All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool have kicked off their 2021/21 Premier League campaign in impressive fashion, with Jurgen Klopp’s side picking up six points, scoring five times and being yet to concede a single goal over their opening two fixtures of the season.

However, with an equally impressive Chelsea side being the visitors to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, the Reds are set to face a very different challenge to the one posed by both Norwich City and Burnley in their previous games.

Indeed, Thomas Tuchel’s side have also picked up six points over their first two fixtures of the season, have also scored five times and are also yet to concede in the league.

As such, the Reds must be at their very best to get a positive result from the top-of-the-table clash, and, with Klopp recently confirming that Andy Robertson, who is yet to feature in the league this season due to an ankle injury, is in contention to start the fixture, it would seem as if the 54-year-old has been handed a rather significant boost ahead of the match.

Game-changer

While Robertson’s stand-in at left-back, Konstantinos Tsimikas, has highly impressed over his two Premier League appearances in the absence of the Scotland international, with the 25-year-old averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.20 in the league, should Robertson indeed be fit enough to start the Chelsea game, it is undeniable that Klopp simply must start the 27-year-old.

Indeed, since joining the Reds from Hull City back in 2017, the defender has been one of the club’s most consistent performers in the league, as well as a fantastic creative outlet.

This is perhaps illustrated best by the £58.4m-rated man’s form in Liverpool’s title-winning 2019/20 campaign, in which, over his 36 appearances, the defender helped his side keep nine clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 1.6 clearances and winning 3.4 duels per game.

The man Darren Fletcher dubbed an “inspirational” player also scored two goals, registered a whopping 12 assists and created 14 big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.7 key passes per match.

These returns saw the £50k-per-week left-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Klopp’s joint sixth-best performer in the league that season.

As such, while Tsimikas is undoubtedly a decent stand-in for Robertson, there is simply no comparison between the two players in terms of overall ability, leading us to believe that Klopp must start the Scot against Chelsea, as his addition to the Reds’ backline would be game-changing for the German coach and his side.

In other news: Klopp can scare Chelsea by unleashing “extraordinary” £27m-rated Liverpool dynamo

Football Insider pundit Alan Hutton has been having his say on Leigh Griffiths’ deadline day exit from Celtic Park.

The Lowdown: Dundee move

The Hoops were extremely busy in the final hours of the summer window, with three incomings and three outgoings going through.

One of those departures was Griffiths, who, after signing a new one-year deal at Parkhead earlier in the summer, left to join Dundee on loan.

Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie also left, while Georgios Giakoumakis, Filipe Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers arrived at the club.

However, it was Griffiths’ departure that had former SPL right-back Hutton baffled.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Hutton was talking to Football Insider about Griffiths’ move on deadline day.

The 36-year-old described it as ‘very interesting’ and backed the Celtic big earner to thrive at Dundee under James McPake.

“It’s interesting. I think the whole situation surrounding Leigh is very interesting.

“We know he had his issues last season. He has been in and out. He signs a new one-year deal and then is nowhere to be seen.

“What’s going on in the background? This boy needs to play football. When match fit and playing week in, week out, he will score you goals. It’s as simple as that.

“He’s a goalscorer but he wasn’t getting the opportunity at Celtic. Whatever the reason might be, we don’t know.

“It’s a club he knows well, he’s been at Dundee before, familiar surroundings. Obviously, James McPake, the manager, has got the confidence of him coming in and scoring goals.

“He needs to play football. He’s at an age now where he doesn’t want all this nonsense behind him affecting his game.

“He just wants to play and score goals. I think this is a move which can help him do that.”

The Verdict: The right decision

It was strange that the 31-year-old signed new terms under Ange Postecoglou and departed without kicking a competitive ball this season, but it is for the best.

Postecoglou has Kyogo Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti, Giakoumakis, Jota and Liel Abada as attacking options and appears to be building for the future with youngsters Karamoko Dembele and Mikey Johnston in the squad.

Griffiths obviously wasn’t in his plans going forward as he didn’t feature, so moving him on to Dundee was the right call.

You’d expect there’s every chance that we have seen Griffiths in a Celtic shirt for the final time with his deal up in the summer, but it will be interesting to see how he gets on at Dens Park.

In other news: Another Celtic summer signing, as well as Urhoghide, isn’t impressing under Ange, says Devlin.

Kevin Phillips has offered his thoughts on the prospect of Rangers signing Jed Wallace on a free transfer.

What’s the talk?

The former Premier League striker has said that the Millwall winger would shine if he signed for the Scottish champions next summer.

Rangers are among a number of clubs reportedly looking at the midfielder as a potential free agent signing at the end of the campaign, with his deal at The Den set to expire, and Phillips believes it would be a ‘no-brainer’ for the Light Blues.

He told Football Insider: “Wallace has been a top player for Millwall over the past few years. He has proved to be a good signing for them.

“I think he would shine if he went up there. He has all of the attributes to move up to Scotland, settle in quickly and do really well.

“We know he possesses a lot of quality so if he goes up to Rangers, which I can see happening, Steven Gerrard will be getting a player who can slot into that squad quickly.

“On a free it really would be a no-brainer.”

Wilson masterstroke

Rangers chief Ross Wilson could pull off a masterstroke by landing Wallace on a free transfer next summer. He could be getting a top-quality player for Steven Gerrard without paying a penny in transfer fees, which could be a terrific move both in terms of the on-pitch impact as well as the financial side of it.

Wallace has been a sublime player for Millwall in the Championship in recent seasons and is showing that he has the quality to thrive in the second tier of English football. Since the start of the 2019/20 campaign, he has scored 24 goals and provided 21 assists in the division, proving that he can score and assist goals on a regular basis from out wide.

Millwall manager Gary Rowett once lauded the 27-year-old as an integral part of his side, saying: “It seems Jed Wallace is instrumental in everything we achieve at the moment. His recent stats are unbelievable.

“But he would be the first to admit that 10 other players are providing the structure from which he can score and assist.”

He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.31 in the Championship this season, with three goals and three assists in eight appearances to date. Meanwhile, Kemar Roofe (two) is the only Rangers player with more than one league goal and James Tavernier (three) is the only Gers man with more than one assist.

This suggests that Rangers could improve their squad by bringing in Wallace on a free transfer, if he is able to adapt to Scottish football, as he has the quality to score and assist goals regularly. Therefore, Wilson could strike gold by signing him for nothing, adding a brilliant attacking gem to Gerrard’s side without paying a penny in transfer fees.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterstroke: Rangers flop has seen value plummet 66% since Ibrox exit…

West Brom reportedly plan to offer goalkeeper Sam Johnstone a new and improved contract, according to The Sun on Sunday (8th August, page 67). 

What’s the story?

Johnstone has been with West Brom since 2018, and has gone on to make 131 appearances in total for the Baggies’ first-team.

The shot-stopper made 37 league appearances for West Brom last term, although his efforts weren’t enough to see them avoid relegation back into the Championship after a brief spell in the top-flight.

But it appeared as though his strong showings didn’t go unnoticed, with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both previously being keen on reaching an agreement to sign the 28-year-old.

The Sun on Sunday claim that West Brom are set to offer Johnstone a new and improved contract amid interest from other clubs, as they look to keep him at The Hawthorns.

‘Diamond’

Johnstone has been a rare bright spark in a tricky few seasons with the Baggies, and it’s not surprising to see other clubs keen on reaching an agreement with the 28-year-old.

The goalkeeper will have to think carefully about his next destination though, as there’s no guarantee that he’d get the regular minutes he’s getting with West Brom.

Johnstone had an average Whoscored rating of 6.74 from the 2020/21 season and will be hoping he can have his future resolved at the earliest of opportunities.

He was an unused substitute for their season opener against Bournemouth but will be keen to be involved in their next match against Luton Town on Saturday 14th August.

Steve Bruce labelled Johnstone as a ‘diamond’ for his performance for Aston Villa, whilst on loan with the club back in 2017.

“We all knew he was a top class goalkeeper and he’s looking the part now. He’s a diamond – first in, last out. He’s a typical goalkeeper who wants to learn.”

It will have been a no-brainer for West Brom to try and tie Johnstone down to a new contract, as they’ll be keen to have players that are fully committed to the cause this term, as they look to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Having his future resolved before the close of the summer transfer window would be ideal for the Baggies as well, as they won’t be concerned about potentially losing him in the winter transfer window in the New Year.

If they were to strike an agreement to tie Johnstone down to a new contract, then it would be a real statement of intent by Valerien Ismael’s side this summer. Offering Johnstone the deal is an absolute no-brainer, now they need to convince him to sign it.

AND in other news, this player had an absolute shocker as West Brom faltered on the opening day

Manchester City fans are gutted after the club announced they have sold Lukas Nmecha to Wolfsburg this summer.

The Citizens are preparing for the new campaign as they aim to recover from their 1-0 Champions League final defeat to Chelsea in Porto. However, so far they are yet to make a single first-team signing despite heavy interest in the likes of Harry Kane (Sky Sports) and Jack Grealish.

In fact, it seems the Etihad Stadium outfit are looking to move on a number of players this summer. Eric Garcia (fcbarcelona.com) and Sergio Aguero have both completed moves to Barcelona, and now Nmecha has transferred from City to the Bundesliga (mancity.com).

The 22-year-old impressed on loan at Anderlecht last term and also finished as the top scorer at the U21 European Championships this summer (uefa.com).

The news was shared on Twitter by City’s official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Nmecha news below

“So another striker gone & nobody inbound……”

Credit: @theworldzyours

“Will be missed”

Credit: @LewMCFC

“Big mistake :/”

Credit: @JohnnyKF17

“We sold currently our best striker at the club, pathetic”

Credit: @McfcRxchy

“This isn’t good for the team. We keep losing good young lads and going out to buy other young lads at high prices. First sancho,then Diaz now Lukas”

Credit: @Elias7107

“Stop selling our youth”

Credit: @CxcWild

In other news, Man City fans were livid with these comments.

Many Everton fans have been left reacting as the Goodison Park faithful confirmed the exit of Beni Baningime.

As per the official website of the Merseyside club, the central midfield player has left to sign for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

He has not played in a senior competitive match for the Blues since the 2017/2018 season, and has only made a mere 12 senior appearances in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Thus, with the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies already at the club, it is perhaps a wise idea to move Baningime on now, although some Toffees supporters hoped that it would have worked out better for him.

Nonetheless, at 22 years of age, he needs to be playing regular football, and he has a better chance of getting that at Hearts than at Goodison.

Everton fans on Baningime exit

These Evertonians gave their reactions on Twitter as Baningime’s exit was confirmed:

“It’s a shame he didn’t push on after he got a chance in the first team, but he’s still a young lad. Best of luck to him. #EFC #NSNO #COYB”

Credit: @the_street_end

“I think he is to good to go there BUT it’s a decent move to finally start his career. Hopefully the club has had the brains to add clauses in the transfer as in a couple of years time he will be back in the Premier League.”

Credit: @tonyf_efc

“Really thought this player would come for us. Great defensive midfielder. He’ll be brilliant in Scotland but I’d expect him to join a better league in a few years. Good luck Beni.”

Credit: @martinEroberts

“Surprised at that every time I’ve seen him he’s done a job. Best of luck Beni”

Credit: @Si22969452

“Another case of what could’ve been with our academy players…”

Credit: @ianperbowo

“This is a real shame. Bye Beni. Wish it could’ve happened here. COYB”

Credit: @TU1878

In other news, find out what club update has Toffees buzzing here!

A number of Leeds United supporters have laid into Robin Koch’s first-half performance against Manchester United.

The White have started their Premier League season with a trip to Old Trafford, in the latest chapter in a long rivalry between the two clubs.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are aiming to replicate last season’s performance, in which the Whites finished ninth in the table and impressed neutrals with their style of play.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

An entertaining opening 45 minutes saw the hosts have the better of the chances though, and Bruno Fernandes’ goal is the difference between the sides.

Bielsa has opted to play Koch in midfield, but it looks a decision that hasn’t paid off, with the centre-back struggling in an unfamiliar role.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-12/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Leeds fans react to Koch display

These Leeds fans took to Twitter to lay into Koch’s display against United.

“Koch is a CB not a midfielder. Doesnt put the hard work in”

Credit: @IDWakefield

“Really not impressed with Klich/Rodrigo/Koch so far. Leeds have been awful in the middle”

Credit: @jackelderton

“Koch cannot play the Phillips role at all. Not good enough in possession or tackling.”

Credit: @FragMeh

“Koch is nowhere”

Credit: @JHHorton

“Koch over Phillips was a mistake”

Credit: @yungyeetgod420

“Koch caught flat-footed not tracking & the midfield’s absolutely all over the place”

Credit: @scott08067

In other news, Leeds are still reportedly interested in signing a player who shone at Euro 2020. Find out who it is here.

Birmingham City are interested in a deal to bring Dion Sanderson to St. Andrew’s this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by The Athletic journalist Tim Spiers, who revealed in a post on Twitter that Lee Bowyer’s side wish to take the Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back on loan ahead of their upcoming Championship campaign.

However, the Blues will face a significant battle to land the 21-year-old in the summer transfer window, with Sheffield United, Newcastle United and Sunderland all reported to be keen on a move for the defender, whom Wolves would be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £2m.

Fans surely buzzing

While it would appear that a deal for Sanderson may be a difficult one to get over the line for Birmingham this summer, the fact that Bowyer is targeting such a promising young defender is sure to have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 26 League One appearances while on loan at Sunderland last season, the £820-per-week man helped his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.9 interceptions, one tackle, 2.7 clearances and winning 4.3 duels per game.

These metrics saw the £135k-rated centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Lee Johnson’s 13th-best player in the third tier of English football, playing a key role in his side reaching the League One play-off semi-final.

The man Stephen Elliott claimed has a “huge future” in professional football also has experience of playing in the Championship, featuring 10 times for Cardiff City two seasons ago, where the 21-year-old helped the Bluebirds keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 2.1 clearances and winning 3.7 duels per league fixture.

As such, with Bowyer having already made a number of impressive signings in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Chuks Aneke, Jordan Graham and Ryan Woods already having arrived at St. Andrew’s, Sanderson would appear to be yet another fine addition to the Blues squad – with the club seeming to be moving in a very positive direction under the leadership of the 44-year-old.

In other news: Journalist drops transfer claim on “excellent” £4.9k-p/w gem, BCFC fans surely buzzing

Adama Traore can be perceived in two ways; exciting and impossible to defender against or, an incredibly frustrating player to watch with a severe lack of end product. No matter which way he is perceived, Wolves legend Steve Bull believes that he would fit in at Chelsea.

There have been reports that Thomas Tuchel could turn to the Wolves star if the club’s attempt to land Inter Milan wing-back Achraf Hakimi are unsuccessful, after the Blues made an audacious £56.1 million bid for the defender.

Traore, described as “unplayable” by by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp last year, had been utilised in several different positions under former boss Nuno Espirito Santo. They included wing-back, winger and a striker to accompany Raul Jimenez, but it would be the former position that Tuchel would look to deploy the Spaniard in if he brought him to Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel brought a huge amount of success to Chelsea with a top-four finish and the Champions League trophy, and with his first transfer window as manager he would be bringing in a great player if he signed Traore, and Bull could see the Spaniard fitting in as he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“He’s fast and has nimble feet so he’d suit Chelsea and the way they play because he could use all his energy up the pitch and let the midfielders tuck in and cover him.”

Chelsea are spoilt for choice in the final third but the only option they have that can get past a defender with raw pace is Christian Pulisic but his injury record is not great so having a stronger version of Pulisic in Traore would be ideal for Tuchel.

The £43,000-per-week winger would be a massive loss for Bruno Lage before he’s even got his feet under the table as he really can flip a game on its head by himself – you just have to look at the 1-0 victory against Fulham when both sides were very poor but the Spaniard took it upon himself to smash an effort into the top corner.

An update has emerged regarding Leicester’s interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

What’s the talk?

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, as transcribed by Sport Witness, Leicester have joined the list of clubs looking at the 25-year-old. The Foxes have been alerted to his potential availability and are now competing for his signature alongside Everton, Tottenham and Wolves.

Sporting want to keep hold of Palhinha and have not lost hope of being able to do so. However, they would be willing to do business if a club meets their £26m (€30m) valuation of the Portuguese international.

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim lavished praise on the “special” midfielder earlier this year. He told Record: “I gave him the script of maturity and the difference of four years. Jorge Jesus used the Palhinha of four years ago, I use the Palhinha of now.

“The credit belongs to Palhinha, that grew up that way. I often tell Palhinha that he is very good without the ball and with the ball. More than a tactical coach, I get it in Palhinha’s head that he is a special player.”

Bye-bye Choudhury

Earlier this month, Newcastle were reported to be interested in signing Hamza Choudhury from Leicester this summer, so it is time for the Foxes to say bye-bye to the 23-year-old and hello to Palhinha to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ squad in the coming months. Leicester must allow Choudhury to move on and then replace him with Palhinha as it could turn out to be a significant upgrade in midfield and improve the club’s chances of securing a Champions League spot in the Premier League next season.

Palhinha enjoyed a sublime season for Sporting in Liga NOS. He averaged an exceptional WhoScored rating of 7.22 across 32 appearances in the division, whilst Choudhury earned an average rating of 6.19 in 10 Premier League matches for Leicester last season.

The Foxes man averaged 0.8 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per game as a holding midfielder and Palhinha dwarfed those figures with 3.3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game for Sporting. This suggests that the Portugal ace would be a sizeable improvement on Choudhury as a midfield option for Rodgers.

Therefore, the manager needs to make sure that Leicester are able to win the race for Palhinha’s signature, whilst also axing Choudhury from the squad. The 25-year-old’s statistics show that he is more adept at winning the ball back for his team as a defensive midfielder in comparison to Choudhury and that could ease the burden on Wilfred Ndidi next season.

Against the better sides, Ndidi and Palhinha could provide a brick wall in front of the Foxes defence, whilst giving the attacking players a platform on which to build.

AND in other news, Major development emerges on “fantastic” £26m gem, LCFC fans will be on cloud nine…