All posts by z3u9t.icu

Dan Sheldon, Southampton correspondent for The Athletic, was critical of goalkeeper Fraser Forster during the 1-1 draw against Leeds United. 

The lowdown: The battle for no.1

The 34-year-old stopper has had to fight hard for a place in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and was recalled when the previous incumbent of the gloves, Alex McCarthy, injured his hamstring in December.

Since then Forster has started 13 consecutive Premier League matches as veteran ‘keeper Willy Caballero acts as deputy.

As the Saints made it four league games without a victory at Elland Road, the former Celtic ace came in for criticism for his role in the opening goal.

The latest: Sheldon unimpressed

Hosting a post-match Q&A on The Athletic for Southampton supporters, the journalist was prompted to provide his thoughts after Leeds winger Jack Harrison poked the ball beyond the stranded Saints star, who had earlier tamely attempted to punch clear.

Described as a ‘howler’ in the question, Sheldon responded: “He (Forster) certainly didn’t cover himself in glory with Leeds’ goal!”

Overall, it was indeed an afternoon to forget for the towering six-cap England man, as Forster completed just 8/31 passes (26%), 5/28 long balls and the all-important error leading to the goal – earning a lowly rating of 6.30 (Sofascore).

Ultimately it was Southampton talisman James Ward-Prowse who spared the shot-stopper’s blushes as the captain scored a trademark free-kick to level the game and earn a valuable point.

The verdict: Credit in the bank?

Whilst this was far from an inspiring performance from the usually reliable Englishman, there should be no need for rash decisions when it comes to Hasenhuttl’s selection for the meeting with Chelsea.

Previously described as a ‘quality’ operator by Saints teammate Mohamed Elyounoussi, Forster has proven to be a worthy top-flight number one for some time now.

However, at 34 and out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt) with a 32-year-old McCarthy and 40-year-old Caballero waiting in the wings, perhaps the greater concern should be who takes the gloves in the long term at St Mary’s.

In other news: Pundit tips UCL chasing side to move for Saints star. Find out more here!

Jesse Marsch’s track record when it comes to developing young players is certainly impressive, so Leeds United’s latest up-and-coming prospects are in very good hands.

During spells in charge of Red Bull conglomerates, Salzburg and Leipzig, the American coach had many a talent at his disposal, trusting them to start for him in the senior game.

These names ranged from goalscoring superstar Erling Haaland and Patson Daka, who is now at Premier League rivals Leicester City, to mooted Whites transfer target Brenden Aaronson.

Whilst the likes of Hwang Hee-chan, Takumi Minamino, Dominik Szoboszlai, Karim Adeyemi, Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol have all benefitted from his influence.

Some of the players listed went on to score a pretty neat profit but who could follow in the footsteps of say, a Haaland, at Elland Road?

The Yorkshire giants are blessed with a pretty exciting academy set-up, where we have seen players such as Joe Gelhardt, Lewis Bate and Sam Greenwood go from starting for the youth team week-in, week-out, to earning minutes in the top-flight of the men’s game.

But it could be Leo Hjelde who benefits most from the arrival of Marsch.

The 18-year-old defender has recently been absent through injury but made his return on Monday night as the U23s were walloped by West Ham United, though these valuable minutes are positive for his comeback.

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Described as “rusty” in the game by LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, it was more of a first runout for the Nottingham-born Norwegian in two months.

Capable of playing at left-back and in the middle, Hjelde could be hugely valuable to the 48-year-old going forward, particularly into next season, where the makeup of this Leeds squad is surely set to change following a torrid season full of injury and inconsistency, leading to them largely fighting a relegation battle.

His debut for the Yorkshiremen came against West Ham United earlier this season highlighted his true potential, earning immense praise from club legend Jermain Beckford, who told the club’s official podcast:

“The young boy, Hjelde when he came on as well, what a player he’s looking by the way. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. But that’s twice we’ve seen him, twice we’ve seen him against West Ham, against a very physical, very strong, very quick centre forward in Michail Antonio and a tricky player in Jarrod Bowen. I don’t want to say he had them in his pocket, but I think he did.”

Meanwhile, during his time at Ross County, his former manager John Hughes likened him to a current Premier League star, which only bolsters claims that Hjelde could emerge as a big money-making sensation in the future.

“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk. Trust me on that,” he said. “The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo. He’s got massive things in front of him.”

Also dubbed a “massive talent” by his ex-boss, it’s clear that Leeds – and Marsch particularly – have a special defender in their grasp. He should be in line for more game time next season as the league’s worst defence will surely be altered.

The Norway U21 international could earn Leeds a pretty penny one day.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon drops 12-word Kalvin Phillips transfer update…

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Loads of West Ham fans have been reacting to a big update on a possible striker signing, as reports claim they will not move for Maxi Gomez this month.

According to The Evening Standard, West Ham’s £43.5m swoop for Gomez will definitely not happen on deadline day.

The report claims Celta Vigo will not release the striker this month because they are in a relegation battle.

The Spanish outfit currently sit 18th in La Liga, two points adrift of safety, and Gomez is pretty much their only source of goals.

Look away Arsenal fans! American Soccer Fan is back to troll more fans at the London Stadium in the video below…

This is bad news for the Hammers though, who have gone off the boil in recent weeks after a terrific run of form before Christmas, and desperately need a clinical goalscorer.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side could be without Marko Arnautovic for at least a couple of weeks after the striker injured his foot during the defeat at Wolves, and there are still question marks over how committed the Austrian international will be even once he is fit.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are fuming at this transfer update…

An exciting claim has emerged surrounding Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Lautaro Martinez this summer…

What’s the word?

The Inter Milan forward came close to joining the north London outfit ahead of the 2021/22 campaign after a £60m fee was agreed between the two clubs, as per The Times.

Evidently, that move failed to come to fruition, though it’s clear that those at Hotspur Way still admire the Argentinian talisman, and Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has now stoked the fire with fresh comments on the matter.

Speaking to Wettfreunde.net, he said:

“I think Tottenham will go after Lautaro because they wanted him last summer. They want another forward to play with [Harry] Kane or plan for the future without Kane. Lautaro Martinez is one of the players that Fabio Paratici loves.

“I think it could be Lautaro’s summer and Atletico Madrid or Tottenham could be the perfect destinations for him.”

Conte needs him

Just as the reliable transfer expert explains, Spurs are desperate for another forward to either help lower the burden on Harry Kane or replace him later down the line, and Martinez is a hugely exciting talent and one who fits the bill immensely.

The England skipper was part of a tumultuous transfer saga last summer involving Premier League champions Manchester City, and now it appears as if he could be involved in another one, this time with the red side of the city.

Conte knows Martinez well as he was part of his title-winning side last season and during that run, in which Inter ended an 11-year wait for the Scudetto, the 24-year-old delivered 19 goals and 11 assists alongside Romelu Lukaku.

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He has since built on that success and continued such fine form this campaign, bagging himself 16 goals from 40 appearances across all competitions, including the Champions League, where he netted against Liverpool in their round of 16 exit.

Now valued at £63m by Transfermarkt, Martinez’s ability has earned quite the praise indeed, including one glowing endorsement from international teammate and one of the game’s greatest-ever players, Lionel Messi, who told Mundo Deportivo:

“He’s spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player, and he is showing that. He’s very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals, and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He has a lot of quality. He’s very complete.”

Also lauded as a “special talent” by verified journalist Joshua Jones, it’s clear that the Inter marksman would be an ideal signing for Spurs during the off-season.

His partnership with Lukaku under Conte at the San Siro makes him an intriguing candidate to play alongside Kane and at worst, his proven goalscoring record makes him a viable candidate to replace the 28-year-old, whenever that may be.

Either way, the Italian head coach badly needs a new striker and he could well find it in a player he knows better than anyone else, and the fact that Paratici also thinks highly of him will surely put Spurs in the driving seat when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

AND in other news, Paratici handed major boost on £21m Spurs-linked “monster”, he’s Conte’s dream signing…

Celtic favourite John Hartson has backed Kyogo Furuhashi to return to the starting lineup for the Scottish Cup semi-final clash against Rangers at Hampden Park. 

The lowdown: Left out at Ibrox

The 27-year-old forward has been a huge absentee for the Bhoys, having missed 30 games this season with knee and more recently hamstring issues.

However, the Japanese ace made a welcome return to the fold in the second half of the 7-0 demolition of St Johnstone at Celtic Park last weekend. Kyogo was actually fit for the Old Firm win at Ibrox two weeks ago, but was left out as the manager did not feel he was needed.

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Now, as another Old Firm showdown looms large, the Japan international could be back in contention to be named amongst Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI from the outset.

The latest: Hartson calls for Kyogo

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, as relayed by the Daily Record, Hartson is adamant that Kyogo should feature if Giorgos Giakoumakis is deemed unfit.

The former Wales and 50-goal Hoops frontman said: “The back four will stay the same and I think the midfield will remain the same.

“The only one for me will be O’Riley or Hatate. Then it’ll be Maeda, Jota, and if Giakoumakis isn’t fit, then I see Kyogo starting.

“Why wouldn’t he start him? I think he’ll be dying to get back on the scoresheet.

“He’s such an enthusiastic and quality player. What an impact he made before he got injured.”

The verdict: Spot on

Having finally made a successful comeback there appears to be little reason not to include the 12-cap ace from the start, particularly should Giakoumakis miss out.

After almost four months out it’s unlikely Kyogo will be able to complete 90 minutes but it’s impossible to ignore the Japanese star’s quality.

Prior to coming off injured on Boxing Day, the versatile attacker had scored 16 times and provided five assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this season and will be a welcome addition back into Postecoglou’s squad for the semi-final and beyond.

In other news, pundit pinpoints key Celtic advantage in SPFL title race. Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have once again been linked with a move for Paulo Dybala…

What’s the word?

According to Italian journalist Xavier Jacobelli, Spurs are among the teams interested in a move for the Juventus dynamo as he enters final six months of his current £222k-per-week contract.

“Inter are at the window, as well as Tottenham. [Antonio] Conte and Barcelona also highly esteem Dybala. We have to see what he will do in these months, because Beppe Marotta (Inter’s CEO) and other companies are at the window and are watching,” he told Calciomercato.it.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport also claims that Lilywhites head coach is an ‘indisputable admirer’ of the Argentina international, who is currently valued at £45m by Transfermarkt.

Perfect for Conte

Dybala’s time in Turin over the last few seasons has been frustrating to say the least, largely due to injuries but whenever he has been on the pitch, he has proven to be a key player for Massimiliano Allegri – even taking the armband in the absence of Giorgio Chiellini.

For example, this season, he has only played 19 times across the Serie A and Champions League but has still delivered nine goals and four assists, via Transfermarkt.

And with the futures of Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli in doubt, the need for a new attacking maestro could soon increase tenfold.

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Dybala has long been a target for chairman Daniel Levy, having come close to signing him during the 2019 summer transfer window after the deal controversially collapsed at the 11th hour over image rights.

“I can just confirm that Dybala is an unbelievable player,” once claimed former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey to The Athletic. “He’s very gifted — a team player — and some of the things he’s done in training and some of the games this season has been quite breathtaking.”

Spurs have lacked a creative no.10 ever since the departure of Chrisitan Erisken, with Ndombele failing to step up to the mark despite being the club’s record signing at £55m.

The north London outfit are free to negotiate a pre-contract with Dybala with makes him an even more appealing prospect as he won’t cost Levy a penny upon arrival in the summer.

Italian football expert Conor Clancy has also previously suggested that the presence of the 28-year-old dynamo could help bring the best out of Kane, only further highlighting how poor the Frenchman has been.

“I feel like he’d be unstoppable with Kane because he’s not a number nine, so he’s got to be playing alongside a striker like that,” he told Football FanCast in the summer.

Maybe it’s time for Levy and co to finally pull the trigger on Dybala. He’d be a very nice signing under Conte, who according to the initial reports, is a big fan.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold reveals “positive update” behind-scenes at Spurs, Conte will be buzzing…

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has dropped an update regarding Manchester United and Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Spence profiled

Spence, labelled as ‘incredible’ by former top flight right-back Alan Hutton, is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Middlesborough, and has caught the eye following his displays at the City Ground.

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He has made 40 appearances for Forest as a right-back and right midfielder, helping the Reds climb up the Championship table under Steve Cooper.

Forest are now in serious contention for a place in the Premier League next season, but it looks as if Spence could move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s post

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Spence recently, and Plettenberg took to Twitter on Tuesday to provide an update on the 21-year-old.

He revealed he has five offers on the table but his ‘dream’ is to play for United due to being a boyhood Red Devils fan.

“Update Spence: Selling price is €12-15m! It is said that he has got 5 offers. City, Arsenal & Tottenham are among the interested clubs.

“Djed‘s dream is to play for MUFC one day. He is a fan! Been told there should be still a loose contact with FC Bayern.”

The Verdict: A risk?

Spence, known for his pace, has shone in Forest’s 3-4-1-2 system, playing as both a right-back and right-midfielder in the second tier.

He seems to thrive in a back three, however, Erik ten Hag likes to use a 4-3-3 system, a formation which may not play to Spence’s strengths, should the Dutchman look to go with his preferred system during his first year in charge of Manchester United.

Therefore, a move for Spence could be a risky one to start with, and even though he wants to move to Old Trafford, he could be better off looking to join a side like Tottenham, slotting right into Antonio Conte’s back-three system.

In other news: Man Utd make £55m bid for ace with ‘better quality than Pogba’; agent set for Old Trafford talks. 

Arsenal centre-forward Alexandre Lacazette is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by French publication L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), who claim that Lyon are keeping an extremely close eye on the situation of the Arsenal centre-forward – whose current contract at The Emirates is due to expire at the end of the season – ahead of a potential move for the 30-year-old this summer.

However, the report goes on to state that Mikel Arteta’s side could yet offer the France international a short-term contract extension – believed to be one year plus the option of a further.

Arteta must axe Lacazette

While it is undeniable that Lacazette has quite significantly improved his form in recent weeks – scoring one goal and providing four assists over his last seven Premier League outings – the fact remains that the 30-year-old has never really lived up to his then-club record £46.5m tag back in 2017.

Indeed, despite being a fairly £18m-rated striker is far from being the deadly 20+ bagsman Arsenal require to fire them back towards the top of the Premier League table.

This is something that has been all too apparent over the £182k-per-week forward’s 23 Premier League outings this season, over which the player who Robin van Persie claimed is “not world-class” and Uche Amako labelled “shocking” has scored just four goals and missed six big chances.

As such, considering his hefty weekly wage – with the Frenchman currently being Arsenal’s highest earner – in addition to the fact he will turn 31 this May, Arteta must axe Lacazette this summer, as it is clear that the centre-forward is simply not clinical enough in the final third to justify his salary at The Emirates.

AND in other news: Arteta can finally axe £27m-rated “practice dummy” as AFC bid for “sneaky” £13m dynamo

Newcastle United have been dealt a major blow in their efforts to sign Atalanta beast Robin Gosens…

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Magpies are on the verge of missing out on a deal for the versatile gem as the Germany international closes in on a move to another Serie A club.

He tweeted: “Inter are now in advanced talks with Atalanta for Robin Gosens. Negotiations progressing in order to complete the agreement immediately. Inter are leading the race over Newcastle to sign Gosens – while Stefano Sensi leaves the club to join Sampdoria on loan.”

This comes after he reported earlier in the day: “Inter are interested in German fullback Robin Gosens. Deal complicated as Atalanta are not intentioned to sell Gosens in January – Newcastle opening proposal was turned down days ago. Newcastle have still Gosens in their list, Inter will try. Depends on Atalanta now.”

Fuming

Newcastle fans will surely be fuming with this news, as it comes as a second blow of the day in their attempts to bolster their defence, which shows that they are not doing enough to land their key targets.

Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves has claimed that the club are set to walk away from their interest in Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlosdue to difficult negotiations with the Spanish club.

He tweeted: “#nufc ready to walk away from Diego Carlos deal. It’s thought original price quoted was €30m but Sevilla changed (

) numerous times. Tough on player who’s desperate to sign. Newcastle now actively looking elsewhere. They have money, won’t be taken advantage of.”

This means that Gosens is set to be the second defender that Newcastle miss out on this week, albeit one of those being forced due to Sevilla’s flip-flopping on their valuation of Carlos. In this latest case, though, Inter appear to have made a better offer than the Magpies, given that Newcastle’s initial bid was turned down, and the Serie A champions are now set to win the race for the German’s signature.

Supporters will be gutted that Gosens is not coming to Newcastle, as he has shown his quality in the Serie A for Atalanta over the last 18 months. He has 12 goals and six assists in that league since the start of last season, despite being restricted to six appearances this term. This shows that he could have come in at St James’ Park and made a big impact in the final third, scoring and setting up goals.

The Toon Army will also be frustrated as the bad news appears to be piling up, with Carlos and Gosens the latest players who appear to be either staying at their current clubs or moving elsewhere. With less than a week to go in the transfer window, they may be starting to worry where any new signings will come from.

AND in other news, Luke Edwards “told” frustrating Newcastle transfer update, Howe surely livid…

The possibility of Richarlison leaving Everton for Arsenal will have ‘come up in meetings’ at Goodison Park, journalist Paul Brown has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The Brazil international may be considering his future on Merseyside as the Toffees face the very real threat of relegation. They currently sit in the bottom three, two points behind Burnley, albeit with a game in hand.

The Athletic have reported that Arsenal, who are managed by former Blues midfielder Mikel Arteta, are intent on signing a striker this summer.

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Richarlison can operate as a left winger but he has played the majority of his football this season (22 matches) as a centre-forward amid Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems.

The latest

Brown thinks that Kia Joorabchian, who has close links to both Everton and Arsenal, may be pushing to move the Brazilian from Merseyside to north London.

Speaking to GiveMeSport about Richarlison, Joorabchian and Moshiri, the journalist said: “I’m sure that has come up in meetings [Richarlison joining Arsenal]. I’m sure that name’s been mentioned, but I would suggest at the moment that’s being pushed by the agent rather than the club.”

The verdict

This move could be in the best interests of all parties.

Everton will be able to raise much-needed funds from the sale of their £45m-rated asset, helping to alleviate the financial ‘headache’ which would be caused by relegation, with the club already treading a fine line with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Meanwhile, the player would potentially have the chance to play in the Champions League rather than the Championship. Indeed, dropping to the second tier is perhaps unthinkable for someone who has previously been coveted by the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Finally, Arsenal would be adding a forward who has bagged eight goals and four assists this season, taking his overall totals to 45 and 17 respectively in 168 Everton appearances.

When you add in the involvement of Joorabchian with both clubs, it becomes an even more plausible potential transfer.

In other news, Everton are in talks over this winger.