All posts by z3u9t.icu

Nottingham Forest are still nowhere near where they want to be in the league table, but there was certainly improvement against Derby County on Friday night.

The Reds had a torrid first half, going 1-0 down via a Martyn Waghorn free-kick, but in the second half, the East Midlands outfit looked completely reinvigorated after half-time.

Indeed, Chris Hughton’s side attacked with a lot more venom in the second 45, and their efforts were rewarded as Lyle Taylor found the back of the net to level the game at 1-1.

Taylor may have got the goal, but it was Anthony Knockaert’s introduction that saw Forest grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

The Frenchman was unstoppable against Derby, getting forward at every opportunity and putting an obscene amount of crosses into the box, delivering 10 crosses in just 45 minutes.

That sort of directness is what Forest need this season as they’ve lacked any sort of attacking prowess, scoring just three goals in six league games, but Knockaert also showed Hughton the solution to another of his big dilemmas.

There’s no doubting that the Fulham loanee could be a key man for Hughton this season, after all, he won the Championship Player of the Year award the last time he played under him, and if Hughton wants to utilise his abilities in the most effective way, he has to play Taylor alongside him rather than Lewis Grabban.

We saw on Friday what Knockaert can do when he’s at his best, 10 crosses in 45 minutes is obscene, but it’s no good to anyone if there’s nobody getting on the end of them and Grabban has never been a real aerial threat.

The former Sunderland man won just 0.7 aerial duels per game last season, while Taylor was winning 2.3 per 90 minutes, and when he has a two-inch height advantage over Grabban it’s easy to see why he’s the bigger aerial threat.

The Taylor vs Grabban war has been waged over a number of weeks now, but Hughton may have just had his hand forced by Knockaert’s incredible showing.

Glasgow Rangers fans are far from happy with the latest accessory from the club – a Gers-branded kilt.

As is the case with any club, the Ibrox outfit have released a whole host of products recently in an attempt to bring in more revenue to the club. Their partnership with Castore has seen the Liverpool-based company release a number of clothing options. One particular hoodie had a retail price of £170 – that did not go down well with the Rangers fans.

The tartan design on this latest release was decided after over 10,000 MyGers members voted, and was revealed by the club’s official account on Twitter. However, whilst many clearly liked it, there are plenty of others who were not happy – some made it clear they preferred the previous offering.

In a bid to share their discontent, the fans took to the social media platform to show their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say about the kilt below

In other news, Glasgow Rangers fans were delighted with this man during international duty.

Wolves spent late during the summer transfer window and it appears that they are planning ahead this time if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish newspaper La Razon, the Midlands outfit are one of several Premier League teams pursuing a move for Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueke.

It’s claimed that the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester City are all willing to bid for the 21-year-old sensation in the near future.

Although, his mooted €80m (£71.5m) release clause puts several of those teams out of the race, unless the La Liga outfit would be open to negotiating a deal, which so far remains to be seen.

Traore replacement?

The report also brings Jurgen Klopp’s maintained interest in Wolves wide man Adama Traore back to the surface once again and as speculation continues to rumble on amid a lack of contact talks, his future at Molineux is by no means certain.

Traore has started only four of their nine Premier League matches this season and hasn’t delivered an assist since June nor a scored a goal since February.

It would not be a surprise to see the Spaniard moved on in the next six to 12 months, especially after Diogo Jota’s sudden exit in the summer. Old Gold chairman Jeff Shi is clearly not afraid to offload Nuno Santo’s key stars for the right price.

Which is why the club should seriously consider Chukwueke.

The Nigerian international has been compared to Arjen Robben – “full of pace, skill and possessing a majestic left foot,” wrote the BBC in 2018 whilst last summer, he was named in UEFA’s ones to watch list.

His current value is much closer to €50m (£45m) according to the CIES Football Observatory, so perhaps Wolves can get him cheaper than that whopping release clause.

When deployed as a right-winger this season, Chukwueke has contributed to three goals in ten appearances across La Liga and the Europa League, and has also averaged a massive four dribbles and 3.5 shots per match in Europe, via WhoScored.

La Liga ambassador Mutiu Adepoju was left in awe over the “exciting” talent earlier in the year, adding: “Chukwueze is another young player who is doing well in La Liga. I believe in the next one year, he’s going to explode if he continues that way.”

Even legendary striker Samuel Eto’o believes the young starlet is an “incredible player” whilst West Brom centre-back Semi Ajayi claims Chukwueze has destroyed him in training on numerous occasions for the national team.

If Traore does leave Molineux anytime soon, then Nuno should be looking no further than the Villarreal sensation.

AND in other news, Fosun’s dream signing: Wolves must swoop for “big player” who has a “ton of potential”…

West Brom have seen many of their youth products burst onto the scene under Slaven Bilic since his appointment last year.

The likes of Kyle Edwards, Rekeem Harper and Dara O’Shea are all extremely well thought of by the Baggies boss, as was Nathan Ferguson before he swapped the Hawthorns for Crystal Palace, who he is yet to feature for.

But forget about all those for just one second, there’s one player who could be the next to breakthrough at Albion.

The Midlands outfit recently named an exceedingly strong side to face Sunderland in the Premier League 2 this week, giving game time to Charlie Austin, Kamil Grosicki and Matty Phillips, who would all be considered experienced first-team pros.

Despite the heavy-influence of many of Bilic’s senior squad, U23 boss Richard Stevens was still able to name some of his promising prospects, namely Aksum White, who delivered at right-back once again.

The 20-year-old provided the assist for the first strike of Grosicki’s brace, making it two from six starts in the youth competition.

Intriguingly, he’s showing major characteristics of the aforementioned Ferguson as he has also featured in central defence, the position at which the fellow 20-year-old began his career in before moving to the right.

White was also part of the squad that made history by making the FA Youth Cup semi-finals last season. He even lauded following their season-opener against arch-rivals Villa earlier in the season.

BirminghamLive graded his display 7/10, and claimed: “A very disciplined showing, in terms of his positioning. No nonsense tackling on the right side of defence to avert the danger.”

This merely reinforces how the West Brom staff rate him as he’s described as a “strong full-back” and “is a hard-working player who loves defending,” as per the official website.

The very fact that he has been given a senior squad number for the season (#47) tells you that there’s a chance he could feature in the first-team at some point.

White could well be the second-coming of Ferguson, no one knew who he was until Bilic handed him his debut, so you can forget about O’Shea on the right. Let him play through the middle with the marauding U23 workhorse there to battle Darnell Furlong instead.

AND in other news, West Brom nightmare over ex-academy sensation made worse by Aston Villa…

Leicester enjoyed a successful European evening at the King Power Stadium last night as they banked a 2-0 win over AEK Athens.

Their victory sees them top their group, finishing above SC Braga on goal difference.

Brendan Rodgers’ plan to deploy wingers Harvey Barnes and Cengiz Under paid off in dividends, with both finding the back of the net to secure the win.

But another player also did the gaffer proud despite going a little under the radar with his performance.

Luke Thomas shines for Leicester

Rising star Luke Thomas has rapidly improved since his last appearance for the Foxes against Zorya Lugansk.

Rodgers handed the 19-year-old his seventh start of the season after he has made himself hard to overlook in midfield.

Last night, however, the teen featured in Leicester’s defence, marking the third time he has done so this term (via Transfermarkt).

According to SofaScore, Thomas made 87 touches and completed 62 of his attempted passes, tallying a 94% accuracy rating. He also contributed the assist that led to Barnes’ goal in the 14th minute.

His versatility to cover both the midfield and defence is something that will hugely benefit Leicester moving forwards.

His keen eye for joining the attack as well as his strong presence across the backline will see him link up well with the central defenders and also the wingers, which in turn can create a whole new dynamic for the Foxes.

If Thomas continues this kind of form, he could be pushing for a permanent spot in the starting lineup once next season come around.

In other news, Ricardo Pereira’s U23 appearance is exactly what Rodgers needed…

This has been a pretty average year for Sunderland, a period of time where once again, they’ve been stuck in the doldrums.

The Black Cats failed to achieve promotion from League One and are now enduring a third successive year at this level.

For a club with such a steep history, this isn’t good enough. Excuses run deep from the players, manager and all the way to board level.

However, are they beginning to turn the tide heading towards a new year? Stewart Donald has now sold his majority stake in the club to 22-year-old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and they have also finally sacked Phil Parkinson.

Lee Johnson arrived and although they were being beaten on his first day in the job, promising signs have emerged. Together with Kristjaan Speakman and their new owners, there are reasons to be positive and hopeful for a brighter future at the Stadium of Light.

Therefore, what better way to spend a period where the Mackems have no games than by doing a quiz? We bet you can’t get 100% right on these former and current player career paths…

AND in other news, SAFC must swoop for “speedball” who’s a “nightmare to play against”…

Some Southampton fans were left blasting the display of Che Adams in the 0-0 draw against West Ham United in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old was largely anonymous in the game along with his strike partner in Danny Ings, as he recorded a quite measly 6.4 overall rating on Sofascore, the second-lowest out of any player to have started on the pitch for both teams.

He lost three of his duels in the match, and also only managed just one shot on target, while recording no dribbles or key passes, and only having a mere 22 touches before being subbed off by the Saints coaching staff for Shane Long just short of the hour mark at St. Mary’s Stadium (Sofascore).

That is now two stalemates in quick succession for the Saints after their 0-0 draw at Fulham, with some SFC supporters getting increasingly agitated at their forward’s lack of end product.

Southampton fan reaction to his display

These fans blasted his performance on Twitter, with one even labelling the forward as ‘wasteful’:

“Thought Adams had a very poor game unusually not in it today change was needed”

Credit: @sainttmc

“Adams giving it away too often. Well off it tonight #SaintsFC”

Credit: @RunnerMike75

“First time in a while Che Adams just has looked very poor. #SaintsFC How many times does he kill our attacks in that half.”

Credit: @NickWilts86

“Adams and Djenepo have been poor. Need to stop being sloppy #saintsfc”

Credit: @ODagogo

“Djenepo and Adams are just not good enough #saintsfc”

Credit: @smecky83

“Djenepo not doing enough, yet again. Walcott looking good. Adams being wasteful so far. #saintsfc”

Credit: @r_c_bennett

In other news, find out what stat has been hailed by Southampton fans here!

Manchester United can repeat their Facundo Pellistri masterclass last year by beating Chelsea to the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham in the summer.

What’s the word?

Rice has established himself as a first-team regular starter under David Moyes and is widely considered to be one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are reportedly eyeing up a move for Rice which would see them rival Frank Lampard’s side next summer.

However, it’s claimed a move for Rice could be dictated by what happens to Paul Pogba in the summer – despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s insistence that the France international isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The report adds Solskjaer is keen to strengthen his squad at the end of this season and a forward, central defender and a defensive midfielder will be at the top of his shortlist.

Michael Carrick 2.0?

It was only last year that United were embroiled in a transfer battle with Chelsea and Manchester City over the signing of highly-rated Penarol winger Pellistri. He penned a five-year deal with Solskjaer’s side which put paid to Lampard’s hopes of snapping up the teenage sensation.

If Ed Woodward can repeat the same trick with Rice, there’s no denying the fact that it would be a bitter pill for the Blues boss to swallow, as he is known to be a big admirer of the England international.

Despite his young age, the 22-year-old has featured 128 times for the Hammers, and has scored three goals and supplied five assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

But it is his defensive contributions that cannot be ignored – in fact, in 17 top-flight appearances this season, the Englishman is averaging 1.9 tackles and 2.1 interceptions this season, with Moyes lauding the fact “he could arguably be my best centre half and best midfielder” right now.

Should Pogba depart Old Trafford, his potential departure may create space for Rice in the squad, while there are still questions over Donny van de Beek.

In a similar way to Michael Carrick, Solskjaer could emulate his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson and deploy Rice as a defensive midfielder who can also play as a centre-back. You could also compare this to Scott McTominay, who was previously deployed in defence by Jose Mourinho during his time at Old Trafford.

West Ham head coach Moyes hailed his young charge after the 1-0 win over Sheffield United last year and said: “He is such an improved player. ‘I really think he is doing a great job as a player and we are building up hope that he will be an outstanding captain.

“The role, his responsibility he takes on the pitch because of his young age, his leadership qualities will build. He has learned from Harry Kane and Mark Noble.”

Whilst West Ham’s demands of £70m for the midfielder could prove to be a major stumbling block, there’s no doubt that he would make a fine addition to Solskjaer’s squad. Get it done, Woodward, before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Man Utd must get rid of Marcos Rojo in January…

West Brom continue to be linked with a move for Jesse Lingard before the upcoming transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

According to ESPN correspondent Rob Dawson, the Baggies are among the sides keen on taking the out-of-favour Manchester United winger on loan in the coming days.

It’s claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now given the green light over the 28-year-old leaving Old Trafford this window, and it is thought that the Englishman would like to remain in the Premier League.

Along with Albion, the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Sheffield United have all been mooted as potential destinations.

Bye-bye Grosicki?

With this mooted interest in Lingard, it may well push Kamil Grosicki closer to the exit door as it’s not really a position that needs strengthening more than say upfront – only one fit striker – or in defence – the backline leakiest in the division.

But that doesn’t mean Allardyce shouldn’t look to add Lingard, he’d still be a decent upgrade on what he currently has, and of course, he also has bags of top-flight experience.

Having racked up 133 appearances in the Premier League and another 38 in European competitions, the £9m-rated attacker has fallen down the Red Devils’ pecking order, only playing in cup competitions this term.

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The 28-year-old is a player who, in the past, has been likened to Spanish great Andres Iniesta – former United coach Rene Meulensteen said, via talkSPORT:

“The difference with Jesse is that he was always the English version of Iniesta. He can play in the pockets, he’s very mobile and very agile. He can beat a man and he’s good in combination play. The last few seasons he started to score important goals as well.”

Indeed as a regular starter across the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns, Lingard delivered 12 goals and seven assists, managing a high of 1.7 shots and 0.8 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

These are merely two figures that suggest he’s a creative influence from midfield as well as a goal threat, so those comparisons are true – to an extent.

By comparison, when Allardyce has turned to Grosicki this term, he’s truly yet to take the opportunity on – averaging only one shot per game, while he’s not been able to record a single dribble despite being a winger.

According to journalist Michal Pol (via Sport Witness), there is a chance that the Poland international returns to his home country before the February 1st deadline, something that should ultimately be sanctioned.

With Lingard seemingly free to leave United, it would be wise to finally offload the £50k-per-week flop.

The “unique” 24-time international would be a welcome addition to the wing department that has only contributed towards three goals aside from Matheus Pereira.

AND in other news, Why West Brom need to take a punt on this £120k-per-week dud…

Leeds United were linked with a move for Paris Saint Germain midfielder Julian Draxler as the January transfer window first opened, with Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that the Germany international is being increasingly monitored ahead of what could be his final season with the French giants (via Sport Witness).

The Whites would hugely benefit from signing a player of Draxler’s calibre, especially as a free agent. The 27-year-old is now into the final six months of his current deal and although he is valued at £18million by Transfermarkt, he could join Leeds for nothing in the summer if they can agree a pre-contract agreement.

However, should Victor Orta work his magic on bringing Draxler to Elland Road, it could spell the end of Pablo Hernandez.

Hernandez replacement?

Draxler is being eyed by several elite level clubs, as is natural for a 56-cap international who has won three league titles and the World Cup. Since his arrival at PSG in 2017, he has impressed all around him. Former coach Unai Emery heaped praise on his debut and described him as an “ambitious” player.

Draxler has since gone on to score 22 goals and 33 assists for the Parisians but has recently fallen out of favour. Should he join Leeds, his direct competition would be Hernandez, who is eight years his senior. The Whites veteran has already slipped down the pecking order under Marcelo Bielsa, making just eight appearances in the league this season.

His only goal contributions came during Leeds’ 5-2 win over Newcastle last month, where he grabbed himself two assists. With just over a year left on his £23,500 per week contract and already struggling for game time, the arrival of a much younger and more prolific player in his position will surely only push him further towards the exit door.

According to WhoScored, Draxler has averaged more key passes, crosses and a better passing accuracy than Hernandez so far this season. Whilst they have both been deprived of minutes, the German comes off the stronger candidate to slot in behind Patrick Bamford in Bielsa’s struggling attack.

Having a new creative player like Draxler who has been praised by many could be the exact boost Leeds need to pick up their inconsistent form. Whilst they aren’t in any real danger of relegation as it stands, the tables can easily turn and they will want to get themselves back on track and hopefully return next season with a stronger lineup that can cause problems for opposition’s backline in a second top-flight campaign.

In other news, Leeds target Louie Sibley can put huge pressure on Jamie Shackleton…