All posts by n8rngtd.top

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Leeds United got back to winning ways on Wednesday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Swansea City at Elland Road. Goals from Pontus Jansson and Jack Harrison secured the points for the Whites. 

Leeds’ leading goalscorer so far this season, Kemar Roofe, did not lead the line for Marcelo Bielsa’s side against the Swans. Despite having racked up 14 goals in 26 Championship appearances this season, the 26-year-old was deployed in the No. 10 berth, behind Patrick Bamford.

In this playmaking role Roofe struggled against the Welsh outfit. However, Bielsa should persist with this system. The Englishman has the technical ability and vision to effectively operate in this creative role, and has the pace to break forward into goalscoring positions. 

Roofe also has the tenacity, diligence and stamina to press aggressively and defend from the front, as is Bielsa’s preference. 

If he and Bamford can develop a cohesive partnership it would reinvent Leeds’ attack at a crucial time in the campaign, the move would also then be considered a tactical masterstroke on the Argentine manager’s part.

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Steven Nzonzi has been enjoying fine form this season, which earlier this week saw him mooted as a potential recruit for Tottenham.

Calciomercatonews claimed that Spurs are monitoring developments surrounding the former Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder, along with Arsenal.

The midfielder joined the Italian club in the summer but the report says he could leave at the end of the season.

Nzonzi moved to the Italian club in a deal that, per BBC, was worth €30.6million (£27.3m).

He has gone on to make 28 appearances in all competitions for the club and has been in fine form in Serie A.

In total, he has played 20 times in Serie A since his move and the midfielder has showed himself to be a quite excellent midfielder, and he would be perfect for Spurs.

With Victor Wanyama more regularly seen on the treatment table than on the pitch, Nzonzi would offer a more reliable presence in the heart of midfield, and would also allow Mauricio Pochettino to move away from playing Eric Dier in the anchor man role. After all, the England international has regularly appeared out of sorts this season.

Nzonzi offers a breadth of attributes. Per WhoScored, he has made 2.1 tackles per game this season and also has a pass completion rate of 89%. He has scored once and completes 3.2 long balls per game. He can, to put it mildly, spray possession around the pitch, and do it accurately too.

Deploying him alongside the likes of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko in midfield would allow both players to bomb on and impact the game further forward.

Sissoko is excellent in the tackle, too, but his driving runs are his selling point, his pace on the transition key to moving Spurs up the pitch, while Winks thrives in a playmaking role, picking up possession and recycling it effectively.

Having Nzonzi behind them, a 6 foot 6 World Cup winner and a compatriot of Sissoko’s, would add another dimension.

Not only is he strong in the tackle and precise in the pass, but he is also disciplined and effective at carrying out the instructions issued to him. He would be an effective Pochettino lieutenant and would add some much-needed trophy-winning nous.

He is 30, and that may sway Spurs against pursuing a move – they regularly target younger, more malleable players, but Nzonzi has everything to make a real impact and take the club to the next level.

When they look to reinforce their squad this summer, Spurs should absolutely consider tabling a bid for the Frenchman.

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With each passing week, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is getting closer and closer to making his return for Liverpool.

The midfielder has been on the sidelines since suffering a severe knee injury during Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma last April.

The injury cost Oxlade-Chamberlain the chance to play in the Champions League final, in addition to the 2018 World Cup with England.

The former Southampton youngster has stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, though, returning to the training field alongside his teammates.

It is currently unclear when the 25-year-old will be available to play some minutes, but that time is certainly getting closer.

And it would be fair to say that the Liverpool fans cannot wait for the 5ft 7in midfielder’s return.

Indeed, many of the club’s supporters took to social media in response to words from Jordan Henderson to reveal their thoughts on Oxlade-Chamberlain’s impending return.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to return to winning ways in their next Premier League match against Chelsea, with the opportunity to cement a place in the top four. 

The Lilywhites looked less than convincing at Turf Moore as they conceded a late Ashley Barnes goal, but they’ll be pleased to have Harry Kane back in their ranks.

Interestingly, it appears as if the North London club are eyeing a possible summer raid, as according to Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign Tanguy Ndombele.

Indeed, it’s understood that Tottenham, Arsenal and Barcelona are all in the race to sign the midfielder, while Paris Saint-Germain have been following him but most of the attention goes to Juventus.

Spurs still haven’t found a replacement for Mousa Dembele, so perhaps the Lyon midfielder could be the man to fill the current void in the middle of midfield.

There have been no suggestions of a potential price that Spurs may have to pay for him, but he will no doubt attract a big fee with a number of clubs in for him and the potential to become a star.

The 22-year-old has even been compared to Manchester United’s Paul Pogba by Lyon boss Bruno Genesio, according to Tuttosport (via Daily Star), as he stated this:

“I do not like comparisons, but indeed, Ndombele can be a new Pogba,

“He is strong physically and above all technically.

“Tanguy with the first touch manages to jump even three players and when he starts dribbling he is difficult to stop.

“He can play in any position in the midfield.”

THE VERDICT:

Tanguy Ndombele, who is valued at £40.5 million (by Transfermarkt), has established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe this season, so it comes as no surprise that Spurs are taking an interest.

The Frenchman could easily fill the void left by Dembele and he has the potential to become a star in the Premier League, having produced two goals and five assists this season, as well as making great strides on the international stage.

It won’t be easy to land him, though, so Spurs will have to produce some summer magic if they’re to get their man.

Thoughts?

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Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to discuss Xherdan Shaqiri’s spell out of the starting eleven.

The Switzerland international hasn’t been given a start by Jurgen Klopp since the end of January, when he was trusted from the first whistle in the 1-1 draw to Leicester.

Would you rather your club won the Premier League or Champions League? In the video below, Pl>ymaker FC’s Matty believes English clubs have already decided…

Since then, the former Bayern Munich and Inter attacker has been restricted to appearances from the bench, in a time where the Reds’ midfield has looked starved of creativity and craft – Klopp’s midfield options have scored just six goals between them this season.

The likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner are all more workmanlike, pragmatic midfielders rather than creative players, something that has been a key factor in Liverpool dropping 11 points out of a possible 27 in their last nine league games.

Some fans feel that Shaqiri’s involvement will see the team return to their swashbuckling ways in front of goal, whereas others feel the opposite judging by their reactions on Twitter…

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Jack Grealish was punched in the head by a Birmingham supporter during the Second City derby but bounced back to score the only goal of the game as Aston Villa took the bragging rights.

Grealish labelled it the best day of his life as he also got to captain the side during the Villans’ win on Sunday.

Villa fans took to Twitter to praise the midfielder, not only for barely reacting to the incident which took place but also for going on to score the game’s only goal.

Their supporters seemed to have run out of superlatives for the 23-year-old, calling him an inspiration and hero.

Emotions often run high in derby games but Grealish was able to keep his in check, only to race into the crowd as he found the bottom right-hand corner with his low strike.

Villa’s number ten has four goals and four assists in 23 league outings this term.

Here’s how Villa fans reacted to the punch and his response.

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Arsenal fans have flocked to Twitter in their droves to wish on-loan goalkeeper David Ospina well after he suffered a very worrying injury at the weekend.

The Colombian has been turning out for Napoli in the 2018/2019 campaign and collapsed in harrowing scenes during Sunday’s 4-2 home win over Udinese, having returned to the field of play after a kick to the face.

A day after, the shot-stopper announced on Twitter that he was fine and hoped to “be back stronger than ever” appearing in a photo at his home.

This has prompted an outcry of good-will messages from Gooners towards the star whose future at the Emirates Stadium remains uncertain.

Some have simply commented “get well soon,” whilst others have gone further, reminding Ospina that he’s still a firm member of the Arsenal family and proclaiming that he’s not just being thought of in north London, but all over the football world.

Check out the pick of the heartfelt messages from Arsenal supporters towards their injured goalie, below…

After disappointing results against Everton and Manchester United in March, victories over Bayern Munich and Fulham in the last week have lifted spirits amongst Liverpool fans.

Sadio Mane continued his spectacular form on Sunday by scoring his eleventh goal in as many games whilst a late penalty from James Milner ensured that the Reds would move above his former side Manchester City in the Premier League standings, albeit having played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s side.

However, Mohamed Salah missed the opportunity to get back amongst the goals against the worst defensive team in the top flight.

Despite having several good chances to get on the scoresheet at Craven Cottage, the 26-year-old looked devoid of any confidence whilst on the ball which will have concerned boss Jurgen Klopp.

Since moving to Anfield from Roma for a fee thought to be in the region of £34.3m (via Sky Sports), Salah has been sensational for Liverpool, scoring 49 goals in 66 Premier League appearances.

A quick start to this season by the Egyptian saw him reach the mark of 17 goals in February during a 3-0 win against AFC Bournemouth. Yet since the victory over the Cherries, Salah has failed to find the back of the net in seven games in all competitions. His lack of involvement during these fixtures can also be highlighted by the fact that he has only registered one assist for his team-mates.

Considering the drop-off in form being demonstrated by Salah in recent weeks, Klopp should really consider benching him for their crucial clash with Tottenham Hotspur on March 31st in order to avoid the winger disturbing his side’s attacking flow.

Xherdan Shaqiri could be brought in as a direct replacement whilst Divock Origi would offer the former Borussia Dortmund boss with more of a direct threat against Spurs. With the title race heating up between the Reds and City, now is the time for Klopp to be ruthless in his decision-making by proving that no-one at Anfield is exempt from being dropped, not even Salah.

What do think Liverpool fans? Should Salah be dropped by Klopp? Who would you bring in to replace the Egyptian, Shaqiri or Origi? Let us know below…

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There is something wrong at West Ham United.

They may have won at the weekend in pulsating fashion, as they came from 3-1 down to defeat Huddersfield Town 4-3 but there are problems plaguing the club.

For a start, they were terrible against the nearly-relegated Terriers, turning in a performance of such ineptitude in the first hour that it would not have been a surprise to see Huddersfield take a 5-1 lead.

That the catalyst for the turnaround was former fan favourite Marko Arnautovic leaving the pitch somewhat sums it all up; he flirted with China in January and was roundly booed when he jogged off to be replaced by Lucas Perez.

Football FanCast also understands that there will be a significant restructuring of the club’s strike-force this summer. Javier Hernandez, Perez and Andy Carroll are all likely to leave.

Add to that the club’s wild fluctuations in form – they have beaten Arsenal this season but also lost to Cardiff City – and you have a very puzzling picture indeed.

FFC has a look at three ways Manuel Pellegrini can sort the mess out.

Sell Arnautovic and reinvest

This one appears obvious but a source at the club has told FFC that Arnautovic could actually stay at the club this summer.

But the clause in his contract allowing him to leave if a £45million bid is tabled remains active. If the Hammers receive an offer north of £30m, they should take it and look to reinvest the money elsewhere.

There are gaps in the squad that need filling; Pablo Zabaleta needs replacing at right-back, there is a need for midfield reinforcements and as many as four strikers could be recruited if Perez, Hernandez and Carroll also go.

Arnautovic doesn’t appear to have much interest in staying at the club and the fans don’t seem to have much attachment to him.

Sending him on to pastures new makes sense for all concerned.

Build around Rice

Declan Rice is the most exciting player to come out of West Ham’s academy in years.

A genuinely brilliant defensive midfielder, he could be set to win his first England cap this week when the Three Lions take on the Czech Republic and has turned it on in some of the Irons’ biggest games this season.

He scored his first ever goal for the club against Arsenal and also turned in a heroic display against Liverpool.

Pellegrini, then, should make him the focal point of his team and accentuate his multitude of strengths.

Making Rice the key man has a two-pronged effect. For one, he is more likely to stay at the club despite the obvious reported interest from the likes of Manchester City, and secondly, it makes the Irons better.

They have all too often relied on players who are prone to mood swings or transfer sagas. Leave the likes of Arnautovic and Dimitri Payet in the past and build around the 20-year-old.

Bring the best out of Felipe Anderson

Felipe Anderson is something of an enigma. He is a streaky player at the best of times but when he is on song the tune is something quite beautiful.

So good have been his performances, he was included in the Brazil squad this month.

But he has not scored for West Ham since December, when he netted both goals in a 2-1 win over Southampton.

He is on an 11-game scoreless streak in the Premier League, the longest of his Hammers career, and he has laid on just two assists in that time.

That isn’t good enough.

If West Ham are to progress next season and climb the table, Pellegrini needs to find a way to bring the best out of Anderson on a consistent basis.

He has shown in sporadic bursts that he is worth the £36m the Irons paid for him, so it is about time he starts paying it back with more regularity.

[ad_pod ]It goes without saying that Mousa Dembele was one of the most important players in the Tottenham squad. A number of the Belgian’s teammates at the club always mentioned him when being asked as to who the most talented player in the team was, an unsurprising answer given the slump in form seen since his departure to China back in January.The former Fulham man could dribble past almost anyone in the Premier League, possessing ridiculous balance combined with a large, powerful frame that made it near impossible to get the ball off him once he got going.It was this feature of his and Spurs’ play that freed up so much room for the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Heung-min Son to work their magic in, but two of these men above all of the aforementioned are suffering most without the Belgian.Kieran Trippier’s own goal against Chelsea looks even funnier up close. Just ask Thogden in the video below…Alli, a man who we have come to recognise as a prolific goalscoring midfielder over the last few seasons – he has hit 10, 18, and nine goals across each of his last three league campaigns – has only found the back of the net five times this term.Prior to his departure, an injury-hit Dembele had only managed 10 league appearances, and while the England international has suffered spells on the sidelines too, it is no coincidence that Alli’s form has dipped during a season where the powerhouse hasn’t been heavily involved.Nowadays, whereas the MK Dons academy graduate used to have acres of space to roam in that No.10 role and a man who would be able to deliver to ball to him on his doorstep, it is looking all the more busy in there as a result of the current Tottenham midfielders’ lack of adventure – Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko and others lack that natural offensive vision.In Eriksen’s case, the Dane looks a shadow of his usual self this season. The former Ajax man has hit five goals and recorded 10 assists in the league this term, but his influence on games has waned significantly compared to the previous campaign.

Many Spurs fans have highlighted the 27-year-old as the player whose form has tailed off drastically compared to his previous excellence, and a common denominator is Dembele’s absence in the midfield. Once again, it’s a question of the space Dembele created for Tottenham’s advanced midfielders, through the sheer attention the opposition were often obliged to give him.

Tottenham did look to be in with a shot at the title earlier in the season, but since January, their form has declined massively and now they find themselves in a serious battle to even finish in the top four – their chase for a Champions League place could have been all over right now were it not for Son’s superb run of form at the start of 2019.

If Mauricio Pochettino wants to see the man who once hit a ridiculous 18 goals from midfield reach those kind of numbers yet again and Eriksen return to his playmaking best, he must properly replace Dembele in the summer.