All posts by h716a5.icu

Journalist Kieran Devlin has compared Celtic attacker Liel Abada to Arjen Robben ahead of the Hoops’ marquee Champions League clash against Real Madrid this week.

The Lowdown: Abada on fire

The 20-year-old has made a flying start to the season for Ange Postecoglou’s side, looking like a hugely exciting talent with a big future ahead of him.

Abada has already scored six goals in as many Premiership appearances this season – only two of which have been starts – and he found the net twice in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Rangers at Parkhead.

On Tuesday night, the Israeli will be hoping to announce himself on the biggest club stage of all, as Celtic host reigning title holders Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The Latest: Abada compared to Robben

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Athletic, Devlin compared Abada to Dutch legend Robben, once of Bernabeu fame, such is his unplayable nature at cutting onto his left foot.

The journalist stated:

“Everyone knows the danger of Abada’s blindside runs. But as with Arjen Robben cutting onto his left to curl a shot, there is a world of difference between knowing what he is doing and actually stopping it. That’s 5 goals from such runs in 2 league games.”

The Verdict: Watch out, Mendy

This is a fascinating opportunity to see Abada test himself against a world-class Real Madrid team on what promises to be a memorable night at Parkhead.

The Celtic forward may well fancy his chances against Los Blancos’ left-back Ferland Mendy, who has been beaten in one dribble per game in La Liga so far this season, and the Israeli must be positive in taking him on at every opportunity.

With the crowd behind him and his confidence sky-high, Abada will be eyeing up a special performance on Tuesday.

Who knows, there’s every chance that he may treat us to a few more replicas of Robben’s trademark move of cutting inside onto his left foot, perhaps making the visiting supporters pine for the days of the Dutchman’s party piece.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou can seemingly do no wrong at present having inspired a real transformation at Parkhead in his tenure thus far, with the 57-year-old earning plaudits – and admirers – from across the game for the stellar job he has done to date.

After an initial slow start to life in the dugout, the former Yokohama boss has since overseen a stunning run of form in Glasgow, guiding the club to the Scottish Premiership title in relentless fashion last term ahead of bitter rivals Rangers – just a year on from having finished 25 points behind their Old Firm rivals following a miserable season under his predecessor, Neil Lennon.

With a League Cup triumph also in the bag in that glorious debut campaign at the helm, the Hoops boss has since seen his side continue their imperious form after picking up six wins from their opening seven league games thus far, with a recent loss to St Mirren having ended a staggering 38-game unbeaten run in the top-flight.

That was a rare blip in what’s been an otherwise sparkling start to the new campaign, with the Bhoys having also received hefty praise for their display against European champions Real Madrid in the Champions League despite defeat, with Postecoglou’s “beautiful” football – as dubbed by pundit Owen Hargreaves – more than proving a match for the 14-time winners in what was an even first-half.

That performance had come just days after a 4-0 thrashing of the Gers at Celtic Park which further rubberstamped the home side’s domestic dominance at present, with astute recruitment and a progressive, attractive approach having worked wonders over the past year or so.

Not all had seemingly foreseen such a scenario following Postecoglou’s appointment back in June 2021, however, with there having been a host of fans and pundits alike questioning the wisdom in bringing in a relatively unknown quantity, particularly one who was not the first choice target.

The former Australia head coach had only been handed the job after a lengthy and protracted pursuit of Eddie Howe had fallen through, with the Hoops having subsequently been forced to act quickly with the new season looming.

One notable naysayer was that of talkSPORT host and pundit, Alan Brazil, with the former Scotland international vocalising his reservations at signing an unfamiliar name amid reports that the incoming manager did not hold a UEFA Pro Licence, stating at the time:

“Celtic have applied for exemption with UEFA for Yokohama Marinos boss, what is it, Postecooglou? (sic), to manage in Europe. He does not hold the required licence – oh, this has got to be a wind-up.”

Having then been asked how he expected the new boss to perform, Brazil replied sarcastically: “Oh, he’d be a great manager. Where do they come up with these guys from?”

The 63-year-old was not the only figure doubting Postecoglou before he had even been appointed, with pundit Noel Whelan also stating that the decision to make the move had been a “shock to everybody”, while also hinting that a swift exit could occur by Christmas if things did not go well.

Both men – and plenty of others – have been made to eat their words by the “excellent” job that the title-winning coach has done since then, in the words of treble winner Martin O’Neill, with such impressive work having even sparked interest from the Premier League, with Brighton and Hove Albion believed to have been interested of late.

Any doubters have well and truly been quashed, with Brazil having notably admitted earlier this year that he has been left “eating humble pie” after being proved horribly wrong, with that a marker of the brilliance of Postecoglou’s time at the helm so far.

Arsenal are a side who have reaped the benefits of possessing an impressive academy set up in recent years, with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka having all graduated from the Gunners’ youth ranks before establishing themselves as regulars in Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.

However, arguably one of the club’s most talented academy prospects in recent memory, Reiss Nelson, is yet to fulfil his undoubted potential at The Emirates. And, with a matter of months remaining on his current contract in north London, time is running out for the 22-year-old to prove he has what it takes to make it at the club.

Indeed, former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, previously stated his belief that Nelson “has shown that he can dribble, go past people and he isn’t fazed by the occasion,” while legendary Gunners centre-back Martin Keown claimed that the winger “showed the sort of touches you often see or associate with a Neymar or a real top player.”

There has been evidence of these claims on the pitch, with the £5.85m-rated talent having impressed during a loan spell at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim back in 2018/19, scoring seven goals and registering one assist over his 23 Bundesliga appearances, with Julian Nagelsmann going as far as to compare the attacker to another of Arsenal’s former academy graduates, Serge Gnabry.

Regarding Nelson, the former Hoffenheim manager said: “Reiss is a player whose qualities can be compared to those of Serge Gnabry, but just not so well developed.”

And, considering the fact that Gnabry now boasts a market valuation of £72m – having scored 67 goals and registered 43 assists over 182 appearances for Bayern Munich – just eight years after he left Arsenal for a measly £4.5m, it would appear extremely wise for the Gunners to learn their lesson from the 27-year-old’s rise and hand Nelson one more chance to impress before the end of his current deal.

Indeed, it is undeniable that the academy prospect possesses the potential to be a massive success in the professional game, perhaps even going on to match the level of the Germany international, but whether or not this development occurs at The Emirates looks to solely depend on whether or not Arteta affords the £15k-per-week starlet a final opportunity in an Arsenal shirt.

Tottenham Hotspur have been advised to play barely-seen summer signing Djed Spence after their north London derby defeat to Arsenal.

The Lowdown: Spurs taste first league defeat…

Spurs tasted their first loss of the 2022/23 Premier League season on Saturday as Antonio Conte’s side fell to a 3-1 defeat away to their arch rivals. Goals from Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka cancelled out Harry Kane’s strike for the visitors on an afternoon to forget for the Lilywhites.

Another Fabio Paratici signing in Emerson Royal was given his marching orders for a studs-up challenge on Gabriel Martinelli, prompting some debate as to whether he is indeed good enough to thrive as a Conte wing-back.

The Brazilian’s sending off was arguably a major turning point of the game and potentially killed it off for Spurs, who were still well in the contest up until that point.

The Latest: Roberts backs Spence to start…

Taking to social media, Tottenham legend Graham Roberts has explained exactly why Conte should turn to barely-used summer acquisition Spence in Royal’s stead.

He tweeted: “We have to play Spence at right back, last season he was fantastic, he’s better than the others, give him a chance.”

Nice one, Son! Show your love for Heung-min Son with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy…

The Verdict: Right move?

The former Championship starlet was a key member of Nottingham Forest’s promotion-winning squad last season whilst on loan at the City Ground from Middlesbrough.

Spence played the sixth-most minutes out of any Reds player over 2021/22, becoming a real mainstay under Steve Cooper with some impressive performances.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

A highly attacking full-back, the 22-year-old ranked in Forest’s top five players for key passes made and completed dribbles per 90, whilst also finishing the campaign as their sixth-best performer overall (WhoScored).

However, since signing for Tottenham, Conte has hardly used him at all, playing Spence for a solitary minute in the Premier League and not utilising him so far in the Champions League.

Is it now time to give the Englishman a fair shot at the first team? The manager’s hand may well be forced considering that Royal now faces a suspension.

Following the news that West Bromwich Albion have parted ways with manager Steve Bruce, reliable journalist Scott Wilson has namechecked former Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder as a potential successor to the 61-year-old.

The Lowdown: Bruce’s West Brom tenure

After a disappointing eight-month tenure with the Baggies, the former Newcastle United manager was relieved of his duties following an eight-match winless run which left them sitting inside the relegation zone. Backroom staff Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and the manager’s son Alex Bruce have also left The Hawthorns.

Having been in charge of 32 games spanning across two seasons, Bruce’s West Brom side averaged just 1.13 points per match, with the club falling from sixth to tenth in the Championship table between the day of his appointment and the end of the campaign.

Under-21s coach Richard Beale has been appointed interim boss and will be assisted by James Morrison and Gary Walsh for next Saturday’s Championship clash against Reading.

The Latest: Wilson names possible successor

Wilson has now weighed in on the 61-year-old’s sacking, name-checking one potential successor whilst doing so.

Taking to Twitter, The Northern Echo journalist claimed: “Hardly a surprise to see former #NUFC and #SAFC boss Steve Bruce lose his job at West Brom – and wouldn’t be a shock to see ex-#Boro manager Chris Wilder replace him at the Hawthorns either…”

The Verdict: Good candidate?

After 11 months in charge at Middlesbrough, Wilder was relieved of his duties as manager last week, having won just two of their first 11 league matches this term. However, despite Boro getting off to a disappointing start in the Championship, the 55-year-old has a strong pedigree of promotion in recent years.

Prior to replacing Neil Warnock at the Riverside Stadium, Wilder became manager of Sheffield United in May 2016 and led the Blades to the Premier League in his third season in charge after overseeing two promotions.

Former England manager Steve McClaren hailed that achievement as ‘phenomenal’, and the Yorkshire club finished an impressive ninth in their first campaign back in the top flight in 2019/20.

Having subsequently taken over at ‘Boro in November last year, the former Northampton boss led the Teeside outfit to a seventh-place finish in the Championship.

Therefore, whilst results over the last few months haven’t gone his way, Wilder’s achievements suggest that he could revive West Brom’s fortunes if reports of him being an early favourite for the job at The Hawthorns turn into an eventual appointment as Bruce’s successor.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will be given at least two more games to prove himself before any fear of the sack, reliable journalist Ashley Preece has claimed.

The Lowdown: Gerrard feeling the heat

The Villans hosted Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon but it proved to be another bad result as the Blues walked away 2-0 winners.

In fairness to Villa, they actually played well in patches, but a combination of individual mistakes and a lack of ruthlessness ultimately proved costly.

Gerrard is now under huge pressure to keep his job, amid chants of ‘sacked in the morning’ on Sunday and reports of boardroom talks being held over the possibility of his dismissal, and a pivotal run of games lay ahead for him.

The Latest: Preece makes Gerrard claim

Writing in a Q&A for Birmingham Mail, Preece said that the 42-year-old will be in charge for Villa’s upcoming games against Fulham and Brentford, at which point a decision could then be made if their fortunes don’t improve.

The reporter stated:

“Fair to suggest SG will be given the next two games at least to transform Villa’s fortunes. After this week (Fulham/Brentford) it’s then Newcastle (a), Man Utd (h), Man Utd (a) and Brighton (a). It’s now or never isn’t it really.”

The Verdict: Make-or-break week

It feels like Villa need an absolute minimum of three points from these next two matches, although four or six would have Gerrard feeling far safer in his job.

A couple of massive performances are required against Fulham and Brentford, and if the desired results aren’t achieved, a managerial change may well be needed.

Gerrard has been shown plenty of support from the owners to date after significant summer investment, but there will come a point when his position becomes untenable. The next seven days could give a far clearer picture of the 42-year-old’s situation in the Midlands.

Leeds United could be set to move for a new midfielder in January, with Jesse Marsch & Victor Orta already drawing up their plans…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who spoke about Weston McKennie’s future to GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Leeds will try and use that American connection to try and help any deal to get over the line if they do pursue a move for McKennie.”

The Italian giants were reportedly willing to sell the 24-year-old over the summer but had slapped a €30m (£26m) price tag on him.

With January soon to come around, perhaps Victor Orta will be able to tempt him to Elland Road for a far smaller fee, provided he does not star in the upcoming World Cup.

He can bring energy

Although Marsch completed a midfield rebuild over the summer following the sale of Kalvin Phillips, perhaps he sees his addition as the extra quality that can steer them away from the relegation zone.

The Whites currently sit two points adrift from safety, having won just once in their last nine Premier League games.

Marc Roca and Tyler Adams are both fine players in their own right but lack the creativity and classiness to carve a team open.

Although the American ace is not a wholly creative force himself, he can be a success at Elland Road due to his work rate and ability to push forward too.

In his debut season for Juventus, he scored six and assisted a further three across various competitions, and he would bring incredible experience to the Yorkshire outfit.

Clint Dempsey’s comments further support this, as he dubbed him as someone who can “bring that energy” as well as being “dangerous on the set pieces or crosses. And the way he elevates and gets over people and scores goals.”

He has featured 23 times in the Champions League already, and if he were to make the drop-down it would mark a huge coup for Marsch.

This season has not been a standout for McKennie, but then again, the fall of the Old Lady is one which will have affected all involved.

Perhaps a move to Leeds could reignite his talents in a far less pressured environment, and he could be the added impetus to spark the midfield into life.

Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel isn’t interested in becoming the new Aston Villa boss, according to an update from reliable journalist Matt Law.

The Lowdown: Villa looking for new boss

Thursday’s woeful 3-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham proved to be Steven Gerrard’s last game as manager, with the 42-year-old sacked shortly afterwards.

Villa will now no doubt be on the lookout to make a quickfire appointment to replace Gerrard at Villa Park, with a host of names already thrown into the hat.

Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank have already been linked and Tuchel has even been touted as a potential candidate.

The Latest: Tuchel ruled out

Taking to Twitter, Law revealed that the German would immediately say ‘no’ to Villa:

“Any attempt by Aston Villa to speak with Thomas Tuchel over their vacant job will be met with a polite ‘no’. He’s not interested – even if big wages and money on offer.”

The Verdict: Blow for NSWE

This is a blow for Villa, given Tuchel’s pedigree as a manager, having won the 2020/21 Champions League with Chelsea and two Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain.

In truth, snapping him up always felt a little too ambitious for Villa, though, with the club unable to guarantee him what he wants, in terms of challenging for major trophies and playing in Europe.

Tthe Villans will have to turn their attention elsewhere but it is vital that they don’t rush the decision, bringing in the ideal candidate who can get the most out of this squad in the long-term.

Aston Villa are reportedly looking at a move for Queens Park Rangers midfielder Ilias Chair. 

The Lowdown: Chair profiled

Chair is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play as a central midfielder or on the left. The 24-year-old joined QPR’s youth side back in 2017 and has gone on to make 167 appearances for the Hoops, contributing to 54 goals.

The Morocco international has been influential under Michael Beale this season with nine goal contributions in 16 Championship games, and his form appears to have caught the eye of NSWE.

The Latest: Villa interest

Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke provided an update regarding Villa and Chair on Monday lunchtime.

He revealed that Villa are plotting a January move for the QPR man, regarded as an ‘outstanding player’, after sending scouts to watch the player in action on multiple occasions.

The Verdict: Needed?

New manager Unai Emery tends to go with a 4-4-2 system, so it’s hard to see where Chair may fit in at Villa Park under the Spaniard should a transfer materialise.

Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia are already central attacking-midfield options available to Emery, so there could be an argument that Chair would not be needed in the Midlands.

However, should Emery change his favoured system to suit Villa’s current squad, there could be room for Chair to rival the likes of Coutinho and Buendia – only time will tell.

Both scored 52 and staged a third-wicket stand of 91 in 20-run victory over Western Storm

ESPNcricinfo staff14-May-2022Amy Jones and Abigail Freeborn registered impressive half-centuries as Central Sparks made a winning start to their Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign, beating Western Storm by 20 runs in their Group B fixture at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.Both scored 52 and staged a third-wicket stand of 91, while Ami Campbell smashed an unbeaten 30 from 17 balls as Sparks posted 156 for 4 from their 20 overs after being put into bat on a used pitch.Storm looked to be in with a chance while Sophie Luff and Georgia Hennessy held sway in a second-wicket alliance of 57, but pace bowler Issy Wong crucially removed the former for 43 and claimed 2 for 28 from four overs to swing the contest in favour of the visitors.Former England batter Fran Wilson finished on 22 not out, only for Storm to come up some way short on 136 for 6.Having won the toss and elected to field, Storm effectively starved Sparks of the oxygen of early runs, removing openers Eve Jones and Wong in quick succession to put the visitors firmly on the back foot. In an eventful first over, Danni Gibson served up four wide balls down the leg side, conceded a straight-driven four to Jones and then atoned by inducing Sparks’ captain to chip to cover.Rising star Wong departed in the next over from the Cathedral Road end, attempting to evade a Lauren Filer in-swinger, only to glove a catch behind with the score on 13.Back in the fold after missing the majority of last season, off-spinner Claire Nicholas sent down two naggingly accurate overs from the River end to tighten Storm’s stranglehold on the game as their opponents were restricted to 35 for 2 in the powerplay.Storm then allowed an opportunity to further tighten their grip on the game to quite literally slip through their fingers, Wilson dropping Freeborn on 10 at point off a cleverly disguised slower ball from Georgia Hennessy. Sensing an invitation to escape the shackles imposed hitherto, Freeborn and Jones played with increasing freedom, finding gaps in the field to score both sides of the wicket and keep the board ticking over.Permitted width, Jones in particular thrived, cutting and pulling to good effect, while Freeborn proved adept at rotating the strike in a restorative partnership which realised 50 in seven overs.Storm skipper Luff deployed six different bowlers in a bid to break the stand, but there was no stopping Jones, who harvested six fours on her way to a 42-ball half-century. At the point where she was required to go on and post a really imposing score, the 28-year-old permitted Storm much-needed respite, driving a length ball from Hennessy straight to Filer at mid-on and departing in the 16th over.An alliance of 91 in 12 overs nevertheless provided Sparks with an excellent platform from which to take risks during the closing stages of the innings, and Freeborn assumed responsibility for guiding the visitors to a challenging total, raising the tempo to reach 50 from 46 balls, with three fours.Yet it was new batter Campbell who took centre stage in a blistering knock, the experienced left-hander plundering three boundaries in one over from Filer to seize the initiative in a hugely productive alliance of 41 in 3.5 overs with Freeborn for the fourth wicket.Freeborn hit Gibson to Luff at cover in the penultimate over, but Campbell finished with a flourish, helping herself to a fourth boundary and adding a further nine runs in the final over, sent down by Hennessy.If containment was the name of the game for Sparks, they were initially disappointed. Wong bowled too short, Potts tended to over-pitch and openers Fi Morris and Hennessy took full advantage amid a barrage of boundaries to propel Storm to 34 in 4.5 overs and afford the chase a flying start.But Sarah Glenn’s leg breaks slowed progress dramatically, Morris pinned in the crease and departing for 18, and Hennessy and new batter Luff forced to exercise a degree of caution against the England bowler, who sent down three overs for 16 runs.Storm’s second-wicket pair prospered following Glenn’s withdrawal, with the busy Luff, in particular, forcing the issue against the seamers. At halfway, the hosts were well-placed at 66 for 1, needing a further 90 runs at nine an over, but with crucial wickets in hand.When Eve Jones elected to take the pace off and threw the ball to off spinner Davina Perrin, Luff and Hennessy cashed in, plundering 17 runs from a lucrative twelfth over, which served to put Storm back on the front foot.But the entire complexion of the game changed in a trice as Storm lost three wickets in the space of just six balls for the addition of four runs. Hennessy miss-timed a drive off Hannah Baker and was brilliantly caught by Eve Jones at mid-off for 27 as Sparks opened up one end. Wong then returned from the River end to strike a double blow, having the talismanic Luff held at short fine leg for 43 and then removing the hard-hitting Gibson in similar fashion two balls later.Coming together with the score on 95 for 4 in the 14th over and with the asking rate having risen to above 10 an over, Wilson and Nat Wraith had their work cut out to make up lost ground. It proved too big an ask, Wraith offering a catch behind off Potts and Katie George being run out by Amy Jones as Sparks turned the screw and the chase fizzled out.