All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool supporters have been left stunned by a brilliant piece of skill by Naby Keita while on international duty with Guinea.

The Reds drew 2-2 at home to Manchester City last Sunday, before the international break got underway.

Jurgen Klopp’s men aren’t back in action until October 16th when they make a trip to Vicarage Road to take on newly-promoted Watford.

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One player who could feature in that game is Keita, with the 26-year-old falling out of favour a little lately, not coming on at all against City.

Jordan Henderson is struggling for form, however, and the Guinean could be seen as a good option to come in.

On Thursday, an eye-catching clip of Keita producing a superb piece of skill emerged on Twitter [via Lewis Bower], with the midfielder nutmegging his opponent with a cheeky back-heel along the sideline.

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Liverpool fans laud Keita

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to hail Keita.

“The content I wanna see during the int’l break”

Credit: @Trentsque

“Nabyyyyy laa”

Credit: @Nabysback

“Filthy”

Credit: @LewYNWA

“Yes lad!”

Credit: @LeonUncle_

“Ridiculous technician”

Credit: @Bk8iP3

“YESSSSSSSSS LADDD”

Credit: @irishred306

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to an update on Mohamed Salah’s future. Read more here.

Nuno Santo’s return to UEFA Europa Conference League action on Thursday evening as they welcome Slovenian champions NS Mura to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Things have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, having lost three straight heavy defeats in the Premier League after Sunday’s north London disappointment.

The Portuguese head coach blamed himself for his team selection at the Emirates Stadium and he will have plenty to ponder ahead of kickoff this evening.

One of Spurs’ biggest issues right now is in the final third – they look lacklustre in attack and have really struggled to score goals, even when they were winning, it was merely by a 1-0 margin.

After six league games, Spurs rank last for average number of shots per game (9.3) and sit second-bottom for expected goals (5.47 xG), which only goes to show just how severe the problem is at the club.

The likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli have consistently failed to step up to be the team’s main creator in attacking midfield. It’s been a massive, and underlying, issue ever since Christian Eriksen departed for Inter Milan in January 2020.

However, the difference is, Nuno could well have a solution right under his nose, thanks to the moves sporting director Fabio Paratici made in the transfer market this summer.

He managed to offload the injury-prone Erik Lamela and in return, secured a promising Spanish gem in Bryan Gil – a flair player capable of pulling the strings and linking the midfield to the attack.

The 20-year-old wizard simply has to start this evening if the Portuguese is to turn things around. He’s now under mounting pressure to deliver results and Gil would aid his chances substantially.

Valued at £27m, the Spain U21 international has already been likened to the Danish playmaker, as well as another former Spurs midfield dynamo, Luka Modric.

“I think they’ve just got to nail down that role for him. As soon as they nail down that role, I think we’re going to see a very talented young player coming to the fore. He’s kind of got a bit of everything: he can pass, he can dribble, he’s very creative, he has clever movement,” said football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

“They’ve just got to decide, is he a guy that can ultimately become the new Eriksen, because the more and more I watch him play, I think the ability’s there to do that. Some have even made a Modric comparison and said, maybe he could end up coming even deeper and becoming that kind of player.”

Gil averaged 1.7 crosses and 1.9 key passes per 90 in La Liga last season, as per WhoScored, which certainly suggests that he’s a player that looks to create chances frequently.

This season, Heung-min Son and Steven Bergwijn top the charts, managing 1.5 key passes per 90 but these are returns still below that of the young prodigy.

As a player that has been described as a “big talent”, “exciting” and one with “unbelievable amounts of technique”, it’s time for Nuno to unleash the rarely-seen gem a lot more often.

There’s only so long he can continue to count on his more senior figures, especially as they continue to let him down.

Gil must start against Mura this evening. It could be a game-changing call from a manager under intense scrutiny right now.

AND in other news, Nuno could finally axe Dele Alli if Spurs secure “explosive” £36m-rated “young Salah”…

Glasgow Rangers are now reportedly at risk of losing Alfredo Morelos on the cheap.

The Lowdown: Porto links drag on

Morelos has been heavily linked with a move to FC Porto before the summer transfer window ends, although it has recently been reported that the Ibrox faithful are not expecting an offer for him from the Portuguese club.

He has reportedly already agreed personal terms with them, but until a firm offer comes in, he will stay at the Light Blues for the foreseeable future.

The Latest: Another twist

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), Morelos ‘could become cheaper’ now that Steven Gerrard’s men have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds by Swedish team Malmo.

Originally, he would not be sold for a fee of anything less than €15m (£12.8m), although going out of the Champions League now ‘opens the exit door’ for the Colombia international, potentially to Porto.

The Verdict: Keep

The Gers should not be going down any lower than their original asking price if they are to end up selling Morelos, even though they were knocked out of the Champions League.

Dubbed a ‘top class’ player by Gerrard after yet another impressive display for his side last season, the striker is such a key player for RFC, scoring no fewer than 17 goals and supplying a further 13 assists in 44 matches in total over all competitions across their 2020/21 title-winning season (Transfermarkt).

At 25 years of age as well, he has not hit his peak yet, and so Rangers could wait another year or two for his valuation to go up before getting him off of their books.

In other news, find out what the latest is on Rangers’ alleged interest in one of their former players here!

As per reliable reporter Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard, some news has emerged on West Ham and their hunt for a new striker.

The Lowdown: West Ham still in the market…

The Irons’ centre-forward pursuit can be stretched all the way back to January, when David Moyes confirmed that offers had been made for Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri.

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This is to solve the lack of cover for star striker Michail Antonio, especially taking into account his injury history, and despite the club’s efforts, they still haven’t managed to land an alternative to the Jamaica international.

The search is still on, however, as Rosser brings an update involving FC Copenhagen striker Jonas Wind.

The Latest: West Ham weigh bid…

As per The Evening Standard, West Ham – and by extension head of recruitment Rob Newman – are ‘weighing up a move’ for the prolific Dane, who has bagged a senior career total of 45 goals for his current club.

Indeed, a striker apparently ‘remains high’ on Moyes’ shopping list ahead of January as he looks to maintain the Hammers’ head-turning start to the 2021/22 campaign.

The Verdict: Good option…

Over his appearances for Copenhagen this season, Wind has showcased a real proficiency in front of goal with 10 across all competitions already, along with six assists (Transfermarkt).

He’s also a towering presence at 6 foot 2 and could possess a physicality suited to the tough nature of Premier League football.

In a further incentive for West Ham to move for him, it is believed that the 22-year-old could leave his current club for as little as £11m in January, as recently claimed by Ekstra Bladet (via Sport Witness).

Amid the Irons’ links to Andrea Belotti and Adam Hlozek, Wind could come as a shrewd alternative.

In other news: ‘I’m alive’, ‘We baaaccckkk’ – Many West Ham fans react as Irons set for striker swoop, find out more here.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has revealed that Anwar El Ghazi’s long-term future at Aston Villa is uncertain, and even raised the possibility of the club looking to move him on.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Serie A giants AS Roma have made an approach to sign the winger, with Dean Smith now willing to let him go as he looks to try and revamp his attack ahead of the new Premier League season.

When asked about those reports linking the Dutchman with an exit from Villa Park, Preece replied: “He’s got less than two years left on his deal and there’s been no talk whatsoever about Villa wanting to extend it which tells you everything.

“It’s a big season for AEG who *could* be sold for a small profit. I am, though, expecting him to stay knowing Trezeguet’s out long term. AEG scored 10 last season; his Villa career is in the balance going into this one…”

Villa fans will be worried

While consistency is something which has affected El Ghazi badly in his time at Villa Park – last season score the bulk of his 10 Premier League goals in just two purple patches over the course of the campaign – there’s no questioning that he’s got the talent.

Speaking after his goal against Crystal Palace earlier this year, former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown said: “Dean Smith told me his training in how he executes those finishes is there for all to see. Craig Shakespeare then backed him straight up when I ran into him later, he just said ‘what a technician he is.’

“He’s practising in training, he has a bad week against Burnley: eight shots, great chances, can’t put one away. Then he scores against West Brom, then goes and puts one in the top bins like he did last night… Magnificent is the word we’re all looking for.”

The Dutchman was the club’s second highest scorer last season, behind only Ollie Watkins, while his underlying stats make for impressive reading.

As per WhoScored, he ranked second in the entire squad for shots per game, second in crosses, and in the top six for dribbles per match in the Premier League – that’s a real testament to how he’s always tried to make things happen whenever he’s been afforded the chance to play.

Potentially letting El Ghazi go, without first signing a top-quality replacement, would be bad business and could worry fans over the strength in depth in those wide positions.

At just 25, the Dutchman still has the peak years of his career ahead of him, and the fact he was only outscored by Watkins last season despite not always being a regular starter shows that he does have the ability to be a good player for Villa.

Preece’s latest update may worry fans.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing this Brazilian ace…

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with several top-class managers, however they have all eventually been ruled out of taking the hot-seat in north London.

Someone who does appear keen though is Paulo Fonseca, with The Guardian reporting on Monday he has agreed to become their new manager, and former Spurs cup final hero Paul Stewart believes that would be an underwhelming appointment.

Fonseca has been in discussions with Spurs about succeeding Jose Mourinho, the man who has replaced him at Roma this summer, and it was a mixed season for Fonseca at Roma as he guided them to a Europa League semi-final but could only see his side finish seventh in Serie A.

There had been a lot of talk about former boss Mauricio Pochettino returning, however having just joined PSG earlier this year it proved to be a difficult deal to sort out and thus, that has led Daniel Levy to the tail end of his list of potential managers.

Spurs are in clear need of a rebuild with star players potentially leaving as well as an ageing backline, so it would be a huge job for Fonseca but before he’s even been given the job. Stewart believes that it would be an underwhelming appointment and he explained why, exclusively to Football FanCast:

“To say the least, it would be underwhelming. Fans thought that Pochettino might have come back and a lot were hoping that it would come to fruition because there are not a lot of options out there.”

When Roma faced Manchester United in the Europa League semi-final, it started well with the Italians looking dangerous in the final third and on the counter-attack, however once the Red Devils settled then Roma’s defensive frailties and inability to retain the ball were exposed for all to see and in the league, it wasn’t much better conceding 58 goals, the most in the top half of Serie A.

Considering Spurs’ squad is not one of the best in the league it could cost over £100 million to make them serious contenders for the Europa League next season.

Steve Howey thinks deadline day arrival Santiago Munoz could go on to become a revelation at Newcastle United.

The Magpies wrapped up their transfer business by securing the services of Munoz on an 18-month loan deal, which has the option to buy, from Mexican top flight side Santos Laguna.

The striker may already have an affinity with the Toon Army as he shares a similar name to the fictional hero Santiago Munez in the 2005 movie Goal! which involves a Mexican striker joining Newcastle and firing them into the Champions League.

While it will be difficult for Munoz to match that storyline, particularly as he will start out in the Tyneside club’s academy set-up, he heads to the Premier League having scored three goals in the Mexican top flight despite being just 19.

The teenager became Newcastle’s second signing of the window, following the £20million acquisition of former loanee Joe Willock.

Former Magpies defender Howey hopes Munoz, who has won three caps for the Mexico under-23s, will prove to be a success story.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “Sometimes you can get a player that you haven’t heard of and, all of a sudden, he is a revelation.

“It’s about doing your due diligence and research when looking into a player you’re going to get.

“The recruitment people have to be spot on because he isn’t tried and tested and Newcastle can’t afford to waste any money.”

Carlton Palmer has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Everton would allow Ainsley Maitland-Niles to get out and play regular first-team football.

The 24-year-old has played just 48 minutes for Arsenal this season and doesn’t appear likely to get many opportunities in a competitive right-back spot.

Maitland Niles has previously showed his versatility by playing at left wing-back in the Gunners’ FA Cup triumph two years ago, and also in midfield, but David Ornstein believes that he wants to remain at full-back.

According to The Athletic, Everton were in talks with the Arsenal man over a loan move to Goodison Park, but his boyhood have since rejected an approach.

Seemingly frustrated with Arsenal, Maitland-Niles has since expressed his frustration on Instagram by posting on his story that he simply wants to play and be wanted.

With Hector Bellerin, Cedric and Calum Chambers all battling it out for the right-back spot under Mikel Arteta, Maitland-Niles could still move away from Arsenal before the window closes.

And Palmer told The Transfer Tavern that he would be on board with a switch to the blue half of Merseyside:

“He needs to get out and play. Benitez is a very good manager; he knows what he’s doing. If he can get games in the Premier League, that’s what he needs to do to improve as a footballer.”

Leeds United are set to be handed a major boost as news emerges from Thorp Arch about some key work being undergone at the club’s training ground.

What’s the story?

After having to relay the pitch at Elland Road earlier last season due to the awful conditions, the Whites have now begun work on their training ground, with head groundsman at Thorp Arch, Stefan Jones, posting a picture on Twitter of the progress so far.

And in response, former Leeds man Noel Whelan spoke of just how important it is for the pitches at Thorp Arch to be in top condition and saying that it could give Bielsa a real advantage.

He said: “Our pitch is definitely getting dug up. They’re going to spend a lot of money on getting the surface right at Elland Road. I think when you think about the style of play that we like to play, it’s imperative that you get the pitches, training pitches, everything that’s going to give you that extra edge over other teams.

“The surface is a massive part of it, the way we play. We’re on the deck, we’re quick, we’re a very counter-attacking side. It is two or three passes that lead to a goal.

“You get a feel of it and for progression of players, this is what you need to have now. You know you need to have those standards set high on and off the field.

“That’s exactly what Leeds United are doing. They’re not going to leave any money in the bank not to give everyone that added advantage to play the style of football that’s been so attractive to watch.”

Bielsa will be relieved

Given the kind of football that Leeds like to play – fast, counter-attacking and slick on the ground – ensuring that their preparation ahead of the actual game at the weekend is done on surfaces that reflect a top-tier Premier League pitch will be much welcome.

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The state of the pitch at Elland Road came under a lot of scrutiny and there’s no questioning that Bielsa himself would not have been happy at how it turned out.

The fact that work is already being done back at Thorp Arch to ensure the training grounds are up to scratch, will give the Leeds boss a bit of confidence that the club are taking the right steps to ensuring things are much better prepared this time around.

Getting Thorp Arch in prime condition is a great start. Making sure Elland Road is the same will be the next step.

Meanwhile, Graham Smyth has dropped an exciting update…

Former top flight goalkeeper Paddy Kenny believes Sadio Mane will sign a new Liverpool deal this summer after what he’s seen in recent weeks.

The Lowdown: Mane’s future up in the air

The Senegalese has returned to top form recently, scoring crucial goals against the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United, not to mention taking his tally for the season to 19 overall.

There is some concern surrounding Mane’s future at Liverpool, however, with his current deal expiring next year and a new contract not yet signed.

There appears to have been positive progress made in recent times, though, and the hope is that the situation is sorted in the near future.

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The Latest: Pundit confident of new deal

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny, 43, dropped his verdict after seeing Mane’s red-hot recent form:

“He’s frighteningly good, isn’t he?”

“There is no way he’s leaving. Liverpool have one of the best attacks in the world and they don’t want to weaken that. He has proved how good he is over the last few weeks, not that we needed anymore proof.

“He’s one of the ones who is out of contract next summer so you would think Liverpool will want to tie him down with some of the goals he’s been scoring.

“I think that will get sorted. They want to keep Salah and Mane, those kinds of world-class players.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Liverpool

There have been times when Mane has dropped below his absolute peak level, but his recent form is proof that he still has a huge amount to offer.

While 30 used to be seen as ‘old’ for a footballer, the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema are proof that players can go well into their 30s now at the very highest level.

For that reason, giving Mane a new deal is a no-brainer for Liverpool, with the African superstar capable of being a force for three or four more years, at least.

In other news, another Premier League side could sign a Liverpool target. Find out who it is here.