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…

Liverpool’s squad is full of talent, but injuries have been a bit of a problem for the Reds as of late. In particular, defensive problems have been an issue for the club this season, with players including Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all succumbing to various issues throughout the year.

That’s put some unnecessary strain on the Reds at the back, and given their current position in the Premier League, that is a worry.

Reinforcing this area of the field ahead of a title challenge, then, makes sense, and a move for Nathan Ake – who, according to the Sun, is a target of Chelsea – might be an ideal option for the Reds.

Ake has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premier League (PL) over the last year or so since his move from Chelsea, having helped to solidify the defence of the south coast outfit.

Strong in the air, comfortable in the tackle and great with the ball at his feet, the agile Ake has very few weaknesses to his game, and he’s getting better every single week.

Furthermore, his versatility – he’s able to play at centre-back and left-back – means that the reportedly impending departure of Alberto Moreno would be less of a worry, with Ake able to fill in behind Andy Robertson if required.

Ake is a great footballer, and he’s a very modern defender, and so he wouldn’t be out of place in the very talented and technically gifted Liverpool defence. He wouldn’t be cheap, especially given Chelsea’s interest, but a move makes a lot of sense.

Thoughts?

According to The Sun, Everton are lining up a transfer for 25-year-old Espanyol striker Borja Iglesias. 

The forward has already scored nine goals in 19 La Liga appearances this season, and has a £25m buyout clause in his contract.

In this day and age, £25m is quite a small fee for a striker that is only 25, and Everton should not hesitate to make this move. Only four people have scored more goals than the Spaniard, and that list includes Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, so he is in very good company.

Signing a high-level striker is good for any club at the best of times, but it is particularly crucial that Everton make this signing before the transfer window is up.

So far, The Toffees have been linked with a number of players, however, they have rarely been linked with a striker. This is despite the fact that this is probably the area which needs addressing most urgently at Goodison Park.

The arrival of Cenk Tosun last January has proven to be a disaster, and has left Everton in the cold ever since. Richarlison has been fashioned into a striker this season, but the Brazilian is much more adept on the wing. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been called upon, but he is still perhaps too much of a novice to be relied upon.

Therefore, the recruitment of Iglesias is an indication that Everton are aware of their greatest weakness and are addressing it this January, and this could revive their stuttering season.

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As reported by The Guardian, Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund are preparing to smash their transfer record to bring Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha to the club, as they seek a replacement for Chelsea-bound Christian Pulisic.

If talks commence further in regards to a possible summer move, the Eagles will reportedly demand upwards of £50m for their prize asset who cost them just £3m after buying him back from Manchester United, per The Guardian.

Zaha is said to be keen to play Champions League football, so a move could go ahead if Palace and Dortmund come to an agreement. If so, the south Londoners will have a huge cash windfall come their way, and will need to spend it wisely in order to replace the Ivory Coast international and strengthen the team elsewhere.

Check out Neymar’s controversial new haircut for 2019 and Xherdan Shaqiri as you’ve never seen him before in the video below…

So, Football FanCast looks into three signings the club should make to use the funds to full effect…

Allan Saint-Maximin 

If there’s any player in Europe that comes close to comparing with Zaha’s pace, skill, adventure and daring style of play, then it’s OGC Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin. The man has so much swagger to his game that he even took to the field recently against Bordeaux wearing a Gucci headband, and managed to score the winner with it on.

The 21-year-old is five years younger than Zaha, and his five goals in Ligue 1 this season are already two better than the man in question’s three Premier League strikes – he is arguably on par with Zaha in terms of end product right now, and could even have the ceiling to become better than him.

Luka Jovic

As Sky Sports recently reported in their article linking Dominic Solanke with Palace, the Eagles have also been keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic, who looks well on his way to becoming one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers.

The Serbian has hit 18 goals in all competitions already this season, per Whoscored, and at just 21 years of age, should only improve on that tally year after year.

His stock is remarkably high right now given his age along with his scintillating form, but with the Zaha money in the bank, Palace could tempt him to team up with his fellow countryman Luka Milivojevic at Selhurst Park.

Rodrigo de Paul

Since the departure of Yohan Cabaye back in the summer, Palace have notably lacked a calming but tenacious midfield presence alongside Milivojevic.

Cheikhou Kouyate was bought in from West Ham (as per the BBC), but the Senegalese powerhouse is a wholly different player to Cabaye, and simply adds more steel alongside the Serbian as opposed to a complimentary option.

In Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul, there is a relatively unknown midfielder who can also play further forward, but offers a typical South American bite and creative spark in the middle of the park which would be extremely effective alongside Milivojevic.