Five stars who require winter window switch ahead of Euro 2016
Published:
Holly Thackeray | January 8, 2016
Five players in need of January escape to preserve Euro hopes
With Euro 2016 just around the corner, more than a couple of international players across the continent will be sweating on their squad places and plane seats for the France finals.
So, Coral consider five top stars who could really boost their chances of recognition on summer rosters by switching sides in the winter window, whether due to poor form, falling down the pecking order or injuries. See if you agree with our picks below…
Dani Carvajal
Rumour had it the likes of Manchester United were keen on plucking the Los Blancos Castilla product from the Bernabeu ranks, but in the end Carvajal decided to stay put and compete.
It was a bold and confident move for the defender, certainly, but perhaps inadvisable heading into a summer featuring top-level international competition.
There is a fierce fight for spots in Euro holders Spain’s squad (9/2 with Coral to retain), and the five-capped full back faces a challenge to remain in Vicente del Bosque’s thinking as Danilo is now first pick, so perhaps he should look to the Red Devils again, after Matteo Darmian’s less than impressive start to life at Old Trafford. Though, leaving Spain could pose its own problems.
Mathieu Debuchy
Now returned to fitness and raring to go, the Frenchman faces a conundrum: to go out on loan and impress upon international coach Didier Deschamps his determination to represent his nation in a European Championship on home soil, or… wait it out at the Emirates.
The defender must weigh up whether a temporary switch for almost guaranteed playing time at a lesser light, with Aston Villa said to be interested, or contending for trophies but perhaps in a supporting role, would help his chances.
Arsene Wenger himself admitted: “Mathieu has an opportunity to go but we have not been in touch with any club,” leaving the door open for a January departure.
Andrea Ranocchia
The Inter Milan centre half may still seek a move to a smaller club in Italy, but his profile would surely be better bolstered to appeal to coach Antonio Conte by playing at a high level in England.
Kevin Mirallas
Admittedly, the likes of Gerard Deulofeu have been playing out of their skins, but the Belgian wingman needs to press his case for a Red Devils Euro berth.
Money bags Monaco are the latest mooted destination and, with more brilliant Belgians including Atletico Madrid star Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and Valencia’s Zakaria Bakkali emerging to test regulars such as Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, summer selection could prove tight if he does not get regular games.
Jonjo Shelvey
Yet, Tottenham talents Eric Dier and Dele Alli have since seen their stars rise and have outshone Shelvey from deep at both international and club level. Without the defensive diligence of Dier and goal threat of Alli, he may miss out, as the Swans continue to struggle.
Tipped to move, Shelvey must find a stage on which to perform to his top level if Roy Hodgson (10/1 to lead England to Euro 2016 glory) is to see the schemer as a viable option again.
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