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Jurgen Klopp’s midfield is stacked with quality options. Fabinho, Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and James Milner have all played their part in a dynamic midfield trio at some stage this season, while the injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will undoubtedly have a prominent role to play when he’s back at full fitness.

But there is also a player plying his trade elsewhere who is consistently showcasing a level of talent which suggests he could have a big future at Anfield, namely Marko Grujic.

The Serbia international is currently on loan at Hertha Berlin, and his performances have reportedly attracted interest from Lazio and Galatasary.

However, Grujic recently admitted that he would like to stay with Hertha for at least another season, if not two, per Bild.

Whether Klopp will be willing to allow him to embark on another loan deal remains to be seen, but murmurs emerging from those who have seen the powerful midfielder in action suggest that he would be foolish to sell him before he has been given a run of games at Liverpool.

Let’s take a look at what a handful of experts have said about Grujic in recent years…

Sasa Ibrulj – Balkan football expert

Sasa Ibrulj delivered a report on Grujic when Liverpool agreed to sign him from Red Star Belgrade in 2016. Ibrulj is an expert in Balkan-based football, and he delivered a gushing analysis on the new recruit via the Daily Mirror.

“Grujic is an unorthodox midfielder, both strong on the ball and blessed with very good pace. He is a genuine box-to-box player, often compared with likes of Nemanja Matic or Paul Pogba. Some have even branded him the Serbian Steven Gerrard.

“The combination of good passing ability, fine vision, work-rate and athleticism makes him a versatile operator who can play deep – as he did for Red Star – but can also do a job behind the attackers as well. With a powerful and precise shoot, he also has an eye for goal.”

Comparisons to Pogba, Matic and Gerrard point towards a player of three different styles, but the fact he was being spoken of in the same bracket as the aforementioned trio is telling: Grujic was regarded as a massive prospect when the deal was agreed.

While he hasn’t managed to vindicate any of those claims in England just yet, quotes from further afield suggest it may only be a matter of time before some substance is added.

Pal Dardai – Hertha Berlin head coach

The love affair between Marko Grujic and Hertha is mirrored by all parties involved. The club’s head coach, Pal Dardai, is a legendary figure in the capital.

He enjoyed a lengthy playing career with Hertha spanning just shy of fifteen years, and he hasn’t come across a player quite like Grujic during his time there.

This is what he had to say about him following a 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in December, via the Bundesliga’s official website.

“I’ve been at Hertha for 22 years. This isn’t meant as an insult to anyone else, but Marko is by far the best midfielder I’ve seen in my time at the club. I was a defensive midfielder and managed to score 17 goals, which isn’t bad.”

“But Marko carries much more of a goal threat, he’s got a sensational shot on him and is much better than I was […] He can play anywhere in midfield.”

Considering the fluidity of Liverpool’s midfield and the need to contribute to both the defensive and attacking phases, Dardai’s admission that he can play in a multitude of midfield roles bodes well for a future on Merseyside.

Neil Warnock – Cardiff City manager

Grujic earned his move to the Bundesliga after impressing on a short-term loan spell with Cardiff City where, under the tutelage of Neil Warnock, he seemed to improve with every passing fixture.

This is what the managerial veteran had to say about him during his loan spell, per Liverpool Echo.

“I think he’s got better. He’s not getting caught in possession as much now. He’s realising how quick it is, especially in your own half. If you dwell on the ball in the Championship it’s too late. I think he’s got more strengths to his bow. He’s made us play a bit more, he’s got quite good vision and he’s been very good in the air for us as well so he’s growing into it.”

Verdict

The above listed quotes paint a glowing vision for the future for Grujic.

One theme seems to persist throughout: his style can best be summed up by his versatility, which derives from his unique blend of coveted qualities.

Grujic is neither a deep-lying playmaker nor an enforcer, a box-to-box or a number ten. He is simply a talented midfielder with a vast pallet of attributes, varying from physicality to technique to finishing.

This begs the question of whether he has a role yet to play at Liverpool.

Well, competition for a place in the starting XI is intense right now, but Milner is ageing and closing in on the end of his contract, while one would presume the likes of Henderson and Wijnaldum are unlikely to remain at the club long-term.

And, considering the 22-year-old rather cryptically stated he would like to remain at Hertha for one or two more years but crucially didn’t declare his interest in a permanent move, it seems he could be acquiring the experience he needs before returning to Liverpool.

Indeed, Grujic could be an ace hiding up Klopp’s sleeve.

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Leeds United came so close to signing Swansea City winger Dan James during the January transfer window, but following his goalscoring exploits for Wales this week and the fact that John Hartson believes he could now be worth £30m, it could be time to turn their attentions elsewhere.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Hartson has told talkSPORT that he believes the 21-year-old could now be valued at treble the £10m fee the Yorkshire club wanted to pay for the attacker just a couple of months ago.

That will surely cause an issue for the Whites even if they secure promotion to the Premier League this term, but there has been another interesting update on a former target in Albert Adomah, who they were reportedly keen to bring to Elland Road last summer before the player snubbed them.

The Birmingham Mail report that even though the 31-year-old’s Aston Villa contract expires this summer, the Midlands outfit are ready to put talks over a new deal on hold until the season is over.

Should Leeds move?

If he is to leave Villa Park for free then they would certainly be silly not to consider it, whichever division they do find themselves in next term.

The pacey winger has struggled for form, goals and assists during the current campaign, but he has been more of a regular in the starting XI in recent weeks under Dean Smith.

14 goals and five assists in 26 Championship appearances between September and March last season show exactly what Adomah is capable of when he is fully on his game, and that pace and finishing ability could be just what Leeds need.

Given the potential price tag difference between he and James, it is a bit of a no-brainer with Marcelo Bielsa surely able to transform him as he has done with so many others since arriving at Elland Road.

أكد أحمد كشري مدرب نادي أسوان السابق، أن رئيس النادي أحمد سليمان، أطلق تصريحات من واقع خياله وغير صحيحة.

وكان مجلس إدارة نادي أسوان قد وجه الشكر إلى المدرب أحمد كشري، وتعيين سامي الشيشيني بدلاً منه.

وقال كشري خلال تصريحات لقناة “أون تايم سبورت: “ما قاله رئيس نادي أسوان غير صحيح ولا يمت للواقع بصلة، أول شئ قال أنني اتفقت مع ناد آخر وهذا غير صحيح أنا لم أتعاقد إلى الآن وبذلك هو قال هذه التصريحات من واقع خياله”.

وتابع: “ما زال الدوري لم ينته، وأنا عقدي كان موسم ونصف، الأمر الآخر تصريحاتي التي استند عليها رئيس أسوان أنا كنت قلت أنه تواصلت معي أندية أخرى وشعبية وكبيرة ولكنني رفضت احتراما لأسوان، يعني لم أقل ذلك بعد انتهاء الموسم أنا قلت ذلك وأنا أعمل وقابلتها بالرفض”.

وتابع: “الأمر الأخر هو قال أن المشكلة مادية وأنني طلبت منه أموال، أريد دليل على أنني طلبت جنيه واحد”.

وواصل: “عندما أتيت أسوان في وقت قالوا أن هناك مشاكل في النادي وأنا لم أطلب شئ وقالوا أنني سأحصل على راتب مثل المدرب القديم وأنا لم أقل شيئا، وهم بعد ذلك من قالوا أنهم سيزودون الراتب وطلبوا مني أقول ما أريده وأنا رفضت وقلت ضعوا ما تريدون، وطلبوا مني أن أحدد مصيري وأنا طلبت مهلة وسأقوم بالرد”.

وأكمل: “الكلام الذي قاله رئيس النادي بأنني كنت أماطل في الرد وأنه راسلني عبر تطبيق واتساب وأنا لم أرد هذا كله كذب”.

وأردف: “رئيس النادي كان يتحدث معي عبر الواتساب ويطالبني بأن أكتب الراتب الذي أريده وأنا قلت له لن أكتب شئ ضعوا ما تريدون وهو صمم أنني أكتب وشعرت أن هذه مكيدة”.

واستطرد: “لم أحصل على راتبي منذ أشهر ولم أحصل على مكافآت، هو يريد أن ينشر للرأي العام لأسوان بأنني من تركت النادي وهذا لم يحدث، هل هناك نادي في العالم مدربه يفعل معه مثلما فعلت مع أسوان ويقوموا بتوجيه الشكر لي وحتى لم يكلف أحد نفسه ويتصل بي، فايلر بعدما فعل ما فعل الأهلي احتفل به قبل رحيله”.

وأتم: “هناك أمور غير طبيعية في الأمر، من ضمن ما أزعجني أيضا أنه قبل أن أجلس معهم بيومين كانوا يفاوضون لاعبا دون الرجوع لي كمدير فني، وهذا اللاعب جاء عن طريق وكيل لأسوان، وهذا الوكيل يبدو أن له تأثير كبير على مجلس إدارة أسوان.

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There have been plenty of question marks raised over Christian Eriksen’s Tottenham future in recent months seeing as there has not yet been any progress in contract talks between him and the club, with his current deal due to expire next summer.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old has continued to be a key man and regular starter for the north London outfit, even if he perhaps hasn’t been at his influential best in 2019 to date.

The Denmark international stepped up to the plate when Spurs needed him the most against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night however, when the clash looked to be heading towards a costly goalless draw.

The Dane popped up with a brilliant late goal from range that Seagulls goalkeeper Mathew Ryan could do nothing about, to leave Mauricio Pochettino’s men in pole position to secure a top-four finish ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Spanish media outlet Diario AS reported only at the weekend that Daniel Levy may be under pressure to sell Real Madrid target Eriksen this summer because of the huge cost of their brilliant new home, to avoid losing him for nothing in 2020.

The 27-year-old hasn’t really spoken publicly about his own wishes for the future, but you can see from the sheer delight on his face following his crucial goal against Chris Hughton’s men in the image above how he feels about his current employers.

Whether his journey with Tottenham comes to an end or not this summer, no one can really question his commitment to the cause until the very end when he produces moments of magic like this one.

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West Brom seem to have a renewed sense of purpose about them since James Shan took charge and there could be more cause for optimism on the cards if two of the club’s most promising academy players sign new contracts.

Indeed, fans have been speculating over whether Rekeem Harper and Kyle Edwards will extend their current deals after the Baggies’ account posted an images of their shirts inside the Hawthorns dressing room.

After seeing the post, West Brom fans responded by questioning whether they were about to announce they had signed new deals, with one supporter begging that was the case.

However, one fan made reference to some of the team’s tactics in recent memory by claiming they couldn’t sign a new deal until they had played at left back like the rest of the team.

Harper has been in and out of the side this season, featuring 17 times in all competitions. The 19-year-old has registered one assist in that time.

Forward Edwards, meanwhile, has made ten appearances for the Baggies in 2018/19, scoring two goals.

Here’s how West Brom fans have been reacting to the club post:

تقدم المقاولون العرب بشكوى رسمية إلى اتحاد الكرة المصري ضد اللاعب أحمد مصطفى، الذي وقع على عقود انتقاله للفريق قبل أن يسافر بلجيكا ويعود ويوقع مع الإسماعيلي.

وأرسل المقاولون خطابًا رسميًا أكد فيه أن اللاعب أنهى كافة إجراءات الكشف الطبي والتوقيع على العقود على مدار 3 أيام بالنادي، قبل أن يطلب السفر إلى بلجيكا لإنهاء بعض الأمور الشخصية، قبل أن يفاجئ النادي بتوقيعه للنادي الإسماعيلي، رغم توقيعه للمقاولون.

وطلب المقاولون في الخطاب الحفاظ على حقه في اللاعب.

أحمد مصطفي كان لاعبًا في صفوف بتروجيت، قبل أن يخوض تجربة الاحتراف ضمن صفوف فريق جينت البلجيكي، خلال الفترة الماضية. 

بيان نادي المقاولون العرب بشأن أحمد مصطفى

“نتقدم لسيادتكم بشكوانا هذه ضد كل من اللاعب أحمد مصطفى السيد طاهر وشهرته ( أحمد مصطفي ) مواليد 21/10/1997، والنادي الإسماعيلي.

حيث أن اللاعب قد أبدى رغبته فى التعاقد مع النادي للعب ضمن صفوف الفريق لكرة القدم (انتقال حر) بدأ من الموسم الرياضي 2020/2021 ولمدة أربعة سنوات.

وحيث أنه لا يوجد حاليًا نماذج للعقود الموحدة للاعبين بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم لكي يتم تحريرها مع اللاعب، فقد تم تحرير عقد بين النادي واللاعب، وتم التوقيع عليه من الطرفين لمدة أربعة مواسم رياضية.

وقد نص فى هذا العقد على التزام الطرف الثاني (اللاعب) بالتوقيع على العقد الموحد الذي يصدره الإتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، والذي سيتم تحريره بين الطرفين (النادي واللاعب) بذات نفس بنود هذا العقد.

وقد حضر اللاعب للنادي لمدة ثلاثة أيام، لاتمام إجراءات الكشف الطبي، ووعد بأنه سيسافر بلجيكا ثم يحضر للنادي يوم الثلاثاء الماضي ولكنه لم يحضر حتي الأن . وقد نما إلى علمنا أن هذا اللاعب قد قام بالتوقيع لنادي الإسماعيلي بعد تعاقده معنا.

لذلك برجاء التكرم بالعلم والتنبيه باتخاذ اللازم للحفاظ على حقوق النادي.

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Tottenham Hotspur fans have slammed the club for letting Jan Vertonghen try to play on after sustaining a head injury in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Ajax.

The Belgium defender was involved in a clash of heads with team-mate Toby Alderweireld in the first half.

He was tended to by Spurs’ medical team, with blood pouring from his wound, which appeared to be just below his eye.

Mauricio Pochettino and his medical team refused to substitute the 32-year-old, however, and he was allowed to return to the field of play.

Despite that, he asked to be substituted just a couple of minutes later, with Vertonghen clearly dazed from the clash with his compatriot.

Spurs lost 1-0, with Donny van de Beek scoring the only goal of the game.

And supporters took to Twitter to express their disgust at the club’s concussion protocol.

Indeed, many believe that he should have been substituted immediately, particularly with his face left a crimson mask.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

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Hugo Lloris is an excellent goalkeeper, but it would be fair to say that the Tottenham Hotspur man has had some poor games for his club this season.

The Spurs supporters have not exactly been shy in letting him know when that has been the case, but Lloris has been widely praised by the fans following Wednesday’s incredible Champions League clash with Manchester City.

The 6 foot 2 shot-stopper conceded four times at the Etihad Stadium, but came up with a couple of crucial saves which proved vital as Tottenham booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League on the away-goals rule.

Defensively, Tottenham had a lot of problems in Manchester, but they were on the right end of what was a crazy game of football.

Lloris spoke to Spurs TV after the match and that led to a number of the London club’s supporters taking to social media to hail the France international.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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Loads of Sunderland fans have been reacting to something the club tweeted during Tuesday’s draw against Brighton, as the Black Cats faithful urged Jermain Defoe to return to Wearside.

Sunderland kept the pressure firmly on promotion rivals Barnsley in the race for second this week, grabbing a point against a resilient and resurgent Burton side after taking all three points from Rochdale last weekend.

The Black Cats are now one point clear of Barnsley, and they of course have a game in hand on the Tykes.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

While promotion may be the only thing on most fans’ minds though, plenty were distracted by a special guest at Tuesday’s draw against the Brewers, as Defoe stopped by the Stadium of Light.

The ex-England international endeared himself to Wearside both with his performances on the pitch and his behaviour off it, scoring 37 times in 93 Black Cats showings.

He is now plying his trade with Rangers, on loan from Bournemouth, where he has grabbed six goals and five assists in 15 games, so even at 36 he is still getting the job done.

If Sunderland do return to the second tier, could Defoe make a shock return? The Twitter reactions down below certainly hope so…

[ad_pod ]Loads of Celtic fans have been reflecting on the weekend’s action, and they seem to have done a complete U-turn on their opinions of Mikael Lustig.Not too long ago, a large portion of Celtic fans wanted Lustig out the exit door this summer.The Swedish international has racked up 269 appearances for the club, scoring 20 times, but to say he was awful earlier this season would be an understatement.Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…The 32 year-old was shocking in the disastrous Champions League qualifying campaign, and until recently his domestic form wasn’t much better either.Due to the total lack of options to replace him though, he got the nod for the Old Firm and reminded Bhoys fans why they loved him so much in the first place.

Lustig was dogged and determined in defence and far more comfortable in possession than he has often been this season, and even ended the match with his shirt ripped in two.

Fans are now hoping the veteran defender extends his stay at Parkhead before his contract expires this summer, perhaps looking to use him as a squad player next year.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…