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Following a horror injury to midfield star Andre Gomes during Everton’s 1-1 draw with Spurs a fortnight ago, Tom Davies has done well to fill the void in his absence – but is there another youngster who could step into that defensive midfield role with even more authority? 

After Gomes underwent crucial ankle surgery, ruling him out of action for the foreseeable future, supporters could have been forgiven for looking on in anxiety over who would step into his shoes and provide that much-needed midfield fluidity.

However, with the’ injury, fans have had to watch on as Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies attempt to play that role themselves – with the Frenchman’s robust and static playing style not exactly being a joy to watch.

Davies has taken up the mantle with much aplomb, however, even scoring the opening goal in the Toffees’ last outing, a 2-1 win at Southampton, with supporters rightfully singing his praises.

But when compared to linked Hoffenheim midfielder Dennis Geiger, the statistics just don’t match – with the German youngster holding a superior WhoScored.com pass success rate of 85.8% to Davies’ 78.3%.

Geiger, according to Sport1, has been rumoured to be attracting interest from Everton for his dynamism in midfield – often being billed as his club’s midfield orchestrator, this time by the Bundesliga’s official website.

The 21-year-old first burst onto the scene for Hoffenheim during the 2017/2018 season, playing a crucial role in their successful Champions League qualification whilst amassing an incredible 88.2% pass success rate – scoring two goals and assisting one more on top of that, as per WhoScored.com.

At such a young age, Geiger has already proved he can add fluidity and crisp passing at the very highest level – with Everton crying out for a subtle midfield commander like him. In fact, only the more defensively orientated Fabian Delph (per WhoScored) boasts a better completion rate than the player in question, and his 2.2 key passes per game are better than any midfield in the Toffees’ squad.

So, that could suggest he might be able to create a better quality of chance going forward, something that could be helpful given the team’s lack of a genuine goalscorer with no one having scored more than 3 goals.

Time will tell as to whether Marco Silva’s side make a move for the German U21 international, but all the statistics point towards it being a smart move.

Would you back this move? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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…

Southampton announced the appointment of Matt Crocker as their new director of football operations on Tuesday, and chief executive officer Martin Semmens has made an exciting comparison when explaining what his main objective at the club will be.

What did he say?

Crocker will take up his new role in early 2020 having returned to St Mary’s following seven years with the FA, and Semmens has explained what he will be tasked with doing for the Premier League strugglers.

He told southamptonfc.com: “The Southampton Way is at the very core of everything we do here at the club, with a strong focus on our player pathway into the First Team. For our club to be successful going into the next decade, within an increasingly competitive Premier League, we must seek to strengthen our pathway and further develop every detail of our football operation.

“As Head of Development Teams at The FA, Matt was responsible for elite player and coach pathways through all teams, and was one of the key architects of the England DNA project. This created a framework and culture that has led to the success we see today through all age groups with the national team.”

Crocker’s mission

It is clear to see from Semmens’ words that Southampton as a club aren’t happy about the lack of academy graduates making it into the first team now compared to in the past.

In previous years they have seen the likes of Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rise through to the first team – all during Crocker’s previous spell with Saints – but it hasn’t happened as much recently in terms of developing top-quality players.

It appears as though Crocker will oversee coaching methods and other such things from a low age group right through until the first team to ensure this changes, and Semmens’ comparison with what he achieved for England is certainly an exciting one.

The Three Lions have gone from being something of a dull team to watch to one of the most entertaining in the world – 37 goals in eight Euro 2020 qualifying games is testament to that – with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling regularly starring for their country.

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If Crocker can translate that “England DNA project” to Southampton and replicate the great success Gareth Southgate has had as manager by helping to get people enjoying international football again and taking them to a World Cup semi-final, then better times could lie ahead for the south coast outfit.

They are much-needed, too.

In other news, Southampton fans have been reacting after Gao’s January transfer plans were revealed…

Loads of Tottenham fans have been reacting to the latest transfer link, as the club are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Baptiste Santamaria.

According to The Express, Leicester are hoping to repeat their incredible N’Golo Kante swoop with a move for Santamaria, who plays as a defensive midfielder for Angers in Ligue 1.

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However, the report also claims the 25 year-old has been watched by Tottenham and Everton, with Spurs keeping tabs on a possible summer move.

The Lilywhites are without a truly top class defensive midfielder at the moment – Eric Dier has been heavily criticised by fans, who want to see the England star in defence instead, while Victor Wanyama left the club earlier this year.

Tanguy Ndombele meanwhile has struggled to settle in England, and so perhaps Santamaria could play a more defensive role and allow the record signing to move further forward and flourish.

The Angers man averaged a whopping 3.3 tackles per game in France before the season was suspended, and you can find some of the best fan reactions to the links down below…

Former England striker Darren Bent has said that Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell could earn an England call-up if he joins Tottenham Hotspur, in an interview with Football Insider.

What did he say?

Cantwell has been a surprise hit at Carrow Road this season, managing six goals and two assists in 29 Premier League appearances.

The 22-year-old has attracted plenty of interest as a result and has even put himself in the conversation for an England call-up.

Asked whether Cantwell should look to make a move away from Norwich this summer, Bent said a transfer could help him earn international recognition.

“He’s young, he’s English and Spurs have been doing that for years, even before I got there,” he told Football Insider.

“They obviously like to get young players from the British Isles. Todd Cantwell, I think he’s gone under the radar a little bit. I’ve been big fan of his this year but it’s been the likes of Grealish and Maddison that have stole his thunder.

“He’s had an absolutely fantastic season, he’s a very good player and I think if Norwich do go down he’s going to be desperate.

“I think another season in the Premier League, if he goes to Spurs and can nail down a place there, there’s no doubt he’ll be looking for international honours because his performances this season have been very, very, very good.

“He’s just been outshone by the likes of Mason Mount, Grealish and Maddison.”

Decision to make

Even the most optimistic of Norwich fans have been impressed with Cantwell this season, with his progress from last season dramatic.

Alongside Emi Buendia, he has been the club’s most consistent performer, but any move away will depend on whether the Canaries retain their Premier League status.

With the transfer market likely to feel the impact of the global economic situation, it is less likely that a club will be willing to spend big to tempt him away.

Newcastle United’s prospective takeover continues to drag on and it’s not just the fanbase that appears to be frustrated after the Daily Mail revealed that current owner Mike Ashley is “growing increasingly annoyed” himself having expected the deal to conclude two weeks ago.

The Sports Direct mogul has been at the helm for 13 years now and has overseen two relegations back to the Championship as well as several seasons of mediocrity.

Reports first emerged over five weeks ago, claiming that a Saudi-fronted consortium were looking to purchase the Magpies in a £300m deal yet as we head into the middle of May, there has still been no official announcement.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, PCP group’s Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers are thought to be involved in the deal.

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Earlier this week, the Guardian claimed there were further delays to the Premier League’s owners and directors test after new evidence was submitted, meaning the wait still goes on.

But it is the Daily Mail’s revelation that has got plenty of supporters talking on Twitter, here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Chris Waugh details why Newcastle approval could take months…

A lot of Celtic fans are reacting to the latest transfer news as Sky Sports recently reported that midfielder Eboue Kouassi has completed a move to Belgian side KRC Genk.

The 22-year-old, who came to Parkhead from FC Krasnodar three years ago in a £3.15 million deal, Transfermarkt, was seen as a centre-midfielder who could possibly replace Scott Brown when he eventually retires. However having not been played or even named on the bench in 2019/20, he was loaned out.

The Ivorian only made 22 appearances at Celtic in his time at the club, with his last one being on the 28th October 2018, and it seems like the club felt like he wasn’t worth keeping as he sealed his £1.3 million move to Genk, where he was on loan.

The news was posted on Twitter by celticbible and fans of the Hoops seem to be conflicted over whether selling him was the best idea, as he was still young. However a lot of his issues have been due to injury, he missed 59 games due to three separate problems whilst at Parkhead, per Transfermarkt, and this has seen other fans believe it was best for him to move on.

Here is what fans have said following the news:

Celtic fans, do you think Kouassi left too early? Comment below!

Newcastle United have recently resumed full-contact training ahead of the Premier League’s return to action in a few weeks time.

Though two players haven’t been seen since the announcement, namely midfielder Jack Colback and right-back Jamie Sterry.

According to ChronicleLive, the duo are set to be released from the Magpies following the expiry of their contracts this summer with both players being told to not attend training.

And many supporters at St James’ Park are thrilled by the news…

There was even one shout from a fan who claimed that this decision was the best one Steve Bruce has made at the club since his appointment last summer.

Others suggested that the exits of Colback and Sterry would free up some wages that could potentially go to Matty Longstaff, who has been linked with a move away from the Magpies.

It’s claimed that Serie A side Udinese have offered the 20-year-old a £30k-per-week contract after the midfielder flew to Italy before lockdown for negotiations over a summer switch.

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While Newcastle are said to have increased their offer to £20k-a-week, as per the Telegraph, in order to tempt the academy product into staying.

There were also plenty of supporters who took a swipe at Sterry. The 24-year-old broke into the first-team back in 2016 but has gone on to feature just eight times in the black and white stripes.

In fact, he’s played more times for his former loan clubs, Crewe Alexandra and Coventry City than he has United.

Evidently, plenty of the Magpies faithful won’t be too worried to see Colback and Sterry depart upon the expiry of their contracts, and if their takeover is given the all-clear, you can expect there to be many more that follow them out of the exit door as the new era begins at United.

AND in other news, Luke Edwards is “50/50” on Newcastle takeover going through…

Aston Villa fans have reacted to a report claiming that manager Dean Smith will remain in charge until the end of the season.

The Midlands based side sit in the bottom three of the Premier League and have their top flight status very much hanging in the balance.

A poor restart to the 2019/2020 campaign after the pandemic has Villa struggling and the 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend further enhanced their problems on the pitch.

With such poor form, Smith’s time in charge of the club has been questioned, despite helping the Villa Park outfit to promotion from the Championship play-offs last season.

Despite those question marks, Villa have reportedly handed Smith a vote of confidence and will stick with him until the end of the season.

Fans have now reacted to that news which was relayed by journalist John Percy of The Telegraph and shared via Twitter account @villareport. It seems that opinion is split, some think it is the right decision to keep him, probably due to the fact he got them promoted and that there is barely any of the season left. However others aren’t as keen, likely due to their lowly league position…

Do you think Villa are right to stick with Dean Smith until the end of the season? Let us know in the comments section below…

Manchester United are ready to challenge Chelsea after reigniting their interest in West Ham’s Declan Rice, according to Football Insider. 

Rice was previously on Chelsea’s books before he decided to move to West Ham and he has established himself as a fully-fledged England international during his time at the London Stadium. Chelsea are keen to bring their academy graduate back to Stamford Bridge, but the Red Devils have now entered the race to sign him in the summer.

The 21-year-old, who plays as a defensive midfielder, has played 35 games in the Premier League this season, supplying two assists, winning 3.1 tackles per game, averaging 1.9 interceptions, and successfully completing 1.3 clearances per game on average (via WhoScored).

Rice can also be deployed in the back line and his versatility could prove useful wherever he ends up.

The Englishman, who is best friends with Chelsea’s Mason Mount, has been one of the few highlights in a difficult season for the Hammers, as they find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle at the bottom of the table.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t have a shortage of midfielders at Manchester United, as he can call upon the likes of Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Fred. However, Nemanja Matic remains the club’s only designated defensive midfielder, which could become a problem in the future as he isn’t getting any younger.

Given his young age, Rice could turn out to be a shrewd investment, as his valuation is likely to increase if he can maintain his solid form. Even if he is signed and the move doesn’t work out as hoped, Solskjaer would still have gained a valuable asset, as he is currently valued at £44.5m via Transfermarkt.

United fans, should the board sign Declan Rice in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Celtic boss Neil Lennon clearly wants some reinforcements ahead of their attempt at a tenth Scottish title in a row and the latest name linked with a switch to Parkhead is hugely exciting.

What’s the word?

Reported target Brenden Aaronson has spoken out about his future at MLS side Philadelphia Union amid interest from the likes of the Hoops, Hoffenheim, Frankfurt and Borussia Monchengladbach.

He said, via the Daily Record: “Going into this season I just wanted to keep focusing on that and just keep staying consistent. I think that’s a huge thing for young players, staying consistent, so I’m just going to keep focusing on that and keep trying to generate chances and just do whatever I can.”

Whilst MLS Soccer claim that Celtic along with a Belgian outfit are keen on signing the 19-year-old midfielder this summer.

Generational star in the making?

This would be an interesting move for the Scottish champions to make as the young American is thought to be one of several players in the USA’s ‘golden generation.’

It’s reinforced by Bild Sport dubbing him the ‘American Kai Havertz’ due to his style of play – and they also value him at just €1.3m (£1.2m).

Aaronson has displayed some signs that should encourage Lennon to try and clinch him since the MLS’ recent restart. In six appearances, he’s racked up an assist and a goal whilst also managing five key passes, nine successful tackles and 12 dribbles, via WhoScored.

HalfSpaces analysed his playing style back in April and claimed that he was an “exciting young piece” to add to the USMNT’s midfield repertoire.

With Olivier Ntcham’s future by no means certain, might the American talent be a potential replacement should he depart? Southampton is one team keeping an interest in him.

Aaronson would be an absolute bargain for Nick Hammond given the fee mentioned whilst Christian Pulisic’s form for Chelsea and Gio Reyna’s emergence at Dortmund has shown first-hand that America does indeed have a promising crop of players emerging from the shadows.

AND in other news, Celtic need to clinch £15m target dubbed a “DREAM” as potential Edouard successor…