All posts by z3u9t.icu

It’s a great time to be an Arsenal fan at the moment, as while things looked bleak just a few weeks ago, the Gunners are now level on points with Manchester City, having already played them, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur away in the Premier League.

Not only that, but Mikel Arteta’s side came away from their tricky trip to Atalanta with a point in hand and then dominated Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup with a heavily rotated lineup.

However, just because it had eight changes does not mean it was a weak side, as it was full of tremendously exciting and talented Hale Enders, including Ethan Nwaneri.

The young midfielder looks destined to become the next sensational superstar to come out of the North Londoners academy, but another youngster who could be just as good is no longer at the club.

Nwaneri's exciting rise

It’s been over two years since Nwaneri became the youngest Premier League player of all time against Brentford in 2022, and while he hasn’t featured in too many first-team games since then, he has been tearing it up in the academy.

For example, in his 52 appearances across the club’s various junior sides, the 17-year-old phenom has scored 27 goals and provided ten assists, meaning he’s averaging a goal involvement once every 1.40 games, which is frankly ridiculous for a midfield player.

However, he’s not just impressing with the youth sides. The Enfield-born ace made regular appearances during the club’s preseason tour of the US in the summer, and over the last few weeks, he has become increasingly involved in first-team action.

It was in the game against Bolton that the Hale Ender opened his account with the club, scoring a brace and coming painfully close to a hat-trick, but it’s in the league games that we can gain a better understanding of how highly the manager rates him.

For example, when the team were 1-0 up away to Spurs, he turned to the exciting prospect to inject some more life into the midfield, and when it looked like his side were going to drop points against Leicester City, he once again turned to the teenager, and while he didn’t score, he came very, very close to doing so.

Overall, while we are still a season or two away from seeing Nwaneri regularly making it into the starting lineup, it’s clear that he’s an exceptionally talented footballer and one destined for the very top, much like a youngster the club lost this summer.

Chido Obi Martin's massive potential

Yes, the player who Arsenal lost during the summer is Danish youth international Chido Obi Martin.

Now, we say lost, as while it looks like the Gunners will be making some money on his move to Manchester United following the Premier League’s green light over the move late last week, there is no doubt that they would have rather kept him over making a few million pounds if that is what it ends up being.

The reason why? He has an incredible goal record and sky-high potential, scoring ten goals in one game for Arsenal U16s against Liverpool. Yes, ten goals. It’s easy to see why he was generating even more excitement than Nwaneri at times last season.

In 24 appearances across the Gunners’ U18 and U21 sides last season, the unreal “goalscoring machine”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, found the back of the net 32 times and provided three assists for good measure.

That means that, despite still being just 16, the Glostrup-born gem maintained an average of a goal involvement once every 0.68 games, which explains why the North Londoners were so keen on keeping him.

Appearances

24

Goals

32

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

1.45

Moreover, the 6 foot 2 poacher has also excelled at the international level, racking up 11 goals in 18 games for Denmark’s U17 side and one goal in two games for their U18 team.

Ultimately, Arsenal are blessed with the number of talented youngsters coming through the academy at the moment, Nwaneri chief among them, but the loss of Chido Obi is undeniably significant.

Cost £23m, now worth 152% more: Arsenal struck gold on "unstoppable" star

The incredible player has become an integral part of Arteta’s team.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 26, 2024

Glasgow Rangers attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi made his return to action for the club in the comfortable 2-0 win over St Johnstone at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Romania international resolved the contractual issue that had seen him left out of the squad to start the season and came on for Ross McCausland at half-time.

It was a mixed half for the midfield maestro as he provided a superb pass for Vaclav Cerny to make it 2-0 before he was sent off for a studs-up challenge in the middle of the park.

At the time of writing (09/10/2024), Transfermarkt currently values the midfielder at €1.8m (£1.5m) and Rangers have hit the jackpot with a summer signing who is already worth more than the 25-year-old star – Connor Barron.

Connor Barron's value at Aberdeen

At the time of his move to Ibrox in the summer transfer window, the Scotland U21 international was valued at €1m (£838k) by Transfermarkt, €8m less than Hagi’s current value.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

That came after the central midfielder had made 29 appearances and started 24 times in the Scottish Premiership for the Dons during the 2023/24 campaign.

Barron, who also played six times in the Europa Conference League that term, showcased his combative nature in the middle of the park with 2.6 tackles and interceptions per match in the top-flight.

His passing did let him down at times, though, as he only completed 79% of his attempted passes for Aberdeen in the Premiership last season.

Connor Barron's current market value

At the time of writing, Transfermarkt has Barron’s current market value at €2m (£1.7m) and this means that his value has already doubled since the summer, and that he is now worth more than Hagi – despite being at the club for a matter of months.

The 22-year-old midfielder has already made 13 appearances for the Light Blues so far this term and, an error against Lyon last week aside, has been an impressive performer.

Barron, who was hailed as “very impressive” on and off the pitch by Scotland U21 manager Scott Gemmill last year, has caught the eye with his showings in the Premiership this season for the Gers.

Appearances

29

7

Pass accuracy

79%

91%

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.6

2.9

Clearances per game

1.0

2.3

Ground duels won per game

2.7

2.9

As you can see in the table above, the youngster has been far more reliable with his use of the ball for Rangers than he was during his time with Aberdeen last term, completing 12% more of his attempted passes.

He has also made more tackles, interceptions, and clearances per game to help out his defence, which suggests that the Scottish whiz has taken his game to the next level since his move to Ibrox in the summer.

That is reflected in his soaring market value, overtaking the returning Hagi, and that is why Rangers have hit the jackpot with Barron, as they have snapped up a developing talent who could have a huge future at the club.

Bid prepared: Rangers wanted £17m star in the making but got Cantwell

The Light Blues once attempted to snap up the talented forward under Michael Beale.

ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2024

Sunderland fans will be well aware that there’s a long and winding road still ahead for their team this Championship season, but they will be dreaming of a triumphant Premier League return all the same.

Regis Le Bris could be the man in the dug-out that finally steers the Black Cats back to the promised land, with Sunderland having been put through the wringer since their relegation from the top-flight come the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

In the here and now, however, after spending some dire years in the League One wilderness, the Wearside outfit find themselves at the top of the second-tier pile.

If they do return to the Premier League, Le Bris will know he needs to add more experience to his young and hungry side to make that step up not feel too weighty, with the Black Cats striking gold in the past when bringing in an old head who knew the top-flight inside out.

Defoe's time at Sunderland

Jermain Defoe was an instant hit with the Stadium of Light masses when he first arrived in through the door in January of 2015, with his new side staring precariously at the relegation zone in the top division and in need of sharpshooter to raise spirits.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur poacher would fire home four goals from 17 Premier League games during his debut season, as the Wearside club managed to just about stave off the drop.

One of his finest moments in a Black Cats strip during his first season at the club would be this sensational volley against Sunderland’s arch-rivals in Newcastle United cannoning into the back of Tim Krul’s net, as Sunderland boasted a dramatic 1-0 win over their main nemesis courtesy of their new star-man’s heroics.

The following campaign, Defoe would really spark into life in his new surroundings as an impressive 15 league goals were fired home from 33 games, before the experienced head would then bow out with another 15 league strikes from 37 contests the season after, even as Sunderland finally succumbed to relegation.

Le Bris will hope he can pick up a similar game-changing recruit in January that can aid Sunderland in their mission to return to the league where Defoe – who also returned for a brief second spell in January 2022 – consistently wreaked havoc, with reports suggesting that this surprise move could get off the ground.

Sunderland's biggest deal since Defoe

According to reports that emerged late last week, the wheels could soon come into motion for Jordan Henderson to make a spectacular return to his hometown club, having found game time at Ajax hard to come by.

The former Liverpool man would undoubtedly be a fantastic signing for Le Bris’ men, who is rumoured to be on the agenda of many Championship clubs on loan, as per the report, with his vast experience playing for the Merseysiders in many tight and edgy games in elite competitions coming in handy for a potential promotion push.

Trophy

Times won

Premier League

1x

FA Cup

1x

League Cup

2x

Champions League

1x

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Just taking a glance at the midfielder’s ridiculous trophy honour list when playing at Anfield, it’s clear that the now 34-year-old would still be able to offer lots to the raw Black Cats group if he does rejoin his boyhood employers in January.

Like in the case of his ex-Three Lions colleague, Defoe – who arrived for his first spell after a stint away from England in Toronto – the Stadium of Light could represent a welcome return to these shores for the ‘lifelong Sunderland fan’, as Henderson has described himself, after two stints abroad in the Middle East and Amsterdam.

His presence would be extremely beneficial to the likes of Chris Rigg, with the 17-year-old able to link up with a talent who has been there and done that across a very successful career after starting out at Sunderland, whilst also being able to strut his stuff more in an attacking capacity with Henderson content at sitting back.

Labelled as “underrated” by Jurgen Klopp when he decided to move to Saudi Arabia last year, in terms of what he offered during Liverpool’s hay-day under the German, Henderson could also be keen for a special reunion owing to his career taking a nosedive ever since walking away from Anfield.

This could be the perfect opportunity for the veteran asset to enjoy his football again, with the possibility of adding a promotion up to the Premier League with his boyhood club to his decorated CV.

As for Sunderland, the prospect of signing an experienced England international – like in the case of Defoe at the time – would represent a sizeable coup, particularly in contrast to some of the club’s recruitment in recent years, amid their struggles in League One and the Championship.

Before January comes into view and transfer talk dominates every conversation, however, Sunderland will just aim to pick up more victories to secure their grip on top spot, starting with a visit to Hull City after the international break.

Le Bris confirms Sunderland star could be out 3 times longer than feared

This is not what Black Cats supporters want to hear.

2 ByHenry Jackson Oct 5, 2024

Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace lost their fifth game of the season on Monday evening, leaving them 18th in the Premier League on just three points.

Glasner’s side remain winless in the league, along with Ipswich, Southampton, and Wolves, as the only four teams yet to win a game.

The Eagles faced Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, and a 65th-minute strike from Chris Wood was the difference between the two sides, as Forest emerged 1-0 victors.

Despite taking 20 shots, Palace didn’t create any “big chances” and remain the lowest goalscorers in the division this season, scoring just five times in eight games now.

But, there were also some poor defensive performances that let the side down against Forest, starting with Dean Henderson between the sticks.

Dean Henderson's error against Forest

In a game decided by just one goal, there will always be a lot of scrutiny around the cause of that goal, and Henderson’s blunder was a poor one.

Despite making five saves, three of which from inside the box, making one high claim, and one punch, Wood’s strike should have been saved by the 27-year-old shot-stopper but it squirmed underneath him in terrible fashion.

However, when you look into the overall performance, it could have been way worse for Palace, and Henderson did make some key saves to keep it close, whereas Maxence Lacroix’s performance has to be critiqued.

Maxence Lacroix's performance in numbers

Lacroix joined Palace this summer from Wolfsburg for around £18m, joining with big boots to fill, as Joachim Andersen left the club. The 24-year-old has made six appearances for the Eagles so far, providing one assist, and totaling 585 minutes.

However, in this game, the Frenchman was perhaps just as bad as Henderson at the City Ground.

The summer arrival just so happened to lose all three of his ground duels, won just one of his five aerial duels, and was dribbled past twice. This meant the defender only won 12% of his duels in the game.

Minutes

90

Touches

65

Accurate Passes

47/53

Long Balls

2/5

Ground Duels Won

0/3

Aerial Duels Won

1/5

Clearances

7

Blocks

1

Interceptions

1

Tackles

0

Dribbled Past

2

When you consider Palace are the lowest scorers in the Premier League after eight games played, and that they play a back three, those defensive numbers have to improve for them in order to win games.

Lacroix is early into his Palace stint and is still settling in at the club, but the fans will expect to see more from the 24-year-old, who averaged 1.83 tackles, 1.34 blocks, and 0.91 interceptions per 90 last campaign for Wolfsburg.

Last term, Lacroix made 31 appearances for Wolfsburg, scoring four goals, providing one assist, contributing to eight clean sheets, and totalling 2665 minutes played. If he can find his feet, start to provide a few goals from set pieces, and improve his duel rate, Palace will start to feel much better about their investment in the young French defender.

For now, however, he is not proving to be an adequate replacement for Andersen.

Crystal Palace injuries: How many games Chris Richards and Chadi Riad will miss

The Eagles just cannot catch a break at the moment.

ByBen Browning Oct 21, 2024

Nottingham Forest dropped out of the top four in the Premier League on Sunday after they were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle United at the City Ground.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side did take the lead in the match, though, as Murillo powered a header in from Anthony Elanga’s set-piece on the right flank in the 22nd minute.

However, goals from Alexander Isak, Joelinton, and Harvey Barnes in the second half secured all three points for Eddie Howe’s side ahead of the last international break of the year.

There were a number of underwhelming performers on the pitch for the Tricky Trees and Matz Sels ended the match with a save success rate of just 50%.

Matz Sels' performance against Newcastle

The Belgian titan, who had 34 touches of the ball, may have only saved three of the six shots against him in the match, but it was not a dreadful showing from the shot-stopper by any means.

There was nothing he could have done to stop the equaliser from Isak at the start of the second half, as the Swedish marksman lashed a shot in off the post from close range.

Similarly, Sels could do little to stop Joelinton from putting the Magpies 2-1 up. The Brazil international fired in a left-footed shot off the post and in from the edge of the box.

You could, however, question his reactions for the third goal. Barnes reverses his shot into the near post and Sels is too slow to stick a leg out to the shot and it squirms past his boot, putting the game to bed.

There was a player whose performance was disappointing, though, and that was winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who let Santo down with his showing.

Callum Hudson-Odoi's performance in numbers

The former Chelsea forward came into this match off the back of two impressive performances against West Ham United and Leicester City, providing five key passes, completing six dribbles, and scoring one goal.

Hudson-Odoi, who won ten of his 12 duels against the Foxes, started on the left flank against Newcastle on Sunday and failed to continue his fine run of form.

Unfortunately, the 24-year-old whiz was unable to provide any spark or creativity on the wing, whilst he had fewer touches than his goalkeeper Sels – with just 26.

Minutes

59

Shots

0

Key passes

0

Duels won

0/4

Error led to shot

1

As you can see in the table above, Hudson-Odoi was a lightweight out of possession for Nottingham Forest, losing 100% of his physical contests.

The English attacker also ended his time on the pitch with zero shots and zero chances created for his team. In fact, his error that directly led to a shot for Newcastle meant that he, essentially, created more chances for the Magpies than he did for Forest.

Therefore, the left winger let Nuno down with his poor showing in and out of possession and the manager will be hoping that his electric whiz can return to his best after the international break, as his previous two performances were mightily impressive in comparison.

Transfer expert drops Nottingham Forest update on links to Bayern Munich gem

Graeme Bailey has been speaking about the Tricky Trees’ transfer business.

ByDominic Lund Nov 10, 2024

Potentially getting one over on Old Firm rivals Rangers in the process, Celtic are now reportedly ready to test one club’s resolve over the £4m price tag of their young prospect.

Celtic transfer news

Brendan Rodgers’ side have enjoyed quite the campaign so far, sitting top of the Scottish Premiership and on course to win yet another league title, this time ahead of both Aberdeen and Rangers. What has been a welcome surprise for those in Glasgow, however, is how the Bhoys have impressed in the Champions League at times, most recently picking up an impressive victory over Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

That success could yet come at a cost though, with Nicolas Kuhn the latest name to be linked away from Celtic Park. The Scottish giants already lost one star to the Premier League last season when Matt O’Riley left for Brighton & Hove Albion last summer and will be desperate to avoid a repeat. On the incomings front, meanwhile, Rodgers could be in for some good news.

According to the Daily Mail, Celtic are now ready to test Motherwell’s £4m resolve in the race to sign Lennon Miller in 2025. The 18-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in Scotland, having started in all 11 Scottish Premiership games that his side have played so far this season. Now, both Celtic and Rangers are in pursuit of his signature.

Rodgers must cash in on Celtic flop who earns more than Scales

Celtic are reportedly set for talks with another club over a transfer for the defender.

ByDan Emery Nov 13, 2024

Alas, the teenage midfielder won’t come cheap. Motherwell are seemingly looking to take full advantage of the talent that they have in their ranks by demanding a £4m fee to open the exit door. Whilst that price may close the door on Rangers amid their financial struggles, however, it may not be enough to turn Celtic away.

"Exciting" Miller is one to watch

At just 18 years old, Miller has earned the attention of Scottish football, scoring four goals and assisting a further three in just 18 appearances in all competitions this season, and could now reap the rewards as a result. A step up to the Scottish champions certainly makes sense if Miller is to stay in his home country at all amid such a rise. If Celtic can offer him the game time that a young player needs, then he should only continue to grow through such a move.

Unsurprisingly, the teenager has received plenty of praise in the last year, including from Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell, who said via The National: “I have not shied away from it, because of the nature of the person and the lad that he is, he is unquestionably one of the best, if not the best, talent that I have worked with.

“But not just from how you kick a football, how you behave and everything that you do. I just think he is a really exciting talent. If he was playing at one of the other clubs I would be waxing lyrical about him as well because I do get excited when you see really good footballers in Scotland.”

Liverpool boss Arne Slot must lament that yet another international break has taken hold of football, putting his team’s sensational start to the season on pause once more.

The Reds’ sole defeat of the campaign arrived after the September pause, a shocker at home against Nottingham Forest. However, the outfit’s fluency has since hardened, and the Anfield masses are reaching fever pitch as their club sits atop the Premier League and Champions League tables.

It’s a good chance for certain stars to make further gains after showing promise of late. Curtis Jones scored a fine backheel on his England debut, while Ibrahima Konate kept a clean sheet for France. Further south, Alexis Mac Allister didn’t enjoy his finest hour for Argentina.

How Liverpool players got on for their countries

England scored a much-needed Nations League victory over Greece, who recently defeated them at Wembley, as they look to claw their way back into the top level of the competition. Jones excelled for Lee Carsley’s penultimate line-up and will hope for regular call-ups hereafter.

Jones’ growth in recent weeks is an exciting thing for those of a Liverpool persuasion, not least because he’s so distinctive in the middle of the park, with high-level and many-faceted technical qualities.

France may have toiled against Israel, drawing 0-0 with Kylian Mbappe still AWOL, but Konate made a big impression at the rearguard, winning all eight of his combined duels and tackles.

Minutes played

90′

Clean sheet

1

Touches

85

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

Accurate passes

69 /75 (92%)

Tackles

3

Interceptions

2

Ground duels (won)

3 (3)

Aerial duels (won)

2 (2)

Conversely, Mac Allister struggled and was unable to inspire the World Cup and the Copa America champions Argentina to victory against Paraguay, with a poor performance that resulted in a 2-1 loss. Anonymous, he managed just 22 touches.

All players of high quality, and Konate and Jones were both first-class for their countries. However, neither reached the same level as Caoimhin Kelleher, who was brilliant as the Republic of Ireland defeated Finland in the Nations League.

Caoimhin Kelleher was the pick of the bunch

It’s amazing that Liverpool have a backup shot-stopper of Kelleher’s ability. He has played second fiddle at Anfield since rising from the youth ranks, but his presence has been indispensable, for Alisson rarely completes a campaign without picking up an issue or two.

Virgil van Dijk even went as far as to pronounce him “world-class” such is the level of his quality. It will be painful to watch him go when that inevitable day comes.

Yesterday evening, it was crucial that Ireland defeated Finland, for they have now preserved their B-tier status in the Nations League, relegating the Finnish down to C. The hosts were on top throughout, but Kelleher still saved four shots, as per Sofascore, en route to a well-earned clean sheet – with one a penalty kick.

Writing in their post-match ratings, RTE revealed that Kelleher was deserving of a 9/10 score after his redoubtable display after being handed the Player of the Match award. His ‘superb’ spot-kick save was complemented by three more denials that reinforced his steel-strong grip on the number one spot for his nation.

If only Alisson Becker didn’t also ply his trade for Liverpool – well, from Kelleher’s point of view, anyway. And moreover, given that Richard Hughes acted prudently to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgio Mamardashvili back in August in a deal worth £29m, set to arrive on English shores next summer, Kelleher’s Merseyside days appear numbered.

He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and he’s not even first choice. We of Liverpool Red simply cannot begrudge the 25-year-old for wanting to seek out his fortune and continue his rise. But, without question, FSG must demand a pretty penny for his sale.

Liverpool must ask for "obscene" money

Liverpool’s decision to sign Mamardashvili was a good one, but it does indeed spell the end for Kelleher. So long, then, you brilliant shot-saving superstar. Both Carabao Cup triumphs under Jurgen Klopp owe plenty to your performances – and the 2022 FA Cup victory too.

LFC podcaster Graeme Kelly remarked after Ireland’s victory: “The amount of money we should be asking if Kelleher moves on is obscene. Absolute elite keeper.”

It’s a sentiment that no doubt echoes through the Anfield halls, right the way through to the boardroom, where Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards shuffle pieces like stooped-over chess players.

This summer, interest was there, but nothing concrete enough to convince the Reds to part ways. Liverpool were looking to claim £35m for the keeper, and despite intrigue from the likes of Celtic and Nottingham Forest – among others – it was ultimately nothing doing.

Of course, the Irishman is playing out the penultimate year of his £10k-per-week Liverpool contract and has no desire to pen fresh terms. We know this. Slot knows this. Hughes definitely knows this.

Will Liverpool manage to claim as significant a fee in 2025, or perhaps even something larger? Kelleher’s skill set suggests that it wouldn’t be out of the question, but with the last chance to cash in fast approaching, the Liverpool bosses might need to harness every ounce of their business savvy to get it done.

Liverpool thought they had the next Messi & Ronaldo, then he left for £0

Liverpool must regret signing £20m flop who was once compared to Messi & Ronaldo

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 14, 2024

Chelsea are interested in signing an “unbelievable number nine” who will be allowed to leave his current club in January, according to a report.

Chelsea transfer news

As far back as September, Enzo Maresca made it clear that he intended to bring in additional reinforcements in the January transfer window, and the Chelsea boss has his sights set on a number of different options, particularly in the attacking third.

The Blues have now made contact in order to discuss a deal for Getafe forward Christantus Uche, who has played as a striker and attacking midfielder for the Spanish side since signing in the summer, but the Nigerian is not the only option.

The west London club have their sights set on a striker from much closer to home, with breakout Ipswich Town star Liam Delap now very much on the radar, with one report even suggesting they could make an imminent approach for the youngster.

Chelsea spent big in the summer transfer window, and they are now reaping the rewards after a strong start to the Premier League season, but they did miss out on a top striker, having failed to get a deal for Victor Osimhen over the line on deadline day.

Nicolas Jackson has managed to prove he is up to the task with his goal-scoring exploits this term, but an opportunity to bring in an additional option may have just arisen, if the latest report from Caught Offside is to be believed.

Chelsea keen on Ferguson

It is stated that Brighton are willing to let Evan Ferguson leave this winter, having failed to make an impact so far this season, and it seems as though the Blues could swoop in, having been name checked as potential suitors.

There is no shortage of interested clubs, however, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City also keen, but West Ham United are said to be leading the race for his signature at present, with a loan move on the cards.

There are indications that Brighton could be willing to let the Irishman leave permanently too, having gone as far as setting a £60m asking price, although their initial preference is for him to leave on loan.

Agents preparing to open talks with Chelsea over signing £195k-per-week ace

The club are braced for approaches.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 30, 2024

Ferguson may have fallen out of favour at Brighton, but there are clear signs he could go on to be a top striker, having impressed when given the opportunity over the past two seasons.

In his breakthrough campaign, the Ireland international scored six goals in 19 Premier League games, a tally he managed to match last season.

That said, if the starlet is to kick on, he needs to get regular game time, meaning it may be unwise for Chelsea to pursue a deal at present, given that he is unlikely to displace Jackson in the starting XI.

Lauded as an “unbelievable number nine” by former Brighton U18 boss James Baxter, Ferguson clearly has lofty potential, but he may be better suited to a loan move at a smaller Premier League club.

Glasgow Rangers extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches with a 3-0 win away at Ross County in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

The Light Blues remain 11 points adrift of Celtic at the top of the table but have closed the gap between themselves and Aberdeen down to two points, with a game in hand.

Hamza Igamane and Danilo scored the goals in the first-half to give the away side a comfortable lead, before James Tavernier sealed all three points in the second half.

It was another impressive performance from Igamane on the left wing, who has now scored four goals in his last four matches in all competitions.

Hamza Igamane's performance against Ross County

The 22-year-old whiz opened the scoring for the Gers in the first-half with a terrific strike, aided by a deflection, from the edge of the box after Jefte’s set to him from the left.

He did not hesitate to pull the trigger from range, without even taking a touch to set himself, and earned his luck with the deflection to find the back of the net.

Igamane also completed three of his four attempted dribbles and created one ‘big chance’ for his teammates in the game, which shows that he offered a threat in transition and as a creator, to go along with his goal.

However, it was not a perfect performance from the youngster, as he only completed 66% of his attempted passes and lost possession a staggering 22 times.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

The real star of the show for Philippe Clement, and player who produced a complete performance against Ross County, was central defender Leon Balogun.

Why Leon Balogun was the star for Rangers

The experienced Nigeria international did not score and was not directly involved in any of the three goals for Rangers, yet he was the hero for the manager with his monstrous display at the heart of the defence.

Whilst Igamane let himself down at times with his loose touches and passes, Balogun only lost possession nine times from 78 touches and completed 84% of his passes, which speaks to how reliable the defender is on the ball.

The 36-year-old veteran, who was selected alongside John Souttar ahead of summer signing Robin Propper, was also almost faultless with his defensive work throughout the game to prevent the home side from causing Rangers too many problems.

Clearances

4

10

Interceptions

1

3

Tackles made

0

7

Ground duels won

0/0

8/9

Aerial duels won

1/1

4/7

As you can see in the table above, Balogun was incredibly dominant for Rangers and carried his centre-back partner in the match, making nine more tackles and interceptions and winning 11 more duels.

The Nigerian titan led the match in clearances, duels won, and tackles made, which illustrates just how impressive his work out of possession was for the Scottish giants.

Ross County only created one ‘big chance’ in the game and that was, in large part, down to the brilliance of Balogun, who combined quality on the ball with incredibly defensive strength out of possession, and that is why he was the real hero for Clement.

Rangers signed their own Kante before he left after one forgettable year

Glasgow Rangers thought they had their own version of N’Golo Kante, then he flopped.

ByDan Emery Nov 25, 2024

Liverpool returned to Premier League action in a disappointing manner on Saturday, having been made to settle for a 2-2 draw with Marco Silva’s Fulham.

The title-chasing Reds had to play the majority of the contest with ten men after an early red card was handed out to Andrew Robertson, leading to a share of the points having to be stomached come full-time.

As much as Robertson let himself down as an experienced figure in Arne Slot’s camp, nobody can accuse Mohamed Salah of not being at his blistering best this season, even as his contract situation remains up in the air.

Salah's importance at Liverpool

Despite being 32 years of age, the Egyptian maverick is showing no signs of rust when donning a Reds jersey, with Salah helping himself to an assist in this score draw versus the Cottagers.

He was still lovely against the Londoners, firing three shots towards goal, but the usually potent attacker would have to make do with just an assist after he played Cody Gakpo into space for Liverpool’s opener in the thrilling contest.

If the sublime Liverpool number 11 had found the back of the net on Saturday, that would have been eight league games on the spin for Salah where he’d scored, with the forward ageing like a fine wine on Merseyside.

In total, he has a staggering 16 goals and 13 assists next to his name from only 23 fixtures, with the anxiety levels ramping up now no doubt over whether he will stay at Liverpool past this season or whether a new suitor will come in and snap him up.

If the latter does become an unfortunate reality for Slot and Co, they could do far worse than securing the services of this explosive star as his replacement.

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Liverpool eyeing up dream Salah replacement

As per a report from journalist Graeme Bailey the table-topping Reds have informed Barcelona that they would be over the moon if a move for Raphinha could finally take place.

The report further reveals that Arsenal and Manchester City – alongside Liverpool – all enquired about the spellbinding Brazilian in the summer. The trio of sides are still interested in the player and have allegedly been in talks with agents regarding a potential statement in 2025.

Well known to fans in England for his heroics whilst at Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa, Liverpool will also be keeping tabs on the constantly entertaining winger when you look at how well he’s taken to life in Spain.

Raphinha is putting up Salah-like numbers for Hansi Flick’s giants this season to date, with the growing possibility that he could be the exact replacement Slot’s men are calling out for if their esteemed servant leaves the building.

Games played

23

23

Goals scored

17

16

Assists

10

13

Total shots *

3.46

3.85

Shot-creating actions *

5.75

4.95

Progressive passes *

4.19

4.50

Progressive carries *

3.49

3.74

Successful take-ons *

1.29

1.21

Very similar when comparing their attacking games over the last year using FBRef, alongside the fact Raphinha is remarkably only two goal contributions off Salah for his 2024/25 output, the South American might well be just what Liverpool need to soften any blow that might well come their way.

Raphinha’s stunning goal and assist numbers have even seen him be labelled as “Europe’s best player in 24/25” by Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley, despite Salah lighting up the Premier League.

It would be a real knock to the system if Liverpool were to lose their magnificent attacker, but if Raphinha then comes in, that gaping wound could be sorted out rather quickly.

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