All posts by h716a5.icu

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On July 24 2018, Wolverhampton Wanderers confirmed the signing of midfielder Joao Moutinho from Monaco on a two-year deal.

According to the BBC, the deal cost newly-promoted Wolves a fee of £5 million.

Given that the experienced midfielder is 32-years-old, the transfer perhaps represented something of a gamble, as Moutinho had never played in the Premier League before and may have found the pace and intensity of the division too much to adjust to in this late stage of his career.

However, the 113-cap Portugal international has adjusted to English football incredibly well and is currently enjoying a fine maiden campaign in the Premier League. Moutinho’s technical quality and class was never in doubt, but his athleticism and energy levels perhaps were. His performances so far have proved Nuno Espirito Santo’s transfer instincts correct though, and the £5 million fee now looks likes a bargain.

Moutinho has been a near ever-present figure in the Wolves’ starting XI since his arrival at Molineux. So far this season, in the Premier League, the Portuguese maestro has made 23 appearances – 21 of which have been starts.

According to the stats on WhoScored, Moutinho has racked up four assists in the league so far this season. He has also averaged 1.7 key passes per game, demonstrating what a vital component of Wolves’ creative approach he is.

Moutinho has developed a wonderful partnership with his compatriot Ruben Neves in the middle of the park too, which has made Wolves’ midfield a very cohesive and efficient unit. His pass accuracy rating of 85% is evidence of just how reliable Moutinho is and what a good understanding he has of his teammates. 

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

The veteran has also shown his defensive qualities this season, averaging a fantastic 3.1 tackles per game.

All in all, Santo’s gamble on Moutinho has paid off, as the midfielder has proved himself to be a fine and reliable all-rounder with plenty still to offer at the highest level.

According to a recent report from The Daily Mail (via The Sun), Celtic are interested in a January move for defender Jeremy Toljan. The 24-year-old currently plays his football at German giants Borussia Dortmund and has done so since leaving Hoffenheim back in 2017, although struggles for regular game time this time round has called his future at the Bundesliga outfit into question.

And a recent report from The Daily Mail (via The Sun) suggests that Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are eyeing up a late January move for the right back in a bid to bolster that particular area of the field, with the £2.7 million-rated defender (as per Transfermarkt) the man to finally give Mikael Lustig something to think about down the right-hand-side.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, Sweden international Lustig has been an excellent servant to the Bhoys following his move from Rosenborg back in 2012, with the defender having since then appeared 263 times for the Scottish giants, helping the club win seven successive Scottish Premiership titles in the process.

However, at the age of 32, it does appear as though things are beginning to catch up with the right back given he hasn’t always convinced down the Celtic right-hand-side this season – but with Cristian Gamboa struggling for game time under Rodgers as well, the Northern Irishman clearly doesn’t fancy the Costa Rica international as Lustig’s regular deputy.

As such, it seems pretty clear that not only is a right back needed in the long-term for life after Lustig, but the 32-year-old may need fresh competition this term to improve his form for the Bhoys – the arrival of Dortmund’s Toljan would surely do just that.

The 24-year-old made the move to the Bundesliga outfit from fellow German side Hoffenheim in 2017 after impressing at the latter, and while he appeared 16 times in the league for Dortmund last time round under a combination of Peter Bosz and Peter Stoger, he has struggled to convince new boss Lucien Favre of his capabilities.

In fact, the Germany Under-21 international has failed to appear even once in the Bundesliga for the current table-toppers to underline just how far down the pecking order he is under Favre – a move away clearly appears to be in Toljan’s best interests if he is serious about playing regularly.

And with a couple of assists for Dortmund last time round, as well as a goal in their 2-2 draw with Freiburg back in January 2018, the 24-year-old clearly has pedigree in the more attacking areas of the pitch in seeking to get forward and create opportunities – and with Kieran Tierney able to do the same down the Celtic left, the duo could be a constant thorn in opposition’s sides.

Importantly though, the arrival of Toljan might just be what Lustig needs to rediscover his best form for the Bhoys, as the lack of competition in that right back ranks may well be playing a part in his struggles this term – quite simply, he isn’t really being pushed.

But the arrival of the younger and arguably more dynamic Toljan would give him that competition, and thus very much something to think about in the second half of the campaign.

Celtic fans… what do you think? Let us know!

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Matt Doherty enjoyed yet another fine display for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.

The versatile right-back scored twice as Wolves beat Shrewsbury Town 3-2 in an FA Cup replay.

Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for the full-back in January, with The Irish Independent claiming that Mauricio Pochettino’s side were monitoring his progress at Molineux.

Doherty, who can play at full-back or on the right of midfield, has scored six goals and provided six assists in all competitions thus far this season, and has been ever-present in both the Premier League and the FA Cup.

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Spurs, of course, have Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier as their right-back options, along with youngster Kyle Walker-Peters, but all three are prone to errors and lapses of judgement.

And such was Doherty’s performance against Shrewsbury that a number of Spurs fans have taken notice, and taken to debating whether he would work in a Mauricio Pochettino team.

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Arsenal were underwhelming in their 2-1 win over Premier League strugglers Huddersfield Town on Saturday. Goals from Alex Iwobi and Alexandre Lacazette proved enough to give the Gunners the victory but the performance from Unai Emery’s side left plenty to be desired.

Despite having opened the scoring, Iwobi was one of the Arsenal players who struggled to win over the travelling crowd, as he was jeered off by some of his own fans when he was substituted in the 88th minute.

The chalkboard

The response that Iwobi’s performance received from a section of the Arsenal support was unfair. The 22-year-old had in fact produced a hard-working, persistent display in trying circumstances. Whilst there was also a touch of fortune about his goal, his movement and technique was laudable.

The 21-cap Nigeria international’s game was far from perfect. He should certainly have had a second goal as he squandered a very presentable chance. However, the function he serves in Emery’s team is a vital one, the importance of which is seemingly going overlooked by some.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

Credit where it’s due

Iwobi has become a favourite of Emery’s since the Spaniard’s appointment. The forward has been a regular starter this season, having made 15 starts in the Premier League from a total of 23 appearances. In that time he has registered three goals and five assists – a respectable return – as per Transfermarkt’s stats.

However, Iwobi’s main function in the side is as a ball-carrier. No one else in the Arsenal squad has the combination of power, pace, flair and dribbling ability that Iwobi possesses. He is therefore often tasked with shuttling possession out of the defensive third and into the attacking one. 

It is important to note that his role is not to replace Mesut Ozil as an arch creator, nor Alexis Sanchez as a goalscoring wide man – even if this what the Arsenal fans want, or have come to expect from attacking players at the Emirates Stadium.

The young winger still needs to improve his game in many areas, but in this tremendously difficult role he is generally doing a fine job for the Gunners. He is a player who deserves credit for what he is, not criticism for what he isn’t. 

This season’s FA Cup’s been full of pleasant surprises. From Premier League clubs failing to lower division minnows to many top two tier giants not even making past the initial stages, it’s definitely one of the more unexpected ones in recent times. The FA Cup’s magic is sparkling once again.

However, amidst all the spills and thrills, Wolverhampton Wanderers have managed to scrape their way into the quarter-finals. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have clawed past varied oppositions, stretching through the three leagues of English football. They knocked out the mighty Liverpool in the first round, before playing a two-legged fixture against League One side Shrewsbury Town.

Wolves barely managed to avoid humiliation when Matt Doherty’s last-minute goal helped them force a replay, in which they came back from behind to win the tie 3-2. Doherty’s been the surprise package in their FA Cup journey, having scored three goals despite operating as a right wing-back and optimism must be high in the Black Country.

Their squad depth is a big reason for their success as well. Players like Leander Dendoncker and Ivan Calvaleiro, who’ve not featured much in the Premier League, have shone through in the FA Cup. Calveiro found the winner against a stubborn Bristol City, whose 15-man unbeaten streak was broken by Wolves.

What seemed a distant dream’s suddenly a stark reality for Wolves. They’re statistically the third best team remaining in the FA Cup and knowing the knack of pulling off wins and strong record at the Molineux, they might surprise many by going all the way to winning at Wembley.

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Pundit Liam Rosenior believes Leeds United have struggled for form because of the ‘spy-gate’ scandal, per the Hull Daily Mail.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted last month that he had sent a member of his staff to watch Derby County train, before then further claiming to have done the same for every opponent Leeds have faced this season.

What’s the word?

Bielsa’s admission has led to a hefty fine from the EFL, worth £200,000.

Since his revelation, on January 16, Leeds have won just two of their five games in the Championship, against Rotherham and Swansea City.

That form has seen them slip out of the automatic promotion places, and Rosenior believes that the scandal has served as a distraction to the Whites’ players.

Speaking on The Debate, via the Hull Daily Mail, he said: “A points deduction would have been a little bit harsh seeing as though there was no set law or precedent for what Bielsa did in terms of sending someone to watch Derby to train.

“But at the same time for the game it was wrong and even Bielsa has held his hands up. Now it gives Leeds an opportunity to move forward. It’s no coincidence for me that when this spygate stuff started coming out that their form began to tail off.

“They have a lot of young players who haven’t experienced real pressure and I started to see dips in their performances. This is now finished and now the focus is on getting the club back to the Premier League.”

Move on and get up

Leeds are tantalisingly close to promotion, sitting level on points with second-placed Sheffield United but holding a game in hand. They are only two behind leaders Norwich City.

And Rosenior is right to claim that the focus is now simply on promotion.

The EFL’s investigation into what Bielsa said had become something of a sideshow but there are no excuses now.

Leeds have been one of the best teams in the Championship, and should, given their form this season, be claiming their spot in the top-flight next season.

It is now down to Bielsa to ensure there are no more slip-ups.

Gareth Bale appeared to refuse to celebrate with his teammates after scoring a penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Levante, and with his future in doubt, United should resist the temptation to make another ‘galactico’-esque signing.

Spanish TV network TeleMadrid (via Sport) have reported Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has placed a £131m price tag on the Welshman’s head, and commercially, that might be a great deal for United – who were credited with an interest in Marca. However, if the club’s fortunes are to turn, they must stop making big-name signings and focus on building squad depth and spreading the money around.

Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku were signed for over £75m each, while chairman Ed Woodward also hired the services of Zlatan Ibrahimović despite his short shelf-life and incredibly high wage demands. They were all successful signings commercially, and, to be fair to him, Pogba is now showing his quality on the pitch, but they aren’t enough to transform a team into title winners.

United’s squad needs the major overhaul required when Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and £131m being splashed on the talented Bale won’t do that job. The money could be spent on two world-class players for example or three to four rising stars for United’s future. Marquee signings are the cherry on the cake and shouldn’t be purchased before the cake’s ingredients have even been mixed together.

Fans would surely love to see Bale at United, but a smart supporter would think of the trophies that can be won in the long run if they spread their funds wisely and build a squad capable of challenging cross-town rivals Manchester City for the title next season.

City’s squad overhaul before the 2017/18 season followed this blueprint and the campaign didn’t turn out too badly for them.

Who do you think United should sign this summer?

Roy Hodgson has impressively weaved his magic around Crystal Palace.

The Eagles have no problems scoring goals, despite the form (or lack thereof) Christian Benteke has been showing for what seems like an eternity.

Yet, interestingly, it’s largely been their work on the other end of the field which separates them from a top-half side. Indeed, they’ve conceded 39 goals so far, mostly due to erroneous defending or stumbles from goalkeepers, undermining the Eagles’ otherwise good work.

Neither Vicente Guaita nor Wayne Hennessey are consistent enough between the posts, with both making silly mistakes time and again. The goalkeeping issues will have frustrated the Selhurst Park faithful for years now and considering the financial might of sides in the Premier League, this summer needs to be a big one on that front.

Clearly, Palace need a strong goalkeeper to continue their march up the table and, with that in mind, here are TWO such options.

Jack Butland

The Stoke City goalkeeper’s done the best he could to help them gain promotion, yet wasn’t rewarded for his superb work in between the posts.

The towering Butland’s also fallen out of order in the England national team rankings due to playing in the Championship and will surely want a move to the Premier League soon. Indeed, He’s kept 12 clean-sheets, while averaging 2.7 saves per game, saving Stoke from doom time and again to prove his calibre as a top-quality keeper.

Someone capable of manning the goal in Croydon for years to come, this would be a very smart signing indeed.

Nick Pope

The young Burnley man’s struggling to get an appearance, even after recovering from injury.

Indeed, Pope can’t seem to get a place ahead of the brilliant Tom Heaton but is simply too talented to stay out.

With that in mind, he should move in the summer and with his fantastic shot-stopping skills, could thrive at Palace. Pope kept 11 clean-sheets in the league last season, and with his composed demeanour, the Eagles could exponentially improve their defensive record.

Palace fans, whom would you want as your new goalkeeper next season? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

No one likes the international break.

It is immensely boring, it deprives us of what we really care about, and it brings unwelcome injury risk to our star players.

Which is why Rangers fans will be happy to hear that their no.1 has recently announced his retirement from the Scottish international football ahead of their marquee matches against…Kazakhstan and San Marino. Hardly worth injury.

“At this stage in my career, and rather than cause any disruption in the middle of a campaign, I feel now is the best moment to step away from international football,” Allan McGregor said on Tuesday (via The Scottish Sun).

“I have played almost 50 games already this season and with the prospect of the same again for the next couple of years, I think it’s important to protect my body and take rest periods when possible. Spending time with my young daughter is also very important to me.

“Playing for Scotland was always an honour and this wasn’t an easy decision to make. I want to wish all the management and players the best for the future. I’d love to see them reach a tournament.”

McGregor acknowledges the problem himself in identifying the importance of conserving his body – suggesting the added stress on top of an already demanding season is not conducive to a long and prosperous career.

For Rangers, this can only mean good things. Yes, they do not get to see McGregor in the international setup, but does that really matter now they are squeezing another season or so out of him?

Rangers fans, are you happy McGregor has decided to retire from international football, and how much do you value the international break knowing it risks your players’ well-being? Let us know in the comment section below…

John-Joe O’Toole’s time as a Northampton Town player has experienced its fair share of twist and turns.

The enigmatic midfielder joined the club after his previous side Bristol Rovers were relegated to the National League, a move which angered fans of the Gas who accused him of jumping ship during a delicate period for the club.

His debut season for the Cobblers was relatively poor and a falling out with then-boss Chris Wilder saw him briefly leave the club on loan to Southend United before returning in December 2014. In a campaign which saw his side finish in mid-table, O’Toole featured in a number of different roles as the club sought to find a position in which he could thrive.

The 2015/16 season saw Wilder make the decision to employ him as an attacking midfielder which turned out to be a masterstroke. Alongside the likes of wingers Ricky Holmes and Nicky Adams and forwards Marc Richards and James Collins, O’Toole played an integral role for Northampton as they stormed to the League Two title, finishing thirteen points clear of challengers Oxford United.

Not only did the former Watford player find the net on 12 occasions in the league but he also provided two assists which is to date his highest amount of goal contributions for the Cobblers in a single season

O’Toole once again reached double figures for goals in the following campaign but couldn’t stop his side from being relegated last season from League One despite being impressive on an individual basis.

However,  a disturbing drop off in form by the midfielder during the 2018/19 campaign has raised questions amongst supporters on whether it should be time to bring an end to his five-year association with the club.

Indeed, O’Toole is somewhat of a cult-hero at the PTS Academy and his departure would be sure to divide fans yet when you consider the fact that he has scored just three goals this season, it is clear that he is past his best.

Also, it could be argued that the club’s midfield is more balanced with the likes of Sam Foley and Shaun McWilliams marshaling the play in-place of the 30-year-old who can lack defensive discipline at times.

Nevertheless, with Northampton just six points behind the play-offs, O’Toole could further his legacy at the club by leading his side to a fourth-ever Wembley appearance in their history.

Keith Curle’s side should edge even closer to the top seven if they are victorious on their travels on Saturday when they head to Blundell Park to face Grimsby Town.

What do you think Cobblers fans? Do you think the club should let O’Toole go in the summer? Or is he still an invaluable part of Curle’s squad? Let us know below.