All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

From a defensive point of view, this season has been a rotten one for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

After all, when you concede four goals to a Burnley side who often lack attacking inspiration, it doesn’t bode particularly well.

They can, of course, rue injuries to players like Willy Boly and Marcal throughout the season, but Nuno Santo’s tried and tested three-man defence hasn’t always served him well in 2020/21.

During a run of 13 games between November and January, the Old Gold kept just a solitary clean sheet in all competitions.

It was a dismal return as Nuno began flirting with the idea of a four-man backline. However, he hasn’t found consistency with that formation at all this term.

On the chalkboard

One player who featured heavily throughout that run was Max Kilman. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Wolves, playing 18 times in all competitions.

Unfortunately, his campaign has hit a stumbling point in recent months. The centre-back has fallen out of favour with the manager and has featured for just nine minutes in the league since the beginning of February.

Kilman has gone from a promising young defender to a man now on the verge of being sold. Reports a few months ago dictated that Nuno was ready to axe him from his plans entirely.

If that does happen, Wolves must look to their academy for reinforcements.

Menacing Marques

Christian Marques appeared on the substitute’s bench during the 1-1 draw West Brom and should be a player who earns regular first-team minutes next season.

The 18-year-old hasn’t played yet for the senior side but he is highly thought of at Compton.

Quickly dubbed “outstanding” during initial scouting, he became the club’s record signing from an academy perspective.

Wolves beat Bayern Munich to his signature and since penning terms, he has captained the Old Gold at U18 and U23 level.

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Marques has played in the Conor Coady role as a sweeper for the youth teams and it would appear that they’re grooming him to be the captain’s natural successor.

That said, they shouldn’t be hanging around to hand the teenager a chance. That’s because the Swiss is so close to being first-team ready.

Speaking to The Athletic, elite player development coach, Darren Ryan waxed lyrical about the centre-back: “It’s rare for a youngster coming from another country to show such leadership,” he started.

“That Coady role is so important in a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 but like Coady, he’s a leader, he’s driven and has a great mentality,” Ryan concluded.

Nuno is already providing a pathway to the matchday squad and if Marques keeps impressing, it surely won’t be too long before he’s considered ahead of Kilman.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Neto: Wolves must swoop for “exciting” 12-goal gem with “dazzling dribbling”…

Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici could get the club rocking again with an audacious move this January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (via FourFourTwo), the north Londoners want to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus as the eye him to be Antonio Conte’s first statement signing at Spurs.

Despite costing the Serie A giants around £63m in the summer of 2019, the Dutch international has struggled to make much of an impact at the Allianz Stadium.

The 22-year-old penned a five-year £200k-per-week deal at the time, in which a £125m release clause was included. However, his current value sits around the £63m mark, per Transfermarkt.

De Ligt remedy

This could be quite the statement of intent for the Conte era indeed as de Ligt is widely considered to be one of Europe’s best young talents in his position. That much should be evident from the sizeable investment the Turin outfit made for his signature over two years ago.

Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez, in reality, aren’t reliable enough to be trusted for the long-term and both played their own roles in Spurs having a quite error-prone backline last season.

Meanwhile, it’s clear to see that Italian does not think either Joe Rodon or Japhet Tanganga are ready as he’s utilised left-back Ben Davies in a three-man defence instead.

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And then there is Cristian Romero’s persistent injury problems. He may have picked up yet another knock this international break, so there’s no denying that the new Lilywhites boss could do with an additional centre-back in January.

Spurs have the worst goal difference of any side ranked 14th or above and they have slipped all the way down to ninth in the standings. They could do with a massive spark in 2022 and this signing could do exactly that.

De Ligt currently rates out as Massimiliano Allegri’s fourth-best performer in the Italian top-flight this season, managing a better average WhoScored rating (6.81) than the legendary duo of Giorgio Chiellini (6.73) and Leonardo Bonucci (6.59).

It’s no wonder he has been dubbed an “absolute monster” by European football expert Carlo Garganese as recently as last year.

Meanwhile, his agent Mino Raiola, described his young client as an “oil tanker,” adding: “You can’t expect him to suddenly turn 90 degrees. He goes steadily. But, once he’s on course, he can’t be stopped.”

Also capped 31 times by Holland, the 6 foot 2 colossus would be a signing that Conte would absolutely love to have at the club. His ‘very strong’ ball-playing ability and defensive qualities make him a sure-fire fit to his Italian-based system.

Paratici and co must secure a sensational swoop for de Ligt this January, he could give the whole club a boost with just how huge of a statement it would be.

AND in other news, Kessie and Vlahovic signed? Conte’s terrifying predicted Spurs XI after January masterclass…

As West Ham United breezed past Genk at the London Stadium this evening, taking yet more control of Group H, many Irons supporters were blown away by the performance and contribution of defender Craig Dawson.

David Moyes’ men took a giant leap towards finishing top by beating the Belgian giants this evening.

Indeed, they have gone six points clear with their victory and, as per the new Europa League format, potentially finishing as group victors will guarantee West Ham a spot straight into the last 16.

Moyes rested a fair few first teamers tonight with the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko, Nikola Vlasic, Alphonse Areola and Dawson all coming in after the weekend victory at Everton.

Among all of these fresh faces, it was the latter man who garnered real praise on Twitter for his display – especially considering he opened the floodgates with his towering first half header.

He was also among the highest-rated West Ham players on SofaScore and it’s safe to say his ‘massive’ display didn’t go unnoticed.

Find all the reaction to his outing down below.

West Ham fans blown away by Dawson…

“Dawson you beast”

Credit: @RyanG33A

“Dawson!!!!! What a player”

Credit: @WestHamNews24hr

“Craig Dawson is the hero we never knew we needed”

Credit: @_Sam_Chaplin

“We are absolutely massive and Craig Dawson is absolutely massive”

Credit: @Lew_Fountain

“DAWSON YOU MAGNIFICENT SET PIECE ROBOT”

Credit: @chojinzoku

“can we just bring dawson on in games to attack corners because he’s disgustingly good at it”

Credit: @whuemma

“Craig Dawson!!! Fisted hand Guys so dangerous at set pieces so good in the air”

Credit: @JJ_Hannaway

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘No brainer’…West Ham fans buzz as contact made to sign ‘big’ striker, find out more here.

Rangers will be looking to continue their fine form in the Scottish Premiership as Giovanni van Bronkhorst’s side return to action at Ibrox tonight.

They play host to St Johnstone three days after beating Hearts 2-0 away from home to maintain their four-point lead over Celtic in the table.

Alfredo Morelos and Joe Aribo scored the winning goals for the Gers in the first half, with the Dutchman’s team able to hold on for a clean sheet.

How many changes will he make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with Ianis Hagi, Steven Davis and Nathan Patterson coming in.

In his pre-match press conference, van Bronckhorst confirmed that he will be missing two players due to injury, revealing:

“Kemar (Roofe) has a setback and will hopefully return before the winter break. Ryan (Jack) we hope to have him back fully fit after the winter break. No fresh injuries from the match on Sunday.”

We are predicting that there will be a change in central midfield to keep the team fresh and avoid overplaying players during the festive period. Jack will be unable to slot in due to his knock and that could open the door for Steven Davis to come in for Glen Kamara.

The Finland international lost three of his five duels against Hearts and failed to make a single tackle or interception, suggesting that he could benefit from being axed in midweek before returning at the weekend as he was slightly off the pace. Davis is an experienced operator and can slot straight into the side for this match to play alongside Joe Aribo.

At right-back, Nathan Patterson could come in to offer James Tavernier in a move with a similar thought process to the Kamara switch. The ex-Newcastle man has started 15 of the 17 league matches this season and could drop to the bench to allow the youngster, who has four appearances in the Premiership this term, a chance to get some minutes under his belt.

Finally, Hagi could come in to replace Scott Arfield in the number 10 position. FFC published an article explaining why the £21k-per-week Romanian gem should be unleashed from the start after Arfield failed to catch the eye with his performance on Sunday.

The rest of the team could remain the same with, Allan McGregor, Calvin Bassey, Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, Aribo, Fashion Sakala, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos remaining.

AND in other news, Forget Arfield: Gio must unleash “dream” Rangers wiz who’s “a student of the game”…

Former England midfielder Rob Lee has called for Thiago to be given time at Liverpool in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

Thiago, who joined the Reds from Bayern Munich in the last summer transfer window, has faced criticism for his lack of impact at Anfield since arriving. Speaking on talkSPORT back in January, host Adrian Durham described the 29-year-old as a “luxury player” in a scathing attack.

Lee, however, is refusing to be as critical, suggesting that Thiago needs time as he continues to adapt to English football.

On the topic of the Spain international, former Newcastle United star Lee exclusively told FFC:

“I think you look at Thiago and think, that was a good signing, that was a great signing. He plays differently. Liverpool will always press – Jordan Henderson and the other players, they’re always pressing.

“Maybe Klopp thought ‘there’s a different way we have to play. We have the ball the majority of the time, we need to retain the ball’.

“Thiago does that, he passes well. So, you just have to give him time. He’s certainly not a bad player.”

Thiago could not be blamed for feeling if he did feel like a bit of a scapegoat right now. Liverpool, as a whole unit, have simply not been performing well and it’s unfair to point fingers at just one man.

The Merseyside club have failed to score in any of their last three Premier League fixtures at home, succumbing to defeats against Fulham, Chelsea and Everton. Considering that, their issues may be further up the pitch, rather than in midfield.

Ultimately, with this being Thiago’s first season in English football, there is probably no reason for manager Jurgen Klopp to hit the panic button yet regarding the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder. As Lee suggested, he just needs more time.

West Ham’s approach to Sunday night’s game against Manchester United will have strengthened Declan Rice’s desire to move on from the club, according to The Mirror journalist Andy Dunn.

Dunn was critical of the Hammers for their lack of ‘ambition’ at Old Trafford after they failed to register a single shot in the first half and were unable to test Dean Henderson after the interval.

Moyes had opted for a conservative shape comprising three central defenders, two wing-backs and three defensive midfielders.

“Containment does not scream ambition. And containment does not keep £100million-plus players,” Dunn wrote.

Who might be looking at Declan Rice?

Rice is a player in demand. According to The Guardian, Chelsea were interested in bringing him back to the club after his eight years in their academy. Frank Lampard was said to be the driving force behind that proposed move, so his sacking in January may nip it in the bud.

However, The Guardian’s report also cited ‘suggestions’ that Rice could be a summer target for Liverpool.

Still, after West Ham’s hugely impressive ascent from relegation candidates last season to top four chasers now, plenty of supporters were unhappy with Dunn’s comments, which one Irons fan dubbed “embarrassing”.

Journalist under fire for Declan Rice column

“how is this allowed to be published?”

Credit: @WHU_MG

“So negative that Moyes has his team fifth in the table, three points off a CL spot? Come on Andy, you can do better than that.”

Credit: @kumbdotcom

“literally 5th in the league”

Credit: @scairrr

“It was one game”

Credit: @danwhu_

“We’re sitting 5th, who even is this guy”

Credit: @WHUFC_COYI_

“Embarrassing from a so called journalist.”

Credit: @nobby_hammer

“Here we go, press on the move to unsettle. Last night wasn’t great bit we still showed how far we have progressed.”

Credit: @gdcad

In other news, find out who’s top of the list for GSB as scouts sent on a mission.

Manchester United are interested in signing “outstanding” Juventus striker Paulo Dybala this summer, and he could be the perfect replacement for Edinson Cavani at Old Trafford.

What’s the story?

United are poised to move to sign Juventus striker Dybala, according to reports from Corriere dello Sport in Italy, the Red Devils want to make him one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings at the club.

This isn’t the first time that the 28-year old has been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams. Two years ago the club were linked with a swap deal involving then United player Romelu Lukaku, but nothing materialised.

Now could be a great time to make this happen with Cavani out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and it being unlikely he will sign an extension.

He could be the perfect Cavani replacement

When Cavani joined the Red Devils on a free transfer in 2020 there was a lot of optimism. However, given the clubs past record of failing to get the best out of proven players, some were wondering what would happen.

Thankfully the move has proven to be successful with the Uruguayan being directly involved in 26 goals in 56 appearances. Although the unplanned return of Cristiano Ronaldo has led to much less game time for him this season.

When he departs United will need to fill the place left behind from not only him, but Mason Greenwood who is no longer involved with the team.

Dybala represents the perfect player for this, with the £222k per week star out of contract this summer.

The potential exciting arrival of Ten Hag, and the chance to link up with his former team mate Ronaldo, could persuade him to finally come to the Premier League.

He has suffered a lot with injuries this season missing 83 days which would be the only concern for United. However, when they don’t have to fork out an extortionate transfer fee it makes things less risky.

Dybala’s record for the Old Lady is pretty good, being directly involved in 161 goals in 286 games. He’s experienced and used to playing for a top club just like Cavani.

If you compare the two based on their form last season, Dybala is better in quite a few areas. When it comes to goal creating actions per 90 minutes he beats the 35-year old with 4.93 compared to 2.23.

That may be down to the fact that Cavani is more of a poacher than a creator. But United already have that in Ronaldo, so replacing the Uruguayan with someone who offers more is what United should be doing.

But with Ronaldo also being linked with a potential exit, it could be bye-bye to the Portuguese star and a welcome to Old Trafford for Argentina’s Dybala.

IN other news: Man Utd eye Ten Hag’s first signing in £20.6m “rising star”, he’s a major Fred upgrade – opinion

Crystal Palace have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Marseille left-back Jordan Amavi.

What’s the word?

Reports in recent months revealed that Roy Hodgson’s side were looking at Amavi as a potential replacement for out-of-contract defender Patrick Van Aanholt.

And now, Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud has indicated that Amavi can leave the Orange Velodrome this month amid interest from Palace, according to RMC Sport.

It’s claimed that contract talks between the French club and Amavi have stalled, with the defender likely to leave the Olympians in the summer.

Ideal Van Aanholt replacement

Van Aanholt actually finds himself in a similar position as he remains locked in a stalemate with Palace over extending his deal, so making a move for the Frenchman now makes sense.

It’s fair to say that transfers on any scale are no easy process – in fact, so much goes on behind the scenes that they can be quite a headache. So if Steve Parish wants to find cover and competition for Tyrick Mitchell and give Hodgson another option if Van Aanholt departs Selhurst Park, snapping up the 26-year-old could be a shrewd move.

Evidently, Thauvin has very little control when it comes to Amavi’s future – in fact, he’s even issued an ultimatum – so Palace could take advantage of the situation by lowballing the French Ligue 1 club.

Signing Amavi would give Palace a significant upgrade on Van Aanholt, who has struggled for consistency this season – against Wolves, he was rated as the second-worst Eagles player on the pitch by SofaScore in the FA Cup defeat and that was a pretty good representation of his performances across the whole campaign.

If you take a closer look at the statistics, Amavi, who earns wages worth £25,000-per-week, has outperformed Van Aanholt defensively this season. He is currently averaging more clearances, interceptions and tackles per game than Van Aanholt. He was also described as being “quick and aggressive” by former Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood. Need we say more?

Palace have conceded 33 goals in the Premier League, which is the third-worst defensive record this season. Shoring up the back is imperative if Hodgson’s side are to escape a relegation battle at the end of the season so Amavi could be the perfect fit.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace still want to sign Ismaila Sarr despite Watford demands…

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Graham Roberts has told Football FanCast that Scott Parker is not yet ready to manage the club as they continue their search for Jose Mourinho’s replacement.

Chairman Daniel Levy is attempting to appoint a new manager after sacking Jose Mourinho last month.

The Portuguese was let go after the club fell to seventh in the Premier League.

They were also eliminated from the Europa League in humiliating fashion after a 3-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

Ryan Mason is in interim charge of the team, but reports suggest that there are a number of managers being considered for the role, including Brendan Rodgers and Gareth Southgate.

Julian Nagelsmann, who had been touted as the frontrunner, is set to join Bayern Munich, leaving Spurs at square one.

Parker has been suggested as the next appointment by ex-defender Michael Dawson after impressing at Fulham, even though the club are in serious danger of being relegated straight back to the Championship as things stand.

Roberts was asked if Parker was ready, or if the job was too early for him, and he believes that the ex-Spurs and West Ham United midfielder should stay where he is for the foreseeable future.

Speaking to FFC, he said: “I think he will do well to stay at Fulham and learn his trade even more and bring them back up again.

“I think early in the season, they were getting beat week in, week out. But I think he’s learned as he’s gone on. He’s done a brilliant job there but I do think it’s another level, Tottenham is one, two, or three levels higher, there is a lot more pressure on winning every week and entertaining but he’s done a great job at Fulham.

“For me, I think it’ll be two or three years too early.”

Southampton will be looking to make it three home wins on the bounce when they take on Leeds United at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening, with Saints fans returning to their home ground after restrictions were eased earlier this week.

Freed from the pressure of potential relegation, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have picked up impressive 3-1 wins against Crystal Palace and Fulham in the last week, but they will be in for a tough game later against Marcelo Bielsa’s in-form Leeds side.

The Yorkshire club thrashed Burnley 4-0 at Turf Moor last time out and have lost just one of their last nine Premier League games.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Hasenhuttl to line up against Leeds, with three changes from the side which started against Fulham on Saturday…

Alex McCarthy keeps his place in goal after a solid return performance against Fulham.

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There is one change in defence, as after recovering from his ankle injury, it seems likely that Jan Bednarek will resume his partnership with Jannik Vestergaard at centre-back.

There are two changes in midfield as, after some less than impressive recent displays, Nathan Redmond and Takumi Minamino – the latter once dubbed a “machine” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp – drop to the bench.

Nathan Tella replaces Redmond on the left, whilst Stuart Armstrong moves out to the right-hand side after featuring in the middle alongside James Ward-Prowse in recent weeks, which allows Oriol Romeu to make his return from injury in central midfield.

Despite a slight injury concern, it has been confirmed that Danny Ings is good to start, and he is likely to partner the in-form Che Adams up front.

In other news… Hasenhuttl must unleash Southampton’s “biggest talent” against Leeds, he’s destined for the top