Despite all the talk about not having signed any new players in the summer, Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed their best start to a Premier League season.

There is no doubt that things could have been better for Mauricio Pochettino’s side so far, however, things have not been all bad.

Spurs have been hit with a number of injuries this year, which have made their lack of transfer activity a focal point, but one man appears to have made the most of the opportunities that have presented themselves.

Moussa Sissoko signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016 in a deal thought to be worth around £31.5million.

It is fair to say the France international winger has had his critics since being in north London, with many of his own supporters frustrated with the performances he displays for them.

The 29-year-old has bore the brunt of criticism on social media over the past couple of seasons, with many also questioning what Pochettino has seen in the player.

However, the Argentine’s genius appears to have come out and opinions are quickly changing over the man that has started to become a rising star for Tottenham.

Rated at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, Sissoko has started to perform to a better standard and has put in a number of impressive performances recently for Spurs.

Although the immediate stats do not make for great reading, for example, one goal in the ten matches he has appeared in with one assist, his work on the pitch has not gone unnoticed.

Fans that have taken to social media in the past to slam him are now starting to praise him, and they are delighted to see the man that had been performing well for Newcastle and France before they signed him.

Sissoko has started the last five matches in the Premier League for Pochettino, playing almost every available minute, and if he continues to perform as well as he has been, he will likely become an important player for them throughout the season.

Tottenham fans – thoughts?

Liverpool’s last few transfer windows have been massive for the club, with excellent signings made by manager Jurgen Klopp.

The likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Naby Keita have got the Reds looking like genunine contenders in the Premier League this season, and it would be no surprise to see Liverpool push Man City all the way in the race for the biggest prize in England.

However, it will be interesting to see how the club take to the upcoming January transfer window, and if Liverpool choose to add more talent to their squad, it could spell big trouble for plenty of other teams in the top flight.

With that in mind though, we think a few signings might well happen, and we’ve identified TWO players from La Liga who would be superb additions for the Reds…

Ousmane Dembele

The former Dortmund man has struggled for form since making the move to Barcelona, and he might well be a player who is open to a January move.

With Mo Salah and Sadio Mane the main men down the wings for the Reds, adding another option in the form of someone like Dembele could prove to be an excellent piece of business.

Lucas Vasquez

Another wide forward who is in and out of his team’s XI is Real Madrid man Vasquez.

The Spaniard is capable on his day of being excellent, although at times he has looked out of place in and amongst the stars of the Bernabeu.

He could well relish a move to Anfield, where he would no doubt be able to have a big impression.

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Everton have been linked with three top quality central midfielders this week, but which one would be the best signing for the Toffees?

According to The Mirror, Marco Silva is still a huge fan of Abdoulaye Doucoure, and he wants to bring the towering Frenchman to Goodison next year.

Doucoure developed into one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders under Silva, though the Hornets won’t be too happy about selling to Everton after the dispute over Silva’s departure.

The report claims the Toffees also have an interest in Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, who will be a free agent come the end of the season.

The Welsh international has scored the winning goal in two FA Cup finals for the Gunners, but is expected to leave North London for free next summer.

Finally, fans are desperate to sign Andre Gomes to a permanent deal, as the Portuguese international has been superb since arriving on loan from Barcelona.

But which one would be the best fit for the Toffees in the long run? Doucoure is the most well-rounded, grabbing with four assists this season while also averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.5 aerial wins per game.

Fans like what they have seen from Gomes, but the Watford star’s unique combination of athleticism, physicality, technique and vision is perfect for Silva’s midfield.

So, Everton fans, which target would you rather sign? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

Jack Clarke is shaping up to be the next major talent to break into the first-team from Leeds United’s academy and pressure is mounting on Marcelo Bielsa to include him in the starting line-up. 

There is one fundamental problem with the rise of a wonderkids coming through the academy: everybody want them to succeed, particularly the supporters. For many supporters impatience and sentiment cloud judgements as managers carefully balance the development of the next big thing.

In Bielsa’s case, he is facing that problem with Clarke, an 18-year-old wing-wizard who is knocking on the door for a starting berth.

Blessed with speed, trickery and a level of confidence which points towards a glowing future, Clarke possesses all of the attributes to succeed at Elland Road.

Bielsa is yet to unleash him from the outset this season and that is beginning to frustrate the Whites faithful, prompting the media to ask the Argentine how far away the teenager is from making his maiden start for the club.

In response to the question, Bielsa urged Clarke to model his game on Pablo Hernandez (via Yorkshire Evening Post).

“Of course he has many things to learn yet and he has to look at Pablo Hernandez as an example. Pablo has many details that Jack Clarke can learn only by looking at him.”

Considering Hernandez is the most technically gifted and experienced attacking midfielder residing within the Leeds squad, Bielsa’s verdict is absolutely spot on.

However, Bielsa had something incredibly pertinent to say on the matter which directly relates to a major shift in Raheem Sterling’s style of play in recent years.

“The fans remember the important things.”

Now, at first glance that may seem incredibly obvious, but it’s important to remember that many wide players grow up with an obsession for taking players on, for nutmegging their opposite number, for chasing moments of brilliance which, in reality, count for absolutely nothing at full-time.

In an honest assessment of how his game has developed, Raheem Sterling suggested that leaving that obsession behind and focusing on the important sequences which directly change the game has catalysed his success in the game (as per The Guardian).

“I was all about looking nice (when he was younger), or trying to look nice, and showing people I’ve got a lot of ability.

“Now I’ve started to realise no one remembers the nice stuff you do on the pitch, it’s about your effectiveness and what you do for your team.”

So, while Bielsa may have identified Hernandez as an immediate peer to use as a role model in his development, there are certainly lessons from Sterling’s own career to use a blueprint for success.

Clarke is an incredibly exciting player for Leeds fans to coo over and, if he is willing to take leaves from the respective books of both Hernandez and Sterling, changing his style to focus on making a telling difference in the final-third, he will inevitably blossom into one of the finest players to emerge from Thorp Arch in recent years.

Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

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Tottenham should definitely be in the market for a new left-back if they want to consistently challenge amongst the best in Europe and in the Premier League. Danny Rose used to be one of the better full-backs in England’s top-flight, and arguably in Europe, but has tailed off massively, whilst Ben Davies is a consistent performer but is never going to set the world alight.

What’s the word, then?

Spurs used to be the most well-equipped side in England in regards to their full-back options. Mauricio Pochettino could always rely on Kyle Walker and Rose to charge up and down the flanks, causing problems to the opposition’s defence whilst protecting their own as well.

Nowadays, however, the north London outfit are perhaps at their weakest in that department. The aforementioned duo at left-back aren’t up to scratch in comparison to England’s best in that position, whilst on the other side of defence, Serge Aurier is a huge liability and Kieran Trippier has been well out of sorts so far this season.

Daniel Levy must invest in a fresh face if they are to win a trophy anytime soon.

Who could they get in?

One man who is enjoying a fabulous season right now is Fiorentina’s Cristiano Biraghi. The Italian international has done an outstanding job of making the Serie A side’s fans forget all about the departed Marcos Alonso with his rampant performances up and down the left flank.

The 26-year-old has a goal and two assists in 14 starts for the Italian side so far this campaign, whilst he also notched the winner for his country against Poland in the UEFA Nations League.

Biraghi is a very impressive crosser of the ball with an excellent technique, which he can also use to devastating effect from set-pieces. Like Alonso in many ways, he is a forward thinking full-back who looks like he would excel in Mauricio Pochettino’s system.

Would you like to see Biraghi at the new White Hart Lane? Have your say down below…

Liverpool supporters have been in fine voice in recent times after seeing their side preserve their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with victory on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp’s men went into their encounter with bitter rivals Manchester United having won 13 and drawn the other three of their opening 16 league matches, sitting top of the division heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures. And that is where the Reds remain as a brace from Xherdan Shaqiri following Sadio Mane’s opener inspired the hosts to a 3-1 win over the Red Devils, keeping them a point ahead of Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table.

As such, there have been many delighted Liverpudlians up and down the country in recent times, plenty of whom have been raving about the substitute cameo of winger Shaqiri, who came on with the score at 1-1 as Klopp sought the three points needed to return to top spot.

And it was the Switzerland international who produced the goods with two goals to inspire the Reds to all three points, yet it was the performance of right back Nathaniel Clyne, valued at £18 million by Transfermarkt, who was the real inspiration behind Liverpool’s win.

Ultimately, the England international has endured a nightmarish 18 months or so due to injury which kept him out for much of last season, while the fine form of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez has seen him fall down the right back pecking order.

But with the young duo ruled out of Sunday’s clash against United due to injury, the opportunity was presented to Clyne to go out and produce a level of performance we all know he can deliver – and he did just that and more against Jose Mourinho’s side.

The 27-year-old touched the ball 73 times over the course of the 90 minutes to underline his willingness to get involved down the right-hand-side (as per WhoScored), while his 88% pass success rate (36/41) was the highest of any of his fellow Liverpool defenders.

Thus, it was clear that the Englishman was gaining in confidence as the game went on despite several months out of the side, which was epitomised by his two long-range efforts in the second half – he very much looked like the Clyne of old.

But it wasn’t just on the ball in which the 27-year-old excelled, it was off it as well in winning his one and only aerial duel of the 90 minutes, as well as completing a team-high four tackles to help thwart the advances of Marcus Rashford down the flank, with his compatriot very much United’s most threatening outlet at Anfield on Sunday.

Most remarkably of all though was the fact that Clyne continued to get up and down the right flank for the whole 90 minutes – and in a game of such intensity against one of Liverpool’s biggest rivals, that was quite extraordinary.

Overall, the Reds produced a masterclass to completely dominate United and deservedly take all three points, with excellent performances evident all across the pitch.

And while it was Shaqiri who won them the game with two goals off the bench, the real inspiration behind their victory was the performance of Clyne in what was just his first Premier League start of the season.

Liverpool and Man United fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Marco Silva will be looking to replicate his excellent work in the summer transfer window over January.

The Portuguese replaced Sam Allardyce in the dugout in the summer with plenty of work to do in order to transform the Everton squad. After some questionable transfer deals in recent seasons, with the help of new director of football, Marcel Brands, Silva finally hit the nail on the head for the Toffees. Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes and Richarlison have all made excellent starts to their Everton careers with plenty more to come from the likes of Yerry Mina and Bernard.

The former Watford boss will once again have the opportunity to strengthen his squad when the transfer window opens in a few weeks.

One man who should be on his shortlist is West Ham youngster – Reece Oxford. Valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the 20-year-old graduated from the club’s famed youth academy and was tipped to follow in the footsteps of Rio Ferdinand. After various failed loan spells with Reading and Borussia Monchengladbach, Oxford returned to the Hammers but has been unable to convince Manuel Pellegrini of his talents. A January exit looks likely with Oxford preferring to leave the club permanently – Everton should do all they can to secure his services.

The defender, who is also comfortable at defensive midfield, would be an excellent long-term option for the Toffees. Oxford’s potential is massive but he needs regular football under a manager who believes him to aid his development – a move to Goodison Park could help reinvigorate his stalling career. With Silva and Brands ushering in a new era on Merseyside, Oxford would be the perfect signing.

Not only would the defender add to Everton’s homegrown contingency – he could prove to be a mainstay in defence for the next decade.

Everton fans, thoughts?

Roy Hodgson can fire Crystal Palace up the Premier League table by signing Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in January.

What’s the word?

The Eagles desperately need a goalscorer, having scored fewer than a goal a game on average prior to Boxing Day.

Injuries to Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham left the 71-year-old forced to deploy wingers Wilfried Zaha, Andros Townsend and Jordan Ayew as makeshift strikers, but the trio only had four goals between them when playing centrally.

In the same time, Morelos had registered 19 goals from a total of 32 appearances, including nine in his last ten Scottish Premiership outings up until December 23.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard has noted that he will pick up the phone to any club wishing to discuss his forward’s signature, but added: “He’s going nowhere”.

Such a stance would make any Palace approach difficult, but a record offer could tempt the Teddy Bears’ manager into a change of stance.

Rangers’ current record sale was the departure of full-back Alan Hutton to Tottenham for £9m

With a similar figure for Morelos, Gerrard would be able to buy two new strikers competitive at the club’s respective level.

Playmaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he often received racist abuse after North London Derbies – Check out the video below…

What would Morelos add to Palace?

The one-cap Colombian international is quickly becoming a top talent in Scotland, with the 22-year-old capable of playing anywhere across the attacking line.

Morelos is also adept with the ball at either boot, and has been touted by rival clubs as holding the potential to reach similar heights to Moussa Dembele – who joined Lyon in the summer – and Celtic’s iconic striker Leigh Griffiths.

Beyond his impressive goalscoring record, the 5 foot 9 hotshot has assisted a further ten goals for his Gers teammates.

As a player, Morelos is strong on and off the ball, with an inspiring workrate and determination to make the difference, and, should he put more chances to bed, will soon be considered one of the best.

Would you welcome Alfredo Morelos at Selhurst Park? Let us know in the poll below…

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has found first-team opportunities hard to come by since Jose Mourinho was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last month, and Tottenham Hotspur should consider making a clever and calculated move for the Belgium international.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the tall former Everton man always seemed to be a favourite under former Red Devils manager Mourinho, often starting matches in midfield because of the steel, strength and height he brought to proceedings, also offering similar traits from the substitutes’ bench.

While he featured for 45 minutes in the Portuguese boss’ final match in charge against Liverpool before he was sacked, he has only played three minutes since having been an unused substitute against Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic already look to be Solskjaer’s preferred central midfield trio in a 4-3-3 system, and with the likes of Fred and Andreas Pereira also fighting for a spot in the middle playing time could be increasingly difficult to come by for the 31-year-old.

Why should Spurs move?

Tottenham had looked like real title contenders in recent weeks, but their lack of strength in depth in their squad showed as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

A lack of experience and quality in the middle of the park showed against Nuno Santo’s men, while they didn’t have that outlet from the bench who could have offered them something different as they searched for a way back into the game.

The giant Fellaini would certainly do that given his frame and strength, and the fact that he can play in the middle of midfield or further forward means that he would be a useful weapon to have for the north London outfit in what could be a pivotal second-half of the season for them in the Premier League.

Given he is unlikely to have a  long-term future at Old Trafford, a deal might not be as hard to complete as you would think.

CheekySport’s Joel claims Spurs badly need to invest in January after not having “the balls” to beat Arsenal. Check out his uncensored opinion in the video below…

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Sampdoria have joined the scramble for misfiring Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini, per the Daily Mail. The striker has fallen behind Danny Ings and Charlie Austin in the club’s pecking order, and a number of clubs want to sign him in January.

What’s the word?

The report claims that the Serie A club have tabled a loan bid for the striker, with a view to a permanent transfer that will be worth £10.75million.

However, Real Betis are also interested in his services, as well as those of West Ham striker Lucas Perez.

Sky Sports claim that AC Milan and Fiorentina have also entered into talks with Southampton regarding Gabbiadini, and it appears that the striker is poised to leave the Saints.

Indeed, Gabbiadini has scored just once this season, though he has completed the 90 minutes only twice.

Surplus to requirements

Southampton appear relaxed about the prospect of Gabbiadini leaving the club, and it is unsurprising.

First-choice striker Danny Ings has scored eight goals this season, while winger Nathan Redmond has found a scoring touch, hitting the back of the net four times. Charlie Austin and Stuart Armstrong, too, have scored three apiece.

They will not need to recruit a direct replacement, then, should the Italian leave the club.

The 6 foot 1 attacker is already struggling for game time, and his departure would merely see him removed from the wage bill.

That money, of course, can be reinvested, but there is no pressing need to do so, giving new manager Ralph Hassenhuttl the luxury of choice in the transfer market.

American Soccer Fan is back! You should check out the video below but Southampton fans should look away now…