Why Liverpool should sign Jamal Musiala

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich wonderkid Jamal Musiala and if he were to join the Reds, he could overtake Harvey Elliott as the brightest prospect at the Merseyside club.

Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool, as well as both Manchester clubs, are keen on signing the 17-year-old.

The former Chelsea youngster has enjoyed a sensational rise so far this season and has regularly appeared for Hans Dieter-Flick’s side, despite being so young.

In 13 Bundesliga appearances this season, the teenager has impressively contributed three goals, which has seen his Transfermarkt value soar to £9 million.

However, he is only contracted with Die Roten until 2022 and recent reports have suggested that contract talks with the club are not going well, with Musiala wanting as much as £100k per week.

It is a possibility, therefore, that Liverpool’s reported interest is simply Musiala’s agent’s way of encouraging Bayern Munich to give him what he wants, but if the Reds are interested, they should definitely try and sign the 17-year-old, as he looks destined for a great future in the game.

In fact, it could be argued that he would be even more of a prospect than Harvey Elliott, who is impressing on loan with Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

Since joining Tony Mowbray’s side in the second tier, the 17-year-old has contributed four goals and seven assists in 19 appearances, so certainly looks set for a bright future with the Reds.

With the greatest respect to Blackburn, they are not of the same level as the current European champions, so the fact that Musiala is establishing himself there is arguably more impressive than Elliott’s feats.

Elliott has averaged 0.23 goals per 90 minutes in the Championship, compared to Musiala’s impressive 0.75 goals per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga.

He also scores higher than the Liverpool man when it comes to pass completion, having registered an 86% success rate compared to the 80% Elliott registered in the Premier League last season.

Therefore, the fact that Musiala is outscoring Elliott despite playing fewer minutes at a higher standard suggests that he is currently a better option than Elliott, and could, therefore, be a superb addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

The 17-year-old’s former coach Andrew Martin was full of praise for Musiala after his goal against Schalke earlier this season, saying:

“Technically outstanding, very skillful, and a player who can score all types of goals, inside and outside the box. And he’s a great dribbler and likes to take players on, as he did against Schalke. He later became a No.10 and has become as much of a creator as a goalscorer.”

 

It seems as if Musiala is destined for a big future in the game, and Liverpool could be the ones to benefit from his current contract stalemate, so Michael Edwards should swoop for the winger.

And, in other news… “Of course he would” – Exclusive: Pundit claims PL beast would love to join LFC

Liverpool fans criticise Jurgen Klopp

Many Liverpool fans did not take too kindly to what manager Jurgen Klopp had to say about Manchester City’s excellent form.

The German tactician commented during his press conference (via Anfield Watch) regarding his side’s fatigue issues this year, stating that the Citizens have had a two-week break after the outbreak which postponed their match against Everton.

Klopp was referring to City’s postponement of their trip to Goodison Park back in late December, following which they played a week later to beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool meanwhile have picked up just seven points in their past six games and have suffered back-to-back home defeats against the likes of Burnley and Brighton.

With this in mind, supporters could not come around to Klopp’s way of thinking and urged him to stop making excuses regarding the team’s recent form.

Fans criticise Klopp

“Even as a Liverpool fan this is just silly excuse, City had much less time to prepare for the season at the start of the season, that’s why they dropped points against Leeds and Leicester. You can’t use these kinds of things as an excuse to having 2 shots on target against Brighton.”

Credit: @jonesdefutbol

“He’s not helping himself. We don’t care about city or however long they have a break, how about we concentrate on why we can’t score against defensive teams and keep doing the same thing against them expecting different results”

Credit: @nabydeco08

“This season has definitely got to him”

Credit: @1CraigFisher

“No need for this excuse again, at the start of the season city only had 6 days to prepare”

Credit: @Subindra99

“I’m a Liverpool fan but Klopp is already saying rubbish here. We should care about how we’ll break them not being jealous of the break they had”

Credit: @IreOluwadiran

“A bit poor from Klopp there on this occasion. Probably just frustration manifesting but doubt he meant any real dig at Pep tbf”

Credit: @robfreelancer

In other news, Jurgen Klopp provides positive news regarding centre-back with ‘proper personality.’

Aston Villa: Gray fumes at Barkley

Aston Villa beat Arsenal last weekend but a moment which might not have sat right with Dean Smith was Ross Barkley lashing out when he was taken off. Andy Gray was fuming at the player following his actions.

What Gray had to say about Barkley

The reaction was not appreciated by Gray, who believes Barkley’s actions could see him not start against Brighton on Saturday. He said: “He’s been given a great opportunity, [he] never got a kick at Chelsea. You can be disappointed but don’t go kicking stuff, especially when the coach sees you. It’ll be interesting to see if the coach plays him in the next game. It’ll be really interesting to see if he plays in the next game.

“It was poor, really poor. What’s he doing [before joining Villa on loan], sitting in the reserves at Chelsea doing nothing, sitting on the bench twiddling his thumbs.“He gets a chance at a fantastic club, and I mean that, he’s gone to a brilliant club who are doing really well, to get his career back on track again, and that’s not going to help him.”It’s a big season for BarkleyThe summer loan signing has had a good campaign as he has managed 2.4 shots, two key passes and 1.5 successful dribbles per game (WhoScored). He has also scored three goals and provided one assist.With Barkley being on loan and an outcast at Chelsea before leaving, he needs to be playing a lot better if he wants to avoid an uncertain future. If he plays well at Villa, then he could manage to get a permanent transfer to the club or even secure a place at Chelsea. The former could be ideal as the Villans are currently battling for Europe.There is also the matter of the Euros in the summer, and poor instances like this will not get him selected in Gareth Southgate’s squad.The stats from Saturday’s game show that it was definitely not his best performance as he only managed 41 touches before he was substituted in the 77th minute. He also lost possession 12 times and lost three ground duels and two aerial duels (SofaScore).Therefore, it is understandable to see him frustrated so Dean Smith will presumably not be too worried or annoyed that his player is showing emotion. It simply shows his passion to play.

In other news: Aston Villa fans flocked to this update by Gregg Evans, find out more here.

EFC fans laud Iwobi vs Saints

Many Everton fans were delighted with Alex Iwobi’s short cameo against Southampton on Monday night.

The Toffees edged their clash against the Saints 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Richarlison. It was an important victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s men – they are now just two points away from the top four with a game in hand over fourth-placed West Ham United (Sky Sports).

£22.95m-valued Iwobi (Transfermarkt) was only introduced with three minutes left on the clock, but he impressed even in that short period of time. No player attempted more than his six dribbles during the match (SofaScore), and the three he completed also led the way (along with Abdoulaye Doucore and Andre Gomes). One moment in particular, when he beat three Saints players in a tight space near the corner flag, was exceptional.

These Everton supporters were delighted with his “magic” and took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts. One even drew excited comparisons with Brazilian Ballon D’Or-winning legend Ronaldinho, so impressed were they with Iwobi’s display.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Iwobi below

“Iwobi has these moments of ludicrous brilliance that are so endearing”

Credit: @trueblue265

“Never mind all that what about Alex twinkle toes iwobi”

Credit: @Andy91005720

“Iwobi Wan Kenobi at it again!!!”

Credit: @jimmyefc95

“I’ve really grown to like iwobi”

Credit: @Efc1878toffees

“Where’s The video of iwobi turning into prime Ronaldinho in the corner, admin?”

Credit: @EvertonMnw

“I don’t think we are over achieving at all. I’ll settle for the points all day but I have to be honest we are a hard watch mate. I know its unfashionable but I love iwobi. That last minute keep ball was truly magic”

Credit: @CarlRei49848972

In other news, Ancelotti is ready to sanction the bargain sale of this ace.

Palace Predicted XI vs Fulham

Crystal Palace play host to London rivals Fulham at Selhurst Park this afternoon looking to build on their win over Brighton and Hove Albion in the A23 derby.

It’s been a turbulent few weeks for Roy Hodgson’s side after a mixed bag of results, with unexpected victories and draws followed by a string of disappointing performances and results.

However, although a change in formation paid dividends against the Seagulls in terms of the result, it’s most likely the Palace boss will revert back to his preferred 4-4-2 formation to face-off against Fulham as Palace were lucky to win that game.

Here’s how Football FanCast predict Hodgson will set his side up for the contest, which sees the manager make three changes from the 2-1 win over Brighton.

Hodgson’s number one, Vicente Guiata, has arguably been one of Palace’s better players this season and performed admirably against Brighton, so will start again this afternoon behind a back four consisting of Gary Cahill, Scott Dann, Tyrick Mitchell and Joel Ward.

Cahill has become something of an undisputed starter for Palace at the back, so he should keep his place next to Mitchell, who linked up nicely with Eberechi Eze down the left and should do the same again today.

Elsewhere, Dann could come in for Cheikhou Kouyate in the only change to the back four, with Joel Ward set to start out at right-back in the absence of the injured Nathaniel Clyne.

Palace’s unchanged midfield didn’t perform very well against Brighton, so we expect Hodgson to make changes here. James McCarthy could come back into the side with Luka Milivojevic dropping to the bench. This will leave Jairo Riedewald as the only survivor in the midfield pairing from the win at the start of the week.

Following his first goal for the club, Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up, while Christian Benteke could also come back into the side, with Hodgson electing to start two recognised strikers against Scott Parker’s side, which means Jordan Ayew will be given a rest.

AND in other news, Patrick van Aanholt edges closer to Crystal Palace exit – good news for Tyrick Mitchell…

West Brom’s predicted XI to face Newcastle

This Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United is the very definition of a six-pointer for West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies are currently sitting in the relegation zone and a win over Steve Bruce’s men this weekend would take them to within six points of 17th place in the table.

It’s a monumental game for Sam Allardyce and co, who are starting to see some more positive signs at The Hawthorns.

Draws with Manchester United and Burnley got them back on the right track before their win over Brighton breathed fresh life into their survival bid. Allardyce’s men were unfortunate not to take something from their clash with Everton on Thursday evening.

Mbaye Diagne scored what he thought was a late equaliser, only for it to be ruled out by VAR.

With prospects of survival looking a little rosier for Big Sam’s men, how will they line up on Sunday lunchtime? Here’s what we’re tipping to occur.

We think that Albion could make two changes to the side which lost to Everton on Thursday.

The first change is in the back four, where Semi Ajayi returns to the XI. The centre-back was sent off during the club’s 0-0 draw with Burnley and was back among the substitutes in midweek.

His presence has been colossal for the Baggies this term, however, so he replaces Dara O’Shea in the side. It’s harsh on the young defender but Allardyce has to get his selection spot on with so much on the line.

His other change comes on the left wing. Matty Phillips endured a quiet evening at The Hawthorns a few days ago and was beaten by Mason Holgate on a regular basis. The winger attempted half a dozen dribbles but only succeed with one as the Everton full-back made an eye-catching six tackles.

With Phillips’ inability to get the better of the Everton defenders, it means that the £19,000-per-week attacker is axed from the XI. Robert Snodgrass, the man who replaced him as a sub in that loss, starts on this occasion.

Besides that it’s an unchanged XI, particularly in midfield where Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Okay Yokuslu and Conor Gallagher were all so impressive against the Toffees.

The latter duo completed over 90% of their passes, while Maitland-Niles managed the third-most touches (72) in the Baggies side. They all have to start.

AND in other news, “Absolutely fantastic” – Exclusive: Pundit raves over West Brom star shining under Sam Allardyce…

Rangers: Alfredo Morelos tipped for Ibrox stay

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has been tipped to stay at Ibrox by Paul Robinson, who believes the joy of the title win will keep players at the club.

No reason for Morelos to leave after ‘incredible’ title win

Robinson was recently talking to Football Insider about Morelos’ future and Rangers’ title win this season. The former England international believes that this is currently a ‘fantastic’ time to stay at Ibrox, as the players are part of something special at the club.

He described it to be an ‘incredible’ achievement and he doesn’t see any reason why the Colombian would want to leave Rangers right now.

Robinson said: “What a fantastic time it is to stay at Rangers. These players are part of something so special and they are now seeing how much it means to the fans to get back to the summit of Scottish football. It’s incredible.

“The celebrations and the feelings those players in the dressing room will have right now, why would Morelos want to leave? Why would he want to go and play somewhere else?”

Morelos has impressed in the current season for the Gers, scoring ten Premiership goals in 24 appearances. He has contributed to 0.69 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes for the side. While that is the lowest tally of his Rangers career in a season, it is still an impressive season (as per FBRef).

Earlier this season, Gerrard gushed over the striker, saying: “I thought Alfredo was outstanding for the majority of the game. I thought his performance was probably his strongest of the season.”

Morelos is a vital cog in the wheel

Morelos is currently valued at £10.80 million and his goalscoring exploits this season are pretty clear to see. He was linked with a move to Lille in the summer, but he stayed at Ibrox.

It shows that Ross Wilson and co could bring in a profit for him, but because of how important he is for Rangers, Robinson may be right to suggest standing firm. If clubs do come calling for the South American, Gerrard’s side should at the very least demand a massive price tag, perhaps even more than his valuation.

In other news, many Rangers fans have been talking about a video involving a defender – read more here.

Celtic: Rae drops Marsch admission

Red Bull Salzburg head coach Jesse Marsch has been tipped as a good fit to replace Neil Lennon at Celtic in the media recently.

And now, the American, under contract with the Austrian giants until 2022, says the links to Parkhead are an ‘honour’, describing a possible Glasgow switch as ‘interesting’.

However, Bundesliga commentator Derek Rae has had his say on a possible move, believing the 47-year-old’s future lies in Germany.

Rae shared a tweet on Wednesday morning regarding Marsch, to which he was asked by a Celtic fan if the Hoops are in contention for Marsch.

The commentator replied, believing Celtic can’t compete with the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach and Leipzig.

“I don’t think they can compete with Gladbach or Leipzig & don’t think Marsch’s would jump to Celtic knowing what is likely in his future. He’s a polite man who has gone a long way in a short time & will be flattered to be linked with the job. But the Bundesliga is his future.”

Transfer Tavern take

Marsch, a former assistant at Red Bull Leipzig, has been linked to some top Bundesliga positions recently, so Rae could be correct by stating his future may lie in Germany.

Rae’s six-word admission, ‘I don’t think they can compete’, could upset some Celtic supporters who now want to see the American in Scotland following his comments.

With Marsch so openly sharing his feelings towards a possible Celtic Park move, we feel as if the Hoops now have to follow up and at least ask the question.

It seems as if the club will appoint a director of football before a manager, however, with time ticking, the Hoops may have to act relatively fast to seal Marsch’s services as he appears to be attracting plenty of interest from the Bundesliga.

In other news, Celtic may have found their Edouard replacement for the summer transfer window – read more here!

Leeds must sell Helder Costa this summer

Leeds must make a ruthless call on Helder Costa in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 27-year-old has really struggled to make an impact at Premier League level this season, playing fewer than 1,000 minutes of top-flight football and only managing two goals in the division.

Football Insider have now claimed that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are willing to listen to offers for the winger this summer, and that the club’s hierarchy view him as someone who could be sold to raise funds for new signings.

The report added that the Whites do not expect to recoup the £15m they paid to sign him.

Orta must get rid

Responding to a question in The Athletic’s post-match Q&A after the Premier League clash against West Ham earlier this month, Phil Hay said: “You get the feeling that if changes are coming in the summer, those two (Costa and Tyler Roberts) will be at risk. The consistent impact isn’t there.”

Costa has come under intense criticism for his below-par performances, not least from former Leeds man Noel Whelan, who ripped into his display against Aston Villa.

Whelan said: “Costa was given his opportunity and once again he did not take it. We are talking about a £16m player here who did not effect the game in any way shape or form. He needs to show consistency. You need to make that position your own when your manager puts his trust in you from the start.

“I saw absolutely nothing from him against Aston Villa. Nothing suggested to me that he has given Marcelo Bielsa a headache with that performance.”

While “absolutely nothing” may seem like a strong stance to take, it’s a fairly accurate statement to make. As well as only scoring two league goals in 19 games, Costa actually ranks as the worst player in the entire Leeds squad to have started at least ten games this season.

Victor Orta must simply get rid of the £70,000-a-week earning Costa this summer, even if it means not getting their money back on the winger.

Meanwhile, this Leeds man stole the show vs Fulham; it wasn’t Bamford…

Bamford pays Gelhardt huge compliment

Adam Forshaw has paid a huge compliment to Leeds United colleague Joe Gelhardt, likening him to two former Manchester United heroes.

The Whites completed the signing of Gelhardt last August, snapping him up from Wigan Athletic and beating a host of clubs to his signature.

The 18-year-old has predominantly played in Leeds’ academy this season but he could potentially feature for the first team before May, having impressed in recent months.

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Bamford compared Gelhardt to Man United pair

Someone who is clearly taken by the youngster is Forshaw, who continues to work his way back from a painfully long injury absence.

Writing for On The Ball [via Leeds Live], Sam Stewart confirmed that the Leeds midfielder compared Gelhardt to United legends Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, in terms of his playing style:

“Through the week he remarked that the likes of Joe (“Joffy”) Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Charlie Cresswell continued to impress – with Joffy showing a small but strong bulldog personality and playing style reminiscent of Carlos Tevez or Wayne Rooney.”

Transfer Tavern take

While Leeds and the Red Devils having a bitter rivalry, making it hard to complement anything the other club does, there is no denying that Rooney and Tevez were great players, as evidenced by their personal records and trophy hauls at Old Trafford.

For Gelhardt to be likened to the duo is exciting from a Whites perspective, with the teenager a footballer with a huge amount of potential, as is clear from Forshaw’s comments.

It will be interesting to see if he earns some playing time under Marcelo Bielsa this season, or perhaps becomes more of a fixture in the squad in 2021/22.

In other news, Leeds’ interest in an exciting midfielder has allegedly been confirmed by a reliable source. Read more here.

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