Speaking exclusively with BoyleSports , Geremi has discussed the decline of Footballing legends Messi and Ronaldo and whether or not they can still impact the game at the highest level.
The former Ballon d’Or nominee has also spoken about the Emergence of African talent and what the future has in store for the likes of Mbuemo, Onana, Salah and Baleba. Geremi also argues that his former club Newcastle are now well placed to challenge for silverware, former teammate Lampard tipped for a big future and Middlesbrough poised to bounce back from the Championship mediocrity.
Messi’s Regression
Lionel Messi is no longer young and while playing for Inter Miami, he isn’t surrounded by great players like he has been in the past. He is going to come up against great clubs who have great players in the peak of their careers, he might well perform at a high level, but does he have a chance of winning it? I don’t think so.
He is Messi and he will still show his quality, but to the level we have seen him in the past? I don’t think we will.
Newcastle “Ready” To Compete
Newcastle are now contenders to win the Premier League and the Champions League. When they got new owners, I said it would take them three or four years and a trophy to put them in that position and now they are there.
They are ready to compete because they have been built under Eddie Howe, they have the right finances, and they are an attractive proposition for new players. New signings will have no doubt about joining the club this summer and I wouldn't be surprised if they have an incredible season.
Irreplaceable Isak
What should be the price tag on Alexander Isak? First of all, they need to keep their best players at all costs. I’m not sure Newcastle would sell Isak for any fee, but it would become an issue if the player took the decision into his own hands.
But he had a great season and is at one of the biggest teams in the world when it comes to financial backing, the environment is all there, and I don’t think he would gain anything by moving to Liverpool or Arsenal.
I think Newcastle are at the same level.
Ronaldo’s Time In England “Over”
What Cristiano Ronaldo is doing at his age is exceptional, but his time in the Premier League is over. The Premier League is too demanding, he is 40 years old, and it wouldn’t be the same as doing it once in a while in international games.
I think he’s going into his last year in football, and I can’t see him spending that in the Premier League, it’s too competitive and a lot more demanding than he has been used to in the last two years.
Ronaldo To Buy A Club?
I couldn’t see Cristiano Ronaldo at a club like Chelsea or any other big club. The big clubs want players with the energy to fight for titles, they want fresh legs, and they also want to get their value from players.
Cristiano would be too expensive and too risky for the big clubs at his age, I think we could see him back in the Premier League as an advisor or an owner – but not a player anymore.
The Next African Ballon d’Or Winner
It’s always nice to be reminded that I was once in the Ballon d’Or nominees and it would be wonderful for a second African player to win it after George Weah. I think there are three African contenders, and they would be Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen and also Achraf Hakimi from PSG.
If they all work hard they all have what it takes to win that prize, we know it’s not easy to win but they have all had great seasons. They have all the quality and now maybe just need a bit of luck.
Onana Can Perform
Andre Onana has been put in a very difficult position at Manchester United. The whole club has performed poorly but when you are the goalkeeper you get a lot of the blame.
You have to look at Manchester United as a whole in recent years and not just single players, they need to find a solution for the whole team and not just look to take out Onana in the hope that things change.
We know how well he can perform from his performances in the past, I don’t like to see him get criticised so much, it’s not just down to him and I think it would be a mistake to replace him.
Mbeumo Perfect For Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo has improved so much over the past two seasons, and I think he will bring a new spirit to Manchester United. He has the spirit of the Indomitable Lions, and I would be delighted to see him starring for a big club like United.
He will bring 100% commitment and help take the club back to the level they belong at. He is a big player, and I think he would be the right signing for Ruben Amorim.
Anguissa Is A New Man!
Frank Anguissa was in the Premier League in the past, but this is a totally new Frank Anguissa. He has improved an incredible amount with Napoli, and I think his contribution was what took them to the title.
He is doing incredibly well, and I think he is exactly the player that Manchester United need, he is box-to-box and has all the energy and capacity to change their midfield. United need that kind of player and it would be a very, very good signing.”
Baleba Destined For Greatness
Carlos Baleba is another £100million player. I know Carlos Baleba from his school academy in Cameroon that he grew up in, he is the future. He is 20 and he will end up playing for a huge club, that huge club will have no regrets in signing him, whether it is Chelsea or Manchester United.
He is still improving and can play with both feet; he has so much energy but an incredible technique – he will without doubt be playing at a big club in the future.
Chelsea MUST Sign Baleba
My advice to Chelsea this summer would be to go and sign Carlos Baleba. So many clubs will be looking at him and he is in a position that can change a team completely.
All the big owners should be looking at signing him and I just hope it’s Chelsea he signs for; he will improve that straight away and that would be my message to the Chelsea owner. You will not regret it.
Lampard Destined For Premier League Return
There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be a Premier League manager again.
We have seen that he plays good football, and he is still young and learning the game. He has gone into management, and he has already taken several jobs to show that he can be a success. He has so many years of coaching left, and he will go to the top with a big club again, he has that quality.
Lampard Is Next For England
Frank Lampard should be in the race to replace Thomas Tuchel, he has shown his style of football, and I think it would suit the England team.
I was his team-mate at Chelsea and I’m proud that we became friends, I’m delighted to see him managing now and he will have an important role in the game for years to come.
Middlesbrough’s Redemption
One of the greatest times of my career was playing for Middlesbrough. I really enjoyed my time there and the club has remained in my heart ever since.
It was one of the best seasons in my career and I dream of seeing them back in the Premier League. It's up to the owners to find the manager and players to do that and I hope they can because it’s what the fans deserve. They will get back on track soon.
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