All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United found themselves on the wrong end of a drubbing as they lost 5-1 to Tottenham away from home on Sunday.

It was a third straight Premier League defeat for Eddie Howe’s side as they were swept away by Antonio Conte’s electric Spurs team.

Fabian Schar’s well-hit free-kick had given the Magpies a shock lead in the match, but goals from Ben Davies, Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn and Heung-Min Son ensured that they came away with all three points.

A number of players struggled for Howe as Tottenham dismantled their defence time and time again throughout the 90 minutes. One player who let the head coach down badly was central midfielder Joelinton.

The 25-year-old, who has come on leaps and bounds under the ex-Cherries boss, was a liability in the middle of the park and failed to showcase his best qualities.

Dion Dublin previously claimed that the Brazilian “looked lost” earlier in his Magpies career and those struggles reared their ugly head again as he put in a worrying performance for the club against Spurs.

He lasted 59 minutes on the pitch before Howe decided to take him out of the game, as he was unable to make a positive impact at either end of the pitch.

Off the ball, he was a lightweight for the Toon. As per SofaScore, he lost 75% (6/8) of his individual battles and only made one tackle. He did not make a single clearance, interception, or block, whilst committing two fouls.

This shows that he could not keep up with the physicality of the game as the Spurs players were able to dominate him on that side of the game. The £80k-per-week dud needed to be stronger in his duels to get Newcastle on the front foot and was unable to do so.

He also did little in possession. As per SofaScore, he lost the ball once every 2.6 touches (9/23) and failed to complete a single dribble, shot or key pass. Joelinton was unsuccessful with all of his attempted crosses and long passes and these statistics show that he did not stamp his authority on the match.

Overall, he let the team down at both ends of the pitch with a disappointing display as he looked lost offensively and defensively. Hopefully, this was a one-off display and he will be back to his marauding best when the Magpies host Wolves next time out on Friday night in the Premier League.

AND in other news, PIF set to “lead the race” to sign forward for NUFC who will be a “joy to watch”…

Liverpool head into Thursday evening’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg meeting with Benfica knowing that any result better than a two-goal losing margin will see them progress to the semi-finals of the competition – something that, considering their dominating 3-1 victory at the Estadio da Luz last week, would appear an extremely likely outcome.

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And, with Jurgen Klopp revealing in his pre-match press conference that he has a fully fit squad to pick from ahead of this evening, the Reds’ comfortable lead on aggregate could well lead to the 54-year-old selecting a somewhat rotated squad against the Eagles – especially with another showdown against Manchester City coming up on Saturday in the FA Cup semi.

So, will the German make any changes to the side that started the 2-2 draw with City last weekend? Here’s how we think Liverpool could line up against Benfica…

With Klopp’s fully fit squad boasting an exceptional amount of strength in depth, we predict the 54-year-old will make six changes from his starting XI at The Etihad on Sunday.

In the back five, Alisson gets the nod between the sticks, while both centre-back Ibrahima Konate and left-back Kostas Tsimikas come into the XI for Joel Matip and Andy Robertson respectively – with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk retaining their spots at right-back and centre-back.

In the middle of the park, after highly impressing in the first leg, Naby Keita makes a return to the side alongside Jordan Henderson – who drops back into the six – and Thiago Alcantara in Klopp’s three-man midfield, with the £180k-per-week Fabinho – who journalist Declan Carr dubbed “woeful” against City – dropping to the bench.

Finally, there are wholesale changes in attack, with all three of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane being afforded a rest, while Harvey Elliot – who journalist Tom Barclay labelled a “wonderkid” – Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz all come into the XI.

AND in other news: Liverpool in talks to sign “absolutely crazy” £42m talent, it could be bye-bye Salah

This season, Jadon Sancho has been making quite the impression at Borussia Dortmund.

The 18-year-old, who won his first senior cap for England last November, is now a starter at the Bundesliga outfit and is making regular goal contributions from his position out wide.

The winger, of course, joined Dortmund from Manchester City back in the summer of 2017 and has recently spoken about what motivated him to make such a move.

The Breakdown

“Why Dortmund? It speaks for itself: youngsters get opportunities,” Sancho told FourFourTwo in an exclusive interview.

“You’ve got to thank Dortmund, because it’s unheard of for a team that gets 80,000 fans at every home game to put so much faith in youngsters. It was crazy how many clubs wanted me – it shows how well you’re doing, but I always felt Dortmund was right for me.”

Ultimately, it is fair to say Sancho’s move to Dortmund has worked out and extremely well one might add. From a Manchester City perspective, though, what does their former winger’s comments about youngsters getting opportunities at the Signal Iduna Park say about them?

It sounds almost like a jibe at the Citizens, who just do not offer that in this moment of time in their quest for trophies. For all of the success they can guarantee and money they can offer, the Etihad looks a place where exciting young players do not wish to be with Brahim Diaz also recently following Sancho out of the exit door.

And while supporters will be quick to point to Phil Foden, the 18-year-old looks to be the exception rather than the norm.

Sancho’s success could now lead to an exodus of young English players leaving their clubs to venture into a foreign league with Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi looking like the next name who could be about to follow in the England international’s footsteps.

Celtic are in talks regarding a deal to bring Christopher Scott to Parkhead in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Florian Plettenberg, with the Sky Sports Deutschland journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that, despite the fact Bayern Munich are hoping to tie the 19-year-old down to a new deal at the Allianz Arena – with his current contract set to expire this summer – the attacking midfielder is considering a move away from the Bundesliga side in search of regular first-team game time.

Plettenberg goes on to state that, as a result of the Germany U20 international’s contractual situation and desire for first-team minutes, both Celtic and Brentford have initiated negotiations with the teenager ahead of a potential switch this summer.

In his tweet, the Sky Sports journalist said: “News Christopher Scott: His agent met FCB officials a few days ago. FC Bayern want to extend beyond 2022, club can pull an option but he wants to play regularly. Talks with Brentford & Celtic!”

Celtic supporters will love Plettenberg’s claim

Considering the sheer amount of potential Scott quite clearly possesses, Plettenberg’s suggestion that Celtic are in talks with the 19-year-old Bayern starlet is sure to be news the Parkhead faithful will love.

Indeed, it is abundantly clear when looking at the £1.08m-rated youngster’s returns in youth and reserve team football just how talented he is, with the forward-thinking midfielder bagging an incredibly impressive 43 goals and registering 11 assists over 103 appearances with the likes of Bayern Munich II, Bayer Leverkusen U17s, Bayern Munich U19s and Bayer Leverkusen U19s.

Furthermore, Bhoys Analytics also state that, after looking at his statistics, it is clear the 19-year-old “generates a lot of threat from finishing and creativity” and is a “very aggressive accurate passer along the deck” – while the fact that he has “played in a possession-based side” would appear to make him something of a dream signing for Ange Postecoglou.

As such, it is clear for all to see that landing Scott would not only be a major coup for the Hoops this summer – especially if he were to arrive on a free transfer – but the German youth international could also very quickly prove to be an upgrade on a number of the 56-year-old manager’s current options in attacking midfield.

AND in other news: “Forget Reo”: Ange must land “frightening” £18.5k-p/w gem who’d “light up Celtic Park”

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Matthias Ginter to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports News (via the Daily Mail), who claim that Fabio Paratici is set to battle it out with Juventus, West Ham United and Aston Villa for the signing of the Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back – who is set to become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at Borussia-Park at the end of the season.

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Conte can axe Sanchez with Ginter

While Antonio Conte and Paratici have reportedly made a left-sided centre-half their priority target this summer, considering just how impressive the right-sided Ginter has been for Gladbach this season, in addition to the fact that Davinson Sanchez does not look to have much of a future in north London under the 52-year-old manager, it is easy to see why Spurs would be interested in a move for the 28-year-old.

Indeed, over his 25 Bundesliga appearances in the current campaign, the £21.6m-rated defender has been imperious in the heart of Adi Hutter’s backline, helping his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, three clearances and winning 5.6 duels – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

The Germany international has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making 56.2 passes, 3.2 long balls and taking 1.2 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the £50k-per-week player who Joachim Low dubbed “underrated” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Gladbach’s best defender and fourth-best player overall in the German top flight this season.

The 46-time capped World Cup winner has also earned praise from legendary German centre-back Lothar Matthaus, who went as far as to compare the Ginter to Paris Saint-German defender and former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

Matthaus said: “Ginter has become a leader at the back, similar to Ramos at Real. He doesn’t just give instructions to his teammates, but leads them as well. That’s what Ginter is doing really well at the moment. He reminds me of Ramos.”

As such, considering the fact that the £42m Sanchez has not featured in seven of Tottenham’s last eight Premier League fixtures, as well as the £67k-per-week centre-back who Paul Robinson dubbed “inexcusable” having been linked with a move away from north London in the January transfer window, it would indeed appear as if the Colombia international could be on his way out of the club this summer.

And, if Sanchez does depart, signing Ginter on a free to replace the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be a fantastic piece of business for Paratici to get over the line – as the German would be a huge upgrade upon the former Ajax starlet.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…”: Gold drops teasing Spurs claim that supporters will love

Tottenham Hotspur are set to sanction the departure of promising academy gem Dilan Markanday this week…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, who delivered an update on the situation to fans on Twitter this week.

“#Blackburn are close to agreeing [on] a deal to sign #Tottenham winger Dilan Markanday,” he said. “The context around this is that #Tottenham have wanted Markanday to sign a new contract and go out on loan, but he wants a permanent part of a senior first team and he’s good enough. A string of Championship clubs offering him the chance, including #Blackburn.”

Indeed, this certainly appears to be the case as fellow reporter Michael Bridge delivered his verdict to GIVEMESPORT.

“No confirmation yet, but I understand that Markanday’s contract runs out at the end of the season, so you’d assume it was a permanent deal.”

Terrible news

Spurs now seem set to lose out on one of their most exciting young talents, one that is a boyhood supporter of the club.

Markanday has been in electric form for the U23s this season, scoring 12 goals in only 14 appearances in the Premier League 2 and he has done so playing in a variety of attacking positions – largely, upfront and on the left flank.

A winger by trade, the 20-year-old seems a nice fit for Antonio Conte’s system as he can provide valuable backup to the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

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However, he just hasn’t been trusted to feature under the Italian, whereas players like Dane Scarlett have. Baffling.

The Barnet-born starlet envisaged spending his whole career at the club, as he revealed to the Independent back in November.

“The dream is to play for Tottenham for the next 15 years, playing every game, but obviously I know things might not work out and there are going to be ups and downs. But all I can control is the controllables and things will work out for the best,” he claimed.

Dubbed a “big talent” by broadcaster and Spurs fan Greg Jenner, it seems inexcusable to let a player with Markanday’s talent and attitude leave the club this month, instead of tying him down and plotting out plans for him to become a first-team star.

Just as Jenner is angry, much of the Lilywhites faithful are too – many were left dubbing the youth system a “joke.”

It wouldn’t be the first time that the club has lost a promising talent, either. You only have to look at what Noni Madueke has done in Holland to see why this is a major mistake.

No wonder many are fuming with this news.

AND in other news, “I’ve just had a message”: Duncan Castles drops Spurs transfer bombshell, Conte will be livid…

Aston Villa are on course to seal the permanent signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

What’s the Word?

That’s according to Football Insider, who claim that a source has revealed that Villa are in advanced talks to sign Olsen on a permanent deal from AS Roma – the 32-year-old shot-stopper who has been at the Premier League side on loan since January.

With just over a year left on his Roma contract, Gerrard could secure the services of Olsen on the cheap and he would provide solid cover for Emiliano Martinez next season.

Robin Olsen would provide excellent cover at Villa

During the first half of the campaign, Olsen was plying his trade at Sheffield United in the Championship, turning out 17 times for the Blades whilst only keeping one clean sheet.

This didn’t stop player John Egan from boosting the £13k-per-week keeper’s confidence, stating in the media that the Swede had a “big presence” and that they “were lucky to have him”.

Massive praise for someone who often let in too many goals during his tenure in the Championship. However, his international experience plus his age could well prove to make him a huge coup for Gerrard and Johan Lange.

Despite not making a first-team appearance for the side since his arrival, he has obviously impressed Steven Gerrard and the coaching staff. The Swede does have prior experience in the top flight, however, featuring for Everton on 11 occasions in the 2020-2021 season.

With further progress needed to show the board that he is moving in the right direction; Gerrard will be aiming to utilise his funds carefully and not squander vital cash on poor signings.

European football must be the aim and that is why the board went all out to secure his services from Rangers in November. The former England captain faces a huge summer ahead.

AND in other news: Gerrard now plotting AVFC bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon”, he’s better than Phillips

Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign long-time Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez, acting as a potential blow for the Whites.

The Lowdown: Nandez a long-term Leeds target

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road endlessly in the last year, with both summer and January rumours emerging from every direction.

Nandez has matured into a formidable performer for both Cagliari and Uruguay, starting 15 Serie A games for the former this season and playing 49 times in total for the latter, so it’s perhaps no surprise Victor Orta wants the tenacious midfielder given the lack of depth in that position at Elland Road.

The Whites’ transfer guru even flew out to Italy to discuss a deal last summer, claim some reports, but it now looks as though a strong contender has emerged in the battle to snap up the tough tackling ace.

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The Latest: Newcastle emerge as suitors

According to Tuttosport on Friday, Newcastle are interested in bringing Nandez to the club after their big-money takeover.

They are described as a ‘new entry’ in the race to sign the 5 foot 7 Uruguayan, with Leeds and Tottenham still very much in the fight.

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The Verdict: Potential big blow

In the last couple of seasons, there would be no reason why Newcastle would necessarily be a more appealing proposition than Leeds, but their takeover may change things significantly.

All of a sudden, the Magpies are able to blow other teams out of the water in terms of wages, which has the potential to work hugely against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Nandez would be the perfect January signing to help solve the midfield shortage – his average of 1.9 tackles per game in the league this season is superior to both Robin Koch (1.0) and Mateusz Klich (1.1)  – so missing out on him to a Premier League rival would hurt.

In other news, Leeds have received a boost in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Everton have had their fair share of issues on the pitch, despite the media attention being largely centred around the manager position and behind the scenes problems, with questions needed to be answered about the consistently poor performances we have seen almost every week this season for the Toffees.

The defensive issues in the side are something that needs to be addressed if Everton are going to progress over the next few months and save them from the potential of a relegation battle for the remainder of the season.

When you look at Everton’s defensive record this season in isolation, the side has lost the majority of their games, with 11 defeats from 20 Premier League games, five wins and four draws and have conceded 35 goals, compared to the 24 goals they have actually scored this term.

It is clear that Everton needs a shift in their defence, with a right-back and a left-back already signed by recently sacked manager, Rafa Benitez, during this transfer window. However, Farhad Moshiri should be taking a look at his central defence options and looking at the upgrades he could make himself.

Omar Colley who currently plays for Sampdoria was linked to a move to Goodison Park early in the transfer window, although nothing since has materialised with no official bids or talks opened with the player, ultimately he would be a fantastic upgrade allowing the club to finally axe Mason Holgate, who has also been linked with moves away this January.

According to Squawka, when you compare both 6 foot 3 Colley and Holgate’s performances for their respective clubs in the league this season, the 29-year-old has made an astonishing 51 more clearances, more interceptions, won 38 more ground duels and won more aerial duels for Sampdoria than Holgate has for Everton.

That only furthers Moshiri’s need to replace his current central defender with the Gambia international.

Holgate’s discipline in the squad has been questioned too after he received a red card this season for a reckless challenge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg against Tottenham Hotspur in the last moments of the game, and has been scathed by journalist, David Prentice, who criticised the £64k-per-week flop for his “basic errors” this season, which clearly reflects in his performances, earning Holgate the worst rating of any defender in the squad according to SofaScore.

Everton are currently just four points outside of the relegation zone, with just over a week left in the transfer window and the search for the next manager still in full swing, Moshiri must prioritise making the right signings whilst managing his focus on many areas that need fixing at Goodison Park, to make sure the club can salvage something from their season by finishing comfortably and avoiding a relegation battle.

In other news: Alan Myers gives an update on Everton’s manager search

As per a report in Italian newspaper La Repubblica, via Sky Sports, a fresh Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim has emerged involving Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. 

The lowdown: Big money flop?

Signed for £97.5million from Inter Milan (Sky Sports), Lukaku has struggled to recapture his best form back in the Premier League.

So far this season the Belgian has managed 12 goals and two assists and caused uproar in December following an interview whereby the 28-year-old discussed a difficult time settling in at Stamford Bridge.

Now a fresh claim has come from Italy suggesting a summer move could be on the horizon…

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The latest: Reunion on the cards?

According to La Repubblica, as cited by Sky Sports, Spurs are interested in signing the powerful frontman.

A possible return to the San Siro has also been suggested but it appears that the north London club are in the mix to sign the out of favour 101-cap star.

Previously hailed as ‘unstoppable’ by Italian legend Christian Vieri, the 2020/21 Inter Milan player of the season may cut short a contract that is supposed to run until 2026 (Transfermarkt).

The verdict: Match made in heaven?

Lukaku spent two seasons with Tottenham boss Antonio Conte in Milan, where he made 95 appearances while scoring 64 goals and registering 16 assists.

Clearly, the Italian coach had the zeitgeist on how to get the best out of the Belgian, including tailoring his diet in order to improve output, helping the player lose half a stone (seven lbs).

Should the coach be able to rediscover the striker’s best form then this deal would be a no-brainer in order to bolster the Lilywhites’ squad.

But, with four years remaining on a deal at London rivals Chelsea and a likely astronomical asking price, transfer chief Fabio Paratici may be best served to look elsewhere for cheaper support for Harry Kane.

In other news: Journalist endorses reported Tottenham move for England man! Find out more here.