All posts by z3u9t.icu

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Christian Eriksen turned in another absolutely woeful performance on Sunday.

Spurs drew 1-1 with Everton and the Dane lasted the complete 90 minutes before being substituted in an extended injury time that allowed for Andre Gomes’ horror injury.

To look at his statistics is to see a player who is seemingly bereft of confidence.

Throughout the game, Eriksen touched the ball 47 times, per WhoScored. He did not have a shot and clocked a pass completion rate of 74% – of the outfield Spurs players that started the game, only Lucas Moura and Dele Alli had a lower number.

The Dane did register one key pass but he did not complete a dribble, nor did he make a tackle or win an aerial duel; he was dispossessed on two occasions.

This is a player in genuinely atrocious form and the statistics support that.

Take a look at his shots per Premier League game. This season that number is 1.5 per his WhoScored history. Last season it was 2.4; in 2017/18 2.6; in 2016/17 3.7 and in 2015/16 it was 2.9. That is not so much a sharp decline as a steady stagnation.

His key passes per game numbers are even worse. Back in 2015/16, it stood at 3.3 and since then it has slowly but surely declined, as has his influence on the team.

In 16/17, it was 3.1, then 2.6, then 2.1 and now it stands at 1.4.

Tackles per game have got worse, too; he averages 1.1 now. While his zenith was 1.4 in 17/18, it was 1.2 in 18/19 and 1.3 in 15/16 and 16/17.

The numbers are clear.

Eriksen’s contract expires in the summer and there have been suggestions that he is key to this Mauricio Pochettino team, with Barney Ronay of The Guardian writing that he was “essential” after scoring against Arsenal.

But that, quite simply, is rubbish. Eriksen has got markedly worse across Pochettino’s reign and one feels that perhaps his time to make that big move, to a club of the stature of Real Madrid, has been and gone.

He needs to improve if he is to even hold down a spot in this Spurs team, particularly with Giovani Lo Celso surely champing at the bit to get into the action on a regular basis.

As it stands, though, the statistics point at another season of underachievement from the Dane, who may have already peaked.

Charlton fans have taken to Twitter to react after they heard that Lee Bowyer was on Cardiff’s list of potential candidates to replace Neil Warnock, following the 70-year-old’s departure from his managerial post on Monday.

This isn’t a new feeling for Charlton supporters. Bowyer has already been linked with the Huddersfield job earlier in the campaign, only for the Addicks boss to declare his loyalty to Charlton – the 42-year-old did however admit that the Terriers’ offer was “tempting”.

Bowyer was also touted as a candidate to replace Stoke boss Nathan Jones.

The Charlton manager has worked wonders since stepping into the hotseat midway through last season, guiding the south Londoners into the Championship and also overseeing a respectable start to the campaign with 22 points from 16 games.

After all he’s done, it would presumably be gutting for Charlton fans to see Bowyer depart – Richard Cawley from the south London Press revealed that Cardiff ‘expect’ to appoint Neil Harris or Bowyer within 72 hours.

Let’s see what the Charlton fans on Twitter are saying about the news…

Everton have less than 24 hours to complete the rest of the business that they want to do before the summer transfer window officially slams shut.

The deadline is at 11pm tonight and that means that Sean Dyche and his recruitment team do not have many hours left to finish their work, with incoming and outgoings.

At least one player could be arriving at Goodison Park today as Lyon central midfielder Orel Mangala is reportedly closing in on a loan move to the club.

Meanwhile, there is one dud who could find himself moving away from Merseyside before the close of play, as a team is making a move to snap him up from Everton.

Everton in talks to sell first-team dud

According to journalist Alan Myers, the Toffees are in talks with Championship side Sheffield Wednesday over a deal for central defender Mason Holgate.

The reporter claims that the two sides are speaking about a potential move for the versatile defensive player, who spent time on loan with Sheffield United last season.

When asked whether it would be a loan or a permanent exit for Holgate, Myers stated that the English enforcer only has 12 months left on his contract at Goodison Park.

This suggests that the Owls are looking to snap him up on a permanent basis, as a loan would then see him become a free agent next summer. Today could be their last chance to recoup some money on him before he leaves for nothing next year.

Why Everton must cash in on Mason Holgate

The Toffees must sell Holgate amid this interest from Sheffield Wednesday as he is on a high wage and has not performed well enough on the pitch to justify it.

As per Capology, the former Barnsley man is currently earning £70k-per-week, which is more than Jarrad Branthwaite (£35k-per-week), James Garner (£30k-per-week), and Dwight McNeil (£25k-per-week), among others.

His standing within the squad does not match up with his place on the wage bill, however, as he was not deemed good enough for the squad last term, hence his move to Bramall Lane on loan.

Appearances

10

35

Sofascore rating

6.09

7.07

Duel success rate

52%

68%

Pass success rate

72%

80%

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.3

3.3

As you can see in the table above, Holgate struggled out on loan with the Blades and was significantly outperformed by Branthwaite, who was a regular with Everton at centre-back and won a far higher percentage of his duels and was more reliable in possession.

These statistics do not suggest that the Toffees should be paying the former Sheffield United loanee twice as much as the England international, which is one reason why they must cash in on him amid this interest from the Owls, as they could get his wages out of the club.

His performances on the pitch in the Premier League also do not suggest that he is likely to be an asset for Dyche on the pitch, which is why they should move him on if possible before the deadline.

Imagine him & Mangala: Everton in late talks over "fantastic" target

The club are aiming to strengthen one position in particular before the deadline.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 30, 2024

Sunderland entered into a new era against Burnley last weekend, knowing that Jack Clarke's move to Ipswich Town was about to be officially sealed.

Up stepped Romaine Mundle in his place to become the new Black Cats hero from down the left wing, helping himself to the only goal of the contest versus Scott Parker's Burnley, to dent the Clarets' 100% record in the Championship and keep his side's one still very much in-tact.

Regis Le Bris will hope he can count on Mundle to delivers the good again and again this season to come, in the absence of their star-man moving on to the Tractor Boys, with a new attacking partner in the works for the former Tottenham Hotspur man too.

Sunderland bid for in-demand Premier League striker

According to journalist John Percy, Sunderland have put a bid in of £5m to try and lure Leicester City striker Thomas Cannon to the Stadium of Light, before Friday's deadline.

Le Bris' men aren't alone in their interest of the wantaway Foxes figure, however, as Stoke City, Norwich City and Sheffield United all also remain keen on landing the ex-Preston North End man to bolster their own attacks, as per Percy.

With all news going radio silent on Sunderland attempting to secure Alexandre Mendy's services, this new development coming to light indicates that Cannon is now their main target, with Mundle potentially coming into his own even more lining up next to the previously prolific 21-year-old.

What Cannon can offer Sunderland

Away from already fitting into the Sunderland group as a young and hungry gem who can grow and develop more under Le Bris' watchful eye, Cannon – who was dubbed "incredible" by pundit Dean Ashton last year – would give the early Championship pace-setters a deadly finisher in-front of goal too, to rival the likes of Eliezer Mayenda currently leading the line.

Cannon has netted ten goals from 33 second-tier appearances to date across his fledging senior career, having initially made a name for himself in Everton youth circles as a potent striker, scoring a ridiculous 51 strikes from 97 U18 and U21 appearances, before leaving Goodison Park permanently behind.

Stat

Mundle

Games played

89

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Shots

5

Touches

48

Accurate passes

19/21 (90%)

Key passes

2

Big chances created

2

Successful dribbles

2/4

Duels won

8/17

Fouls won

4

Adding Cannon to the first-team mix at Sunderland could, therefore, make the Wearside outfit even more of a tricky team to keep tabs on for opposition defenders, with Mundle regularly bamboozling the Burnley defence last time out, as can be seen looking at the table above.

Alongside finding the back of the net, with five shots peppering James Trafford's net just from Mundle alone, the impressive Black Cats number 14 was also attempting to create openings for his teammates all afternoon, with a striker of Cannon's quality perhaps finishing off a chance crafted by Mundle if he was on the pitch.

Playing his part in Leicester's title triumph last season, even with only three starts handed to him in the league, the £8k-per-week target – as per Capology – would jump at the opportunity to lead the line as Sunderland's main man next campaign, with Mundle equally raring to be a starter week in week out, after struggling for game-time last season after joining in January, owing to Clarke's concrete status in the line-up.

With Clarke now gone, the ex-Spurs youngster could well have a breakout season to come in the Championship, alongside Cannon aiming to show to Leicester that they have made a big error getting rid, as Sunderland potentially eye up a return to the Premier League.

Sunderland have struck gold on “magic” star who's worth more than Mendy

Sunderland fans will be glad to see this star back to his best.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 24, 2024

Newcastle United are planning a new bid for a "world-class" player after seeing an initial offer rejected, according to a fresh transfer claim from abroad.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are still working hard on completing the signing of England and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, who has emerged as their top defensive target of the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Andre Almeida has been lined up as their next addition after the Eagles favourite, with a move from Valencia potentially coming to fruition.

Another transfer rumour has seen Newcastle linked with a summer move for free agent Adrien Rabiot, who is without a club after leaving Juventus at the end of last season. Manchester United are also believed to be providing competition for the Frenchman, but Eddie Howe's men have reportedly held talks with him.

While Chelsea wide-man Noni Madueke has emerged as a rumoured target for the Magpies between now and the end of the month, Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski has also been lined up as an option for Howe. Improvements are required on the right-hand side this summer, with new signings needed to provide more end product and quality than incumbents Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy, and the Swede could be an exciting signing.

Elsewhere, Fiorentina wide ace Nicolas Gonzalez is another who has been backed to join Newcastle, being considered another exciting winger who could flourish at St James' Park moving forward.

Newcastle plan new offer for "world-class" ace

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are planning a fresh offer for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres this summer, having already been denied in their efforts to sign him.

A bid of £12.8m "plus variables" is believed to have been turned down, but that doesn't appear to be stopping the Magpies in their efforts to snap up the former Manchester City ace.

Despite rejecting Newcastle's initial approach, it appears that Barcelona are keen to part ways with Torres, with the winger not in Hansi Flick's plans as he gets to grips with his new team. It is said that Barca could consider an offer of around €30m (£25.7m) – around double the Toon's first bid.

Still only 24 years of age, the Spaniard has the bulk of his career ahead of him and has Premier League experience, having made 28 appearances in the competition, scoring nine goals and four assists along the way. Former Barca manager Xavi once waxed lyrical over him, too, saying:

"Perhaps Ferran has surprised me the most. He's a player on another level, he's spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn't lose the ball, his defensive work… he's world-class. He's a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer."

Newcastle chase dream Isak partner who could be an "£80m or £100m player"

They have linked up in the professional careers already

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 10, 2024

This says a lot about Torres' ability, and while his current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027, Barca could easily let him leave if the right bid comes along. He would add goals and creativity to Howe's attack as well as versatility, with him being able to thrive out wide and centrally.

Arsenal have been linked to a La Liga gem as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad this summer.

The transfer window officially opened on Wednesday, allowing clubs to manipulate their squads in preparation for the new season in August.

The Gunners have been linked with a host of talent already this summer, with the latest name having the potential to be an upgrade for a star expected to depart.

What’s the latest on Nico Williams to Arsenal?

As reported by 90min earlier this week, Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams is a player of interest for Arsenal.

The report follows the narrative of Aston Villa’s push for the winger, with mention of the Gunners being a club that have ‘appreciated’ the player as well as the understanding that they are ‘keeping close tabs’ on his situation.

The 20-year-old has a release clause of €50m (£43m) in place at his current club.

What could Nico Williams offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as “extremely dangerous” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Spaniard has excelled since graduating from Athletic's academy in 2021.

Deployed predominantly as a right-winger, Williams could prove to be a huge asset to Arteta’s side in years to come by competing with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka for a starting spot.

While Saka’s form has made his place virtually untouchable, the forward could help implement a higher quality of depth in the squad – forcing Nicolas Pepe even further out of the picture in the process.

The Ivory Coast international spent the past season on loan at OGC Nice, making the switch back to Ligue 1 last summer in a bid to relocate his form.

As reported by Sam Hill via football.london, the 28-year-old is ‘no longer’ in the Spaniard’s plans, with the report of the understanding that Arsenal have made ‘plans’ over the potential termination of his contract.

With the £72m forward looking unlikely to feature for Arsenal again, the club could recruit a worthy replacement in Williams, who has excelled Pepe this season in their respective leagues.

When comparing the two via FBref based on their 2022/23 performances, it’s clear to see that the Gunners could snatch a clear upgrade on the £140k-per-week dud.

The Spaniard averaged 5.90 progressive carries per 90 this campaign, placing him in the top 4% of those in his position across Europe's top 5 leagues, with Pepe averaging just 2.77 per 90 at Nice.

The 20-year-old also excelled in terms of successful take-ons via FBref, averaging 2.81 per 90 to the Ivory Coast international’s 2.05 per 90, highlighting why he has been identified as having significant strengths in dribbling by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

While the two scored the same number of goals with six, Williams has also provided four assists, showing the expansion of his game and level of performance at a tender age.

At just 20 years old, Arsenal could sign a player for the future in the Spaniard, who would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Pepe, who has failed to make things tick in north London.

Celtic are considering a move for Club Brugge assistant manager Rik de Mil, who is admired across Europe, according to a report from Football Scotland.

Who will replace Postecoglou at Celtic?

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Celtic have held "talks" with former Borussia Monchengladbach boss Daniel Farke about the manager's job, with the German "ready to take over a new club" in the near future.

Ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch and Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca are also in the frame, as is former manager Brendan Rodgers, although sanctioning his return may be a contentious decision, given his decision to leave and join Leicester City.

The Hoops are also thought to be looking at some options from across the continent, with Red Bull Salzburg's Matthias Jaissle under consideration, while they could also make a move for AZ Alkmaar's Pascal Jansen.

According to a report from Football Scotland, De Mil is now on Celtic's radar, as their search for a new manager goes on, and the Club Brugge assistant is thought of as a serious prospect, who has a promising coaching career ahead of him.

The Belgian has been placed on a long list of potential targets, which indicates the Hoops' interest is not serious at this stage, but he is certainly one of the names under consideration.

It is detailed the 42-year-old has a great deal of admirers within Belgian football, as well as across Europe, and he has recently been linked with a number of other jobs.

Who is Rik de Mil?

The Club Brugge assistant took the reins as first-team manager at the back end of next season, overseeing 12 games in charge, during which time he averaged 1.58 points-per match, with his side eventually finishing fourth in the Belgian Pro League table.

That brief stint in charge was the first time the young manager has taken the reins of the first team since a stint with amateur side KSV Oostkamp nearly eight years ago, but he has impressed in his role with the Brugge youth team.

Lauded as "exemplary" by Ebe Verhaegen of the Belgian Football Association, the coach, who most commonly utilises a 4-2-3-1 formation, has risen through the ranks with Brugge, and he could be ready for his first role in management.

That said, De Mil's lack of experience would make him a very risky appointment for Celtic, and they may be better off appointing a manager who has already proven himself in a previous job.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking ahead to the summer transfer window, with a Brazilian full-back linked in the bid to improve Julen Lopetegui’s defence.

Despite being linked with a host of players, the dominant narrative of Wolves’ expected transfer activity is the pressures surrounding issues of FFP.

It’s expected that Lopetegui will be forced to recruit on a budget this summer, as the difficulties of the Premier League season begin to spill into the break.

What’s the latest on Dodo to Wolves?

As reported by Torcedores, relayed by Sport Witness last week, Wolves are in the picture to sign Fiorentina ace Dodo this summer.

There has since been an update regarding the player’s availability, with his club placing a price tag between €30m and €35m (£26m – £30m) on the defender.

Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb relayed the update of the Brazilian’s price tag with reference to Juventus’ interest in the defender.

What could Dodo bring to Wolves?

While Wolves are expected to face financial shortages this summer, the club are also expected to make a number of sales, which could still allow signings to happen.

One player that has been linked with a move away from the club is Rayan Ait-Nouri, who was rumoured to be “ready to leave” Molineux in December.

The Algerian’s potential departure could assist in freeing up finances and leave a vacancy in defence that could be perfectly filled with Dodo, who despite predominantly being a right-back has featured on the left-hand side in his career before.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb’s report, the Brazilian is 'one of the best' defenders on the flanks in Serie A, making him a worthy investment should Wolves have the ability to spend.

While the full-back’s defensive abilities are praised, the 24-year-old is extremely competent going forward, in qualities that are required to be a recognised full-back in the English game.

As per FBref, Dodo betters Ait-Nouri in a range of attributes going forward from defence, averaging 2.83 progressive carries to the 21-year-old’s 2.51 per 90, showing his strength on the ball and going forward.

A similar pattern is evident in the duo’s impact on goal, most obviously through the Serie A defender’s four goal contributions (one goal and three assists) this season to the Wolves defenders’ single goal.

As highlighted by FBref, the Molineux target averages 2.55 shot-creating actions per 90 in comparison to Ait-Nouri’s 1.92, showcasing his desire to get amongst the goals whether it be through assisting or scoring.

The future of the “sublime” Wolves defender, as praised by analyst Jack Fawcett, remains in doubt, however, the club may not need to fret over his departure should they capture the signing of Dodo.

There is little doubt that the Brazilian wouldn’t fit smoothly into Lopetegui’s plans in the Algerian’s expected absence, however with Italian giants Juventus also eyeing the star, Wolves will need to act quickly.

Crystal Palace are believed to be interested in a sealing a summer reunion with Conor Gallagher, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

How is Gallagher performing at Chelsea?

The 23-year-old made himself a hero at Selhurst Park over the 2021/2022 season, spending a highly impressive year there on a temporary basis. He scored eight goals and chipped in with three assists, standing out as one of the Eagles' best players, before returning to Chelsea once the campaign reached its conclusion.

While Gallagher will no doubt have hoped to replicate that level of influence in a Blues side, he found himself in and out of the starting lineup throughout the 2022/23 season. While he featured in 35 of Chelsea's 38 Premier League matches, only 18 of them were starts, making it difficult for him to find any kind of rhythm week in, week out.

It could be that the west Londoners are willing to listen to offers for the England international once the summer transfer window opens, with plenty of interest in him from fellow Premier League clubs.

Could Gallagher make Palace return?

According to talkSPORT's Crook, Palace are keen on re-signing Gallagher this summer, but they aren't alone in eyeing up a move for him:

"Gallagher is not believed to have done enough this season to convince the Blues hierarchy that he ill be a part of their long-term plans.

"West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace, where he had a successful loan spell, have all been alerted to the possibility of signing the £40million-rated midfielder."

Gallagher returning to Palace before the start of next season could be a hugely exciting signing, given how popular he was during his loan spell at the club.

It could simply be that he isn't quite at the level required to be a regular starter for a club of Chelsea's stature, but there is no shame in that, instead possessing enough talent to be a star man for a team like the Eagles. He showed that last season, during which time he was described as a "massive player" by then-manager Patrick Vieira, as well as "extraordinary and outstanding" by Thomas Tuchel.

Gallagher himself would surely jump at the chance to potentially rejoin Palace, considering he knows the club well and seemingly had a strong relationship with the fanbase when he was last there, although that may depend on whether a club who can offer European football come in for him instead.

Leeds United on-loan midfielder Weston McKennie is not wanted by Juventus beyond this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Has McKennie done well at Leeds?

The American joined the Whites back in the January transfer window, coming in on a temporary basis, but with a permanent move a possibility at the end of the season.

In truth, McKennie has been an underwhelming signing, considering his reputation when he came in, doing little to help Leeds' ongoing struggles in the Premier League. The £49,000-a-week midfielder has made 18 appearances in the competition, 15 of which have been starts, but no goals and just one assist have come his way, and his all-round influence in the middle of the park has been lacking, ranking as the club's 18th best performer, as per WhoScored.

The 24-year-old's future is now up in the air, with a new claim emerging over his future that doesn't necessarily bode well for him moving forward.

What does the future hold for McKennie?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], McKennie "must absolutely be sold" by Juventus this summer, with the Serie A giants not seeing a future for him, despite racking up 96 appearances for them in the past. Arthur and Denis Zakaria are in the same boat, with Juve wanting to get a number of fringe players off their wage bill.

The report also states that Leeds are unlikely to retain the USA international's services, with the midfielder highly unlikely to want to be playing Championship football next season, assuming the Whites are relegated from the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

In truth, McKennie has done nowhere near enough to justify Leeds keeping him on, even if he wanted to stay, with his performances so disappointing overall. He has enjoyed nowhere near the influence of Tyler Adams, with his compatriot's absence through injury in recent months an enormous blow.

While it was hoped that McKennie could fill the void left by him – Clint Dempsey has called him "dangerous" in the past – he has generally been unnoticeable and not had the impact so many thought he would, averaging just 0.2 blocks per game and playing just 0.7 key passes per match.

For that reason, the idea of him not joining the Whites permanently may not be seen as a great loss, and he could be looked back on as a poor addition, unless he manages to perform some heroics against Tottenham this weekend, playing a part in Leeds pulling off a miraculous escape act on the final day.