The Terrible Case of Tom Cleverley

Once again England shows a lack of appreciation for their young talent

The national team of England has for many decades now frustrated, disappointed and divided opinion. Team and squad selections have been critiqued and ridiculed and managers have been lambasted for their formations and tactical ineptness. The quality of the players tends to be seen negatively when they play and praised when they don't. It certainly is a fickle business and the England manager’s have suffered media blame and ridicule for their actions and decisions (some justified, others not). In the case of Tom Cleverley the situation has gone too far, yet it does raise the debate as to how English fans and media treat their young stars. 

A petition this week was signed by 4,000 people in the space of 24 hours. It read, 

“Tom Cleverley, owner of 13 England caps, has been regularly selected by Roy Hodgson in his squads without possessing any genuine qualities whatsoever.
We believe in the reputation of this proud footballing nation and that he should be prevented from attending this summer's international showcase.Whilst England are considered to disappoint at major tournaments, further embarrassment could be avoided by not having his inept performances undermine the rest team's efforts.”

This blog doesn't know what’s worse? The fact a petition was even created or the fact 4000 people put their name to it? 

In the world of social media opinions can be voiced easily, often without thought or care. The multiple racist incidents which have happened on twitter highlight a concerning underlying racism in the nation or the stupidity and ignorance of many. Although the Cleverley case is not as severe as racism he was abused so much on twitter recently that he decided to close his account. Added with this petition and it the stress and pressure on the United midfielder must be extreme.

Worthy of selection?

Yet the issue is whether he should be selected for England’s friendly, yes a friendly which has brought so much anger, next week against Denmark. Such a reaction appears so extreme to a player who is not known for any sort of misdemeanours off the pitch and very few issues on it. In a similar way to James Milner he is a model professional and one our kids should respect. 

Okay, so it is because apparently he is a terrible footballer who does not deserve to play for England. This blog doesn’t agree. In fact it believes that Cleverley is a very talented footballer, a player who should be part of the England national team for years to come. 

True it should be based on merit and it is fair to say that Cleverley, along with many other of his United teammates have struggled this season. Yet the blame does not go to Cleverley but to his manager David Moyes. 

The important aspect of playing in midfield, especially for a player like Cleverley is having a plan, a strategy to implement. United appear lost of ideas and direction and many players appear clueless because of it. Compare this to the top sides in Europe; Bayern, Barca and Real Madrid. All three sides possess a player like Cleverley; Thiago, Iniesta, Modric (of course Cleverley is not as technically excellent as these) yet their coaches have given them clear direction and instruction. 

The midfield of these top sides ‘work’ because the players know their roles. United clearly do not and the midfield, notably Cleverley and Carrick are suffering because of that. The mindset of United is not right at this time. Under a better coach Cleverley would be doing better. Just a few years ago before injury plagued his season people were seeing a real talent coming through. His time at Wigan under Martinez was positive for his development. 

A plethora of attacking talent

This brings up the argument as to why he was selected. Hodgson, rightly so, sees a player who will be part of England for years to come. He is playing for one of the biggest sides in world football and playing Champions League football. This is the level you expect all of the national team to be playing in. 

Yet if we look at the English midfielders who played in this recent set of Champions League matches you have Frank Lampard, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Michael Carrick and Cleverley. It’s not exactly the longest list for Hodgson to choose from. 

There is an argument to say that the best sides should be supplying the national team, as after all they are challenging for the biggest prizes in the biggest games. But there is such a void of players able to play at the highest level of European football, as there only four sides willing of playing English players, that the pool is extremely limited. Therefore these young players with bright futures like Wilshere, Cleverley and Chamberlain should be part of the setup (almost by default). 

This is not to say English football is not developing promising talent below. And this is where the argument and debate comes. Fans will argue that Cleverley and even Wilshere is not as talented as other young English players. Watching Premier League football and you see there is certainly some talent coming through.

If we look at what the English Academy system has produced this past decade it is evident that focus has been on technical attacking players with speed. Players like Walcott, Sterling, Zaha, Sturridge, Redmond and Chamberlain have all the characteristics which Academies are seeking to develop. Add to that the increase in attacking midfielders such as Jack Wilshere, Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana and you see a growing list of players to choose from. 

Progressive coaching is key

The media and fans look at the performances of players like Lallana and Barkley and wonder why Cleverley even gets into the discussion, yet he has the ability and talent to offer something which England is lacking, the ability to control games. In a similar to way to Modric or Ilkay Gundogan at Dortmund Cleverley could be a key part of the England midfield setup. The problem and concern is that while Modric and Gundogan have coaches like Ancelotti and Klopp helping them develop Cleverley now has Moyes. This is a serious concern for the player.

After watching the game between Southampton and Liverpool last night it is clear that the English players on show (and there were many) were benefiting from the progressive tactics and coaching of their respective coaches. Players like Jordan Henderson have excelled this season under the guidance of Rodgers, and he is now looking like he should be part of England’s midfield for years to come. 

Adam Lallana is one of the most cultured and skilful players of his generation. With Luke Shaw, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling the future of England looks to be coming from these two clubs (and their academies). Add in Everton and what Martinez is doing there and you see that the future of English football looks to be coming from sides outside of the Champions League. 

When we look at the Cleverley situation we see a player playing for one of the greatest clubs in the world yet playing and developing under a coach who will not take his levels further. In the case of Henderson and Lallana they have prospered with 'lower' clubs because of the quality of coaching and playing time experience. Ultimately Cleverley is not a bad player, yet he is in the wrong environment. It is in the same way people judged Sturridge and Henderson (and many English player). 

United fans I’m sure know what kind of stick Darren Fletcher took in his early years, many believing he wasn’t ‘good enough’ for United. However many failed to see his importance to the side and with many good players it is only in absence that you see their worth. How United missed him in both Champions League finals against Barca. It appears a similar story to Cleverley. Being at United brings its pressures and abuse yet it seems that bashing our own players is ‘part of the culture’ in England. It is not fair or right.

The hatred shown towards Beckham in 1998 was an example of the mindset of this nation and how it treats its stars. Beckham became a better player for it yet that does not make it excusable. Cleverley is facing the same public trial now (without any real justification) and must seek to push through it and prove his talent. 

Henderson has changed how the nation thinks of him yet this blog cannot help but think that his coach has been a massive help. At this time Moyes seems desperate to save himself that he is struggling to help his players. Perhaps a summer move will help the young midfielder prosper, a link up with Roberto Martinez at Everton could be a perfect recipe for him to prove those doubters wrong?

A petition against a player representing the country is savage and disgraceful. English fans and the media can be a sick crowd. Cleverley is suffering for United's abysmal season, this should not affect his England chances. 

The Whitehouse Address @The_W_Address

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