All posts by h716a5.icu

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Southampton left it extremely late, but they did get a fourth arrival through the door on deadline day in the form of Augsburg centre-back Kevin Danso, even if it was only officially announced on Friday morning.

But how did their window rate as a whole?

Saints were quick off the blocks with the arrivals of Moussa Djenepo and Che Adams for £14m and £15m respectively before we had even entered July, and the duo look to be exactly what the south coast outfit needed after last season.

They are two powerful and pacy players that fit perfectly into the style Ralph Hasenhuttl likes to implement, pressing from the front.

With Nathan Redmond, Sofiane Boufal, Shane Long and Michael Obafemi also present, this team could be ones to watch on the counter attack especially in 2019/20.

While we may not see much of Djenepo straight away because of his exploits for Mali at the African Cup of Nations this summer, Adams has been on fire in pre-season – scoring all three of his goals from the starting XI before the 10-minute mark.

Danny Ings’ season-long loan move also became a permanent one on July 1, and it looked to have left plenty of time for Southampton to strengthen other areas of their squad, with The Telegraph reporting prior to Adams’ arrival that centre-back and wing-back were two positions they wanted to bolster.

They also managed to offload two individuals that never looked likely to make the grade under Hasenhuttl in Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher for decent money, too.

However, they also needed to offload more bodies before they could bring anyone else in at that stage, and The Telegraph reported that they were willing to listen to offers for the likes of Charlie Austin and Mario Lemina – both of whom were frozen out of the first-team schedule – as well as Guido Carrillo, Cedric Soares, Fraser Forster and Wesley Hoedt.

Amazingly, only Austin has departed from that list of names so far, and it wasn’t exactly met with many sad responses if these GIF reactions from fans were anything to go by. That deadline day exit left the south coast club scrambling around to get centre-back Danso through the door on a season-long loan with an exclusive option to buy – very shrewd indeed.

The 6 foot 3 20-year-old will add some much-needed speed to a backline that conceded 65 goals in 38 Premier League matches last term.

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Patience will be required too though, as he isn’t hugely experienced and almost certainly still has a lot to learn following his spell with the Bundesliga side.

Hasenhuttl has previously said that he would like to work with a squad of 22 players – including academy graduates coming through – and that total is far higher now even though the English transfer window has slammed shut.

In Cedric and Jake Vokins the Austrian appears to have decent full-back cover, but you have to think that the summer would have been even better if the club brought in some stiff competition for Oriol Romeu, in the form of a more mobile defensive midfielder.

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Nevertheless, Southampton look to have done what they needed to in the main part, but things could still get even better.

The signing of Danso looks to have pushed Hoedt down to sixth-choice centre-back, and it would be no surprise if he – along with Lemina, Carrillo and potentially Moi Elyounoussi – all left before the different European transfer windows close at the end of August or beginning of September.

Saints will hope that is the case anyway, and if they are permanent deals then that would be even better.

So, the window is a solid 7/10 as things stand for the south coast club, but that could potentially rise if they can offload some more of the players they don’t want in the next few weeks.

RATING: 7/10

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One of the rather surprising turns of events during this year’s deadline day was definitely David Luiz’s switch from Chelsea to Arsenal.

The 32-year-old centre-back decided to take a trip across London and swap allegiances in a rather interesting last-minute deal.

Luiz spent six-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge across two spells, donning the Blue shirt, after he first arrived in 2011 from Paris Saint-Germain.

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But now he is already well adjusted to being one of the Gunners, if his social media activity is anything to go by.

The Brazilian defender took to Instagram to share a motivational message for the fans on Thursday.

He captioned it as “Keep training, keep trying, keep loving your life” which might be a suggestion he is indeed loving his new “family” and enjoying life in north London so far.

The Brazil international will be fighting the likes of Sokratis and Calum Chambers for a spot in Unai Emery’s starting XI, and will be hoping to get the nod against Burnley tomorrow.

As for his Chelsea stint, he played a total of 248 games for the Blues, scoring 18 goals and tallying 12 assists in the process.

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Having come through the Manchester United academy with the world at his feet, Ravel Morrison’s career hasn’t exactly panned out as many may have predicted.

Speaking back in 2013, former Red Devils star Rio Ferdinand revealed Sir Alex Ferguson had thought a 14-year-old Morrison was the “best player he had seen at that age”.

Fast forward a few years later however, and questions over the midfielder’s attitude and commitment to the cause have reared their ugly heads. The former England U21 international has had numerous spells at different clubs to try and find the right home, but to no avail.

However, after delivering a man of the match display for Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup against Blackburn on Tuesday, Morrison could finally realise his potential.

After seeing his performance, Red Devils fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on their former starlet.

Many supporters of the Manchester side seemed to admit a sense of regret the 26-year-old isn’t showing his considerable talents at Old Trafford.

Indeed, some fans even suggested they should look to bring the United academy product back.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

As quoted by The Chronicle, Isaac Hayden has backed Newcastle teammate Miguel Almiron to eventually deliver the goods for the side.

What did he say?

Having arrived from MLS outfit Atlanta United in the January transfer window, Almiron is still searching for his first goal in a Newcastle shirt.

Despite his early struggles, Hayden has insisted the Paraguay international will come good, and admitted his excellent performances in training make the entire situation all the more “weird”.

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He said: “He’s massively appreciated by everyone else in the dressing room. He’s got bundles of energy. Sometimes, you give him the ball in a difficult area and he can get past three players to break up the pitch.

“Him and Atsu are probably the only two players in the team that can do that. He’s massively important to us, especially in terms of getting us up the pitch and making sure that Jo is not isolated.

“It’s a weird situation because in training he scores every day. In the pre-match routines, he scores with pretty much every shot. He’s a fantastic worker for the team. I think everyone can see that. He runs his heart out for the team every week. Defensively, he’s very good, and going forward he creates chances and causes a nuisance. I think the goal will come.”

Explaining the struggles

In his final season in the USA, Almiron racked up 13 goals and 13 assists as he helped Atlanta to major success. What contributed the most to his incredible goal contributions were the under-lying numbers. The 25-year-old averaged 3.8 shots, 2.1 key passes and 2.2 dribbles per game in that sublime campaign.

In contrast, his stint in English football has seen those numbers drop off dramatically. In the opening four games of the Premier League this season, Almiron has managed just 1.5 shots, 0.5 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game. The Magpies’ use of the Paraguayan as a left-winger hasn’t helped matters, as he was at his most dominant in the MLS in a more familiar attacking midfield role.

This season, Steve Bruce has used him both as a second striker to support big-money signing Joelinton, and wide on the right. But if Newcastle have serious intentions of getting him back amongst the goals again, then they simply have to use him in a central position.

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Whether you’re a Barcelona fan or simply just a football fan in general, you know who Lionel Messi is.

The little Argentine has been around for a long time and even now he’s making strides into his 30s, he is still regarded among the very best players on the planet – if not the best.

But what’s probably the most impressive thing about Messi is his incredible consistency. Ever since he was young, that undying talent was there for everyone to see.

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And that’s exactly what many Barcelona fans were drooling over when they saw some brilliant throwback footage of young Messi in action.

Many of them quickly took to Twitter and social media to express their admiration and general opinions about the wonderkid who eventually became a world-beater.

You can see some of their reactions in the collection of tweets and replies down below.

Here’s what they had to say…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…

Southampton have an excellent history of developing young players into superstars, from Luke Shaw to Sadio Mane.

But there is another young prospect on the horizon who, as impressive as he has been, appears to be facing a significant battle to get into the first-team despite favourable circumstances.

Mario Lemina, a player who made 21 Premier League appearances for the Saints last term, fell well out of favour under Hasenhuttl, was frozen out completely by the Austrian and has now been loaned to Galatasaray as the club seemingly try to wash their hands of him.

Seeing as one midfielder is firmly in Hasenhuttl’s bad books and presumably has no future at St Mary’s, another should be the beneficiary of this difficult situation in young academy star Callum Slattery – however, that doesn’t seem to be the case right now.

The 20-year-old currently captains the Under-23 side and has already made first-team appearances for the Saints.

Slattery started last season’s 2-2 draw against Derby in the FA Cup and also played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Burnley – Hasenhuttl said that the youngster was like a new signing after that game against the Clarets.

He is clearly well-liked by the Austrian boss and impressed enough to make more than just a single appearance.

However, despite Lemina being evidently unwanted at St Mary’s, Slattery still hasn’t been included in any of Hasenhuttl’s matchday squads so far this season, which suggests that he is still a fair way out of the boss’ thinking right now.

After all, Southampton’s central midfield ranks aren’t exactly bursting at the seams – with Stuart Armstrong being a more forward-thinking player, just one of Hasenhuttl’s benches in the Premier League this season has featured an out-and-out middle man in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who has since cemented his place in the starting lineup. Backup in that department would clearly be beneficial.

Yet Slattery is still to be called upon – instead making four appearances in Premier League 2 this term – and wasn’t even included in the side that beat Fulham in the Carabao Cup, the kind of fixture that often obliges the use of youthful rotation options.

He clearly has a lot of promise and Hasenhuttl knows what he’s capable of, but his absence at this stage is starting to speak volumes, when Southampton are so glaringly crying out for more bodies in midfield.

Maybe Slattery needs to move into another gear to force the former RB Leipzig boss’ hand and reserve him a slot in a matchday squad.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

As quoted by The Liverpool Echo, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he got his team selection and tactics wrong for the win over Newcastle on Saturday.

What did he say?

The German sprung a surprise in his selection by choosing Divock Origi ahead of Roberto Firmino, and then using Sadio Mane as the central striker.

Origi’s injury forced him off before half-time, and Firmino’s introduction turned the game in the Reds’ favour. Speaking after the game, Klopp revealed the Brazilian’s “creative edge” made all the difference, and acknowledged his mistake.

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He said: “It is significant he (Firmino) provided a creative edge when he came on. It was my idea to start with Sadio in the centre. That didn’t work really well. It has done in the past but today against such a deep defending side, it was a bit different. That’s why we changed it already in the game (before Origi’s injury). Then Bobby came on in his natural position. Sadio really flexible in that space, Mo really strong in one-on-ones all day.

“When we use Mo more often for balls in his feet and one-twos in and around the box we were really in charge of the game. We won a lot of second balls and there weren’t as many counter-attacks. It was then a really good game.”

Unnecessary experimentation

Whilst winning the Champions League again would be a remarkable achievement, surely ending the club’s long wait for the Premier League title is the priority this season? It is that debate that makes the decision to drop Firmino to the bench all the more baffling. Surely the Reds would be better off picking their strongest line-up in the league, and then rotating for European games? Especially when outside of Napoli, one would expect them to coast through a relatively easy group.

If Klopp has any plans of overhauling Manchester City this year, they simply cannot afford any slip-ups. Origi may forever be etched into Anfield folklore for his exploits last season, but he is a serious downgrade on Firmino. The Reds looked a shadow of their real selves when the Belgian was playing against the Magpies, and so Liverpool must be far smarter in deciding which competitions they look to rotate for.

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[ad_pod ]This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…Sheffield Wednesday have announced that young midfield prospect Alex Hunt has signed a new contract with the club, keeping him at Hillsborough until 2021 at the very least.It isn’t a coincidence that the 19-year-old extended his stay in south Yorkshire at the same time the club appointed a new manager.After all, this is a boss who has an emphasis on youth.Speaking to The Star, Garry Monk said: “I have always used young players at every club I have been at. I have always promoted that.â€At Leeds United, Ronaldo Vieira came through the academy setup while with Middlesborough, Marcus Tavernier and Lewis Wing featured in parts.Watch Sheffield Wednesday Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The 40-year-old has barely been at the club for a week and he’s already promoted midfielder Conor Grant to the first-team fold, inviting him to train with the squad and now another promising player has received a new contract.

Hunt has been tipped for a bright future from none other than Barry Bannan in the past, after his performances for the U18s as captain earned him some first-team recognition under former boss Jos Luhukay.

The Scotland international said: “Alex is a very good player and is one who has caught the eye in training.

“He plays in a pretty similar way to me, which is probably why I like him as well.

“Alex plays the game in the right way, and I think if he keeps on doing the right things and listening to the right people, he will have a good future.â€

Take a look at the new FIFA 20 Volta mode in the video below…

Hunt was nominated alongside Ryan Sessegnon and Danny Loader for an Apprentice of the Year award in 2018, which is quite remarkable considering how talented the two names alongside him are.

The 19-year-old has been at the club since the age of seven and has made just one senior appearance, but with a manager like Monk in control, this could be someone that now thrives.

If you consider the glowing appraisals he’s received and Monk’s emphasis on younger individuals, the future bodes well.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Having smashed Watford to smithereens last time out in the Premier League, Manchester City make the trip to Goodison Park on Saturday to take on Marco Silva’s Everton. The Citizens already find themselves five points behind the Toffees’ Merseyside rivals Liverpool, and there really is very little room for error.

Pep Guardiola’s men take on an Everton side not in the greatest of form. Whilst they edged past Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, they have lost their last two league games against Sheffield United and Bournemouth respectively.

If City are to keep their juggernaut moving forward at pace, then Sergio Aguero will likely have to win his individual battle against Toffees centre-back Yerry Mina. In a duel born out of South America, City’s record goal-scorer will have to bring all his guile and cuteness, as he goes up against a towering colossus.

And judging by their early season stats, Aguero just looks to have the edge going into the contest.

The Argentina international has started the current campaign in blistering fashion, firing in eight goals from just six Premier League games. Perhaps just as impressive is the fact he has scored in every single one of those matches, and may well be eyeing Jamie Vardy’s record of netting in 11 consecutive fixtures.

Aside from the goals, Aguero’s under-lying numbers prove he hasn’t lost any of the hunger of being a top-class goal-scorer even at the age of 31. The striker has averaged 4.2 shots per game, but has shown a more selfless side too by providing 1.7 key passes per match.

Coming up against the 6 foot 5 Mina however, there is a feeling the Argentine may have to up his 0.8 dribbles per game considerably in order to fully dominate the Colombian.

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Mina’s physical attributes mark him out as an intimidating beast, and it’s been no surprise to see him win 4.3 aerial duels per game. But against City on Saturday, the 25-year-old is unlikely to be involved in such a battle. He will have to be fleet of foot and not get exposed one on one against his South American counterpart.

If Guardiola’s main forward can isolate the Colombia international however, City will surely find it easy pickings for another three points in the Premier League.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking on talkSPORT, Tony Cascarino has insisted Christian Eriksen isn’t worth a new Tottenham contract anymore.

What did he say?

The 90-cap Denmark international was the subject of intense transfer speculation over the course of the summer window, with reports intimating Manchester United were considering a late swoop.

However, a move failed to materialise before the end of the deadline, and recent claims have suggested Real Madrid are the playmaker’s preferred destination were he to leave Spurs.

Now, Cascarino has argued the north London side should think twice before throwing big-money at Eriksen in a bid to convince him to stay.

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He said: “A year or maybe 18 months ago, you would have paid Eriksen the sort of funds that would bring him up to the highest levels at Spurs and perhaps in the country.

“But I wouldn’t now. His performances last season were indifferent. This year, apart from coming on against Villa in the opening game of the season, he’s been poor and Tottenham have struggled. So I don’t see the big demand (to keep him) or the reasoning that ‘we give him what he wants’, no.”

Re-think

As Cascarino suggests, there would have been no question in previous seasons if Spurs simply offered whatever Eriksen demanded. Even last season, the Dane managed ten goals and a remarkable 17 assists in 51 games across all competitions. He has been at the heart of Tottenham’s attacking play, and quite rightly would have warranted a big-money contract.

But all the transfer talk this summer and the way in which it has affected him – he has just one goal and one assist this season – has raised big questions. Is he fully committed to the cause anymore? Are he and Tottenham on the same page in regards to what happens moving forward? Having said he’s interested in pursing a new challenge during the summer, it would seem not.

Whilst by no means has Eriksen just turned into an average Premier League player overnight, his poor form is leaving Spurs and Mauricio Pochettino with a fairly straight-forward decision to make. Cascarino’s advice stands firm.