All posts by n8rngtd.top

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

The highly-anticipated Champions League is finally here and Barcelona opened their 2019/20 European campaign with a rather difficult away trip to Borussia Dortmund.

The Catalan and the German giants shared the points in a 0-0 draw and will both be hoping for more luck in future fixtures; both sides have to take on Inter Milan and Slavia Prague in the group stages.

The Blaugrana were mostly on the back foot throughout the 90 minutes and the stats do suggest that Dortmund were just slightly more threatening going forward as the Germans registered 13 shots compared to the Catalans’ seven.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

But at the end of the day, regardless of the result, they have a point under their name after a difficult away game, which is not a bad thing.

Another good thing Ernesto Valverde can be extremely satisfied with was Arthur Melo’s brilliant performance.

The 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder played the full 90 minutes of the game and warranted his initial €31m (£27.4m) price tag on the night.

He recorded a game-highest 106 touches and deployed the joint-highest number of passes with a total of 84, with 91.7% passing accuracy.

But that wasn’t all he did. Arthur also tallied nine out of nine attempted long balls and was pretty active in the defensive phases of the game for Barcelona, as well.

He registered one tackle, one interception and one clearance, giving him an overall rating of 7.14, courtesy of Whoscored.

Scrambling for a point is not really Barcelona’s preferred style of play but if there’s anything Valverde can take away from this clash and be proud of, then it is the Brazilian’s performance.

It remains to be seen if he can keep this form going.

Manchester United will be hoping to maintain their upturn in fortunes when they take on Atalanta in the Champions League tonight.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges bounced back from their humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool with a comfortable victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out, providing hope that they’ve turned a corner under the Norwegian’s tutelage.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford wrapped up a much-needed three points against Spurs, and the Red Devils will be firmly focussed on putting in a similar performance against tonight’s opponents.

The two sides clashed at Old Trafford just a couple of weeks ago in what turned out to be a hugely entertaining encounter. United’s dramatic comeback win after being 2-0 down at half-time moved the Red Devils to the top of Group F, but with just three points separating all four teams, there’s still all to play for.

Solskjaer confirmed in his recent press conference that he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game in Italy, so Anthony Martial’s lack of match sharpness is his only concern.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects United to line up in Bergamo as Solskjaer attempts to build some momentum…

David de Gea is set to remain between the sticks for United after maintaining his fast start to the season, so Dean Henderson will once again have to settle for a place on the bench.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper, Solskjaer has some big decisions to make. He had great success playing a back five against Spurs, but we fancy him to be slightly more ambitious this time around. That means Victor Lindelof will watch on from the sidelines while Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka comprise the defensive unit.

In midfield, the pragmatic double pivot of Fred and Scott McTominay is likely to remain as United adopt a safety-first approach, allowing Bruno Fernandes the freedom to join in the attacks ahead of him.

Completing the starting lineup is Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Ronaldo, so the £5.4m-rated Edinson Cavani misses out in favour of the 24-year-old, who comes into the side after scoring on Saturday.

In other news… Ole must controversially unleash “dreadful” £19.8m-rated MUFC dud, he’s a game-changer 

Leeds United have entered the final international break of 2021 15th in the Premier League after 11 matches played this season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men have only won two of their 11 league games, but have avoided heading into the break in the bottom three.

The Lillywhite have 11 points and are three points ahead of 18th-placed Burnley, whilst they are four points behind 10th-placed Crystal Palace.

Liability

One player who has let Bielsa down with his performances this season is Welsh international winger Daniel James, who joined the club from Manchester United for a reported £30m in the summer window.

Since making the switch, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.57 in the Premier League for the Lillywhites – ranking him 19th in the squad. Jack Harrison (6.48) is the only senior player below him in the list, with Crysencio Summerville, Charlie Cresswell and Cody Drameh the others making up the bottom five along with Harrison and James.

The 24-year-old summer signing has been a liability on the pitch. Whilst he puts in the hard work and tries to make things happen, his quality lets him down at the end of the day and his lack of end product will surely frustrate Marcelo Bielsa.

In 10 league outings for Leeds, James has registered zero goals and one assist, whilst he has created a measly five chances in that time.

Former Premier League forward Darren Bent once criticised the attacker’s decision-making in the final third and branded him as ‘headless’. He told Football Insider:

“The only thing about Dan James at times, for me, he’s a little bit headless.

“He’s shown great potential, when he first went to United he played really well, scored a few goals but at times he for me he’s fouled or he shoots sometimes when he should pass it, he’ll pass when he should shoot.

“He’s got great pace and I think he’d be a great addition in anyone’s squad but when we talk about someone coming in and making a real difference and adding a lot of quality to whatever they’ve already got, I’m not quite sure.”

Per SofaScore, James has also been a liability in terms of keeping the ball, with 103 losses of possession in 10 top-flight games.

Whilst his end product in scoring and creating goals has been lacking, the main concern may be how often he gifts the ball back to the opposition throughout matches. He has also lost 62% of his duels, proving himself to be a lightweight in the defensive side of the game.

This shows why James has let Bielsa down this season, as he has been poor at keeping the ball, competing in duels and delivering quality in the final third.

Paying so much for a player who has only offered running thus far does not appear to be a great piece of business, but there is plenty of time left for him to come good and, hopefully, the Argentine can get the best out of him,

AND in other news, Imagine him and Joffy: LUFC may save millions in 19y/o who can “become a household name”…

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are interested in signing Harry Souttar from Stoke City.

The Lowdown: Spurs need defensive reinforcements

Tottenham’s erratic form this season can certainly be attributed to trouble in the heart of defence, with no one really putting themselves forward as the clear candidate to become Cristian Romero’s long-term partner.

They kept three clean sheets in each of their first three matches, including in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, but they then shipped three goals in each of their next three matches, and have now already conceded 13 times in their opening nine Premier League game (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Spurs eye Souttar

As per this latest report, Spurs are interested in signing Souttar, while Aston Villa and Everton are also in the race.

An N17 source told the outlet Nuno Espirito Santo is a big fan of the player and wanted to sign him for his former club Wolves.

The manager signed five players in the summer and it appears the club are planning to have him in charge during the next transfer window if he is already picking out more targets.

The Verdict: Really the right option?

Souttar has certainly shown promise with the Potters. He has played in 12 of the club’s 14 Championship’s matches so far this campaign (Transfermarkt), with Stoke conceding less than all but six other sides in the division (BBC). Current Stoke boss Michael O’Neill even called him a “top level” player earlier this year (via socceroos.com).

However, it is worth questioning whether this is the kind of target Tottenham should be pursuing. They are trying to compete at the highest level, and the last Championship defender they signed, Joe Rodon, has made just one appearance in the league this term. If they are serious about challenging the best of the best, they must look so sign more proven performers than the 6 foot 6 Souttar.

In other news, this man has been blamed for Harry Kane’s struggles.

Many Everton fans have been left slamming Fabian Delph after some news emerged ahead of their game at home to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the Hammers in the Premier League, Rafa Benitez confirmed (via TheMightyBlues) that both Delph, as well as Andre Gomes, will miss the clash.

Delph has only managed to make a mere one appearance so far this season, a very short seven-minute cameo in the 2-2 draw away at Leeds United back in August (long history of injury problems.

At 31 years of age, he is past his peak now, and so one could question whether he should still be at the club.

Everton fans on Delph news

These members of the Goodison Park faithful slammed Delph after the news was shared on Twitter, with one Toffees supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘parody’:

“Delph is the hide and seek champion of the football world, he makes Gbamin look like an ever present.”

Credit: @tomperry51

“And they’re still paying Delph’s wages. Wow.”

Credit: @ImAlexPrince

“Delph is about as reliable as Gbamin. Absolute waste of money”

Credit: @scousemanblue

“Parody that fella Delph pay him off”

Credit: @kwhitehead2019

“Thank god Delph’s contract is up at the end of the season. Nobody is bidding for him in January no matter the price.”

Credit: @TacticallyEv

“Not to beat a dead horse… but Fabian Delph’s just been one horrendous signing for this club. I know the club wants to offload him in January, but I wish they’d just rip up his contract”

Credit: @Philatty

In other news, find out what early team news Blues are bemoaning here!

Keith Downie has provided a fresh, exciting Newcastle update regarding the potential appointment of Paulo Fonseca…

What’s the talk?

The Sky Sports journalist sent out a tweet stating that “the consortium” have not decided on the Portuguese head coach as of yet.

Steve Bruce was relieved of his duties earlier this week and PIF have held talks with Fonseca over a potential move to Tyneside, although Downie has now revealed that they are yet to conclude their search.

The journalist tweeted on Thursday evening: “Newcastle’s new owners held talks with Paulo Fonseca remotely yesterday, but the consortium also want to speak to further candidates before deciding who will replace the departed Steve Bruce.”

Buzzing

This exciting update on the club’s plans will surely leave Newcastle fans buzzing as it shows that PIF are going with a measured, calculated approach instead of rushing into all of their decisions. They have not arrived at St James’ Park with no football knowledge to make quick changes all over the place as if they are playing Football Manager.

PIF are willing to take their time and ensure that they make the best possible appointment. With Newcastle currently 19th in the Premier League, they need to focus on avoiding relegation before thinking about pushing on to the next step and climbing towards the top of the table.

This is why the selection of Bruce’s replacement is crucial for the club as they need to bring in someone who can get the best out of the current squad to lead them into a position where they can potentially attract a higher grade of player in January, which Newcastle fans would surely love.

Whether Fonseca is the man for that job remains to be seen, but Magpies fans will be buzzing that the owners are not just going with the first manager they’ve contacted. It makes sense to weigh up all the possible options before making a final decision and it will be interesting to see who else is considered in regards to the vacant position.

This will hopefully mean that PIF do not make the wrong call as they are set to collect as much information as possible. Therefore, Newcastle fans will be buzzing with this approach from the owners as it shows that they are doing their due diligence and leaving no stone unturned to make sure the club has the best possible tools to avoid playing in the Championship next season.

AND in other news, “One thing said to me…”: Craig Hope reveals new NUFC manager link, fans could be livid…

Leeds United will only make new signings in the January transfer window if their season is in dire straits, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Iffy start to the season

The Whites impressed hugely in the Premier League last season, finishing ninth in their first year back in the top-flight and playing some eye-catching football along the way.

The 2021/22 campaign has been a struggle to date, however, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side plagued by injuries in defence and picking up just one win, which came at home to Watford last weekend.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Hay gives transfer update

There could arguably be a need to make January reinforcements in order to freshen up the squad, but that appears to be unlikely.

According to The Athletic‘s Hay, it would be a surprise if any new faces came in midway through the season:

“But January? I’m not convinced the club will do much in January unless the league position is causing acute concern.

“From my perspective, if the season is in hand at the turn of the year, then I’d hold off and gear up for a major midfield addition when the season ends. I think we can all see that it has to be done.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-19/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Wait until the summer

While Leeds’ tough start will naturally lead to calls for new signings, there is no need to go overboard, with Bielsa having a strong squad at his disposal.

As Hay alludes to, unless the Whites are suddenly hit with a bigger form crisis or many more injuries, they would be better off waiting until next summer, rather than potentially rushing into a signing.

January is notorious for panic signings of overpriced players, and Victor Orta and co are surely working on a long-term strategy rather than throwing darts at a board – just look at their recent interest in teenage starlet Mateo Joseph.

In other news, one Leeds player should be fit to face Southampton next weekend. Find out who it is here.

The Athletic’s Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin has dropped a worrying update on summer signing Giorgos Giakoumakis.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis’ absence

The Greece international penned a five-year deal at Parkhead on deadline day and made up for Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths’ late exits. He joined from VVV-Venlo at a cost of up to £2.5m, but the forward is yet to feature in green and white.

The 26-year-old last kicked a competitive ball back in May, and it seems as if the wait may go on for his long-anticipated Celtic debut.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-13/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

Devlin ran a fans’ Q&A on The Athletic prior to the 1-0 defeat to Livingston on Sunday.

He was asked by one supporter for an update on Giakoumakis, to which the journalist revealed that the forward is ‘quite far off it in training’. He said:

“Couple of dressing room sources saying he’s quite far off it in training, though naturally that could just be down to rustiness. Will have something up on him and the striker situation tomorrow, bar anything dramatic happening today.”

The Verdict: A concern

Giakoumakis joined Celtic at the beginning of the month, so he’s almost had three weeks with his new employers. During that time, Ange Postecoglou has lost Kyogo Furuhashi through injury, meaning Albian Ajeti has been called upon.

Giakoumakis’ fitness situation must be poor, otherwise you’d have thought that the manager would have placed him on the bench against either Real Betis or Livingston.

Hopefully Hoops fans will see him soon, but it doesn’t look too great for him following Devlin’s alarming revelation.

In other news: Devlin has also shared this claim from a club source on another summer signing at Parkhead

Aston Villa were open to selling midfielder Douglas Luiz over the summer, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans.

The Lowdown: Luiz links

Villa made a number of big-money signings over the summer but failed to add to their central midfield ranks. They also sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City for £100m, and it appears as if Luiz was also regarded as a possible departure by the Villa hierarchy.

He won Olympic gold with Brazil over the summer and was linked with moves to Manchester City and AS Roma, but as we now know, the £52,000-a-week man remained in the Midlands and has been a regular in recent weeks.

The Latest: Evans’ claim

Evans shared a story on The Athletic on Wednesday, looking at Villa’s new 3-5-2 formation. He suggested that the club were open to moving Luiz on in the recent window for the right price, but there wasn’t enough interest.

Evans then added that Dean Smith welcomed the Brazilian back to Bodymoor Heath with a presentation to celebrate his success at the Olympics along with the Villa squad.

The Verdict: A close shave

As Evans mentioned later in the article, Luiz has been an unsung hero in Villa’s wins over Everton and Manchester United, so Villa have been lucky to keep him at the club.

A midfield three of him, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey has worked effectively in Smith’s new system, and with Villa’s lack of depth in midfield, parting ways with the 23-year-old could have been a costly mistake.

Roma are still linked with Luiz, so it’ll be interesting to see what Villa’s stance is in the New Year.

In other news: ‘Believe it or not’ – Preece shares worrying under-the-radar update on Villa ace who Smith loves. 

BBC pundit Danny Mills has called Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy a ‘shrewd operator’ after his appointment to the executive board of the European Club Association (ECA).

The Lowdown: Levy appointed to ECA board

During the international break, it was confirmed by the ECA that the 59-year-old had been appointed to the association’s executive board.

It is the first time there has been an English club representative on the board since the failed plans for a European Super League, with Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward resigning from the board in April.

Levy competed for the role with Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano, but the latter pulled out before the vote, leaving the Spurs chief with the opportunity to be elected.

The Latest: Mills welcomes Levy appointment

Speaking to Football Insider, former England defender Danny Mills has hailed Levy as a ‘shrewd operator’ and believes that the Spurs chief is the best man to replace Woodward, who resigned following the Super League collapse.

Mills said of the Tottenham chairman: “Well you know he’s not going to back down!

“As long as he goes in with the right messages from the clubs, you know that he’s going to fight his corner.

“As long as he’s fighting for the right things, and that’s for the whole of English football and the Premier League, not just Tottenham, then yes, why not.

“He’s a shrewd operator, so it’s a good appointment and good luck to him.”

The Verdict: Chance to redeem

Levy has been at the centre of arguably the summer transfer window’s biggest transfer saga involving Harry Kane and he will be hoping for a quieter few months as he settles into his new role and watches Nuno Espirito Santo’s team continue their good start to the campaign.

Ensuring the right decisions are made for the Premier League are essential for everyone involved, and after 20 years as chairman of Spurs, he has the experience to fight his corner for the English top flight among the ECA.

Indeed, given Levy’s reputation as a notoriously tough negotiator, Mills may well be right in championing his appointment to the ECA board.

In other Tottenham news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update involving one Spurs summer target. Find out more here.