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The Manchester United fanbase will be left frustrated, angered, and potentially in disbelief at what they are seeing this season.

Last night’s 4-3 defeat to Chelsea further damaged the reputation of Erik ten Hag, in what was yet another example of horrific game management.

By the 20th minute, the Red Devils were already two goals behind, but somehow, the score line was 2-2 at halftime, thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.

Amazingly, the visitors completed the comeback in the 67th minute, with the Argentine scoring a brace, but all the hard work was undone with a last-ditch double from Cole Palmer, who scored in the 100th and 101st minute to pick up three points and take home the match ball.

The game was yet another one to forget for the majority in red on the field, with one player in particular even being worse than Diogo Dalot.

Diogo Dalot’s performance against Chelsea

On the whole this season, Dalot has been one of the most consistent performers for the Red Devils, with his continuous availability being extremely important amid the defensive injury crisis.

However, the Portuguese defender was way off the mark against Chelsea, playing as a left-back with the task of stopping the incredible Palmer.

In truth, the defender was rather solid in the first half, even setting up Fernandes’ equaliser with a delicious cross to the back post.

On the other hand, he was caught out a few times, as highlighted by his five fouls, with one of them being the most defining moment of the game, conceding a penalty with moments to go.

Overall, it was a night to forget for the 25-year-old, but he still wasn’t the worst individual on the field.

Man Utd teen could have a Mainoo-esque impact in Martinez’s absence

Man United’s defensive department is now extremely thin after the recent injury update.

By
Tom Lever

Apr 3, 2024

Casemiro must immediately be dropped

After being excluded from the starting lineup against Brentford at the weekend, Casemiro returned against Chelsea, where he failed to have any positive impact whatsoever.

In harsh reality, as each game goes by, the midfielder’s ability to perform to the standards needed is decreasing, and the speed of the Premier League is becoming a tad overwhelming.

Nonetheless, the Manchester Evening News handed Casemiro a 6/10 rating for his performance against the Blues, with even Samuel Luckhurst stating that he was 'often exposed'.

Bearing in mind that Casemiro was the only defensive midfielder in the starting lineup, for him to make zero tackles and no interceptions is rather embarrassing, especially when the fact that he was dribbled past twice is added to the mix.

For context, the number 18’s partner, Kobbie Mainoo, made three tackles and two interceptions, but it wasn’t like the 32-year-old offered much on the ball either, as shown by his passing statistics.

In truth, Casemiro’s inability to cover ground efficiently was highlighted, underlined, and circled, with his lack of athleticism costing the team massively. He’s even weak in the duel and during individual battles nowadays, as shown by the fact he lost four of his five ground duels.

Unfortunately, Casemiro is often a passenger who’s always a step behind the play, and his lack of presence in the middle of the park is one of the reasons why Man United have now conceded 109 shots in their last four Premier League matches, with 28 of those coming at Stamford Bridge.

Overall, it’s quite clear that the former Real Madrid man must be dropped and even moved on in the summer, because despite his experience and track record, he’s currently offering very little.

If you’re Sofyan Amrabat sitting on the bench, you must be questioning the decision-making of the boss and thinking, surely I can’t do much worse? Even if the Moroccan has been underwhelming himself.

Man Utd can unleash “monster” in new role to ease Martinez injury blow

Man United have been hit with more injury setbacks this week.

By
Tom Lever

Apr 4, 2024

Whilst the Scottish Premiership is no longer in their hands, Rangers could still pick up their second piece of silverware under Philippe Clement this season, especially after receiving an injury boost ahead of their Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts.

Rangers injury news

The Gers suffered injuries at frustrating times this season, with Abdallah Sima proving to be a particular miss before only returning to the side recently. The same can be said for Oscar Cortes, who has seen his loan move disrupted by spells on the sideline. And as the season nears its conclusion, Clement will need as many of his stars available as possible if Rangers are to turn things around in the Scottish Premiership.

Clement's 2/10 Rangers man shouldn't wear the jersey again

Rangers suffered another dismal showing in the league during their midweek clash against Dundee

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 19, 2024

The manager did confirm that his side are still unlikely to have Ridvan Yilmaz available for this weekend's semi-final clash, however, saying via Rangers Review: "Ridvan Yilmaz will be back relatively soon, he is training individually on pitch but not back with the squad yet."

That doesn't mean that there wasn't any positive news though, with Clement confirming that Mohamed Diomande will be back against Hearts in a major boost for the Gers' hopes of putting an end to their bad form and reaching the Scottish Cup final. Before his injury, Diomande was beginning to show his best form and can now pick up where he left off.

Having missed the last two games through injury, which saw Rangers fail to win on both occasions, Diomande's importance cannot be ignored as the Gers prepare to end the season in the best way possible. In pursuit of that task, this weekend's semi-final will be key.

"Great" Diomande has become instant key at Rangers

It says it all that Rangers failed to secure all three points in the two games that Diomande missed recently. The midfielder's return comes at a vital time with the importance of the final phase of the Scottish Premiership season not lost on anyone. But Diomande's focus should be on more than just the current campaign.

At 22 years old, the January arrival has the opportunity to kick on even further in Clement's first full season in charge come August, becoming a central figure under the Belgian in the process. Captain James Tavernier will certainly believe in the midfielder's ability to do just that, having handed him credit early on in his Rangers career.

Tavernier recently said: “We’re always asking questions and we’ve got a variety of how we can score now, which is really good for the team and Dio popped up at the edge of the box and it was a great strike, it was a great goal.

“The likes of Dio coming into the team, starting today getting a goal from himself. Credit to himself, he’s really settled in really well and Oscar (Cortes) has came in and Fabio (Silva), so we’re working really well as a team."

Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Pedri have previously won the prize, but who will pick it up this year at the ceremony in Paris on October 28?

It's not just the men's and women's Golden Balls that will be handed out the Ballon d'Or ceremony, as a swathe of new prizes have been added to the roster by co-organisersFrance Footballand UEFA in recent times. One of those is the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best player under the age of 21 from the previous season.

The 2023-24 campaign saw a number of youngsters thrive at the highest level, with some of the defining moments of the year provided by players who are only just making their way in the game.

Previous winners of the Kopa Trophy include Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Pedri and Gavi, and with the award voted for by previous Ballon d'Or winners, it is regarded as one the biggest any young player can win.

We will have to wait until the ceremony in Paris on Monday, October 28 to find out who will walk away with the 2024 prize. But for now, here is the shortlist of nominees:

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  Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)

  Cubarsi has developed into one of Barcelona's most important defenders. He is just 17, but already has 28 first-team appearances under his belt, as well as six caps for Spain. He is tied to Barca until 2027 and one has to think they will hope to extend that.

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  Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)

  United's next great hope, Argentina international Garnacho already has six caps, and he is just 20. In 2023-24, he developed into a key player under Erik ten Hag, scoring 10 goals in all competitions – including in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City – and becoming the club's undisputed first-choice right-winger.

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  Arda Guler (Real Madrid)

  Guler lit up Euro 2024 with Turkey as they embarked on an unlikely run to the quarter-finals. One goal and two assists in the tournament followed an injury-hit season in which he scored six La Liga goals for Real Madrid in just 10 games. A dazzling technician, Guler has marked himself out as a playmaker to watch.

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  Karim Konate (Red Bull Salzburg)

  Konate is fast becoming one of the most impressive strikers in Europe, and one has to think it is only a matter of time before he gets a big move. He scored 20 goals last season and also registered eight assists for Salzburg. Still 20, he is also an Ivory Coast regular and was part of their triumphant Africa Cup of Nations squad in 2024.

The versatile teenager is Pep Guardiola's new golden boy and looks set for a glorious future for club and country

It was Manchester City's first Premier League game after the 2022 World Cup, away to Leeds United. The starting XI looked familiar enough, featuring 10 players who had just appeared in Qatar. There was one exception though. Rico Lewis, who had only turned 18 the month before, was making his first league start.

Meanwhile, the highly experienced pair of Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker were on the bench. Both had gone deep at the World Cup, to the quarter-finals, but here they were, behind a kid who had only begun training with the first team the previous summer.

Lewis was eventually taken off for Cancelo when City were 3-0 up. But he was back in the line-up ahead of Walker and Cancelo again for the next game against Everton. Walker and Cancelo were restored for the following game at Chelsea, but both were hauled off at half-time at 0-0. Lewis was brought on and helped City earn a 1-0 win.

The humiliation grated away at Cancelo and he grew more and more irritated at losing his place in the team, leading to a furious spat with Pep Guardiola which saw him quickly loaned out to Bayern Munich, the first step of his eventual permanent departure to Al-Hilal. Walker, however, knuckled down and worked his way back into the team at Lewis' expense, becoming a crucial part of the team which won the treble before being named club captain.

Lewis continued to impress but ended up playing fewer minutes last season than in his breakthrough campaign. However, now the pattern has repeated itself and Lewis has pipped Walker's place again, not just for City but for England too.

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  Locking it down

  In similar circumstances to when he made his breakthrough into the City team, Lewis has seized the opportunity that his absence from a major tournament presented. When Walker walked out at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin for the Euro 2024 final against Spain, Lewis was sat at home alone, watching the game on television.

  He had turned down the chance to watch the game with his friends in Manchester, partly out of fear of getting soaked in beer and partly because he wanted to watch the game from a tactical point of view and take it all in. Besides, he had to rest up ahead of City's pre-season tour of the US.

  The States holds a special place in Lewis' heart as it was where he first made his mark for City's first team, coming off the bench against Club America and Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022. Back then he was 17 and so shy he sat down at the dinner table alone.

  But this summer he was one of the most experienced players in a mostly youthful travelling squad as most of his team-mates had been involved in the Euros or the Copa America.

  And since returning from the tour he has locked down his place in the team, playing 90 minutes in all four of City's games from the Community Shield to the 3-1 win at West Ham, when he played a starring role.

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  Taking Walker's place

  Walker joined up later with the squad after being given an extra week off by Guardiola and missed the Community Shield. However, he has been sat on the bench for all the Premier League games, only getting two minutes of action against West Ham. His lack of game time has cost him his place in the England squad for the first two games of the post-Gareth Southgate era.

  Lewis has taken his place, getting recalled by his former under-21's manager Lee Carsley. "I wanted to put a mark on the squad. Kyle hasn’t played this season. City are phasing him in gently and we have to respect that," explained Carsley.

  Guardiola also sought to lift Walker's spirits by assuring him he could get back into the England squad. "He is an incredible weapon for the national team because he has special qualities," he said.

  "But it was late, he arrived back with a few niggles and some problems. There are many games for the national team as well and with his physicality he has a chance to come back, play well here and the option to play for the national team remains open."

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  'Always free'

  But Guardiola's choice of words was telling, especially compared with how he talks about Lewis. While the manager highlights Walker's physical traits, he uses higher praise when talking about the teenager.

  "Have you seen the minutes he played in the pockets when Kyle came in? Rico has one incredible ability that for many years was difficult to find: always he is free," Guardiola said after the win at West Ham, in which Lewis set up Erling Haaland's second goal and nearly scored himself in a stunning opening 45 minutes by the champions.

  "He is always alone. Whenever his mate has the ball, I don't know what he does but he is free. You can pass the ball to him and not just in a comfortable position but where the spaces are so tight. He arrives in the final third, he is a good defender, he gives continuity, he can play in two or three positions. He's playing well so he deserves to play."

  The one thing holding Lewis back and in Walker's favour, Guardiola hinted, was that physical difference. The coach added: "But every three days he cannot sustain that, we need Kyle back, John [Stones] back and all the players ready because of the schedule that comes now until the end of the season."

  Walker will be back, it seems, but he has his work cut out in wresting his starting berth back from Lewis once more. He is nearly two years older than when he regained his place in the treble winning season and there were a few signs during the Euros that his physical powers are ever so slightly waning. Lewis, meanwhile, is two years wiser and also physically stronger.

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  Leading the evolution

  Guardiola thought so highly of Lewis that he entrusted him to lead the team's tactical evolution during the treble winning season. City had lost their final game before the World Cup to Brentford and Guardiola was scratching his head as to how to make the team more solid now that they were accommodating Haaland, having played without a centre-forward the previous season.

  Lewis was part of the solution, operating as a hybrid defender-midfielder, shuttling between right-back and holding midfield according to the situation of the game. Lewis' physical shortcomings ended up counting against him though and he lost his place back to Walker shortly after City were beaten 1-0 at Tottenham. In that game, Lewis got bullied by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Guardiola was annoyed with his more senior players for not backing the youngster up.

  At a similar time, the manager publicly humiliated Walker by saying he was not capable of slotting into the new system and playing that hybrid role. He instead asked John Stones to do it from centre-back, and restored Walker to his usual role of right-back. Walker had the games of his life against Vinicius Junior in the Champions League semi-final tie with Real Madrid and in the top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal.

  But Walker was then left out of the line-up for the Champions League final against Inter, highlighting his fragile status in Guardiola's eyes, even though he did come on for the final eight minutes. That snub led to him almost joining Bayern Munich, only for Guardiola to book out a high-end Japanese restaurant in Manchester's city centre and convince Walker, while eating the finest sushi, to sign a new contract. He gave him the captain's armband too.

West Bromwich Albion will aim to get over their recent slump of form in the Championship, which has only seen them win once in their last five second-tier encounters, when they travel to title-chasing Leicester City this coming Saturday.

The Baggies will prey on the Foxes going through a dreadful patch of results themselves near the top of the table when they travel to the King Power Stadium, in a contest that could have huge potential ramifications on who lifts the title at the start of next month.

Tom Fellows could be a difference maker for Carlos Corberan's men away at Leicester, despite largely putting in an anonymous display against Sunderland last time out with the 21-year-old an exciting future talent at the Hawthorns.

On the contrary, one ageing winger's time in the West Midlands could be over this approaching summer with his contract up and his value falling below that of Fellows.

Matt Phillips' future at West Brom

Once purchased for a bumper £6m when the Baggies were still competing in the riches of the Premier League, it's fair to say Matt Phillips – now 33 years of age – is now nowhere near worth that lump sum.

It's been a frustrating season in truth for the experienced attacker, who has only just returned to the side recently after missing the end of 2023 and the first few months of 2024 owing to injury setback after injury setback.

Away from his agonising miss against Ipswich Town, Phillips has shone in spurts this season when fully fit, however, by amassing three goals and three assists from 23 appearances.

But, with the emergence of talents such as Fellows breaking through when Phillips has been sidelined on top of Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston setting the second tier alight since joining in January from down the channels, it looks as if his place in the Baggies camp is no longer so solid.

With the veteran's contract up in the summer too, West Brom could even up losing their distinguished servant for free.

Even with his transfer value taking a significant tumble since joining for £6m eight years ago, this would be a major blunder on West Brom's behalf to see him walk out of the building for nothing.

Matt Phillips' transfer value in 2024

Phillips' worth in 2024 now comes in at a far lesser €1m (£853k) – according to Football Transfers – which sees breakout sensation Fellows boast a higher worth now at €1.4m (£1.1m) despite only bursting onto the scene this campaign.

The homegrown Baggies star does also better Phillips' numbers for the season however, benefitting from the 33-year-old's frequent nature in the Hawthorns treatment room by helping himself to a superior five goals and four assists from 34 games in all competitions.

The future looks bright for Fellows in a Baggies strip, whilst Phillips looks to be staring his exit from the club straight in the face as Corberan looks to potentially clear out a number of the more veteran members of his squad soon.

Adam Reach, Erik Pieters and Yann M'Vila to name a few all come in as being 30 years and older like Phillips, with that trio all out of contract in the summer as well.

It looks very likely there could be a clear out of these old heads therefore, with Phillips' exit stinging the most as the £20k-per-week winger has had a long and celebrated career in the West Midlands.

But, with Fellows only going to get better, this could be the correct call even if it's a tough one to make.

Cristiano Ronaldo urged his Al-Nassr teammates to fight "until the last moment" as he vowed to "keep believing" after a dramatic draw against Al-Ahli.

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• Al-Nassr fought back to get a point
• Score equaliser late in stoppage time
• Ronaldo wants to keep going

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It was a sweet start to the evening in Riyadh for Ronaldo as he was honoured by Al-Nassr with a special GOAT jersey for his latest milestone of reaching 900 career goals. However, it soon turned sour as the Portuguese struggled to make an impact and found himself isolated at times in attack.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The game burst into life in the second half when Al-Ahli’s Franck Kessie scored the opener after impressive link-up play with Ivan Toney, who was making his debut in Saudi Arabia following a summer move from Brentford. However, Al-Nassr avoided defeat thanks to a moment of fortune, when Sultan Al-Ghannam's cross took a deflection off Al-Ahli defender Bassam Mohammed Alhurayji and looped past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, finding its way into the net in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  While it wasn’t one of Ronaldo's most memorable performances, the forward issued a rallying cry after the match on social media where he wrote: "Until the last moment. Keep believing!"

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

  Al-Nassr have dropped four points in their first three Saudi Pro League matches and must regroup quickly to keep their title ambitions on track. The team will hope that Ronaldo can rediscover his scoring touch when they take the field against Al-Ettifaq next Friday.

Glasgow Rangers face five more matches which could make or break their season. Four in the Premiership and the Scottish Cup final.

Winning all five is the only way Philippe Clement can lead the Light Blues to a stunning treble, just nine months after joining the club.

Whatever happens, Rangers finally have a manager who looks like he can take the club to the next level, but he will need to be suitably backed during the summer transfer window.

If January is anything to go by, the Belgian will be targeting a plethora of young talents who could be ready to make an impact in the first team, before being sold for a profit after a few years of development at Ibrox.

This player trading model is arguably the best way to go with regard to bringing in plenty of future income from player sales, as opposed to the method that is currently being utilised which sees ageing or underperformers leaving for nothing.

Clement may already have a wonderful talent in his current squad who could make the club a fortune in a few years if he uses his experience this season to further improve – Ross McCausland.

Ross McCausland's rise at Rangers

The Northern Irishman saw a glimmer of action during the final match of the 2021/22 season against Hearts, coming on for the final 30 minutes to make his senior debut as Giovanni van Bronckhorst rested several players due to the upcoming Europa League final.

His early promise was evidenced by the fact he grabbed an assist, and it looked as though he would be ready to make an impact over the next couple of years.

While limited to just a single appearance last term, McCausland has taken his opportunity with both hands this season. With an injury crisis engulfing the Ibrox side, caretaker manager Steve Davis gave the winger his first appearance of the season against Aris Limassol in the Europa League, while he received more game time a few days later against St Mirren.

Under Clement, the 20-year-old has been offered plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents, playing 32 times across all competitions under the 50-year-old, scoring twice and notching three assists from the right flank.

While his form is inconsistent, this is his first season of regular first-team football, and he will get better the more game time he receives.

Ross McCausland’s market value at Rangers

Given that McCausland has played only 36 senior matches as a professional, his current market value stands at just €1m (£850k), yet this should hopefully increase as time goes on, especially if he continues to make an impact.

If he lives up to his vast potential, McCausland could follow in the likes of Alan Hutton and Nathan Patterson’s footsteps in terms of raking in a big profit for the club.

Rangers did have a winger on their books two decades ago who was sold for a fee which was seven times what McCausland is worth – Neil McCann.

How much Rangers paid for Neil McCann

After an impressive stint with Hearts, winning the Scottish Cup against Rangers in 1998, McCann joined Dick Advocaat’s Rangers revolution in December 1998, halfway through the campaign.

He cost around £1.9m to sign as the Dutchman was looking for more Scottish talent to bolster his squad with and McCann was the ideal candidate.

His first six months at the club proved to be extremely successful, winning both the Scottish Cup and league title, scoring twice against Celtic in what was the title decider at Parkhead.

Seven goals in 25 appearances was an impressive way to start life in Glasgow, following this up with four goals in 46 appearances the season after which saw the Light Blues secure a domestic double, meaning McCann had won four of the five possible trophies available to him since arriving.

The next two seasons saw the Gers win only two trophies, with McCann scoring ten times throughout these underwhelming campaigns.

Alex McLeish led the club to a stunning treble success during the 2002/03 season – which remains the last time Rangers won all three domestic trophies in the same campaign – as McCann continued to use his experience and guile, scoring twice in 18 league matches along with winning the penalty from which Mikel Arteta scored the title-winning goal against Dunfermline.

Due to financial issues arising at the club, McLeish was forced to sell several of the players during the summer of 2003 and McCann was one who departed.

Neil McCann’s transfer value in 2024 money

The likes of Lorenzo Amoruso, Barry Ferguson and McCann were big name departures ahead of the 2003/04 season.

The Scottish winger was sold to Southampton for a fee of £2m, which represented a decent piece of business.

In 2024 money however – with Totally Money adjusted for inflation over the years – that transfer fee would now be worth £8.4m, which represents a significant profit on the £1.9m fee they splashed out to buy him just five years earlier.

This shows McLeish certainly hit the jackpot by moving on the winger, although Rangers felt his loss during the 2003/04 season as they went trophyless for the first time since 2001.

He made 49 appearances for the English side, yet scored just once as they suffered relegation during his second season at the club, before moving back to Scotland to rejoin Hearts.

McCann finished his career in 2011 with his first club, Dundee, and he is fondly remembered among the Ibrox faithful.

His inflated £8.4m transfer fee that he was sold for is currently more than eight times what McCausland is worth, once again, indicating how much of a masterstroke it was for McLeish, especially as the winger was 29 years of age and clearly past his peak.

A few player sales for fees close to that during the summer will leave Clement fairly happy.

Rangers flop who was tipped to be a £20m star is now unemployed at 29

Philippe Clement will be hoping to avoid the mistakes made by his predecessors in the transfer market

By
Ross Kilvington

May 2, 2024

After suffering a 5-0 hammering against Arsenal at the end of April, Chelsea look set to end the season in excellent fashion.

Mauricio Pochettino seems to have finally discovered his best starting lineup, with players now getting into a rhythm.

The Blues have won all of their last three games, scoring ten goals and conceding three in the process, and they’ll look to make it four in a row against Brighton & Hove Albion tonight.

Chelsea’s most recent 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest did highlight some issues in the side, and therefore, let’s take a look at who could come into the first eleven tonight.

Why Benoit Badiashile should be dropped

Benoit Badiashile has had a rather injury-hit 2023/24 campaign, which has prevented him from showcasing his ability to new boss Pochettino.

The 23-year-old has suffered four separate setbacks this season, which total up to 18 games missed, with a groin problem continuously causing an issue.

However, the French centre-back has slowly started to cement himself in the starting lineup, playing all of Chelsea’s last five matches, which means he’s now started 13 times in the league this season.

That said, Badiashile could drop out of the side for tonight’s match after a relatively uninspiring performance against Forest, which saw him withdrawn just before the hour mark.

Football.london handed the number five a 5/10 rating for his showing, mainly due to the foul he gave away for the Tricky Trees’ equaliser.

The player Pochettino should unleash vs Brighton

The Chelsea faithful will have been waiting for this day: the potential return of Reece James to the starting lineup.

It’s a well-known fact that the England international is extremely injury-prone, and unfortunately, that’s once again been the case this season due to a hamstring injury and subsequent surgery.

This has meant that James has been unavailable for 38 matches this campaign, but he played his first game since December at the weekend, and he instantly reminded the Premier League why he’s a “world-class” star, as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig.

The 24-year-old was used as a 79th-minute substitute, and despite only having a short cameo, his impact was undeniable, assisting Nicolas Jackson’s winner, taking 21 touches, and winning three duels.

However, as you can see from the table above showcasing his statistics from this season, a performance like that is the norm for James, and it’s clear just how influential he is when in the team.

When compared to Malo Gusto, both players rank similarly from a defensive perspective, as the duo are strong in their individual battles and can comfortably defend 1v1 scenarios, as shown by the duels won, dribbled past, and tackle stats.

Yet, what separates the two is the unbelievable attacking threat that James brings to the table, whether it be from crosses, set pieces, or driving the team forward on the counterattack.

The two fullbacks have created the same big chances this season, seven, despite Gusto playing 16 more matches than the Chelsea captain, which just proves how much more dangerous he truly is.

Overall, it’s clear that James elevates the team, and tonight’s game against Brighton could be the perfect opportunity to finally ease him back into the side.

Chelsea's "sensational" academy teen could be the next Reece James

Chelsea have another explosive homegrown full-back aspiring to rise to first-team stardom like Reece James did.

By
Tom Griffin

Nov 14, 2023

Matchday 34 brought the chaos, as Eastern and Western Conference leaders fell, while fringe playoff teams secured results

Saturday's slate of MLS action brought out everything soccer fans could imagine. Dramatic upsets, shocking performances, golazos to remember and thrilling matches.

In the Western Conference, both Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids clinched spots in the playoffs, with Chris Armas' side securing a massive win over Toronto FC while RSL played to an exciting 3-3 draw with Phil Neville's Portland Timbers. Elsewhere in the West, LAFC suffered a shocking defeat, while the Houston Dynamo claimed victory in the Texas Derby.

In the East, league-leaders Inter Miami were stunned by a late equalizer from NYCFC at Yankee Stadium, while Nashville SC pulled off a major result against FC Cincinnati. The winners on the day were the Columbus Crew, who came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Orlando City.

Decision Day on Oct. 19 is looming, with just four weeks remaining on the calendar. It's make or break for fringe playoff teams, while those near the top of their conference are fighting for a home playoff game.

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GOAL takes a look at the top games from Matchday 34 in the latest MLS roundup.

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  Crew's Shield dream

  Wilfried Nancy's team feel like a club of destiny. One of the few teams that are still alive in the race for the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, they knocked off an in-form Orlando City side 4-3 Saturday night, shrugging off their late comeback with Aziel Jackson's 85th minute goal the difference.

  Diego Rossi, Christian Ramirez and Cucho Hernandez bagged goals, with the Colombian forward furthering his MVP candidacy.

  They now sit second in the Eastern Conference, leapfrogging rivals FC Cincinnati, knowing they still have a game in-hand. Their Oct. 2 meeting with Inter Miami has now become blockbuster.

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  LAFC's post-Leagues Cup woes

  LAFC are now winless in five straight matches since falling in the Leagues Cup final to the Crew. They've dropped to fourth in the Western Conference, and now trail first-place LA Galaxy by nine points after a 3-1 defeat to FC Dallas Saturday.

  Olivier Giroud has yet to score during the regular season, and MLS Golden Boot candidate Denis Bouanga has only scored once in a challenging stretch.

  They're near rock bottom, and could lose a home playoff spot in the West as a result. They hold a one-point lead over fifth-place Houston Dynamo, and are treading water with their current form.

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  RSL and Portland's offer a thriller

  Real Salt Lake squandered both 2-0 and 3-2 leads to draw the Timbers 3-3 at America First Field Saturday night, but with the point, moved up to second place in the Western Conference. Goals from Diogo Goncalves, Dominik Marczuk and USMNT prospect Diego Luna helped them earn the point.

  Meanwhile, Portland's Evander scored a sensational free kick for the Timbers' second of the game, while star forward and frontrunner for MLS Newcomer of the Year Jonathan Rodriguez bagged his 15th goal of the season in stoppage-time to draw level.

  In a six-goal thriller, RSL clinched a berth in the postseason, while Phil Neville's side earned a crucial point en-route to their journey up the Western standings. RSL sit second in the table, while the Timbers hold steady at eighth.

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• IMGAN
  

  Elsewhere in the East

  Inter Miami were held to a 1-1 draw by NYCFC, with James Sands netting a 95th minute equalizer for the Pigeons…. Charlotte FC pummeled 10-man New England Revolution 4-0 for their first regular season win since July 13… CF Montreal earned their third-straight result, defeating the Chicago Fire 2-0 behind a Caden Clark winner… The New York Red Bulls drew Atlanta United 2-2, with each side finding the back of the net in stoppage-time… FC Cincinnati were stunned by Nashville SC, with FCC coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 as they dropped points in the Eastern Conference.

Aston Villa transfer chief Monchi and manager Unai Emery are both convinced the club can strike a deal for a £79,000-per-week ace, following talks with his entourage.

Villa seal Champions League place as Monchi prepares for summer

It's been a historic full debut campaign for Emery, who has now officially guided Villa to Champions League qualification following Tottenham's 2-0 loss at home to Man City earlier this week.

Aston Villa in pole position after Emery pushes for £50m+ Barcelona target

Villa’s summer could be a hefty one if they secure Champions League football.

By
Ben Browning

May 13, 2024

The Spaniard has grown deeply popular with the fanbase after an exceptional last 19 months, following up Steven Gerrard's brief reign with real aplomb.

Villa will participate in Europe's most prestigious competition next season for the first time since 1983, with Emery's side boasting the fourth-best defensive record in the league and fifth-best in terms of goals scored.

Following what has been a very memorable 2023/24 for Villa supporters, attention now turns to the summer transfer window and how Monchi could seek to back Emery with crucial potential signings.

The Midlands side are looking to strengthen across the board, with reports suggesting this week Villa are in pole position to sign Villarreal attacker Alex Baena. The Spaniard could cost around £52 million to prise away from La Liga, as is the value of his release clause, so it will be interesting to see if they decide to trigger it.

Villa have also held talks with Kelechi Iheanacho, as the Nigeria international is set to leave Leicester City for nothing this summer after the expiry of his contract. Defensively, Atletico Madrid ace Reinildo Mandava is on Emery's personal radar, and reports have even claimed he's urged Monchi to make a move for the Mozambique ace.

Emery and Monchi are also looking at upgrades for the engine room, so much so that a Paris Saint-Germain player is turning their heads.

Emery and Monchi convinced Villa can strike Carlos Soler deal

According to HITC this week, the Birmingham giants have opened talks with PSG midfielder Carlos Soler.

The Spaniard, once a star at former club Valencia, has played more of a bit-part role this season at the Parc des Princes. He's managed just 11 Ligue 1 starts, with most of his 23 French top-flight appearances coming off the bench.

This has stirred doubt over his future under Luis Enrique, and HITC claims the 27-year-old has been offered out to Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham. However, it is Emery's men who are favourites to sign him.

Indeed, both Emery and Monchi are convinced Villa can strike a deal for Soler after holding discussions with his camp pre-summer. On a reported £79,000 per week at PSG, they wouldn't exactly have to break their wage bill to bring him to England, and Soler could be worth the punt based on the praise he has received.

“We know his quality,” former PSG coach Christophe Galtier said in 2022.

“He has technical quality and the ability to get into the opposition penalty area. He’s from the Spanish school, keeps things tight. He didn’t start many games, but he’s a scorer.”