All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Arsenal's rise over the past two seasons has been remarkable. Gone are the post-Arsene Wenger days of misery, where Champions League football was elusive, out of reach, and an outfit on the decline found shining lights in the forms of several talented youngsters.

Mikel Arteta changed everything, revolutionised the Emirates Stadium and rewrote the narrative, turned the culture on its head, for the better.

With great power comes great responsibility, or so the maxim goes. But it's true in Arsenal's case that they are no longer the exciting up-and-comers; despite falling short against Manchester City in successive Premier League title showdowns, the Gunners are one of Europe's elite.

173 points across two top-flight campaigns would say as much, as would the club-record £105m signing of Declan Rice, the rise of William Saliba, who is shaping into one of Europe's finest defenders, and the ever-evolving brilliance of Bukayo Saka, who has been hailed as "one of the best players" in England by Wayne Rooney and rightly so.

Depth across a series of positions is still required, and one of the pressing concerns of the 2023/24 term was the lack of prolificness up front. One report suggests that that could be about to change.

Arsenal transfer news

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are preparing to tussle with Liverpool for the signing of Donyell Malen, who has enjoyed a clinical season with Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

A former Hale End member, Malen was sold to PSV Eindhoven when he was 18, turning down offers from Chelsea and Manchester United to complete the transfer.

Now 25, Malen has impressed for Dortmund over the past few years and is expected to extend his contract, but the Bundesliga team would still listen to offers of €40m (£34m), should they be put forth.

Sources believe that the Dutchman's preference, should he leave the Yellow Wall, is to return to his former stomping ground, hence why the north Londoners feel that they are leading the race.

Why Arsenal should re-sign Donyell Malen

Malen, who has 36 international caps (and nine goals) for the Netherlands, would add some invaluable depth to Arteta's thriving outfit, with his dynamic properties allowing him to flourish across the frontline, albeit more clinical when placed on the right wing, for he is two-footed.

Centre-forward

140

70

28

Left winger

83

18

14

Right winger

64

30

12

Attacking midfield

5

1

0

With rumours swirling around Reiss Nelson's future in north London, it does seem like signing Malen would be a wise move, especially since Saka started 45 matches for his club last season before featuring prominently for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 this summer.

Arsenal were fortuitous on the injury front last year but such imperious levels of fitness cannot be taken for granted each season, and Malen, who differs in style of play to that of Saka, would be a wonderful addition.

As per FBref, the 5 foot 10 talent ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 3% for shots taken per 90. Moreover, 2014 World Cup Germany hero Mario Gotze has proclaimed him to be "extremely fast and very dangerous".

After all, last season, the dynamo scored 15 goals and supplied five further assists across 38 matches – and that's despite ten of such appearances coming from the bench.

Injuries have tugged at the £97k-per-week ace throughout his career but he would join a rich frontline filled with talent at Arsenal and could grow into his skin in a manner not dissimilar to that of Leandro Trossard, with the Belgian marksman considered a comparable player to Malen by FBref's statistical model.

Furthermore, so is Joao Felix, and as Aston Villa fight to sign the Portuguese ace, Arsenal could stay ahead of the curve by signing a similar player of, perhaps, more fitting quality.

Arteta's own Joao Felix

Felix is one of the highest-profile forwards on the continent, rising to fame after an exciting start to his professional career with Benfica and joining Atletico Madrid in a £113m deal in 2019, aged 19.

La Liga Journalist Jose Delgado claimed after Atleti's signing: "Since Ronaldo, we [Spain] have not had a player so exciting and young like him until now." However, such claims would not stand the test of time anymore.

Like Malen, Felix performed deceptively well for Barcelona last season, ranking among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues for goals scored and the top 4% for shots taken per 90, with his silky-smooth dribbling and playmaking acumen also making him a 'dangerous' outlet.

Malen, too, isn't just a sharpshooter, averaging 1.6 dribbles per game in the German Bundesliga last season and 2.3 per outing with Oranje at the European Championship. He also created nine big chances for his peers in the league.

Dubbed "the football artist" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Felix would be a credit to Unai Emery's Villan project, and given that Arsenal have been reported – as relayed by Mundo Deportivo – to be among the outfits interested in striking a deal this summer, perhaps it's wise to move for a player of a similar profile in Malen.

Who knows, Dortmund's versatile attacking talent could prove to be the better pick; he's been more clinical across the duration of his career and his propensity for stirring up danger could give Arteta the edge in the pursuit of silverware and success of a higher level, with Kulig claiming that he is "simply unstoppable" when fit and firing.

Forget Merino: Arsenal enter talks for "incredible" £147k-p/w alternative

The “incredible” international would be an excellent signing.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 27, 2024

It must feel an awful long time ago for Leicester City fans when they now consider their side's unbelievable past exploits, with the East Midlands underdogs lifting the FA Cup and Premier League aloft in quick succession in what proved to be a golden period to be a Foxes fan.

Now, supporters packed into the King Power Stadium this campaign to come will just hope they can stay afloat in the top flight, away from their previous grand achievements, with Steve Cooper now at the helm tasked with ensuring relegation doesn't happen.

Leicester could look to turn back the clock to their unbelievable day out to Wembley in the FA Cup final, however, with this potential signing in through the door, who might well end up being the newly promoted club's next Youri Tielemans in the making.

Leicester City's search for a midfielder

According to a report by Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leicester hold 'concrete interest' in Royal Antwerp gem Mandela Keita this summer, as the midfield ranks look to be bolstered by Cooper.

Both Rennes and Fiorentina are also noted as being further interested parties going after the 22-year-old star, who even has a senior cap for the Belgium national team next to his name now, after an impressive individual campaign for his current employers.

It could take a bid of around £8m – as per his current estimated market value, according to Football Transfers – for a move to take place though, with Leicester having to splash the cash to land their desired target.

Why Keita can be Tielemans 2.0

Tielemans was once also a promising talent plying his trade in the Jupiler Pro League before Leicester swooped in, resulting in the now Aston Villa man becoming a key first-team performer for the Foxes, with his long-range strike against Chelsea back in 2021 enabling Leicester to upset the odds and lift the FA Cup.

Keita isn't quite as forceful when it comes to helping out in attack, but he could go on to become an established member of Cooper's first team all the same in England, much like the former Anderlecht man managed under previous managers at the King Power.

Keita's tenacity and energy from the middle of the park has been an effective calling card for Antwerp to utilise, however, with the goal above all the in-demand Belgian's own work, before allowing his fortunate teammate to simply tap home.

The 22-year-old would only pick up two goal contributions all of last season away from this clip, but his battling nature will be of use to Leicester all the same, and Keita could even end up striking up an effective midfield duo with Wilfried Ndidi if a deal is clinched.

Stat – per 90 mins*

Keita

Games played

29

Goals scored

0

Assists

2

Touches*

64.4

Big chances created

2

Accurate passes*

44.2 (90%)

Tackles*

2.5

Interceptions*

1.6

Total duels won*

5.9

Whilst Ndidi would look to get on the scoresheet, Keita would be more than content with being a disruptive presence in a more holding role, as can be seen glancing at the table above, with an unbelievable 5.9 total duels won on average last season playing in his native country.

But, his assuredness on the ball – away from trying to break up play – could also see him perform much like Tielemans operated when still pulling on a Foxes strip, with the Villa midfielder bowing out from the King Power with an 82% pass accuracy per Premier League contest during the 2022-23 season.

Labelled as being an "exceptional" talent by U23 football scout Antonio Mango after he won his first cap for his nation, Keita looks to be nearing a major move soon, and could really progress his game like Tielemans managed if purchased by Leicester.

Leicester must cash in on Rodgers signing who earns more than Ndidi & Soule

Steve Cooper will be preparing to offload a number of Leicester City players to balance the books.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 27, 2024

Whether Chelsea fans like it or not, the club has clearly decided to go down the route of acquiring the best young talent in the world, with the aim of developing them into world-class stars, as opposed to buying a ready-made product.

We have already seen this plenty of times this summer, with the signings of Omari Kellyman (18), Aaron Anselmino (19), Renato Veiga (20), Caleb Wiley (19), Marc Guiu (18), Estevao (17), and the incoming Samu Omorodion (20), all signings under the age of 21.

Even big-money signings in recent years have followed this model, with Enzo Fernández costing around £103m, and Moises Caicedo costing around £99.5m, according to Transfermarkt, both players who joined under the age of 23.

Chelsea transfer news

According to reports from journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are also closing in on another promising youngster, this time in the shape of Gremio's, Gabriel Mec.

However, the 16-year-old, would not be able to move to Stamford Bridge until he turns 18, similar to summer signing Estevao.

The reports state Mec had a "host of clubs" after him, including Premier League compatriots, Manchester United and Aston Villa, but Chelsea have persuaded the 16-year-old his future will be best served in South-West London.

Talks have progressed, and the reports say terms have been finalised, with an initial three-year deal being agreed, with another two-year option on the deal.

Chelsea summer signing Estevao

Is Mec the next Vinícius Júnior?

Labelled as a "stellar prospect" by some, even compared to the likes of Robinho, Neymar and Vinícius Júnior, when watching Mec, it's his Brazilian flair, close footwork, and ball-striking ability that stand out, and bring on the comparisons of such elite Brazilian internationals.

Often playing off the left, Mec could find himself fighting for that left-wing starting spot in no time, as Chelsea are currently looking for solutions in that area of the pitch, due to the poor form of Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk.

Much like Mec, Vinícius Júnior made his move from Brazilian team Flamengo, to Real Madrid at a young age, joining the club at 18 years old (still two years older than Mec is now). Vinicius joined Madrid for a record fee at the time, paying £38.7m, the most for a player under 19.

Fast-forward to now, Vinicius has just scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in his most recent season, leading Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double triumph. The 24-year-old is in Ballon d'Or contention, having had a wonderful season.

Non-Penalty Goals

0.62

Assists

0.29

Shots Total

3.45

Shot-Creating Actions

3.91

Progressive Carries

6.75

Successful Take-Ons

3.32

Key Passes

1.60

Carries into Pen Area

4.24

As previously mentioned, some of Mec's standout traits at such a young age, are his ability to carry the ball, beat his man with that silky Brazilian flair, and strike the ball cleanly, all skills that Vinicius seems to have mastered.

Vinicius ranks in the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, and successful take-ons per 90 among other wingers/forwards in the top five European leagues. He also ranks in the top 13% for non-penalty goals among other forwards in the top five leagues, combining his elite carrying skills and ball striking to produce goals for his club.

If Mec reaches even close to this level, Chelsea will be rubbing their hands together, as they would have one of the best ball carriers, and output producing attackers in world football.

Similar to Omorodion & Osimhen: Chelsea could look to re-sign £65m star

Chelsea could go after Osimhen and Omorodion alternative as striker option

ByConnor Holden Aug 7, 2024

Arsenal have lodged a "formal" opening bid to sign one "creative" player in the last few days, and Mikel Arteta's side have received a response to their advances.

Arteta prepares for new season as Arsenal target third summer signing

The new season kicks off this weekend, and with it a fresh opportunity for Arteta to try and loosen Man City's firm stranglehold on the Premier League title.

Arsenal hold talks with agents of £60m Brazil striker after 25-goal season

The Gunners are searching for a new forward.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 14, 2024

Pep Guardiola's side have finished the season as champions of England in each of the last four campaigns, with only Liverpool getting the better of City in 2019/2020 most recently.

Arsenal did push the Sky Blues right to the wire last term, though, and Guardiola needed a final-day victory before his side were officially crowned yet again.

Team

Date

Wolves (home)

August 17

Aston Villa (away)

August 24

Brighton (home)

August 31

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Next year, Arteta will be aiming to go that extra yard and leapfrog his old mentor for title glory, as Arsenal attempt to lift their first domestic crown in over two decades.

As the Gunners prepare to make a hopeful best possible start to the new campaign against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, Arsenal's recruitment team, lead by sporting director Edu Gaspar, are attempting to reinforce key areas of Arteta's squad.

The summer transfer deadline day is just around the corner, with the window shutting on August 30, and Arsenal have officially confirmed just two new arrivals in goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal and Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Reports have claimed that Arsenal could make an eleventh-hour attempt to bring in a new forward, but their immediate priority appears to be sealing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

The north Londoners have been in active ongoing talks with Sociedad for weeks, with Arsenal reaching an agreement on personal terms with Merino who is said to be very keen on the move.

The 28-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his Sociedad contract, meaning Arsenal could sign Merino for around £21 million, which is more than 50 per cent less than his rumoured release clause.

Arsenal make first "formal" bid to sign Merino as Sociedad respond

According to Spanish radio journalist Yon Cuezva, Arsenal have now made their "formal" opening bid for Merino, and it's been tabled within the last 48 hours.

However, Sociedad have responded with a no, meaning Edu and co will have to return to the plate with an improved offer as talks remain ongoing.

Called a "creative" player by IF Brommapojkarna performance analyst Marcus Bring, the former Newcastle midfielder also bagged eight goals and five assists across 45 appearances in all competitions last season.

We're into the final week of the 2024 summer transfer window, and Chelsea have been busy as Enzo Maresca's project takes shape.

Stamford Bridge's swollen first team has been a hot topic for debate over the past few months, but closer analysis shows that players are being shipped on and the Blues have actually recouped £123m in player sales, with further outgoings expected before the deadline.

Signing a centre-forward remains a priority, but with Victor Osimhen seemingly headed to the Saudi Pro League following Chelsea's reluctance to meet his £500k-per-week salary demands, the transfer cannon has been turned toward another Italian province.

Chelsea eyeing Serie A striker

Caught Offside have relayed reports that Chelsea are considering moving for Juventus star Federico Chiesa given the fading chances of securing Osimhen's services, with the Old Lady only asking for €15m (£13m).

The Italy international is hoping to sign for Barcelona, but the La Liga side are financially stricken and are struggling to free up space on the wage bill, leaving the door open for Chelsea to complete an audacious hijack.

Chelsea have struggled in the Premier League over the last few years but are starting to build something exciting, and Chiesa would be a brilliant addition, strengthening a vibrant frontline and playing to the strengths of those such as Noni Madueke.

Imagine Federico Chiesa & Noni Madueke

Madueke joined Chelsea at a turbulent time but has steadily grown into his skin, joining from PSV Eindhoven for £29m in January 2023, and he's now reached the apotheosis of his early-days career with a commanding hat-trick at the weekend, helping Maresca's unit claim a 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It was a clinical display that showcased the 22-year-old's technique and efficacy on the right of the frontline, and while Nicolas Jackson scored and assisted, he is not consistent or clinical enough to lead the line with little competition – Chiesa, while not a traditional striker, could be that man.

Hailed as a "wizard" with the ball by football personality Roger Bennett, Chiesa is typically regarded as a right winger but was somewhat repackaged into a central focal role last season, following his injury-ruined seasons prior.

Chiesa scored ten goals from 29 starting appearances and impressed with his link-up play and 'magic' ability on the ball, with his creative spark potentially proving to be an exceptional addition to the Chelsea attack, sort of counterbalancing the prolific brilliant of Palmer… and now Madueke too.

Madueke ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Shot-creating actions

4.79

Top 2%

Passes attempted

29.17

Top 19%

Progressive passes

2.87

Top 16%

Progressive carries

4.55

Top 2%

Successful take-ons

1.43

Top 12%

Observing the statistical analysis from the Juve phenom's viewpoint, his playmaking quality is easily discernible. Chiesa's athleticism and intelligence could see him drop deep and pull strings to emphatic effect, and he must be signed – especially for such a small figure.

Completing a move for Osimhen is not out of the question, but it's looking decidedly unlikely. Chiesa is not cut from the same cloth as the Nigerian but his dynamic properties could work wonders for Chelsea's fluid frontline, most notably hat-trick hero Madueke who could soar to new heights with the Italian next to him.

Their next Lampard & Drogba: Chelsea in talks for late "monster" signing

This would ice the cake sweetly at Stamford Bridge…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 26, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur have been approached by representatives over signing a free agent attacker who featured for his country at Euro 2024, and who also finished the 2020/2021 campaign as the Europa League's top goalscorer.

Spurs preparing for all-important Arsenal clash after international break

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou got his first defeat of the new Premier League season out of the way early, having fell to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United at St. James' Park last Sunday.

Sporting director names Tottenham as potential 2025 move for £25m star

The north Londoners have a key advantage over every other suitor.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 3, 2024

Alexander Isak's winner in the 78th minute was all that split the two teams, with Dan Burn's own goal cancelling out Harvey Barnes' opener beforehand and giving the Lilywhites brief hope they could take a result away from where has been an unhappy stomping ground for Spurs in recent years.

However, Isak ensured it wasn't to be, and Postecoglou now turns his attention to one of Tottenham's biggest matches of the season. The north Londoners take on Arsenal at home in their first match after the international break, and it is a clash which they will be desperate to win.

Arsenal (home)

September 15

Brentford (home)

September 21

Man United (away)

September 29

Brighton (away)

October 6

West Ham (home)

October 19

Speaking to the press after Spurs' defeat in the North East, Postecoglou still praised Tottenham's performance against Newcastle, insisting their opening three performances of the new season have been encouraging.

"Yeah, obviously, very similar I guess to our first away game when we controlled it for the most part, nullified most of the threats that Newcastle have," said Postecoglou.

"It's obviously a difficult opponent here at home. The crowd create a pretty strong atmosphere for the home side, little things go their way but I thought for the most part we handled that really well. Then we gained the ascendancy in the game and we just needed to kill it off and we didn't and a disappointing second goal. I thought we switched off a little bit but the game should have been well over by then. So, another sore one unfortunately where we haven't got the rewards for our play, but ultimately it's three strong performances from the first three games. The results don't reflect it in that way."

It's set to be a long and interesting campaign at N17, especially considering their involvement in the new Europa League format, and tough tests like Arsenal soon await.

Tottenham reportedly wanted to strengthen in midfield before the summer transfer window closed, and to reinforce Postecoglou's squad further ahead of a congested fixture calendar.

With the UK window shut, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange can only dip into the free agent market if they wish to make further additions, but they'll have to do so before September 14, which is the Premier League's full squad submission deadline.

Tottenham offered chance to sign free agent Yusuf Yazici

According to HITC, the club have now been contacted over the availability of former Lille star and 45-cap Turkey international Yusuf Yazici.

The 27-year-old, who finished the 2020/2021 season as the Europa League's top goalscorer, was also called up to represent Turkey at the Euros this summer. However, that wasn't enough to convince Lille to offer him a new deal, and the attacking midfielder left the Ligue 1 side after six years in June.

Their loss could be Postecoglou's gain, though, as it is believed Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Yazici on a free transfer, as have other English top flight clubs.

The Turk also helped to spearhead Lille to an unlikely Ligue 1 title in 2021, boasting a career total of 64 goals and 39 assists in all competitions across spells at Lille, Trabzonspor and CSKA Moscow.

Carlos Corberan should be commended for the stellar job he continues to do at West Bromwich Albion, with the Baggies in a sweet second spot in the early Championship standings so far, despite a summer of upheaval.

A whole host of first-team faces exited the Hawthorns in quick succession during the off-season, which included the likes of Brandon Thomas-Asante, Okay Yokuslu and more all moving on after helping the Baggies achieve a play-off spot last campaign.

This isn't just exclusive to West Brom's predicament in 2024, however, with the West Midlands side having to bounce back from Saido Berahino's high-profile exit in 2017 after he had become a disruptive influence in the dressing room at the Hawthorns.

Berahino's exit from West Brom

Berahino was once a loved figure in the West Midlands, a product of the West Brom academy that was starring for his side in the top league of English football.

The now 31-year-old striker would bag 36 strikes from 121 games playing for the Baggies, with 20 of those coming during the 2014/15 season in all competitions, as Berahino peaked for his boyhood employers.

From then on, however, the fall-out of his Albion career would occur, with only four strikes coming his way the season directly after he registered 20, as he then continually pushed for a move away from the Hawthorns.

He would eventually get his wish when West Brom finally accepted a switch for Berahino to move to Stoke City for a fee in and around the £12m mark in 2017, a switch that saw the then Premier League side very much come out on top.

Stoke

56

5

Zulte Waregem

34

10

Royal Charleroi S.C.

17

2

Sheffield Wednesday

36

9

AEL Limassol

44

4

Rajasthan United

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Struggling to find a fixed home after leaving West Brom, with his goal output also never reaching near the heights he used to be capable of, Berahino is now on the books of Indian side Rajasthan United, seen as a forgotten former member of the West Brom academy now.

In stark contrast, under Corberan, Tom Fellows continues to shine as a homegrown product in the first-team mix, with the bright winger very much starting as he means to go on this new Championship season.

Fellows' rise at West Brom

Fellows is now even capped by England at U21 level, with his debut during the international break seeing him score versus Austria at Kenilworth Road, to maintain his electric early-season form.

Back in the Championship, the 21-year-old attacker – who was described as "unbelievable" when on loan with Crawley Town by then coach Darren Byfield – has already helped himself to three assists from four league contests, with 5.3 duels won on average per clash too showing off his constant energy and vibrancy down the flanks.

There would have been very real concerns towards the back end of the transfer window that Fellows could be tempted by moving on, as Ipswich Town and Southampton were noted as being interested parties in the standout Baggies number 31 from the league above.

With his transfer value – according to Football Transfers – already rising all the way up to £3.5m off the back of his current heroics, having only been worth a mere £422k at the start of the year, those at the Hawthorns will hope if he does move on down the line that he is sold on for more than Berahino's steep £12m.

That looks likely too, considering it was rumoured that both the Tractor Boys and the Saints were willing to cough up around £11m to try and tempt Fellows to their respective clubs, only £1m off Berahino's fee when he moved to Stoke.

West Brom will, for the time being, obviously just want to keep a firm grip on Fellows, as he could be key in their hopes in trying to achieve promotion this time around, after coming undone in the play-offs last season.

West Brom sold a star for just £1.25m, then he became a £25m goal machine

West Bromwich Albion must now regret letting this star go towards the start of his career.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 11, 2024

Arne Slot will be delighted with Liverpool's start to the Premier League, but he will already be versed in the perils of England's top flight and the seemingly insurmountable task in deposing supreme rulers Manchester City.

The Merseysiders put Manchester United away with dispatch before the September international break but now gear up for a gruelling chapter of action, playing five fixtures in a two-week period.

14/09/2024

Nott'm Forest (H)

Premier League

17/09/2024

AC Milan (A)

Champions League

21/09/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Premier League

25/09/2024

West Ham (H)

Carabao Cup

28/09/2024

Wolves (A)

Premier League

Slot has made minimal changes to his starting lineup thus far, but there are plenty eager to make their mark. However, the form of Mohamed Salah and co present a headache for Slot, though a welcome one, such is Liverpool's depth and rounded quality.

Salah's been the main man; Luis Diaz has been in potent form and Trent Alexander-Arnold… well, he's just Trent, isn't he? But let's not forget about Dominik Szoboszlai, who has put his poor form before the summer firmly in the past.

Dominik Szoboszlai's form under Arne Slot

Szoboszlai impressed for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool last season after signing from RB Leipzig in a £60m deal, but he ebbed and flowed and finished the campaign on a lower patch of form.

Klopp had shoehorned him into a more industrious midfield role than he perhaps envisaged, whereas Slot is playing the Hungary captain in a looser, more mobile role at number ten, unshackling his creative energy.

Once hailed as a "generational talent" by journalist Marcel Moeller, Szoboszlai is still only 23 and starting to go from strength to strength, having made an emphatic start to the present term.

Matches (starts)

33 (25)

3 (3)

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

1

Shots (on target)*

1.8 (0.5)

1.7 (0.0)

Touches*

57.5

63.7

Pass completion

87%

93%

Key passes*

1.7

2.7

Dribbles*

0.7

0.3

Ball recoveries*

5.2

6.3

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

1.3

Total duels won*

2.5 (42%)

2.0 (46%)

There's a long season ahead for the talented player, but Slot has found the formula to bring him out of his shell and he looks like a core part of the usual starting lineup. However, he must have sufficient support.

Harvey Elliott is, of course, waiting in the wings, but the 21-year-old is probably at his best in the half spaces between the centre and the right flank, where he can unleash his ball-playing quality into the danger area or shift forward and strike on goal himself.

Liverpool had a rising star who might have been the perfect understudy, but then Fabio Carvalho was sold in August after Richard Hughes received an offer he just couldn't refuse.

Liverpool may rue selling Fabio Carvalho

Carvalho made an excellent start to life on Merseyside but fizzled out during a testing 2022/23 campaign for the Anfield side, with Klopp limiting him to a sorry smattering of appearances after the autumnal months.

Liverpool rejected a £15m bid from Premier League rivals Southampton in July but were convinced to cash in when Brentford came calling toward the final stretch of the transfer window, with the Bees offering a package rising to £27.5m for the fleet-footed attacking midfielder.

He'd enjoyed a fine pre-season with Slot's side but it's important to remember that Diaz and Cody Gakpo were both absent following international duties and the 22-year-old's chances would have been more intermittent had they returned sooner.

But still. Carvalho is a quality player and he showcased as such during his loan spell with Hull City last year, joining in January and plundering nine goals from just 20 displays, also averaging 2.1 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

Despite only really featuring across the second half of the campaign – Caravalho endured a miserable stint with RB Leipzig across the first half of the season – he actually proved to outscore Szoboszlai, who bagged seven goals over 45 matches for the Merseysiders.

His kind of playmaking quality and goalscoring prowess would certainly prove to offer some competition for Szoboszlai, and Liverpool might come to regret not having this additional dimension at their chest this year.

After all, he proved his worth against high-calibre opposition during the off-season. During Liverpool's pre-season victory over Arsenal, the Portuguese talent wasn't on the ball at every moment but he made things happen when he was, taking only 21 touches, completing a dribble, winning four duels and proving to be an all-round menace.

After joining from Fulham in a deal worth £5m plus add-ons in 2022, FSG will be delighted at having turned a sizeable profit, and his big-moment aura was felt after scoring a last-gasp winner against Newcastle United at the start of the 2022/23 season.

But Caravalho now plies his trade elsewhere, Of course, you never know what the future holds, but Carvalho – who Hull boss Liam Rosenior described as the "perfect number ten" – could have been a real difference-maker this season.

Will it come back to bite Liverpool? Some might feel that an injury to a player like Szoboszlai could cause a panic. Football's unceasing schedule is like a gaping maw, and already players are feeling its force.

Take, for example, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who was injured during international duty with Norway this week. With Declan Rice already suspended for the North London Derby on Sunday, this is a concerning situation for Mikel Arteta.

Of course, Liverpool (and indeed Arsenal) have healthy and ranged squads but all players must pull their weight in this division if Manchester City are truly going to be toppled – all the while seeking to fire on all cylinders and compete in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions.

Carvalho could have been a crucial piece for Slot – but I guess we'll just see how it all pans out.

Liverpool struck gold selling Anfield sensation for stunning 1570% profit

He’s never quite recaptured his Merseyside magic…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 10, 2024

Arsenal kicked off their European campaign last night, and while it’s always exciting to watch your team play on the continent, we wouldn’t be surprised if a few Gooners fell asleep before the 90 minutes were up.

Now, a point away from home is rarely a bad thing in the Champions League, and Mikel Arteta’s side wasn’t poor either, but with very little attacking football on display, it’s not a game that will go down as a classic.

That said, if all else about the encounter is eventually forgotten, David Raya’s sensational double save won’t be, and in what is a slight silver lining to an underwhelming 90 minutes for the manager, the keeper wasn’t the only Arsenal player who further cemented his place in the side.

Raya is making himself undroppable

So, after the constant back and forth about his position in the team last year and talk of a potential rivalry with Aaron Ramsdale, Raya has now firmly established himself as Arsenal’s number one, and the questions over his ability have all but disappeared.

The Spaniard won the Golden Glove at the end of last season and has started this season like a house on fire, with his performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, and now Atalanta as the real stand-outs.

There wasn’t actually all that much for the 29-year-old to do last night, but when he was called into action for the penalty midway through the second half, he continued his outstanding form with a sensational double save.

Now, had he just stopped the initial effort, that would’ve been impressive enough, but it is the speed at which he gets back to his feet to stop the follow-up that makes it such an outrageous piece of skill and led to Robbie Savage describing it as “one of the best saves I’ve ever seen.”

Unsurprisingly, the former Brentford ace was handed the Player of the Match award at full-time, and the Sun’s Joshua Jones awarded him a 9/10 on the night, which seems entirely justified.

Overall, Raya keeps proving Arteta right this season, and while he’s made himself utterly undroppable, one of his teammates from last night’s match is on his way to doing the same.

Jurrien Timber's recent form

Yes, the player in question is Dutch defender Jurrien Timber.

The former Ajax star joined Arsenal last summer, but an ACL injury in the opening game of the season saw him miss the entire campaign. While there was some concern that he wouldn’t be the same player upon his return, his start this year has put those concerns to rest.

The 23-year-old has featured in all five games so far – starting four – and already looks to be on the same level as his incredible teammates, with his performance against Tottenham Hotspur last week perhaps his best so far.

However, while he wasn’t as spectacular as his teammate between the sticks, the “elite” full-back, as analyst Ben Mattonson dubbed him, also played well last night, earning a 7/10 from Jones, who wrote that he ‘adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side’ which is hard to deny.

Moreover, the Utrecht-born dynamo’s statistics from the game help to highlight his strong display. In his 73 minutes of action, he made two clearances, blocked one shot, won four of five duels, lost the ball just six times, won two fouls, took 49 touches, maintained a passing accuracy of 93%, and succeeded in 100% of his dribbles.

Ultimately, while Arsenal’s attacking players flattered to deceive last night, Raya continued to show the world why he is one of the best goalkeepers in England, and Timber further established himself as an undroppable player in Arteta’s squad.

Fewer touches than Raya: Arteta must drop 3/10 Arsenal ace after Atalanta

While the defence stood strong, there were a number of Arsenal players who looked way off the pace.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 20, 2024

Everton have endured an interminable period of struggle in the Premier League but might just be heading toward a new era of success, with the Friedkin Group on the cusp of purchasing Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake.

The 2024/25 campaign kicked off with four successive losses in the top flight to cast a gloomy setting over Goodison Park, but a draw at Leicester City has been followed up with a turnaround victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League to lift Sean Dyche’s side out of the relegation zone.

The Merseysiders are indebted to Dwight McNeil’s fast start to the season, with the winger turned number ten thriving in his new role.

Dwight McNeil's recent Everton form

It’s been a bit more than two years since Everton signed McNeil from Burnley for a £20m fee. The playmaking winger had risen to first-team prominence with the Clarets – under Dyche’s wing – but had failed to save them from relegation, and was understandably allowed to move to a Premier League side.

He’s chalked up 14 goals and 12 assists across 88 appearances for the Toffees, but is really starting to come into his own this season as he moves away from left wing to a more central attacking midfield role, flourishing.

Indeed, the 24-year-old has bagged four goals and two assists across eight matches, already surpassing last year’s haul of three goals from 41 matches in all competitions.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising his efficacy in driving the play forward and making things happen with his ball-playing.

McNeil has outscored Dominic Calvert-Lewin so far in 2024/25, with the centre-forward’s salvaged fitness levels allowing him to lead the line across all six of Everton’s top-flight matches this season, bagging two goals and claiming one assist.

The towering talisman might have only posted a modest return at best, but his restoration is such a bonus for the Blues in their quest to preserve top-flight status.

Believe it or not, there’s a former Everton player, sold not too long ago, who’s outscoring both of the aforementioned this season, and he did it all in just one game.

Tom Cannon is on fire for Stoke City

We’re talking, of course, about Tom Cannon, who put four past Portsmouth in the Championship on Wednesday evening in what was unquestionably the performance of the 21-year-old’s fledgling career.

Plying his trade with the Potters this term after leaving Leicester City on loan, Cannon will feel that his career is now starting to take off, having moved to Leicester from Everton last summer for roughly a £7.5m fee.

A natural-born goalscorer, Cannon excelled at youth level for Everton but failed to break into the first team despite impressing while on loan with Preston North End in 2022/23. His talent was recognised by Leicester, however, and the Liverpool-based side were happy to turn a profit.

Everton U21

55

22

5

Everton U18

42

29

9

Preston North End

21

8

1

Leicester City

16

3

2

Stoke City

5

4

0

Everton

4

0

0

Hailed for his “insane” performance against Portsmouth by Stoke correspondent Pete Smith, the aptly-named Cannon fired them in like howitzers to lift his loan outfit into 14th place after six fixtures, curbing a three-game losing run. Portsmouth, back in the second tier after years away, remain winless.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

As per Sofascore, the young gun showcased a skillset that stretches beyond that of a ‘poacher’, putting in a performance of a rounded and dynamic nature.

On top of his four-goal haul, Cannon succeeded with his one attempted dribble, won the penalty. that he converted for his hat-trick, completed 81% of his passes and won seven of his 11 contested duels.

Everton must rue cashing in on the talent, especially since the small fee recouped for his sale in 2023 was put toward signing Beto from Udinese in a deal worth up to £30m.

Moreover, compounding the issue, Calvert-Lewin’s contract at Goodison Park is set to expire at the end of the campaign, and though Armando Broja was welcomed from Chelsea in August on a loan deal that could become permanent, the Albania international has yet to feature as he recuperates from injury and, having endured extended spells on the sidelines in the past, perhaps can’t be entrusted with the role of focal frontman just yet.

Cannon, however, is proving that he has the goalscoring prowess to succeed in the Premier League, ranking as he does among the top 6% of strikers across divisions similar to the Championship for goals scored and the top 9% for through balls per 90.

That latter metric is particularly interesting, speaking of a passing game and enterprise in his movements that could prove to be tailor-made for Dyche’s system, dropping deep and getting stuck in but also boasting the pace and power to drive forward and get into promising positions, where he can lash shots past the goalkeeper and into the net.

Given that, on Tuesday evening, Cannon outstripped both McNeil and Calvert-Lewin for goalscoring this season despite the promise shown from each of Everton’s star forwards this year, it might come to be a well-known fact that Everton suffered a massive blunder when letting their young and talented forward, Cannon, leave for a small fee.

He’s got the quality to become a major player.

Lampard wanted Everton to sign star now worth £85m but got Maupay instead

The Toffees could have missed a trick over one centre-forward signing…

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 3, 2024