Wolverhampton Wanderers will head into the international break rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after yet another top-flight defeat.
Brentford prevailed over the Old Gold, securing a 5-3 win which piles the pressure on Gary O’Neil, with his position beginning to look precarious after their dismal start to the campaign.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
Several of his starting XI were poor throughout the defeat, which could result in them being dropped once the domestic season resumes in a couple of weeks.
One player who failed to have a major impact was Carlos Forbs, who ended up being subbed with just over 20 minutes to go.
Carlos Forbs' game in numbers v Brentford
The summer signing was making his first Premier League start for Wolves, with O’Neil looking for the Ajax loanee to make an impact from the flank.
The Portuguese gem may have made one key pass, delivered an accurate cross and succeeded with his only dribble attempt, but these were the only positive stats during his time on the pitch.
Total shots
0
Dribble attempts (successful)
1 (1)
Possession lost
6
Key passes
1
Touches
29
Big chances created
0
Remarkably, he made fewer completed passes (15) than goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, while even taking fewer touches than the shot-stopper (29 v 58), clearly highlighting how little the winger was involved throughout the match.
Forbs was dribbled past once, lost possession six times and won just one of his three aerial duels in what was a challenging first start for the former Manchester City starlet.
The £15k-per-week gem will have been expected to hit the ground running in order to help the Old Gold secure a much-needed victory, but he failed to demonstrate his true abilities. Forbs could well be dropped for the next match. The question is, who will take his place in the starting XI?
O'Neil must replace Carlos Forbs
Against Brentford, Goncalo Guedes was the replacement for the ineffective winger, and he could be the ideal player to stake a claim for the berth out wide.
Goncalo Guedes
Indeed, the former Valencia star has already scored three goals this season, but he has failed to start under O’Neil in the top flight.
During his 22-minute cameo on the field, Guedes managed to attempt a dribble, make two key passes, deliver a solitary accurate cross and even had a shot at goal, although it was off target.
It was clearly an improvement on the player he had replaced in the side, which could potentially impact O’Neil’s next starting XI – that is, if he is still in a job by the time the Molineux side play Manchester City in a few weeks.
The team has no problems going forward and scoring, as defending is proving to be the most difficult aspect for them this term, having already conceded 21 in the league, which is the worst record out of all 20 teams.
And with the form City are in, the wait for their first win could stretch that little bit longer.
Celtic went into the international break off the back of a 2-1 win away from Parkhead against Ross County in Dingwall in the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops have won all seven of their games in the top-flight so far this season, and the penalty they conceded on Sunday was the first goal they had let in in the division.
Brendan Rodgers will now be hoping that the players who have jetted off to play for their respective countries come back without any injury issues and full of confidence.
Meanwhile, the group of stars who did not go away on international duty went over to Ireland to take on Sligo Rovers in a friendly earlier this week.
Scott Bain, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh, Alex Valle, Luis Palma, Luke McCowan, and Hyun-jun Yang all started for the Hoops, alongside youngsters like Francis Turley and Lewis Dobbie.
Palma was the star of the show for the Scottish giants with a hat-trick in a 3-2 win, with two of his goals coming in stoppage time with the score at 2-2 heading into the final minutes.
This week may have also brought some bad news for the Honduras international, though, as the club are reportedly eyeing another winger…
Celtic's interest in Chile international
According to The Boot Room, Rodgers has a Celtic interest in Dario Osorio and that the Scottish giants ‘admire’ the FC Midtjylland wide player.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that the Hoops and Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers are both interested in the 20-year-old talent, but they are far from the only suitors.
It states that Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Newcastle United have also been keeping tabs on the Chile international.
His form at international level and in the Danish top-flight for Midtjylland has seemingly attracted the attention of clubs across Europe, with The Boot Room adding that teams in Spain and France are keen on the impressive youngster.
This means that Celtic would likely face plenty of competition from a host of clubs if they decided to make a swoop for the versatile winger in the January transfer window.
The outlet does not, though, reveal how much money his current team would demand if any team were to make a move for him at the start of next year.
Irrespective of whether or not a transfer to Parkhead is currently viable or not, the news that the club are looking at potentially signing another winger should come as bad news to Palma, who is looking to break into the starting XI.
Luis Palma's Celtic struggles
Rodgers swooped to sign the forward from Greek side Aris for a reported fee of £3.5m and the attacker enjoyed a terrific start to life in Glasgow.
The Hoops sensation recorded an impressive return of five goals and nine assists in his first 16 games in the Premiership for the Scottish giants in the first half of the 2023/24 campaign, which suggested that he was on course to be the club’s new Jota – who had left to join Al-Ittihad a few months prior.
2024, however, has not been a kind year for Palma in the league. He racked up just two goals and zero assists in 12 appearances in the Premiership during the second half of last term.
Celtic stars Matt O'Riley and Luis Palma.
He has only featured twice in the division so far this season, both times as a substitute, and is yet to record a goal or an assist for the champions.
This means that the 24-year-old attacker has only been directly involved in two goals in 14 league appearances in the Premiership since the start of the year, which is a relatively poor return when you consider his initial start to life in Scotland.
The former Aris star, who has been an unused substitute in both Champions League games so far, still has over two months to go before the January transfer window to force his way back into the starting XI, ahead of Daizen Maeda or Nicolas Kuhn, but it does not look likely on current form.
His friendly hat-trick against Sligo Rovers does, at least, show that he is motivated to perform and still fight it out for his Celtic career, which will be pleasing for Rodgers, but the club’s interest in Osorio will still be bad news for the forward.
Why Celtic's interest in Osorio is bad news for Palma
The Hoops wanting to bring another flanker to the squad, particularly one who has spent the majority of his career playing down the left side, will not be music to Palma’s ears.
Firstly, their interest in Osorio suggests that they are not currently happy with the quality or depth of their options on the wing, with Yang and Palma currently being the back-up options to Maeda and Kuhn.
Secondly, the arrival of another player in his position would see the Honduras international’s chances limited even further, which could make it harder for him to break back into the starting XI.
Osorio has started the current season with one goal and two ‘big chances’ created in five appearances in the Superliga, along with 2.1 completed dribbles per game.
The 20-year-old starlet, who was described as a “flamboyant” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also caught the eye with his performances for the Danish side last term.
Appearances
23
Starts
15
Goals
8
Big chances missed
0
Big chances created
4
Assists
2
As you can see in the table above, Osorio produced eight goals and four ‘big chances’ created in just 15 starts, without missing a single ‘big chance’ in front of goal.
This suggests that the Chile international, who is valued at €7m (£6m) by Transfermarkt, can provide quality as a scorer and a creator of goals from the left flank, at least in the Danish league.
Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not he can translate his strong form over to Scotland, Celtic’s interest alone is enough to be of concern to Palma, who may have to consider his future at Parkhead if they bring in another player in his position when he is already behind Maeda in the pecking order.
Got Soro instead: Celtic once wanted to sign a £27m star in the making
The Hoops were interested in a deal to sign the midfielder from the Premier League.
Chelsea made it two wins from two in the Europa Conference League this season, claiming a 4-1 victory away at Greek side Panathinaikos last night.
Enzo Maresca’s side followed up their win over Gent a couple of weeks ago, with an impressive display – controlling the meeting for large periods and restricting the hosts.
Goals from Mykhailo Mudryk, João Félix and Christopher Nkunku secured the win for the Blues before former Manchester United talent Facundo Pellistri pulled back a late consolation goal.
The three points gained put Maresca’s men top of the Conference League table, topping the chart on goal difference after their perfect start to the European campaign.
The dominant display allowed two players, in particular, to star and stake their claim for a regular starting role ahead of the Premier League action once again this weekend.
Mudryk & Felix’s stats against Panathinaikos
After joining for £89m from Shakhtar Donetsk back in January 2023, there were huge expectations on the shoulders of Ukrainian winger Mudryk to become a key player and a leading talent for Chelsea.
However, his move to Stamford Bridge has been anything but plane sailing, often looking ineffective and having to settle for a place on the bench, mainly utilised as an impact player.
Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk
The 23-year-old has relied on cup competitions to gain a start, with Mudryk taking Thursday night’s opportunity with both hands.
He registered a goal and two assists, producing an impressive all-round display as he played a huge part in securing all three points for the Blues in Athens.
Minutes played
90
Touches
32
Passes completed
17/17 (100%)
Duels won
4
Fouls won
2
Dribbles completed
1
Shots taken
2
Key passes completed
3
The winger also completed 100% of the passes he attempted, winning four duels and starring alongside one other Chelsea teammate.
Attacker Felix has struggled for starts since his permanent return to the Blues in the summer, failing to make an appearance from the off in the league with his three starts all coming in various cup competitions.
However, he started and played the full 90 minutes last night, showcasing to his manager what can do if given the opportunity to thrive.
The 24-year-old scored twice in the convincing victory, linking up excellently alongside teammate Mudryk as the pair helped the Blues remain unbeaten in this year’s Conference League.
The same can’t be said for one player who struggled for large periods before being replaced with around a third of the outing remaining.
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The Chelsea player who failed to impress v Panathinaikos
After an impressive cameo off the bench against Liverpool on Sunday, winger Pedro Neto was handed a start from the off yesterday, but, unlike Mudryk, failed to take his opportunity with both hands.
The Portugal international, who joined the club for £54m this summer, endured a tricky first half, failing to create many opportunities in attacking areas, and also looked sloppy in possession throughout.
He would grab the assist for the Ukrainian’s second-half strike but was subsequently replaced by Maresca just minutes later after a disappointing evening.
Neto only registered 31 touches in 62 minutes, completing just one of his four attempted crosses – often looking ineffective against the Greek outfit.
Minutes played
62
Touches
31
Passes completed
17/19 (89%)
Crosses completed
1/4
Duels lost
8
Possession lost
10x
Dribbles completed
1/5
The attacker also only registered three duels won, whilst gifting possession away to the opposition ten times, completing just one of the five dribbles that he attempted in the victory.
He was subsequently handed a 6/10 match rating by The London Standard’s Malik Ouzia, undoubtedly decreasing his chances of securing another start in the Premier League against Newcastle on Sunday.
Last night was an excellent one for Maresca and his side, demonstrating they have the strength in depth to rotate key positions and still produce the quality to win games.
The Italian has already done an excellent job at the helm in his first few months in charge, with the future certainly bright for the newly appointed boss.
Chelsea keen to sign £83m sensation who could be even better than Madueke
Chelsea are interested in an £83m man who could be even better than Madueke.
Arsenal Sporting Director Edu Gaspar has decided to leave the north London side for two key reasons, it has been claimed in a fresh report.
Arsenal to part ways with Invincible winner
News broke on Monday morning that the Gunners would be parting ways with Edu in the near future, compounding the tough start to the season that the north London side have endured.
Injuries and suspensions have seen Arsenal’s early Premier League title hopes dented, with Mikel Arteta’s side already seven points behind early pace setters Liverpool and five behind Champions Manchester City.
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His exit would be a massive blow to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
ByBen Browning Nov 4, 2024
The Gunners are three games without a win, something that they have not experienced since the end of 2023, and their latest loss, 1-0 away to Newcastle United, came with serious question marks over the makeup of the Arsenal squad, with Martin Odegaard’s absence through injury having seemingly robbed the Emirates Stadium outfit of any creativity whatsoever.
They face Inter Milan in the Champions League before a massive clash with Chelsea in the coming seven days, with maximum points and strong performances needed in both to restore confidence in their chances of lifting meaningful silverware this season, though they have a lighter fixture list ahead than their rivals with games against sides in the bottom half of the Premier League still to come.
Now, the impending departure of Edu will muddy the waters at the Emirates Stadium yet further, with the Brazilian having been a key part of Arsenal’s recent success and he and Arteta working largely in lockstep to turn the fortunes of the club around.
Edu Gaspar’s best signings at Arsenal
Player
Fee
Declan Rice
£105m
Kai Havertz
£65m
Martin Odegaard
£30m
Leandro Trossard
£25m
Gabriel
£26m
And as per a fresh report, there are two key reasons behind Edu’s decision to move on from north London.
Why Edu is set to leave Arsenal
As per a report from The Independent, there are several factors behind Edu’s departure, but one of the major ones came in Arsenal’s club structure. They report that the Sporting Director “had harboured ambitions to become CEO at Arsenal”, a position previously occupied by Vinai Venkatesham but since dispensed with as Richard Garlick took greater control at the Emirates Stadium.
That ambition is one that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is willing to match though, with Edu hotly tipped to take up a role in charge of his roster of clubs that includes Greek side Olympiacos and Portuguese outfit Rio Ave as well as the Garibaldi.
It was also revealed that the Marinakis offer was also a lucrative one, with the same report outlining that the offer was set to “more than treble Edu’s wages”, providing a financial incentive for the former Arsenal invincible midfielder as well as a career progression motive.
Arsenal are now set for a major reshuffle as they look to find another Sporting Director, while their plans for any January transfers could also have been thrown into doubt by the development.
Enzo Maresca has got off to a rampant start as Chelsea boss, sitting third in the Premier League after 11 games played, winning five, drawing four, and only losing twice.
The Blues have averaged 54.7% possession so far this season (5th highest in the league), have averaged 14 shots per game (9th highest), and have scored 21 goals (4th highest).
But it’s actually on the defensive end that many wanted to see a big improvement after conceding 63 goals last season under Mauricio Pochettino, and Maresca’s appointment has already seen an improvement.
Chelsea's defensive improvement
Last season, Chelsea conceded 14.6 shots per game – the seventh most in the league all season. So far this campaign, Maresca’s side have only been conceding 12.8 shots per game on average (1.8 fewer).
This season, the Italian has established a centre-back pairing of Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, starting every Premier League game bar one alongside each other, providing the team with a familiarity and consistency they lacked last season.
So far in 2024/25, Chelsea have conceded 13 goals, leaving them on track to concede around 45, which would be significantly fewer than the 63 conceded last campaign.
But improvements can still be made, and the Blues could be tempted to add some extra experience to their youthful backline, after losing Thiago Silva in the summer.
Chelsea in talks to sign new defender
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are in active negotiations for Bayer Leverkusen defender, Jonathan Tah, over a potential free transfer in 2025.
Manchester United are also interested, according to the reports, alongside Newcastle, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Real Madrid.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report states Chelsea are believed to be “leading the race”, as Tah could make the same switch Kai Havertz made back in 2020, moving from Leverkusen to Chelsea.
This would give Fofana competition as the right-sided centre-back, as the 28-year-old has been described as “one of the world’s best defenders” by Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, and could really add some experience to the Blues’ inexperienced backline.
But, how does he compare to one of the pre-existing options at Maresca’s disposal?
Goals
0.05
0.00
Progressive Carries
0.43
0.94
Progressive Passes
4.57
1.88
Passes Attempted
69.8
60.1
Pass Completion %
93.4%
89.1%
Passes into Final Third
5.50
3.44
Tackles
0.50
1.04
Blocks
0.79
1.46
Interceptions
1.37
1.25
Aerial Duels Won
1.93
2.19
The metrics show the experience Tah brings to the side, especially on the ball, as he averages a higher pass completion percentage, more passes attempted, more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90 minutes.
Passing is an important quality in Maresca’s system, as the defenders are often tasked with playing those line-breaking balls into the pocket players or wide men in order to kick-start attacks. This has been seen with Colwill this season, averaging 3.64 progressive passes per 90, and 3.91 passes into the final third per 90.
However, Fofana offers a bit more in terms of tenacity, winning more tackles, making more blocks, and winning more aerial duels per 90, as he is known for his athleticism and aggressive defending type. This is still something Maresca likes about the Frenchman, and it could even mean Tah comes in as a short-term option, to add experience, and help the former Leicester ace in his development.
Chelsea fans have been screaming for more experience in the side, especially in the defensive unit, since Silva left the club, and the German centre-back could prove to be a brilliant piece of business to offer just that.
Watch out Madueke: Chelsea chasing £67m "monster" who'd shine with Neto
Chelsea enter race for “monster” who could take Neto to the next level
We might only be 11 games into the Premier League season this year, but it’s already been a campaign full of ups and downs for Tottenham Hotspur.
In their usual fashion, the North Londoners have put in some outstanding performances, like the ones against Manchester United and Aston Villa, but have also looked utterly hopeless in games against Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace.
Ange Postecoglou has been able to get his team to play the ultra-attacking and entertaining football he wants them to, but he hasn’t been able to create a sense of consistency in their performances, and a player who perhaps encapsulates that best is James Maddison.
The former Leicester City ace has looked sublime in some games this season but like a complete passenger in others, and the club may well be running out of patience as recent reports have linked them to a young midfielder who could become his ideal rival.
Tottenham Hotspur transfer news
According to a recent report from Spain, Tottenham are one of several clubs interested in signing Gabri Veiga.
Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Serie A sides Napoli and Fiorentina are keen to bring the Spaniard back to European football just a year and a bit on from his surprise move to the Saudi Pro League.
A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but given the fact that his £191k-per-week contract is only set to run until summer 2026, we can assume that Al-Ahli won’t be in a particularly strong position to demand too much more than the €36m – £30m – they paid for him last year.
Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.
Signing Veiga could still prove to be complicated and costly, but given his ability and potential, it would be well worth it, and he could be the ideal rival for Maddison.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
How Veiga compares to Maddison
So, if Spurs are successful in their pursuit of Veiga next year, his propensity to play in central and attacking midfield areas would put him in direct competition with Maddison for a place in the starting lineup, so how do the pair stack up against one another?
Well, the first thing to look at is their raw output, and to his credit, this is where the Lilywhites star comes out ahead, as over the last two seasons, he’s scored seven goals and provided 13 assists in 45 appearances, while his potential rival has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 37 appearances.
However, there are a few other reasons why signing the young Spaniard to rival the Englishman would be a good idea, and the first is his age.
Squad building is immensely important, and if the last transfer window is anything to go by, then Postecoglou and Daniel Levy are looking to build a team of young exciting talents.
So, at just 22 years old, the Porriño-born dynamo is at the perfect point in his career to become a core part of this evolving side.
Moreover, as his output suggests, he’s not too far behind the Englishman, and with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano describing him as “one of the best talents in the world” only last summer, he sounds like the ideal addition to the North Londoners’ forward-thinking project.
Furthermore, while the Coventry-born star is capable of going on a brilliant run of form, he cannot be relied upon to remain fit for an entire campaign. For example, across the last six seasons, he has suffered 16 injuries that have kept him sidelined for a total of 320 days and have seen him miss a whopping 56 games for club and country.
In contrast, despite making his senior debut four seasons ago, the Spain U21 international has only been sidelined for 15 games due to an ankle injury and a lack of fitness afterwards, so when it comes to availability, he’s far more reliable than the man he could rival in England.
Finally, if there are some of you out there who are still unconvinced by the possibility of Veiga coming in to challenge Maddison either in January or the summer, you only need to look at his final season of European football.
Appearances
39
Minutes
2482′
Goals
11
Assists
4
Goal Involvements per Match
0.38
Minutes per Goal Involvement
165.4′
In the 22/23 campaign, the up-and-coming prospect made 39 first-team appearances despite being just 20 at the time and ended the year with a sensational haul of 11 goals and four assists, meaning he maintained an average of a goal involvement once every 2.6 games in a top five league.
Ultimately, there will always be an element of risk in signing talent from the Saudi Pro League, but Veiga was receiving rave reviews just over a year ago, and it seems incredibly unlikely that a season and a bit of football away from Europe would see that ability disappear. Therefore, while it might not be a move that gets the fans overly excited, Levy and Co should look to bring the 22-year-old to N17 in 2025.
Ange could ditch Dragusin at Spurs by signing £25m-rated "battleship"
The impressive international would be an excellent addition to Spurs’ squad.
A significant update has emerged regarding the future of a “superb” Newcastle United player, with a £115m exit now being mooted in a fresh report.
Newcastle transfer news
Lots of transfer rumours continue to arrive regarding the Magpies, with Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo linked with a big-money move to St James’ Park. Although Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles will both be back from injury soon, Eddie Howe is in need of more depth at centre-back, and the 22-year-old could be an ideal option to bring in.
Speaking of central defenders, Newcastle have even been backed to make a shock move for free agent and Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos. The Spaniard is an undoubted icon of the game, but his best days are now behind him, so a move for a younger alternative surely makes more sense.
Meanwhile, the Magpies are reportedly in pole position to secure the signing of Hertha Berlin youngster Ibrahim Maza, with the 19-year-old considered a player for the future and someone who could come in as a solid attacking squad option.
Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to set the world alight at Paris Saint-Germain, and he is another rumoured target for Newcastle, with a loan move in the January transfer window seen as a possibility. A new striker would be ideal midway through the season amid Callum Wilson’s proneness to injury and doubts surrounding the long-term future of Alexander Isak.
Newcastle could lose "excellent" £115m star
According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have enquired about the availability of Newcastle star Isak, as they look to prise him away from St James’ amid his apparent reluctance to commit his future to the Tynesiders.
The report goes on to claim that the Magpies “would negotiate a potential transfer but only for a ‘monster offer’, with Eddie Howe’s side demanding that the bidding starts at a mammoth £115million”. Viktor Gyokeres is seen as an option to replace him, with the Sporting CP striker arguably one of Europe’s most in-form strikers.
It goes without saying that losing Isak would arguably be the biggest blow imaginable for Newcastle, with the Swede one of the Premier League’s leading attacking players.
Alan Shearer knows a thing or two about what makes a great striker, and the Magpies legend waxed lyrical over the current St James’ ace, saying: “He is just a constant threat all the time. His finishing is excellent and his penalty-taking is as good as they come. He is confident and cool and believes in everything he is doing.”
At 25, there is still so much more to come from Isak, which would make losing him even harder to accept for Newcastle, and while Gyokeres would be a great replacement – he has scored 16 goals in just 11 Primeira Liga appearances this season – keeping hold of the Sweden international is still preferable.
Newcastle actively working on deal to sign "elite" £84m player in January
Newcastle could improve their defensive options with this expensive capture.
ByBrett Worthington Nov 24, 2024
The lure of Chelsea is obvious, considering they look more likely to offer Isak Champions League football than Newcastle, but this should act as a huge incentive for Howe’s side to enjoy a strong season and get back into Europe’s top club competition.
Everton have fuelled themselves with the taste of victory after thrashing Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, but now face a different beast in neighbours Liverpool.
It’s set up to be a barnstormer. The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park; the chance for the Toffees to pluck more points from their first-placed neighbours after they drew on Wednesday.
Sean Dyche has been dealt a reprieve after his side’s excellent Premier League win, but he knows that the gruelling run of fixtures still to come before the new year could be his undoing.
07/12/24
Liverpool
Goodison Park
14/12/24
Arsenal
Emirates Stadium
22/12/24
Chelsea
Goodison Park
26/12/24
Man City
Etihad Stadium
29/12/24
Nott’m Forest
Goodison Park
Liverpool have their flaws, but the hosts will need to silence Mohamed Salah if they are to banish their neighbours back across the river with more ground ceded.
Why Everton need to silence Mohamed Salah
Salah’s been rather good this season, with 15 goals and 12 assists across 21 matches in 2024/25. The Egpyt forward doesn’t always play well, but invariably finds one pocket from which he makes a key contribution for Arne Slot’s side.
Everton haven’t recaptured their defensive solidity from last season but still boast a resilient and steely backline, with their 21 goals conceded in the Premier League this year the second-lowest from any team in the bottom seven.
Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski have been up and down in recent weeks but kept the Wolves at bay in midweek and made 21 total tackles, interceptions and clearances between them, as per Sofascore.
The English titans also won a combined six out of seven contested ground duels, and replicating that strength and toughness will be crucial in nullifying Salah.
Of course, the defenders can only do so much and will need those at the front of the ship to step up. Dyche will need Iliman Ndiaye to put in an electric display, for he might prove to be Everton’s own version of Salah this afternoon.
Iliman Ndiaye could be Everton's answer to Salah
Everton signed Ndiaye from Marseille for a £15m fee in the summer, and he has made his mark across the opening months of his Merseyside career, scoring three goals and being hailed for his “dynamite” quality by pundit Jamie Redknapp.
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye
The Premier League has been alerted to his quality alright: as per FBref, Ndiaye ranks among the top 9% of attacking midfielders and wingers in England’s top flight for pass completion, the top 5% for successful take-ons and the top 1% for interceptions per 90.
This is a dynamic and rounded threat, capable of turning matches on their head through slick movements and combative defending – the latter of which was evidenced through his winning of eight duels against the Old Gold, not his flashiest performance but crucial for the win.
He’s so difficult to defend against, with that ‘X-factor’ that could swing the pendulum Everton’s way later today. Who knows, he might even prove to be Dyche’s answer to Salah, carrying that special something that none of his teammates can provide.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
In any case, he’s “Everton’s new hope” – as The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland has dubbed him – and will be desperate to make his mark against Liverpool.
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Everton need an overhaul in 2025, and must begin the process by casting out the deadwood.
Manchester United and INEOS have made contact with a £40 million+ star who has scored a European final hat-trick, as they look to bring him to Old Trafford, according to a recent report.
Two possible Man Utd exits in January
The January transfer window opens in just over two weeks, so it is expected that behind the scenes at Old Trafford it could be rather busy, as the club’s board puts plans in place as to what they want to do over the next month or so for Ruben Amorim.
Man Utd now make approach to sign £62m ace as possible Rashford replacement
INEOS could accelerate Rashford’s potential Man United exit, as they eye his replacement.
ByBrett Worthington Dec 16, 2024
It is unclear how busy the Red Devils could be in regards to arrivals, as financial fair play rules mean money is rather tight. Therefore, it could well be a case of moving players on in the hope of then being able to bring in reinforcements. INEOS appears ready to do that, as it’s emerged that two players could be allowed to leave in January.
The first player is defender Victor Lindelof, as Man United are prepared to sell the Swedish international in the New Year. The defender is out of contract at the end of the season, and instead of him leaving for free, United are looking to get around £5-6 million for him. Lindelof is said to be open to leaving Old Trafford, as he’s got several Premier League and Italian teams interested in his services.
Lindelof is not the only player who could leave, as Man Utd are also willing to let Marcus Rashford leave in January. The Englishman has struggled for form this season, and now Sir Jim Ratcliffe is possibly willing to let Rashford leave in order to raise cash funds. Rashford hasn’t been a regular under Amorim and was left out of the squad for the Manchester Derby on Sunday.
Man Utd make contact to sign £40m+ Ademola Lookman
Now, according to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United have made contact with Ademola Lookman’s entourage over a possible transfer. The 27-year-old plays for Italian side Atalanta and has done so since August 2022, when he joined from RB Leipzig.
Lookman has been an instant hit in Bergamo since joining, as he scored 13 goals in 31 Serie A games in his first season, followed by 11 in 31, and so far, this season, he already has eight in 13. Lookman was very impressive for Atalanta last season and was key in them winning the Europa League, as he scored a hat-trick in the final that secured their famous win against Bayer Leverkusen.
His excellent form has continued, and he has now emerged on the radar of the Red Devils. Tavolieri reports that Lookman wants to return to England after his successful stint in Italy, and Atalanta have told the forward that they will negotiate a transfer as long as they receive a satisfactory offer.
Apps
13
Goals
8
xG
5.09
Goals per game
0.6
Assists
4
xAG
3.31
Touches
45.8
Big chances created
6
Key passes
2.3
Man United are among the teams to have contacted Lookman’s entourage, along with Liverpool and Chelsea. Bayern Munich are also interested in Lookman, but they are behind the English teams in the race, while PSG did have an agreement with Atalanta to sign Lookman, but the deal was rejected by manager Luis Enrique. Atalanta are not willing to discuss a transfer below €50 million, which is roughly £41 million.
Liverpool have produced some remarkable players over the years, but the club’s academy has never quite been a hothouse for prodigious talents.
Steven Gerrard is one of the greatest English midfielders in history, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is the contemporary Scouse-born star boy, but the Reds haven’t maintained the fastest of production lines across the decades, instead honing one or two stars every now and then.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard
Is that changing? You’d certainly say so if recent history is anything to go by. Jurgen Klopp’s advent on Merseyside transformed Liverpool’s fortunes, saw Jordan Henderson lift Premier League and Champions League titles.
But the German also heralded an upswing in youth success, bringing a wave of talent to the fore.
Liverpool's best youth players
Right before Liverpool raised the Carabao Cup aloft in February, pundit Gary Neville infamously said: “Jurgen Klopp’s kids beat Chelsea’s billion-pound bottle-jobs.”
The injury-hit Merseysiders had prevailed against the odds, with a load of inexperienced youngsters covering yawning holes and claiming an unforgettable slice of silverware.
Ben Doak and Stefan Bajcetic were both injured, perhaps the two creams of the crop. However, the 2023/24 campaign had seen Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah emerge onto the scene and cement established first-team roles, while lesser-known prospects like James McConnell, Jayden Danns and Bobby Clark all played instrumental parts.
Trey Nyoni.
An overload of quality, and it’s no surprise that Slot moved to trim the squad when he arrived during the summer. However, he did oversee the arrival of a teenage talent who might just trump the lot at Kirkby. His name’s Rio Ngumoha – and you might want to remember it.
Why Liverpool signed Rio Ngumoha
There was always going to be room for one more – especially if the talent in question was as good as Ngumoha, who, only 16, is operating on a different stratosphere to his age-mates.
Reporter Lewis Bower even said: “I’ve probably never seen anything like it before. In terms of his ceiling, it’s frightening.”
The gulf between youth and senior top-flight football is chasmic. Liverpool, however, are convinced that Ngumoha is one of the most talented 16-year-olds across the globe, with his fleet-footedness and on-the-ball technique bespeaking his athletic precocity.
Chelsea have been left brooding over their talent’s departure, but then Liverpool simply acted, pounced upon a gem that had been loosed by the upheaval and bloated nature of the Cobham Academy.
For Ngumoha’s part, he was enticed by the pathway to Anfield’s senior stage, watching as ‘Klopp’s kids’ achieved such noteworthy success last term, namely with Quansah, Bradley and Danns announcing themselves.
Chelsea U18
9
1
1
Liverpool U18
8
0
2
Liverpool UEFA U19
5
0
2
Liverpool
–
–
–
Given that he’s only a few months into his 16th year, Ngumoha has eclipsed expectations, taking steady steps onto the scene and leaving Premier League legends such as John Terry saying: “This boy is and will be a top, top player.”
There’s an easiness to his play that few youngsters showcase on the field. He plays as if in a park, carefree and devastating with every move, flick, trick. You need only look at the short clip below to get a taste.
Ngmoha leaves you wanting more. An entertainer with a predatory sense that suggests he is destined for greatness – with care, patience, and tempered expectations, of course.
However, there’s a ball-carrying quality that points toward Ngumoha being Liverpool’s next version of Sadio Mane. There’s plenty of work to be done before that peak is reached, but the signs are promising.
Rio Ngumoha could be Slot's own Sadio Mane
Klopp once called Mane a “world-class” forward, and it’s a sentiment that is echoed by all of a Liverpool persuasion. Mohamed Salah might be one of the best players in the world right now, but when he flanked Roberto Firmino with his Senegal partner, they made a whole that was far greater than the sum of its parts.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Mane, 32, was a talisman throughout the glory days of Klopp’s reign, so incredible on the flank as he combined deadly finishing with artful cunning and technical brilliance.
Ngumoha hasn’t quite nailed down his best position as he continues to cut his teeth at youth level but he does start on the left with the greatest regularity, and he could be Mane’s natural successor if he sharpens a goalscoring edge over the coming years.
The youngster’s burgeoning reputation could even see him take Luis Diaz’s place in the coming years, with the Colombian one of the finest players in the Premier League but turns 28 in a few weeks and appears to be at an impasse vis-a-vis contract talks.
His deal expires in 2027 and Liverpool, while satisfied that they are getting bang for their buck with the Colombian, will be aware that he is settled in the heart of his prime and would garner a pretty penny indeed if he were to pick up a suitor – Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been known admirers in 2024.
Liverpool star Luis Diaz
While it would be ridiculous to hurl the 16-year-old Ngumoha into the deep end, Cody Gakpo is thriving at present and Diogo Jota also brings an exciting take to the left wing position.
There’s room in the first team for Nguomha. After all, he’s already received a taste of the senior stage under Slot’s management, placed on the bench against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, though he didn’t grace the grass.
In any case, every indication suggests that Liverpool have an incredible talent on their hands and could reap the lucrative rewards of the incisive swipe this summer. Talk of him being Mane’s successor might be a little premature, admittedly, but Slot’s Liverpool offer a platform as good as any for a top-class youngster looking to make their name.
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