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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Arsenal striker turned pundit John Hartson believes that Tottenham Hotspur will be actively looking for new centre-backs.

As things stand, Spurs will lose out-of-contract duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen when they contracts expire in the summer, and potentially even in January if they are offered an acceptable fee by another club.

While there hasn’t really been a recent update on the situation with Alderweireld, The Daily Mail reports that the club is in talks with Vertonghen over an extension, although they are apprehensive about offering him more than just a further 12 months because he is 32 years of age.

It remains to be seen whether any compromise can be reached in that regard with the same report saying the Belgium international will use the fact that the 30-year-old Moussa Sissoko was handed a new four-year contract last week as a bargaining tool during discussions.

With Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth yet to really show consistently that they can be starting XI regulars for Tottenham, Hartson wouldn’t be surprised if the club’s scouts are hard at work right now given the situation with the Belgian duo.

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The Welshman said: “They’ll have to be proactive in the market because there will become a time in January when they can talk to clubs and leave on a free at the end of the season.

“They will be constantly looking for centre halves now with them two looking like they’ll let their contracts run down.”

Hartson is completely right, and it is looking more and more likely that a more serious rebuild is needed at Tottenham in 2020 given recent results and performances – Pochettino has even suggested as much himself.

Zinedine Zidane has been experimenting with his Real Madrid lineup quite a lot this season.

But still, a lot of it has been forced due to a number of different injuries throughout the campaign. In fact, Real have suffered a total of 13 fitness setbacks since their 2019 pre-season tour and for that reason, it’s been fairly difficult for the Frenchman to pick his “gala XI”.

And even as we speak, the Galacticos have five players sidelined and still recovering.

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But as unlucky and fragile as their squad has been over the last couple of months, injuries come and go and Zidane should be able to have his full roster at his disposal soon enough.

Once that happens, he has some bold decisions to make in order to get the best out of his troops, and for starters, he needs to get his lineup absolutely right.

With that in mind, here’s what we think Real Madrid’s starting XI should look like in the future:

Thibaut Courtois has been their number one stopper for quite some time now but his defensive blunders can no longer be ignored. In the 43 games he played for Los Blancos so far, the Belgian has conceded 59 goals, giving him an average of 1.37 per game.

Not to mention that his predecessor, Keylor Navas, allowed only 31 in the same number of games. And of course, part of that blame is surely on the defence but Alphonse Areola has already shown what he can do – he turned in a particularly great performance against Club Brugge, he just might be the better choice of the two.

Maybe it’s time for a change and Courtois has to be dropped until he regains his form.

But he is not the only one who should get that treatment. Real Marid’s long-lasting veteran, Marcelo, should also be making way for the younger and hungrier Ferland Mendy.

Watch Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale answer the internet’s weirdest questions in the video below…

The young Frenchman has already shown that he can do a great job in the Brazilian’s absence and Zidane should start putting more trust into him if he wants him to develop properly.

Mendy is dangerous going both ways and offers that defensive stability, which the Galacticos have certainly been missing with 13 goals conceded in ten games across all competitions. Their record has improved significantly in recent times but they are still far from where they want to be.

The rest of the backline doesn’t need any changes as Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Daniel Carvajal have earned their spots in defence.

Once Toni Kroos returns from his injury, Zidane should deploy him next to Luka Modric and Casemiro, which means there’s no room for James Rodriguez in the lineup just yet.

As far as the front three are concerned, they do pick themselves but apart from Karim Benzema, who has already scored six goals in seven La Liga games, the other two forwards will have to start doing more.

Eden Hazard has only recently registered his first strike for the club and Gareth Bale is still on his two from the early stages of the campaign.

If they don’t start performing soon, Zidane has plenty of options on the bench who can replace both of them in the long run.

Still, at the moment, this looks like the best XI Real Madrid can field and the Frenchman will have some bold choices to make pretty soon.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.

Back in the summer, Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle signed QPR right-back Osman Kakay on a loan deal until January in order to get some game time under the right-back’s belt.

The 22-year-old has been with QPR since the age of eight, coming through the Londoners’ academy and going on to gain international recognition with Sierra Leone – Kakay has one cap, coming in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.

Kakay has previously made 12 first-team appearances for the R’s before his departure to Scotland, but his early performances for Partick Thistle have been encouraging, to say the least.

The youngster has only made two appearances in the Scottish Championship, but earned the Man of the Match award last time out from two outlets – the sponsors named him as the Man of the Match, as did the ‘Jag Zone’.

It is of course early days, and Mark Warburton will presumably not be thinking about putting Kakay immediately into his first-team, but his starting right-back – Todd Kane – has been putting in some pretty dodgy showings so far this term.

We detailed how the on-loan Chelsea man lost possession 25 times against West Brom recently in what was a terrible performance, and he has come in for some more criticism elsewhere.

Gareth Dixon, from QPR podcast Ranger Things, recently told Love Sport Radio just how bad Kane’s performance against the Baggies was.

“His performance against West Brom was one of the worst I’ve seen from a full-back”

As aforesaid, Warburton isn’t going to put Kane’s questionable form alongside Kakay’s impressive loan showings and swap the two around in the pecking order – that would be a far-fetched statement, to say the least.

However, if Kakay can keep his form up and Kane cannot find a way to shrug off his poor showings, then there is certainly reason for the 26-year-old to be concerned upon Kakay’s return in January.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, John Hartson has urged Eddie Nketiah to be patient at Leeds amidst rumours that Bristol City are interested in taking him to Ashton Gate.

The 20-year-old joined the Whites on loan this summer, and so far has four goals in his first nine matches in all competitions. However, he is yet to start a game for the side in the Championship, with his two inclusions in the starting XI both coming in the League Cup instead.

In the video below, we look at where it all went wrong for Arsenal’s former ‘saviour’, Mesut Ozil…

Former Wales international Hartson has been commenting on Nketiah’s situation at Elland Road and his lack of playing time, and has suggested that the Arsenal man should stay patient for now with the Yorkshire outfit.

“For me, he has just got to keep patient, he’s just got to keep trying to score goals,” he said. “I’m sure Leeds will want to keep him obviously, but I think sometimes as a young player you just want to keep playing.

“Would it be a good idea (to go to Bristol City)? I don’t know. Leeds are challenging, they got to the play-offs last season, they lost to Derby. He’s with a really experienced manager there. He’s got a good group of players, just be patient for now, keep banging the goals in, and I’m sure they’ll be some more clubs than Bristol City that will come in for him in January.”

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The form he has showed so far this campaign means he is getting harder and harder to ignore. At 20 years old, he has plenty of time ahead of him, but it is understandable that he is chomping at the bit to get on to the field as much as possible. After all, the whole point of this loan spell is to see more senior action in a bid to accelerate his development.

On the other hand, though, this could be fantastic for his strength of character. So far in his career, he has been a big fish in a small pond for Arsenal’s U23s, but now he is playing men’s football and is finding out that it isn’t as easy.

This will happen at times in his career, and it is better that he finds it out now rather than later on. Under Bielsa, he will progress as a footballer and, if he continues to hit the back of the net, he will give the Argentinian no choice but to play him. Should he be able to break into the team of a promotion challenger, that would surely send a stronger message to Unai Emery rather than taking the easy option somewhere else.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Out of the three summer signings Manchester United made, former Swansea man Daniel James perhaps was the most least-heralded arrival. Joining from the Championship side in a £15m deal, the Wales international’s move was overshadowed by the big-money signings of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire.

But, the 21-year-old has well and truly hit the ground running at Old Trafford, netting three goals in eight Premier League games. He has been a rare silver lining in a difficult start to the campaign for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, and on Sunday afternoon, he will have to ensure he wins his one-on-one to give United the best possible chance of securing victory.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

A flawless Liverpool team await, and the battle between James and Reds full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold down United’s left flank looks to be a game-defining contest. And, judging by how their respective seasons have gone, the duo are operating near the top of their games at the moment.

Whilst the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino understandably steal the majority of the limelight, Liverpool’s two full-backs, Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, play a huge role in the way the Reds play. The former in particular has become a real source of attacking inspiration, so much so that he averages 1.1 shots per game – despite playing as a defender.

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And on Sunday, James’ ability to drive the 21-year-old back towards his own goal, will be a key part of whether United can pull off a huge result. The Welshman has to pose a threat going in behind the right-back, and ensure that Alexander-Arnold is more worried and preoccupied about having to defend, rather than supporting Salah further forward.

The Liverpool academy product averages more than triple the number of average passes per game James manages, and so, if the latter can stop him from getting as involved in the play, that will undoubtedly help the Red Devils get a foot-hold in the match.

It promises to be a massive encounter for Solskjaer’s men, and whether they can claim a season-defining result is dependent on whether United’s summer signing can put in a real shift defensively and simply sacrifice his natural attacking instincts.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

This weekend’s Yorkshire derby has added importance as it is pretty much a top of the table clash.

Garry Monk’s side won ugly on Tuesday night as they managed to see through a 1-0 victory over Stoke City at Hillsborough while their county rivals succumbed to a draw across the border to Preston North End.

There is potentially added significance to this tie for one member of the Owls squad as Massimo Luongo was frequently linked with a move to their opponents, Leeds, during the summer. That was before eventually signing for Wednesday.

Despite picking up a knock in midweek, the one-time Ballon d’Or nominee should be fit enough to feature after Monk provided an update to BBC Radio Sheffield.

United showed some interest in Luongo in the off-season, as reported by London Football News back in June, but the same outlet stated that Marcelo Bielsa had played down any links just a month later.

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Now the 27-year-old is starting to hit red hot form after being given an opportunity under the new Owls chief – he’s started their last three games having only featured for a total of 118 minutes from five substitute appearances, per Transfermarkt.

During his recent run, he has certainly taken steps to repay the faith put in him by scoring two goals, both of which being the winners in 1-0 victories.

Rated at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, Luongo could keep up his rich vein of form going into Saturday’s game against the club he could have joined.

If he does indeed do so, he’ll make Bielsa look like a fool for not pursuing his interest over the summer, especially as half of his current central midfield options – namely Adam Forshaw and Jamie Shackleton – are out injured, forcing Stuart Dallas out of position to fill their void.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Leeds United fans have been worried about one thing over the past few weeks.

Indeed, the United fanbase have been frenzied about the prospect of Eddie Nketiah being recalled by Arsenal in January.

They have every right to be worried as well.

Nketiah has complained about his lack of game time since his loan move, and he’s yet to start a league match for the Yorkshire club despite scoring once every 88.3 minutes on average in the Championship this term.

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However, a recent article by David Ornstein in The Athletic revealed that Arsenal don’t have any plans to recall the striker – something that should serve as a huge boost for the west Yorkshire outfit.

Indeed, the article states that Arsenal believe Leeds is the perfect environment for the striker to prepare for his eventual life in the Premier League, and they’re not wrong.

If we’re being honest, Leeds are one of the biggest clubs outside the top-flight.

Elland Road is one of the only stadiums outside of the Premier League that forces players to feel the type of pressures they would feel at a big six club.

Why being the away goalkeeper at Leeds is the toughest job in football in the video below…

The ground is always packed out with passionate supporters, and expectations are as high as ever in a ground that has the highest average attendance.

High expectancy will also be the case when Nketiah returns to Arsenal, so getting experience in front of a huge crowd that expects a lot will certainly help his development.

Bristol City are apparently the alternative, and with all due respect, the atmosphere at Ashton Gate doesn’t come close to rivalling the noise at Elland Road.

Not only that, but this allows Nketiah to play under a manager who was once heralded as the best coach in the world by Pep Guardiola.

If that doesn’t prepare you for football at an elite level, nothing will. After all, Bielsa is someone who hands regular chances to young players too. That can be seen by the ten individuals under the age of 21 he gave minutes to as of last January.

Leeds is certainly one of the best clubs in the country for a young player to develop at the moment, and it’s good to see that Arsenal realise that as well.

Despite rarely starting, he’s on the right path.

Jetro Willems has impressed for Newcastle since arriving on loan and some fans are keen to see his move made permanent.

The Netherlands international has slotted perfectly into Steve Bruce’s system and has been important to the Magpies in both attack and defence, as demonstrated by his brilliantly-taken goal at Anfield back in September, as well as 2.1 tackles averaged per game.

He possesses pace and trickery, too, and has fulfilled a role down Newcastle’s left-flank which not many others in the squad could perform.

It is little surprise, then, that some supporters have already been won over by the 25-year-old, and considering he would only cost an additional €11m (£9.5m), it seems a no-brainer to get the deal completed.

To demonstrate his usefulness, he has averaged 1.1 successful dribbles per game and 1.3 key passes, a very respectable return for a player often pinned back in his own half thanks to Newcastle’s average of 38% possession this term.

Here are some of the reactions from Magpies fans calling on the club to sign Willems permanently.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Newcastle may have turned a corner with the performance and result against West Ham, and the front-three showed that when on top form they can be a handful for any opponent.

On the chalkboard

Steve Bruce has faced a tough challenge during his first three months in charge of the Magpies, in what was meant to be a dream job for the boyhood Newcastle fan.

From day one, some fans were against him, and though he was given money to spend he inherited a squad which scored just 42 goals in the league, yet lost 23 goals from that total with the departures of Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon.

Despite that, he has done well in parts, and proved that much of the criticism aimed his way has been unwarranted.

He has maintained faith in both his system and his players, and could be about to reap the rewards, starting with Newcastle’s fine display against the Hammers on Saturday, a game they very easily could have led 3-0 at half-time.

With the front three scoring just once between them in ten league games prior to the visit to the London Stadium, some managers would have decided to withdraw them from the team – but not Bruce.

The former Manchester United player has built much of his career on effective man-management. The combination of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton has showcased both that and his tactical skills, and Bruce was the reason why his team looked so accomplished in their 3-2 win.

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Signs of progress

One of the reasons why Bruce has been somewhat under fire is because of the Magpies’ lack of goals, with six in ten scored before the trip to London.

However, with two summer arrivals starting in attack as well as one who only arrived in January, Bruce should have been afforded more time, as he is now starting to prove that once gelled together, his players are capable of producing winning football.

Alan Shearer noted as much on Match of the Day, as quoted by The Athletic:

“The concern this season for Newcastle has been a lack of creativity and a lack of link-up play between Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Joelinton. But not (against West Ham).”

Bruce knows the limitations of his squad, and should be praised rather than ridiculed for operating with a system which best suits them.

Players like Jetro Willems and Saint-Maximin are beginning to excel under him, whilst his handling of Matty Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey has also resulted in match-winning moments against Man United and West Ham respectively.

Newcastle may not be a team which dominates the ball, but they have pacy wingers and a target man in Joelinton who, with a bit of confidence, will be able to seek out their runs, and that is now beginning to work well for the Magpies.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

As quoted by the club’s official website, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed Marcos Rojo after his impressive display against Partizan Belgrade.

What did he say?

The Argentina international was poised to leave Old Trafford in the summer, with fellow Premier League side Everton said to be in talks over a possible move. However, a deal for the defender failed to materialise by the end of the deadline, and Rojo was forced to remain put.

Now, the 29-year-old has seemingly forced his way into Solskjaer’s first-team plans, already making eight appearances across all competitions this season. And, after a display in which he made two interceptions, two clearances and one blocked shot in the Europa League on Thursday night, the Red Devils boss paid a glowing tribute to the forming Sporting CP man.

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He said: “I thought he was excellent tonight. He’s been excellent since he started in pre-season. He’s played more than he, maybe, expected. That’s why he’s still here and he’s a top-quality footballer.

“He’s a winner, with a good mentality, he can pass and he can defend. It’s now about keeping him fit and he’s been fit for a long time. You can see his qualities. He’s got such a big heart and such a passion for football. He’s a winner. To have him around when he’s fit and in a good mood, it’s been great for us. The boys love him and he sometimes spreads fear in training because he tackles properly. He’s one of the ones who really cares about the game.”

Renaissance

For a man who was rumoured to be heading for the exit for two summers in a row, it is quite remarkable how Rojo appears to have turned things around. The Argentine now appears to be battling Victor Lindelof for the chance to partner Harry Maguire in central defence for United, although playing in a back-three, Solskjaer could accommodate all three too.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

His robust approach to defending – he has a career average of 1.9 tackles per game – can give United a bit of ruggedness at the back to compliment the likes of Lindelof and Maguire. Reports in recent weeks have even suggested that Solskjaer has been left so impressed with what he has seen so far, that he will block a potential exit for Rojo in January. And after the 6 foot 2 man’s performance against Partizan in particular, it is easy to see why.