All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing as some news emerged on James Tavernier.

As shared by the official Twitter page of the SPFL, the right-back has been selected in EA Sports FIFA 22’s Team Of The Week (TOTW), following his very impressive performance away at Motherwell in their 6-1 win in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.

Tavernier scored one and made two further assists in the game, as he also won four of his duels, completed one successful dribble and made one clearance (SofaScore).

The Englishman recorded a mammoth 132 touches of the ball in total and made no fewer than eight key passes and six accurate crosses in the match, by far the most out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore), in what was a true captain’s display.

The Ibrox faithful can now play with his upgraded card in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), part of the FIFA 22 video game franchise.

Rangers fans on Tavernier news

These Light Blues supporters buzzed as the news was shared on Twitter:

“The king Tav”

Credit: @Msah19991

“Captain, leader, legend”

Credit: @yung_skywalkerr

“Straight in my basket”

Credit: @JackC1872

“I need this”

Credit: @Fahdy824

“My GOAT”

Credit: @avidznr

“Best RB in Scotland”

Credit: @BrodieM1992

In other news, find out what pre-Brondby team news has Gers buzzing here!

Newcastle United are keen to sign Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, according to Turkish outlet Milliyet. 

The lowdown

The 23-year-old shot-stopper has made 85 appearances for Fenerbahce, keeping 21 clean sheets; and after one victory back in February, team-mate Mesut Ozil gave him ‘special thanks’ on Twitter. He made his debut for the Turkish senior team earlier this year after featuring 10 times at under-21 level (via Transfermarkt).

Intriguingly, Bayindir may have been a target for Newcastle during the Mike Ashley era. It was reported back in April that the Magpies were scouting the goalkeeper.

The latest

According to Turkish outlet Milliyet, Newcastle are apparently willing to offer Fenerbache £14m for the services of Bayindir.

However, the Turkish Super Lig outfit would be expected to reject that offer as they look to tie him down to a new contract.

The verdict

Karl Darlow has struggled for Newcastle so far this season, heavily underperforming relative to post-shot xG. Only five goalkeepers rank lower by that metric (via FBRef). On the other hand, the stats show that Martin Dubravka ‘prevented’ 1.4 goals over the course of last season.

Therefore, the smart move could be to restore the Slovakian, who was on the bench last time out against Brighton, to the team on a regular basis rather than investing in a new goalkeeper, particularly when Eddie Howe also has Freddie Woodman at his disposal.

In other news, Eddie Howe is targeting three players with whom he worked at Bournemouth

Liverpool are flying high in the Premier League at the moment but that shouldn’t prevent Michael Edwards and Jurgen Klopp from doing more business in January.

After all, they only acquired one first-team body over the summer so it’s evident they could do with a few more new faces.

What’s the word?

It’s recently been claimed by reports in France that Newcastle could make a move for Lille’s energetic frontman Jonathan David.

The forward has been in the headlines over the last few days after starring for Canada during the international break.

It’s a timely run of form for the 21-year-old who is catching the eyes of the Premier League.

The Magpies may, however, face competition from Liverpool who were linked with a swoop last summer.

The next Suarez?

Newcastle may now be oil-rich courtesy of the mega-money that PIF have injected into Tyneside, but Liverpool would surely make a more attractive proposition for David.

It would, though, be tough to break into the Reds starting XI with the likes of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Divock Origi all fighting for places.

That being said, when you consider the potential of David, it becomes very apparent why he’d make such a good signing at Anfield.

The Lille livewire is a real bundle of energy in offensive areas and the £31.5m-rated force had already bagged nine goals in 18 outings this season, taking his career tally to 59 in total.

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However, the youngster doesn’t just offer goals. In fact, he offers a real presence in attack, somebody who can absolutely terrify defenders.

Colorado Rapids midfielder, Mark-Anthony Kaye, once said: “Everyone’s excited when we talk about Jonathan. He’s still a young player. He still has to mature in a sense, but he shows us what he’s capable of and the next step for him is to be ruthless in certain situations.

“He’s a very clinical player, but I think if he has even more of a killer instinct he’ll be more dangerous. Around the box, he’s a very good finisher. Going forward for World Cup qualifying, to have a player of his calibre ready at this stage of his career is amazing.”

Praise has been mounting for the young prodigy and it’s not hard to make out why he’s been compared to Luis Suarez already in his short career to date.

A summary from Canada manager John Herdman proves evidence as to why that’s the case.

“The first training session, his movement was as good as anything we’d seen,” he began. “The movement, the timing, the consistency was just so clean. Anyone that plays with him—you speak to the midfielders and they just love having him on their side or in front of them. They know that he’s going to show a very clear picture of what he wants.”

Also hailed as “fearless” by Herdman, the attacking talent has all of the attributes to potentially replicate the stunning performances Suarez provided supporters with in Merseyside. Both are capable of running in behind and their clinical nature inside the area is to be marvelled at.

Of course, it will take plenty to live up to the haul of 82 goals the Uruguayan bagged while in the red of Liverpool, but David, someone dubbed a “phenomenon” by former coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck, would certainly be a very promising acquisition from FSG.

AND in other news, Forget Edwards: LFC’s “incredible” 40 y/o brain-box could help keep Salah at Anfield…

Arsenal have been gifted a huge injury boost ahead of their crucial Premier League encounter with Liverpool this evening…

What’s the latest?

The Gunners, who remain unbeaten in ten matches across all competitions, return to action following the international break with a tricky trip to Anfield to face the fourth-placed Reds.

A win would see the north Londoners leapfrog them in the table, so a lot is on the line, and Mikel Arteta will be delighted with the news that Thomas Partey is available for selection, in what has been described as a “big boost” by The Athletic’s James McNicholas.

The 28-year-old missed their 1-0 win over Watford before the break and subsequently could not link up with the Ghana squad for their fixtures over the past two weeks.

Huge boost

This latest update represents is a significant source of encouragement heading into arguably one of Arsenal’s biggest games of the season. The test of Jurgen Klopp’s side really will be the barometer of how far they have come under Arteta this season.

With Granit Xhaka absent with a long-term knee injury, Partey’s influence in the starting XI has increased tenfold, and whilst Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles deputised efficiently against the Hornets, the 28-year-old is still Arteta’s most senior and available midfielder.

His vast experience, both here and at Atletico Madrid, and his undoubted quality will bring a steely edge to the Gunners’ squad for today’s daunting clash. His presence will almost certainly be required.

Back in March, ex-Arsenal powerhouse Gilberto Silva highlighted Parety’s importance to Arteta and the tea,, claiming that he’s their best defensive-minded midfielder since himself.

“I think the way he manages games, the way he positions himself, is very important for Arsenal,” the Brazilian claimed. “He is the kind of player Arsenal have needed for quite a long time in my opinion.”

Similarly, the Gunners boss suggested that Partey made everyone else look better.

“He’s the anchor. He’s the one who reads what is happening and makes the rest better. How he manages the transition, his pressing, he has a charisma,” Arteta said of the Ghanaian (via football.london).

On the above evidence, it’s clear to see that his involvement this weekend will be key to whether or not Arsenal return to north London with a result. Arteta and everyone around the club will be buzzing to see Partey fit.

AND in other news, Arsenal can seal perfect Lacazette replacement in “special” goal machine, he won’t cost KSE a penny…

Newcastle United were handed yet another defeat in the Premier League with a disheartening 2-0 loss against Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Despite conceding two goals and not managing to give the travelling Toon supporters a goal of their own to celebrate, one player managed to stand head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates on the day and put in a solid display for the Tyneside club – Jonjo Shelvey.

Before being replaced by Isaac Hayden after 89 minutes, Shelvey had a total of 56 touches of the ball, more than any other Newcastle player on the day and managed to complete 40 of the 42 passes he attempted including four accurate long balls.

The midfielder also managed to prove himself to be a bit of a nuisance for Arsenal’s defensive players by having four shots at goal with three on target as well as managing to the woodwork.

Shelvey additionally played his part defensively as well by making three interceptions, three clearances and blocking one shot in the process.

This latest performance for the Toon earned the 29-year-old an overall match rating of 7.5/10, making him the highest-rated player on the day according to SofaScore, higher than Fabian Schar who was the only Newcastle defender that managed to not pick up a yellow card.

With this in mind, it’s safe to say Shelvey was Howe’s only shining light on this occasion in terms of individual performance.

Also, given how the newly appointed Newcastle manager previously said that he thinks Shelvey will be an “important” player for the Toon going forward, his performance today certainly backed that up.

Considering how Shelvey also managed to put in a solid display during Newcastle’s 3-3 draw against Brentford last weekend, it seems as though Howe’s arrival at St. James’ Park has revitalised the midfield man, which will be a big positive for everyone at the club.

Moving forward, with Newcastle’s next game putting them up against Norwich City in midweek, who are also fighting for their survival in the Premier League, if Shelvey can make it three impressive performances out of three and the players in front of him can get some goals while the defenders behind him can keep a clean sheet, this could give the team a great chance of picking up their win of the campaign.

In other news, PIF can land Howe’s dream NUFC deal with “world class” £126m gem, he’s the next Suarez…

Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas is wanted by a number of Turkish sides ahead of the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Barkas’ Scotland struggles

The Hoops forked out £4.5m on the 27-year-old back in July 2020, however, it hasn’t turned out to be an inspired piece of business.

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Barkas has made just 23 appearances in green and white, with just one of those coming under Ange Postecoglou. He hasn’t been seen since his Parkhead blunder against FC Midtjylland in a Champions League qualifier back in July and has only made one Scottish Premiership matchday squad.

And it now seems as if the 6 foot 4 colossus is set to leave Glasgow in 2022.

The Latest: Joseph’s post on Barkas

Joseph was a busy man on Monday afternoon, providing plenty of Celtic-related transfer updates.

He finished with a piece of outgoing news, claiming Barkas, thought to be on £20,000-a-week at Parkhead, is ‘open’ to a departure in 2022, whether that be a permanent or temporary one.

“Finally, a number of Turkish clubs are interested in Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, who is believed to be open to a loan or permanent move next month.”

The Verdict: Get rid…

Postecoglou doesn’t need to keep hold of Barkas after signing Joe Hart over the summer and having Scott Bain and Conor Hazard as back-ups. [Transfermarkt]

So, on that basis, getting his hefty wage off the books at Lennoxtown seems to be the best decision, even if it is on loan for the rest of the season.

If Celtic receive a respectable permanent offer, then he should leave for good, but not needing to worry about his £20,000-a-week salary could be priceless, especially with the Hoops looking into deals for Japanese trio Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi.

In other news: ‘Outstanding’ star may miss four games as Celtic issues worsen ahead of Betis clash

Wolves performed nothing short of a miracle conceding only one goal to Premier League champions Manchester City this afternoon after going down to ten men in the first half of the game.

Bruno Lage’s side went to the Etihad Stadium to face a City side who had won their last five games in the league.

Wolves were dealt a huge blow at the end of the first half when Raul Jimenez was red-carded just before the interval; and from that point, Wolves were reliant on the attacking prowess of Adama Traore to try and take something from the game, having gone in at half-time on level terms.

One man who went into this game with a point to prove was Traore, who was handed a start alongside Jimenez in a front two. However, the 26-year-old has failed to register a single goal or assist for his club this season, and that was the case once more against Manchester City today.

The visitors couldn’t hold on to take a point from the game after Joao Moutinho was caught by a handball inside the box, leading to a penalty which saw Raheem Sterling score his 100th Premier League goal in the 66th minute.

Not only did Traore fail to score or set up a team-mate in finding the net today, according to SofaScore the £43k-p/w winger had fewer touches than Jose Sa. He only made seven passes in his 67 minutes on the pitch and did not have a single shot on or off target, completely lacking creativity and involvement in throughout his time on the field before he was subbed off for Hwang Hee-chan.

This is the 17th appearance this season for Traore where he has failed to have any goal involvements for Wolves, and it may be time for Lage to opt for other, more consistent forwards like Daniel Podence and Hwang, who have proven they are capable of creating and finishing chances. The South Korean has scored four goals in the same number of appearances as Traore this term.

Traore’s performance today evoked a scathing comment from Graeme Souness earlier in the season, when the Sky Sports pundit said of the 26-year-old: “He’s a near miss as a footballer. He gets you on the edge of your seat but time and time again you’re going to shake your head at the misses he has. There’s not a lot of goals, not a lot of return.”

After drawing another blank today and giving an overall poor performance, it’s hard to disagree with Souness’ critique of the underperforming Wolves winger, who failed the test of being put in a centre-forward role by Lage this afternoon.

In other news: Wolves must move for this Premier League maestro in January

Liverpool are still reportedly eyeing up West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen with a view to a transfer in summer 2022.

The Lowdown: Bowen linked with Liverpool move

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season for the Hammers so far, playing his part in his side excelling in the Premier League.

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Bowen has scored three goals and registered four assists in the competition, including a superb strike in last weekend’s 3-2 win at home to Chelsea.

As such, Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Englishman, with Jurgen Klopp even commenting on his admiration for the player, and it is seemingly a rumour that is refusing to go away.

The Latest: Liverpool ‘monitoring’

According to The Liverpool Echo, the 5 foot 9 Bowen remains on the Reds’ radar, with the Merseysiders ‘continuing to monitor’ him.

It is stated that Liverpool are ‘unlikely to make an official approach’ next month, however, potentially waiting until next summer to get their man.

Bowen’s current Hammers deal expires in the summer of 2025, meaning the £27million-rated wide man shouldn’t be allowed to leave on the cheap in the near future.

The Verdict: Potential big loss

Bowen has been a key cog in the machine for David Moyes, dovetailing beautifully with the likes of Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio in attack.

He would be a big loss as an all-round player, with the former Hull City man possessing quality on the ball but also working extremely hard for the team off it.

Bowen has averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.9 dribbles per game in the league this season – no West Ham player has more in the latter – and has also chipped in with 1.3 tackles per match, highlighting his worth to David Moyes on the other side of the ball.

In other news, a reliable reporter has made a key claim regarding one West Ham target. Find out who it is here.

A number of Liverpool fans have bemoaned Divock Origi’s injury absence ahead of the Reds’ Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Leicester City.

The Belgian has become a hugely popular figure at Anfield down the years, etching his name into Liverpool folklore time and time again.

Origi has been famed for scoring some truly iconic goals during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, including a double at home to Barcelona in the 2018/19 Champions League semi-finals and a goal in the final over Tottenham.

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Most recently, the 26-year-old netted a last-gasp winner away to Wolves earlier this month, sealing a precious 1-0 victory in the Premier League title race.

Unfortunately, Origi will be unavailable for Wednesday’s visit of Leicester, with the club’s official Twitter channel confirming that the striker is still absent after missing the Spurs game through injury.

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Liverpool fans unhappy with Origi news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the news, with many left gutted that Origi won’t feature against the Foxes.

“Why why…. Lord Whhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyy?!”

Credit: @7wenkosi

“Football without Origi is nothing”

Credit: @ORIGAMII

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @TheOrigin__96

“Another one of those minor knocks that keeps players out for a month”

Credit: @dshanahan930

“What’s the point?”

Credit: @CraigieLFC98

“Null and void it”

Credit: @SachinNakrani

In other news, some Liverpool fans are also fuming about another update that has emerged. Read more here.

Reliable Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece shared a story regarding a possible exit for striker Wesley Moraes in January.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts to the update on social media.

The 25-year-old made the move to the Midlands back in 2019 from Club Brugge in a deal worth £22.5m. However, the Brazilian struggled in England and was just beginning to show what he was capable of before he picked up a serious knee injury against Burnley back in 2020 – he has played just 120 minutes of senior football since.

Wesley was then sent on loan to Brugge over the summer but is yet to score and has started just one game, and it seems as if a return to his native country could be on the cards.

Birmingham Live cited reports from Brazil in a story on Monday evening, where Wesley’s agent claimed that Internacional and Sao Paulo were keen on a January move. He’s reportedly cut short his loan spell with Brugge, with Sao Paulo making a direct proposal to Villa.

Villa fans react

Preece shared the news on Twitter on Tuesday morning. This is what these Villa fans had to say, with a number still not over Ben Mee’s challenge and one describing the severity of the impact the injury had on Wesley’s career as ‘crazy’.

“Blokes was awful before his horror injury, and as a result of that he’s even worse now”

Credit: @CarlReevesAVFC

“This is what happens when you have teams who play the way Burnley do. It continues to be an absolute disgrace that he wasn’t punished for that “tackle”.”

Credit: @BillBones84

“Such a shame what happened to Wesley. Crazy how an injury can completely derail everything. Mind you surely worth keeping around as a 3rd choice striker for the season?”

Credit: @Benjmeister85

“Best thing for all concerned I think. Ben Mee ruined this guys career and didn’t even get a yellow card”

Credit: @coleman83avfc

“I’m surprised anybody is prepared to take that gamble. Since he came back from that injury he looks like he can barely run”

Credit: @DavidSmithAVFC

“It was an awful injury – and one that was recklessly inflicted – it will take a long time to recover from it – if he ever recovers. My loathing of Burnley and their thuggish ways is incapable of increasing.”

Credit: @Son_Lyme

In other news: Gerrard desperate to bring 19 y/o sensation to Villa; his last goal was watched 350k times.