Paul Dickov Exclusive Interview With OLBG

Paul Dickov Talks to OLBG in April 2024

Do you expect Man City to bounce back from their CL disappointment by winning both the Premier League and FA Cup? How would you expect an FA Cup final v Man Utd to fare? 

“The result was disappointing last week, going out on penalties against Real Madrid. People around City and the media were talking about them doing the double treble, which was evidently quite premature. Before last season, when City won the treble, only one club had ever done it in the history of English football. It shows just how difficult a feat it is, so for them to try and do that again would have been an almost impossible task and an unbelievable achievement if they had managed it.

“However, it demonstrates the consistency City have, not just this season, but over the last five or ten years. For them to have got to this stage of the season making the quarter-finals of the Champions League, an FA Cup final, and have the Premier League in their hands, it just shows you how far the club has come. 

“They weren’t at their best against Chelsea in the FA Cup, they rode their luck. Some of the players looked dead on their feet, but to see the way that they celebrated the winner and at the end of the game, it clearly meant a lot to them. Kevin De Bruyne sprinted about 40 yards to celebrate with the fans, which was great to see, City are usually quite calm when they win games because they're used to winning, but they were desperate to make the FA Cup final after losing to Real Madrid.

“I would have been worried if they'd lost on the semi-final ahead of the last six Premier League games of the season. But the fact that they won it, they can solely concentrate on the Premier League, and it would not surprise me at all if they won it, and became the first team ever to do it four times in a row and then go on to beat Man United again in the FA Cup final.”

After Man United's performance yesterday, you'd expect City to beat them easily, control most of the game and dictate the way that final will be played.

“You would expect them to win comfortably, and that's what City will set out to do, they want to dominate the ball, and they want to control games. City have beaten Man United comfortably twice this season, first at Old Trafford and then at the Etihad.. So City will go into this game as big favourites. 

However, anything can happen in the FA Cup, as we saw in the United v Coventry game. I thought Coventry were fantastic, huge credit to Mark Robins, the Coventry players and the fans. I would fully expect City with their recent record against United, to go on and beat them at Wembley as well.”

Why do you think Premier League sides have struggled in Europe this year? Aston Villa are the only team left standing, do you think they may have overperformed last season?

“There was an element of overperformance from teams last year and just like any cup competition, especially in Europe, you need a little bit of luck with the draws and in the games. City didn't get much luck against Madrid, Liverpool were big favourites against Atalanta and should have done better in the first leg, and West Ham went out to Leverkusen, who have been fantastic this season. 

“At times we can get a bit blinkered in this country and assume that European football is all about the Premier League. However, when you look across all three European cup competitions, you’ll find some top teams and players. Anything can happen over two legs and I think we've seen that this season. Last season was fantastic for British football in Europe, but I think we were spoiled and should have lower expectations.”

Man City have been more inconsistent this season than we have been used to over the last few years as they have been pretty much untouchable, why do you think this is?

“We have got to start giving credit to other teams for making the league more competitive than it has been in the past. Liverpool and Arsenal have been fantastic this season and to have three teams at this stage of the season, so close together at the top is a great advert for English football. Years ago, the Premier League used to be a top two, Sir Alex's United against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal or José Mourinho’s Chelsea. 

“People now are talking about the top six or seven teams, which demonstrates the newfound quality in the Premier League. I don’t think we’ll see any teams run away with it in the way City have previously any time soon and people call this City’s inconsistency. However, if you take the penalties out of the equation against Real Madrid, City would have been 29 games unbeaten and people are saying they still aren’t at their best; the expectations are far too high.“

Haaland came under some criticism about his overall game after the defeat to Real Madrid where Rudiger marked him fairly comfortably over two legs. Do you think the criticism is unfair? Or are there areas where he can improve? Roy Keane has been very vocal about it on Sky Sports in the past.

“The criticism is unfair, he’s not perfect but his expectations are set sky-high. Haaland scored 50+ goals last season and I think everybody expected him to do the same this season but that would’ve been so difficult for him, he’s having a great season. 

“I’m sure he would openly admit that his performances haven’t been to the standard he would like at times. He missed a number of games in the winter and he's still the joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League. There are a few holes in his game and if he doesn’t score for a few games, then he leaves himself open for criticism and that’s just football. 

“It is slightly unjust, I watch Man City a lot in my connection with the club and he contributes without people knowing sometimes, his movement is fantastic. He's always occupying two centre-halves, sometimes three, and he drags them everywhere creating space for his teammates. 

“In the game at the Bernabeu, City scored two fantastic goals through Gvardiol and Foden, but I genuinely believe that they don't even get their shots off, without Erling’s presence. Normally defenders would come out and close the ball down, but because they’re that worried about leaving Erling in the box, they hesitate, which creates space for other players. 

“Haaland is having a great season in the Premier League and to have 20 goals again is fantastic, people forget he's still a young boy, just 23 years old and what he's achieved already is unbelievable. I'm sure he'll score even more goals between now and the end of the season.”

What do you make of the decision to sell Cole Palmer last summer? He has been brilliant for Chelsea this season and do you think they may regret this decision to back Jack Grealish over granting Palmer more consistent game time?

“I don't think City will regret selling him no matter how much of a great player he develops into, Cole wanted to go out there and play football. Unfortunately, I don’t think he would be getting the same game time at City, he has got exactly what he wanted and City made money so it was great for both parties. 

“When you look at the competition at City, the likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, consistent game time would have been difficult, maybe even unrealistic, and he left with everybody's blessing at the club.

“Palmer is an academy product and he wanted to play football. Pep has shown time and time again that if players want to leave and get more regular football, they won't hold a gun to their heads and keep them at City. There's a lot of mutual respect there between the boss and Cole. I'm delighted for him, it was a big move for him, a risk for him to leave City, to back his ability and go to Chelsea. He's turned himself into their main man, dragged them through games at times and deserves all the plaudits he’s getting along with his England call up.” 

You’re involved with Man City closely doing their TV punditry - What are the vibes around the place for the summer? Are people expecting lots of activity in the transfer market? Rumours of Walker and Silva have been prominent again recently. 

“I would be surprised if either of them left. 

“Bernardo Silva, over the last four or five summers, has always had rumours circulating around him but he has always stayed. They both signed new contracts last summer, demonstrating their commitment to the club. 

“Look at how Bernardo Silva celebrated his goal on Saturday after the disappointment of missing the penalty midweek, his heart is 100% with the club. The same applies to Kyle, he signed his new contract, became the club captain, and plays a huge role in all the success City continues to have. I can't see either of them moving on this summer. I'm sure they want to stay with the club and win even more trophies.”

Two potential incomings; Ait-Nouri from Wolves, and Paqueta from West Ham continue to be linked to Manchester City. What influence would these two players add to the squad?

“Ait Nouri has had a fantastic season playing in different positions, so I'm sure there'll be quite a few clubs in for him because he'd be a real asset to City or any other team interested. 

“The Paqueta rumours have been there since last summer, and to have all that speculation there must be something in it, I’m sure some fans would love to see it done, but I think that could be a complicated one. There are lots of intangibles going on in the background and a lot of things are going to have to fit into place before any big money move like that happens.”

Arsenal

Arsenal’s season has fallen a little flat after domestic and European defeats; what do you think caused these recent results?

“I think it’s the pressure that City put teams under, nobody would have foreseen both Arsenal and Liverpool both being beaten at home in must-win games towards the end of the season. 

“Sometimes that happens in sport and there’s plenty of capable teams in the Premier League who give top sides great games, and I always say that teams drop points when people least expect it. Everybody over-analyses the fixtures when the top teams play each other, but the Premier League is full of quality, even the teams in the relegation zone have good players who can change games. 

“From Arsenal's point of view, I think it was important they bounced back against Wolves, which on paper looked like a really tricky game. They have to keep winning, there’s five games to go, it’s out of their hands but they've put themselves in a good position to be at least challenging, after the disappointment of last season and now they are applying the pressure. 

“They've shown consistency throughout the whole season and they have been exceptional defensively but the pressure still mounts, and not just for Arsenal, for Liverpool and even Man City. The teams that win trophies are those which perform best under pressure and Man City have got to be the favourites to win the league now.”

Do you think Arteta is still the right man to guide this squad to trophies?

“I think Arteta is the right man for Arsenal. Around three seasons ago there were a lot of people calling for him to be sacked, the board has got to take a lot of credit for backing him, and trusting the process. 

“Mikel's such an intelligent guy, I know him from when he was at City under Pep. His coaching and philosophy stand out, he breathes football and he has shown his abilities at Arsenal. 

“They got so close to winning the Premier League last year, to be up there again this year as well as making the quarter finals of the Champions League is commendable, the team is clearly progressing under Mikel. I can't see him going anywhere, I think he's doing an absolutely fantastic job.”

Has a lack of an out-and-out striker cost Arsenal this season? If so, who should be their summer target to sort this issue? Toney has been linked in the past, but what would you think of them trying to sign Solanke or Watkins in the summer?

“The one thing that's been pointed out at Arsenal is their lack of an out and out number nine. 

“I was surprised that they didn't sign a striker in January or last summer, but that being said, in the last two seasons they haven’t been short of goals. However, if they are missing something, I do think it's a striker, somebody like Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins, I think would be a fantastic signing and only improve Arsenal. 

“Ivan Toney’s goalscoring ability has been incredible for a couple of seasons now, while Dom Solanke has taken his game to a different level completely this year despite maybe not getting consistent service. Ollie Watkins has been just brilliant under Unai Emery at Villa, scoring and creating goals against every team with ease.“

How many Arsenal players would make your Man City/Arsenal combined 11? Who would be in contention?

“I would have to go with Ederson in goal, and I'll have Kyle Walker over Ben White at right back. John Stones has got to be in there; he's been sensational over the last couple of seasons and he’s finally getting the credit he deserves. Centre back is the toughest choice as there’s a good argument to have both Gabriel and Saliba, who have been amazing this season, but I have to include Stones and I would have Saliba alongside him. At left back, I’ll choose one of the unsung heroes at City over the last few seasons which is Nathan Ake, he’s been brilliant and put in some super performances, going under the radar a little. 

“Moving up the field and decisions don’t get any easier but I have to go with Rodri roaming the midfield, I think he's the best in the world in that defensive midfield position. However, I think Declan Rice has been sensational for Arsenal, the way he's handled the price tag and the pressure is commendable, and at times he's been outstanding for them. Rice goes into the midfield alongside Rodri and you can’t leave out Kevin de Bruyne. That leaves me with a simple but sensational forward line up of Foden, Saka and Haaland. That team would surely cruise the Premier League!”

Ederson

Walker Stones Saliba Ake

Rice Rodri De Bruyne

Saka Haaland Foden

Your fellow countryman Kieran Tierney has struggled at Arsenal over the last few seasons, both with injuries and consistency when he has been fit, what advice would you give him? Do you think he needs to move on and secure some game time elsewhere, and would a rumoured move to Celtic suit?

“I think a move would cure him, he's a top player. When they signed him I thought it was a real positive for Arsenal, he had a lot of clubs looking for his signature. The only thing that has kept him back is his injuries, which have plagued his recent career. If you look Arsenal’s team now, Kiwior or Zinchenko are both rotating at left back so Kieran looks as if he's third choice. 

“Kieran is so passionate about about football, he’ll want to be playing and he’ll know the best decision is for him to move on. Back to Celtic might be the right idea because he’ll be immediately comfortable, which is good for confidence and getting your game back. They say you should never go back to one of your old clubs, but I'm sure if he became available in the summer there would be a lot of teams interested in him because he is a top-quality left-back.”

Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have been on a great run lately including Saturday’s epic comeback and it’s still in their own hands to make the playoffs, what do you think of the job Grant McCann has done this season?

“Grant has done a great job, there were a lot of question marks earlier on this season because they were struggling, they couldn’t seem to buy a win, which materialised into a bit of unrest amongst the fans which never helps but can’t be avoided. However, credit to Gavin Baldwin, Doncaster’s CEO, I know him very well and he stuck with Grant when nobody would have blamed him for parting ways with him. 

“The philosophy of how Grant plays football is great and it's fantastic to see what they've achieved from where they were, looking over their shoulder at relegation at one point. Now with few games left, they have a real chance of reaching the play offs and possibly being promoted.

“It’s a fantastic run they've been on, the manager has had success at Doncaster before he knows the club inside out. He's got his way of playing and it's really kicking in with the players now at the right end of the season. It wouldn't surprise me if they got promoted, there is always one team that has a late run into the playoffs and that team can easily go on and win it, I hope for Grant and Doncaster Rovers that they can do that.

Were you surprised with how low Rovers got in the table given they were just one place above the relegation zone in January? 

“Yeah, I was surprised, they have a great stadium, a nice training ground, some quality players and a fantastic manager, there’s no way they should have been down there and I’m glad things clicked for them. 

“I was worried for them at one point because it did look as if they were in freefall but you've got to give Grant, his staff and the players credit how they have turned it around, it’s a tough league to be in when things aren’t going your way. There's not a lot between the teams so the competition is always great, but I’m pleased they’ve turned it around and I would love to see them promoted.“

Leicester

Leicester have been in a strong position to be promoted automatically all season, but their form since February hasn’t quite been as strong. Do you still fancy them to seal the deal and go up?

“I've got fond memories of my two spells at Leicester, it's a fantastic club and I would love to see them get promoted. 

“They've got it back in their hands now, which is key. A couple of weeks ago it felt like they were in freefall, after fumbling the huge lead that they at the top of the league going into January. It looked as if they'd thrown it all away, but they have a great manager in Enzo Maresca, who seems to have brought the team back together at just the right time. 

“They have some fantastic players, such as Winks, Dewsbury-Hall, Vardy, Coady, and Vestergaard at the back, they've got a lot of talent and Premier League experience. I think this should get them over the line and promoted come the end of the season, which is what they deserve after being brilliant all year and battling through this sticky spell.”

Do you think the off-the-field issues have been affecting the players over the past few months? With potential points deductions and transfer bans looming?

“I don't think so, when I was in my first season at Leicester, the club went to administration. I noticed that if anything, when people are talking about problems at the club off the field, it makes you a stronger unit on the field. 

“The only thing you can affect as a player is what's happening on the football pitch, and I think we've seen that they've dug in to get themselves back into this position where promotion is in their hands, which is a privileged place to be. Sometimes off-the-field problems at a football club can galvanise the team, the staff and the fans.”

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been a key player for Leicester this season, pairing really nicely with Harry Winks who has also had a really good season, do you expect Keirnan to move on to a top Premier League team this summer given all the rumours? Which team do you think he would suit well?

“Kiernan is a fantastic footballer, he’s got bags of talent, he has started adding goals to his game in the last couple of seasons. 

“Any Premier League club would be lucky to have him, but I'm hoping that Leicester do get promoted automatically as champions and that Kiernan stays put. He’s been at Leicester for years and all clubs at any level want to keep their best players, especially players those that have come through the academy. 

“If they don't get promoted, I think there'll be a lot of clubs in for him. Even if they do get promoted, there’ll be clubs lining up for his signature so they’d do well to get hold of him, but even if they do lose him, they have plenty of quality within their ranks to do well in the Premier League.”

Leeds United

What are your thoughts on Leeds' season so far and the job Daniel Farke has done there? 

“I think Farke has done a fantastic job with Leeds this season, turned their season around and really put the pressure on the teams around them. 

“Leeds have some very talented players and play some lovely football. At the moment, it feels as though nobody wants to win the Championship. Every time a team gets the opportunity to capitalise, it feels like the pressure gets to them and they drop points no matter the opposition. Leeds fought hard to beat Middlesbrough in the Monday night game and they are doing all the can to get promoted, despite it being out of their hands.

“Farke has got them into a position that nobody would have expected at Christmas time, so both him and the players deserve a lot of credit. 

“The race for promotion in the Championship is so difficult to call now, Leicester toughed out a good win against West Brom, Ipswich have been unbelievable this season and Kieran McKenna is doing a fantastic job. Leeds and Southampton are both in contention for automatic promotion as well. Leeds is a fantastic club, I would love and hope to see them back in the Premier League because I think the Premier League needs clubs like Leeds who are rich in history.”

If Leeds miss out on promotion do you fear there could be a firesale this summer with a lot of players leaving for Premier League clubs?

“This is always a possibility and that goes for any of the four clubs at the top of the table who don’t get promoted. 

“If Leeds get promoted they'll have a great chance at keeping their best players such as Summerville and Gnonto, but if they don't go up, Premier League teams will be sniffing around them. Players always want to play at the highest level so it’s hard to stop this cycle from happening, we see it time and time again, season after season. The teams that don't go up are in real danger of losing their best players.”

Scotland

Rangers vs Celtic is coming up again in May with Rangers now three points behind Celtic - who will win the SPL?

“I still think there'll be a few twists and turns in the title race, as there have been over the last few weeks. 

“The Old Firm derby was sensational a few weeks ago, it was a game that had absolutely everything a fan or a neutral watching loves to see. At the start of the season, Celtic looked as if they're going to run away with it, but then Rangers came back at them and managed to get one hand on the title for a short period of time. 

“They've thrown it away now and Celtic know exactly what they've got to do, they’ve done it time after time. Brendan's an experienced manager, and I would love to see former City goalie, Joe Hart, go out in style by winning the league. He's retiring in the summer and one last Scottish Premier League would be fitting. I think it'll go down to the wire and the next Old Firm derby will be equally as important as the last, but I have to say Celtic are now clear favourites.”

Do you expect Lawrence Shankland to move to one of the Old Firm clubs in the summer?

“A lot of teams are going to be interested in him and not just in Scotland, I’d be shocked if Championship or even Premier League teams didn’t enquire about him. 

“He has scored a lot of goals over the last few seasons, he’s a talented boy, with great all round game as well as finishing ability. Lawrence is in the Scotland set-up now and possibly could start at the Euros. I would imagine both Celtic and Rangers will be interested in him again this summer. However, it wouldn't surprise me if he moved down to England in the Premier League or the Championship and took on a new challenge. He’s been a goalscoring machine for the last few seasons and deserves whatever opportunities comes his way.”

What would be your Scotland strike partnership for the Euros?

“Steve Clarke loves to change his formations around and try new things, looking to see what clicks.  

“Lyndon Dykes has been up there on his own in the past and Shankland has also played as a lone striker in a few games. I could see Steve at some point selecting both of them. He’s always liked having two strikers on the pitch and I would imagine if that’s the case, then he’ll pick Dykes, because he's always done well for Scotland, and pair him with Shankland. 

“It's just great for Scotland to have options, those two may be the ones he’ll go with but Che will be there as well. Scotland has plenty of talent at the moment all across the pitch, which is exciting. We have a lot of players playing in the Premier League and I'm just happy we're back at the Euros again.”

Blackburn Rovers 

One of your former clubs Blackburn have really struggled in the second half of the season since John Eustace took over. But they do have one real positive which is Sammie Szmodics, who is most likely going finish the season as the Championship's top scorer, how well has he done to be as productive as he’s been in that team?

“Sammie Szmodics has done an amazing job considering the position that Blackburn find themselves in and the amount of goals that he has scored, he is extremely important to that team. 

“I have fond memories of being at Blackburn and it's just a shame to see the position that they are in, especially after the last couple of seasons when they've been pushing towards the play-offs. 

“I've got my fingers crossed that they can get to safety and just reset in the summer before next season. I watched the game against Sheffield Wednesday and was hoping that they were going to pick up the points and be pretty much guaranteed safety, but with that result and other results around them, they got dragged back towards it again slightly.

“I really hope they can manage to stay in the Championship because if they don't and they find themselves down in League One, it could be a long way back for them. They need to stop this freefall and regroup in the summer, and create a plan of how to stop up in the Championship next year as they are more than likely going to lose Sammie.”

Brighton

What do you think of De Zerbi’s managerial style? Can you see exactly why big clubs are starting to be rumoured with him; and which club do you think he would suit him?

“I think there'll be a lot of clubs enquiring about his services. 

“He seems to have been dropping little hints and rumours in press conferences lately about whether he's going to sign his new contract. Having seen his comments, it seems like to me he has his eye on going somewhere else, which would be a shame for Brighton because they are a fantastic club, extremely well run but it is just a testament to the great job he has done. He could be what a lot of top clubs need, he buys great players and develops young talent, I think there will be teams in Europe after him as well, he’s a top manager. 

“Personally, I hope he stays at Brighton because I love watching them play under De Zerbi despite them being slightly inconsistent this year due to injuries. It's just great to see them competing consistently with the top teams. They are playing some fantastic football, which is great to watch and most likely why top clubs are rumoured to be interested in the manager.”

Scotsman Billy Gilmour has been a key part of Brighton’s squad this season, but he is currently out injured. How big a blow could that be for Scotland’s chances in the summer, and who do you think will have to set up to the plate at international level if he doesn’t make the squad in the summer?

“Billy has been absolutely outstanding, not just for Scotland but for Brighton as well. 

“Scotland’s midfield is one of our biggest strengths, we have Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson who are all brilliant players, proven for Scotland. It'll be fantastic if Billy is fit and we are hopeful that he will be, as he will only make us stronger in the Euros. 

“However, if he's not, we’ll miss Billy, his presence, calmness on the ball and his passing ability but we do have other players who can take on that role.”

Derby County

Derby have had a great season so far, they are all but promoted automatically now with just a point needed at home to relegated Carlisle on the final day. What have you made of their campaign?

“I'm pleased for Derby and I'm especially pleased for Paul Warne. 

“We did our UEFA B coaching licence together a long time ago, so I’m glad he is finding success at such a great club. 

“He's a bubbly character and he is doing a fantastic job at Derby. I'd be happy for the club, Paul and the fans if they were to be promoted, which they should be now. They are a well- supported club, I have good memories there, and to see Derby back in the Championship would be absolutely incredible. 

“Paul Warne is one of the main reasons why they are where they are, he’s getting a great tune out of the players and he is a brilliant young manager who's doing a great job and being rewarded.”

Paul Dickov Talks to OLBG in March 2022

Dickov played as a forward from 1990 to 2011 making over 400 appearances and scoring more than 100 goals. Starting his career with Arsenal, spent time on loan with Luton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion before moving to Manchester City in 1996. Over six seasons at the club, Dickov experienced two promotions and two relegations, playing in three different divisions. Dickov then had spells with Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers before he rejoined Manchester City. Later Paul played for Crystal Palace, Blackpool, Leicester City again, Derby County, and Leeds United. In 2010 he became manager of Oldham Athletic before taking over at Doncaster Rovers in 2013.

Given the reports of City being in pole position to sign Erling Haaland, how excited would you be to see him play at the Etihad next season?

There's been a lot of talk over the past couple of seasons about a lack of a number nine in the team. Erling Haaland, if they manage to get him, you look at the quality and creative players around that team, then the service of quality into him would be fantastic.

There's Mahrez, De Bruyne, Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Grealish; the list goes on.

I might be slightly biased because I played with Haaland's dad, Alfie, and I've been trying to get into him to see what's happening, but he's giving nothing away at all. He did message me a few months back whilst there was a City game going on and I messaged back saying all we needed was a 21-year-old, 6 ft 4 Norwegian centre forward!

I just got sent back a load of laughing emojis, he's giving nothing away.

But there's no doubt Erling Haaland's probably up there with the best strikers in the world already at such a young age. It would be a fantastic signing and with the chances Manchester City created, he would get a hatful of goals

Haaland or Kane, who do you think would best suit Guardiola's system? 

Either of them would do, I don't want to sit on the fence, but they're both outstanding goal scorers. With the chances City do create, either one of them would score a lot of goals.

Harry Kane, I suppose has the experience, he knows the Premier League and score goals for fun at this level. That City versus Tottenham game, as an out and out number nine it was one of the best performances I've seen in a long time and possibly ever.

He's added so much more to his game, he just used to drop the ball off and get into the box, but now he finds space to create chances for others as well as still scoring goals. It's a difficult one to which one I would choose; I think I would look at Erling Haaland's age and the ages of the players that Pep Guardiola has signed in the past at City.

They've all been around the 21, 22 or 23 mark because he loves to work with the younger players to get them in for not only the here and now, but for the next four or five years. I think that's where you have to give City a lot of credit, the group has been together for a long time, and they all know exactly what they're doing and what the manager wants.

From an age point of view, I would say Erling Haaland would be the better pick.

Who has impressed you most as a makeshift centre-forward in the last two seasons without a regular natural striker?

It changes every week, and it changes within games, so you never know who's actually playing there. More recently it's been Phil Foden in that role, but at any point in any game it changes.

The next minute Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva or Raheem Sterling could be up there and even Ilkay Gundogan at times last season. But they're so well drilled that it doesn't matter, let's say Phil Foden drops off then you'll see a Bernardo Silva move into that space. The players are constantly on the move, and it constantly causes problems.

This season more often than not it's been Phil Foden and for me he's going to be an absolute superstar, if he isn't one already.

The adaptability he has is special, we've seen him in that false nine, he's played deeper at times to create chances for others, and we've seen him play out wide. He's just an outstanding talent and the one thing about him is that he loves playing football.

Most days they have to drag him off the training ground, literally and even in hotel rooms, he'll have a ball with him. He just loves playing and he wants to be the very best, in my opinion I think he will be up there with the very best.

What are your early impressions of Julian Alvarez and can you see him becoming a key player next season?

I think he'll take a bit of time, but I don't think that's any different from Pep Guardiola's previous signings. I go back to the likes of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish this season to a certain extent.

City play in such a unique way that it takes time for people to bed into that. As for Julian Alvarez, I've only seen what City fans have probably seen from the internet and YouTube.

But his goal record for someone so young is outstanding and let's not forget he's playing in a tough league. He's at the top club in Argentina, River Plate are an iconic club, and I was chatting to a few people last week who say he has an Aguero look about him.

If you look at finishes and the way, he plays there's a few similarities. Some people might want him in the team as soon as possible, but if you look at the way City have handled young players, they're always put them in at the right time and Phil Foden is a prime example of that.

They like to make sure that the time is right and be able to drip feed these young players in and out to give them a taste of the experience. Julian Alvarez will be no different, but if you look at his goals, then we can see he's a finisher and his goals this season for River Plate says a lot about his ability.

City have three prolific U23 forwards in Cole Palmer, James McAtee and Liam Delap -- what do they need to do to become regulars in the first team?

I think they just need to keep doing what they're doing right now. I know for a fact that they've all been training with the first team for a long time because that's something Pep likes to do.

Again, Phil Foden is a prime example, people wanted him out on loan because he wasn't playing a lot but he was managed properly. They're doing the same with Cole, James and Liam at the minute, so the most important thing for those guys is to just keep on learning and be patient.

Palmer and McAtee are similar to Foden in the sense that they can play in multiple positions. They're naturally gifted and really clever in the way they pick up space in between the lines.

Palmer as we've seen already can play as a false number nine, he can play out wide and can drop in as a number ten as can McAtee. I think they've just got to be patient and look at Phil Foden as the pathway into the first team. If Pep Guardiola didn't like these players, then they wouldn't be there, so he obviously see's something in them to have them in and around the squad.

The biggest thing for me is that these lads are training with some very talented players, and you can't help but not learn off them. The one thing City have got is a good core of experienced players to help the younger guys.

I'm fortunate enough to be in and around the club and even going back to my own playing days coming in as a youngster at Arsenal; you've got to earn the respect of the senior players straight away.

A few years ago, I went away to a pre-season game with City and there was a 16-year-old named Phil Foden there.

The first couple of training sessions amazed me because you had the likes of Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero and they would all give the ball to Phil Foden every time they had the ball. That was a massive thing for me because if you don't have that trust from the senior players, then you're not getting the ball.

The fact that they kept giving Phil the ball at the time said a lot and it's the exact same with these youngsters in that first team environment. They're all there for a reason, they're good enough, so they've just got to be patient because there's no doubt, they're talented boys.

Liam Delap is different to the other two, he's an out and out centre forward, great in the air and adapts well to the physical side of things. He brings something different; he might have to look at things with potential signings coming in, but he's there now so he has a chance to impress. He's been in and around for the past few years, so he needs to look at things positively.

Liverpool have closed the gap to Manchester City massively since January. Is the title race now in Liverpool’s hands?

I still think it's in City's hands for me, if it was the other way around then I would be saying the same thing, but I'd rather have the points on the board. Even though Liverpool have won their game in hand, City are still top by a point.

Everyone is speaking about this game at the Etihad in a few weeks’ time and I have to admit I'm looking forward to that one already. But I do think both teams will drop points between now and the end of the season.

It's going to be so difficult for both teams to compete in Europe, the FA Cup and the Premier League. For either team to win every game is really difficult, we've seen with City the other night dropping points at Crystal Palace which could turn out to be a decent point at the end of the season.

There are so many difficult games, that I don't believe that one game at the Etihad will define it, I think there's still a lot more twists and turns to come.

With Liverpool and Manchester City through to the QF’s of the UCL, who do you think has a better chance to win it? 

They'll be two of the favourites and it's a difficult one to choose because on their day these two sides are the best teams in Europe. Over two legs I would fancy Manchester City against anybody, but I think when it comes down to the final and Liverpool are in it, then they're such a talented but difficult team to play against.

Then there's the luck of the draw, we could see both teams draw each other in the quarter finals. You've got to look at Bayern Munich as well and I wouldn't rule out Real Madrid after that performance against PSG which was one of the best games I've seen in a long time.

I know Liverpool have strengthened, but I just look at Manchester City's squad without trying to put my blue tinted glasses on. They're getting closer and closer, last year was a big blow losing to Chelsea in the final.

The season before they lost out to Lyon, you can see that the hurt of these results drives them on further to go that one step beyond. The hurt they have from that final will still be there and these players will be desperate to go on and win the Champions League.

Both sides will need a little bit of luck along the way with the number of competitions they're fighting in. Sometimes you can be the best team, but if you don't have that bit of luck, then it might not happen.

If I have to put my neck on the line, then I would go with Manchester City, just. But Liverpool at the minute, the momentum they've got and how they're playing; they're a fantastic team. Manchester City's squad depth and quality just edges it for me.

Liverpool & Mohamed Salah are currently in a contract deadlock, how important is it that the Reds keep hold of the Egyptian?

I would ask him what he wanted, put the paper in front of him and let him sign. This season he has been the best player in the world, he's been absolutely outstanding.

That's not even looking at just this season, his record since joining Liverpool is ridiculous with his goals, assists and what he does for that team. I think it's imperative they give him a new contract, if Mo Salah left Liverpool, never mind to potentially another Premier League team, but to anywhere, then I think it sends out the wrong message.

The rise that Liverpool have been on since Klopp arrived, it would be a massive blow if they lost him because he's one of, if not the best player in the world at the minute. I think they've got to do everything they can to try and keep him and he's said he wants to stay.

Within reason, you would think that it would be sorted out, I just worry that the longer it goes on, you start to question why he hasn't signed because it should have been done at the start of the season.

How important do you think Kieran Tierney has been to Arsenal’s success this season? What does he bring to Mikel Arteta’s side?

Kieran Tierney's just a wonderful player, not just as a defender, but it's very rare you see a defender who likes to defend as well. The modern defender prefers to play out and higher up the pitch, but he thrives on his defensive duties.

He's got so much quality going forward and without sounding disrespectful to Arsenal, I'm amazed that there weren’t more clubs in for him. I've watched him from a young age at Celtic and when he signed for Arsenal, I thought that was a fantastic signing.

You could see at a young age the quality he had, he brings so much to the team and he's a leader. He's a winner and I think going forward he's going to be made Arsenal captain.

Kieran has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. How do you think he would fare at the Bernabeu/in Spanish football if that move came off in the summer?

I think Kieran would cope anywhere, not only because of his ability but because of his professionalism and his attitude. He does everything right and he works really hard on his game. But if I'm being honest, I'll be amazed if Arsenal let him go. 

Mikel Arteta is building something there at the minute, it's a good young side with a mix of experience in it.

I think I can see Kieran Tierney being Arsenal captain for a long, long time and it'll come down to whether he wants to leave or not as well, but I don't know. But I'd be amazed with the decision if he left, Arsenal are building something under Arteta and I'd be surprised if they let one of the best players go.

They've done that so many times in the past and I think it's time for Arsenal to stop that trend if they want to build for the future.

Kieran plays on the left of a back three for Scotland with Andy Robertson outside him at left wing back? Do you like that partnership?

I do like that partnership, but it's typical Scotland. We've waited years and years for some great players in there and all of a sudden, we get two in the same position and these two are both top players.

As much as Kieran plays as a left sided centre-back and Andy as a left-wing back, they're both so clever in the way they work that it can change in a game at any point. If Kieran wants to go forward like he can do, then Andy will just slot back in there.

It's a good mix Scotland have on that side and as I said they're two top left-backs in the Premier League. To have both of them fitting in the same system where it takes nothing away from either one of their games, then I think that's a credit to Steve Clarke.

I'm excited about Scotland at the minute, I don't want to get too excited, but I know Steve Clarke well and he's a fantastic guy and a great manager. He's brought a great atmosphere into this squad that's been missing for a long time in the Scotland team.

Scotland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine has been postponed until June. How important is it that the national team maintain their momentum in their forthcoming friendlies?

I think it's important they build momentum, but I wouldn't be worried from anything that happens in friendlies. I know the atmosphere in that squad is so good at the minute, the players have bought into the squad ethic.

Sometimes at international level, the players who aren't playing can have a negative impact, but this Scotland team is different. There's a unity within the squad and this is what good teams are built on, they're so determined because they know they have a great chance to do it.

It's going to be tough, but I genuinely think with the players they currently have in the squad that they could have a great chance at making it to the World Cup.

Scotland have a lot of players who play in the Premier League now – Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong, Liam Cooper, Ryan Fraser, Billy Gilmour, Grant Hanley, John McGinn, Scott McTomnay, Tierney and Robertson. How important has that been to the improvement Scotland have shown on the international stage under Steve Clarke?

The Premier League is the best league in the world and to have the majority of your players playing there every week shows how good Scotland are.

There's a lot of quality there, Adams, Armstrong, super John McGinn, there's a lot of players playing at a high-pressure level every single week and that's only helping the national team.

I think we've seen that with the performances, it's taken a while to get there, but Steve Clarke has to take a huge amount of credit for the job he's done there. Scotland haven't been the best to watch for a number of years, but you look at the squad now and they're competing at a level to get the team to a World Cup.

Can you see John McGinn playing at a higher level than Aston Villa? How good can he be? 

I do, with no disrespect to Aston Villa, because he's got everything, he's not just a fantastic player on the ball, but his work rate is phenomenal, and he loves getting stuck in which is what I really like about him.

I think John can play anywhere in the midfield, but he is an old-fashioned box-to-box midfield player. One minute he's having shots at goals or creating chances and the next he's back making a tackle.

He's a big influence on that Aston Villa team, I spoke to Dean Smith last season, and he said he's just a joy to manage on and off the pitch. You know what you're going to get from him on the pitch, he won't leave anything out there.

In the changing room he's a big character to have, but in the right way. Sometimes you look at players on the pitch and you wonder what they're like in the changing rooms and off the pitch and apparently, he's a joy to manage.

I think you could put John McGinn in any team in the Premier League, top six included, and he would thrive on it.

Adams and Lyndon Dykes have established themselves up front for Scotland? Do you like that partnership and what it brings to the Scotland attack?

I do like that partnership, I was delighted when Che Adams decided to play for Scotland but being an old school centre forward I like to see two up top. Che and Lydon have a good partnership going, they both press from the front, they're super fit and it works because Scotland need to play on the break at times.

They've got the pace of Che and Lyndon is a big boy who will hold the ball up and get himself into the box. It just works really well, if one comes short then the other goes in behind and they've got a great little link up going on there.

If Scotland are going to be successful in terms of getting to the World Cup then Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes will be a massive part of that.

Ryan Fraser stated that he was injured for the Qatar 2022 qualifiers against Moldova and Denmark – and was then pictured in training with Newcastle United. He has been on fire for Newcastle in recent weeks. Can Scotland afford to ignore a player of that quality?

I don't think they'll keep ignoring him, Steve Clarke isn't a guy who holds grudges. Obviously, it was disappointing to see him pull out of the squad and then to be training.

There will be reasons for that, we don't know the full story, those pictures might have been him being out there for 10 or 15 minutes in that session. He may not have been fit enough to play 90 minutes for Scotland, so there's a few different ways of looking at it.

Knowing Steve as I do, he'll be watching Ryan Fraser and his form at Newcastle because he's been outstanding recently. If Steve feels it's right to bring him back into the squad, then he'll do it, if he doesn't feel it's right then he won't.

If it upsets the squad, then he won't do it and that's the biggest thing in the squad right now, the harmony between the players.

After a successful couple of seasons, it has been a more difficult one for Leicester so far, what are your thoughts on the current campaign compared to the last two? What's been different? 

There's a couple of things for me; I actually think over the past couple of seasons that they've overachieved. I don't mean that in a derogatory way but being in with a shout of the Champions League places is a great achievement and winning the FA Cup last year.

All of a sudden, the expectation levels go through the roof going into this season and they can't get away from that. The second thing is, and I'm not making excuses for them, but they've had a lot of injuries and they've been horrific really.

Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana, the number of goals that they've conceded from set pieces is ridiculous, you can't defend like that. At fullback Catagne and Pereira have been out, so there's a back four there that I've just named.

They haven't been able to cope with that and then the big one is their talisman being out in Jamie Vardy. He came back for a couple of games, and you could see the difference in the whole team because Jamie Vardy was on the pitch.

When four or five of your top players are out, then it's extremely difficult to cope, I think only Manchester City or Liverpool could do that. So, I think the expectations going up hasn't helped, but then you throw in the amount of injuries that they've had, it's no doubt that it's been a struggle.

They're into the latter stages of the season now, they have a tough game against Rennes coming up, but they've picked up form slightly if you ignore that Arsenal game.

Getting players back is vital, finishing in those European places will be hard, so the only way you can see them qualifying for Europe is through the Conference League. 

Your thoughts on Patson Daka's start? Could he be the long term replacement for Vardy? 

I've liked what I've seen from him, he likes to play on the shoulder and can be a threat. But it stills looks a little bit raw to me, he's super quick and once he learns to fine tune his game all round then he'll give defenders problems.

It's a big ask to fill in Jamie Vardy's shoes, but he looks the sort of player that when you get him chances in the box, then he'll take them. He's scored a lot of goals in Europe and when he has played, he's been fantastic. There's still a lot of work to do with him, he's a little raw and naïve as a centre forward, but the basics are there. He likes to score goals and if you give him a chance, then he'll stick it away.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Leicester in the summer, do they feel they need another striker with Vardy being a year older. They've got Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho, so let's see if they bring in another.

Should Leicester now put all of their efforts into the Europa Conference League? Is that their best chance of playing European football next season?

I think now they need to.

A few weeks ago, I wouldn't have said so, but after that result against Arsenal I think it's going to be virtually impossible for them to get that seventh place. They need a massive run of winning games and also rely on the teams above them having a huge dip in form at the same time as well.

I do think that if they want European football, then they need to put all their eggs into one basket. It's going to be difficult because there's a lot of good teams in there, but from Leicester's point of view it's their only way into Europe next season.

I know it was different with Manchester United a few years ago under Jose Mourinho, they had to win the Europa League to get into the Champions League, but Leicester should be taking a similar approach.

Luton Town are right in the mix for a playoff push – how big of an achievement would it be to see that club playing in the Premier League?

I think it would surpass the likes of Bournemouth and Swansea making it into the Premier League.

They were out of the Football League altogether, so to come back and be in with a shout of the playoffs is remarkable. Nathan Jones has done a wonderful team; I've known him a long time when he was assistant manager at Yeovil and even then you could tell he wanted to be a manager.

He's got a fantastic football brain and he's put together a team who are not only hard to beat, but great going forward. They give Chelsea a tough test the other week and the stadium was bouncing. But to be where they are in this position and a shout of being in those playoffs is remarkable.

The signing of Robert Snodgrass will help as well, he not only has the experience, but he brings a lot of quality as well. He's been involved in promotions in the past, so that'll be really beneficial for the rest of the players.

It'll be tough, in the space of three games you could go from the playoffs to mid-table in the Championship.

If they keep doing as they're doing then there's no reason why it couldn't happen and I would love to see it, it would be a great story.

Oldham Athletic are currently in the middle of a fight to survive in the football league – will they be able to pull it off?

I hope so because it's a fantastic club.

The mess they've been in the past few years, for the Oldham fans it's been heart-breaking really. I had two-and-a-half-years there and I loved every minute, but if anybody can do it, then it's Shez (John Sheridan).

The last couple of results haven't been great, especially conceding late on in the past few weeks, but they're still in with a chance.

When John went in there, they looked dead and buried.

They're still a few points behind and they've got those games in hand, but he's gone in there and completely changed the atmosphere. His man management style is fantastic and let's not forget it's the same group of players who couldn't win a game, couldn't score a goal and kept conceding.

He's gone in there, got them on a run and brought back some hope and I'm desperate for them to stay up. They're some great people there, the fans are magnificent and if John Sheridan could pull it off, then he would be manager of the year for me from where they were when he arrived.  

Your Oldham team managed to pull off one of the greatest FA Cup shocks in 2013 – is that a memory that stays with you today?

Yeah absolutely, people talk about what are my biggest achievements: scoring at Wembley for City, scoring for Scotland, making my Scotland debut, making my debut for Arsenal.

But that day against Liverpool is right up there because nobody gave us a chance.

I'm not saying it was the prettiest performance, I do remember telling Matt Smith and Robbie Simpson in the first five minutes if they didn't smash the centre-backs and goalkeeper then I was taking them off. In the first five minutes they went out there and smashed them and that gave us the momentum to go and play from there.

I always remember saying to the players that the FA Cup can be a defining moment in your careers. I used the example of DJ Campbell when he was at non-league level, he ended up going on to score against Chelsea and getting all these moves across his career.

You've just got to look at Matt Smith from that day, he was out of contract in the summer and as much as we wanted to sign him, it was a big bug bare of mine that we didn't offer a new contract before the game.

I said to the chairman, give him another year because then you'll get some money for him. The board didn't want to do it, then he scored twice against Liverpool and then against Everton before moving to Leeds and having a fantastic career since.

Every single one of the players that day were fantastic, and I'll never forget the atmosphere at Boundary Park. It must have been horrible for the Liverpool players, there was snow everywhere, piles of it up one side and only three stands.

It was fantastic memories, and the players were great for me, not just that day but for the full time I was there.

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