All posts by n8rngtd.top

[ad_pod ]

It has so far been a quiet transfer window for Newcastle United, but today saw a huge bit of news regarding Rafa Benitez. Today’s Toon transfer roundup includes this major update, a deal close for a Ligue 1 star and Spanish interest in two of the club’s players.

Benitez to leave at end of contract

It has today been confirmed by Newcastle United that Benitez will leave the club this summer. Benitez’s contract will run out on 30th June, at which point his management tenure will come to an end. The Spaniard has lead the club to two consecutive Premier League survivals after gaining promotion from the Championship.

Saint-Maximin deal close

According to French outlet Nice-matin, Allan Saint-Maximin is not too far off agreeing a move to Newcastle. The North-East club could pay up to the €25m (£22.4m) for the 22-year-old winger.

Lejeune and Perez on Sevilla radar

Estadio Deportivo is reporting that Sevilla’s Sporting Director Monchi is on his way to England to try to secure a double swoop for Newcastle pair Florian Lejeune and Ayoze Perez. The latter was Newcastle’s top scorer in the Premier League last season with 12 goals.

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

Had it not been for Naby Keita’s injury towards the back end of the season he may well have ended the term as one of Liverpool’s most impressive players.

This was an individual who arrived for a considerable fee of £48m last summer, but up until April, had failed to really show why they invested.

Keita scored all three of his Liverpool goals during that month, but an injury then kept him out for May and subsequently the Champions League final too.

Just as he was starting to find his feet, he took another setback.

It was a telling end to the term for the 5 ft 8 man who missed 11 matches during 2018/19 because of various injury niggles.

In a Liverpool midfield where arguably there is still room for improvement, this was far from ideal.

Yet, in his first start back after injury, his performance at the Africa Cup of Nations for Guinea was a particular cause of concern.

The 24-year-old played 28 minutes as a substitute during their opening game, but this time he was entrusted to start by his manager, playing in a role directly behind the forward line.

It was an extremely physical game as he was subject to a number of rather harsh pieces of play.

The fact he was only fouled once didn’t tell the whole story as he was effectively bullied by Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi in the middle of the park.

The Nigerian kept him at bay as Keita was dispossessed as many as three times throughout the 71 minutes he was on the field.

In that time he had a further three unsuccessful touches and managed just one key pass in a forward area. His influence at both ends of the pitch, therefore, was extremely limited.

“The worst we’ve played all season” but “our most straightforward final since 2003” – a Liverpool fan reflects on the UCL final in the video below…

He was eventually withdrawn with just under 20 minutes to play after clearly struggling for fitness and it’s for that reason that Jurgen Klopp will struggle to rely on him next season.

Keita was particularly injury prone last term and despite showing glimpses of his potential, Liverpool will need far greater consistency if they’re to beat Manchester City to the title.

His first start at the Africa Cup of Nations demonstrated just how lightweight he can be and with fitness again proving to be an issue, it’ll be interesting to see how the Reds manage him next term.

[ad_pod ]

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

During the 2018/19 season, West Brom weren’t particularly inundated with technically-gifted wide players.

Harvey Barnes was exceptional, scoring nine times and assisting six goals, but after he was recalled by Leicester, they struggled out on the flanks.

Not only that, but they also failed to find much creativity in central areas beyond what was being offered by the strikers when Barnes left.

However, they may have just discovered someone capable of ending their issues on the flanks.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

On the chalkboard

Last week, West Brom were linked with free agent Opa Nguette.

The Senegalese’s contract with Ligue 2 side Metz came to an end this summer and it doesn’t appear as though he’s short on potential new destinations.

Club Brugge and Genk have both made an offer for the 24-year-old whilst Albion have reportedly made an enquiry according to Goal.

If they follow through with the move and offer him terms, the potential arrival could be game-changing for Slaven Bilic’s side.

The Baggies lacked a direct threat on the wings last term but Nguette could help put that issue to bed, having scored seven goals for Metz in 2018/19.

But it’s his statistics in Ligue 1 that stand out, a division the French side were relegated from before last season.

In 2017/18, he proved his direct qualities by completing a hugely impressive 2.2 dribbles per game across 17 matches. Previously, he’d managed 2 dribbles a match in 2016/17, appearing 33 times.

And it’s in that facet where he could prove the difference if he arrives at the Hawthorns.

Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…

The closest anyone came to matching that last term in the Championship was Kyle Edwards, who completed 2 dribbles per 90 minutes for Albion. However, he only started on three occasions.

Next in the list of players still currently on their books was Matt Phillips who managed 1.6, but there was quite a drop after that with Mason Holgate, now back at Everton, making 1.2 dribbles.

Having proven to be a consistent performer in this aspect of the game in one of Europe’s top five leagues, Nguette could be a real danger if he played in the Championship.

As such, West Brom must consider offering him a deal.

[ad_pod ]

Aston Villa’s summer spending spree has extended to an eighth signing – the arrival of a fourth centre-back – as Bjorn Engels joined from Stade Reims for an undisclosed fee.

The news of the transfer has left some supporters at Villa Park absolutely delighted.

Manager Dean Smith has spent nearly £100m transforming his squad from Championship playoff winners into a side that can compete in the Premier League next season.

Engels joins Tyrone Mings (£20m), Ezri Konsa (£12m) and Kortney Hause (£3m) in the central defensive department this summer – on top of long-serving Wales international James Chester who still remains at the club.

Engels spent time on loan at Stade Reims from Olympiacos last term before making the move permanent in March.

He made 35 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit, registering 13 clean sheets. The 24-year-old began his career in his homeland Belgium with Club Brugge where he also played with Villa’s new £22m club-record signing Wesley Moraes.

The general consensus with most supporters, however, is that of joy – one fan claims Villa will bag a lot of set-piece goals this season with the added height and power at their disposal whilst another labelled the move a brilliant signing.

The transfer, on top of the Mings return, has even drawn comparisons to Villa’s legendary Premier League central defensive partnership of Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen.

One supporter even started to recite his own version of Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’… “I’m loving Engels instead”…

Here’s just some of the best reaction from the Villa fans:

[ad_pod ]

Neil Lennon is desperate not to lose his star midfielder Callum McGregor, per The Scottish Sun.

What’s the story?

Lennon has stated his admiration for McGregor and wants to keep him at Parkhead this summer.

The Celtic boss said: “He’d be probably the last one I’d want to leave, along with a couple of others, or even be unsettled at this stage.

“He’s pivotal to what we want to do going forward. He’s just brilliant. I don’t take his performances for granted.”

The dynamic 26-year-old has been of interest to his former manager Brendan Rodgers and Leicester. The Daily Record reported earlier this summer that Celtic told the Premier League club McGregor isn’t for sale after an enquiry from the Foxes.

McGregor’s importance to Celtic is clear, given the former Notts County loanee missed just four of his club’s 63 games last season. Rodgers is also clearly still a fan of the midfielder having praised the player as recently as June, highlighting his professionalism.

Watch Celtic Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Keep Callum at all costs

Kieran Tierney looks to be edging closer to the Celtic Park exit doors with Arsenal expected to come in for a third time after their second bid was rejected, according to The Daily Record.

Meanwhile, long-term star Mikael Lustig has left for Gent and midfield ace Olivier Ntcham has spoken of his desire to leave Parkhead as well.

That’s three big players to potentially lose in one summer – despite Ntcham’s underwhelming campaign last term – and Lennon shouldn’t let another of their calibre depart. Trying to replace those three will prove hard work for the club and they shouldn’t make it any trickier for themselves by selling another key first-team player in McGregor.

Similarly, skipper Scott Brown isn’t getting any younger and did struggle with an injury last season, which kept him out for eight games. The 34-year-old won’t be around forever and in McGregor, the Hoops have got someone who can already replicate Brown’s on-field importance.

Unless Celtic can squeeze out a ginormous fee (in Youri Tielemans’ ball park) then this isn’t the best summer to cash in on the pivotal man. Lennon has got his verdict that McGregor is “the last one I’d want to leave” absolutely spot on.

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

Patrick Bamford’s time at Leeds has been one full of trouble after making the move from Middlesbrough.

Following his outing against Manchester United on Wednesday, it doesn’t look as though it’s going to get better either.

The striker missed a straightforward chance that could have put the Whites back into the game, but instead, he fired at the goalkeeper’s leg in a passage of play that rather summed up his indifferent spell under Marcelo Bielsa.

Bamford scored nine times last term but during the first half of the season found himself on the sidelines through injury, subjected to watching Leeds dominate with Kemar Roofe scoring the goals instead.

He netted on 15 occasions throughout 2018/19, finishing as the Whites’ top scorer, an achievement Bamford himself undoubtedly would have wanted when he walked through the doors.

But his rather unconvincing displays were overshadowed by other incidents.

A two-game ban followed a rather unsavoury incident against Aston Villa for deceiving the officials before he was then shown a yellow card for diving against Derby in the play-offs.

It appeared he hadn’t learned his lesson, although he now does regret what he did.

However, despite needing to improve in terms of his maturity, his ability to cause trouble in the right way can be improved if he sorts out his play in possession of the ball.

Last season, he managed three unsuccessful touches per match, a tally that put him top of the tree for that statistic in the Leeds squad.

Roofe sat behind him on 2.6 loose touches whilst Tyler Roberts averaged two per match.

And if Bamford’s struggles at Elland Road are to end, it’s an area he simply has to improve in.

The fact of the matter is that the 25-year-old needs to become more careful with the ball at his feet, especially if he has desires of living up to his potential.

At one point last season, the former Chelsea man managed a mighty eight unsuccessful touches in a game against Wigan whilst he also managed seven against Brentford and Birmingham.

The fact he had four or more unsuccessful touches in 11 games tells the story of a frustrating season.

The frequency at which he lost the ball simply wasn’t good enough, but if he improves, it’ll undoubtedly make Leeds a better team.

[ad_pod ]

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…

Speaking to the BBC, ex-Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told his former club to simply grant Paul Pogba’s wishes this summer and allow the midfielder to leave if he wants to.

What did he say?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Pogba could be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer, and it was claimed that Real Madrid were feeling “increasingly confident” that they could get their man.

Now, Ibrahimovic has weighed in on things and suggested that the Red Devils replace Pogba with someone who wants to play for the club.

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

As quoted by The Manchester Evening News, he said: “If he doesn’t want to stay it makes no sense to keep him. If he wants to be somewhere else, that is where you let him go. Use the situation and bring somebody that wants to stay. The dressing room, the players respect each other, they understand each others’ situation.

“The club worries more and the management because you don’t want a player in your club or in your team that doesn’t want to stay because you know he won’t give 100 or 200 per cent. Or he does that and still he doesn’t want to stay so it’s a tricky situation. The best (thing to do) is what is the best for the club. That is what you have to look at.”

Listen to Zlatan

If Zlatan says something, then people need to sit up and listen to Zlatan. The Swedish star is no stranger to the kind of flamboyant personality that Pogba exudes, and is equally right in suggesting that United should simply move on from the midfielder.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Pogba’s talents are undoubted, but having stated his intentions to experience a “new challenge” this summer, it is difficult to see a way back for the Frenchman at Old Trafford. The Red Devils shouldn’t tolerate players who don’t have total commitment to the cause, regardless of how good they are. As Ibrahimovic says, the best thing to do in the situation will be always be what’s best for the club – not the player.

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s One to Watch series, which focuses on those players we think are particularly worth keeping an eagle-eye on as the 2019/20 season unfolds.

Kieran Trippier’s transfer to Atletico Madrid has left the door wide open for a right-back to step up and fill the shoes of the departing defender, and despite Serge Aurier expected to be next in line, young Kyle Walker-Peters could be the one to claim the spot for himself.

What’s the story so far

Walker-Peters has delivered some strong displays in his few appearances for Tottenham Hotspur despite not being heavily involved in the first-team. Last season Walker-Peters managed 10 appearances in all competitions and nine the year before that, so he’s still got some way to go before he considers himself a first-team regular.

At 22, he’s not exactly a youngster anymore, but he’s still got a huge chunk of his career left to enjoy and has plenty of learning to do throughout.

He was part of the team that drew 1-1 with Barcelona at the Nou Camp to qualify for the Champions League knock-out rounds, a result that led Spurs onto a wonderful run to the final of Europe’s elite competition.

The defender can play at both right and left-back, and has even had stints in right and left-midfield in the academy. However, his future does look to be on the right of the defence, and there’s definitely some quality to exploit if he’s nurtured well. Indeed, in the 5-0 home victory for Tottenham against Bournemouth back in December, the English defender bagged himself a hat-trick of assists.

What does 2019/20 hold for Walker-Peters?

Trippier’s departure means the right-back spot is up for grabs, but what might be slightly concerning for Tottenham is that none of the other right-sided-defenders stepped up during what was a particularly poor campaign for the new Atletico man.

Of course, Aurier battled injury woes, missing a number of outings with hamstring and groin problems, but one thing’s for certain: if Mauricio Pochettino is going to avoid dipping into the market for new players, one of the remaining options needs to improve.

Walker-Peters should enjoy more game-time and more exposure to the first-team without Trippier there, whether he’s a starter or not. The cup games, perhaps the odd Champions League group stage match and certainly a few Premier League games are likely to be on offer to the right-back who’ll desperately try to prove his worth.

Juan Foyth has enjoyed time at right-back as well, so the competition is there, but with Walker-Peters unlikely to leave this summer, you’d think he’s in contention to play somewhat regularly in north London, particularly after the Argentine sustained an injury in pre-season.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

What constitutes a successful season for Walker-Peters?

Walker-Peters should be looking to battle his way into the first-team, because at 22, he’s not a youngster anymore. Trippier was clearly trusted by Pochettino, but Aurier has looked a mixed bag since his arrival, often showing his class and power and drive, but sometimes looking clumsy in defence as well.

This means the English youngster has a huge opportunity to break into the starting XI and claim regular game-time. It won’t be easy, but that has to be his target.

The Spurs boss has never shied away from trusting youngsters and academy graduates to start regularly, so there’s no obstacle there for Walker-Peters, it’s simply down to his quality and performances. A big season lies ahead for the defender, arguably a defining one as to whether he proves himself to be worthy and capable at the top level, or whether a club like Spurs and their ambitions is just a step too far.

Walker-Peters should aim for…

Appearances: 30

Starts: 25

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…Southampton announced on Friday morning that they had completed the signing of Augsburg centre-back Kevin Danso on a season-long loan deal with an exclusive option to buy, which should ensure they have no chance of repeating their previous Toby Alderweireld mistake.

What’s the word, then?

Well, it looked as though Saints were set to end the window without making a new addition on deadline day, but news emerged shortly after the 5pm cut-off point that they had submitted a late deal sheet.

It wasn’t until after 10pm on Thursday until the confirmation that the formalities had been completed, with the move officially announced by the club on Friday.

The fact that it is a loan deal for the 20-year-old, with an exclusive option to buy, suggests that the south coast outfit have learnt their lesson after what has happened in the past.

Alderweireld fiasco

Saints signed the Belgium international on a season-long loan deal in the summer of 2014, but presumably with no concrete agreement that the move would become permanent the following summer.

[ad_pod ]

As explained here by Sky Sports, the south coast outfit thought they had the option of purchasing the now Tottenham Hotspur man for £6.9m in June 2015, but Atletico Madrid let their deadline pass to negotiate with Spurs, who were willing to offer more money – they eventually paid £11.5m for him.

Southampton even launched a late £14.2m bid for him, but it was too late.

This time around with Danso they shouldn’t have the same issues, seeing as they have ensured they have an exclusive option to bring him to St Mary’s if things work out well, and can send him back to Augsburg if they don’t.

Following a number of poor decisions in recent years such as giving current outcast Fraser Forster a five-year contract as one of the club’s best-paid players, and spending big money on the likes of Moi Elyounoussi, Guido Carrillo and Mario Lemina who have all ultimately flopped, it is good to see another sensible decision has been made.

Things may just be changing for the better under the tutelage of chief executive Martin Semmens, director of football operations Ross Wilson and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, then.

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]

Leeds are so far unbeaten this season, taking two victories and a draw away from their opening three matches in the Championship.

Brentford are likely to present them with a different test, one which will conjure up the distraction of a certain Pontus Jansson playing against his former employers.

Ben White has stepped into his shoes admirably this term, completing 2.7 tackles per game, and he is likely to feature again on Wednesday.

However, who will play alongside him? We’ve had a go at predicting Leeds starting XI for the match.

The first thing to note is that Marcelo Bielsa could finally be about to make some changes.

The Argentine has started the season with the exact same line-up in all of their Championship outings, even revealing his team before their game against Wigan.

Fortunately for Leeds they still won but it could have handed the Latics a major advantage.

Ahead of their game with the Bees, three players are all doubts with Liam Cooper, Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski potentially missing out.

As a result, Bielsa has claimed that if the two latter names aren’t fit enough, Stuart Dallas will play at left-back with Jamie Shackleton on the right side of defence.

If Cooper sits out then his replacement will likely be Gaetano Berardi.

Barring those potential switches, it could be a familiar midfield and attack for the Whites. That’s despite Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa being involved in goals against Salford in their last midweek clash.

Patrick Bamford is fresh from scoring twice last weekend whilst Jack Harrison should keep his place after an impressive performance which saw him create four chances.

[ad_pod ]