All posts by z3u9t.icu

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

Jack Harrison is quickly becoming one of Leeds United’s most important players.

This past month he’s been involved in goals almost every time he’s stepped onto the pitch as he’s scored twice and assisted four times in his last six appearances.

In fact, he’s scored twice in his previous two matches, and after scoring just once in his previous 14 it seems as if he’s figured something out in terms of finding the net.

Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

This may be down to one emerging trait in his game which is allowing him to get into more threatening positions.

Harrison’s differing roles

Marcelo Bielsa has been switching between systems that utilise a three at the back as well as a four at the back, but he’s seemingly comfortable enough in either system to be an effective player.

Last week we looked at how Harrison’s tendency to drop back and receive the ball from deep allowed him to craft his own chances and manipulate defenders, but this week he’s shown another aspect of his game that may lead to him finding the back of the net more often.

Coming inside

A look at the 22-year-old’s heatmap against Blackburn shows that he was consistently making the same types of moves into the opposition area.

Indeed, there is a huge flurry of activity just inside of the opposition’s box, and that shows that Harrison has been coming inside more often.

This will, of course, give him more opportunities to have a look at goal, and after managing four shots against the Rovers and grabbing a goal this new style of play could add another element to United’s attack, especially when you consider their recent striking woes.

Marcelo Bielsa recently admitted that he didn’t like how Helder Costa wasn’t drifting inside like Pablo Hernandez. Funnily enough, he hasn’t listened, but Harrison seemingly has.

This has proved game-changing for him in each of his last two matches where he’s scored.

Liverpool fans have started an intriguing debate on Twitter which concerns whether the club should sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic to play over Divock Origi after ESPN pundit Craig Burley suggested he would be an ideal short-term signing.

The Swedish superstar has once again got many clubs around the globe playing the guessing game after he announced he was leaving LA Galaxy. Now, it seems the Liverpool fanbase is split on signing the legendary striker, with some supporters happy with Divock Origi.

One fan said “get the big man in”, as another said he would take Ibrahimovic “every day of the week”.

However, other fans have disagreed, as some of them questioned his ego within Liverpool’s dressing room. Many other supporters have also touched on how important Origi has been for the club, with his huge goals in the Champions League last season.

However, Ibrahimovic would surely be a great addition to the side considering he scored 22 goals in his debut season at Manchester United. Plus, in recent years in the MLS, the former Barcelona man has bagged 53 goals for the American giants in Los Angeles.

Although, despite his greatness down the years, it seems not everyone is sold on acquiring his services.

Here’s what some fans have had to say on this debate…

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

Leeds were made to work hard for their victory on Saturday afternoon. Numerous times they tested James Shea but until the 90th minute, it didn’t look as though they’d get over the line.

The Luton stopper made a colossal 11 saves as he repeatedly denied the Whites from scoring.

Ultimately, it wasn’t enough as Patrick Bamford and a combination of a Hatters defender ensured Leeds were victorious at Kenilworth Road.

But despite the positives of winning and Bamford continuing his run of form, there were concerns defensively, specifically with one man.

On the chalkboard

Given the armband at various points since returning from injury, Ayling has gone about his business in consistent fashion, something that’s typical of the defender.

Initially missing the opening stages of the season, he played 40 times in 2018/19 and has now been ever-present since his return.

But there have been two games in a row now where the former Doncaster man has been caught out defensively.

There’s no doubting his quality but particularly in the air, he has looked suspect. He was at fault for the goal Marcelo Bielsa’s men conceded on Saturday as he mistimed his jump and didn’t track his man at the back post.

He consequently missed the opportunity to get rid of the danger as James Collins headed home a simple chance.

Although the numbers point towards a solid day at the office – he made three tackles and completed two dribbles, there are elements to his game that should be worrying.

After all, the Whites don’t have too many aerial threats and have conceded 40% of their goals from set-pieces this campaign.

With concentration levels seemingly lacking, it might be a good idea to move Ayling to the bench.

Stuart Dallas shone at right-back earlier this season, earning rave reviews from fans before going onto earn himself a new deal.

In defensive situations, per WhoScored, he’s won 1.8 tackles per game compared to Ayling’s 1.3, while the former also concedes fewer fouls each outing on average.

Not only that, but he’s also a better threat in offensive areas, registering 1.8 shots per game. In comparison, Ayling amasses just 0.3.

Against Reading on Tuesday, Bielsa must take the big call and drop Ayling in favour of playing Dallas on the right.

In other news, Leeds could be about to make a £7.5m transfer in January…

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa couldn’t possibly do any more to cement his name amongst Elland Road folklore than what he’s already done at the club – barring that elusive promotion, of course – but he’s only gone and done it…

What’s he said?

Last week, the west Yorkshire outfit revealed that all players and management staff would be deferring part of their wages for the ‘foreseeable future’ so others at the club can benefit whilst they battle the ongoing crisis hitting the world of football.

Cameo Clubs: Which obscure teams did these football legends play for?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

But the Whites’ chief-in-command was prepared to do so much more than that, as revealed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who was speaking to David Ornstein and Mark Chapman on their podcast on Tuesday morning.

He said:

“He’s got a contract until the end of the season and he’s going to fall into this large category of people or are either on loan or out of contract at the end of June as it stands. And there is, I think, going to have to be some negotiation across the board with football clubs about how they’re going to handle this.

“I mean, I would think, being the honourable guy that he is, he would not want to walk away from this if the season needed to be extended and I don’t think he would consider doing that [leaving]. I was told that he had offered the club to forgo all of his wages in the form of a deferral, not a pay cut, but to forgo all of his wages until this was done and dusted, again just to help financially. Him and his staff were part of the agreed deferral last week.”

Phil Hay on The Ornstein and Chapman podcast.

Phenomenal gesture

The Argentine is just a thoroughly decent bloke – something that must be hard to come by in the modern football era with agents and other influences manipulating their clients’ situation to meet their own at the best of times.

Leeds are set to lose millions of pounds during this unprecedented period, especially as there may not be any action on the field for several more months. That means no fans coming to watch and subsequently no income coming into the coffers.

Which is why players and staff have agreed to forgo some of their wages to help steer the club through what will be their toughest test financially, probably ever – or at least for a very, very long time.

But being the man Bielsa is, he offered to give up his entire wage packet in order to benefit the west Yorkshire club – a mere mark of his nature and character.

United are lucky to have him.

AND in other news, Leeds must do one thing to smooth PL transition next season…

Leeds United fans do you remember Ouasim Bouy? The chances are you don’t. The 26-year-old joined the club in 2017 as one of the first signings of the Andrea Radrizzani era yet to this day, has never featured in a senior game.

In fact, he’s been nowhere near west Yorkshire all season but this week he has posted a cryptic video to Instagram, which has caused outrage amongst some of the Elland Road faithful.

Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Leeds Quiz? Test your knowledge below…

According to Phil Hay, Bouy is sitting pretty on a healthy first-team wage at the club despite Marcelo Bielsa wanting nothing to do with him and there’s a real chance he sees out the final year of his contract next season as the two parties can’t come to a settlement.

No wonder some supporters have blasted him for stealing a living.

The current Leeds squad have been forced to train from home and when they return to complete the season, it’s rather unlikely that the Dutchman will be involved, especially as he’s AWOL somewhere in his homeland.

Here’s how the United faithful have been destroying him on social media…

AND in other news, Leeds fans react to Phil Hay’s Player of the Year choice…

If the rumours linking Liverpool with a move for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly are true, the Reds would surely boast one of, if not the most, dominant central defensive partnership in European football.

Jurgen Klopp’s side already possess an elite centre-back in Virgil van Dijk, who only narrowly missed out on the coveted Ballon d’Or award last year.

And yet, despite having the best defensive record in the Premier League with just 21 goals conceded this season, it appears Klopp has set his sights on making his back-line even more formidable.

According to Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb, the Reds have earmarked Koulibaly to be Van Dijk’s partner at the back at Anfield, and that Joel Matip could be sold in order to make room for the Senegal international.

After hearing about the links to the defender, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on their latest transfer target.

A couple of fans suggested that Klopp should stick with Joe Gomez as Van Dijk’s centre-back partner instead, and that they didn’t need Koulibaly.

What a partnership this could be.

If you thought the Reds’ defence was a force of nature before, then adding someone like Koulibaly would almost be unfair to the rest of the Premier League.

Best of the Decade: Top scorers & creators – Can you name them?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

It’s no surprise many Liverpool fans are so keen for him to join this summer.

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on this Liverpool starlet.

After signing Harry Maguire for a world-record fee for a defender last summer, Manchester United no doubt were looking at who would be the man to partner the England international at centre-back.

Despite boasting numerous options, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemed to predominantly place his faith in Victor Lindelof, with the Swede playing 35 times across all competitions.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

However, it appears he could be set for some added competition for his place for next season. According to ESPN, the Red Devils have concerns over Lindelof’s form and are open to bringing in a new centre-back – Real Vallalodid defender Mohammed Salisu has been enquired about.

After hearing the update on Lindelof’s future at the club, United fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

A couple of fans simply urged for Lindelof to be gotten rid of completely, with one supporter saying it would complete Solskjaer’s clear-out job at United.

The key to a solid defence is building familiarity and relationships at the back, and with Maguire established as the club’s best central defender, finding the perfect partner for him should be Solskjaer’s priority.

The club have options like Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and even Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo who are out on loan. Quantity isn’t everything, and it says a lot that even despite having so many centre-backs at their disposal, United are keen to bring in another one.

Lindelof could perhaps be the surprise casualty of that.

Meanwhile, Man Utd fans react to major update on David de Gea’s future.

As the proposed takeover in the North East draws nearer to completion, the Saudi-led consortium, headhunted by the country’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), will surely be looking for a marquee signing in the upcoming summer transfer window to mark a new era at St. James’ Park.

The would-be owners, comprising also of businesswoman Amanda Staveley and the billionaire Reuben brothers, should look no further than former Tottenham Hotspur ace Gareth Bale.

As per ChronicleLive, odds have tumbled on Bale returning to the Premier League this summer, with Newcastle United his most likely destination according to the bookies.

According to the latest odds from Betfair, the Tyneside club are now 4/1 to complete the signing of the 30-year old this summer, with a move to any MLS Team priced at 6/1.

Manchester United have also been linked with Bale, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are 7/1 to capture his signature this summer, while a return to Spurs is 10/1.

The Welsh international does not have to prove himself in the top flight, having scored 43 goals and provided 31 assists in 146 appearances across six seasons (via BBC).

Whilst he may cost the club a fair bit to sign, indeed he is valued at £28.8m by Transfermarkt, the prospective new owners will have plenty of money at their disposable, making the Welshman potentially an affordable target.

Given his history in the game so far, including his excellent record in the English top flight, NUFC’s prospective buyers could certainly do worse than making Bale their marquee signing to bring in the new era.

Geordies, do you think Bale still has what it takes to succeed in the Prem? Comment below!

Tiemoue Bakayoko has been attracting a lot of Premier League attention, with Newcastle and Watford named amongst the potential suitors.

According to Le10 Sport (via Sport Witness), the Chelsea castaway is being monitored by the English duo, as well as West Ham who are also keen on his services.

Newcastle and Watford have reportedly made ‘first approaches’ towards potentially signing the France international.

Bakayoko has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea over the years and has spent the last two seasons on loan with AC Milan and Monaco respectively. In his 43 appearances for the Blues, the midfielder has scored just three goals and provided three assists (via Transfermarkt).

Frank Lampard now has the choice of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and young Billy Gilmour in the middle of the park, meaning a permanent move away for Bakayoko is all but nailed on.

The 25-year-old’s current Transfermarkt value is £22.9million, which is by no means a large sum in today’s climate. Chelsea could even name a lower asking price in order to clear him from their books.

Newcastle are arguably one of the most exciting looking Premier League teams at the moment as they look to enter an entirely new era. Takeover talks continue to swirl around the Tyneside club, which go hand-in-hand with transfer rumours.

Should the Toon swoop for Bakayoko, they could make him the focal point of their midfield and he could replace Matty Longstaff, who has been linked with a transfer to Udinese (Sky Sports).

A move for Bakayoko could be an ideal place to start before Newcastle think about spending mega cash on some of the bigger name they have been linked to. If they come knocking with a good enough offer, it’s likely Chelsea with snatch their hand off.

Do you think Bakayoko will leave the Bridge this summer? Have your say in the comments below…

Liverpool will face off against Manchester City this evening in their first match as Premier League champions.

The Reds, who will receive a guard of honour from last season’s winners, will be hoping to stamp even more authority on this campaign with a win over their rivals.

Mohamed Salah will also be looking to make the visit to the Etihad Stadium a special one. The Egyptian is still firmly in the running for his third consecutive Golden Boot and is currently on 17 goals for the season. If he can net a brace against City, it will see the winger top the table by matching joint-leaders Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Jamie Vardy (via BBC Sport).

With the title wrapped up, Jurgen Klopp could opt to rest some key players and give the youngsters some valuable playing time. However, it’s almost certain that Salah will be hungry for this personal accolade and, particularly against City, the manager might field a full-strength team.

This Liverpool side has not only made club history, but league history as well. After being crowned champions last week, the Reds became the fastest-ever team to wrap up the title, with seven games remaining (via ESPN). The competitive nature of these two sides suggests that Klopp might want to rub salt in the wounds of Pep Guardiola and his team.

Salah’s current goal tally for this season averages at a goal every 137 minutes. His total attacking record in red is an astounding 130 goal contributions in 145 games across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

With City coming into the match off the back of losing their Premier League crown after defeat to Chelsea, morale could be low and Salah could capitalise on a sleepy defence.

Do you think Mohamed Salah will score against Man City? Have your say in the comments below!