All posts by n8rngtd.top

Many Sunderland fans were absolutely delighted with the performance of Callum Doyle during their 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic last Saturday.

The Black Cats got their campaign off to the best possible start as they picked up three points against the Latics. Gwion Edwards gave Wigan the lead, but Aiden McGeady levelled from the spot soon afterwards before Ross Stewart netted to give the home side the victory.

The weekend’s clash was Doyle’s first game for the Wearsiders since making the move on loan from Manchester City (Transfermarkt). The 17-year-old played beyond his years at the heart of the back four, winning four duels and making four interceptions (Sofascore) and Lee Johnson will be hoping that the  teenager can have a big impact on his team’s fortunes as they target promotion to the Championship.

It was a video from Twitter user @VickyKDB_MCFC which prompted numerous Sunderland fans to praise the teenager. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on his “ridiculous” Black Cats debut.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Doyle’s performance

“Absolute quality.”

Credit: @PhilipCh42

“This kid is going to be something special”

Credit: @swinneymr

“I said mate he’s ridiculous for his age and I think he’ll go far in the game. Wish we could have got him for 2 seasons which was what was originally reported”

Credit: @Baldy_95

“Callum Doyle was like a Rolls Royce yesterday. He oozes class and has a big future ahead of him”

Credit: @DaveyPalmer1

“Some fans already calling him the Manchester Maldini. Playing beyond his years already. City have got a gem, just hope he develops like his potential is showing”

Credit: @podmundo

“Unreal lads, fan favourite already. Very strong in the air and when he gets by any stretch ‘beaten’ his blistering pace pays up, great. Bullied the most physical striker in the league last season. Cracking ball playing centre back.”

Credit: @LewisBa98875240

In other news, many Sunderland fans love this man’s appointment.

Southampton will be looking to add a centre-back to their squad following Jannik Vestergaard’s departure, but it seems as if Nat Phillips isn’t an option for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this summer.

The Liverpool defender, who enjoyed a run in Jurgen Klopp’s side last season due to the injuries suffered by Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomes and Joel Matip, has been touted as a potential option for the Saints this summer.

However, in a recent article for Hampshire Live, journalist Tom Leach has seemingly rubbished any chance of Southampton bringing the 24-year-old to St Mary’s, writing:

“Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is a reported transfer target but is not thought to be an option Saints are considering at this present time.”

Hasenhuttl has just Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu and Jack Stephens as senior centre-back options in his squad following Vestergaard’s move to Leicester City earlier this week, and if their opening day defeat against Everton is anything to go by, the Austrian desperately needs another option at the back before the transfer window shuts.

Considering the aerial prowess that Vestergaard offered Southampton last season, signing Phillips as his replacement would have made a lot of sense, given that the 24-year-old averaged a superb 5.6 aerials won per game last season for Liverpool, with Klopp labelling him a “monster in the air” after his Premier League debut against West Ham.

At just 24-year-old, the £7.2m-rated Englishman has plenty of time to improve and would fit Hasenhuttl’s mantra of signing younger players, whilst he also offers Champions League experience having featured heavily at the back for Klopp in last season’s campaign.

Therefore, it seems strange that Southampton seemingly aren’t considering the Liverpool man, as he looks unlikely to feature regularly this season unless the Reds suffer another injury crisis, given that they have also added Ibrahima Konate to their squad, which suggests that he could be available at a cut-price.

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Therefore, Southampton fans may well be disappointed to hear Leach’s latest update on the powerful centre-back, as he could’ve been an excellent addition the squad.

And, in other news… Lost possession 23x: Saints ace disappointed vs Everton at Goodison Park

Following their disappointing Champions League exit earlier this week, it seems as if Rangers will have to sell some key players this summer, and Borna Barisic could be one of the first to leave Ibrox, with Roma being tipped to sign the Croatian.

What’s the word?

After missing out on the reported £40m bonus of reaching the Champions League group stages, Rangers no longer look to be in the best financial position, especially when you consider Steven Gerrard’s net spend during his time at the club.

Therefore, it was always likely that some of the top performers in his squad would be linked with moves away, and it seems as if Roma could test Rangers’ resolve with a bid for starting left-back Barisic before the transfer window shuts.

According to Italian journalist Gabriel Antoniazzi on PLZ Soccer, Roma have been keen on the 28-year-old in the past 12 months, and Rangers could sell him this summer as they look to make a profit on the £2.2m they paid to sign him from NK Osijek in 2018.

Could Barisic leave Rangers?

Considering that Barisic’s contract at Ibrox is set to run until 2024, and he is currently valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, Rangers are in a strong position when it comes to selling him and would almost certainly make a profit on the left-back should he join a club such as Roma this summer.

Gerrard also has two youngsters in Calvin Bassey and Nathan Patterson who could potentially fill in for the Croatian if he were to leave Ibrox, and that could go some way towards solving the problem of fitting Patterson and James Tavernier in the same starting side.

However, Barisic has proven himself to be a top-quality left-back during his time at Ibrox, with former Rangers ace Alex Rae labelling him “terrific” in 2020 amid links with Tottenham Hotspur.

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During his three years at Ibrox, the left-back has contributed an impressive seven goals and 32 assists in 115 appearances for the Teddy Bears, so it would undoubtedly be a blow to lose him. Rangers fans will no doubt be frustrated that their side blew such a good chance to reach the Champions League group stage, and that they may have to cash in on key players such as Barisic as a result, thus worsening the mood.

In other news… Wilson can sign Rangers’ next Ryan Kent with swoop for 24 y/o “top player”

French football expert Adam White has hailed Pape Matar Sarr’s potential after he was linked with a move to Aston Villa, who now look likely to miss out on him.

Villa – along with Everton and Newcastle United – have been rumoured to be courting Sarr, who is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in French football.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea were also thought to tracking the Senegal international with the transfer deadline looming. However, according to Sky Sports, Tottenham are now close to signing the player in a blow to the likes of  Villa and Everton.

Sarr broke onto the scene last season, with the midfielder making 26 appearances for French side Metz. He also contributed in the attacking third of the pitch by finding the back of the net four times.

The 18-year-old has started both of Metz’s Ligue 1 fixtures so far this campaign despite rumours he could be on his way to the Premier League.

Get French Football News’ White had endorsed a Villa move for Sarr’s signature, believing the investment would have paid off in the long-term.

He told Football FanCast: “Sarr is quite a versatile player. He’s got a graceful, languid style and plays the box-to-box role.

“Sarr has got so much going for him at such a young age. He had close to a full season in France, has been consistent and progressed remarkably quickly.

“Sarr has a broad skillset and has so much potential to grow even further.”

Dean Windass has hailed Darren Moore’s League One experience and credits Sheffield Wednesday’s strong to the season with his knowledge of how to compete at this level.

Darren Moore was appointed as Sheffield Wednesday manager in March this year and after the Owls suffered relegation from the Championship, Moore has re-built his side, getting off to a brilliant start this campaign, sitting top of the league after going unbeaten in their opening four fixtures.

The Owls drew 0-0 on the opening day of the season against Charlton before three successive wins against Doncaster Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Rotherham United respectively.

And Windass was full of praise for Darren Moore and his knowledge of League One, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “The first thing you’ve got to look at is that Darren knows the division, he did very well at Doncaster.

“He knows the division very well; he knows players who can play in that division.”

With his new side gelling quickly, having signed no fewer than 13 players this summer, Darren Moore has done a terrific job at Hillsborough so far, and there will be an element of confidence amongst the fanbase that he can guide Wednesday back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

The vast majority of Celtic’s transfer business has been wrapped up ahead of deadline day but there are still a few things for Ange Postecoglou to address.

Two of the biggest pieces of business they’ll conduct will fall in the outgoings category, with two star players expected to leave Parkhead behind.

What’s the word?

Odsonne Edouard looks to be heading to Crystal Palace before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday, with the Frenchman finally putting a long-running saga to bed.

However, he’s not the only Hoops player who looks as though they’ll be packing their bags and heading south of the border.

Ryan Christie’s contract expires in January, so this summer was the last opportunity for Celtic to receive a fee for him. At one point it looked as though he may pen terms on a new deal, but Postecoglou seems happy to sell him.

Alan Nixon reported the following, citing there had been some drama in Christie’s possible move away. He tweeted: “Ryan Christie. Late drama. Burnley agreed a deal. Bournemouth have now come in. More wages at Burnley. But better chance of playing where he wants at Bournemouth.”

Journalist Pete O’Rourke then confirmed the attacking midfielder’s decision: “Bournemouth are set to pull off a coup by landing Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie.”

Fans fuming

Although Celtic have signed Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada, who can both play in wide areas, losing Christie so late in the window will surely anger Celtic supporters.

That’s a feeling they definitely wouldn’t have felt if he’d left before playing a match under Postecoglou.

The Scot was severely out of form last season and took pelters from pundits as a result. He scored just twice in his final 24 league outings of 2020/21 and had a woeful habit of shooting from range.

However, this season he has witnessed quite the turnaround, putting himself on a pedestal for English clubs to begin a bidding war over his services.

In fact, Christie has been one of Celtic’s most consistent players since Postecoglou was given the reins. He scored a wonderful diving header against Jablonec in the Europa League and then picked up a quite tremendous hat-trick of assists when Celtic smacked Dundee 6-0.

No player has produced more key passes per game (four) in the Premiership this season than Christie, while only Ralston (two) has managed more dribbles per match than the Scotland international’s 1.8 an outing.

On that evidence, he is a vital player in the squad, and Hoops fans will surely be angry to see him leave. A replacement may have already been drafted in Jota but he will take time to settle in.

AND in other news, Worse than Edouard: £4.5m-rated Celtic gem who lost 80% duels let Ange down massively…

Many Sheffield United fans took to Twitter following John Egan’s goal in the Republic of Ireland’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in World Cup qualifying [BBC].

In a game that was supposed to be Cristiano Ronaldo centric, the 28-year-old rose highest for The Boys in Green to head in from a corner delivered by Jamie McGrath in the powder-keg encounter [BBC].

Settled by the narrowest of margins, a late double from the inspired Ronaldo condemned Egan and his teammates to a defeat on international duty.

His attention will now turn to Saturday when Ireland get set to take on Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium at 5pm [Aviva Stadium Official].

In light of Egan’s effort, it was no wonder that plenty of Sheffield United diehards took to Twitter to rejoice at the news.

Sheffield United fans react:

Replying to the official Sheffield United Twitter account, here is what some fans had to say about the footage:

“Yessssss Egs”

Credit: @IngoodNick17

“The Cork Baresi”

Credit: @Josh_SUFC_

“Always been my favourite Blade and worth £50 million in my book”

Credit: @locksmithlincs

“And a great goal as well”

Credit: @johndolan_bt

“What a player to watch and he’s a Blade through and through. Solid.”

Credit: @CotherRichard

“Congratulations mate”

Credit: @StevenW76910237

In other news, an EFL insider has named a star that could improve the Blades’ promotion aspirations in 2021/22. Find out more here.

Speaking to AS, Villarreal defender Pau Torres has made a summer transfer admission involving Tottenham Hotspur – revealing why he swiftly rejected a move to N17.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Torres…

Near the end of the summer window, Tottenham became heavily interested in a move for the Spain international and some sources even suggested a €45 million (£38.5m) offer, plus an extra €5 million (£4.2m) in add-ons, was accepted by his club (Pedro Sepulveda).

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The Lilywhites were in the market for another defender even after putting pen to paper on a deal for Serie A MVP award-winner Cristian Romero, with the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu also linked at the time. 

Now, Torres has come out with an admission involving Spurs.

The Latest: Torres reveals Spurs rejection…

Speaking candidly to AS, the centre-back has revealed why he swiftly rejected a potential move to north London in the summer window.

The 24-year-old, who was described as ‘one of the stars of Spain’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020’, was apparently ‘informed’ of Tottenham’s summer interest but opted to stay at his current club – admitting it was a ‘quick decision’.

“I was informed of Tottenham’s interest, but I have always been clear that I wanted to stay at Villarreal,” he explained to AS, as translated by Sport Witness.

“My idea was to have an exciting season, I was very clear about what I wanted, and that was to stay at home and at Villarreal. That’s why it was a quick decision.

“All decisions are respectable; I wanted to stay. I’m happy with the decision I made, my idea was to stay at home and I’m happy about that.”

The Verdict: Missed out?

Time will tell whether Romero is enough to plug Tottenham’s gaping holes at the back, but the current form of both Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez has certainly helped in that regard.

Torres would have been a brilliant capture for Nuno Espirito Santo going by his age, performances at the Euros and physical presence (6 foot 3).

Called ‘sensational’ by Levante head coach Paco Lopez (The Athletic), we believe Spurs certainly missed out on a transformative defensive signing.

In other news: ‘Finished article’…Sky pundit in awe of Spurs starlet who’s an ‘improved version of Ndombele’, find out more here.

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott may have suffered a serious injury over the weekend, but the 18-year-old has shown enough potential in the opening weeks of the season to suggest a big future lies ahead of him.

The technically gifted talent suffered a dislocated ankle in his side’s 3-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road after making his fourth consecutive start in the Premier League for Jurgen Klopp’s charges.

Following the final whistle, Klopp outlined his support for Elliott, saying: “We’ll play without him, but we will wait for him as well because he is a top player,” illustrating the faith that the German manager has in his young star.

And it’s easy to understand why the Fulham academy graduate is held in such high esteem by the Anfield hierarchy.

After rising to prominence by becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever player at 16 years and 30 days, coming on as an 88th-minute substitute for the Cottagers against Wolves back in 2019, Elliott has gone from strength to strength.

Speaking after that debut, Scott Parker said: “He is a technically gifted football player. A special talent. He has got a naturalness about him, an ease. He is very clean with the ball, can handle the ball very well for someone so young.”

He completed his transfer to Liverpool soon after and made eight senior appearances for the 19-time English champions throughout 2019/20, adding to his top-flight experience.

A season-long loan move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers followed, and it was at Ewood Park where Elliott truly turned from a teenage prodigy to a potential wonderkid.

In 43 outings for the Lancashire outfit, the England U17 international bagged seven goals, providing a further 12 assists for his teammates.

His impressive displays for Blackburn carried over into pre-season when he returned to Liverpool, convincing Klopp that he had what it took to be part of his first-team squad for the current campaign, despite his tender years.

“We have a new midfielder in our squad in Harvey Elliott,” the former Borussia Dortmund boss announced (as relayed by James Pearce). “We have players who can make a big step. We are not blind. We see what others are doing. We just have to be able to beat them. We will try to do that.

“Harvey can play different positions. In pre-season, we wanted to see him in a deeper role. He’s made a big step in the pre-season. If he stays fit, then the football world can be really excited about that. I really liked his performance and attitude in pre-season.”

Unfortunately for Elliott and Liverpool, though, he couldn’t stay fit for very long. Nevertheless, the show of faith that Klopp has placed in him indicates that he could be on a similar path to that of Mario Gotze, another diminutive, versatile, technically gifted midfielder who excelled as a youngster under Klopp’s tutelage.

Gotze played the best football of his career under his compatriot at the Signal Iduna Park, winning two Bundesliga titles and a DFB-Pokal under the 54-year-old.

Possessing dazzling ability, the German scored 31 times and registered 45 assists under the now Liverpool chief.

Although Klopp has also given extensive game time to the likes of Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the early stages of their careers, it’s Elliott who bears the most resemblance to his last attack-minded teenage star, and he’ll be hoping to follow in the World Cup-winner’s footsteps.

If he starts producing numbers like Gotze did in the embryonic stages of his career, he will certainly go down with Liverpool supporters.

And, in other news…LFC suffer potential blow in pursuit of “devastating” 24y/o gem, Klopp will be gutted 

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has admitted that he is concerned about Diego Llorente’s injury problems, claiming that it could be a long-term issue.

The Lowdown: Llorente out injured again

The Whites are having to make do without the Spaniard at the moment after he limped out of the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool earlier this month.

Llorente once again went off with a hamstring issue – the third time in his last 17 games that it has happened – as his time at Elland Road continues to be frustrating.

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The Latest: Mills admit concerns

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills admitted that it is a worry and could be an ongoing problem for the centre-back. He said:

“Sometimes you have to start looking at the body. Is that a symptomatic injury that suggests there’s something more serious underline? Whether that be his back being out of line or an imbalance somewhere else. That’s a better way to look at it.

“His load will be managed and he’ll be well looked after so maybe there’s something else in the body that is throwing it out of balance and they haven’t found it yet.”

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The Verdict: Becoming a problem

Llorente is an excellent defender when he is fit and firing – he was exceptional in the win at Manchester City last season, for example – but he is an injury-plagued figure and that is becoming a real issue.

It is vital that Marcelo Bielsa has a reliable centre-back pairing week in, week out to bring stability to his team and help it regain its form as an overall unit.

Instead, Llorente’s problems, coupled with Robin Koch also picking up an injury and Pascal Struijk being suspended, means that such defensive stabiltiy isn’t happening.

The 28-year-old is worth persevering with for now given the level of performance he can reach, but patience is beginning to wear thinner.

In other news, some Leeds fans have reacted to a club post regarding one player. Read more here.