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With Jose Mourinho having transformed Eric Dier into a fully-fledged centre-half under his leadership at Tottenham Hotspur, the Spurs boss now faces the difficult task of building the defence around the England international.

Given the lack of depth, it’s no wonder Dier is one of the first names on the team sheet, having made 27 appearances across all competitions this season, that being the best of all centre-backs and ninth overall, a list topped by none other than Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

It would be remiss to ignore his importance to this Spurs side, which is precisely why Jermaine Jenas has praised his “sensational” impact in his new role for the Lilywhites.

Toby Alderweireld has been the man Mourinho has usually trusted enough to start alongside the 27-year-old at the heart of Spurs’ defence, but in Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, Daniel Levy could land Dier’s ideal long-term partner.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition, as relayed by SempreInter, Milan have named a €60m (£51m) for the centre-back, and the Italian outlet reports Mourinho’s side will have to offer far more than their initial €35m bid last year.

The fact that Inter are apparently unwilling to accept anything less than €60m for one of their key men could prove to be a stumbling block for Spurs, however, as the club reportedly finds itself in financial disarray after borrowing a large sum from the Bank of England.

All we know is, the 6 foot 1 in central defensive colossus has certainly got the ability and profile to form a formidable partnership at the back with Dier, with Skriniar ticking every box.

Mourinho isn’t short of centre-halves but has still rotated Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga alongside the softly-spoken Dier with a mixed bag of results.

The latter two are seen as two for the future having impressed when called upon, but the same can’t be said for Sanchez, who has struggled to make much of an impression due to a string of high-profile errors.

Having someone at the back with the kind of leadership Skriniar brings could be exactly what Mourinho needs. His former coaches insist the “talented” player has “always been the leader on and off the pitch.”

By the numbers, the Serbian, who at 26 is one year younger than Dier, has been in impressive form for Antonio Conte’s side, averaging 1.5 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game, via WhoScored. For context, even Dier could only manage 0.7 tackles per 90 in the Premier League this season, as per WhoScored.

While it remains to be seen where the £45m-rated colossus will be plying his trade next term, whoever secures his signature will be very happy indeed, for he’s evidently a player with bags of talent.

Daniel Levy, therefore, must do all he can to bring him to north London before it’s too late. He can’t let lightning strike twice.

AND in other news, Tottenham Hotspur star stole the show in vital Europa League win…

Manchester City return to Premier League action on Boxing Day with a home game against Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United.

City were in fine form in midweek, as they comfortably beat Arsenal 4-1 at the Emirates to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, despite Guardiola making a lot of changes to his side.

However, despite the impressive performance, we feel it’s likely he will pick a side similar to the one that saw off Southampton in City’s last Premier League fixture, although on current form, Guardiola may opt to rest some of his key players against the goal-shy Toon.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the Spanish manager to line his side up at the Etihad, with eight changes from the starting team that beat Arsenal…

Ederson reclaims his place in goal after Zak Steffen earned a rare start against the Gunners, with the Brazilian no doubt hoping to improve on his excellent clean sheet record from so far this season.

There are three changes in defence, with Benjamin Mendy replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, as this match should allow the Frenchman to push forward a lot, whilst John Stones should return at centre-back, despite Aymeric Laporte’s goal in midweek.

Kyle Walker replaces Joao Cancelo at right-back, with the Englishman still clearly an important part of Guardiola’s side, with the Spanish manager having heavily praised him earlier in the season, saying:

“It was an incredible signing for Man City. I want to thank the club for bringing him here.”

Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne return in midfield, in place of Fernandinho and Phil Foden, who are perhaps both unfortunate to miss out after impressive performances, although Guardiola will surely want to rotate as much as possible over Christmas to try and avoid injuries.

Finally, in attack, Gabriel Jesus keeps his place after breaking his goal-scoring duck at the Emirates, whilst Ferran Torres and Raheem Sterling replace Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva on the wings.

And, in other news… Man City can save millions on Aguero replacement with prolific academy striker impressing in training 

Tottenham Hotspur have relinquished their place atop the Premier League table as they were beaten by defending champions Liverpool at Anfield this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side had plenty of chances to win the game at 1-1 through Harry Kane and Steven Bergwijn, who both should have done better in front of goal.

Heung-min Son cancelled out Mo Salah’s fortuitous opener before half-time but Roberto Firmino popped up with a header beating Toby Alderweireld in injury time.

Indeed plenty of Spurs fans watching from home were desperate to see the Dutch dynamo hooked off earlier than he was, but arguably, another player cost them a result in Merseyside.

Kane was uncharacteristically lightweight and wasteful, missing two sitters during the second half.

The 27-year-old was graded as SofaScore’s second-worst player (6.4) having lost four duels (33% won) and possession ten times as well as firing four shots off-target, via SofaScore.

He had scored nine and assisted ten in the Premier League prior to kick-off this evening but his blank this time actually cost them the win, if not at the very least, a point.

Kane also made just 12 passes at an accuracy rate of 71%, failing to register a single key pass nor could he manage a successful dribble either.

A vast difference to his usual mean of 1.8 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game, as per WhoScored.

football.london lambasted Bergwijn in their post-match ratings but perhaps their attention should be averted to the England captain as he badly let Mourinho down with his missed opportunities.

The Express were more scathing over Kane, giving him a five out of ten – “Anthony Taylor likely touched the ball more times than the England captain, who had one glorious chance from a corner but completely fluffed his header.”

Valued at a whopping £108m by Transfermarkt, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse must be doing better.

As we say, it was so unlike Kane but still, a horrible night to forget.

AND in other news, £64m-rated Spurs sensation has become Mourinho’s incredible sacrificial lamb…

Toby Alderweireld’s muscular injury has gifted Japhet Tanganga a chance to prove Jose Mourinho wrong after the Tottenham Hotspur coach revealed his intentions for the academy graduate.

What’s the word?

Mourinho has revealed he sees Tanganga developing into a full-back rather than a centre-half, having assessed his options to replace Alderweireld with the Belgian ruled out for the next two to four weeks after being forced off in Saturday’s win over Manchester City.

The blow deprives Mourinho of a veteran option he had started in six of Spurs’ opening nine Premier League fixtures, and is now left with Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and summer signing Joe Rodon as his recognised senior options.

Tanganga earned his Premier League debut under Mourinho when fielded at right-back against Liverpool last term, but was later also awarded minutes at left-back and centre-half having graduated from the U23s after playing 45 times in a central defensive role.

But Mourinho does not believe Tanganga is best suited to playing centrally and has stated that he will now only look favourably on the 21-year-old in the event of an emergency.

“For me, he’s a full-back. Can he play centre-back? Yes, he can, of course he can, and he will if we need him,” Mourinho said, via quotes by football.london.

“He can play centre-back, but for me in the context of what high-level football is and especially [the] Premier League is, I see him more as a multi-functional defensive player, but I see him more as a full-back.”

Alderweireld’s loss is Tanganga’s gain

Given Mourinho’s comments on Tanganga’s future role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Alderweireld’s muscular injury may come as a blessing in disguise for the Spurs product who is now fit once again after being plagued by back and thigh injuries since March.

Tanganga’s issues have restricted the London-born defender to just 70 minutes of action in any competition this season, coming in September’s EFL Cup win over rivals Chelsea when fielded at centre-half in a three-man backline.

But he now has less competition to build on those minutes with Alderweireld on the sidelines, and a slack showing from one of Dier or Sanchez in the Europa League against Ludogorets on Thursday night could see one of the pair miss out at Chelsea this Sunday.

Struggles at Stamford Bridge may then open the door for Tanganga to feature at LASK next Thursday as Tottenham look to lock up their progression through to the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Mourinho has previously admitted to having great confidence in Tanganga’s potential, noting in February how he felt the young charger could become a first-team regular for years to come.

“Tanganga’s already in the dressing room, with [Oliver] Skipp,” Mourinho said, via quotes by BBC Sport. “Both are fantastic kids – both kids in which we believe a lot.

“The difference is with Japhet that the big opportunity appeared. With Skipp that has not happened yet – the big opportunity to start matches and play many minutes. But both are in the first-team dressing room. And our objective – what we are working on – is to make them Tottenham players for many years.”

Now is Tanganga’s chance to stake his claim to a more prominent role in north London and prove to Mourinho that his future can be at centre-half in the absence of Alderweireld.

AND in other news, Daniel Levy can complete Jose Mourinho’s dream Spurs unit in a £22m gem who’s “like Kai Havertz”.

After easing to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Dundalk in the Europa League on Thursday night, Arsenal return to Premier League action when they renew their rivalry with Manchester United.

The Gunners are in the midst of a difficult patch in the top-flight, falling to defeats to the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Leicester in a short few weeks, leaving them stumbling.

And with United seemingly flying at the moment after a couple of huge Champions League victories, including over PSG and RB Leipzig, things look ominous for Mikel Arteta’s side when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Below is a look at the line-up Arteta may put out as he seeks for a momentum-boosting win in the Premier League.

After dropping out for summer signing Runar Runarsson in midweek, Bernd Leno will surely reclaim his number one spot in between the sticks.

In front of the German, the Arsenal boss may revert back to a five-man defence in order to give his team more security, and having rested a few of his key first-team stars on Thursday, will surely all return at the weekend.

That could see Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka come in, with Shkodran Mustafi keeping his place from the game against Dundalk.

With Granit Xhaka surprisingly named as a starter in the clash against the Irish high-flyers, the Swiss star may be the man to drop out against United, with Thomas Partey and Dani Ceballos holding down the midfield.

And further forward, Arteta could make the huge call of giving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the nod up front, with a returning Willian and Nicolas Pepe flanking him on either side.

Predicted XI: Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Tierney, Saka; Partey, Ceballos; Pepe, Aubameyang, Willian.

Leeds United are in a difficult situation ahead of Friday’s game against Aston Villa.

The Whites have to navigate their next few games without their star man as Kalvin Phillips picked up an injury against Wolves that is likely to keep him out for the next six weeks.

Marcelo Bielsa has recently revealed that his plan is to use Pascal Struijk as a potential replacement for Phillips, but we can’t help but feel there is a better option in their youth ranks.

Struijk is not a defensive midfielder by trade, he’s only played there four times in his career, and that may get exploited against Villa on Friday especially with their tricky attack-minded midfield trio of Ross Barkley, Jack Grealish and John McGinn.

Nohan Kenneh may be the better option at this point despite being just 17 years old.

Kenneh has previously stated that his footballing idol is Kalvin Phillips, so that bodes well for potentially trying to replace him, but he’s also stated that he would watch videos of Patrick Vieira to look at his qualities in midfield.

The young star was asked who his footballing idol was, to which he replied:

“Currently I look up to Kalvin Phillips as (we) both play in a similar position, but I occasionally watch videos of Patrick Vieira for his qualities in midfield.”

The teenager describes himself as aggressive and hard-working, that’s exactly what a Marcelo Bielsa anchor-man needs to be, and while Struijk can also be described in the same way, he’s not a natural holding midfielder like Kenneh.

Of course, the main objection to Kenneh getting a game against Aston Villa is his lack of experience, but every player needs to make that jump to senior football at some point, and the teenager may never get such a clear pathway to the first-team.

We’re not saying that Kenneh should be the starting option for the next six weeks, but Bielsa should at least give him a run out on Friday to analyse whether or not he is worthy of playing ahead of Struijk.

Glasgow Rangers have completed the signing of Aaron Cervantes from Orange County SC.

Cervantes joins the Rangers academy

The Ibrox outfit have a partnership with the American side and they have made use of it with this signing. The 18-year-old goalkeeper, who has already represented the United States in their squad for the Under-17 World Cup last year, will join the Glasgow club’s youth set-up.

Speaking about the deal, ‘Gers academy head Craig Mulholland said:

“We are delighted to welcome Aaron to Rangers and have enjoyed watching his excellent progress with our partners at Orange County.

“He has been exposed at an early age to first team football and will now continue this with a loan in Europe as part of this creative agreement.”

European loan to continue Cervantes’ development

Despite his young age, Cervantes has already experienced first team football. He has made 18 appearances for Orange County whilst he also played in the the Four Nations Tournament and the Sportchain Cup as part of the USA’s under-17 side, both in 2018 (as per rangers.co.uk).

Between the sticks, Steven Gerrard already has plenty of choice. Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin are the first-choice options, with Andy Firth as a further back-up. That is not even including Robby McCrorie, who is currently on loan at Livingston.

As such, a short-team spell away from Ibrox would be the best thing for Cervantes. Hopefully, he can prove Ross Wilson and everyone at Rangers were right to take him to Scotland.

‘Gers fans, do you see Cervantes as a long-term successor to McGregor in nets for the first team? Let us know what you think by commenting below!

Arsenal are eyeing up young French talent Georginio Rutter from Rennes as a potential new option in attack.

According to L’Equipe (via Get Football News France), the Gunners are amongst several parties interested in snapping up the 18-year-old prospect. Newcastle and AC Milan are also said to be monitoring his situation.

Rutter currently has just 12 months left on his contract with Rennes, but he is not against remaining in France. The report states that the teenager wants be assured that he will see some game time if he extends his stay with the club.

The striker made the transition from the reserve team to senior level this summer and could be viewed as an important fringe player. Rutter made four youth appearances last season and scored one goal (via Transfermarkt).

If Arsenal are keen on bringing Rutter to the Emirates, it’s likely he won’t command too high a transfer fee. Although, his arrival could be competition for fellow young attacker Eddie Nketiah.

Despite the Gunners boasting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette up front, the 21-year-old England youth international hasn’t been short of game time.

Nketiah played 82 minutes of the Community Shield fixture against Liverpool and he made 13 Premier League appearances last season, scoring two goals.

Mikel Arteta already has young players like of Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Martinelli who have impressed on the wing, adding Rutter could provide some healthy competition between him and fellow striker Nketiah.

Would you like to see Arsenal sign Georginio Rutter? Have your say in the comments below…

It really feels like Manchester United are on the verge of getting back to greatness.

The Red Devils went unbeaten for their final 16 league games, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process, and with the arrival of Bruno Fernandes adding a lot more gumption going forward, it seems as though they’re close to getting it absolutely right at both ends of the park.

The defence seems to be as strong as it needs to be with that gluttony of clean sheets, but it seems as though United are after a new attacking option, with the reported Jadon Sancho move edging ever closer, and if he does sign that will be one frightening prospect for any backline.

Watch Manchester United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

We’ve seen some incredible attacking trios over the years with Barcelona’s fabled MSN featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymer, while their El Clasico rivals fielded a frontline known as the BBC with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo helping them to four Champions League titles in five years.

However, those trios are now a thing of the past with Ronaldo and Neymar both moving on, and United’s new-look frontline has the potential to be the envy of the entire footballing world.

Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are all still incredibly young, but they’re putting up numbers that even the world’s elite attackers would be envious of, contributing to a combined 87 goals in all competitions last season, and with Martial being the oldest at the age of 24, this is a trio that could be deadly for the best part of a decade.

The BBC and MSN have been and gone, and it may be time for United to form the RMS with Rashford, Martial and Sancho, and with the potential nickname being inspired by a ship, perhaps this trio could steer United to a league title.

Key information about bet365 Stadium

The bet365 Stadium was built in 1997 and now houses the Championship side Stoke City. The ground is located in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire and is one of the country’s first newly built modern stadiums.

Its capacity stands at 30,089 and it has a pitch that measures 105m by 68m. The surface is covered with natural grass and it has undersoil heating installed with no running track surrounding it.

Bet365 Stadium’s record attendance of 30,022 was achieved during Stoke City’s clash against Everton on 17 March 2018.

A history of bet365 Stadium

Bet365 Stadium was built in 1997 and it served as Stoke City’s replacement for their old home, Victoria Ground, where they played their football for 119 years. The first talk of potentially moving to a different venue started in the early 1990s and following the Taylor report. The idea was to either convert their previous ground into an all-seater or move to a different stadium altogether.

By early 1996, the decision had been made and the construction started during the 1996/97 campaign. In August next year, the bet365 Stadium was born but, back then, it was called the Britannia Stadium due to sponsorship reasons. However, despite the erection of their new home being done rather quickly, the opening didn’t exactly go as planned.

With only one clear access road towards the stadium, supporters from the city had to take different routes, effectively going the other way for over a mile only to use a roundabout and then turn back towards the ground. This, unsurprisingly, caused great congestions on the road. Still, after the initial complications, everything was finally set.

Club legend Sir Stanley Matthews officially opened the stadium and the first game to be played there was between Stoke and Rochdale in the League Cup and it was watched by 15,439 fans on the day. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and unfortunately for Stoke, the whole season ahead was a disaster, ending in their relegation from the league.

A decade after it was first opened, the club finally obtained full ownership of bet365 Stadium in a £6m deal after the previous joint-partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration Ltd. Of course, it wouldn’t be until the sponsorship deal in 2016 that the ground would get its current name.

Interestingly, in 2006, the access to the stadium was finally fixed when work took place on the A50 that allowed entrance to the ground from the eastbound direction along with an addition of a bridge across the road.

After long talks and promises of possible expansions, bet365 Stadium finally got a boost in capacity in the summer of 2017, which took the final tally to just over 30,000 that still stands to this day. The ground has been used for other events such as musical concerts, funfairs, firework displays and so on.

Interestingly, in European competitions, the bet365 Stadium is known as the Stoke ground due to UEFA regulations on sponsorships.

Tickets to watch Stoke City at bet365 Stadium

All tickets to watch Stoke City play at bet365 Stadium can be found on the club’s official website. The price varies depending on the age and the stand you choose to be seated in but the cheapest adult ticket costs £25.

The club also offers a season ticket scheme as well as memberships that can get you discounts over the course of the season.

Related links

https://www.stokecityfc.com/ – Official website of Stoke City

https://www.stokecityfc.com/club/bet365-stadium/stadium – History of bet365 Stadium

https://tickets.stokecityfc.com/ – Stoke City Ticket Office