In Luka Modric and David Silva, the Premiership has two fantastic attacking midfielders blessed with pace, vision and technical ability. Both are slight in build, favour attacking from the left of midfield, have 40-odd caps for their respective countries and have embraced life in the Premier League

But, both were slow to adapt the fast-paced and physical nature of the Premier League after big money moves. Even now they occasionally suffer from lapses in concentration and are often caught in possession. And, their best performances tend to come in sides where they are freed from defensive duties by the likes of Wilson Palacios or Nigel De Jong. As such, could it be argued that the pair are somewhat underappreciated outside of their respective clubs?

Signed in the summer of 2005 for a fee approaching £17 million, fans and press alike were quick to write off the young Croatian Luka Modric. Then-coach Juande Ramos played Modric in a deep lying role alongside Jermaine Jenas in a stuttering Tottenham side. But, following the appointment of Harry Redknapp, Modric was allowed more attacking freedom and played in a much more attacking role, often on the left of midfield. This allowed the midfielder to play his natural game and, freed from defensive duties, Modric improved significantly as a Tottenham player. This season, however, with the rise of Gareth Bale and acquisition of Rafael van der Vaart, Modric has moved back into the centre of midfield. Admittedly he is now more of a player than when he was first used in central midfield and does a fantastic job as Tottenham’s playmaker. But, by receiving the ball in a more exposed position, he has rediscovered his tendency to get caught in possession to the disappointment of certain Spurs fans.

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Signed for around £26 million and with a World Cup winner’s medal in his pocket, big things were expected of David Silva at Eastlands. Silva was eased gradually into the hustle and bustle of the Premier League and, unlike Modric, was saved the baptism of being thrown straight into the centre of midfield. Having played most of his football on the left hand side or as a support striker and given time to adapt, Silva has flourished given attacking freedom and scored 6 times for Manchester City. Good on the ball with fantastic movement, Silva is any wing back’s nightmare but has been criticised by some City fans for his lack of defensive capabilities.

But whilst the pair have come under some criticism for their contribution based on stats alone, you cannot deny the impact they have had on this season Premier League. Both act as the heartbeat of their respective clubs, keeping play ticking over with a combination of fantastic vision and passing. Whilst they might not post as many goals or assists as other players, they are clearly integral to their teams.

Modric may have come under criticism for rarely beating his opposite man and Silva has been criticised for his lack of marking, but that is not their job at their clubs. At City, fans idolise Carlos Tevez as their goalscoring talisman, whilst this season Modric has had to watch on as the plaudits have hailed Bale and van der Vaart. On paper they might not seem the most important names on the teamsheet, but without them City and Spurs would lack serious creativity and drive.

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Various rumours have linked Modric with potential big-money moves to clubs across Europe. Manchester United have also been linked with the Croatian in their long-term project to replace Paul Scholes. Whilst he might not be every manager’s dream Premiership midfielder, there are clearly managers out there who appreciate his fantastic ability. And, if one of those is in fact Sir Alex Ferguson, then he must be doing something right.

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Manchester City boosted their Champions League hopes and dealt another huge blow to West Ham’s survival prospects with a 2-1 win.City raced into a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes at Eastlands on Sunday with goals from Nigel de Jong and Pablo Zabaleta in a one-sided encounter.

But Demba Ba’s 34th minute goal brought the Hammers back into the match and, despite being the better side, City were left hanging on anxiously until the full time whistle.

The result puts City seven points above nearest rivals Liverpool and Spurs in the race for fourth spot while West Ham are rock bottom – three points from safety.

City dominated the early possession and broke the deadlock in the 10th minute through the most unlikeliest of sources.

David Silva’s corner was cleared to de Jong, who smashed a low 30-yard drive beyond West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green for his first goal in 84 games for the Sky Blues.

The second followed five minutes later when City cut through the West Ham defence with ease, Zabaleta exchanging passes with Silva before clipping the ball past Green, with Lars Jacobsen’s attempted clearance smashing off the underside of the crossbar and over the line.

But the home side took their foot off the gas and just after the half hour, the Hammers should have pulled a goal back when Robbie Keane was put through one-one with Joe Hart, only to send a weak shot straight at the keeper.

However, two minutes later they did have a lifeline when City failed to clear Thomas Hitzlsperger’s cross and Ba prodded home from 10 yards.

City came out for the second half with renewed vigour and almost restored their two-goal advantage when Balotelli smashed a curling shot into the crossbar.

Both sides could have scored within seconds just after the hour mark.

Hart pulled off a good save to deny Manuel da Costa’s header from a Hitzlsperger corner.

Then City broke to the other end when Yaya Toure’s defence-splitting pass played in Silva, who took the ball round Green and laid the ball to Balotelli, but his weak attempt was scrambled off the line by James Tomkins

As tensions began to grow, Silva missed another chance from six yards and substitute Edin Dzeko hit a vicious 25-yard strike that was spilled by Green.

The West Ham goalkeeper then tipped over a deflected Silva strike and the Spaniard hit another long-ranger inches over the bar.

Carlton Cole hit an effort from 20 yard in West Ham’s only real shot at an equaliser late on, but Joleon Lescott was in the way to clear as City held on.

Arsenal and Liverpool look set to fight it out for the £10 million signature of Ivory Coast striker Gervinho.

The 23-year old has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season as Lille went on to win the Ligue 1 Title. Having first come to attention following a strong performance in last year’s World Cup, several of the Premier League’s top clubs are reported to be tracking the player.

Gervinho moved to Lille from Ligue 1 rivals Le Mans for a reported €8 two summers ago and has gone on to score 28 goals for the club in 63 appearances and has just over a year left on his contract.

Newcastle were the first club reported to move for the player earlier in the year but the forward was apparently more keen on an offer of Champions League football.

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North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also in the hunt for the player but Arsenal are reported to be in pole position to acquire the player’s signature.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes his side can still improve despite a comfortable 3-0 win over Estonia in Euro 2012 qualifying on Friday.The Azzurri top the standings in Group C for next year’s tournament after the straightforward win at the Stadio Alberto Braglia in Modena.

They are five points clear of Slovenia, who have played one game more, and eight points ahead of third-placed Serbia.

Prandelli said there was still room for improvement, despite a better than expected start.

“I am extremely satisfied but it’s not done yet,” Prandelli said. “We have not yet qualified.”

“The team has maintained a high level of concentration throughout the game.”

“We are growing in self-confidence and we are convinced that we are a group with good quality. But we can still improve.”

First-half goals from Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano set Italy on their way before substitute Giampaolo Pazzini sealed the win.

Prandelli said he underlined the importance of staying calm to his players, against an opponent that sits fourth in their group.

“Obviously we have quality players who can push up between the lines and this is a good system to use against a defence like Estonia’s,” he said.

“I told the lads it all depends on us and our enthusiasm. We need to have the calm to put in the right quality.”

Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who played a full game in the victory, said the players were enjoying the 4-3-1-2 system implemented by Prandelli and they hoped to edge closer to world champions Spain because of it.

“There are many quality midfielders who can start the moves, so we can rotate our positions. It’s a new way of playing for us and we’re really enjoying our football,” Pirlo said.

“The coach has a lot to choose from and we are ready for anything. He has already given us a very positive mentality during this year together. We really want to play football and entertain the fans.”

Italy face the Republic of Ireland in a friendly clash on Tuesday.

The Luka Modric affair took another twist yesterday with Tottenham insisting that the Croatian stays at White Hart Lane. It has also been suggested that Chelsea could face a point deduction, should the North London club put a formal complaint into the FA about the possibility that the playmaker was potentially tapped up.

In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Redknapp calls on Tottenham to buy big to convince Modric to stay; Barcelona make contact over Fabregas, while Blackburn reveal why they let Phil Jones go.

*

Harry makes Modric plea – Sky Sports

McLeish outrage is lazy tribalism – Guardian

Under-21s must provide answers – Daily Telegraph

Chelsea could face point deduction over Modric storm – Mirror

Mourinho under scrutiny as UEFA look to punish deliberate yellow cards – Daily Mail

Chelsea scouting for scouts – Daily Telegraph

Blackburn owners: We let Jones go as we feared legal battle would harm him – Daily Mail

It was my fault I never shone for England, admits retired Scholes – Daily Mail

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Barcelona ready to sacrifice star striker – Mirror

Barca make Fabregas contact – Sky Sports

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A stunning hat-trick from Gambian midfielder Sanna Nyassi led Colorado to a 4-1 win over New York Red Bulls in Wednesday’s MLS action.The 22-year-old put the Rapids ahead in just the first minute of the match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and when Wells Thompson netted after 25 minutes the home side were firmly in control.

Nyassi scored his second on the half-hour mark and completed his hat-trick after passing Carlos Mendes and firing a shot past Red Bulls goalkeeper Frank Rost in the 61st minute.

French star Thierry Henry scored a consolation for New York, but the damage had been done by Nyassi’s masterclass.

The Red Bulls managed to hold onto second place in the Eastern Conference standings thanks to the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 1-0 win over the third-placed Columbus Crew at The Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy had to work hard for the three points, however, with defender Sean Franklin scoring the only goal of the game after 70 minutes to move Los Angeles four points clear of the Seattle Sounders on top of the Western Conference table.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, a 73rd minute strike from Stephen McCarthy was enough to give New England a 1-0 win on the road over DC United, while Break Shea netted three minutes after half-time to hand Dallas a 1-0 win at Toronto.

And the Vancouver Whitecaps twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Chris Wondolowski scored both goals for San Jose, but Eric Hassli responded with a brace of his own to claim a point for the visitors.

The Seattle Sounders came from behind to beat the Colorado Rapids 4-3 in the MLS on Saturday.Seattle started the day second on the Western Conference table but Colorado, who were fourth in the Eastern Conference, were always going to put up a fight.

And it was the Rapids who scored in the first minute when Wells Thompson put the visitors in front.

Alvaro Fernandez produced a quick response just six minutes later but Jeff Larentowicz’s 43rd minute strike gave Colorado a lift heading into full-time.

But Seattle came out firing in the second half and scored the fourth goal of an exciting contest two minutes after the break thanks to Roger Levesque.

As the game headed into the final 10 minutes, the scores were locked at 2-2 and a thrilling finale was in store.

And the fans at the CenturyLink Field would not have been disappointed as goals from Colombian Fredy Montero and Argentina’s Mauro Rosales within 60 seconds put Seattle 4-2 in front with six minutes left.

Irish striker Caleb Folan pulled a goal back in stoppage time but Seattle held on for victory.

In other matches, French defender Aurelien Collin scored a 90th minute equaliser for Sporting Kansas City in their 1-1 draw against a 10-man Houston Dynamo, who had Colin Clark sent off after 51 minutes.

The Chicago Fire also ended their match with 10 men as they lost 1-0 to the Portland Timbers, with Jack Jewsbury scoring the winner from the penalty spot after 25 minutes.

Columbus Crew and the San Jose Earthquakes played out a goalless draw, as did FC Dallas and DC United.

Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Mircea Lucescu has admitted that Jadson is close to signing for Arsenal the Metro reports.

The Ukrainian side have confirmed that the Gunners are interested in signing the Brazilian playmaker.

It was reported last week that Arsene Wenger was closing in on the player as he prepared for Cesc Fabregas’ exit.

However the Frenchman played down that they were about to sign the 27-year-old although Lucescu’s comments beg to differ.

The 66-year-old Romanians seem to cofirm that Arsenal have already agreed a fee with the player set to travel to London to discuss the move.

“I can confirm Jadson is wanted by Arsenal,” he said.

“Now it all depends on him.”

Jadson, who is rated at £10 million by Shakhtar, also seemed to indicate via his twitter account that he was bound for the Emirates.

“My friends! If all goes well at the start of next week I will have news for you.”

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If a deal of any sort does materialise it will be a huge boost to Wenger’s depleted midfield.

With Fabregas’ move to Barcelona all but sewn up, Samir Nasri close to the exit door and new signing Gervinho is missing for the next three games leaving the Gunners stretched.

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Tottenham have finally got busy in the transfer market with two loan signings in the last 48 hours confirmed. Apparently Parker and Cole are soon to follow if rumours are to be believed, as the club finally loses patience over Lassana Diarra.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs that includes Van der Vaart’s set pieces are terrible; Levy in need of another pair of hands, while Harry Redknapp considers swap deal.

We also look at the best Spurs articles around the web this week.

Levy in need of another pair of transfer hands

Missing out on Modric may not Mata

If nice guys do it – what hope is there for the likes of Tottenham?

Van der Vaart and his terrible set pieces

Can Tottenham benefit from such a late sale?

Will double signing bring Champions League football back to White Hart Lane?

Spurs’ greatest ever player Dave Mackay was a giant at just 5’7″

Liverpool and Tottenham given £9m greenlight as contract talks stall

Pulis close to reaching £8m agreement with Spurs

Harry Redknapp considers swap move

* Best of WEB *

We know our place – Spurs Musings From JimmyG2

Tottenham transfers…make ’em stop, please make ’em all stop – Dear Mr Levy

The Pav Parallax Is Killing Football – Tottenham On My Mind

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It’s All Levy’s Fault – But It’s Alright Rodney – Arry As A Cunnin’ Plan –Harry Hotspur

Pessimism Abounds – All Action No Plot

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Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has stated that he does not want to negotiate a new contract at the Emirates for the time being, leaving Arsene Wenger fearing he may lose another key player.

The Netherlands international’s current deal in North London takes him up to June 2013, but the French coach is keen to extend the attacker’s contract after seeing Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas depart in the summer.

Despite this, Van Persie has stated that he is happy with his current deal, and will not entertain extension talks at this time.

“I still have almost two years, so for the moment that’s fine. I’m happy with my contract. I can’t look into the future. I can’t see us talking now because we are so busy – we have games every three or four days,” he told The Daily Mail.

“Maybe we will leave it until the end of the season. The main thing for me is the team and that we play well,” he concluded.

Arsenal entertain Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday, and will look to build on their weekend victory over Bolton.

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