All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United had to rely on a last-minute Cristiano Ronaldo strike to seal a victory against a well-organised Villarreal side in an entertaining Champions League encounter.

The Red Devils were searching for their first points in Group F on Wednesday night after an opening day defeat away at Young Boys, but it was another underwhelming performance from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges.

Alex Telles’ magnificent volley and Ronaldo’s dramatic first-time finish earned a comeback win for the Old Trafford outfit, although it could have been a different story if it wasn’t for their in-form goalkeeper.

A bright start from the visitors forced David de Gea into an early save after Arnaut Danjuma drove his effort towards goal, and the Spanish shot-stopper would be called into action on several occasions in the remainder of the half.

Danjuma again stung the palms of De Gea just 10 minutes later, this time firing across the keeper’s body, but he was able to force the former Bournemouth winger’s strike wide when at full stretch.

Just moments later, United’s No.1 was called into action once more, this time tipping a glancing header from Villarreal striker Paco Alcacer over his crossbar.

The remainder of the first half carried on in a similar fashion, with De Gea repelling the La Liga’s outfit’s advances via some outstanding saves, yet the deadlock was finally broken just eight minutes after the interval.

This time, Alcacer’s effort squeezed between his compatriot’s legs after latching onto another Danjuma cross, although it didn’t take the shine off of what was a classic performance from the 30-year-old gem.

As per SofaScore, De Gea received a match rating of 7.7 out of 10, the highest total awarded to any player on the pitch. And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

The ex-Atletico Madrid ace made a huge six saves on the night, all from within his own penalty box. He also achieved a passing accuracy of 100%, illustrating his ability with the ball at his feet and picked out a teammate with both of his attempted long balls.

It’s been a fabulous return to form for De Gea after several years struggling for consistency between the sticks, and he’ll now be hoping to continue in a similar vein for the remainder of the campaign.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Pogba: Man Utd must complete swoop for £60m beast, he’s a big upgrade 

There was a wobble and an air of uncertainty about Celtic heading into the new season.

Indeed, those concerns were justified when the Hoops were dumped out of Europe’s premier competition at the first time of asking and then beaten in their first league match.

However, Ange Postecoglou hadn’t been backed and there was never going to be an overnight fix to the Bhoys’ lengthy list of problems.

That being said, in Kyogo Furuhashi, Postecoglou has discovered a player capable of turning the tide and injecting positivity into supporters who have waited so long to return to Parkhead.

The Japan international provided paying fans with a treat on Sunday afternoon as a swashbuckling hat-trick sent Celtic on their way to a 6-0 win over Dundee.

This was a perfect performance; one where Ryan Christie returned to his best and Liel Abada ran rampant down the right-hand side.

It was also a superb display in central areas from the likes of David Turnbull and a certain Callum McGregor.

There was slight doubt about the central midfielder’s future in Scotland but after being handed the captaincy following the departure of Scott Brown, he has taken on the extra responsibility fantastically well.

He scored a belter against Midtjylland in the Champions League and kept things ticking over marvellously in a quarter-back position against Dundee on Sunday.

McGregor was described as “outstanding” by Postecoglou for his performances for Scotland at the European Championships and this was a classy showing once more.

The 28-year-old was a pillar of solidity in the middle of the park, taking more touches of the ball (121) than any other player on the pitch.

His 104 passes at a completion rate of 95% were also the second-best number on the pitch behind pass master Carl Starfelt.

Furthermore, the skipper lost possession on just seven occasions and completed two key passes for his troubles. This was a brilliantly composed performance, laying the foundations for Celtic’s attack to run riot at Paradise.

McGregor also won 60% of his ground duels, showing a willingness to get stuck in whenever Dundee looked like coming forward.

It is only a few months into the new season but the Scot has proven exactly why he deserved to be given the armband.

He is relishing life under Postecoglou so far.

AND in other news, Forget Furuhashi: £12k-p/w Celtic gem who made 8 key passes was “astounding” today…

Aston Villa are keen on signing Rangers full-back Nathan Patterson, according to 90min.

And a number of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts to the rumours on social media.

Gerrard has now officially been in charge of Villa for over a week, and it hasn’t taken long for links to emerge regarding a number of Rangers players potentially joining him in the Midlands.

90min’s story earlier in the week claimed that one of Gerrard’s main targets from Rangers is Patterson.

The 20-year-old has been watched by the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain this season, so clearly has plenty of potential.

Matty Cash is Villa’s only recognised right-back on the books at this moment in time with Frederic Guilbert out on loan, and it seems as if Patterson is wanted at Villa Park to rival or perhaps serve as an understudy to the new Poland international.

Villa fans react

Total Villa relayed 90min’s claim regarding Patterson on Twitter on Wednesday lunchtime. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many sharing their positive thoughts and one labelling it as ‘silly’.

“Give them whatever they want for him”

Credit: @JordanPirie

“Yes yes yes”

Credit: @MaulReturns76

“Getting a bit silly now linking us with every Rangers player? As for Patterson he has potential but currently second choice behind Tavernier and wouldn’t dislodge Cash.”

Credit: @daveyl41

“Makes a lot of sense this..”

Credit: @d_hicks77

“Patterson and Hickey? Ah go on then.”

Credit: @AgpLittle

“Now this is a Rangers link I can get behind.”

Credit: @Son_Lyme

In other news: Lots of Aston Villa fans flock to Leon Bailey injury news. 

Taking to Twitter, reporter Rafael Lamelas of IDEAL has made a managerial claim involving Leeds United amid a big update on Diego Martinez.

The Lowdown: Martinez impresses…

Bringing Granada from the second division to the Europa League quarter-finals, La Liga’s once youngest manager has been quite the success story.

Indeed, as emphasised by ESPN, the 40-year-old’s Granada side was Spanish football’s ‘great revelation’ as his team defied the odds and turned many heads on a shoe string budget.

Martinez, however, left the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes after three successful years back in May with many now wondering where his next post could lie.

In a big update, reporter Lamelas has shared news on Twitter.

The Latest: Martinez could be eyeing Leeds job…

As per Lamelas, the Spaniard may now be eyeing a Leeds move to potentially replace Marcelo Bielsa if he decides to leave.

This comes as he rejects an offer to stay in La Liga to manage Elche.

He explained:

“Diego says no to another team again. Wait for England (maybe Leeds if Bielsa left at the end of the season) or a ‘main course’.”

The Verdict: Perfect heir?

If the Whites’ current boss decides to leave Yorkshire after guiding Leeds back to the big time and Premier League promotion, you could argue that Victor Orta and co could do no better than Martinez as his replacement.

Possessing a similar passion and hard work to Bielsa judging by his candid interview with ESPN, Granada’s fans and critics could not speak highly enough of Martinez during his reign.

Once called an ‘idol of the fans’ by Spanish reporter Jose Manuel Garcia, La Liga Showdown contributor Heath Chesters spoke last year of how Granada supporters were ‘calling for a statue’ – perfectly summing up his fine job at the club.

A free agent with plenty of credentials, we believe he could be a great candidate for Leeds.

Hamza Choudhury is keen to join Newcastle United on loan in pursuit of game-time, according to The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson. 

The lowdown

Newcastle had hoped to agree a temporary deal for Choudhury in January, only for Brendan Rodgers to stand in the way, and the 23-year-old remains on the Magpies’ shortlist.

He was limited to just four Premier League starts last season, making a further six appearances off the bench (via WhoScored).

Rodgers has hailed Choudhury as ‘one of the best’ at winning the ball back and also described him as a ‘tough’ individual.

The latest

According to Wilson on Twitter, Choudhury is ‘ready to push’ for the move ‘to ensure he plays next season’ and has told his representatives to take the necessary steps.

Newcastle are aware of this development and are prepared to open talks with Leicester, but only once ‘they know where they stand’ with Joe Willock.

As Wilson explains, only two domestic loans are allowed at any one time, and Newcastle are looking to strike a season-long deal with Arsenal. If they’re successful, they would need to decide whether to use their second domestic loan slot on another midfielder.

The verdict

It’s easy to understand why Newcastle are hesitant. Steve Bruce is working within what’s been called a ‘meagre’ transfer budget this summer, so loans will be key to strengthening the squad and staving off the threat of relegation.

Willock has to be to the top target, having proven his value to the Magpies following a hugely successful loan spell earlier this year. That move would halve Newcastle’s domestic loan quota, but they shouldn’t necessarily shy away from Choudhury simply because he too is a midfielder.

Where Willock offers a box-to-box presence and a goalscoring threat, Choudhury is a different kind of player. He is more destructive and excels at protecting a defence, so he could complement the Arsenal man’s skillset nicely if both players end up at St James’ Park for the 2021/22 campaign.

In other news, Mark Douglas says Newcastle have been offered this player.

Leeds United are interested in signing exciting Dutch youngster Noa Lang in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Lang move

The 21-year-old caught the eye for Club Brugge last season, moving there on loan from Ajax and scoring 17 goals, in all competitions.

Leeds have been linked before with snapping up the talented Dutchman, with Victor Orta and co clearly seeing him as someone who could bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s attacking options in 2021/22.

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The Latest: Romano provides update

Romano has now given a fresh update on the Whites’ pursuit of Lang, taking to Twitter to confirm that ‘Leeds are interested’ and ‘want to open talks’ with him over a move.

Brugge are keen on offering the forward a new deal – they have the option of signing him permanently – but it remains to be seen if he decides to stay put or not.

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting addition

Lang looks a player of great potential, having already become such a key man at the age of just 21, and he could be an extremely exciting signing for Leeds.

He has been described as a ‘phenomenon’ by Belgian sports journalist Peter Vandenbempt, which speaks volumes about his level of talent.

Lang’s productivity in the final third is sure to appeal to Orta and Bielsa – he enjoyed a total of 23 goal involvements in the Jupiler Pro League alone last season – and this combination of proven quality and youth would represent both a current and a long-term acquisition.

In other news, there has been an update on Leeds’ interest in a potential new left-back this summer. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool have made a move to bring Yves Bissouma to Anfield this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Express, who claim that Jurgen Klopp’s side have submitted an enquiry with Brighton & Hove Albion regarding the price of the central midfielder, with the German manager believed to have been interested in the 24-year-old for a considerable amount of time.

The report goes on to state that Graham Potter’s side have subsequently informed the Reds they would require a figure in the region of £40m in order to part with the Mali international, although the Seagulls are under no pressure to sell, having already received a £50m fee from Ben White’s sale to Arsenal earlier this summer.

Finally, it is claimed that Liverpool could face competition for the signing of the midfielder from both Manchester United and the Gunners, who are also thought to be extremely keen on the Brighton man.

Klopp must move

With Georginio Wijnaldum and Marko Grujic both having departed Liverpool earlier this summer, Klopp has been left somewhat short of players capable of operating in defensive midfield.

While Naby Keita, Thiago and Jordan Henderson can all be played in the role if needs must, aside from Fabinho, the 54-year-old manager does not have any natural options in the position, something that Bissouma’s signing would more than address.

Indeed, since his arrival at Brighton from LOSC Lille back in 2018, the 24-year-old has gone on to prove himself as one of the standout defensive midfielders in the Premier League – something illustrated by the £22.5m-rated man’s form for Potter’s side last season.

Over his 36 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls last term, Bissouma made an average of 1.8 interceptions, 2.9 tackles, 1.8 clearances and won a whopping 6.3 duels per game.

These returns saw the man Gary Lineker dubbed an “exceptional” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Brighton’s fourth-best performer in the top flight.

For comparison, over Fabinho’s 30 league fixtures for Liverpool last season, the Brazilian made an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 2.2 clearances and won 4.9 duels per match, as well as earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Klopp to do all he can to secure the signing of the £25k-per-week midfielder prior to Tuesday’s transfer deadline, as Bissouma clearly has the ability to not only plug a gap in the Reds’ squad but to push Fabinho for his starting spot in the team.

In other news: Bye-bye Origi: Klopp must replace LFC dud with “special talent”, fans would love it

Former Everton star Michael Ball insists that Moise Kean is attempting to get himself out of the club this summer.

The £31.5m-rated Italian striker has struggled during his spell at Goodison Park since his arrival from Juventus.

Kean has been with the Toffees since 2019 but has scored just four goals in 37 games for the club, and was sent on loan to PSG last season.

During his time in the French capital, the forward surprised many with his performances, as he netted 17 goals in 41 outings under Mauricio Pochettino.

His hopes of a permanent move to Paris appear to have been scotched, though, by the club’s amazing signing of living legend Lionel Messi from Barcelona.

Kean has since been linked with a potential move to Inter Milan in this transfer window after the Italian club sold Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea.

And Ball believes that the 21-year-old is doing his very best to force his way out of the club in this transfer window.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Ball said: “It obviously seems he’s pushing his agent to get out of the club and he’s not happy with his game time, which is understandable.

“If you’re a footballer and you’re not playing, you want to go somewhere to develop and play football and do what you love. But Everton need to be strong, he’s a young kid, he could be a very, very exciting prospect in the future.”

Rangers’ hopes of signing Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson this summer look to have taken a setback after Watford submitted another bid for the 21-year-old, which suggests that Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson need to act quickly if they are to bring him to Ibrox this summer.

Rangers were touted with an interest in the Scotland U’21 international by Football Insider recently, as they claimed that the Gers were ready to submit a bid for the youngster after he handed in a transfer request at Pittodrie.

Aberdeen subsequently rejected Ferguson’s request and suggested in a club statement that they had also turned down an ‘insulting’ offer from Watford, as they look to add to their squad following promotion back to the Premier League.

However, it seems clear that the Hornets are not to be deterred, with The Sun suggesting that Watford have already had two bids for Ferguson rejected by Aberdeen and are now readying a third for him ahead of the summer transfer window.

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It is no surprise that the 21-year-old is attracting interest, as he enjoyed a superb season for the Dons in 2020/21, contributing nine goals in all competitions, whilst his performances in the Scottish Premiership saw him average an impressive 7.07 average rating from WhoScored.

This was the second-best of any player in Stephen Glass’ squad to make at least 10 league appearances this season, so it is clear to see why they have thus far rejected Watford’s advances, as he is a key player at Pittodrie.

However, he wouldn’t have handed in a transfer request if he wasn’t keen to test himself at a higher level and eventually Watford will meet Aberdeen’s valuation, so Rangers arguably need to get their act together and submit a bid if they do want to bring him to Ibrox this summer.

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The “brilliant” 21-year-old could certainly be a stellar addition to Gerrard’s squad and would reportedly be keen on a switch to Ibrox, so Rangers fans will rightfully be gutted if the club doesn’t make a bid for him and lose out to Watford in this intriguing transfer race.

And, in other news… Gerrard must axe Rangers’ “exciting talent” from Ibrox after his huge setback

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is in for a busy summer transfer window as he looks to shape his squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

With the Gers currently sitting six points adrift of the Premiership leaders, the Dutch head coach is set to head into next season with the aim of winning the title back from their Glasgow arch-rivals – unless of course there is a very late twist in the current campaign.

This means that the club will have an extra edge in their transfer dealings, as they will be motivated to improve their squad to a point where they will be confident of finishing above the Hoops.

One player who must be brutally axed from the Rangers squad in the summer is Finland international Glen Kamara, as the timing is perfect for him to leave.

Ibrox chief Ross Wilson can seal a masterclass by cashing in on the 26-year-old, whose form has nosedived of late. He has only started one Premiership match since 5th March as John Lundstram and Ryan Jack have been preferred to him in the two deep-lying midfield roles.

In all competitions since that date, he has recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.8 or lower in each of his appearances, while he has struggled in the Europa League all season. He has averaged an underwhelming SofaScore rating of 6.68 in Europe across 11 appearances, showing that he has not been one of the key players in their charge towards glory in that competition.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the club value him at £15m. It would be a stroke of genius from Wilson if he is able to sell Kamara for that amount, as it would generate significant funds for Van Bronckhorst to strengthen the squad in other positions without weakening the club’s best XI.

In his last Premiership start, the Finland midfielder was culpable for Motherwell’s goal and was dubbed an “all-round shambles” by Andrew Dickson for his involvement in that play. The 26-year-old was given the opportunity to show Van Bronckhorst that he can be a reliable, regular starter for him in the middle of the park, but instead he let the manager down with a poor mistake.

Kamara has struggled to get into the team of late and has not been able to catch the eye whenever he has played, so that is why this summer will be the perfect time for him to be sold. Wilson must cash in on the player whilst his value is still reasonably high, whether that is the £15m previously quoted or a similar fee, and then use that money to reinvest in the team.

If he can pull that off, then it will be a transfer masterclass from the former Southampton chief…

AND in other news, Rangers now plot exciting bid for £1.8m-rated sensation, it’ll leave Van Bronckhorst thrilled…