All posts by n8rngtd.top

The cogs are falling into place at Manchester United, with manager Erik ten Hag thus far succeeding in rectifying the wrongs that have plagued the club over the past several years and setting a course for success.

Indeed, the Red Devils currently reside in the third place after 18 matches, with 38 points and just two league losses since Ten Hag’s rocky start – the Dutch manager fell to both Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford in a solemn introduction to English football.

And now, with the ship stabilising, the talismanic position at the club needs fortifying over the coming age at the distinguished club, and Borussia Dortmund’s prodigious striker Youssoufa Moukoko is one name to have been linked with a switch to the Theatre of Dreams in the not-too-distant future, with 90min stating that United are considering a bid.

According to the prominent publication, Dortmund have been desperately seeking to reach an agreement on a long-term contract for their latest budding superstar,

The “Wonder”, as lauded by his elder brother Borel, is quickly asserting himself as one of the standout prospects across the global game, and should he sign for United, an eminent club notably bringing many sublime talents through the youth ranks, he could continue this development on the richest soil, growing into one of the most feared attacking outlets on the European scene.

This season alone, Moukoko has scored six goals and assists apiece from only 12 starts, with a total of 11 goals and eight assists from 59 appearances since his professional debut.

The 18-year-old also ranks within the top 9% of forwards for rate of goals, the top 6% for rate of assists and the top 14% for tackles, as per FBref, which is a telling glimpse into the dynamic approach and devastating physicality that will leave opposition quaking.

Bearing these burgeoning skills in mind, there is no question that he could merge wondrously at Old Trafford with talisman Marcus Rashford, who is currently spearheading the emphatic Red Devil resurgence.

This season, the 51-cap England international has plundered 16 goals and six assists from 26 appearances, casting aside the cobwebs from a lacklustre preceding campaign where the forward clinched just five strikes across all competitions.

With Rashford indeed in the form of his career, riding a purple patch that is having devastating consequences on each and every opponent, Moukoko, who former teammate Erling Haaland dubbed “the biggest talent in the world”, would be a worthy addition, entering the Theatre of Dreams to thunderous applause, ready to adopt the esteemed striking role at the club and forge an immensely successful future.

Aston Villa added to their spending in the January transfer window on Monday as they announced an agreement to sign Jhon Duran from MLS side Chicago Fire on a permanent basis.

The 19-year-old Colombian attacker, who scored eight goals in 14 MLS starts in 2022, has arrived to bolster Unai Emery’s options at the top end of the pitch and he becomes the club’s second addition of the month.

Emery’s first piece of business was to bring in left-back Alex Moreno on a permanent deal from La Liga outfit Real Betis, to compete with Lucas Digne, and the Villans may not be done there.

Villa are reportedly in the market to improve their options in the middle of the park and former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is one of the players on their radar in that area of the pitch.

Last week, journalist Ben Jacobs tweeted: “Aston Villa working on Matteo Guendouzi, who is open to a reunion with Unai Emery. Told Marseille want €50m but Villa’s first offer will be less. Villa looking at €25-30m plus add-ons, as @FabriceHawkins first reported. OM permanently signed Guendouzi for €11m last summer.”

Emery could now sign an upgrade on current Villa midfielder John McGinn by securing a £44m deal to snap up the French international, who he worked with at The Emirates, before the window slams shut at the end of the month.

Guendouzi, who Alan Shearer once lauded as a “warrior” on Match of the Day, could offer far more to the club as a box-to-box player than the Scotland international, based on their respective form over the last 365 days.

As per FBref, the Marseille gem ranks in the top 30% of players in his position for progressive passes, pass completion percentage, non-penalty xG, assists and shot-creating actions per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year.

Whereas, McGinn does not crack the top 30% in any of those statistics, which indicates that the Frenchman would be an upgrade from an attacking perspective.

The ex-Arsenal dynamo’s impressive attacking talent, which is backed up by his four goals and six assists last term, could elevate the side’s attack and allow them to score more goals, as he finds the back of the net himself and tees up others to score.

Guendouzi, who editor Jack Mendel once hailed as “unreal”, has also averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.93 in Ligue 1 this season, whilst the Villa man has averaged a score of 6.91 in the Premier League.

This shows that the Marseille man has been marginally better in that regard but his attacking attributes, his pre-existing relationship with Emery and the fact that he is five years younger than McGinn could make him an upgrade on the Scotsman in the Villa squad in the immediate and long-term.

The 23-year-old has plenty of time on his hands to continue his development and he could take his game to the next level at Villa Park, which is why he could be an excellent addition to the squad this month.

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘leading the way’ to sign Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo and are ‘prepared to put more money down initially for the loan’, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs renew Zaniolo interest…

Spurs are reliably believed to have renewed their interest in the 23-year-old after repeated links last summer, with journalists like Gianluca Di Marzio breaking the most recent links.

There have been further reports since then claiming that the Lilywhites and London rivals West Ham are in the running for the Italy international’s signature.

90min even claim that the likes of Leicester City and Leeds United are also eyeing a move for Zaniolo, but Spurs and their fellow capital club are more frequently mentioned in the press.

While there are admirers from abroad also in Borussia Dortmund, it appears that Antonio Conte’s side are in pole position, according to an update from West Ham insider ExWHUemployee.

The Latest: Tottenham ‘leading the way’ for Zaniolo…

The reliable Hammers in-the-know claimed via Patreon that Spurs are currently ‘leading the way’ for Zaniolo ahead of West Ham for one main reason.

It is believed that Tottenham are ‘prepared to put more money down initially’ for a proposed loan with an obligation to buy.

In a further boost for Conte and Spurs, the Irons have had their offer rejected by Roma.

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The Verdict: Good news…

As things stand, it would appear that Spurs are the frontrunners to sign Zaniolo this month as club chiefs look for a creative spark and heir to Christian Eriksen.

The Sky Sports panel have described the 23-year-old as a player who can fill the void left by Tottenham’s former fan favourite, dubbing him a ‘Conte sort of player’.

As per WhoScored, the Italy international’s creativity is evident through his league numbers last season, having racked up a higher rate of successful take-ons and fouls drawn per 90 than anyone in Jose Mourinho’s squad.

The only caveat to this move would be Zaniolo’s current dip in form, having only scored one goal all season.

However, we believe that working under a manager like Conte, combined with the excitement of working in Europe’s highest-ranked league (as per UEFA’s association club coefficient), could reignite a spark in the midfielder’s game.

His physicality is also a bonus given that Zaniolo stands at a lofty 6 foot 3 and has been called ‘physically imposing’ by members of the media, seemingly making him tailor-made for a move to England.

Chelsea are readying a mammoth part-exchange bid to sign Benfica star Enzo Fernandez this month, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Fernandez links…

The Argentina international, who played a starring role for his nation as they won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has been of serious interest to Chelsea this January transfer window.

Todd Boehly and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have been making moves for Fernandez behind-the-scenes with reports claiming they were in talks a few weeks ago.

Links to the 22-year-old haven’t faded as manager Graham Potter allegedly seeks to add a new midfielder to his ranks, with a report from Portugal sharing the latest.

The Latest: Chelsea ready mammoth Fernandez…

According to Record, via Sport Witness, the Blues are now readying a mammoth €100 million (£88m) offer for Fernandez ‘plus a couple of players’.

The part-exchange bid, though, may not be enough with Benfica unwilling to sell and therefore Potter’s side may have to trigger his €120 million (£105m) release clause to make a deal possible.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Reports have suggested that Moises Caicedo is another player of interest to Chelsea amid their hunt for a new midfielder.

Boehly and co do have alternatives to Fernandez if they opt not to trigger Fernandez’s release clause or raise their offer, it would seem.

However, going by the South American star’s serious credentials, we believe they shouldn’t be so quick to move on from a midfielder proven both at club and international level.

Fernandez won the World Cup Young Player of the Tournament award for his exploits in Qatar and has carried over that form for Benfica.

According to WhoScored, only three players have featured over more league minutes than the indispensable midfielder who also ranks in their top two for tackles made per 90 in Liga Portugal.

Fernandez also ranks joint-top of his side’s rankings for assists this season (5), impressive for a supposedly defensive-minded player.

A real all-rounder, the ‘sensational’ midfielder has also amassed Benfica’s third-highest rate of key passes made per 90 in the final third.

West Bromwich Albion will look to bring in a winger before the January deadline to replace the injured Matt Phillips, according to Lewis Cox.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ injury

It was reported by the BBC that Baggies winger Phillips will likely miss the rest of the season with him requiring surgery on a quad muscle injury.

The 31-year-old sustained the problem in the FA Cup replay against Chesterfield and brings Carlos Corberan a headache with the transfer deadline looming.

Phillips has played 28 times for West Brom this season, including 11 times under the Spaniard since he took over the Championship side, leaving wide options limited in his absence.

The Latest: Cox’s update

Speaking on the Express & Star YouTube channel following the 3-0 FA Cup defeat against Bristol City, West Brom correspondent Cox said that the Baggies are willing to enter the market for a winger after revealing Corberan’s reaction following the defeat, he said:

(4:00) “He reaffirmed regards to Phillips being out for maybe the whole season, he thought prior to that he had two players in every position, which I think most managers want don’t they and he sort of suggested that he doesn’t have that now without him which could be seen as quite damming on [Grady] Diangana and [Karlan] Grant who are the natural step ups, Grant today and Diangana maybe previously we’ve not seen enough.”

“Now it’s quite clear they are looking out wide and it’ll be fascinating to see if they can get two done, a wide attacker as well, to make up for the Phillips blow.”

The Verdict: Replacement incoming?

Following the Baggies’ lacklustre defeat which saw Tom Rogic and Jed Wallace both start on the wings before being replaced, it leaves it increasingly likely Corberan will push for a new signing.

Cox’s suggested alternative already in the squad of Grant and Diangana have both flattered to deceive with Diangana starting just four of the 11 Championship games under Corberan, shows he’s already quite unfancied by the Spaniard.

Whilst Grant has seen even less action with him featuring in just 37 minutes in the previous ten league games.

The Baggies are reportedly keen on signing centre-midfielder Lewis O’Brien on loan until the end of the season (via Express & Star), meaning he and a winger could be the two pieces of business that Cox alluded to.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared a very promising update on Harry Kane’s potential contract extension at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Kane exit links…

The England captain has been repeatedly linked with a move away from N17 as he enters the final 18 months of his contract at Spurs.

Kane’s current deal expires in 2024 as things stand, putting the likes of Bayern Munich and Man United on red alert as both sides scour the market for a world class centre-forward.

The 29-year-old has been a crucial player under Antonio Conte, scoring 16 goals in 21 Premier League starts this season as he spearheads Tottenham’s chase for a top-four finish.

The Latest: Plettenberg shares promising Kane update…

Taking to Twitter, Sky journalist Plettenberg claims that, after a latest round of in-house talks, Spurs are ‘very optimistic’ that Kane will put pen to paper on a contract extension.

Furthermore, it is believed that United and Bayern should have ‘no chance’ of stealing the striker away from north London.

Plettenberg explained: “News #Kane: More talks between Tottenham/agent took place. Been told that Tottenham is ‘very optimistic’ now that Kane will extend beyond 2024. Bayern and #MUFC should have ‘no chance’. Bayern don’t give up hope but the bosses are more & more pessimistic.”

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The Verdict: Great news…

You can never say never until Kane officially puts pen to paper, but this certainly comes as a very encouraging claim for Spurs supporters. The odds have appeared to swing in both Conte and Daniel Levy’s favour, with Tottenham now looking like favourites to tie down Kane rather than seeing him leave.

According to WhoScored, the forward’s contribution stretches far beyond being a proven goalscorer, as he also ranks joint-second in their squad for key passes made per 90 in the final third.

At the end of 2020/21, Kane won both the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker of the Year award, prompting serious interest from champions Manchester City at the time.

The Three Lions star comes as a real all-rounder and a rare striker in the beautiful game, especially in the sense that he can drop deep and create alongside his ability to poach in the penalty area.

Keeping hold of Kane beyond 2024 would be a major boost for Tottenham, and this update suggests that they may well do so.

Aston Villa could look to make a move for Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams during the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Williams linked with Villa move

The January transfer window is now closed and one player who the Villans missed out on signing was Williams, having been linked with a move during the hectic winter window.

The Spaniard has ended up remaining at the San Mamés Stadium for the rest of the season, committing his future to the La Liga side for the time being.

But while the Villa transfer ship has hailed for the time being, it still looks as though there could be life in the saga yet.

The Latest: Summer transfer could happen

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano claimed that Williams could still become a Villa player this summer, at which point he could decide to leave Bilbao:

“The expectation of those close to Nico Williams is for the player to leave, possibly in the summer. So at the moment, the situation is still complicated.”

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The Verdict: Good summer option

While it would have been nice to see Villa snap up the Williams in January, they are decently stocked in the wide areas and shouldn’t suffer too much from not signing a young player who is really more of one for the future.

Williams sits in the bottom third of attacking midfielders/wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for every single attack-based metric on FBRef’s database, so is far from a finished product.

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The 20-year-old would instead be a shrewd summer addition, having matured even more as a player by that point, as he looks to add to his three La Liga goals and assists apiece this season.

Williams has been hailed as an ‘incredible’ talent by his brother and teammate Inaki, and he could be an exciting part of the long-term rebuild at Villa Park, but given his inexperience would surely not have become an immediate sure-fire starter had he joined last month.

Manchester City are ‘starting talks’ with Borussia Dortmund about signing midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Lowdown: Man City eyeing Bellingham

City are said to be one of several clubs interested in signing the 19-year-old this summer, with the Premier League champions also facing competition for his signature from the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.

It has previously been reported that the Sky Blues would need to fork out £100m up front if they want to win the race for the England international, and they are now said to be in the initial stages of negotiations.

The Latest: Man City ‘starting talks’ over Bellingham

Galetti spoke to GIVEMESPORT about the progress that the Sky Blues have made in their pursuit of the Dortmund youngster.

The journalist stated: “We have to pay attention to Manchester City, who are in the race. They are starting talks with Borussia to go deeper into the situation of Bellingham. Everything is still to be decided and at the moment we are only just at the beginning of the race for Bellingham.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Hailed as ‘sensational’ by Gary Lineker during the World Cup, the England midfielder has hit the ground running upon his return to club action, weighing in with a goal and three assists in his last four games.

One of the teenager’s most impressive attributes is his dribbling, completing 1.75 successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, which ranks him in the 97th percentile compared to other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

West Bromwich Albion were back in Championship action last night and had the opportunity to move into fifth place with a win on the road at Birmingham City.

With a mild geographic rivalry, there was sure to be a few intangibles for Carlos Corberan’s men to contend with, but upon viewing the league standings and form table it looked like the Baggies would cruise to victory. Alas, the very opposite happened.

The hosts had a number of standout performers at St Andrew’s and bullied the visitors despite Albion’s stranglehold on the ball. Corberan’s side boasted 68% possession, but it was the Blues who recorded more than double their tally of shots and managed four on target to the visitors’ one, duly winning the game 2-0.

West Brom’s lack of creativity gave them no platform with which to build, and while plenty of their players were disappointing, Jed Wallace stood out as particularly poor given how he had impressed of late.

How did Wallace play against Birmingham City?

It was a tough game for the natural wide man, who continued in a central role just behind the striker. Having earned a 7.8 Sofascore rating in his last match, and 7.0 or better in three of his last four games, there was every reason to believe that he could continue excelling in the number 10 role.

However, last night he was handed the worst Sofascore rating of any outfielder on the pitch, with a score of 5.8 exacerbating just how poor he was against Birmingham.

The £25k-per-week dynamo was expected to shoulder most of the creative burden, as he has done on occasion throughout a campaign in which he boasts four goals and six assists already. However, not managing one key pass or even attempting a single shot would suggest that he failed in this task last night.

This was furthered by his relentless attempts to find Daryl Dike with crosses, with only one of six finding its target. That he was so incessant to continue this practice despite numerous failures could be a sign of frustration, which he unfortunately did not channel into any fine defensive work either.

Competing in ten duels, he only managed to win one, losing 90%. He also did not manage a single tackle, interception or clearance and was dribbled past three times (via Sofascore).

Fans can often overlook poor performances if the player puts in a shift, but it seems that Wallace could not even manage that at St Andrew’s. Corberan’s side were carrying a passenger last night, and it showed as they were overrun in midfield.

Whilst this may be just a minor blip amid a recent positive run, it could cost the 28-year-old his place in the starting XI, as John Swift may have been patiently awaiting his team-mate’s failure of Corberan’s attacking midfield test.

Journalist Charles Watts has been felt angered by the number of fouls made on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka that were not spotted by the referee this weekend.

What’s the latest on Bukayo Saka and AFC?

In their latest Premier League outings, the Gunners came back from behind twice to beat Aston Villa 4-2 away from home in dramatic fashion.
Indeed, two late efforts saw Mikel Arteta’s side pick up all three points in the game and Saka played his part, netting the first of Arsenal’s four goals.
However, the winger was on the end of some rough treatment being fouled three times (more than any Villa player) though he also got booked too.
While speaking on YouTube after the game, Watts couldn’t believe that the referee only called three fouls in the game, despite Saka getting “destroyed” by the opposition with their poor tackling.
He explained (2:48): “Bukayo Saka got absolutely destroyed at Villa Park by the Villa players on Saturday.

“The maddest thing was that I looked at the end of the game to see how many times he’d been fouled. And I honestly thought it was going to be eight or nine times. It was three, he got three freekicks given for all the treatment he received against Aston Villa.

“He even got booked because he reacted to one of the challenges now this is something we are seeing every single week. And Bukayo Saka was hurt on the weekend. I mean, I was convinced he was going have to come off at one point, he could barely put any weight on his ankle.

“It’s no surprise with the treatment he’s getting. And it happens every single week. And it has to be a big, big concern.”

What do the fouls on Saka mean for Arsenal?

At the moment, Saka’s durability has been one of his biggest assets. After all, he has managed to start every Premier League game so far this season.
Seeing as he has netted nine goals and provided eight assists in this time, it’s safe to say he’s been pivotal to the title charge too. However, if he keeps getting kicked about, he may soon pick up an injury.
This isn’t a recent issue too. Last season, according to fBref (via Arseblog) Saka was fouled 59 times. The next closest was Gabriel Magalhaes with 38, then Alexandre Lacazette with 29 – so you can see how opposition teams target the winger to try and stop him.
This term, Saka has been fouled 40 times and has made 26 of his own, getting booked five times (via fBref). Seeing as he is an attacking player, you’d think the margin between how many fouls he’s suffered and how many he has made would be much greater.
What’s more, in comparison, other exciting wingers like Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Rashford have been fouled 21 and 16 times respectively.
Clearly, the Arsenal ace is getting kicked around the pitch and this will certainly be a major concern for Arteta if these poor challenges keep on going unpunished.