All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League earlier this year after their run of three seasons in the top flight came crashing to an end.

They now find themselves back in the Championship once again and are looking to return to the top level at the first time of asking under Daniel Farke.

The Whites brought the German head coach to Elland Road to replace Sam Allardyce and he arrived in Yorkshire with a proven track record at this level.

As shown in the table above, Farke knows how to win promotion from the Championship and could use his experience with Norwich to achieve similar success with Leeds.

The Whites are fifth in the table after 11 matches and have won three of their last four league matches as it stands, as the German head coach and his summer signings have made a positive impact on the club.

Ethan Ampadu, in particular, has been an impressive addition to the squad after his move to Elland Road during the summer transfer window, and the manager may already have the dream long-term heir to him in the form of U21 midfielder Darko Gyabi.

How much did Leeds pay for Ampadu?

The Athletic reported that the Whites agreed a deal to sign the Wales international from Premier League side Chelsea for an initial fee of £7m, plus add-ons.

They swooped to sign the 23-year-old battler after he spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan to Spezia in Italy and caught the eye with his performances abroad.

Ampadu started 32 Serie A matches for his former club and provided a consistent screen in front of the back four to sniff out opposition attacks on a regular basis.

The Welsh enforcer made 3.3 tackles and interceptions and three clearances per game for Spezia, and showcased his physical strength with a duel success rate of 57%, as per Sofacore. In fact, he ranked within the top 21% of centre-backs for tackles (2.25) per 90 at that level.

He also displayed his quality in possession with 4.26 progressive passes and 0.95 progressive carries per 90 for the Italian side in Serie A. This placed him within the top 15% of his positional peers for the former and the top 22% for the latter.

These statistics suggest that Leeds were signing a proactive player as he was aggressive in his defensive contributions for Spezia and looked to progress his team up the pitch through his passing and dribbling qualities.

How has Ampadu performed this season?

Farke looked at his traits and has opted to utilise him in a central midfield role for Leeds this season, which is a position that he has thrived in so far.

The impressive battler has hit the ground running in Yorkshire with his sublime performances in midfield, as the ex-Chelsea man has contributed to the play in and out of possession.

Ampadu has averaged 3.7 tackles and interceptions per match across 11 Championship appearances for the Whites. Only Luke Ayling (2.7) has made more tackles per outing and only Joe Rodon (1.6) has made more interceptions per clash within the Leeds squad.

This shows that the £7.5k-per-week ace has been outstanding from a defensive perspective, which is backed up by his ranking among midfielders in the division.

As per FBref, Ampadu ranks within the top 11% of his positional peers for clearances (1.91) and blocks (2.18) per 90, whilst also being within the top 40% of midfielders for tackles (2.27), interceptions (1.36), and aerial battles won (1.09) per 90 respectively.

These statistics show that he has been well above average in comparison to the rest of the players in his position at Championship level this season at cutting out opposition attacks to help his team.

Ampadu also ranks within the top 35% of midfielders for progressive passes (5.73) and progressive carries (1.45) per 90 respectively, which shows that he is offering quality to push his team up the pitch alongside his defensive contributions.

His impressive form this term shows that there would be big shoes to fill if Farke ever needs to replace him, whether that is due to a move elsewhere or an injury or suspension, but Gyabi could emerge as a dream heir from the academy.

How many appearances has Gyabi made for Leeds?

The superb 19-year-old, who was once hailed for his "complete" U21 midfield display by journalist Joe Donnohue, has played five first-team matches for the club since his move from Manchester City in 2022.

Gyabi came off the bench against Ipswich in the Championship in August and has been an unused substitute in four other league matches this term, which suggests that Farke already views him as a squad option at senior level.

The teenage ace is a combative midfielder who is also able to drive forward with the ball, and this suggests that he could fulfil the role that Ampadu is currently shining in at Elland Road.

In the EFL Trophy last season, Gyabi caught the eye with three tackles and interceptions per game and a duel success rate of 60% across three matches against Bolton Wanderers, Tranmere Rovers, and Crewe Alexandra.

The former Cityzens youngster also showcased his ability in possession with 1.7 completed dribbles, with a success rate of 87%, and one assist in those games, as per Sofascore.

These performances were not a flash in the pan for the Leeds prospect as he impressed at the U20 World Cup for England over the summer.

Gyabi made 3.1 tackles and interceptions and completed 2.5 dribbles per game over the course of four outings at the tournament for his country.

These statistics suggest that, like Ampadu, the midfield machine is able to cut out opposition attacks on a regular basis with his defensive contributions.

Along with that, Gyabi can progress his team up the pitch with his ability to drive forward and past opponents with the ball at his feet to then find teammates in advanced positions.

Therefore, the England U20 international appears to be an exciting prospect for the Whites and a player who could have the quality to be the heir to Ampadu's midfield crown if he can translate those performances to first-team level.

Lionel Messi says he will know when the time is right to call time on his illustrious career but has yet to contemplate life away from the field.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Messi talks about retirement in podcast interview
• Says he will "know" when time is right
• Hopes to continue competing for a "while longer"

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a rare interview, Messi gave fans an insight into a host of topics including his dramatic Barcelona exit and his World Cup win with Argentina. When the discussion moved onto the subject of retirement, the megastar was adamant that he will recognise when the time is right but remains keen to keep playing as long as he feels content.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

  "I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer ready to perform, that I no longer enjoy myself or help my teammates, I will quit," Messi told the podcast.

  "I am very self-critical with myself, I know when I am good, when I am bad, when I play well and when I play badly. When I feel it's time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age. If I feel good I will always try to continue competing because that's what I like and what I know how to do".

  Despite the talk of retirement, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has yet to consider what he will do when he does hang his boots up. "I have not yet thought about what I will do when I retire, today I try to enjoy the day to day, the moments, without thinking about the future. I don't have anything clear yet, I hope to continue playing for a while longer, which is what I like.

  "When the time comes, I will surely find the way to do what fulfils me and what I like and a new role. On a sporting level I was lucky to be able to achieve all my dreams and the truth is that I can't ask for more."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The mere suggestion of Messi's retirement is enough to put fans all over the world on edge. But beneath the matter-of-fact statement that one day he will know the time has come is the reassurance that at the age of 36, one of the game's greats is still enjoying himself to the point where he has yet to even consider life after playing.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?

  Major injuries are something that Messi has thankfully avoided over the course of his career but the Argentina captain has suffered a number of minor niggles since his move to Florida. Having missed his country's recent friendlies, Inter Miami will hope to have their captain back from his latest knock for their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final against Monterrey on April 3.

Barcelona star Pedri says Lionel Messi is “without doubt” ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate, despite the Portuguese being “great as well”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• All-time greats spent careers locked in battle
• Blaugrana star a big fan of Argentine icon
• Currently working his way back from injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Two iconic figures of the modern era have spent their respective careers battling with one another for the right to be considered the best player on the planet, and potentially the greatest of all-time. Messi now has eight Ballons d’Or on his roll of honour, compared to Ronaldo’s five, but both have countless records and major trophies to their name.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT PEDRI SAID

  Pedri, who worked alongside Messi at Camp Nou prior to the Argentine’s move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, has told when asked for his take on the long-running GOAT discussion: “Messi, without a doubt. But Cristiano is a great player as well.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pedri is considered to be a potential Golden Ball winner himself, with there more to come from him at 21 years of age, but he has bizarrely stated when asked what he hopes to be doing in 10 years time – with a nod of sorts being offered to playmaking idol Andres Iniesta: “Playing football, and bald. I have always wanted to go bald.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Pedri is currently out of action again at Barcelona, with there “no specific date” in place for his latest return from injury, but he will be hoping to aid the Blaugrana’s efforts to land another Champions League crown in 2024.

Just when it looked like Manchester United were finally embarking on a decent run of form, they run into Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City juggernaut.

City came away from Old Trafford with a resounding 3-0 win that piles the pressure on Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils have never looked so poor.

It is a stark contrast to their solid debut campaign under the Dutchman, where they won a trophy and qualified for the Champions League, yet there have been too many players who have failed to really kick on and assert their dominance from 2022/23.

Marcus Rashford is a key example, as the Englishman has been a shadow of his former self recently and was practically non-existent during the Manchester derby.

Marcus Rashford's game in numbers

Rashford was deployed in his usual position on the left wing yet he once again failed to have the required impact that Ten Hag needed in a game of this magnitude.

The £300k-per-week gem was on the pitch for 86 minutes, but he completed just 11 passes and took only 28 touches, looking completely isolated.

The winger also failed to have a single shot on target, missed a big chance while succeeding with just one of his five dribble attempts, and performances like these simply can’t be tolerated anymore.

What made matters worse is that his display against the Citizens was so poor that even Andre Onana had more influence in possession of the ball, completing 32 passes and registering 55 touches, 27 more than the aforementioned Englishman, as per Sofascore.

If the Old Trafford side wish to challenge for the top honours, being reliant on someone like Rashford, who is very much Jekyll and Hyde this season, is a recipe for disaster.

Marcus Rashford's season in numbers

During the 2022/23 campaign, the 25-year-old registered a mammoth 41 goal contributions – 30 goals and 11 assists – across 56 matches, and it finally looked as though he had a manager who could bring out the best in him.

This has proven to be a false dawn, however, as his goal contributions have dried up altogether, with the player managing to score just once while grabbing three assists during the current season; dismal form indeed.

Journalist Jonas Adnan Giæver described Rashford as “misfiring” recently due to his lack of threat in the opposition penalty area and this is a big cause of concern for the Dutchman.

Perhaps a spell out of the team would be a wise move, allowing someone like Alejandro Garnacho to come in and stake his claim for a regular slot in the starting XI.

Indeed, the young Argentinian has scored the same amount of goals as Rashford during the current campaign and given Ten Hag needs a greater attacking threat, the 19-year-old could take advantage of the situation.

The display against City was lethargic, insipid and downright woeful, yet unless Ten Hag makes the big calls and takes chances on talented youngsters, nothing will change and Rashford will continue to look isolated on the left wing.

Mikel Arteta hasn’t faced many troubles during his time as manager of Arsenal but the last five days have been tough.

The Gunners were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in humiliating circumstances as they tasted a 3-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium before losing back-to-back games on Saturday inside the cauldron of St James’ Park.

Truth be told, Arsenal were not awful against Newcastle but the manner of their 1-0 loss will be a concern.

Yes, the officials played their part with Anthony Gordon’s strike going through four minutes worth of VAR checks before being given, but Arteta’s men never looked like scoring.

Wave after wave of attack came late on and after several corners, of which Leandro Trossard failed to beat the first man, they left the north east with no points.

It is only the first time the north Londoners have lost in the Premier League this term yet they now find themselves three points off Manchester City having both played 11 matches. Arsenal have even beaten City this term. Oh how ruthless the English top-flight can be.

Beyond their position in the table now, Arteta should also be worried about the performance of some of his summer signings. Knowing the Spaniard, he will back his players but he has created a problem in David Raya and Kai Havertz.

The former didn’t cover himself in glory for the goal and in the words of Jamie Carragher, looks “absolutely all over the place” at the moment.

Kai Havertz’s stats this season

The German arrived at the Emirates Stadium a few months ago for a whopping fee of £65m. This wasn’t the way supporters imagined Granit Xhaka’s replacement arriving.

It must be stated that Havertz isn’t like Xhaka. You only need to watch a few minutes of the the former Chelsea star in action to realise that.

His slender and tall frame is something that immediately catches the eye, which when paired with Declan Rice in midfield makes for a powerful midfield. Havertz’s ability to ride a challenge and win earlier battles, therefore, are among his best strengths.

Versus fellow midfield players in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, he ranks within the top 4% of players for aerials won. Xhaka, by comparison, is in the best 33%. The difference is evidently night and day.

That said, the Swiss leads the way for goal involvement. Had you thought of that possibility when Havertz first arrived in England, you’d have been laughed out of the Emirates. The latter was a fine player in the Bundesliga, creating and scoring goals with regularity. In the Premier League, that has been far from the case.

He is in the worst percentile of forwards in Europe for non-penalty goals over the last year, which is hardly surprising when his only strike this season came from the spot against Bournemouth.

It has been a sorry start to the season for the 24-year-old whose expensive price tag is doing him no favours.

The Germany international looks forlorn and is lacking confidence. He is frustrated and can’t seem to nail down a position. It’s a problem of Arteta’s doing, but Xhaka’s own Arsenal experience is a cautionary tale to write someone off before they’ve reached their peak.

Kai Havertz stats vs Newcastle

Truth be told Havertz wasn’t awful against the Toon on Saturday evening. In fact, with Martin Odegaard injured it gave him more freedom to roam in behind Eddie Nketiah. Did it work? Arguably not, but there were some promising signs.

According to Sofascore, the attacking midfielder drew two fouls with his clever forward play and won eight duels. Once more, that physical nature to his play caught the eye again.

However, on another day Arsenal may well have been down to ten men after a “stupid” moment – as Gary Neville criticised him – in the first half nearly let Arteta down.

Havertz, clearly frustrated by the lack of openings in the first 45 lunged in on Sean Longstaff. His right boot was inches away from making contact with the Newcastle midfielder’s shin. Had that happened, it was a straight red. Thank you and good night.

Fortunately, his trailing leg, albeit still in an aggressive manner caught the Toon player and a yellow card was brandished.

What followed was a scuffle on the touchline. Understandably so on the part of the Newcastle team but it led to three of Eddie Howe’s men being booked for their reactions. Well done Havertz, it must be said.

Unfortunately, that ability to rile the opposition was about as good as it got for the former Leverkusen man.

During the course of the game, the young German lost possession of the ball 15 times, the third-highest number on the pitch behind Joelinton and Gabriel Martinelli. His pass success rate of 70% meanwhile, was only worse than two starters in red and white; Nketiah and Raya.

This was another poor night for the £280k-per-week earner and one that has only upped the pressure on his performance levels. For now, Arteta must take him out of the firing line and rely on alternative options.

Harry Kane is looking forward to returning to north London when his Bayern Munich team take on Arsenal in the Champions League, Leroy Sane says.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kane has 38 goals for Bayern Munich
• German giants struggling despite his form
• Sane says he is fired up for London return

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Tottenham star comes up against his old rivals on Tuesday for the first time since he left the English capital to join Bayern last summer. The two teams face off in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie and Sane says his co-star is fired up for the match.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane has scored a whopping 38 goals in 37 matches in all competitions for the Bavarian side, including 10 goals in his last eight. However, Bayern have not been able to fully capitalise on the 30-year-old's awesome form, having lost to Borussia Dortmund and Heidenheim in their last two games to fall 16 points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, giving their rivals the chance to seal their first ever title this weekend.

• WHAT SANE SAID

  Sane has backed the England international to keep up his scoring run on Tuesday, saying at a press conference: "I hope he continues his run against Arsenal. He always helps us, he scores lots of goals. It'll definitely be a special game for him. He's really looking forward to it. It's easy to play with him because he's a clever player. He knows how his teammates play and tries to use that and to help his teammates. We have a very good connection. He's a very good striker."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Kane has an excellent record against Arsenal, having netted 14 goals in 19 appearances against the Gunners. Mikel Arteta has told his team how to keep the forward silent for the headline clash, and Kane will hope to haunt his former foes once again.

Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz have had fun playing with a TikTok filter that morphed them into a solider and priest respectively.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Swiss star back with Brazilian beau
• Making the most of free time
• All smiles on journey to event

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Aston Villa stars, who rekindled their romance towards the end of 2023, have been hanging out again during a break in their respective Premier League and WSL playing schedules. Luiz was banned for Villa’s victory over Arsenal at the weekend, while Lehmann is not due to be back in action until Wednesday.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  They have been making the most of an opportunity to spend some quality time together, with the pair going for a dog walk that saw Lehmann sport a pair of roller skates – leading to her clinging to the arm of her partner in a bid to remain upright.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Lehmann and Luiz have also got dressed up for a big night out, with the couple being escorted to an event staged by the Brazil Football Federation. En route to that destination, with time to fill, Lehmann and Luiz used a TikTok filter to transform themselves into a solider and priest!

Sunderland bounced back from an underwhelming 0-0 stalemate away at Swansea City with an impressive 3-1 home win over Birmingham City last match, Jobe Bellingham stealing the headlines with a goal against his former boyhood club to help the Black Cats pick up three points.

Tony Mowbray's side find themselves in the last playoff spot in the current Championship standings off the back of that victory, clinging onto sixth spot on goal difference with West Brom and Hull City breathing down their necks in the positions directly below them.

The Durham-based outfit are continuing to succeed in the second tier without an out-and-out clinical striker at this moment in time, centre-back Daniel Ballard even outscoring first-team strikers Nazariy Rusyn, Mason Burstow and Luis Semedo with two goals whilst the trio of attackers spurn chances and fire blanks with zero goals between them.

Mowbray could well unleash U21's striker Harry Gardiner into the first-team fold as a result, the 20-year-old has been gearing up for a senior opportunity for some time now with goal after goal for the Black Cats at youth level.

Gardiner's numbers this season

Described as "ruthless" by Sunderland U21s boss Graeme Murty earlier this year after a Premier League 2 contest, Gardiner could well be just the merciless striker the Black Cats desire to lead the line in the Championship.

Gardiner has five goals from eight games in total so far this season, which included a mini purple patch of netting in three successive contests to boost his team.

This blistering personal goalscoring run saw Gardiner nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Month for September, recognised for his exceptional contributions at U21 level.

It's led to shouts for the 20-year-old to be considered in Mowbray's first-team plans, the young attacker maturing even more on loan away at non-league South Shields recently to get a taste of senior action.

The Sunderland manager could well be tempted to throw the deadly attacker into the deep end of the Championship soon, especially if his current crop of Black Cats strikers continue to misfire.

Sunderland's first-team strikers this season

Sunderland have displayed the importance of the collective unit this season so far, goals spread out amongst the group instead of a lethal forward taking all the limelight.

Yet, there will be mounting worries if the likes of Rusyn, Burstow and Semedo continue to perform to their current standard for much longer – not a single goal hitting the back of the net from any of these young attackers in the second tier to date.

The overall performances from the first-team strikers at the Stadium of Light haven't inspired confidence either, away from obvious grievances surrounding their ineffectiveness in front of goal.

Burstow – who is on loan from Chelsea – lost all four of his aerial duels up against Blackburn Rovers earlier in the season as per Sofascore which saw the Black Cats win 3-1 on their travels irrespective of their underperforming young loanee.

Mowbray could well begin to have his patience tested with the current crop of attackers he has at his disposal in the senior side, looking instead to the U21s and to Gardiner to give him a much-deserved first-team berth to see how he copes under similar pressures.

Tottenham have reportedly been looking at signing a "dominant" Champions League player for manager Ange Postecoglou.

Injuries ravage Spurs squad

In the last three weeks, it's safe to say injuries have seriously taken their toll on Spurs' squad – putting a real dampener on their otherwise electric start to the Premier League season.

Lange could move for "massive" £60m defender after Spurs meeting this week

There’s been internal discussions ahead of January.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 24, 2023

The north Londoners have suffered defeats in two of their last encounters without the likes of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie to choose from in their starting eleven.

Udogie, in a rare boost for Postecoglou, is set to return to the fold when Spurs take on Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow – but the Australian has been dealt two new problems.

Concerns surround the fitness of Pape Matar Sarr, as per Postecoglou's latest press conference, while highly-rated young defender Ashley Phillips is set to be out for around a month after picking up an injury on international duty.

Phillips joins some of the aforementioned, Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon and Richarlison on the treatment table at Spurs, prompting them to look at the January market for solutions.

Where Tottenham could strengthen in January

The Lilywhites are reportedly chasing a left-sided centre-back as cover for van de Ven, leading to Spurs' interest in signing Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth among others.

Uruguay defender Sebastian Caceres, Everton's Ben Godfrey, Chelsea ace Trevoh Chalobah, Genoa star Radu Dragusin, Union Saint-Gilloise's Koki Machida, Benfica starlet Morato, Englishman Jarrad Branthwaite and Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio stand out as other defenders linked with a move to Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Postecoglou is apparently keen on signing a winger to bolster that area of the squad, coming amid injuries to Solomon, Perisic and Richarlison.

Spurs have been tipped with interest in Al-Ittihad winger Jota and Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior as a result, but according to Sky Sports, a new name has entered the frame.

Spurs look at signing Johan Bakayoko

According to the broadcast giant, and journalist Lyall Thomas, Tottenham are interested in signing Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven.

The Dutchman is also a target for Brentford, and while there is little else added other than Spurs' fondness for the player, it is clear to see why sporting director Johan Lange has his eyes on Bakayoko.

He's dazzled in the Champions League for PSV so far this season, as relayed by Sky as well – scoring against RC Lens and adding another assist over four group games.

The 20-year-old appears to have a bright future, having racked up six assists in the Eredivisie already as well, with former PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy calling him a "dominant" forward (ESPN via livefootballontv).

“He is so dominant, sometimes you forget that he is eighteen," said van Nistelrooy two years ago.

“He’s a boy who, if he continues to invest in what he’s doing now, hopefully at the end of the season can make a nice step towards first. He’s worked hard on multiple facets of his game, and that’s showing through now. Maintaining this level in the longer term is his goal.”

USMNT “brotherhood” Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Yunus Musah put club rivalries to one side after AC Milan’s clash with Juventus.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bianconeri in action against Rossoneri
• Spoils shared in a goalless draw
• All friends again at the final whistle

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States internationals are now plying their respective domestic trades in Italy. McKennie has been on the books at Juve since 2020, while Pulisic, Musah and Weah all made their way to Serie A when completing transfers in the summer of 2023.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McKennie has been thriving in Turin this season, while Weah is still striving to become more than an impact substitute for the Bianconeri. Pulisic has posted a personal-best goal return of 13 efforts at AC Milan, with Musah’s obvious potential in the process of being unlocked at San Siro.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty/GOAL
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  That quartet locked horns with precious points up for grabs in their latest Serie A outing, with the spoils ultimately being shared at the end of a 0-0 draw. Friendships were put on hold for 90 minutes, but warm embraces afterwards proved to the USMNT camp that “brotherhood” is “above all”.