All posts by n8rngtd.top

Despite losing their previous Premier League game 3-2 against West Ham United going into the latest international break, Liverpool have had a fairly good start to their 2021/22 season, with 22 points on the board in the league and remaining unbeaten in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

One man who has played a big part in Liverpool’s campaign and deserves a lot of credit is Diogo Jota. With 14 appearances under his belt for the Reds this season across all competitions, the 24-year-old has scored five goals and provided two assists in the process.

As well as his goals and assists, the winger – who is currently valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt – has averaged 2.2 shots and 1.6 key passes in the league, showing how much of a danger he can pose to opponents.

The Portuguese forward has also showed his worth to Jurgen Klopp in the Champions League this season by either providing an assist or scoring a goal in Liverpool’s group games against his former club Atletico Madrid.

With this in mind, it seems as though Jota is having a similar sort of season to last year after joining the Reds from fellow Premier League side Wolves in a deal worth a reported fee of £41m, with 13 goals in 30 appearances in the 2020/21 campaign.

Even though fellow Reds wingers Sadio Mane (eight) and Mohamed Salah (15) have scored more than Jota at this point in the season, the former Wolves man – who has been described as “incredible” by fellow Reds teammate Adrian – has certainly proven himself to be an unsung hero for Klopp who can step up to the plate whenever he’s called upon.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, with Salah and Mane set to spend a period of time away from Anfield in January to take part in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, it’s safe to say that Klopp will be relying on Jota to fill in for the duo when that time comes.

Thankfully, the 24-year-old has proven during his time on Merseyside  that he is capable of doing just that, and he could help the team push closer to the top of the table in the forthcoming absence of Salah and Mane.

In other news: Liverpool handed huge injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash, Klopp will be buzzing

Crystal Palace view Will Hughes as a long-term successor to James McArthur, The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam writes. 

Palace paid £6.3million to sign Hughes from Watford in the final days of the summer transfer window.

He penned a three-year, £36,000-per-week contract on his arrival at Selhurst Park.

But the 26-year-old is yet to play a single minute for his new club, in any competition.

Perhaps most frustratingly, he’s featured in the matchday squad for seven Premier League games, but Patrick Vieira hasn’t given him a run-out.

McArthur ever-present… until now

By contrast, 34-year-old McArthur had started every PL match prior to the weekend’s draw with Burnley.

Scans have revealed that he tore his hamstring in the victory over Wolves prior to the international break, and he now faces a spell on the sidelines that could last until January.

This might present Hughes with an opportunity to impress in the short-term.

Fan feed CPFC Transfers HQ relayed Woosnam’s report, and here’s what supporters had to say in response.

These Crystal Palace fans want Hughes to be given a chance

“I think most people agree. But when even Jaïro has gotten minutes, the question is why hasn’t will?”

Credit: @JA9Baller

“Then put him on for the next game, not really overwhelmed by Lukas’ performance against Burnley.”

Credit: @VestinJesper

“Not played a single minute yet has he? Annoying”

Credit: @sxp55555

“About time, would be good to see him get some game time”

Credit: @cpfc_joe

“Nice to hear at least”

Credit: @amancpfc

“Yes please”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

In other news, fans react to this blow revealed on Monday.

A number of Liverpool supporters are fuming after Joe Gomez was linked with joining Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window.

The Reds have clicked back into top form since the international break, securing a trio of resounding home wins over Arsenal, Porto and Southampton.

Saturday’s 4-0 victory against Saints saw Jurgen Klopp’s side produce an excellent performance, swatting their opponents aside at Anfield.

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It was a third clean sheet in a row for Liverpool, but someone who hasn’t featured in that time is Gomez, who continues to recover from a calf injury.

The 24-year-old title-winning hero of 2019/20 has only featured for 13 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, and according to The Mirror [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], Steven Gerrard wants to take him to Villa on loan in January.

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Liverpool fans unhappy with Gomez rumour

These Liverpool fans on Twitter reacted negatively to the rumours of a potential exit for Gomez.

“No brov. All our CBs stay”

Credit: @Ariidunnu

“I would be very disappointed if this were true and they allow it to happen. JG is a class CB in my books, when fit he’s second after VVD.”

Credit: @alv_lam28

“Sorry Stevie, it’s a no”

Credit: @SalahFanV1

“There is absolutely no way on earth we’d loan out a centre back unless one was coming in. I also doubt we are bringing anybody in as well…so it’s hard to see any truth in this…”

Credit: @SMXLFC

“Am I the only one with PTSD from last season? I want 10 centre backs at all times…”

Credit: @30YearsRed

“No loaning out of any CBs. Nope. Not allowed.”

Credit: @ZachsEleven

In other news, some Liverpool fans have erupted after an update on one player emerged. Read more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have erupted over news on their star Kevin De Bruyne.

The 30-year-old has been missing from action over the last three games with manager Pep Guardiola confirming in late November that he had contracted COVID-19 (talkSPORT).

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Testing positive on international duty with Belgium last month, De Bruyne has undergone a period of self-isolation to recover from the virus and eventually be available for selection once again.

The playmaker, still yet to rediscover his best form at club level this season, was absent for City’s recent home victories against Everton, Paris-Saint Germain and West Ham United.

However, in an update, Guardiola has now confirmed that the Sky Blues star has tested negative for COVID-19 after taking his latest test.

While he still hasn’t trained, with City’s boss emphasising he needs time, the Spaniard says De Bruyne ‘will be back’ eventually as he edges he closer to being eligible for selection.

Man City fans go wild…

Even though he is still to commence first team training again, you can see why many Sky Blues are overjoyed that De Bruyne has tested negative with the comeback trail on.

Guardiola spoke of a player selection ’emergency’ due to his lack of options and the Belgium international’s anticipated eventual return will come as a big boost.

Still yet to see his very best so far this year, it’s clear City’s highest-paid player is very much an embodiment of the phrase ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’.

Making the PFA Team of the Year last season due to his stellar contribution, the midfield maestro’s 2019/2020 season is perhaps an even better indication of his quality.

Scoring 13 goals and notching a phenomenal 20 assists in the Premier League that year (WhoScored), if Guardiola can reignite that form when De Bruyne is made available again, then City will be boosted majorly.

Here’s how Citizens reacted to the latest on their star man down below:

“We’re back.”

Credit: @kofithemerc

“Tearrsssss finally”

Credit: @AlexanderKing4L

“Back in biz”

Credit: @aelz21

“I’m not crying”

Credit: @DunmadeSamuel

“Fantastic”

Credit: @MahessanSuresh

“Yesssss my Kev”

Credit: @princesses2127

“Yus!!!! Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @FoReverendblue

“Woow….Great news..Hope he gets fit soon”

Credit: @Smurf_254

In other news: ‘Siuuuu’, ‘Finally’, ‘In Txiki we trust’…Man City fans also erupted over this ‘perfect’ £59.3m claim, find out more here.

Everton could be set to receive a significant injury boost ahead of their Premier League encounter with Arsenal at Goodison Park this evening.

What’s the word?

In his pre-match press conference, Rafa Benitez revealed star defender Yerry Mina is in contention to make his long-awaited comeback from injury after making a successful return to first-team training.

“Yerry Mina has today done part of training session, so he is getting closer, we will see how he reacts in the next couple of days to see if he’s available or not, ” the Spanish tactician told reporters.

But that wasn’t where the good news ended for everyone associated with the Toffees. Striker Salomon Rondon could be a surprise inclusion in the matchday squad after limping off against Liverpool, while Andre Gomes is also available for selection once again.

“Rondon, we are assessing him, we are waiting, he is feeling better but we need to wait for the scan and see how he’s doing.

“Andre Gomes has been training, we are missing just Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies, the other players at the moment are available,” Benitez concluded.

Rafa Benitez will be buzzing

News that Everton are set to be boosted by the return of up to three first-team stars will leave Benitez absolutely buzzing. The Blues are currently enduring an eight-game winless run in the top-flight, piling the pressure on the 61-year-old.

Therefore, it’s the potential comeback of Mina that the former Real Madrid boss will be eagerly anticipating the most, given his importance to the team.

The Colombia international made an impressive start to the current campaign, losing on just one occasion before picking up a thigh problem.

And his underlying numbers highlight Mina’s influence over proceedings. As per WhoScored, the 27-year-old has averaged 1.5 interceptions per league game this season, four clearances and 2.8 aerial duels won, placing him in the top four for each metric compared to his teammates.

In the South American’s absence, Everton have picked up just one point from a possible 18, highlighting the significance of Benitez’s latest update on his fitness situation. He will be absolutely elated if he’s able to select him this evening.

And, in other news…“My understanding is”: Alan Myers drops Everton DoF update that’ll have fans intrigued

A number of West Ham fans have been praising Pablo Fornals after he appeared in his 100th game for the club at the weekend.

The Hammers were held to a 0-0 draw as they faced off against Burnley in an underwhelming performance at Turf Moor. However, there was one positive from the game – fan favourite Fornals racked up a century of appearances for the east London club.

The Spanish midfielder came on as a substitute in the 80th minute, replacing Argentine international Manuel Lanzini.

Despite recently losing his place in the starting XI, the attacking-midfielder remains the Irons’ second highest scorer in the Premier League this season behind centre-forward Michail Antonio,  having scored four times in 16 top-flight appearances during the current campaign.

Fornals has been hailed for his great attitude and hard-working nature. The club’s former defender Tony Gale praised the Spaniard in a recent interview, saying: “I don’t think there’s a fitter man at West Ham. He’s a workaholic, his work rate is phenomenal.”

Since joining the Hammers from Villarreal in 2019 for £24m, the 25-year-old has contributed 14 goals and 13 assists, making himself a near-permanent fixture in the first XI under David Moyes. He is also among the squad’s top performers in terms of tackles, shots and key passes per game, an indication of his all-round value to the team.

Fans flock to praise Fornals

West Ham took to Twitter to congratulate Fornals in a post celebrating the Spaniard making his 100th appearance for the club. Many supporters posted their appreciation for the player’s efforts in response, with one fan hailing him as a “baller”.

Here a flavour of the reactions:

“Hope there’s 100 more to come, what a baller he is”

Credit: @jw12045

“That’s gone so quick”

Credit: @DJS97_

“Quality, Quality player, congratulations Pablo!”

Credit: @rickwhufc

“He’s a future West ham legend”

Credit: @fornalsSZN

“Get him back in the starting eleven plz!”

Credit: @FernsSeniors

“What a signing he’s been!”

Credit: @jlouwnel

In other news: ‘Owners taking cheap shortcuts’ – These West Ham fans fume over David Moyes’ comments

A huge Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged, regarding Burnley duo James Tarkowski and Ben Mee…

What’s the talk?

Magpies insider Liam Kennedy has confirmed that PIF are keen on signing both of the defenders in the January transfer window.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I know for a fact that they’re really interested in James Tarkowski and I know for a fact they’re really interested in Ben Mee.

“But the last thing in the world that these football clubs like Burnley are going to do is sell to Newcastle United.”

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this update as it suggests that the club are actively looking to sign experienced players to bolster the defence in January. The Magpies have struggled badly this season and are in dire need of reinforcements to give them a fighting chance of avoiding relegation down to the Championship.

Eddie Howe’s team have conceded the most goals in the division, with 41 against, and have let in five more than any other team in the league. Leeds (36) and Norwich (34) have the 19th and 18th-worst defences in the Premier League, showing just how poor the Toon Army have been at the back.

Burnley, meanwhile, have only let 21 goals in against them. That is fewer than 12 other teams in the league, which suggests that defending is not the reason they are currently in the bottom three. Tarkowski and Mee are both averaging SofaScore ratings of 7.02 or higher and have been consistent performers at the back despite the team’s struggles in terms of results.

The pair have made a combined 380 appearances in the top-flight throughout their careers, showing that they are experienced Premier League operators. Burnley’s defensive record, conceding 20 fewer than Newcastle, also suggests that they could come in and improve Howe’s backline and give them a fighting chance in the second half of the campaign, which is why fans will be buzzing by this update.

Along with strengthening their own side, Newcastle would also be weakening one of their rivals. Burnley are above them by one point as it stands and the loss of Mee and Tarkowski could cause them to struggle defensively, given their record with them in the side, and that could give Howe’s team an added edge in the battle against the drop.

AND in other news, PIF eyeing NUFC deal for “extraordinary” 363-goal gem, he’d be “world-class” for Howe…

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been reacting to Celtic’s swoop for attacker Daizen Maeda, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Maeda signed

The Hoops announced three new signings on New Year’s Eve, subject to international clearance, with each of those coming from the J1 League in Japan.

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Maeda was one of those, joining on an initial loan deal with a compulsory purchase clause included. Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi both penned four-and-a-half-year deals to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s midfield ranks.

However, it was Maeda’s move which caught the eye of Kenny. Labelled as ‘very quick’ by The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin, he can play as a left winger, centre-forward or second striker. [Transfermarkt]

Still just 24 years of age, the forward has just come off the back of his best season in front of goal, netting 23 times in 36 league appearances in 2021.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Kenny was talking to Football Insider regarding the news coming out of Parkhead, specifically on Maeda.

The pundit was stunned by the forward’s record under Postecoglou at Yokohama F. Marinos and labelled it as a ‘statement of intent’ from Celtic, remarking:

“It’s time to get excited.

“When I saw that return of nine in 11, I thought ‘wow’. That’s something to be excited about.

“Obviously we know Postecoglou knows these leagues and it will be interesting to see how he and the other lads get on in Scotland.

“We know there is not that much of a difference between the leagues, look at Furuhashi.

“If Maeda can go over there and score goals at the same rate he has done in Japan then that’s only good news for Celtic.

“It’s nice to see them get their business done early, it’s a real statement of intent.”

The Verdict: Exciting times indeed…

Not only is Maeda capable of scoring goals for fun, he is also hugely versatile, so it does feel like he could potentially replicate Kyogo Furuhashi’s start to life in Scotland.

The pair can play in a variety of roles in attack, so a front three of Maeda, Furuhashi and Jota could be a massively exciting prospect for Celtic fans.

Hopefully Maeda can settle into Scotland quickly, and if he does, he could certainly help the Hoops claw back the gap on Rangers at the top of the Premiership following the winter break.

In other news: Celtic may now swoop for 6 foot 1 beast this month who had Sadio Mane in his ‘pocket’ 

Leeds United have had a real struggle in the first half of their second season since returning to the Premier League, with a huge injury crisis which has seen Bielsa trying to cobble together a starting XI to keep them out of a relegation battle as best he can with the players available to him.

The last thing that Bielsa or the Whites need right now is to lose any players during the January transfer window, but sporting director Victor Orta could be heading for a transfer disasterclass if he lets one particular star slip through the Elland Road exit door over the next few weeks.

Raphinha has been heavily linked with moves away from the club for some times, with many clubs interested in securing the signature of the Brazilian forward, including Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The £36m-rated forward, who was hailed as a “magician” by team-mate Daniel James, has easily been Leeds’ best player so far this season, with eight goals and one assist in just 16 appearances.

The reliance on him is reflected in the fact that the second top goal contributor for the club this term is Patrick Bamford, with just two goals and three assists. He has sustained two injuries this season, with only six Premier League appearances out of a possible 18 so far in 2021/22.

According to data collected from SofaScore, Raphinha has been the highest-rated player for the Whites this season (7.04), taking more shots per game (three) than any other player in the squad.

There is a glimmer of hope for Leeds to keep the winger at Elland Road, as The Athletic reported this week that the club have opened new contract negotiations with the Brazil star to extend the terms that he currently holds until June 2024.

The report suggests that the 25-year-old has been receptive to Leeds’ advances on the potential of penning a new deal with the club, with his agent even attending the home defeat to Arsenal in December.

Orta will need to work hard to keep the Brazilian goal machine at the club to avoid the disastrous mistake of selling him, and a contract extension would be hugely beneficial towards preserving the club’s future in the Premier League given the consistent output that Raphinha offers, as evidenced in the aforementioned stats.

In other news: Marcelo Bielsa confirms injury boosts ahead of Burnley clash

Everton have been adding players to their squad this week, with two new signings made in the January transfer window so far.

However, when it comes to outgoings, speculation has been mounting amid a feud at the club, and Rafael Benitez has been addressing rumours today.

What’s the word?

The Everton manager didn’t hold back in his FA Cup pre-match conference this afternoon when it came to talking about a particularly sensitive subject which has been a hot topic of conversation over the last month.

Benitez ranted to the media about the rumoured exit of Toffees left back Lucas Digne and his perspective of the situation, namechecking Everton legend Peter Reid as he responded to questions.

He stated: “I think it was very clear. I want to ask the question to every fan and former players – what Peter Reid will do and say when a players says he does not want to be there. It’s there, simple.

“A couple of conversations with (Digne), he told me what he thought. What do you expect the manager to do when the player is thinking about to leave? I will say again: the fans, former players. What will Peter Reid say if a player goes to the manager and says he does not want to be here?”

“I’m talking about myself also wanting everything from the players. When they do not do that, I can be upset.”

The manager’s passionate speech comes after an argument with the Toffees defender in training just over a month ago, and it has now escalated to Digne being linked with a move away and Benitez confirming in this conference that the player wants to leave Merseyside.

Fans will be gutted

Everton have been struggling to pick up results over the last few months, with just five league wins from the first half of the season, and losing a player as experienced as Digne is something that the fans will be gutted to see.

Some supporters have taken to social media platforms to express their disappointment at the France international being frozen out, with one fan tweeting: “It really is a shame to see Digne leave like this”

The defender has become a fan favourite at the club after offering 126 appearances, six goals and 20 assists for the Toffees during his three-and-a-half years with the Merseyside club, and it seems a real shame for the Goodison Park faithful that the situation had deteriorated to this extent.

Digne did make the bench for the first time in a month last week, but it will be interesting to see if Benitez puts aside his tumultuous relationship with the left-back by naming him in the line-up for the FA Cup game against Hull City tomorrow evening, after a poor defensive performance in his absence against Brighton.

In other news – Imagine him and Doucoure: Benitez eyeing Everton swoop for £27m-rated “great talent”