All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur head into Sunday afternoon’s Premier League meeting against Liverpool in a mixed run of form, with Antonio Conte’s side having won two, lost two and drawn one of their last five games in all competitions.

However, with both of Spurs’ recent victories having come from losing positions – being 2-0 down in the 3-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth and 1-0 behind in the 2-1 win over Marseille – there is an argument to be made that the club’s high standing in the league and progress in Europe are not accurate representations of the north London side’s performances.

It is true that the mid-table Reds are also enduring something of a turbulent start to their 2022/23 campaign, but should Tottenham start slowly once again today, Conte’s side will likely find it much more difficult to claw back a deficit against last season’s Champions League runners-up than they did against the Cherries and Marseille.

As such, the Italian must ensure that he gets his starting XI absolutely spot-on if he hopes to give his team the best possible chance of victory this afternoon, and it appears a wise move for the 53-year-old to finally unleash the club’s £20m summer signing Djed Spence.

So far this season, the 22-year-old has been limited to just three minutes of first-team football in north London, despite continued calls from Spurs supporters for the 53-year-old to start the England under-21 international ahead of Emerson Royal at right wing-back.

After a series of calamitous performances, including being sent off for a “stupid” challenge in the defeat against Arsenal and being mocked for playing a no-look pass which went out for a goal-kick in the dying stages of the 1-1 draw against Sporting Lisbon – a result which could have easily knocked Tottenham out of the Champions League – many fans have quite rightly had enough of the Brazilian.

However, despite the 23-year-old’s disastrous displays, Conte has continuously deployed him ahead of Spence, to the widespread bewilderment of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful.

Considering how impressive the “unbelievable” 22-year-old – in the words of Ian Wright – had been while on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, it is not difficult to understand why so many Spurs supporters are so desperate to see the youngster in action.

Indeed, over his 45 appearances in the Championship last term, the £19m-rated wing-back was in sensational attacking form, bagging two goals, providing five assists and creating six big chances for his team-mates, in addition to taking 0.6 shots, making one key pass and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

The defender also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.1 clearances and winning 5.8 duels per fixture.

As such, with attack very often being the best form of defence against a Liverpool side who deploy an extremely high defensive line and an intense press, Conte must finally let Spence loose against them today, as the £25k-per-week starlet could prove crucial to exploiting what is arguably the Reds’ biggest weakness.

West Ham United have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace this weekend.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Claret & Hugh, with the West Ham insider revealing in a recent post that, after missing the Hammers’ last eight fixtures in all competitions due to a lower leg injury, Maxwel Cornet is finally back in contention for a place in the first-team squad for the visit of the Eagles on Sunday.

In their post, the club insider wrote: “Maxwel Cornet has a chance of returning to the Hammers squad for the match against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

“The former Burnley winger was injured in the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 1 and his recovery has been delayed from the two weeks put on his [layoff] soon after. However, we understand that the 26-year-old has a chance of returning to the squad for the Palace game.”

Big boost

Considering just how stuttering Cornet’s start to life at West Ham has been since his £17.5m move to the London Stadium this summer, the news that the winger could be back in contention for the visit of Palace this weekend will undoubtedly come as a big boost to David Moyes.

Indeed, despite having only started one Premier League fixture in 2022/23 – largely as a result of injury – the £32m-rated talent has shown glimpses of his ability in the Europa Conference League, registering one assist over his two appearances in the competition, as well as making an average of 3.0 key passes – the second highest tally in the entire competition – and taking 0.5 shots per game.

These returns have seen the 26-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Moyes’ fifth-best performer in the European competition.

Furthermore, the Ivory Coast international also caught the eye over his 26 Premier League appearances for Burnley last term, scoring nine goals, providing one assist and creating two big chances, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the attacker average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.84, ranking him as the Clarets’ 11th-best performer in the top flight of English football last time out.

As such, it is clear to see that a fully fit and firing Cornet is an extremely useful option for Moyes to be able to call upon, leading us to believe that the winger’s return for the meeting with Palace would come as a big boost to the 59-year-old manager – especially with two winnable fixtures prior to the World Cup break.

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is unlikely to be named in England’s 2022 World Cup squad, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

The Lowdown: Wilson flying for Newcastle

The Magpies are in a rich vein of form this season, sitting third in the Premier League, and Wilson’s performances have been vital throughout the campaign.

The 30-year-old has scored six goals in 10 league starts and has been described as an ‘incredible’ player by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.

Gareth Southgate will name his World Cup squad on Thursday and Wilson will be hoping to get a call-up as a backup centre-forward option to Harry Kane.

The Latest: England call-up unlikely

Writing in a piece for Sky Sports, however, Dorsett admitted that the Newcastle striker’s chances of getting the nod for the final cut are slim, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney potentially preferred to him.

The reporter claimed that Wilson’s lengthy absence from international duty could count against him (he was last capped in October 2019), saying:

“Wilson is on a brilliant run for Newcastle, with three goals in as many appearances. But he has not played for England for more than three years and I would be surprised if Wilson got the nod ahead of others.

“The smart money is on Kane, Abraham and Rashford to make up the striking department. Southgate only had three strikers in his Euros squad, and with defensive frailties and injuries in other positions, I suspect he will want extra cover in those areas.”

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The Verdict: Deserves to be in

This would be a bitter blow for Wilson, who has been so influential this season and may see this as his last opportunity to represent England at a World Cup given that he will be 34 when the next edition rolls around.

The Newcastle marksman’s experience could shine through in big moments if called off the substitutes’ bench, although it looks as though Marcus Rashford is ahead of him in the pecking order,

That should be debatable, considering that the 25-year-old has only scored four league goals in 13 games for Manchester United this season, two goals fewer than his Magpies counterpart in three more matches.

The hope is that Southgate ends up deciding to take Wilson, although from Howe’s point of view, his injury-prone attacker will at least enjoy a nice rest if he doesn’t go to Qatar.

A claim has emerged on Aston Villa boss Unai Emery and his interest in signing Pau Torres from his former club Villarreal…

What’s the talk?

During a Q&A (14/11/22) for the Birmingham Mail, journalist Ashley Preece has revealed that the Spanish head coach wants to sign the central defender but that he may not be able to until next summer.

When asked about whether or not there are “legs” to the club’s reported interest in the £40m-rated defender, he replied:

“Pau Torres, of course there is, Villarreal’s standout player and one Emery rates highly.

“He’d love to bring him to Villa Park but, should Villa firm up their interest, it won’t be, I feel, until the summer. Emery will continue to work with what he’s got defensively at the moment. Konsa and Mings have been great value these past weeks. Chambers struggled at OT… Diego Carlos will return early 2023 (Emery likes him).

“But you’re right, Emery likes his defenders to start attacks, Torres can do that and he would be seen as an upgrade on what we’ve got. One to watch, that one.”

It would be a masterstroke

Emery using his contacts at Villarreal to secure a deal to sign Torres, whether it happens in the January transfer window or next summer, would be a masterstroke by the Spaniard.

One of the benefits of bringing in a manager of his reputation, with the career that he has had, is that he could have the pull to convince signings to potentially take a step down, if they are playing in Europe elsewhere, to join the project at Villa Park if he has worked with them before.

Torres coming in as a result of his pre-existing relationship with the defensive titan would, therefore, be a masterstroke by Emery, and by the club for bringing the manager in to replace Steven Gerrard.

The Villarreal centre-back ranks in the 87th and 95th percentile among players in his position over the last 365 days in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes made and dribbles completed respectively per 90.

Meanwhile, current central defenders Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings both rank in the 57th percentile or lower in these statistics in the Premier League.

This suggests that Torres would be a major upgrade on Villa’s current options in that area of the pitch and would be a better fit for what Emery wants from his defenders, as he is more adept at bringing the ball out from the back and passing into forward areas.

The Spain international averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.09 in La Liga last season and won 66% of his individual duels, which shows that he can deliver consistently brilliant defensive displays, dominating opposition attackers, whilst also offering quality in possession.

Therefore, bringing him in would be a masterstroke by Villa and Emery and the club must simply ensure that they can get a deal over the line for the centre-back in one of the next two windows.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has said that there is currently ‘no point’ in Jack Diamond returning to the Championship club.

The Lowdown: Diamond joins Lincoln

The forward joined Lincoln City on a season-long loan over the summer where he’s had an impressive start, making six goal contributions in 12 games, though a sighting at the Academy of Light sparked rumours that an early return could be on the cards.

The 22-year-old had already played for the Black Cats in the EFL Cup first round meaning that he couldn’t represent the Imps in the same tournament, which resulted in him coming back to the northeast for a day.

The Latest: Mowbray’s update

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Mowbray delivered an update on Diamond’s immediate future and appeared to shut down any chance of him returning ahead of schedule in January. He said:

“It was only one day because he was cup-tied and didn’t play in the FA Cup for them so he came and trained. That was all. It was nothing other than that.

“He looked alright to me. We haven’t discussed what is happening with him and the bottom line is there’s no point him coming back if he doesn’t get in the team.”

The Verdict: Correct decision

Whilst Diamond has been labelled ‘dangerous’ by Josh Bunting, taking the decision to allow him to remain at Lincoln appears to be the right one.

The Wearside outfit should have the likes of Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms back at their disposal upon the return of domestic action so you’d expect the winger would be given very limited opportunities.

Should Diamond continue to excel at the LNER Stadium, his return would be much more welcomed next summer where he can then be seriously pushing for a first-team place.

Liverpool are interested in making a move for gifted Netherlands and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: De Jong on Netherlands duty

The 25-year-old is currently at the 2022 World Cup with Holland, starting in the middle of the park in their 2-0 victory over Senegal earlier this week.

De Jong highlighted his technical ability with an inch-perfect assist for Cody Gakpo, whipping in a cross that the attacker headed home to open the scoring.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League numerous times recently, with Manchester United in the mix, but it looks as though Liverpool could be ready to battle them.

The Latest: Liverpool keen on signing

According to a report from Spain, the Reds are in the race to acquire De Jong’s signature, with his future at Barca not necessarily secure.

Liverpool reportedly want to sign a top-class midfielder who can act as a long-term replacement for the likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson and James Milner, and the Dutchman is seen as a strong contender to fill that void.

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The Verdict: Would be the perfect addition

De Jong is a fantastic player who has been described as ‘extraordinary’ by Xavi, and he could be the perfect man to add some youth and class to Liverpool’s midfield.

He is hugely press-resistant in possession, using the ball superbly in tight spaces and enjoying a 90.5% pass completion rate across 13 La Liga appearances this season – something that Thiago is famed for.

Not only that but De Jong is effective off the ball, making two tackles for Holland in the aforementioned win over Senegal, so you could say he might be the all-round package and a true modern midfielder who Liverpool need at this moment in time.

West Ham have been linked with Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior recently but David Moyes should steer well clear of the Spezia man after a poor World Cup display.

Reports from Italy have suggested that the Hammers are keen to bring the 22-year-old defender to the London Stadium in January as they seek a deputy for Kurt Zouma after the Frenchman underwent knee surgery this week.

While Kiwior is yet to concede a goal in two games for Poland at the World Cup in Qatar, with Czesław Michniewicz’s side well-placed to qualify for the knockout stages, his shaky display against Saudi Arabia on Saturday suggests that West Ham could do better. 

As per Sofascore, the young defender would earn a disappointing 6.4/10 rating for his display, which was the joint-worst of any Polish player to feature in the game.

Despite once again shutting out their opponents, the Spezia star was fortunate that his mistakes didn’t allow Saudi Arabia a way back into the game.

It was perhaps only down to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny that Poland were able to keep a clean sheet, as he denied Salem Al-Dawsari from the penalty spot and produced a number of top saves, including after an error from Kiwior led to a big chance for the opposition.

The West Ham target also picked up a yellow card early on and would win none of his three duels during the game, in what was an extremely erratic display from the young defender.

His performances in Serie A haven’t been much better, as he has averaged a poor 6.59 rating from WhoScored for his performances in Italy’s top flight so far this campaign.

The transfer report suggests that Kiwior would be a replacement for Zouma in Moyes’ side but his performance against Saudi Arabia returned no tackles, three clearances and an 83% pass success rate.

The former Chelsea man has averaged 0.3 tackles, 4.8 clearances and an 86.2% pass success rate per game in the Premier League so far this season, which suggests that the Poland international would be a less-than-impressive replacement for him at the London Stadium.

After such a shaky display against arguably inferior-quality opposition, Moyes should ensure that the Hammers don’t sign Kiwior in January.

The January transfer window is fast approaching and Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte may be in the market to improve his squad heading into the second half of the season.

Spurs are currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table and the Italian head coach could bolster his side in an attempt to ensure that Champions League football is secured for another campaign.

However, he may also be on the lookout for signing for the future by snapping up young gems who could improve the starting XI in the long term.

The Sunday Mirror (via Glasgow Live) have claimed that Spurs sent scouts to watch Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Oscar Gloukh in action earlier this year and the club must now swoop for him in the January window.

Conte could land Tottenham their next version of world-class midfield talent Luka Modric by sealing a deal to sign the 18-year-old playmaker.

Spurs signed the Croatian international from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2008 and the gem went on to score 17 goals and assist 26 in 160 matches for the club before signing for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The mercurial magician has gone on to play 454 times for the La Liga outfit in all competitions, winning the Champions League five times and being crowned the best player in the world by winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018.

Modric is a central midfielder, who can also play in the no.10 role; one that can dictate the play with his immense ability on the ball and has the quality to make contributions in the final third – scoring 36 goals and providing 74 assists for Real Madrid to date.

Gloukh could be the next generational talent in the middle of the park to be unearthed by Tottenham as he has shown great promise in his short career to date.

Israeli journalist Nisim Haliva previously described him as a “mega talent”, whilst reporter Raphael Gellar hailed him as “the most exciting talent since Manor Solomon” in Israel.

This is backed up by his seven goals and five assists in 27 matches for Tel Aviv’s first-team despite only turning 18 in April of this year, whilst he has also scored once in two caps for his country.

Gloukh is making a huge impact at senior level, with four goals and five assists in 12 league appearances this season, at an incredibly young age and Spurs must now take a gamble on the teenager to see if they can develop him into being Modric 2.0 at the club.

Like the Croatian superstar, the Israel international can play as a no.8 or no.10 in midfield and has shown that he has the technical quality to be a difference-maker in the final third, although it is now down to him to prove that he can do it consistently at the very top level in order to replicate the ex-Tottenham man’s success.

Arsenal are set to rival Barcelona for the signing of a young Brazilian whiz from Palmeiras who is still yet to pen his first professional deal…

What’s the word?

According to a report from Goal Brazil, Palmeiras’ Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian, colloquially known as ‘Messinho’, is on the radar of Arsenal technical director Edu, who views the 15-year-old as a precocious prospect for the future.

The report continues that French giants Paris Saint-Germain have already failed with a £30m offer for the forward, and now Arsenal look set to leap in front and keep tabs on the player’s development, poised to pounce when an apt opportunity arises.

Although, international rules mean that Messinho will not be able to sign for a new club until 2025, when the player turns 18, although the Gunners could take a page from Real Madrid’s book and emulate the deal forged for Endrick, who also plies his trade for Palmeiras.

Martinelli 2.0

By establishing the foundation and putting in the groundwork at this maiden stage of Messinho’s career, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta presents a tantalising offer to the prodigy, who will consider the fact that the club have invested faith in him from the very start.

He will also have time to develop and nurture his skills in his homeland, before casting a gaze halfway across the globe to Europe when the time comes to consider the future of his footballing career.

Arsenal have always boasted a prestigious academy, but have recently looked elsewhere to bring in talented prospects who can slowly integrate into the first-team, with the likes of summer signing Marquinhos following the notable success of Gabriel Martinelli, who signed from Ituano in 2019. 

Martinelli, who is now rated at £51.8m, as per Transfermarkt, has scored 23 goals and registered 15 assists across 104 fixtures for the north London outfit, blossoming into a driving force in the thumping Gunners attack that sits in first-place of the Premier League after 14 matches, having scored 33 goals. 

This season, the 21-year-old’s five goals and two assists in the English top-flight have been vital for the club, and Messinho can note his countryman’s ascension with bated breath, as he begins to consider the best course of action for his professional career. 

As per Sofascore, Martinelli’s endeavours this term will leave the likes of Messinho wishing to emulate, with his 2.5 shots per match, 85% pass success rate, and five big chances created illuminating the all-encompassing presence that Brazilian forward’s look to achieve, with flair and elegance in abundance. 

And to cap it all off, by choosing the Gunners, Martinelli is currently relishing his place in his nation’s 2022 World Cup squad.

Messinho, described an “absolutely crazy talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is a left-footed demon that can emerge as one of Brazil’s hottest prospects over the next few years, and with a leap to Europe inevitable, the Emirates Stadium might just be the best place for the 15-year-old to leap toward prominence.

Aston Villa have made an enquiry for Villarreal attacker Nicolas Jackson, according to a new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Emery knows Jackson well

Unai Emery recently replaced Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park hot seat and he is sure to delve into the transfer market in the January transfer window as he looks to put his own imprint on the squad.

One player who he knows well is Jackson, with the pair working together recently at Villarreal, and he has scored and assisted twice apiece in La Liga so far this season.

Villa have already been linked with a move for the versatile speedster and a new report has emerged regarding their interest in him.

The Latest: Villa make enquiry

According to Football Insider, the Villans have now ‘made an enquiry’ for the Villarreal winger, with Emery planning to ‘strengthen his squad’ next month.

The 21 year-old is believed to have been on his former manager’s radar ever since he took charge at Villa, as the boss wants an attacker who can play up front or on the flank.

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The Verdict: Great option to bring in

Jackson could be an exciting January addition for Villa, with his relationship with Emery an immediate positive regarding the potential transfer.

The pair’s relationship at Villarreal was clearly strong and the Senegalese sensation could be a long-term signing who develops into a formidable wide player over time.

The fact that Jackson has been described as the ‘next Sadio Mane’ – a Ballon d’Or runner up – speaks volumes about both his ability and potential, and his pace and trickery could add another dimension to a Villa attack that has looked blunt at times this season.