All posts by z3u9t.icu

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Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter to react after Real Madrid star Raphael Varane revealed that he is considering a change in his career having grown unconvinced about life at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Whilst some fans have simply been stating their desire to see the Red Devils, who have a long-standing interest according to L’Equipe, via AS, swoop to sign the World Cup winning Frenchman, others are far more sceptical over the timing of Varane’s statement – his contract with Los Blancos is set to run out in 2022.

Watch the video below to find out what Jesse Lingard is like off the pitch in the latest Match Of The Bae with Emma Conybeare…

Some fans feel that Varane is bargaining for an improved contract from the reigning Champions League holders, and as a result, are not getting too invested in the idea of the 25-year-old turning up at Old Trafford as a United player.

Of course, the centre-back would be a marquee signing of the highest order, having cemented himself as one of the world’s best over the course of his eight-year stay in the Spanish capital, but United fans on Twitter aren’t getting too excited…

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According to the Daily Star, Everton are interested in signing West Brom striker Salomon Rondon, who is currently enjoying a season-long loan spell with Newcastle.

What’s the word, then?

Well, whilst Rondon is currently with the Magpies, it is understood that the Tynesiders do not have a agreement in place with the Baggies to sign the Venezuelan on a permanent basis, which has enticed the Toffees to get involved in the bidding.

Rondon has excelled under Rafa Benitez this season, scoring nine Premier League goals and playing a huge role in the club’s recent rise up the table and away from the relegation zone, as well as forming a decent partnership with Ayoze Perez along the way.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

It states in the aforementioned article that it would take a sum of £16m to lure Rondon away from the Hawthorns, which would mean that West Brom are looking for a small profit on the £12m they spent to bring him to England back in 2012.

 A lifeline for Theo Walcott’s Everton career?

Perhaps the main feature of Rondon’s game is his excellent hold-up play; his ability to bring others into the attack, especially those of diminutive stature, is very impressive.

As aforesaid, he has struck up a decent partnership with Perez, whilst he appears to have helped January arrival Miguel Almiron get on the ball more because of his aerial ability and good first touch.

In that respect, the 29-year-old striker could help another forward out, should he make the move to Goodison Park, in Theo Walcott.

The former Arsenal man has struggled to get involved in matches under Marco Silva this season, despite making 30 league appearances – he has scored just three goals and only recorded two assists.

With Silva preferring to play Richarlison or Dominic Calvert-Lewin up top, two players who don’t possess anything near the hold-up ability of Rondon, Walcott has struggled to see much of the ball in dangerous areas, hence his poor statistics.

Should Rondon decide to turn his back on Tyneside and move to Merseyside instead, we could potentially see the 30-year-old handed a lifeline in his Everton career.

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Unai Emery is not using Alex Iwobi properly.

The Arsenal winger endured a quiet game against Newcastle United on Monday evening as the Gunners won 2-0.

On the chalkboard

Iwobi is a versatile winger but was deployed almost as an attacking midfielder against the Magpies, alongside Mesut Ozil and behind striker Alexandre Lacazette.

The Nigeria international has mainly been deployed on the left wing this season and has scored five goals in all competitions, while laying on seven assists.

But he was wasted as an attacking midfielder on Monday evening in a game that the Gunners dominated.

Iwobi touched the ball a total of 57 times, per WhoScored, and attempted 49 total passes, of which 42 were successful.

He did not make a key pass, nor did he complete a dribble, despite attempting three.

Iwobi did take one accurate corner but was substituted just after the hour-mark, making way for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Quite simply, Emery’s system left Iwobi struggling on Monday.

A puzzle for Emery to solve

Where exactly should Iwobi play?

He does not really have the searing pace to make too much of an impact on the flank, but he was routinely crowded out in the centre.

Emery could choose to deploy the 22-year-old in a deeper-lying midfield role but he has played in central midfield just once for the club, in a 17-minute cameo against Southampton in 2017.

With Mesut Ozil seemingly returning to form and Henrikh Mkhitaryan back to full fitness, it is a difficult conundrum for Emery to find his way around.

As it is, it does not appear that Iwobi fits into the team at all.

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Charlton extended their impressive unbeaten run to nine games with a 2-0 victory over Plymouth at the weekend, although the Home Park faithful will undoubtedly be disappointed with the result given the way much of the first half of the game went.

The Pilgrims dominated for the first half an hour and had the opportunity to take the lead when Krystian Bielik brought down Ruben Lameiras, although Addicks goalkeeper Dillon Phillips denied Graham Carey with his right boot to keep the scores level.

It was this moment that, according to goalscorer Lyle Taylor, changed the game completely and was a platform for Lee Bowyer’s side to win the three points. Here’s what the 29-year-old had to say:

“It galvanises the team, a save like that. I don’t think we’ve saved a penalty this year – I don’t think we have faced many – but the fact that Dill has pulled us out of the proverbial was brilliant.

“We’ve got Dill to thank for the three points because it could’ve been so different going 1-0 down, while being dominated still. Now we will go again Tuesday [against Wycombe].”

Indeed, after the 23-year-old shot-stopper made that save, the Addicks seized control and never looked likely to give it up, with goals either side of the half enough to see them return to The Valley with all three points.

The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed…

Phillips hasn’t been that solid all season, though, and he will surely be delighted to have been so crucial to his side’s fourth win in the last five games. Next is a trip to Wycombe on Tuesday night, where the Addicks will have the chance to all but confirm their place in the promotion play-offs.

Will they look back on that Phillips save as a crucial moment in their return to the Championship should they go all the way to Wembley Stadium and beyond?

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Ryan Fraser has offered little assurance to Bournemouth fans who may be fearful that he will seek an exit in the summer amid transfer reports linking the Scotsman with a switch to Arsenal.

The 25-year-old was understandably flattered by the rumours, as he spoke to Sky Sports, and didn’t appear to rule out a move away from the Vitality Stadium, saying:

“I’m not going to lie, [being linked with Arsenal is] very nice . It means you are are doing something right.

“[Arsenal] are a huge club, a massive club. When you see your name thrown around you always think to yourself that you are a Bournemouth player and you try to do well.

“I will just keep doing what I am doing, try to enjoy myself and try to win the game for my team.

“What will be, will be.”

Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!

The diminutive speedster has been in sensational form for the south coast outfit this campaign as he has chalked up six goals and 10 assists in 32 league appearances – an output which has put him on the radar of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Eddie Howe will be hoping to hang on to his biggest stars – Fraser, Nathan Ake and Callum Wilson included – this summer, but the lure of European football and a massive increase in wages could prove too good to resist.

Fraser’s final five words – “what will be, will be” – will surely leave a bad feeling in the pit of the Cherries fans’ stomachs, who must start preparing themselves for a difficult summer window.

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Liverpool took a giant step towards the semi-finals of the Champions League when they beat FC Porto 2-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at Anfield on Tuesday night.

First half goals from Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino set the hosts on their way, but they were unable to find any more goals to put the tie out of reach ahead of the return in Portugal next week.

Despite the win and the clean sheet, the Merseyside outfit didn’t have it all their own way and manager Jurgen Klopp should have two major concerns ahead of the visit of Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The 20-year-old has certainly been one of Liverpool’s best performers throughout the current campaign, but some of his displays in recent weeks have been a cause for concern – including this one.

The England international was replaced by James Milner early in the second half at Southampton on Friday having struggled to deal with the combination between Nathan Redmond and Ryan Bertrand.

While he impressed from an attacking point of view against the Portuguese giants on Tuesday, he once again struggled at the other end of the pitch with the visitors clearly targeting the area of the pitch between Alexander-Arnold and Dejan Lovren.

Klopp must decide whether it is time to take the youngster out of the limelight with keeping clean sheets surely the priority right now, and given the fact he will come up against an in-form Eden Hazard on Sunday.

Defensive issues

Talking of keeping the opposition out, it was something Liverpool managed on Tuesday – but only thanks to the wasteful finishing of Moussa Marega.

The 27-year-old striker had a plethora of opportunities to find the net at Anfield, and Klopp’s men would have been thankful that he had an off-night in front of goal.

While it wasn’t an issue against Porto, if the Reds give those opportunities to a better striker in the Premier League or the Champions League in the future then they will no doubt be punished.

Having also flattered to deceive for Shane Long’s goal and subsequent miss-kick early on in proceedings on Friday, perhaps some extra defensive work is needed on the training ground prior to welcoming Chelsea to Anfield.

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It has certainly been a big 13 months for Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

In March 2018, Saints travelled to face Newcastle United in desperate need of some points in their battle against relegation from the Premier League.

The Dane started that day as Mauricio Pellegrino looked to mastermind an away win at St James’ Park, but it turned out to be the performance and result that led to him getting the sack instead as the south coast outfit conceded in the second minute and found themselves 2-0 down at half-time.

They went on to lose 3-0 against their fellow strugglers with the Argentine manager accusing some of his players of giving up on Tyneside, and Hojbjerg was certainly one of those who didn’t come out of the encounter with much credit.

He was awful in possession alongside Mario Lemina in the middle of the pitch as the duo were dominated by their opponents, while he completely lost Matt Ritchie for Newcastle’s third goal on the day.

The impact Ralph Hasenhüttl has had at Southampton is certainly evident in the video below…

It has been a big turnaround from then until the present day for the 23-year-old, who has gone from a player who wasn’t a regular starter and who was yet to win many Saints fans over, to one who is now captaining the south coast outfit and is very much in contention to win the club’s player of the season award.

The Denmark international has been a colossus in the middle of the park for Saints and has started to add goals to his game – four goals in 26 Premier League appearances this season is proof of that – although he was a little off-colour with his passing against Wolves last Saturday.

Hojbjerg as the ideal chance to prove that he is a changed man when he makes his return to St James’ Park on Saturday, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men still in need of taking at least a point considering they are still four points short of the magic 40-point mark.

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Leeds United have been linked with a move for Yoann Barbet after interest in the defender was reported by L’Equipe.

The Brentford defender would be available on a free this summer and his destination could be Elland Road.

What does he offer?

The Frenchman follows a long line of talented Brentford defenders in recent years. The likes of James Tarkowski, John Egan, Jack O’Connell and Chris Mepham have all plied their trade at Griffin Park and next season they will all likely be in the Premier League.

He is quite small for a centre back measuring 5 ft 10, meaning that his aerial presence isn’t quite what you might expect from a defender.

What he lacks in height he more than makes up for in skill though, with the 25-year-old being a fantastic ball-player and tackler which is something Bielsa likes to have in his defence.

The Brentford man can also play as a left-back, a skill which Leeds could do with at the moment with both Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski out injured.

Who misses out?

Barbet’s arrival would mean that one of Leeds’ centre backs will have to drop to the bench to accommodate the new man.

It’s no coincidence that Barbet is a very different style of centre-back to Pontus Jansson. Bielsa could be looking to usher out the Swede after his recent performances have cost the Whites valuable points in the race for promotion.

The Frenchman is composed where the 6 ft 4 defender is reckless. The Leeds target can recycle possession whilst the 29-year-old tends to panic and hoof the ball forward.

Liam Cooper this season has grown to be the more valuable player in the centre-back pairing, and if the Yorkshire club do bring in defensive reinforcements that could mean Jansson slips down the pecking order.

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The main takeaway from Leeds United’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday was the brawl which occurred after the Whites’ opening goal.

Mateusz Klich made it 1-0 despite Villa halting play due to an injury to Jonathan Kodjia. This sparked outrage and the aftermath led to a red card as well as multiple bookings.

Bamford’s cheating

Patrick Bamford was successful in his attempt to get Anwar El Ghazi sent off as he hit the ground as if he had been punched, feigning contact in order to get his opponent dismissed.

There are times where unsporting behaviour like this is somewhat justifiable, instances such as Luis Suarez’s handball against Ghana in 2010 or Sergio Ramos’ theatrics in the 2017 Champions League final, but for Bamford this move just came across as foolish.

Sheffield United were already out of sight for Leeds barring a miracle in terms of goal difference.

Could prove costly

The former Middlesbrough striker didn’t take into account the FA’s power to retrospectively ban players for simulation when he took a tumble on Sunday and that may prove costly for Leeds.

The match at Elland Road was insignificant for both sides, so for the 25-year-old to go to such lengths to try and secure his teams all three points was senseless.

With the injury to Kemar Roofe, if Bamford is retrospectively banned it could leave Leeds without a senior striker heading into their playoff semi-final.

Ryan Edmondson would most likely have to fill the void left by Bamford. The 17-year-old has only made three senior appearances in his career, therefore, being thrust into one of the most important games of the campaign could prove too much for the youngster.

Bamford has netted nine goals so far this season and with their top scorer also out injured, the Yorkshire club’s chances of getting to Wembley may have drastically diminished.

Celtic are reportedly interested in bringing back Manchester City starlet Patrick Roberts this summer.

Celtic are in the market for a fans favourite this summer and Patrick Roberts could be that man after a disastrous spell in Spain, Football Insider claims.

The Manchester City prodigy, 22, was brought in from Fulham for an estimated £11million but has since struggled to fulfil his touted potential at the Etihad, enjoying his most prosperous periods of football during two previous loan spells with Celtic running from the winter of 2016 to the summer of 2018, instead.

Roberts only has a year left on his contract now and this summer is the last real opportunity City have to shift him on and recuperate at least a fraction of their initial investment, which could be good news for bargain hunting for the Hoops.

As per Football Insider, Celtic are interested in capitalising on Roberts’ possible availability despite the exit of former manager Brendan Rodgers, who described the youngster as a “brilliant” player and a “big talent”.

The attacker joined Celtic on 18-month loan three-and-a-half years ago, netting an impressive 18 goals in 78 appearances while taking in a prize haul of seven trophies at the club.

Celtic have been unwilling to splash the cash of late opting instead for series of loan deals, much to the dismay of fans, we are sure, who will be keen on securing a more permanent fixture to nurture and love.

Roberts’ availability gives the club a chance to appease fans, while representing a brilliant investment on the business side of things as his previous experience and ability at this level reduces risk and almost guarantees success.

Celtic fans, would you be happy to see Roberts back? Join the discussion by commenting below…