments as within the boundaries of reasonable
communication.

Dean did not report him because he did not feel there was abusive language or any questioning of his integrity.

Caught between a rock and a hard place: Dowd was sandwiched between Fergie and the United mascot

Caught between a rock and a hard place: Dowd was sandwiched between Fergie and the United mascot

Manager watch

Wenger v Pardew

Pardew was banned for shoving an assistant referee this term but kept his hands to himself yesterday. Wenger stayed seated.

Hughton v Mancini

While Hughton was a silent witness to defeat, Mancini was furious with Nasri's red card, though he was sanguine at the time.

Jol v Laudrup

Laudrup remained in control amid doubts over Fulham's goal. Jol knew he and his players were to blame for defeat.

Lambert v Martinez

Lambert kept cool despite another thrashing. His rival appeared annoyed by refereeing decisions but reined himself in.

McDermott v Allardyce

A feisty game but neither tangled with the officials. McDermott stood in his technical area while Big Sam stayed seated.

Pulis v Adkins

Both were animated but well behaved throuighout. Pulis was asked to retreat from the touchline in the second half, and did.

Martin O'Neill v AVB

Little to move Andre VIllas-Boas, who sat through most of the game. Martin O'Neill prowled his technical area as usual.

Michael Laudrup would lead my Premier League special XI – Martin Keown

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Premier League Bootroom: Laudrup's the leader of my surprise packages

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 25 December 2012

Christmas is a time for good things so I’ve picked an XI who have played exceptionally well this season. Some have received more plaudits than others but all have surprised in one way or another. And all have done something a bit special this season.

Christmas Crackers XI

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

It was a surprise that Guzan was selected ahead of the very experienced Shay Given at the start of the season but Paul Lambert should be commended for his choice. Guzan has dealt well with the pressure of Given lurking in the background and played with real self-belief. Five clean sheets for a team that has struggled is no mean feat.

Right back Pablo Zabaleta (Man City)

He has seen off Maicon and Micah Richards to become the champions’ No 1 right back. Zabaleta is Mr Dependable. Close behind him as a surprise package is Carl Jenkinson, whose improvement for Arsenal has been amazing. His performances are not apologetic anymore and he deserves to be in the Arsenal starting XI.

Left back: Leighton Baines (Everton)

Only one candidate in this position. Everything has come together for Baines, who gets better and better each year. The precision of his decision making when he goes forward has improved. The weight and timing of his passes are excellent. Add to that his crossing and free kicks and he has to be in my side.

Must have: Leighton Baines has been superb as usual, from his crossing to his decision making

Must have: Leighton Baines has been superb as usual, from his crossing to his decision making

Centre backs: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Sebastien Bassong (Norwich)

Vertonghen
has become the leader in Spurs’ defence. He dictates the line and has
shown great leadership to help Andre Villas-Boas implement his
high-pressing system. He is good on the ball too and has proved to be a
very good signing.

Bassong
left Spurs in the summer for Norwich and has been the key to their
improved defensive performances. He was caught ball-watching too often
at Tottenham but has been dominating as Chris Hughton’s side have kept
five clean sheets. He has also chipped in with three goals.

Midfield: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Oscar (Chelsea), Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

Cazorla has arrived in English football and been a joy to watch. You have to admire his ambidexterity. It’s impossible to distinguish which foot is his strongest. Defences are fearful of his through passes and are now standing off him, which has seen him shoot more.

Oscar is another summer import and is a lovely footballer. He seems unperturbed by anyone around him — people try to dispossess him but they can’t. He has an effortless style, is always looking for the ball and is going to be a phenomenal player. He, more than anyone, has brought a change in Chelsea’s style of play.

Fellaini has benefited from Tim Cahill’s departure as the Belgian is now playing further forward. He brings the ball down on his chest like Niall Quinn used to — he plucks it out the air with such great control. He then uses his huge frame to protect the ball. He’s playing with extra inspiration this season and is scoring crucial goals.

Liquid: Santi Cazorla can play with either foot, is creative, clever and something special

Liquid: Santi Cazorla can play with either foot, is creative, clever and something special

Front three: Michu (Swansea), Christian Benteke (A Villa), Robin van Persie (Man Utd)

The transition Michu has made since arriving from Spain has been incredible. He keeps performing and is very cool in front of goal. Quality players find time on the pitch and he does that in the box. He has given a boost to Swansea’s attacking threat.

Benteke is so fast and powerful and has justifiably kept Darren Bent out the side. I haven’t yet seen a defender who knows how to handle him.

Van Persie was under pressure after a big-money move to United from Arsenal but he has been excellent and there seems to be a real hunger in him. He wants trophies and that motivation is helping drive the rest of the United squad.

Magic Michu: The attacker is cool as a cucumber in front of goal

Magic Michu: The attacker is cool as a cucumber in front of goal

Coach: Michael Laudrup (Swansea)

Following Brendan Rodgers was not going to be easy at the Liberty Stadium. Yes, it took the players some time to get used to his ways, but Laudrup has taken them on to another level, particularly going forward. That is no mean feat.

Another level: Michael Laudrup has driven the players forward at the Liberty Stadium

Another level: Michael Laudrup has driven the players forward at the Liberty Stadium

What's the score

Fixtures

Fixtures

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup working hard to end set-piece difficulties

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Sloppy Swans must stop set-piece slip ups, admits boss Laudrup after they ship top flight record 12th goal

|

UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 25 December 2012

Michael Laudrup has admitted he is concerned by Swansea's inability to defend set-pieces and has vowed to tackle the issue.

The Swans share with Aston Villa the dubious distinction of having conceded the most amount of set-piece goals in the Barclays Premier League this season.

Patrice Evra’s header from Robin van Persie’s first-half corner in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Sunday was the 12th time they have conceded in such a way – accounting more than half the 23 Laudrup’s side have shipped.

Heads, you lose: Swansea have conceded a league record 12 goals from set-pieces this season, with the most recent coming from Patrice Evra

Heads, you lose: Swansea have conceded a league record 12 goals from set-pieces this season, with the most recent coming from Patrice Evra

It continued a worrying trend after Jan Vertonghen volleyed Tottenham’s winner from a Kyle Walker free-kick a week earlier, and Norwich scored two in a similar manner on December 8.

Laudrup pointed in mitigation to the height of three of three of the regular starters in his sleek, passing side – Leon Britton, Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer are all shorter than 5ft 7in – but insisted he is actively trying to address the issue.

He said: ‘We are trying to improve at set-pieces. Obviously players like Leon, Nathan and Wayne have the height they have and they are the type of players we need for our football.

‘It is a price we pay sometimes. But at set-pieces we have problems sometimes and we have to admit that. We want to improve.’

Swansea face basement club Reading on Boxing Day in what will mark the halfway point of the south Wales club’s second Premier League campaign.

They have already racked up 24 points and reached the Capital One Cup semi-final in a season where ‘the objective is survival’ and that is in no small part down to the revelatory form of Michu.

Must do better: Michael Laudrup says he working hard to eradicate the problem

Must do better: Michael Laudrup says he working hard to eradicate the problem

Goals conceded from set-pieces in 2012

Goals conceded from set-pieces in 2012

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has confirmed the forward will win his first international cap in the February 6 friendly against Uruguay in Doha after going to the top of the Premier League’s scoring charts with his 13th goal of the season against United.

However, Laudrup admitted he fears the 26-year-old will burn out if he is not rested soon.

He said: ‘We have to find that balance because nobody can play 90 minutes in every game. It is my job to make the decision on when to rest people.

‘I said it to my squad a few weeks ago that we need everybody to be ready because in December, January and February because we play in two cups and eight or nine league games in the League. It is the most crucial point of the season.’

Swansea City"s Michu promised Spain cap by Vicente del Bosque

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Free-scoring Swansea star Michu promised Spain call-up for February friendly

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UPDATED:

15:51 GMT, 24 December 2012

Swansea City sensation Michu has been rewarded for his remarkable Premier League form with a promise of a Spain cap in February.

Vicente del Bosque, the manager of the European and world champions, has confirmed that the 26-year-old will make his debut for Spain in their February 6 friendly against Uruguay in Doha.

International pedigree: Michu will be called into the Spain squad next year

International pedigree: Michu will be called into the Spain squad next year

The forward will be joined in the Spain
squad by Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas, who is understood to be on
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup’s January wishlist.

'Iago Aspas and Michu will appear (against Uruguay),' Del Bosque told Spanish television.

Michu has been prolific since Laudrup snapped him up for a bargain 2.2million from Rayo Vallecano in the summer.

He went to the top of the Barclays Premier League scoring charts on Sunday after scoring the equaliser against Manchester United in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

It was his 13th League strike in 18 games this season – 14 in 21 games in all competitions – with most coming from an advanced midfield position, rather than as an outright striker.

Aspas, meanwhile, has impressed in La Liga this season, scoring six goals in 17 games. He is rated at 8m.