All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted positively to Jamie Carragher’s claim that the Reds should push to sign Jude Bellingham this summer.

The 18-year-old has emerged as arguably one of the most exciting teenagers in world football, catching the eye hugely with his performances for Borussia Dortmund.

Despite his tender years, Bellingham is already an undisputed key player for the Bundesliga giants, scoring eight goals and registering 13 assists in 71 appearances.

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Liverpool have been linked with a move for the England international numerous times in the past and Carragher has now talked up his potential signing.

Taking to Twitter during a Q&A on Saturday, the Reds legend said that Bellingham would be the one player he would choose to sign at Anfield this summer:

“Jude Bellingham & the summer window is fine for me!”

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Liverpool fans love Carragher claim

These Liverpool fans loved what Carragher had to say, praising his comments and calling for the Reds’ FSG ownership to snap up the Dortmund star, who one Kopite feels would be just as transformative as the signings of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson.

“This would be a signing on the level of VVD or Alisson”

Credit: @O38Degrees

“YESSS”

Credit: @f1_terrier

“Jamie knows ball. Jude>>>”

Credit: @66_lfc_

“Dear FSG…”

Credit: @biGDhee08

“I’d give a kidney for us to get Jude”

Credit: @ikomo1604

“Would love that. Natural successor to Henderson and would add more dynamism and athleticism.”

Credit: @StefromBurnley

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at a Fabrizio Romano update. Read more here.

A number of Aston Villa supporters have criticised Ashley Young’s performance in his side’s win away to Norwich City.

Steven Gerrard’s side produced a spirited performance away to Liverpool on Saturday, losing 1-0 at Anfield after Mohamed Salah penalty settled the game.

It may have been a negative result but it was further proof of the progress being made with Gerrard at the helm since he took charge last month.

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Tuesday’s trip to struggling Norwich was a far more winnable game, as Villa looked to get back to winning ways at Carrow Road.

They did just that, with Jacob Ramsey opening the scoring with a phenomenal solo goal, setting Gerrard’s men on their way to a well-fought victory which was wrapped up by Ollie Watkins.

One player who struggled for the visitors was Young, who was one of their worst rated players on Sofascore, completing just 19 passes and winning only two ground duels in his 60 minutes on the pitch, while he also made an error leading to a shot for the hosts.

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Villa fans criticise Young’s display

These Villa fans took to Twitter to lay into Young’s performance.

“Ashley Young has to go”

Credit: @Luiz_SZN

“We are massively over using Young. Good squad member to use sparingly but increasingly exposed as a regular starter”

Credit: @GeoffKnox67

“In the nicest way possible, we need to get Ashley Young off the pitch”

Credit: @DomH97

“Beg we get Ings on I don’t think I can take another half of Ashley Young’s first touch”

Credit: @euanavfc

“Ashley Young has been terrible today unfortunately”

Credit: @AvfcU

“Ashley Young has been woeful so far tonight”

Credit: @Valentine06

In other news, one Villa player has been urged to leave the club on loan. Find out who it is here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Everton fans have erupted over a fresh transfer update involving Rubin Kazan forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Rafael Benitez is soon set for his first January transfer window in charge of the club as he takes control of the Toffees’ transfer plans following the departure of sporting director Marcel Brands.

This has led to an incoming signing already as reliable reports claim that Everton have closed in on Dynamo Kiev left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, who apparently underwent a medical on Friday (Fabrizio Romano).

Everton’s manager isn’t done there, however, as Football Insider have revealed who he is eyeing a move for next. According to their information, the Toffees and Benitez are apparently ‘plotting’ a move to sign exciting Russian Premier League forward Kvaratskhelia next month.

It is believed that both Everton and West Ham now hold a concrete interest after the Georgia international blew away talent spotters with a brace in his nation’s 2-0 win over Sweden last month.

Everton fans erupt…

Taking into account the 20-year-old sensation’s rising stock, it’s little wonder so many Everton fans are applauding Benitez’ transfer decision, with one fan even claiming he’ll perform a U-turn on his stance on the under-fire Spaniard if his club can pull off the signing of Kvaratskhelia.

Called ‘incredible’ by journalist Romano, the young winger has already scored five goals in just 12 caps for Georgia whilst averaging an impressive 2.7 completed dribbles per 90 at club level for Rubin this season (WhoScored).

That’s more than any Everton player has managed in the Premier League, and while you could argue that the discrepancy may be due to a major difference in the quality of the respective divisions, it could also be an indication of Kvaratskhelia’s vast potential.

Here’s how some Toffees supporters reacting to news that the club are plotting to sign the 20-year-old “baller”:

“If Benitez brings him in I will switch to team #BenitezIn. He was absolutely unplayable against Sweden with the national team. One of the biggest talents out there.”

Credit: @EFCswe

“Football manager demon”

Credit: @mollynsno

“Baller”

Credit: @gflan02

“YES!!!!”

Credit: @BT_1878

“Yes, get him in”

Credit: @Evertoningen

“Baller him, think Everton we were also linked to him last season. Scored some important goals from Georgia and played well in the UEFA Nations League games”

Credit: @gersonselema

“Would be a solid signing. Kid’s got potential”

Credit: @Lukazioo

In other news: ‘Get rid’, ‘Can never start again’…Everton fans hammer ‘passenger’ who ‘needs binning’ after Chelsea display, find out more here.

Manchester United have approached former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde as they look to appoint an interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal. 

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with several star names as they search for Solskjaer’s successor gathers pace, but a first-choice candidate appears to have been chosen.

According to news relayed by well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United chiefs have made contact with Valverde as they look for a short-term solution to their managerial vacancy.

He tweeted: “Manchester United board had a direct contact with former Barça manager Ernesto Valverde today, as per @JamieJackson___#MUFC. No decision made yet – he’s one of the five candidates in the list in case Mauricio Pochettino won’t be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain.”

Man Utd fans should be pleased

Although the prospect of another interim manager is not something that will get too many United fans off their seats, the idea that such a well-respected and proven tactician is being lined up as his alternative should at least provide some form of comfort.

In fact, after hearing of the big twist that Pochettino might be more difficult to lure away from PSG, seeing Valverde linked with the club should have supporters rather pleased.

Considering Valverde’s success, he certainly seems like a very good option if the Red Devils cannot lure the Argentine back to England as feared. After claiming three league titles and two Greek Cups across two spells with Olympiacos and taking charge of over 300 games in the Athletic Bilbao dugout over two separate stints, Valverde got his big break as Barca boss back in 2017.

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During his time in Catalonia, the 57-year-old guided the Blaugrana to consecutive La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey crown before being sacked in January 2020, but he’s been out of work ever since.

In Jamie Jackson’s original report, it’s claimed that Valverde has already held talks with football director John Murtough and that the Spaniard has begun identifying transfer targets ahead of the January window.

“It is understood Valverde has discussed with John Murtough, United’s football director, taking over on a temporary basis, with the club conscious that having worked with Lionel Messi at Barcelona he would be at ease managing Cristiano Ronaldo,” wrote Jackson.

“Valverde has started sounding out potential players he could add to strengthen the squad should he be appointed.”

Only time will tell if United and Valverde can agree terms on his temporary appointment, but supporters should view his arrival as the best of a bad situation.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops big Man Utd manager update that’ll surely leave fans gutted

Leeds United will be looking to secure back-to-back victories in the Premier League for the first time this season when they welcome Brentford to Elland Road over the weekend.

Marcelo Bielsa’s charges put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone after Raphinha dispatched an injury-time penalty last time out, and they’ll be desperate to build on that momentum in this intriguing encounter.

Putting the ball in the back of the net has been a major issue for the west Yorkshire outfit throughout 2021/22, though, significantly halting their progress on the pitch.

In their 14 top-flight fixtures to date, Leeds have only managed 13 goals, with talisman Raphinha responsible for six of those strikes.

Patrick Bamford’s enforced absence through injury has been the main source of attacking frustration for Bielsa’s struggling side, but the solution to their attacking woes could be a rather simple one.

Rodrigo has shown glimpses of the true quality he possesses throughout the current campaign despite only bagging two goals in his 15 appearances.

Dubbed “extraordinary” by former Barcelona boss Quique Setien, the 30-year-old hasn’t been able to hit the ground running at Leeds since his big-money move last summer, yet his underlying numbers are indicative of the form he can produce.

As per WhoScored, Rodrigo has averaged 1.6 key passes per league game this term, 0.8 crosses and 1.8 shots, placing him in the top three for each metric amongst his teammates who have started over five games.

Indeed, after an impressive performance against Arsenal last season, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan explained just how important the £16.2m-rated gem is to Bielsa’s side.

Whelan told Football Insider: “He’s always looking for it, he’s never ever standing still, he’s always on the move and that’s what I like about him. He can’t be marked; he’s always looking for a space – very much the next Hernandez.

“He is a player that looks like he can make things happen. He’s very intelligent, he brings other people into play and makes space for them.”

After making a positive impact off the bench last time out as a half-time substitute, Bielsa must unleash the Spain international from the first whistle against the Bees on Sunday, providing Leeds with the firepower they need to secure a vital three points.

And, in other news…”It’s likely..”: Leeds handed major injury boost vs Brentford, Bielsa will be buzzing

We are in the midst of the 2021 / 2022 Premier League season and the top four, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, are all performing well. However, there have of course still been a few surprises this season and it is all still to play for at this point in the tournament.

If you are still undecided on where to place your bets, do your research on the latest Premier League odds and take a look at these overviews of each of the best performing teams in the league’s history, including their previous records and highlights so far this season:

Manchester City

Number of times won: 5 (2011, 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2020)

Man City are the team to beat having been crowned League champions three out of the past four seasons. They certainly have a good chance of repeating past success this season with results-driven Pep Guardiola at the helm.

While their defence was not on top form in previous seasons, since signing Ruben Dias they have put together an all-around strong team. Portuguese player Dias is considered to be one of the world’s best defenders by many and has made around 40 League appearances for the club so far.

Another strong signing for City was Jack Grealish, his £100 million transfer deal that took place earlier this year made him one of the most expensive signings in history. The player is on a contract that runs until 2027 and replaced Sergio Agüero in the number 10 spot.

City’s loss in the Champions League to Chelsea was a blow to the team, however they are still expected to come out on top.

Liverpool

Number of times won: 1 (2019)

Despite running into some serious bad luck and a streak of losses, Liverpool still managed to come out in third place last season. The team lost six games at home in a row and had a series of disruptive injuries, including Virgil van Dijk’s knee.

They seem to have bounced back this year and importantly, Van Dijk has been cleared as fit to play again. His return is expected to have a huge impact on overall performance and will be strongly supported by new arrival Ibrahima Konate, a centre back from RB Leipzig.

Arguably, their best performance so far has been their game against Manchester United, with a whooping five magnificent goals scored. The worst has to be their away game with Brentford, as while this should have been an easy one, their lacklustre performance led to them dropping two points.

Mo Salah has been the star of the show in the current season, having scored six times and assisted a number of times. Despite his record with yellow cards, he is a strong and enthusiastic player that will do what it takes to get Liverpool their second Premier League title.

At present, they are just behind Chelsea and just ahead of City on the League table.

Chelsea

Number of times won: 5 (2004, 2005, 2009, 2014 and 2016)

They may have come in fourth place last season, but in the 2021 / 2022 Premier League they are currently in top position. Following Lampard’s departure due to poor performance and overspending in the transfer window, Thomas Tuchel has had a great impact on the team.

During Tuchel’s first full season at the club, the re-signing of striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan in a £97.5 million deal has bolstered the team and made it arguably the strongest and most complete in the League. The manager is now expected to sign more defensive players.

Manchester United

Number of times won: 13 (1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013)

Manchester United obviously have a very strong record of winning the Premier League however, in recent years they have failed to make the top spot. Last year they just missed out on the trophy having struggled to win the most important matches of the tournament.

United now have all eyes on them and are now under much more pressure to perform given the recent signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s best players in history. The Portuguese forward has won five Ballons D’Or and four European Golden Shoes, he re-joined United in August on a two-year contract deal for £12.85 million.

In his second debut for United in September, Ronaldo scored two of the four goals against Newcastle United. He continues to be a force to be reckoned with and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

With Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes still in midfield, the squad remains strong and capable of victory. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is fortunate to have such a variety of talent at his disposal and the pressure is on for him to make the most out of it.

While Chelsea and Liverpool currently reside at the top of the League table, it is too soon to call a winner. Each of the top four have the potential to take home the trophy given their strong teams and performance so far in the season.

Speaking live for Sky Sports Italy, as transcribed by FC Inter 1908.it, journalist Matteo Marani has dropped a transfer claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Spurs going for Italian job?

Since the 52-year-old’s arrival, taking over from former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, there has been much anticipation on what the future holds.

Serie A experts tip Tottenham to become a high-intensity pressing team with much more work and quality being drilled into training (football.london), which could perhaps bring a return of the ‘Spurs way’ to N17.

In terms of the transfer market, there has been even more excitement as reports of flood in from Italy in particular.

Plenty of Serie A talents have already been linked to Spurs following Conte’s appointment and many from his old club, Inter Milan, in particular.

Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic and Stefan de Vrij have been tipped with possible moves to north London and Marani backs that the San Siro could become a fruitful resource for Spurs.

The Latest: Marani makes live TV claim…

Speaking in the Sky studios (via FC Inter 1908.it), Marani says that he has ‘no doubts’ both Fabio Paratici and Conte will ‘look to Italy’ and ‘maybe Inter’.

“He was very attracted by the proposal, in London, in Tottenham, in the Premier League,” explained the reporter.

“I think he couldn’t stay without football, when you see the others on the bench and the ball spinning. He accepted and now he will start with the new challenge.

“The Vidal shot you saw is paying late. He is now giving what Conte expected last year.

“I have no doubts that Paratici and Conte will look to Italy and maybe Inter itself will become a catchment area for Tottenham ”.

The Verdict: Exciting?

Cherry-picking the Creme de la Creme of Nerrazzuri talent sounds good on paper, but as Inter’s recent announcement of a new deal for Barella proves, the Serie A giants aren’t just going to lie down and let Conte strip their squad bare.

If Tottenham and Paratici are going to look to Italy and Inter in particular, they may find the Italian champions to to be stubborn at first in talks depending on the calibre of player, amount s offered and various other factors.

The Lilywhites thought that they had reached an agreement for the signing of striker Lautaro Martinez from Inter, according to The Times, only for them to pull a swift U-turn when Chelsea landed Romelu Lukaku.

Negotiations seem anything but straight forward when it comes to dealing with Inter but perhaps Conte’s presence could be a crucial factor.

In other news: Conte now personally plotting to sell ‘very talented’ Spurs player who Nuno called ‘unique’…find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion are set to have a fight on their hands to keep goalkeeper Sam Johnstone at the club over the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract at the Hawthorns and has already reportedly attracted the attention of West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

And now, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, fellow Premier League outfit Southampton have joined the race for Johnstone’s signature, with the Saints keen to secure his services over the winter window.

The report states that: “They (Southampton) are willing to pay rather than wait until he becomes a free agent in the summer. But Johnstone, 28, is settled at the Championship Baggies and looks ready to wait until the end of his contract to decide on his next move.

“And the fact he is now No. 2 in the international squad while playing in the second tier means there is no need for him to jump ship sooner. Both West Ham and Tottenham have pencilled in offers for Johnstone if he leaves, while West Brom have let him know there will be a lucrative deal to stay.”

Ismael concerned

Despite the report stating that Johnstone is likely to remain at West Brom for the remainder of the campaign, Baggie’s boss Valerien Ismael will still be concerned at this latest revelation.

Johnstone has started ten of Albion’s 11 Championship fixtures so far this season, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just seven goals.

But perhaps more importantly, the Manchester United academy graduate has adapted to Ismael’s style of play with relative ease.

A recent article published by The Atheltic revealed Johnstone has completed 31 keeper-sweepings and has made six-headed clearances already, which is the same as his last three campaigns combined.

Alongside this, he is also down on saves per game and catches per game as he has been forced to become a more modern goalkeeper and appears to be coping well with the change.

Therefore, Ismael will be worried that Johnstone’s potential departure could derail West Brom’s promotion push, condemning them to another campaign in the second tier of English football.

After all, he is one of their most important players and is now a prominent member of the England set up too.

And, in other news…West Brom set for big injury boost ahead of Birmingham, Ismael will be buzzing

Celtic have been handed a major boost regarding Josip Juranovic’s return from injury.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou revealed that the right-back could once again be available for selection for the fixture against St Johnstone this weekend, as the 26-year-old is in the tail end of his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Speaking about the current condition of the defender, the 56-year-old said: “Juranovic did his hamstring so didn’t go away [on international duty]. He’s been doing rehab here. It’s the tail end so we’re looking at [this] weekend for him.”

Postecoglou will be buzzing

While Anthony Ralston has performed incredibly impressively while filling in at right-back during Juranovic’s absence – with the 22-year-old averaging a rather extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.76 over his seven league appearances – it is nevertheless certain that considering the Croatia international was one of Celtic’s most exciting summer signings, Postecoglou will be buzzing about the defender’s return.

Indeed, over his four Scottish Premiership appearances prior to picking up his injury, the £2.25m-rated man had helped his side keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 0.5 key passes, one interception, two tackles and winning 3.3 duels per game.

These metrics have seen the player who Bhoys Analytics dubbed a “creative monster” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 in the top flight of Scottish football, while the 26-year-old also impressed in his one appearance in the Europa League, getting himself on the scoresheet and earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 against Real Betis.

As such, the news that the defender is nearing a return to first-team action will undoubtedly come as a major boost for Postecoglou and his side, although, the fact Juranovic does not look likely to feature in the Bhoys’ crunch match with Ferencvarosi TC on Tuesday afternoon may be slightly disappointing for the 56-year-old.

In other news: £3.8m out of pocket: Celtic had a nightmare in “magnificent” £12k-p/w dynamo’s sale

Sheffield United have been dealt a blow regarding the fitness of Ben Osborn ahead of their upcoming Championship fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Yorkshire Live, Slavisa Jokanovic revealed that the 27-year-old missed the Blades’ 2-2 draw with Preston North End on Tuesday due to illness, with the midfielder having missed two days’ training in the build-up to the match.

Speaking shortly after the midweek fixture, the 53-year-old said: “He is ill, he hasn’t been working [on Monday and Tuesday] with us.”

Jokanovic will be gutted

While the severity of Osborn’s illness has not been revealed, considering the former England U20 international had been unable to train with the club earlier this week, it would very much appear as if the midfielder is a doubt for United’s clash with Hull City on Saturday, something that will undoubtedly leave Jokanovic gutted.

Indeed, while the Blades have not exactly enjoyed the best of starts to life back in the Championship, Osborn has nevertheless impressed over his five league appearances for the club this season, with the £1.8m-rated man having scored two goals, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots and making 0.4 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the former Nottingham Forest gem earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.22, ranking him as Jokanovic’s fifth-best performer in the league so far this term.

As such, should the midfielder indeed be ruled out of this weekend’s game, it would undoubtedly dent the Serbian manager’s chances of achieving a positive result against the Tigers, with the 53-year-old desperately lacking any real depth in the wide attacking areas of his squad.

In other news: Jokanovic has found Sheff United’s new Lundstrum in “powerful” £6.3m-rated gem